I don’t usually do this, but for this month I’m going to post about my reading goals for April. I’m trying to get more organized and I figure if I blog about it, it might help. This month I hope to read four novels.
The first is Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson. Last summer I read The Way of Kings by Sanderson and fell in love with his writing. Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings is hosting a group read of Mistborn and I will be providing questions for one of the reading weeks. This will be my first time for providing some questions. If you would like to join us, please check out the link for the reading schedule. This novel will count towards the reading challenge Once Upon a Time.
I will also be reading Eldest, the second novel in Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle. I read the first novel for the Once Upon a Time Challenge last year. I have started the novel and so far, after reminding myself of what happened in the first one, I am enjoying it. I’m actually liking this one more than the first. This novel will count towards two of my challenges, Once Upon a Time and Award Winning Books. It won the 2006 Quill Award in Young Adult Fiction.
I am also joining Caroline’s Literature and War Readalong. This month we will be reading Coventry by Helen Humphreys. The novel takes place in England during World War II. The discussion will take place on April 30th. I’ve been meaning to join Caroline for other books this year but I have been unable to track down the books at my library. I purchased this novel and I am really looking forward to participating. If you would like to check out the reading schedule for the rest of the year, please click on this page.
Last, I hope to read Dusklands by J.M. Coetzee. I have read another book by this author and I marveled over his skill. This novel is on my 1001 novels to read before you die. In fact, he has ten novels on this list. Only one other author, Charles Dickens, has ten on the list. It will count towards my reading challenge, Books published in the first years of my life. I haven’t made a dent in this challenge so I decided I better get cracking.
If I have the time, I don’t think I will but just in case I’ll start the next novel, David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens on my list. However, I won’t be too worried if I don’t get to it. I am still on track to complete ten of his novels this year. Thank goodness, the last one on my list, A Christmas Carol, is quite short.
50 Year Project 
Good luck TBM! We look forward to reading your thoughts about Eldest. I bought that book too, but haven’t gotten around to reading it yet. Such is the story of my life, sadly.
Oh I know that story well. So many books, so little time. I have several books lined up for your challenge. Now all I need to do is find the time. Thanks for the luck.
I am wishing you much success on your reading adventure. To be young again with good eyes that don’t get tired. Oh well, looking forward to your comments on these books.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
I hope you enjoy the discussions. And thanks for the well wishes…it is always appreciated!
My goodness, that’s a lofty goal! I can barely get through two books in one month, much less four or five–good luck!
Lately I’ve been reading a lot of large novels, which has been good training. I am hoping to be successful. We’ll see!
I’d love to join in, but no time these days. I would wish you good luck, but have faith that you will accomplish this goal too.
Do you ever find that you wish you had more time to savor each book? Sometimes I like to take time to linger and digest what I’ve read. Or think about it for a couple of days.
I know what you mean about so many books. I’ve only re-read one book in my lifetime. 🙂
Have only read Coetzee’s Disgrace. It was tough subject matter, but wonderfully written.
I would like to take more time with books, but there are just so many. I often wonder what it would have been like hundreds of years ago when most people didn’t read and there weren’t nearly as many books. I much rather have my problem of having too many instead of too few or not being able to.
I have read Disgrace and that was a tough read. I’m looking forward to this one, but I’m a little hesitant since I know he makes the reader uncomfortable.
Plus they had to read by candlelight! No, thank you.
I would be hesitant about reading Coetzee again too. Have to be in a certain frame of mind to tackle his subjects, but he is such a good writer.
The candlelight would have killed me. I already have horrendous eyesight! I agree, Coetzee is amazing. Hopefully this one won’t make me cry.
Thanks for mentioning my readalong.
Great plans, I’m very keen on reading about Coetzee.
I don’t know what it is about April and May but there are so many interesting things happening. I wanted to join for Mistborn but there is a fine line between enthusiastic and over ambitious … Overstepping it can easily lead to stress. It’s too bad, I was so tempted by Mistborn, maybe I’ll read along but following my own schedule.
I was surprised you were still contemplating it even though you were already committed to four books. That is a lot to take on. Carl has set up an easy reading schedule though and I’m thankful for that. It actually goes into May. I’m looking forward to the Coventry novel and I’ll keep a lookout for other copies of the rest of the books. This is one of my favorite topics to read about.
Have you read Coetzee?
Yes, several, Disgrace and one or two others. He is fanatstic. And he says great things on animal rights.
I’m looking forward to reading all of his on the list, but I don’t know if I could do them all right after each other. His books, even though they are small, take time since he brings up so much to think about. I like to let them sink in.
All the best! 🙂
Thanks Nandini!
Have you heard of the web site “Good Reads”? I just found it and love it. You can rate books, get recommended books and have followers to what you read. You can also put it on your blog which I recently did. I love reading but don’t have much time to do it with the kids. What do you do for a living there? How did you end up in England? Ah… The life sans enfants too! I love the kids more than anything but miss my leisure time!
I have heard about Good Reads and I’ve been avoiding it. I probably should join, but I worry that I will just want to read everything and drive myself crazy…well crazier than I already am. We moved since the better half was transferred. Juggling reading, life, travel, work, and kids would be difficult…I admire parents. I think being a parent, while rewarding, is one of the toughest jobs.
Have a nice and enjoyable reading dear TBM, Thanks and Love, nia
Thanks Nia!
I read “Mistborn” recently and loved it. I’ll now have to check out “The Way of Kings.” Thanks for the prompt.
I loved the Way of Kings! It is a long book and it is the first in a series but I think most of us that read it last summer together can’t wait for the next one to come out. It was so awesome and I’m really looking forward to Mistborn. I’m hoping to start it tonight. We’ll probably do a group read of the next installment of Way of Kings when it comes out. You should join if possible! I don’t think it will be out until 2013 though…so we have to wait and wait.
Happy reading! I’m quite excited for Mistborn.
I read the Eragon books a few years back, although I don’t think that Brisingr was out then. I liked Arya a lot as a character.
I’m hoping to start Mistborn tonight and I’m excited to get to it! I think that is one of the main reasons why I’m liking the second book more in the series. Arya is in it much more. I have to marvel that someone so young wrote the series, even if not all of the concepts are all that ground-breaking. It is still entertaining.
My biggest problem with the Eragon series was that it’s basically Star Wars in terms of plot, just in a different setting.
I agree and he relies heavily on Tolkien. But now I want to watch the Star Wars films. I should just break down and buy them.
I hope you have the time to read four novels in one month, the books you choose sound really interesting. David Copperfield is a real treat. I love your travel pictures. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Valentina. Good to know that you enjoyed David Copperfield. I’ve heard many good things about it and I’m hoping to start it this month.
Impressive and ambitious! Happy reading!
Thanks Fergiemoto!
Really interesting choices. So glad you are participating in and co-hosting the Mistborn group read. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 🙂
I’m excited to co-host…and all the co-hosts are awesome to discuss works with so I think it will be a blast!
Good luck, I doubt you will be around much as you won’t have time to lift your head 🙂 🙂 🙂
I hope it won’t be that bad…and if it is, books are a delight.
I must confess that I’ve fancied reading the Paolini books for some time – but whether I should seriously add any more books to my pile is a very serious question! I think I’m actually becoming overwhelmed by how many books I seem to have accrued and In fact have bagged up about 10 lots to go – I have a horrible suspicion that the Paolini book may have gone in there! I actually can’t believe that I’m getting rid of books I’ve not read – it feels a bit like a crime to be honest.
😦
Bit like you – my reading has definitely suffered the last 3 months – life is taking over. Oh well. The books will have to be patient.
Good luck this month. I have faith in you.
Lynn 😀
Thanks Lynn…life does get in the way of reading. I know when I was moving to London, all I could do was stuff for the move. And if you need to find a home for books, my door is always open 🙂 I hope things slow down for you and I’m looking forward to our group read of Mistborn!
Yeah, I’m really excited about Mistborn. BTW – I love Christmas Carol – I really should read more Dickens – only read CC and Great Expectations (which I also really enjoyed). I bought my daughter an illustrated CC for Christmas and it’s just lovely. I know that I’m going to pinch it to look through!
