Today’s First Lines Friday feature is on theme with my Top Ten Tuesday post I shared a few days ago. It also features one of the books I shared in that post. For a different reason, admittedly.
I recently purchased a copy of this book and the first line especially caught my attention. I’m looking forward to reading this soon. It’s been recommended to me by two different individuals recently. It’ll also be nice to read something a little ‘older’ on the TBR.
Here are today’s First Lines Friday opening lines, followed by details of the book:-
The small boys came early to the hanging.
It was still dark when the first three or four of them sidled out of the hovels, quiet as cats in their felt boots. A thin layer of fresh snow covered the little town like a new coat of paint, and theirs were the first footprints to blemish its perfect surface. They picked their way through the huddled wooden huts and along the streets of frozen mud to the silent market-place, where the gallows stood waiting.
A spellbinding epic tale of ambition, anarchy and absolute power set against the sprawling medieval canvas of twelfth-century England, The Pillars of the Earth is Ken Follett’s classic historical masterpiece.
A MASON WITH A DREAM
1135 and civil war, famine and religious strife abound. With his family on the verge of starvation, mason Tom Builder dreams of the day that he can use his talents to create and build a cathedral like no other.
A MONK WITH A BURNING MISSION
Philip, prior of Kingsbridge, is resourceful, but with money scarce he knows that for his town to survive it must find a way to thrive, and so he makes the decision to build within it the greatest Gothic cathedral the world has ever known.
A WORLD OF HIGH IDEALS AND SAVAGE CRUELTY
As Tom and Philip meet so begins an epic tale of ambition, anarchy and absolute power. In a world beset by strife and enemies that would thwart their plans, they will stop at nothing to achieve their ambitions in a struggle between good and evil that will turn church against state, and brother against brother . . .
My Thoughts…
That intro really caught my attention. What are small children doing attending a hanging? What kind of life and existence is this?
I’ve been recommended this book twice by people I trust pretty well when it comes to book recommendations. It’s an epic, as I’m sure you’ve noticed by the page I’ve shared above. However, that doesn’t intimidate me. I love me a good chunky book now and then and as a fan of historical fiction, the combo should work well for me.
I’ve read books set around similar time periods and in terms of setting before, so I’m pretty confident this is something I can get on with. Otherwise, I’m pretty oblivious as to the content of the book other than that alluded to in the synopsis.
Have you read Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett or any of the other books in the series?
In today’s Top Ten Tuesday, I’m sharing a number of classic books. If this post has highlighted anything to me, it’s that generally I read books that have been published within the last decade. This isn’t a surprise. If you read my Sunday Summary post where I shared that I was going to publish this post, I said that exact same thing.
However, I am surprised by how many there are that have an ‘older’ publication date. Honestly, I thought I’d have a handful to share in this Top Ten Tuesday and that would be it. Given that I’ve not been able to sort my Goodreads reading list by the original publication year (I use the mobile app), I’ve had to do a bit of digging comparing the versions I’ve added to my reading list with the original publication date. I’ve done my best to make this list as accurate as possible, but there is a possibility of human error in here.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame – 1831
It was almost a given that Victor Hugo was going to be on this list! I also surprised myself because I then expected Les Mis to feature on this list. Only, I realised I’ve not actually added Les Mis to my TBR even though I have a copy of the book…
So, sticking to the rules of the post, I’m not featuring that one here but talking about The Hunchback of Notre Dame instead. This is the kind of book I mean when I talk about being able to tell that it’s written earlier. Personally, I have to have my head screwed on when I try to read a classic. It doesn’t read quite so fluidly and I have to really concentrate.
The Three Musketeers – 1844
The Three Musketeers was also almost guaranteed to make it to this list. I wasn’t sure exactly when this book was published, but I knew for certain it was going to be one of the oldest I had.
Weirdly, I added this to my reading list after watching a show based on the musketeers on Netflix many moons ago. We’ll see how it lives up to expectations.
Jane Eyre – 1847
I haven’t read any books by the Brontë sisters so honestly, I have no idea what to expect with these. Admittedly I’d forgotten I had this one on my TBR at all.
One day I’ll get to it and be able to tell you more about it. Let’s hope sooner rather than later!
The Grapes of Wrath – 1939
The Grapes of Wrath will be my second read by John Steinbeck when I get to it. I had mixed feelings about Of Mice and Men when I first picked it up for school. However, since then I re-read the book in my own time and enjoyed it.
I added The Grapes of Wrath after reading that because I want to try more by this author.
Catch-22 – 1961
Catch-22 is weirdly further down the list than I thought it would be. Equally, it was in the works a while before being published, so maybe that’s why.
Hardly surprising that it’s another classic/iconic read is it?!
The Colour Purple – 1982
I first picked up and sampled a copy of The Colour Purple in my school library a long time ago now. I never really got very far into it, so it is a book I’m look forward to reading properly sometime.
Again, it’s a pretty well known title. If not a classic, it takes on some pretty important themes including religion as well as domestic and sexual abuse.
Why do I want to read this again? It’s not so much that I enjoy reading about such things. I hate the idea of anyone going through that. However, I think it’s important that we do.
A Darkness at Sethanon – 1987
If there was a genre that wasn’t a classic or iconic fiction that still made it into this Top Ten Tuesday, it would be fantasy. There is enough of it on the TBR that something should have made it on here.
And yes, it did! There is only one book that qualifies on account of having read the earlier books in the series already. A Darkness at Sethanon is the final book in the Riftwar Saga by Raymond E Feist. I have mixed opinions on the series so far. But, it’ll be good to see it through to the end and make up my mind on it once and for all!
Pillars of the Earth – 1989
I’m actually excited this is on the list as I purchased a copy of it just the other day. Admittedly, it’s a far more up to date edition than 1989, but it still stands on this list.
The Eye of the World – 1990
It’s a pure coincidence, but also refreshing, that my current read features on this list. I suspected the Wheel of Time series had to have been written some time ago given the length of the series and the fact that it needed to be finished by another author.
I almost didn’t check the date on this one, so that goes to show that the book doesn’t really read as being that old. And it’s not.
In my opinion, I can only really tell when books are written 100+ years ago because the language style is different across the board. There is naturally a bit of this from one author to another, but it’s far broader than that too. Sentences are longer and their structure is more complicated. Word ordering is a little bit different. It’s little things, but the things I can pick up on.
Alias Grace – 1996
It’s great to feature a Margaret Atwood novel on this Top Ten Tuesday list. I have absolutely no idea about the story of Alias Grace other than the synopsis appealed to me. When we think of Margaret Atwood, we think of books like The Handmaid‘s Tale, or more recently the sequel The Testaments.
In truth, she’s written many books other than those, but those are the one she’s known for and the ones I know her for. I’m looking forward to branching out a little and trying some of her other reads.
Summary
The fact that I managed to feature 10 books in this Top Ten Tuesday post with an original publication date of pre-2000 surprises me. I thought I’d have a lot more in the way of current books. That’s not a bad thing though! It means I’m reading a little more diversely than I expected, and there is nothing wrong with a backlist book. To be honest, that’s what I read most of!
Do you have any of today’s Top Ten Tuesday features on your TBR?
It’s been a good while since I shared a Shelf Control post… or a regular Friday feature at that! After a brief spell of scaling back the blogging I’m now back to regular scheduling and ready to dive in!
The author I feature in today’s Shelf Control post is one I have read once before. That first book I read was a whopping five star read and I’ve been excited to read more of her stuff ever since!
Before I share the details on this week’s feature, this is what this Shelf Control feature is about.
Shelf Control is a meme run by Lisa at Bookshelf Fantasies. It’s a celebration of the unread books on our shelves! The idea is to pick a book you own but haven’t read and write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up.
If you want to read more about the Shelf Control feature, check out Lisa’s introductory post.
Elizabeth Wein, author of the critically-acclaimed and best-selling Code Name Verity, delivers another stunning World War II thriller where a young female pilot will have to confront the realities of hope and bravery if she wants to survive capture.
While ferrying an Allied fighter plane from Paris to England, American ATA pilot and amateur poet, Rose Justice, is captured by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious women’s concentration camp. There, she meets an unforgettable group of women, including a once glamorous French novelist; a resilient young Polish girl who has been used as a human guinea pig by Nazi doctors; and a female fighter pilot for the Soviet air force.
Trapped in this bleak place under horrific circumstances, Rose finds hope in the impossible through the loyalty, bravery, and friendship of her fellow prisoners. But will that be enough to enable Rose to endure the fate that is in store for her?
The unforgettable story of Rose Justice is forged from heart-wrenching courage, resolve, and the slim, bright chance of survival.
My Thoughts
I loved Code Name Verity. It was a fantastic and very cleverly written story set in a World War II setting. Rose Under Fire is a completely new storyline but set in a similar timeframe.It’s also one of my favourites to read about, fiction or non-fiction. Call me weird if you wish, but I love learning about the conflict and listening to the experiences of people who had to endure the worst of World War II. I’m a firm believer of learning from these experiences by educating ourselves about them as opposed to burying them in the sand.
I’m looking forward to reading a second World War II based story from this author. I’m also intrigued on reading books set in specifically a woman’s concentration camp as this is an angle I’ve not yet read about. I’m hoping it’s every bit as engaging and clever as Code Name Verity. As to whether I do enjoy it as much remains to be seen. But, hopefully I’ll be able to answer that question for you shortly!
Have you read Rose Under Fire or Code Name Verity?
When I decided to share today’s Top Ten Tuesday last Sunday, I thought the topic would be a little easier. Today’s topic is Books I Was Assigned in School. I thought I’d easily think of ten.
Admittedly, in the last two days I’ve only been able to recall six. It probably doesn’t help that I went down the English language route rather than literature. Even so, I have some good classic books to talk about in this post.
Let’s take a look!
Books I Was Assigned at School
Stone Cold
Looking at these in chronological order, I remember reading this when I was about 11-12 years old. It’s a story about a homeless teen who makes a friend who then goes missing.
It’s been a long time since I read this book but I remember enjoying it at the time. At the same time, it’s probably not one I’d go out of my way to read again though…
Frankenstein
Reading and having to analyse books for school goes a long way to contributing to my initial experience. As you’ll see in a lot of these, I didn’t enjoy them first time round. The first of these experiences was reading Frankenstein around age 13.
I was not a fan of Frankenstein in school. In fact, I dreaded picking this up. Picking it apart really killed whatever good there was.
As with a lot of books I read in school, I’ve since read it again as an adult. The experiencewas completely different. Whilst I didn’t 5 star love it, the book got a solid 4 star rating in 2018.
1984
1984 probably has the greatest turnaround of all the books on this list. I hated 1984 in school. I was around 14 at the time and I didn’t enjoy any aspect of it.
However, I read this again as an adult (but pre-blog) so I’m not sure exactly when. The contrast between my school reading experience and that of my own time is a complete 180°. I really enjoyed this book second time around. Honestly, I’d read it again too!
Of Mice and Men
I didn’t enjoy Of Mice and Men when I picked it up for my GCSE studies. I found it quite hard to get into. The book did pick up a little once I’d got so far into it, but I didn’t love it.
In 2017 after re-reading the book as an adult, I gave it 5 stars! It’s fair to say that a degree of maturity with my reading took place in between. That, and I could actually enjoy the book rather than pick apart and overanalyse the narrative to within an inch of its life…
Anthony and Cleopatra
I struggle with Shakespeare. I always have and always will. For that reason I’ve never really taken to any of his works.
I had to study Anthony and Cleopatra for my GCSE’s at school, which wasn’t fun anyway. What didn’t help more is we didn’t have a permanent teacher whilst we were learning it either. I think I scraped by on the assignments and exam for this part of the curriculum, but I didn’t love it.
I have Shakespeare works on my Kindle but I can’t quite psyche myself up to try them again. I’m not convinced, but I guess if I don’t try I’ll never know.
Power and Conflict Poetry
The only other book I remember picking up was a poetry anthology called Power and Conflict. Even then, I don’t think we read all of it but rather cherry-picked poems from it to, you guessed it, analyse.
Broadly I’m not a big fan of poetry, so this isn’t one I’ve gone back to. Neither do I plan on either.
Summary
I’m gutted I could only recall six books for today’s Books I Was Assigned in School post. But, I suppose a shorter post is better than a non-existent one right?
What did you read at school, and what was your experience? Have you re-read any books like I have?
In today’s Top Ten Tuesday post I’m sharing my Autumn 2024 TBR. If you are unfamiliar with this series, Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature post across various different topics. Whilst I don’t take part every week, I have made a habit of taking part in the seasonal TBR posts. They’re a great way to plan what books I want coming up on my TBR.
That’s especially so for me this month, as I’m far more likely to seasonally read in autumn. I don’t really know what’s associated with Spring, but I’m not a Summer romance reader or a cozy Christmas girl. Autumn though? Roll out the mystery, thriller and horror genres!
That said, I’m not entirely a seasonal reader. This TBR is made up of six seasonal books which I’m looking forward to picking up over the next few months. However, that’s not the entirety of my focus and so there are four non-seasonal books that I am looking to pick up in the next three months.
Let’s take a look!
Seasonal
The Outsider
You can’t go wrong with a good Stephen King novel around October. In fact, I have two on this Top Ten Tuesday list. The first of those is The Outsider.
I don’t know how he does it, but the atmosphere in King’s books fits perfectly with the dark, chilly nights drawing in. An aspect I’m looking forward to in this book is that the story is made more unsettling by the crime being perpetrated against a child. Not that I would ever wish that on anybody, obviously. However, there is a sense of protectiveness for children that villainises anyone accused of crime against them. It’s going to create even more tension in the book and I can’t wait to see how the story pans out.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
It’s about time I got to one of the oldest books on my reading list, and the upcoming season will be the perfect time.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children has been on my reading list since July 2017. It’s been a long time since I added it and admittedly a while since I heard anything about the book.
However, I remember reading a lot of good things about it at the time I added it to my TBR. That’s why I added it after all! I’m going into this book pretty blind as to what it’s about, but I’m looking forward to giving it a try…
Carrie
I always make an effort to pick up a King classic around Halloween, (called Hop tu Naa locally) and Carrie is this year‘s choice.
I’ve heard good reviews of the book in general terms, but I know for a fact my mum and dad also enjoyed the film adaptation. I have no experience of either given I don’t really watch horror. For a classic, I’m pretty ignorant of the synopsis other than it involves a young girl with telekinetic powers.
Let’s hope in a couple of months time I’m able to tell you more about the book than here in this Top Ten Tuesday!
The Burning Girls
I’ve read a few books by CJ Tudor now and I have plenty more on my reading list. I love a good thriller, and autumn is the perfect time to read them.
The next on my list of CJ Tudor’s books is The Burning Girls. If I love the book as much as I expect, I’ll be watching the recently made TV series as well. I’m also a fan of cozying in and watching a little bit of telly when it’s miserable and cold outside. I may be a book woman, but I can be persuaded by a good drama now and then.
The Bone Collector
Another book that I feel has been on my reading list for a long time and would be perfect to pick up soon is The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver. I remember my sister picking up a copy of this book whilst she was at university. She graduated pre-pandemic…
I have watched the drama released in 2020 relating to this book and I really enjoyed the character development of Lincoln Rhyme. As ever, I’m always hopeful the book will build upon a TV adaptation so that the experience is more immersive and enjoyable overall (I hate being disappointed).
Let’s keep my fingers crossed that’s the case here.
Incendium
A book I didn’t get to last year, but really want to read around bonfire night this year, is Incendium. I’m a little bit gutted I didn’t get to it last year as it would’ve been perfect reading in November. However, I realistically would only have been able to start the book at the very end of the month and that didn’t feel quite right to me.
Instead, I’m using this post as a reminder that I want to pick up this book in good time so that I will be reading this in November. It’s also nice to include a book like this on my reading list as often autumnal seasonal reads are more associated with Halloween. It’s fun to have another festival of sorts to read around.
Non-Seasonal
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
Whilst I’m looking forward to picking up more books from the mystery/thriller/horror genres, my desire to pick up other books doesn’t go away. That’s why there are non-seasonal reads on this Top Ten Tuesday. A book I recently featured in a Shelf Control post is Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi.
It’s been a good few years since I picked up the first book of the series, Children of Blood and Bone. I want to continue with the series as I remember that book being a nice fun read. It’ll also help towards my reading goal of continuing ongoing series versus starting new ones.
Alan Turing: The Enigma
Another reading goal I set myself in my 2024 Resolutions post was to continue with non-fiction reads. Along these lines, I want to pick up a non-fiction based on a pivotable individual in our history, Alan Turing.
If you are unfamiliar, Alan Turing is the man who built the computer that cracked the enigma code in World War II. It’s because of him that we were able to intercept German communications and ultimately win the war. Thereafter he was influential in computer science and has had a significant role in building the foundations of our modern computers.
He also has quite a tragic personal life story, which I feel will be touched on in this book at some point.
The Squiggly Career
I’m the type of person to believe that every day is a school day. Reading and exploring personal development isn’t something to do in January, but all year round.
Earlier this year I read You Coach You, a book also written by the same authors. I really enjoyed that book and found it a useful guideline for both reading then but also future reference. I went on to buy a copy of You Coach You at the same time I acquired The Squiggly Career. I expect this will be a book I refer back to in years to come as well…
Notes on a Nervous Planet
My last non-fiction book featured in this Top Ten Tuesday is Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig. I’ve only read one book by Matt, The Midnight Library. However, I have read that book twice now and loved it on both occasions.
Based on my experience of that, I think Matt will have some quite poignant things to say in this non-fiction. I’m looking forward to reading it and finding out for sure.
Summary
So, those are the books I intend to pick up within the next few months.
Thanks for reading today’s Top Ten Tuesday! Are you a seasonal reader? Are you picking up any books from this TBR?
In today’s bookish confessions post, I share some of my bookish secrets. I don’t necessarily shout about these on my blog, but they are true nonetheless. I read quite a lot. But, as you’ll see below, there are ways in which I am not always the image of what you would expect from a ‘book blogger’; equally I suppose in some ways, I definitely am too…
Let’s get into my bookish confessions!
Book Purchases
If money were no object, I would definitely buy more books than I would ever be able to read in my lifetime.
I just have no self restraint when it comes to reading about and buying a really interesting book. I’ll purchase myself a copy without any real consideration as to when I will get to read it. I’m obviously assuming I will at some point…
You may see jokes about buying books and reading books being completely different hobbies. I don’t disagree!
I’d get bored reading ALL day…
If I am entirely honest, if I were to try to sit down and read for an entire day, I wouldn’t be able to do it.
It’s not that I don’t love reading, because we all know that’s not true. However, I just physically can’t make myself sit down all day without any variation.
If I were able to listen to an audiobook and do something else at the same time, that’s a slightly different story. But, as much as I like to enjoy my leisure time like anybody else, I couldn’t spend it all on my backside reading without doing anything else as well.
I love paperbacks, but…
Sometimes I can’t be bothered to hold a paperback, and that’s especially true for a hardback!
A lot can be said for the convenience of an e-reader. Whether it’s a specific device like a Kindle, or using your phone, both are handy. I confess, I’m not a big fan of reading on my phone, although there are occasions, such as now, where I do it. Sometimes, practicality is what’s needed in order to get through the reading list. That’s why audiobooks are increasingly on my reading list these days. They give me a chance to pick up and read at times when I wouldn’t normally be able to.
I’m not a good mood reader
Whilst mood reading is something I am trying to do more often these days, admittedly I’m not very good at it. My practical definition of a mood read is different to everyone else’s. It often ends up with me deciding what I feel like reading at the beginning of the month and then sticking to it almost rigidly. If I change my mind over the course of the month, I often beat myself up about the change and try and force myself to read the original intended book anyway. That’s not really the point now, is it?!
In reality, I need to be more lenient with myself and allow the space to pick up any book when I want to…. regardless of whether it’s ‘on the list’. Sometimes, it’s more important to pick up and read any book than it is to let myself stagnate on something I’m not interested in right now. It doesn’t happen too often, but I’m human. It does sometimes.
So, these are a handful of my bookish confessions. Do you have any bookish confessions you would like to share? Do we share any of the confessions I’ve shared with you today?
Hello readers and welcome to this monthly wrap-up for August. I had a decent month of reading, and this post is about sharing what I read over the last month.
I had a couple of carryover’s from July, as well as a varied list for August. As usual now, I didn’t get to all the books I set for August – but I had a great time with the books I did read.
Let’s take a look!
Books Read
The Power of Habit
Picking up from last month’s monthly wrap-up post, I was 30% into The Power of Habit.
I really enjoyed this book, and I’m hoping I have some good take away knowledge from it. The book has great examples of the consequences of bad habits – personal, organisational and as a society. The key takeaway I have from the book is that you can often change a habit by making changes in a seemingly unrelated way and gradually introduce change from there.
I’m hoping this will help me build more good habits in my own life!
The Other People
In my Monthly TBR post I shared that I was nearly through this audiobook. I’d already listened to 80%, so this month I was hoping for a quick conclusion.
Mum loved and strongly recommended The Other People and having finished it, I get why. If you enjoy mysteries that keep you guessing all the way along, this is perfect. Even up until the very end I was still trying to put pieces together and work out character’s involvement in the story line.
