I’m so proud of myself because I’ve actually managed to complete every challenge for this readathon – which is a first for me! I did change one of the books (Bridge of Clay to Matilda) purely because of my plans for the week, but I still completed six books and I’m so proud.

The One Memory of Flora Banks – Emily Barr

I enjoyed this, it kept me hooked throughout, even though something didn’t quite work for me. I can’t say what specifically, but I just didn’t fall head over heels for it and at times found it a little irritating? It was a fun, unique read though. I’m glad I picked it up, and I enjoyed Flora’s perspective and the repetitiveness of the narrative as it made it feel a little more ‘real’ I guess. 3.5🌟

From a Low and Quiet Sea – Donal Ryan

Oh my goodness, this book was a little gem. I wondered what linked to what as the different parts seemed so unrelated, but they also all slightly linked in small ways and I loved it. In a way, it reminded me a little of NW by Zadie Smith in its execution. Honestly, it was a wonderful read and I flew through it, though I had absolutely no idea what it was about when I went into it. 4.5🌟

The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy – Kate Hattemer

I feel quite conflicted about certain aspects of this book. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I loved the characters, the humour, and the plot too. It kept me laughing, especially during the second half of the book. The only issue I had was that some of the comments / humour wasn’t to my taste, but that’s such a personal thing, it’s unfair to judge a book purely because of that, as someone else may adore it! 4🌟

The Bookshop – Penelope Fitzgerald

This was such an adorable little book. I flew through it, and the first half especially I was completely immersed in. However, the second half and ending let it down for me. I did enjoy reading it though, and I am kind of curious about the film so I may check that out at some point. I enjoyed the characters and the fact that it was set in a bookshop, but everything felt a little flat and as though there could have been a bit more, I suppose. 3.5🌟

Matilda – Roald Dahl

This is one of my all-time favourite books. I swapped to this because I desperately wanted to reread it before I went to see the musical (which was phenomenal), and I’ve been wanting to revisit it for a while anyway. I love it. Roald Dahl is amazing. I wanted Matilda to be my best friend. As a kid with few friends who enjoyed reading, Matilda was the dream book. Everyone should read it. 5🌟

Throne of Glass – Sarah J. Maas

I actually really enjoyed this and I’m looking forward to picking up the sequel. It hasn’t become my new favourite ever book or anything, and there were certainly a lot of tropes and cliches that I found irritating or predictable. Overall however, it was a fun and readable book that definitely kept me hooked throughout. 4🌟

Thank you so much to Hannah for all of her hard work on this readathon. Go and check out her book blog at Sprinkledwithwords.wordpress.com! ❤️