Friday 3 February 2017

January's Books













As previously mentioned in one of my new year posts here, I've taken on the Popsugar reading challenge and am really enjoying it! I like how it gives me chance to read books I wouldn't usually and gives me categories to stick to.

I'm so glad I chose to take it on. I've read more books this month than I usually do in a whole year. I thought I'd go through the list and tell you my thoughts on the books I've read so far!

1. Book about an interesting woman -



















Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit by Sean Ferrer Hepburn
This book was truly amazing to me because it gave me a bigger admiration to my hero, Audrey Hepburn. I would even recommend it to those who are not as big a fan of her like me. For more details on the book, please see my more detailed review here.

2. Book you've read before that never fails to make you smile



















The World of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
I have such fond memories of reading the books of Beatrix Potter growing up. I was inspired by the tale of her drawing the pictures and writing the stories of the animals. As a kid I wanted to be a writer, and therefore loved reading her books and even finding out how her books came to be. With moving recently, I came across the books I had and decided to give them a read. It was nice to look back. I think these are another thing kept by my mother; she often says of things from my childhood: "I'm keeping these for my grandchildren!"

3. Audiobook



































Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben
My Dad had been enjoying the book, and referred me to it through Audible. Audible is great as you get the first book free.

The book itself was incredible and featured many unexpected twists. Without giving too much away, it is based on a woman on her journey to cope with the death of her husband, Joe a meer four months after the murder of her sister, Claire. She is an incredibly strong woman as an ex-soldier and mother to Lily, it follows her journey as she comes across many discrepancies on how it came to be. Just when you think you can guess what is happening, something happens to change your mind completely!

4. Book on TBR list for way too long























Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
I don't really have a list of books to read if I'm honest, but do want to read more classic novels. Therefore I chose to read Jane Eyre. I was pleasantly surprised because I didn't expect to enjoy reading it as much as I did. Often I have found myself to be bored by some 'classics'. However I challenge anyone to get bored of reading this as it has elements of many good books. It features the hardship of a girl growing up unwanted, her love for education, a love story, comedy lines, some slight horror and a journey to discovery. I recommend this to anyone to read, even those who don't think they will like it. I also thought the old english might make it hard to follow, but to be honest there weren't that many adaptations. I was also surprised to learn some scottish words came from the olde english (I might be stupid to not have figured that bairn and other words come from old english originally). I expected a predictable love story, but found an unpredictable plot about a woman's life growing up.

5. Book loved as a child
















Girls under pressure by Jacqueline Wilson
I mistakenly bought a CD instead of the book, but thoroughly enjoyed listening to this again! It was incredible as it took me back to my pre-teen self. Growing up I greatly admired Jacqueline Wilson and read all her books at the time. Favourites that come to mind include Lottie Project, Illustrated mum, The Story of Tracy Beaker, Lola Rose and the Girls series (like Girls under pressure, but also included Girls in Love and Girls out late). Jacqueline Wilson has a great way to tackling big issues, but writing about them in a way to educate and entertain her readers. This book tackles many issues of growing up including dealing with relationships, annoying siblings, bullying, dealing with stress, accepting your body image and dealing with weight loss and weight gain concerns.

6. Steampunk novel























Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
I can appreciate that this was beautifully written with bits like this: "I will revenge my injuries; if I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear and chiefly towards you my arch-enemy, because my creator, do I swear inextinguishable hatred." From reading, I can understand why it is a classic and am glad I read it. It was nice to read a book in a few days. I think a normal reader could finish this in two days easily.

I hope you enjoyed hearing about the books I've read so far. There will be many more to come. I'm currently reading Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. I've found it slow, but it is really well-written. This one is a lot bigger than some of the ones I read last month, so hope I can read 2 or 3 more for next month!

102 comments:

  1. I need to read more so perhaps taking on a book challenge would be just the ting I should do too! That Audrey Hepburn sounds really interesting. Love her. Such an icon. Tx

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    1. Yeah the biography was amazing. I'd definitely recommend giving it a read! The challenge has ignited my love for reading x

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  2. I adore Frankenstein, and I have the entire Beatrix Potter collection too! I cannot wait to read them to my son when he's older!!

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    1. Yeah hopefully do same if and when I have kids 😊 x

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  3. oh i do love the beatrix potter set and my daughter would love the jaquiline wilson x

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    1. Jacqueline Wilson was the one author I truly followed growing up x

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  4. I just read Frankenstein for the first time and holy crap was it amazing!

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    1. Must be on my own lol so well written though! X

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  5. I don't normally get to read anymore, I used to be able to read 4-5 books in a month. You got some interesting reads here on your list, I will definitely check some out.

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  6. I loved the beatrix potter books when I was younger!

