The Laughing Book Nook

2011 e-book Reading Challenge

2011-02-12T22:18:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official. I have ordered my Kindle!

I was using the Android App, and was really enjoying it, but as much as I could be reading, my battery just won't handle it, especially since I need it for other things, like phone calls and email!

So, I am officially joining this Book Challenge, hosted by The Ladybug Reads. The details to the challenge can be found here.

Challenge Guidelines:
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are seven levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 e-books.

-- Fascinated – Read 6 e-books.

-- Addicted – Read 12 e-books.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 e-books.

-- Possessed – Read 50 e-books.

-- Fanatical – Read 75 e-books.

-- Monomaniacal – Read 100 e-books.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1, 2011 and lasts until December 31, 2011.

I will list the books I read here. I have 2 books already on the Android App, which will sync with my Kindle once I get it!

The books I am reading or have read:

1. Hidden Mickey 2: It All Started... by Nancy Temple Rodrigue and David W. Smith
2. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (cross-challenge book)

2011 Page to Screen Reading Challenge

2011-01-02T00:07:00.000-08:00

2011 Page to Screen Reading Challenge at Reading Extensively

Here's another one I'm going to join, since I have several books looking at me that have been made into movies.

This one has some prizes to go along with it!! :)

I'll post the books I read on this post.

1. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

2011 100+ Book Challenge

2011-01-01T22:21:00.000-08:00

2011 100+ Book Challenge at Home Girl's Book Blog

Sign me up for this one, too!

In 2009, I read 25 books. Last year, I read 32. I think I could possibly hit 50 this year. Text books count, right? :)

I'll list the books I read here.

1. Hidden Mickey 2: It All Started... by Nancy Temple Rodrigue and David W. Smith
2. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

2011 Support Your Library Book Challenge

2011-01-01T22:17:00.000-08:00

2011 Support Your Library Book Challenge at Home Girl's Book Blog

I'm signing up again this year! :)

Last year, I read 9 books from the library, which included 3 that I bought from the Friends of the Library. This year, I have a feeling it will be more, since I'm trying to cut back on funds spent in the "books, music, and leisure" category.

With that being said, I'm going to post the books here that I read throughout the year.

2010 Book Challenges Updates!

2011-01-01T21:52:00.000-08:00

So, today is January 1, 2011! Happy New Year!

Here were the Challenges I participated in last year:

100+ Book Challenge

Support Your Library

Young Adult Book Challenge

My final counts were 32 total books read, 9 were from the library, and 21 were Young Adult. You can click on the links for each of the challenges to see what books I read.

I will be participating in other challenges this year. I'm still hoping to get my Nook! :)

Happy New Year and keep reading!

November Update

2010-11-27T13:56:00.000-08:00

So I joined the 100-Plus Book Challenge, and So far, I'm at 23 or so.

I found a great author, Robin Jones Gunn, who writes Christian Fiction for women and teens. I found the first three of the Glenbrooke series at the library sale, and fell in love with them. I finished the series (8 of them) with the help of a teacher at school, and then she gave me the Christy Miller series. I've read the first 3 of those, and they're great. Christy Miller is for teens, but I would say at about age 10-11 would be appropriate. They mention drugs and sex, but since this is a Christian series, it talks about how the main characters choose to make the right decisions.

I have a break from school until December 8, so I'm hoping to read several more books in that time.

Jaime's bookshelf: 100 Plus Books Read

Frindle

Summer Promise

A Whisper and a Wish

Yours Forever (The Christy Miller Series, #3)

The Power of a Praying Wife

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

2010-07-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

When I bought this book, I didn't even know it existed. I was in line at Costco, and the lady behind me had it. I ran to get it because, let's face it, it was a Twilight book.

I started reading this book on Sunday, and was about half way done by the time I went to see "Eclipse" on Wednesday (I don't have too much time to read). I'm glad I did, and was also wishing I had finished it, because it made the battle scene so much more enjoyable.

If you enjoyed the Twilight Saga, you'll enjoy this book. It offers a look into the life of one of the Newborns, one with feelings and a conscience. I just wish it had all turned out different for Bree.

Friday Fill In 1/8/2010

2010-01-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

1. There are places I'd really rather be.

2. Desert winds blow those clouds away.

3. Standing in the desert at night can make one cold.

4. Mickey says: oh boy.

5. He went out tiger hunting ... they're greeeaaaat.

6. Not much keeps my mind from wandering .

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to one more night kid free, tomorrow my plans include the last of the training and then driving to Hemet and Sunday, I want to go to church and see my family that I haven't seen since before Christmas!!!

Princess Lessons (Meg Cabot)

2010-01-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

Last night, I finished "Princess Lessons" by Meg Cabot. This is one of her Princess Diaries books, but it's not part of the series, per se.

Technically, it's written by Princess Mia, her grandmother, her bodyguard, and her friends. It basically teaches a young lady about how to act like a Princess, even if she wasn't born one.

This would be a perfect gift for a pre-teen. It gives fun, age-appropriate, real-life advice about how to treat people, how to act, and even a few tips on how to dress from Princess Mia's hair stylist and fashion designer. Princess Mia gives her opinion on everything, telling the reader that she should just be herself, too.

As a special feature for this blog, I am going to list the Accelerated Reader (AR) reading level and points for each book that has one. My daughter's school uses this program, and since I'm reading Young Adult books as one of my 2010 Challenges, I thought I'd add this onto my reviews.

So, Princess Lessons by Meg Cabot has an AR level of 6.8 (upper 6th grade reading level), with 2.0 points available.

This book satisfies the following book challenges:

Friday Fill In! 1-1-10

2010-01-01T23:13:00.000-08:00

1. Last night I watched The Disney Channel until 11:58, then watched the Ball Drop in Times Square, also felt really sad seeing Dick Clark.
2. Cannot wait to see what God has in store for my family and me this year.
3. The funniest thing always happens when you really need a laugh.
4. A new decade...so where do we go from here?
5. He said I love you; she said forever.
6. I've lost my mind and it's up to us to find it.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with the girls, tomorrow my plans include laundry and packing to go home on Monday and Sunday, I want to get the Golden Ticket for Tiana's Showboat Jubilee at Disneyland!

2009 Books Read

2009-12-30T13:36:00.000-08:00

So, tomorrow is the last day of 2009. I finished reading the Princess Diaries series today. I started "Forever Princess" last night, and finished it this morning. I just couldn't wait to see what happened to Princess Mia. I won't give away any details, but it does end "Happily Ever After."

So here's the final count:

Total books read (according to my list on Goodreads.com): 26

Total Young Adult Books read (according to my list on Goodreads.com): 21

I am sorry I didn't get a complete review of each of the books I read, or that I kept up with my 2009 Reading Challenges.

One of my 2010 New Year's Resolutions is to read more and blog about it!!

I will be resetting my bookshelves on Goodreads.com. If you are not a member, you should join! It's a great site where you can keep track of books you read, which ones you want to read, and you can create bookshelves. I have one for each challenge I have signed up for (Young Adult, Library, and 100+). This makes it easy to keep track. I just click the bookshelf the book belongs to, and it keeps track for me!

If you're interested, click here: GoodReads.com

Project Princess (The Princess Diaries #4.5)

2009-11-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

This was a short little book about Princess Mia's Spring Break, and her trip from Manhattan to West Virginia to help build a house for a Habitat-for-Humanity-type charity.

I read it while I was eating at Sonic today. At 64 pages, it was a very quick read. Very good, though. I love Meg Cabot's writing style as Princess Mia.

I am now reading The Princess Diaries #5: Princess in Pink.

Friday Fill-In! 11-27-09

2009-11-26T22:45:00.000-08:00

1. Wait! Wait, don't forget the shopping list and Starbucks gift card.

2. Turkey followed at once by sweet potatoes.

3. The trouble is I ate waaaay too much.

4. It seems like my happiness is too many miles away.

5. With a faint pop I release the top button on my jeans.

6. Because I saw parts of Dark Night, my dreams may be shadowy and ominous.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to glorious sleep (as I type at 10:45pm), tomorrow my plans include Black Friday shopping starting at 4am and then a nap and reading and Sunday, I want to worship, worship, worship!

The Princess Diaries IV: Princess in Waiting

2009-11-26T22:36:00.000-08:00

Because I joined the 2009 Young Adult Challenge, I decided this would be the time to read the Princess Diaries series. I've been working my way through them, and just finished the fourth volume, Princess in Waiting.

This one was, in my opinion, the best one so far! It starts with Mia in Genovia for the holidays, where she is pining for her new boyfriend. When she gets back to Manhattan, her Grandmother (who is NOTHING like sweet Julie Andrews from the movie version!) is trying her best to ruin Mia's life, like always. It has a great, sweet ending and I'm ready to move on to Volume IV and a half.

If you have a tween who loves drama, or are like me and has to read the book if there's a movie, this series is great. I cannot wait until Big Sis is old enough to read this series.

2010 Young Adult Challenge

2009-11-23T20:00:00.001-08:00

This is another challenge I attempted this year, but failed at. I figured...Harry Potter, Twilight...easy, right??

Well, I've been slowly working my way through the Princess Diaries series, so I may actually make progress this year. But looking at my GoodReads.com bookshelves, there are a LOT of Young Adult books on my TBR list! So I'll tackle this challenge one more time!

This post is where I will list the books I have read for the Young Adult Challenge. I might get Big Sis to work with me on this one, too, since she can read more challenging chapter books now!

**Here is the final list of Young Adult Books read in 2010**

100+ Reading Challenge

2009-11-23T19:39:00.000-08:00

I attempted this challenge this year, and while this year is not over, there is no way I am going to make it!

However, combined with the Library Challenge, I hope to accomplish it next year!! I just need to keep on top of my reading lists!

This post is where I will list all the books I've read!

