Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Hello!
This week I bring you a review of the most recent book I have finished reading. It is a little different from the usual books or novels I review but I feel so passionate after reading this poetry collection. I don’t own many poetry books, in fact, the last one I bought was Blythe Baird’s If My Body Could Speak, a couple years ago. 
I recommend that poetry book too, but right now I am hyping up this collection of poetry by Halsey. One of my favourite singers and new writers. I saw this amazing person in concert last year and had the absolute best time. It has been months since the concert and I still have blues wishing I was stood in the crowd of the O2 in London.  I have always found comfort in her lyrics and have admired her for many years.  I jumped at the chance to purchase this book as soon as it was released.  If you like her lyrics you will adore her poetry.
I have made a list of my favourite poems from the collection: 
  • A Story Like Mine
  • Smoke
  • Forever... is a long time 
  • Absence makes the heart grow fonder 
  • Forever cursed in love are the observant 
  • Devil in me 
  • Bring on the black
  • Seventeen 
  • Powerless 
  • Fun Girl 
  • Bad Day: 3 
  • Antagonist 
  • American Woman
  • Battles 
 The poems lengths varied, I quite like that some were a couple of lines whereas others spread over a couple of pages. The topics were love and often of love, sex and family. I felt myself being transported into this celebrities life, seeing things I would have never guessed that they had been through. Her words were so raw in places. I loved dipping in and out of this collection, such an intense read. I found myself tearing up quite a bit. There was one poem in the collection is only seven lines long, it was the first in the collection that really made fall in love with the words. Battles:


One of the previously mentioned poems grabbed my attention in particular: A Story Like Mine. From the first sentence in and I recognised it immediately, I had seen a video of Ashley performing this poem at a rally on Facebook. I have watched this performance many times since. Even when reading it, it really shocked me. The pain and atrocity mentioned felt all but too familiar, I cannot imagine that I am the only woman who felt the same. The way Ashley words things it is so raw, she really puts her heart out. 

It was nice to read something that doesn’t have a linear narrative, that’s one of my favourite things about reading poetry. Each new poem tells a new story and captures different feelings. I am constantly in search of new poems and poets to read, if you have any recommendations it will be greatly appreciated! I’ll see you guys next week with a post about a book to film adaptations! 

I would leave me if I could (book review)

Friday, 22 January 2021

I finally got around to purchasing volume two of The Wicked + The Devine graphic novels and wow. Spoilers ahead!!

This one hit me with plot twists I didn’t even expect. Like the first volume, the artwork is incredible. The pages really well thought out. I liked that we had more of an inner dialogue with Laura and we explored her character more. Seeing her grieve was a story in itself, in this we see the search of the murderers from the last novel. And it takes some unexpected turns and has left me stunned!! 
We find out unexpected gods and there is quite a lot of death and malice from other gods (which is highly frowned upon) the mother of gods herself has a few secrets and it is just high levels of drama! 
This volume really changed its dynamic of storytelling, at one point there is like a ‘quiz’ different items in the protagonist’s room were labelled with a letter and you can follow the letter and discover more about the item. This was quite interesting and I loved it, it really helped explore the character’s personality as well as briefly inform us about certain things that have gone on in her life. At one point there was even a map/floor plan that seemed the protagonist did some doodles on explaining her time and whereabouts and some thoughts- this was quite a nice little addition to the story. 
I really grew to love Laura in this volume, and what I’m about to say next genuinely shook me to the core. She ended up being a 13th god (there are only supposed to be 12)  and then she was killed moments after!!! That’s how the comic ended and I’m in need of more. I am loving this series of graphic novels so much! I’m heading out next week to pick up the third volume! 
What was the last plot twist you read that left you shook?

Fandemonium (Book Review)

Tuesday, 21 July 2020

I had seen this book Women Don't ow You Pretty, on my Instagram feed. The cover alone immediately captured my attention. I had been pondering on purchasing it on Amazon but decided against it because it wouldn't arrive on time for my journey back to Brighton. It was the day before I set out that I wandered into Waterstones with a friend when I came across this book, the last one. For me, that was a sign that I was destined to read this book! I had already followed the author Florence Given and immediately knew this was a pretty amazing woman! I started the book on the train, and I was immediately hooked! 
The book contains all original artwork. and it is incredible, such an esthetically pleasing book. I loved each and every one of the illustrations; they are so liberating to look at!
Through reading this book I have learned a lot about my self and having finished the book I have been doing some much-needed self-reflection. This book is so empowering as it unpacks feminism and talks about personal growth. Amongst many things, this book discusses rape culture and that ‘if it’s not a “fuck yes”, it’s a no’ the writer discusses boundaries and unpacks rape culture and setting boundaries with sex and looking out for red flags.

Given encourages us to own your shit and let people get on with theirs. I liked that she talked about how you owe absolutely fuck all to anyone and that no one owes you anything too. She emphasizes the importance of doing things for yourself. That we don’t need to conform to certain expectations but that it is also okay if we want to. It’s important that you do things for you. 
There are some really powerful chapters in this book, I think that every woman should read this. I feel so enriched and refreshed by reading this. Like my eyes have been opened a little and that I don’t feel alone about certain things and that I’m not the only person experiencing the things that I have. 

This book allowed me to recognise my own internalised homophobia as a queer person. Chapter ten addresses being queer and owning of the self. I felt myself relating to parts about feeling as though I don’t look ‘gay’ or that I’m not like the queer people I’ve met or seen. But this chapter helped me see that my personality and appearance is a separate thing to my sexuality and that they aren’t all bound together as one. It allowed me to realise that thinking that I’m not like other queer people is in itself pushing a stereotype onto others. This book also goes on to talk about accountability and to check yourself, accepting when you’re wrong and instead of making excuses you should accept what you’ve done, apologise and use this wrong as an opportunity for self-growth.

