Tag: Review

Marvel Collector Corps: Spider-Man Unboxing and Review 

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It’s time for some geeky goodness here on chloemetzger.com! My Marvel Collector Corps box has now arrived and I was super excited because Spider-Man was the first comic book I bought and to me has always been one of the best super heroes ever. It’s definitely made up for the slight disappointment I felt last month . I will say though for DC fans, I would happily get the DC Legion of Collectors box to review, however, it is only available in the US so unless that changes I won’t be able to get one to review for you! Anyway, on with the review. If you don’t want to know any spoilers please DON’T GO BEYOND THIS POINT, for now, pop back later!

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Monthly Badges 

I’m definitely in favour of these badges, you know what they are and who they represent, which is what you want from a badge really. Who wants to be asked?

Exclusive Spider-Man Funko 

I wasn’t keen on the original Spider-Man release from Funko (plus my sister received him at Christmas, not bitter, not bitter at all). There have been more Spidey releases since then, but I haven’t got around to picking one up so I was SUPER  excited to get this! He’s absolutely fab and, in my opinion, the right colours too. Good job Funko!

Exclusive Fabrikations Spider-Man 

I’ve never bought a Fabrikation before but squealed when I opened the box. He’s so cute!! He also stands up on his own, I absolutely love this and it’s brilliant quality too.

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Now, this is cool. Can I get away with it? That is yet to be seen but I love the fact that it’s geared towards the Summer, it’s a little different and it’s an exclusive. Again Marvel have done a great job.

MCC Variant

And, as with every issue an MCC variant, simple design but I absolutely love it.

Marvel have produced an absolute cracker of a box! I absolutely loved every item and while it doesn’t seem like much, it’s all brilliant quality. The theme for next month’s crate is Dr Strange, not a character I’ve been into before but I look forward to seeing the new movie.

What did you think of this month’s box? Leave in the comments below!

July Owlcrate Unboxing and Review: Good vs Evil

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It’s finally here! After months of watching unboxings, reading reviews and drooling over the contents I ordered my first Owlcrate box thanks to a promotional code from Cece over at ProblemsofaBookNerd. This was slightly more pricey than other crates I’ve tried BUT I have to say that I’m impressed with the contents and it was well worth the wait. This month’s theme was Good vs Evil, half of the boxes are good and half evil, the book is the same but the box is a surprise. While I got the evil box, my cousin got good and it was nice to see the difference between them.

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Death Star Necklace 

As most of you know I am obsessed with Star Wars  I love it and so finding a little necklace of the Death Star in it! Now, I am slightly jealous because the good crate got the Millenium Falcon because obviously I’m with the Force. That said I love this, it is beautifully made. Also, please excuse any stray at hair in the picture, Suki decided she also liked the crate.

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Draco Malfoy Funko Pop 

Ah Draco, angry, confused, although I don’t know if I’d go as far as evil. I was stupidly excited to receive this, even though I already have the pop (because I have a Harry Potter obsession and so I have all but 3 of the pops now). This is  a GREAT addition to the box, absolutely fab!

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The Red Queen Bookmark

A classic villain for this little magnetic bookmark, an adorable design and so cute too!

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Harper Collins mini colouring book 

I LOVED this idea. Harper Collin’s have included a small colouring book full of their YA covers, I’d love to see more of these, because who doesn’t love colouring!

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Here are some of the bits and pieces included, including the breakdown of this month’s box, a sticker and a hint of next month’s box which will also include Harry Potter!

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This Savage Song – Victoria Schwab 

I let out a squeal of joy when I found this in my box, I’ve had this on my to read list and now I have my own copy!! So exciting! The cover is beautiful and it came with a letter from the author and a signed sticker (which I’ve placed inside). I can’t wait to get stuck in to read about the monster’s that Schwab have created.

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I absolutely loved my first Owl Crate, so I’m going to be keeping my subscription, especially as there are going to be Harry Potter related goodies in it! As always I’d love to know your thoughts, so pop them in the comments below!

 

Book Review: Good Girls – Laura Ruby

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One picture can change your life…

 

This review is something special for me, this is the first YA novel I really fell in love with and started my love for the genre.

Meet Audrey Porter, one of the smartest students in school, advanced by a year, has good friends,a good family and is to be honest a fairly normal person. She’s known at school as a smart kid. No more, no less. That is until one photo changes her entire life. After photos come to light of her doing something that good girls just don’t do, Audrey has to learn the hard way that people will believe absolutely anything.  And after the photo is posted to her parents Audrey realises that she’s going to have to grow up. Fast.

Although many people will not have heard of this book I think that Laura Ruby is on to an absolute goldmine. I read this novel back when I was around 13 years old. I knew nothing about sex and the word ‘sexting’ hadn’t even started really being used yet, but Ruby was able to come up with this plot in the early days. I see this novel as a cautionary tale, although not in a direct way to the plot. We have to remember that in regards to the picture, Audrey has not sent it herself but somehow everyone finds out and everyone makes an assumption about her  (much like what has been happening in the media lately).

Despite what happens to our protagonist and her alienation, the novel still manages to be funny and charming. Until I moved to university this novel sat with my all time favourites, chiefly because we don’t have a boring heroine who mopes around when her life is ‘ruined’. Audrey is the kind of character that reminds you, your mistakes in school don’t make you who you are for the rest of your life. I’m sure many teens find themselves in a similar situation, if not with photographic evidence,then rumours as these can be just as bad. On top of this, the novel deals  with the whole idea of  casual encounters and the whole experience of ‘the first time’. Ruby captures the curiosity as well as the honest truth when it comes to losing your virginity. As I said before, I knew nothing about sex when I first read the novel and even I found it quite informative as well as entertaining!

I couldn’t rate this book highly enough because I honestly think it is a great novel for teenagers. It’s honest, it speaks to them and it is something to make a girl thing. Audrey is a brilliant example for girls to follow. As I said before she doesn’t just sit and cry, she realises what has happened and makes adult decisions despite being apprehensive. It is because of this I give the novel 5 stars *****, I absolutely adored it and think it is a must for any teenage girl.

Book Review: Before We Met – Lucie Whitehouse

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While Hannah waits for her husband’s flight to come in, she is none the wiser that her life is about to change. What begins as Mark missing his flight steadily spirals into something much more. As Hannah begins to investigate it appears that she has indeed become too complacent in the role of dutiful wife. As she goes deeper she starts to wonder how much can you really know about a person before you met them?

I’d heard great things about this novel, it had been compared to others such as Before I Go To Sleep. If it had such rave reviews and a hint of mystery surely I would absolutely love and devour it within a few hours? Well one part was true, I did read it within two days but found myself struggling along for at least the first few chapters. I wanted Hannah to take back the independence and the fiery attitude of a young girl who’s survived New York alone! Come on Hannah, where are you? I found her to be easily influenced and not what I would expect from the little I knew about her character.

As other reviews have mentioned Whitehouse is very keen on description, however, the majority of the time it just seemed a little bit like cotton wool. I felt like the story was just being fluffed up by endless description when I was hungrily pawing through trying to find more action within the novel and more depth to Hannah’s character. It was almost as if she was wrapped up in so much description that we couldn’t build a relationship with her. Also, the character of Mark left a lot to the imagination. I wanted to know more about him, about what kind of a man he is it all seemed a little too positive and too innocent for my liking for a large part of the novel.

Overall I’ll admit this wasn’t one of my favourite novels. I found myself rushing to the end only to be quite disappointed and in my view the majority of moments where there could have been gripping suspense were glossed over quite easily and left something lacking within the novel. I’m going to give it three stars *** I generally have mixed feelings. I doubt I would read it again but if you’re not looking for something that will keep you up all night, but still want a little bit of mystery then this novel might be for you. Sadly it wasn’t my cup of tea.

 

March Loot Crate Unboxing and Review

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 After Royal Mail finally delivered my parcel, not cool to say I didn’t answer the door guys, I got this months Loot Crate. This month’s theme is Vs, I’d already been told there would be something Harley Quinn and something Daredevil related so I was quite looking forward to picking up this month’s box. Now let’s see what’s inside….

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Star Trek T-Shirt

For our first item let’s take a look at this month’s t-shirt. Apparently, every Loot Crate from now on will have a t-shirt in it, which is really appealing to me, because I know there will be at least 1 good quality item in the box every month. This month it was a Star Track shirt, referencing mirror mirror. I’ll hold my hand up and say that I’ve only seen the new movies in the Star Trek world (I’m more of a Star Wars girl myself) but, I think Spock is a great character. I also love the design with a vintage feel and it fits really well too. I’m also planning to go and watch this now to see what everyone is talking about.

 

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Alien Vs Predator mystery bag

I’m not a fan of sci-fi/horror combinations. In fact anything involving horror I’m not keen on watching, but my boyfriend really liked this. Anything I’m not keen on and he is, I give to him. I will say this is also an exclusive (a lot more of these lately), you get one of two and then there are a load more you can also collect. The actual figure itself is good quality, stands up on its own and glows in the dark. Overall, not my thing but I am impressed with its quiality.

 

 

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Daredevil/Punisher Reversible hat

I’ll admit now that when it comes to Daredevil I am late to the party. I plan to have a binge watch over Easter Weekend if possible. Even as someone who hasn’t watched Daredevil yet I love this hat. Not only is it reversible but it’s also a lovely hat. It’s really thick, warm and cosy and I can see the boyfriend and I fighting over it. I hope I love Daredevil, because I really want to wear this hat.

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Batman Vs Superman super strength paper wallet

Loot Crate have worked with these guys before in a previous box (before I was collecting) and I remember not being too impressed. They’re a nice design, saves the environment and apparently can take quite a beating, but I’m just not keen on them. I’d rather have something a little more sturdy and durable.

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Harley Quinn Exclusive Comic Book

Another exclusive! I absolutely love Harley Quinn, she’s smart and crazy. You might call her my evil role model because if I ever go over to the dark side, I’ll become like Harley. I read and absolutely loved this, the cover is fantastic, the story is fun and I’m hoping this might mean Harley’s series will make a comeback. For me this was 100% the best thing about this months crate.

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Lootcrate pin.

And as usual our Loot Crate pin, not something I’m particularly excited about BUT I love the fact they’re proper pins now!.

Overall the standard of the Loot Crate has gone up (unlike the crappy soap in the Dead box last month). I’m really impressed with what’s in my box, I think the biggest let down was the wallet and the biggest thing to impress me was the Harley exclusive. After this month I’m definitely keeping my subscription going and hopefully this standard will continue.

Let me know if you’d like to see more unboxing blogs and what I should try next!

Marvel Collector Corps: Deadpool – Unboxing and Review

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Today I got some post that was certain to cheer me up, after ordering the day it was due to close I’m so glad I did. After the success of my Deadpool post last month and my Lootcrate unboxing post I decided to share the new subscription in my life! Of course if you haven’t gotten your box yet and don’t want any spoilers then don’t read this post!!

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I have a serious Funko Pop! collection (but that’s another post entirely!) so finding this exclusive Deadpool Pop! in a really awesome pose was great. There are about £15 at least in value, so it’s great value for money too. Now I need to find the Deadpool bathtime pop, hmm.
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Of course with every Collector Corps box there is a pin and sew on badge, again they’re good quality, I’m not sure what I’ll do with them but they’re cute. I also got this little stuffed Deadpool, he’s adorable and I love him!

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Now, I’ll admit that I’m not keen on Dorbz but, again, this shows the quality of the box itself as they’re not cheap. In his little cowboy hat I can see why a lot of my friends are in love with him, this just isn’t my thing!

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Two classics in a good sub box, a t-shirt and comic book. There were 4 different shirts available for this box and I’m glad I got this one, simply because I like the colours and will wear it more. As for the comic book, I haven’t read it yet but I’m looking forward to curling up with it.

Overall I’m really impressed this box, it’s fun and well worth the money I paid for it. I also like the fact that because the boxes come bi-monthly, not only does it spread out the cost, but it also means that there isn’t any rubbish in the box (from what I’ve heard anyway). So I’ll be keeping this subscription, especially as next is the Captain America box, I can’t wait! IMG_6490

Of course, I’d love to hear what fellow collectors or just Deadpool fans thought of this box, leave me a comment below!

Book Review: All My Friends are Superheroes by Andrew Kaufman

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All of Tom’s friends are superheroes, even his wife the Perfectionist is a superhero, because of this certain parts of his life aren’t like anyone else’s. Like his wife, everyone’s strongest trait is their superpower and so you end up with some interesting heroes,like the Dancer, the Stress Bunny and the Phoney.  I’ll mention now that my copy is a newer edition with even more superheroes and with that, even more great illustrations for them!

All My Friends Are Superheroes is first and foremost about love. Ultimately it is a love story that goes pear shaped and has some invisibility thrown in because of an ex, but a love story none the less. Six months later, when the Perfectionist thinks that Tom has simply abandoned her, she decides that she’s going to move and use all her powers to forget about Tom and make a new life for herself. Little does she know Tom has been by her side the whole time and is racing against the clock to make her see him again before it’s too late.

