I'VE MOVED!

Hey loyal readers!

It's time for a change- I've become dissatisfied with this blog, and so have moved over to the world of Word Press.

I'll be posting the same stuff I've been posting on here but more frequently, and with a better design and thought process. You can follow my newest blog on Wordpress or on bloglovin.

Thanks for reading, and I'll speak to you over there!

Rob

BOOKS TO READ IN 2016

When others look back on their year they probably think about the memories made and check to see what resolutions they kept. I, however, put a lot of thought into what I've read and what I have failed to. 

This year I have been particularly reflective. For the past three years I have set my reading goal to around 50-52 books, so around one a week. An easy task for a reader, really. Although this year I have failed spectacularly. Whenever I've been at university I've hardly ever read a book for pleasure, this year was no different. Usually the summer is catch up time, where I end up reading at least one a week and read about 7 in the annual "BookTube-A-Thon" - well not this year! I spent my summer working in America and didn't finish a single book! And so we come to the end of the year with only 34 books read (as of 23rd December). 34, a good number for some, an appalling number for someone whose target was 50. 

Anyway, before I engulf myself with disappointment whilst skimming through Agatha Christie books in a desperate attempt to get nearer to my goal, here is my list of books I really want to read in the new year.




Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith

I adored The Silkworm, the second outing for JK Rowling's crime-solving Cormoran Strike, and so I eagerly bought this in hardback when it was released last year. Here's hoping I read it soon.

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara 

I bought this with the intent to read it before the Man Booker winner was announced - however, the size of this book was always going to conquer me due to buying it only a few days before the announcement. I gave up before trying as to not disappoint myself.

What Remains by Tim Weaver

The sixth book in one of my favourite crime/thriller series. I got this for free at my work placement at Penguin (after asking for it for christmas and then letting my mum know I didn't need it due to free books in publishing!), and I'm so excited to carry on with this fantastic series.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë 

It's getting ridiculous now. Must. Read. Soon.

The Missing Hours by Emma Kavanagh

Another book I received for free whilst interning. It comes out in April 2016, so I really want to read and review it before it comes out.

Pretty Is by Maggie Mitchell 

A proof I was sent by Orion, and it has been described as perfect for fans of Clare Mackintosh's  I Let You Go - which I was certainly a fan of. Excited to get stuck in! 

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

It's time to use my kindle more this year, and I bought this as one of amazon's deals, so no excuses. Besides, it's historical fiction and I also need to read more of that!

Thanks for reading, and I hope you've gained some suggestions. Don't forget to leave me some in the comments or on twitter! 

FALL FROM GRACE | Book Review (NO SPOILERS)

Title: Fall From Grace (David Raker #5)

Author: Tim Weaver

Originally Published: 2014

Page Count: 578 pages

Genre: Crime  

Published by: Penguin Books

Date Read: December 3rd - 19th 2015

After reading Never Coming Back in the summer of 2014 I became instantly hooked to Tim Weaver's missing persons investigator, David Raker. I proceeded to read the previous three books (Never Coming Back being the fourth in the series) and have since reviewed some of Raker's ventures (see here). However, for some reason it has taken me eight months to pick up this book after finishing Vanished (the third in the series, and potentially my favourite). But after coming to my senses, trying desperately to remember what happened in Never Coming Back, I fell back into place with Weaver's writing.

THE FOLLOWERS | Book Review

Title: The Followers

Author: Rebecca Wait

Originally Published: 2015

Page Count: 335 pages

Genre: Fiction 

Published by: Picador 

Date Read: July 1 - September 10 2015

I was lucky enough to win this books in one of Goodreads' giveaways back in May. I was intrigued by the synopsis, as the book centres around two characters, a mother and a daughter, who leave their life behind to join a cult in the Yorkshire moors. I have a kind of guilty pleasure for films about cults, I won't name names because that could be a spoiler for the film, but there's always been something about them that intrigues me. 

THE OPPOSITE OF LONELINESS | Book Review

from my instagram: roberrrrto

Title: The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories

Author: Marina Keegan

Originally Published: 2014

Page Count: 208 pages

Genre: Non-fiction / Short Stories / Essays / Memoir

Published by: Simon & Schuster UK

Date Read: August 28 - September 9 2015

I don't really recall when I first heard about this book, I just remember thinking instantly that if I found it, I'd have to buy it. These thoughts transpired from Keegan's devastating reality, but also because of the titular article, which resonated with me.

