2009 1st in Series - The Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton

Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton

The Quiche of Death is book number one of the Agatha Raisin Mysteries. I originally thought there were three in this series and boy was I wrong! I checked on Amazon yesterday and last I saw they were up to book #18. It might go beyond that but I gave up searching at that point.

I really enjoyed this book. Agatha Raisin is a smart, pushy, no nonsense kinda gal. In other words....LOVE HER! This was very easy reading as it took me all of a day to get through the book. Agatha is a very lovable character. The situations she gets herself into are always good for a laugh. If you like light mysteries, I highly recommend this book.

Here is a summary from Amazon.com about the book:

Putting all her eggs in one basket, Agatha Raisin gives up her successful PR firm, sells her London flat, and samples a taste of early retirement in the quiet village of Carsely. Bored, lonely and used to getting her way, she enters a local baking contest: Surely a blue ribbon for the best quiche will make her the toast of the town. But her recipe for social advancement sours when Judge Cummings-Browne not only snubs her entry-but falls over dead! After her quiche's secret ingredient turns out to be poison, she must reveal the unsavory truth...Agatha has never baked a thing in her life! In fact, she bought her entry ready-made from an upper crust London quicherie. Grating on the nerves of several Carsely residents, she is soon receiving sinister notes. Has her cheating and meddling landed her in hot water, or are the threats related to the suspicious death? It may mean the difference between egg on her face and a coroner's tag on her toe...

2009 Support Your Local Library - Notes From a Small Island by Bill Bryson

Notes From a Small Island by Bill Bryson

Listening to this made me think of that saying....."Would you like some cheese with your WHINE!?" I really wanted to like Notes from a Small Island. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson is one of my favorite books. There were a few laughs here and there but the amount of complaining this man does just grated on my nerves. I struggled from the first disk to the last. I hate to say it but I was glad when this one ended.

Here is a summary from Amazon.com about the book:

"Before his return to the U.S. after a 20-year residence in England, journalist Bryson (Made in America) embarked on a farewell tour of his adopted homeland. His trenchant, witty and detailed observations of life in a variety of towns and villages will delight Anglophiles. Traveling only on public transportation and hiking whenever possible, Bryson wandered along the coast through Bournemouth and neighboring villages that reinforced his image of Britons as a people who rarely complain and are delighted by such small pleasures as a good tea. In Liverpool, the author's favorite English city, he visited the Merseyside Maritime Museum to experience its past as a great port. Interweaving descriptions of landscapes and everyday encounters with shopkeepers, pub customers and fellow travelers, Bryson shares what he loves best about the idiosyncrasies of everyday English life in this immensely entertaining travel memoir."

2009 Support Your Local Library - The Heretic's Daughter

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

Yet another book gets crossed off the list. I enjoyed this one. I do have to say it was tough going at first. I was warned that it was slow but to stick with it. There were a few moments in the beginning where the story would pick up and hit it's stride but then it would bottom out again. I would say the book never really held my attention until the mother was arrested. From there the story picked up speed and I could not put it down. I loved that the narrator was 10 years old. It brought a different perspective to the story. I also loved how strong she was. There were many times I had to remind myself she was only 10 years old. She came across as being an old soul who was very wise in her years.

Here is a summary from Amazon.com about the book:

"A family's conflict becomes a battle for life and death in this gripping and original first novel based on family history from a descendant of a condemned Salem witch. After a bout of smallpox, 10-year-old Sarah Carrier resumes life with her mother on their family farm in Andover, Mass., dimly aware of a festering dispute between her mother, Martha, and her uncle about the plot of land where they live. The fight takes on a terrifying dimension when reports of supernatural activity in nearby Salem give way to mass hysteria, and Sarah's uncle is the first person to point the finger at Martha. Soon, neighbors struggling to eke out a living and a former indentured servant step forward to name Martha as the source of their woes. Sarah is forced to shoulder an even heavier burden as her mother and brothers are taken to prison to face a jury of young women who claim to have felt their bewitching presence. Sarah's front-row view of the trials and the mayhem that sweeps the close-knit community provides a fresh, bracing and unconventional take on a much-covered episode."

If you are interested in the Salem witch trials or stories that reflect on that time I recommend reading this book.

Sci Fi Experience 2009

Carl is once again hosting the Sci Fi Experience.

I love this challenge because it forces me out of my comfort zone. I read everything but Sci Fi. Why? It is not because I don't like it. Like a new sweater it gets pushed to the bottom of the pile by old favorites.

I took this straight from Carl's blog:

"As I said last year, this is an experience and not a challenge. There are no reading lists, book requirements, etc. I do not argue about what is or is not considered ’science fiction’. Nothing about this two month period of science fiction celebration should cause anyone to feel obligated to participate. I host two other very involved challenges throughout the year and the last thing I want to do is start a new year adding stress to your busy lives or my own. This is simply a time to experience how exhilarating science fiction can be."

I am going to challenge myself to read at least one Sci Fi book.

Want to join me in the experience?

Click here.

Outlander Challenge 2009

The Rules:

1. Sign up!
2. You must read each of the six current Outlander Series novels prior to the publication of An Echo in the Bone (scheduled publication September 2009).
3. The format can be of your choosing (audio, book, Kindle, etc).
4. You must post your thoughts/comments/inspirations/critisisms at least once on each book.
5. Books can crossover to other reading challenges if you wish.
6. Have fun!

I just grabbed "Outlander" the other day to use as part of my 2009 Audio Book Challenge. I'm glad we are able to crossover with other reading challenges. That helps! I have heard nothing but great things about this series. I can't wait to get started.

To join me in this challenge click here.

Cornelia Funke Challenge

Zoealea over at Zoe's Book Reviews is hosting a Cornelia Funke Challenge. It started on December 1 , 2008 and ends March 1, 2009. But there is still time to sign up.

Cornelia Funke has written numerious books, one of which is currently becoming a movie.

Here are the rules:

1. You must read at least three books that are written by Cornelia Funke (i.e. Inkheart, Inkspell, Inkdeath, etc.)

2. When you join, please leave a comment on Zoe's blog, with a link to where you posted which Cornelia Funke books you are going to read.

3. You can join at any time between today and March 1, 2009.

To join me in this fun challenge click here.

I am going to be reading the following Cornelia Funke books:

1. Inkheart
2. Inkspell
3. Inkdeath

I have been wanting to read this series for some time now. I can't wait!

52 Books in 52 Weeks

Challenge yourself to finish reading 52 books in 52 weeks for 2009!

This is a challenge that is taking place over on Ravelry. You must be a member to participate. The group is 52 Books in 52 Weeks.

Care to join me in this challenge?

Click here

2009 Audio Book - The Art of Racing in the Rain

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

This is the first book I can cross off my challenge list as being DONE. What can I say about this book? I got it from the library and listened to it while I hiked, and made dinner, and drove around town. I loved this book I did not want to be a way from it for more than a few seconds at a time. When I finished the book I ran to Amazon.com and purchased it. I also bought copies for my mother and sister. I have talked about this book to everyone that will listen.

Here is a summary from Amazon.com about the book:

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.

GO READ THIS BOOK NOW!!!

One Book, One Denver

2008 marked the fifth year of One Book, One Denver, Mayor John Hickenlooper's citywide book club created to build community and encourage people to read. Denver citizens, young and old, are invited to join others in the shared experience of reading the same book and participating in fun activities through October.

This book will be topping the list of the 2009 RYOB Challenge.

I look forward to seeing what book they choose this year.

2009 On the Porch Swing Reading Challenge

Here is the 2009 On The Porch Swing Reading Challenge. Each challenge should be a different book.

• Pick a title with the word "marriage" or "marrying" or "married" in it
• Pick a title with the word "friends" or "friendship" in it
• Pick a title with the word "summer" or "winter" in it
• Pick a title with a flower name in it

If you are interested in the challenge you can join us here.

So far I have chosen The Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux.

The 2009 Support Your Local Library Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2009

J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog is hosting the 2009 Support Your Local Library Challenge.

There will be three sizes of challenges.

The first is to read 12 books from your local library in 2009.
The second is to read 25 books from your local library in 2009.
The third is to read 50 books from your local library in 2009.

Here are the rules:

• You can join anytime as long as you don’t start reading your books prior to 2009.
• This challenge is for 2009 only. The last day to have all your books read is December 31, 2009.
• You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.
• When you sign up under Mr. Linky, list the direct link to your post where your library books will be listed. If you list just your blog’s URL, it will be removed. If you don’t have a blog, leave the URL blank.
• Our goal is to read 12, 25, or 50 books checkout from our local library in 2009. Please decide which when you sign up and don’t change it.
• These can be audios, downloads, children’s, YA. As long as it’s a book, format and target age group does not matter.
• Feel free to post a link to your reviews in the comment section. That way, we can visit your blog and read your review.
  

I am signing up to listen to 12 Audio Books.

Here is my list:

1. Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt
2. The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike
3. The Widows of Eastwick by John Updike
4. Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind by Ann B. Ross
5. Goat: A Memoir by Brad Land
6. Notes From A Small Island by Bill Bryson
7. The Last Summer (of You and Me) by Ann Brashares
8. Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach
9. The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent
10. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
11. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
12. Two For The Dough by Janet Evanovich
    

Click here to join me in this challenge.

1st in Series Challenge 2009

January 1 - December 31, 2009

J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog is hosting the 2009 1st in Series Challenge.

The rules are:

• Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
• Read 12 books that are the first in any series. You may read & list your chosen books any time during the year.
• Challenge begins January thru December, 2009.
• You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.

Click here to join me in this challenge.

Here is my list:

1. Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton
2. The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) by Rick Riordan
3. A Great and Terrible Beauty (The Gemma Doyle Trilogy) by Libba Bray
4. Undead and Unwed (Queen Betsy, Book 1) by MaryJanice Davidson
5. Don't Die, Dragonfly (Seer, Book 1) by Linda Joy Singleton

2009 Audio Book Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2009

J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog is hosting the 2009 Audio Book Challenge.

Here are the rules:

• You can join anytime as long as you don’t start listening to your books prior to 2009.
• This challenge is for 2009 only. The last day to have all your books read is December 31, 2009.
• You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.
• When you sign up under Mr. Linky, list the direct link to your post where your audiobooks will be listed. If you list just your blog’s URL, it will be removed. If you don’t have a blog, leave the URL blank.
• You do not have to list your books ahead of time. If you decide to, you can change them as you go.
• Our goal is to listen to 12 audiobooks in 2009. No need to list your books now. You can do so as you go.
• Feel free to post a link to your reviews in the comment section. That way, we can visit your blog and read your review.
  

Here is my list:

1. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
2. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
3. The Witches of Chiswick by Robert Rankin
4. Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore
5. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
6. The 19th wife by David Ebershoff
7. The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler
8. Testimony by Anita Shreve
9. The Midnight Twins by Jacquelyn Mitchard
10. Looking For Alaska by John Green
11. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
12. Skin Hunger (A Resurrection of Magic) by Kathleen Duey
    

Click here to join me in this challenge.

2009 E-Book Reading Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2009

J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog is hosting the 2009 E-Book Reading Challenge.

The rules are:

• Read 10 eBooks in 2009.
• Overlaps with other challenges are fine.
• You do not have to list your books ahead of time. If you decide to, you can change them as you go. Feel free to remove or add titles as needed.
  

To join me in this challenge click here.

2009 Young Adult Book Challenge

• Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
• 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.
• Challenge begins January thru December, 2009.
• You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.
  

Click here to sign up.

RYOB 2009

• Set a goal for how many of your OWN books you’d like to read in 2009
• Read from your own collection between January 1st and December 31st, 2009

I don't know about you but I have piles of books waiting to be read. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy what I already own and knock down some of the "to be read" piles.

To read the rules and sign up click here.

I am challenging myself to read 50 of my own books.

Rolling out the Welcome Mat

This is so exciting! I feel like I just purchased my first home. Be patient with me as I unpack. If you are here because you are a reader...welcome! If you are here because you followed the link from my knitting blog...welcome! It was starting to get very crowded talking about books and book challenges over on the knitting blog so I packed up the books and book related stuff and moved it here to Reads Like A Girl. YAY!!! This is going to be a great year chock full of books!

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the one who'll decide where you'll go. Oh the places you'll go" - Dr Seuss