2015 Reading Challenge [Closed] discussion

I hope everyone is having a fantastic week! A lot of members were excited for week 3 because there have been a lot or fantastic novels turned into wonderful movies (ahem.. Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Lord of the Rings...)..

What did you read this week?

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after?

Would you recommend this book to a friend?

Did you review this book? (Feel free to link to your review)

I am reading Wild. A little behind but so far so good. Very interested in getting to the end of the book, of which I usually read first but I am not this time. Thoughts forming. . .

I am still readingWinter's Tale. I have not seen the movie yet. It's been kind of slow going...multiple stories within the main story and I'm getting a bit tired of it...but going to try to power through and finish even if it takes me longer than this week. Not sure if I would recommend it, unless you really like Mark Helprin's writing style.

I read The Maze Runner out of order so I finished it before this week.

I haven't seen the movie but I'll try to watch it this year. So, the movie will come after (as for most of the books I read in this category).

I won't recommend the book to a friend because I found the characters really shallow and annoying. However, if someone liked a lot the movie, it's always nice to read the original story, so I could recommend the book for this reason.

Since november, I try to review all the books I read, it's a nice way to improve my english and I enjoy a lot reading reviews when I'm not sure about a book. So, yes.

I am currently reading The Two Towers and Eclipse. I have seen both movies, but it's been a very long time since I have. I saw The Two Towers before I read the book and saw Eclipse after I read the book. I'd recommend both books to a friend. The Two Towers by J.R.R Tolkien is so wonderful (the whole series is) I can never wait to read it! However, if you want a cheesy romance with a bit of action Eclipse is the book to go to. I have not reviewed either book, but plan to do so.

I read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

I've not seen the movie, or TV series, and I went in to this only having a vague idea as to what I was getting in to!

It was actually bought for me by a friend for my birthday so yes, I guess it was a recommendation!

I did review it! The full review is over at my blog:
https://ashleighmuses.wordpress.com/2...

Mariah wrote: "I am currently reading The Two Towers and Eclipse. I have seen both movies, but it's been a very long time since I have. I saw The Two Towers before I read the book and saw Eclipse after I read the..."

I am going to re-read the Lord of the Rings books for the three weeks for reading a trilogy...looking forward to it!

Ashleigh wrote: "I read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

I've not seen the movie, or TV series, and I went in to this only having a vague idea as to what I was getting in to!

It was actually bough..."

I'm glad you liked this one! I find the Hitchhiker's books very funny. I'm actually using the third book - Life, the Universe and Everything - for week 30 (book that was published the year you were born). I know you have the set, but if you're into audiobooks at all, Martin Freeman narrates the audiobooks and is hilarious at it.

I read Gone Girl. This week. I have seen the movie. I actually read the book before I knew they were making a movie and then once I saw the movie I had to re-read the book because of the inconsistencies. I would recommend this book, it was great.

Kate wrote: "Ashleigh wrote: I know you have the set, but if you're into audiobooks at all, Martin Freeman narrates the audiobooks and is hilarious at it.


Ooooh! I may have the check these out actually. I do like a good audiobook :D Thanks!

What did you read this week? The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after? I've not seen the movie yet but I would like to see it sooner rather than later, while the book is still fresh in my mind. Reading it, I had a very vivid idea in my mind of how they could film certain parts of it and I want to see how close or wrong I was.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Definitely. It's not written in a style that would appeal to everyone but the descriptions are so vivid and the writing is very beautiful. I'd definitely ask people to give it a try.

Did you review this book? (Feel free to link to your review) I'm behind with my reviews so I haven't written it up yet. I've made some notes in my book journal though, so I'll add one as soon as I can. ;-)

What did you read this week?
I'm reading The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after?
Yes, I have seen it. Before reading the book. And I may admit, this is the second book I like less then the film based on it (The first were Arthurian Legends). Not because the book is not good, because it is. Really good and nice. And the prologue was awesome as well. But Buttercup is just so stupid in the book...

Would you recommend this book to a friend?
Yes.

Did you review this book? (Feel free to link to your review)
I don't really review books in English, but I can say that it's a gread adventure, and the description of battles and duels is worth to be read, but I didn't like the fact that Buttercup was SUCH and idiot in the book. Stupid and beautiful, and I don't like those kind of patters. I do belive that she didn't deserve Wealey's love and I find it very sad that he loved her just because of her beauty. He's a great character: Hones, Brave, Strong, Smart, Powerfull, Curageous...but she is just...beautiful and that's all. I found some of her moments all right, but there were so, so few of them.
Though, I liked Inigo's story and Frezzik's story. Inigo is my favoruite character, in fact.



