Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
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Plan B
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 37. A book that is part of a series
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โโโ
Although the art is beautifully executed, the story is way too dark for my taste. The first thing I disliked was seeing how a female character was so sexualized. Then I could not get used to the fact that Link has so many lines, and the violence was also a negative issue. I won't continue reading this series, and I might just go back to playing the games.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 15. A book whose authorโs name includes one of the 4 least used letters in the alphabet (JQZX)
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
"Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing."
(from Macbeth, by William Shakespeare)
This has to be one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. I could not stop thinking about it, during day and night, and of many the insights about life it brought to me, possibilities, how philosophical life and death can be. It made me think about my favorite game, The Legend of Zelda - Ocarina of Time, and what made me play it over and over again with my cousins and brothers, sharing one controller, looking forward to being next, throwing an arrow on the enemy, saving the princess. By the end of the game, I would cry with all its characters dancing back in time. It is as if life, to me, could be repeated again. And in the end, we would all be young people once more, celebrating life with dance and gratitude. Well, so far, I have not had the chance to go back in time myself, apart from allowing good memories to be accessed. I think life repeats itself the more we move forward and allow new things to come.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 9. A book with fewer than 2024 ratings on Goodreads
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
This book was a present from a dear friend of mine. I was surprised when I got it because it is one of those books I would never pick up from a bookshelf, but since it was a gift, I decided to give it a go and started 2024 with it by my bedside.
Throughout the reading, I have noticed changes in my life, which means that Crawford's journey also significantly changed my own. It was only at the very end that I disagreed with the author because one of the chapters upset me in a way I can't describe. (view spoiler)
However, although I was shocked by what I have read, the whole experience was mostly positive. Having taken time to read about someone else's journey reminded me that no experience is individual. We all share something, and even though I don't agree with the author fully, I respect her journey and thriving.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 19. A book connected in some way to any of the flavors of Ben & Jerryโs ice cream
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
The right book at the right time, Before the Coffee Gets Cold, was a meaningful lesson about how to peep into the past and learn from it without trying to make things different in the present life. Knowing when my coffee is getting cold has freed me from the guilt of having some actions when I was younger and less mature. If I am grateful for what I am living now, I am also grateful for my past mistakes.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 16. A book related to the phrase "It's Raining Cats and Dogs"
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
I missed laughing and feeling joy while, as a teenager, watching Inu-Yasha at my grandma's house. Re-reading it, I could access the most precious memories I had once forgotten, and Inu-Yasha is still one of the most joyful manga series I wish to continue reading.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books (2022)
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 49. A book connected to the phrase "Here (There) Be Dragons"
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
I was crazy about Inu Yasha when I was ten years old, and now I am thirty-three realizing I am still crazy about Inu Yasha.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books (2020)
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 11. A book originally published in a year that is a prime number
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
Inu Yasha is not a god I would ever adore, but I do adore him. What can I say?
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 44. A book with a touch of magic
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โโ
I enjoyed the BBC Dramatisation more than the film itself. The actors took me through this magical story and for a few times, I forgot I was listening to an audiobook and not watching a film, so good it was. But again, I am not the biggest and most supportive fan of Fantasies, so I am the one to be blamed.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 27. A book related to land
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
An amazing book written and drawn by a friend's grandmother, which I enjoyed reading!
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 28. A book related to sea
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โโ
I am surprised by how entertaining this book was. It is not the type of reading I would be much interested in, however, the author is surprisingly good (surprisingly because I didn't know her until now!). The only thing that kept me from rating it with a higher rate was that the main character was surprisingly annoying.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 52. A cozy mystery
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โโ
I don't ever listen to children's audiobooks but they are quite entertaining, and this one is no exception. I am sure that a child would enjoy it more than I did, but it is still a nice and easy reading.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 6. A book with wings on the cover
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โโ
Cassandra Clare is my best friend's favourite author, so it means a lot to her that I have finally made room for one of her books. I wish I could say I liked it but I am in between nodding off and thinking it was a good book.
I do have to say that Clare's imagination is beyond inventive, so if I ever continue reading the series is due to respect for the author. My apologies to my bestie!
