100 books in 2011 discussion

Really looking forward to getting started on this challenge!

Cloud Atlas
This was one of the most challenging books I've read in a while and did take me a week to get through. There were definitely times when I desperately questioned why I was reading it but getting to the end felt like such an accomplishment, I'm glad I perservered. This is definitely a book that makes you think, but it's also a combination of some really good stories. Mitchell clearly has a natural ability for writing pastiche and I'm looking forward to reading more of his work.

The Wee Free Men

What a fabulous second book to read in January. After plodding through Cloud Atlas, this was a lovely little story, Terry Pratchett at his best, funny and heartwarming. I'd recommend The Wee Free Mento anyone who's looking for a book to cheer them up and make them feel good about the world again.

The Hunger Games
What a superb book! I now understand what all the fuss is about! Really really enjoyed this book - struggled to put it down and ended up reading it in less than 24 hours. There was continuous action, fascinating protagonists and one of the best heroines I've come across in a long time. I can't wait to read the next two books in the trilogy.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
I really love the later Harry Potter books, but I think I might have spoilt myself with the films for this one, as I just really struggled with it. I didn't find the plot captivating or convincing enough - but perhaps that's because having seen the film, I sort of knew what to expect? I already feel a connection with the characters, so their introductions to me were somewhat unnecessary. This doesn't mean, however, that this isn't still a great book. Yes, the descriptions are a little lengthy, but I think for a first novel, this is a great piece of work. I've been living under a rock, I know - over a decade ago maybe my review would have been a bit different, but then again, I've always been a bit of a slow-starter.
If you have never read the Harry Potter series, then you should. If only it's to see if your beliefs are justified.
This is a great story for little and big kids alike and despite me not being overly keen, all in all it was still a pleasure to read. As an aside, how come it's HP and the Sorcerer's Stone? The UK title is HP and the Philosopher's Stone. Still not really sussed out why the title was changed for US audiences and why here on Goodreads there doesn't seem to be an entry for HP and the Philosopher's Stone... Interesting.

New MoonOK I was skeptical about reading this one, but I read it lightning quick and then ended up having to read Eclipsestraight after (which I've just finished). Now I'm struggling with whether I can afford to read Breaking DawnAND my other outstanding books for this month's challenge... or whether I should wait until I've read the rest of my challenge books before cracking open Breaking Dawn. Any thoughts?

Brave New World
I finished it. I didn't like it. Hmmm... Can't really think of much more to say. I feel like it's one of those books I should have read, and now I have, so that's good. :-P

I read Brave New World twice (years ago), wondering what I'd missed the first time. Whatever it was, it got by me the second time, too. I did like the last few lines, but that's it.

Sense and Sensibility
Oh my word - what a chore this one was. I know that February hasn't really been 'my month' for keeping up with my reading, but I REALLY struggled to finish this one. It seemed never-ending! I didn't get on well with any of the characters and I just wanted to be done with it and move on. Strange, since it is a classic, and maybe I just entirely missed the point, but this wasn't a book I enjoyed. I do think I need to re-read it after a while though, just to see if I really dislike it or perhaps I've just not been in the correct frame of mind for this, this month.

A Christmas Carol
This wasn't even on my 'official' February list (which was very much reduced since I've had a boosted workload this month), however I found myself picking this up this morning and just diving straight in. Finished it within a couple of hours. I loved it. I realise that it's not really the sort of book you'd expect to read when spring is blossoming, however I think a bit of good ol' Victorian morality did wonders for my spirits today! Yes, this is a classic because it doesn't matter when or where you read it, A Christmas Carol speaks to EVERYONE and is a good old fashioned, enjoyable and moralistic tale. 5 stars.

I completely forgot to add

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secretswhich I read at the beginning of the month and I'm almost done with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Wasn't so keen on the former but loving the latter - it's much better than the film! Trying to finish A Clockwork Orangeand The War of the Worldstoo before February runs out, so at least I'll have read 5 books this month!

A Clockwork Orange
I have just finished this absolute masterpiece. Stunning. Very cleverly written - the use of language is amazing. Everyone must read this book - forget the film - it's nothing in comparison to this. 5+ stars!

The War of the Worlds
Completed this today as well. It was not really to my liking, however I managed to get through it rather unscathed. I found it rather dull and monotonous, which is a shame because there was a fair amount of action within the plot, however, the way that it was put across just didn't excite me. I think this has more to do with my own faults than that of the novel itself.

March has been rather slow-moving, but as of the time of writing I've finished:
. I still have 9 books to get through this month in order to get back on track, so I will update as I complete them!

I've just finished the amazing second book in the Hunger Games trilogy:
An absolutely thrilling read! I definitely recommend it. Can't wait to get started on the third book!

22/03/2011: Completed Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë. It's a cute story, but I think I read it a bit too soon after Jane Eyre.

Not posted in here for a while, so will have to put up an updated list soon. I'm currently reading

OK so unless I experience some sort of miracle, I honestly don't think I'm going to get near to 100 books in 2011, given that I'm only on 25!!! Oops.
Most recently I have been getting into Sherlock Holmes stories and have completed The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes along with The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. I've also read The Swiss Family Robinson, which overall has been OK to read, but I struggled with the heavy use of Christian evangelisation throughout (although if you read about why it was written, it is to be expected). The story itself is OK though and has been a pleasant and easy read. My favourite from this month so far has to be Anne of Green Gables which was just a delight to read.
I'm now reading The Woman in Whiteand have been impressed with the first couple of chapters.