Hello rosebuds!π
I have decided to do away with monthly TBRs. The reason for this is because I am normally pretty good about following those TBRs. By discussing pretty much all of the same books in both my monthy TBR and wrap-up, everything was getting way too repetitive. On the other hand, there would also be books that I would say I was going to read and would never get around to. Those books were the ones that would be mentioned in various monthly TBRs. Again, very repetitive.The only exception to this rule would be if I am participating in a readathon, because we all know most readathons have challenges, and I like to share what I am reading for each challenge.
Anyways, In March I am participating in two readathons. Today I am going to discuss the Irish Readathon which will take place during the entire month (3/1-3/31). This readathon is hosted by 3 Irish booktubers: Leanne of Leanne Rose, Aoife of Fred Weasley Died Laughing, and Elaine Elaine Howlin. I will link Leanne’s announcement video here for all of the details and challenges.
Basically, all you need to know is that this is a readathon dedicated to reading books by Irish authors.
I am going to attempt to complete all 5 challenges which are:
1. Read a book by an Irish female writer
2. Read a book by one of the hosts favorite authors (Sarah Rees Brennan, Louise O’Neill, Marian Keyes)
3. Read an Irish book that isn’t a novel
4. Read an Irish book that is older than you are
5. Read a book with green on the cover
Let’s get started!
THE BOOKS
1.Β The Hounds of the Morrigan
by: Pat O’Shea
challenge: Read a book by an Irish female writer
The Hounds of The MorriganΒ was published back in the 1980’s and took ten years for the author to write. The story is set in a world that was heavily inspired by Irish mythology and faeries. It basically follows the events leading up to the reign of the Great Queen, the Morrigan, and how two children, Pidge and Brigit are chosen to prevent her from causing destruction to the world.
Since it is March 1st, I already started reading this. The story starts off in Galway, Ireland but I can imagine it will eventually move to a fantasy realm. Even though I’m only about 20 pages in, I can already tell that I am going to love the author’s writing style, as she has a very lyrical way or wording things which I love.
2.Β The Surface Breaks
by: Louise O’Neill
challenge: Read a book by one of the hosts favorite authors (Sarah Rees Brennan, Louise O’Neill, Marian Keyes)
The Surface BreaksΒ is a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Little Mermaid, but with a feminist twist. Not only is this written by an Irish author, but it also takes place off the coast of Ireland making it the perfect pick for this readathon. Louise O’Neill is host Leanne’s favorite author.
3.Β The Leprechaun
by: Lady Wilde
challenge: Read an Irish book that isn’t a novel
The LeprechaunΒ is actually a short story I found in the above collection of Irish fairy tales from Barnes and Noble. I love this book because the table of contents organizes each story and poem by the different types of mythical creatures from Irish folklore. There are stories based on the Sidhe, changelings, selkies, leprechauns, and so much more. In terms of what the actual narrative is about, I honestly have no idea. Leprechauns, maybe? It’s only a few pages long so I don’t think much will be involved. I am saving this to read on St. Patrick’s day though.
4. Gulliver’s Travels
by: Jonathan Swift
challenge: Read an Irish book that is older than you are
Gulliver’s TravelsΒ is an extremely famous classic novel by Irish author Jonathan Swift. In it, we follow Gulliver, who gets shipwrecked on an uncharted island which he soon discovers is the home to a whole country of tiny people.
This is another book I already started reading, and after looking through the table of contents, it appears as if Gulliver goes to various countries other than the one mentioned above. Apparently there are friendly giants and wise horses involved as well.Β I did not know this prior to picking it up, so I now am even more excited than before.
5. The Secret Garden
by: Frances Hodgson Burnett
challenge: Read a book with green on the cover
Okay, I know it’s technically not an Irish book in any sense, but Leanne of Leanne Rose said that as long as the book is green, it counts. So it doesn’t have to be by an Irish author. Since March is my birthday month, I figured what better time to do my annual reread of my favorite book of all time?
For those of you who don’t know what The Secret Garden is about, hi and welcome to my blog!Β The Secret GardenΒ follows recently orphaned Mary Lennox who starts off as a bitter child. After the death of her parents she is sent to live on the English Moors with her uncle, Archibald Craven. It is at this location where Mary discovers a secret garden and decides to tend to it, helping the garden grow, and herself along with it.
I hope you enjoyed reading todayβs post!
Until next time,
The Garden of Read-En 