August Wrap Up (2019)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And I am excited to announce that I will be doing my August Wrap Up today! It's been so long since I've been able to go into detail about what I've been up to on any given month.

Enjoy!

-BOOKS-

I read a total of five books this month, which is more than I thought. Those books are:

1. The Surface Breaks, by Louise O' Neill

This was a very, uniquely written book. Looking back at the Goodreads comments, some people loved the book, some despised it, because the feminism was either clear in every chapter, or it was few and far between. I personally really enjoyed it, especially as it was more like an adaption of the Hans Christian Anderson version rather than the well-known Disney film.

2. Girls of Paper and Fire (Girls of Paper and Fire #1), by Natasha Ngan

Yet another book that I wasn't super enthusiastic to start, but ended up kind of enjoying. I say kind of, because of the reason why these paper girls are brought forth to the king. Other than that, I'm intrigued as to what will happen in the follow up book, which has just been released. I get the feeling that this book was just the tip of the ice-berg in this trilogy? series? I don't know. But what I do know is that I will most definitely be continuing on with the next book.

3. Dear Evan Hansen, by Val Emmich

Although from Goodreads, a lot of people didn't seem to stick with this book, I found it incredibly easy to read (despite the delicate subject matter), and I still desperately want to see the musical. Dear Evan Hansen is about a boy who has social anxiety, nervous when in public. But because of one letter, and a lie that takes on a life of it's own, he has a chance to change his life for the better. This is a book that discusses suicide and anxiety in a very real way, so if those are triggers for you, then maybe take a moment to think about whether this book is for you.

4. Crossfire (Noughts and Crosses #5), by Malorie Blackman

Book 5 in the Noughts and Crosses series', and it was everything I hoped it would be. And what's more, there's another book! There are so many plot points that I can't wait to see tied into knots. What's more, it doesn't feel like a completely new series' either, but more subplots have been added in among the old ones. I don't know when the next book is out, but I'm eagerly awaiting the release date.

5. The Opposite of Always, by Justin A. Reynolds

I was really really excited to pick this one up. I wanted to see what it would cost Jack to keep the girl he loved alive, and see what his choice would be. But I got maybe 60-70 pages in until I got bored. It was a lot slower paced than I thought it was going to be, and even though I learned to like the wayward style of writing, it wasn't what I expected it to be. It was a decent book though, so if you like characters that are willing to do anything for the people they love, then I recommend this book.

-FILMS I WATCHED-

1. My Sister's Keeper

2. Fast Girls (again)

3. Mamma Mia

4. Dance Academy: The Comeback

-TV SHOWS I WATCHED-

1. Dance Academy } Season 3

2. The Next Step } Season 5 & 6

3. Waterloo Road } Season 7

4. Dragonball Z

5. Anne With An E } Season 1

-WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO-

Truthfully, I haven't been up to much. I've gone running, because I'm currently training for the Leicester Half Marathon on 6th October.

I've met up with some friends, for Curry takeout, which was fun.

And I went to Boston, near Skegness for the day.

I've got more things planned for September, but it's been a very quiet, and very happy month all in all.

Okay! That was my August Wrap Up (2019), I hope you enjoyed it, and feel free to let me know what you got up to in August, what books you read, and what you watched!

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

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Favourite Book Covers!

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And today I'll be sharing some of my favourite book covers with you today!

Enjoy!

1. Mistborn trilogy, by Brandon Sanderson

These books like a watercolour picture and they are absolutely beautiful. The wonderful flowing blue tends to look a bit random for me in the second and third books but for the first one at least, it kind of gives you a clue as to what is contained inside the book, with the sharp and dark building, and the blue, which suggests magic in a historical and tough culture.

2. Strange the Dreamer, by Laini Taylor

Just something about the blue background, the shiny butterfly was just the final nail in what I needed to pick up this book. Even if I hadn't known the synopsis, or who wrote this book, I'm willing to bet that I still would have picked this up, purely for the cover. Because it is absolutely gorgeous.

3. A Shadow Bright and Burning, by Jessica Cluess

It looks so mystical! There's just something about the blue flame that stands out against other fantasy covers. What I love the most about this cover is the use of colour, ranging from orange and red to ice blue. Well done cover designers!

4. Caraval trilogy, by Stephanie Garber

Now there's a different cover design for the UK than the US. Usually I prefer the US covers (The Hate U Give hint hint), but I actually prefer the UK cover for this one. I don't have many books that have a black, white and gold cover, and it definitely stands out in my bookshelf!

And those are my favourite book covers! I hope you like them, and hey! Feel free to share some of your favourite book covers in the comments! I'm always on the lookout for eye-catching book covers!

