REVIEW || The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith

***This review may contain spoilers.***

SYNOPSIS

The Silkworm is the second book in the Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling), and picks up a few months after the end of the Lula Landry case in the first book.

When novelist Owen Quine goes missing, his wife calls in private detective Cormoran Strike. At first she just thinks he has gone off by himself for a few days and she wants Strike to find him and bring him home.

But as Strike investigates, it becomes clear that there is more to Quine's disappearance. The novelist has just completed a manuscript featuring poisonous pen-portraits of almost everyone he knows. If the novel were published it would ruin lives - so there are a lot of people who might want to silence him.

And when Quine is found brutally murdered in bizarre circumstances, it becomes a race against time to understand the motivation of a ruthless killer, a killer unlike any he has encountered before...

When we begin the novel, we learn that Strike's business is booming. Rich clients are seeking his help left, right and centre, and if they're willing to pay... well, Strike's the man for them! But when Quine's wife approaches him, you just know this case is going to be something different.

As Strike finds himself getting more and more invested in the investigation into Quine's disappearance, we find ourselves wrapped up in the literary goings-on of London, where everyone Strike comes across has something to say about Quine and his work - very few, if at all, good. This obviously makes the mystery behind his disappearance all the more interesting, and the list of suspects seems long at times.

However, when Strike gets wind of the new manuscript Quine had sent to his publisher - Bombyx Mori - the pieces start slowly but surely fitting together, making it perhaps the most intriguing case Strike has ever encountered.

MY OPINIONS

I adored this book. Taking it away on holiday (I had done this with The Cuckoo's Calling too) meant I knew I had the time to invest my time and attention to the book moreso than I would have done at home. 

Like I've mentioned once or twice before, I adore JK Rowlings works. Granted, I haven't read The Casual Vacancy, but it is certainly on my to-read list. So there was no doubt in my mind that I would have any ill-feelings towards this book. Whilst some may say I am perhaps heading into the book and plot-line with horse blinkers on, oblivious to those disliking her work - I'd say they may have a point, but having a high expectation of Rowling's work makes me appreciate it just a little bit more. 

The character developments between the previous book and this one seemed well thought out, almost like the author had lived their lives for them, documenting as she went. She definitely has a way with words that will captivate you, regardless of what you read. And considering what she writes in this novel, particularly the murder scene itself, is some-what gory compared to her HP days, I'd say she has her fine writing skills down to a T. 

I think the book reflects a number of issues the current literary world holds - particularly regarding the publishing side of things. You see involvement from literary critics, friends and publishers - both major and individual - just to name but a few bodies of the literary world. Highlighting the different roles involved in writing and publishing a book, is something I think needs to be done more in the book realms I believe. It certainly helps you understand and appreciate the thoughts, time and effort put into the books published and read. 

MY RATING

Overall, I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. For me, it was almost perfect, but sometimes perfection is something that is always just out of reach. This doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the book - because that is definitely not the case - it just means I can go into the third book knowing what I want. 

And what is it I want? Well, I want a proper spark between Cormoran and Robin. They'd make the greatest couple as well as work team. 

Have you read this book? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

DISCUSSION: I can't afford books, should I keep blogging/ using YouTube?

Hello world! Today I'm coming at you with a response/reply to a certain video I watched this morning on YouTube, regarding the issues surrounding being able to afford books, and whether or not you should cease to blog or film if such money problems occur. 

The video in question:

The creator of the discussion is a man named Richard Denney (https://twitter.com/richarddenneyyy), who explains pretty much straight off that he's an author. He's an avid reader, booktuber and tweeter, and within this video he gets personal. As in he explains how he can 'afford' to keep Booktube going. How? It's simple.

You dont.

There are means and methods around having to 'afford' books. A lot of the time, as a Booktuber and blogger, you go through an introductory impulse buy when you join either community. I've been blogging and posting videos since September 2014 (it's now July 2015), and I still find myself impulse buying through recommendations of others. You bad influences you ;)        
However, this phase does need reigning in for myself personally, but if you can afford brand new books every single month, well done you! It is important to note though, that not everyone can afford this, and that's OKAY. There are other means to reading the newest books, or even older books that you want to read.

