Wednesday, December 31, 2014

2014 Wrap-Up: My Top Ten Picks for This Year

Image sourced from Peddhapati at Flickr

2014 is over! And I've read a lot of books this year. In fact, I've read 105 novels so there are a lot of books to choose from for my top ten favourites of the year. I've been quite selective with tagging books as "2014 favourites" yet despite that, I have 24 books on that shelf (click here to see all the books that made that short-list). So without further ado, here are my top ten picks for 2014!!!

Sunday, December 28, 2014

2014 Wrap-Up: My Bookish Accomplishments This Year

Image sourced from Peddhapati at Flickr

At the end of every December, I look back and marvel at how quickly the year has come and gone. And it almost feels as if with every year, the speed of its passing seems to be that much quicker. I feel like I'm getting old.

2014 has been quite an up and down year. Career-wise, I've finally graduated and started working. It's been quite an experience. So much to learn. So much to do. So much to overcome. With the final two weeks of my internship looming ahead of me, residency is starting to look mightily scary!

Book-wise, 2014 has been a big year. It's been the first year that I've really started to read novels in large volumes. And when I started this blog back in February, I had five bookish goals for the year. So let's have a look and see which ones I've accomplished.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Book Review: Reason and Romance by Jenn Young (Book Tour)


Reason and Romance by Jenn Young

Series: River Valley (Book #1)
Release Date: 9th December 2014
Read Date: 14th December 2014
Tagged under: 2014 read, 4, review copy, contemporary, romance, YA-fiction
Check it out @Amazon @GoodReads

Book Summary

Being stuck in the godforsaken desert is Adrian Blake's worse nightmare come true. Senior year is all about making fun memories. It's not about starting over at a new school and navigating a new Brady Bunch family. It's really not about living with a sexy, arrogant would-be stepbrother who knows how to push her buttons. 
Alex Montgomery is the very definition of a player. The only thing he commits to is a one night stand. He's exactly the kind of guy she hates. When she sleeps with him, it's the biggest mistake of her life. Now she can't stop thinking about him. Not at school. Not at home. 
But sometimes the best mistakes are the ones that you make over and over again...

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Off-Topic Sunday: Reading Multiple Books At Once


Welcome to Off-Topic Sunday, a tag that I'm using to post whatever is floating in my head that I want to chat about. For the most part, they'll be book-related but you may occasionally see some none book-related posts/rants as well. 

Reading Multiple Books at Once

This never used to be a problem. For the majority of my life, I have always been a "one book at a time" kind of reader. But for some reason, this year, I have had to resort to reading multiple books at once. Initially, I was only juggling two books - a physical book that I keep by my bedside and one that I'm reading on my iPad whilst I'm commuting. This was completely manageable.

But then things got worse.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Top Ten Books on my Summer TBR

TTT is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Thanks to me being in the Southern hemisphere, my seasons are the complete opposite. So instead of posting a Winter TBR like the majority of book bloggers out there (I know there's a few Southern hemisphere bloggers out there like me! :D), I'll be posting my Summer TBR instead.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Book Review: Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Standalone novel
Publisher: St Martin's Press
Published date: 26 February 2013
Read date: 21 November 2014
Tagged under: 2014 read, contemporary, new adult, romance, book review, 4

Two misfits... One extraordinary love.

Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough... Eleanor. 
Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises... Park. 
Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds - smart enough to know that first love almost ever lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Top Ten Books I Want to Reread

TTT is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

There are so many books on my TBR shelf, making rereading a rare treat. But if I had the time, these are the top 10 that I would love to revisit again.

1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

A haunting book that deserves all the hype surrounding it. Absolutely adored it the first time I read it and I'm looking forward to reading it again.

2. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

My favourite book of all time. I usually try to read it once a year but I still haven't got around to it this year. Fantasy at its best, I reckon!

3. Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan

I marathoned this series at the beginning of the year and even though it's for a younger audience, I still really enjoyed it. Definitely will need to re-marathon it again sometime in the future.

4. The Legend series by Marie Lu

Possibly one of my favourite dystopian series. And one that has an ending that didn't make me want to chuck the book against the wall. I'm also looking forward to getting my hands on Marie Lu's new book The Young Elites.

5. The Redwall series by Brian Jacques

One of my all-time favourite childhood novels. Each volume contains such a satisfying read.

6. The Ruby Red trilogy by Kerstin Gier

I read these three books so quickly I feel like I need to go back and reread them again.

7. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

If I'm ever in the mood for some contemporary romantic comedy, I'd pick this one.

