The Book Sacrifice Tag

October 28, 2016September 13, 20161 Comment

Helllllllo readers, today I’m going to do the Book Sacrifice Tag! Now I know that that sounds a little bit aggressive, but ya know it’s always a little fun to do a SACRIFICE tag. So enjoy – and if you fancy doing this tag then please tag me.

1) An Over-Hyped Book: Let’s start this off with a Zombie Apocalypse! Let’s say you’re in a book store, just browsing, when BAM! ZOMBIE ATTACK. An announcement comes over the PA System saying that the military has discovered that the zombies’ only weakness is over-hyped books. What book that everyone else says is amazing but you really hated so you start chucking at the zombies knowing that it will count as an over-hyped book and successfully wipe them out?!

I actually adore this situation – how amazing to be able to wipe out zombie apocalypse with just books. I think I would pick The Fault in Our Stars from John Green. I actually really enjoyed the book, but when it came out – well you couldn’t get away from it. Maybe I’m just too old.

Image result for TFIOS

2) A Sequel: Let’s say you’ve just left the salon with a SMASHING new haircut and BOOM: Torrential downpour. What sequel are you willing to use as an umbrella to protect yourself?

I can’t lie I did actually enjoy the second book in the Fifty Shades trilogy and I mean that in the kind of trashy way that I think everyone that enjoys 50 shades does. There’s no shame – TRASH ROMANCE IS OKAY. However, the third book was just goddamn disappointing. It just got UBER boring and I can’t lie, I didn’t finish it.

Image result for fifty shades of grey third book

3) A Classic: Let’s say you’re in a lecture and your English teacher is going on and on about how this classic changed the world, how it revolutionized literature and you get so sick of it that you chuck the classic right at his face because you know what? This classic is stupid and it’s worth detention just to show everyone how you feel! What Classic did you chuck?

This book was just hell to read. Not only did it send me to sleep on numerous occasions, but it was impossible to finish. I have still never finished it, and you know what #noregrets.

Image result for great expectations book cover

4) Your Least Favourite Book of Life!: Let’s say that you’re hanging out at the library when BAM global warming explodes and the world outside becomes a frozen wasteland. You’re trapped and your only chance for survival is to burn a book. What is the book you first run to, your least favourite book of all life, what book do you not fully regret lighting?

THIS BOOK IS ONE OF THE WORST BOOKS I’VE MAYBE EVER READ. I think it would be a service to the reading community if this book was just taken to save the world from global warming. If you want to read my whole review it’s here.

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If you’d like to do this tag – feel free to take the questions from here. Please tweet me (@littlebookblog1) a link to your answers if you choose to do it and have a beautiful day.

Fear’s Revenge by Lynn Case: A guest post for MLBB

October 25, 2016Leave a comment

Hellllo readers hope you’re well – I apologise that the blog has been a little off for a while there’s a reason for that and it’s also the reason they’ve been a lot more guest postings but I will get into this. I currently have very little internet and unfortunately before that day came that the internet just wasn’t there I had quite a few scheduled up to post so I apologise it’s been a little heavy on guest postings recently. Today I have a fantastic guest post from Lynn Case and it’s a brilliant interview so I hope you won’t mind! Enjoy 😀

Tell us a bit about yourself:

Well, I’m, just a country girl at heart, I have lived most of my life in California. Except for a few years spent in Alaska while my husband, Dan, was serving in the U.S. Army. We have two grown children and many pets. Multiple dogs, cats and a very curious cockatoo named Clyde. I love to cook, if you follow my blog on my website www.lynncasebooks.com you will see a few recipes that I like to share and I love to write. I don’t always make public the things I write, but some I do.

We have traveled across the country and have visited thirty eight states in the U.S. some multiples times. Through our travels is where I get some of the inspirations for my stories. Writing short stories here and there while growing up, being a private person, I never shared my writings, even with close friends or family. Much less allow them to be made public. I was strongly encouraged to publish my first novel, Fear’s Revenge in September 2013.

I received tremendous feedback from readers so I decided to release my second novel, Return to Lily Cove in March 2014 and just his past August I released my third novel, Gabrielle, lost and I am currently working on my fourth novel in the series, Feathers in the Wind. Hopefully, I can get this one done and released in early 2016.

Who or What inspired you to start writing this book?

I kept having scene run through my mind and after a few days of it repeating itself I decided to start writing them down. Day after day until the first book was done. Then it was onto the next story.

What three words would you use to describe this book?

Roller coaster ride, maybe? That’s what one reader said about it. I really liked that description.

Who is your target group for this book?

My books are about women in their late 30’s. Because basically us women are never older than that, right ladies? So my target group is women 18 and over. I feel that some of the chapters are a little graphic, so I wouldn’t recommend them for younger audiences.

Tell us about this book.

Allison Symms had forgotten everything about that night over twenty years ago. The night she was held captive in an old cabin in the woods. Last thing she can remember is running through the woods and crashing head on into something, falling back knocking herself unconscious.

She doesn’t remember anything about that night until one day she gets knocked over by a city bus taking a turn to sharp and hits her head against a flower planter and goes unconscious once again. Then she begins to have horrific nightmares and flashbacks to events that she can’t remember.

After seeing her therapist and undergoing hypnosis, all is revealed about the lost events of that one traumatic night. Allison decides to take the law into her own hands and take Fears Revenge on the four boys that held her captive.

As each detailed step of revenge Allison takes against, Cole, Tyler, Tony and Bobby she is beginning the healing and growing process in more ways than she bargained for.

Do you have a favorite chapter from this book?

In Fears Revenge my favorite chapter is definitely chapter 15. I think I was laughing the whole time I was writing the main scene.

What do you hope people will gain from reading this book?

Well, I hope they enjoy reading my novels for stories themselves. I do hope the readers ultimately get the message that regardless of what or how your life has turned out we make our life what we want. If we don’t like what we have been dealt with in life, we have the inner power and strength to change it.

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

All my novels are available in print in perfect bound, hard bound and in ebook for those readers to download on their iPads, tablets and smart phone.

What advice would you give to other Writers?

Write, just write. Write it down. Whatever comes to mind, it may not make sense to you right now, but later on it might. Just keep writing, never give up something you love doing.

Tell us the link where potential readers can buy this book.

My books re available pretty much everywhere. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indie Books, Xlibris and my website www.lynncasebooks.com.

Any additional links?

My website : www.lynncasebooks.com

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Lynncasebooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lynncasebooks

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcq2uOH7XoyU8P6UEBvaCqw

Is there anything else you would like to share about this book?

Yes, It has been reviewed and had a Hollywood Coverage completed and is available for movie or television.

So there we go readers – a fantastic interview with a really fantastic author. Have a wonderful Tuesday and I hope you enjoy the post later today too!

Street Preacher by Aaron Davis

October 16, 2016October 16, 20161 Comment

Helllo readers, cheeky little Sunday posting for you. I’ve got a really exciting post for you next week which I’m going to be typing up tomorrow *eeee* but for now, a really super lovely guest post from Aaron Davis and the book Street Preacher.

When John begins shouting his sermons in the middle of crowded downtown sidewalks, his only goal is to collect enough money for some food and a place to sleep.

. . . INSTEAD . . .

. . . he finds himself on the path to faith, a path that may cost him more than he ever imagined.

Can you describe your book to my readers in three ish sentences?

Street Preacher is somewhat inspired by Flannery O’Connor’s “Wise Blood” That is to say, I was reading that a lot while I wrote my novel. Mine, however, is about the struggle to find faith beyond just simply saying “I believe” or affiliating with a church. This struggle is observed by various characters that each reflect different views of faith. There is John who is the protagonist. George who has no faith. Marty who is a sort of jaded, ministry-worn sort of Christian. Jennifer is an idealist. And Walter usually comes into the book to speak truth, though he is not without his faults.

Who is your favourite character from the book and why?

My favorite character is Walter, because he authentically loves others despite his own homeless situation. It was tempting to make him perfect so I had to add a bit of pride to him, but I think that is common. Even at our best, we all struggle somewhere.

Is there anything in the book you wish you had changed now that it’s out there in the world; a different sub-plot or maybe a new character completely? (I love asking this question!)

If I were to add more to this book, I would have developed Marty a little more. He runs the shelter, so he cares, but he also has an almost jaded view from working there so long

So is this the only book in the series? (Or will there be more?)

This book is not part of a series, no.

Do you have any other books, or plans to write more?

I have two other projects in the works. I am writing a book of my own struggles with depression and I am writing a novel about a police detective tracking down a serial killer. The theme of that book is vengeance vs justice.

Where can my readers follow more of your writing?

People can learn all about my writing, plus read blogs and poetry at www.authoraarondavis.com

So there we go, a lovely little post with the author Aaron Davis! Have a fantastic evening and thank you to this wonderful author for letting me feature his book on MLBB!

Links

Amazon

I do like Murakami quotes – they are pretty cool.

September 21, 2016September 9, 2016Leave a comment

Digital Detoxing (with a book obvs.)

September 9, 2016August 19, 20162 Comments

Helllllllo readers, interesting post today and I know it’s been done before but I wanted to talk about my personal experience with Digital Detoxing. Many of you will know the last couple of years my self-esteem has really dropped. I don’t know when it happened but I kinda felt like I lost part of Lizzy. She kinda fell away like a shadow. For a year (a WHOLE FUCKING YEAR) I just struggled through. Then recently I decided it all needed squashing, my insecurities needed stamping on with both feet.

Anyone that struggles with low-mood and anxiety based wobbles will know then when you’re in that frame of mind your memory and your ability to concentrate just GOES. Well, I was work a month or so a go, and I took my laptop into work and then I left without it. AND I COULDN’T GET IT BACK. So, there I was, in this total confusion and facing an evening alone with my own thoughts. Well what happened instead was I pulled my socks up, and I had a digital detox and IT FELT FUCKING AMAZING. So, here is my recipe for a bladdy brilliant digital detox.

Bath (OR Fricken awesome shower singing session.)

Okay, so this just might be me, but when I’m feeling insecure there are two ways I can go. It either has to be a really sumptuous bath with a lovely Lush bath-bomb, something like the Frozen Let it Go (Geddit) or something really colourful and glittery or it’s a shower singing session with some really fruity scented shower gel something like the Imperial Leather Mango.

Whichever you feel able to do, do it. Get clean, get those wobbles out of your mind and your chest (they settle there don’t they.)

Make A HOT CHOCOLATE (TO DIE FOR)

I absolutely adore a hot chocolate and I’m an absolute sucker for a really heavy, rich one covered in cream and marshmallows, but when I’m feeling a little anxious there are normally struggles about my weight too, so I try to keep a bit healthier. I absolutely adore the Options Hot Chocolate Sachets; they taste delicious even if you mix them with water, and you can use hot milk if you do feel like making it creamier. I ADORE the limited edition Belgian Choc Sweet Popcorn flavour.

Jammies

Throw yourself into the snuggliest, comfiest clothes that just make you feel fricken amazing. Whether they’re covered in unicorns or they’re splattered with stars; GET THEM ON. I promise your freshly washed pajamas (if possible,) are an absolute hunk. I think this emoji set are to die for.

SNuggle up in bed (and turn everything off)

So you’re hella comfy but what next; for me it has to be getting into bed, setting an alarm for the morning and then turning my phone onto do not disturb. It can be tempting to just turn it on silent but I really that turning DND on and shutting it in a drawer is the only way I will really, really ignore my phone. Also getting into bed and pulling the duvet on or snuggling on the sofa with the blanket is a welcome distraction from my blinking and buzzing phone.

REAAAAAAAD

I really feel like so many of us don’t read enough any more – I always see bloggers and youtubers going on about the last time they read a book was MONTHS ago (or the last time they went on a really beautiful holiday.) Well folks, it’s time to dip back into that holiday bag and pull out a tried and tested book. For me if I’m having wobbles in my life then I want something that falls far from the tree – so I want a book that lets me step back.

MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN BY RANSOM RIGGS

THE GIRL IN THE ICE BY ROBERT BRYNDZA

TRAIL OF BROKEN WINGS BY SEJAL BADANI

Sleep. That is all.

So that is my list for people that need some time to step back and BREATHE. It’s okay to get things wrong. It’s okay as long as you learn and don’t let it get to you. A digital detox and a space to get away might be just what you need.

Television Series I would recommend to Amber from ‘The Chocolate Run.’

September 6, 2016September 6, 2016Leave a comment

Hellllllo, readers. Hope you’re having a brilliant Tuesday. As you know I bloody hate Tuesday’s but I actually reaaaly like writing these posts and this one is definitely one to make you smile. This week for The Broke and the Bookish the task is to suggest television series for a book character you love – I’m picking Amber from the chocolate run. #ENJOY

Orange is the new black

I mean it’s a classic! If you haven’t read the book then Amber actually works and adores films and I really think that OITNB has that feel to it. It’s a bit of a bloody blockbuster isn’t it? I think although Amber likes classics she would want to keep up with this series which is SO HOT RIGHT NOW.

House of Cards

I think me and Amber would be best buddies, and I adored this so I think we could re -watch all of this together? Although she would have probably seen this because it’s good.

GOtham

This is a new series for me that my sister suggested and I haven’t got round to watching it yet. I’ve watched the first ten minutes this morning and I thought it looked fantastic but I had to leave for work #noooooooo.

Maybe we could start this together? Me and ambs.

New Girl

I feel this is a series that all females must watch because not only is Jess JUST LIFE, but Nick is my utter favorite. Amber watches a lot of really important films whilst she’s at work and it’s really stressful at times. I think this would be the perfect series for Amber to relax to.

How to get away with murder

This series is just PERFECTION. Highly recommend that you watch this and that includes Amber. This series is such a binge watching fest and NOW I WANT TO GO BACK AND WATCH IT.

Stranger things

Amber actually loves sci-fi, supernatural based things and although I’m not sure I’m going to enjoy this because I think it’s a bit creepy I think she would be engrossed. Maybe her and Greg could snuggle up on the sofa and watch this and eat hella chocolate.

GILMOre GIRLS

#CLASSSSSSIC. Amber should and would love this.

SHERLOCK &

BROADCHURCH

Sherlock Photo

Broadchurch Photo

Both of these television series are just perfection – I absolutely adored Broadchurch and Sherlock. Both have such brilliant filming and I think Amber would really enjoy pulling this to pieces, especially Broadchurch.

THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS

Magic School Photo

Finally, Amber sometimes really struggles with her childhood and I think this would be a really sweet programme for her to watch when she just needs to snaffle some chocolate after having a mini argument with Greg. Every girl needs a throwback.

There we go, ten fantastic series that you should watch and Amber should definitely watch with me. I would ADORE watching these with Amber and getting to know her better because she’s bloody fantastic.

Top Ten Tuesday! #BACKTOSCHOOL

August 30, 2016August 30, 20166 Comments

Hellllllllo readers, it’s Tuesday and that means it’s time for another Top Ten Tuesday. I absolutely LOVE today’s topic because I truly believe that my love of reading was really created when I was at school. Although I always found that school kind of stopped me reading the books I wanted to read, I found that it also opened a door that I have never been able to shut, and that is my addiction to reading.

So, today’s topic is what books I would have on my shelf if I was a teacher.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This book I didn’t actually read until last year, but I thought it was brilliant and so telling. I think if I was a teacher I would want to share books with my students that would really test how they think about things.

Lee takes us through the eyes of a child to see the injustice of the adult world and how one parent’s love and crusade to represent the underrepresented teaches us all lessons in humility and compassion – it is just perfection.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

If I was a teacher I think I would definitely teach secondary school students but I think this would still be a book that was on my shelf. This is definitely a talking point – what does the book teach us, what does it represent, is it still relevant today.

Shel Silverstein’s book really reminds us of the tenderness of the relationship between the giver and someone too young, too naive to realise just how much has been sacrificed. It’s an adorable but shocking book and I really love it.

THE Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch offers so much more from childhood to adulthood. While it is a book about maintain the preciousness of our dreams, the true gift of this book is that in dying, Pausch shows us with humor and humility how to truly live.

THE Perks of being a wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

I think as a teacher you need to have a real selection of books, some that are really thoughtful and positive and some that look at the difficulties of life. I really think this a book that would help you take on growing up which is a welcome addition to my shelf.

