Being a university student makes it difficult to find time for any hobbies, especially reading. Having to read scientific journals and textbooks everyday becomes very discouraging when aspiring to read novels for fun. Over the summer I was able to regain my love for reading. However, when the fall semester started I fell off the wagon again. During reading week I picked up again and was determined to continue reading during the week, even with a full course load.
Reading has been an important escape for me. Although I wasn't able to stick strictly to my reading goals, I found a lot of comfort knowing that there was a place for me, anywhere, anytime if I needed a break.
What I read in 2021
20 000 Leagues Under the Sea - Jules Verne
5/5
Fantastic adventure novel filled with knowledge and excitement
The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde
5/5
Intense story which probes self reflection
Cherry - Nico Walker
5/5
Fabulous novel, writing was so clever I truly felt like I was one with the characters. The message was so enlightening.
Food of the Gods - Terrance McKenna
5/5
This is the first non-fiction book I have ever really read. Needless to say I am hooked. I learned so much from this and would recommend it to anyone. (this one I did have to read for a book report)
Treasure Island - Robert Louis Stevenson
4.5/5
Such a fun classic. I read this while I was at a cottage on the water which made the story all that more exciting.
The Magicians Nephew - C.S. Lewis
4.5/5
Reading children's books as an adult is so inspiring. With an entirely new lens, I got so much more from this book, plus it is quite short so being able to finish it quickly beings me a little dose of joy and control.
Stalking Jack the Ripper - Kerri Maniscalco
4/5
Fun, quick read with such a twist ending!
Shadow and Bone - Leigh Bardugo
4/5
Fun Y/A novel, I read this because of the TV show and this series was so fun, I read it all so fast right before the show came out.
Crooked Kingdom - Leigh Bardugo
4/5
After getting to know the characters in the first book this was much easier to follow, considering the chapter POV changes
Animal Farm - George Orwell
4/5
Reading this book in my spare time rather than for a book report was quite eye opening. Very quick read with a powerful message.
To the Lighthouse - Virginia Woolf
4/5
Powerful novel, a little difficult to get into at first but worth the read.
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
4/5
Timeless classic.
The Hunting Party - Lucy Foley
4/5
Very mysterious with twists and turns in every other chapter. Exciting read.
Monstrous Hearts - Claire McKenna
3.5/5
I hadn't seen any information on this book, but I loved the cover (I know, I know don't judge a book by it's cover). The story was so intriguing, and going into it with no previous expectations made for a great read.
Seige and Storm - Leigh Bardugo
3/5
I enjoyed the story and the crossover of characters within the rest of the series, which encouraged me to read the other duologies
Ruin and Rising - Leigh Bardugo
3/5
Fun end to the series, encouraged me to start the next series right away.
Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo
3/5
More intense than the Shadow and Bone, fun adventure but not particularly my taste
The Love Hypothesis - Ali Hazelwood
3/5
Cute story, a little weird finding out it was a Star Wars fanfic