What shall I read first?

As 2009 quickly comes to an end, a question repeatedly comes to mind: WHAT BOOK SHOULD I READ FIRST IN 2010?!? Decisions, decisions...

My first book in 2008 was Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult. I love this book! So much, that it became my favorite read that year. This year I brought in the new year by reading Time of My Life by Allison Scotch Winn. Another fantastic read. So, the pressure's on for 2010. Of course I have a few titles in mind, but are they THE ONE book to read first? And what about those books I wanted to read this year, but for whatever reason did not. Should I try to read them in January? Things to ponder as I finish my holiday shopping, pack and head home.

So tell me. How do you decide which book will be your first in the new year? Is it the next book from your reading list? A brand new book that you received as a present? A favorite read? A book within arm's reach? Or do you not think about it? Surely, I'm not the only one obsessive about this... AM I?

What's On Your Nightstand?

January 2010

No matter how many times I write that, I still can't believe 2010 is just days away...

Anyway, I'm still deciding which books to put on my nightstand for next month. I recently ordered two books from Amazon.com which I hope will arrive soon. I definitely want to read them sometime next month. I think for now, it's best to keep my list short and sweet. Here's what I'm thinking about so far:

• Easy on the Eyes by Jane Porter
  
• The Love of Her Life by Harriet Evans
• The Accidental Bestseller by Wendy Wax
• The Department of Lost and Found by Allison Winn Scotch
• The Professors' Wives' Club by Joanne Rendell
  

The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans

James Kier is reading his morning paper when he reads an obituary. His obituary. Puzzled by the false report, he searches the internet and finds a story explaining his death. Even though he knows he's very much alive, it's the anonymous, (and not so anonymous) unsympathetic comments he reads, that cause him to re-evaluate his life.

James Kier is a shrewd real state investor. He's richer than rich and will be the first to admit he's taken advantage of many individuals to reach the top spot. Does he feel guilty? No, don't be foolish! If these individuals weren't so weak in the first place, he wouldn't have taken advantage of them. So it's really their fault.

Shaken up by the comments, James finds his namesake and attends the repast at his house. The deceased James Kier was a humble man. He didn't live in a big mansion or drive an expensive car. Quite the opposite in fact. He was a school bus driver and touched the lives of many students. He was a dedicated husband and loving father. His presence will be missed by so many.

As James speaks to the widow and her son, he realizes for the first time what a good, decent man really is. This awareness changes him forever. He decides, with the help of his assistant, to make amends with the five people he has hurt the most. Will they welcome his apology? Have they long ago forgiven him for his ways? Or will they slam the door in his face before he can say he's sorry? James is not sure, but determined to find out.

Meanwhile, his only son is getting married and doesn't want James to attend the wedding. He was an absent father and did the despicable: he left his mother when she needed him the most. Will his son forgive him for his past mistakes? Or is it too late for a reconciliation?

Mr. Evans has a talent for writing inspirational holiday stories. The Christmas List is a treasure waiting to be discovered.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-1-4391-5000-9
Pages: 349
Year Published: 2009
Genre: Fiction (Holiday)
Source: Library book
Date Finished: December 19

Sunday Salon

It's the Sunday before Christmas. Certainly looks like it here in Alexandria, VA. The "Blizzard of 2009" dumped over a foot and a half of snow here. Don't get me wrong... I love the snow. It's so beautiful as its coming down. I love how it lines the trees and waking up to freshly fallen snow... it's gorgeous.
Having said that, it's the digging out part that I don't like!

Being trapped inside yesterday focused me to relax and just be. And I have to say, it was quite nice. So to me, the snow was a blessing in disguise. I just needed a moment to breathe and not rush off to do the next thing on my list.

I read two books during our blizzard: The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans and The Christmas Secret by Donna Van Liere. (Quite fitting, don't you think?) Hopefully I can write one or both reviews before I head home for Christmas. I plan to start my third this afternoon, as soon I decide which book to start.

This week, I spent time catching up on my outstanding reviews:

Perfect Mistake by Kate Brian

I, Alex Cross by James Patterson

Hounding the Pavement by Judi McCoy

I also read my 100th book. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I would make it to 100. I would like to read 4 more by year's end. 105 is a nice number, don't you think?

Happy Holidays everyone!

Hounding the Pavement by Judi McCoy

My synopsis:
Ellie Engleman is the newest dog walker on the Upper East Side. She's recently divorced and wants to live her life as she sees fit. So when she arrives at one of her charge's home, she discovers his owner's body and the dog is missing. Detective Sam Ryder has been assigned to the case. Can the two of them work together to solve the mystery before another dog is taken?

My review:
Ellie Engleman has a new job. Her dream job. She's a dog walker. Ellie also discovered she can hear their thoughts as well as they can hear hers. Imagine her surprise when she learns the dog she recently adopted has been taken over by her former dog's spirit.

As Ellie is trying to build her clientele, she has to also deal with two conniving dog walkers who will do anything to protect their turf. You see, being a dog walker is serious business in NYC, especially on the Upper East Side. Ellie doesn't allow their threats to scare her. When she finds one of her clients dead and his prized dog missing, Ellie knows what she must do: FIND THE DOG!

I'm not sure where I first heard of Hounding the Pavement. Perhaps during a weekly visit to a book store or maybe someone recommended it to me. Being an animal lover myself (and always on the hunt for a new series), I decided to go ahead and buy it. The beginning of the book was quick. I found myself instantly drawn into the story wondering how the missing dog would tie into his owner's death.

Somewhere in the middle, I just lost interest. Several times I thought about putting down the book, but decided to keep reading as I wanted to know what happened to the dog?!? (Oh, yeah and who killed his owner - I know it's an afterthought!) I can't say I was surprised by the ending. The reader can easily figure it out. Even though the mystery was light, I did enjoy the budding relationship between Ellie and Sam.

Despite having mixed thoughts about Hounding the Pavement, I plan to read book two of the series, Heir of the Dog.

About the author:
Ms. McCoy is donating all royalties she earns on sales of this book to Best Friends Animal Society.

Book details:
Series: A Dog Walker Mystery #1
ISBN-13: 978-0-451-22631-0
Pages: 305
Year Published: 2009
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Source: Purchased copy
Date Finished: November 24

I, Alex Cross by James Patterson

Book Synopsis:
Alex Cross is celebrating his birthday with family when he receives a disturbing phone call. His niece has been found brutally murdered. When Alex goes to identify her remains, he's shocked to learn what's left of her body. Alex takes this case personally as he tracks down a sadistic and ruthless killer.

My review:
Alex Cross, without doubt, is my favorite series. I started reading this series in graduate school and continue to look forward to each November for the latest release. I really like Alex Cross, the man. He's intelligent, dedicated, attractive, a family man and professional. Like any other parent, he tries to balance his home life with his work life. Sometimes he succeeds and other times it hurts him to have to disappoint his family one more time.

I, Alex Cross, for me, returned to the Alex Cross books of the past. Last year's Cross Country was a miss for me, so I hoped I would enjoy reading I, Alex Cross. And I was not disappointed. As Alex is hunting down a killer, that may be connected with The White House, he's also dealing with an unexpected crisis on home. I won't reveal the details of his personal crisis to avoid spoilers, but I will say the reader feels compassion for Alex as he tries to handle both stressful situations.

Mr. Patterson did an excellent job with his latest villain. While reading several scenes, I literally squirmed as I pictured what was happening to the victims. And when the killer is finally revealed, I was shocked! I didn't see that coming at all. I, Alex Cross ended perfectly for me. One of my favorite characters has returned to let Alex know he's always watching. The sad part is I have to wait until next November to find out what happens next!

Book details:
Series: Alex Cross
ISBN-13: 978-0-316-1878-4
Pages: 374
Year Published: 2009
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Thriller (Series)
Source: Purchased copy
Date Finished: December 7

Perfect Mistake by Kate Brian

Book Synopsis:
Ariana Osgood, now known as Briana Leigh Covington ("Ana" to her friends), finally has the life she has carefully constructed. She's attending Atherton-Pryce, an elite boarding school, moving into the most coveted dorm on campus and her crush has just broken up with his long-time girlfriend. Now he's available to date her! What more could Ariana ask for? Just as things are starting to fall into place for her, her nemesis, Kaitlynn, is now a student at Atherton-Pryce. Will Kaitlynn reveal Ariana's secret?

My thoughts:
Ariana Osgood is a character most readers would love to hate. Actually, I don't. I admit I have a strong dislike for people who cheat, lie, manipulate or do whatever it takes to get what they want. Ariana is guilty of all three and she even killed her namesake to steal her life (and money). Despite knowing these things, there's still a part of me that just likes Ariana.

In the first two books of the series, we learn more about Ariana's reasoning for wanting revenge (which actually started to develop during the Private series with Reed). In Perfect Mistake, Ariana struggles against resorting to her old behavior now that she finally belongs. But Kaitlynn's return makes it quite difficult for her.

Kaitlynn is ruthless. Actually, that's putting it mildly. What's worse than ruthless? EVIL?!? She's the type of girl who will stab you in the back (literally) and then go on a shopping spree as if nothing happened. Kaitlynn's one goal is to make Ariana's life miserable and naturally she succeeds. She threatens to harm Ariana's friends if Ariana does not submit to her demands. Fed up, Ariana tries to take matters into her own hands, however Kaitlynn is always one step ahead of her and foils her plans.

To make matters worse, both girls have been tapped for the secret society on campus. Problem is there are four openings and five girls. Kaitlynn wants Ariana to make sure she is one of the chosen or else. Ariana feels she has no choice but to given in to Kaitlynn.

Honestly, it must be hard to be Ariana. She's trying to maintain her 4.0 GPA, plot and scheme to get her enemy off her back, hook up her best friend with a new guy so she can date her former boyfriend and maintain her deadly secret. Whew! How exhausted she must feel. Would her exhaustion be her downfall? Only time will tell.

True to Ms. Brian's style, Perfect Mistake ends with a cliffhanger. One that made me want to immediately pick up the fourth book. Unfortunately I will have to wait until June 8th to find out what happens, when Sweet Deceit is released.

Fans of the Privilege series will not be disappointment with this third installment.

Here's hoping...
Before the end of the two series, I would like for Ms. Brian to reunite Ariana with the Billings Girls: Noelle, Reed, Taylor, Kiran, etc. to make both series come full circle. I want to know what Noelle would do if she learns Ariana is still alive...

Book details:
Series: Privilege #3
ISBN-13: 978-1-4169-6761-3
Pages: 231
Year Published: 2009
Genre: YA Fiction (Series)
Source: Library
Date Finished: December 13

Sunday Salon

As much as I still can't believe it, 2010 is just weeks away. Instead of putting any more energy in my amazement of how fast this year went, I've decided to start focusing on 2010. As I've stated in previous Sunday Salon posts, I want to return to doing things I enjoy: rediscovering past activities, hobbies and interests and introducing myself to new things I've always said I wanted to try.

I'm spending most of my free time brainstorming ideas, goals, and projects for 2010, both professionally and personally. Reading and blogging have taken center stage in my brainstorming sessions. I've fallen in a rut with both and want to return to enjoying them again, instead of viewing both as "just something else for me to do".

As December winds down, I'm starting to notice I'm getting selective in what I will read next. I've pretty much given up on those challenges ending Dec. 31st (except for New Authors as I only have two more to go - hopefully I can finish this one!). I plan to read one (possibly two) holiday-themed book and continue reading the books I have checked out from the library. I find myself purposely not choosing books I could read for next year's challenges.

What about you? Do you find your reading changes before the start of a new year and new challenges? Do you read more holiday-themed books in December? Or are you not reading as much due to the conflicts of participating in other holiday activities?