Tag: reading

Libraries

~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ Leave a comment

Libraries are places where I generally don’t go to but there isn’t really a specific reason as to why not. I think libraries are a great opportunity to let people read without paying the prices for individual books.

Wills Memorial Library

I remember being in primary school and taking a class trip to the local library. I was always to excited to choose a book and look at all the options. Even if someone in my class didn’t like to read they generally liked to go through the books and choose one. Whether that be a comic style book or a novel style book. I think at that age libraries are great as not only do the kids get out of class they also choose a book that they want to read and can start to see a style that suits them.

I think libraries should be used more often and I am someone who should use one more as well. I admit I should use them more! Not only is there a variety of books there is also staff there to help you. If you’re looking for a specific book and you can help it or you just want some advice on books there is someone there to help you and answer your questions. If you’re not sure how the library organised then just ask and the staff can explain everything you need to know.

However, they are not always up to date with new releases so if you’re looking for a newly published book then this might not be your best option. It also depends the size of the library whether they have as many books on offer. There is also the issue of the book your wanting already having been taken out by someone else.

I would say that overall libraries are a great service and should be used more to allow more people to enjoy reading. It provides books alongside a quiet place to enjoy them. So I hope that more people use them and I will be!

Many thanks, Caitlin x

(PS please comment your opinion on libraries or any alternatives)

Book Giveaway!

~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ 1 Comment

To celebrate blogging for over a year I have decided to do a giveaway!

I will be giving away a copy of ‘The Other Side of Lost’ by Jessi Kirby.

I loved this book and found it incredibly inspirational! I also find it quite a summery book in some way and seeing as it is now summer it’s a perfect time to read it.

In order to enter all you have to do is follow my blog and like this post! Good luck !

The winner will be picked next Friday and will be contacted to find out details.

Many thanks, Caitlin X

(Ps please feel free to comment if you have entered)

My opinion of non-fiction books

~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ Leave a comment

Personally I don’t read much non-fiction but that doesn’t mean I don’t like it.

Source: Book Riot

Non-fiction as a genre is huge and has many variety of types. For example, autobiography, encyclopedia, teaching and learning material etc. The list goes on.

I like to read non fiction however unless it is one I really want to read, I often don’t enjoy it as much as a fictional book.

I like autobiographies as they give you an insight into another life, let’s you see what the life of a celebrity is. I particularly enjoyed reading Amy Poehler book as it was honest and blunt. I also really want to read Jenna Fischer Book: the acting life. I am a fan of her as an actor and intrigues to see what she says about her profession.

Non fiction is also a great way to teach and learn whether that be in a class environment or as a passtime at home.

I really should read more non-fiction!

Many thanks, Caitlin X

(Ps please comment your opinion of non fiction or you favourite non fiction book!?

Long or short books?

~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ Leave a comment

When it comes to books the length often is a deal breaker on whether to buy it.

Personally I prefer shorter books so that I can read it in a shorter period of time and have the chance to read another. I feel that when I read a longer one I tend to lose interest at some point.

If I were to read a longer book it would have to have shorter chapters or sections. I find this helps to motivate me to read as I can set myself goals.

Some people however much prefer to read longer books as there can be more depth or subplots. It may take more time to explore a character or storyline. You can also feel more invested in the book if you are reading it for longer.

It is a completely personal thing and you can discuss your opinion in the comments !

Many thanks Caitlin X

(PS please feel free to comment your opinion)

The Title of a Book

~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ Leave a comment

The title of the book is one of the very first things you look at when you pick one up so therefore it is important for it to be a good one!

Here’s a few tips to a great title!

  • It has to fit with the story and give an essence of what the book is about. It has to show the essence of the book so that reader’s will know what they are buying and whether they will want to buy it.
  • It has to attract reader’s. It has to be able to make someone want to pick it up and read it.
  • Concise. It can often help to have a shorter title as they are quick and easy to read/find.
  • Highlight a part of the story. Often you don’t understand the title until you have finished the book.
  • It can also help to have it link with the image and have that on mind when choosing it. What will it look like on the page

Hope this helps!

Many thanks, Caitlin X

(PS please feel free to comment your hint and tips for writing a title)

The importance of viewpoints

~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ Leave a comment

There are masses of viewpoints that authors can use especially if they have a lot of characters. This can be vital in making a story engaging and realistic.

If you are looking at a crime novel, viewpoints are important. You can look at the criminals view which can tell you why they are doing what they are doing, the police view to show how they are trying to solve the problem as well as the victims view. Those are just a few and you can look at many different people in the book to shed a new light on the events. A good example of looking at different viewpoints is All The Hidden Truths by Claire Askew. I found this book that shared a different point of view with a lot of the book being focused on the parents of both the victim and the criminal. To show how crime effects those that surround those individuals involved.

It is also important to ensure the correct viewpoint is chosen so that it suits the story. Whether the book is written in first, second or third person it need to be write for the story. Most books are written in third person, past tense but that doesn’t mean your book should be!

You also need to make sure that you stick to these viewpoints. To ensure you are staying in the characters head and the book stays in first, second or third person unless for a specific reason. Continuity is also incredibly important and key for viewpoints especially if you have multiple in one book. You need to ensure that if one character knows something but another doesn’t you need to ensure that these are stuck to.

Many thanks, Caitlin x

(PS please comment your opinion on viewpoints)

Book Clubs

~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ Leave a comment

Books clubs are often easy to join and can allow you to share your passion for books with like-minded people.

Not only can you share your passion but you can experience reading and discussing books with new people. You can be pushed into reading out of your comfort zone.

One benefit of joining a book club is that it gives your deadlines to meet and ensures that you finish the book instead of moving onto the next. It helps you to stay in time and on track to make sure you are making the most progress possible.

It can also allow you to see new perspective on things. If you ask a group of people about one aspect of a book more likely than not you will get a lot of different answers. People look and interpret information differently and you can explore and deepen your view with the help of others.

You can meet new people and can become apart of a community. You can create relationships that stem from a love of books and you can learn how to have good discussions.

I would highly recommend joining a book group and would love to hear of you are a part of one.

Many thanks, Caitlin X

(PS please feel free to comment )

Pop-up Books

~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ Leave a comment

Pop-up books are an artistic way to share stories using 3-D illustrations.

These are typical for children’s books as they are more immersive and fun for a child to experience. Children often rely on the imagery to keep engaged in the book and making it 3-D just adds another layer to the excitement. It allows the story to be brought alive.

This may then help with improving reading skills as they are interactive and can generate more excitement to see what happens on the next page. They are also combined with the words of a story so children can link the words to the images and gain a better understanding of vocabulary and language. This way for reading provides them with the images that go with the story but as they begin to read books with less images and more words then they can understand about the visualization of the story.

Although pop-up books are predominantly for younger audiences there are some out there for adults to enjoy. These tend to show art and dsplay photos in a more exciting way in order to experience them in a different way. Having a 2-D picture can often lead to people being dinsengaged but if it then made into a 3-D shape within a book it adds excitemetn and allows you to have the ability to look at it from different angles. Many artists also decide to only work or focus on art in 3-D and this is a great way to display this art in a portable way.

Pop-up books have also been good for teaching including science. In order to learn about human anatomy in an effective way pop up books were used to help to understand.

Many thanks, Caitlin x

(PS please feel free to comment your opinion on pop-up books)

Book Wishlist

~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ Leave a comment

A list of books that I would love to read! Hope this could inspire you!

1. The Actors Life: A Survivors Guide – Jenna Fischer

2. Becoming – Michelle Obama

3. The Sandcastle Empire – Kayla Olson

4. The Melody – Jim Crace

5. The Power – Naomi Alderman

6. The Flower Girls – Alice Clark-Platts

Many thanks, Caitlin X

(PS please comment your reading wishlist!)

Seasonal Reading

~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ Leave a comment

When it comes to reading different genres often suit different seasons and some people will only read at certain times of the year.

For me, I read all year round however in summer I can often find myself reading that tiny but more. Something about sitting outside in the sun with your book is so very appealing. I read more when I go on a relaxing holiday for example, sitting by the pool all day reading. I know people who only read in summer or on holiday as well and I think this is very common. Reading is relaxing and you can read without worrying about it overheating or having glare unlike devices such as phone’s or tablet. I also think audiobooks are more popular in the hotter months. If you are sitting sunbathing you can listen to a story and go into your own little world.

In summer more romantic books are read or comedic books as they tend to be more light hearted and perfect for relaxing. Call me by your name is an ideal summer read! This is not always the case as I don’t tend to read romantic books but it is a generalisation.

In winter I find reading quite cosy. Sitting in a warm room whilst it’s cold or rainy outside reading a new book is satisfying. I would think that this is when more crime novels and horrors are read as you are sitting inside whilst it is dark outside. Often people receive books for Christmas as well and I’d you are anything like me you can wait to read them. More time in spent indoors during the colder months so people can use this opportunity to catch up with their reading and finally read that book they have been meaning to for months.

Overall, it doesn’t matter when you read or what you read at certain time of the year but there is often a pattern with reading and the seasons.

Many thanks, Caitlin x

(PS please comment your opinion on reading throughout the seasons or if you have any different habits)