All the revision is happening

There's not been a new book review/post/discussion in weeks and I am sorry. I've been a little busy. Why? Because it is May and May only brings one thing for students in the UK: Exams.

Yay.

So, I have been reading, just not any new books, I've been reading books I've already read. Such as the Missing series by Meg Cabot. Next it'll probably be The Mediator series. The way my brain works is that, I can still read books and revise as long as they aren't books that I haven't read before, because some how unread books will distract me from revision. I'm not quite sure I understand it myself either. So to keep up the whole 'at least two blog posts a month situation' here are some things I have realised whilst preparing from my exams.

• Reading notes is not good enough to learn/memorize something, especially key words in a language. (Spanish speaking) 
• Writing down things = memorization (Spanish speaking) 
• Panicking does no one any good (4 hours before my Spanish speaking on the 30th April)
• Breathing exercises such as this one actually work (2 hours before my Spanish speaking)
• If you relax and don't panic, things may actually work out well.
• Coloured pens are your best friend
• You can never have too many coloured pens
• Sticky notes are also your best friend
• You need all the paper
• You need all the black pens for those exams
• No matter how many times you learn and revise the absorption of glucose using a co-transporter you will probably never understand it. 
• Music is a necessity for concentration
• Your neighbors may possibly hear you singing along to Taylor Swift at 6pm
• Unknown English texts from the 1800's that are about spoons will never be your best friend (English mock 1st May) 
• When you take breaks from revising you will always feel guilty 
• Baking is a good way to be productive whilst taking a break from revision
• You will never enjoy making butter cream icing  

There probably won't be another "book specific" blog post until June, so until then it'll probably be "Megan writes things that comes to mind and hopes it makes sense" posts.

Until next time friends :)

Remember in my last post when I mentioned creating a Youtube channel? I took the first step: Oh_itsonlymegan youtube channel! Maybe I'll actually create videos, who knows?

Internet Language

Events that have happened recently:

Event One: I read Fangirl by Rainbow  Rowell (an excellent book by the way, totally recommend, please go read, available on amazon)
Event Two: I texted the phrase "I cannot" to a friend and she replied with "You can't what?"
Event Three: I asked that same friend if she was fangirling over Divergent (which she had just read because I told her to) and she didn't understand the world fangirl.

These different events opened my eyes to how the internet can alter the way we speak and communicate. Don't get me wrong, it was obvious to me that I was talking differently to certain people, for instance I would remember not use 'bc' and 'ikr' and 'I just' to people who don't involve themselves in the internet as much as I do. What actually alarmed me was that I had forgotten not everyone will understand the phrase "I cannot" as for the first time I had just assumed my friend, who does not use social media, would understand what I meant. I mean, I am led to believe that "I cannot" and "I just" is some sort of expression of emotion. An expression that expresses nothing at all. When did I begin doing this? More importantly, why is this a thing? Not finishing sentences and leaving them mid sentence is something we are told not to do. Yet I have begun using these phrases in real life and not only on the internet. If I used the phrase "I cannot" to finish a point in my English essays I'm a hundred percent sure my English teacher would explode with annoyance because that isn't a proper sentence or a form of opinion. But to me it is. I use the phrase to express myself and I no longer remember why or how.

It's not only phrases that are unknown to non-internet folk, we have words that they don't understand either. For instance, within Fangirl Cath (The main character) mentions the existence of a fandom, and the other character within the conversation did not understand what she meant. For me, I assumed that the word fandom, along with fangirl and shipping, was universally known, apparently I was wrong. The reason Rowell's book caught my eye was for the title, my brain just thought, I am a fangirl - I must read. For others, they probably wouldn't even think of picking the book up because they don't know what a fangirl is. The spell check on this doesn't even understand what I mean due to the red lines under every internet term. It's like a new language hidden behind English. There are actual language barriers between people because of the internet.

I think this is all I have to say on this subject. I could probably continue because it's so fascinating to me but I'll spare you all. Maybe there'll be an "Internet Language part two" post in the future. Who knows?

