Reading 50 books this year proved to be an absolute challenge for me. Even though I had "all the time in the world" to breeze through 50 books, I still procrastinated (nothing has changed and I am not happy). I think it's probably because my mind keeps on wandering off. I have managed to pull through this challenge with 18 minutes left to spare before bidding adieu to 2013.
After hitting the halfway mark last October, I realized I was extremely pressed for time, I knew I had to plan my attack if I want to make it to 50. Which very much explains my choice of books for the last half of my list.
26. Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume - 5/5
I now completely understand why this book is banned in some schools. Religion is such a touchy subject. It shouldn't be forced on any one, let alone forcing a prepubescent kid choose between Judaisim and Christianity. Even though Judy Blume touched such a topic, I do believe she has managed to shed some light and still incorporate the experiences of the transition to being a teen. Tons of food for thought.
27. One Direction: Where We Are: Our Story - 5/5
To be honest, I am very biased when it comes to 1D books (especially official ones). I'll always give it a perfect score no matter what. But the thing which I love so much about this book is the impeccable layout! From the cover design to the color scheme, very eye catching. Content-wise, the boys' allowed the fans to see what goes on in their minds amidst all the screaming fans, endless interviews, sold out concerts... just basically having the world at their feet. This book is an epitome of how much they appreciate every single thing that's going on in their lives at the moment. Think of it as a gift from the boys to their adoring fans.
28. Love, Annie by Dandi Daley Mackall - 5/5
My 9-12 year old selves would be thrilled. This is such a wonderful book with bits of thoughts on a person's beliefs (particularly Christianity) intertwining with everyday life as well as issues young adults go through concerning family, friendship, and school.
My 9-12 year old selves would be thrilled. This is such a wonderful book with bits of thoughts on a person's beliefs (particularly Christianity) intertwining with everyday life as well as issues young adults go through concerning family, friendship, and school.
29. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - 5/5
I know, I know... How dare I just read this book?! I believe this book is made from all things awesome and sprinkled with a bit of whimsy. This book makes so much sense from start to end. I love it!
30. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris - 5/5
Another one of those books which isn't advisable to be read in public. It's such an extremely hilarious read. Sedaris' humor has managed to tickle my funny bone and at the same time tug a heart string or two. A must read!!!
Another one of those books which isn't advisable to be read in public. It's such an extremely hilarious read. Sedaris' humor has managed to tickle my funny bone and at the same time tug a heart string or two. A must read!!!
31. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren - 5/5
Life changing. Words can't properly express how this book has broadened my way of thinking when it comes to my relationship with God and with other people. So many golden nuggets of wisdom to feed my malnourished soul.
32. Audrey Hepburn's Neck by Alan Brown- 4/5
An interesting read which tackled family the most. I couldn't stop weeping a few chapters before the end when the skeletons from the closets have been taken out into plain sight. It felt like I was weeping for the main character. I did a review of some sort on this book last month. (Click "review" to read all about it)
An interesting read which tackled family the most. I couldn't stop weeping a few chapters before the end when the skeletons from the closets have been taken out into plain sight. It felt like I was weeping for the main character. I did a review of some sort on this book last month. (Click "review" to read all about it)
33. Slightly Single by Wendy Markham - 4/5
A great chick lit to pick up and read when you're in the mood for something light hearted.
A great chick lit to pick up and read when you're in the mood for something light hearted.
34. The Tent by Margaret Atwood - 5/5
A compilation of essays, short stories, and poems. I love Margaret Atwood's creative and witty way of presenting her thoughts regarding a variety of topics such as orphanhood, ambitious youth, and pet heaven to name a few. Easily one of my favorite read this year and forever. Another must read if I say so myself.
A compilation of essays, short stories, and poems. I love Margaret Atwood's creative and witty way of presenting her thoughts regarding a variety of topics such as orphanhood, ambitious youth, and pet heaven to name a few. Easily one of my favorite read this year and forever. Another must read if I say so myself.
35. One Direction: One and Only by Nadia Cohen - 5/5
A book made by my favorite team of Tinseltown gossip mongers: Sugarscape! Well written and very informative. Another take on trying to get to know more the boys from One Direction.
A book made by my favorite team of Tinseltown gossip mongers: Sugarscape! Well written and very informative. Another take on trying to get to know more the boys from One Direction.
36. Love Lessons by Jacqueline Wilson - 5/5
My favorite Jacqueline Wilson book ever! It's a soft jab at a teacher-student love affair. I know in my bones that Wilson was imagining Zayn Malik when she was developing the character Mr. Raxberry, the hot young art teacher! Read for yourself: "Then a man with black hair and a little beard came up to us. He was wearing a denim jacket and black jeans, and he had a diamond earring in one lobe."
37. Girls Under Pressure by Jacqueline Wilson - 5/5
I truly understand the pressure young girls go through when they're on their way to womanhood (I was once a young girl myself. Quite a shocker, innit?). Like the pressure to be skinny, to look good, to have a boyfriend... Wilson is at it again! Writing about pressing issues such as these (but mainly about weight issues) without sounding like a sermon.
I truly understand the pressure young girls go through when they're on their way to womanhood (I was once a young girl myself. Quite a shocker, innit?). Like the pressure to be skinny, to look good, to have a boyfriend... Wilson is at it again! Writing about pressing issues such as these (but mainly about weight issues) without sounding like a sermon.
38. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson - 5/5
Wish I had an aunt like Ginger's to fund my wanderlust! A young American girl sets out to explore the world (just around Europe specifically) with just 13 little blue envelopes, courage, and faith as her guide.
Wish I had an aunt like Ginger's to fund my wanderlust! A young American girl sets out to explore the world (just around Europe specifically) with just 13 little blue envelopes, courage, and faith as her guide.
39. Priceless by Nicole Richie - 4/5
One of my favorite home girls is now an author. Sexy riches to rags story on a blonde bombshell of a singer. No sugar coating was done in presenting the world of the rich and famous.
One of my favorite home girls is now an author. Sexy riches to rags story on a blonde bombshell of a singer. No sugar coating was done in presenting the world of the rich and famous.
40. Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Third Wheel by Jeff Kinley - 4/5
Greg Heffley has managed to get himself involved in a disastrous Valentine's Day dance. We see how Greg frees himself from all the sticky situations he (unintentionally) flings himself into.
Greg Heffley has managed to get himself involved in a disastrous Valentine's Day dance. We see how Greg frees himself from all the sticky situations he (unintentionally) flings himself into.
41. I Told You So by Daisy de Villeneuve - 5/5
A guide on how to deal with various species of bitches. Haha seriously. The drawings were very quirky and I am very in love with them. Fun fact: The text of the book were written using an actual typewriter!
A guide on how to deal with various species of bitches. Haha seriously. The drawings were very quirky and I am very in love with them. Fun fact: The text of the book were written using an actual typewriter!
42. The English Roses by Madonna - 5/5
Madonna is a very witty writer. Coupled with breathtakingly delicate drawings by Jeffrey Fulvimari (teach me your ways, master). Great read for girls of all ages!
43. The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith - 5/5
This has got to be one of the most charming books I have ever read. The character Isabel Dalhousie has a certain warmth to her that I cling on to the whole way through. Yep, definitely lived up to its title since a lot of philosophical ramblings were thrown in the story.
44. One Direction: The Official Annual 2013 - 5/5
A gift from the fabulous five to their fans. Great articles and pictures featured inside.
45. Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinley - 5/5
One of my favorites from the series. Greg has yet again got into trouble but on a bigger scale of some sort. With a snowstorm furiously blowing, Greg deals with his crazy family and the crime he's committed (police are involved!!!).
One of my favorites from the series. Greg has yet again got into trouble but on a bigger scale of some sort. With a snowstorm furiously blowing, Greg deals with his crazy family and the crime he's committed (police are involved!!!).
46. Girls In Love by Jacqueline Wilson - 5/5
I found the characters a bit annoying which goes to prove that Wilson is a great writer! Wilson preaches truth when it comes to girls who fall so in love that their brain becomes a dysfunctional blob.
47. Girls Out Late by Jacqueline Wilson - 5/5
My Hekate (not literally) are in some serious trouble this time! A great story about girls who break their curfews and in the end have to face scary consequences. Wilson manages to venture into issues teens face without nagging. Such a cool woman.
My Hekate (not literally) are in some serious trouble this time! A great story about girls who break their curfews and in the end have to face scary consequences. Wilson manages to venture into issues teens face without nagging. Such a cool woman.
48. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - 5/5
The ending surprised me. See how things went downhill the moment Jay Gatsby decides to rekindle a past flame. Extremely well written!
49. Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl - 5/5
Always and forever a fan of Dahl! Great combination of Dahl's whimsy story and Quentin Blakes quirky drawings. Match made in heaven. Now, I must watch the movie!
Always and forever a fan of Dahl! Great combination of Dahl's whimsy story and Quentin Blakes quirky drawings. Match made in heaven. Now, I must watch the movie!
50. Life Of Pi by Yann Martel - 5/5
Started off really and I mean reaaally slow... but as the story neared the end, we see how the desire to live outweighs every obstacle life throws at you. I also loved the fact how three religions were united within Pi. As what Pi had said in the book when he was asked to practice ONE religion only, "I just want to love God." Well said.
Some of the books in the list are not in any of the pictures since some of my friends borrowed them. Also, The Alchemist, Undomestic Goddess, and Veronika Decides To Die aren't mine.
50 Books for 2013: Part Un
Started off really and I mean reaaally slow... but as the story neared the end, we see how the desire to live outweighs every obstacle life throws at you. I also loved the fact how three religions were united within Pi. As what Pi had said in the book when he was asked to practice ONE religion only, "I just want to love God." Well said.
Some of the books in the list are not in any of the pictures since some of my friends borrowed them. Also, The Alchemist, Undomestic Goddess, and Veronika Decides To Die aren't mine.
50 Books for 2013: Part Un
No comments:
Post a Comment