So this post kind of links with last week’s resolutions update, because the second it hits mid year I wonder to myself HOW AM I DOING WITH MY READING CHALLENGES? I don’t know why, it’s just satisfying to see. Plus I can use it to totally justify any book buying I’m about to do…maybe…
shh.
Let’s have a peep at my reading progress!
So as we established this week, I’m doing more than fine with my reading challenge. I purposefully set it to a goal I know I can meet so that there’s no pressure, but I can still use the challenge to track all the books I read in a year.
Now apparently…I’ve gotten harsher with my ratings. As in – if you take away the rereads of my favourite books, I’ve only rated ONE book 5 stars. And there’s a fair few DNFs/1 star ratings. Ouch. Grouchy lil book dragon over here.
So that kind of makes it a tad more difficult to choose my favourites of the year so far. I can’t just pluck them off my 5 star shelf. *sigh* Why, Ashleigh, must you be so cynical.
But let’s see…
The Symposium by Plato
Definitely one that took me by surprise, but this tiny smidgen of a book fascinated me to no end.
A recount of conversation between philosophers, I thought this would be a nightmare to work through, but it was surprisingly easy to access and has definitely encouraged me to read more from Ancient Greece.
A Room With A View by E.M. Forster
I’m sure some of you won’t be shocked to find this one on the list, considering how much I fawned over it while reading. It just filled me with so much joy, alright? It’s not even like much happens, it’s just a quaint little book that reminds me of summer and made me want to travel to Italy.
I really want to read more of E.M Forster’s works now, so if you recommend any in particular then let me know!
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Another one probably nobody is surprised to see, considering everybody and their mum, dad, sister, nephew, grandmother, cousin and pet fish have been raving about this one forever. But it’s not often a contemporary wins me over completely, and so I was surprised to have flown through this as quickly as I did. Plus it’s such an important story, it’s hard not to recommend it to everyone.
So that’s my mid year reading progress!
How are you doing with your challenge?
Have you seen a difference in your average ratings at all?
What’s your favourite book of the year so far?
Let me know in the comments!
Until next time…
Come and visit me!
A frolic through fiction 
I always see The Symposium by Plato in bookshops but am uncertain whether to pick it up as I expect it to be a tough read. Looks like I might give it a try after reading your thoughts on it 😁
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I ouersonalky didn’t find it a tough read at all – I was actually really surprised by it! I hope you love it if you pick it up 🙂
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You are doing really well with your reading challenge 🙂 I’m doing pretty well with mine so far. I have read 40 books and I’m 16 books ahead of my goal of 50 books. I think I have to bump the number up a bit, maybe to 70 books.
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Ahhh yes! Glad to hear you’ve nearly done yours too 😀
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I don’t really have a favourite book of the year yet, but I still need to read The Hate U Give so I’m sure I’ll have a favourite soon as I’m super excited for that one! 🙂
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I hope it lives up to your expectations!! I’d be surprised if it didn’t, but sometimes so much hype can let a book down ahaha
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Haha I’d be surprised too, but yeah hype can definitely ruin a book!
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Half way through my goal! I think I’m 101/200 as of last night 😉 there have been a few rereads but my fave first-timers so far are probably the ACOTAR series, everything everything, all the bright places and caraval. Which all got raves 🙂
I’m behind on my 2017 release reads which sucks 😦
and the other site I review for has been lacking in fantastic books the year, Grr.
🙂
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101 BOOKS?! Teach me your reading ways!! Ahaha 😆 Glad to hear you love so many! The ACOTAR series is a favourite of mine too and I loved Caraval 🙂
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You’re doing so well with your goodreads challenge! I’m like 9 books behind mine right now, but I am sure I’ll catch up quickly since I am finally on summer break! Awesome post 😀 ❤
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Thank you! Yay for summer and free reading time! 😀
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Howard’s End by EM Forster is also great! If you haven’t seen them already, the film adaptations for both that and A Room With a View are really good. Especially A Room With a View, it’s one of my favorite films and it is so incredibly gorgeous.
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Oooh I’ll have to check them out, thank you!
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I haven’t read many books that I’ve liked much this year. However, I read more books that I were out of my comfort zone. I read more fantasy (like Six of Crows duology, the Grisha trilogy and Ink and Bone) but so far I haven’t found anything that I like that much or would recommend. I’m still trying, though.
My favourite books this year were Every Falling Star by Sungju Lee, A Quiet Kind of Thunder, Me Before You, Cinder and Silver Stars by Michael Grant. Also, Alices Adventures in Wonderland (I know you hated that one, haha 😛 but it was really funny xD)
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Aww it’s a shame there’s not been many books you’ve loved! I do really like A Quiet Kind of Thunder, I got along with that one really well 🙂 Hope you find some better books in the second half of the year!
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Woah, 43 out of 50?! I need to step up my reading game, that’s incredible! So far I’ve read 31 out of 60 books, which is an okay result I guess for the fact that it’s almost July. I’m also veeeery picky when it comes to 5 stars ratings, you are not alone out there! 🙂 My favorite read so far has been To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Have a great day!
xo Annina
(http://blattzirkus.wordpress.con)
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Ahaha thank you! I’ve just had a lot of spare time so far this year (I’m sure it’ll drastically slow once uni starts). You’re doing great too!
I’ve not read To Kill A Mockingbird, I should probably get on that!
Hope you have a lovely day too 🙂
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You’re absolutely smashing your goal – well done!! I’m only 1 book behind my goal of 35 and, like you, I set it to something I knew I could achieve. What with exams and uni this year I didn’t want to also be fretting about reading. I have to admit though, I’m surprised you enjoyed The Symposium so much! In a good way though, as I’ve just finished (and no doubt failed…) A-Level Philosophy and just… can’t imagine reading anything philosophical for fun :’)
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I was the same, I know when uni hits I probably won’t be able to read as much so a manageable goal is very much needed ahaha! As for The Symposium, if it were any longer or more complicated, I don’t think I would have liked it as much. But I was definitely in the mood for it!
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