Reflection and Stranger Things Book tag!! (0.0)

I only just realised that this year I have only made 20 posts. I thought that I had made way more, and I  now see that this blog has not been a priority of mine. In 2014, this blog became an outlet about my love of books and reading. I loved to share my thoughts about books and to perhaps give inspiration to the few people who may actually read my blog. This year, I still have those thoughts and, hopefully, that input, but I have lacked motivation and I haven't posted as many reviews.
 I apologise for this, and I intend to upload a lot  more in 2017.

I have grown as a reader in 2016. I have pushed my boundaries, challenged myself but also enjoyed what I was reading too. This year was the first time I had finished reading 4 classics- Wuthering Heights, Anne of Green Gables, Lord of the Flies and Jane Eyre. The biggest commitment was Jane Eyre but the outcomes have been rewarding as I really loved the story and it has become one of my favourite books. Last year and some years before, I wouldn't have been able to read Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre. Anne of Green Gables was extremely easy to read, but I felt that this year was the time to pick it up and read it, as opposed to other times when I didn't feel any inclination.

2016, more than any other year, has been my best year for reading. It isn't more so about the types of books I read or the quantity. It is about the understanding, the time and connecting myself to the books, that has counted.

STRANGER THINGS BOOK TAG!

I have recently become engrossed in the original Netflix sci-fi-horror-retro show, Stranger Things. I have discovered a book tag. Is this the best or what? I don't know who created it but the credit goes to them. I wasn't tagged but I will do it anyway. I will only be using books that I have read this year, unless it requires a series that I have already completed.

1. The Vanishing of Will Byers The first book in a series that left you intrigued and slightly confused. 
'Wolf by Wolf' by Ryan Graudin. This book was amazing. Read my review here-http://zobobooks.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/wolf-by-wolf-by-ryan-graudin.html

2 .The Upside Down: A book with a setting you would never want to live in.
The future in 'Ready Player One' by Ernest Cline. The world is corrupted by poverty, inequality and experiencing a global crisis. Gulp.

3. Eleven: A book that is somewhat damaged but loved to pieces
'Anne of Green Gables' by L.M Montgomery. The copy of this book that I own is not so much damaged as it is old. The pages are yellowing and it has that slightly crackling sound when you open it, but that is part of it's charm. I love it though!

4. Mike, Lucas and Dustin: A trilogy you always go to whenever you need a pick-me-up.
'Girl Online' trilogy (so far) by Zoe Sugg. They're just light, feel good reads that I will read a few chapters of if I am feeling down.

5. The Demogorgon: A book with a dark beast you wouldn't want to face in a dark alley.
Wight/Hollowgast from 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' trilogy by Ransom Riggs, but more specifically, Library of Souls because I read that this year. They are soul-sucking monsters and I am sorry to say that if you don't have Jacob's peculiar powers, you're a goner.

6.Dr. Brenner: A book with a villain who is both manipulative and dedicated.
For this answer I am going to say the Socs in 'The Outsiders' by S.E Hinton. The Socs were quite manipulative in that they blurred the lines when fooling adults of the middle to upper-class status. They were dedicated in hunting out Greasers and to "uphold their reputation" of being awful brutes.

7. Nancy Wheeler: A book you didn't expect to love.
'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Brontë. I thought it would be very challenging, but I actually understood the language and dialogue, and I found the pace and descriptiveness to be quite engaging.

8. Hawkins, Indiana: A book with a setting that's just a little bit strange.
'The Ghost by the Billabong' by Jackie French has a mixture of settings- the Australian outback, costly estates and even a jam factory. I found it more interesting than strange, following the protagonist from one place to another.

That is the Stranger Things book tag. I may or may not post again this year.

Merry Xmas,
Zobo!

 

Beatles Book Tag!!

Hello!

I really love doing tags on this blog. So I thought I would invent one called "The Beatles Book Tag". The Beatles are my favourite band forever and ever so I thought this would be fun to create. This is just a tag related to Beatles songs. Enjoy! Also, if you wish to do this tag, you are very welcome!
For the books mentioned I will leave a link to where you can find more information.

Let's go!

