Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
2023 Plans
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B is for Books Bare with Barbara.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 42. A book related to a ghost, spirit, phantom, or specter
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
1st Time: It is really sad, but I'll give it only 3 stars.
I wouldn't say I like the story, and I think the movie was a way better than the book. Is that possible? Yes!
Favorite Character: Ron because he calls Lockhart a "git" (in Portuguese they translated git to bosta and this is something like shit LOL HE CALLS LOCKHART A SHIT I laughed really loud!!)
2nd Time: Ok, I have raised the rating by one star, and I still think the movie is way, way better than the book. It is just the simplicity of the first years in Hogwarts, and all the new challenges that have driven me nostalgic at this time.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 29. A book that is light
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★☆☆☆☆
Nope. No way. This is far beyond a decent book.
I have read some reviews of people who rated this book with two or fewer stars, and I read some of the reviewers calling themselves "heartless" or "dead inside". For God's sake, folks, this book is boring! And Kate is annoying, and the slangs are more annoying than her and the poor lady, everything happens to her, and she is so positive.
I just found her positivity toxic. Even Pollyanna broke, DUDE! Even she lost her hope, and Pollyanna is the meaning of positivity. She is the reason why eleven-year-old girls know how to see the bright side of difficult situations.
Thank you for this, Kim Holden, I am sure you are a better writer, but I don't know why how well-rated this book is on Goodreads. And I accept my fate to be added to the list of "Unsympathetic" female readers. Thanks!
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 18. A book related to science
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★★
Dava Sobel did an excellent job when she fitted years of history into 180 pages. This book kept me interested in its main topic (Harrison's hard work in solving the Longitude problem), even though I am neither an astronomer nor a historian, only a humble and adventurous reader.
Funny enough, I passed by the Greenwich later in 2022, not imagining that I would find this book in the library some weeks later and that would decide to give it a try.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 18. A book related to science
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★★
Metaphorically accurate, this book, although short in size and narrative, brings understanding to this complex topic. The fog of depression does take one's breath, and it is hard to see through it. Kudos to Debi and her illustration. I want to have this book on my bookshelf.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 08. An author's debut book
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★☆☆
What should I say besides: 'well, this is a long book, huh?' I have mixed feeling about it, I am sure I should just try and see the second book of the series, but I have no interest in investing my time in finishing the whole series, so I guess it will take a while for me to go further with it.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 41. A book from the NPR “Books We Love” lists
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★★
I read this book in English, and my last words came out in Portuguese. "Holy shit" is the closest translation I could think of "caralho." But that Portuguese word is a tricky one, it could mean I was surprised, in pain, or in shock. And I guess it is wise to say that I had all those feelings mixed up at the end of this book.
Home Fire kept me entertained and curious. I wanted more of it most of the time, even when all its drama suffocated me.
If you have this book on your TBR List, I suggest you to read it next time.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 08. An author's debut book
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
About Taylor Jenkins Reid: She's an icon, she's a legend, and she is the moment! Aaaand she keeps bringing up new iconic characters.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 52. A book with an unusual or surprising title
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★☆☆
I like how sincere the author was in presenting her thoughts to the public and her not being afraid to write her fears down. It inspired me to write more, even if I don't think my writing is worth the reading. I do agree that we all have something important to share.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 36. A book that has been translated from another language
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
This is the kind of book I appreciate coming across at the library hunt. What I mean is that sometimes I grab my Library card, and go around its shelves looking for something unique, never seen or heard of.
With sharp humor, Strömquist speaks nothing but the truth, enlightening the reader with all the necessary and nearly-erased-by-the-patriarchy information regarding our beloved vulva. As a woman, I wish every woman would read this book and respect more their own bodies (including: me, myself and moi.)
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 04. A book with an interracial relationship
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
I have only rated TJR with 4 stars so far. But this is my fault, not hers! Reid is out of this world, and every character she brings to life is unique. Carrie Soto, however, has to be my least favorite one.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 44. A book where the cover design includes text that is not completely horizontal
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
What a reading! I could not understand the meaning of this book and why the author had decided to use a convenience store as the center of the story until I realized I was being represented in this book.
When you are meant to be someone and play a part in society, it is hard to make people understand that you are pleased with your role. Furukura also sees the challenge of being satisfied with her choices when people around her keep doubting her importance in the community.
If you plan to read this book, I would suggest you think about the convenience store as a representation of our society, and also to meditate on the fact that we are always meant to please other people's expectations.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 09. A book nominated for an award beginning with W
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
I could not stop listening to the audiobook, and it wasn't an easy book for me. Gifty is gifted with the perception of how hard life can be for those who are aware of its nuances. She had to grow up too early in life, facing the challenges of keeping her faith in the Almighty and understanding the mental struggles the people she loves have. How to keep faith in a world that succumbs around her every day?
It is complex, it is hurtful, and it is a necessary reading. I am glad the public library provided this audiobook. And kudos to Bahni Turpin and her wonderful job of bringing this book to life.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 07. A book with ONE of the five "W" question words in the title
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
I made a great choice three years ago when I decided to only read women for the main yearly challenge. This allowed me to read amazing works written by the most brilliant minds, such as Eddo-Lodge.
Eddo-Lodge, thank you for putting your thoughts into words. This book is necessary and an important lesson to be learned. May other lessons come, and may I, always be alert to the racism surrounding our society.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 06. A book where books are important
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★★
I present to you all: one of the best thrillers ever!
I picked up this book, along with my twin reading sister of the month, a couple of weeks ago. Within days we both had read the book and had a wonderful time sharing our thoughts. Colleen Hoover did it; I think the last time I read such a good thriller was probably in 2013.
I had a mix of feeling while I read this book. Goosebumps, shock, excitement, concern, and this are what you expect from every thriller out there. But none of them can present the reader with these various sensations.
Colleen Hoover deserves all the ovation she has been getting. She is a beast! (just like Verity)
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 22. A book with a faceless person on the cover
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
I wasn't expecting this book to be so good! I was not expecting much from it because of its rate on Goodreads, but do not take something for granted, this one particular is far beyond a much-necessary reading.
First, I am happy that my local library provides a wide range of audiobooks, so please check if yours does the same. Secondly, I felt this book with all my heart and knew it had been written for me and many other women worldwide.
I like how dysmorphia has been highlighted in this work, we have all been there and talking about myself I have been harsh with my own body since I was 40kg.
Ironically I moved to Ireland after coming across dark times, the same as Sophie had gone through, and this book crossed my spirit in a very particular way. I love this particular quote: "I want to stop pretending I believe what I’ve been told what happiness is. I have to find out for myself." this idea of finding happiness in my own way was exactly what had driven me to cross oceans and skies to find my place in this crazy world.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 16. Three books, each of which is set in a different century - 20th
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
This story was set in 1911, but it feels like it was set in 2023. Landlords making a profit over vulnerable people in Dublin? I've heard about it before...
I am a foreigner living in Dublin, I love Ireland with all my heart, and I am blessed to have a job and to be able to afford my single room, but the housing situation in this city is ridiculous and has gotten out of control a couple of decades ago.
Regarding the book - it is a lovely story filled with charismatic characters and a realistic presentation of Dublin in the 1910s. I liked the extra pages added at the end of the book, telling more about Circus life back in the 10s. I love bees, and they are particularly charming in Ireland! I have never seen such adorable animals as the Irish Bumblebees.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 14. A book with a con, deception, or fake
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★☆☆
The pace of this book was the only thing that didn't please me (apart from Martha), everything else was fine, and I am pleased with the plot.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 48. A book with an unusually large version of an animal in the story
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★★
1st Review (2016): This is my favorite book of the series, and I'm glad of re-reading it after such a long time. My feelings were messed up by the end of the book. I was happy but crying.
I remember that the first time I read this book was during school (10 years ago), and that I said to my friends Sirius was my father. It was so good - the old days! We used to create stories based on Harry Potter's world.
Favorite Character: Sirius Black!!!!!!!
2nd Review (2023): Wow, have I grown old? I do love this book, and I will still keep the previous rating, but I no longer adore Sirius Black that much. I nearly rolled my eyes when they all talked about Peter Pettigrew.
I will always be grateful for all the opportunities I had to play RPG with friends having the World of Harry Potter as a base for our fantasies. J.K. Rowling gifted us with unconditional opportunities to be imaginative.
One big difference I have noticed is that I simply adore Professor Trelawney nowadays, and I used to think she was nuts (aren't we all?), and Professor McGonagall is nowadays my favorite character in the books. Women's power, all along!
