Books 12, 13, 14 & 15
Book 12: Size Doesn’t Matter by Meg Cabot - 280 pages
The third book in the Heather Wells series about the slightly heavy pop star turned dorm director/murder investigator. In this one, Heather is yet again faced with a murder in what is now dubbed ‘Death Dorm’. This time the unfortunate victim is a little too close for comfort, but with her wry and cynical friends in the police department, and of course, Cooper, she manages to save the day. I really like this series; it’s fluffy, predictable and not brilliantly written, but Heather’s life is just glamorous enough to be interesting, while still being relatable. I also love love love Cooper, who is such a manly man (if you know what I mean), and yet so awkwardly sweet. I loved the ending, very happy with it, and according to Wikipedia, there will be more, much to my delight.
12 / 50
(24.0%)
4,774 / 15,000
(31.8%)
Book 13: What is History? by E.H. Carr - 183 pages
I had to read this for that same subject I had to read A.J. P. Taylor for, Interpreting the Past. I passed the subject (I think) so yay for me! Basically looks at the evolution and definition of history. Obviously not as interesting as Taylor but I quite enjoy reading the more philosophical interpretations of the world, so I didn’t half mind it. Opened my eyes to a few things I hadn’t considered before which is always handy when I’m trying to argue history or philosophy with my nerdy, intellectual, debate-on-anything family.
13 / 50
(26.0%)
4,957 / 15,000
(33.0%)
Book 14: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling - 607 pages
As I haven’t read the later Harry Potter books as many times over, I can get through them a lot faster than say, number four (that book just feels like it drags on forever and ever). For those who haven’t read it (do such people even exist??), Harry now faces preparation for his inevitable battle with Voldemort, as well as his sixth year at Hogwarts and much harder subjects. Malfoy’s up to some dark tricks, and Snape still appears to be fooling Dumbledore. I do enjoy this book, I feel that the characters are really coming into the own, and their substance as people has become clearer. I also admire how Rowling has left little puzzles pieces all through the books, it is very well done. And now finally, finally, I am up to Deathly Hallows. Yay!!
14 / 50
(28.0%)
5,564 / 15,000
(37.1%)
Book 15: The Queen’s Fool by Philippa Gregory - 488 pages
I enjoyed The Other Boleyn Girl so much, that I felt I should read some more of the Tudor Court novels. I have become very interested in Tudor history again, and I have learnt plenty. In this one, Hannah, a Spanish Jewish girl running from the Inquisition is begged as a fool to King Edward, Henry VIII’s son. Hannah ends up with Princess Mary, known in history as Bloody Mary, who must battle for the throne when her brother dies, despite being the rightful heir. She secures her throne, of course, but fears her little sister Elizabeth and the wrath of God on Protestant England, and so begins the burning of Catholic heretics to purify the country and bring it back to the true faith (Catholicism in her opinion). Hannah somehow manages to walk a line between love for Mary and admiration for Elizabeth, earning the respect and trust of both. At the same time, she battles against her own destiny as one of the People and the betrothed of a Jewish physician Daniel. Hannah is an intriguing character, a woman born before her time, who is more comfortable in breeches than dresses, and longs to be a good wife and an equal at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and look hopeful to Queen Elizabeth’s tale in The Virgin’s Lover.
15 / 50
(30.0%)
6,052 / 15,000
(40.3%)
I haven’t had a huge amount of time to read in the last two months, with finishing my last semester of uni, but I’m now trying to catch up before I start a new job in a week. Hopefully, without millions of assignments to do, I will have more time to read. Hopefully!!
Currently reading:
- From Modernism to Postmodernism: An Anthology edited by Lawrence Cahoone - 600 pages
- The Veiled Lands: A woman’s journey into the heart of the Islamic world by Christine Hogan - 283 pages
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling - 607 pages
- The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray - 819 pages
And coming up:
- The Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant: Volume 1: The Wounded Land by Stephen Donaldson - 499 pages
- Sex with Kings: 500 years of adultery, power, rivalry, and revenge by Eleanor Herman - 255 pages
- The Host by Stephenie Meyer - 617 pages