The Raven

'The Raven' by Edgar Allan Poe is by far one of my favourite poems. I'm pretty sure I described it as having 'unearthly qualities' in my UCAS personal statement last year and that is definitely true. I've never reviewed a poem on my blog before nor am I sure whether it can be classed as a book, but here's to broadening horizons!

1984 Review

I'd been debating whether to get tickets to see the production of George Orwell's 1984 since it started at The Playhouse Theatre at the beginning of the summer. One of the lessons I've learned recently is to stop debating and just do (after plenty of time and careful thought, of course). You can bet I was so glad I did.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Not a book I've read recently but still a personal favourite, Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray is a timeless classic, teaching the reader a moral lesson each and every time.

A Seaside Stay

Saying 'the seaside' has an almost childish expression to it; as if you can only play on the beach, eat ice cream and go on the galloping horses when you are young. Yet there is something about doing all of this when you are older too (granted, not that much older) that makes it all the more fun.

The Miniaturist

I read The Miniaturist in almost an afternoon, it is simply unputdownable. Considering it is over 400 pages long and a very in depth read, that is pretty good going by my book! (If you'll pardon the pun).

Barcelona Attractions

I spent a few days in Barcelona recently and it is honestly such a lovely city. I have never been to Spain before so Barcelona was the ideal place to start. With historical sights, plenty of Gaudi architecture, a mixture of old and new streets, good food and even beaches, you really can't go wrong. We crammed in as many tourist attractions as possible so I thought I would put together a post of them all to help people who are going or who want to in the future. If you haven't seen my previous Barcelona Photo Diary post, then you can check it out here.

Barcelona Photo Diary

I recently visited Barcelona for a few days and took plenty of holiday snaps! It was my first time visiting Spain and it certainly did not disappoint - so I thought I would share some on my blog for your (and my own) enjoyment.

The Enemy

The Kite Runner

Khaled Hosseini's debut novel is set in Kabul, Afghanistan and follows the life of Amir, a young boy from a wealthy Pashtun family. It searches his friendship with Hassan, their Hazara servant, and the challenges they face growing up in a war-torn society. The story allows the reader to compare life before and after the Taliban took over whilst exposing an Afghanistan I never knew existed, where kite flying was a favourite Afghan tradition and past-time. Amir goes on a journey to redemption throughout the Bildungsroman novel as a childhood event altered the boys' lives forever. Some events are shocking, others saddening, and there's even a tear-jerking moment in a well-crafted, thoughtful plot.

A Summer Read

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han fits the bill as an ideal summer time read. I first read this book a few years ago yet I dig it out most summers to re-read. However for Isabel (Belly) this summer is different to all the rest - she turned pretty - aka grew out of the awkward teen pubescent phase that we can all relate to (clue is in the title). No doubt every young person has experienced the tense wait for the summer holidays to begin whilst the last few weeks of school drag, this book embodies that feeling.

The Best Book Series

Hello! I haven't been posting for the past month or two as I've been taking my final A Level exams (stress) so my blog had to be put on the back-burner for a while. But now I'm finished for good I can continue blogging again - yay - and with a fancy new design, hopefully they'll look even better than before! So I thought I'd come back with a list of what I'd consider are the best book series...

St Dunstan-in-the-East

Ten Things To Do In Paris

Ahhh, Paris. The city of love, history and... tourists. I have only been once a few years ago yet I remember everything quite vividly. Paris is a must for anybody to visit and, regardless of it not being my favourite city, no doubt I will visit again in my lifetime! So I thought I would compile a list of 'Ten Things To Do In Paris'.

Gone Girl

'What are you thinking? How are you feeling? What have we done to each other? What will we do?'

The Library of Birmingham

Last week I went for an applicant open day at the University of Birmingham which I thoroughly enjoyed. After we looked around the university, went to English Literature talks and taster lectures, we decided to explore the city of Birmingham!

Cruising back to 2012: Norway