tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76366323572669012772024-02-07T17:27:17.267+00:00Cup of Tea and a PenAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-19358302063012022342015-07-05T16:00:00.000+01:002015-11-08T16:28:29.949+00:00Six Stories for Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehFb8ZnLCjDbRm5jHfN7MF9IpL_WnAznAnPrP6UJLcivOeTdVun1MuW1ppmevu8kQDGwZtKGc7c3K14hTY_Ie5H6vaWVA8sfMm0t0sUh-LamR9p1wbnXGbzzFBPtblhnbw-QcrFCMO8rW/s1600/Six+Stories+for+Summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehFb8ZnLCjDbRm5jHfN7MF9IpL_WnAznAnPrP6UJLcivOeTdVun1MuW1ppmevu8kQDGwZtKGc7c3K14hTY_Ie5H6vaWVA8sfMm0t0sUh-LamR9p1wbnXGbzzFBPtblhnbw-QcrFCMO8rW/s640/Six+Stories+for+Summer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello!</div>
<br />
It's been a while, hasn't it? I thought this could be a rather fitting post considering that I am now officially on a summer break from college. As I ignore the pesky assignments that are due in September, I plan on getting a tonne of reading done. Some of these books, and the ones I want to talk about in this post, are ones that I have been meaning to read forever! Summer is the best time of year to dedicate catching up on the ever-growing and towering <i>To-Be-Read </i>pile.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
1. All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven</h4>
<div>
Okay, who hasn't read this yet? (*Raises hand*). At the beginning of the year THIS was the YA book to be reading. But I haven't read it yet! Oops. Come on, it's about death; I need to be emotionally prepared for this roller-coaster of sobs, A.K.A: I need to by some tissues, desperately. Meanwhile, I will continue to admire the sheer and utter beauty of the cover. JUST LOOK AT IT! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
2. The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton</h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Yes, I know, I know, another one that has been out for a while. I think it will be one of those books that I either find really weird or absolutely love. Set in autumn 1686, Amsterdam, an eighteen year old Nella Oortman receives a miniature version of her home. I love, love, love magic realism so I cannot wait to dive into this world. </span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<h4>
3. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire <span itemprop="name">Sáenz</span></h4>
<div>
I don't know too much about this one but I want to read it. Do you ever experience that? Do you ever see a book and know that you have to read it? I've seen a lot of high ratings for it on goodreads and just want to read it too. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
4. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline</h4>
<div>
The cover of this just screams dystopia! The thing that drew me towards this book was that it involves solving clues that as a reader we are likely to know the answers to. We can actually involve ourselves in the story world without being in the story. This is a lot of people's favourite standalone so I'm hoping I'll enjoy it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
5. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell</h4>
<div>
Last summer I read <i>Fangirl </i>and <i>Eleanor and Park</i>. I adore her writing. I feel like she just nails the voice of her characters perfectly for them and for us to read. I'm not a massive romance fan but with the other two books of hers you didn't have to read it for that. Sure, it was central to the plots but there are always other things going on with the characters that are just as interesting. I just enjoy being able to read her books in so many different ways. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
6. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell</h4>
<div>
The second dystopia on this list. I plan on reading more classics over the next year but I will definitely get through this one over the summer. One thing that fascinates me about this is the naming of the characters (particularly the women) and the concepts as well as the idea of indoctrinating children to act as spies on anyone who breaks the rules of the regime. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thank you for reading.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Comment below with what you plan on reading over the summer months.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Bye!</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-69962773894930064552015-06-14T16:00:00.000+01:002015-11-08T16:28:29.973+00:00My Favourite StandalonesHello,<br />
<br />
Today I want to share with you a few of my absolute favourite standalones. In my opinion, these are all worth a five-out-of-five-star rating. All the stars! All the joy! All the best!<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins</h3>
<div>
Wow, oh, wow. I recently read this and it is possibly my favourite book ever! The world inside the story was easy to picture; I felt like I was peering over the narrators' shoulders all the time. The story is told by three women that we learn have connected lives as the events unfold. The protagonist, Rachel, is the main narrator and she is 'The Girl on the Train'. Every morning and evening during the week she commutes to London and while doing so she always pays particular attention to a certain house she passes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Overall reading experience:</b> I had a hard time putting this one down. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
The Drowning of Arthur Braxton by Caroline Smailes</h3>
<div>
<a href="http://cupofteaandapen.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/book-review-drowning-of-arthur-braxton.html" target="_blank">I've actually done a review on this one which you can read at your leisure by clicking on any part of this sentence, go on, enjoy.</a> Anyway, this is one of those books that I really cannot compare with another. It was fantastic! This is an urban fairytale about a teenage boy who hides in an Edwardian bath house where things aren't all as they seem. Again, this one has a few narrators, but each voice has a different style and sometimes even format. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Overall reading experience:</b> I could quite easily read this over and over again. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer</h3>
<div>
The thing I love most about this is that you are told that the narrator's brother is dead as soon as he introduces him. But what you don't know is how his brother died. Nicely played, author, nicely played. It's written as if you are experiencing the main character's thought process. If he wants to think it, you read it. If he doesn't, you don't. The whole story feels very real rather than a work of fiction. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Overall reading experience: </b>I loved the characters and felt extremely involved with the story throughout. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What's your favourite standalone?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-86424096630347777332015-06-07T16:58:00.003+01:002015-11-08T16:26:22.265+00:00Becoming a Reading Activist <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuTBtRw-VQJAWncOhX_4AXYZ93Kr9U7bv8UJDX-QFY97K4EqY8Qms2Q6w4ptx8WqCMepme05maJakaxsMOCzQI6obS84JjEquIW-w0cqaBNUa_tsc2Q2WpkVBITJlSbKjjXrU-SRBxEcc/s1600/books_apple_free_photo-690x457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuTBtRw-VQJAWncOhX_4AXYZ93Kr9U7bv8UJDX-QFY97K4EqY8Qms2Q6w4ptx8WqCMepme05maJakaxsMOCzQI6obS84JjEquIW-w0cqaBNUa_tsc2Q2WpkVBITJlSbKjjXrU-SRBxEcc/s400/books_apple_free_photo-690x457.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Hello everyone,<br />
<br />
I want to talk about a scheme that's run across many of the public libraries in the UK. It's the Reading Agency's <b>Summer Reading Challenge</b><i>. </i>You may have heard of it before. You may have even participated in it.<br />
<br />
The challenge is aimed at 4-11 year olds and takes place over the summer holiday. The idea is that participating children read six books over the school holidays and get to play a bit of game alongside this! Did I mention that there are prizes involved, too? The theme for this year is <b>Record Breakers</b>, and you can find out more information <a href="http://readingagency.org.uk/children/quick-guides/summer-reading-challenge/" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
Now, it's likely that you're not between the ages mentioned above and cannot take part in the challenge. However, you do have the opportunity to <b>volunteer </b>as a reading activist who will help run the challenge. It is primarily aimed at 14-24 year olds to help build CVs but anyone who is above the age of the children participating can volunteer if they wish to. If this interests you, please check with your local library to see if they run the challenge and are in need of volunteers.<br />
<br />
One of the great things about volunteering for this is that is works around you. You choose when you want to volunteer and for how many hours. You can decide each week when you want to do it, or you can decide to commit to a couple of hours on the same day each week. My point is, by volunteering to help out you won't lose out on doing anything else you want to do over the summer. Most of the libraries will reward you with a certificate if you do over ten hours, and if you're doing two hours every day you do it then you only need to volunteer for five days.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
As a volunteer, you will have to greet children and their parents when they come to the library. You will then have to explain what the challenge is and encourage the children to enjoy reading. If the children are returning for their second or third visit, you will be expected to talk to them about what they have read and reward them with prizes provided. But you won't be alone! Before all of this happens you will be given a training session on what to do and throughout the challenge the library staff are always on hand to give you some extra help if needed.<br />
<br />
If volunteering for this does interest you, don't hesitate to get involved! Libraries need volunteers to be able to run this challenge and it makes reading enjoyable for children. A couple of hours a week really isn't much, is it? Please do ask for more information at your local library if you wish to get involved.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thank you for reading.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>If you have any questions, please comment below! </b></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-38530305415130803582015-05-17T16:00:00.000+01:002015-11-08T16:28:29.954+00:00Why I'm All For Paperbacks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFak44JT0SdLOLWX0WRqUlwD0mgDJ690QrWAKrmd1lUG2A0QO3uafJIJtsG_aaWXlsckpl3c5XiSTrew7O_60NbAuCfu51L5VK-_MQFZTZr49ZQ8fslwA4ZsGkioEY4Y3c39yhvm5MaGN/s1600/photo-1421338443272-0dde2463976a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFak44JT0SdLOLWX0WRqUlwD0mgDJ690QrWAKrmd1lUG2A0QO3uafJIJtsG_aaWXlsckpl3c5XiSTrew7O_60NbAuCfu51L5VK-_MQFZTZr49ZQ8fslwA4ZsGkioEY4Y3c39yhvm5MaGN/s640/photo-1421338443272-0dde2463976a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello,<br />
<br />
I've had this post idea for a while and in that time I have started to edge slightly towards hardcovers. Only slightly. It think it's because the corners don't bend as easily in my rucksack. Isn't that annoying? Anyway, I am still a paperback fan and these are my reasons why:<br />
<br />
<h4>
Lighter to carry</h4>
<div>
So you know I carry my books in my bag. That's not the only thing in my bag. I normally have folders and a huge bottle of water and it's just a delight to know that I can carry a book too without a lot more extra weight. And I always have a book with me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
No dust-jackets</h4>
<div>
This is my number one pet-peeve about hardcovers. The book bends one way and the dust-jacket goes the other, plus it slips. All. The. Time. (I normally end up just putting the dust-jacket aside until the book goes back onto the shelf once read). On the other hand, you've got your naked paper back. That's right, it's naked. It doesn't need to wear a jacket. It wears it's real cover out in the open for all eyes to see. What a beauty. </div>
<div>
I have a little story about dust-jackets on books. Have you heard of the <i>Gone </i>series by Michael Grant? Well, my copy of <i>Plague </i>was a hardcover and came with a dust-jacket. Yes, very nice and sophisticated. I take the dust-jacket off and the cover is upside down. Okay, okay, maybe the jacket was just on the wrong way, right? Right? No. The pages were the other way up from the cover! What?! Each time I read the book without the jacket it looked like I was reading it upside down!</div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<h4>
Cost</h4>
<div>
My book-budget is extremely limited. Usually paperbacks are cheaper than the hardcovers so it's obvious which one to go for - with the exception of newly released books which are almost always exclusive to hardcover for the first few months *sigh*. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Easier to get comfortable with</h4>
<div>
Now this is subjective to, well, everyone! Personally I find that I can curl up a hell of a load more easily with a paperback than with a hardcover. It may be because the covers are less stiff, or it could be because of something else. Whatever it is, I just find laying on my side in bed with a paperback works better.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thank you for reading!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Let me know below what you prefer in a book. </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-47610471214008929772015-05-10T16:11:00.002+01:002015-11-08T16:28:29.959+00:00Reading Positions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2UswgcLLhWQIToyuFF-badETOnVQ9wUn0rTtI4lLiDOtdsITU2OzWbGPmtG1LDul7kxjNnCztvHbCCLgRlY_kWGawF2HwKPKyoy4zR-q8Bjb6UAxeWw3ZIW08Wvj0IJVihhStRjurLTe/s1600/Matilda+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2UswgcLLhWQIToyuFF-badETOnVQ9wUn0rTtI4lLiDOtdsITU2OzWbGPmtG1LDul7kxjNnCztvHbCCLgRlY_kWGawF2HwKPKyoy4zR-q8Bjb6UAxeWw3ZIW08Wvj0IJVihhStRjurLTe/s640/Matilda+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawing by Quentin Blake, from <i>Matilda</i> by Roald Dahl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hello,<br />
<br />
This is a bit of a list/discussion post. We all know how hard it is to find the <i>perfect </i>reading position and be able to maintain it for however long it takes us to put the book in question down. Seriously, it's near impossible. You lay down in bed with your reading companion in hand, and five minutes later you're tossing and turning all over the place to get comfortable <i>again</i>!<br />
<br />
This post is inspired by the illustrations by Quentin Blake in my favourite<i> </i>childhood book, <i>Matilda </i>by Roald Dahl. Leave me a comment below if you also adored this as a child.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
1. The laying-in-bed style</h4>
<div>
Ohhhh yeah! That classic reading before sleeping position. Sounds like heaven. That is, until your arms hurt! Try laying on your side and half your face gets squished and you can't see one side of the book (even worse if you wear glasses and end up with half a skull of agony!). We've all been there, haven't we? Like every single night until our eyelids force themselves shut.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUWV1XkwcLUaUIbqR54_kr2qumOM2cEeVhADue0unghRobIbYhcG8RSuFOZj_M4boXoaoUkM8r25NKQvHb6o1laCyduTMX_IMLVeguBK26vrUjdKxZeu-6FZ-2Mziep2tV6aefZbqG537/s1600/Matilda+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUWV1XkwcLUaUIbqR54_kr2qumOM2cEeVhADue0unghRobIbYhcG8RSuFOZj_M4boXoaoUkM8r25NKQvHb6o1laCyduTMX_IMLVeguBK26vrUjdKxZeu-6FZ-2Mziep2tV6aefZbqG537/s320/Matilda+2.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <i>Matilda</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<h4>
2. The sitting-in-the-armchair/sofa style</h4>
<div>
We do sometimes venture out of the comfort of our little nests (bedrooms) to read. The television sometimes come on as we are definitely certain that we can multi-task. Yes, fab. Totally works... nope. Our legs are usually curled up underneath us while we devour about a hundred pages because, let's face it, this reading position means business! You don't go into this kind of reading-position without a trusty cup of tea and some kind of fuel a.k.a. snacks and plenty of them.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwEdc9EqXR_eXCy7WvRN7nXlNIENc8_egZzGHr2VYSIZT_7UsRYo8neSrRqsJ52o6y9nr1dhipjbaWmEq7hlVTlAVwf1zbuH02Gaigm0OWl4ToY0ONwjM3gs8vKpqLyospvlihwjt0xN-/s1600/Matilda+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwEdc9EqXR_eXCy7WvRN7nXlNIENc8_egZzGHr2VYSIZT_7UsRYo8neSrRqsJ52o6y9nr1dhipjbaWmEq7hlVTlAVwf1zbuH02Gaigm0OWl4ToY0ONwjM3gs8vKpqLyospvlihwjt0xN-/s400/Matilda+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <i>Matilda</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
3. The leaning-on-the-elbows style</h4>
<div>
This one never works out for long, does it? It's the to-go-to position when all else fails and it works right up until you need to turn the page. Bam! You face-plant the book every time, *sigh*. This is when we envy those with e-books because they just don't understand. But that's not enough to convert you. It'll never be enough. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEV6pPoboBpPHvhFdHiWEYbuYRX6xQEVY2NaWlISDBqtVA0wI6eMhUsUW5oPcMuwoATPCgA-YT0tOWM2sYoWtTe0funWpD0VN4WOS7lF3SYeWtZCZcEQ94otjmAMwnHaZBylDxDSfcbhv/s1600/Matilda+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEV6pPoboBpPHvhFdHiWEYbuYRX6xQEVY2NaWlISDBqtVA0wI6eMhUsUW5oPcMuwoATPCgA-YT0tOWM2sYoWtTe0funWpD0VN4WOS7lF3SYeWtZCZcEQ94otjmAMwnHaZBylDxDSfcbhv/s320/Matilda+3.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. The solid-and-slightly-uncomfortable-chair position</h4>
<div>
Let's face it, this is for some seriously concentrated reading. It's the kind you do in school. It says "don't disturb me". But it's hard to enjoy any book when you're sat like this. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>My favourite is definitely the second one.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Comment below what you favourite is, and thank you for reading!</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-55512631136821197332015-05-03T16:02:00.002+01:002015-11-08T16:37:53.242+00:00Book Review: Cleo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/netgalley-covers/cover60613-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/netgalley-covers/cover60613-medium.png" width="208" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Author:</b> Lucy Coats<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> 2/5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Publication date:</b> May 7th 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was so looking forward to this and was extremely
disappointed. I've never read historical Egyptian fiction before so my mind was
completely open to the idea of it. Cleo is a modern twist on this and I will
definitely not be basing my idea of the genre off of this one novel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"Her precious mother is dead - and it isn't an
accident! The young Cleopatra - Pharaoh's illegitimate daughter - must flee the
royal palace at Alexandria or die too. As her evil half-sisters usurp the
throne, Cleo finds sanctuary at the sacred temple of Isis, where years later
she becomes initiated into the secret Sisters of the Living Knot. But now
Isis's power is failing, Egypt is in danger, and Cleo must prove her loyalty to
her goddess by returning to the Alexandria she hates. She must seek out the
hidden map which is the key to returning Isis's power - on pain of death. But
will she be able to evade her horrible sisters? And will she find dreamy Khai,
the über-hot Librarian boy she met as she fled Alexandria years before? Cleo's powerful
destiny is about to unfold..."</i> (From Goodreads)</div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found the plot incredibly anti-climatic. There's this
initiation type thing concerning the character Cleo and the Goddess Isis. Now,
it was set up in a very you either live or die way and yet the result was kind
of brushed off as if it wasn't much of a big deal. It should have been a big
deal! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also struggled to connect with Cleo as a narrator. I found
myself wanting her friend Charm to join the scene to make my reading experience
slightly more enjoyable. I don't know whether it was because the voice of
Cleopatra was used in a teen character or something else that makes me dislike
Cleo. I just don't know. She was difficult to sympathise with. In the story she
suffers from the loss of people she loves but somehow forgets about them quite
easily.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This book is the first in a planned trilogy and is the
ending quite obviously sets up for this as there is no real concluding chapter.
I think there is potential for the next books to be more engaging than this one
but I can't see myself reading them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, I liked the ideas behind the story but, for me, it
just didn't work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thank you for reading!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-4242317959999349942015-04-26T16:00:00.000+01:002015-11-08T16:30:05.304+00:00Book Review: All I Know Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1419013055l/22232035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1419013055l/22232035.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<b>Author: </b>Carrie Hope Fletcher<br />
<b>Rating: </b>5/5<br />
<br />
<br />
Blimey! This is such a fantastic read! While reading I felt like I was genuinely sitting down with Carrie, having a cup of tea and a chat about the ups and downs of life with a bunch of comical anecdotes tagged on.<br />
<br />
<i>All I Know Now </i>is a manual for those in the 'Teen Age' who need an Honorary Big Sister to help guide them through life based on said sister's experiences. The sister, in this case, being Carrie.<br />
<br />
The book itself is split into eight acts, each of which are based on a particular subject such as the Internet and Turning That Frown Upside Down. I thought this made the book extra fun compared to the standard chapter-per-subject idea. (It's also rather fitting considering that Carrie <i>is </i>Eponine of <i>Les Mierables.</i>)<br />
<br />
The thing I <i>loved </i>about this was that it didn't feel like some flawless pro-at-life was dictating how to go about being a person. Carrie's filled this with anecdotes from her not perfect but incredibly amusing Teen Age and reflected on how she sees herself now. That's it. She is giving advice to her younger self that may help you. She doesn't sit down and say 'right, here's what I think and you better jolly well do this'. She simply explains how she thinks positivity helps and gives ideas based on her own experiences. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Some of you may think this is just another Youtuber 'claiming' to have written a book completely by themselves, but<b> </b>it's not. It's not ghostwritten and a while back Carrie stated that the writing and the drawings are all her own (<a href="http://carriehopefletcher.com/FAQ" target="_blank">see this post for more information</a>). On the topic of books by Youtubers, most of those who are or have brought out books have based them off of what they talk about on their channel (obviously there are a few exceptions).<br />
<br />
But back to <i>All I Know Now: </i>it's definitely worth reading even if you're not in the target audience of those entering the Teen Age. There's this great page at the end of the first part of act one on dealing with stressful situations which I just wanted to tear out and stick on my wall because it's so helpful (I didn't because, you know, that would ruin the book). On top of this there is 'Props section' at the back of the book which gives telephone numbers and websites to use for expert help - I thought this was really thoughtful because the list is huge!<br />
<br />
On an endnote, I highly recommend you give this a read. It doesn't have to be read all in one go. If you find you just need one section, then just give that one section a read! It's a book that you'll keep coming back to whenever you need some comforting advice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thank you for reading!</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-51444958929768987182015-04-19T16:00:00.000+01:002015-11-08T16:28:29.963+00:00My Current TBR Pile (April 2015)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbW2GOCL002_n6KDNgcXc-gy9gLYamWEfM4kLKgTMeij8IBm04_L1PaqjQKuhcZKUH6LzmPXqXWT54W1ms3BSiIJobHnCM7c09PBS0FCeLTQU8sMUapvR0e-QcK3KtWlL_czr5hyphenhyphengsCAxH/s1600/TBR+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbW2GOCL002_n6KDNgcXc-gy9gLYamWEfM4kLKgTMeij8IBm04_L1PaqjQKuhcZKUH6LzmPXqXWT54W1ms3BSiIJobHnCM7c09PBS0FCeLTQU8sMUapvR0e-QcK3KtWlL_czr5hyphenhyphengsCAxH/s1600/TBR+post.jpg" title="" width="700" /></a></div>
<br />
My TBR pile is beginning to dwindle as it feels like forever since I last bought any new books. Some of the books I have to read are ones I've owned <b>forever </b>but just haven't gotten around to reading yet because other, more exciting, books fall into my hands.<br />
<br />
<h4>
1. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte</h4>
<div>
Confession: I haven't read this before. I know, I know. I should have read it by now, but I just haven't. While we're here, I'm also going to admit to not having read any Jane Austen novels yet either. And swiftly moving on...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
2. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan</h4>
<div>
I picked this up at the beginning of the year because my friend was reading it and suggested it to me. It involves a scavenger hunt surrounding books from what I can tell from the synopsis, plus a love story.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
3. Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick</h4>
<div>
I read the first two <i>Hush Hush </i>books last year but decided to take a slight break from them to read other things. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the series - because I did. I enjoyed it a <i>lot. </i>I just wanted to read other things before returning to these books.</div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<h4>
4. Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick</h4>
<div>
Pretty self explanatory, eh? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
5. Light by Michael Grant</h4>
<div>
Another series I need to finish! I'm reluctant to start reading this though as it's been a while since I read the <i>Gone </i>series and wasn't the biggest fan of the story. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
6. The Humans by Matt Haig</h4>
<div>
This is one I really want to read! I mean <i>really, really </i>read. You know those certain books that you <i>always </i>pick up in the bookshop but can' quite justify splurging out on it yet? This was that book! I would pick it up each time and read the synopsis on the back but never actually purchase it. I keep meaning to read it and I would be reading it right now if I didn't have books for re-read for my literature class. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
7. Every Day by David Levithan</h4>
<div>
This is a book almost everyone I know has read. It's about a character that wakes up each morning in a different body but can't get attached to this person's life. I've read mixed reviews but I think it'll be one of those books I either end up loving or hating.<br />
<br /></div>
<h4>
8. One Day by David Nicholls</h4>
<div>
Again, this is a book everyone has read but me. I've also somehow managed to stay away from the film. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
9. The View on the Way Down by Rebecca Wait</h4>
<div>
Now, this seems to be slightly similar to <i>We are all Completely Beside Ourselves </i>by Karen Joy Fowler, which I really did not like. But the title sold me for this book. It has so many possible meanings that I just want to find out what happens in the story!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thank you for reading!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Leave a comment telling me what you're reading at the moment/what's on your TBR list.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-67426817263407019612015-04-12T17:00:00.000+01:002015-11-08T16:30:05.329+00:00Book Review: Bomb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1424706032l/23604128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1424706032l/23604128.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<b>Author: </b>Sarah Mussi<br />
<b>Rating: </b>3/5<br />
<b>Publication date: </b>May 7th 2015<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">When Genesis goes on an internet date she is only anxious that this latest guy won't be 'The One'. She's not at all worried about meeting a dodgy bloke or getting in too deep. And when her date appears she texts her best mate, Jackson, to let him know that she thinks this time, he just might be 'The One'. And he texts her back with a huge: I LIKE.</span></i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">It's the one all right. But not in the way she expects.</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">For when Genesis wakes up the next day, she can't remember a thing. She can't remember where she is, or how she got there. And she can hardly move because she is strapped into some kind of body armour ... and then a voice sounds in her head: 'Get on to the 37 going north. You are strapped to a vest made entirely of explosives. At the push of one button I can detonate you right where you stand.'</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><i>To her horror, Genesis has become an agent of mass destruction. The countdown to detonation begins now... </i>(taken from Goodreads).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">I received <i>Bomb </i>through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and I think it may have been a draft edition due to my copy being 100 pages over what is stated on Goodreads. I'm hoping that this condensed version is a lot more gripping than what I read. I felt that some parts were extremely gripping but the whole novel lacked this on a whole. Some chapters were very much there purely for transition. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The themes of <i>Bomb </i>revolve around terrorism and radicalisation but from a victim's point of view. The scary thing was, the victim was an ordinary teenage girl. It was easy to relate to her, which made the whole plot more terrifying as we are able to put ourselves in her position. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">There was one thing I did not like about the narrator and that was her love for coming up with metaphors for life at the oddest of places. She was obsessed with applying literary ideas to everything despite being in a life-threatening situation. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The classic YA love-triangle cropped up in this. You know, the one where the girl loves the guy who puts her in danger whilst the good guy is constantly trying to help her but she doesn't realise until quite some time later. I found myself sympathising with the good guy more than I did for the narrator. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The main story takes place under twenty four hours! It wasn't until I finished it that I thought about that more. If you need the scene setting more without giving away any spoilers, this is the time period for a mission in connection to the terror group. I think the beginning of the novel was extremely dragged out up until twelve o'clock when time seems to just slip away within the story as the final deadline is within reach. For me, that's when the real action began!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Overall, I recommend this for those who are interested in the themes that crop up throughout the novel. It's definitely not for everybody purely because of how realistic the situation could be.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Thank you for reading.</span></span></h4>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-64241802456604797952015-04-05T16:00:00.000+01:002015-11-08T16:14:06.229+00:00Liebster Award Nomination! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqsMuUNNennL7BHuRHO3Rp4OCNv5Xg6uL0UK3B6waI5Mz_thGQulIH2f1RY9V-CqevknXDLxLICQ_HNL1g1QMB2ujwTD5adgd3vVqM0eKEo4R3j8dIAEEN9TW6xzeeRvX8mYjR7i4Qqkx/s1600/Tea+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqsMuUNNennL7BHuRHO3Rp4OCNv5Xg6uL0UK3B6waI5Mz_thGQulIH2f1RY9V-CqevknXDLxLICQ_HNL1g1QMB2ujwTD5adgd3vVqM0eKEo4R3j8dIAEEN9TW6xzeeRvX8mYjR7i4Qqkx/s1600/Tea+book.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://i0.wp.com/www.foundsomepaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/liebsteraward.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i0.wp.com/www.foundsomepaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/liebsteraward.png" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
This a bit of a personal, get-to-know-me kind of post. Recently <a href="http://www.foundsomepaper.com/" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Found Some Paper</a><span style="text-align: start;"> did a similar post and tagged me to answer some questions of her own (ah, exciting!). You can click </span><a href="http://www.foundsomepaper.com/found-another-nomination-in-my-inbox/" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="text-align: start;"> if you want to have a little browse through her post. </span><br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
So, here are the questions I have been asked by Uli.</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">1. What’s your favourite movie of all time?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Is it bad that I don't have an answer to this? My movie-favourite is changing constantly. I think I love a film until I watch another film and instantly have the urge to persuade everyone and anyone into watching it! Just give me all the movies and all the time to watch them! But if I <i>have </i>to pick just one I'll go for Matilda (sorry other favourite films). Matilda is a film I've <i>loved </i>watching since around the age of nine. I read the book countless times as a child and it was probably my favourite childhood story of all time, too. I remember watching the film one time when I was home from school feeling ill and watching the Bruce Bogtrotter cake eating scene really didn't help - it's safe to say I didn't watch it for a while after that. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">2. When was the last time you sent a postcard or letter?</span></span><br />
Uhm... ah... oo... not for a while, maybe? I think the pile of Eeyore envelopes collecting dust in my drawer say a lot in answer to this... *awkward laugh*. In all honesty most of the people I need to talk to I see every week, whether that's in college, at home or just by meeting up.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">3. What’s your biggest achievement?</span></span><br />
Starting this blog was an achievement. "Should I?" and "maybe not" were spinning round my head like crazy beforehand until I just hit the button to create it.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">4. Who is your regular inspiration?</span></span><br />
One of my closest friends. If you ever need a definition of creative I will just hand her to you.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">5. Which Instagram account should I follow?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">*scrolls through Instagram feed vigorously*. And the result is (feel free to drum roll): ALibraryForAries! If you love books and just looking at books all day every day... hit the follow button!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">6. What flowers would you send a friend?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Lilies.. My flower knowledge sucks so this is a really badly informed decision. Plus my friends would definitely prefer some kind of food or cinema trip. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">7. What’s the best Pinterest board you followed and why?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">"I don't use Pinterest," she murmurs. Gah! The horror! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">8. Which app would you recommend except the usual social suspects?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Duolingo. This is your language learning holy grail. Not much more needs to be said.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">9. If you compare yourself with a city which one would it be and why?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Why is this so hard?! I want to say Stockholm: a variety of moods and general intrigue. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">10. What’s your beauty secret?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Ditch all the beauty-doolally and use the time to do something you enjoy (unless you enjoy the beauty-doolally. In that case you can ignore what I just said). I know for some people this seems like a big no no, not in a billion years, but do you really need to spend those thirty minutes perfecting the art of make-up every day? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">11. Where in your home country should your friends travel to?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">So I live in England, or the United Kingdom if you want to widen the scope out some more. I have barely travelled anywhere other than my home town, London and some parts of Essex in my nearly-seventeen years of living. Try Brighton. You've got your seaside with a pier and the town/city area with lanes full of independent shops including a number of book shops.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><b>I nominate</b>: </span><a href="http://craftyfoxuk.blogspot.co.uk/" style="line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">The Crafty Fox</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"> | </span><a href="http://liveitcolorfully.blogspot.co.uk/" style="line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">Live It Colorfully</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"> | <a href="http://youngladyexplorer.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Misadventures of a Globetrotter in Training</a> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><b>And these are my questions:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">1. If you recommend one perspective-changing book, what would it be?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">2. What is the best piece of advice you have ever been told?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">3. If you had to create a bucket list right now, what would be the first thing on it?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">4. Night or morning person?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">5. If you could be any character in the land of fiction, who would you be and why?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">6. We're in The Purge! What do you do?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">7. What is one unusual thing you can do?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">8. Do you play an instrument? Do tell!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">9. What three words describe you best?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">10. If you were a film, what genre would you be?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">11. What is your idea of a perfect day?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><b>If you do complete the tag, let me know in the comments leaving a link.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Thank you reading! </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-14969028161749154002015-04-02T16:00:00.000+01:002015-11-08T16:14:18.508+00:00Exam Panic: REMAIN CALM!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW78LGxFAFcoX4YB0l1mjd4i736UIa55lyMMKewCoxX0PIHJPovUvLA7GbGpE-ZIm4OWyLwkJv2Th2hN1QHXiWHEF8cTjWVndtTHUgua3b76KTkQOWLxTwA8vBTncYLcYHDvzhAcGY7Nqe/s1600/Exam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW78LGxFAFcoX4YB0l1mjd4i736UIa55lyMMKewCoxX0PIHJPovUvLA7GbGpE-ZIm4OWyLwkJv2Th2hN1QHXiWHEF8cTjWVndtTHUgua3b76KTkQOWLxTwA8vBTncYLcYHDvzhAcGY7Nqe/s1600/Exam.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
It's that time of year again when those of us with exams approaching start to panic as everyone around us seems to have already started revising. Have you started yet?<br />
<br />
Luckily I only have four exams this year but there is an awful lot of things of remember: every single little feature of ten pieces for Music (why, oh why, is there no scores or tracks in the exam for these?) plus general theory; a bunch of case studies with theorists, key scenes and characters for Media Studies; quotes, criticisms and terminology for Literature; frameworks, theorists and concepts for English Language.<br />
<br />
So here a few tips that I use to make it all seem feasible.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h4>
<b>Flashcards</b></h4>
<div>
Who knew small pieces of paper can be such lifesavers? Condense an entire year's worth of studying onto a few cards and suddenly it seems as if there isn't quite so much to remember! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Posters</h4>
<div>
This one is quite the handy trick if you have a subject broken into modules or topics. You can fit an entire topic onto one A3 sheet of paper, stick it up on your bedroom wall and it's in your sight almost all the time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Textbooks / Class Resources</h4>
If you know there is an affordable revision guide or textbook out there, get it! Most of the time exam boards publish specific ones for their courses, which means you know exactly what they want you to know for the exam. Although, sometimes this isn't always possible so that's where class resources comes in. It's always a good idea to make your notes useful in class so most of the work is done for you. Your school might have an online site with folders containing powerpoints and everything else - use it! Use it all!<br />
<br />
<h4>
All The Colours!</h4>
<div>
Don't write all your revision in boring black and blue pens. Get some funky coloured pens to make you look at your revision more. Try highlighting keywords to make them stand out. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
<b>Re-reading</b></h4>
<div>
You might think you know your texts inside out but there's always something to find when you re-read. This goes for re-watching or re-consuming texts such as films and magazines for media-related courses, too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Mark Schemes</h4>
<div>
Find out exactly what the examiners are looking for. Even the subjective subjects have specific things to catch you out on. I recently found out that for Literature, there are specific terms that have to be used to get the higher grades. Sometimes there will be little things that you never get told in class but will get caught out on - it can be easier to find out for yourself.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Comment below with what you do during this period of year.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thank you for reading! </b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-36379749551160563552015-03-29T16:00:00.000+01:002015-11-08T16:30:05.299+00:00Book Review: The Night Circus<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1427123087l/13611052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1427123087l/13611052.jpg" width="209" /></a><b>Author: </b>Erin Morgenstern<br />
<b>Rating: </b>5/5<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>THE CIRCUS ARRIVES </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>WITHOUT WARNING. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>NO ANNOUNCEMENTS </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>PRECEDE IT... </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>IT IS SIMPLY THERE, WHEN </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>YESTERDAY IT WAS NOT.</i></div>
<i><br /></i>
Now that's an enigmatic synopsis if ever I read one! The Night Circus takes place over more than two decades around the beginning of the 20th century. Expect some Gothic codes as we are in the heart of Victorian England. Note: pay attention to those dates at the top of each chapter otherwise you will be lost time-wise in this world.<br />
<br />
The main concept is that there is a game. A game that started when six year old Celia Bowen was given back to her father, Prospero the Enchanter (and yes, that Shakespeare reference is intended and Prospero does try to call her Miranda). The opposing contender is called upon by a mysterious man in a grey suit who presents Marco. The game itself is unknown to both the players and us as readers throughout most of the novel. We know, and they know, that there is a game. But neither us know what that game is or when it will happen.<br />
<br />
The circus itself is there venue for the game, although that is not its only function; it is a fully running circus full of illusionists, contortionists and alike. The circus is the central point for all the individual vines of plot to congregate and join together. This was something I adored about the book because there was always something happening even if it was the subtlest thing!<br />
<br />
If you're looking for a plot-driven and fast-paced read then this may not be quite for you. <i>The Night Circus </i>requires dedication to read as it's not one of those books you can just read a chapter of and stop. You really need to sit down for a couple of hours and read a hundred or so pages to appreciate what is going on. Each and every detail is described to pull you into the world (you even get to taste the food, it's that great).<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
The book starts off in second person but is, for the most part, written in third person. All I can add is that it is beautifully written! Words cannot describe how spectacular the world inside this book is. If you feel even the slightest bit pulled into this world already, for the love of God just PICK IT UP!!<br />
<br />
So rating wise, <i>The Night Circus </i>has my full five out of five approval. In case you can't already tell, I <b>loved </b>it. This is a truly enchanting read by Erin Morgenstern.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you so much for reading.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me know your thoughts on <i>The Night Circus</i>, and if you have any book recommendations.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I look forward to reading your lovely comments. :) </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-53791545553769782142015-03-22T16:00:00.000+00:002015-11-08T16:14:45.067+00:00Film Review: Insurgent <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97Rm23Fagk3Do-fWKdtK22ObvfiA1aSgMFXM7nrKnq4HN9HAFQTrvL4nVwMIyHNm_4K9H6Ci9C8U6kLb9wasH7LDpi-hOeiTJRdvAlCD8jEFVtmyMCTi2zFYwEQexe1WtHxRO2Dn1447u/s1600/rs_560x348-141028145800-1024.The-Divergent-Series-Insurgent.ms.102814_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97Rm23Fagk3Do-fWKdtK22ObvfiA1aSgMFXM7nrKnq4HN9HAFQTrvL4nVwMIyHNm_4K9H6Ci9C8U6kLb9wasH7LDpi-hOeiTJRdvAlCD8jEFVtmyMCTi2zFYwEQexe1WtHxRO2Dn1447u/s1600/rs_560x348-141028145800-1024.The-Divergent-Series-Insurgent.ms.102814_copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello,<br />
<br />
I have now seen <i>Insurgent </i>twice. The first time was on Thursday (19th March) for a 2D screening, and then I returned to the cinema with a new ticket in hand for the 3D screening yesterday (21st March).<br />
<br />
Just to set the scene for you, the Insurgent film picks up a few days later from where the Divergent film ended (in the books, there was no time shift). Tris and Four (and Caleb) are seeking refuge in Amity whilst she finds herself suffering over the deaths of her parents and Will.<br />
<br />
There are mixed reviews about Insurgent out there but I definitely think it was a huge step up from the first film. The main thing that stood out for me was set design. In <i>Divergent </i>I felt that the Dauntless compound was kind of pathetic: there was zero life and it didn't stand out whatsoever. In <i>Insurgent, </i>Erudite, Candor and Amity were all so unique and distinct from each other but also stood out.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
However, on the subject of set design I want to address one prop in particular. What was that weird "Divergent" scanner thing? Seriously, the concept made zero sense. The Dauntless-Erudite went around scanning people but it registered factions for those who weren't Divergent. Surely it would register a Divergent such as Tris as Dauntless. And why on earth could they work out the "percentage" of a Divergent? In my opinion the concept was completely blurred. If it said Divergents were Divergent then it shouldn't have registered the rest of Amity <i>as </i>Amity since everyone has a choice of faction regardless of what the aptitude test says.<br />
<br />
The strongest scene (in my opinion) was the truth serum scene at Candor. Theo James changed emotions just by his eyes and Shailene Woodley finally got a chance to fully show some post traumatic stress. But as all us book readers know, a big part of this scene in the book was the relationship between Tris and Christina being tested. The film barely even touched on this! First of all, Tris has no issue using a gun throughout the entire film, and the only drama surrounding her admitting to killing Will was Christina refusing the look at her for one scene.<br />
<br />
I also want to talk about the film forgetting that most of the characters existed. So remember Uriah, Marlene and Lynn having a small love-triangle type thing going on in the book? This wasn't even in the film. I suppose the casting of the first film can be held responsible because if they featured in <i>Divergent</i> they would have already been introduced for <i>Insurgent</i>. But Marlene doesn't even speak in the film until she's under simulation control before plunging off a ledge in factionless to her ultimate death. Lynn is in it a little more but I'm not entirely sure the film actually mentioned her name. Meanwhile, Uriah has only one main scene which is in Candor. Also, most of the faction leaders were visited just once. Even Eric is cast aside quite quickly (I keep forgetting that he was even shot in the film).<br />
<br />
Tris, Four, Caleb, Peter, and Jeanine are the main five characters and are actually used. I felt that Miles Teller stole the film as Peter and shone out with his snippets of humour here and there. Theo James was brilliant as Four considering the quality of dialogue he was scripted. Also on the script, Kate Winslet as Jeanine wasn't really given any intelligent lines considering she is Erudite and the antagonist of the plot.<br />
<br />
I liked the concept of the box. Some people didn't but for a film I felt that it helped build up tension. The idea behind it is that a Divergent has to pass all five simulations (the sims of each faction) in order to open it. The weird snaky wire things were kind of disturbing as they suspended the Divergent in mid air in order for them to move around in the simulation (as if in a fear landscape). At first we saw a Divergent from Amity trying to open the box until they bled to death which in my opinion portrayed the cruelty of Jeanine really well. And then Tris is used as she is the "100% Divergent" who is the strongest.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lionsgate.com/uploads/cache/ff/52/ff522e48a46d1b88d4501de787e9400e.jpg?1426977177355" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lionsgate.com/uploads/cache/ff/52/ff522e48a46d1b88d4501de787e9400e.jpg?1426977177355" height="400" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.lionsgate.com/movies/insurgent/" target="_blank">Source</a>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overall, I think book fans will either love or loathe this adaptation. I quite liked it myself but felt that it could have worked a <i>lot </i>better. I don't know how they are planning on splitting Allegiant into two films since they used a few things from the third book in this film and there isn't enough material for two films.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for reading!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please leave a comment below giving your thoughts on the film and if you preferred it to the first film.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-17313979514015108802015-03-15T16:00:00.000+00:002015-11-08T16:30:05.287+00:00Book Review: Mind Games<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412859256l/18664167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412859256l/18664167.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<b>Author: </b>Teri Terry<br />
<b>Rating: </b>4/5<br />
<br />
Mind Games is a dystopian thriller which takes the idea of living virtually to the extreme. With a theme of "what makes you different makes you dangerous" it is perfect for fans of Veronica Roth's <i>Divergent </i>series.<br />
<br />
<i>"Luna has always been able to exist in virtual and real worlds at the same time, a secret she is warned to keep. She hides her ability by being a Refuser: excluded by choice from the virtual spheres others inhabit.</i><br />
<i>But when she is singled out for testing, she can't hide any longer.</i><br />
<i>The safest thing to do would be to fail, to go back to a dead-end life, no future. But Luna is starting to hope for something better, and hope is a dangerous thing..." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I received an uncorrected proof copy through <i>Goodreads</i> so my opinion is not based on the final version of the novel. Also it's worth mentioning that Teri Terry is the author of the well-known <i>Slated </i>series, and there are some allusions to this in <i>Mind Games.</i><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
I really enjoyed reading this book! Terry positions us as the reader in a privileged position so we get clued into other characters' motives before Luna understands what is going on around her, but she does this without spoiling climatic points. For instance, time is a big theme and the narrative toys with changing time so that we - as readers - are given glimpses of the future (and even the past) before Luna's personal clock catches up with us. This was something I loved about the book as I was able to completely transport myself into the story cinematically, which helped me to visualise the world in my mind.<br />
<i><br /></i>
If you're someone who reads the first line of a book to decide whether to continue reading or not, please don't do this with <i>Mind Games</i>!<i> </i>The first line - at least in my copy - is about school and I'm not a fan of books set in schools with the usual drama going on. But wait! Only the first few chapters of <i>Mind Games </i>are set in/around school and barely even touch the usual expectations. I mean, the opening is about hacking into virtual code! Keep reading, you'll enjoy it... trust me.<br />
<br />
The scary thing about the concept of the book is that it <i>is</i> entirely plausible (ahhh)! Most of the virtual-reality lovers around Luna have a mantra that "virtual is better" and hold this belief because there is less danger in something that isn't real (at least, as far as they know). Is it possible for some crazy-scientist to do this with the internet in the future? The internet may be great but I sure as hell don't want to be trapped in it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for reading! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me know in the comments what you think of <i>Mind Games</i> and also any book recommendations you may have.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-66796417207970514242015-03-08T16:00:00.000+00:002015-11-08T16:30:05.324+00:00Book Review: Portal 24<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/netgalley-covers/cover58436-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/netgalley-covers/cover58436-medium.png" width="213" /><strong></strong></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: left;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div>
<strong><strong>Author: </strong>Meredith Stroud</strong></div>
<div>
<strong><strong>Rating: </strong><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">★★★☆</span></span><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">☆</span></strong></div>
<br />
<i>Portal 24 </i>is a Young Adult sci-fi novel which plays with the idea of time travel. The story is set around the life of teenage con-artist, Darius, in the city of Memphis. On the hot streets he cheats tourists out of their money to make a living for himself. When a mysterious woman starts following him in her car he thinks he might just have been caught for his trickery, but she turns out to be quite the opposite. She comes with a dangerous message and offers to recruit Darius into the world of Project Oberon - an organisation capable of time-travel in order to save disasters. Though there is a limit to their time travelling: they can only go back by twenty four hours and then time is up.<br />
<br />
After having a read through <em>Portal 24 </em>I had mixed feelings over the plot. I thought some aspects were intriguing whilst I felt other aspects could have been further explored. In my opinion, some of the supporting characters such as Constance, Leon and Malik could have been further developed because by the end of the book we still don't know a great deal about them other than their fighting abilities.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
The whole concept of Project Oberon and time-travel came across perfectly in the book. The time-travel involves one huge action-packed climatic experience for the reader which I really enjoyed. I especially liked that the chapters towards the end all included a countdown from twenty-four hours which turned the suspense right up!<br />
<br />
However, I did feel that some things were missing and this led to parts of the story becoming confusing. Only Darius and Bianca's past experiences ever seemed to get returned to and I would have liked to discovered more about Oberon's base before they all got sent out on the mission.<br />
<br />
This book is definitely <b>aimed at younger teens</b> who have only just started to get into reading Young Adult fiction. It's a nice, quick and easy read for those of us looking for something to read between heavy-going books.<br />
<br />
Overall, I think you have to really love the sci-fi side of the story to be able to truly dive into the world of <i>Portal 24. </i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for reading.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me know in the comments if you have read or are considering reading <i>Portal 24.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-61321125841645437032015-03-01T16:00:00.000+00:002015-11-08T16:28:29.968+00:00Inside Out (Book Tag)<div>
<span style="background-color: white;">This week I have a book tag coming at you. It was originally created by Booktuber <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9Oeeqp2174" target="_blank">MathomBooks</a>, and it's an acronym style tag.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://ununsplash.imgix.net/3/alejandroescamilla-book.jpg?q=75&fm=jpg&s=5785df5fc93cbfcc094ae9e162a16eaa" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://ununsplash.imgix.net/3/alejandroescamilla-book.jpg?q=75&fm=jpg&s=5785df5fc93cbfcc094ae9e162a16eaa" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<h4>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>nside flap/Back of the book summaries: Too much info? Or not enough? (Discuss)</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">Not enough! What is this trend of just slapping reviews on the back cover? It's great that so-and-so thought it was flipping marvellous but that tells me nothing about the story. I want to know what happens, the name of the character, what the world is like! The book shop might say it's a thriller but is it? Is it really? What kind of thriller is it? Someone give me a summary and tell me! </span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://38.media.tumblr.com/f15c4bc53ab94832e1b8746ae39f8677/tumblr_mtob0hZP6b1qlariio1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://38.media.tumblr.com/f15c4bc53ab94832e1b8746ae39f8677/tumblr_mtob0hZP6b1qlariio1_500.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">[<a href="http://litreactor.tumblr.com/post/62664526451/books-to-the-ceiling-books-to-the-sky-my-pile" target="_blank">Source</a>]</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">N</span>ew book: What form do you want it in? Be honest: Audiobook, E-Book, Paperback, or Hardcover?</span></span></h4>
<span style="background-color: white;">Paperbacks, always. Hardbacks are great but I have zero muscles; those things get heavy after a while. Meanwhile, you've got your paperback. It's easier to hold, easier to carry, and easier all round (I feel like a paperback salesperson). </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://38.media.tumblr.com/8402b43b302baa122e780c9e34c6cf31/tumblr_ngxwaudvfj1qb2fy6o1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://38.media.tumblr.com/8402b43b302baa122e780c9e34c6cf31/tumblr_ngxwaudvfj1qb2fy6o1_500.gif" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">[<a href="http://bumblebookbees.tumblr.com/post/105780828052" target="_blank">Source</a>]</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>cribble while you read? Do you like to write in your books, taking notes, making comments, or do you keep your books clean clean clean? (Tell us why).</span></span></h4>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">What?! In the book? NO, NO, NO! Again, no! Books already have words in them, beautifully crafted pieces of prose; why would you add more? If I have a dying need to take notes I'll scribble them into a notebook or on a random piece of paper, never in the actual book. I don't even write in the books I have to study for class (I kind of can't since I have to take them into an exam, but that's not the point). </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 17px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://38.media.tumblr.com/5dd2eca5b2225007fac79ffc295dd4a6/tumblr_n2ypf6JDkx1t6j8cso1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://38.media.tumblr.com/5dd2eca5b2225007fac79ffc295dd4a6/tumblr_n2ypf6JDkx1t6j8cso1_500.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://schoolistheworst.tumblr.com/post/80616764118" target="_blank">Source</a>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; line-height: 17px;">I</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">n your best voice, read for us your </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px;">favourite</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"> first sentence from a book.</span></span></span></h4>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">Not going to lie, I searched through all my books while writing this post to decide what my answer was. I found two lines that I adored and these were from: <i>Dash & Lily's Book of Dares </i>by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, and <i>The Catcher in the Rye </i>by J.D. Salinger.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><i>"Imagine this: You're in your favourite bookstore, scanning the shelves." - Dash and Lily's Book of Dares</i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>"If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth." - The Catcher in the Rye </i> </span></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://38.media.tumblr.com/948e64b952b036c0c3d2c7469a2075a8/tumblr_ncgv4g5LoE1re3kvuo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://38.media.tumblr.com/948e64b952b036c0c3d2c7469a2075a8/tumblr_ncgv4g5LoE1re3kvuo1_500.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">[<a href="http://booksandleaves.tumblr.com/post/98397756093" target="_blank">Source</a>]</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>oes it matter to you whether the author is male or female when you're deciding on a book? What if you're unsure of the author's gender? </span></span></h4>
<span style="background-color: white;">Most of the time I never think about what gender the author is when I read the name. There are so many gender neutral names out there, my guess as to what gender they identify as is going to be wrong half of the time. If I haven't read their book yet, who am I to judge their ability to write? One thing I love about writing is that you can create an entire world regardless of who you are. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://33.media.tumblr.com/5717ee38246922e5ee8091132a87f4cb/tumblr_nckhsmjqHe1s5cr98o1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://33.media.tumblr.com/5717ee38246922e5ee8091132a87f4cb/tumblr_nckhsmjqHe1s5cr98o1_500.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">[<a href="http://viewpointofdreams.tumblr.com/post/98555048823" target="_blank">Source</a>]</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">E</span>ver read ahead? Or have you ever read the last page way before you got there?</span></span></h4>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*Raises hand slowly.* It was one time, okay? I regret it so much! It happened with <i>Catching Fire, </i>and well, that was a HUGE spoiler. Last pages are no longer looked at until I reach the end of the book. I'm still not over ruining <i>Catching Fire</i> for myself. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://38.media.tumblr.com/613613c01f32b851662187ac246b0551/tumblr_nciimjYDHs1sj9ajlo1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://38.media.tumblr.com/613613c01f32b851662187ac246b0551/tumblr_nciimjYDHs1sj9ajlo1_400.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">[<a href="http://dragonspalace.tumblr.com/post/98468678613/when-your-writers-block-just-wont-go-away" target="_blank">Source</a>]</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>rganized bookshelves, or Outrageous bookshelves? </span></span></h4>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">Organised. My shelves are like a tiny bookstore/library with all the books shelved A-Z by author surname. I've seen some people with colour-organised shelves but I just can't split my multi-coloured series up (e.g. <i>Divergent</i>). </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://data3.whicdn.com/images/64246007/large.gif" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://data3.whicdn.com/images/64246007/large.gif" height="170" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">[<a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/64246007/via/malak_adny" target="_blank">Source</a>]</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">U</span>nder oath: have you ever bought a book based on the cover (alone)? </span></span></h4>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span>Technically, no. I let the cover sway my decision to whether or not I will read the summary if I'm just browsing. I've never just seen a cover and purchased the book without reading the summary on the back. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://38.media.tumblr.com/71e483e3968fa348bb79027ce0bacfee/tumblr_n9ixf9MlPf1qj65vdo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://38.media.tumblr.com/71e483e3968fa348bb79027ce0bacfee/tumblr_n9ixf9MlPf1qj65vdo1_500.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">[<a href="http://ateacted.tumblr.com/post/93511328736/tea-and-happiness" target="_blank">Source</a>]</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>ake it outside to read, or stay in?</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"> </span></span></h4>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stay in. If I'm going out for the day, there is always a book in my bag but I prefer staying inside. I like curling up on my bed with no distractions when I read. </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://38.media.tumblr.com/9419c190f523354d4ad3f8f44dfe8680/tumblr_nhtsryup5I1rfwgkuo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://38.media.tumblr.com/9419c190f523354d4ad3f8f44dfe8680/tumblr_nhtsryup5I1rfwgkuo1_500.gif" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">[<a href="https://38.media.tumblr.com/9419c190f523354d4ad3f8f44dfe8680/tumblr_nhtsryup5I1rfwgkuo1_500.gif" target="_blank">Source</a>]</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for reading. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are interested in doing this tag, consider yourself tagged!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me know in the comments if you do the tag or if you are guilty of any of the things mentioned in the post.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-60325025457710243002015-02-22T16:00:00.000+00:002015-11-08T16:30:05.316+00:00Book Review: The Token<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/netgalley-covers/cover57045-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/netgalley-covers/cover57045-medium.png" width="203" /></a></div>
<strong>Author: </strong>Natasha Rogue<br />
<strong>Rating: </strong><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">★★★★☆</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>The Token</i> is a fantasy novel intertwined with romance, a classic mix for YA fiction. The main character, Callie, labels herself as a typical sixteen year old apart from her one true talent for singing. She gets caught up in a love triangle involving a childhood friend and her best friend's brother (let the screaming drama begin). But nothing is all as it seems as Callie starts to notice suspicious behaviour from almost all her peer students at school including her best friend, Tammy. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I loved reading this. I would have given it five stars but I'm not sure I would read it again as one of the great things about the narrative is the mystery of who all the characters are. At first, I thought it would be another okay-ish read but honestly? I could not stop reading! There are so many plot twists but not enough to overwhelm you. As you read through the story, the person who we think is the villain is suddenly the good guy and another person takes his/her place.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
There were some points where I thought the story dragged slightly whilst the characters wait for something to happen. A lot of time is spent in Callie's bedroom anticipating arrivals or news for other characters. Although, some of this time did allow us as the readers to discover information about the supernatural element of the story.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you enjoyed reading the <i>Hush Hush </i>series by Becca Fitzpatrick then I am sure you will enjoy reading <i>The Token </i>for the development of romance that both narratives share. It also shares a few similarities with <i>The Mortal Instruments </i>series by Cassandra Clare such as the theme of demonic activity is encountered in both stories. Another similarity this shares with TMI is the idea of there being this 'other-world' but rather than it having Shadowhunters and Downworlders it's made up of five races including Humans, the Breed, and Magi.<br />
<br />
Overall, I strongly recommend <i>The Token </i>to anyone searching for a quick but compelling read jam-packed with a road full of twists and turns.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
________________________________________________________________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bye, and thank you so much for reading!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Any comments will be highly appreciated and I look forward to having a read through any blog links you may leave.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-34499713195928416072015-02-15T16:00:00.000+00:002015-11-08T16:15:43.185+00:00My Most Anticipated Book-to-Film Adaptations 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hnBhzUAoGRYhxdyxKJwEBTSAaS_Hdf06aon9X94uXEefBnfP4d0GPkab3aryY-HKnSxBmAQgSMWRBBQxHCa_4Z6tl0AENtLKnYZXwu2Pkig9YWStigyF8BYPtO6F1BI3ORkd43GVL6rM/s1600/Book-to-film.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hnBhzUAoGRYhxdyxKJwEBTSAaS_Hdf06aon9X94uXEefBnfP4d0GPkab3aryY-HKnSxBmAQgSMWRBBQxHCa_4Z6tl0AENtLKnYZXwu2Pkig9YWStigyF8BYPtO6F1BI3ORkd43GVL6rM/s1600/Book-to-film.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This year I've already been to the cinema a bunch of times to see the latest films including <i>The Theory of Everything </i>and <i>Into the Woods </i>to name but a few. But what I want to talk about is the upcoming book-to-film adaptations due to come to screen this year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b>Insurgent (20th March)</b></h3>
<div>
I'm extremely excited to see Insurgent come to the screen as I believe the change in director has resulted in a better adaptation than Divergent was. Veronica Roth announced that the box in the trailer is part of a scene which sees most of the simulations in one, and I think it will be interesting to see how the film recreates those. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Naomi Watts as Evelyn is a casting I'm still undecided on. In the trailer she appeared, in my opinion, to be slightly too young to be Tobias' mother. Another casting I'm on edge about is Edgar. He's part of the factionless in the trailer so I have a feeling he has been used instead of Edward since the iconic butter-knife scene didn't make the final cut in the first film.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
Shailene Woodley and Theo James are back as Tris and Four again. For both actors, Insurgent is a much more emotional story full of arguments and sacrifice. Four has to face his abusive father who he has feared for most of his life. Tris has to deal with the lose of both her parents and her friend Will. One significant scene in the books for Tris is at Candor, both her and Four are put under truth serum and she has to admit, in front of Christina, that she killed Will.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
You can watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR-l_TSjlEo" target="_blank">here</a>. Did anyone else have the urge to punch Caleb in the face whilst whispering <i>"it should have been you"</i>?<i> </i>From the trailer, what they seem to have worked on is set location/design. In Insurgent, we get to see so much more of Chicago including the other factions - especially Amity and Candor - which sets Divergent and Insurgent apart.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b>Paper Towns (19th June)</b></h3>
<div>
For me, Paper Towns was my favourite book out of the John Green collection. Looking for Alaska came close to it but something about the whole road-trip event won Paper Towns over for me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm glad Nat Wolff bagged the part of Q. I thought he made a great Isaac in TFIOS but didn't receive enough recognition for the role (anyone else agree?). At first, I wasn't overly happy with Cara playing Margo because I <i>really </i>did not picture the character looking anything like her. But, I think personality wise Cara will smash the role! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All that's left to do now is wait for the trailer (and re-read the book as it's been about two years since I finished it).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials (18th September)</b></h3>
</div>
<div>
Ahh, I watched the first film again yesterday after buying the DVD yesterday. All I can say is: how will Scorch Trials work?! For me, the first two books in the trilogy were equally as brilliant to read but I could clearly imagine the world in the Scorch Trials and the reader inside me is screaming for them not to do it any differently!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I feel like Scorch Trials was potentially the book with the most plot twists in it in the series. From the gladers thinking they were safe, to the discovering they had to go into a trial with victims of the Flare, to the big Teresa and Aris thing going on. Dun, dun, dun! There's so much going on and I feel like the film crew will cut quite a lot from the final production. I'll be interested to see if they include Thomas' temporary 'removal' from the trial.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One casting I am really excited about is Jorge. Okay, so Giancarlo Esposito might not look the part... yet (have you seen the wonders film make-up departments can do?). But go watch the TV series <i>Revolution </i>and you'll understand that he could very easily pull off playing the part of Jorge. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>Mockingjay Part Two (20th November)</b></h3>
</div>
<div>
This is arguably my MOST anticipated film of this year because The Hunger Games was and still remains to be my first real fandom. I know that I will love and hate this film: love it for Everlark, and hate it for the deaths of, well, my favourite characters. *Sobs quietly into my copy of Mockingjay*. I'm still wondering how they'll portray those half-human-half-lizard mutts...<br />
<br />
Of course, in this half we'll get to see District Two and the Capitol. In the book we saw Katniss and Johanna train in the block in order to have a chance to join the rebel army - will they include this? Another thing we will get to see, and they did cast someone to play the fiddle so *fingers crossed*, Finnick and Annie getting married! Uplifting in the present time... kind of tragic in the future (still not over it).<br />
<br />
Will Real or Not Real be included? The answer to that better be real. The game which the rebels play with Peeta to help him regain his memories. For me, it's needed because it is the first time Katniss shows him any kind of love since his hijacking.<br />
<br />
As far as I know, the cast has yet to film the epilogue scene as they are waiting for it to be spring-time over in America. I will definitely be re-reading the trilogy in time/preparation for November. But for now, I am waiting for the trailer which is unlikely to be released until the end of the summer at the earliest.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
__________________________________________________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bye and thanks for reading!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me know what book-to-film adaptations you're looking forward to for this year.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-98368572292025612015-02-08T16:00:00.000+00:002015-11-08T16:28:29.979+00:00Entering the World of The Girl with All the Gifts <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1403033579l/17235026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1403033579l/17235026.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
I recently finished reading <i>The Girl with All the Gifts</i> by M.R. Carey and wondered what it would be like to enter the world of the characters. The book is about a ten year-old girl, Melanie, who is a subject of scientific research due to her strength against a disease outbreak. The author takes the idea of a zombie-apocalypse world and turns it into something much more complicated with meaning and emotion.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Warning: this post contains spoilers for those who have yet to read <i>The Girl with All the Gifts.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let's take Melanie. She's a ten year-old girl whose only memories involve the base and the people who work/live there. Most of us would probably be terrified if an army group pointed guns at us each morning in order to tie us to a chair. Obviously she understands that she is a potential danger to these people due to her hungry need to devour human flesh but she is still an extremely audacious girl. I can guarantee that if I were in her position I would not feel able to tease Sergeant Parks in a way alike to her.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
One character I absolutely despised was Doctor Caldwell. My hatred increased for her when she planned to capture Melanie in Rosie and abandon the rest of the group. If I was part of the group I would be reluctant to leave Caldwell alone with Rosie - obviously as a reader I have a privileged position here whereas the characters were never in a position to believe she would plan to turn on them.<br />
<br />
I thought Miss Justineau was an ambivalent character. Sometimes I liked her and sometimes I was wary of her. From Melanie's descriptions of her class teachers I think, like her, I would be a fan of Miss Justineau lessons purely because of the imagination factor that comes from the telling of myths and stories. Mis Justineau definitely stood out for me when she defended the need to keep Melanie alive to Caldwell who wanted to go ahead with her experiments.<br />
<br />
For me, Sergeant Parks was potentially the character who went through the most development. At the beginning of the novel I disliked his character and the one thing that stood out to me was how much he swore around this group of child experiments. Yes, they may not be considered human but I still felt like this did not excuse the fact that they were children. His relationship with Melanie was one of my favourite pairings in the novel because of the way he started to see her almost as a daughter towards the end of the novel. For me, this is why I began to like his character.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for reading.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me know if you've read <i>The Girl with All the Gifts </i>and if you enjoyed reading it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bye, for now!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-18580674852070293492015-02-01T16:00:00.000+00:002015-11-08T16:30:05.294+00:00Book Review: Peilis<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1391845170l/20751699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1391845170l/20751699.jpg" width="206" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Author: </strong>Kit Masters</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Publication date: </strong>31st July 2013</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Rating: </strong><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">★★★☆☆</span><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"></span></span><br />
<br />
Last year I won Kit Master's novel entitled <i>Peilis</i> through a goodreads give-away via the website's First Reads scheme. I put off reading until this year as it is so different to what I usually read.<br />
<br />
The title comes from the Lithuanian term for knife which is a huge theme throughout the novel. Told from a twenty-nine year old teacher's point of view, the story explores the dangers of adolescent school chaos. This narrator is very much an observer who exposes the reader to the social infection which is rapidly tearing through the education system.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<i>Peilis </i>gives the reader a glimpse into the lives of four teenagers who all have a story of their own. With episodes of tragedy, the author shows how problems pushed to the extreme can end with a shocking fate.<br />
<br />
Being only 165 pages, this is quite a quick read but it is near impossible not to dig deeper into the connotations implied by Masters. It may be a work of fiction but the ideology of the main character holds truth to what is being experienced in the real world in terms of racism, family issues and professional boundaries.<br />
<br />
Masters has a poetic style of writing which is captivating to read whilst causing us to question if there is any form of romanticism to the messages being explored. Alongside the story, Masters has included illustrations to support the theme of each chapter. On a first glance, these illustrations may steer you away but there is an implication to them which comes to surface after reading.<br />
<br />
I gave <i>Peilis</i> three out of five stars for the message the author delivers. It may not be my cup of tea but for the right reader it could be just the ticket! This is the second piece of work Masters has written, <i>Ruta </i>was the name of his first novel.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for reading.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bye!</div>
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13602703/?claim=y74ck55r9cn">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-77576500967876066092015-01-25T17:00:00.000+00:002015-11-08T16:16:18.776+00:00The Journey<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The leaves sweep across the paved path, allowing the
sunrise to make an entrance. Birds scatter the planes of land searching for
crumbs if golden glitter. The wind is calm with sudden rushes of speed helping
the world take off for the morning. There's a mist to the land; a shade
protecting us from the dangers which lie ahead.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The cars rocket past along
the gravel dominated road. Cars of red, blue, green, silver and black tones
race along. The bright beams of early sunrise reflect off the hoods allowing
another crack and another cranny to become lit with the fluorescent glow.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Unwanted shopping bags fly
with the birds and descend back to the ground. Fallen twigs scrap against the
ground until they can go no further. A foot crunches down on one as the owner
strides along. The misery of the clouds declares that the poor old twig is
gone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> A whistling hits the land as the
wind picks up its pace. The rain begins to plummet. The trees begin to groan.
The cars move on and the people step along the god-punished road. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The destination isn't far now whether it's work or school or home. The people push forward as the challenge of nature crows. The rain droplets chase them, catch them and cover them. The gale forces hug them and tug them until they're at the door. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;">_______________________________________________________________________________________________________</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for reading! </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bye.</span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-82264087084688033932015-01-18T16:01:00.001+00:002015-11-08T16:16:29.181+00:00Bookmark Making TutorialHello,<br />
<br />
This week I made a few corner bookmarks and decided to create a tutorial so you too can make them.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCt0LnZLI3HhUaXhDO7WHtmYW6TYIADuXRHTW7MCVAQCc4xe1snPgpJ4nrQhT18Gg-ncS1uQqlPDNDgUKPCz3IXOzfVISJaIv7VbAvVTRUAPDbD-FfdRprgaQkfm3Rhm5QLBGQgFsUpmu/s1600/Bookmark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCt0LnZLI3HhUaXhDO7WHtmYW6TYIADuXRHTW7MCVAQCc4xe1snPgpJ4nrQhT18Gg-ncS1uQqlPDNDgUKPCz3IXOzfVISJaIv7VbAvVTRUAPDbD-FfdRprgaQkfm3Rhm5QLBGQgFsUpmu/s1600/Bookmark.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<b>What you'll need:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Plain card</li>
<li>Ruler</li>
<li>Pencil</li>
<li>Eraser</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Coloured paper</li>
<li>Glue stick</li>
</ul>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. On the piece of card, draw three squares in an L-formation using the measurements 8 x 8 cm each.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_8VDJEw7ukFaHwSJ7TfioOVdwuuG3J5-CxgX2eNq3v_oFKD7ZmW5-1EBzbIfooUIsIpgcvEB2g_aMW2WjBzXY40lJyvJ-zgQctL04QkSFvv_kkBiMTrjLVaQ_mPyWpLHSbipfZjTtE7v/s1600/Card+template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_8VDJEw7ukFaHwSJ7TfioOVdwuuG3J5-CxgX2eNq3v_oFKD7ZmW5-1EBzbIfooUIsIpgcvEB2g_aMW2WjBzXY40lJyvJ-zgQctL04QkSFvv_kkBiMTrjLVaQ_mPyWpLHSbipfZjTtE7v/s1600/Card+template.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the outer squares, draw down the diagonals so you are left with triangles (as shown above).</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Cut out the template, and then cut the triangles off too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9seOIyVpllNa7YSr9XGnL1jf6cZ10fvCSYwydjh33bo3NyzI78g8XLpiRkh8-jgX_mFYZFAVXgrn0cc0B4r6u71JnxgwE3d_BKfyVtgwV8uCSqhB4SF1xnIR7GgCv0HbV9oA0oNsR3oN/s1600/Cut+out+template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9seOIyVpllNa7YSr9XGnL1jf6cZ10fvCSYwydjh33bo3NyzI78g8XLpiRkh8-jgX_mFYZFAVXgrn0cc0B4r6u71JnxgwE3d_BKfyVtgwV8uCSqhB4SF1xnIR7GgCv0HbV9oA0oNsR3oN/s1600/Cut+out+template.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. Fold the triangles inward. To achieve a more accurate look, score down the drawn lines. You will want to glue down the second fold so the two triangles are stuck to each other.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUMjGsoPfWok9s11yq9bH45e-T76DzHtso2nGgqfcSP2xIQRymYUaUqtNQrDExBX-T8g7sFT0fGidJjvAe8iQg42WW6z6M8qhNDS8rl9SQW6z9ExGZYd4-PzH-q-9DrY-tm3-yy2cp1DC/s1600/Fold+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUMjGsoPfWok9s11yq9bH45e-T76DzHtso2nGgqfcSP2xIQRymYUaUqtNQrDExBX-T8g7sFT0fGidJjvAe8iQg42WW6z6M8qhNDS8rl9SQW6z9ExGZYd4-PzH-q-9DrY-tm3-yy2cp1DC/s1600/Fold+one.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqj48H4kKX-4v_dGeRfCSRxTwJdT8C0YnjZwhA0ywC6ZmeAK_4KZDPR-t-IpqiUWvYzyIGK5ryo9vP3bURPqHqCpKYzuK0qSstIG844fN1X6l6NMrn_Nk-gqeVrIQ_Pp_qy0_L-tymBzc/s1600/Fold+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqj48H4kKX-4v_dGeRfCSRxTwJdT8C0YnjZwhA0ywC6ZmeAK_4KZDPR-t-IpqiUWvYzyIGK5ryo9vP3bURPqHqCpKYzuK0qSstIG844fN1X6l6NMrn_Nk-gqeVrIQ_Pp_qy0_L-tymBzc/s1600/Fold+two.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Using the coloured paper, cut out two squares of 7.5 x 7.5 cm. Cut one of the squares in half to form two right hand triangles. You will need one square and one triangle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RT9eu6fRsRdyK2D9ixdsjlaJRRSI1UOp5X92CZ2rIWhA4ZmxRwkfi5ZrJafNPuSx1-cH0lFOz1pUWAt6QY5mbfjf_3lYL4QeiRafLwQEkt7nmMusxf153kQN-YihVSvDPUl-6Hroul5Z/s1600/Paper+add+ons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RT9eu6fRsRdyK2D9ixdsjlaJRRSI1UOp5X92CZ2rIWhA4ZmxRwkfi5ZrJafNPuSx1-cH0lFOz1pUWAt6QY5mbfjf_3lYL4QeiRafLwQEkt7nmMusxf153kQN-YihVSvDPUl-6Hroul5Z/s1600/Paper+add+ons.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Glue the coloured shape onto your bookmark to cover up the front white space. The square can go under the flap. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_597notbGV093ezSiTqJ_28Vh5vBdcuNQ0NgidanQakyahjG96L5NpGuIJLq7LTr85tthWAn5r_lehd5V-rbHnC-rhlVrJBBjLTXM7xRGEIt8_XoUJP1epvshmgLxI22yPtrshE267IaB/s1600/Nearly+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_597notbGV093ezSiTqJ_28Vh5vBdcuNQ0NgidanQakyahjG96L5NpGuIJLq7LTr85tthWAn5r_lehd5V-rbHnC-rhlVrJBBjLTXM7xRGEIt8_XoUJP1epvshmgLxI22yPtrshE267IaB/s1600/Nearly+finished.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. You now have a finished corner bookmark. I mounted an elephant onto some card and stuck it on the bookmark like this: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCt0LnZLI3HhUaXhDO7WHtmYW6TYIADuXRHTW7MCVAQCc4xe1snPgpJ4nrQhT18Gg-ncS1uQqlPDNDgUKPCz3IXOzfVISJaIv7VbAvVTRUAPDbD-FfdRprgaQkfm3Rhm5QLBGQgFsUpmu/s1600/Bookmark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCt0LnZLI3HhUaXhDO7WHtmYW6TYIADuXRHTW7MCVAQCc4xe1snPgpJ4nrQhT18Gg-ncS1uQqlPDNDgUKPCz3IXOzfVISJaIv7VbAvVTRUAPDbD-FfdRprgaQkfm3Rhm5QLBGQgFsUpmu/s1600/Bookmark.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can find the elephant picture and more <a href="http://www.clipartlord.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87paFSPAp-yhyphenhyphenb11YfhoFJzb1Z9wkYoX5c7Kz6NQjfmgVuAntYFtW3P05QHhNlOcUY7RsuECMWp3gf2I-JedxUWP7CVWASYyp1Z1ejwZ68cSZ2IJPm5RbIvApF0XvISshj229GL8EMU2i/s1600/In+a+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87paFSPAp-yhyphenhyphenb11YfhoFJzb1Z9wkYoX5c7Kz6NQjfmgVuAntYFtW3P05QHhNlOcUY7RsuECMWp3gf2I-JedxUWP7CVWASYyp1Z1ejwZ68cSZ2IJPm5RbIvApF0XvISshj229GL8EMU2i/s1600/In+a+book.jpg" width="158" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
____________________________________________________________________________________</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you for reading.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bye!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-12155602759318397832015-01-11T16:00:00.000+00:002015-11-08T16:30:05.282+00:00Book Review: The Drowning of Arthur Braxton<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SNO_wL15RG9pWo9Z8b_SVXzVURjajjuy1JcRc_guosuIC6-HPZGXnAEjyvHqVCMg1BkKvr6R0FSuCzrLVE0HCzhSogEM58DjXlPKiqfL3epTWgRtsXhOFGLLex11kAyTIsiQ_SFf4o-u/s1600/066113-FC50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SNO_wL15RG9pWo9Z8b_SVXzVURjajjuy1JcRc_guosuIC6-HPZGXnAEjyvHqVCMg1BkKvr6R0FSuCzrLVE0HCzhSogEM58DjXlPKiqfL3epTWgRtsXhOFGLLex11kAyTIsiQ_SFf4o-u/s1600/066113-FC50.jpg" width="212" /></a><strong>Author: </strong>Caroline Smailes<br />
<strong>Publication date: </strong>11th April 2013<br />
<strong>Rating: </strong><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">★★★★★</span></span><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
Wherever you may live there is always that one building of mystery and suspicion. What if that building was an Edwardian bathing house called The Oracle?<br />
<br />
<em>The Drowning of Arthur Braxton </em>is a contemporary fairy tale set in the familiarity of an urban territory. It is a pool of morals and consequences to dive into for the characters; each of who we get to know through the multiple narrative voice which allocates each chapter to a character and their classical element.<br />
<br />
The chapters are, for the most part, quite short. This makes it perfect for the busy reader. Each character has a distinct voice, and the style changes from prose and script to create a little variation.<br />
<br />
Smailes references <i>Waterloo Road </i>multiple times, using the programme length of one hour as a unit of time for Arthur. <i>Dora the Explorer</i> is mentioned - "I'm like Dora the Explorer but less Spanish" - which I haven't been able to get out of my mind since I came across it! The human brain is a strange but beautiful place.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Last year, I had the pleasure of <em>The Shock of the Fall </em>being my top read. But this year I think <em>The Drowning of Arthur Braxton </em>may have already claimed first place. It's like nothing I have ever read before!<br />
<br />
I first came across this peculiar novel in October through <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGA-PbJMRqw" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">this</span></a> video by Carrie Hope Fletcher. In fact, "I loved it . . . so good" was even directly quoted on my copy of the book which reminded me of how I had heard about the novel in the first place.<br />
<br />
The blurb sums up the narrative beautifully. If it in any way intrigues you, I urge you to go purchase a copy in your local book store. You too will be shouting about it from the heights of the earth for all to read!<br />
<br />
It's weird . . . but compelling. I'll warn you now that it doesn't start with Arthur's perspective - just in case that was what you were expecting.<br />
<br />
You'll meet Laurel, Delphina, Arthur, Silver, and more along the way. And they all have a story to tell. These stories all have a connection to the weird wonders of The Oracle, a place of fascination for dear Arthur.<br />
<br />
The story deals with love, facing up to reality, and other issues faced during teenage years. However, it's definitely <b>not aimed at anyone below the age of sixteen</b> due to its suggestive content and explicit themes of implied rape and death. In saying this, it is still a pleasure to read.<br />
<br />
I know that I will definitely re-read <i>The Drowning of Arthur Braxton </i>in the future for sure!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
______________________________________________________________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for reading.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please do leave comments and I shall take a peek at any blog links you give me :)</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-11208632153447996322015-01-04T16:00:00.000+00:002015-11-08T16:16:57.525+00:00Resolutions to Make and (probably) Break<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello,<br /><br />By now we've all seen midnight strike on New Year's and toasted to a "happy new year" whilst either in bed, partying the night away to the fireworks, or elsewhere (I was stretched out on my sofa whilst watching Adam Lambert rocking out with Brian May and Roger Taylor on the TV). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
The first of January is the day when we all make resolutions which are likely to be broken within a week. Maybe you want to give up chocolate - we've all been there before.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Or maybe you want to increase your fitness (let me know how the gym membership works out... some relationships just aren't meant to be).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Now, I've never been one for resolutions. The idea of restricting myself brings pain to my soul. However in saying that, this year I have come up with a few resolutions that ADD to my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<b>Resolution number one: Drink more water. </b>During 2014 I had random weeks where I would challenge myself to drink only water and to drink it frequently. I noticed that I felt more awake and productive so this year I want to maintain that. I don't want to restrict this to just water as I love my tea and orange juice/squash but I do want to drink MORE of these.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVZ0fjykToXg-IVMS0sdYFnXSuO1nJYcoBU2kWU-ieesH8DiHgE68ii7zFQHFUDIocTUXaq3OEm0X0wJdGKvbDNRFNUSUnYdQOK22jHb3Cz1nM_WDiaU1fePwsfyGeHZQLpA-gUgr6E7a/s1600/TBR+Jan+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVZ0fjykToXg-IVMS0sdYFnXSuO1nJYcoBU2kWU-ieesH8DiHgE68ii7zFQHFUDIocTUXaq3OEm0X0wJdGKvbDNRFNUSUnYdQOK22jHb3Cz1nM_WDiaU1fePwsfyGeHZQLpA-gUgr6E7a/s1600/TBR+Jan+2015.jpg" width="135" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>My current TBR pile</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<b>Resolution number two: Read more books!! </b>Last year I managed twenty two (insert sad face here). During the summer I read hardly any books as I developed a little addiction to fanfiction.net and devoured as many Hunger Games fanfics as I could possibly manage. BUT, this year I have set myself a goal on goodreads to read <i>forty books</i> and I WILL conquer it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<b>Resolution number three: Write more. </b>I have a bunch of writing projects that I want to complete and have already set up times around my college timetable to squeeze writing in. I have a small goal of three hundred words a day which, yes, is not a lot but it is plausible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<b>Resolution number four: Learn more songs on the guitar. </b>2014 saw me learn hardly any new pieces due to school life becoming college life. I was at grade four at the beginning of last year and I've only just cracked open a grade five book... oops. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<br />
Hopefully, *fingers crossed*, I will be able to keep these up until the fireworks for 2016 are cracking through the night sky on the eve of the new year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">_________________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for reading!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me know in the comments what your resolutions are (and how many books you plan to read this year). I also want to dive into the blogging community so feel free to leave links for me to have a read of.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7636632357266901277.post-34336417536382195922014-12-28T15:53:00.000+00:002015-11-08T16:17:03.158+00:00Two Minds Are Better Than One<h4 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">This is Maisie.</span></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRdc8TjAEtmskP4OUJS_o-FnnX8GHicK-vwjmY13JHwAqN0rY3oXjD_06zdRQjMWFWuMuleJGp5i6BdjO8ZaQwyh6pSGENopUQPioQDeIrRJOxQcntdMMs1ecIjnZlxNwROkRAJ8w3sLU/s1600/Maisie.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRdc8TjAEtmskP4OUJS_o-FnnX8GHicK-vwjmY13JHwAqN0rY3oXjD_06zdRQjMWFWuMuleJGp5i6BdjO8ZaQwyh6pSGENopUQPioQDeIrRJOxQcntdMMs1ecIjnZlxNwROkRAJ8w3sLU/s1600/Maisie.png" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">She loves nothing more than picking up a brush or
pencil and guiding a story over a canvas. Autumn leaves and rain ignite her
passion. She’s the soil awaiting the flood of enrichment. Reds, blues and
yellows evoke a storm in her head – a storm she sets free on paper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Sometimes it’s princesses; other times it is
violins. Wherever <span style="background-color: white;">her</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 17pt;"> brush goes, she captures a scene. The sunset inspires
her. The sunrise chases her. Until she reaches her outlet she will never find
peace.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">But there’s something missing. You see, she
doesn't go outside. She likes the rain, yet only against the window pane. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">She’s
never seen a princess and, well, she’s only heard violins on the radio. Those
autumn leaves which fuel have never had the chance to say hello.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">She wishes she could go out there. She wants to
breathe every field and sea. The problem is not the scene; it’s the people, you
see. Beneath every face and suspecting expression, she knows they’re all
watching her secretly. Does she have paint on her face? Is there food in her
brace? What is it they all see? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">To Maisie, they think she’s bizarre. She is a walking
zebra-striped giraffe. She can’t think it is something else. She doesn't realise
they think she’s normal or that they admire this artistic cathedral that is her.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Maisie doesn't know Ben. Not yet, anyhow. He’s
artistic, like her, but in a different way; he has the sound. He bows and
plucks the violin that Maisie's never properly heard. He has the sound and she
has the brush – together they can speak through words mute to the tongue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRuE50SP3nXGnkIsH0cMZMH-DoZDvZcuP5vLlSToCeri0O_O_FZ3vuxm4aSZ2FCg8MC9lqNnszRAoPzKc66lhR4UJIx3TSe3b8sa29Jw9bXRMFth3kD93bddItr6Rlmj2Cg3rL7ff46Y2/s1600/Ben.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRuE50SP3nXGnkIsH0cMZMH-DoZDvZcuP5vLlSToCeri0O_O_FZ3vuxm4aSZ2FCg8MC9lqNnszRAoPzKc66lhR4UJIx3TSe3b8sa29Jw9bXRMFth3kD93bddItr6Rlmj2Cg3rL7ff46Y2/s1600/Ben.png" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">This is Ben.</span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Ben is a performer. He loves the crowds. The chants
for an encore and the applauding hands will forever make him proud. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">He lives to impress, and impress he does. In his
all black dress suit, he can calm an audience down. With his soothing melodies
and his exciting motifs, the people don’t know what to expect of this wizard
each and every night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">His fingers cast spells upon his sword: the violin.
He’s a manipulator, an artist; the whole world hears his call. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">But, there’s one thing he struggles with. He can’t
compose his own masterpiece. He only plays pieces by like the likes of
Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">He wishes he knew how. He wishes he could create
a piece of such taste that the world would bow down to his stage. Maybe, just
maybe, he will be able to some day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">When Maisie met Ben, it was awkward at first. A
shy artist next to the brave musician – how was it to work? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Slowly, Maisie showed him how colour worked. She
showed him how she could splash them onto her canvas to create anything she
wanted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Ben watched in awe. He’d never thought of this
before. He put this colourful spice into his music and suddenly it was more
interesting than before. He thanked Maisie for her help. She shyly said it was
okay. But as Ben turned away, he knew he had more to say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">He knew she was shy and kept her talent hidden.
He thought this was silly as she was better than most of the artists on
exhibition. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">He helped her overcome her fear. He told her that
they would be looking at her art more than her face. She was reluctant to
accept this because she </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> feel like this was the case. So he let her be
for a little while although he </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">wasn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> quite content. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">One day, at one of his concerts, he kept a
covered board up on stage. Once he had performed and the audience had roared,
he pulled the sheet from the display. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It was Maisie's painting; one of hers, anyway.
The audience gasped and then clapped their joy to the stage. Ben hushed them,
and he explained that it </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">wasn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> his. The audience watched in bemusement until he announced it was his friend, Maisie's. ‘Who is this Maisie?' The audience
muttered. No one had heard of her before. A great creator whom they did not
know – how can this be?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Maisie never appeared on the stage. Her name did
but she did not. Ben had spread the word and she was not to be forgotten. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 17.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 17pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">______________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 17pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 17pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello, thank you for reading. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 17pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please feel free to leave a comment so I can check out your blog! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 17pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 17pt;">
</h4>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04692467756129850216noreply@blogger.com0Worthing, West Sussex, UK50.81787 -0.3728820000000041550.737640999999996 -0.53424350000000409 50.898099 -0.21152050000000416