A SPRING READING CHALLENGE (THAT'S ACTUALLY DOABLE).

Sunday, 25 March 2018

When I occasionally scroll through Pinterest, I see countless reading challenges and save them for future reference, but then I never actually go through with them. I love a good challenge, and I love discussing books, movies and all that jazz with the people around me and in the blogging world. SO I thought I'd make a reading challenge of my own! This is just the first of many and over the months I'd like to introduce other sort of challenges - whether it be about music, film or something completely random. If this flops and I'm the only one who takes part, who cares because we all know I love ticking things off lists anyway. So if you're looking for a reason to get back into reading, or want to join the discussion - I'd love for you to take part in my Spring reading challenge!

spring reading challenge

What is the challenge? 


As the title suggests, the aim is to read 6 books of your choice from the 21st March to the 21st June (Spring). Although nobody is going to come and rip your book from you when this date comes around so if you're a slow reader it's fine if you want to take your time or even just choose 2/6 to read. As long as you pick up a book! 


How do I take part? 


Pin/print/save the challenge, and then simply cross each one off as you go along! If you're a blogger, then I'd love for you to write a post about the challenge with the books you have chosen, or maybe even review one of the ones you have read depending on what you write about or what interests you! If not, I'm creating #readingwithGi so anyone taking part in the challenge can interact and engage with each other. Plus, I'm nosy so I'd love to see what your choices are and find new reading recommendations! 


What books shall I read?


The beauty of this challenge is that they are not limited to one genre, so your choices are pretty open in that sense. If you don't fancy doing your research, then feel free to go with my choices! For this challenge you have to pick: 

- a book with a red cover
- a self-help book
a book you read in school
- a book that's going to be made into a movie (or already is)
- a book that is older than you are
- a book based in a country/place that fascinates you 


Giana's picks 

A book with a red cover
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton 

This was the most challenging to choose, but a simple search of 'books to read in 2018' did the job, once I found one with a red cover. This was the second one I looked at and I thought it would be an enlightening read and probably very relatable. 

Summary: 'When it comes to the trials and triumphs of becoming a grown up, journalist and former Sunday Times dating columnist Dolly Alderton has seen and tried it all. In her memoir, she vividly recounts falling in love, wrestling with self-sabotage, finding a job, throwing a socially disastrous Rod-Stewart themed house party, getting drunk, getting dumped, realising that Ivan from the corner shop is the only man you've ever been able to rely on, and finding that that your mates are always there at the end of every messy night out. It's a book about bad dates, good friends and - above all else - about recognising that you and you alone are enough.'

A self-help book
You Do You by Sarah Knight

I still haven't read any of Sarah Knight's self-help books, but luckily my friend Gabby picked this up at the airport so I'll be starting with this one once she's done!

Summary: 'Being yourself should be easy, yet too many of us struggle to live on other people's terms instead of our own. Rather than feeling large and in charge, we feel little and belittled. Sound familiar? Bestselling "anti-guru" Sarah Knight has three simple words for you: YOU DO YOU'


A book you read in school
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Technically, I didn't read this book in school as my class got assigned An Inspector Calls instead but I feel like I missed out so I'm going to make it a point to read this so I can get all the George and Lennie jokes. 

Summary: 'Lennie and George are migrant workers during the Great Depression. When the novel opens, they're on their way to work on a ranch in Salinas, California. Instead of going straight to the ranch, they camp by the river for the night and talk about their dream of one day having their own ranch.'

A movie adaptation
My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier 

This film adaptation was made last year but I still haven't gone round to watching it, so I might as well read the book first! I recently read Maurier's 'Rebecca' and thought it was dark and intriguing, so this is one I'm looking forward to reading. 

Summary: 'Orphaned at an early age, Philip Ashley is raised by his benevolent older cousin, Ambrose. Resolutely single, Ambrose delights in Philip as his heir, a man who will love his grand home as much as he does himself. But the cosy world the two construct is shattered when Ambrose sets off on a trip to Florence. There he falls in love and marries - and there he dies suddenly. Jealous of his marriage, racked by suspicion at the hints in Ambrose's letters, and grief-stricken by his death, Philip prepares to meet his cousin's widow with hatred in his heart. Despite himself, Philip is drawn to this beautiful, sophisticated, mysterious Rachel like a moth to the flame. And yet... might she have had a hand in Ambrose's death?'

A book that is older than you are
Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck 

A book about a man and his dog travelling through America, living the life basically. I've heard great things about this book and it's meant to be one of the best travel inspiring books out there. 


Summary: 'In September 1960, John Steinbeck embarked on a journey across America. He felt that he might have lost touch with the country, with its speech, the smell of its grass and trees, its colour and quality of light, the pulse of its people. To reassure himself, he set out on a voyage of rediscovery of the American identity, accompanied by a distinguished French poodle named Charley; and riding in a three-quarter-ton pickup truck named Rocinante.'


A book based in a place that fascinates you
Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

There are a lot of places that fascinate me in the world, so I'm going to make the post to pick these type more often, but for the first I chose a book in New Orleans. I've never been, but I feel like I'd be in my element there, plus I am intrigued by the supernatural. 

Summary: 'It's 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer. She devises a plan get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street.'

Do you think you'll be taking part in this challenge? I'd love to know what books you'd pick or if you've read any of the above!

G






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