'I'm Not that Kind of Girl' by Lena Dunham Review

So I recently did a book haul and here is the first of the reviews for it. It's that simple really.

First Impressions:

I'm in love. With Lena, with the stories, with this book. It sounds a bit lame and arty-farty, but this book really gets me and all other 20-something women (I hope, maybe it is just me). Granted, some of the clothing choices that Dunham describes are quite my thing, nor would I go for canary-yellow hair. However, the ideas behind the evidence are bang on. It's reminding me a lot of How to be a Woman by Catlin Moran, which I expected. Yet it still manages to be different. Of course, it's in an American context, but I don't think that makes a difference. I think being predominantly first person and not being quite so didactic when directly addressing the reader (which I enjoyed in Moran's writing, don't get me confused for a critic) makes it a little more relatable. 

This could be because so far it has been mostly just college memoirs that I can relate to because the Lena that she's talking about is the same age as me. However, I think that girls and women of any age (though maybe not too young) should pick this up. I even instagrammed about it. I mean, woah. 

Synopsis: 

I realise that those first impressions don't really explain all that much about the book and therefore are a little bit useless, but really fun to write. 

Dunham's work doesn't really have a synopsis per se, but is a collection of chapters based around some the topics that women (with the extensive case study of just me) think about most. It's a coming of age story as well taken from her own experiences and follows a style similar to a self-help book. However, I don't consider it as tragic to read than your average 'how to make it' book. It's an honest depiction of how girls become women and what we need to understand how we identify ourselves as women. Mostly the conclusion I have received is to know what your comfortable with, set that boundary and don't let people push you around if that's the line you won't cross. 

In short, it's an empowering collection of lessons that I think every woman should know about just to escape the inevitable feeling of loneliness that sometimes occurs. 

Actual Impressions: 

I have now finished the book and enjoyed it immensely- it was a bit weird at times, but I think that was due to getting used to Dunham's 'voice' throughout the book and also the fact that I read it until 1am most nights, which resulted in me falling asleep with the book in my bed. Scandalous I know. 

In a lot of ways, the stories make you wish that as a 20-something, you were, or are half as cool as Lena Dunham was, but at the same time, really, really glad you weren't/aren't her. The stories are great, because they seem as honest as stories can get, plus make me feel a little less concerned about being me. 

All in all, it was a fun and slightly mental read- if you have the attention span of a caffeinated squirrel, then at least give the first 5 chapters a go and you won't regret it. 

Kindle Haul- Readings for the Cold and Stressed

As I mentioned in previous posts I am back at university- something that is both exciting and stressful. I also have a cold at the moment that has rendered me totally pathetic. As you may have noticed if you follow me on pinterest that I rather like reading and joke about it in gif form (along with cats, firefly and Sherlock...not that I'm a stereotypical youth on the internet or anything...). It's pretty clear that books are almost as good as comfort food for me, so I've been a little downloading fiend this morning and thought I should share it with you. 

1. Not that Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham: 
I am so excited to read this! It's a collection of essays, which I have never read outside of studying, so I'm curious to see how it works as reading for pleasure. It has also been popping up on my instagram feed non-stop recently, so I'm hoping it's worth all the hype. I don't really know what to expect from it, but I'm hoping for another perspective of How to be a Woman by Catlin Moran...but then at the same time if its completely different, I think I'll still love it. I'm not even a 'Girls' fan, but I still love Lena Dunham and am curious to see what she's like as an author. 

2. High Fidelity by Nick Hornby:
I watched the film adaptation of A Long Way Down over the summer and wasn't sure how I felt about it. However, it made me curious to read some of Hornby's work because I have loved previous film adaptations like About a Boy, but feel awful when I watch films that are based on books and never pick up the paper version. High Fidelity was adapted into a film in 2000 that I haven't seen either, so if I enjoy the book I may give the film a watch too and review them side-by-side for you. 







3. The Beach Cafe by Lucy Diamond: 
This was a totally random pick, which can sometimes result in finding a new favourite author. It was on the Kindle Bestseller list and is all about sibling rivalries and finding your place in the world- something I think most people can relate to. Moreover, it's predominantly set in Cornwall (see my St Ives post to understand my love for that county), which isn't far from where I go to uni. It looks like an easy read that I can curl up with a cup of tea with. 









