Cumulative Reading – November 2010

2010 Reading:
Books read in 2010 = 85
Short Stories read in 2010 = 14
Total reads in 2010 = 99

10/10 reads in 2010 = 11
DNFs in 2010 = 8
New reads in 2010 = 76
Rereads in 2010 = 23
paper books : eBooks = 52 : 47 = 53 % : 47 %

Pages read in 2010 (according to Goodreads) = 31598

2010 Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 20
Big Book Challenge = 12

2010 List Progress:
eBooks read = 47
SFF books read = 73
Library Books read = 29
Audiobooks listened to = 0

2010 Completed Challenges:
Sci Fi Experience = 9
Once Upon a Time IV Challenge = 11
Time Quintet Readalong = 4

November 2010 Reading

1. Indulgence in Death – J. D. Robb (373pp)
   Eve Dallas, Book 38; Futuristic Mystery; eBook; 8/10
2. Seabiscuit – Laura Hillenbrand (453pp)
   Non-Fiction; 8/10
3. Bonds of Justice – Nalini Singh (348pp)
   Psy/Changeling, Book 8; Paranormal Romance; eBook; 8/10
4. Guardian of the Dead – Karen Healey (348pp)
   YA; Fantasy; New Zealand; 10/10
5. Fugitive Prince – Janny Wurts (576pp)
   Wars of Light and Shadow, Book 4; Fantasy; eBook; 10/10
6. How Do You Tuck in a Superhero? – Rachel Balducci (208pp)
   Non-Fiction; Library Book; 6/10
7. Paper Cradle – Stephen Gaskell
   Short Story; Web/eBook; 6/10
8. A Study in Emerald – Neil Gaiman
   Short Story; Web; 7/10
9. Hokkaido Green – Aidan Doyle
   Short Story; Web/eBook; 5/10

Best book of the month = Fugitive Prince
Biggest disappointment of the month = Hokkaido Green

November Reading:
Books read this month = 6
Short Stories read this month = 3
Total reads this month = 9

10/10 reads this month = 1
DNFs this month = 0
New reads this month = 9
Rereads this month = 0
paper books : eBooks = 3 : 5 = 33.3 % : 66.6 %

Pages read this month = 1994

November Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 0
Big Book Challenge = 1

November List Progress:
eBooks read = 6
SFF books read = 6
Library Books read = 1
Audiobooks listened to = 0

Cumulative Totals – October 2010

2010 Reading:
Books read in 2010 = 79
Short Stories read in 2010 = 11
Total reads in 2010 = 90

10/10 reads in 2010 = 10
DNFs in 2010 = 8
New reads in 2010 = 67
Rereads in 2010 = 23
paper books : eBooks = 49 : 41 = 54 % : 46 %

Pages read in 2010 (according to Goodreads) = 29604

2010 Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 20
Big Book Challenge = 11

2010 List Progress:
eBooks read = 41
SFF books read = 67
Library Books read = 28
Audiobooks listened to = 0

2010 Completed Challenges:
Sci Fi Experience = 9
Once Upon a Time IV Challenge = 11
Time Quintet Readalong = 4

October 2010 Reading

1. Son of the Shadows – Juliet Marillier (608pp)
   Sevenwaters, Book 2; Fantasy; 9/10
2. Whisper of Sin – Nalini Singh (unknown)
   Psy-Changeling, Book 8.5; Short Story; Paranormal Romance; 8/10
3. Here, There Be Monsters – Meljean Brook (unknown)
   The Iron Seas, Book 0.5; Short Story; Steampunk Romance; 8/10
4. Anatomy of an Epidemic – Robert Whitaker (416pp)
   Non-Fiction; Library Book; 6/10
5. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks – Rebecca Skloot (369pp)
   Non-Fiction; Library Book; 10/10
6. Warhost of Vastmark – Janny Wurts (576pp)
   Wars of Light and Shadow, Book 3; Fantasy; 10/10
7. Tea with the Black Dragon – R. A. MacAvoy (176pp)
   Fantasy; eBook; Reread; 7/10
8. Cryoburn – Lois McMaster Bujold (345pp)
   Vorkosigan, Book 14; SF; 10/10
9. How to Fossilise Your Hamster – Mick O’Hare (256pp)
   Non-Fiction; Library Book; DNF
10. Ten Things I Love About You – Julia Quinn (377pp)
    Bevelstokes, Book 3; Romance; eBook; 7/10

Best book of the month = Warhost of Vastmark (Cryoburn was a very close second)
Biggest disappointment of the month = Tea With the Black Dragon (because it wasn’t as good as I remember, not because it was bad)

October Reading:
Books read this month = 7
Short Stories read this month = 2
Total reads this month = 9

10/10 reads this month = 2
DNFs this month = 1
New reads this month = 8
Rereads this month = 1
paper books : eBooks = 5 : 4 = 56 % : 44 %

Pages read this month = 2867

October Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 1
Big Book Challenge = 1

October List Progress:
eBooks read = 4
SFF books read = 6
Library Books read = 2
Audiobooks listened to = 0

Women of Science Fiction 2011 Book Club

TJ at Dreams and Speculation is holding this book club to read a great selection of science fiction written by women in 2011. Some of these I have read and some are already on my TBR list; there is no obligation to read all 12 books, so I shall give it a go and see what happens.

