tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10007098595230104042024-03-16T01:09:52.512+00:00Books & TeaHello, I'm Jennie and I live in the UK. Welcome to my blog! It contains spoiler free reviews.
Thanks for reading!Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-65291313233449951672018-07-04T17:57:00.001+01:002018-07-04T18:26:01.583+01:00Wonder by R.J.Palacio<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Title: </b>Wonder<br />
<b>Author: </b>R.J.Palacio<br />
<b>Pages: </b>316<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Young Adult, Contemporary<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">"I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. </span><br />
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<b>Get it here |<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11387515-wonder?from_search=true"> Good reads</a></b></div>
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<a name='more'></a><b>M</b><b>y Opinion:</b><br />
When I heard that a film starring Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson was being made based on this novel (one that I've been desperate to read for years but have never gotten round to it) I knew I had to bump it up a few spaces on my To Be Read list! And I'm so glad that I did because I loved it!<br />
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It was the perfect easy read for over summer. There was a lot packed into this book; happy and sad moments. Although I loved that we got to hear the novel from the point of view of August, the protagonist with the facial different, I found it fascinating that the perspectives of the other characters were included too! It was useful to hear what they thought of his visual deformities.<br />
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Like hearing the perspectives of multiple characters, I found the novel to stay true to the life of a high school student. I remember my first day at secondary school and I was terrified, worrying about what people would think of me and if I'd make friends so I can imagine what it would be like for August. The author didn't romanticise school life which I felt was important to the novel as it shows the impact others, students and teachers, have on the protagonist. This was something I related to since I was bullied when I was younger, but I was happy with how accurately it was portrayed.<br />
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I finished Wonder on the train home from university and loved the ending. I found myself giggling and smiling a lot which other people probably found strange. It didn't take my long to get through it because it was fantastic. Most importantly for me was the message that the book has, not only for children or students but for everyone. Beauty is something that comes from ones actions, not their looks.<br />
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<b>Favourite Quotes:</b><br />
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Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed</div>
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~~~</div>
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Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness</div>
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~~~</div>
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Funny how sometimes you worry a lot about something and it turns out to be nothing</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5 out of 5 stars</span></b></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-37613654390409729542017-10-24T12:44:00.002+01:002018-04-08T11:57:22.627+01:00The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Title:</b><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">The Hobbit</span><br />
<b>Author: </b>J.R.R. Tolkien<br />
<b>Pages: </b>300<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Fantasy, Adventure<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="color: #181818;">Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely travelling further than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard, Gandalf, and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an unexpected journey ‘there and back again’. They have a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon.</span><br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818;">The prelude to The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit has sold many millions of copies since its publication in 1937, establishing itself as one of the most beloved and influential books of the twentieth century.</span><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/hobbit/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Athe%20hobbit">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5907.The_Hobbit?ac=1&from_search=true">Good reads</a></b></div>
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<a name='more'></a><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
Despite reading this series in the wrong order, I finally finished The Hobbit, and I actually enjoyed it much more than the Lord of the Rings trilogy (which can be found on my blog <a href="https://jennieelouisee.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/the-lord-of-rings-by-jrrtolkien.html">here</a>). This book follows the story of Bilbo Baggins as he travels to defeat and retrieve treasure from the dragon, Smaug.<br />
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The most obvious reason why I found this more pleasurable to read was because it's significantly shorter than the following books. This meant that there wasn't as much unnecessary descriptions that I found slightly boring and caused the novels to drag in my opinion. The Hobbit was much more fast paced which kept me wanting to read more.<br />
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I also found the story line to be much more exciting than the trilogy. I loved starting from the beginning and seeing where the LOTRs emerged from. I really enjoyed finding the links between the Frodo's adventure and Bilbo's and how these related to each other, flashing forward to Gollum's experience with Frodo in the upcoming series! Because I actually read this book after the main trilogy, I knew what was going to happen after so that allowed me to make these links but if I had read them in their intended order, I reckon I'd have enjoyed it just as much!<br />
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The film adaptation of this novel was released a few years ago now but I've never seen it although I've been desperate to! I ALWAYS prefer to read the books first so that's what I've done, and now that I've completed it, I can finally check out the film and see whether it stayed true to the book or took its own direction!<br />
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<b>Favourite Quotes:</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their endings</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">~~~~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">~~~~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Where there's life, there is hope</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-38918963934813188932017-10-05T12:11:00.001+01:002017-10-05T12:22:29.091+01:00Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Title: </b>Slaughterhouse Five<br />
<b>Author: </b>Kurt Vonnegut<br />
<b>Pages: </b>215<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Historical, War, Classic, Science Fiction<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Kurt Vonnegut's absurdist classic </span><em style="line-height: 21px;">Slaughterhouse-Five</em><span style="line-height: 21px;"> introduces us to Billy Pilgrim, a man who becomes unstuck in time after he is abducted by aliens from the planet Tralfamadore. In a plot-scrambling display of virtuosity, we follow Pilgrim simultaneously through all phases of his life, concentrating on his (and Vonnegut's) shattering experience as an American prisoner of war who witnesses the firebombing of Dresden.</span></span><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Slaughterhouse-Childrens-Crusade-Duty-dance-Death/dp/0099800209/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473150113&sr=1-1&keywords=slaughterhouse+5">Get it here</a> |<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4981.Slaughterhouse_Five?ac=1&from_search=true"> Good reads</a></b></div>
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<a name='more'></a><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
This is an anti-war novel/ memoir that explores time travel, alien abduction and other science fiction elements. I had wanted to read this book for a while because I was intrigued by the mixture of genres but never picked it up. The only reason I've read it has to be because it was compulsory for my university course.<br />
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It would be fair to say that I mixed feelings about this book. Firstly, the writing style took a long time to get used to. Vonnegut jumps around a lot as he tells his story, with various flashbacks integrated into the structure along with the current events surrounding his abduction by aliens. In the beginning I struggled to follow what was happening in the past and present but as I read on I did eventually get used to deciphering what happened when!<br />
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Although science fiction isn't one of my favourite genres, I did enjoy some of the features included. Most notably, the scenes involving the aliens and their planet I found really interesting as they didn't act like stereotypes alien characters that are green blobs and like humans. Instead they had their own beliefs and view on the world which I thought was really creative.<br />
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Whilst I did enjoy this book and I'm glad to have read it, I don't think I would read it again. I didn't pick it up in the first place and only read it because I had to for university. If I'm being honest, I don't know if I would have ever gotten around to reading it without the nudge. It's just been one of those classics novels that I have always wanted to read but every time I thought about reading it I was just filled with thoughts of books I wanted to read more.<br />
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Altogether I found this book very thought-provoking and creative with the science fiction elements that weren't cliche. personally, I didn't like Vonnegut's experimentation with the narrative structure and flashbacks but I did get used to it eventually. I would recommend this to someone who likes science-fiction more than myself so that they can fully appreciate Vonnegut's work.<br />
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<b>Favourite Quotes:</b><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How nice -- to feel nothing, and still get full credit for being alive</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is no beginning, no middle, no end, no suspense, no moral, no causes, no effects. What we love in our books are the depths of many marvelous moments seen all at one time</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All moments, past, present and future, always have existed, always will exist</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Hobbit by J.R.R.Tolkien</span></b></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-37004156049147479402017-07-20T12:50:00.000+01:002017-10-05T12:12:40.337+01:0011/22/63 by Stephen King<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Title: </b>11.22.63</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Author: </b>Stephen King</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pages: </b>849</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Genre: </b>History, Mystery, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Thriller</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Book Description:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">Life can turn on a dime—or stumble into the extraordinary, as it does for Jake Epping, a high school English teacher in Lisbon Falls, Maine. While grading essays by his GED students, Jake reads a gruesome, enthralling piece penned by janitor Harry Dunning: fifty years ago, Harry somehow survived his father’s sledgehammer slaughter of his entire family. Jake is blown away...but an even more bizarre secret comes to light when Jake’s friend Al, owner of the local diner, enlists Jake to take over the mission that has become his obsession—to prevent the Kennedy assassination. How? By stepping through a portal in the diner’s storeroom, and into the era of Ike and Elvis, of big American cars, sock hops, and cigarette smoke... Finding himself in warmhearted Jodie, Texas, Jake begins a new life. But all turns in the road lead to a troubled loner named Lee Harvey Oswald. The course of history is about to be rewritten...and become heart-stoppingly suspenseful.</span><b><br /></b><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/11-22-63-Stephen-King/dp/1501120603"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></a></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/11-22-63-Stephen-King/dp/1501120603">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10644930-11-22-63">Good reads</a></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b><br /></span>
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<a name='more'></a><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Opinion:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm ashamed to say that this was the first book I have ever read by King. Yes I know that's disappointing, please don't hate me! But I'm definitely going to be checking out more of his books after reading this one and really enjoying it. This novel explores time travel and challenges what would have happened if the assassination of JFK never happened in 1963.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I expected from hearing the hype surrounding King and watching his films, this novel was filled with unexpected twists and turns. There were some romance elements which I did not anticipate appearing in this novel, but I guess that just shows how the author is full of surprises! I don't really like romance novels however this one was a really nice touch. It wasn't in-your-face but instead posed more challenges for the protagonist. It also showed relationships in a raw, honest and brutal light, it showed a real relationship with arguments and deception which I really enjoyed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I really enjoyed learning about the lifestyle of people during the 1950s and 60s and seeing how different everything was compared to today. it was especially good seeing this through the eyes of someone else who had no idea what this time period would be like, as you felt like you could relate to them and were on the journey with them, not just watching from behind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall I'm pleased that this was the first book I read by King because I'm now ready to read so many more. I definitely feel like his books could be better than this one, so I'm praying that the hype surrounding some of his more famous horror novels like IT and The Shining live up to it. I found the topic of time travel very thought provoking, leaving an important message at the end of the book. I would certainly recommend this less well known novel to anyone that enjoys mystery, sci-fi novels or is a fan of Stephen King.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favourite Quotes:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When all else fails, give up and go to the library.</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If there is love, smallpox scars are as pretty as dimples. I'll love your face no matter what it looks like. Because it's yours.</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Life turns on a dime. Sometimes towards us, but more often it spins away, flirting and flashing as it goes: so long, honey, it was good while it lasted, wasn’t it?</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Slaughterhouse-five by Kurt Vonnegut</span></b></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-39523592598841572092017-07-09T15:15:00.000+01:002017-07-09T15:15:18.214+01:00Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Title:<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Author:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"> </span><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" style="color: #181818;">Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie</span></span><br />
<b>Pages: </b>80<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Feminist, Non-Fiction<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">A few years ago, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie received a letter from a dear friend from childhood, asking her how to raise her baby girl as a feminist. </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Dear Ijeawele </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">is Adichie's letter of response.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Here are fifteen invaluable suggestions--compelling, direct, wryly funny, and perceptive--for how to empower a daughter to become a strong, independent woman. From encouraging her to choose a helicopter, and not only a doll, as a toy if she so desires; having open conversations with her about clothes, makeup, and sexuality; debunking the myth that women are somehow biologically arranged to be in the kitchen making dinner, and that men can "allow" women to have full careers, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Dear Ijeawele</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"> goes right to the heart of sexual politics in the twenty-first century. It will start a new and urgently needed conversation about what it really means to be a woman today."</span></span><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ijeawele-Feminist-Manifesto-Fifteen-Suggestions/dp/152473313X">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34393819-dear-ijeawele-or-a-feminist-manifesto-in-fifteen-suggestions">Good reads</a></b><br />
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<a name='more'></a><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
As a feminist myself, I picked up this book when I saw in displayed in my local bookshop. And I'm very pleased I did. I found this book so educating and wonderfully written that I would recommend it to anyone, male, female, any other genders, feminist or not!<br />
<br />
The structure of this book is simple, with each tip laid out nicely. It was such an easy read despite the topic being so hard-hitting at times. This is the main reason I would give this book to anyone of any age or gender because not only is it so, so important in this modern day, but also easy yet informative.<br />
<br />
The anecdotes integrated in each tip really helped enhance the effect this book had on me. I felt like I could relate to some of them, despite behind a white, privileged female in comparison to some of her experiences. Not only did I realise how lucky I was, but I was also able to look back on how I was raised by my mother. I noticed how some of the suggestions Adichie mentions my mother adhered to, yet others she didn't unintentionally. I shared this book with her after reading it and she found it as equally beneficial as myself!<br />
<br />
Adichie's book is so important and definitely worth reading. I can't recommend it enough. While there is stigma surrounding 'feminism' don't think that this book won't help you because it will. Raising children (boys and girls) equally is a necessity in today's modern age, and this book will help anyone achieve that.<br />
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After reading this, I'm definitely going to check out more of her non-fiction work, essays and fictional novels! This was a perfect place for me to start as I've fallen in love with the writing style, anecdotes and issues that Adichie is raising by sharing her story. As I said earlier, I couldn't recommend this enough.<br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">5 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">11.22.63 by Stephen King</span></b></div>
</div>
Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-73459542247691197972017-06-30T19:11:00.001+01:002017-06-30T19:11:34.612+01:00Coraline by Neil Gaiman<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Title: </b>Coraline<br />
<b>Author: </b>Neil Gaiman<br />
<b>Pages: </b>162<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Fantasy, Gothic, Young Adult<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Coraline's often wondered what's behind the locked door in the drawing room. It reveals only a brick wall when she finally opens it, but when she tries again later, a passageway mysteriously appears. Coraline is surprised to find a flat decorated exactly like her own, but strangely different. And when she finds her "other" parents in this alternate world, they are much more interesting despite their creepy black button eyes. When they make it clear, however, that they want to make her theirs forever, Coraline begins a nightmarish game to rescue her real parents and three children imprisoned in a mirror. With only a bored-through stone and an aloof cat to help, Coraline confronts this harrowing task of escaping these monstrous creatures.</span><b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=coraline+by+neil+gaiman&tag=mh0a9-21&index=stripbooks&hvadid=3170716741&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_61txwi9hfp_e">Get it here </a>| <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17061.Coraline">Good reads</a></b></div>
<b><br /></b><b></b>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
When I was younger I vividly remember watching the film adaptation and being scared for nights afterwards of the characters with the buttons for eyes! Years later, I finally picked up the book as I was curious of the differences between them. Plus, I'm a huge Neil Gaiman fan and have read and enjoyed many of his other books.<br />
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The first thing I noticed as I read this, was how different it was to the film! The film had added more to the story line and even some extra characters which I found rather unexpected. I understand why they did it, to fill out the movie maybe, but I preferred the book to the Tim Burton adaption; although I'm also a huge fan of Burton's creations!<br />
<br />
This book was very easy to read and I completed it in a few hours. Since I read this as an eighteen year old, I did find it to be quite childish however that didn't take away any of the enjoyment. It was creative and perfect for younger children, with a standard moral at the end of the novel. I think that if I had read this when I was younger, I would have gotten more out of it than at this current time.<br />
<br />
I know this isn't exactly and element of the writing but the edition of the book I purchased (with the same cover that i have attached above) included BEAUTIFUL artwork by Chris Riddle. His illustrations go perfectly with Gaiman's style of writing and I loved seeing the characters visually as I read the novel. Gaiman and Riddle have worked together on numerous books together and would definitely recommend checking those out (for instance the Graveyard Book, which I <a href="https://jennieelouisee.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/the-graveyard-book-by-neil-gaiman.html">reviewed here</a>) or even just Riddle's independent artwork!<br />
<br />
Despite the easiness and childish elements of this book, I still enjoyed it and would recommend it to adults that need to escape into a creepy fantasy world. As I've read Gaiman's other works, like The Ocean at the end of the Lane and <a href="https://jennieelouisee.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/stardust-by-neil-gaiman.html">Stardust</a>, I will say that this isn't his best work in my opinion and I prefer some of his other books. Nevertheless, this was still a wonderful read!<br />
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<b>Favourite Quotes:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: left;">Because,' she said, 'when you're scared but you still do it anyway, </span><i style="text-align: left;">that's</i><span style="text-align: left;"> brave.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">'Mirrors,' she said, 'are never to be trusted.</span></span></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">3 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie</b></span></div>
</div>
Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-59024321029142416112017-06-21T13:40:00.000+01:002017-06-24T22:28:40.428+01:00My Dream Bookish Panel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hey everyone! Today I’m going to be posting something a
little different. Eventbrite inspired me to share what my ideal panel of authors would be!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This creative task invites us to think about which authors
we would love to meet and why. What kind of things we’d discuss with them and
what we could learn. I really enjoyed creating this and invite everyone else to
take part in planning their own dream author panel! Big thanks to Eventbrite for giving me this opportunity! If you’re looking for a resource
plan or to find conferences in your local area check out their <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/l/conferences/">conference management page</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, onto my panel:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Childhood</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Reading was a huge part of my childhood so I’d love to meet
some of the authors that sparked my love of reading and writing, not only to
thank them for writing their books that connected with me but also to see what
sparked their ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">JK.Rowling is the no.1 most important author I would like on
my panel. She's a huge inspiration to me and someone I've always looked up to. The Harry Potter books were insane to read as a child and when I read
them again last summer were still as perfect as I remembered. They have
encouraged so many conversations, movie marathons and trips to the wizarding
world (harry potter studios) where I’ve met some of my closest friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fantasy</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is one of the first genres that I could never put down.
It helped me to escape into other worlds that were far more interesting than my
own! It has always amazed me how someone can create an entirely new world just
from their mind! whether these places were full of wizards and witches,
vampires or dragons, they helped me and I will forever be thankful! I couldn’t just have one author for this section as there are so many
so I’ve narrowed it down to 3!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">George R.R.Martin is someone I would love to question about
the game of thrones books. I’m obsessed with the series and would love to know
the thoughts behind it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tolkien is another author that, like J.K.Rowling, I have
loved. I’ve been a huge fan of the LOTR series, watching the films constantly
as a child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Neil Gaiman is a more recent author I’ve found a huge love
for and would love to ask him questions about not only his completely creepy
novels like Coraline (review coming soon!) but those that follow more magical realism genre. I love
the creativity and his writing style, along with the similarities he shares
with Tim Burton!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dystopian</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I’ve gotten older, this has become one of my most read
genres! I love the mystery behind these stories as well as the creativity they
hold. Like fantasy, making up a new world interesting to me and I’d love to
find out more!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Susanne Collins/ Veronica Roth – despite the similarities in
their novels, I would love to talk to these YA authors abut their novels and
how they became so successful. This is more for practicality as I want to
publish my own dystopian novel and would take their tips to heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because he didn’t fit in another category, I’ll add John green
here as a YA author I would love to meet. I’m obsessed with the crash course videos
on youtube and the nerdfighter community! He’s very intellectual and funny and
I think a conversation with him would be a great laugh!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Poetry</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love poetry and have written a lot of it in the past. I
love the raw emotions you can convey and the ambiguity it holds as sometimes
only you know what it means, yet others have their own opinion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sylvia Plath is someone I love and connect with on so many levels.
Her poems of heartbreak, mental illness and joy are something I always find
myself coming back to as there is a poem for every emotion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lastly but by no means least, E.E Cummings is someone so creative
and unique in his work! He really inspired my love for poetry and I’d just love
to speak to someone from the past!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’d love to hear which author would be on your dream panel
and why! Which fictional characters would you love to meet?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Leave me a comment
below and if you complete the tag I full, please send me the link; I’d love to read!
Thanks for reading <3</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-90890228632788767582017-06-08T15:13:00.000+01:002017-06-08T15:13:44.245+01:00Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Title: </b>Mrs Dalloway<br />
<b>Author: </b>Virginia Woolf<br />
<b>Pages: </b>194<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Classic<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="line-height: 21px;">Mrs. Dalloway</em><span style="line-height: 21px;"> is a novel by Virginia Woolf that details a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a fictional high-society woman in post-World War I England. It is one of Woolf's best-known novels.</span><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><span style="line-height: 21px;">Created from two short stories, "Mrs Dalloway in Bond Street" and the unfinished "The Prime Minister," the novel addresses Clarissa's preparations for a party she will host that evening. With an interior perspective, the story travels forwards and back in time and in and out of the characters' minds to construct an image of Clarissa's life and of the inter-war social structure.</span></span><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dalloway-Wordsworth-Classics-Virginia-Woolf/dp/1853261912/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473150054&sr=1-1&keywords=mrs+dalloway+virginia+woolf">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14942.Mrs_Dalloway?ac=1&from_search=true">Good reads</a></b></div>
<b></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
This short, classic novel takes place over just one day as the protagonist prepares for a party. It includes multiple flashbacks of different characters. I had to read this as part of my Literature course at university but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it.<br />
<br />
Firstly, the plot was something I would find interesting because it only takes place in one day which isn't something I've come across in many books. Whilst I usually enjoy flashbacks in novels, I didn't feel like it worked very well here because it jumped around a lot and I found it difficult to keep track of which characters were in the present and past.<br />
<br />
Similarly, the use of the multiple perspectives of different characters could have worked really well, yet here it wasn't used to its full potential. It made the plot less interesting and I got bored very easily because I couldn't keep track of the characters and their flashbacks.<br />
<br />
Whilst there was a slight twist at the end of the novel, it wasn't unexpected and I saw it coming from the use of foreshadowing further on. As disappointed as I am to say, I'm glad that this book was as short as it is because if it had been longer I doubt I would have managed to finish it.<br />
<br />
Overall I did not enjoy reading this which is a shame since I was looking forward to reading something by Woolf, who has a good reputation. Perhaps some of her other books are more creative and interesting but this wasn't a good start for me. Personally, I wouldn't recommend this.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Favourite Quotes:</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It might be possible that the world itself is without meaning</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mrs Dalloway is always giving parties to cover the silence</span></span></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">1 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Coraline by Neil Gaiman</span></b></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-16492264498260347792017-05-31T10:50:00.000+01:002017-05-31T10:50:24.892+01:00The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen | Rizzoli and Isles #3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Title: </b>The Sinner<br />
<b>Author: </b>Tess Gerritsen<br />
<b>Pages: </b>419<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Crime, Thriller, Mystery<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Within the walls of a cloistered convent, a scene of unspeakable carnage is discovered. On the snow lie two nuns, one dead, one critically injured - victims of a seemingly motiveless, brutally savage attack.</span><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="backgroundline-height: 21px;" /><span style="line-height: 21px;">Medical examiner Maura Isles' autopsy of the murder victim yields a shocking surprise, but the case takes a disturbing twist. The body of another woman has been found. And someone has gone to a lot trouble to remove her face, hands and feet.</span><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><span style="line-height: 21px;">As long buried secrets are revealed so Dr Isles and homicide detective Jane Rizzoli, find themselves part of an investigation that leads to an awful, dawning realisation of the killer's identity...</span></span><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Sinner-Rizzoli-Isles-3/dp/0553824546/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=38S9M7QDAMZASKGRFRAM">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32257.The_Sinner?from_search=true&search_version=service">Good reads</a></b></div>
<b></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
With a main focus on the Medical Examiner, Maura Isles, we see how two completely different murder cases seem to be connected with the help of Boston detective, Jane Rizzoli.<br />
<br />
What I really enjoyed about the third book in this series is that the perspective has switched onto Isles, rather than focusing on Rizzoli. Whilst she is still a prominent character, we just get to hear more of Maura's perspective, which I've really enjoyed since I find that I relate to her more than Rizzoli.<br />
<br />
There's also so fantastic character development between these two powerful women. In the first two books the story seemed to focus more on the plot line with the Surgeon case becoming an increasing threat to the characters, whereas in this next book (with the Surgeon case finished) there seems to be a more direct focus towards the characters and we get to see how they build their friendship and work as a team together. This adds a lot more to the novel as it still follows the fast paced, action-packed plot, however there are some more social aspects outside the crimes involved.<br />
<br />
As mentioned above, the plot was just as intriguing as the previous novels with such unexpected twists and really wonderful ending (it could almost be considered to end happily which is unusual for thriller/crime novels!)<br />
<br />
There was a hint of romance throughout this book as previously seen, which was a nice touch and something I didn't expect. The romance didn't take over the main story which is what I'm most pleased about since the main theme is the murders and solving these. Especially when the revelation at the end is the most fascinating part! I'm just glad this wasn't ruined.<br />
<br />
Overall this was another insane book in the Rizzoli and Isles trilogy by Gerritsen. Just as promised from her previous works, it was full of mystery and cases that seemed to be separate from each other, and somehow managed to tie together at the end, with some extra character development and a different perspective. Once again, straight onto reading the next book in the series!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Favourite Quotes:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The dead do not hurt you; only the living do</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Only the forgotten are truly dead</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Death does not discriminate; whether saints or sinners, in the end, all are equal</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">4 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf</span></b><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-44244756707764664752017-05-07T14:46:00.000+01:002017-05-07T14:46:17.353+01:00My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOj1l9fLl3teXr34jRwCnjMoe1Uuk0eWqOvA5h32IUNChBtSALzLalUVVgrTBazpI7waqrDdsrhUhcw9qilJQBJpfWF9v1aWsxxeZIJzh5h8FV9D0KjdEGSSwsD_UXsKJsbFO1-SNEf6Uh/s1600/My+Sister+Lives+on+the+Mantelpiece+hb+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOj1l9fLl3teXr34jRwCnjMoe1Uuk0eWqOvA5h32IUNChBtSALzLalUVVgrTBazpI7waqrDdsrhUhcw9qilJQBJpfWF9v1aWsxxeZIJzh5h8FV9D0KjdEGSSwsD_UXsKJsbFO1-SNEf6Uh/s1600/My+Sister+Lives+on+the+Mantelpiece+hb+final.jpg" width="203" /></a><b>Title: </b>My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece<br />
<b>Author: </b>Annabel Pitcher<br />
<b>Pages: </b>240<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Young Adult, Contemporary<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span and="" answer="" br="" dad="" drinks="" ever:="" for="" gone="" gt="" he="" himself.="" jamie="" left="" lt="" mum="" must="" questions="" s="" span="" style="font-family: inherit;" that="" white="" with=""><span font-family:="" inherit=""><span font-family:="" id="freeText7911622870695678076" inherit="">Ten-year-old Jamie hasn't cried since it happened. He knows he should have—Jasmine cried, Mum cried, Dad still cries. Roger didn't, but then he is just a cat and didn't know Rose that well, really.<br /><br />Everyone kept saying it would get better with time, but that's just one of those lies that grown-ups tell in awkward situations. Five years on, it's worse than ever: Dad drinks, Mum's gone and Jamie's left with questions that he must answer for himself.<br /><br />This is his story, an unflinchingly real yet heart-warming account of a young boy's struggle to make sense of the loss that tore his family apart.</span></span><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sister-Lives-Mantelpiece-Annabel-Pitcher/dp/0316176893">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9429895-my-sister-lives-on-the-mantelpiece">Good reads</a></b></div>
<b><br /></b><b></b>
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<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
This novel follows the life of a ten year old as he struggles to comprehend the death of his older sister along with watching his family break apart. it tackles issues that are relevant today and is narrated by the voice of a child, highlighting a ironic separation between the readers and characters. I really enjoyed this book and feel like it raises awareness on important issues.<br />
<b><br /></b>
Despite being published in 2011, it tackles themes that are still prominent in society today, including racism and the impact death and divorce can have on a family. The plot is in depth and encourages a range of emotions, from heartbreak and sadness to romance and humour. There were some interesting twists throughout which I wasn't expecting and the ending was unpredictable. It didn't follow a happy ending which was hinted at by the narrator and I found this to be realistic and more interesting.<br />
<br />
This is likely to be due to the child narrator which I believe was the strongest part of the novel. It's a unique factor that showed me the difficulties children face in processing adult issues, such as the divorce of parents of the death of a loved one. Each person reacts differently and handles the situation in their own way. Due to Jamie's narration, we see life from his point of view and watch as he progresses and begins to understand his new way of life without his sister. The narrative uses childish descriptions and explains things easily which makes the voice believable.<br />
<br />
Due to the length of the book, it was short and an easy read. It left me with no unanswered questions and came to a solid conclusion where everything was as solved as possible. I would certainly recommend this book to all readers of any age. Although it is mainly targeted at young adults I think it raises important issues that everyone should be aware off, especially those surrounding family situations and the impacts behaviour can have on children.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Favourite Quotes:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span font-family:="" inherit="" style="font-family: inherit;">I stared up at the sky and raised my middle finger, just in case God was watching. I don't like being spied on.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span font-family:="" inherit="" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span font-family:="" inherit="" style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span font-family:="" inherit="" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If envy is red and doubt is black then happiness is brown. I looked from the little brown stone to the tiny brown freckle to her huge brown eyes.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span background-color:="" color:="" style="font-size: large;" white="">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">4 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div center="" color:="" stylebackground-color:="" text-align:="" white="">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen (Rizzoli and Isles #3)</b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-53030884072024690962017-05-01T08:52:00.000+01:002017-05-01T08:52:52.530+01:00A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1327868556l/3008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1327868556l/3008.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<b>Title: </b>A Little Princess<br />
<b>Author: </b>Frances Hodgson Burnett<br />
<b>Pages: </b>256<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Classic, Children's Literature, Fantasy<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Sara Crewe, an exceptionally intelligent and imaginative student at Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies, is devastated when her adored, indulgent father dies. Now penniless and banished to a room in the attic, Sara is demeaned, abused, and forced to work as a servant. How this resourceful girl's fortunes change again is at the center of </span><strong style="line-height: 21px;">A Little Princess</strong><span style="line-height: 21px;">, one of the best-loved stories in all of children's literature.</span></span><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Princess-Frances-Hodgson-Burnett/dp/1503250474/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473149784&sr=1-1&keywords=a+little+princess">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3008.A_Little_Princess?ac=1&from_search=true">Good reads</a></b></div>
<b></b><br />
<b></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>My Opinion:</b><br />
When I was a child, I would go to my grandparent's house and watch the film version of this book all day. The film was so magical and creative; it played a huge part in my dreams to becoming an author. Only recently did I discover that it was actually based on a book! Of course, I had to read it!<br />
<br />
I loved this book just as much as I loved the film. It was magical and captivating and so creatively written that I instantly felt like I was a child again discovering this for the first time. The characters were wonderful and I really connected with them because there was so much depth and layering to them.<br />
<br />
The story line had some mystery to it which I wasn't expecting (probably because I had seen the film first and already knew the ending). I felt like this was incorporated into the plot well, and I was also pleased to see that there was a happy ending, which Sara definitely deserved after all the pain and hardship she went through.<br />
<br />
The only thing I feel I need to comment on is that the plot in the novel is different to that in the film. Having watched the film so many times before reading the book, it meant that I was quite surprised when it took a different turn to how I was expecting. It's clear that many scenes in the film (such as the locket and even some of the stories Sarah tells the girls) were created for visual purposes only, which I was disappointed in because I personally prefer for film adaptations to mimic the novel. However, this doesn't change my opinions on how wonderful the book and film are.<br />
<br />
Despite this being a book for children, I recommend this to adults as well, because it really reminded me about the freedom and enjoyment children have, as well as transporting me back to my earlier years. I enjoyed reading the book so much so that I would definitely read it again!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Favourite Quotes:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If I am a princess in rags and tatters, I can be a princess inside. It is a great deal more of a triumph to be one all the time when no one knows it</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everything's a story - You are a story - I am a story</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps there is a soul hidden in everything and it can always speak, without even making a sound, to another soul</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">5 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Sister Lives on the Mantle place by Annabel Pitchard</span></b></div>
</div>
Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-1681489868350191532017-04-24T12:04:00.000+01:002017-04-24T12:06:26.527+01:00Dark Places by Gillian Flynn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51JkhKFVIeL._SX303_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51JkhKFVIeL._SX303_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<b>Title: </b>Dark Places<br />
<b>Author: </b>Gillian Flynn<br />
<b>Pages: </b>349<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Mystery, Crime, Thriller<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">Libby Day was seven when her mother and two sisters were murdered in “The Satan Sacrifice" of Kinnakee, Kansas.” She survived—and famously testified that her fifteen-year-old brother, Ben, was the killer. Twenty-five years later, the Kill Club—a secret secret society obsessed with notorious crimes—locates Libby and pumps her for details. They hope to discover proof that may free Ben. Libby hopes to turn a profit off her tragic history: She’ll reconnect with the players from that night and report her findings to the club—for a fee. As Libby’s search takes her from shabby Missouri strip clubs to abandoned Oklahoma tourist towns, the unimaginable truth emerges, and Libby finds herself right back where she started—on the run from a killer.</span><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Places-Gillian-Flynn/dp/0307341577">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5886881-dark-places">Good reads</a></b></div>
<b></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
After reading <a href="https://jennieelouisee.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/gone-girl-by-gillian-flynn.html">Gone Girl</a> and enjoying it, I decided to pick up another novel by this author. This one appealed to me because of the vague blurb and unique idea. It did no disappoint!<br />
<br />
The first thing I noticed was the change in perspectives and time zones. Half of the novel was written on the day of the murder by characters that were both alive and dead, whilst the other half was written in the perspective of Libby, during present day as she tries to unravel the mystery of that day. This was really creative because we got to discover what happened at the same time as the protagonist, resulting in a climactic reveal at the end.<br />
<br />
Speaking of the revelation, I wasn't expecting what occurred. It was completely unpredictable and I really enjoyed this factor. I had my suspicions but they didn't meet the reality of how the novel ended, which illustrates just how in depth and planned the mystery was.<br />
<br />
The ending held yet another plot twist. It concluded on a happy note which was nice because it brought us back to the beginning and came round in a full circle. The book felt complete and I liked that end to the novel.<br />
<br />
Altogether, I think that this novel was actually better than Gone Girl and is certainly underrated since it didn't get as much recognition or hype. The mystery was intense and the revelation of who killed Libby's family was exactly as it should be in a crime thriller. This is a must read if you're into action-packed crime novels!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Favourite Quotes:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was not a lovable child, and I'd grown into a deeply unlovable adult. Draw a picture of my soul, and it'd be a scribble with fangs.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was surprising that you could spend hours in the middle of the night pretending things were okay, and know in thirty seconds of daylight that simply wasn't so.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I assumed everything bad in the world could happen, because everything bad in the world already did happen.</span></span></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">5 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett</span></b></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-60731845957135558412016-10-30T14:21:00.001+00:002016-10-30T14:21:44.095+00:00A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51QWtH5SsQL._SX321_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51QWtH5SsQL._SX321_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<b>Title: </b>A Spot of Bother<br />
<b>Author: </b>Mark Haddon<br />
<b>Pages: </b>503<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Contemporary, Humour<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At sixty-one, George Hall is settling down to a comfortable retirement. When his tempestuous daughter, Katie, announces that she is getting married to the deeply inappropriate Ray, the Hall family is thrown into a tizzy. Unnoticed in the uproar, George discovers a sinister lesion on his hip, and quietly begins to lose his mind.As parents and children fall apart and come together, Haddon paints a disturbing yet amusing portrait of a dignified man trying to go insane politely.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
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<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spot-Bother-Mark-Haddon/dp/0099506920">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4701.A_Spot_of_Bother">Good reads</a></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>My Opinion:</b><br />
After reading <a href="https://jennieelouisee.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/the-curious-incident-of-dog-in.html">The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime</a> by this author, I was intrigued to read more of his books. I picked this contemporary one up because it follows the multiple perspectives of different family members as they all experience big changes in their lives. It's humerous, light-hearted and a realistic depiction of a normal family life, including the good and the bad.<br />
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I really enjoyed the use of multiple narratives as a structural device because it gave us as an audience an insight into all the family member's different thoughts and opinions of events. This worked really well with this story line because there was so much happening to all of the characters as a family and in their personal lives so it helped separate them from each other, whilst connecting them at the same time.<br />
<br />
The plot was quite unexpected actually. I wasn't expecting a lot from the novel since the blurb made it seem like your average read for when you're in a chilled out mood and don't need anything too heavy. Yet as I was reading it there were a lot of twists that I weren't anticipating, especially surrounding the characters George and Katie. The ending concluded on a happy note (for some anyway) which I was really pleased to see. I certainly wasn't disappointed!<br />
<br />
As for the themes in this book, such as relationships and family, I think they're so important but aren't spoken about in modern novels as much. This reminded me a lot of my own family because we all get along and have hilarious moments but there are of course arguments and disagreements. The fact that Haddon didn't just focus on the positives enabled him to illustrate a realistic family lifestyle.<br />
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Overall I would definitely recommend this to adults (and mature children/teenagers) who need reminding the importance of family and how they're always there to support you even if they disagree with what you do (especially then!) After reading this I realised how much I took my own family for granted and am determined not to let this happen again.<br />
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<b>Favourite Quotes:</b><br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And it occurred to him that there were two parts to being a better person. One part was thinking about other people. The other part was not giving a toss what other people thought.</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What they failed to teach you at school was that the whole business of being human just got messier and more complicated as you got older.</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<div class="quoteText" style="line-height: 21px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The secret of contentment lay in ignoring many things completely. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></div>
<div class="quoteText" style="line-height: 21px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You could say all you liked about reason and logic and common sense and imagination, but when the chips were down the one skill you needed was the ability to think about absolutely nothing whatsoever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dark Places by Gillian Flynn</b></span></div>
</div>
Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-51585275031493426402016-10-20T09:54:00.001+01:002016-10-20T09:55:30.234+01:00Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51EW55T156L._SX324_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51EW55T156L._SX324_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<b>Title: </b>Gone Girl<br />
<b>Author: </b>Gillian Flynn<br />
<b>Pages: </b>422<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Mystery, Crime, Thriller<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge</span><strong style="line-height: 21px;">.</strong><span style="line-height: 21px;"> Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?</span></span><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gone-Girl-Gillian-Flynn/dp/0753827662">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19288043-gone-girl">Good reads</a></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
I know I'm very late to the party with this book but I've finally got around to seeing what the hype was about (better late than never, right?) This book is a psychological thriller in which the protagonist's wife goes missing and as usual, he is suspected as being the killer.<br />
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As I read the blurb, honestly I felt like the story would be a little predictable. I did find this because I was able to guess what was going to happen/ the solution to the mystery. Whilst I might just be good at guessing I still found the plot line to be a little far fetched for my liking. Some of the scenes I felt weren't realistic for a modernly set novel, however I can understand why it got so much hype because it <i>could </i>happen (it's unlikely).<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, the concept was interesting and I did enjoy reading it. The author is really creative in her style so we get to see the perspective of the husband and wife in this dynamic. The mystery was good and this remained through out the novel which I liked, as well as the psychological factors in which you never really knew who was telling the truth. Among this, the plot did have it's moments in which I was surprised with twists that I didn't predict as well as the ending, which was really good and did end on a cliffhanger!<br />
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Altogether I did like this book and I see why it got so much hype, however I do feel like it's a little overrated. I wouldn't read this book again, but based on the author's writing and creative imagination, I would read more books from her. For readers who enjoy crime novels, thrillers or books with a good mystery, I would recommend this.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Favourite Quotes:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s something disturbing about recalling a warm memory and feeling utterly cold</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love makes you want to be a better man—right. But maybe love, real love, also gives you permission to just be the man you are</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: left;">'Nick, why are you so wonderful to me?' </span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">He was supposed to say: You deserve it. I love you.</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">But he said, 'Because I feel sorry for you.' </span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">'Why?' </span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">'Because every morning you have to wake up and be you'</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon</span></b></div>
</div>
Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-85368912161701523482016-10-11T15:44:00.000+01:002016-10-11T15:44:12.737+01:00On Writing by Stephen King<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Title: </b>On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft<br />
<b>Author: </b>Stephen King<br />
<b>Pages: </b>320<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Non-Fiction<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer's craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King's advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported near-fatal accident in 1999—and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, </span><em style="line-height: 21px;">On Writing</em><span style="line-height: 21px;"> will empower and entertain everyone who reads it—fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told.</span></span><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=stephen+king+-+on+writing&tag=googhydr-21&index=stripbooks&hvadid=27707650021&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9155444654442790148&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045797&hvtargid=kwd-2953771116&ref=pd_sl_85i97sijmd_b">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10569.On_Writing">Good reads</a></b></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>My Opinion:</b><br />
This non-fiction book is the award winning Stephen King's guide to begin writing creatively. I picked this up because I'm an aspiring writer myself, so I felt like this would give me some good tips that I wasn't aware of or highlighted some of my own that needed improving. It isn't what I expected it would be but I certainly enjoyed it.<br />
<b><br /></b>
When I began reading this, I learned a lot about King's background and his childhood years. At first I was confused because I didn't really see how this linked into writing tips. But then I realised this introduced us to the author's character and showed us how he got into writing himself. This part was quite comedic and I found out some interesting things about the author, especially what he got up to when he was a young boy!<br />
<br />
After this first section, it moved onto the writing process and what was required. I enjoyed the metaphor of the toolbox as this laid out clearly what tools writers needed to equipped with in order to write well. As well as this, there were many important and unexpected tips that I received from this book, and I feel much more aware of how I'm writing because of the things King pointed out.<br />
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There was a clear voice running through this and I liked the colloquial nature of the book. It wasn't forceful or challenging, but rather easy-going yet helpful. I think the author recognised that these were his personal tips to writing and that not everyone will agree with them, so by highlighting this, it made his approach much more genuine.<br />
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Overall I really enjoyed this book as it definitely met the criteria promised. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in writing creatively, whether that's prose, poetry or plays. And even if you're not interested in fictional writing, it's still funny to discover more about the well-known, horror writer's childhood! It will make you look at him a different way from now on, that's for sure.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn</span></b></div>
</div>
Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-38431027555051953612016-10-05T08:25:00.002+01:002016-10-11T15:42:38.036+01:00The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Title: </span></b><span style="font-size: 18px;"><o:p></o:p>The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Author: </span></b><span style="font-size: 18px;"><o:p></o:p>Mark Twain</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>Pages: </b>327</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>Genre: </b>Classic, Childrens, Adventure</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Book Description:</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: line-height: 19.32px;">Of all the contenders for the title of The Great American Novel, none has a better claim than </span><em style="background-color: line-height: 19.32px;">The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.</em><span style="background-color: line-height: 19.32px;"> Intended at first as a simple story of a boy's adventures in the Mississippi Valley - a sequel to</span><em style="background-color: line-height: 19.32px;">The Adventures of Tom Sawyer</em><span style="background-color: line-height: 19.32px;"> - the book grew and matured under Twain's hand into a work of immeasurable richness and complexity. More than a century after its publication, the critical debate over the symbolic significance of Huck's and Jim's voyage is still fresh, and it remains a major work that can be enjoyed at many levels: as an incomparable adventure story and as a classic of American humor.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adventures-Huckleberry-Finn-Mark-Twain/dp/1503214958/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1450123288&sr=8-3&keywords=huckleberry+finn+paperback" target="_blank">Get it here</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2956.The_Adventures_of_Huckleberry_Finn" target="_blank">Good reads</a></span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></b></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">My Opinion:</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
Ernest Hemingway once said, 'all modern literature stems from this book,' and I can't say I agree. I like Hemingway and I loved parts of this book but I seemed to struggle a bit.<br />
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This novel is actually a sequel to the 'Adventures of Tom Sawyer,' which focuses more on the protagonist's friends and seems to give a background about their friendship. I haven't read this one, mainly because I didn't realise there was a first book in the series and after reading this one, I'm not sure if I'm going to.<br />
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I found this novel quite difficult to get into at the beginning. The language is unusual since the writing is in the same way that the characters would speak. As the novel progressed I got use to this attribute however it did provide a rough start to reading.<br />
<br />
The main thing I enjoyed were the adventures and character development. The adventures Jim and Huck went on and the mischief they got themselves into was entertaining and, I certainly think it would appeal to younger children.<br />
I felt that Huck's character development was particularly important and wonderful because, despite his age, he begins to realise that Jim isn't just a slave but a human being. He grows fond of him, risking his life to protect him on several occasions. This is a message I'm pleased to have discovered, making the book so much more attractive knowing there's a moral at the end of the tale.<br />
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Overall, I don't think I'd read this book again because I found myself getting bored around 2/3s of the way through. I'm still glad to have read it since it is a classic after all and there have been many people to have said to have enjoyed it. In some ways, I feel like an older generation of younger people would have enjoyed this more than modern young readers today, however there are still the lovely qualities of children's books, such as adventure and key messages throughout!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Favourite Quotes:</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Human beings can be awful cruel to one another</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">~~~~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Jim said that bees won't sting idiots, but I didn't believe that, because I tried them lots of times myself and they wouldn't sting me</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">~~~~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Right is right, and wrong is wrong, and a body ain’t got no business doing wrong when he ain’t ignorant and knows better</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">~~~~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I do not wish any reward but to know I have done the right thing</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Rating </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">★</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">★</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">3 out of 5 stars </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">On Writing by Stephen King</span></span></b></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-80784091316590888842016-09-28T17:31:00.000+01:002016-09-28T17:33:43.416+01:00The Whispering Road by Livi Michael<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/content/dam/catalogue/pim/editions/194/9780141317038/cover.jpg.rendition.460.707.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://www.penguin.co.uk/content/dam/catalogue/pim/editions/194/9780141317038/cover.jpg.rendition.460.707.png" width="256" /></a></div>
<b>Title: </b>The Whispering Road<br />
<b>Author: </b>Livi Michael<br />
<b>Pages: </b>404<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Young Adult, Adventure, Fantasy<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;">For Joe and Annie, the choice is escape or die. Manchester. That's where Joe's mom went after leaving him and his little sister at the workhouse. That's where you can have adventures and live life on your own termsfree from abusive Masters. Along the way Joe and Annie meet some kind strangers who offer help, but they also meet swindlers who want to control or even sell them. And no matter how hard he tries, Joe can't hide the fact that Annie is different in a way that makes people want to manipulate her for their own gain. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;">When Annie is embraced by the traveling fair as if she's family, Joe is resentful. So resentful that he leaves her behind. He loves running with the gang he joins, but evading the codgers who rule the street is dangerous. Joe might not make it long enough to get Annie back and find out what happened to their mother. </span></span><b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Whispering-Road-Livi-Michael/dp/0141317035">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1450670.The_Whispering_Road">Good reads</a></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
Two children escape a workhouse where they were left by their mother. They must now learn to survive on their own in a big city!<br />
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What I first loved about this book was that it started in media res so that you're immediately thrown into the action. This hooked me straight away and proceeded to do this right until the end. The plot was full of mystery like Annie's powers and many unexpected twists. The ending was happy and I was so happy about this because the kids had been through such hard ship that they deserved some good fortune!<br />
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Similarly, the narrative was written in the perspective of Joe. This was really effective because the voice was realistic and spoke like a young child would. Most books are said to be in the perspective of a child but they say things adults would say - this isn't the case here which makes this so much more realistic. Joe treats his younger sister like a normal brother would; they argue and they laugh together and it just adds such a deeper meaning.<br />
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I loved the characters in this book. I really felt I was able to connect to them, and this wasn't just Joe and Annie but also Travis, Dog Woman and the other children he meets. They were really creative and I just enjoyed being a part of their journeys.<br />
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Overall this was a wonderful book. Even though it's written for children, I think some adolescents and people in the older generations would still like it (my Grandma is one of them!) Something I found interesting about this book is that it's based on a real story. The things that occurred in the workhouse actually happened and I just find that it was historically informative. I would definitely recommend this:)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain</span></b></div>
</div>
Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-91150629783040504372016-09-20T09:33:00.002+01:002016-09-20T09:33:47.090+01:00The Colour Purple by Alice Walker<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/60/ColorPurple.jpg/220px-ColorPurple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/60/ColorPurple.jpg/220px-ColorPurple.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<b>Title: </b>The Colour Purple<br />
<b>Author: </b>Alice Walker<br />
<b>Pages: </b>295<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Historical, Classic, Feminist<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Celie is a poor black woman whose letters tell the story of 20 years of her life, beginning at age 14 when she is being abused and raped by her father and attempting to protect her sister from the same fate, and continuing over the course of her marriage to "Mister," a brutal man who terrorizes her. Celie eventually learns that her abusive husband has been keeping her sister's letters from her and the rage she feels, combined with an example of love and independence provided by her close friend Shug, pushes her finally toward an awakening of her creative and loving self.</span></span><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Color-Purple-Alice-Walker/dp/1780228716">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11486.The_Color_Purple">Good reads</a></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
This book follows an epistolary structure in which it's written in letters addressed to important people in the protagonist's life. It tackles themes such as race, feminism and independence.<br />
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The first thing I noticed and enjoyed was the graphology. This was written as if the characters were speaking aloud (phonetically) which is quite unusual, however this helped me picture the geographical location in which the novel was set as well as develop my own image of the characters and their voices. Similar to this, there were no speech marks, which was difficult at first but by the end I was accustomed to this structure.<br />
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I loved the characters in this novel. There was such a wonderful level of character progression from all of the people, however the one character that positively changed the most was 'Mister.' At the beginning he was someone I very much disliked for his abuse and disrespectfulness towards the women in his life, but by the end it was clear that he recognised these mistakes and had changed. This was really powerful and I loved following this aspect of the protagonist's journey.<br />
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Whilst the story line was very sad and had many heartbreaking scenes, there was a happy ending which was lovely and made me smile. I liked seeing the good come from everything negative in the novel, so the ending was one of my favourite parts.<br />
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Overall this is an important novel due to the themes it explores and brings light to. I really enjoyed this despite the sad and difficult topic included here, such as rape and physical abuse. I felt like there's a lot of deeper or analytical meaning behind a lot of the novel and this is something I'm interested to explore further!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Favourite Quotes:</b><br />
<br />
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time moves slowly, but passes quickly</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh, Celie, unbelief is a terrible thing. And so is the hurt we cause others unknowingly</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5 out of 5 stars </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">This book was so well regarded that a film adaptation was created, directed by Stephen Speilberg and staring Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey! It won many awards and after reading the book I watched this to see how well it compared. It was very close to the novel which was fantastic. It's so sad and I cried my eyes out the entire way through, but there were some funny scenes and insanely good acting! Definitely recommend this film; below is the trailer:</span></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HzGrDgu08r8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HzGrDgu08r8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Whispering Road by Livi Michael</span></b></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-77148650556761088952016-09-13T08:03:00.001+01:002016-09-13T08:03:41.276+01:00Flowers in the Attic by Virginia Andrews<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/99/Dollanganger01_FlowersInTheAttic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/99/Dollanganger01_FlowersInTheAttic.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<b>Title: </b>Flowers in the Attic<br />
<b>Author: </b>Virginia Andrews<br />
<b>Pages: </b>389<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Mystery, Young Adult, Horror<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">It wasn't that she didn't love her children. She did. But there was a fortune at stake--a fortune that would assure their later happiness if she could keep the children a secret from her dying father.</span><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><span style="line-height: 21px;">So she and her mother hid her darlings away in an unused attic.</span><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><span style="line-height: 21px;">Just for a little while.</span><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><span style="line-height: 21px;">But the brutal days swelled into agonizing years. Now Cathy, Chris, and the twins wait in their cramped and helpless world, stirred by adult dreams, adult desires, served a meager sustenance by an angry, superstitious grandmother who knows that the Devil works in dark and devious ways. Sometimes he sends children to do his work--children who--one by one--must be destroyed....</span></span><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flowers-Attic-Dollanganger-Saga-Andrews/dp/1476775869">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43448.Flowers_in_the_Attic">Good reads</a></b></div>
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<a name='more'></a><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
This book is the first in a series in which a 4 siblings are trapped in an attic after their father dies. Their mother reassures them that it will only be for a short while however things don't go to plan and nothing is as it seems.<br />
I noticed that this collection of books are based on a true story which fascinated me even more.<br />
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Immediately I was hooked. There was a very mysterious beginning with lots of unanswered questions and possibilities which kept me intrigued. I felt that the creative use of foreshadowing to hint at events further in the novel worked really well here.<br />
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The story line was odd and unusual at times but it did a wonderful job of keeping me reading on. There were many twists throughout that I wasn't expecting, as well as a huge revelation at the end which I didn't even guess would be a possibility. There is some incestual relationships that I wasn't expecting to discover but these did add to the mystery.<br />
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The characters brought a lot to the story. Particularly, I loved seeing the growth and maturity of the older siblings as they stepped up to care for their younger, twin siblings. Also, the author managed to illustrate the changes they experienced as they changed from children to teenagers and the struggles this can come with, such as periods, exploration and love.<br />
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Overall this was something I enjoyed a lot more than I expected. The blurb didn't entice me too much; it was only the fact that the story revolved around these children growing up abnormally/ trapped in an attic which fascinates me anyway, for instance Anne Frank. It was an odd story and included many twists and turns that are essential for the mystery. Since I am intrigued to read on further by purchasing the next books in the series, I would recommend this book!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Favourite Quotes:</b><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love doesn't always come when you want it to. Sometimes it just happens, despite your will</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">We lived in the attic,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Christopher, Cory, Carrie, and me,</span><br style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Now there are only three</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Children are very wise </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">intuitively; they know who loves them most, and who only pretends</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Colour Purple by Alice Walker</span></b></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-61270415087178631622016-09-06T09:04:00.001+01:002016-09-13T08:05:41.513+01:00Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/c7/8e/6f/c78e6f287b173fd7d0c535d12a66bd2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/c7/8e/6f/c78e6f287b173fd7d0c535d12a66bd2a.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<b>Title: </b>Sense and Sensibility<br />
<b>Author: </b>Jane Austen<br />
<b>Pages: </b>409<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Classic, Romance<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Through their parallel experience of love—and its threatened loss—the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love.</span><br />
<span style="bfont-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sense-Sensibility-Wordsworth-Classics-Austen/dp/1853260169">Get it here</a> |<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14935.Sense_and_Sensibility"> Good reads</a></b></div>
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<a name='more'></a><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
This classic novel follows the tale of two sisters, one who is quite emotionally reserved and sensible, whereas the other is more outgoing. As with most of Austen's novels, there is a lot of romance and struggling relationships.<br />
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I'm not a huge fan of romance books but I read <a href="https://jennieelouisee.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/pride-and-prejudice-by-jane-austen.html">Pride and Prejudice</a> a while ago and really enjoyed it. I love Austen's classics because they are easy to read and understand, despite their age and they never seem to commit to stereotypes of that period. The writing and characters are what I find most enticing about all of the books of hers that I have read. This one I hadn't heard much about but still decided to give it a try. Unfortunately I didn't find this one to meet my expectations.<br />
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The story line was very slow to get into and the more I read, the more repetitive I found it to be. The possibility of marriage and then the disappointment that occurred when it didn't follow through was seen twice with each sister! Whilst the twist involving Willoughby and some others was unexpected, seeing it occur for a second time wasn't as enjoyable.<br />
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Despite it's faults, I felt that the characters were wonderful (they were the only reason I continued reading the book in honesty!) Marianne was my favourite because she spoke her mind and was more outgoing than her sister. This was encouraging and is something I love seeing in Austen's novels because she ensures that her characters stray from the path society had set during that time.<br />
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Overall, I didn't feel this book to be one of Jane Austen's best works. I have taken into consideration that this was her first novel, and therefore it's not likely to be as excellent as her next books, however I still felt that it was only worthy of two stars.<br />
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<b>Favourite Quotes:</b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If I could but know his heart, everything would become easy</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I wish, as well as everybody else, to be perfectly happy; but, like everybody else, it must be in my own way</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Flowers in the Attic by Virginia Andrews</span></b></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-44404745266372460142016-08-30T09:00:00.000+01:002016-09-06T08:44:26.043+01:00Quiet by Susan Cain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://readwithstyle.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/71ndnv8hvl-_sl1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://readwithstyle.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/71ndnv8hvl-_sl1500_.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<b>Title: </b>Quiet<br />
<b>Author: </b>Susan Cain<br />
<b>Pages: </b>333<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Self-Help, Psychology, Non-Fiction<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="bline-height: 21px;">For far too long, those who are naturally quiet, serious or sensitive have been overlooked. The loudest have taken over - even if they have nothing to say.</span><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><span style="line-height: 21px;">It's time for everyone to listen. It's time to harness the power of introverts.</span><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="line-height: 21px;">It's time for </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;">Quiet</em><span style="line-height: 21px;">.</span><b><br /></b></span><b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Quiet-Power-Introverts-World-Talking/dp/0141029196">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8520610-quiet">Good reads</a></b></div>
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<a name='more'></a><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
This self-help style book explains the differences between extroverts and introverts. Personally, I'm very introverted which means I prefer my own company and can have trouble socialising (it drains me out easily!) I've struggled with this personality trait and hoped that this book would offer a deeper insight.<br />
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This book did exactly that! I found the descriptions of how introverts feel and act to be very relateable to me and helpful. I feel like this may be because the author herself is rather introverted so she understands how it feels, which offers a real sense to the narration.<br />
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I found this book so useful because of the clear examples and chapters. It covered ranges from relationships/communicating with someone of the opposite type of introversion/extroversion, how this personality trait is influenced by our biology/physiology or whether it's to do with our environment or parenting. This nature-nurture debate is just one of the many referred to here. For me, as someone who has studied and is highly interested in psychology, this was fascinating for me to read because multiple cases and studies have been included for evidence of the author's points, which I felt to expand my knowledge further. Along with these, examples from real life people were given and this really adds to the ingenuity of the book!<br />
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However, this book is not only useful for me, as a strong introvert, but also for everyone! Extroverts are included just as equally as introverts so readers of both types will receive something from this. Also, most ages will benefit from reading this book, ranging from teenagers/adolescents who need advice with coming to terms with their personalities (there is another book aimed specifically for teenagers and young adults by Cain called <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23398681-quiet-power"><b>Quiet Power</b></a>, which has recently been released and something I hope to read!) up to parents who are unsure how to support their child fully or need help understanding their introverted/extroverted kid.<br />
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Overall, any reader will learn something new or take something from reading this. It's an interesting read for all ages and highly emphasises the point that introverts, although overtaken in society by the louder extroverts, are equally important. I found this so useful and believe that introverts alike will too!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen</span></b></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-45047347983815337022016-08-23T09:49:00.001+01:002016-08-23T09:49:36.981+01:00The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R.Tolkien<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>This review is going to follow a different style. The Lord of the Rings is considered to be a trilogy by most however I have decided to combine all parts of the books into one blog post! Instead of a long review about each book, there will be a mini review. Hope you enjoy :)</b></div>
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<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1307111070l/727798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1307111070l/727798.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Title: </b>The Fellowship Of The Ring (Book 1)<br />
<b>Author: </b>J.R.R.Tolkien<br />
<b>Pages: </b>531<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Fantasy<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">The first part of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic adventure. </span><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><em style="line-height: 21px;">In a sleepy village in the Shire, a young hobbit is entrusted with an immense task. He must make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ruling Ring of Power - the only thing that prevents the Dark Lord's evil dominion.</em><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><span style="line-height: 21px;">Thus begins J.R.R. Tolkien's classic tale, which continues in </span><em style="line-height: 21px;">The Two Towers</em><span style="line-height: 21px;"> and </span><em style="line-height: 21px;">The Return of the King.</em></span><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34.The_Fellowship_of_the_Ring">Good reads</a></b></div>
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<b>My Opinion:</b><br />
This is the first book in the trilogy. It begins from the formation of the fellowship and the beginning of their journey.<br />
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Since this is considered a classic series, I was expecting it to be slow. However as I was reading this, I found it to be quite captivating and I was eager to read on. There was certainly a lot of unnecessary (in my opinion) detail to most parts yet I was able to deal with this nicely.<br />
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The concept created by Tolkein is incredible. I love the detail that went into the creation of this world from the names of the characters and their species all the way to the history of Middle Earth and the characters! At the end of Part 3 (the last book) over 1/3 of the book was dedicated to an Appendix in which an alphabet, timeline and histories of this fantasy land was listed. It just goes to show the vastness of the authors mind and creativity which is really inspiring for me.<br />
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The ending of this book lead really nicely onto the next book and intrigued me to explore the world and join the journey the fellowship had been given!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4 out of 5 stars </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://eyesofdust.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/two-towers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://eyesofdust.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/two-towers.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<b>Title: </b>The Two Towers</div>
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<b>Book Description:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">The second part of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic adventure THE LORD OF THE RINGS</span><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><em style="line-height: 21px;">The Company of the Ring is sundered. Frodo and Sam continue their journey alone down the great River Anduin - alone, that is, save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go.</em><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><span style="line-height: 21px;">Thus continues the classic tale begun in </span><em style="line-height: 21px;">The Fellowship of the Ring</em><span style="line-height: 21px;">, which reaches its awesome climax in </span><em style="line-height: 21px;">The Return of the King.</em><b><br /></b></span><b><br /></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15241.The_Two_Towers?from_search=true&search_version=service">Good reads</a></b></div>
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<b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>My Opinion:</b></div>
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As I mentioned above, I expected these books to be slow however I was determined to persevere. Compared to the first book, I found this one to have a much slower pace. I think this is because the first book was introducing the characters and the world and explained how Frodo was given the journey to destroy the Ring. However this middle section was a very dragged out section about the characters perusing this quest. There were still some interesting scenes as the characters met new species and characters as well as the mystery that followed.<br />
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Something I discovered whilst reading this was that I had to sit down and read this book in chunks in order to really immerse myself in the land of Middle Earth and connect with the characters better. It was much more difficult to read in smaller parts as my mind wandered more and I got bored quickly.<br />
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Overall I didn't enjoy this second part as much as the first. I much preferred the story of Frodo and Sam to Pippin's adventures with Aragon and the other half of the fellowship. However the ending of this book was equally fantastic (with a cliffhanger!) as the first part and really urged me to continue onto the final book.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<a href="http://images.harpercollins.co.uk/hcwebimages/hccovers/025600/025659-fc222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://images.harpercollins.co.uk/hcwebimages/hccovers/025600/025659-fc222.jpg" width="208" /></a><b>Title: </b>The Return of The King</div>
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<b>Book Description:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText17322972714328028717" style="line-height: 21px;">The third part of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic adventure THE LORD OF THE RINGS<br /><br /><em>The armies of the Dark Lord are massing as his evil shadow spreads even wider. Men, Dwarves, Elves and Ents unite forces to do battle against the Dark. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam struggle further into Mordor in their heroic quest to destroy the One Ring.</em><br /><br />The devastating conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic tale, begun in the <em>The Fellowship of the Rings</em> and <em>The Two Towers</em>.</span><span style="line-height: 21px;"> </span></span><b><br /></b><b><br /></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/727810.The_Return_of_the_King">Good reads</a></b></div>
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<b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>My Opinion:</b></div>
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This is the final part of the Lord of the Rings. Here we follow Sam and Frodo as they meet their final destination, as well as following the other half of the fellowship into battle to protect their land.<br />
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As mentioned earlier, I found Sam and Frodo's journey much more captivating and actually really enjoyed the strength and character development illustrated here. This isn't something I saw as much with the other characters, perhaps why I didn't find reading their parts as enjoyable and difficult to maintain and interest in. (As ashamed as I am, I must admit that I did skim read parts of the battle!)<br />
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This was a much longer journey than I expected. I knew that the books were long and highly detailed however I felt that even the ending dragged on more than I was prepared for. The final chapter was the most enjoyable part of the ending for me as it ended on a happier note and summed up the characters/ concluded the books really well!<br />
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Overall I'm glad that I managed to persevere and read all 3 books (even if I skimmed parts of the last book!) It was a good series and I understand why it had received so much recognition and praise over the years. I haven't actually read The Hobbit (the prequel) to this series yet and would like to read it, however it may be some time before I pick it up.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Quiet by Susan Cain</span></b></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-91815818297241834942016-08-16T08:39:00.000+01:002016-08-16T08:39:42.594+01:00Marbles by Ellen Forney (Graphic Novel)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Title:</b> Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michaelangelo and Me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Author:</b> Ellen Forney</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pages:</b> 256</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Genre:</b> Comic, Graphic Novel, Art, Memoir, Mental Illness</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Book Description:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;">Shortly before her thirtieth birthday, Forney was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Flagrantly manic and terrified that medications would cause her to lose creativity, she began a years-long struggle to find mental stability while retaining her passions and creativity.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;">Searching to make sense of the popular concept of the crazy artist, she finds inspiration from the lives and work of other artists and writers who suffered from mood disorders, including Vincent van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, William Styron, and Sylvia Plath. She also researches the clinical aspects of bipolar disorder, including the strengths and limitations of various treatments and medications, and what studies tell us about the conundrum of attempting to “cure” an otherwise brilliant mind.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marbles-Mania-Depression-Michelangelo-Me/dp/147210689X">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13542990-marbles?ac=1&from_search=true">Good Reads</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My Opinion:</b></span></div>
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This graphic novel follows the life of Ellen Forney as she deals with her diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. This tackles themes such as creativity, mental health, depression and manic episodes.<br />
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I found it this book fascinating. I'm very familiar with mental illness however Bipolar is one I'm less aware of so by reading this I learned a lot about mania and the extremities of the ups and downs people can deal with. Similarly, my attention was brought to other artists, writers and well known individuals that suffered with this disorder, such as Sylvia Plath (who I'm very fond of and have reviewed before: <a href="http://jennieelouisee.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/the-bell-jar-by-sylvia-plath.html"><b>see here</b></a>) Vincent Van Gogh and, of course, Michaelangelo! This illustrates the commonality of the disorder, which I wasn't aware of. I felt like this was clearly portrayed in her comics without romanticising the illness (since this is something I dislike and is increasingly common in novels these days.)<br />
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The illustrations in this graphic novel were lovely. They followed a monochromatic theme which I felt fit really well with the black and white topic of the novel. The art was minimalist and was something that I find very important in graphic novels because even if the story line is good, if the art isn't up to standard I don't find it as enjoyable. However the cartoon structure was something I very much enjoyed here!<br />
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One of the themes in this novel that I found interesting was her take on creativity, especially her struggle with coming to terms with the possibility losing her creative powers due to the medication she was on. Forney tackles the idea of 'tortured artists' and investigates whether mental illness enhances creativity or decreases it. This is a unique topic that isn't written about in many novels so I really likes hearing her opinion and seeing the research she found (especially as this is something I struggle with also)<br />
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Overall I really enjoyed this book. The artwork was funny and pleasing to read; I loved the colour scheme! I found it's main focus into Bipolar Disorder fascinating and feel that this graphic novel helps to raise awareness for mental disorders, especially those that are more rare. Hearing about her own experiences in this memoir really added a realness to the novel that improved the story line and made it so much more interesting. It's a short read (as most graphic novels are) so I'd definitely recommend it!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="line-height: 20.286px;">★</b><b style="line-height: 20.286px;">★</b><b style="line-height: 20.286px;">★</b><b style="line-height: 20.286px;">★</b><b style="line-height: 20.286px;">★</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5 out of 5 stars</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Next book I'm going to read:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R.Tolkien</b></span></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-66858332995392720122016-08-09T15:41:00.000+01:002016-08-13T20:17:10.468+01:00Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Title: </b>Milk and Honey<br />
<b>Author: </b>Rupi Kaur<br />
<b>Pages: </b>204<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Poetry, Feminism<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">'milk and honey' is a collection of poetry and prose about survival. About the experience of violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity. It is split into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose. Deals with a different pain. Heals a different heartache. 'milk and honey' takes readers through a journey of the most bitter moments in life and finds sweetness in them because there is sweetness everywhere if you are just willing to look</span></span><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Milk-Honey-Rupi-Kaur/dp/144947425X">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23513349-milk-and-honey">Good reads</a></b></div>
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<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
Due to the hype this book has recently received, I decided to pick it up. It's a collection of poems split into chapters named 'the hurting' 'the loving' 'the breaking' and 'the healing.' It covers a range of messages and themes and includes mini sketches surrounding the poems.<br />
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I really liked the images used throughout because they didn't distract from the maim message of the poems, but they definitely added something extra. They provide a wonderful aesthetic to the collection as they have a rough, sketched nature to them. Some of the images also added a further meaning to the poem it accompanied which was really creative! (Also can we appreciate the beauty of the cover as well?! The monochrome nature of black and white pages and minimalist style is soooo beautiful)<br />
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The topics this book covers are really important and hold a lot of meaning. The messages portrayed about loving and hurting especially are so valuable and I feel like people should read these poems just for that (even if you just open the book on a random page and read the poem I'm sure it will mean something significant!) Another fantastic thing about the topics Kaur has chosen to write about are things that everyone has experienced at least once in their lives so it's really relatable. The poems are insanely well written - some hold punch to them and hit you with a truth or understanding, whilst others are thought provoking and memorable.<br />
Also the majority of the poems themselves are quite short which is nice since they're easy to remember and can be read quickly at random, depending on the mood you're in.<br />
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Altogether I really enjoyed reading this collection of poems. The wonderful thing about poems is that you don't just read them once and the put them back on your shelf, you can just come back to the book any time you like or open it on a random page and read the first poem you look at. And these poems are perfect for that due to their shortness and direct nature, whilst still making you feel something at the same time!<b><br /></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Marbles by Ellen Forney (Graphic Novel)</span></b></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000709859523010404.post-47283805021592839992016-08-06T14:01:00.000+01:002016-08-13T20:16:16.907+01:00The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Title: </b>The Graveyard Book<br />
<b>Author: </b>Neil Gaiman<br />
<b>Pages: </b>312<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Fantasy, Young Adult, Horror<br />
<b>Book Description:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.</span><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="line-height: 21px;" /><span style="line-height: 21px;">Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead. There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack—who has already killed Bod's family...</span></span><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Graveyard-Book-Neil-Gaiman/dp/0747594805">Get it here</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2213661.The_Graveyard_Book">Good reads</a></b><br />
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<a name='more'></a><b>My Opinion:</b><br />
I have read this book before when I was around 12 or 13 and remember really enjoying it, however now, several years later I have completely forgotten the plot and the reasons why I liked it. So I decided to reread it. And now I know exactly why I liked it so much before! <b><br /></b><br />
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What I found most interesting was the topic choice since this is very creative yet unusual and isn't something I've seen covered before. I really liked this and felt that the themes included, such as family and friendship and courage, were wonderful (especially since it's mainly aimed at a younger audience). Gaiman illustrated these messages clearly but without being condescending to the readers which is important.<br />
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Since Gaiman is well known for his gothic twists on fantasy worlds, I was pleased to see this included here. From the first chapter to the very end there was a very intriguing mystery that was gripping and dispersed throughout. The ending was really well written even if it was a little sad.<br />
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Linking to this, I loved the illustration by Chris Riddell. They were quite creepy but also had a cartoon nature about them which I felt really fit with the style of the novel. These were another unique and creative touch to the novel that worked so well in connecting everything.<br />
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The characters were my favourite part of the novel as I felt that they brought the most to it. The protagonist was portrayed in such a realistic way despite the surreal nature of the novel, and it was lovely to see his life from birth until the end of adolescence. I felt like the character development was really important and well crafted. As for the ghosts, I found them humerous and instantly likeable, especially favouring how they were all from different time periods and had such different/diverse things to offer to the story!<br />
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Overall this is another fantastic book by Gaiman and I enjoyed every part of it. I definitely recommend it if you're a younger reader but even if you're older it's still gripping and comedic. I can certainly see why I liked it so much when I was younger, and will be picking up more of Gaiman's books in the future!<br />
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<b>Favourite Quotes:</b><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you dare nothing, then when the day is over, nothing is all you will have gained</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">People want to forget the impossible. It makes their world safer</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can't trust other people. If it's important, you have to do it yourself</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You are the bravest person I know, and you are my friend. I don't care if you are imaginary</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating ★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">★</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5 out of 5 stars </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Next book I'm going to review:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur</span></b></div>
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Jennie Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15966812860557569058noreply@blogger.com0