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books (2016)
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 36. An identity book (about a different culture, religion or sexual orientation)
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
This comic book gave me goosebumps. I didn't know much about the Noh ritual, and now I am fascinated with it! I am also fascinated with the author's mesmerizing art style, which amazed me on every page. Lovely work!
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 24. A character that might be called a Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, or Spy
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★☆☆☆
None of these characters were safe from my lack of sympathy. I found all of them to be either annoying or uninteresting. It wasn't a horrible reading, but I felt like I never connected to the plot, as I kept wondering things like: "is this a novel? Or is it a mystery? Who are these people? Why did this happen? I didn't see this coming!"
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽:05. A book with 4 or more colors on the cover
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★☆☆☆☆
DNF: I have never, ever DNFed a book! Even when I was 11 and decided it was time to read Sophie's Choice (bad, bad decision, Barbara!), and also when I got a Bella Andre book to complete a challenge (another wrong decision), I have DNFed those readings. I have kept them because I am tough, and I probably don't really care about the time I spend doing unpleasant things.
But this book was a big NO for me from the very beginning. This lady, August, needs some therapy, and so do I. I was excited to read a LGBTQIA+ book, but I guess I will stick to the safe side and read Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.
1st Review: So I came back to this book because I hate the feeling of giving up a read. There are so many references in this book that I felt I was reading an essay. There are so many red flags in it that I am having trouble seeing green and blue in my life. I have never read a book with so many annoying and dull characters!!!!! I seriously hated this book.
One thing I saw was other people who gave this book one star asking if they were not being too rude or even calling themselves heartless. I guess I'll join the heartless club.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books (2016)
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 11. A book about a person/character with a disability
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
I was expecting more of this reading, but it is not at all bad. Based on the Goodreads reviews, I just felt it would be something else, super extraordinary, out of this world. It is a nice book, that's it.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books (2016)
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 01. A book set in a location that begins with A, T, or Y
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★☆☆
Although beautifully written, this book is exaggeratedly annoying. I would like to start a campaign to get this book's title changed to "Dumb Ways to Die".
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 10. A book related to one of the Spice Girls' "personalities"
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
1st Review: I finally finished this book!
Although it took me almost 1 month to read it, it was delightful, especially by the middle of the story. I thought Prisoner of Azkaban was dark, but this one is even darker.
We had to face the first death of a buddy, and it was hard for me to read this part.
I want to finish the series this year but need more time to start the Order of the Phoenix. I'm not ready.
Favorite Character: I am surprised by Harry's actions in this book. He is growing up!!!
2nd Review: My last review was in 2017, and 6 years later, I am ready to admit that Harry Potter is my least favorite character in this series! And this book, so far, is my least favorite one.
This book has all the good ingredients to bring us into a darker and more complex story, but it is still a bit childish, and Harry himself still acts as if everyone should watch his back. He should start to take accountability for his own actions (or lack of) and grow up. Am I being too harsh, or is Dumbledore too soft?
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 12. A book connected to birds, bees, or bunnies
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★★
This has to be one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. I will rate it with five stars, but I don't think I will ever be able to read it again. It is sadly powerful, and as an immigrant myself, I always have in mind that no one leaves their homeland for fun. There are bigger matters related to leaving a comfortable life in order to head into the unknown. The refugees are brave people who should always be respected.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 21. A book by an Asian diaspora author
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★★
This has to be one of the best novels I have ever read! I love when a book presents me with a whole new world, and Joshi did it by writing this story beautifully. I was taken to India, and I could hear the noises, smell the food, and could nearly touch the henna mentioned in this masterpiece.
I even got in touch with my loved teacher Shruti to ask her to add this book to her list, and if I could I would ask everyone I know to do the same.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 25. A book with a tropical setting
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
Chimamanda never fails to surprise me. And after reading her novels, I always find myself speechless, as if I can't contribute to her hard work with my reviews.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 27. A book by an author from continental Europe
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
First, I would like to praise all the public libraries in Ireland for providing so many good books. I found this book resting on a shelf, waiting to be picked up by a random foreigner, and I brought it home with me. I cherished it and finally decided it was time to read it.
