How To Be Well Read ... A 2017 Goal

One of the first things I mentioned on my New Years Goals list was to stop buying so many books... so you may be surprised to find me only 25 days into the month, discussing what books I'm planning on buying.

Well, part of my plan for 2017 is to stop frivolously buying books. Which means, stop buying YA fantasy books when I already have a tonne to read. But, I am a self confessed book buying addict which means that going cold turkey is not going to happen. Especially now that I've bagged myself a job that is a mere stone's throw away from Waterstones. Instead, I am allowing myself a mere 12-15 books to buy this year. Yes. 12-15 for the entire year! 

Considering I could easily buy 10+ per shopping trip, this is a huge change to the usual for me and I for one am excited for it. The main thing for me however, is to change the type of books I'm reading. Christmas 2015 I was kindly brought "How to be Well Read" by John Sutherland, which is a list of 500 critically acclaimed (or controversial) books that you should aim to tick off if you want to become "Well Read" now whilst I find the idea of being Well Read or not rather pointless (why force yourself to read literature that you don't enjoy purely to say you've done so?) this book does highlight some key books that are not only acclaimed but important reads. This is something that I really wanted to include in my 2017 reading lists. 

Many of the books that I have shortlisted for this year are feminist or sociological critiques on society and I would really love to develop my understanding on these subject matters over the course of the year to not only make me a more well rounded reader, but also a well rounded human being. 

My 2017 list is as follows:

Lucius Apuleius - The Golden Ass (AD 160) 

Margaret Atwood - The Handmaid's Tale (1985)

Orson Scott Card - Enders Game (1985)

Angela Carter - Nights of the Circus (1984)

George Eliot - Middlemarch (1872)

Neil Gaiman - American Gods (2001)

Kazuo Ishiguro - The Remains of the Day (1989)

Haruki Murakami - IQ84 (2009-10)

George Orwell - 1984 (1942)

Sylvia Plath - The Bell Jar (1963)

Thomas Pynchan - Bleeding Edge (2013)

Jean Rhys - Wide Sargasso Sea (1966)

I'm really excited to get reading these 12. I'm aiming to read one a month and buy one a month... although I may have accidentally gone out and brought both The Handmaid's Tale and Nights of the Circus... yeah. In my defense I had a £10 off stamp card + about £10 on my points app so it had to happen really didn't it? 

The extra 3 books I'm accounting for are my most anticipated releases of 2017. Both the TOG and ACOTAR (Feyre's Arc) series by Sarah J Maas are coming to an end this year and there will be a new ADSOM book out by V.E Schwab. These books are must buys for me so they are OBVIOUSLY going to be brought. 

I would really love to know if you would be interested in reading full reviews for each of these books? I really enjoy analysing books and since leaving Uni I've not had much cause to, so if that would interest you then please let me know in the comments!

Embracing Hygge For The Winter

Hi-gge, Hoo-gar or however you're meant to pronounce it, has been somewhat of a buzz word in 2016, sweeping social media with a promise of that infamous Danish happiness. 

         But what really is hygge and how are we meant to achieve such an instagrammable 'high' in dreary ole' blighty?! 

Well, with the help of Meik Wiking's book "The little book of Hygge", I aim to give you a handy little list of ways to incorporate some Hyggestund (A moment of Hygge) into our daily lives this winter. 

          So the big question: 

What the hell is Hygge and why should I care? 

Meik writes that "Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home." 

Which all sounds pretty Disney in its idealistic notion that "home is where the heart is" and such other cliches. But it really seems like the Danish are perhaps on to something...

Denmark was awarded No 1: World Happiness in 2016 and was No 1: OECD Better Life Index. Life Satisfaction in 2015. YET, Denmark sees some of the highest levels of tax and weather wise it is rather grotty, to say the least. 

So why are they so happy? 

Meik suggests this is in part down to the importance of Hygge in Danish society. 

So how can we Brits, renowned for our general cynicism about pretty much everything (except tea and marmite), introduce some of this cuddly and borderline obnoxious happiness into our day-to-day lives? 

Well, I've got 10 tips on how to do just that: 

1. Candles, all the Candles. - Lighting is apparently quite a big deal to the Danes, probably because in the winter they have very few hours of sunlight. Candles are a pretty common way of injecting cosiness into our lives and I feel like this is already a pretty popular trend in the western world as it is. However, apparently, there is no need to splash out on some scented delight from Yankee to create your Hyggelig environment. Plain unscented candles are favoured by the danish as its all to do with the soft lighting and not so much about having your room smell like a victorian pantry.

2. Fluffy Socks. - Cosiness is paramount to hygge and nothing screams comfort quite like a super fluffy, soft pair of socks. 

3.Put down the phone & pick up a book. - You've got a candle burning and your feet are resembling a Yeti. Put down your phone and live in the moment, Social media can often be overwhelming and is definitely not conducive to a hyggelig evening. I like to switch off from the internet & media and spend a couple of hours reading with Dan at night. It's so relaxing and it's much easier to put down a book to chat than it is a laptop/phone. 

4. Wrap up warm & go for a winter walk. - I did this the other weekend with Dan and my family, it was so lovely to walk down to the seaside and see the sunset over the sea (you could make a tongue twister out of that!). It felt truly hygge as it was a moment of family & togetherness totally forgetting about the outside world and focusing on the beauty of the moment. Best of all... it was totally free! 

5. Comfort Food. - This isn't so much about ordering in a takeaway but more about taking the care and time to create something comforting. For me, that is definitely my Butternut Squash & Halloumi Fajitas with Homemade Guacamole. This is my go-to comfort meal and my whole family love it as well. The ingredients are fairly inexpensive and it's super easy to cook, but it's such a warming meal and really makes me feel soothed and comforted inside. 

6. Movie/ TV night in. - If you're not bookish and don't fancy leaving the house anytime soon, you can always snuggle down for a few hours in front of the box. Put on a favourite film or watch a TV series you love. Just make sure there is plenty of cushions, a snuggly throw to hand and of course warm popcorn waiting to be devoured. 

7. Hot Drinks. - Be it Tea or Coffee, this is something us Brits will have no problem in achieving. We as a nation are infamous for our love of Tea and it just so happens to be one of the most important aspects of Hygge. If I'm out and about, I will always opt for an Eggnog Latte from Starbucks (if the season permits!) However, for a Hygge evening at home nothing beats M&S Rooibos, Cocoa Nib & Vanilla tea. It's a Hygge hug in a cup. 

8. Create a Hygge work environment. - This may not always be possible depending on where you work, but trying to add some hygge into your work day can really help to make you feel calm and happy(er). Be it a plant on your desk and your favourite tea to drink. Or even just a hyggelig playlist to listen to on your way to and from work, there are always ways to inject that sense of comfort into your day to day life. 

I've recently hygge'd my workspace at home by adding fairy lights, plants, candles and generally decluttering the area. I've noticed my productivity go up and I'm feeling more motivated than ever to get writing!

9. Hyggelig Fashion. - According to Meik, there are some unspoken rules when it comes to Hygge fashion. The basis seems to be: Scarfs, Comfy Jumpers & Cardigans + all the black and white clothing that you can possibly get your hands on. 

Hygge fashion seems to be minimalist comfort through and through and I am totally down with that!

10. Allow time for Hygge. - Finally, the most important aspect of Hygge is to slow down. Make time to experience hygge. Even if you're only able to indulge yourself at the weekend, or maybe just an hour on Sunday, make sure you do so. To me, Hygge is more than beautiful aesthetics and Disney-esqe levels of happiness, it's instead like another form of self-care. It's giving yourself time to assess your needs and comfort yourself. So when you strip back the pinterest worthy look and social media frenzy, what you really get is the age-old notion of simply and unapologetically allowing yourself time just to be. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing it.  

I hope you have a hyggelig evening! 

December TBR

So after last months total fail of a TBR (See this post on my November Round-Up for the details), I have learnt my lesson a little bit and have only chosen 5 books and a graphic novel to get through in the hectic and christmas filled month that is December. 

Although, two books are re-reads so I guess they don't really count, but I'm going to add them regardless as it makes me feel better at the very least. 

The re-reads are obviously ACOTAR & ACOMAF, I adore these books and I'm planning on reading them over Christmas as an extra present to myself. I'm really looking forward to getting familiar with Rhysand again 😏😏 oh and also experiencing all the rage with Tamlin from the very first mention of him. (If you've read this series so far then you know what I'm talking about.) 

Another thing I should mention is that I've actually already started A Storm of Swords (I'm notourious for taking about 6-9months to get through just one GOT book), I've read just a little over 130 pages according to my goodreads so I've still got a tonne to get through but I'm hoping to finish it this side of 2017. 

So in reality, I've only got 2 full books, a Graphic Novel and 80% of A Storm of Swords to read this month and then ACOTAR and ACOMAF are just like little bonus extras for myself. 

The List:

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

The Shadow Queen by C.J Redwine

Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige

A Storm of Swords, 1: Steel and Snow by George R.R. Martin

The Wicked and The Divine: Fandemonium by Kieron Gillen (+McKelvie, Wilson & Cowles)

What's on your TBR this month? 

You can track my progress over on my GoodReads page. 

A/W 2016 London Haul!

Last Saturday I went to London to see P!ATD perform at the Alexandra Palace... OMG it was so goddamn good! Bredon Urie has the voice of an angel and absolutely killed it + Sophie, Dan and I had a massive laugh over the fact we were some of the oldest there that weren't chaperoning children (apparently P!ATD appeal to a young audience nowadays...) but on the plus side the Bar was basically empty the entire evening! 

So OBVIOUSLY because we had to travel to London anyway we decided to make a day of it do some shopping, have some lunch and meet up with Sophie who lives just outside of Central (and is totally smashing life right now) for a browse around Oxford Street. 

So obviously I had to share what I brought as hauls don't come very often over here on Bambi's Blogs.  

LUSH OXFORD STREET

Lord of Misrule - £3.95

This is a Lush classic, and shockingly, I've never used it before. I don't know why but previously when I've sniffed it in store, it's never really appealed to me. It smelt a little too much like wet leaves to me and I just didn't get it. But this year. Oh boy, did it kick me in the face this year when I picked it up! It's spicy, rich and so deliciously autumnal it is the perfect autumn bath bomb and I am in love. You can tell I loved it because I bought two of them and I never do that. 

I usually cut up my bath bombs to get multiple uses out of them (unemployed graduate life) but this one demanded to be used whole and I am soo glad I did. As soon as you put the ballistic in the water it starts to fizz and emits plumes of green and pink foam which are really beautiful to watch. After a couple of minutes in the hot water, you will start to hear cracking and popping, that's because this little beauty is loaded with popping candy which is quite an unusual experience, especially when you're not expecting it and worry that you bath is breaking 🙈

Once the bath bomb has finished fizzing and fully dissolved you're left with a beautiful wine coloured bath, as photographed below (I was going to upload this to my Insta but I didn't like it enough. Yes that is the side of my thigh 💁) 

Satsuma Bath Bomb (Christmas Oxford Street Exclusive) - £3.95

This is rather self-explanatory and indeed smells just like a satsuma, it's fruity, fresh, citrusy and somehow it smells very Christmassy despite the fruitiness and lacking the spicy element that I associate with the season. I've not used this yet, but I think it's safe to assume that this is going to create a bright orange bath - I think it would be amazing paired with You've Been Mangoed.

Monsieur Gustave Bath Melt (Oxford Street Exclusives) £2

It's becoming a habit of mine now to pick up a couple of the exclusive bath melts every time I go to Oxford Street. I love bath melts and I think they are so brilliantly versatile and I always get a couple of uses out of them as I tend to mix them with a bath bomb or bubble bar. This one has what I can only describe as a blackcurrant/musky smell. I can't really describe it so it's definitely one to go and smell in person. What sold it for me was the prospect of having a glittery purple bath.

