Hope this helps 🙂
Many thanks, Caitlin x
(PS please feel free to comment ways that you pick a book)
Tag: Books
Book
Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman
Call me by your name by Andre Aciman is a book unlike anything I had ever read before. I read it due to the recent film release and decided to read the book rather than watch the film. The book is a beautifully written book that explores the feelings of love and exploration. I wouldn’t usually chose to read a book about a summer romance or any sort of love story however this appealed to me as I had heard such good review about how different and well written it was. The structure of the book is also unlike anything I had read before as it is not chapter based. It is almost one continuous prose with four parts. I enjoyed this structure as it looked at their romance in a different way, it interprets their flourishing romance and friendship as a continuous event. It happens and develops throughout the summer as they find themselves and their love for each other. I think that this book is something I would recommend based purely on the style of writing and the story that is put to that structure is beautiful yet sad.
I find that this book is almost like a book of poetry as it is filled with metaphors and symbols that mean so much to the characters. It explores their stories in a symbolic and understanding way. There is no judgement at any point throughout the book and it is told in a completely unbiased way. It tells the story it wants to tell and allows you, as the reader, to decide what you think and feel about this book. There is a sort of repetition within the book that I think adds another dimension to the book which is unusual. I would normally get bored of a repetitive book but in this case is isn’t a bad thing. It shows their daily routine and how they spend their days throughout the summer. It gives you an insight into how the book progresses and how their relationship grows. It gives you further insight into the characters mind-sets and why they feel the way they do.
This book is not only about a flourishing relationship but the feelings of desire. At time it can be slightly explicit and have sexual experiences but they are not written in a crude way. It is written as an experience of the characters and isn’t anything more than important to them. I think that this also adds another dimension to the book as it adds a bit of realism and isn’t based upon a typical summer romance. It is more about desire, friendship and love.
I would highly recommend this book so that everyone can experience what it offers. Not only to explore the story but to enjoy the writing style and structure. I haven’t yet seen the film however I would suggest reading the book before or after watching it to enjoy the prose and poetry of the book on the page and it enjoy it as it was originally intended.
Many thanks, Caitlin x
(PS please feel free to comment your opinions on this book or the film adaptation)
BOOK TAG
For today’s blog post I chose to do another book tag to allow a bit more insight into me and why i write these blog posts. I hope you enjoy!
- Do you get sick while reading in the car?
No - Which author’s writing style is completely unique to you and why?
Andre Aciman, I haven’t read a lot of book in that genre itself and the way he write is so engaging and exciting.
- Harry Potter Series or the Twilight Saga? Give 3 points to defend your answer.
Harry Potter. There is magic, friendship and action.
- Do you carry a book bag? If so, what is it in (besides books…)?
I tend to carry my kindle more than a book unless I am currently reading a book I love.
- Do you smell your books?
Not really, I tend to focus on reading them 🙂
- Books with or without little illustrations?
Either to be honest. For books without I prefer having loads of small chapters.
- What book did you love while reading but discovered later it wasn’t quality writing?
My Hannah Montana books
- Do you have any funny stories involving books from your childhood? Please share!
Not really other than I read a lot
- What is the thinnest book on your shelf?
Most of my childhood books
- What is the thickest book on your shelf?
Alice in Wonderland and other stories
- Do you write as well as read? Do you see yourself in the future as being an author?
No, I have a good imagination and can think of loads to write about but lack the ability to do so successfully.
- What is your favorite classic book?
Alice in Wonderland
- In school was your best subject Language Arts/English?
Nope, I wasn’t very good at English I preferred French or music
- Do you prefer serious of books or individual novels?
I prefer series of books I would say as you get the chance to explore a story and the characters much more in depth.
- AND FINALLY: Full on romance books or action-packed with a few love scenes mixed in?
Action for sure. I love to read about the adventure and excitement of an action story.
Many thanks, Caitlin x
(PS please comment your answers to these questions!)
‘For All Our Sins’ by T.M.E Walsh
This book is the first in a series by TME Walsh that centres on DCI Claire Winters. The book begins with the brutal murder of a priest and dives into the investigation alongside the story of who is committing these crimes and why. It is a story that features a strong female detective and her determination to solve the case. This book isn’t a case of waiting to find out the culprit and the motive as it is explained throughout via flashbacks which add another layer to the book. You see two sides to a story; one based on the past and one the future. As other bodies turn up with the same MO it looks as though it is by the same killer and DCI Winters works alongside her team to solve this case.
Alongside the main storyline we get to have a little insight into DCI Winters personal life and her relationship with her father. They remain not speaking to each other most of the book however DCI Winters receives a text from her father asking to get in contact. This is left as this and isn’t revisited in this book which adds another dimension and reason to read the second book, in order to find a resolution of sorts.
To begin with I found this book a little un-engaging for me. I had read quite a few chapters and felt as though it took me longer to read than what I usually do and that I wasn’t all that eager to read on. I felt as though if I wasn’t determined to finish the book like I was I would have given up. Saying this, I am glad that I did continue to read as the twists and turns that begin to unfold in the later chapters make up for a slower beginning. I believe that it could have been a little faster pace in the beginning however there was a sort of balance to it. The latter chapters are engaging and exciting with new discoveries within the investigation being made and the pieces of the puzzle coming together. I would recommend that anyone who reads this and feel the same as I do to stick at it and give it a chance as the ending is something that makes you want to continue on. The book ends with a resolution of sorts and that does effect if I wanted to read on to the next. I think the reason I will read the second book in the series is to see how the characters develop after the brutality and effect of the first one.
Overall, I would say this book features a complex storyline however well written so feels almost effortless to read. I would say that if you feel as though it is a slow start, give it a chance and you will love it. I would also recommend this book as it is an intriguing story many twists and turns. It is a unique story which features a strong, female detective as the lead character and I am excited to read the second in the series.
Many thanks, Caitlin x
(PS please comment on your opinion of this book or any similar)
My Life in Books Tag
Pick a book for each of your initials…
C- Charlie and the chocolate factory
M- Miles to Go by Miley Cyrus
D- Dead Lions by Mick Herron
Count your age along your bookshelf, what is it?
Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
Pick a book set in your city/country.
DI Callanach Series by Helen Fields (Scotland)
Pick a book that represents a place you’d like to travel to..
Peter Pan by JM Barrie (Neverland)
Pick a book that’s your favorite color.
The Abduction by Jonathan Holt (Gold)
Which book do you have fondest memories of?
A personalised copy of Beauty and the Beast
Which book did you have the most difficulty reading?
The Lost Island of Tamarind by Nadia Aguiar (I was younger and it was too complex at the time)
Which book in your TBR pile will give you the biggest accomplishment when you finish it?
All of the Harry Potter books because I have wanted to read them for ages
Hardback vs Paperback
When it comes to purchasing books you can often have the choice between hardback or paperback and the question is, what do I choose?
I personally love the look of hardback books on my bookshelf however I feel due to their size and bulkiness they can often be hard to read when sitting on a couch or lying in bed. They are also a lot harder to transport sue to their size. IT can take up your whole bag depending and can weigh it down. Saying this they are more durable and have more of a collectable aspect. The do tend to last a lot longer than paperback books. A lot of times as part of a series one of the books (normally first or last) often comes as a hardback and it creates a special feeling to the series. Hardback books are also a great choice for a gift as it feels more worthy and special (especially if it’s a good book!)
Paperback books are the one I would choose due to their size and weight difference. I feel that they are much more portable and easier to read when lying down or in a small space. I also think they are the best choice for when you are travelling or going on holiday due the weight and size. Much easier to sunbathe with a paperback! Paperback books are also cheaper as they don’t have the think bound front cover as well as a dust sleeve. This can also help you decide as it depends on your budget.
IT also helps to make a decision based upon how you want your bookshelf to look. If you have all paperbacks a hardback may look out of place and vice versa. The front covers also may differ between the two which could have a big impact on your decision. If a series have a set cover style that change with the hardback could be a factor that also affects your decision.
Overall, I would say both are good choices but it depends on the circumstances; budget, style or gift?
Many thanks, Caitlin x
(PS please feel free to comment your opinions)
Bookshelf Scavenger Hunt
-
Find and author name or title with a Z in it.
I don’t think I have one
2. Find a classic.
Â
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carol
3. Find a book with a key on it.
The Thirteen Treasures by Michelle Harrison
4. Find something on your bookshelf that is not a book.
A tin of teabags
5. Find the oldest book on your shelf.
A 1970s edition of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
6. Find a book with a girl on it.
Girl, Stolen  by April Henry
7. Find a book that has an animal in it.
An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo
8. Find a book with a male protagonist.
Othello by William Shakespeare
9. Find a book with only words on the cover.
The killing Lessons by Saul Black?
10. Find a book with illustrations in it.
All my Roald Dahl Books
11. Find a book with gold lettering.
Alice in Wonderland & other stories by Lewis Carol
12. Find a diary, true or fictional.
I don’t think I have any diaries
13. Find a book written by an author with a common name (like Smith).
Paper Towns  by John Green
14. Find a book with a close up of something on it.
The Escape by David Baldacci (close up of handcuffs)
15. Find a book on your shelf that takes place in the earliest time period.
Othello by William Shakespeare
16. Find a hardcover book without a jacket.
A Visual Journey by Ed Sheeran
17. Find a teal/turquoise colored book.
Rise of the Isle of the Lost by De la Cruz
18. Find a book with stars on it.
Fairy Dust by Gwyneth Rees
-
Find a non YA book.
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
Many thanks, Caitlin x
(PS please feel free to comment your book tag)
Books I would like to see adapted for film/TV
I often think whilst reading a book that it might be great for film and television and it would be something I want to happen but then I think that it would possible ruin it for me.
Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter
One of the books that I read and thought it would be great for adaption is Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter as it is a series that is full of exiting storylines that would engage a young audience immediately. It is full of exciting adventures but also shares the stories of friendship and learning how to grow as a teenager whilst living the life of a spy. I think that it would adapt well as long as it was cast with actors that we don’t recognise or are not fully aware of so that we don’t fit the stories to the actor.
Jackson Lamb Series by Mick Herron
Jackson Lamb Series as it is full of drama and intense storyline but still has comedy embedded into it. Although I would love to see this adapted and think it could if it was done well I think it would be difficult as it is a series that it so well represented on paper. I think the hardest part would be finding actors to fit the characters as they are all so unique. I would say that this wouldn’t be a quick adaptation and it would take a long time to get it right and to allow it to represent the books.
The Carnivia trilogy by Jonathon Holt
I think this series would be a great choice as an adaptation as long as it was done well and with near enough the same detail as found in the book. I think that although it can be a little complex it would transfer onto screen really well. I think it has the right amount of mystery and excitement that it would be a great adaptation to TV as it would be full of suspense and extremely engaging.
Overall, I would say that a good adaptation relies on a well thought out plan but most importantly the actors chosen as it has a huge impact on the way you watch it as a film versus how you read it as a book.
Many thanks, Caitlin x
(PS please feel free to comment what books you would like to see adapted.)
The Book Blogger Tag
What are your top three book pet hates?
When the front cover is bent or folded over, when you are collecting a series and they change the cover style, books with really, really long chapters.
Describe your perfect reading spot
My bed or a comfy couch with a cup of tea.
Tell us three book confessions
I have everyone one of the Hannah Montana books, I love the feel of flicking through the pages f a book, ÂÂÂI have only read 3 autobiographies.
When was the last time you cried at a book?
When I read the Fault in our Stars (2014)
How many books are on your bedside table
One plus my Kindle
What is your favourite snack whist you’re reading
Tea and any kind of chocolate
Name three books you’d recommend to everyone
Between shades of gray by Ruta Sepetys, Slow Horses by Mick Herron, The abomination by Jonathan Holt
What books are on your favourite shelf on your bookcase
all the books from when I was younger because it is filled with memories.
Write how much books mean to you in 3 words
I love books
What’s your biggest reading secret?
I have never read all the Harry Potter books
Many Thanks, Caitlin x
(PS please feel free to comment your book blogger tag)
My top book related gift ideas
A book from a genre the person wouldn’t normally read.
I think that receiving a book that isn’t typically within the genre of books you read is a great thing as it broadens your horizons and allows you to explore new genres and stories. It forces you to look outside your comfort zone and experience new plots and characters.
A ‘guide to writing’ gift set
As a Christmas present from my sister I received a ‘writers toolbox’ as a gift. Inside it had a multitude of things such as first sentence ideas and plot twist ideas which help to inspire you whilst writing. I think it is a great gift as it gets your mind working and allows you to use your imagination to the fullest.
Personalised book
When I was younger I received a personalised book from my auntie. I have always loved the book but when I first received it I thought it was so magical. It was the story of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ but with myself incorporated into the story. I was Belle’s friend and helped her throughout the story. It also featured people from my family in the story also. I think that receiving a personalised book, especially when you are younger, is an incredibly special experience as it makes you feel like you are a part of something. It makes you feel important and helpful as you are a main part of the storyline. As you get older it may be a slightly different effect but it is still a great experience. This is a great gift idea as it brings whole new meaning to being involved and engaged in the story.
Book subscription
A book subscription is also a great gift as there is hundreds of different boxes you can choose for and be able to find the one that most suits the person you are buying the gift box. It also enables you to give the person an opportunity to explore new books and authors that they wouldn’t usually choose. It also adds a bit of fun and excitement to the gift as you don’t know what you are going to receive.
A print of their favourite quote
A print or painting of the persons favourite quote is also a nice gift as it is special to that person and unique to them. It shows you have thought about what the person would like and why. If you receive one you can look at it and be inspired by it daily. It can set your day off well.
Personalised bookmark
A personalised bookmark is also a great gift. If it is personalised with all the things the person loves its exciting every time they open their books and see it. It can also often relax people as they recognise things similar and that they know.
Many thanks, Caitlin x
(PS please feel free to comment your gift ideas)
Read and Drink Tea 