Weekly Update #1

Mushu. Got to love him.

So I am offically 100% ill. I woke up this morning, not being able to move and then sneezing several times and coughing like I was about to throw up. Nice.
However, I am still going out in the -2 lovely English weather. And...
IT SNOWED. Like PROPER snow. We think we had about 3-4 inches. It's definitely the heaviest I've ever seen it. Also it's been weird because there's been nearly no planes from Heathrow because it's either closed or hasn't got as many flights running. A guy I know at school on Facebook updated us that his flight to Berlin was taking off today...after supposedly booked for Saturday.

So. I have been also mused whilst watching Mulan. And Mulan II. oh yeah.
My Musing: It's Christmas in four days. I can't believe it.  2010 is almost over. There'll never be another 2010. It's so...weird. This year has gone at lightening speed. It's amazing.
And to be honest, I've loved this year. I started blogging. I met Patrick Ness and the women that got me into historical reading, Mary Hooper. I've read more and more this year with a book blog and I think I've gained confidence with it as well. I don't particularly care now, what people care about me or having a book blog. A lot of people I know, of course, don't know I do. But some do. People I don't particularly know that well and they told me it was cool that I did have a blog. Which made me smile.

This year, I've lost two close friends but gained more than that. I've got through Year 10 and am now on the final road to the end of Secondary School and able to go to college in my own clothes and at a later time. I cannot wait for 2011 and what it will hold...

On My Bookshelf (4) and an update...

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 acquired this week:

Books:
- Love, Aubrey - Suzanne LaFleur (Library)
- A Song For Summer - Eva Ibbotson (Library) I am so excited to read this!

I also bought two necklaces online at This Charming Girl, one for my friend and one for myself as there was a 15% off at the time. :)

                                                                                                                     

First one:  This was for my friend. It's so original. Also she loves those kind of love French necklaces that Topshop and Accessorize normally do so she loved it...I hope.

2nd: This is the one I bought for myself. I love it, it's a bit longer than I thought it would be but it's still lovely.



    In other news, I am offically on Christmas Holidays so I can (kinda) relax for two weeks now. I'm writing some Xmas cards for my friends at the moment, I just felt like it. I need to get into the Christmas mood. I was standing at my bus stop today with my friend and it started snowing heavily. I felt like a snowman by the time the bus got there. It was great acting like a 5 year old :)

Also, I saw Wicked last night. IT WAS AMAZING. Although I can't get the songs out of my head - ever. Thank you and Happy Birthday George :)
Tonight, in a couple of hours, I'm going to my friend's Xmas Party in my new dress. I shall take a picture of it before I go.

Have a nice evening :)

Pretty Things - Sarra Manning

Okay, I got some time to do this. WARNING: if it doesn't make sense at any point, just tell me because I am unbelievably tired right now and all Disney-ish because I just watched Pocahontas II.

Righto. I bought this book in a discount book store in Florida for $2.99 even though it's set in England and Sarra Manning is also an English author. So yeah, I brought it home.

Brie and Charlie are best friends. Brie is in love with Lancome Juict Tubes and Charlie...who is also gay. Charlie is in love with Walker, the serial heartbreaker. Who is in love with Daisy, the other new gay one who just hates everyone else to care about who she loves. Set in North London, these four teenagers enter the theatre world and become the protagonists (oh yeah, Media terminology) of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew to experience the off-stage and on-stage dramas of the theatre world.

I don't quite know what to think of this novel. It was good and I enjoyed it but it wasn't like 'Whoa. That was amazing' which I guess I was kind of expecting from it. Can I just say something about the front cover above? This is the cover on my copy - the American version and to be honest, it's erm...it looks like one of those terrible early teen romances where nothing really happens and everyone lives happily ever after. If you are judging 'a book by it's cover', STOP.
Okay, onto the book. A lot of people don't like Sarra Manning's writing and I can see why as it's all about teen problems, relationships and how horrible their lives are but it's one of those reads, which is different, relaxing and you don't have to think about what's happening next. It's different in the way that there are four teenagers, two of which are gay. Normally, you either have your gay couple (which let's face it, don't happen often) or your two conventional lovers that we like to read about and wish we were them.
I LOVE Charlie. He's like your best friend and you just want to hug him, a lot. Brie and Daisy. I'm going to say it.
They got on my nerves. Though when it's Brie chapter, I don't mind her so much but still. I just didn't like them. Walker...neutral feelings. I thought it was going to be a complete idiot but I guess he's not so bad.

My lovely friend, Tijana, has also read the book and kinda spurred me on to read it and I was also able to talk to her about what we thought of Charlie. So I got her to write what she thinks of it (it's better than any review I've ever done):


Me and Tijana.

 “Pretty Things could be a described as a classic, teenage love-square novel, aimed at teenage girls who want to hear about love problems more exciting and problematic than their own – and it is.

     This doesn’t necessarily make the novel ‘bad’ or ‘cheesy’; Pretty Things grabs your attention and reel s you in through the use of stereotypical characters your forced to make a severe judgement on. Whether it’s the typical bad-boy Walker making you roll your eyes or the overly-feisty attitude of Daisy making you want to pull her back down to earth, you’re still interested in the characters – you want to know whether they all change their sexual orientations in the end to make the novel have a perfectly fitting, Jane Austen ending.
     Despite this, the slightly controversial themes and use of homosexuality of half of the characters allows the teenage readers to be more open minded about situations such as those that the characters find themselves in. Memorable, and bringing back plot lines from old plays, this book’s definitely worth reading one summer holiday. "

Thank you Tijana :)

I give this a 3.5/4 out of 5

Author's Website/Blog: http://sarramanning.blogspot.com/

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 :)