Bookmark Break Challenge (5 Months Update!)

I Read 9 Books This Month!!!

But I don't want to brag or anything. Just very happy!

Another month, another update as per usual. I saw some numbers, not unlike my own, skyrocket this month! That's always very nice to see. Take a look where the standings are at...

Competitor's List:

• Ruthie (98 Books)
• Casper (65 Books)
• Susan (63 Books)
• PoeKitten (44 Books)
• Corina (33 Books)
• Natalie (32 Books)
• Kyria (27 Books)
• AubrieAnne (25 Books)
• Julie (25 Books)
• Shah (25 Books)
• SimplyMe (23 Books)
• Sierra (23 Books)
• Lynette (23 Books)
• Eden Mabee (18 Books)
• Ib (11 Books)
• Shan (10 Books)
• Kea (10 Books)
• Tegan (9 Books)
• Andi (8 Books)
• Cheney (7 Books)
• The Creative Muslimah (3 Book)
• Patrick (3 Books)
• Lesley (3 Book)
• Mrs. Facehead (1 Book)

Woo Hoo! That's a healthy looking list with a full cast ranging from CRAZY readers, to sensible readers! I, personally, am well on my way to completing my goal of 1 book per week. I think I'm actually head by a few. I knocked down 3 of my 4 rereads this month which makes me very happy! AND I completeed my monthly goal of breaking into the twenties as far as how many books I have read thus far! Shah, I told you I'd catch up with you!

I think it is time for a bit of an Impromtu Q & A!!!

Answer these questions for me...

1. What book was the biggest pain this month?
2. What book do you recommend?
3. Tell me a quick story about how you found one of the books you read this month or how it found you. (Not technically a question, but feel free to leave an answer in the comments or write your own blog post on it!)
4. If you didn't read a lot this month or haven't had any of these experiences then just tell me what you read and what you thought of it!

Here are my answers!

1. The biggest pain was Anna Karenina, but I buckled down and finished it off in a couple of days (I admit, there was some skimming in the middle.) Sadly, I didn't get much out of my second read. Just, still don't like the book.

2. Out of all the books I did finish this month I would highly suggest Sisters Red, especially if you like a good modern fantasy. Some characters were a bit flat, but I loved one of the main characters, Scarlett! Her character made it all worth it!

3. I found Outlaws of Sherwood because of a book review that Ruthie over at Live, Love, Laugh, Write! wrote quite a while ago. I am a sucker for a good Robin Hood book so I couldn't turn it down. It took me a very long time to find it, though. It wasn't in any of the mainstream bookstores that I could find. Suddenly, when I had given up looking and thought of just buying it online, there it was, in the basement of one of my favorite bookstores in town, just waiting for me, and reasonably priced! I had to start reading it the second I got it home!

4. N/A. I had lots to talk about this month!

Looking forward to hearing from you guys! and HAPPY READING in the month of JUNE!

"The Hunger Games" Movie Review!

Let's recap a bit on the book. I wrote a review a while ago which you can read here. Now, to further the discussion I wanted to comment on something I've been hearing a lot of. The gruesomeness of the story is the number one excuse I hear from people who have not read the book. But, I cannot stress this to those of you who are avoiding this read enough, the gruesomeness is not glorified and it is not the focus! It's more about the bravery of these children, especially Katniss, to have the courage to face this, not lose themselves in the Capitol and the injustice, get home to their families, and start fighting back for the first time in 74 years! What is happening to them is not their fault, it is the fault of others, elders, that fear the power even a child can have in raising hope.

Their character is what defines these books and makes them worth reading. They give you the hope and courage you need to continue reading.

With that said, onto the movie, (Note: very minor spoilers about what is not in the movie) I'm mostly on the side of the fence of really enjoying it. I miss very small things that only a reader would be endeared to, like Katniss yelling at Peeta for being too noisy while they are hunting during the games, or Haymitch being much slobbier at the beginning and falling off the stage at the reaping. But, the movie is already almost 2 1/2 hours long and I can't think of anything I would have wanted them to remove to find more room for other stuff.

