A Dedication to Holly Bourne

It's not often that I get attached to an authors work and manage to read most or all of their collection!

Holly Bourne is an author of both YA and Adult fiction who is one of the reasons that I am an avid reader these days. With exciting plots and well expressed characters, she really put me into a reading mood. She writes about important and sensitive topics and express' her true feelings in a smart and sophisticated way. I adore her.

Let's go into a bit of depth about some of her novels that I have really enjoyed.

The Spinster Club Series

The Spinster Club books changed my life. These made me want to continue reading and explore all the YA Fiction I could find. This series has relatable characters who individually have their own storylines and each explores a different issue... problem... plot! 

You begin with Am I Normal Yet where we focus on Evie who is my favourite character in all the books and she has OCD. 

It was written perfectly and really let you see how mental health can affect young adults lives! 

This book explores her relationships and health, it is fantastic.

You then have the second book How Hard Can Love Be? based on Amber who is an angry character, she goes to camp in America and he summer is turned around when she meets some friends and creates new relationships. This book definitely has a focus on separated families and again was written perfectly.

Her third book in the series, What's a Girl Gotta Do? focus's on the life of Lottie who starts a project surrounding feminism. This book gives a great view of equality but also educates readers into the world of feminism. Another great book!

There is also the spin off at the end of the series surrounding a new year party called ...And A Happy New Year. This is our final glance at the 3 girls lives and it makes me really sad that we might never hear from these characters again! Holly if you read this... write more on this trio please!

The Manifesto On How To Be Interesting

This book surrounds the struggles of teenagers who believe that they are not interesting and it was actually a great read to see how the younger generation feel. The main character Bree showcases the struggles as she goes through.a process on becoming someone who isn't. This was so interesting to read and see how people really do change due to the pressure of society. Bree encounters some problems along the way and I really recommend this book for anyone. So So So Good!

How Do You Like Me Now?

Bourne's first Adult fiction book was the perfect adult debut. Our main character Tori is completely relatable and showcases what adult life is really like. This book surrounds difficult relationships and how being an adult can really suck at times. I have to commend Bourne on her comedy... I laughed the entire book but my favourite moment surrounds a caterpillar cake... you'll understand when you find it!

Are We All Lemming And Snowflakes?

I debated writing about this book as one of my last blogs is a full review but it is one of my favourites so I cannot resist. This is an important novel. Bourne looks at mental health and the stigma surrounding it. She proves that Kindness is Contagious and that mental health doesn't define a person.

This book takes place in a summer camp which is set up for those who need to have a break from their situations at home and try to learn how to cope with their individual issues. We meet Olive who is undiagnosed and thinks she can work out how to get away from her mental health as she doesn't want to be labeled. This book is amazing and incredibly important for the young.

Other Books

Bourne has many other books and collaborations which are also equally enjoyable.

These are Soulmates, It Only Happens In The Movies, Floored and I'll Be Home For Christmas.

I love Holly Bournes novels and I cannot wait to see what she will produce next!

I already know that I will love it!

Thanks for Reading Today!

Ross

Back to Where It All Began!

In September 2015, I created a little blog where I went as Rossie J... how cringe! This was in the same caravan park that I am staying in this weekend! Now back in 2015 when I was here, I was still in school and talked a lot of crap! I had blogs about my obsession with Jessie J (still am ahah) and my top tens. There was blogs about games, youtube and lots and lots of tags. I also loved a good bit of drama back in the day... if you couldn't tell, these have all been drafted and you can no longer see them... thank god. These were terrible and each had an edited photo I had created which we so dramatic. 

I guess I am just writing this blog as it has developed so much over time! It feels so weird being back here knowing that this is where my life changed slightly and where I created my platform to speak openly about topics that I would never be able to tell face to face. Never had I imagined that I would speak openly about my anxiety and life difficulties.. I certainly didn't know how stressed I would feel! It so deja vu... I accidentally drove to the wrong caravan last night and ended up parked outside that caravan in 2015. So weird!

I Just would like to thank those who still read my blogs to this day as I appreciate it greatly! I know I am not a big blogger and that I don't have many followers, however, I am proud of the content I have created and will continue talking about my life, books and other fun things in the future.

Thanks for Reading Today! or should I say "This is Rossie J signing out"... nah I'll stick with the current sign off...

Thanks for Reading Today!

