Fiction Friday: 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry' by Rachel Joyce

(note to self: learn to take better pictures!)

Blurb:

“When Harold Fry leaves home one morning to post a letter, with his wife hovering upstairs, he has no idea that he is about to walk from one end of the country to the other.

He has no hiking boots or map, let alone a compass, waterproof or mobile phone. All he knows is that he must keep walking. To save someone else’s life.”

My thoughts:

The first thing I’ll say about this is that if, like me, you think the book sounds like a thriller from the blurb, you’re wrong. It doesn’t matter though because, although it’s not a thriller, it doesn’t disappoint at all.

The Sunday Express reviewer claimed it made them laugh and sob and I couldn’t agree more; especially towards the end. The book follows Harold as he walks from his house to Berwick after he receives a letter from an old colleague of his. On the journey, Harold meets various people, discovers fame, and has time to think about his past and his relationship with his wife, Maureen.

I kept telling myself that the next chapter would be last but it got harder and harder to put the book down. Rachel writes in such a way that you can’t help but get drawn into Harold’s life; you laugh with him, sob with him, share the moments that give him elation as well as those that make him sad.

It shattered some illusions I had about elderly couples (whenever I saw elderly couples together before reading this book, I always assumed that they were happy and had been together for many years – this book proves that’s not always the case) but it gave me some kind of renewed hope about love and relationships. It also proved the kindness of strangers that, sadly, we sometimes forget exists.

The book focuses on more than just a hard walk from one end of the country to another… It focuses on the reality of some relationships and the affect grief can have. It looks at regret and grief but in a way that resolves in happiness.

‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’ is dangerously easy to read but worth staying up for. Just make sure you have some tissues nearby… You’re more than likely going to need them!

What was the last book you read that made you cry?

Tuesday's Treats: Oh, How I Wish...

I’m trying to be a good girl and not spend any money for a while. It’s not as hard as I thought it would be although I’m having to work really hard to resist buying more books and DVD’s. So, instead of buying money, I thought I’d make a wish-list of things that I want to buy at some point.

First up is this gorgeous dress:

(Photo taken from their website)

It’s from inlovewithfashion and is an absolute bargain at just £14. I already own a dress of theirs and I couldn’t love it more if I tried. The quality is really good, as is the fit. 

I’ve been loving anything with bird print on recently so this caught my eye immediately. Maybe I’ll break the spending ban for it… Who knows? If you want to check out more of their stuff, they've got an amazing sale on at the moment! 

Secondly... MUA have recently bought out their version of Clinique’s Chubby Sticks. Although Clinique have a lot more shades available (check them out HERE) they’re also £16 and so, although I’d love to try one, I’m delighted that MUA have bought out something more suitable to my bank balance.

MUA call them 'Power Pouts' and there are 6 colours available, each with cute names. They’re also only a mere £3! (available HERE) In fact, you could buy all the shades available and spend just £2 more than it would cost for one Clinique Chubby Stick. If that’s not a bargain, I don’t know what is.

(Taken from their Facebook)

I’m waiting until these are available in store before I consider buying one because I want to know how they’ll look with my skin tone so keep your eyes peeled because I’ll probably review it when I get my hands on them! I’m most tempted by ‘Crazy in Love’, ‘Runway’, and ‘Justify’ – I think the last two will look great in Spring/Summer.

What’s on your wish-list at the moment?

Music Monday: Kodaline - High Hopes

For those who haven’t heard of Kodaline (don’t worry, I didn’t until a few weeks ago either!), they are a four-piece alt-rock band from Dublin, Ireland.  As far as I’m aware, they were previously known as 21 Demands. I’ll be honest, I think Kodaline is far superior name!

Kodaline were nominated for MTV’s ‘Brand New for 2013’ award as well as BBC’s ‘Sound of 2013’ award – which gives an indication of just how successful everyone’s expecting them to be this year. (No pressure, guys!) They released ‘The Kodaline’ EP in September 2012 and released ‘The High Hopes’ EP this month – in fact, this track is taken from it. If the EP is anything to go by, these guys are going to be huge.

‘High Hopes’ is the kind of song that makes you feel relaxed and calm but very much alive at the same time. The lyrics are probably one of the most important things for me when it comes to a good song and there’s no denying the power of these lyrics. They help to create the ‘relaxed but alive’ feeling with ease. Songs tend to be fairly subjective; for me, this song screams of being hurt by a relationship coming to an end and finding yourself rediscovering a hope that you’d momentarily forgotten. For that reason, I think it would be a great song to listen to after a break-up because, yes, you might cry but you’d find yourself feeling empowered too. Well, I would!

The vocals (Stephen Garrigan) are great. He’s got a great range and ultra-soothing tones to his voice. There’s also a hint of vulnerability in his vocals on this track which help to give it that little special something.

Let’s not forget the other three members (guitarist – Mark Prendergast, drummer – Vinny May Jr, and bassist – Jason Boland). They all help to create a sound that’s mildly haunting and yet, somehow, uplifting; a happy melancholy.

Lastly, I cannot review this song without briefly mentioning the video. Steve Rusell did a superb job directing the video; it’s powerful, it’s emotional, it’s haunting… Just like the song.

I predict that we’re definitely going to hear a LOT more from these guys in 2013 so keep your ears peeled! Their upcoming album is available for pre-order now on iTunes HERE for just £9.99 and will be released on 10^th June 2013. If you want to check out their previous EP’s, The High Hopes is available HERE for £1.99 and The Kodaline is available HERE for £1.99 as well. 

What do you think of the song and video? Yay or Nay?

Book Review: Claire King - The Night Rainbow

This novel follows the life of two sisters, Pea and Margot, as they cope with the fallout of the loss and devastation that struck their family a short while ago. Along the way, they make a new friend who, despite their own tragedy, slowly helps to make everything better.

The story is told through the eyes of Pea, aged 5 and a half. At times the narration felt as though it was coming from somebody much older than Pea is supposed to be. Instead of seeing that as a flaw, I'd like to think that's just the author's way of further proving that Pea had to grow up a lot quicker than any child should have, as a result of the misfortune her family suffered. Despite everything Pea has gone through, the narration perfectly encapsulates the optimism that many young children seem to possess. It is this optimism that keeps you turning the pages.

The novel focuses on very few characters, allowing you to learn a lot about each of them. It's this fact that helps to make it so captivating - it's like following the lives of people you know and care about. It also shows the various ways in which tragedy affects a person and how differently people cope with it; for that alone, it is a brilliant piece of literature.

One element of this novel became fairly obvious quite quickly. I'm not sure if that's an intentional act by the author but, either way, it didn't make the novel any less enjoyable to read. Early on in the story, a relationship develops that makes you wonder whether you should continue to read... All I can say is you'll regret it if you don't. This book touches on some of the darkest places a human can find themselves in but the ending shows that there's always hope.

There's something slightly magical about a story that contains so many negative emotions and situations yet can still portray positivity throughout. This novel manages that with ease. It's an absolute delight to read, even if it is slightly haunting at points. It's the kind of book you read and, thanks to the wonderful descriptive nature of Pea's narration, find yourself getting lost in her world.

The book is available at Waterstones for £10.39, from Amazon for £7.19, or on your Kindle for £1.39 (what a steal!!) 

Wicked Wednesday - Book Series'

Okay, I know I've been super bad at uploading new posts every day like I hoped I would but that's because I've been pretty busy recently. Worry not, I'm back with a vengence and I have a whole heap of blog post ideas to keep us in business for a while. 

So today's post is going to be about BOOK SERIES' because, quite frankly, I've ignited a love for them recently. 

It all started when I read The Hunger Games Trilogy last year some time. I whizzed through them - in fact, I read one a day. That's just how good they were (and a testament to how much spare time I had back then), I couldn't put them down. So, yes, I read them, I loved them. Hopefully I'll get round to doing a review some time or maybe a comparison between book and film, who knows? Either way, you should read them. Go on, treat yourself to them... They're available HERE from Amazon.

Last week, I started reading the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld. I read the first one in two days (including being at work) and I started the second one yesterday. I'm loving them! I love that I can spend longer with some great characters and learn more about them instead of it all being over when the first book finishes. Does that make sense?

There are four books in this series - Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and Extras - I'm yet to get my grubby mitts on the last one but all four are available HERE on Amazon.

What do you think... Do you prefer series or just one-off books? 

Do you have any series that you'd recommend?

Mayer - 10 More Minutes

Back in 2009, I believe, I went to see a band called Kid British (you can check them out here) play at the iTunes festival. I’d only recently discovered the band but I fell in love with them – particularly the vocals of one singer. Years down the line, one vocalist leaves and the band eventually split in order to follow solo careers.

The vocalist that left was James Mayer and he has, from the very first time I heard a Kid British song, had the ability to captivate me entirely and give me goosebumps – as a direct result of his vocals. There’s something about it; a certain depth and roughness that helps him portray emotion with ease.

Performing under the name Mayer, James has released two videos on his YouTube channel and both of them are incredible. '10 More Minutes' is my personal favourite but, in all honesty, I love them both a tremendous amount.

The lyrics and general sound of the tracks are amazing but, for me, it’s the vocals that outshine everything else. His voice is incredibly unique and easy to listen to it. I can’t rave about him enough.

Mayer has been working hard on his upcoming EP which will be available soon and I, for one, cannot wait to hear it. I’ll definitely be reviewing it as soon as it’s available! He’s also filming a video soon for his first single. Exciting! I just couldn't wait to share his talent with you! 

What do you think… Are you looking forward to hearing Mayer’s EP?

Book Review: 'You're Next' by Gregg Hurwitz

Blurb:

“Every family has its secrets. His might get them killed.

‘I know you, don’t I?’ Five words – that’s all it takes to plunge Mike Wingate and his family into mortal danger. Mike doesn’t recognise the crippled stranger who approaches him at a party… but the stranger seems to know all about him.

What has Mike done? Do they have the wrong man? Overnight, the threats become attacks, and Mike, his wife and their young daughter learn they aren’t safe anywhere – especially not in their own home. But there’s no time for Mike to figure it out, because his enemies have killed before – and he’s next.”

My thoughts:

This book has been described as “outstanding” by Lee Child and, I have to say, I agree. I’ve read some thriller books that have been predictable and you can guess every ‘twist’ that occurs – that’s not the case with this book. It’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions and the characters are written in such a way you actually grow to hate the bad guys and become almost attached to Mike’s family and friends.

Two characters stood out for me and they were Mike’s daughter, Kat, and his friend, Shep. There’s something about them, a certain strength, that I admire and envy. Aside from the basic thriller element, this novel manages to encapsulate the beauty of certain relationships.

There’s enough description for you to pictures certain scenes without it becoming too much (like they are in American Psycho). Unlike some thrillers, it’s not too complicated to follow. It’s written in such a way that it flips (occasionally) between ‘Then’ and ‘Now’, in order to build the story and strengthen the characters. This might sound a bit confusing but, I promise you, it’s not.

It was chosen to be part of Richard and Judy’s Book Club – I don’t know much about the other books read but, if this is anything to go by, they must be pretty great. I’d never heard of Gregg Hurwitz before I read this book but I’m determined to read more of his stuff.

What’s your favourite thriller?