50 Books Challenge 2012 Update - December

Sequels this month, but I only read 2 books. Like I said last month, I'm moving at the moment so I didn't have much time to read.

# 51. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments # 3) - 4/ 5
# 52. The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson (Millenium # 2) - 4/ 5

Average: 4

Favorite of the Month: City of Glass

Now the theme for january:

I hope that I can spend more time reading next month, because I will be officialy living in my new home next weekend. My goal for the year 2013 won't be different from last year: 50 books with every month a new theme. Happy reading everyone!!

50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 52: The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson (Millenium # 2)

Title: The Girl Who Played with Fire("Millenium # 2")
Author: Stieg Larsson
Story: Mikael Blomkvist, crusading journalist and publisher of the magazine Millennium, has decided to run a story that will expose an extensive sex trafficking operation between Eastern Europe and Sweden, implicating well-known and highly placed members of Swedish society, business, and government. But he has no idea just how explosive the story will be until, on the eve of publication, the two investigating reporters are murdered. And even more shocking for Blomkvist: the fingerprints found on the murder weapon belong to Lisbeth Salander—the troubled, wise-beyond-her-years genius hacker. As Blomkvist, alone in his belief in Salander’s innocence, plunges into an investigation of the slayings, Salander herself is drawn into a murderous hunt in which she is the prey, and which compels her to revisit her dark past in an effort to settle with it once and for all.
Start: december 18th 2012
End: december 30th 2012
Comment: It's been a while since I read the first book. That one didn't really surprise me. It was good, but I expected more due to its popularity. When I started reading I somehow immediately knew that this was going to be better. This book focuses on Lisbeth more and we got to know more about her past. I found that interesting, because I think she is a fascinating character eventhough she is so complex. Like the first book I also liked Mikael Blomkvist. We see how much he cares about Lisbeth and that he's struggling with the fact that she wants to shut him out of her life. The second installment in the "Millenium"-trilogy deals with a lot of topics: Sex trade, police corruption, authority abuse, homocide. Although that keeps it interesting, it sometimes feels like a bit too much in one book. Like the first book I also think that this book is too big, there are some parts that we could've done without. But all in all it's a good book and better then it's prequel.
Rating: 4/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Books I Read in 2012

This year I had themes for every month and I liked it. It made reading even more pleasant for me. Some months were better then others, but overall I had a very good reading year. Here are the five best books I read this year.

5. “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë
It’s an absolute classic and I can’t believe that I never read it before. Although it’s not a very spectacular book, it keeps your attention at all times. (September – Classics Month)

4. “Duma Key” by Stephen King
I read a lot of Stephen King books this year, but this was definitely my favorite. It totally captivates you, like my brother had already warned me before. King is a magician with words, just sublime. (October – Stephen King Month)

3. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
Fantasy has become one of my favorite genres over the year and I loved every second of reading “The Hobbit”. What a fantastic journey. (June – Adventure Month)

2. “Matilda” by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl is the best children´s book writer off all time and “Matilda” is his best work. I´ve loved this books ever since I was a child. And now as a teacher I love to share this wonderous story with my children. It’s such a magical story. (August – Roald Dahl Month)

1. “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
When I finished this book in the beginning of the year, I already knew that this was going to be high on my favorites list. It is the best books I read this year, for so many reasons. It really grabbed me, the story is touching and sometimes funny and it has such great characters. If you haven’t read this book yet, what are you waiting for?(February – Bestsellers Month)

They almost made the top 5: “Divergent” by Veronica Roth, “Into the Wild” by John Krakauer, “The Understudy” by David Nicholls, “Dances with Wolves” by Michael Blake, “A Game of Thrones” by George R. R. Martin, “The Lucky One” by Nicholas Sparks, “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” by Roald Dahl, “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, “Carrie” by Stephen King

50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 51: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments # 3)

Title: City of Glass ("The Mortal Instrumenst # 3")
Author: Cassandra Clare
Story: To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight. As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?
Start: december 4th 2012
End: december 17th 2012
Comment: I like this series, I enjoy it a lot. I got this book for my birthday and I was really looking forward to reading it. "City of Glass" opens with Clary and her friends while they are about to head to Alicante, the City of Glass. Things don't go according to plan. In this book I think Clary is finally the heroine a series like this needs. She grew in her role as a shadowhunter, Clary grew stronger. Jace's character is darker then the previous two books. What I liked most about "City of Glass" are all the twists. Especially the one involving Sebastian. That really surprised me. Like the two other books, "City of Glass" is fast paced and action packed. "The Mortal Instruments" series is very solid and I hope Cassandra Clare can hold on to it.
Rating: 4/ 5

50 Books Challenge 2012 Update - December

I was so excited to read book that were made into movies or television shows. And now I'm so disappointed because I only managed to read three. I had so many other books I wanted to read. I have a good excuse though, because I'm moving. But still... Oh, one ood thing. I reached my goal of 50 books!!!

# 48. A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin ("A Song of Ice and Fire # 2)"- 4,5/ 5
# 49. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown - 4,5/ 5
# 50. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins ("The Hunger Games # 1") - 5/ 5

Average: 4,7

Favorite of the Month: The Hunger Games

Now the theme for december:

I have so many sequels on my shelve and on my to-read list. So why not dedicade the month of december to sequels.

50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 50: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games # 1)

Title: The Hunger Games ("The Hunger Games # 1")
Author: Suzanne Collins
Story: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Prim, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Start: november 29th 2012
End: november 30th 2012
Comment: Because this is a reread and I reviewed the books last year, I'm not going to write another one. Here's a link to my review: Review "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
Rating: 5/ 5

50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 49: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Title: The Da Vinci Code
Author: Dan Brown
Story: An ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. A desperate race through the cathedrals and castles of Europe. An astonishing truth concealed for centuries ... unveiled at last.
Start: november 19th 2012
End: november 28th 2012
Comment: I read this book not long after it was released. So many people talked about it, it was so popular. With this theme I found the perfect opportunity to reread "The Da Vinci Code". This books has also been very much critized, mostly by Catholics. Understandable, but maybe because of the controverse I like it even more. I'm not very religious and I believe more of a scientific believer. Things don't 'just happen', there's always an explanaition. Dan Brown is a very clever writer, without making things too complicated. His books are definitely not for just any reader. You need to have an affinity with the subject. But it's pretty certain you getted sucked in this story. It's a rush and you go on the adventure with Langdon and Sophie. Both lead characters are likeable in their own way. It's really hard to dislike them. They have enough backstory to understand them and I like the bond they develope throughout the story. I didn't give it a five star rating because then it would be eually as good as "Angels & Demons". Well, I think that one is a little better, but I love "The Da Vinci Code" very much!
Rating: 4,5/ 5

50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 48: A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire # 2) by George R. R. Martin

Title: A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire # 2)
Author: George R. R. Martin
Story: A comet the color of blood and flame cuts across the sky. And from the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding shores of Winterfell, chaos reigns. Six factions struggle for control of a divided land and the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, preparing to stake their claims through tempest, turmoil, and war. It is a tale in which brother plots against brother and the dead rise to walk in the night. Here a princess masquerades as an orphan boy; a knight of the mind prepares a poison for a treacherous sorceress; and wild men descend from the Mountains of the Moon to ravage the countryside. Against a backdrop of incest and fratricide, alchemy and murder, victory may go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel...and the coldest hearts. For when kings clash, the whole land trembles.
Start: november 2nd 2012
End: november 18th 2012
Comment: I'm a fan of the first book. Loved it so much. I was very excited about the second book, but unfortunately it didn't met my expectations. But it's still an awesome sequel. Like the first, Martin tells the story from various points of view. This time the story of Theon is added and we continue to follow Arya, Sansa, Catelyn, Jon, Tyrion and Daenerys. In the first book we read a lot about Daenerys, I kind of missed that here. She only has a couple of chapters dedicated to her, I was hoping for more. I did like to read about the split Stark clan. Especially Arya. She is though and also very likeable. I already liked her in the first book, but she was more present in "A Clash of Kings". Her arc was very adventurous. So different from her sister Sansa. One character I truly dispise is Joffrey. Ever single time I just wanted to slap him in the face and kick him in the jewels. Aaargh!! Tyrion is one of the more interesting arcs. He has to prove himself, this time to his dad. Tyrion kind of grew on me in this book. I like his sharp tongue. The second book in the series was just too big and it wasn't as fast paced as its prequel. But overall the stage is set nicely for the next book. In particular, the battle at Blackwater is a great literary scene. "A Storm of Swords" is already waiting for me on the shelve, so I can't wait to see how it all continues.
Rating: 4/ 5

50 Books Challenge 2012 Update - October

Stephen King month was pretty succesful. I read some of his best stories and also some more unknown books.

# 43. Duma Key by Stephen King - 5/ 5
# 44. The Mist by Stephen King - 4,5/ 5
# 45. Carrie by Stephen King - 5/ 5
# 46. Morality/ Blockade Billy by Stephen King - 3/ 5
# 47. Different Seasons by Stephen King - 4,5/ 5

Average: 4,4

Favorite of the Month: Duma Key

Now the theme for november:

While reading the short story "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" I actually got his idea. I want to read books that have either a TV show or movie based on them. And I already ahve some great books lined up for the mpnth of november.

50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 47: Different Seasons by Stephen King

Title: Different Seasons
Author: Stephen King
Story: "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" - Andy Dufresne is convicted for the murder of his wife and her lover. He is locked up in Shawshank prison.
“Apt Pupil" - A schoolboy discover that a man in his neighbourhood is a wanted ex-nazi.
"The Body" – Four boys decided to go on a trip to find a boys dead body.
“The Breathing Method” – An unmarried, pregnant woman wants to triumph over death.
Start: october 25th 2012
End: october 31st 2012
Comment: I have to admit that I didn't read all four stories. I will, in the future, but I only read "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption". I wanted to read this because my favorite movie is based on this story. It's a short story if you compare it to the length of the film. It's told like the movie, narrated by inmate Red, who you come to like pretty soon. We see the story through his eyes and we also experience his first encounter with Andy Dufresne. Andy is a quiet character, someome you have to get to know before you can like him. Red liked him from the start, maybe because of this calmness he has. The friendship between Red and Andy is very special. You can feel the connection. Red is a very reliable man, a true friend. There are several differences between the book and the movie, there always are, and mostly the books are the better versions. In this case the movie is better, only slightly.
Rating: 4,5/ 5

50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 46: Morality/ Blockade Billy by Stephen King

Title: Morality/ Blockade Billy
Author: Stephen King
Story: Morality - Chad and Nora Callahan are suffering from financial difficulties brought on by lack of employment and low-paying jobs. While both are seemingly frustrated with the influx of monthly bills and other expenses, they remain largely optimistic about future solutions to solve their money woes. Chad hopes to supplement their income by writing a book based on his experiences as a substitute teacher, while Nora, a nurse, works full-time for a retired reverend named George Winston, who is partially paralyzed and uses a wheelchair after suffering from a stroke. Nora's time spent with Reverend Winston is largely uneventful, until one day Winston propositions Nora with a solution to her monetary problems. Being a reverend, Winston states that he has largely lived his life without sin—though he also states he has not gone completely without it—and seeks to experience one major sin before he passes away.
Blockade Billy - Even the most die-hard baseball fans don't know the true story of William 'Blockade Billy' Blakely. He may have been the greatest player the game has ever seen, but today no one remembers his name. He was the first, and only, player to have his existence completely removed from the record books. Even his team is long forgotten, barely a footnote in the game's history. Every effort was made to erase any evidence that William Blakely played professional baseball, and with good reason. Blockade Billy had a secret darker than any pill or injection that might cause a scandal in sports today. His secret was much, much worse... and only Stephen King, the most gifted storyteller of our age, can reveal the truth to the world, once and for all.
Start: october 23rd 2012
End: october 24rd 2012
Comment: In this Stephen King month I decided to also read something that isn't that well known. At least I never heard of it. It's a book with two short stories. The first one tells the story of a retired reverend who wants to commit a sin. I read this story in just one sitting. Although not a lot of spectacular things happened, I had to keep reading. I just wanted to know what it was Winston wanted Nora to do. Only a master like King can make that happen. I really enjoyed the first story. The second story didn't really grab me as much. It didn't take me long to finish this one either, because it's just a straight forward story. But maybe because I'm not a baseball fan, it didn't grab me as much as the first story. What I liked about this story though was the way it was told. An old time equipment manager recounting the story of William 'Blockade Billy' Blakely to Mr. King himself. This book is definitely not one of my favorites by Stephen King, but I did enjoy it, especially "Morality".
Rating: 3/ 5

