100 Books in a Year: January Update

After being two books shy last year of my 100 books in a year challenge, I knew I had to try it again this year.  I was student teaching for 5 months last year (plus practicum), so I feel that played a factor in my not being able to quite make my goal (I literally read 5 books in three months!)  Now with classes and two jobs that either permit or require reading time, I feel this goal is going to get nixed after 2 years of trying ;)

*Apparently this was a favorite author month since I read 6 of Rick Riordans books, two Michele Moran and two Jeff Kinney.

1. Percy Jackson of the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

I loved the first book even more the second time around :)  Its a light read and while it does tackle dark elements, the reader doesn't feel it so much.  In my book that's a huge plus!

2. Percy Jackson of the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

This is probably my favorite book in the series.  I loved the focus on 'destiny' vs. deciding on your own path.  Seeing Annabeth and Percy work together was another plus ;)

3. Percy Jackson of the Olympians: The Titans Curse by Rick Riordan

Each book in this series is unique and introduces characters or takes them away.  This book particularly did a lot of character introduces and taking away (not necessarily dying mind you). My favorite character is also introduces in this book ;)

4. Percy Jackson of the Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

What an adventuresome book (is that a word?)  Another great entry into the series, though I did have one qualm with this book in that the pacing seemed a bit sporadic.  It was hard to keep track of where they were in the labyrinth (or just in general).  I felt the need for a picture a couple times just to get my mental barrings.

5. Percy Jackson of the Olympians: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Worst book ever...because it was the ending!  A lot gets wrapped up and its pretty much solid action.  With Olympus fall?  What does the prophecy mean?  Will Percy and his friends live or die?  A solid conclusion, but sadly still a conclusion, I mean set-up to the next series ;)

6. The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

I plowed through this one.  It stars 3 new characters, one of which having a particularly interesting connection to a character from the previous series.  We don't learn a lot about the main character (we're just as confused about you as you are about you Jason!)  On a side note...I don't like Leo.  His attitude stinks to be frank and I didn't like that the author used a 'weak' plot device to make him special.

7. Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney

FINALLY this was in at the library.  How sad I have to fit middlers for their books :P  I enjoyed it, though it wasn't really memorable because I can't remember what happened without consulting Wikipedia. I love these books and if you know a kid who doesn't like to read, give them these books.  I need to make a database of books for kids who hate reading to read...

8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid 4: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney

This is my favorite book in the series so far.  It also shows a lot of Gregs development as he is succeeding in making a lot of mistakes middle schoolers make (not thinking, acting rash, pushing friends away, arrogance) still you love the guy.  There are times I have to slap my head and wonder what Greg is thinking, but I find myself doing it a lot with young adult books.  The joys of being a knowledgeable adult ;)

9. The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran

Loved loved loved this book!  When it comes to history, Egypt has always been one of my biggest fascinations.  This book focuses on Ramses II and his Royal Wife Nefaratri.  Nefaratri overcomes a lot and Michele has brilliantly pieced together this work and clearly has done her research!  Read this if you like Egyptian history.

10. Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

I had to struggle through this book.  Which was disappointing considering how much I loved "The Heretic Queen".  Just couldn't get into it.  Still, Moran once again succeeds at being an excellent researcher that makes this just as much a cultural read as a story.

11. The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Carlson

I breezed through this one in about twenty minutes.  I wasn't crazy about it, though the message was good.

Did you read any books in January?