oh how I wish it could be Christmas every day.'

While everyone else is out Christmas shopping and watching the new Harry Potter movie (which I got a ticket to but had to to give it away because I have a Stagecoach performance next week :S)
But the person, I gave it to is MUCH MUCH more of a Harry Potter fan than I am so I'm kinda glad she got it and I think she appreciated the movie much more than I would have.
Anyway, I digress. While everyone is enjoying themselves, I am cooped up indoors doing an incredible amount of homework/coursework and revision for my MOCKS which are only TWO WEEKS AWAY. AHHH.
I cannot relax properly or get into the festive mood before those dreaded things are done and over with. However, me and my friend are planning to go up to Beyond Retro next weekend on the hunt for a dress to wear to my friend's annual Christmas Party and New Year's Eve.

Beyond Retro...I want to live there. Forever. It's a vintage outlet at cheaper prices, one on Brick Lane, Whitechapel and the other's near Carnby Street which is behind Oxford Street, for those who didn't know.
I've only been there once but I bought a men's shirt which I later looked up and is from about the 80's/90's.
So as I wanted something a little bit different, this had got to be the place right? Though, there are some nice dresses in H&M so that's my back-up plan. :)

Joey gave me this when she came back from Hong Kong and it now hangs from my noticeboard. You can also see the Beyond Retro tag from that shirt I bought.

Have a nice week! :) x

On My Bookshelf (3)

This is my version of 'In My Mailbox' because honestly, I'm not known well enough to have publishers and authors to send me books - and I'm still working out how that can happen.
So here a few things that I have required this month:

Bought:

Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen - This was for school, we're doing P&P for coursework in English at the moment.

Dreamland - Sarah Dessen - This book isn't being released in the UK so I brought it when I was in America :)

Pretty Things - Sarra Manning - Again, brought in America reduced. I prefer the UK cover though. 

So Yesterday - Scott Westerfeld - Again, last one brought in America...The author of the Uglies series. I've never seen it in the UK. 

So, I'm pretty good for books at the moment...well until Christmas. :)



Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher

I found this book in the Oxfam shop where I work for £1.99. It wasn't a Gift Aid, so I don't know who donated it but considering the fact it's a relative new released book to the UK. So anyway, I finished it this morning.


When Clay comes home from school, he finds a shoebox full of thirteen audiotapes on his front step. Thinking nothing of it, he gets them out and starts to listen, soon finding out that they are audiotapes made by his first love, Hannah Baker. The Hannah Baker who commited suicide two weeks earlier.
As Clay listens to the tapes throughout the night, he discovers the thirteen reasons why Hannah killed herself. The Thirteen people who influenced her descision to kill herself. The thirteen people which includes Clay.



I don't quite yet know what I think of this book. It was done in a way so we read Hannah's tapes and got Clay's reactions to them as well. It also was done this way so you as a reader have to keep reading to know where Clay comes into the story. And even after you hear his, you want to read on. I must admit, I was more into the book after I found out how Clay came into it.
I think the reason why I'm not sure is because, it was so damn depressing. I mean, you're reading the script of a dead girl's suicide tapes that include 13 people's names for doing something completely idiotic to this poor girl. And also, I didn't get the end. The end was good and I like how there was a 'The Next Day' so you have an idea how Clay coped with it afterwards.
Now, I'm not saying I thought the book was bad. No way. I'm just unsure about my feelings and enjoyment of it. It's an incredible powerful, hard hitting book about a topic a lot of teenagers may go through.

The reasons relate around reputation and as a teenager myself, I know what it's like to try and uphold a decent reputation around school. It's hard. Everything you do is judged. That time you slipped over in the corridor, laughed about for weeks. The time you told a 'friend' something and they just go around a tell everyone else: you feel insecure for weeks. And although, an adult reading this might think that then, schools are messed up and the school I go to is terrible, it's life. Let's face it, everyone has 'those' moments. You just try and not have too many.
This is a gripping book for older teenagers due to the content within it and the references made.

I give it a 3 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.thirteenreasonswhy.com/book.php

L is for the way you look at me...



top: topshop,
necklace: antique shop in brighton

 It's been a pretty stressful week and yesterday, topped it all off completely. It was one of the worst days I've had in a long time, for a number of reasons.
    However, I went to Stagecoach afterwards and I was cheered up by all my friends there. At the moment we're doing Little Shop of Horrors. For those of you who don't know, it's about a failing flower shop who find a magical plant and put it in the window to get more customers, however, the plant feeds on humans and by the end of the play, everyone is dead and the plant takes over the world.
So funsies. It's erm....going....interestingly.

The picture above is what I'm wearing now. I brought the t-shirt in Topshop last week for £12 in the sale. Had been about £22. :)
The necklace, you can just about make out, is something I brought in an antique shop in Brighton a couple of months ago when I went there for my friend's birthday.

