Thoughts of a Library Rat #2

As mentioned in the last blog, there are a few titles that I planned to read whenever I have the time to do so. So far, I've finished one from the list, and other titles that I didn't mention in the last blog, but I have read them this year. When it comes to reading, I am a slow reader or a fast reader, depending on my mood. Though I feel overwhelmed by the amount of books piled up on my desk, which is approximately around, let's say... fifteen to twenty-two books, and most of them are thick since they vary from Russian Literature to Modern Classics.

I may or may not have been spending a lot of money on books lately, and I usually buy second-hand books since they're much cheaper and they're the same material unless I'm eyeing a certain publisher or cover. I have grown a liking towards the Paper Mill Press and Canterbury Classics since their covers are so intricate, and oh, I love the spines so much. Honestly, even though I can remember well, I sometimes can't remember some of the books I've read, but I've been keeping track on Goodreads ever since.

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

First published in French as a serial in 1909, The Phantom of the Opera is a riveting story that revolves around the young, Swedish Christine Daaé. Her father, a famous musician, dies, and she is raised in the Paris Opera House with his dying promise of a protective angel of music to guide her. After a time at the opera house, she begins hearing a voice that eventually teaches her how to sing beautifully. All goes well until Christine's childhood friend Raoul comes to visit his parents, who are patrons of the opera, and he sees Christine when she begins successfully singing on the stage. The voice, who is the deformed, murderous 'ghost' of the opera house named Erik, however, grows violent in his terrible jealousy, until Christine suddenly disappears. The phantom is in love, but it can only spell disaster.

Leroux's work, with characters ranging from the spoiled prima donna Carlotta to the mysterious Persian from Erik's past, has been immortalized by memorable adaptations. Despite this, it remains a remarkable piece of Gothic horror literature in and of itself, deeper and darker than any version that follows. (Goodreads)

➤ Any adaptation of this novel isn't as true to the original, in my opinion, but ever since the release of the musical and its movie adaptation, I feel like almost everyone disregarded this as a gothic horror story, but somewhat more of a romance, a dark romance maybe. Truth be told, I only read the novel recently after being a fan of the musical for so long, and it kind of changed my perspective on the story and the characters. I honestly enjoyed reading it since it was an interesting read. Honestly. Christine deserves so much more than these two.

Prom Dress by Lael Littke

The pretty lace that Robin finds in her mysterious employer's attic does not look deadly; it looks perfect for the prom. Robin cannot resist the power the dress holds over her and decides to 'borrow' it to wear to prom. But the dress has a horrifying secret and lures innocent, unsuspecting girls into an evil and terrifying nightmare. (Goodreads)

➤ I discovered this book when I was scrolling through lists of books that were popular during the 80's and it's a decent read, honestly. The story mostly revolves around Robin; two other characters encountered the same dress, and they also couldn't resist the power of the dress. One of them is named Felicia, and the other is named Nicole. Maybe I've read or watched so many thrillers that I somehow predicted how the book would end, but nonetheless, it entertained me. [SPOILERS] The origin of the dress ties with Robin's employer, and it was modified after something occurred with the twins, and somehow it became a curse. Whoever wears the dress will lose something important to them. Will I suggest reading it? Yes.

Updated TBR List: 
✄ Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
✄  Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
✄ The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
✄ The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne
✄ Dubliners by James Joyce
✄ What's A Girl Gotta Do? by Holly Bourne

Currently Reading:
✄ Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
✄ Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
✄ King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard
✄ Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton