Category: Read-a-thons

Reading Like Blair Waldorf For A Week – Wrap Up

February 27, 2021

Hey Upper East Siders!

For the past week I’ve been channeling the fashion icon and all round Queen B that is Blair Waldorf! I’ve dedicated my entire TBR for the week to her, and have centred my reading around classic romance novels and elegant females icons like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, as well as embracing Blair’s style and daily routine, minus the scheming! I like to think I did a good job with designing my reading list and it was nice to tick a few more classics off my list!

When I’m not working you’ll usually find me in my pyjamas, or anything that is comfortable, so dressing up and putting a full face of make-up on was quite nice. I pulled all of my skirts and pearls and got to work! Blair, if anything, is determined. She never lets anyone or anything get in the way of her dreams and aspirations, and that’s one quality I think we can all take away from her. She oozes confidence, so I tried my best this week to channel all my energy into working towards my goals and I even started exploring manifestation, because sometimes we all need a little help from the universe!

On Wednesday, I embraced my Blair Waldorf fantasy and spent the evening reading and watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s along with some delicious macaroons and a glass of pink Prosecco, it was all very fancy! And then on Saturday I made a beautiful brunch spread, fit for New York’s elite, and spent my afternoon flicking through various fashion magazines as well as doing a cheeky bit of online shopping!

Overall, I had a great week as not only did I get to read some great books but Blair has encouraged me to go after my dreams because, “If you really want something you don’t stop for anyone or anything, until you get it.”.

I tried to stick to my TBR but I kept finding books on my bookshelf that a) I really wanted to read and b) that I knew Blair would secretly love!

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote – You can’t get more Blair Waldorf than Breakfast at Tiffany’s! I really enjoyed this book and it was interesting to get to know a darker and wilder side of Holly Golightly. Capote has a almost lyrical way with words that just make it so easy to read and enjoy!

Play as it Lays by Joan Didion – Joan Didion is an American writer who launched her career in the 1960s after winning an essay contest sponsored by Vogue magazine, and who’s writing focuses on the disintegration of American morals, cultural chaos and the Hollywood lifestyle. There’s no doubt in my mind that Blair would love and consider Didion a fabulous and powerful writer. I’ve been making my way through her books, and settled on Play as it Lays, a book that made it onto the TIME 100 Best English-language Novels from 1923 to 2005 list, and as always it was amazing.

Romancing Mr Bridgerton by Julia Quinn – I’m pretty sure Blair Waldorf would love Bridgerton, if not for Lady Wistledown then definitely for The Duke! I’ve been slowly making my way through this series and this lighthearted romance was exactly what I needed after a month of intense fantasy adventures.

Mrs Dalloway by Virgina Woolf – When I read To the Lighthouse I thought I was missing something, everyone raved about her writing was but I struggled to connect with it. But then I read Mrs Dalloway and I now I see it. Mrs. Dalloway is a complex, compelling novel that enters into the consciousness and hearts of it’s characters and one that witnesses the battle between sanity and insanity. I loved it!

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier – I’m only half way into this book but I still wanted to include it on my list! The atmospheric writing and the gorgeous prose is what makes this book special, there’s the perfect balance of suspense, darkness and mystery, and I can’t wait to finish it soon!

Reading Like Blair Waldorf for a Week | TBR

February 20, 2021

One of my favourite features from last year was my character read-a-thons, a series where I based my reading goals and TBR around a chosen fictional character with the aim of reading something a little different. So far I’ve channelled my inner Rory Gilmore, Marianne Sheridan and Connell Waldron and that’s only just the beginning as I’ve got loads more planned for 2021!

So, what better way to start the year off than with a read-a-thon inspired by the fashion icon that is Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl. Even now I’m still obsessed with the show and it’s always one I tend to re-watch now and then because it’s just SO GOOD! I’m very excited for the reboot, but it’s got big shoes to fill because I don’t think anything will beat the original and its quintessential cast of characters.

I’m going all out for this read-a-thon and I’m going to channel my inner Blair Waldorf and dedicate this entire week to her. I’m breaking out all of my pearls, skirts and headbands but I’ll be sure to leave the meddling and plotting out of the ensemble! Like Blair I’m a sucker for a classic romance and elegant female icons like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, so I’ve made sure that my TBR for this week is full of books that she would approve of or has read herself in the show/books.

Blair is very much an overachiever and perfectionist, so my TBR for this week is quite ambitious but I’m confident that I should be able to read most of them. I’m super excited for this read-a-thon and I think this is my favourite TBR so far!

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote – Gossip Girl always packed its episodes with classic Hollywood references, especially when it came to Blair’s dream sequences which usually mimicked iconic scenes from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, so it’s only fitting that the first book on my TBR is this beloved novella.

Rebecca by Daphne du May – This has been on my TBR ever since the film was released last year on Netflix and I’ve even withheld from watching the film to avoid spoiling myself. This gothic romance follows an unnamed young woman who impetuously marries a wealthy widower, only to discover that he and his household are haunted by the memory of his late first wife, Rebecca.

What Would Audrey Do? by Pamela Keogh – Another Hepburn inspired read! This book hopes to bring a charming dose of Audrey Hepburn into our everyday lives, with wisdom on relationships, fashion, home, travel and other opportunities for sophisticated living.

Mrs Dalloway by Virgina Woolf – Heralded as Virginia Woolf’s greatest novel, this is a vivid portrait of a single day in a woman’s life and one which has been on my TBR since graduating! During my degree I read a lot of Woolf but somehow this book escaped me, but after reading To The Lighthouse and Orlando I knew she was an author I wanted to explore and read more from!

Don’t Tell Alfred by Nancy Mitford – Although this book isn’t mention in the series, I’d like to think that Blair would also enjoy Mitford’s lighthearted and witty narrative on love, class and relationships. Set twenty years after the events of the second book, Don’t Tell Alfred follows Fanny as she navigates her own problems and the complex world of French politics and society.

Reading Like Marianne and Connell for a Week | Weekly Read-a-thon Wrap Up

November 24, 2020

This past week I participated in my own mini read-a-thon and based my TBR around Connell and Marianne from Normal People by Sally Rooney, with the aim of reading something a little different. I read Sally Rooney’s Normal People earlier this year and fell utterly and unexpectedly in love. The story and its characters are so raw and complex, creating a narrative that is more than just a romance. I highly recommend just checking out the BBC TV adaptation, the entire show is crafted with the upmost accuracy and care, the producers have done a wonderful job at bringing this story to life!

Like the characters, books are a huge part of my life and it is through the written world that I’m able to find solace and comfort! What I’m really enjoying about these character read-a-thons is the range of book, authors and genres I’m getting to explore, plus I’m ticking a lot of books of my classics/books to read before you die TBR! All of them are bringing back memories of my time at Univeristy, and its actually quite nostalgic and reminder of why I love to study English.

Over the past couple of months I’ve read some really psychologically heavy and emotionally exhausting books so I plan to keep it lighthearted and seasonal during December with some cheesy Christmassy reads, so if you’ve got any recommendations then please leave them in the comments below!

I’ve also already got my next character read-a-thon planned and I’ve made sure to leave a few clues throughout this post to keep you guessing…

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro – This is one of those books that stays with you even after finishing it. I’m struggling to put my thoughts into words because I’ve got so much to say about it! In short, I really enjoyed it! The unique premise, complex characters and beautiful writing style come together to create a masterpiece. If you haven’t read it yet and are looking for something ‘different’ then add this one to your TBR!

The Collected Works of Frank O’Hara – I didn’t read the whole collection but I did flick through and pick out a couple of poems, and I’m gutted I didn’t read more of his work when I was studying at university! His highly personal and intimate poetry that takes subjects found in daily life in New York, just makes me want to visit the city more! Hopefully when its safe to travel, I can start planning a trip over!

Emma by Jane Austen – Three words, eight letters: I loved it! The subtle humour and irony that is hidden within Austen’s novels makes her books more than just ‘romance novels’. I will admit Pride and Prejudice will forever be my favourite of Austen’s novels, but Emma was still a wonderful read, and I especially enjoyed Emma’s character development!

The Golden Notebook by Dorris Lessing – There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed, one in particular is the way in which Lessing writes, I’ve got so many beautiful and poignant quotes highlighted. But there were moments where I struggled to keep reading, nevertheless I’m glad I did!

Till next time, XOXO.

Reading Like Marianne and Connell for a Week |Weekly Read-a-thon TBR

November 15, 2020

After the success of my first character inspired read-a-thon, I thought I’d do another one this time inspired by the characters Connell and Marianne from Normal People by Sally Rooney. The aim is essentially to base your reading goals and TBR around your chosen characters for a period of time and to read something a little different!

If you missed my last character read-a-thon I channelled my inner Rory Gilmore and checked a few books off her infamous reading list! I’ll be sure to leave a link here if you want to check that out!

I read Sally Rooney’s Normal People earlier this year and fell utterly and unexpectedly in love. The story and its characters are so raw and complex, creating a narrative that is more than just a romance. Be warned, this isn’t a heartwarming and fluffy contemporary read by any standards but nevertheless my reading experience with this book is one of my favourites. The book follows Marianne and Connell and their developing relationship through high school and university, and deals fittingly with the ups and downs of love and horrors of mental health. Even if you don’t read it, I highly recommend you check out the BBC TV adaptation, the entire show is crafted with the upmost accuracy and care, the producers have done a wonderful job at bringing this story to life!

Throughout the book and show both characters read a range of books especially Connell as he studies for his degree, so I’ve chosen a couple that I’d thought I’d enjoy!

The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing – This is probably one of my favourite moments of the book, when Connell picks out this book from Marianne’s bookshelf and reveals that he’s read this 1962 feminist classic! It’s instantly clear that he’s not just your average football-obsessed teenager. I read a bit of Lessing at university so I’m eager to dive into more of her work.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro – It just so happens that this is our book club book of the month for November! The story follows three young orphans living in Hailsham, a mysterious and oppressive boarding school, where all is not as it seems. Fittingly Marianne picks up this classic as she struggles finding her own ‘place’ and belonging at both school and home.

Emma by Jane Austen – I couldn’t resits adding a bit of Austen to my TBR! Austen’s classic is mentioned during Connell’s seminar and it’s here we get to see him finally come out of his shell and gain some confidence in his literary criticism and analysis.

Temples of Delight by Barbara Trapido – Although we don’t actually see Connell reading this book it is sitting on his shelf in episode 11, so I think it’s fair to say that he’s read it. He seems like the character who would have self control when it came to buying and reading books!

Reading Like Rory Gilmore For A Week | Weekly Read-a-thon Wrap Up

October 14, 2020

This week I channelled my inner Rory Gilmore and spent my week checking a few more books off the infinite Rory Gilmore Reading List! I managed to read 4/5 books off my TBR as well as a few poems from various poetry collections, which considering my recent reading performance is pretty damn good! I would have read Tender is the Night but as you’ve probably already seen, I received Addie LaRue by V.E Schwab on NetGalley and dropped everything!

This week has encouraged me to include more classics and modern fiction into my TBR, as you never know when you’ll find one of your next favourite reads. It’s also shown me that I have a borderline caffeine addiction and that its always nice to get dressed up and have a family dinner once in a while.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this read-a-thon and I’ve already started planning more ‘character’ inspired read-a-thons for the rest of the year! If like me, are obsessed with Gilmore Girls then I recommend you give this reading challenge a go, even if it’s just for 24 hours!

Grimms’ Fairy Tales by The Brothers Grimm – I started off reading Rapunzel as I was curious to explore the original storyline behind one of my favourite Disney films and then I couldn’t stop reading! There’s something beautifully macabre and dark about these stories that make them the perfect read for October.

The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde – Another unintentional spooky read that I absolutely loved, this is a true masterpiece that is filled with beautiful quotes that will stay with you long after finishing! I didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but I was pleasantly surprised at how easy and enjoyable it was to read, I certainly wasn’t expecting the intrusively personal thoughts it left me with. This book is fascinating, I can’t recommend it enough!

The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky – Another easy and thought-provoking read that I enjoyed. For me, this didn’t live up to expectations and I hate to say it but I think I prefer the film adaptation to the book, nevertheless it was good to finally tick it off my forgotten TBR.

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes – I wished I picked some ‘less intense’ reads for this week! A lot of you warned me that I was going to cry, so I was prepared with tissues. The unique writing style was something that I instantly clicked with and was element that helped highlight Charlies heartbreakingly intense character development.

Reading Like Rory Gilmore For A Week |Weekly Read-a-thon TBR

October 5, 2020

The other day I stumbled across a video by Ciara Foster, in which she read like Rory Gilmore for the day. I thought it was such a unique and fun idea that I had to try it myself, I’ll be sure to leave a link to her video here! The aim is essentially to live your life like Rory for a period of time, by channelling your inner book-lover and coffee addict. After the success of my other Gilmore Girls posts, its clear that I’m not alone in my love for the show, so I challenge you to give this read-a-thon a go and be sure to let me know how it went in the comments below!

I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve only read 23 books out of the 339 mentioned in Gilmore Girls, so it was pretty easy to find a range of books to suit my reading mood. My TBR for this week is pretty ambitious but I wouldn’t be do Rory any justice if I didn’t challenge myself or spend every living-breathing moment reading. I’ve already stocked up on lots coffee and I’ve even got a list of classic films for my own Gilmore inspired film night, as well as making sure everyone is free for a family dinner on Friday night!

Anyway, wish me luck and stay tuned for part 2 soon!

TBR

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

I feel like this book should be on your list of books to read in your lifetime so what better time to read it than now? I’ve heard nothing but good things about this book, and I’ve already got the tissues at the ready as I’m 100% sure that this book is going to leave me an emotional wreck.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

I was meant to read this book years and years ago, but as expected I got distracted and never picked it up. Well, now things are about to change, and I think it’ll be really interesting to see what my reading experience will be like now after my own experiences with mental health.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

My obsession with Ben Barnes is getting out of hand and I’ve decided to finally read this classic before I watch the film adaptation. I really enjoyed studying Wilde at university and can’t believe that its taken this long for me to pick this one up!

Rapunzel by Grimm Brothers

I know this will be nothing like the Disney version, but Tangled is one of my all-time favourite films and I wanted to choose something short and easy to read.

Tender Is The Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Another classic that I’ve yet to read, and it wouldn’t be doing myself or Rory any justice if I didn’t include a little bit of Fitzgerald. Tender is the Night include everything I love about Fitzgeralds writing as he explore the romantic concept of character in this lyrical and expansive masterpiece.

The Reading Rush 2020 TBR

July 18, 2020

The Reading Rush (formerly know as The Booktube-a-thon) is a week long read-a-thon running form the 20th-26th July and was one of the first read-a-thons I participated in all the way back in 2015! Once again I’m suffering from a bit of a reading slump (blame my Disney+ account), so I’m hoping that this read-a-thon is going to kick start my reading again. I understand that there’s a slim chance of me reading all of these books, but I wanted to make sure that I had plenty of books to choose! It’s not too late to join the read-a-thon, and if you are then I’d love to read what’s on your TBR so please leave a link to your post in the comments!

Read a book with a cover that matches the colour of your birth stone

I’m born in October so my birthstone is an Opal (Turquoise) or Tourmaline (Pink) so I plan to read The Fate of The Tearling by Erika Johansen. This is series is on my list to finish this year and from I remember it was a really unique and intricate storyline with well thought out characters.

Read a book that starts with the word “The”

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary. Another book that’s been on my TBR for ages! I’ve been craving some lighthearted contemporary cuteness and from all the reviews I can tell that I’m going to love it! This also has a turquoise colour so I could use it for the first challenge; two birds, one stone!

Read a book that inspired a movie you’ve already seen

All The Bright Places by Jenifer Niven. I’m twisting the rules a bit for this challenge as I’ve yet to watch the film but it’s one that been on my Netflix watchlist for ages. So I plan to spend the day reading the book and then settling down with a big bowl of popcorn to watch film!

Read the first book you touch

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. When I was thinking of books to read for the read-a-thon I instantly thought of this one and grabbed it from the bookshelf! I keep going on about this series but this is the month that I’m going to finally finish it!

Read a book completely outside of your house

Life on the Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers. The weather recently hasn’t been great, so I tried to find a nice short book that I could enjoy reading in the garden. I read this book about seven years ago and it’s one that has stuck with me and I’m eager to re-live the experience.

Read a book in a genre that you’ve always wanted to read more of.

This year I wanted to read more classics novels especially after discovering the Rory Gilmore reading list! Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf or Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes are currently at the top of my list.

Read a book that takes place on a different continent than where you live.

Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh. Another book that’s gotten lost in my TBR pile, so when I looking for books to fill this challenge this one jumped out.

O.W.L.s Magical Read-a-thon Week #4

May 2, 2020

She’s only gone and bloody done it! This month I managed to read 10 books in total, which means that I passed all of my O.W.L.s and I’m on my way to becoming a Hogwarts Professor and a Animagus! First and foremost I want to say another HUGE thank you to G over at the Book Roast, who has once again organised a wonderfully magical read-a-thon that I’ve fallen utterly in love with; everything from all the career paths to the reading sprints on Twitter have been perfect.

Throughout the read-a-thon I’ve been able to discover so many new favourite reads, my ultimate favourites were Normal People by Sally Rooney (which is truly incredible and deserves all the hype it’s been receiving) and The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (which is another amazing series that I’ve fallen utterly in love with).

When I last posted I still had three books to finish and trust my luck that the final week in April was the most hectic week so far, but after various coffee filled late nights and early mornings I managed to get everything read!

Let me know how you did in the comments below!

Pages Read: 3646

Books Read: 10/10

Hogwarts Professor

Charms – Lumos Maxima: A Book with a White Cover

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. Everyone told me that I was going to fall utterly in love with this series, and they were right. I’ve always been fascinated with ley lines and treasure hunts, so it was like this series was made for me. All the characters are loveable, complex and always full of surprises.

History of Magic – Witch Hunts: A Book Featuring Witches/Wizards.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. There’s clearly something in the water because everyone seem’s to be re-reading this series! I recently watched the film and finally dived into the TV show and have once again fallen in love with this world and its characters (except Clary, she still annoys me!). Anyway my plan for the month of May is to continue re-read the Mortal Instruments and finally start the Infernal Devices.

Care of Magical Creatures – Hippogriffs: A Creature with a Beak on the Cover

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater. I loved the first book so much that I had to pick the second book up instantly!

Astronomy – Night Classes: Read a Book When it’s Dark Outside.

Scythe by Neal Shusterman.

Defence Against The Dark Arts – Grindylows: A Book Set Sea.

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard.

Potions – Shrinking Solution: Read a Book Under 150 Pages.

Cheri by Collette

Transfiguration – Animagus: A Book/Series that Includes Shapeshifting.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer.

Animagus Training

Arithmacy – Balance Opposites: Read Something Outside Your Favourite Genre

Normal People by Sally Rooney.

Potions – Shrinking Solution: Read a Book Under 150 Pages

The Grownup by Gillan Flynn.

Transfiguration – Animagus: A Book/Series that Includes Shapeshifting

Either A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer.

O.W.L.s Magical Read-a-thon Week #3

April 22, 2020

I knew things were going too well! This week I’ve hardly read anything on my TBR and I’m now a little worried that my TBR was too ambitious.

Like a lot of people, I’ve recently fallen down the Mortal Instruments rabbit hole and I am once again obsessed! After watching the film I thought I’d jump back into the TV series, which at first made me cringe but now I’m half way through season 2 and I’m really enjoying it! I’ve fallen hard down this rabbit hole so much so that I’m dedicating the month of May to re-reading the entire series again, and I’ve even been reading some fanfiction! For me there’s always been this stigma behind reading fan fiction, but recently that has all changed. It has allowed me to discover an entirely new storyline and adventure with some of my favourite characters and fandoms. Plus pretty much all of the fan fiction I’ve read recently has been incredible and I’m eager to explore more storylines soon!

I’ve still got to read Bloodwitch by Susan Denard, The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson and the rest of The Raven Boys in order to complete all of my owls, but I might play with my TBR and challenges to see if I could use my fan fiction as OWL for Potions (read a book under 150 pages)!

Anyway I hope everyone is doing well with their reading goals and that you are all staying safe!

Currently Reading: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Pages Read: 2313

Books Read: 7/10

Completed Owls

Astronomy – Night Classes: Read a Book When it’s Dark Outside

Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman. I’ve been reading this book for so long that I was getting annoyed at myself but now I’ve finally finished it! I definitely want to continue reading this series but right now I need a break!

O.W.L.s Magical Read-a-thon Week #2

April 16, 2020

I don’t want to toot my own horn but I am SMASHING this read-a-thon! So far I’ve managed to read 6 books and we’re only half way through the month. I’m still working so I am having to balance my time but reading has been the perfect distraction from everything going on at the moment! Due to my success I’ve decided to challenge myself and aim for the Hogwarts Professor as my chosen career path, which involves reading 7 books and who knows I might read a few more just for the fun of it!

I have also successfully passed my O.W.L.s to qualify for the Animagus Training, which involved reading something outside my favourite genre (Normal People by Sally Rooney), a book under 150 pages (The Grownup by Gillian Flynn) and a book/series that included shapeshifting (A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer).

Anyway, I hope the read-a-thon is going well for everyone and that you are all staying safe!

Currently Reading: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater.

Pages Read: 1809

Books Read: 6/10

Completed O.W.L.s:

Hogwarts Professor

Transfiguration – Animagus: A Book/Series that Includes Shapeshifting

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer. I’m not usually a fan of cross-world fantasies but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I don’t think it lives up to all the hype it’s received but nevertheless its been a really enjoyable read and it feels only right to pick up the second book in this series.

Defence Against The Dark Arts – Grindylows: A Book Set Sea

 Truthwitch by Susan Denard. Like I mentioned in my last post, I really enjoyed this series so much so that I’ve changed my TBR to include the second book in this series.

Animagus Training:

Arithmacy – Balance Opposites: Read Something Outside Your Favourite Genre

Normal People by Sally Rooney. This is my pick for our Reading Between the Wines book club for April and I absolutely adored it. The story and its characters are so raw and complex creating a narrative that is more than just a romance. I don’t want to say too much about this book but if you haven’t read it yet then I would make sure that its definitely on your TBR.

Transfiguration – Animagus: A Book/Series that Includes Shapeshifting

A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer. I just finished the first book in this series and really enjoyed it, so much so that I knew I had to read the next book asap. I was a bit apprehensive about the two new perspectives but once again I was pleasantly surprised.