Category: Reading Challenge

Posted in Autumn, Book review, Books, Reading Challenge

Books I’ve read recently

Posted on by CamiT

This autumn has been an unusually warm one in Finland. When the weather has been good, it has been really nice to spend time outside and just enjoy the full blast of autumn colors for as long as it lasts. And of course there has been time for enjoying the coziness of autumn indoors with books, tea and candles so here are a couple of books I’ve read recently:

These were three very different books and they will help me fill some of the remaining reading challenge prompts. 🙂

Continue reading “Books I’ve read recently” →
Posted in Autumn, Book review, Books, Reading Challenge

Book Review: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Posted on by CamiT

It’s getting darker and colder in Finland so it really is the perfect time to enjoy reading. And what suits autumn evenings better than reading something that’s both creepy and enchanting? Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia was the perfect book for these gloomy evenings when rainy, shadowy evenings will feed your imagination!

One could conclude this was a case of three silly, nervous women. Physicians of old would have diagnosed it as hysterics. But one thing Noemí was not was hysterical.

I don’t usually read horror books but Mexican Gothic was a pleasant surprise. One of the more memorable books I’ve read this year for sure.

Continue reading “Book Review: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia” →
Posted in Book review, Books, Reading Challenge

Book Review: Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

Posted on by CamiT

Skyward was chosen as the summer read for my book club. I knew I’d read this book anyway, but I’m happy I was able to recommend this to others too because our club really enjoyed Skyward. I think Skyward is currently one of my top 3 books I’ve read this year so far. Skyward is YA science fiction at its best: big themes, growth story and great characters interacting with each other and the world around them.

You get to choose who you are. Legacy, memories of the past, can serve us well. But we cannot let them define us. When heritage becomes a box instead of an inspiration, it has gone too far.

Sanderson keeps impressing me with his way of writing and the characters he creates. It was such joy to read this Skyward and I can’t wait to read the next one.

Continue reading “Book Review: Skyward by Brandon Sanderson” →
Posted in Book review, Books, Reading Challenge, Summer

Books I Read During Summer Staycation

Posted on by CamiT

Summer vacation went by so quickly, even though the days felt really slow and relaxing. I would have been happy with one more week of vacation, but it’s really nice to be back to (remote) work and see everyone in video calls.

Since this summer vacation was less about traveling and events, there was plenty time to enjoy sunshine and read outside. It’s almost September now, which means that my favorite season of autumn/winter/Christmas preparation is coming up and reading outside will change to curling up inside with a pile of books, cups of tea and mulled wine and woolen socks. I love autumn and welcome the change of season. ❤

Here are the books I read during summer staycation. Some I liked and some left me disappointed.

Continue reading “Books I Read During Summer Staycation” →
Posted in Book review, Books, Reading Challenge

Book review: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Posted on by CamiT

The title says “review” but really this is a recommendation to read Americanah. I enjoyed the book so much, and am convinced that Adichie has her place as one of my favorite writers. ❤ Americanah is a very entertaining novel, and also a very interesting description about race and how differently it can be experienced.

The only reason you say that race was not an issue is because you wish it was not. We all wish it was not. But it’s a lie. I came from a country where race was not an issue; I did not think of myself as black and I only became black when I came to America.

Of all the books I’ve read during 2020, Americanah is one of my favourites so far.

Continue reading “Book review: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie” →
Posted in Book review, Books, Reading Challenge, Summer

Recently Read Books

Posted on by CamiT

Even though it’s been busy before summer vacation started, there has been time to read some light fiction, of course. Sometimes it’s nice to read books that might not have the “wow effect” because they still give you the satisfaction of being entertained and finishing a story, even if just to fill some prompts of the reading challenges. 🙂

Reading experience doesn’t always have to be very deep and thought provoking. Sometimes it’s nice to just read and take your mind away from whatever stress you’re experiencing.

Continue reading “Recently Read Books” →
Posted in Book review, Books, Reading Challenge, Summer

Book review: The Guest List by Lucy Foley

Posted on by CamiT

July and summer vacation means of course more time for reading! My to-read pile is huge, so it’s time dig in to that pile and rediscover what I’ve purchased earlier this year (and last year). 🙂 I’ve mentioned before that I don’t usually read modern day thrillers/mysteries, but somehow The Guest List made its way to my to-read pile, and it happened to be also one of the recent books to read in Reese Witherspoon’s book club. So why not?

It’s a strange thing when you consider that the dead on this island far outnumber the living, even now that some of the guests have arrived. Tomorrow will redress the balance.

I’m happy to say this was a pleasant surprise, can recommend!

Continue reading “Book review: The Guest List by Lucy Foley” →