I started in March with a list consisting of five fiction and six non-fiction books. As I oh-so-accurately predicted, I zipped through all the fiction books and added at least five more (I lost count, and was not diligent to write down the additional ones I read). As for the non-fiction? Well…
I’m glad I was doing a challenge, because I really need the mental kick-in-the-pants that a challenge gives me in order to get through non-fiction books. I’ve mentioned it before, but I’m really good at starting non-fiction books (and, of course, buying them), but not so good at finishing them. This time around, I had read four, and had just barely started the other two, as of a week ago. But because I have a highly slightly competitive spirit, I really pushed this last week, finished another one of them, and got part-way through the final one (My Heart’s in the Lowlands). Whew! That feels better.
So overall, I read 10-and-a-chunk out of my 11 original books, read a bunch more fiction, and finished the book that C. and I had been reading together.
Now onto the questions:
What was the best book you read this spring?
I’m really bad at picking “favorites,” but I think the book that was the most pleasant surprise for me this spring was Me, Myself, and Bob . Written by Phil Vischer, the creator of Veggie Tales, this book takes a look at the rise (and eventual fall) of Big Idea, Inc. Before I read it, I already knew I’d be interested in getting a behind-the-scenes look at the company that has helped stock our DVD shelf so well. What I didn’t know what what an engaging read this would be. Honestly, it read much like a good fiction novel, with the end of each chapter making it hard to put the book down. Not to mention the humor — anyone who’s watched a Veggie Tales video knows that those guys know how to write funny, and that humor shines through this book as well. Chad actually read it before I did, and ended up staying up until the wee hours of the morning one night to finish it. Great read.
What book could you have done without?
Hm… another hard question. Who wrote these questions, anyway? I guess I’d have to say Writer Mama. Although it’s a good book, with lots of information and encouragement for moms who are looking to write for publication, I just didn’t have my heart in it this spring. With everything that’s been going on, writing for publication has been extremely low on my priority list. I’ll be shelving it for future reference, though.
Did you try out a new author this spring? If so, which one, and will you be reading that author again?
I did — I read Wicked by Gregory Maguire. While I loved the idea behind the book, and I thought he did a magnificent job creating an interesting backstory for the Wicked Witch of the West (and other assorted characters from Oz), I was pretty disappointed in the unnecessary crudity scattered throughout the book. For me, it took what could have been an amazing book, and made it mediocre. I’m not sure yet if I’ll read any of his other books… I still love the idea of the “story behind the fairy tale,” but I don’t really want the other junk.
If there were books you didn’t finish, tell us why. Did you run out of time? Realize those books weren’t worth it?
Just one. I’d say it’s because I ran out of time, but the fact that I read at least five fiction books that weren’t on my list rules out that excuese. The truth is, I just stink at getting through non-fiction, and I ran out steam.
Did you come across a book or two on other participants’ lists that you’re planning to add to your own to-be-read pile? Which ones?
I saw Jodi Picoult’s Nineteen Minutes on tons of lists, and I plan to add that to my pile soon.
What did you learn — about anything – through this challenge?
I learned that I’m not good at posting reviews of what I read. I also learned that I am capable of reading non-fiction before bed, but I still also need to read some fiction before I can fall asleep. Weird, huh?
What was the best part of the Spring Reading Thing?
Reading all the lists and reviews!
Would you be interested in participating in another reading challenge this fall?
Well, yes, but I have to be since I’m hosting it. 
Check back in September if you want to be part of it!
I will be checking on Me, Myself and Bob next time I am at the store. That sounds really good. I just found Jodi Picoult this year (I am a little behind the times) and will be reading more of her work too.
Fiction before bedtime, I have to agree.
Gregory Maguire wrote children’s books (older elem. novels, I think) before he wrote adult fiction. I was thinking that might be more my speed.
I can relate to reading a little nonfiction and then reading fiction before going to bed. I do the same thing. The challenge really helped me to read some nonfiction I wouldn’t normally read (I’m competitive that way too). I plan to add Me, Myself and Bob to my list. And, why do authors have to ruin good stories with trash? I haven’t read Wicked, but I have felt that way about several books lately. Thanks for hosting. It was great fun!
I felt the same way about Wicked! That is why I went with the Sisters Grimm books! Have a great summer!
I think reading everyone’s lists and reviews was both the best part and the worst part. I just ended up with so many more books added to my “I hope I have time to read this someday” list!
I posted mine last night…but I didn’t do a run down on the questions and answers- hope that’s OK! But I think I answered most of the questions in a round about way, though!
I can also relate to reading way more fiction!
If you like “stories behind the fairy tale,” try Robin McKinley’s RoseDaughter or Patricia Wrede’s Snow White and Rose Red or CS Lewis’ Till We Have Faces.
I have a hard time pushing through non-fiction, too, even when I really want to read it.
I like reading everyone’s lists and reviews, too.
Thanks so much for hosting this!!
Katrina, I didn’t do your Spring Challenge, but I love your wrap up questions! Would you mind horribly if I borrowed them for the end of the reading challenges I’m participating in? I’m not hosting them, mind you, so it’s not as if it’s I’ve asked if it’s okay with my host(ess)(e)s. (Okay, sorry. Way too many parentheticals there.)
ITA about Wicked. It just seemed unduly…..coarse? It’s one of the books I read halfway through and then flipped to the end. I did like his Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister though.
Katrina, I can’t thank you enough for the way you are such an inspiration and encouragement to readers in the blogging world! Enjoyed reading your reviews! And would keep blogging for the sake of the whole Reading Challenge thing!
I just got Me, Myself, and Bob for my birthday and I can’t wait to get started!
Reading your wrap-up makes me wish I had gotten in on this challenge! I definitely plan to participate in the fall. Sounds like so much fun! And I’ll be checking people’s lists for ideas of some new reads. Neat idea!
I had a great time with the reading challenge, too. It looks like you really pounded through the reading. Great work!
You did a great job with this challenge, Katrina, both as a host and as a participant. I do know what you mean about nonfiction. I tend to scoop up and inhale the fiction much quicker than I do the nonfiction. And yet when I do read the nonfiction, I love it and wonder why I don’t read more of it. I can’t win.
Like the title of your blog – really creative.