Top 5 books of 2014.

At the beginning of 2014 I wrote a post about the top 5 books that I read in 2013 (I'll put a link to this post at the bottom). I decided, since mostly all I seem to do is read, and the year is coming to a close, to do another for 2014.

1. My favourite book that I read this year is 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky.

This book was an experience for me that I want to re-live over and over again. It's a coming of age story which follows the main character 'Charlie' through his transition to High School and how he copes. He goes through the typical teenage stuff, friends, fallouts, girlfriends, music, family arguments, and the like. But Charlie is different to most kids. He's quiet, and clever, and wonderfully thoughful. This story of a short time in his life is heartwarmingly honest, and heartbreakingly tragic.
I'd give this book 10/10. My all-time favourite.

2. 'The Collector' by John Fowles.

This book is one I was assigned to read for class. I enjoyed it immensely and found that whilst reading it I couldn't put it down. It's not at all a light-hearted coming-of-age story like the books I usually read. It's dark, and confusing, and the main character is misunderstood, and very dangerous. It's a definite must-read for anyone who likes a thriller. This book from me gets a 8/10.

3. 'If I Stay' by Gayle Forman.

This is a book which I read because I saw the trailer for the movie and it seemed like something I'd enjoy. Admittedly I haven't yet seen the movie, I will do in time but the book was so incredible. The protagonist 'Mia' is caught in a world of confusion and loss and the book isn't about how she overcomes difficulty, it's about her deciding whether she should. I found this book so insightful and so thought provoking. It's only quite a short book too so it's perfect for someone who isn't a huge reader. Overall, 9.5/10.

4. 'Paper Towns' by John Green.

Already a fan of John Green, having read 'The Fault in our Stars' and 'Looking for Alaska' I was keen to give this a read. I was so happy to hear it was being made in to a film! I found this story one that I struggled to put down when reading and I didn't want it to end. I was slightly disappointed with the ending, having said that I feel it was the best thing to happen to the characters. It also comments on this thing we all do, where our admiration for someone makes them in to something more than human, in our eyes. We put people on pedestals and then are let down when they don't live up to our expectations. This book taught me that it's important to remember that everyone is flawed, everyone is human. 8.5/10 from me.

5. 'Slated' by Teri Terry.

This book is the first in a series, and I haven't actually read the next two yet. I'd describe this book as a cross between fantasy and sci-fi because it takes place in a dystopic future (around 2050 in England) where a war has caused consequences for the entire country. Kyla, the main character is an interesting protagonist because the reader follows her experience of re-learning how to live an ordinary life, and the trials and tribulations of not knowing who she can trust. I'd give this book 8.5/10, I found it gripping, and can't wait to get my teeth in to the next two!

Here is last year's post - Top 5 books/book series of 2013.

Zoella, Girl Online, Thoughts.

So as you might be aware the internet has been divided this last week over the 'news' that Zoe Sugg had help writing her book. I wanted to share my thoughts. I said 'news' in inverted commas because it's not news to anyone who watches her videos. She has spoken openly throughout the entire process that she has worked with the editorial team and been given guidance with the book, which I feel is fair, given that it's her first book. Most people's first books don't get published because they aren't good enough, writing well is something that has to be learned and just because she had help is no reason to punish her.

I've read the book, finished in just over a week. I loved it. Yes writing style is important, but the plot is just as important, if not more so. She created that, and it's a true achievement.

There are also discrepancies regarding how involved she was in the process, whether she just gave ideas or whether she did some of the writing herself, nobody knows. But i ask, does it matter? Look at Katie Price, she has written around 10 books, that have all been successful, ALL ghost written. Nobody cared then. (And I've just heard that Katie Price is fully supporting Zoe). Also people have questioned the money that the ghost writer made, wether or not it was fair... they didn't decide to be a ghost writer without knowing they weren't going to be loaded, however I have heard speculation of the sum, and it wasn't exactly a small amount.

Regardless, we can't deny that Zoe has grown from being a young girl filming videos in her bedroom, into a successful and respected businesswoman. She should be proud of what she's achieved.

Robin Williams, "a lightning storm of comic genius"- Steven Spielberg

It is strange to imagine that someone with such child-like energy and so much comedy bursting from his seams could be in so much pain. It's evidence enough that we never see the full picture, merely a
fraction of best bits from the lives of the people we feel we grow up with. I myself can remember being just five years of age and being with my parents watching 'Flubber'. I couldn't make much sense of half of the events, being so young, but I can see even now this eccentric man who's brain was working at a million miles an hour bouncing around on the tv screen. My first experience of comedy and I was hooked.

