Thrillers I want to read | TBR

I have many many books on my TBR on GoodReads but you don't want to hear about all of them here. This year I want to get back into the Thriller genre. I've read a fair amount of John Grisham and James Patterson, whilst I've read and enjoyed their books, I've read enough from those two chaps. I'm really looking for some Thrillers from female authors, as men really dominate the market from my experience of the genre. So here are 5 books I want to read.

1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

2. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

3. Give Me Your Hand by Megan Abbott

4. Into The Water by Paula Hawkins

5. The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld

I desperately wanted this to be a post with 10 books, if reading this you have any recommendations from female, lLGBTQ+, BAME and any other under represented groups I would love to hear from you!

My 2018 To Be Read

This year I am determined to get my reading back on track, looking at the list below it is definitely weighted towards non-fiction. I feel some of that is to do with me wanting to be less ignorant about the world and be more informed.

In no particular order...

1. Balancing Acts by Nicholas Hytner
Before receiving this as a gift I had no idea this book existed. It is about Nichola Hytner's time as Artistic Director of the National Theatre. I will get to read about hugely successful productions such as Warhorse, but also about broadening the theatre audience and changing perception of theatre. Which are two things I am extremely interested in, working in theatre myself.

2. The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman
This book has extremely mixed reviews, something about the blurb and cover intrigued me. A magical realism novel set in New York around a side walk Freak Show. Coralie daughter of the impresario running the freak show and runaway photographer Eddie meet.

3. The F Word by Lily Pebbles
Potentially one of the books I'm most excited to read this year. This all about female friendship, something not hugely portrayed as important in the media, but yet is so central to mine and many other women's lives.

4. Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari
The book is a culmination of a massive research project looking at how people find love and relationships in the 2010's, following comedian Aziz Ansari's run in with a girl who didn't reply to his text about a second date, left him on a spiral of thoughts of why he didn't know how to deal with the situation. Yet years ago people seemingly found romance more easily.

5. What Happened by Hillary Clinton
Mainly out of curiosity I want to read this, like many people around the world I was shocked when she did not win. Yes, I'm aware she has been somewhat controversial and she wouldn't have been perfect. The questions is still how.

6. The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler
As the title suggests this is an episodic play, each monologue discusses and explores different parts of the feminine experience. I would love to see this performed live also. It was described by the New York Times as on of the most important  pieces of political theatre in the 1990's.

7. The Power by Naomi Alderson
Fiction alert! The premise of this is that girls, gain the power to produce electricity, switching from Men having power in a patriarchal society to women and the effects this has on all aspects of life. It sounds extremely interesting.

8. Everywoman by Jess Philips
I'd say compare to most I'm into politics, but not as much as I would like to be. Everywoman is written by Birmingham Labour MP, giving an insight in what it's like to be a woman in parliament, as well as how she got there and about being a woman in general. I got sucked in on the 'Look Inside' pages on Amazon.

9. Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
This featured in a few 2017 Book Favourite videos in the BookTube community. As a somewhat privileged white person I am ignorant about the issues and history of race and racism in my own country, and I shouldn't be, because whilst I am not a racist person my ignorance is still part of the problem.

I'm eager to get reading all the books on this list, I've actually taken the time to do some research, and now hopefully I am making myself accountable.

New Years Resolutions

January might be one of the coldest and most miserable months of the year, but like everyone including your aunt's, best mate's, nan I like to put together a few New Years resolutions for myself.

Dance
I cannot tell you how much my body yearns to dance again. I danced pretty much everyday from the ages of 10 to 21 when I quit my dance course at university to move back home and work in theatre. Two years later (cannot believe its been that long!!) I need to get myself back into class. I'm thinking starting with a ballet class. It's times like these when if I lived in London this would be a lot easier.

Read 10 Books
For the past few years I have set myself the challenge of reading a book a month, last year I stopped reading in May and then finished only two further books bringing my total to 7 books last year. 2018 I am aiming to read at least 10, anything more than that will be an absolute bonus.

Go to a new city in the UK and abroad
I achieved this resolution last year by going on trips to Paris and Edinburgh, proving you don't need to go to the other side of the world to see new places. This year I'm think York or Bristol (with Bristol I can also pop to my favourite city Bath), then abroad Amsterdam and Copenhagen are calling my name I think. Wherever I go I will of course do some travel posts, and use my #KPontour on instagram.

Go to a March or Protest
There are so many things I am passionate about, which I often tweet or blog about, but living in an era with events such as with the Women's March, #MeToo and the recent #FreePeriod protest. These are things I believe in, and I want to support them in person and not just be randomly put out in the universe via the internet. Stay tuned.

August Goals

Hello, and welcome to what could become a new monthly segment. This month I really feel there are a few little things I want to do - this is hardly a bucket list. I want to be accountable, so writing things down and putting them up on the internet seemed ideal.

This month I really want to keep track of where my money is going, for specifically than A) I've eaten it (bought food) or B) I'm wearing it (bought clothes). One day I'd really like to move out of the parental home, but for that I need to know where exactly my pennies are going.

I say this all the time, but I really need to start cycling to work, its cheap and it also importantly gets me to work. Exercising and saving money. However this year I've cycled to work once!! If it looks like it is definitely going to be dry on a day. I will get on my lovely bike.

At the start of this year I was so into reading, I even read Jane Eyre. I stopped and now I just seemingly can't restart. I need some good book recommendations, maybe an autobiography or some YA I'm just so stuck right now.

Oh blogging, why are you so hard to do consistently. Full time bloggers I really do take my hat off to you. This month I really would like to at least have one post a week up on here. Whether thats theatre, fashion or political, I will do it. I have a few ideas and hopefully I will be struck by inspiration.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

Elizabeth is Missing | Book Review

This book changed my perception of Dementia. I mean I knew a fair about amount it in 2014 my Nan passed away after suffering for years with Vascular. It was terrible to watch this person fade away from the loving Nan I had known for my whole life. No longer did she tell me stories of her childhood, at the end of her life she needed round the clock care and a live in carer.  

In short what is Dementia? 'a chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury and marked by memory disorders, personality changes, and impaired reasoning.' However this is an umbrella term for many different illnesses, more info available on Dementia UK.

Dementia is a huge issue in our ageing society, something which is overlooked in day to day news. I believe everyone should read this book because it gives an insight in to a mind suffering with Dementia.

The main character in this book is Maud. The narrative is written in both the past (just post world war 2) and now in the present. The past is written with a lot more clarity, as people with Dementia generally remember the past a lot more clearly than say what happened last Tuesday. The genius in this piece of writing is that of the present as you struggle along with Maud to work out what is happening in the narrative, as she forgets who own family, when she is, what she is doing, but having brief moments of remembering. 

Throughout Maud is looking for her friend Elizabeth, to remember this she keeps notes in her pockets  'Elizabeth is Missing' along with anything else important. Whilst in the past there is the mystery of her missing sister Sukey, as it runs in parallel throughout the novel.

This is my favourite book I have read this year, whilst it was enjoyable to read it was also challenging. Please read this it will be well worth your time.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

May Favourites

Hello. May has not served us well weather wise, in fact it really has not been great, it was like it went on a total rewind putting two middle fingers up at us Brits! Hence why my Favourites this month is very much indoors based!

Lily Pebbles
I am having a massive Lily Pebbles moment right now. First off every week day at 6.30 pm I have been waiting patiently for her Every Day May videos, there is something about her vlogs which make me feel so content and happy. I am also really into reading her blog at the moment which a couple of months back had a makeover, of recent times my favourite blogpost was her one on Epilators, I like posts on 'unspoken' beauty at the moment. Finally a shoutout to Lily's snapchat, I love seeing her daily activities in the short 10 second clips I really feel like I've gotten to know Lily this month. ANDDD rave over. But seriously, loving everything she is doing ATM.

Deliciously Ella

Being the pro internet surfer I am, if I got paid for the amount of time I spent on the internet not doing much I would be earning a hefty amount. I now follow Ella on Instagram, which makes me feel guilty for that cheeky slice of chocolate cake from Waitrose. I love to browse through her recipes on her website, last week I made the Mediterranean Vegetable Spaghetti for my mummy and I, I didn't tell my mum it was a vegan recipe and she loved it. Also on Thursday you will see my slightly edited version of Sweet Potato Brownies.

12 MONTHS 12 BOOKS
Read about my (lack of) history with reading - here.

How to Fall in Love by Cecelia Ahern

My Dad rolled his eyes when I told him what I was going to read. This isn't a soppy tale though, no it is not, apart from the last two chapters. The bulk of this book is Christine trying to help Adam rediscover happiness in his life, after attempting to commit suicide. Christine is not a therapist, but runs a recruitment agency, she tries to follow advice from 'How to books'. They aim to try and get Maria back (Adam's gf who cheated on Adam with Adam's best friend). I think you can guess how the book ends. It is a bit fairy tale like I guess, but I feel that's how falling in love should be, something that happens naturally when you're not necessarily looking for it.

So I excelled myself this month and got onto book number 2 *applause*

The Racketeer by John Grisham
Good book, fast pace. I really enjoyed this book up until half way, when I began to really dislike Malcolm/Max the protagonist in this book. He was demeaning towards women, oh and the rest of society. He literally thinks he is so bloody smart. From page 200 I wanted whatever his plan was to fail. However it was good to read a different kind of book, broadening my horizons. UPDATE, I still dislike the character but towards the end of the book its more about the action, rather than what Malcolm/Max is thinking and scheming. However this not a book I would recommend.

To continue the reading theme, I find it easiest and most relaxing to read with some kind of background music. This month for my second book, I read with the Imitation Game soundtrack playing. Also Good Reads, if you haven't heard of it, its a social media sight for books. I've found it really helpful for picking books and avoiding books which are not that great.

Next month I am reading Paper Towns by John Green.



***FINALLY***
Radio 1 Big Weekend

I am pre writing this post the day directly after Big Weekend. I have never experienced anything like that. I will be honest I was there because Taylor Swift was coming to my home town (city). Wow she is a performer (I didn't watch the Foos), Taylor put every other performer on the day to shame. Literally I cannot explain how good she was, just wow. I died. RIP me. My Dad who was watching at home liked Shake It Off, he is a man of few words, it really says something, if he says something. Taylor was my highlight no doubt there at all. I also liked a lot James Bay, I now have his album on Spotify he was on the In New Music We Trust Stage.

I shall now go back to listening to 1989 on repeat, thank you.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

January Favourites

Hello, the first month of 2015 has just about been and gone. What a month it has been! Here are my favourites.

Cat Mug

This featured in my Tiger Haul, every evening it is my go to mug for Chai Latte, it fits so much in. Plus its darn cute, an awesome purchase for just £2. Im now waiting for the rest of the Cat line to come in, as I am One crazzzyyy cat lady.

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

I didn't know what to expect from this book, I knew it would be good as it's so popular. I didn't feel sorry for Hazel, she didn't want my sympathy, she is a girl just trying to live her life, despite cancer holding her back, yet she still pushes forward. A good read, with a sharp turn.

Macbook Pro

Firstly it is nice to have my own laptop again. I have been saving up for a Mac for a while now, I haven't unlocked its full potential yet. The Apple way is very different from the Windows what can I say. Not too much to say here.

Orange is the New Black

January was the month I got the Netflix free trial, what a dangerous thing that is. Hollie showed me the first episode go OITNB last summer, and i've been dying to watch another episode ever since. The show I find to be really interesting seeing how different people cope in an enclosed environment, their every move being watched. But it's also fast paced and highly addictive. I binged watched season 1 more quickly than I'd care to admit. Then I got through season 2 even quicker. I can't wait for season 3 to come out.

Suits

Another Netflix favourite, this is about a law firm  Pearson Hardman, Mike Ross gets hired to be Harvey Spector's (Senior Partner), slight hitch Mike has no qualification but due to his photographic memory, he knows the theory he would've learnt at Law School, but with no practical experience. Throughout he has to convince the law firm he has been to Harvard, with only limited people knowing. But how long can he keep it a secret? That's only part of it.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

October Favourites

Hello! Its that ole time again on the blog, where I tell you what my favourite bits and pieces have been through this month.

Skort

I feel this is quite a controversial little number. On the whole this is one complemented skort, and I wear it when ever I can it seems whether it was on that one occassion I went out on the town or to rehearsals. Its really nice to know if there is that gust of wind I am not going be saying 'Hello' to my 'Hohah'. However at rehearsals there was debate over what I was wearing, whether it was skirty another to be described as Skort. As Amy pointed out the skirt part was more or less just two flaps at the front. But whatever it is I love it.

Jack Wills Shirt

I had been lusting over one of these before I got one. A tartan shirt is very versatile, and I have to avoid wearing it all the time because that would be very easy to do so. This one is a thicker material, which for me is great as I feel the cold A LOT so all warm layers are very welcome.

Mono White Converse

Two weeks ago I had to retire my beloved lilac converse as they had massive holes in the heels, RIP. Despite this being a sad occassion, it was time to UPGRADE. I have looking to get these for so long, and I really wanted leather ones, as my canvas converse hadn't weathered so well in the rain, and I can wipe these clean which means they shall remain mono white. I can't stop wearig these I am getting obsessed, my fave thing of the moment, no doubt.

The Good, The Bad and The Furry by Tom Cox

This was a Birthday present and in all honesty I had no idea what to think. Essentially its about a man - Tom Cox the author after he has broken up with his last relationship, and has been left with 4 cats. It doesn't sound like much can really occur in the book at first glance, Tom begins as he means to go on to quote the opening lines 'My cat Janet has been sick outside my back door. Or, as it might have seemed to you....: a large tanker of vomit had swerved off the road and into my garden'. For me what makes this book are the descriptions of different things, an of examples this is describing how one of his friend's cat looks 'the nearest I'd seen to a genetic experiment with one of the bendy buses'.All his cats have clean personality traits, I am now about to sound like a crazy cat lady, which I totally can relate to with my little Diva of a cat Tibbles. I just like how Ralph enters the house and again to quote the book meows his own name RAAAALPH!'. Yeah I just really liked the book, and am eager to read more from the author.

Gingerbread Green Tea

I'm sure I have featured this before somewhere! But this is my tea of choice, I was previously into Green Tea which is great and what not. Oh Lordy, I love gingerbread and the subtle spicey flavours, its great in tea. Yeah I think you should try it.

London Town - My post all about this is linked - here.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx