Short & Sweet: The Rosie Project and The Mime Order (Adult)

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

I tried a couple times to get into this one and didn't get past the first few chapters, but finally this time I was successful! Don's character was a challenge to relate to (he's not your average Joe) but I found myself warming to him more as the story progressed (while at the same time wanting to *headdesk* a lot over things that he said and did). The plotline involving the genetic search for Rosie's biological father was fun (not very realistic, but fun!), and I also generally enjoyed seeing Don try new things and break some rules.

The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon

Seriously, I could not put this book down! So gripping. A tad violent and graphic for my tastes in some parts, but I just had to keep turning the pages to find out what would happen. This sequel really fleshed out the criminal world of Scion London (and the various players involved in it), while still connecting to the bigger picture of the storyline involving the Rephaim. I was occasionally confused by references that weren't explained properly (spoiler, highlight to read: Like the whole thing with the amaranth blooming again...what was all that about? And the poltergeist at the end, is that supposed to be the one that originally scarred Warden?) and I could have used a bit more development of the romance side of things (they are so busy fighting or getting over injuries they never have time for it!). But overall, a very strong sequel that has me wanting to read the next one!

#RockMyTBR Challenge

 

Happy New Year, everyone! I'm going to try taking part in a few challenges this year, in the hopes of motivating myself to read more books than I did in 2015 (which was a woefully sad reading year for me, due to being in my last year of grad school and having no time for reading fun things).

To start off with, I'll be joining the #RockMyTBR Challenge! This challenge is hosted by Sarah at The YA Book Traveler, and it is perfect for me because a) there are a TON of books sitting on my shelves that *need* to get read, some of which were gifted to me over the past few years and I just have no excuse anymore, and b) it has a guitar/music theme because of the whole "Rock My TBR" name and I play guitar, so it's even better.

The challenge is pretty simple: read a (published) book a month that you already own.  

You can use the hashtag #RockMyTBR to tweet about the challenge, there'll be Twitter chats (and probably giveaways!) and you can update monthly about your progress on Twitter/your blog/a vlog/etc.

Sarah suggests making a list of books you hope to read for the challenge, to see if anyone else wants to buddy-read them with you, so here goes:

- Banner of the Damned by Sherwood Smith (I've just started this one but it is MASSIVE and scares me. I mean, it's almost 700 pages long. But I want to at least take a decent stab at it!)

- Deathsworn by Leah Cypess

- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (I know, I'm pretty much the last person on Earth to have not read this. I should just read it already.)

- Where I Want to Be and The Julian Game by Adele Griffin

- The Shadow Year by Hannah Richell

- The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon (I have tried to start this one a couple times and haven't gotten very far, but I think I need to give it a little longer before officially DNF-ing.)

- Split by Swati Avasthi

- The Distant Hours and The House at Riverton by Kate Morton (technically these are my sister's, but I borrowed them from her so they're on my shelves at the moment)

- A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty

- Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

- Pivot Point by Kasie West

- In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

Honestly, these are just a few of the many, many, many books I have sitting on my shelves that I need to read. But if you're doing the challenge and any of them are also on your list, let me know!!

If you'd like to join in the fun, you can read all the details and link up your blog post here on Sarah's blog.