Mocks, Beds and Boy's Trousers, in a nutshell.

I am shattered. I was sitting in my Media lesson earlier, the last lesson of the day. I was sitting there watching a movie (which was crap) and I could feel my eyes falling gently asleep.
And on the way home, I felt like I was in a dream and I just wanted to get home and sleep. Though I can't do that, can I?
I have 2 more Mocks left. A Science ISA which I always do badly in and an all day Drama exam.

Oh the Drama Exam. We're going a part from Blood Brothers and I'm Mickey. So I have to be a boy for starters. A 8 year old boy. And, do a Liverpool accent while trying to remember my lines and where to go. All at the same time. Which I know is part of Drama but really, with two of the most critical boys ever who critise every single move I make, it's hard and tiring. Tomorrow is the dress run and I have to wear boy's trousers.
Yeah, you read right. Boy's trousers. Oh joy.

In other news, I have finished Pretty Things by Sarra Manning, I know. But at the moment I am too tired and have absolutely no time but next week I'm on christmas holidays so I shall do the review then.


BUT. To cheer me up, on Thursday I'm going to see WICKED! YEAH :)
Thanks and have a great week :)

Couple Christmas Giveaway :)

I saw this on one of the blogs I follow, clicked the link, found the page about it all and found it incredibly sweet and such a different giveaway.

For this contest, once you enter, you are up for the chance to find three books from a list of the Top Ten couples (relationships and friendships) list in books, hosted by Not Enough Bookshelves whose blog is BEAUTIFUL. These books will be posted by the Book Depository.

Anyway. All you have to do is fill out the form. By 22nd December 2010. Easy Peasy.
If you would like the chance to enter, click here.
The only condition is if the Book Depository ship to your country, though they normally do to most countries.

Anyho. This got me a-pondering. Who are my favourite couple of all time?

Wes and Macy?
Mia and Owen?
Jess and Johnny?
Anna and Peter?
(If you click on the links, it takes you to the book they're from)

To be honest, I don't know. All of the above are on my favourite couple list and loads more but I didn't want to bore you with it all. I quite like Eleanor and Stanton in The Lady In The Tower and I do smile at Lucy and Tomas in the At The House of the Magican series. But there is no couple that I can, at the moment, put my finger on that they are my absolutely favourite.

I'll have a think this week while I'm waiting for my exam to finish...

2011 Historical Fiction Challenge

This is possible the most apt challenge for me and (hopefully) the last challenge for the new year. Hopefully, I add.
So all you have to do is read between 5-15 (whatever amount you set yourself) books what are of the historical YA fiction genre e.g. set in the past. If you would like to enter, click here

If you look over my blog, you can see the amount I read is ridiculous. Serious ridiculous.

So I plan to read 10 books. Here is my possible list:

1. I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend - Cora Harrison
2. The Queen's Lady - Eve Edwards
3. Bright Young Things - Anna Godberson
4. A Company of Swans - Eva Ibbotson
5. Masquerade - Nancy Moser
6. The Fool's Girl - Celia Rees


So. To see my review of that book, click on the title, they should all be linked up.
Here we go:
1. A Song For Summer - Eva Ibbotson
2. Bright Young Things - Anna Godberson
3. The Queen's Lady - Eve Edwards
4. Chocolate Cake With Hitler - Emma Craigie
5. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne
6. I was Jane Austen's Best Friend - Cora Harrison
7. Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
8. The Morning Gift - Eva Ibbotson
9. Annexed - Sharon Dogar
10. Girl with a Pearl Earring - Tracy Chevalier
11. The Roman Mysteries: The Man from Pomegranate Street - Caroline Lawrence
12. Cassandra's Sister - Veronica Bennett
13. Once - Morris Gleitzman
14. Then - Morris Gleitzman
15. When You Reach Me - Rebecca Stead
16. The Rogue's Princess - Eve Edwards
17. Now - Morris Gleitzman

EXAMS!

Day 2 of the Mock Exams and I'm already exhausted. Like I want to go and live in a cave with a sleeping bag and pillow for a month tired. I know I'm a teenager and everything but seriously...I am so fed up with revision and Of Mice and Men and frequency tables, it's stupid.

Today I did English Language, RS and yesterday, Science.
English was...okay. Though I forgot a question...nearly. RS was only 30 mins long and had only 4 questions so it seemed to fly by (though the guys sitting next to me who didn't write anything didn't seem to agree) and Science which was...moderate.
Tomorrow I have a whole day of exams. Maths, French and English Literture. Oh yay. Fun.

Also. I've decided that christmas present buying is such a love/hate relationship. I mean, I like going out shopping in the winter with all the Christmas decorations. But I always have no idea what to buy my friends. I think it's time to go to Boots to get a bath set. You can't go wrong with a bath set :)

I am so happy at the moment with the blog. In the last few days, I've had 4 new followers and lots of comments on how they like my writing which also makes me smile. I remember how only a few months ago, I was writing to myself...literally. Now I know someone is actually reading this, it makes me feel happy inside :)

Anyway. Thank you. You will be rewarded someday. :)

Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

Currently, I am writing an essay as part of my English GCSE coursework (though it's been put on hold for the moment as it's the MOCKS). Anyway, it's made me get in the Pride and Prejudice mood now and I bought the novel and the film with Keira Knightley in...all for under £5 on Amazon. Oh I love them.
So yeah, I thought I'd read it.