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 20. A book with a single word title
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
Freckles is the type of book that comes into your life at the right time, to turn you into a brand-new human being. It was quite a journey to read this book, as I was taken into my own self, I learned important lessons with Allegra Bird (although her name has a beautiful meaning, Allegra is the name of an anti-allergic), and I was presented to answers for questions that I was asking myself.
Who are the five people who are shaping my life - I wondered. The more I thought about it, the more I had to think about being one of these people in someone's life. What is the change that I make to the people I love?
Somehow, for a moment, Cecelia Ahern was for me one of the five. I connected instantly to what she was transmitting in those words, and I felt she was speaking to me as if I were the only person to read Freckles.
So, to Cecelia Ahern, your book had changed my life forever. I do hope you come across this message to realize how important your hard work is and to be sure that you are a fantastic writer.
PS: I am sorry I disliked PS I Love You so much!
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 45. A book that is not a novel
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
Britney's journey is so enduring and inspirational. I hope she comes to read all the beautiful messages that fans have been writing to her, because she is a special woman! I remember getting her CD with a friend of mine and listening to it over and over, and thinking, she was fantastic! And not to mention the first time I watched Toxic on MTV and at that time, I wanted to be a flight attendant.
I have to agree that the writing was quite simple, but for me, it reflects exactly who Britney is, a simple person with so much to share. She had inspired my generation and I hope she will do with many more.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 13. A book that is on a Five Books List; readerโs choice of which list
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
1st Review: What a precious story! It reminded me when I first put my hands on Pollyana and got to learn so many things about life only by reading those pages. I truly believe books are an effective way to learn lessons in a pleasant way and this one is one of those stories that should be shared by the whole family, for it has so many things to be learned!
It took me quite a while to finish it, and now that it is finished I am already missing the Laurences, and the Marchs, and Professor Bhaer (and by the way, isnโt he the most charming character ever?)
2nd Review: So many things can change in a few years. I am now 32 years old, and I feel much more mature, able to understand deeply not only the Little Women but also the Big ones such as Mammie and Hannah.
Every sister portrayed in this book showed me a characteristic that I admire and see in myself, and if I once thought I was as adventurous as Jo, now I recognise to be as dreamer as Meg, as determined as Amy, and as sweet as Beth.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 7. A book with a pronoun in the title
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
I overcame all my doubts and finished this challenging book!
I will start from the very beginning. A friend of mine gave me The Effect of Her as a present. I couldn't see why she gave me this book, apart from the fact that she bought it in a Charity Shop (I am keen on purchasing books from Charities Shops). The author is Irish so I could guess that was another reason why she gave it to me, but knowing her I had my doubts that she even read the synopsis.
Anyway, I have decided to read all my birthday gifts this year before thinking about buying new books and brought this one with me on a trip. I couldn't make it through, I wasn't taken by the plot and felt that it wasn't the moment to give it a go, so I just kept it by my bedside table since I came back from holidays. For the past 2 months, I challenged myself to read 10 more pages, until the day I felt like I was finally getting into the story, and since then I had no regrets and could finally feel the Effect of Her (hehe).
Stembridge's writing is the main reason why I kept going. As English is not my mother language, and I read a few reviews of people giving up on reading this book, I felt like I would be able to do it. And I ended up thinking that his writing has to be one of the most distinguished ones among Irish writers I have read so far (I am still stuck with Joyce for the past 8 months so that will have to do.)
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 17. A book involving intelligence
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
Although this is my first review of Catching Fire, it is not the first time I read this book.
Back when the films were a thing, I had this boyfriend who took me to the movies to watch the Hunger Games. For Valentine's Day, he gave me the first book of the series and since then I haven't stopped reading books ever again. I could remember once more how the magic of reading and being surprised worked. And The Hunger Games series gifted me with that.
