Reading Challenges That I'm Giving Up

I'm sure some of you may be able to relate to this - you signed up for a few reading challenges (and then some more as you go along) but then halfway down the road you began to notice that you either could not keep up with these challenges, or you just simply didn't have the mood to read those books which you have committed anymore. As for me, I'm leaning more towards the latter so I figure I may as well give up these challenges as I don't think I will be able to complete them in time, considering it is almost the end of the year (wow, where does the time go?).

So these are the following challenges that I decided to let go:

POC Reading Challenge
I read only 1 book out of 6 - American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Thriller & Suspense Reading Challenge
And out of 12 books, I read only 6 books for this challenge:
Killing Floor by Lee Child
A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott
Faithful Place by Tana French
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
Burn by Ted Dekker & Erin Healy
Dying Scream by Mary Burton

The Romance Reading Challenge
And 2 out of 5 books for this challenge:
Ruthless by Anne Stuart
Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James

Meanwhile, I still have four other reading challenges which I'm hoping to complete so let's see how my progress is (I didn't want to give them up at this point since I may want to read those genres; and I have also completed the YA Reading Challenge). That said, I wish to thank all the hostesses for hosting these wonderful reading challenges.

As for next year reading challenges, I think I will still participate in a few that interest me but then my priority will be focused on the books I want to read from my towering TBR pile.

What about you? Have you completed all the reading challenges you have participated this year?

Killing Floor by Lee Child

ISBN-13: 9780553505405
Publisher: Bantam Books
Published: April 1998
528 pgs
Source: Personal Library

Having read Sandy's review on Lee Child's latest release, 61 Hours, awhile back, I figured I've got to check out this author since I've heard nothing but raves on his books. Although I understand that all his books could be read as standalone, Killing Floor is the first book of the series and I wouldn't want to miss the introduction of the hero, Jack Reacher so here we are.

The story opens with Jack Reacher being in a new town in Georgia, Margrave. He used to work as a military police, and being part of a Special Investigations Unit he had had handled several tough cases. Since leaving the army, he has became quite a drifter and has travelled quite a few places but he never leave his trails behind.

Anyway he stopped by Margrave randomly. This little town is known to be quiet and peaceful, but it has its first homicide in thirty years, and now Jack became the suspect since he is the only stranger in town. Being a tough cop that he is, he wouldn't let any nonsense or pressure gets to him so of course he is going to find things out his way. And then the situation gets way too personal for him as he later found out that his brother got killed dealing with the case, which is supposed to be a secret deal but something just went wrong. To clear his conscience and to seek revenge for his brother, Jack began to explore deep into the case but of course the homicide is just a beginning and a camouflage of a huge deal that will blow Margrave apart should anything goes wrong.

Well, this is all I am going to say about the premise. It wouldn't be fun if I say too much of the plot and all I can say is I was totally blown away by it. The characterisations are excellent and I could almost picture them in my mind, with their personalities and all. Jack Reacher is one great action hero, and after reading this book I'm glad to say I have added him onto my literary crush list, aside from Mo Hayder's Jack Caffery's series and a few others, that is.

I find the pace and the writing to be fast and smooth respectively. I had my attention totally fixed onto the words because I wouldn't want to miss anything, for every bits here and there might be a clue to something (I was feeling rather smug after guessing a few of the crooks correctly, one of which is meant to be a surprise). And oh, there is an amount of violence in this book, after all crimes in general are dirty and messy.

Another thing I'd like to mention is his relationship with Office Roscoe. The romance subplot is minimal but I felt it is a fresh take from all the intense and violence I have been reading. I hope to see more of Office Roscoe in the next few instalments, for despite the differences of the paths they chose to take, who knows if they would run into each other again in the near future?

After reading and enjoying Killing Floor, I really look forward to reading the rest of the Jack Reacher's series. And if there ever be a movie on this, I'd be there to watch it.