Given's book really opened my eyes, made me realise my own privilege amongst other things. The way she writes made me feel like I was having a conversation with her, the way she tells her own personal anecdotes really made me reflect on my own experiences. The book was very accessible and easy to read, as well as incredibly visually pleasing. If you're considering reading this book, even if you are not, I highly recommend that you do. I enjoyed reading this book, it allowed me to see things differently and also learn more about myself as well as perhaps looking at other things and people differently.


Women Don't Owe You Pretty (Review)

Wednesday, 1 July 2020

Hello! It’s been a little while but I’m back with another graphic novel review,  I’ve taken quite a liking to comic books! The graphic novel I will be reviewing is The Wicked + The Devine by Gillen McKelvie and Wilson Cowles. This is the first book of the collection: The Faust Act. I believe there are novel versions of these if I remember correctly. So let’s begin!From the first page I was engaged, the characters are stunning and beautiful. Before each chapter there is pictures of each of the gods, and wow they are pretty. 




The story is about gods who come to earth, every two years they die and sort of reset. In this collection we see a story unfold about the protagonist meeting these gods and a murder takes place that is blamed on one of the gods.

At the end of each chapter I was already excited for the next one. At one point there is such an amazing twist (I won’t say in case you want to pick this beauty up) that made me gasp out loud.

This was such a visually pleasing story, the design is amazing and the use of bright colours. Very refreshing for the eyes. This collection cost me £9.99, a very good prices for a volume. I believe the next volumes are already released. Volume two is called Fandemonium. I will be ordering on Amazon!

I really enjoyed this graphic novel, it is stunning and the storyline is gripping. I found myself laughing out loud and I just thoroughly enjoyed reading it! 




What have you been reading lately?

The Wicked + The Devine Volume 1 (Review)

Thursday, 26 March 2020

I read this novel on my holiday in September, I kept notes about the book on my phone. I needed a place to put my thoughts, this book really makes you think. 
 I am not sure why I picked up this book to read, I think it was more for the curiosity factor. I am aware of serial killers in the world but female ones are not really talked about. Before reading this I could only really name a few. 
This was one of those books I bought to try and branch out of my reading comfort zone, and it did just that. I have talked to people about this book, there are a lot of people who are interested in this kind of genre or simply have a fascination with serial killers. This is definitely a book I would recommend. I don't think the content is for the light-hearted.
This book was shocking. The author Christopher Berry-Dee talks about the women he talked with, very dangerous women, and he goes into detail with the crimes that were committed. I have to say, I am not really a fan of the author after reading this book. He referenced himself way too much and his other books. I also just found him a tad bit obnoxious. When the book wasn't discussing him it was really good content. I found that very intense and chilling.  I found myself numb and thinking about the crimes long after finishing reading the book. Truly disturbing. 
I think the case I personally found the most shocking case was the one of Mary Flora Bell. I had heard of her previously briefly, and that was only because she was from my hometown and was notoriously known. I didn't really know what she had done, but having read the chapter on her case I was left shook. I guess what got me the most was that her crimes took places on streets that I have known my whole life. I couldn't grasp that it happened in these places, and on the streets where hundreds of kids play a week. I just couldn't believe horrific acts were committed in a place that I've always known as being safe.
If anything, this is an interesting read. Factual and just eye-opening. I am unsure if I will venture into any more of Christopher Berr-Dee's work but we will see!


Talking with Female Serial Killers (review)

Wednesday, 12 December 2018

I noticed this book in the media a lot, especially over the last year or so. At work, it has been catching my eye on the shelf, and I've heard nothing but positive things about the book. On a journey to educate myself I bought this novel ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race’ written by Reni Eddo-Lodge. I am not sure what I expected but I was just ready for my mind to opened and to learn new things. And become more aware of the world around me and even places closer to home. This book has done that and much more.

 Firstly, this book was educational, to say the least.  I’ve learned so much more about black history within the UK. I feel as though we’ve only been taught about Black History in other countries like the US but not what has been happening close to home. The first chapter explores this, going over events that have happened in the UK and discusses perhaps why we don't know as much as we should. Within the first few pages, my eyes had been opened. Before reading this book all I briefly knew about Black History was that Liverpool was known for the slave trade. From the book, I’ve learned that it is across the country that the slave trade took place. As well as many acts of violence and hate crimes have occurred even in recent years.  I guess until now I didn’t know the full extent of it.  The second chapter ‘The System’ really shocked me. The miss treatment of people just because of the colour of their skin, the injustices that families have endured and are still going through in today’s society is mind-boggling. Through this chapter, I learned about race cases that had occurred in and around the country. 
I feel ignorant, I never really understood what privileges come with being white. And this book addresses those privileges.  I hadn’t ever considered it, and I found that the book has definitely made me realise a lot of things. That as a society white people are treated better, and it’s completely unfair. I can see why this book has had such a great social impact. 
'Fear of the black planet' chapter was a preach of all chapters!! So many times I’ve witnessed arguments where people have used racism under the name of ‘freedom of speech’ it’s angering and just disgusting. I found this chapter the most interesting so far, it discusses situations that have occurred in the media such as the rumour of Idris Alba becoming the new bond and the seventh Star Wars film having two black heroes. I found these films revolutionary and just ‘about fucking time’! This chapter shows the reactions of white people and the fear they have when a protagonist isn’t white. For years the film industry (as well as other broadcast industries as well the book industry basically every industry ever)  have reflected the white person back onto the white audience, and now that is changing people are threatened by it. I think the part I really felt ‘You’re so right’ is where the author Reni Eddo-Lodge discusses the uproar of the casting of a black Hermione in The Cursed Child, she makes a point that people can’t see a character who is smart, driven and fucking amazing as being black but can believe in walking through walls. Like seriously?! This chapter was just proving people wrong all left right and centre.
In the book, there is a chapter about feminism and what it means to be a feminist. It talks about white feminism and how a lot of the time feminists aren’t willing to include race in their agenda. That just being a woman and the issues women face is enough, but this book talks about how the every day feminism we are used to doesn’t seem to apply to all. I’ve found this chapter educational, as a feminist and a lover of education this book alone has widened me knowledge on a lot of things. Although I know as a white woman I’ll never fully be able to relate to the author or the people who endure all of this prejudice mentioned in the book but that doesn’t mean I can’t preach what she is saying. She talks about how feminism currently aims to achieves what only effects them, the majority of famous feminists are white so they don’t have to deal with race as an issue, so most of the time it is just swept under the carpet. Reni goes on to talk about how feminism should be all inclusive, even though it’s unrealistic but things like race, sexuality, disability etc. Need to be talked about, issues need to be raised even if it seems impossible to make all individuals equal. 
Reading the sixth chapter of this book ‘Race and Class’ this chapter talks about politics and how political agendas try to divide the class systems. Especially Whites from PoC/ BME. Potiticans scaremongers white work class people about immigrants ‘taking their jobs’. Reni makes the point that these leaders, people above working class folk, only ever use this card to place the blame. Is it not the people above us holding us down? But they don’t want the working people to  notice that so they put the blame on other people. Is it not easier to blame the neighbour than battle the powers above? This chapter really opened my eyes, I always thought the ‘immigrants are taking our jobs’ was rubbish, but I didn’t consider why these nonsense rumours were being spread. Politicians are trying to turn the classes against one another to distract from the real issues being dealt with. The chapter really tackles politics and by the end addresses that working class people white or of any colour shouldn’t be turned against each other, we are all in similar situations. However,  this still means race shouldn’t be ignored.
Having finished this book I find that an anger has arisen inside of me. I know I can’t change all of above, and I probably will never truly or personally understand the issues BMEdeal with. But  I can talk about it. Race needs to be talked about, wide and far and it’s an ongoing issue that won’t ever go away. It shouldn't be ignored, because it doesn't apply to certain people, this is an issue that needs to be addressed. I would recommend you reading this book, anybody and everybody should read this book. It’s eye opening and quite frankly a shock that everybody needs. 

Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race (review)

Tuesday, 31 July 2018

Hiya! I am aware I had previously mentioned I would next be reviewing Miranda Heart's two books but I last minute changed my mind. I decided to stray from my usual reading list. My sister's fiance recommended Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr Ripley. Firstly, before even opening the book I had high hopes. I adore the cove, it's pretty cool. This will include spoilers!

I had never seen this book before or even heard of until I borrowed this copy. I didn’t know what to expect really but naturally, I wasn’t going to turn it away. It’s not a very long book, about thirty chapters. Which I split into two night, fifteen chapters each. I didn’t want to rush the book plus it was quite unnerving so I had to settle the book down half way just to gather my thoughts.

It was a very interesting novel, I got some vibes of Gatsby as well as the film version of American Pyscho. Tom Ripley's character looking for the opportunity to make his life more enriched gave me vibes of a young Jay Gatsby, and naturally, the novel is set in America. Not a 1920's America though, I think it was more modern but before mobile phones and where communication across countries were through letters.  I liked this sort of link, it was just a nice montage almost to a favourite novel.  The American Pyscho aspect came from Tom's change of character, when he disguises as Dickie and murders two people and continues to go on with life like it nothing happened. This is why I felt a very unnerving feeling, it was tense witnessing this character get away with murder. I haven't read many crime novels but I  now definitely want to. Ripley's character is a strange protagonist, I didn't find myself rooting for him but I was just curious to see his next move and see how he would end up. It was intriguing seeing him wiggle out of alarming situations so easily. Like meeting a police officers pretending to be Dickie and then again as himself Tom and they were none the wiser.  Surely you would see the difference? A bit of hair dye can't change an entire person.

The Author Patricia Highsmith is a very detailed writer, this I enjoyed very much. Her description of people and places, I have found myself wanting to visit Italy after reading this novel. The vivid descriptions really painted a beautiful picture in my hair, but also it would be cool to see the places Tom Ripley visited.

The book is very good read, interesting and intriguing. I feel like the ending was my least favourite thing about the novel, he got away with two murders and took all of Dickie's money pretty much in front of Dickie's parent's eyes and they were okay with it. There is no consequence to his actions at all, it just ended with him free going off to Athens in a taxi. Very unsatisfying. There are other novels from the author, some about Tom.I am curious to see if these are follow-ons, so in the future expect more reviews of books by Patricia Highsmith.

The Talented Mr Ripley

Saturday, 14 April 2018

Last night I went to see Brighton Rock performed at the Theatre Royal in Brighton. A lecturer offered us free tickets a week or so before, and at this point, I was really eager to go see a performance in Brighton. This seemed like a good opportunity, it's free and a productive way to spend my evening. Plus, I could enjoy it with my peers who also love theatre. It was the most English Student thing ever, but it was a blast.

Before the performance I pretty much went not knowing what to expect, I had seen that there was a film version on Netflix but I have yet to watch that. Afterward, I found out that Brighton Rock is also a book, which I am very looking forward to reading soon!

Immediately I was engaged, the actors and actresses were amazing. Their roles were so strong and enticing. There was never a second where my mind wandered elsewhere. The characters were complex and very intriguing. No two characters were the same, they were individual. I'm not exactly sure of what I was expecting but I was not expecting it to be about crime and gangs.

I think my favourite part of the play was the stage layout. It was made up of this metal frame that could be moved, like stairs and like an arch that was represented as Brighton Pier. It was insane, the use of the stairs was brilliant, especially to signify the passion between two characters. The stage layout allowed the production to show several things happening at once. I loved this, from the beginning we have a character talking out and what looks like from above, the character Pinky answering her almost. She introducing her thoughts about what makes good and bad and he explaining what will unfold. I loved this, it was just brilliant to watch. I was hooked immediately.

Another element of the performance I enjoyed was that is was somewhat. Like it wasn't a musical but there were parts that were sung and I was living for it. It wasn't full-on musical but it was amazing to see that there was a song or two performed.

The storyline was interesting and complex. I found it easy to follow but it also had my thoughts racing too, on the edge of my seat. The performance was 2 and a half hours, which by the end I did feel a little restless but that is probably because I had been in Uni since half 10 and had been seating down working for the majority of the day.

I feel like you know a play is good when you come away wanting more, like wanting to read the book and watch the film and see just how the theatre production was adapted from the original. I think that will be interesting to explore when I read the novel. I will leave the post here, I don't want to give too much away but I would recommend watching!

Brighton Rock

Wednesday, 7 March 2018

Sunday evening I finished reading Louise Pentland’s Wilde Like Me. I’ve been a fan of Louise for years now and the anticipation for this book has been real! I’m not usually a fan of ‘chick flics’ if that’s what this genre is called but I’m broadening my horizons and putting my faith in Louise! I bought the book just after Christmas but due to University deadlines I hadn’t for the chance to read it until the weekend just gone. 

First of all, I am living for the cover. It’s minimalistic but also very aesthetically pleasing.  I just love love love it, definitely Instagram worthy!

This book was such a pleasurable read, I laughed and sometimes wanted to cry but mostly I could relate. I’m not a single mother, so I cannot relate to Robin in that sense but I can relate to her characteristics . Being a mess and the way she deals with things. I have this weird feeling during the opening chapters of Wilde Like Me and the parts where things went tits up for Robin that I will eventually grow into that. I’m pretty sure I’m okay with this too...

The book was heart warming and hilarious, I feel so strangely attached to the book and Robin. The book has left me in high spirits and just feeling good.  Robin shows real life, even though she is a made up character she deals with every day situations and life isn’t glossed over it is 100% realistic. I think that’s what I loved most about the book.

Having said all of the above,  I did find there was one thing that I found troublesome. It isn’t an issue as such a just a thing I had to deal with while reading. Having been a fan of Louise for many years now, and following her social media and keeping up-to-date with her every day life, video and vloggs. I’ve come to admire her and know a lot about her. When reading the book I pictured Robin as Louise. Even though the description wasn’t of Louise. The use of her idioms and phrases, it was Louise in my head. This isn’t a bad thing in fact I loved it. 

As a writer myself I know you write what you know, and Louise has done exactly that. I feel like a lot relates between Louise and Robin. Which is amazing, and is 100% okay because I too put parts of myself into my characters. I feel that maybe if I had read the book without knowing the author (like I do a lot of the time when pleasure reading) I would have come out feeling a different way, I can’t be sure of that of course. I would still have loved it but it just felt that much more special because I know Louise wrote it and put a lot of herself into the book.

I loved the messages of the book and Robin is quite the female figure to look up to. She reminds me of Bridget Jones but even more realistic and more relatable especially with ‘The Emptiness’ the feelings are so raw. I know when I’ve had to look after my niece and I’ve had similar feelings, Robin showed me that you’ve got to pick yourself up but also that it’s okay to not give a fuck and you do you boo. 

I feel so positive about life having just read Wilde Like Me. I know I’m almost twenty and have the world at my feet but it’s reassuring reading Wilde Like Me that it’s okay if you’re mess and that you won’t be a mess forever. The book is empowering, an enjoyable read and an all round mood lifter!  I highly recommend, single mother or not you will get something out of reading it. Even if it’s just a travel companion to laugh out loud with on a packed train to London (I did this and it was AWKWARD!!!). Needless to say, I am very excited for Wilde 2!

I think next on my reading list I’m revisiting the Harry Potter books for an upcoming quiz but the next book I’ll be reading and reviewing is Sophie Kinsella’s My Not So Perfect Life! 


Wilde Like Me

Monday, 22 January 2018

The first novel of 2018 is Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff. I’m not a resolutions kind of girl but I decided this year I want to do more reading, for pleasure not just for my degree. I’ve set a goal on my GoodReads for 50 books. I started with this one.



Each chapter comes with a song title which in one way or another relates to that chapter. Naturally, I created a playlist on Apple Music so I could listen whilst I read.  I really enjoyed this experience, the book felt almost interactive with the playlist. I definitely liked this because it was different and out of my comfort zone. Usually with a book I’m usually head in and just letting the book lead the way. Playlist for the dead wasn’t like this, the music accompanied the narrative and it just felt more real. Like you could understand both Sam and Hayden much more than the words on the page.

I started this book knowing full well it was about suicide, so I should have somewhat expected the content. It was difficult getting into, I found myself reading a chapter and then walking away and then coming back until I decided to grit my teeth and read it in one sitting. My best friend was hesitant to recommend me the book,  but nonetheless I borrowed her book and read away.

It was hard to read, like not psychically but emotionally. I found myself relating to the main character, and at some parts I even cried and the book has somewhat shifted my thoughts. The book definitely made me feel a rollercoaster of emotions, raw feelings that I’ve been perhaps bottling up a little. The narrative discourse is similar to the Netflix series Thirteen Reasons Why but it’s not as romanticsed, it is shocking and raw.

I don’t know exactly how I feel about the book, it was an interesting read. I feel like I enjoyed it but also feel very overwhelmed at the same like my brain feels fried almost. It’s heavy on content, like I feel emotionally exhausted having just finished reading the book. I think what I like most about the book is, it’s unnerving. You don’t get that sense of relief at the end (at least I didn’t) instead you’re left with thoughts, and questions and empathy. 

I feel like it’s a book everyone should read, I discussed the book with my best friend after reading it. Naturally, after I read a book I want to talk about it and discuss it with people and see what they got out of reading the same text I did. And I feel that this is one of those books that effects people differently, it depends solely on your own personal experiences on how you react to the book. Talking to the best friend we both came away with different things, and I think that’s the beauty of reading. Two people can read exactly the same book and yet come away with different thoughts and feelings.

So, I hoped I haven’t given too much away! I like this, reading a book and then writing about it. Kind of reviewing but mainly just expressing my thoughts and feelings about what I’ve been reading. 

I think next on my reading like is Louise Pentland’s Wilde Like Me! 

Thank you for reading, please comment your thoughts on the book as I am always eager to hear opinions and what not! 

- Also do you have any book recommendations for me? I’m open minded, I’m needing plenty of recommendations if I’m going to hit the target of 50! 


Playlist for the Dead

Tuesday, 2 January 2018

For months now I have been taking an interest in slam poetry, it's enticing and emotional and I have really taken a liking to it. One poet  I have come to adore; Blythe Baird. She is inspirational with her words, and when you watch her you can almost feel everything she has been through. 
For a while now I have been contemplating buying her poetry collection; Give me a god I can relate to. I got some extra money from work, a big tip, and I finally decided to purchase the book. Waiting upon the delivery I have been excited. As you can see below, the cover is beautiful and so aesthetically pleasing. 

Naturally, I read every poem in one sitting. I can definitely say that Blythe is one of my favourite modern poets, her words are real and honest to god relatable. As I am consumed in her words I am reflecting back on my own life. Her use of metaphors blow me out of the water, in one of her poems she does at poetry slams, that isn't in her poetry collection, there is a metaphor that resonates with me The quote is from Pocket Sized Feminism 

"This house is for wallpaper women, what good is wallpaper that speaks"

I think that Blythe is the kind of poet every young woman should invest their time in, I wish I had her poetry when I was entering my early teens because by god I needed to hear her words, but I am so thankful that I can read her poems today and have them influence me the way they do. They inspire me as well as make me much more aware of society than I was. I feel her poems definitely make you feel more self-aware, of yourself and other people in your life. I highly recommend purchasing a copy of her collection, I know already that it will be one that I will read often and it will never get old to me.

Give me a god I can relate to

Wednesday, 22 February 2017

I have been wanting a new phone case for a while now, so Monday I started searching around for places to order online. Having never ordered a phone case from online I was a little sceptical and worried.
I found www.casecompany.world and thought I would give them a try. I paid £15 and the delivery was free!It arrived a couple days after the order.
I chose the design from their website and I put the text 'WritingMyHeart' on. I wanted something writerly whilst also paying homage to my blog.
I am in love with it, it's slick and feels great on my phone. Definitely worth the money! I will definitely be ordering more in the upcoming future. I highly recommend Case Company, you can never have too many phone cases. They are fun and I just like to jazz up my phone a little, I may go a little more adventurous next time.
This isn't sponsored, but I am just so very pleased with my new phone case I just had to share it with you!

New Phone Case

Monday, 13 February 2017

I've seen the title float around Netflix and it peaked my interest but not enough to watch it immediately until tonight. I fancied something light hearted and thought why not?
I have to say it was so much better than I had anticipated and for two reasons
1) It turned out to be sort of a musical - I adore musicals so naturally I was head over heels
2) James Corden - I adore this man and was much very much happy to see his face and hear his voice narrating the film.
I'm not a hundred percent sure exactly what I was expecting, but being Disney I thought it had to be something happy. I think what I liked best was that it wasn't just a focus on one fairytale it had several entwined, also it wasn't always so happy it got dark in certain parts, which I loved. Also amongst the enticing storyline and catchy songs, were many familiar famous faces; Anna Kendrick, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Johnny Depp, Chris Pine and Christine Baranski. All of which were incredible.
The film was longer than I thought it would be, but the plot twist definitely made up for it. Having said all the above, there was parts that were quite shocking and abrupt, like sudden deaths and promiscuous Princes, but a good one time watch.

Into the Woods

Monday, 26 December 2016

-Saturday 26th March post-

Saturday I had a movie marathon with my parents, and we decided to watch all of The Hunger Games especially since Mockingjay Party 2 Blu-ray got delivered during the week. We watched all films, I think I reviewed the others a while ago but I will have a sentence or two more to say this time around, also I will try my best not to give spoilers for part 2!

The Hunger Games - I cried, at the reaping, every time I become an emotional mess, especially since I knew I what was to come in later films. I don't know why but when watching it again I gave found Peeta and Gale so much more attractive, like damn battle of boys! The Rue scene obviously made me sob. The first film was so good, it definitely set a very standard for the rest of the films.

Catching Fire - I like the film, maybe not as much as the first. I loved the lead up to arena,visiting Panem and the districts and the outfits. The whole victors basically kicking off, it was priceless. I like the arena but not that much, it was good and pretty smart with the whole clock thing but I have to say I enjoyed the out of arena action much more. Also this was the film I began shipping Haymitch and Katniss, weird I know, but near the end where he has to restrain her, I got feels I didn't even know existed.

The Mockingjay Part 1 -  I had seen this before but I was skeptical and kind of didn't pay attention to it the first time round, but I watched it full for the first time with my full attention and I was so wrong. It was really good, like I enjoyed it soo much. I cannot stand Coin. Also an angry Josh Hutcherson is mindblowingly attractive!

The Mockingjay Part 2 - It was so good. The film followed the book so closely almost every was as I had pictured it in my head, the only thing that didn't was Avox I pictured him as a futurisitc alien type of thing, but everything was spot on. Everything more or less stuck with the books so I knew what was going to happen, but seeing it in film it was amazing, I loved it. What I found was weird was I cried at the same point I had in the book, where Katniss is shouting at the cat, I sobbed! Everything was so good.

I am so surpised and how high of a standard they kept the films, it didn't get crap like some sequels do, but instead it stayed at a very high standard throughout all of the films. The actors and Actresses were so so well chosen, I even got giddy at the several characters from Game of Thrones and even Orange is the new Black. I enjoyed the films so much, I am kind of sad it's over though.

The Hunger Games - Mockingjay Part 2

Sunday, 27 March 2016

This film is old, I know. Until recently the last time I had watched it was at least four years ago. During a break yesterday I decided it would be good idea to watch it again, to see if I loved it just as much as I had, or if it had now been put into the cringe pile.
I am glad to say it is not the latter. I enjoyed the sassy Reece Witherspoon slaying it, just as much now as I ever did. I mean I did find myself practicaly  screaming at her for chasing after some dumb ass guy, after all no man who treats you like you're dumb is worth another second of your time. However, it did help her gain her independence and end up with a hunk of a guy!
I like to believe I am not a huge fan of girlie movies, but I do enjoy the melting heart moments, and the endings that leave me wanting to be independent and making something for myself. It is a heartwarming classical, I normally watching things with sad endings so it was a nice difference. I like that Elle kicks the ass out if the blonde stereotype,  and that she proves men wrong and conquers the courtcase. It is an empowering film, and definitely a girlie pick me up. 
I'm not into the whole pink thing though, but when you get past it, it's an enjoyable film!

Legally Blonde (Film Review)

Sunday, 28 February 2016

I finally got round to reading Warm Bodies, it didn't take me long at all really. A couple of hours  if that, mainly because I refused to put the book down until I finished it. This is a review (kind of, there will be spoilers) of the book. I had seen the film before the book, so R in my head was already set to Nicholas Hoult (absolute god of an actor) which actually even the voice of R (in my head) sounded like Nicholas, for the film it was definitely a good casting choice. It is the first Zombie novel I have ever read, and I loved it. Reading R's thoughts, and seeing him becoming human throughout the novel, it was amazing. There wasn't a point in the book where I was bored, however, I understand the whole connection with Perry but I kind of disliked the changed in narrative where it was about Perry experiences and the parts where R is inside the stadium and the 'voices' speak to him about the past and ongoings of the place, they kind of irritated me because they were between every other paragraph and it was kind frustrating because I was anxious about R reaching Julie, I get why they were there, they don't only allowed to us to know more but they were a form of building anticipation. That aside there wasn't anything I wish hadn't happened. It was definitely interesting, the pace was good and I liked the ending. It left from for more to happen but it also kind of finalised it, so I am not left reeling with thoughts and having sleepless nights over the characters and what could happen next (yes I do that!) which I am thankful for. When I finished it, and then noticed there was a prequel which I kind of felt let down, I didn't know there was a prequel and if I had known I would have obviously read that first, but nonetheless I will be purchasing the prequel to read. I really liked R, he is (was) a pretty cool Zombie, and M, M made me laugh, he was a great character. I think that's what I liked most about the book, it wasn't just a Zombie apocalyptic genre, it had elements of Comedy, Romance and possibly even Teen Fiction as well as Action, it is a pretty diverse book. I do recommend the book, it's fun and it's interesting and it isn't too much. It isn't overly emotional, I felt sane afterwards if that helps. So this was the book of the week review, first of many to come. They will get better the reviews I promise, and I think the next book I will be reading and reviewing is Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl!

Warm Bodies - Book Review - 19th Feb

Saturday, 20 February 2016

I have recently reread The Hunger Games trilogy and thought I would share a review with you guys!
The Hunger Games
The first book was great, my favourite parts were the romantic cute happenings between Katniss and Peeta. I swear my heart melted several times and I actually swooned and kept saying "AWWW!!" out loud.
Suzanne Collins is amazing at capturing the romance and the characters feelings, I really enjoyed reading and feeling everything Katniss thought and went too. The whole Rue partnership was incredible, perhaps even the most memorable part of this novel for me.
The capitol, I love the description and the way the author portrays it with the use of bright colors and boisterous personalities, every time there was a scene in the capitol it was like I was being brought into a whole new world. I think the capitol has to be my favorite setting so far, the brightness and over the top ways, it is incredible.
Also I liked the beginning of the novel, when we are told about Gale and Katniss' meeting, I love the fact he called her Katnip, this truly amuses me and I even find myself often referring to her character as Katnip. I like the way Suzanne tailored humour in and out of this novel, it really picked up the mood sometimes.
I love Katniss, she is brave, independent, talented and incredible. I admire her, surviving the games the way she did was so mind blowing. I like the way her character is different, Suzanne made her an independent woman, able to do what she wants and rebel against everything that she is supposed to be, kudos for Katniss.
The ending however, it was sad. I found myself a little annoyed, I love Gale but if something was going to happen with them it would have, I like that Peeta isn't quite like her, he loves her for who she is. I know Katniss was kind putting on a show for the games but wow when Peeta found out I bet it stung like b**ch to be used, yes for their survival but he feelings have more or less been used then thrown away, damn Katniss!
It was a really good story, the imagery was so amazing. The movie really does the book justice!
Catching Fire
This was a pretty good book, I enjoyed reading it and it had many moments where I thought my heart had stopped! I loved the victors and how they rebelled, like insane. And when they got Cinna oh my, I cried literally cried! I did feel the book like the film kind of dragged on a little.
When Peeta and Katniss were visiting the different districts, that was so emotional! I did enjoy reading this book but not as much as the first.
I felt like this book showed us more about Peeta, Haymitch and wasn't entirely centered around Katniss which of course was a refreshing change. I also loved the second arena, it was action packed and so different from the first. It was intriguing, and by far the best arena.
The movie was really good too, it did the book justice and to see the outfits come to life on the screen was incredible, with the wedding dress wow. I was stunned, literally!
Mockingjay
I thought the other two books were emotional well this was a whole load of everything! By far the best book of the trilogy, I enjoyed every little bit. From the rebellion and brave Katniss to Gale (WHO I NOW HATE DUE TO LATER EVENTS!) It was intense, and the whole twist with Peeta being turned against Katniss, damn that was so good! The rebellion was intense, and the whole thing with District 13 oh my, oh my!
There is so much I want to say but can't but it into words, it was incredible! When they got into the capitol, it got real! I loved the whole underground scene and the avox ( I think that's how its spelled from the top of my head, I will edit soon!) helping wow, he was incredible. The whole bringing aspects of the games to life, that was so unexpected.
I enjoyed Katniss going slightly crazy, only because it shows that she is isn't superhuman, she too can break down and isn't always invincible.
Prim's death, oh my. No one saw that coming, and Gale could be responsible damn I hate you so much Gale, how dare you!! The whole slyness of District 13, it was annoying but so dramatic and so enjoyable to read! I didn't cry at Prim's death, what I cried at was when Katniss returned home to District 12 and started yelling at the cat, that's when the emotions caught on and I started bawling! Well done Suzanne for breaking my heart with a cat!
I loved the whole death scene, when Katniss was supposed to kill President Snow but didn't and killed Coin and then Snow died straight after, a win win situation, it was incredible to read!
I adored the end with Peeta and Katniss, I was so relieved that things worked out in the end and they more or less got their happy ever after!
Personally I believe they shouldn't separate the movies into part one and part two, mainly because part one was kind of slow and boring, if they had put the two together it would have been a total different experience!
Overall The Hunger Games were an incredible read, I recommend it as always! So emotional, heart wrenching and filled with action, what more could you ask for?
Thank you so much Suzanne for creating a whole new world for us!

The Hunger Games Trilogy (Book Review)

Monday, 7 September 2015

Do you know when you are having one of those days where you need a little pick me up? Feeling a little blue and all, I decided to watch the Cinderella movie that was released this year, I am a sucker for fairy tales!
Cinderella (2015) Poster
IMDB Details;


When her father unexpectedly passes away, young Ella finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her daughters. Never one to give up hope, Ella's fortunes begin to change after meeting a dashing stranger.

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I really enjoyed watching the movie, I love Disney so it was nice to see this kind of thing. I also loved that Richard Madden was in it, I adored him in Game of Thrones. 

Cinderella was lighthearted, and quite lovely. It was sort of funny, it was nice. I loved the fairy godmother scene, it was so magical and just you know, I won't go all hazy eyed on yous.

It was warm hearted, and left definitely feeling better than I had been before hand.

Cinderella (Movie Review)

Saturday, 25 July 2015

Spy (2015) PosterYes I decided to see Spy, and I am so glad that I did. I genuinely adore Miranda Hart, I have for years. She is quite possibly one of most funniest women alive! She is hilarious so I obviously had to watch Spy. AND OH MY. Miranda and Melissa McCarthy, comical. Both amazing women. it was hilarious and action packed, what more could I actually ask for? AND JASON STATHOM! Spy couldn't have gotten any better!

IMDB DETAILS;

A desk-bound CIA analyst volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent diabolical global disaster.

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If you are feeling down, or just want to laugh so hard you have to squeeze your sides, this is the movie for you. It was pure brilliance, I enjoyed watching it to so much.  It was brilliant, like I cannot get over how funny, entertaining and different it was. 

SEE THIS MOVIE AS SOON AS YOU CAN!!