Apart from this nostalgic memory, Catching Fire this time didn't catch me (hehe). I will have to mention that it was probably the narration by Carolyn McCormick that made me feel like I was not listening to the right story. After listening to Tatiana Maslany, I gave Katniss a new face and voice, but Carolyn, unfortunately, sounded a bit forced, making Katniss sound like a child, whilst with Tatiana I felt how mature the character is in my mind.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 12. A book that has been on your TBR for over a year
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
This book left me speechless and breathless a good few times.
The end of the book is the type of finale one would see in a TV series, but I could feel it because it hit somewhere inside me. (view spoiler)
I praise Jennette for being courageous, intense, truthful, and other many positive adjectives so many people are not worth having engraved on their gravestones.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 12. A book that has been on your TBR for over a year
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โโ
It's a solid 3.5 for me. I wish I could have read this classic when I was younger to compare how I'd feel about the story, but the fact is that I was nearly thirty when I made room for this book and my life. (view spoiler)
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 32. A book with a number in the title
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
This is the type of book you can't stop talking to your friends about. What I liked the most about the audiobook, was that each chapter was read by different women, some of them, ladies I had never heard about (authors, screenwriters), which required me to pause the audiobook a few times to Google all the narrators.
And talking about Google, all the films and books mentioned in this one, opened new portals. Now I have lists and lists of people I watch to read about and more lists of films I will have to find time to watch. Reading is the most complex pyramid scheme ever!
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 32. A book with a number in the title
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
Every lady should read Virginia Woolf. This book has only 100 pages so there are no excuses.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 49. A book with a senior citizen character
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
As in a Mandela Effect, I picked Torto Arado (original title in Brazilian Portuguese) to read, thinking I should have read it during my school days, only to find out the book was only published in 2019.
Crooked Plow, as the book is called in English, tells the story of Bibiana e Belonรญsia, two sisters who face devastating events throughout their lives. It also mentions many historical events passed in Brazil that are probably not known by the general public, so I highly recommend it to those who are interested more in Brazilian Culture.
Brazil was the last country to abolish slavery on paper, then to never allow freedom and a chance to change to the oppressed people who died to build what now is known to be the land of happy people.
Although only five years old, this book is meant to be a classic. Not for the best reasons though.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 24. A book with a secondary color on the cover (orange, green or purple)
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
This is my first time reading one of Zanello's books. I have just listened to a podcast in which she was being interviewed and I was mesmerized by how much sense her analogies do.
My next plan is to share my physical book with as many friends as I can because this book is a must-read!
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 1. A book with a title that ends in A, T or Y
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
This book has not been translated into English yet, but I recommend you keep an eye on it, and if it ever gets published in your country, please read this masterpiece.
I dare say this is the best Brazilian Novels I have read so far. Carla plays with words so wisely, it is as if she transformed them into a thousand meanings, and you get it, you get what she is doing, and you gasp, get shocked, and admire her entirely. This makes me wonder if ever translated, would it be possible also to decipher the meaning of what Carla Madeira was saying? I don't think so.
Apart from all the desperation that the reading involves, and the double feelings, love and rage, pity and hatefulness, I am sure now to be lucky for being born in Brazil and for being able to read this beautiful language, which is Portuguese!
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 23. A book related to Boats, Beaches, Bars, Ballads, or Jimmy Buffett
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โโ
Lord has mercy on me. This book dragged me for weeks, I couldn't believe it!
Although snow lands on top, I couldn't wait to see it going down the drainage with all the rubbish thrown by the curb. And nothing could have prepared me to despise Snow more than having to deal with his character for long weeks. This book is a type of torture.
But it's not that bad. Collins, as always, writes fiction beautifully, and I wished she had used her energy to write about any character we love to love. Even Gale would do, we would take anything, anyone, but it had to be Snow. The funny fact is that Snow is supposed to be blond, and you know what they say, never eat yellow snow. That's some kind of piss, both of them!
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 29. A book related to air
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
I read this book to my 80-year-old client, who used to read it to her children. Just a lovely short story, about a silly wind that messes people's lives, but in the end, everything ends well!
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 25. A book involving a crime other than a murder
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
This book impressed me in so many good ways! First, I don't reckon having read a book set in the 80's, and if I did, this was the only book that took me back to those years. It was great to read a thriller set during those times, without having all the technology we now have. Secondly, the story has so many plot twists that I could not follow them all the time, it is simply incredible! And the characters are just relatable, and maybe punchable, but still captivating!
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 4. A book related to something mentioned in the lyrics of What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โโโ
I am trying to find the right words to describe my feelings with this book. First, I came up with "disappointed" but how do I feel so when I didn't expect anything from this book but an impression that I should have read it a decade ago? Then I googled for synonyms of what I was not feeling and came up with "humdrum", which means something boring and uneventful and this is the perfect match.
If you, like me, is ten years late, I would strongly recommend you pick something else. Eleanor & Park is as bland as your least favourite Jojo Moyes' book. It is so tedious and uneventful that I kept waiting for the plot ever after the audiobook was over. I did look up to see if there was a Part 2. So take your chance while you're still in Part 0 and get something else. Even if it is another one of Rowell's books.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 35. A science or science fiction book
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
I have been aware of this book for a long time, and I always knew there would be a right time to read it until I visited a friend and took it from his home to bring it to mine. I was determined to read it and return it to him so that we could discuss it. I ended up texting him a good few times to share my point of view, so I am sure that Sapiens has been the book I have most talked about since I read Harry Potter for the first time when I was about 12 years old.
This reading brought up so many emotions, and it was widely discussed with my therapist as well. If Harari's words were a religion, I would be preaching it. But far from it, they are based on facts that I found it hard to disagree with. We will be gone, and I hope Sapiens will last long enough to be discussed by other beings.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 50. A book posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month threads in 2023 or 2024
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
1st Review (2021):Delighted to listen to such an audiobook. It made me imagine the film (2005); the best voices were Elizabeth Klett and Peter Bishop, precisely Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
I found it a good practice and recommend it to anyone who enjoys listening to an audiobook in English.
2nd Review (2024): This time I heard the audiobook in Portuguese, and it was a better experience than I had in 2021! I paid more attention to secondary characters, such as Mr. Collins and Mrs. Bennet, laughed more than I thought it would be possible, and realised how genius Jane Austen really were. To this day her books are relevant, and the drama timeless. No doubt it is still possible to adapt Pride & Prejudice to any present romance.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 22. A book by an author from an African country
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โโ
While reading this book I felt like I have never reached a point when I was too curious or excited about it. I did get breathless once and thought that would be it, but the plot never got anywhere.
I adored everything related to historical facts and religious beliefs associated with Nigeria, but that was it.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 51. A book published in 2024
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โโ
I am humiliated to admit that this book was quite entertaining, made me laugh, and kept me interested for a long time. Until I could knot stand it anymore and begged to just end it as quickly as some people's sex adventures cof cof, so quickly I set it to be played in 1.5x wishing I could end the level of cringiness soon.
I have no doubts Ali Hazelwood is a lovely person to have around, she is creative and seems to be very fun, but some fantasies should only belong to Wattpad. Or even if one wishes to turn their fantasies into a book, they should look for a bit of better advice. I believe this book would have a good potential to be 2020's best vampire x werewolves story, but nah, it went into the drain with all the purple and green fantasia.
Anyway, it was fun, as I have admitted previously, but this will put a hold on Hazelwood's books for a while.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 26. A book by an author known by their initials
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
I didnโt expect to like this book much since Iโm no longer religious (though I have my own beliefs and sense of faith). I thought it might be a bit dull, but since I love The Chronicles of Narnia, I figured Iโd give another one of C. S. Lewisโs books a shot.
Lewis was a traditional Christian, born way back in 1898, but thereโs just something about his writing that feels so fresh. I was surprised by how much I connected with his ideas. Even though I didnโt agree with everything, I found myself nodding along with most of it. Overall, I was really impressed.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 11. A book with an X connection
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โโโ
I rarely hand out one-star ratings, but this book almost made the cut.
