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Reading, during the last 2 months of 2014, was pretty much non-existent here.
I just took a glance at my Goodreads books that I read from the 2014 challenge and it seemed that I read my last full length fiction novel back in October.
After that, I truly got sidetracked and don’t have any real excuses except life, holidays and work just took on a life of its own.
But since the holidays have been over, I somehow, thankfully got my reading mojo back and have already read two books and also already onto the third of my Goodreads 2015 challenge of 24 books.
Last year’s Goodreads 2014 challenge, I gave myself the goal of 12 (one a month) as I hadn’t been reading many books for almost a year when I first started this blog and yet I more then surpassed that goal with 21 books, but realized that other then the holiday time, I can truly read at the very least 2-3 books a month (see I am already there pretty much for January). So, I upped my Goodreads goal this year to 24 books (2 books a month now).
Since I last checked in though with what I was reading here on my blog, I hopefully and more then happily shared all about Wonder by R.J. Palacio.
However, there was one book though that I read right before Wonder that I also still wanted to share my thoughts. It seems that sometimes, you keep hearing about a book every time you turn around and can’t help, but for whatever reason to not get to read it immediately. Then, for some reason, you put off reading it and opt to read other books before it. But finally the pull is too great and you just can’t help, but finally cave, crack and read it.
That is exactly the case with the book Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn. From the first page, I was engrossed and left thoroughly on the edge of my seat. The reviews about this being the newest and greatest mystery/thriller of our time, were not exaggerating. Ms. Flynn, in my estimation, has weaved a suspenseful and captivating novel. I know many did read this and was going to give a full blown review, but am condensing for that reason. And yet still I would be remiss if I didn’t share some of my thoughts here.
First off, I knew enough from reading my fair share of mystery novels that I knew not to take anything at face value from the onset, but WOW, I can honestly say I was left shocked as the plot unfolded and twisted a few times. Another valid lesson that was driven home in this book was as they say never judge a book by its cover nor can you judge what goes on in a marriage behind closed doors. Even though for public consumption, all seemed like they were coming up roses in their marriage, but in reality theirs were anything, but rosy nor perfect by any means.
But since reading both those two books, I have also read What Alice Forgot, by Liane Moriarty (this was back in October 2014), The Look of Love, by Sarah Jio (first book of 2015 for me), and also most recently Big Little Lies, also by Liane Moriarty (yes I just can’t get enough of this author since The Husband’s Secret last year) and now I am engrossed in The Rosie Project, by Graeme Simsion (kept hearing such great things and couldn’t resist). So, I thought I would catch my readers up on these books a bit, as well.
Liane Moriarty’s books for the most part are real page turners and at least for me hard to put down. Both, What Alice Forgot and Big Little Lies were read with such ease, as well as the desire to find out how each turned out (definitely both kept me on my suspenseful edge of my seat). So, I couldn’t put each of these books down and found myself devouring them to stay up late.
What Alice Forgot, finds the main character Alice coming to on her local gym floor at 39 years old and having forgot a whole 10 years of her life. See she still was believing she was 29 years old, newly married and pregnant with her first child, but in reality she is 39, getting divorced and has 3 kids. The main plot takes us on Alice’s journey to reconstruct the years lost and how she got to this point in her life having the most crucial elements of it so very different rocking her now world to its core. I can say this the trip was very much well worth it and made me wonder what my own younger self would think about my now life 10 years later.
In Big Little Lies, one thing is for sure from the get go, someone had met an untimely demise during a school parent after hours function, but we have to read on to find out who and how this tragedy could take place. The book reads like a steamy, trashy, gossipy PTA meeting and definitely shows that school (parent) politics even for kids as young as kindergartners can be quite interesting and cliche laden for sure. I must admit having Emma in kindergarten this year and being class mom, I have seen my fair share already, but thankfully nothing as scandalous as that of this fateful night in this Big Little Lies’ beloved beachside community public school (still I was captivated and guiltily read each spell-binding page).
Last, but not least, The Look of Love, was very much a fun, easy read, which I pretty much found myself beginning and finishing in less then 2 days time finding the book’s heroine, Jane Williams finding out on her 29th birthday that she possesses the rare gift to see true love, but needs to identify the six types of love before the full moon following her thirtieth birthday, or face grave consequences (to never find true love for herself). Ok, I just couldn’t help, but fall in a little bit more in love with Jane the more I read and also root for her to indeed fulfill the prophecy to indeed find true love herself. Some might think that this is a bit of a simple read, but I was honestly quite enchanted by it, especially coming off the holiday season here and being my first read of the new year.
[Tweet “What’s the most recent book you have read? @goodreads Back in the reading saddle with #goodreadschallenge “]
And in the end…
So, there you have it, back in the reading saddle once again in 2015 since I was here.. I also am checking in more with Goodreads then I was at the end of 2014 and hope you will follow me over there, if you haven’t yet.
I also promise to update, possibly once a month which books, I am reading or have read for the past month here and again if you follow me on Goodreads will be able to see what I am reading in real time, too.
Plus, I hope to join in with a few online book clubs as I know two such bloggers (The Mom of the Year and Expandng) I adore are each running one each, as well.
Janine says
Aww, big hugs back Christy and yes I would totally recommend, “What About Alice”, as I truly enjoyed it and Liane Moriarty really is becoming one of my favorite writers as of late π
Alexa says
Ooh Janine, you know I have been dying to read Gone Girl. All these books sound great. I have been reading so many non-fiction and historical fiction, I am ready for some good fiction!!!
Janine says
Alexa, you are going to love Gone Girl and hope you get to read some good old fiction very soon. I got to tell you I am just loving my daily fiction reading so much right now π
Bill says
I’m on Goodreads but I don’t have a reading goal. Mainly because I read two books a week anyway, so I guess that is my goal, eh? I’d rather write them than read them, but I have the perfect world and I do both.
Janine says
You do totally have the perfect world and am a bit jealous of 2 books a week to be honest π
Kim says
I have Gone Girl on tap to finally watch (I read the book way back) this weekend!!!
I love Liane Moriary’s books – I think I’ve read the ones you mentioned although I can’t remember Big Little Lies so maybe I missed that one.
Janine says
Kim, I still have to watch Gone Girl myself and after reading the book, I can’t wait. And hope if you didn’t read, Big Little Lies, you will soon π
Diane Roark says
Janine,
You truly amaze me and inspire me with all the books you read. I know how much time blogging takes I just do not understand how you can get so many books read. You are incredible.
Many blessings,
Diane Roark
sharing your great book reviews
Janine says
Aww, thank you so much Diane and trust me, I do a lot of multi-tasking here and trying my best to just do what I can to be honest π
Kristi Campbell says
I’m so far behind on my reading as well. Gone has been on my list FOREVER. I miss those baby days with Tucker when he napped a billion times and I read in the bed next to him… I miss those days a lot. Thanks for the recommendations!!! The Look of Love has been on my list. Thanks for confirming it should be!
Janine says
Kristi, I hope you get to read again soon. I so remember those days of reading while the girls were napping. Long gone, but totally not forgotten by any means and miss them terribly sometimes now.
Echo says
I need to get back in the saddle and read some more!
Janine says
Aww, hope you do soon, Echo π
Ginny Marie says
I read Gone Girl and loved it! I didn’t make my Goodreads reading goal this year, but I was close! I just finished True Colors by Kristin Hannah, and it was pretty good.
Janine says
I love Keistin Hannah books and also read True Colors, too and very much enjoyed it π
Ginny Marie says
Commenting again…thank you for linking up to the Spin Cycle this week with your reading list!
Janine says
So happy I could link up and I need to write up my most recent books, but not sure that will happen this week with the girls home, so I thought these were recent enough to join in the fun with you this week π
Seana Turner says
I’ve read Wonder and Gone Girl. I thought Wonder probably stuck with me the most. I just joined Goodreads and haven’t really explored it at all yet, but that’s pretty much my goal for 2015. I’m in a book group, and always looking for books that will result in a good discussion:)
Janine says
Seana, I think you will love Goodreads and I know when I interested in reading a book, I always look towards Goodreads to see in fact what others who I am friends with think of said book. Helps me in my decision making if a book is worth giving a chance to read π
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I seriously wish I had more time to read. I haven’t picked up a book in ages.
Janine says
Trust me I have had my moments, but just glad right now I am having some extra time here and there to get my reading fix on π
Dara says
I need to update my goodreads list! I loved What Alice Forgot – one of my faves!
Janine says
Dara, I finally have been updating and I know What Alice Forgot is truly one of my favorites now, too π
Amanda @ Growing Up Madison says
I bought Gone Girl for my kindle when the movie was announced but I haven’t read it as yet. I like reading the books before seeing the movie. I never made it to the theatre to see the film but will try and see it when it comes out on DVD. While I was in St. Vincent I purchased quite a few books on my Kindle but mostly romance novels. The last book I did read though since I’ve been back is “Good Girl: A Memoir by Sarah Tomlinson”.
Janine says
I totally want to read Good Girl here and did you like it? Hope you get to read Gone Girl soon, too π
Sarah (est. 1975) says
Awesome selections! I know that Wonder book is on the Battle of the Books list and I’ve eyed it several times.
Janine says
Sarah, Wonder is definitely worth a read and hope you get to read soon π
Rea says
I think I’m following you already on Goodreads. I recently signed up! This just reminds me that I haven’t started my first book for the year yet! Time Traveler’s Wife. OMG, I couldn’t quite find the peace and quiet I need to read. LOL. But I promise to read it soon and take a look at the ones you’ve read especially GONE GIRL. I suppose that’s the movie too? My husband watched it and said it was good.
Janine says
I just checked and we are totally following each other on Goodreads. It is funny you mentioned the movie, as my neighbor was just talking today to me about it and told me she wasn’t thrilled with the ending, but still I go to see it for myself π
Tamara says
I enjoyed Gone Girl but I don’t think I’ll see the movie. I’d be curious to read more of her work.
I’m so into taking recommendations right now because of my trip next week! Well.. if I get to read during it..
Janine says
Like I just said to Rea, I have to see the movie for myself. And I so hope you get to read a bit on your trip next week π
Rabia @TheLiebers says
I have a Goodreads account, but I don’t use it. I should figure out how it works. I love to read and I’ve read a number of those that you mentioned, but I’d love to branch out and find some new ones. My reading goal this year is to read 12 non-fiction books. It’s not a genre I usually pick up.
Janine says
That is a great goal and also not a genre I usually pick either here though.
Allie @ The Latchkey Mom says
I followed you on Goodreads, hope you follow me back:). I am a book freak. I have read almost all of your books in this post, What Alice Forgot is one of my ALL TIME faves! Loved it. My goal this year is to read (or listen, cause I love audio books, too) 90 books.
Janine says
I totally just followed you back and so glad you did. Wow to your goal and will most definitely be checking out some of your pics, because sounds like with What Alice Forget we may very well have similar tastes in books π
Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly says
I have to admit, my reading in the last months was pretty much non-existing as well. I’ve knit a bit, and whenever I could, I’d sneak in a nap. Whenever I took the book I’m currently reading, I was nodding off after 2 or 3 pages, but one major advantage of going back to work in about 1.5 months again is the bus rides, which gives me an hour of reading every day π Have a wonderful weekend, Janine!
Janine says
Stephanie, when my girls were young, I truly had trouble focusing reading. I tried my best while they fell off for nap time, but yes I would be nodding off with them. So, I totally get it and hoping that you do get more reading time on your commute. Have a wonderful weekend, too π
Bev says
Gone Girl was AMAZING! I read that within the first couple months after Eve was born. I would actually read it whenever I got up to nurse her. (I found that having a really good book to read helped to motivate during those middle-of-the-night feeds.) And the Rosie Project was fantastic. I’ll need to check out these other books on your list!
Janine says
Bev, that sounds like great motivation and am definitely enjoying The Rosie Project so far, too and hope to get to check out the others, when you can, because I think you will like them, if you liked both, Gone Girl and The Rosie Project.
lisacng @ expandng.com says
Congrats on reaching your 2014 reading goal! I haven’t set a goal but just to keep reading, I suppose. I have Gone Girl on my nightstand (haven’t started) and want to read What Alice Forgot since my dad also suffered from Alzheimer. Thanks for mentioning my book club!!!!
Janine says
So happy to mention the book club and do have to check out a few on your list, but still so back logged from all I did want to get to read at the end of last year, so slowly working through them first now as you can see π
Dana says
I’m so happy you have gotten back into reading, Janine! I just finished my first audio book – not sure how I feel about that yet. I listened to a memoir, but I worry that my mind would wander with a novel and then I’d be lost. I’ll keep you posted!
Janine says
Thanks so much Dana and please do keep me posted, because I truly have been hesitant about audio books myself, because sometimes I think I have a bit of a short attention span and not sure how it would work out for me either.
Jen says
Janine these look like some great reads! I am really trying to start reading again this year. It sounds so pitiful to say that, but I am so narcoleptic these days. Put a book in my hands and I will be out in 3 minutes flat.
Janine says
Jen, i used to feel this way when my oldest wasn’t sleeping as a baby with reading. So I could totally relate.
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama says
I AM on goodreads! you know how much I love your book posts!! I loved loved gone girl–the husband’s secret–and I have what alice forgot on deck sitting here for me to read. I recently started reading the Divergent series and I am HOOKED! Thanks for your suggestions because without you I would have never been introduced to the Husband’s Secret!
Janine says
Aww, totally my pleasure and god you just made me smile more then you know. Love you, Nellie π
Lilith Sofia says
I need to get started on my Goodread challenge for this year. I did finish my last challenge.
Janine says
Congrats on last year and wishing you tons of luck on this year’s too π
Alison says
My goal last year was 36 books and I read 40.
So this year, I set a goal of 100. I KNOW WHAT WAS I THINKING? π
Janine says
Wow!! Awesome that you read 40, but there would be no way I could reach 100 not with my gang or schedule, but still I got my fingers crossed for you on this goal, Alison π
Aunt Gloria says
I’m very impressed with your reading all those books! Good luck now with your 2015 list….. And thanks for sharing this. Happy weekend. xxoo
Janine says
Aww thanks Aunt Gloria and Happy Weekend to you, too xoxo π
Chelsie says
I love book posts and reviews! Wonder and Gone Girl have been on my “to-read” list for a long time, and reading your reviews have given me an extra push to put them on the top of my list. Goodreads is such a great tool to track reviews and thoughts, too. I teach high school English and use Goodreads to write down brief summaries/thoughts and warnings that I should remember to give when I recommend a book to one of my students.
Good luck with your goal!
Janine says
Chelsie, I love how you use read Goodreads and I taught middle school math before having my own kids, so I get the notes perfectly for stuff like this. Also, so glad I gave you the extra push on these. Enjoy π
Kate says
I’ll need to read The Look of Love. I loved all the others!! And yes, Liane Moriarty is great!
Janine says
I know Liane Moriarty is just an awesome writer and her books just never disappoint. And I think you will enjoy The Look of Love, too π
Jhanis says
I’m so behind on reading! and when I do get the chance to hold a book, I usually fall asleep within 10 minutes. Sigh. Hopefully, I can get back in the saddle this year too.
PS. Saw the movie Gone Girl and thought it was such a WTH? LOL Made me love my marriage a bit more! LOL
Janine says
Jhanis, I totally heard that about the movie from someone else, too. Now, I so want to watch it from that and the book, of course, as well π
The Pinterested Parent says
I love Goodreads. I will have to find you on there. I loved Gone Girl. I have yet to see the movie yet. I will have to check out the rest of these too.
Janine says
Please find me on there, because I would love to be friends with you, too over there π
karen says
I LOVED LOVED LOVED Gone Girl…what a ride! I still need to read Big Little Lies.
Janine says
Karen, I know seriously what a ride indeed and I think you are going to love Big Little Lies, too π
Mara says
I read the Rosie Project last year and was pleasantly surprised. I knew I was going to like it, but liked it even more than I had thought!
I have enough time to read at the moment, being on sick-leave, but other than the three books I read in the hospital I have not read/finished one. Which is not good for my Goodreads goal which I believe stands at 50! Better get cracking!
Janine says
Mara, I have totally been slacking this past week as the kids had the week off from school so I’d better get cracking again, too.
Janice says
My reading habits are abysmal at best these days.
Janine says
With the kids being home, I haven’t been much better this past week myself!