Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone! I hope your Christmas break was fun filled and not too full of stress. It's about this time that I do a "how many penguins do I have, how many have I read and how many are left?" post. But right now I am at work! So that's a bit difficult.
I can tell you that for Christmas I got bought a bookshelf, and now one shelf houses all my penguins! It's really nifty, and I'll nab a photo of it soon and do a "i have read this many and own this many" thing.
I printed off a list of all the penguins currently out there, and there are so many more than when I started! To think, my original goal was to read all 50 by the time I was 25. Now there's over 180! And they'll probably release more soon, just to spite me. Haha.
Currently our bookclub book is On the Road by John Kerouac. I'm really excited about it being a popular penguin! This has happened four times so far and I have to say it really makes me happy. I can't wait to finish it, it's really interesting so far!
I promise I'll post again soon.

Emma xxx
Currently reading On the Road

A Handful of Dust

3/5

This book was nothing like I was expecting it to be. At first it seemed like your average Victorian family story, where the wife goes off to have an affair. But then it just got more and more intense. It seemed as though there were two stories in here together though, and by that I mean two entirely separate books. Not to give away the story, but it seemed to go off on such a tangent that I forgot how the beginning of the book even related to the end. Perhaps that was the nature of stories at the time, needing some sort of adventure element, but it seems very odd to me as a modern reader.
In saying this though, I was very involved in the story and adequately moved by it.
An interesting read, well worth a go.

Book Review: The Art of War

My Score: 4/5

Admittedly a very short book, I found these musings inspirational and empowering. I have actually gotten it out twice since, to inspire me more! I find that everything from roller derby to the gym, studying to social situations relate to the Art of War.

A definate must read for those in need of inspiration, especially for sporting situations!

Book Review: And the Ass Saw the Angel.

This book was the book I ended up choosing for bookclub's 80s theme. I am so pleased it was really good: I would have looked like a fool otherwise!

My score: 5/5

This has to be my favourite penguin I've read so far. I really enjoyed the realistic story, but at the same time the exaggerated situation allowed by the protagonist being a mute in a secluded, hyper-religious society. It's not clear when this book is set, but I felt like it was timeless: it could have been anywhere from 1900 to today. Nick Cave has a particually brilliant writing style. The way he allows for so much scandal and violence, without it being overly shocking is amazing. If this was a movie, it would be rated R, Tarantino would direct it and I would love the SHIT out of it.

What was my favourite bit? It's hard, there was so much. I particually liked the prostitute's baby becoming the town's new massiah. I found that hilarious, and tragic at the same time.

Please read this book! You're missing out if you dont!!!

Book Review: Witches of Eastwick

I'm so sorry I haven't been reviewing my books! I've just been reading them! But now that exams are over I have a moment to breathe, and to blog.

I read Witches of Eastwick while on holidays in Europe. I really enjoyed it!

My score: 4.5/5

My favourite thing about this book was that it was about witches, but in a modern time. I was real and relatable, despite the supernatural themes. My favourite bits were the acts of shocking violence and death: when they made the voodoo doll spell of the other woman, and she got cancer and died, and when the man killed his wife (the awful woman that she was) and the killed himself. Also, the horrendously large amount of sex was written in such a way that it wasn't distasteful.

I would definately recommend this one to anyone! Best book club book chosen so far, I think. Thanks Kelsey!

(PS the movie is bullshit and crap.)

Update Update

Oh my it has been a while since I updated this blog last!
My bookclub book totally pulled me under, but luckily the last bookclub book and this one are Penguins, so I can blog about them! Also, next book club month is choose your own book, so the will be a penguin too, but which one? hrmm.

Anyways, I have now read The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike and The Art of War by Sun Tsu. Currently I'm about halfway through And the Ass Saw the Angel by Nick Cave, which I have to finish reading by Tuesday night, eeep!

Since my last blog I have been buying Penguins every time I go into the ECU bookstore (only one more and then I get 20% off the next one!) I've bought Monkey Grip by Helen Garner and The Philosophies of Andy Warhol by Andy Warhol. I was reluctant to buy Monkey Grip because in high school we had to read a book by Helen Garner, Joe Cinque's Consolation and it was the most bat-shit boring book I have ever read, which was more about Ms Garner then any Cinque. However, on this particular day when I walked into the ECU bookshop it was the only one sitting there that I hadn't already bought, so I thought, why not.

Reviews on Witches of Eastwick and The Art of War soon, I promise!

Book Review: Dracula

Finally I've finshed it! Phew! Its been a long time since I've written a review (all those book club books taking up my reading time...) But finally Dracula is finished! So, here is what I think.

Lucy is weak and annoying, and I'm quite glad she died, but it took so long. I suppose it was nessisary for the whole vampire thing, but I really wished she had just, you know, died. Although, it did make me feel very sorry for Seward, Quincy and Godalming. I really liked Mina, she was very strong even in the face of tragidy, which is unusual for a victorian woman, but I liked it. Even though the book was very long, and some parts (chasing down Dracula) seemed to take forever, and a lot of the twists I could see coming, (which I put down to my modern brain being quite used to plot twists. In fact, I'm usually the first one in the cinema of a thriller to get it.) Overall Ifound the book quite enjoyable. However, I found that the ending was overall much too neat and succinct. Its like, 200 pages of chasing Dracula, then killed his wenches, kill him, all in about 10 pages. The End, with a feel good afternote about babies, lol.

Anyways, its a definate classic, and should be read by everyone, especially now when Vampires are so popular. I give Dracula by Bram Stoker 4/5.

I've also been watching the Dracula movies, starting with the 1931 version, and next weekend going to the 1958 version. Its quite fun to see their interpretation of Dracula. In other news, the next book is a nice short one: Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay. Hope to write again soon!

A Handful of Dust

So I bought A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh yesterday at the university bookshop. They have a new thing where if you buy 5 general books you get the 6th one 20% off. It's great because the Penguins are already $9.30, 70c cheaper. Just more insentive to buy them from there!

I'm really looking forward to this book. I feel like I haven't been reading enough recently. I'm off to Europe in 6 weeks, which will let me catch up on my reading a lot more! I'm only about 100 pages off finishing Dracula, so expect a review soon. The last book club book was really massive and it put me behind with the Penguins. Luckily, the next few are Penguins, so yay! My blogging should be picking up soon.

New Books.

Hey everyone!
Today I was feeling a bit down so I took my $20 and went down to the bookstore and bought two new Penguins. My shelf at home was so full I had to move stuf around! I'm so happy. I bought And the Ass Saw the Angel by Nick Cave and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.
I worked out yesterday that Dracula is my ninth Popular Penguin! After this and the next one I would have read ten in less than a year! I am so proud of myself.
Just updating you on my latest "Top Five to Find"
1. Frankenstein
2. War of the Worlds
3. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
4. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (New Release)
5. Beowulf (New Release)

75 New Books!

The 75 new Penguin Books (to be released in June) have been announced! Here's the video on youtube so you can have a look too.



I'm particually excited about The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dangerous Liasons and From Russia with Love. ^_^ I'm so excited to read all these books! Which is your favourite from the new releases?

New book and progress update

So I went in to Borders to get one of my friends a gift voucher for her birthday, and they have a lovely rack of Penguins near the counter. So, I took a moment, waded through the three thousand books I already had and came across The Merry-Go-Round in the Sea by Randolph Stow. I'm looking forward to reading this because it is set in Geraldton in WA, which is my state. I've been there, so I'll be able to picture everything really clearly. I'm excited. I might even read it next.

Also, my friend from bookclub has picked The Witches of Eastwick for her bookclub book in June, which is a Penguin Book. I want to pick a Penguin too, because it will be easy to find, and cheap to buy, but the rule is that it has to be published in the 1980s. Research needs to be done, I think. My month is August.

