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

MAY READING WRAP UP 2016

In May I read a massive 7 books, including some very long reads. I finally completed the Heroes of Olympus series this month (you can see how I managed to alternate them with everything else I read), and I just want to read books set at Camp Half Blood forever and ever. I am also about 50% through 'Red Rising' by Pierce Brown, and so I'll hopefully finish that in the next couple of days.

Books Read:

1. 'The Son of Neptune'- Rick Riordan
Like the first book, this had a very slow start and it takes about 200 pages before it actually starts to get going, but after that it's just as great as the rest. I was so glad to get Percy back in this one, but I miss being inside his head in the same way that the first series is. Overall, this is my least favourite book of the series, but it was still a fantastic and genius continuation.

2. 'A Gathering of Shadows'- V.E. Schwab
I actually think that the first book could've been a standalone, but I had so many unanswered questions and I loved it so much that I'm really glad it wasn't. (Shall we briefly mention here again that I was a hypocrite; I didn't finish the first book the first time round, but I absolutely loved it the second time round. Let us speak of this no more). V.E. Schwab is so clever with all the different languages and cultures and worlds she has created, big respect to that. I loved, loved, loved seeing more of Rhy in this one, it was a magnificent continuation and I need the next book NOW.

3. 'The Mark of Athena'- Rick Riordan
What I really enjoyed about this book was getting to see more of Annabeth; you learn so much more about her than you ever do from Percy's point of view and it adds a whole new, really interesting layer to her character. I don't have much to say about this one apart from it's Rick Riordan and Percy Jackson so obviously it's fantastic, and they are actual squad goals on the Argo II.

4. 'Winter'- Marissa Meyer
Again with the hypocrite-ness, I said I've never read the Lunar Chronicles and here I am having finished and loved it. Winter was such as interesting character, without giving any spoilers, you never normally read anything like her, and I'd been excited to find out more since the end of Cress. I also really enjoyed how all the characters were slightly different ages, in YA you normally only read about 16 year olds, but this was a nice change. Another thought I had whilst reading this book was the life on Lunar reminds me a lot of the Capitol in the Hunger Games, but I'm not complaining. I would've liked to see a bit more of the history of the worlds and the Lunar royal family, but maybe that should've occurred in an earlier book. This book was a whopping 800+ pages (longest YA book ever?) but it needed and I loved every single one of those pages, which doesn't often happen with books like that. Just when you thought there was going to be a resolution, more and more things kept happening, and it was an incredible end to the series.

5. 'The House of Hades'- Rick Riordan 
Obviously I couldn't just stop reading Percy Jackson after the ending of the Mark of Athena. I read this one to give myself a bit of a break after some really slow parts of Lord of the Rings and, like every other book in this series, I flew through it in only a few short days. Potential unpopular opinion, I'm not a big fan of Frank; he annoys me a bit too much in his point of view chapters, I much prefer him in other peoples' chapters. Once again, incredible, like nothing I've ever read before. If you've never read any Percy Jackson before, what are you doing with your life?

6. 'The Fellowship of the Ring'- J.R.R. Tolkien
I'd been quite in the mood to read this for a long time, and I was quite in the mood for the Council of Elrond. I've watched these films countless times, I've read The Hobbit book (don't get me started on that film series), but I'd never read the Lord of the Rings before. This is an incredibly solid start to one of the most epic fantasies of all time, I'm really surprised by what they'd left out of the film (where was Tom Bombadil, please?), and I was also surprised about how scary it was. I've always loved these characters so much (Fellowship goals) and I'm excited to see what the rest of the books will bring (even though I know what's going to happen, I can never remember what happens in each film).

7. 'The Blood of Olympus'- Rick Riordan
WHAT AN AMAZING END TO THIS SERIES.Damnnnnnn. I can't give anything away because of spoilers but there's so much I loved about this book. This is joint with the first book for my favourite in the series (the fact that the first book is one of my favourites has surprised me a little bit, honestly). It was just so good. These characters are incredible. Rick Riordan is incredible. I desperately NEED to read the Trials of Apollo NOW, but my brother is hogging it and I have other reading commitments to make first. This isn't without sacrifice. I don't know what I would've done if I hadn't had all the books to marathon like this and if I didn't have the Trials of Apollo to read immediately afterwards, it would've been agony.

Rosie
The Rick Riordan addict 

MAY PLAYLIST 2016

It's time once again for a monthly playlist post of old, rediscovered favourites, random music and new obsessions. You're welcome.

'Daddy Lessons'- Beyonce
The new obsession that it's only fair we mention first. This song is from Beyonce's new album and holy crap it is incredible. My dad and I are absolutely obsessed, we're having to pace ourselves with how much we listen to it. I cannot describe how good this song is.

