The Big Read - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling

I haven't given up on The Big Read, I just seem to get side tracked by getting addicted to reading Mills and Boon, and other such high brow literature.  I have to admit that Jane Eyre got pushed aside to read the Crossfire series and then the This Man books. But I am determined to read more off the list this year (I have said this before however)

For those who don't know what I am on about, years ago the BBC did a poll on the nations favourite books and published the results and a corresponding book.  The list can be viewed here and basically I want to read all 100 books.

Harry Potter has never really interested me in the slightest and I have never read any of the books. I have also only watched one of the films unfortunately not the first one, I don't even know which one it was. It had R Patz in it, which is pretty much all I remember apart from it being rather dark for a kids story.

Anyway the reason that I started the Harry Potter books is that my sister really wants to go on the Warner Bros Studio Tour. My dad and other sister seem keen and basically I don't want to miss out. I would like to have a clue what I am looking at so thought what the hell why not.

I really was quite concerned that these books would freak me out, I don't like being frightened at all and not keen on things of a mystical nature or people being hunted down or chased. I also thought they would ultimately get boring.

So what did I think after the longest intro into a post?

At first I really did think about giving up. The first few chapters I found quite slow, and you would hope that if a child was made to live under the stairs social services would step in. I know out of everything in the book it is an odd thing to concentrate on, but it just bugged me. 

I didn't really get into the book until Harry was at Hogwarts, and that was mainly due to Snape and Ron. First up I love Ron he made me laugh out loud and is generally an endearing character. I also really feel for him living in the shadow of his many brothers and now Harry.

Now onto the other reason for getting into the book, the need to know whether Snape is a goodie or a baddie. I am guessing that this theme continues in the other books, and please don't spoil it for me but I just need to find out.

There were parts of the book that didn't frighten me exactly but wigged me out. Like the mirror thing, the unicorn blood and Voldemort in general. I know this is for children but I feel it's quite dark already, so maybe I won't make it to the end.

Overall I would say that after a slow start this was more enjoyable than I expected. I will definitely read Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and might even watch the film.

For anyone that hasn't already got a copy you can pick up a copy from amazon.co.uk

The Big Read - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte #1

I don't know I have managed to get to 28 without ever reading Jane Eyre, but I have decided that I must read after watching the 2011 film with Michael Fassbender.  I was honestly gripped and could not believe that I had never watched or read it before. My mum claims I have watched the 1983 version starring Timothy Dalton as a child, but I don't remember.

So many of my friends and family have since told me it is their favourite book. I have therefore downloaded to my iPad Mini and will be starting straight away. I am really looking forward to reading as love classic romantic stories.

You can download the book for free on amazon.co.uk or buy the adaption I watched here.

The Big Read - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald My Thoughts

I'm back! As well as studying like crazy for my exam I also finished The Great Gatsby. It really wasn't what I was expecting, I have never seen any adaptations of the book and only wanted to read after watching the trailer for the new film. 

Well the trailer looks a lot more exciting then the book was. I really didn't enjoy reading this, I found it boring and I didn't like or relate to any of the characters. I disliked the style in which this was written and found the whole book generally frustrating.

I think my main issue with this is just how unpleasant the characters in the book are, by the end I really didn't care what happened to any of them. My least favourite character had to be Nick Carraway who unfortunately narrates the story closely followed by Tom Buchanan who is horrid.

Maybe my tastes aren't sophisticated enough for this I am sure there are many out there who love this book and the many layers of the story. Unfortunately I am not one. 

I am still going to watch the film mainly for the dresses, soundtrack and Leonardo but kind of wish I didn't bother reading the book.

I read this on my iPad Mini via iBooks for free but who can download via amazon.co.uk for your Kindle for 77p.

The Big Read - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald #2

I am just about to start chapter five so thought I would do a little post about the first half of the book seeing as though there are only nine chapters.

I can't believe I am half way through the book as to be honest don't feel a great amount has actually happened. I think because I knew it was only short I was expecting it to be more of a quick action packed story. Maybe the second half is going to be more griping or if I listen to my mum maybe not.

The strange thing is I still can't wait to see the film, I think it is going to be gorgeous. All the visuals that have been realised look amazing, the sound track also sounds like it is going to be one of the albums of the years, and the actors involved are seriously acting royalty.

Sorry for such a short post but honestly couldn't find much to say about the actual story, here's hoping the second half gets a bit more interesting.

The Big Read - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald #1

My aim to get through the BBC's Big Read has gotten off to a slow start, not only has it taken me ten years to start but also only read one book since my original post in August, which you can read here. 

I have been inspired to start reading The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald after seeing the trailer for the new film which you can check out here. I can't wait to see the movie, I love the fashion, hair and make up of the 1920's and the cast looks amazing. Any way back to the book I have never read or watched any adaptation of the book, so thought for a change I would read the book first.

I have downloaded onto my iPad mini and was pleasantly surprised that it only has 173 pages so should finish before the film is released on 16th May.

I downloaded my version using the iBooks app for free but can be bought via amazon.co.uk in either paper copy or for your Kindle

Although this was number 43 I don't know anyone other then my mum who has read the book and she gave less then a glowing review.

Have any of you read the book or as excited as I am by the trailer?

The Big Read - Emma by Jane Austen My Thoughts

I have seriously been stressing about whether to post this, as not really sure whether anyone will be that interested on my thoughts after all I am no literary expert (then again not an expert in anything). I also didn't want to give much of the storyline away. So sorry in advance if this doesn't interest you in the slightest but here it is anyway.

After starting this in August I have finally finished it - and no I am not an incredibly slow reader, life just kept getting in the way, I started a new job and my studies in September and just got out of the habit of reading a book. I think what made me start reading again is my iPad mini. For one this book was free and secondly its just so accessible, not that a book isn't but I am always on my iPad, and find it quite nice to check twitter etc in bed and then read a couple of chapters.

Back onto the book, I did enjoy Emma although did find it takes you a little while to get into the language and style of writing, but after that I found myself wishing that I lived in the period, with its gentlemen and balls. 

I have read that when Jane Austen wrote Emma she imagined that she had created a character that would not be very well liked. I however loved Emma and really felt for her when her best laid plans went array. She can be a bit of a simpleton at times but her character doesn't grate on you as she so easily could. Although in some parts of the book she doesn't do herself any favours - like at Box Hill you feel that is more down to age then maliciousness. 

My favourite parts of the book are Emma's plans and schemes to make Harriet and Mr Elton an item, who hasn't been there trying to get you or a friend Mr Right. I also love when she is trying to decide whether she is in love with Frank Churchill, both instances took me back to being a teenager and its interesting to see that matters relating to the heart haven't really changed.

Although this wasn't a page turner from start to finish it definitely picked up by the end.  The last eighty pages (on my iPad mini) I read in one sitting, when I had been reading a chapter maybe two a night.

Overall I thought that the story of Emma was entertaining, I doubt I would read again but did enjoy. If you can't be bothered to read the book definitely check out the Jonny Lee Miller adaptation as not only does he look rather handsome but it is a very good adaptation in my opinion.

I read mine on my iBooks apps but you download a Kindle edition for free using Amazon here or buy the BBC Adaptation for £7.25 here. It is also available in libraries and any good book shop.

The Big Read - Emma by Jane Austen #2

Just a quick post to let you know how I am getting on with Emma, I am up to chapter 21 and really enjoying it.  Its not a book where you have to stay up till the early hours reading as you literally cant put it down but then again how many books actually are.

I do find myself wishing I lived in a Jane Austen novel. I think I would quite enjoy being Emma Woodhouse doing as I pleased, yes her father would probably drive me nuts but then whose parents don't.  Jane Fairfax has just come to Hartfield and Mr Elton has got engaged and so far I think that the BBC adaptation with Jonny Lee Miller (yum) has stayed very close to the book.

On the subject of adaptations I do like that I have watched the show first, maybe I lack imagination but it just helps me picture the characters like Mr Knightley being the gorgeous Jonny Lee Miller (yes I may have a little crush on him) or in Pride and Prejudices case Mr Darcy will always be Colin Firth.  Yes I know how the book will end but I can still enjoy the story.  Also I think that if you read the book first you can often end up disappointed in the directors vision and casting in the adaptation. For instance when I think of Christian Grey I think of a young Christian Bale/Scott Disick (more the way he dresses) or at a push Ryan Gosling and I know I will be disappointed if anyone else is cast.  I guess one good thing about Jane Austen's novels is there have been so many adaptations you are bound to find one you like.

What do you prefer to watch the film/tv show first or read the book?

The Big Read - Emma by Jane Austen #1

I decided that the first book I would read as part of The Big Read would be Emma by Jane Austen. I am planning on these posts being quiet short just sharing my thoughts and am interested in seeing what other people think.

