Top Ten Bookish Halloween Costumes I Would Die to Own

Sooooooo Halloweeen is almost upon us! It’s finally time for horror movie marathons, costumes and pumpkin spiced lattes. Speaking of costumes, I am so excited to show you my ten favourite bookish people/things I wish I could go as for Halloween. Honestly, if I could pull a Harry Potter and duplicate myself ten times, you know I would/

1. Harley Quinn

Okay, okay. I’m cheating right off the bat but hear me out. Suicide Squad is my most anticipated film of 2016. No, this isn’t exactly the costume Harley has in the comic books but JUST. LOOK. AT. IT. Out of every costume on this list, this is the one I’d definitely kill to have this Halloween.

 

2. Fleur Delacour

Although Fleur is definitely better in the books and I wasn’t at all happy with the decision to make Beauxbatons an all girls’ academy in the movies, this costume is just very very pretty and I would love wearing it.

 

3. Shadowhunter

I mean, SQUAD GOALS, am I right or am I right?

 

4. Daenerys Targaryen

Both of the costumes on the right are just absolutely stunning. AND I can’t imagine not feeling badass if I was to ever be Khaleesi for Halloween.

 

5. Hogwarts Student

I mean, OBVIOUSLY I go to Hogwarts all year round and OBVIOUSLY I wouldn’t even need to try when it comes to dressing up as this one .*wink*

6. Celaena Sardothien

Both of the costumes on the right just blow my mind with how badass they are. PLUS, I mean, who wouldn’t want to be an assassin for the night?

7. Blair Waldorf

The BOOK Blair Waldorf that is! I was having trouble fining a costume for this one because of all the Leighton Meester (who I love!) but I think it looks like the above? I didn’t enjoy the books as much as I enjoyed the show but DAMN Blair Waldorf is my spirit animal.

8. Annabeth Chase

All three of the above just look so cool! Although I doubt many people could guess who I am, this costume would be perfect for spotting the bookworms on Halloween.

9. Mad Hatter

Yeah, yeah. Again with the movie-version costume thing but you have to admit that this is such a cool costume! I would be so down for all that crazy make up!

10. Katniss Everdeen

Probably a very typical last choice but here we go. Everybody loves a bit of Katniss.

What did you decide to do for this Halloween Freebie list? Are you dressing up for Halloween? Leave a link to your list and I’ll make sure to check them out!

George by Alex Gino – book review

George by Alex Gino

Published: August 25th 2015 by Scholastic Press

Length: 240 pages

Where I got it: Library!

Why I got it: I saw it in a book haul on Youtube and the synopsis caught my attention straight away.

Summary from Goodreads:

BE WHO YOU ARE.

When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she’s not a boy. She knows she’s a girl.

George thinks she’ll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte’s Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can’t even try out for the part . . . because she’s a boy.

With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte — but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.

I cannot explain fully how important this book is.

George is a story about a very young girl who is dealing with the fact that although everyone is expecting her to be a boy she simply isn’t happy being one. With their year putting on a play of Charlotte, George is determined to play the main role despite what her teacher said. Just from that short description, you can already imagine how courageous our main character is. George is the definition of brave and I can honestly say she is one of the greatest role models any child can have.

The biggest surprise for me when reading this book came at me straight away and that was the pronouns. Going into this book I assumed that George will be referred to as a “he” but that wasn’t what happened at all and it was such a pleasant surprise. I am thrilled to say George’s identity and journey was respected to the fullest. This, along with the simple yet charming writing, Alex Gino presents a really wonderful novel that everybody should read.

Something that really caught my attention with this book is how hyper-sensitive children are about “acting their gender,” especially the boys. We see it throughout the book and although at first I was slightly stunned at how big of a deal this was, when I look back at when I was that young I could definitely spot the similarities. Boys have to be active and sporty and radiate the careless attitude. It’s hard to read this book and not think of how ridiculous it all is. The author definitely highlights this issue with some of the side characters which wows me every time I think about it.

George receives the easiest five star rating I’ve given this year. To think that we are at a point in children’s literature in when LGBT+ issues and topic can be written about without it being deemed “inappropriate” or thought of as “adult only” makes me incredibly happy. After this book I will definitely be picking up anything and everything Alex Gino writes and I can’t wait to see what they do next.

If this book goes on to gain as much success as it deserves, I can only imagine what an impact it would make on people’s opinions and how it could make some kids out there feel a little less alone.

RATING: [5/5]

Top Ten Author Pairings that NEED to Happen Right NOW

I thought this list would be really difficult because I’ve never though about this before today. FRET NOT, once I wrote down all my faves it really easy to pair them up. I’m really looking forward to looking at other’s lists this week because there are many other combinations that would make my heart explode which I never even thought of. Anyways, here’s my list!

1. Gayle Forman and John Green

I would spontaneously combust if these two geniuses put their minds together. CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE THE AMOUNT OF SOBBING THAT WOULD OCCUR? The world still isn’t read for this. Their book = a million tissues needed + readers are emotionally scared for a lifetime + something you re-read over and over and over again.

2. Margie Gelbwasser and Non Pratt

These two ladies are not that well known but I remember that neither Pieces of Us and Trouble was sugarcoated in any way, shape or form. They’re both amazing at handling heavy topics and Pratt could even slip in a bit of humour in there, who knows? Their book = raw + emotional + fantastic.

3. Cassandra Clare and Sarah J. Maas

Erm, why have the two Queens of YA Fantasy not collaborated yet? I refer to Sarah J. Maas as a Queen and I refer to Cassandra Clare as a Queen too but don’t EVER make me choose between. Their book = an infinite number of kickass female characters + a love triangle that actually works and rips out your heart from your chest + many attractive males.

4. Sophie Kinsella and Sarah Dessen

I’ve only read Finding Audrey a few weeks ago from Kinsella and I’ve read only two or three Sarah Dessen books but oh gosh CAN YOU IMAGINE? Their book = hilarious dialogue + summery setting + an adorable yet believable romance.

5. Rainbow Rowell and Stephanie Perkins

OH GOSH OH GOSH OH GOSH. This is probably my favourite pairing out of all of them. They write the most adorable contemporaries and I would probably die from the cuteness overload if they were to ever collab. Their book = lots of squeal and inhuman noises + all readers’ hearts melt + the need for ONE MORE CHAPTER.

6. Richelle Mead and Maggie Stiefvater

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: they’re basically polar opposites. Heat me out! I’ve always loved the concept of Maggie’s books and I’m forever sulking that I don’t have the patience for The Raven Boys but her writing just draaaaaaaags so much. Richelle Mead could definitely cure that as well as adding in load of humour. Their book =  something really unique + lots of humor + supernatural powers.

7. E. Lockhart and Jandy Nelson

Just like Gayle Forman and John Green, these two would need to supply a box of tissues with their book free of charge. Although I feel like this pair would sway more towards dramatic than emotional endings. Their book = stunning lyrical writing + heartbreaking family relationships + a WTF plot twist.

8. Markus Zusak and Khaled Hosseini

I’ve read The Book Thief just under and year ago and this summer I read A Thousand Splendid Suns. THESE TWO without a doubt can write children and historical fiction/ I would be the first in line to buy their book. Their book = protagonist starts off as a child + spans over decades and different countries + a sobfest worthy ending.

9. Rick Riordan and JK Rowling

You have the brilliance that is Rick Riordan’s mythology-based books and the founder of Children’s fantasy to which all the rest are compared to. This includes Rick Riordan and I will forever defend him when somebody tries to tell me his books are just a rip-off of Harry Potter. Having said that, if JK Rowling was to write with Rick Riordan ahhh it would be the greatest adventure! Their book = magic + heroes + the kind of middle grade humour everyone can enjoy.

10. Stephanie Meyer and Stephanie Meyer

Because although she was very sneaky dropping Life and Death like that, I am still waiting for the sequel to The Host.  It’s been EIGHT YEARS STEPHANIE. EIGHT YEARS. Their book = The Seeker by Stephanie Meyer

So that’s it! Which two authors would you most want to collaborate? Leave a link to your list and I’ll make sure to check them out!

Everything that went down in QUEEN OF SHADOWS – the spoiler-full fangirling review

This post is full of spoilers for Sarah J. Maas’ fourth book in the Throne of Glass series: Queen of Shadows. If you haven’t read this book or the three before it I recommend not reading this post and coming back later! BUT, if you’ve read Heir of Fire you can read my non-spoiler review of Queen of Shadows HERE. 

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas – book review

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Published: September 1st 2015 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Length: 648 pages

Where I got it: LIbrary!

Why I got it: It’s my favourite YA series of all time. Why wouldn’t I get it?

Summary from Goodreads:

The queen has returned.
Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…
She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.
She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.
The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series contrinues Celaena’s epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.

Top Ten Tropes I Want to Stop Reading About

First of all I have to say that this is very much a lighthearted list. Yeah, yeah, these things are annoying but when done right, some of them can be great. Ahhh I had a lot of fun making this list and although I’m looking straight at some fantasy authors when I list some of these, all genres have them from time to time so let’s get into it.

1. Everyone is straight

This one is one of the things that bug me the most when reading fantasy/dystopia/any other universe. I’m 100% more likely to call BS if there’s no LGBT+ in the world you have created than if I see a dragon or a society where children kill other children for entertainment.

2. The Chosen One

Yes. We get it. You’re a half-this half-that and yet you thought you were SO ORDINARY. Your parents secretly had an amazing ability and now you have a DESTINY to fulfill? Woah. I never would have guessed. (I’m only allowing Harry as an exception to this.)

3. Love Triangles

Honestly, I’m starting to think these are a myth. I have never seen a love triangle in real life and unless it’s done by Cassandra Clare, the book could do without the romantic melodrama AHH BUT NATTIE WHICH SHOULD I CHOOSE? The safe warmth of BOB or the adrenaline that makes me feel ALIVE with JACK? Puh-leaaaaase.

4. “She released a breath she didn’t know she was holding.”

Yes I am looking at you Cassandra Clare. I am looking right at you. (Although may others do it too. I cringe and then burst out laughing every time.)

5. Insta-Love

No. Just no.

6. Everyone is white

Lack of diversity also drives me crazy. YOU’RE TRYING TO TELL ME THAT ALL PEOPLE OF COLOUR JUST DROPPED DOWN DEAD OUT FOR NO REASON? No? Then where are they???

7. Guys with a tragic backstories that excuse all their actions

*cough* Snape *cough*

8. Boys and girls can’t last long without being more than friends

This is ridiculous and if I get frustrated enough at any one time I will probably rant about it in a post. More boy-girl friendships please??

9. All the adults are pathetic and will never understand your situation

Adults aren’t that bad. They’re not the bad guys. But I guess this group of characters is sooooo misunderstood.

10. “I’m a what?“

Again, the only exception is Harry Potter. I guess this links in with being special but although it was nice at the beginning, as a reader, I much prefer for me to be saying “You’re a what?” as the author pulls out a massive plot twist (Example: basically all of Sarah J. Maas’ books.)

SOOOOO let’s talk about it. What annoying tropes have I missed off my list? What’s the worst LOVE TRIANGLE you’ve ever read about? Any tragic heroes you could never love? Leave a link to your list and I’ll make sure to check them out.

#currently reading – aka help I’m reading five books at the same time and I am not coping

So I don’t actually have a review for you this week but something a little different instead. Somehow, over the summer, I’ve started books and I’ve forgotten about books and I got distracted with other books and now my currently reading shelf on Goodreads is a mess.. Literally. SO this week I bring to you some snippets on what I’m reading, how I feel about it and so on. Ahh, where do I even begin?

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas 

Yes! I am finally reading the fourth book in my favourite YA series of all time. I don’t believe this book needs and introduction because of how much buzz all of Sarah J. Maas’ books get so let’s just get into it. (No spoilers!) I am absolutely loving this book, as you can imagine! Sarah J. Maas is a queen herself so I wouldn’t expect anything less from her. It’s absolutely massive compared to the others but I am so so glad that nothing has been rushed. Celeana is kick ass as always and although I am not the biggest fan of the romance right now, it’s not stopping me from enjoying the book or loving her character. HOWEVER, I will say that some of my opinions on the characters have changed and I’m not sure if that’s still going to be the case when I finish it but I’ll definitely be talking more about that in my full review. AHHH SO MUCH IS HAPPENING AND EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Now this is a book I didn’t think I’d read. Ever. I mean, have you seen the size of it? If it’s a fantasy, fine. If it’s a contemporary, great. I love big contemporary novels. But a classic? I had a hard enough time getting through Tess of the D’Urbervilles for my English class, let alone a book that has 100 more pages to it. AHH, BUT DO NOT THREAT, I am audiobooking this baby and I have to say that I fell in love with this story and Jane’s character. I am making slow progress through this one as I only listen to it on my way to and from school but I am about half way through. This book is definitely not what I expected from hearing people talk about it here and there. It’s a very charming story (so far!) and I would recommend it to anyone thinking about giving this one a go, even those of you that look at big classics with small font and cringe (like me).

The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat by Oliver Sacks

This is not a book I’m likely to review as it’s 100% out of my lane. I’m studying psychology this year and this is a book I’ve picked up for a bit of extra reading. I mean, with a title like that it was hard not to reserve it at the library as soon as I got the chance. As the Goodreads summary says, this book “recounts the case histories of patients lost in the bizarre, apparently inescapable world of neurological disorders.” Now that MIGHT SOUND SCARY AND WEIRD but the couple of cases I’ve read so far have been interesting to say the least. It might be just me being a psychology nerd but I love it and if you have even a vague interest in it, I’d definitely recommend it.

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

I HAVE A CONFESSION TO MAKE. I got this book for my birthday. My birthday was in February. I really really wanted to read this GIANT of a book before season 5 of the TV show hit the screens. The fact that it’s still on my currently reading list should be raising some red flags. I AM SO ASHAMED. If I’m being honest, I’ve been reading it on and off so it’s not like I’m taking forever, it’s just that I keep forgetting about it. As a massive fan of the HBO show, so I already adored the characters (or at least some of them) before going into this book and in the 350 pages that I have read, I fell in love with George R.R. Martin’s writing style. I do plan on reading all of them, just…maybe…not…yet…

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

This was supposed to be a book I would read over the summer but if you ever see this book in real life, you’ll see why I’m having a tough time getting into it. It’s HUGE. It’s so so intimidating and it’s written with loads of footnotes and whatnot. When you flip through its 700 pages you’ll see blank pages and filled pages and pages with writing going down the side and blue text and red text and different fonts too. I’m not far into this horror story yet and I still might not finish it for some while but it’s such a bizarre book I’ll have to get through it. Look out for it next time you’re at the bookstore because it’s worth just seeing how strange it is.

Have you had this problem before? Or are you a strictly one-book-at-a-time kind of person? HOW DO I GET OUT OF THIS MESS? Let me know if you’ve read any of the titles I’ve listed and what you thought of them!

September ’15 Wrap Up

I realise how cliche I sound when I say I can’t believe it’s now October, but it’s true. Lo and behold, the sun is setting sooner, school has started and I actually needed a coat the other day because of the chill outside. I’ve discovered so many cool book blogs this month and they’re a m a z i n g. It may not look like a great reading month from the lack of books in my “Books I’ve read section” but I feel like I might be getting out of the reading slump. Hazarrrrrrr!

Books I’ve Read

Reading Challenge Update

Back to Classics Challenge – I really do think I’m going to reach my goal of the 9/12 classics! I’ve finished Tess of the D’Urbervilles and I’m almost half way through Jane Eyre (which I didn’t think I’d enjoy as much as I am!). After that one I’ll probably read one more and that’s my goal reached. Yay! Current status: 8/12 read.

Alphabet Soup Challenge – Ahh none of the books I read this month covered the ten letters I still have to cover for this challenge BUT I’m still not worried too much. I’ve got timeeeeee…. Current status: 16/26 letters covered.

New Author Challenge – Finished it last month! Whoooo!

Goodreads Challenge – Okay, okay so I’m even more behind than I was last month but I am reading more than I was! I’m reading five books at once give me a break…

September Favourite

 I have absolutely got to give this one to one of my favourite authors of all time, Sarah J. Maas and her series of novellas The Assassin’s Blade. I put off reading this book for a long long while and looking back I’m not really sure why. THERE ARE SO MANY REFERENCES IN THIS BOOK AND EVERYTHING FITS PERFECTLY WITH THE REST OF THE NOVELS IT GAVE ME SO MUCH JOY. I really do love it when everything fits together and because of this book I now love Sarah J. Maas even more, which, to be quite honest, I didn’t think was possible.

Most Anticipated October Release

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone…
A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.
Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.

To see the things I've been loving this September click HERE!

I have so many cool things planned for October you’re not even ready! BUT tell me about YOUR MONTH. I know I’m pretty much FAILING but how are you doing with your reading challenges/goals? With only three months left of 2015 (THREE MONTHS!) do you think you’ll make it? Any Halloween plans? If I see anyone dressed as a book character I will probably tackle them in hug that clearly coveys the bookish vibes~

Nattie’s Catch Up (September ’15)

The Highs

Remembering how beautiful seaside towns are during autumn – At the very very beginning of September, before school began, my family and I managed to make the most of one of the last sunny days of the year and headed for the seaside. If I’m being honest, it wasn’t the greatest weather but it didn’t matter because I adore cute towns by the sea like the one we went to. It had the cliffs and cream parlors (although I went with a hot chocolate on the day) and pebbled beaches (and some sandy ones too!). It was pretty and not too hot which was great because I haven’t felt so relaxed since!

  

The Great British Bake Off – If you could represent Britain with just one show, The Great British Bake Off would be it. It’s a baking competition that takes place in a big tent in the middle of a field where the presenters make bad (yet hilarious!) puns, one of the judges is an lovely 80-year-old lady and everybody cries when someone has the leave the tent every week. The phrase “soggy bottom” alone is the single most British thing I’ve ever heard. What more could you want?

Lana Del Rey’s Honeymoon – Not her actual honeymoon cause that would be weird. I’m talking about her new album that came out only about a week ago! I’ve loved Lana Del Rey for years and years now and although her first album will always be my favourite, Honeymoon is so so good and I’ve definitely got plans to see her when she goes on tour.

The Low

The stress – I’d be lying if I said school is easy right now. It’s such a big leap from last year in workload and difficulty and I’m not sure how I’m not sleeping during half of my breaks. It’s getting more difficult to fit in my reading time but so far I’m managing (only just) and soon, hopefully, I’ll be doing a lot less of this:

ENOUGH ABOUT ME. Tell me how your September has gone! Did you go back to school? Work? What music album are you obsessing over that I should probably give a shot? I’m a sucker for any kind of cooking competition, not just Bake Off and especially if it has Gordon Ramsay in it so tell which show on TV you have a weakness for!

Here’s to a wonderful October!

Top Ten Books On My Fall TBR

Ahh muy favourite topic: TBRs! Although I am terrible at actually sticking to what I usually say in these kinda of lists, I do try my best and some of these I’m super excited about. In fact, I’m going today to pick up four of them from the library. That’s the first four titles on my list and oh god am I excited to finally get to Queen of Shadows (that’s probably my most anticipated book of the year if I’m being honest) because I know so so many people have read it already and my copy is STILL waiting for me at the library. *sighhhhh* Anyways, here is my list of books I’ll probably read during this Autumn:

1. Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

2. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

3. Through the Woods by Emily Carroll

4. George by Alex Gino

5. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

6. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

7. Zombicorns by John Green

8. Binge by Tyler Oakley

9. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

10. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Illustrated Edition

Let me know what books you’re planning on reading in the next few months! Leave your links down in the comments and I will be sure to check them out! :3