Poetry Review: In Full Velvet

Hey guys! In this week's blog I'll be reviewing Jenny Johnson's poetry collection In Full Velvet. I hope you enjoy!

Blurb

Sinuous and sensual, the poems of In Full Velvet interrogate the nuances of desire, love, gender, ecology, LGBTQ lineage and community, and the tension between a body's material limits and the forms made possible by the imagination. Characterized by formal poise, vulnerability, and compassion, Johnson's debut collection is one of resounding generosity and grace.

Review

I bought In Full Velvet as an impulse buy and I had never heard of it before. I read a lot of Amanda Lovelace and Rupi Kaur's work which is much different from Johnson's writing.

I thought that Johnson's descriptions of nature were refreshing and I enjoyed reading about the metaphors and the LGBT poems, especially the ones regarding gender identity. Johnson has a unique way of words that grips the reader into her writing, even if you can't relate. Some of the poems I couldn't understand but the overall meaning of them is recognizable.

Some of my favourite poems from this collection include Little Apophat and Vigil. If you like poems about nature, LGBT, gender identity and desire, then you'll love In Full Velvet.

Have you read In Full Velvet? Let me know what you thought of it in the comments. Until next time, love, Vee x

Book Review: Reasons To Stay Alive

In this week's blog post I want to talk about Matt Haig's Reasons To Stay Alive which I read recently and has helped me see slightly clearer.

Blurb

What does it mean to feel truly alive?

This is the true story of how Matt Haig came through crisis, triumphed over a mental illness that almost destroyed him and learned to live again. Moving, funny and joyous, Reasons To Stay Alive is more than a memoir. It is a book about making the most of your time on earth.

Review

I actually bought this book for my mum, knowing that she suffers with anxiety more so than I, but I too wanted to read it myself. It's been on my TBR for a while now and I finished it within a number of days.

Matt Haig writes from the heart, that much is true. I didn't really know what to expect when I first started reading this, but it soon became clear that he has the wildest of thoughts too, meaning I'm not alone in this battle. It's true what he says, when you have your first panic attack, you think you're the first ever person to have had one, and to have felt that bad. But you're not, for decades, people have suffered with panic attacks, anxiety and depression.

I can also understand the depression part of the book too as I have been there. It isn't there so much anymore, but the anxiety still is. It's always there, lurking, waiting for me when I'm most vulnerable. And when you have anxiety and depression mixed together like a cocktail, it has the power to break you. But what this book is about is how Haig survived the toughest of years, the worst of suicidal thoughts. He's still here; yes it may be difficult some days, but ultimately, there is so much to experience on this earth. There's so much to see, do, feel. No one wants to miss out on the good stuff, but sometimes we have to go through the shit in order to get to the good.

Mental health is still stigmatized, but if every person shares their story like Haig, the world will become less stigmatized the more we talk about it. Share your story, don't be afraid to show the real you. We have all had panic attacks, bad days and been in shit situations. You are not alone in this.

I truly enjoyed listening to the ways Haig copes with his depression and anxiety and how we should live in the moment as much as possible. It was like reading his diary. What a beautiful book it is and I urge everyone out there, with mental health problems or not, to read this. If not for you, then for someone you know who struggles. This book will help you spot the signs of mental illness more easily and how you can be there as a partner/family member for your loved one.

I hope you enjoyed this review and I'll see you soon! Love, Vee x

Book Review: My Mum Tracy Beaker

This week's post is a book review on one of my childhood favourite author's brand new book, My Mum Tracy Beaker. We all grew up watching the TV show or reading the books, and in this latest installment, Jacqueline Wilson mixes children's books with adult in this beautiful story about life, struggles and true family.

Blurb

Tracy has returned, hand in hand with her daughter Jess, she’s ready to make her childhood dreams come true.

Jess and Tracy Beaker are the perfect team. They do everything together.

Jess thinks Tracy is the best mum ever, even when she shouts at her teachers! Tracy has made the perfect home for Jess, leaving The Dumping Ground far behind her. Yes, their flat’s a bit mouldy. It’s only just big enough for two. And the Duke Estate is a bit scary. But it's their happy home.

Until Sean Godfrey, Tracy’s rich boyfriend, whisks them away to his mansion, life of fast cars and celebrity stardom.

Will Jess’s brilliant mum turn into a new person altogether?

And will Tracy realise that her childhood dream might not be what she needs after all?

Review

I didn't know I needed this book until I realised it was a thing! I loved reading Jacqueline Wilson's books when I was younger and I watched a lot of Tracy Beaker on TV. I loved the show and the books, but was always worried about what Tracy would grow up like.

Yes, she has her issues, but Tracy is herself. And when Sean Godfrey (Football) comes into the picture, she seems to change her persona to please, because a fancy life is all that she's ever wanted and all that she made up to tell other people. It doesn't come as a surprise that she behaves this way and I can completely understand why she is behaving the way she is, even though Jess doesn't. But in the end, Tracy will always be herself and stick up for her and Jess.

It's actually a very witty book because all Tracy wants is a flash house and an amazing car and someone to pay attention to her; she is willing to be with someone who doesn't really love her in order to give her child the life she always wanted. She thinks she's doing what's best for Jess when really, she is only doing what she's doing because of her upbringing.

What I loved about this book was how I was reading it yet I didn't feel like a child at all. I felt like it was right to be reading about Tracy and because I'm the age I am now, I feel like I can relate to both Tracy and Jess.

Wilson is extremely clever with how she writes and markets her books. I don't by any means agree with how she spews out books every five minutes, but she writes about taboo subjects in a way that children can relate to. When I was young, I found comfort in her books about child abuse and abandonment because it's something I could relate to. Her books gave me hope.

Now, let's talk about character development. Tracy hasn't changed a bit, except for the fact she has a child to care for, someone else to think about other than herself. Jess is so sweet and the complete opposite of Tracy. But my favourite character will always be Cam. She's the loving mum in the background cheering you on, giving you the space you need to make mistakes but comforting you with open arms when it all goes wrong. I love the fact Wilson has confirmed that Cam is gay, even without mentioning it, like it's the norm - which it should be!!

If you loved Jacqueline Wilson books when you were little, then you'll love this book because it seems to grow with the reader. Happy reading folks!

Until next time, love, Vee x

Book Review: Someday

Hey bookworms! This week I'll be reviewing a recent read of mine: Someday by David Levithan. If you love wacky books about people waking up in the wrong bodies, then this one's for you.

Blurb

Every day a new body. Every day a new life. Every day a new choice.

For as long as A can remember, life has meant waking up in a different person’s body every day, forced to live as that person until the day ended. A always thought there wasn’t anyone else who had a life like this.

But A was wrong. There are others.

A has already been wrestling with powerful feelings of love and loneliness. Now comes an understanding of the extremes that love and loneliness can lead to — and what it’s like to discover that you are not alone in the world.

In Someday, David Levithan takes readers further into the lives of A, Rhiannon, Nathan, and the person they may think they know as Reverend Poole, exploring more deeply the questions at the core of Every Day and Another Day. What is a soul? And what makes us human?

Review

Levithan is my favourite author, so of course I was excited about going to buy his latest installment, Someday from Waterstones Piccadilly, where he was signing. I was so excited and couldn't wait to start it.

As always, Levithan doesn't disappoint. Even though it wasn't the ending I expected, it felt like a reality check. The book made me feel like I wasn't alone and that the characters were there for me. I love when a book feels like home.

A sometimes does annoy me as a character, but ultimately, their journey is a unique one and written in such a clever way that it almost feels like a metaphor for life. We aren't always able to find ourselves if we keep searching; we just have to go with the flow and see who we become from our experiences.

Rhiannon is someone I can relate to and I think her character is the most believable. I find her to be a really strong woman after being beaten down by her ex, Justin for ages. She has emerged stronger than ever and we see her go through this journey through all three books. She has the most character development of all.

About X... Well let's just say he's scary as hell! But so well written for an author who usually writes about good, kind people. He's written in a way that we hate him, but understand him at the same time.

Overall, I wasn't blow away as I wish it had ended differently, but I admire Levithan's dedication to this series and hope there's much more to come. Until next time, love, Vee x

Book Review: Floored

Hey guys! So this week is a book review about Floored, a novel about when seven lives collide and what happens in the aftermath. Enjoy!

Blurb

Floored is written by seven authors; Sara Barnard, Holly Bourne, Tanya Byrne, Non Pratt, Melinda Salisbury, Lisa Williamson and Eleanor Wood.

When they got in the lift, they were strangers. Sasha, who is desperately trying to deliver a parcel; Hugo, who knows he's the best-looking guy in the lift and is eyeing up Velvet, who knows what that look means; Dawson, who used to be on TV, used to be handsome, and is sincerely hoping no one recognizes him; Kaitlyn, who's losing her sight but won't admit it; and Joe, who shouldn't be here at all, but wants to be here the most.

And one more person, who will bring them together again on the same day every year.

Review

I bought Floored solely because Lisa Williamson had co-written it but I ended up loving all the characters and the craziness of the story. I even ended up liking Hugo, the most pompous prick there was. It was such a thrill reading this book; some nights I couldn't put it down and it really has helped me with my reading slump.

I spent the first few chapters trying to guess who's writing was who's but after a while it all melted together and I ended up thinking it was written by one person, one voice.

I think having Steven Jeffords die in the lift and the fact his death brings them together every year to celebrate life, was an excellent idea. Every single one of them has problems in their lives and although they only see one another once a year, it means more to them than any friend they've ever had. These unlikely bunch mean so much to each other, they will run all around the country to see one another. That's true friendship. No matter how often you see your best friends, they will still always be there for you in your time of need.

My personal favourite was Velvet because in the end, she finally finds her place in the world, her voice to speak up for herself. Like all of them, they find their purpose in life and having friends help you along the way is the best bit of the journey.

This book was so well written and gripping; I truly hope all the writers collab again in the future. I can't believe seven people managed to pull this off; I hardly ever read collabs because of my bad experience with them in the past, but this book has changed my mind. I cannot wait to read all the authors' other books.

This is a must read for anyone who needs a friend, a laugh or even a virtual hug from a book. Go and buy this book, now!

Don't forget to subscribe to my blog and let me know if you've read Floored or any of the authors' work in the comments. Until next time, love, Vee x

The Man In Forest Hills Book Tour With Alex Owumi

This week's post is a book tour of Alex Owumi's latest release, The Man In Forest Hills. We're so excited to read this one! I have asked Alex a few questions about his book and his writing so read on to find out more!

The Man In Forest Hills Blurb

Being a detective in the city of Boston is no easy task, and with the crime rate sky high, law enforcement is the only hope of getting things back in order. One of the best detectives in the state is Thomas Kent, a hard-nosed, by the book type, who doesn’t bend the rules for anyone. With the help of his department, he has taken down some of the biggest criminals in the city, and has also made a lot of enemies as well. For years he has battled with the biggest drug kingpin in the city, Cecil Chambers. Chambers has been corrupting the streets for more than twenty years. Detective Kent and his partner, Darren Harper, have finally caught a break to bring down Chambers and his infamous crew once and for all.