The over-sexualization was a huge issue for me. Growing up in a place where men would sexualize me even when I was just wearing jeans and a loose T-shirt in 35-degree heat, this book hit a nerve. Now, as an adult whoโs confident in her own body, I still find myself feeling uncomfortable and disgusted by how women were portrayed in this comic. The female character? When she's needed to help, she has to get dressed like a prostitute. When she travels solo to Cairo, sheโs almost raped, her legs and underwear are on full display, and of course, sheโs saved by a man. What a great start, right?
For every one shot of a manโs butt, there were hundreds of nipples, plus a couple of women being raped or completely naked. I didnโt pick up this book to see nudityโI wanted an adventure. But before anything remotely action-packed happens, the author crams in as much unnecessary sexualization as possible.
Itโs pretty clear this comic was made for boys, as the author makes painfully obvious at the end of the second chapter: โFrom our artist that is sure to prove exciting to the manly, outward going youngster of today.โ Seriously?
I should have known better when, in the first chapter, itโs suggested that โ...episodes of a bawdy nature that our Lady readers, being of a more delicate sensibility, may wish to avoid.โ Well, consider me one of those "delicate" readers. Iโll be returning volume two to the library and finding better books for my โdelicate sensibility.โ
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 2. A book connected to something you read in 2023
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is undoubtedly the most complex book in the series. It is filled with a rollercoaster of emotions, and the storytelling here is nothing short of genius.
For me, it's clear that J. K. Rowling poured her heart and soul into this book in an unforgettable way. I was completely captivated from start to finish, and this is a book that will always have a place in my heart.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 46. A book related to night
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
Iโm a big fan of the paranormal, having loved The Shining and The Exorcist, so Ghostly Stories by Celia Fremlin was right up my alley. But thereโs something about these two short storiesโespecially the first one, The Hated Houseโthat truly gave me goosebumps. I wasn't expecting much, but the shocking twist left me speechless. It's been a long time since a book made me feel such a mix of shock, fear, and amazement.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 10. A history or historical fiction book
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
Dubliners could easily portray the everyday life of a modern Dubliner with only a few changes. Despite the century thatโs passed since its first publication, the struggles and worries Joyceโs characters face are still familiar to me. Their challenges, whether in love, work, or family, remain timeless, reminding us how much human nature stays the same.
Joyce is a master of keeping readers on edge with the expectation that something extraordinary is about to happen. Yet, itโs in the ordinary where the true beauty of his stories lies. He manages to keep us engaged not with grand events, but with the quiet, relatable moments that reflect real life.
Long live James Joyce!
PS: To engage with your reading and to easily follow through the short stories, I have also purchased a booklet called "Romping Through - Dubliners" published by At It Again, which helped me to understand the stories, whereabouts in Dublin they were placed, and funny facts about the characters or Joyce himself.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 47. A book with a two-word title beginning with THE
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
Iโm unsure how this book ended up on my shelf, but Iโm glad it did. I hadnโt heard of Daphne Du Maurier before, which is a shame, but trying it for a challenge was the best decision. Surprisingly captivating and touching, I don't see any horror in this short story, I would dare say it is quite mystical.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 48. A second book that fits your favorite prompt
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
Thereโs something special about the way O'Farrell describes things. It even inspired me to pause and write a little myself. While the plot isn't particularly thrilling, the strength of the book lies in the captivating narrative.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 5. A book set in one of the 25 most beautiful cities in the world
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
Based on my housemateโs reaction, I went into The Vegetarian expecting something shocking. But as I read, what stood out to me was the beauty in Han Kangโs writing. She approaches a difficult topic with such poetic language, revealing how raw and exposed life can be. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, I found myself connecting with her view of life and kept asking what ties me to my own desire to live and enjoy life.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 42. A book with a sound-related word in the title
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โโ
This book has a beautiful and poetic style, but at times I felt the story got a bit long and sometimes unnecessary, which made it hard for me to stay focused. This might just be my fault, though. Miller does an amazing job bringing Patroclus, a character I wasnโt familiar with, to life. However, I struggled to connect with him, which made it hard for me to fully enjoy the book. To me, he felt a bit dull, and Achilles was a bit of a pain, to be honest.
