It’s the first day of a new month, which means it’s time for another update on this year’s reading challenges. I feel like it’s going pretty well, and although we’re just getting to 2024’s halfway point, I’m very close to being halfway through my overall reading goal! So, in terms of reading at least, things are going well.
2024 Reading Challenges / Update #1 / Update #2 / Update #3 / Update #4
Goal: 33/70 (+7)
Disney Reading Challenge 2024
11/40 (+5) Prompts Completed
Read
Stitch – Blue punk buggy! No punch-back! – a book with a blue cover or spine
I loved Gay Aliens and Queer Folk. Honestly, it’s such a great read and brilliant for reflecting the huge impact Russell T. Davies has had on TV, not just for Doctor Who, but in his other works too – from Queer as Folk to It’s a Sin, Torchwood to Years and Years. If you’re a RTD fan, or interested in TV history, this is worth picking up.
Eeyore – I was so upset, I forgot to be happy – a book that got you emotional
It would be hard not to feel emotional while reading The Furies, a book that looks at the lives of three women impacted by violence, and the ways they pushed back. An exploration of sexism, the cruelty of the patriarchy, community and what it means to be a woman in this world.
Moana – The ocean chose me – a book with water on the cover
If something is set in Wales – a rarity! – then I’ll be interested enough to read it. Whale Fall unfortunately didn’t live up to expectations. It’s much more introspective than I usually enjoy, but I figure it’ll land better for other readers.
Gaston – As a specimen, yes, I’m intimidating – a book that intimidates you
Ah, The Mabinogion. I admit, I struggled with this. It is something I eventually would like to revisit, but in a different way than this particular translation.
Tiana – It’ll turn out alright in the end, you’ll see – a book where the MC is career driven
Misha in Bury Your Gays is an excellent character – driven, yes, but torn between his career and his principals. This book is brilliant, and definitely one I would encourage others to read.
Books to Read: The First Days, The Wicked Ones, Princess Broken
Musicals Reading Challenge 2024
7/24 (+2) Prompts Completed
Read
Oliver! – Consider Yourself – Found family
I ended up not fussed on Crowned a Traitor – it was okay, but generally a bit messy and very, very slow to get going.
Chicago – We Both Reached for the Gun – Killer women
I used The Furies for this one, too, going for more of a ‘true crime’/non-fiction route for this prompt. I can imagine myself actually recommending this book for a long time to come.
Currently Reading
Little Shop of Horrors – Somewhere That’s Green – A book featuring or about plants
I finally got around to starting This Wicked Fate! At the time of writing, I’m not that far into it, but I’m really excited to dig in further and see how the rest of the story plays out.
Wicked – No One Mourns the Wicked – From a villain or anti-hero’s POV
I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me is full of wonderfully written prose, which contrasts with the darker elements of the book. I’m loving it, and think it makes for an excellent horror novel.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat – One More Angel in Heaven – Jealousy
Sometimes, when I’m looking for a new audiobook to fit these prompts, I turn to a good friend who always has excellent book suggestions for me – he said We Have Always Lived in the Castle might fit this prompt, and so far I am really enjoying listening to this.
Books to Read: Shakespeare, Time Lord Victorious: The Knight, the Fool and the Dead, Gambling on the Duke’s Daughter
Avengers Challenge!
5/6, 1/5 Bonus (0) Prompts Completed
No movement on this one for this month – I have mainly been focusing on queer horror for Divination Hollow’s Pride in Horror Month, so this one has fallen to the side a little, but I’ll be back to this one soon.
Books to Read: To Steal a Heart, A Radical Act of Free Magic, Kissed
Barbie Reading Challenge
7/17 (+1) Prompts Completed
Read
Choose Your Fighter – Wanna wear hot pink or black – A book with a cover that is either pink or black (or both!)
I went for Bury Your Gays for this one, too – it just felt really appropriate, and I think I’ve definitely realised if I don’t use some books for multiple challenges, I’m never completing any of them!
Books to Read: Ace of Spades, A Hunger Like No Other, Love That Journey for Me
Netflix Movies & TV Shows
13/24 (0) Prompts Completed
This one is still a little on the back burner, while I try and get the others ‘caught up’. But I’m not far now from making more room for this challenge, so hopefully it’s one I can progress over the summer.
Books to Read: So You Want to Talk About Race, Daisy Jones & The Six, Hexed
This month feels like it’s levelled out a little from the last update, where my March update was late and April early, but this one feels like more of a full month of reading, for sure. I have some trips coming up and I usually end up reading a lot more while travelling, so I definitely think my reading in June will be interesting, and it’ll be good to see how much further I get with these challenges.
Unwrapping Words 