The Picture of Dorian Gray | Oscar Wilde | Review

This year I planned to read more classic books. I try every year but never get around to it, even though I own quite a few classics as usually they have pretty covers like this one. I had heard good things about The Picture of Dorian Gray so I decided as it was apparently good and was only a short 200 pages I'd start with this one.

Let’s just say I have incredibly mixed feelings about this book.

To Siri, With Love & other reviews

To Siri, With Love by Judith Newman*

It wasn’t until I was a few pages in and was wondering why I was struggling to read it did I realise this book was a memoir. When I requested it, even after reading the blurb, I thought it was a fiction book. I’ve written before about how I’m not a fan of nonfiction and memoir books. But after watching Atypical I thought reading this would keep my mind on a similar track and because of this I think is the reason I managed to finish it. Hallelujah!

And I didn’t just finish it, I actually enjoyed it!

I think this is because Judith wrote it in the way she did, it felt like a crossover between an article and a casual chat on her couch. Almost like a long blog post. It’s about her life, her family and more importantly her autistic son Gus, growing up in New York. I enjoyed reading about Gus’ habits and views on life and his relationships with his family and friends.

6/10

Secrets for the Mad* by Dodie Clark

Oh hey, another nonfiction book. My first thoughts were that it made me feel depressed, I wasn’t excited to continue reading because I thought I was just going to spend the next few days in a sad mood. But then I realised that, because of the writing, what I was actually feeling was Dodie’s depression. She probably wasn’t aiming for it to come out that way but it all needed to be shared. The deep, and saddening stories are separated with journal entries, photos, and doodles to give a slight breather in between. It makes it much easier to read instead of having to put the book down because you’ve reached a certain point in ‘feelings’, there’s a cleverly placed image that softens the blow.

I admit I wasn't 100% sure what this book was about, just more YouTube self-help ramblings, but this isn't that. This will probably help a lot of people, unlike the YouTuber books filled with 'how to not be anxious' and 'how to make avo on toast'. (I say that and then I read the section on cooking, at least it's only six wee recipes and not a whole chapter. I admit I did skip this part as I don’t care for recipes in these sorts of books.)

Because of the way it’s written, Dodie’s expression sings through the entire novel. I’ve only watched a select few of her videos as some of the singing ones don’t really appeal to me, but from what I have watched it’s the same conversational storytelling as what’s in the book. Dodie is essentially sitting next to you on the couch telling you her stories, and that’s what makes it less ‘nonfiction/memoir-y’ and so much easier to read.

7/10

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Okay, I feel like I may be one of the last people to read this book but it has been on my list I swear I just have only just gotten around to it. I wasn’t actually aware what this book was about, I just knew a lot of people had read it and loved it. So, I was slightly surprised when I started reading it and it was about a 39-year-old male scientist. I thought it was going to be some lovey-dovey teen novel.
These are the best kinds of books I find. Ones that are totally different to what you thought they were going to be (well obviously if they’re totally different in a good way).

Don never seems to get a second date so he starts The Wife Project to er well obviously find a wife, but instead meets Rosie and she ‘throws his life into chaos’. The story follows the next few months where Don using his scientist brain helps Rosie try and find her biological father and the way, in return, she changes his routine and they fall in love cue 'awh-ing'.

8/10

Moxie* by Jennifer Mathieu

I literally felt like I was getting feminism shoved down my throat for most of the book so I wasn't hugely into that. Everything that could go bad in terms of 'boys are better-make me a sandwich-girls suck' type thing did go wrong which was sort of annoying. But other than that it was an alright story, girls were kicking ass so of course, I was a fan! I don't really see boys enjoying this but I doubt they're the target audience. If you're a girl and feel like a quick YA read about girls fighting for girls then go for it.

6/10

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

I have to say I took a little while to get into this book, I wasn’t really sure what it was about apart from that lots of booktuber’s raved about it, so when it started I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. Then Etta was introduced and her violin performance drew me in, and then the magic started. It initially reminded me of A Darker Shade of Magic, just with Nicholas and Etta instead of Kell and Lilah. But obviously the more the story evolved the more I saw it wasn’t that.

When I told people it was about time travel they assumed a science fiction type book, however, this feels more realistic and fantasy at the same time. Obviously, time travel is fantasy but the way the story is told you legitimately feel like it could be happening now in real life, it’s described so effortlessly and not totally absurd that you wouldn’t believe it.

I really enjoyed the story, however, I felt the pacing was off. The beginning was too slow and it, therefore, took a while to get into the story. The middle was perfect, everything ran nicely and gave you enough time to take in all the details and understand what was going on. Then the end was a mess, I was 40 or so pages from the end and nothing end like had even happened, I didn’t understand how they were going to end it with that few number of pages. But, then everything happened and it just felt rushed and nothing like the rest of the book. Seriously a disappointment.
Although having loved the rest of the story I have bought the second book, Wayfarer, and it’s on its way to me now!

9/10

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Harry Potter and the Order of Favourites

I read a post the other week where someone had ranked the Harry Potter books in order of their favourite to least favourite and it really got me thinking. This is a big thing on any 'Harry Potter tag' and whenever I do them I never really know which order I'd put them in or why. So, I thought I'd think about it properly and solve this problem until I reread them again that is.

FYI this is the books, not the movies. The movies would have a rather different order.

A Court of Tears and Feelings | Book Review

I never thought I’d say it but I’ve just read some books that very nearly take over Harry Potter as my favourite series. I’ve been putting off reading A Court of Thorns and Roses as I’ve never had the physical copy and I always wanted to read other books more than it. But at the start of the year I bought it on a whim and I barely ever put it down once I'd struggled through the first few chapters. If you’ve tried it and couldn’t get into it, I recommend trying again and if you still don’t like it when you’re about a third through then I guess that’s fair enough.

I've now since finished the entire series and boy I loved it! The only reason Harry Potter is still top is because of the nostalgia. It's been far too long since I've read a book that I literally can't put down. I read it everywhere; I took it to work, I cooked with it, I sat on the toilet with it. I just couldn't stop, especially the last book A Court of Wings and Ruin. 

That book ruined me.

I haven't had a proper bawling cry at a book in so long, I never even cried when Dumbledore died. But I cried at each of these books, literally the almost ending of each of them had me crying my eyes out. That's what I've been missing, actually FEELING a book, FEELING the characters.  

Can we just talk about how Sarah J Maas writes? 

It’s not going to be for everyone but I just love the fact that she can write the characters in the exact same way but because of the scenes you can either love or hate a character. For example in the first book, Tamlin is God, he's the hunky adorable guy everyone loves and Rhysand we hate. Then written the same way in the second book but because of the context and scenes we hate Tamlin and love Rhys. It's weird and glorious. 

(Minor spoilers ahead)

I’m definitely a Rhyre shipper, what is their ship name anyway? I can’t actually remember the last time I actually said I shipped a couple, but gosh I’m a big fan of Rhys and Feyre. 

I feel about fifteen. 

Their relationship is just fluid and lovely and full of banter and I just love it. It broke my heart a little bit, near the end of ACOMAF where she discovers she’s his mate and starts raging at him. I truly thought Rhyre may be over for a moment and it hurt a little. That’s how you know your ships are true right? Then the end of ACOWAR the cauldron scene I just can't even think about that again, I was crying my eyes out. 

The only thing I felt was wrong in the series was that everything had a happy ending, barely anyone important died. With the amount of stuff that happens in those books, more people should have died. (Of course, I love them so they shouldn't have)

(Minor spoilers over)

I also have a small place in my heart for Lucien, obviously more for the first book than the second, but what happens in the second book doesn’t make me love him less and then the third just made me love him even more. I’m never going to accept that he has long hair though, I always imagine him with short hair and I’m never going to change that despite the fact it’s mentioned quite a number of times. Behind Rhys, he's definitely my favourite. I'm not a huge fan of Feyre but I can deal. 

Have you read the series, what did you think?

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Opshop Book Haul!

I went to the Salvation Army the other day after a client meeting in town, and thought I may check out their book selection seen as I was passing by and I found my favourite book there last week. It was lucky I did as I managed to grab four books off my to read list and one of my favourite books, all for under $15!

Matilda - Roald Dahl
Of all the books I read in my childhood I've never actually read Matilda! I love the movie so much as I used to have a VCR tape that had both Matilda and Madeline on it and I watched that tape over and over again. I haven't actually seen Madeline since moving to DVDs however I'm always watching Matilda if it's on TV.

The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
My Dad borrowed this book from his work colleague in January and both him, Mum, and myself took it in turns reading it before giving it back. I love it so much, as much as the ending makes me cry it's just an amazing story, the movie is just as good! I don't know what it is about war stories but I love them!

Shatter Me - Tahereh Mafi
Ever since seeing this book mentioned on Emily's YouTube channel I've seen it everywhere and wanted to read it. She actually didn't like it but that hasn't stopped me, I have it on my kindle waiting to be read but for $2 I thought I may as well get the actual book to read!

The Help - Kathryn Stockett
Another recommended book, Mum loved it and told me to read it so I'm going to! I did like the movie although it wasn't a favourite but I'm not going to let that ruin the book for me, books are always better than movies.

Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare
Again another book I've been wanting to read for ages and another that has been sat on my kindle for ages. I've tried twice to read this before but I just couldn't get into it, thought maybe a physical book might help me concentrate and $3 for a very new hardcover book was hard to pass up really.

I'm planning to have a recently read post out next week so after I finish the last book for that I can start on these beauties and I can't wait. You just know that feeling when you're reading a really hard to read book that's taking ages and you have all these nice pretty books waiting for you? Yeah that.

Til next week! Also I'm going to WOW tomorrow and I can't wait, it's going to be amazing!

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! 

Contrast: Books vs Screen

So the #NZBloggers group and the #brunchclub group have this blog post inspiration challenge going this year called #bloggreatness where they are giving a topic for each week of the year to inspire bloggers to blog. Read more about it and the groups here. I've been wanting to do this for a while, especially the typography week, however I just haven't got around to it. This week however is Contrast and I thought it would be the perfect time to discuss my personal views on the endless debate: Books vs Screen. 

Now while I do love a good movie my personal favourites are books, I do have points where I just can't be bothered reading and it takes me over a month to finish one book. But if you couldn't tell from the increase of book posts over the past few months I've finally got my reading mojo back! Hope you don't mind about that by the way. 

My favourite book series of all time are the Harry Potter series. They never lose their magic no matter how many times you read them and I've read them a fair number of times. I remember when it took me an entire summer to read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix when it first came out and now it takes me a few days. I wouldn't say the movies are a total let down, they're magical and I'd happily watch them again and again but there's just a few tiny details that would've made it so much better, even simply including Peeves the Poltergeist would have made it better. I know things like these have been mentioned time and again round the internet so I won't go on about it. But how magical would a tv series been? I don't know if it would be right to do it anymore as our recognisable Harry, Ron, and Hermione have grown up. I'm not sure if it would be right to have it recast even if we were to get something as magical as a tv series. Wouldn't it be cool though if they refilmed the 19 years later scene when they all got to that age? I'd accept that! 

I don't know if many of you have heard about the new thing coming to Netflix next year but I'm so bloody excited about it! A Series Of Unfortunate Events is going to be made into an actual series. Not a crappy movie that covers three books and then doesn't have any sequels... an actual series! I read this series when I was younger and having never owned them myself I would borrow them off my best friend one after the other until I caught up, we then went to different secondary schools so the newer ones I haven't actually read (but will get to in due time). The second one was always my favourite, followed closely by the third one which I now own after finding a copy in a charity shop a few years ago. I do admit I enjoyed the film, Jim Carrey was great and the story line was great for the fact they shoved 3 books into it but I just feel like a series like this would be done so much more justice from a TV series. I'm just in love with the fan cast of Lily Collins for Violet and pray it comes true really. 

Game of Thrones for example is a great example of this, I haven't actually read the books as I've never been able to get into them even after trying again and again - I will conquer them one day I promise. The series though just does works so well and tells all the different story lines in a way that isn't confusing and it's so good to a point where I don't feel like I really need to read the books. I know that there's so much more in the books and it's actually has some different story lines but it's just something that I'll get around to one day whereas I watch each episode as soon as I can obtain it! 

What are your thoughts towards this debate? I know some people just can't concentrate enough to read a book but only some on screen productions have been able to create magic equal to that in a book. Are there any books that you feel have been beaten by their on screen partners? Or is the pen always mightier than the um... tv? 

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