23 Jan 2014

my 2013 '52 books in 52 weeks challenge' in review

My goal in 2013 was to read 52 books.

Please do not judge my bad taste in books!
It was a bit of an ambitious goal and unfortunately, I didn't achieve it. Although it looks like I only read 42 in the picture above, I actually read 43 as I forgot to record the last one I had read. 43 books in 52 weeks really isn't bad for me as I usually find it easy to start books but hard to finish them. I tried reading books that I didn't think were for me (hello, Nicholas Sparks and Meg Cabot) but found them such easy reads that I ended up enjoying them!

With all this in mind, I am going to try and read 26 books this year (that is, one every two weeks). Before I can achieve this goal, I need to write a list of books I want to read. I like anything easy to read (that don't require many brain cells) or something that is a bit cheesy (Cecilia Ahern is a personal favourite). I dislike sci-fi (though I did like the Hunger Games trilogy but I don't know if it can be classified as such) and fantasy.

Do let me know if you have a suggestion :-)

23 comments

  1. If you like easy reads you might like Lauren Conrad's book series. I love trashy easy read books in my spare time because it's a nice change from reading uni books! Long time lurker but I haven't commented before. So I thought I'd just say that I'm really loving your blog :) I've been sifting through your posts recently to find out which Filofax I should buy!
    xx

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    1. Thanks for the recommendation! Noted and added to my list :-) And thank you for the lovely comment x

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  2. I loved Unsticky by Sarra Manning (adored Vaughn) and also You don't have to say you love me, not sure about Nine uses for an ex boyfriend. I have ordered It felt like a kiss also by Sarra and out on the 30th January. If I think of any I've read that you might like I'll get back to you.

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    1. Thanks for the recommendations! I've added Unsticky and It Felt Like A Kiss to my 'To Read' list :-) Have already read Nine Uses For An Ex-Boyfriend and I quite liked it :) x

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  3. Hi!

    I am a new, returning reader. I am looking into buying my first Filofax. I've read your post about how you're personally moving away from using it, however do you have any experience/know about Aspinal of London or Lucrin's personal organizers, compared to those of Filofax? Lucrin has a lot more variety of colors/fabric options but are a lot more expensive (quality of leather possible?) but I love how I can get it embossed (Aspinal, too). I'm willing to spend that $150 if need be for a planner that will not only be stylish but keep well for a few years of organizing.

    Thanks for your help and as always, for posting great stuff!

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    1. I did a post on an Aspinal organiser here: http://www.paperlovestory.com/2013/01/aspinal-of-london-purple-croc-compact.html

      Hope this helps! x

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  4. If you like Cecelia Ahearn you might like Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series. They have the fun what if element but without her tearjerker moments. I try to avoid heart wretching books but I adore Cecelia Ahearn books soo much that she's my exception.There is also Kasey Michael's Maggie Kelly series, where an author's lead character in her Regency mystery series comes to life and starts solving crimes that happen around her. They are more romance genre than Sparks and Cabot but are funny and quick. Just a few recommendations. Happy reading.

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    1. I love his Thursday Next books and also his novel Shades of Grey. Met Jasper Fforde once, a very entertaining man.

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    2. Thanks for these recommendations! Have added them to my list :) x

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  5. Sweetheart by Peter James was a great read for me! I'm starting to read Stephen King books and hopefully start a little collection too. They're super cheap from charity shops, I bought 4 books of his for under £7. I want to read John Green's books as I hear a lot of good reviews about them, you might like to read his book Looking For Alaska - that's meant to be really good :)

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    1. Sweetheart sounds interesting! Will also check out Looking for Alaska as I enjoyed reading The Fault In Our Stars. Thanks x

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  6. Jodi Picoult is a must, absolutely fantastic.

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    1. Any one of her books you think I should read first? She has so many books hehe x

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  7. Under the Dome by Stephen King, I couldn't put it down.

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    1. Ah, I'm not a fan of Stephen King's novels unfortunately. Have tried reading his in the past and just couldn't get into it x

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  8. Anything by Rainbow Rowell, quite Young Adult-y (think John Green-esque) but her writing is great and they'd be pretty quick reads too! Xoxo

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    1. Already have Attachments and Eleanor and Park on my list hehe :-) Will start reading them once I finish my current book (Sushi for Beginners!) x

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  9. This is my goal for this year, I'm not confident though! I live Sophie Kinsella books. I'll definitely be getting some inspiration from your list. Please tell me you've read the 7th Harry Potter book? It's not listed xx

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    1. Definitely read the seventh Harry Potter book - I first read it when it first came out and then re-read it at the end of 2012. I think that's why it's not on my 2013 list :-) x

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  11. The Life of Pi by Yann Martel is my favourite book - i will admit the beginning is boring as sin but if you persevere for the first 20-30 pages its really quite good!

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    1. Ah, I tried reading The Life of Pi but I just couldn't get into it unfortunately :-( x

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  12. What a great achievement! Congrats. I'm glad u got through the HE series. I so loved reading them.

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