120. Reading // Reading Habits Tag

The wonderful Katie from IntoTheBookCase tagged me in this fun #bookbloggers Reading Habits tag, so I just had to give it a whirl. I love reading and it takes up a lot of my time (not that I'm complaining!).  I occasionally post book reviews too, so feel free to check those out too; Reconstructing Amelia, Half of a Yellow Sun and The Book Thief. 

Do you have a certain place at home for reading?

I'm happy to read wherever I am, but when I'm at home I like to snuggle up in bed or curl up on the sofa. It has to be somewhere comfortable where I can happily relax for hours.

Bookmark or random piece of paper?

I never use bookmarks, I'm one of those people who folds the corner over, however, when I was younger I used to love bookmarks and even spent my pocket money on them (book-worm from a young age!)

Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop after a chapter or certain number of pages?

I prefer to finish a chapter before stopping, as otherwise I find myself a little bit lost when I go back to reading. If I haven't got time to make it to the end of the chapter, I'll just wait until the end of the paragraph instead. 

Do you eat or drink while reading?

I often read on my lunch break at work so eating & reading have to work together for me! As you might imagine, this frequently ends with my book, clothes or face splattered in food!

Do you watch TV or listen to music while reading?

I can't watch TV whilst reading, to be honest, I don't understand how anybody could?! When I'm at Shane's and he's playing on his XBOX or watching something on the TV whilst I read, I just put some music on, but something relaxing so that I can keep my mind on the book.

One book at a time or several at once?

I can never read more than one book at once. I remember doing my English Literature AS Levels and not being able to read anything for pleasure, because I was always studying a book for school instead, and since then I've struggled to read more than one at a time, but I prefer it that way. I like to be able to completely focus on one set of characters and one story.

Reading at home or everywhere?

I do most of my reading at home, but I also read on my lunchbreak, when travelling and sometimes if I just fancy a bit of downtime out of the house, I'll head to Costa and read my book; just me, a cuppa and a good book.

Reading out loud or silently in your head?

In my head, always.

Do you ever read ahead or skip pages?

I'm so bad for reading ahead! If I'm really enjoying a book, I always want to know how it ends and I have to physically restrain myself from reading the last few pages or googling it! If I'm finding a section a bit tiresome, I'll often skip a page or two, too.

Breaking the spine or keeping it like new?

Nothing I own ever looks new for long! After carrying a book around in my bag, everyday for a week, my books are usually covered in make-up, food and God knows what else! 

Do you write in your books?

I don't think I ever write in books, apart from study books. If I find a quote I love, I just put a sticky note in there or fold the page over.

I'm fairly new to the #bookbloggers community, so I don't know many book bloggers to nominate, but if you'd like to do this tag then feel free, just let me know!

114. Reading // Reconstructing Amelia

Set in Brooklyn, New York, Reconstructing Amelia is Kimberly McCreight’s debut novel  and it tells the story of Kate, a hot-shot lawyer and single mother, in her quest to find out the cause of her daughters death after Amelia is found dead, having jumped (or so we are lead to believe) from the roof of her exclusive school, Grace Hall.

After receiving an anonymous text: “Amelia didn’t jump.” head-strong Kate, a character who I really warmed to as I progressed through the novel, takes it upon herself to find out what really happened to her daughter.  

The novel is written in a number of formats, different tenses and from the point of view of the two central characters – Kate and Amelia. I really enjoyed this different perspective as it added an extra depth to the story, and provides the reader with intimate details and thoughts from the characters lives, without seeming forced or unnatural.

Kate explores Amelia’s life through her texts, emails and social media and finds out some shocking information about her daughters life that she hadn't been aware of, reiterating the posing questions on the novels front cover: do you really know whats going on inside your daughters head?

As well as the obvious drama and suspense throughout the novel, it covers a number of important topics from bullying, love, homophobia and betrayal – I really wish, despite how graphic and dark it gets, that I’d read this novel when I was at high-school as it would have taught me a few (extra) lessons. Pardon the pun.

I read a couple of reviews on my GoodReads app, after finishing the novel, that said that they didn’t warm to Amelia’s character as knowing that she was dead from the off-start made them not really want to learn more about her or get attached, but I didn’t feel like this at all – as a large proportion of the book is written in past tense you’re transported back to a time when Amelia is alive and, therefore, it doesn’t feel as though you’re reading about “a dead person,” you’re simply discovering more about the events and emotions that lead up to Amelia’s final minutes.

The ending to Amelia and Kate’s story is unexpected, emotive and honest. I found myself unable to put the book down because every page was so enchanting and (I’ve got to admit that on several occasions my curiosity almost got the better of me as I was seriously tempted to pay Google a visit and find out the ending) I’m so glad that I read this book and I’d urge anybody who loves a bit of a drama, suspense and plenty of emotion, to read it too. 

Do you think you would read this novel?
What's your favourite genre?

107. Reading // Half of a Yellow Sun

I'm a big fan of charity shops for a few reasons, a) I'm constantly skint, b) it feels less materialistic to buy something when the money is going to a good cause and c) I'm always after a bargain. I find charity shops a fantastic place to scout out new (well, new to me) books and thats exactly where I found one of my most recent reads: Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. 

I love history and, therefore, historically based novels are a huge point scorer for me! Although, prior to reading Half of a Yellow Sun I knew nothing of the Biafran War and, in general, very little about Nigeria's history, I was drawn in by the blurb of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's second novel.

Having never read any African literature before, I went into the novel with an open mind, wanting to learn and completely unaware of the emotions that I'd uncover during reading.

One of the novels characteristics that I really appreciated was the way in which the story is told, through the eyes of three of the main characters, rather than from just one characters point of view. The novel isn't written in first person at any point but the omniscient narrator (hello GCSE English Lit..) really helps you to understand what each character is going through, their thoughts, feelings and intentions.

The characters themselves are all so wonderfully different and, despite the narrator switching from character to character regularly, their different personalities and perspectives mean that you never feel confused or lost, or have to turn back a few pages and remind yourself of whats going on. I personally found  Ugwu, a teenage houseboy from the Nigerian bush, and the elegant, sophisticated Olanna to be my favourite characters. I found their stories compelling and true, and felt myself sucked into their world more so than I was with the 'revolutionary' Odenigbo or the oh-so-English Richard. 

There is - in my opinion, based on books I've read in the past - a fair bit of politics involved, namely as it's based on a civil war and historical events, but I don't feel that this is a negative or a reason to put the book down and not read it. The blend of politics and raw emotion make for a really gripping story, and the fact that it is based on true events makes it all the more powerful.

This month, the film version of the novel is being released in cinemas throughout the UK and, based on the trailer, I'd say it's going to be fantastic - I just hope that it doesn't stray too far from the story and stays as honest and brutal as it needs to be in order to portray the true story of the Biafran war and it's people. 

I'd strongly urge everybody and anybody to read this book. It's powerful, dramatic and incredibly emotive. I'm really looking forwards to the film and reading Chimamanda's first novel, Purple Hisbiscus.

Have you read any of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's books?

Will you be going to see the film?

63. Lifestyle // Recently...

I thought I'd do a little lifestyle update as it's been a while (well, probably not that long really...) since I last did one, and it's a nice change from product reviews and recipe posts. Plus, it means that (if you're interested) you can get to know me a little better! So recently I've been...

...Reading: Backstory by David Mitchell

I'm not usually a big fan of autobiography's but David Mitchell (from Peep Show, That Mitchell and Webb Look, Would I Lie To You, etc, etc) is an exception I'm willing to make. Peep Show is my favourite programme, so I wanted to get to know a little more about Mark David's true personality. I'm absolutely loving this book so far and I've laughed out loud (much to my colleague's wonder, whilst I'm sat at my desk on my lunch-break, sniggering at a book) quite a few times. If you like David Mitchell you'll love this book.

...Watching: Dexter

Anybody who follows me on Twitter is probably sick to death of all my Dexter related tweets and hash-tags! I'm not usually into following TV series, especially not American ones as I find them so far-fetched a lot of the time, but Shane and I recently started watching Dexter and we're hooked. We're only just nearing the end of Series One so there's still a long way to go! NO SPOILERS PLEASE!

...Eating: A LOT

From my most recent recipes post, it's clear to see that I'm not exactly the cleanest of eaters. Oreo Cheesecake anybody? or how about Peanut Butter brownies?! *yum* Yesterday I baked some cranberry flapjacks which were also so tasty! I'll try and kid myself that their healthy... because of like the oats and frnuit, and stuff? (ignore the syrup, sugar and butter!)

...Spending: No money on beauty products or clothes! (but lots on food...)

I recently blogged about my self-imposed spending ban after I was inspired by lots of other bloggers doing the same thing! So far, so good. I'm only about a week in but I've bought no make-up, no bath products, no clothes, shoes or accessories! I'm planning on sticking to this spending ban right through until October so wish me luck.

In amongst what I've been eating, watching, spending and reading, I've also been working everyday, seeing Shane (but only if he promises to let me watch Dexter... just kidding!) and catching up with friends now that they're back from university.

I'm off to a barbeque and a gig tonight (hence the flapjacks - they're supposed to be a present - if I don't eat them all beforehand!) and then a wedding tomorrow, so I'll be doing an OOTD/OOTN post very soon. My first one ever *nervous* eek!

I hope you enjoyed this quick post about what I've been up to lately.

What have you been up to?

Lots of Love,

Becci xo

50. Reading // Oh Dear Silvia by Dawn French

Last week I read: Oh Dear Silvia, by Dawn French.

Dawn French's third literary offering is the wonderful 'Oh Dear Silvia,' which is a sharp, dark, hilarious novel. It took me about a week to finish this book, and it only took that long as I didn't have much time to really sit down and enjoy reading a book, not because it wasn't good (because it was).

The novel is written in an interesting third-person perspective as the main character, Silvia, is in a coma. Each chapter is an insight into one of Silvia's relatives, friend or lover, and I found it to be a brilliant way of 'getting to know' the character. Throughout the novel, we meet Silvia's ex-husband, children, sister, father, nurse, lover and the person who put her in the coma. 

It tells the story of bright, bubbly Silvia who is - now, somehow - cold, quiet and in a coma. We find out what led up to the coma, what has happened as a result and, in the end, why Silvia is in a coma? Along the way there are some hilarious little stories and some seriously funny, and very believable, characters who help the story to progress without it feeling jilted or predictable. 

Despite the quite dark surroundings and themes, the story is brilliantly funny and I absolutely loved reading it. It's interesting to get into the characters mind, to feel what they feel and to see how they react to Silvia's situation.

I must admit I did shed a tear but, at the same time, I laughed out loud on several occasions, so for me it's a winner. If a book can provoke emotions that are real enough to make you laugh or cry, then that book is a good book.

Have you ever read any of Dawn's French's books?

How about her autobiography?

Lots of love,

Becci xo

32. Reading // The Boy in the River by Richard Hoskins

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love reading. I find it very therapeutic and calming but, at the same time, invigorating and I'm always sort of proud when I finish a book - especially a good one.

Today I'm going to be reviewing a wonderful book that I've just finished reading. This is going to be part of a weekly series of book reviews; I'm going to try to read one new book (not including books that I have to read as part of my degree) each week and, whether it's good or bad, review it on here. 

Bare in mind that this is my first ever (!!) book review and, therefore, it's not the best and I've probably missed out loads of important stuff and rambled on about other not-so-important details, but I hope you like it nonetheless. 

The Boy in the River, by Richard Hoskins

The book I'll be reviewing this week is the 2012 non-fiction publication, 'The Boy in the River' by Richard Hoskins. I was recommended this book by my mum who read and loved it, and I managed to track it down in my local library.

The book tells the true story of Richard Hoskins, professor of African Cultures, who helped the London Metropolitan police with many of their investigations into child cruelty, particularly those stemming from African religious rituals. 

The narrative ranges from the 1980's right up until 2012 and is set in Bath, London, Glasgow and Devon as well as the Congo and Nigeria, as the story progresses. The main focus of the narrative is the shocking story of 'Adam,' the nameless, faceless torso that was found, mutilated, in the Thames in 2001. 

The story also intertwines the controversial and heart-breaking issue of kindoki which is not only a problem in mainland Africa, but also in Britain too. Hoskins touches upon other 'ritualistic' killings or periods of torture which have taken place in the U.K. within recent years, such as the case of 'Child B' and the murder of Kristy Bamu, both of which hit the headlines of British tabloids. 

Kindoki is a difficult issue to grasp as, amongst various African sub-cultures, it is viewed very differently. Generally speaking, my understanding of 'kindoki' is that it is an evil spirit which can possess people, in particular - as many believe - children. There was a recent documentary on the BBC called 'Branded a Witch' which focused on the mistreatment, torture and - sometimes - murder, of children who have been accused of witchcraft or of being possessed by kindoki. You can watch the full documentary here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYZmQzibB8A

Throughout the novel, Hoskins describes his time spent in Nigeria and the Congo; raising and losing his own family, the people he meets, his experiences and the lessons he learns, and links this brilliantly to the 'present day' sections of the novel. Hoskins draws upon his experiences in Africa to help the investigation into the brutal murder of 'Adam.'

I don't want to give away too much of the story as it really is worth reading for yourself, so all I can say is that it is truly shocking, heart-breaking and incredibly moving. When I read this book, I was so glad (in the nicest way possible) that I have no children of my own, as I don't think I would have been able to finish the book as it is just such a horrible story, and true, which makes it so much sadder.

Even if you don't feel that this story appeals to you, I really would urge you to look into the topics that this book highlights. 

Love,

Becci xox

30. Reading // My Favourite Blogs

Afternoon lovelies, I've decided to write about a few of my current favourite blogs today! As I'm quite new to blogging, I've spent the last couple of months discovering a huge variety of blogs, ranging from fashion and beauty to mental health to lifestyle, cooking and travel. 

In this post I'm going to write about my seven current favourites which include lifestyle, beauty and fashion and I really hope that you enjoy reading about them and, hopefully, have a cheeky look for yourself!

Rosalilium

Elizabeth's lovely blog has been a recent discovery of mine! I actually stumbled across her site when I first heard of the Blog Everyday in May challenge (which she organised) and has a browse through her posts. Elizabeth covers a huge range of topics from travel, cooking, fashion and thrifting. She's also a big fan of car-boot sales, much like myself, and a bit of a bargain hunter which is always good. I love Elizabeth's blog as it's full of quirky ideas and beautiful photos, definitely worth a look.

A Beautiful Mess

As the name suggests, this blog really is beautiful. Run by two sisters, it covers such a wide variety of topics from interior decor, craft ideas, recipes and even some fashion & beauty thrown into the mix too. My boyfriend and I are hoping to move into our own place either this year or next and therefore I love looking for cute and quirky decor ideas and A Beautiful Mess is the ideal place for this! I've yet to try any of them for myself yet but I definitely will be and, as for the recipe ideas, even just the photographs are enough to get your mouth watering!

Beauty in Japan

I absolutely love Dannie's blog! For me, it's mainly the way that she writes that draws me in. I find Dannie's product reviews to be very funny and, although she includes a lot of information (especially regarding whether the products she tries out are cruelty free), I never find it a bore to read through. There's a lot of humour in her posts and I think she's very honest about the products she tries. Also, there's so many high-street brands mentioned on her blog that I don't feel ridiculously envious (as I do with many other beauty bloggers who seem to be able to spend a small fortune on products!) and know that, if something on Dannie's blog takes my fancy, I can go out and get it too!

Couture Girl

A fellow Northerner, Kayleigh's blog is amazing. I am pretty much in awe of Kayleigh's entire wardrobe and contents of her dressing table! Much like Dannie, Kayleigh uses a lot of high-street brands too so it's not out of reach for the everyday girl who loves make-up! Kayleigh's photographs are beautiful and she often features OOTD/OOTN posts which are fun to read and pick up outfit ideas from. I also love how she includes little snippets of her daily life into the mix too so, as you read through her product reviews, you feel like you're getting to know Kayleigh herself as well.

Fuller Figure Fuller Bust

I've only recently discovered plus size blogs and George's is by far my absolute favourite. Not only is she gorrrrgeous (seriously!) but she writes about a lot of topics which I can relate to. I always have issues shopping for bras and for dresses as I'm 'big on top,' and always felt really self-conscious of being a little larger than everyone else; not only in terms of bra-size, but all over, but thanks to George (and many others) blogs I don't feel like that anymore. George proves that you can find clothes to flatter a larger, bustier, hour-glass figure without having to rob a bank and that you can look gorgeous nonetheless. I really urge you to take a look at George's blog!

What Laura Did

Laura's lovely blog incorporates little snippets of everything that I love; recipes, fashion, book reviews, lifestyle posts, beauty and lists (oh my God, I love lists) and her blog is such good fun to read through. Laura updates regularly which I also love and there always seems to be something interesting going on in her life. Just like with Dannie, I find Laura's blog to be very honest and down-to-earth which is brilliant as there's nothing worse than reading a blog and thinking 'nobody lives like that?!' and being completely unable to relate. Seriously, check out Laura's blog - you won't regret it!

From The Corners Of The Curve

Callie is another plus size blogger whose blog I really enjoy flicking through! However, Callie also includes a lot of lifestyle posts and even some recipes in her blog, which are great fun to have a nosey through. I think the main thing I love about Callie's blog is that her personality shines through; she seems to be so full of life and fun! I love reading about the events she's attended and even what she's got upto in her spare time as she includes some lovely photographs and you just wish you were there. And again, Callie shows that you don't have to be stick-thin to be sexy and that beauty really does come in all shapes and sizes. Overall, a really lovely blog about fashion, body acceptance and life.

Lots of Love,

Becci xox