tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46789337074342372772024-02-06T21:47:28.749-08:00Feathered Quills and Heartbreak FeelsI'm just a teenage girl with a love of reading and writing. Curl up with your favourite book and join the chat!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-49335427284547993912014-03-18T13:56:00.002-07:002014-03-18T13:56:52.296-07:00Book Review: When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey
everyone! I recently finished When God Was a Rabbit and I really enjoyed
it. It was a pretty unusual read so I thought you guys would like to
know my thoughts about it. Here we go!</div>
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<a href="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1311417203l/8874743.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="8874743" border="0" height="320" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1311417203l/8874743.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cover and description from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8874743-when-god-was-a-rabbit?ac=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This is a book about
a brother and a sister. It's a book about secrets and starting over,
friendship and family, triumph and tragedy, and everything in between.
More than anything, it's a book about love in all its forms.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>In a
remarkably honest and confident voice, Sarah Winman has written the
story of a memorable young heroine, Elly, and her loss of innocence- a
magical portrait of growing up and the pull and power of family ties.
From Essex and Cornwall to the streets of New York, from 1968 to the
events of 9/11, <i>When God Was a Rabbit</i> follows the evolving bond
of love and secrets between Elly and her brother Joe, and her
increasing concern for an unusual best friend, Jenny Penny, who has
secrets of her own. With its wit and humor, engaging characters whose
eccentricities are adroitly and sometimes darkly drawn, and its themes
of memory and identity, <i>When God Was a Rabbit </i>is a love letter to true friendship and fraternal love.</i></span><br />
<br />
<u>What's the deal? </u><br />
<br />
When
God Was a Rabbit is a complex, thought-provoking book about friendship
and family, and especially the relationship between Elly and her elder
brother Joe. The book begins in 1968 at Elly's birth. Almost
immediately, Joe is seen as a protector and comforter, the most
important and constant thing in Elly's life. We then follow the siblings
through the years - Elly gets a rabbit, whom Joe names God, she makes a
new friend (Jenny Penny), she learns a shocking secret about Joe that
must not be told. But through thick and thin Elly and Joe stick
together. Even other friendships, illicit relationships and scandalous
secrets don't get between them. The book also follows them both through
adolescence in a tranquil, idyllic, house right next to the sea, and
into adulthood, when Elly is cooped up in a tiny flat and Joe has fled
to New York to escape himself. In spirit at least, Elly manages to
escape with him. Life continues to throw them curve-balls however, and
one of the most terrible tragedies of the modern world threatens their
bond, happiness, and even existence. <br />
<br />
<u>How does it work?</u><br />
<br />
When
God Was a Rabbit is written in first person narrative - the narrator is
the main protagonist, Elly. At times, the narrative can be very
disjointed, but it's fast paced and interesting throughout. There's a
pretty heady mix of angst, joy and passion from beginning to end, as
well as mystery and suspense. Although Elly (and Joe) are the main
characters, the supporting characters all have their own problems and
joys too, most notably Aunt Nancy, Jenny Penny, Charlie, Arthur and
Ginger. The entire book is from Elly's point of view, but manages to do a
pretty good job of telling the other characters' stories too.<br />
<br />
<u>Completely Loved:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>This
book has such an interesting concept. I don't think I've read anything
that travels to such depths of philosophy and mind without being too
heavy or academic. It was funny, heart warming and interesting all the
way through. </li>
<li>The themes running through this book were
beautifully interwoven. As well as the obvious
relationship/family/friendship thing going on, there was amazing
thoughts of religion and belonging, loss and sacrifice, hope and joy
threading through each chapter and scene in a way that is obvious and
yet not unbearably so.</li>
</ul>
<u>Not so much:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>I felt
like some of the themes running through the book were not tied up
neatly. A lot was left to speculation, some of it felt too "fantasy" to
belong in the real world setting of the book, and in some parts (and I
don't know about you but) I just wished things had been explained, or at
least tied up a little more thoroughly.</li>
<li>Also, in some parts,
what was actually happening was quite unclear. This sort of fits in with
the style of narration and all that, so didn't feel completely amiss,
but at some points I had to go back a few pages, reread some passages
and <i>then</i> go "oh right, that's what happened there". </li>
</ul>
<u> Quotes</u><br />
<br />
"I
divide my life into two parts. Not really a before and after, more as
if they are bookends, holding together flaccid years of empty musings,
years of the late adolescence or the twentysomething whose coat of
adulthood simply does not fit" - Elly, at the first part of the book.<br />
<br />
"My feet felt the earth as fragile as eggshells"<br />
<br />
"I
stared at her, both attracted and repulsed by the suddenness of her
violence, by the calm now sweeping across her face" - Elly, on Jenny
Penny.<br />
<br />
"It was an exaggerated energy born of the dangerous, an energy that could unexpectedly turn play into war"<br />
<br />
"It
is the source of art, of beauty, of love, and proffers the ultimate
goodness to mankind. That to me is God. That to me is life"<br />
<br />
<u>Final Thoughts</u><br />
<br />
I
give When God Was a Rabbit 3.5 out of 5. It was a haunting, complex
novel that resonates and stays with you long after you finish it. It
was, all at once, easy to read and yet full of philosophical meaning. I
would definitely recommend this to young adults, teenagers trying to
find their way, or anyone who wants their faith in the world to be
reaffirmed.<br />
<br />
Have you read When God Was a Rabbit? If so,
leave a comment telling me if you enjoyed it or not, and why. Maybe this
book isn't for everyone, but I definitely think you should give it a
chance! I'm sorry I've got a little behind schedule this week, and so my
next My Mad Fat Diary re-watch post will be up a little later than
planned (probably Friday). See you then! <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-51172118422400262062014-03-12T14:50:00.000-07:002014-03-12T14:50:52.220-07:00My Mad Fat Diary Rewatch Project: S1 Ep1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey everyone! So, I watched the first few episodes of My Mad Fat Diary when it first came out last year, but I got behind on the episodes and then the season ended and I just never caught up. However, now season 2 has started I thought that, since I did actually enjoy what I watched of season 1, I would start the whole thing again so I can watch season 2 (which a few friends have DEMANDED I watch so I can discuss it with them). I'm one of those people who just has to watch every episode of a series in order from the beginning and I thought it would be fun to do a feature post here of each episode. This will be a regular feature (once a week) and I will describe and summarise each episode along with my musings and general thoughts. This means that, unlike most of my reviews, there will be SPOILERS! In case you were wondering, I'm watching these episodes on 4od (online) and the site advises that those aged 18+ only watch it; however, be aware that the DVD is cert 15. My Mad Fat Diary is a true (albeit maybe somewhat exaggerated for the sake of the TV show) story based on the memoirs of Rae Earl - which, incidentally, I also really want to read. So let's begin!<br />
<br />
<u>Season 1, Episode 1</u><br />
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<i>In the opening episode, Rae is discharged from psychiatric hospital. Back in the real world, all she wants is to be a normal teenager, but when you're secretly mad it's not that simple.</i><br />
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The episode starts with Rae meeting Kester, her new therapist/counsellor person. Kester encourages Rae to keep a diary, and asked her how her week had been. We then flashback to (presumably) the start of the week, which is when most of the episode takes place.<br />
<br />
It's the day Rae is due for release from psychiatric hospital and she's hiding in the toilets comforting her best friend and fellow patient Tix. After assuring Tix that she'll visit often, Rae leaves the hospital and stands outside the front doors where her journey forward into the future is hampered somewhat by a "freak-out" (as Rae likes to say). After barricading herself in a phone box, receiving the wise advice "count to 10" from Tix and waiting 40 minutes for her lift, Rae is finally on her way home with her mum, who is on day W of the Alphabet Diet (but she can eat Blue Ribbons because, as Rae so helpfully points out, they have wafer in). On the way home, Rae spots Chloe, an old friend, on the back of a hot guy's motorbike. Wowzers. Mum told Chloe that Rae was in France for a while (instead of, you know, in the psych. hospital), and so Chloe invites Rae to the pub with the gang. Rae says yes. Because this will go well.<br />
<br />
When they finally get home, Mum opens the boot of the car and lo and behold out pops Karim, her illegal immigrant lover. Yeah. Rae stresses the difference between snacking and binging (while looking at the glowing food cupboard), and then goes to her room, which she calls the "scene of the crime". This, and the suspicious stain on the carpet that someone has tried desperately to bleach out, suggests that Rae was in psych. hospital for self harm or a suicide attempt.<br />
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Rae and Chloe then go to the pub and meet up with the gang to drink (most probably underage). All seems to be going well so far, and Rae is in love (lust?) with Archie who, as well as being cute, can sing AND play guitar. We all like a guy who's good with his hands after all. Afterwards at the chippie, Rae discovers the rest of the gang which consists of Chloe, Izzy, Chop, Finn (whoa...) and Archie (as I say, lust at first sight for Rae). A food fight ensues and they all get kicked out. You know, typical cool kid stuff (yeah, me neither). The atmosphere is dampened slightly for viewers when Rae reaches out for the camera to take a photo and has to quickly zip her jacket sleeve up to cover her scars. More evidence for self harm?<br />
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Back home, Rae plays the old "if this crumpled ball of paper goes in that bin over there, Archie will have sex with me" game. She misses. Repeatedly. Then she has a VERY erotic dream of Archie and her (complete with condom - good girl). The noise turns out to be Mum and her lover, which is a bit of a downer. When confronting Mum about it, Rae gives us a countdown of the 3 worst things she's ever said to her Mum. Number 1 is calling Mum a screwup and blaming her for all Rae's mental health problems, which is way harsh.<br />
<br />
Rae gains membership of the gang with her awesome music taste (despite initial apprehension from Finn) and gets invited to Chloe's pool party and in her panic drinks a pint in one go. Not a good idea. Later, while swimwear shopping, Chloe sets the smoke alarms in the shop off (smoking) and the shop gets evacuated. Rae must stand outside, on a busy street, in her bra and with just a blow up crocodile to preserve her modesty. OMG. Mortifying. There is a difference between snacking and binging. Unfortunately, this experience led Rae to binge. Big time. And run back to the psych. hospital toilet in tears.<br />
<br />
She pours her heart out to Tix before realising that Tix isn't in her usual cubical. When Tix comes in, she shows Rae no sympathy when Rae says she wants to go back to the hospital. Good. I think Tix's berating is just what Rae needed. She returns home and decides that she won't swim at the pool party, but will take a ton of her mum's booze over so no one will notice (why do teenagers on TV always think this?). She tries to sneak out of her bedroom window (why do they always do this too?) and falls on flowerpots, cutting her arm and back. In the end, she needn't have bothered sneaking out because her mum patched her up and gave her more booze anyway.<br />
<br />
When she gets to the party, Archie makes a big deal out of his "backne" and makes a deal with Rae that he'll go swimming if she does. I strongly suspect that there wasn't actually anything wrong with his back (or if there was, he wasn't self conscious about it) but he just said it for Rae's benefit and I love him for that. Chloe calls Rae boring for not joining in and getting involved in the fun so Rae DOES get involved and ends up stuck in the pool slide. Awkward...<br />
<br />
It fades to black and goes back to the present, and Rae's session with Kester. Rae is not saying much so Kester complains about his life instead (kinda nontraditional but hey ho) which gets Rae to relax and feel a bit better. Kester then throws the artwork from the walls out of the widow because Rae doesn't like it, and says he'll just blame Rae if anyone asks. I feel like Kester is the kind of therapist that, if you saw him in action, you would NEVER allow to counsel people, but his method really does work.<br />
<br />
Flashback to slide and Rae is stuck and panicking. Everyone can see the scars on her legs. Everyone - all the people she so desperately wants to impress and fit in with. However, she manages to laugh it off (good for her!) and Chop frees her from the slide. Everyone is laughing in the pool, then the sauna (seriously, how rich is Chloe?), then the pool again except for Chloe who finds Rae's psych. hospital bracelet. Uh oh.<br />
<br />
<u>Random Observations:</u><br />
<br />
Finn is so hot in that "grrr I'm sexy and mysterious" way. So hot!<br />
I can't decide so far if Chloe is a slut or just an attention seeker, a snob or an actually nice person. Hmm...<br />
Also, did anyone else notice that Kester has kinda sticky-out ears? Just me?<br />
<br />
<u>Best line:</u><br />
<br />
"Everyone in here is holding onto their lives by their fingertips, Rae, and you've been given the chance to start again and you don't want it?" - Tix, when she's telling Rae off for trying to go back to the psych. hospital.<br />
<br />
So that concludes the first episode! This post ended up being a lot longer than I thought it would be, but hopefully not too long for you guys. I'll post the same for the second episode next week. My next post will probably be a book review so see you then!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-9911285929685231112014-03-10T02:42:00.001-07:002014-03-10T02:42:36.059-07:00Cute and Casual: Denim Jacket<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='width:600px;margin:0 auto'><div style='position:relative;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cute_casual_denim_jacket/set?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=115880756' target='_blank'><img force='1' border='0' height='694' title='Cute and Casual: Denim Jacket' src='http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/H442v534UHFNGpYPnZs6rw/cid/115880756/id/VLXmSTio4xGJSIy76xSULw/size/c600x694.jpg' alt='Cute and Casual: Denim Jacket' width='600'/></a></div></div><br/><div style='text-align:center'><small><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cute_casual_denim_jacket/set?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=115880756' target='_blank'>Cute and Casual: Denim Jacket</a> by <a href='http://allie-jm.polyvore.com/?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger' target='_blank'>allie-jm</a> featuring <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/skinny_pants/shop?query=skinny+pants' target='_blank'>skinny pants</a></small></div><div style='width:600px;margin:0 auto'><small><div style='padding-top:16px'><p style='clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=103529700' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' style='border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/103529700.jpg' hspace='4' align='left' width='50'/></a><div style='margin-bottom:8px;text-align:left;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=103529700' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>French Connection top</a><br/>$11 - 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Hey everyone! Recently I went to see The Book Thief at the cinema for my birthday. I have the book and have read it, like, 4 times but it was a while ago so, while I remembered the main events, I can't remember the book in detail. This is good (for me) because it means I can watch the film as a film, not compare it ruthlessly to the book. This post is a review of the film, and will NOT mention the book in length. However, watching the film has really made me want to read the book again, so look out for a review of the book, AND possibly a comparison post in the future. But, back to the film!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This is the UK film poster, and I saw it on the 28th February (it came out on the 26th in England.)</i></span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: small;">What's going on?</span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Book Thief is narrated by Death, and follows a young girl named Liesel Meminger who is sent to live with Rosa and Hans Hubermann alone after her brother dies as they are traveling across the country. Liesel makes friends with Rudy, a young boy who lives next door to the Hubermanns. Liesel starts to settle into life with the Hubermanns,; however, more chaos arrives in the form of Max, a young Jew who escaped the Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass) with a set of false documents and not a lot more and seeks refuge with Hans Hubermann, who knew Max's father. Max hides in the Hubermanns basement for a while as Germany becomes more and more unstable and dangerous. Men go off to fight and return from the front-line but, as the Third Reich gets stronger and the War nears its end, ultimately no one can completely escape the horrors of war or the devastation of the bombs.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">So how was it?</span></u><i> </i></span><br />
<br />
I don't know whether I'm just a complete, emotional sap when it comes to, well anything really, but the tears were pouring pretty much every second from when Liesel's brother died - and that was the very first thing to happen! But it wasn't just me. There were plenty of times when the rest of the audience was in tears too. I thought the film was actually pretty good. There was a nice balance between the lighthearted, "child" moments that Liesel and Rudy share, and the adult themes that neither of them quite understand but both know are bad.<br />
<br />
One thing I wasn't so impressed by was Death as a narrator/commentator. I understand it must be very hard to use Death exactly as it is in the book - an observer, narrating and commenting on events in an ironic sort of manner - but in the film Death seemed to just be a simple narrator to take the audience into each new setting or event. Also, although the film was emotional enough (did I mention I was severely dehydrated because of the amount of tears shed?) it lacked the depth of the book. The whole film was, not childish, but certainly not descriptive and I can't help but feel that it didn't do important events in history (such as the Kristallnacht) justice.<br />
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<u>Final thoughts</u><br />
<br />
The Book Thief was a good film, one I very much enjoyed. Although I was slightly disappointed by the lack of depth in it, I still felt attached enough to the characters and plot to be completely distraught at several parts. Also, the acting was so impressive, especially Sophie Nelisse (Liesel), and I found I could really connect with the characters. Every actor/actress made their character seem so real, and they all had great screen chemistry which made watching them a joy to watch. I definitely want to see this film again, and am already looking forward to the DVD! I would give The Book Thief 3.7 out of 5, and have already recommended it to all of my friends.<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed this review! If you've seen The Book Thief, please comment and tell me what you thought. Is it as good as the book? What did you think of the casting? See you again soon! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-48033564631313365832014-03-05T12:32:00.000-08:002014-03-05T12:32:56.093-08:00February Wrap Up and March Goals<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hey everyone. As promised, this post is a February wrap up and March goals type thing - basically all the books I've read in the month of February and the books I plan on reading in March. This will be a monthly feature, I think, to help me keep up with myself. So, let's crack on!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>February Wrap Up</u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The first book I read in February was Gypsy Wedding Dreams by Thelma Madine. I quite enjoyed this book, and it only took a few days to read in those little boring moments of the day. I did a review of this, which you can find <a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/review-gypsy-wedding-dreams-by-thelma.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The second book was Flour Babies by Anne Fine. This was a shortish one that I never actually did a review on. I've read it a few times before and, although it's far from a favourite of mine, I read it just to pass a lunchtime at college. It was okay, but I would only read it if I was needed something quick to fill some time, and I wouldn't necessarily recommend it eagerly to people.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The third book of February was Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd. As you might remember from my review of this one (which can be found <a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/review-bog-child-by-siobhan-dowd.html" target="_blank">here</a>), I really enjoyed this book. It was pretty fast paced, and so quick to get through, but you didn't feel like you were rushing it. I would definitely recommend this one, so pick it up and read if you ever see it around. I'd never heard of it before I spotted it in the library and borrowed it for one of my reading challenges, but I'm so glad I picked it up.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The final book I read in February is Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce. Although I put my review for this (<a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/book-review-sisters-red-by-jackson.html" target="_blank">here</a>) up in March, I finished it on the last day of February. I really did enjoy this book; it put an interesting spin on classic themes, and I'd like to read the rest of Pearce's fairytale retelling series. I would also highly recommend this one.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>March Goals</u></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My goal for March is really just to finish all the books I'm currently reading before I start anymore. I'm halfway through several and I think I need to finish them (or at least most of them) before I try to start any others. I did a post on my ongoing reads in February <a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/februarys-ongoing-books.html" target="_blank">here</a> and, although I've finished one of them by now, I've also added two to the list. I know, I know. I'm more than 3/4 way through three of them though, so look out for reviews of those soon.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>Reading Challenges</u></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My reading challenge sign up post is <a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/reading-challenges-2014.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The goals I set myself are: Explorer Level (6-10 books) for the Nonfiction Challenge; 15 books for the Fur & Fangs Challenge; and Shamrock level (4 books) for the Ireland Challenge.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So far, I've read 1 book for the Nonfiction Challenge (<a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/review-gypsy-wedding-dreams-by-thelma.html" target="_blank">here</a>), 1 book for the Ireland Challenge (<a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/review-bog-child-by-siobhan-dowd.html" target="_blank">here</a>) and 1 book for the Fur & Fangs Challenge (<a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/book-review-sisters-red-by-jackson.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Pretty good going, I think, for 2 months into the year. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So that's my wrap up and goals for this month. Hope you all had a good February - if you do a February Wrap Up and March Goals post too then put a comment on this post and I'll check it out. I think my next post will be a review of The Book Thief film (which I saw for my birthday), and I also have some more book reviews and another regular feature project that I'm really excited about. See you soon!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-83838124344482343732014-03-02T08:08:00.000-08:002014-03-02T08:08:03.237-08:00Book Review: Sisters Red by Jackson PearceHey everyone! I just finished Sisters Red and thought I'd do a review
- I loved this book! I read this book for the 2014 Fur and Fangs
Challenge hosted by <a href="http://novelheartbeat.com/2014/01/2014-fur-fangs-challenge-sign-ups/#comment-7800" target="_blank">Novel Heartbeat</a> (also check out my challenge sign up post <a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/reading-challenges-2014.html" target="_blank">here</a>). You can find the cover and Goodreads description on my <a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/library-haul.html" target="_blank">Library Haul</a> post, so I'll just jump straight in with the review. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<u>What's the deal?</u><br />
<br />
Sisters
Red is about 2 sisters (Scarlett, the oldest, and Rosie, the youngest)
who were victims of a terrible attack by a vicious Fenris (werewolf).
Although Scarlett fought the Fenris off to save herself and her sister,
she was left with terrible scars and an appetite for revenge. Rosie,
forever indebted to Scarlett, helps her sister hunt down other Fenris to
save young girls from suffering the same (or worse) fate. They also
hunt with Silas (cute boy and lethal with an axe), the son of a woodsman
who is estranged from his family. Although they live (reasonably
happily) in a small town, the three travel to Atlanta to suss out why
the Fenris packs are joining forces, and what they're looking for. This
is where the action goes down (in more ways than one).<br />
<br />
<u>How does it work?</u><br />
<br />
The
book is told in first person narrative, and is split between Rosie and
Scarlett's perspectives. The exception to this is the prologue and
epilogue, which are both told in the third person. The main section of
the book happens in a very short period of time, and because of this the
action seems more urgent, the atmosphere tense. The story is quite fast
paced (in that a lot happens in short bursts), but it also has enough
passages about mundane everyday stuff (like shopping and taking classes)
to make it more realistic, in the sense that you can imagine this type
of thing happening in the city you live in. And of course, fighting
werewolves isn't the only action (but if you want to know more, you'll
have to read the book). <br />
<br />
The tone of the book is quite,
well, there's a lot of angst, put it that way. There's palpable
tension, first between Silas and Rosie, then between Silas and Rosie AND
Scarlett, and then there's less tension and more action. There's quite a
few twists and turns too. I guessed a few things at the beginning of
the book, then it turned out I was wrong as new info was uncovered, THEN
even more happened and it turned out nothing was as you thought at all.
I tell you what! I was welling up towards the end as well and then
ANOTHER twist happened. You never knew what was going down with this one
(in a good way though). The prologue and epilogue were good as well,
with the prologue setting the scene and helping you to understand the
characters motivations, and the epilogue providing what I thought was a
very bittersweet ending. It was also interesting to see both sisters
points of view, as it showed just how much they differed, but also how
similar they were. Two halves of the same heart and all that (seriously,
read it).<br />
<br />
<u>Completely Loved:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Werewolves. The Fenris in this book are different to the "normal"
variety found in most werewolf books. They kind of seem like a cross
between werewolves and shape-shifters (evil monsters who can turn any
time of day or night). Pearce's wolves are edgy and dangerous, and seem
more thrilling than traditional ones. It's a new and exciting concept.</li>
<li>Silas. Who doesn't love a bit of eye candy who can hold his own in a
fight against supernatural creatures? I imagine him to be the
mysterious, smouldering, sexy type. And the boy can wield an axe too...</li>
<li>The whole plot of this book was fun and interesting, with the darker
bits and uplifting bits balancing each other out. I was totally gripped
from start to finish.</li>
<li>I also liked the concept of the cover. I thought how all the bits melt into each other was a really cool idea.</li>
</ul>
<u>Not so much:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Silas and Scarlett are hunting partners. Best Friends. I loved that
relationship, which makes a few pages (and one particular part of the
backstory which is revealed there) about 3/4 of the way through not so
good for me. I'd hoped Silas WOULDN'T be the sort of guy to jump from
his crush to the "next-best-thing" type scenario.</li>
<li>In the same area of the book, Rosie seems to become whiny and clingy
again. She has some great character development throughout the course
of the book and I get why she's upset in this particular part, but she's
spent 3/4 of the book trying to prove that she's strong, confident and
independent and, for me, her character was sort of undermined in those
few chapters.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<u>Quotes</u><br />
<br />
"I am confident, I am
capable, and I will not wait to be rescued by a woodsman or a hunter" -
Rosie. I like this quote because I think it's here that I as a reader
realised that Rosie is just as strong as Scarlett, and she's not just
the little sister anymore.<br />
<br />
"My sister has the heart of
an artist with a hatchet and an eye patch. And I, we both now know, have
a heart that is undeniably, irreparably different" - Rosie.<br />
<br />
"I
follow, always, because it's the only time when I'm certain, beyond a
shadow of a doubt, that we are one person broken in two" - Rosie.<br />
<br />
<u>Final Thoughts</u><br />
<br />
I
give Sisters Red 4 out of 5. It was an enjoyable and well paced read,
and kept me hooked throughout. There was a brilliant mix of action and
romance that meant I was never bored waiting for something to happen. I
very much enjoyed the rather unique spin on the "tried-and-tested"
themes of werewolves and fairytales, and I now really want to read
Pearce's other books.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading guys and I
hope you enjoyed it! Next post will be a February wrap up/March goals
type thing. See you next time!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-16268036928277463642014-03-02T03:11:00.001-08:002014-03-02T03:11:19.558-08:00Comfy Travelling Clothes<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='width:600px;margin:0 auto'><div style='position:relative;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/comfy_travelling_clothes/set?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=115061860' target='_blank'><img force='1' border='0' height='755' title='Comfy Travelling Clothes' src='http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/Vt1wUI8GBxBbuJqU92R3Q/cid/115061860/id/AhEJYfuh4xGWRwdlzSGTQA/size/c600x755.jpg' alt='Comfy Travelling Clothes' width='600'/></a></div></div><br/><div style='text-align:center'><small><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/comfy_travelling_clothes/set?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=115061860' target='_blank'>Comfy Travelling Clothes</a> by <a href='http://allie-jm.polyvore.com/?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger' target='_blank'>allie-jm</a> featuring <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/capri_pants/shop?query=capri+pants' target='_blank'>capri pants</a></small></div><div style='width:600px;margin:0 auto'><small><div style='padding-top:16px'><p style='clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=103332146' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' style='border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/103332146.jpg' hspace='4' align='left' width='50'/></a><div style='margin-bottom:8px;text-align:left;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=103332146' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>Denim shirt</a><br/>$33 - bonprix.co.uk<br/><br style='display:none'/></div></p><p style='clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=102153679' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' style='border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/102153679.jpg' hspace='4' align='left' width='50'/></a><div style='margin-bottom:8px;text-align:left;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=102153679' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>Capri pants</a><br/>maurices.com<br/><br style='display:none'/></div></p><p style='clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=95912682' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' style='border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/95912682.jpg' hspace='4' align='left' width='50'/></a><div style='margin-bottom:8px;text-align:left;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=95912682' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>Converse shoes</a><br/>$97 - welikefashion.com<br/><br style='display:none'/></div></p><p style='clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=100855178' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' style='border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/100855178.jpg' hspace='4' align='left' width='50'/></a><div style='margin-bottom:8px;text-align:left;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=100855178' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>Rochas leather handbag</a><br/>$1,155 - harveynichols.com<br/><br style='display:none'/></div></p></div></small></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-5255183118395697462014-02-23T06:07:00.000-08:002014-02-23T06:07:16.622-08:00TMI TagHey guys! I thought I'd do something a bit different for this post, so I decided to do the TMI (Too Much Info) Tag. Hope you enjoy!<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1: What are you wearing? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li> I'm not doing anything today so I'm in my comfy jeans and Little Mix tour T-Shirt. And bed-socks...</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
2: Ever been in love? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm a firm believer that if you're in love you know it, and you can't deny it, no matter how much you might want to. So going by that logic, no I've never been in love. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
3: Ever had a terrible breakup? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>All breakups are going to be bad to some extent, but I'm lucky that (so far) I haven't had any terrible ones. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
4: How tall are you? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Technically, probably about 5' 4", but I tend to say I'm 5' 5" (shhh, don't tell!) </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
5: How much do you weigh? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'd prefer not to answer this, but I'll say that I think I weigh a bit too much and so I'm try to lose a few pounds. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
6: Any tattoos? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Not yet, but there are a few tattoos I'll get sometime in the future! </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
7: Any piercings? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I have my ears pierced twice (once in the normal spot on the lobes, and then again above the first holes). The only other thing I'd ever get pierced is my belly button - if I ever get toned enough to make it look good!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
8: OTP? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I have so many it's absolutely unreal! I think my current all time OTPs are Hugustus (Hazel/Augustus), Wolfstar (Sirius/Remus, either romance or friendship), Janto (Captain Jack Harkness/Ianto) and Scorbus (Scorpius/Albus Severus).</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
9: Favourite show? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Primeval, Torchwood, Doctor Who, Sherlock, The Big Bang Theory, Friends, Being Human...there's so many I can't even list them all... </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
10: Favourite bands? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>One Direction, Union J (my guilty pleasure is boy-bands), Taylor Swift, Blink 182, McFly, Busted, Westlife and Martina McBride to name but a few.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
11: Something you miss? .</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>My best friend when I don't see her for a while. And reading and writing when I don't have enough time. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
12: Favourite song?</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I like Concrete Angel by Martina McBride, Beautiful Life by Union J and Adam's Song by Blink 182. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
13: How old are you? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm 17, but 18 next Saturday!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
14: Zodiac sign? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm a Pisces. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
15: Quality you look for in a partner? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I like people who are honest, funny, who won't judge me for fangirling sometimes. Just a nice, genuine guy. Of course, cute doesn't hurt either! </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
16: Favourite Quote? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I love the quote "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live". To me, it's a reminder that life is what you make it, and if you want something you must go out and get it.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
17: Favourite actor? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Emma Watson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Emma Roberts, Isla Fisher, Jennifer Laurence, Logan Lerman, Ian Somerhalder and Anna Kendrick are my top ones. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
18: Favourite color? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Purple and gold.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
19: Loud music or soft? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Depends on my mood I guess. I usually have my music turned up loud though, no matter what kind it is. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
20: Where do you go when you're sad? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I sit in my room and either watch some of my favourite shows or films, or I read, or I write. It doesn't matter where I am, it's doing one of my favourite things that calms me down and makes me happy. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
21: How long does it take you to shower? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Probably about 30-40 minutes.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Including all the time I spend in the bathroom brushing my teeth and all that, and doing my hair and makeup, probably about 45 minutes usually. I take more time if I'm going out somewhere and want to make more of an effort. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
23: Ever been in a physical fight? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>No, and I'm hoping I never have to be. I don't really like confrontation of any kind, but I think I'd be useless in a fight. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
24: Turn on?</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>A really nice personality, and someone who understands why I'm passionate about certain things.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
25: Turn off? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>People who are arrogant or self-centered.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
26: The reason I started a blog? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I wanted to try something new, and thought this would be a good thing to do. Also, I spend a lot of my life fangirling about things so I was excited about meeting others who felt the same! </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
27: Fears? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I can get quite claustrophobic at times, but I think the only real fear I have is of letting people down, and not being who I want to be in the future. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
28: Last thing that made you cry? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Probably a book or something like that. I'm incredibly sentimental, so I do cry at most things like that. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
29: Last time you said you loved someone? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Probably my best friend or a member of my family yesterday. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
30: Meaning behind your blog name?</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Feathered Quills and Heartbreak Feels came about because I love how those old fashioned writing quills look. And the feels part? Well, I'm sure you've all been there. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
31: Last book you read? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>The last book I finished was Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
32: The book you're currently reading?</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm like halfway through so many at the moment! I'm almost finished with Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce and The Fault in our Stars by John Green. A list of the others I'm currently reading can be found <a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/februarys-ongoing-books.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
33: Last show you watched? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm watching How I Met Your Mother right now! </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
34: Last person you talked to? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>My cousins and aunt, who just stopped by to wish me a Happy Birthday. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>One of my best friends.</li>
</ul>
36: Favourite food?<br />
<ul>
<li>I love cake (I find baking therapeutic), pasta and chocolate. Basically, the stuff you're not really supposed to eat!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
37: Place you want to visit?</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I really want to go to New York and stay at The Library Hotel. I want to do a road trip through every state in the USA. I basically want to go everywhere, far too many places to list. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
38: Last place you were? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Like, on holiday? I went to Gran Canaria last year, which was really nice.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
39: Do you have a crush?</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Yes I do. (Wait, it doesn't have to be a real person, right?)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
40: Last time you kissed someone? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Romantically, a long time ago (too long). Family-wise, my aunt when she came over today.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
41: Last time you were insulted? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Erm, I don't actually remember. That's good, right?</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
42: Favourite flavour of sweet? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I don't really eat sweets, but I like vanilla and orange flavoured things I guess.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
43: What instruments do you play?? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I used to play the Violin. I want to learn to play Piano and Acoustic Guitar when I go to university this year.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
44: Favourite piece of jewellery?</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I have a necklace that was custom made and has my favourite quote on it. I love it so much. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
45: Last sport you played? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I don't really play sport. But I like dancing.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
46: Last song you sang? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I sang along to some Westlife songs on my iPod (in the safety of my room, of course) this morning.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
47: Favourite chat up line?</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>If a guy ever came up to me and used one of those chat up lines based on one of my fandoms, I wouldn't even have to think about going out with him.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
48: Have you ever used it?</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I've never attempted to chat someone up (yet!)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
49: Last time you hung out with anyone? </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>A few days ago I went out for a meal with friends.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
50: Who should answer these questions next?</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>All of you amazing readers! Do a blog post like this and link me or something and I'll come read! Have fun doing it and I'll see you guys next time. </li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-73057142595652817212014-02-16T11:42:00.000-08:002014-02-16T11:42:02.655-08:00February's Ongoing Books<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hey guys! Sorry, there was a REALLY big gap between this post and the last one, but I've been busy with revision and college and all the boring real world stuff and much as I would like to spend all day on the internet, it's just not possible. Boo. But anyway, I thought maybe it would be a good idea to do a post about the books I currently have on the go. Now, there is quite a lot (8 I believe) so bear with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>The Fault in our Stars by John Green</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><img alt="11870085" height="200" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1360206420l/11870085.jpg" width="129" /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cover and description from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11870085-the-fault-in-our-stars?bf=2000&from_search=true" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span id="freeTextContainer13396092152131802095">Despite the
tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel
has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon
diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly
appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be
completely rewritten.</span> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have this book on Kindle, and I'm about halfway through. I realise I was a little late on the bandwagon, but I am enjoying this story so much. In fact, I don't think a book has ever made me cry so soon into it on the first reading (and I'm a huge emotional wreck, guys). It's taking me so long to finish it because I was to <i>savor</i> it, not rush through it, and so I only read it when I have the time and concentration to dedicate to it. I almost don't want this book to end, and I'm not quite sure what I'll do when it does.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><img alt="6357708" height="200" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1291052720l/6357708.jpg" width="133" /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cover and description from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6357708-sisters-red?ac=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText18232774239201100641"><i>Scarlett March lives to
hunt the Fenris--the werewolves that took her eye when she was
defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a
razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring
and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls
from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every
single wolf is dead. </i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister
was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously
alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and
the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the
wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly
with an ax and Scarlett's only friend--but does loving him mean
betraying her sister and all that they've worked for?</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a library book that I took out for one of my challenges this year (the Fur and Fangs challenge, read my sign up <a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/reading-challenges-2014.html" target="_blank">here</a></span> ). <span style="font-size: small;">It's about two sisters who hunt werewolves, and I've only just started it but so far it seems pretty good. I'm hoping to finish this within the next few days because it seems quite a fast paced, quick, easy read.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">The Terrace by Maria Duffy</span></u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="15783306" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1344030741l/15783306.jpg" /> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cover and description from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15783306-the-terrace?ac=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText10694356571974765794">Nestled in the heart of
Dublin city, St Enda's Terrace is like any other close-knit community:
warm, colourful, looks after its own.<br />But behind closed doors lie secrets . . .<br />In
Number Eight he wants a baby, she doesn't. The guy a few doors down
just wants to find love. Across the street a single mum struggles to
cope. While the people next door might appear to have it all, their
mortgage holder knows different.<br />When the street syndicate wins the
National Lottery, it seems that things are looking up. Enter a New York
production company on a mission to document a 'quintessential' Dublin
community - just as it becomes clear that the winning ticket is nowhere
to be found.<br />Facades begin to crumble in the scramble to uncover the
missing ticket and, as the gloves come off for the once unremarkable
residents of St Enda's, it's game on with everything to play for.</span></span></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText10694356571974765794"><span style="font-size: small;">This book is also for a challenge (the Ireland challenge, on the same sign up sheet as above) and I borrowed this from my gran. I'd never heard of it before but from the few chapters I've read, it seems to be quite fun. This one is on the backburner for a little while though, while I finish my library books first.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText10694356571974765794"><span style="font-size: small;">The House at Riverton by Kate Morton</span></span></span></span></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText10694356571974765794"><br /></span></span></span></u></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText10694356571974765794"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="1278752" height="200" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1356452218l/1278752.jpg" width="135" /> </span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText10694356571974765794"> Cover and description from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1278752.The_House_At_Riverton?ac=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText10694356571974765794"><span id="freeText1988040733096821349"><strong>Summer 1924</strong><br /><br />On
the eve of a glittering society party, by the lake of a grand English
country house, a young poet takes his life. The only witnesses, sisters
Hannah and Emmeline Hartford, will never speak to each other again.<br /><br /><strong>Winter 1999</strong><br /><br />Grace
Bradley, ninety-eight, one-time housemaid of Riverton Manor, is visited
by a young director making a film about the poet's suicide. Ghosts
awaken and old memories - long consigned to the dark reaches of Grace's
mind - begin to sneak back through the cracks. A shocking secret
threatens to emerge, something history has forgotten but Grace never
could.<br /><br />Set as the war-shattered Edwardian summer surrenders to the decadent twenties, <em>The House at Riverton</em> is a thrilling mystery and a compelling love story.</span> </span></span></i> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've been reading this one for quite a while now as, despite really loving it, I find I can only read a little at a time most of the time. I seem to alternate between not wanting the book to end (and therefore not reading any), and being desperate to know what happens (and so reading 100s of pages in a day). However, this one too is on the backburner because of those pesky library deadlines.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">Eyewitness Travel Guide to London</span></u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText16806329725800579713"><em>No other guidebook
series can boast as many beautiful photographs and illustrations as DK's
Eyewitness series. Packed with color photographs and maps, this
bestselling series covers a wide range of global destinations. With
listings of great hotels, restaurants, and shops, as well as historical
information, travelers will find it easy to plan an exciting itinerary
using these beautiful guidebooks. A special feature of DK's travel
guides is the stunning three-dimensional views and cutaway models of
significant landmarks. These guides also include easy-to-follow sections
on making sense of foreign currency, transportation, and communication
systems. Balancing an elegant format with comprehensive information,
DK's Eyewitness guidebooks are both practical resources and great
souvenirs of your trip.</em></span></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Description from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1035311.Eyewitness_Travel_Guide_to_London?bf=2000&from_search=true" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This book fits nicely into my Nonfiction challenge (on the same sign up page as the other two) but I'm also reading it because my best friend and I are thinking about going to London this summer. We've been before a couple of times, but only for a few days and we've only really visited the shopping parts. I thought reading this might give me some good ideas about what else we could do. I did borrow this from said friend so I should really try to finish it this week.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath</span></u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="6514" height="200" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1379098702l/6514.jpg" width="133" /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cover and description from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6514.The_Bell_Jar?ac=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span id="freeTextContainer10910912291764935369">Sylvia Plath's shocking, realistic, and intensely emotional novel of a woman falling into the grips of insanity.</span> </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I took this out of my college library because, being an aspiring Psychotherapist, anything that deals with the mind or mental states interests me a lot. I'm halfway through this so hopefully I'll finish it this week so I can give it back when I go back to college.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><img alt="227603" height="200" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1282607176l/227603.jpg" width="120" /> <i>Cover and description from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/227603.Prozac_Nation?ac=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span id="freeText11926711625849861987">A harrowing story of
breakdowns, suicide attempts, drug therapy, and an eventual journey back
to living, this poignant and often hilarious book gives voice to the
high incidence of depression among America's youth. A collective cry for
help from a generation who have come of age entrenched in the culture
of divorce, economic instability, and AIDS, here is the intensely
personal story of a young girl full of promise, whose mood swings have
risen and fallen like the lines of a sad ballad.</span> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is also from my college library, and I took it out because, again, it deals with mental issues and was compared to The Bell Jar, which I am enjoying so far. This is also going to count for my Nonfiction challenge, as it's a memoir.</span> <span style="font-size: small;">I'm hoping to finish this one this week as well, as when I pick it up I can't seem to be able to put it down!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">When God was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman</span></u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="8874743" height="200" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1311417203l/8874743.jpg" width="136" /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cover and description from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8874743-when-god-was-a-rabbit?ac=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText8181269522331696324"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This is a book about a
brother and a sister. It's a book about secrets and starting over,
friendship and family, triumph and tragedy, and everything in between.
More than anything, it's a book about love in all its forms.</i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>In a
remarkably honest and confident voice, Sarah Winman has written the
story of a memorable young heroine, Elly, and her loss of innocence- a
magical portrait of growing up and the pull and power of family ties.
From Essex and Cornwall to the streets of New York, from 1968 to the
events of 9/11, When God Was a Rabbit follows the evolving bond
of love and secrets between Elly and her brother Joe, and her
increasing concern for an unusual best friend, Jenny Penny, who has
secrets of her own. With its wit and humor, engaging characters whose
eccentricities are adroitly and sometimes darkly drawn, and its themes
of memory and identity, When God Was a Rabbit is a love letter to true friendship and fraternal love.</i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the final book I'm reading right now, and it's also from my college library. I've heard a lot about this one over the years, so when I saw it I thought I'd give it a go. I read the little prologue thing at the start and thought it sounded really intriguing and now, a few chapters in, it's just as good as I thought, maybe even better. This one is officially my bedtime reading material right now.</span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I know this seems like a lot of books to have on the go at once, but most are so vastly different from each other that the plots all keep straight in my head. I'm pretty confident I can finish quite a few of them in my halfterm break this week. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hopefully, my next post will come quicker than this one did, as I'm off college for a week so I have a little more spare time. In the meantime though, why don't you guys comment below what you're currently reading? Are you enjoying it? Or are you just thankful you're almost at the end? </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span id="freeText8181269522331696324"></span></i></span></span><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText18232774239201100641"><br /></span></span></i></span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-63107121868032188102014-02-16T03:32:00.001-08:002014-02-16T03:32:04.573-08:00Evening Outfit Inspired by Frozen's Elsa<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='width:600px;margin:0 auto'><div style='position:relative;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/evening_outfit_inspired_frozens_elsa/set?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=113630072' target='_blank'><img force='1' border='0' height='776' title='Evening Outfit Inspired by Frozen's Elsa' src='http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/IansK4yXOIxi1HL6IOBdgA/cid/113630072/id/juJ59f2W4xGHgEqSO-wIHA/size/c600x776.jpg' alt='Evening Outfit Inspired by Frozen's Elsa' width='600'/></a></div></div><br/><div 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So, my next book review is of a book called Bog Child, and I read this for the Ireland Reading Challenge, hosted by <a href="http://booksnyc.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/announcing-ireland-reading-challenge.html?showComment=1389643079624#c8719120783586999271" target="_blank">http://booksnyc.blogspot.co.uk/</a> (read my challenge sign up page <a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/reading-challenges-2014.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Bog Child is written by an Irish author, set in Ireland and features the charming Irish characters, most notably Fergus and his family, and Cora, Fergus' friend-turned-crush-turned-girlfriend type thing. The book cover and Goodreads description of Bog Child can be found on my <a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/library-haul.html" target="_blank">Library Haul</a> post so I'm just going to jump straight into the review. <br />
<br />
<u>Whats the deal?</u><br />
<br />
Bog Child is primarily about a boy called Fergus, who is hoping to pass his exams so that he can get out of Ireland and escape the troubles to become a doctor instead. Fergus finds the body of a girl in the bog up in the mountains near his home, and the book follows what happens from then on. But it's not just the bog child that affects Fergus. His brother, who is a political prisoner, goes on hunger strike, Fergus makes friends with a Welsh soldier (who he's not actually supposed to be friends with) and Fergus is asked to do something he would rather not do by a man with connections to his imprisoned brother. Poor Fergus. There is a bright side though! Cora, a girl who comes up from Dublin with her archeologist mother to look at the bog child, seems to send Fergus' heart a flutter. And of course, we have the delightful Mel, the bog child, the curse, the abomination (but shhh! No spoilers).<br />
<br />
<u>How does it work?</u><br />
<br />
The book is mostly centered around Fergus, the protagonist, and what is happening in his life. HOWEVER, in Fergus' dreams, we flashback to Mel (the bog child) and her time. Mel tells us all about her life and what is happening there (and then), which draws parallels between the Iron Age (Mel) and 1960s Ireland (Fergus). The flashbacks lead up to what happened to Mel that left her in a bog to be discovered hundreds of years later. It was an interesting setup, flitting between Mel, and the different parts of Fergus' life - hanging out with Cora and discussing Mel, visiting his brother, talking to Uncle Tally, making friends with Owain. <br />
<br />
The book isn't fast paced, but neither is it so slow it gets boring. The scene is set pretty much from the start and, as the story progresses, you are able to picture more and more of the landscape and events, good and bad. You pretty much get a feel for what's happening from a few chapters in, and there's an event that happens somewhere around the middle that ties in with the task that Fergus has been set (see how much I'm trying to keep all spoilers away?) that makes you think "I know exactly what's happening here". No. You don't. You don't know anything. In fact, about 3 chapters before the end, everything you know is flipped upside down. Let me just say this - the bad guy isn't necessarily the bad guy, nor is the good guy necessarily the good guy. Cryptic? Read the book and you'll see what I mean.<br />
<br />
<u>Completely Loved:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>The topic of the book. Although I'm not overly interested in politics, the theme winds through the book in such a way that I couldn't help but be interested. Seriously guys. I finished this book and thought "right, I think I'm gonna find another book and learn more about the Irish troubles". It's the kind of book that feeds you enough information about a topic to make you interested, without shoving it down your throat. And I loved that.</li>
<li>Owain. Oh my Lord, Owain! He was so sweet, and amazing, and adorable and OH OWAIN! But seriously. This is a character who is supposed to be a "bad guy" (he's one of the British soldiers who everyone in Ireland hates just for being there) but actually he is, as Fergus finds out, human just like all the rest of them. Owain had a choice to make back home (he's from the Welsh Valleys) and he made the choice to run free from home. Ultimately, he's no freer than the rest of them. But he was funny and uplifting even in serious situations and I get the feeling that, if circumstances were just slightly different, he and Fergus would have been ever greater friends than they got to be.</li>
<li>The Flashbacks. These were, I think, incredibly well done. The parallels between Mel's time and Fergus' own beautifully enhanced the story because they were clearly drawn and yet subtly interwoven all at the same time. I loved it.</li>
</ul>
<u>Not so much:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>The cover of the book didn't interest me, and the blurb didn't pull me in at all. Maybe it's just because I don't usually read books like that but, I don't know, it just didn't make the book seem<i> interesting</i> enough. In fact, if I wasn't participating in the challenge (and panicking over whether I'd find any Irish books) I probably wouldn't have picked it up which is a shame because I really enjoyed it. As for the story itself, I can't think of anything I disliked enough to put in here. That's pretty good, right?</li>
</ul>
<u>Quotes</u><br />
<br />
I found a few quotes that I liked enough to share.<br />
<br />
'We suffer more from the sins of omission than the sins of commission' ~ Felicity. I think this is a pretty nice way of saying you regret the things you don't do far more than you will ever regret the things you do actually do.<br />
<br />
'Death is not a reaper, like they say, nor even a friend. It is dark, fierce water, an inundation' ~ Mel, in a flashback.<br />
<br />
'The studying, the books, exams, arguments, theories. The jokes and pints, laughter, kisses and songs. Life was like running, ninety percent sweat and toil, ten percent joy' ~narrator, at the end. I think this part and the death part (see quote above) kind of look nice together; work hard and play hard in life so that death may not be so scary and dark.<br />
<br />
'The summer of the bog child was over' ~ narrator. Although this line is simple, the way it is slotted in at the end of the book, makes you feel like it's the end of an era (which it kind of is), not just for Fergus and Cora, Owain and Mel and Joey and Tally and all the rest, but for the reader too.<br />
<br />
<u>Final thoughts</u><br />
<br />
I would give this 4/4.5 out of 5. It was an enjoyable read, very funny and entertaining, but also serious as well, and I think Dowd got the balance perfect between the two. It was warm yet heartbreaking, and I grew to love the characters so much that the end was completely bittersweet. Completely. I would definitely recommend this to anyone, not just those who are interested in Irish history. Because I think that's part of the beauty of this book; it takes a topic that some might say is interesting and some might say isn't, and handles it in a way that makes it accessable to all, regardless of your level of knowledge or interest in history or politics.<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed my review, and I hope I encouraged some of you to read this! If you have read it (or are going to) please comment your thoughts below. Hopefully, I'll post quite soon (within the next few days), workload permitting, so I'll see you then!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-55000693311187359822014-02-07T08:59:00.001-08:002014-02-07T08:59:10.432-08:00Look Sultry and Glam on that First Date!<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='width:600px;margin:0 auto'><div style='position:relative;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/look_sultry_glam_on_that/set?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=112721902' target='_blank'><img force='1' border='0' height='743' title='Look Sultry and Glam on that First Date!' src='http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/Fmhz3bhNCCv5KMeLNEFHWA/cid/112721902/id/UC_5KRmQ4xGbdhRhNxsv_g/size/c600x743.jpg' alt='Look Sultry and Glam on that First Date!' width='600'/></a></div></div><br/><div style='text-align:center'><small><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/look_sultry_glam_on_that/set?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=112721902' target='_blank'>Look Sultry and Glam on that First Date!</a> by <a href='http://allie-jm.polyvore.com/?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger' target='_blank'>allie-jm</a> featuring a <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/red_nail_polish/shop?query=red+nail+polish' target='_blank'>red nail polish</a></small></div><div style='width:600px;margin:0 auto'><small><div style='padding-top:16px'><p style='clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=100957182' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' style='border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/100957182.jpg' hspace='4' align='left' width='50'/></a><div style='margin-bottom:8px;text-align:left;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=100957182' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>Marc Jacobs fragrance</a><br/>$49 - 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selected.com<br/><br style='display:none'/></div></p><p style='clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=100719178' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' style='border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/100719178.jpg' hspace='4' align='left' width='50'/></a><div style='margin-bottom:8px;text-align:left;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=100719178' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>Aéropostale black boots</a><br/>aeropostale.com<br/><br style='display:none'/></div></p><p style='clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=101161366' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' style='border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/101161366.jpg' hspace='4' align='left' width='50'/></a><div style='margin-bottom:8px;text-align:left;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=101161366' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>Givenchy leather handbag</a><br/>ssense.com<br/><br style='display:none'/></div></p><p style='clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=100858617' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' style='border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/100858617.jpg' hspace='4' align='left' width='50'/></a><div style='margin-bottom:8px;text-align:left;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9784096&.svc=blogger&id=100858617' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>Aéropostale charm bracelet</a><br/>aeropostale.com<br/><br style='display:none'/></div></p></div></small></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-47122515732708274512014-02-03T12:37:00.000-08:002014-03-07T04:07:30.527-08:00Book Review: Gypsy Wedding Dreams by Thelma Madine<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hey guys! So, I've fixed up another review for you all, and I'm really excited about this one because it's my first book that I've read this year that fits into one of my challenges! I read Gypsy Wedding Dreams for the Nonfiction Reading Challenge, hosted by <a href="http://www.theintrovertedreader.com/2014/01/nonfiction-reading-challenge-2014.html?showComment=1389642323554#c3008125829261538297" target="_blank">http://www.theintrovertedreader.com</a> (go sign up if you're interested). Also, check out my <a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/reading-challenges-2014.html" target="_blank">Reading Challenge</a> post. I borrowed this book from the library.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><img alt="16100234" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1387757882l/16100234.jpg" height="320" width="223" /> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cover and description from <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16100281-gypsy-wedding-dreams" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506">Thelma Madine, star of
Channel 4's Big Fat Gypsy Weddings and fairy godmother of extravagant
wedding dresses, reveals the drama, secrets and surprises involved in
ten incredible traveller weddings. Through the tales of ten elaborate
gypsy wedding dresses, Thelma Madine, trusted confidante and dressmaker
extraordinaire, offers a window onto the world of traveller brides and
their unbelievable celebrations. For Thelma's young brides, a wedding
dress is more than just a pretty white gown. For some it is a symbol of
their fairytale-like hopes and dreams for the future, for others a mark
of a long-standing friendship with a non-traveller they have welcomed
into their community, and, for one small group, it is a sad reminder of
day they know will never come. With each chapter based around the
secrets and incredible truths hidden behind each different dress,
Thelma's second book is packed full of fascinating new stories. More
drama, more dresses, more gypsies. By turns laugh-out-loud funny and
achingly sad, and brimming with hilarious anecdotes and larger-than-life
characters, Thelma's book will amaze, amuse and entertain. Beautifully
designed and fully-illustrated throughout, it is crammed with glossy new
photos, revealing never-before-seen dresses adorned with thousands of
Swarovski crystals and hundreds of LED lights - an ideal gift for fans
of Channel 4's Big Fat Gypsy Weddings and Thelma's Gypsy Girls.</span></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;">What's the deal?</span></span></span></span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;">This book is written by Thelma Madine, the dressmaker behind the fabulous creations on Channel 4's Big Fat Gypsy Wedding series (I don't know if this airs anywhere outside the UK, so if you know, please let me know in the comments). It basically chronicles some of her most memorable dresses, and also the most memorable girls who ordered the dresses. Some of the anecdotes are set before the C4 documentary, when Madine's shop was less well known, and some are set after.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;">How does it work?</span></span></span></span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;">The book is made up of 10 chapters and each is about a different wedding and bride (or, in some cases, about a different topic with several brides under it) that Madine worked on. All the chapters are detailed and entertaining recounts of vastly different experiences. At around 225 pages long (but some pages are photographs), it is a very easy read for when you want something not too challenging, something you don't have to think about, to read at night. There are also beautiful photographs of the dresses, accessories and brides scattered throughout the book, which has lovely page designs too. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;">Completely Loved:</span></span></span></span></u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;">The photographs. The beautiful photos of various dresses and details really just break the text up and make the book a bit more fun to read.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;">The people. Most of the characters are really sweet and the stories are genuine, warm and funny. A lovely little read to wile away a few dull hours. </span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;">Not so much:</span></span></span></span></u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;">There isn't actually anything I particularly disliked about this book, maybe because it's just one of those books you might read just to pass the time.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;">Quotes</span></span></span></span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;">This wasn't a quotable book, so instead I'm just going to say that the chapters I enjoyed the most, for various reasons, were The Game Changer, The Family Rivalry and Me and My Big Mouth.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;">Final Thoughts</span></span></span></span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;">Overall, this was a simple book, satisfying enough to read when you're bored or just want to relax a little and not over-do the thinking. It was sweet and funny and simple too - you don't have to worry about following along with a plot or anything. I'd give this book 3.5 out of 5.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;">So I hope you enjoyed my review! Let me know in the comments if you've read, or want to read, Gypsy Wedding Dreams, or if you watch Big Fat Gypsy Weddings. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="freeText4688978983945379506"> </span></span> </span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-60478757631866055152014-01-26T07:28:00.004-08:002014-01-31T00:55:54.247-08:00Buying books from Charity Shops<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hey guys! I love browsing in bookshops, and if I could I would spend all day in Waterstones, looking through the shelves for my next babies. However, I am a student and don't have a full-time job so this dream is slightly unrealistic. That's why I love my Kindle so much - the books are so much cheaper and easier to find, particularly if they're not very new ones (I've done a post on the <a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/pros-and-cons-ofa-kindle.html" target="_blank">Pros and Cons of a Kindle</a> if you want to have a gander at that). However, my next favourite thing is buying books from charity shops. I love the thought that the book has brought joy to someone else, and they then gave it away so it can bring joy to me. Additionally, the books are so cheap, which of course is a big bonus. I don't usually buy books but I saw a complete trilogy in my local Oxfam shop and each book was just 99p! I was powerless to resist...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Inkheart by Cornelia Funke</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="28194" height="320" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1370972877l/28194.jpg" width="212" /> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cover and description from <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28194.Inkheart" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span id="freeText9360845602740596714">Twelve-year-old Meggie
learns that her father, who repairs and binds books for a living, can
"read" fictional characters to life when one of those characters abducts
them and tries to force him into service.<br /><br />Characters from books
literally leap off the page in this engrossing fantasy. Meggie has had
her father to herself since her mother went away when she was young. Mo
taught her to read when she was five, and the two share a mutual love of
books. He can "read" characters out of books. When she was three, he
read aloud from a book called Inkheart and released characters into the
real world. At the same time, Meggie's mother disappeared into the
story. This "story within a story" will delight not just fantasy fans,
but all readers who like an exciting plot with larger-than-life
characters.</span> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cornelia Funke has been recommended to me several times, and I've also heard her name crop up in many YouTube videos I've seen. This book sounded really interesting, and I do like a bit of fantasy. Since it was so cheap (and the money is going to a good cause) I thought I'd try it out. I also got the second and third books in The Inkworld Trilogy at the same time...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inkspell by Cornelia Funke </span></span><br />
<br />
<img alt="28195" height="320" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1362151449l/28195.jpg" width="251" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cover and description from <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28195.Inkspell" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText12776150466416226908">The captivating sequel
to INKHEART, the critically acclaimed, international bestseller by
Cornelia Funke, an author who is emerging as a truly modern classic
writer for children.<br /><br />Although a year has passed, not a day goes
by without Meggie thinking of INKHEART, the book whose characters became
real. But for Dustfinger, the fire-eater brought into being from words,
the need to return to the tale has become desperate. When he finds a
crooked storyteller with the ability to read him back, Dustfinger leaves
behind his young apprentice Farid and plunges into the medieval world
of his past. Distraught, Farid goes in search of Meggie, and before
long, both are caught inside the book, too. But the story is threatening
to evolve in ways neither of them could ever have imagined.</span> </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="2325825" height="320" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327341991l/2325825.jpg" width="242" /> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cover and description from <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2325825.Inkdeath" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span id="freeText3943306031409200973"><strong>CAUGHT BETWEEN THE COVERS OF A CURSED STORY...</strong><br /><br />Ever since the extraordinary events of <em>Inkspell</em>, when the enchanted book <em>Inkheart</em> drew Meggie and her father, Mo, into its chapters, life in the Inkworld has been more tragic than magical.<br /><br />The
fire-eater Dustfinger is dead, having sacrificed his life for his
apprentice Farid's, and now, under the rule of the evil Adderhead, the
fairy-tale land is in bloody chaos, its characters far beyond the
control of Fenoglio, their author. Even Elinor, left behind in the real
world, believes her family to be lost - lost between the covers of a
book.<br /><br />Facing the threat of eternal winter, Mo inks a dangerous
deal with Death itself. There yet remains a faint hope of changing the
cursed story - if only he can fill its pages fast enough.</span></i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText3943306031409200973"><span style="font-size: small;">I think this series sounds quite interesting and I can't wait to see what I think of it. I'll be sure to put up reviews of the books when I get to them (They are perching precariously on the top of a massive to-read pile so...)</span></span><i><span id="freeText3943306031409200973"> </span> </i></span></span> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-42318557676511522222014-01-26T07:13:00.000-08:002014-01-26T07:29:26.913-08:00Book Review: Long Lankin by Lindsay Barraclough<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hey there! I know this has come a little late, but I've had a bit of a hectic week and I really wanted my next post to be a review of Long Lankin. So, where shall I start? You can find the book cover and Goodreads description on my <a href="http://featheredquills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/library-haul.html" target="_blank">Library Haul</a> post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>What's the deal?</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Long Lankin is based on an old song and myth. Two young girls, Cora and her little sister Mimi, are forced to move into their Aunt Ida's old house in the small village of Byers Guerdon. They meet two village boys, Roger and his brother Pete, which is pretty much the only good thing that happens to the girls until probably the end of the book. Auntie Ida is not pleased to have the girls AT ALL (and that's an understatement), but as the novel progresses, strange things begin to happen, and we see that, actually, Auntie Ida may just have a point when it comes to not wanting the kids to stay. It's a hard book to summarise without giving away any of the plot, so I'm just going to say that Roger and Cora have their work cut out for them trying to keep themselves (and Mimi) alive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>How does it work?</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The book is written in first person narration, and split into 3 viewpoints - Cora, Roger and Auntie Ida. It is structured sort of like a diary, as in it's chaptered by days, and is then split further into the 3 perspectives. Although this frequent change of perspective makes the narration a little choppy at times, it adds to the overall feel and fast pace of the book. It is quite slow to start (plenty of scene building), but it soon picks up in pace, and the seemingly irrelevant details given, often from Cora, such as the scratch marks on the doors, holes being dug in the garden and scrabbling noises on the roof late at night, all tie in at the end. Indeed, the book makes more and more sense the further in you go, and I often caught myself muttering "oh I see" or words to that effect in the second half.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The book is creepy pretty much from the offset, and I found it (although I am a self-confessed wimp) downright scary at times. It's the sort of book you wish you could put down just for a few minutes, just so you can catch your breath, gather your thoughts and reign in your imagination, but you actually can't bring yourself to turn away. Long Lankin is "regular book size" or maybe a bit longer (around 455 pages) but it's by no means a slog to get through - the changing perspectives and increasing levels of action gives it a short, snappy feel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>Completely Loved:</u></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The character interaction between Cora and Roger. I loved their friendship and I'm so glad you see the events from both points of view. I also quite liked that there was no romance at all in the book. Now, I do like a good bit of romance, and Roger seems like he would be an amazing boyfriend, but the fact that they did everything together WITHOUT falling hopelessly in love and declaring undying affection by the end was just an added bonus.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The amount of description. This was such a detailed book, and I could see every scene unfolding in my head without having to make any conscious efforts to imagine anything (example that won't spoil anything: 'He gloats at us, drawing back his thin, wasted lips and showing us his pointed yellow teeth. He is smiling'). In some books you have to think a little harder to see the story unfold (not a bad thing at all, I have a very active imagination), but in Long Lankin, all you had to do was draw up the courage to actually read on.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Auntie Ida's character progression. At first, I thought Ida was a horrible person. Yes, I can appreciate she had some bad things going on and she was scared for Cora and Mimi, but she really is horrible to Cora. I didn't like the fact that she yells at and hits Cora repeatedly, yet doesn't so much as scold Mimi even though both of them broke the rules. However, as I read on, I found myself sympathising with Ida, and when I started to understand what was wrong, I just wanted to weep with her. It was a brilliant example of everything tying together in the end to make someone you didn't think much of into your hero.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's based on a real myth. I love mythology, and I think that, for me, the fact that Barraclough based her book on an actual Northern myth and song really enhances the book. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>Not so much:</u></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> At times, I got ever so slightly annoyed with the characters, such as when Ida scolds Cora for any little thing but doesn't yell at Mimi, even though both of them were breaking Ida's rules. I also thought, at times, that Roger and Cora talking to each other sounded more like adults than children. HOWEVER, having finished the book I now see that the things I quietly criticised when I read them were either not what I thought they were, or are actually relevant or addressed later in the book. So I'm not sure this is an actual criticism of the book, more like an observation that if, like me, you get annoyed in parts, stick it out because it all comes together.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>Quotes</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I didn't find this a particularly quotable book (and by that I mean life affirming type quotes that I will regularly spout at people), however I loved Roger and some of his lines really amused me. I'll put just a couple, and please leave any quotes that you guys particularly enjoyed in the comments below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Pete and me are pretty sure she's a witch, like old Gussie Jetherell, just down from us - though she definitely is. She's got lots of cats and that's a sign' ~ Roger</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Your mother's always going on about her and Uncle Ben being told the church was spooky when they were kids. That sort of thing doesn't scare me though. I fought Hitler' ~ Roger's dad, and I think it may have been the way I imagined him saying this that made it such a good line for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>Final thoughts</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I haven't read a lot of horror or "dark" books but Long Lankin really has given me a great introduction to the genre. Word of warning though: Unless your one of those "I'm not scared of anything" types, read this one in the midday light, not at bedtime! Rating wise, I'll give Long Lankin 4.5 out of 5, and I can safely say it's one of the best books I've read in a while. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>Side-note</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The sequel to Long Lankin - The Mark of Cain - is due out this year. The <a href="http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/editions/aphra-rushes/9781782300199" target="_blank">Random House</a> website says that the publication date is 3rd July 2014. For me, July CANNOT come soon enough! I gather the sequel is more about Aphra Rushes (read Long Lankin if you want to know who she is!) not Long Lankin, and I am really interested in seeing more of her. Also, I can't wait to meet Cora again (and hopefully Roger!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hope you enjoyed this. If you've read Long Lankin, or if it's on your to-read list, leave a comment below!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Disclaimer: I borrowed the book Long Lankin from the library. I haven't been paid or bribed in any way to read or recommend it.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-81193783845545640292014-01-20T12:20:00.000-08:002014-01-26T06:20:05.607-08:00Library Haul<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't been to the library in ages, but I had a little time yesterday so I thought I'd pop in. I only took three books out, but they all seemed interesting, AND I found a couple to start my reading challenges this year. The books are:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough</span><br />
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<img alt="9206583" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328488271l/9206583.jpg" height="320" width="211" /> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cover and description from <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9206583-long-lankin" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></i><br />
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<span id="freeText12768794707291745343"><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Beware of Long Lankin, that lives in the moss. . . .When Cora and her younger sister, Mimi, are sent to stay with their elderly aunt in the isolated village of Byers Guerdon, they receive a less than warm welcome. Auntie Ida is eccentric and rigid, and the girls are desperate to go back to London. But what they don't know is that their aunt's life was devastated the last time two young sisters were at Guerdon Hall, and she is determined to protect her nieces from an evil that has lain hidden for years. Along with Roger and Peter, two village boys, Cora must uncover the horrifying truth that has held Bryers Guerdon in its dark grip for centuries -- before it's too late for little Mimi. Riveting and intensely atmospheric, this stunning debut will hold readers in its spell long after the last page is turned.</span></i><a class="actionLinkLite" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9206583-long-lankin#"></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book isn't to fit in with any challenges, but the idea of it appealed to me, as well as the fact that it is based on an actual legend, and so I thought I'd try it out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce</span><br />
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<img alt="6357708" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1291052720l/6357708.jpg" height="320" width="212" /> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cover and description from <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6357708-sisters-red" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
<span id="freeText15300502962129697972"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris--the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an axe and Scarlett's only friend--but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for?</i></span><br />
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This book fits perfectly in the Fangs and Fur challenge as it's about werewolves and two girls who hunt them. I think the premise of the book sounds good as it's a retelling of the fairy-tale Red Riding Hood. I can't wait to read this one (also, I love how pretty the cover is!).<br />
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Bog Girl by Siobhan Dowd<br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span id="freeText15300502962129697972"><img alt="2856645" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1320393455l/2856645.jpg" height="320" width="211" /> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cover and description from <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2856645-bog-child" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></i></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span id="freeText15300502962129697972"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span id="freeText11054755055553790735">DIGGING FOR PEAT in the
mountain with his Uncle Tally, Fergus finds the body of a child, and it
looks like she’s been murdered. As Fergus tries to make sense of the
mad world around him—his brother on hunger-strike in prison, his growing
feelings for Cora, his parents arguing over the Troubles, and him in it
up to the neck, blackmailed into acting as courier to God knows what—a
little voice comes to him in his dreams, and the mystery of the bog
child unfurls.</span> </i></span>
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<br />
This one is by an Irish author, contains Irish characters and, I believe, is set in Ireland! What a perfect way to start my Ireland challenge. This idea also sounded interesting to me, but isn't the sort of thing I'd usually read so we'll see how it goes.<br />
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<br />
So thus concludes my library haul this time. I'm already quite a bit through Long Lankin, and I hope to start Sisters Red tonight so hopefully I'll have a review or two coming soon! If anyone has read any of these books and enjoyed them (or not!), please leave a comment saying what you liked or didn't like! Bye for now...</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-42048803864341020722014-01-14T04:39:00.000-08:002014-01-16T07:14:15.089-08:00Reading Challenges 2014<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey guys! I've decided to kick-start my blog by participating in some reading challenges this year. I looked through <a href="http://novelchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">A Novel Challenge's</a> blog and decided on three challenges I will try this year. They looked really interesting; one of them, the Fangs and Fur challenge, was right up my street as I love Supernatural books anyhow and the other two pushed me out of my comfort zone a little. This is my sign up post for all three, so keep reading for more info!</span><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrjNrN1XookXUXkn2Zb2dG5aEZVJ7HbnhXFU2BBfBeljnwTxGwWwEwNI9NjHPQ0PLXn5CJox80kD88GcGe7_mRDObiRqZCRxhRYlmlhfz2xBX1vwl9pBv5fr6KJ-R9x11PvZJefCLrpEr/s1600/Nonfiction2014.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first challenge that caught my eye is the Nonfiction challenge. I've never read much nonfiction, but I guess that's going to change this year!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This challenge is hosted on </span><a href="http://www.theintrovertedreader.com/2014/01/nonfiction-reading-challenge-2014.html?showComment=1389642323554#c3008125829261538297" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.theintrovertedreader.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I believe, and I'm so excited for my first challenge! I'm signing up for the Explorer level (6-10 books), because I'm joining a few other challenges too and I have to study for important exams this summer too, so I think 6-10 is a nice amount especially as reading nonfiction is not my forte and I've never really gotten into it before. Who knows? I might even do more!</span><br />
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<img alt="furfangsbutton" class="aligncenter wp-image-6418" src="http://novelheartbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/furfangsbutton.png" height="243" width="242" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next challenge I'm going to participate in this year in the Fur and Fangs challenge. I love reading Supernatural themed books anyway, so this challenge is kind of perfect for me. The challenge is simply to read books about werewolves, shape-shifting animals or vampires, so I think I can read quite a few this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This challenge is hosted on </span><a href="http://novelheartbeat.com/2014/01/2014-fur-fangs-challenge-sign-ups/#comment-7800" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://novelheartbeat.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I believe, and I'm going to set my goal to 15 books for this challenge.</span> <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZqVCly8umEMUAeKkKWHHDG39v5EPK1v-V4Bd23HRespHXxKEnv4VBUuUzG6HoMFMrCCwBxcm68Di95M4aBRMoz8QnFCxiTck6wWJ33xByI2Y-PzYuvjc3kIJBFGkEnFQdLQzVTWsRws/s1600/ireland+reading+challenge_2014.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final challenge I'm going to try this year is the Ireland Reading Challenge, which I think sounds really interesting. I haven't read a lot of Irish authors or Ireland-based books, but I'm always up for new things and it seems like a really cool one to try.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This challenge is hosted on </span><a href="http://booksnyc.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/announcing-ireland-reading-challenge.html?showComment=1389643079624#c8719120783586999271" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://booksnyc.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I believe, and I'm signing up at the Shamrock level (4 books), although if I have the time, I hope I can read more than that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll do an update post for each individual challenge probably every month, and also reviews of the books I read for each challenge. I'm really excited to get stuck into some good books, and I'm also looking forward to pushing myself a little with the nonfiction genre. I might have to go hunting around the library for some Ireland-based books though! Until next time...</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-50372076095247097682014-01-13T11:32:00.002-08:002014-01-14T04:38:47.453-08:00Pros and Cons of...A KindleHey bookworms! I have a Kindle, and I think it's the best thing since...well, books! But I know many people don't like Kindles, or are unsure if they should invest in one. So, I'm going to compile a little list of the things I love about my Kindle, as well as some things that might mean it's not as good as a traditional book.<br />
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I have the traditional Kindle - the one with the keyboard that you can't read in the dark. They've brought out a load of newer versions since I got mine. The Paperwhite, the Fire (which I really want) and a Fire HD (which I don't think is any different to the original Fire) and, I'm sure, quite a few more. I can only speak for the Kindle I use, and it is quite an old edition. So by this logic, all the things I talk about SHOULD (although I'm not certain) apply to the newer versions as well.<br />
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<b>Pros</b><br />
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1) <u>It's incredibly easy to use</u>. Mine has a keyboard, and navigation arrow thingys (check out my awesome tech speak guys) which means it's quick and simple to scroll around, find books and read and buy them. You can buy off your Kindle (providing you have wifi) and then start reading about 20 seconds later. Any idiot (or genius *cough* moi *cough*) can use the Kindle. I believe the Fire has a touchscreen, which would presumably make it even simpler. <b> </b><br />
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2) <u>The books can be so cheap</u>. A lot of books on Kindle are cheaper than buying the paper versions. I've bought books that would be £10.99, or even £19.99 (if hardback is the only version available), for £2.99 on my Kindle. It has offers on books for one day only, where you can buy for 99p or something. In fact, I think I bought J. K. Rowling's A Casual Vacancy for 99p when it was "book of the day" or some such thing. Now, I'm a student. I don't have a full time job and I don't have much money. I often can't afford to pay £7.99 or more for a book, especially when there's so many books I want to own. So why wouldn't I love buying my books for so cheap? I bought the entire The Hunger Games trilogy (separately, not the 'trilogy' edition they offer) on Kindle for the same price as The Hunger Games (just the first book) in paperback. (Also, The Fault in our Stars, one of the "hottest" books right now was only 99p. Bargain!)<br />
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3) <u>It stores LOADS</u>. I think mine can store 3000 (or somewhere in that region) books. 3000. I'm pretty sure the newer versions can store even more. Do you guys know how much space, how many bookshelves, would be needed to have 3000 books in my room? My room is full (like, stacked floor to ceiling type full) with books and I don't think I have anywhere near 3000 in there. It's bursting at the seams and I have hundreds more I want to buy and read. On the other hand, my Kindle is lighter and smaller than one book and has so much space left on it. I have around 150 books (not including hundreds of samples) on it so far so...plenty of space left!<br />
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4) <u>Samples</u>! You can request samples of books on a Kindle. Now I use this, not to see if I like the book, but to store all the books I want to buy in the future but maybe don't have enough money to get now. I put all my samples in a folder, and it keeps them all together and out of the way until I can buy them. I find this so useful - kind of like a book list but not using bits of paper or word documents that might end up getting lost. All of them are together, just waiting for me to choose them.<br />
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5) <u>Folder</u>s! A really useful tool, like the samples. You can make folders on a Kindle, and then add books to each folder. For instance, I have a folder for samples, another folder for classics, and then folders for every separate series/author/genre/whatever. No more searching in vain for a particular book! This device makes it so easy to find a particular book, series or author.<br />
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These are just the main things that I think makes the Kindle an amazing invention. Of course, there are other brilliant points to make, and if anyone thinks of any other good points, please pop them in the comments below. Now, I'll put a few of the common cons/"complaints" I hear about the Kindle.<br />
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<b>Cons</b><br />
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1) <u>It's not the same</u>. Even I agree, nothing can replace the thrill of turning pages, of holding a proper books in your hands, feeling the weight, holding it on your knees. I do love books and, if I'm being honest, I do prefer proper books to the Kindle. However, I think the story is far more important than the format - as long as I'm reading the words then I'm reading the story, and that's really all that matters, isn't it?<br />
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2) <u>You have to charge it</u>. The Kindle battery lasts for ages...IF you turn the wifi off when you're not downloading books. If you leave wifi on, the battery fades faster than the speed of light (well...maybe not quite, but you know what I mean). It only takes a couple of hours to charge but, if you're like me and forget to take the wifi off and then forget to charge the Kindle until it's practically dead, it can be a bit frustrating to have to leave it alone for hours, especially if you're in the middle of a really good book!<br />
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3) <u>You can't really take notes</u>. Although you can highlight and makes notes on sections, if you need to take notes (like for classes or something), it doesn't really work as well on the Kindle as in a proper book. There's no pretty colours or post-it note types things to find your highlighted sections quickly. Although that doesn't bother me (I've never taken notes for any of the books on my Kindle), if you're the sort that needs (or just likes to) make notes and stick them on your books, maybe the Kindle isn't as good as a proper book for you.<br />
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So there we go! I love my Kindle, and I know many people who do too. Don't get me wrong, I still love hunting for and buying physical books, but I do love the Kindle too. This is just my list, and I'm sure you guys can think of loads of other pros and cons to add. If anyone has a Kindle, or would never get one, please put your reasons in the comments and we can all discuss! Until next time bookworms...<b> </b> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678933707434237277.post-58089674591607157862014-01-10T01:34:00.001-08:002014-01-10T01:34:33.304-08:00Year of the Blog...My Bookish Resolutions<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this year, I decided I should make some New Year's Resolutions. I want to share my passion for reading and writing with the world, which is why number 1 on my list of resolutions is:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Start a blog. Done! I feel I'm off to a good start. This blog will be about books, plain and simple. The books I read, the books I want to read and what I think of them. This isn't a review blog, rather me chatting to myself (and, hopefully, others!) about what I liked and didn't like about all the (many) books I read. I will also occasionally post my writing on here as well (I write original fiction and fan-fiction), and also possibly book-inspired art and other things I love or find interesting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Post regularly on the blog. I think I attempted to start a blog once before, but didn't post after about a month. For this blog, I want to post at least twice a week, hopefully forever! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Continue reading, even if it seems like there's no time. I'm currently studying for my A-Levels, and in September I'll be starting university. It'll be a busy year, but I want to remind myself that reading brings me joy and calms me down, and I need that more than ever in this stressful year. I want to read more this year than I did last year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Write more. I love writing, but often feel that there's no time for it. Writing gets pushed aside in favour of other (probably more important) things. I want to start writing more of my original fiction (I have plans for two novels which I hope to get off the ground soon), and also more fan-fiction (be it one shots or longer pieces) to get the old creative juices flowing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So those are my bookish resolutions. Let's see if I stick to them this year! I also have a few non-book related resolutions too:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) Get fit and healthy. I want to get toned up a bit, and a bit healthier, for when I go to uni this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Start practising French and German again. I have GCSEs in both but since starting A-Levels I haven't really kept them up. I'd love to go to both countries sometime soon, so I hope to start my languages back up again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) Revise for at least an hour every day. I'm a sucker for procrastination, but I need to start focusing this year if I want to get the grades I need.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's it! You may sometimes see rants or healthy recipes and stuff on here to mix it up a bit, but the blog will be primarily to do with books (and possibly film/TV reviews). I hope you like it and keep reading, commenting and let's be friends!</span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063426694153348369noreply@blogger.com0