I planned to do a Giveaway when I reached 50 members and I am now really close. :D
However next month I am taking part in 'First Come, Second Served Month' run by Amber at Down The Rabbit Hole.
It is about reading those sequels that we have sitting on our shelves but never get round to reading. Amber is still looking for participants so if you want to know more click here
As part of this special month I will be hosting a Giveaway on the 8th December, so I will combine the two events. Check back then for the chance to win some awesome prizes!
Also I apologize for not updating as much as usual but I was participating in National Novel Writing Month and so all my evenings were going to writing, not reading, but I am proud to say I completed my 50,000 words last night! So I have officially written a novel. woo!!! Now i will spend some time editing it etc, but should be able to get back to reading more.
Thanks for reading and following, happy blogging. :D
Monday 29 November 2010
Saturday 27 November 2010
Book Review - Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows (Re-Read)
Synopsis
Harry has been burdened with a dark, dangerous and seemingly impossible task: that of locating and destroying Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. Never has Harry felt so alone, or faced a future so full of shadows. But Harry must somehow find within himself the strength to complete the task he has been given. He must leave the warmth, safety and companionship of The Burrow and follow without fear or hesitation the inexorable path laid out for him.
If you haven't read it yet, where have you been? but this review may contain some spoilers, i'll try hard not to, but it may be inevitable.
My Review
As a major Harry Potter fan i have of course read this book numerous times, but as the release of the film was coming out, i wanted to refresh my memory. Unfortunately I only got about a third of the way through it before i saw the film, but decided to finish reading it because, well it's an excellent story and i can't stop once i've started. Anyway, i'm here to talk about the book not the film.
Harry knows he must find the remaining Horcruxes and destroy them before he can defeat He who must not be Named once and for all. Hermione and ron go with him journeying around England trying to find the missing objects. This book is very gripping and i love the excitement, even though i have read it before, it still captures my imagination and i feel like i am journeying with them. I still cried at the deaths in the book and i laughed at the jokes. I really like how the characters grow in this book, Ron seems to mature more than the others and his blossoming relationship with Hermione is great and very often funny. Neville has quickly become one of my favourite characters and really becomes a true hero, it was inside him all along and i'm glad Rowling gives him such a part to play. I salute you Neville!
The battle of Hogwarts is incredible, but I wish she hadn't killed three of my favourite characters, but i can see why it's necessary, and anyway so many of the others survive i suppose we should count ourselves lucky.
In many ways i wish there was more to the end of the book, i like the epilogue 'Nineteen Years later' but I want more, it tells you who the main characters end up with, and you know what Neville does for a job, but she doesn't tell you what Harry, Ron, Hermione or Ginny do, only that they have kids. I love the names of Harry's kids and think he would be a great dad, but I want to know more about his life and how he got to where he is in those nineteen years. But I suppose a lot of people felt that way, lets hope Rowling decides to do more from the Wizarding world.
Overall, this is one of the most exciting books in the series, it's not my favourite, that will always be Prisoner of Azkaban, but it comes close.
My Rating
I would give this book 9.5/10, truly fantastic and I know I will come back to it again, will never get tired of it!
Harry has been burdened with a dark, dangerous and seemingly impossible task: that of locating and destroying Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. Never has Harry felt so alone, or faced a future so full of shadows. But Harry must somehow find within himself the strength to complete the task he has been given. He must leave the warmth, safety and companionship of The Burrow and follow without fear or hesitation the inexorable path laid out for him.
If you haven't read it yet, where have you been? but this review may contain some spoilers, i'll try hard not to, but it may be inevitable.
My Review
As a major Harry Potter fan i have of course read this book numerous times, but as the release of the film was coming out, i wanted to refresh my memory. Unfortunately I only got about a third of the way through it before i saw the film, but decided to finish reading it because, well it's an excellent story and i can't stop once i've started. Anyway, i'm here to talk about the book not the film.
Harry knows he must find the remaining Horcruxes and destroy them before he can defeat He who must not be Named once and for all. Hermione and ron go with him journeying around England trying to find the missing objects. This book is very gripping and i love the excitement, even though i have read it before, it still captures my imagination and i feel like i am journeying with them. I still cried at the deaths in the book and i laughed at the jokes. I really like how the characters grow in this book, Ron seems to mature more than the others and his blossoming relationship with Hermione is great and very often funny. Neville has quickly become one of my favourite characters and really becomes a true hero, it was inside him all along and i'm glad Rowling gives him such a part to play. I salute you Neville!
The battle of Hogwarts is incredible, but I wish she hadn't killed three of my favourite characters, but i can see why it's necessary, and anyway so many of the others survive i suppose we should count ourselves lucky.
In many ways i wish there was more to the end of the book, i like the epilogue 'Nineteen Years later' but I want more, it tells you who the main characters end up with, and you know what Neville does for a job, but she doesn't tell you what Harry, Ron, Hermione or Ginny do, only that they have kids. I love the names of Harry's kids and think he would be a great dad, but I want to know more about his life and how he got to where he is in those nineteen years. But I suppose a lot of people felt that way, lets hope Rowling decides to do more from the Wizarding world.
Overall, this is one of the most exciting books in the series, it's not my favourite, that will always be Prisoner of Azkaban, but it comes close.
