Definitely very happy to report here that I have been reading more books after my brief sabbatical from it in 2013. Definitely owe a huge thanks to some other bloggers, such as Kate, Sandy, Dana and Dana (too!) for always being so forthcoming with their book selections.
Also, have to thank, Kim for posting earlier in the week about the Goodreads 2014 Challenge, which I totally joined after reading about. I set my goal low (12 books over the course of 2014), because if I do surpass it, I know what to aim for the following year.
I definitely think I can read a book a month and am truly hopefully I can meet that goal and like I said even surpass it.
The first book that I have already read for the month of January (and now onto my second), was actually started at the end of 2013, but I totally finished up this past week at the beginning of January, so I am including it in the challenge was The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, which incidentally was recommend edby my very good friend Sandy (mentioned above).
Here is what Goodreads (coincidentally a 2012 Choice Winner) had to say about this inspiring and captivating book:
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.
The book description alone made me know this one would be a bit of a tear jerker, but then again I am a try sucker for this type of story and get easily invested when the plot and storyline are match this theme perfectly.
I also knew from Sandy’s review that it was totally worth it (I trust her opinion). So, I dug in and from the very first page, I was hooked and found myself unable to put this book down.
Even though Hazel has been defined by her cancer, she truly doesn’t have a clue at the onset what is in store for her.
I will say that I knew she would meet Augustus Waters, because of the book description and the review I read, but had no idea how exactly the book would unfold. And must tell you, there is a definite twist to the plot line that I truly didn’t see coming at first and then when it did I was left trying to be hopeful until almost the end, but in the end the inevitable did happen (and again not what you would originally think).
I got a good old fashioned cry reading the heart wrenching tale of Hazel and Augustus and even though I would have loved for a happy ending, I stayed the course and was pleasantly surprised at the real, true ending.
I am on Goodreads and if you aren’t following me, you definitely can here. As for my rating of this book on Goodreads, I had to give it 5 stars, because I not only fell in love with this book, but the characters, too.
What am I reading now?
Stay tuned for the review when I finish it now!
-
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dishofdailylife says
I am not reading anything right now. But now that I am starting to go to bed earlier, I should be able to start reading more again! I have a pile on my nightstand to go through!
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Janine Huldie says
Michelle, I had a list of them on my iPad and Kindle accounts, too. So, I totally know what you mean and hope you get to read more soon, too!! 🙂
massholemommy says
It sounds like a good book, but I just don't have time to read these days. I haven't picked up a book in years.
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Janine Huldie says
I know that feeling well Robin and trying my best to find the time now, which is not always easy or cut and dry!
Amanda Love says
I haven't been reading much and actually need a few new books for my Kindle. I haven't been in the mood to do much lately either. Seems like the holiday blues are kicking in. My blog reading and writing has been so down. I need to get my mojo back. Hope you're having a great day today my friend!
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Janine Huldie says
Amanda, I know the feeling and the holidays being over, plus the cold weather is really taking a toll here, too. I am just trying my best at this point and just know you aren't alone in this feeling.
The Dose of Reality says
I have had that book on my list for a long time. I am now ordering it! Thank you! 🙂 Also, I have heard that Me Before You is really good, so I can't wait to hear what you think! :)-Ashley
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Janine Huldie says
Ashley, I am so glad you are going to order The Fault in Our Stars and trust me you will not be disappointed. And I am actually almost 3/4 of the way done now (pre-scheduled this post) with Me Before You and seriously another winner and will try to share more about that soon!! 🙂
Dana says
Yay Janine – so glad you've found some time to read! I haven't read The Fault in Our Stars, but my daughter owns it and has read it twice. LOVED Me Before you, though. I set my challenge for GoodReads too – missed making mine last year so I'm scaling back a bit.
My recent post No way like Broadway
Janine Huldie says
Dana, I cannot thank you enough for your suggestion and I am totally in the middle of Me Before You right now and loving it, so thank you again for that. And as for Goodreads, I aimed low knowing that last year was a bust and figured if I meet or surpass it, I will have accomplished something on the book reading front now 🙂
another jennifer says
I like this challenge! Unfortunately I get so busy that I forget to take the time to read. Sad, really. I just got I am Malala for Christmas and look forward to reading it.
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Janine Huldie says
I know Jennifer, trust me I was horrible with reading books last year and thought this was a way to rectify this and help keep me on task so to speak. And hope you get to enjoy I Am Malala very soon 🙂
Rosey says
A book a month is such a great goal to have, and a fun one too!!
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks Rosey and I thought it was a doable goal for me!! 🙂
sara says
I am totally slacking when it comes to reading but I have seen quite a few bloggers commit to the Goodreads challenge. I hope you continue to share your fav books so when I finally have a chance to read I will know what to pick.
Janine Huldie says
Sara, that was so me last year and hoping that this was help to not have that happen this year and really so excited about getting to read more again now!! 🙂
karenssoiree says
I JUST joined Goodreads last week and will have to friend you on there. I finished my first book over the weekend and am looking for my next! I set a goal to read 10 books (I think that's what it was, how is this escaping me already??) I'm so glad I saw this because I was going to search around to see what other bloggers are doing any reading challenges.
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Janine Huldie says
I am so excited that you friended me on Goodreads and took a quick look at your books and we have quiet a few in common. And even added a few to my list from you. So, hope we can share more of our reads this year with each other now, too!! 🙂
whisperingwriter says
I read that book! It made me tear up. It reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks book where you know something bad is probably going to happen at the end, but you have to keep going…
I love reading! I need to start marking what books I've read on Goodreads. I have an account, I just forgot to use it.
Janine Huldie says
Totally reminded me of Nicholas Sparks and couldn't agree more with you. If you do have an account look for me on Goodreads and totally friend if you can!! 🙂
Emily says
I should consider joining a challenge like this, especially given my new Netflix addiciton…I have been wanting to read, "The Fault In Our Stars" because it was highly recommended to me, although I'm a little afraid to, given my current situation with my family, and I'm not sure I could handle the emotional part of it. I have also heard amazing things about "Me Before You." Can't wait for your review!
My recent post How My Family Became Netflix Addicts
Janine Huldie says
I think The Fault with Our Stars might be a bit close to home for you, but still is truly a wonderful read and hope that you can try to read both of these if and when you can. That said, if you join the challenge, let me know and would love to share our reads with each other 🙂
Nellie says
I need to fin you on goodreads. Is it strange that I rarely read tear jerkers? I read one by jodi picoult one time that had me crying ALL over the train, I was an absolute mess! I will still add it to my list though because sometimes I can't help myself 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Please totally look for me and if you can’t find me, I will look for you. Deal? :). And total tear jerker here, but in a good way!
Shay says
I LOVED Fault in Our Stars. I didn't think I would, because I normally stay away from sad-sounding books. I've been trying to branch out, however, for my book club, and also, I had heard wonderful things about this book. I gave it a shot, also convincing my book club, depsite their similar reservations, to try it out. WE LOVED IT. The way John Green could develop his characters in such a smart, funny, and sassy-but-still-full-of-heart way was just pure genius. The book was sad, yes, but it was also full of belly laughs. I never felt depressed reading it; instead, it almost lifted me up–again, despite the premise. Oh, how I loved this book! If you're in the mood for another great one, I have a new favorite author: Liane Moriarty. What Alice Forgot was such a great book with a very cool concept, and she developed it perfectly. Her most recent, The Husband's Secret, was also phenomenal. Let me know what you think!
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Janine Huldie says
Shay, sounds like we have more in common, because The Husband's Secret is the next on my list to read as soon as I finish Me Before You now. Seriously, heard such great things about Liane Moriarty that I just can't wait to read this one now, too! As of right now, I am loving You Before Me though and just about done with it believe it or not, so should be either today or tomorrow that I will start the next book. If you are on Goodreads, please look me up from my link in this post and friend me, because I would love to share more books with you now!! 🙂
Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama says
If you like 'The Fault in Our Stars,' you should definitely read 'Looking for Alaska' by John Green. It's a page turner and tear jerker, too. I just read 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio. It's another must read. Yeah, I've got a slight addiction to YA. Love it!
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Janine Huldie says
Nicole, seriously thank you for the suggestions and seriously loving all the great ones I am getting here today and will definitely add these to my to read list now!! 🙂
Billybuc says
Just what I need, another book to read. I already have six waiting for me. LOL Thanks for the recommendation and have a great day, Janine.
Janine Huldie says
My pleasure Bill and trust me I have list a mile long, but trying now to get slowly through it as I just keep adding more!! But have to admit loving reading books again, so that is such a good thing to me now. Have a wonderful day again!! 🙂
tiffanigoff says
You better get out your tissue box again because me before you is a another book which will have you sobbing. I loved it! I like your goodreads goal, thinking I might do one too. xoxo tiffani
My recent post TT and her new sleeping habits…
Janine Huldie says
Tiffany, I think you are totally right so far about Me Before You and seriously hope you join the challenge. Definitely look for me on Goodreads, too!! 🙂
Brittnei Washington says
This definitely sounds like a tear jerker. It makes me need to have the muscle to watch or read stories like this. So nice that you are getting back into reading more often because you love it so much 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks Brittnei and I must say I am truly so happy that I been able to read these past few weeks more then I was all of last year now 🙂
lovingmarshall says
I cannot go to bed without reading. I really can't do it! My parents read to us every night when we were babies, and then I just kept on going, growing up. I will confess that I do not always read high-quality literature, and some nights (a lot of nights since I had my son) I don't read a long time. But I cannot go to sleep without reading first. I'm weird I know!!
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Janine Huldie says
Not weird at all and find I used to have to read every night myself before I went to bed here, too. I also am probably weird for the fact that I usually can't fall asleep without the backlight of my TV. I don't even have to be watching, could be reading with no sound, but the two always have a flaming effect on me. So, yes can totally relate!! 🙂
notinjersey says
yay for you for reading! I read the first one but not the second! thanks for linking to me up above, but oops – you have me as Dana instead of Dara!
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Sandy_Ramsey says
First let me thank you for the shout out and the super kind words! This is why I am hopelessly devoted to you 🙂 Now, first of all good for you for joining the challenge. I thought about it and still may do it. I am so glad that you loved it. It is hard not to love the story and most especially the characters. It definitely pulls at your emotions. Fantastic review and looking forward to your next one! This reading thing is fun, isn't it?
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Janine Huldie says
Totally my pleasure and love you Sandy for this and so many more reasons, too! I do hope you do the challenge and totally couldn't agree more that reading so much fun!! 🙂
Claire Duffy says
I've been trying to up my reading rate too, and have been getting better at reading in short bursts, which has helped. I used to wait until I had an uninterrupted weekend to lose myself in a book… but then I realised that I never had uninterrupted weekends and so rarely read! That said, I'm not great with tearjerkers so might give The Fault in Our Stars a miss (I think I've read another of his though, the name rings a bell!) but have heard great things about Me Before You, so will definitely check out your review!
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Janine Huldie says
Love you too are reading more Claire and will say yes, The Fault in Our Stars was a tear jerker and am on my way to finishing now Me Before You (would totally recommend it, but also has a few teary moments, too). Totally promise to share more here about Me Before You though once I am totally done with is. 🙂
day-with-kt.com says
Sounds like a great book (even though I know I will cry)!! I just down loaded it on my Nook!! And, I have Me Before You in the lineup, too!! So many books, so little time to read (without falling asleep!). I'm excited that you are going to be sharing some book reviews – always excited to hear of new reads!!
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Janine Huldie says
If you do read it, please definitely let me know what you think, Kim. I do totally promise to share more book reviews here this year as I finish them up. So totally stay tuned 🙂
WriterMomAngela says
Oh my gosh I think I would be scaling way back in my reading to read only one a month. LOL Reading is absolutely my escape and my pleasure. The only thing that holds me back is budget restraints! 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Angela, I love reading, but I seriously was so busy the past year with so much else that it had to take a backseat, so adding in at least (the key at least, but may definitely be more) is helping me to get refocused on reading and trust me I already broke the one a month and just finished my second and it is only the 8th, but I was being generous worrying I would be putting too much pressure on myself when I already have been spread thin. But so glad you do love reading so much and will totally be sharing more here soon!! 🙂
tamaralikecamera says
I've been torn about this one. On one hand, not really interested in crying. And yet every book I read is a tear-jerker, so this wouldn't be different. And only after I've read it, will I see the movie.
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Janine Huldie says
I know Tamara, but my curiosity totally gave out and now I am happy it did even if it gave way to a good cry. Wonder though if the movie will be as good as the book or not.
.MIS. Manhattan Image & Style says
What an awesome resolution! I am planning to do the same, I love reading! 🙂
Thank you for your nice comment on my blog sweetie! Let's be friends on Facebook if you wish! <3
Diana http://www.ManhattanImageandStyle.com
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Janine Huldie says
Totally following you on Facebook, but definitely look me up and would love to be friends, too now!! 🙂 <3
stephanie2006 says
Yay for reading 🙂 Hubby got me two books as a holiday gift, and I love them! Have fun reading more, can't wait for your next review 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Awesome and so happy your hubby got you two new books to read and hope you too get some more reading time, too!! 🙂
Kim Tobin says
I'm glad you joined Goodreads! I may have spent way too much time adding all of the books from my shelves to it haha!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks again Kim for sharing the challenge and I totally still have so many books to add that did read in the past, too 🙂
anothercleanslate says
So glad you liked The Fault in Our Stars. I think you're really going to like Me Before You too!!
