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Tuesday 31 May 2016

Top Ten Tuesday: Books To Pack Into Your Beach Bag

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish, where we list our top ten according to a topic of the week. Check out future topics here!

I'm going to say it now - I am one of those people who will rarely bring a book to the beach because 1) I'm not about to get salt water and sand into my babies and 2) I'm usually too busy being in the water or building sandcastles to actually read. BUT! I do think that if I had to choose there are specific types of books I would look at bringing to pass a Summer day with.

Top Ten Books To Take With You To The Beach

Usually on a hot, Summers day reading anything that is short but impactful is great. Both We Were Liars and Dangerous Girls are YA Thrillers that gave me chills. They're both set during Summer, water-based areas and carry a certain nostalgic feel to it. Definitely must reads! 


1. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart 
2. Dangerous Girls by Abbi Glines

If you're looking for more contemporary, easy going reads check out these! They're short, sweet and humourous enough to keep you entertained for a few hours. 


3. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan 
4. Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A Tucker
5. The D.U.F.F by Kody Keplinger 
6. Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe

More of a investment reader? Longer reads like these mean that you're going to be able to lounge back and enjoy the intricate writing and appreciate the plot while you have the time to. The first three are Adult Fiction, telling stories of family values, and two set in Australia! Illuminae is a monster of a book, YA sci-fi, but super easy to get through because of how addictive it is.


7. The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides 
8. Cloudstreet by Tim Winton
9. My Brother Jack by George Johnston
10. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

What's Your Favourite Beach Read?

Monday 30 May 2016

Waiting On June: A Well Loved Author Makes A Comeback Amongst A Mix of History and Fantasy

The Waiting List is a feature hosted by PrintedWordsAnd, where I list some upcoming releases for the month that I'm most excited about! 


June brings around 4 new releases that I'm eagerly awaiting!

1. This Savage Song (Monster Verity #1) by Victoria Schwab
Victoria Schwab is a huge YA author and her new series is definitely one of the most anticipated for this year. This Savage Song is fantasy based with monsters and humans, and questions of good and evil. Oo.

2. Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale (Seasons of the Sword #1) by David Kugler
A tale of a Japanese girl who has the power to save her nation and this makes me super excited! I hardly read novels with characters from minority groups so I'm hoping this is going to wow me.

3. My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows
This is the historical fiction lover in me coming out, but I'm pretty sure the three authors put a modern twist on the story of Lady Jane Grey.

4. Never Ever by Sara Saedi
Another Peter Pan retelling and whilst I do think retellings are hit or miss, this does sound like something that may be interesting. A bit or romance entwined with the adventures - nothing could go wrong right?

What Are You Waiting For?

Friday 27 May 2016

Three Reasons To Read The Winner's Trilogy

Title Series: The Winner's Trilogy
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Publication Date: 2014-2016
Add to Goodreads | Buy from The Book Depository

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. 

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. 

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined. 

Review


1. So many heart stopping moments
This series cries intensity. It progressively builds in each novel and by the end of it, I would be left overwhelmed by the plot and emotions that were involved. The cliff hangers in the first and second book were crazy frustrating, but meant that I wanted more every time. By the time the finale came around, Rutkoski had mastered how to build towards a thrilling climax that had me deeply invested.

2. Memorable characters
The characters were well written, each having their own backstory to provide depth to them. It was easy to become emotionally invested in them, and not just with Arin and Kestrel but the side characters as well. I loved Kestrel's development the most, progressing from a curious girl to a strong, independent and very brave woman. She also drove home so many themes that were important to the plot.

3. Great character relationships 
Between the characters, their relationships and interactions were also what I loved most about the series. Arin and Kestrel's relationship bloomed in an intense way, so passionate and, for the most part heartbreaking, that I almost prayed for their happy ending. Probably one of my favourite ships! Arin also develops a heartwarming and hilarious friendship with another character, which was interesting to read but also emphasised ideas of friendship, loyalty and acceptance/equality.

Marie Rutkoski has produced a thrilling and impressionable series, excelling in her plot and character development. Definitely worth all the time I invested into it.

Favourite Book: The Winner's Curse 

Book Ratings: 

The Winner's Kiss | 4.5/5 

Series Ratings:

Tuesday 24 May 2016

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Feel Differently About Overtime

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish, where we list our top ten according to a topic of the week. Check out future topics here!

Top Ten Books I Feel Differently About Overtime
I've split this into books I've grown to love and books I'm not so keen on anymore.


1. Peter Pan by J.M Barrie
I never realised how much I loved Peter Pan until I read it twice and recommended it to my brother. It's now one of my favourite classics - I love that it makes me feel like a child again. 

2. Pride and Prejudice by Charlotte Bronte
I couldn't stand this when we had to read it in high school - in fact I never finished it - but after actually reading it through last year, the characters' charm and the beautiful story made me fall in love with this classic. 

3. The Dressmaker by Rosalie Ham
A recent re-read for me, but I appreciated it a lot more and found Tilly to be one of the best female characters I've read about - even if it's in a bittersweet way. 

4. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer Series by Michele Hodkin 
This reminds me that I'm about to reach time of year to read this series again, because of how addicted I was first and second time around. 

5. Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling
It's a given. Every single time I re-read this series it's like I'm thrown back into the world from the beginning and I re-start my journey with Harry, Hermonie and Ron all over again! 


6. Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy
Maybe I was too harsh in deciding on almost 2 stars with this book, but also maybe it was really true? I sort of don't know how to feel about this because the story is about a girl with cancer and I basically hated on her. Hmm. 

7. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
Noughts and Crosses was by far one of my favourite novels during high school, but recently re-reading it made me realise how much some novels are targeted for some age groups only. It's still a meaningful read, but a lot of it skimmed the surface when so much more could've been explored, as well as the language not being as sophisticated as I thought. 

8. The Mortal Instrument Series by Cassandra Clare 
I read this like everyone else and flew through the first three books with so much intensity and excitement. Then when the series extended I just became more and more disappointed, really I just never saw the point of the other 3 novels, even though I did read it. 

9. Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead
I'm sorry but that ending is one of my most hated endings and ruined the series that I was super obsessed about. 

10. The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
I don't know why I've never picked this series up to re-read, but I definitely know I don't like it as much as I initially thought. There's nothing wrong with the series overall but I felt like I got sucked into the hype and thought that it was the best thing ever, when I don't really have a huge interest for it. 

Which Books Have You Changed Your Opinion On?


Tuesday 10 May 2016

Top Ten Tuesday: Non Book Related Websites I Love To Visit

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish, where we list our top ten according to a topic of the week. Check out future topics here!

Top Ten Websites I Love Lurking On
Oooo, we're not discussing books for this weeks Top Ten Tuesday but the topic still excites me because I can share with you guys some really cool websites that I've discovered over time.

I am completely obsessed with "Pinterest" at the moment, and making each of my boards pretty and inspirational. It's also satisfying to organise the different boards to suit my interests. Shameless self plug right here.


Lifestyle
Anything in regards to blogs, organisations, beauty and even creative DIY tips I'm on board with.



Travel
Amazing photography and such personal experiences about travelling - also great tips! 


Fitness




Planner
Planning is a huge part of my life and my sticker obsession is fed by these YouTubers who go through and plan their weeks out - in an amazingly gorgeous and organised way.




What Are Your Favourites Sites To Visit?

Monday 9 May 2016

Bout of Books 16.0: So It Begins

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 9th and runs through Sunday, May 15th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 16 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team
Day One of Bout of Books and I haven't "signed up" or even read anything. Eek.

I love taking part of Bout of Books each year because I think it comes at good timing. I always find that around mid year I hit a lull and never really read anything but this read-a-thon gives me a chance to smash out at least a read or two.

TBR

The Wicked Will Rise by Danielle Paige
End of Days by Susan Ee

I do think that that's being ambitious but I can always aim high right? Rightttt?

Progress

Zilch as of this moment. Will check in again tomorrow.

If you guys are participating let me know!

Bout of Books

Happy Reading!

Thursday 5 May 2016

Me, Earl and the Dying Girl Was Visually More Appealing

Title: Me, Earl and the Dying Girl
Author: Jesse Andrews
Publication Date: March 1st, 2012
Release Date: July 1st, 2015
Add to Goodreads | Buy from The Book Depository

Greg Gaines is the last master of high school espionage, able to disappear at will into any social environment. He has only one friend, Earl, and together they spend their time making movies, their own incomprehensible versions of Coppola and Herzog cult classics.

Until Greg’s mother forces him to rekindle his childhood friendship with Rachel.

Rachel has been diagnosed with leukemia—-cue extreme adolescent awkwardness—-but a parental mandate has been issued and must be obeyed. When Rachel stops treatment, Greg and Earl decide the thing to do is to make a film for her, which turns into the Worst Film Ever Made and becomes a turning point in each of their lives.

And all at once Greg must abandon invisibility and stand in the spotlight.

Review

Characters

1. Movie Greg is more likeable than book Greg
The representation of movie Greg is somewhat accurate to book Greg but his personality is a lot more likeable and relatable in the movie. I could empathise with his insecurities and struggles and appreciated the friendship he tried to build with Rachel. In the book, Greg's reaction and actions to the situation he has to encounter is a lot more realistic though. I could definitely understand why he felt the way he did even though he did come across as a lot more mean and selfish.

2. Earl is my favourite character!
Earl has a lot more character depth than anyone else in the book, and his backstory makes him a lot more realistic. Movie Earl is a lot more involved in the story than book Earl - his friendship with Greg is a lot more obvious and I could see that he cared for him. His story is a lot more fleshed out as well, which meant that I could see some type of character arc. He was real and straight to the point, what I liked about him.

Plot

1. Shared the same meaning
Both the movie and the book conveyed the same meaning around friendship, trust, life and death etc. It was a bittersweet feeling but I did find myself just a bit sadder whilst watching the movie.

2. Realistic plot progression and story arc
I think that's what I liked most about the storyline. The fact that it developed at a good, realistic pace and there wasn't forced troupes that can make the plot a cliche/stereotype. I think the book did this a bit better than the movie because the movie had a time constraint to deliver everything they had to. I'm glad the movie incorporated most of the book plot, with a few tweaks, but didn't change my enjoyment for it.

Overall

I would say I liked the movie more because I appreciated being able to watch the story visually play out in front of me. They both had different plot developments, which I enjoyed, but it was easier to process the story whilst watching and was a lot more impactful in the short time frame.

Book Rating

Monday 2 May 2016

Rolling Through April | Monthly Wrap Up

Another month down, another wrap up to post. I'm starting to get back into my old habits with blogging and reading blog posts so check out the recommendations I have below! Hope you guys had a fantastic April and that May is super amazing for you!

On The Blog


Top Ten Tuesday

Catch up with what I've been up to outside of blogging!

Anticipated releases for May! 


Posts For Thoughts



Reading Time


I started so many books this month but never got around to finishing them, after the last book I read for this month. I'm still glad I got around to finishing off an amazing series though!



Favourites  




Reviews


             


How Was April For You?