One thing that did brighten up my week was receiving this:

Jack Petchey Award

Sorry it's a bit smudged. I got caught with it when there were gale force winds and it chucking it down with rain. So that was fun and nice for me. :)

x

Ramblings #3

My 'Pride and Prejudice' re-write was described as 'Absolutely Fab' by my English teacher with the comment 'I laughed out loud' scribbed underneath. Probably with that glass of wine all the teachers seem to mention when it comes to coursework or homework.
Well, I don't blame them...


So. How are we all doing?
I am a little stressed. I am told to revise for my mocks in a couple of weeks and then they pile 6 pieces of homework on me FOR ONE WEEKEND. I mean, if you want us to revise, stop with the homework please. I don't physically have enough time to 'have a social life' which they encourage, revise, sleep, read, do homework and then, go Xmas Shopping!!

Which moves me on to Xmas. This afternoon, when I walked into my house, there was a....Christmas card on the floor mat. The first Xmas card of the year. I MEAN SERIOUSLY, IT'S THE 10TH NOVEMBER! It's not even a month until Christmas! And I have no idea what to get my friends, I need to buy for...about 7 of them. Yeaah, I know, a lot. Oh Life...

I also for some reason have a slight addiction to cheese at the moment. I need it every single minute. And when I open my fridge, I always see Brie sitting there, smiling up at me thinking EAT ME, EAT ME! How I want it but don't want to get fat by eating loads of it...

I'm done. You can have a look around now. Thank you :)

Ramblings #2

So. At the moment, I'm supposed to be doing homework. My English homework this week was to re-write Chapter One of Pride and Prejudice in a modern style twist.
That would easy IF IT HADN'T BEEN DONE BEFORE. phew...

So yeah I'm reading that at the moment. I think I've been biten by the P&P bug. I know...I want Mr Darcy in the room right now. This instant. But no. He's a fictional character. (groans)
So yeah one of the guys in my class was saying 'Oh why does everyone love Mr Darcy so much?'
And well...yeah. Why do we all swoon over Mr Darcy and re-read the bit where he's in the lake or replay it with Colin Firth who is gorgeous and so absolu- So why?
Well, personally, I think it's because he may be all proud and that but he comes out with the sweetest things and is actually a big emotional little girl waiting to get out and show his feelings. He also does so much for Elizabeth just because he loves her. (Future boyfriends, take note.)
And then, there's that he's drop dead gorgeous.

So that's what's been on my mind. And:
- I got tickets to see Katy Perry at Wembly with my best friend next Easter. Which I can't wait for!
- And I'm going to see Wicked in December for my (absolutely amazing) best friend, George's birthday. I HAVE THE SONGS IN MY HEAD 24/7! And I want to read the book too. :)
- And I'm going to see the new Harry Potter film the day it's out and found out that someone from my Stagecoach is in it :)
- Oh. And I have Mocks. Lots of them.

Also, I found this from about two years ago. Enjoy - shows how this blog was created really :)

Star-crossed - Rachael Wing

Before you judge a book from the cover, read this review and it might (I said might though) change your view. JUST wait there, right there.

I have read this book countless of times. I'm serious. And guess what. This was written by when she was 14, published when she was 16. She would now be...19 but still. A 14-year-old. That's pretty cool and we're talking some good stuff - despite the cover. This was first found a couple of years ago under some books. I thought it sounded good so I read it. And again...and again...and now AGAIN!

When Jen lands the main role of Juliet in her school production of Romeo and Juliet, she is thrilled. Especially as beating one of the most popular people and her best gay friend, Reuben playing Mercutio, another main part. Until you find out who Romeo is.
The boy you and your family hate with a passion because of feud going on since their fathers were 18. Jen will do anything to get embarrasse him and beat him, there's no way you're going to be like Juliet and fall for him....is there?

This book has such a simply storyline and well written that I just love it. It's also written very differently using 'You' or the Second Tense (I think) which makes it so interesting and just different.
It could be classed as a short story but I think although it is short, it is a book. The scenes and characters are great and so well written. I loved Reuben, her best friend. You just kind of have to love him, he is so funny and lovely.
Even though I have amazing friends and I love them to pieces, I would love a kind of 'gay' or 'boy' best friend. I mean, a guy that you can just kind of talk about anything with and don't have to keep checking if you look okay or are going red. I've told a couple of people my little 'wish' and those that I asked did agree.
This book, even though the cover isn't particularly amazing, is such a sweet, innocent (kind of), interesting story with a modern day Romeo and Juliet tale. And it shows that not every love story means sex and snogging their faces off straight away. I mean I don't mind it in books but still, some authors do get a little over the top on the descriptions of whats happening :S
This story is also so relatable to people my age, teens, because Jen faces so many teen issues.
I would suggest anyone that loves to write or loves Shakespeare and a bit of romance to read this one. It is truly a sweet story and with the 'You', I was able to imagine it happening to myself, probably why I love it so much.
I give it a 4.5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www5.scholastic.co.uk/zone/authors_r-wing_biog.htm

Rachael Wing has also released a book called Love Struck which looks at A Midsummer's Night Dream. I am SO looking out for that one :)

The Betrayal - Mary Hooper

This was found in the corner of the library alone and frankly, no-one knew it. I saw it straight away and picked it up without even thinking about it. You know, one of those kind of automatic reactions like saying Sorry when you make a mistake in French - and much like my French teacher is telling us off for.
Anyway, yeah. This is the third and last in the At The House of The Magican trilogy. And to be honest, the best in my opinion.

(May Contain Spoilers)
Lucy is asked to continue her work for Queen Elizabeth I. But she has has no duties to do so spends her time setting up a house in London for the Dee family she works for. But when she meets the new lady-in-waiting, Juliette, she is suspicious straight away and decides to take matters into her own hands. But is she merely jealous of the attenation Tomas, the Queen's fool and the one Lucy loves, is giving her? Or could she really be a threat to the throne? 


I actually really enjoyed this book, mostly probably because I've read the two other in the series. I would say that reading them, would help as Lucy does mention events that happen in those but it isn't necessary. There is much more detail and more surprises filling this book and I especially LOVED the end. Which rounded it all off nicely and answered all our questions and is nice that they hint at what happens after the book is finished.
The cover (above) I think is lovely. I love that dress and I am, unfortunately, one of those that still wants to be able to wear dresses like that now. They are gorgeous even though there is so much that goes into looking like that. The detail that Mary Hooper has used is amazing and like normal, she has taken me into the Elizabethan world for Lucy. My favourite character was Tomas. He is so funny and had me laughing on the plane a couple of time (while people looked at me weirdly as I had been laughing out loud earlier at Shrek) and very gentlemanly. So I approve of him.
This book is for those historical romance lovers. Yet another great historical book by Mary Hooper.

4.5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.maryhooper.co.uk/

Diving In - Kate Cann

There isn't really a story for this one. I just saw it, thought I'd give it a go. The End. Sorry.
Anyway...there are a series of them...somehow? Because well it ended like that's the end. Nothing more else could happen...but something else obviously does. I'm not sure if I'll read the sequel :S

First Sentence: A huge sort of tremor ran through me. After so long, so much fantasizing, I'd actually kissed him. I hope he didn't see that shiver, I thought. I don't want him to know how overwhelmed I am, not yet

Coll hates her life. Nothing happens, her parents are annoying and she hardly talk to them, the only person whose ever liked her is her best friend and she isn't exactly the most popular person in school. But the one exciting thing in her life is The Boy From the Pool. Both going every Thursday night, Coll goes to the swimming baths and sees this gorgeous boy every time, but hasn't had the courage to talk to him. Until one amazing day when they do start and propels them into a exciting, intense and out of hand relationship...

To be honest, I found it flat. And boring. I know some of Kate Cann's other stuff which is supposed to be so good but this...well it didn't live up to my expectations. I found a few spelling mistakes - a pet hate of mine.
And it did take a while to get going. Art, the boy, is a complete and utter idiot. I'm sorry but WHY would someone fall for him with a personality like that. Though, I guess the author wanted us to hate him.
One reason why I probably won't read the whole series is because I can guess it's going to be like 'Do I love him or not? He's an idiot but I want to go out with him? Oh no. My life is over' kind of thing. Which I think will get on my nerves.
I have seem some good reviews and maybe this book just isn't for me. But I would say it's worth a try at least. The characters (apart from Art) are great and I loved Val. She made me laugh a couple of times. I would say, if you were thinking about reading this, do read it just for the sarcasm and jokes and it does teach you something about the potentical 'bad boyfriend that just wants sex' that most girls face at some point. I, thankfully, haven't yet and hopefully won't.
I've give it a 3.5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.katecann.com/

'I Need a Holiday with my friends'

Quoted from the brilliant Scouting For Girls who I was listening to on the way home from Florida.
Yep. You heard it Florida. I went there over my half term where there were record temperatures (and then I come back to rainy 16 degrees England).

But anyway. So I'm back. Without a tan...like per normal. And I brought 3 books....yep, I know. It's a sickness methinks.
While my parents were looking at men's trousers in Wal-Mart (don't ask), I wandered over to the book section...which was disappointly small for such a huge store. It's so freaky how many 'vampire' books there were for young readers including Twilight
(pukes. Sorry I hate it. I've seen the movies though and seriously, does Jacob own a decent t-shirt? And then there's the fact I've met Robert Pattinson...believe me, it's not that amazing up close. He's quite good looking though...anyway...moving on back to the point.)
And different abnormal covers of Sarah Dessen books. The cover is completely weird and much more thinner and longer.
All I can say is US book buying are completely different to England book buying....


My Little Pile of Books that formed.

And there were a few firsts. I went to a Hard Rock Cafe at Universal which was amazing. Because I've never been to one and this one was HUGE. We're talking big.
And I went to the Kennedy Space Centre and saw the shuttle that's lauching tomorrow.

This is something to leave you with. Reviews for the books I read while I was there will be posted soon...between homeworks and catching up on TV. 

View from St Petersburg's beach, Florida.