2011 50 Book Challenge
Louisa May Alcott by Susan Cheever My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I liked this biography, even though sometimes the personal essay/biography combination didn’t work quite as well as I thought it should.
Naked, Drunk, and Writing by Adair Lara My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I liked this book, it makes me think she would be a good person to take a workshop from.
Lord of Misrule by Jaimy Gordon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Really interesting book, not what I usually gravitate to in terms of content but I definitely saw its literary merit. Very well done, and I appreciate any more literary-minded book about the horse world.
Great House by Nicole Krauss My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A little slow to get started, but I really liked it once I got more into the story and the different interweaving stories started connecting to each other.
Showtime: A History of the Broadway Musical Theater by Larry Stempel My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Really interesting read, super-comprehensive (sometimes too much so) historical account of the musical.
Twin: A Memoir by Allen Shawn My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Interesting, although the author ran into problems when mixing memoir and more scientific discussion.
Bound by Antonya Nelson My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Parts were excellent, but others were lacking.
Apollo’s Angels: A History of Ballet by Jennifer Homans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fascinating and very well-written history. I especially liked the sections on ballet in Russia and the United States in the 20th century but also appreciated the more historical chapters. too. 
Plain Kate by Erin Bow
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
For fantasy, this wasn’t bad at all… even though I had to question a story whose plot devices included a talking cat.
A Lion among Men by Gregory Maguire
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I loved Wicked, but felt like I’ve liked the two following books less and less. A good, quick airplane read, though.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Wasn’t really interested in reading this until a bunch of my friends convinced me, but now I can’t wait to read the next 2 books! Very engrossing and pretty well-written.
Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Frontlines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture by Peggy Orenstein My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well-written and interesting discussion of girly culture.
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Another very fun and engrossing read. Can’t wait to finish the series.
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Enjoyed the last installment of the trilogy a lot more than I ever thought I would when I started them!
An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I liked the art description/art history parts, but found myself not really invested in the characters by the end of the novel and consequently kind of bored.
A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Very well-constructed and interesting, but still a fun read.
My Passion for Design by Barbra Streisand
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A really pretty coffee table book, I liked looking through it and reading what she had to say about her decorating choices. That being said, I’m glad I checked it out from the library since it’s the type of book that’s interesting to read once but I’m not sure I would go back and look at it again.
The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
There were moments I really liked it and moments I was really bored with it… 
Beauty Rules by Bobbi Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Liked it but didn’t really learn anything I didn’t know, which I guess is a good thing, but was hoping for some tidbits of new helpful information.
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Really fun book, although after 3 books Pattillo’s concept seems a bit repetitive. Still devoured it in one night, so that does say something…
The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wonderful book, although some points of view tended to read slower than others.
Still a bit bitter that I was lotto’ed out of every single class I tried to take with Rachel Simon, but I love her writing. :)
Sweet Valley Confidential: Ten Years Later by Francine Pascal My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Ridiculous and poorly-written, but fun. I wasn’t that into the series and didn’t remember it well, so I probably misses a lot, too. 
I Was a Dancer by Jacques D’Amboise
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
For a showbiz autobiography, I really liked it. It avoided the gossipy tone that a lot of these sorts of books can take, and I loved the insider’s view of ballet.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Just generally a fun, quick read. Saw her in SF on her book tour a few months ago, and the book kind of read like her conversation went, it captured her voice well.
The World in Vogue: Parties, People, Places by Hamish Bowles My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Fun to browse, I wish it had been more skewed towards older photographs and article reprints - I liked those best.
The Talent Code: Unlocking the Secret of Skill in Sports, Art, Music, Math, and Just About Everything Else by Daniel Coyle My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Gives me a lot to think about practicing and perfecting a sport - my riding instructor encouraged me to read it and much of what was discussed are aspects that we discuss in terms of riding.
The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
A mostly fun quick read, although I pretty much figured out the plot within the first chapter or so, which ruined the element of surprise in reading. 
Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
It was rather slow and depressing.
The A Circuit by Catherine Hapka My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Even in the realm of young adult horse fiction, this was pretty ridiculous. Would have been more interesting if Georgina Bloomberg had written a non-fiction story, actually, since it was clearly based on her own experiences.
