The Mid Sussex Reading Challenge is in full swing, and our favourite part of the challenge is hearing all about your latest reads – whether you loved them or not! In January, we picked up books that have been adapted into films, and we’ve got three great suggestions from local readers below.
Juliet from Hurstpierpoint read:
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
and rated it 3 out of 5.
Quite a few people had told me they liked this book so I wanted to read it. It does give an insight into the lives of those living in the occupied channel islands in the war and describes the many challenges they faced, which is interesting. It is a series of letters and I slightly struggled with this style of writing as it takes a while to sort out and identify with the characters and it was not a book I was always eager to pick up. However it has been worth a read and the book challenge made me finish it as I am not always persistent with books! It is a pleasant book but not for me a page turner so probably a neutral 5:10 on my good read scale but for one of my friends it is high up their best read lists so give it a try.
Jackie from Burgess Hill read:
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
and rated it 3 out of 5
After looking up ideas which book to read for the January challenge I decided to read Nicholas Sparks – The Notebook on the basis of the cover of an gate overlooking an idyllic view ! I ordered it from the library, however on more extensive research I discovered it was a romance which isn’t my scene so I read it with trepidation. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised, it was an easy read an escapist feel good story and although I thought the ending was a bit long winded I enjoyed reading it— it was a good old fashioned feel good love story. I have been told the film is a bit of a tear jerker but it’s construct is quite different which is interesting, so you never know I might watch the film , with a box of tissues handy !
Elaine from Burgess Hill read:
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
and rated it 5 out of 5
About men trying to “play” at being God by creating their version of a man which sadly morphed into a Monster. The poor Monster was never even given his own name and the plot failed miserably. One of the saddest books I’ve ever read but equally beautifully written.
Would you like to give any of these reads a try? If so, reserve your copy by visiting our library catalogue.
Keep us updated with your latest reads by submitting your own review, posting in our Facebook group or tweeting us @WSCCLibraries using the hashtag #MidSussexReadingChallenge.
The views expressed in this review are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of West Sussex Libraries.
Mid Sussex Reading Challenge 2020 