SATURDAY SNAPSHOT

I'm joining Alyce over at At Home With Books for Saturday Snapshot. Want to join in? Here's some info:

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky below. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.

Having parking problems? The garage is full of "stuff", no room for the car? The twins, Bella and Luke, haven't got that problem for their cars. Their parking garage is under the crib.

REVIEW - MEGAN'S WAY

This book is for 4 of my reading challenges.
New Author Challenge
ARC Challenge
150+ Challenge(9/150)
Outdo Yourself Challenge(9/200)

"Megan's Way" by Melissa Foster
Product Description(Amazon.com)
What would you give up for the people you love?
When Megan Taylor, a single mother and artist, receives the shocking news that her cancer has returned, she'll be faced with the most difficult decision she's ever had to make. She'll endure an emotional journey, questioning her own moral and ethical values, and the decisions she'd made long ago. The love she has for her daughter, Olivia, and her closest friends, will be stretched and frayed.
Meanwhile, fourteen-year-old Olivia's world is falling apart right before her eyes, and there's nothing she can do about it. She finds herself acting in ways she cannot even begin to understand. When her internal struggles turn to dangerous behavior, her life will hang in the balance.
Megan's closest friends are caught in a tangled web of deceit. Each must figure out how, and if, they can expose their secrets, or forever be haunted by their pasts.
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (July 17, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432744429
ISBN-13: 978-1432744427

MY THOUGHTS: This book is such a good read. Melissa Foster's characters are so real. I actually could feel all the pain, hurt and secrets going on between all the characters. As the question asks......what would you do for the ones you love? Does all the secrets get out in the open? What does Olivia do with all her anger and sorrow? You'll have to read the book to find out.

MY RATING: 8-12

[This is a free review book and my own opinion.]

REVIEW - BLACK DAHLIA AVENGER

This book is for 4 of my reading challenges.
150+ Challenge(8/150)
Mount TBR Challenge
52 Books in 52 Weeks(Wk.4)
Outdo Yourself Challenge(8/200)

"Black Dahlia Avenger" by Steve Hodel
Product Description(Amazon.com)
In 1947, California's infamous Black Dahlia murder inspired the largest manhunt in Los Angeles history. Despite an unprecedented allocation of money and manpower, police investigators failed to identify the psychopath responsible for the sadistic murder and mutilation of beautiful twenty-two-year-old Elizabeth Short. Decades later, former LAPD homicide detective-turned-private investigator Steve Hodel launched his own investigation into the grisly unsolved crime -- and it led him to a shockingly unexpected perpetrator.......
A spellbinding tour de force of true-crime writing, this newly revised edition includes never-before-published forensic evidence, photos, and previously unreleased documents, definitively closing the case that has often been called "the most notorious unsolved murder of the twentieth century."
Paperback: 624 pages
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks; Revised edition (July 25, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061139610
ISBN-13: 978-0061139611

MY THOUGHTS: This book has been on my shelf for awhile. I've always wanted to read about the Black Dahlia murder. But it always got pushed to the back of the pile. I love reading murder mysteries and this one did not disappoint me. It's also a true story which also is something I like to read about. This starts out as a way for Mr. Hodel to trace some of his family history. But soon leads him on the track for the elusive murderer of Elizabeth Short, The Black Dahlia. Keep in mind this murder took place January 15, 1947. At that time the press was allowed to be at the crime scene. It became a cold case and over the years lots of people have looked at the case. But no one has ever been apprehended for the crime. Until Mr. Hodel started digging. Who is the Murderer? I can't give you too many clues as it will give it away. Really good book and a mystery solved.

MY RATING: 5

SATURDAY SNAPSHOT

Alyce over at At Home With Books is the host for Saturday Snapshot. Got a picture you want to share? Head over to Alyce's place.

I haven't done this in a long time so thought I'd join in. I don't usually get my picture taken. I would much rather be behind the camera. My daughter-in-law shot this picture. It's me, Bella and Luke. They are watching the computer screen. They like to watch the games I play on my computer. In case you don't know, Bella and Luke are my twin grandbabies. They are 18 months old and into everything.

Plus they make some funny faces from time to time. And I've captured a few of them.

Bella

Luke

Well, that's it for today. Don't forget to head over to Alyce's place to check out all the pictures everyone is sharing.

REVIEW - THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN

This book is for 4 of my reading challenges.
Support Your Library Challenge
Banned Book Challenge
150+ Challenge(7/150)
Outdo Yourself Challenge(7/200)

"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain
Product Description(Amazon.com)
“We said there was no home like a raft. Other places do seem so cramped up and smothery…but you feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft.” Sail down the Mississippi with Huck Finn and the runaway slave, Jim. Twain’s beloved tale, with its folksy language, creates an indelible image of antebellum America with its sleepy river towns, con men, family feuds, and a variety of colorful characters.
Reading level: Ages 7 and up
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Sterling; Abridged edition (March 28, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402724993
ISBN-13: 978-1402724992

MY THOUGHTS: There isn't too much to say about this book. It's a great adventure to re-live from my childhood. But at the time I read this, I didn't know it was a banned book. I don't really understand why they ban books. Just because someone doesn't like the language???? It's the way they talked in that time period. Anyway, if you haven't read this book, give it a try. You'll love Huck's adventure down the river. He gets into some really big messes.

MY RATING: 5

REVIEW - CITIZEN OUT

This book is for 4 of my reading challenges.
New Authors Challenge
ARC Challenge
150+ Challenge(6/150)
Outdo Yourself Challenge(6/150)

"Citizen Out" by Marie Crist
Product Description(Amazon.com)
A man patiently watches a group of young girls walk home from school, waiting for the perfect moment to take the one child he has designated as his next victim.
However, what this predator does not know is that he, too, is being stalked. There is someone in the shadows—a trained Citizen—who is ready to make sure that the child under his assigned protection is never harmed.
One pedophile, one abuser, one killer at a time . . . this Citizen and others like him will take a stand against those who prey on the weak and the innocent.
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 352 KB
Print Length: 258 pages
Publisher: Reaction Press (June 11, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B0055L1GGQ

MY THOUGHTS: I enjoyed the many story lines going on in this book. These are not ordinary people. They belong to a company that permanently stops predators from hurting another child. This book grabs your emotions. This book has the ability to pull people in from all genres. From the first paragraph the author leads you through a range of emotions......fear, anger, disgust, and finally, righteous vindication. She then leads you into a world of beauty, solace, and purpose. Wonderful book, you should read this one. It is a page turner from the beginning to the end.

MY RATING: 8-12

[This is a free review book and my own opinion.]

REVIEW - WAR HORSE

This book is for 4 of my reading challenges.
New Author Challenge
150+ Challenge(5/150)
52 Books in 52 Weeks(Wk.3)
Outdo Yourself(5/150)

"War Horse" by Michael Morpurgo
Product Description(Amazon.com)
In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again?
Reading level: Ages 8 and up
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press; Mti edition (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0545403359
ISBN-13: 978-0545403351

MY THOUGHTS: This is the book my book club chose for this month. We were a little hesitant about reading it. We didn't think it would be challenging enough as it's for children. But the discussion got to going about it being made into a movie and it took off from there. One of the gals had already read the book and she gave it a rave review. So we got it. And I'm so glad we did. Awesome book and it's written with the horses eye view. The horse, Joey, is telling the story. Joey is a farm horse and he's happy with Albert on the farm. World War 1 comes along and Albert's father sells Joey to the army. Albert swears to find him, because at the time Albert is too young to join the service. Joey is shipped overseas into the front lines of the war. But along the way he meets several nice people who help him out and one great horse, Topthorn, who is his companion. Does Albert find Joey? Does Joey make it out of the war alive? You'll have to read the book to find out. You should read this book, it's very well written.

MY RATING: 8-12

THE SUNDAY SALON

I haven't done a Sunday Salon for ages so thought I'd do one today.

I went to the library last week to pick up a couple books. I got......

The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun - I joined a new reading challenge because of this book. Finish a Series being hosted over at Socrates' Book Reviews. I loved this book. Great mystery and I couldn't put it down. You can see my review here.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain - is on my list of banned books to read which is also a reading challenge, which is being hosted over at The Eclectic Bookshelf. I read this book when I was a young girl, so it will fun re-reading it again.
The pick at our book club for this month is.....

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo - I've just started this book so can't really say too much. But I do like the writing, it's very easy to read. I also like the idea that it's the horse telling the story.