'Daddy Lessons'- Dixie Chicks (cover)
My family and I saw the Dixie Chicks at the start of May (which was in itself incredible as they're my favourite band ever and this is the first time they've toured the UK properly in 10 years). They covered Beyonce's 'Daddy Lessons' (that's how we first heard it) and it was mind-blowingly incredible. It sounds like they could've written it themselves and I would go as far as to say that it may have been even better than the original.

'So Hard'- Dixie Chicks
Are you even surprised that the Dixie Chicks are featuring heavily in this post?

'Tonight the Heartache's on Me'- Dixie Chicks
THIS ONE IS SO GOOD.

'Make You Feel Better'- Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Possibly one of the best but most underrated RHCP song of all time.

'This Ain't a Love Song'- Scouting for Girls
Scouting for Girls haven't been featured on a playlist post for a while but I still love them (especially in the summer) and I always will.

'Ole Black 'n' Blue Eyes'- The Fratellis
I don't think I've ever mentioned by love for The Fratellis on here, but my family massively overplayed it a few years ago and it's hard for us to listen to it too often now. I've been relistening to it and it is just as great as ever. (Don't overplay your favourite album, kids.)

Rosie

BOOK DEBATE #4: GIVING UP ON SERIES

We haven't had a book debate for a while, but I wanted to discuss giving up on series and also mention a couple of series that I don't think I'm going to be carrying on with.

Spoiler alert: I'm all for giving up on series.

And let me explain why. What's the point of putting yourself through something that you don't like? The saying is true that there are too many books and not enough time, so why read something you're not enjoying when there's something else out there that you're going to love? For me personally, the rest of the series could be good, but if I don't enjoy the first book then I'm not going to carry on. That's a lot of pressure to put onto a first book. At the moment, I'm finding myself in a mentality where I could enjoy a book, but just not enough that I can be bothered to carry on with the series (looking at you 'Red Queen' and 'The Kiss of Deception'). I'm also finding myself a little bit tired of reading series all the time (I write this as I read series upon series upon series), but I now feel that I need some more standalones in my life.

I can understand why people would continue with series, it may get better in the second book, or even the third, but then again, why risk it? I can also understand the feeling of 'maybe I should carry on, maybe I shouldn't just quit and stick it out'. In 2015, I read more first books of series that I'm not going to continue with than I've ever read before in my life, and I feel that maybe I should carry on with at least one of them, just so that I haven't given up on masses of series in one year. 

That being said, I'm coming round to the idea that life is just too short to read things you're not excited about, and so I thought I'd make a list of some of the series I don't think I'm going to carry on with. You should never had to justify why you don't want to read something, but for me these were all books that I was really excited for and was really let down by.

1. The 'Outlander' series by Diana Gabaldon
2. The 'Fire & Floor' series/trilogy/duoloy (who knows) by Victoria Scott
3. 'The Remnant Chronicles' by Mary E. Pearson (maybe I'll pick up the next book, but at the moment it's looking like a no)
4. The 'Red Queen' trilogy/series by Victoria Aveyard (again, maybe I'll continue but most likely not)
5. The 'Magonia' duology by Maria Dahvana Headley (those covers though, ooooommmmmgggg)

TOP 5 WEDNESDAY | SUMMER READS

Anyone who watches booktube will be aware of 'top 5 wednesday', a thing that occurs every Wednesday where you're given a topic and you have to talk about 5 books related to that topic. If that makes any sense. I don't normally do top 5 Wednesday (I always forget), but I really liked today's topic and I wanted to have my say. 

Just a quick little to note to say where I've been. I realise that I've been neglecting my blog since the end of April, but I've got two massive college deadlines tomorrow and next week and so I've been spending all my time working towards them. I have my last two deadlines in early June but after that I am free, free, free.

So here's my first ever contribution to 'top 5 wednesday', my interpretation of 'summer reads', the 5 books I am planning to read this summer. 

1. 'The Hidden Oracle'- Rick Riordan

This book is on the way and I am so excited! I have to finish the Heroes of Olympus series first, which I should be able to do by the end of this month, and then it is all go with this one. I'm saving it for holiday because it's going to be quite a big hardback, so I can bring it on the plane with me. (Along those lines, I might also finally read Magnus Chase).

2. 'Shadow and Bone'- Leigh Bardugo

I've wanted to read this series for so long and it's currently 99p on Kindle so I've finally downloaded it. I'm saving this for holiday as it's just easier to bring Kindle books with you to save space when packing. 

3. 'Shades of Doon'- Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

I have this on Kindle for summer for the same reasons as Shadow and Bone. I secretly love the Doon series, it's my guilty pleasure, and this is just a nice, fluffy read for the summer. 

4. 'A Court of Thorns and Roses'- Sarah J. Maas

I was undecided about reading this series, I go through fazes of really wanting to read it and not wanting to read it at all. With all the hype surrounding the second book, I'm in a mood where I really, really want to read it, and hopefully that is going to happen soon.

5. 'Sense and Sensibility'- Jane Austen

Every summer I read a Jane Austen book and this is going to be the summer of Sense and Sensibility. 

Rosie

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