The Other People is the third book I’ve read by C.J. Tudor, and I still have plenty to read!
The Midnight Library
For our first ever book club at work, we chose The Midnight Library by Matt Haig to read and discuss. For me it is a re-read, but I agree with some feedback from another member that it’s better second time around!
I re-read The Midnight Library very quickly. It’s only a short read – one of the reasons I recommended it to book club in the first place. At the same time, it raises plenty of discussion points; it doesn’t lack for content! Admittedly I did leave this a little last minute. I finished it the night before book club. I wasn’t the last though – Helen spent the first half hour of the meeting finishing it!
Eruption
I’ve prioritised picking up our next book club read, Eruption, as I’m sharing a physical copy with another member.
As of the end of August I was 65% into the book. I’ve started reading it again after my bout of covid (so as not to contaminate the book!) so as of drafting this monthly wrap-up I’m a little futther.
I hope to finish this soon so I can pass on to Helen ASAP.
Wolves of the Calla
A book I very briefly started, but ended up shelving temporarily, is Wolves of the Calla by Stephen King.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the book and I fully intend to pick it up again soon. However, I started to read this right at the end of the month when I became unwell. I decided the time wasn’t ideal to pick up such a tome. When I’m back into the swing of things I’ll pick it up again.
Breathtaking
A short audiobook I enjoyed this month was Breathtaking by Rachel Clarke. Make no mistake, it’s an eye-opener.
I totally appreciate the book and subject may not be for everyone right now. However, I enjoyed listening to this perspective on the pandemic. I had no idea that care homes were so woefully under-supplied with PPE. What I also found interesting was Rachel’s (and colleagues) views of the advice being issued by the government. It is very much a view of too little and too late.
Undoctored
My last non-fiction to share with you in this monthly wrap-up is Undoctored by Adam Kay.
As of drafting this monthly wrap-up I have just finished the book this morning. You’ll get more thoughts on it in Sunday’s Sunday Summary update.
However, as a snapshot of where I was at month end, I was a couple of hours shy of completion.
Summary
I read quite a number of non-fiction books in August – more than average I’d say. However, given I was a little behind in my mid-year review on this goal, it’s a good change. I’m still slightly behind, but only by one book or so.
August was a good month of reading for subject diversity and I’m looking forward to an equally productive September. My reading list is coming out in the next day or so, so stay tuned!
The Goodreads Was Wrong Book Tag was created by booktuber GabsAboutBooks. I found it on Zeezee with Books and thought it would be great fun to try!
I apologise that this post is coming to you a day later than I originally planned. I was hoping to get this to you guys yesterday, but unfortunately, I haven’t been well. Yes, I’ve come down with the beloved Covid 🎉 I am on the mend though, so fingers crossed I’m better soon and normal life can resume…
Now, let’s get into the tag!
What is the highest-rated book that you gave a low rating?
(Sort your books in Goodreads based on Average Ratings and find the highest-rated book you gave a low rating.)
Defiance (The Torcian Chronicles) – P.J. Reed
It’s a shame I didn’t get on with this book as I was reviewing it for a blog tour. I persevered where perhaps I wouldn’t have were I reading the book of my own volition.
It Just wasn’t for me. Writing style is a big make or break for me when reading and I couldn’t gel with writing style.
What is the lowest-rated book that you gave a high rating?
(Sort your books in Goodreads based on Average Ratings, in reverse order, and find the lowest-rated book you gave a high rating.)
Vox – Christina Dalcher
Vox averages 3.5 stars on Goodreads, but I loved it! Then again, I’m a sucker for Feminist fiction.
I’m not sure why this sticks so hard in the average category on Goodreads. I can see why this kind of book wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But then again, why would you read it if you know that about yourself?
I regret that this book will be judged on this average rating. I personally thought it was great!
What is the most popular book that you disagree with the average rating?
(Sort your books in Goodreads based on Number of Ratings and find the first book you disagree with the average rating.)
Circe – Madeleine Miller
On the other end of the spectrum, I really didn’t feel Circe in the same way the general community has…
The Goodreads average rating is 4.23 stars, but I only rated it 3 stars. In theory I should have loved the book, but something about it helped me back. I didn’t really like Circe and that made it difficult to like the rest of the book.
I am sorry if you disagree with me, but that’s just my opinion.
What is the least popular book that you disagree with the average rating?