**Final count for 2010 100+ Books read!**

2010 100+ Books Read

Princess Lessons: A Princess Diaries Book

by Meg Cabot

Perfect Princess: A Princess Diaries Book

by Meg Cabot

by Meg Cabot

Yours Forever (The Christy Miller Series, #3)

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella

The Power of a Praying Wife

by Nancy Temple Rodrigue

2010 Support Your Local Library Book Challenge

2009-11-23T19:26:00.000-08:00

I have decided to sign up for J. Kaye's 2010 Support Your Local Library book challenge. I didn't do this one this year, but since money's been tight around here, I can' even afford to mail out books for PaperbackSwap!

I actually have a HUGE stack of books on my shelf that I'm trying to read before they're due back. I love my library because I can save books online, and I can also download audiobooks from the library's website! My girls and I go at least once a week, on Wednesdays usually, after our church youth group. They pick out one or two, and that's how Big Sis managed to read the entire Junie B. Jones series. I think she'll even participate in this challenge with me. I'll have her write mini-reviews for the books she checks out.

This is where I will post both my list and Big Sis' list for this challenge.

**Final Count for 2010**

2010 Library Challenge

Princess Lessons: A Princess Diaries Book

by Meg Cabot

Perfect Princess: A Princess Diaries Book

by Meg Cabot

Ransom My Heart

by Meg Cabot

Frindle

by Andrew Clements

I read this with a group of kids, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I wish I could have been as clever as Nick. A great read for the 4th-6th grade crowd, but I'm an adult and I liked it!

Whispers was an awesome book. As someone who struggles with dating as a Christian, I could totally relate to Teri. I'm glad she made the right choice, I hope I could be so lucky as to realize I have the right guy when God reveals him to me!

Friday Fill-In! 11-6-09

2009-11-07T13:08:00.001-08:00

1. Plans and schedules change constantly .

2. I'm happy when things go my way .

3. The last thing I drank was Diet Dr. Thunder .

4. One of the most valuable things in my life is my family .

5. I like pepperoni, onions and bell peppers on my pizza.

6. Dear November, go slow, OK?.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to (last night) Girl Scout Meeting and Homecoming game (which I never made it to), tomorrow (today) my plans include laundry, relaxing, Mommy Time with the girls and ME time with 2 chick flicks and Sunday, I want to go to church and watch The Amazing Race!

The Lovely Bones

2009-09-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I tried. I really did.

I read this book several years ago, and I guess I finished it, although I can't remember how it ends. I started it again on the recommendation from a friend, and I've been reading it forever!

Over the weekend, I received "More Mouse Tales: A Closer Peek Backstage at Disneyland." I kept trying to read "The Lovely Bones" and finally, I said "Forget it."

So, there you have it...I couldn't finish it. If you want it, let me know, and I'll send it out to you. If you're a member of Paperback Swap, let me know, because that's how I send it out!

Friday Fill-In! 8-14-09

2009-08-13T23:40:00.000-07:00

1. When will I truly be happy?

2. I can't remember the last good book I read or movie I saw or tv show I watched.

3. Everything has its beauty but 6 year olds don't need spray tans.

4. Chicken Tacos is what I had for dinner. (Sorry, Tena!!)

5. I'd like your Top 5 Books To Be Read.

6. Disneyland is where I want to be right now.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed, tomorrow my plans include relaxing before work and school start next week and Sunday, I want to fill myself with the Holy Spirit!

Head on over to Friday Fill-Ins for past memes!!! Come back next week for another one!

Because of Winn-Dixie

2009-08-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

Last April-May, I was in charge of the 2nd grade Reading Group. We read Because of Winn-Dixie.

As the only adult in the group, I thought it was pretty good! It's about a little girl who moves to a new town with her Preacher-father. She's very lonely until she finds a stray dog. It's a very moving coming-of-age story. I have not seen the entire movie yet, but I'm sure that it's not as good as the book. (Are they ever?)

My 7-year-old, who was in the group with me says, "It's a great book. It has lots of experience. And I like the characters."

This book falls under the 100+ Reading Challenge and the Young Adult Reading Challenge.

Trying Hard

2009-08-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to get my blog organized with the proper links. I am missing one book review (for Because of Winn-Dixie) and then I need to link all my reviews to the Challenge links and add the reviews to the Challenge posts.

*sigh* this is going to take some time.

I'm back

2009-08-09T16:32:00.001-07:00

Hi all! After taking a break from blogging, I've decided it's time to come back.

Since my last post, I've read a few more books. I finally finished the Shopaholic books: Confessions of a Shopaholic (which is in a separate post below), Shopaholic Takes Manhattan, and Shopaholic Ties the Knot. Every time I read these books, it really puts into perspective my own shopping habits. However, I really wish my life would turn out like Becky Bloomwood's -- meet a sexy, rich man who loves me despite my shopping habits and who is willing to marry me. Ahhh....if only life were like Chick Lit and/or Chick Flicks. I still have yet to see the Confessions movie, but it's on my list.

All three of these books fall under the 100+ Reading Challenge.

I also attempted to complete the Harry Potter series before Half Blood Prince hit theaters. I started with Sorcerer's Stone, then went onto Chamber of Secrets. By June 1, I was just starting Prisoner of Azkaban, and I realized that there was no way I was going to finish the next 3 as well. So I skipped the rest of PoA, as well as Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix. Even though it was summer, I was just not finding the time to read like I wanted (I blame Facebook). I finished Half-Blood Prince on the Monday before the movie came out.

