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