Looking Glass Girl by Cathy Cassidy

Cathy Cassidy is one of my absolute favourite authors and has been for a really long time. I think that she writes really amazing books, especially for the young teenager. I may be slightly too old for them, but I don't care because I love 'em! That's why it seems only right that I read something by Cathy Cassidy for the next category in my book challenge: 'a book by an author you love'.

I chose to read Looking Glass Girl, because it is one of her newer releases that I haven't come across before, and I actually really enjoyed it. It is a spin-off from Alice In Wonderland (which admittedly I haven't actually read) and I would probably recommend for the pre-teen/young teenager.

It's about a girl called Alice who has a really bad accident at a sleepover with some people who previously bullied her and the whole book is almost like a murder mystery as you slowly find out what happened.

It's a little hard to explain, but it's like the book is split into two halves with alternating chapters. Half the chapters are from the point of view of Alice, where she hears people come to visit her in hospital while she's in a coma, and then she has an Alice In Wonderland vision (normally based on the person who has come to visit her). Each time, she is told to remember what happened, and than another little piece of the puzzle is revealed as to how the accident came about.

The other half of the chapters are all about everyone else after the accident, like her parents and the other girls at the sleepover and how they react and try to help Alice.

I've got to say, I don't usually read murder mysteries (although that isn't technically what this is), but I really enjoyed it and it has definitely encouraged me to give a few more a go. I have to say though, after all the build up to the ending I was a little bit disappointed. I don't know whether its because I have a very cynical view of the world and expected everyone to be way more horrible and have way worse motives than they did, or maybe I am just a little too old for it. Either way, I did expect something just a teensy bit more dramatic. Besides that, I really enjoyed the story.

It's gripping, believe me, you do want to know what happened and don't really want to put the book down until you find out (sadly this wasn't possible for me because my kindle ran out of battery on the beach!).

The next category in my book challenge is 'a book at the bottom of your "to read" pile', and so I am going to read one that I've had for a while and just haven't gotten around to: False Tongues by Kate Charles.

See you soon!

Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski

The next category in my book challenge is 'a book by an author you've never read before', and I am choosing to write about one of my favourite holiday reads: Don't Even Think About It.

I was actually really looking forward to reading this one because it sounded really interesting and there were a lot of good reviews for it, and I really wasn't disappointed! I really really enjoyed the story, it was so nice to just curl up (or stretch out on a sun lounger!) to and relax too. It was a very cheerful book with nothing too heavy in it besides the occasional shocking teenage scandal!

The story is about a class of teenagers (all around 15/16 years old) who get their flu shots which give them all mind reading abilities! They can all hear the thoughts of everyone around them as long as they aren't too far away and there is nothing blocking them. The story is about the initial week I think after they got the shots and how the group went from individuals to an actual group.

"This is the story of how we became freaks. It's how a group of I's became a we."

One of the things that I really liked about it, and something that I think is really quite individual and unique about this story in particular is the way its told. It's told by the whole group at once, because (as it says above) by the end of the story they are a we. It's also told as though everyone is looking back on what has happened, and commenting on it, so you occasionally get these little funny comments thrown in by the group as to whether they agree or disagree with the actions of a certain character.

"Maybe you think Olivia is telling this story. Or Mackenzie, or Cooper, or someone else in our home-room you haven't met. It could be any of us. But it's not. It's all of us. We're telling you the story together."

I was a little concerned when I started it because I was worried that it would be very complicated and confusing with the dialogue constantly switching between speech and thoughts, but it actually didn't matter at all really. It was really easy and enjoyable to read and just nice and light.

I also liked the way that it affected each character differently, with the story focussing on 3 or 4 in particular. For some, it was the best thing in the world, helping them to overcome social anxiety or to find out who really liked them. For others it was the worst thing, helping them to discover that their dad's having an affair or that everyone dislikes them.

I really really enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone looking for something not too heavy and a little silly but mostly just a lot of fun! I can't wait to read the sequel!

The next category on my book challenge is 'a book by an author you love', so I shall be writing about Looking Glass Girl by Cathy Cassidy!