I was 50/50. I would either laugh while reading it or be concerned about my countrymen. I don't believe I am fascist, but I also came upon sentences I have said before and some brainwashing I allowed to get stuck into for a while. I have seen and experienced Bolsonarism, a form of Fascism that was raised in Brazil a couple of years ago, and believe me or not, for a short but damaging period of my life, I agreed with the bastard. But once I opened my eyes, in time to not vote for him, I realized how his ideologies surrounded me: at home, church, and the workplace.
Fascism will come and go, and it is not related to a particular group of people - as said by the author, but this book made me think about how we allow fascists to make so much noise and damage our society.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 13. A book that has an object that is repeated on the cover
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★☆☆
The quotes were a bit controversial but quite pleasant to read. I finished the book in one go from Dundrum to the City Centre of Dublin.
One thing that makes me think about Gabrielle is if she would have been delighted to know that her brand became something luxurious and hardly affordable. I firmly believe that her ideals would be different from the ones that the CEOs of the brand are happy to keep now.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 43. A book that involves a murder
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★★
1st Review:Well done, Agatha, well done!
What can I say? I wasn't expecting anything but a good story. I really like Agatha's books. She always blows my mind and makes me feel like Sherlock Holmes - collecting information and looking for hints between the lines.
This is the 5th book I read from her, and three times in a row, I got who the killer was, so I thought I would do it again - how wrong I was!
(view spoiler)
Wait for me, Agatha, I'll discover the killer the next time!
Favourite Character: Mary Debenham!
2nd Review: This has to be one of the best mystery books of all time. I love Agatha Christie, but this book here is something else.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 26. A book related to pride
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★☆☆☆
It was easy to go through it, but I didn't enjoy that much. The thing I liked the most was that the characters were black, so it was a good insight into the black culture for me, but I don't think it was deep enough to make me learn much.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 50. A second book that fits your favorite prompt (13. A book that has an object that is repeated on the cover)
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★☆☆
I had my ups and downs with this book, and I will have to blame the slow pace of the reading, as I found it a bit boring occasionally, even though I was interested in reading it.
I am enthusiastic when the matter is Japanese authors, so it was a pleasure to come across Shion Miura and to get to know a new author and a brand new narrative about Japan - a country I decided to fall in love with when I was only eleven years old. Since then, twenty-two years ago, I have collected songs and books, being able to see and experience Japan through other people's eyes, and working on the day, I will finally see things from my own perspective.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 02. A book by an author you read in 2022
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★☆☆
1st Review: Harry Potter is a great series, but sometimes I think something is missing in the story.
I liked how Harry dealt with his problems in this story. I am pretty sure I would act like him. The circumstances make him lose his mind sometimes, and I loved it! I also loved how Snape acts in this book, but Sirius made me think he was a jerk sometimes. He acted like a teenage boy, and in the battle, he lost his mind only to say stupid words to Bellatrix. And Bellatrix is not as dangerous as I thought she would be. I have to say that Helena did a good job in the movies. And also, Imelda was awesome because Umbridge is more like a boring and crazy principal in the book, whilst in the films, she is evil.
Luna is so cute! And I loved how Neville and Ginny are stronger now. I don't believe that Ginny is one of my favorite characters in the series, but she is!
Favorite Character: Ginny, the oscar goes to you!
2nd Review: Harry James Potter is a pain in the a.. although I love this series, Harry must be one of its most annoying main characters. I understand that being a teenager is not an easy task. It was actually horrendous when it was my turn, but Harry did it majestically in a bad way.
I had to lower my rate this time because, by age 31, we no longer tolerate some things, and Ginny, once again, was the MVP.
Overall, the 5th book of the series had the most important facts and plots but also the least interesting one.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 03. A book that fits a suggestion that didn’t make the 2023 list
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★☆☆
A lovely poetry book that I found while in Quarteira, Portugal. Helena's poetries are a bit blue for me, but I had a great time reading the book out loud for my family. I even had the chance to write down the poem CIDADE at an AIRBNB because I felt it was proper for travelers to come across it.
CITY
there is a sun above us
so shiny that it makes you happy
a cloud pass by, and you feel blue
i'd like to be the wind
and blow the cloud away
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 23. A book with a body of water in the title
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
As I imagined, this book exceeded all my expectations with its fantastic plot and philosophy. The only reason I am keeping from rewarding it with five stars is because I won't ever be able to re-read it. It is just too much sadness for me. But if you have it shelved, I suggest you read it now.