A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott

ISBN-13: 9780440223016
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: December 1996
368 pgs
Source: Personal Library

Do you know that Louisa May Alcott had written A Long Fatal Love Chase two years before the publication of her well-known, beloved Little Women? Considered too sensational to be published in the author's lifetime (that was in 1866), this book was buried among her other papers and in 1993, this caught the attention of editor, Kent Bicknell, and through good fortune and a generous backer enabled him to purchase it the following year (This information was printed on the last page of the book).

18-year-old Rosamond Vivian lives with her grandfather in a remote island. There isn't any mention of her parents or friends so it is no wonder she hopes to escape this lonely, isolated life of her.

"I'd gladly sell my soul to Satan for a year of freedom," cries impetuous Rosamond Vivian to her callous grandfather.

Her wish was granted when a sauve, charismatic adventurer Phillip Tempest stopped by their house. Phillip was a student of Rosamond's grandfather so needless to say, he is twice of her age but this does not stop Rosamond from being attracted to him and on top of that, she is fascinated by his adventures as he always seems to be travelling in his yacht.

On the other end, Phillip too is attracted by Rosamond's charm and naivety, but his intentions are far more dark and dangerous because he is obsessed with her and he wants her to be with him together. Through a game with Rosamond's grandfather, he has cleverly beaten him and his prize is having Rosamond to leave with him. Initially Rosamond rejected the idea, however she is no match to the sweet-talker Phillip so in no time she left the island to be with him, having the thoughts that Phillip will marry her eventually. They settled down in Nice, and it takes a while for Rosamond to discover that not only Phillip has no plans to marry her but also he is a married man and has a son whom she later suspected he was being murdered by Phillip in a fit of anger.

Shocked and frightened for her safety, Rosamond planned for an escape. From gaining a new identity to becoming a sister in a convent as she travels around Europe, and no matter where she goes Phillip always managed to close the distance between them. Rosamond flees again and found a new life through a friend's father during the escape, but her hope of finding safety and freedom is once again dashed after Phillip began to spin lies about her, telling everyone that she is mentally unstabled.

At the point of reading the above scenario, I got the feeling that it would be a dead end to Rosamond, and that there is no hope of redemption for Phillip although Rosamond has secretly wishes that she would be able to reform him but I was not convinced, and most of all I didn't trust him and at some point I was frustrated with Rosamond for thinking she has some feelings for him. It was only later that I realised that that is the beauty of Rosamond; she has a pure and childlike naivety around her and perhaps this is what attracted Phillip from the beginning.

In most cases, when there is a villian to the story, there is bound to be a hero. Rosamond got acquainted with Father Ignatius when she took refuge in the convent where she's known as "Sister Agatha". Rosamond began to develop feelings for him towards the end but his position as a priest is the obstacle. Although A Long Fatal Love Chase can be classified as a gothic thriller, I see the author had also emphasised a strong feminist element to the story as we can tell this from Rosamond's thoughts right from the beginning. She craves for freedom, and she has no fear in obtaining what she wants. I was definitely in awe of her courage and persistence, for I don't think most women during her time would do the same as what she did. Below passage is one fine example that demonstrate her believing in feminism.

"Suppose I broke away and left you, or made it impossible for you to stay. That I was base and false; in every way unworthy of your love, and it was clearly right for you to go, what would you do then?"

"Go away and–"

He interrupted with a triumphant laugh, "Die as heroines always do, tender slaves as they are."

"No, live and forget you", was the unexpected reply.
(Page 62-63)

The ending is not what I had expected, but I can definitely see myself reading more of Louisa May Alcott's books in the near future.

Faithful Place by Tana French

ISBN-13: 978-1444705089
Publisher: Hachette Books
Published: July 2010
448 pgs
Source: Personal Library




I nearly squealed in delight when I stepped into the bookstore and saw this book on display. Honestly speaking, I never expected I would get this book sooner but nevertheless, I was glad that it was one of those times when the local bookstores are able to get some titles way earlier than others!

After reading In the Woods and The Likeness and enjoyed them, I think it is natural to feel the anticipation and the high expectations I had had on this book way before it is released. And before I share my thoughts with you now, let me summarise the story for you.

Faithful Place is the third novel of the Dublin murder squad; however if you are expecting Detective Rob Ryan or Detective Cassie Maddox to make an appearance in this book, you would be disappointed because none of them is mentioned here. I cannot remember if Detective Frank Mackey is ever mentioned in the previous book, but anyway this book is a case of his long lost love, Rosie Daly, and how her disappearance has left an impact on him as well as the people surrounding him.

When Frank was nineteen, he and Rosie had made a pact to leave Dublin for London so they can start their life anew. Rosie has a strict father and he always goes out of his way to make sure Rosie has nothing to do with the Mackey family. Truth be told, the Dalys think they are dysfunctional and their status is different. Anyway, this does not stop Rosie from seeing Frank and they are, in fact are looking forward to the day they are leaving Dublin. They had agreed to meet at Faithful Place, a run-down unit where no one is staying there anymore and is just a place for anyone who would like to do whatever their business is discreetly. After all, the place seems creepy with the rumours flying around about the basement.

However, Rosie did not turn up and her disappearance has left Frank feeling perplexed and doubtful about their relationship. As much as he believed in Rosie, there is still a tiny flicker of doubt in him after all these twenty years, now that he works as an undercover. He did not want to think of Rosie, after all he cut all ties with his family but a telephone call from his sister, Jackie, has resurrect his thoughts of Rosie once again now that her suitcase was found behind a fireplace at Faithful Place.

Frank returns to Faithful Place, and to his home where he rekindles his relationship with his four siblings as he began his investigation. It is not a surprise to say the case is not as simple as it seems to be, but the people in the neighbourhood and Detective Scorcher, the lead investigator of the case, did not make things easier for Frank as they wouldn't want him around. The community is wary of Frank's return considering his designation, and no doubt Detective Scorcher does not want anyone to mind the case he is looking into. Of course these do not keep Frank away, and the more he digs into finding the truth, the more tricky and scarier it has become.

If you have read the first two instalments by Tana French, you'd know her writing style and her psychological suspense are the main factors that never fail to capture a reader's attention. Unlike other suspense, Tana French's books do not only revolve around the whodunit element but also how the story would somehow impact the protagonist(s) in some way or other. There are usually a few thought-provoking issues for her readers to ponder about, and one could possibly say there is nothing right or wrong with them except that they usually leave more questions than answers.

Reading Faithful Place reminds me a little of my reading experience with In the Woods; I remember there was a part that left me totally stumped and frustrated but in the end I realised sometimes things are being that way. That said, I do not imply that Faithful Place contains the same part that left me perplexed but it totally boggles my mind and made me question about a few things (and believe me, this is all I can say about it) which I don't think I might have the answers in reality. I don't know about you, but sometimes I do like books like that; one that makes me ponder more about the issue (and/or motive) than the whodunit and how the case would resolve in the end.

What can I say? I totally enjoyed reading Faithful Place! I am sure this book would make a great book club discussion because there are certainly some things I would like to talk about with anyone who has read this book.

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

ISBN-13: 9780061807404
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: August 2009
400 pgs
Source: Personal Library

I have seen this book around when it was first released, but did not get it at that time, and looking back now I really regretted for not picking it up earlier!

Anyway, Shutter Island is a story about two US Marshals who are on a mission to investigate the disappearance of a patient named Rachel Solando in Shutter Island, where the Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane is situated. Rachel is considered as one of the dangerous patients at the Ashecliffe Hospital, for she is a multiple murderess and not to mention very mentally disturbed. No one knows how she managed to escape barefooted from a locked cell, and what most puzzled is where could she go in the remote island? That is where Edward "Teddy" Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule come in, and they will have to find every means to uncover the missing person case.

