The Book Bump

I never used to be the type of person who could read more than one book at a time—still trying to figure out why. I liked staying focused on one world at a time to fully live the experience the author wished to bring their readers.

Now, as I have less time to read, I’ve started reading more than one novel at a time. The trouble with that is I now tend to begin reading too many books simultaneously, then lose track of a couple. The more exciting books take over.

So here’s my current reads list, the reasons I picked the book up and my in-progress thoughts.

Game of Thrones – Book One of A Song of Ice and Fire – by George R. R. Martin

I am halfway through A Song of Ice and Fire and find the reading very enjoyable. I’ll admit, I watched the hit TV series before picking up the novel, but it doesn’t affect the pleasure I get from reading.

For me, epic fantasy novels can swing either way. I read The Witchwood Crown by Tad Williams and found it very hard to get through, and I was most disappointed that the first of the trilogy wasn’t a stand-alone, meaning I was left hanging at the end. I find this can be very dangerous as it frustrates readers like me, who will probably not read the rest of the series but are left with so many unanswered questions.

On the other hand, for the moment, despite knowing what happens in Game of Thrones, it doesn’t spoil my intrigue. I am excited to learn how the author penned it compared to how the director filmed it. So far, the pacing is good, not too fast or slow. There are some characters I would have liked to have read from their standpoint, such as Robb Stark or Cersei Lannister. Perhaps later in the series, as characters are killed off, the author will give insight into other characters.

So far, I wouldn’t say I have a favourite character or any characters I particularly dislike. Maybe that will come with time, as I know how despicable some become. The downside of seeing the series before reading the novels is that my imagination of the characters is non-existent as my mind conjures up the actors who portray them.

How to Kill your Family by Bella Mackie

I picked this book out from the Kindle shop, as it mentioned it was a Sunday Times bestseller. I also saw a photo of a bookstore display on social media that caught my attention. The bookstore had placed How to Kill your Family next to Prince Harry’s memoir Spare. I found this highly amusing, and the title must have stuck in my mind. When I mentioned it to my sister, an avid reader like me, she told me she enjoyed the book and recommended it.

As for my thoughts on the book, I have read about a third of the book, and I’m not entirely convinced it’s for me. I will continue reading as I am mildly intrigued about why the narrator is imprisoned if it isn’t for killing her family. Although, so far, I find her explanation as to why she wants to murder her entire family a little farfetched. Granted, I do not come from a broken home, but many children do, and they don’t all turn out to be serial killers.

I have no particular attachment to the main character, as I find her hard to relate to. The book is described as ‘outrageously funny’, but I have yet to smirk. Unless it’s considered funny because of how farfetched it is. Perhaps I have completely misunderstood the point of this novel. I shall keep reading to see if it grows on me. I am rarely one to leave a novel unfinished.

Bag of Bones by Stephan King

I haven’t read many Stephan King novels, but I have watched many film adaptations of his novels and short stories .  

The first of his novels I read was Sleeping Beauties. I happened upon it in the bookstore a few years ago and enjoyed it. The pacing was slow but intriguing, and from reading King’s memoir, I’ve learned that he’s more for slow-paced thrillers than having everything set at high-speed.

I found the pace of Sleeping Beauties rather refreshing. However, I don’t know what to think of Bag of Bones. I am halfway through and intrigued to know what or who is haunting Sara Laughs, and I’m more than intrigued to know what Mike Noonan’s wife was up to before her death. I have my suspicions and am eager to see if they are correct.

However, there is something about the style that is odd and a little disturbing. I am wholly absorbed in its pages when I read it and almost forget I am reading. But when I put it down, I find I am disappointed. The story hasn’t moved on. Nothing much has happened in the 100 pages I’ve just read. It is almost as though King was writing to fill the pages.

It’s a very conflicting and confusing feeling: to dread picking up the book but enjoy reading it.

So, what are you guys currently reading?