I Spy Book Challenge

My dearest friend, Marina @Books Of Magic tagged me for a Challenge that proved to be an absolute fun! I am sure that you have already visited her wonderful, beautiful blog and you should do so on a daily, hourly basis!

The challenge: Find a book that contains (either on the cover or in the title) an example for each category. You must have a separate book for all 20, get as creative as you want and do it within five minutes!

Nah, I didn’t do it in five minutes but it was surprisingly quick….

1. Food

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Rating: 4 stars

One of the most delicious, dreamy books you’ll ever read. Chocolate, France, a quirky community, a wonderful main character, Johhny Depp in the role of Roux….

2. Transportation

Le Cimetière des voitures  by Fernando Arrabal

*The word voiture means ”car” in French. The title can be roughly translated as ”Graveyard for Cars”*

Rating: 5 stars

A moving, poignant rendition of Jesus Christ’s final hours within the context of the rebellion and struggle for human rights and a better, more just life.

3. Weapon

Norse Mythology  by Neil Gaiman

Rating: 5 stars

I mean, it’s Thor’s Mjølnir….

My review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2060201564

4. Animal

Wolf Winter by Cecilia Ekbäck

Rating: 5 stars

Part Historical Fiction, part Thriller, part Gothic, part Magical Realism, part Literary Fiction….Or simply one of the best books you’ll ever read….

My review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1668231746

5. Number

1984 by George Orwell

Rating: 5 stars

This should become an obligatory read in every school around the world….

6.Book

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Rating: 4 stars

A tale that shows us that the most dangerous ghosts exist not in a world beyond, but fully in our own…My review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1668776390

7. Body of Water

The Lady From the Sea by Henrik Ibsen

Rating: 4 stars

One of the most beautiful plays by the great playwright, set in the haunting Norwegian summer night.

8. Product of Fire

Summer and Smoke by Tennessee Williams

Rating: 4 stars

A haunting masterpiece by one of the greatest playwrights.

9. Royalty

King Lear by William Shakespeare

Rating: 5 stars

It’s the story of the legendary King Lear, it’s a tragedy by the Bard. Anything less than 5 stars is a vile, unacceptable sacrilege and I’m not okay with it….

10. Architecture

The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder

Rating: 3 stars

A very particular, strange mystery set in a dangerous paradise. Not a book for everyone but it worths a try.

11. Family Member

Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov

Rating: 4 stars

I couldn’t neglect my favourite Russian playwright, could I?

12. Clothing Item

The Robe by Lloyd C.Douglas

Rating: 3 stars

The story of Marcellus, a Roman noble son, who won Christ’s robe as a gambling prize. One of the classics, an atmospheric novel, a staple in Historical Fiction. Between you and me, I believe that the 1953 film version was better than the book. This is the most powerful scene of the movie:

13. Time of Day

Tous Les Matins Du Monde by Pascal Guignard

Rating: 4 stars

A beautiful ode to music, tenderness, culture, love and loss. The word ‘matin’ means morning in French. The title can be roughly translated as ”All The Mornings of the World”. The 1991 film version is exceptional, the soundtrack is a masterpiece.

14. Music

The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce

Rating: 5 stars

This is a book that will appeal to practically everyone. The music lovers, the fans of the 80s, the followers of the vinyls, the Londonphiles, the readers who wish for a contemporary read with something to say and themes we can all relate to. My review can be found here:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2018641392

 15. Paranormal Being

  Eight Ghosts by Sarah Perry, Jeanette Winterson, Andrew Michael Hurley, Mark Haddon, Kamila Shamsie, Stuart Evers, Kate Clanchy, Max Porter edited by Rowan Routh

Rating: 5 stars

Eight gifted souls joined forces to create not mere ghost stories, but passages that touch the heart of the readers. They brought forth all that is good and inspiring and dignified in what we call ‘’Literature’’…My review can be found here: https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/22/eight-ghosts

16. Occupation

Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak

Rating: 4 stars

One of the most beautiful novels ever written…

17. Season

Winter Tales by Kenneth Steven

Rating: 5 stars

If you wish for a collection of short stories that will stay with you, that will create images of cold winters and even colder families, that will touch your mind and your soul, then give this book a chance….My review: https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/29/winter-tales

18.Colour

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

Rating: 5 stars

An iconic novel in the Historical Fiction genre, a story that gives voice to some of the most fascinating and most neglected female figures of the Old Testament.

19. Celestial Body

A Moon For The Misbegotten by Eugene O’Neill

Rating: 5 stars

My personal favourite of O’Neill’s plays which are all perfect and highly recommended.

20. Something that Grows

Fen by Daisy Johnson

Rating: 5 stars

If you want to experience a unique way of writing and if you love short stories with characters that could easily be protagonists in their novels, then Fen is right there for you. My review: https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/18/fen/

Phew! This was difficult but it was mighty fun!! It gave me the chance to show you some of my favourite books of all time:) I hope I gave you some useful recommendations:) Once again, I want to thank my twin soul, Marina, for tagging me! Thank you so so much, dearie!!

It is a quite demanding challenge so I tag everyone who wants to do it. I can’t wait to see your choices!!!