2025 Reading Challenge discussion

In 2016 I started by aiming for 10 then bumped it up to 20 and eventually decided to strive for 30 despite starting around halfway through the year. So for 2017 I'll be aiming for 50 - a little under one book a week which I think I can achieve.

1. New Pompeii by Daniel Godfrey

I actually started this book in December of 2016 but read most of it during January this year. It took me a while to get into it but I was also very busy during the month of December. I think it actually disintegrated the further I got into the story. The story started to skip around and a lot was skimmed over and not very clear. For a good idea, it had a very mediocre delivery which was a shame. Perhaps not the best way to kick off my reading for 2017 but there will always be bad and mediocre books and I'm still looking forward to all the reading I'm planning for this year.

4.5/10

2. 1434 by Gavin Menzies

This started out really well in my opinion as I was really enjoying it but by the end, I was only trudging through it. The connections made by the author as well were interesting but there was no real evidence to back them up. All in all, it wasn't a bad book but it wasn't great either and although there were many interesting points made, there wasn't a great deal of evidence to back up some claims.

5.5/10

3. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

(Nominated book of the month)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though it took me a while to get through - that's just because I have been really busy, though. I love weird, satirical, postmodern (I'd say this book has postmodern aspects) books and this one really hit the nail on the head there. The prose was great too. It wasn't too flowery but it was there and helped to liven the story even more. I can't think of anything that I didn't like in this book but I still can't give it full marks for some reason. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed it.

8/10

4. Songs of a War Boy by Deng Thiak Adut

This was an interesting and horrifying read to see what life was like for Deng Adut and his young life as a Sudanese child soldier and later his immigration to Australia. The writing style wasn't amazing but the content was eye-opening and heart-breaking.

6.5/10

5. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Enjoyable read although the writing style is nothing special and the characters verge on being too flawed at times but the story itself was great.

7.5/10

6. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

(Nominated book of the month)

That's two fantastic nominated books in a row. In fact, the nominated books have been the ones I've enjoyed the most so far this year. But how can you not love Hitchhiker's Guide? It's fun, easy, and even meaningful at times despite the absurdity of it. I'll have to pick up the next ones in the series soon.

8/10

Seems like you're wel on your way to 50 :)

7. Inside Straight (edited) by George R.R. Martin, written by various authors

I picked this book up from work as it was part of a bargain book sale along with its sequel Busted Flush. I didn't realize it was actually the 18th book in the Wild Cards series but that didn't come as an issue as I was still able to read it as a stand-alone novel. I will admit, the name George Martin is what initially attracted me to the book before I realized it was written by various authors. I was pleasantly surprised, though. I really enjoyed the changes in style and voice through the book and all the storylines interwove nicely. It's a refreshing take on the superhero genre too which I appreciated. Although it wasn't a masterpiece by any means, it was thoroughly enjoyable and I look forward to reading more in the Wild Cards series.

7.5/10

8. Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis

I decided to continue the Narnia series after reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe for December's nominated book, mostly because I've only ever read the first two (if you regard The Magician's Nephew as the first book) and should really finish the whole series. To be honest, I get annoyed with a lot of the conveniences that occur but I suppose it is a children's book. It's still a good tale.

6/10

9. The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell

After reading 1984 a few years ago, George Orwell became one of my favourite authors. It was an interesting experience to read a non-fiction novel written by him and it was one I thoroughly enjoyed. Orwell's creative style brings what could be a boring collection of essays into a vivid and captivating read. His wit is not missed either.

7.5/10

10. The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick

I just love postmodern literature and not in a snobbish way (I hope), I just really enjoy it. It's often amusing and meaningful in a satirical way. The Man in the High Castle is exactly like this. What I really liked about it as well (and other postmodern literature) is that it didn't have a typical plot. There were plots, but they were the storylines of (mostly) normal people in an extraordinary world from our own - that of an alternate history. The characters were relatable as well and often quite quirky. Julianna did annoy me, however, and occasionally Tagomi too... But, like people in real life, characters can't be perfect and they shouldn't be.

8/10

11. The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut

This is only the second book I've read by Kurt Vonnegut but I can say without a doubt that he is my favourite author. I just love how bizarre and funny his stories are while still be packed with important messages and criticism about topics such as war, religion, identity, etc.

9.5/10

12. Samurai by John Man

Another book I plucked from the non-fiction part of the library. I'm always seeking to diversify myself and that includes my reading log. So I picked this book up because it was obviously about Japanese history, however, what I failed to realize was that the author is a white British man. Now there's nothing wrong with that but I was hoping to read something from a Japanese author and although there's nothing wrong with John Man writing a book on a culture other than his own, it didn't feel like an entirely authentic read, rather like a tourist's perspective instead. Besides that, it was an interesting topic although the structure it was written it felt a bit all over the place sometimes, especially at the beginning. But it wasn't a bad read, nor did it feel like a waste of time. (Although no book is ever a waste of time).

5/10

13. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

During high school, I was one of those strange, nerdy kids who actually enjoyed reading classical literature. That is until I had to read Oliver Twist in year 10... I absolutely loathed it and swore Dickens was the worst writer within the classical genre. Fortunately, I had to read Great Expectations last year for a university course and actually found I really enjoyed it. So I've decided to give Dickens a second chance and part of that second chance was giving Oliver Twist another go and this time I did enjoy it. I'm not sure why I didn't enjoy it the first time. Dickens writing style is notoriously long, rambling, and packed with information. Although every word seems to serve its purpose. Despite saying that, I did find myself skimming over some parts that rambled on a bit. But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. I think Dickens' writing gives an excellent depiction of life in industrial England which is a topic I find thoroughly interesting. Although, I prefer the story of Great Expectations to that of Oliver Twist. Let's wait and see how my next Dickens novel compares, though.

7/10

14. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

(Nominated book of the month)

Finally got around to reading this thanks to it being the nominated book of the month. I've been meaning to read it since I read 1984 since so many connections can be made between such classical dystopian stories.

I will admit, I didn't love it but I appreciated this book very much. I think it's difficult to love or enjoy a book as horrific, though. Everything from the prose to the subtle characterisation and developments; realistic plot and narrative style that reflected the themes within the novel. Usually, I am more of a fan of character driven stories over thematic ones such as The Handmaid's Tale but it was a great read. Something about it, though, or my experience of reading it, knocked it from a full five star rating.

8/10

15. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas


I didn't enjoy this book as much as I hoped I would. In fact, I didn't really enjoy this book at all, it frustrated me. Which is a shame because it's been raved about so much and I don't understand why. Everything from the characters to the plot to the writing is mediocre to bad in my opinion.

2/10

16. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown


Quick, easy read. Dan Brown's books are the kind that is a guilty pleasure for me. I turn a blind eye to the factual inaccuracies and don't pay much attention to literature techniques. I just enjoy it for what it is.

7/10

17. The Nix by Nathan Hill

(Buddy read)

Amazing debut. I loved almost every minute of this book. Everything from the characters to the prose to the dialogue and the plot. I can't wait to see more from Nathan Hill.

9/10

18. The Help by Kathryn Stockett


I made the mistake of starting to read this book immediately after I'd watched the film. So I did get a bit bored or distracted partway into it because the plot was still fresh in my mind. However, I feel it's written well and I probably would have flown through it had I decided to watch the film after reading the book.

7/10

19. Passenger by Alexandra Bracken


Another YA title I've heard bouncing around (like the Throne of Glass series) that I thought I'd pick up and try. Again, there's something about the simplicity of the typical YA style that I don't like, but it makes for a quick, easy read nevertheless. The main thing I didn't like about this book, though, was again, the romance. I just don't think I'm a fan of YA romance in general really. It's so melodramatic and cringe-inducing for me personally. But otherwise, the plot was fun. It always is when time travel is involved. Although, I think there ought to have been more consequences and ripples throughout time from such brazen time traveling and meddling. One of the better things in this book was the suspense. Bracken didn't info-dump or reveal too much about backstories and what was to come, which I appreciated.

5.5/10

20. Hard Times by Charles Dickens


I think I went through some "hard times" just reading this book. It was a more difficult read than the other two Dickens' novels I've read. Not only was the writing denser but the story itself also wasn't as interesting as Oliver Twist or Great Expectations (which I have read). Certainly not a bad novel since it's Dickens but certainly my least favourite so far.

21. Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb


Thoroughly enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. I think it's probably quite underrated in the fantasy genre considering I've never really seen it talked about.

8/10

22. Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl


I think I will always enjoy a Roald Dahl book as he was one of the authors I read a lot from as a child. Danny the Champion of the World was perhaps my favourite Roald Dahl book which is why I decided to read it again for a bit of nostalgia. And of course, it was as charming and funny as I remember it being.

