2015 READING CHALLENGE: FEBRUARY ROUND-UP

In continuing with my January Round-Up, I read 4 full books in February, meaning that I have read a total of 11 books so far in 2015, making me 37% through my reading challenge.

In February I also started reading 'Cross Stitch'- the first book in the 'Outlander' series- by Diana Gabaldon. I am currently just over 600 pages through this 864 page book.

February was the short month of long books. I read both 'Love, Rosie' and 'Brazen' with around 550 pages each, and I also read a fair bit of the mamoth 'Cross Stitch'. On top of that, I touched the surface of the beast that is 'Wolf Hall', reading 65 pages of 653.

Books Read in February:
1. 'Love, Rosie' -Cecelia Ahern
I loved this book, I actually updated my rating of it on Goodreads from three stars to four stars. I really loved the way this book was written- it's in the form of letters, emails and instant messaging, I've never read anything written in that way before. It's a lot longer than I though it would be (over 500 pages to be precise) and everything that seemed major to the plot happened within the first 200-300 pages of the story so I had no idea what was going to happen later on- which is a good thing. The story spans over about 45 years, the story did slow down a lot towards the end and the amount of time that had passed between individual emails became more vague, but that didn't even matter. It was so good. I cried a lot at the ending. Love it.

2. 'The Kill Order'- James Dashner
This is the prequel to the Maze Runner books, which are possibly my favourite book series of all-time. I wasn't so sure about this one as it doesn't have the characters from the rest of the series in it, and I really do love them with all my heart. I so desperately wanted to like this book, and it was really good, but it took me such a long time to actually engage with the characters and their story. I did, however, start to really enjoy it without realising, and a lot of it was very intense. There's a lot of action and the ending is sad, sad, sad. The prologue chapter of this book was absolutely incredible. I really love Dashner's stlye of writing in very short chapters.

3. 'Maus (Volume One)'- Art Spiegelman
This is the first volume of the two graphic novels of this story, and the first graphic novel I have read in over three years. 'Maus' is the true story of the author's father's time in Nazi Poland during World War Two- the first volume starting in the mid 1930's and ending in winter 1944, just before the author's father went to Auschwitz. It's not a happy story. The concept of this story is fascinating- all the Jews are  drawn as mice, and all the Nazis are drawn as cats. The novel also tells the story of the author's difficult relationship with his father, and I like how brutally honest he is about it. It's not my favourite thing I've read, but I did enjoy it, and I will read the second volume. I think it's an important story and it needs to be recognised and spoken about more.

4. 'Brazen'- Katherine Longshore
Historical fiction can be iffy. If it's historically accurate as well as well written, you're good to go, but there is also a lot of historical fiction that is too awful and inaccurate to read. 'Brazen' falls under the former category, you can tell that the author did her research and it's a fantastic read. I loved this book, it's one of the very few books that I have made a conscious effort to mark quotes that I loved in. The first sentence is amazing. 'Brazen' is set in Tudor times, my favourite part of history, and I just love the descriptions of being at court; everything is very believable. I loved this book and I would highly recommend it.

'GOOD THAT'

Fairly often I find myself falling in love and slightly obsessing over a book or book series... but never like this. I have said it before and I will say it again, I have been thrown full-blown into the middle of the Maze Runner fandom, and I have no regrets. I do occasionally wish this wasn't true, but the Maze Runner has taken over my life and about half of my daily thoughts. In the space of a few months it has fast become my favourite book of all time (even though 'The Death Cure' ruined my life).

Please avoid the rest of this post if you have no interest in the Maze Runner series (by James Dashner) and do not want to hear my pointless ramblings about why I love it so much.

There are four books so far in the Maze Runner series. The main three being (in order): 'The Maze Runner', 'The Scorch Trials' and 'The Death Cure'. The first three books follow the same main characters throughout.
There is also a prequel book, 'The Kill Order', set 13 years before 'The Maze Runner', following a different set of characters in the same world. I don't want to give any spoilers, but 'The Kill Order' aims to explain the situation that sparks the plot for the other three books, and sets the scene of what the world is like.
James Dashner is also releasing a fifth book, 'The Fever Code', in 2016 (though I don't know how I'm supposed to wait that long). 'The Fever Code' will be set in between 'The Kill Order' and 'The Maze Runner', a second prequel, if you will. The book will follow the same main characters from 'The Maze Runner' and the next two books. I am unaware of when the story starts in their childhoods, but it ends as, or just before, Thomas enters the maze.

As you can see from the picture above, my copy of 'The Maze Runner' doesn't match the rest of the series, but I couldn't not get the movie cover. I am going to buy the first book to match the rest of the series, because I am an obsessive and need multiple versions of the same book. I have my eye on at least three variants of 'The Maze Runner' cover.

'The Maze Runner', 'The Scorch Trials' and 'The Death Cure' are told from the point of view of our main character, Thomas. I am only going to do the briefest of summaries, because I don't want to give any spoilers. Thomas wakes up a lift, plunking him in the middle of a maze inhabited only by teenage boys. All the boys have had their memories wiped, aside from their names, and they have no clue why they are in the maze, their purpose there, or who put them there. And that is all I can say.

What I love about this series, and what I find really interesting, is the fact that the reader knows just as much as the characters- which is absolutely nothing. Because the story is told from Thomas' point of view- and because he has had his memory wiped- everything he discovers is also new to the reader. Whereas stories like the 'Hunger Games' have a brief summary of the world the characters are living in, and why the world leaders act as they do, there is none of this with the Maze Runner. I'm explaining it awfully, but I love the way the reader is just as clueless as the characters, and I love the way we get to discover everything with them. You are left with some unanswered questions, though I think 'The Fever Code' is meant to clear some of them up. The whole series is a major mind fuck.

I am a major hypocrite and I did watch the movie first- though I went and bought the book the day after. The film of 'The Maze Runner' came out in September 2014, and I have got to say that the whole cast is beautiful. There are some differences between the book and the film, though I am okay with this as there are some complicated parts to the book that would have ruined the film by keeping them in. The second film, 'The Scorch Trials', is coming out in September 2015, and I am beyond excited.

In reference to the characters, I just love them all so much, each one holds a very special place in my heart. Minho is my favourite character, and though he is great in 'The Maze Runner', you have to wait until 'The Scorch Trials' before he really comes into his own, and then he is just fantastic. The whole Maze Runner series has fortified my belief that I actually prefer teenage boys as characters to girls.

I just love this series so much, some of the dialogue made me laugh out loud, and I cried at least once in each of the four books. I can't express my love for this series enough, it's up there in my favourite books of all time.

BATH JELLY

As a quick note, unfortunately I don't think this product is available from the Body Shop anymore as it was part of their Christmas range, which is only available for a limited time. To my knowledge, there are other products like this available from other brands, just not this specific one.

Every Christmas the Body Shop release three limited edition scents and a range of products in said scents, and every Christmas my mother and I go mad for a particular one. Last year it was the gingerbread, and this year was apple.

This Christmas, I was given a Body Shop limited edition 'Bath Jelly' in the scent Glazed Apple.

Starting with the scent, I mentioned countless times in Blogmas how good this smells. It's simultanelously fresh and fruity and sour and tangy. It's impossible to place exactly, but it's one of those scents that has you watering at the mouth as soon as you smell it. I literally can't get enough.

Onto the product itself, bath jelly is a weird, weird thing. I spent a fair amount of time debating how best to actually get it out of the tub and into my bath. I wondered about pouring, scooping with my hands, or even using a spoon; I went for the hands.
My main problem with how to get it in the bath stems from the fact that is seems quite runny and liquid-like when in the tub. This is not the case in reality. It was a confusing moment, sticking my hand in the tub expecting liquid, and instead finding a more solid, wobbly and distictly jelly-like product. It's difficult to describe, but what I'm trying to say is that it is literally a jelly, and not at all a lquid.

Anyway. The purpose of bath jelly is to create bubbles; you scoop it out of the tub and swirl it around your bath under running water. And it does work, bubbles are created, not as many as with a bubble bar, but there are a good number of incredible-smelling bubbles.
Saying that, and this may be due to not using enough product, I did find that the bubbles disappeared quite quickly. And, whilst there were a good number of bubbles, they were more of a thin layer than a big mound, as you would get with a bubble bar.

The consistency of the jelly means that it appears to be one of those miracle products, where you scoop out a massive bit and the rest of the product fills in the gap, making it look like you haven't touched it at all.

Overall I do like this product a lot. It smells incredible, you get a lot of product for your money and it lasts ages, and it does what it says on the tin. Though I haven't tried any others, as a general rule I would recommend bath jellies. They're a fun and unusual addition to your bath, and I think they would also make really great gifts.

A NAIL WARNING

This is going to be a quicky little post that is more of a warning to those who love nail varnish. It's not about the nail varnish itself, it's about how you remove it.

I initally discovered this fact on someone else's blog but the message needs to be spread: don't use nail varnish remover with acetone in it. Acetone leaves you nails dry and prone to breakage, which is something I had majorly noticed in my own nails.

I started wearing nail varnish on a regular basis after starting sixth form last year and my nails slipped into horrible dry, ridged and breaking condition. I did switch to an Essie base coat which help with the breaking, but the dryness was awful. This is partially what inspired my New Year's Resolution of wearing less nail varnish- and I have been varnish free for the whole of January (though I do miss it).

Before buying nail varnish remover, always check the label to make sure if it's acetone free. Nearly all nail varnish removers do contain it, but those that do not contain acetone normally clearly say it on the front of the bottle. I have a cheap one for Boots but it works great for me.

On a complete side note after doing Blogmas (and so blogging every day) and starting the New Year really busy, I have slipped out my blogging mindset and I'm in kind of a slump. I'm trying to get back into my groove but I'm finding myself forgetting to actually write something and so I appologise. I'm working on it. 

FAVOURITES: JANUARY 2015

So here is the first month that I am trying out my new way of making monthly favourites, and also my first favourites post of 2015.

What I Used
All through January I've been suffering with the worst, driest, most chapped lips and hands that anyone could imagine. I have two lip saviours this month, Carmex Cherry (an old favourite) and Body Shop's 'Glazed Apple' lip balm (a new favourite). Carmex worked miracles for me at the start of the month in calming down the flaky, peeling mess that was my bottom lip (beautiful image for you all there), and the Body Shop lip balm has been perfect for moisturising and keeping my lips smoothy smooth in the last half of the month. Just to add, both of the smell incredible.

What I Wore
I don't really have anything major to put here as I've just been bulking up on the layers because it's FREEZING here. I have got really into dark blue jeans though, previously having been one that preferred black jeans over anything.

What I Read
I couldn't decided between The Maze Runner series by James Dashner or the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan as my favourite so I've cheekily mentioned them both. I read the last two Maze Runner books and the first two Percy Jackson books in January. My family absolutely love both series, and they're probably two of my favourite series of all time. Basically my two new favourite series are aimed at twelve year old boys and I have no regrets.

What I Watched
Wolf Hall started about half way through January on BBC1 or BBC2 (can't remember). The Tudors are my favourite period in history and you can't not love historically accurate fiction. Wolf Hall is a fantastic story, the cast is perfect and it's well acted; a warning though, it is very confusing as everyone is called Thomas.

What I Listened To
It's no secret that my family are very big on country music. I think I've mentioned this before somewhere but we recently discovered Kacey Musgraves, who is fab. Her song 'Follow Your Arrow' is incredible and I challenge anyone not to love it. (Unfortunately I can't find the CD box to photograph it)
I mentioned Kacey Musgraves and 'Follow Your Arrow' in my 'New Year's Playlist' post in early January. 

What I Ate
MEATliquor, MEATliquor, MEATliquor. The most incredible burger place in the world. They specialise in meat and liquor (obviously- though you don't have to be over 18 to eat there). It's loud, you can't hear yourself talk, all the lights are red, you can't see what you're eating and the music is incredible. It's amazing. It doesn't sound appealing- the food is so unbelievably greasy and you eat it off kitchen roll- but the food is literally to die for it's that good. It doesn't sound amazing, but ohmygod it so is.