We need to talk about kevin by lionel shriver

Okay, so this might feel a little dark but this book presents a very sensitive look into one way a murderous, sociopathic student might emerge — audiences are left to decide for themselves whether or not they consider such behaviors the result of nature, nurture or a mix of both.

Although incredibly dark I think this is a book to create a discussion between students and introduce them to the power of literature.

THE girl with the dragon tattoo by stieg larsson

This one is really just because it’s a guilty pleasure of mine. The narrative of this book is an introduction to a completely different culture and mixture of languages which I think creates a patchwork book. I adored this series and I hope my students would too.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

A beautiful but important book that everyone should read. I can see someone being really bored on a wet-lunchtime and just picking it up and getting heavily, heavily involved. The thought of that makes me very, very happy.

THE BFG by Roald Dahl

Just because you’re a little older doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read Roald Dahl. This book is brilliant and I think sometimes when the world gets too much this is the perfect cool down.

The Art of Being Brillian by Andy Cope, Andy Whittaker

Some of you will know that over the last couple of months I’ve really struggled to FIND myself. I knew that I wasn’t really, really struggling (like going to the doctors struggling) I just needed a bit of a pick-me up that life was okay, and being lost was okay, and that there were things that I could do to improve my mood.

I know during my school time anxiety and stress didn’t really affect me but I think now, because of social media and cyber bullying etc this book could reaaaally bloody helpful. Perfect for the shelf.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Classic. Needs to be on the shelf. NO MATTER WAHT.

So there you go, the books that would be on my shelf if I was a teacher and wanted my students to have a shelf they could pick from when they needed something to distract them from the struggles of life. Have you read any of these? Would you pick any of these from my teacher shelf? Let me knowwwwwww.

This is true. Maybe, like once.

August 10, 2016July 22, 20163 Comments

Escape To Wonderland Colouring-book

August 10, 2016August 10, 20162 Comments

Helllllllo readers, slightly different book review today because this one is for COLOURING, not for words which is always pretty cool. I’ve written a couple of reviews for colouring books, but, this might just be my favourite. Why you ask? Well let’s find out.

Escape to Wonderland is an enticing, extraordinarily intricate and beautiful colouring book filled with highly detailed line artwork that allows the magical fantasy of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to be brought to be life in an entirely unique way. Pivotal moments from the story of Alice are scattered throughout for inspiration, and there are spaces left within some of the compositions for individual design and embellishment.

This highly original, exquisite colouring book for older children and adults alike is in a handy-sized square format, a perfect size to carry around in your handbag or schoolbag with a tin of crayons – you’ll be ready to colour and relax wherever and whenever the moment takes you.

So, the first thing I wanted to say, is this book is utterly gorgeous and is ESSENTIAL to any Alice in Wonderland fan! I have to say this though, because all the 1* reviews on Amazon are because of this, it is smaller than most of the colouring books, but to be honest with you I found that this made it a lot less intimidating because the images aren’t huge, but also it means it’s perfect for taking with you, on the train or on a holiday trip where you need a chill out.

The book does have a softback cover which although might seem a little dangerous with a book of this size, but the cover is almost the double thickness of cardboard and folds in itself so when it opens up you have a stunning image of different mystical things including owls, mushrooms and pocket watches (I’m late – hint, hint.) The cover is utterly STUNNING. It has silver and gold foiling with blue details, and it just feels so luxurious.

In total the book has 96 pages which are double sided with images and each is border-less which means that the pages do get a little lost between the spine but this hasn’t been an issue for me so far and not all of the images are spread over two pages. It does have quite a tight spine but it does relax quite easily but I haven’t damaged it yet so fingers crossed it stays in good condition. The pages are cream and are a little textured but they are so much better than the other colouring books I have had because they have more of a thickness to them. I have used pens on it, the thin nibbed type and they don’t seem to be leaking through – I haven’t finished an entire image yet but, so far it’s good!

One of the things I have seen is that some colouring books, especially those that are directed towards mental health, do have difficulty levels. So some are more complicated than others. This doesn’t, but it does create a much more cohesive feel to the book. Additionally what I UTTERLY LOVED, was that the pages are not only in the same order as the story, which allows you to get really engrossed, but also most of the pages have a quote from Alice in Wonderland so you know where you are, although if you’ve read the story you’ll get it, but it’s nice to have a little reminder.