8. The Demon Child trilogy by Jennifer Fallon

My all time favourite series by this amazing fantasy author. I'd pick this one up and read it again and again.

9. Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead

It's been such a long time since I've read this series. I've largely forgotten the finer details so I wouldn't mind picking these up again.

10. The MacGregor series by Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts is one of my favourite authors and when I need some romance, this is my go-to series.
Sunday, November 2, 2014

Off-Topic Sunday: Work and Being Sick

Source: Unplash

Welcome to Off-Topic Sunday, a tag that I'm going to be using from now on to post whatever is floating in my head that I want to chat about. For the most part, I think they'll still be mostly book-related but you may occasionally see some none book-related posts/rants as well.

Today is one of those days.

I logged on today and realized I have been absent from this blog for almost a month. A few things immediately come to mind. A) Time flies! B) Work has been crazy. And C) I've been sick for the last fortnight or so and I'm still on the mend.

Work-wise, I'm onto a new rotation - my final rotation for the year - general medicine. Definitely a steep learning curve with plenty of challenges! To say I've initially struggled to cope would probably be the understatement of the month. Plenty of early mornings and staying behind after work to get everything done. I think I'm getting better but still, it's a lot of work. I've often come home exhausted, straight to bed, only to get up the next morning to do it all again. So yes, blogging has definitely fallen to the way-side. But I'm hoping now that I'm sort of getting the hang of work, that this will be less of an issue.

Expect to see a bit more of me from now on! 
Saturday, October 11, 2014

Book Review: 1984 by George Orwell

1984 by George Orwell

Standalone novel
Publisher: Signet Classics
Published Date: 8 June 1949
Read Date: 8 September 2014
Tagged under: 5, Book Review, 2014 Read, 2014 Favourites, Classics, Dystopian, Adult Fiction

Book Summary

While 1984 has come and gone, Orwell's narrative is more timely than ever. 1984 presents a "negative utopia", that is at once a startling and haunting vision of the world - so powerful that it's completely convincing from start to finish. No one can deny the power of this novel, its hold on the imaginations of entire generations of readers, or the resiliency of its admonitions - a legacy that continues to grow, not less, with the passage of time. 

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Top Ten Books for Readers who like Character Driven Novels

TTT is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish


I like both character driven and plot driven books. So much so, that I don't actually pick which book I reader based on this criteria. I feel a good book must contain a right balance of both. Which is why I actually struggled a bit with this list because I'm not sure if the books I've chosen are "purely" character driven.

1. The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
This is the first book that came into my mind. This novel doesn't contain a lot of action - just plenty of character interaction and development.

2. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
WWII acts as the pivotal setting in this novel but the reader is enchanted by the characters and their lives rather than the actions on the front line.

3. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
I have a feeling this is going to be a fairly popular choice today.

4. The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling's post-Harry Potter novel disappointed many die-hard HP fans but really, what did they expect? This is, right from the start, obviously not a HP novel. Instead, it is about a small-town politician who suddenly died. He wasn't someone particularly important or famous to the world outside of the town yet his death sent shock waves through the community. People are affected, one way or another.

5. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
A soldier determined to return back home to his sweetheart. This book offers deep insight into how the American civil war affected the people that were living through it.

6. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
What can I say? This book spoke to the inner fangirl within us all.

7. The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Read how hysteria and paranoia can turn a small town upside down in this brilliant play by Arthur Miller.

8. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
A heart breaking story that poses a scenario, which is fairly impossible by current medical standards, still poses a lot of medical ethical questions that makes us think.

9. Atonement by Ian McEwan
A family saga about how a seemingly innocent presumption by a young girl creates devastating effect to the lives of those around her. An absolute favourite of mine.

10. Letters from the Inside by John Marsden
A series of letters from two seemingly ordinary girls. Back and forth. Back and forth. Simple as that. Yet this is one of those stories that truly stayed with me, all the way through high school right up to this day.

So those are the top ten books I would pick for readers who like character driven books. What are yours? Leave a comment and/or link below and I'll be sure to check them out.
Sunday, October 5, 2014

Off-Topic Sunday: What constitutes a spoiler?

Source: Unplash

Welcome to Off-Topic Sunday, a tag that I'm going to be using from now on to post whatever is floating in my head that I want to chat about. For the most part, I think they'll still be mostly book-related but you may occasionally see some none book-related posts/rants as well.

What constitutes a spoiler?

This week's post is going to be on the issue of spoilers and the etiquette in the book community regarding them. 

