Hello everyone! Today I thought I would post an update on just what exactly I've been up to since 1st January rolled around. Some of these are just a statement, and others will be in more detail, and some may even get their own blog posts in the near future! So, lets see what I've been up to.
1. I enrolled at college. Again.
Technically not again, as I went to a sixth form (basically the UK's version of high school. where you stay until you're 18) when I left comprehensive school at sixteen, followed by university, so college is kind of a new experience for me!
2. I started a placement in order to support number 1.
Self explanatory really, other than the 5.30am starts, I cant really complain much, other than tiredness!
3. I have currently completed two books for the year, as well as put one down and I am in the middle of three!
I dont know how it happened, but all of a sudden I'm going from reading Starter for Ten, to reading Starter for Ten + Endgame, to those + Gone Girl! At least my vow to be more productive and loving towards my TBR pile is staying true!
4. I've used the days off from work that me and my boyfriend have off at the same time to do a bit of travelling nearby. From Washington (near Newcastle) to places such as Richmond and Keswick, I've enjoyed these proper date days so much, they really do help you to understand just how much you love that person and why they make you happy.
5. I've been to the UK's largest open cave! Side note - I'm not sure if that is what it is classed as, but that's what I was told!
hint.... I'll be blogging about that too!
6. Inbetween all of this, I've been working and doing coursework, so my crafting has had to take a side step...
7. Because of 6, I am going to post about my stitching in the next few weeks, as I have a few ideas planned and would like to share them all with you!
So, there you go! It seems pretty boring because there's no images, but my planned posts, as suggested above, will contain plenty to make up for the lack here!!
What have you been up to in 2015? Have you got any places you would recommend visiting in the North/North East UK? Please do let me know in the comments below and I'll get back to you!
Sunday, 8 March 2015
Wednesday, 25 February 2015
BOOK REVIEW: The Enchanted Orchards by Kristin Maddock
Hello everyone! Sorry for the lack of blog (roughly 5 weeks, oopsy) activity, I've been busy getting myself settled into my new course and placement, it's going well! Plus, I have a journey of roughly 40 minutes each day on my own, perfect time for those little 'sessions' of reading!
Today, I bring you a review of The Enchanted Orchards by Kristin Maddock. I got this book for free on my Kindle, and after picking it up and putting it down again and again, I finally managed to finish it at the start of the month.
The basic gist of this story is that the main character has lost her sister. Not lost as in the middle of Asda and not being able to find her, but lost as in died. For the majority of the story we don't know why or how, we just know she has died, coming up to a year ago, and the family are still really struggling to come to terms with it. Our main character, Fern, throws herself into her work at the local diner, whilst also trying to find some sort of faith other than her current one, as she is struggling to come to terms with grieving for her sister through her religion. Her mother sits and prays all day in the home, and has gone from being a woman who bakes, laughs and smiles, to a woman who shuts herself off from the world, praying or pretending to clean. Her father attempts to make effort with his daughter, but we find him becoming more and more withdrawn, only talking to his wife during arguments and practically ignoring his daughter in the process.
So we spend quite a bit of this book witnessing this family's derailment from 'normality'. Until Rocky Lee shows up. Rocky Lee is a farm boy from the town who moved to the 'big city' to study. When he returns, it causes a stir in the town, and Fern. This is where the book goes from depressing to cheesy.
We witness Fern falling in love with Rocky, but in all the stereotypical ways. From avoiding him, to almost kissing him a billion times, I found it go from being sad, to being very tiresome. I found myself only wanting to finish this book because I'd started it and I hate to leave books unfinished, so to see that I was nearing the end I was quite pleased.
Overall, this book rates 1/5 stars. If you're into very cheesy, stereotypical books about teen love then by all means, read it and let me know, you may find it very different to me. Yes, the book deals with difficult issues (which you will find out when you read), and I can honestly understand and sympathise with that. But I found the book to be quit negative in the rest of the aspects, which is not what I was wanting from this book.
Have you read it? What did you think? Please feel free to comment below with your views!
Today, I bring you a review of The Enchanted Orchards by Kristin Maddock. I got this book for free on my Kindle, and after picking it up and putting it down again and again, I finally managed to finish it at the start of the month.
The basic gist of this story is that the main character has lost her sister. Not lost as in the middle of Asda and not being able to find her, but lost as in died. For the majority of the story we don't know why or how, we just know she has died, coming up to a year ago, and the family are still really struggling to come to terms with it. Our main character, Fern, throws herself into her work at the local diner, whilst also trying to find some sort of faith other than her current one, as she is struggling to come to terms with grieving for her sister through her religion. Her mother sits and prays all day in the home, and has gone from being a woman who bakes, laughs and smiles, to a woman who shuts herself off from the world, praying or pretending to clean. Her father attempts to make effort with his daughter, but we find him becoming more and more withdrawn, only talking to his wife during arguments and practically ignoring his daughter in the process.
So we spend quite a bit of this book witnessing this family's derailment from 'normality'. Until Rocky Lee shows up. Rocky Lee is a farm boy from the town who moved to the 'big city' to study. When he returns, it causes a stir in the town, and Fern. This is where the book goes from depressing to cheesy.
We witness Fern falling in love with Rocky, but in all the stereotypical ways. From avoiding him, to almost kissing him a billion times, I found it go from being sad, to being very tiresome. I found myself only wanting to finish this book because I'd started it and I hate to leave books unfinished, so to see that I was nearing the end I was quite pleased.
Overall, this book rates 1/5 stars. If you're into very cheesy, stereotypical books about teen love then by all means, read it and let me know, you may find it very different to me. Yes, the book deals with difficult issues (which you will find out when you read), and I can honestly understand and sympathise with that. But I found the book to be quit negative in the rest of the aspects, which is not what I was wanting from this book.
Have you read it? What did you think? Please feel free to comment below with your views!
Monday, 19 January 2015
Between Shades of Gray - Review
Hello to all you wonderful people reading my blog! Today - known as 'Blue Monday' in the UK (apparently the saddest day of the year?), I am bringing you a review of my most recently finished book. In fact, I finished it last night, and gave myself the night to sleep on it and let my feelings toward the book settle.
The Book Title: Between Shades of Gray
The Author: Ruta Sepetys
Year of Publication: 2011
Rating: 5/5 stars
THE REVIEW
This book is unbelievable. I know I don't seem to say this alot about a book so this must therefore be the best thing since sliced bread, but it isn't. It is harrowing, graphic in parts, and upsetting in most parts. Yet it is intriguing and interesting and you cant help but read it. And that is why I love it as much as I do.
I got this book from another Blogger/BookTuber who was doing an unhaul, and therefore got it at a bargain price. I've always been interested in war reads, both fiction and non, so to get this at such a good price just made it more desirable.
This book follows the story of Lina, her brother Jonas, and her mother Elena. In the initial pages, this story also features her father, but unfortunately they get separated. The story is set in 1941, in the midst of the Second World War. However, this isn't a stereotypical war novel, as it doesn't focus on the Jewish trauma. Instead, it focuses on a Lithuanian family and their fight for survival when they are taken by Soviet guards in the night. Initially they are taken to farming grounds, where they are put to labouring work, including hopping wood for fire, farming beets, and in the first instance of work, Lina, her mother and one or two others end up digging their fellow prisoners graves.
After a lengthly period of time (I am not too sure how long this book spans over, as there are a number of lengths of time mentioned, the longest being twelve years), the family and a number of others are listed as to be moved. However, the closest friends the trio have made in the camp have not been included on that list, including Andrius, a boy Lina had befriended on the very first train journey after being taken. The family are moved to the Arctic, where they are forced to build brick houses for the NKVD, while in their spare time they have to build their own protection from the winter storms in whatever form possible.
I really do not want to spoil this book for anyone who hasn't read it, however, I am now going to speak about the book and include spoilers. Please scroll down to the end of this post for my thoughts on the book (as spoiler free as possible) if you wish to avoid somewhat key spoilers.
***SPOILERS BEGIN HERE***
This book had me tugging at my heartstrings from the very moment the family got taken by the Soviets. I found myself hoping and wishing that Lina and Andrius stuck up a proper friendship, if not more, and as I found my frustration growing at the pair through the book, I was relieved for them when I got to the end.
I did feel for Andrius and his mother, although I imagine there would have been ways he could have made it less obvious that he had his own bunk with his mother, such as dirtying himself up a bit when visiting Lina and her family, rather than constantly being clean shaven and well dressed etc. However, I did feel for his mother, who towards the end of Linas time in the first farm, featured less and less. I could never imagine having to agree to sell my body (for free) in order to spare my childs life. I did feel, however, that he author portrayed this area of the story well, especially the way Andrius copes with this on top of the loss of his father.
The scenes in the cattle carts, with Ona and her newborn child, were horrific, yet felt as though they were necessary, in order for us to be reminded every now and again that the newborn, born on the cattle truck itself after Ona had been snatched from the hospital, was truly innocent in every aspect of the word, and did not deserve to be born on that cattle truck, nor did it deserve to die after only days, with her mother following days later herself for being unable to cope with the grief.
***SPOILERS END HERE***
I believe that the author has done a very good job in every sense when writing this. The novel is written with the use and influence of first-hand family accounts and memories from the survivors of Stalins reign of terror. I believe that the author has done a fantastic job of portraying these tales, and for this reason, I am highly recommending it to anyone who will listen.
I do feel that if you have never picked up a war novel before, that this is not something you should go into believing that it is all hunky dory and things will turn out okay in the end. Although this is the case for many, the aim of war novels is not to paint a pretty picture of these experiences, but it is to make it so that the readers understand the sacrifices made by so few (or many in the grand scheme of things) for the sake of the freedom of so many.
If you do choose to read this book, please go into it and put all war novel information you know to one side, as it does no book any favours to constantly compare it to another. This book is a divine book in its own right, and I believe Ruta Sepetys has done an amazing job of portraying the harrowing scenes, not just of the buildings or the goings on, but of the characters as well.
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| This cover matches the one I already own, however, there are other covers available.Image found here |
The Author: Ruta Sepetys
Year of Publication: 2011
Rating: 5/5 stars
THE REVIEW
This book is unbelievable. I know I don't seem to say this alot about a book so this must therefore be the best thing since sliced bread, but it isn't. It is harrowing, graphic in parts, and upsetting in most parts. Yet it is intriguing and interesting and you cant help but read it. And that is why I love it as much as I do.
I got this book from another Blogger/BookTuber who was doing an unhaul, and therefore got it at a bargain price. I've always been interested in war reads, both fiction and non, so to get this at such a good price just made it more desirable.
This book follows the story of Lina, her brother Jonas, and her mother Elena. In the initial pages, this story also features her father, but unfortunately they get separated. The story is set in 1941, in the midst of the Second World War. However, this isn't a stereotypical war novel, as it doesn't focus on the Jewish trauma. Instead, it focuses on a Lithuanian family and their fight for survival when they are taken by Soviet guards in the night. Initially they are taken to farming grounds, where they are put to labouring work, including hopping wood for fire, farming beets, and in the first instance of work, Lina, her mother and one or two others end up digging their fellow prisoners graves.
After a lengthly period of time (I am not too sure how long this book spans over, as there are a number of lengths of time mentioned, the longest being twelve years), the family and a number of others are listed as to be moved. However, the closest friends the trio have made in the camp have not been included on that list, including Andrius, a boy Lina had befriended on the very first train journey after being taken. The family are moved to the Arctic, where they are forced to build brick houses for the NKVD, while in their spare time they have to build their own protection from the winter storms in whatever form possible.
I really do not want to spoil this book for anyone who hasn't read it, however, I am now going to speak about the book and include spoilers. Please scroll down to the end of this post for my thoughts on the book (as spoiler free as possible) if you wish to avoid somewhat key spoilers.
***SPOILERS BEGIN HERE***
This book had me tugging at my heartstrings from the very moment the family got taken by the Soviets. I found myself hoping and wishing that Lina and Andrius stuck up a proper friendship, if not more, and as I found my frustration growing at the pair through the book, I was relieved for them when I got to the end.
I did feel for Andrius and his mother, although I imagine there would have been ways he could have made it less obvious that he had his own bunk with his mother, such as dirtying himself up a bit when visiting Lina and her family, rather than constantly being clean shaven and well dressed etc. However, I did feel for his mother, who towards the end of Linas time in the first farm, featured less and less. I could never imagine having to agree to sell my body (for free) in order to spare my childs life. I did feel, however, that he author portrayed this area of the story well, especially the way Andrius copes with this on top of the loss of his father.
The scenes in the cattle carts, with Ona and her newborn child, were horrific, yet felt as though they were necessary, in order for us to be reminded every now and again that the newborn, born on the cattle truck itself after Ona had been snatched from the hospital, was truly innocent in every aspect of the word, and did not deserve to be born on that cattle truck, nor did it deserve to die after only days, with her mother following days later herself for being unable to cope with the grief.
***SPOILERS END HERE***
I believe that the author has done a very good job in every sense when writing this. The novel is written with the use and influence of first-hand family accounts and memories from the survivors of Stalins reign of terror. I believe that the author has done a fantastic job of portraying these tales, and for this reason, I am highly recommending it to anyone who will listen.
I do feel that if you have never picked up a war novel before, that this is not something you should go into believing that it is all hunky dory and things will turn out okay in the end. Although this is the case for many, the aim of war novels is not to paint a pretty picture of these experiences, but it is to make it so that the readers understand the sacrifices made by so few (or many in the grand scheme of things) for the sake of the freedom of so many.
If you do choose to read this book, please go into it and put all war novel information you know to one side, as it does no book any favours to constantly compare it to another. This book is a divine book in its own right, and I believe Ruta Sepetys has done an amazing job of portraying the harrowing scenes, not just of the buildings or the goings on, but of the characters as well.
Tuesday, 13 January 2015
How to get out of that reading slump!
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| found this one here - thanks Pinterest! |
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.
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| 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!
Friday, 2 January 2015
First Buys of 2015!
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| 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!
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| The Miniaturist - Jessie 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!
Wednesday, 31 December 2014
What 2014 brought me...
Hello! Now, this isn't a "typical" blog post about books or films or whatever. Well, it kind of is if you think of this time of year, it's a somewhat typical blog post.
In this blog post, my intention is to be reflective over what 2014 brought me. If any of you reading this have experienced the same experiences, please comment below! If you feel that you'd like to share some of your 2014 experiences with me, the comment box is there for you too! So, here goes!
2014. What a year. I've achieved what I thought was not to be achieved. I graduated fromYork St John University with a high 2:2, kicking myself for that one module I didn't do so well in. Because of this (yes I've used because as a sentence started, shoot me), I've moved from my wonderful house in York back to living with my parents in my hometown. Which isn't such a bad thing as I'm currently living rent free until I enter a full time job. High five for free internet!
I've regained my love for books and stitching. And odd combination, but it works for me. I know people will be thinking "oh but you've barely blogged about this and you've said you would" but things get in the way and I genuinely forget. However, regaining my love for books is something I thought would never ever happen, considering for the past three years all I have managed to do is read about theologians, so I'm pretty pleased that my reading for pleasure has come back.
I started stitching when I was young and then kind of forgot about it (a running theme in my life, no lie). Until recently, and I went kind of mad with stitching, purchasing lots and lots of kits and never finishing them, some even left unstarted! And then christmas came around an I started stitching tags for gifts, so that sidelined everything and became my main focus. I don't know how, but I managed to create half a dozen gift tags. I'm quite proud!
I took my family holiday this year, and my wonderful boyfriend was allowed to come too! I did so much in those two weeks in a country I've been visiting for a good 15 years that I've never done before this year, and if I had the chance, I'd do them all again!
Tip; if you ever visit Mt. Teide in Tenerife, take a jacket. Sounds daft but it is FREEZING at the top!
At the minute I can't think of any more major major highlights other than attending my boyfriends graduation, so I'll leave it here.
See you all in 2015! X
In this blog post, my intention is to be reflective over what 2014 brought me. If any of you reading this have experienced the same experiences, please comment below! If you feel that you'd like to share some of your 2014 experiences with me, the comment box is there for you too! So, here goes!
2014. What a year. I've achieved what I thought was not to be achieved. I graduated fromYork St John University with a high 2:2, kicking myself for that one module I didn't do so well in. Because of this (yes I've used because as a sentence started, shoot me), I've moved from my wonderful house in York back to living with my parents in my hometown. Which isn't such a bad thing as I'm currently living rent free until I enter a full time job. High five for free internet!
I've regained my love for books and stitching. And odd combination, but it works for me. I know people will be thinking "oh but you've barely blogged about this and you've said you would" but things get in the way and I genuinely forget. However, regaining my love for books is something I thought would never ever happen, considering for the past three years all I have managed to do is read about theologians, so I'm pretty pleased that my reading for pleasure has come back.
I started stitching when I was young and then kind of forgot about it (a running theme in my life, no lie). Until recently, and I went kind of mad with stitching, purchasing lots and lots of kits and never finishing them, some even left unstarted! And then christmas came around an I started stitching tags for gifts, so that sidelined everything and became my main focus. I don't know how, but I managed to create half a dozen gift tags. I'm quite proud!
I took my family holiday this year, and my wonderful boyfriend was allowed to come too! I did so much in those two weeks in a country I've been visiting for a good 15 years that I've never done before this year, and if I had the chance, I'd do them all again!
Tip; if you ever visit Mt. Teide in Tenerife, take a jacket. Sounds daft but it is FREEZING at the top!
At the minute I can't think of any more major major highlights other than attending my boyfriends graduation, so I'll leave it here.
See you all in 2015! X
Sunday, 7 December 2014
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...
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!
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