See you soon!

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne

The next book in my book challenge had to be 'a book published this year', and so what else was I to do besides possibly the most anticipated book of the year and the most read? Of course I would just have to write about the 8th Harry Potter.

When I got a book token back in February for my birthday, I knew straight away that I would save it for the new Harry Potter. Although some may call me a fake fan because I purchased and read it a week after it was released, I am quite proud of the fact that I read the whole book in one sitting.

Now I don't know what all of the critics are saying, and what other reviews out there say because I don't like letting someone else try to make my opinions for me, so everything I say here is completely my own thoughts and opinions whether you agree or not with them. I'm not too sure why I felt it important to say that - I just did, because I loved this book.

I have to admit I was wary to the point of being actually fearful before starting it because I was terrified it may ruin the series for me (Harry Potter being one of my absolute favourite series ever ever ever). I was worried that everything would be different and none of the characters would feel the same and I wouldn't be able to enjoy it, but I've got to say that once I got into it, it didn't bother me at all! The only character who I didn't quite agree with was Harry, but I managed to get over that because clearly I'm the bigger man here!

The fact that it was in script format didn't bother me in the slightest, because it was what I was expecting, and I am quite used to reading various plays (cough Shakespeare cough). If anything I quite liked it, because it meant that I was able to build on all the description and imagery in the books to create my own images in my head. I also really liked having all of the stage directions so I could see how it would be in a theatre with all of the props and lights.

The actual story of it, I really enjoyed. You can never have too many time travel shenanigans (why do people do it??? It NEVER ends well!). I thought that the relationship between Harry and his son was very believable and very relatable for all angsty teenagers and exasperated parents out there. I also thought that the big twist in it (those who've read it will know what I'm talking about!) was really clever and an interesting way to create a villainous character, despite being the teensiest bit weird.

In case you weren't aware, it's about what happens to Harry 19 years later, but more focused on his son, Albus, who SPOILER ALERT was put in Slytherin house and hates being the son of Harry Potter.

Overall (I'm sure there are much more technical and literacy comments I could make but I'm not going to), I really enjoyed it. It didn't ruin the series for me, and I got some fun out of it. Do I think its up there with all the other Harry Potter's? Possibly. I am glad this was written though, it was very nice to have a little bit of closure!

The next category is 'a book by an author you've never read before' and I am going to write about Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski!

See you soon!

The Art Of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson

For the category in my book challenge 'a book your friend loves' I decided to go for my friend Mylie's recommendations (because she knows her books) and read The Art Of Being Normal.

I didn't really know what to expect when I started it, but I can safely say now that I've read it, it is one of my new absolute favourite books. I enjoyed every single second of it, and I also found it kind of educational because I learnt a lot about something that I've never really had much to do with before.

However, I doubt it will be everyone's cup of tea. It is about a 14 year old boy called David who only wants one thing in life - to be a girl. He then befriends the new boy Leo after he defends David in a fight and discovers that Leo has a very big secret. An unlikely friendship forms between the pair as they begin to trust each other with their secrets.

I found this book to be so heart breaking and heart warming at exactly the same time, and I loved the ending, although me being the hopeless romantic that I am hoped there would be some huge confession of love at the end. Sadly to no avail.

To be completely honest, there isn't a huge amount that I can say about this book without ruining one of the GINORMOUS twists in it (literally, I screamed and then spent the next half hour texting Mylie with questions!) I would just really recommend that you read it, even if it doesn't sound like something you may enjoy. It is written so beautifully from both of the boys point of views with so much emotion, I just want to meet these people and give them the biggest hug ever!

Like I already said, I also found it really educational. I'm one of those typical awkward Brits who never really knows what's acceptable in polite society when talking about the LGBT+ community (though don't get me wrong, I am totally for it). I feel like this book has just kind of smashed all the rules and rewritten them and I am so pleased about that!

I love this book and I can't wait to read it again. It has definitely earned a spot on my favourite books shelf!

So thank you Mylie for this awesome recommendation, and I will definitely be coming to you in future for some more! Don't think you can get away that easily!

The next category on the book challenge is 'a book published this year' and I'm pretty sure you can guess what I'll go for, the biggest release of 2016: Harry Potter And The Cursed Child!

See you soon!

Some thoughts on The Olympics

Unless you have been living under a rock the past few weeks (and if you have, I do not judge you at all, I think its a fabulous way to spend the summer), you will know that the Olympics have been taking place across the pond in Rio, Brazil.

Now I personally am probably one of the least sportiest people you'll ever meet. Perhaps its because I'm clumsy, perhaps because I don't like getting hot and sweaty but probably just because I'm a good ol' couch potato who takes laziness to the next level. I'm just saying.

And because of this, I don't normally pay enough attention to the Olympics. Obviously 4 years ago, the Olympics were in London so I was slightly more aware of their existence, but my family and I didn't make any effort to go to any of the events or even watch many on TV. We did go to the Paralympics for a day which was absolutely amazing (I LOVE the Paralympics, I think that they stand for all that is right and inspirational in the world!).

But this year, I have tried to make a little more effort, despite being away on holiday for most of the Olympics, where the TVs consist of nine channels, all of which are shopping channels. Before we left I really enjoyed watching several events, mostly gymnastics and diving - my personal favourites (which has nothing to do with the incredibly attractive guys I promise.... *guilty face*!)

I saw Max Whitlock get a bronze for GB in the men's all around gymnastics which was soooo tense and exciting and I saw the women's gymnastic team event (where we came fifth I think). My personal favourite and the one that has stuck in my mind though was when I watched the men's 3m synchronised springboard diving event where Chris Mears and Jack Laugher got gold for GB! After that particular event I must admit I have become a little (a lottle) obsessed with diving!

I have found the Olympics to be incredibly inspiring and truly incredible events that seems to put a smile on every bodies face (Especially for us Team GB supporters! We came second in the overall medals table, that's like the first time that's happened in absolutely ages!!!). It definitely has inspired me to start doing more sports (though somehow, I doubt I'll look as good in the teeny tiny speedos as the male divers do!), and overall I have just really really enjoyed watching all of the events and really getting into the spirit of everything!

I can't wait for Tokyo and the 2020 Olympics - who knows, maybe I'll be there competing! (yeah right.). And of course we mustn't forget about the Paralympics which start quite soon, I'm so excited to watch them!

See you soon!

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

I have just arrived home from my two week holiday in Greece (I am beautifully burnt) where I spent around 99% of my time reading. I started my little book challenge absolutely ages ago now, and had got a little way into this book (the theme being a book that was made into a movie) but had to stop with exams and the end of term and then the summer holiday hibernation and Guidepost.

Nevertheless, I got on the plane and clicked onto The Time Travellers Wife on my kindle, excited for everything that would await me within its pages.

I have seen the movie three times before, so I did have a pretty good idea about what was going on, but I can imagine that if it was your first time reading it, the premise would be quite confusing.

Basically, it is about a man called Henry who involuntarily travels through time. As he goes through his life, getting older he just pops up at random places in random times. He is drawn to important events more and more. The story is really about his wife (but you'd never guess it by the title) and how they met, and the struggles that they face as she goes through her life with him constantly disappearing.

The first time that Clare (the wife) met Henry, she was 6 and he was 36 I think, when he travelled back in time. The first time Henry met Clare was when he was 28 and she was 20, but she had already known him for 14 years. See what I mean? It's quite difficult to wrap your head around.

When you do manage to understand what's going on (because Henry jumps around A LOT at the beginning) the story is absolutely lovely. It's quite a long book with only a few things that happen in it really, but because if the way that it is told with so much detail and all of the added complications of Henry jumping around it makes it really interesting to read.

One thing that I do really quite like about it is that Henry really isn't a very nice person, he's what we can an anti-hero. When he turns up somewhere in time nothing comes with him, not even his clothes, so he has to break in and steal and pickpocket whatever he can find and often gets into trouble with the police because of this. Of course, he can never stay under arrest for long because he disappears back to the present.

Now, fair warning, it's a pretty sad book and a sad story. Personally, I think that the overall premise is quite a sad one - a woman forever waiting for her husband to come home from wherever he is in time and not being able to do anything about it. But the ending is very sad. I didn't cry at it, but both my mum and my sister did when they read it, so I am clearly the cold hearted one in the family. I feel like the sad ending comes really quite suddenly in the book, whereas in the film there is much more of a build up to it.

Of course I do need to talk about the film, starring Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana, it's actually really good. It is a very good and close adaptation of the book, though it does of course miss out some of the less important points in the book due to it being like 500 pages long. I would recommend watching it, but I'm a great believer in reading the book before watching the film (though I am sadly very hypocritical here!).

So there we have it, my review (or my ramblings) about The Time Traveller's Wife. I did enjoy it and I do recommend it to anyone who enjoys a slightly teary romance to curl up with! The next category in my book challenge is a book that you picked solely because of the cover, and I am going to be reading I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson.

See you soon!

Holiday apartment

Ok ok, I know I said that I wouldn't write about my holiday very much but I just couldn't resist the opportunity to show off just a little bit - you know, cause I'm such a nice person like that!

This year, my family and I are doing our holiday slightly differently. We have been to Greece twice before and both times we have stayed in the same hotel, basically for the entire time. We ate in the hotel, went to the beach in the hotel and spent all of our evenings in the hotel.

But this year we fancied a change. So my dad (who books the holidays in the household) booked us two little apartments (one for my parents, and one for my sister and I) in a hotel, though it isn't really a hotel. We are less than a stone's throw from the beach where around 40 restaurants are found which we choose from every night to eat. It's pretty darn perfect.

So I thought I would share with you some pictures of the apartment that my sister and I share (any mess is hers - I'm trying to keep it tidy!). I would estimate that it's about 5mx5m in size, but it's very high ceilinged so there is an extra level which is where all the beds are. There is also a little terrace area, but it doesn't really get much sun because it's right up against another building. There's a little bathroom downstairs as well, which takes some space from the main living area and some space from the terrace. 

I don't know whether any of that made sense, but hopefully you can just figure it out from the pictures!

I'm absolutely loving having my own little apartment, despite my sister being a nightmare of a roommate (don't tell her that!). She's very nice to share with actually, we just have different ideas on what tidy means! I'm having a great time though, pretending to be a little housewife doing all the washing up and everything!

I'm also reading furiously, as well as splashing and splishing about in the sea and getting into very big arguments with the air conditioning. It's ok though, we're friends now!

Last night we went to this amazing and beautiful restaurant called The Home (We're going there again at some point, so I'll take some photos and write a proper post on it then!) and there was a huge powercut and everything on the coast went out. It was really nice though, we ate pudding by candlelight!

Anyway, I shall stop my rambling now and bid you adeiu!

Holiday Holiday HOLIDAY

Right at this very moment, I am sitting on my bed while I am supposed to be packing, listening to my parents run around searching for a lost passport and feeling intimidated by the ominous bottle of sun cream staring at me.

Now from all of those clues and the title of this post, you should work out that I am going on holiday tomorrow! That's right, I'm going to be in Greece, livin la vida loca! WHOO!

This holiday is going to be slightly different to when I went to Italy because 1) I'm going with my family, 2) There is absolutely nothing on the agenda besides lying on a beach all day and everyday and 3) I will not be writing about it because of this.

Although, saying that, it is more similar in some respects then I am happy about. For example, I have to get up at 4am tomorrow!

I don't know what the wifi situation is like in our hotel (though I would imagine it isn't particularly good), and to be honest I'm going on holiday so I don't really want to be worrying about writing the whole time - you know, because I've been writing sooooo much recently... *guilty face*

However I have downloaded about one million books onto my kindle because I always end up doing endless amounts of reading when I go away, so maybe we'll finally get somewhere with the book challenge that I started so many months ago!

And as always, I will make the seemingly empty promise of a lot of posts when I get back! So look forward to that!

See you soon!!! (and when we do meet again, hopefully I will be beautifully tanned and wonderfully relaxed!)

My first manicure

Since guidepost finished officially on Sunday (after the final thanksgiving service) I've been in hibernation, grieving the ending of it for another year. The countdown has started for next year though - only 355 days to go!

However on Saturday, my friend Greta came over and we did what we had done the previous year and has now been called our mourning session, I can feel a tradition forming. She came round my house and we're both in leggings and trackies and hoodies with our hair scraped back off our faces and we sit on my bed reliving the best memories from the week, and reading bits of the bible and eating chocolate and singing all the songs from guidepost.

But then we decided to do something that we had been planning for quite a while and go and get our nails done properly in a salon.

So we set off into to town. Now I know of two nails places near where I live - one which I go to to get my eyebrows done and the other where my older sister once had a birthday party.

Neither of us have ever had our nails done before, and to be honest we didn't really know what to expect or what to get or anything. We'd done a little googling before we left, which basically just scared us a lot because there are a lot of horror story's on the Internet about nails!

Anyway, we went to the salon (we actually walked past it a couple of times before going in because we were really nervous!) and luckily when we went in there were two people free. We said that we didn't really know what we wanted and that we didn't have particularly huge budgets, but they seemed to know exactly what to do and sat us down pretty instantly.

I've always been pretty self concise of my nails because they are in a dreadful state. For starters, I have incredibly weak nails and they just don't seem to grow ever. I have never had long nails, it's just not the way I'm made. Then, I'm also a picker. I don't bite my nails and I never have but I always used to pick and rip my nails all the time. Recently I have tried to cut down the amount I pick my nails because I know how bad it is, but it is my default reaction when I get nervous or stressed (so during exams my nails are the worst they ever are!). And when I pick my nails they split and become even weaker. So year, pretty terrible nails.

I was really scared that the people in the salon would say that my nails are too bad and I am beyond help, but they didn't seem to mind at all.

They started by filling our nails a bit (not that there was much that could be filed for me! They then used this sandpaper tool things to clean and smoothen out our nails and to get rid of any left over nail polish or anything like that.

They then got out this box of these huge nails in all different sizes. I was pretty terrified when he started attaching them to my nails in case they would have to stay that length - I felt like a Disney villain or something! I was also surprised because I though that they attached it to the whole nail, but they only put it on the top of the nail.

They then cut them down to the length that I wanted, and believe me I didn't want them very long at all! At first the length I got felt way too long but I'm used to it now!

I chose to have my cut in a curve shape (if there are any sharpe edges I will pick and them) and they were then trimmed abit before what I assume is the most important bit.

They got out a paintbrush, a little pot of water and a pot of some sort of powder. They dipped the paintbrush into the water and then into the powder and painted the paste that had then been formed onto each of my nails where it hardened to create a protective, smooth and beautiful layer over the joining of my old and new layer. 

Then they filed my nails a little more and buffed them to make sure that they were perfect for the paint. I said that I wanted a nice bright yellow (you know, to be all summery), but the only one they had was this neon highlighter colour. I thought that it looked great, really nice and fun so I went for that one.

The lady painted two coats and a top coat really really quickly (it is amazing how good these professionals are at their jobs!) and then I went to go and sit over with the drying things while I waited for Greta to finish. She took absolutely ages, because she couldn't decide what colour to get! Typical! In the end she went for a beautiful bright blue.

We felt very much like we belonged in an American movie, sitting in a nail salon, gossiping, but it was actually really nice to just chill and I think that we both found it very therapeutic!

We then paid (£20 incase you're interested, which is actually very cheap for this kind of thing!) and headed off. We couldn't stop admiring our nails and drumming them against things to hear the satisfying noise that came which neither of us was used to.

Since I've had them done four days ago, they have lasted amazingly. They haven't broken and there isn't a single chip, which is a new personal best for me (I must find out what top coat they used!). I have also received a lot of compliments, and it's just so nice to have long nails for the first time in my life!!

See you soon!