1. Across the Universe: Name a book that you think everyone should read across the universe-
I am going to choose Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta. This book is so funny, witty, heart-breaking and in some parts relatable. I think everybody should read it http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/82436.Looking_for_Alibrandi

2. I Want You (She's So Heavy): Name a book that you have been excitedly waiting for the release of- This goes to Blood by Blood by Ryan Graudin. When I finished Wolf by Wolf I instantly wanted to start reading the second book.http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26864835-blood-for-blood

3. While My Guitar Gently Weeps: Name a book that made you cry-
This book is Me Before You. I finished it recently (still haven't seen the movie) and my HEART.http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15507958-me-before-you

4.Getting Better: Name a book that started off okay but got better further along- Wuthering Heights was a great book and I really liked it but the start was a bit meh. I really loved the story as I delved deeper within the pages though .http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6185.Wuthering_Heights

5. Paperback Writer: Name an author who you feel as the best/most interesting writing style-
-Patrick Ness- in his Chaos Walking Trilogy, the writing is so different to anything I have read before. Patrick Ness
-John Green- his portrayal of teenagers and their lives, thoughts and actions is really great. John Green
-Ryan Graudin- I really felt in Wolf by Wolf the writing was so poetic and descriptive. Ryan Graudin

6. Taxman: Name a book/s that were the most dear and the most cheap:
Well, the most expensive book set that I have personally bought with my own money is Goosebumps Horrorland Box-set with 20 books for $40 (which isn't too bad). So. Worth it. The cheapest book I have bought would be Ripley's Believe it Or Not:Seeing is Believing and The Beatles by Alan Kozinn, both for 50c.
Goosebumps     RBION     The Beatles

7. With a Little Help From my Friends: A book both you and a friend have read:
I read Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige and my friend read it as well. We both really liked it but  have yet to read the sequel.http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18053060-dorothy-must-die

8.Magical Mystery Tour: Name a book that took you completely by surprise-
A Waltz for Matilda by Jackie French had some very surprising parts, but I won't mention them because they are spoilers. They were just so unexpected towards the end and made the story finish with a bang. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9622286-a-waltz-for-matilda

So there you have it, The Beatles Book Tag.

Zobo!

Girl Online: On Tour by Zoe Sugg (or YouTuber Zoella)

Hi- long time no see!

Today I will be discussing the book Girl Online:On Tour by Zoe Sugg. This is the sequel to Girl Online, so if you haven't checked that out yet, then that would be great, although you are welcome to continue reading this as there will be no spoilers.

Girl Online: On Tour is all about when Penny Porter goes, well, 'on tour' with her boyfriend, the world famous musician Noah Flynn. She encounters some interesting people along the way, as well as developing some new friendships, visiting exciting places but however learning harsh truths and uncovering lies.

While on tour, Penny is also being threatened with messages from a mysterious TheRealTruth. This all leads to a bit of a shocking realisation towards the end of the book. I really liked this part because it shows that Penny does have the guts to stand up to the people who hurt her.

So this review is spoiler-free, I can't put into too much detail about what goes on in the book. There are some changes to the characters during the book, so I am going to address those now.

Elliot: Elliot and his home life has changed drastically since the last six months. His mum and dad have come to terms with his sexuality and they realise that they should listen to him more often. He also has a boyfriend, Alex.

Noah: We see that Noah has not changed a whole lot since the last book, but since embracing that he will now lead a life as rock star, he has been cautious with going to busy places with Penny but also trusting people too easily because he is an optimistic person (and I am in in no way saying that this is a bad thing ).

Penny: The thing that sticks out to me most about Penny is a) she is becoming more able to handle small situations and take control of what she wants and b) I can see parts of Zoe Sugg in her. This is a great feature of not only Penny's character but the whole book- from the fairylights, mentioning of ASOS and even the whole general feel of the book reminds me of the things Sugg likes.

Overall, I thought the story was not as good as Girl Online, but I think the characters have matured, the story was cohesive and not too "simple" and THE COVER IS PURPLE!!

Zobo!

Too Much Work

Hi,

I have had so much work to do in these last couple of weeks that I haven't had a chance to update on this blog for a while and as much as I would have liked to. Sorry, I was going to do a a review on a book but I just haven't had enough time.

Good news though-  the holidays are coming. Just this week to go and then I am free for 3 WEEKS! :)

I just get so, so frustrated when I am are piled with tests and assignments that are all due in about a 2 week period. I haven't had the most positive frame of mind at the moment, so I think the holidays will be my 'recovery period.'

Yeah.

Zobo!

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

Hi there!

So, yesterday I had a big surprise.... you know, just LEAVING MY IPAD AT SCHOOL OVER THE LONG WEEKEND. I am doing okay with out it. I'm not the sort of person who is addicted to screens; I actually get tired of them pretty quickly, but it has some work I need to edit on it so it's just  annoying. And I was playing this addictive game that I was planning on finishing but oh well!

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde is a young adult/adult fiction novel that is a unique blend of crime, sci-fi and fantasy. It follows the story of Thursday Next, who is a detective who specialises in work and cases involving famous novels and books. It just so happens that amidst her old partner showing up again, moving back to her home town and a strange vision from the future that Acheron Hades -a mastermind criminal- literally kidnaps Jane Eyre.

Thursday Next is on the case!

This book is so unique and I have never heard of anything similar. It is such an odd mix of genres that actually fit pretty well together. The world inside the book is just like reality, only curious things can happen and the impossible is possible- and quite normal, too.

Thursday is a witty character who has a sharp sense of the world around her. She can sense when something is wrong and although she is business like in some aspects, her personality also shines through as thoughtful, humorous and slightly apologetic about some choices in her life. I liked reading about her and her journey through life so far. It was also good to read about a character who was in their 30s, rather than in their teens.

Thursday is also a Crimean War veteran, so her work as a literary detective demonstrates some of the leadership qualities that she possesses.

There are no other characters who I really connected to. There are many characters throughout the book and Thursday is really the only protagonist. I did like Rochester, even though he is only in the story for a few chapters.

One part of the story I really enjoyed was seeing the inventions that Thursday's Uncle Mycroft created that include bookworms-yes, bookworms. That was a fun chapter that was interesting to read.

I like how smart the book is. It isn't overly complex but it is very enjoyable to read and comical. The way everything weaves together- the Jane Eyre story and Fforde's own story that he has created.

Lastly, the cover was what made the book stand out to me in the first place. It is really retro looking and looks really good.

The ending of the book is satisfying and there are more books in the series.

Overall, a very good book that is great to read if you are looking for something original and different.

Zobo!

Birthstone Book tag!

Hello!

I have seen this tag floating around and it looks really cool and different. I immediately decided I wanted to do it so here it is. Of course, if you wish to do the tag too you are welcome to. The 'Birthstone Book Tag' was created by Jay G.

1. January(GARNET): Associated with warding off negative forces and dark energies - Name a book with the darkest/most evil character you can think of- this one is actually hard because so many books have horrible characters. I am going to have to say Mayor Prentiss from the Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness. Yeah, he was bad.

2. February (AMETHYST): Purple is associated with royalty - Name a book with regal qualities... You can base this off of characters or choose the King of all books- Oooooh.... I feel like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen has such a regal feel to it. Apart from the fact that it was published in 1813, it just as an air about it that is 'proper'. XD

3. March (AQUAMARINE): Washed out - Name a 'wishy washy' character, a character who is not strong or a follower- I am going to say Bethany from the book Halo in the Halo series by Alexandra Ardonetto. I found her irritating at times but I guess she was an okay character. I haven't finished this series.

4. April (DIAMOND): A diamond in the rough - Name a book that you loved but is not well known- Hiding Edith by Kathy Kacer. I remember getting this when I was about 9 at a school book fair and I loved it. I have read it so many times. I don't think it is very well known, but it is a great little book.

5. May (EMERALD): Said to balance energy - Name two characters who balance each other well- Erika Yurken and Alison Ashley in Hating Alison Ashley by Robin Klein. This classic Australian book includes these two girls who balance each other out really well. Even though they generally dislike each other, they bring balance to the book.

