THESE BOOKS HAVE GOT TO GO | READING RESOLUTIONS

I'm not putting in the effort to find new books to read, so I'll chop down my TBR pile. I've been pruning the list, but I didn't read those fallen books: I lost interest in them. Look at that unnecessary tree-related diction choice... I wrote this post almost a month in advance, so I've begun reading some of the books on the list already.  

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is first on the list. I know almost nothing about it, but I am excited to read it. I was working when an English teacher recommended this book—I was reading Lord of the Flies "for fun" at the time. Speaking of Lord of the Flies...

Lord of the Flies by William Golding. I had an abysmal, this word cannot even begin to describe my pain, time reading this novel, which is why I never completed it. I think it's imperative I read this before I graduate. In fact, I will start reading it right now. (Update: I finished it and still loathe it, but I can appreciate what the author sought to do artistically. It's brilliant commentary.)

La Dame aux Camelias by Alexandre Dumas Fils. There was a time in middle school where I was obsessed with watching this movie—it had to be the one with Greta Garbo! I scoured the web for it, I found it, I watched it for five minutes, and I turned it off. Years later and this hasn't changed. I will try to find a copy with the French and English side-by-side, as I cannot fully comprehend the French text. (Update: I did not find a side-by-side edition, but my review will be up soon.)

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia. I have read parts of this in the library, but I never borrowed it. I liked what I read; the main character finds solace in her art because it allows her to express herself and communicate with others, which I think many people can relate to. If I enjoy this novel, I have a friend in mind that I would recommend it to. I was a huge fan of Made You Up, and I cannot wait to see how the author tackles mental health in this novel. 

The Color Purple by Alice Walker. I think I have a limited reading taste because I gravitate towards the same stories and the same genres. I want to step out of my comfort zone and read a different story/perspective. I think this will be a rather illuminating read, and I hope it sparks me to read similar novels or change how I think. I'm romanticizing this book...

The Song of Achilles and/or Circe by Madeline Miller. I do not know why I want to read it, as my love for Greek and Roman Mythology have been trampled on by an Erymanthian Boar (my Latin class.) I think I selected these novels based on shallow reasons: the author has IMPRESSIVE, an understatement, credentials. I'm leaning more towards Circe because I know less about her, and I want to learn more. Also, I've seen the Trojan War too many times. I deduce there's a Medea novel in the works (Jason and the Golden Fleece.)

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, whom I have not read in a long time—I read The Spiderwick Chronicles in elementary school. I wanted to read this novel because there was a lot of hype around it, the tension! So many glowing reviews. Normally, I don't gravitate towards Fae novels because I do not like them, the books and the creatures, but I've got to see what the hype's all about.  

Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman. This author wrote one of my favorite books, Starfish, and I want to see if she can deliver the same emotional impact. It's unfair because I have very high, near unrealistic, expectations for this novel. 

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: I have to read it at some point, might as well read it now. 

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. I remember Marzia recommending this novel because Stoker is based off it. I think I would have enjoyed Stoker more if it was less sexual, which is why I'm giving this novel a chance: I don't think this going to be sexual, hopefully.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman. I am very excited to read this because I adore the movie. I am also excited to finally read a novel by Neil Gaiman.

I hope I live up to my promises. Thank you for reading. What do you plan to read 2019? As part of my 2019 Blog Revival, I will try to upload once every two weeks, so be on the lookout for new posts!