Wednesday 30 November 2016

Top 10 Books Everyone Should Read!

Hellooo!
This is my first proper post - how exciting!
As I said i my last post - I'm obsessed with reading (like,a lot)
     I'm actually not a big fan of reading on my iPad, or a kindle- There's just something about holding a hardback that brings me so much joy (of course, being beside the fire with a hot drink compliments the moment nicely)

I have probably read hundreds of good books in my 14 years,and couldn't possibly name them all (well.. I suppose I could - but it would take a while)
  Here's my list of 10 books that have made me laugh lout loud, cry, or filled my sensitive heart with some other emotion xD..

Oh- and I won't get into too much detail with these suggestions, but if you want me to do a full on review of any of these, I will happily do so!

1. All The Bright Places - Jennifer Niven
This book was all round incredible - it had me in tears at the end! The story is told from two perspectives, of teens Violet and Finch, who are both lost and dealing with individual problems. If you're a fan of John Green or David Levithan definitely pick this up!

2. Will Grayson, Will Grayson - John Green
I have read all of John Green's books and "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" is definitely one of my favorites. It's again, told from two perspectives - (seems to be a bit of a pattern forming ;)) but both character's names are Will Grayson.  This book is funny, sad and everything in between.
It took me a few chapters to properly get into it, but once I did, I couldn't put it down.

3. Every Day -David Levithan
"Every day" is definitely a book to read if you're looking for something different.
It's basically about a "Spirit" that wakes up in a different body everyday. It has no control of who's body it enters but once it  meets Rhiannon, in her boyfriends body, it wants to find a way to be with her "everyday".
David Levithan has such a way with words and i really want to read some more of his stuff!

4. Lucky Star - Cathy Cassidy
Cathy Cassidy was basically the only author I read when I was 12!
"Lucky Star" was one of  the first "teenage" books I read. It's the sequel to "Dizzy" but is told from Mouse's perspective, years later when he's 14.
I would highly recommend you read this book, even if you're older. It shows the pain Mouse goes through as he tries to clean up his act and Cathy Cassidy did a great job of turning this into a raw, honest tale.

5. Looking For Alaska - John Green
Another John Green novel! (but he honestly is my fav) "Looking for Alaska" was actually John Green's first novel.
The main character, Miles is fascinated by famous last words- and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school in search of something "more".
It's here he meets Alaska.
Alaska is one of my favorite female characters. John  Green draws her so lovingly, in self- loathing 
darkness as well as energetic light.
I think this is one of my favourite books, and has definitely changed the way I see things.
6. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
"The book thief is set during world war II  in Germany. It tells the story of Liesel, a foster girl who  encounters something she can't resist- books! She learns to read with the help of her father, and shares her stolen books with her neighbors, whiles bombing is taking place.
All in all, this book is a masterpiece.


7. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky
If like me, you frequently lurk the internet, you're bound to have seen quotes such as "we accept the love we think we deserve" (which is from TPOBAW, if you didn't know)
The protagonist, Charlie, is the symbol of a "wallflower". He is wise beyond his years, yet extremely socially awkward. This book offers a sense of connection, understanding and honesty about things typically left unspoken.
(It more than likely will make you cry ;))



8. To Kill A Mockingbird
If you're from Ireland, you're probably forced to read this for the Junior Cert. (*sigh*)
I actually really enjoyed it, though! I think the book was really eye`-opening about how much has changed in the world in such a short amount of time. It's a classic!

9. Running Wild - Michael Morpurgo

10. The Harry Potter Series
Do I even need to say!? These books are a MUST for any reader! If you haven't read them Please do!
They will always hold a special place in my heart! ;)

I hope you enjoyed my first post!- and if you were struggling on what to read next, hopefully I gave you some ideas :)
Have you read any of these books? What did you think?

Ellen xo

Monday 28 November 2016

Welcome!!

Hello!


I'm so excited to have finally started a blog!
For my first post, I thought I would start off by telling you a bit about myself and what I intend to do here...

My name is Ellen and I'm a 14 year old girl from Ireland. 
I'm OBSESSED with music, dance, art, food and  books! (I'm such an exciting person, I know)
Photography is also one of my favorite things, and I can't wait to share some of my photos with you guys :)

I think I'm going to write about a jumble of things!
- Makeup, recipes, fashion, reviews, opinions (oh, god), advice, lifestyle... and just anything really!

So, I hope you stay tuned and I'll be back soon with my first proper post!

Ellen xo

(Lets be friends :))  -- Insta- ellenmacdermott