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Janine Huldie says
Kate, I am now reading Me Before You and you are right totally enjoying it 🙂
Erinn S says
It has been so long since I have read a good book. I need to take time for me in a good book!
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Janine Huldie says
Erinn, that was so me at the end of last year and will tell you once I started back up, I couldn't stop wanting to read more now!! 🙂
Katherines Corner says
I joined goodreads but haven't spent much time there. I still have to finish setting up my libraray. I requested your friendship. Thank you so much for helping to make the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop so much fun Hugs!
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Janine Huldie says
I still have to totally add to my library and seriously so happy you friended me on Goodreads! And thank you as always for hosting. So, happy to linkup again with you 🙂
ginnymarie says
I read The Fault in Our Stars when it first came out for a book review, and I loved it! The movie is coming out later this year, but I don't think I can go see it. I would go through a whole box of tissues!
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Janine Huldie says
I know I am not sure about the movie, but will say that I did read the book and will probably watch it, but once it is out of the theaters and on cable though. And you know I will be needing my tissues, too!! PS, so happy we are now friends on Goodreads now, too
the anonymous blonde says
I'm doing the Goodreads challenge, too! My goal is 40 books which will be really pushing it for me! I keep hearing people recommend The Fault in Our Stars but I can't bring myself to read it because I know it will make me cry! I have a rule about not reading books that will make me cry….
Janine Huldie says
Totally understand the no crying rule, although I will say it was an amazing book even with a few teary moments in there. And 40 books sounds like a great goal and truly hope you reach it!! 🙂
lizzy allan says
I think it's such a great idea to join up to challenges like this to stay motivated. I'm actually really interested to read 'The Fault in our Stars' because I read John Green's novel 'Looking for Alaska' last year and really enjoyed his writing style and his construction of plot. I'm looking forward to reading about your other reading adventures throughout the year!
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Janine Huldie says
Lizzy, I keep hearing great things about Looking for Alaska, too and will have to add that on to my ever growing list now, too! And promise to share more books here very soon 🙂
Karen says
WOOOHOOO UI am so proud of you Janine…hey 12 is a good start…each year you can increase if you want. I read 58 last year, this year my goal is 60. I mostly listen to them in the car, so I have more time. If I actually had to read it would be less, LOL. Though I will be actually reading books over the summer.
I just updated mine now…love GoodReads.
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Janine Huldie says
Awe, thanks Karen and if I have car trips alone, listening to audiobooks like you would be perfect, but still reading whenever I get a free moment now sure feels great and I know truly getting into Goodreads here, too!! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
I know Melanie and I know it is a good book if I don't want to put it down and forgo other things (like sleep) to finish it. And I promise to share my thoughts on Me Before You very soon now!! 🙂
Pam@over50feeling40 says
Encouraging people to read is so important…thanks for the suggestions and thanks for participating in our blog hop…I did not see it mentioned here…but I know you are there so you might send your readers that way. Thanks and have a fabulous weekend…stay cozy and read on!!
Janine Huldie says
I totally agree Pam and my pleasure jointing in. Wishing you a wonderful Thursday now and thanks for stopping by today 🙂
Reesa Lewandowski says
I'm going to go order this now on Amazon. I keep hearing how amazing it is and I need a new book. Thanks!
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Janine Huldie says
Totally my pleasure and so glad to recommend this one. Hope you enjoy it and definitely let me know what you think after you have read it, if you can 🙂
spiritedlife says
I'm reading the Mother of all Meltdowns and am working to finish it this month! Since I broke my phone, there have been five days without it. I hope to finish it this weekend. So far so good! Thanks for sharing and linking up with Countdown in Style! Don't forget to come back on Friday to see if you were featured!
~~April~~
100lbCountdown.com
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Janine Huldie says
I don't know what I would do if my phone broke. seriously, I rely on it way too much now. But so glad you have been reading and enjoying the Mother of All Meltdowns! 🙂
cgacad says
i hear such great things about goodreads. i actually think i have an account, but just haven't looked at it since i set it up. so glad you are back on track with reading. it's good for the soul!
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Janine Huldie says
Catherine, I am loving Goodreads right now and honestly just so happy that I am reading again, because I truly missed it and feels like coming home all over again 🙂