My Rating
I would give this book 9.5/10, truly fantastic and I know I will come back to it again, will never get tired of it!
Friday 26 November 2010
Fantastic Contest. Giving Thanks
I just checked out a totally awesome contest at Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm
YOu have to check it out. The prize is the choice of 3 new YA novels from a list.
including:
and many more!
This is one opportunity i certainly won't miss.
Check it out NOW!!!!
YOu have to check it out. The prize is the choice of 3 new YA novels from a list.
including:
and many more!
This is one opportunity i certainly won't miss.
Check it out NOW!!!!
Book Blogger Hop: November 26th - 29th
Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books and is an awesome way to for book bloggers to interact and find each other. Such a wonderful idea! There's a new question every week that all the participating blogs have to answer.
This week's question comes from Sarah who blogs at Writer, Reader, Dreamer:
"What is your favorite book cover?"
I love this book cover, although very simple in design it has a certain magic about it. I love how the flower seems to be glittering and the contrast of the green and purple together. The cover was originally what made me pick this book up, and when I started reading it, I discovered it is a fantastic book both inside and out!
The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop
today, go back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And
stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are
added
If you've stopped by my blog from the hop, welcome, it's great to have you here, please feel free to look around, and follow. I will then visit you in turn. :D
If you've stopped by my blog from the hop, welcome, it's great to have you here, please feel free to look around, and follow. I will then visit you in turn. :D
Tuesday 23 November 2010
Off The Shelf Challenge
Are your books multiplying like rabbits before you even get a chance to read them? Trying to keep up with them, but can't stop buying new ones?
Maybe this challenge is for you. I know what it's like. There's so many titles and so many beautiful books out there sometimes it's hard to keep that TBR shelf under control, but if you really want to try why not challenge yourself?
The challenge begins on the 1st of January and ends on the 31st of December 2011
Note: This challenge is to read those books you own copies of, but have never got around to reading. If you don't have many that you own, but have a massive TBR shelf you're welcome to read those ones as long as you don't add new ones. You don't need to actually get rid of your books after you've read them, this is just to read them.
There are five levels to this challenge, i'm going to aim for 'On A Roll' which is to read 50 books! Which is probably what i have waiting for me.
I will update with a reading list soon when i have organised my piles of books. To keep updated with my progress look under my 'Cool Contests/Challenges' Page.
Why not give it a go too? :D
Friday 19 November 2010
Book Blogger Hop: November 19th - 22nd
Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books and is an awesome way to for book bloggers to interact and find each other. Such a wonderful idea! There's a new question every week that all the participating blogs have to answer.
"Since Thanksgiving is coming up next week, let's use this week's Hop to share what we are most thankful for and what our holiday traditions are!"
As I am in England, we don't celebrate Thanksgiving, but I am still going to answer this, as i think everyone has something to be thankful for. I am thankful for having a wonderful family around me, looking after me and making me laugh. I am thankful for wonderful friends who i can rely on and have fun with, they are here for me and i am here for them. I have a fantastic job, that i love and the people there are like an extended family. I am thankful for my faith and the people i can share my life with. My life is in no way perfect, but for everything i do have i am more than grateful.
The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, go back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added
If you've stopped by my blog from the hop, welcome, it's great to have you here, please feel free to look around, and follow. I will then visit you in turn. :D
Thursday 18 November 2010
Book Review - Matched
Synopsis
On her seventeenth birthday, Cassia meets her Match. Society dictates he is her perfect partner for life. Except he’s not. In Cassia’s society, Officials decide who people love. How many children they have. Where they work. When they die. But, as Cassia finds herself falling in love with another boy, she is determined to make some choices of her own. And that’s when her whole world begins to unravel . . .
My Review
I was so excited to read this, i had seen some reviews about it and they had all been really positive, so i was desperate to get my hands on it. I was so disappointed when i found out it wasn't released until 2nd December, but at work in the library, i received a package of book proofs and this was one of them, i couldn't believe my luck!
This book is set in the future, society has been 'sorted out' there are no illnesses, food is given for nutrition only, people work at what they are good at, and when you turn 17 you are matched. Society picks out the person you will most likely have a happy marriage with and healthy children. People do what they are told, when they are told to do it. Life seems perfect for many, but when Cassia turns seventeen everything changes for her. She is matched with someone she thinks is perfect, but soon begins to notice another boy, this is strictly forbidden, but she can't control her feelings. Soon everything she knows is unraveling and danger lurks everywhere.
This was a very good read, i could imagine the so called 'perfect' society and those in it. The different mix of characters gives a wide view of how the society affects different people and how they come together.
I read this book very quickly and i really got into it. Cassia is a free spirit at heart and i couldn't help but feel for her. Normally in books where a girl can't choose between two so called perfect boys i tend to get annoyed, but in this book it wasn't too whiny, and i found myself thinking about them just like Cassia, she really does have a tough choice.
I don't want to say too much, as i don't want to give the plot away, but this is a truly amazing book. I think it will do very well when it is properly released.
My Rating
I would give this book 9.5/10, it is fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone. I knocked half a point off, as it didn't quite have a full conclusion and i want more, but will probably have to wait a long time to get it. :P
On her seventeenth birthday, Cassia meets her Match. Society dictates he is her perfect partner for life. Except he’s not. In Cassia’s society, Officials decide who people love. How many children they have. Where they work. When they die. But, as Cassia finds herself falling in love with another boy, she is determined to make some choices of her own. And that’s when her whole world begins to unravel . . .
My Review
I was so excited to read this, i had seen some reviews about it and they had all been really positive, so i was desperate to get my hands on it. I was so disappointed when i found out it wasn't released until 2nd December, but at work in the library, i received a package of book proofs and this was one of them, i couldn't believe my luck!
This book is set in the future, society has been 'sorted out' there are no illnesses, food is given for nutrition only, people work at what they are good at, and when you turn 17 you are matched. Society picks out the person you will most likely have a happy marriage with and healthy children. People do what they are told, when they are told to do it. Life seems perfect for many, but when Cassia turns seventeen everything changes for her. She is matched with someone she thinks is perfect, but soon begins to notice another boy, this is strictly forbidden, but she can't control her feelings. Soon everything she knows is unraveling and danger lurks everywhere.
This was a very good read, i could imagine the so called 'perfect' society and those in it. The different mix of characters gives a wide view of how the society affects different people and how they come together.
I read this book very quickly and i really got into it. Cassia is a free spirit at heart and i couldn't help but feel for her. Normally in books where a girl can't choose between two so called perfect boys i tend to get annoyed, but in this book it wasn't too whiny, and i found myself thinking about them just like Cassia, she really does have a tough choice.
I don't want to say too much, as i don't want to give the plot away, but this is a truly amazing book. I think it will do very well when it is properly released.
My Rating
I would give this book 9.5/10, it is fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone. I knocked half a point off, as it didn't quite have a full conclusion and i want more, but will probably have to wait a long time to get it. :P
Tuesday 16 November 2010
Book Review - Million Dollar Mates
Synopsis
Jess Hall's dad is the new general manager at Porchester Park, and is moving Jess, her brother and pet cat into a staff apartment there. Jess is dreading the move, until she learns the apartments are strictly A-list only and soon to be populated by actors, musicians, models and millionaires...But fraternising with the stars isn't all it's cracked up to be, and soon Jess is wishing for a return to real-life - but can she admit to her friends that the gilded cage isn't quite as golden as she'd anticipated?
My Review
I love Cathy Hopkins books, i read all of the Mates, Dates series last year, and couldn't wait to read her new book. I read this book in a couple of hours and really enjoyed it.
Jess moves with her brother and cat to go and live with her dad who has just got a job in a brand new apartment complex, but this is bigger and better than you could ever imagine, it is the place for celebrities and A-Listers, and has everything you could ever want, swimming pools, spa's you name it, but life isn't all it's cracked up to be. Will Jess ever adapt to her new life among the stars, will she ever belong?
I really got into this book, the characters were well written and came alive on the page. The story was gripping and had moments of laughter and tears, I'm looking forward to the next one in the series. I loved Dave the cat, i could picture him easily and wanted to grab him for a hug! Jess is very much your typical teen but not in a bad way, i could understand a lot of her struggles and liked her craziness with her mates.
Well written and very interesting story, give me more please.
My Rating
i would give this book 8/10 well worth reading.
Jess Hall's dad is the new general manager at Porchester Park, and is moving Jess, her brother and pet cat into a staff apartment there. Jess is dreading the move, until she learns the apartments are strictly A-list only and soon to be populated by actors, musicians, models and millionaires...But fraternising with the stars isn't all it's cracked up to be, and soon Jess is wishing for a return to real-life - but can she admit to her friends that the gilded cage isn't quite as golden as she'd anticipated?
My Review
I love Cathy Hopkins books, i read all of the Mates, Dates series last year, and couldn't wait to read her new book. I read this book in a couple of hours and really enjoyed it.
Jess moves with her brother and cat to go and live with her dad who has just got a job in a brand new apartment complex, but this is bigger and better than you could ever imagine, it is the place for celebrities and A-Listers, and has everything you could ever want, swimming pools, spa's you name it, but life isn't all it's cracked up to be. Will Jess ever adapt to her new life among the stars, will she ever belong?
I really got into this book, the characters were well written and came alive on the page. The story was gripping and had moments of laughter and tears, I'm looking forward to the next one in the series. I loved Dave the cat, i could picture him easily and wanted to grab him for a hug! Jess is very much your typical teen but not in a bad way, i could understand a lot of her struggles and liked her craziness with her mates.
Well written and very interesting story, give me more please.
My Rating
i would give this book 8/10 well worth reading.
Monday 15 November 2010
Book Review - Never Ever
Synopsis
Erin's father has gone bankrupt and so her family have moved to the local council estate. Erin is horrified and can't stand living without a phone, being away from her friends and having to share a room with her sister. Liam, on the other hand, loves life on the estate. Everyone respects him and wants to be his friend. Liam really likes Erin and is convinced it's just a matter of time before she succumbs to his charm - but Erin has other ideas. She can't stand Liam and thinks he's all brawn and no brain. They say opposites attract - but can these two really get along?
My Review
I read a book by Helena Pielichaty a couple of years ago called 'Accidental Friends' and loved it, i have been looking for others ever since, i have read some in the meantime, but then i saw this book come in. It was a brand new book in the library so i borrowed it.
Erin has to move with her family to an estate when her father goes bankrupt, but she doesn't fit in and hates how small and cramped everything is,but mostly she hates Liam, the self-centered show off that lives on the estate. He seems to be in love with Erin, but she can't stand the sight of him.
I thought this book sounded promising from the blurb, sort of opposites attract, Romeo and Juliet, young peoples struggles to adapt to change, but finding love in unexpected places, with a bit of high school drama thrown in. Well i was right about the drama, this book crams in practically every issue a teenager could ever have a problem with, including periods, virginity, teen pregnancy, drugs, smoking, alcoholism, bankruptcy, abusive parents, illness, suicide, peer pressure, school work and annoying siblings. I don't think there was anything she didn't cram in to this book and inflict on this group of teens. It was a bit too over the top for my liking, i find it is better if the author picks an issue and runs with it but in detail, this sort of just glazed over all of them. I never really felt a true connection with the characters and couldn't always remember who was who. She gives the main character about four different names: 'Erin', 'Ernie', 'Blondie', and 'Mackiness' I had to remember they all referred to the same person.
I also have to confess i had read this before, but it took me to get about half way through before i began to remember it, as they cover has been changed in the reprint and the facct i read so many books, it didn't register straight away, but once i did start to remember it seemed really predictable.
I'm not saying it's bad, it just seemed very jumbled and quite rushed, i think it could have been better if just focused on one issue and more about the main two characters. I was quite disappointed seeing how much i loved her other books.
If you're looking for a easy read on a wet day, pick it up, but i wouldn't put it at the top of my list.
My Rating
I would give this book 4.5/10
Erin's father has gone bankrupt and so her family have moved to the local council estate. Erin is horrified and can't stand living without a phone, being away from her friends and having to share a room with her sister. Liam, on the other hand, loves life on the estate. Everyone respects him and wants to be his friend. Liam really likes Erin and is convinced it's just a matter of time before she succumbs to his charm - but Erin has other ideas. She can't stand Liam and thinks he's all brawn and no brain. They say opposites attract - but can these two really get along?
My Review
I read a book by Helena Pielichaty a couple of years ago called 'Accidental Friends' and loved it, i have been looking for others ever since, i have read some in the meantime, but then i saw this book come in. It was a brand new book in the library so i borrowed it.
Erin has to move with her family to an estate when her father goes bankrupt, but she doesn't fit in and hates how small and cramped everything is,but mostly she hates Liam, the self-centered show off that lives on the estate. He seems to be in love with Erin, but she can't stand the sight of him.
I thought this book sounded promising from the blurb, sort of opposites attract, Romeo and Juliet, young peoples struggles to adapt to change, but finding love in unexpected places, with a bit of high school drama thrown in. Well i was right about the drama, this book crams in practically every issue a teenager could ever have a problem with, including periods, virginity, teen pregnancy, drugs, smoking, alcoholism, bankruptcy, abusive parents, illness, suicide, peer pressure, school work and annoying siblings. I don't think there was anything she didn't cram in to this book and inflict on this group of teens. It was a bit too over the top for my liking, i find it is better if the author picks an issue and runs with it but in detail, this sort of just glazed over all of them. I never really felt a true connection with the characters and couldn't always remember who was who. She gives the main character about four different names: 'Erin', 'Ernie', 'Blondie', and 'Mackiness' I had to remember they all referred to the same person.
I also have to confess i had read this before, but it took me to get about half way through before i began to remember it, as they cover has been changed in the reprint and the facct i read so many books, it didn't register straight away, but once i did start to remember it seemed really predictable.
I'm not saying it's bad, it just seemed very jumbled and quite rushed, i think it could have been better if just focused on one issue and more about the main two characters. I was quite disappointed seeing how much i loved her other books.
If you're looking for a easy read on a wet day, pick it up, but i wouldn't put it at the top of my list.
My Rating
I would give this book 4.5/10
Saturday 13 November 2010
Author Visit Julia Jarman
In our libraries we hold ‘Chatterbooks’ sessions, these are
basically Reading Groups for Children, we hold the meetings once a month and
kids come along to talk about books and participate in crafts and activities.
Today, the main town library was honoured to have Julia
Jarman attend as a guest speaker. Children from all groups were invited to come
along and meet her.
The session was very relaxed and Julia was friendly and
encouraging. She began by talking about her newest release ‘Inside’ about a
young man who is in a Young Offenders Institute. It was interesting to hear
about her research for this book, which included visiting some prisons and
getting an inside view.
‘Inside’ is written in the first person, from the main
characters point of view. And Julia had us all giggling when she told us some
people were very surprised when she turned up for a book reading, as they were
expecting a 17-year-old boy and not a ‘grandma’ to walk in the room. This just
shows the skill and realism of her writing.
Julia also talked to us about her ‘Time Travelling Cat’
series. The idea was born when her own cat went missing for two weeks. When he
returned Julia asked the question all cat owners are forever asking, “Where
have you been?’ Her daughter answered for him by replying, “He’s been
time-travelling, cats do that you know.”
Well, Julia thought this was a fantastic idea and the so the stories
started. And we’re all glad it did.
