create a list of 100 must-read books and read them.

This is one of those classics that instantly lives up to it’s name. Fantastic! Thought-provoking, original, and genius.

Abarat (the first one) was one of those children’s books that I read that I loved! It captured my imagination and had some very deep moments in it, so the sequel was added to my list without second thought. The only thing that was good about Days of Magic, Nights of War was that, because it was a children’s book, it was a fast read. It was not good – it was typical, unfortunately dark, and lost the spark of the first one. Waste of time.

What a weird book! I won’t say much, because this is a story that you have to experience fully, but it wasn’t a bad book. There was a part of it that got too weird, but the “catch” at the end presented an interesting thesis on truth and stories.

Jurassic Park is an incredibly realistic story. I could almost believe the science behind it. It was exciting, fun, and mildly interesting. I was always terrified of the movie after seeing a man being eaten at a much too young age, but the book was much less terrifying!

This one made the list because Rodanthe is one of my favorite places to be. I reside on the beaches of the Outer Banks continually in my soul, and this book was a beautiful, romantic story in a beautiful, romantic place. A fun beach read.

Sherlock Holmes made his debut in “A Study in Scarlet”, a novella first published in 1887. He and his sidekick, Doctor John H Watson, appeared in over fifty mysteries together. “The Hound of the Baskervilles” is probably the pair’s most famous case, and was inspired by a legend about a ghostly hound that haunted Dartmoor. The story was first serialised in the Strand Magazine, with the final instalment appearing in 1902 – and the complete book first appearing that same year.

Although Holmes will be seen as the book’s hero, it’s Watson who tells the story. The pair’s involvement with case begins with a visit from Dr James Mortimer – although, initially, he has stopped by only for a little advice. Mortimer has travelled up to London from his home on the edge of Dartmoor. Sir Charles Baskerville, an elderly neighbour of Mortimer’s, has recently died and the doctor is in town to meet his successor. However, thanks to a family legend, the details of the death have the whole community panicking. Back in the 1700s, the man who ruled Baskerville Hall – Sir Hugo – was anything but a virtuous man. Having kidnapped the daughter of a neighbouring yeoman – she wouldn’t come willingly – he wasn’t at all pleased when she later escaped and fled across the moors. In true Monty Burns style, he pledges himself to all that was unholy, unleashes the hounds and sets out after her. Unfortunately, things don’t quite go according to plan. While a huge ghostly hound joins the hunt and the girl dies of fear and exhaustion, Sir Hugo also dies and the hound feasts on his throat. Holmes, of course, views this as little more than a fairy tale. However, those who live close to Baskerville Hall are worried that the curse of the Baskervilles has returned. Several have seen a huge black hound on the moors, “luminous, ghastly and spectral”, while Mortimer himself discovered massive paw-prints close to where Sir Charles’ body was found. Unlike Hugo, Sir Charles was very highly thought of by all those who knew him. Dr Mortimer is naturally very concerned for Sir Charles’ nephew and heir. Sir Henry, the last surviving Baskerville, will very shortly be arriving in London from Canada.

Naturally, the bad news keeps coming for Sir Henry. He has barely arrived in London when he receives a mysterious letter warning him to keep away from Baskerville Hall, there’s a mysterious bearded man is following his every move, an escaped killer is living rough on the moors and (strangely) someone keeps stealing his boots. Not to be put off, Sir Henry decides to return to the ancestral home – though not without Watson. Holmes, initially, is unable to join them – there are a few cases in London needing his immediate attention. However, he does issue Watson with some very clear instructions on how to proceed.

A short and easy read…though not quite as scary or as dramatic as I’d imagined. I’d put this partly down to the ‘old fashioned’ writing – while it was probably pacey stuff at the time it was written, it’s a little stiff and formal by today’s standards. I was also a little disappointed with Holmes : while Watson was a likeable character, I couldn’t really warm to the great Sherlock. He struck me as an egotistical showman, a little too keen to hog the spotlight. (He practically threw a huff when Mortimer compared him unfavourably to Bertillion). He appeared desperate to deduce everything – whether he needed to or not – so people could marvel at his incredible intellect. (I also wondered if he was – at least partly – trying to keep Watson in his place). Still, there isn’t too much damage done : Holmes goes missing for a stretch, and that gives Watson – who is much more likeable – the limelight.

Another look at society through a book. Feh. I either just don’t like them or I shouldn’t be listening to them at the gym.

i can do this reading is mi passion want me to start now?
1.twilight
2.new moon
3.eclipse
4.breaking dawn
5.the chosen one
6.this can tak a wile maby i will start on paper!!

Oh dear. This might be a bit of an ambitious goal seeing as I never read! Don’t get me wrong I like reading and I’d love to be more well read but I never seem to find the time! This goal’s been on my list for ages and I haven’t even started yet! Time to get reading then! :)

Atonement – Ian McEwan
The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Story of O
Love in the Time of Cholera – Gabriel G. Marquez
Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte
Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden