A Year of Reading - Week 4

Okay, I'm starting to get the feeling that every blog post is going to look the same; I really enjoyed the book (because I love reading), everyone should read it (because I loved it), etc etc.  I think some research on how to write a witty review is necessary.  Unfortunately that won't be this week!

I have been crazy busy recently, I didn't quite finish the book in week 4 but I think I'll get away with it :-)

This week I unknowingly read the book that inspired one of my favourite films!  Asking for Trouble by Elizabeth Young, also known as The Wedding Date.

From the beginning this book had me laughing out loud, reading it on my lunch at work has lead to a few looks indicating I was 'crazy' but it was worth it!

The story starts with Sophy, the main character and her predicament, which results in an intricate web of lies that get her deeper and deeper in trouble as the book goes on.  You meet her love interests (past and present), her family and her friends.  Intertwined with the initial 'little white lie' the book takes on a journey that spirals out of control.

A definite chick flick must, especially if you enjoy the wedding date.

I'm not sure what week 5 will bring but it had better be a good book!

A Year of Reading - Week 3

Three weeks in and I'm really enjoying the reading challenge! Although I'm one book ahead I've decided to keep trying to read one book a week in case I fall behind at some point :-)

My husband and I have been watching CSI: Crime Scene Investigation from the beginning, we have just reached the end of season 7 and I can't wait for season 8 to arrive from LoveFilm.  So this week I thought I would give the first CSI novel a read, Double Dealer by Max Allan Collins.

This book is definitely as good as the TV show, having watched the show for a number of seasons it's easy to picture the characters as the story progresses.  The book is detailed, the story is well written and I would definitely recommend this book to CSI fans.  This story focused on murders over a lengthy period of time, and even someone with a limited imagination (I.e. me), could easily visualise the victims (although not in too much gross detail) to help piece the story together as the book progressed.

There are plenty more for me to read so expect a few more over the next few months!

The CSI novels get my vote.  I hope all of the books I choose are this easy to enjoy.

Charl x

A Year of Reading - Week 2

This week I went a little crazy....

I started the week with the intention of reading Catching Fire, the second in the Hunger Games trilogy, I finished the week having read Catching Fire and also Mockingjay!  Oops...

 

It's difficult to talk about the books without giving away what happens in the Hunger Games, so I will try and avoid ruining them for anyone else.

The books continue to tell the story of Panem, the Capitol and the Districts.  Suzanne Collins does an excellent job of explaining the characters, their feelings and their pasts, you get to know each and every one.  Both books have an endless number if twists and turns, some of which you won't expect.

The books are very descriptive and with a little imagination you can be right in the heart of it with the character.  I had been warned that once you start it's difficult to stop, and you were all right!

I thoroughly enjoyed these books, maybe even more than the first and would suggest that anyone with an open mind should give them ago.

Charl x

A Year of Reading - Week 1

Firstly, Happy New Year everyone!

I have only set myself one New Years resolution this year and that is to learn to crochet, yesterday I learnt the basic stitches, and feel pretty good about it :-)

Anyway, back to the task at hand! On the 1st January The Sewing Directory suggested that to increase the amount of reading we do let's take on 52 books in 52 weeks. As someone who loves reading I said a big YES to that!

My book for Week 1 was The Hunger Games by Susanne Collins.

This book, which is part of a trilogy, had been highly recommended to me by a number of people so I thought it was about time I gave it a go.  I was not disappointed!

Having avoided the film I didn't really know what to expect, children fighting - I wasn't sure that would be my thing.  However, the range of actions, emotions and unknowns in this book will keep you gripped.  The book is well written and can definitely be enjoyed by adults.  I would recommend this book to others.

I'm not sure what our reflections on the book are supposed to contain and I don't want to give too much away so I'll leave it there.

Now, what shall I read next? Do I carry on with the trilogy and go for Catching Fire or choose something else and come back to it in week 3? Decisions, decisions!

Let me know if you have any book suggestions.

Thanks for reading :-)

Charl x

Under utilised blog!

Having signed up for a challenge set by The Sewing Directory, to read 52 books in 52 weeks I thought I should dust the cobwebs off the blog....I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't realise it had been 12 months since I updated it last.  I'm surprised it wasn't removed!

I have been busy with lots of sewing in 2012, I have commandeered half of the spare room as an official sewing space and have taken a course on starting your own business - although the last one is unlikely at the moment it's nice to have thought about it.  I do also work full time so blogging hasn't figured on my list, that will now change!

I will post pictures of my 2012 makes and links to where I found the patterns if there were any.  I will then start blogging about my 52 reads, please let me know if you have any suggestions!  We are using #52books on twitter if anyone wants to find out more.

Oh, and Happy 2013 :-)

Char x