So. For those who have been living in a cave in Antartica for the last 3 centuries, this is what it's about.
   The story evolves around the Bennet family, particularly Elizabeth and Jane, the two older sisters out of five. The fabulous Mr Bingley has moved into Netherfield, the big house just a few miles away, bringing his pompous, moody, although handsome, Mr Darcy.
When him and Elizabeth meet, she immediately judges him and vows never to dance or talk to him again. However, when Jane and Bingley meet, sparks fly and soon, their mother, Mrs Bennet whose aim in life is to see all five daughters married, expects a marriage on the cards.
Though as events unfold and Elizabeth finds out secrets and lies about these two men and the mysterious Mr Wickham and of course, the ridiculous Mr Collins...

I left it open as I could describe the whole novel but it must ruin it for those who have been living in an igloo for the last few centries. This was first written in the 1700's and named originially the very apt title, First Impressions.
The characters are written really well so that we have an opinion of all of them without it being too many. Mr Darcy. I have to say this. Why does all girls like him (including me)? Even though he is so moody, conceited and in truth, a teenager (not literally. He's like 25 in the novel). I think it's because he doesn't show his emotion because he's afraid to and also, he does all this lovely, nice stuff because of his love for Elizabeth. Okay I gave it away but really? Is it not that obvious from the front cover?
One of my favourites is Mr Collins, who I have to write about for the essay. He is just so...funny, but a complete pompous idiot at the same time and I can say...I'm so glad I'm not Charlotte!

My only problem really was that for me, I had to make sure I wasn't tired, otherwise I wouldn't be able to digest Jane Austen's writing. Which is completely different to novels today.
This book is a great classic story which still entertains us, centries later as Austen really understands what it is like to be in a family; in love and meeting and judging the people around us.

I would give it a 4 out of 5.

For more info about Jane Austen: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Austen

British Books Challenge 2011!

Yep. I'm doing another one next year as well. But this one is definitely right up my street.
This is challenge to read at least 6-12 books written by British authors. Should be quite easy for me as I live there :)
It's hosted by Becky at The Bookette (I personally LOVE her blog). If you, yourself, would like to sign up, just click here.

Right. So what books are you expecting me to read for it?
Well, I'm not very big in the 'planning what I'm going to read'. I just kind of...pick it up and read it when I have the time.
But here are a few books that might make an appearance next year...

1. I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend - Cora Harrison
2. The Queen's Lady - Eve Edwards
3. The Legacy - Gemma Malley
4. A Company of Swans - Eva Ibbotson
5. Love Struck - Rachael Wing
6. An Education - Nick Hornby



Here we go...the links take you to the review of that book:
1. A Song For Summer - Eva Ibbotson
2. The Queen's Lady - Eve Edwards
3. Love Struck - Rachael Wing
4. The Legacy - Gemma Malley
5. Chocolate Cake With Hitler - Emma Craigie
6. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne
7. I was Jane Austen's Best Friend - Cora Harrison
8. The Morning Gift - Eva Ibbotson
9. Annexed - Sharon Dogar
10. You Against Me - Jenny Downham
11. Cassandra's Sister - Veronica Bennett
12. The Returners - Gemma Malley
13. Once - Morris Gleitzman
14. An Education - Lynn Barber
15. Lia's Guide to Winning the Lottery - Keren David
16. Then - Morris Gleitzman
17. The Rogue's Princess - Eve Edwards
18. Now - Morris Gleitzman
19. The New World - Patrick Ness
20. Othello - William Shakespeare

And so it comes to the end of this challenge for 2011. I have read so many amazing literature by British authors this year and I think 19 is great with the fact I was aiming for 9-12 books. 


It's hard to choose my absolute favourite, more harder than you imagine because these authors are great and I would recommend the majority of the ones on this list.
I have to say I really enjoyed I was Jane Austen's Best Friend and Lia's Guide to Winning the Lottery. It was great finally reaching the end of The Declaration series by Gemma Malley with The Legacy, as well as finding a stand alone one of hers. In addition, I have gone further into Eva Ibbotson's books which I found later last year and A Song for Summer that I started 2011 with is one of my favourites of hers.


I am so glad I did this challenge and I would recommend anyone to do the 2012 one at The overflowing library.

DECEMBER!

It's offical. Again. The first proper snow here for the winter season. The second this year...

So, I got to spend the day wandering around the school in my vintage snow boots! They did belong to my mum when she working in London, just before I was born, when it was really snowy and she didn't have suitable shoes that day. And she doesn't use them anymore...so they get pulled out the cupboard when it snows!

Right. Anyway. I am going to do something called -MONTH- as the first post every month so that it why the subject is DECEMBER as it is...December. This will be like a few things that are happening this month, books, fashion, events...you know, random things. I have noticed that I now tend to write a lot about things happening in my life and things I want to moan about. Sorry about that. I find blogging so relaxing and nice to kind of express my views. That's why there are 16 posts in November...whoops.

