Book Challenge!!!

I find lately, that it has been hard to make time for reading...Ha! What do I mean lately?!?  Since having kids!  So, for the last 7 1/2 years! I still would go through periods where I would read more than others. This last month I have been pretty diligent in forcing time to read. Today, I came across this post on a blog I follow (http://www.maybematilda.com/) for a reading challenge! OMG! How great is that?!?  So, I am going to try it. I am a bit behind (it is for the whole year. 12 books (12 months - get it?!) Since I am behind, I picked a few books that I have read (somewhat recently) for the 5 months I have missed. If I get done with the other 7 books in good time, then I will pick an unread book for those 5. This originally came from http://modernmrsdarcy.com/, who I am now going to follow!

Thee 2015 Book Challenge

1. A book you’ve been meaning to read: How The Irish Saved Civilization (Thomas Cahill) This book has been on my reading pile for a few years. I loved it, but was usually reading at night, which is not a time you can always read a non-fiction book (at least when exhausted). I finally got to it this past month and it was FANTASTIC! I really loved it. It is part of a series (that can be read together or not). Very interesting and now I have to find books about St. Patrick. I knew some of the legends, but what an interesting man! (COMPLETED)

2) A book published this year: I need to find one. I am so out of the loop since my B&N days.

3) A book in a genre you don’t typically read: Dragonlance - Dragons of Autumn Twilight (Margaret Weiss) My husband recommended this to me a few years ago. I do not typically read Fantasy/Sci-Fi, but really enjoyed it. It was nice reading something that he enjoyed so much. (COMPLETED)

4) A book from your childhood:  I am planning to read Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery) I loved this series of books and movies. I have re-read it a few times since grade school and still enjoy it. I was so sad to read of Johnathan Crombie's (Gilbert Blythe) death that I thought this was a perfect time to revisit Prince Edward Island.

5) A book your mom loves: Outlander (Diana Galbaldon) My mom LOVES this series and has told me several times over the years that I need to read it. I am not sure why I avoided it. Probably partly from my days at B&N and constantly cleaning the shelf with this series on it. There are several and the mass markets are huge! Recently, I gave in (just in time for the series - no idea that was happening) and it was a great book. The author combines history (which I love), action and romance. I highly recommend. I have actually read the first 3 books in the series. (COMPLETED)

6) A book that was originally written in a different language: I need to come up with one for this...but I have a few ideas.

7) A book ‘everyone’ has read but you: Fifty Shades of Grey  (E. L. James) I kept avoiding this one. I hate when books are all over the place and everyone is going crazy about them (again probably because of working at B&N), but I finally decided to try it awhile back. Have to say the hype was not deserved. I could not make myself like the main character. I felt she was weak and kind of an idiot. Probably the straight forward Scorpio in me.  Plus, I do not like books or movies that seem to have the sole purpose of shock. That may have not been the author's plan, but it just read like it to me. Possibly due to all of the hype. I am not a prude and was not made to blush when reading (mabye I should not admit that?!), I just could not get myself to care about the characters at all. (COMPLETED)

8) A book you chose because of the cover: This Is Where I leave You

9) A book by your favorite author: I think I am leaning towards something by Jane Austen, but we will see...

10) A book recommended by someone with great taste: ???

11) A book you should have read in high school: Gone with the Wind (Mitchell) I have started this one a few times, but another book comes across my lap. I am reading it now for a book group.

12) A book that’s currently on the bestseller list: The Girl on the Train (Paula Hawkins) This one was listed on Maybe Matillda's site. I have heard the name, so I may go for this. I will have to make a trip to B&N to see if something else catches my fancy. I usually avoid this section.

I am so excited!!! I will update in a few months...

                                          ~ Love, Hugs & Kisses ~
                                                      The B Family