GOODBYE LANCASTER! | Life

A NEW DIRECTION? | Life

A WORK IN PROGRESS | Book Review

from my instagram: roberrrrto

Title: A Work in Progress
Author: Connor Franta
Originally Published: 2015
Page Count: 212 pages
Genre: Non-fiction / Autobiographical
Published by: Keyword Press

Date Read: May 26th - 28th 2015

This is my first dive into the whole 'YouTuber' books phenomenon, and whilst Franta seemingly tries to distance himself from this and all labels, when it comes to his book, it's forever going to exist within the category of 'Girl Online', 'The Pointless Book', 'Love, Tanya' and the like.

INSURGENT | Film Review (NO SPOILERS)

BEST PICTURE PREDICTION | Oscars 2015

(Source)

Hey guys!

This past few weeks I've been reviewing those films nominated for Best Picture

Find attached my review to each of the nominees:

• American Sniper
• Birdman
• Boyhood
• The Grand Budapest Hotel
• The Imitation Game
• Selma
• The Theory of Everything
• Whiplash

So after all that, I'm ready for Best Picture to be awarded and here's my last prediction. Remember these are simply my opinions on what should win, what will win and what could win.

AMERICAN SNIPER | Film Review (NO SPOILERS)

STILL ALICE | Film Review (NO SPOILERS)

LET'S TALK: Best Song Nominees for the Oscars 2015

Every year at the Oscars we get the category 'Best Original Song' and I never know the criteria for voting. Is it simply the Academy liking the song or is it to do with its relation to the film, or what?

Anyway, I listened to each of the nominees this year, and here's my thoughts.

1. 'Everything Is Awesome' from The Lego Movie 

I was very surprised The Lego Movie was absent from the nominees for Best Animated Picture this year, as was everybody. I've actually not seen it but after its nominations in the Golden Globes and BAFTAs it seemed like it would most definitely be thought of. However, the song from the film is featured and I have to say this is probably my least favourite. I like Tegan & Sara, they're original and often refreshing but this song is anything but, repetitive and annoying, I really hope it doesn't win. 

2. 'Glory' from Selma

Another film snubbed, especially in the categories of Best Director and Best Actor. This nomination isn't enough, but is completely justified. The song is one of the best of this year's nominees. John Legend's chorus is reminiscent of the church songs that fuelled the Civil Rights Movement and has so much soul and passion. Whilst the 'rap' is a little bit too literal, it was a great way of introducing the movement to the masses. I hope this wins, it's looking like it very well may do, but you never know. 

3. 'Grateful' from Beyond the Lights

I actually really want to see this film, despite this being, like The Lego Movie, the only category the film is nominated in. I also find this the catchiest of the nominees, the backing vocals are great and it certainly sounds like an uplifting end-credit type of song. However, it is rather generic, and the chorus is so plain. We get it, Rita, you're grateful. 

4. 'I'm Not Gonna Miss You' from Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me

Probably one of the front-runners with 'Glory', as it is actually a really good song. I really really enjoyed this one, again, despite not seeing the film. The lyrics, like 'Glory' are some of the more meaningful, however, they feel so much more personal than 'Glory' and I would not be surprised if this actually won. 

5. 'Lost Stars' from Begin Again 

Guess what? I also haven't seen this film! I find Adam Levine hit-and-miss, and when he uses the lyrics 'let's get drunk on our tears', it's probably a miss. His vocals are good but then he bursts into some kind of falsetto high-pitched vocals injecting so much more energy and passion into the song. At first it was bland, but then 'I thought I saw you out there crying' saved it. Decent song, probably won't win though. Interested to see him hit those notes live on Sunday. 

Have a listen for yourself and come to your conclusion, these are just my thoughts and you're welcome to disagree. Let me know your favourites and let's see who wins this Sunday. 

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING | Film Review (NO SPOILERS)

BIRDMAN | Film Review (NO SPOILERS)

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL | Film Review (NO SPOILERS)

LET'S TALK: Sexism and Fifty Shades of Grey

(Source: opi.com)

INTERMISSION | Oscars Catch-Up

At the beginning of this week I set out a task to watch all of the films nominated for Best Picture at this year's Oscars. I'm half-way through and thought I'd provide a little break from reviews and talk about my favourites. 

The Grand Budapest Hotel  |  Dir. Wes Anderson   (Source: film captures)

THE IMITATION GAME | Film Review

(Source: optimum)

SELMA | Film Review (NO SPOILERS)