In terms of the images, they are all so beautiful and so wonderfully drawn. So many of the images include animals, scenes and objects from the story and the films and I struggled to pick one image that I liked the most. Some of the images I have coloured do have sections that don’t connect, which at times can be a little confusing but I think it’s so it fits with the surreal feel of Alice in Wonderland. All the classic characters are there including the caucus race, the croquet match and meeting the giant caterpillar.

I would definitely recommend this book. I received it from a friend and to be honest with you, she got it utterly spot on. An evening with a face-mask on, a cup of tea, watching How to Train your Dragon and eating hella handfuls of minstrels was just beautiful. This transported me to a really happy place and into the wonderful world of Wonderland.

Top Ten Tuesday REWIND – My Ten OCD Bookish Habits.

August 9, 2016August 10, 201611 Comments

I feel like singing the CHA CHA SLIDEEE on today’s post

Turn it out
To the left
Take it back now y’all
One hop this time
One hop this time
Reverse (reverse)
Slide to the left
Slide to the right
Reverse, reverse
Reverse, reverse

Cause we’re going back in time on this weeks TTT and picking a topic that we haven’t done before and I decided to choose this one. I was recently on a train and a man came and chatted to me about the book I was reading. Now, I’m pretty sure he was a little bit tipsy but he was a wonderful guy and I had a lovely chat to him between London Euston and Northampton. He asked me a lot about my reading habits and I thought I do have a hella load of weird reading habits and I wanted to share them with you. SO, enjoy (REVERSE REVERSE.)

never, ever rEADING FURTHER INTO A BOOK.

This is a common one, but I know people who read further into the book whilst they’re reading. Like I’m sorry no,

BUYING TEN MILLION BOOKMARKS (and still folding over the bloody corner on books!!)

I have so so so so many bookmarks – an @ sign, a dog, a spider, one that looks like a tongue, a magnetic one, and at least two Harry Potter ones, but I just never use them. Instead I’m still folding over the corners on book covers BECAUSE I AM THE WORST.

If I really, really, reaaaaally, love a book, never watching the film.

Still haven’t seen The Book Thief, I just can’t. Although saying this I did adore Ps. I Love You, so maybe I’ll have to change this one.

Reading a fantastic book by an author but never reading another book by them, (cause I’m an idiot.)

I think I do this because I don’t want to read a book that might ruin that first book. So even though I adore Any Human Heart by William Boyd I haven’t read anything else. Even though the Book Thief is one of my favorites books like ever I haven’t read anything else by Marcus Zusak. WHY (cause I’m an idiot.)

Re-reading books around the same times of year.

It’s like Harry Potter at Christmas it’s one of those things you do. It’s the same with lots of books for me – if I’m lost in the world there’s a book for that, if I’m heartbroken there’s a book for that. Throughout my life, books have been a comfort blanket and yep, basically I’m a terror for re-reading books around the same times of year.

I can’t read on sofa’s.

So stick with me on this one, I never read on the sofa because I CAN NEVER GET COMFY. Train bundled up against someone, no problem. Snuggled up in the bath, lol no problem. Wrapped up in bed, no problem. On the bus bumping about no problem. The sofa is a problem though – soz guys I’m a nutter.

never throwing books away.

This one is becoming a bit of a problem to me honest with you but I can’t just give books away. It’s just too bloody difficult. Instead I need to find a home for them; with other people, at charity shops, sent to other bloggers but honestly I find it impossible to part with books. Recently I cleared the entirety of my room, threw away six bags of random shit but the bag of books. Still sat at the end of my bed.

Reading a book from the library then maybe three years later buying a copy.

^ DUE TO SAID ISSUE, I often read a book, then I let it linger in my mind and if it’s still there in three years or so I will buy a copy. IT MAKES NO SENSE. It would be better if I just read ARC copies on my laptop for example and then bought the books that I love in paper-copy but I seem unable to do this. I’m a mixed-up kinda lass.

I think I might leave this post here – I know there are only 8 but I feel like I might have given enough away already. God I’m such a mess of a reader.