50 Bookish Questions Tag

This Blog took forever.... I present the 50 Bookish Questions Tag.

1. What was the last book you read?  The last book I read was The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli.

2. Was it a good one? It was so good! I loved it all.

3. What made it good? Characterisations of the main characters were fantastically written.

4. Would you recommend it to other people? Yes! Brilliant Novel.

5. How often do you read? Well, it dependson how I feel that day! I can either be in a reading mood or I just want to lie there and do nothing. I try at least 3/7 days of the week. I'm a fast reader you see.

6. Do you like to read? Yes! I find it really relaxing especially during stressful situations like exams etc.

7. What was the last bad book you read? Delerium by Lauren Oliver!!!

8. What made you dislike it? The Plot was not for me! The characters were weak and I lost interest pretty quickly.

9. Do you wish to be a writer? I don't think I have the patience and I am not creative enough...

10. Has any book ever influenced you greatly? I would probably say The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson. This influenced me to make this blog as it restarted my love of reading.

 11. Do you read fan fiction? No. Definitely not for me.

12. Do you write fan fiction? Yeh... no.

13. What’s your favourite book? It's hard to choose tbh. The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson is a front runner in this question. Other favourites are Replica by Lauren Oliver and If I was your Girl by Meredith Russo.

14. What’s your least favourite book? Oh god. Delerium by Lauren Oliver is coming to mind but also the Wicked Book by Gregory Maguire. I wanted to love it as I love the Wicked Musical but omg no.

15. Do you prefer physical books or ready on a device? Physical books by far! I love collecting covers and just love holding a book. 

16. When did you learn to read? I don't know. Probably 5 or 6.

17. What is your favourite book you had to read in school? I actually only recall a few. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas was a great but heart breaking book and it made me appreciate the authors writing skills.

18. What is your favourite book series? Divergent Series by Veronica Roth.

19. Who is your favourite author? Right now... Lisa Williamson or Juno Dawson.

20. What is your favourite genre? Young Adult or General Fiction.

21. Who is your favourite character in a book series? Oh jesus. This is a competition between Katniss from Hunger Games or Four from Divergent. Both very impactful characters.

22. Has a book ever transported you somewhere else? I don't know why but I always read books as if I am present.

23. Which book do you wish had a sequel? Again. The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson.

24. Which book do you wish DIDN’T have a sequel? I like to read what happens next but Mockingjay wasted the Hunger Games for me. Boring.

25. How long does it take you to read a book? From a Day to a week.

26. Do you like when books become movies? If it's done well, yes. Divergent just needed more. Hunger Games were good. Nerve by Jeanne Ryan was fantastic but I hate when they change the story.

27. Which book was ruined by its movie adaptation? I feel like the Divergent series Movies wasted how great the books were and that saddens me.

28. Which movie has done a book justice?  Nerve!

29. Do you read newspapers? No, Politics bores me. Fake stories bore me. Newspapers bore me.

30. Do you read magazines? No. Fake Fake Fake.

31. Do you prefer newspapers or magazines? I would have to pick Newspapers.

32. Do you read while in bed? Yes. I fall asleep within 10 minutes but yes.

33. Do you read while on the toilet? No...

34. Do you read while in the car? No. That's migraine hell.

35. Do you read while in the bath? I do. I have dropped many in the bath however aha.

36. Are you a fast reader? Yes.

37. Are you a slow reader? If a book is boring. Yes.

38. Where is your favourite place to read? Trains or On holiday lying at the pool.

39. Is it hard for you to concentrate when you read? No. I get into books quite fast.

40. Do you need a room to be silent while you read? No! I need some Lana Del Rey on or a vinyl playing.

41. Who gave you your love for reading? My mum. Bought me many books when I was young and continues to buy me books today.

42. What book is next on your list to read? I’m currently reading Am I Normal Yet by Holly Bourne. I Plan to move onto I See London. I See France by Sarah Mlynowski next!

43. When did you start to read chapter books? Probably Primary school so 8/9 years old.

44. Who is your favourite children’s book author? As a Early Education Student... I think Julia Donaldson is fabulous for younger readers.

45. Which author would you most want to interview? Lisa Williamson!!

46. Which author do you think you’d be friends with? Lisa Williamson, Juno Dawson, Holly Bourne etc. They seem really nice! 

47. What book have you reread the most? Divergent by Veronica Roth

48. Which books do you consider ‘classics’? The ones under classics in Waterstones.....

49. Which books do you think should be taught in every school? I think Classics should be taught in schools. It lets you see a history of writing! I also think books about current situations would be benefitted in schools.

50. Which books should be banned from all schools? None! Books are all masterpieces.

An eternity later and I finished. My answers became progressively worse!

Holiday Reads 2017

For the first 2 weeks of July, I went with my family on a cruise around Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar and I stayed at a hotel in Majorca. This was pure relaxation and I finally got to let go of all the stress I had from the previous weeks of work and study and pick up a good book... or maybe 10. Yes you read that correct! The boy who takes about 2 weeks to read a novel, managed to read 10 whole books while on holiday. All my reviews can be found on Goodreads! 

So where do I begin? The night we stayed in Leeds before heading to the airport at 4am. I started with 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher. I decided to pick this one up as I watched the Netflix Original and was engrossed in the story. This novel was so intense and made me want to continue reading. It does face a delicate topic and I think Asher conveyed the theme well and carefully.

My Rating: ★★★★

Next, while on the plane and at the pool, I conquered Wilde Like Me by Louise Pentland. I found the paperback of this book in the airport and was so excited as my hardback did not arrive in time! This follows make up artsist Robin Wilde, a single mother who is working her ass off to achieve further promotions and to be noticed by her boss for her incredible skills. She also is looking for a man in her life and we see her relationships throughout the story. I was hooked! A fantastic book.

My Rating: ★★★★★ 

For my 3rd Novel, I read Everything Everything by YA Author Nicola Yoon. This is possibly one of my fastest reads... ever. I read this beauty in 4 hours. I don't want to waste this at all so I will just say, a story with a very unique character who goes on such a heart-breaking adventure of trust and romance.

My Rating: ★★★★★

I then moved on to Delirium by Lauren Oliver. I went in with high hopes of a new dystopian addiction but was left in disappointment. This was so confusing and I partially rated it low just because I didnt understand what was going on. This may appeal to others but wasnt for me.

My Rating: ★★

The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord was my next pick. This was clearly a cover buy as it has the most beautiful colours and it worked as it made me NEED to read it. The book focuses on Lucy whos mother has cancer and is asked to be a camp counceller at a camp which helps the young who have faced terrible situations such as family loss, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. I was hooked on this book as the plot was fantsastic and I fell in love with every character.

My Rating ★★★★

Countless by Karen Gregory was my next choice. This has been one of my most anticipated reads of 2017 and I definetly wasn't left disappointed. This was such a heartbreaking book which made me feel all emotions. I was heartbroken for the character of Hedda and I feel like her story is a good example to all YA readers who may have the same problem. I liked the way the author gave a name to the eating disorder as I felt like it gave a better view on how hard it is to deal with not being able to eat as your head tells you no. I need to know what happens next!!! A great Debut Novel!

My Rating: ★★★★

The 7th Novel of my holiday was Flight of a Starling by Lisa Heathfield. A book which is conveyed by 2 characters, Rita and Lo, who are sisters who travel with the circus. This book focuses on the topic of marriage withen the circus community but Lo doesnt want this. It was alright to an extent, I felt the heart break but i just felt like details were lacking and at times I was rather bored. 

My Rating: ★★★

Okay, so by this point... I ran out of books. Soooooo I actually used my kindle for the first time in a while. I purchased Release by Patrick Ness as I had seen it all over goodreads. This book follows Gay teenager Adam and his relationships. He has a best friend called Angela and she is just fabulous. The plot just wasn't enough for me and it just lacked something. However, I did still enjoy it.

My Rating: ★★★

Never did imagine a 9th book on these holidays! I chose We Are All Made Of Molecules by Susin Neilson as it has been on my tbr since May 11th 2016.  I don't know why I waited so long to read such an amazing novel. I fell in love with both our main characters, Stewart and Ashley, whos parents move in together as Stewarts Mum has passed and Ashley's Dad has came out as gay. So their parents have reached the stage in their relationship where they thought it was good idea to join the families. You'll need to read to find out.

My Rating: ★★★★

The final novel of the holidays was The Upside of Unrequited by becky Arbertelli. I was recommended this by a friend and I luckily recieved an arc by NetGalley. I loved the characters of Molly and Reid and I love their relationship. I actually really enjoyed this novel. Th eplot was easy to follow and the start of the book made you want to continue reading! An fantastic novel!

My Rating: ★★★★

I would say this was a successful trip as its helped me to get back on track in my 2017 Reading Challenge! Please go like and follow my instagram @anewchapter__ and I'll hopefully begin writing more frequently soon.

Lust For Life Album Review

Lust for Life

Lana Del Rey

★★★★★

Lana Del Rey is possibly my favourite singer and I love all 4 Studio Albums in which she has produced! Now it is time for a live reaction to Album 5 - Lust ForLifee.

I have waited months for this album and the lead up with 5 strong singles had me go into excitement overload. I am just going to give my take on the album and talk about how I feel.

Love - A powerful song with strong vocals. Lana lets us realise the effects of the new age on the young and how powerful music, media and current problems are.

Lust for Life - Firstly, the song should have been given more praise at its initial release! I love the blend of Lana and The Weeknds voices and harmonies are perfect. A great title track.

13 Beaches - I like this one too, the high notes on the chorus are to die for! A song about not dealing with a man who won't give her attention. Also loved the start of this song. 

Cherry - Harmonies are beautiful! Another song with such powerful lyrics! A song about breaking down and her life is falling to pieces when she is with her man. Okay, I wasn't prepared when this high note just popped out of nowhere. 

White Mustang - This has a nice vibe to it and once again those snippets of her voice going higher makes me so happy. Another gorgeous song.

Summer Bummer - This is an amazing Collaboration and I love the beat! I also am in love with Lana's book up to the chorus. I  really enjoy the rap mix in this song. It fits so well. 

Groupie Love - Out of the 5 singles released, this has to be my favourite! Again I am loving the hook, especially how each line leads to that higher note. Also, the last chorus when A$AP Rocky joins is perfection. I also love the lyrics to the song. 

In my feelings - She's singing fast at sections and she's doing it so well. This is also another song where we hear her strong high vocals but I also feel like this is showing a raw side to Lana's voice at particular sections. 

Coachella - Woodstock on my mind - This was such an under appreciated song! The lyrics are powerful and her vocals are on point. I love the beat of this song and honestly one of my favourites.

God Bless America - And All The Beautiful Women in It. - This song is sending a very powerful message about recent events and just living in the USA. "Take me for what I am" Also the gun shots in the chorus are powerful. The harmonies towards the end of the song are gorgeous. And when she's singing behind the final chorus it fits so well. 

When The World Was At War We Kept Dancing - This is actually giving me throw backs to the born to die Album. I can't deal with the high notes... they are so bloody gorgeous. 

Beautiful People Beautiful Problems (Feat Stevie Nicks) - The combination of these 2 voices is genius! Lanas Harmonies on the hook on Stevies Verse is gorgeous! This song reminds us everyone has problems and we all just need to try and push through them. 

Tomorrow Never Came (Feat Sean Ono Lennon) - I definitely love the vibe to this song. Her vocals are really pretty. I also am loving Sean's verse. His voice is unique just like Lana. This song feels very old school. Omg Lana just came in with the Harmonies over Sean..... this is gorgeous. The bridge before the final chorus... it's brilliant. This could be one of my favourites of the record! 

Heroin - She seems very raw and vulnerable. It basically describes how heroin cures the pain of heartbreak, at the end, it then swaps to medication where I'm guessing she's gone to rehab. Powerful.

 Change - This has actually made me very emotional, it's beautiful. This high bit in the chorus is giving me feels. She's describing all the changes happening around the world and how it can make you scared but they will hopefully be for the better. 

Get Free - A Powerful way to end the Album! I'm loving the beat again. I'm loving the chorus on this one. It's all about being your own person by "coming out of the black, into the blue". Possibly my favourite off the record. This did not disappoint. 

As I am writing this, I have just finished listening to the album for the first time. That was amazing. Possibly one of the best albums of the year so far and out of all my favourite artists, I felt like Lana finally gave me a record that I was needing. I was not disappointed as there was not one record that I disliked. It was a powerful album and it was just beautiful. I loved all the collaborations on this and honestly, she has outdone herself. I've woken up to see she's #1 in 50 countries... the UK pissing me off as Now 97 is #1 and Lana is #2! 

My vinyl doesn't arrive until September so Spotify will just have to deal with me constantly playing songs over and over again. 

A great album Lana and thank you for blessing my ears... again!