• Favourites,  The Library

    Libraries in 2018 (part 2)

    I think this is an interesting topic. Do you use your library? As you might know, if you have been following my blog I volunteer at my local library. Some days I can’t wait to get home and other days I enjoy my time there. This is part 2 of my “series” talking about Libraries. Part 1 is here!

    In the library, there are many things to do and it keeps you busy. There is looking for books and giving our books out to lend and keeping our costumers happy.

    The library is so useful for people with a low income as they can borrow books for 3 weeks at a time for free. We as book bloggers and vloggers take for granted a lot that we can receive books without paying for them (although we are tied to making reviews – I understand that).

    Some negatives to using a library card is 1. you do not own the books you read so can not add them to your shelves and 2. you can only have a few weeks to read a book before you are asked to return it – not a problem at under 300 pages long, a big problem at 600!

    My personal experience with a library

    Although I didn’t use the library until I volunteered there in 2017 I always as a child read books and I’m pretty sure my primary school borrowed books from the library (and still do!). As I hit my teens I was self-conscious and didn’tt read in secondary school except for English studies but bout 6 years ago at 21 years old I decided to start reading again and I have not looked back

    Something to consider

    As some people might be aware there has been series of closures around the UK, which has resulted in libraries such as my own have been demoted to “Community” libraries, This means we rely on the public and the library itself raising funds to keep it open. This month it is a year since the volunteers (like me) took over.

    Do you use the library? Is there a local library near you? Has your library closed down? What would makee you go to your library? Share your opinions on libraries!

  • Favourites,  The Library

    Libraries in 2018 (part 1)

    A library is an old idea which has been around for centuries. It hold books and recently since the 21st century DVDs and Audio books (tapes & CDs). It is a place where both young or old gather for their love of books & reading. It is a place anyone can go & not be judged. – (tweet this quote)

     

    Adults

    In a library there is the Non-Fiction which house books on subjects from DIY to Cooking to Mental Health guides and everything in-between. It is the section for those of us who want to gather new knowledge.

    In the library there is the Fiction section. This is where the magic happens. You get transported into alternate realities, face dragons and queens, sometimes you even help solve crimes.

    Children

    The other side of the building is for children This is split into fiction & non-fiction.

    Children’s non-fiction includes topics such as history and how animals are born and live. It is a wonderful place where children’s brains are constantly engaged and active.

    The children fiction is a place for fantasies and fun. It is where after a hard day in school they can switch off and read a classic Jacqueline Wilson book or the newest David Walliams book. There are so many books to choose from that it is nearly impossible for a them to decide.

    Picture Books

    There are also books for the youngest library members, the toddlers. There are over 100 books to choose from to keep their minds active. These are the picture books and short and full of pretty designs that engage with the child and the parents who read to them.

    My experience

    As I grew up I loved reading but after I hit high school I decided that reading books wasn’t cool enough and reading was for old people and children. I would read occasionally when no-one was around and when I went home but reading in my teens lost it’s mojo.

    Fast forward 15 years and I joined the local library in 2017. I am still amazed by how many people go there from all ages. I decided after careful consideration that I should start reading again. I forgot how much I loved choosing a book, how I felt after I finished and how enjoyable reading is.

    My recommendation

    I am now unofficially an advocate for reading and for libraries. Everywhere I go and whenever I meet up with friends I like to discuss my latest book I’m reading or which place is the best to get a cheap book if the library doesn’t have the book.

    I love going shopping sometimes as I get to check the book section. The best sellers at half price or the new releases to see if my favourite authors got a new book out.

    I can’t stress enough how important reading is to all ages. It’s not only a hobby it keeps your mind active and some people use reading as a stress reliever after a hard day or week in work.

    Go to your local library and please support them!

    Not many people are aware of this but government cuts have left many libraries struggling to keep open. Just one more person (that’s you!) could be the difference between a library shutting its doors for the last time or staying open for the public for another year.

  • Books,  REVIEWS,  Uncategorized

    [FILM REVIEW] The Mummy Returns (2001)

    This is my review about the film The Mummy Returns – a sequel to The Mummy (1999). Although this film is not perfect, it is a good comedy which all the family will enjoy! Why not buy this film from Amazon Prime (UK) (Disclaimer: this is an affliate link).

    So what happens in the first 10 minutes?

    This film starts out as a battle between Dwayne Johnson (The Rock)’s character who is known at the Scorpion King. It shows his long walk through the desert and his semi-psychosis while his army tries to take over an Egyptian settlement.

    Flash forward to “modern” Egypt & hello Brendon Fraser! We know we are in for a fun ride and a good storyline. I believe Rachel Wiezz. who plays Evelyn, has a lot of chemistry between Brendon Fraser and Rachel has charisma which brings a lot of interest to the role.

    We are shown a scene where Rachel and her family of O’Connell & their son are exploring the hidden Egyptian caves, while a team of 100+ men are search for the “Book of the Dead” with the woman who became a reincarnation of Imhotep’s lover Anck-su-namun in the first film.

    Back in the O’Connell’s household everything is as normal but while mum and dad are talking, Rick and Evelyn’s son, Alex finds a special box which holds the Scorpion King’s bracelet. This bracelet has the power to show the wearer how get to a certain destination which unlocks the scorpion king’s powers. The creepy cult described above then turn up and all hell breaks loose while they search for the bracelet themselves and attack the family in the process. After that, the creepy cult capture Evelyn and that is where the fun (and drama) starts…

    What happens next, you’ll have to watch…

    This is a classic fiction film for all ages and one of my all time favourites. It follows a family who are in the 20th century trying to live a happy life but like to search for hidden Egyptian treasures. This film manages to keep the drama interesting but simple and has a lot of comedy moments. This would be classed as a family (comedy) drama with ancient history added in.

