Category: Ramblings

How Do You Like Me Now? By @holly_bourneYA #Hanreview

Release date: 14.7.2018

Preorder here

Goodreads

Description: ‘Turning thirty is like playing musical chairs. The music stops, and everyone just marries whoever they happen to be sitting on.’

Who the f*ck is Tori Bailey?

There’s no doubt that Tori is winning the game of life. A straight-talking, bestselling author, she’s inspired millions of women around the world with her self-help memoir. And she has the perfect relationship to boot.

But Tori Bailey has been living a lie.

Her long-term boyfriend won’t even talk about marriage, but everyone around her is getting engaged and having babies. And when her best friend Dee – her plus one, the only person who understands the madness – falls in love, suddenly Tori’s in terrifying danger of being left behind.

When the world tells you to be one thing and turning thirty brings with it a loud ticking clock, it takes courage to walk your own path.

It’s time for Tori to practice what she’s preached, but the question is: is she brave enough?

The debut adult novel by bestselling author Holly Bourne is a blisteringly funny, honest and moving exploration of love, friendship and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of your thirties.

First thoughts

I fucking love this book. It’s raw, unapologetically honest and brutally real when it comes to life as a 30 something woman in the age of social media.

While I knew I would love Holly’s book; her work is always incredible I was not expecting to finish it and feel so understood.

Characters

Tori will be a character that divides readers; and it makes me love her all the more. She hasn’t been created to tick boxes and please everyone.

She’s relatable and likeable; she’s the Bridget Jones for Gen X (I am 2 months away from 32; I refused to be labelled a millennial) I want to go for a drink with Tori, I want to go for many drinks with Tori.

She’s not perfect, she’s a bit of a fuck up and a little emotionally unsettled (read: sexually frustrated, angry and very fucking confused). However, I feel that is very much a side effect of her environment and I’m already pondering her life outside the novel’s ending.

Tom. I’m unsure as to what to make of him and I can’t trust my own judgement because I’m on the outside looking in, with only Tori’s thought process to guide me.

Honestly, I think he’s a prick and I’d be picking… Only that’s not true. Yes, I still think he’s a prick; I know I would limit my confrontations as Tori does.

I don’t want to tarnish all men with the same brush, but in my experience all my boyfriends have been akin to Tom. I almost felt that there was just enough left out of his character to allow for an element of projection.

Plot

You do see where the book will go; you sense the ending. And by sense, I mean you know, but you’ll slow down your reading hoping that will stop the pain. That’s no bad thing because, certainly for me, it’s not really about what outcome we get; it how Tori gets there. Holly has a wonderful ability to give us not what we want, but what we need.

It’s a wonderful episodic narrative that is tied together with a number of story arcs that help Tori question her relationship and personal fulfilment.

The most important part for me, is some of the difficult sections of the book. This, my friends, is not the Notebook. It’s also not an episode of Sex and the City. Tori’s descriptions of her relationship with Tom will hit a nerve, they challenge you to question what a healthy relationship with yourself and others looks like.

There’s one scene which brought back memories of my previous relationship (I lie, MANY scenes brought back that relationship. Fuck, at one point I felt like Holly had taken a nose dive into my pensieve); one in which I was reluctant to leave. It hit me like a wall of PTSD before realising; shit, it’s not just me.

Some would argue that a person would not stay in a relationship with so many unresolved issues as mentioned in the description. Well, as a women who has contemplated becoming a raccoon lady; If I’m going down that path, I will not become a walking clique (that and all my friends hate cats) I would have to disagree. The internal battle of Tori is a real as breathing.

Writing

Holly has always had a wonderful writing style; engaging, funny and relevant. However, this is something else.

My reading of the first few chapters was staggered only because I had to stop every page to fire off a quote to my best friend and co-blogger.

There’s an ease and comfort in reading How Do You Like Me Now? I loved both Sex and the City and Bridget Jones has I was approaching adulthood, but it was never talking to me and it felt like fiction; almost fantasy. Where as Holly has taken the world of taboo (let’s face it, female masterbation and women wanting sex are still things we could be chastised for bringing up depending on our social circle) and given women of Gen X a hero who is as fucked up as we are.

Star Trek Discovery: S1 Ep6 Lethe #hanreview

Star Trek Discovery: S1 Ep6 Lethe

Description: The USS Discovery crew is intrigued by new addition, Lt. Ash Tyler. Sarek seeks Burnham’s help, rekindling memories from her past. Admiral Cornwell questions Lorca’s tactics.