That being said, I was disappointed in the movie, compared to the book. So, instead of waiting to read Deathly Hallows before the 7th movie came out, I read it immediately after seeing the 6th movie. This way, the details won't be so fresh in my mind, and (I'm hoping) I won't be so disappointed.

The four Harry Potter books I read (SS, CoS, HBP, and DH) fall into the 100+ Reading Challenge and the Young Adult Reading Challenge.

I am currently reading The Lovely Bones. I read this book before, but it was back in late 2002 or early 2003 (I know this because there is a Gymboree coupon inside with the expiration date of 3/31/2003). I left it at home last week, though, when I came to visit Grandma, so I haven't been able to read much.

Sadly, I've only hit the 10 book mark by this time of the year. I was hoping to be around 50. I'll just keep on plugging away and start fresh next year. My goal is to be at least to 25 by the end of the year.

I will be working on updating my lists on the sidebar for the challenges, however, I really don't have any reviews of the books to link them to.

If you're on Facebook, I have a book group where we can discuss books. It's called The Laughing Book Nook, and it's an open group. If you're on Facebook, feel free to join!

Until next time...

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

2009-03-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

Whoo! Another book finished!

First, if you've seen the movie, this is NOTHING like the movie!! Queen Grandma is mean, Prince Dad is alive...

That being said, it was VERY cute!! A quick read, too. If you have older kids, 4th thru 7th, this book would be perfect. And it has Accelerated Reader points!!

I am looking forward to reading the next ones in the series.

This book falls under the 100+ Reading Challenge and the Young Adult Reading Challenge.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

2009-03-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! I've finished my first book of 2009!

On Friday, I finished Confessions of a Shopaholic. I've read the book before and I LOVE it.

Becky Bloomwood is a financial journalist who cannot keep her own finances under control. In the end, everything works out, but not without a few mishaps along the way.

I have yet to see the movie, as I was waiting to finish the book. Once I see the movie, I'll be sure to post a review comparing the two. My prediction is that the book is better (it usually is).

I've now started Shopaholic Takes Manhattan. And I'm still working on the other books I've got on my currently reading list.

This book falls under the 100+ Reading Challenge.

Still reading

2009-02-26T21:45:00.000-08:00

Hi all.

Sorry I've been so MIA lately.

With work and my commute, I just don't have time to blog anymore, let alone read. Well, and Facebook has taken over my life. Dang you, Parking Wars and Bejeweled Blitz!

Anyway, I'm still reading Confessions and the Bible Answers book. Big Sis and I are also still working on Harry Potter, but it's a slow work in progress. I think she and I will be able to finish it over Spring Break in April! HAHA

Anyway, It's already almost March and I have yet to finish ONE book. I just reorganized my bookshelves, so once I finish the Bible Answer book, I'm going to start a Young Adult book to start my Challenge for this year. I have a few small-ish books that I'm sure I could get done in a weekend, so I'll start with those!!

I'll work on a To-Be-Read list this weekend on Goodreads.com, which automatically updates my widgets on the sidebar.

Hope you all have been having a great week. It was mid-70s here today. Nice weather for sitting outside and reading. Too bad Facebook has robbed me of my desire to read. BAAAD Facebook.

Wordle

2009-01-21T22:08:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Tena's blog, and thought it was cool! Check out the Wordle bubbles on Just Add Laughter and My Disneyland Vacation, too!

It's Never Been Done Before!

2009-01-20T21:01:00.001-08:00

If you know me at all, you know I'm the type of person who reads ONE book at a time. I just can't concentrate on more than that, especially more than one novel.

However, as of today, I am reading THREE books at one time!

Here's my currently reading list:

I started reading this book last week, then left it at work. So I started the next one. This is a very fun book to read, and it totally reminds me of myself! This is probably the 3rd time I've read it. The version I have has three of them in one: Confessions, Shopaholic Takes Manhattan, and Shopaholic Ties the Knot.

I don't know if you know, but part of my "New Year, New Me" change was to start going to church. I am so very glad I did, but since I was raised Catholic, I was extremely confused about the Bible and the Word of God. So, using Paperbackswap.com, I found this book, and received it on Friday. I couldn't put it down that night, and have enjoyed reading it. Today, I forgot it in my car, so I read Shopaholic during lunch, which is how I decided I would just read three books at once. This book is very informative, gives the verses that support the answers (or refute them!) and the answers rarely go longer than a page and a half. Because of this, I am able to read it in pieced, understand the material, and still keep up with my other books. I highly recommend it!

This book was given to me by my mom, along with the workbook. I started reading it on January 1. I'll read bits and pieces, but since I've decided the only self-help book I really need is the "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth," (get it?) I have not been reading it as quickly as the Complete Answers book.

These three books are in addition to reading the Bible I received in 2007 for Christmas from my dad.

I am also awaiting another book from Paperback Swap that is another Bible Answers Book.

Friday Fill Ins (January 16)

2009-01-16T20:05:00.000-08:00

My great friend Tena over at Crazy Book Slut has this on her blog, so I thought I'd join in, too!

Here goes:

1. Enough with the yelling.

2. My relationship with God no longer causes me to be conflicted.

3. I've been craving anything that is not healthy for me.

4. "Friends" makes me laugh.

5. I wish I could go to the Anza Borrego Desert State Park for camping (what? surprised I didn't say Disneyland??) next week.

6. My best friend, Lorissa has been on my mind lately.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading the book I got in the mail today, tomorrow my plans include the park and possibly the library and Sunday, I want to go to church and spend time with my family!

Quick contest

2009-01-13T21:13:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I have 495 visitors to my blog.

If you are the 500th visitor (take a screen shot and email it to me --unedited!!-- or send me the link to it on a photo hosting site) you will win a *USED* copy of Angels and Demons. I had a paperback copy, and then I found a hardback copy at the library for $1, so I have an extra.

I haven't read it, but it's on my TBR list for this year, and I don't need two copies. So one can be yours just for visiting my blog!

A Meme

2009-01-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

Tena over at Crazy Book Slut tagged me for this meme. This one's a bit different than any I've done on any of my blogs. Here goes:

The book that’s been on your shelves the longest: Wow, I really don't know. I would have to say that it's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1) I actually got the first book back in 1999 or 2000, along with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2) from my grandma. I read them both in less than a day, then went and bought Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) the very next day. Ever since, I've been in line at midnight to get the remaining books.

The one book I will keep forever is my answer to the next question
A book that reminds you of something specific in your life (a person, a place, a time, etc.): I would have to say my complete Harry Potter library, which includes 1, 2, 3 and 6 & 7 in Hardback (4 and 5 were lost after the divorce). I also have 1-6 in paperback, and the 10th anniversary edition. I would like to complete the hardback set, so I have something to pass on to the girls. The paperback set is the one I read. And they're on the list for this year!

A book you acquired in some interesting way (gift, serendipity in a used bookstore, prize, etc.): That would be Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: 10th Anniversary Edition (Harry Potter) I won this one from MomDot, too. I haven't cracked it open, because I am trying to keep it in mint condition. Of course, I say that and it's in a box somewhere, because I just moved.

A book that’s been with you to the most places: Wow, this is getting pretty pathetic. LOL Again, it would probably be one of the two Harry Potter books mentioned in the first question, because I've read them so many times. If it's not one of the two Harry Potter books, it would have to be The Da Vinci Code because I've read that one more than any other on my book shelf, after Harry Potter.

The most recent addition to your shelves: This one's easy. Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1), New Moon (The Twilight Saga, Book 2), Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, Book 3), and Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4). I had actually gotten Twilight from Paperback Swap, then I sent it back out. New Moon came from the library. I couldn't wait for Eclipse to get to the library, so I bought it. Then I bought Breaking Dawn. At that point, I couldn't have an incomplete set, so I bought the first two. I'm actually looking forward to reading them again for the Young Adult Challenge.

A bonus book that you want to talk about but doesn’t fit into the other questions: This was really an unfair meme because all my books are in storage LOL I'm really picky about the books I read. I like to stick to authors I know entertain me, but I'm always willing to pick up something new if it comes recommended by a friend. That really doesn't answer the question, does it? LOL

So now, I have to tag people. I hate tagging people, since I never know just how busy they really are. LOL So, if you're here, I'm tagging YOU. Yes, YOU. Nope. Don't hide now, it's too late!!! Have fun!

2009 Young Adult Book Challenge

2009-01-06T01:42:00.001-08:00

I've joined another challenge at J. Kaye's Book Blog. It's the 2009 Young Adult Book Challenge.

Here are the rules:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

2. Read 12 Young Adult novels. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

3. Challenge begins January thru December, 2009.

4. You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.

Click the link above or the graphic for more information on how to enter if you don't have a blog and to sign up!!

I will be listing the Young Adult books I read here. I know I will be re-reading the Harry Potter series, as "Half Blood Prince" comes to theaters in July. I will also cross-link to this post from any reviews I may post.

1. The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
3. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
6. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

The 2009 100+ Reading Challenge

2009-01-06T01:33:00.001-08:00

I've decided to join J. Kaye's Book Blog's 100+ reading Challenge for 2009.

Here are the rules:

1) You can join anytime as long as you don’t start reading your books prior to 2009.

2) This challenge is for 2009 only. The last day to have all your books read is December 31, 2009.

3) You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.

Click the graphic for more information on how to enter if you don't have a blog and to sign up.

I will be listing my 100 books here, as I finish them. I will also cross-link to any reviews I post here on my blog. This should give me something to blog about here this year!

1. Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
2. The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
3. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella
4. Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella
5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
6. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
7. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
9. The Complete Book of Bible Answers by Ron Rhodes
10. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T00:17:00.000-08:00

Wow...it's been over a month since I last posted here.

The reason?

I haven't really been reading any books!

I've gotten busy, and since I've gotten the new laptop, I haven't really been motivated to pick up a book. I've been busy trying to catch up in the bloggy world.

I have one more week of vacation, then it's back to work. I won't have as much downtime at work as I did before, but I'm hoping that I'll at least get some books read.

Currently, I'm reading "Reposition Yourself: Living Life Without Limits" by T.D. Jakes. It's a motivational book my mom sent me. I'm only on chapter one, but so far, it makes sense.

Hope 2009 is good to you!

WINNER!!! $20 Amazon.com Giveaway!

2008-11-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Laney from Photography by Laney for winning the $20 Amazon.com Gift Card!!! She gets to choose between an emailed gift card or a real gift card which will be mailed to her.

Go head on over to her blog to congratulate her on winning!!

Breaking Dawn -- FINALLY Finished!!!

2008-11-26T22:35:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally finished Breaking Dawn today.

Now, I have fully fallen prey to the power of the Twilight series. I devoured the first three books, and the movie was awesome (more on that later).

However, Breaking Dawn dragggggggggged on. The first two parts were decent. I know a lot had to do with the thoughts of Bella and Jacob, so it provided a real insight to both characters. However, the third part was just, I dunno. Slow. I can't even think of anything to compare it to.

The plot was great. I enjoyed the way it went, and the story line with Renesmee was really good. However, the final scene shouldn't have lasted five chapters. Was it five chapters? Let me check. Ok, it was three. But it felt like five.

So, here is my take, including spoilers:
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Jacob imprinting on Renesmee kind of tripped me out a bit. I don't know if it's because I have girls, or if it's because it happened immediately after birth. And the fact that she'll be fully mature when she's 7? My daughter is 7. It just seems weird.

Alice and Jasper. LOVE them. Loved them in the movie, too. However, Alice just ditching the Cullens ticked me off like it did Bella. And the thing with J. Jenks? There were a lot of times when I was like "Just get to the POINT already!" The book read like talking to my ex-boyfriend. I felt like I was being asked to be a mind reader.

However, once everything panned out, things made a whole heck of a lot more sense. I will defintely be re-reading this series. I have Twilight and New Moon on order from Amazon, and I already own Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. I will be taking a break, though. I am on my way to check the box of books I have in the garage.

So, what are your thoughts? On Breaking Dawn? On the whole series?

If you want to give me your thoughts as a guest blogger, let me know, and I'll tell you how to post!

Check out Punky Monkey's New Book Blog!

2008-11-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

My great friend, Tena, who runs Punky Monkey's, just created a new blog specifically for books!

Go check it out:

Crazy Book Slut

New Poll: Twilight movie compared to the book

2008-11-23T23:44:00.000-08:00

I was supposed to go see "Twilight" tonight, but decided to go in the morning.

But, I'm wondering what you all think.

Which was better, in your opinion? The movie? The book? Have you experienced one, but not the other? Do you not give a damn?

Let me know by answering the poll, then leave me a comment here to let me know.

Go ahead and leave spoilers. I'll have seen the movie before I read the comments!

Giveaway! $20 Amazon Gift Card!

2008-11-16T15:49:00.000-08:00

With the holidays coming up, wouldn't it be nice to have a way to spoil yourself or your children?

I'm giving away a $20 Amazon.com gift card! This contest will run until November 26th, with the winner being pulled on the 28th. No entries will be accepted on Thanksgiving, because you should be spending time with your families!

So, here's how to enter:

Leave me a comment, telling me who your favorite author is, and what book(s) of theirs you recommend.

You can gain additional entries by doing the following (but you must leave me the initial comment). Leave a comment for each.

Follow me on Twitter. If you're already following me, just let me know. Leave a link to your Twitter main page (http://www.twitter.com/YourTwitterName)
Twit this giveaway. Again, leave the link to your Twitter main page.
Follow this blog.
Blog about this giveaway. Leave the link to the post.
Join GoodReads and become my friend (justaddlaughter@gmail.com)

I will use Random.org to pull a winner on Black Friday. I will contact you by email, then you will have the option to get an email certificate (if you want to spend it on yourself), or an actual gift card (if you want to re-gift it).

Good luck!!

New Poll!

2008-11-15T12:56:00.000-08:00

As you can see, there is a poll ^ up there!

Go ahead and answer. You can choose more than one answer. I realize now that I forgot an option, "Received as Gift," so if this is the case for one or more, just choose "Purchased."

Just Add Laughter

2008-11-15T12:38:00.001-08:00

I'm sure if you're here, it's because you know of my main blog, Just Add Laughter.

Last Wednesday, I started participating in a major contest at MomDot. I have the first three days linked right at the top of my blog (below my header), and there will be more posts to come! The theme is Christmas of Dreams, and it's a major holiday party!

Head on over there to check it out!

Breaking Dawn

2008-11-15T12:34:00.000-08:00

So, I'm STILL not finished with "Breaking Dawn."

For some reason, I'm having some difficulty sticking with it. The other three were really hard for me to put down. This one, I'm easily distracted.

I'm at the point where Alice just had her vision and has fled with Jasper. I won't say more than that, in case there are people who haven't read it yet. (What's WRONG with you???)

What are your thoughts up to this point?

Again, please no spoilers beyond the point I mentioned above. If you haven't read it, be forewarned, there may be other spoilers in the comments!

Eclipse -- Twilight Book 3

2008-10-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

Wow. Just wow. This series has me in more of a tizzy than Harry Potter did. And the best thing? All the books are out, so I can read them without delay!

I knew 2 days ago I would finish Eclipse yesterday (which I did) so I bought Breaking Dawn from Amazon.

By the way, with Christmas right around the corner, you can get a MONTH free of Amazon Prime, which will give you FREE 2-day shipping, or you can upgrade to overnight shipping for $3.99 per item.

Which is what I did. So I received Breaking Dawn yesterday from Mr. UPS Man. I started reading it this morning (I had obligations last night), and not even one chapter in, I'm hooked.

But since this post is about Eclipse, maybe I should be talking about that?

*****SPOILER ALERT*******

I love the connection between Bella and Jacob. While I think that Edward is the better choice for her, what girl wouldn't want a guy to pine after her? I also enjoyed the battle at the end, and the team work of both the vampires and the werewolves. Like Bella, I just wish they could all get along! Reading into Breaking Dawn, I see that Seth and Edward are friends, but I know nothing more than that (please, no spoilers in the comments for Breaking Dawn, only talk about the first three books).

If you have something more to say about any of the first three Twilight books, let me know, and you can be a guest blogger!!!

Welcome!

2008-10-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog.

This is where I will be posting about the books I've read.

My readers will be allowed first dibs on the books, so long as they're not from the library!

If you would like to talk about a book you've read, or if I've posted my review and you have a different idea, feel free to let me know, and I'll be happy to allow you to guest post!

Add me to your blog roll...and come back often!

Currently reading

2008-07-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

I am currently re-reading The Da Vinci Code. I love love this book. I'm at the point where Langdon just went into the Louvre. I have to remember that this book is fiction. After I read it the first time, I researched the Knights Templar and all that other stuff in the book. If you've seen the movie, but haven't read the book, I highly suggest you read the book. It is so very much better.

Random Acts of Kindness

2008-07-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

Today, I had to go to the post office to mail out a few more books for Paper Back Swap. Before I could do that, though, I had to go to Calico's to print up the labels, since both printers at home are out of ink.

The girls were being very good, so I told them that I would buy them a cup of fro-yo to share while I finished taping up the books. I guess while they were in line to order, the AT&T Guy in front of us heard and bought them each a cup of fro-yo! The guy behind the counter told me the now-long-gone AT&T guy paid for it!

The girls were pleasantly surprised, and since I had only planned on buying one cup, I was able to enjoy some, too!

I mailed out four books: Diary of a Mad Bride, Something Blue, Heaven Scent, and Pride and Prejudice. I also received a movie from the Disney Movie Club. It was Enchanted! I already have TWO copies of Enchanted! So, I have to go back to the post office tomorrow to mail it back!

And, oh yeah...it's hot as H-E-Double Hockey Sticks out there...and humid as a bathroom where someone's taking a hot-water-only shower!

Gotta love Mondays!

Today....

2008-07-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

...will be BUSY.

It's not even 7am. I've been up since 5. I finished "Something Blue" (more on this later) this morning. I've finished my homework that's due today. In about 20 minutes, I'll be leaving to go back to the old house to finish packing up the rest of my stuff, and to clean.

I have to pick up my paycheck today, too, and deposit that into the bank. Pay car payment and rent. Buy groceries.

My mid-term is at 6pm. I'm nervous beyond belief. I took this class last semester, and while I'm having an easier time with it this semester, I bombed the mid-term last time. I have an A in the class, so I'm not too scared, but I would love to KEEP my A!

Ok, so like I mentioned before, I finished Something Blue. I started it yesterday morning when I woke up, and finished it this morning, at 5:30.

What a fabulous book! I can't remember much of "Something Borrowed," but the first couple of chapters gives enough background information that I was able to enjoy the book. I felt like I *was* Darcy through the whole thing. About half way through, I was expecting an ending fitting for the Darcy we meet at the beginning, but was very pleasantly surprised by the ending Emily Giffin wrote.

I highly recommed this book! It's on both my BC and PBS bookshelves. If you want it, let me know, and I'd be more than happy to mail it off to you! Just a fair warning, though...keep some tissues handy for the last 3 chapters!

So, this will be the last blog from me today, unless I send something via my cell phone. Wish my luck on my mid-term this evening.

Oh, yeah....my girls will be home TOMORROW!!!!!!!!

To Be Read...

2008-06-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know. I've posted, like, a million blogs today. What can I say? Honey's been sleeping for hours, I miss my girls, and I'm watching a movie. I'm bored.

So, here's my To Be Read list for the rest of the summer (ok, maybe that's being a bit ambitious...let's say before the end of the year).

In alphabetical order:

1. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown -- I've read The Da Vinci Code already. I've been told this one's pretty good, and that if I enjoyed TDVC, that I'd enjoy A&D.

2. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown -- yes, I know I just said I've read it. But I'd like to read it again, probably before I read Angels & Demons.

3. Dead Ringer by Lisa Scottoline -- Never heard of the book or the author. But while I was unpacking, I found it, in hard cover. I suppose I should read it before Swapping it, since I probably spent good money on it! Don't worry, you'll get a review once I'm finished.

4. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold -- I think I've read this one before. But again, I found the hard cover while unpacking, so I figure I should read it.

5. Lucky by Alice Sebold -- this is apparently a true story about Alice Sebold's attack while she was in college. I've not read this one, but it looks interesting!

6. Naked Prey by John Sandford -- Another hard cover book I found while unpacking. No idea what it's about, but I'll read it anyway!

7. The Regulators by Richard Bachman -- ok, this is Stephen King using a pseudonym. I know I've read it before, but that was back in high school. So, I'll read it again. This one will probably stay in my permanent collection.

8. Something Blue by Emily Giffin -- this is the one I'm reading right now. Well, will start reading as soon as I can get off of the computer long enough to actually read it! See this post if you want to know more about it.

Also, I would like to re-read the Harry Potter books, starting with Order of the Phoenix. "Half Blood Prince" is scheduled to come out in theaters November 21, 2008, so I want to re-read it before that! And when Deathly Hallows came out, I read through it so fast because I wanted to know what happened!

So, who wants to start taking bets that I won't finish them all before New Year's Eve?

Just finished: "Anyone But You"

2008-06-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

What a great book! It's about Nina, a 40-year-old divorcee who wants nothing more than to get a dog. So she finds Fred. Fred then finds Alex, a 30-year-old ER doc who lives downstairs. It's funny, romantic, and sexy. I highly recommend it. It's not a huge book, I probably could have finished it in one day if given the chance. Maybe in just a couple of hours.

It's up on my Paperback swap bookshelf. If you want it, let me know! I have the option to "Mail It To A Friend." I don't know if this will give me a credit for another book, though! If you are a member of Paperback Swap, let me know, and I'll add you as a friend!

Up Next: "Something Blue" by Emily Giffin. I read "Something Borrowed" a couple of years ago, but I've started the first chapter, and it seems to give some background as to what happened before. But I love the idea: Woman cheats on man, so man cheats with woman's best friend. Then Woman gets mad. Just like a woman, huh? Double standards! LOL

Once I'm finished, I'll post a review. This one's not on Paperback Swap yet, because I'm afraid if I post it now, that someone will want it, and I want to read it! If you want it when I'm done, let me know, and I won't post it, I'll just send it to you.

Off to finish homework! Then, I have to unpack.

Have a great day!

BOOKS!

2008-06-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

So, I've decided that in addition to blogging about my kids, C25K, and everything else, I'm going to start blogging about the books I'm reading. I haven't started reading anything fun since summer started, but I just pulled a pile of books out of the "stuff" I already have at the new house. I registered them at Bookcrossing, where you can catch and release books into the wild so others can enjoy them, too! You can check out my bookshelf by clicking HERE.

First book to be read:

Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie. I've read some of JC's work, and I enjoy it a lot! So, I'm expecting to get this book done in the next couple of days, especially since I'm not finding anything exciting on TV during the day! :)

So, take a look at my Bookshelf on Bookcrossing. I have added the link to Bookcrossing AND Paperback Swap to the right side of my blog for your convenience! If you have any book recommendations, let me know. Also, if you register your own books on Bookcrossing, we can swap them!

The Laughing Book Nook

2011 e-book Reading Challenge

2011 Page to Screen Reading Challenge

2011 100+ Book Challenge

2011 Support Your Library Book Challenge

2010 Book Challenges Updates!

November Update

Jaime's bookshelf: 100 Plus Books Read

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

Friday Fill In 1/8/2010

Princess Lessons (Meg Cabot)

Friday Fill In! 1-1-10

2009 Books Read

Project Princess (The Princess Diaries #4.5)

Friday Fill-In! 11-27-09

The Princess Diaries IV: Princess in Waiting

2010 Young Adult Challenge

2010 Young Adult Books Read

100+ Reading Challenge

2010 100+ Books Read

2010 Support Your Local Library Book Challenge

2010 Library Challenge

Friday Fill-In! 11-6-09

The Lovely Bones

Friday Fill-In! 8-14-09

Because of Winn-Dixie

Trying Hard

I'm back

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Still reading

Wordle

It's Never Been Done Before!

Friday Fill Ins (January 16)

Quick contest

A Meme

2009 Young Adult Book Challenge

The 2009 100+ Reading Challenge

Happy New Year!

WINNER!!! $20 Amazon.com Giveaway!

Breaking Dawn -- FINALLY Finished!!!

Check out Punky Monkey's New Book Blog!

New Poll: Twilight movie compared to the book

Giveaway! $20 Amazon Gift Card!

New Poll!

Just Add Laughter

Breaking Dawn

Eclipse -- Twilight Book 3

Welcome!

Currently reading

Random Acts of Kindness

Today....

To Be Read...

More books posted!

Just finished: "Anyone But You"

BOOKS!