Friday 30 March 2018

Graffiti by Savannah Brown : Book Review

Graffiti (and other poems) by Savannah Brown
Publication date: August 1st 2017
Published by: Savannah Brown
Genres: Poetry

Savannah Brown's first collection of poetry is a vulnerable account of adolescence from someone in the thick of it. Written between the ages of sixteen and eighteen, with examinations of anxiety, death, first loves, and first lusts, Graffiti extends a hand to those undergoing the trials and uncertainty of teenagehood, and assures them they're not alone.







My thoughts
I have seen a couple of Savannah's videos on youtube and I have always enjoyed her poems. Unfortunately this book wasn't for me. The problem wasn't tat it was a bad book or that I didn't enjoy it; there were many passages that I loved. The problem was I couldn't really understand what she was trying to say in her poem. It felt far too vague for what  I enjoy, I imagine this style works brilliantly for many people because it left los of room for people to put their own being into the words but I want to know someone else feels the same way I do and I'm not sure that was what these poems did. However I could just have been my lack of life experience that caused a lack of understanding.

I'm still very glad I read it and while it didn't click with me if you love beautiful metaphors this is the book for you. I can totally imagine an English teacher dissecting these poems. Anyway this book was good, the problem was definitely me rather than the book therefore I'm going to give this book 3/5 stars. 

Sunday 25 March 2018

unpopular opinions book tag

Hi guys,

Today I'm going to do the unpopular opinions tag. As always I wasn't tagged by anyone. If you want to watch the original video just click here

1. A Popular Book or series that you didn't like.
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon easily takes this place. It was my least favourite book of 2017. I thought it sent awful messages to people reading it. I might at some point do a full review but I think ill struggle to not bash the book too much and I think my thoughts could come across very crude if I don't word it very carefully. Effectively I hated the way this book dealt with women's sexuality. I think it condemned women who were openly sexual and borderline slut shaming. Plus there was an unnecessary offensive joke abut schizophrenia which I didn't appreciate.

2. A Popular Book or series that every one else seems to hate but you love.
I often love books that aren't really liked. I think the best example of this is the beautiful creatures series because I love those books  so much. Ridley and Link are definitely in my top 5 couples in books.

3. A popular book Genre that you hardly reach for.
Sci-fi. I have nothing against Sci-fi books in fact I really like them its just that often they are rather long and intimidate me. Also I never really hear about any Sci-fi books.

4. A popular author that you can't seem to get into.
Rick Riordan. My friends all used to be obsessed with his books specifically the Percy Jackson series however I read the first one and kind of enjoyed it but when I decided to pick up  the second I just couldn't get past the first 50  pages. The books just weren't for me I found them a bit dull and the characters a bit 2D.

5. A popular book trope that you're tired of seeing.
I'm really starting to hate characters who talk about how they have no emotions or are dead on the inside. I'm not sure I'm describing it very well but these characters often talk about how their friends talk about such trivial things and how could their friends enjoy their lives when they know that the characters parents have just split up or something of this sort. These characters are only really seen in contemporary and they really annoy me. This trope can be found in 'It only happens in the movies' though it is fairly bearable in this book.

6. A popular series that you have no interest in reading.
I don't want to read anything the Sarah J. Maas has written. I was vaguely interested in A Court of Thorns and Roses but then my interest died as more and more books came out.

7. The saying goes "The book is always better than the movie", but what movie or T.V. show adaptation do you prefer more than the book?
There are actually quite a few such as the maze runner series. Obviously there is massive controversy around the book right now due to something James Dashner has done but personally the first book in the series was really good but then the rest of them were dull.

Sunday 18 March 2018

Creative Writing Tips from Dan Buri: Guest Post

The life of an author can be difficult. As writers, we simply love to write. Unfortunately, getting our work published is never as simple as just writing. Often times we can’t sit down and write because there are too many other tasks required of us. Publishing in the current environment of the internet, online publications, and ebooks is almost as simple as a click of button, but writing and publishing successfully is far more daunting. There are thousands of decisions to be made. 
I’ve found with anything in life that’s difficult, the best way to approach it is to break it into pieces. Figure out how to write your book in steps. You can’t tackle everything at once, so break it up into actionable pieces that you can accomplish. Soon, as you complete one step after another, you will be holding your own book in your hands, whether that’s your first book or your fiftieth. 
If you’ve read my first book, Pieces Like Pottery, you’ll recall one of the lead characters found a list of forty life tips from his former high school teacher, Mr. Smith. I’ve received a lot of positive feedback from readers on these forty life tips. They seem to resonate deeply with people. In my blog (Nothinganygood.com) and in my new book on writing—an inspirational guide for indie authors on their writing journey—I’ve applied each of the forty life tips to writing and how they can help you write, market, and sell your book. 
Here is a sneak peek into a few truncated versions of those tips from 40 Tips on Creative Writing:

1) Life’s too short to not seize the opportunities with which we are presented. 
Always take the chance to do what you love when it comes along. Write that book! Start now! Do you have thirty minutes today? Sit down and start writing.

2) Don’t dress like a bum all day long. 
Some people do perfectly well rolling out of bed and doing great things in their underwear all day. I’m not one of those people. If I want to be productive, I prepare for it. Production doesn’t just magically happen. There has to be a plan. Wake up early. Shower. Wear respectable clothes. Eat breakfast. Get your mind right for writing. Then, when you’re good and ready, sit down and write.

3) Question authority. 
Don’t take the status quo as a requirement. Don’t look at how you think everyone else is writing and try to copy it. Find your own voice. Write in your own style, no one else’s.

4) Question those who question authority. 
Drink in the knowledge of as many authors as you can. Read as much as you can. Take their advice to heart. Be yourself and be inquisitive. Inquisitiveness is a gift of the writer.

5) Don’t be afraid to see dinosaurs even when everyone else around you doesn’t. 
Anyone who has ever tried to write anything of worth, and for that matter any creative type who has ever tried to make something out of nothing, knows how exciting and scary that can be at the same time. Take that excitement and fear and use it. Don’t worry about how others say you’re supposed to write. Write the way that you want to write. Sure, soak in all the advice and feedback from writing experts and amateurs alike. Take it all to heart. Let it wash over you. Then filter it through that beautiful brain of yours and write the way you feel called to write.

I know writing a book (or another book) can be difficult, but there is a huge author community out there ready to support you. 40 Tips on Creative Writing can be your inspirational guide to a successful book!


Seize the day you have in front of you. You are strong.
You are kind. You are wonderful. Don’t forget it.
― Dan Buri

40 Tips on Creative Writing is currently available in ebook and print. Dan Buri (@DanBuri777 on Twitter) is a trusted resource for writers to gain insight into the difficult world of indie publishing. His first collection of short fiction — Pieces Like Pottery — which has been recognized on multiple Best Seller Lists, is an exploration of heartbreak and redemption. His nonfiction works have been distributed online and in print, in publications including Pundit Press, Tree, Summit Avenue Review, American Discovery, and TC Huddle. Dan is a founding member of the Independent Writers Guild, a worldwide organization of writers and publishing professionals dedicated to promoting the interest of indie writers by encouraging public interest in, and fostering an appreciation of, quality indie literature. He is an active attorney in the Pacific Northwest, and lives in Oregon with his wife and two young children.


Friday 16 March 2018

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini : Book review

It's Kind of a  Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
Publication date: May 1st 2007
Published by: MiraMax
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Mental health

Ambitious New York City teenager Craig Gilner is determined to succeed at life - which means getting into the right high school to get into the right job. But once Craig aces his way into Manhattan's Executive Pre-Professional High School, the pressure becomes unbearable. He stops eating and sleeping until, one night, he nearly kills himself.

Craig's suicidal episode gets him checked into a mental hospital, where his new neighbors include a transsexual sex addict, a girl who has scarred her own face with scissors, and the self-elected President Armelio. There, Craig is finally able to confront the sources of his anxiety.

Ned Vizzini, who himself spent time in a psychiatric hospital, has created a remarkably moving tale about the sometimes unexpected road to happiness.


My Thoughts
Before I get into the review I should say that I did not finish this book. I got to page 100 and stopped. Something I also feel I should make very clear is that I don't think this is a bad book, I think this book just isn't for me.

From the get go I knew that this book was written by a man with depression because Rachel Cohn had written a foreword which I had read and while usually I would worry this would mean the book would have a sombre tone I wasn’t with this book because all the reviews talked about how hopeful it was. I should have been worried
.
This book was so obviously written by a man with depression. The book was so miserable but not only that but it made me really miserable as well even when I wasn’t reading it the mood of the book hung around me like a black cloud.

I gave up on the book at page 100 but before I was certain of my decision I decided to read the goodreads reviews and a massive amount of them said the book was super transphobic and a few said it was sexist and I just felt this book was a waste of my time.

I’m so disappointed that this is my belief because I wanted to love it so bad but unfortunately I didn’t. I think I might watch the film at some point though because that looks like it could be cheerier and not transphobic.

Overall I would probably give this 4/10 because it just wasn’t for me but I didn’t hate it I just hated how it made me feel.

It would be great to know if any of you agree with what I’m saying or if you loved this book I would be interested to know why.

Wednesday 14 March 2018

Children's Books to Read as an Adult: T5W

Hi guys,

I'm still a teenager so I did think book tag in terms of books from my childhood I should reread at sometime.

1. Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
This book was one of the first classics I ever read and I called it my favourite book for years yet now I don't really remember what the plot was so I definitely need to reread this as I have a really beautiful edition of it that has never been read.

2. Gallagher girls by Ally Carter
I was just recently thinking that I would like to reread this series for fairly similar reasons. I remember the romances being swoon worthy and amazing friendships with funny scenes and mystery. It's also a series I'm not scared I wont like on reread because I've read some of Ally Carter's other stuff since the end of Gallagher girls and loved it.

3. Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carol
Everyone who knows me know that Alice in Wonderland (2009) is my favourite movie ever and while I have read the book I feel like now I'm older ill understand it more and appreciate it more.

4. Midnight by Jacqueline Wilson
I'm not sure if this happened at your primary school but at mine we were obsessed with Jaqueline
Wilson and Midnight was my favourite book of hers and in my opinion severely underrated.

5. Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo
This is the book that I would always say is my favourite book ever yet I've never reread it. Mainly because it is heart-breaking. I think I'm finally far enough away from the trauma to reread the book and hopefully love it as much the second time as I did the first.

Sunday 11 March 2018

book cake tag

Hi guys,

Today I'm doing the book cake tag. You can watch the original video here. I wasn't tagged by anyone I just thought it would be fun to do.


Self-raising flour: a book that started slow then picked up
For this one I chose Heartless by Marissa Meyer. This book has gotten lots of hate but I love it. I thought the ending was so intense my heart was pounding. I really don't understand why so many people dislike this book.

Butter: a book with a really rich, intense plot
As some of you may remember this is my favourite book of all time. Everything about this book is rich and intense. So Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson is my pick for this one

Eggs: a book you had reservations about but actually really enjoyed
I recently read 13 reasons why and I was super apprehensive going into it but actually I thought it was amazing and really got the message across that it was trying to. I have a huge review/gush about it on my goodreads if any of you want to see my more in depth thoughts about the book.

Sugar: a sweet book
This book is so original. A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall is a love story told from about 14 different perspectives. I thought the main couple was really cute and I loved seeing what everyone around them thought of their relationship. It's not a book I've heard anyone talk about but definitely a book you should pick up.

Icing: a book that included all the things you enjoy in a book
Neverland by Shari Arnold was one of my favourite books of 2015 and I still regularly think about it. It was magical and whimsical with an adorable romance plus it was a peter pan retelling which I always love. The book never really got popular which is such a shame because it is gorgeous and worth a read  whether you like peter pan or not

Cherry on top: your favourite book of the year
Since we are only at the start of March I'm going to say my favourite book of last year. Which was Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner. This book was so good it covered such a wide variety of issues and dealt with them all phenomenally. Also it was very beautifully written

Friday 9 March 2018

The Witch Doesn't Burn in this One (Women are some kind of magic #2) By Amanda Lovelace : Book Review

The witch doesn't burn in this one  (Women are some kind of magic #2) by Amanda Lovelace
Publication date: March 6th 2018
Published by: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Genre: poetry, feminism

The witch: supernaturally powerful, inscrutably independent, and now—indestructible. These moving, relatable poems encourage resilience and embolden women to take control of their own stories. Enemies try to judge, oppress, and marginalize her, but the witch doesn’t burn in this one.








My Thoughts
This book was on read now on netgalley so I decided to read it. Her first book wasn't anything special but I decided to give this a try. This collection was way better than her first however I just don't think she is my favourite kind of poet. I will definitely read her next collection but I wasn't blown away by this collection.

The book started very promisingly. I adored the first chapter unfortunately after the first chapter the book got a bit to angry and man hating for me. It redeemed itself a little in the last chapter but overall the first chapter was a 4 star section but the rest were 2 or 3 stars.

One thing I do always love about Amanda's books is the fact that at the start there is  a trigger warning list because currently in modern poetry there is a lot of talk about rape and mental illness and some people may need to be warned of the subjects that are talked about in the book.

In conclusion, I rather enjoyed this book. It made me feel empowered. However I did feel like she was man hating too much and therefore quite a few of her  poem I disagreed with particularly her poem that justified misandry. I'm going to give this 3 stars because I was enjoyable but I'm not sure I'd recommend it to anyone.

In addition to my review I'd just like to make a side comment about how I had lots of trouble downloading this book and netgalley were so lovely and helpful. Truly amazing customer service.

*This book was given to me for free by netgalley in return for an honest review, therefore this doesn't effect my opinion*

Sunday 4 March 2018

february wrap up

Hi guys,

I had a brilliant reading month in February. I read 6 books and DNFed 1.

Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater
This book is the third in The Raven Cycle and honestly it was my least favourite out of all of them. It was still a 4 star and I did enjoy it but Adam was far too angsty for me in this book however I think he got more bearable as the book went on.

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater
I think this was my favourite of the series but its very closely tied with The Dream Thieves. The writing in this book was so beautiful. It contains the most beautiful chapter I've ever read in my life. This was obviously a 5 star read. I loved this series so much and the last book really was a satisfying ending.

 The Wonderful story of Henry Sugar by Roald Dahl
I bought this book earlier in the month and was really excited to read it because Roald  Dahl is a hero of mine. I think he is incredible. From previous research I was aware he'd written some books for teens but i'd never managed to find it but it was in my local Waterstones so I bought it. First of all can we appreciate the cover. It's even better in person. Unfortunately I was underwhelmed by this collection, I think what Roald Dahl is brilliant with is fantasy and magical realism and the majority of the stories in this book weren't therefore I found it a bit dull. I gave this book 3 stars.

Wild Embers by Nikita Gill
I read this in one sitting and I genuinely don't remember what I thought of this book. I think it was probably decent enough but not great and obviously not very memorable. This was really disappointing to me because I love Nikita Gill's Instagram unfortunately this collection didn't grab me. I don't have a rating for this book because honestly I cant remember what it was enough to give you an accurate one


13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
I had to read this book for my school book club and I was super reluctant. I had watched the show and I thought it was far to intense and didn't deal with the topic matter very well however I thought the book was fantastic. It wasn't high class literature but I read it in less then 24 hours. I was hooked from the first page. I'm not so sure I liked Clay as a person but I thought that he was a brilliant way to narrate the story. Hannah Baker was a very likeable character and I was heartbroken for the girl. The best thing about this book was that often books about mental health read too much like instruction manuals and this one definitely didn't. I would feel very comfortable someone with depression or suicidal thoughts reading this book as long as they weren't going to be triggered by one of the plot points. I gave this book 4 stars.
 
This book was one of the only books that I was excited for its release. I used to be a giant Holly Bourne fan and for whatever reason I just stopped reading her books but when I saw the blurb for this I knew I had to read it. It wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be but it was very good. My biggest issue is that until about halfway through the main character really annoyed me but luckily she had character development and developed into a very interesting character to read about. The last 100 pages of this book were phenomenal. If the rest of the book was as good as the last 100 pages it would have been 5 stars unfortunately this wasn't the case and therefore I gave the book 4 stars because even when the Audrey was unbearable the romance was still super cute and well written. I think I should definitely go and the trilogy of Holly Bourne's that I've ignored for many years.
 
I DNFed this book. It was depressing and miserable. It really messed with my head and I felt like as you read it you could tell it was written by a guy with depression. It just wasn't the book I thought I was going to be and I didn't want to read the book it actually is. I'm going to do a whole post about why I DNFed this book which I will eventually link here

Thursday 1 March 2018

I'm back

Hi guys,

I know I've been gone a very long time but I'm back now however the blog will probably be a bit different. Predominantly it will still be a book blog but I want to be able to talk about anything I fancy such as movies or TV shows that I watch because since school has started getting more serious I've had less time to read but I do watch quite a few films therefore if I don't manage to finish a book I don't have to feel bad about a lack of content that you are getting. I hope you are all okay with this because I'm so excited to get started.