Holly’s Comments (group member since Nov 05, 2013)

Holly’s comments from the The Reading Challenge Group group.

I really loved Axel as a narrator. He kept it real, while quite amusing, and helped balance the extremity of the whole situation with rational, doubting thoughts. I think if he wasn't the way he was, the novel would get rather unbelievable (or at least more so than it already is). Regardless of the science mistakes, it was a surprisingly exciting read. Where I imagined there to be no end to the scientific facts and figures, the humour and Axel's commentary (see Renee's post above), made it far more enjoyable than expected.

Did anyone else like Axel?

Oh, and I'll definitely read some more Jules Verne!

Aha, Renee, I felt the same way! My mum saw what I was reading and was like 'You're turning into a psychopath!'.

I actually really enjoyed it. It was a good balance between informative and humorous. I think without the humour, it would have been a far too heavy topic to read about. While parts did freak me out (I am stupidly squeamish), it was fascinating, and it certainly wasn't as gory as I thought it would be. And the cavaders mentioned were always treated and written about in respect, which I highly valued. Hats off to all the people who have helped develop things such as airbags, revolutionary surgeries, and safer cars, without even knowing they were doing it!

11% into Dune and I'm really starting to get into it! There's just such a long way to go though!

MUST. KEEP. READING.

I'm actually more in love with the feel of a library, rather than the books. My school library has basically been my haven for the last 4 years at my school, and it's really made a large impact on me. I've got a whole new group of friends and people to talk to because we're all 'regulars' who just go to the our school library constantly.

I'm also really close to the librarians, who have really made me decide I want to go into libraries as a career, and have been super supportive over the last 4 years. I only have 10 days (officially) left at school, and that means 10 full days in the library, and I'm starting to feel the beginning of this gaping hole in my chest about leaving it. I don't care about the rest of the school, just the library! I am, however, going on a trip in late June, after all my exams are finished, with the school book club to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios, so that's gonna be a great, fun 'goodbye' for me. I'll definitely be back at Christmas though, for the Christmas bookclub session. They'll never get rid of me ;)

Ashley wrote: "Holly,
Just wanted to give you an update I finished the Giver and it is well worth the read! Be sure to add it to your list for this year!"

Thanks for updating me, Ashley! I might read it this month, if I can fit it in!


Rebecca wrote: "Faye wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "I just started Ulysses and so far I don't understand it at all. I'm about fifty pages in, and I think this will be one I'll have to force myself to finish..."

Well done, Rebecca! :D You definitely finished it quicker than I did! It took me a few weeks!

That's great, Carmen! Well done!!!

Really can't decide what to read!

I hope you enjoy it! I admit, there were bits that made me feel a bit off, but I am the most squeamish person in the history of man!

32. Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

I loved this! Very interesting and very readable!

I'm having the exact same problem! I have a list of classics that I own that I really want to read this year. But alas, other books keep on catching my eye and I'm not reading the ones I already own!

I don't think I have enough space on my bookshelves to enter giveaways. Perhaps if they were ebooks. I'd probably only do paper copies if they were classics.

Renee, that's a great list!

I can definitely recommend Divergent, and Journey to the Centre of the Earth (which I just finished!).

I really need to get started on Dune!

9 for April,

And I didn't record my pitiful 1 read for March.

So 10 for me!

It's more like replace study periods with reading! I just need to get used to reading every day. And not get side tracked by TV and the Internet. Especially when I go to Uni!

31. Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne

Laura, I was in the exact same position as you for Science-Fiction. Ender's Game was my first exploration of the genre, and it really sparked my interest!

I must admit, I am putting this off. I had the choice to start reading it, but picked something shorter and easier! I blame my widget telling me I'm failing! I will get round to it though!

24% in and I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would!

I will! Although I'll probably get round to it in July time.

It was a long one! I'm glad to have it done so early in the month!

I'm actually really enjoying it so far. I didn't think I would, but my translation flows really well, and the language is beautiful.

There are parts where the science eludes me. I never enjoyed science at school, I found it way too boring and methodical. But the occasional exploration of it outside of school has made me really love it. The science, although incorrect, makes the book even more interesting in my mind.

It is getting slightly repetitive for my liking, but I'm hoping (SPOILER) that the discovery of the ocean will conjure some interesting plot points and mix up the narrative a bit.

So far, I'm really enjoying it! Very readable.

Let me know what you think of The Giver! I've been meaning to read it for ages!