Poll

Argh, all good choices! (I haven't read Half a King yet, but while I assume that's one too I can't say fairly if it actually is)

If the Good Omens show was still coming out next year I'd say go for that one but apparently it's been pushed back to 2019 :(

The one thing I will say is that it sounds like you want to hit the ground running, so based on that I'd go for Philosopher's Stone. You've read it before and you clearly love it, it doesn't take too long and I think it'd set you up really nicely for the year ahead. The Merchant of Venice tbh is only all right, and while Les Mis is great you've already bounced off it and it's amazingly long and slow so it might not be the best one to go with.

Harry Potter it is then! :)

I think HP and the Philosopher's Stone. You want to read something enjoyable that will set you up for the year ahead and that won't leave you in a reading slump!

You are funny, asking me to (help you) make a choice... Making choices is NOT my strongest suit! lol

So here are my thoughts:
- HP: yes yes yes, I love HP! But it is a re-read and with so many awesome books waiting for you, why start with a re-read? (but that is my opinion, I don't have time for re-reads....)

- Les Mis: hmmm, as Paul said maybe a bit heavy/long to start the year with, on the other hand, it could give you a great feeling of accomplishment which sets you off to a great reading year...

- Shakespeare: wouldn't be my choice, don't know it myself, but the reviews don't make me want to read it.

- Half a King: ships, 3 more books added to my TBR *sighs*; I think this one would be my choice I think, but if I may be selfish, I hope you postpone it long enough for me to buddy read it with you lol. Seeing that I'm all for reading (physical) unread books (I think I'll obsess over that till I get all of my dust bunnies out of the way), I would have to recommend this one though.

- Good Omens: and another one added to my TBR....how in de world am I going to.....well, never mind. Randomly picked you say, but sounds very good! Also a possible buddy read (sometime...).

Ok, so if you want an impressive start of the reading year I would go for Les Miserables.
If you would like something more "relaxing" then go for Half a King.
If you want a really easy going start of the year then HP.
For the poll, I'll go for......Half a King, cause that would probably be the book I would want to read (if I hadn't a whole list for the whole year already....).

Definitely try to complete Les Miserables! It is such an accomplishment to have gotten so far, definitely don't let it go. And this is entirely my opinion but I don't think you would be missing anything by taking Half a King off your list. I finished that book only because I hate not finishing things and I thought it had to get better. It didn't. The writing really sucked and the plot and characters were so paper thin and unoriginal. So if it were me I would exchange that book for something else.

If you were looking for a good fantasy book as a replacement I don't know if you have read Robin Hobb's Farseer series, but it is fantastic. Assassin's Apprentice is the first book, and combines a story that keeps you turning pages with a rich writing style and characters.

Thanks everyone for your input. I think I will read all of them in 2018 but I just can't decide which one is first....
Actually, just realised I made a mistake. I planned to read Les Miserables in 2017 but didn't get round to it so I think I'll change my wording above

I'm for Harry Potter, that way we can buddy read the rest together!

Oh Les Miserables, definitely. Without a doubt Paul!:)

Start with Les Miserables! I am currently reading this book. You may just plan on reading other books while reading this one since it is long and drawn out. That is what I have been doing. I really have to take breaks from it or I think I would lose interest. I will have to admit the latest break I have taken has been a bit long.

Good luck with your upcoming reading year:)

Kadijah Michelle wrote: "I'm for Harry Potter, that way we can buddy read the rest together!"

Lol, agree!