4. Everyone's reading Bastard by Nick Hornby:
Another Horby book, simply because I couldn't decide which one to choose! Both are about breakups, but this is about a divorce that ends up being dragged out online and in a newspaper column. Not only did the title make me giggle, but it sounds like Hornby is exploring the complicated world of modern relationships. I love these kinds of books that try to negotiate how the internet affects relationships (just see my Fangirl review)- especially in a comedic setting. Another easy read to enjoy!








This should result in reviews coming out each week when I have finished these delights, so keep an eye on and don't forget to follow on bloglovin' to keep track of when I post- I'm going to try for every sunday and we'll see how that goes. 

'The Silkworm' by Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling

http://www.theedgesusu.co.uk/culture/2014/06/25/review-the-silkworm-by-robert-galbraith/

Hello all- another blog post that has been left lingering in the drafts section far too long...

So my commute to work was saved by the sequel to The Cuckoo's Calling also by Robert Galbraith.

We all know how J.K. Rowling's pseudonym was revealed with the first book, so let's move on from that excitement already and just look at the book for what it is- simply brilliant.

This book follows Comoran Strike and Robin once more as they investigate the disappearance of an author Owen Quine. As they go further they realise that his disappearance is based around the unfinished novel Bombyx Mori (latin for Silkworm, hence the title) and the characters that were involved in its creation.

I don't want to give too much away, because the twists and turns of the plot line were great fun to read. Galbraith is amazing at revealing just enough information to keep you reading without it being entirely predictable. Also, as with most sequels, both Strike and Robin get their own characters developed far more. Strike no longer appears like the stereotypical isolated he-man, but a full character with friends and thoughts beyond his case. His apparent 'use' of the new character Nina suggest that he's got a bit more going on- it certainly stops this novel being repeating the prequel.

Similarly, Robin gets far more stage time- her relationship with Matthew, her fiancee is explored- especially in the triangle between them and Strike- but not to the extent that it slows down the story. You get to visit her home town and follow her as she looks into what she really wants in terms of working with Strike and the impacts that it has on her impending marriage. All in all, these characters are a bit more people-like than vehicles for a story.

The book certainly has a pace to it- but at times I did get lost in all the characters. As with most Crime novels that don't involve serial killers, new characters were always part of the new case. This one in particular involves a wealth of characters that are each well established, but still I was able to confuse them from time to time. I blame the early starts to my fuzzy head.

However, living in London this summer made this book great fun- Galbraith is great at dropping in landmarks and locations that aren't the usual tourist fare of London literature- a highlight for me was passing through one of the tube stops that was referenced as I was reading it. It certainly made the descriptions come alive. Also, the presence of diverse female characters was amazing. To be honest, the diversity of the characters was great, considering the numbers was impressive- I think the setting of the literary world certainly helped in giving a platform for it.

An amazing read, especially if you are a born londoner or part-timer like me.

Sunny St Ives

Hi there...remember me? No? I kind of understand.

So interning actually just took over my life, completely and utterly. I thought I would have time in my 10 days before uni started to post this, but alas, no joy. I'm currently tucked in bed in my new house and have finally had 5 minutes to breathe during the madness of final year! So, I can fill you in on some of my summer as we move into autumn. If your pining for summer to stay for ever, maybe this post can trick you into thinking so!

The main holiday I had was three days down in Cornwall- we used to go every year to stay with our really close family friends, but sadly haven't been able to for years. So, even 72 hours in lovely St Ives was more than I have had in a long time and I jumped at the chance!

Unusually for an English summer, we were totally spoilt with the weather and had endless sunshine for the entire time I was there. It meant a mandatory beach day, sunbathing for my sister and friends and curled up with a book and the shade for me (I always wear sunscreen as well...joys of pale skin). After being bullied into the freezing sea with no wetsuit, the heat was really rather welcome.

A serious highlight of the trip was the food- head down to Moomaid on the harbour for the best ice-cream ever. My recommendation is the Soya dark chocolate sorbet- it's basically creamier than a normal sorbet, but not as heavy as ice-cream, with a really intense chocolate flavour. Amazing. In terms of actual food, there's the Porthminster Beach Cafe, a firm favourite of ours, and the Porthgwidden Beach Cafe for breakfast, another tradition that we keep. Fish and chips must be consumed at some point.

However, we had the most fun on our final night we a classic beach barbecue- the weather was threatening to rain and we were watched by beady eyed seagulls, but with the combination of food, wine and slightly drunk friends, it was entertainment all round.

More practical stuff for you to know: we stayed in the Tregenna Castle Lodges, just below the hotel and above Porthminster Beach- our friends have a time share there and it's actually a great location, though prepare yourself for an uphill climb home from town and beach- the main advantage there is that the views from the hotel itself are amazing.

I also flew to Newquay from London Gatwick South Terminal- it was only 45 mins with FlyBe in contrast to the 5 hours it took my family earlier on in the week- silver lining to working all summer right there! Prices vary depending on how far in advance you book.


I hope to go back next summer and promise to blog about it when it's actually summer again!

A Catch Up: Ascot, Norfolk and London

Ok, so I have been pretty bad on the blogging lately. In fact, I disappeared entirely. I have an excuse, promise! Since uni ended I have moved up to London for a summer job and have been focusing on that. Now that I finally have a minute to myself (funnily enough typing on commuter trains is kind of hard) I can fill you in! So sit down with a cuppa and let's get cracking. 

SO the first exciting thing going on was Royal Ascot. I went last year with my Aunt and Uncle but this year we headed over for Ladies' Day- the home of hat envy for your average female. 

It was threatening to rain the entire day, but managed to hold off, thank God. The Pimms and Champagne were pouring though, plus the money was coming in! Well, for the first two races, then Dad's and my luck started to run out, but we were up for a little while. I have to say I love Ascot for all it's silliness and pageantry, but genuinely for the horse racing too- it's exciting being amongst the crowd, cheering for your horse, It's even better when the race is over and the squeals of excitement or the groans of despair ensue around you from winners and losers. 


All in all an amazing day- don't think I could ever last the week (I mean, just think of all the outfits) but Ladies Day was wonderful. 

My dress was from Zara and Em's from H&M

Mel, Em and I at the singal

 

 

There's the Queen in there somewhere!

Next up was a weekend in Norfolk. I was never really planning on blogging about this, just because it was a weekend to chill out after my first week at work. It was a family weekend with my Godmothers and their families. It's a great group of us who I have (literally) known my whole life. Mum and Dad met both my Godmothers in Hong Kong, where I was born. Since then the three families have holidayed together every two or three years- I'm the youngest of the kids and even with the others all busy with work, they still make time for group get- togethers. 

So it was really a big catch up with them, but the weather was beautiful. On Saturday we walked along Holkham Beach for a lunch in The Victoria, a hotel on the edge of it. Sunday I headed back down for work the next day, but we spent the morning in Sandringham, where the Queen spends Christmas. I can be such an old lady sometimes, because I am a sucker for stately homes. 

Apologies that you're getting a whistle-stop tour of what I've been up to in this post, promise that now I'm settling in a bit more to the working world that there will be more to write about! One thing the commute gives me plenty of time for is reading, so expect reviews to come up soon(ish)

Food-y Weekend

As I said in my last post, I was in London recently for an interview (the scary reality of only having one more year of university left!). Asides from work, it's always a great excuse to see my sister, which in turn is a great excuse for the one thing we do best together: eating. 

Em's always hearing about new great places to eat and Kopapa in Seven Dials (Covent Garden) has been on her list for ages. It's a great little place next to where 'Matilda' is on at the moment so a great spot for any musical lovers. 

It's an asian-fusion style place with a pretty exciting menu. We went for the small plates to share so we could have a taste of as much as possible- the waiter recommended about two plates per person as a guide on how much to order. 

We started off with babaganoush flatbread and olives. Since our family trip to Corfu last summer, I am addicted to this combination, but it was the mains that really got us excited. 

First off, the Chilli and Seasame salted squid. This was quite simply the world's most delicious calamari, served with an amazing dipping sauce (I have no idea what was in it, but whatever it was, I liked it). 

Then there was the roast Hake with quail's egg- the dinkiest bit of fish I have ever seen, but delicious all the same due to its glaze, and my general love of fish. 

We also took a recommendation from the waiter, which was the Dhal Inari pocket- a fragrant dhal wrap that was on a bed of pickled papaya and coconut. I normally hate coconut, but in this combination it was just perfect- sweet, but sharp from the pickling of the papaya... damn I'm hungry now. 

Heck, even the side of broccolini was amazing because it had crispy shallots on top of it. These people know what they're doing with even the simplest of stuff. 

It doesn't look like much but my god..the Dhal and Broccolini

Now, if you think I can't get any more excited about the food in this place, it's time to deal with pudding. My sister texted me before I came down just out of excitement from the menu and the reality exceeded my expectations. 

Em has a deep-rooted addiction to peanut butter, something I truly hate. However, the sight of a peanut butter parfait had got her pretty excited and pretty much was pure peanut. She was one happy lady. Similarly, I have a thing for salted caramel, so the sundae with chocolate and salted caramel sauce was just meant to be. It was incredible- the sauces were almost too rich, but the popcorn and ice-cream (a flavour which I cannot describe except for floral and citrus-ey) offset them nicely, enabling me to gobble the whole thing up. If you're there with another peanut butter lover, get this combo of puddings- Em said that the sauce from my sundae was pretty great with the remnants of her parfait. 

I think it's obvious I am very keen on Kopapa. Get yourself down there pronto. 

The following morning Em kindly took the morning off so that we could head down to The Modern Pantry in Clerkenwell. It was another London-y haunt that she had wanted to go to for brunch and so we popped in and both had the eggs benedict- mine with bacon and hers with tea smoked salmon. It was nice, but nothing to shout home to the cows about. Anyway, it photographed well. 

I wonder if it was the afterglow of Kopapa that made The Modern Pantry not look as fancy- but it was pretty great weekend food-wise, that's for sure. 

'Wicked'- from page to stage

This post has taken too long to come out! A recent weekend in London reminded me of it and so here it is! 

As a belated birthday treat I headed to London to stay with my sister and saw the musical magic of Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz. It’s been running at the Apollo Victoria London since September 2006 and the original Broadway production launched the careers of people like Idina Menzel, so I’m not going to bore you with a review when there are billions of them out there.

I didn’t realise until a close friend mentioned it was her favourite book that Wicked isn’t just based on The Wizard of Oz, but it’s a novel in its own right. The Programme has an article by the author that was a great little read when I was tucked up in bed in a post-Wicked afterglow (anyone caught themselves humming ‘defying gravity’ only to then belt it out over the washing up? Just me?)

So I thought it would be worth a read. This spur of the moment decision (along with the idea to blog about it) is why I love my kindle- one quick tap and it was mine to read! (The ease of purchase also means that most of my money goes on books, but they’re so much cheaper I feel like it’s ok).

I’ve started this post before reading it and I’ll admit I have my reservations- when it comes from book to film adaptations, I stand by the book all the way. However, when it’s a musical adaptation, that’s a bit of a game changer. I love me a musical. Seriously. There were many looks of concern when I told my flatmates that during essay stress, I watched Legally Blonde: The Musical until 2am to calm me down.

Wicked is one of the big Broadway musicals- the production is a big blowout number. After all, it’s been so successful, why wouldn’t they go for it! Even in the dress circle seats we had (complete with my sister on a booster cushion so that it wasn’t restricted view for her) it was an immersive experience. The music was really only a significant, but not dominant part of it. The stage, set, costumes and overall production were out of this world. Can the book really live up to such a show?

For starters, the book is worth the introduction- I didn’t realise, but Gregory Maguire is/was an American who lived in the UK when he was writing Wicked- meaning that some of my literary heroes inspired his work- he mentions C.S. Lewis, Wordsworth and Coleridge. I seem to just really like his ‘voice’- the article he wrote for the programme was interesting and easy reading, much like this introduction. So far so good!

I have now finally finished the book- hence it's almost been a long time between starting and finishing this post! So without spoiling anything, here are my thoughts in comparison to the musical. 

Just a quick side note: read the book. Just do it. Also, go and see the musical. Doesn't matter which order, just do it. If this is all you take from this post, I'll be happy. 

The basic plot line: Set in Oz, Elphaba is born green- causes a bit of stir and she's deemed really really odd, but not evil. She grows up, meets Glinda and a few others at university. Most important out of these is Dr Dillamond, her tutor who is also a talking goat (notice the C.S. Lewis connection?). He tells her that the Wizard isn't as great as everyone thinks because he's passing new laws to oppress these talking animals. Elphaba takes up his cause against the Wizard and is named and enemy of the state. From there on it follows her struggles against the Wizard and the public smear campaign he sets up against her, before coinciding with the story of The Wizard of Oz. 

I love this book, because it's an easy read that actually still requires your brain to engage in some pretty topical ideas- ultimately the idea that 'one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist'- Maguire makes the witch of the west out to be a full character, rather than the 2-dimesnsional baddie that we know from Oz. 

In that sense, both book and show are pretty similar- but they don't have all the same characters, or follow the same story. In fact, the story that the show picks up on makes me love it even more. 

In the book, they talk of 'the clock of the time dragon' a weird wind up play with puppets- all run on cogs. The description in the book of this construction I realised fits the set design of the show entirely. Later on in the book, Elphaba watches another show in the clock of the time dragon that ends up being scenes in the Musical. Essentially, the musical picks up on the themes of the book and projects them through the play that is within the book, rather than the plot line of the book itself. 

It sounds a bit confusing, but in all honesty it relieved me to see such a clear connection between page and stage because I was so worried that they would have created a watered-down adaption- in fact for a very long time while reading, I was pretty angry that they had. However, by taking on one aspect of the book that is distinguished as separate from the main plot line but still with all of my favourite characters in, it's pretty clever. 

It also makes me kind of pleased that all aspects of the show are inspired by the book in some way- not just the story but the set, music (Elphaba in the book is known as an amazing singer) and the ideas of 'good' and 'bad' coming together. 

It's impossible to capture both a book and a musical in one blog post, but I think ultimately what is amazing about this story is that presents itself as something fun- a spin off from a children's book, or a show with amazing music, when it's actually so much more powerful than that. I had no idea what I was getting myself into until I was reading/watching it- so find out for yourself and if you can't get down to London for the show, at least read the book! It is well worth it, I promise you. 

I need to end my love affair with Floral

It's moving into summertime and as I come out of my revision stupor, it's time to stop wearing trackies and leggings and start getting into pretty summer things. 

Traditionally for me, this would mean floral tops, dresses, heck even trousers (not all worn together, don't worry). 

As the weather heats up (marginally, this is still England after all) my flatmates have started to notice how heavily Cath Kidson-esque prints feature in my life. They've expressed concern that I'm in a bit of a spring style rut. 

Determined to prove them wrong and to help out anyone else with a similar addiction- here are some great summer prints that save you from descending into the black hole of flower power. 

1. Breton Stripes: Hardly a revolutionary concept, but I love a breton stripe piece for spring/summer. Throw them on and they always look chic. These two long sleeved beauties from Zara and Camieau (I went over the boarder to Annecy to get this one) are great pieces. Especially if, like me, you're paler than pale, one of the these t-shirts are great to throw in a beach bag and stop burnt shoulders. Alternatively for an evening, this H&M dress is super flattering despite its fitted style. 

2. Polka Dots: They've featured quite heavily in the spring/summer trend reports in magazines and can be worn all year round, but my polka dot pieces are mainly summer clothes. You can have just a hint of them with these converse, or as an alternative to blue jeans with these Monsoon cropped ones. 

3. Aztec/Tribal Prints: I don't really own much of this style, I think it typically comes in colours that suits darker completions. However, if you're a budding festival lover, you'll know this is the style for you! Look at Cochella for inspiration. 

Of course, my floral stuff will be making an appearance this summer without fail, but hope this helps give you some inspiration for holiday outfits this summer. 


P.S. I am in no way shape or form an authority on fashion and style, just trying something new on the blog!