All the bright places by Jennifer Niven Review

"You are all the colours, at full brightness"

People say this was heartbreaking. Eye - opening.  Beautiful. Real. Raw.
I agree - but it was also so much more. It cannot be simply put into words. The English Language simply fails to put it into the right terms. Besides I'm no writer. Not like Violet and Finch. No. They had words and things to say. They loved, lived and felt at such a young age. I see them as friends. As teachers. They made me think. Barely any books make you do that. Sure, they make you question.  But only Niven could portray dark themes, usually stigmatised, in a light way but also never losing the tone of "suicide". She's made me aware. She's made my heart break. In thousands of pieces yeah, but my heart broke because suicide is real. It isn't some fictional theme. It happens. Every moment. Someone feels like the only choice they're presented with is death. That's all they see. So I urge everyone. Live. For every bad day there's a good one. There'll be someone. One day. In one moment who'll change your life for the better. As we're arriving at the end of 2015, congratulate yourself for carrying on. I love you. I love your strength and I can only ever aspire to make readers think the way Niven has. Once again, thank you Jennifer. And thank you @cookie_bookie_ for lending me this exquisite piece of fiction.

Check out my insta: @dees_library @admirerofbooks

Throne of Glass Book Review

I'M BACK! AND I MISSED YOU ALL!

To start things off with a bang, I'm gonna be reviewing Throne Of Glass, which now has a special place in my heart.
First of all, here is a synopsis of the book:

"Celeana Sardotheian is an assassin. She's the best in the profession but no one knows the true identity of Adaralan's Assassin. During her prime, she's back stabbed by someone she trusts and is thrown into the worst place possible for anyone, especially a girl, which is Endoviour. These Salt Mines break those who enter and they never see the light of day. That is, until Captain Westfall offers her a deal - compete with thieves, murderers and liars for the title of the Kings Champion and regain her freedom or spend the remainder of her days in Hell."

This is a book filled with fast paced action, romance and mystery. The synopsis really does not do the book much justice and it's best to go into it with not much information about it. It's the first of a 6 book series by Sarah J Maas and it sets the world in which it takes place in as well as developing the characters.

My thoughts:

It was beautifully written and Maas' writing has made me fall in love with all the characters. It is fast paced and definitely enticing from the first page. I've delved into the world and now I struggle to function in society knowing there's 3 other books out there which I will soon aquire. The book is packed with fantasy and if you're a fan of The Hunger Games, Grisha Trilogy and Game Of Thrones, you'll love this book as much as I did. There's romance, mystery, action and drama. It also features the different relationships in Celeana's life such as the relationship between lovers, friends and family. Celeana is also a very witty and sarcastic character which makes her a loveable protagonist.
Overall I rated this book a 4.5/5 stars. The only thing that could be improved on is the level of enthusiasm in the writing. For example, I felt as though the exclamation point was overused. However, in Maas' recent book "A Court Of Thorns and Roses" shows that her writing skills have developed tremendously.

Till next time

~ Dee ~

Spring Love

So...

Spring has started once again and that means it'll soon be time to take off our wooly jumpers and ginormous coats! It also means that now we can go about eating ice cream without being judged about it so much... (if you're like me and eat ice cream in winter that is)

I recently just finished "Half Of A Yellow Sun" and enjoyed it so much that I'd read it everytime I had my bus glued to the sofa and bed. Literally!! I even read it on my way to school and back! It's a recommended read really...
Based on Nigeria in the 60 's, it talks about 3 different people whose lives are connected. It's riveting and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Honestly. Go ahead! You won't regret it! :)

For me, I've just been making sweet and savory dishes constantly and that means watching alot of YouTube videos! Behold...

Also...because I'm a HUGE bookworm, I brought a mini haul of books while I've been away and busy. For all those like me, I present to you the mini hauls of books! Courtesy of Amazon & The Book People

I bid ya'll goodbye!(aftermath of watching an entire marathon of Nashville)

Till the next time x

- The Girl Who Loves The Little Things

Top December Must Haves

Hey guys/darlings/my lovelies,

As you can tell I'm in a good mood. It came to my realisation that I haven't posted anything about fashion and so it was high time that I did that. Since its December and fall fashion has hit the markets a couple months back, it would be most appropriate to make a list (however long or short) about items that must be bought!

That's right, I'm talking long coats and pashmina scarves as well as hot chocolate, churros and æbleskivers (for those of you who have the pan to make such treats on Christmas Day). December is also the last month before the New Year and so it's my duty to have a list of must - haves so that on Boxing Day I shall be more than ready to grab some deals.
I sound as though I am preparing for combat!

Despite clothes and food, I also take advantage of book deals and so Amazon and the Book  People are my number one online book stores.  And yes, I will buy the Maze Runner set for a tenner. I know, I know you're all probably thinking that I am not up to date but I am however why watch the film first when you can read the books?

Long coats

Those of you that have them are purty (old 50s word for hot/pretty) in them. Those of us that don't (me included)  are also purty nonetheless.

Zara, H&M, Urban Outfitters, John Lewis, Debenham, Select, Ebay and more stores sell these long coats.

Wardrobelooks.com

All the above are from Zara :)


and this one from Select at only £29.99!

Pashmina Scarves

£8, ASDA

Online and in-store

£8. ASDA


Online and in-store

Bags

ASOS

ASOS

ASOS

Gifts

GettingPersonal.com


What could be better than you're own personal mug?

Amazon, now £49

the better way to read books...

Amazon

Books are a girl's best friend...

Okay, second best friend ( 1st are diamonds...I mean, COME ON!)

Amazon

£52.50

Rituals Laughing Buddha Secret Extra Large Gift Set

Perfect for relaxing in the holidays after spending so much time shopping and preparing for the big day!

Who can ever go wrong with chocolate?


Amazon













That's my December must-haves AND some gift ideas for your loved ones or if you fancy, for yourself...


Happy Holidays and have a great week! Ciao bella! :)

My very own short story

Hi everyone,

Hopefully you all enjoyed reading my last post "The Kite Runner book review" as much as I did when I had re-read it in case of spelling mistakes or bad grammar.

Being 16 is a riveting stage in your life, according to me. Personally it's that stage where you think about university/college, future career and family life (if you want). However, although I spend most of my day thinking about the future, there are aspirations that I do have in life. I have always since I was 10 and learnt to speak and write fluent English, having come to the UK at age 8. I have thought of writing as a passage to the beautiful and mysterious human mind. Writing is a way to vent out and express all of your feelings unto pen and paper. I was inspired by Hosseini's "The Kite Runner" & Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl" (yes, I have finished reading the book) to post my mini story for you all to enjoy.

Hint: it is a short passage by a young girl (monologue)

Home

I was here. It had been exactly 10 years since I stepped my two feet in this room. Now it looks different. Of course. Life moves on. Whether you want change and welcome it with open arms or not you cannot prevent it from happening. Unfortunately. She's a tall, majestic and yet, gentle figure. Standing at the end of the hall. She takes a step. And another and another. Till she is in front of me. I see that her hazel, button-like eyes are filling up with tears. 

Suddenly, I am pulled towards her. Gently but quickly. But of course. I am her 27 year old daughter. When I left I was still a mere child. Immature and still trying to find my way in the world. And yet when I left I knew my mother would be in hysterics. But I still hugged so tightly, afraid to let go, in case her eyes grow with rage and anger at  how I had broken her heart and stolen her soul. 

After a few moments, she lets go ever so slowly and starts to study my face. She knows it's me but I think that she cannot believe that I am finally here. She needs proof and seeing is believing. Unless like my mother you are wired at all times and have a history of mild schizophrenia. She sees things that are not there. They call it hallucinations. I call it imaginary friends. At least...I used to.

Now that I have also studied my Mam's face, I noticed she has not aged gracefully. In fact, she is the opposite of chubby. She has grown thin and seems so frail. Like all children, I'd rather say she seems gentle. Her luscious blonde curls have turned to flimsy, thin, sandy blonde hair. I can tell that she's been through the worst kind of hell without even entering there. Soon I know why she is still teary. Her wedding band is gone. Her smile vanished. It hurt me to hear the words that came out of her mouth following the gasping sobs. It was enough to make me curl up and die. 

"Kate....I- I don't know how to..."
"Mam, what, what is it?"
"It's your father. He's...he's gone."
"What?!"
"Heart attack back in 07' while at the...er..."
"...factory?"
"Yes. High blood pressure."

Nononononono

"I'm sorry"

Nononononono

He's gone. He didn't survive the attack. My mother is pleading with me. Begging me to not lash out. 

She thinks I'm like her. 

I am worse. Much worse. I go from happy and relieved to angry and vengeful. And when I'm vengeful I'm the last person on Earth you'd wanna come across. Trust me.

"Life's tough kid." Famous last words by my dear ole Pa. It doesn't matter. Not that much. I guess it could be worse. That's maybe the only rational answer I have for you right now. I cannot feel remorse but I can feel guilt and resent.

 I am not a sociopath. I am an ill, demented, young and cunning woman. I major in psychology and sociology. Just because I ran away from home doesn't mean I gave up on my GPA of 6.9 and bright future that my mother had always predicted for me.

I know - it's rather odd having me confess that I am not at all well in the head, however you wanted the truth...right? And that, is exactly what I gave you. Before you jump to conclusions, keep in mind that I can and will come after you. I will use every resource that I can get my small, bony fingers on and I will undo you and unravel your dirtiest secrets and lies and use them against you. I will plan so articulately that even you shall be gobsmacked to find yourself in a 4x4 cell in Guantanamo Bay all alone in your used orange jumpsuit. 

So go on, I dare you.

And that is it. And yes I have made this all up without previous planning. And yes if you want to advertise this, please do give me mention me and do not use my work as your own.

All in all, I thought it'd be best if I got this week's blog wrapped up with a short story. However this is just a small passage. I may or may not be thinking off adding on to this work but do leave me any comments good or bad and I will take them into consideration.

Till the next time,

~ The Girl Who Loves The Little Things ~

The Kite Runner Review

Hiya everyone,

So before 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini,  I basically read novels by Jacqueline Wilson and Judy Blume. However, since my encounter with this interesting novel, I can honestly say that the end of my 2014 summer was mainly memorable as I had finished reading such a provoking and emotional book. The book itself was beautifully written with anecdotes by the main character and the way the story unfolded was truly unique and riveting.

The novel is about twelve year old Amir who is desperate to win the local kite - fighting tournament and his loyal friend Hassan promises to help him. But neither of the boys can foresee what will happen to Hassan that afternoon, an event that is to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realizes that one day he must return to Afghanistan under the Taliban rule to find the one thing that his new world cannot offer him: redemption.

My favorite character in the novel was Hassan and the main reason for this was as he was kind and also the type of friend that you can count on no matter what. Additionally,  his loyalty throughout the MAJOR events that took place in his life never changed his affection and loyalty to Amir. In my opinion, all the characters felt real and as the story was based on some real-life events, such as the Soviets invading Afghanistan and the years under Taliban rule, this story opened my eyes to what war can do to people in today's world, for example how 2 close friends could be divided between conflict and the aftermath of such despair on a country and its people. 

The story never failed to give me goosebumps and there were countless moments when I felt as though I knew what was going to happen, however bigger surprises hit me in the face ( in a GOOD way).

My favorite part of the book was when Amir and Rahim Khan were discussing about getting Hassan's son back, however in order to fully convince Amir to undertake such a task, Rahim Khan had revealed to us all, the readers, that Amir and Hassan are actually brothers (share the same father) and this really was one of the biggest surprises.

One of the many scenes that captivated me:

"Sohrab!" I called, rising from my bed. "I have great news." I knocked on the bathroom door. "Sohrab! Soraya jan just called from California. We won't have to put you in an orphanage, Sohrab. We're going to America, you and I. Did you hear me? We're going to America!"

I pushed the door open. Stepped into the bathroom. 

Suddenly I was on my knees, screaming. Screaming through my clenched teeth. Screaming until I thought my throat would rip and my chest explode. 

Later, they said I was still screaming when the ambulance arrived.

This scene was so detailed, that I felt sadness and started tearing up, once again, and this proves just that the way Hosseini words each sentence and paragraph is powerful. The book made me cry as the adjectives used by the author were very descriptive and the way the scenes happened before my eyes were truly unforgettable. 

The story had gripped me so much that I had read it in a couple of hours and honestly I was so provoked to also pick up 'A Thousand Splendid Suns', which is equally as great and amazing.

Overall, I would rate the book a solid A+++ and 10/10. It had everything a good, coming-of-age book should have. It had mystery, love, family and adventure and there was not a single moment that I felt bored. That's how great Hosseini's novel was. 

If you also enjoyed this book as much as I did, I would recommend reading both 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' and 'And The Mountains Echoed'. Both are equally interesting and riveting as The Kite Runner.

I hope you all enjoyed reading this week's blog as much as I had whilst writing it for you all. In case any readers out there would love to purchase all 3 books, here is the link: All 3 Books by Khaled Hosseini

Also, for more reading, check out 'The Works' & 'The Book People' websites. If you're like me, surrounded by friends who are amused by books, like my dear friends Sana, Mandeep, Humaira and Zara, I'm sure they'd be more than pleased to find out about websites which can offer them amazing deals on great book titles.

Till next time,

~The Girl Who Loves The Little Things~

This was not a sponsored blog.