Witch + Cat

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

5:57 pm 5 August 2015

Synopsis

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without.

Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human… until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Review

Let the rant begin....

This won't be a long review for a number of reasons, mainly because I really didn't like it.

Is it just me, or is it really disappointing when a beautiful book turns out to be the most poorly written thing you have read?

That's what it was like for Shiver. The cover was beautiful with or without the dust jacket, the writing was even in blue ink for crying out loud. But unfortunately all that beauty was wasted on the rubbish that was written in it.

To be honest, I hate slandering books that I don't like, that's why this is going to be a short review. This is just my honest opinion on a book I read. Sorry to offend anyone.

The only thing I hated the most from this was the two teenage protagonist characters, Grace and Sam. More so Grace, as yet again a Young Adult novel that has a weak female character. She is definitely not a good role model for young girls, there is more to life than boys.

And what is with this "love at first sight"? She even invites him to sleep in her room when they first meet....there is so many things wrong with this book I really don't know where to begin.

I'm just going to put this away and pretend I didn't pay for it, and I will also not admit that I bought the next two books in the trilogy......okay I just did.

Rant over.

Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde

11:57 am 5 August 2015

Synopsis

Anna, a newly qualified interior designer, has decided it's time to put her money and her expertise where her mouth is. She's risked everything on buying a tiny but adorable cottage so she can renovate it, sell it on, and prove to her family that she can earn her own living. Outside, the chocolate-box cottage is perfect, but inside all is chaos: with a ladder for a staircase, no downstairs flooring, candles the only form of lighting and a sleeping bag and camping mat for a bed, Anna's soon wondering whether she's bitten off more than she can chew. Her neighbor Chloe comes to the rescue, providing tea, wine and sympathy - and a recently rescued greyhound, Caroline. But just as Anna's starting to believe she's found the perfect idyll, the good-looking yet impossible Rob Hunter arrives on the scene, putting up more obstacles than the Grand National. Can Anna get over all of life's hurdles?

Review

I'm so happy this is the next book I picked up for #BookTubeAThon.

I was in one of those moods where I just wanted to read a beautifully written chic lit, and of course Katie Fforde did it again. Not only does she write such interesting characters, but they are also genuine.

If it wasn't for motherly duties and basically being an adult, I would definitely have read this in a day.

The story is centred around Anna, an interior designer, who is set out to renovate a beautiful cottage all on her own. She wants to prove everyone wrong that not only is she old enough to do this, but also strong enough as well.

At first I was worried that the whole "feminism" will over power the story, but being a woman myself, sometimes it's great to read a character who doesn't need a man 24/7 in her life to do things for her. She came across as a strong, independent woman without being to over the top.

Of course with chic lits there are the "love interests". I wouldn't say there was a love triangle, but there are two guys she is more or less interested in. Max and Rob, I'll let you read the book to make up your mind about them.

It's obvious who she ends up with at the end, but their journey together is what really won me over.

Another thing that won me over is Caroline, a recently rescued greyhound. Even though Caroline was dumped on Anna by a terrible owner, and Anna not knowing one thing about dogs in general, there was definitely love at first sight for both of them.

I couldn't recommend this book enough. Everything about this book is beautifully written, amazing characters. It all felt so real that it could possibly be based on a true story.

I'll definitely be reading more of Katie Fforde in the near future.

review Readathon practicallyperfect katiefforde booktudeathon

Cinderella by Elizabeth Rudnick

9:23 am 3 August 2015

Synopsis

Ella's childhood is a happy one: she has loving parents, plenty of fields and meadows to explore and lots of kind animal friends to play with. She warms the hearts of all who meet her and her home is a wonderful place- the perfect little Kingdom for a joyful family.

But when tragedy strikes, Ella' s happy home turns into one filled with sadness and cruelty. Will Ella be able to hold onto her kindness and courage through it all?

Review

I'm surprised on how much I enjoyed this book. Yes I'm originally a fan of the Cinderella story, but what shocked me was how much I enjoyed a book written from the movie Cinderella.

