In 2013 I set myself the challenge of reading 50 books. It's not going great so far; I've only read 13 when I should have read 23 (oh well). I thought I would do a short review of each book. The only rules I set myself were each book had to be over 100 pages and I can't have read it before.
The Last Continent: Terry Pratchett
415 Pages
Another great book from Terry Pratchett however I was a little bit disappointed with the actual story. It felt like it was just written to get as many puns and parodies as possible and make a story around them instead of them complimenting the story like most Discworld books. None the less still a really entertaining read.
Is It Just Me: Miranda Hart
336 Pages
A hilarious trip through all of life's problems that you might be too embarrassed to admit that you have as well! A great fun read though I listened to the audio-book and Miranda's Hart voice can be a bit grating for 5 hours.
Brave New World: Aldous Huxley
228 Pages
I thought I would try to read some classic sci-fi. I didn't particularly enjoy it but then as I was listening to the audiobook I found it really difficult to concentrate on the story. However there are a number of thought-provoking issues that utiopian futures provoke.
The Fault in Our Stars: John Green
331 Pages
Finally got around to reading this books. I had heard so many good things about it and it did not disappoint. The story was heartwarming yet sad and it felt like there was a real truth to it. As you were reading it you really believed Hazel's story and that she was telling the story. The first book I've read in ages that I couldn't put down. Though if 'cancer books' aren't your cup of tea then this is not a book for you.
The Phantom of the Opera: Gaston Leroux
190 Pages
Given that 'Phantom' is one of my favourite musicals I thought I should really try and read the book. It turns out that the book is rather good as well.
Between a Laugh and a Scream: Duane Gundrum
119 Pages
I picked this book as it was in the amazon prime lending library and actually it was pretty good. Although it is quite short it had some interesting ideas however the fact that it was so short left very little development for the plot and the story ended up feeling a bit rushed.
Neverwhere: Neil Gaiman
400 Pages
In this book Neil Gaiman takes the London that we know and inverts it on it's head to create a terrifying and magical "London Below" where things are a little more literal than they might otherwise be. A fascinating story with many twist and turns.
The Kindness of Strangers: Mike Mcintyre
245 Pages
A book tracking one man whilst he attempts to hitch-hike across the entire US from West to East. During this book you really experience the full spectrum of people and really puts your faith back into humanity with so many people giving so much even though they had so little to give.
The Book Thief: Markus Zusak
560 Pages
I think probably one of the best books I've read in recent years. The story of a young girl taken from her mother to live in a foster family in World War II Germany. Told from the perspective of death it offers a unique perspective not only on the story but also on all story telling.
The Art of Fielding: Chad Harbach
528 Pages
Not usually the sort of book I'd read given how large a part baseball has to play in the story. None the less the strength of the story makes up for this. You end up feeling for every character in the book even though many of them have conflicting interests.