EDIT AFTER READING BUTTERCUP'S BABY.
I've been so wrong...this book, IS TRULLY AWESOME. The real end gave me the familiar feeling of staring at the back cover, smiling a bit, spending some time in getting back to the real life...Buttercup's baby was definetely better than the first story. Inigo's chapter was my favourite. The mark of author's maturation in literature.
I don't regret reading this book. I have to admit, I was a bit disspaointed by the first part, and Buttercup's stupidity, but she has her qualities too, and characters like Weasley, Fezzik and Inigo makes you carry on.
I'm glad I've read Buttercup's Baby. Because it was nothing less then fantastic.

I read The Princess Bride by William Goldman. I have seen the movie several times, but the last time was about two years ago, so I had a bit of a break in between. I rewatched the movie when I finished the core part of this book. I can't decide which I liked better because there where some scenes in the book that I loved and that weren't in the movie. It is a difficult decision, but if Fezzik held me at the point of Inigo's sword, I would have to say the book, because of all the little things that weren't in the movie.

I would definitely recommend it to a friend and I'm probably going to do it, because I have a friend who I know would enjoy this type of story. I am not sure this book is for everyone though. I think a lot of people would not understand it. Hell, I'm not sure I understand it entirelly, but I have a sense of humor, so I can handle it.

And my review of the book, for anyone who wants to read it is here: "https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

This is where I leave you, by Jonathan Tropper is what I read this week :-) it was a funny light but, a little dark book. No, I have not seen the movie but I intend to at some point.I don't write reviews I am a reader not a writer if you know what I mean :-) but I really do enjoy reading everyone else's reviews and thoughts, so I thought I put some of my own out there. HAPPY reading

This week I'm reading Dark Places by Gillian Flynn. I haven't watched the movie yet as the movie doesn't come out until later this year. I would definitely recommend this book. I don't have a review yet as I haven't quite finished the book.

That is going to be a dark movie! I love all three of her books, can't wait for her to come out with a new one :-) does anyone happen to know if that's going to happen anytime soon?

Jade wrote: "I read The Princess Bride by William Goldman. I have seen the movie several times, but the last time was about two years ago, so I had a bit of a break in between. I rewatched the movi..."
I also read The Princess Bride! It was as fun as the book is, honestly, I would say I enjoyed them equally, maybe because the movie adaptation is fairly faithful to the book, more so than I expected.
I need to rewatch the movie soon, it never fails to be enjoyable.

For week 3 I read The Maze Runner. I finished it on January 9. I have not seen the movie. I thought it was ok. I have been reading a lot of books in this genre lately, and it wasn't my favorite of the lot. But worth my time. I would probably only recommend it to a friend who likes the young adult apocolyptic type of books. I did not post an official review.

Jade wrote: "Micah wrote: "Jade wrote: "I read The Princess Bride by William Goldman. I have seen the movie several times, but the last time was about two years ago, so I had a bit of a break in b..."

I agree. More Inigo makes for a more beautiful world.

I read Stardust by Neil Gaiman. I haven't seen the movie, but I've heard that it improves on my few issues with the book. I'm a big fan of Gaiman, but this book felt rushed compared to his later novels. I'd recommend it, particularly to older teens, as I think he captures the rhythms of a fairy tale very well.

For week three I read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

I had a little problem with how these kids (Hazel and Gus mainly) would speak...is anyone that well spoken all of the time? But on the whole I liked it and would recommend it.

When I first saw the trailer for the movie I had zero interest in watching it. Now that I've read the book I still don't feel any real need to see it.

What did you read this week?
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after?
I haven't seen the movie.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?
Yes definitely! Is is very funny and easy to read. Much lighter than the others I have read for the challenge.

Toni wrote: "Wild From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl StrayedI am reading Wild. A little behind but so far so good. Very interested in getting to the end of the book, of which I usually ..."

Have you seen the movie? I'm wondering if it is better in print than on screen? I have not read the book.
I saw the movie, it was kinda boring for me! Ahh, it made me tired watching her walk and walk and walk... Story was ok, just seemed slow and dragged on. I usually like to read a book before or after watching a movie, but this isn't one I think I will read (based on the movie at least).

For week three I am reading The Kite Runner
I have not seen the movie! I'm only one chapter in and so far I am hooked! I love when books have movies attached! Can't wait to finish and compare the two.

What did you read this week?
I'm reading City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, but I'm only a few pages in. Here's the thread.

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after?
I saw the movie before. I liked it, but I could tell that there were a lot of parts missing.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?
I probably would because it's been recommended to me so many times, but we'll see once I'm done.
[edit for Jan 29] Ermmm...I ended up not liking it.

Did you review this book? (Feel free to link to your review)
Yup.

What did you read this week?

I read Brighton Rock by Graham Greene

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after?

I haven't seen the movies yet - there are older and newer versions), but hope to soon if I can find them online.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?

Yes, for fans of psychological thrillers and classics.

Did you review this book?

I didn't review the book yet.

Hi everyone. For week 3 I read the Hobbit because I had just seen the third movie. I started reading it but stopped because I decided to watch the first two movies before I read the entire book.

