2025 Reading Challenge discussion
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Amanda R's 2016 enchanted reading corner
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What touches me the most about this book is the bond there is between the father and the son. Reading it, you can see that the father would do anything for his son and the son would do anything for his father. Beautiful.
Completed 28/08/16 Rating 4 stars

Written in the 1800s, this short story tells about the descent into madness of a woman suffering from depression. She has been told by her husband to remain in a room to get better. With no stimulation she starts to obsess about the yellow wallpaper. It's a creepy story and is one that stays with you after you've finished.
Completed 28/08/16 Rating 4 stars

I had to be in the mood to read this one. I used to love chick lit but nowadays I sometimes find the characters annoying. I started reading it and after 30 pages gave up. Not one to be completely put off, I thought I would try it again and this time I finished it. Chick lit authors whose books I would still buy are Helen Fielding, Sophie Kinsella, Lauren Weisberger, Candace Bushnell and Mike Gayle. There's bound to be more but I can't think of them at the moment. It's a genre that I am reading less of. I've already got a challenge for next year - Cheerio to Chick Lit. I've still got a lot on my bookshelf and I need to make a go of finishing them. An interesting fact is that Daisy's grandfather was Evelyn Waugh the author of Brideshead Revisited.
Completed 5/09/16 Rating 2 stars

This one was scarey, even for me. How the witches looked like and the girl in the picture scared me the most. Creepy.
"One child a week is fifty-two a year. Squish them and squiggle them and make them disappear."
Completed 8/09/16 Rating 3 stars

This is the eighth book in the 44 Scotland Street series. Enjoyed the story about Bruce, who loves himself very much and Cyril, the faithful dog to Angus McLordie who has an adventure of his own.
Completed 16/09/16 Rating 4 stars

Duration September 1, 2016 - September 30, 2016
Mirrors – both real and symbolic – are often used as literary devices to reflect the true nature of events and/or characters to the reader. These reflections can take many forms – physical mirrors, other characters, parallel plots, etc. These devices complement, test and highlight story events or character traits (Remember, a mirror image has the same form and movement but is also opposite and relative! Left is right. Right is left.)
1. Sometimes the mirror is made of glass or water and reflects the character’s true nature to the reader, to other characters and even to the character looking into the mirror. Read a book where a mirror plays a major role. Here is a link to some examples to get ideas. (https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...)
2. The mirror is not always a reflective surface. Sometimes two characters share several qualities that are used to complement and highlight each other’s traits. Read a book where one character mirrors another character in the story.
3. In the same vein, twins quite often mirror each other. They can be identical physically but have completely different personalities. They can look different but be alike in every other way. Read a book that has at least one set of twins as main characters.
The New You Survival Kit by Daisy Waugh Completed 5/09/16 Rating 2 stars
4. Sometimes the events in the story itself reflect back on past experiences or incidents. Read a book where the story reflects back on a similar event or events in the past.
5. What do you see when you look in the mirror? Have you seen yourself in a book? Read a book where you see part of yourself in one of the main characters or their experiences.
1/1
Challenge completed

Duration September 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016
Many times the books we like to read are reflections of ourselves, so for the challenge:
1. Read a book with a character that has the same first name as you.
2. Read a book that was written the same year you were born.
3. Read a book set in the same place where you grew up.
Sunshine on Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith Completed 16/09/16 Rating 4 stars
I grew up in Scotland.
4. Read a book set in the same place where you live now.
5. Read a book with a character that has the same occupation as you.
6. Read a book with a character that is the same age as you are right now.
The Comfort of Saturdays by Alexander McCall Smith Completed 29/09/16 Rating 4 stars
Isabel Dalhousie is in her early forties.
7. Read a book with a character that has the same hair and eye color that you have.
8. Read a book with a character that has the same hobbies that you have.
Extra Credit:
9. Read a book with a character that shares the same relationship dynamic with his/her parents that you do.
10. Read a book with a character that has the same number of children that you have.
2/2
Challenge completed

1. Favorite Author? Alexander McCall Smith, J.K. Rowling, Jane Austen, just a few of many
2. Favorite Book? Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, The Catcher in the Rye, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory again a few of many
3. Favorite Genre? Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Thrillers, Classics
4. Favorite Color? Green
5. Favorite Place? Scotland
Sunshine on Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith Completed 16/09/16 Rating 4 stars
This book is set in Edinburgh
6. Favorite Animal? Dolphin
7. Favorite Food? Chocolate
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl Completed 30/09/16 Rating 5 stars
8. Favorite Season? That's a difficult one, every season has something, lying on the beach in the summer, going for a walk in the forest in the autumn, snow and candles and Christmas in the winter, spring when the weather gets a bit better and everything starts to grow... if I was pushed to choose and there's snow then it's winter
9. Favorite Hobby (other than reading)? Cycling, watching films, photography
10. Favorite Movie? (Read the book version or find one similar) The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Shawshank Redemption
2/2
Challenge completed

