So, I am a little late on my check-in since I was on hiatus on the 21st but I AM participating in the challenge and have been doing my reading like a good girl. I am a reader by nature but this challenge is helping me to be more intentional about what and when I am reading and I love that! Here is my progress so far:
* A YA book (mandatory!) ~ Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
This book was okay. It is a YA book so it is a little different than Sophie Kinsella’s usual writing style. The characters were younger kids and I could not really relate to them. I did not love it as much as some of her other books. My personal favorite by her is Remember Me? If you haven’t read that yet you definitely should!
* Non US Author (mandatory!) ~ Woman With a Secret by Sophie Hannah
* A book that was recommended by a blogger (mandatory!) ~ Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin (recommended by Kristen)
* A book that has been on your TBR list for a year or more ~ The Carrier by Sophie Hannah
* A book with a kickass female character ~ Divergent by Veronica Roth
* A book that is or will be a movie (or TV show) ~ The Martian by Andy Weir UPDATE – I have decided to read Paper Towns by John Green instead. I keep seeing the commercial for the movie and I think it looks great.
* A book written by a comedian or celebrity ~ The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane Von Furstenberg
* A book with a one word title ~ You by Caroline Kepnes
* A suspenseful book – a mystery, a thriller, a book about revenge ~ The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (recommended by every blogger I know)
Okay, so TGOTT…I know that EVERYONE and their Mother loved this book but I was ehhhh about it. I didnt hate it but I was not obsessed with it. I think that Sophie Hannah or Gillian Flynn do a better job at creating suspense.
* A book about Summer, with Summer in the title ~ Summer Secrets by Jane Green
Geez, as I am writing these reviews I am realizing that I have felt lukewarm about all the books I have read so far during this challenge. Unfortunately, Summer Secrets was no exception. It was good but I was not obsessed with it. They style reminded me very much of Saving Grace and I didn’t really find myself relating too much to the main character. I was not emotionally invested in her. It could have ended with her falling off a bridge at the end and I would not have cared.
I am pretty much done with Divergent though and I really love it. Even though I have seen the movie the book doesn’t feel too repetitive.
Next I am going to read Paper Towns.
Where are you guys in the challenge? Have you discovered any new authors or any books that you recommend?
I have been having the same problem with books lately: I just feel lukewarm about them! Here’s hoping we both find something new to love soon!
I agree with you about The Girl on the Train. Not my favorite. And I can’t believe I haven’t read Remember Me? I was going to read Finding Audrey next but sounds like Remember Me? is a better option!
<3, Pamela
Sequins & Sea Breezes
I’m not doing the challenge but I just finished a book on Thursday and it was amazing – maybe in another life – so good! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
glad you are enjoying Divergent! i really enjoyed it. and i totally felt the same way about the girl on the train, it was okay, i didn’t hate it but it certainly wasn’t as amazing as everyone was saying!
I’m with you on books… I am iffy on them, but at least the mindless ones fly by and I can zone out for a little bit. Divergent was so good! Why do the teen dystopian or vampire dramas all read the best to me?!
I haven’t read The Girl on the Train but I do not that I’ve read mixed reviews so don’t worry about not loving it! You’re doing great on the challenge btw!!
I was not obsessed with the girl on the train or summer secrets either! I find that sometimes expectations for these books are so high, and I’m a little let down when they’re not over-the-top good. Right now I’m reading Sophie Kinsella’s shopaholic to the stars and I find myself giggling and laughing a lot! I feel like I just needed that lighthearted read. Great choices and I hope you have a happy happy Monday pretty lady!
I have a feeling I am not really going to like Girl on a Train either and so I keep putting it off because I am just not excited about it and may never read it. I have been reading up a storm lately, unfortunately…none of the books are on my reading challenge list. I need to focus!!!
I definitely agree with you about The Girl on the Train, Rachel’s character was not only unlikable but awkward to read 😛
Ohhh you should still totally read The Martian if you have time! Kristen convinced me to read it, and I never would have otherwise, but I LOVED it! I just added You to my tbr list and might end up using it for the one word category 🙂 Also, I am going to look into Remember Me I reread a few of the Shopaholic books a few months ago and was loving them!