2025 Reading Challenge discussion
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Emma's Reading Challenges
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Goodluck with all your goals and challenges Emma! Happy New Year! :)
Lisa wrote: "Goodluck with all your goals and challenges Emma!
Happy New Year! :)"
Thank you!
Happy New Year! :)"
Thank you!
The Corfu Trilogy
- My Family and Other Animals:
A very good start to the trilogy and a high expectation of things to come. It is full of anecdotes, wit, interesting animals and a multitude of different characters reminiscent of James Herriot's books. The only comparisons are that these stories are considerably longer and are a lot more detailed, making it quite a slow read. Regardless I fully enjoyed it and I am quickly moving onto the next book.
5 stars
- Birds, Beasts, and Relatives:
A solid sequel with some more witty stories about nature and Gerald Durrell's dysfunctional family.
4 stars.
- The Garden of the Gods:
Another solid sequel but it needed an ending. To leave it at the end of a party scene was a bit abrupt and not what I was expecting. However I still really liked it, especially since we got to see more of Corfu and its inhabitants as well as the flora and fauna.
4 stars.
- My Family and Other Animals:
A very good start to the trilogy and a high expectation of things to come. It is full of anecdotes, wit, interesting animals and a multitude of different characters reminiscent of James Herriot's books. The only comparisons are that these stories are considerably longer and are a lot more detailed, making it quite a slow read. Regardless I fully enjoyed it and I am quickly moving onto the next book.
5 stars
- Birds, Beasts, and Relatives:
A solid sequel with some more witty stories about nature and Gerald Durrell's dysfunctional family.
4 stars.
- The Garden of the Gods:
Another solid sequel but it needed an ending. To leave it at the end of a party scene was a bit abrupt and not what I was expecting. However I still really liked it, especially since we got to see more of Corfu and its inhabitants as well as the flora and fauna.
4 stars.
The Monstrous Child
Cue short book after reading a 700+ paged tome.
One of my Christmas purchases.
DNFed this at 120 pages. If you want a book to epitomise 'don't judge a book by its cover' then this takes the number one spot. Really weird and not likeable at all. And an overbearing protagonist/narrator plus writing that's trying far too hard does not a good combination make.
It's definitely finding itself on the never-again bookshelf.
2 out of 5 stars
Cue short book after reading a 700+ paged tome.
One of my Christmas purchases.
DNFed this at 120 pages. If you want a book to epitomise 'don't judge a book by its cover' then this takes the number one spot. Really weird and not likeable at all. And an overbearing protagonist/narrator plus writing that's trying far too hard does not a good combination make.
It's definitely finding itself on the never-again bookshelf.
2 out of 5 stars
A Monster Calls
One of my tbr books this month.
I've heard amazing things about this so I hope it doesn't disappoint.
_______________________________________________
I don't think I've read a book recently that exceeded my expectations as much as this. I loved it so much and I'm still amazed at how much I can relate to Conor. It might have destroyed me but it was damn good and I couldn't put it down last night.
5 out of 5 stars.
One of my tbr books this month.
I've heard amazing things about this so I hope it doesn't disappoint.
_______________________________________________
I don't think I've read a book recently that exceeded my expectations as much as this. I loved it so much and I'm still amazed at how much I can relate to Conor. It might have destroyed me but it was damn good and I couldn't put it down last night.
5 out of 5 stars.
The Art of Aardman
Challenge list - non-fiction
Something nice, light and informative. Should be interesting.
_________________________________________________
I say interesting, all it had was pictures. They were good pictures and of excellent quality but I expected more than that. I expected a behind the scenes look into their style of animation and how they make each short/feature length film/episode.
Definitely disappointed.
3 out of 5 stars.
Challenge list - non-fiction
Something nice, light and informative. Should be interesting.
_________________________________________________
I say interesting, all it had was pictures. They were good pictures and of excellent quality but I expected more than that. I expected a behind the scenes look into their style of animation and how they make each short/feature length film/episode.
Definitely disappointed.
3 out of 5 stars.
Vet in Harness
Challenges
Reading challenge
Series I want to finish
Re-reads
Thoughts
Whilst I like this book, it is probably one of my least favourite in the All Creatures Great and Small series. The dislike for a couple of the stories have come over a time, mainly those recounting James's interactions with the small animal vet Granville Bennet. I used to find them funny but now reading them, and seeing them again on screen in the ACG&S repeats, I find them a little cringy.
However it is still full of classic James Herriot traits and I am looking forward to picking up the next book in the series.
3 out of 5 stars.
Challenges
Reading challenge
Series I want to finish
Re-reads
Thoughts
Whilst I like this book, it is probably one of my least favourite in the All Creatures Great and Small series. The dislike for a couple of the stories have come over a time, mainly those recounting James's interactions with the small animal vet Granville Bennet. I used to find them funny but now reading them, and seeing them again on screen in the ACG&S repeats, I find them a little cringy.
However it is still full of classic James Herriot traits and I am looking forward to picking up the next book in the series.
3 out of 5 stars.
Emma wrote: "The Corfu Trilogy- My Family and Other Animals:
A very good start to the trilogy and a high expectation of things to come. It is full of anecdotes, wit, interesting animals and a..."
I loved My Family and wanted to live in all of teh houses that they lived in- the other two I am still to read.
Lady Clementina wrote: "Emma wrote: "The Corfu Trilogy
- My Family and Other Animals:
A very good start to the trilogy and a high expectation of things to come. It is full of anecdotes, wit, interesting ..."
I know. All of the houses sounded so picturesque! I'm now looking to see if I can find any other books that he might have written. I know there are more but I've not seen them in any of my local book shops.
- My Family and Other Animals:
A very good start to the trilogy and a high expectation of things to come. It is full of anecdotes, wit, interesting ..."
I know. All of the houses sounded so picturesque! I'm now looking to see if I can find any other books that he might have written. I know there are more but I've not seen them in any of my local book shops.
Emma wrote: "Lady Clementina wrote: "Emma wrote: "The Corfu Trilogy- My Family and Other Animals:
A very good start to the trilogy and a high expectation of things to come. It is full of anec..."
I found three once in a second hand book store which the owner told me also rarely came in (in fact he offered to take them back some time later but I didn't give them of course)- these were more his experiences with conservation- Catch me a Colobus, Golden Bats and Pink Pigeons, and The Stationary Ark.
Lady Clementina wrote: "Emma wrote: "Lady Clementina wrote: "Emma wrote: "The Corfu Trilogy
- My Family and Other Animals:
A very good start to the trilogy and a high expectation of things to come. It is..."
I've noticed some that are available on Amazon. It seems like quite a few of the older books are no longer in print, which is a shame but that's obviously the way it is. In particular I was looking for one that might recount his tales in England during WWII (I read a couple at my grandmother's the other week and the book said that they were from Birds, Beasts and Relatives but I never came across them again in my tome).
- My Family and Other Animals:
A very good start to the trilogy and a high expectation of things to come. It is..."
I've noticed some that are available on Amazon. It seems like quite a few of the older books are no longer in print, which is a shame but that's obviously the way it is. In particular I was looking for one that might recount his tales in England during WWII (I read a couple at my grandmother's the other week and the book said that they were from Birds, Beasts and Relatives but I never came across them again in my tome).
Cold Comfort Farm
DNF at 50 pages. I couldn't get into this book. It was a little too odd for me. I'm disappointed because I thought I was going to rather like it.
DNF at 50 pages. I couldn't get into this book. It was a little too odd for me. I'm disappointed because I thought I was going to rather like it.
A Week in Paris
This was very surprising. I liked that it took me into Occupied France and dealt with the human cost of war. The writing might not have been the best but I was more focused on the characters' stories to take a lot of notice. However the transitions between the 1940s and 1960s was good and it was easy to understand when the setting and time jumped.
I now need to read more books like this as it has reminded me how much I do enjoy them.
This was very surprising. I liked that it took me into Occupied France and dealt with the human cost of war. The writing might not have been the best but I was more focused on the characters' stories to take a lot of notice. However the transitions between the 1940s and 1960s was good and it was easy to understand when the setting and time jumped.
I now need to read more books like this as it has reminded me how much I do enjoy them.
Blood for Blood
Challenges
Reading Challenge
Finishing outstanding series
Thoughts
Wow, so perhaps this is a book that lives up to the hype.
I love Yael and her strength, and particularly the struggle to realise that she is not a monster.
Similarly to A Week in Paris, I like that the duology touches on the horror and human cost of war. Those vivid images are not going to leave me any time soon.
Actual rating - 4.5 out of 5
Challenges
Reading Challenge
Finishing outstanding series
Thoughts
Wow, so perhaps this is a book that lives up to the hype.
I love Yael and her strength, and particularly the struggle to realise that she is not a monster.
Similarly to A Week in Paris, I like that the duology touches on the horror and human cost of war. Those vivid images are not going to leave me any time soon.
Actual rating - 4.5 out of 5
The Mime Order
Challenges
Re-reads - mainly in preparation for the release of The Song Rising in March.
Thoughts
I already love this book but I hopefully I will like it even more on the second read.
Challenges
Re-reads - mainly in preparation for the release of The Song Rising in March.
Thoughts
I already love this book but I hopefully I will like it even more on the second read.
Except the Dying
Challenges
Re-reads.
I am in a big historical fiction mood at the moment and as I am watching the new Murdoch Mysteries series on tv, now seems like the right time to re-read the original books.
Really liked it again the second time round and this time the number of different minor characters was not a problem. The development of the crime was good and I didn't mind that it went round the houses a bit because it helped me get a better feel of Victorian Toronto and how challenging life was for women, especially poorer women at that time.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars.
Challenges
Re-reads.
I am in a big historical fiction mood at the moment and as I am watching the new Murdoch Mysteries series on tv, now seems like the right time to re-read the original books.
Really liked it again the second time round and this time the number of different minor characters was not a problem. The development of the crime was good and I didn't mind that it went round the houses a bit because it helped me get a better feel of Victorian Toronto and how challenging life was for women, especially poorer women at that time.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars.
Emma
I tried to read this when I was 15/16 and I couldn't get into it. I can't remember where abouts I DNFed it but this time I would like to get a considerable way through it before I have any thoughts about not completing it.
I got about 25% of the way through it this time. I found it really boring and I wasn't enjoying any of it. I can see why it appeals to some people but I'm just not one of them.
I tried to read this when I was 15/16 and I couldn't get into it. I can't remember where abouts I DNFed it but this time I would like to get a considerable way through it before I have any thoughts about not completing it.
I got about 25% of the way through it this time. I found it really boring and I wasn't enjoying any of it. I can see why it appeals to some people but I'm just not one of them.
The Strings of Murder
I really enjoyed this book but I didn't feel as engrossed in the setting as I expected. There was not much description and any details were told to us, not shown. However it was still a good story with well rounded characters who are likeable and often amusing.
Rating - 3.5 to 4 stars.
I really enjoyed this book but I didn't feel as engrossed in the setting as I expected. There was not much description and any details were told to us, not shown. However it was still a good story with well rounded characters who are likeable and often amusing.
Rating - 3.5 to 4 stars.
A Fever of the Blood
I'd read quite a number of reviews saying that this book wasn't as good as the first but I'll admit that I preferred it and that all came down to the story. It played with the Pendle Witches and the fear that witches cast around the city of Lancaster, UK. When I discovered that, I knew this was a book I had to read and like I said, I really enjoyed it.
The only downside was that it made me realise how much I missed living in Lancaster!
My rating - 4 out of 5 stars.
I'd read quite a number of reviews saying that this book wasn't as good as the first but I'll admit that I preferred it and that all came down to the story. It played with the Pendle Witches and the fear that witches cast around the city of Lancaster, UK. When I discovered that, I knew this was a book I had to read and like I said, I really enjoyed it.
The only downside was that it made me realise how much I missed living in Lancaster!
My rating - 4 out of 5 stars.
Under the Dragon's Tail
Challenges:
Re-reads
Thoughts:
I liked this as much as I did last time, maybe more as the story felt familiar and less confusing. What continues to strike me about these books is that they are not afraid to tackle gritty subjects that really throw women to the forefront of these stories.
My only gripe is that I wish we could have had more detail about the treatment of Deaf/HoH people in Victorian Toronto considering there was a deaf secondary character. I know a little about it from my own personal circumstances and curiosity, but it would have been interesting to see its portrayal in fiction considering not many authors do it justice.
My rating - 4 out of 5 stars
Challenges:
Re-reads
Thoughts:
I liked this as much as I did last time, maybe more as the story felt familiar and less confusing. What continues to strike me about these books is that they are not afraid to tackle gritty subjects that really throw women to the forefront of these stories.
My only gripe is that I wish we could have had more detail about the treatment of Deaf/HoH people in Victorian Toronto considering there was a deaf secondary character. I know a little about it from my own personal circumstances and curiosity, but it would have been interesting to see its portrayal in fiction considering not many authors do it justice.
My rating - 4 out of 5 stars
Wires and Nerve, Volume 1
I am super excited to read this as I love the Lunar Chronicles and Iko!
Challenges
Reading Challenge
Thoughts
Wow. As I thought I devoured this in one day and I loved it! The characters were as I expected and I am glad we got more of Iko because she is turning out to be one of the Lunar Chronicles characters I relate to the most. She's got a kickass attitude when it comes to her friends but she's also torn by her identity and feels like an outsider. I can't wait for the next instalment to see how she develops and how the story also progresses.
Rating - 5 out of 5 stars.
I am super excited to read this as I love the Lunar Chronicles and Iko!
Challenges
Reading Challenge
Thoughts
Wow. As I thought I devoured this in one day and I loved it! The characters were as I expected and I am glad we got more of Iko because she is turning out to be one of the Lunar Chronicles characters I relate to the most. She's got a kickass attitude when it comes to her friends but she's also torn by her identity and feels like an outsider. I can't wait for the next instalment to see how she develops and how the story also progresses.
Rating - 5 out of 5 stars.
:Lizzie Leigh
Challenges
Reading Challenge
Classics
Thoughts
As a novella it is quite short, but I still really enjoyed it. It made for a nice change and personally I was glad I managed to get through a classic this month. Whilst the character of Lizzie is only in the last chapter, it really is her story and it was interesting to see how she was perceived by different people in her Victorian society.
Rating - 4 out of 5 stars
Challenges
Reading Challenge
Classics
Thoughts
As a novella it is quite short, but I still really enjoyed it. It made for a nice change and personally I was glad I managed to get through a classic this month. Whilst the character of Lizzie is only in the last chapter, it really is her story and it was interesting to see how she was perceived by different people in her Victorian society.
Rating - 4 out of 5 stars
Cogheart
Challenges
Reading Challenge
Thoughts
You can check out the review I posted on my own blog (https://adreamerslibrary.wordpress.co...) but I absolutely loved it! Definitely one of my favourite books for February and I'm impatiently waiting for the second book to come out soon!
Rating - 5 out of 5 stars.
Challenges
Reading Challenge
Thoughts
You can check out the review I posted on my own blog (https://adreamerslibrary.wordpress.co...) but I absolutely loved it! Definitely one of my favourite books for February and I'm impatiently waiting for the second book to come out soon!
Rating - 5 out of 5 stars.
As Old as Time: A Twisted Tale
Reading Challenge
Disney's Beauty and the Beast and I will always be a perfect match and this book heightens that completely. This is everything I want in a retelling and more, especially since it fills in a couple of important plot holes from the film that have been driving me crazy. Love it! <3
Rating - an exceedingly high 5 out of 5
Reading Challenge
Disney's Beauty and the Beast and I will always be a perfect match and this book heightens that completely. This is everything I want in a retelling and more, especially since it fills in a couple of important plot holes from the film that have been driving me crazy. Love it! <3
Rating - an exceedingly high 5 out of 5
The Dark Days Club
Reading Challenge
This book disappointed me. When it was described to me as Jane Austen meets Shadowhunters, I automatically assumed that I would love it but it wasn't what I expected. All the elements were there but it was a rather slow starter of a book and I couldn't connect to any of the characters.
Stubborn me decided that I would finish it but I wish I had DNFed it near the beginning.
Rating - 2.5 out of 5 stars
Reading Challenge
This book disappointed me. When it was described to me as Jane Austen meets Shadowhunters, I automatically assumed that I would love it but it wasn't what I expected. All the elements were there but it was a rather slow starter of a book and I couldn't connect to any of the characters.
Stubborn me decided that I would finish it but I wish I had DNFed it near the beginning.
Rating - 2.5 out of 5 stars
A Thousand Nights
Reading Challenge
Another book that disappointed me, especially after I had heard amazing things about it. I was liking it until I kept coming across a certain phrase "my father's father's father" and it was driving me up the wall. I couldn't continue reading and DNFed it at least 6 chapters in.
Rating - 2 out of 5 stars.
Reading Challenge
Another book that disappointed me, especially after I had heard amazing things about it. I was liking it until I kept coming across a certain phrase "my father's father's father" and it was driving me up the wall. I couldn't continue reading and DNFed it at least 6 chapters in.
Rating - 2 out of 5 stars.
You're Welcome, Universe
I have a more detailed review of this book up on my blog but unlike the other two, this is one of the best books I have read up until now. The Deaf Awareness in this is amazing and I need to buy a physical copy of this book, not just for me but for my sister too so she knows that there is great representation out there!
Rating - 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I have a more detailed review of this book up on my blog but unlike the other two, this is one of the best books I have read up until now. The Deaf Awareness in this is amazing and I need to buy a physical copy of this book, not just for me but for my sister too so she knows that there is great representation out there!
Rating - 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Spindle
I liked this more than A Thousand Nights but I still ended up DNFing it. I might pick it back up again at some point so who knows?
I liked this more than A Thousand Nights but I still ended up DNFing it. I might pick it back up again at some point so who knows?
The Vault of Walt: Volume 3: Even More Unofficial Disney Stories Never Told
Personal Reading Challenge - non-fiction.
Another good volume of stories from the Disney Studios. I didn't like this one as much as the previous two volumes but it remained vaguely interesting. The good thing about these books is that they definitely dispell the myths and rumours about Walt Disney, particularly those that began to circulate after his death.
Rating - 3 out of 5 stars.
Personal Reading Challenge - non-fiction.
Another good volume of stories from the Disney Studios. I didn't like this one as much as the previous two volumes but it remained vaguely interesting. The good thing about these books is that they definitely dispell the myths and rumours about Walt Disney, particularly those that began to circulate after his death.
Rating - 3 out of 5 stars.
April Books
Strange the Dreamer - 4 out of 5 stars
The Island at the End of Everything - 5 out of 5 stars
Twilight - 3 out of 5 stars (Re-read. Mainly as a comfort read)
The Young Elites - 3.5 out of 5 stars
Strange the Dreamer - 4 out of 5 stars
The Island at the End of Everything - 5 out of 5 stars
Twilight - 3 out of 5 stars (Re-read. Mainly as a comfort read)
The Young Elites - 3.5 out of 5 stars
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
Number of books read - 26/60
Re-reads - 3
DNFs - 5
TBR Randomiser - 3/10
Shortest Book - Lizzie Leigh (64 pages)
Longest Book - The Corfu Trilogy (747 pages)
Best Book - As Old As Time: A Twisted Tale
Worst Book - Emma
5 stars - 6
4 stars - 11
3 stars - 4
2 stars - 5
I am 43% of my way through my reading challenge which is great considering things haven't been easy at the moment, and it has been affecting my reading, particularly in keeping to my challenges. I'm not getting very far with any of them so hopefully things will improve in the next quarter. I don't think it helped that I had those 5 DNFs as well as some highly anticipated books that I couldn't get myself to read.
Anyway Hunted by Meagan Spooner is next and as a lover of anything Beauty and the Beast, I am anticipating a lot of great things!
Number of books read - 26/60
Re-reads - 3
DNFs - 5
TBR Randomiser - 3/10
Shortest Book - Lizzie Leigh (64 pages)
Longest Book - The Corfu Trilogy (747 pages)
Best Book - As Old As Time: A Twisted Tale
Worst Book - Emma
5 stars - 6
4 stars - 11
3 stars - 4
2 stars - 5
I am 43% of my way through my reading challenge which is great considering things haven't been easy at the moment, and it has been affecting my reading, particularly in keeping to my challenges. I'm not getting very far with any of them so hopefully things will improve in the next quarter. I don't think it helped that I had those 5 DNFs as well as some highly anticipated books that I couldn't get myself to read.
Anyway Hunted by Meagan Spooner is next and as a lover of anything Beauty and the Beast, I am anticipating a lot of great things!
May Books
Hunted - 4.5 out of 5
Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast - a DNF
A Court of Wings and Ruin - 4 out of 5 stars
A Mask of Shadows 5 out of 5 stars
The Rose Society - 3.5 out of 5 stars
The Midnight Star - DNF. I got so annoyed with Adelina that I couldn't carry on reading the series.
The Song Rising - 5 out of 5 stars!
Hunted - 4.5 out of 5
Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast - a DNF
A Court of Wings and Ruin - 4 out of 5 stars
A Mask of Shadows 5 out of 5 stars
The Rose Society - 3.5 out of 5 stars
The Midnight Star - DNF. I got so annoyed with Adelina that I couldn't carry on reading the series.
The Song Rising - 5 out of 5 stars!
May Books Cont...
White is for Witching - Temporarily DNFed until I decide if I want to pick it back up again. I'm not a huge fan of the writing style and it's starting to get really weird - not in a good way.
Lord of Shadows - 5/5 stars.
That ending however left me completely heartbroken!!
The Apple Orchard: A heart-warming short story to curl up with 4/5 - a really short and sweet read although it was sad at the same time.
The Bone Sparrow - 5/5 stars.
A heartbreaking and poignant read, but one that is incredibly important in the light of the current refugee crisis.
Anna and the French Kiss - A re-read and luckily a happy one! 4/5 stars.
I don't know what it is with me and YA Contemporary romances but I usually hate them and yet Anna and Etienne are everything!! This is definitely one of my favourites. And the Paris setting is perfect!
Isla and the Happily Ever After - 4/5 stars. Another re-read and one that just left me grinning with endless happiness. I love the romance between Isla and Josh because neither of them are perfect. I also realised with this re-read how much I relate to Isla - she has the same fears and insecurities as I do, we both just got on with it at school, and she mothers her younger sister. The only difference is that I don't have someone like Josh in my life. Anyway, I still loved it and it is another one of my favourites YA Contemporaries.
White is for Witching - Temporarily DNFed until I decide if I want to pick it back up again. I'm not a huge fan of the writing style and it's starting to get really weird - not in a good way.
Lord of Shadows - 5/5 stars.
That ending however left me completely heartbroken!!
The Apple Orchard: A heart-warming short story to curl up with 4/5 - a really short and sweet read although it was sad at the same time.
The Bone Sparrow - 5/5 stars.
A heartbreaking and poignant read, but one that is incredibly important in the light of the current refugee crisis.
Anna and the French Kiss - A re-read and luckily a happy one! 4/5 stars.
I don't know what it is with me and YA Contemporary romances but I usually hate them and yet Anna and Etienne are everything!! This is definitely one of my favourites. And the Paris setting is perfect!
Isla and the Happily Ever After - 4/5 stars. Another re-read and one that just left me grinning with endless happiness. I love the romance between Isla and Josh because neither of them are perfect. I also realised with this re-read how much I relate to Isla - she has the same fears and insecurities as I do, we both just got on with it at school, and she mothers her younger sister. The only difference is that I don't have someone like Josh in my life. Anyway, I still loved it and it is another one of my favourites YA Contemporaries.
June Books
This month I'm going to try to read those books that have been sat on my shelves the longest, starting off with...
The Muse - 4/5 stars
An enjoyable and interesting historical fiction. The mystery wasn't too predictable although I did still work it out before the details were divulged. However the ending did take me by surprise so I can't complain about its slight predictability.
The Lord God Made Them All - 4/5 stars
Such a nice and leisurely book to listen to. I often prefer to experience these books on audio as I like Christopher Timothy's narration and they're easy listening. This particular compendium has a lot of anecdotes that I've always liked, even though I skipped over those chapters that focused on James' foreign trips. Whilst interesting at first, they seem out of place and ruin the flow of the narration. All in all it is still a pleasurable listen and one I will probably play again at some point.
All Creatures Great and Small - 5/5 stars
This is the bind up of the first three books in the series and those that take you on that journey through Darrowby and the lives of the local farmers as well as James, Siegfried, and Tristan themselves. Oh, not forgetting Helen of course! The stories in this bind up are the ones that define this series for me and what makes it pure escapism. I love it and I always will.
Pride and Prejudice - 5/5
My yearly re-read or re-listen of this particular classic and I know I'll love it as much as before.
I did have a few problems whilst listening to the audiobook (predominantly the misbehaving of my personal technology) but that didn't take away my enjoyment of the story. It is still my favourite classic and I highly doubt that will ever change.
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde - 5/5
I think I have found a new favourite gothic classic next to Frankenstein. I really enjoyed the mystery and even though I semi-knew the climax of the plot, it was still intriguing to uncover all the details. No doubt this is one classic that I will be re-reading!
This month I'm going to try to read those books that have been sat on my shelves the longest, starting off with...
The Muse - 4/5 stars
An enjoyable and interesting historical fiction. The mystery wasn't too predictable although I did still work it out before the details were divulged. However the ending did take me by surprise so I can't complain about its slight predictability.
The Lord God Made Them All - 4/5 stars
Such a nice and leisurely book to listen to. I often prefer to experience these books on audio as I like Christopher Timothy's narration and they're easy listening. This particular compendium has a lot of anecdotes that I've always liked, even though I skipped over those chapters that focused on James' foreign trips. Whilst interesting at first, they seem out of place and ruin the flow of the narration. All in all it is still a pleasurable listen and one I will probably play again at some point.
All Creatures Great and Small - 5/5 stars
This is the bind up of the first three books in the series and those that take you on that journey through Darrowby and the lives of the local farmers as well as James, Siegfried, and Tristan themselves. Oh, not forgetting Helen of course! The stories in this bind up are the ones that define this series for me and what makes it pure escapism. I love it and I always will.
Pride and Prejudice - 5/5
My yearly re-read or re-listen of this particular classic and I know I'll love it as much as before.
I did have a few problems whilst listening to the audiobook (predominantly the misbehaving of my personal technology) but that didn't take away my enjoyment of the story. It is still my favourite classic and I highly doubt that will ever change.
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde - 5/5
I think I have found a new favourite gothic classic next to Frankenstein. I really enjoyed the mystery and even though I semi-knew the climax of the plot, it was still intriguing to uncover all the details. No doubt this is one classic that I will be re-reading!
June Books Cont...
Agnes Grey - 4/5 stars
There's something refreshing about a Bronte that deals with social commentary and class distinction rather than a tumultuous, gothic, soap-opera style romance. I knew when reading Tenant of Wildfell Hall that I preferred Anne's style of writing and her realism but Agnes Grey further heightened that resolve. There is still a little romance but the nice thing is that it is gentle, drama-free and Agnes and Edward Weston are accepting of each others convictions as well as being incredibly suited for each other.
Our Dark Duet - 5/5 stars
I think I have a current obsession with the "what makes us human?" discussion because Our Dark Duet is the second book I've read this month to pose that question. Once I finally got down to reading this properly I was thrown into this crazy and fast-paced story and I didn't want it to end. Of course it ended in heartbreak, and whilst it will take a while to get over, it was the right ending for those messages of sacrifice, right over wrong reasons, and understanding your true self. VE Schwab did an amazing job with that and definitely proved that she is one of my favourite authors!
The Very First Damned Thing 4/5 stars
I find The Chronicles of St Mary's series to be intriguing, fantastic, and often confusing, so I liked this prequel as it explained where it all started. It has made me want to re-read those first two books in the series so I can properly get my head around all the time jumping and each character before continuing on with the next books. This was one book I actually listened to this on audio, and as it was narrated by Jodi Taylor herself, I was pleasantly surprised that I liked her narration. I do however prefer the normal narrator of the series (Zara Ramm) but it was still good.
Every Living Thing - 5/5 stars
Another ACG&S book that I listened to on audio and it is certainly a great ending to a well-loved series. It's comforting, homely and Christopher Timothy's narration throws me into each tale and makes me feel as if I am there experiencing thm with him. I think my favourite tales are those about Callum's growing menagerie and James and Helen's saga with the stray kittens behind Rowangarth.
Listening and finishing this also means that I can cross off All Creatures Great and Small from my series to complete list so that's great!
The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet - 5/5 stars
A re-read or re-listen since it was an another audiobook for me this month. With Pride and Prejudice earlier on this month, it only felt right to listen to the audiobook version of the story that gave me an increased love for the classic and its timeless tale of misjudgement. That message is heightened in this adaptation, especially between Lizzie and Lydia, and their understanding of one another certainly reminds me of that between myself and my younger sister.
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe - 3.5 stars
I am not a huge science fiction buff but there is something about The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series that is completely different to everything else out there. It's so full of nonsense and comedy that it doesn't make sense but is fantastic at the same time. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book but it was still fun and I do want to continue on with the series.
Agnes Grey - 4/5 stars
There's something refreshing about a Bronte that deals with social commentary and class distinction rather than a tumultuous, gothic, soap-opera style romance. I knew when reading Tenant of Wildfell Hall that I preferred Anne's style of writing and her realism but Agnes Grey further heightened that resolve. There is still a little romance but the nice thing is that it is gentle, drama-free and Agnes and Edward Weston are accepting of each others convictions as well as being incredibly suited for each other.
Our Dark Duet - 5/5 stars
I think I have a current obsession with the "what makes us human?" discussion because Our Dark Duet is the second book I've read this month to pose that question. Once I finally got down to reading this properly I was thrown into this crazy and fast-paced story and I didn't want it to end. Of course it ended in heartbreak, and whilst it will take a while to get over, it was the right ending for those messages of sacrifice, right over wrong reasons, and understanding your true self. VE Schwab did an amazing job with that and definitely proved that she is one of my favourite authors!
The Very First Damned Thing 4/5 stars
I find The Chronicles of St Mary's series to be intriguing, fantastic, and often confusing, so I liked this prequel as it explained where it all started. It has made me want to re-read those first two books in the series so I can properly get my head around all the time jumping and each character before continuing on with the next books. This was one book I actually listened to this on audio, and as it was narrated by Jodi Taylor herself, I was pleasantly surprised that I liked her narration. I do however prefer the normal narrator of the series (Zara Ramm) but it was still good.
Every Living Thing - 5/5 stars
Another ACG&S book that I listened to on audio and it is certainly a great ending to a well-loved series. It's comforting, homely and Christopher Timothy's narration throws me into each tale and makes me feel as if I am there experiencing thm with him. I think my favourite tales are those about Callum's growing menagerie and James and Helen's saga with the stray kittens behind Rowangarth.
Listening and finishing this also means that I can cross off All Creatures Great and Small from my series to complete list so that's great!
The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet - 5/5 stars
A re-read or re-listen since it was an another audiobook for me this month. With Pride and Prejudice earlier on this month, it only felt right to listen to the audiobook version of the story that gave me an increased love for the classic and its timeless tale of misjudgement. That message is heightened in this adaptation, especially between Lizzie and Lydia, and their understanding of one another certainly reminds me of that between myself and my younger sister.
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe - 3.5 stars
I am not a huge science fiction buff but there is something about The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series that is completely different to everything else out there. It's so full of nonsense and comedy that it doesn't make sense but is fantastic at the same time. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book but it was still fun and I do want to continue on with the series.
July Books
Journey's End -
I have no idea how to rate such a book, and I wouldn't know how to express my opinions on it. Not much happens and yet it is filled with emotions that are not really inconsequential. We can feel something about what we read, but it is nothing to what people actually went through and what they still do.
The Hate U Give
Similarly to Journey's End, I found it very hard rating this book. It is one of those YA Contemporaries that I am glad I have read and the hype is well deserved.
Rebel of the Sands - 4 stars
A good start to a series I am hoping to really enjoy.
A Conjuring of Light - 5 stars
Completing the Shades of Magic trilogy, it is probably one of my favourite ever sequels.
The Surgeon - 5 stars
The Apprentice - 5 stars
The Sinner - 4 stars
Re-reads of the Rizzoli and Isles series so I can read the newly released book and remind myself of details that I have forgotten.
Sawbones - 3 stars
I expected more from this book so I am a little disappointed that it came across as a mediocre. I usually love anything to do with Victorian London and medicine at that time, but whilst some of it was interesting, I didn't really click with the characters.
Because You Love to Hate Me: 13 Tales of Villainy - 4 stars
This book was very surprising and there were only a few short stories that I wasn't keen on. However, I don't think the commentaries really amounted to anything, and I would have just preferred the stories on their own.
And I Darken - 4 stars
I am surprised by how much I liked this book. It is incredibly dense, full of politics, but I loved the characters and their journey. My favourite is probably Radu and I can't wait to get my hands on Now I Rise.
Journey's End -
I have no idea how to rate such a book, and I wouldn't know how to express my opinions on it. Not much happens and yet it is filled with emotions that are not really inconsequential. We can feel something about what we read, but it is nothing to what people actually went through and what they still do.
The Hate U Give
Similarly to Journey's End, I found it very hard rating this book. It is one of those YA Contemporaries that I am glad I have read and the hype is well deserved.
Rebel of the Sands - 4 stars
A good start to a series I am hoping to really enjoy.
A Conjuring of Light - 5 stars
Completing the Shades of Magic trilogy, it is probably one of my favourite ever sequels.
The Surgeon - 5 stars
The Apprentice - 5 stars
The Sinner - 4 stars
Re-reads of the Rizzoli and Isles series so I can read the newly released book and remind myself of details that I have forgotten.
Sawbones - 3 stars
I expected more from this book so I am a little disappointed that it came across as a mediocre. I usually love anything to do with Victorian London and medicine at that time, but whilst some of it was interesting, I didn't really click with the characters.
Because You Love to Hate Me: 13 Tales of Villainy - 4 stars
This book was very surprising and there were only a few short stories that I wasn't keen on. However, I don't think the commentaries really amounted to anything, and I would have just preferred the stories on their own.
And I Darken - 4 stars
I am surprised by how much I liked this book. It is incredibly dense, full of politics, but I loved the characters and their journey. My favourite is probably Radu and I can't wait to get my hands on Now I Rise.
August
Body Double 4.5 stars
Vanish - 5 stars
The Mephisto Club - 4 stars
The Keepsake - 4.5 stars
The Killing Place - 3 stars - definitely my least favourite book in the series. I think I couldn't enjoy it as much as the others because I was falling into a little reading slump at the same time.
All re-reads so I can get to reading the 12th book in the series. I'm not too far off now.
The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls - 3 stars
This book wasn't as good as I was expecting. To me it was mediocre, and I only really cared about what was happening in the Victorian Asylum. Some of it was a little chilling but I was anticipating more. I ended up skim reading most of it.
The Bone Collection: Four Novellas - 3 stars
I think because I have not read many of the Temperance Brennan novels, I wasn't as invested in these stories as I expected to be. They were still enjoyable reads but I felt like I was missing background information to some of the references, especially relating to Andy Ryan.
Investigating Murdoch Mysteries - 5 stars
I have been thinking about purchasing this book for a few years now and the other week I finally did it. I like a lot of the behind-the-scenes books that are released for my favourite shows and this one was another good book. The only downside is that it made me realise how much I still miss the character of Emily Grace.
Flesh and Blood: A History of My Family in Seven Maladies - 5 stars
Stephen McGann aka Dr Turner in Call the Midwife has used his interest in genealogy and medicine to write a book detailing how certain illnesses and conditions have affected his family and the wider society. I understand how that could come across as being rather self-absorbed but I found it interesting how he links science and illness with a developing society. All the stories were incredibly poignant and there were a few moments I had to stop myself from shedding a few tears over the testimonies. I also really like his writing style and I found myself not being able to put it down.
Reading this means I have successfully completed my non-fiction challenge for this year!
And at some point with one of the previous books, I completed my Goodreads Reading Challenge of 60 books.
Let Loose the Dogs - I only read a few pages before deciding it wasn't the book I wanted to read at that moment.
Juniper Lemon’s Happiness Index - 4 stars
A YA Contemporary that I actually enjoyed, and it pulled me out of the reading slump that lasted about 10 days. Mainly focusing on grief and coming to terms with that, it was a book that pulled at the heartstrings. In particular, I loved the friendships that developed and also the romance that didn't take centre stage. It actually surprises me how much I do like this book.
A Quiet Kind of Thunder - 4 stars
This is the second book I have read this year that integrates Sign Language into the story (this time BSL not ASL) and I have to say this is the book that captures both the Hearing and Deaf worlds equally. Despite having to skim one or two passages, I loved it. For me, what makes it better than You're Welcome, Universe (the other book I've read) in regards to representation is that Steffi is looking at the Deaf world from a Hearing perspective and a lot of her anxieties and experiences with BSL match those I've had. No book with Sign Language representation has ever done that before and it was fantastic. Also, the chapter headings had numbers in BSL and English, which was a great detail. I can just about look past the mistake with the ch29 heading but even then it didn't stop me from really enjoying this story.
Body Double 4.5 stars
Vanish - 5 stars
The Mephisto Club - 4 stars
The Keepsake - 4.5 stars
The Killing Place - 3 stars - definitely my least favourite book in the series. I think I couldn't enjoy it as much as the others because I was falling into a little reading slump at the same time.
All re-reads so I can get to reading the 12th book in the series. I'm not too far off now.
The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls - 3 stars
This book wasn't as good as I was expecting. To me it was mediocre, and I only really cared about what was happening in the Victorian Asylum. Some of it was a little chilling but I was anticipating more. I ended up skim reading most of it.
The Bone Collection: Four Novellas - 3 stars
I think because I have not read many of the Temperance Brennan novels, I wasn't as invested in these stories as I expected to be. They were still enjoyable reads but I felt like I was missing background information to some of the references, especially relating to Andy Ryan.
Investigating Murdoch Mysteries - 5 stars
I have been thinking about purchasing this book for a few years now and the other week I finally did it. I like a lot of the behind-the-scenes books that are released for my favourite shows and this one was another good book. The only downside is that it made me realise how much I still miss the character of Emily Grace.
Flesh and Blood: A History of My Family in Seven Maladies - 5 stars
Stephen McGann aka Dr Turner in Call the Midwife has used his interest in genealogy and medicine to write a book detailing how certain illnesses and conditions have affected his family and the wider society. I understand how that could come across as being rather self-absorbed but I found it interesting how he links science and illness with a developing society. All the stories were incredibly poignant and there were a few moments I had to stop myself from shedding a few tears over the testimonies. I also really like his writing style and I found myself not being able to put it down.
Reading this means I have successfully completed my non-fiction challenge for this year!
And at some point with one of the previous books, I completed my Goodreads Reading Challenge of 60 books.
Let Loose the Dogs - I only read a few pages before deciding it wasn't the book I wanted to read at that moment.
Juniper Lemon’s Happiness Index - 4 stars
A YA Contemporary that I actually enjoyed, and it pulled me out of the reading slump that lasted about 10 days. Mainly focusing on grief and coming to terms with that, it was a book that pulled at the heartstrings. In particular, I loved the friendships that developed and also the romance that didn't take centre stage. It actually surprises me how much I do like this book.
A Quiet Kind of Thunder - 4 stars
This is the second book I have read this year that integrates Sign Language into the story (this time BSL not ASL) and I have to say this is the book that captures both the Hearing and Deaf worlds equally. Despite having to skim one or two passages, I loved it. For me, what makes it better than You're Welcome, Universe (the other book I've read) in regards to representation is that Steffi is looking at the Deaf world from a Hearing perspective and a lot of her anxieties and experiences with BSL match those I've had. No book with Sign Language representation has ever done that before and it was fantastic. Also, the chapter headings had numbers in BSL and English, which was a great detail. I can just about look past the mistake with the ch29 heading but even then it didn't stop me from really enjoying this story.
August continued...
The Silent Girl - 5 stars
After a couple of mediocre books, this instalment of the Rizzoli and Isles series is back to up Tess Gerritsen's usual high standard. Maura was back to being sensible (yay), Jane was as brutal and tough-nosed as always, and the plot was well executed.
The Silent Girl - 5 stars
After a couple of mediocre books, this instalment of the Rizzoli and Isles series is back to up Tess Gerritsen's usual high standard. Maura was back to being sensible (yay), Jane was as brutal and tough-nosed as always, and the plot was well executed.
RIght, so a bad reading and blogging slump has prevented me from updating this as much as I would like.
However, in that time I did read a few good books that kept me from losing my faith in reading for a while.
Shadow and Bone
Siege and Storm
Ruin and Rising
Call the Midwife
All these were re-reads in the hope that they would release me from the slump. Unfortunately, they didn't work but it was still nice to read something I knew I would like and finish.
However, one new read that really surprised me was Stalking Jack the Ripper. It was fun, full of mystery, and possibly because I was in the slump and not really concentrating, I didn't get that twist at the end! It was easily a 4-star read.
However, in that time I did read a few good books that kept me from losing my faith in reading for a while.
Shadow and Bone
Siege and Storm
Ruin and Rising
Call the Midwife
All these were re-reads in the hope that they would release me from the slump. Unfortunately, they didn't work but it was still nice to read something I knew I would like and finish.
However, one new read that really surprised me was Stalking Jack the Ripper. It was fun, full of mystery, and possibly because I was in the slump and not really concentrating, I didn't get that twist at the end! It was easily a 4-star read.
2025 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Siege and Storm (other topics)Shadow and Bone (other topics)
Ruin and Rising (other topics)
Stalking Jack the Ripper (other topics)
Call the Midwife (other topics)
More...
My Goodreads goal for this year is 60 books, and included in that are some personal challenges of my own:
1. To read 10 + books on my shelf and tbr that have been there the longest.
2. To either read one classic for every 5 YA or to read as many classics as YA books.
3. To finish any completed series on my shelves.
4. To read at least 2 French books (original or translated).
5. To read at least 3-4 non-fiction books.I'm hoping to stick to these challenges this year so we'll see what happens.