6. June (PEARL): Associated with loyalty - Name a character who is loyal to the end- SNAAAAAAAPE.

7. July (RUBY): Blood red - Name a book that made your blood boil, one that made you angry- Okay, I have two answers- a) The Edge of Nowhere by Elizabeth George was frustrating and the ending was disappointing. b) Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin made my blood boil in the most terrific, amazing, awesome way.

8. August (PERIDOT): Pale green (it pales in comparison to other gems) - Name a supporting character who you like better than the main character-  Okay- I love Percy Jackson. I think he is really cool and I think his sarcastic remarks are funny but Annabeth is just awesome! I think I like her a little more. Just a teeny weeny bit.

9. September (SAPPHIRE): Blue like the ocean which is calming - Name a book that had a calming affect on you- Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella. It's just a really easy book to read. You can just be anywhere and just get sucked into it without biting your fingers off from suspense. 

10. October (OPAL): Iridescent - Name an iridescent book, this can be a book with a beautiful cover (Shiny? Lots of colour?) or you can base it off of a character (Quirky? Colourful?)- Beautiful covers: The Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children trilogy by Ransom Riggs and Tandem by Anna Jarzab.

11. November (TOPAZ): Associated with resilience - Name a book with a character who rises to the top in a time of adversity- I don't have a definite answer for this question. Probably Todd Hewitt in the Chaos Walking trilogy, previously mentioned in Q#1. He certainly shows that he has courage. 

12. December (BLUE ZIRCON): Associated with friendship - Name a book with a friendship you want to be part of- I can't go past our three magical friends- Harry, Ron and Hermione. 

So that was the Birthstone Book Tag. I had heaps of fun answering the questions and I will post a book review soon-ish.

Zobo!

Books+Camping!

Hello! I disappeared for a while.... I was just really busy I guess.

I am going camping for five days (FIVE DAYS WHAT?!) and I have never ever been camping before. So, I am kind of nervous, excited and reluctant because I like my Wi-Fi and my double bed and a TV.

But, what I will be taking is some books! There is a chance that it may rain, so reading, playing cards, talking and eating will be the things I will do to pass the time- if that situation arises.

The first book I will be taking is Girl Online: On Tour by Zoe Sugg. I am about 1/4 the way through and I am still growing to like it. I think maybe a couple more chapters and the plot will really get more twisted. I am taking this book
because it's a funny, light-hearted, relatable book that will lift my spirits if I am not feeling the best.

Purpose of first book: To make me feel awesome.

The second book I am taking is Wild by Cheryl Strayed. I don't have too many pages to go before I finish this book, but it is really inspiring and Strayed is in the 'wild'- living in a tent and hiking the PCT. I am not going on a camp for a few months- only five days- and it will be way more comfortable and less painful than what Strayed endured, but I think it will keep me motivated and pushing on.

Purpose of second book: To inspire me to try my best!

I will be taking a little book light so if I really can't sleep at night I can just snuggle underneath my sleeping bag and read.

That is it for a while!!!

Zobo!

Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

Hello,

Reaction after finishing the book: No it can't finish here! There are so many questions left unanswered! This is so unsatisfying. Please, PLEASE let this not be a stand-alone book! What happens?!

Wolf by Wolf is a historical fiction novel by Ryan Graudin. The year is 1956. It is set as if the Nazis have won the war 10 years earlier. The main protagonist isYael, a young girl who has a painful history of experimentations and loss during the years of war. She is part of the resistance, and her mission is simple but deadly- kill Adolf Hitler.

The novel follows Yael as she takes part in a motorcycle race to get close enough to Hitler so she can assassinate him. But will she get there? And what awaits her through her mission?

This book is so stunning. It is action packed, suspenseful, heartbreaking and you get so close to some of the characters.

First of all- I love the writing style. It is jam-packed with metaphors and meaning. It is very poetic, but at the same time, informative. It's the kind of writing style that I would personally like to adopt. I think it really is a big factor that makes this book whole. The first thing I usually take note of in a book is the writing style, and the writing in his book is superb.

Yael is such an expressive character and she has a great voice. Without giving too much away, she is so brutally honest about her feelings during her time in a concentration camp and being subjected to needles and chemicals. Yet you can tell she has a lot of secrets that she keeps from others but also the reader as well.

Another character in this book, Felix, is so gosh-damn annoying that I just wanted to leave him far behind. And Yael does. He is not a love interest, but,personally, I thought he was a very irritating character who spoiled a lot of things for Yael. He did, however, help her out a couple of times, so he gets a small bit of respect. I like it in a book when the author can make you have such strong feelings and thoughts about a character.

There was a good balance between action packed and the more calm parts in between. The more active parts of the story were still so exciting and gripping.

The story also switches between past and present for Yael. I like the fact that they included these flashbacks. They really do explain a lot about the wolves that Yael will always have with her, that haunt her but also comfort her.

The twists and deception in this book are so mind-blowing, especially the last major one. I was astounded.

This book sparks a lot of questions, a lot of what if? this and that. The 'author's note' even explains that that is what was running through Graudin's head when she wrote the novel and about history itself. A good book, in my opinion, in a book that makes you think. This was definitely one of those stories.

About my reaction after the book finished: I was looking to see other reviews on the book to see what others thought of it and I saw that it had a sequel, called Blood for Blood. I am so excited. It comes out October 16 2016, so I will be on the lookout!

Overall, Wolf by Wolf is a very empowering story about a teenager's will to survive at all costs, and the cause and effect of a war that changed the world.

Zobo!

On the Spine Blog Trailer

THE ON THE SPINE BLOG TRAILER:

Birthday Books 2016!!

Hi!

I got a stack of books (yeah I stacked them on top of each other and admired them). In no way am I bragging at all. I just want to share the books that I got.  So, let us begin!

- Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs. I have it! YAYAYAY! I am really excited to read this (and all of my other books of course). It looks amazing sitting next to MPHFPC and Hollow City! So
haunting and mysterious.

-Girl Online: On Tour by Zoe Sugg. Okay, so I knew I was getting this one, but it doesn't stop me
from immensely looking forward to reading it. I love the first book, so I hope it lives up to it's predecessor (I am sure may!)

- Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. Okay. Set in the future. 80s pop culture references. Book. It feels like it might have been written for me. I am nearly obsessed with the 1980s. I can't wait to read this!

-Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin. When I first loosely heard what this book was about, I was so intrigued that I had to read it for myself and it sounds really good. A very unique concept that I am sure will get me thinking.

-Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta. I don't know a lot about this book, but I know there is a movie too. It looks cool, the cover matches the style of book cover for my I Can Jump Puddles (Alan Marshall) book. I think it will be good.

-The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. I saw this book in a bookshop and it sounded great. I thought it sounded similar to a Ruby Redfort sort of book, but including the kidnapping of fictional characters!

-Trash by Andy Mulligan. I received this as an early birthday present and, coincidentally, I had to read it for school. It was quite good. I know there is a movie, but I haven't seen that.



That is all for now!

Zobo!

P.S I just saw that The Eyre Affair is set around the 1980s too!

One Birthday Book!

Hello!

I know what one of the books I am getting for my birthday will be!

Girl Online- On Tour! I bought this at the shops so we are going to wrap it up and stash it.

I can't wait to read it!!

Okay, this was really rushed but BYE!

Zobo!

The Madman's Daughter- Megan Shepherd

WOOHOO! ANOTHER DISCUSSION!

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd is a deeply disturbing, creepy and historical novel. It is hard to believe this is her first book!

The Madman's Daughter is loosely based around the H.G Wells book The Island of Dr. Moreau. This book was so good and I can't wait to continue on with the series.

Juliet Moreau is a young woman who works in a medical building as a cleaner and maid. She is tired of living in London, and was abandoned by her father after he ruined his legacy of 'medical brilliance' and her mother passed away of consumption. She meets her long time friend Montgomery, who she hasn't seen in years, and together they go to the island of Dr. Moreau, where Juliet's father is living and harbouring dangerous secrets and terrifying experiments.

As Juliet explores the island and its inhabitants, she starts to question her father and his ways, as well as her own past. 

I really love how exciting this book is. It has twists and turns and some scenes are actually pretty scary. The characters are all different and weird and mysterious in their own ways. Juliet as the central character is great. She knows when something isn't right and her demeanour can be pleasant one time and ferocious the next.

The setting is also quite cool. The island is like a deep jungle with lots of hidden, dark places and corners. 

Yes, there is a love triangle. Cliché, yes. But this triangle is sort of different because the characters are weird and you can't exactly take sides. There is no 'Team Edward' (not Cullen) or 'Team Montgomery'. (Even though I prefer Montgomery :)

The ending was the perfect cliffhanger as well. Expect a few of those!

Overall, this book so really good and I can't wait to read the sequel.

Zobo!

Currently Reading-February

Hi all!

Just thought I'd give an update on what I am reading at the moment:

                                    Wuthering Heights- Emily Bronte

Wild- Cheryl Strayed

The Smiths- Mick Middles

Trash (this is for school)- Andy Mulligan

Yeah, I know it is a lot, that is why I take a bit of a while to finish books, but that's okay, because I am liking every one of them.

Also, this year is already so busy, so I am sorry if I don't post for long periods of time or not as frequently as I did in recent years.

Zobo!

Books on my Birthday List and SCHOOL!

Hello!

I haven't posted in a while, because school has been busy so far- transitioning into another year at school, and there have been a heap of changes to the system that they used last year.

 I just wanted to share some of the books I so far have on my birthday list. It's coming up, so I just thought- maybe someone (even though I don't have many readers) may be able to recommend a book or tell me if it is any good.

1.The Complete Maus or Maus I by Art Spiegelman. I saw this book in a bookshop and I love the idea and the concept behind it. I like how the Nazis are portrayed as cats and the victims or the innocent are portrayed as mice; it's a creative idea. I just think I would really enjoy this quirky little story.  Maus Goodreads

2. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. I have heard that this book is being talked about a lot and I watched a short video of Ruta Sepetys explaining the book and what it is about. I just thought it sounded so fascinating and I actually got pretty sad just from the video so I think this book will be emotional and very historically accurate.  Salt to the Sea Goodreads

3. Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs. I HAVE TO HAVE THIS BOOK! It came out in,like, what? September? I can't wait for it. You have heard me ramble on about it before but I can't wait.Library of Souls Goodreads

4. Girl Online- On Tour by Zoe Sugg. I read Girl Online for the second time because I got it for Christmas and it just reminded me how I love this book so much. It is so cute and I love it! If you have read my review, I still didn't feel really comfortable about Noah, but after reading it again I feel differently now. It's as if reading it for the second time has placed my trust in him. That is why I am really looking forward to reading the second book. Hopefully it lives up to the first!Girl Online:On Tour Goodreads

5. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. I mean, come on. A competition (I love books with some sort of competition in them). 80S POP CULTURE I MEAN WOW THIS IS MY TYPE OF BOOK! When I eventually read this book I really hope it is crammed full of 80s pop culture references.Ready Player One Goodreads

6. Wolf by Wolf- this book fascinates me because it is set as if Hitler won WWII. It sounds really good.Wolf by Wolf Goodreads

7. Any sort of autobiography or biography by historical icons or music icons like David Bowie. That would be cool.

Also, a Kindle card so I can buy Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas on my Kindle.Crown of Midnight Goodreads

So yeah, that's it basically.

Zobo!

The Allegiant trailers.... What.

Hi.

I am currently away for a couple of days so I am using the pub wifi for as long as possible.

I just want to talk about the Allegiants trailers.

What.

It's all red and there's flying thingies and it looks like their on space and Mars and I don't know.

I'll still watch it, I'm just not sure about it. Like, will it be good and true to the book?

I'm kind of leaning towards I don't think so.

The first movie was so spot on and I absolutely loved it. The second was not as good but I still kinda liked it, even though there were elements in it that were twisted a bit. It was a bit weird.

Zobo!

Some links: BookTube and Wattpad

Hi y'all!

So I thought I might post some links to various things like links to my favourite BookTubers and some personal accounts and the like:

BookTubers:

polandbananasBOOKS/polandbananas20- Christine is so funny and great at reviewing books. What I love about her discussions is that she does a 'non spoiler-y section' and a 'spoiler-y section'. Both are still very entertaining. She also does skits, rants and book related challenges. https://www.youtube.com/user/polandbananasBOOKS

jessiethereader- Jessie has a really clear way of explaining what books are about and his quirkiness is mildly funny. https://www.youtube.com/user/jessethereader

abookutopia- Sasha can be serious about books but also fantasises and I can relate to her in a lot of ways. Her awesome bookshelf/s also add to the experience. Not that the previous two don't have awesome bookshelves ;) https://www.youtube.com/user/abookutopia

Okay- so here is a link to my Wattpad account. I haven't been posting a lot lately due to the fact that I am struggling to think of ideas (I'm working on it!) and I have been a bit busy (I know excuses, excuses).  https://www.wattpad.com/user/Zobo1980s

That is all. Btw. I counted all of the books I own and I have currently 235. So that's cool I guess.

Zobo!

Some Sad News for Potter Fans

Hello everyone.

I love the Harry Potter books and I love the movies so much as well. That's why it is so sad to hear that Alan Rickman who played Severus Snape in the films has passed away.

This is very sad. I thought Rickman portrayed Snape incredibly well. Snape is one of my favourite characters, you may know.


I know Alan Rickman has starred in other roles in his acting career, but for me, I know him as playing Snape in the Harry Potter movies.

Zobo.

The Beatles Lyrics- Hunter Davies

Hey.

The Beatles are my favourite band and I got this book for Christmas in 2014. I thought I would do a review on this book since I don't do reviews of non fiction books very often.

The Beatles Lyrics takes each of the songs written by the band and decodes them and finds their meanings and stories behind the lyrics.

I learnt a lot of cool and interesting facts while reading parts of this book. One of the facts was that the song 'She's Leaving Home' is based on a true story about a girl who ran way from home. I thought was interesting that you can take lyrics and create a song without directly what it is based on and not making it appear that it is obvious that it was based on a true story.

I thought it was a really good book. I'm no expert on writing these types of books, but Hunter Davies bought something new. I hadn't seen a book that analysed the lyrics of the Beatles before, and I still haven't now.

I like the cover too. It is red and is made to look like a record. It has the lyrics 'I read the news today, oh boy' written in what looks like handwriting on the cover from the song 'A Day In The Life.' It sits proudly on my bookshelf next to my ABBA Treasures book.

Overall, a great blend of cool photographs, quotes, and small humour.

You can find both of those songs I mentioned earlier on the Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band album.


On another note, I was also quite shocked and sad to hear that David Bowie passed away on January 10. He was and will continue to be quite an inspiration for a lot of people and I know definitely for myself too. I love his music and his unique style. I don't think the world will ever have anyone as awesome in the music industry as David Bowie. I wish all the best for his family.

(I know hardly anyone reads this blog. I just like to express my feelings, even if there is only a couple of people in the world who may read this)

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The Perfect Book- I CAN'T SLEEP!

Hey there!

So, a couple of days ago there was this pretty loud and heavy storm that passed through where I live. I was up until about 4:15am trying to sleep but it was too loud!!

Then there was a blackout. Not all of the things in the house lost electricity. You know, just the WI-FI AND MY READING LAMP!

So I had to pull out my trusty book light and I read a chapter of Wuthering Heights. Which is kind of ironic because the word 'wuthering' means strong wind. And there was a LOAD of wind that night.

I thought this post might help people who may be trying to sleep and just cannot. I know my first go- to thing to do if I can't get to sleep is to read. I usually try to read something boring and uninteresting, but also classics too (I am liking Wuthering Heights so far) because they aren't too exciting and full of adrenaline and suspense. 

I am going to pick a selection of books/genres I find can help me sleep if I am having trouble and I hope this list will come in handy whenever you are having trouble dozing off:

- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. There's just something about this book- the elegance, the writing, the long, droning paragraphs and the small print. The elegance is something that puts me in a good mood, the writing has to be good but not fast paced, the long droning paragraphs and parts are good to get you bored and tired and if you can find a copy with small print- bam. Your eyes will be exhausted in no time! Any other classic or book like this would be suitable too. Make sure it has these points though.

-Biographies/Autobiographies. Having something inspiring or serious to read about can stimulate you. Try something long or something that may not even interest you that much. It may or may not work. At the moment, I am reading Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. It is a biography, report and account.  Thank you to friend who got it for me!

- The Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett. This book is so boring. Wow. I used to read it when I was being sort of am insomniac for a period of time and my eyes felt so heavy. Pick up a copy of this is you can. I applaud anybody who has read the whole thing. I just don't find an interest in people who right a thick book about virtues. I dunno.

-A book that you enjoy and makes you feel good inside. Just don't make it be an action packed, thrilling, suspenseful novel. This makes you want more and the suspense will hang over you and probably make you sleep less or worse. Romance? Comedy? Historical fiction? Whatever suits you.

Now the reading don'ts-

-Don't read on an iPad. The screens and light make you more awake (from experience). If you read on a Kindle, turn the brightness down all the way and use a light to read the text.

-Don't force yourself to read on or finish the chapter. When you start to feel sleepy, just put the book down and turn out the light. Don't even worry about putting it away or anything if you are really tired. (Unless you have a dog or any animal that likes to chew everything. Don't risk that :)

I hope this post will help you. I might do other versions of this (maybe for example 'The Perfect Book- I CAN'T CONCENTRATE!'?

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Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

Hi!

I finished this book on Boxing Day and I got it for Christmas. I loved this book so muuuuuuuch! It had the perfect combination of humour and charm and a sweet little romance packed it all together nicely with a bow on top.

Finding Audrey focuses on the relatable and dry humoured Audrey, a fourteen year old teen who thinks she has quite a mediocre life. She lives with her chaotic mother, woman who believes everything her favourite newspaper tells her to do, which leads her to sometimes frantic moments; her father, who is described as "tall and handsome in a car advert way" and is the most sensible of the bunch; her older brother Frank, who's obsession with video games gets way too serious to be healthy; and her younger brother Felix, the silly, happy one of the bunch, who is the only person Audrey can find who will listen to her. He is four years old (from what I can remember).

Audrey has an anxiety disorder, caused by a very serious incident involving a couple of girls she went to school with. Audrey doesn't explain exactly what happened, which I think is good and is honest. I think some authors may have written it differently- explaining what happened briefly and then moving on, but I think the whole mystery shrouded over the subject is a good touch and is what Audrey would actually feel like inside.

Audrey wears dark glasses and avoids eye contact with everyone she sees except for her younger brother Felix. She takes medicine and is not outgoing, adventurous and has low confidence and low self esteem. She hasn't been to even simple places like a cafe or the supermarket in months. She sees a friendly doctor, Dr. Sarah, who suggests that Audrey make a home movie of her life.

This is one aspect of the book that I really liked. Most of the book is in chapters. Some parts between chunks or chapters are like a script. It is really good to see the script rather than have in the actual chapters "And here's Mum". It is basically what Audrey is saying while filming.

Can I just say- the start of this book was absolutely hilarious. Audrey's mum is threatening to throw Frank's computer out of the window because he has an 'addiction' to computer games. It is chaotic and so funny. The Dad is trying to move the car and persuade his wife that she shouldn't throw out the computer, Frank is down on the grass below the window yelling at his mum to stop, Audrey is just watching it all unfold, the neighbours in the streets are  coming out of their houses and are spectators, a boy who Frank plays games with is yelling stuff like "GET A BLANKET! CATCH IT!" and the mother is threatening and it was really funny.

Anyway-

Frank has a friend called Linus, and he comes over sometimes to play League of Conquerors (a video game). Audrey begins to feel comfortable around Linus. He approaches her in a way no one else has before. He doesn't try to reassure her or try to talk about her disorder. He just sees her as HER. As Audrey.

Gradually, their friendship blossoms into a small romance. It was very cute and I loved how the romance wasn't the main point of the book, even though it is made out to be by the blurb. I adored their chats. It was a nice feeling, being able to read about Audrey's thoughts during her time with Linus.

This book dealt with a very serious topic about mental illness and blending it with humour so it wasn't harsh or disrespectful was very good.

Overall, I think you can tell I love this book very much!

Zobo!