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harry potter

5 Characters Everyone Loves But I Just Don’t Get | Top Ten Tuesday

Posted on 8 March, 2016

I haven’t participated in the Top Ten Tuesday feature, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, for a very long time, but I thought I’d start doing it again weekly because I love reading everyone’s posts.

This week the theme is: “Ten Characters Everyone Loves But I Just Don’t Get”. I haven’t chosen ten because usually I like most of the characters I read about, so here are just a few:

Severus Snape – Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND why anyone could like Snape. I must admit, I did see the appeal once I’d finished Deathly Hallows, but I don’t think a sudden spark of romance in the plot line can excuse his awful, abusive behaviour. He’s mean to Harry throughout his years at Hogwarts and constantly puts Hermione down, calling her an “insufferable know-it-all.” Is knowledge really something to be ashamed of?

Snape is never going to be a good person in my eyes.

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Heathcliff – Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Don’t even get me started on Heathcliff. He’s another character that is abusive – physically and mentally – and is romanticised way too often, thanks to adaptations portraying him as dark and brooding. His treatment of Cathy Linton, Hareton and Isabella was disgusting and how anyone could love him after that is crazy.

He deserves Catherine Earnshaw, in my opinion. They can run madly around the Moors together, as long as they’re nowhere near me.

Tiny Cooper – Hold Me Closer by David Levithan

I did like Tiny Cooper in David Levithan and John Green’s Will Grayson, Will Grayson but I just felt annoyed when I read the spin-off, Hold Me Closer. It seemed too over-the-top and unnecessary. I was not impressed!

Tiny Cooper is okay in short bursts, but a whole book? Never again.

Cinder – Cinder by Marissa Meyer

I enjoyed Cinder when I read it, but I’ve never been able to get past the first two books. I think this is because the characters didn’t steal my heart from me in a way that made me want to read on, so I’ve never persevered. It doesn’t matter how much action is going on, if I don’t like the characters then I’m not going to want to continue.

Lola and Cricket – Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

I feel so bad about this choice because I’m a huge fan of Stephanie Perkins’s books, but Lola and the Boy Next Door fell a bit flat for me. I loved her first book, Anna and the French Kiss, so much but when it came to Lola, I felt as if something was missing. I’d still recommend it because Stephanie writes fantastically, but beware that the characters aren’t everything you could hope for.

What characters have you thinking everyone else is crazy for loving them? Are there any characters on my list that you love? Leave some love in the comments to let me know!

Discussion

A 2015 Year In Review

Posted on 30 December, 2015

2015 has been an incredible, whirlwind year. I can’t believe we’re now going into 2016! I thought that it would be nice to look back on the year that has passed and share some of my favourite moments!

Starting Book Pigs!

At the start of the year, I started a blog on Tumblr called Book Pigs, where I share pictures of some of my guinea pigs with books. It’s taken me by surprise just how much people have fallen in love with my piggies and it’s also made me try and up my photography game. It’s one of the best jobs, although there have been some funny moments, like when one guinea pig ran around under my bed for ten minutes!

UKYABA Prize

It came as a total shock to me when I won Champion of YA in the UK Young Adult Blogger Awards earlier in 2015. It means the *absolute world* to me to be recognised for something I love doing so much and I still can’t believe it, really!!

Visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour

It was SO amazing to visit the Harry Potter Studio Tours for the opening of the Hogwarts Express with Holly, C.J. and Josh (and my dad!). It’s so weird, but so great, to feel as if you’re walking around parts of Hogwarts and living in the world of Harry Potter. It’s such a memorable experience because I don’t think there’s anything quite like walking through the doors of the Great Hall for the first time, a place that has inhabited your imagination for years and also a place you’ve seen so many times on your TV screens.

Stonewylde Gathering

I have discussed my favourite book series many times on my blog, and this year I got to go to the annual Stonewylde Gathering. It was so much fun and lovely to see Kit again. There was also a quiz later on that I’m sure I got very competitive at… It was nice to test my own knowledge on the books (because I’ve read them so many times!) but it also reminded me how you can read a book a million times and return the next time and find tiny details that you didn’t pick up the first million times. And…. I won! I’m pretty sure that is going on my CV now. LIFE HIGHLIGHT!

UKYA Events!

One of the best things about being a blogger is getting out and meeting like-minded people, and this year I’ve had the pleasure of attending quite a few events – publishing ones, book festivals, and others like the UKYA Extravaganza in Birmingham and the Young Adult Literature Convention. The above picture was taken at the UKYA Extravaganza (full post on it here) and it’s been amazing to see this event flourish this year, especially as it is author run. Emma Pass and Kerry Drewery have put a lot of work in it, so to see it doing so well is a credit to them.

#ukyachat

Running #ukyachat on Twitter is always the highlight of my week and this year I’ve been lucky to watch it turn from my baby into my child. Being able to talk to such wonderful people, and making lifelong friends out of it, is one of the best parts and I’m looking forward to a year of chats in 2016!

I’d like to take this moment to thank each and every person who has participated and supported #ukyachat in the past year – the authors, bloggers, and passionate readers who take part and have championed it. Thank you!!! You always put a massive smile on my face.

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2015 has been one of the best blogging years and I’m looking forward to watching how it develops in the year ahead. THANK YOU to all of you who have made it extra special!

What are your bookish highlights of 2015?

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Harry Potter Studio Tour

Posted on 20 March, 2015

On Thursday 12th March, I was invited to go to the Hogwarts Express preview event at the Harry Potter Studio Tour. I was incredibly excited beforehand, as I’ve been a massive fan of everything Harry Potter related since I read the books for the first time in 2013. It was my first time at the tour and I loved it!

It’s unbelievable to see a world you’ve imagined in your head and seen on a TV screen to come to life right before your eyes. It’s even more unbelievable to live the moment surrounded by people who are even bigger fans than you are.

The new Hogwarts Express part of the tour is fantastic. As you round the corner, you see the Platform 9 3/4 sign and you are suddenly transported to the platform that you can visualise so clearly from the books. You can have your picture taken by the trolley (as seen above!) and wander around the platform itself. The train is a magnificent sight to behold, as it’s all realistically scaled, with smoke coming from the top. The ambience was amazing!

You can even climb the steps and enter the train, looking in through the carriage sections to discover tiny details about the characters. It most definitely felt as if you were actually there.

I enjoyed the whole tour so much – if you haven’t been, I would HIGHLY recommend it!

You can see a video on my time at the tour here.

Have you been to the Harry Potter Studio Tour before? What did you think?

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Top Ten Tuesday (3) – Top Ten Most Unique Books I’ve Read

Posted on 8 April, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Every week, a new topic is chosen and people are allowed to make their own lists.

Despite really liking this week’s theme, I really struggled to find books to feature. There are so many ways to interpret the word ‘unique’ so the books I’ve chosen to feature are for many different reasons.

I don’t think I’ll ever read such a unique and original book as Every Day. Its concept is phenomenal and I can’t think of a better person to write it as David Levithan.

More Than This by Patrick Ness is also a book with a breath-taking concept. I wish I could read it again for the first time because I can remember the feeling when I first read it, and how blown away I was by it.

I can’t write this list without talking about Harry Potter, can I? It screams ‘unique.’ The world, the way it is written, the dedication of the fandom. Will there ever really be a book quite like it again? I doubt it.

This Star Won’t Go Out (I write this wearing my TSWGO t-shirt) is totally unique, not just because it’s non-fiction, but because of how it affected me. It’s such an emotional book and that’s what makes it so special. It’s real life and honest.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart has to be unique because THAT. ENDING. I’m still reeling, over a week after reading it. I don’t think I can risk saying any more, but, yes, I haven’t read a book quite like it before!

I love Vivian Versus the Apocalypse by Katie Coyle because it seems very straight-forward but so much happens. I can’t wait for the sequel!

The Library of Unrequited Love is a very small book, less than 100 pages, but so much is discussed within so few pages. It’s also translated from French, and set in France, which I think adds to its originality.

I think The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer trilogy (or the two books is it so far) win the prize for the biggest change from a first book to its sequel. I can’t wait for the final book because I know there’s going to be a lot going on.

Dreaming of Amelia is written in the form of exam papers, which I thought was such a great idea. All of Jaclyn Moriarty’s books are written in a quirky style – as letters, emails etc. – and I think this is my favourite of hers.

Magus of Stonewylde by Kit Berry is unique because of its setting. There will never be another Stonewylde for me. If I could live in any fictional world, I would live there; it is the place I imagine when I close my eyes, and the place I dream of when I sleep at night.

That’s my list! What would be on yours?

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Top Ten Tuesday (2)- Top Ten Most Memorable Secondary Characters

Posted on 27 August, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Every week, a new topic is chosen and people are allowed to make their own lists.

This week the topic is the top ten most memorable secondary characters. I had lots of fun, but also found it really hard, choosing the characters to feature on today’s list.

1) Iko from Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Iko was the first character that popped into my head when I was thinking of this list. I love Marissa Meyer’s books and Iko is a very strong secondary character, one who is instantly memorable.

