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the reading rush
The Reading Rush Wrap-Up 2020
7/27/2020
The Reading Rush is officially over for another year and yikes, that was some experience. I won't delve into all the problems I had with how the creators/hosts of this readathon failed their audience and the black community by disrespecting their book club pick as it isn't my voice that ought to be heard, but I will say that I read Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid earlier this year and loved it. It's a book that matters, especially during this eye-opening period of history. Read it, and then discuss it. Never use black authors and their stories for clicks; a sentence that should never be needed to say. I won't be participating in this readathon again. These are the books I read over the past week:
The Catcher in the Rye
by J.D. Salinger
Holden Caulfield is a sixteen-year-old juvenile boy who has just got kicked out of his boarding school. There begins a few nights of pure insanity for the youngster. This is arguably a modern classic that divides most readers - people either love it or hate it. I'm so disappointed to say that I sit right on the fence. I didn't hate this book like some do, but I also didn't really enjoy it. It was 'meh'. I found the writing compelling and it definitely gave me The Perks of Being a Wallflower vibes, but the overall story and characters left me feeling cold.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
by Shirley Jackson
Gothic books are something I always enjoy, but I seem to forget to pick anything up in this genre. So I was excited to bump this up my TBR for this prompt. I definitely enjoyed this book more The Haunting On Hill House, I felt like the overall story was less confusing and the characters were all more likable. I did this via audiobook after someone on Bookstagram recommended it, and I'm so glad I did. The narrator really empathized the youth of Mary Katherine Blackwood, which I may of forgotten if it wasn't for the voice actor. I didn't think this story read as a gothic thriller however, it was much more of a creepy contemporary so I'm glad I didn't put it aside for this years Spookathon. If you don't know, this is a story of a young girl and her sister, Constance, who have been shunned by their community after their entire family were murdered.
A Simple Favor
by Darcy Bell
A mommy blogger starts blogging about her friend who vanished. Which raises the question of every domestic thriller ever - did the husband do it? I watched the movie adaption of this last year and really enjoyed the insanity of it all. It was so cliche in the best way. The book however fell a little short. It was the epitome of a 3 star thriller that you read and inevitably forget. I definitely think that I might've given this a 2 star rating if I hadn't watched the movie first, as it helped me envision Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively as the duel protagonist of this book which made both characters instantly more likable.
Nimona
by Noelle Stevenson
This is a graphic novel about a girl who becomes the sidekick to a villain. Adorable! I never thought I'd laugh so much when reading a graphic novel, but here we are. The small amount of characters in this story really amplified my interest overall, it helped me connect to each main character which I've never really experienced before when not reading a traditional novel. The artwork was fun but descriptive, just a great well rounded book. Would 110% recommend.
The Girl Who Fell from the Sky
by Heidi W. Durrow
After the death of her mother and siblings, a mixed girl moves in with her black Grandmother which leads to an identity crisis when it comes to race. This book left me feeling incredibly torn. Every time I started to enjoy the story, the author would write such a questionable sentence that I couldn't in good conscience give this a higher rating than 2 stars. The author used so many racist slurs to describe the black characters, which is disheartening but also conflicting as I'm unsure whether I ought to take offence as a white woman (especially as the author herself is mixed).
Between Shades of Gray
by Ruta Sepetys
This is about a young Lithuanian girl and her family who are deported by Stalin's Russians to a work camp in Siberia during WWII. I'd been wanting to pick this YA novel up for a few years now as it's a side of the war that we don't often hear about, and for that alone this was a fascinating novel. However, I wasn't overly fond of Ruta Sepetys writing (a problem I also had with Salt to the Sea), as it felt rather juvenile in comparison to my usual historical fiction. On one hand, duh, this is YA and books such as The Alice Network are adult fiction. But then I think of The Boy In The Striped Pajamas and feel a little more validated in my criticism. Meh.
The Mothers
by Brit Bennett
Here we have a beautiful book coming to save the entire reading rush for me. This debut novel is about a seventeen-year-old girl who decides to abort a child. The father, a 21-year-old man who works at a local seafood restaurant, asks his parents - a pastor and his wife - for the money for the surgery. There starts a slow falling domino effect that spreads throughout the lives of the people involved. I didn't know what to expect from this book as I'd heard a lot about the authors newest book The Vanishing Half, but nothing really about this. Halfway through the book I already knew I was going to give it 5 stars, a strong statement but yes. This was the most perfect mix of contemporary, lyrical writing, character development, and brought about a great discussion on race and abortion without ever feeling preachy. If this has ever been on your TBR, I urge you to boost it higher. It's a wonderful book.
Have you read Such A Fun Age? How did you like it?
The Reading Rush Wrap-Up
7/31/2019
The Reading Rush is over! I managed to read 8 books in 6 days, which is rather odd as it was meant to be 7 books in 7 days, but.. yeah, welcome to my brain. Though I'm still too awkward and self conscious to join in with the photo challenges and Twitter sprints, I did have a lot of fun challenging myself to read more than I normally would. The badges on The Reading Rush site being a major bonus!
The Great Alone
by Kristin Hannah
Prompt: Read A Book In The Same Spot
Page Count: 435
Thirteen-year-old Leni Allbright's life gets turned upside down when her father, recently returned from the Vietnam War, announces that they're packing up and moving to Alaska. It is there our story starts. We follow Leni and her parents as they become self efficient and learn how to navigate this new world of living off the land, wolves, and black Winters. I was pretty darn sure this was going to be a 5 star read (check out my 5 Star Book Predictions blog post for the proof) so I chose to kick off the readathon with it. I'm so very disappointed. This wasn't necessarily a bad book, but it definitely warrants a standard 3 star rating. The overall story had promise but I feel as though it ought to of ended at least 5 plot-twists before the end. It. Just. Kept. Going.
The Great Gatsby
by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Prompt: Book You Meant To Read Last Year
Page Count: 182
When Nick moves into the house opposite the notorious Jay Gatsby, he quickly becomes fascinated with the lavish parties that take place each night. From the beautiful people to the endless supply of alcohol. Before long he finds himself taking part in the shenanigans of the great Gatsby, but at what price? I hadn't read this classic prior to this readathon, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I loved it. Daisy was by far my favourite character, and though written rather densely, the overall story kept my attention. I wanted more of the world.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrow
Prompt: Title With 5 Or More Words
Page Count: 290
The year is 1946 and Juliet Ashton, a 30-something British journalist, is emerging from the war with a desire to write about anything else. After receiving a letter from a resident of Guernsey who has obtained a copy of a book that once belonged to her, she begins to correspond with a multitude of people who live on the island. From there we learn what it was like to live on the Nazi occupied island for 5 long years. Written in letter format, this is undoubtedly a marmite book. The story interested me, as I hadn't heard of Guernsey's side of the war. But the first half of this novel dragged beyond belief. The characters were all a little too familiar and I felt that some letters were just not needed. The last half, however, put a constant smile on my face. The writing became witty, which may be down to Annie Barrow taking over after her aunt became too unwell to finish the novel alone. All in all, I enjoyed it but you have to have patience. I'm looking forward to watching the movie adaption!
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
by Stephen Chbosky
Prompt: Read and Watch a Book To Movie Adaption
Page Count: 213
When Charlie begins high school, he's riddled with fear. After the death of his Aunt Helen, otherwise known as his best friend, his life has been on a dark path. He's unseen. A coming-of-age story filled with troubles, passion, and self discovery. This is my favourite book of all time. I've read it multiple times, and it has not yet faltered in touching my heart. I was a wallflower, probably still am. Though Charlie's situation is not something I can relate to, I do think that if an introvert, we will all find a piece of ourselves in him. This was the first book that made me feel not so alone, and that is priceless.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles
by Hiro Arikawa
Prompt: Debut Novel
Page Count: 224
This a beautiful story of man and cat as they travel across Japan to visit people from the man's past. I went into this book expecting a few laughs (it's mostly written from the cat's POV) and heartbreak. I got both, but I also got a 5 star read that I would recommend to near enough anyone. This isn't a fictional travel memoir, which the synopsis made it seem. It's a book with heart and though I think you'd get more from this book by being a cat lover, it is also filled to the brim with wonderfully written characters who each hold up on their own.
84, Charing Cross Road
by Helene Hanff
Prompt: Purple On The Cover
Page Count: 114
A collection of correspondence in the wake of the war between a New York woman and a used book store worker in London. My husband read this sometime last year and has since urged me to give it a whirl, and I'm really glad I did. This is a blimp of a book, but it truly packs some wit that I did not expect. I find it difficult to go into an in depth review of anything non-fiction, so I'm going to make this snappy. If you enjoy discussions on books, WW11 tidbits, or books of letters, then I would wholeheartedly recommend this. It's dry but isn't that the best kind of wit?
Station Eleven
by Emily St. John Mandel
Prompt:
Page Count: 378
In the aftermath of a flu that wiped out most of the world, a group of survivors travel around America putting on Shakespeare plays. But when a few of them go missing, they begin to expect that they aren't as alone after all. I messed up royally on this one, I accidentally got my titles confused and initially read this for 'Debut Novel' not realising that I intended it as a back up for 'Book I Meant To Read Last Year'. Regretfully, it didn't work for any other prompt so I had to make-do and admit defeat in reading this for nought. Alas, it was a fairly good read though didn't quite live up to the hype I've seen around it. It had a good mix of characters, but I often wished to stay with the 'before' characters more than the survivors.
Chi's Sweet Home: Volume 1
by Kanata-Konami
Prompt: Read a Book From a Non-Human Perspective
Page Count: 168
Thank fudge for manga's. After my mishap written above, I was in full blown panic. So I grabbed the shortest thing I could possibly pick up that was on my TBR. Enter in: Chi. Again, this as a suggestion of my husband's as he's big into anything that resembles Japanese entertainment and cats. I however, was reluctant. Bar my Buffy the Vampire Slayer graphic novels, I hadn't really read anything in this field of books. But, ya know, cats. This was an adorable read that made me want to continue with the series. Each scene reminded me of one of my cats, so I was that annoying person saying "That's Bruno!", "That's Lea!", That's Dresden!" repeatedly.
So there we have it. Now onto the N.E.W.T.s! If you have no idea what this is, click HERE to watch all about this Harry Potter readathon. I may write up a TBR, but it seems rather unlikely. I'll instead post it on my Bookstagram at @BranchingPages.
What book would you urge me to pick up next? Let me know!
The Reading Rush (once known as The Booktubeathon) is a week long annual readathon that the booktube community takes part in. This year they revamped the entire thing and made it all smancy with a website that has a more interactive feel with profiles, badges, and personal goals. Fun! Go have a look and add me on RootingBranches. If you're seeking more information check out the video explaining it all HERE. The readathon is taking place July 22nd - July 28th! Without further ado, this is my TBR complete with other suggestions in case you're here for some inspiration! I've linked each title with it's Goodreads page to make it easier for you.
Side-note: I'm a mood reader, so I've given myself back-up options. I advise you do the same, there is nothing worse than having to read something that you really aren't feeling.
1. Read a book with purple on the cover.
My Pick: My Lovely Wife In The Psych Ward by Mark Lukach
This non-fiction read has been sitting on my TBR for a few months so I'm really excited about finally picking it up. Why does non-fiction always seem to take a backseat to fiction? This is the memoir of a man as he deals with the breakdowns his wife experiences, leading up to her being committed. I've read a lot of books about mental health, but never from the POV of the person in the background of someone else's story. So that alone compelled me to buy it.
Back-Up: A Series Of Unfortunate Events: The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket
Recommendation: Matilda by Roald Dahl (Most covers I see online have purple on them)
2. Read a book in the same spot for the entire time.
My Pick: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott. Fitzgerald
I've never read this classic story of rich men, dazzling women, and a world that rivals that of Crazy Rich Asians. I think, I'm not really sure. I've somehow completely been unspoiled for this book, I'm unsure what it's actually about. I ought to be ashamed of that, but instead I'm quite excited to give it a read.
Back-Up: She Felt Like Feeling Nothing by r.h. Sin
Recommendation: Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid (currently free on Amazon Kindle/as a audiobook!)
3. Read a book you meant to read last year.
My Pick: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
If you read my blog on a regular basis (which *flattered, awkward, shy* thanks, I mean, yeah, you're great, super cool, thanks, again.) then you'll know that this has been on my TBR for way too long. Kristin Hannah is one of my favourite authors and this is her latest release, which I already know I'm going to love. This is a coming-of-age story about a young girl as her father comes home changed from the Vietnam War, and moves them across the country to Alaska. There her family tries to keep from falling apart.
Back-Up: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Recommendation: Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
4. Read an author's first book.
My Pick: Elizabeth Is Missing by Emma Healy
This was a total cover buy, but after hearing so many positive things about it, it's been bumped up my TBR list. A story about a seventy-year-old woman with Alzheimer's as she tries to solve the mystery of her best friend's disappearance. This has been described as a book with a heart, so though it's a little bit big for a readathon, I'm taking the plunge and choosing it.
Back-Up: My Squirrel Days by Ellie Kemper
Recommendation: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
5. Read a book with a non-human main character.
My Pick: The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
This prompt stumped me. I automatically assumed I'd have to read a fantasy and got intimated by the 500 plus page reads I have on my TBR. Then I came to my senses and saw what was right in front of my eyes - many cat related books. I settled on this tale of a companionship between man and cat, as they journey across Japan together. It's written from the cats perspective which fits the prompt perfectly. This seems like a quick read, hilarious, and is likely to end leaving me happy or devastated. I'm probably going to cry, and I'm okay with that.
Back-Up: Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne
Recommendation: And The Ocean Was Our Sky by Patrick Ness
6. Pick a book that has five or more words in the title.
My Pick: A Stranger In The House by Shari Lapena
I like variety during a readathon, so a thriller was a must. They're fast paced, entertaining, and usually at the very least enjoyable. The only thing I know about this book is that it involves a wife who loses her memory after an accident of sorts. I try to go into thriller/mysteries blind as the synopsis can sometimes give too much away.
Back-Up: The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
Recommendation: The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice Of A Thirteen-Year-Old Boy With Autism by Naoki Higashida
7. Read and watch a book to movie adaptation.
My Pick: The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
I've been wanting to reread my favourite book for a while now, so this is perfect! Charlie is a high school student who is shy, introverted, and socially awkward. In today's society, he would have anxiety. When he falls into a friendship group of wallflowers, he starts to open up about himself. My husband hasn't watched the movie yet, so we're going to do a double feature with whichever book he decides to do for this prompt. Be sure to have a nosy at his TBR over on SomewhatNerdy.
Back-Up: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer
Recommendation: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
B O N U S (multi-purpose books)
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
- Read in the same spot
- Authors first book
- Over 5 words
- Book to movie
Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone by J. K. Rowling
- Purple on the cover
- Read in the same spot
- Authors first book
- Non-human main character
- Five or more words in the title
- Book to movie
Carrie by Stephan King
- Purple on the cover
- Read in the same spot
- Authors first book
- Book to movie
Have any other multi-usable book suggestions? Leave them below!
Are you taking part in The Reading Rush? Let's support each other! Tweet me at @RootingBranches or get in touch through my Bookstagram @BranchingPages where I'll be updating my process throughout the week.
Keep reading,
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