45 posts tagged “50 in 365”

Book Fifteen, "The Subtle Knife"

2 days ago
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Philip Pullman

Book Count: 15
Title: The Subtle Knife
Author: Philip Pullman
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 326

Synopsis: I'm going to stick with just linking to the synopsis - as I don't want to give away anything about the other books. If you're really interested to know what the second book is about, you can visit the Amazon page here and read multiple synopsis' and reviews.

Thoughts so far: I'm only 31 pages into this next book, and already I'm relating to it better due to the location change. However, reading about Lyra from someone else's point of view makes my familiarity with her fly out the window. I can't seem to shake that fantasy world - so even though I'm relating better I'm also a little more confused. Oh, well - I'm only 31 pages in :)

Book Fourteen, Finished!

2 days ago
2 comments

The Golden Compass

I finished this Friday night and I'm disappointed about the ending. Not so much because of the book, but because of how I read it. I was really, really busy last week and I could only read a few pages at a time and so every time I began to get into it I had to stop. So the ending feels surreal and fragmented to me.

Even with that said, the book was good! The movie was definitely different from the book - and so I was less confused by the book than the movie. I never fully understood what happened to Lord Asriel in the movie because they simply show him being surrounded by men with hounds and that's it - so far as I can remember.

On thing that bothered me about the book - which also bothered me in the movie - is the use of first and last name for all the main characters. It almost seemed, arrogant, of the writer that he felt the character wasn't special or presented to the highest standard if both the first and last name was not used all the time. Annoying. But, its trivial in regards to how great the book was (especially in comparison of the movie) and I'm swiftly moving on to the second book in the Trilogy.

Cont. Book Fourteen, "The Golden Compass"

Jul 14, 2008
8 comments

The Golden Compass

I'm a little more than halfway through this book, and I can say without a doubt I'm enjoying it. The writing is quick enough to where it's not loosing my attention and that's saying a lot considering I've seen the movie and so in essance know the plot of the book. I'm really enjoying the gaps that are being filled by reading the book versa watching the movie - and I'm getting a better idea of who everyone is. I'm also beginning to like Lyra now - as at the beginning I really didn't.

I'm finding I'm not as captivated by the book though, because I've seen the movie. I've just passed the part where Lyra is taken to the village and finds what the alethiometer was trying to tell her (not trying to give away too much to those who haven't seen the movie or read the book *cough* LG *cough*) and I know that was supposed to be a really tense & emotional part of the book but it just wasn't for me.

Also, the one thing that I'm not connecting with in regards to the story is the idea of dæmons. I know what they are and all that - I'm just not grasping onto and believing it as the story seems to be needing me to. I hope that as the story progress I begin to warm to it more as I feel it will be really important as the series goes on.

All in all, I feel it won't be hard to continue and finish this series :)

Book Fourteen, "The Golden Compass"

Jul 9, 2008
10 comments

The Golden Compass

Philip Pullman

Book Count: 14
Title: The Golden Compass
Author: Philip Pullman
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 399

Synopsis: Lyra is content to run wild among the scholars of Jordan College, with her dæmon familiar always by her side. But the arrival of her fearsome uncle, Loard Asriel, draws her to the heart of a terrible struggle - a struggle born of Gobblers and stolen children, witch clans and armored bears. And as she hurtles toward danger in the cold, far North, young Lyra never suspects the shocking truth: she is destined to win, or to lose, this more-than-moral battle.

Thoughts so far: I'm only about 35 pages into the book and trying to keep my judgments aloof because as I mentioned to Jen, I've heard good and bad things about this series. I really don't want to read too much into the themes and characters as I feel that will ultimately ruin the story itself for me. I'm trying to enjoy the style, characters and plots and forget all that I hate about the movie. Unfortunately I haven't gotten to the Iorek Byrnison yet so I guarantee nothing.

Book Thirteen, Finished!