The lives of Jeju women are an inspiration, and Lisa See is a genius. I am glad I have got the chance to come across her.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 33. A book by an author with a first name popular in 1923
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
Such a joyful reading! I enjoyed every minute I spent with this book, and I can't tell you how many times I laughed or giggled while reading it. And this has to be one of those non-rare cases when the book is better than the film, and trust me, the film was also great!
Juliet Ashton is now one of my favorite characters, I am just not inclined to say that her romance is at the top of my list, but it isn't too bad.
I would highly recommend this reading to any romantic person and anyone looking for an easy-pace reading. This has to be the right one for you!
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 45. A book whose author has published more than 7 books
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★☆☆☆
What do you do when the main character is the most uninteresting one? From the beginning to the end, I wished this reading was over, but it kept going forever with all sorts of foolish ideas.
I am surprised by how well-rated this book is, and maybe YA is no longer for me.
PS: I have just finished The Island of Sea Women, by Lisa See, a fantastic book, which might be the reason why I found The Poppy Was to be tedious.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 45. A book whose author has published more than 7 books
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
I have not had so much fun with a YA book for so long! This brought me back to when I loved them all, including An Abundance of Katherines. I love to praise a great author, and McManus deserves all the book's attention: so congratulations! Agatha Christie would be proud of you and disgusted by how unsafe going to school in the 21st century is!
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 45. A book whose author has published more than 7 books
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★★
What an incredible and devastating journey! Yaa Gyasi has to be one of the top writers of the decade because she has whatever it takes to be a brilliant author: heart, passion, love, and power.
I was involved in the storytelling from the beginning and can't stop thinking about this book even though I have already finished it. I also can't wait to watch it as a film because if my brain could create the most beautiful people in my mind, so can Hollywood. We have to have more Ghanaians in the pictures telling their stories and the stories of their ancestors.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 20. A book with a cover or title that includes a route of travel
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★★
I loved everything about this book. Great storytelling, loveable characters, and shocking plot.
I watched this film twenty years ago or so, and I remember the feeling of loving it so much. Although I had forgotten the story, I never forgot how much I loved it. So I decided to give this book a chance, knowing that my chances of enjoying it were high, and I wasn't wrong at all because it was a great experience.
I highly recommend it; it is one of the most beautiful romances I have ever read because it focuses not only on one type of love but the love you feel for a friend, people with different backgrounds, and self-love.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 34. A novella
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★★
Wow, wow, wow! I am honestly impressed and in awe. And once again, hip, hip hooray to the public libraries across Ireland because if it weren't for them, I would have never chosen this book. But I am glad I did, and since the first page, I could not put it down.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 19. A book related to the arts
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★☆☆
The Marriage of Opposites is a great historical piece that introduced me to a period and characters I wasn't familiar with. Hoffman's style is unique in the most positive way. However, I felt stuck in the middle of the book, not knowing if it would improve again, probably because of the extension of Rachel's storyline.
Extremely informative. I liked how Alice Hoffman presented the setting, people, and feelings, but the book lost its pace middle way to the end.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 39. A western
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★☆☆
This is my first ever Western, and it was a great experience. I would never read this book if it wasn't for the Around the Year with 52 Books Challenge.
The book is alright, I enjoyed it a lot, but the plot never really peaked in my point of view. Everything went smoothly, but not too smartly, I dare to say. It was only at the end that I thought, "This book is great" however, it was a bit too late to come up with a higher rating, so I got stuck with 3.0, and that's ok! I am sure there are better reviews than mine. But don't keep yourself from reading it, it is a short book with charismatic characters and an easy narrative, so is worth reading!
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 38. A book with the sun, moon, or stars on the cover
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★★☆
I am impressed with how good, philosophical, and profound this reading was. For a Fantasy book, one of my least favorite genres, this book is a masterpiece.
It took me a while to get used to all the names, and midway through the second book, I was still lost but curious. I kept thinking there was something impressive coming, and there was! Honestly, this book was a great find!
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 30. A book related to a chess piece
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★☆☆☆☆
I was looking forward to reading this book, so based on how I rated it, one can imagine how disappointing it was!
I thought I was being too hard on it until my client told me, "I have read a few lines of that book. Why are you reading it?" My client is 79 years old, and I thought I would give it another chance and another try. And it took me two months to grab myself to the end of this never-ending nonsense.
