Showing posts with label Coraline. Show all posts

 Hiya! 

It wasn't until recently that I learned the film Coraline was originally a book written by Neil Gaiman. Naturally, I decided to buy a copy and read it.  The book is essentially a child's horror story.

Coraline is a story of a young British girl called Coraline. She moves into a new flat in a new city with her parents. She has several neighbours, Mr Bobo who homes circus mice and the retired actresses Mrs Spink and Miss Forcible. Coraline finds herself bored in the flat as her parents work and discovers a little door in the pantry of her home. Through the door, she visits an alternate world where things are supposed to be exactly to her pleasing. This world is created by The Beldam (The Other Mother). We follow Coraline through an adventure of discovery as she takes on The Beldam. Through a game, she attempts to retrieve the lost souls of the children before her and return her parents who were stolen from her. All with the help of the cat.

A brilliant story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I found that it was different from the film, in a really good way. Henry Selick (Director) had taken some creative license by adding characters like Whyby and the little doll of Coraline. With the overall plot, the film didn't stray from the book. 

I really enjoyed reading the book just as much as I enjoy watching the film. In this particular version (Bloomsbury) the illustrations by Chris Riddell were incredible. I liked how they used illustrations to introduce each chapter, it was a really nice touch. 

It was an easy read of 191 pages, I opened it just to read a chapter whilst I was waiting for my food to cook and I was completely engulfed. Had it not been for the timer and not wanting to burn my tea I would have finished the entire book in one sitting. It flowed really well, you were just sucked into the story. One minute I was on page 30 the next page 100. It was refreshing to be transported to a world like that. 

I have nothing negative to say about this book, it is ever so charming. A very easy ready, I think I will read again in the future. 

What book are you currently reading?

Coraline (Book Review)

Friday, 6 August 2021

Aloha!

If you don’t follow me on Instagram (@writingmyheart) you will not know about my new found obsession! For months I’ve been gazing at book box subscriptions. If you don’t know what that is, it is essentially a subscription to a company(s) and every month they send you out a book as well bookish goodies! For a long time I had only seen them in the US so at the end of September, I went on a hunt for some UK based subscriptions. I came across a few and have favored two BookSpotBox and BookBoxClub! Both amazing companies and the boxes they’ve sent so far have been insane!!

BookSpotBox is the first box I subscribed to, the second wasn’t too far behind but this one delivered to me first. I pay £20 for a book, this one isn’t a subscription service. You basically go onto their website (BookSpotBox.co.uk) and pick the box you want to buy. Delivery is under £4, this is one of the cheapest boxes I’ve found. But don’t let that fool you, the quality of the box is still high end!  The first box I’ve received from Kate (the owner of BSB) is called the Blood&Bodies! Halloween theme as you can guess since we are in the October month. I didn’t know what to expect from my first box (a book obviously) so I was more than happy when the box got delivered. Okay so, I’m going to show you an unboxing of the box. What I got inside and my favourite items etc. 



I love the running theme of the book, it goes with a cup and coaster. The theme of blood with needle pen! I also love how the box comes with a ‘flesh weaver’ scented candle. I’m obsessed with candles lately! 
My favourite item from this box has to be the IT magnetic bookmarks. They’re so cute and creative, I’m really looking forward to using them when I start reading the book! With the spooky month, I’m looking forward to having the candlelight, book in hand and wrapped up in a blanket. 
I’ve seen mixed reviews about the book, but due to Uni work, I haven’t had the chance to read it yet. But I will soon, and when I do expect a review!! I have ordered their November box too ‘Wizard & Witches’ I am so excited about this box, and I can’t wait to receive the box and show you guys next month! 





The second book subscription is BookBoxClub! I actually tried to enter a rep competition for this company but wasn’t successful. Still, no salty feelings because their box was insane!! The cost of this box, monthly subscription, is £28.99! I think the price is reasonable for what you get, at first I was a bit hesitant but when the box arrived I fell in love with everything!  The theme of this months box is called ‘Fantasy Lands’ it featured a wide range of items, from Alice in Wonderland to Narnia and even to As Travars. 



Very cute box, the wrapping was really good too! Before I show you everything, I will show the item I loved the most! This item is just so perfect and I didn’t expect it. 

 The Coraline cookie! I should really eat this but I haven’t got the heart to destroy it!  The design is so pretty, I think the supplier of the cookie is  GardenersCookies (www.gardenerscookies.co.uk) I haven’t had the cookie yet so I can’t tell you how it tastes but 10/10 for design!!
So here is the rest of the box, everything is so creative and well made. It was definitely a good box for my first book box from BookBoxClub.


You get soap (LOTR theme) and the tea leaves. The tea leaves are my second favourite item, I’ve had a few cups already. It tastes like liquid After Eights. So good! Again, haven’t had the chance to read the book but definitely will read soon before the next box is sent out. The bag is pretty, before the box I didn’t really know  As Travars and I am still unsure but I appreciate the design! I actually took the tote bag to Uni last week, I was feeling super bookish! The Narnia beanie is pretty cool too, I haven’t worn it just because I don’t think I suit beanies but I am trying to get a good enough picture with it on!  
In this box (like the other box) I’ve got given cards with things on, book related and quotes type of things. I am wanting to put this up on my room I am just looking for the right place! November’s box is the theme of Smugglers and Thieves. I love pirates so I’m buzzing for this one!! 
I’m hoping to continue with buying subscription boxes and keep posting about them on here. So you guys can see, and perhaps subscribe? and to appreciate the companies really. The creativity and thought gone into the boxes are appreciated and I adore everything!
So, if you’re just as bookish as I am, I would recommend starting or trying out a book subscription box! If you already do, tell me about it below! Show me your favourite goodies! 
Thank you for reading, and the next post is a book review next week! 

Book Box Subscriptions (October)

Tuesday, 30 October 2018