I haven’t joined in on this fun bloghop for quite a while (since the middle of 2009, to be exact!), so I thought it would be fun to start up again.
For several years, I used to keep a running list of all the books I had read. I stopped doing that at some point, although I sort of wish I hadn’t. Now that I am listing books on Shelfari, I have created a tag called “2011 Reads” and have them linked on my Books page so I can see them all together. (I know, I know, it’s all a bit anal retentive, but I like it.)
So far this year, I have finished five books.
Dragongirl (The Dragonriders of Pern)
There are a few books in between the last one I read and this one, and this was written by a different author, but I have to say I was not as engrossed in this one as I was in earlier Pern books.
It may just be that I’m older, but I found the writing to be somewhat cryptic at times, and in a frustrating rather than tantalizing sense.
Foundation: Book One of the Collegium Chronicles
I was a bit nervous to read this one since I was so unimpressed by Dragongirls, thinking that I had lost all interest in the genre. But I thoroughly enjoyed this book, could hardly stand to put it down, in fact!
Although I am a bit fuzzy on the details of Valdemar after not reading any of the stories for so long, I felt right at home with everything about this one. What a fun start to the new year. 
How to Teach Life Skills to Kids with Autism or Asperger’s
This was one of the books I reviewed for Future Horizons, and I absolutely loved it! Jennifer’s writing style is so engaging and readable, and the advice and examples she gives are spot on. You can read my full review here.
Aspergirls: Empowering Females With Asperger Syndrome
This book was recommended by Tony Attwood when I heard him speak, and I am so glad I decided to give it a look. I would highly recommend this for any girl or woman you know who is on the spectrum (or for her parents or spouse, as well.)
Her Daughter’s Dream (Marta’s Legacy)
Although I am a big fan of Francine Rivers in general and really enjoyed the first book in this two-book series, I didn’t find this one quite as enjoyable. I felt that it went on and on at points. It did hold my attention enough to finish it, mainly because I wanted to see if and how the generational issues would be resolved.
And here’s “What’s On the Nightstand” to be read:
Autism & Alleluias
The Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships: Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspectives of Autism
Lost at School: Why Our Kids with Behavioral Challenges are Falling Through the Cracks and How We Can Help Them
To read more posts or join in yourself, visit What’s On Your Nightstand? at 5 Minutes for Books.
You can see all the books I’ve finished so far this year on the bookshelf on my Books page or read all of my mini reviews by clicking on the 2011 Reads tag.
I'm a mom with Asperger's raising an amazing son with autism, which means I'm basically the case manager/advocate/cheerleader/chauffeur. The rest of the time, you can usually find me with my nose in a book!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t think I knew that Francine Rivers had a series. I’ve only read her stand-alone books. Thanks for sharing your list!
Lauren from 5MinutesforBooks.com
These are actually based on some information from her own family history, although of course she added and fictionalized quite a bit. She really is such a great writer, so I hate to say anything less than totally positive about her books.
Yeah, ok, you are a little bit further behind than I in participation. =D But it’s fun to be back huh?
I was shocked to see how long it had been. But yes, it’s good to be back!!
i love hearing what others are reading. thanks for the tips on the 2 fantasy books, i hadn’t heard of either and may just have to pick up mercedes book. right now on my nightstand is a book on marriage, menopause and moving! hey, some alliteration, how bout that? =)
Sounds like quite the interesting read – maybe you can share about it when you’re finished. I love getting new book ideas too!
I use Shelfari to keep track of my books too, and I keep a running list on my blog (with mini-reviews) of each book I read during the year. I’ve got 2008-2011 so far on there.
So, I LOVE your organization!
I have a different book by Ross Greene that I really enjoy-The Explosive Child… VERY fitting for a couple of my kids!
Happy reading,
-Dawn, 5M4B
Glad to meet another Shelfari fan. I’ll definitely check out your running list.
I learned a lot from The Explosive Child and have used it quite a bit. This one is a newer one and goes into his Collaborative Problem Solving model, which my son is getting old enough to participate in now, so I’m hoping we can make some progress that will stick on the behavioral front!
Looks like you have some great books on Autism here! I don’t personally know anyone with autism, but it’s a disease I’ve become really interesting in studying in the last couple of years.
Glad to hear of your interest. Most people tend to refer to it as a disorder or a disability rather than a disease, since there is not a cure (although there are a variety of treatments and interventions that can be helpful in dealing with aspects of it that the person finds challenging). Thanks for stopping by!
Always interesting to hear what other people are reading.
As you can imagine im reading anything i can find on Intensive interaction.