2014 Round Up

Whilst this year has had it's downsides, seriously, terrible things happened in the world this year and this post is in no way trying to ignore them but New Years Eve tends to a place to remember all the good things and personally, this year has been amazing. Here's a list.

•  I have continued writing this blog. Unlike the diaries I kept when I was nine, I have managed to continue posting to this blog for over a year. Every month in 2014 I uploaded at least two posts. That makes me proud. 
• The Summer Masquerade Ball. The end of year post 16 party if you will. My friends and I dressed up real fancy and wore masks. Although the food wasn't that great, we danced all night and my feet hurt. It was great. 
• Nottingham Potential Summer School at the University of Nottingham. I'll never be able to put into words what this
  experience did for me. The fact that I was one of the 400 accepted out of 1600 applicants is pretty amazing. I was actually really scared to apply, non of my friends seemed interested and it became apparent I would know absolutely no one - spending six days on my own with a bunch of strangers was terrifying. The obvious purpose of Summer School is to give you a true university experience, but it is so so much more. I met some wonderful humans and became more confident and comfortable within myself. It taught me that saying yes to things your scared of is a good thing. I think that will be one of my resolutions: Stop saying no to things. I know it's cheesy and cliche, but I will always remember Summer School as a wonderful experience and time in my life that I wish I could relive again. (If you're in year 12 please consider applying to a Summer School at the University of Nottingham you won't regret it)
  
• Started a YouTube Channel (ohitsonlymegan). I don't upload often, but I was brave enough to upload my face and voice to the internet, something I had wanted to do  for a while. At the moment, numbers aren't really a priority but you should subscribe if you want. 
• Began contributing to The Indiependent. Although the majority of my posts are Doctor Who reviews, I feel immensely proud that I am writing for other places on the internet except my blog and twitter. 
• My First Job. Yes, it was a volunteering job and I didn't actually get any money for it, but it's something to be positive about all the same. I talked to children about books and it was wonderful.
• I did pretty well in my AS exams. Somehow, in the summer I managed to get A's in both History and English. As these are the subjects I want to take at university, to see those grades on results day made me pretty happy. 
• History Trip. The history trip to Belgium and France is definitely the best school getaway I have ever experienced. For once in my life everyone who went was really friendly and cool. The teachers were also really great. It was extremely fascinating to relive moments from the First World War. The fact that it was the last school trip I will ever experience also means it will hold a special place in my heart. 
  
• Relationships. My friendship group hasn't altered that much this year, but I definitely have more people that I am comfortable around and call a friend. I feel that I could potentially befriend a few more individuals just to make my life in certain lessons more bearable, maybe that'll be a resolution. A certain thing in November taught me that focusing on my studies is A-OKAY. I'm also in awe of everyone who can have romantic relationships and still stay focused on education - How do you do that huh? Too personal there, Megan, abort abort. 
• I learned how to drive. Somehow, I am legally allowed to drive a car. Me. Who knew? My driving test was so traumatic it's a wonder I passed at all (let's just say at one point I joined a queue of traffic that was actually parked cars). But yes, I can do the driving and it's cool. 
• Concerts. I saw Ed Sheeran and finally managed to get Taylor Swift tickets, after 6 years of waiting. Pretty exciting stuff. 
• I received all my offers from universities. I've put this last because it is the thing that will probably effect me the most in 2015. I'm pretty much ready to reply to my offers and the fact this year I will hopefully leave home and go to university is a little bit scary. 

This post was unplanned and written quickly. I don't think I missed anything but if I did, I apologise.

Thank you, 2014 for being okayish to me. I hope 2015 will be great not only for me, but for you as well. 

See you in the New Year! 

Top books of 2014

Well hello there!

I hope you had a nice Christmas.

Somehow, 2014 is almost over and I'm still in shock about it. Naturally, I thought I would round up the year with some books I have read and enjoyed in 2014. This is not in any order of preference.

Shattered by Teri Terry.
I've spoken about how much I love the Slated trilogy before. Shattered was the perfect final installment to a trilogy that had me in love from the first chapter. This novel ties together all the mysteries of the previous novels, and still has you begging for more. If you want to read a series that has a fantastic ending, then Shattered will not disappoint.

The Crucible by Arthur Miller
I know, I know, I'm reading this for my English Literature and Language exam and I'll probably despise it by March, but for now I'm appreciating what Miller has written. The main reason, possibly the only reason, as to why this book is included is how easily this novel can be related to the modern day. It is true, that Miller wrote this as an allegory for the Red Scare in the US in the 1950's. Although this is no longer the 1950's, and we aren't terrified of communism, the element of hysteria can still be applied to events that are occurring in the modern world. It's an interesting concept to think about and I feel like we will never be able to eradicate the panic and fear created by an event scaled out of proportion.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart 
I actually read this Christmas Day afternoon, after receiving it from a relative as a present. I wish I had read this sooner, the moment I picked it up I couldn't let it go. I only stopped reading to watch the BBC Christmas specials with my family. Unsurprisingly, I finished it Boxing Day morning and it was a definite favourite. Full of mystery and tension, the novel focuses on the rich and powerful Sinclair family. No matter how perfect on the outside, nothing is what it seems, as Cadence figures out when she goes hunting for the truth. The plot twist at the end is extraordinary and heartbreaking. The Guardian calls this novel cunning, clever and absolutely gripping - They aren't wrong.

Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu 
If you follow me on tumblr, you probably already know about my love of the web series inspired by this novella. Admittedly, I did read this after completely watching the show, and I only bought it because I needed to make my amazon purchase over £10 but what counts is that I read and enjoyed it. It was published in 1871, released 26 years before Dracula (fun fact). I tend to stay away from vampire novels, after my shameful Twilight phase at the age of twelve I can't seem to get interested. Maybe it's young adult vampire fiction I can't stand, because I really enjoyed reading Carmilla. I will admit, the ending seemed very quick and sudden. Reduced the enjoyment a little bit.

A Kiss in the Dark by Cat Clarke
A book list wouldn't be a proper book list without the inclusion of a Cat Clarke novel. This time, it's her latest novel A Kiss in the Dark which I read in April, sent to me by Quercus on a read to review basis. What I love about Clarke is the realness and grittiness of her novels that have you on the edge of your seat and awake until 3am desperate to finish it. Whilst A Kiss in the Dark is not my favourite of Clarke's novels it does contain the most important phrase "love is love." If everyone respected that sentence, the world would be a much better place. I reviewed this book in much more detail here.




There are so many more novels I can include, but hey 2014 was a year where I felt all nostalgic and reread quite a lot of novels and I didn't feel comfortable including them in this list.

2015 is upon us and I'm not quite sure how I feel about.

Happy New Year, I guess.

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

The first time I read this book was when I was eleven. Looking back, I probably shouldn't have read it at that age. Mainly because re-reading at the age of sixteen I realised I had pretty much remembered it incorrectly, making me wonder if I had understood it in the first place. Regardless, my local library clearly though it suitable to be placed in the children's section. It also didn't stop me naming it as my favourite book in my Year Six leavers journal.

So, when the film came out in 2013, I had naturally forgotten the existence of this novel which had me so entranced five years before. Let me tell you, when I saw the trailer play on television it felt like a lost child had come back to me. Especially as I practically jumped out of my chair like "I've read that book! I've read that!". I would then see the novel in ASDA and immediately purchase it. Rereading it I would soon realise that although I knew it was good book when I was eleven, I now understand that it is an extremely excellent novel. Of course I wouldn't watch the film until November 2014, where I would fall in love with the story all over again. Not to mention stay up until 2am scared out of my life because the notion of World War Three is terrifying. I have a very wild imagination and it's a real burden sometimes.

Regardless of the fact I can't do anything without feeling terrified (I have friends that love horror movies and it's a real issue. Why can't you love happy films where blood isn't appearing every five seconds WHY), How I Live Now is not only about the outbreak of a third world war. It's about relationships, survival and ultimately the fact that bad things don't happen for a reason - and when they do occur, you just have to deal and live with it. That is something I truly admire about the protagonist, Daisy. I will admit, I think that characteristic is more obvious within the film, but still admirable. Too often, something terrible happens and people just give up. Although, the only time I see this in my real life is within coursework essays and what not, not exactly the same as a war.

Another thing I like about the story? The inclusion of 'sensitive' issues. So little novels, any type of media really, fail to include topics that exist within the world, specifically anorexia. Which is hinted within the story. Another sensitive issue that is not hidden - falling in love with your cousin. Whilst this is an extremely hot debatable topic, it does happen in the book. I don't resent this story line, but that's not to say I agree with it. I suppose, this just follows the aspect I mentioned earlier - things, not necessarily bad, happen and we have to move on.

Finally, I would like to apologise if this seems a little rushed and all over the place. I'm trying to write this as quickly as possible so I can begin writing my extended project, an independent research project that results in a 5000 word dissertation. I know in my future life I'll look back on this and laugh because I'll have to write 20000 words or whatever, but it's extremely important that I get it done to a high standard. This is the first time I've done anything like this independently, without a teacher guiding me and helping. Scary times (not really). My history coursework is also meant to be handed in this week. Also, update: I applied to university a few weeks ago and all five have replied with offers, so yay I guess.

Have you been checking out the Indiependent? I personally feel like my music taste is getting better because of it, even though I only write about books and Doctor Who.

Okay, I must leave you now. Goodbye,


Ps. I've had this blog for over a year now, whoa! Who knew I could continue this for so long? Thanks for reading my blog posts that are sometimes excellent.
PPS. Follow me on the social medias if you're into that.

Too early for Christmas songs?

I apologise for the lack of book reviews this month. It's been majorly History based and I'm not that sorry because I absolutely adore History. So there's that. I did just finish If I Stay by Gayle Forman and it was decent I suppose, I wasn't thinking much of it until I cried on the last page. Go read that book if you want to cry.

Back to the topic at hand: Christmas songs. Is November too early to listen to Christmas songs? I didn't think so. It wasn't until I was happily singing O'Christmas Tree whilst washing the dishes and my mother pointed out rather angrily that it was ONLY November, that most people absolutely despise anything Christmas until December.  Ironically, I am listening to Christmas songs whilst typing this. I'm also procrastinating planning my 5000 word dissertation I thought would be a good idea to do in September. 

What is wrong with listening to Christmas songs though? I understand that that some believe it's bad luck to listen to anything Christmassy, but November is the time where all the Christmas adverts invade our televisions so surely it's alright then? Halloween is over, as is Bonfire Night, the next thing to look forward to is Christmas. The fact is, the majority of Christmas songs result in a feeling of happiness that no other music can produce. (I'm joking here, there's plenty of other happy music but CHRISTMAS). For instance, for the majority of the day I have been SO TIRED, probably due to the fact my first lesson wasn't until 12.20 and I was stuck for about 3 hours doing homework, revision and coursework - not the most stimulating - but now I'm home, I am so awake it's unreal. Admittedly, there are probably other factors that have woken me up, but for the sake of this post I'm saying it's the Christmas songs. 

Not really sure what the purpose of this post was, to be honest, I just wanted to write something that wasn't school work. However, Christmas songs are very important and need to be discussed, so here are my favourite Christmas songs / albums / music that is Christmas based. 

• Sounds of the Season - Taylor Swift (if you know me, you probably realised this would feature)
• Shake Up Christmas - Train
• Merry Christmas Everyone - Shakin' Stevens
• Warm This Winter - Gabrielle Cilmi
• On This Winters Night - Lady Antebellum
• Winter Dreams (Brandon's Song) - Kelly Clarkson

Hello Paris.

 Hello all. Did you have a nice day? I hope so.

If you remember my last post, I attempted to articulate what I had experienced in relation the memorials of the First World War. Whilst I feel I failed on that account, I now feel it is time to show you what happened when we visited Paris the next day. Let me just say this one thing: A day is Paris is not enough, when I can go back?

So after 3 hours travelling on a bus, with charades completely over played to the point we could just say "you got this wrong last time" and the answer would be instant. We arrived at our hotel in Pairs, and trust me, after living in a cabin-like hostel in Belgium, the modern decor and 10+ floors was a definite shock to the system. As it was about 6.30pm, naturally we stayed in the hotel for the rest of the night (we aren't that wild, even though there was a disco in a questionable basement room).

The next day was actually crazy. We visited the Eiffel Tower, went on a two hour boat journey down the River Siene and then spent a good few hours wandering around the Avenue des Champs-Élysées (here I bought a mug from the disney store, fun fact.)

Here are some photographs I took. I hope they please your eyes.

Battle Fields Trip October 2014

Tyne Cot Cemetery

Last week, I was involved in a school trip to Belgium and France. Here, we remembered those lost in the First World War and tried to understand in more detail what we had been taught in the classroom. Whilst, to some of you, this may have seen a little depressing and not a good way to spend my half term, it was, however, extremely moving and extraordinary to be able to stand on the ground where the soldiers went over the top, commencing the Battle Of The Somme.

A poem found on the grave of a soldier
in Essex Farm Cemetery

Call me a history nerd, but I love visiting historical sites. Although, I still can't put the emotion I feel into words when I'm in an area of rich history. It occurs when I go to Hardwick Hall (probably my favourite place ) and it occured everywhere we went in Belgium and France, for example, in the
Carrière Wellington (Wellington Quarry) in Arras where thousands of soldiers lived under the city during the War. It was also a prominent area within the Battle Of Arras (9th April 1917), we actually passed Exit No. 10, where the soldiers left the quarry. With the messages left on the wall (from both World Wars), and the sounds the museum had installed, the quarries were fascinating but extremely sad and creepy - especially the area where the soldiers took their last prayer on Easter Sunday.

I'm constantly afraid that I'm sounding insensitive as I write this, I'm honestly not and I apologise if it appears so.

Tyne Cot Cemetery

Found on Thiepval Cemetery

The most moving event of the trip was when we watched The Last Post Ceremony - A ceremony that takes place every night at 8pm in Ypres under the Menin Gate, to remember those lost in the First World War. Usually it lasts a few minutes (Full details will be provided by an outside source, the link will be at the end of this post), unless it's an extended ceremony. The night we watched, visitors from the Lancashire Regiment attended meaning it was extended, which made this ceremony extremely moving - especially as after each wreath was placed, everyone which saluted. Maybe it was because that day we had visited several memorials, but that almost made me cry. Unrelated to the ceremony, we were stood next to the Mayors from the Lancashire regions and we were able to speak with them which was exciting and weird.

Newfoundland Park - Where
The Battle of The Somme
took place

  I wish I could explain to you the impact that the memorials have, but I just can't put into words. When you're in a classroom and you're told the facts, it really doesn't seem that many. But once you visit several memorials, and you read the names, it all becomes very real extremely quickly. Especially when you visit memorials that list the names of those lost in the War, for instance Thiepval Memorial which lists the names of those lost in The Battle of The Somme. Equally, memorials that feature mass graves, for instance the German memorial Langemark, are just as moving and sad.

Statue of the Mourning Soldiers in Langemark

I think what's important to remember is that every soldier was fighting for a cause, and there was no 'good' and 'evil'.

The Wreath we placed on Thiepval Memorial

Thank you for reading this. I apologise if it was a bit 'waffly' but I just wanted to share my experience. All of this, plus more, occurred within two days, it all happened so quickly I'm still trying to contemplate it. 

After we did all this, we spent a day in Paris, so expect that soon! 

Information can be found here

Places I visited:

The First Day

Bayernwald German Trenches, Wijtschate, Ypres Salient

Essex Farm Cemetery

Langemark German Cemetery

Tyne Cot Cemetery

Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917

In Flanders Fields, Ieper

The Second Day

Wellington Quarry — la Carrière Wellington, Arras

Newfoundland Memorial Park, Beaumont Hamel, France

A Guide to WW1 Battlefields and History of the First World War

Thiepval Anglo-French Cemetery

Are you watching me?

No I don't have my laptop, or a laptop, but I can't wait any longer to write about this. Somehow I thought it would be acceptable to write this on an iPad. Technology is great.

After reading Nineteen-Eighty-Four by George Orwell, I was left with many thoughts. Thoughts about life, safety and the intelligence of Mr. Orwell. (Not that I thought he was unintelligent, but I think he's probably one of the most intellectual writers I have ever had the honour to read. If I ever write a novel that intelligent I will have lived my life right). Of course I've read articles about this novel and each one pretty much stated that this novel could be a realistic prediction of a future we might face. I'm not saying I didn't believe them but I didn't believe them. Orwell writes about a future that is terrifyingly probable.

I mean, I learnt about Nazi Germany for my history GCSE, how easy it was for the Gestapo to listen in on the people, how easy it was to convince a whole population certain beliefs and how most of this was done with sheer fear. I like to think that we've learnt something since the 1930's, but something tells me if things get really desperate we will accept anyone who tells us they'll make everything better.

The human race is strange, the concept of power is even stranger. How is it that thousands, sometimes millions of people can follow the directions of others? How is that The Big Brother can have so much control over the society within Nineteen-Eigty-Four yet no one knows what, or who it is? We see with the main protagonist, Winston, how easily fear and pain can change one from hating (understanding the danger and nature of the society in which he exists), to loving something so barbaric and terrible. Could this happen in real life though? People tell you if you pretend to love something for a certain amount of time you'll begin to believe it. Usually this is related to your self worth and confidence, but I'm pretty sure it can be transferred to other elements too.

So basically, Nineteen-Eighty-Four terrified me, not in a screaming in the middle of the night way, but in a 'oh yeah politics is crazy and could potential ruin my life' way. I'm pretty sure I'm on the verge of over reacting but let's be honest, no one can predict what will happen in the future - especially a 17 year old girl writing her thoughts onto her blog and who has a tendency to be anxious about almost anything.

I hope you enjoyed this, or at least stayed with me until the end. Do you have the same fears and thoughts? I mean, I do have more complex thoughts, for instance what happens after death and why we exist but that's a story for another day.

Until next time, I guess.

Oh hello, October.

My laptop is still missing. I'm assuming it's still being fixed, but it's been so long I honestly have no idea. So no book review today people! I've finally learned how to type on this tiny tiny keyboard, but I have about 3 essays to write, a biology exam to revise for and a piece of English coursework to change. I want to get most of that done today. It won't happen but I have every hope because I just made the most fantastic cup of coffee.

So to keep you all interested and in the knowledge, that yes I am still existing in this world and I hate the fact I have no time to write a decent book review, I will create a short list as to why I am extremely happy it is finally October. (I even changed my calender on the first of this month because I am that excited)

• The leaves look pretty
• It's finally cold enough to wear scarves and hats
• It's the month Taylor Swift's new album, 1989 comes out 
• I'm going to see Ed Sheeran and I am very very excited
• Grace's Guide: The Art Of Pretending to be an Adult will be released this month. (And I need that because I will be an adult in a few months, someone help, where did my childhood go?)

• I'm going to to Belgium and France to visit the World War One memorials, and I'm really excited and interested to go. (ps. we'll also be visiting Paris which is somewhere I've wanted to go for years)
• COFFEE
• I can finally wear my boots
• I can finally wear the dresses I've acquired that aren't for the summer
• Jumpers can now be worn again
• It's lovely to be able to stay inside and not feel guilty that you're missing out on the sunlight in the outside space
• Listening to music feels 100% better and I don't know why
• You can eat hot dinners again without feeling like you're going to die 
• I will hopefully get my laptop back this month.

So yes. October is possibly the best month, and no one can tell me differently.

I shall now go and do all the homework. (ps if you do A Levels don't expect any free time - but also don't give up because A Levels = better opportunities for your future. Whoa that got deep. Abort) 

Bye! 

Broken Laptops and Revived Dreams

Wow Megan, calm yourself down.

But the title is kind of true to my situation right now. This week, has been both amazing and terrible.

Before I start, I was going to write about 1984 by George Orwell today, because yes, I have finally read it. But instead, life interrupted and got in the way. I will probably write about 1984 soon though. So watch out for that, I guess.

Okay, so back to the 'broken laptops and revived dreams' situation I have going on.

I'll start with the terrible thing: On Saturday, my laptop decided to be real cool and break - mid writing a history essay. Whilst it was still usable, I didn't particularly enjoy using a laptop with a crooked screen (I mean I have bad eyesight at the best of times), so my laptop has left my arms and has traveled somewhere to be fixed. Before you start with the whole "typical teenager speech, can't live without the internet" speech, stop. I can easily connect to the internet with my phone or ipod. That isn't an issue. What is an issue is the fact I have limited opportunity to write - whether it be school essays or blogging. It's coursework and UCAS season at school, which means I have to do everything at school. I pretty much only do my essays at home because I find it easier to concentrate and focus when there is no around me (which is impossible at school). The UCAS situation is even more worrying because half the computers at school don't even load UCAS properly. So basically I'm in a never ending spiral of "what am I going to do?!"

You're probably wondering how I'm typing this. Well I'm using a tiny, tiny laptop which the rest of the world calls a Notebook. First of all, I would like to actually hurt the person who invented this machine, mainly because it is so difficult to type like a normal human being. So think of me, when you're using your normal sized keyboard. I'll be the one crying in the corner because I can't type my biology essay properly. Yeah, when you get to A Level biology you have to write essays. Essays for science, who knew?

Enough of me complaining and what not, back to the whole "revived dreams". Well, my dreams weren't revived exactly, but they seem more possible now. The dreams I'm talking about? Well it's just one dream. Or is it an ambition? Basically, next year, I want to study History and English at university. The only issue is that every university I look at wants triple A grades. Whilst I have faith in myself I may achieve this in the summer (or at least I'm sincerely hoping I do), my AS Level grade for English was a B. Yes I know that for most people this is a fantastic result, and I'm not trying to say it's a terrible grade or anything like that. However, for me, this grade was disappointing because I had aimed for an A, and I knew I could get an A. So when I realised I was only 5 marks away from an A, I was more annoyed with myself because I would have to resit the exam for five stupid marks.

I never did listen to my teachers when they said a few marks would be the difference between grades.

So thankfully, my English teacher suggested remarking the exam. Whilst this has it dangers of it being marked lower, I truly did not care because I wanted that A so badly. Probably a dangerous attitude, but I'll live with it. It took about a month for the paper to be remarked and somehow, the exam board gave me 7 more marks. SEVEN. If you've taken exams and what not, you'll understand that 7 marks is a lot. So now I have an A in English (yay), but it's actually caused me more worries. If anything I expected a few marks extra or lower (two or three, but I needed about five so I wasn't hopeful), but to give me seven suggests it wasn't marked correctly in the first place. How can we trust our grades on results day if this happens? If I had received the original result this year, I potentially wouldn't have gotten in to university.

I suppose I should just except the fact that essay marking is subjective and may potentially ruin my future.

Wow nice thought to end this blog post on, Megan.

When did I start referring to myself in third person?

I'll make this more cheerful. It's now Autumn and Autumn is great. I've already started wearing my boots and scarves.

Also, my friend Charlea writes a fab blog here and I've been loving her blog recently. She writes really intelligent posts, plus she also writes for The Indiependent (in fact she introduced me to the Indiependent really so now you HAVE to go look at her blog and follow her). Yeah, go look at Charlea's blog if you like great things.


Okay I need to go write essays and learn how to type.

Bye bye

I was a Reading Activist?

This summer I did something pretty cool. You might not think it's cool, but I do and that's why I'm writing about here, about one month later.

As you can tell by the title (if you read it) I became a Reading Activist within the month of August. But what is a Reading Activist? Why was I one? What did I do? 

Well let me tell you.

Every summer, the libraries in my county, do something called the Summer Reading Challenge that's aimed at children from the age of three to eleven. To do the reading challenge they only need to read six books, and after reading each book they receive different prizes. When they have completed the challenge they receive a certificate and a medal. What makes it so awesome is that the kids can read anything they want, from joke books to novels about pirates. The challenge also reinforces that reading is actually fun, I strongly feel that the pressure to read from school means that many people, especially children, see reading as some sort of task and burden. In fact people who tend to read for pleasure, because they generally enjoy it, tend to be mocked and teased (hey primary school peers how are you doing?). The children who joined the challenge were actually enthusiastic about reading, yes it was because they were winning prizes and what not but that's not the point here. 

From my first day - I was excited and terrified and my hair
was actually kind of decent. It rained walking to the library
and my hair was ruined. Life.

But what did I have to do with all of this? I stopped being under eleven a long time ago. I actually spent the majority of my time sat at a desk talking to different children, persuading them to join the challenge, giving out prizes, and generally have a great time talking to them. Have you ever had a conversation with a child? Much more entertaining than adult conversations. Although one child did mention she owned an axe which is worrying. I also got to wear a cool t-shirt which was extremely comfortable. As I volunteered on a Monday, I got involved with the craft sessions that were run in parallel to the Challenge. The Challenge was mythical themed so one week I would be helping colour in mermaids, and the next I would be listening to a boy telling me that his shield is better than his brother's because his has blood painted onto it. There was also a session on Fridays, unrelated to the Challenge, that featured young children singing - that was entertaining and cute.

Not only did I get to talk about books for two hours straight, I also met some really interesting people who were also volunteering alongside me. For instance, a certain individual had previously volunteered to help dig up historical graves. Fascinating yet terrifying. I had to stop myself from asking all the questions in fear that I would look a little creepy. There was also another volunteer who had been a reading activist the year before, I met her before I started and this really relieved me that this experience would not be a waste of time, especially if someone was willing to do it for a second time! 

This was my first 'official' volunteering thing outside of school, and even though I was super nervous and terrified that I would do something wrong, I had a really good time. I know the idea of sitting at a desk and talking to kids about books isn't for everyone, but I learned a lot of things and I actually feel way more confident speaking to strangers now. My previous self from a year a go would never have spoken to anyone or done anything remotely different. Although my initial motivation to apply was so that I could get experience and what not, my interview made me really excited to do take part in the challenge - or at least get others to do the challenge. Can I also mention that my interview was really fun? All the interviews I've had in the past have been extremely serious and, if I'm honest, a little dull. That kind of atmosphere makes me so nervous that I forget everything and anything. So shout out to Steve, who interviewed me, for doing a great job. I could have spent my summer doing nothing except hanging out with friends and living on the internet. But I didn't and I'm extremely glad. 

If this sounds cool to you, then you can learn more about it here

Until next time, guys. (It may be a review a book oooooooo) 

Ps. Don't forget to check out The Indiependent (it's moved to WordPress and it looks all fancy and stuff) (also I'm still reviewing Doctor Who so if you like that go look) 

PPS. My friend Sarah has tumblr now which uses to show her art - if you like cool drawings please follow her! 

PPPS. (Is this even a thing?): I'm thinking about starting another blog about my university/applying/a levels/ experience. Yes. This may happen. Look out for that! Also my YouTube because I haven't plugged enough things already. 

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Have you ever wanted to jump inside a book and read it forever? Or just simply rewind time and experience it for the first time again? This is what Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell had me wishing when I saw the back cover staring back at me this morning.

