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Tuesday 19 December 2017

I Expected So Much More From Cooper Barthomolew Is Dead

Title: Cooper Barthomolew is Dead 
Author: Rebecca James 
Publication Date: October 1st, 2014
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Cooper Bartholomew's body is found at the foot of a cliff. 

Suicide. 

That's the official finding, that's what everyone believes.

Cooper's girlfriend, Libby, has her doubts. They'd been happy, in love. Why would he take his own life?
As Libby searches for answers, and probes more deeply into what really happened the day Cooper died, she and her friends unravel a web of deception and betrayal. Are those friends – and enemies – what they seem? Who is hiding a dangerous secret? And will the truth set them all free?


Review


Cooper Barthomolew Is Dead was one of those books that I was really anticipating, but ended up so different to my expectations. Not a terrible different per se, but lacked elements that I was after in a thriller. 


The biggest problem I had with CBID was the lack of intensity. There was the mystery, the build up, the plot twist and the reveal. However, there was no edge to any of it. I wasn’t holding my breath waiting to see what would happen next, nor was I surprised by a lot of it. The plot twist was interesting and introduced more depth to character development, but, much like a lot of the novel, there wasn’t much emphasis or focus on it. In fact, with the amount of issues that were included in CBID - LGBQT awareness, family ties, love and loyalty, substance abuse etc. - they were never explored thoroughly. That was another aspect of the plot that I thought could’ve been executed better. I feel like which such prominent issues, especially at the age of young adult readers, it would’ve been ideal to draw out these topics to learn from.



I did like though, how there were some real characters. Characters who were flawed and unlikable, but still had redeeming qualities so in the end I was still engaged emotionally with them. 



Cooper Barthomolew Is Dead was still an enjoyable read. I read it in a day and a half, and for being an easier read, I appreciated it for bringing me out of a really long readings slump. It’s somewhat hard to judge after having expectations that weren’t met, but I have seen some really positive reviews for this so it might be up your alley. 



Thursday 14 December 2017

A Guide To Buying Presents For Bookworms

Christmas is just 11 days away! When it comes to Christmas presents there are those who were finished in November (bless them, but seriously how?), those who are deep into their list and others like myself who have only just realised they now have 2 days left to online shop before shipping arrives after Christmas. 

I've put together a Gift Guide for your fellow bookworm in case you're out of ideas!

Host a Games Night

Take a night off from reading together and grab this board game (or any other literary related board game) for some laughs! It Was a Dark and Stormy Night challenges you to identify the novel and author just by listening to the first two lines of a book.


Book Recommendation Tote

Featured: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Illustrated Version, Night Film, Illuminae and Fairytales for Wilde Girls

I personally tend to be one of those people who will buy you books that I’ve loved, so you have to read it as well. Pick reads you want to recommend to your fellow book lover and wrap them up in a tote - a book-related one would be perfect!
 

For The Tea/Coffee Lovers

Store: 'PaperFury' (Society 6)

Such a cliche, but still one of the best things to receive. Society6 is a great place to look at mugs with bookish designs or head to Etsy. They’re so adorable! You could even put together a hot chocolate pack with mini marshmallows for them to christen their mug!


'Perfect Night In' Hamper

Featured: Anne of Green Gables

Grab a basket or box and add in a novel and its movie adaptation that you think your friend/family member MUST read and see. Pop in some of their favourite snacks and you’re set for a night of entertainment.

Your Lifestyle Lovers


Guilty as charged! I’m a sucker for plastering my walls with posters and images. Fairly sure these posters are really well known, but I can’t get past how creative it is, and still has a personalised feel because you’re gifting them a part of their favourite read. Otherwise grab a throw pillow for their reading nook or bed!


Stocking Stuffers

Stores (Left to Right): Belle Regalia, Wonderflies, KitCronkStudio

We’re talking those super cute and creative items on Etsy. I absolutely love book-related pins, bookmarks and anything else that is a miniature reminder of the books I love! 

Recommend Me Other Gift Ideas!


Tuesday 12 December 2017

Why I Absolutely Loved The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Title: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
Series: Nevermoor #1
Author: Jessica Townsend
Publication Date: October 31st, 2017
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Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she's blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks--and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday.

But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor.

It's then that Morrigan discovers Jupiter has chosen her to contend for a place in the city's most prestigious organization: the Wundrous Society. In order to join, she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each boasting an extraordinary talent that sets them apart--an extraordinary talent that Morrigan insists she does not have. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests--or she'll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.

Review


If you want to read any Middle Grade novel this year, (before the year comes to an end eeeppp), The Trials of Morrigan Crow is the one to dive into. 

1. The world is spectacular 

Any fantasy novel that draws me in, is one with a vivid and expansive world, that encompasses various elements to make it believable. I felt like I was transported into The Trials of Morrigan Crow with Morrigan and really, truly wanted to be there. There is a magic in it that escapes from the pages purely just by reading about Nevermoor and its history and the city’s make up. Townsend has created a intricate and exciting world that, much like Narnia and Hogwarts/Hogsmeade, you can’t help but want these places to exist so that you can be there as well. 

2. It's perfect for all ages

The Trials of Morrigan Crow carries the tone of a Middle Grade novel but has layers that have built a strong story line. It was straightforward enough to understand for any reader, but kept up the suspense and plot twists to keep me entertained and engaged. It was quite exciting really, between the trials and Morrigan’s integration into Nevermoor. I liked the pacing and am really glad that this is pretty much an all-age read.

3. Townsend was made to be a writer

This is Jessica Townsend’s debut novel and already her first piece has been such a strong and admirable read. Townsend’s writing delivers a strong world and solid plot that has me anticipating not only the sequel to Nevermoor, but her future works. She’s made me remember why I absolutely love reading Middle Grade to this day. There’s a kind of emotion attached to it, like I’m reliving my childhood, going through the kiddish excitement from reading about a magical adventure and experiencing the feeling of really being there. 

The Trials of Morrigan Crow is a win for all ages and I cannot wait to continue this adventure with Morrigan. 


Thursday 7 December 2017

Talking Personal: 'Tis The Season To Get Back Into Blogging

My last Talking Personal post was in May. That was a good 7 months ago. We have a lot of catching up to do! 

The last time I did one of these, I had just come back from traveling. Since then, I’ve started a new job in a new role. The place has an amazing team and the position I’m in has given me much more of a learning experience, which I’m grateful for! I also started my Masters in August, just completing my first semester and somehow, miraculously, passed all 3 subjects. I’m currently studying a Masters in Criminology, which I am loving and I’m really excited to see where it can take me! 

Besides working and studying, I actually got up to some really fun things, which has made the last half of 2017 really exciting! 


I went on a Snow Trip and learnt to ski for the first time! Truth be told, I hate the cold. But skiing was super fun, albeit really hard and exhausting. I want to try and make it an annual trip so I don’t forgot how to ski. 




I got the chance to see The Book of Mormon, which was hilarious! I didn’t expect to love it so much. The cast all had amazing singing skills. On top of seeing the musical were a number of different concerts. I’ve been to so many more concerts this year than I have in my life altogether. Kehlani was superb and so fun, being really intimate and just full of love. Ariana delivered a great show. Drake absolutely killed it, I would see him 1000 times alongside J.Cole, who is a fantastic artist and so grateful to his fans. He was engaging and humorous, and so passionate about his music.




My birthday came and went, and was actually less exciting than previous years. The older I get, I feel like the less I’m keen to celebrate my birthday. Still, it’s been fun seeing my friends and family, and eating to my heart’s content! I got to celebrate Halloween though, which was super fun. Everyone’s costumes were great. 



Whilst taking a break from blogging, I did manage to start up an Instagram page for my food adventures. I absolutely love food, reading comes second - I know, how can I say that. So if I couldn’t share my love for reading, I figured sharing my love for food was the next best thing. Take a look at it here to see which places I’ve loved both locally and internationally! 

I’m going to be seeing The Weeknd tomorrow, which I’m really excited about!! He’ll top off the crazy list of artists I’ve seen this year. The next time I’ll catch up with you guys will most likely be after New Years SO Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years guys! Hope the rest of the year is amazing for you all.


How Have You Guys Been? Let Me Know What You'll Be Doing For The Holiday Season


Tuesday 5 December 2017

Laini Taylor Delivers A Beautifully Gripping Read With Strange The Dreamer

Series: Strange The Dreamer #1
Author: Laini Taylor
Publication Date: March 28th, 2017
Add to Goodreads | Buy from The Book Depository 
The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around - and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he's been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance to lose his dream forever.

What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving?

The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries - including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo's dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?

Review


(Nts: I finished this book months ago and found a half written review, which I tried really hard to complete, true to what I remembered about reading it)

Strange The Dreamer completely obliterated my expectations for it. I’m well aware of how well Laini Taylor excels in writing, with her series Daughter of Smoke and Bone being one of my favourite reads. I went into STD expecting it to be a great read, but finished it in awe and am so excited for the series to come. 

Taylor has a way with her words, which reflects in strong characters, world building and plot development. She writes in prose, painting a stunningly realistic world alongside creating a whirlwind of emotions that had me invested in the entire story from start to finish. What I really love, which Taylor did amazingly well, was give each character a voice of their own, no matter how major or minor their role was. They each had their own characteristics, and I found that I was invested in some, if not most, of the characters own progression. It was great to see that most of them had their own background story, to create depth to the story and make the characters come to life. It was easy to relate to them and attach myself emotionally. 

The world building in STD is absolutely genius! Taylor has created a rather expansive world with so much detail around each city including the people, their history and the culture within them - I could really envision each city and map them out to be part of an actual world. She built such a rich history around the world and the cities in it that it almost felt like I was reading about places that truly existed many years ago. This also reflected in the plot development, with Taylor producing such a complex but completely mind-blowing story. The novel is based around magic and mythical tales. Taylor’s whimsical and lyrical writing is the perfect accompaniment to make everything seem believable. Alongside that is her ability to explore worldly aspects including war, love, hate and discrimination to deliver powerful messages alongside her story. 

I haven’t finished a book within a day in awhile, but STD was so engaging and compelling, I had to keep reading. The one thing I would be a little nit picky about is that the ending focused a little too much on romance, which made the mystery and character developments take a back seat for a tiny bit. As a whole though, Strange The Dreamer delivered an excellent read - well thought out, with immense detail to visualise every moment of the novel, paced perfectly and delivering an ending that had me shocked. I cannot wait for the sequel! 

Thursday 13 July 2017

Recapping The Movies I've Watched In 2017 So Far


I feel like 2017 has been the year of movies for me. Not in the sense that every movie I’ve watched has been outstanding but rather, I’ve watched an immense amount, for someone who only watched She’s The Man in 2012 and have not seen a single Lord of the Rings or Star Wars movie. Basically, I’m not a huge movie buff - I don’t rush to watch movies unless I feel like it’s necessary and I’m not fussed on whether I do get around to it or not. I guess the biggest difference this year is that the friends that I’ve been hanging out with all love watching movies, and it’s become a social thing for me. Almost like a movie club! 

So without further ado let’s get into the first half of the year recap. 

Movies that I’ve watched


Most, if not all of these, are pretty mainstream movies with heaps of hype around them. 

Best Movies

I’m going to admit it, I’ve barely seen any of the other Wolverine movies, but Logan was amazing in that I didn’t have to know much about the other two to watch this one. It was such an emotional journey, played out spectacularly by Hugh Jackman and Dafne Keen. The plot was detailed enough, without dragging out moments, and I loved that it conveyed themes around equality, discrimination, love and family. 

I’m a Disney fan and this pretty much exceeded my expectations of it. I always go into adaptations quite apprehensive, but I throughly enjoyed this. Full review here. 

Worst Movie

Don’t even ask me why I watched it. From the plot to the script, it was all so cheesy and barely made any sense. Do not waste your time. 

Most Surprising

I watched this at the beginning of the year, after looking at what was on and not seeing anything else my friends and I would’ve liked to see. Surprise, surprise, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Maybe it’s because I didn’t expect too much, but I loved the design of the spaceship and the world building, the flawed characters and yes, even the sappy plot line. It was an enjoyable movie and would be great for a night in. 

Most Disappointing

Okay, let’s just get this straight. “Split” was one of those movies that I pictured what would happen in my mind and hope it would blow my mind. Instead, it left me confused and unsatisfied, veering from psychological thriller to having supernatural elements. I was hoping for darker elements that would leave me questioning the entire plot but really, all I'm questioning is why they decided to do what they did. 

Let’s be real, I expected this to be a disappointed. I don’t even know why I thought this would be better than it was. I mean I liked the transformation of the cars. I liked the humour. I liked the fighting. But everything else was way, waaaaay too cheesy. Optimus Prime had so many monologue moments, I thought I was watching a Shakespearean play. 

Thoughts on other movies


Gal Gadot was badass and beautiful. I’m not a huge DC fan nor do I know much about the history around Wonder Woman, so I felt like the context was strange. Nevertheless, it was an amazing movie celebrating a female superhero so I’m all about it. 

Can you tell I really like superhero movies? I really appreciated this re-make of Spider Man, because it explored Peter’s younger years and how he struggles to balance his teen years with his secret missions. It’s so realistic and relatable, from the peer pressure to thinking that he can tackle everything in the world because he has powers. It was definitely different to other superhero movies, but once I got past the lack of action - there is action, just not the same amount as per usual - I found I really enjoyed it for the message it portrayed. 

I'm in two minds about this. I liked it. It had a good back story to Kong, his demeanour and personality and how, as humans, we tend to take things for granted and assume that every land is ours for the taking. The island was incredible and so rich in creativity, and I loved that they filmed part of it in Ha Long Bay. On the other hand, it wasn't as engaging or captivating as I wanted it to be, so there were times I zoned out or felt like it was dragged on.

Bottom Line - go see Logan, Spiderman, Beauty and the Beast and Wonder Woman because they were all incredible and had so much to take away from. 

What Movies Have You Guys Seen This Year?

Monday 10 July 2017

Why You Should Read The Handmaid's Tale Once In Your Life


Title: The Handmaid's Tale
Author: Margaret Atwood
Publication Date: 1985
Add to Goodreads | Buy from The Book Depository
Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She has only one function: to breed. If she deviates, she will, like dissenters, be hanged at the wall or sent out to die slowly of radiation sickness.

But even a repressive state cannot obliterate desire - neither Offred's nor that of the two men on which her future hangs. 





Review



The Handmaid’s Tale is one of those reads that you know will leave an impression on you, at least it did for me.

What I loved most about this was the way Atwood introduced profound ideas, which were explored somewhat, but for the most part I was left to delve further and reach my own conclusions. At first, it was a little frustrating, seeing as I wanted to know more, but overtime as I began to engage and construct my own opinions, I realised that I was taking more out of the plot by being forced to think about what Atwood was presenting. I really would’ve liked to have studied this sometime during high school or university because I feel like I would’ve gained so much more. There are so many aspects to this novel that can be discussed and to hear people’s opinion about it would’ve made for great debate.

The best part of The Handmaid's Tale as well, is that your opinion of it will change depending on when you read it during your life. For me, being at the ripe old age of 22 (kidding, I know I’m still very, very young), this novel has given me so much to think about but I’m also aware of how much I would’ve missed. I say this because Margaret Atwood, whilst writing this in 80s, was well ahead of her times and introduced ideas that can only really be grasped from knowledge gained through life experiences, studying these aspects or being well read. Personally, I think my feelings around this novel will definitely evolve between now and say 10 years later.

The writing itself is almost like the stream of consciousness style, reflecting Offred’s mindset perfectly. It felt like she was recounting her time, moving to and from the past and present as she remembered moments that related to her present time. I found that it was almost like I was reading a diary - intimate and compelling - and I couldn’t help but become attached emotionally. The world building was also fascinating and slightly terrifying. It depicts a society with ideals and hierarchy that can be considered as exaggerated to reinforce Atwood’s portrayal of the negative consequences in creating such a society. However, there are notions of truth within it, and as terrifying as it sounds, this world presented in the book could potentially become a world we might live in. This is why I find Atwood so impressive, because the story is well beyond its years and will remain relatable for generations to come.

The Handmaid’s Tale is a thought-provoking and precautionary tale that speaks of equality, power and identity that will stay with you and is well worth the read and re-read later on in your life.

Thursday 6 July 2017

Recapping The First Half of 2017 and Where I'm At So Far

I'm sorry but how is it July already? I have no idea where the first 6 months have been so this post will be interesting. Hopefully my memory doesn't fail me.

Posts To Check Out


I haven't been as consistent with my blog, but I'm actually quite satisfied with the content that I've produced. This year I wanted to focus on generating content that I was happy about, and that would create ideas and debate, rather than write about anything and everything to make up for lack of posts.

My favourite posts for this year so far are:

Let's Talk

Reviews

Other
Harry Potter's 20th Anniversary: Counting Down 20 Of My Favourite Moments


Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag 


Find out which books I loved, found disappointing, my biggest surprise so far and favourite book covers I've bought for the first half of 2017.


Goals Progression


I've only read 8 books so far this year. Yes, it doesn't seem like much, but my goal this year was to read books that I know I'd like and will be memorable. With at least 7 of them I can happily say I'm glad I read them and that I did enjoy them. Quality over quantity right?



I never really got to set resolutions for this year, purely because I know that I'm all for talking about them but never put plans in place to action them, which is a big no no. Instead, I've set long term goals that have short term goals that I want to work on within an amount of time to get there. Early days so I have to wait to see how I go with those.

How Has 2017 Been For You So Far?


Wednesday 28 June 2017

Counting Down 20 of My Favourite Harry Potter Moments


The first Harry Potter novel was published on June 26th, 1997 and now it's 2017 - 20 years since J.K Rowling has blessed us with one of the best things to have ever been produced.

In honour of its 20th year anniversary, I wanted to share my favourite moments of the series. I honestly thought it was going to be hard to make up a list of 20, but it was harder to not go over!

20. Harry visits Diagon Alley for the first time 
This was pretty much the first time both Harry and readers are introduced to the world of Magic, and boy was it magical. From Gringotts to Olivander it was such an amazing experience.

19. "Weasley is Our King"
No, not those times Ron was terrible at being Keeper, but when he completely shut down Slytherin and helped Gryffindor win the cup. Hell yeah is Weasley Our King.

18. Exposing Rita Skeeter 
At the end of Goblet of Fire, when Hermione discovers and exposes Rita for being an illegal Animagus to eavesdrop on people's conversations, I felt such a deep satisfaction. Serves her right for being such a mean person.        

17. Molly and Fleur see eye to eye 
Fleur’s ferocious approach to telling Molly that she doesn’t need Bill to be “pretty” for her to love him and Molly’s offering of Aunt Muriel’s tiara was such a perfect way for each to accept the other.


16. D.A classes 
Reading about Harry’s self taught Defence Against the Darks was about the only thing that got me through the whole Umbridge ordeal.

15. Hermione and Ron's kiss 
I’m sure we were all waiting for this moment to happen *cue fireworks*

14. The twins leave Hogwarts 
Oh man, when it comes to Fred and George, one of their best moments is playing an impressive amount of pranks on Umbridge and her brigade before leaving Hogwarts. Did anyone say drop the mic?


13. The Yule Ball 
AKA Hermione and that dress, her hair and pissing Ron off for thinking he owns her. You go girl.

12. Harry catches the Remembrall
Cast your mind back to Philospher’s Stone and the moment when Harry zoomed off on his broom to rescue Neville’s remembrall after Malfoy takes it, which then leads to him being part of the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

11. Escaping Gringotts 
There were so many parts of Deathly Hallows that I loved, but the moment that the trio mount the dragon, cut it loose and then fly it out of Gringotts is epic.

10. Troll in the castle 
Wingardium Leviosa. The start of the friendship and knowing that Ron is capable of many things, despite what he thinks.

9. Dobby is freed 
You cannot have read Harry Potter and tell me this wasn'y one of the most touching moments ever. EVER.

8. The Quidditch World Cup 
I’m choosing this more because I wish it was an actual thing to attend. Also because it opened up the world to Quidditch and the rest of its culture a lot more.


7. "Not my daughter you b#@!*%" 
Yeah that moment. With Molly and Bellatrix. It was especially satisfying for me because of how Sirius died and to have Bellatrix experience the exact same thing. I’m sorry but karma is a *bleeeeeep*.

6. Kreacher's tale 
I find this to be one of the most memorable and bittersweet moments. 1) Because there was so much humanity and compassion when the three of them learn about what he has been through and 2) Kreacher is an absolute gem after he reconciles with Harry.

5. Hermione slaps Malfoy 
Enough said

4. Snape's memory 
Learning about Snape’s role in Harry’s life, finding out about his love for Lily. So many tears shed. “Always"

 3. Harry's Patronus 
This is one of my favourite Harry moments in general - when he discovers that its not his father, but himself he makes the Patronus appear and gets rid of the Dementors. That whole time travelling aspect just makes so much more sense and is so cleve by tying it back to this moment.

2. The truth about Sirius 
There’s no surprise this is in my top 3 considering Sirius is my favourite character. You learn so much about him as a person - the loyalty, resilience and courage he has.


1. Harry finds out he's a Wizard 
Without this moment there would be no story. Harry gets to escape the Dursleys and start a better life, Hagrid give Duddley a pigs tail and just seeing someone who's happy to know Harry exists is really heartwarming.

What Is Your Favourite Harry Potter Moment?

Friday 23 June 2017

The Waiting List: July Releases


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

Don’t Close Your Eyes by Holly Seddon - July 4th
Twins, Robin and Sarah, have been estranged for years. Both their lives are now in disarray and we witness their upbringing and the moments that have been brought them to where they are now.

What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum - July 11th
Popular Kit Lowell and socially isolated David Drucker strike up a friendship that lead to investigating the accident that causes Kit’s father to die. What they find might test the strength of their friendship. I’m more intrigued to see if they can keep the relationship as a platonic one rather than moving into a romance. 

All the Ways the World Can End by Abby Sher - July 11th
Lenny starts a list of all the ways the world can end, after she feels like her life is falling apart. This coming of age contemporary just makes me feel like it’ll be humourous and touching all at once.
The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson - July 11th 
I am all for family mysteries, especially ones that stem from generations before and somehow link up with present day. When Leia heads home to sort out some family issues and announce that she’s pregnant, she soon discovers that theres more that’s been hidden than what she’s expected.

The Breakdown by B.A Paris - July 18th 
Cass is haunted by the image of the lady in the car she drove past one night, the lady who was killed. She seems to be forgetting everything, but that lady. 

Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Footy - July 25th
16 year old Sorina is born with the gift of creating illusions, and uses her skills in the Gomorrah Festival. Her illusions may seem lifelike, but they’re still not real. Until one of them is murdered. Sorina must find out who the culprit is and how they killed someone who doesn’t even exist. 

What Are You Excited For?

Tuesday 20 June 2017

Diversity In Books: What You Need To Read & What I Want To Read

When I was doing my research for this post, I realised that I barely, if ever, read any novels with diversity. I'm actually so embarrassed by that. Diversity is important, we talk about being unique and to celebrate our individuality. Yet, there is little reflection of this in our literature, and that's not acceptable. Only recently have I started to notice that YA authors are writing from POC/Non-Caucasian point of views, or including them and LGBQT characters in their story. It should be a norm to have stories that involve people from different races, sexuality, genders etc. because that's life realistically. 

I want to share with you guys 5 books to read if you want to look for something with diversity, but also 5 books I want to read myself this year. 

5 Books You Should Read

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini 
-- POC lead --
Alongside themes about family, loyalty, guilt and redemption, The Kite Runner is a huge eye opener on the turmoil occurring in the Middle East that has and is still affecting the people living there.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan 
-- LGBQT --
I'll admit it, I rarely read LGBQT books, but this one is in my top five reads and for good reason. Besides being such a great coming of age story, Green and Levithan explore sexuality and how confusing, scary and exciting it can be at such a young age.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
-- Race/Female Leads/Mental Health --
This was one of the first novels I read in high school that explored racial discrimination and the impact it had on people's daily lives. It also had such empowering female characters, hands down one of those reads that have left an impression on me, even to this day.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
-- Race --
Lee's novel is one of those that I implore people to read. TKAM speaks volumes on racial discrimination, humanity and respect. Even if you don't read any of the other novels on this list, please read this one!

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
-- Race --
For younger readers, Noughts and Crosses, is the perfect read. It's an alternative universe where the blacks are superior to the whites. It's such a powerful love story that depicts the harm when we treat people differently.


5 Books I Want To Read

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alice Saenz
-- LGBQT --
I've told myself to read more LGBQT novels this year, and up first is this story about Aristotle and Dante who are drawn to each other as friends, before discovering much more about themselves and their relationship.

The Colour Purple by Alice Walker
-- Race/Feminism --
Published in 1982, this was a controversial novel addressing coloured women and their life in rural Georgia. It's been censored due to its content, but I can just tell that this will be a profound read.

Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham
-- Race --
Technically this is more of a crime/mystery novel, but the murder centers around a "racial firestorm", so I'm intrigued to see how the depiction of segregation and discrimination is conveyed.

Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Justyce starts a journal to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, recounting his daily life. One day, his friend and himself are confronted by the police and soon Justyce finds himself under attack by the public for the truth about what happened. I'm not surprised to see that this soon to be released YA novel is addressing coloured people and their encounter with law enforcement, after the rise in deaths that have occurred in the US, so I'm holding out to see how this one will go down.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This has been a super popular read in the YA community now, and much like Dear Martin, it explores police shootings of coloured people and the effects it has on the community.

What Diverse Novels Would You Recommend?

Thursday 15 June 2017

The Aesthetically Pleasing Book Tag


The Aesthetically Pleasing Book Tag is really to look at aesthetically pleasing books. The amount of times I've made a cover buy is actually ridiculous, but I'm super excited to do this tag and share with you guys some of the books on my shelves that are absolutely gorgeous.

This tag was created by Book Syrup on YouTube, check it out here.

Best Colour Combo 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
This takes the cake for matching my favourite colour, minted green, with the cutest pink!


Best Typography 

Peter Pan by J.M Barrie
Just look at it. That calligraphy and the colouring. Dead.


Best Simplistic Cover

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
How ironic that Uglies comes out as the prettiest.


Best Endpages

Summer and Bird by Katherine Catmull
It's so simple, and yet so elegant.

Best Map 

Legacy of Kings by Eleanor Herman
I'm not a huge fantasy reader so this was really hard to choose, but I do like these illustrations.


Best Naked Hardback

Dorothy Must Die Series by Danielle Paige
I found these two so creative for having the protagonists silhouettes on the front.


Best Back Cover

Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
Boss as Calaena.


Best Chapter Headers

The Fairyland Series by Catherynne M. Valente
This series has the cutest chapter headings!



Best Illustrations


I was so close to choosing This Monster Calls but cannot overlook the illustrated versions of Harry Potter.



Best Spine

Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling
I'm cheating but this edition of Harry Potter put together makes the Hogwarts Castle, and you cannot tell me that is not pretty.



Best Cover On My Shelves


I couldn't decide so now I'm featuring both of them. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the entire series even, just has such a haunting cover and the feel of it is nice - it's like a velvet material. Alice in Wonderland is just eccentric and so apt for the story.

Feel free to do this tag and leave a link below so I can check out other covers and possibly go through a cover buy binge - as per usual. 

What Are Your Favourite Covers?