What I Read This December

As I mentioned in my last post I managed to pull it together and finish the PopSugar Ultimate Reading Challenge for 2015 *throws confetti* And thanks to some help picking out the final challenges from my friends what I thought would be an exhausting slog through books I wasn’t really interested in turned out to be enjoyable to the end. So I finished my last five reading challenges then I got to enjoy some magical Christmas books.

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery ★★★★

A book with a colour in the title

I didn't think I would get into this one at the beginning as everyone was so darn unlikeable, thankfully the main character developed fabulously and it made for a fun read.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens ★★★★★

A book published over 100 years ago



Even though its a story we all know so well I had never read this. After attempting a few different books for this challenge Rachel recommended I give this one a shot and it was great. 

Life, the Universe and Everything (Hitchikers #3) by Douglas Adams  ★★★★

A book recommended by a friend

Technically I was recommended this series by one of my friends back in university days but I had never gotten around to books 3-5. The storyline in this edition was much easier to follow than the others in the series. Fortunately I like cricket enough to understand all the cricket-centric jokes it featured. 
 

So Long and Thanks for all the Fish (Hitchikers #4) by Douglas Adams ★★★

A book published in the year you were born



This book was okay, not as well put together as the rest of the series (although the foreword explains how the author was basically held at gunpoint and forced to write it). I wasn't really interested in Arthur Dent's love life, I would have rather followed the other characters. Hopefully the last book is better. I probably wont read the book that Eoin Colfer wrote as the 6th book as I don't like his writing much. 

 

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern ★★★★★

 

A book with magic in it

I loved this book so much, it just made me so happy.

The Night Before Christmas by Scarlett Bailey ★★★★

Calling Mrs. Christmas by Carole Matthews ★★★★

I enjoyed these two little Christmas books, they were pretty fun reads. 
I got a few books for Christmas, I haven't got around to reading any of them yet as I have a thousand library books out but I am excited about reading them sometime soon.

 

PopSugar Ultimate Reading Challenge 2015 Round up

I managed to pull it together and complete the challenge with 8 days to spare! All in all it was a good year of reading, I excelled my expectations by managing to finish in time. Along the way I read books I mostly enjoyed, finally read a few things I had put off and discovered a few new authors to follow. Here is the complete list of challenges and what I read for them:

1. A book with more than 500 pages
Love Saves the Day by Gwen Cooper

2. A classic romance
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

3. A book that became a movie 
Paper Towns by John Green

4. A book published this year
Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli 
  
5. A book with a number in the title
Mr Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloane 

6. A book written by someone under 30
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

7. A book with nonhuman characters
I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

8. A funny book 
Grace's Guide: The Art of Pretending to be a Grown-up by Grace Helbig

9. A book by a female author
The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl by Melissa Keil 
 
10. A mystery or thriller
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins 

11. A book with a one-word title
Wonder by R.J. Palacio

12. A book of short stories
12 Doctors 12 Stories by Various authors

13. A book set in a different country
Big Cherry Holler by Adrianna Trigiani

14. A nonfiction book
Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living by Nick Offerman

15. A popular author's first book
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

16. A book from an author you love that you haven't read yet
Saving Lucas Biggs by Marisa de los Santos and David Teague

17. A book a friend recommended
Life, the Universe and Everything by Douglas Adams

18. A (Pulitzer) Prize-winning book
All the Light we Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

19. A book based on a true story
The Bear by Claire Cameron

20. A book at the bottom of your to-read list
Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy

21. A book your mum loves
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

22. A book that scares you
Stay With Me by Maureen McCarthy

23. A book more than 100 years old
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

24. A book based entirely on its cover
From Hill With Love... Actually by Ali McNamara

25. A book you were supposed to read in school but didn't
Animal Farm by George Orwell

26. A memoir
Just Don't Fall:  How I Grew up, Conquered Illness, and Made it Down the Mountain by Josh Sundquist 

27. A book you can finish in one day 
We Should Hang Out Sometime by Josh Sundquist

28. A book with antonyms in the title
Lost and Found by Brooke Davis

29. A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit
Where'd you go Bernadette by Maria Semple

30. A book that came out the year you were born
So Long and Thanks for all the Fish by Douglas Adams

31. A book with bad reviews 
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion

32. A trilogy
Slated series by Teri Terry   

33. A book from your childhood
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling

34. A book with a love triangle
Never Google Heartbreak  by Emma Garcia

35. A book set in the future
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

36. A book set in high school 
Winger by Andrew Smith 

37. A book with a colour in the title
The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

38. A book that made you cry
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven 

39. A book with magic
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

40. A graphic novel 
Ghost World by Daniel Clowes

41. A book by an author you've never read before
My Life as an Alphabet by Barry Jonsberg

42. A book that takes place in your hometown
Jasper & Abby: and the Great Australia day Kerfuffle by Kevin Rudd

43. A book that was originally written in a different language  
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

44. A book set during Christmas
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

45. A book written by an author with your same initials
Mockingjay by Suzzane Collins

46. A book you own but have never read
Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita

47. A play
Hold me Closer: the Tiny Cooper Story by David Levithan

48. A banned book
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

49. A book based on or turned into a TV show
Orange is the new Black: My Year in a Women's Prison by Piper Kerman

50. A book you started but never finished 
Yes Please by Amy Poehler

My year in books!

What I Read This November

Since last months update I am feeling much more positive about completing this year's reading challenge. Miscounting the number of books remaining assisted in this. I currently  have three to go and as long as the last one turns up from the library I should be done by the end of the year. So, I am feeling pretty happy about that. Without further ado here is what I read this November:

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee ★★★★
A popular author's first book




Although the publication and subject matter of this book are somewhat problematic I found myself enjoying the book. Lee had me laughing and crying throughout. I most loved the childhood flashbacks of my beloved Scout. Grown up Jean Louise did not disappoint either. The book could have done with more work, but I am glad to have got the chance to read it.

Stay With Me by Maureen McCarthy ★★★
A book that scares you




I remember reading a few of Maureen McCarthy's books in my younger days and enjoying them so I picked this up without reading the blurb. It wasn't exactly scary but the themes of kidnap and abuse are not comfortable ones to read. I didn't enjoy it as much as her earlier books, but it was interesting and readable.  
 

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins ★★★★
A book by an author with your initials




I found it difficult to find any authors who shared my initials that I hadn't already read so I decided it would be a good idea to reread Mockingjay before seeing the film. When I originally read the series I read all three books in a blur of frenzied reading and so on rereading I was surprised at what I remembered and that I actually liked it better. Then I got to see the film fresh in the memory of reading it which can be good and bad. I enjoyed the film and was sad it was all over. Although apparently they are going to make prequel films so if true that is pretty exciting (a book would be good too!).

Lost & Found by Brooke Davis ★★
A book with antonyms in the title




This book wasn't for me. I thought it was just that the first time I attempted to read it I was sitting in a doctor's waiting room with a fever. But it turns out it was also the book. It tried so damn hard to be quirky it overstepped. I'm not the world's biggest prude (or maybe I am) but a three page description of an elderly lady's thoughts on male genitalia doesn't really add to the story at all or endear me to her as a character. Also the story was completely unrealistic in any sense. I'm sure many people would love this book and find it very heart warming and all that but not this person.


This month I have mostly purchased books for others as Christmas presents, but I did buy one for myself. Also a book subscription box, but that won't arrive until late December. My library list is full (mostly of trashy Christmas romances) so that should fill my need for new books. 

Book Lover's Christmas Gift Guide

Don't know what to get the book worm in your life this Christmas? Never fear, here is a quick list of cute ideas just in time before all the final postage dates (don't forget to check, I have messed up Christmas shipping before and had to go out to the shops in person - what a nightmare!).

Firstly the obvious choice would be books, or gift vouchers for the purchase of books. At this time of year I love to read cute Christmas books - here are a few I have enjoyed over the last few years:

Other obvious choices would be the illustrated version of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - it is just gorgeous - or an adult colouring in book such as The Secret Garden (Not a trend that I am following but definitely a trend).  

Next on my list would be a book subscription box (something I am getting this Christmas!) - these are really taking off around the world and there are many to choose from. There are so many around the world that look amazing; Owl Crate, Illumicrate, Uppercase and many more. I try not look at them as the postage to Australia is insane. I am trying out a couple of Australian ones, YA Chronicles which have done a fabulous job so far with their offerings and Foxthings which I'm less sure about (they seem to have had some issues but I'm hoping to see a box around Christmas - time will tell). 


Next on my list would be some bookish attire. Who doesn't want to share their love of literature in their clothing. Here are a few ideas:

1) A gorgeous Harry Potter Alliance Hermione quote tee from DFTBA records
2) A delightful Alice in Wonderland brooch from Etsy 
3) A whimsical book tee from Modcloth  
4) An Opening-line necklace from Modcloth
5) A flowing Due date scarf from Etsy
  
And last but not least a few extra bits and bobs that are fun:

1) A personal library set from Modcloth
2) Some adorable bookmarks from Etsy
3) A truthful cushion cover from Etsy
4) A useful tote from Modcloth
5) One of Frostbeard's delicious book themed soy candles from Etsy 
6) A Mockingjay pin replica (see I like book fandoms other than Harry Potter!) 

I hope you all have a magical Christmas and your stockings are filled with bookish items galore! xox

What I Read This October

Starting to feel like I am not going to finish this challenge within the given 12 months, but I may just surprise myself. I have read more books and much more widely than usual so either way it is pleasing. But with 10 more books to read at a busy time of year.. we shall see.


 
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury ★★★★
A banned book



This has been on my list of books I've wanted to read for a long time and it seemed like a perfect choice to read during banned book week. 

 
Big Cherry Holler by Adriana Trigiani   ★★★★  
A book set in another country



Although not quite as enjoyable as Big Stone Gap I enjoyed reading what Ave Maria had got up to in the years following the first book. I laughed and I cried along with her. But at times I also wanted to shake her and yell at her terrible decisions. Anyway, I will continue the series in the new year and no doubt continue to be astounded by her life choices.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling ★★★★★
A book from your childhood



I love picture books and I just had to get my hands on this beautiful book. I hadn't read it in a couple of years but I still love it. Technically I read it originally as a teen, but I'm going to count it for this challenge as my childhood as if anything Harry Potter evokes the child within. I love it and I want to give a copy to every child I know. I look forward to spending all my money on these editions as they are released.

 
12 Doctors 12 Stories by Various Authors ★★★★
 A book of Short Stories



I don't love short stories but I do love Dr. Who so that helped me with this challenge. Technically didn't finish this until the first of November because I was too tired to read the last story as planned.

The First Doctor: A Big Hand for the Doctor by Eoin Colfer ★★
An average story, not the best start. Not surprising I didn't love it, as I couldn't get into Artemis Fowl.

The Second Doctor: The Nameless City by Michael Scott ★★★★
This was a great story, loved the adventure and the Doctor/companion relationship.

The Third Doctor: The Spear of Destiny by Marcus Sedgwick ★★★
The Doctor, The Master, and some Vikings, whatever could go wrong.

The Fourth Doctor: The Roots of Evil by Philip Reeve ★★★★
I liked this story. Eleven being brought into the story was just a bit of a bonus.

The Fifth Doctor: Tip of the Tongue by Patrick Ness ★★★★
Great story. I need to get my hands on some of his other writing shortly.

The Sixth Doctor: Something Borrowed by Richelle Mead ★★★★
This was another good one. Interesting story and world. Excellent Doctor/Companion banter.

The Seventh Doctor: The Ripple Effect by Malorie Blackman ★★★
If you are going to write Daleks it needs to be a bit more exciting than this was. Okay butterfly effect story.

The Eight Doctor: Spore by Alex Scarrow ★★★

This story was maybe too descriptive (of unpleasant imagery) for my liking but interesting enough.

The Ninth Doctor: The Beast of Babylon by Charlie Higson ★★★

Liked the insane crab lady companion, did not like the talk of how wonderful and lovely Rose Tyler is. Blegh.

The Tenth Doctor: The Mystery of the Haunted Cottage by Derek Landy ★★★★★

This was a super fun story, I really enjoyed this and would have loved to see it as an episode. Even with Martha Jones as companion I loved it so that is saying something. 

The Eleventh Doctor: Nothing O'Clock by Neil Gaiman ★★★★

I was really looking forward to Neil Gaiman's contribution and made myself read the Doctor's in order not to rush getting to it. As he has written a few episodes you can see in this story how well he knows Eleven and it is enjoyable to read.

The Twelfth Doctor: Lights Out by Holly Black ★★★★

This story was quite short and to the point, as someone who doesn't really feel a connection with Twelve I was surprised to enjoy this so much.  


I did pretty well on the book buying front this month, only buying Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone illustrated version. If you can walk past that beauty, you are a stronger person than I! I'm going to a library book sale sometime this week so next months tally may not sparkle so.