Tag: question

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!

 

25 questions nobody asks tag

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MEXICO

Helllllo readers, it’s one of those day where I’m a little booked-out and I wanted to do something completely different and I stumbled across the 25 questions nobody asks tag and thought it sounded like a little bit of fun. Enjoy.

Do you sleep with your closet doors closed or open?

Why would you sleep with the doors open? (Unless there’s too much stuff to shut them – maybee then) I definitely sleep with the closet doors shut to keep the monsters in.

Do you take shampoo and conditioner  bottles from hotels?

Yes, I’m a terrible person.

Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?

Normally the sheets are falling off everywhere, I’m a terribly restless person.

Have you ever stolen a street sign before?

No, but I did witness one of my intoxicated friends pick up a sold house sign and dance with it before falling over with it. Those were the days.

Do you like to use post-it notes?

Not really, I prefer lists or big sheets of paper with lots of ideas. Post-it notes just get lost or stuck to one of your limbs. Sexy.

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Do you cut out coupons but never use them?

I never cut out coupons but I think maybe I should – I just don’t really have/make time for it.

Would you rather be attacked by a bear or a swarm of bees?

I think bees, I’m not sure whether I would survive a bear attack really.

Do you have any freckles?

Yesssss all over the bridge of my nose and my cheeks!

Do you always smile for pictures?

DUCK FACE. Nah, I often do a couple of funny faces or a cheeky teeth smile.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

I think bad emailing practice; think how you would feel if you opened that email and it was horrible. I don’t like rude people very much.

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Do you ever count your steps when you walk?

Allllllll the time, but I always lose count so there’s no point. Maybe it’s relaxing?

Have you ever peed in the woods?

Yessss

Have you ever pooped in the woods?

Three letters: DOE

Do you ever dance when there is no music playing?

Yees, who doesn’t do a cheeky celebration dance once in a while? #holla

Do you ever chew on your pens and pencils?

Yep, and last week I saw someone chew on a pen I had chewed. I need to stop that, tis gross.

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How many people have you slept with this week?

Well I always sleep in bed with Eeyore, so I guess one?

What size is your bed?

Doubleeee bed, although when T sleeps in it it might as well be half a single. Bloody starfishing.

What is your song of the week?

Kind of really loving Down Town by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

Is it ok for guys to wear pink?

It mean if it brings out the colour in their eyes then of course.. anyone can wear whichever colour they wish.

Do you still watch cartoons?

C’mon, Disney films, everyone watches them and if they don’t then they should. Stat.

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 What’s your least favourite movie? 

Anything realllllllly scary!

Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?

I would buy things with it…sorrrrrrrrry

What do you drink with dinner? 

Alllll of the wine.

What do you dip a chicken nugget in?

Barbecue sauce m8.

What is your favourite food? 

MASHED POTATO. With tiny sausages if possible.

There you go: 25 questions nobody asks probably for good reason but just a little bit of fun. I now tag..

Bronagh at Bronagh’s Beauty and Books

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books That Would Be On Your Syllabus If You Taught life 101

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*Sighs* this might be my favourite Top Ten Tuesday post so far. The actually topic is Ten books that would be on your syllabus X 101. Examples include YA, fantasy, classic literature, feminist literature, you get the idea. I’ve picked ‘life 101’ and I mean it, not in a literal way, but more of the way in which books teach you something. These books include teaching you how to pick yourself up, get over heart-break, family strains. These are the books that have given me something back.

1)       The Last Lecture by Randy Pauch

This book, honest to the word, has helped in ways that I could have never expected it to. It talks of life in such an honest, wonderfully light and subtle way, but it talks of death, love and family too. The fact that author is dying as we read along makes it feel all the more destructive but it has a calming presence. It talks of never wasting time, living every day the way we want to and to take control. I haven’t really looked back since finishing this book.

2)       Skin by Adrienne Maria Vrettos

I’ve never reviewed this book for mylittlebookblog, but I think I might soon. The book follows the main character as he comes to terms with his sister’s death from anorexia. It highlights the struggle of family life, the tough decisions we have to make, and the loss of people close to us. It’s a tale that I always dip into now and again and it’s written in a wonderfully lyrical style. My and sister and I rarely got on a couple of years back but now we’re a solid pair of besties. She’s one in a million.

3)       ‘Giovanni’s Lover by James Baldwin

When I first started this book I didn’t think I would finish it let alone make its way onto this list, but this book taught me that there are some things, we cannot take back. I went through a lot of time not caring how I made other people feel because I barely cared about myself, at all. This book taught me that our decisions, our words, our actions towards others can be detrimental to people that we love. I know it seems trivial but I needed this to speak to me and tell me I needed to stop being an ass.

4)       Eat, pray, love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Maybe a controversial choice, but this book helped to change the perception that I needed to plan out, almost exactly, how my life was going to pan out. I panicked about too many different elements in my life; relationships, career, where I was going to live etc. The mother bought this and told me to read it, get some perspective and calm the hell down. This was the starting blocks to letting go a little more and trusting me more.

5)       Remember to breathe by Simon Pont

I have written about this book many, many a time but reading this really helped to break through my wailing and make me think that the collapse of my relationship was merely a blip in the road. I’ve met someone who is miles better for me, and just gets me and this book helped to smooth over all the feelings that were raging at the time.

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6)       Factotum by Charles Bukowski

Another maybe, odd choice? I’ve always worried a lot about where I’m going to be, in terms of career and this book made me think. I know that what I’m doing right isn’t right for me, it’s not challenging me but the main character in this book is all over the place. He’s changing jobs every second, turning up late, drunk, forgetting things falling asleep. Although quite obviously isn’t the way to do it, the way that you can change your life and do something else, even something polar opposite,  made me positive that I’m never stuck. I can always go a different way.

7)       The Fault in our stars by John Green

This also wasn’t going to make the list but I thought, fuck it. It’s a book about adoration, love, belief and pain. But it’s a tale that teaches us that pain and hurt exist, but to live in the present, in the moment you might say if you’re feeling all gushy. This book is worth a bloody read.

8)       The Chocolate Run by Dorothy Koomson

I know this appears in all my lists but I couldn’t help myself once again. As I’ve come to terms with my anxiety many things I thought were ‘control-freak,’ tendencies were in fact my anxiety. I’ve struggled with losing friends in the past, holding on despite deceit, awkward silences and their brush-off manner. This book taught me it is okay to lose people, not because you want to but because it’s better, often for both of you.

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9) Pearshaped by Stella Newman 

Another tale about relationships but taken from the other side this book looks at the problems of unhealthy, manipulating and downright awful relationships. We are allowed to say when something is not up and stand up for ourselves. This books says that, loud and clear.

10)       Finally, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol

I picked this because, some of the quotes features are so profound and special. I often like to ask people if they would like to be friends with Alice or be Alice, because her sudden change in perception is mind-blowingly beautiful. There are so many twisted bits of knowledge woven in and we see Alice grow as a person. It’s a classic book that means a lot to me and many readers and I’m glad it’s made the list.

I wrote a lot more here than I thought I would surprisingly but I thought this was a list where you really needed to explain why they made the list. This isn’t an extensive list (obviously) and when I read Wild, which I will do, I might have to include that as a bonus book because I think it might just change my outlook on everything but we’ll see. Another day another book.

I do love it when people comment and ask me and the choices, the reasons, and just hearing what you would add so if you have anything pop in down in the comments below. Lots of love and hugs, lizzy. X

A thank you from mylittlebookblog

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So, it’s Sunday and the end of this celebration of mylittlebookbookblog. I’m going to keep it short because I’ve waffled enough this week.

I’ve learnt a lot blogging and I’ve learn a lot about myself in doing so and to be honest with you, I think that this blog has ultimately saved me from a number of cripplingly scary moments. My life right now is a little in limbo and it’s terrifying. I’m not sure what I want to do let alone where I want to be and in the last ten months I’ve seen the worst of myself and the panic that comes from graduating and feeling a little lost. But this blog has brought out the best of me. 

I have felt so wonderfully supported and this blog has been a life saver and I just wanted to really say thank you. From my mushy emotional and slightly whimsical heart. Because you are the best people that I could have ever wished for. All the authors, the bloggers, the tweeters, the likers the commenters and the emailers (these are not words) but all of you. Thank you. Thank you so much and here’s to another year of this pretty goddamn wonderful tiny space of the internet that I have found I’m able to call home.

 4THBLVDKICKS

Two Year Anniversary of mylittlebookblog!

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Afternoon readers, a little news from my little book blog. On the 29th of April 2015 I will be celebrating the two year official anniversary of mylittlebookblog.com. I can not believe how much this blog has given me in terms of confidence in my writing and reviewing, the sheer number of authors, readers, publishers and book bloggers I have met who have been such a joy to get to know and the number of books I’ve read and been introduced to. I will be celebrating the two years blogging between the dates of the 29th of April and the 3rd of May and would love as many of you to get involved as possible. Whether that’s a guest post, helping me with a give-away in terms of prizes or just sharing my blog posts on the day. If you would like to get in touch please comment or email me at mylittlebookblog2014@gmail.com

Thank you

x

Piano from a 4th storey window: Jenny Morton Potts

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Good evening readers, hope you’re all well unlike me, a little sick bunny. It seems I have caught a tummy bug which left me rendered completely useless yesterday. After being rudely awakened by my housemate, I heaved myself out of bed to go and purchase whatever it was she was complaining about. Hauling a sick ridden body out of bed dressing it in patterned black, red and white leggings, an orange t-shirt and a pair of blue fabric pumps and a massive coat with a fur hood I must have looked comical. I cannot wait to move away from the drama of where I live. Before I get too off topic there are a number of reviews that were supposed to be posted days ago but I’ve been so sick I haven’t had any time to sort them and amongst packing for the move last week. I’m hoping to get them written up ASAP so if you’re waiting for a review it’s on its way I promise. So, without further delay onto today’s review.

Lawrence Fyre and Marin Strang aren’t like other people. He is the eccentric owner of failing Sargasso Books in the Brighton Lanes. She is an ex-Jehovah’s Witness and isolated Spanish teacher. If they live together in his illegal, beautiful, rope laddered lock-up; can their love overcome their losses?  Original, sexy, very funny and deeply moving. An author in complete control of a number of unforgettable characters and emotional highs and lows, Jenny Morton Potts leaves the reader breathless, and wanting more.

So as the blurb suggests Marin Strang is a Spanish teacher whose life hasn’t quite gone the way she wanted it to; having to live on a wage from numerous temporary teaching contracts and coming out of a rather painful breakup she’s in a bit of a sticking point; in limbo as to what she should do next. An ex-Jehovah’s witness but with ties to her father who remains a loyal member, Marin finds her days wandering The Lanes in Brighton a shopping spot and ends up in the a café named Number 8. Here she meets Lawrence Fyre, the owner of the (failing) store Sargasso Books. The two, after a number of chance meetings enter into an intense relationship but a number of hiccups including his sister and the intriguing Nina could force their relationship to fail. Will their relationship rise or flounder? You’ll have to get hold of a copy to find out!

So, there’s the book in a nutshell; now you could be forgiven for thinking that this is a rather stereotypical boy meets girl style plot-line but it’s more than that. Firstly I have to commend the author for getting the feel of Brighton down so very well. I could feel the blustery wind and see the cobbled lanes full of brightly painted houses, it’s incredibly evocative of the little seaside town. The writing style is wonderful although a little difficult to get into to start with. It reads almost like a stream of consciousness, which we don’t experience all too often as a reader and when mixed with dialogue and narrative it was a little different at the start. However as you get more stuck in the words rise and fall in a very smooth almost lyrical prose which I thoroughly enjoyed.

In terms of plot line it is the perfect mix of both tragedy and love story and the whirlwind mix throughout is both tender and comedic. The two main characters are wonderfully written both quirky in their own rights but written with a real feel of human warmth and understanding. They come alive with each other and the conviction of their relationship is maddeningly exciting and euphoric. The pace is fast and forward thinking, it ricochets off with such breath taking speed that I found myself reading chapter after chapter without noticing.

I think what makes this book is the style; it is a unique and unforgettable writing quality that is both quirky and gripping. It also allows for the highs and the lows of the novel to really come alive and punch the reader in the jaw which is exactly what I wanted from this novel. It is a love story but it also intertwines personal growth, the pressure to conform to society or religion and trust in the relationships we have. It really made me sit up and listen and made me think about my own place in the world that I find myself in.  Overall a stylish and quirky read that was a wonderful mix; thoroughly enjoyable.

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