TBR list: #tometopple readathon

I've never taken part in a readathon before as I always seem to miss the beginning of them, but this time, it's happening. Whilst perusing my Twitter feed today I saw lots of people hash tagging #tometopple - so naturally I was intrigued by this. After some investigation, I discovered that this has been set up by Samantha from Thoughts On Tomes (you should totally check out her blog, FYI).

As those of you who read regularly are probably aware, this is the year I've really been able to get back into reading again after finishing my degree. But, whilst I've been working my way towards my goodreads challenge target of reading a measly 15 books this year (I know I know, it's very low!), I've been ignoring the bigger books on my TBR list as I'm simply intimidated by the sheer size of them. I'm hoping that by taking part in this readathon, I'll be able to knock at least one of these on the head. Bring it!

The readathon will take place from 5 June until 19 June and challenges us to read a 500+ page book. So in the meantime, I've put together a TBR list. I think it's a bit ambitious for me to read more than one, but as I'm trying to be more of a glass-half-full kinda gal, I've picked three.

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

745 pages

Lord of the Rings trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkein

1244 pages

Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackery

768 pages

I really can't choose which to read first, so if you've read any let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear if you're getting involved in #tometopple too. As always, I will review whichever I read, and all will be read... eventually!

Thanks for reading x

Review: Dubliners by James Joyce

Yes, that's right. I'm finally biting the bullet and dipping my toe into the world of James Joyce. I've been warned many a time not to bother reading the likes of Ulysses and A Portrait of the artist as a young man... but I like a challenge. And, chances are, if someone tells me not to do something, I'm probably going to go ahead and do it anyway, especially when it comes to reading! I decided that Dubliners, which has been sat on my shelf since it was a possible A level text, would be a great introduction to Joyce given that it's fairly slim, with only 250 pages to get through.

I began reading this when I had a couple of hours spare on a train and managed to get through 50 pages. I despise starting a new book on public transport because my attention span can be incredibly poor in busy environments, but I gave it a go. As suspected, I didn't get into it, failed to grasp the point of the text, and was confused as to why - four chapters in - I hadn't crossed the same character twice. It wasn't until I got home and picked it up again a couple of days later that I realised it was a collection of short stories... which makes so much more sense!

As someone who never reads short stories (apart from Tales of Beadle the Bard, of course) I found the structure of the collection quite difficult to get my head around. I found that the stories never felt finished, and that I never knew the ending, or fully understood the messaging. After a bit of investigation, I discovered that this was Joyce's intention. The protagonists of the collection are a range of adults and children who stand on the edge of middle-class society. The short stories were intended for the inhabitants of Ireland in the early 1900s to see themselves, and the problems of the lives they were living. An observational piece, Dubliners creates a cynical, and quite negative, snapshot of Dublin just after the turn of the century, depicting the mundane routine and the desire to escape it.

The stories themselves are beautifully written. The wording is simple but effective, and flows in a way that encourages the reader to feel at one with the ordinary characters featuring throughout. Joyce's narrative style remains detached, as though he was simply sat on a bench describing what he was seeing in Dublin, but not passing judgement himself.

Once I understood the context of Dubliners, I was able to appreciate the value of the collection not just as a selection of short stories, but as a potential historical source. Overall, I think it's a really perceptive piece of fiction that creates an image of life in early twentieth century Ireland. However, I will hold my hands up and admit that I didn't read the last short story as I was a little bored by this point, but I'd read enough of the collection to appreciate it's purpose.

I think I'd like to try some more short stories, so if you've any to recommend, do let me know!

Thanks for reading x

Review: Wild by Cheryl Strayed

My friend was moving to a new flat and was clearing out a load of books to take to a charity shop. I was thrilled when she gave me first pick and I chose two to add to my ever growing 'to read' list - no surprises there! Wild was a book she wasn't getting rid of but, to quote her directly, it's 'just one of those books you need in your life,' so I borrowed it without further questions. I didn't intend to read it straight away, but sometimes these things just happen....

There are so many words I could use to describe Wild - raw, emotional, honest, fierce and beautiful being but a few - though for the most part, the best way I can describe it is as a journey. Not just a literal journey, though on face value it really is the journey of Cheryl Strayed hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. It's a journey on so many other levels; as the cover of this copy states, it's 'A journey from lost to found,' a journey of self discovery, and an emotional journey for the reader from cover to cover.

Cheryl Strayed describes her turbulent start to life; with an abusive father and a caring mother, Strayed and her siblings fled with their mother to begin a new life with barely any money, but a great bond and lot's of love and determination. Despite this, she appreciated her mother and step-dad's efforts to keep their little family together, and even began to study a literature degree. It seemed as though life was just picking up for Strayed when her mother fell ill and died, leaving her degree incomplete. She then lost her way with life, divorced her supportive husband and ended up falling into a self-destructive lifestyle. Her journey on the Pacific Crest Trail was a way out of this, and Wild passionately describes her journey to finding herself.