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    1. Such fond memories reading it or having it read to me x

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  7. Such a good list. I would love to read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

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    1. I definitely recommend it. It's a good read 😊 x

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  8. I remember reading Beatrix Potter when I was younger. I got the duck as a money pot version and I still have it to this day, a good sixteen years later! I loved the Girls Under Pressure series, too--they're still on my bookshelf, and have sentimental memories of sitting inside on a sick day from school and reading through all four books in one day. It's crazy how many memories books can bring you.

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    1. I don't often keep books if I'm honest. I am quite a sentimental person as well so surprised. Nice you have such fond memories x

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  9. I love reading and it's great to get involved in challenges. I had to give up on cloud atlas. I've tried reading it 3 times and just can't do it. I've never listened to an Audio book, how do you find them compared to reading?

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    1. At least I don't feel alone on that one! Haha. I am one who likes the feeling of reading a book but I like it as means I can really make time to fit in more books. I can listen while tidying, cleaning or walking to work x

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  10. You are a reading machine right now. I also like how challenges get you to read books that you usually wouldn't. Thanks to my GoodReads book club I read Anne of Green Gables last month. Not sure what took me so long to get to it. Read on.

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    1. Haha thanks! I think I picked a lot of smaller books in some ways x

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  11. I am so bad at reading these days, I think the last time I read more than one novel in a month was 2014 and since them I am lucky to read one a year

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    1. I was reading like 4/5 books a year if lucky. Sometimes none so I was keen to get back into reading. Always love a challenge too! X

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  12. I would love to read more on Audrey Hepburn. This looks like a super book, thanks for sharing

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    1. It is amazing and definitely recommend it. Makes me admire her all the more! X

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  13. I actually really enjoyed Frankenstien, but haven't read it since I was in school. I might have to pick it up again.

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    1. Could tell it was well written but couldn't take to it x

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  14. I used to love Beatrix potter as a child as well x

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    1. Brings back happy memories. So glad my mum kept the books! X

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  15. I've been looking for new books/audio-books! Thank you.

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    1. Hope this gives you more ideas 😊 x

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  16. Oh I loved your last post like this, I'm glad to read a new one. I too loved Beatrix Potter as a child, and i've recently introduced it to my children which I love.
    Also, I really want to try out an audio book!

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    1. Do you mean my last post on films or the last one on books? Love idea of passing on beloved books/films to other generations. My mum got me into reading Heidi and have had film recommendations from older family members x

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  17. Jane Eyre is a really good book I remember reading it at school for English. If you liked that then try reading wide Sargasso Sea next, it gives you the back story for the lady locked in the room, enjoy x

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    1. Ooh I will have to write that down. That sounds really interesting! X

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  18. Such a brilliant post. So glad to see Beatrix Potter. Squirrel Nutkin was my favourite book as a child x

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  19. A fantastic reading challenge! I haven't picked up a book in ages but this would definitely work for me! x

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    1. It kinda makes you see that it's about adding it into little bits of time x

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  20. I still have my Beatrix Potter books. My favorite was Mrs Tiggywinkle x

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    1. I liked them all but that's a cool one 😊 x

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  21. I would love to read the Audrey Hepburn book, my Daughter has the complete Beatrix Potter books I used to love reading them with her x

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    1. I recommend it. It was my favourite of the month! I have such fond memories of getting all things Beatrix Potter. Think mum used to read them to me but think it might have been one of the first that I read x

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  22. I've read a few classics that I struggled to get through as well, but Jane Eyre was a very compelling and easy to read book. I really loved it. All of Harlan Coben's books are fantastic, I've yet to find one that wasn't a real page-turner.

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    1. I know, I was pleasantly surprised. I haven't followed a particular author since I was a kid, but might do as a few have said that about Coben x

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  23. Beatrix Potter and Jacqueline Wilson were my faves when I was a child and a teen! xxx

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    1. Think it's tradition as a kid growing up then. Maybe even now x

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  24. You managed to get through quite a lot in January. I'd love to re-read the Jacqueline Wilson books but there's just so many books I need to read x

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    1. Yeah that's where I think this challenge will come in handy haha x

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  25. I used to read book after book years ago, I have set myself a goal to read more this year. Love the selection you have featured :) x

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    1. It can be hard it's all about fitting in reading when you're sat doing nothing e.g lunchtimes, just before bed or breaks at work. Aww thank you - maybe give you ideas to read this year! X

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  26. I always loved the Beatrix potter books as a kid and the Jacqueline Wilson books! I love this challenge, may consider doing one next month :)

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    1. Know a few doing 1 a month which is good 😊 especially since you're at uni. Always struggled to do fun reading while studying lol x

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  27. I've just read my first Jacqueline Wilson novel to my sons and they adored it! I loved it too if I'm honest ;)

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  28. I don't read half as much as I should unless I'm on holiday so an audiobook sounds like a good option. Throw back to Jaqueline Wilson! I used to love those books as a kid.