Citizen Out by Marie Crist - is an ARC I'm reading. It's pretty interesting and I'm enjoying reading it. It's all about predators of children becoming the victim by ordinary people.

I've linked the books to Amazon.com if you want to check them out. Well, that's what I'm reading this week. Should keep me busy for a few days.

REVIEW - THE CAT WHO COULD READ BACKWARDS

This book is for 5 of my reading challenges.
New Authors Challenge
Support Your Library
150+ Challenge(4/150)
Outdo Yourself(4/200)
Finish A Series(The Cat Who)

"The Cat Who Could Read Backwards" by Lilian Jackson Braun
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Prize-winning reporter Jim Qwilleran's latest assignment is to cover the art beat for the Daily Fluxion. Sounds easy enough--unless your art beat includes a stabbing in an art gallery, vandalized paintings, and a fatal fall from a scaffolding!
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Jove (August 15, 1986)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0515090174
ISBN-13: 978-0515090178

MY THOUGHTS: First off, I've joined a new reading challenge just because of this book. It's a series of books and I loved it so much I've joined Yvonne over at Socrates' Book Reviews for the Finish A Series Challenge.

I will be reading The Cat Who series. Don't know if I'll finish it this year, but will give it my best shot. There are 30 books in the series. I love reading a good mystery and this one is really good. Kept me glued to the book from the first page. What I liked about this book, the characters names, they kind of quirky. And the word Chapters is spelled backward though the book. As for finding out who was the murderer, well that was worth the wait. It wasn't who I thought it was. I like that when a book can make me guess and I'm wrong. So who is the culprit? You'll have to read the book to find out.

MY RATING: 5

REVIEW - THE HYPNOTIST

This book is for 5 of my reading challenges.
Support Your Local Library
150+ Challenge(3/150)
52 Books in 52 Weeks(Wk.2)
Chunkster Challenge
Outdo Yourself Challenge(3/200)

"The Hypnotist" by Lars Kepler
Product Description(Amazon.com)
In the frigid clime of Tumba, Sweden, a gruesome triple homicide attracts the interest of Detective Inspector Joona Linna, who demands to investigate the murders. The killer is still at large, and there’s only one surviving witness—the boy whose family was killed before his eyes. Whoever committed the crimes wanted this boy to die: he’s suffered more than one hundred knife wounds and lapsed into a state of shock. Desperate for information, Linna sees only one option: hypnotism. He enlists Dr. Erik Maria Bark to mesmerize the boy, hoping to discover the killer through his eyes.
It’s the sort of work that Bark has sworn he would never do again—ethically dubious and psychically scarring. When he breaks his promise and hypnotizes the victim, a long and terrifying chain of events begins to unfurl.
An international sensation, The Hypnotist is set to appear in thirty-seven countries, and it has landed at the top of bestseller lists wherever it’s been published—in France, Holland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Denmark. Now it’s America’s turn. Combining the addictive power of the Stieg Larsson trilogy with the storytelling drive of The Silence of the Lambs, this adrenaline-drenched thriller is spellbinding from its very first page.
Hardcover: 512 pages
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux; First American Edition edition (June 21, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0374173958
ISBN-13: 978-0374173951

MY THOUGHTS: I really liked this book, it was full of great details and suspense to make the story so much better. There is a homicide of a whole family and one survivor, a son. But he is hurt and in shock. The police want to hypnotize him to see what he remembers. The cop on the case is Joona Linna. He's very good at figuring out details that most people miss. The hypnotist is Eric Maria Bark. Joona has to talk Erik into hypnotizing the boy. Someway or another Joona has to know what happened to this family. Along with this, Eric's son is kidnapped and seems to be connected to the murders, but is it? Or is it related to a case that Eric has forgotten all about from his past? Does Joona solve the murder? Does Eric get his son back? You'll have to read the book to find out.

MY RATING: 5

REVIEW - LOVE FINDS YOU IN AMANA IOWA

This book is for 4 of my reading challenges.
New Authors Challenge
Arc Challenge
150+ Challenge(2/150)
Outdo Yourself Challenge(2/200)

"Love Finds You in Amana Iowa" by Melanie Dobson
Product Description(Amazon.com)
As the rest of the nation is embroiled in Civil War, the Amana Colonies remain peaceful. Amalie Wiese arrives in the newly built village of Amana in 1863
only to find that her betrothed, Friedrich, has left to fight with the Union army. Amalie tries to overcome her worries as she sets up a communal kitchen. She
hopes that working alongside Friedrich’s best friend will provide some comfort, but Matthias is abrupt and cold. Little does Amalie know that Matthias has been in
love with her since childhood but will not betray Friedrich by pursuing her friendship. When Matthias himself leaves for the battlefront to deliver supplies
to the soldiers, war wages in Amalie’s own heart. Will love claim victory?
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Summerside Press (June 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609361350
ASIN: B005SN4LF4

MY THOUGHTS: This is a new author for me. This was a very enjoyable book. I really liked all the characters. Books with the Amish, Mennonites, Mormons, Shakers religion seem to be pretty poplar right now. My book club just read one. The story is all about a subtle love triangle between Amalie, her fiance Fredrich and his best friend Matthias. The Amana Colonies were a different type of religious sect. From the cover I assumed it to be Amish, but it never tells what religious sect they belong to. I would like to read more about the Amana Colonies, I'll have to search this out. Do Amalie and Fredrich get together? Or is is Amalie and Matthias? You'll have to read the book to find out.

MY RATING: 5

[This is a free review book and my own opinion.]

BLOGGING FROM A TO Z 2012

Did you do the A to Z blogging last year? Well, it's almost time for it again. Want to keep in touch and find out some info? Head over to Arlee Bird's place Tossing It Out to get all the info you need. I'm going to join in. I did this last year and it was lots of fun and a challenge coming up with posts for the letter. So get busy and think up your A to Z list. Don't forget that the A to Z sign-up list will appear on January 30, 2012.

REVIEW - BRIDE OF A WICKED SCOTSMAN

This book is for 6 of my reading challenge.
Support You Library(1/37)
150+ Challenge(1/150)
52 Books in 52 Weeks(Wk.1)
Just For Fun Challenge(1/12)
Ireland Challenge(1/4)
Outdo Yourself Challenge(1/200)

"Bride of A Wicked Scotsman" by Samantha James
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Lady Maura O'Donnell swore to her father on his deathbed that she'd recover the Circle of Light, an enchanted Celtic relic that had brought the family prosperity—until it was stolen a century earlier by a notorious pirate. Now the pirate's descendant, the Duke of Gleneden, holds this rare treasure, and Maura would give anything to get it back . . .
Alec McBride knows when he's been had. Lady Maura tricked him into marriage with the expertise of a born seductress, and now she'll pay for her treachery. He'll ravish her, tempt her, tame her—until she sorely wishes she'd never heard of the Duke of Gleneden. Caught up in their game of revenge, Alec and Maura never notice what is happening in their hearts—until it's too late.
Their marriage may have been a farce, but there is nothing truer than their desire . . .
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (February 24, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060899409
ISBN-13: 978-0060899400

MY THOUGHTS: This is one of 3 new books I picked up at the library. I really enjoyed reading about Lady Maura and the Duke of Gleneden. They were very likeable characters. Along with the romance there was a mystery to solve. Maura is out to find the Circle of Light. It was stolen by The Black Pirate from her home and her people and lands were cursed along with The Black Pirate. Maura's father forces a deathbed promise from her to find the Circle of Light and bring it back home. Maura sets out to entice Alec, the Duke of Gleneden. Alec is the decendent of The Black Pirate. Maura drugs Alec and professes the next day that he took her virginity. Which forces Alec to marry her. Once at Alec's estate Maura can search for the Circle of Light. Does she find the Circle of Light? Do Maura and Alec stay together? You'll have to read the book to find out.

MY RATING: 5

MUSING MONDAY

MizB over at Should Be Reading is the host for Musing Monday. She asks.......

What is/are the first book(s) you’re reading for the new year?

I am reading.....

Bride of a Wicked Scotsman by Samantha James

I started it at 12:00AM on January 1 I was in a hurry to get started on my new reading challenges and couldn't wait, so stayed up a couple hours longer to start this book. So far I like it. It's one of my favorite genres to read, Historical Romance. But this one has some mystery in it too.

REVIEW - THE IMMORTALITY VIRUS

"The Immortality Virus" by Christine Amsden

Product Description(Amazon.com)
In the mid-21st century, the human race stopped aging. Those who know why aren't talking, and the few who are brave enough to ask questions tend to disappear. To an elite few, The Change means long life and health, but to the increasing masses, it means starvation, desperation, and violence. Four centuries after The Change, Grace Harper, a blacklisted P.I., sets off on a mission to find the man responsible for it all and solicit his help to undo The Change - if he's still alive. To complicate matters, Grace's employer is suspected of murdering his father, and when the police learn of their connection, they give her a choice - help them find the evidence they need to convict Matthew Stanton, or die. But if they discover Grace's true mission, they won't hesitate to kill her in order to protect their shot at immortality.
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Paladin Timeless Books (June 15, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1606190032
ISBN-13: 978-1606190036

MY THOUGHTS: Finishing up my books I was reading so I can start my new 2012 challenges. This book is an interesting read that looks into what it would look like to live forever. You are introduced to the 21st century. The world is being ruled by a totalitarian government made of an elite few. The feisty 130-year old PI protagonist, Grace Harper, is hired to discover the whereabouts of Jordan Lacklin, the scientist responsible for the "virus" that started The Change about 400 years ago while working on the cure for Alzheimer's. There people who don't want her to succeed. They want to stop Grace from finding Lacklin. And they will go to great lengths to do that. And does Grace find Lacklin? Does the world get better? You'll have to read the book to find out.

MY RATING: 5

[This is a free review book and is my own opinion.]

My Life According to the Books I Read in 2011

Harvee over at Book Dilettante stopped by and left me a comment. So hopped over to check out his place. I found this great meme, so thought I'd try it out.

This is an end of year wrap up meme hosted by Christine over at Happily Ever After... titled My Life According to the Books I Read in 2011. If you want to join in, head on over to her blog to add your post to Mr. Linky.
Just enter the names of the books you have read that fit the prompts. Don't repeat the names of any books! And click on the titles if you're curious about the books.

Describe yourself:
The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

How do you feel:
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

Describe where you currently live:
Backroads by Tawni O'Dell

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
Northward to the Moon - Polly Horvath

Your favorite form of transportation:
The Christmas Train by David Balacci

Your best friend is:
The Petticoat Doctor by Paige Winship Dooly


You and your friends are:
Two Old Women by Velma Wallis

What's the weather like:
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

What is life to you:
Beautiful Disaster by Laura Spinella

Favorite time of day:
Sunrise by Jacquelyn Cook

Your fear:
What the Night Knows - Dean Koontz

What is the best advice you have to give:
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Thought for the day:
It Ain't All About the Cookin' by Paula Deen

How I would like to die:
If I Live To Be 100 by Neenah Ellis

My soul's present condition:
Love, Aubrey by Suzanne Lafleur

Overall I am satistified with the books I read this year. Am looking forward to finding some interesting books next year. Hope you all have an awesome bookie New Year.

REVIEW - I AM HALF-SICK OF SHADOWS

"I Am Half-Sick of Shadows" by Alan Bradley
Product Description(Amazon.com)
What better Christmas surprise for detective-in-training Flavia de Luce than a dreadful murder under Buckshaw's roof - and a snowbound house full of suspects!
It's Christmas time, and our beloved Flavia is tucked away in her laboratory whipping up a sticky concoction to trap that infamous sneak, Saint Nick, and thereby prove once and for all - despite the claims of her evil sisters - that he does exist. But she is soon distracted from her task: Colonel de Luce, in desperate need of funds, has rented the family's crumbling manor house to a film company for the holidays. When its crew arrives from London to shoot a movie starring the reclusive and renowned actress, Phyllis Wyvern, there's no end to the disruptions - and dramas - demanding Flavia's attention.
When Wyvern is convinced to perform a famous scene to help raise funds for the local church, it is decided that Buckshaw Manor is the only suitable location. Its foyer alone is bigger than the parish hall, and could fit every man, woman, and child in Bishop's Lacey, to a soul. It's almost Christmas Eve, but - to no one's surprise - all of the village inhabitants fight their way through a raging snowstorm to be in the audience that magical night.
Hardcover: 373 pages
Publisher: Thorndike Press; Lrg edition (November 2, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1410443329
ISBN-13: 978-1410443328

MY THOUGHTS: I went to the library looking for something to read to hold me over until the new year. So went to the new books shelf and this one popped out at me. One thing is the color, I'm very fond of red. Then read the synopsis and it sounded good. This is also a new author for me. Really enjoyed reading this book. Flavia is a wonderful character, did I mention Flavia is only 11 years old. Smart and funny. She still believes in Santa and is out to prove one way or another that he's real. But the movie crew that comes upsets the whole household. And on top of that half the town comes to see a play and they all get snowbound. Then the unspeakable happens. The star of the movie is murdered. She is found in her room,strangled with some old movie film. Flavia finds her and immediately starts looking for clues. All the characters in this book have some really funny names and the name of the town is even funny sounding. A very enjoyable book all about Christmas, murder and some romance.

MY RATING: 5

CHANGES

I am making several changes in 2012. I am doing some serious cleaning and de-cluttering here at Just Books. So if your looking for something and it's not there any more, check my tabs at the top, I may have moved it.

1. Reading Challenges - All info, list of books, and progress will be in my 2012 Reading Challenges tab at the top of my page.

2. Book Review Links - They won't be on my sidebar. They are already linked in My Library tab so why have it twice.

3. Book Covers - I will no longer be putting book covers on my side bar.

As I am all done with 2011 Reading Challenges, I am posting the ones I finished.

Home Town Challenge-
Back to the Classics
Just For Fun
What's in A Name 4 Challenge
War Through The Generations Challenge
The 50 States Challenge
Vintage Mystery Challenge
Immigrant Stories Challenge
Foodie's Reading Challenge
Young Readers Challenge
A-Z Challenge
Global Challenge
52 Books in 52 Weeks Challenge
The Color Coded Challenge
Fairy Tale Challenge
Books to Movies Challenge

I read a total of 193 books this year, which I think is pretty good. My goal next year is 200. Can't wait to get started on my 2012 challenges. Can't decide which one to start first. I'm sure I'll figure it out.

2012 READING CHALLENGE

One more reading challenge. I posted my 2011 Outdo Yourself Challenge wrap up. Was over at The Book Vixen's place and noticed she's hosting the Outdo Yourself challenge 2012. So of course I have to join up.

* Runs January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012 (books read prior to 1/1/12 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime.
* The goal is to outdo yourself by reading more books in 2012 than you did in 2011. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
* Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
* Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
* Grab the reading challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you could track your progress on Goodreads or LibraryThing.

My goal for 2011 was 200 books. I read 192 in 2011. But I've got a lot of "heavy" books to read this year. So I'm going to set 150 as my goal for 2012. I really want to make it this time. I haven't got a list of books, they will just fall into place.

2011 OUTDO YOURSELF CHALLENGE WRAP-UP

With only 2 days left to this year, I'm making this my wrap up for the 2011 Outdo Yourself Challenge. I set my goal at 200 books, I got 192 done. Which I think is pretty good. This challenge is being hosted over at The Book Vixen.

This is the list of books I read in 2011. They are all linked to my reviews in My Library tab at the top of my page.

1. Going Over All The Hurdles - John A. Belneke
2. Food - Laura K. Egendorf
3. Repairing Rainbows - Linda Fishman
4. Dismissed With Prejudice - Fletcher Cockrell
5. Mo' Dirty - Darrell King
6. Murder List - Julie Garwood
7. Elvis & Olive - Stephanie Watson
8. Remarkable Creatures - Tracy Chevalier
9. The Food Bible - Judith Wills
10. The Double Cross - Clare O' Donohue
11. Tourist Season - Carl Hiaasen
12. Naming Liberty - Jane Yolen
13. Elvis & Olive: Super Detectives - Stephanie Watson
14. Trust - Kate Veitch
15. Our Town - Cynthia Carr
16. Frankenstein - Mary Shelley
17. I Never Forget A Meal - Michael Tucker
18. City of Tranquil Light - Bo Cauldwell
19. When No One is Watching - Joseph Hayes
20. Quilts - Marie D. Webster
21. The Christmas Train - David Baldacci
22. The Grand Delusion - Heath Sommer
23. The Hound of the Baskervilles - Arthur Conan Doyle
24. Two Old Women - Velma Wallis
25. One Amazing Thing - Chitra Divakaruni
26. Th1rteen R3asons Why - Jay Asher
27. Conspiracy Game - Christine Feehan
28. Heat - Bill Buford
29. Tales From a Spanish Village - Richard A. Barrett
30. Bloodroot - Amy Greene
31. Haunted Echoes - Julie Ann Howell
32. Cake Boss - Buddy Valastro
33. Coal Black Horse - Robert Olmstead
34. To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee
35. Don't Sweat The Small Stuff - Don Bruns
36. At The Crossroads of Terror - Lenny Emanuelli
37. The Luxe - Anna Godbersen
38. Sunrise - Jacquelyn Cook
39. The Agency: A Spy in the House - Y.S. Lee
40. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow - Washington Irving
41. A Pizza the Size of the Sun - Jack Prelutsky
42. Gardens of Grief - Boston Teran
43. The Awakening - Kelley Armstrong
44. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot
45. Beautiful Disaster - Laura Spinella
46. The Agency: The Body at The Tower - Y. S. Lee
47. Murder on The Orient Express - Agatha Christie
48. Delirious - Daniel Palmer
49. Miss Hildreth Wore Brown - Olivia deBelle Byrd
50. Deed So - Katherine A. Russell
51. Keeper - Kathi Appelt
52. 7 x 9 = Trouble! - Claudia Mills
53. Goodbye, Vietnam - Gloria Whelan
54. Get Real and Stop Dieting - Brett Blumenthal
55. It Ain't All About the Cookin' - Paula Deen
56. Ghost Girl: A Blue Ridge Mountain Story - Delia Ray
57. Coffee and Fate - R. J. Erbacher
58. What The Night Knows - Dean Koontz
59. Threads West - Reid Lance Rosenthal
60. Shutter Island - Dennis Lehane
61. Tick Tock - James Patterson
62. Victim's Revenge - Wade J. Halverson
63. Speak No Evil - Allison Brennan
64. The Red Badge of Courage - Stephen Crane
65. Ruby - Lauraine Snelling
66. Table of Contents - Judy Gelman & Vicki Levy Krupp
67. The Darkest Evening - William Durbin
68. Did Not Survive - Ann Littlewood
69. Here Lies Arthur - Philip Reeve
70. Wild Bill Donovan - Douglas Waller
71. Un Lun Dun - China Mieville
72. A Murder is Announced - Agatha Christie
73. Images of America: Fairmount - Dathy Duling Shouse
74. Murder on Gallatin Street - David M. Payne
75. How to Slay a Dragon - Bill Allen
76. Dearest Enemy - Nan Ryan
77. A Time of Terror - James Cameron
78. The Double Comfort Safari Club - Alexander McCall Smith
79. Chicken A La King & The Buffalo Wing - Steven Gilbar
80. The Perfect Hamburger and other delicious stories - Alexander McCall Smith
81. Dreams in the Golden Country - Kathryn Lasky
82. Old-Time Pickling and Spicing Recipes - Florence Brobeck
83. If I Live To Be 100 - Neenah Ellis
84. Love, Aubrey - Suzanne LaFleur
85. The Branding - Micaela Wendell
86. The Dragon's Child - Laurence Yep
87. The Promises She Keeps - Erin Healy
88. Behind The Yellow Tape - Jarrett Hallcox
89. Rachael Ray: Food Entrepreneur - Dennis Abrams
90. Masterpiece - Elise Broach
91. I, Tina - Tina Turner
92. Weeping Underwater Looks A Lot Like Laughter - Michael J. White
93. Back Roads - Tawni O' Dell
94. The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Victor Hugo
95. Green Thumb - Ralph McInerny
96. The Raising - Laura Kasischke
97. Gulliver's Travels - Jonathan Swift
98. The Inn At Eagle Point - Sherryl Woods
99. Z Car: A Legend in it's own Time - Ben Millspaugh
100. Jenna's Dilemma - Melissa J. Morgan
101. N or M? - Agatha Christie
102. The Source of All Things - Tracy Ross
103. Rapunzel - Paul O. Zelinsky
104. Persuasion - Jane Austen
105. Rachael Rays Big Orange Book - Rachael Ray
106. Fatal February - Barbara Levenson
107. Flowers on Main - Sherryl Woods
108. Jack's Black Book - Jack Gantos
109. The Trouble With Lacy Brown - Debra Clopton
110. Natural Blonde - Liz Smith
111. The Last Unicorn - Peter S. Beagle
112. The Madonnas of Echo Park - Brando Skyhorse
113. Nineteen Eighty - Four - George Orwell
114. The Reader - Bernhard Schlink
115. Winesburg, Ohio - Sherwood Anderson
116. The Map Across Time - C. S. Lakin
117. Fire From The Rock - Sharon M. Draper
118. A Thousand Acres - Jane Smiley
119. Weedflower - Cynthia Kadohata
120. Tales of an African Vet - Dr. Roy Aronson
121. The Devil Wears Plaid - Teresa Medeiros
122. Mothers & Daughters - Rae Meadows
123. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake - Aimee Bender
124. In My Hands - Irene Gut Opdyke
125. The Civilized World - Susi Wyss
126. The Widower's Tale - Julia Glass
127. The True Adventures of Charley Darwin - Carolyn Meyer
128. A Study in Scarlet - Arthur Conan Doyle
129. Ambushed in Jaguar Swamp - Dave & Neta Jackson
130. Zero Day - Mark Russinovich
131. The Mysterious Affairs at Styles - Agatha Christie
132. Tales From Outer Suburbia - Shaun Tan
133. Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs - Judi Barrett
134. Troubling A Star - Madeleine L'Engle
135. A Light in the Storm - Karen Hesse
136. My Fair Lazy - Jen Lancaster
137. Iron Trail - Tim Champlin
138. The Guardian Angel's Journal - Carolyn Jess-Cooke
139. The Distant Hours - Kate Morton
140. Buried Prey - John Sandord
141. Night of the Howling Dogs - Graham Salilsbury
142. Shadowed Summer - Saundra Mitchell
143. Girl in Translation - Jean Kwok
144. The Daughter of Time - Josephine Tey
145. Sprout - Dale Peck
146. How I Found the Strong - Margaret McMullan
147. Catriona - Jeanette Baker
148. Room One - Andrew Clements
149. The Dashwood Sisters Tell All - Beth Pattillo
150. Once on This Island - Gloria Whelan
151. Gabriel's Horses - Alison Hart
152. The Undomestic Goddess - Sophie Kinsella
153. The Danger Box - Blue Balliett
154. Conflict of Interest - Adam Mitzner
155. Northward to the Moon - Polly Horvath
156. Aftershock - Kelly Easton
157. The First Four Years - Laura Ingalls Wilder
158. The Beach Tree - Karen White
159. The Misfit - Nancy Rue
160. Kiss Her, Kill Her - Lisa Dewar
161. Every Secret Thing - Laura Lippman
162. The Year Money Grew on Trees - Aaron Hawkins
163. Coyote Autumn - Bill Wallace
164. Kaleidoscope Eyes - Jen Bryant
165. Jane Was Here - Sarah Kernochan
166. Red Dog - Bill Wallace
167. Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
168. When The Whistle Blows - Fran Cannon Slayton
169. Bird Lake Moon - Kevin Henkes
170. Lucky Stiff - Deborah Coonts
171. A Time to Dance - Mary Pope Osborne
172. The Petticoat Doctor - Paige Winship Dooly
173. Hear The Wind Blow - Mary Downing Hahn
174. Iron Thunder - AVI
175. If This is Paradise, I Want My Money Back - Claudia Carroll
176. Wanna Get Lucky? - Deborah Coonts
177. The Jungle Adventure of Chimpoo - A. Lawati
178. Kill Me If You Can - James Patterson
179. The Reckoning - Kelley Armstrong
180. Ghellow Road - T. H. Waters
181. A Pug's Tale - Alison Pace
182. Unbroken - Laura Hillenbrand
183. Driftwood Cottage - Sherryl Woods
184. A Plain & Simple Christmas - Amy Clipston
185. Toys - James Patterson
186. Moonlight Cove - Sherryl Woods
187. Beach Lane - Sherryl Woods
188. Now You See Him - Eli Gottlieb
189. The Tenth Circle - Jodi Picoult
190. County Line - Bill Cameron
191. Maisie Dobbs - Jacqueline Winspear
192. Vintage Connor - Robert Baty