2017 Backlist Reader Challenge Wrap-Up

It's time to wrap-up my progress on the 2017 Backlist Reader Challenge hosted by The Bookwyrm's Hoard!  I chose 26 older titles to read during the year, with a mix of new-to-me authors, classics, and series I wanted to catch up on.

I loved this challenge because it really helped me clear out a lot of titles from my TBR.  I thoroughly enjoyed many of the books I chose, and I even found a new favorite author in Taylor Jenkins Reid. 

Some things I learned during this challenge:

• I chose a good number of books to tackle.  It averaged out to about two books per month, and I did end up finishing early. 
• For any future challenges, I wouldn't choose so many books from the same series.  I ended up loving pretty much all the books I read this year in the Inspector Gamache series, but if I hadn't (and wanted to quit the series), that could have put a huge crimp in my ability to finish!  
• My decision to do mini-reviews for these books was a good one.  Since these books are older, a lot of people may have already read them or even written their own reviews.  I didn't think it was necessary for me to write full reviews, except for one book that I absolutely adored and had so much to talk about!

Here's the books I committed to reading this year (check marks mean I finished the book, X's denote books I DNFed - and it was only two, that's pretty good for me!):

 

For all of my reviews for this challenge, check out these links:

January Roundup
Review: Forever, Interrupted
February Roundup
March Roundup
April Roundup
May Roundup
June Roundup
July Roundup
October Roundup

Did you do any reading challenges this year?  How did you do?



2017 Blogging Goals - How Did I Do?

Way back at the beginning of the year, I set some blogging goals for myself.  So, how did I do?

1. Learn more about the technical side of creating a blog/website.  Pretty much a total fail!  I changed the design of the blog slightly at the beginning of the year, but that's it!
2. Create better graphics.  I started using Canva several months ago, and I think my graphics have really come a long way!  I work on them more, and, to me at least, they look a bit more polished and professional.
3. Come up with more/better discussion posts.  I'm proud of some of the discussion posts I came up with this year.  For the most part, I had good responses to them.  I also started an original feature in Quotables!
4. Have at least a month's worth of posts ready to go.  I did pretty good with this.  I got into a routine about how I schedule my posts, so things got a lot more streamlined.
5. Immerse myself more in the book blogging community.  I give myself high marks on this one!  I've definitely been commenting a lot more on other blogs, and I participated in two reading challenges this year, which I really enjoyed.  I also joined in on Nonfiction November 2017!
6. Don't forget about my other passion, the outdoors.  It hasn't changed much since the middle of the year - this was not a great year for hiking.  We did get a few amazing ones in, but for a long time, the weather did not cooperate.  Either it was raining or 100 degrees on the weekend.  But, we still have our list of places to check out, and hopefully come spring we'll be out there a lot more!
7. Have fun!  I had so much fun this year!

How did you do on your blogging goals for the year?

 

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Surprise Me

Can't-Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

Surprise Me
Sophie Kinsella
Expected publication date: February 13, 2018

After being together for ten years, Sylvie and Dan have all the trimmings of a happy life and marriage; they have a comfortable home, fulfilling jobs, beautiful twin girls, and communicate so seamlessly, they finish each other's sentences. However, a trip to the doctor projects they will live another 68 years together and panic sets in. They never expected "until death do us part" to mean seven decades.

In the name of marriage survival, they quickly concoct a plan to keep their relationship fresh and exciting: they will create little surprises for each other so that their (extended) years together will never become boring. But in their pursuit to execute Project Surprise Me, mishaps arise and secrets are uncovered that start to threaten the very foundation of their unshakable bond. When a scandal from the past is revealed that question some important untold truths, they begin to wonder if they ever really knew each other after all. - from Goodreads

I love stories about marriages, and Sophie Kinsella's books are always a good time!

My Favorite Wanderings of 2017

Today I want to share my favorite parks and trails from the past year.  It wasn't the best hiking year for us - the weather was often an issue.  But, we got to see some gorgeous places!

We finally made our way out to Las Vegas, and we drove out to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead National Recreation Area for a tour and some walking.

Also while we were in Vegas, we went out to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which was one of the most unique and beautiful places I've ever seen.

While in Pennsylvania for my cousin's wedding, we took advantage of a free morning to take a quick hike at Rocky Ridge Park.

Also in Pennsylvania, we checked out Longwood Gardens.

During a family vacation to Missouri, we took a walk at Table Rock State Park.

And closer to home, we finally checked out Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

We finished the year by going back to Longwood Gardens for the holiday light show.

Happy trails!

More Holiday-Themed Mini-Reviews

Kiss Me in New York by Catherine Rider (2017)

Charlotte finds herself stranded at JFK airport on Christmas Eve, where she meets Anthony, who was just spectacularly dumped by his girlfriend.  Having been recently dumped herself, Charlotte convinces Anthony that what they need to get over their exes is a night in New York City, aided by a how-to book and the magic of Christmas in New York.

This was a cute story about two strangers meeting and taking a chance, falling in love as the night goes on.  Yes, it was cliché; yes, by the end it feels like instalove; yes, I thought it was a bit weird that a 17-year-old girl would just gallivant around NYC with a stranger in the middle of the night.  But - it's Christmas, and it's New York City - and there are not many more magical times and places than that. 

At less than 200 pages, the story is a really quick read and the action kept moving, although I wanted more about NYC - there are so many things they could have taken advantage of.  If you're looking for a sweet holiday love story, you'll probably enjoy this one.  3 stars

The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand (2017)

An updated, modern take on the classic A Christmas Carol.  Holly is a 17-year-old girl - and not a very nice one.  This Scrooge refused to change her ways, even after being visited by the three Ghosts, so upon her death, she becomes the Ghost of Christmas Past for Project Scrooge.  Holly spends the next few years helping the organization try to reform people just like her, but this year, the Scrooge isn't the usual miserly old man - he's a hot teenage guy, and Holly finds herself attracted to him.

I like the idea of modernizing this classic story, but I did have issues with this book.  The beginning of the story happens so fast and I felt like there were either details missing or the timeline kept bouncing back and forth, so I was a bit confused right from the get-go.  The idea that Project Scrooge is an actual company that puts on a sort of "production" each year to help reform people is cool, but some of the details didn't make sense to me.  Holly is technically dead, but she can walk around and interact with living people in the real world?  What if she sees someone she knows?

Holly was not the nicest main character.  Before she dies, she is spoiled and selfish, purposely doing things to hurt people.  Even after working at Project Scrooge for 5 years, she doesn't seem to have changed at all.  For most of the book, she is cold to most people and still acts very selfishly, putting the entire Project Scrooge at risk just to spend some time with a cute boy.  Yet, I somehow still found myself rooting for Holly, hoping that she would have some sort of ephiphany.  3 stars

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Daughter of the Siren Queen

Can't-Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King #2)

Tricia Levenseller

Expected publication date: February 27, 2018

The capable, confident, and occasionally ruthless heroine of Daughter of the Pirate King is back in this action-packed sequel that promises rousing high seas adventures and the perfect dash of magic.

Alosa's mission is finally complete. Not only has she recovered all three pieces of the map to a legendary hidden treasure, but the pirates who originally took her captive are now prisoners on her ship. Still unfairly attractive and unexpectedly loyal, first mate Riden is a constant distraction, but now he's under her orders. And she takes great comfort in knowing that the villainous Vordan will soon be facing her father's justice.

When Vordan exposes a secret her father has kept for years, Alosa and her crew find themselves in a deadly race with the feared Pirate King. Despite the danger, Alosa knows they will recover the treasure first . . . after all, she is the daughter of the Siren Queen.

In Daughter of the Siren Queen, Tricia Levenseller brings together the perfect mix of thrilling action, tense battle scenes, and a heart-pounding romance. - from Goodreads

The first book in this series was such a fun ride, and I can't wait to see where the story goes next!

The Christmas Book Bloggers Tag

So yes, yesterday I did a "summer" book tag, and now today I'm doing a Christmas book tag - I couldn't help it when Trish at Between My Lines created an awesome tag that's perfect for the holiday season, The Christmas Book Bloggers Tag!  I hope you have fun reading my answers, and consider yourself tagged if you'd like to participate, too!

What is your favorite Christmas scene in a book?
I love the scenes in the Harry Potter books where the kids wake up on Christmas morning and their presents are magically there.  There is just so much joy, especially for Harry who never really got gifts before.

Do you have any Christmas book traditions?
Not really, but since we've had an explosion of nieces and nephews over the last couple years, I've made it a point to get them all books for Christmas.

Do you prefer to get presents of book vouchers or books?
Vouchers are nice, but lately I've been putting together an Amazon wishlist, so I'd like to get the books I put on there!

Do you give books as presents?
Yes, especially to my niece and nephews.  There are so many cool kids book out there; it's so fun to shop for them.  But I also love giving books to adults, finding that perfect title I think they'll enjoy!

What bookish item is on your Christmas wishlist?
I'm going to go with Trish on this one and say a bookish candle.  There are so many out there to choose from, and I love scented candles.

What 3 books would you love Santa to have in his sack for you?

  

Fake Christmas tree or real Christmas tree?
There's something so beautiful about a real tree, and they smell amazing, but the mess of needles can be overwhelming.  I actually liked the fake tree my mom had when we were kids because it was a nice tradition to use it every year.

What's your favorite thing about Christmas?
I love everything about Christmas - the festive decorations, spending time with family, and spoiling people with gifts!

What Christmas book would you recommend?
I actually don't read many holiday-themed books, although I did read a few this year - The Afterlife of Holly Chase was a pretty fun reimagining of the classic A Christmas Carol.

What dish on your Christmas menu are you most looking forward to?
I'm not sure yet!  My mom's family is Italian, so there are often some yummy seafood dishes on Christmas Eve, and I think my husband is going to make lasagna for our get-together with his family - all good options!

When do you open your Christmas gifts?
My husband and I usually wait until Christmas morning, but sometimes we'll open one up on Christmas Eve!

What's your favorite Christmas song?
"Sleigh Ride," in all its iterations, but especially the instrumental version by the Boston Pops!

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas?
Yes, but just a little bit of snow - I don't need a blizzard!

 

Happy holidays!