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

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Buying Books To Mark A Place

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And to be honest, I'm really not sure what to name this post, so I'm writing it down, in the hope that a title comes to me!

It's about something that I've started doing whenever I go to a town that I haven't been to.

It's like when you go to Parkrun to tourist somewhere new.

So, whenever I go to a new place, like when I went to Durham in June, and I went to Boston on Saturday, and because there were Waterstones' in both of those places, to make my mark on the town, I decided that I was going to make it a rule that I buy a book in Waterstones.

And it's a trend that I've decided to keep carrying on with that trend.

Here are some of the books that I've bought, along with the places that I've bought them at.

Also, there's only two at the moment, so this'll be really short.

Durham- Heartstopper Volume 1

I'm not going to go into detail about this book because I've already talked about it a million times. I love these characters so much I just want to hug them close and never let them go. They send my emotions on a rollercoaster whenever I pick up one of the volumes.

Boston- A Darker Shade of Magic

Although I much prefer the US cover, I can't deny its the story that I want to emerge myself in; not the cover. I've been wanting to pick a darker shade of magic for the longest time. It's been on my series tbr far longer than any of the other trilogies I've wanted to pick up. Most people that enjoy reading fantasy probably knows what this book is about. But if not, A Darker Shade of Magic is from the POV of Kell, who is one of the last travellers, who can travel to the different parallel universes throughout the city. There's Grey London, without magic and ruled by the mad king; Red London, where magic is present. And there used to be a Black London. All I know is, everyone is in love with this trilogy and I can't wait to pick it up!

That's going to be it for today! I'll do an update when I've been to visit more places- and got more books!

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

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Bookish Scenarios Book Tag

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And I'm surprised to discover that I have never done this tag: The Bookish Scenarios Book Tag!

I'm deliberately not looking at the questions for this one, so I can't go back on it.

There's nothing left to say, except enjoy!

1. You have to get rid of all your books and you can only keep one from each of these genres- contemporary, fantasy, non-fiction, and one other genre of your choosing. Which books do you keep?

Contemporary

I haven't read that many Rainbow Rowell books, but this is by far my favourite. I love Cath's character, the way she grows throughout the course of the book, how her friends help her start to enjoy life at Uni. Highly recommend if you haven't picked this up yet.

Fantasy

Under very hard scrutiny, I've decided on Mistborn for my fantasy book/trilogy. Not only do they have beautiful covers, but the characters, the story, the world, all of its absolutely mind-blowing. These books are huge, but they're worth the time commitment. I read this entire series in 10 days, I love them so much.

Non-fiction

I don't think I've read a non-fiction book in my life, so I'm going to skip this one.

Sci-fi

It's been a while since I've read this one, 2016 if I do recall, but it still remains one of my favourite books, and it's high up on my favourite Sci-Fi's. If you aren't much of a book-reader, then I highly recommend the film. Best world-building I've read in ages.

2. You're at a bookshop and you hear a teenager telling their mum that they don't like to read, but their mum insists they pick something. You walk over and recommend a book you think is great for people who aren't big on reading- what book is it?

It's popular, well-known. It's a good book to introduce teens to. It's in the teen section of Waterstones, and this was what I was reading when I was a teenager. It might be a bit bloody and violent, but I think that this would be a good recommendation.

3. You're not feeling yourself and need a pick me up. What book do you read to put yourself in a great mood?

 

Both of these authors have been my favourites for years. I own every single one of Chris Higgins' books and even though the writing is a little young, there are themes in these books that make them some of the most hard-hitting, yet easy to pick up books I've read in years. My Sisters Keeper is just such a compelling personal book, one that I've re-read many times when I'm going through a slump.

4. You go back in time for a day to your teenage years. What book would you most likely to have caught yourself reading?

Considering I'm only 21, that was only a couple of years ago. My favourite series' throughout my teenage years has to be Skulduggery Pleasant, by Derek Landy. The 12th book was out in May and I can't wait for the next one.

5. Your friend treats you with a surprise four-day trip and you have 1 hour to pack. What book do you bring to read on the way?

Probably the books that I'm reading at the moment, can't choose between them. Both have quite serious subjects, though one springs straight into action and the other is a slow burner!

6. Your house has been robbed! Don't worry- everyone is safe, but your bookshelf has been raided. What's the book you really hope is safe?

Probably these two! I read the first one in June and got my hands on the second as soon as I could. These characters- they do something to me. They're both so precious, (not all of the side characters, but the main two) and even though it'll be a long wait until the 3rd edition, which is released in 2020, I'm anxiously awaiting the new year for it to be released into the world.

7. Your friend borrows a book and brings it back in awful condition. Do you a) just pretend you haven't noticed, b) Ask them to repurchase it or c) Secretly do the same to something of theirs?

Easy: I don't lend my books out. Ever.

Okay! That was the Bookish Scenarios Book Tag!

You're free to do this tag also if you want to.

I hope you enjoyed this tag, and I'll see you all soon.

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxx

The Lion King Film Review

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And as promised, today I will be reviewing The Lion King live action film!

Enjoy!

After I finished watching this film, I sat. And wrote a ton of notes on my phone on what I thought about this film.

So I'll start.

Firstly, the world and his wife was always going to see this film, because of the music, the story, or a hundred different reasons. Which is why I don't think Beyoncé, cast as Nala, was necessary. This was one of the few negative opinions I have for this film, which is why I'm putting it first. Although I respect her voice, she just wasn't right for this part. That and, she totally oversold "Can you feel the love tonight".

Rant over.

Other than that, a perfectly wonderful film.

Although there were drawbacks to the way they made the animals look like actual animals, and less like the cartoons in the original- like the fact that I didn't shed one tear when Mufasa died- I couldn't deny how cute Simba looked when he was a cub.

Another part that I loved was the voices: even though James Earl Jones' voice must have changed over the years, he still managed to voice Mufasa justice; Zazu's voice dripped with sarcasm, and I have to admit, Donald Glover did a fantastic job in voicing Simba.

Not to mention Timone and Pumba, who absolutely stole the show with their humour. Although there were a few differences in the way the humour played out, like the "farting" part in the introduction, it was just as funny as the original.

So many moments, where I couldn't stop laughing. "In the jungle." (Those that have seen the film will know what I mean.) Using the quote from Beauty and the Beast ...and then running away screaming.

And then, just when I thought they couldn't get any better, they reference riffing!

Other than that, we also got more of a backstory with Mufasa and Scar, what happened before the events of the Lion King, which I really enjoyed.

I also want to mention, which was arguably the best part of the film: Rafiki waving his BIG STICK AROUND! That crazy monkey is my absolute favourite and it was wonderful to see him get stuck in.

So overall, even though I enjoyed this live action remake of the classic Lion King, I think I prefer the 1994 version. What did you guys think? Let me know in the comments.

I'll see you guys soon.

Byeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

21-30 Books of 2019

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And I think it's time that I post this, especially as I'm halfway through the 30s in my Goodreads challenge! Here are some of the books that I've read recently!

Enjoy!

21. Noughts & Crosses (Noughts & Crosses #1), by Malorie Blackman

22. Knife-edge (Noughts & Crosses #2), by Malorie Blackman

23. Checkmate (Noughts & Crosses #3), by Malorie Blackman

24. Double Cross (Noughts & Crosses #4), by Malorie Blackman

This is my favourite series and I re-read it a couple of months ago to prepare for the release of the fifth book, Crossfire, which was released a few days ago. This is a story that takes place over the span of at least 10 years and there are so many topics that it covers, I can't even begin to list them. If you like to read about the situations where right and wrong aren't black and white, then I urge you to pick this series out. I currently own the fifth book in the series and I can't wait to pick it up soon!

25. Fated (Slated 0.5), by Teri Terry

When I heard about the existence of Fated, I was hesitant to say the least. Teri Terry is one of my auto-authors, and even though I love the Slated trilogy, I didn't know what I was going to gain from reading the prequel. Nevertheless, I picked it up during my week in Durham in June. And I have to say, I was kind of right. I didn't see any relevance to the characters until the very end, when it all wrapped up. It was interesting to delve deeper into what led to the concept of slating, but other than that, I didn't get much from it.

26. Heartstopper. Vol 1 (Heartstopper #1), by Alice Oseman

I can't even begin to tell you guys how surprised I was at how much I enjoyed this graphic novel. Basically, I can't believe how quickly I read this! (Under an hour.) The characters are wonderful, the story is so addictive, it flows like a dream. If you like LGBTQ+ books and/or graphic novels, then this should be high on your TBR. 

27. Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices #3), by Cassandra Clare

This was the third book in the Dark Artifices trilogy, and I had been reading it for about 12 weeks/3 months. It was so long-winded that I've forgotten most of what was contained in that book, except for the main points and the ending. I very much enjoyed the predecessor, Lord of Shadows, and was hoping that this was going to be like the second book in the series, but there was just something about Queen of Air and Darkness that didn't gel well with me.

28. Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell

Reading this book from the POV of Black Beauty himself was quite an experience when I was young. This book taught me so much about how animals experience love, happiness and hardship over their lifetime, just as much as humans do. It was wonderful to re-read it again and relive all of Black Beauty's life, and all that came with it.

29. Bedlam (Skulduggery Pleasant #12), by Derek Landy

I can't give too much away because it's the third book in Skulduggery Pleasant-2, and the 12th book in the overall series. What I will say was that I definitely enjoyed it more so than Midnight and Resurrection, and that Bedlam feels like Derek Landy has written something to rival how strongly I was a fan at the original series. I'm also overjoyed that there are going to be more in the series.

30. Heidi, by Johanna Spyri

Another one of my childhood favourites. This book doesn't have the complicated plot. It's about a girl Heidi, living with her grandfather up in the Alps in Switzerland. There's just something about the writing, the description of the Alps, just picturing in your head what it's like to be so at one with nature, that you can't help but love the classic story.

Okay! Those are the books I've read recently! If you've read any of these and want to discuss one of them with me, comment down below!

Right! I hope you have a wonderful day full of reading/writing, and I'll see you guys soon!

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Top Contemporaries On My TBR!

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And I was genuinely stuck on what to post for tonight. I started off looking for upcoming releases, when I released that, aside from a select couple, I'm not really looking forward to much in the next couple of months.

And then I started to think about my top contemporaries that I want to pick up.

And the list just started to pile up!

Enjoy!

1. The Exact Opposite of Okay, by Laura Steven

This has been out for so long, the second book is already out, and I still haven't picked up book 1. I've heard absolutely amazing things of this novel, and it's been on my TBR since it's release nearly 18 months ago. All I know about this book is that it's from the point of view of Izzy O' Neill, who has been publically humiliated. She's trying to keep her head up above water, but that's almost impossible. It sounds quite good, and I'm looking forward to picking it up soon.

2. You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone, by Rachel Lynn Soloman

What grabbed me about this book was the premise. It's from the point of view of twins, that are basically chalk and cheese. They have little in common, other than their blind ambition. Then their mother is diagnosed with huntington's. The women they both loved is now a stranger, and the delicate bond they both shared has now shattered. After they both take the genetic test, there's no going back. One twin tests negative. And the other tests positive. This promises to be an intense read, and I can't wait to pick this one up and delve straight in.

3. Autoboyography, by Christina Lauren

Now, this will be one of the cute ones. All of Booktube love this book, not just because it's got an LGBT romance within it's pages, but because it's unbelievably cute! Not to mention the gorgeous cover.

4. Opposite of Always, by Justin A. Reynolds

This is the book that I'll be picking up first, as it's on my TBR for the month. Once again, it's the premise that made this book sound interesting to me. When Jack falls for Kate hard, he's devastated when she drops dead six months later. The story should end there. But when he goes back to the day when he met her for the first time, he has a choice. What is he willing to sacrifice to save the people he loves? I'll get to find out in this book, and I can't wait.

5. Eliza and Her Monsters, by Francesca Zappia

From reading the blurb, this book is much more than a shy girl becoming her own in the outside world, not online. The hype is so big for this book, everybody who likes contemporary that discuss difficult issues loves it. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

6. Paperweight, by Meg Haston

Even from just the blurb, this book gives clues that it contains some heavy themes. Trigger warnings being suicide, eating disorders, and losing a loved one. If you even consider picking this one up, make sure you're in the right head space to do so. This story takes place in a treatment centre in New Mexico desert, in the middle of nowhere. Everybody on Goodreads has given this at least 3 stars, and I will definitely be picking this up soon, because it's so important to spread the word about mental health and eating disorders to stop the subjects being taboo.

Okay! So those are the contemporaries on the top of my TBR! I hope you enjoyed it, and let me know what contemporaries you want to read next.

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

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

July Wrap Up & August TBR (2019)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And it's time for my wrap up/ TBR!

And what's more, I just finished my first book of the month!

So, let's get on with this wrap up & TBR!

Enjoy!

JULY WRAP UP

-BOOKS-

I read a total of seven books in July, two of which were from the Reading-Rush-a-thon that I participated in last week.

Here are the books I read in the month of July.

1. Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices #3), by Cassandra Clare

I was trying to read this by the end of June, but I didn't quite manage it, so I ended up finishing it on the 2nd July. And as much as I enjoyed this book as a whole, and I felt so so accomplished when I finally finished it, it didn't really live up the expectations that the rest of the world had built for this book. I said before I started this trilogy that this would be the last Shadowhunter novel I would read. I don't know if I'll change my mind, but at this point, this still will be.

2. Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell

I got this when I was in Stamford last month and I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into it! I flew through this book in two days. It was one of my favourite childhood classics and it remains today one of my favourites today. It's considered a children's book but the struggles that the horses go through in this book, so it might be for the more mature children readers out there. It is however a wonderful story and a book that I think everybody should read at some point.

3. Bedlam (Skulduggery Pleasant #12), by Derek Landy

A lot of things changed in this book for me. It's the most solid Skulduggery Pleasant read I've picked up since the original series' concluded. I don't have a release date for book 13, but I know that this isn't going to be the last book in the series. Not by a long shot. If you've stuck with the series this far and are up to date, comment down below, or message on twitter or Instagram if you want to chat about this series.

4. Heidi, by Johanna Spyri

Another one of my favourite childhood classics, I squeezed it in in the time between finishing Bedlam and starting my reading-rush-a-thon tbr. There is just so much I love about this book, the way it's not like a book, that it's so easy to put yourself in the hut with Heidi and Uncle Alp. This is a book of happiness, with wonderful characters, you can't help but imagine them as real. An amazing novel.

5. Heartstopper. Vol 2, by Alice Oseman

Another absolute masterpiece! I flew through this in an hour. Under an hour. I just couldn't stop turning the pages. I don't know what it is about this series, but it's just so goddamn cute! Now for the waiting game: Volume 3 isn't out until February of next year, which is a whole six months away. *Sigh* .

6. Twilight (Twilight #1), by Stephenie Meyer

I don't know why I put this on my readathon tbr but, I've been thinking about re-reading this series for a bit, and it fit at least 1 of the challenges introduced in the readathon, so I thought why not? Even though I've grown in thoughts and opinions since the last time I read Twilight, there's no denying the fact that without this book, a lot of books would not have been written. I'm glad I re-read this.

7. A Poison Dark & Drowning (Kingdom on Fire #2), by Jessica Cluess

The month of July was all about reading the books in my TBR Jar Challenge (other than the fourth book in the Three Dark Crowns series, which isn't out until September.) This book has been on my TBR Jar Challenges for the past two years, and I didn't manage to get to it. I finished this a few days ago, and even though it took me a week and a half to get through it, I really enjoyed it. We got to see more of the world, meet new characters, face some tough challenges, and found out some interesting character development (which was the best part, in my opinion!) I'll be reading book 3 sometime in the next couple of months.

-TV SHOWS-

1. Dragonball Z 

2. Chicago Med- Season 4

3. Dance Academy

-FILMS WATCHED-

1. Tarzan

2. Aladdin (Live Action that came out last month)

AUGUST TBR (2019)

How is it August already? Month 8/12 already! I have my theory test in two weeks, wish me luck! Not much else planned this month though. Let me know what your plans are for the month in the comments!

Here's my TBR!

1. Girls of Paper and Fire (Girls of Paper and Fire #1), by Natasha Ngan

Having finished The Surface Breaks this afternoon, this is meant to be the next book I pick up. But because there are similar themes in this Girls of Paper and Fire to The Surface Breaks, I don't know if this should be the book I pick up next. However, on the other hand, if I don't read this book next then something tells me that I'll find an excuse and never get to it. There's a poll on my Instagram right now!

2. Dear Evan Hansen, based on the Musical (out in the west-end in November)

I haven't seen the musical yet, as it's out in November. (Definitely next year though.) But from what I know, this is a book about a boy called Evan Hansen, who has always struggled with fitting in. But then Connor Murphy takes his own life, and after people start to think that the two boys were friends (he takes his own life whilst in possession of a letter that Evan wrote himself). As the lie progresses, and he helps Connor's family deal with their grief, his star starts to grow and grow. And then it all starts to go wrong...

3. The Librarian of Auschwitz, by Antonio Iturbe

I got this last month in Stamford. This is based on a true story, about a girl called Dita who, during her time in Auschwitz (fourteen years old!) became the secret librarian for the camp. She was tasked with managing the small collection of precious books that were smuggled into the camp during the second world war. It promises to be a powerful novel to read.

4. The Opposite of Always, by Justin Reynolds

I am so excited for this. I don't know what it is about this book, but it will not get out of my head! The protagonist is a boy called Jack King, who  in love with Kate, who he met at a party. And then she drops dead. The story should end there. But Jack has a choice: he goes back in time, and when he makes different choices, another ending occurs. The final question is: what is Jack willing to do- to save the people he loves?

Okay! That was my July Wrap Up & August TBR (2019)!

I hope you enjoyed it, let me know in the comments what you've got planned this month, so we can chat about it!

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

Byeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx