For Christmas I received this fun gift of the 100 Books Scratch Off Bucket List poster. I immediately scratched off any book I had read over the years but soon realised that they were so many I had yet to discover. I have the fabulous Borrowbox app (via Cork City Library) on my phone, which gives me access to a vast library of both audiobooks and ebooks so I put a few on reserve and began facing my challenge.
I do a lot of walking so audiobooks seemed like the best option for me. I have been listening to a few audiobooks outside of this bucket list which will be reviewed separately but I decided to keep a tab on these ones together in one post. To be honest, the initial three I picked were books I probably would never have read so I am really enjoying the mix of genre.
So what were the latest three books I scratched off my poster?
(I have included just a few words on each, as I’m very aware that all these books have been around for quite some time.)
1. Animal Farm by George Orwell
One of the most influential works of the 20th century. A socio-political allegory that reflects events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and then on into the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union. Set in a farmyard, where the animals decide to seize the farmer’s land and create a co-operative that reaps the benefits of their combined labours.
Four legs good, two legs bad….
Read by Stephen Fry (Image is the publication by Audible 2021 – I listened to the Bolinda 2022 edition)
Stephen Fry does an incredible reading, bringing all the characters very much to life. A frightening and satirical tale highlighting how the corruption and tyrannical behaviour of a few can lead to a society in jeopardy.
I will be reserving 1984 over the next few months.
2. My Man Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse
My Man Jeeves, first published in 1919, introduced the world to affable, indolent Bertie Wooster and his precise, capable valet, Jeeves. Some of the finest examples of humorous writing found in English literature are woven around the relationship between these two men of very different classes and temperaments.
Where Bertie is impetuous and feeble, Jeeves is cool-headed and poised. This collection, the first book of Jeeves and Wooster stories, includes “Absent Treatment,” “Helping Freddie,” “Rallying Round Old George,” “Doing Clarence a Bit of Good,” “Fixing It for Freddie,” and “Bertie Changes His Mind.”
Read by Jonathan Cecil (2011,Blackstone Audio)
Having never read any P.J. Wodehouse before I thought this was a fun introduction to his Jeeves and Wooster stories. Yes of course the content is dated but I found it to be very enjoyable company on my walks, on the bus and while driving. The characters and their actions are quite silly but there is an underlying innocence that provides pure escapism. Not to be taken seriously, these are stories to entertain and distract, with quite a theatrical element to the reading. I may dip my toe into further Jeeves & Wooster in the future but if, I do, it will most certainly be in the audiobook format.
3. Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman
Sephy is a Cross – a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought – a ‘colourless’ member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood. But that’s as far as it can go. Until the first steps are taken towards more social equality and a limited number of Noughts are allowed into Crosses schools… Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity by Noughts unable to accept the injustices any longer, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum – a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger…
Read by Paul Chequer and Syan Blake (April 2011)
The whole principle behind this series is very disconcerting with an ending to book 1 that I found totally devastating. Will I continue on with the series? Probably not…but that is more a reflection on my age (over 50) than any other reason. It’s a fantastic YA read, one I would highly recommend to any young reader. It was voted as ‘one of the UK’s best-loved books’ with the full series being described as ‘a seminal piece of YA fiction; a true modern classic.’ Unfortunately, I suspect I would have enjoyed this more had I read the paper version as opposed to the audiobook (not a fan of the reading) but I can totally appreciate its popularity as a dystopian novel.
What next on my journey through this Bucket List Challenge?
I currently have Bridget Jones Diary by Helen Fielding, The Commitments by Roddy Doyle and Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift all on reserve. I have, of course, watched the screen adaptations for all of these but I am interested to see how I enjoy the books. I will do another similar post over the next few months so do check in with me and, if you have any suggestions for my next Bucket List choice do let me know, as I am currently making my selection on a very random basis.
P.S. And can I also recommend the 100 Books Scratch Off Bucket List poster as a gift for any bookish person in your life. It’s a very thoughtful present for a reader.
What a brilliant present!
It’s a fab idea. I have it up on the wall beside me so I’ll definitely work my through them.
This is a fun challenge!
I’m really enjoying it Carol. Great way to get me to go beyond my normal choices
You haven’t read The Commitments?? I really enjoyed Noughts and Crosses when I read it but I don’t think I read any more in the series.
I know…shocking I haven’t read The Commitments yet I have seen the movie so many times. The narration of Noughts & Crosses irritated me…but the book is a great concept.
Fab reviews! If you want listen to more P. G. Wodehouse stories I can thoroughly recommend the audiobooks on audible read brilliantly by Stephen Fry! xx
Brilliant Nicki ty. He is fabulous at reading.
One of the best! x