50 Book Challenge 2018 Part One

[southeastdweller]

Welcome to the first thread of the 50 Book Challenge for this year.

The challenge is to read fifty books (or more!) in 2018, though reading fifty isn't mandatory. Any type of book can count, please try to let us all know your thoughts on what you've read.

Who's in for this year?

Re The Dark Tower I think the last couple of books felt a bit rushed.

To be honest, I wouldn't have minded if they had never reached the tower and just carried on having adventures...I did like the ending though and thought it was fitting.

The Mordred thing I felt was interesting but undeveloped.

The whole book, song of susannah I thought was pretty dull, and the series goes downhill a little from there... Although there are some great scenes (the dixie pig, for instance).

I think The Wastelands is my favourite Dark Tower book.

Nearly finished Munich. It's picking up pace towards the end.

I don't think I'll manage 50 : my reading tails off the minute I am back at work. I have never liked reading when it's dark outside! But I'll try because I have a huge pile of unread books!

I am also challenging work colleagues to read educational books - so am hoping I can count them! The Learning Rainforest and Cleverlands both underway. I recommend Cleverlands. It's very illuminating.

I'm in. Fifty sounds a lot but I'll give it a go. I'm reading "When You Disappeared" by John Marrs at the moment and it's fantastic.

I'm in. Just finished Why we sleep by Matthew Walker. It has made me think about my sleep habits!

I tend to read non-fiction more than fiction, although do have some older classics I keep on meaning to get through (Dickens I'm looking at you...)

Cleverlands looks interesting!

I had completely forgotten about the mumsnet challenge! Have just read 'spectacles' by Sue Perkins. Will tackle one of the smiths next (Ali or Zadie)

pitter I usually only read non-fiction do you have any recommendations?

1. The Martian - Andy Weir

This was the first book in the popsugar challenge - the book of a movie you've already seen. I had limited expectations (not least because I'd seen the film so knew what happened) but actually really enjoyed it.

A lot of the book is written in the first person, so you have to like the character - which I did. It's technical at times but combined with a lot of tongue in cheek humour which made it very easy to read.

Shame that Artemis appears to be less well-received - I would have happily read more by the same author.

I’m in! My concentration has been pants due to health issues over the last few years so I’ve been struggling with reading. I started to get my reading mojo back last year (The Muse, Eleanor Oliphant, This is Going to Hurt, The Book of Dust) so I am going to aim for 25 books and if I get close to that I will be very happy 😊. Currently trying to read The Minaturist and then I can watch the BBC version on iPlayer before it disappears!

Teufelsred don't even get me started on the legs 'story line'!!

Love reading and find time whenever I can. Totally behind the trend with this one, but currently reading Sweet Little Lies. Hope to make it to 50 books in 2018

Having The Pillars of the Earth as my first 2018 book is seriously slowing me down, I'm only about 20% in!

Worth it though Murine, I loved that book.

How are you getting on with The Pillars of the Earth Murine ? I've eyed it up on and off over the years but it's always felt like too big a commitment.

Count me in please. I am new to this group and very pleased to join. Happy New Year everyone.

Another definitely worth it nod Murine for Pillars of the Earth. Good to start the year immersed in some great historical fiction.
I hit 42% of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell last night. Saw an actual physical copy of the book in Waterstones yesterday and had a little 'ahhhh, so that makes sense’ moment to myself. I even picked it up and hefted it about in my hands for a bit to confirm it’s length. Very happy that my first book of the year is also going to be in my favourite books of 2018 list though.

pitter have you done Sapiens? It's on my pile but it keeps moving down the pile rather than up!

I'm in this year!

Currently reading Fall Out - Tim Shipman which is really absorbing - all about the politics of 2017. Currently reading the chapter about Fiona Hill and Nick Timothy which is eye-opening.

This is a long book but hoping to be finished by next week so I can plough on with the challenge.

Scribbly - I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying JS & Mr N. It was an incredibly enjoyable ride for me, too, and I properly grieved when it was over.

I'd like to join, ive got a mountain of unread books here, plus bookbub keeps tempting me with kindle books! I am reading Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve and the Black Reckoning by John Stephens with the kids. Also got The Summer Before the War on Audible while i cook dinner!

I shall keep quiet about Pillars of the Earth

I am definitely in for this as i am an avid reader and just the other day hit the Waterstones books sale and picked myself up six books at bargain prices so i am ready to begin it😊

I'm absolutely loving it Cote. Had no idea it was going to be so funny. Many thanks to you and ghostiechicken for the recommendation.

Pillars of the Earth is one of my favourites. The sequel, World Without End is also a very good read. I can recommend The Century Trilogy too. I am a Ken Follett fan and enjoy his books very much.

I'd love to join the challenge, always looking for recommendations.
1/50 Just started Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee.

Joining in! Highly doubt I’ll get to 50 as I get approx 3 hours reading time a week but I’d like to do more reading that in the last couple of years. I used to read 1.5 books a week when I was a train commuter! But car commuting plus small child have put paid to that.