Last year, I wrote this blog post. It was world book day, I'd just been tweeted by JK Rowling (I know) and I was feeling super nostalgic about World Book Day and the many years of dressing up as Hermione Granger.
So I thought I'd make an annual habit out of this and go through the books I've read between the two March's. Sadly, what with university and working and blogging, there's definitely a lack of them, but I hope this will inspire you to pick up a book in the near future!
Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
I picked up an absolutely beautiful illustrated hardback of Pride and Prejudice in a little Notting Hill book shop (sadly, I couldn't find Hugh Grant). I'd never actually read an Austen book despite my love the classics, so I was very excited and willing to spend a pretty penny on it. I have to say, hand on heart, I loved it. I'm not Elizabeth Bennet's biggest fan it's got to be said, but the story absolutely made it for me. I even downloaded and watched the BBC1 series with Colin Firth. I am a full P&P fan, although am not too convinced by the new film coming out with Lily James called Pride, Prejudice and Zombies. I think I prefer Mr Darcy as a human.
The Devil Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger
After years of absolutely loving the film, I picked up The Devil Wears Prada in a charity shop. It is so so good it didn't at all let me down and to be honest, shed the film in a new light. The film is MUCH more PG than the book, and the way in which Andy leaves at the end is completely different, Miranda is a continuous absolute cow and you don't see the secret kind side Meryl Streep portrays. As with almost everything in life, the book beats the film but I'm quite glad I didn't read the book until later, because the film is just an alternative version to me now, rather than being a let down.
The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini
Please, if you decide to read this book, have tissues at the ready. In true Hosseini style, this book is not a laugh a minute, but it is extremely real and extremely beautiful. The story follows two unlikely friends in Afghanistan, following their friendship as the era transitions into life under the taliban. I know this is a film, but as mentioned in years post, I actually have already read Hosseini, so knew how hard hitting it would be. I'm not sure what it is about The Kite Runner, but it actually hit me more than A Thousand Splendid Suns, which is one of my all time favourite books. Either way, Hosseini is an amazing writer and I think part of the reason I love his books are because they open the reader's eyes to the beautiful country of Afghanistan.
Missing: Persons and Politics, Jenny Edkins
I can hardly believe I've included a nonfiction book. What a time to be alive. I swear to God, I am probably the most anti nonfiction person in the world. I have no interest in reading facts, I use reading as an escapism and focus my learning through documentaries and lectures. So when I was told I had to write a book review for my degree, I was dreading it, but decided I might aswell write it about something I find interesting. As it turns out, this book is SO interesting, it's essentially about missing people and how the government dehumanises them to numbers. Using examples such as 9/11, the holocaust and then more personal examples about individuals who've decided to run away, and how much right the family of the missing have to find somebody who doesn't want to be found. Essentially, it's super interesting and even nonfiction haters like myself would enjoy it. I promise.
I can't believe it, but that's my year in books. I've read 5 BOOKS THIS YEAR WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME. Anyone who knows me well will know education must be taking its toll, because I used to read a book per week. It's very difficult to read for pleasure when half your course is reading about Political Theory from the 16th Century. Last term I borrowed a book from the library which had been published in 1869. 1869!!!! From then on, I was obviously terrified I'd wreck it.
If you have any recommendations please let me know, I'm going to set myself a belated new year resolution to read more for pleasure. It's definitely good for the mind and soul.
Ciao for Now!
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I love Jodi Picoult's books! I haven't read any of the others on your list but they all sound great (and I'm going on a trip this summer so I'll be sure to pick some up!)
ReplyDeletex Kenzie
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