50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 45: Carrie by Stephen King

Title: Carrie
Author: Stephen King
Story: Carrie White may have been unfashionable and unpopular, but she had a gift. Carrie could make things move by concentrating on them. A candle would fall. A door would lock. This was her power and her sin. Then, an act of kindness, as spontaneous as the vicious taunts of her classmates, offered Carrie a chance to be a normal and go to her senior prom. But another act, of ferocious cruelty, turned her gift into a weapon of horror and destruction that her classmates would never forget.
Start: october 16th 2012
End: october 22nd 2012
Comment: "Carrie" was Stephen King's fourth book, but the first one he'd published. Quoting King himself: "Because of Carrie, I could finally afford a real home". And what a fantastic debut novel this is. The book starts with a horrible act of teenage terrorisation. Carrie White got her first period and doesn't know what's happening to her. The girls in the lockerroom, lead by Chris Hargensen, start laughing at her and throwing tampons at her. We soon learn that Carrie is a loner, an outsider and an easy target for mean schoolgirls like Chris. The reason that Carrie didn't know about menstruation is her mother. Margaret White is a Bible thumping nut, who sees a sin in everything. Boys in general, having breasts or hanging your underwear to dry in the yard. The mothers character is very well written and even a bigger nitjob than Mrs. Carmody from "The Mist". Carrie can't help it that she is the way she is. You feel sorry for her. Chris Hargensen is this typical populair high school girl everyone wants to be, but also secretly hate. One of her friends, Sue Snell, is the only one that also feels sorry for Carrie, although she did participate in the incident that happened in the lockerroom. Tommy Ross, Sue's boyfriend, looks at Carrie differently when he gets to know her. When he takes her to the school dance and their are crownd prom king and prom queen, Chris and her boyfriend Billy have something in store for her. From there on the terror really starts, but this time it's coming from Carrie. "Carrie" is, like many other Stephen King books, really hard to put down. Once your in the story, it's hard to let go.
Rating: 5/ 5

50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 44: The Mist by Stephen King

Title: The Mist
Author: Stephen King
Story: It's a hot, lazy day, perfect for a cookout, until you see those strange dark clouds. Suddenly a violent storm sweeps across the lake and ends as abruptly and unexpectedly as it had begun. Then comes the mist...creeping slowly, inexorably into town, where it settles and waits, trapping you in the supermarket with dozens of others, cut off from your families and the world. The mist is alive, seething with unearthly sounds and movements. What unleashed this terror? Was it the Arrowhead Project, the top secret government operation that everyone has noticed but no one quite understands? And what happens when the provisions have run out and you're forced to make your escape, edging blindly through the dim light?
Start: october 9st 2012
End: october 16th 2012
Comment: Off course I've seen the movie, which is amazing, but I wanted to start this book without compairing it to the film. Stephen King is known for creating a mysterious atmosphere, you never quite know what's going on. Just a simple weather phenomenon makes it happen this time and maybe because you don't know what's going on it gives you the chills. From the moment David and his son Billy enter the supermarktet it becomes scary. Weird creatures come crawling or flying from the mist and because Stephen King describes them in detail it's not that hard to picture them. It's terrifying. And although this is very unlikely to happen, King writes so convincing you almost believe it can really happen. There are a bunch of characters in the book. We get to know David the best. A nice family father who does everything in order to keep his son safe. He's likeable, but I don't understand the way he acts towards Amanda. Miss Carmody is the town nut, a well written character. She has all kinds of theories for what's happening. Weird thing is, desperate people start believing her and follow her lead. This is the proof of how people in distress would react. Only thinking of being safe, not caring about others. Ollie Weeks was my favorite character. A goodhearted man, with guts and he's one of the few who does think of others before thinking of himself. When I finished the book, I did start to compair it to the movie. One conclusion: I loved the book as well.
Rating: 4,5/ 5

50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 43: Duma Key by Stephen King