I think I should probably read one of his others, maybe make it a mission of mine! I quite fancy Oliver Twist or Bleak House.
Speak soon.
Lynn 😀
I have been enjoying reading Dickens this year. The copy of the Christmas Carol sounds lovely. I should look for a nice copy. That would be fun to have during the holidays. I haven’t read Bleak House yet, but I loved Oliver Twist. It is one of his darker novels.
A Christmas Carol is so, so, so, so good. That’s a great one to finish out the year and project. 🙂
Well technically I should be reading it next since I’m trying to read them in the order they were written, but it seemed like a crime not to read the book during December so I’ve decided to end the challenge with that one.
hey! you know I love your blog right?? so I nominated you here: http://lifeshappyrants.wordpress.com/2012/04/03/awards-d/
thanks 🙂
Thanks very much and congrats to you!!!!
I like the look of Coventry – must track down a copy!
It would be wonderful if you could join. If you review it, please do leave a link and I’ll add it on my post.
I’m really looking forward to reading that one and Caroline is a wonderful blogger who has always been so supportive of my reading goals. It would be fun if you could join us!
Yes, it’s an impressive list. Good luck with it. I began reading Mistborn, and although it looks very promising, I am not too fond of its complex magic – I think it takes away from the story because I get confused by this pulling-pushing-tugging, plus all the metals giving different abilities. And I am a bit disappointed by lack of facial expressions other than frowns and smiles. 🙂 But having said that, there is definitely enough action to keep me interested. I look forward to hearing your opinion on the book.
I’ll have to pay attention to the lack of facial expressions. I’ve only read 30-40 pages so I can still keep track. It will be a fun one to discuss and I’ll keep in mind the complex magic comment for possible questions. Thanks!
Oh, interesting. I haven’t started reading yet so I’m going to keep notes!!
Lynn 😀
How do you find the time to breathe ?? I loved Eldest…actually I love the series…fabulous books.
So far I’m really enjoying Eldest…I like it more than the first one. And breathing…yes I must remind myself to do that.
Wait til you get to Brisingr…luckily Paolini decided a forth was necessary ’cause when I finished that one I was gutted thinking it was the last…
Now the suspense is killing me…but in a fun way!
I’m excited to see your thoughts on Eldest. It seems to be one of those books/series that divide people. I really enjoyed the series and re-read it last year in time for the release of the final book!
I enjoyed the first book in the series, but wasn’t in love with it. However, I hate leaving things unfinished so I decided to read the next one and I’m glad since I am enjoying it much more than the first.
You can really tell that he’s stretching his wings as a writer and sometimes you’re like ‘what?!?!’ and then other times you think wow you might have a lot of potential. I was mostly impressed because of how young he was when he wrote the first (and really all of them).
His age was one of the main reasons why I wanted to read them. I have to give him credit for accomplishing his goal of not only publishing but gaining an audience. I’m curious how his writing improves over the next two and if he plans any more series.
It would be interesting to read what you think after you have read these books. “David Copperfield” is enjoyable, in my opinion, especially if you you love the Dickensian world. Happy reading 🙂
I adore the Dickensian world! I finished Martin Chuzzlwit this past weekend and I immediately wanted to start my next Dickens book. However, I have other books on my list so I am waiting.
A very interesting collection, I afraid whether I will get those books to read 🙂
The books are a little random, but it will keep them fresh in my mind since I’ll be reading more than one at a time.
My word, you’re something else! If I may, I’d like to ask a personal question – are you married? Because for the life of me I can’t see how you can fit a ‘missus’ into all of this. 😉 I won’t join any of the groups, but you did inspire me somewhat – I bought Emily Bronte’s to read. Thought I’d do a classic. 🙂
I love the classics! I do have a better half, which is how I ended up in London. A couple of the books on the list are pretty short, which is why I committed to four. Can’t wait to hear what you think of Emily Bronte!
Ummmm…excuse me, Emily’s Wuthering Heights… Vacant moment…
I read that last summer and loved it!