I wouldn't recommend the book to a friend if they've already seen the movies. I'd recommend they read the book first then see the movies.

I read The Time Traveler's Wife. I have not
seen the movie, and I can't see how you could make a movie that would adequately accomplish what the novel does, but I want to watch and see what they manage to do. I haven't written a review yet, because I'm sure there's a thread already somewhere, and I haven't had time to look for it. What a wonderfully imaginative book!

What did you read this week? The Help

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after? Yes, I saw it in the theatre when it came out and I really enjoyed it. I had wanted to read the book ever since.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Absolutely. In fact, I already did :)

Did you review this book? Yes: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Heather wrote: "I read The Time Traveler's Wife. I have not
seen the movie, and I can't see how you could make a movie that would adequately accomplish what the novel does, but I want to watch and..."

Heather, this is my favourite book and I point blank refuse to see the movie. From what I've seen of the trailers the characters don't look the way I picture them, well Eric Bana could be Henry. One of my friends saw it, knowing my love for the book, and told me I would hate it, hehe.

What did you read this week? I read How I Live Now
Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after? No, I have not. I saw that it is available on Netflix so I will probably watch it in the near future.
Would you recommend this book to a friend? I would recommend it to those who like who like somewhat dystopic stories with sadness.
Did you review this book? Not really.

Finished my Week 3 book a bit late, but here it is:

What did you read this week? Rosewater: A Family's Story of Love, Captivity, and Survival

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after? I have not seen the movie. It got a pretty limited release, so I don't even know if it made it into my local theater. I'll definitely be checking it out on DVD, though.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Depends. It's certainly not a book for everyone. It's a pretty serious read about the 2009 Iranian presidential elections and about the author's imprisonment after being accused of being a spy, so it's dark and includes a lot of talk of politics and Iranian history. But if you're interested in the subject it's really well-written.

Did you review this book? I reviewed it on my book blog

I've only just finished my week one book as it was a tough read - so skipping week two for the mo as it's another classic and I think I need a change and starting Gone Girl next....

What did you read this week? Jurassic Park

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after? I have seen this movie long before I even knew there was a book. I was maybe too young to see it as I recall sitting on the floor with my dad and a blanket at the ready to cover my eyes if it got too scary, lol. The movie is still a little scary, but I think the book is more so.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? YES. For sure! Especially those who are a fan of the movie(s).

Did you review this book? Not really, more like a little blurb stating that it was better than I remembered, haha.

What did you read this week? Gone Girl
I've had this on my kindle for ages and have been a bit put off by complaints about the ending.

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after? No, I wanted to read the book first. The film is on my list of things to do now. I hope they've changed the ending ;)

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Hmm...really not sure!

Did you review this book? No, quite new to this.

I read Gone Girl.
It had a lot of plot twist and for that it made a very interesting read. You were going back and forth on who you thought was the"bad guy". I like so many hated the ending. just made me mad.
But that may be what the author wanted.
If you want a well written mystery with a ending that is going to make you nuts, this book is for you

What did you read this week? This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper

Have you seen the movie? Yes it was great. I love Jason Bateman. My only critique is that you lose Tropper's wonderful literary language in the movie. It just doesn't translate.

Did you see the movie before or after? After, of course! :)

Would you recommend this book to a friend? yes

Did you review this book? (Feel free to link to your review) Yes, https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

What did you read this week? For Week 3, I read Gone Girl

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after? No I have never seen the movie, and I haven't yet. I probably will soon though, it would be interesting to see if the movie does the book any justice :-)

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes

Did you review this book? Yes https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I was debating on "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" and "The Da Vinci Code" and then I ended up with "The Hobbit" :))))
I'm halfway through it and yes, I have seen the movieSSSS (wish I didn't. But the Smaug was voiced by Benedict so...less regrets ;) )

I read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. The movie comes out later this year. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

What did you read this week?The Martian by Andy Weir

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after?Not yet, but it will be released at the end of September and I can't wait to see it :)

Would you recommend this book to a friend?Definitely, especially those who enjoy with Sci-fi :)

What did you read this week?
Girl, Interrupted

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after?
I saw the movie a few years ago and couldn't remember all of it although parts of it have stayed with me and/or came back to me as I was reading the book.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?
Yes, definitely.

Did you review this book? I haven't yet but I'm planning to write one. I rated it 4 stars though.

What did you read this week? The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after? I read this book in February, and finally watched the movie about a month ago. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the book.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Absolutely. I really loved it.

Did you review this book? I did - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

What did you read this week? Strangers on a Train

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after? Yes -- before.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes.

Did you review this book? Yes. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

What did you read this week? Norwegian Wood

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after? No.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes.

Did you review this book? No.

What did you read this week?The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Have you seen the movie? Did you see the movie before or after? I haven't seen the movie. Maybe it's better than the book?

Would you recommend this book to a friend? If they like YA they might like it.

Did you review this book? Yes. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...