Logical

The developing relationship between Michael and Tilly is wonderful and has an opportunity to grow further in this episode. It’s clear Tilly respects Michael and wants to learn from the officer. She’s unlike any character I’ve come across in the franchise before; Tilly is geeky in a way that sets her apart from other crew. It’s refreshing.

Lorca’s PTSD is beginning to show. It’s quite amazing the contrast of the intimacy to the violence. I’m actually loving this instability within a Captain; and is something they’ve never shown before. Both Pickard and Sisko would have most likely shown this level of PTSD over time.

Even Vulcan’s have daddy issues. Such a brilliant storyline between Michael and Sarek. I love the dream sequences, the reveal and the aftermath. Wonderful writing and it marks the first time I’ve been happy about it’s placement in the timeline.

Erm, okay Kat; can you honestly tell me you didn’t see that coming?! That was a bit rubbish, but I’m more intrigued by Lorca’s response; is he in on it? I get a sneaky feeling he knew she’d be taken, or that he even suspected she would be killed.

Paul, Paul, Paul. I love the engineer. He uses words like ‘groovy’ and ‘noggin’ and totally rips the piss out of Michael. He’s wonderful and his sarcasm is the funniest thing on Star Trek, ever. I need a Paul in my life.

Illogical

‘Your History is well documented’ – Lorca to Michael. Well, it isn’t really is it?! If it were, we’d already know about Michael.

Sarek saved Michael’s life by sharing a horocrux, sorry, katra with Michael; meaning they are intrinsically bonded. Again, really?!

The cheesy Barry White-Like bedroom music?? There was sexual tension between Lorca and Kat anyway; did you really need to cheapen it. Equally, I don’t feel Kat’s anger is justified. Even if you suspected; you wouldn’t put him in charge of such a ship.

Been Here All Along by @iamsandyhall

Been Here All Along by @iamsandyhall

 

Buy me here https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1509852808/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508718458&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=been+here+all+along&dpPl=1&dpID=41QWT3PkUvL&ref=plSrch

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35660588?source=ebfg_sms

 

Description: Gideon always has a plan. His plans include running for class president, becoming head of the yearbook committee, and having his choice of colleges. They do NOT include falling head over heels for his best friend and next door neighbor, Kyle. It’s a distraction. It’s pointless, as Kyle is already dating the gorgeous and popular head cheerleader, Ruby. And Gideon doesn’t know what to do…

Kyle finally feels like he has a handle on life. He has a wonderful girlfriend, a best friend willing to debate the finer points of Lord of the Rings, and social acceptance as captain of the basketball team. Then, both Ruby and Gideon start acting really weird, just as his spot on the team is threatened, and Kyle can’t quite figure out what he did wrong…

Characters

There are four characters in which this story follows; Gideon and Kyle being the primary voices, while Ruby and Ezra allow us to see outside our main characters’ scope.

My favourite character is Gideon; sweet geek who works hard and likes things ordered. While something he overcomes with ease, his fear leading up to reveals and disclosures makes him beautifully vulnerable.

Kyle is brave, honest and rather against stereotype. The challenges he faces and how he approaches them is very true to life; certainly coming from the other side of the classroom.

Plot

Good chunk romance, a little bit of accidental revenge and a low key important message about undiagnosed health issues and the impact they have on the person.

It’s a complex storyline that is told with ease, joy and charm. One thread was predictable; but that says more about society and relationships than the plot of this book.

There’s a solid end that will allow your own imagination to spin stories of Gideon and Kyle’s lives for as long as they remain in your heart.

Writing

There is something elegant and charming about Sandy’s writing. When I’d read A Little Something Different, I proceeded to buy it for everyone and their aunt.

This is no exception. Not many people can pull off writing from multiple perspectives; certainly not four. However Sandy does it as if it is as easy as breathing, and reading it feels like a perfect autumnal evening with hot chocolate and a blanket.

A Grey’s Anatomy Tag

A Grey’s Anatomy Tag

After completing the Harry Potter tag, I was wondering if another would pop along. As nothing has, I figured I’d make my own.
I’m going to tag a few people who responded when I did a shout out for this post (and a few others) and it would be great to see it circulate. All I ask is that you credit me, @hscptcrash in your tags so I can see other people’s responses.

How did you discover Grey’s Anatomy?
I got into Grey’s back in 2006. I’d seen adverts for the first series the year before, but I’d never got around to watching it.
When my mum died in February 2006, I found myself struggling to sleep so I went and purchased both this and House. I always wonder if my favourite would have been House, if I’d watched that first.
As it happens, I watched Grey’s first and I fell in love. I binged the hell out of that first series and was almost late for work because I tried to squeeze in a sixth episode the day after buying it.
Ever since, I’ve never been more than 3 episodes behind the US airing. I’ve even been known in the past to set a 3am alarm to watch it ‘live’. I also attempt yearly rewatch.
I have used episodes in lessons and I’m proud to say that at least 7 students started watching the show as a result. This also led to me receiving the best mug in existence from one of my favourite students.

Who is your twisted sister/person?
Gem! She literally is my person; always and forever.

Favourites

Series One; it must be the first series. This show gets it right straight off the bat. While the ensemble works together, the characters don’t always. Meredith is on a journey in this first outing, one that the show never really tops. She has her drama; mum, boyfriend and her internship at the same hospital her mother trained. She should have a breeze, right?
The romances are brilliant, they don’t all tease and quite a few lead to trouble in many different ways. The format of the show has changed very little since the early days and there’s a reason for that; it works. They establish early on the use of key music featured within the episodes and it is something I will always love.

Character Miranda Bailey is my all-time favourite character. She is the embodiment of female power within a male dominated workplace. She’s a mother to many, a flawed yet passionate leader and a role model for people on and off the screen.

Episode The alternative reality episode (S8 Ep13: If/Then). Where to start?! A shiny, happy Mer, an aggressive and scary Christina. Mer and Alex are engaged and Richard is her father. It’s weird and wonderful; right down to returning Charles’ ironic shout ‘just shoot me’.
While the episode has no impact upon the season, it was nice to see the actors have a little fun.

Guest Star Seth Green, who appears in a season 4 double episode (S4 Eps 9 & 10: Crash into Me Parts 1 and 2) as Nick Hanscom; a patient who had an exposed carotid artery after a tumor resection.
He flirts with Lexie, he has an amazing sense of humour and he’s got his awesome ginger hair that I’ve always loved. Okay, things don’t end well for him, but he keeps you smiling.

Death George O’Malley (S5 Ep24: Now or Never). Well, I dare you to not well up at Meredith’s realisation that John Doe, hero of the hour, is actually 007. It was already known that he was leaving the show, but it still came as a shock. I was expecting Izzie to be the one claimed by the Grey’s angel of death.

Wedding Arizona and Callie (S7 Ep20: White Wedding). Such a beautiful couple, until they weren’t. However, they truly had a wonderful wedding, despite the bumps along the way.

Series Finale The hospital shooting (S6 Ep 23 &24: Sanctuary & Death and All His Friends). I wasn’t a fan of this series; it really clunked along. However, that finale was like watching a horror movie. I was at the end of my PGCE and a little sleep deprived; that added to the drama during the first time of watching. However, in the rewatches, it’s interesting to see the build up to those two final episodes.

Storyline The prisoner on death row who is admitted to hospital, days before his execution (S5 Ep12 & 13: Sympathy for the Devil & Stairway to Heaven). I don’t know why I thought it went on for more episodes; perhaps because of it being the infamous falling out between Christian and Mer, which was resolved because of this case.
It’s such an ethical mine field; on the one hand, doctors have an obligation to save everyone’s life, no matter the background. On the other, his death at the hands of the doctors could save the life of an innocent young boy. However, would allowing the inmate to essentially sacrifice himself give him a redemption he doesn’t deserve. Hell, when morally pure Miranda Bailey goes in to beg Shepherd to leave the man to die; you know you’re in a moral grey area that you will be considering for days after you’ve watched it.

Mer Love interest The vet, Finn (S2 & 3). I know, I know… I was meant to choose Derek, love Derek. He was the love of her life, there’s no doubt about that. However, it’s a dangerous relationship; so full of anger and resentment. I always wonder if they would have ended up getting a divorce, you know? They weren’t stable, even at the best of times. Christina was right; he’s not the sun. He never was, and she’s succeeded further without him.
However, Finn?! He was charming and lovely; he brought Izzie lunch, and he accepted that Meredith was dark and twisty.

Couple Lexie and Sloan. They were perfect together; he truly loved her and it showed. They had their ups and downs and each made mistakes, but they were destined to be together.

Your own crush Owen Hunt. Yes, I love McSteamy, but my heart is with the gruff but sweet Owen. It breaks my heart that he keeps picking very emotionally detached, independent women. Especially those who don’t want children.

Actor bow out Christina Yang (S10 Ep24: Fear [of the unknown]). It was good to know at the beginning of the season that she was leaving; it allowed me to prepare for the departure. Yes, it still hurt, but I got to appreciate her while I had the chance.

Zzng

Meredith danger The patient attack (S12 Ep9: The Sound of Silence). Firstly, the episode was directed by John Q actor Denzel Washington. Secondly, a good portion of the episode reflects Meredith’s injuries and is played without any noise. Not since Buffy’s episode Hush, has the sound of silence been used so effectively.

Surgery Bailey having to operate on a man suffering from a tree-man disease and has tree like growths all over his body (S7 Ep3: Superfreak). The surgery itself is rather cool, however my favourite moment is level headed Bailey losing her composure over a resident spider.

Worst

Series Five! I started to think the show wouldn’t last much longer. It wasn’t quite recovering from the departure of Burke, or the scandal that surrounded the actor’s firing.
George was taking a back seat in the stories, the interns played doctor on each other, but not in a sexy way. In fact it led to Sadie almost dying.
Then there was the biggest concern of the series; Izzie and her tumour. Which for me, is by far the worst storyline they have ever had.

Character Izzie Stephens. While she would have been up there as a favourite at the start, her departure left a very bad taste on the show. I’ve lost count of the rewatches I’ve done since her leaving and she irritates me even more each time I do. There may even come a time when I don’t go from the beginning, simply because I can’t stand her.

Episode The mockumentary episode (S7 Ep6: These Arms of Mine). It was a very gimmicky series; later on we have the Musical. With both, its too much of a case of been there, done that. In both cases, others shows have done it better. With this one, ER had a rather successful episode almost a decade earlier.
They tried, it just fell a little short of expectations. There was no emotional ties to the episode and I certainly couldn’t help but feel cut off from the characters.

Guest Star Melissa George as Sadie Harris (S5 Ep8: These ties that Bind – S5 Ep15: Before and After). She just didn’t gel with the cast and slumped very quickly. I will give the show credit that they found a good storyline to get rid of her.

Death McDreamy (S11 Ep 24: You’re My Home) While I guess it’s fitting that it revolved around his brain, it just wasn’t a good enough goodbye for the character that everyone loved. It also didn’t hold the emotion that some other deaths did.

Wedding Christina and Owen (S7: Ep1: With You I Am Born Again); for me they should never have married in the first place so I wasn’t invested in this occasion. At least Christina got to keep her eyebrows this time around, and Meredith’s hair was amazing.

Series Finale Series 4: (Ep 17: Freedom). I just find the romantic gesture of the house so out of character and actually the opposite of romantic. The episode is flat and lacks any power that others do; largely to do with the writer’s strike of 2008.

Storyline Izzie seeing Deny’s ghost. Just, no! Hell no! And I am aware that it’s the beautiful Denny, but no! It was a ridiculous concept that brought out the worst parts of Izzie. Even the cancer diagnosis didn’t make it okay.

Couple Izzie and George. Seriously? Seriously? I mean, seriously? You have beautiful, positive and passionate Callie worshipping the ground you walk on, and you cheat on her with Izzie?! Then you attempt a relationship with her? No, no, no George!

Actor bow out Izzie Stevens (Catherine Heigle); what an awful way to leave a show. It brought you back into the limelight and helped you win awards, and this is how you repay them?

Meredith danger I’m going to say the shooting (S6 Ep 23 &24: Sanctuary & Death and All His Friends); when Christina has to operate on Derek, Meredith ends up at the business end of the gunman’s gun. She places herself there and it’s not the first time she’s gambled her life away.

Surgery The deer! (S4 Ep1: A Change is Going to Come) Poor Izzie, she has a complex about her interns and her Bailey riff hasn’t worked. So how does she recover their respect? She operates on a deer. It’s always things like this that make me wonder how a show can keep going.