Untold Story: A Novel by Monica Ali My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Some parts worked better than others, and it was overall rather silly.
Big Girl Small: A Novel by Rachel DeWoskin
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Ride with Your Mind Essentials: Innovative Learning Strategies for Basic Riding Skills by Mary Wanless
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Very interesting to read the actual text after I’ve been riding using these principles for the last year or so. It has vastly improved my riding and it was nice to read what she wrote and how my instructor and I have applied it to our riding. Highly recommend it for anyone interested in dressage.
Room by Emma Donoghue My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Read it in one sitting on a cross-country flight. Found it very engrossing and well-written. A perfect airplane book, although the subject matter is dark it was enjoyable. 
Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals by Temple Grandin My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Very interesting take on animals and animal/human relationships. I did, however, only read the dog/cat/horse chapters, the other animals got a bit repetitive after awhile! 
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Very engrossing plane/train book, if a little suspenseful. 
Little Bird of Heaven by Joyce Carol Oates
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Well written, but a bit too graphic for my tastes. 
The Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman, the Horse That Inspired a Nation by Elizabeth Letts
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Interesting story, I loved how it read more like a novel at times. At the same time, though, the bouncing back and fourth narrative structure annoyed me at times. 
The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Once again, I thought it was fine but I didn’t like it as much as I thought I should? 
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I sometimes wished the writing was as good as the story itself, but nevertheless a good read. 
The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I’m glad to check this off the “books I haven’t read but probably should” list, but honestly hound it a bit boring…
Riders by Jilly Cooper My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I’m not really a fan of romance novels, but the horse part was fun…
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Really interesting, I just heard the author will write a sequel and am intrigued to see what she does with the rest of the history from that time. 
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Beautifully written. Simple yet moving. One of the modern classics I somehow “missed” - so glad I finally read it. 
Hark! a Vagrant by Kate Beaton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Very witty, loved the literary and many of the history-themed ones, although there were a few Canadian-themed political comics that were completely lost on me! But well-done and smart overall.
2011 50 Book Challenge
Louisa May Alcott by Susan Cheever My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I liked this biography, even though sometimes the personal essay/biography combination didn’t work quite as well as I thought it should.
Naked, Drunk, and Writing by Adair Lara My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I liked this book, it makes me think she would be a good person to take a workshop from.
Lord of Misrule by Jaimy Gordon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Really interesting book, not what I usually gravitate to in terms of content but I definitely saw its literary merit. Very well done, and I appreciate any more literary-minded book about the horse world.
Great House by Nicole Krauss My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A little slow to get started, but I really liked it once I got more into the story and the different interweaving stories started connecting to each other.
Showtime: A History of the Broadway Musical Theater by Larry Stempel My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Really interesting read, super-comprehensive (sometimes too much so) historical account of the musical.
Twin: A Memoir by Allen Shawn My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Interesting, although the author ran into problems when mixing memoir and more scientific discussion.
Bound by Antonya Nelson My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Parts were excellent, but others were lacking.
Apollo’s Angels: A History of Ballet by Jennifer Homans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fascinating and very well-written history. I especially liked the sections on ballet in Russia and the United States in the 20th century but also appreciated the more historical chapters. too.
Plain Kate by Erin Bow
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
For fantasy, this wasn’t bad at all… even though I had to question a story whose plot devices included a talking cat.
A Lion among Men by Gregory Maguire
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I loved Wicked, but felt like I’ve liked the two following books less and less. A good, quick airplane read, though.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Wasn’t really interested in reading this until a bunch of my friends convinced me, but now I can’t wait to read the next 2 books! Very engrossing and pretty well-written.
Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Frontlines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture by Peggy Orenstein My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well-written and interesting discussion of girly culture.
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Another very fun and engrossing read. Can’t wait to finish the series.
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Enjoyed the last installment of the trilogy a lot more than I ever thought I would when I started them!
An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I liked the art description/art history parts, but found myself not really invested in the characters by the end of the novel and consequently kind of bored.
A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Very well-constructed and interesting, but still a fun read.
My Passion for Design by Barbra Streisand
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A really pretty coffee table book, I liked looking through it and reading what she had to say about her decorating choices. That being said, I’m glad I checked it out from the library since it’s the type of book that’s interesting to read once but I’m not sure I would go back and look at it again.
The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
There were moments I really liked it and moments I was really bored with it…
Beauty Rules by Bobbi Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Liked it but didn’t really learn anything I didn’t know, which I guess is a good thing, but was hoping for some tidbits of new helpful information.
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Really fun book, although after 3 books Pattillo’s concept seems a bit repetitive. Still devoured it in one night, so that does say something…
The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wonderful book, although some points of view tended to read slower than others.
Still a bit bitter that I was lotto’ed out of every single class I tried to take with Rachel Simon, but I love her writing. :)
Sweet Valley Confidential: Ten Years Later by Francine Pascal My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Ridiculous and poorly-written, but fun. I wasn’t that into the series and didn’t remember it well, so I probably misses a lot, too.
I Was a Dancer by Jacques D’Amboise
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
For a showbiz autobiography, I really liked it. It avoided the gossipy tone that a lot of these sorts of books can take, and I loved the insider’s view of ballet.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Just generally a fun, quick read. Saw her in SF on her book tour a few months ago, and the book kind of read like her conversation went, it captured her voice well.
The World in Vogue: Parties, People, Places by Hamish Bowles My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Fun to browse, I wish it had been more skewed towards older photographs and article reprints - I liked those best.
The Talent Code: Unlocking the Secret of Skill in Sports, Art, Music, Math, and Just About Everything Else by Daniel Coyle My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Gives me a lot to think about practicing and perfecting a sport - my riding instructor encouraged me to read it and much of what was discussed are aspects that we discuss in terms of riding.
The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
A mostly fun quick read, although I pretty much figured out the plot within the first chapter or so, which ruined the element of surprise in reading.
Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
It was rather slow and depressing.
The A Circuit by Catherine Hapka My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Even in the realm of young adult horse fiction, this was pretty ridiculous. Would have been more interesting if Georgina Bloomberg had written a non-fiction story, actually, since it was clearly based on her own experiences.
Untold Story: A Novel by Monica Ali My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Some parts worked better than others, and it was overall rather silly.
Big Girl Small: A Novel by Rachel DeWoskin
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Ride with Your Mind Essentials: Innovative Learning Strategies for Basic Riding Skills by Mary Wanless
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Very interesting to read the actual text after I’ve been riding using these principles for the last year or so. It has vastly improved my riding and it was nice to read what she wrote and how my instructor and I have applied it to our riding. Highly recommend it for anyone interested in dressage.
Room by Emma Donoghue My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Read it in one sitting on a cross-country flight. Found it very engrossing and well-written. A perfect airplane book, although the subject matter is dark it was enjoyable.
Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals by Temple Grandin My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Very interesting take on animals and animal/human relationships. I did, however, only read the dog/cat/horse chapters, the other animals got a bit repetitive after awhile!
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Very engrossing plane/train book, if a little suspenseful.
Little Bird of Heaven by Joyce Carol Oates
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Well written, but a bit too graphic for my tastes.
The Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman, the Horse That Inspired a Nation by Elizabeth Letts
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Interesting story, I loved how it read more like a novel at times. At the same time, though, the bouncing back and fourth narrative structure annoyed me at times.
The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Once again, I thought it was fine but I didn’t like it as much as I thought I should?
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I sometimes wished the writing was as good as the story itself, but nevertheless a good read.
The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I’m glad to check this off the “books I haven’t read but probably should” list, but honestly hound it a bit boring…
Riders by Jilly Cooper My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I’m not really a fan of romance novels, but the horse part was fun…
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Really interesting, I just heard the author will write a sequel and am intrigued to see what she does with the rest of the history from that time.
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Beautifully written. Simple yet moving. One of the modern classics I somehow “missed” - so glad I finally read it.
Hark! a Vagrant by Kate Beaton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Very witty, loved the literary and many of the history-themed ones, although there were a few Canadian-themed political comics that were completely lost on me! But well-done and smart overall.