The reason for picking Emma was I wanted to read a classic. I have been spending too much time reading books such as Fifty Shades,  Haven Of Obedience and Ninety Days Genevieve lately and worried I am becoming addicted to a bit of filth! Knew that there would be no filth in a Jane Austen novel.  Also I am a bit obsessed with trying to match make so far no luck but there you go.

I have watched the 2009 BBC adaptation but never read the book before, I am looking forward to seeing how close the adaptation is too the book. I hate it when you are watching something and sitting there thinking (or in my case saying) that didn't happen in the book.  

I did want to write a summary of story but don't want to break any copyright laws so decided against it.

Have you read Emma - did you enjoy?

The Big Read

I bought the BBC Book of Books years ago when the BBC originally did The Big Read and have been meaning to work my way through the list ever since.  I did also post starting this in my last 7 Things post.

Here is the list of books

1.The Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien
2. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
3. His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman
4. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, JK Rowling
6. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
7. Winnie the Pooh, AA Milne
8. Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell
9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis
10. Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë
11. Catch-22, Joseph Heller
12. Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë
13. Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks
14. Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier
15. The Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger
16. The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
17. Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
18. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
19. Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Louis de Bernieres
20. War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy
21. Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell
22. Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, JK Rowling (you can read my review here)
23. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, JK Rowling
24. Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, JK Rowling
25. The Hobbit, JRR Tolkien
26. Tess Of The D'Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy
27. Middlemarch, George Eliot
28. A Prayer For Owen Meany, John Irving
29. The Grapes Of Wrath, John Steinbeck
30. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
31. The Story Of Tracy Beaker, Jacqueline Wilson
32. One Hundred Years Of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez
33. The Pillars Of The Earth, Ken Follett
34. David Copperfield, Charles Dickens
35. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl
36. Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson
37. A Town Like Alice, Nevil Shute
38. Persuasion, Jane Austen
39. Dune, Frank Herbert
40. Emma, Jane Austen (you can read my thoughts here)
41. Anne Of Green Gables, LM Montgomery
42. Watership Down, Richard Adams
43. The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald (you can read my thoughts here)
44. The Count Of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas
45. Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh
46. Animal Farm, George Orwell
47. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
48. Far From The Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy
49. Goodnight Mister Tom, Michelle Magorian
50. The Shell Seekers, Rosa
51. The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
52. Of Mice And Men, John Steinbeck
53. The Stand, Stephen King
54. Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy
55. A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth
56. The BFG, Roald Dahl
57. Swallows And Amazons, Arthur Ransome
58. Black Beauty, Anna Sewell
59. Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer
60. Crime And Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky
61. Noughts And Crosses, Malorie Blackman
62. Memoirs Of A Geisha, Arthur Golden
63. A Tale Of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
64. The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCollough
65. Mort, Terry Pratchett
66. The Magic Faraway Tree, Enid Blyton
67. The Magus, John Fowles
68. Good Omens, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
69. Guards! Guards!, Terry Pratchett
70. Lord Of The Flies, William Golding
71. Perfume, Patrick Süskind
72. The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, Robert Tressell
73. Night Watch, Terry Pratchett
74. Matilda, Roald Dahl
75. Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding
76. The Secret History, Donna Tartt
77. The Woman In White, Wilkie Collins
78. Ulysses, James Joyce
79. Bleak House, Charles Dickens
80. Double Act, Jacqueline Wilson
81. The Twits, Roald Dahl
82. I Capture The Castle, Dodie Smith
83. Holes, Louis Sachar
84. Gormenghast, Mervyn Peake
85. The God Of Small Things, Arundhati Roy
86. Vicky Angel, Jacqueline Wilson
87. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
88. Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons
89. Magician, Raymond E Feist
90. On The Road, Jack Kerouac
91. The Godfather, Mario Puzo
92. The Clan Of The Cave Bear, Jean M Auel
93. The Colour Of Magic, Terry Pratchett
94. The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
95. Katherine, Anya Seton
96. Kane And Abel, Jeffrey Archer
97. Love In The Time Of Cholera, Gabriel García Márquez
98. Girls In Love, Jacqueline Wilson
99. The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot
100. Midnight's Children, Salman Rushdie 

Now I am not going to force myself to read all of the books but am going to make a start.

The first book I am going to read is Emma by Jane Austen.

How many have everyone read?