Top 5 Quotes
1. Chin up. Put your shoulders back, walk proud, strut a little. Don’t lick your wounds: celebrate them. The scars you bear are the signs of a competitor. You’re in a lion fight, Stevens. Just because you didn’t win doesn’t mean you don’t know how to roar. – Richard (S4 Ep12: Where the Wild Things Are)
2. If you love someone, you tell them. Even if you’re scared that it’s not the right thing. Even if you’re scared that it’ll cause problems. Even if you’re scared that it will burn your life to the ground, you say it, and you say it loud and you go from there.-Mark Sloan (Season 9 Episode 2: Remember the Time)
3. O’Malley, stop looking at my vajayjay- Bailey (S2 Ep17: As We Know It)
4. You think that you’re so bad ass because you lived, but I’m the reason why you lived. And while you were dying you were crying out for the wife who left you. So that’s the opposite of bad ass for whatever it’s worth. – Lexie (S7: Ep1: With You I Am Born Again)
5. You Don’t destroy a person that you love. – Callie (S7 Ep2: Shock to the System)

Top 5 Songs


1. A Little Respect. A, Erasure cover by Carrie Mac
2. Breath (2am)- Anna Nalick
3. Portions for Foxes – Rilo Kiley
4. Youth – Daughter
5. Life is Short – Butterfly Boucher

Star Trek Discovery: S1 Ep5 Choose Your Pain

Star Trek Discovery: S1 Ep5 Choose Your Pain

Description:  While on a mission, Lorca is captured by the Klingons and unexpectedly finds himself in the company of prisoner of war Starfleet Lieutenant Ash Tyler and notorious criminal Harry Mudd.

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Logical
So much good in this episode; it’s really starting to find its stride. Michael is a unique character and I do like that we get to see her showing empathy for creature within a dream sequence. It wasn’t a plot device or a gimmick. It was a way to show that she was processing an ethical dilemma.
Lorca and his decision to keep Michael on the ship; he’s honest and is able to quote Sarfleet regulations at Admiral Cornwell. I like that his reprimand was done in private and not with the others in their meeting.

“The more you hurt someone, the less helpful they become.”

Never have truer words been spoken. It’s such a weighted line for me, for so many reasons. It’s just a shame that Michael and Dr Hugh Colber are ignored; sending the creature into a catatonic state when Lorca is abducted and Saru takes command.
Speaking of Lorca’s abduction, we a given such a wonderful treat in this episode, in the form of Rainn Wilson. He’s a lovely, joyous nod to the Original Series in the form of rogue trader, Harry Mudd. I geeked out and I can’t tell you what pleased me more; Harry Mudd making an appearance or him being played by the Office’s Dwight!! It is genius casting and I have a sense that he’s good on his threat ‘You haven’t seen the last of me’

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Now, Lt Paul Stamets had yet another impeccable episode and has projected this franchise beyond its usual parameters. Firstly, he’s involved in the shows first F-bomb. It’s done, no massive deal is made of it, but there’s something there with its declaration. Something I love and adore beyond comprehension. It’s language after all and is showing it in its true anthropological state. Swearing is not a thing that is attributed to class or intelligence but more an expression of passion, anger and wonder.
Secondly, this dude is bad ass. We already know that he is a man of ethical standing; he didn’t sign up for this. So of course, having it brought to his attention that they are exploiting the creature, he uses himself to generate power for the spore drive. Insanely stupid, I’ll give you that, but it’s also incredibly brave.
Finally, he’s broken my heart. It turns out he’s a taken man. However, I’m going to forgive him because of what this relationship means for Star Trek.

It turns out Paul is married to the Doctor. So not only do we have our very first same sex couple within Trek, we have our first Starfleet established couple from the very start. While obviously having the will they, won’t they tension is good for a show; it means more to me to have this. Right at the end, without much fanfare, we see the couple getting ready for bed. It’s intimate, comfortable and boy, do I love them together. I can’t wait to see this develop further… especially with that final scene bombshell.

Added bonus, the Klingons didn’t bug me so much in this episode.

 

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Illogical

The spore drive technology; we know it’s not going to be successful. It’s a shame that we’re going into this storyline without any hope. I don’t like watching something unfold when I know the ending.

Again, I’m still not feeling the time frame. Yes, I’m super excited to get my geek on with Harry Mudd. But name dropping old characters is not going to be enough to win me over; especially when you have holograms standing on deck to talk to an on-board crew. It’s not going to align with the existing franchise and it will have a shelf life. Again, it would have had more freedom had they have set it in another time. Sigh.

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The Lost Causes by Aylssa Ebree Schwartz and Jessica Koosed Etting

The Lost Causes by Aylssa Ebree Schwartz and Jessica Koosed Etting
Release date: 7.9.2017
Buy it here 
Goodreads 

download (16)

Description:
Misfits. Outcasts. And the only ones who can find a killer.

They’re the last people you’d ask to help with anything, much less a murder investigation. The rich girl, the obsessive, the hypochondriac, the addict and the hot-tempered athlete—people think they’re beyond help. Lost causes. But where the world sees losers, the FBI sees its only hope.

With the help of a dangerous serum, the FBI erases the teens’ past problems and unlocks a psychic ability within each of them. In return, all they have to do is help find the killer who’s turned their small town upside down.

But as they close in on a suspect, they expose a conspiracy that puts them directly in harm’s way and makes them wonder who—if anyone—they can really trust.

If anything happens to them, will anyone even care?

Characters
The five central characters are wonderfully flawed teens that are a reminiscent blend of the Scoobies from Buffy, the kids working at Empire Records and the detentionites from Breakfast Club.
The bring the book to live and are the key reason you become so involved with the book.

My favourite of the five is Z, but it is FBI agent and swoon worthy Nash that is my new book crush. He’s everything you want in an agent made to turn teen heads. Sabrina’s feelings and opinions about Nash also help you crush on him, just that little more.

Plot
It’s a crime thriller plot with an added supernatural element. There is enough mystery and obstacles to keep you guessing about who is the perp right until the end. There’s also enough tension to ensure the book is a page turner from start to finish.

Writing
It may take a while to get into this multi-person narrative. Each character takes on the voice of one of the five teens and it’s a struggle at first while you’re figuring out each narrator but you quickly get into the swing of it and it adds a depth to each character that you will love.

Freshers by  Tom Ellen and @lucyivison ‏

Freshers by  Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison
Release date: 3.8.2017
Buy it here
Goodreads
Description: Uni beckons. Phoebe can’t wait to be a fresher – especially since her crush from school will be there too. She’ll be totally different at Uni: cooler, prettier, smarter … the perfect potential girlfriend. She’ll reinvent herself completely. But Luke’s oblivious, still reeling from the fallout of the break-up with his ex. Thrown head first into a world of new friends, parties and social media disasters – can Phoebe and Luke survive the year, let alone find each other?

Characters

The two main characters work well together in order to tell this story of their first half term in York Uni.
Phoebe is a wonderful geeky girl who has a brilliant personal development throughout the autumnal season in a different part of the country, far from home. Her group of friends, and flat mates, are an eclectic group who might not have gave each other the time of day in High School. It’s true of freshers week and life in halls.
Luke is not an unlikeable character. You can see why Phoebe’s friends might have reservations about him; his actions are not those of someone you would trust. However, they are not privy to his inner most thoughts. While they are, at times, inconsistent and shows him very confused; it is perhaps a true reflection of a young man’s mind at this time of life.
Luke’s flat mates and friends re funny and likeable, but you don’t feel the emotional connection like you get with Phoebe and her friends.

Plot

The is so much to identify with in this coming of age plot. We don’t have the presence of any parents (I’m excluding those who appear through phone calls) and it really adds to the independent element of the plot.
While it could be considered a ‘romance’, I believe it would do this story a disservice to describe it at that; there is so much more to it than that. You will be very happy with the development of the plot, the twists and the final resolution.
I’m very satisfied with how the book ends, however I certainly wouldn’t say no to a sequel, spin off or literally anything that perhaps shows the final months of third year uni.

Writing

I love how much this book flows. There are two distinct voices; Phoebe and Luke. It would be easy to assume that the authors took a character each, however there’s a stylistic unity to the points of view that implies the writing was a little more complex than that.
It’s writing is flawless and engaging. I’m utterly captivated and curious about the writing process. There’s no literary indicators of there being two writers. I’m about to find out what else they’ve done and what is in the works.

Robin Hood Men in Tights (15)

Robin Hood Men in Tights (15)
Release date: 17th December 1993 (UK)
Rewatch date: 7.10.2017

From IMDB: A spoof of Robin Hood in general and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) in particular.

Robin of Locksley, known as the most skilled archer of the land, has just returned to England after fighting in the Holy Crusades, where King Richard the Lionhearted is also fighting. Robin finds that much of what he knew of England has gone to ruin, including his longtime family home having been taken away, all at the hands of the evil Prince John, Richard’s brother who has assumed the throne in Richard’s absence. Neurotic John is basically being controlled by the equally evil Sheriff of Rottingham, everything they doing to fatten their own coffers at the expense of the commoners and peasants. As such, Robin recruits a band of merry men to help him battle Prince John and the Sheriff, they who include: Blinkin, his blind longtime servant; Ahchoo, the misguided son of Asneeze, the man who helped him escape from prison while fighting in the Crusades; Little John, who seems to think that being called Little is only coincidental to the fact of he being a hulking man; and Little John’s friend, Will Scarlet O’Hara, a master with daggers. In going to the palace, Robin falls in love at first sight with Marian of Bagelle, a maid of the court. Marian is looking for the man who has the figurative and literal key to unlock her heart (and more private parts). The Sheriff has his own eyes on Marian, he who in turn is the object of desire of Latrine, a powerful hag of a sorceress of the court. Robin and the Sheriff in particular have a fight to the death mentality to achieve their end goals, which for both are protection of the throne for their trusted royal, and the heart and cherry of Maid Marian.

The Good
Let’s start strong; Cary Elwes. The dreamy, beautiful and charming Dread Pirate Roberts of the Princess Bride (1987) doesn’t seem to have aged a day in this Robin Hood send up.
He’s the perfect leading man and this film is no exception. He hits the comic notes perfectly and brings the Britishness to the spoof.
I will always love this man, and while this may never be my go-to movie of his, but I will think of it fondly.

The film has Mel Brooks’ signature jokes throughout the movie, they’re solid jokes that are comparative to Monty Python. The tone of the religious based jokes are light hearted and tactful. Something that films today could learn from.

Now, the most important thing about this film is that it’s a spoof before Scary Movie killed the genre; Men in Tights has a plot and can be followed.

The Bad
Some of the jokes are rather outdated, it’s the nature of spoofs. The jokes that pack the most punch are the relevant ones. However, it does mean that they date, fast.

It’s nowhere near as good as Brooks’ previous spoof Spaceballs (1987). It might be that I’m much more of a Sci-fi girl than a fantasy one, but it doesn’t flow as easily; feeling a lot longer as a result.

 

The Ugly
Some of the jokes miss the mark completely; mainly to do with age and growth of society. Some of the jokes delve into the sleazy uncle territory and at some points it takes itself a little too seriously.

Final Thoughts
It’s a good watch for when you’re not in the mood for Monty Python or Princess Bride. It’s not as smooth as it would have come across in 1993, but there’s enough jokes to chuckle at to forget the eyebrow raising misses.

Helen Bamber Foundation, the Conversation: Creative Survival @HelenBamber @stephenfry

Helen Bamber Foundation, the Conversation: Creative Survival

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Opening Speech
I can now say that I have had a rare opportunity to see Emma Thompson in her true form. Shed of her acting skin, she is warm, candid, beautiful and extremely funny.
She spoke with passion, authority and grace, ensuring we all knew why we were there; to listen to the stories of people who had survived, creatively. Something Emma explains is the opposite of the Darwinian concept, but instead the survival of the kindest and most humane.

Emma Thompson in conversation with Lyse Doucet, TJ Birdi and Ceilia
Emma went on to host a wonderful and heart warming conversation about the work of HBF and how it has improved the life of Ceilia; a refugee seeking nothing more than somewhere she felt safe.
It broke my heart that she was explaining her plight to the wrong people; I know that people fleeing war torn countries are not here to ‘steal’ jobs or abuse the benefit system. Those who do need to hear this, would not have attended such an event and would not believe that people’s motives are altruistic. They would not believe her when she explains that she didn’t even know about the benefits on offer for over a decade living in England.
I wish I could have hugged her and make all the pain she suffered go away, tell her that she was loved. It’s something I have in bucket loads and she informed us she had to be taught to love.
The conversation ended with her informing us that she has a child and, through the support of HBF, is able to live a fulfilled and healthy life.

Stephen Fry with Humera
This conversation opened with Stephen narrating the beginnings of Humera’s story. Abused by men she trusted, robbed of her virginity and left to feel like she didn’t belong. Her community and faith meant that her marriage would lead to her death, knowing that her husband would deem her an adulterer.
Her only chance of freedom was to flee her country and attend university in the UK. Again, it was noted about the often mentioned ‘foreigners coming to steal the jobs.’ It angers me that someone who is having to escape an abusive home is then expected to defend themselves against the prejudice and stereotypes small minded people put out into the world.
There were issues along the way; visa denial and sexual harassment in the workplace before finding HBF. They helped her apply for asylum as well as give her one to one support with a counsellor.
When Humera joins Stephen on the stage, she catches us up on the successes within her life; managerial position, love away from abuse and the freedom, confidence and support to proudly declare ‘I am gay.’

Music
The evening drew to a close with three musical pieces and the HBF choir were joined on stage by musician; Nerina Pallot.
Through the music, clients of HBF humbled us with their expressions of culture, identity and belonging. They got the crowd onto their feet for the final number; despite the harrowing stories, it ended on a blissful note.

 

Of course, this was all for a cause. The HBF relies on generosity and funding to continue to help make changes in people’s lives. Only, I don’t think this foundation just needs money, it needs love and support; things people can give for free.

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How can you help?

  • Head over to the website http://www.helenbamber.org/
  • Follow @HelenBamber and keep up to date with their events and requests
  • Help a stranger (you never know what it might mean)… Many of the clients who spoke talked about how a simple smile was able to make them feel like they belong.
  • Consider a one off, or monthly, donation
  • In the new year, I will be completing a sponsored reading/ viewing marathon and all proceeds will go to the Helen Bamber Foundation. Details will come in due course, but please promote if you can and get sponsoring when the page is up and running.

@gemlovesbooks is now an official Book Fairy!

@gemlovesbooks is now an official Book Fairy!
For the longest time my friends and family have called me a Book Fairy as I have always turned up to any get together with at least one book for them, usually a whole tote bag full!
The feeling of uniting someone with a book, knowing that they’ll love it is such a wonderful thing, even more so if they then ask you for other book recommendations.
I had plenty of this during the 7 years I was a bookseller as the sheer quantity of freebies I received meant once I’d read them I could pass them along to someone else who I knew would enjoy them.
I may have left bookselling two years ago but I will always be a Book Fairy for the people in my life, and now I get to do it for strangers too.
I have followed @thebookfairies on twitter for a while, & loved seeing people post photos of the books they’ve hidden in places all across the world! I checked out their website and was pleased to see lots of different options available for purchasing their official stickers etc. at good prices.
I urge you all to get involved and spread the book love #ibelieveinbookfairies
I can’t wait to hide these books out in the wild for someone else to pick up hopefully pass on to someone else.
@thebookfairies
#ibelieveinbookfairies
Love @gemlovesbooks

The Demon Road by Derek Landy

The Demon Road by Derek Landy

Details: Full of Landy’s trademark wit, action and razor sharp dialogue, DEMON ROAD kicks off with a shocking opener and never lets up the pace in an epic road-trip across the supernatural landscape of America. Killer cars, vampires, undead serial killers: they’re all here. And the demons? Well, that’s where Amber comes in…Sixteen years old, smart and spirited, she’s just a normal American teenager until the lies are torn away and the demons reveal themselves.

Forced to go on the run, she hurtles from one threat to another, revealing a tapestry of terror woven into the very fabric of her life. Her only chance rests with her fellow travellers, who are not at all what they appear to be

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AMAZING!
I was desperate to read this before I saw him talk at the event in Bham New St Waterstones, and Ben from Harper kindly sent me an advanced copy which I finished the night before the event :)The premise of a sixteen yr old girl finding out she’s a demon is cool, add in the fact that her parents are trying to kill her and that the only way she might survive is to go on an epic road trip through the “demon roads” with a mysterious guy and an even more mysterious car. It is pure genius, and really honours the classic American horror authors like Stephen King and Joe Hill. DL himself said his inspiration was SK and Wes Craven (RIP) as well as numerous others which is really cool.
It’s dark, twisty, gory, inventive, and downright awesome.
If you’re a fan of skulduggery you will know that DL is fantastic at writing a duo of an older guy and a teen girl (in a non pervy way!!) and that he always has an element of comedy in the stories too. Demon Road has all three of these aspects yet is totally different from SP.
Read it. Read it now.

The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands

The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands
Buy it here
Goodreads

This book is AWESOME!
It’s full of excitement, danger, mystery and is so fast paced I read it in one sitting.
I was instantly drawn to Christopher and his best friend Tom, they have a great level of camaraderie and their conversations are hilarious and made me laugh out loud throughout the whole book.
The plot is inventive, the characters are fantastic and I absolutely loved the historical setting; it’s so well described and full of little details that it really did transport me back in time (and actually has made me want to read more about that particular period of time as I usually focus on Tudor times!).
This book is perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Skulduggery Pleasant, Lockwood & Co and Artemis Fowl – essentially it is the new *Must Read* middle grade book and I can’t wait to read more from this author!