8/10

23. The Willful Princess & the Piebald Prince by Robin Hobb


After finishing Apprentice Assassin by Robin Hobb, I couldn't wait to dive into another book by Hobb. Unfortunately, the next book in the series was unavailable at the library but I picked this up in the meantime.

The style of this book is quite different. For one, it's probably more suitable to label this book as a novella instead of a novel. So it was a short read. The narrative style was like the retelling of a legend so a long timeline was packed into a short read. It meant Hobb wasn't able to go into detail about a lot of things but this didn't lessen the story much. All in all, it was a fun little read.

7/10

24. The Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic


Yet another attempt at finding YA I enjoy and this one was a success. Although I found several faults with this book, I enjoyed it enough not to become frustrated. Perhaps because the plot and character developments didn't revolve around romance for once! I have heard people rave about the character, particularly Andrew, but I couldn't relate in this aspect. The characters were interesting for sure but I didn't love them or feel a lot for them. Mostly though, they weren't bad. In fact, for a YA book, I'd say this story was above mediocrity.

7/10

25. Hocus Pocus by Kurt Vonnegut


This was my third Vonnegut novel and unfortunately, it fell short from the other two. Vonnegut has become one of my favourite authors but Hocus Pocus seemed to lack the usual Vonnegut lustre. I believe it's one of my his later works so perhaps he was tired by this point. His bitterness towards humanity and certain topics such as capitalism and the Vietnam War really showed. I was sad to give a Vonnegut novel less than a four out of five-star rating.

6.5/10

26. Terrier by Tamora Pierce


This was recommended to me by a friend and I'm happy to say that it seems we have a similar taste in literature. I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of the kind of YA I used to read. The kind of YA that isn't just thinly-veiled romance. The kind of YA that doesn't make me cringe every second sentence. Tamora Pierce is a wonderful world builder and an even more extraordinary developer of characters. Even the minor characters in this story had a fully fledged personality unlike a lot of YA I've read recently. I particularly liked Pierce's invention of vocabulary. It just added a nice every flair to the world building.

7.5/10

27. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

(Buddy read)

A very well-done story to express wartime in the young adult genre. It wasn't too cheesy as a lot of YA is. The characters were well-developed and memorable, even the supporting/minor characters (who could forget the Shoe Poet, or even Eva). It had a good balance of heartbreak and tragedy as well as hopeful and uplifting moments.

8/10

28. Carnival by Rawi Hage


This was strange. Perhaps too strange sometimes. It sometimes seemed as though Hage was merely intent on pushing the boundary of weirdness, as though to make a statement. It wasn't terrible, though, or even bad. Mostly it was amusing. And meaningful. Certainly, there seemed to be a lot of metaphors, allegories, and messages.

6.5/10

29. The Recruit by Robert Muchamore


Funnily enough, I never read any of the Cherub books when I was younger even though so many people I know did. I wish I had read it when I was younger, though, because I probably would have enjoyed it a lot more. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy it but it was very typical middle grade. So it was a quick, easy read. Not much more to say on it.

6/10

30. Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck


It feels like a while since I've read a classic but it's really only been five books if you count any Vonnegut novel as a classic. I think perhaps because my reading pace has slowed down a bit. Anyway, it was nice to pick up another classic and especially a Steinbeck novel since I've been meaning to read one of his for a while now. I've only ever read one Steinbeck novel and that was a few years ago now. I think it was Cannery Row. I don't actually remember anything about it, though, but from memory it was good...

Anyway, I found Of Mice & Men a very quick, interesting read. It's only a hundred-odd pages so I'd call it more of a novella than a novel. It's a poignant portrayal of life during the American Depression with a lot of well-constructed characters and overflowing with symbolism and motifs.

7/10

31. The Raven King by Nora Sakavic


While I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one, I still liked it enough. More than most YA books I seem to read.

It took me longer to read but I think that's because I was mainly only reading it on my breaks at work. I didn't feel compelled to read it any other time.

The two prominent things that made this sequel more lacking was the pacing and drama. It took longer for me to get into it and the story to actually pick up. And while I'm all for drama, some of the things that unfolded in this book were a bit far-fetched and unrealistic.

Also, while the author brings in some serious social issues like crime, abuse, and rape; I don't think there's a lot of meaning or solutions to these problems in the book.

5/10

32. The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

(Buddy read)

Ladies and gentlemen, I think I have found my new favourite fantasy author. Congratulations, Mr. Sanderson.

I had heard so much about this book/series and Brandon Sanderson. Mostly good things. So I just had to jump on the bandwagon, albeit, a bit late.

And I'll admit, I was not disappointed. Sanderson is a master storyteller and genius world-builder.

Obviously, everyone raves about Sanderson's magic system of Allomancy (and Feruchemy). And with good reason. It's spellbinding. I think I'd rather have Feruchemy over Allomancy and if I was a Misting I'd like to be a Soother.

Then the plot was almost as good as the world-buidling. For the most part, Sanderson did an excellent job of revealing unexpected twists and turns. There were a few instances of cliches and deus ex machinas but I've come to expect that in almost every fantasy novel.

Now, I have heard some negative opinions on Sanderson, mostly to do with characters. To be honest, I don't really get this. I think Sanderson does a great job of creating a wide cast of unique, in-depth characters.

The female protagonist, Vin, was a bit angsty and some moments with her were cliche but I think she makes a good connection for younger readers.

Lastly, what I was pleasantly surprised by most were the messages and parallels to our own world and lives. Despite being a high fantasy novel, The Final Empire offers some interesting insight into a wide range of themes such as totalitarianism, betrayal, friendship. ambition, strategy, etc.

Overall, a fairly phenomenal epic with only a few faults.

8.5/10

I would also rather have Feruchemy over Allomancy. If I was a Misting, I think I'd choose to be either a Soother or a Rioter.

You're doing well with your challenge!

I also find the books you chose to read interesting. I'll be adding many of them to my reading list.

You're doing great, Simon. No doubt you'll reach and probably surpass your goal this year :)
Keep it up!

Lisa wrote: "You're doing great, Simon. No doubt you'll reach and probably surpass your goal this year :)
Keep it up!"

Thanks, Lisa!

Lena wrote: "I would also rather have Feruchemy over Allomancy. If I was a Misting, I think I'd choose to be either a Soother or a Rioter.

You're doing well with your challenge!

I also find the books you ch..."

Thanks, Lena! I try to read a bit of everything although lately I have been reading more YA and fantasy.

33. This Savage Song by V.E. Schwab


I was eager to read another book by Schwab after stumbling upon Vicious last year. Before reading Vicious, I'd never heard of V.E. Schwab but Vicious became one of my favourite books of 2016.

Now, This Savage Song was no way near as good as Vicious but it was enjoyable nonetheless. I would classify it more as YA than Vicious which was more grown-up. But I like that V.E. Schwab fluctuates between YA and adult. And that her YA tends to have less of the immature tropes and cliches of YA that I don't like.

The concept was interesting and the formation of the monsters. The three Sunai - Isla, Leo, and August - and how their nature was somewhat molded by their creation was clever, I thought and made them each unique from one another. I'd say Leo was my favourite as he made a great anti-villain and I'm all for those anti- characters.

Kate was both badass and annoying. I found her more annoying at the start when she was really trying to project her bitchy, badass front. Throughout the story, though, she became more real but was ultimately still pretty badass by the end. August's character development also improved him, I thought as he became stronger.

This Savage Song was a gripping allegory of the darker side of human nature that also explored the creation and constant change of identity, particularly in younger people.

7/10

34. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon


This has got to be my new favourite YA book, possibly because it didn't feel like YA most of the time.

The world-building was fantastically original. The UK and USA are always popular settings in books but Shannon's version of London, Oxford, and the UK were unique. London and Oxford especially were like two different worlds, one futuristic and the other steampunk-ish and both contrasting dystopic cities.

I thought the magic system was interesting as well, even if it was difficult to follow at times with so many unfamiliar terms and complex action scenes.

The characters were well-developed as well. Paige was awesome even if she was annoyingly stubborn at times. I would have liked to have seen more of Julian. I think David was a favorite. Perhaps we'll see more of him in the sequels.

I'm looking forward to reading The Mime Order now. I didn't expect to enjoy this one as much as I did.

8/10

35. Saga, Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples


This is the first graphic novel I've properly read since I was... Eight or nine. I used to read a lot of Astrix & Obelisk and Tintin.

I've been meaning to find good graphic novels or even manga that I might enjoy and I finally have.

I've seen this graphic novel being raved about and now I know why. The art style is wonderful as well as the characters and humour.

I just wish it was a bit longer. Now I'll have to track down all the other volumes.

8/10

36. Our Dark Duet by V.E. Schwab


I would say this was as good as the first book in the duology. It had its strengths and weaknesses compared to the first one.

Although, if I were to pick the stronger book of the two, I would have to say it was this one.

The thing that bugged me most about this one was the poetic verses throughout the story. I just didn't like them. Despite their deeper meaning.

As I've witnessed so far with Schwab's books, this one had great character development (which I'm all for) as well as a gripping plot and important underlying messages which I think are especially crucial for its younger audience to be taught.

7/10

37. Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel

(Buddy read)

I forgot to type up my thoughts on this book so here goes.

Initially, I struggled to get into the story. I think that was due to the unique format. It's told predominantly through interviews and a few short recordings.

At some point past halfway, I started getting into the story more. I must have gotten used to the format and the story also picked up a bit more.

There were an abundance of twists and turns throughout. Neuvel really tries to throw the most unexpected at the reader, which always makes for a thrilling read.

Due to the format, it was difficult to get to know the characters and really relate to them and sympathise with them. Although, they each had their own unique, interesting voice.

I wasn't considering picking up the sequel until the very end with the twist in the epilogue left me making to know more.

6/10

38. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde


This was a re-read of one of my favourite books ever. If I had no choice but to pick one book for my absolute favourite, it'd either be this or Slaughterhouse-Five or 1948...

Anyway, I absolutely adored it. Again.

There is a lull in the middle of the book but it only lasts a single chapter. Anyone else might knock it back to a 4/5 star-rating for that, but not me.

When I first read this book, it changed the way I thought and my renewed my passion for reading which had been lost. Thus, I'll never give it any less than a full-star rating. Sorry, not sorry.

Re-reading it also reminds me to pick up some of Oscar Wilde's plays because the dialogue is the best thing in this book. As well as Lord Henry. And the not-so-subtle homoerotic undertones.

Fabulous characters. Vivid prose. Witty dialogue. Stimulating philosophy.

9.5/10

(The 0.5 is for that one chapter in the middle...)

39. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

(Buddy read)

Yet another new favourite author, I think. While reading this book I was reminded of George Orwell's 1984 and Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five.

Guy Montag is a protagonist like Winston Smith or Billy Pilgrim. A deeply flawed but real individual.

Bradbury's style in Fahrenheit 451 is what I like to call 'incoherent dystopian'. He writes in a dystopian setting and at times the style becomes hard to follow, but on purpose. It becomes jumbled and nonsensical as Montag loses his grip on reality. I like it.

The way he illustrates the scenes and the people and the action are also original and vivid.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. While the book hasn't become a favourite, I feel the author has. I can't wait to read more from him and delve into his short stories.

8/10

I was looking back through this thread of mine and thinking I'd probably give a lot of the books lower marks now in hindsight but oh well.

40. The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson


I loved The Final Empire, the first in the Mistborn series. But its sequel, The Well of Ascension, failed to impress me. It wasn't bad. It was just disappointing in comparison.

It took a long time to build up and it was really only in the last 100 pages that things really started to happen.

While I'm all for political intrigue and such, but the book failed to produce what I think it was going for with that. It seemed to have a very simple, naive approach to politics. Which would have been fine if 90% of this book wasn't trying to be about political intrigue.

Otherwise, great character development again. I'm looking forward to seeing where they're all going next. Not just the main characters but all the supporting ones too like Breeze and Spook who are such interesting characters.

Again, Sanderson does an excellent job of unveiling more of the world by giving the reader tidbits at a time and never overwhelming us. I think that is his strongest point.

6.5/10

41. The Plagues of London by Stephen Porter


Since I have been getting back into writing as a hobby, I have been thinking about writing something that involves the plague. So I picked this up at the library while browsing as a bit of research.

It was rich with facts and figures and I came away from reading this book with greater knowledge of the plague, specifically in London, than I had before. And that's all I really asked for from this book.

6/10

42. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice & Virtue


I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did.

The characters were full of life and each had their own distinct personality and motives. I particularly liked Felicity and should love to read a spin-off starring her as the main character.

The plot was like a roller-coaster, constantly taking twists and turns. Some moments were like a lucky coincidence for the characters but the steps back in their journey made up for these moments, I thought.

I appreciated the diverse cast of characters as well. This books proves that you can have a historical novel with diversity in it.

8/10

43. The Farm by Tom Rob Smith


In the beginning I found this book a bit odd and bland. But the more I read, the more caught up I became in learning the truth.

Smith not only unveils two complex mysteries by the end of the novel, but also the unraveling of the mind.

6.5/10