Hi there

So I finally did it, took the plunge and made a blog. I’m super excited to share my opinions and passions with the world! Expect a little bit of everything and please feel free to comment and share! ❤

-Gaby xx

October Wrap Up 2017

As my studies have become more and more stressful, reading has definitely taken a backseat. This, however, has not stopped me reading some great novels during October. I managed to read 6 books this month.

The Deviants by C J Skuse

I was not expecting to pick this up, but after finding myself in Southampton with nothing to read, I ending up buying this and I was so surprised by how addicting it was. I ended up reading around 65% of it all in one night, as each chapter was left on a cliffhanger. The characters were a major plus point of this book, and although they were flawed, their imperfection made them so much easier to get along with. The best part of the novel, however, was how C J Skuse managed to keep the reader wrapped around her finger, as you never knew what was round the corner. This book was more than just one big mystery, they was lots of mini-climaxes intertwined within the story, and it made it ten times more enjoyable. The ending definitely caught me off-guard but I feel like I was little bit disappointed by it. Overall I ended up giving this book a 4/5 stars.

Haunted by Chuck Palahnuik

Having only ever read ‘Fight Club’ by Chuck Palahnuik before yet owning almost all of his books, I’ve been waiting for the Halloween season to give me reason to finally dive back into his work. Usually I really don’t get on with short story collections, and this still had a mix of good stories mixed with mediocre stories, the difference being, there was about three stories in this book that I loved.

• Foot Work
• Exodus
• Speaking Bitterness

Although I can never say I enjoyed this book, due to it’s vile content, I can say that it fulfilled my expectations, I was expecting a graphic, gory and almost difficult to read book and that is exactly what I got. I ended up giving this book a 3.5/5 (which I bumped up to a 4 on goodreads, they really need to get around to adding half stars.)

Golden Boy by Abigail Tarttelin

OH MY GOSH THIS BOOK! I have not been absolutely blown away by a book in such a long time but this ticked all my boxes. We follow Max Walker, who is an intersex mc, which is something I have very limited knowledge on, due to this it was fascinating learning about the struggles he had to go through. The fact this book was told through multiple perspectives really opened up the story and allowed for an emotional connection to be gained to all of the characters. This book deals with some very difficult issues right from the offset, and I loved how Abigail Tarttelin didn’t shy away from them, as it is important to address them. Overall, I ended up giving this book, of course, a 5/5 and it’s definitely a contender for my favourite book of the year, maybe even of all time.

Girlhood by Cat Clarke

Cat Clarke is one of my mum’s favourite authors, and she’s been pushing me to read this book for a while, so I finally picked it up last month. One thing I love about Cat Clarke is how easy her books are to read, they’re always super fast-paced, and keep you gripped from start to finish. There was one scene in this book set around Halloween which I absolutely adored, and overall this was a really solid read, and even though I had everything figured out, Cat Clarke still managed to shock me in the end. I decided to give this book a 4/5 stars, and I can’t wait to pick up something else by this author.

The Isobel Journal by Isobel Harrop

I picked this up because I knew it would be quick read, and I ended up reading it in under an hour. However, I was not expecting to be so touched by the content, this story follows a teenage girl and I really connected with the story she was telling. We mainly see snippets of her life, and a running commentary on how she views this modern society, and all her thoughts and feelings really resonated with me. I loved the use of mixed-media and I ended up giving this book a 4.5/5 stars.

Replica by Lauren Oliver

Mixed feelings on this one, adored Gemma’s side and felt disappointed when I had to flip the book and read about what Lyra was doing, cause I didn’t particularly care. Also, when I got about 50% of the way through the book, I ended reading the same chapter twice, just from different perspectives, and that did start to grate on my nerves. However, I really liked he premise of the story and I am excited to see where the story goes, because it was left on an intriguing note. I ended up giving this book a 3.5/5 (but I bumped it up to  4 on goodreads)

Overall, I think I had a fantastic reading month, but my main goal for November isto read even more, I’m 7 books of my goodreads challenge and I’d love to complete that this month.

 

 

 

Mid-Year Book Freak out Tag

2017 has been an interesting year for my reading, January was a great reading month, but I slumped badly until booktubeathon and now I’m back on track. I’ve currently read 36/50 books for my goodreads challenge, so I thought I’d do this tag to look back on m reading so far this year.

1. The Best Book You’ve Read In 2017 So Far:
   

   The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

   Oh gosh, even thinking about this book gives me so many emotions. After reading (and loving) Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda last year, I was very nervous going into this, I was very unsure whether it would live up to my expectations, but thankfully, it completely smashed them. I remember staying up until 2am because I just couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened. And, I remember just crying because I got so emotionally invested to the characters and the relationships they had were so raw and honest, it just broke me when anything bad happened to them. The other great thing about Becky Albertalli’s books, is that she always has such a diverse cast, but she does it in a way that’s subtle and it’s not shoved down your throat. I’m very excited to see if any book will match this, cause I absolutely adored it.
2. Favourite Sequel Of The Year
   

   Faking It by Cora Carmack

   Although this book didn’t come out this year, I had to include it because it was without a doubt the best sequel. Although, this book may be thought of as more of a companion novel, we do still see characters from Losing It. I enjoyed Losing It but it didn’t blow me away, however, this certainly did, I loved how true the relationship felt, it wasn’t forced or insta-lovey, it was just two people who you could see truly cared for each other. I really hope I can find a copy of Finding It because I really want to continue on with this series.
3. A New Release You Haven’t Read But Really Want To
   

   Margot & Me by Juno Dawson

   Juno Dawson is one of my absolute favourite authors, but due to exams and slumps, I haven’t yet got round to this. Hopefully before the end of the year I can get to this, because I was so hyped to read it, and though it has died down a bit, the announcement of her new book Clean has motivated me to prioritise this.
4. Most Anticipated Release For The 2nd Half Of The Year
   

   It Only Happens In The Movies by Holly Bourne

   I loved the Spinster Club series, and Holly Bourne’s writing is just getting better and better with every book she writes. I love supporting UK authors, and I’ve been really trying to read more UKYA this year, so this is getting me so hyped. I was lucky enough to meet Holly back in 2014 and honestly she was so lovey and is so talented that I will probably pick up everything she publishes.
5. Biggest Disappointment 
   

   Because You Love To Hate Me edited by Ameriie

   It pains me to say this, but this wasn’t good. I’ve always had a problem with short stories because I feel there’s always a lack of development because there’s no room for build up, this makes me feel so disconnected from the story. I loved Andrew Smith’s and Samantha Shannon’s stories but the rest just didn’t interested me, even though I read books by a lot of the authors and loved them (*cough* Nicola Yoon *cough*)
6. Biggest Suprise Of The Year
   

   The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

   When I went on holiday, I finished all the books I took with me, so I had to go to the hotel’s shelves to find my next read. I picked this up purely because I’ve heard of the film, never seen it, and I was expecting a fluffy, slightly cringy love story. However, what I got was a touching and heart-breaking story of how first love impacts you, as well as how people’s lives change when you don’t see them for years. Now I need to watch the film and finally understand the hype.
7. Favourite New-To-You or Debut Author
   

   Noah Can’t Even by Simon James Green

   As I said earlier, I love supporting UK authors, and when people started dubbing this book the UK’s answer to Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda, I had to pick it up, and it didn’t disappoint. Although, some might say there’s too much drama, I think it was so necessary to the story, Simon James Green really captured what it’s like to be a teenager at secondary school and I’m so excited to see what else he publishes.
8. New Fictional Crush
   

   The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp

   I might be a bit biased because he was played by Miles Teller in the film, but I feel in love with the mess that is Sutter Keely. Something about him was so endearing and loveable. Although we see Sutter is a bit of a train-wreck, I could’t help but root for him.
9. New Favourite Character 
   

   Delirium by Lauren Oliver

   Don’t worry I’m not talking about Lena, we all know she was extremely whiny and annoying. I fell in love with her best friend Hana, her POV in Requiem was the highlight of the whole series, and her voice was so present and refreshing. I just wish the series was focused on her and not Lena.
10. A Book That Made You Cry
    

    Just A Girl Standing In Front Of A Boy by Lucy-Anne Holmes

    I can’t explain why I cried at this without spoiling it, but I can explain my appreciation for the mother-daughter relationship in this book. I feel like it’s such an overused trope in YA, having deceased, separated or unsupportive parents so it was so lovely to read about a daughter who truly respects her mum and the compassion the pair have for each other was so heartwarming.
11.  A Book That Made You Happy
    

    And A Happy New Year? by Holly Bourne

    Lottie, Amber and Evie’s friendship is one of my all-time favourites and I honestly didn’t realise there’s was going to be another book in the series. Although this was only a short book, it was so nice to see where they are now and what the future has in store for them. This book, although it had it’s downs, it just filled me with joy.
12. Your Favourite Adaptation Of 2017
    

    Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie

    Although this is not yet out, I can’t not mention it because I am ridiculously excited. So many great actors, and a story I adored last year. I cannot wait for this to be released and I’m hoping it becomes one of my favourite adaptations of all-time.

13. Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought This Year
    

    Caraval by Stephanie Garber

    This book is stunning, hardcovers are very rare in the UK so it really stands out. I’m excited to dive into this despite the mixed reviews, and hopefully it’s as beautiful as the cover.
14. Books You Need To Read By The End Of The Year
    

    Queen Of Shadows & Empire Of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

    I adore Srah J. Maas’ books, but they’re so intimidating, however, before the end of this year, I really want to get to these bricks before the end of the year, and hopefully before Tower of Dawn is released. I’m very excited to dive back into this world, but I may have to look at some recaps.

I would love to know what you’re favourite read of 2017 has been so far, let me know in the comments. And if you haven’t done this tag, consider yourself tagged!

The Reading Quest TBR

I was very apprehensive about taking part in this readathon but I’ve seen so much buzz around it, I had to give it a go. (Click here to see the original blog post with all the details)

So after a lot of contemplating, I decided to take the knight path, as I think it will challenge me but still fit with books I have on my shelf.

First Book In A Series

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

A Book With A Verb In The Title

Thumped by Megan McCafferty

A Book With A Weapon On The Cover

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

A Book With A Red Cover

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

A Book That Has A TV/Movie Adaptation

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

I will definitely be taking part in some of the side quests but I’d quite like to leave them so I can pick what I’m in the mood for. It is also a possibility that if (and that’s a big if) I finish the knight path, I will follow the Bard path. Therefore, I will be updating weekly on here, telling you my progress and plans for the next week.

I’m super excited to get started on this, it’s unlike any readathon I’ve ever done before but I’m always up for trying something new.

Credit to CW for the artwork, honestly she is so talented (and I’m quite jealous.)

 

 

Handsome Devil – Is It Worth It?

Handsome Devil is an Irish film that recently popped up on Netflix. The story follows two boys, one a social outcast who has never fitted in at his rugby obsessed school, the other, the star athlete. They form an unlikely friendship throughout the film, and we see the challenges they face.

Fionn O’Shea and Nicholas Galitzine as Ned Roche and Connor Masters

 

Cast

The main thing I loved about this film was the casting. I was originally drawn to Andrew Scott’s name as I love him in Sherlock but, every single cast member nailed their character. I’m so excited to see what both the leads go on to do, particularly Fionn O’Shea who played Ned. He perfectly captured what it means to be a social outcast, and his tone and delivery was perfect.

As the film was focused very heavily on our two leads, we don’t learn about a lot of other characters however, Sherry and O’Keeffe, the two main teachers we see in the film, are not two-dimensional at all, especially Sherry. Still can’t tell if it’s great writing or Scott’s incredible acting ability but his character has so much depth and without spoilers, the way his character develops is possibly more touching than Connor and Ned’s.

Fionn O’Shea as Ned Roche 

Plot

I’ve already briefly outlined the film’s plot but I don’t believe this is a film that can be done justice in words. The main thing I think you need to be aware of before watching this is that, yes it is an LGBT+ film, and it does that very well, most importantly it is a story about friendship and these types of tales are just as important as romances.

Soundtrack

For me, this is very important in a film, and I think maybe Handsome Devil fell a little flat, this was made up for though as the main theme of the film was “Think for a Minute” by The Housemartins. Paul Heaton is one of my favourite artists and I have so much respect for him that it did make the film just that little bit more special.

 

Is It Worth It?

This is of course the most important question and the simple answer is yes, 100% this film is a must-watch, mainly for boys (and girls) growing up as it is a great portrayal of how important it is to be yourself and not to follow the crowd. Also, it could help young teenagers discovering their identity as it shows the opposite of a boy completely happy with his sexuality compared to a boy who does whatever he can to hide who is it. Ned’s complete comfort in his own skin was so refreshing to watch, being gay was nothing to him, he didn’t treat it like a big deal at all and I absolutely loved that.

Overall, I’d probably rate it a 4.75 stars but a lot of that is down to what I love in films and it’s definitely added to my favourite films list.