In January, I successfully managed to read 3 books (and a graphic novel), and I want to share those books with you in this post! I mentioned in my introductory post that I stopped my book blog because it became a chore, but reading is very much a big hobby of mine, and I’ve challenged myself to read at least 20 books in 2019. I also don’t think it would do any harm to throw the occasional book-related post into the mix here on the blog every now and again, as that is one of my main interests.
- I Hate My Selfie by Shane Dawson
From his first vlog back in 2008 to his full-length film directorial debut Not Cool, Shane Dawson has been an open book when it comes to documenting his life. But behind the music video spoofs, TMI love life details, and outrageous commentary on everything the celebrity and Internet world has the nerve to dish out is a guy who grew up in a financially challenged but loving home in Long Beach, California, and who suffered all the teasing and social limitations that arise when you’re a morbidly obese kid with a pretty face, your mom is your best friend, and you can’t get a date to save your life.
I’ve had this book sitting on my bookcase for several years now and thought it was about time I got around to reading it, especially since Shane has really exploded on the internet over the past 12 months with his documentary-style videos. While eye-opening to get an insight into Shane’s life, this was written several years ago before he came out, so it was interesting to read little things in certain parts of the book that either was not 100% true or wasn’t comfortable telling us about at the time. Overall it was an entertaining read, and I definitely recommend it if you’re a fan of Shane’s YouTube videos.
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo
Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you’ll never have to do it again. Most methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever. The KonMari Method, with its revolutionary category-by-category system, leads to lasting results. In fact, none of Kondo’s clients have lapsed (and she still has a three-month waiting list).
I picked this book up after watching the new Netflix TV series also by Marie Kondo. I believe the book could be very useful to someone if they hadn’t previously watched the TV show like I had, as it was very much repeating a lot of the same techniques and principles. Both were extremely useful and interesting, and I think it depends on whether you’re a book learner or a visual learner to decide which is better or which you prefer. Personally, even though I love to read, I’m very much a visual learner, so I found the Netflix show a lot more interesting/helpful. The book is still very good and has a lot of good techniques which I have very much started applying to my own surroundings while tidying up.
- The Best We Could Do (an illustrated memoir) by Thi Bui
This beautifully illustrated and emotional story is an evocative memoir about the search for a better future and a longing for the past. Exploring the anguish of immigration and the lasting effects that displacement has on a child and her family, Bui documents the story of her family’s daring escape after the fall of South Vietnam in the 1970s, and the difficulties they faced building new lives for themselves.
A very harrowing read, even though this was an illustrated memoir (not to be mistaken with a graphic novel, even though style wise they’re very similar), it was difficult to read. There’s a lot of history in this book as it tells the story of the author’s family. I Definitely recommend this book for those who are interested in Korean history.
- The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Vol. 1
On the eve of her sixteenth birthday, the young sorceress Sabrina Spellman finds herself at a crossroads, having to choose between an unearthly destiny and her mortal boyfriend, Harvey. But a foe from her family’s past has arrived in Greendale, Madame Satan, and she has her own deadly agenda. Archie Comics’ latest horror sensation starts here!
Another read after binge-watching the Netflix tv series, this time though, they were two different stories altogether. It was clear to see very quickly a few pages into the graphic novel that the Netflix show was merely an adaption, as the content of the two has some major differences while keeping some key elements like characters, certain plots, etc. My favourite thing about the whole lot though is how dark it is! It’s been a while since I got my hands on a dark and gritty graphic novel, and this did that perfectly.
According to my Goodreads Challenge, if I keep on track and read at least 1 and a half books every month between now and the end of the year, I’ll stay on track and complete my 20 book challenge. My aim is to hopefully read more than 20, all going to plan, and if I keep reading at my current rate (plus I’m already on my second book in February as is).
Have you any reading goals for 2019? Read any good books I should check out?
Dean Kealy Blog 