HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!

I would just like to post a quick note to say happy birthday to the best friend I've ever had!

I truly hope you get all of the books and cake in the world! You deserve it!

Without Emma there would be no blog...so she is the one to thank (or blame :P).

Thank you for everything you've done and do for me, Emma. You mean a lot to me!

-Beth

Happy Reading!♥

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Review: The Land as Viewed from the Sea by Richard Collins

 

 The Land as Viewed from the Sea is a book by Richard Collins, first published in 2004.

John is a city dweller and countryside lover. He travels to the countryside to work for his friend as a farm laborer for the summer. While he is there, he writes a novel. His friend and employer reads this novel, The Land as Viewed from the Sea. John continually claims his work his completely fiction...

...But is it possible for fiction to mix with reality? 

♥

He waits for her to look back and wave but she goes with the men up to the fire. He watches for a while expecting her to take photographs. He can see figures around a fire, the glow of cigarettes, and two tents. And perhaps her profile, head tilted back, drinking from a wine bottle. 

She doesn't come back to the flat until the early hours of the morning and sets the dogs barking. He hasn't slept. He wants to hear some words of apology, something like, "I'm sorry if I worried you. Thank you for letting me be me."

But she collapses onto the other bed in silence. She smells strongly of drink. Later he awakes to the sound of her throwing up in the wash-basin. 

Julian and I are hoeing weeds out of a crop of leeks on a long slope up the curve of the hill. The rows stretch up the slope and disappear over the near horizon. He works faster than I do and we only speak momentarily when he comes down the hill to start on a new row. 

♥

This book is probably one of the most unpopular I've read, which actually made me want to read it even more. And the beautiful cover just lured me in, along with the fact that it's set in rural Wales, near where I am currently staying. 

But, I have to say, I was disappointed with this one. I don't know if I'm just criticizing books more than I used to, or it's just me being a sucker for happy endings and romances working out in the end, but I just...really didn't like the ending. 

Also, I just found it all pretty confusing. It's hard to explain, but this book is about a book inside a book. The current day is intertwined with the novel the main character is writing, and it can actually be really hard to read sometimes. I think it would have made a lot more sense to put the novel John is writing in italics, to separate the text a bit more. 

But I found the end of the book quite hard to follow too. Maybe it's just me, but I just didn't enjoy the ending. It really ruined the book for me.

To end this review on a good note, I really like the idea of the story (it was actually really clever), just maybe not the way it was carried out. Also, I loved the writing. Richard Collins is an amazing author, and he actually writes really well, and poetically. 

-Beth

Happy Reading!♥

Wattpad: why it's ruining my life

   Wattpad is a beautiful thing. It's amazing, and I honestly praise the creators for coming up with such an awesome website/app. I love Wattpad (way more than I probably should) but I hold no shame in that. It is what it is.

   However, Wattpad is ruining my life. And here's why:

   1. My strict grammar side is having a stress headache pretty much every time I'm on Wattpad. 

   

   And this is to no fault of Wattpad's, but the authors. Please don't take this post as me slamming Wattpad authors, because I'm not. At all. I understand that mistakes are very easily made and missed when editing. 

   But some things I'm a bit like 'HOW CAN YOU NOT NOTICE THAT'. Blatant mistakes, and constant ones, sort of annoy me. I mean, I'm no grammatical wizard or anything, but still. And when tenses start being swapped - no. Don't do it. Stick to one. Pretty please.

   2. I just want to read.

   Which isn't really a bad thing. But if it was left up to me, I'd probably spend the day in my bedroom, or on my sofa, just reading on my phone or iPad. I can't help it. I've actually gone past the 'dedication stage' and straight to the 'downright obssessed' one. ('I'm not obssessed, I'm dedicated' no longer applies to me.)

   3. I blame Beth for my current situation.

   Beth left me for two whole weeks, which meant I had spare time on my hands. And I had to find something to do, and well, I found Wattpad was perfect. So that extra time? Yeah, it turned into Wattpad Time. And may I just say, Wattpad Time is addictive. Now I find myself wanting to venture into the beautiful land of a Wattpad story, but I. Don't. Have. Time. 

