September Book Haul

 

 

I promised you all a book haul and here it is. After trawling through my bookcase trying to narrow down which books should feature, it became apparent that I have too many favourites to list in one post. Bearing this in mine I've decided that the best thing is to share my recommended reads over several posts, this being part one.

I hope you've all had a fantastic weekend. Thankyou for all the kind emails, messages and tweets regarding my last post. 
Sharing that side of me was anxiety inducing to say the least and as you all know I had my reservations. But I'm so glad I did it now. You've been nothing but lovely and supportive. Huge hugs! 
Talking of support, please go and check out my lovely friend Lora's new blog. I won't say what it's about, just that you ought to read it. Click here to be redirected.

And now that I've got that out the way, let's talk books! 

First up... 

'Ways To Live Forever' by Sally Nicholls

This is one of my all time favourite reads. Although technically a children's novel I truly think readers of every age will appreciate it. Sally writes beautifully and in a way that makes the words flow effortlessly off the page. In a nutshell it's about an eleven year old boy who is dying of Leukaemia. Tissues at the ready!

 Excerpt...

'LIST NO. 1 FIVE FACTS ABOUT ME

1. My name is Sam.
2. I am eleven years old.
3. I collect stories and fantastic facts.
4. I have Leukaemia.
5. By the time you read this, I will probably be dead.'

The blurb...

'Sam loves facts. He wants to know about UFOs and horror movies and airships and ghosts and scientists, and how it feels to kiss a girl. And because he has Leukaemia he wants to know the facts about dying. Sam needs answers to the questions nobody will answer.'

That's all I will reveal about this particular book. To say anymore would spoil it. Go read it! Enough said.

'Can You Keep A Secret' by Sophie Kinsella

Excerpt...

'Of course I have secrets. Of course I do. Everyone has a secret. It's completely normal. I'm sure I don't have any more than anybody else.
I'm not talking about big, earth shattering secrets. Not the-president-is-planning-to-bomb-Japan-and-only-Will-Smith-can-save-the-world type secrets. Just normal, everyday little secrets.
Like for example, here are a few random secrets of mine, off the top of my head:

1. My Kate Spade bag is a fake.
2. I love sweet sherry, the least cool drink in the universe.
3. I have no idea what NATO stands for. Or even what it is...

14. I have no idea what this guy in the grey suit is going on about.
15. Plus I've already forgotten his name.
And I only met him ten minutes ago.'

And so begins Emma's story. After a very bad day, Emma finds herself sat aboard a turbulent plane spilling all her secrets to the handsome American sat next to her. But it doesn't really matter because he's a complete stranger. And as soon as she's off this plane she'll never see him again. Or will she? The following morning she comes face to face with the big boss of the corporation she works for. Three guesses who the boss is?! Yep. The stranger from the plane.
This was actually the first Sophie Kinsella novel I ever read. In fact if I'm honest, as much as I love Becky Bloomwood, I preferred this to the Shopaholic series. This is one to go for when in need of some laughs or lighthearted relief.

'On Writing' by Stephen King

 

 

Part memoir, part master class, Stephen manages to combine both beautifully in this fascinating read. 
And who better to give advice to the aspiring writer than the international bestselling author of over fifty books? Stephen certainly knows his craft.
Not just a practical guide, Stephen also shares memories spanning from his childhood right through to his near-fatal accident in 1999. 
This is a must for every writer, novice or not.

'If I Stay' by Gayle Forman

 

 I read about this book on Twitter and immediately went out to buy it. It wasn't quite what I expected but I did enjoy it nevertheless. 

It follows the story of Mia, the sole surviver when a four-ton pickup truck plows headlong into the family car with the force of an atom bomb. Alone for the first time in her life and hanging on by a thread, Mia has a decision to make. Should she stay or should she go? 

This is one of those life-affirming books that makes you appreciate the people and the little things around you. 

If you do read this and like it then definitely read the follow on novel, 'Where She Went.'

'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold

 

Excerpt...

'My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973. In newspaper photos of missing girls from the seventies, most looked like me: white girls with mousy brown hair. This was before kids of all races and genders started appearing on milk cartons or in the daily mail. It was still back when people believed things like that didn't happen.'

Blurb...

Susie tells her story from heaven. Everything Susie wants appears as soon as she thinks of it - except the one thing she wants most: to be back with the people she loved on earth.
Watching from heaven, Susie sees how her death has devastated her family. Over the years, her friends, and siblings grow up and fall in love, doing all the things she never got the chance to do. 
But life is not quite finished with Susie yet...'

This copy is pretty well worn as you can see. I read it about ten years ago and I fell in love with it immediately. It isn't a light hearted read, in fact I remember certain parts disturbing me, but that said it's written in such a way you can't help but be gripped. 
Just don't take this to bed with the aim of reading just a few pages. I guarantee you'll still be up in the early hours as I was! This, like 'All The Bright Places', is one that will linger in your mind for weeks after you finish it.

'The Rosie Project' by Graeme Simsion

Blurb...

'Don Tillman is a thirty-nine-year-old geneticist. He has trouble dating. In fact he's never even had a second date. And so he devises The Wife Project. A scientific test to find his perfect partner. Surely a foolproof idea? But then Don meets Rosie - 'the worlds most incompatible woman' - throwing Don's safe, ordered life into chaos.' 
Could Rosie be the one?

I've literally only started reading this but so far I'm loving it. 
I don't usually read fictional books by male writers, that's not because I have anything against them, it's just that the majority of books I've ever bought have happened to be written by females. 
Graeme has opened my eyes somewhat. If this is anything to go by then I'll be trying novels by more male authors in the future!
He has brought to life a character that is set to become a household name. I can only describe Don as a male version of 'Bones.' (Here's hoping you've seen or heard of that particular tv series.) With social skills that leave a lot to be desired, Don is downright honest and matter of fact, telling it like it is, even when he offends. I'll possibly review this one in the future!

'The Other Side Of The Story' by Marian Keyes

 

 

I've saved this one for last. Marian Keyes. One of my all time favourite authors. She is legendary. If you haven't heard of her then you must have been living under a rock. And if you haven't read one of her bestselling novels - then as Marian herself would say in her lilting Irish accent - shame on you! 
Seriously though, Marian has an ability to connect with women the world over with her witty, well written page turners. 
I think it also helps that women have a lot of respect for Marian. Afterall she did hit rock bottom (she is a recovering alcoholic) but picked herself back up and started to write. I often wonder whether writing saved Marian like it did me.
'The Other Side Of The Story' is my favourite of all Marian's novels. I think secretly this is because it gives such an insight into the publishing world. I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of the story. 
So what's it about?
It follows three very different women... Jojo, a feisty red head and literary agent, who also happens to be in love with her very married boss. Lily the author who Jojo represents, is enjoying overnight success with her debut novel whilst feeling guilt ridden for stealing her best friend's man. And Gemma, thirty two, an event designer, Lily's ex- best friend. Newly single, she spends most of her life looking after her mother and emailing a colleague about her frustrations. 
As we all know, nothing is ever straight forward when it comes to love and war. This is a definite must have on your reading list! 


And so that brings us to the end of part one. I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if you do try any of these books or if indeed you already have. 

Have a fabulous week... Don't work too hard! I'm off to get some much needed shut eye.

Lots of love GGD xxx 


Photos for 'Ways To Live Forever' and 'Can You Keep A Secret' taken from wikipedia.org


All others my own 

Excerpts/Blurbs take from:

www.sallynicholls.com/books/ways-to-live-forever/ - Chapter One

 www.sophiekinsella.co.uk/book_detail.php?b=Can_You_Keep_a_Secret_ - Chapter One

The Lovely Bones Alice Sebold - Chapter One

The Rosie Project Graeme Simsion - Blurb

These are a few of my favourite things...

Handful of favourites! 

Here we are once more, another Friday evening. Typically I have left it to the last minute to get this post uploaded. That's me, always on the last minute. And unlike me I didn't have chance to write this longhand first, it's been a busy week all in all. So forgive me if there are any mistakes, I'm literally winging it!

I hope you've all had a fabulous week? As always, thankyou for all your lovely messages, and thankyou to those who messaged me about 'Murphy's Mother.' I have passed on your comments to my resident book reviewer! I must say, I think she did a marvellous job considering it was her very first post. Can't wait to read more!

So over the last few weeks I've noticed that many bloggers post 'favourites' specials. Usually a collection of all the lovely items they've bought and loved over the previous month. With that in mind I decided to do my own favourites post... but with a twist. As I haven't really given much insight into 'me' yet, I decided to share with you just a few of my 'general' favourite things. If you enjoy this post I may do a follow up in future so please do let me know what you think.

Here we go... Sit back with a brew (or glass of wine) and enjoy...

 Books

It goes without saying that books are at the top of my list, or at least very high up on it! I've loved reading ever since I was a child. I've pictured only a few of my most loved reads here as it would have been impossible to list them all. Two of the books featured have huge significance for me. The first is an Enid Blyton novel. It was Enid's books that sparked something inside of me at the grand old age of seven. I think I knew there and then that I wanted to be a writer. I certainly filled a lot of notepads with stories. Every Birthday and every Christmas I'd ask for new stationery. However it would be a long time before I would get really serious about it.

'Watermelon' by Marian Keyes was the next 'life-changing' read. I can't put into words why exactly, just that it inspired me to pick up a pen and take my writing more seriously. I found my 'niche' so to speak. (And a love for all things chick lit.) This is one of Marian's best novels and I totally recommend it.

Friends

Friends are a hugely important aspect of life and I'm lucky that I have some of the best friends a girl could ask for. Without them I wouldn't be the person I am today. Many a time they've been there to pick me up when I've had a down spell or what I like to call a 'slump.' Some of my favourite memories are of the laughs and good times I've shared with them. Girls... You rock! 

Perfume

I don't class myself as being very materialistic but I do however have a love of perfume! There's something about it that makes me feel better about myself. The first 'real' perfume I ever bought was with my first pay check at nineteen. I splashed out on a bottle of Chanel Allure which has since become my signature scent. My second favourite perfume is Marc Jacobs Lola (shown above). As you can see it's empty but the bottle is so pretty I just can't bring myself to throw it out. I tend to like heavier, musky perfumes that make me feel glamorous!

Cath Kidston

I absolutely adore Cath Kidston. Full of craft and sewing items it's my kind of place. If you can't find me in Waterstones then you'll more than likely find me in here! This photo was taken outside the Manchester store which is the nearest to where I live. (Hint. Please get one in Preston!!)

The Great Outdoors

One of my favourite places to be is outside. The Lake District in particular! If I could live there I probably would. Maybe one day hey? I find being outdoors both incredibly therapeutic and inspiring.

Wine and Music

Who doesn't like the odd glass of wine? I love nothing more than curling up at the end of a long, hard day with a glass of white wine or pink fizz. 

Music plays a big role in my life. I have hundreds of cds. I play them in the car, at home, when I'm relaxing and when I'm writing. If I need to lift my mood or feel inspired I usually reach for my Taylor Swift collection! I'd like to stake claim at being her number one fan but I'm sure there are plenty more Swifties out there saying exactly the same thing! 

Sewing

The snowman tree decorations (pictured) were made the Christmas eve just gone. I was teaching my eight year old nephew. His is on the left handside. He did a beautiful job don't you think? I've loved sewing ever since I discovered a needle and thread aged six or seven. Every year I now make a Christmas Stocking as a gift for a family member or friend. If you've read my 'about me' you'll already know this, but one of my dreams is to have my own fashion line and at some point a bridal shop. But you know what they say!? Dreams do come true! Watch this space...

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme doughnuts... Enough said!!

Writing

 

Last but not least... Writing. I guess you could say writing is in my genetic makeup. I take a pen and pad with me EVERYWHERE! And if I don't have a notepad to hand, I usually end up with handfuls of scribbled post-it notes stuffed into my pockets! I never let a creative moment pass me by. 
I do love this photo as I think it sums me up perfectly without any words! My nephew caught me unawares. I tend to get lost in my own little world!

I could go on but I don't want to make this post too long. At some point I'm going to do a Q&A post to answer all your questions. If you want to ask something and you don't mind it featuring on GGD then please email me, tweet me or leave a comment below.

Catch you all in another week... Until then, have a lovely weekend! xxx