If all that doesn't make sense I'll try to explain it a bit better. Usually when someone writes a book based on a movie, TV series or even a game, for some odd reason they always sound too corny. It's poorly written that I think their main goal is to get people to either watch the movie or TV series or play the game, instead of reading.

So when I started reading this book, I was pleasantly surprised on how good it was written. It wasn't cheesy, but funny and beautiful.

If you have seen the movie, read this book. Bonus, there are also clips from the movie inside the book. Especially (like me) you are obsessed with Richard Madden :)

review Booktubeathon cinderella elizabethrudnick bookofthefilm

July 2015 Wrap-Up

11:19 am 31 July 2015

July started off promising, I mean how can anything go wrong from a week marathon of reading Agatha Christie? Well a reading slump for one.

During the week read-a-thon for July #AYearAThon I read a total of four Agatha Christie books. I then reread Sabriel by Garth Nix and that's when the dreaded reading slump began.

Everything I picked up after I put down straight away, I just didn't want to read. And the strange thing was, it wasn't like I read horrible books and it put me off, the complete opposite actually.

Even though I didn't read as much as June, I'm not overly disappointed....much.

Please see list below of books I read with a link to my review:

The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie

A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie

Cards On The Table by Agatha Christie

Evil Under The Sun by Agatha Christie

Sabriel by Garth Nix

review WrapUp july2015 july2015wrapup

15 authors to read based on your favorite drinks

10:02 am 31 July 2015

Reblogged from BookLikes:

No matter if it's a cup of tea or coffee, lemonade or a glass of wine, books and drinks go well together. This universal truth has been discovered not only by avid readers but also writers, some of whom became as well known for their drinking habits as for their literary achievements. Taking advantage of the summer time and the permanent feeling of thirst, we've gathered light-hearted recommendations of 14 well known and read authors and their drinks. Find your match, sip, read, and enjoy the summer reading time.

Truman Capote called this cocktail his special “orange drink” so if you share his taste for upgraded orange juice, go for a screwdriver drink with one of Capote's books in your hand.

Truman Capote

In this profession it’s a long walk between drinks.

Truman Streckfus Persons, known as Truman Capote, was an American author, screenwriter and playwright, many of whose short stories, novels, plays, and nonfiction are recognized literary classics, including the novella Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958) and the true crime novel In Cold Blood (1966)... read more

Truman Capote's most popular books on BookLikes:

Breakfast at Tiffany's and Three Stories - Truman Capote

Other Voices, Other Rooms - Truman Capote

The Grass Harp, Including A Tree of Night and Other Stories - Truman Capote

Ernest Hemingway is known for his love for cocktails: Mohito, Martini, vermouth... Living in Havana, though, must have left a trace in his preferences and we bet Mojito was hight on the author's top drinks list. If it's also on yours, have a sip.

Ernest Hemingway

My mojito in the Bodeguita del Medio and my daiquiri in the Floridita.

quote on the wall of La Bodeguita del Medio, Havana, Cuba

Ernest Hemingway ranks as the most famous of twentieth-century American writers. Hemingway has been regarded less as a writer dedicated to his craft than as a man of action who happened to be afflicted with genius. When he won the Nobel Prize in 1954, Time magazine reported the news under Heroes rather than Books... read more

Ernest Hemingway's most popular books on BookLikes

Asked by a translator to explain his text William Faulkner said:

I have absolutely no idea of what I meant. You see, I usually write at night. I always keep my whiskey within reach; so many ideas that I can’t remember in the morning pop into my head.

If you're fond of whiskey, try Faulkner's favorite drink: mint julep.

William Faulkner's favorite drink

William Faulkner

Civilization begins with distillation.

His first poem was published in The New Republic in 1919. His first book of verse and early novels followed, but his major work began with the publication of The Sound and the Fury in 1929... read more

William Faulkner's most popular books on BookLikes:

Martini IS James Bond. James Bond IS Ian Fleming. If you like martini, you ARE James Bond for us.

Ian Fleming

Never say 'no' to adventures.

Always say 'yes,' otherwise you'll lead a very dull life.

His first job was with Reuters News Agency where a Moscow posting gave him firsthand experience with what would become his literary bete noire--the Soviet Union. During World War II he served as Assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence and played a key role in Allied espionage operations. After the war he worked as foreign manager of the Sunday Times, a job that allowed him to spend two months each year in Jamaica. Here, in 1952, at his home "Goldeneye," he wrote a book called Casino Royale--and James Bond was born... read more

Ian Fleming's most popular books on BookLikes

On Her Majesty's Secret Service - Ian Fleming

Cosmo was named the sexiest drink thanks to Candace Bushnell who popularize the drink in her Sex and the City series. If you adore Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City's main character, grab cosmo and read/write on!

Candace Bushnell

I make mistakes. That's what I do. I speak without thinking, I act without knowing. I drink so much that I can barely walk... I'm a fantastic lover though, and an amazing friend. God knows I mean well.

- Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

Candace Bushnell is the critically acclaimed, international best-selling author of Killing Monica, Sex and the City, Summer and the City, The Carrie Diaries, One Fifth Avenue, Lipstick Jungle, Trading Up, and Four Blondes. Sex and the City, published in 1996, was the basis for the HBO hit series and two subsequent blockbuster movies. Lipstick Jungle became a popular television series on NBC, as did The Carrie Diaries on the CW... read more

Candace Bushnell's most popular books on BookLikes

If you like Margarita, read Jack Kerouac who developed his love for this drink during his trip through Mexico.

Jack Kerouac

Don't drink to get drunk. Drink to enjoy life.

Jack Kerouac's writing career began in the 1940s, but didn't meet with commercial success until 1957, when On the Road was published. The book became an American classic that defined the Beat Generation. His parents had immigrated as very young children from the Province of Quebec, Canada, and Kerouac spoke a local French Canadian-American dialect before he spoke English... read more

Jack Kerouac's most popular books on BookLikes:

Raymond Carver was Hemingway's mate not only in writing but also boozing. Some of the records reveal that Bloody Mary cocktail, which he named "heart starter", made his hangover breakfast. We definitely do not recommend this kind of diet but if you'd like to give the tomatoes a good stir, choose Bloody Mary.

Raymond Carver

Drinking’s funny. When I look back on it, all of our important decisions have been figured out when we were drinking.

Even when we talked about having to cut back on drinking, we’d be sitting at the kitchen table or out at the picnic table with a six-pack or whiskey.

- What We Talk About When We Talk About Love

Raymond Carver was born in Clatskanie, Oregon, in 1938. His father was a saw-mill worker and his mother was a waitress and clerk. He married early and for years writing had to come second to earning a living for his young family. Despite, small-press publication, it was not until Will You Please Be Quiet Please? appeared in 1976 that his work began to reach a wider audience... read more

Raymond Carver's most popular books on BookLikes

What We Talk About When We Talk About Love - Raymond Carver

Short Cuts: Selected Stories - Raymond Carver, Robert Altman

The Best American Short Stories of the Century - John Updike, Philip Roth, Bernard Malamud, Martha Gellhorn, Vladimir Nabokov, Gish Jen, Ernest Hemingway, Raymond Carver, Cynthia Ozick, Tim O'Brien, Harold Brodkey, Robert Penn Warren, Joyce Carol Oates, Flannery O'Connor, William Faulkner, William Saroyan, Saul Bellow

Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? - Raymond Carver

If you like gin and tonic read J.K. Rowling or F. Scott Fitzgerald's. Both authors highlighted this drink as their favorite.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

J.K. Rowling

JK Rowling grew up in Chepstow, Gwent where she went to Wyedean Comprehensive. Jo left Chepstow for Exeter University, where she earned a French and Classics degree, and where her course included one year in Paris. As a postgraduate she moved to London to work at Amnesty International, doing research into human rights abuses in Francophone Africa. She started writing the Harry Potter series during a Manchester to London King's Cross train journey, and during the next five years, outlined the plots for each book and began writing the first novel... read more

J.K. Rowling's most popular books on BookLikes:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling, Mary GrandPré

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - J.K. Rowling, Mary GrandPré

The Silkworm - J.K. Rowling, Robert Galbraith

The Tales of Beedle the Bard - Beedle the Bard, J.K. Rowling

F. Scott Fitzgerald

First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.

F. Scott Fitzgerald was one of the major American writers of the twentieth century -- a figure whose life and works embodied powerful myths about our national dreams and aspirations. Fitzgerald was talented and perceptive, gifted with a lyrical style and a pitch-perfect ear for language. He lived his life as a romantic, equally capable of great dedication to his craft and reckless squandering of his artistic capital. He left us one sure masterpiece, The Great Gatsby; a near-masterpiece, Tender Is the Night... read more

F. Scott Fitzgerald's most popular books on BookLikes:

J.R.R. Tolkien admitted to be a beer lover. C.S. Lewis is known for his love to this golden liquor as well. Not so strange then that those two spent enjoyable time in pubs reading and discussing their writing, having several pints and paying close attention to what they were drinking. Reportedly, Lewis liked a good draft bitter off the wood, disliked bottled and hated canned beer.

J.R.R. Tolkien

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was an English writer, poet, philologist, and university professor, best known as the author of the classic high fantasy works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion... read more

J.R.R. Tolkien's most popular books on BookLikes

C.S. Lewis

I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once.

Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year... read more

C.S. Lewis' most popular books on BookLikes

Honore de Balzac'a coffee addiction may be too much even for a hard-core coffee lover -- the author is believed to drink up to 50 cups a day! L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, was much more moderate coffee drinker with four or five breakfast cups of sweet white coffee a day. How about you?

Honoré de Balzac

As soon as coffee is in your stomach, there is a general commotion.

Ideas begin to move…similes arise, the paper is covered.

Coffee is your ally and writing ceases to be a struggle.

Honoré de Balzac was a French novelist and playwright. His magnum opus was a sequence of short stories and novels collectively entitled La Comédie humaine, which presents a panorama of French life in the years after the 1815 fall of Napoleon Bonaparte... read more

Honoré de Balzac's most popular books on BookLikes

If you prefer a hot aromatic tea than cocktails or coffee, make sure to follow George Orwell's golden rules of making a perfect cup of tea.

George Orwell

One strong cup of tea is better than twenty weak ones. All true tea lovers not only like their tea strong, but like it a little stronger with each year that passes.

Eric Arthur Blair who used the pen name George Orwell, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist and critic. His work is marked by lucid prose, awareness of social injustice, opposition to totalitarianism, and commitment to democratic socialism. Commonly ranked as one of the most influential English writers of the 20th century, and as one of the most important chroniclers of English culture of his generation, Orwell wrote literary criticism, poetry, fiction, and polemical journalism. He is best known for the dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) and the allegorical novella Animal Farm (1945)... read more

George Orwell's most popular books on BookLikes

Jane Austen was well known for her feminist life approach, her language was witty, actions full of determination and books ground-breaking. This also refers to her culinary preferences. She adored ices and red wine.

Jane Austen

But in the meantime for Elegance & Ease & Luxury . . .

I shall eat Ice & drink French wine, & be above Vulgar Economy.

Jane Austen was an English novelist whose works of romantic fiction, set among the landed gentry, earned her a place as one of the most widely read writers in English literature... read more

Jane Austen's most popular books on BookLikes

Sources:

http://www.port-magazine.com/feature/combined-measures-great-writers-their-drinks/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1507438/There-would-be-so-much-to-tell-her....html

http://www.openculture.com/2011/12/drinking_with_william_faulkner.html

http://www.foodrepublic.com/2012/10/30/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-ernest-hemingways-drinking-habits/

http://blog.biographyonline.net/2013/01/30-facts-about-jrr-tolkien.html

http://paperandsalt.org/2014/07/07/bloody-mary-cocktail-raymond-carver/

http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-a-perfect-cup-of-tea-according-to-george-orwell-191448

http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/features/2013/daily_rituals/coffee_from_balzac_to_beethoven_it_has_fueled_artistic_endeavor_for_centuries.html

BookLikes Authors recommendations summer summer reading reading list Trivia Drinks sip sip

Are you addicted

8:19 pm 28 July 2015

BookTube-A-Thon 2015

11:19 am 28 July 2015

I have decided to participate in this years BookTube-A-Thon which commences from August 3rd to August 9th.

At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to do this challenge for a number of reasons, the main one being, I'm not in the "BookTube" community. I don't make videos about books I write them. But then I got to thinking, why should I miss out on a reading challenge just because I don't make YouTube videos?

So instead of taking part in Augusts #AYearAThon, I thought I'll give this a go.

In those seven days you are given challenges to complete within the seven days. They are, as well as what I'll be reading:

1. A Book With Blue On The Cover

I picked this book because I've been meaning to reread it again for a long time now

2. A Book By An Author Who Shares The Same First Letter Of Your Last Name

We both share the same first letter of our last name; "F"

Plus her book covers are absolutely beautiful

3. Someone Else's Favourite Book

I've read this before and loved it, and I know a lot of other people do too

4. The Last Book You Required

This is the last book I bought

5. Finish A Book Without Letting Go Of It

I had to find the most shortest book I could find

This will hopefully take me two seconds to read

6. A Book You Really Want To Read

More like I book series I really want to reread again

I'm in love with anything Robin Hobb

7. Read A Total Of Seven Books

Hopefully I will get to finish this book and also round my total of reading seven books

To follow my updates, you can follow me on the following social media accounts:

Twitter: @redfoxtales

Instagram: @catherine_furfaro

For more information, please visit the BookTube-A-Thon YouTube page.

Booktubeathon Readathon readingchallenge

Reading Slump....

10:55 am 24 July 2015

The problem with reading slumps is the lack of interest in picking up a book, even though you know it's going to be good, but unable to actually read it.

Coming from someone who wants to read every second of every day, reading slumps are the spawn of all things evil.

I look at my bookshelf and think what should I read next? But when you have the dreaded readers slump, everything doesn't interest you.

What causes readers slump? For me it can either be after a book that I thought was amazing, or a book that I thought was so bad I can't believe someone wrote this garbage.

I unfortunately don't know the cure for this horrible disease (yeah, that's how I see it), if I did I think I'll be a millionaire. Well close enough to that anyway.

So my plan is, and hopefully this will work, I'm going to pick a book up and take my time in reading it. Sounds simple right, but when you are a reviewer all you want to do is read as many books and get as many reviews out as possible.

I didn't start doing this because I was getting paid to do it, I'm doing it because I love it. And that's what I keep forgetting.

Hopefully I will get over this readers slump soon, because there are so many books I want to read (and buy) on my shelf.

If you are also suffering readers slump, or you know a secret to get out of it, I would love to hear your thoughts.

readersslump readingslump

Bookish Anarchy

6:36 pm 23 July 2015

Reblogged from RedT Reads Randomly:

Pearls Before Swine

Pearls Before Swine july 2015

Reading progress update: I've read 227 out of 800 pages.

3:13 pm 22 July 2015

A Wrinkle in Time Trilogy - Madeleine L'Engle

I've read the first book in the trilogy, A Wrinkle In Time, back in December/January.

I enjoyed it so much, I'm still scratching my head as to why I didn't start the next book. Questions I will never answer.

I decided to write my review once I've finished all three books in this combined bind up. Hopefully once I finish the second book, it wouldn't take me half the year to read the third book.....but you never know.

Can not wait to finally start A Wind In The Door.

awrinkleintime madeleinelengle awindinthedoor aswiftytiltingplanet

Sabriel by Garth Nix

10:43 am 21 July 2015

Synopsis

For many years Sabriel has lived outside the walls of the Old Kingdom, away from the random power of Free Magic, and away from the Dead who won't stay dead. But now her father, the Mage Abhorsen, is missing, and to find him Sabriel must cross back into that treacherous world - and face the power of her own extraordinary destiny.

Review

Sometimes I wonder if I like a book because I'm in the mood to read that type of genre, or because the book is actually really that good. In this case I think this applies.

I was just in the mood to read an "easy" fantasy novel, but even if I wasn't, I think I still would've been absorbed in this world.

Mostly in the point of view of Sabriel, we go on this journey to find her missing father, meeting strange and wonderful creatures along the way. To be honest (which I always am) the talking cat, Mogget, sold me. A witty character that made the journey a touch more interesting. Actually every talking cat in a book is always witty, must be a characteristic trait cats have. Not complaining.

It's a strange world Garth Nix has created, because south of the wall in Ancelstierre is a more modern setting, with electricity, cars etc. But as soon as Sabriel leaves and enters the Old Kingdom, it's like she steps back in time and your in a medieval fantasy setting. I thought this was a brilliant idea, it gave the best of both fantasy genres. Plus, I don't know how he did it, it just worked.

What I enjoyed most was the characters themselves. They weren't your typical hero, acting brave and courageous all the time, they are just like us if we were in their situation. Especially the two main characters (Sabriel and Touchstone), whose mission was to save the day. They were constantly afraid of the evil creatures trying to kill them, and instead of being like other heroes and fighting them, they just escaped. Something I would've done.

I don't want to talk too much about Touchstone (who is a guy by the way, hot one at that), because I'm trying to keep this as spoiler free as I possibly can. Especially when Sabriel and Mogget meet him for the first time.

Let's just say he is a very interesting character that plays a big part in the story.

The magic aspect was placed so subtly that you just accepted this world for what it is. It's very hard for me to try and explain the different types of magic, so I'll just explain the main one, necromancy. Sabriel has the gift, just like her ancestors, to raise the dead. But unlike other necromancers, it's their mission to keep what is dead, dead. Putting them to rest for good.

I just realised I'm terrible at explaining things without giving away spoilers.

I hope you enjoyed my review, this was a book that I would recommend to anyone, especially if you love to read fantasy. Plus, Garth Nix is an Australian author, and I love to promote authors from my "home town."

If you have read the book, or just want to talk about it, please leave me a comment below. I would love to hear your thoughts.

review Sabriel garthnix

Evil Under The Sun by Agatha Christie

9:07 am 16 July 2015

Synopsis

When a beautiful woman is found strangled to death at a holiday resort, the murder appears to be a crime of passion. But could it have been something more evil and premeditated altogether? Hercule Poirot has his vacation interrupted in this mystery.

Review

I started reading Evil Under The Sun nearly a week ago for #AYearAThon, and I'm finally finished. I usually read an Agatha Christie book in a day or two, but with a four year old son and a baby on the way, time is not in my favour.

Another Hercule Poirot novel and again I was not disappointed. It's another case of whodunit. And of course if you think you know who the culprit is, you are probably wrong.

Unlike some of her other books I really couldn't even guess who the killer was, actually I didn't care who it was and was hoping they got away with it. That's right, for once I was happy that the victim in this story was murdered.

Now that's not to say that I'm all for killing people, but in a fictional world where you really can not stand a character, we all deep down hoped they died.

The "victim" in this case is an actress, Arlena Marshall (Arlena Stuart is her stage name). A very scandalous woman who seems to live for attention, especially those from the opposite sex. And it didn't matter to her if you were single or married, she wanted something and she always got what she wanted.

There was something about her that I just didn't like, maybe this was deliberate on Agatha Christie's part, making us feel for Arlena's husband and his young daughter. Whatever it is, I really didn't have any feelings for the woman.

The person I felt sorry for was Hercule Poirot. All he wanted was to go on a nice relaxing holiday, away from crime scenes. Unfortunately for him, everywhere he goes there is another murder and another case of the whodunit.

Poor Hercule Poirot.

review agathachristie evilunderthesun herculepoirot

#AYearAThon July 2015 Agatha Christie ~ Warp-Up

12:16 pm 13 July 2015

Wrap-Up

Unfortunately the weekend wasn't the best time for me to read or even do my daily blog post. So even though I think I did not bad "overall", I didn't finish on a high.

I can tell you I finished Card on the Table on Saturday morning, then started reading Evil Under the Sun. I'm ashamed I only read 44 pages.

