3 weeks in a
row, I had Friday to Sunday off. The first 2 times I just wasted it. But, this
time, I decided to do something productive. I decided to challenge myself into
reading 3 books in those 3 days. I had been on a reading slump for many months
and I had to get over it. And, I did it! I'm not an easily pleased reader. I
need the story to be gripping. I need it fact-paced and slow-paced at proper
phases. I don't want an easily predictable end. And as much as I like
conversations, I also like details of surroundings. I want the girl character to be in a
relationship but I also want her dog to rip off the strange guy. I want to not
like it just because it's of a particular genre but I also want to like it
because the author puts in so much effort in the plot. And if the character is
even a little bit like me, I don't want her doing something that I wouldn't.
See? It's such a challenge even reading a simple novel. So, when I decided to
read 3 such novels, my brain kind of drained out because it was obviously too
much reading. All I did was read for hours at length. I enjoyed it, no doubt,
but it was also too much exercise for the brain.. So I read three books. I'll write book
reviews soon on the blog. Until then, here's a short description about
them.
1.
The Witness by Nora Roberts:
I read work
of Nora Roberts for the first time on a friend’s recommendation. The book is
divided into 3 parts vividly. I liked the first part. I thought I might have
found a new good author to read. The first part has a touch of crime and
suspense. The start is good enough to grip the reader. The second part has a
love story. And the third part is witnessed with justice and an expected happy
ending. Overall the reading experience was all right. It was exciting in the
beginning, monotonous in the middle and disappointing in the end. I’ve given it
2 stars on Goodreads.
2.
Our Impossible Love by Durjoy
Datta:
Durjoy Datta
has let me down 9 out of 10 times. It was a disappointment this time as well.
This is a love story about a school student and her counsellor. What strikes me
about Durjoy Dutta is his basic idea is usually good. Like, in this novel, he
has stressed the issues of feminism, rape and bullying. But the problem is he
can’t convert these issues effectively into a story. Either the message gets
distorted or the story gets boring. I’ve given it 3 stars on Goodreads.
3.
Love in the Time of Cholera by
Gabriel Garcia Marquez:
My weekend
wasn’t a complete waste only because of this book. I thought it was a bit
bizarre in the beginning but as the story progressed, it got very interesting.
The story is fast paced and very gripping. It took some time to stay on it but
once I got the gist and plot, I read non-stop. The author has his way with
words. He can describe one scenario for 5 pages and it still would sound
meaningful. I’ve given it 4 stars on Goodreads.
Taking this
challenge taught me many things. Firstly, it got me out of my reading slump. I
love to read and it sucked that I wasn’t reading anything. And only readers can
understand this sentiment when you’re unable to read because of whatever
unimportant reason that exists. So, yeah, it was good dedicating all of that
time to my lovely gorgeous books.
Secondly, if
you’re going to do something extraordinary, then look for all the loopholes. I
did a mistake by choosing lengthy books. So, I was up late at night until 3 or
4 am reading. Taking up 1 lengthy and 2 medium length books would’ve been
better. But, I surely enjoyed reading late into the hours.
Thirdly,
this challenge is for those who don’t have a social life. It requires complete
commitment. I didn’t get out of my home for these 3 days. But, then, I don’t
have a social life. So, it was heavenly for me to stay in, drink coffee and
snuggle with a book. That’s my idea of a lovely date with my handsome books.
You can check out another of my reading challenge wherein I read 15 books in 31 days.
Do you enjoy reading? Do you have any reading records?
I loved "love in the time of Cholera" and I am off to go follow you on Goodreads! :)
ReplyDeleteI will have to check out these reads!
ReplyDeleteHoly cow. I have been having trouble reading one book in one month but 3 in 3 days. Reminds me of how I was when I was younger. I would check out two novels and be back at the library in a few days.
ReplyDeleteI've also been in a reading slump for like 6 months (until last week:D). This looked like fun! I'll have to try it sometime :)
ReplyDeletehttps://alittlesliceofjamie.wordpress.com/
I love the idea of three books in three days!! I've just committed to reading 100 pages a day. To hopefully help me out of my slump!
ReplyDeletegood for you for reading three books in three days! Thats amazing!! I would LOVE to do this!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, I'd love to hide away for 3 days and just read. And at least one of them was good!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words! :)
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteWriting to you on behalf of a publishing house. Wanted to get in touch about book reviews on your blog. Could you share an email address that I can contact you on?
Yes, sure. I'd like to know more. Here's my email address aishwaryashenolikar@gmail.com
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