WHAT'S IN A NAME READING CHALLENGE WRAP-UP.Fin

A big thanks to Beth for hosting the WHAT'S IN A NAME 4 READING CHALLENGE. My apologies to those who have been following my journey during this challenge, you may well have already read my thoughts on some (or even all) of these books. For those of you interested in reading my full reviews simply click on the book title(s).

Finished in just under 6 months, the challenge has been fun even though I didn't stick to the books I intended to read, read more non-fiction than I normally do and really only enjoyed 2 out of the 6 books read.

So what did I end up reading? 

'Evil' Category ... 

WICKED by Gregory Maguire.

A new author to me and not one I'm in any hurry to read again but then never say never.

Told from the Wicked Witch of the West's point of view as opposed to Dorothy's we get to visit the land of Oz. 

Not a book to be read if you are expecting this to resemble The Wizard Of Oz - you will be disappointed.

'JEWELLERY/GEM' Category ... 

GOLDEN BATS AND PINK PIGEONS by Gerald Durrell.

Normally a big fan of this authors works, I found myself a bit disappointed by this offering which didn't really capture my imagination and seemed to be lacking in the usual quirky/eccentric characters. Then again it could be that bats and pigeons just don't really do it for me.

'Life Stage' Category ... 

LIFE IN REWIND by Terry Weible Murphy et al.

The memoirs of a man who developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as a boy after the death of his beloved mother, Life In Rewind also chronicles the story of his therapist who is fighting his own demons.

Though fairly interesting and informative I did find this repetitive - and yes, given the repetitive nature of OCD, I do get the irony of my using this word.

'Number' Category ...

ELEVEN HOURS by Paulina Simons.

Now this was more like it - not just my favourite read of this challenge but one of my favourite books this year.

Fast paced, gripping and with lots of twists and turns though it has to be said because of the novel's subject matter (the kidnapping of a heavily pregnant woman) this was at times a disturbing read.

'Size' Category ... 

A DOUBLE THREAD - A CHILDHOOD IN MILE END AND BEYOND by John Gross.

OK, so mile was pushing it as a size but Beth did tell us we could be inventive.

The last book I actually read for this challenge and, it has to be said, my least favourite.

Totally disappointed, this had such huge potential and yet read like a school assignment.

'Travel/Movement' Category ... 

DEAD WITCH WALKING by Kim Harrison.

The other book that I really enjoyed reading. I was only recently introduced to this author and series of books and this, the second Rachel Morgan story did not disappoint.

A good story with just enough action, little sex and a great mix of characters, both human and otherwise, this is a fun book that does not take itself too seriously.