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total: 64 2010 goal: 0/50 2009 goal: 43/50 Pages read during 2009: 11,892 |
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The Lovely Bones Alice Sebold Finished on December 2009 synopsis » Pages: 368  |
no. 64 |
| This was a book that I saw a lot lying around the bookstore — not to mention it’s been a bestseller for awhile now. After reading the synopsis on the back of the book I knew immediately this was a book I wanted to read. A very touching story about a young girl who was raped and murdered. The interesting part is it’s being narrated by the girl after she had died. A very good book indeed. Even though it’s a little fictional at some points, it’s definitely a story that you could believe was real — which is the sad part. |
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Full Metal Alchemist, volumes 15-20 Hiromu Arakawa Finished on November 2009 synopsis » Pages: 1,200 approx. |
no. 63 |
| Good lord. I thought book 20 was the end of the series but I was wrong. There are quite a few more books to read.. and it sucks because not all of them are in English yet. Uh oh, what in the hell am I going do?.. :| They are so addicting. |
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Full Metal Alchemist, volumes 7-14 Hiromu Arakawa Finished on October 2009 synopsis » Pages: 1,600 approx. |
no. 57 |
| A very addicting series, for sure. Half way through I noticed the difference between the anime and the manga. Even thought they’re quite different, I am so eager to finish them! |
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Full Metal Alchemist, volumes 1-6 Hiromu Arakawa Finished on September 2009 synopsis » Pages: 1,400 approx. |
no. 49 |
| I have been a big fan of the anime for years now. I remember watching them back when they were still in Japanese even. I came across the manga at work and I had to start it! It so far matches the anime and I am quite digging them. |
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Hellsing, volumes 1-2 Kouta Hirano Finished on November 2009 synopsis » Pages: 400 approx.  |
no. 42 |
| The first manga I have ever read. I liked the story but I decided to put the series down because I wanted to finish up the FMA. I may continue them though.. |
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Catcher in the Rye J. D. Salinger Finished on September 2009 synopsis » Pages: 224  |
no. 40 |
| A classic, for sure. I finally got around to reading it! It’s about a teenage boy named Holden who rebels against the society in the 1950s. The book bascially portrays Holden’s interesting & humurous views on life, sex, love, school, etc.What I loved most about the book was how simple it was written, almost like pages from a journal. |
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Green Ted Dekker Finished on September 2009 synopsis » Pages: 392 |
no. 39 |
| The fourth book of the Circle Trilogy. It not only completes but begins the entire series. What’s cool is it can be read before the other books or after. I, of course, read it after and I do prefer that order because it flows better to me. The Circle Trilogy is my favorite series of books of all time and Dekker did a wonderful job with finishing up the series. I am sad it’s over! |
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Sinner Ted Dekker Finished on August 2009 synopsis » Pages: 400 |
no. 38 |
| The third book in the Paradise Trilogy. I was quite disappointed with this book. It’s about good vs. evil & Christianity vs. other religions. It was a decent book although not nearly as good as it could have been. |
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Saint Ted Dekker Finished on August 2009 synopsis » Pages: 432 |
no. 37 |
| The second book in the Paradise Trilogy, following Showdown. Dekker takes you deeper into the story of Johnny who is now in his mid-20s. He has been brainwashed into being a stragetic killer. He has no feelings, no memories, no life, no sense of who he is. All he knows is to kill.. until one day he decides to leave his dark pit & find out who he really is. I love Dekker’s stories! :) |
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A Long Way Gone Ishmael Beah Finished on August 2009 synopsis » Pages: 240 |
no. 36 |
| A book I so happen to find at a thrift store for two dollars. I was really anxious & quite moved when I read the synopsis on the back of the book. A very touching and sad story of a thirteen year old boy is forced to become a soldier whose brainwashed into killing. It’s a true story about a man named Ishmael Beah.. a very moving story. |
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Showdown by Ted Dekker Finished on July 2009 synopsis » Pages: 496 |
no. 35 |
| Showdown is the first book of the Paradise series, a series I wanted to read for awhile now. It’s an extremely unique story about the battle of good and evil. At first it was not what I had expected but as I continued to read, the story compelled me and I found myself finishing the story in just a few days. Now I can not wait to read the next book: Saint. |
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The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray Finished on June 2009 synopsis » Pages: 848 |
no. 34 |
| I was reading this book when I started BAM so I didn’t finish the book as quick as I would have liked. But I did finish it! I kept wondering how in the hell the story was going to come to an end — and I really liked it. Libba Bray did a wonderful job with this series. A teenage girl moving from India to England to attend a boarding school for girls. Discovered secrets about her mother as well as herself. Magic. Realms. Creatures. War. Love. Awesome? |
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Rebel Angels by Libba Bray Finished on May 2009 synopsis » Pages: 592 |
no. 33 |
| Continous of the amazing story of Gemma Doyle. I really loved this book because it indelved more into the story as well as the character, Kartik, whom I love. :) |
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A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray Finished on April 2009 synopsis » Pages: 432 |
no. 32 |
| Chris recommended this book to me and I flew through it. I absolutely loved it. The entire story line was unique, fantasy-like, and it kept me quite entertained. Libba Bray is such an interesting lady. Goofy as hell too. (I totally Youtubed her). I remember being so anxious to complete the series. |
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The Shack by William P. Young Finished on April 2009 synopsis » Pages: 256 |
no. 31 |
| I was hearing a lot about this book and after being recommended to me by my cousin, I decided to give it a try. Was not what I had expected but still a pretty good read. Was weird that God was a heavy-set black woman, lol. Interesting, nonetheless! |
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Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher Finished on April 2009 synopsis » Pages: 304 |
no. 30 |
| A very powerful book. I didn’t want to put it down once I began reading this amazingly sad yet inspiring story of a teenage boy struggling to help his emotional & physically beaten friend who now sits silently in a hospital. Beautiful book, from beginning to end. |
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The Secret of Shambhala by James Redfield Finished on April 2009 synopsis » Pages: 256  |
no. 29 |
| A book I picked up at a used bookstore. I had no idea what it was about it just happened to catch my eye. Unfortunately, it was not as good as I had anticipated. Was an interesting story about spiritual truths and human awareness of them. It might have been more captivating if told more of a story rather than repeated details and instructions. |
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Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer Finished on March 2009 synopsis » Pages: 224 |
no.28 |
| A very moving story about Chris McCandless, the young man, who left his family and all his possessions to walk Into the Wild. Very much enjoyed this book, was difficult at first because of the narrating. But Krakauer brought McCandless’s life & ambition into the story by referring to his journals, photographs, and stories from his friends whom he met along the way to Alaska. Extremely great & terrible story. Inspiring to say the least. |
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The Orphaned Anything’s by Stephen Christian Finished on March 2009 synopsis » Pages: 116 |
no. 27 |
| This is the second time I have read this book in the past year. Chris, my fiancee, is currently teaching this book to his senior students. I decided to read it as well so I could throw in ideas and what not. Such an impact it left on me the first time, but this second time I am blown away. It is an inspiring story that makes me want to get out there and do something with my life. And most importantly to remember that no matter what happens tomorrow or what has happened in the past.. life is good. |
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Veronika Decides to die by Paulo Coelho Finished on March 2009 synopsis » Pages: 240 |
no. 26 |
| Really enjoyed this book. It’s about a 23yo girl who one day decides to kill herself, not because she’s unhappy but simply because her life is boring and so routine. Her failed attempt at suicide results her being taken to a mental hospital where she is told she has a few days to live. In those few days she experiences things she has never felt before — pain, love, hatred, sexual feelings. Not to say too much to ruin the story, but it’s a book that really makes you ask yourself.. ‘What is my purpose in life?’ A real awakening that life is wonderful and the importance of getting out of our daily routine we set for ourselves and experience and feel new things. |
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The Road by Cormac McCarthy Finished on March 2009 synopsis » Pages: 304 |
no. 25 |
| A beautiful told story of a postapocalyptic earth and the journey of a father and his son towards the coast. Such a moving story! Really showcases the good and evil in all of us. The destruction we are capable of as well as the bond and love we strive to hold onto. The dialogue in this story is what really does it for me.. it’s so brisk yet so honest and heartfelt. The story will certainly move whoever reads it. |
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Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher Finished on March 2009 synopsis » Pages: 304 |
no. 24 |
| A very heartrending story of a young girl who commits suicide. But before doing so, explains the thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life on tape. These tapes are then passed to one person to another until all thirteen people have listened. One of these kids is Clay. Throughout the story he is continually asking why he is one of the thirteen but in the meantime he’s understanding and learning so much about Hannah that he wishes she was still alive. A brilliant story that everyone should take the time to read. It shows the importance of one’s action and how someone’s action can greatly affect or even ruin another human being. |
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Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell Finished on February 2009 synopsis » Pages: 208 |
no. 23 |
| Rob Bell blew me away with this book. It’s so amazing to see someone who is so passionate and enthusiastic about something — especially God and the good of humans. Velvet Elvis was a book I had on my bookshelf for over a year yet neglected to read. What a waste to know what I have been missing this entire time. Beautiful and inspiring stories. Hope. Faith. It fed my soul. I feel like a glutton because I only want more of it. |
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Blue Like Jazz by Don Miller Finished on February 2009 synopsis » Pages: 256 |
no. 22 |
| Blue Like Jazz is about a man and his journey through life in search for God. A pretty brilliant book with tons of funny stories. It’s honest more than anything else. I started the book expecting to get a lot from it and I suppose I did. It has inspired me to also start my own journey to God — not just Christ but I want to explore all the religions and cultures I can grasp. |
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White by Ted Dekker Finished on January 2009 synopsis » Pages: 400 |
no. 21 |
| White. My favorite book of the Circle Trilogy. A beautiful story of life and death and most importantly — Love. Was very inspiring to read it a second time. A book that I want to read over and over again. As a matter of fact, once finishing the book, I almost picked up the entire trilogy to begin again.. but I decided it’s best to read something new. Anyways, I’ll be reading the series again before the new book, Green, comes out this year! |
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Red by Ted Dekker Finished on December 2008 synopsis » Pages: 400 |
no. 20 |
| Red. Lots of war, battle, heart ache, and passion. Continuation of the brilliant story of Thomas Hunter. I really enjoyed reading it for the second time. It’s a book that never seems to get old. A thriller! |
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Black by Ted Dekker Finished on December 2008 synopsis » Pages: 432 |
no.19 |
| This was my second time reading Black and it riveted me more than ever. I got so much out of this time around. The Circle Trilogy has got to be one of the most amazing and creative stories I have ever read. I have even made it a point to read the entire series each year. |
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Samurai Shortstop by Alan Gratz Finished on December 2008 synopsis » Pages: 288 |
no. 18 |
| Samurai Shortstop was recommended by Chris. I wasn’t really excited about it because it was about besuboru, Japanese baseball — not really into books about sports. I was so wrong. Gratz managed to create a brilliant story about baseball and also integrate Japanese culture in it as well. It’s about a young boy who reluctantly takes samurai lessons with his father. He soon starts to love the way of the samurai and eventually uses it’s techniques to master besuboru. Was really a great story, satisfied my interest in Japanese culture! |
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Finished on November 2008 synopsis » Pages: 224 |
no. 17 |
| One of the most brilliant novels I have ever read. It’s a devastating yet inspiring story of a young teenage boy named Charlie — who is struggling to get through life and is constantly bombarded by hardships. It’s hilarious, it’s sad, it’s infectious. Charlie is a character any one can relate to. I really wanted to MEET this kid. To hug him. I got so much out of this novel, was really inspiring. |
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Lucifer’s Flood by Linda Rios Brook Finished on November 2008 synopsis » Pages: 296 |
no. 16 |
| An interesting book. Not as good as I had hoped. It’s a novel written from the perspective of a fallen angel. The story goes on to describe Genesis and the beginning stories of Adam and Eve to Cain and Abel on to Noah and the flood. It was interesting nonetheless. Brook gave a whole new spin on the take of the beginning of the Bible. Could have been a little more intriguing. Still was a good read though. |
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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Finished on November 2008 synopsis » Pages: 552 |
no. 15 |
| The Book Thief is definitely up there in my top five novels of all time. Zusak blows you away with this touching and brilliant story of a young girl living in Nazi Germany and her thievery way of collecting books. It involves an orphan, bombing, an accordionist, a Jewish fist-fighter, Germans, and oh.. the coolest narrator ever — Death. |
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The Giver by Lois Lowry Finished on October 2008 synopsis » Pages: 192 |
no.14 |
| An amazing story of an unique community. Jonas, a twelve year old boy, receives his job — the receiver. He receives all the memories of The Giver and eventually learns the terrible truth about the society he lives in. LOVE this book. I fell in love with the characters and Lowry doesn’t disappoint. |
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The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau Finished on October 2008 synopsis » Pages: 352 |
no. 13 |
| The second book following The City of Ember. Wasn’t as good as the first but I still enjoyed it. |
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The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau Finished on September 2008 synopsis » Pages: 288 |
no. 12 |
| A story that takes place in the year 241 in an underground city. Lina, a twelve year old girl, feels like there is something bigger out there than Ember. With the help of her friend Doon, they go on a quest to leave the city for good in search for new places. A pretty good read! I loved the characters and the unique story of an underground city. Was really cool to see how DuPrau pulled it all off. |
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Thr3e by Ted Dekker Finished on August 2008 synopsis » Pages: 432 |
no. 11 |
| Such a thriller. It opens up with a the main character, Kevin, driving along in his car and all of a sudden gets a phone call from a man calling himself ‘Slater’. "You have exactly three minutes to confess your sin to the world. Refuse, and the car you’re driving will blow sky high." It’s a book that keeps you on the edge the entire time. So many twists and turns. I get the shakes just thinking about it. |
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The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominque Bauby Finished on July 2008 synopsis » Pages: 144 |
no. 10 |
| I have never read something so heart warming and inspiring than Bauby’s memoir. Bauby was an editor for French Elle who suffered from a stroke that left him paralyzed. He was unable to speak and eventually learned to communicate by simply blinking — amazing. He managed to use this new found way of communication to write this wonderful memoir. It leaves you so damn grateful for what you have and just wanting to wrap your arms around this guy. So damn inspiring! |
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Anthem by Ayn Rand Finished on May 2008 synopsis » Pages: 272 |
no. 9 |
| I have always heard such great things about Ayn Rand so I decided to give this book a try. It reminded me a lot of The Giver. It’s a story about a totalitarian future and the ultimate triumph to overcome the "We" and be an individual. An amazing story. Ayn Rand nailed it. |
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The Orphaned Anything’s by Stephen Christian Finished on April 2008 synopsis » Pages: 116 |
no. 8 |
| A memoir written by one of the most brilliant, creative, and inspiring men I have ever met — just happens to be the vocalist of Anberlin too. :) I remember reading the first few chapters on his blog and I was so anxious to read the rest. I admire Stephen’s writing style. It’s no way professional which makes it seem more honest, more real. It’s a coming of age story about a young man coming to a self realization that there has to be more than living than just being alive. Was so inspiring. |
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White by Ted Dekker Finished on January 2008 synopsis » Pages: 400 |
no. 7 |
| The best book of the Circle Trilogy, imo. The characters are fantastic, especially Justin and Chelise. The story only gets better, I remember feeling anticipation, anger, compassion, and inspiration. Was a mesmerizing book and one of my favorites of all time. A recommend the series to everyone! |
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Red by Ted Dekker Finished on January 2008 synopsis » Pages: 400 |
no. 6 |
| The second book of Ted Dekker’s Circle Trilogy. Dekker brilliantly managed to continue the story of Thomas Hunter with war, battle, blood, and passion. Was much more thrilling and action-packed then Black. I remember how anxious I was to finish and continue to White! |
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Black by Ted Dekker Finished on December 2007 synopsis » Pages: 432 |
no. 5 |
| Black is the novel that ignited my passion for books. It all started with this one complex story about a man and two realities and a deadly virus he is struggling to get rid of. Ted Dekker is a brilliant writer and managed to create this amazing story about a man named Thomas Hunter and his back & forth journey within two realities — and in the mean time incorporates spirituality and God in the mix. LOVE this book. It totally blown me away. |
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Secrets & Mysteries of the World by Sylvia Browne Finished on 2007 synopsis » Pages: 240 |
no.4 |
| Eh, I was into Sylvia Browne for awhile. Her books are actually really interesting, especially this one. It features stories and secrets of the pyramids, Stonehenge, The Bermuda Triangle, Easter Island, etc. I read other books by her but this one is still my favorite. |
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Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk Finished on 2006 synopsis » Pages: 224 |
no.3 |
| I unfortunately didn’t read the book until after I had seen the movie at least a dozen times. It was kinda cool, I was picturing the entire movie in my head while reading the book. The book is brilliant, the story is so damn unique and Chuck totally owned it. |
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Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson> Finished on April 2005 synopsis » Pages: 94 |
no. 2 |
| A book I had to read for my Psychology class. It’s a silly story about two mice and two humans and how they deal with change. As silly as it is, it’s a really motivating and inspiring story. |
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The Hobbit by J R R Tolkien Finished on 2004 synopsis » Pages: 256 |
no. 1 |
| The first novel I remember picking up and reading without being instructed to. I loved it. What more can I say.. Tolkien is a genius. I can’t believe I haven’t continued to read the LOTR books. |
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