JUNE READING WRAP UP 2016

In June I read 6 books, including 1 audiobook. In June, my mum and I discovered Audible and it has changed our lives; initially I was reluctant, I was snobby and didn't think an audiobook was the same as reading a physical book, but I've tried it and I've really enjoyed it. I wasn't going to count my audiobook towards my reading goal for the year, but Goodreads counted it automatically for me and, frankly, I couldn't be bothered to go through the effort of changing it. Expect more audiobooks to come. I'm also currently reading 'Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer' by Rick Riordan; I'm feeling a bit reading-slumpy (after 'The Crown') so I'm taking it slow but I'm getting through it. (Also yay I'm officially on my summer holidays).

Books Read: 

1. 'Red Rising'- Pierce Brown
I downloaded this book over a year ago on Kindle and it had been weighing on my mind to read it soon; honestly, if I didn't already have it on Kindle, I don't think I would've bothered to read it. (I only finally decided to read it because I watched a load of Pierce Brown and Tashapolis videos on Youtube). I went into this book completely blind, the only thing I knew was that it was set on Mars, and still it was nothing like I thought it was going to be. I really wasn't enjoying it, I considered giving up around 30% of the way through, but I decided to give it a bit more of a chance and I ended up quite enjoying it. I enjoyed the links with Greek and Roman mythology, especially since I've been reading a lot of Rick Riordan lately. I don't think I'm going to be continuing with the series, but it was quite an enoyable read.

2. 'A Court of Thorns and Roses'- Sarah J. Maas
I'd put off reading this for so long, despite really enjoying the 'Throne of Glass' series, because I'd kind of misinterpreted what it was going to be about. I thought I wouldn't like the fae element, as that's sometimes hit-or-miss for me, and I thought Tamlin was going to be some creepy, pervy, way older guy. I decided to finally pick it up after all the incredible hype and feedback of the second book, and I really, really enjoyed it. Sarah J. Maas is still a reigning queen of fiction. I'm really looking forward to picking up the second book (hopefully) in July and seeing where the story goes next.

3. 'The Crown'- Kiera Cass
Lets start by saying that a spin-off series to the Selection was 1001% NOT NEEDED. AT ALL. Obviously, because I loved the Selection series, I was going to try out the spin-off, but when it came to this one I literally couldn't remember a single thing that happened in the book before. I had to read a full recap of the Heir, but I still couldn't remember who half the characters were. It's the Selection world so obviously this book was still a lot of fun, I just had way more problems with it than with any of the other books. Everything major in this book (particularly one thing which I won't mention because spoilers) felt really random, out of the blue and rushed. There was no sign that some of these things were about to happen and they were literally just thrust in your face. There was a distinct lack of romance in this book which I was not okay with, I came for the romance, not the politics. (I love politics usually, just not in the Selection). Overall, this spin-off duology was okay, but not a patch on the original trilogy (which I'm now tempted to read again because I need that slushy romance and princesses in my life).

4. 'The Hidden Oracle'- Rick Riordan
I was so, so, so excited for this book because... Apollo. Human. Camp Half Blood. Percy. Camp Half Blood. Apollo. Chiron. Greek mythology. Camp Half Blood. Yay. I hate to say it but this book disappointed me ever so slightly, it felt slightly too young (though I understand it is marketed towards younger people), but it's the usual Rick Riordan genius Greek mythology in the modern world, so it was still pretty fab. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the rest of this series/trilogy/series/I-don't-know-what-it's-going-to-be.

5. 'Bossy Pants'- Tina Fey (audiobook)
I'd wanted to read this for a while, particuarly last year when I went through a faze of reading non-fiction by famous females (particualrly comedians), but I couldn't get my hands on it then. I jumped when I saw it on Audible, especially since it was read by Tina Fey, and I really enjoyed it. I like Tina Fey anyway, but I'd highly recommend listening to this one (and other books by female comedians) on audiobook, as it's really fun to hear them read it themselves, and it puts a different spin on it than when you read it yourself. This book was a lot of fun.

6. 'Shadow and Bone'- Leigh Bardugo
I'd wanted to read this for a long time, so I pounced immediately when I saw it was only 99p on Kindle. I read Leigh Bardugo's 'Six of Crows' at the end of last year which I really enjoyed, and due to that and the premise of this book, I had high hopes. I feel a little let down, it was good, but no where near the level of 'Six of Crows'. The fact that I could feel a reading slump didn't help, I had to force myself to read it a lot of the time, but the story wasn't gripping me so much anyway. Like with 'Red Rising', I enjoyed this book but I won't be continuing with the triology. I just really expected to love this one and I didn't.