Friday 23 - Sunday 25 September
Friday: The Comfort of Saturdays by Alexander McCall Smith
13 pages
Saturday: The Comfort of Saturdays
15 pages
Sunday: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
102 pages
Total pages: 130 pages

8th October to 15th October
Books I am reading:





8/10:
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
56 pages
9/10:
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
89 pages
10/10:
Misery by Stephen King
17 pages
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
31 pages
Total pages = 48 pages
11/10:
Weaveworld by Clive Barker
48 pages
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
20 pages
Total pages = 68 pages
12/10:
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
55 pages
13/10:
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
23 pages
14/10:
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
69 pages
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
40 pages
Total pages = 109 pages
15/10:
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
119 pages finished
Total Pages: 567 pages
Finished: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban


1. Read a book with supernatural/paranormal characters.
2. Read a book with a creepy setting. (Cemetery, haunted place, forest, etc)
3. Read a book about something that scares you. (Clowns, rats, airplanes, whatever freaks you out)
4. Read a horror book.
Misery by Stephen King Completed 23/10/16 Rating 4 stars
5. Read a book that features or relates to a superstition.
6. Read a book with a spooky cover.
7. Read a classic horror book.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson Completed 18/10/16 Rating 4 stars
8. Read a gothic romance novel.
9. Read a book about your favorite Halloween costume. (Witch, doctor, red riding hood, etc)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling Completed 15/10/16 Rating 5 stars
Witch
10. Read a book that was turned into a horror film.
3/3
Challenge completed

Duration October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016
Recommended by Readers 10/10
Challenge completed
1. Paper Towns by John Green Completed 14/11/16 Rating 4 stars
2. The Help by Kathryn Stockett Completed 9/12/16 Rating 4 stars
3. Animal Farm by George Orwell Completed 19/12/16 Rating 4 stars
4. Northern Lights by Philip Pullman Completed 30/12/16 Rating 4 stars
Modern Mrs Darcy 12/12
Challenge completed
5. The Help by Kathryn Stockett Completed 9/12/16 Rating 4 stars
6. Misery by Stephen King Completed 23/10/16 Rating 4 stars
Finish the Series 4/5 (Have decided this one will go into 2017 reading pile)
7.
From Fiction to Reality 4/6 (I signed up for 5 pairs but will realistically go for 3. These will also go into the 2017 pile)
8. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain Completed 23/10/16 Rating 3 stars
9.
10.
Listopia 21/21 (I signed up for 25 - 4 Big Fat Books Worth the Effort will go into next year's list)
Race to the Finish Listopia challenge completed
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling Completed 26/11/16 Rating 5 stars
12. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl Completed 11/12/16 Rating 4 stars
13. Animal Farm by George Orwell Completed 19/12/16 Rating 4 stars
14. Northern Lights by Philip Pullman Completed 30/12/16 Rating 4 stars
Mystery, Crime and Thriller 7/8 (another group) (This will go into 2017 pile)
15.
Serious Series 6/7 (personal challenge) (This will go into 2017 pile)
16.
Let's Turn Pages
Challenge completed
19,723/17,500
Goodreads Challenge
Challenge completed
78/75
11/16

This is such a beautifully written tale. Descriptive passages of nature and the way that you get so connected to the animal characters in the book makes it a very pleasurable read.
Completed 21/09/16 Rating 4 stars

Isabel Dalhousie is an amateur sleuth. She never actually means to investigate matters but they keep landing in her lap. This is the fifth book in the series. Another great series from Alexander McCall Smith set in Edinburgh where philosophy, a delicatessen and music all plays a part.
Completed 29/09/16 Rating 4 stars

This was one of my favourite books growing up and it is still just as delicious as it was then.
Completed 30/09/16 Rating 5 stars

This is a re-read. I remembered this being my least favourite book in the series first time round but reading it again, I really enjoyed it. I loved the amount of Quidditch that was in it. Also the introduction of Hogsmeade and new characters such as Professor Lupin and Sirius Black. Harry Potter remains a great read. I'm looking forward to re-reading the rest of the series.
Completed 15/10/16 Rating 5 stars