I can now say for sure that Miyazaki is a genius because only he could come up with a good film based on this story. It is awful, boring, and a waste of time, and it shocks me to see how well-rated it is, making me think that I might be a bad, tedious, and time-wasting being. :D
(PS: is this a trilogy? God have mercy!)
Funnily enough, this Saturday's Guardian newspaper had an article by Katherine Rundell in praise of Diana Wynne Jones! If you're interested, and can access it, there's a link here:https://www.theguardian.com/books/202...
I haven't read any of her books, so can't comment. I loved the film, though.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 32. A book set in a UNESCO City of Literature
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★☆☆
There is a duality in every one of Rooney's works. I hate to love her characters, I despise and adore her books, and they make me feel drained with so much excitement for living my life, and I keep in between rating her work with two and four stars. I am always in between feelings, apart from thinking that Sally Rooney is a genius.
LeahS wrote: "Funnily enough, this Saturday's Guardian newspaper had an article by Katherine Rundell in praise of Diana Wynne Jones! If you're interested, and can access it, ther..."Thank you, Leah, for sharing this article with me. Indeed, D. W. Jones is a genius, and the article convinced me of that. However, it is hard for me to enjoy fantasy books, so I guess it is more a matter of genre than the author.
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮: Around the Year in 52 Books
𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓽: 51. A book published in 2023
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓮: ★★★☆☆
It's an OK book. I laughed a few times, I had fun, but it's not a masterpiece. I love Jojo Moyes, but this book is one of my least favorites from her.
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Jane, the Fox & Me (other topics)Jane, the Fox & Me (other topics)
Pequeno Manual Antirracista (other topics)
Pequeno Manual Antirracista (other topics)
Ugly Love (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Katherine Rundell (other topics)Diana Wynne Jones (other topics)
Katherine Rundell (other topics)
Diana Wynne Jones (other topics)
𝓜𝓪𝓲𝓷 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮:
2016 - Around the Year in 52 Books: 35/52 (04/21)
2017 - Around the Year in 52 Books: 32/52 (01/21)
2020 - Around the Year in 52 Books: 03/52 (03/52)
2023 - Around the Year in 52 Books: 52/52𝓣𝓪𝓰𝓼:
📖: 184 + 32 + 288 + 126 + 144 + 176 + 320 + 160 + 337 + 112 + 96 + 205 + 117 + 291 + 505 + 118 + 302 + 388 + 343 + 283 + 128 + 135 + 104 pages
🎧: 10:06:35 + 13:13:42 + 33:48:40 + 08:58:26 + 08:38:23 + 08:41:00 + 05:53:00 + 06:50:10 + 07:00:13 + 09:11:55 + 11:59:47 + 07:10:16 + 13:38:01 + 09:35:30 + 14:58:40 + 27:33:44 + 10:56:16 + 07:47:56 + 06:14:23+ 06:08:15 + 35:19:07 + 13:22:30 + 18:57:36 + 10:43:48 + 13:11:26 + 13:36:37 + 06:42:12 + 17:19:24 + 10:04:50 + 12:22:37 + 03:48:33 + 10:51:36 + 08:45:22 + 05:33:06 + 10:35:28 + 34:47:51 + 8:16:42 hours
🔠: Acevedo (x2), Adichie, Ahern, Alther, Barrows**, Britt, Christie, Collins, Eddo-Lodge, Flagg (x2), Frances, Gabaldon, Gliori, Grant, Gyasi (x2), Hannah, Hoffman, Holden, Hoover (x2), James, Jiles, Jones, Joshi, Kuang, Lefteri, MacKesy* **, McManus, McQuiston, Meyer, Mina, Miura, Morris, Moyes, Murata, Murgia, Murray, Obata*, Paz, Prasifka, Prose, Reid (x2), Ribeiro, Rooney, Rowling (x4), Satrapi, See, Shaffer**, Shamsie, Sobel, Strömquist, Taylor, Webb, Zoboi (D - I - N - Q - U - V - X - Y)
𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰:
❤️️🖤🖤🖤🖤: 03
❤️️❤️️🖤🖤🖤: 03
❤️️❤️️❤️️🖤🖤: 15
❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️🖤: 25
❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️: 14
❌❌❌❌❌: 00
𝓡𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓫𝓸𝔀 𝓒𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓼: