My Birthday Gifts

June 15, 2018June 15, 2018 ~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ Leave a comment

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As it as my birthday recently I was lucky to receive a number of gifts, many book related so I thought I would share them. I got 3 books, two gift cards and a piece of artwork.

Warlord by Chris Ryan

Warlord by Chris Ryan is the 5^th instalment in the Danny Black thriller series and is based around the dangerous world of drugs and cartels. Set on the US-Mexico border it looks at how the CIA and SAS will combat the drug epidemic and the cartels that are running it. Whilst doing this however Danny realises that the drugs from these cartels can reach far and will discover that people close to him are affected by them also. I have yet to start reading this book however I am excited to as it seems like something I would be interested in.

TAG- You’re Dead by Douglas Skelton

Tag- You’re Dead by Douglas Skelton is a book that surrounds the character of Dominic Queste who is a private investigator of sorts. As he is looking for a butcher by the name of Sam Price he realises that everything is much more dangerous that first tgought and he is brought into a killers game. A simple favour has turned into his nightmare very quickly and he must play by the killers rules or be killed himself. I have began to read this book and so far I am enjoying it and love the way it is written. I like the main character as although he can be series there is a comedic aspect to him which is likeable.

Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner

Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner follows the disappearance of a girl by the name of Edith Hind. It is written from the viewpoint of multiple characters which allows you further insight into what everyone is dealing with. With the lead detective aware of how critical the first 72 hours of a disappearance is she works to try to find Edith alive whilst facing the severe pressure from the press. I have also yet to read this book but I look forward to delving into it.

Gift cards

As part of my birthday I also received two gift cards, one for Waterstone’s and the other a national book tokens card. I loved these gifts as it allows you to enjoy whatever book you choose as you have the choice of the book shop. I will get the chance to go look and explore knowing that someone gave this to be as a gift. I think gift cards are always a good choice for any gift and for anywhere as it shows that you are thoughtful to buy a gift but allows them to choose something they would like and not something you think they will like.

Artwork by Stevie Spiers

This image is part of his ‘My Little People’ series and is a photograph I immediately fell in love with. I believe it suits me very well as I love to read and my favourite books to read and murder mysteries and crime books. I was given this by my sister and I love it. I would highly recommend visiting www.steviespiersphotography.com to look at this series and it is both comedic and tasteful.

Many thanks, Caitlin x

(PS please comment what books related-gifts you have ever received)

Hardback vs Paperback

May 16, 2018May 16, 2018 ~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ Leave a comment

When it comes to purchasing books you can often have the choice between hardback or paperback and the question is, what do I choose?

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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)

My top book related gift ideas

May 2, 2018May 2, 2018 ~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ Leave a comment

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.

guide to writing.jpg — source: http://www.pinterest.com

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.

subscrition box.jpg — Source: http://www.pinterest.com

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.

original_personalised-lyric-or-quote-print — Source: http://www.notonthehighstreet.com

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.

Source: http://www.notonthehighstreet.com

Many thanks, Caitlin x

(PS please feel free to comment your gift ideas)