I set myself a July reading target of 8 books. That might seem like absolutely squat to some of you crazy ass readers out there who get through like 15 books a week (seriously, how do you do it? Time-turners? Magic? Idk) but to me, that’s a hella lot. I’m a slow reader as it is and I tend to let my life and emotions get in the way of my reading a lot more than I should, considering books are there to help you escape from that very thing. But, I tried my best and managed to read a total of 3 books but currently have 2 on the go. I will be reviewing 1 or 2 of them in full but here’s a re-cap of July’s reading list!
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
I read this book on a whim because I quickly needed a new book to start if I was going to even attempt to complete my challenge. It’s the newest book on my shelf so I snapped it up and alas, a day later, it was finished. Wow. If you’ve not read this one, then I would beyond highly recommend it. You can find my full review of this book here.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis
In my post, ‘9 Popular Books Series I’ve Not Read or Finished’ I mentioned The Chronicles of Narnia. I’ve had a gorgeous set of these on my bookcase forever, as they used to be my mum’s when she was a little girl. I’d read the first one but never got around to the rest but I finally read this one and loved it. Beautiful story.
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson-Walker
I bet you are all sick to the stomach of hearing me talking about this book but I don’t care, I’m going to talk some more because it is one of my all-time favourites and reading it for the 3rd time only made me love it even more. I swear, it gets more and more beautiful with each read and I instantly wanted to start it again as soon as I’d finished it. I reviewed in ages ago, which you can find here.
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
I borrowed this book from a work friend of my boyfriend’s as he is a magician himself. I read up about it and thought it sounded super intriguing and I’m currently (at the time of writing) about a third through and despite it being labelled ‘Young Adult’, I’m finding it quite difficult to read. I like it but it’s very wordy. It’s like a cross between Harry Potter, I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak and John Green. Very interesting!
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
I’ve had this book on my shelf foreverrrrr and my mum’s read it and she absolutely loved it so I wanted to finally get around to it because quite frankly, I’m sick of seeing it just sitting there collecting dust. I’m a Jodi Picoult fan anyway, I think her writing style is brilliant and so easy and flowing and I’m really enjoying this one so far (despite only being like 10 pages in!)
[…] Read 8 books: This is one I failed somewhat miserably at. I knew that was quite a big target and one I’d only achieve if I read the exact right books, preferably with no more than 50 pages each. So it was a little ambitious but hey ho, I tried. I managed a grand total of 3 books and I spoke more about what I read in July here. […]
Since I’m a full time student I don’t have time to read novels.
I do read books by psychological theorists like recently Alfred Adler, Karen Horney, Sullivan and the like.
The last few novels I read were Cleopatra and Antony by William Shakespeare, Tess Gerritsen’s The Silent Girl, The Bacchae by Euridipes, Lord of the flies (I read this a long time ago but then repeated it last month)
These are the much I can remember but spaced in like three months or so
There’s nothing shabby about 3 books! It used to take me 6 months to read A book, so three books is a win. Don’t let anyone tell you other wise. They are just spoil sports any way.
I have a Curious Incident… on my kindle but I haven’t read it yet. I’m definitely looking forward to it and might bring it forward in the TBR pile on your recommendation.
I finished the Narnia books not too long ago. I have also had them sat on my shelf for years and years so it was about time I got to reading them. It’s a nice series, some books are much better than the others, but overall it’s good. Maybe the ending is a little bit of a disappointment but that’s just my preference. I wouldn’t read them again, but I’m glad I did.
The Magicians is another book that’s been sat on my TBR for ages too!
If you’re interested my July reads will be on the blog tomorrow 🙂
Happy Monday!
~ K
http://www.lifeasunusuals.com
I just miss how much I used to read – it was a lot more than this but lately I’ve just been having trouble not letting life get in the way of things I enjoy. Which I need to try and stop doing. The Magicians is a very weird book. I’m almost halfway though and although I’m enjoying it… It’s weird!
I know the feeling! It can be so easy to get distracted when you’re trying to read, I find its too hard to once trays when there’s too much going on in my head or life. Which is silly because I want to read to get away from that stuff!
I heard that the characters aren’t that likeable and it’s not a good read but it is at the same time or something complicated like that. I’m intrigued!
Looks like you read so many good books. I absolutely loved reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, it was definitely one of my favourites! 🙂
I recently just started blogging and it would be awesome if you could pop down and say hi! I’ll also (probably) be posting a giveaway soon. <3 // pinklemonadeandpaperbacks.blogspot.com
Glad you enjoyed The Curious Incident too. I’m yet to find someone that didn’t like it! Welcome to the blogging world (: xx
Hope that you enjoyed, this sounds patronising or stalkery or something but I do remember you saying on your blog that you wanted to get back to reading and reviewing so yay and well done, love your reviews (still have to read your review of The Curious Incident which I loved)! Happy further reading:)
I do want to get back into reading, reviewing and blogging about books more – you’re right! I think I’m doing that quite well as I’ve really upped my book themed posts lately and I’m really happy about that.
Great books. Thank you!
You’re welcome. Hope you grabbed some good recommendations!
I did!
I read The Curious about 5 years ago; I remember enjoying it but can’t remember that much about it, definately need to re-read it!
Yes definitely re-read! It’s such an easy book to read too you’ll be done in no time!
Ahh yay so pleased to see someone who loves The Age of Miracles as much as I do!! It’s so good, isn’t it?! I picked it up in a bookstore on a whim and then couldn’t put it down. I was transfixed. I love it so much, I really must do a re-read soon. Also, huge fan of Jodi Picoult and loved Nineteen Minutes! X
Oh my gosh you loved it too? I’ve been looking for you for years! It’s such a wonder story I can’t even put into words.
Nineteen Minutes is a book I always go back to when I’m looking for something familiar to read! The first time I read it I was absolutely hooked, just wait until you get to the end!
Ooh I’ve actually stepped back from this one a little lately and been focusing on my other books. I’m so desperate to just finally get it read now though – I’m kind of annoying myself!
I love The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. It’s simply brilliant. I’ve just read The Rosie Project which had a similar feel.
I really enjoyed The Rosie Project and I see what you mean about the similarities. I personally preferred Curious Incident!
Well, I’ve read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis. A wonderful story.
It really is, isn’t it? I can understand why it was my mums favourite book when she was younger.