But the week Cecil Chambers gets behind bars is when it all takes an unexpected turn. Detective Kent wakes up in a hospital with bandages all over his body and no recollection of what has happened to him. He finds out that his wife and only son have been killed, so he immediately starts to look for answers. When he finds out who is involved, he realizes the answers he needs are not too far away. He comes to the reality that in order for him to get answers he can’t approach this as a detective. At the end of it all, Thomas Kent goes from a man who unapologetically honors the shield to a man who knows revenge is the only way.

You can get the UK book here.
You can get the US book here.

Questions With Alex Owumi

1. Was writing The Man In Forest Hills more challenging than writing any other of your books?

Writing this new book was very challenging because it takes place in my hometown of Boston. I had to develop characters that represent the city and sometimes it was difficult.

2. What made you come up with the story line?

The story line was an idea I had back in 2012 and finally decided to start writing in 2017. I knew I wanted characters that were very exciting and mysterious at the same time.

3. Is there going to be a sequel or is it a stand alone?

This book is the first of a new series called 'Metro Crimes.' It will be a series of books based in the city of Boston and the surrounding areas.

4. What book did you enjoy writing the most? And out of all of your characters, who do you like the most?

I love all the books I write but this new one is one I am excited about. I love the challenge that was ahead of me and the protagonist who's name is Tom Kent is an amazing character.

5. What is the most challenging aspect of being a writer? And the most rewarding aspect?

The most challenging aspect of being a writer is literally developing characters from scratch. It is extremely difficult but when you've found your groove the sky is the limit. Seeing readers appreciate your book is the most rewarding thing for me. I love my fans and supporters and love writing stories for them.


I hope you enjoy reading Alex's books! Until next time, love, Vee x

My Day At Penguin Random House Jobhack

Hi guys! This week's blog post is a little different and is about my experience at Penguin Random House Jobhack day.

My Experience

If you don't know what Penguin's Jobhack is, it's a day full of workshops such as editorials, marketing and publicity and people who work in the industry tell everyone a bit about their job and how they got into publishing. It's a great way to network, meet other people and learn more about how to apply for a job at Penguin.

I applied for the Jobhack in Leicester and had to get up at half five in the morning to get there. Even though I ran a lot of the way and was a tad late because of the trains, they waited for me and got started. First of all, we played human bingo, a game to find out more about each other. As soon as I sat down, everyone said hello and they were all so welcoming.

After human bingo, we had a few people talk to us about their jobs and what they do in a day. My favourite was when Becky Miller, an editor for Penguin, talked about her experience getting into publishing and what she does in a day. She made sure she told us all that there's no one way to get into publishing and you absolutely do not need a degree. She told us about her usual day and helped us with a workshop in editorial to give us a taste of what it's like to be in her shoes.

We also had Isabel from Marketing and Publicity who gave us a task of marketing a book which I found really exciting. And after lunch we had a talk on CVs and how we can make our cover letters stand out better (needless to say I applied for a lot of jobs when I got home).

The most fun aspects of the day were meeting new people and asking questions. It was great to meet Rebecca, an audio editorial assistant who told us about her work and set us an audio task. Near the end of the day they gave us time to ask questions and they called this "speed networking" and we all got a chance to ask editors, producers and recruiters, questions about publishing.

Another fun part of the day was when we got to choose books we wanted to take home with us and some people won prizes. We also received a notebook, Penguin tote (yes I got red, I'm very lucky) and a bookmark.

I'm so thankful that I heard about this day and that I went because I met amazing people and I feel more inspired than ever that I'm going to break my way into publishing. Thank you to Penguin for this great day!

If you feel like you'll never get into publishing, then I think this day is perfect for you. It will help lift your spirits and you get to ask as many questions as you have about the industry. Don't give up!

Until next time, love, Vee x

Book Review: Sasquatch, Love and Other Imaginary Things

Hey guys! So I recently entered a giveaway for Sasquatch, Love and Other Imaginary Things and I won the book! It came all the way from the US so I would like to thank Betsy Aldredge and Carrie DuBois-Shaw for sending it to me.

Review

This book is different from anything I've recently read and involves a Wood Ape, some British snobs and a big guy with a camera. Sasquatch, Love and Other Imaginary Things is about the Berger family who go onto a reality TV show in search of Bigfoot to win money to save their house and pay for Sam's college tuition. Sam, the middle child in the Berger family is obsessed with caring about everyone and wants to study pre-med at college. She knows her family are secretly struggling with money and does everything she can to win Myth Gnomers; even if tat means faking clues and taking snooping around.

The Netherfield team are a competitive group of seniors wanting to win money for their school and Dr. DeGraw who is also one of the judges. Devan, Kyle and Caroline are snotty, stuck up kids who are determined to win against the Berger family. Unfortunately, love gets in the way and the family are soon faced with complications, flu and planting fake clues in order to win against the Netherfield team. Even though Sam and Devan are mortal enemies in the competition, they can't help being drawn to one another.

This book was actually a breath of fresh air to me and I found it hilarious. I hardly ever read any comedy, but YA mixed with corny jokes and sarcastic comments is my idea of a dream novel. Sam reminds me of myself and is the lovable joker of the family. She cares about everyone but worries constantly and is always sarcastic.

I also really liked Sophie, her awkward older sister and Lyssa, her slutty younger one. The whole family is embarrassing and wonderful at the same time. This book is full of family values, sacrifice and support. It's a different take on romance, love and what it means to be family.

If you're looking for a funny, awkwardly romantic YA novel, then this is for you! I hope you enjoyed this review and let me know in the comments if you've read it!

Until next time, love Vee x

The Blogger Recognition Award

Hey guys! So I recently got nominated for the Blogger Recognition Award by Emma www.believeinbumble.co.uk and Heather mamabefrugal.blogspot.com. So here's my advice and nominees!

Rules

• Write a post showcasing your award
• Give a brief story about how your blog began
• Give two pieces of advice to new bloggers
• Thank whoever nominated you and include a link to their blog
• Nominate fifteen bloggers

How My Blog Began

My blog began after I was put on garden leave from my first job. I used to blog write for a digital marketing agency and I really loved it so once I was jobless, I decided to start up my own blog and this is where I am now! I love my blog and it keeps me sane; if I didn't have it I don't know where I'd be right now. I've made so many friends and found so many new authors.

My Advice

It's about quality not quantity. Write your heart out, spill it all over the internet but don't write posts for the sake of having something on your blog. I messed up and wrote posts that weren't showcasing my skills; I now write quality content when I can about books, interviews and lifestyle. I don't want to churn things out just to have a weekly post up. Make sure you're writing from the heart. If you're in it for the followers and likes, then blogging isn't for you.

Share share share. Make sure you make friends in the blogging community and take part in following other people's blogs and getting to know them. You'll soon build up a network of authors/friends/contacts and they may even help you in the future. I was asked by Alex Owumi if I would participate in a blog tour for his book and I said yes. That post got me more views than any other and I frequently talk to Alex and even wrote a blog post for him. This year, I'm taking on another book tour with him. Contacts are important and not just for views but for friendships too.

Thank you to Emma and Heather once again for nominating me. Here are my nominees:

@AlexOwumi

@hamster_says

@hhniwidamber

@LavraxB

@ejaleigh

@justmominit

@nicoleeblogs

@peachpaaige

@britonabudget1

@medbus97

@BooksNest

@thepatchworkfox

@ruthinrevolt

@RootsWingsBlog

@sophisobel_

So there you go! See you next time, love, Vee x

Poetry Review: An Unapologetic Expression

Hey everyone! I hope you're having a great weekend, whatever you're up to. This week's blog post is a poetry review of TL Rodger's collection, An Unapologetic Expression. I was asked by Rodger's to review the book and as I love reading new poetry, I gladly agreed!

Review

The book is split into six chapters and all the poems are very inspiring and mindful. The author's goal is to inspire others to follow their dreams, no matter what their background is. The chapters include poems about identity, love, death and everything in between. There are even ones about parents and how you don't have to be like them, you can follow your own path, your own destiny.

The book is very short so it's a quick but powerful read. I really enjoyed the poems about following your dreams because I've been re-evaluating my life decisions and what I should do. The poems make me want to do something, be someone. And that's what all great poetry should do. No matter how long a book is or how short the poems are, if the author is passionate about what they write, then the words have the ability to empower the reader.

I recommend this collection to anyone who loves inspiring poetry that includes poems about identity, mindfulness and nature.

If you would like to purchase An Unapologetic Expression, then you can find it on Amazon or Payhip.

If you would like to follow TL Rodgers on social media, here are the usernames:

Tumblr and Instagram: @simplywoke

If you or someone you know has a poetry collection to review, please email me at: greenv745@gmail.com to inquire. Until next time, love Vee x

Poetry Review: 27, With A White Lighter

Happy Hump Day! This post is a review on Jennifer Juan's fifth poetry collection, 27, With a White Lighter.

The collection will be available on 3rd December 2018 and I was asked to review an ARC copy of the collection. Read on to see what my opinion is!

About

Jennifer Juan returns to share her early onset midlife crisis with her fifth major poetry collection, 27, With a White Lighter. A reflection of her life so far, and what the future holds. In her darkest volume yet, Juan muses over romance, the meaning of life,drug culture, sexuality, Brexit and so much more.

Review

I was a little confused about what some of these poems were inferring, but one of my favourites from the collection was Rollercoaster. It's about being at a fairground at night with her partner and wanting everything and everyone to fall away so she could spend time alone with him, forever.

I thought that the use of metaphors were very unique and effective and some of the language was particularly interesting. One of the weirdest poems involved a talking cat going on Spain's Got Talent. It was quite funny.

I thought that these poems were well thought out and are relatable to a lot of people going through heartbreak or uneasiness about the future. Mixed with photos of Jennifer and her partner, this will make an eye catching paperback. One thing that draws me to poetry books are illustrations and pictures.

If you like political poems about Brexit and stories of heartbreak, then this is the book for you. It's fairly quick to read as well. I hope everyone buying this book in December will enjoy it!

Until next time, love Vee x

Book Review: Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow

Hey guys! So a little while ago Siobhan Curham kindly sent me her latest release, Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow to review. I was immensely excited and I've been really slow on my reading lately (even more so recently) but this book has managed to get me through a slump.

Blurb

Fourteen year-old Stevie lives in Lewes with her beloved vinyl collection, her mum...and her mum's depression. When Stevie's mum's disability benefits are cut, Stevie and her mum are plunged into a life of poverty. But irrepressible Stevie is determined not to be beaten and takes inspiration from the lyrics of her father's 1980s record collection and dreams of a life as a musician. The she meets Hafiz, a talented footballer and a Syrian refugee. Hafiz's parents gave him their life savings to buy Hafiz a safe passage to Europe; his journey has been anything but easy. Then he meets Stevie...

As Stevie and Hafiz's friendship grows, they encourage each other to believe in themselves and follow their dreams.

Review

I was really excited about starting this book as I love to read new authors' work. I didn't expect the story to grip me the way it did but it was so moving. I felt like I was transported into Stevie and Hafiz's world and it reminded me of the Jacqueline Wilson books I used to read.

Stevie and Hafiz's relationship is something to admire; they are both from extremely different backgrounds but both have their best interests at heart. This isn't a book about the guy getting the girl, but about the strength friendship gives you.

