October Wrap Up (2016)

Hey guys, this is  Abi here,
And since it's the last day of October, I thought it would be fitting to do a wrap-up!
I'm warning you know though- I only read one book!

October Wrap Up (2016)

So here are the book(s) that I read this month!

1. Songs About A Girl (Songs About A Girl #1), by Chris Russell. 

...And that's it!

So since Songs About A Girl is the only book I read this month, I'm also going to be talking about what I'll be doing for the following month (it is NaNoWriMo)!

So, I'm only going to be doing updates on NaNoWriMo at the end of each week (unless I read something, and even then it'll be to review that book- which is unlikely as the only book that I'm aiming to read is the TBR Jar Challenge book of the month). 

So I might not be posting as often, but I promise, the'll be twice as long as usual (and- and I'm not promising anything- I might even include some extracts from my book.)

So with that, I will see you guys on Sunday, when I will be posting my progress on NaNoWriMo! (Sorry non-writers, but this is just for November, I swear!)

So, byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

October Book Haul (2016)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I realised that November is literally round the corner, and I haven't done my October Book Haul!
I feel no reason not to do this now, so everyone, this is my October Book Haul (2016)!

October Book Haul (2016)

1. Legend (Legend #1), by Marie Lu

2. Prodigy (Legend #2), by Marie Lu

3. Champion (Legend #3), by Marie Lu 

Okay, I got this trilogy not this month, but the month before, but I forgot to include it. So I'm including it in this month's haul! I don't really know much about this trilogy, other than the fact that the protagonist has set out to kill the person that killed her brother, which turns out to be her love interest. This trilogy is so tiny, I should have finished these by the end of the year, definitely. 

4. The Carnivorous Carnival (Series of Unfortunate Events #9), by Lemony Snicket

5. The Slippery Slope (Series of Unfortunate Events #10), by Lemony Snicket

I got two more Series of Unfortunate Events books! I now have 11/13, and the only two I now need are Number 4 (The Miserable Mill), and Number 11 (The Grim Grotto)! I'm particularly excited for The Slippery Slope because something major happens in that book. I'll be marathoning this series when I have the full collection.

So that is all the books I bought this month! I'm sorry I didn't buy too many, but I'm excited to read/re-read all of these, and I hope you join me whenever I decide to review them!

I will see you guys tomorrow, when I will be doing my October Wrap Up!

I hope you have a lovely day, and I'll see you all then!

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx

Halloween Book Tag!

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And since I did a sort of winter-y book tag mid month, I figured I'd do a halloween book tag, since it's literally round the corner!
So here's the Halloween Book Tag!

Halloween Book Tag

1. Favourite scary must read

I don't really have many books I could talk about for this category, having not yet read a Stephen King book, but I think I'll have to go with Lord Loss, by Darren Shan. 

Now not much scares me, but there was one scene when I was reading this book that just got my heart beating. (It's the scene where he's exploring the house when Lord Loss has killed his parents and sister- this was in chapter two, so it wasn't really a spoiler!) But seriously, that book did freak me out- just a little bit.

Scariest Book Cover

Okay, I've never read this, but doesn't this cover creep you out? Whenever I've walked into a book shop and seen this cover, I've just jumped out of my skin. Just something about those unblinking eyes. 

If you could pick any author to go trick or treating with, who would you pick?

John Green for sure! He's just so inspiring, and funny, which is a good combination! Plus, we could talk about arts stuff and writing and just be nerdy together! So I'm going with John Green!

If you could dress up for any fictional character for Halloween, who would it be?

With much consideration, I think I'll go for Tanith Low.

Not purely for the costume, but for the character. But the costume is still pretty awesome: Black jeans, whole outfit is leather, plus she can run on walls. I'd be a bit cold if I was Tanith Low for Halloween,, but it'd be worth it to be her for Halloween. 

If you could find anything, from any book, in your trick and treat stash, 

what would you hope to find?

I'm going to have to copy thequirkybooknerd's answer for this one, and choose the Invisibility Cloak. 

There just shouldn't have to be an explanation for this, but I'll give one anyway. Not that it makes much difference (because I do this anyway), but it would be nice to just drift away from people so I could read or write whenever. And I know, I'd only for good, not for when I shouldn't... 

(I totally would :D ).  

In what fiction world would you like to go trick-or-treating?

At first, I thought about saying Hogwarts. But then I remembered that Harry's parents died on Halloween, so I have a second option.

Narnia! I've been dying to go to Narnia. There isn't really any reasoning that links Halloween and Narnia, but I just think it would be amazing at Halloween!

What book villain would you not want to meet on Halloween?

I'm trying not to go obvious anymore (we all know my answer would be Voldemort if I was), so I'm going to go with Nico, from the Slated trilogy. This guy is just creepy. (And he's fast, so that makes him all the more terrifying). To make it worse, he's super attractive. 

READ THAT TRILOGY! It's incredible. 

Would you rather dress up as a vampire, zombie, werewolf or a shadowhunter?

Shadowhunter takes it. Everytime. 

Pick a candy (just one) from Harry Potter that you would love to find in your stash?

I say that because it would be fun to see people's reactions. Plus I'm feeling brave and I feel like it would be a challenge if I got a horrible flavour, like bogeys etc. (Yep, I'm weird) :).

What is your favourite Halloween sweet?

I don't really have a specific one, but I always loved the chocolate, especially as I ended up with a lot of it. (My twin brother preferred sweets, so we'd always switch, else we'd end up with them until the following year). So it always worked out in my favour. 

I suppose if I had to say a specific chocolate that I loved the most, it would have to be Milky Way Chocolate Bar that I always got a ton of, because they were my favourite :D. 

So, I tag:

-Everyone! If you want to do the tag, then go ahead and do it! (I know I do this for pretty much every tag. (Okay, literally every tag), but I really don't think I should say to people that want to do the tag not to do it. Besides, half the tags I do, I haven't been tagged for!)

So that is my post for today! I hope you all have a lovely day and I will see you all on Sunday!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Staring At A Blank Page

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I don't really know what this post is about, or what you could benefit from it.
I also don't know whether it's a rant, or a discussion, or what.
But I do think it would help if I do a post on staring at a blank page, because it's daunting.
Enough intro, let's start the post!

Staring At A Blank Page

Staring at a blank page is daunting. There's no denying it. The very start is always the worst, especially when you don't have a plan. But once you just get over it and start writing, you won't remember that blank page. You'll remember writing.

And I'm not just talking about a story- this could be for an article, or an essay, or even a CV- so it appeals to EVERYBODY.

But the fact remains that the start is the hardest part of whatever it is you're trying to write. But there are a few things you can do to stop that blank page from being so daunting.

1. Just write.

Just write. If you sit staring at that page for hours, you'll work yourself into a frenzy. (I know I've said this a lot anyway), but if you just write and not care about the content, you'll do so much better. You can always go back and make it better afterwards.

2. Remind yourself that it's nothing to be scared of.

I don't know what else to say for this point other than the title. Just remind yourself that it's nothing to be scared of. You have to write (whatever your doing) eventually, so just get over the fear and write.

3. Be passionate about the subject.

Well, of course you can't make yourself be passionate about something you're not interested in. If you're writing an essay about gravel mines, you're not going to be interested. But if you can find some interest in just one second of that essay or project, your going to find doing the work a hella lot easier than if your not enjoying what your writing.

 4. Give yourself a break every so often.

HOLD UP! I don't mean just write 200 words and then blow it off for the afternoon! I mean, write up to a certain point, maybe for 1 hour, and then let yourself have a 20 minute break or so (it depends on how much you have to get done). Another tip that sometimes helps me is to add little treats on these breaks as well. (I mean like, I'm allowed to have a snack or something during my break if I reach a certain word count in the allocated time). So that also helps.

5. Work at your own pace.

Don't beat yourself up if you can't work at the pace others can, and also don't feel bad if you can write 1000 words in an hour (me, haha :D). Take it at your own pace, just make sure you get the work done in the time given. Just take it at your own pace.

So that is my post on Staring At A Blank Page! I hope you enjoyed it, and I hope you found some of the things that I said helpful and informative, and if so, comment down below!

I hope you all have a wonderful day, and I will see you all on Friday!

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxxxx



Self Doubts As A Writer

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And since most of my time goes into writing, I thought I'd do a post on doubts you have as a writer, because we are naturally a bunch of introverts, and we put way too much pressure on ourselves.
And if not, lucky you! You are in the minority though.
And it doesn't matter if you think these thoughts when you're writing the outline, the actual book, or when you're trying to sell itt to strangers, you will have these doubts at some points.
And to stop you writers that read this post from crumbling into a pit of despair, I thought I'd answer these doubts with an answer or a funny comment.
Enjoy!

Doubts As A Writer

Whilst you're writing a book, self doubt is a thing. And it doesn't just happen once. It's like a constant thing. You don't just think it one time, you have to battle it for most of the process (outline, writing, editing etc). 

But one thing that kind of stops self doubt is knowing that you're not the only one going through this. Everybody goes through it. 

So today I will be going through the most common self doubt that most writers have thought (or at least I have). 

I don't know any other writers.

So these are the most common thoughts that I've at least thought.

Doubts Every Writer Has

1. Is my writing good enough?

Truthfully, I don't know. But what I do know is that, even if you think your writing is a pile of ****, YOU SHOULD NOT DELETE IT. Here's what you do: just keep writing. You can come back to it in editing. You shouldn't just delete it, unless you feel like you don't need it. 

Now, for the actual question. It may not be good enough now, but practise makes perfect, and eventually, you will get better. Just keep writing, and one day, you'll think of something better.  

2. It this pointless?

Again, I don't know. If you enjoy writing, then, no. It's as simple as that. 

Those questions are basically the only doubts you can get as a writer, but those thoughts also don't go away, throughout the entire process (I'm only on the outline and I've had those doubts the entire time). Now here are some ways to ways to overcome that!

How To Handle Self Doubt

Understand that it's normal. 
Every writer, artist or performer have these doubts. Your not the only one. You've just got to deal with it. Your going to question something that you've made yourself based on your own skill. It's normal. Just relax, your not alone, even if it may feel like it.

Stop reading your manuscript
If you read your manuscript when you're doubting yourself, it's going to suffer.
Just think about it. Your getting yourself all warped, thinking your book is awful. You re-read a paragraph, and you end up deleting it. Don't, under any circumstances, delete it. Ever. Because you might end up regretting it. Also, what did your book do to you?
Exactly. So, stop re-reading your manuscript.

Remember that writing is hard. 
Remember that writing is hard. It's going to challenge you, test you, pretty much every single day. Writing a book has to be hard, because otherwise everybody would have a book out. But other people have done it, and they felt the doubts too. But they just kept writing, and they didn't give up. So try not to.

Take a step back if you have to. 
I try not to do this to often, because if I did this every time I doubted myself as a writer, then I'd never get anything done. But if you need to, just drag your mind away from your manuscript for a time. It might be an afternoon, or a week, but if you want it enough, you should come back to the book eventually. If you want it published, you have to be committed.


Summing it all up, every writer experiences this at some point, but it's often something you have to put up with constantly. Just know that everyone goes through this, and your not alone, as much as it might seem like it. Also, just keep writing. Odds are, it's not as bad as you think.

So that is my post on "Doubts As A Writer"! I hope you enjoyed it, and learnt something from it. I apologise if it seemed kind of all over the place (see, even I have doubts!).
But I will see you all tomorrow, and I hope you all have a wonderful day!
Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx

My TBR List (Update)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And even though it's sort of a random time, I thought it would be a good time to update you on all the books I have yet to read!
(Because there are a lot more than last time- I'm talking like 15+ books).

My TBR List (Update)

So, I'm just gonna be listing the titles and the authors, and maybe a sentence of two about them because there are a lot of them! Also, some of these are the next book in the series, or the second book in a series that I haven't started yet, but they are all books that I want to read.

1. The Girl On The Train, by Paula Hawkins

I think you guys have heard of this one, because the film is in cinemas now! (And I have to say, that film is amazing!)

2. The Wolf Wilder, by Katherine Rundell 

I got this book because it was one of the featured books of the month in Waterstones, and it looked interesting.  That's the be all and end all of it really. 

 

3. Passenger, by Alexandra Bracken 

Okay, I've had this book for a while and I don't know why I haven't read it yet. Seriously. 

4. The Uncommoners The Uncrooked Sixpence, by Jennifer Bell 

The same thing for this one. It's probably a reading slump, because this book grabbed me from the first page (I read the start to get the gist of it before I actually started reading it). 

5. The Hate List, by Jennifer Brown 

I think I actually have a legit reason for reading this, which was that the plot wasn't what I thought it was. I know that's no excuse, but I hope to read it soon. 

6. The Well of Ascension (Mistborn #2), by Brandon Sanderson 

Okay, this is the book I was talking about when I talked about "second books in the series that I haven't started yet". I bought this because I've wanted to read the Mistborn trilogy for the LONGEST time. Plus that cover is effin' beautiful.

7. Legend (Legend #1), by Marie Lu

8. Prodigy (Legend #2), by Marie Lu

9. Champion (Legend #3), by Marie Lu

I actually got this trilogy at Tesco for £1.50! The procceds went to charity, and I hadn't read this trilogy. That's basically the thought process that went into buying this trilogy. Can't wait to read this trilogy, especially as these books are TINY. 

10. Not If I See You First, by Eric Lindstrom 

 11. Orangeboy, by Patrick Lawrence

12. Fireblood (Fireblood #1), by Elly Blake

Okay, I couldn't find the cover for this, as it isn't out yet, but I'm not at liberty to discuss where I got this from, but I really can't wait for it. This book is about a character that is a fireblood, in a world where Frostbloods rule, and Firebloods are being hunted down, which isn't exactly good for the character. I'll probably be reading this in the new year, as the publication date is January 2017. 

13. House Rules, by Jodi Picoult 

Now this book I will definitely be reading, as it is my "Read a book with 500+ pages" for my 2016 TBR Jar Challenge. Definitely a book I'm excited to read as Jodi Picoult is known for her plot twists. 

14. The Infinite Sea (The 5th Wave #2), by Rick Yancey 

15. The Last Star (The 5th Wave #3), by Rick Yancey 

I should really get on these two soon, as they are tiny, and it would literally take me a couple hours to read each book. I think the only thing stopping me is re-reading The 5th Wave, because the last time I read that it was January. But I will definitely have read these by the end of the year. 

16. Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns #1), by Kendare Blake 

17. The Casual Vacancy, by J K Rowling

This book has been on my TBR for longer than I care to admit (maybe like 5 months). I'm a bit iffy on it, but it's J K Rowling, so I may as well give it a try. 

18. Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1), by Cassandra Clare

19. Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2), by Cassandra Clare

Okay, for those of you who have been following my blog for a while, know that this is on my TBR. And I was super lucky to get these, because I got them from charity shops (different ones, but I got them in like the space of a week). I think I'm gonna wait to get marathon the trilogy, and if I don't get Clockwork Princess by Christmas, then I'll get it myself. 

You won't have to wait too long to hear my thoughts on them though, because I am really looking forward to reading this trilogy!

20. Vortex (Tempest #2), by Julie Cross

This is the second book in my first time-traveller trilogy, and I am really excited to read this! Hopefully it'll be by the end of the year (cos I still need to read 6 books to complete my Goodreads Reading Challenge)!

21. Flawed (Flawed #1), by Cecelia Ahern 

It's been a while since I mentioned this, but again, I will definitely be reading it before the year is out because it's the book that I've got tabbed as "Read a new-to-you author" for my TBR Jar Challenge! The sequel is out in March 2017, and it seems really interesting because it's set in today's time, but it also seems a bit eerie. It takes place in a city/town where people have to be perfect, and you're either perfect, or flawed. You can probably guess where the protagonist ends up, but I'm looking forward to learning more about the world that these characters live in, and the characters we get to see. 

22. Desolation (Demon Road #2), by Derek Landy 

23. American Monsters (Demon Road #3), by Derek Landy 

The shame is real for this series. Derek Landy is one of my all time favourite authors, and the fact that he has two books that I HAVEN'T READ YET is devastating. I WILL read these by the end of the year, because they are literally tiny. 

So those are the books on my TBR! I hope to read these all soon,  because it really is getting ridiculous how many books I have on this list!

Comment down below which one you think I should read next!

So I will see you all on sunday, and I hope you have an amazing day!

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxx

NaNoWriMo!

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I thought since NaNoWriMo is literally just round the corner, that I'd do a post about it!
So here it is!

NaNoWriMo

So I heard about NaNoWriMo (god that's difficult to type) just under a year ago, at the beginning of November of last year, (so I wouldn't have enough time to compete in it anyway, even if I did have a story), but even from then I knew it was something that I wanted to participate in. 

And now, it's a year later (it seems a long time ago, but in the same aspect, it also feels like 5 minutes ago) and November is just around the corner. 

AND I'M DOING NaNoWriMo!

(I just realised that I haven't clarified what NaNoWriMo stands for, for all you non-writers (even though this is a book blog), but NaNoWriMo means National Novel Writing Month). 

NaNoWriMo is when you try to write 50,000 words in 30 days. The point is to just write write write- even if what you are writing is pure bull. 

But the point of NaNoWriMo is to get motivated to write, or at least start it, even if your personal goal isn't to reach 50,000 (as for me, I'm not sure whether to attempt it or not, because I can't just write, and not care about how good the content is). 

So the story that I will be working on is one that is still in the works right now (I'm still working on the outline, but since it's half term this week, then I'm hoping to finish it by the end of the month). 

It's a YA Contemporary (:D when I tell people that they look at me all clueless), and it centres around three characters, who are called Izzy (short for Elizabeth), Elliot, and Nerve, with which you will be able to see all off their perspectives at some points in the book (but the main protagonist is Izzy). 

That is all I am able to divulge in terms of what my book is about at the moment, but I might share more in the future. 

So, that is my post for today! I am really looking forward to NaNoWriMo, and even though I know it'll be a sort of challenge I haven't attempted before, I hope to do well, even if I don't complete the 50,000 words, because the point for me is to get the kick up the ass that I need to start this book!

If any of you guys would also like to sign up, I'll put the link to sign up at the bottom of the post!

I hope you all have a wonderful day, and I will see you all on Friday!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxx

Here is the link to sign up for NaNoWriMo! Who knows, you could be the next bestselling author!

Here's the link:

https://nanowrimo.org/sign_up

Songs About A Girl (Songs About A Girl #1), by Chris Russell

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And as promised, here is my review of "Songs About A Girl", by Chris Russell!
I don't have anything else to say, so here's the review!

Songs About A Girl (Songs About A Girl #1), by Chris Russell 

Title: Songs About A Girl

Author:  Chris Russell

Genre: Contemporary

Release date: 28th July, 2016

Pages: 483

Blurb:" "You could have any girl on the planet."

"Maybe I could," he said. He touched one finger

to my chin, and lifted my gaze to meet his.

"And that's exactly why I want you."

________________________________________________

Charlie Bloom never wanted to be "with the band". 

She's happiest out of the spotlight, behind her 

camera, unseen and unnoticed. But when she's asked

to take backstage photos for hot new boy band, 

Fire&Lights, she can't pass up the chance. 

__________________________________________________

Catapulted into a world of paparazzi and backstage

bickering, Charlie soon becomes caught between 

gorgeous but damaged frontman, Gabriel West,

and his boy-next-door bandmate, Olly Samson.

Then, as the boys' rivalry threatens to tear

the band apart, Charlie stumbles upon

a mind-blowing secret, hidden in the 

lyrics of their songs..."

My Thoughts

This book had seemed interesting from the moment I saw it on the shelf at Waterstones. Then, a week later, I bought it, unable to see it on the shelf for longer than that. At first, I wasn't sure when I was going to read it, as it seemed more like a spring/summer contemporary, rather than a winter one. 

But I'm so glad I read it sooner. 

Not because it suited the time of year, I still stand by the fact that it is a spring/summer contemporary, but because this book was that good. And I don't say that often. 

Now, this book was kind of equal in terms of plot and characters, and those two things are what, in my opinion what make or break a book. And there were plenty of both in this book, which I loved. 

The characters were both realistic, and interesting, especially Charlie (our protagonist). She's loyal and down-to-earth, and it's really easy to fall into her shoes, and her journey, as she lives this amazing life that she never dreams she deserves, which makes her character that much nicer. 

Now, the plot, even though it is surreal (I mean, who gets to follow a world famous band around with a camera, even if two/four of the bandmates are falling for you?) But what was good, was that Chris Russell made it seem realistic, (I guess him being in a band and having experienced these things helps, which is awesome) but all these surreal things that were happening were described perfectly! 

So overall, this is a light and cheerful book for massive band lovers and introverts (so basically any reader). I highly recommend this series to all people who like YA! 

So that is my thoughts on Songs About A Girl! I hope you enjoyed the review, and I will see you all on Wednesday!

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxx

P.S: Sorry if this review was a bit all over the place. If you guys have any thoughts on this book, please comment down below!

Wintery Books

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I know that I was certain that I would be posting my review of "Songs for a girl", by Chris Russell.
Buuuuut I decided I'd do a list, because I feel like I haven't done one in ages!
(I'm in a very winterry mood right now- heck, Christmas is less than 9 weeks away anyway).
So, here are the books I like to read in winter!

Winterry Books

1. Harry Potter series, by J K Rowling

Okay, I know I'm not alone in this. Because I know that Harry Potter just gives off a winterry/ Christmassy feeling, just because the feeling of family, (if not be blood, but by friendship) is constant throughout this series. I mean, that's the reason why I find this series kind of Christmassy, but why do you? Comment down below!

2. If I Stay, by Gayle Forman 

Even though this book is depressing, in the start it just gives off a wonderful winterry feel, especially in the beginning, before all the you know, events in the book... 

Anyway, the brisk and delicate feel of winter is constantly evident in this book, to the point that I almost always read it when I want to be put in the coldness of winter. (I know I'm talking rubbish, but I couldn't think of anything else to say). Love to read this book when it as cold as cold.

3. Let It Snow, by Maureen Johnson, John Green, Lauren Myracle

Even though I only enjoyed one of the stories, I still think this is a good winter read for anybody who doesn't want something too time consuming. It's three individual stories that cross-over each-other as the story goes on. It contains joyful and funny characters, and it's good enough for there to be a film coming soon. 

Release: 8th December, 2016. 

4. Cold Spell (Fairytale Retellings #4), by Jackson Pearce

I bet you guys are sick of this book by now! Cold Spell is the last one in the series, but it's still good one to read by itself, because it's pretty much completely different to the rest of them (like you don't need to read the rest of the series to understand it- even though you should read the rest because they are amazing!) But seriously, it isn't compulsory. The description in Cold Spell, as well as the icy cold Snow Queen, who's perspective you do get to see just gives off this beautiful/ delicate/ FREEZING feeling of winter. Totally recommend this one!

5. Oblivion (Power of Five #5), by Anthony Horowitz

Now this one, you do have to read the first four to understand, because it is hella confusing if you don't. This series contains a massive battle that has three dimensional characters, an explosive plot, and it all takes place in Antarctica. Okay, the only reason I put this book on this list is because it takes in Antarctica. I admit it. But the fact that it's set in Antarctica, the place where the heroes in this book are weakest, makes the fact that they'll beat the Old Ones (the bad guys- and trust me, they're worst than they sound) that much more impossible. The cold that is constantly brewing makes every move that these characters make seem that much more desperate and final. It just makes everything seem bigger. 

So that is my Winterry Book list! I highly recommend all these books, even if they aren't all incredibly cute and light books, but they got published for a reason, and I really hope you all pick them up! 

So that is all I have for you guys today! I hope you all have a lovely day (or what's left of it, for those of you in the UK), and I will see you tomorrow!

And also, if you have any thoughts on the books that I've mentioned in this post, please don't hesitate to comment, because they truly make my day!

So have a nice day, and I will see you all tomorrow!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxx

Girl on the Train Film Review

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I feel like I've been a little lazy with my posts recently!
So today I will try to do a long one!
And a post to do that often turn out to be a long one is a film review!
So why not review a film that I recently went to see?
So here's my review of Girl on the Train!

Girl on the Train Film Review

Now, I purposefully didn't read this book before watching the film. (That's kind of a lie actually. I did try to read it, but... reading slump.) Now, I'm so glad that I didn't. Mostly because of the pressure, to read it before seeing the film. But for once it was nice to sit back and not know what was gonna happen. 

(I have no shame over not reading the book). 

Okay, so the film. I absolutely loved it. It was the sort of film that I didn't know what to expect. Like, I knew it was gonna be dark, and maybe different to most of the films I like to watch in the cinema, but that was part of what I liked about it, leading up to the day that I saw it.  

So I went to see the film. And (pardon my language) but holy crap! I was surprised. It grabbed me straight from the start and didn't let go.
This film was intense from the word go, even before you got the idea for what the plot was about.
It was intense. That was such a big part of this film. It was the first word that I thought of when I saw the characters, the setting (which was eerie as hell), and just the whole story!

There was also an undercurrent of brutality throughout the entirety of the film. It was lingering in the surface, and then, just when you got an idea of what was going on, that brutality bought on a larger role, a character would lose their temper, for example, and everyone in the cinema would jump back in their seat, because when the characters got brutal, it was normally bloody, and gruesome.

Now, the characters. Omg, these characters. The characters in this film are my absolute favourite. There's nothing that makes a book (or in this case film) more interesting than a bunch of mysterious, seriously messed up characters. And this film was filled with them. They all had something to hide and to stress about, which I loved (yes, I am a psychopath).
The film jumped from the perspective of Rachel, Megan, and Anna. Megan is the victim. Rachel is the alcoholic that the police suspect. And Anna is a character that's wrapped up in the mystery of it all. Each perspective is different, obviously, and they all played a part in this spider web of a plot.
The characters were a major part of this story, and it wouldn't have been nearly so interesting had the characters not been so double sided.

All the actors were absolutely incredible, but Emily Blunt stole it. I know I've said that before, but she truly did.

Also, one thing that I did like was that the story counted down in the weeks leading up to the murder, as well, as the time afterwards. In terms of editing, I bet that was incredibly hard, but they managed, so you didn't have to try to remember whether it was before or after the murder.
Also, it meant we got to see Megan's character development, instead of just seeing her as a victim.

Now, the story. I've kind of danced around it this whole review, but here's what my analysis is: It was amazing. It was so complex, a surprise, one after another. It was literally a web. And what made the plot good was that it was intricate, yet raw. It was a whirlwind of events that had you leaning forward in your seat, trying to keep up with everything that was happening.

So overall, I highly recommend you go see this film. It has interesting, raw, and unpredictable characters, a plot  line that is gruesome, intricate, and has you entranced in the story from start to finish, and an ability to have your mind BLOWN.

So that is my review of Girl on the Train (film version)! I hope you enjoyed it!
I will be back on Sunday, when I will be posting my review of "Songs about a girl"!
I hope you have a lovely day, and I will see you then!
Byeeee!

-Abi xxxx

Winter Wonderland Book Tag

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
Long time no see, huh?
Sure feels that way.
But I'm back, and I decided to kick off my posts with a nice tag, because who doesn't love a good tag?

Now, I don't know if it's as cold where you all are as it is here, (because your all scattered all over the world, which is so amazing), but the temperature just took a massive drop.
So today I am going to be the Winter Wonderland tag!
This one is pretty old, but I still hope you enjoy it!

Winter Wonderland Book Tag

1. What book is so happy and sweet that it melts your heart?

I don't read a lot of these types of books, but I think I'll have to put Before I Die, by Jenny Downham. This book has a very serious plot to it, but more than anything, the main emotion that you feel when reading this book is hope. The ending just melts your heart with the beautiful moments, as well as THE FEELS, which crush you, but you have to keep reading, because it's so beautiful at the same time. Just, read it. 

You've seen this cover countless times I've you've been sticking with this blog for a while now (and thanks for that). If you're new, here's the cover:

2. What is your favourite book with a white cover?

This one was fairly new, but I have to say Stealing Snow, by Danielle Paige. The cover just seems so simple and delicate and intricate. 

Here's the cover: 

3. Your sitting in a nice comfy chair, wearing a onesie, with a lovely warm hot chocolate but what MONSTER book are you reading?

Probably Winter, by Merissa Meyer. That one is certainly a monster book, and it definitely suits the time of year. I was reading that... god, a year ago! Where has the time gone? 

So anyway, here's the cover:

4. It started snowing so you decided to have a snowball fight! What fictional character would you love to have a snowball fight with?

Jace Wayland, definitely. That would be fun, especially with his mad skills. 

5. Sadly, your fire is beginning to burn out. So what book would you choose to throw the last few pages into the fire to keep you warm?

I was horrified when I saw this question. None. NONE, okay? I do not want to throw words into a fire, words that a now published author worked hard to write. 

But if I had to choose one... probably Fangirl, by Rainbow Rowell, because she ALWAYS LEAVES US HANGING. I need another chapter. Then I'll be satisfied. 

6. What book is so close to your heart that you would gift to someone for Christmas who hasn't read before but wants to get into reading?

After much consideration, I think I'll choose Unbecoming, by Jenny Downham. The conflicts aren't too intense, and the characters are incredibly relatable. The story is also incredibly easy to jump into and read about. Also the cover is incredibly eye catching and attention grabbing. Here it is:

So that is the Winter Wonderland tag! I hope you enjoyed it, and I will see you all soon! (Ahead of time I might not be able to post tomorrow, but if I don't I will definitely be posting on Thursday!) 

I must say it is good to be back! 

So have a wonderful day and I will see you all soon. 

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx 

The Call, by Pearne O' Guilin

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I believe a review is in the works!
So here it is! I introduce "The Call", by Pearne O' Guilin!

The Call, by Pearne O' Guilin

Title: The Call

Author: Pearne O' Guilin

Genre: Horror, action

Release date: 1st September, 2016

Pages: 333

Blurb: " 'Your people drove them out of their homes. 

Thousands of years later they turn up again - 

and they're gonna wipe you out.' 

THREE MINUTES...

On her birthday, Nessa finds out the terrible 

truth about her homeland- the truth.

TWO MINUTES...

That she and her friends must train for the

most dangerous three minutes of their lives:

THE CALL.

ONE MINUTE...

That any day now, without warning, they

will each wake in a terrifying land, alone

and hunted, with a one in ten chance of

returning alive. 

And it is Nessa, more than anyone, who is

going to need every ounce of the guts, wit, 

and sheer spirit she was born with, if she- 

and the nation- are to survive. "

My Thoughts

This book was a decent book. It wasn't the best I've ever read, but it was good enough that it kept me interested in the story from the start though to the end. 

There were aspects that  I liked about this book, as well as some things that I had a some problems with. 

For example, the question as for whether Nessa would survive the call at the end, was constantly preying on my mind, especially as she was at a disadvantage compared to the others (she had bum legs). But her strongness, and her strictness when it came to her training, led me to believe that despite the disadvantage, she might still survive. 

She wasn't just strong when her training was concerned either. Regardless of what she went through, she still carried on, as if nothing would have an effect on her, though it did. 

The plot was creepy as heck though. Completely unlike any horror book I've read (I haven't read many, but it was still incredibly creepy, the state people came back in after The Call. (There's more to it than that, but it's serious spoilers, and I want you all to read this, so I won't indulge you in the spoilers). 

As for the description, it had just enough description. There were more for when the plot progressed, when you needed more description, because these things that were happening, and the Grey Land (which is where the students went when they were called) was insane. The description made you feel like there was so much more to the world that they were experiencing, (it got me excited to read the rest, and find out more about the world that the Sidhe lived in).

There was less description in the parts that, well, didn't need more description. And that was good. 

As for things that I had some problems with, I had some trouble following what was happening in some parts, they were that quick paced, and at some points I had to go back to some of the other pages on the previous chapter just to catch up on what had happened recently, because none of it made sense. I just reckon they weren't explained enough, to be honest. 

Other than that, there wasn't really anything more that I disliked about this book, so that's good too. 

So that's my review on "The Call", by Pearne O' Guilin! I hope you enjoyed it, because I sure did! It really is you guys that keeps me posting on this blog, you truly make my day! So thankyou for that! I hope you all have a lovely day, and I will see you all on Wednesday!

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxx

October TBR (2016)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And it's October! Time to get spooky...
So, since it is October, it's time for the list of what I'll be reading this month!

October TBR (2016)

TBR Jar Challenge:

Read a non-fiction book

Now I've been dreading this one, because I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to read. But I think I'm going to get out a book on running, since I am training for a 10K in Spring... 

I don't technically have a specific book in mind, but you can't go wrong with running, really. 

Other Books

Again, I don't really have anything specific planned for this month, I was just going to read what I want to read, and decide in the moment.

Since it is Halloween, I might try to read something spooky, like maybe Desolation, the second book in the Demon Road trilogy. 

I would like to maybe finish all the books that I bought for my birthday, since they're still on a pile on my bedroom floor at the moment. (But since I bought 6, that may take a while, especially since I'm planning on writing more this month, what with NaNoWriMo coming up). 

I would also like to read Stealing Snow, by Danielle Page, since there will be a liveshow for it at the end of the month. (Between abookutopia and PeruseProject). 

Okay so that is my October TBR! 

I have to go now because my mother is on at me to finish my essay, but I will see you all tomorrow! 

I hope you have a lovely day, and I will see you then. 

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx