Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
When Sophia Amoruso was only 22, she created an eBay store called Nasty Gal Vintage. Little did she know that her hobby would continue to grow into a multi-million dollar business, and help her become the youngest member on the Forbes’ list of Richest Self-Made Women. Reflecting on her experiences, Sophia documented her journey to become the woman that she is today through the pages of #GIRLBOSS.
#GIRLBOSS is the ultimate bible you never knew you needed. That may seem strange to say considering recent events (Nasty Gal filing for bankruptcy), but don't let that discourage you from reading this. This book is utter perfection and is definitely one of my favourite reads of 2016. Sophia has beautifully crafted and cultivated a flawless and enjoyable guide into how to conquer your battles, handle setbacks and strive for success. It's raw, honest and genuine. She shares her experiences like an older sister would, reflecting on her fondest and most cringe-worthy memories, and the life lessons she learned from them. Speaking of life lessons, let's get started!
Flashback to 10 years ago, I hated reading with a passion. At the time, I thought books were utterly boring and filled with dull characters, random adjectives and poetic devices thrown in for good measure. But then I picked up Twilight for the first time and I saw the light. Finally I found the true pleasure of reading at my fingertips and gosh, it was beautiful. A genre that spoke to my soul ... All I wanted to do was absorb every inch of fictional goodness out there; to truly indulge myself into any book that made me feel alive and inspired.
As time went by, I discovered the online community of book lovers and never looked back. The amount of engaging conversations amazed me. Sharing your thoughts with fellow fangirls and boys across the world has been such a life-changing experience. I found book buddies who loved discussing plot details at length, enthusiastically recommended books to one another and consumed every inch of news concerning new book and squeal releases. Through this all, I absolutely fell in love the book community. The celebration of new book releases and book hype trends has helped me discover so many incredible reads. I have been very thankful for that ... Well until the beginning of the year when I found myself being to think a little differently ...
When I moved to London in January, I was dedicated to working hard at my new job and spending time with friends and family. Between balancing full-time work and social commitments, I was exhausted. The commute was long, and due to other commitments I had, I just didn't have the time to read anymore. It didn't help that I was suffering from a major case of the classic reading slump. I found myself at an impasse. So unintentionally I took a break. A breather from the echoes of hype and written fiction.
It wasn't long until I started to hear about all these books that I needed to read. Squeals. New releases by debut authors. Established and respected authors releasing new books. Between my current TBR and the new releases coming out, it was so overwhelming. The need to catch up was oddly motivational yet completely putting off. So began the spiral staircase. Where would I even start? I felt like I was drowning in a sea of books, and all of a sudden I just didn't want to hear about it anymore. The hype and book trends made me feel claustrophobic. I couldn't help thinking, how did it even get to this?
When I started reading YA, I read for the passion of the story. I read for the pure pleasure of indulging in someone else's mindset. Now I've begun to feel the pressure to keep up with the popular books, so I can be a part of these amazing discussions with fellow book lovers and immerse myself in the book culture. I feel the guilt of not writing reviews when I've finished reading novels. What happened to the pure joy of it all? Lately, I just miss the teenage me who just read for fun. It's hard to find the balance between staying in the loop and pleasure. But maybe it's time to go back to what started the passion; the beauty of fiction as it's own art form.
What are your thoughts on Book Trends? Has the pressure to keep up affected you?
Share your thoughts below!
To gain closure from the relationships that no longer are, Lara Jean has written love letters to all the boys she's ever loved meant for her eyes only. But when her unsent letters are mailed out, Lara Jean finds herself in a rather peculiar situation.
Jenny Han's captivating novel, 'To All The Boys I've Loved Before', is a charming novel that will sweep you off your feet. It'll leave you feeling wonderful, warm and so nostalgic. This story is a beautiful read for a late summer afternoon, when you're looking for an adventure with an adorakable dash of the feels. It's a great pick-me-up if you're feeling a little blue, and wonderful treasure to the soul. I'm still smiling even just thinking about it! It's a coming of age story about family, high school and learning to love. An absolute pleasure to indulge.
We Were Liars - a book that needs no introduction to those who have stumbled across it. But for all of you who haven't, let me tell you it's an unforgettable novel that will leave you breathless. For a young adult novel, We Were Liars deals with some really heavy emotional situations and life obstacles that are worth paying attention to.
Just to let you know before we begin, like my book review of the novel, this post will be full of spoilers. So if you haven't read the book, I urge you not to read this post until you have. Because going into We Were Liars blind was the best decision I ever made.
'We Were Liars' - the book that captivated me and destroyed my fragile heart into a million pieces of the feels. A couple of months ago, I was blissfully unaware of how this deep dark mystery would keep my mind turning as I devoured each page. To say anymore would ruin this story for you, if you haven't already been mind-blown by its content.
So here's what I'll say to all you blissfully unaware people. We Were Liars is a unique mystery that leaves you gasping for more. The anticipation and climax will leave you utterly breathless and unsure what to do with yourself. Or even how to process the events of the novel and life. Read it, I dare you. It is a book you won't forever for many months to come.
- SPOILER ALERT -
Seriously avoid reading any reviews or material relating to this book if you have not read We Were Liars. Going into this book blind was the best decision I ever made.
Seriously avoid reading any reviews or material relating to this book if you have not read We Were Liars. Going into this book blind was the best decision I ever made.
When I was younger, I was never really fond of reading. That may surprise you considering how I regularly post about novels and book signings. Believe me, I tried. I just could never find the right book that peeked my interest. My parents tried hard too - taking me to the library every Saturday, and asking the librarian to help find books of interest. But no matter what I read, I did not care of the stories I was reading, or the characters in these books.
In hindsight this lack of interest probably had more to do with the fact that, all the books I read were written in third person narrative. I've always preferred an much more intimate personal connection to others - a first person narrative, which is probably why those books I read never appealed to me. Somewhere along the way I just gave up. It just wasn't for me. Well ... just then anyway.
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