Book Challenge Update: Five Odd Honors

I finished a book for the One, Two, Theme! Challenge and of course the Series Challenge.  Five Odd Honors by Jane Lindskold is for the Mah-jongg challenge in particular.  (In a bit of crossover blogging I bought and read it on my new Kindle, which was a very nice experience). This gives me two of the tree books I need for this level of the challenge.  Overall, this challenge is going pretty well!

Five Odd Honors is the third book in the Breaking the Wall series, which I love love love.  To say I was excited to read this book would be an understatement.  It is a great series, start at the beginning.  I'm going to review it, but not say much about the plot as well if you haven't read any of it yet it is very very spoilery.  The series is Urban fantasy (don't worry not the glittery vampire and angsty girl kind).  It is about a group of magical people who's cool form of chinese type magic is linked to the chinese zodiac.  And Mah-jongg was created to help them remember and write spells.  These people's ancestors were exiles and they are trying to get back/make piece with the lands they came from.

As I mentioned I loved the first two books.  While I liked this book, I was a touch disappointing.  The characters were all scattered about and doing their own thing . . . what I like about the characters (well, what I like the most) is how they interact with each other.  So, I found this disappointing.  Particularly because the characters who's interactions are the more fun to read were not together.  Not a lot of deep character stuff happened, which also disappointed me.  The action was good and it was way more gory and violent then the previous books (not actually a problem for me). In essence it was good, but not great.  The first two are great (in my opinion).  The book felt a lot like a place holder.  Away to finish up the first series (3 book) story arch and then move to the next arch.  I hate that.

The result.  I'm desperately waiting to see when (if?) the next book comes out.  I have faith.  I love the series.  It can recover from this, my not so favorite book.  Jane Linskold tends toward the long series or the stand alone.  So, I'm hoping for another.

Book Challenge Update: Blameless!

I have finished another book challenge book, yay!  I've finished Blameless by Gail Carriger (at least that is the one that counts).  This one is for the Series Challenge.  I read the first book in this series Soulless, for a different challenge and was hooked.  To get to reading Blameless and catching up with the series, I also read Changeless.

I can't say to much about the actual story without giving to much away.  But, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed both books.  They both were not quite the delight of the first (how can they be the element of surprise was lost).  However, the writing is still delightful.  I love the characters and the whole ton of the novels.  As a scientifically minded and curvy woman I can definitely identify with Alexia or Soulless protagonist.  I dare say I have been accused of being eccentric . . . imagine at my age!  Where can I go from here?

Book Challenge Update: The Queen's Necklace

I have finished another book for my challenges:  The Queen's Necklace by Teresa Edgerton.  This book is for the What's in a Name Challenge and specifically the jewelry/gem category.  This means I am very nearly done with this challenge I have the number book left to go.  I have a few books in mind for this one, so it should be a smooth transition.  Now back to this challenge.

I picked up The Queen's Necklace at a used bookstore . . . mainly as the title fit the challenge.  (The WEE BOOK INN, best used bookstore in Edmonton).  I had no ideas for the jewelry challenge going in to this and was therefore on the look out.  It was a reasonable price for a used book in Canada, which means not very reasonable at all - but that is another story.

The Cover

The book is set in the human control world after the fall of the evil goblin empire, which ruled long long ago.  When the humans took control they made the world better and then institutionalized everything to stop things from changing and empires from being created.  This is the story of the goblin's trying to seize power again and the people who try and stop it.

This is how I imagine everyone is dressed . . . based on their discriptions

I'd like to start by saying I found the book to be enjoyable . . . but there was simply tons not quite right with it.  First, it is a long book and yet everything about the book seems rushed.  Time leaps forward, important plot points are never actually written about, and character conflicts just appear and disappear at an astonishing rate.  The book just seems like an outline of what is happening without too much depth.  Like I said it is a long book, so it may have benefited from being two books. 

The author

I also never felt any real concern for the characters.  Why?  I didn't know any of them well enough.  They got introduced their purpose was told and they acted accordingly or they never did much of anything and you wonder why they exist at all in a book already busting with characters.  Speaking of characters, I did rather like the main characters.  But, they were acquaintances not friends.  It held my interest and made it an okay book, but nothing more.

The plot itself was passably interesting.  I did want to know what happened.  Particularly after I was committed to some number of pages.  However, the plot just kind of moved along and never seemed like it was directed by any of the characters . . . not even the evil goblin conspiritors.  It just kind of seemed to happen because it did.  The world and the way goblins were depicted made me seriously doubt they were any real threat to toppling the human regime. Your telling me almost immortal beings have no real forethought?  Well they can't be very good conspirators then.

Unfortunately, the ending was also lacking as certain key parts were simple skipped.  Leading the reader with no information as to what happened.  Instead of peeking interest it just seems odd.  Plus there is no sequel, so what was the point or hiding small details. 

In the end I didn't hate the book.  It was simply kind of okay, but definitely not worth seeking out.  I would welcome the opinions of anyone else who has ever read the book who may be able to shed more light on it. 

Book Challenge Update: Shade's Children

I finished another book for my book challenge.  I know I'm a machine.  Its for the What's in a Name Challenge.  I finished the book for my live stage goal, reading Shade's Children by Garth Nix. 

that is not how I pictured the creatures

I was pretty certain I was going to like this book as I really like Garth Nix's writing.  I've not read the Keys to the Kingdom series, but the Abhorsen series is fantastic (highly recommend it).  Garth Nix is one of a set of Australian authors I really like. You should give it a try.

isle of cool stuff

Back to Shade's Children.  Its is a modern sci-fi story based on the premise that one day (15 years before) all the grown ups get winked away.  The children are then rounded up and on their 13th birthdays they get taken away to be turned into inhumane killing machines. 

Note - no kangaroos are found in the book

The story is very well done and really well told (as expected) making it a really fun book to read.  The characters are well drawn and interesting.  Learning of the children's (teens) adventures is very fun. Its kind of a dark tale, but not too dark (Still appropriate for teens).  My only issue with the story is that the end came to soon and therefore lack a bit of the punch.  I feel there was a lot of lead up a mid-length fight and then the conclusion.  It is a stand alone book and quite short, so the story really flies by.  I feel if it was two books instead of the one it would be great rather than really really good.  It also was a bit lacking in grit from an adult perspective though its suppose to be teen fiction, so I get it. 

Garth

This a great book for teens.  And a very enjoyable for adults.  It would help to like sci-fi, but you don't need to love jargon filled tome like sci-fi. 

Book Challenge Update: Kafka On the Shore

I finished another book for my book challenge.  Kafka On the Shore by Haruki Murakami.  Its for my One, Two, Theme Challenge.  Its my fiction book for my Japanese pop culture section. I had never before read anything by Haruki Murakami . . . I heard he wrote good books though.  I picked Kafka . . . I'm not sure why.  I liked the title I guess.

After reading the book, I am still not sure if I liked the book.  I did enjoy reading the book, though.  You might wonder how those two things could co-exist.  Well you see the writing was very compelling.  By that I mean the style and the actual prose.  It just read nicely.  However, I'm not so sure about the story.  It was interesting.  I wondered what was going to happen.  But, the characters realities may have been a touch to surreal for me.  There wasn't enough people acting the way people should act.  I also had a hard time getting attached to the characters.  I was simply a voyeur watching what was happening to them.  I do mean watch.  I felt like I could see a lot of the book.  Part of why it is enjoyable to read.  I did enjoy the Nakata story line a lot.

In the end, its an interesting read.  I'm just not sure if I got what I was suppose to out of it, nor do I know if I'd say I really liked the story.  It made me think though and was a bit intriguing.  I will note that its a bit graphic, if your not up for that it is not for you.

Book Challenge: Small Gods

I've finished another book for my Book Challenge. This is for the Whats in a Name Challenge, specifically the Size challenge.  I read Terry Pratchett's Small Gods.  The thing about Terry Pratchett novels is that I always forget how much I like them . . . and I like them tons.  They are all just so smart and funny (okay not Moving Pictures - but no one is perfect).

Small Gods has a more detailed and consistent story than many Discworld novels. In fact, this is what put me off the book when I first went to buy it.  But, I decided to give it a go.  Which was a good choice as it was great.  This is the story of the Great God Om and his believer Brutha.  Om is in a bit of a jam and needs Brutha's help, which is very embarrassing for a God.

 And it came to pass that in time the Great God Om spake unto Brutha, the Chosen One: "Psst!"

The book follows their adventure as Om tries to get back on top and Brutha slowly begins to realize that maybe religion and power could be used to help people.  That summary makes it all seem much to serious and dull.  Its not.  Its a funny critic of religion and hierarchy in general really . . . and philosophers.  The Omian church is kind of an old school Catholic deal with lots of pomp and an Inquisition (think the middle ages not the beginning beginning).

VI. This is Religion, Boy.  Not Comparison Bloody Shopping!  You Shall Not Subject Your God to market Forces!

I really enjoyed this book as I thought I would.  If your a bit sensitive about religion . . . or philosophy you may not want to read it.  Its a stand alone book so you don't have to have read any other Terry Pratchett books . . . there are a couple of inside jokes, but not so many as to make you feel like the unpopular kid at the lunch table.

Book Challenge Update: Medieval Britain: A very Short Introduction

I've read another book for my One, Two, Theme Challenge!  Again it is for the Medieval Category, which I'm now almost done with.  Just two more books.  One of which needs to be fiction . . . I'm going to have to start looking!

Not a very exciting cover . . .

I read "Medieval Britain: A Very Short Introduction" by John Gillingham and Ralph Griffiths for this review.  It is very short . . . and delightful.  It is just an easy fun read.  The writing it superb and not too filled with history jargon.  If you have any interest in learning more or something about Medieval Britain, I would suggest you start here.  I have read a lot about Medieval Britain.  Meaning I'm reading it towards the end of my reading and I found it really made things (like the time-line) click in my head.  If you know about the confusion line of succession in the late medieval period you'll know why this took me a bit to get my head around.  So, for shear clarity this is a great book.  It also covers a lot, both in time and scope, for such a small book.  That being said it isn't overly detailed . . . it couldn't be.  But, it is a great survey of whats going on and gives enough specifics that I didn't feel like it wasn't based on anything.

If you want something to read that makes you look smart, but doesn't take too much effort or time . . . this is for you.  Or read it if you just like to learn stuff and read a good book.

Book Challenge Update: Women in Late Medieval and Reformation Europe 1200 - 1150

This is another book for my One, Two, Theme Challenge.  Its nonfiction book for my Medieval Category.  I really seem to be attacking this category in a kind of strange jumpy fashion, but it appears to be working.

Women in Late Medieval and Reformation Europe 1200 - 1550 (WLMRE) by Helen Jewell is a companion book to Women in Dark Age and Early Medieval Europe.  Like its the first book, WLMRE is very well written and really pulls you in.  I may be temped to read it even if I didn't really have a reason too.  In fact, I quite enjoyed the chapters I didn't have to read for what I wanted to know.  The book imparts a lot of information, while not getting to dense or overly stodgy and historical sounding.  The argument also doesn't get bogged down in blaming men for the fact that in most cultures at most times its really hard being a women.   I give Helen Jewell a lot of credit for writing about power inequalities and patriarchy without shouting "Help, Help, I'm being repressed!*"  Helen Jewell really exemplifies the new trend in history writing.  She is very readable and doesn't try to get to grandiose.  The book is also a very nice size to keep the interest of non-historians.

I did have one problem with the book.  When she sites sources she does not give a lot of context for the quotes and the situation that produced them.  As a Anthropologist this was extremely frustrating for me.  However, I do realize this would have made this a much longer and more bulky book.  Also, this may only be possible if talking about very specific case studies and it is important to have works saying something about more than specific towns etc.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book for history lovers or people who want to know more about the late medieval period and female history.