Jul 7, 2008
4 comments

Abhorsen (Abhorsen Trilogy)

This was such a good book - such a good series - such a good... experience! I don't know how to describe how good it was because really, you'd just have to read it. So many times through this whole series I was on the edge of my seat. The action was fast paced and yet right for the scene so I didn't feel rushed. The characters were wonderful and the story was amazing. I just wish there was more of this series to read. I'm going to take a stab at "Across the Wall" - but I worry that, because it's a collection of short stories, it wont be as invested in story. I have heard though that Garth Nix is going to be making another book - a prelude to these characters - and that'll be really exciting.

I hear a lot of comparisons between The Golden Compass and this series (style wise) so I think I'm going to jump on the bandwagon and read that series next. Not really sure though, Breaking Dawn is coming out very soon so I might just pick a single book to read before starting another series.

READ THIS SERIES! I PROMISE YOU IT'S GOOD!

Book Thirteen, "Abhorsen"

Jun 30, 2008
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Abhorsen (Abhorsen Trilogy)

Garth Nix

Book Count: 13
Title: Abhorsen
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 340

Synopsis: I'm going to stick with just linking to the synopsis - as I don't want to give away anything about the other books. If you're really interested to know what the third book is about, you can visit the Amazon page here and read multiple synopsis' and reviews.

Thoughts so far: I'm about 174 pages into this book - reading at a maddening rate (having started on Saturday morning) because I really want to know what happens. I'm going to be really sad when this book is over because I've really grown to love not only these characters but also this world and the authors style. I anticipate being done by mid-week - though I'm not sure if my work schedule is going to allow it.

Book Twelve, Finished!

Jun 30, 2008
2 comments

Lirael

I finished this on Friday - while I was home sick - and it was very enjoyable! This is the biggest book out of all three and I was surprised to see that it was only the tip of the iceberg in regards to the story. I kind of expected Lirael's heritage when the author first began describing her - though I was keeping my fingers crossed that she'd get her wish of truly being a part of her native society. I'll be excited to see what happens!

What am I reading next? Well Abhorsen of course!

Life QotW: Personal Projects

Jun 24, 2008
3 comments

What project are you working on right now that's not work related?

Well, I'm trying my best to read 50 books in 365. I'm getting discouraged though because I keep running across people that are able to read many more than four books a month and I'm luck to read a book a month right now. I just can't seem to find the time... I'm on book 12 - week 26 :( I have 38 books to finish in 26 weeks which I'm feeling is just so impossible!

I'm going to step back though and realize that at least I'm reading again. Sure, I'm not reading as much as I'd like but at least I'm reading! 12 books in half a year is better than last years count which I think was 6 in the whole year.

Cont. Book Twelve, "Lirael"

Jun 19, 2008
2 comments

Lirael

Half way through this book, and I'm very much enjoying it.

*SPOILERS*

When they first broke away from what I thought was the one and only main character - I was sad. It often takes me awhile to really get into a character and I was drawn in by Lirael. Luckily, I found it easy to sink into Sam's story as well - though I admit I'm continuously looking forward to scenes with his parents even if they are short and not as fulfilling as I'd like them to be :)

Once again I'm impressed by how well the author can draw me into an emotion and tension so easily and seamlessly. Sam's struggle with his future seems so tangible that when we shifted back to Lirael I physically sat back and started breathing easier.

Anyhow - I'm really enjoying it!

Book Twelve, "Lirael"

Jun 11, 2008
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Lirael

Garth Nix

Book Count: 12
Title: Lirael
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 480

Synopsis: I'm going to skip on giving the synopsis here - and make a new rule for myself to not list synopsis for sequels - as I don't want to give away anything about the first book. If you're really interested to know what the second book is about, you can visit the Amazon page here and read multiple synopsis' and reviews.

Thoughts so far: I've really only read the prologue - so not much to say here. The beginning really captivated me though, and I'll be excited to pick it up again when I get home.