The full list of books and details on how to sign up are here.

I’ll add details when I start and finish any of the books – and hopefully there will be reviews over on Saving My Sanity… but, as always, that will be dependant on my health.

1. Dust – Elizabeth Bear (completed 11-1-11)
2. The Dispossessed – Ursula K. Le Guin
3. Darkship Thieves – Sarah A. Hoyt
4. The Doomsday Book – Connie Willis (read in 2007)
5. Mappa Mundi – Justina Robson
6. Lilith’s Brood – Octavia E. Butler
7. Cordelia’s Honor – Lois McMaster Bujold (most recently read in 2009)
8. China Mountain Zhang – Maureen McHugh
9. Remnant Population – Elizabeth Moon
10. Farthing – Jo Walton
11. The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
12. City of Pearl – Karen Traviss (read in 2008)

There is also the option to read short stories from the collection, Her Smoke Rose Up Forever – by James Tiptree, Jn (who is, indeed, a woman of science fiction).

Women of Fantasy 2011 Book Club

Erica at Jawas Read Too is holding this book club to read a great selection of fantasy written by women in 2011. Several of these are already on my TBR list and there is no obligation to read all 12 books, so I shall give it a go and see what happens.

The full list of books and details on how to sign up are here.

I’ll add details when I start and finish any of the books – and hopefully there will be reviews over on Saving My Sanity… but, as always, that will be dependant on my health.

1. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms – N. K. Jemisin (completed 6-1-11)
2. Elfland – Freda Warrington
3. Prospero Lost – L. Jagi Lamplighter
4. Four and Twenty Blackbirds – Cherie Priest
5. War for the Oaks – Emma Bull
6. The Dark Mirror – Juliet Marillier
7. All the Windwracked Stars – Elizabeth Bear
8. Indigo Springs – A. M. Dellamonica
9. Firebird – Mercedes Lackey
10. Tooth and Claw – Jo Walton
11. The Gaslight Dogs – Karin Lowachee
12. Reader’s Choice

10/10 Reads for 2010

1. Mirror Dance – Lois McMaster Bujold
2. Shalador’s Lady – Anne Bishop
3. Memory – Lois McMaster Bujold
4. A Swiftly Tilting Planet – Madeleine L’Engle
5. Silver Borne – Patricia Briggs
6. Sunshine – Robin McKinley
7. The Curse of the Mistwraith – Janny Wurts
8. The Ships of Merior – Janny Wurts
9. Warhost of Vastmark - Janny Wurts
10. Cryoburn - Lois McMaster Bujold
11. Fugitive Prince - Janny Wurts

DNF Reads for 2010

1. Jacob’s Faith – Lora Leigh
2. Except the Queen – Jane Yolen and Midori Snyder
3. Doctor Who: The Writer’s Tale (The Final Chapter) – Russell T. Davies and Benjamin Cook
4. The Passage – Justin Cronin
5. Event – David L. Golemon
6. Sweet Danger – Margery Allingham
7. Magic to the Bone – Devon Monk
8. How to Fossilise Your Hamster - Mick O'Hare

Cumulative Totals – September 2010

2010 Reading:
Books read in 2010 = 72
Short Stories read in 2010 = 9
Total reads in 2010 = 81

10/10 reads in 2010 = 8
DNFs in 2010 = 7
New reads in 2010 = 59
Rereads in 2010 = 22
paper books : eBooks = 44 : 37 = 54 % : 46 %

Pages read in 2010 (according to Goodreads) = 26737

2010 Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 19
Big Book Challenge = 10

2010 List Progress:
eBooks read = 37
SFF books read = 61
Library Books read = 26
Audiobooks listened to = 0

2010 Completed Challenges:
Sci Fi Experience = 9
Once Upon a Time IV Challenge = 11
Time Quintet Readalong = 4

September 2010 Reading

1. The Owl Keeper – Christine Brodien-Jones (320pp)
   YA; Fantasy; eBook; 6/10
2. Different Learners – Jane M. Healy (416pp)
   Non-Fiction; Library Book; 7/10
3. The Ships of Merior – Janny Wurts (738pp)
   Wars of Light and Shadow, Book 2; Fantasy; 10/10
4. Magic to the Bone – Devon Monk (368pp)
   Allie Beckstrom, Book 1; Urban Fantasy; eBook; DNF
5. I’d Rather Eat Chocolate – Joan Sewell (224pp)
   Non-Fiction; Library Book; 5/10

Best book of the month = The Ships of Merior
Biggest disappointment of the month = I’d Rather Eat Chocolate

September Reading:
Books read this month = 4
Short Stories read this month = 0
Total reads this month = 4

10/10 reads this month = 1
DNFs this month = 1
New reads this month = 4
Rereads this month = 0
paper books : eBooks = 4 : 0 = 100 % : 0 %

Pages read this month = 320 + 416 + 738 + 224 = 1698

September Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 0
Big Book Challenge = 1

September List Progress:
eBooks read = 0
SFF books read = 2
Library Books read = 2
Audiobooks listened to = 0

Cumulative Totals – August 2010

2010 Reading:
Books read in 2010 = 68
Short Stories read in 2010 = 9
Total reads in 2010 = 77

10/10 reads in 2010 = 7
DNFs in 2010 = 6
New reads in 2010 = 55
Rereads in 2010 = 22
paper books : eBooks = 40 : 37 = 52 % : 48 %

Pages read in 2010 (according to Goodreads) = 25039

2010 Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 19
Big Book Challenge = 9

2010 List Progress:
eBooks read = 37
SFF books read = 59
Library Books read = 24
Audiobooks listened to = 0

August 2010 Reading

1. Inhuman – Eileen Wilks (unknown)
   Lupi, Book 3.5; Short Story; Fantasy; eBook; 7/10
2. The Passage – Justin Cronin (769pp)
   Literary Fiction; Library Book; DNF
3. The Suitcase Kid – Jacqueline Wilson (160pp)
   Children; Library Book; 7/10
4. Event – David L. Golemon (482pp)
   Thriller; SF; Library Book; DNF
5. Night Season – Eileen Wilks (352pp)
   Lupi, Book 4; Fantasy; eBook; 8/10
6. Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return – Marjane Satrapi (187pp)
   Graphic Novel; Non-Fiction; Library Book; 7/10
7. Stork Raving Mad – Donna Andrews (309pp)
   Meg Langslow, Book 12; Cozy Mystery; Library Book; 9/10
8. The Curse of the Mistwraith – Janny Wurts (841pp)
   The Wars of Light and Shadow, Book 1; Fantasy; 10/10
9. The Undrowned Child – Michelle Lovric (432pp)
   YA; Library Book; 5/10
10. Shadows Past – Lorna Freeman (400pp)
    Borderlands, Book 3; Fantasy; eBook; 6/10
11. Sweet Danger – Margery Allingham (251pp)
    Albert Campion, Book 5; Mystery; Audiobook; Reread; DNF
12. When You Reach Me – Rebecca Stead (199pp)
    Children; Fantasy'; eBook; 9/10

Best book of the month = The Curse of the Mistwraith
Biggest surprise of the month = When You Reach Me
Biggest disappointment of the month = Shadows Past

August Reading:
Books read this month = 8
Short Stories read this month = 1
Total reads this month = 9

10/10 reads this month = 1
DNFs this month = 3
New reads this month = 8
Rereads this month = 1
paper books : eBooks = 5 : 4 = 56 % : 44 %

Pages read this month = 160 + 352 + 187 + 309 + 841 + 432 + 400 +199 = 2880

August Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 0
Big Book Challenge = 1

August List Progress:
eBooks read = 4
SFF books read = 6
Library Books read = 4
Audiobooks listened to = 0

Cumulative Totals - July 2010

2010 Reading:
Books read in 2010 = 60
Short Stories read in 2010 = 8
Total reads in 2010 = 68

10/10 reads in 2010 = 6
DNFs in 2010 = 3
New reads in 2010 = 47
Rereads in 2010 = 21
paper books : eBooks = 35 : 33 = 51 % : 49 %

Pages read in 2010 (according to Goodreads) = 22159

2010 Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 19
Big Book Challenge = 8

2010 List Progress:
eBooks read = 33
SFF books read = 53
Library Books read = 20
Audiobooks listened to = 0

2010 Completed Challenges:
Sci Fi Experience = 9
Once Upon a Time IV Challenge = 11
Time Quintet Readalong = 4

July 2010 Reading

1. Pretty Polly – Barbara Hambly (unknown)
   Darwath; Short Story; Fantasy; 8/10
2. The Last Stormlord – Glenda Larke (674pp)
   Watergivers, Book 1; Fantasy; eBook; 9/10
3. Restoring Harmony – Joelle Anthony (320pp)
   YA; SF; Library Book; 6/10
4. Persepolis – Marjane Satrapi (160pp)
   Graphic Novel; Non Fiction; Library Book; 7/10
5. The Deadly Dinner Party – Dr Jonathan A. Edlow (264pp)
   Non Fiction; Library Book; 6/10
6. Dragon Prince – Melanie Rawn (576pp)
   Dragon Prince, Book 1; Fantasy; eBook; Reread; 9/10
7. The Fire King – Marjorie M. Liu (336pp)
   Dirk and Steele, Book 9; Paranormal Romance; eBook; 8/10
8. Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang – Kate Wilhelm (256pp)
   Science Fiction; Reread; 9/10
9. Scatterlings – Isobelle Carmody
   Children; SF; eBook; 7/10

Best book of the month = Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang
Biggest surprise of the month = Persepolis
Biggest disappointment of the month = Restoring Harmony

July Reading:
Books read this month = 8
Short Stories read this month = 1
Total reads this month = 9

10/10 reads this month = 0
DNFs this month = 0
New reads this month = 7
Rereads this month = 2
paper books : eBooks = 4 : 5 = 44 % : 56 %

Pages read this month = 674 + 320 + 160 = 264 + 576 + 336 + 256 + 238 = 2824

June Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 2
Big Book Challenge = 2

June List Progress:
eBooks read = 5
SFF books read = 7
Library Books read = 3
Audiobooks listened to = 0

Cumulative Totals - June

2010 Reading:
Books read in 2010 = 52
Short Stories read in 2010 = 7
Total reads in 2010 = 59

10/10 reads in 2010 = 6
DNFs in 2010 = 3
New reads in 2010 = 40
Rereads in 2010 = 19
paper books : eBooks = 31 : 28 = 53 % : 47 %

Pages read in 2010 (according to Goodreads) = 19335

2010 Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 17
Big Book Challenge = 6

2010 List Progress:
eBooks read = 28
SFF books read = 46
Library Books read = 17
Audiobooks listened to = 0

2010 Completed Challenges:
Sci Fi Experience = 9
Once Upon a Time IV Challenge = 11
Time Quintet Readalong = 4

June 2010 Reading

1. Saltation – Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (400pp)
   Liaden Universe, Book 12; SF; 8/10
2. Doctor Who: The Writer’s Tale (The Final Chapter) – Russell T. Davies and Benjamin Cook (768pp)
   Media; Non-Fiction; Library Book; DNF
3. Local Custom – Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (320pp)
   Liaden Universe, Book 1; SF; 9/10
4. Feed – Mira Grant (608 pages)
   Newsflesh, Book 1; SF; Library Book; 9/10

Best book of the month = Local Custom
Biggest disappointment of the month = Doctor Who: The Writer’s Tale

June Reading:
Books read this month = 3
Short Stories read this month = 0
Total reads this month = 3

10/10 reads this month = 0
DNFs this month = 1
New reads this month = 2
Rereads this month = 1
paper books : eBooks = 2 : 1 = 66 % : 33 %

Pages read this month = 400 + 320 + 608 = 1328

June Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 1
Big Book Challenge = 1
Once Upon a Time IV Challenge = 0

June List Progress:
eBooks read = 1
SFF books read = 3
Library Books read = 1
Audiobooks listened to = 0

Cumulative Totals - May

2010 Reading:
Books read in 2010 = 49
Short Stories read in 2010 = 7
Total reads in 2010 = 56

10/10 reads in 2010 = 6
DNFs in 2010 = 2
New reads in 2010 = 38
Rereads in 2010 = 18
paper books : eBooks = 29 : 27 = 52 % : 48 %

Pages read in 2010 (according to Goodreads) = 18007

2010 Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 16
Big Book Challenge = 5
Once Upon a Time IV Challenge = 11

2010 List Progress:
eBooks read = 27
SFF books read = 43
Library Books read = 16
Audiobooks listened to = 0

2010 Completed Challenges:
Sci Fi Experience = 9

May 2010 Reading

1. Sunshine – Robin McKinley (389pp)
   Fantasy; Library Book; 10/10
2. Fledgling – Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (384pp)
   Liaden Universe, Book 11; SF; 8/10
3. The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York – Deborah Blum (336pp)
   Non-Fiction; Library Book; 9/10
4. The Tender Leaves – Essie Summers (188pp)
   Romance; Reread; 8/10
5. Devil to Pay (in the anthology Four Dukes and a Devil) – Jeannine Frost (unknown)
   Night Huntress World; Paranormal Romance; Short Story; 7/10
6. Through Violet Eyes – Stephen Woodworth (368pp)
   Violets, Book 1; SF; Mystery; Reread; eBook; 7/10
7. With Red Hands – Stephen Woodworth (336pp)
   Violets, Book 2; SF; Mystery; eBook; 7/10

Best book of the month = Sunshine
Biggest disappointment of the month = none

May Reading:
Books read this month = 6
Short Stories read this month = 1
Total reads this month = 7

10/10 reads this month = 1
DNFs this month = 0
New reads this month = 5
Rereads this month = 2
paper books : eBooks = 4 : 3 = 57 % : 43 %

Pages read this month = 389 + 384 + 336 + 188 + 368 + 336 = 2001

May Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 2
Big Book Challenge = 0
Once Upon a Time IV Challenge = 1

May List Progress:
eBooks read = 3
SFF books read = 5
Library Books read = 2
Audiobooks listened to = 0

Cumulative Totals - April

2010 Reading:
Books read in 2010 = 43
Short Stories read in 2010 = 6
Total reads in 2010 = 49

10/10 reads in 2010 = 5
DNFs in 2010 = 2
New reads in 2010 = 33
Rereads in 2010 = 16
paper books : eBooks = 25 : 24 = 51 % : 49 %

Pages read in 2010 (according to Goodreads) = 16006

2010 Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 14 (excludes short stories)
Big Book Challenge = 5
Once Upon a Time IV Challenge = 10

2010 List Progress:
eBooks read = 24
SFF books read = 38
Library Books read = 14
Audiobooks listened to = 0

2010 Completed Challenges:
Sci Fi Experience = 9

April 2010 Reading

1. The Ivory and the Horn – Charles de Lint (338pp)
   Newford, Book 6; Urban Fantasy; eBook; 7/10
2. Except the Queen – Jane Yolen and Midori Snyder (371pp)
   Fantasy; Library Book; DNF
3. A Civil Campaign – Lois McMaster Bujold (405pp)
   Vorkosigan, Book 12; SF; eBook; Reread; 9/10
4. Winterfair Gifts – Lois McMaster Bujold (71pp)
   Vorkosigan, Book 12.5; SF; eBook; Reread; 9/10
5. Howl’s Moving Castle – Diana Wynne Jones (304pp)
   Wizard Howl, Book 1; Fantasy; Children; Library Book; 8/10
6. At Grave’s End – Jeaniene Frost (342pp)
   Night Huntress, Book 3; Urban Fantasy; eBook; 8/10
7. Aiden’s Charity – Lora Leigh (223pp)
   Breeds, Book 11; Erotic Romance; Paranormal; Short Story; eBook; 6/10
8. Jacob’s Faith – Lora Leigh (257pp)
   Breeds, Book 12; Erotic Romance; Paranormal; Short Story; eBook; 5/10
9. Seeker – Jack McDevitt (384pp)
   Alex Benedict, Book 3; SF; eBook; 8/10
10. Silver Borne – Patricia Briggs (342pp)
    Mercedes Thompson, Book 5; Urban Fantasy; 10/10
11. Heart Mate – Robin D. Owens (340pp)
    Celta, Book 1; Fantasy; Romance; Reread; eBook; 7/10
12. The Girl Who Chased the Moon – Sarah Addison Allen (269pp)
    Magic Realism, Library Book; 7/10
13. Chicks Dig Time Lords – Tara O’Shea and Lynne M. Thomas (eds) (192pp)
    Non-Fiction; Media; 7/10
14. The Iron King – Julie Kagawa (363pp)
    Iron Fey, Book 1; YA; Fantasy; eBook; 7/10
15. Diplomatic Immunity – Lois McMaster Bujold (211pp)
    Vorkosigan, book 13; SF; eBook; Reread; 8/10
16. Many Waters – Madeleine L’Engle (310pp)
    Time Quintet, Book 4; Children; SF/Fantasy; Reread; 7/10

Best book of the month = Silver Borne
Biggest disappointment of the month = Jacob’s Faith and Aiden’s Charity

April Reading:
Books read this month = 12
Short Stories read this month = 3
Total reads this month = 15

10/10 reads this month = 1
DNFs this month = 1
New reads this month = 9
Rereads this month = 6
paper books : eBooks = 5 : 10 = 33 % : 66 %

Pages read this month = 338 + 405 + 71 + 304 + 342 + 223 + 257 + 384 + 342 + 340 + 269 + 192 + 363 + 211 + 310 = 4351

April Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 5
Big Book Challenge = 0
Once Upon a Time IV Challenge = 8

April List Progress:
eBooks read = 10
SFF books read = 12
Library Books read = 2
Audiobooks listened to = 0

Cumulative Totals – March

2010 Reading:
Books read in 2010 = 31
Short Stories read in 2010 = 3
Total reads in 2010 = 34

10/10 reads in 2010 = 4
DNFs in 2010 = 1
New reads in 2010 = 24
Rereads in 2010 = 10
paper books : eBooks = 20 : 14 = 59 % : 41 %

Pages read in 2010 (according to Goodreads) = 11655

2010 Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 9
Big Book Challenge = 5
Once Upon a Time IV Challenge = 2

2010 List Progress:
eBooks read = 14
SFF books read = 26
Library Books read = 12
Audiobooks listened to = 0

2010 Completed Challenges:
Sci Fi Experience = 9

March 2010 Reading

1. Prophecy: Child of Earth – Elizabeth Haydon (736pp)
   Symphony of Ages, Book 2; Fantasy; 9/10
2. Blackout – Connie Willis (491pp)
   SF; eBook; 8/10
3. Fantasy in Death – J. D. Robb (368pp)
   Eve Dallas, Book 37; Futuristic; eBook; 8/10
4. Shalador’s Lady – Anne Bishop (448pp)
   Black Jewels, Book 8; Fantasy; 10/10
5. Devil Bones – Kathy Reichs (310 pp)
   Temperance Brennan, Book 11; Mystery; eBook; 6/10
6. The Dead and the Gone – Susan Beth Pfeffer (321pp)
   Moon Crash, Book 2; YA; SF; Library Book; 7/10
7. Memory – Lois McMaster Bujold (345pp)
   Vorkosigan, Book 9; SF; Reread; eBook; 10/10
8. Komarr – Lois McMaster Bujold (320pp)
   Vorkosigan, Book 10; SF; Reread; eBook; 9/10
9. Enchanted Glass – Diana Wynne Jones (331pp)
   YA; Fantasy; 8/10
10. Archangel’s Kiss – Nalini Singh (352pp)
    Guild Hunter, Book 2; Fantasy; Romance; 8/10
11. Acheron (Part II) – Sherrilyn Kenyon (293pp)
    Dark-Hunters, Book 15; partial read; Reread; eBook; 7/10
12. A Swiftly Tilting Planet – Madeleine L’Engle (278pp)
    Time Quintet, Book 3; Children; SF; Reread; 10/10
13. The American Heiress – Dorothy Eden (218pp)
    Fiction; Library Book; 7/10
14. The Women of Nell Gwynne’s – Kage Baker (122pp)
    SF; Novella; Library Book; 6/10
15. The Line – Teri Hall (220pp)
    The Line, Book 1; YA; SF; Library Book; 7/10

Best book of the month = Shalador’s Lady
Biggest disappointment of the month = Devil Bones

March Reading:
Books read this month = 13
Short Stories read this month = 2
Total reads this month = 15

10/10 reads this month = 3
DNFs this month = 0
New reads this month = 10
Rereads this month = 5
paper books : eBooks = 9 : 6 = 60 % : 40 %

Pages read this month = 736 + 491 + 368 + 448 + 310 + 321 + 345 + 320 + 331 + 352 + 293 + 278 + 218 + 122 + 220 = 5153

March Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 4
Big Book Challenge = 1
Once Upon a Time IV Challenge = 2

March List Progress:
eBooks read = 6
SFF books read = 12
Library Books read = 4
Audiobooks listened to = 0

Stitching WIPs

These are links to my photo albums for each of my stitching works in progress (WIPs). It seemed the easiest way to make them quickly accessible.

1. Defender of the Kingdom from Heaven and Earth Designs
2. Dawn Star from Character Creations (custom chart)
3. Illuminated Medieval Sampler from Chatelaine
4. Garnet QS from Heaven and Earth Designs
5. Cinderella from Mirabilia
6. Second Chances – Ink Circles
7. The Bookshelf – Little House Needleworks
8. Dragonfly Quaker – Stickideen von de Wiehenburg

Once Upon a Time IV

Each year, Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings hosts the Once Upon a Time challenge. It’s a chance to read fantasy, mythology, folklore and fairy tales. It is, of course, right up my alley. Last year was the first time I signed up. I didn’t quite manage to complete it, easily reading the books component, but not managing to watch A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I was going to take the easy way and just sign up for the books this year, but I’ve decided to take the risk. It won’t be the end of the world if I don’t manage it and it gives me something to aim for.

So I’ve decided to aim for “Quest the Third”. The challenge is to read at least 5 books that fit somewhere within the Once Upon a Time IV criteria. They might all be fantasy, or folklore, or fairy tales, or mythology…or your five books might be a combination from the four genres AND top it off with a June reading of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream OR a viewing of one of the many theatrical versions of the play. I’m planning to watch the play rather than read it.

The timetable for the challenge is between Sunday, 21st March and Sunday, 20th June 2010.

My Once Upon a Time IV reading list (reviews over on Saving My Sanity...):

1. Enchanted Glass – Diana Wynne Jones
2. Archangel’s Kiss – Nalini Singh
3. The Ivory and the Horn - Charles de Lint
4. Howl's Moving Castle - Diana Wynne Jones
5. At Grave's End - Jeaniene Frost
6. Silver Borne - Patricia Briggs
7. Heart Mate - Robin D. Owen
8. The Girl Who Chased the Moon - Sarah Addison Allen
9. The Iron King - Julie Kagawa
10. Many Waters - Madeleine L'Engle
11. Sunshine - Robin McKinley

Once again I failed to watch the play (usual excuse of bad health and little energy), but I'm happy with the books I managed to get read. And if nothing else, it is lovely opportunity to see what books I'm reading in a certain genre over a certain amount of time.

Cumulative Totals - February

2010 Reading:
Books read in 2010 = 18
Short Stories read in 2010 = 1
Total reads in 2010 = 19

10/10 reads in 2010 = 1
DNFs in 2010 = 1
New reads in 2010 = 14
Rereads in 2010 = 5
paper books : eBooks = 11 : 8 = 58 % : 42 %

Pages read in 2010 (according to Goodreads) = 6502

2010 Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 5
Big Book Challenge = 4
Sci Fi Experience = 9

2010 List Progress:
eBooks read = 8
SFF books read = 14
Library Books read = 8
Audiobooks listened to = 0

February 2010 Reading

1. The Ask and the Answer – Patrick Ness (519pp)
   Chaos Walking, Book 2; YA SF; 8/10
2. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie – Alan Bradley (304pp)
   Flavia de Luce, Book 1; Mystery; Library Book; 7/10
3. Doctor Who: The Writer’s Tale – Russell T. Davies and Benjamin Cook (512 pp)
   Non-Fiction; Media; Library Book; 9/10
4. Doubleblind – Ann Aguirre (320pp)
   Sirantha Jax, Book 3; SF; eBook; 8/10
5. Magic Under Glass – Jaclyn Dolamore (240pp)
   Fantasy; YA'; Library Book; 7/10
6. A Wind in the Door – Madeleine L’Engle (203pp)
   Time Quintet, Book 2; Children; SF; Reread; 7/10
7. This Alien Shore – C. S. Friedman (576pp)
   SF; eBook; 9/10
8. Life As We Knew It – Susan Beth Pfeffer (352pp)
   Moon Crash, Book 1; SF; YA; Library Book; 9/10
9. Ace of Cakes – Duff Goldman (256pp)
   Non-Fiction; Library Book; 7/10

Best book of the month = This Alien Shore
Biggest disappointment of the month = The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

February Reading:
Books read this month = 9
Short Stories read this month = 0
Total reads this month = 9

10/10 reads this month = 0
DNFs this month = 0
New reads this month = 8
Rereads this month = 1
paper books : eBooks = 7 : 2 = 78 % : 22 %

Pages read this month = 519 + 304 + 512 + 320 + 240 +203 + 576 + 352 + 256 = 3282

February Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 1
Big Book Challenge = 3
Sci Fi Experience = 6

February List Progress:
eBooks read = 2
SFF books read = 6
Library Books read = 5
Audiobooks listened to = 0

2010 Cumulative Totals - January

2010 Reading:
Books read in 2010 = 9
Short Stories read in 2010 = 1
Total reads in 2010 = 10

10/10 reads in 2010 = 1 
DNFs in 2010 = 1
New reads in 2010 = 6
Rereads in 2010 = 4
paper books : eBooks = 4 : 6  = 40 % : 60 %

Pages read in 2010 = 3220

2010 Challenges Progress: 
Flashback Reading Challenge = 4
Big Book Challenge = 1
Sci Fi Experience = 3

2010 List Progress: 
eBooks read = 6
SFF books read = 8
Library Books read = 2
Audiobooks listened to = 0

January 2010 Reading

1. Earth’s Magic – Pamela F. Service (240pp)
   New Magic, Book 3; Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy; eBook; 7/10
2. Mercy Thompson: Homecoming – Patricia Briggs (168pp)
   Mercy Thompson, Book 0; Urban Fantasy; Graphic Novel; Library Book; 7/10
3. The Compass Rose – Gail Dayton (464pp)
   The One Rose, Book 1; Fantasy; eBook; Reread; 8/10
4. The Knife of Never Letting Go – Patrick Ness (479pp)
   Chaos Walking, Book 1; YA SF; Library Book; 9/10
5. The Barbed Rose – Gail Dayton (448pp)
   The One Rose, Book 2; Fantasy; eBook; Reread; 7/10
6. The Eternal Rose – Gail Dayton (400pp)
   The One Rose, Book 3; Fantasy; eBook; 8/10
7. Raising Boys – Steve Biddulph
   Non-Fiction; Library Book; 7/10
8. Mirror Dance – Lois McMaster Bujold (592pp)
   Vorkosigan, Book 9; Science Fiction; eBook; Reread; 10/10
9. A Wrinkle in Time – Madeleine L’Engle (184pp)
   Time Quintet, Book 1; Children; SF; Reread; 9/10
10. Wolfe’s Hope – Lora Leigh (29 pp)
    Breeds, Book 10; Short Story; Erotic Romance; eBook; 5/10
11. Jacob’s Faith – Lora Leigh (257 pp)
    Breeds, Book 11; Erotic Romance; eBook; DNF

Best book of the month = The Knife of Never Letting Go
Biggest disappointment of the month = Wolfe’s Hope

January Reading:
Books read this month = 9
Short Stories read this month = 1
Total reads this month = 10

10/10 reads this month = 1
DNFs this month = 1
New reads this month = 6
Rereads this month = 4
paper books : eBooks = 4 : 6 = 40 % : 60 %

Pages read this month = 240 + 168 = 464 + 479 + 448 + 400 + 216 + 592 + 184 + 29 = 3220

January Challenges Progress:
Flashback Reading Challenge = 4
Big Book Challenge = 1
Sci Fi Experience = 3

January List Progress:
eBooks read = 6
SFF books read = 8
Library Books read = 3
Audiobooks listened to = 0

Marcus’ 2010 Reading List

Marcus has just graduated to chapter books from picture books, meaning I have to step up a level too in the books I read to him. So, since I have lists of the books I read, he wants a list too. Here we go, a list of Marcus’ reading for 2010 (excluding picture books – of which I’m sure we’ll still read plenty – and school reading books). The name in brackets is who did the actual reading.

1. Mad Grandad’s Robot Garden – Oisin McGann (Marcus)
2. Blast Off! – Margaret Clark (Marcus)
3. The Fairground Ghost - Felicity Everett (Marcus)
4. Captain Clawbeak and the Red Herring - Anne Morgan (Marcus)
5. Dragon's Fat Cat - Dav Pilkey (Marcus)
6. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - C. S. Lewis (Mummy)
7. Captain Clawbeak: The One and Only - Anne Morgan (Marcus)
8. The New Adventures of the Wishing Chair: The Land of Mythical Creatures - created by Enid Blyton (Marcus)

Time Quartet/Quintet Read-Along

Madeleine L’Engle’s Time Trilogy/Quartet/Quintet books were some of my favourites growing up. So I’m going to try to take the opportunity being offered by Kailana at The Written Word to reread them in the first half of 2010.

Here are Kailana’s guidelines:

1. You have until January 31st to finish the book.
2. On January 15th I will post a place to talk about spoiler-related things. Things you want to talk about but can't mention in your review.
3. The reviews should aim to be finished on the last week of January because I want to have questions that everyone answers in their posts and people need to have time to come up with them.
4. For a sense of community I am hoping that people will come up with questions about the book. I am hoping to have them all by the 20th so I can post them and people can write their reviews. Even if you take the whole month to read the book I hope you will come up with questions. Send in a few so there are some variety. It isn't much fun if people send the same questions over and over again. How you choose to use the questions (and whether you choose to use all of them) is up to you.
5. When I post the questions on the 20th, I will also post a place to post links to your reviews.
6. Feel free to use the button, made by Jason, wherever you want. It's great!

Will I make it? Let us see…

1. A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle
2. A Wind in the Door - Madeleine L'Engle
3. A Swiftly Tilting Planet - Madeleine L'Engle
4. Many Waters - Madeleine L'Engle

I did start the last book, An Acceptable Time, in May, but I don't think I even finished before I realised I simply didn't feel like reading it. The lovely feeling of the earlier books seemed missing and I just wasn't interested. Since my reading is a bit of the struggle at the moment and the TBR is more out of control than usual, I decided to pass on it.

I'm still happy with my success with the challege and I really enjoyed the reread. Most of all, I'm delighted that A Swiftly Tilting Planet didn't let me down and remained the amazing read I remembered from childhood.

Thank you Ms L'Engle so a wonderful trip around the universe and down memory lane.