I'm addicted...

To crocheting. I've done a bit before, but after starting my 4 week course it's safe to say I have become obsessed.

The aim of the course was to make Granny Squares, and this week we accomplished just that!
It was surprisingly easy to follow, once you know the basic stitches and how to read the pattern.
I have been making granny squares ever since. Even to the extent of taking my needle and yarn to my University lecture Oops!

My first Granny Square!
After a couple attempts it finally came out good!!

It was amazing to see how different everyone's square's looked like. I guess it all depended on the tension, but mine was much smaller and tighter than the others.

Group Granny Squares.

At home I got experimentin' and worked out, via the wonderful internet, how to add a new colour onto the square. I'm not particularly sure I started it off correctly, but it still looked great at the end.

Two coloured Granny Square.

I also taught myself to create cute little flowers! They are so quick and easy to make. Again, I think I read the pattern incorrectly as I was only able to manage five petals instead of six, but I guess it made my lil flower more special!

My cute pink flower.

So, it's been a very busy but fun week of crocheting.

Really looking forward to see what I can come up with next, and to find a new pattern to try something new!

I would love to see other people's first creations.

What did you make when you were first learning to crochet?

Emma 

Hello New Bloggers - The Liebster Blog Award

How nice are people? How lovely is the blogging community?

Well, the answer to both those questions is - MAJORLY.

I have been nominated by the lovely Iona at Iona Blogs to recieve the Liebster Blog Award.

Now, I'm not 100% sure where the award originated, or who Liebster is, but it's all about newly established bloggers meeting other new bloggers. Basically anyone with less than 200 followers is eligible. Which is perfect for me as my audience is rather small.

The rules are as follows - 

- Each person tagged must post 11 things about themselves

- They must answer the 11 questions the tagger has set for them

- They must create 11 questions to ask the bloggers who they tag

- They must choose 11 bloggers to tag with less than 200 followers

- There are no tag backs

I tag these lovely bloggers :)

Cassie at Thrift Thick
Melda at Little Lady
Jane at Life's Entropy
Abdabs
Greta at La Vie de Greta
Victoria at Little Bird Blue
Kathy at My Peach Days
Shu at Shu Likes Clothes
Natalie at Afternoon Tea Total
Carol at Lacquerised
Lynne at Cocktails and Daydreams

and I ask them...

1. What is your favourite book?
2. If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
3. What's your guilty pleasure song? Be honest, everyone has one!
4. What's your most embarrassing moment?
5. Do you play a musical instrument? If not, what would you love to play if you could?
6. Have you got something that you have had since you were a baby?
7. If you could invite one famous person to dinner, alive or dead, who would it be?
8. If you could eat the same thing over and over for the rest of your life, what would it be?
9. What's your favourite perfume?
10. Team Edward or Team Jacob? (Hhahahhahah!)
11. What is your dream career?

11 (Not to interesting) Facts about me!

1. I am really small. Like under 4 foot small. Doctors have no idea why I have been made this way, but you gotta shake what yo' mama gave you. As they say.
2. I am on my 2nd degree at uni. In first year again and being 23 I certainly can see the difference between myself and the new-new first years. Oh to be young and 17 again...
3. I have a slight (major) phobia of balloons. Fireworks wind me up too. Think it's the noise.
4. McFly are my favourite band in the whole world, and have been for nearly 10 years. Met them on many occasions, and once I was really drunk Danny and Dougie bought me a drink. They remembered the next time I met them. Awkward.
5. I lived in Austin, Texas last year for 5 months and it was the greatest experience of my life so far. I was so tanned when I came back to grey Scotland. Boo hoo!
6. I have two tattoos. One on my wrist saying "no worries" and a little acorn on my foot.
7. I (pretend to) play the ukulele. Mainly because they are so darn cute and they make a nice sound. Some times.
8. I have had open heart surgery and 7 operations on my back.
9. Bridesmaids is my favourite movie ever. I can watch it over and over and not get bored of it.
10. I will NEVER get bored of Friends. Je de floop fleeeee.
11. I fancy far too many famous people. Including...Dougie Poynter, Darren Criss, Ryan Gosling, Brendon Urie, Paolo Nutini.

