June in review
Due to the distraction of packing, moving, and unpacking, June was a pretty light month for reading. I only managed to finish 3 books. However, the books I did read took me all over North America. First it was to New York and Montreal, with many brief stops along the way. On the run with my father, we were always trying to stay ahead of the detective on our tail. Next it was to a small town in Ontario. My investigation of a local murder there also took me to Quebec where old deceptions came to light. And last to Yellowknife, North West Territories, where many bizarre events took place. So it was still a pretty entertaining month!
Books completed:
(click on the title to read my review, click on the book covers below for more information on the books themselves)
35. Last Night in Montreal - Emily St. John Mandel
36. The Delicate Storm - Giles Blunt
37. Yellowknife - Steve Zipp
It's impossible for me to choose a favourite this month. These 3 books were quite different from each other but they were all enjoyable to read and I rated them all the same.
New-to-me authors: 2
Books in Translation: 0
This was my second book by Giles Blunt, while Emily St. John and Steve Zipp were both new-to-me authors this month, and these books are their debut novels. Both very well-written debut novels at that. I'm very much looking forward to reading more by all 3 of these authors in the future.
Books in: 6
Books out: 3
The Year of Readers: Reading for the Book Wish Foundation.
Money raised this month: $9
Total raised to date: $108
Reading Challenges Progress Report
(see sidebar for current challenges)
Ended
Once Upon a Time III Challenge: 3 books completed
2nd Canadian Book Challenge, Eh?: 12 books completed
Ongoing
Non-Fiction Five Challenge: 0 read, 5 to go (May 1 - September 30, 2009)
Dewey's Books Reading Challenge: 3 read, 2 to go (by Dec. 31, 2009)
Lost in Translation Challenge: 7 read, 0 to go (by Dec. 31, 2009)
Orbis Terrarum Challenge: 3 read, 7 to go (by Dec. 31, 2009)
World Citizen Challenge: 0 read, 3 to go (by Dec. 31, 2009)
What's in a Name? 2 Challenge: 5 read, 1 to go (by Dec. 31, 2009)
Herding Cats II: Attach of the Hairballs: 2 read (until Dec. 31, 2009)
1% Well-Read Challenge: 0 read, 10 to go (by Dec. 31, 2009)
Manga Challenge: 6 read, 0 to go (by Dec. 31, 2009)
Graphic Novels Challenge: 2 read, 4 to go (by Dec. 31, 2009)
ARC Reading Challenge: currently 9 read, 8 to go (by Dec. 31, 2009)
Long-term Reading Projects (Total read in 2009)
Reading Japan Project: 11 (including manga, 0 in June)
Orange Prize Project: 0
Reading plans for July
Well, July is already half over and I haven't really set any reading goals for myself this month, but in the remaining couple of weeks I'd like to read another review book or two, and maybe some non-fiction.
I never did a wrap-up post for the Once Upon a Time III Challenge, that ended on the first day of summer, so here is a brief mention of what I read. I only signed up for The Journey this year, in other words, I only committed to reading one book for the challenge. However, I ended up reading 3 books that would qualify.The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman
Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 - David Petersen
The King's Bride - E.T.A. Hoffmann
Of these, I rated The Graveyard Book the highest, but they were all wonderful books. The Graveyard Book was a touching story of growing up. The art in Mouse Guard was fantastic, and The King's Bride was just pure fun! David Petersen and E.T.A. Hoffman were new to me, but all 3 are authors I hope to read more of. I'd certainly recommend any of the books mentioned in this post!
To see what everyone else read for the Once Upon a Time III Challenge, visit the Review Site. And, as always, thanks for hosting, Carl! Read more...