Strayed is undoubtedly a talented writer and an intelligent woman, and her memoirs unashamedly betray her passion for writing. Throughout the memoir, she reads novels  - both revisiting old favourites and those new to her - and they have a lot of time dedicated to their descriptions, demonstrating how much they give her in terms of comfort and freedom throughout her lonely voyage of self-realisation. At first, I thought this was going to be a little dull - I mean, how exciting can it be reading about someone walking on a trail?! But, I love books about books, and books about writing, so I think that despite the fact I didn't  identify with her journey and struggles, I did connect with her passions, which is why I ended up enjoying reading this as much as I did.

If you're looking for simple, truthful story that is told straight from the heart, I think I've found the one for you. My friend was right; everyone needs this book in their life, no matter what your background because it has so many layers, I'm certain it will speak to each reader on some level.

Thanks for reading x

Tag: Lush upon a time

Lulu over at Lush Upon A Time created a wonderful tag, so we can get to know what others like/love so much about Lush. Thanks to Louise for tagging me in this (ages ago!), you seem to be the font of all Lush knowledge!

What was your first…

1. Lush Bath Bomb?

This was so long ago now! I think it may have been the Little Lush Pud. It was a Christmas one shaped like the most adorable Christmas pudding... funnily enough!

2. Lush Bubble Bar?

The Comforter I think!

3. Lush Massage Bar?

I've never actually tried a massage bar, but they look so intriguing!

4. Lush Kitchen Item?

Ok, confession time. Until I read this tag on Louise's blog, I had never heard of Lush Kitchen. I know, where have I been?! But, now I know it exists I will definitely be checking this out on their website.

5. Lush Shower Gel/Cream?

Happy Hippy - very fresh and perfect for a morning shower.

6. Lush Shower Jelly?

Never used one, I'm not sure if I'd find the texture a bit weird if I'm honest.

7. Lush Fresh Face Mask?

I had a mask of magnaminty absolutely years ago! But I think I'd like to try one now my skin is a little older than 13 and see if they live up to the hype. Maybe this will be my next purchase.

8. Lush Bar of Soap?

I don't really use a bar of soap so I don't think I've ever used one from Lush. 

What is your favourite…

1. Lush store?

Every Lush store I've been in have been similar in size, so I guess I'd say Sheffield as I'm in there at least once a week! I did recently visit the York store which was amazing!

2. Lush Bath Bomb?

I haven't tried any new ones recently, so I think my favourite is still the Dragon's Egg. It's white, with confetti (it dissolves, don't panic!) and an orange centre with gold glitter in. The best bit is the popping candy which is so soothing to listen to whilst relaxing in the bath.

3. Lush Bubble Bar?

The Comforter, no question!

4. Lush Massage Bar?

Never used one!

5. Lush Kitchen Item?

Never used one - I definitely need to up my Lush game by the looks of things.

6. Lush Shower Gel?

Hmm, I didn't really like Snow Fairy at first, but it's definitely a favourite now. I think I'd love the comforter one as well, but I need to try it first just to be sure.

7. Lush Shower Jelly?

Never used one!

8. Lush Fresh Face Mask?

Can I say Mask of Magnaminty even though I used it about 10 years ago?

9. What Lush products would you like to see come back/haven’t had a chance to try yet?

There are so many I haven't tried yet! I'd love to try the Frozen one, and I'd also like to try a fresh face mask to see what all the fuss is about.

So it's become quite apparent that I really need to spend more time getting to know a variety of Lush products instead of going for what I know all the time. I'm not going to tag anyone, but if you do have a go at this, give me a shout so I can get some ideas... any reccommendations for Lush products will be welcomed. And who knows, I might even get enough for a haul!

Thanks for reading x 

Review: Chocolate Wishes by Trisha Ashley

Chocolate Wishes by Trisha Ashley

Trisha Ashley is an author I've never heard of before, but if you enjoy the likes of Sophie Kinsella, you're bound to get along just fine. If you're looking for an easy read, with a simple plot that doesn't require any painful thinking, then this could be what you're after.

Chocolate Wishes tells of a group of three companions who are all single, and have all been friends since they were very young as a result of their deranged mother's close friendship. The protagonist, named Chloe, is a confectioner who raises her gothic younger brother when her mother supposedly dies. They live with their grandfather, a warlock, and believes he is a great magician. Chloe is bitten by her past on more than one occasion in her search for love after she moves to the village of Sticklepond; but is she successful on her quest for romance?

The plot moves a little slow for my liking, and didn't really engage my curiosity. Undoubtedly, it's a nice, easy read that allows you to really get to know the characters almost as friends. From taking a drink with them at the local coffee house to searching the lonely hearts ads, Ashley has really given thought to the backgrounds of the characters, which results in them being very real and personable. 

If you're looking for a comforting novel to cosy up with on a rainy afternoon, you won't go far wrong with this one. Though not challenging in either thought or structure, it does everything you need a chick lit novel to do.

Do you enjoy reading a chick lit to a classic? Or is it sometimes nice to have a balance?

Thanks for reading x

Review: Jamaica Inn

I've had an extremely long love affair with Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca, which I read when I was around the age of 16 . I distinctly remember reading the novel in three days (or thereabouts) whilst nestled in a cosy log cabin in The Lake District one rainy summer as I just couldn't bear to part with it before I'd reached the end.

