2025 Reading Challenge discussion
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Hutchy's "Reading for Pleasure" (hopefully) Challenge - Mighty 12
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The Luminaries by Eleanor CattonMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
Far out, I wanted to love this book but now I resent it.
I have had this on my 'to read' shelf since Eleanor Catton won the Man Booker prize. It was added because I'm a kiwi and it's exciting to have a kiwi win something like this. However, at 800 pages this book isn't a joke to start, and I have tried a couple of times. I've persevered this time around and well, it's incredibly disappointing. I agree with other reviews that it is 200 pages too long - it is. I agree with other reviewers that the allusions to celestial bodies and astrology are in no way clear and/or linked anyhow to the story. I also agree with other reviewers who say this book needed an excellent editor - it could be half the size. Characters you've grown to know are left dangling at the end with no conclusions and characters that I found interesting at the start are never seen again until the end. I'm left with more questions than answers after 800 pages and that just isn't satisfying.
The recipe for this book is something like this:
introduction+14 new characters+intrigue+confusion +suspense+intrigue+intrigue+intrigue+confusion +INCREDIBLY DISAPPOINTING CONCLUSION+lack of answers+bleurgh.
If you've thought about reading this for a while or you've tried and failed - my recommendation is leave it on the shelf.
The Hate U Give by Angie ThomasMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Outstanding read. Relevant, insightful, mind-opening and ultimately tragic. I enjoyed walking on the fringes of another culture and gaining insight in to how people perceive and are perceived by one another. Teens and adults alike need to read this.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'EngleMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
This book started off well and had an interesting and unique premise...BUT AFTER THAT!! Too many worlds, concepts and characters that go nowhere. Too many loose ends. I can't see how this is a favourite but respect that it is for some people, but certainly not for me.
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert GalbraithMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Yea, it's enjoyable, but I wish it was a bit more complex in terms of how Striker pursues the case. It is too heavy in conversation between characters, if that makes sense. Ultimately, there is too big a plot hole for me to make this realistic. Comment if you agree and want to discuss as I'm keen to know what others thought about this :)
I wish you the best of luck this year! It looks like you are making good progress. Will you be joining any challenges?
Hutch wrote: "Hi fellow readers,My aim this year is to read 12 (or more) books. There isn't a system to what I read although this year I do want to read more books by female authors.
Thanks for stopping by. ..."
Wishing you the best of luck with your goal Hutch & a very pleasurable reading year!!
Blagica wrote: "I wish you the best of luck this year! It looks like you are making good progress. Will you be joining any challenges?"I'm unsure really, do you recommend any to start with? I'd love to get involved as much as possible :)
I mean if you are looking to read more female authors maybe the Dig Deeper Challenge? https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Blagica wrote: "I mean if you are looking to read more female authors maybe the Dig Deeper Challenge? https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/..."
hi Blagica - thanks for getting back to me. I've left a message on that challenge wall and hope to join in the fun!
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty SmithMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I found this book hard to get into because the misery seemed interminable. It took me over 200 pages to finally become attached to the characters and feel as though I was a friend of their family. By this time, I was deeply interested in what would become of them and then cried as their story ended. I love this book - there are many moments where I relate to the Nolan family, and Francie and the Rommely women are inspirational.
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We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This essay is a must-read for everyone - regardless of gender. It provided essential and informed answers to those tricky questions about the terms 'feminist' and 'feminism' that often pop up. This essay packs a punch and delivers frank, honest and unapologetic examples of and answers to why feminism is crucial. I will re-read this many times over my life.
Persuasion by Jane AustenMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Lovely story, beautifully written. I love Anne's perspective and her strong mind. I did just want our star-crossed lovers to get together sooner. It just dragged a bit for me and we learn too much about other characters when it is so set up for Anne.
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You are doing great! Hoping March is a great month for you.
Blagica wrote: "You are doing great! Hoping March is a great month for you."Thanks! I have a few reviews to add! Will update over the easter break :)
Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-LodgeMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Insightful read especially with regards to UK history which, I agree with the author, is very often bypassed. I find that the title is more provocative than it is true for the author - so people need to get over that. REL highlights real power struggles and I think many people forget that racism is about power, who has it and blind privilege. It exists when hegemonic cultures, values and ideals reinforce, subjugate and/or neglect to consider marginalised populations, their perspective and equitable outcomes for those populations. I find how REL highlighted colour very interesting - she discusses some of her friends as not seeing her 'colouredness' and how unhelpful that is for the 'black lives matter' movement but also for her and her cultural background and acknowledging that history. And actually, of course they do see it, we hardly see media, movies, tv shows where coloured people are the main characters or seen in a positive light so of course they see it. Anyway - highly recommend. Four stars simply because I found some parts repetitive.
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The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson BurnettMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I WANT A GARDEN LIKE THIS! It is so magical and I love the enthusiasm the kids have for gardening. The story itself follows Mary as she grows up, develops and matures just like the garden she plants.
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And Then There Were None by Agatha ChristieMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love this book - creepy, unpredictable, a classic whodunnit. It's the first AC I've read and I cannot wait to read more.
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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt ScamanderMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I'm an HP and JKR fan from way back but I was expecting something more exciting from this book - perhaps more pictures and more stories related to how Newt discovered the beasts. The introduction is awesome in the sense that it really makes you feel the realness but an A-Z is not exciting.
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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya AngelouMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5 stars - What a life! And this was written about her life until the age of 18-19 years old. I simply don't think I'm a fan of this genre and so didn't enjoy the book so much but I can appreciate her writing skills, the life she lived and the perspective she comes from.
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The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret AtwoodMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Strange book but ultimately gripping and interesting. Nothing like I've read before and so I enjoyed it immensely for that reason. The female lead's brutally honest perspective and the way her insights were described was refreshing and exciting. I was going to give 5 stars but the ending lost it a bit for me.
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A book is a dream that you hold in your hand. Looks like you have had some awesome dreams this year. I hope that April brings you many more five star reads. Do you have a stand out book so far this year?
Ready Player One by Ernest ClineMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Big fat escape book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because of the ease with which it took you into a whole new universe - a mental escape from our reality through a virtual escape from someone else's reality. The whole premise of the book was super interesting and like nothing I'd ever read before. I enjoyed being able to create this entire multi-universe in my head as the book allows the reader to completely use their imagination and creativity in the construction of OASIS.
I didn't give it 5 stars because the references to the 80s went straight over my head (wrong age). That being said - it didn't impact on the enjoyability of the book because the references didn't reeeeeaaaaaally need to be understood as most of it just seemed like a 'look at how much I know' sort of gag. I look forward to seeing the movie because I think the 80s references are better seen and heard rather than read in this instance.
(SPOILER below)
Also - god forbid if Art3mis be overweight...argh that bit about her height and weight made me roll my eyes so hard.
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Blagica wrote: "A book is a dream that you hold in your hand. Looks like you have had some awesome dreams this year. I hope that April brings you many more five star reads. Do you have a stand out book so far this..."Thanks Blagica - I hope you are enjoying your reading also. Stand-out book for me so far would have to be Agatha Christie's 'And then there were none'. I endeavour to read another of hers after my next book. How about you?
The Name of the Wind by Patrick RothfussMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVE THIS BOOK! It's now in my top 5 books (excluding HP). Total escape, couldn't put it down! Can't wait to read the second book and see where Kvothe takes us next. He honestly feels like an old friend...HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
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The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha ChristieMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I always get a creepy feeling at the end of AC's books. I find myself looking over my shoulder and nervous as the story comes to a close. Short-sharp read. AC's writing creates such a clear picture in so few words and so you feel you can play detective with the characters easily. Fun read.
“Reading brings us unknown friends” While the warm weather is coming I hope you make some new friends in May! You are doing great keep it up!
My aim this year is to read 12 (or more) books. There isn't a system to what I read although this year I do want to read more books by female authors.
Thanks for stopping by. I endeavour to update regularly :)
Hutchy