2015 READING CHALLENGE: JANUARY ROUND-UP

I'm doing a reading challenge this year, my aim is read 30 books, and I thought It'd be an idea to share a kind of summary of how I'm doing with that at the end of each month.

For those who do not know, there's a website called Goodreads where you can document the books you have read, are currently reading, or would like to read. It's basically a Facebook-type website for books. I'm in love with Goodreads, I discovered it in November 2014. Every year Goodreads opens up a reading challenge where you can set your own personal goal for how many books you want to read during the year. You can set your challenge at any point after January 1st, even all the way up to December 31st if you are so inclined. Goodreads shows you a list of all the books you have read so far during that year and tells you the percentage you are through your challenge. And that is the nub and gist of it all.

Like I said, my aim is to read 30 books (including plays, poetry books, graphic novels, etc.) and so far I am 7 books in, meaning I have completed 23% of my challenge. Which I think is pretty damn good as I am way over schedule. 

Books Read in January:

1. 'The Virgin Suicides'- Jeffrey Eugenides

There's a massive cult following behind this book, it's been claimed to be one of the best modern books, a classic, many people's favourite book, there's a movie made of it. While I thought it was good and enjoyed it a lot, I will controversially say that it's not one of the best books I've ever read. I'd recommend it to a friend, but I wouldn't class it as one of my favourites. It's a good read though and I did enjoy it. 

2. 'The Scorch Trials'- James Dashner

It's no secret that, since 'The Maze Runner' movie came out, I have gone full-blown into the Maze Runner fandom (yes I watched the movie first, yes I am a hypocrite, yes I dislike myself for watching it first). I dislike the word 'fandom' but there's no denying it, I haven't felt this way about a book series for quite a while I just love it with all my heart. 'The Scorch Trials' is the second book in the series and it's fantastic. I cannot express my love for the series enough. 

3. 'Henry IV Part II'- William Shakespeare

I really love Shakespeare but I do find that I have to watch the plays before I read them as it helps with understanding the language and what's going on. I saw and read Henry IV Part I in the summer, and my Father and I went to see Part II in early January as part of our Christmas present. The play is brilliant and I definitely think Shakespeare's history plays are my favourite over all the different genres he has written.

4. 'The Death Cure'- James Dashner
The final book in the Maze Runner series. And it has ruined my life. I am never going to be happy again. It's the most heartbreaking thing I've ever read but dear God it is incredible. Possibly my all-time favourite book series ever.

5. 'It'- Alexa Chung
Many people have said that this book is like a Tumblr or like a conversation with Alexa Chung, and they were not lying. You could probably read this book in one sitting, but it's also one of those great books that you can dip in and out of whilst reading something else at the same time. I really enjoyed it, though it could've had more words, and it has reinforced my desire to be Alexa Chung. Please.

6. 'Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief'- Rick Riordan
Another new favourite series of mine, Percy Jackson has rekindled my love for Greek mythology. This is the first book in the series (there's five in total) and it's just so so so good, despite being written for young boys. Rick Riordan is a certifiable genius- his knowledge of Greek mythology is incredible and it's amazing the way he has so seamlessly blended it into modern day America. My Dad is obsessed with the series, that's how good it is.

7. 'Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters'- Rick Riordan
There's no way I couldn't read just one Percy Jackson book this month is there? January seems to be a month of reading two books in a series one-after-the-other. I have no regrets. A brilliant continuation to the series and I am excited to read the rest of the books, the cliffhanger at the end was mad. 

A NEW WAY OF FAVOURITES

I'm thinking about maybe trying out a new 'Favourites' thing. Instead of making a big long list (though I might still make those occassionally), I might write a teeny little list every month, split into important headings, like so:

What I used 

What I wore

What I read

What I watched

What I listened to

What I ate

This is something that I am going to aim to do each month, and it's not the only monthly blog post that I am going to do. Watch this space.