Well, since Iโm not a big fan of Greek mythology, this book might not have been the best fit for me, and I can still see why others would enjoy it, and I think itโs, indeed, worth reading.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books (2017)
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 37. A book you choose randomly
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
I bought this book as a gift and decided to read a few stories out of curiosity. I was shocked when I realized it wasnโt suitable for childrenโI was about to give it to a friend for her kids! Even though I was disappointed, I kept reading and finished the book, and now Iโm glad I did so.
Irish mythology is my favourite, it is so magical and meaningful! Iโll keep this book for myself, and I just discovered a childrenโs version, so Iโll get that for my friendโs kids instead.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 3. A book that fits a suggestion that didnโt make the final list
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
I was about to say that Suzanne Collins had better write another book when I found out there's one set to be published in 2025. What a time to be alive (and thankful not to live in one of the Districts!).
Mockingjay both breaks and heals me up. Iโve loved the entire series since watching the first film in the theatres, and now, as an adult rereading it, I can still say: โI love this series.โ Not many books can stir that kind of nostalgia.
Katniss Everdeen is one of my favourite characters. Collins writes her beautifully, capturing her rage, flaws, and literal scars. Watching Katniss grow throughout the series feels like I am growing alongside her. Itโs an unforgettable journey!
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 18. A book with a botanical cover
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
Lygia Fagundes Telles reveals her most ordinary characters through their flaws, elevating the mundane into something extraordinary. Her short stories resonate deeply, filling gaps in oneโs soul, while still allowing readers to shape the characters' destinies in their minds.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 33. A book involving travel
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
After meeting Kari Rosvall in person, there is no way I could ever say this book isn't a must-read. Kari embodies happiness, freedom, love, and kindness. We met at the gym, and over time, we would often chat about life. One day, she mentioned she had written a book. I took note of the title and added it to my Amazon checkout list, where it stayed for a while.
Eventually, I recommended the book to my book club, and we decided to read it as our final book of the year. I can honestly say that Kari's journey has transformed many of our lives. Her story is deeply moving and inspiring, a testament to survival, love, and the possibilities of healing through all types of experiences. Itโs about embracing life and allowing it to transform you.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 31. A book related to โGoing for the Goldโ
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
I read this book over ten years ago, and the movie adaptation remains one of my favourites. However, the book does not fully capture my attention as much as the movie does. Ariano Suassuna is a master of folklore and a genius writer and his skill in bringing moral stories to life for the masses is undeniable.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 43. A book by an Edgar Award-winning Author
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โโโ
So disappointing. Since itโs an early Miss Marple story, I expected it to be slower, but I still didnโt feel drawn into the mystery. The story just didnโt hook me. I hope the next Miss Marple books are more exciting because I adore this character.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 40. A book involving a wild animal or endangered species, in the content, title, or on the cover
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
Tiger Boy is a sweet and unique story that took me on a journey to the beautiful Sundarban region, a place I had never heard of before. Mitali Perkins brings this setting to life in an engaging and educational way. The audiobook, narrated by Sunil Malhotra, was beautifully done and filled with warmth and energy, making the story even more enjoyable. It is a memorable read that blends adventure with themes of courage and conservation of wildlife, perfect for readers of all ages.
๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ: Around the Year in 52 Books
๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ฝ: 8. A book by an author from Canada, Australia or New Zealand
๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ: โ โ โ โ โ
A powerful collection of poems, that focus on themes of memory, love, loss, and many others. Salt and Shadow poems stood out to me, leaving a lasting impression. One of the most emotional pieces was Songs for Murdered Sisters. Learning that Atwood wrote it in response to the tragic murder of baritone Joshua Hopkins' sister made it even more heartbreaking. Its words moved me to tears. The songs sang by him can be found on YouTube.
The title poem, Dearly, deserves its own highlight. I found it beautiful and truly cherished reading it. Which means I loved it dearly. I look forward to exploring more works that capture genuine emotions as Atwood does.
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
The Story Of Saint Brigid (other topics)Ode ร Ruรญna (other topics)
Ode ร Ruรญna (other topics)
The Happy Prince and Other Tales (other topics)
The Happy Prince and Other Tales (other topics)
More...
๐๐ช๐ฒ๐ท ๐๐ฑ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ผ:
โค Around the Year in 52 Books 2016: 01/17
โค Around the Year in 52 Books 2017: 02/20
โค Around the Year in 52 Books 2018: 01/52
โค Around the Year in 52 Books 2020: 01/49
โค Around the Year in 52 Books 2022: 01/03
โค Around the Year in 52 Books 2024: 49/52
โค Around the World - Itineraries: 00/23
7. Tawau (MY) - Sunshine Coast (AU) Read a book where the title starts with the letter T Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow8. Sunshine Coast (AU) - Easter Island (CL) Read a book with a pink cover Glow: Five Steps to Create the Life You Dream About1. Easter Island (CL) - Colorado Springs (US) Read a book where the kindle version is less than 300 pages Before the Coffee Gets Cold2. Colorado Springs (US) - St Lucia (LC) Read a book where a character is a demon InuYasha, Vol. 1: Turning Back Time3. St Lucia (LC) - Glasgow (GB) Read a book with the name of the tarot card "The Star" in the text or title Stardust - BBC Dramatisation4. Glasgow (GB) - Hurghada (EG) Read a book where the title starts with the letter C CURUPIRA: O GUARDIรO DA FLORESTA5. Hurghada (EG) - Novyj Urengoj (RU) Read a book where a character's first name starts with the letter U Uncle Tomโs Cabin Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince6. Novyj Urengoj (RU) - Tawau (MY) Read a book where a character is an undertaker
๐ฃ๐ช๐ฐ๐ผ:
๐: 200 + 238 + 182 + 192 + 192 + 29 + 436 + 106 + 144 + 210 + 32 + 472 + 192 + 192 + 48 + 202 + 60 + 320 + 288 + 124 + 64 + 400 + 96
๐ง: 13:52:41 + 06:52:23 + 02:32:48 + 08:20:43 + 06:07:17 + 14:36:22 + 10:02:42 + 06:07:24 + 08:49:51 + 11:37:25 + 09:28:08 + 09:11:13 + 13:13:20 + 09:08:09 + 16:16:42 + 14:36:05 + 08:55:44 + 12:21:10 + 08:05:22 + 13:07:05 + 21:47:48 + 11:54:34 + 05:15:40 +13:26:40 + 11:19:36 + 05:05:49 : 02:45:37 + 05:21:23 + 02:58:36 + 11:58:32 + 07:10:36 + 09:10:16
๐ : Adรฉbรกyรฒ, Ahern, Alcott (x2), Atwood, Austen, Bowen, Carroll, Christie, Clare, Collins (x3), Crawford, Crespo, Ferrante, Fremlin, Gaiman, George, Harari, Hazelwood, Himekawa, Hirsch, Hutchins, Joyce (x2), Kang, Kawaguchi, King, Korman, La Plante, Lewis, Madeira, Maurier, McCurdy, Miller, Moore, O'Farrell, Perkins, Rosvall, Rowell, Rowling, Spears, Stembridge, Strout, Suassuna, Takahashi (x3), Telles, Vieira Jr., Wilde, Woolf, Zanello, Zevin (D, E, I, N, O, Q, U, X, Y)
๐๐ธ๐ธ๐ด ๐ก๐ช๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ท๐ฐ:
โโโโโ: 01
โค๏ธ๏ธ๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค: 00
โค๏ธ๏ธโค๏ธ๏ธ๐ค๐ค๐ค: 05
โค๏ธ๏ธโค๏ธ๏ธโค๏ธ๏ธ๐ค๐ค: 12
โค๏ธ๏ธโค๏ธ๏ธโค๏ธ๏ธโค๏ธ๏ธ๐ค: 22
โค๏ธ๏ธโค๏ธ๏ธโค๏ธ๏ธโค๏ธ๏ธโค๏ธ๏ธ: 16
๐ก๐ช๐ฒ๐ท๐ซ๐ธ๐ ๐๐ธ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ผ: