I guess I should explain myself.

Hi.

Long time no see. Longer than the time I took off YouTube. Sorry about that.

I've been taking more time away from my blog since the last post in November, I have had a lot going on in my personal life that meant not only did I not have a lot of time to write blog posts for you all, but I barely had time to read. Whilst I did continue to post videos, these were mainly bulk-filmed making them easier to film and then edit and upload where I could.

Now that I feel a little bit more "normal" after everything that went on between November and May, I am starting to get back into the swing of things in terms of videos and blog posts - I have a number of reviews to post considering I havent posted anything this year!

So far this year I've read:

Everless by Sara Holland
Saga Vol 2.
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
Wolf by wolf by Ryan Graudin
The Sun and her flowers by Rupi Kaur
Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Aimi Kaufman
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris.

If you follow me on Instagram (username @rebeccareadsyt), you have no doubt seen my updates either on my story or in my posts, as I have been trying to stay "in the loop" with booktube and bookstagram as much as possible whilst having a break, but it's harder than it seems, particularly when I'm not reading as much!

Now that I'm reading more and being more active in general with social media, I'll hopefully be able to get some reviews up for the books I've read this year, as I definitely have some interesting opinions!


Speak to you all soon! x

How to get out of that reading slump!

found this one here - thanks Pinterest!

We've all been there. We find ourselves coming to the end of an unbelievable book or series and we just don't want to get over it, so we refuse to pick up another book for a day or two to let ourselves get over it. Then those one or two days turn into a week. A week turns into a fortnight. And so on. Until before you know it, it's been six months. Yes, you've tried to dabble in a few books here and there, but nothing quite takes your fancy at all, so you stop reading that book. And then suddenly, you pick up a book and just....WOW. It's as if you've never had that slump.

Sound familiar?

Well, you most certainly are not alone! I myself have felt this way, as has a very good friend of mine. And yes, I am well aware it sucks. So how do you get out of that reading slump you ask? Well, here are my tips!

1. Find a book you love to read, or really want to read but haven't yet.

This sounds stupid, but ultimately, if you know you love a book, or series, pick it up yet again and start reading! Not only will you rekindle your love for a series once more, but you will fly through a series of books in no time and crave the feel of the pages yet again!

2. Take the time out to find a new book YOU want to read.

Yes, it is great being a part of possibly the best YouTube and blogging and Twitter community possible (booktube by the way), as there are so many good readers and people in that community who would go to the ends of their bookshelves for you! Many people recommend their favourite reads, or reads they didnt think they would like but did, and all of a sudden your TBR pile grows, just from these recommendations. But then you look back and think 'did I actually want to read that book, or is it on my list because they suggested it?'. If it's the latter, TAKE IT OFF THAT TBR. Go to a bookshop instead of staring at your TBR undecided as to what to read. Find an attractive book. A cover that pulls you in. Read the synopsis. Sound good? Buy it. Not only have you found a new book that YOU want to read, but the cover will also look gorgeous on your shelf!

3. Stop staring at your TBR pile/shelf.

thanks again Pinterest! Found here

Honestly, this does not help at all. There's only so many times you can look at the pile and find it attractive to read. If it's as long as some peoples, you'll have no problem staring at that pile because you WILL find that book you want to read that will pull you out of that slump. But if you find yourself staring at the pile and not getting anywhere with it - stop. Try a new format, such as reading from a laptop or e-reader. Avoid looking at that TBR pile until you're ready too. Don't feel pressured to pick your next book from the pile that never seems to stop growing - seriously, what were you thinking when you picked up that book and added it to your TBR? Is it the best one to get you out of your slump?

4. Sit comfortably when you start that next book.

Be it in bed, on a park bench, in a library, heck, even on the toilet. Read where ever you are at your most comfortable. It's no good if you find yourself that perfect book from tips 1 and 2, yet sit on a seat of nails to read it. Unless of course, you like spikes up your bum. I found that taking advantage of an 'early night' helped me tremendously when I was in the slump. I found that book, and got myself all cosied up, and just read to my hearts content. Now, i am a decent way through my current read, and always read best when I'm in bed. Why? Because its my most comfortable position, and the position that revived my reading.

5. Have fun.

Make sure it's a book or rhythm you enjoy. What do I mean by rhythm? Almost like a habit. If you enjoy curling up with your book while watching TV, do it. If you enjoy having a cuppa and a biscuit with your book, do it. If you enjoy listening to audiobooks on a run, do it. Do whatever you want or enjoy doing in order to make progress with that book. Immerse yourself in the book, get lost in it's world. Fall in love with its bad boy character. Hate that bad guy. Ultimately, if it adds to the reading experience in a positive way that you enjoy, just do it.

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And there you have it. My top five tips to get yourself out of that reading slump! Now, I'm off to put a bigger dent in my book!

Do you have any tips for people who are stuck in a reading slump? Have you been in a reading slump yourself and want to offer help? Are you currently stuck in that reading slump? Please please please comment below with your thoughts. And if you're stuck in that slump, who knows? Maybe myself and other bloggers can help you climb out of it! 

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!

An Update of all Kinds, including a Mini Haul and BookTube info!

Hello followers! I have a quick (at least I hope it will be) update with regards to a couple of issues. Firstly, I want to discuss BookTube and how things are going with that, then I want to discuss a mini haul (although that may come later as there are pictures for that one and I don't want to drag out this post) and tag's I've been requested to do by fellow BookTubers.

BookTube

So, incase any of you wonderful people did not know, I am on YouTube, attempting a video version of this blog. However, my laptop refuses to connect to the Internet properly (damn you technology) therefore, I am having to use my Kindle to blog, as well as borrowing other people's laptops (such as right now, I'm using my boyfriends laptop whilst he isn't here). Sadly, this means that I am unable to record and upload my videos to YouTube, meaning I am having to do them on here instead.

BUT

Every cloud has a silver lining. As does this cloud! Because I cannot upload to YouTube properly, it means I will be responding to tags and uploading reviews to this blog instead, which is excellent for my own peace of mind, as I feel like I have been neglecting my blog slightly. (Sorry everyone :( ). SO you shall see updates on here more often, starting with two tags from Wanderness, one from The Sheep and the Wolf, and the final one from Michael from Bitten By A Radioactive Book.

Mini Haul

Since payday (11th November for me) I have purchased five books. Three of these books have been very briefly discussed in a mini update video on my vlog, and they are The Noahs Ark Quest, The Lost Symbol, and The Luminaries. The other two additions I won on ebay as a fellow BookTuber was having a clear-out of her books, and these ones are Between Shades of Gray and The Girl In The Red Coat. I have already started reading Between Shades of Gray and I am very excited to see how it pans out, so look out for that post!

In the mean time, I will post in the next couple of days with regards to the Mini Haul and discuss each in more detail (at least two of them have maps within the first few pages - exciting stuff!). But for now, I shall bid you all a good evening (if you're in the UK at least). If you are not on GMT, then I hope you are having or have had a lovely day!

**I'd love to hear your thoughts on my recent changes from BookTube to blog, is it something you are looking forward to? Please leave your comments below, and please leave your blog details if you want me to follow you! If you follow me, I will follow back!

Monthly Update - November 2014

Hello!

So, October is finally over, with the month ending in its usual fantastic way - Halloween! This year however, I opted for a night in with my boyfriend and parents, as opposed to going out and getting drunk silly, especially with a supposed 8.5 hour shift the following day! AND, I decided to blog for you wonderful people too! Is there really a better way to spend Halloween? I doubt it 😉

So, with the end of October comes November, and in true November style, I'm starting to feel a little Christmassy, and I don't know why. I kind of feel like Jack from The Nightmare Before Christmas. You go from pumpkins and scariness one night to Santa Claus, reindeer and sleigh bells the next. One of the issues with this however, is that I work in retail. And as soon as that Christmas music starts, I have a dread of Christmas!

Anyway, back to the task in hand...an update!

So this month I managed to finish a whole two books! I know! Someone stop me before I get out of hand! I have also been experimenting with designs in terms of Christmas cards and gift tags in the form of cross stitch, something a little handmade to make each gift extra special and personal for the person on the receiving end. I'd love to share them with you, but they aren't completely done yet and I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise!

What else did I do in October??

I created a goodreads account! If any of you are avid readers or have a goodreads account, please leave it in a comment below so I can find you guys and add you on there, I love looking at people's reading interests and gaining inspiration as of what to read next!

So, that's pretty much it for the update, although I do have a review that needs writing for my Kat read, Twenty Eight and a Half Wishes, so I'll be posting again soon!