Update on my 2011 Reading Challege
In February I challenged myself to read fifty books this year by signing up for the 2011 Goodread's Challenge. I thought I read a lot and I still think I do, but 50 books is apparently more than I'll manage this year. The idea of the challenge has sent me to the library and kept me reading a a brisk rate. But despite my competitive nature it seems I'm constantly eight books behind!
I am glad I signed up, as it has made me think about reading more. However, I must confess it has made me self-concious about my reading. I'm horrified by how singleminded I've become; now I have to finish the book even if I'm not enjoying it!
I'm glad I've finally read Conrad's masterpiece, Heart of Darkness, though it's embarrassing to admit I picked it up because it was so short and I knew I'd finish it quickly!
However, that's not to say I've abandoned my long standing habit of reading LONG historical novels. I can highly recommend Ian Pear's Stone's Fall which I finished recently. An historical mystery told from three point of view, it's a very entertaining quick read. If you haven't read any of his work you should also check out Instance at the Fingerpost and Dream of Scipio.
Of all the book I've read this year, my favorite remains Half of a Yellow Sun. It is a magnificent and astounding first novel about the early years of post-colonial Nigeria and the Biafran War. A humorous, moving and insightful picture of the struggles of the Biafran people, the novel paints the daily drudgery and the horror of war for regular people. I was particularly interested because my parents were in Nigeria at the time and like other foreigners were evacuated from Port Harcourt. Thanks Stacey this was a great recommendation.
Let me know if you have any books to recommend?
Happy Reading!
I am glad I signed up, as it has made me think about reading more. However, I must confess it has made me self-concious about my reading. I'm horrified by how singleminded I've become; now I have to finish the book even if I'm not enjoying it!
I'm glad I've finally read Conrad's masterpiece, Heart of Darkness, though it's embarrassing to admit I picked it up because it was so short and I knew I'd finish it quickly!
However, that's not to say I've abandoned my long standing habit of reading LONG historical novels. I can highly recommend Ian Pear's Stone's Fall which I finished recently. An historical mystery told from three point of view, it's a very entertaining quick read. If you haven't read any of his work you should also check out Instance at the Fingerpost and Dream of Scipio.Of all the book I've read this year, my favorite remains Half of a Yellow Sun. It is a magnificent and astounding first novel about the early years of post-colonial Nigeria and the Biafran War. A humorous, moving and insightful picture of the struggles of the Biafran people, the novel paints the daily drudgery and the horror of war for regular people. I was particularly interested because my parents were in Nigeria at the time and like other foreigners were evacuated from Port Harcourt. Thanks Stacey this was a great recommendation.
Let me know if you have any books to recommend?
Happy Reading!
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