2025 Reading Challenge discussion
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Hello! I think you can reach easily you goal, what books you have in mind?Good luck with your challenge!
Thanks :) I am planning on reading some classics like To Kill A Mockingbird, Wuthering Heights and The Great Gatsby in 2016 and also continue with some series. I will participate in the Popsugar Reading Challenge which will hopefully make my reading more diverse :)
Good luck with your challenge! I hope you enjoy reading some of the classics. :)
Thanks Cassandra :) I started hunting for copies of all the classics I want to read in second-hand bookshops and that alone has been so much fun :)
I've been itching to use this thread and finally I can! I finished book 1/60 The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. Plath is one of my favourite poets and I've been wanting to read the only book she sadly ever wrote for ages. Technically, I started this book in 2015 but I only got about 30 pages in so I think it's fair to say I've read it in 2016 :) Needless to say I loved it. 4 stars. Now I only have to decide what I want to read next :D
Hahaha, I was itching to use my thread as well:) Congrats on finishing your first book in 2016!
Just finished book 2/60 Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell and I adored this one. My first 5 star read for this year. I loved this so much more than Eleanor&Park, the whole story was just so quirky and cute and relatable. If you ever joined a fandom, if you ever wrote fanfiction, if you ever obssessed about fictional characters, you'll love this one. Just about ready to devour Carry On next, but I also want to savour it a little bit longer.
I feel like I've been reading this book for ages, even though it has only been four days. But, I finally finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Ultimately, I did like this book but I think I would have liked it a lot more if I had read it before I saw the movie. The movie follows the actual book pretty closely I discovered, so I knew exactly what would happen. It was a slow read for me, because I was trying to get all the details of the financial world straight and it also at times just dealt with unpleasant topics. I think I need some shorter, more light-hearted reading after this.
(May contain spoilers) Didn't really follow through with the "light-hearted" theme. Finished book four last night, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguru and loved it. 4 stars. It was heartbreaking, but at the same time so interesting and captivating. I found this dystopian scenario really plausible for our time and age and I loved how Ishiguru played with the characters innocence. You felt like while the went through it, they never even really knew what was happening. Something that stayed with me and for me, sums the whole book up pretty neatly, is the last scene in the movie adaption. "What I'm not sure about, is if our lives have been so different from the lives of the people we save. We all complete. Maybe none of us really understand what we've lived through, or, feel we've had enough time."
Book 5 out of 60. I really feel like I'm on a roll right now. If the rest of the year continues like this, I am pretty sure I can easily reach my goal. Book 5 was The Escape by Robert Muchamore. To be honest, this was a bit of a guilty pleasure read. I used to absolutely adore the 'Cherub' series and me and my brother read all the books. The 'Cherub' series evolves around the lives of a group pf teenagers that belong to a secret organisation that is part of the MI5 and uses kids as spies. The 'Henderson's Boys' series is the prequel series to 'Cherub' and follows the founding of the organisation. It certainly isn't a literary gem, but I enjoyed it a lot, just like I always enjoyed the 'Cherub' books. 4 stars and can't wait to continue the series ;)
Book 6 out of 60 was The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey. I had seen this book in the bookshelf tours of every booktuber ever, so when I saw it in my local Waterstone's I just went for it. I successfully managed to avoid the trailer for the upcoming movie and read the book before and I am so glad I did. This book captivated me, I just couldn't stop reading. There were so many plot-twists and mysteries, that I was constantly kept on the edge on my seat. I loved most of the characters and ughh, this book was so good! I am really glad that I am having such a good reading year so far, I didn't hate any of the books I've read. I've heard mediocre things about the second book in the series, but I really want to know what happens next so I'll probably pick it up anyway :)
Book 7 out of 60 was Eagle Day by Robert Muchamore. This is the second book in the "Henderson's Boys" series. I got into this book slowly, but I think that's just because when I first started it, I was busy and didn't have much time to read. But, once I actually got to sit down and read for a longer time, I just flew through the pages, just like I did with the first book in the series. One thing that bothered me slightly on several occasions was the inaccuracy that sometimes occurred with German words, names or translations. I know this is a YA book about spies written by a British author and I don't expect full historical accuracy, but I am German and I couldn't help but notice that sometimes German words were misspelled, people had names that may sound German, but aren't really or people used certain phrases that we just don't use in Germany. Apart from that I still really liked the book though. 4 stars.
Book 8 out of 60 was Holes by Louis Sachar. I feel like I lot of people read this in school and I definitely remember this book being around when I was 11 or 12. Now, I finally got the chance to read it and why I didn't necessarily loved it, I liked it well enough. You could tell that it was written for a younger audience so that's probably part of the reason why I didn't love it. Still, it was funny and quirky and adventurous and I liked the characters.
Book 9 out of 60 was Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch. I don't really know what I think about this book. I've been wanting to read more fantasy again, since it's a genre I used to love. And I did really enjoy the world building and the magic system. I also liked how the aspect of the enslavement of the Winterians was dealt with. However, I had some issues with the main character Meira. There were moments were she was acting like the kick-ass female heroine I was expecting, but then sometimes she seemed more like the typical contemporary YA main character, staring at boy's chests like there's no tomorrow. Which annoyed me on several occasions. Also, to me the big plot twist was really predictable fairly early on. I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars, not quite sure if I want to continue with the series yet.
Okay so I feel like my reading has slowed down considerably in February, while my TBR shelf has expanded. Not a good combination, But, I am still three books ahead of schedule so everything is fine and dandy. Here are my last two read books. Book 10 out of 60 was The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. When I had a look through the reviews, I saw that this book is quite controversially discussed. I personally did like this book. Sure, it's a pretty glossed over and simplified summary of the history of Afghanistan but I actually really enjoyed learning a little bit more about the Afghan culture and the way the country used to be. People blame this book as being written for Westerners who suddenly want to feign interest in Afghanistan and too Americanised. I think it's good that people read at least something about this country. Afghanistan has been a war zone all my life and it has been little more in my head before I read this book. I am planning on picking up "A Thousand Splendid Suns" soon.
Book 11 out of 60 was Carry On by Rainbow Rowell. This is practically a Drarry fanfic in bookform and I enjoyed myself so much. Sure, this is heavily influenced by Harry Potter but I ain't even mad. The story had its own magic too it and gave me the Potter feels while being unique. Loved it. I don't even care that Rowell probably used all our fandom feels to make us like this book.
I loved Fan Girl and I am hoping to read Carry On very soon! You have read some awesome books this year! Holes and The 5th wave are both books I am hoping to read soon!
I loved both Fangirl and Carry On so much. To be honest I didn't really love Eleanor&Park and was a bit wary of other Rowell books. But these two changed my opinion about her :D I really wish I'd read Holes a couple of years ago, I think I would have absolutely adored it. But it's still a good book.
The 5th Wave was amazing but I think I'll stay way away from the movie. Looks like a book ruiner to me.
How is your reading year going? :)
Book 12-14 were Secret Army by Robert Muchamore, Me Before You by Jojo Moyes and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury :)
Cassandra wrote: "You're doing great, Tabea!"Thank you, Cassandra. I am really happy about how good it has been going so far :)
Good luck with your reading challenge, i only discovered the reading challenge last year.I don't have a lot of time to myself to read so decided to set myself a goal of 36 this year and aim for 3 a month :)
I LOVED Fangirl! I really liked it because I felt like I could relate to all the characters and thought it was a very interesting and fun read. I have yet to read Carry On but I have heard nothing but great things! Also I really want to read the Fifth wave! I have so many books I need to read and so little time, it is such a struggle.
Claire wrote: "Good luck with your reading challenge, i only discovered the reading challenge last year.I don't have a lot of time to myself to read so decided to set myself a goal of 36 this year and aim for 3 ..."
Same with me, I am really excited that this year I actually have a whole year to complete my goal and I am right on track. 36 books sounds like a great goal!
Hannah wrote: "I LOVED Fangirl! I really liked it because I felt like I could relate to all the characters and thought it was a very interesting and fun read. I have yet to read Carry On but I have heard nothing ..."Yeah, same :D She really captured all the fangirl feels really well. I know right? Especially when you keep on buying new books, so the stacks are increasing instead of decreasing. I blame booktube :D
Book 15 was The Martian by Andy Weir. I'm sure you all heard of it, but basically it's about an astronaut that gets left behind on Mars by mistake and tries to make his way back to Earth. I don't even know what to say. This book was amazing! I was constantly kept at the edge of my seat and I really felt for the main character. He was so witty and funny and I was rooting for him throughout the whole story. So many twists and turns and space stuff and gahh 5 stars.Books 16 and 17 were Wolf Brother and Spirit Walker by Michelle Paver. Those are book 1 and 2 in the "Chronicles of Ancient Darkness" series. It's a bit odd how I found this series. I was having a look through one of the shelves at work and someone left those two books there. I started flicking through them and was instantly hooked! I've never heard of this series before, but it has really high ratings and it's just fantastic! It's set in the Neolithic Age and follows the main character Torak on his adventures. There's adventure and mystery and friendship and it shows how people lived back then, which I find really interesting. I love Pavers writing style and all in all I am just so glad that I discovered her books. Also, the audio book is narrated by Ian McKellen, if you're not sold yet.
When I had a look online I realised that it actually was a series of 6 books. I devoured the first two in less than a week and have already gone out to hunt for the rest of the books. I got really lucky and found all of them, but the 5th book in a charity shop. So I can read on, yay :)
Okay, I am currently obsessed with a book series apparently aimed at kids age 9-12, oh well, no shame cause it's so freaking good! Book 18 was Soul Eater by Michelle Paver. Halfway through the series now. I am 30 % done with my challenge and it feels so good. I am 5 books ahead of schedule, so even if a reading slump hits me or I want to read a really long book, I'll be fine :)
Book 19 was Wolf By Wolf by Ryan Graudin. I am planning a full review on my blog that I will revive ;) But it was so good! A 5 star read for me. This was alternate history, adventure, love, betrayal, just everything you want from a novel basically. Can't wait for the sequel Blood For Blood which comes out in November. Book 20 was Greek Mythology by Sofia Souli. This was a summary of the most well known stories of Greek Mythology and it was really interesting. I read the Percy Jackson series last year and I recognised so many stories and characters from the books :D The thing that really annoyed me though was the sloppy translation. There were so many typos and misspelled words. I hope they can fix that for future editions :)
6 books ahead of schedule, boom baby :D
Your January booklist scared me. It was almost identical to what I will be reading/just read this month.I hope you keep up your challenge, and I am totally stealing some books off your list.
Cheers.
It's funny how different people can read the same book at almost exactly the same time. That happens to me all the time, where I notice that someone else just finished the same book as me.
Sreemoyee Mukherjee wrote: "Your January booklist scared me. It was almost identical to what I will be reading/just read this month.I hope you keep up your challenge, and I am totally stealing some books off your list.
Cheers."
Really? That's so funny :D Well enjoy, because I really had a good reading month in January :) I am hoping to keep up my challenge as well and feel free to steal all the books you want :)
Cassandra wrote: "It's funny how different people can read the same book at almost exactly the same time. That happens to me all the time, where I notice that someone else just finished the same book as me."Yeah, I think it's so interesting. But then people have such varying opinions about them and I think that's even more interesting.
My March Wrap Up Post is going up tonight on my blog, so if you're interested, feel free to check it out :) http://belovedpages.blogspot.co.uk/
Sorry, not sorry for the shameless self promotion, but I just posted my overly ambitious April TBR on my blog. I will keep you updated on here if I can actually manage to read all those books :D
When the month of the huge TBR is also the month of the first serious reading slump. Book 21 out of 60 was, I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson which took me way longer to read than it should have.
Your challenge looks like its going really well. I've just picked up Fangirl and your review makes me so excited to read it. I'll admit I've fallen prey to fandom aha. It sounds like I should read Carry On too if it'll give me the Potter feels
Jamieson wrote: "Your challenge looks like its going really well. I've just picked up Fangirl and your review makes me so excited to read it. I'll admit I've fallen prey to fandom aha. It sounds like I should rea..."
Thank you, yeah it's going pretty great. I hope you love Fangirl, it was such a feel good book for me :)
Book 22 was The 100 by Kass Morgan. This was a really fast read and while I did enjoy it and loved the premise, I had trouble connecting with the characters. There was just too much happening at once. I am excited to watch the TV series though and possibly continue with the series.
April wasn't really a very good reading month for me, but I managed to finish two more books. Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup and Grey Wolves by Robert Muchamore. The Henderson's Boys books are simply addicting and I am planning on continuing with the series in the month of May :)
No worries, Tabea! We all have slow months. I'm glad you've found a series you really like.
Cassandra wrote: "No worries, Tabea! We all have slow months. I'm glad you've found a series you really like."It was just really frustrating, because my reading year had been going really good until then :D Thank you, I only have one more book left though :/
I AM OFFICIALLY OUT OF MY READING SLUMP! I am so happy to finally be back to my normal reading speed and thirst for books. May has been great so far and I've finished four books already.The Prisoner and One Shot Kill by Robert Muchamore are book 5 and 6 in the Henderson's Boys series. What can I say, still a guilty pleasure but honestly these books are like crack to me. A WWII setting paired with kids doing espionage work, who could resist? Sadly there's only one more book left in this series :/ I am hoping to get my hands on Scorched Earth this month aswell :D
I also read Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson. Now, I've read quite a few books about eating disorders but none of them showed the grueling reality of the illness quite like this one. Wintergirls doesn't glamourise the protagonists anorexia but shows the ugly truth, all the while preserving a beautiful writing style and a hopeful ending. I devoured it in a day.
Lastly, I finished The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. I actually read this out loud to people at my work over the course of two weeks or so and I felt like that was a very nice way to explore the wonders of Oz :)
Wow, long time no see. I have been slacking off a lot with goodreads because of general life stuff, but luckily not with my reading ;) At this point I have read 46 out of 60 books. One book behind schedule according to goodreads, but I'm pretty confident that I can still meet my goal this year. I'm not going to go into detail about all the books I read since my last post, but my favourites have been The Time In Between by Nancy Tucker, Wonder by R.J Palacio, Scarlet by Marissa Meyer and the Hogwarts library (HP companion books)
I hope to keep you updated for the rest of my reading challenge ;)
2025 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Der Geschmack von Apfelkernen (other topics)Meine hungernde Seele (other topics)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2 (other topics)
Quidditch Through the Ages (other topics)
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Popsugar Reading Challenge 2016: 3/22
January:
1/60 The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
2/60 Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
3/60 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
4/60 Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguru
5/60 The Escape by Robert Muchamore
6/60 The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
7/60 Eagle Day by Robert Muchamore
February:
8/60 Holes by Louis Sachar
9/60 Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch
10/60 The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
11/60 Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
12/60 Secret Army by Robert Muchamore
13/60 Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
March:
14/60 Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
15/60 The Martian by Andy Weir
16/60 Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver
17/60 Spirit Walker by Michelle Paver
18/60 Soul Eater by Michelle Paver
19/60 Wolf By Wolf by Ryan Graudin
20/60 Greek Mythology by Sofia Souli
April:
21/60 I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
22/60 The 100 by Kass Morgan
23/60 Twelve Years a Slave
24/60 Grey Wolves by Robert Muchamore
May:
25/60 The Prisoner by Robert Muchamore
26/60 Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
27/60 One Shot Kill by Robert Muchamore
28/60 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L.F Baum
29/60 Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
30/60 Scorched Earth by Robert Muchamore
June:
31/60 A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
32/60 Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
33/60 Karlson on the Roof by Astrid Lindgren
34/60 Cinder by Marissa Meyer
July:
35/60 Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
August:
36/60 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
37/60 The Time in Between: A Memoir of Hunger and Hope by Nancy Tucker
38/60 Quidditch Through the Ages by J.K Rowling
39/60 Der Geschmack von Apfelkernen by Katherina Hagena
40/60 Meine hungernde Seele by Vera Tomsche
September:
41/60 The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
42/60 Wonder by R.J Palacio
43/60 The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K Rowling
44/60 Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
October:
45/60 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K Rowling
46/60 Kotzt du noch oder lebst du schon?:Mein Leben mit Bulimie by Diana Fey