I FAILED THE 2016 BOOK CHALLENGE // try try again

January 7, 2017

I failed. Even though I read 74 books in 2016, I still somehow managed to not read something to fit in each category. Honestly, looking down at what I have listed... I FEEL LIKE I READ BORING BOOKS. I need way more variety in my book diet. wait. not diet, but whatever. YOU UNDERSTAND. 

1. A book over 400 pages long. Keeper of the Lost Cities - Shannon Messenger (eh it was not my fave)
2. A book set in a place you want to visit.
3. A book with royalty in it, real or fantasy. The White Dove - Christoph Van Schmid (*blinks*)
4. A book that is under 150 pages long. Surviving the Angel of Death - Eva Mozes Kor (this book *shudders* so sad)
5. A book that intimidates you.  Fitzwilliam Darcy (1st book in series) - Pamela Aiden (uhm. cool, but Mr. Darcy is very wordy)
6. A nonfictional book.Hope In Front of Me - Danny Gokey (also sad but sweet)
7. A book set in your favorite time period. They called her Mrs. Doc - Janette Oke (GUYS THIS BOOK MADE ME CRY ITS MY FAVE SO CUTE)
8. A book that has a main character that is your opposite gender. The Giver - Lois Lowry (almost as cool as the movie)
9. A true story. 
10. A fictional book about a historical event. So Little Time - Al Lacy (neat view on Lincoln's shooting..)
11. A book written by a New York Times bestselling author
12. A book your friend recommends (and loved). Wonderland Creek - Lynn Austin (interesting and slightly cliche at times? hahaa)
13. A book that you read with/to a sibling or friend.  Everest - Bill Boyle (EVERYONE MUST READ THIS BOOK LIKE RIGHT NOW SO COOL)
14. A book set in a country outside of America.
15. The first book in a series. Love Comes Softly - Janette Oke (basically a classic)
16. A mystery. Footprints under the Window - Franklin W. Dixon (*coughcough* yeah no)
17. A book (going to be) published this year, 2016.
18. A book you own but have never read. The Calling of Emily Evans - Janette Oke (ooh liked this one too)
19. A book you started and never finished.
20. A book you’ve already read once. 
21. A book with a beautiful cover.  Girl in Blue - Ann Rinaldi (loved the perspective!)
22. A book that was made into a movie.   Death Comes to Pemberly - P.D. James (eeep yesss)
23. A book written at least 100 years ago.  
24. A book about/set in the outdoors.  Messenger - Lois Lowry (uhm. not my favorite out of all the books)



 The thing is, I probably could have actually accomplished this book challenge. 




except for one thing... I was getting super stressed out. *cringes* IM A SUPER COMPETITIVE PERSON. even with myself, legit. I couldn't stand the thought of not finishing. so I basically was reading like a zombie and not even enjoying the books I was reading. 

 like that Hardy Boys mystery? plz. don't ask me what it was about. 

So, I gave up, and read what I wanted to read instead. and srsly I READ LIKE 11 BOOKS IN DECEMBER (4 of which I used for the book challenge). Giving up was actually the best decision for myself. And...*nods* Sare is going to tell me she told me so, cuz she did.


also i know lets all sob 

BUT GUYS IM NOT TOTALLY GIVING UP. bc I'm doing the book challenge again in 2017. My friend, Micaiah, amazingly throws this thing together. We've got a huge group of us doing it if you want to join!! This year is going to be easier too. Only 17 categories (hehehe for 2017 - get it? lol)

Honestly, I'm ready for some new stuff to be read this year. Shoot me your top 3 favorite books PLLLZZZZZZ and I'm serious - wild books count. I'm ready for this (though I don't want *coughcough* bad books lol ya know) 

Do you wanna join the book challenge?
top 3 favorite books??

57 comments:

  1. I don't think I've commented on your blog before, but I started following recently. :)
    Book recommendations? Yes! ;D I wouldn't say these are my top 3 favorites, but I totally recommend "Sky's Bridal Train" by Margo Hansen, "The Golden Braid" by Melanie Dickerson, and "Ashburn" by Julia Erickson. I would have more fantasy on that list, but I'm not sure if you read that?
    Anyhow, I really like your blog! =D

    tashahphotography.blogspot.com

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    1. Well HELLO *gives you ice cream cones with caramel drizzled on top and a dash of heath bits*
      I love the titles of all of those! I am totally going to look them up. Thanks so much! And, I really am not a huge fantasy person.. which is why I think I didn't really like Keeper of the Lost Cities?? idk
      aww thanks!! <33 honest <3 *runs to look at your blog*

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    2. Yea, I've never read Keeper of the Lost Cities... I more like the medival-ish fantasy, and without too much magic. ;)
      Well I hope one of the books interests you! :) (oh, and thanks for going to check out my blog ;D)

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    3. ooh same!
      I think they will! Thanks so much for commenting <3

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  2. *pats poor Ju* BUT HEY - you still read a ton of books. You rock xD. AND YOU WILL CONQUER YOUR 2017 READING GOALS *nodnod*

    I MIGHT be joining the challenge BUT we'll see. It seemed a little too historical-fiction based for me xD. Three favorite books? *tries to think of some that aren't strictly fantasy* Uh ... hmm. The Pirate Daughter's Promise by Molly Evangeline, Anne Of Green Gables (I will be disappointed if you haven't read that book already xD), and The Captive Maiden by Melaine Dickerson. And WOW I really need to read more books that aren't fantasy - it took me forever just to think of those three, lol

    ~ Savannah
    scattered-scribblings.blogspot.com

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    1. *sobs and sniffles* thanks.... I DID READ A LOT I GUESS. it really doesn't feel like it somehow lol!! eeep thanks you YOU SHALL CONQUER YOURS AS WELL

      eeepp but you have too!! Oh I guess maybe that's why I like it so much. lol!! HOW DID YOU KNOW I DONT LOVE FANTASY?!??!?!?? *ponders this* woooahhh uhm. YES IVE READ ANNE LIKE THANK YOU VERY MUCH LOL!!!!! srsly *shakes head*

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    2. OKAY, GOOD - I was going to be worried if my ISTP twin hadn't read Anne Of Green Gables (one of the only non-fantasy books that I adore xD)

      ~ Savannah
      scattered-scribblings.blogspot.com

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    3. LOL!! Have you read them all? I stopped at like book 5 or 6 I think...

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  3. Alrighty, hmmm....so much to choose! XD I would say, 'The Search For WondLa' (and the two books after that), 'The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood' (the Howard Pyle version), and 'The Books of Elsewhere' (wonderful, wonderful books. There's a whole six-book series and very nice, with a hint of creepiness to them)...;)

    Amelia xxx
    <3

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    1. eeepp thanks Amelia!! I can't wait to read all these fantastic books! *hugs you*

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  4. Hey, don't feel like you failed! You did, according to yourself, read 74 books in 2016 and that's pretty amazing. :) But I'm totally with you on reading more of a variety of books this year.
    Oh, and here's 3 of my favorites (besides Narnia, of course) that you asked for. :D
    "Get Lost" by Dannah Gresh (an AMAZING nonfiction book- but then again, everything by Dannah Gresh is pretty amazing- I'd recommend all of her books! ;)
    The Terrestria Chronicles series by Ed Dunlop (yep, it's a series, but they're totally worth reading!)
    The Millie Keith series (yes, another series! But seriously, this is one of the best series ever. They're part of a bigger collection called the Life of Faith series- and I'd totally recommend them all- but you'll definitely be hooked if you read Millie first! :)

    Happy reading in 2017- you can do this! *high five*

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    1. aww thanks Emily!! I guess... but 2 years ago I read 105 in one year :P I WANNA DO THAT AGAIN XD yesss variety is needed.

      I WANT TO READ THESE NOW!! Especailly the first one. I need a nonfiction for 2017s challenge so this shall work xD THANK YOU

      *high five* YES WE CAN

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  5. OOH! ME! CAN I JOIN? XD
    ○Megan○
    ○ abarefootgal.wordpress.com ○

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    1. YES YOU CAN!!!! do you have google hangouts?

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    2. Uh... i have a Google account, yeah. XD

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  6. Ahahahaha never tell this dragon to recommend books. *cue evil laughter muahahahaha* Uhm, where was I? Mine would be LotR (Return of the King, to be specific, but you do have to survive the slow-moving first chapters of Fellowship) and Les Miserables (unabridged, of course). idk though, these both take quite a while to finish. My edition of LotR is 1031 pages, and I don't even want to check Les Mis. XD

    and YES THE GIVER IS AWESOME. *high fives*

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    1. *tells the dragon to recommend books* OMW THOSE BOOKS ARE LOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG hagahahahahahhah yeah looking for something a bit shorter..like 400 pages is small to that LOL

      YES YES YES YES YES YES *high fives*

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  7. You did so good though! I'm excited to try the challenge out, but we'll see how I'll do XP
    Oohhh, recommendations? This is dangerous territory lol. Heartless by Marissa Meyer, Counted Among the Stars by Connilyn Cossette, Unblemished by Sara Ella, Meadowsweet by C J Milbrandt, Not by Sight by Kate Breslin, Daughter of Light by Morgan L Busse, (and yes, I apologize that this is over 3, but who knows, you may only like 3 XP)

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    1. aww gosh Soleil!! EEP I KNOW IM EXCITED FOR THIS YEAR TOO XD

      OMW LOOK AT ALL THOSE TITLES IM SO LOOKING THESE UP *realizes im yelling a lot* *coughcough* yeahhhhh anyways THANKS XD

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  8. I didn't finish my challenge either! And I was only gonna read 65 books.

    I love the Hardy Boys. Joe Hardy....uhhh, I had such a crush on him!

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    1. aww it gets harder as we get older ya know?!!?

      omw girl sammmmmee but something happened and now I'm like eh. SORRY XD

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  9. Oooh! Top three favorite books you say? Umm...
    I really like "The Daybreakers" by Louis L'Amour... if your one for westerns. ;P My sisters LOVE his books and they got me to read four of them (though I vowed to be stubborn and ONLY read "The Daybreakers"... something happened ;P). My favorite was "The Daybreakers". And I'm told it's a good "first Louis L'Amour" to read... or have you already read some of his books? (you have to sorta read over a few swear words -- but I don't mind because I just cross them out ;P) But really, the way he writes is AMAZING!! *smiles at our shelf full of his books*
    Anyway! ;P
    I also loved "The Silent Songbird" by Melanie Dickerson... and I love the whole "Seasons of the Heart" series by Janette Oke. =D

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    1. HEHE YES XD
      oh. my. word. I LOVE WESTERNS. that was what my novel was. ;) okay totally looking his books up!!!! eep thanks
      I feel like I've heard of The Silent Songbird...sounds cool. Thanks so much Daminika!!

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    2. Quite a while ago, Felicity did a post about Louis L'Amour and I thought maybe you'd like to read it:
      http://felicity-poemsprayersandpromises.blogspot.com/2015/07/americas-favorite-storyteller.html

      I hope you enjoy your book challenge. =D

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    3. oohhh thanks!!! I actually found out my library has most of his books! So excited

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  10. Oh, top books? The Musterious Benedict Society, the Penderwicks, and.... Green Ember.

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    1. ooh great titles! I should look them up. thanks!

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  11. OMW STAR WARS GIFS THANK YOU *nods*

    Aw, girl, don't sweat it. The challenge was to have fun -- I DON'T WANT YOU NOT HAVING FUN. Also don't read boring books (I know how that is. bc I read some this last year). ;) I KNOW YOU'LL DO GREAT THIS YEAR. <333 And I'm glad your trying again! I wouldn't want you not doing it. I'd miss havin' ya. :) I DON'T THINK I'VE READ ANY OF THE BOOKS YOU DID *shrugs* I started The Giver once, though... (I thought it was weird when she started talking about "the stirrings" so I stopped lol) XD Oh, They Called Her Mrs. Doc!! I have that on my GR to-read list.

    Top three favs?
    To Get to You by Joanne Bischof -- THIS BOOK, JU. It is sooooo good and so cute. Just...read it, okay?!!?! You can use it for the challenge, I promise. *goes to recommend it to you on GR* *can't recommend it cuz I already have* Okay, so yeah. BUT PLS READ IT. sometime. ;)

    Fighting the Flames by R.M. Ballantyne - the main character, Willie, is so fun. There's this ONE specific chapter that I've reread multiple times bc it's just so adorable. This was written in the 1800s, so it's sorta descriptive, but it's good, I promise.

    Blink of an Eye by Ted Dekker - UM IT'S THRILLING. And the main dude Seth is such a sweetheart. Dekker is an amazing author, but this book is definitely my favorite of all of his that I've read so far. (I've read like *tallies* maybe 10 of his books? He's written over 30, tho. XD)

    VIOLA THERE YOU HAVE IT.

    And Carrie Fisher. :'( *looks at you with wide eyes* It's terrible.

    Also, if you read any of the books I mentioned I really really really must know. *grins* ;)

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    1. YOU ARE SO WELCOME. I KNEW YOU WOULD LOVE THEM XD

      eep I did have a lot of fun! Just not towards the end. I also learned a lesson, so that was good. Don't worry. ;) UHG BORING BOOKS KILL ME YA KNOW

      YOU MUST READ THEY CALLED HER MRS DOC GOT IT??!?!?!?

      omw omw omw I WANT TO READ THESE BOOKS. *rushes to library system*

      *sobs* then Rogue One...so. much. sadness.

      I WILL LET YOU KNOW PROMISE

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  12. Hey Juju
    Wow!! You still did an AWESOME job! 74 books!! Isn't "They Called Her Mrs. Doc" INCREDIBLE!!! I cried, too! It is so sad. Their life is great... and then. :( Then when I finished it, I had to return to real life! So hard!
    As to book recommendations... ;) I have read 2 books (well, I've finished one of them and I'm reading the other)that I would HIGHLY recommend. The one that I have finished is called "To Die is Gain" by Mrs. Howard Taylor. It is SO good. It is about the life and ministry of John and Betty Stam, missionaries to China. Parts of it are a little slow going, but oh... it's so good! A MUST read! :)
    The second one that I am still working on is "All In" by Mark Batterson. It is about going All In for God, and is super good! It is easy to read and is really impactful! There was something that I didn't quite agree with him on, I can't remember what it was, but there's nothing bad in it. I highly recommend it!
    Keep up the great work on your blog! It is awesome!
    <3 Lydi
    P.S. Did you recently get glasses? :)

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    1. OMW I KNOW I FELT THE SAME WAY. I think it was Janette Oke's best book. There were moments of hahahha yeah this is cheesy then WAIT NO HE CANT DIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEE NO NO NO
      I slipped into a sobbing denial. lol!
      ooh they both sound really good! Thanks girl <3333

      hahah no I don't - I was just goofing off. Why? ;)

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    2. It was a really good book! I didn't read for a long time because, I was judging it by it's cover and I didn't like the cover... at all!! But, then I decided to read it and it was SO good!!!
      As to the glasses... ;) I just saw that were wearing a pair in the eye doctor's office and I thought it would be funny if you had gotten glasses recently because a couple weeks ago, I got glasses! :) Aren't there a TON of options?!
      ~Lydi

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  13. You did a great on your 2016 challenge, Julia, even if you didn't finish it. And 74 books!!
    I would have to recommend more of the Women of the West series by Janette Oke, since you read "They Called Her Mrs. Doc" and "The Calling of Emily Evans". Perhaps my favorite was "A Bride for Donnigan", and absolutely "Roses for Mama". And if you haven't read them yet--Chronicles of Narnia or the Hobbit & the Lord of the Rings.
    And I'd love to join your book challenge!! I was actually about to look for one when I saw your post!
    Blessings & Love,
    Georgie Grace

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    1. eeep thanks girl!!! I kinda wish I had finished it, but oh well. xD
      I LOVE THE WOMEN OF THE WEST SERIES. I think they're my most favorite. I've read almost all of them... I think. I have "A Bride for Donnigan" on my shelf right noW! Roses for Mama made me want to cry too. lol
      ooh awesome girl! I'll send you the attachment!!

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    2. Ooh, I know! I loved the way she pulled out the thoughts and struggles of her characters in Roses for Mama. So sad and yet so beautifully done. Those kinds are the best...Like, "This book crushed my heart and soul, strained gallons of tears out of my eyes, and ruined me for a month...Here, you have to read it." ;) LOL
      Thanks SO much for sending me the challenge!! I can't wait to start on it!!
      Blessings & Much Love,
      Georgie Grace

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  14. Hannah Alexander is really good, if you want a stand alone from her read Solemn Oath. Ronie Kendig, DiAnn Mills, and Sigmund Brouwer are also amazing. And yes, read Melanie Dickerson!! That was a few more than three....oops.

    Enjoy your challenge!!

    Janice

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    1. Thanks, Janice!! Everyone keeps on saying Melanie Dickerson, guess I should check her books out XD

      I will!

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  15. HALP JULIAAA

    I am in desperate need of editing help. I have no clue where to start, what to do, or ANYTHINGGG!!! How did you edit your novel(s)? Do you have any "werds of wisdom?" Thx, girl!

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    1. UHHMMM GRACE *coughcough*

      I've never edited before. like at all. nope..hahaha SORRY

      but what I'm planning on doing is reading it in my published book copy as I would be someone reading it. I'll fix typos, grammar, cut out stuff I can't stand and do a bunch of arrow things where I need to move stuff, etc. Then, I'll get on my word document and do my best. From there, I'll send it to beta readers for extra help... *dies*

      hope that helps some???

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  16. Btw...great job on your book challenge! You did fantastic, even if you didn't complete it. :)

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  17. Ooh, I want to join the challenge! *waves hand* I've been looking for a reading challenge that doesn't include feminist/LGBTQ prompts and stuff, and I haven't been able to find one so far. So yes! Challenge accepted. *grins*

    Three favorite books... I have to pick just three?! Well, Lord of the Rings tops that list, no doubt. And you could probably count it for three books. (But it's definitely only one book) Then... oh gosh. I'm currently in the middle of the Song of Albion and it is /amazing/, but then there's the Brothers Karamazov, and Moby Dick (which is actually surprisingly hilarious and philosophical at the same time)... Ooh! There's the Odyssey, and Way of Kings, and Claervont Captive and Runt the Brave and A Murder for Her Majesty and I should probably stop, shouldn't I? YOU CAN'T ASK FOR JUST THREE!

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    1. YES YOU MAY JOIN THE CHALLENGE!! I'll let Kaya know. xD

      hahaha I guess you don't XD wow they all just sound so interesting!! The last 5 especially!!! *rushes to look them up at my library* THANK YOU SO MUCH XD

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  18. You legit didn't read a single true story book??? That's almost all that I ever read! I can't stand the thought of something just not being for real. I know, we're probably completely the opposite on that, but whatevs.
    -bye-

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    1. uhmmmmm...no? lol!! I don't think so at least. I am a mostly historical fiction person. So I like a mixture I think. I don't like fantasy really, so I get you. lol!

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  19. Rachel is obsessed with Keeper of the Lost Cities! She just bought the fourth book off of Amazon. :) I've never read it myself though, hehe. I haven't been doing much reading at all lately, but I set a goal for myself to read at least one book every month.

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    1. really?!?! *feels bad* I didn't even know there were more than just one hahaha..... GO READ GIRL YOU CANNOT NOT READ LIKE *dies*

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  20. Oh, and one time when I was like 9 I read 72 books for the year! I don't do much reading anymore, we're always really busy! :l

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    1. oh wow when you were 9?! You kept track of them? Coolness lol

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  21. Um, I probably read literally 12 books last year so I feel really awkward when I read that you "only" finished 70 something books. HA!
    I'm kidding. Set my goal really high this year so will hopefully manage to finish mine.
    I get where you said you feel like you read boring books. One of my favorite genres is fairy tale retellings (is that even a genre?) so when I'm over here reading "Princess Academy" and I look on Goodreads and this one person is reading "Crime and Punishment" I feel so stupid. So I'm hoping to read more intentionally this year as well (even though I'll still be reading fairy tales and children's books: starting with "Matilda", have you ever read that? I want to be Miss. Honey when I grow up).
    Enjoyed this post!

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    1. lol!! 70 feels small to me bc I read so many books over the past years. Like 105 in 2014. 12 books is still reading tho!! ;) I'm just...an avid reader.. *coughcough* What's your goal for this year? I'm hoping for 100.
      eep thanks for the books!! I haven't read any that you listed.. lol! But never feel stupid for reading "kids" books. I do it all the time hehehe

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  22. OKAY !! IM JUST SAYING!! ALL OF THE LYNN AUSTIN BOOKS!! ARE PERFECTION!! AND YOU SHOULD READ THEM!! BC I HAVE!! AND I WILL NEVER STOP!!
    NO PRESSURE!! JUST DO UR OWN THING!! BUT!! STILL!!
    lol, fr tho;)))

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    1. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *can't stop laughing*
      okay okay *puts hands up in protest* I'll see what I can do ;)

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  23. I might do a challenge! I can't decide. Three favorites.... I'll give more than three. XD Every Soul A Star, Secret Letters, Jane Eyre, The Outsiders, All The Light We Cannot See, Harry Potter, The Pincess Academy, the Hannah Swenson mysteries, A School For Unusual Girls.....there ya go XD

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    1. OOH PLZ DO. oooh wow thank you for all of these girl!! <3333 *goes to order books*

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  24. Oooh, I'd love to join the book challenge! One of my favorite books is The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson, I loved that book ssoo much! *smiles* OH, and I also really liked The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest, which is also by Melanie Dickerson. ; )

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    1. eep really?! I'll let Micaiah know!! Wow, everyone is recommending that book. Thanks so much girl XD

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let's be honest here peeps, comments rock. keep 'em clean and fun and I'll reward you with a virtual ice cream cone

*reluctantly hands cone over*