I think it's safe to say most people hate spoilers. When you are deeply engrossed in the middle of a book, the last thing you want is for someone to pop down next to you, peek over your shoulder and reveal the plot twist. I think most of us have had those unfortunate moments. The most memorable one of mine would be back in high school. My friends and I were chatting about Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and as we were chatting about not spoiling anything for each other, one thoughtful friend of mine blurted out the ending. 

Thanks. Thanks a lot.

Our connection to the online world is growing. With information so readily at hand, it is so easy for us to spoil ourselves. Excited about an upcoming release? There is always someone online who will have blurted out the ending. Want to check if a book would be a good mystery read? A commenter may have let slip the identity of the villain. Nowadays, almost everyone will either advertise their content is "spoiler-free" or spray-paint over their entire content with "warning: spoilers!!!".

And this is what gets to me. In my (and those of many others) effort to keep their reviews spoiler free, I started to wonder: what exactly constitutes a spoiler? Are the book summary on the back cover enough to be classified as a spoiler? In a romance novel, it tells you who the female protagonist is going to end up with. In a crime novel, it tells you how the detective will find the first couple of victims. In a fantasy novel, it tells you the triggering point that will unsettle the balance of things and initiate the cascade of events. 

So does that mean, unless you go into a book completely blind, you have in fact spoiled yourself?

I'm not sure I have a definitive answer for this question. What are your thoughts?
Saturday, October 4, 2014

Book Review: The Poseidon Adventure by Paul Gallico

The Poseidon Adventure by Paul Gallico

Standalone novel
Publisher: Arrow Books Ltd
First Published: 1st January 1969
Read Date: 18 September 2014
Tagged under: 0.5-2, 2014 read, why did I read this, book review, adult fiction, book to film adaptation
Check it out: @Goodreads@Amazon

Book Summary

On its maiden voyage, luxury ocean liner SS Poseidon is capsized by a massive undersea earthquake. A handful of survivors must fight for their lives - struggling to make it from the upper deck of the ship to the hull, the only part above water, before the ship sinks. Faced with rising water and the violence of desperate passengers and crew members, the group must do everything it can to survive - before time runs out. 
Adapted into an award-winning film by Irwin Allen, The Poseidon Adventure is a thrilling tale with timeless suspense and excitement.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Feature Follow Friday: Favourite Book Looks


Feature Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee Alison Can Read. It's a way for bloggers and readers alike to make some new friends and gain some new followers as well. The point of this hop is to follow other bloggers. I follow you, you follow me.

Also, this week's featured blogger are Liberamans and Beckys Barmy Book Blogso make sure you check them out too.

While I do prefer GFC and/or Bloglovin follows, if you would like to follow me via email/twitter etc, that's great too! Also, please leave a comment so I can follow you back!


Question of the Week


Book looks - your favourite fashions from the books you've read - suggested by Go Book Yourself.

Friday, September 26, 2014

Book Review: Stardust by Neil Gaiman


Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Stand alone book
Publisher: Avon Books
Release Date: 1 February 1999
Read Date: 14 September 2014
Tagged under: 2014 read, 4, fairy tale, fantasy, adult fiction, book review

Welcome to the village of Wall...

Young Tristan Thorn has lost his heart to beautiful Victoria Forester. But Victoria is cold and distant - as distant, in fact, as the star she and Tristan see fall from the sky on a crisp October evening. For the coveted prize of Victoria's hand, Tristan vows to retrieve the fallen star and deliver it to his beloved. It is an oath that sends the lovelorn swain over the ancient wall dividing the village from the adjacent meadow, and propels him into a world that is strange beyond imagining. But Tristan is not the only one seeking the heavenly jewel. There are those from whom it promises youth and beauty, the key to a kingdom, and the rejuvenation of dark dormant magics. And a lad compelled by love will have to keep his wits about him to succeed and survive in this secret place where fallen stars come in many guises - and where quests have a way of branching off in unexpected directions, even turning back upon themselves in space and time. 

Friday, September 19, 2014

Feature Follow Friday: Blogger Pet Peeves


Feature Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee Alison Can Read. It's a way for bloggers and readers alike to make some new friends and gain some new followers as well. The point of this hop is to follow other bloggers. I follow you, you follow me.

Also, this week's featured blogger is Book Cat Pin so make sure you check them out too.


While I do prefer GFC and/or Bloglovin follows, if you would like to follow me via email/twitter etc, that's great too! Also, please leave a comment so I can follow you back!


