Gen's Reading Adventures

Hello! This will be a small forum as it will be a place for me to write about books I am reading, why I am reading them, and what I think of them. 2024-2025 have been such slow in terms of reading for me, but I have been more set on reading books I know I will enjoy, and learning when to put certain books away. I love books, and I am seeking to rekindle the flame for reading I once had. You can also follow my GoodReads account where I update what I am reading and give ratings!

Today, I reached page 134/317 of Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett. My husband bought me this book for my birthday in 2024 (giving it to me moments before proposing to me!). I chose this book because I want to write a fantast novel with fae, and decided to read some fantasy books on my shelf that would help me tap into the mythological world.
I really like the premise and setting of this book, and find it fascinating. However, I am strongly considering DNFing. I find myself almost forcing myself to read and enjoy it. None of the characters particularly stand out to me, and the writing, though well-written and descriptive, is not particularly what I am looking for. This seems like a book I will put on my shelf and perhaps try to read again at another time, or a book I force myself to finish just to give it 3 stars.
The last thing I want to do is force myself to read something. I want to read books that truly captivate me, either in prose or in plot, that I wouldn't mind sitting through and dedicating time towards.
Currently, this book is... "eh" and I am considering putting it away for the time being. Will update

Currently on page 180/317 because after looking at some great fanart I was like "okay okay I'll give this a try"
Gonna try to read more today but my feelings on the book are still incredibly mixed. I have a feeling it may still end up being a 3 star read, but I am determined to get through it.

I have finished Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett and as predicted, I give it 3 stars. Interestingly enough, I agree with all the good reviews of the book, and the bad ones.
Without giving away plot, or going into detail on the story, I found myself ready to be done with the book with 20 pages left of it. It felt like there were waves where I thought it was better than it actually was. Overall, I can say it was a fun read (I mean, I didn't DNF it and I was actually thinking about the book whenever I wasn't reading it) but it was definitely lacking for me in some areas. Please keep in mind that I am extremely picky about books and media that I consume, I tend to critique more than others lol. Will be writing a review for this on Goodreads today!

What to read next? In the same light as fairies, I do have Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft, the story based in Pixie Hollow of Queen Clarion and Lord Milori's love story. I will admit that my fantasy novel is highly inspired by the world and magic of Pixie Hollow and the Tinkerbell universe, so it makes sense to read this next. But I am not too sure. I need to let myself take a short break in between books.

Books I still think about even after months (even years) of reading them:

Gallant by V.E. Schwab, such a different book but it has lingered! I am tempted to re-read this!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, even though the series is still heavy in the light, especially with the upcoming movie Sunrise on the Reaping, the OG 3 still live rent-free in my mind.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, I mean, dare I say more? Top tier character studying with messages of Christianity and beautiful writing? Yes please. My love <3

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, a gothic story with an unreliable narrator that has made me want to read every other gothic classic in the realm of literature.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, I hate every character... I love it.

Still finding my reading stride and learning what genres and type of books I prefer!

A couple weeks ago I bought The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins, it had a cozy feel and synopsis so I decided to pick it up last night to begin. I can already tell this will be a simple read! Will update!