Fourth Quarter Reading

I read thirty-seven books this quarter: exactly the same amount as in the third quarter. This brings my total up to 149 books this year, just one book shy of a nice round 150. This was almost double the amount of books I read last year.

1. 1. Cispin, Cross of Lead – Avi

Not my favorite. Avi is so hit or miss.

1. 1. Knocked Out by My Nunga-Nungas – Louise Rennison
      Hilarious, like all Georgia Nicolson books.
   2. Dragon’s Blood – Jane Yolen
      Snore.

 

1. 1. Looking for Alaska – John Green

Terrific writing, but a little vulgar.

1. 1. Vegan Virgin Valentine – Carolyn Mackler

Meh.

1. 1. American Born Chinese – Gene Luen Yang

Pretty good although I clearly didn’t get it all.

1. 1. My Mother the Cheerleader – Robert Sharenow

Skip this, go read To Kill a Mockingbird instead.

1. 1. The Chocolate War – Robert Comier

Wow, I really suprised myself by loving this book.

1. 1. Light Years – Tammar Stein

Really great, although not quite as good as High Dive.

1. 1. Wicked Lovely – Melissa Marr

Supposedly a great book for Twilight fans. Might I mention that these books are virtually nothing alike? Also, I’ve never thought piercings were as attractive as I did in this book.

1. 1. Dancing in My Nuddy-Pants – Louise Rennison

Funny, funny.

1. 1. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks – E. Lockhart

In contention for my favorite book of the year.

1. 1. Homecoming – Cynthia Voigt

Over 20 audio CDs and totally worth it. How had I not read this classic?

1. 1. Guyaholic: A Story of Finding, Flirting, Forgetting . . .and the Boy Who Changes Everything – Carolyn Mackler

Carolyn Mackler, I’m kind of over you.

1. 1. What I Saw and How I Lied – Judy Blundell

Still can’t believe this won the National Book Award. I clearly do not get it.

1. 1. The Adoration of Jenna Fox – Mary E. Pearson

I do not buy the buzz for this one. A lame book, I thought.

1. 1. Away Laughing on a Fast Camel – Louise Rennison

I love Dave the Laugh.

1. 1. Einstein for Beginners – Joseph Schwartz and Michael McGuinness

Note to authors: adding cartoons to the theory of relativity does not make it any easier for my small brain to comprehend.

1. 1. Then He Ate My Boy Entrancers – Louise Rennison

I clearly read WAY too many of these.

1. 1. An Abundance of Katherines – John Green

Not as good as Looking for Alaska.

1. 1. Fly on the Wall – E. Lockhart
      A total disappointment after Frankie Landau-Banks

 

1. 1. Startled by His Furry Shorts – Louise Rennison

And yet another Georgia book. Read them already.

1. 1. Paper Towns – John Green

John Green appears to only have one story line.

1. 1. Dicey’s Song – Cynthia Voigt

Excellent; even better than Homecoming. Also shorter.

1. 1. Love is a Many Trousered Thing – Louise Rennison

Oh my heavens. Just stop already.

1. 1. Stop in the Name of Pants – Louise Rennison

They are funnier on CD.

1. 1. Frindle – Andrew Clements

A quick semi-amusing read. I cannot believe how popular this book is.

1. 1. The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own – Nina Garcia

I do not need half or even three quarters of these things.

1. 1. Skulduggery Pleasant – Derek Landy

Skulduggery is a very amusing skeleton.

1. 1. Girl 15, Charming But Insane – Sue Limb

Completely forgettable.

1. 1. The Spectacular Now – Tim Tharp

Better than I expected from a book about an alcoholic teenager.

1. 1. Olive’s Ocean – Kevin Henkes

This seemed very long for a book that fit on three CDs.

1. 1. Savvy – Ingrid Law

I’m crossing my fingers for a Newbery seal on this one.

1. 1. The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy – Jeanne Birdsall

Good, although I would have liked it more as a kid.

1. 1. Chains – Laurie Halse Anderson

Really lovely, although I’m not as into historical fiction as I once was.

1. 1. A Curse Dark as Gold – Elizabeth C. Bunce

One of the better books I read this year. Really a well-told story.

1. 1. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks – E. Lockhart

Even better the second time!