Life Update - 26th April 2016 // Emile

This is quite a spontaneous post - I'm writing at 10:30 at night in bed on my phone. 

I'm writing this right now because I feel almost like I've been lying to you guys. I've been gone for a bit without explanation and I feel really bad for that because it happens a lot. The simple truth is that I have been really really busy. I was in two performances last weeks in a dance club, I've been doing a lot of housework because my parents both work full time and the person who normally cleans the house is temporarily away. Also, my Mum has been ill for the past four years (she's having surgery next week, maybe this is a step towards the end of the whole thing) meaning that she's not in any state to come home and do the work. So I get home from school I wash up, do some homework, tidy the kitchen, lay the table, vacuum the hallway, put some washing on, prepare snacks for tomorrow. Then my parents get home and we talk for a bit, I finish the homework I didn't have time to do earlier and then we eat dinner and I go to bed. You can clearly see there is no time there for writing blog posts. I will be even busier in the next few weeks because my Mum will be recovering at home and I will have to help her as much as possible. She comes before this blog. I will try and upload as much as possible. It might not be book related, it might be easy things but when I have some spare time I will try and write as many as possible to upload in the future. I'm not promising anything but I will aim to right one update post and one main post a week. Also,

I am seeing Maud again this weekend , so we can write something together. 

I'm sorry for how rambly this is. Usually I would edit and cut some bits, change them so they sound better. However this needed to be completely raw. This is how it is. 

The End,

Emile xx

My Ultimate Must-Read Reading List // Emile

Hello everyone!

There are loads of reading lists. Books to read before you're 12, 20, 30. The best travel novels, best crime novels, best books for young children. I'm sure you get the gist.

I decided that I am going to make my own reading list. Which is inspired by a list of books I was given by my English teacher to try and read before school year ends (which is ridiculous because we are two thirds of the way through the year and it was only just given to us). My list has no time limit, these are just some books that I really highly recommend. And you could read them anytime.

Also, quickly, I promise that from now on I will get back to the blogging schedule. Apologies for being rubbish recently. Maud and I did create a video to put on the blog when we were together last weekend, but we are having some technical difficulties, so hopefully that will be sorted soon.

1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This is such an amazing book, told from Death's point of view. It's the story of a German girl living during World War II and how she experiences the war and the racism of Nazi Germany.

2. The Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling
If you have not read Harry Potter yet, what are you doing? Read it! I don't think I need to say anything more.

3. The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay
This is another book told from the point of view of a child that deals with racism, but in a very different setting. This story is about a little boy who lives in South Africa during the 1930's and 40's. Watching him grow up is like seeing a little brother grow up. This book has some great character relationships as well, which I really liked.

4. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
We have a whole group review on this book, which you can read here. It's very sad but gripping and something I think that a lot of different people will enjoy.

5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
I know that some people really like this book, some people not so much. Give it a go.

6. The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare
Even if you didn't like the Mortal Instruments, this series is a bit different. I way prefer it to the TMI. It's funny and a little bit heart wrenching sometimes. (Plus it has some great couples).

7. Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas
You will have heard me talk about this time and time again. If you like kick ass female characters that are still relatable, then you will like this. Especially as this kick ass female character loves reading and chocolate. It doesn't get much more relatable than that. There is huge character development throughout this series as well, so if Celaena gets on your nerves a bit, stick with it. She gets much better.

There are so many more books I could add to this list, but I will have to wrap it up for now. See you tomorrow!

The End,

Hamilton Book Tag// Maud

Hey guys!

Ever since visiting Em a week or so ago, I have been addicted to listening to the soundtrack of Hamilton the musical so as I am listening to it right now, I thought I would do it. (spoilers for Harry Potter, Noughts and Crosses, ACOTAR and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children to follow)

1. The Room Where It Happens- A book world you would live in.

Like Emile, I would love to live in the Wizarding Worlds it's an absolute no-brainer. It is the dream of all potterheads. 

2. The Schuyler Sisters- An underated female character

I was unsure about this one and the only character I could think of was Ginny Weasley. She wasn't exactly underrated but she was seen a lot as mainly the love interest more than the fighter who helped defeat Voldemort. I still love her character though. 

3. My shot- A character that goes after what they want

 and doesn't let anything stop them. 

I'm not sure about this one. I would say Celaena Sardothian. I have only read around 100 pages of TofG but I can already tell that she is a determined, strong willed character.