The methods:

SO, I've compiled a couple of things together to show different methods of being able to stay active on social media, whilst still being able to read new or newish books. Some of these Richard mentioned in his video, and some of them I have thought of on my own. 

1. Get a library card - if you live in the UK, you have the opportunity to get a library card from your local council, which doesn't tie you down to just one library, it opens you up to accessing several different libraries in your area, and some may have better options suited to your reading taste than others. You may need to pay a fee to get such a library card, but even if you pay £5.00 for that little bit of plastic (which is the most expensive I've seen), it is worth it in the long run, especially if you want to keep reading or prefer reading to deadlines in order to get another book out.

2. Bargain hunting - even if you begin in the big book stores, the majority now have SALE sections. That's right people of the UK, Waterstones have a sale section. Now, curb your excitement for a moment okay? Often, these books have been slightly damaged, or have been used for display purposes and may have nothing wrong with them at all. They're books at a fraction of their actual cost, and if it's something you really really want, maybe that slightly torn edge will be worth it?

3. Use popular books to your advantage - okay so this one may seem a little confusing. Basically, many UK supermarkets (and possible US walmarts, I'm really not too sure), get a wide selection of best sellers to sell in their stores. For example, the beautiful covers of the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R Martin are available in at least two of the popular UK supermarkets, on deals of two for £7.00, which I have no shame in admitting is where I got my copies of the first two books. Considering they retail at £8.99 individually, there really is no harm in using your generic supermarkets.

4 Shop around - Yes, this is basically the same as number 2, but at the same time it's different. In the UK, there are a chain of shops called 'The Works', and pretty much every single city or town will have one. In this shop, they have a wide variety of stock available at a fraction of the price, such as a George R.R. Martin boxset for £30.00 instead of it's retailed price of £65.00. They also often have a sale on, with the majority of the books included being reduced to £1.00 each.

Within this 'Shop around' section, I am also going to mention car boot sales and charity shops. Quite a lot of my books in my hauls are all second hand, and I may buy one or two new books every three months or so depending on how desperately I want a book. Sometimes, those urges for new books take over, and that is OKAY, I just don't make a habit of it, as I already overspend on books! 

Quite a lot of the time, I manage to find books in spectacular condition in charity shops, their spines still like new, and the majority barely touched bar the odd knock here and there from storage. Plus, the most I have every paid for a second hand book is (from what I can remember) is £2.50, which is a third of the price of a usual brand new book. 

5. Ask Santa! (or your birthday fairy or the Easter bunny) - when I was younger, I always used to ask the Easter bunny for a book, as the newer Harry Potters were released around that date. As it was an alternative to chocolate, and slightly more expensive than an egg, it was often more favoured, as parents and family knew I would get more joy out of a book that I could read over and over, rather than egg shaped chocolate that would barely last an hour!

---

Now, I am aware that we are in a digital age, and therefore, a lot of people have smartphones and tablets with Apps on them that allow them to read. As this post is mainly focusing on my responses to being able to afford physical books, I shall post a separate post regarding digital books.

---

You've seen my examples so what now? Do you still have doubts about posting reviews or using YouTube? All I can do is offer advice, and it is up to you to take it. However, I will say a couple of more things before you're free!

It is YOUR decision. Just because a bunch of people who have more popular channels than you with all the books you want and they havent had to pay for them, should not put you off. As I've previously stated, the library is a good source of newly released books, so you can always pick up a copy to get you through a new book hype, return it when finished, and purchase it after if you really really want too. 

If you have issues with buying second hand, I completely understand that. However, their is an unspoken rule in second hand shops in the UK, which is that no book should be sold on if it smells. Sometimes, books smell. Usually of smoke, and often the smell is not always prominent until you actually flick through the book. I found this out the hard way at a car boot sale on day, brought the book home and it absolutely reeked of smoke and made me despise reading the book. My advice to you is this. Smell the books.

I know it sounds crazy, but trust me. Smell the books. It is easily the best thing I've started doing at car boot sales, and usually if you point out it smells a tad funky, theyll knock a little bit off the price too!

Okay, I think that's it for now! Thank you all for reading the post, I know it's a long one, but if it's made someone think, even just a little bit, then it has done it's purpose. Many thanks also to Richard, for posting such a thought provoking topic discussion on YouTube!

*Thank you Google, for providing such wonderful imagery that i can use in my posts, such as this one.

Find me here:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/craftsandreads

Instagram: www.instagram.com/craftsandreads

Stitchin' the Night Away!

Credit to Google for the image!

So, here it is - my first official stitching blog! Within this blog, I'll be answering a few questions with regards to cross stitch, such as what it is, how long I've been stitching and why. If anyone has any other unanswered questions then please, do feel free to leave them in the comments section. 

1) What is cross stitching?

Cross stitching is a wonderful wonderful hobby that I thoroughly enjoy. It involves a needle and thread, which are stitched into the shape of a cross on to a piece of fabric called Aida, which has little holes in it perfect for making the crosses!

2) Why do you cross stitch?

I cross stitch because I find it relaxing and therapeutic - well, for the most part anyway! I love to see the progression I'm making, and think the outcomes are just beautiful!

3) How long have you been cross stitching for?

I've been cross stitching since the age of seven (roughly). Ever since we were 'officially' taught it in primary school, although my Grandma helped speed up the process as I watched her from a younger age.

4) What is your biggest accomplishment so far?

I'd have to say, actually having the guts to buy my largest project to date, and my current work in progress. This one consists of nine pages, and a wonderful amount of backstitch!

5) Do you have anything you dislike about cross stitch?

Personally, I do dislike backstitch, but only when I leave it until the very end of a project instead of doing it gradually. However, it does make a piece come together nicely and finishes it off well.

6) How would you convince someone to start taking up cross stitch?

Bribery? I'm kidding of course! Firstly, you would have to actually be interested in the whole idea of cross stitching and dedicating your time and effort (and money!) into something that may not turn out perfect to begin with, but those skills will come with time. I'd also offer them as much of my help and support that I could, offering them as much help as they could possibly need. 

7) Do you use any aids with your stitching? If so, what are they and why?

Yes. I use a stitching hoop, and as I currently have two - a 6" and a 10", it means I can pick and choose between the two. I use stitching hoops in order to keep the area I'm stitching tight and therefore easier to stitch. The Aida rests over the bottom hoop, whilst the top acts like a protective outer layer that it fastened at the top to keep the aida in tightly. If you imagine a sandwich, the bread is the hoop whilst the centre is the aida - kind of. 

8) Are there any video tutorials out there to help a first timer?

Of course! If you pop over to Google (after you've read this of course ;) ) and type in cross stitch video tutorials you will find a number of options there for you!

9) Are there any free patterns available for people who don't want to rely on cross stitch kits from craft sellers?

Yes! A number of blogs are available and a number of websites are also there that are designated to just selling cross stitch patters, although some of them do provide kits as well.

Some of my favourites are:

Cloudsfactory - who have a website, Instagram and Facebook account, and can be found here. They also do custom requests if you can't find anything you like, but they do have a variety of patterns to suit anyones taste!

SatsumaStreet - Jody owns and runs this beautiful store on Etsy, which can be found here, and she also blogs, and said blog can be found right here. She does a number of designs and continually creates new cities to become part of her 'Pretty Little City' series, each of which are very cute, and one day I will have stitched them all!

10) Will you ever create and sell your own patterns?

I'm not too sure. For now, I am quite happy in my own little bubble, stitching cross stitch kits I have bought from Hobbycraft or stitching patterns I've bought online. Maybe I will one day, but that wont be for some time yet!

There you have it! My quick blog that has hopefully answered some of your questions. Remember, if there's anything else you wish to ask, please leave a comment in the box below and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!