This story is so important for people to read because Hafiz is a refugee and the video he makes for assembly is actually moving. It's so realistic and Curham outlines the heartbreak that can come from being a refugee. She writes so eloquently about the crisis and details everything from the papers that Hafiz needed to get into the UK, to the journey he took and the sights he saw on the way. It was heartbreaking to read but sends a really important message to those who don't know about the crisis.

It's also an important read to those who know someone with depression or want to know more about it; Stevie's mum is anxious and has depression which is hard on her and Stevie. The fact that she can't work and is relying on benefits is a true crisis here in Britain. There are too many people who have mental health problems who don't receive help and have their benefits cut.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the journey that both Hafiz and Stevie go on. Stevie's struggles with poverty and Hafiz's problems with bullying both highlight current problems and I think this book is a must read for anyone wanting to know more about these issues. The characters were so lovable and I really rooted for all of them.

I can't wait to read more of Curham's work and I'm so glad books like this exist.

Until next time, love, Vee x

Book Review: Eliza and Her Monsters

Hey guys! So I've been desperate to read Eliza and Her Monsters for so long since I saw the cover and blurb. This week I'll be reviewing the book for you! Let me know in the comments whether you've read it and what you thought.

About Eliza and Her Monsters

Eliza and Her Monsters was written by Francesca Zappia in 2017 and the Children of Hypnos, which features in the book, is a bi-weekly serial posted twice a week.

Eliza Mirk is known online as LadyConstellation, the creator of Monstrous Sea, an online web comic with millions of views. Eliza spends every waking second drawing her comic, whether it be at school or home - she even misses Christmas because of how busy she is. She doesn't have any friends at school; they're all online. Until she meets Wallace, the new boy at school who's a fan of Monstrous Sea. When Eliza gets caught up in a lie, will she be able to tell Wallace who she really is before her identity is exposed?

My Review

Trigger warning: this review mentions depression and suicide.

When I started reading this I thought that Eliza was a fairly average teenager who spends too much time online. She doesn't have friends outside of the internet and she's never met her best friends - I can relate to this and I think a lot of you will too. But Eliza starts developing mental health problems; it starts off slow but becomes more intense and she can't find the motivation to practice her art anymore. We've all been there. But the difference with Eliza is, she thinks Monstrous Sea is all she has - it's who she is and without it, she fears she's no one. But if she writes the ending to her comic, she's frightened her fans will hate it.

The clever thing that Zappia has done, was to write the mental health into the book without really addressing that it's an issue to Eliza. Eliza doesn't think that it's unhealthy to spend all her time online. It's where she belongs.

Towards the end, Eliza is faced with a decision that is triggering for those with depression or suicidal thoughts. She pretty much loses everyone but her family and feels like she has nothing anymore. Her anxiety and stress over finishing the comic for Wallace to get a book deal consumes her. She feels guilty and useless. But she'll soon realize she means more than her work, and that she can still draw without it consuming her. Her parents and brothers, online friends and Wallace are a supportive network that Eliza needs in this time of self discovery.

This book is about discovering your self worth, and realizing that your art, your work, is a separate part of you; it's not why people love you or like you, you are what people love.

Full of fandom, online friendships and self discovery, Eliza and Her Monsters is a must read for lovers of Geekerella and Fangirl. You can find out more about Zappia here.

I hope you all enjoyed my review, don't forget to subscribe to receive updates on my posts. Until next time, love, Vee x

Author Interview with Shelby Leigh

Hey guys! So in this week's blog post, I'm going to be interviewing author and poet, Shelby Leigh, who has written It Starts Like This. I hope you enjoy this post and if you are an author/poet or know someone who is, let me know and I'll see if I can interview them and their book.

Interview

It Starts Like This is about love, loss and hope. Was it difficult to write your emotions for everyone to see?

Yes! It is definitely difficult to write these subjects, even if I'm the only one seeing it. I wrote anonymously for so long because I dreaded the thought of anyone knowing the person behind the poems. But, I am so glad I got the courage to begin writing publicly, because I would have never gotten the courage and support to self-publish if I hadn't.

How long did it take to write It Starts Like This? Was it hard getting published?

Well, the book happened (kind of) accidentally. I started writing poems on my blog and challenged myself to write a poem a day for a year. 365 poems later, I had an audience that encouraged me to make a book out of those poems! I had no idea how to do so, but I selected my favourites, put them in an order that would tell a story, and decided to self-publish. To answer the second part of the question, I'm not traditionally published. However, that doesn't mean self-publishing wasn't hard. I did everything on my own (except finding an artist who submitted their lovely painting for the cover), from formatting to editing to marketing. It wasn't easy, but very worth it!

What's your advice to anyone looking to publish their poetry?

My advice is to just go for it. Whether you try the traditional route or the self-publishing route, do your research, stay true to your voice, and don't get discouraged if your work is rejected. Every writer has been there. If we all gave up, there would be no books (and that's a sad, sad world to think about!).

Do you have a favourite poet/author and book/collection?

My favourite poet of all time is Maya Angelou. Her work has inspired me so much. I also love the work of Audre Lorde. As far as modern poets, there are far too many favourites to name. I have been fortunate to become friends with many modern poets and be part of a wonderful poetry community on social media.

Do you have any plans to publish any more poetry collections or books?

Yes! I am currently working on my second poetry book, and then I would like to get back into writing fiction. My second poetry book is coming sometime in 2019.

Now, this is a fun question I love to ask. You're stranded on an island and you can only pick 3 people and 3 objects/things to take with you. Who and what would you take?

This is such a tough question! I would take my boyfriend, for sure, but I would feel guilty dragging anyone else along to a deserted island. As for objects, I would bring a water filter, pens, and journals. (And a huge supply of chocolate, if possible.)

Links

If you would like to purchase and find out more about Shelby, you can visit her website here. Her Instagram and Twitter usernames are:@shelbysleigh

Thank you for reading! Until next time, love Vee x

Poetry Review: Light Filters In

Hi guys! I've recently been reading lots more poetry and one of the collections I've read is Light Filters In by Caroline Kaufman. This was also an impulse buy! I'll be reviewing and showing you some of my favourite poems from the collection.

Review

Light Filters In is about being human and how fragile we are. The book is split up into four sections: The Darkness Falls. The Night Persists, The Dawn Breaks and The Sun Rises. This collection is written with honesty and Kaufman has opened up about her life with depression, self harm and abusive relationships and much more.

I liked the fact that being human and science were the main themes of the book as I'm also an atheist and even if some of the poems are very morbid, they're true, honest. Planets, stars and light are also mentioned throughout; the contrast between light and dark is also similar to depression and happiness.

Kaufman says that the destination isn't happiness, because after all, we won't always be happy a hundred per cent of the time. It's all about the journey, and sometimes the journey is messy and sad, but other times it's happy and joyful. I think that this book is mostly about recovery and how to cope in the bad times and how to release and feel joy in the good times. It's a wonderful read and I highly recommend it for anyone recovering or perhaps even going through depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts. It does get better - Kaufman is living proof of that. And so are you!

Overall, I wasn't sure about the theme at the start of the book as it was quite dark, but, like the theme, it gets lighter, it gets better and I really loved how clever the writing was.

Now I'm going to show you some of my favourite poems from the collection. If you have read Light Filters In, let me know what you thought in the comments.

If you have any poetry recommendations, let me know! Until next time, love, Vee x

Author Interview: Jacquelyn Lee

Hey guys! So in this week's blog, I'm going to be interviewing poet Jacquelyn Lee, the author of Under the Influence. I'm going to be asking her some questions about her poetry, future work and her favourite poets.

Under the Influence is a journey of abuse, trauma and grief through poetry, divided between three chapters. They are Addiction, Withdrawal and overdose. Each chapter is a different part of the author's abuse-ridden life as she grew up under the influence of her dysfunctional parents.

An Interview with Jacquelyn Lee

Because Under the Influence is so honest and full of emotion, was it hard to write, or was it more like a relief to release all of your emotions on paper?

This is such an interesting question. It actually wasn't hard to write at all. It just came so naturally. In about a month, more than half of it was written. In a way, it was like therapy and it helped me heal. The hard part is reading it, I've only read the entire book once since it was released.

Have you got any plans to write more in the future?

Yes, of course! I've started so many projects for future books about topics including mental illness, feminism, and more. I'm also working on re-releasing Under the Influence with a fourth chapter and illustrations added! I can't wait to announce more information about my future books.

What would be your advice to someone wanting to self-publish? Or become a freelance editor like yourself?

My advice to someone who wants to self-publish is not to stress over it because it's so much easier than one might think. I learned by watching YouTube tutorials. If I can do it, anyone can! I plan on releasing an e-book soon on how to self-publish, that's another project I'm working on. I hope it helps many others learn how to self-publish and makes the process as easy as possible for them!

As far as freelance editing, I actually just started. But as long as you have a bit of experience in writing and editing, it's a great way to make some extra cash and help others while doing it. I use Grammarly when I edit which is great for double-checking spelling and grammar errors! I actually just finished editing a college essay for someone. It's great to edit other people's writing because it really helps you grow your spelling and grammar skills without having an attachment to the writing.

Do you ever get writer's block? What do you do to help overcome it?

Yes, all of the time! Sometimes I go weeks without writing a thing. To help overcome it, I typically read other poetry books. Reading poetry always helps me get inspiration to write it. I usually write on and off. So I'll write for a few weeks straight, and then have writer's block for a few weeks. I think it's completely normal to have writer's block. Along with reading other poetry books, I often get inspiration to write from life itself. Sometimes I'll get inspired by hearing something someone said, watching a movie, even seeing a post on Instagram. If you really look, there is inspiration in everything!

Who are your favourite authors/poets right now? Do you have a favourite book or collection?

My favourite poet overall is Amanda Lovelace. Her debut poetry book, The Princess Saves Herself in this One is my favourite poetry collection. I relate to her words so much, reading her work made me feel like I wasn't alone. She was a huge inspiration for me to write my own poetry book. She actually followed me on Instagram and it made me so happy! Other poets I love and admire are: Pierre Jeanty, Damien Tillman, Trista Mateer, Ashley Marie, Caroline Kaufman, and many more!

I enjoy asking everyone this question: if you were stuck on an island, what 3 people would you take with you and what 3 objects/things and why?

That's a good one! I would definitely bring my two younger brothers, Paul and Justin, and my younger cousin Alexa - because they're all extremely smart and good at problem-solving. And for objects, I would bring food, water, and a tent for shelter because I think those basic necessities are extremely important for survival.

Jacquelyn's social media:

Instagram: @jacquelyn.lee

Facebook: @jacquelynxlee

Website: https://jacquelyn-lee.com/

You can purchase Under the Influence here.

I hope you enjoyed this post and I'll see you all next week! Love, Vee x

Sunshine Blogger Award

Hey guys! So in this week's blog post I'm going to be talking about the Sunshine Blogger Awards and how you can take part.

I was nominated by Multipotentialite Thoughts  for the Sunshine Blogger Awards. I'm so pleased! As the blog suggests, it's about lifestyle, DIY, literature and much more! Thank you so much for the nomination!

This award has some rules if you are nominated and want to take part:

1. Thank the person who nominated you and link their blog to this post
2. Answer the 11 questions asked by the nominator
3. Nominate 11 other bloggers
4. Ask them 11 questions - different from the ones you've answered
5. List the rules
6. Display the Sunshine Blogger Award on your post or blog site.

Questions asked by Multipotentialite Thoughts:

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

In five years I hope my blog is even larger and I hope to write more and eventually publish a book - hopefully poetry if I can keep going! I also want to travel to a lot more places and maybe even move to another country.

What social stigma does society need to get over?

I think everyone needs to get over the fact anyone can love anyone. There are still so many people who won't accept people who are gay, lesbian, trans etc. Love is love people! It's not hard to understand! Also, mental health - we need to talk about it more, in books, TV, movies. The more we talk about it, the more people we can help encourage to talk to someone and recieve the help and support they need.

What are your views on religion?

I respect everyone's views and religion unless that religion disrespects someone. Don't go around yelling your opinion - if someone wants to learn about a religion, they will. They don't need you jumping down their necks trying to convince them your religion is better than anything else and is the only way.

I'm personally an atheist and that's all I will say.

What is your lucky number and why?

13! I kind of picked it because it's Taylor Swift's lucky number and I absolutely love Friday the 13th. It's not unlucky, it's just our suspicions that get the better of us. I love to like the things that others hate most.

Why did you start blogging?

Excellent question! I was a digital media trainee and one of my main tasks was to create blog posts on a weekly basis. When I left, I really missed writing them and I had thought about starting a blog for a while. I want to share my views and recommend books to people - it is the most magical feeling when someone reads a book based on your review.

Name 3 things that bring you happiness in every day life.

My partner. Food (not even joking). Writing and reading (can I have that as one please?!)

What genre of music do you enjoy?

I enjoy listening to pop and country. But if Taylor Swift was a genre, and I believe she is, then I choose her.

Do you think aliens exist?

Yes. The universe is too large for there to only be humans.

When do you blog? During the day or in the evenings?

I schedule my blogs for Saturday afternoons mainly, sometimes Wednesdays. I write whenever I can!

Can you play a musical instrument?

Yes, I can play guitar and have taken many lessons.

Do you speak any other language than English? If yes, which language/s?

No, I really don't have the patience for it! I get so confused. The English language is confusing enough for me. Although I wouldn't mind learning Italian.

I Nominate:

@destinyischoice

@hamster_says

@bibookishbabe

@TaraOSullivan15

@that_book_girl

@termine_anthony

@BloggerOrdinary

 @Love_SophBlog

@britonabudget1

@EverydayLake

@_emycatmuir

My 11 Questions

Why did you start blogging?

What's your favourite genre to read?

What are three things you would take to a desert island?

Who is your favourite author/poet?

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

What is your go to comfort food?

Favourite TV show/film?

What 5 things could you not live without?

Do you have any pets?

What was your favourite subject in school?

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?


Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this post and I'll see you guys soon. Love, Vee x

Book Review: Emergency Contact

Hey guys! In this week's blog I'm going to be reviewing Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi. Let me know in the comments if you've read it and what you thought!


Overview

From debut author Mary H.K. Choi comes a compulsively readable novel that shows young love in all its awkward glory—perfect for fans of Eleanor & Park and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.

For Penny Lee high school was a total nonevent. Her friends were okay, her grades were fine, and while she somehow managed to land a boyfriend, he doesn’t actually know anything about her. When Penny heads to college in Austin, Texas, to learn how to become a writer, it’s seventy-nine miles and a zillion light years away from everything she can’t wait to leave behind.

Sam’s stuck. Literally, figuratively, emotionally, financially. He works at a café and sleeps there too, on a mattress on the floor of an empty storage room upstairs. He knows that this is the god-awful chapter of his life that will serve as inspiration for when he’s a famous movie director but right this second the seventeen bucks in his checking account and his dying laptop are really testing him.

When Sam and Penny cross paths it’s less meet-cute and more a collision of unbearable awkwardness. Still, they swap numbers and stay in touch—via text—and soon become digitally inseparable, sharing their deepest anxieties and secret dreams without the humiliating weirdness of having to see each other.


Review (may contain spoilers)

I saw the cover of this book on Instagram (as most of the books I buy are found on aesthetic Bookstagrammer's pages) and I was intrigued. The cover is so pretty and once I read the synopsis I really wanted to buy it.

When I started reading it, I was so excited after all the hype around it that it sort of fell flat at first. The writing isn't amazingly thought out; it's very much "he said, she said" and nothing more. But as the book went on I started to forget the overused verbs and enjoyed the story line.

I really warmed to Penny's weirdness and related a lot to her without even knowing it. She keeps an emergency stash of supplies in case of an apocalypse and her emotions are totally the opposite of what she wants them to be. I also thought Sam was lovable and even a gentleman. I don't want to spoil anything for you but it's so sweet and cringy when he thinks that a baby (not really a spoiler, it happens early on) can solve everyone's problems.

I actually really related to the whole texting instead of talking in real life idea. It's true, even with my partner of three years, I still have the urge to text him my feelings because I can better explain things via writing. It was a fresh idea and I think it worked well. The only thing that was slightly disappointing was Sam not getting his big break that you expect him to. 

For a debut novel, I think that Choi hit the ground running with this unique story of love, awkwardness and family drama. It has a bit of something for everyone and I even warmed to Mallory once I got to know her.

Overall, the characters were well set up, the plot was intriguing and even though the end is slightly predictable, the journey was the best part. I hope you pick it up and read it! It's such a heartfelt book.

Happy reading! Love, Vee x

An Interview With C.G. Drew

Hi guys! This week's blog is a special interview with C.G. Drew, the author of A Thousand Perfect Notes. I'm excited for this one!

About C.G. Drew

For those of you who don't know, here's a brief overview of who C.G. Drew is, taken from Goodreads.com:

C.G. Drews lives in Australia with her piano and the goal of reading every book in existence. Consequently, her brain has overflowed with words and she spends her days writing novels to make you laugh or cry (or both). She never sleeps and believes in cake for breakfast.

She blogs at paperfury.com.

Interview

A Thousand Perfect Notes was recently released in the UK last month; what gave you the idea for the story?

The very first threads I had for the story came from wanting to retell a classical composer's life! (I won't say the exact name, but you'll know when you read the book!) I also have a bit of a whisper of Cinderella in there, coupled with the want to tell a story about siblings, friendship, music, and saving yourself.

A Thousand Perfect Notes is an emotionally charged story and I was wondering what the hardest/best part to write was?

The best parts to write were the banter scenes! I love writing jokes and quips, so it made me smile! The hardest, for me, is usually the last chapters. Keeping the tension right, figuring out a satisfying ending, and then of course letting it out in the wild to see what people think after I'm done...Always nerve-wracking!
 

Where do you like to read/write; does it have to be quiet or loud, indoors or outdoors?

 
I love the quiet! I'll even wear headphones (without music haha) to block out as much white noise as possible. I usually write in bed too...or sometimes sitting on the floor (shh, I promise I'm a professional) and I do have a desk but somehow it ends up covered in books.

 

I'm sure you get asked this question a lot by writers but how do you cope with writer's block? And is there any advice you could give to someone experiencing it?

 
Oh it's the worst for sure. I actually write very intense outlines (we're talking 20,000 words!) so I won't get stuck at all while drafting. But when plotting and developing stories, I do get blocked. I don't think there's a "this works every time!" fix, but sometimes going for a walk and listening to music can help get the gears turning. I also make sure I keep my creative tank full (read lots of books, watch movies, look at art, etc.). I whinge about writer's block, but I make sure I've put aside actual time to tackle it and I don't just hope it resolves itself!

This is a hard question for any reader! Who is your favourite author or book and why?

Ahhh I can't pick one favourite!! But here are some authors who endlessly inspire me! Maggie Stiefvater, VE Schwab, Adam Silvera, K. Ancrum, and Patrick Ness.

What are your future plans; are you doing a book tour for A Thousand Perfect Notes?

No book tour! I'm just small-time author yet!

This is one of my favourite questions to ask: If you were stranded on an island and could only choose 3 people and 5 books to read, what would they be and why?

For the people, I'd chose my sisters probably! (And possibly someone else who knows how to make a raft?!?) And the 5 books would be: The Lies of Locke Lamora, Lady Midnight, The Scorpio Races, The Wicker King and Autoboyography!

Your second book, The Boy Who Steals Houses is out in 2019; How different was it writing this book compared to A Thousand Perfect Notes?

I'm so excited for everyone to meet Sam and Avery in The Boy Who Steals Houses! The writing is definitely my same style as for ATPN, but you can expect a little bit of unique formatting, some achingly short chapters in the finale, and scenes that will make you laugh....and also cry!

Thank you so much for reading and I'll see you next week! Love, Vee x

Book Review: Autoboyography

Hey guys! In this week's blog I'm going to be reviewing Christina Lauren's Autoboyography. Christina Lauren is actually the pen name for two authors called Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings who have co-written several novels together.

Overview

Autoboyography is about a teen called Tanner who lives in Provo and is finishing college. His best friend, Autumn, convinces him to join the Seminar where they have to write a book within four months. In the previous class, Sebastian, who is now the TA in Tanner's class, wrote a book the semester before and is now writing his second.

Tanner is bisexual and comes from a very accepting family (you'll be see plenty of Pride bumper stickers and PJs from his parents), but since moving from Palo Alto, Tanner's parents have sworn he keeps his sexuality to himself as everyone in the town is Mormon. This includes Sebastian, who Tanner has a crush on.

Soon, Tanner is struggling to write his story without including Sebastian in and his feelings overcome him. Will Tanner's feelings for Sebastian be reciprocated? Or will this go down in flames?

Review

I have so much to say about this book because it's been on my TBR pile for ages. I finally bought it (I'll admit the cover convinced me) and I instantly fell in love with the characters, especially Autumn, who I strongly believe needs her very own book in my opinion. She's so lovable and intriguing.

In my opinion, I didn't really warm to Sebastian but by the end I was totally smitten with the two of them! I enjoyed the plot of the book because it was centered around LGBT characters and creative writing. Although the Seminar didn't seem to play a big part at first, by the end it's the key element that makes this story beautiful. (You'll also love Fujita, the teacher.)

I was dubious about this read at first because there is so much religion within it and since I'm an atheist, I wasn't interested in reading about God or his plans for His Children. But I was pleasantly surprised that the book was written mostly about Sebastian's religion and didn't mock it in any way or try to 'recruit' people. Tanner's mum was brought up LDS and she had bad experiences with her parents and even though she absolutely hates the church, she welcomes Sebastian in with open arms. Also, everyone needs parents like Tanner's. They are so accepting and supportive, yet concerned about their children. It's the perfect balance - not overbearing but just the right amount of worried.

Also, Tanner is such a babe. That's right, I said it. He reminds me of myself (wow, smug) - creative but lacking the inspiration, falls head over heels in love and overthinks way too much. If he was any more confident or needy, he'd be annoying but he's actually the perfect amount of Tanner.

Sebastian's parents aren't open minded but this book doesn't portray them as being 'evil' or 'nasty,' but instead, they are seen as being brought up within such a tight knit, judgmental environment. Christina Lauren doesn't pass judgement on anyone in the book; but it's common sense to let people be themselves and that's what this story is trying to convey.

If you love LGBT+ novels and cheesy gestures, then you'll love this read. It's super easy to read and the characters are just so lovable.

I need to go make a petition for Christina Lauren to write a novel about Autumn Green. Go read this wonderful book now!

Until next time, love Vee x