One of my resolutions for 2017 was to actively read more. I read a fair amount in my day-to-day life, but I wanted to specifically dedicate time for reading as a hobby. I set myself the goal of reading 12 books in 2017 on GoodReads and got a little carried away when I had two weeks off in the middle of January. I've started using Goodreads this year, click here if you fancy having a look or also have an account.
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”
My first read of 2017 was Charlotte Brontë's, Jane Eyre. For me, Jane Eyre is one of those novels that you always meant to read but never got around to. But for 99p and a good cause, it was quickly paid for and started that day. I haven't read any classical literature since 2015, so after taking a few chapters to get my head around the writing and realising the book was character driven, I really started to enjoy it. You start off with Jane as a young girl, living with her Aunt and Cousins, then onto Boarding School, her first job, and so on. Parts are a little long, but still enjoyable, especially about Jane's childhood. Even though this is a book essentially about her life, it is a rollercoaster of a life. If you're after an early feminist, relatively easy (once you readapt to the language) love story, this is for you.
My Goodreads rating: 5 Stars
Quite the opposite to my previous book is Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic to the Rescue. This is the eighth novel in the Shopaholic series, which first started in the early 2000s. Perhaps not the greatest book out of them all, and I wouldn't recommend reading unless you *really* enjoyed the others, but overall it was good.
My Goodreads rating: 3 Stars
The Girls by Emma Cline was an accidental purchase. I picked up for only £5 from Tesco, with no knowledge of the book. I expected a girly summery read. It was far from what I had expected, it involved girls, the summer of '69 and a cult... I do 100% think you should go into reading this book with no expectations. However, it does involve the Manson Family Cult. I have never read a book to do with cults before but, this was brilliant. (I stick by what I said, though, don't read up about the book just READ IT.)
My Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars
After many, many years I finally started reading the Harry Potter series! I know the storylines, I have been told by others the missing details from book to film, but I felt as though I *needed* to read them for myself. So, I read Philosopher's Stone. Listened to Chamber of Secrets on Audible (you get your first book credit for free *AND* if you want to cancel your subscription you can have another free book credit), and I'm now currently listening to Prisoner of Azkaban on Audible. I've just brought the series of Harry Potter books for myself (except Chamber of Secrets which was sold out but I'm being stubborn and want the complete set with matching cover art). Obviously, they're all wonderful, and I especially love listening to Stephen Fry read to me while I walk the dog at an ungodly hour of the morning.
My Goodreads Rating: (first two books) 5 Stars
milk and honey by Rupi Kaur is beautiful. Even if you don't like poetry, you will like this. An impressive collection of modern poetry that takes you on a journey with the poet. Split into four sections;
the hurting
the loving
the breaking
the healing
The first time you read it I recommend reading it from start to finish, after that dip in and out, open random pages and read a few pages, it's just brilliant.
My Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars
I'm thinking that if I gather collections of books in the future, I may start bringing more book content onto the blog, what do you say? Also, I keep up-to-date on my Instagram (here) with what I'm reading and if I buy any new books.
That's is all for now, speak soon!
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