Not long after this, I visited Barter Books in Northumberland; coincidently, this is my favourite book shop in the world, but that's a whole other post! Because I'd loved Rebecca so much I picked up every Du Maurier book I could lay my little hands on, along with countless other purchases.

Fast forward several years....

At the end of 2015 I picked up Jamaica Inn from my bookshelf and finally settled down to read. It's the first novel I've read in a long time that inspired me to write an essay not dissimilar to those I would've done at uni, and to want to share my thoughts on it with everyone who will listen. So, basically, that's what I'm doing here.

Jamaica Inn is an incredible novel. With the same gothic feel of Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea, this enchanting tale tells of how Mary Yellen adapts to living with her Aunt and Uncle on the remote moors in Cornwall following the death of her mother. A feisty, brave young character, she discovers that trouble is afoot at Jamaica Inn, and sets out to discover for herself why travellers no longer stop at the once very popular resting place. Her controlling Uncle bullies her and her Aunt into secrecy over his wrongdoings, but fails to remember that Mary is very strong willed and determined to discover the truth.

As with any good classic novel, this one covers  religion, morality, feminism, romance and offers a historical context to a contemporary reader. However, there were a few comments from Mary herself that contradicted the feminist nature of her character, which I'm assuming is a sign of the time of writing.

People often shy away from reading classic books as they assume they'll be challenging and boring, but I rarely read a modern book more compelling or well written than any by Du Maurier.

Have you read Jamaica Inn? Anyone else love Du Maurier's work as much as I do?

Thanks for reading x

The 'Lost in a book' tag

I first saw this post on Aisling's Beauty Bytes and decided that it would be a great one to get myself back into blogging with. I love posting a tag from time to time - even if it is one I've decided to take part in without being tagged in! Hope you find it interesting.

Do you have a certain place at home for reading?
No. I just like to feel really comfy and chilled out when I read, so as long as I can do that I'll read anywhere. Of course, reading in bed is what most of us bookworms would deem a perfect reading haven, but anywhere where I can get cosy in my comfiest clothes and lose myself for a few hours will do. One day, it's my dream to create a reading nook in my home - my Pinterest account even has a board dedicated to this! A girl can dream.

Bookmark or random piece of paper?

Ideally a bookmark. There's just something about laying a proper bookmark between the pages of a beloved novel which just makes the reading experience complete. However, I would absolutely use a random piece of paper if it meant that I could save the corners of the pages from being folded over. That's just not ok!

Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop at a chapter?

I tend to stop reading anywhere to be honest. If it's a really compelling book, I might plough on until I reach the end of a chapter, but I'd rather stop reading in the middle of a chapter if I'm finding it a chore to read and start afresh next time.

Do you eat or drink whilst reading?

I don't really eat whilst reading, but it's rare that you'll find me without a cup of tea!

E-reader or real book?

Until a few years ago, I would undoubtedly have argued that real books would be the only way to get my attention. But then I bought a Kindle and fell in love with e-readers. I still prefer to have my favourite novels and a lot of the classics in real book form, but anything I'm not bothered about keeping hold of, or displaying on my bookshelf, I'm ok with reading electronically. A lot of books are actually cheaper to buy this way, and I've now become so used to using my e-reader that I find it a chore to prop open a real book with two hands nowadays! Oh, the struggles.

Music or TV while reading?

Most of the time I prefer it to be quiet - the less distractions, the better to concentrate.

One book at a time or several at once?

I'd love to say I only read one book at a time - and most of the time that's true. But sometimes there's just the need to be reading several at once, isn't there? For example, if you get bored of one book and need a break from it, or if you're reading a huge fantasy book (I'm looking at YOU, Game of Thrones!) and fancy reading an autobiography. Sometimes it just has to be done.

Reading at home or everywhere?

Everywhere!

Reading aloud or silently in your head?

I used to pretend to one of my sixth form tutors that I had a perpetual sore throat so I didn't have to read out loud. I think that should give you my answer.

Fiction or non-fiction?

Fiction - unless it's an autobiography, and then I just can't help myself but be nosy.

Do you read ahead or skip pages?

I try not to most of the time...

Break the spine or keep a book like new?

Break the spine! It's a sign of a well loved book, after all.

Do you write in your books? 

Not any more. I tried to as I was told by many people that it would help me whilst at uni, but I just couldn't escape the thought that I was defacing a piece of art, and a copy of someone's work.

Your favourite book?

I was dreading having to answer this question as there are so many! I love Jane Eyre. I think it was one of the first classic novels I read, and I've now reread this many a time. It encapsulates everything I love about literature in one novel. It probably won't surprise you to hear that I love everything Daphne Du Maurier as well. I'm a bit of a traditionalist at heart, but I also have a lot of time for the likes of Harry Potter! 

So there we are! I don't want to tag anyone in this as I think it's a nice one to discover for yourself, but do let me know if you decide to do this as I'd love to have a read. 

Thanks for reading x