Coffee Book Tag

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And today I'm doing the coffee book tag!

I thought I'd done it before, but after looking at the history, turns out I haven't yet!

So I'm doing it today!

Enjoy!

-THE COFFEE BOOK TAG-

-BLACK:NAME A SERIES THAT'S TOUGH TO GET INTO BUT HAS HARDCORE FANS-

This is such a long series- 13 books are currently out and the 14th is awaiting release- so I don't know too many people that have stuck with this series all the way through to the end, but those that have are the loyalist fans I have ever met.

-PEPPERMINT MOCHA:NAME A BOOK THAT GETS MORE POPULAR DURING THE WINTER OR A FESTIVE TIME OF YEAR-

Other than Harry Potter I guess it would be The Wolf Wilder, by Katherine Rundell. It's set in Russia, it's a middle-grade, and I imagine people tend to pick it up when their in the mood to read something that has the same weather as them.

-HOT CHOCOLATE: WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHILDREN'S BOOK-

The SOUE books (Series of Unfortunate Events). There isn't a darker children's series around.

-DOUBLE SHOT OF ESPRESSO: NAME A BOOK THAT KEPT YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT FROM START TO FINISH-

I should really put the entire trilogy for this but it says book so I'm going to go with The Final Empire. My very first Brandon Sanderson book, and I read it in the space of a week. It was nearly a year ago that I picked it up but it's still stuck in my brain now.

-STARBUCKS: NAME A BOOK YOU SEE EVERYWHERE-

This. It's on the internet, it's on YouTube. It's in the airport to Madrid, it's even in the Sainsbury's in my town. This book is everywhere.

-THAT HIPSTER COFFEE SHOP: GIVE A BOOK BY AN INDIE AUTHOR A SHOUTOUT-

I genuinely can't think of anything! But hey, if you have any recommendations, let me know in the comments!

-OOPS! I ACCIDENTLY GOT DECAF: NAME A BOOK YOU WERE EXPECTING MORE FROM-

A lot of people preferred this to Caraval, but this was a let down for me. The writing was very wordy and literary, and there was just something that didn't gel for me.

-THE PERFECT BLEND: NAME A BOOK OR A SERIES THAT WAS BOTH BITTER & SWEET, BUT ULTIMATELY SATISFYING-

The Infernal Devices! There are wonderful, heart-felt, funny moments, but the plot is so bitter to these wonderful characters that its a miracle any of them survive!

-GREEN TEA: NAME A BOOK OR SERIES THAT IS QUIETLY BEAUTIFUL-

Before I Die, by Jenny Downham. Yes, it is slightly depressing, but there's something about the writing, that makes it beautiful to read. Read it, if you haven't.

-CHAI TEA: NAME A BOOK OR SERIES THAT MAKES YOU DREAM OF FARAWAY PLACES-

The Warcross duology/trilogy by Marie Lu. I've only read the first one but it's beyond anything I've ever read in terms of world-building. I have Wildcard, all I need to do is pick it up and read it.

-EARL GREY: NAME YOUR FAVOURITE CLASSIC-

I have two: Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell; and Heidi, by Johanna Spyri. I can't choose between them, and I don't want to. They're both classics.

Okay! So that was the Coffee Book Tag! I hope you enjoyed it, and feel free to do it if you want to!

I hope you have a wonderful day and I will see you all soon!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

They Both Die at the End, by Adam Silvera

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And today I'm coming at you with a review.

I finished this a couple of hours and my head is full of thoughts about it, and I want to share those thought with you guys!

Enjoy!

Title: They Both Die at the End

Author: Adam Silvera

Genre: Hard-hitting contemporary

Release date: 5th September, 2017

Status: Standalone

Pages: 368

Blurb: "On September 5th, a little

after midnight, Death-cast calls

Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to

give them some bad news: they're going to

die today. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers,

but, for different reasons, they're both looking to

make a new friend on their End Day. The good news:

there's an app for that. It's called the Last Friend,

and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to

meet up for one last great adventure- to live

a lifetime in a single day. "

My Thoughts

When I started this book, I don't know what I was expecting. I knew it wasn't going to be a happy novel because of the title, but I certainly wasn't expecting it to be like it was. First forty pages and I was already on the verge of tears (and because I was sitting in a café at the time it probably wasn't the best idea.)

At the start, I was really just trying to make sense of Death-cast and what the whole deal was with them. But as I got further along in the story, Death-cast kind of took a back seat as I was pulled into the story of Mateo and Rufus, living their last day together.

One thing that I liked about this book was that there wasn't too much or too little of anything. Character development, knowing who Rufus and Mateo were before they got the call; the characters, the relationships they have with each-other, everything is there, and they all balance each-other out perfectly to make for a well rounded story.

On top of that, although it was (admittedly) one of the saddest and emotionally punching stories I've read in a long time, I got through it so quickly. I started it yesterday morning and I finished it this afternoon. I opened the book on the first page and I was unable to put this book down after that.

Saying that, if grief, death and loss are trigger warnings for you, I urge you to think twice before picking this book because, even though it has the happy memory of "live each day like it's your last",

it's quite a heavy book.

I also liked the random POV's that kept cropping up every so often within the book. They were kind of just there, they didn't over-command the main plot, the relationship between Mateo and Rufus on their last day together, they just fit right into the story.

Overall, this was a sad, but wonderful story full of so many things, I'll probably start crying, or something if I start to mention all the moments that I wanted to cry throughout this book. And I'm really not a crier. Honestly, there are so many moments from this book that are skirting round my brain right now.

Just, read the book.

Because it is amazing.

Honestly, there's nothing like it.

The end.

Okay! That was my review on They Both Die at the End! Sorry it ended rather abruptly, but I couldn't think of any other way to end it.

Right, that's going to do it for today's post! I hope you enjoyed it and I'll see you soon.

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Top 5 Netflix Films & Shows I've Seen

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And I thought it would be fun to write about some of the things I've seen on Netflix!

Enjoy!

1. To All the Boys I've Seen Before

This was the first thing that sprung to mind when I thought of. This is so accurate to the books, everybody is so well cast, and I'm ecstatic that there is going to be a sequel! For all of you that don't know, To All the Boys is about a girl called Lara Jean who writes letters to her crushes. But then when they are all sent off, all hell sets loose. It's such a light-hearted, funny and just overall wonderful film.

2. Dumplin'

Another YA book to movie adaptation that was surprisingly good, especially as it was done by Netflix. What I love about this film is the message it's gives: that you don't have to be a certain person, have a certain look to do what you want to do. These characters have to be the uniquest characters I've met in a long time, and I wish there were more films out there with a message like this.

3. Brain on Fire

It's been a while since I've watched this film, but it still sticks in my mind as being a really interesting film that stands out. It's about an upcoming journalist that was diagnosed with a very rare condition called anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.

I really should re-watch this.

4. Anne with an E

Now, I take this series with a pinch because I absolutely loved the first season. Not so much the second. So let's talk about the first season.

There was just something about the rawness of Anne's delivery. And how much she, and the other characters changed around her throughout the series. It was wonderful to watch, though the issues brought up in each episode never lessened, you just watched the characters grow and change. Highly recommend.

5. Backstage

Now this is kind of like Fame, but a tv show instead. Slightly younger, not as intense, but if you like Fame, you'll like this. I flew through both series' in half a week.

Okay! That was the Top 5 Netflix Films & Shows I've Seen! I hope you enjoyed it, and feel free to let me know in the comments what you've seen on Netflix and enjoyed!

Right! I hope you have a wonderful day and I'll see you all soon!

Byeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

May TBR (2019)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And with a new month, comes a new monthly TBR!

I have some exciting books to read this month, and I will be achieving a fair amount of TBR Jar Challenges this month too!

Enjoy!

1. The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, by Stuart Turton

I'm just over 150 pages into this and I'm making my way through it... slowly, to say the least. There are times when I could read it all day, the chapters fly by. But then there's other times when I have the opportunity to read it, and I don't. I'll get there eventually, hopefully not too far away.

2. Queen of Air & Darkness, by Cassandra Clare

The last book in the Dark Artifices! I have quite high expectations for this novel, especially after how amazing Lord of Shadows is. I can't wait to see what happens to the characters in book, especially after that explosive ending for the last book.

3. A Shadow Bright & Burning, by Jessica Cluess

4. A Poison Dark & Drowning, by Jessica Cluess

5. A Sorrow Fierce & Falling, by Jessica Cluess

Yep, that's right, I went and got both A Poison Dark & Drowning AND A Sorrow Fierce and Falling so I could complete the trilogy in it's entirety. It's been a while since I've marathoned a series, read an entire trilogy in a month, and I decided that I want to do it with this one. The covers are beautiful and eye-catching, and after the ending of A Shadows Bright and Burning, I'm eager to pick up the other two and find out what happens.

6. They Both Die at the End, by Adam Silvera

I bought this yesterday, having only read one Adam Silvera book. I don't really have a reason for buying this other than it's been on my radar for a while, and it's been ages since I've read a hard-hitting contemporary book. Not to mention I want to read all of Adam Silvera's books before I pick up What If It's Us.

Okay! That was my April TBR (2019)! I hope you enjoyed it and feel free to write what you'll be reading in May! 

Okay, that is my post, I hope you have a good weekend and I'll see you all on Monday!

Byeee!

-Abi xxxxx

April Wrap Up (2019)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And although I've been trying to find opportunities to write blog posts, I haven't had the easiest time with it. But, I'm digging my heels in and doing it today.

Here's my April Wrap Up, and there will be a lot to sift through because I did a lot in April!

Enjoy!

-BOOKS-

I read a total of four books this month, and even though I started a fifth, I have yet to finish it.

1. The Beast Within: A tale of Beauty's Prince, by Serena Valentino

My first thought after picking up this book: it had a different feel to the film. Although it took a bit of getting used to, it was a quick read and it ignited a different perspective of the classic film that we all have come to know. I genuinely enjoyed it, so much so that I'm considering picking up the other villainous books sometime in the future. If you like watching Disney and are looking for something quick to fly through, I recommend picking one of these.

2. The Light Between Worlds, by Laura Weymouth

I haven't really read any magical realism recently (or at all) so when I saw this beautiful cover I just had to get it. When I was picked up, I was completely thrown into the action, the terror of bombing that took place in WWII. It seemed effortless, the writing, and there really wasn't much getting used to the writing until I fell straight into the story. It's set into two parts, one from the point of view Evelyn, and the second from Phillippa. I don't really want to spoil anybody because I want you all to read it (because I honestly really enjoyed it) but one point of view takes place before and after they leave the mystical world they all left when they were children. This is both a beautiful and tragic story that discusses loss, the love of siblings, as well as depression, so if you're looking for a magical realism novel that deals with those issues, this may be the book for you.

3. Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2), by Cassandra Clare

Although I thoroughly enjoyed the other books I read this month, this was by far my favourite. I was hesitant going into Lord of Shadows because I hadn't enjoyed reading Lady Midnight that much, but I had nothing to worry about. It's for sure one of my favourite Cassie Clare books that I've read, and I'm super excited to read Queen of Air & Darkness this month!

4. Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians #1), by Kevin Kwan

I started this when I went on holiday, with the intent of finishing it on the plane back. And that's exactly what I did. Because we saw a lot of the landmarks in the afternoon, it gave me an opportunity to get some reading done in the mornings, which is why I finished it so quickly, even with the tiny print. Admittedly, I was surprised how quickly I got into. Because of how wordy the writing was, I was worried it was going to be a long slog, getting through this book, but once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. And to top it off, I finished Crazy Rich Asians about 10 minutes before landing!

-FILMS & TV SHOWS-

FILMS

1. To the Bone
This film has been on my radar for a while, but I didn't really want to watch it, in case it glamorised eating disorders. But after watching some interviews, I decided to give it a shot. And to set the record straight, To the Bone in no way glamorises eating disorders. Although I have no experience with them, it appeared authentic and real. One thing I will say is that it was so much more heart-breaking than I thought it was going to be, so if you want to watch this, be prepared to be sobbing at some points. (Trigger warning: eating disorders.)

Films I Showed Jordan (boyfriend) this month:

2. Kick-ass

3. Catching Fire

4. Pixels

(There are so many I'm just going to list them.)

TV SHOWS

1. Dragonball Z

We watched so much of this this month! I can't believe how good it's gotten! Because I've watched so much, I'm not going to give away any spoilers, but I'd definitely consider it one of my favourites shows by this point.

2. Dance Academy

I'm physically watching this now. This is absolutely my favourite dance show, and I have officially lost count of how many times I've watched this show. This is not the first time that I'll watch these episodes, nor will it be the last. These characters all grow so much throughout this series, there's plenty of drama, relationships, and ballet so anybody that likes those things, I urge them to watch this series!

Pokémon

I've only just started re-watching this, but Jordan and I are undoubtedly getting through it slowly. A bunch of you will know what this show is, so I don't have to explain it. But, if you're around my age (I'm 21) then you will know what a phenomenon that this show was, and still is today!

-OTHER THINGS I DID THIS MONTH-

I've actually got up to a lot this month, and I'm excited to tell you about them!

1. I RAN MY FIRST HALF MARATHON THIS MONTH!

I booked it in January, and because of an injury, going into March, I hadn't done any more than 5 miles, but a month later, and I finished in under 2 hours, which I am incredibly happy with! I'm already considering doing another half in October, and I hope to beat that time!

2. I went to Madrid!

I've never been to Madrid before and even though the weather wasn't the best, (it was better in the UK, ironically enough) I saw some amazing sights! (There's a post on my Instagram-same name as my blog- if you want to see where I went.)

3. I hit 90,000 views!

There really is nothing more that I can say about this. I just want to thank everybody that is reading this, or has even only been on it once. I wouldn't have got to this point if it hadn't been for you lot and I'm so thankful for that.

4. 100th parkrun!

I have been doing parkrun for four years and I finally got to 100! Parkrun is a weekly timed 5K run at 9.00 every Saturday. It's mostly a national thing, and it takes place all over the UK every single week. I love doing parkrun because the people are so nice, whether you walk, jog or run!

Okay! So that is my April Wrap Up, I hope you enjoyed it, and I will see you all soon!

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx