Tag: bookworm

Dwelling by Thomas Flowers! Fresh off the press!

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Helllo readers, some of you will have seen that I reviewed this wonderful book on Christmas Eve and as of yesterday Dwelling is available as a FREE download on Amazon Kindle. So let me leave a couple of words from the wonderful author.

“This will be the first promotional for either of the books in the Subdue Series and I couldn’t be more excited.”

But the promotion is free, why get excited about giving away your book?” And to this, I’d say, “Above all else, I want nothing more than to have people read, and if their reading my books, well…than that will be my bonus. I would rather people read my book for free than not to have Dwelling read at all.”

If you like horror tales, super-natural, or just a really well written book this is definitely one to get your hands on. As a book blogger I get the chance to read so many brilliant books and to be able to download this one for free is an opportunity not to miss. I mean I said this about the book –

“Every single paragraph, every sentence has been written with thought. You can tell that it’s all been utterly thought through and created to create this atmosphere that’s slightly uneasy and tense. I don’t know many authors that can do this. (Lizzy stop gushing) but honestly – bloody spot on.”

If you want to read more of my review you can here but what you should really do is download a copy – available here! Then you can thank me later (wink face.)

The Fifty Bookish Questions Book Tag

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Twenty-five things us bookworms are super awesome at (2)

Helllllo readers, it’s Friday which means it’s time for another book tag *cheers.* I found this really lovely tag on the fantastic blog that is Life of a Female Bibliophile. It’s a lot of questions so I’m going to keep this short and simple! My review requests box should be back open as of this week so if you do want your book read and reviewed by me whack me over an email. I’ve come up with a new booking in service so fingers crossed can keep it all super nice  and tidy. Without delay – onto those fifty bookish questions 

1. What was the last book you read?

The Hollow by Arielle Leclair, see my review from yesterday!

2. Was it a good one?

Yes, although a fantasy it was an exciting read with some good plot-twists and strong characters.

3. What made it good?

Well done Lizzo answered that in the last question – good tale, good characters, good writing style.

4. Would you recommend it to other people?

Yes, especially if you like fantasy books!

5. How often do you read?

If I’m not in a reading slump then most days – especially if I’m on a train/bus/in the bath.

6. Do you like to read?

Quite obviously.

7.What was the last bad book you read?

Bad book? Maybe Transmission by Hari Kunzru. Overall the book was really brilliant but the ending just didn’t work for me.

8. What made you dislike it?

Once again not reading the questions beforehand – the ending just lacked clarity and strength. It made me feel a little grumpy when I made it to the end.

9. Do you wish to be a writer?

Yes and no. I think I would love to be a writer but then I’ve tried a number of times and I’m 99.7% sure I’m not that great at it.

10. Has any book every influenced you greatly?

Lots of books have definitely influenced me – I couldn’t name them all here, but yes is the answer.

Twenty-five things us bookworms are super awesome at (3)

11. Do you read fan fiction?

I don’t no – I’m not saying I never will but it’s yet to appeal really.

12. Do you write fan fiction?

Nopppppe.

13. What’s your favorite book?

I can never answer this question because I haven’t read all the books yet! There a few that are close to my heart including The Book Thief, The Harry Potter series, 1Q84, The Chocolate Run, and Remember to Breathe by Simon Pont.

14. What’s your least favorite book?

I think Great Expectations by Charles Dickens – just didn’t click with me!

15. Do you prefer physical books or ready on a device (like a kindle)?

I do love my Kindle but physical books are much better for me.

16. When did you learn to read?

I think maybe 4/5. I just kind of started reading, I didn’t really learn letters or sounds I just kind of started talking and then reading.

17. What is your favorite book you had to read in school?

I hated the book at the time but The Great Gatsby is now one of my favourite books. I unfortunately never got the chance to read Of Mice and Men during education, but I finally got round to it this year and really enjoyed reading it.

18. What is your favorite book series?

I think maybe Harry Potter – I don’t read a lot of book series because a lot of them fall into the fantasy genre which I struggle with but HP was wonderful and still is.

19. Who is your favorite author?

Nope. Just nope.

20. What is your favorite genre?

It always used to be historical fiction but this year I have read a lot more YA and crime/thrillers so I’ll go with a mash up of all three. (Although cannot lie I do love a trashy romance every once in a while!)

Twenty-five things us bookworms are super awesome at (4)

21. Who is your favorite character in a book series?

I really really like Aoname from 1Q84 – she’s potentially the complete opposite of me but there’s something about her quiet, still nature that I really love reading about. Other than that maybe just pipping her to the post is Lisbeth Salander (might be the name of my first child – might.)

22. Has a book ever transported you somewhere else?

Yes, that’s what books are supposed to do I think anyway.