Or rather, I now feel like I should be doing something more productive than getting through a few Wattpad books a day. (Don't you just hate in when reality kicks in?)

   4. It's screwing with my eyes.

   My eyes can't deal with reading on computer/iPad/phone screens for a long period of time. But when I'm Wattpadding, I can't stop. I just can't help it. Also I was staying up really late to read, which made me tired, which resulted in my eyes being even worse. Gosh darn my eyes.

   5. I'm addicted, and I'd rather read than do other things.

   I sort of covered this one in number 2, but I really need it to get across how bad this is. More often than not, I'll refuse to go out and I'll just read. And I'm perfectly happy doing that. But there's more to life than just reading, you know? I think this point is actually starting to come across to me. 

It's time to actually start living, right?

Thanks!

- Emma 🌟

(I would just like to point out I was meant to post this a few weeks back. I'm not as obssessed with Wattpad as I was. I only read on it occasionally. But, I still do mean what I mean about starting to live: life isn't just about reading. Go and have your own adventures!)

Happy Reading! (And adventuring!)

Issue 8 of The Fangirl Guide: Self Confidence

Hey everyone! We have now decided on having 10 Issues of The Fangirl Guide, so as we're drawing near the end of this series, I would like to make a post about something that is very close to my heart:

Self Confidence

So, self confidence is really important to me. I believe it is one of the keys to happiness and I think it is extremely important for teenagers (and everyone) to have nowadays, with suicide and self harm levels being so high.

I'm going to start by explaining exactly why this is so significant to me. Sorry guys, this is going to be a long one.

Ever since I was little, I've had some sort of anxiety. Mainly separation anxiety, where I found it hard to be away from my parents, especially my mom. I struggled with school until I was 10, when I gave up on it completely. I have been home schooled for the past 5 years. However, I am returning to state school this September, and I will be studying Construction and The Built Environment at college. 

So, how have I took such a massive step, from being absolutely inseparable from my parents to feeling ready and happy about going to college? Well, I don't think I explained how bad my anxiety actually was. It got to the point of me not being able to go out with my dad, only with my mom. I spent a couple of months feeling completely alone and depressed. I didn't have a hobby, or many friends. I didn't see many people at all as I wasn't confident enough to, and when I was, most people ignored me - or at least that was the way I felt. I know now that some of my anxiety was just immaturity, and me not realizing my importance to my family and the friends I had.

Now for the big thing. The thing that really changed my life and in turn boosted my confidence completely. After a while, with a lot of help from my family and friends, I managed to be able to go out, talk to people, etc. I could even go out on my own in the end, as long as my mom was in the same town. But, I was still a bit depressed and lonely, and when I turned 13, I felt as though my childhood was slipping away through my fingers like sand. I thought nothing was going to be the same again and that growing up was going to be a massive slap in the face. 

How wrong was I. Eight months after I turned 13, my friend convinced me to buy Animal Crossing: New Leaf. I had played other Animal Crossing games as a kid, and this was the next in the series. I had an unused 3DS. I loved Animal Crossing. I might be a bit old for it, but why not? I started playing Animal Crossing: New Leaf on the UK release date. Under a month later, I had a gaming blog. My gaming blog days are long gone, but I like to think I'm still good friends with Jeff, who owns the website that I met my boyfriend and some of my best friends on. In the end, it was Animal Crossing that changed my life, and me as a person. 

My friends are the best I have ever had, and getting to know them has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. My boyfriend has boosted my confidence more than ever, and now, more than 2 years on, I am still with him and I have many other AC friends. I like to think I am a big part of The Bell Tree Forums, and Jeff and I are still getting to know each other. I more recently met Emma, the co-founder of this blog. And this time, I was able to make friends without the aid of a video game. She is one of the best people I have ever known, and I love her to bits. Without them, I don't know where I would be. 

DRTL: I have changed dramatically over the past 5 years. I used to have a lot of anxiety, but that has all changed. 

So, with my story over, let's get to the advice I would like to give to people who are still at the stage I was all those years ago.

Remember that you are not alone
When I was feeling crappy about school, the one thing that helped me most was knowing that I wasn't the only one going through it. There are so many people that feel the same way as you do, and so many ways you can talk to them. Social media, forums and other websites are only some of these ways. Youth groups and self help groups at your local youth center/church or any other meeting place are another way.

Surround yourself with people you love, and love you
Remember how much your friends/family and partner love and need you. So many people would be sad if you were gone. Your followers, for example. That one person that always spam-likes your posts. Your best friend, the one that tries to help you through no matter what. Your family, they will always love, cherish and try to support you in any way they can. Your partner, the one that never gives up on you, always listens to what you have to say and doesn't judge you in any way. Also, everyone else who's going through exactly the same as you are. We are all stronger together.

Selfies 
Okay, I'm telling you now. In a way, I ABSOLUTELY HATE selfies. They have killed people. They have caused people to self harm, commit suicide and I think they are horrible. Many teenagers now use social media to post pictures of themselves pouting, just to live up to the other teenagers around them. I hate that, and I think selfies are playing a big part in it. I want to say now:

We are all unique. We all have different lives. That is something to be proud of. Stop trying to 'fit in'. Because trust me, I wouldn't want to.

But, on the other hand, I think selfies are a key tool here. I challenge you, if you are feeling bad about your appearance, to stop reading and take a selfie. SAVE THE VERY FIRST ONE. Now don't crop it, tint it, etc. Make it your cell/mobile phone wallpaper, and look at it closely. Study your face, that one has become so alien to you, and remember that it is who you are, and that is a good thing. Find ONE thing that is good about your appearance. I don't care how small it is, it could be one ringlet in your hair, the fact that a zit has gone, anything. Just find one thing. Now do this every single day when you wake up. Realize that you are beautiful, because trust me, you are.

Music 
When I'm feeling down, one of the things I find that really helps is music. It can also help me feel less lonely. I have created a 'happy songs' playlist here. I have included (what I believe to be) body positive, LGBTQ+ positive, LDR, uplifting and self-help songs.

Friendships
Okay guys, this is a big thing. I find, when I'm not doing good, the internet is (one of) the best places to come. As I mentioned in my (extremely long) story, most of my friends are online, which comes with problems. Lots of them. So, even though online friendships are great in some ways, there is other things that are good to look out for, which I'll mention below:

-Trust. Trust can be hard(er) to gain/earn on the internet, especially if you don't see the other persons face. Sometimes, you really don't know who you're talking to, and as well as positive, I have also had negative experiences online.

-Getting to know someone. Depending on different personalities, some people can be harder to get to know than others. Also, remember that others may be more closed/less willing to give out information as freely. It doesn't mean they're creepy in any way, it just means it might take longer to earn their trust.

-Remember time zones. Don't expect people to reply to you immediately-everyone deserves their own personal space and could be asleep/at work/eating/at school etc.

-Respect everyone online. Treat people how you would like to be treated-and if someone treats you badly, don't treat them badly too. As in real life, it makes you just as bad as each other. It's always better to back away. Also, remember everyone needs their own personal space. Not everyone wants friends all the time, or someone to talk to. Others might just feel socially awkward and not know what to say, don't take that personally. I get nervous often enough, and feel like I've said something wrong. It's completely normal, and the internet is one of the places where I feel most self conscious.

-Forums are a great place to meet people, along with chat rooms, fanpages and social media. If you find a website relating to something you like, a game, book, hobby, sport etc, then you're more likely to find people similar to you. We actually have a book forum, which you can find here. I met two of my best friends on Jeff's ACNL friend code exchange. 

-Try to be mature and not spam people (unless you know them pretty well). Spamming is immature and can make you sound desperate and pathetic. Unless you know the full story/situation, don't jump to conclusions. It can back fire on you if you don't know how to delete messages afterwards. Just because you're having a moment of nervousness, worry or panic, always think before you send something. You can't take it back. I wish I knew this before yesterday.