Lime Pastille Bath Melt (Oxford Street Exclusive) £2

The second of the aforementioned bath melts. This, as the name would suggest, smells like lime sherbert. It's a beautiful fresh crisp smell that is definitely more appropriate for the summer months but it was too good to pass it up! Although, I could imagine this working very nicely with So White Bath Bomb. 

Can we appreciate the beauty of that YA section in Foyles THO. ^  

I also indulged my other love whilst in London, books. Dan and I have got book shopping in London down to a precise art now and we know exactly what big bookstores and second-hand bookstores we love. We didn't have heaps of time to spend today so my favourite second-hand bookshops were missed and instead we focused on my favourite three... Foyles, Forbidden Planet & the Piccadilly Waterstones (or as I call it, Heaven).  

The Wicked & The Divine - Fandemonium Pt. 2 - £0.00 -  Forbidden Planet

All of the inner fangirl comes out when I walk into Forbidden Planet. It's one of my favourite bookstores ever (the one in Cambridge is great as well), they are well known for their vast array of Graphic Novels, Comic Books & Manga but they also sell a huge amount of YA, Fantasy and Sci-Fi. I adore this shop and could happily spend hours in here and spend a small fortune. However, on this particular day, I didn't have either the time nor the money! 

I've already read the first instalment of The Wicked & The Divine and I adored the artwork, it's absolutely beautiful in the way in which it is illustrated and the story is strange, enticing and mysterious. I really enjoyed the first part and I felt like it finished in such a way that I just had to buy the next in the series. 

If you like stories that are shrouded in mystery and unanswered questions and beautiful artwork, then you will love this graphic novel. 

Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch - £0.00 - Foyles
Once we had finished in Forbidden planet we then went on to Foyles. I always insist on browsing the entire store even though I know deep down that I'm only going to end up buying YA. On the day we were there Grayson Perry was doing a book signing a few hours later so we were lucky to miss the rush of fans -  but it's also alerted me to the fact that Grayson has a book out and I really need it in my life.

I picked up this book at the recommendation (read: fangirling) of my lovely pal Ash over at aislingsbeautybytes.blogspot.co.uk. She loved this book and highly recommended it, so as I wholeheartedly trust her opinion I decided it was worth picking up and adding to the overwhelming pile of books to read.

From what I can grasp this is a book with a strong female lead who basically has to restore magic to her kingdom so it can rise to power again. It sounds pretty epic and has a rather impressive 4.01 rating on Goodreads (out of 30,323 ratings) so I have high hopes for this.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo - £0.00 - Foyles

This was another recommendation from Ash and is one that I have heard SO much about in the book world due to the sequel "Crooked Kingdom" coming out at the end of September. I know this is set in the Grisha world and many people suggest that reading the Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo first is perhaps a more sensible idea rather than jumping into the world unprepared. 

I do own the first in the Grisha Trilogy so that's probably what I'm going to do, but I'm really excited to get my teeth stuck into such a dense and rich world. 

This is about a group of six different criminals/outcasts who have been tasked to perform a deadly heist that may well make them rich beyond their wildest dreams. This sounds so fun, so unusual and I think it will be a real page turner! I'm going to start the Grisha Trilogy in December as I just can't wait any longer! 

Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige - £0.00 - Waterstones

I'm a huge fan of Danielle Paige's work, I love the Dorothy Must Die series (although I haven't finished it as I'm waiting for "Yellow Brick War" to become available in paperback!) so when I heard that she was releasing another fairy tale retelling but this time it was one of my favourite stories - The Snow Queen - I was absolutely over the moon. 

Can we take a minute to appreciate the beauty of that cover? Have you ever seen a book more appropriate for the Christmas season? I really do think the U.K cover has got the edge on the U.S cover this time!  

