The Goodreads Challenge

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only once.”

There's a little something called the Goodreads Challenge. This happens annually and it is basically a commitment to read a certain number of books in that year. Last year I read a grand total of 84 books smashing my goal of 75 books in mid November. When I get stressed, I read... a lot. 2013 was stressful therefore many books were read.

I'm not sure how this year is going to go but I would really like to match or beat last year's set challenge. As it's my first year at university, I don't know how my study load is going to be and I have no idea how my weekly readings are going to be allocated. My aim is to again read 75 books. For the sake of the environment, I aim to include at least 20 eBooks.

You can see my progress on the right sidebar, over there, no further, there you go. It looks like this so far...

Let me know what you have challenged yourself to whether it be books or other New Year's resolutions. Ciao! 

The most wonderful time of the year.

Happy holidays!

Christmas has me sufficiently spoiled, fat and lazy so I thought I’d share some of my new bookish acquisitions with you to make myself useful.

1. Champion by Marie Lu.

The final novel in the Legend series did not disappoint. I bought a digital copy of this book earlier in the month as a Merry Christmas present to me. Unfortunately, I could not stop myself from reading it before Christmas. It was very action-packed, suspenseful and romantic. But a little disclaimer, please don’t try read this right after Allegiant as I did. I do not wish such suffering on anyone.

2. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer.

This is a pre-loved copy I got at a bookswap for a very good price. It is one of those books that I had no idea about but the lady recommended it, and we book-lovers have to trust each other. I am very excited to read such a classic sci-fi. 

3. The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen.

I AM SO EXCITED. My sister –bless her soul- bought me this for Christmas to begin my Sarah Dessen collection. Weirdly enough, I have read all her books, adore them and do not own any physical copies. The situation has been rectified and I am ready to fall head over heels again. This is her latest book and will be for a while. So so excited.

4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling.

Ah, I feel as if a piece of me has been restored. I first read the entire series this year without having seen the movies. After being ostracised by the Potterhead community which included many of my friends, I quietly I borrowed the first book from the library and began my journey. A few years late but I made it to Hogwarts nonetheless. This is the childhood favourite I never knew I needed.

5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling.

I had enough money for one more Harry Potter book and who could pass up this pre-loved, first edition hardcover? I loved this book to the moon and back and remember re-reading the epilogue everyday until I had to return it. Now that I have my own copy, no one can stop my obsession. Depending on your perspective, this is an excellent or terrible prospect.

6. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke.

Last but certainly not least, a short collection of letters in reply to a young writer asking for review of his work and life advice. This book is a beautiful patchwork of Rilke’s sarcasm, wisdom and prose which I hope will inspire me to write and read the rest of my life.

Click on the titles to see the synopsis and other reviews. Also let me know what bookish gifts you received for Christmas – the good and bad. Ciao!