Ross

Are We All Lemmings and Snowflakes Review

For the YA Bookclub of the Wilde Readers group on facebook run by Louise Pentland, It was decided that we were reading Are We All Lemmings and Snowflakes by Holly Bourne. This books looks at the stigma of mental health and lets us explore characters of different mentak disorders. 

The book focuses around the very likeable character of Olive. She is an undiagnosed teenager who has worried parents with her mood swings and emotions. She is given the opportunity to go to a centre which will help her find solutions to her problems and talk about her health for a period of 4 weeks. Within this centre we meet friends, lovers and frenemies who also are all very likeable characters... well sort of? (Read and Find Out!)

Now, I am quite funny with books surrounding this topic as they make me quite anxious as its a topic I sometimes feel uncomfortable reading about especially because of recent anxiety and panic attacks etc. Bourne talked about this subject perfectly and I admire her passion. 

My one thing that I was unsure about however was the bittersweet ending... (again, read it as I am not spoiling) I feel like I needed more and I am hoping for a sequel! Holly if you ever read this... please do a sequel. I loved her spinster club series so I would love to see a continuation of this. 

Final Thoughts.... so many final thoughts. I love the characters, the story but most importantly the message that this book presents to the wider audience that read it. I felt almost comforted by this novel as it allows you to feel not singled out and that others face problems too. This could possibly be my favourite book by Bourne ( It's tied with the second spinster club book!) and I cannot wait to continue the great work she produces.

This book has earned 5 Stars from me and I totally recommend it.

★★★★★

Thanks for Reading Today! 

Ross

Anxiety Updates: September 2018

Anxiety is a topic, I like to openly discuss here on the blog as its one of the ways that I cope with the issues that it brings me. This month, my anxiety has been quite high! I started uni, met new friends, changed hours at work and also there has been a lot of arguments at home. 

Lets start with Uni and New Friends. My anxiety the first week of Uni was horrible and resulted in a panic attack on the Thursday. I was so upset and angry at myself for not making any new friends because I was too nervous to talk to anyone. This made me want to quit uni and not return as I could not face 4 years of this feeling, however, the Friday was a godsend. I have a mentoring family and its where I have met one of my best friends Chloe. She is super nice and thankfully accepted me into her group. They are all really lovely and I can't wait to see our friendships grow over the next 4 years! After that week, I have attended classes and lectures and its genuinely not been as bad! Everyone seems really nice, except one group who I caught searching people on facebook and laughing at their profiles, and I cannot wait to make even more friends.

My work hours are making me an emotional wreck. I am currently covering 5am shifts as one member of the team has had some personal problems. It really is messing with my head. Its causing me not to sleep as I know that some people who work in the mornings do not like to work with my team. How awful is that! I genuinely love talk so I try to seem friendly at all times, however, some members of this morning shift just don't seem like nice characters. I had to do my old shift as well one of the days and that was even worse. The team I work with are hard to take on especially after escaping for 2 months. I also really don't enjoy the managers who are on this shift. Career change? I think so.

Home... It's just been horrible. Everyone keeps fighting over the dog who I love so much! Apparently I don't like him? I don't know but they keep targeting me. My sister is also getting more and more cheeky as the days go on and I am finding it difficult to tackle. I am also the target of weight comments constantly and It makes me so upset. Home is a place I am meant to escape my anxiety but I just can't! Im coming home and sitting in a room not talking to anyone and crying. Its not helping. I love them all so much but I don't know how much longer I can take.

There was also another 2 situations that I am not comfortable talking about... I was so stressed about these 2 situations that I ended up getting so drunk and being sick up the street. Lets just say past experiences still haunt you and new experiences make you think that you'll be single for eternity? Please get better!

So this month was okay... not the best or the worst.

Thanks for Reading Today!

Ross

Room by Emma Donoghue Review

For the literacy module of my university course, I had been told to read Room by Emma Donoghue as I will be assessing the language of the main character. I realise this book has been around for a while but I would still like to share its story.

Lets start with our main characters. Jack is 5 years old and lives with Ma in "Room". This is all he has ever known and he has been born and raised in this confinement. He thinks that this is the whole world and the people he sees on TV are fake and make believe when really, outside of room is a whole new world for him to explore. Ma was taken when she was younger and hasn't left. This is the story of their lives and how it drastically changes. I won't say no more as this will ruin it for you all.

 The novel is told in the perspective of Jack who obviously doesn't know a lot and the only knowledge that he knows is from his Ma and TV. He talks about objects as if they are people such as 'lamp', 'chair' and 'rug' and also explains everything that he sees including when he does the toilet and wakes up in the morning. This truly let you feel like you were inside a child's mind. 

This book helped me understand a child's mind more and will be helpful for the next few years of my life as I embark on my journey of teaching. This allowed me to see how children can really be vulnerable and how I could help to change their life by being a role model.

Old Nick is another character who was brilliantly written and honestly creeped me out. He is so weird and scary and I'll let you read on to find out why. This book really opened my mind into the world of those who have been abducted or taken. It freaks me out that their could be people right now (there probably is!!!) who have been taken from their homes and are kept away for someones pleasure. This is such a big social issue and is something that we must look out for.

The full book was engaging and I had to keep reading on and I would totally recommend it.

My final score was 5 Stars! 

★★★★★

I hope you all enjoy this book if you ever choose to read it and also keep safe in all situations in our scary world!

Thanks for Reading Today!

Ross

Starting University

So today, I embark on my next adventure!

I am starting University!!!

Lucky for me, I managed to gain my conditions in my English Exam and also my HNC Overall Grade which allows me to go to uni and become a primary teacher!

My excitement is overpowering all other emotions as I am just so happy that after 2 years of hard work, I am finally reaching one of my goals which I have since I was back in primary school!

I am going to be attending the University of the West of Scotland which has been one of my top choices over the years. With high student satisfaction rates for my course, I knew this was the perfect choice. I don't know anyone who is going this year so I'm getting a wee restart to my life. I cannot wait to meet new friends and to work my hardest to make my family proud but more importantly myself proud! I cannot wait to bring you all along in this journey!

Book blogs will recommence soon, as-well as some album reviews and more chit chat blogs.

Thank you for reading today!

Ross.

Sweetener Album Review

Sweetener

Ariana Grande

Track 1: raindrops (an angel cried)

Beautiful Vocals and packed with emotion. As much as I would have liked this song to be longer, I appreciate how its been left at such a short song as it really allows you to admire her vocal talent.

Track 2: blazed ft Pharrell Williams

I love Ariana's parts in this song and I actually really like the chorus with all the amazing harmonies...

however, Pharrell wastes this song for me... I don't particularly like his sections or his voice which makes me dislike the track. 

Track 3: the light is coming ft Nicki Minaj

This song isn't for me as much as I love Nicki and Ari's collabs. This has nothing on Bang Bang or Side to Side. I like Ariana's Verses but I dislike the talking chorus, Nicki's rap and The guy talking really annoys me. I appreciate their efforts though.

Track 4: R.E.M

Vocally this track is gorgeous. I really enjoy the verses in this song and I have to say her harmonies are wonderful especially on the 'Bum, bum, bum". The chorus is alright, not that creative but I still enjoy this song.

Track 5: God is a woman

This has to be one of my favourites from the album. I love the chorus and I love how it showcases a lot of her vocals. This took me a while to enjoy but it is a bop! Her live performance of this was beautiful. 

Track 6: sweetener

I loved this songs chorus until it reached the... bop it instructions? It just wasn't too creative...

Its a sweet song and her vocals are shown well in most parts of the song. Not my favourite.

Track 7: successful

The first time I listened to this one, I wasn't a fan if I'm honest, but after listening multiple times, this is one of the better tracks on the album. The chorus is brilliant and perfect to have a dance to. I really like the vocals on this track too. Great tune.

Track 8: everytime

This is a different vibe from Ariana and I really am digging it. Its not her usual pop hit!

Once again, I am loving her vocals throughout but the stand out of this song has to be its fantastic chorus. I really enjoy this one.

Track 9: breathin 

Possibly my favourite song from this album. Her verses are well written as well as the chorus.

I like the pre chorus and her vocals shine throughout this number. The chorus is catchy!

I love this song from Ariana.

Track 10: no tears left to cry

I love this song. This is a song which showcases her style and those vocals are on point.

This is another favourite from the album and the song was well written.

This is a bop and it deserves its success.

Track 11: borderline ft Missy Elliot

This one... I have some mixed feelings. I don't think her vocals shine through on this track.

I don't get excited when this comes on and I don't really like the chorus.

The song is very... one note.

Track 12: better off

This is a nice little song, it allows her vocals to be heard however, once again this song seems very one note. It doesn't head anywhere. I need to say though, harmonies are fantastic! 

An average tune.