This is probably one of the most interesting plots for a novel that I've come across in a long time. The main character Snow has spent her life locked in a Psychiatric Hospital but she isn't crazy. Instead, she finds a way to escape the hospital only to find that she has a kingdom to inherit and a prophecy to complete. 

This is another book that I'm almost certainly going to indulge myself with in December. 

So that's it! It wasn't a huge haul and the day went far too quickly for my liking but it was brilliant and I can't wait to go back to London soon (hopefully for a job!) although I'm sure my bank balance will once again suffer!

A/W Reading Recommendations

Autumn/Winter is the perfect time of year for snuggling down with a blanket and a spicy candle and getting absorbed into a good read. The rain taps at your windows, a candle flickers and your radiators are on full heat, now let me suggest what to pick up on those days when the furthest you're prepared to walk is the kitchen. 

Hygge by Meik Wiking 

- When planning this post, Hygge felt like an obvious choice. Hygge explores how the Danish have upheld their reputation as being one of the happiest countries in the world. Hygge is all things cosy, blankets, hot chocolate and candles. It's such a calming and informative read that it will have you wanting to snuggle under a blanket with a warm drink in an instant. Ideal for those rainy dreary days when you need a pick-me-up. 

A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings by Charles Dickens 

- Sometimes you can't beat a classic. Everyone knows the story of Scrooge and the ghosts but there is something magical about reading it around Christmas and experiencing the story be it for the first time or the 100th. Also, let's just take a moment to appreciate how beautiful the Penguin Clothbound edition is 😍

Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige 

-A new purchase and the only book on this list that I haven't read. But can you find a more Wintery book? I love the story of The Snow Queen and I've heard that this is a Snow Queen retelling with a twist. I'm realllly looking forward to indulging myself with this book and getting transported away. 

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas 
- Probably not an immediate choice when you think autumn/winter but I first read this book in the Autumn and was totally obsessed. For me this novel is a year round read but I'm going to be re-reading it (and ACOMAF) over Christmas as a little gift to myself because OMG these books. 😱 This is a perfect night time read to get cuddled under a duvet and read about dangerous Fae and a heroine that kicks ass.

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin 

- I feel like autumn/winter is the ideal time to get your head stuck into a tome. So many people avoid reading the GOT series because of the sheer size of the books (I feel you, it takes me MONTHS to finish these!) but in A/W you have so much more time to laze around and just read. Ideal for tackling a book that intimidates you. 

October Reading Round-Up

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

October has been a pretty good month for reading! I'm finally feeling like I'm getting my reading mojo back and I managed to read a not too shabby total of 6* books this month. 

I think what definitely helped was setting myself a goal at the beginning of the month and keeping the books out of my bookcase in a little pile so that I saw them every day and they helped to motivate me to keep on reading. 

Without further ado I will jump straight into my mini reviews:

V.E Schwab - This Savage Song  03/10

A slow starter and took me quite awhile to get into. However, once the action does eventually take place it is awesome! The plot twist at the very end had me reeling and I am looking forward to the sequel despite my previous concerns that this would be the one Schwab novel I didn't enjoy! Also, August is adorable. 

C.M Lucas - Mist & Whispers 10/10

I really didn't enjoy this book. I found the writing dire, the storyline was riddled with plot holes and the dialogue was cringe worthy. I felt like it really needed the touch of a good editor. 

Samantha Shannon - The Bone Season #1 20/10

I adored this book, the story was so unique the plot was expertly constructed and the characters were rich and interesting. Really looking forward to the sequel. 