    This film has a lot of special effects throughout but they add to the film. The only problem is that sometimes the script can become a bit cheesy through comedy which can become a bit much. It is aimed at the younger audience and families with children.

    My favourite part is the last 10 minutes when the Scorpion King is back in the storyline after 2 hours of not being in the film. I obviously can’t spoil the ending but there is a battle between characters and a happy ending!

    I believe this is a solid sequel to the original that keeps faithful to the script. It is fun to watch and I would recommend this film to anyone who like children’s historical stories (in particular about ancient Egypt) and a good family drama. I have watched this film many times and I never get bored. Although it is a relatively old film – it stands the test of time. Believe it or not, this film is already over 15 years old and very well-known to everyone.

    Image was taken from moviemarker.co.uk)
  • Books,  writing

    #Ad Q&A • C.v.Wyk – Blood & Sand (book)

    Hi All,

    Today is going to be a little different as I’m hosting a Q&A with debut author C.V. Wyk. Her first novel Blood and Sand comes out January 2018 (& February 1st in the UK). I wanted to give you an idea of who she is…

    Your name, location, book/series

    C. V. Wyk

    Washington, D.C.

    Blood and Sand (book 1)

    What’s your all time fave book?

    Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier

    Tell a random personal true story.

    I once met the original Red Power Ranger at an El Pollo Loco. It was glorious. (I was 7.)

    What inspired your first book?

    Ahh!! Where to start? There have been so many books and movies and songs that have made their mark on BLOOD AND SAND, probably too many to name. But Marion Zimmer Bradley’s “The Mists of Avalon” and the movie “Gladiator” are definitely high on the list.

    Which author can’t you put down?

    Dot Hutchison. Her stories are always so intricate and detailed and fantastic. Real writer goals.

    Who is your fave author?

    Who isn’t??? Lately though, I’ve been enjoying a lot of John Scalzi’s work.

    What is your all time fave series?

    His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

    Are characters inspired by reality?

    A couple of them. Xanthus’s physical description is based on an actual guy I know, and Jezrael’s name was borrowed from a friend.

    Recommend a best seller?

    The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison. It is so, so different from BLOOD AND SAND but absolutely brilliant if you enjoy thrillers.

    How did you get into writ/blogging?

    I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can remember, but the first story I ever wrote and shared was in 7th grade.

    How long have you been at it?

    Forever?

    Please tell me your website/details

    Website: www.cvwyk.com

    Twitter/Instragram: @icvwyk (twitter)

    Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30975382-blood-and-sand

    What is your fave (u wrote) book?

    This one because it got me an awesome author and editor J

    Do you like tv shows from books?

    I try to keep an open mind. It really depends on who’s behind the camera and how well committed they are to making the best possible adaptation. One TV show that recently got to me was The Handmaid’s Tale. So dark and so well done.

    Who is your fave book instagram?

    There are so many good ones, I can’t choose!

    How long did it take to announce your book to friends n family?

    I waited a couple of weeks. A part of me was genuinely afraid that the whole thing was a big practical joke, and someone was waiting around a corner to jump out and say, “Just kidding! Your book sucks! Na na na!” But that didn’t (thankfully) and I eventually told my friends and fam the news that changed my life!

    [Disclaimer: an affiliate link means the author receives payment and I get a small amount for buying from that link only]

  • Books

    Goodreads 2018 + fave book

    Hello all,

    As you may have noticed I done the Goodreads Challenge this year and set the bar low. This was because I was restarting reading a lot again after about 10 years away from books.

    I plan to do 2018’s challenge and up the book count and higher my reading limit. I am hoping to read 50 books next year max but if I get through 25 I’d be happy enough!

    Also, I want to read this list in 2018..

    • Old Classics
    • Game of Thrones Series
    • Italy-based novels
    • Non-fiction -Romans
    • Contemporary classics
    • My A Level set list
    • ARCs and Review Copies

    As it’s coming up to the end of the year and although I have only been blogging about books and reading a lot for 8 months, I feel I should do a shout out to my favourite book of 2017. Drumroll please?

    My favourite book of 2017 goes to Born Bad by Marnie Riches. If you are into gritty, Manchester crime I would recommend you pick this book up!!

  • Books

    Making lists & buying books..

    To Read or Not To Read; That is the question!

    Okay, so I started out this year with an aim of getting out more; meeting friends, etc. It’s now half way through the year and I want to spend more time alone. Sound crazy? Hear me out!


    I have finally compiled a reading list & it just keeps getting longer! It’s now nearly 300 books long. I started out as “I’ll add just one or two so I know what to read next”, Before I knew it, there were too many books on the list.


    To add to this I have accepted the “GoodReads 2017 Challenge” of reading 12 books in 2017. It started with 10 but I upped it to 12 and as of December I have completed reading over 15 books, my final target.

    I have also recently decided to create a list called “Lifetime Reads” as in I plan to read them. The list is full of Classics like “Alice in Wonderland”, “Great Expectations”, “The portrait of Dorian Gray” and “Lord of the Rings”. The total number of books is 20.

    The problem is once to start looking into reading, you end up spending hours staring at reviews and adding new books to be read.


    ANOTHER THOUGHT BELOW:

    Is it me or do you find since becoming a reader again; if you go to book sales you can’t help but pick up about 2-3 books. I work in a library and we have a running book sale & every time I go in there (twice a week) I end up looking for new books.

    They are all second hand, some rubbish quality but others obviously well loved & like new, plus the prices are so damn cheap -30p paperback & 50p hardback!

    What are YOUR opinions?