22nd October to 23rd October
Books I am reading:



22/10:
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
91 pages
23/10:
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
90 pages finished
Misery by Stephen King
173 pages finished
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl
12 pages
Total pages = 275 pages
***************************
Total Pages: 366 pages
Finished: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn & Misery



As I was aware of the story, it took the edge off it a little bit. I can imagine if you have not read any spoilers and have no clue whatsoever, that it's a very thrilling read. Having said that, I thought the way the tension was built kept me turning the pages and that's why I've given it the rating I have. It's my first book by Robert Louis Stevenson. Looking forward to reading Treasure Island in 2017!
Completed 18/10/16 Rating 4 stars

I enjoyed reading about Huck and Jim and their adventures on the Mississippi. I felt like I was with them on their raft. I did sometimes feel though that certain stories were dragging out and I lost a little interest at points.
Completed 23/10/16 Rating 3 stars

This was my first Stephen King. I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat so I thought I would go for one I knew. I saw the film of this with Kathy Bates which is superb. Reading it takes it to a new level. This woman is crazy and it chilled me to the bones. I got completely sucked in to the story. I was half-expecting to have nightmares about it. It certainly has intrigued me about reading more Stephen King because he certainly is a great storyteller but I think I'll have to read him in the height of summer as I don't think I can cope being scared on these dark nights...
Completed 23/10/16 Rating 4 stars

Friday 28 to Sunday 30 October
Friday:
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl
27 pages
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
25 pages
Total = 52 pages
Saturday:
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
32 pages
Sunday:
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator finished
112 pages
An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris
19 pages
Weaveworld by Clive Barker
19 pages
Total = 131 pages
Total pages: 215 pages

F Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling Completed 26/11/16 Rating 5 stars
O The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy Completed 28/11/16 Rating 4 stars
G The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman Completed 3/11/16 Rating 4 stars
3/3
Challenge completed

Duration: November 1 to November 30
1. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman Completed 3/11/16 Rating 4 stars
191 pages read to finish it
2. Tara Road by Maeve Binchy Completed 10/11/16 Rating 3 stars
287 pages read to finish it
3. Paper Towns by John Green Completed 14/11/16 Rating 4 stars
305 pages
4. Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig Completed 26/11/16 Rating 4 stars
264 pages
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling Completed 26/11/16 Rating 5 stars
587 pages read to finish it
6. The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy Completed 28/11/16 Rating 4 stars
54 pages
7. Ring for Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse Completed 28/11/16 Rating 4 stars
240 pages
8. The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (abridged) Completed 29/11/16 Rating 4 stars
24 pages
8/7 books
1,952/2,000 pages
Book part of challenge completed

Duration: November 1, 2016 to November 30, 2016
Our November theme is family and new families start with weddings! This month’s challenge revolves around a famous poem associated with weddings!
1. “Something Old” Read a book written or published a long time ago or a book you have had on your bookshelf for a long time.
The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy Completed 28/11/16 Rating 4 stars
2. “Something New” Read a book recently published or a book you just added to your bookshelf
3. “Something Borrowed” Read a book borrowed from a close friend, a family member or the library.
Paper Towns by John Green Completed 14/11/16 Rating 4 stars
4. “Something Blue” Read a book with a blue cover or the word blue in the title.
Ring for Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse Completed 28/11/16 Rating 4 stars

3/3
Challenge completed

1. Tara Road by Maeve Binchy Completed 10/11/16 Rating 3 stars
2. Paper Towns by John Green Completed 14/11/16 Rating 4 stars
3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling Completed 26/11/16 Rating 5 stars
3/3
Challenge completed

This is a continuation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. At the end of the last book the elevator had crashed through the chocolate factory roof and now it goes so high, it heads into space. An adventure in space and a continuation of the chocolate factory story. I understand why the films have never made a sequel of this as the story ended perfectly where it was. This story goes off at a bit of a tangent and is a bit wacky.
Completed 30/10/16 Rating 3 stars

I listened to this. It was my first audio read. I listened to Neil Gaiman reading his own book. It was amazing. He's very good at reading, very expressive and it really enhanced the experience having the author reading his book. Highly recommended. I was cooking, I was doing housework and they weren't chores anymore :) It has whetted my appetite. I would like to hear Colin Firth reading The End of the Affair by Graham Greene and Benedict Cumberbatch reading Casanova. Lovely! As to the story, it's the story of Bod who is brought up in a graveyard. It's an unusual story. Through Neil Gaiman's fantasy storytelling it is captivating. I've read American Gods and I am definitely going to read more by Neil Gaiman
Completed 3/11/16 Rating 4 stars

Book:
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Completed 18/07/16 Rating 5 stars
Film:
The Book Thief
I loved this book so the film had a lot to live up to. To show the impact the book had on me, the moment that Hans Hubermann (Liesel's father) appeared in the film, I got emotional. I loved Rudy. The part where the books are burned together with the speech in German was a very strong image. The library in the mayor's house is mouthwatering. I cried quite a bit and that shows that I was touched by the film. But I just loved the book. I give the film four stars which shows that's a good depiction. I gave the book five stars so the book wins this time.

Book:
Watership Down by Richard Adams Completed 21/09/16 Rating 4 stars
Film:
I found the film rather dark. It was animated and was a very big film when it came out. There are a lot of actors with lovely voices who play the characters including John Hurt who is Hazel and Richard Briers who is Fiver. I love Richard Brier's voice which I associate with the children's cartoon Roobarb. I thought in some parts it was quite violent. I didn't feel that the book was as dark, it was more the story of a journey complemented with beautifully written passages about nature. I heard that the BBC and Netflix are bringing out a series of Watership Down. The book I gave 4 stars, the film I give 3 stars. A winning book.

Tara Road was picked as a Oprah Book Club read. It is the story of two women who decide to have a house swap. One lives in Ireland and one lives in the United States. There's the Dublin community on Tara Road with many different characters who are all dealing with life's ins and outs. Add into the equation the American contingency. What does the house swap mean to these two women and how does swapping each other's homes and communities change their outlook on life?
Completed 10/11/16 Rating 3 stars

November 5th - 12th
Books I am reading:




5/11:
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
31 pages
6/11:
Paper Towns by John Green
11 pages
7/11:
Paper Towns
34 pages
An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris
13 pages
Tara Road by Maeve Binchy
49 pages
Total = 96 pages
8/11:
Tara Road
122 pages
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
7 pages
Total = 129 pages
9/11:
Tara Road finished
100 pages
10/11:
Paper Towns
64 pages
11/11:
An Officer and a Spy
15 pages
Paper Towns
21 pages
Total = 36 pages
12/11:
Paper Towns
20 pages
Total Pages Read: 487 pages
Finished:


Quentin has a crush on his neighbour Margo Roth Spiegelman. They used to play when they were little but now they hang out with different people. One night she unexpectedly comes in through his window and encourages him to join her on a nightly adventure to wreak revenge on people who have wronged her. When Quinten goes to school the next day, Margo has vanished without a trace. Following clues she has left, Quinten goes in search of her.
Completed 14/11/16 Rating 4 stars

Book: Paper Towns by John Green Completed 14/11/16 Rating 4 stars
Film:
Paper Towns
I just finished the book and watched the film the next day. What I liked the most about the film was when Quinten, Ben and Radar are together and how they interact with each other. I also liked that in the book but when you see the actors playing it in the film, it's pretty funny. Margo Roth Spiegelman is played by Cara Delevingne who John Green found perfect for the role. I think she is just as quirky as Margo. It's a cosy film, young adult but anyone can watch it. It's not as heavy as The Fault in Our Stars. I'm giving the film 4 stars, the same as the book.

Book: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer Completed 19/4/16 Rating 4 stars
Film:
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Oskar is played by Thomas Horn and he plays it so well. Oskar isn't your average boy. He's very intelligent and he was once tested for Asperger's. It gives you an idea that it takes great acting to play that character. Tom Hanks is the father and Sandra Bullock the mother. You know that if they're in it, it's something special. Yes, I cried a lot. There's scenes in it that touched me and scenes that are difficult to watch. The book I gave 4 stars, I also give 4 stars to the film.

Friday 25th - Sunday 27th November
Friday: Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
80 pages
Saturday: Reasons to Stay Alive
176 pages finished
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
187 pages finished
Total = 363 pages
Sunday:
0 pages
Total pages: 443 pages

3rd December to 10th December
Book I am reading:

3/12:
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
88 pages
4/12:
The Help
70 pages
5/12:
The Help
70 pages
6/12:
0
7/12:
The Help
51 pages
8/12:
The Help
37 pages
9/12:
The Help
32 pages
10/12:
The Help
50 pages finished
Total Pages: 398 pages
Finished: The Help


Matt Haig contemplated suicide, came out the other side and this is his reflections on what happened together with reasons to stay alive.
Completed 26/11/16 Rating 4 stars

