Monday 3 October 2016

September Wrap Up

Turns out juggling final year of medicine and book challenges is harder than you'd imagine. Wait, I'm sure you know it's hard, that was just me trying to be all naive and freakishly optimistic.

Ahh well, although the number of books I've been able to read this year is getting meagre by the day, I'm still proud of the fact that I'm squeezing enough time to read. Yes, I've reached a place where reading for at least 15mins a day has become a luxury, so let's not talk about numbers, shall we?

FYI, that's not a building, it's a pile of books

If you must know, I've read 25 books so far, 5 in September. That's a good enough number for now. And because I find 5 an exceedingly above average number, a wrap-up post seemed like a sane thing to do. Here are my Hum Panch of September:

1) Harry Potter and The Cursed Child by J.K.Rowling: Yes, I joined the party pretty late, at least I arrived (despite the mixed reviews and spoilers), that must count for something. 10 points to Hufflepuff, please (for being the loyal ones). I can sum up my Cursed Child experience in one word, and mind you, I've chosen the word as carefully as Voldy chose jewellery for his horcruxes, and that word is underwhelming. As I've already established, I'm a hardcore Hufflepuff, so my loyalties to Hogwarts, to JKR, to all the characters is preventing me from openly expressing my umm..disappointment? But my lovely Slytherin mate Varsha has reviewed this book over at Fictional Fortress (a book club-blog we run) and I found myself nodding to all of her views and commas and full stops. You can check it out here if you're interested. A 3/5 from me.
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The next three reads were for #MissMarpleReadathon, an exclusive Agatha Christie-MissMarple readathon, started by fellow Hyderabadi Bookstagrammers in an attempt to make me fall in love with the Queen Of Mystery. It has no deadlines, whatsoever. Whenever you're feeling low, in need for some fast paced action, just pick a Miss Marple mystery and join us!

2) The Murder At The Vicarage by Agatha Christie: I was sold after reading this book. It was so different from all the thrillers and murder mysteries I've read. I heart the climax, I would give it the best climax award if I could. The murder of the not-at-all-loved-unanimously-hated/tolerated Colonel Protheroe occurs in an otherwise dull village of St.Mary Mead. Many people seem to have a motive, but there isn't enough evidence. A series of false arrests. Who killed Protheroe? A 4/5 read.
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3) The 13 Problems by Agatha Christie:
One Tuesday, a mix of experienced, young, influential people gather at Miss Marple residence to discuss murder mysteries. One person narrates what has happened and others are to guess the answer. Miss Marple shocks them all by making back to back right guesses. Some of these are such mind-boggling mysteries, they will leave you numb. It basically is a collection of 13 short stories. another 4/5 read.

4)The Body In The Library by Agatha Christie: I couldn't guess the culprit. I just couldn't. But some how the end seemed way too far fetched. But hey, it makes good mystery so no complaints. 3/5.

A photo posted by Shonazee (@ofinkandpages) on  
Yes, I get most of my reading done while travelling 

5) Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur:
A collection of poems compiled under four headers, loving, hurting, breaking, and healing. These poems are raw with emotion. They are accompanied by rough sketches drawn by Rupi Kaur herself. I just love it. I love all the poems and the sketches, the raw emotions, and the crisp words. I've bookmarked several pages and highlighted what's remaining. I've read them so many times, I can eloquently quote the book. They are written in a very simple language but carry such force within them. If you're looking to indulge in poetry, this makes a fine start. A must read. Definitely my FAV read of this month. 5/5.
A photo posted by Shonazee (@ofinkandpages) on
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 That's that. Overall, a good reading month, I daresay.

For lengthy reviews or a peek at my tbr, friend me on Goodreads or Instagram. We could talk about murder mysteries or the pain of losing a loved one or the disappointment of a long-awaited book in your beloved series. I'm always up for a good talk!

What books made to your favourite pile this September? Which book/movie would you give best climax award to? 
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7 comments:

  1. I applaud you for still finding time to read! I used to be such a book worm and now, LOL.

    I have recently picked up Shantaram, I never did finish it and I'm keen to finish it off!

    The Cursed Child is another one I'm itching to get into my collection.

    Lima
    Fashionicide
    xo

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    1. Oh Shantaram is one beautiful book! I love love love the writing. (Story, not so much) It took pretty long to finish, but it was worth the time. Do let me know how you like it once you're done :)

      The physical hardback of Cursed Child is so gorgeous! Worth having on the shelves if you're a book hoarder like me.

      Thanks for stopping by, Lima. Goodluck with Shantaram!

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  2. I LOVE milk and honey, I keep very few books (atm i only have three) but rupi kauris writing is just too stunning not to have nearby at all times - if you liked hers, i think you might really love carol ann duffy's the world's wife, it's a feminist anthology that rewrites women from history and myths and gaaaah it's so good. also, YESSS for agatha christie, i've only read murder on the orient express but i loved it and i really want to read another sometime, any recommendations on which i should read next?

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    1. IKR! It's way too stunning to not have nearby at all times. I'll definitely check the World's Wife out, the premise sounds pretty interesting :) I've read very few Agatha Christie books, Murder At The Vicarage is a really good Miss Marple mystery, if you want to give it a try.
      What are the other two books you have?

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  3. Wow! Juggling final year of medicine and book challenges? Sounds like an impossible feat! I'm currently in second year (moving along to third, if I pass my exams, which I will inshaAllah u_u) and I never get books done? I go out like maybe once every six months, buy a couple of books and they sit there for at least three months before I finally feel like I can pick them up and read them at my leisure!
    The last book I read was the Silkworm by JK Rowling. I love her Cormoran Strike series. They're really long, but I feel like they really capture the essence of what its like being a private detective :)
    the-emo-wolverine-writes.blogspot.com

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    1. Haha, it's quite difficult, but hey, we all need to take time out or our book will drive us insane. Good luck with third year. Opthal, ENT and SPM? Are those your third year subjects too?
      I haven't read any books from the Cormoran Strike, I should pick them up some time. Thanks for the recommendation, and for dropping by, Catalina :)

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  4. Hey keep posting such good and meaningful articles.

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