Rosie

Nearly caught up on all Rick Riordan

BOOK DEBATE #5: ON LIBRARIES

There's been a lot of backlash recently about how government cuts are resulting in the closing of public libraries all over the country. In today's book debate, I want to talk a bit about owning books vs. getting them from the library, and also why keeping libraries open is so important.

There is possibly nothing more exciting that going to a bookshop, browsing all the crisp, new books and bringing new books home. It is immensely satisfying to be able to look at a shelf over-flowing with books, building your own library and seeing how nice they all look together. I am all in favour of buying all the books imaginable, but that is just not possible. So, though new books and owning books aew so exciting, let me tell you why libraries are better.

LIBRARY BOOKS ARE FREE.

All these millions and millions of books that are free. Completely and utterly free. There's no signing up fee, no borrowing fee, nothing. In my library, the only times you ever have to pay for a book is when it's overdue or when you're ordering it in on an adult library card- and both of these only cost 40p. It is simply not possible to buy all the books you ever want to read, and that is why libraries are so important. Over 50% of all the books I read are from the library, because they have nearly every book I ever want and, like I've said, it's FREE. Everybody loves free books and, yeah, you don't get to keep them, but who cares, if it wasn't for the library you might not ever get the chance to read them.

Your average paperback book costs £7.99 (even more for a hardback), and who can afford that money every single time they want to read a book? I cannot stress how important saving libraries is. Libraries give millions of people the chance to access books (and often the Internet) and to learn and read and experience the joys of books who may not have the means or finances to do so otherwise. Libraries often host events to encourage children to read and to fall in love with reading, shaping them for the future. Libraries provide so many opportunities to everyone within society, enabling millions to access books for free. And not just books, libraries also provide quiet places to study and the ability to access the Internet, audio books, films and music.

Saving libraries is so, so important. The library was such a big part of my childhood, and I know this was the same for so many people, it's vital that we keep libraries open so that future generations can read and grow in the same way that we did. Give your local library some love, if it's in risk of closing, write to your local MP, start a petition, do whatever you can to keep that library open, because so many people would be lost without it.

Rosie

LEAVING WORK HAUL

You may or may not (but probably don't know) that for the past 11 months I've been working as a healthcare advisor at Boots (and I won't say which one, but it is probably the best Boots out there in the coolest location). Alongside this came the single greatest thing in my life, a discount card. As Sunday was my last day at work, my mum and I did a huge Boots shop before I had to give back my discount (</3), so I thought I'd share some of the things we bought.

Skin Care
I did a stock up on my favourite skin care staples, which are the Boots tea tree and witch hazel foaming face wash and cleansing and toning lotion, the Neutrogena oil-free moisturiser (life saver) and the Quick Fix anti-blemish mud mask. Oldies but goodies, all of them.

Makeup
The first lot of makeup is stuff I bought myself. Firstly, I bought myself a new Natural Collection concealer stick, which is my current favourite concealer, and the Rimmel soft kohl eye liner pencil, as my current one from Body Shop is nearing the end of its life. I also bought, because there was an offer on Rimmel, the Lasting Colour Rush balm in 'Keep Mauving', which I have been lusting after for absolutely ages after buying a different colour a couple of years ago and loving it. The last makeup item I bought was the No.7 extreme length sensitive mascara. I was on the hunt for a good mascara, and I had this one years and years ago and really liked it. I don't need my mascaras to do too many fancy things, just simple length and colour, and I have really, really sensitive eyes, so this one ticks all the boxes for me.

All the other makeup products are Essie nail varnishes that I was given as my leaving present from my colleagues, as they know how much I love Essie nail varnishes. Firstly, I was given 'Chinchilly', which everyone knows is my all-time favourite nail varnish, and I was also given two duo sets. The first one is the 'Anchors Aweigh!' set, which contains two slightly shimmery nail varnishes, 'Naughty Nautical' and the immensely population 'Bikini so Teeny'. The other set is the 'a Sprinkle in Pink' set, which contains the also immensely popular 'Fiji' and the 'a Cut Above' glitter top coat. I am very spoilt and very emotional over this.

Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous products, aka the ones that didn't fit into their own category but I wanted to mention. Firstly, a set of three clear wash/makeup bags, always useful; then my favourite Denman hair brush because I haven't had a new one in over ten years. Finally, a new electric toothbrush that I can bring away to uni with me (plus spare heads, not pictured).

Rosie

Significantly poorer than I was before