Also, I went with a friend that had not read the books first and she said that she got it, she wasn't too confused, but she could not depend on the usual devices, such as dialog or narration to tell her what was happening, instead she had to look to the actors movements, glances, comments, etc to fill her in.

On that note, I thought the young cast of this movie was wildly talented!!! Especially Jennifer Lawrence! Way to really bring a character to life. If some other young actors or actresses had even half the talent of Lawrence or her costars, we all might enjoy some of these books-to-movies concepts a lot more. :)

It's only been a day since I saw it, and the excitement has yet to wear off. In fact, I may be entering a withdrawal period here in a few days. I'm more than certain I will see this movie again before it leaves theaters and it is on my "To Buy" list, and not just any old "To Buy" list, but the one with the disclaimer that reads, Must be purchased on or before the official release date!

Here is the trailer for anyone else that may be expecting side effects like shaking, chills, giggles, random rants, screaming, sudden excitement, etc after seeing the movie...

Now, my absolute favorite part!

DISCUSSION!

You MUST discuss this with me. I fear it is the only thing to hold off the withdrawal.

Let me know what your thoughts are on the books or movie.

Things you liked, disliked, wish you saw more off, what you could have lived without, etc.

Just talked to me about it!

I look forward to this!

More Books to add to the Dusty Shelf!

More, more, more, and more books! My favorite thing on the planet and the one thing I really don't need right now. Alas, I can't stop myself from thumbing through the bookstore! I know every time I walk in, it's impossible to just walk out! But does that mean I will stop going? Of course NOT!!!

Author_____ Title

Maria V. Snyder- Touch of Power

Eva Ebbotson- A Coutness Below Stairs

Bram Stoker- Dracula

Janet Evanovich- Two for the Dough

Speaking of new books, Maria V. Snyder's book is relatively new. It only cam out last November and it already has 3 covers!!! I have the cover at the top left. Can anyone explain to me why so many covers so soon? I suppose if she were trying to appeal to many different audiences. The bottom left reads YA to me all the way, and the right makes me think more sophisticated, perhaps even for someone that does not usually pick up a fantasy novel, and the top left that I got reads pure fantasy all the way. Let me know what you think!

Now, it is also your time to share! What books have you bought recently to add to the shelves? Read any of the books I got? What do you think? Remember to try and not spoil anythign for me. I have yet to read any of the above!

Discussion Topic: What Compels you to Read a Book for the First Time?

I know this topic has been discussed before, but perhaps not all by itself or to this length.

What I am wondering is what compels you to read a book for the first time?

Or, another way of saying this might be...

What are the steps you go through to determine what to read?

I think many people start with a recommendation from someone, especially a friend or a family member, but what happens if you are out of recommendations, you've just finished that spare books on your shelf, and the last thing you read was one of the best books you have picked up all year! Where do you possibly go from there!?

Now, I'm one of those kinds of people that stockpiles! Very rarely are there no other books on my shelves that I have yet to read. Currently, I believe there are over 100 books on my shelf left to read, just waiting for me to choose one of them next! Nevertheless, when I am looking for the next best thing in stores, the first thing I do is...

1. Look at the book cover. Now, I know they say never to judge a book by it's cover, but it certainly is the best way for a book to make a first impression.
2. If the cover in enticing enough, I read the title. Titles that tend to grab me are usually peculiar, something I have never heard before. For example "The Near Witch," "The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane," and "The Knife of Never Letting Go," all very insteresting titles.
3. Then, if I am still hooked (which I almost always make it to step 3) is I read the backcover of the book. This is really the do or die point! Does the story appeal to me, does it sound original, like a fun quick read, or the same old, same old, ripoff of something else, or just completely opposite of what I feel like reading. I tend to lean towards characters similar to my age with a touch of romance. I enjoy fantasy and sci-fi more, with some historical fiction and tend to shy away from realistic fiction.
4. Next, I check the price! With so many books waiting to be read already, it's hard to spend more than $7 on a book that you're not positive about. However, you wouldn't believe how many books I can find for $5 or less. I've got all my little places.
5. Finally, I turn to a random page, kind of towards the beginning and read a page or two, just to get a good feel for the writing.
6. I make the final decisions. To read or not to read. To buy or not to buy!

What is your process when you are faced with a book store like the one above!!!??? That's a lot of books to choose from!!!

Discussion Topic: What to do FIRST? Read the book or watch the movie?

What should you do first? Read the book or watch the movie/show?

This topic has come up in discussions before, but we never just talked about how you choose and what seems to be the best way to go about doing things.

In the past, I have found that most people say to read the book first. However, I feel that reading the book first sets too high of an expectation for the movie. You read the book, fall in love with every word of it, and you expect the directors and writers to fit it all into a 2 hour period. Yet, this never works. Lines must be cut, scenes must be rearranged, and all in all, many of us end up hating the movie for it!

Seeing the movie/show first can allow you to enjoy it for what it is, without the heavy expectations. You take the new twists and turns for what they are, just some wonderful entertainment.

But the discussion goes both ways. When in came to Harry Potter, I'm very happy that I read the books first. I think it helped me understand the movies better, know more of what was really going on, especially in a world that is so new. The same goes for Lord of the Rings. That movie would have been terribly confusing (not really the plot, but all the names) without having read the book first.

On another note, sometimes I have watch a series/movie, loving the characters, the ongoing plots, etc. Then, turned to read the books for the full inside info, and absolutely condemned the book for not being as good. Case and point would be my two reviews of The Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars. I LOVE the shows, but really can't stand the books at all.

It's hard to decide which is the better route.

Perhaps if I make a list, this will help...

Read the Book First and was Happy with the Show/Movie:

• Harry Potter
• Lord of the Rings
• Pride and Prejudice
• Frankenstein
• Confessions of a Shopaholic
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• Much Ado About Nothing

Read the Book First and was Unhappy with the Show/Movie:

• Twilight
• Romeo and Juliet
• Beastly (was a little better the 2nd time around)
• Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Saw the Show/Movie First and was Happy with the Book:

• The Last Song
• Matilda
• James and the Giant Peach
• A Midsummer Night's Dream

Saw the Show/Movie First and was Unhappy with the Book:

• The Vampire Diaries
• Pretty Little Liars
• Great Expectations

Seems to be just about even to me.

However, I think your best bet is to read the book first, but WELL BEFORE the movie/show comes out. Give yourself enough time to forget some of the book, so it can be a pleasant surprise when certain parts show up in the movie to remind you.

What do you all think?
Do you have a list of your own that you could make out?

PoeKitten: Another Bookmark Break Challenge 2011 Winner!

PoeKitten from Many Waters

Poekitten joined the Bookmark Break Challenge in 2011, having read 114 books in total, and she is rejoining for the year of 2012! She's a fabulous competitor and I am so pleased to have her around 2 years in a row!
(NOTE: If you are a BMBC '11 Winner and you have not recieve the questionaire, please email me at redmatinee7007@aol.com and give me your email address. I was missing a few and plus my demon mailer shot some questionnaires back to me.)

Let's see what PoeKitten had to say!

Challenge Questions:

1.      Why did you join the Bookmark Break Challenge in 2011?
I thought it would be fun to keep track of how many books I read.  I love to read and knew that I read a lot but had never kept track.  This seemed like a great way to figure out how many books I read.
2.      Did you set a goal for yourself in this challenge?
Nope, just read as much as I could!
3.      Do you have a goal for this challenge in 2012?
Again, I just want to read as many as I can.  I did set a goal of 115 on Good Reads so I guess that works!  I read 114 last year and I’m hoping I can at least read as many as I did last year.  I didn’t increase it too much cause my first child is due in July and I’m not sure how much reading I’ll be able to do once munchkin arrives!
4.      How did you learn to read so fast!?
I have no idea.  I’ve always read fast but it can be a blessing and a curse.  I don’t always catch all the details.  I think this is why I don’t mind rereading books!
5.      What was the kind of thing you were reading the most? (Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, a certain genre, books for school?)
I was mostly reading Christian Fiction.  I got most of it for free on Amazon for my Kindle.   I did read other stuff too, like Harry Potter.
6.      How did your love for books begin?
It began before I could read.  I remember watching my mom read and I wanted to be able to read too!  I was so excited when I learned and I’ve never stopped.
7.      What was your favorite book you read this year and why?
I don’t have a single favorite.  I really enjoyed the Percy Jackson and The Olympians series.   The Hunger Games series was also enjoyable (though I hate saying that cause it’s not a fun/nice topic!)
8.      What was your least favorite book you read this year and why?
I’m not sure.  There were some that I didn’t think were as well written as others (that what you get for reading free books) but none that stick out in my mind.
9.      Any books you are looking forward to in 2011?
2011?  Do we mean 2012?  Um, not that I can think of.  I’m rereading some favorites now.  I’m hoping to get a little ahead in the beginning so I if I can’t read as much at the end of the year it will be ok.
10.   Any advice for those entering the challenge in 2012?
Just read.  Even reading for 5 or 10 minutes is good!  I bring my Kindle with me just about everywhere I go and if I have some downtime I love being able to read instead of wasting it.

Random Questions:

1.      What do you love the most about yourself?
This is a hard one.  Um, I love my eyes.  They’re brown and I just like them.
2.      What’s the most random thing that popped into your head today?
How I really want to have baked chicken for today.  Food hasn’t been sounding good so I’m excited that something finally does!
3.      What’s your blog and what’s it about?
My blog is called Many Waters and it’s about my life.  I write about being a military spouse, what I’m sewing/crafting, what we’re doing on our house, our about furbabies (we have 4) and about being pregnant.  Before we were pregnant I did share a little bit about our struggle with infertility.  It’s a little bit of everything.
4.      Tell me and my readers 2 truths and 1 lie and we’ll try to guess the lie.

• I love to eat Salmon
• I have at least 5 quilts to finish is my sewing room at the moment
• I lived in Asia for 3 years.

So…what do you think?  If you want some help you can find the answers on my blog.
5.      Tell me and my readers something you hold true to your heart, some wisdom.
Never give up hope.

Thanks, Poe for the fantastic answers!

Let's not all forget to try and guess what Poe's lie might have been out of her 2 Truths and 1 Lie!

New Books on my Shelf!

Like I needed anymore books, but when you hit the bargain section of one of your favorite books stores in all the world, there really is no helping it! So, I have 3 more books to add to my collection today!

Author__________ Title

Anna Carey- Eve

Stacey Jay- Juliet Immortal

Thomas Hardy- Tess of the D'Urbervilles

 

 

As always, anyone ever heard of these titles/ authors. Thomas Hardy I know id pretty famous from his Victorian days, I'm just not sure how he reads. Do his books always end miserably like, say, Hemingway? Bittersweet like Dickens? Or happily ever after like Austen? The other two I have not heard anything on them, but the covers are gorgeous and the back sounded pretty good. Let me know!

 

Natalie: A Bookmark Break Challenge 2011 Winner!

Natalie from The Adventures of the Vereen-Davises


Natalie is a contender form 2011 who has also joined in for 2012! I am so very happy to have her around again. Last year she read a total of 52 books and really gave me a run for my moneu thoughout most of the competition until she start to pull ahead of me and then there was no catching up to her!


Here's what she had to say about the challenge!


Challenge:

1. Why did you join the Bookmark Break Challenge in 2011? I loved the idea of tracking the reading that I did in 2011--it was interesting to see how much I would read without any school assignments or outside pressures.
2. Did you set a goal for yourself in this challenge? When I first started, I didn't have a goal, but about halfway through the year I began to aim for 50 books (which would work out to slightly less than a book a week). I was happy with how things turned out this first year.
3. Do you have a goal for this challenge in 2012? To read more than I did in 2011. So, 2012's goal is at least 53.
4. How did you learn to read so fast!? I've always been a reader--ever since I read my first book without any help (Curious George Flies a Kite) at age 5. However, I got the reading thing down to a science when I went to law school and then English graduate school. I would read between 6 and 9 hours a DAY during those years of my life, and speed reading becomes the only way you can humanly get through all of the material necessary. I wish I'd thought to write down the number of books I'd read during grad school!!
5. What was the kind of thing you were reading the most? (Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, a certain genre, books for school?) I adore contemporary British fiction--like Kazuo Ishiguro, Iain Banks, Ian McEwan and Patrick McGrath--but I'm also a sucker for something I can zip through in a short time (like a Patricia Cornwell thriller). There are also some really random books on my list from when I was unpacking my library this year and found some oldie by goodie teen novels like Caroline B. Cooney and Anne Brasheres!
6. How did your love for books begin? My parents read to me constantly when I was a child: newspapers, magazines, novels, picture books. Anything with words on it was fair game.
7. What was your favorite book you read this year and why? I loved Eric Larson's Devil in the White City, one of my first forays into nonfiction: it was incredibly interesting and the fact that everything in the book was true made this book one that I couldn't put down. I also re-read some favorites like Audrey Niffenigger's Her Fearful Symmetry (spooky, haunting and about London--in other words, AWESOME!) and The Time Traveler's Wife (beautiful in every way), and Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves (which makes you rethink everything you know about the way a novel is written. At points in the book, the text goes in circles, follows the edges of the page or needs to be read in a mirror. Literary, postmodern, yet all around creepy and entertaining).
8. What was your least favorite book you read this year and why? Carlos Ruiz Zafon's The Angel's Game. I loved his first novel, The Shadow of the Wind, and thus, I was expecting more great things from the second book. The Angel's Game was a classic Gothic thriller until the last twenty pages or so, when the book takes an odd, odd direction, then leaves you scratching your head and going, "Huh? What just happened?" (and not in a good way, as Ian McEwan often does).
9. Any books you are looking forward to in 2012? I really want to read The Woman in Black; I saw the West End play that is based on the book back in November 2011, and I'm intrigued to see how the book was translated onto the stage. Plus, I'm excited about the movie version coming out this year with Daniel Radcliffe--and I can't see the movie without reading the book first!
10. Any advice for those entering the challenge in 2012? Be consistent. Reading dozens of book might seem overwhelming at first, but if you say, "I'll read one chapter a night," you'll be surprised how quickly you can start to finish your books.

Random:

1. What do you love the most about yourself? I'm consistently optimistic. Of course, I have my down moments, but for the most part, I tend to see the good in everything and everyone until I'm given a reason not to.
2. What’s the most random thing that popped into your head today? "I need to get some white linen pants this summer." (Because white linen  is totally what I need to be thinking about on a 40 degree day in January!)
3. What’s your blog and what’s it about? My blog is The Adventures of the Vereen-Davises (www.vereen-davis.blogspot.com), and it basically follows my life: teaching, photography, travel, family moments, and our ongoing house renovations.
4. Tell me and my readers 2 truths and 1 lie and we’ll try to guess the lie. 1) I used to jog past Hugh Grant's house and talk to his security guard in the hopes of catching a glimpse of him. 2) I only knew my husband a month before we decided to get married. 3) I'm an English major who secretly doesn't understand why people love Shakespeare so much.
5. Tell me and my readers something you hold true to your heart, some wisdom. As corny as it sounds, be happy and try to make the people around you happy. And travel every chance you get--it's good for your spirits. :)

Thanks, Natalie! Can't wait to see you meet your goals this time around!

REMEMBER!!! Absolutley anyone and everyone can join in on the Bookmark Break Challenge 2012. If you are intested, comment below or check out the official BMBC '12 page here.

Shah: Another Bookmark Break Challenge 2011 Winner!

Shah from Words in Sync

I've known Shah for a while now. We started out together on WEbook.com and she is really the person that got me into blogging in the first place so I was more than thrilled when I learned that she would be willing to enter my little challenge. She started in the first year (2011) and is now continuing into the 2012 challenge as well!

(NOTE: If you are a BMBC '11 Winner and you have not recieve the questionaire, please email me at redmatinee7007@aol.com and give me your email address. I was missing a few and plus my demon mailer shot some questionnaires back to me.)

Here's what Shah had to say in the Bookmark Break Challenge 2011 Questionnaire!

Challenge Questions:

1.      Why did you join the Bookmark Break Challenge in 2011?

Because you hosted it and I like the idea of freeing those poor bookmarks :) Although I read mostly on Kindle now so... ?

2.      Did you set a goal for yourself in this challenge?

Not really - I’d never recorded how many I read before so had no idea. Before 2010 I hadn’t been mentally at peace (bipolar disorder) enough to read much for years, so last year was the first year of actual reading throughout I have had in years. Love it.

3.      Do you have a goal for this challenge in 2012?

I’m really busy this year so I’ll say around 50

4.      How did you learn to read so fast!?

I’m definately NOT a fast reader - Not compared to anyone I know except perhaps my younger sister who hardly reads at all. I read as slowly as I speak.

5.     What was the kind of thing you were reading the most? (Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, a certain genre, books for school?)

98% fiction - fantasy/horror mostly. Love vampires and spooks ;P

6.      How did your love for books begin?

I read a book called DOG when I ws very young and just adored it. I related very much with the isolation of the main character and felt a similar kind of connection to that of a kindred spirit. I read many books between then and much later, when I read a house-mate’s vampire novel. I adored it. That’s how I found my genre ;)

7.      What was your favorite book you read this year and why?

Dracula - Bram’s! I always wanted to read it and thought the archaic language and writing style would drive me nuts. It didn’t in the least. A really great book indeed.

8.      What was your least favorite book you read this year and why?

There have been a few actually - There were around ten I couldn’t finish and most of them were after around a few chapters. I read as a beta reader and for review so it can get awkward. I’d rather not mention them here :)

9.      Any books you are looking forward to in 2012?

The next Vampire Diaries. I’m going to try to read Hunger Games. I’ll see whats offered for review too. Every day brings another load of books - I love it. But my TBR pile never ends :I

10.   Any advice for those entering the challenge in 2012?

Keep an accurate log of your reads and give AubrieAnne the link - I was remiss in this duty last year !

Random Questions:

1.      What do you love the most about yourself?

I hate this question - reminds me of job interviews! Guess I’d say my level of tolerance. I’ve always been the most tolerant person I ever met. It’s not at all difficult either, so it’s no real virtue. There’s no sacrifice involved. I just seem to be made this way, where I know most others struggle with it. Strange.

2.      What’s the most random thing that popped into your head today?

10cc’s song “I’m not n love.” :)

3.      What’s your blog and what’s it about?

I actually have THREE blogs now! It’s getting silly

Bookish BLOG: WordsinSync: http://wordsinSync.blogspot.com - About books, authors and reviews etc

Author BLOG: Shah Wharton Author Blog: http://shahwharton.blogspot.com/ - About my books, publishing experience etc

Picture Enhancer BLOG: I Beautify Your Pictures: http://beautifyingpictures.blogspot.com/ - About the retouching of pictues I do to make the very best of your digital pictures.

4.      Tell me and my readers 2 truths and 1 lie and we’ll try to guess the lie.

I’m 40 yrs old in April

I drive an old VW Beetle named Rusty.

I married the same man twice

5.      Tell me and my readers something you hold true to your heart, some wisdom.

Not religious, I believe that we should treat those we love like angels and those we don’t as friends. My hubs thinks I’m daft, gullible, naive. He’s correct on all counts, but I still believe it. :)

Thanks, Shah! Looking forward to a brand new year full of reading and writing, and hopefully getting a bit published!!! (On your end at least!)

REMEMBER!!! Absolutley anyone and everyone can join in on the Bookmark Break Challenge 2012. If you are intested, comment below or check out the official BMBC '12 page here.

Susan: A Bookmark Break Challenge 2011 Winner!

Susan from Bloggin' 'Bout Books
Susan is another competitor from 2011 that is returning in 2012. Last year, she read the MOST books out of every competitor with a whopping 186 books! WOW! is all I could say to that!

 (NOTE: If you are a BMBC '11 Winner and you have not recieve the questionaire, please email me at redmatinee7007@aol.com and give me your email address. I was missing a few and plus my demon mailer shot some questionnaires back to me.)

Now, let's see what Susan had to say!

CHALLENGE:

1. Why did you join the Bookmark Break Challenge in 2011?

AubrieAnne left a comment on my blog suggesting that I join up because I read so many books. I guess I'm just a sucker for flattery :)
2. Did you set a goal for yourself in this challenge?
Nope. I had already set a blog goal to read 200 books this year. I didn't make it, but I got close.
3. Do you have a goal for this challenge in 2012?
Since I didn't make last year's goal of reading 200 books, I'm rolling it over for this year and trying again.
4. How did you learn to read so fast?
Um, I have no idea. It's just something I can do - kind of like a super power :)
5. What was the kind of thing you were reading the most? (fiction, nonfiction, etc.)
I read mostly fiction. It was a mix of reading levels (middle grade, YA and adult) and genres (contemporary, dystopian, historical, etc.). My reading is always eclectic!
6. How did your love for books begin?
My parents both love to read and they instilled that love in me. I learned to read before I entered kindergarten and I just haven't stopped.
7. What was your favorite book you read this year and why?
It's hard for me to pick favorites, so I'm going to go with a series I discovered this year: Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer. It's a fabulous swashbuckling series with a hilarious, lovable heroine. I can't get enough of these books!
8. What was your least favorite read this year and why?
Hm ... I can't think of one.
9. Any books you are looking forward to in 2011?
Tons: EVERNEATH by Brodi Ashton, UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi, BREAKING BEAUTIFUL by Jennifer Shaw Wolf, LONE WOLF by Jodi Picoult, PARTIALS by Dan Wells ... so many!
10. Any advice for those entering the challenge in 2012?
Just read and have fun.

RANDOM:

1. What do you love most about yourself?

I'm a very calm, laidback person who takes things in stride. I think this is one of my best qualities. Also one of the worst, since it makes me an awful procrastinator.
2. What's the most random thing that popped into your head today?
How about the dream I had last night? It was a big pool party featuring a VERY random cast of family, friends and tv characters. Weak, I know. Sorry.
3. What's your blog and what's it about?
My blog is called Bloggin' 'bout Books. On it, I write long-winded reviews of a very eclectic assortment of books. It's so much fun, you really should stop by!
4. 2 truths and 1 lie:
Truths: I've bungee jumped out of a hot air balloon and I've eaten dog
Lie: I love the summer heat in Arizona
5. Something you hold true to your heart, some wisdom.
Gordon B. Hinckley, who was the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormons) before he died, said, "Try a little harder to be a little better." It's a simple mantra, but one that keeps running through my mind. If we all did this every day, just think what a difference it would make!

Thank you, Susan, for the great answers and for letting us get to know you just a bit better! Looking forward to 2012. I KNOW you will be able to reach your goal of 200 books in year!

REMEMBER!!! Absolutley anyone and everyone can join in on the Bookmark Break Challenge 2012. If you are intested, comment below or check out the official BMBC '12 page here.