From that point Robin Williams was someone who I was aware of as an actor, and I went on to watch him in a multitude of films. Mrs Doubtfire, which was filmed before I was even born, and Aladdin, realising that the genie sounded oddly familiar. I think that most people in the English speaking world, ranging in age from 15 to 75 could have told him how utterly brilliant he was, not just as a scripted actor, but his entire being. The man oozed comedy, like it would be harder for him to sit and be quiet than it would to shout and dance and sing with the energy pouring out of him and into the hearts and souls of so many people. And still I feel that none of it would have mattered.

Depression like so many other mental illnesses is exactly that, an illness. I think he must have known how many people loved him, and how many people respected him, and yet depression isn't so rational as to take these things into account. For those people who have a family member or friend who has battled in the past or is currently battling depression, and for those who work as health care professionals, caring for people with mental illness, and lastly for those who suffer themselves, I don't need to explain the intricacies of something you already understand. For those with no experience, the illness is nobody's fault, and isn't a direct result of any one thing. For those who do not understand, seek to.

Robin Williams was a man with un-fathomable talent. Let his performances be what he is remembered for, not his illness and death. Rest in peace you wonderful human being, may you live on in the hearts of so many.

My top 5 books and/or book series of 2013

Okay so, as it says in the tiny synopsis of me over to the right there, I'm most definitely an avid reader. Being an English student, reading is like a part time job, but I like to read for pleasure too. I decided to compile a list of the best 5 books/series of books I read over the course of last year, so as to recommend them to anyone looking for a good read.

1, The Fault in our Stars, by John Green.

This book is just incredible. Before I read this book I had recently found reading a little less exciting than I used to. I'd gotten myself in to a bit of a rut, and found myself lacking the enthusiasm to sit down and just read. But one day I was trawling the internet, as I spend so much of my time doing, and I came across a review of this book. Already aware as I was to the vlogbrothers YouTube channel I found myself intrigued even more, so I went to my local Waterstones and picked up a copy. As soon as I began to read it I was transfixed. I could feel myself wanting more, yearning for these characters whenever I put the book down. In 3 days I had it read, and even though I didn't want it to be over, I gained so much from the experience. Hazel Grace Lancaster is beautifully eloquent and intelligent, yet holds on to a blunt way of speaking and at times I laughed aloud at her witty remarks. And Augustus Waters, the tall, smart, good looking amputee is the epitome of both charisma, and innocence. The way their story unfolds in this teenage masterpiece had me reeling for days afterwards. Their experiences became my experiences, and I loved every minute of it. All in all I would give this book 9.5/10. I laughed, I cried, and I wish I could live the story all over again.

2, Divergent, by Veronica Roth.

Admittedly I have only read the first two books of this trilogy, however the third is on it's way to me as I type. This story takes place in a dystopia, which is actually our world, but more than 100 years in the future. There is a complicated system of factions and way of life, but once you figure it out a couple of chapters in, it opens the book up to be enjoyed immensely. Beatrice 'Tris' Prior is the protagonist of the story, she is a character struggling to find where she fits in and who she is. The development of her character is fast, but not too fast, and the changes in her are quite large, but it is extremely well executed and she grows with the story and becomes strong, and brave. The love interest, 'Four' is not your usual book hottie. He's moody, temperamental, and sometimes can come across as nasty and mean but as the story goes on it becomes clear why he is the way he is, and some of it is for Tris' own good. The book deals with many themes, familial love, respect, loyalty, fear, danger, strength, bravery, attraction, love, and trust. Trust is quite a strong theme throughout. There are many instances where trust is something that is not easy to find, even among friends. I would give these books a 9.5/10, and would recommend to anyone.

3, The Mortal Instruments, by Cassandra Claire.

While I am aware that not everyone has the time or inclination to commit to a series, if you're going to read any series, this has to be it. It combines fantasy, action, suspense, peril, romance, friendship, loyalty and the (not-so) occasional demon. Recently adapted in to a movie, the first book offers a strong storyline and provides characters one can really invest in. However it also contains quite a sizeable twist towards the end. Having seen the movie, I would recommend the book before it as I feel there is more offered in the way of character and story development on paper. The story follows Clary Fray, a seemly average teen who's world unravels in a heartbeat, and we go with her in her struggles to piece it all together. Stand alone, the first book is brilliant, but followed by the rest? Magnificent. I would rate this series 9/10. Everything a reader needs, including a gorgeous, angelic guy to round things off.

4, Shadow Falls, by C.C. Hunter.

Another series, these books I actually began reading when only the first was out, much longer than a year ago. However I kept reading until this last year when the final instalment was released. I found these books engaging and exciting. I fell in love with all of the characters, and became so invested in the story that by the last book, it was like their world was a part of my world. The protagonist Kylie Galen finds herself leaving a world where she never really fit in, and entering in to a new world, a world of people like her, and still she doesn't fit in. The story follows her struggles to find out secrets about herself and her father to understand what she is. With two sidekick best friends Miranda and Della, and the affections of not one, but two deliciously attractive guys, Kylie becomes the centre of something much bigger than anyone could have anticipated. I give this series also a 9/10, and recommend to anyone willing to take on a five-book-series.

5, The Hollow, The Haunted and The Hidden, by Jessica Verday.

Abbey Browning is a young girl living in Sleepy Hollow NY, who's best friend is missing, and in her plight to find out what happened, she falls in love with a mysterious boy who turns out to be a part of a world that is more than she bargained for. These books were written beautifully, the stories each more intriguing than the next. The story stayed with me for a long time after reading, and gave me a 'book hangover' like never before. I was conflicted about the ending, both good and bad, but in hindsight, I loved it, and would have changed nothing. Of all the books on my top 5 list, it is this series which I have re-read and re-loved and still do love. With elements of 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' by Washington Irving, shaped to fit with the new world Abbey is discovering, these books have more than one level and are so wonderful I would always always always recommend. I give these books also a 9/10. For me, they're perfect.

I realise that I rated all the books at a 9-9.5/10 but they're all incredible, otherwise they wouldn't be on my top 5 list :) I hope I encourage at least one person to pick up a copy of any of these, they might just change your life.

The Bling Ring- Film Review

The Bling Ring Poster

(No real spoilers, but don't read if you're overly cautious)

Rating /10? 7.5
Recommend? Yes

I recently purchased and watched the bling ring on DVD. I thought I'd post a review so others can view my opinion before purchasing themselves.

I gave the film a 7.5 out of 10 because although I found it an enjoyable watch, I was in no way transfixed. However a lower score would have been unfair, as the story is based on true events, restricting the artistic license.

Okay so who doesn't want to watch Emma Watson on their screen all day every day? Her performance was believable and different to what many have seen previously of her. Her character Nicki has many levels and is sometimes difficult to read, but I think that is the way she was written, and Watson did a terrific job. Katie Chang, who was playing the part of Rebecca gave a great performance, and seeing as it was her first time acting in anything like this, and was given the part purely on the merit of a self filmed audition tape, I think the girl has loads of potential for the future. Watch out for that name. As for the rest of the cast, the acting was pretty even and well executed.

I must say the one thing that did disappoint me was the message portrayed by the entire film as a whole. When the real story was in the news, it was, rogue kids who had no respect for the law, committing crimes and acting foolishly etc. however, in the film, the story is told from the point of view of the criminals, rather than the victims, and I think in some ways it glorifies the lifestyle they were living. It becomes a film about kids who are having fun and enjoying life and getting away with what they can, and it makes the viewer forget the events truly happened. It loses seriousness and I felt that as a viewer I needed reminding that there were victims of these crimes, including Paris Hilton, Rachel Bilson, and Orlando Bloom.

I'd recommend a watch as I think that the story is interesting, more so due to the fact that it is based on true events. Well worth the £5 from amazon.

New Blog!

So this isn't my first blog, I've been blogging since 2009, but it became time for a change and a new path. Just to introduce myself first and foremost, to the very few people who will read this, the name's Alex. I'm 20, I'm currently studying for a degree in English, I love makeup, I love reading, watching tv shows, playing video games, etc. I'm an aspiring author, and hope one day that I'll be at least slightly successful. My blog will consist mostly of makeup reviews, book reviews, and my general thoughts and feelings about current events and what is happening in my life. Maybe people will have their day brightened from reading, or find what I have to say useful in some way at all. I'll end this post here, and will be back soon with content.

Alex.