But do not despair, even though #AYearAThon is over, I will finish this book. It is an Agatha Christie after all.

So here is what I accomplished for #AYearAThon July 2015:

Total Pages Read: 754

Total Books Finished:

The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie

A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie

Cards On The Table by Agatha Christie

(You can check out all my reviews by clicking onto each title)

Readathon WrapUp ayearathon agathachristie july2015

Cards On The Table by Agatha Christie

7:08 pm 12 July 2015

Synopsis

Four people are playing bridge, and in the course of the game their host, who has been sitting out, is murdered. Any of the four, given the right circumstances, might have committed the crime, for each of them is known to have committed at any rate one murder and is quite capable of committing another.

Review

When I finished reading A Murder Is Announced, I couldn't wait to delve back into another Agatha Christie book. This time solving a murder with none other than Hercule Poirot.

Out of all the characters Agatha Christie has created, I love him the most. Why?... It's just the way he composes himself and his ability to use those grey cells to solve problems.

Even though I didn't love this as much as A Murder Is Announced, that does not mean I thought it was terrible. Maybe if I read this before I would've given it five stars instead of the four and a half. We will never know.

Unlike her other books, Card On The Table was a very interesting setting. Here you have a dinner party hosted by the mysterious Mr Shaitana. He invites four criminologists; Hercule Poirot, Ariadne Oliver, Superintendent Battle and Colonel Race. A dinner to show off his most peculiar collection - murderers.

After dinner, the sleuths and Shaitana's four other guests play bridge...Is it any surprise that the evening ends with the death of the host?

We have four suspects; Dr Roberts, Mrs Lorrimer, Major Despard and Anne Meredith, all playing bridge in the same room Mr Shaitana is murdered, so who did it?

Throughout the book we go into each persons past and learn more about their character, who was scared enough to kill Mr Shaitana before he spoke about their past.

Of course again like every other Agatha Christie novel I thought I knew who the killer was, until I was proven wrong on the last page. Why does she keep doing this to me? I'm always baffled on how she could just slip something without me paying attention. I'm sure if I reread this, I would be face palming myself.

I'm not going to remind you again to read an Agatha Christie book, it's obvious now that this woman is a genius.

review agathachristie cardsonthetable

#AYearAThon July 2015 Agatha Christie ~ Day #5

11:55 pm 10 July 2015

Day #5

I didn't get as much reading done as I would of liked. Actually come to think of it, I say that a lot. My ideal of reading is non-stop 24/7, but unfortunately there are things to do.

Even though I didn't finish Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie, I did read a good chunk of it. I'm positive I'll finish it by tomorrow morning.

Pages Read: 123

Total Pages Read: 687

Books Finished:

Total Books Finished:

The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie

A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie

Readathon ayearathon day5 agathachristie july2015

#AYearAThon July 2015 Agatha Christie ~ Day #4

11:55 pm 9 July 2015

Day #4

So far day four has been my favourite. Not only did I read more, but I also finished A Murder Is Announced and started on the next book, Card On The Table.

I think mainly it had to do with being unable to put down A Murder Is Announced. It was absolutely brilliant, I just had to get to the end of it to know who done it.

Hopefully I can do the same tomorrow....but we will see.

Pages Read: 182

Total Pages Read: 564

Books Finished:

A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie

Total Books Finished:

The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie

A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie

Readathon ayearathon day4 agathachristie july2015

Witch + Cat

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde

Cinderella by Elizabeth Rudnick

July 2015 Wrap-Up

15 authors to read based on your favorite drinks

Are you addicted

BookTube-A-Thon 2015

Reading Slump....

Bookish Anarchy

Reading progress update: I've read 227 out of 800 pages.

Sabriel by Garth Nix

Evil Under The Sun by Agatha Christie

#AYearAThon July 2015 Agatha Christie ~ Warp-Up

Cards On The Table by Agatha Christie

#AYearAThon July 2015 Agatha Christie ~ Day #5

#AYearAThon July 2015 Agatha Christie ~ Day #4

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