I'm answering the big questions.
Where do we go when we die? This is a question which most of us have thought about at least once. It's something that scares us immensely. Sometimes we feel pressured to believe that there's life after death or that there's a big fat nothing. It's a topic that can divide people and ruin relationships. It can keep us safe (when you're not sure whether there's anything after you cork it you're not exactly jumping up and down to find out). But there's no denying there is no one answer, or belief in terms of where people go or don't go when they say toodaloo to planet earth.
For me it's easy. I believe that when we die we go to heaven or somewhere nice. I have complete faith in this and it doesn't keep me up at night. Why do I think this way? Well I am a Catholic and believe in God and the whole eternal life thing but I just cannot believe that this is it. That when I breath my last breath I will never think or talk or interact again. I demand the pearly gates to heaven. But something that does plague me, that leaves me scratching my head and begging for answers is where exactly do fictional characters go when they die?
No I am not crazy. No I do not need any psychiatric help. I am just a girl who loves books and the characters in them and when they die I want to know where they scamper off to.
It's perfectly rational to want to know. After all so many of my beloved characters seem to get killed off (dear authors if you are reading this, the deaths you are causing are becoming just a bit too much and we need to have a talk about it next time we catch up) and I am simply concerned.
I invest hours of time into these figments of an authors imagination that get put onto paper and then passed around the world; and then when they are booted off the face of the earth I would like to know where they end up. I want to know if they're safe. If they're having a good time. Are they drinking pina colada's and getting caught in the rain? THESE ARE THE BIG QUESTIONS PEOPLE. Stop worry about where you go to or whether you are going to be content. Not everything is about you, you, you!
But it's not only the characters who die in the novels that I worry about. It's all of them. When I close the book do the lucky ones who didn't suffer at the hands of John Green or Suzanne Collins live on? Have they been living prior to my picking up the book? Will they die someday? I like to think they all have happy ever afters but will they actually live them? And if they do will they then die? Because we all know once you do enough living death is inevitable. Or how about how they die? Will it be gentle and in old age? Or will they get hit by a bus. Once you start asking yourself these sorts of questions life just isn't the same, your brain has to work ten times harder and your poor little heart is on the verge of combustion. WHEN WILL MY SUFFERING END?
You may say to me "But you believe in everlasting life, in a heaven for yourself. Why don't you believe this is the same for your beloved characters?" I understand where you are coming from and why you may be confused but dear friends my brain is not any normal brain. For some reason I cannot set my heart at ease, give me a night of peace by convincing myself that fictional characters go to fandom heaven or normal heaven or just some sort of heaven. Why? Well here's my main arguments. Not all these characters live on planet earth, not all of them believe in heaven and worst of all these characters do not live in my world, they live in the pages of a book. There is no Bible or Wikipedia page or yahoo answer by a dodgy 14 year old boy about where fictional characters go when they die. No one seems to care. But I do. I care. I am tossing and turning and pulling my hair out and in general losing my mind. SOMEONE GIVE ME ANSWERS. GIVE ME PROOF. SET ME AT EASE.
I am at a loss. I love to read. But the more books I read the more characters I encounter which means I have more characters to worry about in terms of death and everlasting life. I am trying to move on, to worry about other things, like will I get accepted into University or why is my house on fire, but I just can't. I'll be walking down the road having a good old time and then I'll pass a book store and see a copy of my favourite book. This should make me happy. I should smile and say "Oh look it's Suzanne Collins The Hunger Games! Oh and look there's Rebecca's James' Beautiful Malice, what a good time I had reading those books, oh how much I love them." But no! No I see these books and my hands start to shake and my body begins to quiver and fur starts sprouting all over my body and then I turn into a werewolf. Hang on wait. No that's not right. Sorry I was thinking about Twilight oops. No see what happens for me is I start worrying about the characters that died in these books and how they're going and are they floating on a cloud conversing with the Big Man? Then I begin to have a full blown panic attack and I have to go home and I don't get any ice-cream. I know it's a tragedy.
Please tell me your thoughts. What do you believe happens to fictional characters when they die? Are you stressing out like me? Or DO YOU NOT HAVE A HEART.
xoxo Fangirl Out.
Sunday, 29 December 2013
Friday, 20 December 2013
My Christmas List Fangirl Style
Ho Ho Ho!
So it's that time of year again. The weather is frosty, the snow is falling (not in my case because I live in Australia where we get a hot, fly filled Christmas), Santa has made his list and he's checking it twice and believe me he has found out who's been naughty and nice. Cookies are being made, presents are being wrapped and you've probably eaten more than you should have and seen all those relatives who you struggle to remember the names of. But it's all okay because it's Christmas and while it may be incredibly stressful and somewhat exhausting you grin and bear it because Santa is coming soon and well let's face it, Christmas just isn't complete without all the hassle. A lot of us celebrate Christmas differently. For some of us it's about the birth of Christ, for other's its about getting to see our family and for the more shallow it's about the gifts. But I think what we all can relate to is that it is a time of giving. So this is the things I think you should be including on your Christmas list this year if you're the fangirl type. By the way I am not sponsored by any of these but I'm open to it ;).
1. The Mortal Instruments on DVD. If you haven't purchased this wonderful piece of amazing yet, maybe like me you're banned from buying yourself anything from November 30th to December 26th by your parents, put it on your list. While the movie was a little different from the book I found it very, very enjoyable and I have put it at the very top of my list. Plus I need some Jamie Campell Bower to get through post holiday depression.
2. Movie vouchers/gift card. After Christmas we're all usually a little strapped for cash but there's always that one rich friend who is still rolling in it (p.s dear rich friends I hate you). Said rich friends have been known to casually suggest hitting up a movie. Now we all know that movies are getting pricier and pricier and the food there... I can't even talk about it, the prices make me want to cry. However if you ask for a movie voucher or a movie gift card you won't have to worry. It's a great gift to give as well, it never disappoints especially since so many great movies come out after Christmas.
3. Fandom shirts. I LOVE FANDOM SHIRTS. I'm not a big merch buyer but fandom shirts make me giddy. If you're looking for a great place but don't know any try here: http://en.qstoms.com/imaginedesigns they're cheap and I'm pretty sure if you ask nicely you can get them custom made. My favourite one is the 'Tumblr is my OTP' shirt and I plan on buying it after Christmas when I have a little money from my Nan (love you Nanna)!
4. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. I've seen this around for a couple months now and while I'm not putting it on my list I'm sure many of you would be interested in it. According to goodreads it's a "A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love.". Definitely one us fangirls.
5. Things to get you up to date. Next year a whole bunch of amazing fandom related things come out so here's what you'll need if you don't want to be left out. A copy of the Divergent series. Divergent's movie comes out in March next year and is set to be BIG. Maybe not as big as Twilight, Harry Potter or even Hunger Games but still BIG in it's own right and probably really, really awesome so why would you want to miss out?
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. This book is a whole new kind of magic and sadness and you don't want to miss a second of it. Read the book before the movie comes out in June but I'm telling you this is something you won't forget and I'm pretty sure it's gonna to be a BIG hit. It also stars two of Divergents stars as the lead roles. While I was hesitant about the casting for this movie in the beginning from watching the actors a little more closely and adjusting somewhat I am actually really happy.
The Mortal Instruments last book comes out next year and hopefully the second movie so make sure you read the whole series by City of Heavenly Fire's release somewhere during March, May or April; I just plain can't remember. Nevertheless go buy the whole series it's amazing.
A new season of Sherlock starts in January so make sure if you aren't caught up already you get to it. I know I have to. The DVD would be a great present to put on your list.
6. If you truly can't think of anything you want for Christmas this year just ask for a book gift card. That way you'll be able to chose the books you want and you can get any that come out later in the year.
Well that's what I think y'all should have on your list this year. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Also happy holidays to all you fangirls who don't celebrate Christmas and maybe do things a little differently, I hope you all have a great time. Also on a serious note please stay safe. This time of year is very dangerous road wise and also some people can out do themselves during Christmas with the food and drink. While I believe Christmas is a time for indulgence, safety should be considered. Keep an eye on your family members who maybe aren't doing too well and remember this is a time of love and it's not all about the presents.
xoxo Fangirl Out.