I'm about a third of the way through Dracula. I'm hoping it goes back to Johnathon soon. If the whole book is about Mia and Lucy I'll be very dissappointed!
I'm trying to read a little each night before I go to sleep, but some nights I'm just too tired! Hopefully I'll have a review for you soon :)

Persuasion Book Review

So, finally I finished reading Persuasion by Jane Austen. Thats four Austen books this summer! I'm quite proud of myself! So, heres what I thought:


My score: 3.5/5

I've got a soft spot for period pieces, making me think of frilly dresses and "taking a turn about the garden" is very romantic. Normally I quite enjoy Jane Austen because of her strong heroine, who, despite society telling her she is too old at 21 or too plain or too smart, manages to snag the perfect man.
However.
Anne is a lot older than 21. Also, Anne is surrounded by idiots and fools who I really hated (namely her sisters and father). Everytime she went into a new situation I just felt so sorry for the poor girl having to put up with her stupid sisters, or stupid Lousia or stupid Mr Elliot. Even Lady Russel, the woman who she likes the best, has actually ruined her life by making her break off with her one true love. Luckily, it all ends happily, but I really can't help but feel awfully sorry for all that time and youth wasted on waiting! >_> *sigh* I guess an empathy overload just really lessens the enjoyment value of the book. So yes, 3.5.

In other news, I have just started reading Dracula by Bram Stoker. I am very excited to read this, and am hoping to get in in over the easter holiday week. I actually have to read another book before April 6th, wish me luck! Haha, book club is really getting in the way of the Penguin Challenge!

Love Emma xxx

Uni Bookshop strikes again!

I vistited the uni bookshop again today (to buy a visual diary) and just HAD to buy another penguin classic. Today was Picnic at Hanging Rock. I know they've made a movie of this but I've never seen it, I'm looking forward to reading this book!

Persuasion is almost finished! Expect a review within the week :)

- Emma

New Book, More Releases, and Update!

Yesterday I visited my uni bookshop and found that they had some penguin classics for only $9.30! Thats 70c cheaper than at any other store I've visted so far. So, I had to buy one, and I bought My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell.

In other news, I saw on my facebook that they will be releasing 75 new penguin classics in June to celebrate 75 years of Penguin! Now, this is super exciting but also super scarey: that will take the number up to 175 books I have to read!

At the moment I'm reading Persuasion by Jane Austen. I figured I should read one non fiction and one fiction book concurrently. I dont think I will be finishing Fabric of the Cosmos anytime soon: uni is going to be WAY intense. Also, I have to read a book for book club before the first Tuesday in March.

Wish me luck! ^_^

Emma
Currently Reading Persuasion

Book Review: Lolita

My Review: 4/5

I loved this book. I have to say it, it was weird and creepy and unnerving, but it was a very very good read. I really want to see the movie now. I would suggest to anyone above the age of 15 to read this book. Its not really child appropriate, lol.

Um, the only thing I didnt really like about it was how Lolita ended up, with a deadbeat husband and poor. I really wish she ran off with someone and ended up happy and normal, I mean, she says she's happy, but I wish she could be happy and at least decently wealthy. *sigh* poor girl, I really do feel very sorry for her.

Emma
Currently reading Fabric of the Cosmos (Still!)

Christmas Books!

SO my amazing friends Kelly and Michelle bought me two penguin books for Christmas - The Witches of Eastwick and Tales of the Unexpected. They are so great! ^_^

I have a 30 hour flight tonight, so I'm taking Fabric of the Cosmos, Lolita and my DS with Pokemon Pearl. Should be enough entertainment! Hopefully I'll finish them both and be able to review them when I get home in late Janurary! On that note, I wont be here for a while, so Merry Christmas and a Prosperus New year!

Emma
Curently reading Fabric of the Cosmos

My current Collection!

I'm going to update you all on what I currently own by way of Penguin books, so you can get as excited as me when I buy new ones!



So thats mostly it:
Empire, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Delta of Venus, Dracula, Lolita, A Clockwork Orange, Perfume, Pride and Predjudice, Jane Eyre. Plus Breakfast at Tiffany's that I leant to a friend in eachange for Anime, and Fabric of the Cosmos, which I am currently reading.

Hopefully my friend Michelle will be buying me some Penguins for christmas, and maybe someone else will too!

PENGUIN SPEEDBUMP
Uh oh, yes, a speedbump is going to slow me down - its called a bookclub. And although I strongly suggested a penguin classics theme for 2010, the theme was decided as Books Published in the 1980s. So, I have to read non penguin books! The first one is Mantissa by John Fowles. I have to go buy it today so that I can read it on teh flight to Ireland tomorrow. Hopefully I'll also finish fabric of the Cosmos while I'm over there! Its an epic read.

Emma
Currently reading: Fabric of the Cosmos

Book Review : Pride and Prejudice

For some reason Prejudice never looks like it's spelt right to me. Anyways.

My rating: 4/5

Although its one of those books all girls are meant to read and get all "ooh Mr Darcy" about, I never had. Granted, I had seen the movie staring Kira Knightly (also known as "The Killer of Films") and was loving the story but hating the film. (Thankyou, Miss Needs-a-hamburger).

So the book was what I expected really; a delicious tale of a girl who's a bit too smart for her own good and her slow falling in love with the very odd Mr Darcy, who doesnt like the silly girls that surround him and much prefer a conversation with Elizabeth. Awww. Yay for smart girls! haha. Don't we wish there was a rich, moderately handsome gentleman coming calling for all us smart, moderately handsome girls :P

The reason it doesn't get 5/5 is because I felt that some of the characters were very annoying (Lord Wickam) in a I-dont-want-to-read-this-because-he's-here kind of way. I felt that, although there character is very important to the story, they needn't come in so often and say so much. Also, it was a little long winded and there were moments of self indulgence that went on a little too long for my liking. Otherwise, a great book that needs to be read by all!

NOTE: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is on my list to read after the penguin challenge! It looks great!!!

Emma
Currently reading Fabric of the Cosmos

Book Review : Jane Eyre

My Review: 2/5

When I was at uni, we put on Jane Eyre the musical, and it was so long and boring. Costumes were great though. So, when I went to read the book, I was hoping that the story would be more detailed and more interesting. It wasn't.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Perhaps it was because I already knew what happened that I spent half the book going "when the hell is he going to ask her to marry him?". Once he did though, it was an exciting revelation of the wife in the attic and they can't get married (I actually felt sorry for her there) before she runs off for another 3000 pages of looking at stuff and wallowing in her own boringness. Okay, I understand that Plain Jane Eyre isn't real;y the exciting type, but I almost threw the book in the bin when she went on about Lady Ingram's hair for 5 pages, or when she went on about learning German for ten pages. It seems to me that the beginning and middle of the book are boring, drawn out and mostly uneventful (the major events being made crummy by the fact that they're drawn out over 100 pages). The best part - the end, where they're finally together, was short and sweet.

I think it could have been a much better if the beginning and middle of the book were shorter, to match the end. I think then it would have been an enjoyable read with a succinct story and a well rounded ending.
In short: too much faffing about.

Emma
Currently reading Fabric of the Cosmos

About the Penguin Challenge

What is the Penguin Challenge?

It all started one Christmas when my mum wanted me to buy myself inexpensive presents for the family to give me. I had $10 from each fo them to spend. Not much you can get for $10, so I wandered into Borders for a look. The I discovered the Popular Penguin Classic Collection.

The Penguin Challenge is a way of me forfilling one of my goals to "read more". When the Popular Penguins were first released there was 50 of them, and I hadn't read any of them! So I decided I would make it my goal to read all of the Popular Penguin Classics before I was 25. Now, there's 100 of them. >_<

Is there any order to your reading?

No, not really. I always have a top 5 books I want to read, and I usually try to buy the books on my top 5 while I'm reading another. So, I'll be readin 1, while I actively try to locate 2,3,4 and 5. So far, I've gotten at least one of them before I've finished one, and it has been shuffled up and another brought in. So really, I'm reading them in the order I'm intersted in them in and I can find them in.

What are you reading right now?

I've started signing my posts with what I'm currently reading.

Can I do the Penguin Challenge too?

Sure, don't see why not.

How do you have so much time to read?

I don't. Thats what makes it such a challenge!

Will you read xxxx and review it for me?

If its a Popular Penguin Classic, I've either done it already or I'll do it in the future. If it's not, then I might read it after. That won't be for a while though.

No I will not read Twilight.


Hope that explains it all!

Emma xxx
Currently reading: Fabric of the Cosmos