Book Review: The Exact Opposite of Okay

Mar 29, 2018Mar 31, 20189 Comments

35817737 (1)

Izzy is many things, an Orphan, an aspiring comic and slut extraordinaire, that’s what it says online at least. But can you believe everything you read?

Wow, wow, wow. This is currently a contender for my book of the year and I’ve already been nagging my friends to read it. I initially liked the look of this novel from the blurb and super eye-catching cover. That said, I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. This is a fantastic look at societies views of girls who like sex.

After Izzy enjoys herself at a party she doesn’t think much of it. That is until posts about her being a slut are posted online, then pictures of her having sex, then some of her naked…and then a national scandal involving the son of a senator erupts. Which, as you can imagine isn’t as easy to ignore.

I LOVED our protagonist, Izzy. She was funny and sarcastic but also you could tell she had a good heart. A really good heart. The novel is written in Izzy’s voice and was like you were reading a friend’s blog rather than a fictional character. I felt that there was a great deal of balance between the face that Izzy shows to the world and her own feelings. She just felt real.

There is so much covered by this novel, slut shaming, the double standards between guys and girls as well as what it’s like to grow up with little money. In short, this is a novel that needed to be written. This is something that happens to a lot of girls and through the lens of a small town. You can feel the disgust that Izzy feels as she can see even the adult males mentally undressing her after seeing the images. You feel anger as she is treated terribly by those in authority even though she is a victim.

I gave this 5 stars and have been recommending it to absolutely everyone. We need more novels like this. Izzy isn’t defined as a victim here. She’s upset and angry but she’s still herself. She still has dreams and hopes for the future, she still loves her family (huge shout out to Izzy’s gran who is amazing) and thinks about others. I highly recommend this and can’t wait to see what Laura Steven does next.

Book Review: This is Going To Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor – Adam Kay

Mar 22, 2018Mar 4, 20185 Comments

35235302

“a great doctor must have a huge heart and a distended aorta through which pumps a vast lake of compassion and human kindness.”

Adam Kay once had a different life, after training for years he finally qualified as a Junior Doctor, this is a collection of his own personal diaries, the highs and lows in detail. Adam tells us about the stretch that the NHS is under but also talks about some of the quite humorous instances that he faces when in Gynocology…including some questionable choices by the general public.

I thought about reading this for a while and when I found it on Audible I thought I might as well give it a shot, this was said to be funny as well as showing the life of a Junior Doctor. This book is something else, a real eye-opener that honestly makes me want to campaign alongside NHS staff for more rights for them because they do so much for us.

If you ever think that doctors get a lot of money, kindly read this. Just the sheer number of hours, the training and the situations that they face are astounding. I must stress that through the majority of the book there is no mention of the political, this is very much a funny and thoughtful account of what it is like to be an NHS doctor. Kay talks about the detachment he’s supposed to have but how some patients he can’t help but remember. How the job that he’s passionate about destroys any sense of a social life and the events that lead to him leaving the profession in 2010.

I felt like this was more than a book, it was an insight into the lives of those who don’t get glamorised on screen. Remember, while you’re enjoying your family, someone else is giving up time with theirs. While you’re sick, someone else will take care of you. It’s easy to get frustrated with waiting times and lists but you can really see the pressures that doctors face through Kay’s words.

I felt emotional while reading this but I laughed a lot too. Of course, there are elements which are sombre, but Kay has a way of writing that makes everyday life seem like a comedy sketch with some hardships thrown in. It certainly gets the balance right when it comes to your emotions but know that you will feel them.

Of course, this was a 5-star read. I wasn’t sure initially but once I got in I couldn’t stop. This was absolutely incredible, well thought out and really showed the life of a doctor. My favourite part was a letter at the end to the Health Secretary, the only point I could feel anger and rightly so. This is not a political book, that’s not the purpose but it makes clear what our politicians are choosing to ignore.

Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J Maas

Mar 15, 2018Mar 4, 20184 Comments

16096824

“Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don’t feel anything at all.”

Feyre has to fight for the survival of herself and her family. After killing a Wolf in the woods she can’t believe her luck, they will be able to eat and sell furs, for a little while at least. That is until she is told she has killed a faerie and she must pay. She will either live with the faeries, a kind she despises, or die and leave her family to fend for themselves and almost certainly die.

Wow, wow, wow. This has been on my radar for a while but I didn’t know if Fantasy was my thing but after picking it up I thought I’d try. This was on my list of books to read in 2018, and it was a solid start. Seeing as I started this at the end of January and I’ve now finished the series so far you can guess my feelings towards it.

The world building in this was something else, it’s rare that you feel you can see the story play out in so much detail, but not so much that it bores you. I was rooting for Feyre the whole way through the novel and was constantly in awe of not only her physical strength but her character too.

What wasn’t clear when initially read is that this is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but I’ll add this is only to a point. It doesn’t feel Disney-esque, rather you share Fayre’s mix of wonder and suspicion throughout. Who can she trust in this world and will she ever get home? I was absolutely hooked from the first page to the point where I was teased for constantly being stuck between pages.

This wasn’t predictable, wasn’t something I’ve ever read before and I immediately bought and ordered the rest of the series while also, successfully, getting one of my best friends to read and fall in love with it as well. I genuinely care about Feyre and what’s going to happen to her in the next novel. While the novel appears tied up at the end you’ll find yourself constantly thinking of little questions until you give in and read the next book A Court of Mist and Fury.

Of course, I gave this 5 stars! It deserves nothing less in my opinion. This has made me want to read more of the same genre and slightly want to worship Sarah J Maas. I know from reviews some people aren’t in love with this book but I don’t see it. I’d 100% recommend picking this up because it is a wonderfully written novel.

Have you read this, what were your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!

Together We Rise – The Organisers of The Women’s March

Mar 8, 2018Mar 5, 20182 Comments

36099203

The Women’s March went global last year. After America chose to swear in a proud misogynist, women decided to take action, and so they did. This book details the marches and more importantly, why we marched. As soon as I saw this I wanted to speak to you all about it and seeing as it’s Women’s History Month, what better time is there to speak about it?

I’m really pleased to be working in collaboration with Harper 360 for this post after reaching out to them. As you know I’ve written about the London Women’s March in earlier blogs and why we needed it but what about over a year on? This collection makes it clear that we still need to stand and be counted when it comes to society.

The book is divided into four parts; Before, The March, After and Now What, each looking at the importance of these four periods not only in relation to the march itself but also within a wider context. What I find particularly interesting however is that each part is further broken down into the reason an individual woman marched, as well as some incredible photography of the day itself. We are also treated to insights from some well-known names such as; Rowan Blanchard, Senator Tammy Duckworth, America Ferrera, Roxane Gay, Ilana Glazer, Ashley Judd, Valarie Kaur, David Remnick, Yara Shahidi, Jill Soloway, Jia Tolentino, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Elaine Welteroth.

I think this is both an important and accessible book, giving insight into the thoughts, feelings and power that the March created. It’s also one that you don’t have to sit and read in one go, you can pick it up when you want to feel inspired or are struggling. I can’t wait to have this on my shelves and dip into it, although I’m definitely going to be tempted to dive in and read it cover to cover!

Are you planning on picking this up? Have you already? Let me know in the comments below!

Fantastic Feminist Authors

Mar 6, 2018Mar 4, 20183 Comments

On the 8th March it’s International Women’s Day, so what better time to share some kick ass authors for you to get into. In a recent Twitter poll you guys said you wanted to see more bookish content on the blog which is fine with me, so let’s get started!

Holly Bourne – YA Queen

From the first few pages of The Manifesto on How to Be Interesting, I fell in love and knew that Holly was one to watch. Her novels speak to young adults in a way I haven’t seen before. She talks about Feminism, without making you feel like she’s preaching. A fantastic author and you can read my review of Am I Normal Yet here.

Laura Bates – Conquering Everyday Sexism

Laura created the Everyday Sexism project, started to show that sexism is very real and giving a platform to share it. She has just released her third book Misogynation, after Everyday Sexism and Girl Up. She’s factual as well as standing up for women’s rights. A must-read author.

Caitlin Moran – The Reason I’m a Feminist

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, How To Be A Woman changed my life and perspective and, ultimately, made me a feminist. Caitlin says what she wants and has no time for bullshit. I’ve read all her non-fiction works as well as her novel How To Build A Girl, which is also a cracker. Great for getting the information with a great laugh at the same time.

Holly Baxter and Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett – Taking on the Magazines

Holly and Lucy run their own blog of the same name but I found the book first. This is different to any I’ve read before, particularly as neither are that much older than me. This examines the way we take in magazines and the media industry. It was fantastic, absolutely fantastic. Here’s my review to wet your appetite.

Rupi Kaur – Bringing Poetry Back

She’s become amazingly popular and for good reason. I haven’t seen poetry get this popular, well, ever. Rupi talks about the female experience in her poetry and it’s absolutely beautiful as well as thought-provoking. You can read my review of her second collection The Sun and Her Flowers here.

Louise O’Neill – Tackling Taboo

For incredible, thought-provoking fiction Lousie O’Neill is the one to go to. Her novel Only Ever Yours freaked me out but I couldn’t stop thinking about it and later novel Asking For It has been raved about since its release. She’s not afraid of writing about taboo subjects and feminism, what more do you want? Review of Only Ever Yours here.

Who would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!

World Book Day 2018 My Favourite Children's Books

My 10 Favourite Children’s Books for World Book Day!

Mar 1, 2018Feb 25, 20182 Comments

Happy World Book Day to you all! When I was younger, it was just starting to become a big thing with dressing up and all the fun and games that little ones have today! So it got me thinking about some of the books I loved as a child. Keep in mind I could have just listed all the Jaqueline Wilson books because I was always obsessed with every single one that came out.

Double Act – Jacquline Wilson

This is a book I remember really loving, it focuses on twin girls Ruby and Garnet and looks at their relationship as sisters as well as growing up and finding themselves when they were so different. I read it repeatedly and even went to see the play on stage (thanks, Mum!).

The Harry Potter Series – J.K Rowling

I started reading in 1999 so, of course, Harry Potter is on this list. I don’t remember when I fell hard for the series but I remember picking it up when I was about 6 and starting there and…I never stopped.

The Worst Witch – Jill Murphey

Another magic based book but one that was also hilarious. I loved Mildred and I related to her. I was clumsy and a bit silly and I loved the idea of this school where girls all went to learn magic and didn’t always get it quite right.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl

I remember having a special edition that I got from WH Smiths and cherishing it, this was a special edition of a book no one else could read it. I read it over and over as well as loving the original film.

Secrets – Jaqueline Wilson

When this came out I was learning about the Second World War and Anne Frank, something that is a focus in this novel. I loved both of the protagonists and couldn’t put it down. Jacqueline Wilson is an incredible author.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – Micheal Rosen

If you don’t remember chanting this as a small child and driving everyone mad then what was your life? This was a staple of my first few years at school and it’s even become a tv programme in the last few years. I still remember parts of it in my 20s.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle

Another classic when I started school. I don’t know what was so entertaining about it, I just remember finding it hilarious.

Malory Towers Series – Enid Blyton

I remember thinking that Enid Blyton wasn’t cool when I was younger and then, by chance, I saw the Mallory Towers books with all new covers and they looked interesting. I loved these stories about girls making friends and having a wonderful time at boarding school.

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit – Judith Kerr

I was really interested in and had huge empathy for children in the Second World War so I started reading Kerr’s first book in her trilogy about growing up in these times. It made it understandable for a child to read.

You Wait Till I’m Older Than You – Micheal Rosen

My love for poetry started young and I picked this up signed at a car boot sale and loved it. I don’t remember specifics but I read it endless amounts.

What were your favourites as a child? Let me know in the comments below!

February Wrap Up!

Feb 27, 2018Feb 25, 20183 Comments

Here we are again with another month worth of reading! Just like January, I managed to get a good number of books in…9! So here’s my monthly round up for you all!

Brave – Rose McGowan

Almost everyone has heard the name Rose McGowan in the past few months. This is the story of her life and the ‘cult of Hollywood’ as she describes it. The first woman to speak out against Harvey Weinstein after he raped her and started a movement. I gave this 5 stars, a tough but much-needed read.

A Court of Mist and Fury – Sarah J Maas

Last month I couldn’t help but rave about the amazing A Court of Thorns and Roses last month (review to come) I had to read the next one as soon as possible. This was the biggest one in the trilogy and I loved it, I’m 100% a fan of the series. This one also got 5 stars.

Clean – Juno Dawson

I used to like Juno Dawson’s books but this one just wasn’t good in my opinion. It made me incredibly angry and I don’t want to say anymore because there’s no point in being mean but nope, would not recommend. This got 2 stars.

Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body – Roxane Gay

Roxane Gay looks at the body in this non-fiction book, specifically hers and what our impressions are of ‘fat’ bodies. She talks about how being raped impacted her and how she now feels about her body. I gave it 3 stars.

Time Bomb – Joelle Charbonneau

This was an advance reader copy I received on Netgalley. The story focuses on a range of different characters and their perspectives of being inside their high school when a bomb goes off. They all need to work together while trying to protect themselves. This was an ok book, I read it quite quickly but I didn’t think it was that memorable! This one got 3 stars.

But You Did Not Come Back – Marceline Loridan-Ivens

This was heartbreaking, really, really heartbreaking. This is a letter from Marceline to her father who was murdered in Auschwitz after they were separated. The things she would have told him in response to a letter he managed to get smuggled to her in the camp. I picked this up in passing and I’m so glad I did, it’s something that needs to be read. I gave this 5 stars.

Why Have Kids? – Jessica Valenti

I’ve read Valenti’s work before in Sex Object but this was different. I don’t have children but found this interesting from both sides. This would be a very controversial read but I still enjoyed it. That could change later on in my life. I gave it 3 stars.

A Court of Wings and Ruin – Sarah J Maas

The final piece of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. This didn’t go exactly how I thought it would but it was still brilliant. I couldn’t wait to get through and see what happened at the end. I’m glad there’s a 4th book coming soon!

This is Really Happening – Erin Chack

Buzzfeed writer Erin Chack wrote a collection of essays about her working life, having Cancer at the age of 19 and meeting her partner whilst still a teenager. I listened to this and I enjoyed it but at times it felt a little all over the place, which is why I gave it 3 stars.

Mysogynation – Laura Bates

I’m still reading this at the time of writing this post BUT once again Laura Bates has written brilliantly. The book is a collection of pieces she has written and published. So far, so good!

Don’t forget if you want to keep up with what I’m reading we can connect on Goodreads! What are you reading at the moment? Let me know in the comments below!

Blog Tour: Only Child – Rhiannon Navin

Feb 22, 2018Feb 21, 20182 Comments

‘We went to school that Tuesday like normal.
Not all of us came home . . .’

I was honoured to be asked to be a part of this blog tour for Rhiannon Navin’s debut novel. I had read and loved it before I was asked to take part. Before I start this review I want to be mindful of the past few weeks events in Florida, this review may be distressing as it also relates to gun violence against children.

Six-year-old Zach is having a normal day at school, that is until a gunman enters his school. Hiding with the rest of his class and teacher, Zach listens to the ‘pop’ in the school, something that he won’t forget. Thankfully, Zach and his classmates survive and after finally being reunited with his distraught mother he thinks everything is ok, that’s until Zach’s parents ask him where his older brother Andy is but he’s not coming home.

This novel is a whirlwind of emotion and is written incredibly well. Told solely from the perspective of Zach, making it even more heartbreaking, the innocence of a child makes all the difference. Seeing not only the horror of the day itself but the impact this has on a child and on a family in the aftermath, I don’t even know how to begin to describe the emotion. This isn’t an easy read, but it is an important one.

I’ve read novels before focusing on the subject of a school shooting, they’ve made me feel deeply sad but this was different. The simplicity of the way Zach tries to process what has happened and how his family changes. I also found it interesting that Navin showed raw emotion and didn’t hold back. She showed a mother who needed justice no matter what, a father coping with his youngest child and a little boy confused by the feelings he’s experiencing. Can he be happy and sad at the same time?

In times like these, I think this is a vital read, it may be fictional but this could quite easily be a reality for a child or young person at school. For this, I applaud Navin for her portrayal. There are no dark details in this, it is simply the force of emotion that moves you alongside Zach. I, of course, gave this five stars. I cannot recommend the novel enough to everyone. A heartbreaking, poignant read.

Thank you to the publisher, author and Netgalley for this early release.

Unpopular Opinions Book Tag!

Feb 20, 2018Feb 18, 201810 Comments

Well, I wouldn’t be a good book blogger if I didn’t talk about the good and the bad! I loved watching this when Cece over at Problems of a Book Nerd did this tag! Keep in mind these are my opinions but I’d love to know yours at the end of this post!

What is a popular book or series that you didn’t like?

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I really hated the twist to me it just seemed kind of boring? I’ve met very few people who agree with me!

What is a popular book or series that everyone else seems to hate but you love?

So, I took a look at this list to see what people had claimed to hate. I couldn’t believe Jane Eyre was on there, I absolutely adored it! It was incredible and a wonderful novel.

What is a love triangle in a book or series where the main character ended up with the person you did not want them to end up with?

This is a difficult one, most of the time I agree with what the author says BUT I didn’t like what happened in The Hunger Games. It didn’t feel like Katniss got the ending she deserved, not did Gale, nor did Peeta.

What is a popular book genre that you hardly reach for?

Romance, it’s not something that I’m interested in and I find them too samey.

What is a popular or beloved character that you do not like?

Snape. I don’t care what he did towards the end he was a bully and a coward. Sorry, not sorry.

Who is a popular author that you can’t seem to get into?

E.L. James, I don’t get the 50 Shades thing, I had to read some for uni and before that, I wanted to know what the fuss was about. The writing was awful, truly, truly awful.

What is a popular book trope that you are tired of seeing?

People being arseholes/ terrible people and the only reason given is that they have a mental illness. Over it, add some depth.

What is a popular book or series that you have no interest in reading?

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. I read Meyer’s Heartless a while ago and it just wasn’t the kind of book I thought it would be and I was disappointed with the plot. It’s because of that I won’t be picking up the Lunar Chronicles.

What is a movie or TV show adaption of a book or series that you like more than the book/s?

Bridget Jones! I couldn’t stand the books when I read them, I couldn’t get on with the writing style at all but I absolutely love the films.

What unpopular opinions do you have? Are you going to do the tag? Let me know in the comments below!

Chloe Metzger

Lifestyle, Books and More

Category: Book Review

Book Review: The Exact Opposite of Okay

Book Review: This is Going To Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor – Adam Kay

Top 10 Books I Read in Winter

Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J Maas

Together We Rise – The Organisers of The Women’s March

Fantastic Feminist Authors

My 10 Favourite Children’s Books for World Book Day!

February Wrap Up!

Blog Tour: Only Child – Rhiannon Navin

Unpopular Opinions Book Tag!

Want to share?

Want to share?

Want to share?

Want to share?

Want to share?

Want to share?

Want to share?

Want to share?

Want to share?

Want to share?