• Books,  Favourites,  REVIEWS

    [REVIEW] Animal Farm – George Orwell

    “ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL BUT SOME ANIMALS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS.” – George Orwell

    As I finish this book I am reminded why I wanted to read it. Not only is it a good commentary on modern sociology but a great book to read. This book follows the liberation & revolution of a farm in England that drives out all humans and establishes a hierarchy of animals in control of themselves. It is a quick read and rather interesting. This is a tale that shows the darker side of human nature through the eyes of animals copying them.

    This book is one of my favourite books of 2018. I thoroughly enjoyed and had a good time reading it (but slightly distressed, due to graphic descriptions within the book). This is a great read that has a brilliant film adaptation.

    George Orwell, the author, is famous over the world for writing both this and “1984” among other less-known novels. Both books have individually stood the test of time & known all over the world for being modern classics.

    Did I see the ending coming? Honestly, Yes as well as watching the film first I could also tell by the way it was written how it was going to end, but that didn’t take anything away from the final few pages when I was reading it.

    Would I recommend this book? Yes, to all ages over 12 (purely due to graphic violence). This is a book that anyone, anywhere can read and if you didn’t know; it is based on the real-life event of the Russian Revolution.

    SPOILERS BELOW…

    Although Snowball is taken out of the equation early on and to be honest you don’t know whether to trust him or not, about 10 pages into him leaving the farm I started to question Why? …and I wanted him to come back.

    My favourite character has to be Boxer, not for the way he is but because he shows how loyal he is to the farm, how his undying devotion eventually is his own demise. He is the best character and lovable throughout the book.

  • Uncategorized

    Short post about Goodreads (2018)

    This post is a short reply to Zoe Collins’ booktube video about Goodreads. I agree with Zoe’s comments about book bloggers and readers alike. This is especially true for people who don’t read as much as others, Goodreads can be demoralising to use.

    Goodreads is a site where you can record your reading throughout the year. It is a site which is good for when you want to remember what you have read, want to read and how much you have already read Also you can see your “friends” progress throughout the year. It is very competitive but in general, as an adult, I have chosen not to judge myself against others.

    Goodreads to me personally is a website I use to watch my reading progress. I do not use it to compare how many books others read as I would be embarrassed.  Every year Goodreads hosts a challenge where you set your goal of how many books you are going to read a year.

    Although I use Goodreads and take part in the challenge since 2017 I do not put it high as I want it to be realistic but this year I am already 4 books behind my goal of 24/5 books in 2018.

    This post was not sponsored. The name Goodreads is Copyrighted.

    Are you on Goodreads? Do you track your reading?
    Are you behind on your bookish goals this year?
    Join in the conversation about reading. 

  • 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,  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]

  • Blogging,  Favourites

    NEW URL: Self-hosting & update

    Hello all,

    This is my first post since this week I have changed to self-hosting. You don’t need to know the one & outs of the technical side of it, as even I get confused trying to explain it but basically what it has allowed me to do is drop the “.wordpress” out of my blog address URL. Hope this switch over doesn’t confuse you.

    Say hello to: http://welshiebooksandthoughts.com.

    Funny fact?
    I tried to change to just “books and thoughts” but found out someone else already had that URL so It’s a good job I’m welsh born so I have an excuse to carry over the “Welshie” part in my blog!

    I hope you will carry on with me on my journey through books and blogging. I started blogging many years ago and failed on different sites such as Tumblr and Google+ in an attempt to create my own website.

    This site has finally given me the confidence to say “This is Mine, and I am happy with it”. I have seen a few blogs on the internet since joining the “Bookish Community”, and exploring other topics, some blogs are over 5 years old, while mine is a mere 8 months old (at time of writing).

    I hope to carry on for a long time – As long as you keep reading WB&T I will keep producing new content. I am hoping with time and experience my blog will grow and become better and better.

    Danielle
  • Uncategorized

    3 YA books TBR in 2018

    This is a post dedicated to the top 3 YA books that were talked about all over the bookish community that I didn’t get chance to read in 2017. They are below with front covers and synopsis’s’ so you can see if you want to read them too… I’m sure you will!

    Turtles all the way down – John Green

    The story centers around 16-year-old Aza Holmes, a high school student living with multiple anxiety disorders, and her search for a fugitive billionaire. The only other details of the plot known to the public before release were that it contains, either literally or figuratively, tuatara, Star Warsfanfiction, an unexpected reunion, friendship and values of life. -Wikipedia.

    La Belle Savage – Phillip Pullman

    Set ten years before the His Dark Materials trilogy, the story follows 11-year-old Malcolm Polstead, his dæmon Asta, a village girl named Alice and her dæmon Ben who become the protectors of the infant Lyra Belacqua and her dæmon, Pantalaimon, in their canoe, La Belle Sauvage, after a flood. The novel introduces the alethiometer specialist Hannah Relf and a new villain, Gerard Bonneville. Returning characters include Lyra’s father Lord Asriel and mother Mrs Coulter, and the Gyptian elder Farder Coram. -Wikipedia

    Stalking Jack the Ripper – Kerri Maniscalco

    (Actually this is the first book in the series, released 2016 but I want to read this before starting her 2017 “Hunting prince Dracula”)

    The book follows Audrey Rose Wadsworth, in 1888 London. Audrey along with Thomas Cresswell twist their way through the London back world in order to discover who is harvesting and killing woman. And the shocking discovery of who is JacktheRipper. – Wikia/Fandom

    Have you read any of these? Are they on your TBR? Would you recommend them?