(SPOILERS FOR PROJECT HAIL MARY AHEAD!)
As millions of people do at the beginning of every new year, I made a resolution for myself: to read. As much as I hate to admit it, most of the books I read are the ones assigned to me at school, and that simply will not do. After brainstorming for a little, I concocted a plan to help me fulfill my formidable task. First, I wrote (or rather, typed) the goals I had for every month:
1. Must read the AP Lit book completely.
2. Complete minimum two non-school books per month throughout the school year
3. Complete minimum three non-school books per month during summer break
Right now, we are reading Albert Camus’ The Stranger in AP Lit and I’m happy to announce I completed it yesterday (January 17), so that is goal #1 checked off. This wasn’t my favorite book we’ve read this year, but I do enjoy the discussions we have in class. Many times, I learn I have a bad habit of interpreting things at surface level, but my classmates’ ideas always end up opening my eyes to new ways of analyzing the text.
For goal #2, I really started this year off with a bang by reading Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. What a great book. The overall plot was so interesting, yet digestible and Weir introduces intriguing premises for the reader. Dr. Grace and his relationship with Rocky was so funny, making him very easy to root for. The plot twists kept me on my toes, especially when we found out Grace was forced onto the trip, that was absolutely bonkers. Unfortunately, I was semi-spoiled by the movie adaption’s trailer, so if you’re thinking of reading this book, avoid the movie theater as much as possible to maximize the surprise!!
The second book I’m reading is Margaret Rogerson’s An Enchantment of Ravens, which follows Sophie, a painting prodigy, who was kidnapped after painting a faerie prince (Rook) with sad eyes. It makes more sense if you actually read the book. While I haven’t finished it yet, the plot is very captivating. My only complaint though is the romance…oops! I’m not against romance, but it did feel like Rook and Sophie’s relationship kind of just hit the ground running. Also, she lowkey ignores everything she’s been taught about faeries and the danger of interacting with them because of her feelings, but I guess I’ll have a more complete review after I finish.
Anyways, hopefully with my new goals, I’ll read about more than just agricultural coups and sun-induced murders!