2) Isaac from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I really loved the scenes with Isaac in them because he’s just so funny and cheery, even when he was going through some really tough stuff.

3) Kenji from Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Kenji is so funny and never fails to put a smile on my face. I love this guy!

4) Tiny Cooper from Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan

I seem to have a thing for funny characters, and Tiny Cooper is no exception! He made me laugh throughout and is such a great character.

5) Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

Luna is such a unique character and, in my opinion, very inspirational. She’s eccentric and quirky and not to afraid to be herself.

6) Lulu from Airhead by Meg Cabot

I LOVE this series and Lulu is hilarious!

7) Toby from Geek Girl by Holly Smale

I love this little stalker guy! *strangle hugs*

8) Finnick Odair from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Finnick is so much better than the main characters, in my opinion. I want a spin-off all about him!

9) Park’s mum from Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Park’s mum is so likable and she really stood out as a character for me.

Have you read any of the books? What did you think? Link me back to your own posts!

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A to Z Book Survey

Posted on 12 August, 2013

The A to Z Book Survey was created by Jamie from The Perpetual Page-Turner. I love her blog so much (seriously, she’s one of my blogging idols) and she does the End of Year Book Survey every year which is such a good idea. I’ve seen this going round the blogosphere for a few days now and I thought I’d give it a go myself because it’s such fun.

Author you’ve read the most books from:

According to Goodreads, I’ve read the most books by Cassandra Clare (7), but I know that according to my bookshelf it is Meg Cabot. I’ll read anything written by both.

Best Sequel Ever:

I’m going to choose Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi for this one because I couldn’t put it down. I love her books so much and this one exceeded Shatter Me by miles.

Currently Reading:

At the time of writing this (yesterday), I was reading The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle, which I’m finding very difficult to get into. 🙁

Drink of Choice While Reading:

I only drink water so that’s going to have to be my answer. Although when I’m reading I usually forget to drink anything.

E–reader or Physical Book?

I’ll always love physical books, and nothing will beat them for me, but I am trying to read more e-books because they’re so much cheaper and it’s much easier to buy novels that aren’t so freely available here in the UK. This saves me having to buy a hardcover for a book I might not enjoy.

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated In High School:

Levi from Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell! My ultimate book boyfriend. *swoon*

Glad You Gave This Book A Chance:

Wings by Aprilynne Pike, because I was very close to DNF-ing it.

Hidden Gem Book:

The Avery Shaw Experiment by Kelly Oram. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did!

Important Moment in your Reading Life:

Starting my blog. I wouldn’t be the reader I am today without it, because blogging made me read more and look to other genres that weren’t familiar to me.

Just Finished:

Faking It by Cora Carmack which I LOVED. I love her books so much now!

Kinds of Books You Won’t Read:

I don’t like reading vampire novels, but I will tolerate them. I do avoid time travel novels now because I just have a lot of problems with them.

Longest Book You’ve Read:

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Major book hangover because of:

Shaman of Stonewylde by Kit Berry. It’s the last book in my favourite series

Number of Bookcases You Own:

I have two shelves that run the length of my wall, one that runs half and a big bookcase. And I still don’t have enough room…

One Book You Have Read Multiple Times:

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. Whenever I’m in a reading slump, I’ll pick it up and it always helps me get out of it.

Preferred Place To Read:

I can read just about anywhere, but I love reading in my chair which normally has things heaped up the sides and fall on me pretty regularly. I’d take a picture but it’s so messy the sight would probably horrify you.

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read:

“‘After all this time?’

‘Always,’ said Snape.”

It gets me every time!

Reading Regret:

This is a really hard one for me to answer because there’s nothing that I wish I had done differently. I’m still really young so I can’t say I wish I had done things years ago and I read so much anyway that I can usually fit in anything that I want to read. I’m going to leave this one blank for now.

Series You Started And Need To Finish(all books are out in series):

The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa. I only have one more book to go!

Three of your All-Time Favorite Books:

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Magus of Stonewylde by Kit Berry

Unapologetic Fangirl For:

Anything Rainbow Rowell, which is pretty ironic seeing as though one of her books is called Fangirl.

Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others:

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi! Words cannot explain how excited I am. 😀

Worst Bookish Habit:

I do buy a lot of books that end up sitting on my pile for months and months. My TBR pile takes up two shelves.

X Marks The Spot: Start at the top left of your shelf and pick the 27th book:

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Your latest book purchase:

Faking It by Cora Carmack for my Kindle.

ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late):

Losing It by Cora Carmack! I stayed up all night reading it!

Have you done this survey? Link me to your own posts if so!

(sorry for the lack of pictures. My post wouldn’t format them properly. :))