Honorable mentions:
http://www.cafepress.com.au/mf/28904873/otp-eurostyle_sticker?productId=279131553 This sticker is super cute but may be a little hard to describe to Mum, Dad and Santa.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/21181060721229490/ For all you Marvel fans this is for you. The only thing is I don't know where you'd get it from.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/21181060721229463/ These are super fun and seem easy to assemble ;)
So it's that time of year again. The weather is frosty, the snow is falling (not in my case because I live in Australia where we get a hot, fly filled Christmas), Santa has made his list and he's checking it twice and believe me he has found out who's been naughty and nice. Cookies are being made, presents are being wrapped and you've probably eaten more than you should have and seen all those relatives who you struggle to remember the names of. But it's all okay because it's Christmas and while it may be incredibly stressful and somewhat exhausting you grin and bear it because Santa is coming soon and well let's face it, Christmas just isn't complete without all the hassle. A lot of us celebrate Christmas differently. For some of us it's about the birth of Christ, for other's its about getting to see our family and for the more shallow it's about the gifts. But I think what we all can relate to is that it is a time of giving. So this is the things I think you should be including on your Christmas list this year if you're the fangirl type. By the way I am not sponsored by any of these but I'm open to it ;).
1. The Mortal Instruments on DVD. If you haven't purchased this wonderful piece of amazing yet, maybe like me you're banned from buying yourself anything from November 30th to December 26th by your parents, put it on your list. While the movie was a little different from the book I found it very, very enjoyable and I have put it at the very top of my list. Plus I need some Jamie Campell Bower to get through post holiday depression.
2. Movie vouchers/gift card. After Christmas we're all usually a little strapped for cash but there's always that one rich friend who is still rolling in it (p.s dear rich friends I hate you). Said rich friends have been known to casually suggest hitting up a movie. Now we all know that movies are getting pricier and pricier and the food there... I can't even talk about it, the prices make me want to cry. However if you ask for a movie voucher or a movie gift card you won't have to worry. It's a great gift to give as well, it never disappoints especially since so many great movies come out after Christmas.
3. Fandom shirts. I LOVE FANDOM SHIRTS. I'm not a big merch buyer but fandom shirts make me giddy. If you're looking for a great place but don't know any try here: http://en.qstoms.com/imaginedesigns they're cheap and I'm pretty sure if you ask nicely you can get them custom made. My favourite one is the 'Tumblr is my OTP' shirt and I plan on buying it after Christmas when I have a little money from my Nan (love you Nanna)!
4. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. I've seen this around for a couple months now and while I'm not putting it on my list I'm sure many of you would be interested in it. According to goodreads it's a "A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love.". Definitely one us fangirls.
5. Things to get you up to date. Next year a whole bunch of amazing fandom related things come out so here's what you'll need if you don't want to be left out. A copy of the Divergent series. Divergent's movie comes out in March next year and is set to be BIG. Maybe not as big as Twilight, Harry Potter or even Hunger Games but still BIG in it's own right and probably really, really awesome so why would you want to miss out?
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. This book is a whole new kind of magic and sadness and you don't want to miss a second of it. Read the book before the movie comes out in June but I'm telling you this is something you won't forget and I'm pretty sure it's gonna to be a BIG hit. It also stars two of Divergents stars as the lead roles. While I was hesitant about the casting for this movie in the beginning from watching the actors a little more closely and adjusting somewhat I am actually really happy.
The Mortal Instruments last book comes out next year and hopefully the second movie so make sure you read the whole series by City of Heavenly Fire's release somewhere during March, May or April; I just plain can't remember. Nevertheless go buy the whole series it's amazing.
A new season of Sherlock starts in January so make sure if you aren't caught up already you get to it. I know I have to. The DVD would be a great present to put on your list.
6. If you truly can't think of anything you want for Christmas this year just ask for a book gift card. That way you'll be able to chose the books you want and you can get any that come out later in the year.
Well that's what I think y'all should have on your list this year. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Also happy holidays to all you fangirls who don't celebrate Christmas and maybe do things a little differently, I hope you all have a great time. Also on a serious note please stay safe. This time of year is very dangerous road wise and also some people can out do themselves during Christmas with the food and drink. While I believe Christmas is a time for indulgence, safety should be considered. Keep an eye on your family members who maybe aren't doing too well and remember this is a time of love and it's not all about the presents.
xoxo Fangirl Out.
Honorable mentions:
http://www.cafepress.com.au/mf/28904873/otp-eurostyle_sticker?productId=279131553 This sticker is super cute but may be a little hard to describe to Mum, Dad and Santa.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/21181060721229490/ For all you Marvel fans this is for you. The only thing is I don't know where you'd get it from.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/21181060721229463/ These are super fun and seem easy to assemble ;)
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
When Your Friends Are Fandomless
So your friends suck
Friends are awesome. As a general rule they tend to like you so that immediately makes them cool (with you at least) and you tend to be able to get along quite well with them. However just because your best friends for life doesn't mean you share all the same interests. Now that can be okay when one of you is really into soccer and the others really into ballet. It can get a little more tricky when one of you is a hardcore super mega fangirl and the other just well, isn't. If you're one of those lucky guys or gals that has never faced this issue because all your friends are super mega hardcore awesome fangirls too then I HATE YOU! WHY? WHY NOT SHARE HUH?! Sorry I just, uh get a little jealous sometimes it's no biggy. In an ideal world everyone would be a fangirl... hey hang on , no, no! That is not a good idea. It would be messy and sassy and yes awesome but chaos. No, okay so scratch the world of fangirls thing, in an ideal world all fangirls friends would be fangirls. But the world we live in is less than ideal. Us fangirls have to cope with the fact that for some of us our friends just don't understand when we get super mega hardcore excited when a new episode of our favourite TV show comes out or why we're crying at two in the morning when we finish a book and one of our beloved (and sometimes *coughalwayscough* hot) characters die. For some of us it's easy to deal with this. For others not so much.
Here's my helpful hints on how to have a great friendship despite one of you lacking fangirlyness.
1. You are friends for a reason. Your interests should not define your friendship. Sure it's great if you do share interests but you don't have to like everything they like and visa versa. That goes for books and TV shows as well. Why are you friends in the first place? Surely not because one of you is a fangirl.
2. Try not to let that fangirl part of you dominate your friendship. It can be extremely exhausting and especially so for someone who just won't get it which is in no way their fault. Not being a fangirl isn't a crime and it isn't something you should put your friend down for. They might have interests which you can't relate to such as an obsession with history or whales. Does it bother you? Probably not, but they're most likely kind enough not to bring up the whales ALL. THE. TIME.
3. Find fangirl friends. No I am not saying replace non fangirls friends, what I'm saying is find some additional friends who are also into fandoms. This will help a lot. You'll get that fangirl part out of you with them and save the other stuff for your fandomless friends.
4. Do not try and convert them. This NEVER EVER WORKS. Ever. Believe me I have tried. You need to find the fangirl dark side yourself. Forcing it on someone (who probably isn't a suitable convert candidate anyway) isn't a good idea and it is usually never successful. It's just exhausting and damaging for both you and the friendship. I have first hand experience in this and no matter how hard I tried none of my friends wanted to swap stories about how amazing The Hunger Games and The Mortal Instruments were or search Dan Howells Tumblr tag. Be considerate to your friend. Also they don't try and force their love of whales on you do they? But if they do THEN maybe some pay back is in order. Maybe.
5. Don't get mad about it. Try not to defend your fandoms too much (I know this is very, very, excruciatingly hard but it's important). You have to accept that they just simply are never going to be able to relate to that part of you or understand your very healthy obsession with fictional men.
6. Stay true to who you are. No matter what you do in life you need to be you. Hold your head high and walk into every situation thrown your way confident in who you are. This includes friendships. It can be really hard to have a friend who doesn't get the fact that you value your books more than your hair and even more so when all your friends are this way. So don't ever, I repeat, ever let go of the fangirl part of you because everyone around you just doesn't understand. If being a fangirl makes you unique then GO YOU! Uniqueness is not a bad thing. In fact I think it is a fabulous thing and believe it or not a lot of people find it an attractive thing. Don't be a clone. Be you. Be a fangirl. Be a hippie. Be a nerd. Be a god damn cat for all I care. Just be who you are. Being like everybody else is completely overrated and utterly boring. Just because your friends with someone doesn't mean you need to be the carbon copy of them. AND they don't need to be you 2.0. They are who they are and you are who you are. I know it's so cliche but its true. Just be friends. Enjoy each others company. Laugh. Cry. Eat. Obsess. Eat. Sing. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Be silly. But do it all together. That is what makes a great friendship. As well as being able to realize that food is life and God.
I hope you all have awesome bosom buddies.
xoxo Fangirl Out.
Friends are awesome. As a general rule they tend to like you so that immediately makes them cool (with you at least) and you tend to be able to get along quite well with them. However just because your best friends for life doesn't mean you share all the same interests. Now that can be okay when one of you is really into soccer and the others really into ballet. It can get a little more tricky when one of you is a hardcore super mega fangirl and the other just well, isn't. If you're one of those lucky guys or gals that has never faced this issue because all your friends are super mega hardcore awesome fangirls too then I HATE YOU! WHY? WHY NOT SHARE HUH?! Sorry I just, uh get a little jealous sometimes it's no biggy. In an ideal world everyone would be a fangirl... hey hang on , no, no! That is not a good idea. It would be messy and sassy and yes awesome but chaos. No, okay so scratch the world of fangirls thing, in an ideal world all fangirls friends would be fangirls. But the world we live in is less than ideal. Us fangirls have to cope with the fact that for some of us our friends just don't understand when we get super mega hardcore excited when a new episode of our favourite TV show comes out or why we're crying at two in the morning when we finish a book and one of our beloved (and sometimes *coughalwayscough* hot) characters die. For some of us it's easy to deal with this. For others not so much.
Here's my helpful hints on how to have a great friendship despite one of you lacking fangirlyness.
1. You are friends for a reason. Your interests should not define your friendship. Sure it's great if you do share interests but you don't have to like everything they like and visa versa. That goes for books and TV shows as well. Why are you friends in the first place? Surely not because one of you is a fangirl.
2. Try not to let that fangirl part of you dominate your friendship. It can be extremely exhausting and especially so for someone who just won't get it which is in no way their fault. Not being a fangirl isn't a crime and it isn't something you should put your friend down for. They might have interests which you can't relate to such as an obsession with history or whales. Does it bother you? Probably not, but they're most likely kind enough not to bring up the whales ALL. THE. TIME.
3. Find fangirl friends. No I am not saying replace non fangirls friends, what I'm saying is find some additional friends who are also into fandoms. This will help a lot. You'll get that fangirl part out of you with them and save the other stuff for your fandomless friends.
4. Do not try and convert them. This NEVER EVER WORKS. Ever. Believe me I have tried. You need to find the fangirl dark side yourself. Forcing it on someone (who probably isn't a suitable convert candidate anyway) isn't a good idea and it is usually never successful. It's just exhausting and damaging for both you and the friendship. I have first hand experience in this and no matter how hard I tried none of my friends wanted to swap stories about how amazing The Hunger Games and The Mortal Instruments were or search Dan Howells Tumblr tag. Be considerate to your friend. Also they don't try and force their love of whales on you do they? But if they do THEN maybe some pay back is in order. Maybe.
5. Don't get mad about it. Try not to defend your fandoms too much (I know this is very, very, excruciatingly hard but it's important). You have to accept that they just simply are never going to be able to relate to that part of you or understand your very healthy obsession with fictional men.
6. Stay true to who you are. No matter what you do in life you need to be you. Hold your head high and walk into every situation thrown your way confident in who you are. This includes friendships. It can be really hard to have a friend who doesn't get the fact that you value your books more than your hair and even more so when all your friends are this way. So don't ever, I repeat, ever let go of the fangirl part of you because everyone around you just doesn't understand. If being a fangirl makes you unique then GO YOU! Uniqueness is not a bad thing. In fact I think it is a fabulous thing and believe it or not a lot of people find it an attractive thing. Don't be a clone. Be you. Be a fangirl. Be a hippie. Be a nerd. Be a god damn cat for all I care. Just be who you are. Being like everybody else is completely overrated and utterly boring. Just because your friends with someone doesn't mean you need to be the carbon copy of them. AND they don't need to be you 2.0. They are who they are and you are who you are. I know it's so cliche but its true. Just be friends. Enjoy each others company. Laugh. Cry. Eat. Obsess. Eat. Sing. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Be silly. But do it all together. That is what makes a great friendship. As well as being able to realize that food is life and God.
I hope you all have awesome bosom buddies.
xoxo Fangirl Out.
Monday, 2 December 2013
Just Five Books
Let me educate you.
So as you might have guessed already I am a fangirl and fangirls usually enjoy reading. I am no exception to the that rule and I don't think I ever will be. Books have been such a big part of my life, even in the womb. No I couldn't read as a fetus but my mother was determined that I would be a lover of literature and from my conception I was read to. This continued on until I could read by myself and boy did I read. But enough of that. Let's get down to business. I've read a lot of books over the years and picking a favourite or even a top five is like making me chose my favourite child. I actually don't have any kids as I am seventeen years old and have no hopes of making it on Teen Mom (But boy is that a good show! Drama! Drama! Drama!) so I guess for me it's more like making me pick what I like better chocolate or carbs. IT'S JUST SUCH A HARD DECISION. So instead of my telling you my top five books I thought I'd give you five books that you should read before you're 18 since I will be 18 in a month (Of course you can read them after you turn the big one eight but I just don't know what the books gods will have to say about it)! Here is my list of the five books that any reader should read before their 18th birthday.
1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I know, I know I had to start off with something so original but this book should be on all best books lists. In case you've been living under a rock (if you have is it nice under there? Does it get a little squishy I've been thinking of moving houses but rent is just so expensive) The Hunger Games is set in a dystopian society where as punishment for a series of uprisings in America, now known as Panem, the leader of the country, The Capitol forces the twelve districts to send off a boy and a girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to fight to the death. There can only be one winner. This novel deals with the year Katniss Everdeen, sixteen years of age, volunteers for her sister in the Games and her battle. It's utterly thought provoking and fast paced. You'll have read it in no time and believe me you will be grasping and wailing for more. It's a series but don't let that put you off. Unlike some other series the books just keep getting better and as of recently the movies have too. Katniss is a strong character but so are the other characters in the book and you'll find yourself attached to many of them. It's literally a book anyone can read and don't be scared by the violent themes because it is done tastefully and does not glorify violence or death in any way. If there was one book I had to read for the rest of my life this would be it.
2. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. Set in the 30's this books follows the life of the novels protagonist who we never learn the name of and her marriage to the elusive Maximilian de Winter and his high class life. However Maxims life is far from ordinary and is riddled with secrets and mysteries which will definitely keep you hooked all the way through especially when you learn about the real circumstances surrounding his previous wifes death. This is one of my favourite books and I couldn't put it down. However at the time my mother had been nagging me to read it for quite a few years and I'm one of those people that doesn't like being told what to read so I kept putting it at the bottom of my book pile. So what did I do when I finally got around to reading it? Well I read it in secret, when my Mum was off at the shops or late at night so it took me well over a week to finish it but boy was it worth it. It has a definite Jane Eyre feel about it but the lead character isn't quite as strong as Jane or a poster model for feminism but it's wonderful non the less. If you only ever read one book that isn't set in the modern day then you must read this.
3. If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Forget The Fault in Our Stars when it comes to sad books this book absolutely ruined me. I can't give too much away but basically the main character Mia loves music and is set to have a promising career, she has a great family and a boyfriend she loves very much. Then she gets in a car crash and has an out of body experience. She has some hard decisions to make (If she's stays, duh) and really it is just utterly heartbreaking. It's not very big and is well paced. Mia is a great character as are her boyfriend Adam, her family and her best friend. You won't forget it believe me. It does have a sequel but is was a let down if I'm being honest. The movie is being filmed at the moment.
4. Dead Time by Anne Cassidy. So I haven't read a lot of crime novels and never really thought I'd like them but Dead Time certainly is a piece of wonderful. Rose and her step brother Joshua haven't seen each other for five years, not since their respective parents disappeared. They've been told that they're dead but five years later when they meet up again some evidence and strange occurrences lead them to suspect or rather hope otherwise. Also Rose and Joshua's odd chemistry that will most definitely lead into some sort of relationship is interesting. I really liked this book and I think it's definitely something you should read. I think the main reason I am adding it to this list though is because I read it's sequel Killing Rachel a few days ago and can't get it out of my head. This series is one of the most frustrating books I've ever read but thoroughly enjoyed at the same time. Because only two of the four books have been published a lot of your questions will be left unanswered but it only fuels you more to demand the next book. Rose can be a tad annoying but she's been through a lot and you will eventually sympathize with her despite also wanting to knock her around the head a few times. Definitely one to read if you like crimes or suspense.
5. Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James. One of my favourite books by one of my favourite authors and I knew that this list needed an Australian book (I'm from Australia if you didn't know). I was tossing up between a Maureen McCarthy, my favourite Australian author, and a Steph Bowe but decided that Beautiful Malice took the cake. In case my amateur book summing up skills don't do this book justice I thought I'd let Allen and Unwin tell you a little more about this riveting book. "Katherine has moved away from her shattered once-perfect family to start a new life in Sydney. There she keeps her head down until she is befriended by the charismatic Alice, and her life takes her in new directions. But there is a dark side to Alice, and as we learn the truth of Katherine's sister's death and Alice's background their story spirals to an explosive finale. A potent, intense and simply unputdownable psychological thriller from an exciting voice." I cannot express my love for this book more. No words can ever do this book justice so you just have to trust me on this one. Find it, read it and then cry a little bit. Then come to me and we can scream over how fabulous it is. It is such a juicy, juicy book, with a page turning plot and evil and seductive characters. You will never forget it. Rebecca James also wrote Sweet Damage which is just as amazing but this one is just... to die for. Take my advice and give it a go and I promise you're going to love me.
So those are my five books to read before you turn eighteen. Since that was amazingly fun for me and a little change from my usual sarcastic and witty posts I think I might do this in the near future. There's so many I would have loved to put on there but I thought I'd put more books people aren't as familiar with. More interesting right? Stay awesome fangirls and keep on reading.
xoxo Fangirl out.
So as you might have guessed already I am a fangirl and fangirls usually enjoy reading. I am no exception to the that rule and I don't think I ever will be. Books have been such a big part of my life, even in the womb. No I couldn't read as a fetus but my mother was determined that I would be a lover of literature and from my conception I was read to. This continued on until I could read by myself and boy did I read. But enough of that. Let's get down to business. I've read a lot of books over the years and picking a favourite or even a top five is like making me chose my favourite child. I actually don't have any kids as I am seventeen years old and have no hopes of making it on Teen Mom (But boy is that a good show! Drama! Drama! Drama!) so I guess for me it's more like making me pick what I like better chocolate or carbs. IT'S JUST SUCH A HARD DECISION. So instead of my telling you my top five books I thought I'd give you five books that you should read before you're 18 since I will be 18 in a month (Of course you can read them after you turn the big one eight but I just don't know what the books gods will have to say about it)! Here is my list of the five books that any reader should read before their 18th birthday.
1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I know, I know I had to start off with something so original but this book should be on all best books lists. In case you've been living under a rock (if you have is it nice under there? Does it get a little squishy I've been thinking of moving houses but rent is just so expensive) The Hunger Games is set in a dystopian society where as punishment for a series of uprisings in America, now known as Panem, the leader of the country, The Capitol forces the twelve districts to send off a boy and a girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to fight to the death. There can only be one winner. This novel deals with the year Katniss Everdeen, sixteen years of age, volunteers for her sister in the Games and her battle. It's utterly thought provoking and fast paced. You'll have read it in no time and believe me you will be grasping and wailing for more. It's a series but don't let that put you off. Unlike some other series the books just keep getting better and as of recently the movies have too. Katniss is a strong character but so are the other characters in the book and you'll find yourself attached to many of them. It's literally a book anyone can read and don't be scared by the violent themes because it is done tastefully and does not glorify violence or death in any way. If there was one book I had to read for the rest of my life this would be it.
2. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. Set in the 30's this books follows the life of the novels protagonist who we never learn the name of and her marriage to the elusive Maximilian de Winter and his high class life. However Maxims life is far from ordinary and is riddled with secrets and mysteries which will definitely keep you hooked all the way through especially when you learn about the real circumstances surrounding his previous wifes death. This is one of my favourite books and I couldn't put it down. However at the time my mother had been nagging me to read it for quite a few years and I'm one of those people that doesn't like being told what to read so I kept putting it at the bottom of my book pile. So what did I do when I finally got around to reading it? Well I read it in secret, when my Mum was off at the shops or late at night so it took me well over a week to finish it but boy was it worth it. It has a definite Jane Eyre feel about it but the lead character isn't quite as strong as Jane or a poster model for feminism but it's wonderful non the less. If you only ever read one book that isn't set in the modern day then you must read this.
3. If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Forget The Fault in Our Stars when it comes to sad books this book absolutely ruined me. I can't give too much away but basically the main character Mia loves music and is set to have a promising career, she has a great family and a boyfriend she loves very much. Then she gets in a car crash and has an out of body experience. She has some hard decisions to make (If she's stays, duh) and really it is just utterly heartbreaking. It's not very big and is well paced. Mia is a great character as are her boyfriend Adam, her family and her best friend. You won't forget it believe me. It does have a sequel but is was a let down if I'm being honest. The movie is being filmed at the moment.
4. Dead Time by Anne Cassidy. So I haven't read a lot of crime novels and never really thought I'd like them but Dead Time certainly is a piece of wonderful. Rose and her step brother Joshua haven't seen each other for five years, not since their respective parents disappeared. They've been told that they're dead but five years later when they meet up again some evidence and strange occurrences lead them to suspect or rather hope otherwise. Also Rose and Joshua's odd chemistry that will most definitely lead into some sort of relationship is interesting. I really liked this book and I think it's definitely something you should read. I think the main reason I am adding it to this list though is because I read it's sequel Killing Rachel a few days ago and can't get it out of my head. This series is one of the most frustrating books I've ever read but thoroughly enjoyed at the same time. Because only two of the four books have been published a lot of your questions will be left unanswered but it only fuels you more to demand the next book. Rose can be a tad annoying but she's been through a lot and you will eventually sympathize with her despite also wanting to knock her around the head a few times. Definitely one to read if you like crimes or suspense.
5. Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James. One of my favourite books by one of my favourite authors and I knew that this list needed an Australian book (I'm from Australia if you didn't know). I was tossing up between a Maureen McCarthy, my favourite Australian author, and a Steph Bowe but decided that Beautiful Malice took the cake. In case my amateur book summing up skills don't do this book justice I thought I'd let Allen and Unwin tell you a little more about this riveting book. "Katherine has moved away from her shattered once-perfect family to start a new life in Sydney. There she keeps her head down until she is befriended by the charismatic Alice, and her life takes her in new directions. But there is a dark side to Alice, and as we learn the truth of Katherine's sister's death and Alice's background their story spirals to an explosive finale. A potent, intense and simply unputdownable psychological thriller from an exciting voice." I cannot express my love for this book more. No words can ever do this book justice so you just have to trust me on this one. Find it, read it and then cry a little bit. Then come to me and we can scream over how fabulous it is. It is such a juicy, juicy book, with a page turning plot and evil and seductive characters. You will never forget it. Rebecca James also wrote Sweet Damage which is just as amazing but this one is just... to die for. Take my advice and give it a go and I promise you're going to love me.
So those are my five books to read before you turn eighteen. Since that was amazingly fun for me and a little change from my usual sarcastic and witty posts I think I might do this in the near future. There's so many I would have loved to put on there but I thought I'd put more books people aren't as familiar with. More interesting right? Stay awesome fangirls and keep on reading.
xoxo Fangirl out.
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