Book Review ... The Help

I watched the film when it first came out and then about 7 time more before I finally purchased the book that inspired it. Sometimes I don't bother reading the book once I have watched the film but I was so glad I did. The film followed the story well but the book made it more personal and emotional. I wish that I hadn't watched the film before just because of the plot that involved Minnie Jackson and her pie. With the spoiler known to me the clues throughout the book where made funnier until it was eventually revealed. Honestly, I never wanted it to end. I want to know what happened to Skeeter's life in New York, Minnie's after becoming an even greater independent woman and Abilene's future that was unsure of what path it would take. Although this book brought joy to my life the realisation came hand in hand that Mississippi in this era was just wrong in all meanings of the word. The maids allowed you to see how life was like for these woman; how unfair and soul destroying it could become. From the first line to the last this book was filled with memorable quotes; I haven't read a book with quotes on this level since reading Life of Pi. You know, the quotes you read and you get this 'wow...that's going to stick with me for the rest of my life' feeling. Maybe I was just being slightly dramatic but this book means so much to me. My love for Celia Foote is unreal along with the pain and sorrow I feel for the fictional maids and the real life woman they represent. I recommend this book like no other; you will love it and if you don't I would be shocked. Just clear everything you have to do because once you start you won't be able to stop. I wish you luck.

My life in ruins ...

'Happy is the man I thought, who, before dying, has the good fortune to sail the Aegean sea.' 

I plan on buying myself a yacht when I'm older and sailing from one Greek island to the next, that would be my dream come true. Greece has to be my favourite place on earth, I have been there about 5 times now and leaving that Mediterranean sun and laid back way is getting harder each time. I will be visiting again this year and saying I am excited is an understatement. If you ever get the chance to go, take it. I have never heard anyone say that they didn't enjoy it as their holiday destination but just incase you need convincing here are some photos from my past experiences with my beloved Greece. I have a strong feeling this won't be my last Greek related blog post. You won't need to wish me luck for this one. 

The world is calling and I must go ...

In my time on Earth I have been lucky enough to visit several parts of it. The streets of New York City, the food of my beloved Italy and the culture of Cairo are far from my English upbringing. Don't get me wrong I love England but there is something about traveling and exploring new things that make you realise the world is much bigger than you ever thought it was. The thought of never leaving England would upset me greatly although never returning to the motherland would upset me much more. It may surprise you that I have lived in England for 18 years and 11 months and never visited London. Well, next month I will be visiting it for the first time and then again two days after. Maybe me and London have a relationship like buses, you wait forever and then several come along at once. Wish me luck. 

The bucket list of my 15 year old self

This is going to be embarrassing ...

When I was 15 years old I became some what of a trend setter when I decided that I wanted to create a bucket list. Some of the things I included were never going to happen, I don't know what I was thinking. Others are still relevant to my life and what I want to do with it. You can tell I was obsessed with everything American when I was 15; the list is basically me wanting to experience everything that is seen in movies. Since I am an 18 year old girl living in England and in the middle of education I think them particular ones are going to have to wait a while longer. My 19th birthday is fast approaching and I want to document accomplishing elements of this list on my blog to celebrate my final teenage year. Wish me luck.

Book Review ... The Scorpio Races

Two times I read the first chapter of The Scorpio races and both times I never bothered to read any further. My previous bad reading habits were stopping me from reading this wonderful book. Luckily for me the third time was the charm.

Magie Stiefvater created a book that once you were hooked you just could not stop. No spoilers will be given although I need to make it clear that I have never cried this much over a book like I did on this emotional ride. Augustus Waters once said “I'm on a roller coaster that only goes up". Well, Augustus this book made me feel completely the opposite. 

I had previously read some of Stiefvater's work and was pleased to see the writing style remained the same with the story being told from two different characters allowing the reader to become attached to the main characters and understand them in a greater depth. As the main plot behind this book is the final 'Scorpio race' having this attachment created a stronger ending as you're unsure who needs to win more knowing what is at stake for both riders. Basically, it ruined my life but you should let it ruin your life too. 

When in Rome ...

Eat Ice Cream

I always thought the ice cream you could buy from England was nice and that people who had visited Italy were just being over the top when describing the ice cream you could find there, oh how I was wrong! The two scoops of chocolate and one scoop of caramel will always have a special place in my heart. Located near the Trevi Fountain this ice cream parlour with it's beautiful interior made me feel like I couldn't get more Italian if I tired. One portion was never enough.