So. This month. This is what's happening in Rebecca's World.

- Starting next week, I have Mocks at school for two weeks so I might be freaking out and not posting much. Or loads. I don't know what I'll be like...
- 16th December - George is having (finally) her birthday party and we're going to see WICKED.
I AM SO EXCITED!
- 17th December - An Christmas Party with my new dress (photos of it to come...)
- 25th December - MERRY CHRISTMAS!
- 31st December - Happy New Year...and that week I shall probably be musing on how my life has completely changed from this time last year AND since I got a blog especially. I'm like that. You'll have that to look forward to...

Hope you have a wonderful, seasonal December :)
Tell me what you're doing at Xmas time :)

Please Read This. Thank You.

I am 15 years old, right? I am 16 in 2 months and am going to college next year. Even though in England, it's not compulsory. I still am because I want to get a good job that I want to do and good grades and qualifications.
Anyway, before you wonder why I'm stating this, you'll understand now.

Today, in my French lesson, our teacher came in without a friendly 'Bonjour' or 'Les Devoirs?'. No, one of the first things she said was 'Do you know anyone in this class that was in that walk out at break because of the university fees?'

Okay, I just want to say that, I would like to go to university if I feel it necessary. My English teacher says 'Keep in education as long as you can; it will help with your future job.'
Which is one reason why I would like to go, apart from the typical answer, like I said above.
I have no idea what I'd study but I'll jump that hurdle when I get there. If I get there.
I also know that you have to pay to go to university and I agree £9,000 tuition fees is a bit heavy, especially with the fact we're in a crisis with money etc.

But seriously, go out of school to stand outside one of the Liberal Democrats offices and protest, rather loudly, about them. And you're in Year 10. That's the year below me, so they're about 14/15 and have at least 3/4 years until they have to even think seriously about university.

I would join them. I have to admit, if I wasn't in school, revising for exams that I need to pass to go to university, I would have gone too. But it's the wrong way to do it...and in Year 10, still in secondary school where the prospect of even applying for a certain university isn't even thought of yet? No, I personally don't think they should have gone themselves.

One reason for writing this: I saw an article posted on Facebook about from one of the people involved in it. You're proud that you did that? That you made the school look bad; young people look terrible, as per usual; and got your name and voice in the papers and want all your friends and peers to know so you can gloat? Is that really what this is all about?
And, I'll tell you what. It was all the 'popular' Year 10's. Yep, Popular people still 'rule' the year groups. They think they can do these things because they have the 'power'. I'm not one of these people. I think those kind of people who care only about their status in school, hair, make-up, getting a boyfriend...it's pathetic and sad. Wait till you get into the real world and the frantic world of GCSE's...

And the worst part? The other reason why I'm writing this. I was waiting at the bus stop today after a revision class. It was snowy and all the older people coming home from shopping were underneath the bus shelter and I didn't want to stand in the snow I'd just been walking in. So I stood right at the end of shelter where there is a little bit of glass over you, and you're right by where the bus stops. And when a bus came (not my one), this woman shoved by and said loudly 'Right now, the bus has come, you can wait in the queue like the rest of us. You young people these days! You think you can do whatever you want.'
And actually, that hurt me a little because I would have let her and the rest who had been waiting for the bus first go in front of me; I was just standing there for convience.

Why should all young people have a bad image because of this and other things because of a small miniority making people think it's general amongst all young people? Why? And then, gloating about making this 'point'?

I don't understand the society we live in sometimes. I really don't.

This is some thoughts for dresses that I could get for New Year's Eve/my friend's Christmas Party...

The top Four are from H&M and the second black one is the one I'm seriously thinking about. The first bottom two are from Dorothy Perkins and the last two are from Topshop.

What do you think?

It's a month till Xmas?

I offically have a cold. My first of the winter season. Oh joy.

So while I'm sitting at my desk surrounded my revision books, my mother comes in and announces she would like my Christmas list. Now, I know it's a month until Christmas but still, I don't want to think about it yet, it's come around too soon. And for me, I want to survive my mocks before I even think about it. Though I am going on holiday for a few days before the new year :)

Also, I had a great day yesterday. Despite it being rather cold (-3 at about 8am) and sitting on a bus to school for nearly an hour (when it's normally only 20 minutes) and therefore, being late, I had a pretty good day.

I did my Stagecoach performance of Little Shop of Horrors which George came to with my other friends, Tijana and Ben. And of course, my parents. It went well, though there were a few mistakes and the skirt I was wearing was slowly strangling me. But anywho. :)
      Then, I went to my friend, Julie who I have known for about 13 years (how she puts up with me I don't know) for her 16th birthday party at her house with some friends from her school. It was great and loooovely to see her, even though she spent that hour on the bus with me in the morning.
And I saw Final Destination...finally. It was actually quite good...though I may have looked away for the gruesome bits. :D
And now, there's a rugby match down the road so I'm confined to the house, revising like crazy, eating about everything in the house and writing my Xmas list. Oh winter...