Thursday, September 18, 2014

Book Tag: Book Reading Habits

Source: Unsplash

The Book Reading Habits Tag

Last week, my good friend Vicki W nominated me for the Book Reading Habits Tag. For her answers to the following list of questions, click here

1. Do you have a certain place for reading at home?
I can read anywhere but I do find myself reading in bed a lot, right before bedtime. This is a dangerous habit since if I'm really enjoying what I am reading at the time, I might stay awake the whole night reading! 

2. Do you use a bookmark or a random piece of paper?
Before this year, I rarely needed bookmarks because when I read, I generally have a lot of time in my hands for reading and I can usually finish a book in one or two sittings. However, now that I am working this year and my reading time is a lot more sporadic, I have become very dependent on bookmarks. Generally, I use my Book Depository bookmarks but if I accidentally lose them, which I tend to do a lot, any receipt or piece of paper will do.

3. Can you just stop reading or does it need to be at the end of a chapter or a certain number of pages?
At the end of any action would probably be my answer. If that is in the middle of a chapter, than I'll stop there. If a chapter ends in a cliff-hanger, than I must continue reading!

4. Do you eat or drink while reading?
Very rarely, especially since the majority of my reading is either done in bed or on the train commuting to and from work.

5. Do you read one book at a time or several at once?
Again, before this year, I have almost always read just one book at a time. But now that my reading has become sporadic, I have found myself splitting my attention between multiple books. Big thick novel are usually left at home and ebooks are almost exclusive for reading whilst commuting. 

6. Do you read out loud or silently in your head?
I don't think I have ever read out loud a novel before! Maybe during English class back in high school but that is probably it.

7. Do you ever read ahead or skip pages?
I try to avoid doing that but in particularly bad books that I just want to finish and get it over with, I have been known to skim read. 

8. Breaking the spine or keeping it new?
My books, I will always try to keep it new. But I enjoy reading well-loved books because I can actually break the spine and not be too careful with them. Is that weird of me? :)

9. Do you write in your books?
Only during high school English classes. Otherwise, no. If I really want to note something down, I will use sticky notes instead. 

10. What are you currently reading?
I just finished the Night Circus and thoroughly loved it. My next read... still debating at this point in time.

My nominations for this tag are:
1. Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings
2. Jessica @ A Great Read
3. Jackie @ Bibliobrat
4. Sashwilson @ Disappear Into Reading

Over to you guys! :D 
Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Book Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Standalone book
Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell
Release Date: 13 September 2011
Read Date: 16 September 2014
Tagged under: 2014 fiction, 2014 favourites, 4, fantasy, adult fiction, historical, romance, book review

The Circus arrives without warning.
No announcement precede it...
It is simply there, when yesterday it was not.

In 1886, a mysterious travelling circus becomes an international sensation. Open only at night, constructed entirely in black and white, Le Cirque des Reves delights all who wander its circular paths and warm themselves at its bonfire. 
Although there are acrobats, fortune-tellers and contortionists, the Circus of Dreams is no conventional spectacle. Some tents contain clouds, some ice. The circus seems almost to cast a spell over its aficionados, who call themselves the reveurs - the dreamers. At the heart of the story is the tangled relationship between two young magicians, Celia, the enchanter's daughter, and Marco, the sorcerer's apprentice. At the behest of their shadowy masters, they find themselves locked in a deadly contest, forced to test the very limits of the imagination, and of their love...

Friday, September 12, 2014

Feature Follow Friday: Before Blogging


Feature Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee Alison Can Read. It's a way for bloggers and readers alike to make some new friends and gain some new followers as well. The point of this hop is to follow other bloggers. I follow you, you follow me.

Also, this week's featured bloggers are Something to Browse and Books to the Teaso make sure you check them out too.

While I do prefer GFC and/or Bloglovin follows, if you would like to follow me via email/twitter etc, that's great too! Also, please leave a comment so I can follow you back!

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Book Review: Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Series: Anna and the French Kiss (Book #3) but can be read as a standalone
Publisher: Dutton
Release Date: 14 August 2014
Read Date: 23 August 2014
Tagged under: 2014 read, 2014 favourites, contemporary, YA-fiction, romance, 4
Buy at: Amazon, The Book Depository

Loves ignites in the City That Never Sleeps, but can it last?

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart. 
Featuring cameos from fan-favourites Anna, Etienne, Lola and Cricket, this sweet and sexy story of true love - set against the stunning backdrops of New York City, Paris and Barcelona - is a swoonworthy conclusion to Stephanie Perkins' beloved series. 

Book Review [Sorta spoilery for the first two books. Though again, so is the blurb]

Monday, August 18, 2014

It's Monday! What are you reading? (#10)

It's Monday! is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila @ Book Journey


I've been reading in small bursts for the past few weeks. However, recently, I've been stuck on this book for a while. I think the problem is I marathoned this series and my enjoyment for the books have decreased the more I read. Nevertheless, I'm hoping to finish it by the end of this week. 



Sunday, August 17, 2014

Book Review: Pride and Prejudice (Graphic Novel) by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice (Graphic Novel) by Jane Austen and Po Tse

Graphic Novel Adaptation
Publisher: Udon Entertainment
Release Date: 19th August 2014
Read Date: 16th August 2014
Tagged Under: 2014 read, book review, review copy, manga or graphic novel, historical romance, 3
Buy At: Amazon

Book Summary

Beloved by millions the world over, Pride & Prejudice is delightfully transformed in this bold, new manga adaptation. All of the joy, heartache, and romance of Jane Austen's original, perfectly illuminated by the sumptuous art of manga-ka Po Tse, and faithfully adapted by Stacy E. King.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Feature Follow Friday: Question Time


Feature Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee Alison Can Read. It's a way for bloggers and readers alike to make some new friends and gain some new followers as well. The point of this hop is to follow other bloggers. I follow you, you follow me.

Also, this week's featured bloggers are Watcha Reading and The Reading Habits of a Recovering Daydreamer, so make sure you check them out too.

While I do prefer GFC and/or Bloglovin follows, if you would like to follow me via email/twitter etc, that's great too! Also, please leave a comment so I can follow you back!

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Top Five Books I'm Not Sure I Want to Read

TTT is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

It's rare for me to stay away from books that I think I should read but am not sure if I want to. Thus, I can only think of five books in particular.


Monday, August 11, 2014

Review of a Sneak Peek: Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Isla and the Happily Ever After (Sneak Peek) by Stephanie Perkins

Series: Anna and the French Kiss (Book #3)
Publisher: Dutton/Penguin Young Readers Group
Release Date: 14 August 2014
Tagged under: sneak peek, review copy, to be released, to be read,
Buy at: Amazon

Love ignites in the City That Never Sleeps, but can it last?

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart.  
Featuring cameos from fan-favourites Anna, Etienne, Lola and Cricket, this sweet and sexy story of true love - set against the stunning backdrops of New York City, Paris and Barcelona - is a swoonworthy conclusion to Stephanie Perkins' beloved series.

Friday, August 1, 2014

Feature Follow Friday: City Galore


Feature Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee Alison Can Read. It's a way for bloggers and readers alike to make some new friends and gain some new followers as well. The point of this hop is to follow other bloggers. I follow you, you follow me.

Also, this week's featured bloggers are I am Simply a Book Drunkard (great name!) and Sara in Bookland, so make sure you check them out too.

While I do prefer GFC and/or Bloglovin follows, if you would like to follow me via email/twitter etc, that's great too! Also, please leave a comment so I can follow you back!


Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Top Five Authors I Own the Most Books Of

TTT is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish


I don't think I have enough to list five authors so I'm going to go for five. Also, this is purely by volume and not by my level of enjoyment (though of course, I enjoy all these books too!).


Monday, July 28, 2014

It's Monday! What are you reading? (#9)

It's Monday! is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila @ Book Journey

My reading came to a complete stop earlier this month but it seems that in the dying days of July, I've made somewhat of a comeback. So here are the books I'm reading this week, hoping to finish by Thursday.


 

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Book Review: Les Miserables (Graphic Novel) by Victor Hugo

Les Miserables (Graphic Novel) by Victor Hugo and TseMei Lee

Graphic Novel Adaptation
Publisher: Udon Entertainment
Release Date: 12th August 2014
Read Date: 27th July 2014
Tagged under: book review, 2014 read, manga or graphic novel, review copy, historical
Buy At: Amazon

Les Miserables - ageless classic

Adapted from stage and screen, loved by millions, Victor Hugo's classic novel of love & tragedy during the French Revolution is reborn in this fantastic new manga edition! 
The gorgeous art of TseMei Lee brings to life the tragic stories of Jean Valjean, Inspector Javert, and the beautiful Fantine, in this epic adaptation of Les Miserables!

Friday, July 25, 2014

Feature Follow Friday: Favourite TV Show


Feature Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee Alison Can Read. It's a way for bloggers and readers alike to make some new friends and gain some new followers as well. The point of this hop is to follow other bloggers. I follow you, you follow me.

Also, this week's featured bloggers are Bibliophile Kid and Loving the Language of Literacy, so make sure you check them out too.

While I do prefer GFC and/or Bloglovin follows, if you would like to follow me via email/twitter etc, that's great too! Also, please leave a comment so I can follow you back!
Sunday, July 20, 2014

Stacking the Shelves - A Magical Haul


Stacking the Shelves is a meme created by Tynga's Reviews. It's all about sharing the books that we've recently acquired to our shelves, regardless of whether it is physical or digital. 

Friday, July 18, 2014

Feature Follow Friday: Funny Video


Feature Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee Alison Can Read. It's a way for bloggers and readers alike to make some new friends and gain some new followers as well. The point of this hop is to follow other bloggers. I follow you, you follow me.

Also, this week's featured bloggers are Good Choice Reading and Bookish Things & Moreso make sure you check them out too.

While I do prefer GFC and/or Bloglovin follows, if you would like to follow me via email/twitter etc, that's great too! Also, please leave a comment so I can follow you back!

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Book Review: Charlotte's Web by E.B. White


Charlotte's Web by E.B. White


Standalone book
Publisher: Penguin Books (UK)
Release Date: 3rd July 2014
Tagged under: book review, review copy, children's, classics, 4
Buy at: Amazon

I don't want to die!

The tale of how a little girl named Fern, with the help of a friendly spider, saved her pig Wilbur from the usual fate of nice fat little pigs. 
An affectionate pig named Wilbur befriends a spider named Charlotte, who lives in the rafters above his pen. In this story of friendship, hardship and the passing on into time, White reminds readers to open their eyes to the wonder and miracle found in the simplest things.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Feature Follow Friday: Time Machine


Feature Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee Alison Can Read. It's a way for bloggers and readers alike to make some new friends and gain some new followers as well. The point of this hop is to follow other bloggers. I follow you, you follow me.

Also, this week's featured bloggers are Whimsical Mama and Casual Readersso make sure you check them out too.

While I do prefer GFC and/or Bloglovin follows, if you would like to follow me via email/twitter etc, that's great too! Also, please leave a comment so I can follow you back!

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Top Five Bookish Confessions

TTT is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

It's confessions time! Though I've only got five this week. :D

Monday, July 7, 2014

It's Monday! What are you reading? (#8)

It's Monday! is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila @ Book Journey

This week is #Ayearathon's week-long readathon and the theme for this month is classics. So I've decided to finally attempt to fulfill one of my reading goals of this week and read a classics.


Sunday, July 6, 2014

Book Review: I, Morgana by Felicity Pulman

I, Morgana by Felicity Pulman

Standalone book
Publisher: Momentum Books
Release Date: 26th June 2014
Read Date: 29th June 2014
Tagged under: 2014 read, book review, review copy, fantasy, historical, mythology, 2.5
Pages: 174
Buy at: Amazon

You know my name, but you don't know my story...

After being schooled in magic by Merlin and promised a kingdom, Morgana is robbed of her birthright and betrayed by everyone she has ever trusted. Risking everything for revenge, Morgana uses her magical arts to trap Merlin, threaten her half-brother King Arthur, and turn away the only man she will ever love. In destroying King Arthur and Camelot, Morgana sets into motion a catastrophe that can only be reversed if she can learn from the past in time to protect our future... and so fulfill an ancient prophecy. 
In the tradition of The Mists of Avalon comes a new story of Morgan le Fay, one of the most enigmatic and reviled characters in Arthurian legend.


Friday, July 4, 2014

Feature Follow Friday: Favourite Picture Books


Feature Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee Alison Can Read. It's a way for bloggers and readers alike to make some new friends and gain some new followers as well. The point of this hop is to follow other bloggers. I follow you, you follow me.

Also, this week's featured bloggers are A Writer's Dark Corner and Natalie Hearts Booksso make sure you check them out too.

While I do prefer GFC and/or Bloglovin follows, if you would like to follow me via email/twitter etc, that's great too! Also, please leave a comment so I can follow you back!


Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Top Ten Classics I Want to Read

TTT is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I'm not very good with classics I have to admit. The ones I have read, I have a deep respect for. But they are definitely not my bread-and-butter reads. I'm keen to get into more classics (and there are quite a few on my TBR list) so here are my top ten picks.


Monday, June 30, 2014

It's Monday! What are you reading? (#7)

It's Monday! is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila @ Book Journey

So last week, I only read the one book. This week, I'm determined to do better.