* Bonus points if you know what this is from before you watch the video.  If you've not see it, you must . . . because I said so . . . and no I'm not repressing you. "Come see the violence inherent in the system!"

Book Challenge Update: Style Deficit Disorder

I read another book for my challenge.  This time its a non-fiction book for my One Two Theme! challenge.  I finished my One and was working on level Four, but now I'm back to level Two:   Japanese Pop culture.  I've wanted to read Style Deficit Disorder: Harajuku Street Fashion Tokyo by Tiffany Godoy for a long time and I'm glad I finally did.

First off, I need to be honest I love all things kitschy and strange . . . particularly if they are Japanese.  I feel in love with the magazine FRUiTS in high school and never looked back.  I have always been a snappy dresser and willing to take what most people would consider chances.  I love color and pattern and bows and leather . . . it just doesn't matter.  This put me in the right state to fall in love with Harajuku.

Harajuku is a neighborhood in Tokyo that is densely pack with fashion/designer/punk/goth/kids/freaks.  In essences it houses the coolest of the cool (non-main stream . . . mostly . . . until your too cool to contain) and has since the 1970s. 

Style Deficit Disorder is all about Harajuku and the glitzy magical maelstrom of fashion it is.  The book is set up in tiny sections that cover different aspects of Harajuku and the fashion scene there.  It starts with a history and moves on to the different styles its a mecca for.  This format mostly works, though some ideas and fixtures of Harajuku get repeated a bit due to the organization.  Personally my favorite part was the history and of course, the pictures.  I also with the font was a bit larger for some of the section . . . I'm not as young as I once was and I'm an academic . . . bigger font = happier eyes.

Overall, its a very fun book.  I felt the beginning is really where it shines.  Its also where things are talked about in greater depth, which I like.  The end sections felt a bit like a catalog list of important people.  Still interesting, but less so.  If you like fashion or oddities of Japanese culture this is a great book for you!

Book Challenge Update: The Great Mahjong Book

I have completed another challenge component for my One, Two, Theme Challenge.  I'm quite enjoying the challenge.  Is nice to be compelled to read some non-fiction I normally wouldn't.  For this entry I read The Great Mahjong Book: History, Lore, and Play by Jelte Rep.  Jelte Rep is not Chinese.  He is from the Netherlands, but has a deep (its obvious from the book) love of Mahjong.  I became interested in Mahjong from the book "Thirteen Orphans" by Jane Lindskold. The title is actually a Mahjong hand and the magic in the book is all visualized using Mahjong.  Anyway its a fun book (I recommend it) and got me interested in Mahjong.

The Great Mahjong Book contains both history and how to play the game.


HOW TO PLAY THE GAME:

Thirteen Orphans

 I must say I don't think I could just pick up and play Mahjong right this minute.  If I had both the book and a Mahjong set I think I would have a fighting chance. The book has beautiful color pictures of different hands and the rules from all different Mahjong variants.  It also provides great tables on how to score etc.  If I was really committed to learning Mahjong I would buy both a mahjong set and this book.  I think they would work great together.  It also provides so many variants that you could get people play what seems to be a wide range of playing styles all on the same page.

HISTORY OF MAHJONG:

lots of tiles . . .

The history sections are mixed in with the game variants.  So, each countries version comes with the history of Mahjong in that region.  This both works and doesn't work.  It becomes a bit spotty to read.  I would have preferred a book with two halves.  One half history (and more of it because its super interesting) and one half how to play the game (wherever you might be).

OVERVIEW:

Full sets come in cool boxes!

Overall the book was interesting and pretty fun to read.  I don't think Mahjong will stick in my head, but it is clearly a good companion to have for playing the game.  If you want to know more about Mahjong I would suggest this book.  The tone is light and easy to read . . . plus its interesting.

Book Challenge Update: Women In Dark Age and Early Medieval Europe c500 - 1200

I have completed another book for my One, Two, Theme challenge.  This one is for my 5th category Late Medieval/Medieval Britain.  Now the reason this is a topic is because medieval Britain is the time period for my dissertation work and I feel it is important to know more about the time period.  I like history books, so it seemed like a good deal all around.  So, if you don't like non-fiction this book and review are probably not for you.

Women In Dark Age and Early Medieval Europe c500 - 1200 by Helen M Jewell.

First, I feel it is important to point out that is a good bit of scholarly work.  Very worthwhile if you study Medieval Europe.  It has a fair focus on Britain making it useful to me. It is also unique for its focus on women.  This is becoming more common in the medieval studies literature, but is by no means hugely available.  Part of this is due to the difficulty in obtaining primary sources on the subject.

But how is it to read?

Quite enjoyable actually.  The book is well written and the prose is not unduly bogged down with heavy phrases to make it sound more impressively historical in nature.  It also is not over referenced.  The author simple presents how things were during the period, but also makes an argument for change through time.  All of these make for a very readable and helpful book.

If you are interested in medieval history and/or the history of women this is a good choice.

Book Challenge Update: The Running Man!

I've finished another book for my challenges.  This one is for the Whats in a Name challenge and it is for the motion category.  For this one I will be reviewing The Running Man by Richard Bachman (aka Stephen King).  I enjoyed the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie and wanted to read the book for a long time.  Its not that easy to find though.  But, I tracked it down.

The book is a lot different than the movie, though in a weird way the spirit of the film is similar.  Its about trying to stick it to THE MAN, who is of course trying to kill you  . . . either quickly or slowly depending on how annoying you are.  The movie is also set in a Running Man arena rather than on the streets of America like the book.

I'm going to focus on the book, which was a fun read.  It was also a very very fast read.  I read it in like 2.5 sittings of not unreasonable duration.  Part of that is that the plot really pulled me along.  I wanted to know what happened.  But, you want to know what kind of book it is.  If you like doomsday future stuff you'll probably like the book. I guess it is sci-fi, it surely isn't horror, but it kind just about the future . . . but future tech is negligible. . . and it is kind of just technically in the future . . . because the future is like pretty much now . . . but we live in 1982s future . . . so what I'm getting at is that this isn't a hard core sci-fi adventure so if that is what your looking for this is a no go.  But, it is about the future.  A sad dirty future for most people.  The world is well described.  I understand where the differences lay between now and when the book takes place.  Richards is an interesting character, if kind of obvious in his choices and actions.  All the characters act in a rather obvious way, but somehow remain interesting. Overall, I really enjoyed the book.

However, it had some detracting points.  1 - how come no women appear to be trying out for the game?  Or making it to the Running Man?  In fact, their are no depth to any of the female characters.  Is that the point?  In the future women are all stupid, crying, sex pots?  2 - the book ends with a bang . . . and then the story stops.  Why not a fall out chapter? I was curious.  Did anything at all happen/change?  Was there rioting in the street? What?

Book Challenge Update: The Physics of Star Trek

I finally got around to starting my One, Two Theme Challenge.  This is a fun tiered challenge.  My Themes are Physics, Japanese Pop Culture, Mah-jongg, Bioarchaeology, Late Medieval/Medieval Britain. (How it works: you pick at least 3 themes.  For the 1st you read one book, for the 2nd two books, and the third, 3 books.  From number two onwards you need at least one fiction and one non-fiction book.)

I have started (yay!) and finished (YAY!) my first level -  Physics.  What did I read for this exciting challenge?  The Physics of Star Trek by Lawerence M. Krauss.  Now I started reading this book a long long time ago . . . but I got super busy with PhD stuff and had to miss Dr. Krauss lecture at the U of A because I was out of town . . . and so I just never got back to it after the first two chapters.  Which is why it made it to my One, Two Theme Challenge.  To get me to finish reading it (I love Star Trek, so it seemed important).

On to the actual review.  So, I both really liked this book and really couldn't be bothered.  The author seemed a bit haphazard in his assessment of Star Trek plots and ideas.  I almost think a focused look of the science of Star Trek ? (pick any episode or movie, or may be even series) would have greatly improved the book.  Really there is very very little Star Trek in this . . . . or Star Trek context.  Its just mainly physic . . . which is cool.  It just all seemed so random and random means some sections I found fascinating and others I was like I think you missed the point. 

One very good point of the book is that the physics is talked about in an understandable way.  You do not need to be a physicist to understand the book.  It was also nice that the book both showed ways the writers got it right or were at least in the ballpark as well as how they got it wrong.  It made for a nice balance.  For a non-fiction book it is very well written and has good flow.  It is a must for Star Trek fans . . .  at least I think it is! This is the end . . .

maybe . . .

Book Challenge Update: Whats in a name challenge (Evil) - Soulless

I've read my first book for the whats in a name challenge (Evil): Soulless by Gail Carriger.  This Carriger's first book ever and the first in the Parasol Protectorate series.  If you want to buy it you can get it at amazon for a reasonable price.  I believe a book called Soulless qualifies fully in the evil category particularly as the main character is, in fact, lacking a soul . . . and consorts with vampires and werewolves.  The author also appears a bit eccentric, which I can relate too.

Gail Carriger

I wasn't really sure what to expect.  I got the book as my librarything.com recommendation thing said I would like it.  I read the description and agreed, so here we are.  I must say it was more of a romance than i was expecting (nor due I normal read romances), but the fantasy/steam punk elements were suitable well done that it didn't bother me.  Also, I found I cared quite a bit about Alexia (our soulless heroine) right off the bat, which made me invested in all aspects of the plot even the romance.  So, lets break down why you should read the book (and you should . . . if you like supernatural stuff that isn't horror).

Style - the book was exceptionally well written.  It did not scream first book!  Like many do.  The book holds a humorous Victorian with a modern edged tone throughout.  I've read many a book set in this era and not written in it and Carriger pulls it off better than most.  The humor is refreshingly honest in its delivery and in fitting with the characters.  The style really makes the book with its stiffly delivered Victorian quips.

Fashionable Parasol (to buy go to Designs by Victoria at Artfire.com)

Plot - the plot is not overly complex.  It is mostly a good adventure story with a nice bit of romance in it.  Nothing deep, but absolutely fun.  The plot does, however, completely fit the characters.

Look at all that neat stuff! (visit the Museum of Victorian Science)

Characters - all the characters are finely written.  They have personality and substance, which is great.  They also have interesting dialogue, which is a must for me.  The mix of flashy alphas and scientific reasoning really made for an interesting read.  I loved the main characters, but I am quite taken with Professor Lyall.  The characters really stand out as exceptionally well written in this book.

Overall - I would definitely recommend this book.  Its silly and fun and just an all around good read.  Imagine many who like Jane Austen will also like this (if they aren't too stuffy).  Like I mentioned it is the style that really pulled me in.  It is just interesting to read.  And the characters will make sure I don't get bored and find something else to do with my time.

Book Challenge Update (Crivens!): I Shall Wear Midnight

I've finished my first book for my 2011 challenges.  I started with I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett, which I was super excited for.  I love the discworld books, particularly those involving Tiffany Aching.  This book is for Series Challenge Season 5.  So, on with the review!

Now this is one of my favorite series so I went into the book fairly certain I was going to like it.  I was a bit surprised (in a good way) by how dark the book was.  It dealt with difficult issues like spousal and child abuse, but even with these heavy issues the book kept the characteristic discworld humor.  While this book really stands out with a different tone and a more grown up Tiffany the whole thing still really worked.  The reason Pratchett is so popular is that while funny the point of the story is never just to get to the next joke.  The plot and characters are fantastic.  In fact, Pratchett has written some of my favorite characters in all of literature.  And I love the main theme of his book that even though you aren't adequate for a task and life is scary you can still be the hero if you just stick with it.  I guess what I'm saying is that Mr. Pratchett did not disappoint me and in fact I think the series is getting better.  I would highly recommend reading the adventures of Tiffany Aching a good witch if there ever was one.  I can't imagine anyone who was reading the series needing convincing to continue.  The Nac Mac Feegles should be enough to keep anyone interested! But, if you did need one the evolution of Tiffany's character is worth it.  If you've not read the series yet, start.  But, start with Wee Free Men (Crivens! Who would start at the end?)

Book Challenge Update!

I've picked out some books for the What's in a Name challenge.  I'll review them once I actually read them, but I really wanted to share some of my picks.

For the Evil category I'm going to read the book Soulless by Gail Carriger.

I'm very excited about it.  It mixes some of my favorite fairy creatures with Victorian romance.  I don't normally read steampunk, but it seems like it will have the sensibilities of an Austen novel (a bit darker of course . . . I'm afraid to hope for Jane Eyre sensibilities as its my favorite book of all time).  It also seems like it will indulge in the humor inherent in a Victorian romance and jazz it up to modern standards.  If this is done even a fraction as well as it is in Sorcery and Cecelia or the Enchanted Chocolate Pot I should be very happy with this book.

For the life stage category I've picked out Shade's Children by Garth Nix.

Shade's Children is about a brutal future where 14 year olds are killed to make genetically engineered monsters.  Gold-Eye escapes to fight his fate.  This is pretty straight up sci-fi for me.  I usually stick to fantasy or military sci-fi (no I don't know why).  But, I've been looking for something different and I do like teen fiction.  I also love Garth Nix from his Abhorsen series.  Its a great series I would highly recommend it.

I also have the first book in my Series Challenge, I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett.

This will catch me up on the Tiffany Aching series within the Discworld series.  I'm very excited.  I enjoy the adult discworld books, but the teen series about Tiffany Aching is really fantastic.  It starts with Wee Free Men and I would really recommend giving it a try if you like fantasy and you like laughing. 

Sometime, in the hopefully kind of near future, you will get reviews about these books as I make my way through my challenges.

Book Challenges 2011!

It has been awhile since I actively participated in any book challenges.  I love them, but the PhD can be kind of brutal to the free time one has.  I decided to give it a try this year.  I have 3 I'm definitely going to do and then an alternate that we will see if I can get off the ground or not . . . I might pick up another if someone has a good suggestion as well.  If you love reading and books your should really try your hand at a challenge.  It is a nice semi interactive way to read and share about books.  I was reminded of this by Irish over at Ticket to Anywhere (Its a great site, I suggest a visit.  I wish I could read so much!)  So without further adieu the challenges!


Challenge 1: One, Two, Theme (Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2011)

So, For this one you pick at least 3 themes.  For the 1st you read one book, for the 2nd two books, and the thrid, 3 books.  From number two onwards you need at least one fiction and one non-fiction book.  You can have more than 3 themes of course.
My Themes:

1. Physics
2. Japanese Pop Culture
3. Mah-jongg
4. Bioarchaeology
5. Late Medieval/Medieval Britain

Challenge 2: Series Challenge (Jan 1 -Dec 31, 2011)

The second challenge should be fairly easy.  I need to read at least 3 books that end or catch a series up to date.  This one is sponsored by Secret dream world of a bookaholic.   This one should be easy to fill up! We will just see how many I get!

Challenge 3: Whats in a Name Challenge (Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2011)

This one is a bit more directed.  You pick one book with a title that meets the criteria for each topic of the challenge!  Criteria are: A book with a number in the title, a book withe jewelry or gem in the title, book with a size in the title, book with travel or movement in the title, book with evil in the title, and book with a life stage in the title! It should be fun.






So, look for my blog entries about what I'm reading!  They will be linked to the sponsoring sites of course!  I highly recommend starting up a few challenges of your own!