23.Which book do you wish had a sequel?

Remember to Breath by Simon Pont – it was a book that got me through I really difficult time in my life and I’d love to get that feeling again. It really is a brilliant book and the perfect sarcastic witty mix. Perfect reading.

24. Which book do you wish DIDNT have a sequel?

I honestly can’t think of one but then again I don’t read a lot of series of books.

25. How long does it take you to read a book?

Depends how busy I am and how much I’m enjoying the book. I also have a terrible habit of starting a book, and then starting another. I’ll finish book two and start another, (book three) and I’ll completely forget about the first book. This is namely why after six or so months I still haven’t finished 1Q84.

26. Do you like when books become movies?

It really depends on the book I think – there are some that I have really loved and some that haven’t really worked. I love the Harry Potter films and although they do miss bits out of the books I think they’re pretty spot on. I still refuse to see The Book Thief – I’m terrified it will spoil the book for me.

27. Which book was ruined by its movie adaptation?

I think perhaps One Day – I think I read the book before the film just so I could see the film (sometimes I can be a bit of a book snob!) The film was just okay – the book however was utterly fantastic.

28. Which movie has done a book justice?

I’m going to say PS I love you. I really really adore the book and I nearly prefer the film. It is such a brilliant adaptation and so wonderfully done. I’m a big fan and I still can’t make it through without crying!

29. Do you read newspapers?

Every so often – I do read the Guardian online if that counts.

30: Do you read magazines?

Not anymore – I used to regularly read Look but it’s been a while since I picked up a copy!

Twenty-five things us bookworms are super awesome at (5)

31. Do you prefer newspapers or magazines?

It depends what I’m reading them for. If it’s for political articles or the like I’m unlikely to pick up Cosmopolitan or if I’m looking for a way to treat dry hair The Times isn’t really going to help me!

32. Do you read while in bed?

Yes. All. The. Time.

33. Do you read while on the toilet?

I don’t actually – my Dad though, he’s a sod for it and if you need to get in there for any reason don’t hold your hopes up it could be while. (Probably TMI soz.)

34. Do you read while in the car?

Yes, although I have to be careful because I suffer with car sickness which really isn’t pretty.

35. Do you read while in the bath?

Yes, although not very often. I’m not a big ‘bath person,’ and although this may sound a little odd often get in after Mumma B or Char has had a bath because I don’t like it too hot and I don’t stay in the bath for very long so yes, but not for lots of reading – and I do often drop the books in or get my wet fingers all over the pages. (Sad face.)

36. Are you a fast reader?

Yes.

37. Are you a slow reader?

Erm no. ^

38. Where is your favorite place to read?

Oddly it’s on trains. I know this obviously doesn’t happen too often but I do like reading on trains the best. There’s something really relaxing about it for me and I find myself getting more in tune with my reading.

39. Is it hard for you to concentrate while you read?

Sometimes – recently I’ve had a couple of month long reading slumps which has been really horrible and it’s been impossible but if my phone is on airplane mode and I’m comfy in bed or in the bath and there’s no music on I’m normally pretty fine.

40.Do you need a room to be silent while you read?

Yes, I never used to, but now music does really distract me.

Twenty-five things us bookworms are super awesome at (6)

41. Who gave you your love for reading?

Even from a very young age I was taken to the library, read to and I loved to tell stories. When I was at nursery I had to be bribed to go outside – I would much rather have stayed in reading.

42. What book is next on your list to read?

The Silk Worm by Robert Galbraith.

43. When did you start to read chapter books?

I think maybe the age of 7. I found reading came to me very easily and was allowed to read longer books from quite a young age.

44. Who is your favorite children’s book author?

Roald Dahl and Jacqueline Wilson.

45. Which author would you most want to interview?

J.K Rowling – I have so many questions! That or Ian Probert that would be pretty cool.

46. Which author do you think you’d be friends with?

Rainbow Rowell I think or John Green!

47.What book have you reread the most?

The Chocolate Run by Dorothy Koomson.

48. Which books do you consider “classics”?

I guess books in the literary cannon although I think it’s good to add more contemporary books too.

49. Which books do you think should be taught in every school?

Books that get people READING. A mixture of contemporary and classics and books that young people will enjoy. I hated Gatsby and Enduring Love as a student and yet now, as an older reader they resonate with me – I think it needs to be more balanced.

50. Which books should be banned from all schools?

I don’t think books should be banned from schools unless they are really inappropriate. Books tell a story about the world and they help to open people’s eyes to the world. Books are wonderful things and they should be enjoyed by all.

There you go, fifty questions and a seriously long post! I’m going to leave this open to anyone who wants to complete because it is so goddamn long. Tag me if you decide to complete this monstrous tag or tweet me @littlebookblog1!

 

Vote for My Little Book Blog in the 2016 UK Blog Awards

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Helllllllo readers, bit of an exciting post today! After mentioning this award to a couple of friends in the past few months I was gently encouraged to apply and I’ve been shortlisted for the public vote *eeeee* (although I think it might be better if it was called longlisted there are a hell of a lot of incredible blogs listed!)

I’ve been shortlisted for public vote in both the Art’s and Culture and the ODEON Cinemas Best Storyteller and it would mean so much if any of you truly wonderful people that follow my little bookish blog were to vote for me. There are so many fantastic blogs out there but I would definitely do a flailing arm dance if anyone were to vote for meeee (which you can do here!)

Just a tiny little post to say this is happening – now I’ll go back to my books.

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The Bedtime Book Tag

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Helllllllo readers – it’s Friday which mean it’s nearly the weekend and that makes me toooo excited because I finally get to have a lie in and not wake up at 7am. I always mean to go to bed at a reasonable time but at the ripe old age of 22 I still can’t quite manage my own bedtime. It seems a little appropriate that I’m going to answer The Bedtime Book Tag which I found on Tash’s blog The Bookie Monsters. Such a brilliant blog that you really should follow – yes you should.  Without further Lizzy warbling onto le tag.

1. What book kept you up all night reading?

Just couldn’t put this down if I’m honest with you – this was exceptionally good writing and the author gave me one of the most wonderful comments that when reading the review she had forgotten she had written the book and wanted to get hold of a copy which was just so lovely to hear. This book really was just that good – see for yourself here.

2. What book made you scared to go to sleep?

I didn’t sleep easily for weeks after reading this book – it honestly terrified me so much I have not read anything from this author since because I just couldn’t cope. I’ve bought this book to remind me how incredibly terrifying the human word can be but I’m yet to read it all the way through again.

3. What book almost put you to sleep?

At times I found this a really tedious y read; I just couldn’t get into it and despite many a try this is a DNF that I don’t think I will be trying again anytime soon.

4. What book has you tossing and turning in anticipation of its release?

*CHEAT BOOK.* I know this is out and has been since August but I haven’t got hold of it yet and I am tooooooo excited to. If only I wasn’t cutting down on spending this month – maybe someone lovely will buy it for me. *cough cough hint hint wink wink.*

5. What book has your dream boyfriend/girlfriend?

I couldn’t just pick one but Nick from On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah is pretty goddamn delicious. Both utterly sweet and a hot mess he is just perfection. *drools*

6. What book world would be your worst nightmare to live in?

I can’t decice whether this would really cool and exciting or utterly terrifying. I’m a real wimp so if everyone suddenly left to escape the glade I would really have no idea what to do. The unknown utterly freaks me out and I am terrified of the dark so would be terrible for me.

7. What book has a nightmarish cliffhanger?

Not quite a cliffhanger but it was left so creepily ambiguous that I was seriously freaked out by this. Pretty incredible ending but also horrible all the same.

8. What book cover reminds you of night time?

I guess this is just because it’s a dark cover but I always think this cover is just a little dark and scary and that reminds me of nighttime. Scarrry.

9. What book have you actually dreamed about?

 

Yes it was terrifying, yes I met Katniss, yes it was awesome.

10. What book monster would you not want to find under your bed?

(Image: http://s1aughterh0use.tumblr.com/post/48702830896)

Hellllllla no. Aragog can stay away from my bed.

So there we go – the Bedtime book tag. I’m not nominating this time because I’m not sure who has/hasn’t done it but if you would like to please link back in the comments so I can read your answers. have a lovely friday bookish bookworms.

The Opposite Books Tag

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The Book Blogger Task

It’s a Fridaaaaaaay *holla* and I am seriously ready for this day to end; it’s been one of those day where nothing has come together easily, or helpfully and it’s just be a kladgjklgadfjgkah kind of day, but, I get to write a really interesting book tag and today is it the opposites tag. As I sometimes do, I’m not tagging anyone in particular, but if you’re reading this and you feel like joining the fun, do it! I’d love to see your answers, so make sure to let me know if you did it and I’ll stop by your blog.

Let’s Go.

The First Book in your collection and the last book you bought

I can’t really name the first book in my collection, but I think maybe something Biff & Chip & Kipper related. I was read so many books as a child that they all kind of blur into one but there were lots of little Miss and Mr Men books and the Funnybones books. I really adore reading children’s books even now.

My most recent purchase is a little childish but I bought Texts from Dog by October Jones. I bought it after seeing the texts on Tumblr and then found they had been collated into a book and I just couldn’t resist.

A cheap book and an expensive book

I wrote about this recently but my local bookstore is shutting down which is really sad and I’m not sure what I’m going to do when it finally closes. The only real positive of this is currently there are lots of reaaaaaaaly cheap books for me to buy and squirrel back home.

I rarely buy books now because I get sent too many for me to really get through – but I did recently buy a new copy of Caitlin Moran’s book which cost me £3.85? Compared to the twenty pence I spent on my dear shutting down book store that’s kinda expensive.

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A book with a male protagonist and one with a female protagonist 

These questions are really diffiuclt because there are so many characters I want to pick; for the male I’m going to go for Atticus Finch. I am so glad I took a bit of time to get through this lovely book and finally get it read. I can understand why I didn’t (I remember many students detesting it back at school) but I think it’s a real classic and one that everyone should read.

For the female protagonist I’m going to go for Aoname from 1Q84; I think she’s such a special character and I have been utterly entranced by her throughout reading it. I’ve never read a character like her and to a point it’s probably one of the reasons why I’m not ready to let her or the book go yet.

A book you read fast and one that took you a long time to read

I am currently stillllllllll reading Murakami’s 1Q84; it’s just taking forever, one because I’m not sure I’m ready to finish it and secondly because I have so much work to do at the moment my time and concentration for reading has been zilch.

In terms of a book I read quickly, I think maybe Stella Newman’s Pear Shaped; I seem to recall reading it in a day just unable to put the thing down for a minute or two. I was going through a really tough time and I think I just needed to lose myself in a book and this was the one I picked.

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A book with a pretty cover and one with an ugly one 

I think this one is a little mean because books aren’t ugly just maybe a little boring. I’m going to go for some of the books I was sent as part of the ‘blogger box share.’ I was sent a set of utterly beautiful books by Virginia Woolf-  each of them has a beautiful vintage feel.  Imma in LOVE with them.

Ugly books? That’s a bit mean – I think the copy I got from the library of Giovanni’s Room wasn’t very pretty. It definitely didn’t make me feel excited about the book and even put me off a little. A thoughtful and inspiring book but the cover just didn’t sell it for me – the writing inside definitely did.

A national book and an international book 

I think for the national book I’ll have to go with Harry Potter? Is there any other choice really?

I think for an international book I would have to go with the Milllenium Trilogy by Steig Larsson. I adored these books and when I have time I really want to go back and read them all through again. Interestingly by favourite was the last in the series which I will definitely be re-reading soon – maybe over Christmas.

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A thin book and a thick book

I think I would have to pick ‘The Story of the eye by George Bataille’ which is a mere 127 pages but that includes the content, and the additional essays at the end so it ends up to around 100 pages ish which is nothing. Although I’m not sure you’d want much more – my review of this was up yesterday.

Much to T’s disgust I still haven’t finished 1Q84 which I suppose as a cheat is three books in one but it as the books don’t end as you finish each of them I’m counting it as one. I’m currenrtly 1020 pages through and there’s still almost a whole book worth of pages to go but I am still enjoying it – just too busy to finish *wails*

A Fiction book and a non-fiction book

I only really read fiction books but I’m going to pick Sugar and Snails by Anne Goodwin. I rarely get to read a book that I think will really make a difference to those reading it but this is truly a tale that taught me something new and made me re-evaluate some of my own views. It was wonderful to get the chance to read it.

The only non-fiction I really read is to do with the sinking of the Titanic. It’s been a slight obsession for me for a number of years probably due to the film being my ultimate favourite something I’m not embarassed to admit. There’s just something about it I just can’t get out of my mind. Over the years I’ve collected books and acumulated them from different people- my parents gave me a huge book full of facts for christmas a couple of years back which meant a big deal to me so I’m going to have to go with that – unfortunately no idea what it’s called!

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A way to romantic book and an action book

Mmmmm, I really don’t like romance books that are toooo sickly but I recently read Almost Perfect by Julie Ortolon and although not too bad it was a little sweet and sickly. The romance just felt a little unrealistic –  I still enjoyed it but it was a bit of a difficult read.

I think Four Seats by Aaron Cooley maybe – The plot follows the bombing of the Supreme Court and the dangers and problems that follow. It’s quite politically driven but I really interesting read all the same.

A book that made you happy and one that made you sad

Imma going to go really sterotypical in terms of what I always pick but – The Book Thief never fails to make me shed a tear. It is a beautiful book and one I think everyone should read.

A book that makes me happy would have to be – The Chocolate Run by Dorothy Koomson. This is one of my favourite all time books despite it being a chick-lit but it just makes me feel so lovely after reading it. Perfection.

Sooooooo many books to pick from that was so hard; additionally sorry I warbled on for nearly 1500 words what is wrong with me! As always what would you add? Are there any you really disagree with you fancy reading? Let me know in the comments and have a wonderful day bookworms.