In other news:

• I finally watched Frozen and I now have a new favourite thing. Actually, whilst writing this, I have been dramatically singing Let It Go and For The First Time In Forever.
• I also started my driving lessons, and I found out I am terrified of speed (and it's not even speed because I have only gotten to 20mph). 
• Recently, every time I go on the internet, I start off doing the normal things like tumblr and blog writing and what not -then suddenly I'm watching old Grace Helbig videos (youtube.com/ItsGrace). Every time. Though, I really don't mind because she's fab.
• Doctor Who has begun to film a Robin Hood themed episode which has me wishing they would film in actual Sherwood Forest because then I could go watch filming. (I live near Sherwood forest please don't hunt me down). 
• It's Easter break which means I've been revising and I finish every day with pen all over my hands which is really annoying. 
• The sun has been out everyday which is lovely but odd because I live in England and I am not used to that flaming ball of fire in the sky. 
• I have started internally debating whether I should start a YouTube channel alongside this blog in the summer after my exams. 

That's all I wanted to say today.

*Smoke bomb* 

*Mysterious exit*

Come talk to me on Twitter or Tumblr or good reads!
(Also the endings to my posts are getting weirder and I am sorry)

Slated trilogy by Teri Terry

I should mention firstly that this is probably one of the more underrated series ever.

*Screams from the rooftops* Why is no one talking about this book? Why?

None of my friends have read it, none of my internet friends have read it. No. One.

This makes me sad because it is fantastic and is probably one of my favourite trilogies. It definitely has one of the best endings I have ever read in my life. There were tears. I'm not even sure why either. Maybe it's because it was so good? Maybe you should read it and tell me *hint hint*. I'm also extremely sad this trilogy has ended, which in fact fuels my frustration that no one I know has read this trilogy because I can't talk about it - the only thing I can do is tell them to read it. (which has now turned into begging because it has been three years and no one has read it)

Set in a future that is way to close for comfort (2050's), Britain in no longer how we know it today. After the riots and protests in the 2020's (see what I mean about closeness?), peace was brought with a new coalition government. Along with this new leadership, the procedure "Slating" is created. Slating is a procedure given to teenage criminals only - an alternative option from being given the death penalty. It's a merciful operation, giving these criminals a second chance at life. But how? Well, it wipes the individuals memory, giving them a 'clean slate'. For the first 6 months they stay in hospital, relearning how to speak, read, write and basically how to function. With the addition of a Levo, a watch-like wrist device that prevents and anger or sadness which may provoke unwanted behavior by causing the individual to go unconscious and may, in severe cases, kill with seizures to the brain. Slated's are placed within families and back into society and have to go to support groups and visit the hospital regularly. This brings us to our protagonist: Kyla. Where everything is not all it seems. Firstly, she has spent 9 months in the hospital due to recurring bad dreams, her doctor, Dr Lysander, is the woman who actually created Slating. Danger also arises at school when teachers, pupils and Slated's alike begin to go missing.

When you do read this series, invest in protection gear - maybe helmet - because this series is one hell of a roller-coaster ride where the uphills are mysteries and loop-the-loops are full on plot twists that just hurt (Especially in the last novel, Shattered, I mean ouch).

If you're ready for a thrill in the form of a book then please read Slated by Teri Terry. Now I know this has been short but I had to avoid to spoilers because the reason this trilogy is so fantastic and amazing is because of the revelations that are given whilst turning the pages.

The trilogy is available from amazon 

Until next time folks.

Good Reads

I have no idea what this is or what it does but I made an account yay

https://www.goodreads.com/Oh_itsonlymegan

So, y'know add me as a friend on that it you like or teach me how to use it - either is fine

This is what 4 hours of revision does to me, I make accounts on websites I have yet to understand.

Yeah you read that right - FOUR HOURS. The official A Level revision starts now people.

Also, I'm rereading the Slated series in anticipation of me buying the third book in the trilogy so watch out for a blog post about that soon.

Byeeeeeeee

Gallagher Girls

Some books stay with you for a life time. They get into your soul, your veins and you cannot get them out.

*Begins to hum Andrew Belle*

For some it's Harry Potter, or The Hunger Games or even Twilight.

For me, it's the Gallagher Girl series by Ally Carter.

Now let me tell you something about these books that force their way into your soul - you can read them more than once. And that's what I did. I re-read the Gallagher Girls.

I think I've actually read I'd Tell  You I'd Love You But I'd Have to Kill You (book 1) about six times now.

Oops.

But I've only read the last book, United We Spy, about twice so it's okay. That's only because it came out in 2013 but that's not the point here.

As I was saying before, I have recently reread the series (yes I should have been revising but it only took two weeks and I'm revising now Brownie Promise (I was in the Brownies I can promise like that)), my love and appreciation for Ally Cater's amazing series has grown by, like, 1000%. Also fear has increased because Cammie (the main character y'all) is no longer older than me. She is actually younger than me in the first three books (i think), so now it's official I am getting older hahahahahahahahahahhahahahaha you can almost hear me repressing every emotion can't you? 

Speaking of getting older and growing up, I have literally grown up with Gallagher Girls in my life. I first found the book when I was eleven, a small year seven in 2008 hanging around the school library, and in that library featured a display, with a cool mannequin wearing what was supposed to be Gallagher Girl uniform and book marks. (I still have mine - see?). So there was little me, enthralled with the Gallagher Academy and Cammie's world, wanting to be a secret spy student with cool friends like Bex and Liz. Oh and I really wanted my school to be an old building like the Academy because my school was built in 1964 and has currently been modernised (excuse me whilst I mourn my old history classroom which was dark and lovely. It's now bright and painted yellow so ew)

Where was I? It's 9.20pm give me a break okay?

Oh yeah, living through Cammie (May I just add if a film is created I will be 95% disappointed and 4% angry if I am not cast as Cammie) (I joke - I will fully support any actress which is blessed with the role) (seriously though I have dark blonde hair and I'm ignored 97% of the time it could work) What's that about being ignored, why is that important? I hear you ask, well reader wouldn't you like to know? Cammi Morgan is a chameleon - not literally, she is a pavement artist. She can trail suspects and there is a high probability that they will not see her.Not even paranoid Mr Smith, who she tails in book one for a CovOpts mission.

Anyway, back to growing up with the series. When I say growing up, I mean every year of secondary school I could look forward to another Gallagher Girls book - until my last year, when the series ended and I finished my secondary school career. So now, every time I think of my years 7-11 at school, hopefully I'll always remember the Gallagher Girls series. I'm still in education (woo go A Levels) obviously, but it's no longer obligatory, I am choosing to be there.

I keep getting distracted. I need to stop. Is this what happens when I hand write this at 9.30pm?

Focus Megan.

Now okay, I get it, a book series about a secret spy school only for girls may sound cheesy and stereotypical blah blah blah. But it's not okay. Mainly because it's first person narrative from a girl. A teenage girl. Who is very intelligent and did I mention goes to a secret spy boarding school? Her mother is also the headmistress of the school and her Aunt Abby is just the coolest. In fact, I think she is my favourite character, especially after a scene in book 3 where something happens that made me feel shock, horror and elation. (I'm obviously not going to say anything because spoilers). I actually love all the characters, even the villainous types. Not once has a character appeared and I've gone "oh not you again  please leave". Now seems like a good time to mention Zach *inhales*. I feel so much emotion towards Zach. Mainly because of the character development. The excellent character development. Zach doesn't arrive until Cross My Heart And Hope To Spy so I'll keep this brief, because spoilers, except I will say the cocky, sarcastic mysterious Blackthorn Boy that arrives is so much more. I think you'll be telling yourself a lie if after reading the series (which you will be doing) you said you didn't want your own Zach. Because I do. Without the deep dark secret and everything else I can't mention because of spoilers.

May I also suggest another reason why this series is excellent- the books get better and better. I can honestly say the first novel is the worst in the series (not that it isn't brilliant and fantastic because it totally is). But do you know how rare it is to say that? Most books start off really great, but by the last book it has gotten so bad that you forget why you wanted to read the series in the first place. It's so sad.

Now if you are still sat (or walking or pacing I don't know you) reading this and thinking 'hey I might read this but I'm not so sure" let me point out something to you: You are spared the agonising year of waiting for the next instalment. You also won't miss the happiness of receiving that parcel of books through the post. You will however feel the sadness when you come to the end. Sorry not sorry.

Even if you still don't think you want to read Gallagher Girls, check out Ally Carter's other series Heist Society (Maybe I'll reread that one and make a blog post about it)

The Gallagher Girls series can be found on amazon and any excellent bookstore.

Please come speak to me here and here

The dreams continue to be weird y'all

Y'all

I really like saying it.

Or typing it in this case.

Anyway, if you remember in September 2013 I wrote a post about some strange dreams and because I feel like writing and I haven't finished reading the Gallagher Girls series yet (hint hint next blog post), I feel I should share with the internet some dreams that I have had since writing the said blog post.

Let me describe the one what I had the first night in Valencia. October 2013

I'll set the scene: It was 3am, the hostel bed I was in was really uncomfortable and squeaked every time I moved. It was the first night in a strange country and a strange bed so I was having difficulty sleeping. I think I was so tired I was hallucinating because I don't even know what went off in this dream. Firstly, my friend and I were sat in a cafe where everyone spoke perfect English even though I assumed it was in Valencia. The cafe owner and I got on very well. I asked for a job. She declined and ran off crying. I then went to this great ice-cream place in Valencia and I ordered in French (at least I said French words), the ice cream lady became very angry because I should have been speaking Spanish. Back to the cafe and I asked the owner why she rejected me. Now here's where it got weird: She rejected me because I was black. I'll let you all know I am in fact not black, I am extremely white and pale. This is the reason why I remain so very confused. Maybe it was the influence of my History studies (Civil Rights in the USA). I'm not sure but I woke up the next morning feeling like I had -5 hours of sleep. That was the day were had to walk all around Valencia. Oh that trip tired me out so so so much.

Time for dream number 2:

My Spanish teacher is secretly Anna Kendrick.

Or at least my brain wants me to think that. She revealed it in the middle of class stating "People can usually tell with my smile! Teaching Spanish is my real passion so please don't tell anyone!" That dream also featured my best friend getting excited over salad and a non Spanish student joining the class because she was going to Mexico and needed 'all the Spanish"

I've just realised both of the dreams feature Spanish.

Not sure what this means.



Talk to me here and here

A Kiss in the Dark

A Kiss In The Dark by Cat Clarke

*Breathes*

Let me gain thoughts and emotions that fully express how much I love this book because it has been at least three days now and I still can't read another book without internally feeling like I've betrayed something.

Only me who feels like that?

Oh okay.

Firstly, may I just point out, that not only does this restore my faith in the goodness of people but also my faith in the human race as a whole. Both characters, Alex and Kate do some pretty hurtful things towards each other, both intentional and unintentional, yet both appear to do the right thing in the end. Yes, I understand that they are fictional characters and do no exist blah blah blah but let me keep this feeling of content before another human does something horrid that makes me hate all the people again.

I'm kidding. I think.

I'm going to avoid as much of the story line as possible, so this maybe short and sweet but we have to avoid spoilers people! Also I'm initially handwriting this after scribbling down a whole history essay and my hand hurts.

There is a secret, which in turn is also a lie, between Kate and Alex, and what makes this worse is it is an unintentional secret and lie, one where you have to continue it on for the rest of eternity, or until you breakdown in a mess of guilt and sadness. That's only the first lie. Yep you guessed it, there's two. The second lie pretty much had me on the edge on my seat, I was almost afraid to finish the book. If you read any of Cat Clarke's novels, especially Undone, you'll probably understand why I was afraid to finish it because, well, the endings can be a little unexpected and not what you wanted to happen at all. The truth of the matter is those kind of endings are the best endings so I equally hate and love them.

Now, back to the secrets and lies that lay between our couple and threaten to ruin not only their relationship and lives. Sounds cheesy and very cliché right? Thinking about not reading because you've read stuff like it before? Let me just shake you by the shoulders because this book is far from cheesy and cliché, in fact, depending on the individuals involved the events in this novel could actually happen, maybe with different circumstances but still it could happen. Especially the second part.

I haven't given much into the story or plot but I beg you please read this book, if not for the story but for the message it sends out. Here I give you the hard hitting (and what people should believe anyway) quotes from the book.

"Love is love"

"People are people"




A Kiss in the Dark by Cat Clarke is available 3rd April 2014

Talk to me here and here

A huge thank you to Quercus for sending me the novel!

Also do this!

"Tweet why you want a signed competition copy of Cat Clarke’s A Kiss in the Dark between the 31st March and 4pm on 4th April. Make sure you @Cat_Clarke & include the #AKITD to be in with a chance of winning. The winner will be announced on Friday 4th at 4:30pm. Good luck."