This was a re-read. This is my favourite book in the series, not only is there the Quidditch World Cup but also the Tri-wizard Tournament. It was a pleasure to read it again.
Completed 26/11/16 Rating 5 stars

Ivan Ilyich is doing well in his life and he has done everything he feels he should have done to have achieved this. He becomes ill and as his health deteriorates he contemplates if he has really led a fulfilling life. This was my introduction to Tolstoy and I definitely want to read more.
Completed 28/11/16 Rating 4 stars

I've read books about Jeeves before so I knew I would be in for some fun. This is the only book where Bertie Wooster is not actually in it although he is mentioned. The format to a successful Jeeves book is that the main character in this case, Bill Belfry, Ninth Earl of Rowcester, gets into many scrapes and Jeeves manages to sort them out in his very calm manner. I listened to the audio version which was read by Martin Jarvis. It was an entertaining experience due to his numerous voices.
Completed 28/11/16 Rating 4 stars

I listened to Leonard Nimoy narrate this abridged version. His voice sounded lovely and really sincere. The story itself was very frightening. This recording came out in 1976 and was out-of-print. It was digitalized from a cassette and put on youtube. I now want to read the full version.
Completed 29/11/16 Rating 4 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It is set in in Jackson, Mississippi in 1962. Racial prejudice is rife. It concentrates on the courage of two African American maids who give an honest account of how they are treated by their employers to a journalist.
Completed 9/12/16 Rating 4 stars

This story is so cute. After some magic James sets off on a journey on a giant peach with a group of insects.
Completed 11/12/16 Rating 4 stars

Book: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro Completed 16/05/16 Rating 4 stars
Film:
Never Let Me Go
This is a haunting film. The actors, especially Andrew Garfield, are so awkward and quite difficult to watch which is a testament to how well they play their roles. It is filmed in a beautiful way, with beautiful locations despite the harrowing subject of the film. This film left an impression on me and for all that it seems a difficult sit from what I have written so far, it is through the great acting and the feel of the film that it is worth watching.
I give the film 4 stars just like the book.

Book: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling Completed 29/04/16 Rating 4 stars
Film:
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
I never write spoilers so don't panic! My advice would be to go into the film not expecting it to be anything like Harry Potter. It's a different time, a different place, different characters. If you go in with an open mind then you can appreciate the film as a film in its own right. Yes, there's magic and beasts and great effects. I watched it in 3D and it was amazing. I went in expecting to see Neville Longbottom's great granny or whatever and that's not what you're going to get. In October 2016 J.K. Rowling confirmed that there would be five films in the series.
Book and film 4 stars each

This was one of those books that I had heard a lot about but had never got round to reading. I have read 1984 which is due for a re-read. This is the story of what happens if farm animals fight back, drive the humans out and take over the farm. It certainly makes you think.
Completed 19/12/16 Rating 4 stars

My final book of 2016. This is the first book in His Dark Materials series. I read the physical book and also listened to an audiobook while I was doing the housework. The audio version was narrated by Philip Pullman with actors playing the characters. It was a new way for me to combine the reading of a book and I really enjoyed it. In the book Lyra and her daemon Pantalaimon embark on an adventure which takes them from their wild life among the scholars at Oxford to the cold of the North. On their journey they encounter armed polar bears, gyptians and Gobblers. Why are there children going missing and what is the mystery of dust?
Completed 30/12/16 Rating 4 stars

Book: The Help by Kathryn Stockett Completed 9/12/16 Rating 4 stars
Film:
The Help
I really enjoyed the book so I was intrigued to see what the characters would be like on film. Emma Stone is Miss Skeeter and while I liked the way she was portrayed and Aibileen and Minny and other characters, the book was better.
Book 4 stars Film 3 stars
Last Book to Film of the year has a winning book.
Books mentioned in this topic
The Help (other topics)Northern Lights (other topics)
1984 (other topics)
Animal Farm (other topics)
Northern Lights (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Kathryn Stockett (other topics)Philip Pullman (other topics)
George Orwell (other topics)
Philip Pullman (other topics)
George Orwell (other topics)
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This is the latest in the series, book 8. In the previous book Becky was in Los Angeles. This book follows on from that as she is now heading to Las Vegas. I've read all the Shopaholic books. I like reading about Becky and what she gets up to. Some books I've enjoyed more than others. I know if Sophie Kinsella writes more, I'll continue to read them.
Completed 27/08/16 Rating 3 stars