-Be prepared to lose people. For unknown reasons, many people on the internet just go AWOL. If this happens, don't jump to conclusions. Just remember, most people do have lives outside of the internet. I have had two good friends online over the past 2 years that just...disappeared, and actually, it can really hurt. Especially if you've known them for a while. So basically, don't get too attached to people, unless you know who they are and that you can trust them. Because if you do get too attached to someone, and they go, then you're more likely to take it personally.

-Feeling bad because of bullying online? Feel helpless because they have a better status than you? I'm going to give you one of my favorite quotes here. My amazing brother who I am so proud of for just being himself told me this one:

First they ignore you,
Then they laugh at you,
Then they fight you,
Then you win.
-Mahatma Gandhi

Important note: People are either a blessing, or a lesson. If something does go wrong, it's likely you'll learn from it. Every cloud has a silver lining.


Get lost in something
Don't dwell on stuff. Sorry to swear, but shit happens. In the end, you have to at least try to push away that sad worry stone that has risen to your throat, or the bottom of your stomach. It might hurt, it might make you angry, lash out or be upset, but you'll survive. It'll all be okay, and afterwards, you'll look back and be proud of yourself for what you did. I always find it helps to have my comforting laptop on my knees, a cuddly pet beside me, a blanket around my shoulders, a controller/console in my hands or with a book. Which brings me onto:

READ READ READ!!!
When you're feeling like crap, it's time to forget about it for a while. Whenever I'm nervous, especially when I'm worried about where I stand with one of my friends, it's the best thing to be involved in other peoples lives for a while, and to think about something else. You never know, but your character could have a problem and solve it, that might be similar to yours. This way, you can also see other peoples perspectives, and maybe help what is happening to you.

I truly, really hope this helps anyone who reads it. I love you all, even if you feel like no one else does.

You are good enough. And you can get through this.

-Beth

Happy Reading (and stay happy!)♥

P.S. Feel free to message me on Tumblr, my Instagram, Our Bookish Instagram, post on our forum, message me on Bell Tree or even email us at sugarplumbug@gmail.com

Review: Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman

Northern Lights is a book by Phillip Pullman, first published in 1995 by Scholastic UK Ltd.

Lyra and her animal daemon live carefree in the grounds of Jordan College, Oxford. She has never known anything outside Oxford, until one day, she is taken on the journey of a lifetime.

Her destiny takes her on a dangerous and mysterious journey to the frozen North in search of her kidnapped friend.

It is a journey that will have immeasurable consequences far beyond her own world...

♥

The next picture was also taken at night, but this time without moonlight. It showed a small group of tents in the foreground, dimly outlined against the low horizon, and beside them an untidy heap of wooden boxes and a sledge. But the main interest of the picture lay in the sky. Streams and veils of light hung like curtains, looped and festooned on the invisible hooks hundreds of miles high and blowing out sideways in the stream of some unimaginable wind.
"What is that?" said the voice of the Sub-Rector.

"It's a picture of the Aurora."

"It's a very fine photogram," said the Palmerian Professor. "One of the best I've seen."

"Forgive my ignorance," said the shaky voice of the old Precentor, "but if I ever knew what the Aurora was, I have forgotten. Is it what they call the Northern Lights?"

♥

As you know, it took me ages to read this one. It actually feels strange to finally write another review. Sorry about that.

Anyway, the beginning of this book I found boring, but only because I'm not used to this genre. And I truly find it hard to read books that are set in 'other worlds' or with 'other worldly' suggestions. I have to say, the beginning and middle of the book I found really hard going. I didn't have any sort of desire to read. Which I know is bad, but it just didn't get me. 

But after I hit the middle, this book really made me want to carry on. It's mysterious and full of wonder, and I can easily see now exactly why this book is bestselling and award winning, it truly deserves it. 

So, from the start to the finish, I never gave up-as I want to read every single book I own. No matter what. 

And, Phillip Pullman, you are an extraordinary writer. And at the end, you made me want to read more.

I'm still not sure if I'll purchase His Dark Materials 2, but I have to say, I'm really considering it.

-Beth

Happy Reading!♥

My favourite spot to read...

...would have to definitely be my bedroom.

   The window in my room has a lovely view, and let's in so much sunlight - I love it. It just makes everything look so nice, and puts me in a good mood. And then add reading, while snuggling with a blanket, and you pretty much have perfection. (Music is another must have too!)

   I also like reading on the beach - but only if it's a book that I'm not precious about (sand goes everywhere!).

Where do you guys like to read? Comment below!

   And on a completely different matter, I just wanted to say sorry for not posting! My laptop has gone kaputt, and I only have my iPad to work with now. (My poor baby :'( .)

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!

A book that blew my mind

   I'm back again! Sorry about the slight reprieve, though I actually do have a good reason for not posting: the book challenge I'm participating in is very Instagram friendly, not so much for the blog (I wasn't sure how to make a photo of a sock/cloud and a book into a post :/ ) and I haven't yet got a review to post.

But it turns out I did miss a few challenge days that I could have done, so I'm going back and doing them now!

   The challenge for the 12th was a book that blew my mind. And there are so many books that have for me, so I thought it would be nearly impossible to decide unless I cut down my options of what books I could pick. So I decided, from books I've read recently read, I would choose the book.

Now with that being said, here's the book that blew my mind:

The Iron Trial by Holly Black & 

Cassandra Clare.

   As I said in my review of this book, the beginning didn't quite cut it for me. But the middle and the ending - the ending completely blew my mind! 

   I actually really enjoyed this book, and am waiting (rather patiently) for the second one to be released. I would definitely reccommend this book to anyone who likes the supernatural/fantasy scene. 

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!

Issue 7 of The Fangirl Guide: Shopping!

   With Emma and I being bibliophiles, we naturally love going shopping - for books!

Of course, this can be somewhat dangerous. Especially if we are actually carrying money...the last time we were let loose in a book store, things got messy. And we came out with 4 books.

But, I know it's hard to believe, there is more to shopping than just Barnes & Noble and Waterstones. For instance, chicken nuggets and triple chocolate muffins.

Also, we need bags to carry our books in. Probably too many bags.

And, of course, fangirl shirts. And cute notebooks. Don't forget the fruit pots!

You should also check Game, Best Buy or any other electronic or game shop! They sell the cutest game figurines, brilliant game guides, consoles (and other electronic stuff), and games of course!

Make sure to stop by at your nearest retail park or mall for an amazing and bookish shopping! You can normally also review your purchases at an ice cream parlor, cafe or McDonald's.

-Beth and Emma

Happy Reading!♥

My Guilty Pleasure

   I really struggled with this one. I can't actually pick out any books I've read that could be a guilty pleasure of mine. 

Except for the Percy Jackson and The Olympians series. 

   I love Percy Jackson; Rick Riordan is the sole reason why I'm so obsessed with everything Greek! Honestly, these books are just awesome.

If you're not familiar with these books (omigods how!?) you're probably wondering why I'm saying the series is my guilty pleasure. Here it is:

   On the back of all of the books, it says it's appropriate for 9yrs+. Which makes me feel as if I'm reading a kids book. But in all honesty, I don't really care. Percy Jackson is Percy Jackson, and I love it, whether it was or wasn't aimed for people my age. 

   So yeah. The PJO series is my guilty pleasure. 

   And if anybody else loves the Greek Gods, comment below! I'd love to find someone who's just as obsessed with them as I am haha!!

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!

Review: Angel Cake by Cathy Cassidy

Angel Cake is a book by Cathy Cassidy, first published in 2009 by The Penguin Group.

Anya dreamed of moving to Britain...to be with her dad and start a brand-new adventure of her own.

But when her wish finally comes true, Anya's life starts to fall apart. She has no friends, and when she finds one, he's a devil hidden under angel wings.

However...maybe things are better than they seem?

♥

The dark, scowly frown fades from Dan's face and he sighs heavily, shoulders slumped. Now he doesn't look angry so much as lost, a sad-eyed boy in wet angel wings with all the cares of the world on his shoulders. He looks at me sideways. 

'Don't know why I'm telling you all this,' he says. 'You don't even know what I'm saying, do you? Not all of it anyway. Just as well. I'm not much of an angel, that's for sure. 

I want to tell Dan that I understand a lot more than he thinks, but I can't find the words, so I just smile. Dan smiles back, his brown eyes shining, and then, before I can even see it coming, he leans across and kisses me softly.

I have never been kissed before.

♥

Even though I have read this book possibly even 10 times, I still love it now! I got through it so quickly once I had the time to read it...and I couldn't believe how well I knew some things, and forgot others.

It might just be me, but I truly think this book is the most touching and heartwarming of Cathy Cassidy's, and her talent for writing really shines through in it! The way she writes about young love is much deeper than that...more beautiful. And full of understanding.

If you want to discover her talent, this would be a great book to read!

-Beth

Happy Reading!♥

Laugh Out Loud

   Today's 'challenge' is a book that makes you laugh out loud. When I first looked at the book challenge, and had a read of what I'd have to do for it, a few books came to mind when I saw the 7th one. 

But the one that I'm actually writing about today wasn't the first one I thought of, and yet it is definitely the perfect one for the part.

Demons at Deadnight and Drop Dead Demons from the Divinicus Nex series by A & E Kirk are quite literally the funniest books I think I have ever read. The way the main character narrates the story is just so hilarious, honestly. I wish I could have Aurora Lahey's nonstop sarcasm and humorous wit.

Snippet 1:

   I launched into a graceful ninja-like front roll, then stood my ground to face the monstrous heathen, fearless in my determination to vanquish the deadly foe. 

 

   Nah, just kidding, I bolted, discretion being the better part of not getting dead.

Snippet 2:

   A dog, one of those tiny, foo-foo things, scampered out on stubby legs, planted its feet, and started barking skyward. The demon diverted its sights from me and swooped down on the yappy mutt.

   Dogs aren't my thing.

   I hate dogs.

   And if this one was dumb enough to sacrifice itself for me, hallelujah. I kept running.

   After I reversed course.

   Stupid dog.

   Honestly, I love this book. Is it bad that reading that first snippet still makes me laugh? Anyways, you should definitely check these books out, they are amazing! I've heard that the authors are working on the third book right now! (Can I get a whoop whoop?!)

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!

An Intimidating Book

   Originally with this post, I was going to write it about this book:

The Shadowmagic Trilogy by John Lenahan.

   But I just had the idea that instead of doing that, I would explain to you when I find books intimidating, and why. (Because half the time, it's just average size books I'm intimidated by.)

Usually, I find books rather intimidating after I've read a short book.

   

   For instance, I read 'Nick And Norah's Infinite Playlist' not too long ago, and I'm pretty sure that it had just under 200 pages. After that, every book seemed so big, and long, and I was thinking how long it was going to take me to actually read it. (Even though said books couldn't have been much more than 400 pages long, if that.) 

   I also find books 'intimidating' when they have long chapters. I don't particularly like long chapters, with no breaks or pauses, because I like being able to stop where there is a space to, you know? I find myself actually counting how long the chapters are, so I can see how many pages I'm going to have to get through. 

   I like the feature on Kindle where it tells you the percentage of book you've read, and on iBooks, when it tells you how many pages you have left in a chapter. I don't know about you, but I find it much easier to just get through books when I read on either my Kindle or Ipad. Do any of you guys feel like this?

Sorry that this post couldn't have been better guys! The next one, I promise, will (hopefully ;) ) be better!!

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!❤

Review: Scarlett by Cathy Cassidy

 

(Apologies for the bad picture quality)

Scarlett is a book by Cathy Cassidy, first published in 2006 by Puffin Books.

Scarlett's middle name is trouble. 

Since her dad left a couple of years ago, she has been in and out of several schools and houses. She has never had anyone who believes in who she really is. Who hasn't looked at her and seen her as a real person, not a troublemaker. 

She stopped wishing years ago...when all of her wishes fell apart.

But can they still come true? 

♥
Trouble is, what I want isn't top of anybody's list right now. 

'Scarlett, please,' Clare says, biting her lip. 'We're worried about you - we just want to help.'

I can't answer her. I want to scream, but I'm terrified that all I have left in me is a whimper.

'Count to ten, Scarlett.' Clare says quietly. 'And breathe, OK? Calm down!'

I take a couple of deep breaths in, but I don't feel calm. I may never feel calm again. 

'I'm not crazy!' I say.

'I know that, Scarlett.

'Do you?'

'Yes, I do.'

'So stop threatening me with counsellors and give me a chance,' I say with a shaky voice. 'Listen to me. Believe in me!'

We sit in silence on the edge of the bed. Whole minutes tick by, and then, finally, Clare speaks.

'I will,' she says. 'I do.'

♥

I have to say, I didn't enjoy Sundae Girl that much. But I gave Scarlett a chance nonetheless. It's another one I loved when I was a little younger, and I still really love it now, actually.

It's really heartwarming, I found. And a lot more touching than I found Sundae Girl. I love the sparks of imagination Cathy clearly has, and her talent is evident in her writing. The only thing I found was the writing of Holly, who is meant to be 9, seems to be ahead of her years. It might just be me, but I found her pretty mature.

If you're 9-12 years old, and liked Jacqueline Wilson as a kid, you'll probably love this book! 

-Beth

Happy Reading!♥

A Future Classic

   In my opinion, it was quite simple for me to choose a book that I thought would be a classic. It was a no brainer.

But then I started thinking: what type of book is actually appropriate to be put as a classic?

   You see, I don't read classics, (that will unfortunately be changing due to exams - but hey, I might end up enjoying them...right?) so I don't really know how I can exactly say 'yes, this book is definitely going to be a classic'. Though I'm pretty sure the book I've picked is going to be.

For me, saying what I think is going to be a future classic, is picking the book that made me  feel something, that moved me, that stayed with me.

And that book is:

All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven.

   This book is so beautiful. I quite literally can't put into words how spectacularly amazing and emotional this book is. Honestly, Jennifer Niven, you did a number with this one. All I can say is: thank you that All The Bright Places exists. 

I don't think anyone will ever fully grasp the utter magnificence of this book without reading it. 

So, if you haven't, I suggest you do.

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!❤

Book/s that someone spoiled for me!

   Beth read 'Looking For Alaska by John Green' before me. If any of you guys read my review of the book, you'll already know this, but for those of you who didn't, here it is:

   I asked a stupid, yet weirdly accurate, question to Beth. And though she didn't technically answer, it was sorta written on her face. I'm not saying it was Beth's fault though! (I asked a question, and I got my answer haha!)

   And Instagram ruined a certain book series for me: Heroes Of Olympus by Rick Riordan. On my first Instagram, a few days after making it, the series that I had been reading (at the time) was spoiled for me.

What I found out broke my heart. (I still haven't finished HOO :( .)

   Sorry about the crappy post guys - I'm super tired, and trying to make any sense right now is quite difficult!!

Moving on: have any books been spoiled for you? Comment below!


Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!❤

Our Bookish Forum!

   So Beth and I (namely Beth) have been busy the last few days, creating something that WILL MARVEL THE WORLD! (Not my actual words but, yeah...)

Anyways, I'm sure you've gathered what it actually is, considering the title. Yes, the last few days we've been working on a forum!!

   And contrary to the title - Our Bookish Forum - it isn't just about books! Our forum is for all fandoms - whether they be centred around books, TV shows, movies, music...our forum is the place for you to connect with people who love the same things you do!

   O gods, this is starting to sound as if I'm trying to sell our forum to you. The gist of it is, if you like the sound/idea of it, give it a look. If you don't, just forget about it!!

You can check it out here: http://ourbookishforum.forumotion.co.uk/


Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!❤

A Book I Want To Live In

   This decision was very hard for me. So many books, so little time to decide.

   This question is nearly as difficult for me to answer as one I've been facing for quite a while: what's your favourite book? ("If I could I would, but I can't so I shan't.")

   But, alas, I did decide on a book by one of my favourite authors. Josephine Angelini is such a talented author, and if you haven't read any of her books yet I suggest you do. Promptly.

So the book I want to live in would be........(DRUM ROLL PLEASE)..................

Trial By Fire by Josephine Angelini.

   I love everything about this book. From the characters to the story line, this book is like perfection. I. Love. It.

I cannot wait until Firewalker (second book in the series) comes out. It literally comes out a few days before my birthday; it's the perfect birthday gift!!

   What book would you love to live in? Tell me in the comments below! And also, if any of you have read a book by Josephine Angelini, what did you think?

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!❤

I would love to be...

   Aurora 'Rory' Lahey from the Divinicus Nex series by A & E Kirk.

   Helen Hamilton from the Starcrossed trilogy by Josephine Angelini. 

   

   Clary Fray from The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare.

   Lily Proctor from Trial By Fire by Josephine Angelini.

 

   Claire Danvers from the Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine. (Or Eve Rosser!)

   I guess what I'm trying to say is there are many characters I'd love to be, I can't just simply choose one! (You might have noticed my chosen characters all have rather supernatural tales...)

How about you? What character(s) would you love to be? Tell me in the comments below!!

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!💜

Review: The Tide Turner by Angela McAllister

 

The Tide Turner is a book by Angela McAllister, first published in 2006 by Orion Children's books.

Cal is a mermaid. She has always lived in the half-dark, hidden from the real world and secrets she longs to find the answers to. 

On the day she decides it's finally time to uncover the truth, she is taken to the human world and drawn into a current of strange events. 

This leads her to Jake, and shortly after, many mysteries begin to unravel...

♥

'It is you, son . . .' Cal hesitated, stumbling over the words, 'it is you, my son, who revealed this message to your sister.'

Cal fell silent. Jake's heart thumped. Thoughts skidded madly around his head. This is what the dream had meant. It wasn't Cal, it was Sylla - his mother, calling him to the sea. Of course, the silver hair . . . He stroked the message. Overwhelmed, he tumbled off the paddy and plunged under the water.

♥

I didn't realize until I was about halfway through this book that it's a children's book (I've been doing well recently, haven't I?). But, I carried on reading nonetheless. 

It was pretty good. I think it's the first proper fantasy I've read, and I do still prefer relatable books about real life. However, it was well written and I did enjoy it. I can see how younger children (I would say 8+) would love it! So, I guess even though I ended up reading a book that I wouldn't if I had known it was for children, I have been able to recommed something for parents of younger children or children themselves!

 -Beth

Happy Reading!♥ 

August TBR

   If any of you guys follow us on Instagram, you'll know that throughout the last month, Beth participated in a book challenge which she loved doing. So during August, we're both going to be doing another challenge. However, while Beth will be doing it on our Instagram, I'll be doing it on our blog!

What is a book challenge? Here, I'll show you.

This is the challenge (by paoleer) that Beth and I will both be doing. I know, it's just supposed to be pictures because, well, Instagram, but I thought I would have a go at doing it on here.

And so, here begins the first day of the challenge:

My August TBR

   I'll say what all you guys are thinking: you've seen these books before, and were promised reviews. Unfortunately, I never got round to reading them.

   My problem is at the moment, the majority of my books are on the floor in my room because my bookshelf collapsed (it was a tragedy) so I can't get to half my books.   

                                                                                                                                                                                     

It is, Troy; it is.

   So I thought that the books that are sitting on my desk at the moment, the ones that are definitely going to be read in the next few weeks, would have to be what my whole August TBR list consists of.

   First off, we have Paper Towns by John Green. I've heard excellent things about this book from Beth, and can't wait until I start it! You can check out her review of it by going to our Reviews page!

   Next, we have Messenger of Fear by Michael Grant. You probably can't tell from the spine, but this books cover is awesome!

   Then we have Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan, which has been recommended to me by another bookaholic. It's by two amazing authors, so I have no doubt this book is going to be brilliant!

   I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson is a book that Beth has told me I am going to read. So I guess am.

   And last (but nowhere near least), we have A Court Of Thorns And Roses by Sarah J. Maas. I started this one this morning, and I'm loving it already! 

   That's it for today, I hope you enjoyed this post! Tell me what your TBR is for this month in the comments!

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!❤