(Sort your books in Goodreads based on Number of Ratings, in reverse order, and find the first book you disagree with the average rating.)
Former.ly – The Rise and Fall of a Social Network – Dane Cobain
I don’t have many books like this on my list, but the one I have chosen to feature is a book I have rated a whole star lower than the average.
The Goodreads average is 3.92 stars, but I put this as a 3 star book. Personally, I found it was full of unrelatable characters and lack to spark that would warrant a higher rating from me.
Choose two books that have an average rating of 3/5 stars but you gave a higher rating.
Choose two books that have an average rating of 3/5 stars but you gave a lower rating.
I’ve only featured one book here because I can’t actually feature another. Generally speaking, if a book is reading that low in my mind, I’m not that inclined to finish it. Not one for struggling through books if I’m not enjoying them. Frankly, there are plenty more metaphorical fish in the sea.
Choose two books that have an average rating of 4/5 stars but you gave a lower rating.
Choose two books that have an average rating of 2/5 stars but you gave a higher rating.
Again as above, I don’t typically read books that would have this low a rating. If the general theme is that the reviews are not good, I’m not taking a recommendation to read them.
Do you tend to agree or disagree with Goodreads average rating, and do you use Goodreads as a guide for books you want to read?
I would say I broadly agree with Goodreads ratings, but clearly there are a few outliers!
If you’ve enjoyed this tag and would like to take part yourself, I would love to see your answers to these questions!
Today’s First Lines Friday feature includes a book that I added to my reading list earlier this week. In last week’s Sunday Summary I shared that I was keeping the topic of this First Lines Friday open. Given this is a recent addition, it felt like a natural feature.
Whilst I’m trying to keep myself on the straight narrow and not purchase any more books at the moment, I confess that I have added this to my reading list without purchasing as I was intrigued by the synopsis.
What also makes this book more interesting is that it is translated from Japanese. I can’t say I’ve ever read Japanese dystopia before, so it’s going to be something new!
Here is today’s First Lines Friday intro, followed by details of the book:-
I sometimes wonder what disappeared first – among all the things that have vanished from the island. “Long ago, before you were born, there were many more things here, “ my mother used to tell me when I was still a child. “Transparent things, fragrant things… fluttery ones, bright ones… wonderful things you can’t possibly imagine.
“It’s a shame that the people who live here haven’t been able to hold such marvellous things in their hearts and minds, but that’s just the way it is on this island. Things go on disappearing, one by one, it won’t be long now,” she added. “You’ll see for yourself. Something will disappear from your life.”
On an unnamed island, objects are disappearing: first hats, then ribbons, birds, roses. . .
Most of the inhabitants are oblivious to these changes, while those who remember live in fear of the Memory Police.
To the people on the island, a disappeared thing no longer has any meaning. It can be burned in the garden, thrown in the river, or handed over to the Memory Police. Soon enough, the island forgets it ever existed.
When a young novelist discovers that her editor is in danger of being taken away by the Memory Police, she desperately wants to save him. For some reason, he doesn’t forget, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult for him to hide his memories. Who knows what will vanish next?
My Thoughts…
It’s the uniqueness of The Memory Police that caught my attention. I have never read anything like it. Given that I’m also trying to branch out my reading, picking up a Japanese translation definitely falls into that bracket.
I love a good dystopian novel. There is something about reading of otherworldliness that stretches my imagination and captures my attention. It brings home what we value in real life society by reflecting its absence in fiction.
I was already captivated by the synopsis, but the introduction I have shared with you today has cemented my want to pick up the book. It leaves a lot of questions before we even really dive into the book. What is disappearing? Who are the memory police, and what are the consequences of remembering that which others forget?
Personally, I’m looking forward to getting stuck into this book down the line.
As a blogger and book reader/reviewer, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I love to share my love of reading. Or, that I want to press books into your hands. In today’s post, I share my favourite books to recommend. That might be because they are from my favourite genre or author, offer something unique or are great for readers of all levels.
I’ll explain the why’s and wherefore’s for each book as we go. For now, here are my top books to recommend!
Fantasy
A Game of Thrones / A Song of Ice and Fire
It shouldn’t be a surprise this series makes it to the top of my recommends list. If I were only ever allowed to read one series again, I’d pick this hands down!
I love the storyline, the complexity, the intricacy and detail we get to enjoy. My only preference would be for the series to be complete… but I’ll just have to wait for that!
The Realm of the Elderlings
Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings series is a fairly new discovery and addition to this list. I’d been meaning to pick up Assassin’s Apprentice for a good while before my friend Rachael encouraged me to read it.
Since then I’ve read six out of the sixteen books in the series in the last two years. Considering the number of books I read, I’ve gotten through these comparatively quicker than most other series I’m reading.
Mistborn
Brandon Sanderson is another favourite author. I debated which series of his to feature here, as I’ve read quite a few. At least, in part. However, the one that got me into his writing the most, and the series I’ve read in full, is his Mistborn series.
I was so sad to reach the conclusion but I’d happily re-read this from start to finish again! I especially loved how the timeline change was handled and how we see advancement in the world between the timelines. It’s for that reason that I will recommend this to any fantasy reader!
Harry Potter series
Whatever your feelings are on the author, I think it’s important to separate their work from their personal life. I can’t say I’m all too versed on the controversy about J.K. Rowling. And anyway, I’ll love the Harry Potter books regardless.
The books start off pretty easy to read but get quite dark towards the end. Personally, I love that! I grew up reading these books in my teenage years so I was always the perfect age to read them. Even re-reading them as an adult, I enjoyed each and every book.
Lord of the Rings
Whilst not the easiest books to read in terms of superfluous language and descriptions of food, they make a great storyline. The fact that I intend to re-read the books gives you an idea of how much a fan I am.
They’re also favourite books to recommend as they’re classics in the fantasy genre. I’ve also read The Hobbit and this is a great starting point to the books. However, if you are looking for a classic trilogy of books to immerse yourself into, Lord of the Rings is a natural choice.
Nevernight Chronicles
On the other end of the spectrum, I also can’t recommend this trilogy about a young female assassin with a serious vendetta enough. Mia is quite the character, and her character history, development arc and the setting are all really enjoyable to dig into. The narrative is great, but as a unique addition, the book includes footnotes with everything from contextual information to snarky commentary. They’re hilarious!
Jay Kristoff is an author I’m reading more of, but this was the series that introduced me to his work. I initially listened to this series on audio but I want to re-read with the physical copies I own in future.
Blackwing
The Blackwing trilogy is a favourite to recommend because I don’t think enough people have read it! If you love magical fantasies with great, detailed worlds and most of all, non-altruistic main characters, this is up your street.
Ryhalt is a great character because he doesn’t try to be. He’s selfish and rude, lacks optimism in humanity. He is far from your ideal hero, and yet he finds himself wearing these shoes reluctantly.
The storyline, world building and support characters make this a fun and engaging trilogy to read. Seriously, why are you still here? Get reading!
Non-fiction
This is Going to Hurt
I recommended this to my work book club as a future read as Adam Kay is hilarious. This is Going to Hurt is a discussion on the state of the NHS as it provides the best care it can for those who need it. However, it’s also full of personal, heartfelt and funny stories too.
If you love a dose of humour, this is a favourite book of mine to recommend. A heads up though – it is an emotional rollercoaster…
Contemporary
The Midnight Library
You can also tell that The Midnight Library is a favourite book to recommend as I put it forward as our work book club’s first read. And you know what? It went so well!
Although Adrian and Claire admitted it wasn’t a book they’d have chosen for themselves, they enjoyed it. We also had a great conversation about it too. It’s focused on mental health, individuality, choices and regrets. It’s a book I’ll re-read over again as it’s a great reminder of what’s important in life. It really puts things into perspective.
Satire
Discworld series
If humour and tackling a multitude of real social issues is your thing, but set in a fantasy setting, may I introduce Discworld by Terry Pratchett. As of this favourite books to recommend post, I’ve read half of this 41 book series. Even so, I’ll happily recommend the whole series!
I love how Terry talks about real world issues in a setting that takes us out of reality. Does a young woman trying to gain admission to university to study magic and being pushed back because she was born a girl instead of a boy sound ridiculous? Well I hate to break it to you, but not so long ago, women faced the same push back.
That’s just one example. The way Terry tackles each societal issue makes adequate light of it to make it funny to read, but also make a point at the same time is entertaining but also interesting social commentary.
So, those are my favourite books to recommend! What are yours?
The small boys came early to the hanging. 
where the gallows stood waiting.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Genre: Historical Fiction
Genre: Dystopian / Japanese Literature 
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