In Which Katie Discusses Her Foray Into The 100+ Book Challenge ...

Hey There Friends!

So I started off the 100+ Reading Challenge with a bang in January. Here's what I read:

• The Exception by Christian Jungersen - an EXCELLENT thriller/mystery - it left me wondering at the end what really happened!)
• The Birthing House by Christopher Ransom- purported to be a horror novel, this was so terrible I am not sure I can even count it, except that I did read it :(
• Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel - loved, loved, loved this book. It was a little bit of an adjustment to get used to her writing style, but really, this was one of my favorites.
• Little Bee by Chris Cleave - The Bookies read this for our January book. I think everyone really enjoyed it - I certainly did! This was one of those books that I listened to and the reader was great. She did accents for the different characters and really made them come to life.
• The Vikings: A History by Robert Ferguson - this was strictly a history of the Vikings - there were many exciting bits full of sagas and battles and ritual. There were also plenty of boring bits. I liked it though! Also? I know A LOT about the Vikings now ...
• The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin - this series (The Mistress of the Art of Death) has become one of my favorite new mystery series to read and recommend. The main character is a 12th century forensic anthropologist. Which, of course, is an anachronism which is why she is called the Mistress of the Art of Death. She is a great character, smart and strong and very much a feminist (for the 12th century, of course). I love it! The mysteries are always exciting and the reader for these audios is FANTASTIC!
• Grave Goods byAriana Franklin - see above. AND there is a brand new book out in this series which I canNOT wait to read!

So, this brings my 2010 reading total to 7 books - only 93 more to go to reach my 100 book goal for the year.

Here's what I am reading now and planning for the rest of this month:

• Hotel On The Corner of Bitter & Sweet by Jamie Ford - this is The Bookies February book.
• Boneshaker by Cherie Priest - at the recommendation of Holley :)
• Trotsky by Robert Service - really. I am going to read this people.
• Republican Gomorrah
• Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky - for the new EOL/Botanical Gardens book group.
• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins - the 2nd book in a hot new teen series (no pun intended). I have been listening to this one and am halfway through. I love this series - the characters are great and the reader is fantastic!)

Okay - gotta go work so I can read ;)

Have a great February everyone!

k