A Trio of Sophies | Book Review

I always get excited when a character in a book is named after me, well not named after me but has my name. You know what I mean... So when I heard about this book A Trio of Sophies* by Eileen Merriman over on the Turning Pages NZ Goodreads group how could I not get excited? Three Sophies???

Turns out that actually only one goes by Sophie most the time, and she's the one who has mysteriously disappeared.

Puddin' by Julie Murphy | Book Review

I bloody loved this book! Another book for my abnormally large five-star pile of 2019!

To be honest I haven't read the first book (Dumplin') which I know is a terrible thing but I have watched the movie, not that that makes it any better. However, as it's a companion novel and about different main characters I feel like it's not too bad, even if I hadn't watched the movie I feel like I wouldn't struggle as most of the backstory from the first book is explained. I cried and I laughed, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

The Flat Share by Beth O'Leary | Review

It's not often that I'll want to stay up past my bedtime because a book is so gripping (I'm a stickler for a routine) but The Flat Share* was one of them. While slightly predictable you were so involved in Tiffy and Leon's lives that you didn't care, you felt it was only right that these things were to happen because you knew them, you'd been with them through all the moments of their lives that everything made sense.

On The Come Up by Angie Thomas | Book Review

Now it's no secret that I love Angie Thomas after my constant raving about The Hate U Give. I'm back with her new novel On The Come Up*, and surprise surprise I loved this one just as much! 5 stars as much!

Similar to my initial thoughts on THUG (read my full review here) I was unsure I'd love On The Come Up as much as all the raving reviews and excitement was making it up to sound. The blurb didn't sound like my usual sort of book but neither did THUG so I trusted Angie's writing and jumped straight into it.

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green | Book Review

I requested this on the sole reason that April May the protagonist was a graphic designer (and maybe cause I read it as by John Green not Hank Green oops). A designer is one of those professions that tend to be used a lot but I have rarely read a YA novel with a protagonist designer. April May, fresh out of Uni and in her first design job felt rather relatable, even though I don’t have to do the long hours and boring jobs she describes.

Hello Life! Hello Internet! - Marcus Butler book review

Yes it's another YouTuber book, I know I know. I jumped into the deep end blindfolded for this one as, unlike Carrie's book, I didn't actually know what it was about, I just assumed it was another self help advice type book — and it kinda was. Now Marcus Butler is someone I used to really enjoy watching on YouTube but lately I found he's humour isn't really my thing, it is my brother's thing though and I'm probably going to give this to him once I've copied some parts I want to reread sometimes. (Ladies this may be a perfect gift for those hard to buy for teenage boys in your life!) 

But that didn't stop me having a read! Hello Life*  navigates you through healthy living, the dating game, friends & family, and how to get the life you want. Naturally if you ignore the constant reminder that 'I'm not a professional or an expert, I'm just a guy with a video camera' then you actually find there's some good tips in here. Where with Carrie's book I felt like I was slightly older than the target audience, with Marcus' I feel like it has a much broader target market. I don't want to compare the two but I'm just going off my previous knowledge of advice books and apart from 'the girl guide' I got from a car boot sale when I was like 8 these are the only two that I remember.

I'm doing pretty well in the dating game and friends and family, having a lovely long term boyfriend, amazing family, and great friends. I guess the healthy living section should be useful but maybe in the future cough cough, although I'm loving the smoothie recipes! However, it was the last section, how to get the life you want, I found the most useful. Marcus aims more at those choosing their path in life at GSCE (NCEA 1), A Level (NCEA 2 & 3), and choosing whether or not to go to University. While this isn't me, 21 year old 3rd year University student, a lot of the tips and advice works well in my situation at the moment. Currently with fourth year and internships looming I'm getting more and more worked up about whether or not I'm good enough and the pressures to succeed. I won't spoil it all for you but a main point Marcus makes is that we'll always have pressure throughout our life so the sooner we get into dealing with it the better. He also has some great tips for those of you (me) who struggle with public speaking!

Basically most of this is just common sense but sometimes it takes reading it to stick it in your brain and act on it, otherwise he does cover some good topics that a lot of advice type books stray away from, including divorce, eating disorders, and family death. All these struggles Marcus has personally dealt with, so there's not just your basic shrink 'it all gets better in the end' mumbo jumbo. It's out now so if it feels like your kind of book, or a kind of book to be gifted to someone else, go and get it!

* I was kindly given this book to review by Hachette NZ but all opinions are completely my own thoughts and feelings!

Move over Carrie Bradshaw, Monica's in town!

Well hello there, I've finally finished this book!! Hallelujah I never thought I'd get there I've been so busy but I managed it. Killing Monica* isn't a book to read when you haven't much time I've found out, it needs your full attention for long periods of time, because of this I found it really hard to get into in the beginning as I'd read a few pages here and there when I had time. The other night however I managed to take some time out and just sit down and relax (a treat that doesn't happen often now a days) and pretty much read most of the book in one sitting. Seriously though there's three parts to this book and once you're past a certain point it's super easy to read - I will say though the last part is like what the hell.

"Pandy "PJ" Wallis is a renowned writer whose novels about a young woman making her way in Manhattan have spawned a series of blockbuster films."  ~ Goodreads 

Pretty much the first part is about her current life, the second contains many flashbacks throughout her life, then the third part continues from the first part but when knowing the backstories you understand more of her current life. Obviously from a girl called Pandemonia her life isn't the quiet chilled life of low key writer, her life is all over the front page no matter if she's kissing some guy, out with some girl, or missing in action. Her life just seems to be taken over by 'Monica' her character persona, which might parallel that of Bushnell's Carrie Bradshaw, to the extent that she plans to kill her so her new novel idea might be considered in publishing. Personally there were a few times I didn't really want to pick up the book again to continue reading as it just didn't seem like my kind of reading - I haven't actually read or seen Sex and the City and actually I thought it was called Sex in the City until I looked at the photo above oops. But I did enjoy the major twist in part three, I did think it was a bit what the hell but it personally made the book better than a maybe 2 stars out of 5. I guessed the final twist though just for those who have read it, did you too or was it just me? About PJ's sister? 

I wouldn't say you'd be missing out on this if you didn't read it but if you're looking for an easy reader with boys, alcohol, and some partying then maybe this is the book for you! It's rather wishy washy until the last part where all the action happens but if that's your kind of book maybe pick this up.

* I received this book from Hachette NZ for reviewing purposes, however all opinions are probably obviously my own! 

Recently Read #2

Hello to you these wonderful holidays, if you're not on holidays I'm sorry and I'm even more sorry if you've got exams... Anyway I've been using this spare time to get on track with my Goodreads book challenge. I set myself a goal of 30 books for the year and I was getting rather slack but now I'm at 11/30 and there's a few more weeks to go. But here's what I've recently read!

I Heart New York by Lindsey Kelk
"It's official. Angela Clarke is in love – with the most fabulous city in the world."
After hearing quite a few people going on about this series I though I would at least try out the first one. It wasn't really what I was expecting but it was pretty decent for your average girly novel. Probably going to have a look at the rest of the series, can't say I'll read them all but we'll see.
6/10

Day Four by Sarah Lotz*
"Four days into a five day singles cruise on the Gulf of Mexico, the ageing ship Beautiful Dreamer stops dead in the water. With no electricity and no cellular signals, the passengers and crew have no way to call for help."
This isn't the type of book I'd normally read but after reading the blurb about it it sounded pretty good so I thought I'd give it a shot. It's actually a sequel but it didn't make any difference to me that I hadn't read the first. I actually really enjoyed this book although it's split into 6 different protagonists the story reads easily and keeps you on your toes. I wasn't really keen on the ending as throughout the book it was hugely detailed but when it came to the big finale it all seemed a little rushed and missing major details. Basically to me it didn't answer half of the questions I had which I guess might have been the point, cliffhanger ending and all that. I did enjoy it though and would reread it again, maybe that would reveal more answers?!
8/10

Anne Of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
"Everyone's favorite redhead, the spunky Anne Shirley, begins her adventures at Green Gables, a farm outside Avonlea, Prince Edward Island."
This was one of my favourite childhood book, even though I didn't actually read it until I was around 16, but I'm still counting it! So when I saw a few people including Sophie from NanaWintour had got this beautiful collectors edition I knew I had to get my hands on it! 
9/10

Resistance Is Futile by Jenny T. Colgan*

"Connie thinks she's never met anyone quite like Luke Beith before. She has no idea how right she is."

Okay if Day Four wasn't really my type of book this definitely wasn't. From the blurb I thought it could be quite good however the more and more I got into the book the more I wasn't so sure. There's a lot of questions and twists and turns but the characters are a thing to love, easily relatable even if you're not a super mathematic genius. I will say though, it's not that this is a bad book I've seen so many people loving it, it's just not my type personally - give it a whirl! The cover art though oh my gosh when I opened the package containing this book the graphic designer in me just swooned. 

4/10

What have you been recently reading? I need a few more new books to add to my to read list! 

* I was kindly gifted these books by Hachette NZ for reviewing purposes however all opinions and ratings are my own :)

I know some more things now! - Book Review

Yes yes another YouTuber book, but hey Carrie Hope Fletcher isn't just a YouTuber, shes an actor singer writer YouTuber, so surely this'll mean bigger and better things right? Well for a start I've actually only read Zoella's book (which I enjoyed) so I can't really judge the rest but I can say that although some parts of Zoe's book sounded like her most of it you couldn't tell. Carrie's however sounds like she's sat in your head reading it to you, if I didn't have loads of uni coursework hanging over me I probably would have finished it last week on the day I got it but hey I gotta graduate!

Even though I was looking forward to All I Know Now* coming out I wasn't sure if it would be the book for me seen as it was aimed to be the 'big sister advice' type book and I'm only a year younger than her. However I was surprised at how much actually related to me; I was able to look back on my teenage years and cringe and cry, and also learn a little bit towards present life. Being an actress (currently Eponine in Les Mis in London's West End) the book is laid out similar to a play; with an overture, acts, and a finale, although I personally didn't take much notice to them but more to the great illustrations. I always love it when 'older' books like this have illustrations, not just kids love pictures!

I don't want to spoil the book for you but Carrie covers a range of things that are both deep and important, and fun happy things so you'll be sure to find something that tickles your fancy! I know a lot of my ex friends could do with reading this book and learning a few things mhmm *clicks finger and wiggles head*

All I Know Now is available now in your local bookshop and online so grab a copy if it's your thing!

*I was kindly gifted this book by Hachette NZ to read and review however I would have obtained this myself otherwise to have a read as I love Carrie so all thoughts and opinions are my own :)

How to be a GIRLBOSS - Book Review

I recently finished reading #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso with the book club I follow on Facebook and it got me feeling so inspired! 

Amoruso shows readers how to channel their passion and hard work, while keeping their insecurities from getting in the way. She offers straight talk about making your voice heard and doing meaningful work. ~ Goodreads 
It's a mismatch of advice and biographical stories which comes together into a pretty good book. Sophia pretty much tells you how she got to where she is and how it's possible for you to do the same. I wouldn't say it's the most inspirational book in any way but it made me think about my life a bit more and how I go about my profession. Of course that's not saying it's not the least inspirational book either it's like in my top 10 at least! Plus it has cute illustrations! 

Being in the design industry I rarely feel like I'm on top, I always feel like I'll forever be average. I get reasonably good grades, sometimes get used for examples but there's always people who seem so much better and ahead of the rest of us that I never feel like I'll catch up. Sometimes I feel like no matter what I do or how ever much time I spend working it's never good enough. Especially as in a latest project I got the same grade and percentage as someone else but had barely anything to fix while she had so much to fix. I just didn't really understand how that worked. With #Girlboss up my sleeve it's been like a little kick up the bum to do even more to get up to scratch. 

If you haven't found something you excel at yet there's this quote that's floating around the internet which days that 'Van Gogh didn't start painting til his late 20's, incase you feel like you haven't found your talent.' So you always have time to find your talent!

Recently Read

Recently since the start of the year I've read 5 books, a little ahead of my Goodreads challenge of 30 books but a little behind my Mum challenge where I want to beat her and she's on 9. I thought I would share some thoughts on these five: 

Bossypants - Tina Fey 

7/10

'Tina Fey's Autobiography' I read this because I thought it was going to be funny, but I think it might have been a bit better if I'd actually watched more of her shows, or like any of her shows. I did enjoy it though I won't say it wasn't funny it just probably would've been more funny if I had.

Eleanor & Park - Rainbow Rowell

8/10

'Two misfits, one extraordinary love.' Although this was a very cheesy teen love story I did enjoy it and I have written a longer review on this one so check it out if you're interested. 

You're The One That I Want - Giovanna Fletcher 

7/10

'A story about a love triangle between three childhood best friends.' I admit I only picked this one up because it's written by Tom from McFly's wife. Also it was recommended by his sister Carrie Fletcher who's YouTube is here. I went into this book with some low expectations but this little love triangle was much better than the crappy one over in Twilight. However I did have hopes the entire book that the prologue actually didn't happen and she would end up with the other guy, spoiler alert the prologue comes true. 

Penelope - Rebecca Harrington

8/10

'Harvard freshman's story of her first year; full of parties, exams, and boys.' I really enjoyed this book and was thoroughly disappointed at the ending. It was an awful ending. Can Harrington just rewrite the ending and then I will give it a 9 or a 9.5 out of 10. 

Trouble - Non Pratt 

5/10 

'A pregnant teen learns the meaning of friendship - from the boy who pretends to be the baby's daddy.' Yes another recommendation from Carrie and I do not continue this recommendation. A teenage pregnancy book aimed at tweens is not a great book for an almost 21 year old. I should have seen this coming if I actually read the blurb or looked at the cover... 

So there we go! There's the first few books of the year and hopefully I continue to read at this pace and manage my 30 book challenge but I also have been stuck on the same book for 15 days now and I'm probably about 3 chapters in. Ya know the feeling?

Anyways I'm looking for a few better books to read so if you have any recommendations chuck us them in the comments! x

Eleanor & Park ~ Book Review

Image from DeviantArt user candy8496 ~ check out her other work it's great!

I've read Rainbow Rowell before and not being a big fan of Fangirl as much as anyone else I wasn't too sure about how I'd like this one. But after seeing it again and again mentioned throughout the internet I decided to give it a go. I wasn't that disappointed to be quite honest, I hadn't read any blurb about it so after diving in and finding it was another abnormal couple love story I had my doubts but I did enjoy it. I wasn't really keen on the ending and thought it could've been dealt with differently but I won't go giving away any spoilers. Sold as another 'star crossed lovers' book it's expressed in the early pages that Eleanor, your average unpopular redheaded girl, that she's not fond of Romeo and Juliet's story at all calling them 'shallow, confused and then dead'. So it's ironic that she finds herself in her own shallow confused love story with Park, the dated the popular girl in primary and then became invisible boy, all because they shared a seat on the bus to school. This book seems to be similar to those teen love story library books you rent, read once, and return never to read again. I personally would say go for it if you want to read it but although I enjoyed it I probably won't be reaching for it to read again.