Let It Snow - Book Review | Day 8: 12 Days Of Blogmas

Hey everyone. With less than a week till Christmas, there are only so many things you can do to get festive: stuff your face with festive food, watch back to back Christmas movies or spend far too long Christmas shopping. However, one thing you may not have thought of is a Christmas read. I have been super busy lately, so I haven’t actually finished the whole of this book but I thought I’d tell you about it, so you can give it a read (or start to) this festive season.

Malorie Blackman's Nought's & Crosses

Hi everyone. So it’s that time again for a book review- the glue of my blog. I love reading and these reviews are some of my favourite posts- so please click, have a read and let me know what you think. October’s book is Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Backman.

Wonder Book Review

Hey everyone. So it’s been another month, so that means it’s time for another book review! This month I have been reading Wonder by RJ Palacio, a children’s book written from the point of view of a boy called August. It is basically all about him joining school and dealing with growing up. The only difference is that August’s face is deformed. So it’s not the story you may expect.

Girl Online - Book Review

Hey everyone. So Girl Online- a controversial yet adored book written by famous Youtuber Zoe Sugg aka Zoella. Here are my thoughts and feelings about this teen novel, and I hope you enjoy reading them.

We All Looked Up - Book Review

Hey everyone. As my computer is still failing me, posts are coming when I can get them to you. However, today I have a post- a book review of 'We All Looked Up' by Tommy Wallach. So I LOVED this book, plain-and-simply I couldn't put it down. And when reading a book, what more can you want?

All I Know Now - Book Review

Hey everyone. I was excited to read ‘All I Know Now’ by Carrie hope Fletcher and it did not let down. This book was heartfelt and promoted advice about growing up, being yourself and getting over problems in your life, like bullying and breakups. This novel is very much a feel-good book and also gave an insight into the life of Youtuber Carrie from Itswaypastmybedtime.

I'll Give You The Sun - Book Review

Hey everyone. So the eager eyed among you may’ve noticed how my monthly book review last month didn’t go up, and that’s for a few reasons I wanted to tell you about. The first, is that ‘I’ll give You The Sun’ by Jandy Nelson has taken me two months to read. Second, I just wasn’t making time to read last month. May and June cover exam (and revision) season, so I was working so hard that by the time I picked up my book at the end of the day… I was drifting asleep. However now I’ve finished it and I thought I’d tell you a bit about this book.

Book review: Memory by Christoph Marzi

It’s May, a new month and also an opportunity to look back at April, right? Well today I am going to review last month’s book, which is Memory by Christoph Marzi.

Book Review: The Glam Guide by Fleur de Force

Hey,

I’m sure many of you wonderful people are Youtube fans like me and will have realised the recent influx in content creators writing and producing books. Now, it’s a hotly debated and controversial topic, and I can definitely say that some of these books are a lot better than others, but when British beauty and fashion blogger Fleur de Force released ‘The Glam Guide’, I had to get my hands on it!

Book Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Hey,

So I know how ridiculously late my monthly book review is as this is my review of my February reading, but I’ve been a little behind! However I’m going to try to get back on top of it all. For now, this is my review for the novel Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell.

The first thing I wanted to say is that this book was not what I expected. I’d heard a lot of praise about this, so when my friend let me borrow her copy, I couldn’t wait to read it. Yet this wasn’t the plot that I had imagined and I’m not too sure how I feel about it now I’ve finished.

Eleanor & Park is a romantic novel that sees a love story take place. Park is your average guy but with a warm and friendly heart. Eleanor is new to school with a family and past she tries to hide. Together all they seem to share is an English class and a place on the school bus, but that seems to be all they need.

As the novel develops, the reader learns more about both Park and Eleanor and watches them fall for one another. This plot is quite typical of a love story and is a bit clichéd and cheesy at times. But if that’s the sort of easy-to-read and traditional book you’re looking for then I fully recommend it.

For me, this novel just wasn’t enough. I felt the plot was quite slow and although it speed up at the end, it didn’t seem to develop into anything really. I wouldn’t say this is a bad book, I just don’t think its for me- I think I needed some more action or storyline! This book would be great for young teens (11-14) but if you like challenging books then I’d maybe try something else.

So that’s my short and sweet book review. If you’ve read Eleanor & Park then I’d like to know what you thought or any book requests! I hope everyone has had a lovely Wednesday, 

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Book Review: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Hey,

It’s time for my monthly book reviews and today I am reviewing the book I read in January! It’s been a little bit different this month because I was actually reading this book in and out of school, which is why it’s taken a little longer to finish. So today I want to talk to you about the classic novel by Harper Lee- To Kill A Mockingbird.

Book Review: The Night Circus

Hey,

So if you’re a regular reader then you’ll be aware that on mydaisychaincloset I like to do a book review post every month. Reading is really important to me and I think it helps me improve at school as well as being a hobby I enjoy. I know many people may dislike reading, but it’s probably just because reading can be seen as a bit lame or because they themselves haven’t found a good book! I love reading and I would really push you, if you haven’t read in a while, to go buy a new book and enjoy some of the amazing authors that we have on offer.

Last year my New Year’s Resolutions included reading a book of month and I was doing so well but fell at the last hurdle, getting only 11/12. This was due to the book I have just finished, a book that is extremely long and challenging and took me about a month and a half to read. Now this is probably the longest I’ve spent reading a book but over Christmas I did find less time to read and the book is huge, however I’d still recommend it.

This post is going to be reviewing ‘The Night Circus’ by Erin Morgenstern, a book that has a huge fan base and an amazing plot. Although I did find it a little confusing and the concept hard to grasp at times, this book has such a well-developed storyline that it’s worth a read.

Based around the notions of magic, romance and making the impossible possible, ‘The Night Circus’ is not your normal novel. I found it to be unlike many fantasy stories I’ve read before, and I found it was a lot more suited to teens and adults. The love story that goes along with it is sweet and you really get a feel of the characters emotions throughout. There are a lot of characters and separate storylines in this book, which I liked because I found I could connect more to some characters while still enjoying the plot of others.

Although I appreciate the story and the wealth of work that has gone into creating the tale, I can’t say this will be everyone’s cup of tea. My sister loved this book, like many others, but I’m not so sure that it’ll be a book I’ll want to read again.

I found it took more than a few chapters to really understand the plot and want to read on, as well as the fact that I found the authors style slightly dull. I think this may be the main reason it took so long for me to finish. Moreover there are over 500 pages!

I would give ‘The Night Circus’ 3.5/5 stars, and would recommend it if you like fantasy novels and fancy a challenge. If you’re not sure if you’re swayed to read it or not, why not check out some more reviews online?

I hoped you enjoyed this book review and I think we will be seeing another next month! If you have any thoughts on ‘The Night Circus’ or any other book recommendations please let me know in the comments. I hope you all have a great week, see you on Sunday,

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Book Review: One Million Lovely Letters by Jodi Ann Bickley

Hey,

So another month has passed, so here lies a new book review.One Million Lovely Letters by Jodi Ann Bickley is an incredible book that illustrates the true story of Jodi herself. It is a heart-warming and humble tale that can be harshly honest at times, at the same time as being soft and touching.

This book can really be for anyone and I truly believe that everyone will be effected by the novel differently. Each word, each chapter holds support, hope and a sprinkle of inspiring ideas.

Jodi can touch the hearts of so many and writes down her life so honourably and beautifully. This novel is kind and helpful, a manual to anyone who is feeling lost, looking for help, caught up in a tangled mess or simply wanting one more reason to believe in humanity.

This book talks about bereavement, long-term illnesses, mental illnesses, love, heartbreak and loosing yourself in the complications of everyday life. It does not soften these subjects, so be prepared to feel the emotions. It is real, and she tells her story how it is.

I’m sure I will return to this novel again, re-read it and look to it when I am having a down day. I really think this book can impact your view on the world; to appreciate those you have close to you, to help you cope with being yourself and knowing to never give up. Jodi is truly a role model in life and I think our world is blessed to have someone so strong and brave in it.

I give the book 5/5 and more if I could. It’s an amazing story and a book filled with so much hope and optimism, that I’m so glad it ended up on my bookshelf.

Thanks for reading this review. If you have read this, please let me know your thoughts, or any other books you want me to review. This is the onemillionlovelyletters.com link if you want to check it out. I hope you all have an amazing day,

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Book Review: Heaven by Christoph Marzi

Hey,

So this post is going to be my monthly book review. Normally I read books that I’ve never read before, but in September, I decided to re-read my favourite book. I have now read this book about three times, and it is still one of my favourites.

‘Heaven’ by Christoph Marzi is an ‘urban fantasy’ and is unlike any other book I’ve read. It isn’t like some cheesy vampire novel, but themed around an alternative world where anything can happen. This novel is where ‘love, death and stars collide’, an unusual mixture of themes that work so well!

The blurb of this book is so intriguing and is what persuaded me to buy the book in the first place.

‘The night that Heaven lost her heart was cold and moonless. But the blade that sliced it out was warm with her dark blood’

The story of this book revolves around two main characters, Heaven and David. When they meet, it is just a coincidence but what enfolds is something neither is prepared for. Together they face fear and challenges that will change them forever, as well as a man who has the power to tear their worlds apart.

Marzi is my favourite writer, and is one of the best I’ve ever read. His writing is compelling and each page is filled with description and plot that blows your mind! Even though I’ve read it before, the plot still surprises me and the ending works so well.

I would recommend this book so much! It would be great for boys or girls, and has an age range of about 10-30+. I can’t explain how much I love this book and this story, it’s a 5/5 novel and hold a world full of action, romance and magic. If you want something to read, please give this book a go and let me know your thoughts!

Thanks so much for reading this, I hope you all have an incredible day,

Book Review: An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

Hey,

So today’s my monthly book review post. Sorry it’s a little late but I was behind on my reading. However I have just finished ‘An Abundance of Katherines’ by John Green and I wanted to tell you all about it.

So, being honest here, all through this book I wasn’t overly impressed. I love John Green, I think most of us do, and his writing really is amazing but this novel isn’t one of my favourites. I loved ‘The Fault in our stars’ and ‘Looking for Alaska’, but this wasn’t the same standard for me.

An Abundance of Katherines is a romantic story, sort of, that really takes you on a journey. Colin, the main character, is taken along a route where his friendship, life choices, romances and actions are really tested.

I found this book really made me think. It touches on some deep subjects but keeps light-hearted throughout. An Abundance of Katherines is written well, and includes footnotes as a unique touch. I loved these as they really added something to look out for! They also linked so well to Colin and his character, so made it feel more real to read.

My favourite part of the book was definitely the end. Along the way, I was reading, not absorbed but not too bored. Alternatively at the end, I really felt Green had written it with so much more emotion. The last few pages really made me happy, and I felt I connected with the true Colin finding himself. I would love to know if you agree, if you’ve read this.

I would still recommend this to John Green fans, or mostly any readers. I would say though, that you must be prepared to read on even if it feels a little dull- it does get better! I think this would be great if you’re a teen who feels a little lost, that you want a purpose, that you want to be known or remembered. I would give An Abundance of Katherines 3/5 stars but it was still a good read!

So that’s my review. It’s quite short but that’s all I feel I want to say. Have you read An Abundance of Katherines? Let me know your opinion on it. Also if you have any requests, just drop me a comment and I’m sure to check it out! Have a wonderful week, stay smiling,

Book Review: Ten Things I've Learnt About Love

Hey,

So sorry this post is later than usual, but I finished this book recently. Today is my monthly book review post and I am reviewing ‘Ten things I’ve learnt about love’ by Sarah Butler.

So I picked up this book for two reasons that I really shouldn’t have- the cheap price and the pretty cover. I read the blurb and the first page, finding myself intrigued.

This novel was very interesting due to the writing style. Split between two points of view, each new section (chapter) alternates between two main characters- Daniel and Alice.  At the start of each section is a list from one to ten, which offers more plot details as well as background information. I really liked this, as it was unique and I found myself looking forward to it a lot when reading.

However the overall plot isn’t great, this book does have an interesting storyline. This story is basic, but I did expect it to pick up- but, to be honest, it didn’t. Half way in, you know the main plot climax, so when it comes you’ve expected it and it feels like its lead to nothing.

The plot touches on the topics of love, commitment, parenting and trust, as well as the idea that some things are better unsaid. One of the main characters, Daniel, is written as a homeless man- which I found enlightening to read about. Butler really explores the life of a person living on the streets and shows a relatable side of Daniel that many people may not see, for they’ve stereotyped him as a ‘tramp’.

I would recommend the book if you’re looking for something different to read, or want to read a book that doesn’t stick to normal genre themes. I would give it only two out of five because I did find the story dull and boring at times.

Want to give it a try? Buy it here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ten-Things-Learnt-About-Love/dp/1447222504/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid for £5.71.

Have you read it? What did you think? Leave recommendations/ requests in the comments below,

Book Review: Paper Towns by John Green

Hey it’d time for this months book review, and this month it is John Green’s ‘Paper Towns’. I decided to read this because I am really liking John Green’s writing, and my sister recommended it. I am also hoping to read some more John Green in the future.

Paper Towns is a very different book. It meddles in the genres of romance, detectives and action. It tells the story from the view of ‘Q’ or ‘Quentin’, a boy, and is all about the disappearance of one of his friends ‘Margo’. Margo leaves clues, of her location, that he must piece together, but in this journey Quentin must also discover who the real Margo is.

The story twists and turns and you really understand the emotions of Quentin. He is on the verge of a breakthrough but, at the same point, he is also contemplating giving up.

Overall I liked this book but I didn’t really love it. I don’t think it compares to the Fault in out Stars, or Looking for Alaska, as I found it took a while to pick up and bored me at times. Therefore, it took me longer to read and didn’t grasp at my imagination. I would still say the book is written well but the style of Quentin’s view is a little dull.

Paper Towns is split into three sections and the first and last are defiantly the best. I read the last section in just a day, as the plot really takes off and encourages you to read on.

I would say Paper Towns is great for John Green fans or teens, especially if your looking for something that isn’t just the same old romance or a novel predictable to it’s genre.

To buy Paper Towns, go to http://www.amazon.co.uk/Paper-Towns-John-Green/dp/140884818X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405186317&sr=8-1&keywords=paper+towns+john+green.

Sadly this review was short but sweet, as I didn’t really have a lot to say about it. Have you read Paper Towns, if so what did you think? Comment down below and have a great summery week,

Looking for Alaska

So in the month of May, I decided to read ‘Looking For Alaska’ by ‘John Green’. I chose this book because, one, it is written by ‘John Green’, author or the Fault in our Stars and incredible writer, and, two, it looks like a beautiful book. I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, by my copy of Looking For Alaska is so pretty that I guessed the book must be pretty incredible too.

Looking For Alaska is a story written in the eyes of Miles, a boy from Florida. When he decides he is moving to a boarding school, he does not know what to expect. In Looking For Alaska we see Miles build a new life and deal with its highs and lows. This book makes you think about deep subjects, whilst still being funny and lighthearted.

Looking For Alaska has confused me. I normally say I like –this book- because… or I liked the subject of –this book- because it made me think of… but with Looking For Alaska, I really don’t know.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Although I've read John Green before, this being his debut book, it still seemed different. The book isn’t written in chapter, nor is it not separated. This book just seemed fresh and interesting, whilst the topic was something I haven’t really read before.

Looking For Alaska, much like ‘The Perks of being a Wallflower’, seems to me as a good book for teens, as it approaches the subject of growing up and finding your way in life. I often have thoughts about what we do and why we do it, what really is the point, and I think this book shows you how Miles finds his.

This book is not an easy read. It can be quite tricky to really think about the deep ideas that the characters suggest. It is not an easy romance, boy get girl and everyone is happy, yet it touches on the point of love. It is not a story filled with hopelessness, yet at points, it seems, each character contemplates it. So really, Looking For Alaska is a novel about many things- and I don’t think that’s a bad thing.

Looking For Alaska reminded me of real life, to be honest. It was written so well that I felt the feelings and understood how important emotions, such as lose, can impact a persons personality so much. How it can change their long-term views, short term views and the relationships with friends and family.

Overall I really like this book and I would recommend it. It is defiantly a teen book and is not suited for anyone younger than this age, but it could suit older readers. The book is written differently in my opinion, to many other books, so may also suit people who don’t read much. I give this book 4/5 stars and it has defiantly earnt its place on my bookshelf.

Have you read Looking For Alaska? Do you have any book recommendations or reviews? Please share in the comments below! Thank you, as always,

Empties #1

Hey everyone,

Well June is here already and I can’t believe it, summer is just around the corner now. This month I will be posting a lot of holiday themed blog posts, but if there is anything other you would like, just comment down below.

So this post is my very first ‘empties’. If you are unfamiliar with these posts/ videos, this is where I show you some products I have used up and my final thoughts on them!

To start I have a candle. I really loved this candle when I first purchased it, as it smelt gorgeous- in a vanilla scent. After using it several times, I have found that the scent isn’t strong enough for my as it doesn’t linger 

after I have stopped burning it. I purchased this candle for £4.99 at a Homesense store.

The next product is a shampoo and conditioner I have used all of this month. It is from ‘Herbal Essences’ and is the ‘beautiful ends’ formula. This shampoo/conditioner is meant to target split ends and is for ‘mid to long hair’. I had mixed thoughts with this product. I thought it did have an effect on my hair, especially in the first few uses, but after a while I found my hair to often be a little too straw-like. I have dry and often frizzy hair, and this shampoo didn’t really help. Another point is that the products are meant to smell of raspberry, but the scent was barely there. Buy theme here: http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=266326743 , each for £3.79.

Next is a hairspray. I don’t use hairspray very often, so I normally buy cheaper/ drugstore hairsprays that last my months. This hairspray was the basic ‘Tesco, Everyday Value- Hair spray’. This is an average hairspray. It holds well, but isn’t good for long-lasting use. I also found my hair went dry and sticky and hard with this. I can’t knock it for the price really though, costing me only 37p. Buy it here: http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=255934247

Next is the ‘Soap & Glory, Righteous Butter’. This is a really lovely body butter made with shea butter and aloe vera. I really loved this, because unlike the Body Shop Body Butters, this is a less solid butter and I find it easier to use. It’s got a clean fresh scent and is great to message into your skin. This butter has lasted me ages as well, so for the price is lasts months. You can buy it here: http://www.soapandglory.com/the-righteous-body-butter for £10.50, although it is cheaper in other stores or online.

This next set of products is a non-beauty related one. I am a very organised persona and love to colour code things, therefore I often write a lot in colour. These are my favourite ink fine point pens, and they are from ‘v-point’. The full name of them is ‘Pilot V5 Hi-Tecpoint Rollerball Pen Extra-Fine’. You can buy these in the normal colours- black, blue and red, but what I really like I the fact that the can come in pink, purple and light blue. I use these for school work or just generally keeping notes about anything. They write like any other ink pen, and the fine poing means you can also use them for outlining or art. They aren’t cheap, but they have lasted many months for me. Buy them here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pilot-Roller-Ball-Pen-Turquoise/dp/B008LUQSR0/ref=pd_sim_office_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=0XQ0TECVCNZ34FJQ93NQ for £7.49

 

This next product is one of my favourite ever nail products. It is the ‘BarryM, Basecoat, hardener and topcoat’. This product adds a extra level of shine on your nail polish, makes it last longer and strengthens your nails in the long run. I use this all the time, either on top of a colour or on my plain nails (for school). This product lasts a long time, but as soon as I’m out- I have to repurchase! It is available here: http://www.barrym.com/products/nails/care/all-in-one-nail-paint.html for the normal ‘BarryM’ price of £2.99/.

 

The penultimate emptied product is one I use all the time, but I don’t think I’ve really talked about before. This is the ‘VO5, curl defining moose’ which is part of the ‘smoothly does it’ range. I use this product every time I wash my hair, and it works to hold my curls and keep them from dropping too much. I have used this for months and really depend on it. Lately though I have been becoming un-impressed by it’s effect. As I have been growing my hair longer, my curls are dropping because of their weight. If you have any tips or products for curly hair, please let me know down below! Buy the ‘curl defining moose’ here: http://www.boots.com/en/VO5-Smoothly-Does-It-Curl-Defining-Mousse-200ml_924238/ for just £3.79 now!

                               

The final product is the ‘Boots, cleansing and toning wipes’ from the ‘tea tree and witch-hazel’ range. I use these as an initial make-up wipe or to clean my skin. They are great for if you are quickly cleaning your skin but I also find they work well at getting make-up of. I use just one every night, to remove any make up. They also managed to get of the ‘They’re real’ mascara from Benefit, which I was very impressed buy. I love this range so much for easy, drugstore skincare. Buy them here: http://www.boots.com/en/Boots-Tea-Tree-and-Witch-Hazel-Cleansing-Wipes-25s_1213600/ for £3.39.

 

So that’s all, did you enjoy this type of post? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, have a lovely June day,

Book review: Insurgent + Allegiant by Veronica Roth

It’s time for the next book review of the month, and this is what I read in April, along with Divergent review that I already posted. Read that here: http://mydaisychaincloset.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/book-review-divergent-by-veronica-roth.html .

So after I read Divergent, I had to read Insurgent. Unlike the Hunger Games, when I read the first book I had to read on. I was sad after the first book and didn’t want the second book to be a let down and it wasn’t.

When reading Insurgent, by Veronica Roth, the original book began to feel so simple and basic, as the second book is a little more complicated.

Insurgent was such a good read, and again I had to force myself to obey limited reading rules and force myself to put the book down. There are so many emotions in this book; grief, anger, nerves, confusion and happiness, just some of them. This means you stay hooked, and even with a more complicated storyline, you will be absorbed.

One thing this book is filled of it plot twists. Throughout the book the plot will suddenly change and leave you guessing what will be it’s future. Veronica Roth is such an amazing writer, and uses plot twists to leave you constantly surprised anf shocked! This is a brilliant ability that she implicates in every page, and I would bet that no-one at any point in this book could guess its end!

If you haven’t yet read Divergent, PLEASE DO, as I’m sure you will love it. Don’t be scared by the fact it is a trilogy, and don’t be put off of you have already watched the film- this book is incredible and is the next big thing, so don’t miss out!

Please tell me down bellow what you think of my review, and any thoughts you have of Insurgent!

I also have read Allegiant, by Veronica Roth, the final book. This does not have the same gripping plotline as the others but holds the same, if not more, deeply moving ideas and words that feel so important to the way we live. The ending if unpredictable and although I have never cried at a book, I have never been so emotionally touched- to the point that I was nearly shaking. I loved this book, and the whole series, as I think it has taught me important lessons and has provoked thoughts that let me see this world in different eyes. Life is valuable, and through all obstacles we must find a way to be brave- to show the dauntless in ourselves.

I have great respect for Veronica Roth, she has bravery and knowledge, honesty, peacefulness and selflessness as well as every other possible aptitude. She has put a powerful story into the world, a touching romance but also deeply moving ideas and important life messages. She not relise that, in the hype her books are getting (which they do diserve), that they matter to the people that read them. I hope one day she can feel my gratefulness, as she is an incredible woman.

Please read the Divergent series, it is the best book and series of books I have ever read. It gives you fantasy and love, romance and guidance, and so many more things. It is a wonderful book.

Thank you,