4 Book Books

I finished off 2008 with several books that met my tough criteria to earn four reels. Here are some of them:

Code to Zero by Ken Follett: There’s a reason why some people win awards for their writing and this book is a perfect example of that.

The Deepest Water by Kate Wilhelm: Predictable ending but a great read nonetheless. Wilhelm never fails to disappoint.

The Last Time They Met by Anita Shreve: This author always delivers a super read.

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger: Fascinating story line, although a little slow in the beginning.

Witchcraft by Jayne Ann Krentz: One of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

Beloved by Toni Morrison: A Pulitzer Prize book that lives up to its award. It is also on the banned book list because of its references to the supernatural, however, the character believed to be a ghost is never proven. In fact, an explanation is provided that may or may not be true.

Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler: A story of forgiveness, but first, you must forgive yourself.

Starting 2009 on the Right Page!

Happy New Year!!!
I hope everyone has begun 2009 on a positive note.
Not typically one who resolves to do this or that, I have set some specific goals for the coming year.
First, I intend to be more conscientious about keeping this blog up to date. I have been pretty lax the past couple months and I plan to change that bad habit.
Secondly, I have made it a personal goal to organize my home office. Since I've gotten to the point where I get seriously frustrated every time I try to do any writing because I can't find that one piece of paper I need, I've had to set this goal. It won't be easy. Not only do a write for a number of Web sites and newspapers, I am also involved in several local non-profit groups and my notes from meetings are getting mixed into the mess.
Third, I plan to set more specific reading goals for 2009. I had goals last year and I reached most of them within the first few months. After that, I found myself slipping into old habits of finding a quick read just to clear certain books off my shelves. That meant I was neglecting those bigger novels and those that are more difficult to read in a day or two. I have to change that habit and read some of those classics and award winners that are also gracing my bookshelf.
Last, but not least, I want to keep my shelves more up-to-date on Goodreads. I've made many friends on that site and I feel as if I've neglected them by forgetting to mark a book as "read" and commenting on it.
I'd love to hear from my readers about their plans for 2009. Do you make resolutions? Or do you prefer, like me, to set more specific goals?