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    1. Good for walking to work or Driving - makes the traffic worth it! I also like it for doing chores around the house. Might need to sign up to audiobook! X

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  29. I really like this idea! I read enough as it is so I don't think I'd ever need to take on a reading challenge, however I do have a big pile of TBR books to get through! x

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    1. It's also popular with people to get peopl expanding the types of books they read. It makes you read things you might not usually x

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  30. Frankenstein is one of my favourite books ever!! I love a good Harlan Corbin book too.x

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    1. It's beautifully written 😊 Yeah a lot say that, may need to read more from the writer x

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  31. I love this challenge! What a great idea! I don't read nearly as many books as I used to because I drive to work now but I must make the time to do it.

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    1. Audiobooks might be a good shout for you. That's what my dad has been doing as he drives on m25 and sometimes takes 1-2 hours to get to and from work x

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  32. Great picks! I'm actually very intrigued in finding out more abt Audrey Hepburn so I'll check that out!

    KatrinaJeanCarter.wordpress.com

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    1. You should it's probably my favourite of the month. That or Jane Eyre x

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  33. Love the idea! And a great reminder for me, I should definitely start reading a bit more.

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  34. I listened to the Girls Under Pressure audiobook before I actually read it! I remember borrowing it from the library.

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    1. It's good. Listening to it almost makes it feel more like a teenage diary somehow x

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  35. Is it crazy that I haven't read any of these books!?! I'm pretty Jane Eyre was on a high school summer reading list and I just grabbed the cliff notes or something. I would probably so enjoy it now that I'm older!! :) Thanks for sharing!

    Xo,

    Megan at Lush to Blush

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    1. Not at all! Everyone is different 😊x

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  36. i love beatrix potter books alottt :)

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  37. They look like amazing books and very different styles! I would read the Audrey Hepburn, I'm after it for long time now haha x

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    1. Not come across anyone who had actually heard of it! X

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  38. This is such an interesting reading challenge! I like that each book has a theme and who didn't love Jacqueline Wilson growing up!?

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    1. Yeah felt like I grew up with her books x

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  39. I need to give time for reading, for the meantime, i'll go with the Audrey Hepburn thing and might include also the audio books then. -Anosa

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    1. Audiobooks are an amazing way to make time for reading and help when stationary x

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  40. Love reading books about Audrey too, she is such an inspiration!

    shelley xoxo

    http://www.shelleymorecroft.co.uk/

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    1. First book I've read about her actually x

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  41. I want to read more books this year. I really like the sound of the Harlan Coben one, but would prefer it in paper back, I just cant get into audios

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    1. Never thought I'd like it but was great. It was how I got to read/hear the girl on the train too x

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  42. I love reading a good paper book. Shame I haven't had the time for ages.

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    1. I try to do it in evenings before bed or getting ready for bed x

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  43. Absolutely looks a good post, I enjoy reading this glad you share this

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    1. Aww thank you glad you enjoyed it 😊 x

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  44. Fool Me Once sounds like a really interesting book, and one I'd definitely like to check out!

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  45. I loved all the Jacqueline Wilson books as a kid!

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  46. You have a really diverse taste in books, some really interesting and classic reads here.

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    1. Just part of the challenge more than my taste but expanding my interest of different genres x

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  47. I have all of the Beatrix Potter books as well as all of the Enid Blyton books from my childhood. They are hiding in my spare room at the minute but I am going to make more of a feature of them. Would love to read the Audrey Hepburn book! x

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    1. Great idea! So cute and beautiful. You totally should as it's utterly amazing x

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  48. I need to read that Audrey book, I am such a fan of hers!

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    1. It is an incredible read and so many amazing pictures x

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  49. This sounds like such a fun challenge! I used to read loads, but I just don't get the time anymore :'( We have the Beatrix Potter collection and I think her books are so magical for children. I was also a fan of the Famous Five when I was younger. I'm sure you'll have read those too! :)

    Louise x

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    1. It is hard to make time but this has forced me to make an extra 20/30 mins though the day. Never read famous five actually! X

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  50. This is a unique reading challenge. :) How many books do you usually read in a week (or month). I read every day. As an editor, part of that is my job, but I love to read. I read several times throughout the day. I usually read for 20-30 minutes with my morning coffee, 20-45 minutes Monday-Friday while doing cardio (elliptical, cross trainer, bike, stair climber, etc.) at the gym, and at least 30-60 minutes at bedtime. LOL I don't really watch TV. I might read more during a day, but it depends on what is going on.

    I'm most curious about your thoughts about the audiobook. If you compared/contrasted the audiobook and reading a book, what did you like/dislike between the two? I could see audiobooks working better in some settings than others.

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    1. Thank you for commenting 😊 I don't know about monthly but would usually read like 3/4 books a year. Very disappointing. Think I said that! Read a lot of blogs, online articles and some magazines but not a lot of books before now. Audiobooks are good for helping you read when otherwise occupied i.e. Driving, walking or gym etc. I like physically opening a book and touching pages so not sure I like much outside that x

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  51. I'm interesting on Fol me Once, that sounds interesting and I keep wondering about trying out Audible too. Mich x

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