Title: Duma Key
Author: Stephen King
Story: Six months after a crane crushes his pickup truck and his body self-made millionaire Edgar Freemantle launches into a new life. His wife asked for a divorce after he stabbed her with a plastic knife and tried to strangle her one-handed (he lost his arm and for a time his rational brain in the accident). He divides his wealth into four equal parts for his wife, his two daughters, himself and leaves Minnesota for Duma Key, a stunningly beautiful, eerily remote stretch of the Florida coast where he has rented a house. All of the land on Duma Key, and the few houses, are owned by Elizabeth Eastlake, an octogenarian whose tragic and mysterious past unfolds perilously. When Edgar begins to paint, his formidable talent seems to come from someplace outside him, and the paintings, many of them, have a power that cannot be controlled.
Start: october 1st 2012
End: october 8th 2012
Comment: When you pick up a Stephen King novel it's a guarantee for an entertaining read. My brother has a lot of King book and this was the one he kept recommending. I now know why. It's a consummate and compassionate novel. We follow Edgar Freemantle, who was lucky to survive a crash that left him with a cracked skull, a fractured lefts side with broken ribs, a broken hip and he lost his right arm. Edgar becomes verbally abusive and his wife Pam leaves him after twenty-five years of marriage. He flees to Duma Key, Florida. He rediscovers his artistic skills and tries to unravel the mystery of Duma Key. The moment I picked up this book I just literally couldn't stop reading. I was totally captivated and forget everything around me. And the funny thing is, not a lot of spectacular things happened. It's just the way this story was told, so vividly and colorful. Everyone has something that scares them, but it doesn't always have to be horror. There is a certain force in this book that gives you the chills. That's what this book does to you. That proves again that Stephen King isn't just a master in writing horror stories, he's just a master in storytelling. My brother was right, this book is simply AMAZING!
Rating: 5/ 5

50 Books Challenge 2012 Update - September 2012

Only four books this month, but I didn't feel like reading towards the end of the month. That feeling is gone already, because I'msuper excited for October. But first, what did I read in september.

# 39. Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens - 4,5/ 5
# 40. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë - 5/ 5
# 41. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame - 4,5/ 5
# 42. Animal Farm by George Orwell - 5/ 5

Average: 4,8

Favorite of the Month: Jane Eyre

Now the theme for october:

Off course october is the month where we have Halloween, so Stephen King is the perfect author for scary stories. But I'm not only going to read his horror novels. My brother has a huge collection of Stephen King books, so plenty to choose from.

50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 42: Animal Farm by George Orwell

Title: Animal Farm
Author: George Orwell
Story: No writer has ever been more naked in his contempt for power, or more ruthless in his critique of those who abuse it, than the Englishman born Eric Blair, better known to the world as George Orwell. In Animal Farm he restages the hypocrisies of the Russian Revolution with the principal figures played by, of all things, farm animals. By presenting atrocities in the terms of a fairy tale, he makes them fresh, restoring to readers numbed by the 20th century’s parade of disasters a sense of shock and outrage. Paradoxically, by turning Trotsky and Lenin and their followers into pigs and horses and chickens, he reveals them as all too human.
Start: september 24th 2012
End: september 28th 2012
Comment: I always thought that this book would be too hard for me to read. I have to say, the size didn't scare me, but it is indeed not the easiest book to read. "Animal Farm" is a political satire, not something I would normally read. I'm interested in politics, but sometimes I just don't understand it. I now understand why this book is one of the most powerful books ever. It is a heart breaking allegory about the failure of organised idealogy. The way Orwell wrote this book is just amazing, strong and convincing. Like "The Wind in the Willows", the animals lead the story and they almost feel human because you can identify with them. Snowball is probably the most important character in the book. He is full of good intent, he wants to start classes for the other animals to elevate their understanding of the world. "Animal Farm" is certainly not for just anyone, but definitely a book that got me thinking. And I had something to talk about with my very intellectual brother, haha.
Rating: 5/ 5

50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 41: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Title: The Wind in the Willows
Author: Kenneth Grahame
Story: Meek little Mole, willful Ratty, Badger the perennial bachelor, and petulant Toad. In the almost one hundred years since their first appearance in 1908, they've become emblematic archetypes of eccentricity, folly, and friendship. And their misadventures-in gypsy caravans, stolen sports cars, and their Wild Wood-continue to capture readers' imaginations and warm their hearts long after they grow up. Begun as a series of letters from Kenneth Grahame to his son, The Wind in the Willows is a timeless tale of animal cunning and human camaraderie. This Penguin Classics edition features an appendix of the letters in which Grahame first related the exploits of Toad.
Start: september 16th 2012
End: september 23rd 2012
Comment: I never read it as a kid, I only saw the movie. This story is about a mole, rat, badger and a toad, but could be about people. It's fun to read about it, substituting little animals for middle-aged Edwardian gentlemen. They have everyday problems and deal with daily situations. All the animals have their own character. Rat is very wise and resourceful, Mole is tender and caring, Badger is a wise mentor and Toad is self absorbed. A compliment to the writer, that you can actually identify with the characters although they are animals. The pace of the book seems to be very slow for a children's book and it's on quite a high reading level. The version I read had black-and-white illustrations by Ernest Shepherd. There's nothing like a well-illustrated children's classic! I'm sure, that as a kid, I would have appreciated it. Kids these days probably wouldn't anymore. Such a shame. There are good life lessons in it.
Rating: 4,5/ 5

50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 40: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Title: Jane Eyre
Author: Charlotte Brontë
Story: Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead, subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman's passionate search for a wider and richer life than Victorian society traditionally allowed.
Start: september 8th 2012
End: september 15th 2012
Comment: This books just needed to be read this month. It's been forever since I last read it, can't even remember when it was. So it felt like a rediscovering of "Jane Eyre". We meet Jane Eyre, who is our narrator, when she is a young girl. We see the struggles she goes trough before she becomes to strong woman she is now. Jane takes up a job as governess at Thornfield, where she meets Mr. Rochester. From that moment on the book gets even more interesting then it already is. I love how you can actually feel the chemsitry and energie between Jane and Rochester. The both feel so life like. I love Jane, she is such a powerful female character. She may not be graced with beauty or money, but her spirit is so strong. That's the reason why she has survived all the misery. Rochester isn't the typical English gentleman you usualy read about in novels like this. He's a bit harsh, to the point, though very charming in his own special way. I also really liked Mrs. Fairfax, who knows her place in the world and would like to stick to the rules. This story is fantastic, I actually became a part of it when I was reading it. One of the best novels ever written.
Rating: 5/ 5

50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 39: Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens

Title: Nicholas Nickleby
Author: Charles Dickens
Story: When his father dies suddenly, Nicholas Nickleby must decide on his future. Unfortunately, Nicholas has very few prospects...and even less money! Luckily, his Uncle Ralph has pulled some strings at a school called Dotheboys Hall and Nicholas is hired as a teacher. However, the naive and kindhearted Nicholas discovers that the headmaster, a sniveling worm by the name of Wackford Squeers, is a blackhearted, malicious bully who treat the boys in his care abominably. He'd like to leave, but then his uncle will cut off all support for his mother and sister. Should Nicholas tough it out? Or will he seek his fortune elsewhere?
Start: september 1st 2012
End: September 7th 2012
Comment: When I came up with this theme, Charles Dickens was the first author (after Jane Austen of course) that popped in my head. I choose "Nicholas Nickleby" because it spoke to me. It's an interesting coming-of-age tale, but really tells the story of the Nickleby family instead of just Nicholas. After his fathers death, Nicholas finds a way to provide for his virtuous sister Kate and his mother, who reminded me a bit of a less outrageous Bennet mother from "Pride and Prejudice". Nicholas is a great character, I really liked him. But my heart goes out to Smike. So sad, I really felt for him. Like I said before, it's not just about Nicholas. I didn't expect that. Maybe that's why this book was so gigantic. That's the main reason why I didn't give it a five star rating: the length of the book. I loved "Nicholas Nickleby" but it could use some 'deleted scenes'. This Dickens story fitted my theme perfectly.
Rating: 4,5/ 5

50 Books Challenge 2012 Update - August

I really read a lot of books this month. Seven! And some of them were great, fantastic and perfect. What an amazing author Roald Dahl is.

# 32. Matilda by Roald Dahl- 5/ 5
# 33. The Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl - 5/ 5
# 34. The BFG by Roald Dahl - 4,5/ 5
# 35. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl - 5/ 5
# 36. Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl - 3/ 5
# 37. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl - 4,5/ 5
# 38. The Witches by Roald Dahl - 5/ 5

Average: 4,6

Favorite of the Month: Matilda

Now the theme for september:

After spending so much time reading children's books, I'm now going to read some adult classics. Books I just have to read. Thinking of Charles Dickens, the Brontë sister and Jane Austen. Looking forward to those classics.