Best of Reading 2013

I was thinking of doing this earlier, but after seeing this on a number of blogs that I subscribe to, I thought it might be time to do this.  Jamie from The Perpetual Page Turner has offered the 4th annual end of year book survey and here is my attempt at this.  I will link up where I can.

1. Best Book Read in 2013
That is a difficult one to determine as there were a number of books that could qualify, but it would have to be a tie between The Book Thief and A Game of Thrones.

2. Book you were excited about and thought you were going to love but didn't?
This is one is a little easier because I have had some time to think about it and it would have to be Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple.  I had heard so many good things about this book, but I was a little disappointed in the book; felt confused by the nature of the book.

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2013?
The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty and Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell.

4. Book that you read in 2013 that you recommended the most in 2013? 
It probably was The Book Thief and A Game of Thrones.

5. Best series that you discovered in 2013
Even though I have only read the first book in the series, I would have to say A Song of Fire & Ice and the Flavia de Luce series.

6. Favourite new author you discovered in 2013
As with most people in the blog world, I would probably have to say Rainbow Rowell, but a close second would have to be George R.R. Martin.

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?
I am not a big fantasy fan, but I would have to say A Game of Thrones.

8. Most thrilling unputdownable book of 2013
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (read it in 3 days).

9. Book that you read in 2013 that you are going to reread next year
Northanger Abbey; its my bookclub's selection and I should refresh myself with the book and it won't take that long to read. 

10. Favourite cover of a book you read in 2013

11. Most memorable character of 2013
For me it would be Flavia de Luce; she's such a spunky gal and even when I am not reading one of the books, I still think of her.

12. Most beautifully written book of 2013
The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka; it was short and to the point.

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2013
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell.  While I didn't have the home life that Eleanor had (mine was more like Park's), I was teased and talked behind my back when I was in my teens.  In fact, somebody called me a fat pig in front of me, but I can imagine that there was worse that was said behind my back.

14. Book you can't believe you waited until 2013 to read
That would have to be The Book Thief by Markas Zusak.  I had purchased a copy of the book a few years ago and it had been on my TBR list and on my shelf for a number of years and I am so glad that I read it.

15. Favourite Passage/Quote from a book that you read in 2013
I think it was a passage in Dearie in which it mentioned how Julia Child loathed all the fat-free foods that were coming onto the market and that eating fatty foods in moderation was probably a good thing.

16. Shortest & Longest book you read in 2013
Shortest - A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (about 100 pages)
Longest - A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin (837 pgs; while Anna K was longer by one page, I read the vast majority of the book in 2012)

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? Other than Hilly eating the pie in The Help, there really wasn't, although the scene in which the bombs landed on Himmel Street in The Book Thief was pretty close.

18. Favorite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2013 (be it romantic, friendship, etc).
For me it was the relationship between Eleanor & Park, but the second one was the relationship between Liesel and her foster father.

19. Favorite Book You Read in 2013 From An Author You Read Previously
Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen.

20. Best Book You Read That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else
This is a hard one, as there are a number of books, but I would have to say Longbourne by Jo Baker.

21. Genre You Read The Most From in 2013?
Historical Fiction

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2013
Robb Stark and Jon Snow (yes I know what happens to Robb in the end...)

23. Best 2013 debut you read?
I am going with Rainbow Rowell

24. Most vivid world/imagery in a book you read in 2013?
The world that George R.R. Martin created in A Game of Thrones; doesn't hurt that I love the show as well.  But the world created in Crime and Punishment would be a close second.

25. Book That Was The Most Fun To Read in 2013?
Probably the books in the Flavia de Luce series.

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2013?
The Book Thief and The Baker's Daughter by Sarah McCoy.

27.Book You Read in 2013 That You Think Got Overlooked This Year Or When It Came Out?
Can't think of one; sorry.

And then looking forward....
  
1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2013 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2014?
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel; I was hoping to get around to it this year, but just couldn't.

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2014?
See #1.

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2014?I hope to read a few more of the books that have been on my shelves for a number of years and finish War & Peace.

So what did I review in 2013?  (Links leads to posts)
•  Blizzard of Glass by Sally M. Walker
• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
• The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era by Jessica Fellowes and Matthew Sturgis
• Persuasion by Jane Austen
• Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth
• The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley
• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• The Giver by Lois Lowry
• Titanic : Voices from the Disaster by Deborah Hopkinson
• The Accursed by Joyce Carol Oates
• The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
• A Red Herring without Mustard by Alan Bradley
• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
• The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
• The House Girl by Tara Conklin
• The Whole Truth by Kit Pearson
• The Gods of Heavenly Punishment by Jennifer Epstein
• The Help by Kathryn Stockett
• Where'd You Go Bernadette? by Maria Semple
• The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau
• The Baker's Daughter by Sarah McCoy
• The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka
• Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
• The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
• Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal
• The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
• The Life and Times of Call the Midwife by Heidi Thomas
• The Dinner by Herman Koch
• A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
• Dearie : the remarkable life of Julia Child by Bob Spitz
• Emma by Jane Austen
• Wives & Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell
• Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen
• Moby Dick by Herman Dick
• The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
• Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
• Longbourne by Jo Baker
• Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
• The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
• Call Me Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber
• Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey by Emma Rowley
• I Am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley
• Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
• Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey by Fiona, Countess of Carnarvon
• Thunderstruck by Erik Larsen
• The Dogs of Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron
• The Winter of Red Snow by Kristina Gregory
• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

Title: A Christmas Carol
Author: Charles Dickens
File size (Pages): 939 KB (104)
Published: 2010 (originally published 1843)
Challenges: Christmas Spirit, e-book, The Classics Club
Genre: Christmas, Classics, Fiction
Edition: E-book
Source: Personal

Description: The beloved holiday classic with illustrations by John Leech. A Christmas Carol is Dickens' haunting cautionary tale about Ebenezer Scrooge a miserly businessman who dismisses charity and holiday cheer with an icy "bah humbug!" One night Scrooge finds himself visited by the ghost of his late business partner Jacob Marley returned from the dead with a trio of spirits and a plea for his old friend Ebenezer to change his ways and open his heart to the true meaning of Christmas... before it's too late. (via kobobooks.com)

Thoughts: This is my second time reading this short Christmas novel.  And reading it the second time, I had new appreciation for the book.  Even though it is quite simple, it is also quite complex, in that I suppose we all have a bit of Scrooge in us and all need to be reminded from time to time we could easily become like him, due to our fallen nature.  And I suppose it is always a good reminder that being bitter and miserly does nobody any good.

While I did feel that the chapters were a little on the long side, Dickens did a masterful job in showing how we as humans beings can easily become like Mr. Scrooge and that bitterness from a number of events can leave us in a similar position.  It is truly a book that should be read by most people at some point.

Bottom line: It is a book that I would recommend that people read at least once in their lifetime, but I think fans of either novellas or Dickens would probably appreciate this book a bit more.  Highly recommended.

Rating: 4.75/5

Pages for 2013: 19, 559

A Christmas Carol (1951)

Title: A Christmas Carol
Director: Brian Diamond Hurst
Running time: 86 min
Released: 1951

Description: An old bitter miser is given a chance for redemption when he is haunted by ghosts on Christmas Eve. (via IMDb.com)

Thoughts: This is probably my favourite Christmas movie and has been for some time.  I know for a lot of people its something else, but because my dad would often seek out this version of the film, we would usually watch it at some point during the Christmas holidays, usually Christmas Day or Boxing Day.  While I do like the Disney animated version, this is the version that I grew up with as a kid, mind you it was the colour version, but when we did watch the black & white version, it always creeped me out, especially since the shadows seemed more sinister, and it is always the one that I will have a special kinship towards.

The Winter Of Red Snow - Kristiana Gregory

Title: The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1777
Author: Kristiana Gregory
Pages: 192
Published: 2010 (originally published 1996)
Challenges: Historical Fiction, War Through the Generations
Genre: Historical Fiction, Children's literature
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description: Eleven-year-old Abigail Jane Stewart's fictionalized diary about her life, family, friends, and neighbors, and the sides they have to choose in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, during the height of the Revolutionary War, renders a vivid portrayal of one of the most memorable and crucial winters in American history.

Abby's life with her family is quickly upended when they are awakened by the unfamiliar sound of drums. General George Washington is leading the Continental soldiers into their winter encampment at Valley Forge, PA. (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: For myself as an adult, this was a book that I got through during the course of an evening, but for a younger reader probably around 9 or 10 years of age, this book probably would take a bit longer to read, but if they are good readers, they will probably enjoy them. 

I like how the author put enough facts into the book to make the reader intrigued to further research, if they are interested in such a thing, but also put enough fiction so that the reader can actually enjoy the story.  It also is fairly clean enough, with the exception of a few scenes in which there are some amputations, etc, but nothing too graphic, to parents not worry about the content of this particular series.

Bottom line: I would recommend this book and possibly the other books in this series to those readers that are the middle grades, probably starting around grade 3 or 4, depending on the reader, and those that may have an interest in historical fiction. Recommended.

Rating: 4/5

Pages for 2013: 19, 455

The Dogs of Christmas - W. Bruce Cameron

Title: The Dogs of Christmas
Author: W. Bruce Cameron
Pages: 233
Published: 2013
Challenges: Christmas Spirit
Genre: Fiction, Christmas
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description: While nursing a broken heart, Josh Michaels is outraged when a neighbor abandons his very pregnant dog, Lucy, at Josh’s Colorado home. But Josh can’t resist Lucy’s soulful brown eyes, and though he’s never had a dog before, he’s determined to do the best he can for Lucy—and her soon-to-arrive, bound-to-be-adorable puppies. 

Soon in over his head, Josh calls the local animal shelter for help, and meets Kerri, a beautiful woman with a quick wit and a fierce love for animals. As Kerri teaches Josh how to care for Lucy’s tiny puppies and gets them ready to be adopted through the shelter’s “Dogs of Christmas” program, Josh surprises himself by falling for her.

But he’s fallen even harder for his new furry family, which has brought incredible joy into Josh’s life. He barely has time to sit down, between chasing after adventurous Sophie and brave Oliver, but when he does, his lap is quickly filled by the affectionate Lola. And Rufus and Cody’s strong bond makes Josh wonder about his own relationships with his family.

With Christmas and the adoption date looming, Josh finds himself wondering if he can separate himself from his beloved puppies. At odds with Kerri, Josh isn’t willing to lose her, but doesn’t know how to set things right. Can a surprise litter of Christmas puppies really change one man’s life? (via Goodreads)

Thoughts:  I really quire enjoyed this book, even though I am not a dog person myself.   Its the sort of read that one can easily get through in a day or two, but for some reason it took me about 2 weeks to get through.  But that is besides the point.  Even though the book is a easy read, it isn't overly sappy; it has the right amount of sappiness that allows one to quickly get through the book.

Bottom line:  It's a nice light story that allows the reader to be engaged with the story through out the book and is appropriate for readers that wish to get some reading during the busy and chaotic holiday season.  Recommended.

Rating: 3/5

Pages for 2013: 19, 263

2013 Virtual Advent Tour

      

I love this time of year, particularly because of all the movies I manage to watch.  The last few nights I have watched a couple of my favourite Christmas movies:

And watched a new one, that will probably become a favourite as well:

All the while enjoying the beautiful tree (decorated lovingly by my mom):

I hope to watch a few more Christmas movies in the coming days.  I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season. 

Christmas movie reviews:

• Love Actually (review)

• The Holiday (review)

• A Christmas Story (review)

• National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (review)

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Title: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Director: Jeremiah S. Chechik
Running time: 97 min.
Released: 1989

Description: The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.  (via IMDb)

Thoughts:  I had never heard about this movie until about 10 years ago and about 3 years ago, I purchased a copy of the movie and ever since I have watched the movie at Christmas time; it is definitely one of my favourites and can see why it has become a modern Christmas classic.  Recommended.

A Christmas Story

Title: A Christmas Story
Director: Bob Clark
Running time: 93 min.
Released: 2003 (originally released 1983)

Description: Nine-year-old Ralphie desperately wants a Red Ryder BB-gun for Christmas, over his parents' objections. (via Fraser Valley Regional Library)

Thoughts: I had heard about this movie from several friends of mine and had seen a few scenes of this movie and when I finally sat down and watched this movie a few years ago, I got what they were talking about and definitely became one of my favourites.  If you are wondering what my favourite scene is, its the one with Ralphie in the pink bunny outfit.

The Holiday

Title: The Holiday
Director: Nancy Meyers
Running time: 138 min.
Released: 2006

Description: Amanda lives in Los Angeles and is a movie trailer editor. Iris lives in Surrey, England and is a journalist. The two live five thousand miles apart and have never met, but are dealing with the same problem: men. Amanda just broke up with her cheating boyfriend. Iris has pined for her ex. They both come upon a website that advocates home exchange and the two swap houses for two weeks at Christmas - both with a goal to forget their troubled love lives. Love ends up finding them anyways. Amanda starts a romance with Iris' older brother, Graham, a book editor and Iris starts a romance with a friend of Amanda's, movie composer Miles. With new found romance, both their lives change forever. (via fvrl.bc.ca)

Thoughts: I didn't know what to think of this movie, as I had heard that it was kinda formulaic, but after a discussion with friends at a Christmas dinner party on Saturday evening, I warmed up to the thought of this movie and thought it might be something that I would like.  And sure enough we did watch the movie and I enjoyed it immensely.  I honestly didn't know what to expect from the movie and by the time the final credits had rolled around, I actually could say that it was a movie that I would put on my favourites list.  While the last movie that I reviewed will always have a special place in my heart, this movie is perfectly sweet without being too sweet.

Bottom line:  If you enjoy watching romantic Christmas movies, but don't want them to be too sappy, I would recommend this movie.  Its good for a snowy/rainy afternoon/evening when all you want to do is curl up on the couch.   Its also good for a girls movie night as well.  Recommended.

Amanda lives in Los Angeles and is a movie trailer editor. Iris lives in Surrey, England and is a journalist. The two live five thousand miles apart and have never met, but are dealing with the same problem: men. Amanda just broke up with her cheating boyfriend. Iris has pined for her ex. They both come upon a website that advocates home exchange and the two swap houses for two weeks at Christmas - both with a goal to forget their troubled love lives. Love ends up finding them anyways. Amanda starts a romance with Iris' older brother, Graham, a book editor and Iris starts a romance with a friend of Amanda's, movie composer Miles. With new found romance, both their lives change forever. - See more at: http://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1472439021_the_holiday#sthash.vLf5POkg.dpuf

Amanda lives in Los Angeles and is a movie trailer editor. Iris lives in Surrey, England and is a journalist. The two live five thousand miles apart and have never met, but are dealing with the same problem: men. Amanda just broke up with her cheating boyfriend. Iris has pined for her ex. They both come upon a website that advocates home exchange and the two swap houses for two weeks at Christmas - both with a goal to forget their troubled love lives. Love ends up finding them anyways. Amanda starts a romance with Iris' older brother, Graham, a book editor and Iris starts a romance with a friend of Amanda's, movie composer Miles. With new found romance, both their lives change forever. - See more at: http://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1472439021_the_holiday#sthash.vLf5POkg.dpuf

Love Actually

Title: Love Actually
Director: Richard Curtis
Running time: 135 min
Released: 2004 (originally released 2003)

It's all about love and holiday cheer in London. The Prime Minister is smitten with his caterer; a widower's young son nurses the ultimate schoolboy crush; a writer falls for his Portuguese housekeeper; a devoted wife and mother copes with her potentially unfaithful husband; and a lovelorn American is desperately attracted to a colleague.

Thoughts: I reviewed this movie about two years ago and it still remains one of my favourite Christmas films.  Watched it with my mom last night and she had a blast watching it with me.  Like I said in the previous review, the thing I like about the movie is that its about different kinds of love, whether it be love that is unrequited or love that is starting out or love that comes from being a part of a family and so forth.  My favourite part of the movie are the opening and closing scenes of the arrivals lounge at Heathrow.  I also like how the characters cross paths with each other and how they are interrelated with each other, even if its very loose.


Bottom line: If you are a fan of Curtis' other films, Notting Hill or Four Weddings and a Funeral or a fan of any of the actors in the movie, I think you'll enjoy it (and yes at least three of the actors showed up in the Harry Potter films at some point).

End of the year Readathon: #ReadingCram

End of Year 2013 Read-a-Thon #ReadingCram is hosted by Jenny from Juliababyjen's Reading Room and Dana from Dana Square and will run from the 9th of December to the 22nd of December.

Why should you participate? 

1. To chisel off some of your TBR pile. 

2. Do all the fun challenges and win some prizes. 

3. Encourage others to read like a speed demon (and yourself) + reading with others is loads of fun. 

 So let's get in our last books of 2013 together in the #ReadingCram !

This is reason enough for me to participate! Also books off my tbr have been severely neglected. Here are a list of potential books I am hoping to read:

• War & Peace
• The Count of Monte Cristo
• Winter Solstice
• The Dogs of Christmas
• An Amish Gift
• The Light between Two Oceans
plus some others...

Thunderstruck - Erik Larson

Title: Thunderstruck
Author: Erik Larson
File Size (Pages): 1051 KB (429)
Published: 2006
Challenges: E-Book
Genre: Non-Fiction, True Crime, History
Edition: E-book
Source: Library

Description: In Thunderstruck, Erik Larson tells the interwoven stories of two men—Hawley Crippen, a very unlikely murderer, and Guglielmo Marconi, the obsessive creator of a seemingly supernatural means of communication—whose lives intersect during one of the greatest criminal chases of all time.

Set in Edwardian London and on the stormy coasts of Cornwall, Cape Cod, and Nova Scotia, Thunderstruck evokes the dynamism of those years when great shipping companies competed to build the biggest, fastest ocean liners, scientific advances dazzled the public with visions of a world transformed, and the rich outdid one another with ostentatious displays of wealth. Against this background, Marconi races against incredible odds and relentless skepticism to perfect his invention: the wireless, a prime catalyst for the emergence of the world we know today. Meanwhile, Crippen, “the kindest of men,” nearly commits the perfect crime.

With his superb narrative skills, Erik Larson guides these parallel narratives toward a relentlessly suspenseful meeting on the waters of the North Atlantic. Along the way, he tells of a sad and tragic love affair that was described on the front pages of newspapers around the world, a chief inspector who found himself strangely sympathetic to the killer and his lover, and a driven and compelling inventor who transformed the way we communicate. Thunderstruck presents a vibrant portrait of an era of séances, science, and fog, inhabited by inventors, magicians, and Scotland Yard detectives, all presided over by the amiable and fun-loving Edward VII as the world slid inevitably toward the first great war of the twentieth century. Gripping from the first page, and rich with fascinating detail about the time, the people, and the new inventions that connect and divide us, Thunderstruck is splendid narrative history from a master of the form. (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: I quite enjoyed this book, but it took me a few chapters to actually to get into the book.  I think what I enjoyed about the book is how the author used two very different events to connect them.  I really didn't know what to expect coming out of this book, as the introductory chapter seemed to give the impression that this would be a book that wouldn't interest me at all, especially since my experience with the author's previous book, The Devil in the White City, didn't exactly leave me with a great taste in my mouth about this sort of style.  I think what I found interesting about the book was how Mr. Larsen intersected the two stories and found the Marconi story to be less interesting as the book wore on and probably a bit of a bore.

Bottom line: While I did enjoy the book, I did take me sometime to read it and felt that some of the parts were rather lacking and I had to force myself to read through those sections.  While it only took me a few days to read it, it did feel like a chore at times. I would recommend this book to those that enjoyed Larson's other books or books of a similar nature.  Recommended

Rating: 3.4/5

Pages for 2013: 19, 030

Holiday #readathon

There is a readathon starting at 12:01 am EST.  If you wish to join me and a number of others, you can still sign up.  There are a number of challenges that you can complete during the readathon that are mentioned on the sign up page, but I think I am going to just read, with a couple updates.

If you wish to join, you sign up here: http://www.whorublog.com/?p=2533

Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey - Fiona, Countess of Carnarvon

Title: Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey
Author: Fiona, Countess of Carnarvon
Pages: 320
Published: 2013
Challenges: Outdo Yourself
Genre: Non-fiction, Biography, History
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description: Sometimes the facts are even more extraordinary than the fiction...

This book tells the story of Lady Catherine, a beautiful American girl who became the chatelaine of Highclere Castle, the setting for Julian Fellowes' award-winning drama Downton Abbey.

Charming and charismatic, Catherine caught the eye of Lord Porchester (or 'Porchey', as he was known) when she was just 20 years old, and wearing a pale yellow dress at a ball. She had already turned down 14 proposals before she eventually married Porchey in 1922. But less than a year later Porchey’s father died suddenly, and he became the 6th Earl of Carnarvon, inheriting a title and a Castle that changed both their lives forever.

Catherine found herself suddenly in charge of a small army of household staff, and hosting lavish banquets and weekend house parties. Although the couple were very much in love, considerable challenges lay ahead for Catherine. They were immediately faced with the task of saving Highclere when debts threatened to destroy the estate. As the 1920s moved to a close, Catherine’s adored brother died and Catherine began to lose her husband to the distractions London had to offer. When the Second World War broke out, life at the Castle would never be the same again. (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: It was okay.  I felt that the first few chapters were pretty good, but once it got into the middle third of the book, it kinda hit a rut and it kinda lagged.  The final third was interesting to a point and felt that the author basically rehashed things that one can grab from anywhere and did get a little dull at times, even though she did put in more personal information about the family at the time.  If I wasn't a fan of Downton Abbey, I don't know if I would have finished the book

Bottom line: I would recommend the book to those are fans of Downton Abbey and are interested in the history of Highclere Castle (where the show is filmed at and whose lovely interiors you see on the screen). Recommended.

Rating: 3/5

Pages for 2013: 18, 601

#thankfullyreading Weekend 2013 Starting post

Since I am going to see Catching Fire this evening, I thought I would get my starting post up before I leave.

I am really looking forward to this and I am hoping to get lots of reading done over the next few days, but depending on what I end up doing, it could be a bit of bust.  But I am going to try nonetheless

Here are what I am planning on reading:

• Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey
• Winter Solistice
• Thunderstruck
• Sarum
• War and Peace
• The Count of Monte Cristo
• Villette
• The Snow Child

If you wish to join, you can do so here: http://www.jennsbookshelves.com/2013/11/04/thankfully-reading-weekend-2013/

Eleanor & Park - Rainbow Rowell

Title: Eleanor & Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Pages: 328
Published: 2013
Challenges: Outdo Yourself
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description: Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under. (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: I honestly didn't know what to expect of this book, except that among the bloggers, it was well received and that most people that I read over the past year or heard talk about the book really quite enjoyed it and I didn't really encounter anybody that really disliked the book, but I am sure that there are readers who didn't like the book.  But my impression was that it lived up to the hype.  

I found it easier to read than I expected it to be and when I was able to get into the rhythm of the book, I actually found myself ripping through the book, wanting to know more about how they would interact with each other.  While I think that some readers will probably say that the ending was a bit of a downer, I think it was a good ending and I was satisfied with how it ended, probably a little sad that this amazing story had ended, maybe having a tiny hope that maybe it would turn out differently.

Bottom line: It was an amazing journey of these two teens and it really didn't feel like a YA book, but more of a transitional book between YA and Adult, just like Eleanor and Park were each transforming from teens into adults.  While I probably won't read this particular book again, I will definitely read more of this author and I look forward to reading Ms. Rowell's next book, Fangirl.  Highly recommended.

Rating: 4.5/5

Pages for 2013: 18,281

I Am Half-Sick of Shadows - Alan Bradley

Title: I Am Half-Sick of Shadows (Flavia de Luce #4)
Author: Alan Bradley
Pages: 288
Published: 2012 (originally published 2011)
Challenges: Christmas Spirit
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery
Edition: Paperback
Source: Personal library

Description: Colonel de Luce, in desperate need of funds, rents his beloved estate of Buckshaw to a film company. They will be shooting a movie over the Christmas holidays, filming scenes in the decaying manse with a reclusive star. She is widely despised, so it is to no one's surprise when she turns up murdered, strangled by a length of film from her own movies! With a blizzard raging outside and Buckshaw locked in, the house is full of suspects. But Flavia de Luce is more than ready to put aside her investigations into the true identity of Father Christmas to solve this yuletide country-house murder. (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: Really liked it, as usual.  I am a big fan of this series and so glad I have made the effort to catch up with the series.  I like how the author has used characters from the previous book in this one and how he incorporated each of a portion of the characters from the previous 3 books, but there is enough that one doesn't really have to read the other books, but it is strongly suggested that one does read the other 3 previous books to understand the characters a little better than if one jumps in right away.

Once I got into the book, which was pretty quick, I found it fairly easy to get into the book and finish it quickly (I got sick towards the end of the book and had to put it aside for a bit as I for some reason am unable to read lots while I am not feeling well; I had a cold, if you are wondering).  And also loved the fact that it took place around Christmas Day.

Bottom line: While the story is a stand-alone, there are elements of the previous three books, that while not exactly crucial to the book, are somewhat important to have a background of (I had forgot some of them).  I would recommend the book to those individuals that like cozy mystery series books and like something light and fairly easy to read at times and also to those that have read the previous Flavia books.  Recommended.

Rating: 4.5/5

Pages for 2013: 17,953

Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey - Emma Rowley

Title: Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey
Athor: Emma Rowley
Pages: 288
Published: 2013
Challenges: None
Genre: Movie tie-in, Non-fiction
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description: Gain unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to Downton Abbey in this official Season 4 tie-in book, complete with never-before-seen photos giving fans insight into the making of the runaway hit.

Expertly crafted with generous inside knowledge and facts, this book will delve into the inspiration behind the details seen on screen, the choice of locations, the music and much more. Step inside the props cupboard or the hair and make-up truck and catch a glimpse of the secret backstage world. In-depth interviews and exclusive photos give insight into the actors’ experiences on set as well as the celebrated creative team behind the award-winning drama. Straight from the director’s chair, this is the inside track on all aspects of the making of the show.

Thoughts: A very nice put together book that gives the reader a look behind-the-scenes to Downton Abbey.  I got through the book in a few hours and thought it was interesting to look and read about the various aspects of how they put the show together, especially the food.  The producers have hired an actual chef to make the food that one sees on the screen and she has to make a number of the same thing in order to make sure that the food looks flawless with each take that is made with the food and have to make sure that some of it only have a few items to put on by the actors who portray the kitchen staff (and yes, the food is real).    They also talk about the clothing and the hair and a number of aspects that are interesting to know about it, including the bell board, which is pulled by somebody behind the board.  They also talk about the sets that they use and the various locations used in the show.

Bottom line: I would probably recommend the book to fans of the show who would like to know more about the behind-the-scenes stuff.   Recommended.

Rating: 4/5

Pages for 2013: 17,665

The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon Staring Line

The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon hosted by Michelle at The True Book Addict.

To kick off my annual Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge this year, I've decided to have a weekend read-a-thon!
Details:

• Read-a-Thon dates: Friday, November 22 at 12:00am CST until Sunday, November 24 at 11:59pm CST (adjust your time zone accordingly)
• You do not have to be signed up for the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge to participate (but I sure would love for you to join us!)
• I am not requiring that you read Christmas/holiday books during the read-a-thon, but I hope you will pick up one holiday tale, even if it's just to read some children's books with your kids or some holiday short stories
• to check in on Twitter, we'll use hashtag #CSreadathon
• as usual, you do not have to have a blog to participate...feel free to link up and check in from Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

The books that I am planning on reading are:

• I Am Half-Sick of Shadows
• Christmas at Cold Comfort Farms
• The Snow Child

I have some other Christmas-themed books on hands but I can't recall what books that I have on hand.  

Call Me Mrs. Miracle - Debbie Macomber

Title: Call Me Mrs. Miracle
Author: Debbie Macomber
File Size (Pages): 329 KB (257)
Published: 2010
Challenges: Ebook
Genre: Fiction, Christmas, Romance
Edition: E-book
Source: Library

Description: This Christmas, Emily Merkle (call her Mrs. Miracle ) is working in the toy department at Finley's, the last family-owned department store in New York City. And her boss is none other than...Jake Finley, the owner's son.

For Jake, holiday memories of brightly wrapped gifts, decorated trees and family were destroyed in a Christmas Eve tragedy years before. Now Christmas means just one thing to him--and to his father. Profit. Because they need a Christmas miracle to keep the business afloat.

Holly Larson needs a miracle, too. She wants to give her eight-year-old nephew, Gabe, the holiday he deserves. Holly's widowed brother is in the army and won't be home for Christmas, but at least she can get Gabe that toy robot from Finley's, the one gift he desperately wants. If she can figure out how to afford it...

Fortunately, it's Mrs. Miracle to the rescue. Next to making children happy, she likes nothing better than helping others--and that includes doing a bit of matchmaking (via Goodreads)

Thoughts:I had wanted to read this book a few years ago and when I was browsing through the e-book selections available through my public library, I thought why not.  It wasn't great, but then it wasn't particularly bad either.  It was basically so-so. I wasn't exactly expecting a great masterpiece, but I think I was expecting a little more than I ended up getting.  I also didn't expect that the story would be as short as it was, as it was about half of the e-copy that I had borrowed and the other half were two other stories that I didn't really expect.  Maybe I should have read the other stories included in the e-copy to get a better idea, but since I had only wanted the main story of the book, I felt that I had basically done my duty.

Bottom line: Its a good Christmas story and if you are looking for something that will be fairly easy to read during the upcoming holiday season, I would recommend the book, especially if you are needing something to occupy your time for an afternoon.

Rating: 3/5

Pages for 2013: 17, 377