Track 13: goodnight and go

This is a nice tune also. I love the start of the second verse. however, not really a fan of this songs chorus. Her vocals are gorgeous but I just need something more. Its missing something.

Track 14: pete davidson 

I love her vocals on this! Just not that creative. 

It's cute!

Track 15: get well soon

One of the better songs on the album, I get old Ariana vibes from this! I like the tribute to Manchester attacks and the harmonies are on point. The lyrics are fantastic and she really shines vocally in this song. A brilliant ending to this song.

So overall, I have mixed feelings about the album as I don't think it is her most creative album.

Her vocals are great, it just needed some more bops. It had variety however, there are a few songs which sounded the same and get confused in my mind.

Final Rating: ★★★☆☆

3/5 star rating.

Thanks for reading today!

Ross

Body Confidence with an Insecure Male.

Now when you think body confidence it is likely that females come into your thoughts but I just want other males and closed minded people to know that males can face these body confidence issues. As someone going to be a teacher one day, body positivity is a message that needs to be pushed across the curriculum as well as all mental health. Anxiety needs to be spoken about and confidence needs to thrive. I am so passionate as this has affected me for many years!

I can’t even lie when I say the whole holiday, I worried about my appearance and even refused to take my top off at the poolside. I normally deal fine with this issue however I have developed stretch marks on my upper arms and feel like I’m on a whole new level of insecurity!

On the cruise, all the guys my age were toned af and that made me feel worse. I hid my body and only managed to get into the pool... 2 or 3 times the full week. This shouldn’t have been the case and I should have just gone for it but I’ve hit a new level of embarrassment. I just feel sad. I know I can just go on a diet and lose some weight but even the thought of that depresses me.

The week at the hotel did not solve this problem. Most people were Germans. All Germans boys seemed to be skinny af. This made me even worse. I had people looking at me already because I was speaking English and I just couldn’t do it. I have sat with my top on and only taken it off once over the two days I’ve been here. I just can’t do it! I wish I could just have an urge of confidence but that doesn’t seem to be happening.

Thanks for Reading Today!

Ross

Recent Events!

Recently I have been to a lot of different events and I just feel I need to share.

Here is a selection of photos of concerts I have attended in the Month of June.

Taylor Swift - reputation Stadium Tour - Manchester

Possibly one of the best concerts I have ever attended! Taylor Swift is some live performer and I am so happy that I had this opportunity to see her live. Highlights have to be Look What You Made Me Do, This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things and Don't Blame Me. The stage was amazing and it was just a great atmosphere.

Demi Lovato - Glasgow

Demi Lovato has incredible vocal talent, however, we seen her after she had postponed a few gigs due to no voice and she wasn't able to reach the high notes! She was still amazing and I would totally go and see her again in the future! Highlights had to be confident and Tell Me You Love Me.

Katy Perry - Glasgow

I was actually surprised at how good Katy Perry was live. The stage was incredible and her voice was heavenly. She entertained all and provided a great night out! I also cannot get Katy Perry out of my head so it was a success. Highlights were Roar, Swish Swish and Chained to the Rhythm.

Thanks for Reading Today!

Ross

Thank You Toxic Friendship

This is a letter to the person who has ruined the last few months for me and spoiled the end of college for me but also a thank you for creating a better me who has learned that gal... I don’t need you.

Months of complaining and moans about opportunities that people would kill for and calling me two faced at every opportunity you could. How do you think that made me feel and still you want to say that we were best friends? Then you would phone me if I never replied to texts or phone me because you had another self-obsessed thought. No. That’s not want I want.

You complain that I don’t ask about your life a lot but when I tried to come to you about my attacks and how I needed some help you would change the subject to yourself. About things that were not relevant and were some of the biggest lies I’ve ever heard. The person who claims to have helped me... you did anything but that back then... you were horrible. It was toxic. You wanted to make others hate me because you were jealous that I was able to talk to other that you claimed were horrible and that you had no time for when you had never listened to them or asked their stories.

But I need to thank you. You’ve created a brand new me who doesn’t give two shits about people like you anymore. I have no time for those who spread lies and call me a liar. I have no time for those who are self-obsessed. I have no time for... you.

You ruined this friendship. Not me. You want me to be hated. However, I’ve shown that I am a kind person and that I am more trust worthy than you will ever be.

So, thank you! I am now enjoying life without you and creating meaningful friendships where you aren’t needed.

I wish you the best but if you continue down this path, everyone will realise the real you like I did.

Thanks for Reading Today!

Ross