Book Vs. Film: The Miniaturist

The Miniaturist, Jessie Burton 

This idea, of comparing book and film adaptations, came about when I was watching The Miniaturist over Christmas on the BBC. Having read, and loved The Miniaturist (you can read my review of the book here),  I found myself, as I watched,  mentally preparing a list of similarities and differences between the book and film adaptations. I say film, it was actually spread across a two-part series, with each part being an hour and a half long. 

Now there were many things I liked about this adaptation but there were also things I really could not tolerate. For instance: 

• The Miniaturists interactions: in the book the lady sending Nella the miniature items is a passing ship. She's someone who reappears every so often and then disappears without a trace however, in the programme she has far more of a prominent role within Nella's life. When Nella finally manages to get a response at The miniaturists shop, in the book, it is an elderly fellow who turns out to be the lady's father. Between Nella and him they piece together the mystery and Nella gets to hear a bit about this mysterious lady sending her these spine-tingling figures. In the programme, Nella actually explores and finds her way into the living area above the miniaturist's shop and once she realises the miniaturist lady is there, they have a conversation. I wish I could say that I liked this part of the programme, but to be honest I much prefer the end note to the book -that the miniaturist who has plagued Nella is simply a mystery: and just like throughout the book, she disappears. 
• Marins Love Life: as with many things about books, I feel as though the book revealed a little more, or maybe even implied more, when it came to Marins love life and even just her personality. Although she definitely opens up more to Nella in the programme, once her secret is revealed, I do think that the book revealed more about her character: which I personally preferred. This is also the case for the character of Otto but you can obviously reveal far more with hundreds of thousands of words in a book than two hour and a half programmes. 

Having said this, there were also things that I really liked about the adaptation and even a few things I preferred about the programme compared to the book.

• I loved the setting. It was just dark and cold enough to embody the eerie-ness of the story without coming across too gothic. I also really loved how well they portrayed Amsterdam as a religious setting with the characters devoted to religious ways. I think they covered this element of the story really well which only helped to contrast Johannes lifestyle and the surrealness of the miniaturist and her figures. In a setting like this the miniaturist would no doubt be deemed as practising witchcraft. 
• The character of Nella came across much stronger in the programme versus the actual book. I can't put my finger on why or how but even before she finds out about Johannes lifestyle and Marins secret, she appears a strong young woman; even in the strange home environment she's landed in. 
• The casting was perfect. I think every cast member involved really relished in their characters role and I think that really brought the characters to life from the book. I also loved the bond the characters had with one another. The friendship between Nella and Cornelia, the respect between Nella and Marin, the thoughtful teamwork between Johannes and Nella: everything just seemed seamless when it came to the casting. 

I could ramble on comparing the book and programme all day long but I think I'll draw a line there. Like with any adaptation, there is a lot of ground that producers and writers' neglect to cover simply because they deem it irrelevant or don't have the time to cover it. Ultimately, I really enjoyed the programme and the way they brought the book to life. 

If you didn't catch The Miniaturist over the festive season then you can watch it here, on BBC iplayer. It's not available for much longer so catch it while you can! 

Did you watch The Miniaturist? What did you think? 

Cheerio for now! 

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Book Review: A Mask of Shadows

A Mask of Shadows, Oscar De Muriel  

 First of all, I'd like to say that if you are not familiar with any of the previous Frey & McGray cases then you can read my reviews for them here; where I have reviewed both The Strings of Murder and A Fever of the Blood. 

A Mask of Shadows starts in London 1889, before moving onto the Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh, Scotland. A bout of terror haunts the acclaimed production of Macbeth, as well as their beloved celebrities, Henry Irving and Ellen Terry, along with other actors, seamstresses, and stage hands. In the opening chapter, set in London, the first chilling event happens. As the actors' soak in their final applause, hell ensues with the screeching cry of a Banshee and a gruesome message, smeared across the stage sets, prophesizing someone's death. The tale takes place a short time after A Fever of the Blood and so, our narrator brings up his superstitions once more as he and McGray are assigned this case, shortly after the Macbeth cast and production arrive in the City. What follows are numerous plot twists, along with a long list of suspects within the play, behind the scenes and even onlookers and relatives who could all have a motive to kill or even reasons to be killed themselves.

