Weekend Reads #94: Week 1 — NEWTs Progress Report

Weekend Reads is a weekly post in which I discuss a variety of topics and mention the books I plan to read on the weekend. However instead of a topic, I’ll instead share my progress on my N.E.W.T.s (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests). 

The N.E.W.T. Magical Readathon is inspired by the Harry Potter books. As in the books, participants first sit for their O.W.L. exams (which took place in April) to past subjects that will determine what N.E.W.T. exams they can take and, ultimately, what wizarding career they can choose.

I’ve chosen to become an Aurologist — someone who reads and studies auras — and although the requirements for this career aren’t extensive, I’ve added a few more subjects I’d also like to pass to be considered an Aurologist who’s well versed in other fields. Well, then. Here’s my progress so far:

Astronomy

This is one my required subjects and I have already received an E in it and am half a book away from receiving an O.
Books read: Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Vol. 1: BFF by Brandon Montclare & Amy Reeder, illus. by Natacha Bustos; In the Night Wood by Dale Bailey

Divination

This is my other required subject. I have just an A in it but hope to complete two more books to get an O by Monday.
Book read: The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil by Stephen Collins (illus.)

Additional

For Aurologists, a research paper on color theory was also required. I chose to interpret this as “read a book about color,” and am currently halfway through The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair.

History of Magic

I just have an A in this so far.
Book read: Cinderella: or the Little Glass Slipper by Charles Perrault, illus. by Camille Rose Garcia

Herbology

I just have an A so far and it’s for a reread. I’m not even sure if we can include rereads, but I am because a month hardly goes by when I don’t reread something.
Book read: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling, narr. by Jim Dale

There are 3 other subjects that I’ve chosen to pursue, but I won’t bother mentioning them since I haven’t started reading the books for them.

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What I’m currently reading:

Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke

I’m more than halfway through this book, so I should complete it today to finish my Astronomy requirements. I decided to read it because I saw the SyFy miniseries and sort of liked it. It certainly got me intrigued. But I’m not sure yet if I like the book. I mean, what exactly are the Overlords up to? It’s been a while since I’ve seen the show, so I do not remember their reason for being on earth.

Moonshot: The Indigenous Comics Collection ed. by Hope Nicholson

This is for my Divination requirements. It’s a comic book anthology, but I should be able to complete it this weekend. I started it but got distracted by other books.

The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair

For my color theory paper requirement. I think I’m about halfway through this book. I should be able to finish it next week.

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So, what are you reading this weekend? Are you participating in the N.E.W.T. Magical Readathon? If so, what’s your progress so far?