First Buys of 2015!

The books I bought today, still so new they have the stickers on them!

Welcome to 2015 people of Earth!

Yes, it is the 2nd January 2015, and, although I only posted on the 31st, I am back blogging to you already - many many thanks to my new baby (also known as my laptop)!

Today, I went shopping with my other half, and although I needed to go shopping for gifts for family for birthdays, I stumbled upon the little joy that is Waterstones in the Metro Centre. For those who do not know, the Metro Centre is a huge shopping centre just outside of Newcastle in the United Kingdom, and is in constant competition with Blue Water (near Kent I believe) to be the biggest shopping centre in the UK. Until a couple of years ago, there was always a Waterstones just around the corner from the MetroGnome stage (MetroGnomes are the mascots of the shopping centre if you like). Then one day, poof. All of a sudden, it re-opened again in late 2014, just in time for Christmas! But no matter when I went, I couldn't seem to find it. Until today.

My mind was telling my no. But my body (and my heart) were telling me yes. So guess what happened?

I PURCHASED SOME LOVELY SHINY NEW BOOKS AND I AM SO EXCITED TO SHARE THEM WITH YOU!

With the sale sign just staring at me as I attempted to walk past, I gave in. In I went. It is such a lovely little shop, and still looks brand spanking new! On the tables as you walk in, there are sale bargains galore, and that is where I found two of my books.

Endgame: The Calling - James Frey and Nils Johnson-Shelton

Endgame: The Calling - James Frey and Nils Johnson-Shelton

This was the first book to catch my eye. Its a hardback, which hopefully means it will be more durable to my clumsiness, and hopefully stay in better shape than other books I've had in the past. The colour of the cover is just divine, i can't help but keep staring at it in short bursts until I realise that it is a book and wont have feelings back at me. Other than the half price sticker, the emblem caught my eye too. It is so intriguing to me, and it is just such a beautiful cover in general, I didn't really need flip it over and look at the back. But I did. 

"The end of the world is coming. Play now. Or we all lose." I mean COME ON. How can you not be intrigued? Safe to say this book had well and truly earned it's way into my arm at this point. Reading the inside flap of the cover just makes me want to read it even more, and for this reason, along with the previous mentioned, it made it's way home with me today, and will be the first of my 2015 reads! I'll also keep you all updated via goodreads and twitter as to how I am getting on with this, as I am to be more interactive with followers and bloggers alike this year! So keep a check on me, I promise I wont disappoint!

All The Light We Cannot See - Anthony Doerr

All The Light We Cannot See - Anthony Doerr

The second book to catch my eye is a one that I have seen posted all over Twitter, Instagram, BookTube and blogs alike. This is All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. This again, is another sale table snatch. The beautiful cover was the first thing to catch my eye, images of cities from above and outside are always lovely, but to see them on books is always a weakness of mine dragging me in. I recognised the title as being a one from numerous reviews, all of which were nothing but positive, so I was inclined to find out more. 
When I picked up the book and looked at the back cover, all I could see were positive words about how the author describes scenes and how he has created an 'extremely readable' book. At this point I was hunting for the synopsis, which I then found on the inside cover. Now, anyone who knows me knows I am a sucker for war novels, and this one is certainly no different. I cannot wait to get stuck into this book!

The Miniaturist - Jessie Burton

The Miniaturist - Jessi Burton

Again, I recognised the name, thanks to you guys! I had heard/read so many good things about this book, I couldn't just walk past it without finding out more about it! Sadly, this one wasn't in the sale, but considering it is a Waterstones Books Club book, I can't complain too much!

The cover of this one is just too gorgeous to walk past without stopping, it really does catch your eye incredibly well. After reading the synopsis on the back, I was yet again intrigued, and after reading such good reviews, I knew I had to get it. After all, I was unsure as to when I would be in Waterstones next!

The second thing to catch my eye had to be the page ends. THEY ARE THE MOST GORGEOUS SHADE OF BLUE. I'm sorry, I just have such a thing for page ends, and these do look particularly delightful.

So there we go, thats it. All three of my first purchases of 2015! If you have read any of these, please leave a *spoiler free* comment below to let me know what you thought of it. If you have a twitter handle, leave that too so I can follow you all in the least stalker-ish way imaginable!

See you all soon - I'm off to go curl up in bed with Endgame!

Christmas Recommendations!

Okay, so I know its only December 7th, and I haven't really been in the Christmas spirit - if anything, I've been quite Scrooge-ish). BUT, with Michael Bubles calming music in my ears (his Christmas CD no less), I feel that it is only right that I blog about my recommendations for the Christmas period, with particular attention being paid to films and books! So, in no particular order, I present to you:

Music

Naturally, all of the Christmas songs must be listened to. No matter how irritating or cheesy or rubbish they are, they have to be listened to.There are loads and loads of options out there, but, and anyone who knows me will see this as no surprise, my main recommendation when it comes to music is...

Yes, it's the Canadian heartthrob that is Michael Buble. His Christmas Album is filled with covers of classics that make your heart melt and just want to grab the one you love and curl up on the settee/sofa and enjoy a special Christmas with them.In fact, listening to Michael Buble at any point in the year is a great idea!

Film

Again, Christmas films are available in the  hundreds, if not thousands. That's why it is so hard to pick a favourite. So, I have a few.

1. Jack Frost

This film is one of my mams favourites. It is a heartwarming story about this young boy who loses his dad. He thinks his dad is gone forever, when in fact, his spirit is still around and looking out for him, in the form of the snowman built in the boys garden. Yes, I am aware of how creepy it sounds, but you just have to watch it. It's a 90's film, so if you are in your twenties and havent seen it yet, SHAME ON YOU!

2. It's A Wonderful Life

"Everytime a bell rings, an angel gets its wings"

I first saw this film in Year 9 English, when I was 14. My teacher at the time was one my favourites, she always chose materials for topics that had an underlying message or theme that made you think. This is another one of those choices.

I absoultely adore this film, and its black and white entirity makes it just that little bit more magical for me. I need to purchase this on DVD though, as I haven't really watched it for a year or two so need to get back into it again!

3. The Polar Express

I had trouble deciding which one was my favourite between this and the next choice. Tom Hanks plays the conductor of THE Polar Express in this film and the character (an animation may I just add) actually looks like him! Once you've seen this you cannot unsee it. And no, I am not sorry for that!

All I need to say about this film is that no matter what age you are, this is a must to watch around Christmas time. It makes you believe once more, even if it is just for the length of the film!

4. Arthur Christmas

I am 21. I repeat, I am 21. And this film is supposed to be for kids. But I dont care.

This is a heartwarming film focused on Christmas wishes and making them come true. Arthur and his brother Steve help their Dad out throughout the year in order to make sure that every child gets their wish - a present from Santa. Steve is in charge of the delivery operation amongst a number of things, and Arthur is in charge of recieving, reading and responding to Christmas letters. Just as Santa sets off to deliver presents, they come to a realisation - a present has been left behind! So GrandSanta, with the help of Arthur and a delightful little elf who loves wrapping, sneaks out to deliver the present with his two guests.

This is a fanstastic film that I have kickstarted my Christmas off with this year, and no doubt I will watch again before the big day! I could not recommend this film enough!

Books

Okay, I have a confession. 

At the start of this blog I said I would be recommending loads of book for the festive period. However, after listening to Buble (I still am, on repeat), and writing about films I recommend, I have come to a realisation - there are no books to recommend!

It's not that I havent enjoyed any books, because I have. It's just that I havent actually read any Christmassy books, so I dont know what to recommend! Maybe you guys could help? Please Please Please recommend a Christmas read for me in the comments below, I would really appreciate it!!

Do you have any particular recommendations for me or anyone else reading this blog? If so, what are they and why? I really do look forward to hearing from my readers, and I will reply to you as soon as I can!