As I stated in my review of A Fever of the Blood, you never know what to expect when you have already read and loved the original book. For me, I loved both the previous books, the first being my favourite, so before reading this book I wondered if maybe the author had peaked (like some do) or whether the characters were starting the die out. Having read it, I can say neither of those points is true. The storyline and characters were very well thought out, although I did think that there were a little too many names and characters involved at times which got a little overwhelming for me reading it. I also think that the end was left a little open which usually I wouldn't mind but in this case, there were so many questions that were unanswered which left it all rather loose and deflating for me. 

My favourite thing about this edition to the casebooks were the characters we already know from the previous editions i.e. Frey & McGray, Elgie, the family of Freys, Madam Katrina, etc. I always love seeing the progression of Frey & McGrays' relationship and so, reading this book I loved watching them become more and more so friends rather than colleagues who just put up with one another. I must say, I also adore the Victorian era these books are set in. It gives the books a grimmer vibe to them which I really enjoy. 

The next edition of the Frey & McGray cases is The Loch of the Dead, which will be released next year on the 5th April. You can pre-order it here.

Have you read A Mask of Shadows or any of the accompanying books? What did you think? 

Cheerio for now! 
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My Thoughts of the Hunger Games

I finally read the Hunger Games series...

...and so, I feel it's only right that I let you lovely lot know what I thought of it just as I would any other books. 

First, let me start by explaining why it has taken me this long to read the books and become engulfed within Panem and its' Districts. Honestly, it never appealed to me all that much. I know many would gasp in shock at me saying that (including my boyfriends mum) but it never did. I was in my early/mid teens when the Twilight saga was being adapted to movies and so, that was the jam for me, my friends and really my generation as a whole. Up until the movie adaption of The Hunger Games was released, I had never heard of the books and because the books had never worked their way onto my recommended reads on Amazon, I didn't think it was the right read for me. 

Right about now you're probably wondering what or why I suddenly wanted to read it. Over time many people and fellow students have recommended me reading it having heard that the majority of books I read are fictional series', generally around the genres of sci-fi or fantasy. I don't know why that is, maybe I just love committing to a series and truly experiencing a fictional world over the course of a few books. But regardless of it being recommended many a time, I never seriously thought about it until my boyfriend told me that it's his mother's favourite series. He lent me his copies of the first two books, The Hunger Games, and Catching Fire, and then a few weekends later we came across a copy of Mockingjay at a boot fair which we picked up for £1. I quickly had the trilogy and was free to read away. 

What did I think of the books? 

The Hunger Games: was, in my opinion, very good. I feel like there were plenty of plot twists for me to keep reading and I constantly wanted to know more, however, I did get a little confused and, because of that, distracted by all the names of the tributes involved. That was the only negative thing I found with the book. 

Catching Fire: was my favourite out the three books. I felt like I had got to grips with the world of Panem, the Capitol, and the Districts, but I had also come to picture certain characters in my mind and felt more familiar with them by this book. 

Mockingjay: this was my least favourite out of the trilogy. I felt like there were too many plot twists with this book and far too many characters to keep track of. However, *Spoiler -I did like how it ended with Alma Coin being shot instead of President Snow. I also really loved how Katniss and Haymitch became more like companions than fellow victors by this third book. 

If you haven't heard, let alone read, The Hunger Games books then I can only assume that you've been living under a rock for the past 5-10 years; and so, I'll leave the Amazon link right here for you to read up on the book descriptions and what goes down. Just so you know, there are three books in the series. 

Have you read the trilogy? What did you think? 

Cheerio for now! 

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Book Review: A Fever of the Blood

A Fever of the Blood, Oscar de Muriel 

In this second case of Frey and McGrays, what starts as a simple inquest into a patient escape and a nurses death at an asylum ensues into a manhunt far beyond their jurisdiction of Edinburgh and down to Pendle Hill, home of the Lancashire Witches. The pair becomes intwined in the dangerous world of black magic which makes for an avalanche of plot twists and adrenaline-packed scenes which keep you turning the pages.

A Fever of the Blood was an amazing read. I was apprehensive before reading this because I loved The Strings of Murder so much however, it pulled through and made for a great read. I will always love the contrast between Frey and McGray, and in my opinion, their relationship is really what gives the story that extra 'something-something' for me.

The next book in this series is A Mask of Shadows, which I already have on my window ledge waiting to crack open. If you haven't already read my review of the first book, The Strings of Murder, then you can do so here. Stay tuned for what I think of the next book. 

Have you ever read any of these books, what did you think? 

Cheerio for now! 
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Book Review: The Strings of Murder

The Strings of Murder, by Oscar De Muriel 

After becoming hooked on the darker books, like Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde and The Hound of Baskervilles, I was finding it difficult to become interested in any other reads. Nothing seemed to grip my attention enough. Then this book came along. 

The book is centered around the murder of the violinist Guilleum Fontaine in Edinburgh 1888, who was murdered in a room locked from the inside with no way in or out. The case is perplexing, gruesome and, in the fearful age of the Ripper, to be handled with the utmost secrecy. Scotland Yard sends Inspector Ian Frey to Edinburgh to work on the case under a fake department specialising in the supernatural. The department is the perfect illusion to work on a case of such importance in secrecy, especially considering Frey's new boss Detective 'Nine-Nails' McGray holds such an infamous reputation in the area. 

I'm not one for gruesome elements to stories, however, I enjoyed the darker elements to this book. I think because it was based in the era of the ripper and because of the nature of the storyline, it was written in a very subtle way, instead of being too graphic with details. I also really enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Frey and McGray, especially considering they are complete opposites to one another. 

This story had so many plot twists and was filled with many interesting details to the storyline which keeps you hooked to the story constantly. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves murder mysteries, puzzles or even just books that keep you on the edge of your seat. I'd particularly recommend to anyone who likes Sherlock Holmes novels. The bond between Frey and McGray isn't as respectful or open-minded as that of Sherlock and Watson, however, their bickering, digs, and swearing towards one another add a humorous element to the story. 

This is the first book in a series of books with Frey and McGray, the second is A Fever of the Blood and the third is A Mask of Shadows. Both of which I have posts coming up on.  

What have you been reading lately? Any recommendations? 

Cheerio for now! 
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My Summer Reading List

As my uni year is from October to May, I find that the warmer Summer months are usually the time I catch up on my reading list; and what better time to get lost in new books/worlds than when I'm at my beach hut. I try to tick off some older classics, along with some newer releases; but for the most part, I go with my gut and see what I'm drawn to.

This Summer is a little different. There are a couple of series' I want to complete, in particular, the Frey & McGray Casebooks and the Hunger Games Trilogy. Both of which I have started, but desperately need to complete. I am studying Literature next year, which of course has a lot of *reading included, most of which I have never read so I do want to try and read a couple of those books too. Who knows what I will have read by the end of this summer but so far, this is my list:

• Dear Coquette 
• The Hunger Games 
• Catching Fire 
• The Mockingjay 
• The Mask of Shadows 
• Lolita 
• *Wuthering Heights 
• *Oroonoko 
• *The Sign of Four 
• *Dancing at Lughnasa 
• *Dubliners 
• *The emigrants 
• *The Lonely Londoners
• *Othello 
• *Frankenstein 
• *Candide 
• *The Duchess of Malfi 

I also have a ton of magazine issues to catch up on, but I have more on that in an upcoming blog post so stay tuned! 

What books do you have your eye on for this summer? 

Cheerio for now! 

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Book review: the wind in the willows

The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame

The wind in the willows is a classic home to many a bookshelf. It's one of those books you hear as a child and hold forever, like the wizard of oz or the little princess. This book has always held a nostalgic place in my heart and while I don't often return to books from my childhood, I couldn't resist returning to it this fall. 

I find Kenneth Grahame's descriptions of nature, the river and the wild wood so beautiful and mesmerising that I often become distracted by picturing the natural surroundings rather than paying attention to the story. Fall is often the time we all hibernate into the warmth of our homes, wrapping ourselves in cozy layers with warm brews; though after spending a summer stuck inside I wanted to get out in nature -so to speak. While my health hasn't improved that much since summer, I decided rather than chance a flare and cold from the bitter cold, I'd instead turn to a book. A book bulging with references and descriptions of the life of outside nature and general wilderness. 

If you've been living under a rock and have never read the wind in the willows, I'll give you the quick run down -and the Amazon link. The story of the wind in the willows follows the adventures of the water rat, mole, toad and badger. All equally interesting characters, we read of their adventures at the river, the wild wood and the troubles they (mostly toad) find themselves in. The main lessons are to always go through the wild wood in pairs, never joy ride a motor car and do not dress as a washerwoman -it's not a good look. 

In all seriousness, I love this book and thoroughly enjoyed returning to it. If you like this story, its characters or even just psychology/counselling, you should also check out counselling for toads which involve toad, badger, the water rat, and mole -but mainly toad. I also loved that book and would recommend to anyone who loves the wind in the willows. 

Have any suggestions for fall reads? leave them in a comment below

Cheerio for now!

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To check out any of my other book reviews, click here. 

Dracula

Dracula, Bram Stoker

October has always been my favourite month, and while there are many Halloween movies I love to revisit each year, I wanted to turn my attention to some darker books. Initially, I had set my sights on Frankenstein but after many failed attempts, I tossed it across the room and reached for Dracula. As you can see, it's a pretty chunky book which made it a little daunting at first; however, as soon as I started the first page I was sucked into the story and within a few days I had entirely finished.

Dracula by Bram Stoker is a classic with many having read, watched adaptions or know of the story in some form of way. Going into this book I was nervous about its' length and language used. Classic books often hold the reputation of having long, difficult language throughout; being hard for the reader to decipher. However, the language used was simple and straightforward, making it a super easy read. The story is told through a series of journal entries, letters and news articles, from a handful of the characters within the story. At first, I worried whether I'd be able to keep up with whose perspective I was reading when, though it was a lot easier than I thought and I whizzed through the book. 

This was a really enjoyable read, especially for this time of year. Reading the story through multiple perspectives, corresponding letters and articles added another dimension to the tale, which made it all the more gripping. Another thing I loved was that even though it is told in an alternative way, it doesn't scrimp on describing the vividly eerie environments and surroundings throughout. 

This made for a great Autumn read -in fact, I'm probably going to find it hard finding my next Autumn/Halloween read after enjoying Dracula so much. 

Any recommendations for Halloween reads? Leave a comment below

Cheerio for now! 
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Book Review: The Night Circus

Ribbons, Ravens, and Rêveurs 

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern has quickly become my favourite book. I remember constantly seeing it recommended on blogs and in magazines but never troubling myself to search it on Amazon. It wasn't until a few years back I picked it up as an impulse buy at my local bookstore. It was right at the checkout and feeling drawn to the cover I quickly purchased it before having time to give it a second thought. It sat on my bookshelf ever since til last fall, when I devoured it on a rainy day. 

There is very little detail of the story I can give without giving away spoilers so let's just say the story is a game played by Celia Bowen and Marco Alisdair which takes place at the night circus. It involves magnificent feats, vivid characters, and the most beautiful story ever wrote (in my opinion). The way it's written is truly magnificent, not only telling you the story of the circus but also threads of outsiders' stories who baffle you, to begin with, only to fall into place as you read on. The threads carefully curated by Morgenstern slowly weave together and make the book even more enchanting. I also love how the reader can experience certain elements and feats from within the circus through sections of the books; which just adds to the overall enjoyment and lures the reader in, as though they could brush shoulders with the characters themselves. 

It's the type of book you can read over and over, with its enticing magic affecting you more and more with every read. The type of book you never want to finish, as you will have to leave this wonderful escape Morgenstern has created and come crashing back to reality. 

Have you ever read The Night Circus? What did you think? Comment below. 

Cheerio for now! 

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Book Review: Skin Cleanse

The Simple, All-natural Program for Clear, Calm, Happy Skin 

Just like many of the books I read, Skin Cleanse by Adina Grigore had been lurking on my Amazon Wishlist for months before I received it for my birthday. Having already started the process of going all-natural with my toiletries and skincare for little over 6 months, I was seeking guidance in a big way and so this book couldn't have fallen into my hands at a better time. 

Adina talks her reader through every aspect of adopting the simple, all-natural body care routine in an easy, jargon-free way. When reading you honestly feel as though she's sitting telling you this over a coffee. Through the 8 chapters, she educates you on not only how to identify problematic products, but also how to weed them out of your routine and find another little gem to slip in its place (-usually something you already have in your kitchen, I might add). She teaches you how and the importance of keeping food and product journals to notice triggers for your skin and body. The book also contains so many vital lessons and tips on how to read and decipher ingredient labels to identify those little nitty-gritty buggers you really don't want going onto your skin, and then being absorbed by your body. Another aspect I really didn't anticipate to read in the book was how your ancestry, environment and how your great-grandmother lived, can affect your own lifestyle and body (truly fascinating and educating chapter). 

Adina also has created and provided her reader with a whole chapter based around becoming your own apothecary and making your own effective, and all-natural, products right out of your kitchen cupboards. I mean the power to clear, healthy skin is right at your fingertips and once you read Adina's insights on how to do so you'll never look back, trust me! 

Overall this book has been an amazing read and became my best friend/bible/guru all in one. I love the entire approach of this book and the way it's been written. The easy-to-read affect but also the important message that your body absorbs everything you put on it; so it's important to pay attention to those ingredients and how your body reacts. 

Have you ever read Skin Cleanse? 

No -you need to get it | Yes, what did you think? 

Cheerio for now! 
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To read any of my other book reviews, simply click here. 

Book Review: The Crossroads of Should and Must

Find and follow your passion 

The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna had been on my Amazon wishlist for quite some time before I received it last Christmas. After months of hearing and reading such amazing reviews of the book I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and so, as you could imagine, I was over the moon when I unwrapped it. I devoured it in the next three days, whilst staying at my grandparents for the holiday. I just couldn't put it down, it was even better than I'd imagined.

Wrote in the first person by Elle Luna herself, she takes us through her own experience of wanting to pursue art and finding her own dream space to make it happen. She tells of the differences between 'Should' and 'Must', why these are different to one another and how to figure out which you are living to in your own life. 'Should' revolve's around, well around things people feel they should be doing; ie. going to university or college to get qualifications. On the other hand, the things you feel compelled and drawn to are the 'Musts' in your life. 'Must' is the thing that is so rooted in your being that if you didn't fulfil it, you would feel a little lost or out of sync with yourself. For me, this space is a big part of my 'Must'. I feel the need to write. Whether it's an account of a day out, thoughts on an issue or even just passing on the love of a book -I feel the constant need to write and produce something (even if that means no one is watching or listening on the other end).
extract:

If you believe that you have something special inside of you, and you feel it's about time you gave it a shot, honour that calling in some way - today. If you feel a knot in your stomach because you can see the enormous distance between your dreams and your daily reality, do one thing to tighten your grip on what you want - today. If you've been peering down the road to must but can't quite make the choice, dig a little deeper and find out what's stopping you - today. Because there is a recurring choice in life and it occurs at the intersection of two roads. We arrive at this place again and again. 

Elle uses not only her own experiences within the book but also others stories of their own crossroads and how they made those steps towards their own 'Musts'. She uses quote, tips, illustrations, pictures and even activities throughout to help the reader come to the conclusion of their own 'should & must' and where to go from there. One of my favourite activities was the obituary one -sounds a little ominous, but bear with me- where she says to write what you want your obituary to say, how do you want to be remembered and what you did with your life. She then gets you to write your obituary following how your life is now, what are you doing and what it will inevitably say if you were to follow your 'should'. The difference is often startling and a real eye-opener when you compare and contrast.

From my own experience and the profound effect the book has had on me, I feel confident in my recommendation of this book to everyone -I quite literally want to talk about the book to everyone I see, much to their disappointment of my choice of conversation. The book as a whole has reiterated my passions and what I want to be doing with my life, regardless of what I 'should' be doing and what is expected from me, from general society. It's encouraged me to follow my heart and give it my all.

Favourite quote:

Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who come alive -Howard Thurman, philosopher 

Have you read this book -what did you think? (let me know below) 

Cheerio for now!
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Book Review: Grace

Grace: A Memoir, by Grace Coddington 

I’m not entirely sure where to start with this book. I have been waiting so long to read this and now that I finally have I’m not sure what book to go onto next. For me, this book was an easy read full of both Grace’s wit and humour, as well as a full dose of truth and honesty about her life. She recites everything from her childhood to her modelling career, her transition to creative director as well as her transition through relationships giving us a look through not only her love life but also her family life. She also lets us in behind the scenes of her relationships with colleagues, and friendships with famous faces. The book is also full of Grace’s neat and quirky sketches, along with photographs from her modelling days, personal life and photo shoots from her creative direction. 

I have to admit, I’m not a hardcore fashion follower so I was a little nervous at how much I would relate to this memoir. As I made my way through, I was surprised at how many names I recognised. From models to designers, photographers to editors; I impressed myself with my knowledge of the fashion world. 

This book made for an easy-breezy read; wrote as though you were sitting with a cuppa listening to Grace, herself. I’d recommend to anyone, especially those who love memoirs or anything within the realm of the fashion or creative art world. 

Ever read Grace: a memoir? What did you think? 

Cheerio for now!

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Book Review: The perks of being a wallflower

The perks of being a wallflower, Stephen Chbosky 

This was another book that a cracked open within the final weeks of assignment work -procrastination in full affect! I began it during a cram session, with leftover pizza, coca-cola and red bull on hand; not the best or most nutritional study snacks but it was a 'you gotta do, what you gotta do’ situation. 

I have wanted to have a flip through this book for quite some time, but it has always struck me as maybe a ‘cult’ book, that others have clammed together and hyped about more than what it’s actually worth. It took me awhile to get into but once I had I realised it is actually pretty great book and actually resonates so much with me and my introverted thoughts. 

The book is based around a collections of letters wrote to someone only known as ‘friend’ from charlie, an introspective freshman, who likes to read books and is intelligent beyond his years. The book follows Charlie through coming-of-age passages such as making friends, exploring sexuality, dealing with a first crush, trying drugs and family tensions; as well as his desirable chase for feeling infinite with his best friends Sam and Patrick. Charlie’s letters let us into his daily thoughts and feelings, which lead us through his days as though we were there with him; within his head. 

Although I was slightly on the fence through a lot of the book itself, I really enjoyed the way the book was presented through the letters and the inner monologue of Charlie’s thoughts. It was something I have never really experienced from a book before. I would recommend for most, though I am sure not all would enjoy this type of read. 

Favourite Quote: “So, I guess we are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we’ll never know most of them. But even if we don’t have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there. We can still do things. And we can try to feel okay about them” 

Have you ever read The perks of being a wallflower? 

Cheerio for now! 

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Book Review: The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde. 

I have been wanting to read this book for many years, but over time obstacles, and life in general, have got in the way. The Picture of Dorian Gray has always been lurking on my ‘to read’ list and I have always been oddly drawn to quotes by Oscar Wilde so last year I finally bit the bullet and plonked that book at the top of my reading list. That top place is sort of a sacred spot on my list and serves as a huge billboard for my friends and relatives to gage how badly I want a book depending on its status (ranking) on my list; which is usually drafted and then handwritten until it’s just right. I know, I know -I sound sad; but whats a girl to do when she’s bedridden and has nothing better to do with her days but dream about the books she wants to read. 

I received this book for christmas, and cracked it open over the holidays whilst on my break from uni. I was definitely drawn to the story within the first few chapters but between pacing myself for christmas and family events I didn’t manage to complete it before returning to my uni work. Over the past few weeks, of reading, note-taking and general work and preparation for my final assignments, I have found myself relentlessly finding any and every possible distraction to try and avoid doing those important tasks. This led me back to my half-read book and I once again returned to the gothic novel, though this time I was accompanied by a large mug of tea and a few pieces of cantuccini. 

The Picture of Dorian Gray starts at Basil Hallward’s studio where he is to stand and have a portrait painted by the artist himself. While there he encounters Lord Henry Wotton, whom he becomes increasingly fascinated with and befriends in an instance. Dorian, an eighteen year old young fellow at the time, is convinced by Lord Henry that his most valued possessions are his beauty and youth. Later, having seen his portrait and heard both Basil and Lord Henry marvel at his youth and beauty, he’s prevailed by his emotions and wishes that the portrait would age with time rather then himself. After, he continues with his days and enjoys the company and cynical words of Lord Henry, without thinking of the portrait -til one night, he notices its appearance has changed and he realises that the words he exclaimed in Basil’s studio had came true and the true nature of him and his soul was being displayed on the portrait rather than himself. 

The book is noted as a modern classic of literature, as well as the only novel wrote by Oscar Wilde acting as a showcase for his writing talents. The story itself is fascinating, with long-standing morals of society and slightly comical moments throughout. Wilde’s storytelling talents are mesmerising, complete with beautiful, almost poetic, imagery and complex yet innovative characters; all including personal traits of the author himself. 

Favourite Quote: "But the picture? What was he to say of that? It held the secret to his life, and told his story. It taught him to love his own beauty. Would it teach him to loathe his own soul? Would he ever look at it again?"

What Classic's have always caught your eye? 

Cheerio for now!

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Book Review: The Five People You Meet In Heaven

The five people you meet in heaven, Mitch Albom.
I remember Joanne Harris once saying "some books you read. Some books you enjoy. But some books just swallow you up heart and soul." This book relates to those words so well and was exactly what it did to me. I remember it being on my suggested list on Amazon and reading such great reviews, but at that time there was other books I was absolutely craving to get my hands on, so I didn't purchase it. A few months after that I got a sample chapter off the iBooks app and was gripped to it, though still, there were other books. It weren't until our trip to Whitstable with my pops that I finally decided to get it. I'd finally decided on four books and was heading for the cashier when I noticed it. Without thinking I grabbed it, and swapped it with one of my books I was already holding. Having now read it, I am so glad I saw it and had that sudden impulse. By the following night I had devoured it, cover to cover.

Albom tells the tale of Eddie the maintenance guy at ruby pier, and how he dies and of course, the five people he meets in heaven. Throughout the book he meets the five people, and his story unravels as he understands how and why his life played out the way that it had. How even though he may have felt he never truly did something or made something of his life, and that he may have felt unimportant a lot of the time, he played a vital role in so many people's lives without ever truly knowing it.

Not just how it's wrote, but the story itself, ideas and themes Mitch Albom brings up are thought-provoking yet mesmerisingly beautiful. This book has had a truly profound effect on myself, and after reading it, I can imagine many others also. I would recommend it to anyone, and can't wait to delve into his other works.

Whenever I read a book I always have a pencil on hand to underline any quotes and sentences I particularly like, or to jot some things down in the margin. I also fold the bottom corner of that page too.
Favourite quote: "There are five people you meet in heaven," the Blue Man suddenly said. "Each of us was in your life for a reason. You may not have known the reason at the time, and that is what heaven is for. For understanding your life on Earth." 

This originally was going to be a collection of reviews from books I'd recently read, but I do have a tendency to over write so I had to rethink things.

Any recommendations? 

Stay tuned for more reviews,

Cheerio for now! 
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a trip to the bookshop

Just after i submitted my first TMA back in November, I decided to take some time away from the books to recharge. I was feeling drained but slightly anxious too, at the thought of getting my results -I thought writing it was bad enough, waiting for the result is ten times worse! With that in mind on the following Sunday we all piled into the car and headed for the coast, to Whitstable. We even managed to drag grandfather along with us, which is a miracle within itself.

It was a chilly day, with the coastal breeze making it that extra bit nippy. Whitstable is a quaint historic town, the road pathed with old stone and tiny shops and businesses lodged here and there down pokey alley ways. It's a beautiful place at any time of the year, but not the most ideal place for a wheelchair user. Because of that we have to park as close as possible to the shops we want to have a look in. Of course the only shop I'm likely to want to go in is the bookshop, which I dragged everyone into.

You know when a dog sees their owner and they get all excited, wag their tail like crazy and jump about -that's what I'm like when I see a bookshop; although as a chronically ill person the jumping around is more spiritual than physical. Whenever I go into the store I head straight for the Classics and start the excruciating process of picking and deciding which books I want, need and which I'll eventually buy. It's a tediously long process much to my families delight, but I eventually narrowed it down to four books -which I must point out is a record for me! By this point my family just agreed to get the books for me and get me out of there before I took up permanent residency. The adrenaline of being able to go in the book shop got a little too much, so I crashed in the car as the rest of the cronies dodged in and out of the rest of the shops.

Our day ended with a nice cruise and guided tour down memory lane from my grandpops -which I must admit was more like being in a jeep on a rally drive; fast drivers and leather seats are not a good mix! We ended up finishing our day with a nice roast -unfortunately I was too exhausted to even get through half of mine- and then headed home, where I flopped into bed, just like every other day. Why break the habit of a lifetime huh?

**i just realised how long this is getting so I shall save my reviews of my bookshop haul for another day.
Cheerio for now!
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A Book Day!

Today’s world book day. It’s the day that all bookworms rejoice in celebrating the magical world of books, in which we reside. The day we can’t wait to come around in hope of recruiting a friend or family member into our world of words. 

I feel like this isn’t a national or international holiday that is typically celebrated throughout the blogosphere as often as other holidays and so i’d thought i’d hop on in and get the World Book Day posts rolling in by mentioning a few of my favourite books. I typically can read most books but of course, i do have a few select favs; which have caught me hook, line and sinker!

A Series of Unfortunate Events -Lemony Snicket

So these books are my favourite childhood favourites. i read these when i was about nine or ten, and have loved them ever since. The series overall tells the unfortunate events that unfold after the parents of the Baudelaire orphans perish in a house fire. The series follows them being passed through the hands of various guardians and distant relatives, all of which they’ve never met or heard of; whilst also being shadowed by a character named Count Olaf, who is after their family fortune. 

Personally i have always loved the dark, ominous tone that the writing and storytelling has -because what nine year old doesn’t love a dark tale of the misfortunes of others; i swear i was a totally normal kid! Overall i think the slightly bizarre and eccentric characters captured me most, as well as of course wanting to find out what eventually happened to the Baudelaire orphans.

Plus the whole ‘Lemony Snicket’ persona of the author going on and the cryptic dedications to Beatrice -I mean i still have no idea who this actually is (or based on) and it actually really bothers me. There are so many contributing factors that draw me to these books -but ultimately, i just love it!

I’m currently half way through Lemony Snicket’s new series of ‘all the wrong questions’. Which unfortunately i have had to pause and push to the side in light of upcoming assignments *wipes away glistening tear*. 

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Other Stories -Lewis Carroll (Barnes & Noble ed)

Cards on the table; I’m kinda obsessed with Alice in Wonderland. I think we can all agree that Lewis Carroll had a pretty vivid imagination to dream up these particular stories -or he was high- and it’s an absolute delight to get lost in them. Plus his poems and short limericks are a treat, and of course have very important morals. My favourite character would probably have to be thE blue caterpillar. 

I could quite happily get lost in Wonderland any day of the week!

The Phantom of the Opera -Gaston Leroux (Penguin Classics ed)

I was never really drawn to gothic novels growing up. Sure i likes the tone of Lemony Snicket, but books such as phantom of the opera were classed as classics and to be honest classics always seemed so daunting to me. I always associated them with big long words i couldn’t pronounce out loud, let alone actually know what they meant. Until last year, on a miserable cold and wet day, i ducked into a bookshop and bought this book on impulse. So many people had recommended i read it, but i was hesitant until that day. 

Two days later i’d devoured it and had a serious case of DBES (dried and burning eye syndrome) which took some time to fully heal which was unfortunate. On the upside, I absolutely loved the book. For me a great book isn’t just about the story, its about everything else that comes with it; the vibe and theme, the ways its written, the characters… i could go on forever. But i guess the main thing i’m trying to say is that everything matters -if you were watching a kiss scene in a romance film you wouldn’t expect a heavy metal song in the background to set the mood. Phantom of the opera was this for me. It had everything going on, in all the right places and has quickly become one of my ultimate favourites.

If You Have To Cry, Go Outside And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You -Kelly Cutrone

Kelly Cutrone? The boss lady from The Hills? yeah, thats the one. 

You know that saying 'don't judge a book by its cover'? Whenever I hear this phrase, both this book & Kelly Cutrone are among the first to come to mind. I say this because everyone i have recommended the book to, who has also seen the hills, is surprised at who Kelly Cutrone, the woman herself, actually is. I have to admit, even I was too. 

I’m not going to start rambling on about this book because, well because if i start won’t stop. I could actually write a book devoted to Kelly Cutrone as thanks for sharing he advice on life, love and business. This book was one of my recommended buys on amazon, and after years of shunning it away i finally bought it on a rainy day. Reflecting back it’s probably the best book I’ve ever bought for my soul, and ultimately gave me a little bit of hope to pull me out of what felt like a never-ending dark phase in my life. Kelly Cutrone lets us in on both her personal and professional life, the highs and the lows. In my eyes it’s a great read and a must for any girls (or guys) bookshelf!

What are your favourite books? 

Cheerio for now! 

P.S. IF ANYONE KNOWS WHO BEATRICE IS IN THE DEDICATIONS OF A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, PLEASE COMMENT BELOW - ITS TORTURE NOT KNOWING WHO SHE IS!

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