2015 Reading Challenge [Closed] discussion
. Week 2: Romance
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Week 2: Progress Post
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I finished both of them.
I enjoyed the 2nd, because the characters were cute and there was plenty of action (and drama of course). Cheesy romance, but nice to read.
The classic romance was... a classic romance. It's really not my cup of tea and with shallow characters and few things happening, it was a little boring. I liked the main character, luckily, and her love story.
I won't recommend romance to anybody :p
It was an easy week as the books were short and easy to read, but it's really not an interesting one.
What book are you reading? I read The NotebookHow far along are you? I finished the book last night.
Did you enjoy it? I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. Here is my link to my discussion where I reviewed it. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Would you recommend this title? I would not recommend this book.
Was this a difficult week for you? This was an easy week for me. I was able to finish the book in one day in only a few hours.
What book are you reading? I'm reading The Well of loneliness by Radcliffe Hall.How far along are you? Just finished it last night
Did you enjoy it? I enjoyed some parts but overall i felt the political angle was spoiled by the personal romance and the personal romance wasn't gripping because of the focus on the political. I also found the main character overdrawn and the views of the author to be out of synch with me own. RH heavily implies that all lesbians are very masculine, that a feminine girl in a lesbian relationship was there because she actually liked men and had fallen for a woman by mistake
Would you recommend this title? for historical / literary interest but not as a read
Was this a difficult week for you? yes, I had to keep reading other things in between!
Week 2 has been a complete fail because I'm still reading my book from week 1! So I'm planning to read both week 2 and 3 at the same time next week! I'm hoping I can catch up!
Ashleigh, don't think of it as a fail... Think of it as a work in progress. Haha.I haven't started my week two book yet, either. I tend to read multiple books at a time, and I've got books I'm reading for other Challenges, so my 500-page book (The Signature of All Things) is still being audiobooked, slowly but surely, and I haven't started my week two Romance book (The Virgin's Lover) yet. I do plan on starting it in the next couple of days, though. I've actually finished two books in the past week, it's just that neither of them are my books for this Challenge! Oops. :)
I'm giving myself a little cushion, since I have already finished my week 4 book, so I can get caught up on any of the other three books this month that I might not have finished.
I have got in the habit of reading more than one book; but Dickens is just that bit too deep to try to do that with! Especially when week 2 was also going to be a classic. I try not to have multiple books of the same/similar genre on the go - two classics is just too much work! But I've not really been wanting to pick anything else up either - Dickens is a little consuming!I'm hoping to get back on track over the next week even with my never ending mountain of coursework to conquer! (lab reports are work of the devil!)
Oh, yes, lab reports are demons' work, no doubt about it. I remember those days.And more power to you for reading Dickens in the first place. I admit, Dickens is my kryptonite. The few books of his I've read took me ages to finish. I just couldn't get into his writing style. Good luck with your reading!
What book are you reading? The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody KeplingerHow far along are you? I finished last night.
Did you enjoy it? It was a fast read, a good escape book
Would you recommend this title? If you need to read something quick and light hearted
Was this a difficult week for you? not really. Read it in one night. Need to go back and finish week one.
I'm trying to get through a series (8 novels & 2 novellas), The Warriors of Poseidon Series, Volumes 1 Through 5: Atlantis Rising / Atlantis Awakening / Atlantis Unleashed / Atlantis Unmasked / Atlantis Redeemed.
I've completed 4 novels and the 2 novellas at this point and I'm 1/2 way though the 5 novel. Might go into week 3 a bit to complete it.
What book are you reading?I read First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen
How far along are you?
I finished a couple of days ago.
Did you enjoy it?
I liked it. It was light and easy with both historical fiction and mystery woven in.
Would you recommend this title?
Yes, if you like cozy mystery and romance.
Was this a difficult week for you?
Not for this book, but I joined late, so I'm trying to finish my week 1 book, too.
What book are you reading? I read Silence by Natasha Preston. I found it for free on the iBooks (iOS) app.
How far along are you?
I finished about 2 weeks ago (here I am again with my cheating! :P) I actually finished it in one night or so. Short read.
Did you enjoy it?
Nope. Nada. Not at all. And tbh, it's not because of the romance! The writing was unclear at times, the narration switched up a lot, and the novel dealt with an extremely sensitive subject (rape), but kinda treated it like 'nbd' or 'not gonna talk about it, too serious, you cant handle it'
Would you recommend this title?
Nope
Was this a difficult week for you?
Yeah but I'm biased. I hate romances!
What book are you reading? I read The Duke and the Lady in Red. Link to discussion
How far along are you? I finished this one 1/11. It only took me a couple of days to get through it
Did you enjoy it? I liked this a great deal. It was the final entrance in a series.
Would you recommend this title? I would reccommend this to anyone who like historical romances. I will warn that there is a B plot that made me cry like a baby, but I'm a crier. LOL.
Was this a difficult week for you? Easy week for me, as I am an avid romance reader.
The Princess Bride and yes, I enjoyed it very much. I have to admit, that I liked the movie better, but not by very much. It's worth your time. Finished it a few days ago, knocking off a couple other books before starting week 3 because why not
I'm reading Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin. Enjoying the book, but it's a tough read, so it's going rather slowly. The writing is incredibly descriptive/dense (that's probably not the right word)and there appear to be several stories tied together, not just the main story that I was kind of familiar with after seeing the trailers for the movie. Will decide whether I'd recommend it next week after I (hopefully) finish it for week three!
What book are you reading? I read Pride and prejudice by Jane Austen
How far along are you?
I finished it tuesday
Did you enjoy it?
Nah, it wasn't really my cup of tea. It made me laugh a couple of times, but mostly I found it bit boring and the plot really slow
Would you recommend this title?
No, not unless you're a real fan of these classic romance novels.
Was this a difficult week for you?
No not really. Even though I wasn't too impressed with the book it was quite easy to read. Especially the short chapters made it easy to read whenever there was a spare moment.
What book are you reading? The Fault in our Stars (John Green)How far along are you? I'm finished
Did you enjoy it? I did.
Would you recommend this title? Yes, maybe not to everybody, since I understand that cancer might be a touchy subject for some, but for those who are interested in a love story and a few charismatic characters, I'd say definitely give it chance.
Was this a difficult week for you? Nope. I finished early again, since it's a short book and very easy to read.
I had Gone With The Wind for my week 2 romance. Suffice to say, I did not finish it yet. I'm hardly even halfway through, eek! I am enjoying it though. I love Margaret Mitchell's writing style and her descriptions are beautiful.
Well, I am enjoying it now that Scarlet is becoming a little less annoying ;)
I would definitely recommend it to anyone. It is wonderfully written. It is only taking me forever because I have a lot of things going on right now -.-
I just finished City of Glass by Cassandra Clare. Totally recommendable ;) I'm about to start with the next.This week wasn't tough especially cos I take pleasure in what I'm reading.
Good morning/evening all! So here is my progress so far on Week 2:What book are you reading? Pride and Prejudice
How far along are you? Page 5 (I read out of order :P)
Did you enjoy it? Oddly enough, I love the movies but have never read the book so we will see.
Happy reading!
What book are you reading? Fortune's FoolHow far along are you? I finished it in a couple of days. I was a nice easy read.
Did you enjoy it? I enjoy reading Mercedes Lackey's take on Fairy Tales. They are always entertaining with a few laughs thrown in.
Would you recommend this title? Someone who wants a light read and enjoys romantic fairy tales would enjoy this series.
Was this a difficult week for you? No, the book was a fast read.
What book are you reading?These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner
How far along are you?
I finished it this morning!
Did you enjoy it?
Not really.
Would you recommend this title?
Probably not.
Was this a difficult week for you?
Yes, but only because if it wasn't for this challenge, I probably wouldn't have finished the book.
I am reading Rebecca.I have not had much progress with it.
It has not gripped me yet, which is probably why I am not making much progress.
What book are you reading? (Feel free to link to discussion)I'm reading Ion by Liviu Rebreanu. A Romanian book, which I have to read for school. Even tought most on students in my country hate it, I kind of like it. I can link charaters from the book to real persons...something I always like at the book...stil, I hadn't feel like reading a romance book this week, but I still did.
How far along are you?
I have one chapter left. I'll finish it as soon as I finish this comment
Did you enjoy it? (feel free to link to your book review)
Yes, but I don't recomand it. It's not a book for everyone. I don't know if it was translated into English, but if you like clasics, it's a good read.
Would you recommend this title?
Not really. Maybe for experienced readers that also like clasics.
Was this a difficult week for you?
A little bit, but I grow to like that book during the process.
I'm reading Pegasus by Danielle Steel and really enjoying it so far. I'm about 1/3 of the way through, should have it done by Friday- being a librarian and musician sometimes it can be more difficult to find time to actually read. I would recommend it to fans of Danielle Steel or similar authors. One warning is that it does talk about what was happening in Germany just prior to WWII which can be a tough topic for some, but I don't find it overbearing.
What book are you reading? (Feel free to link to discussion)Persuasion by Jane Austen
How far along are you?
I finished a few minutes ago.
Did you enjoy it?
Ish. I enjoyed only the most romantic part, but the rest of the book was so-so. Here's my review
Would you recommend this title?
For hardcore Austen fans, I would.
Was this a difficult week for you?
A little bit because work's starting, but I was able to finish on time. The topic was okay, though. I'm comfy with classic romances.
What book are you reading? EmmaHow far along are you? About halfway through
Did you enjoy it? (feel free to link to your book review) Yes! Oh its lovely and clever and funny
Would you recommend this title? Yes
Was this a difficult week for you? YES! After working so hard to get through 750 pages I thought it would be easy to read this shorter novel, but that led me to take almost two whole days off. It's also harder to follow when you're listening to it than the Goldfinch because it uses such clever language. With the Goldfinch you could zone out/skim and be fine, it was like a soap opera, but this is like a witty sitcom! And even though I've seen Clueless a million times and know how things will play out there are so many delightful moments that it makes you really want to pay attention. However this week has helped me realise I need to consciously plan my book reading. And also its good I'm behind because my book for week three is checked out of the library and I may need to rethink which book I am going to read next!
Yes, I know it's now week 3. I started "The Hobbit" last night for week 3, even though technically it was still week 2. But "Pride and Prejudice" is just dragging along for me. I'll finish it though, for the challenge and because it's my daughter's favorite book ever. But I'm not enjoying it. So far "The Hobbit" is excellent and I'm sure I'll have that finished before week 3 ends so I can go back to "Pride and Prejudice".
Mod
What book are you reading? The Princess Bride. I'm also reading Love, Rosie. I've never been terribly good at reading more than one book at a time but somehow, I don't know, the stars are aligning and I'm doing just fine with it. Maybe I'm maturing as a reader? Or maybe Zaz just transferred me some of her super powers.
How far along are you? I'm 6% of the way through. I have just started it this morning.
Did you enjoy it? So far, yes. I like the humor of it.
Would you recommend this title? I'm not willing to say yes just yet, but I think fans of the movie will really appreciate it.
Was this a difficult week for you? With the side read and the late start on Week 1, I feel like I'm playing a bit of catch up. I'm not too worried yet. Since I'm reading both The Princess Bride and Love, Rosie, both of which are romances that have been made into films, they could technically either count for my Week 2 and Week 3 reads. I did plan to read Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail for Week 3 but we'll see how it goes. ;)
I picked Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones Diary for a romance weeks book. It was quite enjoyable and I ended it before first week selection.This was actually quite easy week and I might pick another book from Fielding.
What book are you reading? I'm reading Outlander.
How far along are you?
About 70 pages... oops, behind again.
Did you enjoy it? (feel free to link to your book review)
I am enjoying it so far, though I'm not very far in.
Would you recommend this title?
Not sure yet!
Was this a difficult week for you?
I read a graphic novel earlier this week so I technically have read two books, but I am behind in the romance book. I think I might go ahead and start my week 3 book so I can keep up with the active discussions.
I'm glad I'm not the only one reading a John Green novel! I read Looking for Alaska, and just finished it. It was, I don't know, fairly simple, and sweet and interesting. I appreciate the main character getting called out, multiple times, for doing really natural things while grieving, especially for doing things that are in the style 'I'm in pain and the center of the universe'. I would recommend this title for a couple reasons, partly for the way it approaches death and partly for the way he writes living as a teenager. It felt much closer to the way I remember adolescence than many other books do. And this was such an easy week.
I'm currently reading Maurice by EM Forster. It's only about 200 pages, but I'm having a hard time getting through it. So much of the book is dialogue with very little description that I sometimes get a little lost with what the characters are doing. I'm about three quarters of the way through and I'm determined to finish this weekend.
What book are you reading? (Feel free to link to discussion) I read Pride and Prejudice.How far along are you? I finished it at about ten to midnight on Wednesday, so made it to the end right before the beginning of Week 3. :-)
Did you enjoy it? (feel free to link to your book review) I did and I didn't. I feel pretty neutral towards it. I think part of my problem was that although it was a first time read, I've seen lots of the adaptations so none of it was new to me.
I liked the character of Lizzy (and her sister, Jane) but many of the other characters just annoyed me.
Would you recommend this title? I would recommend it to fans of Jane Austen, and I also think it's one of those classic books that everyone should probably read at some point or another. I'm glad I did read it and I might read it again at some point in the future, but I'm not in a massive hurry to do that.
Was this a difficult week for you? It wasn't a hugely difficult read for me, but it took me a while to get through. Part of that was because I had a journey from Scotland to Wales (in bad weather) which didn't encourage me to read. Then busy days and late nights while I was away which meant I didn't feel like reading as much. Plus I was lacking in motivation so although it wasn't difficult, it was a slow week.
Lauren wrote: "What book are you reading?I'm reading The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.
How far along are you?
I'm just starting this book tonight! It took me a bit longer than expected to fin..."
I will actually be reading this book later in my list as a friend's recommendation even though I have already listened to it on cd. It is totally amazing! The imagery the reader paints with his voice is magical! Listen to it if you ever have the opportunity. I borrowed it from my public library. I am very much looking forward to reading the book!
What book are you reading?"The Princess Bride"
How far along are you?
I am about halfway through. I just joined the Challenge group and was finishing up a couple of other books I've been reading.
Did you enjoy it?
I am ambivalent so far. I didn't realize that the commentary was not based on an actual book until I read a thread here and have skipped over those parts. I will need to go back and re-read. LOL! Friends have raved about the movie for years so I thought it would be a good time to read it and include it in the challenge.
Would you recommend this title?
Not at this time. I will try to remember to come back and post if I change my mind by the end of the book.
Was this a difficult week for you?
I've been home sick so it was a good week for reading but not so good for feeling so yucky, especially since the weather here has been so depressing!
Mod
Did you enjoy it? I did. It was interesting to see how closely the movie actually followed the book (in some cases, line for line.) There were some differences, sure, but I found I loved it just as much as the film I've cherished since I was a kid. (review)
Would you recommend this title? Absolutely! Read it! And, if by some strange circumstance you haven't, watch the film! They're both great.
Was this a difficult week for you? I thought it might be but no. I devoured The Princess Bride in a day so I am right where I should be for the challenge. No more playing catch up for me, I hope. :)
I read The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox. It was, uh, pretty terrible. I gave it two stars. In short: don't read it. =/ On the bright side, it was a simple enough read that the only difficulty I had this week was convincing myself to finish it.
What book are you reading? (Feel free to link to discussion)The Fault in Our Stars
How far along are you?
I started yesterday. I've finished this morning, crying.
Did you enjoy it? (feel free to link to your book review)
This book is amazing. I gave it a five. I really enjoyed it, I cried, yesterday I didn't want to go to sleep to finish it.
Would you recommend this title?
OH HELL YES! Everyone should read it! So beautiful. Wonderful.
Was this a difficult week for you?
I can't consider that a week... So, no. I really was really filled with the book so I wanted to know the whole story, I didn't want to let go.
What book are you reading? Save the DateHow far along are you? I finished last night.
Did you enjoy it? I did, it was an light read.
Would you recommend this title? Yes, if want something light.
Was this a difficult week for you? No.
I just finished reading Breath of Fire and I would definitely recommend this book. I am not a romance type book lover but I really enjoyed this book because it wasn't just a romance, there were other elements involved. This was a very easy week for me.
What book are you reading? Nicholas: Lord of Secrets by Grace Burrowes
How far along are you?
I just finished. (And I'm halfway to being caught up--woot!)
Did you enjoy it?
I did, though not as much as Darius: Lord of Pleasures, the first book in Burrowes's Lonely Lords series. Burrowes writes excellent, emotional, well-researched historical romances.
Would you recommend this title?
Not as a starting point for someone who wants to check out Burrowes, but yes. This the lords' series is strongly interwoven with her Windham series, and I think it's better for someone who is already a Burrowes fan.
Was this a difficult week for you?
Definitely not. :) I'm a huge fan of romances, and I can devour them by the shelf full.
What book are you reading? The Virgin's Lover by Philippa GregoryHow far along are you? Finished yesterday.
Did you enjoy it? I did, although not as much as I enjoyed Gregory's other historical fiction that I've read. Read my review here.
Would you recommend this title? Maybe. If you're a huge historical fiction fan and love reading about this time period, it's a really interesting take on the story. But it's a bit slow and the characters are so unlikable that it might be tough for those that aren't a fan of the genre.
Was this a difficult week for you? Well, I didn't read this book in the week I was supposed to, because I was catching up on other things, but the book itself wasn't difficult.
What book are you reading? Homecoming RanchHow far along are you? Finished on February 3, 2015
Did you enjoy it? Not especially. But it wasn't awful.
Would you recommend this title? I would recommend it to people who like romances and faux cowboys in the mountains. haha
Was this a difficult week for you? This was not my favorite genre so I was glad to finally check it off the list and move on.
What book are you reading? PersuasionHow far along are you? Finished late last night (or early this morning if you prefer :) ).
Did you enjoy it? Yes, very much so.
Would you recommend this title? I would recommend this as long as the reader will be okay with a good chunk of the book being with characters that are annoying (not the main character, but I know a lot of fellow readers of this book couldn't stand a lot of the side characters, whereas I was okay with them considering the ending made it more worthwhile).
Was this a difficult week for you? The fact I was behind, yes. The book or topic, no :)
I read The Lady of the RiversThe only book so far that I've actually read in a week or less.
I very much enjoyed it, as I have enjoyed all of her books so far.
I didn't think it was much of a romance novel, but that's how it was categorized on a goodreads list.
I just finished Outlander for week two. I very seldom read romance novels, but I really liked this one smut and all. I also feel as though the last couple of chapters were a little slower than the rest of the book. I would still recommend this book. It is one of those rare works where you can crawl in and become Claire.
When it comes to romance novels, I really don't like "modern day" romance so, I read Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. I had been postponing to read it for so long and thanks to this, I finally finished it! IT WAS FANTASTIC! I admit that at first I found Catherine and Heathcliff monstrous and repulsive. Their personalities were molded to be self-absorbed and hateful; misanthropist to be worst. But that's what made their romantic story impeccable. It was rally wonderful.
I read Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García MárquezDid you enjoy it? I did enjoy it...didn't love it. 4 stars.
Would you recommend this title? Yes
What book are you reading? All the Bright Places
How far along are you?
Finished it.
Did you enjoy it?
I did actually. I didn't love it but I liked it more than I expected to.
Would you recommend this title?
Yes I would, but to certain people who I think would enjoy it. It wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea.
Was this a difficult week for you?
For the genre, yes. I generally avoid books that focus solely on romance like the plague. However, it wasn't a difficult week for me as the book itself was enjoyable and a fast read.
2015 Reading Challenge [Closed]
Books mentioned in this topic
Winter (other topics)Calling Me Home (other topics)
A Room with a View (other topics)
Emma (other topics)
Pride and Prejudice (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Marissa Meyer (other topics)Gabriel García Márquez (other topics)
Philippa Gregory (other topics)
Grace Burrowes (other topics)
Danielle Steel (other topics)
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What book are you reading? (Feel free to link to discussion)
How far along are you?
Did you enjoy it? (feel free to link to your book review)
Would you recommend this title?
Was this a difficult week for you?