Katrina's Fall Into Reading Challenge officially ended on December 21st. Now that we've reached the finish line, it's time to talk about how we did.
Katrina has set up a format for our chat and a place to link our posts. So go over to Callapidder Days. You'll find the format in this post and the Mr. Linky in this post.
First, a list of the books I read this fall:
A Voice in the Wind - Francine Rivers
An Echo in the Darkness - Francine Rivers
As Sure as the Dawn - Francine Rivers
Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers
The Scarlet Thread - Francine Rivers
Inside My Head - Robin McGraw
Inconceivable - Shannon Woodward
Come Back - Claire Fontaine and Mia Fontaine
Cell - Stephen King
The King of Torts - John Grisham
When Light Breaks - Patti Callahan Henry
Songs of the Humpback Whale - Jodi Picoult
The Quiet Little Woman - Louisa May Alcott
Savannah from Savannah - Denise Hildreth
The Memory Keeper's Daughter - Kim Edwards
Coming Out - Danielle Steel
Loop Group - Larry McMurtry
The Devil's Teardrop - Jeffrey Deaver
6 Rainier Drive - Debbie Macomber
Twelve Times Blessed - Jacquelyn Mitchard
Best book this fall: Hands down, The Mark of the Lion Trilogy by Francine Rivers (A Voice in the Wind, An Echo in the Darkness, As Sure as the Dawn). I was also greatly moved by both Come Back and Inconceivable. Both these books were reviewed and the authors were interviewed at 5 Minutes For Mom earlier in the year and I bought the books and read them based on what I saw there.
Book I could have lived without: It's a contest between Cell by Stephen King, Coming Out by Danielle Steel and Loop Group by Larry McMurtry. I've been a Stephen King fan for years but Cell was disgustingly violent and the whole premise behind the story was ridiculous. Coming Out by Danielle Steel just further convinced me she's just cranking out books to meet contract obligations. But the winner here would be Loop Group. I was shocked that the man who wrote Terms of Endearment and Lonesome Dove produced this almost obscene book.
Did I read more than I would have without the challenge? The honest answer here is no. I read constantly. Before I started this blog, it was nothing at all for me to read three books a week. Nothing makes me sadder than to not have several good books waiting in the wings.
Best thing about the challenge: There are two things I think are wonderful about Katrina's challenge. The participation. She's absolutely right when she says the list of participants is a mile long. And throughout the challenge it's been really nice to read reports and reviews and recommendations. I have a magnetic pad on my fridge that's devoted entirely to my wish list of books and I've added to that list ever since this challenge began.
Did I discover/enjoy a new author after reading someone's list? I'm not sure it was from an actual list but so many people out here recommended Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, I had to read it. My sister Bev recommended the Mark of the Lion trilogy. I'm hooked on Francine Rivers. The book I'm starting next is The Last Sin Eater. When I discover an author I love, I have to read every book she ever wrote and that's my goal with this author.
Other thoughts and impressions: It's been really interesting to see what everyone reads. I think the books we read reveal a lot about us. I wonder what it reveals about me that I'm not big on non-fiction? Only three of the books on this list are non-fiction.
Thank you, Katrina, for coming up with this idea. It's been a lot of fun to participate and I'm looking forward to the spring reading challenge.
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32 comments:
I loved how you summed up the Reading Challenge, Barb! Great job!
And I understand about not reading as many books as you might have before blogdom...I fell so short, myself...but loved the challenge, anyway!
The only book I have read so far by F. Rivers is "And the Shofar Blew..." but it was SO good and I was very much impressed with her style. I'll have to look into the others...
Thanks, Barb, for the great sum-up and review!
I'm like you, once I find an author I like, I tend to read everything by them. I love Francine Rivers, too.
I can't believe you read that many books and kept up a blog and ran after that adorable, pint-sized ball of energy you call Cameron. And not to mention keeping Chelsea out of trouble.
Wow!! I thought I read a lot! I'm amazed at your list. Thanks for the details and reviews; I'm adding several of your reads to my list.
Now, let me ask you a practical question: WHEN do you find the time to read? Now that I'm reading blogs daily (sometimes several times a day!) my actual fiction/non-fiction reading has gone waaaaay down. And by way down, I mean I do not read anything but blogs these days! I used to read at least one book a week and would have been shocked to know about my new blog-reading self! I've been working on a book ("Running with Scissors"--not loving it, by the way) for about 2 MONTHS now. I really want to get back to my books, but I don't know how to fit the blog-reading in with my book-reading. How do you do it???
I'll answer your question here, Phyllis, since you don't have a blog yet, and hope that you come back to read it.
I get up an hour earlier than I need to every morning specifically so I can have coffee and read for one hour before my day gets started.
I watch a few things on TV but for the most part, I can do without it. So it's not unusual for me to go to bed at 8 or 9 o'clock and read for at least one hour and sometimes two before I go to sleep. I'd rather read in bed than watch something dumb on TV.
So really, I do almost all my reading early in the morning and late at night but even that works out to a minimum or two or three hours a day. If it's a book I simply can't put down, I sit down and read while the baby is napping.
I can't imagine a day without reading.
Thanks, Barb! It has honestly bothered me that I've stopped spending time with books.
I almost wish that one of the questions on Katrina's list had been "When do you read?" I would like to learn from others when and how they make the time. Like you, I also read late at night, but honestly I've become so addicted to blog-reading that I'll look up from my computer and it's already midnight! I've never been a big TV watcher...I would always rather read.
Thanks for the input! I guess the key is to actually schedule the time to read. (And maybe read a few less blogs--horrors!) Take care!
Seems I rarely have time to read anymore when once I would have considered myself to be an avid reader...However...the Last Sin Eater is one of Francine's all time greatest hits and rumor has it..is being made into a movie...Yay!
Your Christmas day sounds wonderful!! I do love the buffet style and I'm sure the food was divine! We usually do it that way but this year we did have one sit down dinner...my kids were home for several days so they could all help.
Your grand is super cute in the Fisher Price box...lol! kids are so funny!
I'll be praying about Rob's job and his surgery....
I've read the Mark of the Lion trilogy, and got them for Kati for Christmas.
Can you believe she got giftcards for Christmas (ok, I'm sure you can, duh!) BUT she spent it -all- on -- BOOKS!
And not just "any" books- All "Heroes of the Faith" missionary and Bible hero biographies. Ever. Single. One.
She ordered 14.
And, filled her new iPod with Bobby Darrin, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
Did I mention I LOVE that kid?
Francine Rivers is great. You will love "The Last Sin Eater" and I can also recommend "Leota's Garden." ( I think that's right.)
I have never been a reader. I wished I was. I enjoy magazine articles and Guideposts...some CHicken Soup for the Souls....but that's it. Maybe I will learn to sit down as the kids get older and start on a book and enjoy it. It sounds like you read alot. I got your Christmas card today...thanks so much..it was so nice. And....Miller got the bug about 1am this morning.....Happy New Year to me!
Thanks for helping me get my reading list together for the coming year!!! I am looking forward toreading the trilogy by Francine Rivers.
OOOHHHH, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE anything by Francine Rivers! I don't think there is anything by her that I haven't read. You will love The Last SinEater. And the trilogy is fabulous. I just wish she would come out with books more frequently!
Okay, I am intrigued about Francine Rivers and will be checking to see if I can get a hold of her stuff at the library. I am the same way with authors, btw, I MUST read everything they ever wrote, preferably in order of publication. Ha! Does that make me a little OCD?? lol!!!
Thanks for your comment on my blog about our adoption journey - and thanks for the prayers.
I love to read too, but sometimes when I read at night, I fall asleep with the book in my hands. I agree with you on the Danielle Steele. She cranks them out very fast and they are pretty predictable. Love the Scarlett Thread, and 6 Rainier Drive.
Youre hooked on Francine or me? Both? Glad you loved it so much - it's a GREAT series. xoxoxo
I read Redeeming Love a couple of years ago and just loved it. I haven't read anything else of hers, but realize that I must. I gave up on Danielle quite awhile ago because I came up with the same conclusion as you did. Not to mention the fact that she continually starts sentences with "And," and that she doesn't know when to use a period.
She must be obscenely wealthy.
Are you getting snow yet? We have another one forecast and I can't believe it! The side streets are still such a mess. I have to go back to work tomorrow and am a bit apprehensive - not to mention the mountain of mail that is going to bury me!
I didn't take the challenge. It's hard for me to put a book down, so I don't read too often anymore. I LOVE Francine Rivers though! I've read them all, I think. Another great author is Lynn Austin. One of her books was recently made into a movie by Hallmark too. My Rob bought me one for Christmas and I read it yesterday. ;)
You sure did get a lot of books read despite having Cameron and the holidays sneak up on you!
Great job, that's quite a lot of books! I think I've read something by F. Rivers but it's been a while so I should look at my church library for some by her. I've been reading several Debbie Macomber Christmas books during the holidays, love to read her stuff.
I got my Reading Challenge wrap up post done too; it was fun to participate in!
I read the Mark of the Lion series some years ago and I also loved it. I prefer Mrs. Rivers period pieces over present day, but she is a wonderful storyteller.
Another Christian author that I enjoy quite a bit is Lisa Samson. She wrote a wonderful book called The Church Ladies. It's a rich character study of small town, small church life.
I read the Mark of the Lion series years ago and loved it. It's a series I would love to revisit some time, except I keep coming up with new stuff to read. :) The Last Sin Eater was great, too as was The Scarlet Thread and Atonement Child. I wasn't quite as blown away by Redeeming Love as everyone else though I did like it. I haven't read her series yet based on a few women in the Bible but want to explore it some time.
I tend to do that, too -- once I find an author I really like, I like to read her other books, too.
I've seen Jodi Picoult and Debbie Macomber on many people's lists and want to check them out.
I've never had a desire to read Stephen King tho my mom was a fan of his. I did enjoy a movie based on his writings, Stand By Me, I think it was, or something like that, about 4 boys.
I enjoyed your "wrap-up" post. :) It's been fun to see what other people are reading and what they think about the books they've read.
I see you have really got into the Francine Rivers books. The Mark of the Lion series is amazing. I think I have read nearly all her books. The Last Sin Eater is good but very different from her other ones. The Lineage of Grace is also an amazing read. Enjoy the rest of your reading!
I already had Francine Rivers on my "must check out soon" list, after seeing so many people reference her on this challenge. Reading your post and comments only solidifies that even more! Now, I just have to figure out which one to start with. I have King of Torts in the bookcase, along with several other Grisham books, that I have not read, but I haven't been "into" him lately. I've been reading a ton more Christian and women's fiction (can't wait to read the rest of the Cedar Cove series!!!).
Great challenge list and very good feedback on these Barb. Thanks so much for sharing all of this with us!
Happy New Year!
Oh no!!!!!!! Now you have given me a new bunch of books to add to my list. Like you I get hooked on an author and have to read every book they wrote. You already have me hooked on Karen Kingsbury and so far I have read two and can't wait to read more.
I have been a busy bee trying to figure out this new computer but so far so good. I feel a little guilty though since I knew I couldn't afford it so never thought of buying it and now that hubby is earning a little extra in Iraq he has to pay this bill.
Ditto on Danielle Steel. Coming Out didn't thrill me. Also I like Steven King once in awhile, but I can't stand books that go over the top in violence or sex. I guess it's because we are Christians and it's our consience at work.
I hope she does another challange soon so I can participate.
This sounds like alot of fun...I know the cold of winter will set in soon.
Happy NY
thanks for all of your visits as of late.
I love this list... makes we wish I had participated in it, because I love to read too...
Blessings,
Karla
Wow!! You did alot of reading! I came in with about a month to go and didn't get much reading done, but hopefully I'll be able to participate in the next challenge.
I love the Mark of the Lion series. I haven't read those since I was in high school. I'll have to reread them.
Love your blog! Feel free to come visit mine.
I read Redeeming Love probably 2-3 years ago!! I was riveted. I have enjoyed two books during Christmas...may have to blog about that...
Thanks for your update, Barb! I am so impressed with how much you've read - great job! I really need to add Redeeming Love to my list - I've heard so much good about it.
WOW - that is a lot of reading! how wonderful :)
Barb, Perhaps it is not meant for me to post a comment today, as this is now my 4th attempt to do so. But I am such a fan of Mark of the Lion series, I feel overly compelled to say Amen to your comments. Just the other day I was toying with the idea of rereading the series and now feel that I must. God could still teach me so much from the story line I am sure. You should also check out Francine's series on the five women mentioned in the lineage of Christ. They are a quick read, you could probably finish one in your morning reading hour. Hope you are not missing your mom too much! Take care, Jenny Beth
WOW, girl, you are a hard core reader; I LOVE that! I did my little wrap up of the 4 books I did read a few days ago. I torched one (Blue Like Jazz) which really bothered me, until I started getting comments from people who didn't like the book either! This whole challenge was really stressful and I decided not to do it again, but then Katrina stopped by and encouraged me not to wimp out, so I might do it again in the Spring... I am a glutton for punishment. Hope you dodge the big snow storm; if not, stay safe and warm!
DK
I didn't know that you were a S. King fan. I had been "off" him for a while, but you probably saw that I reviewed Lisey's story last month. It wasn't too gory (there were a couple of parts). It reminded me of the good King that I have enjoyed--character based like It and the Stand.
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