Jessie Burton - The Miniaturist 27/10 

This was a slow starter and I found parts frustrating at times. However, I cannot fault the writing. Jessie writes beautifully and this whimsical story had stolen my heart by the final few pages. Loved it. It's so well written and Jessie manages to evoke the characteristics of the 1600s whilst still making the book relatable and easy to read for the modern audience. There is actually very little that I can pose issue with, except the point discussed below. *SPOILERS * Whilst I really appreciate the addition of a gay man living in secrecy in the 1600s, I find his actions borderline ridiculous. For instance, why would his affair be happening at his place of work where anyone could walk in (like Nella!) and then again at the side of the warehouse in public!!! It just seems a little too convenient for the plot points and not that organic. Like why would Johannes go back with Jack, when jack has only just killed his beloved dog? It makes Johannes seem weak and infantile which totally contradicts the way his character is presented to us. Other than that, I have no issues with the book. I loved the character of Marin and I feel the way she was portrayed was perfect, it was the epitome of a woman's struggles in the 1600s and the whole plot surrounding her felt organic and well thought out. The magical elements with the Miniaturist raised enough mystery and excitement to keep me wanting to know more about her and I think I'm right in saying that there is a sequel to this novel - which if there is I really hope it delves into that magical element more. I didn't know what to expect from this novel and it kept me guessing throughout. Even though it started off feeling very slow, it has since turned into one of my top books this year

Kiera Cass - The One #3 29/10

A predictable ending to a fairly tropey series. *SPOILERS*, Of course, Mer & Max get married and it all ends happily but I felt the ending was rushed and lacked depth. Not a bad series but not phenomenal. As I'd expected this book neatly rounds itself up with a happily ever after, which was nice. The ending was nice. I wasn't blown away though. All of the action actually happened in the last 50 pages and it felt so so rushed! I was reading it thinking how on earth is this going to conclude in less than 30 pages! The answer was quickly. It all sort of came to an abrupt end and it didn't feel fitting for the characters that died to be brushed over so quickly. 

*So I know I said I had read 6 books but I've only got the reviews for 5. Well, I'm planning on reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley on Halloween - starting on the 30th October (when I'm writing this) and finishing it on Monday evening. If you're interested in my opinion and want to read a review on it, then come follow me over on Goodreads. I update daily and review the majority of the books I read!

What did you read in October? 

5 Reads For The Non-Reader

I talk about reading a lot over here, but I am aware that some of you just aren't readers, or perhaps you want to be, but find the bookstore an intimidating place to pick out that perfect novel.

So I thought I would make you a little list (because you know how much I love a good list!) with 5 Reads For The Non-Reader!

1. List books/collections - For example my 1001 TV Series You Must Watch Before You Die - so this is definitely the least literary on the list but hell it still counts! I always find these books make the best coffee table books + Highly practical as it gives you an insight into each TV series listed and you can make a decision beforehand on whether you actually want to watch it or not! 

2. Penguin Little Black Classics - These are released a couple of years back in celebration of 80 years of Penguin. What I like about them the most is that they are so small, usually no more than 60 or so pages and they offer you the opportunity to sample loads of different types of literature without committing to the full edition. Perfect if you're unsure of what sort of thing you would enjoy or whether you want to dabble in the classics!

3. Grimms Fairy Tales - This may seem a little childish but don't be fooled. The Grimms Fairy Tales are dark and not the fluffy Disney style stories you may imagine. This book is full of the Tales which are all short and easy to read, and is beautifully illustrated! Perfect for anyone that wants an easy bedtime read, where you can happily read one a night and put the book down feeling accomplished. There's a reason  that fairy tales are so popular when we're growing up!

4. Graphic Novels (The Wicked & The Divine) - Sometimes you want to consume a story without all the words and for that Graphic novels are perfect! I've chosen The Wicked & The Divine for this as the art work is my absolute favourite. Like just look at that below... STUNNING. For me the enjoyment of a graphic novel is solely dependent on the artwork so I'm reallllly choosy. But this one is both visually stunning whilst being a really interesting and gripping story (which totally reminds me that I neeeeed to buy the sequel!) 

5. Pretty Honest by Sali Hughes - There are so many beauty guides/manuals around at the moment but this one is hands down my favourite. Sali's writing is devilishly funny and her advice and tips are so relatable and genuinely helpful! If you're a lover of beauty and want a coffee table book that you can actually sit down and binge read then this is your book. Highly recommend!