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

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

Day One - 17th Jan

Part of me regrets picking it up now. I have 933 pages sitting in front of me, and it looks daunting. But what's life without a little challenge?

I reached Chapter 5, the mad 'rambling on a beach, half of which no-one understands' chapter, and successfully battled through it. Not gonna lie, I have no clue what was said half the time, but some of the ramblings, especially about the beach, were truly beautiful. And with that, I finished 'Episode 1'. (It is split up into 18 episodes).

Today's Page Count: 75
Total Page Count: 75/933

I started this monster of a book last night, and I thought it would be interesting to catalogue my progress and thoughts here. I bought it on a whim a few weeks ago, and I fancied reading something complex. So I picked Ulysses, seeing as I already have it.

Here's to a few weeks of confusion, laughter, and probably a few throwing of it against walls.

I've just started this. After doing some research, many people said that The Odyssey references aren't major, and you can just read a summary of each character to get a feel for how they link to the ones in Ulysses. I will definitely get round to reading it though.

Ultimately, I want to read Ulysses because it's Ulysses, rather than reading it as a 'modern The Odyssey'.

Narin, it was very readable, but bleak. I think it depends on if you like the Dystopian genre or not. It's far darker than a lot of YA Dystopian books I've read.

It is a fantastic read, and the ideas certainly haunt you. I'd definitely recommend reading it.

I'd recommend The Fault in Our Stars, but it is more of a YA novel though.

I haven't updated this in a while!

6. Catch-22 - It seriously surprised me!
7. Doctor Faustus - Really feel like I need to read this again, but definitely an interesting read!
8. 1984 - Finally got round to reading this!

Considering that there is so many people wanting to read non-fiction, someone could set up a non-fiction thread for discussing the books you want to read/have read?

Sara and Danielle, if you could please post your answers on the specific question thread, rather than this one, that would be great.

Thank you!

What did you think of Rebecca?

Your storming along, Chase. Well done! :D

The atmosphere is spectacularly created. It surprised me how it's often described as a 'gothic romance'. I never really saw it like that. To me, there wasn't a lot of romance, it was more a suspense novel than a romance.

To me, the greatest thing about Rebecca (apart from the beautiful writing) is the fact the main character isn't actually alive, nor is she ever physically present. The only views of Rebecca we get are people's reactions to the second Mrs. de Winter. Our view of Rebecca is essentially constructed from societal reaction to her within the novel, not Rebecca herself. That was something I never really thought could be done.

It's definitely the most striking feature of the novel!

I can't wait hear everyone else's views on the matter.

I've heard The Husband's Secret is good. What did you think of it?

Thanks for the tips. I'll definitely check it out!1

I must admit, I'm highly jealous of your '10 books in foreign languages'. I'd love to learn a language, but it just doesn't sit well with me. I hated the idea of studying at school, so I never have done!

I might pick it up while I'm at Uni.

Ah, Rebecca is such a beautiful novel.

I've been meaning to read more HG Wells. What did you think of The Island of Dr. Moreau?

Man, I'd love to live in Sweden... It seems like such a cool place.

YA is always a deep pit of obsession!

75 is a wonderful goal, good luck! :D

February would be fine for me :) I agree, there's definitely too much to read in January!

I've just realised you've got Red Dragon on your book list. I'd definitely be interested in doing a buddy-read with you if you want!