Spy (Movie Review)

Friday, 24 July 2015

Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth, after seeing the Divergent movie for the first time, I fell in love and found out that were books so of course I had to check them out and we all know books are always if not most of the time better than the movies.
I started the first book last weekend - I only read on weekends due to college and my habit to not putting a book down until it is finished or at least nearly finished, and of course this a problem because I will stay up as long as is it takes!
Anyways back the books. I adored reading them, and it seems it Veronica has made a huge impact on me with her unforgettable books and I just to share my opinion, thoughts, kind of like a review, but I will be talking about the movie too.
Warning if you haven't read the books there may be some spoilers!
- Also I know there is another book of short stories about Four which I have ordered from Amazon and will be reading when it's delivered I will do a separate review for that!
Divergent
From the first word I was attached, I instantly started to fall in love with the characters the factions. Veronica transported me to a whole new world, giving me such an adventure just by reading her words.
Having seen the movie first I had already had an image planted in my head for all the characters, which I must say all the actors and actresses fitted perfectly well for the characters in the books, except Eric. I am kind of pleased by this though, generally because I love Eric's look and personality in the movie, I have an obsession with Eric. I am kind of glad the movie differed from the book mainly because of Eric, but only that. The movie added extra things, I like the way the movie changed the paintball guns, and some of the added dialogue especially between Eric, Four and Tris.
I love the book has more things than the movie, it sounds weird but I feel the books are sacred, once reading the divergent book it opened my eyes so much especially with more understanding to the film. When you watch the movie it is brilliant but after you read the book it is insanely even more amazing, it is kind of like you know more than those just watched the movie, like you know a whole secret that they don't.
The book was incredible, I feel like it brought me to life a little, I could feel everything Tris was going through. Despite my love for Eric I even started to slightly fall in love with Four, yeah they are fictional characters I know.
I have to say 100% the book is better than the movie with most aspects, a part from the movie there is more Eric scenes well I'm kind of bias when it comes to Eric.
The first book is the movie, except you go into much deeper concept and feelings and relationships and behaviour is magnified.
The book was incredible from beginning to end, once it finished I had to refrain myself from picking up the next book otherwise I would have become a zombie and no would have been done in college the next day
Insurgent
This book literally blown my mind, I am not even kidding. In this book alone I pretty much felt every emotion possible.  This book was utter brilliance, the plot twists had me on edge, the first book was amazing but the second blew it out of the water!  So many new characters were introduced, another whole new world revealed to us.
Four's story started to unfold and took us on a roller-coaster. I have to say that this book was really intense, I was practically gripping the book as I read the words. Sadly my love Eric was killed this book, it hurt but of course he deserved it! I look forward to how the movie will be, the book was brilliant and I hope the movie really does it justice.
I gasped a lot through this novel, like  a lot. Also I even felt Tris's craziness as she slowly went off the rails. This book definitely makes you feel things the first book didn't. Plus the Tris and Tobias relationship, wow they went through a lot, I think at one point I cried from the almost heartbreak. I did cry a little with this book.
When I finished this book I was slightly traumatized, like my emotions were high and it was all I thought about.
Allegiant
The final book... This had the most impact on me. It shows you so many meaningful things, the more important things like love, sacrifice, family and strength. This book is the different from the rest, we finally leave the factions, to see there a much bigger world than just Dauntless, Amity, Candor, Erudite and Abnegation.
This book was full of twists. I loved the switch of point of views between Tobias and Tris, it was genius. It got us to see things from different perspective.
I felt angry at one point, I didn't like Nita at all, I felt she was trying to steal Four. The moments between Tris and Four literally had my heart in my  mouth.
In my opinion this book was the best, it was so complex and brilliant.
I have to say the ending, well I sobbed I mean at 6:30AM I sobbed and I had to put the book down. I couldn't control myself, Veronica Roth turned my into an emotional wreckage. The final chapters were so raw and tough I felt like I had lost someone dear to me, I loved it though it was incredible.
This book I read last night, I didn't go to bed until 7:00AM, even when I woke up after 13:00PM I still felt the rawness, and until about 30 minutes ago I had to make myself come to terms with the fact that Tris was only a character a made up person, that it was all fictional. It end the way I wanted it to, I am glad kind of because it was such a unique ending, the epilogue did give me closure though.
The whole trilogy was amazing, kudos to Veronica Roth for creating such an amazing set of books, powerful and unforgettable to say at the least. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the books, I would highly recommend that everyone reads them. They were emotional, exciting, thrilling and had me addicted from beginning to end. Usually when you read a series of books they start good and maybe falter further into the series, but that isn't the case here. The brilliance, creativeness were continuous through out!
Be Brave!
Once I read the trilogy I found out that there was another book, about the character Four/Tobias. I bought it and well I just read it and here's my review.
Inside there is a four short stories, and a few snippets of Four's point of view of things that happened in the first novel. They were really interesting, amazing even.  In this book we learn so much more about Four, his background and things that happen behind the scenes. I enjoyed the read, it was calm, relaxing.
It was a really clever idea that Veronica brought out this book, it helps put the pieces together. Plus she shows that in depth of her character, giving us the chance to see why Four acted the way he did in the first novel Divergent.
It was exhilarating reading this book, I wish I had read it straight after the first novel, although it did give me the closure I needed for the ending of Allegiant.
I liked seeing how the rivalry started between Eric and Four, we were able to see Four's past life and his initiation.
When you read the first book, you read and you don't question things, then you read this book and you realize that in the first book things weren't what they seemed, they were much more complicated than that.
If you haven't read it then I won't spoil it for you, but you need to read it! It makes sense, it unlocks part of the story and generally gives you a feeling of wholesomeness.
I recommend you read these books if you haven't already!!

Divergent Trilogy and Four (Book Review)

Saturday, 18 July 2015