Here are the questions (any my answers) that Iona has asked us.

What is your favourite shop?

It would probably be HobbyCraft. I'm not the most creative of persons, so when I go in I can just spend hours thinking of all the wonderful things I could attempt to do, but never end up finishing a project. Ever.

How old is your blog?

I posted my first post in June this year, so it is 5 months old.

What is your profession? If you are a student, what are you studying?

I am studying my second degree (English) at Uni. Yes I am bonkers for going back for 4 more years. I also work at a cake stall, we sell cupcakes, brownies and loads more lovely treats. Best. Job. Ever.

What did you want to to be when you 'grew up'?

I have no idea what I want to be NOW, let along when I was younger. I was obsessed with the Spice Girls, so I imagine I wanted to be one of them. Girl power!

Is there one thing you always take with you when travelling?

My iPad. Great way of having everything your laptop does but on a much smaller scale. 

What makeup product could you not live without?

It's not a makeup product per-se, but a utensil. My Beauty Blender sponge. It applies foundation/primer so perfectly and smoothly. I urge anyone to buy it.

What is your favourite band?

MCFLY. I am a huge, out and proud fan, and have been for nearly 10 years. Yikes that's a long time. They have given me so much happiness that I can't ever not love them. Definitely heroes of mine.

What tip would you give to other bloggers?

Just have fun. Write what you want to write and don't care if no-one reads it. As long as you love your blog, others will love it too.

What excites you most about Christmas?

Christmas jumpers! Any excuse to look a bit silly during the holidays

Is there a colour you wear most? If so, what is it?

Navy, maybe. Or black. Gosh, how exciting...

What product (anything!) do you rave about? (clothes, makeup, food, anything!)

The Fault In Our Stars, by John Green. This is a beautiful, inspiring emotional and altogether brilliant book. You just have to read it.

I look forward to reading everyone's responses

Emma :)

Crochet - A new beginning...

Today I attended my first ever crochet class. I was supposed to start last week, however I was silly enough to stay awake until 4.30am to watch the US Presidential Election the night before, that by the time it came to six o'clock I was absolutely shattered. No crocheting for me!
So it was essentially week two of four, but only my first lesson.

I have had previous experience in crocheting, having taught myself the basic stitches to get going from watching trusty videos on YouTube. God Bless the internet! So I fully expected to be told what I already knew, and then progress as the weeks go on. I was right. I was taught how to start a chain, and then crochet a double stitch (I have been told that in the US that it is known as a single stitch...weird)
I was then taught how to do a triple stitch, which was basically the same as before, but with a extra bit added. Easy. It was nice to see how the crocheting improved and increased in such a short period of time.

My crochet in progress.

Next week we are going to start to learn to make "granny squares" which can eventually be added to create quilts and other fancy things. Ohhh. Really looking forward to it.

This took place in a lovely art space called I heart art. They do lots of other lessons from knitting to candle making, there is something for everyone.
During the day the shop is open for anyone to pop in and be creative. There are loads of ceramic items available to paint, and pretty much any medium is on hand to let your artistic juices flow. Lots of fun.

I'm really looking forward to the lesson next week. Who knows, this could be the start of a whole knew obsession for me. Oh dear.

Emma

I've been a bad, bad blogger.

It seems that I haven't posted in nearly two months! Shocking!

Having started my new University course in September I have had literally no time to myself.
It has been near impossible to sit down and read, which is really upsetting as it's something I just love to do.
Blogging was a fun part of my week, so I really want to schedule the time in to getting this blog going again. I promise.
The last book I read, and finished, was The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. I am hoping to write a review on it in the next couple of days and post it. Normally I can go through at least two books a week, but in last month that's the only book I have read. Currently reading Bridget Jones Diary. A easy, entertaining read to say the least. Hopefully it will get me back into the swing of things.

I really hope that studying English doesn't dampen my enthusiasm for reading, and that it doesn't become a chore.
Are there any other English students out there?
Have you ever had a "dry reading patch" during the semester?
Any tips for over coming the drought?

I can't be the only one out there who feels this way.

Happy Reading (hope you will get through more than me!)

Emma

BBAW Day 5: And now, the end is near...

And so I face the final...day of Book Blogger Appreciation Week.
Ok, so it doesn't have ring as the famous Frank Sinatra song, but the sentiment is the same.

I don't know about you, but I have absolutely LOVED this week of blogging.

I have met many new people, read so many different blogs and the lovely comments on my own blog has made my work actually seem worth it.

It's so nice to see my view counts go up (even though that's not important), to see that people are enjoying what I am writing and taking the time to click on my humble little page.

Thank you to every one who has visited and commented.
I  love reading your blogs and I hope you enjoy mine too. I love blogging, especially about books, so it's great to share this passion with others.

Roll on BBAW 2013!!!!!!

Happy Reading

Emma

BBAW Day 4: Pimp That Book

Day 4 has been pretty hard for me. We have been asked to think of a book, books or authors that you feel need to be recognised more for their awesomeness. Also known as "pimp that book".

Most of the books I have read have been due to recommendations from others, so they obviously have the recognition in the first place. To get over my reader's block I have decided to interpret the topic today, and chose a book that, although it could be well known, I feel needs to be in the head's of every book reader out there.

That book is.

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green.

Yes, so most of you have probably read it or heard about it, but my god I bet you are happy that you have. This book made me feel emotions that I have never felt before when reading a book.
It made me laugh and by god it made me cry. Hard.

John Green has a way of getting into the mind set of a 17 year old cancer sufferer that is almost disturbing. It's thought provoking, uplifting and romantic. You almost forget the story is basically about cancer and dying, and it's so believable too. It's not dramatic or tear out your hair emotional, it's real.

I mention this book to anyone I come across with a reading passion. The few people I know that has read the book can only praise it, and I encourage anyone who hasn't read any of John Green's work to read this as a starter.

It will change your life.

Hopefully.

What book do you "pimp out" to your friends?

Happy Reading and BBAW!!

p.s DFTBA.

BBAW: Day 3! What does Book Blogging mean to you?

We are on to Day 3 of Book Blogger Appreciation Week 2012, and what a great question to get you thinking.

To me, blogging is basically a diary of all the books I have read and enjoyed. It's also a great way to find new books from reading other blogs, as well as opening my eyes, so to speak, to genres that I may not normally want to read. In that past I have tried and failed to start blogs about different topics, but after I while I always end up running out of ideas and eventually the blog would become stagnant.

With book blogging there are constantly ideas in my brain, plenty of daily and weekly meme's to complete and there will always be a review ready to be written.

It's exciting to share my passion with others and to find a community that is so likeminded and understanding.

My answer is not as elaborate as some of your other answers, but it's simple to understand.

Blogging is a journal of my reading life.

What does blogging mean to you?

Happy Reading.

Emma

BBAW: Day 2! Questions, Questions and more Questions.

I came across Book Blogger Appreciation Week on Alexa Loves Books blog and was instantly excited.
What a great opportunity for the book blogging community to come together and get to know each other.

As a novice blogger I don't know anyone in the community, so hopefully this will be a good way of meeting like minded people.
However, I am a day late in the proceedings, so was unable to sign up for the blog interview swap. Damn.

So, they gave us a few questions to fill in to get the ball rolling and start talking. Here it goes...

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?
I don't really snack anyway so don't really do so when reading. I always have some sort of drink lying around, reading can be thirsty business sometimes. 

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of
writing in books horrify you?
Gosh, no! I don't think I have ever written in a book other than when I have had to for school purposes. The thought of highlighting a meaningful book makes my stomach go all knotted. Not good at all.

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears?
Neither. Well I sometimes use a bookmark, but find that they mark (literally) the book and you can see where the bookmark has been after i've taken it out. I NEVER dog ear a book. Not under any circumstance. Shudder. I am quite precise when reading, I have to finish to the end of the chapter before I can put it down. Then I just remember what chapter I finished and continue from there.

Laying the book flat open?
No, thank you!

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both?
Mainly fiction. Though I enjoy fiction that is about real life people as well. Autobiographies (written by the person themself) are also very enjoyable.

Hard copy or audiobooks?
I don't think I have ever listened to an audiobook, so it would have to be hard copy all the way!

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you
able to put a book down at any point?
As previous mentioned, I HAVE to read to the end of the chapter. Can never just stop mid paragraph, it ruins the flow of my brain.

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away?
Yes, definitely. Google is an amazing invention.

What are you currently reading?
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov.

What is the last book you bought?
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can
you read more than one at a time?
I like to give my full attention to one book at a time, otherwise I would feel like I was cheating on the other if I didn't give it a fair chance.

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read?
Early evening, when there is nothing on the television and the lighting is dim enough to put on a dim side light.

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books?
As I have been recently reading a few series it tends to be that the first one is brilliant, and the subsequent novels do not live up to its reputation. Though some stand alone books I read I want more from it. To find out what happens to it's characters and story.

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over?
John Green. Without a doubt.

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?)
My top shelf is all the books on my TBR pile. Then on from that is my favourite books, then series books, then books that are not that important to me that I have yet to finish.

That was fun!!

What about you guys? This was a great "interview" to fill in, so I look forward to reading everyone's responses to the questions. If you want to read more about this exciting event just click on the picture at the top of the post. :)

Happy Book Blogger Appreciation Week.

Happy Reading!

Emma 

Waiting on Wednesday: The Lucky Ones - A Bright Young Things Novel

This fun meme was created by Jill at Breaking The Spine. It basically showcases the book or books that you cannot wait to be released in the next few months.
My choice for this week is The Lucky Ones, which is the third book in the Bright Young Things series by Anna Godbersen.

Goodreads:
Letty's rising star is threatened by a new rival...Astrid's relationship with Charlie takes a dark turn…And Cordelia vows revenge against the Hales - once and for all...

Expected Publication Date (US) - September 18th 2012.

Not really sure when it is getting released in the UK. When I find out I will update this post accordingly.

I have been entirely absorbed into the BYT world. The series is full of twists and turns, the characters are enjoyable and my goodness the 1920's setting is purely magical.

Have you read the other two books Bright Young Things and Beautiful Days?
Are you as excited about this new release as I am?!

What are you looking forward to reading in the next few months?

Happy Reading

Emma

A Quick Bookish Survey.

I saw this survey over on The Broke and The Bookish and thought it looked like fun.
So here it goes :)

1. The book I am currently reading: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This has been on my TBR list for months and months, and I am finally getting around to reading it. It is rather enjoyable so far although I find the character of Elizabeth extremely annoying and hypocritical.

2. The last book I finished: Beautiful Days by Anna Godbersen. This is the second book in the Bright Young Things Saga and I loved it. The whole 1920's world is so interesting to read about and the characters are really likeable.

3. The next book I want to read: Oh that is a tough one, but it would probably have to be The Help by Kathryn Stockett. 

4. The last book I bought: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. I was recommended this book as my cousin, as she knew that I loved dystopian literature. I am really looking forward to reading it.

5. The last book I was given: Gosh, I haven't been given a book in a while. I think it was so far back as Christmas. It was A Tiny Bit Marvellous by Dawn French. Yet to have read it.

That was fun.
If you do the quiz please comment and post your links. Would love to read your responses.

Happy Reading!

Emma

TBR Tuesday #1

I've seen many a TBR been done on different blogs and YouTube channels and thought I would get in on the act.

Even if it is just for me to keep track on what I have and haven't read. As well as the growing list of books that I accumulate into my pile of books that I want to read.

So here is my TBR pile as of Tuesday 21st August 2012.

Bearing in mind that this not all the books I have in my possession, but books that I intend on reading in the near future.

1. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

2. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov

3. The Help - Kathryn Stockett

4. A Game of Thrones - George R.R. Martin

5. The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkein

1. I have been meaning to read this book for years, literally. It's been in my sight for so long I am not sure why I haven't just picked it up and read. This will be rectified soon!!

2. Lolita is a controversial choice. Due to it's sordid subject a lot of people cast it aside as being far too disturbing, but that's what books are for. They are meant to challenge and make people feel emotions that they would not normally feel. It's supposed to be a rather good read, and I am excited to explore it.

4. Having watched a couple of episodes of the tv show I know what I am getting into with regards to AGOT. Excellent characters and back stories with a mystical and enchanting setting. I've heard great things about it, but realise that it will not be an easy and quick read.

5. Such a classic. A book, or should I say books?, that every has to read apparently. I have seen and enjoyed the movies so after seeing this on sale at my local library for 25p!!!!!! I just could not refuse such a bargain. Wish me luck as this book is MAMMOTH.

What books are in your TBR pile? 

Have you read any of the books I have mentioned?

Did you enjoy them/love them/hate them/not finish them??

I would love to know your thoughts.

Happy Reading.

Emma :)

Book Review: Cinder - Marissa Meyer

Cinder is the first book in The Lunar Chronicles and my goodness it is a thrilling read.

Loosely based on the classic Cinderella story, it follows the life of Cinder, a cyborg mechanic trying to make a better life for herself. Then the handsome Prince Kai comes along, and her life changes in a way that she could never imagine. 

The book has so many twists and turns you won't ever want to put it down.

It's every bit of a pantomime, with evil step-mothers and the wicked Queen Levena who threatens the peace between the Earth and Levena's home planet. The moon.

It's modern, innovative and exciting. The Cinderella story has been done and re-done, but Meyer has given it a new lease of life and brought the classic fairy tale into the 21st century and beyond.

I have noticed in a lot of book series that stories are often spread thinly just to make it stretch to more than one book, but the story in Cinder is so perfectly managed that it ends on such a cliffhanger. The characters are exciting, enigmatic and likeable. It's sad, heart-warming and above all unputdownable. 

I for one am certainly looking forward to reading the next one, Scarlet, which is set to release early next year. 

Star Rating: *****

Happy Reading

Emma 

Book Review - Bright Young Things - Anna Godbersen

This book has come up on so many reviews, hauls and TBR piles that I was overjoyed to find it in my local library.
I have recently become a member, so I am super excited to get to grips with all the new books I will be able to read. They also don't tell you that libraries often have cheap books for sale, and I mean really cheap. I bought the complete Lord of The Rings bind up for 25p!!!! What a bargain. Ok, so it may be rather tattered and torn, but that shows that it was loved by its previous owner. That can only be a good thing.
Anyway, back to the review.

The main thing that caught my eye with this book was it's cover.

The interesting font, to the beautiful girl in 1920's garb, this book oozes elegance and intrigue. It sets the scene to the story and engages the reader to read the blurb.

Now, I am all for nostalgia and the "good ol' days". So the dates in which the story is set grabbed my attention immediately. The fact that it's set in New York City makes it a whole lot better.

You are emerged into a different world during the prohibition, where alchohol was banned and the rich and the privileged were forced underground to explore their darkest desires. Young girls craved fame and fortune on the stage, whilst the men aimed to lure and exploit the girls to meet their needs. 

In the first book in the series we are introduced to three girls, with three different aims in life.

Cordelia - an orphan looking for more and most of all her long lost father.

Letty - her best friend, who dreams of being a star of the stage, but unable to fulfil her dreams due to her strict father.

Astrid - an up and coming "it girl" who desperately seeks the attention of her sometimes un-interested boyfriend Charlie.

The story takes us from a sleepy and backwards town in Ohio, to the bustling and exciting Big Apple. Each girl's story is intertwined in a way that is not confusing, and the author successfully changes the narrative between our three protagonists with such ease and grace.

It is so easy to get swept up in the glamour of it all, which makes the read an easy and exciting one.

Definitely a must read for those who loved to get transported to another world in a book, and those who love the 1920's. 

I haven't read the Luxe series written by Anna Godbersen, but might have to after reading Bright Young Things. Really looking forward to seeing how the characters progress and what happens to the likeable and relatable girls in NYC which continues in the second book Beautiful Days

Star Rating: ****

Happy Reading.

Emma

Emma Reads Potter.

Hello Readers,

The next sentence you read may come as a shock to you. You have been warned in advance.

I have not read the Harry Potter series.

-cue fainting, gasping and splutters.-

I guess it all boils down to this. When J.K. Rowling first came out with the series I would have been 10, perhaps 11, years old. Back then I was not into books, reading or literature so I guess I just never got sucked into it. As the years went on, and the other books were released, the phenomenon never grabbed me in a way in which it encouraged me to start reading the books. Perhaps I was just stubborn, and didn't want to be part of the growing fandom. Or maybe the story did not interest me.

Every time I mention the fact that I am not indeed a fan of the series, nor have I read the books, it always comes with the same reply. "what?...are you mad?" Especially in the USA. You guys are crazy for the HP over there, and think that every one and their mother has read the books. Which may be true, as the percentage of people who have not read the series to that of those who have is ever shrinking.

I have decided to change this though.
I am going to read the series and review each book individually. I have seen all the movies, so I will try and look at the literature rather than the movie story. I want to provide a "non-fan" perspective of the books, and review them as impartially as possible. It is easy for fans to be all obsessive and protective over their story, so hopefully I can share my views in a way that is both interesting and thought provoking.

I'm nearly finished Harry Potter and The Philosopher's (known as the Sorcerer's in the USA I am told) Stone, so expect a full review in the next coming days.

Happy Reading!

Emma

Book Review(s): Divergent Series - Veronica Roth

Hello Readers,

I decided to wait until I had completed both books before writing a review, it's important to compare and contrast I think.

Divergent Good Reads Blurb:

"In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all."

I thoroughly enjoyed Divergent, the characters were strong, believable and real to life.
Roth successfully built the setting and story with great depth and it really sucked you into the life that Tris has to live in.

There was a certain air of The Hunger Games throughout the book, with a large "montage" of training and evil Dauntless competitors. It was very enjoyable to read, and great for all you Dystopian novel lovers out there.

Insurgent on the other hand, was a bit of a disappointment. Though it has been said that the 2nd book in a trilogy is seen more as a filler than anything else, it seemed as if this was the case.

Characters came and went, and the change in scenery nearly every chapter became quite confusing at times.
At some points new character were introduced, and then killed the next page. There was not enough development and you weren't given a chance to form an opinion on some characters or learn about their past.

Perhaps I like more descriptive literature rather than plot driven books, but if you want your reader to engage and have some sort of emotional reaction to the characters there needs to be more than one sentence on them.

I am hopeful the next book, unnamed and said to be released in 2013, will focus on character development and answer the questions and un-explained plot lines when the series concludes.

Star Rating

Divergent: ****
Insurgent: **

What did you think of the series so far? Are you looking forward to the next instalment?

Happy Reading!

Emma

Awesome Authors: #1 John Green

Hello Readers,

Everyone has their favourite authors, and of course I am no exception to the rule.

I thought I would start a regular (hopefully) feature that looks at who I am rating at the moment, and why that author is capturing my imagination.

My first Awesome Author is someone a lot of people are aware of.

Mr John Green.

He is most commonly known for his awesomely funny YouTube Channel he has run with his brother Hank for many years, but to others he is fast becoming one of the most prolific writers in YA literature.

His popularity may have stemmed from his loyal following of Nerdfighters, but even without them it is safe to say his talent, charisma, and wit shines through the pages of his books. John is able to create worlds that are not only excruciatingly relatable, but can also incite discussions, passion and genuine emotion in his readers.

Why do I love him?
Although I am years older than most of the characters he writes, most of which are teenage boys I may add,  I have never had such a personal and emotional connection to them. They have made me think about my own behaviour and relate to different aspects of their personalities and feelings.
Whilst reading The Fault in Our Stars, Green's most recent book, I had such an emotional reaction, that I finally understood the impact that the written word can have on a person and fuel my passion for learning about "all the things"* to do with writing.

My Favourite Book?
The Fault in Our Stars. By far his best work. I recommend it anyone and everyone who mentions books at all, ever.

My Least Favourite Book?
Although I have enjoyed reading all of his work so far, I would have to say that An Abundance of Katherines was not the most enjoyable read.
That may be due to the fact that there was a large amount of mathematical formulas and jargon in it that went completely over my head. I am crap at maths.

Suitable for Fans of?
Young Adult, contemporary love stories and relatable characters that will make you laugh a lot.

What do you guys think of John Green? What's your favourite book of his?

I would love to know who your favourite authors are. I am always in the search for new reads and love to read/hear/see about people's passion for books.

Happy Reading!!!

Emma


*"all the things" is a quote directly from John/Hank they use on their channel. Just in case anyone was wondering why I had put it in quotations. ha.

Book Review: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight - Jennifer E. Smith

Hello Readers,
I have just finished reading the above mentioned book and thought I would do a quick review.

It's based around a girl called Hadley (I could not get over the name, every time I saw it I had to remind myself that the main character was a girl!). She is on her way from NYC to London to attend her dad's wedding to a woman she has never even met. She meets a boy, and the rest is history.

Without giving much away, the relationship between the characters were very true to life. That may be due to the fact that this book resonated on a very personal level to me, and although Hadley is 5 years younger than me I definitely understood her emotions and actions. It was funny at points, and emotional the next. Although the premise could be called a bit far-fetched it definitely makes you feel that love can turn up anywhere to anyone at any time.

It was a really short read, only 200 or so pages, and it took me less than a day to read. That's with a few breaks in between to watch the tennis here and there. So it's perfect for summer to read out in the sun or indoors when its pouring it down like it is here in Scotland. We don't have a summer -  ever!

Star Rating: ****

Has anyone else read it? What did you think?

What will you be reading this summer?

Happy Reading.

Emma

Book Review: The Perks of Being A Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being A Wallflower, or Perks as I like to call it, is an emotional coming of age story based around the life of Charlie. At 15 years old he is about to start high school and experience all its perils. Without spoiling the story we share with him the excitement of meeting new people, new loves and new adventures whilst struggling with the death of his Aunt with whom he was very close.

As the story goes on Charlie matures and changes as he integrates into school life, and although the scene was normal and representative of the typical American high school (well, what I imagine it would be like) the lack of setting and context made the characters slightly flat. Perhaps this was a deliberate literary technique made by Chbosky. He may have wanted to show that this story and characters could be anywhere and anyone. That we might all know a Charlie that needs help and guidance.

The only thing that had me cringing in this book was the description of people’s emotions. There was a lot of crying, and it was described as just crying. Hard crying, soft crying, silent crying etc. The lack of description when it came to emotion made the feelings seem false, and perhaps this was deliberate again, but it made it unbelievable and hard to feel sympathy towards the crying characters. Which was nearly everyone in the book.

At the end of the book this ambiguity of the characters made the final few pages a real thought provoker. Making the readers think about themselves in a way that they may have not done so before. It is emotional and heart-warming at the same time and personally made me re-evaluate the way I want to think about the world.

I thoroughly recommend this book, especially for teenagers of a certain age struggling with the challenges of being…well a teenager.

It has you thinking well after you have turned the final page.    

I loved this book, and am extremely excited to see the movie adaption with one of my favourite actor’s in it. Ezra Miller. After reading the book I can definitely imagine him playing Patrick and doing a great job. Stephen Chbosky himself, who has also written the screenplay, is actually directing it. It is sure to be a big success and I hope it inspires a lot more people to read the book.

Star Rating: *****

The Perks of Being A Wallflower movie trailer.

Coming to Cinemas 5th October 2012 (UK)