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!

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!

Fav 5 of January

 

I haven't done a favourites post in ages, actually thinking about it I may not have ever done one but I feel I have! Anyways January is almost over if you can believe it and I've complied some things that I've been loving as you do in favourites so lets get on with it. 

While I was in Australia I wanted to pick up a few beauty items as they're slightly cheaper than in New Zealand (that or they're just actually available there) but apart from passing up on the NYX sale which I really shouldn't have I never really found anything cheap enough to be worth buying apart from this Real Techniques brush. I planned throughout the holiday if I had enough money left over at the end that I'd treat myself to the 4 core collection pack however when it got to the end there were none left. So instead I got just the one expert face brush which I've been using ever since and loving. Another make up product I got here in NZ after the recommendations of fellow NZ bloggers and YouTubers. The Jordana matte lipstick in Taupe is really good quality for $3 which I like to use either on its own or on top of other brighter shades to tone them down a little bit. I'm really loving this browny nude colour at the moment. 

The other day whilst browsing the sale racks I came across this beauty of a tshirt, I absolutely fell in love with the cactus design, bought it straight away and have been wearing it ever since! (It's been washed I'm not that gross x). I also recently got my 2015 diary in the mail and have been loving using it to plan posts, make lists and note down important dates. It's going to become really useful once Uni starts back up and hopefully I'll be a bit more organised than the last two years. My last favourite for the month has been my Kindle app; over the years I've been competing with my mum to read the most books in a year and I've yet to win. 2015 however will be the year of change!! With the the help of my kindle I've read 5 books already this month so hopefully things will keep going as well as January has. I might do a group book review post soon about these books otherwise it'll be a bit overwhelming with a post each! 

What have you been loving this month? 

Book Review: Charlie StCloud

Hiya so sometimes very rarely I do the thing where I don't realise movies have come from books and randomly discover them in the library. This is one of those cases having watched the movie Charlie StCloud with mister wildcat Zefron himself years and years ago it was weird to see him chilling in the fiction section on a book cover. Of course being Zac I investigated and realised there was a book! Now luckily as I hadn't seen the movie for quite a long time I couldn't for the life (and death) of me remember what happened so it came home with me. Of course reading through things started to click into place and halfway through I started to remember what happens. 

I would recommend this as even though I'd watched the movie it's still written perfectly in that it's very hard to as my Dad would say "write the script" and guess what's going to happen. Of course the whole girl falls for the guy part is obvious but other than that there are some great jaw dropping moments. Have a read! 

I'm comin' home just in time... [Book Review]

The Time Traveller's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger

While I was on holiday I picked up this hefty book of my shelf of 'books I really want to read but I really can't be bothered sitting down and reading them' books and took it with me. I admit it took me a while to get into it as usually I'm not into books that have different narrators every chapter and tend to jump around a lot but once I got into the storyline it was fabulous. I wont spoil it but I really recommend the book, I have watched the movie a few years earlier but could only remember a small section of the ending so I didn't have too much to go on. I loved the part where some things throughout the book were hard to figure out but further on through the story everything got explained at one point. Clare however is such a sweetheart falling for Henry so young and continuing throughout her life with the good and bad to be with him, such a sweet tale and anyone should strive for that kind of love in their lives x

a page a day keeps the doctor away...

A goal of mine the past few years has been to read as many books as possible. Nearer the end of the year I found out my mum also has this goal and also reads more than me but hey she doesn't attack the internet as much as me. I did manage 25 books this year which is more than any year so far so even though I started out on my scary journey to uni I still managed to keep up my free time. I must say the addition of the kindle app on my iPad this year helped. No I didn't download pdfs cough... 

Uglies l Divergent x2 l Life at the Shallow End l Taking the Plunge l Too Damn Hot l The Infinite Life of Emily Crane l Beauty and the Beast l Beastly l Insurgent x2 l The Notebook l Dear John l A Walk to Remember l City of Bones l City of Ashes l City of Glass l City of Fallen Angels l City of Lost Souls l Withering Tights l The Hunger Games l Catching Fire l Mockingjay l Dash and Lily's Book of Dares l Allegiant 

The best discoveries of 2013 I think would have to be the Divergent series (the third book was a bit of a let down but the other two were fab and I really loved Tris and Four) and the Mortal Instruments series (again another series that got a bit lame after few books but my god Clace is like one of my hardest ships flails and I really love Alec - eek for the movie omg omg) although I did really like reading some of the Nicholas Sparks books after seeing all the movies.