4: The Rise of the Wolf

This series I began last year, reading with my student book club, enjoying the excitement of a new series.  Then, I loaned the second novel in the series to a student...and waited and waited for its return...now taking back to school to share with a waiting line of those wanting to journey further into this world of Julius Caesar.

Upon completion, I told my husband, "You should read this series.  Lots of action.  AND this one is based on Julius Caesar.  Did I mention LOTS of action?"

Main character Nic is full of it...magic and power, that is, that he is compelled to use for the good of family, mankind, and the gods. Other characters encourage him, challenge him, irritate him.

The third novel comes out the end of this month.  Yay!  LOVE when reading an entire series is a reality!

3: A Man Called Ove by Fredik Backman

I know Ove.  I have met him.  I have watched him on TV.  This was the first time that I read about him, though.

What a cantankerous man he is! A grump.  Or is he? Ove is the 59-year-old main character of A Man Called Ove, one who sees life as he sees it and has no intention of changing...until the neighbors move in...and become the family he does not know he needs.  Then, he's still ill-tempered, negative, and slowly falling in love with all who begin to invade his home, resulting in complications to fulfil his desire to leave it to be with Sonja.

A book choice for one of my book clubs, this one I was not too sure that I really wanted to read, wishing it would end, wishing it were not so long, wishing, after the first 150 pages, that I had read it some time ago, for I did enjoy getting to know Ove...through reading about him.

The author allows glimpses into Ove's live, flashing back...and then forward, revealing sneak peaks into his life, until the canvas begins to fill and the picture of his life is revealed.  Not always a fan of this method, I would avidly claim that this author has mastered this technique.  Very well written.  Very.

Upon researching the author, I note this novel will be coming to the big screen.  As I was reading, I kept picturing Clint Eastwood as Ove...the Clint Eastwood in Grand Torino.  Yes, that Clint is Ove.

When I mentioned this novel to a sister-in-law, she gushed, "I loved it so much that I bought more of his books."  That is high praise...from any reader.

Happy reading!

2. Rebecca

Yesterday, we had a Snow Day...the first this year...and this school year.  What better way to spend it than by reading a book.  As I stood gazing at my stacks to be read, I pulled Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier from the shelf, one I purchased some time ago after hearing a colleague go on about what a favorite it was of hers.

I made myself read the first 50 pages, then 75; after that, I decided I should finish because I had already committed that much time.  Then about page 150ish, I was hooked, then reading the full 391 pages to completion.

Now...I need to gather some co-readers of this novel so we may chat about how this one ends!

The cover says this:  "The Unsurpassed Modern Masterpiece of Romantic Suspense."

• Unsurpassed - this word I would argue, although I did enjoy this one quite much.
• Modern - Written in 1938 would classify this as modern.  The writing style might not.  Much detail.  Vivid detail  Detailed details.
• Masterpiece - Yes, I would agree.  Now, that I have read it...and glad I did...again, I would love to gather some who have also read and discuss character development (Rebecca is NOT the main character...or is she?!), plot development, writing style...
• Romantic - Yes, girl meets man (yes, a young girl (whose given name we never learn) falls for older man and soon becomes Mrs. Maxim de Winters.  A former Mrs. de Winters lived...but no longer; she, the reader soon meets...and meets...and meets.
• Suspense - this one will surprise you right to the very last page.  Do NOT read the end first!  Please!

I would give the first 150 pages - 2 stars.

The remaining pages - 4.5 stars.

Upon completion and now considering the novel as a whole, I would give the first 150 pages - 4 stars.

Please read and let me know if you agree! 

Happy reading!

1: Island of Glass

This has been a fun series.  The third in this trilogy, Island of Glass tells of the search by six for the third star.  Spoiler Alert:  yes, the six main characters find the star!

This novel focuses on characters five and six:  Doyle and Riley, as the other four characters' relationships continue to grow and develop.  Spoiler Alert:  well, you probably already know how these relationships end in the happily ever after!

In this series, author Nora Roberts creates a fantastical world of witches, seers, shift-changers, and other such gifts.  Just an enjoyable place to journey when a few hours of relaxation is needed.

This is the fourth such trilogy of hers I have read, others including...

1. Key Trilogy
2. In the Garden Trilogy
3. The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy
4. The Guardians Trilogy

I may now consider the Circle Trilogy or the Sign of Seven Trilogy.  As some of the titles within these sound familiar, I need to check my shelves to determine if I might be able save some money, read them, and add these titles to my Mount to Be Read Challenge.

Thus, obviously, I recommend these...just as a fun read!

2017's Reading Goals

This year, I will read.

This year,  I will read more.

This year, I will read more than 40 books.

So far, I have chosen the following challenges:

1. Read for Fun!:  This is my own personal challenge.   As noted above, last year I read 40 books, ten of those within the last two weeks of the year, and I so enjoyed just reading for fun!  That I want more of!
2. Book Club Commitments:  to BHS Reads, to Paper Chase book Club, to Women's Bible Cafe (as I choose to read).  I enjoy book clubs, getting together, talking books.  Fun!
3. Mount to Be Read:  This year, I am planning to read 24 books already sitting on my shelves.  More would be great...but, at least, 24.  Yes, two a month.  Doable.  Surely.  OR I should quit buying books.  NO!  
4. Modern Mrs. Darcy Challenge/Read for Fun:  I chose this category because, yes, see #1!  This one requires 12 reads, some of which should fall in the above categories.  Yay!
5. Growth - Personal and Professional:  Hoping to read one a month...in either category.  This is a another personal challenge, for as noted in #3, I have quite the stack of books I need to read.  More than enough to easily meet this goal!  Again...yay!

I am off to a good start, for in Week 1, I have read two books...and have begun the third!

Sooooo...to what challenges have you committed?  Or what are you reading good now?

Happy reading!