Category: 2012 Challenges

2012 Challenges, Books

Book 92: A Clash of Kings – George R.R. Martin

Geoff W

Wow. What more can I say? Book two of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire cycle and although this novel wasn’t as captivating as A Game of Thrones, it was still a fascinating and entertaining read. As with A Game of Thrones I am using A Clash of Kings for two challenges – checking in at over 750 pages it is book two in my 2012 Tea & Books Challenge and as I bought it in 2011 with birthday money I’m also tacking it on to my 2012 Mount TBR Challenge.

As with the first novel in the series, so much happens in A Clash of Kings that it is hard to summarize or even review. Suffice to say that enough happens within this one novel that could fill three or four novels. You never know who is going to die or switch allegiances next; you never know where the next chapter will take you; and you can never 100% feel like you know who is who they say they are or where they’re from.

THERE ARE (a few) SPOILERS FROM A GAME OF THRONES. So if you plan on reading the novels scroll down to the recommendation to avoid them.

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2012 Challenges, Books

Book 91: A Game of Thrones – George R.R. Martin

Geoff W

A Game of Thrones is the first book in George R. R. Martin’s Epic fantasy cycle A Song of Ice and Fire. Projected at seven novels, the fifth novel was published in 2012. I guess you could say I jumped on the bandwagon with this one, but I don’t feel at all guilty about it as I grew up reading Star Wars and Dragon based fiction, so I like to think I’m returning home after a long break. I’m also very excited to check out the HBO adaptation of the novel having finally read it.

I honestly didn’t think Martin would be able to draw me in as fast as he did, but what can I say, I’m a sucker for pre-modern technology worlds with knights and royalty and assassinations and intrigue. There was not a lack of action or adventure in this novel and it made it a quick read even though it clocks in at just around 675 pages. And as such a tome, it is the first novel I’ve read in the 2012 Tea & Books Challenge. It will also be tacked to my 2012 Mount TBR Challenge list as I purchased it in the last week of 2011 with birthday money, but I’m still hoping to read the other 25 novels on that list. Now on to my reaction (I’ve realized I rarely actually post reviews).

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2012 Challenges, Books

Book 89: Hood – Emma Donoghue

Geoff W

Hood is the first of the 40 books I’ve committed to in Reading Challenges for 2012. It comes from the Mount TBR Reading Challenge and it feels good to cross one book off those three lists. And as mentioned sometime in the past, this is one of the novels my boss brought in for me to read – and it was interesting, not sure I would want to talk about it with her – see my reaction in the last paragraph before the recommendation. But regardless, on to the review!

Written by the author of Room and Slammerkin, Hood is a moving story of love and loss. Taking place during the week of Cara Wall’s funeral, the reader finds themselves at the mercy of Pen O’Grady’s, Cara’s lover of 13 years, sometimes tumultuous, most of the time lacking emotions. Using flashbacks and the days of the week, Donoghue tells the story of Pen and Cara’s relationship while showing Pen’s coping (or lack thereof) with Cara’s death.

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2012 Challenges

Back to the Classics Challenge 2012

Geoff W

As mentioned on Monday – I’ve found two reading challenges for 2012. The first is the Mount TBR Reading Challenge which you can read about here.

The second challenge I found, also thanks to Heather at Between the Covers is the:

Back to the Classics Challenge 2012 is hosted by Sarah of Sarah Reads Too Much. The challenge is fairly simple: nine books, nine categories. The categories (and the books I plan to read are below. The books may change, but the categories won’t.
Check out the the categories, my books and the rules for this challenge.

2012 Challenges

Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2012

Geoff W

So I’m generally loathe to participate in challenges or book memes, not really sure why, but I’ve found two that have piqued my interest thanks to Heather at Between the Covers.

This challenge, the Mount TBR (To Be Read) Reading Challenge is hosted by Bev of My Reader’s Block (which I have now added to the numerous book blogs I follow – like I needed another.) 😀

I’ve decided to participate at the Mt. Vancouver (25 books) level, as I know for certain I have at least 50 books on my bookshelf and kindle that I have not previously read. I don’t want to dedicate all of my books next year to this challenge, but I love the idea of clearing off space from my bookshelf. The rules are after the jump if you’re interested. I might assign specific books to the challenge, but for now you can see what is currently on my digital and physical bookshelves here.

Click here to see if you’d like to participate!