Earlier this year, if you recall (even though I only mentioned it briefly here when I had a crisis because of internet language), I read Fangirl. Whilst I enjoyed the book, in some areas I found myself wanting to pick up something else. Maybe that's because I was uncomfortable with how much I could relate to Cath. who was so introverted that she excluded herself from everyone and never left her dorm room. It also mirrored some fears I have about university. (Thankfully I've been to university summer school since then so I know I can interact with strangers and they will respond positively towards me). Anyway, enough of my emotional state and back to the book. To quote John Green, I fell in love with this book slowly then all at once (that's how the quote goes right ? I don't know).

Initially, I was a little to reluctant to read/even want to read Eleanor and Park. But then I saw the adorable cover and the fact it was on offer in a bookshop I went in? Yeah I couldn't resist. Whilst the blurb is a little misleading - I mean late night phone calls only happen once in the whole story. Once.  Never mind the deviance of the blurb, this story is not only about falling in love but it is also about family and the different elements that can alter a family how a family interacts and behaves.

Eleanor, a girl uncomfortable in her own skin, despite her outrageous choice of clothes (which I enjoyed residing immensely), lives within what could only be called a broken home. With 4 siblings and a reckless drunk for a step father, Eleanor lives a dangerous life with little safety whilst she watches her every move in fear of being kicked out by Richie, her mums new husband. She attracts attention as soon she steps on the school bus, and not in a positive way either. This is where she meets Park, and the relationship begins.Whilst the initial awkward silences and conversations had me cringing in my chair, the two protagonists soon become friends through comic books and music.

The only thing that irritated me throughout the book, is the behaviour of Eleanor. However, it is stated throughout the book that she is rude, and not a nice person. I suppose her circumstances have lead her to behave in way that has no regard for anyone else. (As someone who is constantly worrying/interested in how other people respond to my behaviour, I struggled to relate or sympathise). Thankfully, the book is written in two-point perspective, which allows us to experience both Park's and Eleanor's response to events within the novel, especially the ending which was, if a little predictable, excellent.

After reading, I now believe it deserves the hype it has been given. Rainbow Rowell is an exceptional author and should be placed with the likes of John Green and Sarah Dessen. I also may or may not want to read other novels by her now. Yes.

Eleanor and Park can be purchased here.

Until next time, I guess.

PS. I've been writing more stuff for The Indiependent which can be found here, so go check that out!

Also new YouTube video! (You can subscribe if you like). I danced and did the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

The Giver - Lois Lowry

There aren't many books out there that make you think about the way you live your life, but The Giver does. I'm still not sure why it's aimed at children but it is. A few weeks ago I wrote a review for The Indiependent and I'm sharing it here. Please go check out The Indiependent - it's fab. 

Many film trailers have persuaded me to invest into the books that have inspired them. It happened with Divergent by Veronica Roth, and it has now happened with The Giver by Lois Lowry. Published in 1993, it is regarded as one of the modern classics and has won the Newbery Medal, a literary award for children’s books. The dark nature of the novel, however, can easily be aimed at adults with many school libraries banning the novel, which has meant that The Giver was one of the most challenged books in the 1990’s. After reading the novel, and spending many days reeling from the ending, I can understand the controversy Lowry created, even if she did not intend for it.

The novel is set in a utopian future and follows the young protagonist Jonas as he becomes a Twelve, the year where each child receives their life long occupation. Within this utopian society, rules are accepted and obeyed without question, so when Jonas receives his position as Receiver of Memories, a position within society where he will be excluded from his family and friends, he accepts with little objection.

From here, we realise, along with Jonas that this perfect world is more darker and dystopian than first presented. It becomes apparent when Jonas is told he has The Capacity to See Beyond. Currently, within our world, this connotes psychic qualities, however within The Giver this capacity gives Jonas the ability to see colours once he is taught them. Hence we learn that through the control of the Elders, everything within the Community is equal. There are no differences -  this means there is no music, literature, colour, and no strong emotions. By taking away all the differences and choices there is a belief that this will create harmony within the population, and who is to disagree when there is no pain, starvation, illness and war to create negativity and a call for change?

On his first day, Jonas meets The Giver, the current Receiver of Memories who will pass on the memories, from all of time, onto Jonas. The Giver, a kind elderly man who has lived his life secluded due to the vast amount of memories he is forced keep, is initially is cautious to share memories of wars and conflict with Jonas because of the failure The Giver experienced ten years previous with Rosemary, a young girl who could not cope with the pain from the memories, so chose to leave the Community and be released. A novel of this genre fails to have much purpose if someone doesn’t attempt to bring change. So, with the memories shared by The Giver and Rosemary’s legacy, Jonas and his mentor are motivated to try and bring about change within their community that seems so perfect on the surface.

Externally, this tale may seem like straight forward science-fiction, however it is so much deeper than that. It’s about the importance of love, the danger of control and ultimately deciding whether the truth is good for the people – something we can definitely relate to, with the increased availability of information due to the internet,  it can be very easy to release issues hidden from the public. This novel may be aimed at children, however the topic at hand deserves a level of maturity and understanding that many children won’t reach until teenage years. The Giver successfully demonstrates the thin line between utopia and dystopia, and illustrates the importance of knowledge and how dangerous a lack of information can be on the human curiosity and nature. 

“If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.” ― Oscar Wilde

I have used a quote which I found a few months ago to title this post. Much to the surprise of everyone around me, I can read a book multiple times without getting bored. I will never understand why this is shocking, but then again, I don't understand people who can only read a book once and never have the urge to read it again. This isn't the purpose of this post - I just wanted to share this quote with you. Maybe in the future I will create a post full of my favourite quotes. Who knows. 

Now for the actual topic at hand.

Sometimes, you read something, whether it be poetry or a novel or an intriguing newspaper article and it changes your approach to life or just makes you think. A lot. This may last a whole lifetime or just a few minutes. 

I'll have another book review here soon, but for now, I present to you a a list of stuff that have left my brain whirling and my outlook on life tarnished. You may want to read them. I highly suggest you do.  

• Torn by Cat Clarke (Actually make that any Cat Clarke novel. Remember the post I wrote about her  few months ago?)
• Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
• Paper Towns by John Green
• A Smile To Remember by Charles Bukowski
• How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
• Catcher In The Rye - J D Salinger 
• Slated by Teri Terry
• The Giver by Lois Lowry 
• Before You Were Mine by Carol Ann Duffy 

Also, please check out my author profile on The Indiependent here and maybe any other social networks that appear on the right hand side of this blog? That would be fab.

Okay goodbye, I will now go into my corner and panic about results day that is in about 42 hours. Not that I'm counting or anything. Ha ha ha.

Exciting Things!

It's August! Finally!

But why is August so exciting? Well curious human I will tell you.

If like me, you enjoy the BBC series Doctor Who more than is acceptable then you'll realise that Doctor Who is returning on the 23rd August. It is finally August. Doctor Who is about to return in three weeks and I could not be more excited. Honestly, along side that elation lies feelings of worry and nervousness, especially with the recent interviews and quotes that say Who is 'different'.

Not that I hate change but I hate change.

I have all faith that Capaldi will be a great Doctor, but there is always the option that, for me, the difference will cause me to dislike the programme I have love since I was 7.Ten years. Wow.

But, just the like the Doctor, the show must regenerate to prevent it's death. It's one of the main reasons the show has lasted for half a century.

Will I be going to the Cinema to watch the first episode though? I hope so. (I didn't go to the cinema for the 50th due to my failed eyes that prevent me from seeing 3D films in, well, 3D.)

Anyway, that is not the only exciting thing that is happening.



Yesterday, it was announced via twitter, that the entertainment blog, The Indiependent (in no way affiliated with the British newspaper The Independent), had added new writers. One of these writers was me. Yes.





Obviously, I am very excited and honoured to not only be writing for them, but to have been given this opportunity in the first place. Actually, I spent a huge amount of time reading the blog before getting the courage to send an email and apply (No one tell them I want to remain cool and aloof (jokes))

But what is The Indiependent? The Indiependent is a platform for aspiring writers, such as myself, to gain journalist experience. It is features reviews from music to films to books. Not only that, but the writing is actually entertaining and informative. Somehow, I am now affiliated with this bunch of talented individuals.

What will I be writing? Well, reviews (The first review may or may not be about A Great Big Worlds album Is Anybody Out There? You'll have to follow The Indiependent to find out). One thing, I am very excited about, is when Doctor Who returns on the 23rd (bringing it back to the beginning - look at that for writing technique), I will hopefully be posting weekly reviews of each episode on The Indiependent.

I hope, at least, some of you, are excited for the things about to happen and will check out The Indiependent.

Bye :)

That One Time I Visited Lincoln

I don't know if I've said this before, but I quite enjoy taking photographs. Hence, when I took a trip to Lincoln a few weeks ago, I also too my camera. Lincoln is possibly the cutest city I have ever had the pleasure to visit, so naturally I couldn't resist but to take a lot of photographs. Whilst there, we visited the Cathedral and attempted to visit the Castle (apparently two seventeen year old's are too young to walk around a historical building without an adult). Anyway, here are some of the photographs I took, enjoy!