Book List Update: January

As you may remember, a goal for this year is to read 100 books that I've never read before. That translates to 8-9 books a month, and I'm trying to shoot for 9. This month has been crazy; I've had two guest posts I've had to work on, a heavier than normal babysitting schedule, and I was sick for two weeks with a nasty head cold. For awhile it was looking like I wasn't going to even get 4 books read as some books took longer than I expected, but I was able to get 9 done!

Here are the books I read in January:

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein – The story was not what I imagined it was going to be like at all. It was easier to read than I imagined, and so much fun! I was entertained the whole time and hated putting it down. Loved this one!

Creative Girls Club Adventure Book #1: Wellspring of Magic by Jan Fields – Yes, this is a kid's chapter book. One of the teachers at school gave this book to us to see if Paige would be interested in it. I read it first to make sure it was something we'd want Paigey to be reading, and if it would be something that would challenge her and be enjoyable for her. It wasn't too bad; I enjoyed that the six girls in the book had to work together in order to get their jobs done. Parts of it were a little cheesy, but then again I'm not an 8 – 12 year old girl :) We will probably let Paige read this, but talk to her about certain things that our family doesn't agree with (trees having sprits, magic being in all of us, etc.).

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine – I didn't know anything about the book before reading it (well, other than it was about a girl named Ella...), so again didn't know what to expect. Although I feel like the ending was slightly rushed, I liked this book a lot. Paigey's getting this one for her birthday, so I wanted to read it first to make sure it was appropriate.

The Fiddler, Home to Hickory Hollow book #1 by Beverly Lewis - Beverly Lewis is definitely one of my favorite authors, and I'm rarely disappointed in her writing. This is a brand new series by her, and one of the librarians set the first two books aside for me after our board meeting. I love reading about the Amish; I find them fascinating! I especially loved the main character in this book, but I'm biased as she had one of my favorite girl names: Amelia.


The Bridesmaid, Home to Hickory Hollow book #2 by Beverly Lewis - Book two in the series, and I'm disappointed because I have to wait until April at the earliest until book three is released!!! Don't you just hate reading a book to find out the sequel isn't out just yet?


Where Angels Go by Debbie Macomber - Another one of my favorite authors, and this book has some of my favorite recurring characters - three angels named Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy! They get sent to Earth each year around Christmas to help answer the prayers of three people, but they get themselves into all sorts of messes along the way.

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - This was a very difficult read for me, even though it was only 100ish pages long. It was very good, but when you have a head cold, it's very hard to follow Sherlock Holmes' logic! It was neat seeing the original story; I've seen a modern day adaptation of it in Sherlock. I'll probably read this again, but it won't be one I'd read often.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - I had to get this and Through the Looking Glass from the library as I just watched Alice in Wonderland and loved it. I loved the book just as much as the movie, and couldn't put it down! I think I read it in an afternoon/evening. I ordered the children's version of this for Paige, and I can't wait until she can read it, too!

Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll - I didn't think it was possible, but this was even more nonsensical than Alice's Adventures in Wonderland! I read this in the span of 24 hours, and loved it. It's very quick and easy to read, but if you happen to skim any part, you'll get lost/confused because of all the nonsense. That probably doesn't make any sense, but I highly recommend these books!!!!


What's next on my list:
- I'm almost finished with The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett; it's taking me a lot longer to read this one because I can only read it when Paige isn't home (it's one of her birthday presents!). I read half of The Hound of the Baskervilles and both of the Alice books while reading this one.
- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
- The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber


Have you read any good books lately?