There are now six books in the series, It starts with ‘The
Time Travelling Cat and The Egyptian Goddess.” In which we are zoomed back in
time with Topher and his cat Ka to Ancient Egypt, where the people worshipped
the cat Goddess Bastet, this meant they treated all cats like gods in case one
turned out to be the Goddess herself.
Julia then talked about what she would say was her most
gruesome book in the series: “The Time Travelling Cat and The Aztec Sacrifice.”
She explained how in Aztec times, they believed that in order for the sun to
rise every morning they would have to sacrifice the blood of a young girl. The
boys in particular, but also a couple of the girls seemed to like the idea of
reading about blood and gore. Unfortunately this book is currently not easily
available, but there are copies in the library, so they can get their hands on
it. I hope they don’t fight over it.
Julia’s newest release in this series is ‘The Time
Travelling Cat and the Great Victorian Stink.” Set in 1858 London, when the
River Thames came to a standstill because of all the waste dumped into it. The
smell drove MPs from the Houses of Parliament, people got very ill and died. A
young man came up with ideas to get rid of the smell and clear the Thames, his
name was Bazalgette, but not everyone supported his attempts, and now Ka and
Topher must foil a plan to murder him. This seemed to really go down well with
the kids, with giggles spreading round the room when talk turned to ‘sewage’ as
Julia politely put it, but you could see they were thinking of something much
ruder. With cries of ‘eugh’ ad ‘gross’ when discussing a river full of smelly
‘waste’, Julia seemed to bring the story to life.
Here’s wishing her the best of luck with this new release. I
may show some slight favouritism here, as I love books set in the Victorian
era, I don’t know why but I do.
Julia also talked to us about her picture books, I never
realised just how many she had written. Many of her picture books have done
very well, and have appeared on a TV show called ‘Bookaboo’, which is a show
that promotes reading and sharing a book with your children.
Her newest release is called ‘Ants in Your Pants’, and
although I haven’t read it yet, the pictures are very vibrant and colourful.
We discussed the artwork of her books, and we were surprised
to learn that authors don’t get much say in who they get to illustrate their
books. It depends on many different factors, who the publisher is, how busy the
illustrator is, the style or content of artwork needed, these all contribute to
who you get. But I have to say all of her books looked fantastic.
Time was flying away from us and we were getting ready to
say goodbye. Julia quickly showed us her other books, “Peace Weavers’ which
ties modern day events to the past. And ‘Hangman’ which is a moving novel about
bullying in schools, which Julia says is one of her more ‘real’ books.
We then quickly discussed a scheme we run at the library
every year called “Book of the Year’ and Julia encouraged us all to read and
vote for our favourite books, she said ‘as an author it means a lot just to be
nominated for an award. When you’re a writer you have to deal with a lot of
rejection, which can get you down, but being nominated, and having your work
appreciated can be a real boost.’
Julia then answered any questions the children had and
agreed to sign some books for them.
It was a very successful visit, and I would like to say
thank you from me and all the library staff.
So what are you waiting for, go and find one of her books,
she writes “For Tots to Teens and all in Between.” So there really is something
for everyone.
Photo of Julia with a variety of her books.
Friday 12 November 2010
Book Blogger Hop: November 12th- 15th
Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books and is an awesome way to for book bloggers to interact and find each other. Such a wonderful idea! There's a new question every week that all the participating blogs have to answer.
"If you find a book that looks interesting but is part of a series, do you always start with the first title?"
Yes, always, I cannot read a book out of series order. I feel like I've missed something important, and I don't have that background connection with a character, so if i find a book i like but discover it is part of a series, i have to find book 1 and read them in order. I have always been like this, I just like to get the whole picture.
The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, go back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added
If you've stopped by my blog from the hop, welcome, it's great to have you here, please feel free to look around, and follow. I will then visit you in turn. :D
Book Review - Zelah Green: One More Little Problem
Synopsis
My name is Zelah Green and I'm a Cleanaholic. It's the summer hols and I'm on major Flirt Alert. I've joined mysortaspace.com and ever since I've been getting emails from loads of boys. Boys are Dirt Alert AND Germ Alert. Don't even talk to me about kissing...The rest of my life's a bit rubbish too. That's because: my dad is moping about the house missing his girlfriend; my ex-best friend still isn't speaking to me; my grumpy weirdo Satanist friend has turned up to stay; my cleaning rituals are are taking up way too much time; and, most importantly, the guy I really like, Sol, has disappeared off the face of the earth...
My Review
Zelah Green suffers from severe OCD, i read the first book in this series sometime last year in which she goes to a sort of rehab to get help for her 'rituals'. At the start of this book, Zelah has her summer planned, her OCD isn't as bad as it was, she has a list of things to do and is looking optimistic, but that doesn't last. Caro, a girl she met in the first book turns up on her door and asks to stay, Zelah doesn't really like Caro but can't really say no. She needs to help her, but this will cause major problems to her, Caro doesn't seem to understand her need for cleanliness at all times. What with Caro staying, her Dad's girlfriend going out of the country, and her dad pottering about in the garden like a hippy, Zelah's stress levels begin to rise, causing her OCD to escalate into epic proportions.
I found these books quite interesting, not many books tackle the issues of OCD and similar problems that a lot of people suffer from. I don't know much about it, but these books help you to understand what others are going through. Zelah clearly doesn't like her life being controlled by what she calls 'Dirt and Germ alert', her constant need for cleanliness and having to do star jumps at the top and bottom of the stairs every time she goes up or down them, in reality drives her mad, but she can't help it. It's wired in her brain.
I think this book should be read by all, maybe even added to some school syllabus, as it's useful for sufferers to read about others who share their illness, and for people that don't suffer from it, will gain a new level of understanding and hopefully respect. There is a lot to learn from this book, but don't get me wrong, it's not just one big lesson, the story is captivating and exciting, and the characters really come to life. It is well written and flows nicely.
My Rating
I would give this book 7.5/10, you should definitely give it a go, you might learn something, and if not, you've still read a good story.
My name is Zelah Green and I'm a Cleanaholic. It's the summer hols and I'm on major Flirt Alert. I've joined mysortaspace.com and ever since I've been getting emails from loads of boys. Boys are Dirt Alert AND Germ Alert. Don't even talk to me about kissing...The rest of my life's a bit rubbish too. That's because: my dad is moping about the house missing his girlfriend; my ex-best friend still isn't speaking to me; my grumpy weirdo Satanist friend has turned up to stay; my cleaning rituals are are taking up way too much time; and, most importantly, the guy I really like, Sol, has disappeared off the face of the earth...
My Review
Zelah Green suffers from severe OCD, i read the first book in this series sometime last year in which she goes to a sort of rehab to get help for her 'rituals'. At the start of this book, Zelah has her summer planned, her OCD isn't as bad as it was, she has a list of things to do and is looking optimistic, but that doesn't last. Caro, a girl she met in the first book turns up on her door and asks to stay, Zelah doesn't really like Caro but can't really say no. She needs to help her, but this will cause major problems to her, Caro doesn't seem to understand her need for cleanliness at all times. What with Caro staying, her Dad's girlfriend going out of the country, and her dad pottering about in the garden like a hippy, Zelah's stress levels begin to rise, causing her OCD to escalate into epic proportions.
I found these books quite interesting, not many books tackle the issues of OCD and similar problems that a lot of people suffer from. I don't know much about it, but these books help you to understand what others are going through. Zelah clearly doesn't like her life being controlled by what she calls 'Dirt and Germ alert', her constant need for cleanliness and having to do star jumps at the top and bottom of the stairs every time she goes up or down them, in reality drives her mad, but she can't help it. It's wired in her brain.
I think this book should be read by all, maybe even added to some school syllabus, as it's useful for sufferers to read about others who share their illness, and for people that don't suffer from it, will gain a new level of understanding and hopefully respect. There is a lot to learn from this book, but don't get me wrong, it's not just one big lesson, the story is captivating and exciting, and the characters really come to life. It is well written and flows nicely.
My Rating
I would give this book 7.5/10, you should definitely give it a go, you might learn something, and if not, you've still read a good story.
Wednesday 10 November 2010
Book Review - Ghost Town
Synopsis
When Claire is ordered to repair the systems that protect Morganville, it's not just cutting into her study time, it's a life-threatening problem. If there's one thing this vampire-infested town is serious about, it's security. But achieving the impossible only brings a whole new set of problems, and the upgrades have unexpected consequences: people inside the town are slowly beginning to forget who they are, even the vampires. Soon, the town's little memory problem has turned into a full-on epidemic. Now Claire needs to figure out a way to pull the plug on her experiment - before she forgets how to save Morganville...
My Review
It's been quite a while since I read the other books in this series, but that didn't matter, within minutes of picking this book up I was right back there, back in Morganville, it was like returning to see old friends. Let me just say Rachel Caine is a LEGEND! her books are so gripping, funny, moving and fast paced. I can't get enough of them, her characters come to life on the page and this book had me gasping (at one point i actually gasped loudly and shouted 'no' everyone in the room turned to look at me!), crying, laughing and staying up until one in the morning to finish, i just couldn't stop reading.
Myrnin has a big part in this book which I am so happy about, because Myrnin rocks, he is my favourite character, and some of the one liners she gives him are fantastic, all the usual characters also appear, Oliver, Amelie etc, but with memory loss you see a whole different side of them!
When Claire is told she has to repair the machine that controls Morganville security, she thinks it's impossible, she does manage it, but things don't go the way she planned, people start to forget who they are, Vampires turn wild, people go crazy and the town starts to fall apart. Can Claire fix the problem before she too forgets who she is.
With some very moving scenes, dramatic fights and laugh out loud moments, I bet you won't be able to put it down either.
Can't wait for the next installment. Please Rachel Caine, give us another one! :D
My Rating
I would give this book 10/10, it has pride of place on my shelves and is just fantastically superb.
When Claire is ordered to repair the systems that protect Morganville, it's not just cutting into her study time, it's a life-threatening problem. If there's one thing this vampire-infested town is serious about, it's security. But achieving the impossible only brings a whole new set of problems, and the upgrades have unexpected consequences: people inside the town are slowly beginning to forget who they are, even the vampires. Soon, the town's little memory problem has turned into a full-on epidemic. Now Claire needs to figure out a way to pull the plug on her experiment - before she forgets how to save Morganville...
My Review
It's been quite a while since I read the other books in this series, but that didn't matter, within minutes of picking this book up I was right back there, back in Morganville, it was like returning to see old friends. Let me just say Rachel Caine is a LEGEND! her books are so gripping, funny, moving and fast paced. I can't get enough of them, her characters come to life on the page and this book had me gasping (at one point i actually gasped loudly and shouted 'no' everyone in the room turned to look at me!), crying, laughing and staying up until one in the morning to finish, i just couldn't stop reading.
Myrnin has a big part in this book which I am so happy about, because Myrnin rocks, he is my favourite character, and some of the one liners she gives him are fantastic, all the usual characters also appear, Oliver, Amelie etc, but with memory loss you see a whole different side of them!
When Claire is told she has to repair the machine that controls Morganville security, she thinks it's impossible, she does manage it, but things don't go the way she planned, people start to forget who they are, Vampires turn wild, people go crazy and the town starts to fall apart. Can Claire fix the problem before she too forgets who she is.
With some very moving scenes, dramatic fights and laugh out loud moments, I bet you won't be able to put it down either.
Can't wait for the next installment. Please Rachel Caine, give us another one! :D
My Rating
I would give this book 10/10, it has pride of place on my shelves and is just fantastically superb.
Saturday 6 November 2010
Book Review - The Devil Rides Out
Synopsis
Birkenhead, 1973. The eighteen-year-old Paul O'Grady gets ready for a big Saturday night out on the town. New white T-shirt, freshly ironed jeans, looking good. As he bids farewell to his mum, who's on the phone to his auntie, and wanders off down the street in a cloud of aftershave, he hears her familiar cry: 'Oh, the devil rides out tonight, Annie. The Devil rides out!' The further adventures of Paul O'Grady - following on from the million-copy-selling At My Mother's Knee - are, if anything, even more hilarious and outrageous than what has come before. As Paul struggles to get to grips with unexpected fatherhood and bereavement, he searches high and low for a job that lasts and somehow finds himself getting married in the process. Work takes him from an abattoir to a children's home, from a hospital to a nightclub, and from penthouse to pavement. Along the way, he takes his first-Savage steps on stage, tastes the exotic delights of Manila and invades Poland ...
My Review
I know, two biographies in a row, it's unheard of for me, but they both turned up at once and had request lists (I got them from the library) so had to get them read.
I read Paul O'Grady's first autobiography last year when it came out and quite enjoyed it, and it finished on a bit of a 'whatever will he do' moment, so i looked forward to reading this one.
This book covers approximately 7 years of his life, from 18 - 25. He talks about all the different jobs he had, and blimey he's been around a lot. I saw a softer side to him as he talked about working in a home for severely disabled children, never would have imagined him doing something like that, but from reading it sounds like he was good at it, and i say good on him. It also takes you through his introduction to the drag scene and the stirring of Lily Savage.
This book had me giggling throughout and was well written. I am surprised at how many details he could remember.
A good read, and I am hoping there will be another one to come.
My Rating
I would give this book 7.5/10. A good read with some laughs!
Birkenhead, 1973. The eighteen-year-old Paul O'Grady gets ready for a big Saturday night out on the town. New white T-shirt, freshly ironed jeans, looking good. As he bids farewell to his mum, who's on the phone to his auntie, and wanders off down the street in a cloud of aftershave, he hears her familiar cry: 'Oh, the devil rides out tonight, Annie. The Devil rides out!' The further adventures of Paul O'Grady - following on from the million-copy-selling At My Mother's Knee - are, if anything, even more hilarious and outrageous than what has come before. As Paul struggles to get to grips with unexpected fatherhood and bereavement, he searches high and low for a job that lasts and somehow finds himself getting married in the process. Work takes him from an abattoir to a children's home, from a hospital to a nightclub, and from penthouse to pavement. Along the way, he takes his first-Savage steps on stage, tastes the exotic delights of Manila and invades Poland ...
My Review
I know, two biographies in a row, it's unheard of for me, but they both turned up at once and had request lists (I got them from the library) so had to get them read.
I read Paul O'Grady's first autobiography last year when it came out and quite enjoyed it, and it finished on a bit of a 'whatever will he do' moment, so i looked forward to reading this one.
This book covers approximately 7 years of his life, from 18 - 25. He talks about all the different jobs he had, and blimey he's been around a lot. I saw a softer side to him as he talked about working in a home for severely disabled children, never would have imagined him doing something like that, but from reading it sounds like he was good at it, and i say good on him. It also takes you through his introduction to the drag scene and the stirring of Lily Savage.
This book had me giggling throughout and was well written. I am surprised at how many details he could remember.
A good read, and I am hoping there will be another one to come.
My Rating
I would give this book 7.5/10. A good read with some laughs!
Friday 5 November 2010
Book Blogger Hop: November 5th-8th
Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books and is an awesome way to for book bloggers to interact and find each other. Such a wonderful idea! There's a new question every week that all the participating blogs have to answer. This week's question comes from Vicki who blogs at The Wolf's Den:
"What are your feelings on losing followers? Have you ever stopped following a blog?"
As I am a fairly new blogger, building up the number of people following me is quite important and everytime i log in and see the number has gone up it does make my heart flutter a bit and i get excited, so of course if i lost followers i would be disappointed and a little upset, but i have to remember it's not personal, and people change.
I haven't stopped following a blog yet, but i only follow ones i really have an interest in. I am now following quite a few, but i will look at there updates in my dashboard and visit a variety of them and even leave comments. I think that is the key, only follow ones you are really interested in, not just for the sake of it in the hope they will follow you back.
The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop
today, go back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And
stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are
added
If you've stopped by my blog from the hop, welcome, it's great to have you here, please feel free to look around, and follow. I will then visit you in turn. :D
If you've stopped by my blog from the hop, welcome, it's great to have you here, please feel free to look around, and follow. I will then visit you in turn. :D
Thursday 4 November 2010
Book Review - Life & Laughing
Synopsis
Michael McIntyre has become Britain’s biggest comedy star. His debut stand-up DVD was the fastest selling of all time, only to be eclipsed by his second that sold over 1.4 million copies and was the 2009 Christmas number one. He hosts his own BAFTA nominated BBC1 series, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, and won the British Comedy Award for Best Live Stand-up in 2009 following his record breaking fifty-four date Arena tour. But how did he get there? Michael reveals all in his remarkably honest and hilarious autobiography Life and Laughing. His showbiz roots, his appalling attempts to attract the opposite sex, his fish-out-of-water move from public to state school and his astonishing journey from selling just one ticket at the Edinburgh Festival to selling half a million tickets on his last tour. Michael’s story is riveting, poignant, romantic and above all very, very funny.
My Review
I didn't realise it was national non-fiction day, but I read a n/f book today, by coincidence. I don't really read non-fiction and what i do read will be autobiographies and even then i have to have a real interest.
I have always liked Michael McIntyre, whenever he's on TV I'll watch and I have both his DVD's and so was interested in reading his autobiography to find out how he got there.
The book does exactly what it says on the cover, it's about his life and I was laughing!
Michael covers all aspects of his life from birth to school, puberty to adult hood and everything in between. It tells you about his dating experiences (or lack of them), his parents and his struggle to find success. I found the book very gripping and read it speedily. I laughed out loud in several places, and got a real insight into his life. I admire him more now i know how much he went through to get where he is. Nothing was easy but he didn't give up.
Give this book a try, i guarantee you will laugh your socks off.
My Rating
I would give this book 8/10. A great read, give it a go.
Michael McIntyre has become Britain’s biggest comedy star. His debut stand-up DVD was the fastest selling of all time, only to be eclipsed by his second that sold over 1.4 million copies and was the 2009 Christmas number one. He hosts his own BAFTA nominated BBC1 series, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, and won the British Comedy Award for Best Live Stand-up in 2009 following his record breaking fifty-four date Arena tour. But how did he get there? Michael reveals all in his remarkably honest and hilarious autobiography Life and Laughing. His showbiz roots, his appalling attempts to attract the opposite sex, his fish-out-of-water move from public to state school and his astonishing journey from selling just one ticket at the Edinburgh Festival to selling half a million tickets on his last tour. Michael’s story is riveting, poignant, romantic and above all very, very funny.
My Review
I didn't realise it was national non-fiction day, but I read a n/f book today, by coincidence. I don't really read non-fiction and what i do read will be autobiographies and even then i have to have a real interest.
I have always liked Michael McIntyre, whenever he's on TV I'll watch and I have both his DVD's and so was interested in reading his autobiography to find out how he got there.
The book does exactly what it says on the cover, it's about his life and I was laughing!
Michael covers all aspects of his life from birth to school, puberty to adult hood and everything in between. It tells you about his dating experiences (or lack of them), his parents and his struggle to find success. I found the book very gripping and read it speedily. I laughed out loud in several places, and got a real insight into his life. I admire him more now i know how much he went through to get where he is. Nothing was easy but he didn't give up.
Give this book a try, i guarantee you will laugh your socks off.
My Rating
I would give this book 8/10. A great read, give it a go.
Tuesday 2 November 2010
30 Days Of Gratitude (2)
This is a weekly event run by 'Readings of a Busy Mum'
So I decided to tell you all what I'm grateful for once a week every Monday. This will be things that make my life a little easier and happier.
This week I'm grateful for:
Comfy Chairs!
As I read soo many books, I need somewhere comfortable to sit, so I am grateful for comfy chairs.
I love the sofa in my house, as I can curl up on the end of it, with my book resting on the arm, and just sit there for hours.
Just think of life without chairs you can crash out in with a good book, it just wouldn't be the same :D
What are you grateful for? I would love for you to tell me or take a picture, blog it and link me up there's nothing more than a little shared gratitude!
So I decided to tell you all what I'm grateful for once a week every Monday. This will be things that make my life a little easier and happier.
This week I'm grateful for:
Comfy Chairs!
As I read soo many books, I need somewhere comfortable to sit, so I am grateful for comfy chairs.
I love the sofa in my house, as I can curl up on the end of it, with my book resting on the arm, and just sit there for hours.
Just think of life without chairs you can crash out in with a good book, it just wouldn't be the same :D
What are you grateful for? I would love for you to tell me or take a picture, blog it and link me up there's nothing more than a little shared gratitude!
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