However, it is definitely not easy to solve the case with the threatening hurricane but what is most challenging is getting the hospital staff to cooperate, and some cryptic clues which Rachel has left behind before her disappearance. To make things more complicated, Teddy is still deeply traumatised by the days during the Cold War when he was a soldier, but what most affected him is Andrew Laeddis, the man who set his house on fire that led to the death of his wife. He believes Andrew is in Ashecliffe Hospital and hence this is another reason why he is set to find all the answers in Shutter Island.

As Teddy and Chuck continue to track down clues, it began to dawn on them that things might not seem what it is at Ashecliffe Hospital, and they might not be able to leave the island in the end.

Shutter Island is one of the most intense psychological thriller I have read in a while. It is a suspenseful read, one filled with twists and turns and more questions are raised than answered. I totally enjoyed the reading journey as every page I turned, the anticipation kept on growing until I was totally blown away by the ending. The most thrilling part of this story is, you just could not know who to trust, considering the setting is at Ashecliffe Hospital where they kept the dangerous and mentally disturbed patients at bay. Anyone could be a threat or are lying, whether or not if they are sick in the mind or not, and to me that is the scariest part.

After reading this thriller, I am definitely going to look out the other releases by Dennis Lehane. And of course, I have to watch the film adaptation which is opening next month. I hope it will not disappoint.

(Click here to read what readers have said about this book.)

Burn by Ted Dekker & Erin Healy

ISBN-13: 9781595544711
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: January 2010
388 pgs
Source: Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists

I have heard a lot of raves about Ted Dekker's books, but just have not got around to reading them yet. Thus, when Amy of Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists offered me the opportunity to review Burn, a collaboration between Ted Dekker and Erin Healy, I jumped at the chance.

Seventeen-year-old Janeal Mikkado often feels trapped in her father's Gypsy culture, and she longs for a different life outside their close-knit Gypsy community. When Salazar Sanso, a powerful druglord, made a deal with her to grant her this wish in exchange that she has to retrieve a vast sum of money tied to her father, Janeal knew she would do it due to a number of reasons.

Unfortunately, the plan did not go on accordingly, and in a fury Sanso burned the Gypsy ground into ashes. During the blaze, Janeal was confronted a difficult situation for she has to decide whether to risk her life to save Katie, or to disappear with the money she had discovered. However, the option she chose at that moment has made an impact of her life thereafter, and she is led to believe that all are perished in that fire. After that horrible incident, she recreated her life and took on a new identity, until the past began to haunt her once again as she learnt that her boyfriend, Robert and Katie had survived from the fire.

Shocked and not ready to face them yet, she engaged a journalist to do a story on Katie as she thinks this would be the best way for her to get information of Katie. But that is not all, she has always been jealous of Katie for having Robert's attention from the beginning, and now that Robert knew Katie is alive, Janeal could not help but feel threatened by Katie. This time around, there is no escape from the ordeal as once again she has to make a decision whether or not to travel the way towards destruction or towards redemption.

There are books that are both plot driven and characterisation driven, and I have to say Burn falls under that category. I liked how the story is revolved around Janeal and her decision making, and why they are crucial to the story as after all, Burn is labelled as a Christian thriller though you would not find any preaching but allegory, which I think will appeal to non-Christian readers as well.

As much as I enjoyed reading Burn, I have to admit I was stumped over Janeal's identity at some point where I could not decide if Katie is really dead and that Janeal takes over her role as a redemption, or is it a plot to show the paranormal side of the story. Either of this, I am not telling but let's just say Burn has got me hooked and this is the book which has introduced me to Ted Dekker's and Erin Healy's works and I am glad to say I will definitely look forward to their books in the near future.

Dying Scream by Mary Burton

ISBN-13: 978-1420100280
Publisher: Zebra
Published: December 2009
379 pgs
Source: Joan Schulhafer Publishing & Media Consulting

Adrianna Barrington thinks it was someone's cruel joke when she receives flowers and cards signed in her late husband's name. She has a few reasons for assuming so because she has recently sold the Thornton estate (belonging to her late husband's family) and she knew most of the residents in the neighbourhood are not pleased with her deeds considering the estate has a long line of history. But what most shocked her was when two bodies are found buried on the estate's cemetery and they were believed to have connections to her late husband, and it was then she realized there is certainly a lot more to it than meets the eye.

Homicide detective Gage Hudson has had a relationship with Adrianna many years back. She broke off with him mainly due to his work commitments and that he could not make enough time for her. After her marriage to Craig Thornton, she thought she would be happy since she was pregnant with his child, but unfortunately they met in an automobile accident and it put Craig in a coma. Adrianna lost her baby and her husband died following after. She is a strong woman and has slowly moved on with her life until the pranks started and now the dead bodies. Where could she go? And could she ever escape from the killer's grasp?

When I first picked up the book, I thought there would be a fair balance of suspense and romance (after all the spine read romantic suspense) but unfortunately, it does not seem to turn out that way, at least to me, that is. I have to admit the first few chapters are intense, and I was very eager to learn more about Adrianna's past and hoping to find some clues to the killer's motives. However, I find the story seems to drag a little as the following chapters are focused more on Detective Hudson going to places to track down witnesses and/or interviewing them. Though I can totally understand Detective Hudson's motives of doing so, I find it a little too much and think it would probably work better in a thriller than a romantic suspense. The chemistry between Adrianna and Detective Gage Hudson is not as intense or explosive as I first anticipated, considering they are lovers before. To be fair, I think Dying Scream makes a great suspense novel, but it does not meet my expectations in a romantic suspense genre. Still, I would recommend this book to readers who love a good suspense read.

Other reviews:

Cheryl's Book Nook

J. Kaye's Book Blog

Romance Rookie

The Friendly Book Nook

(Let me know if I missed yours.)

A Few Reading Challenges I'm Joining Next Year...

Book Chick City is hosting the Thriller & Suspense Reading Challenge and don't you think the button is lovely?

Participants are to read 12 thrillers beginning January 1st thru December 31st, 2010.

Details:

• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront then you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

• If you decide to participate in this challenge please use the links I have set up below with the buttons to post on your sidebar, this way others can find their way back to this post and join in the fun.

• If you decide to join this challenge be sure to create a post telling others, please make sure you add a link back to this post so others can join in.

• You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.

• There will be a place for you to link your reviews, but this is optional.

For more details, click here.

---

I love reading YA books so I am participating again in the Young Adult Reading Challenge which is hosted by the lovely J. Kaye. I am going for the Mini YA Reading Challenge where I am required to read 12 books beginning January 1st thru December 31st, 2010.

Here are a few options you can choose:

The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.

Just My Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 25 Young Adult novels.

Stepping It Up YA Reading Challenge – Read 50 Young Adult novels.

Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge – Read 75 Young Adult novels.

Guidelines:

• Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. (Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here).
  
• Audio, eBooks, paper all count.
  
• No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

For more details, click here.

---

I am glad that Jenn is hosting the popular TBR Lite for 2010 once again and since I have a fun time participating this challenge this year, I am joining it again next year. I am going for Option B since I have no idea what titles to read for this challenge. I am such a moody reader.

There are 3 options for this challenge:

OPTION A: read 6 books in 12 months ~ your list of books CANNOT be changed, but you are allowed to have an “Alternates” list to choose from (like in the Original TBR Challenge).
OPTION B: read 6 books in 12 months ~ you CAN change your reading list throughout the year
OPTION C: make up a list of however many books you think you could get read in 12 months, as long as they are from your TBR stack/list, and then read them between January 1st and December 31st. You must have at least 3 books on your list.

Some Other General Guidelines:

• You are allowed to overlap with other challenges
• Audiobooks are allowed
• e-Books are allowed, but must still be books that you’ve wanted to read for at least 3, or more, months
• You should still have a list of books posted somewhere for others to see
• You don’t have to read your books in the order you put them on your list

There is also a Yahoo group set up for this challenge. Learn more at the post about the challenge.