I loved this story it’s short, funny and cute. Kaufman certainly has a talent for writing, as soon as I finished this (in one sitting no less) I went to my local bookshop to pick up another one. These books are great if you want to read something quirky, fun and short, which is particularly brilliant as a lit student because sometime you need a break from serious books. The character of Tom was brilliant too, he seems to be such a sweet man and genuinely loves his wife, which makes a nice change.

The superhero names were also great and it really did make me think about the people in my life and what superhero they would be. Kaufman has not only created a really funny and well thought out book but also one with heart, one that makes you think about life, which I didn’t expect when I first started reading. It got me thinking about which superhero I would be and which one I’d actually want to be. I’d probably be either the Bookworm or the Worrier, because that’s two of my most defining traits above all else.

I would definitely recommend this book for your shelf because, ultimately, you can read it again and again if you want to. It’s so short that it hardly takes up any time at all and the story is one that you won’t get bored of. It’s because of this, as well as the great writing and illustrations, that I’m giving All My Friends are Superheroes five stars *****. Every now and again even the most determined of us need to wind down and this is the perfect book for that. Keep your eyes peeled later on for other reviews of Kaufman’s work! I can guarantee there will be more!

My Year – 2015

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It’s been a funny old year for me. I sit down to write this post and I don’t know what to think. My overwhelming feeling is at one end I’ve learnt a lot but at the other I’ve also had to deal with things I wouldn’t have imagined. I feel like next year is going to be a mixed year too, but hopefully not as painful. 2016 has a lot of new challenges lined up and if I’m honest I am scared but I’m also excited. For now, here’s a roundup of 2015!

January

I played my first show in central London

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Back in January the boys and I played our first show just around the corner of Leicester Square! We got a great number of people down and had a great time!

I fell in love with a horse

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At the stables I fell in love with Ruby. In January I started going to the stable at the weekends, grooming and spending hours just playing and stroking her.

I had a tough time, then treated myself

I struggled in January for a few different reasons and so I went and treated myself to some new bits and a hair cut. I started to listen to how I felt and what I needed to stay well.

I got to share horse riding with my sister

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I got to take my little sister horse riding! She loved it and it was great for my Mum and Summer to see me ride.

February 

I celebrated Harry Potter Book Night

Joe and I trekked into London for Harry Potter Book Night. It was so much fun to dress up, hand out with one of my best mates, meet the new illustrator and win a signed copy of Philosopher’s Stone.

I struggled and I swam.

While trying to look after myself I started trying to swim whenever I felt down, a big step for me.

I got told I was a ‘game changer’

I got filmed for a documentary that a third year student was making. I was called a ‘game changer’ which I didn’t believe but was really pleased with all the same 🙂

March

I couldn’t say goodbye…and broke my heart

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The beautiful Ruby was sold and I never got a chance to say goodbye and it broke my heart. She was such an incredible horse and I had an amazing connection with her.

I won a KU Talent award!

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I was up for two awards this year ‘Second Year of the Year’ and ‘Overcoming Adversity to Achieve’, which I won. I was so shocked because the category was so strong, I had an amazing night with my Mum and it was definitely one of the highlights of my year!

I became a President 

I became President of the Kingston University Horse Riding Society and won most improved rider for the year! It was a true honor and another great part to the month.

I fell in love with Sign Language again

Working with young people who were hearing impaired was a great experience and made me even more determined to work with disabled students at the university.

…I dropped my phone down the toilet.

Oh yeah, that.

April 

I had the best Easter

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I had such a fun family easter! We really had fun all together, my sister doesn’t look happy because for the first time in years I beat her at the egg hunt!

I went back to Durham!

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I was lucky enough to take a trip back up to Durham to see Ali’s grandparents for their anniversary. I absolutely love going up to Durham it’s beautiful and always relaxing.

I got my two babies

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I bought Hamski and Noodle home ❤ My two little fur babies came home together and although they were eventually separated they originally loved cuddling together! They also proved to be a much needed distraction in the coming months.

I fell off a horse…

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Yep, a simple fall meant my first ride in an ambulance. I was taken in, left in a hospital in the middle of nowhere and luckily had Laura with me. At first I was told I was fine and got back on a horse 3 days later…

May 

I found out that I had broken my spine

After 2 weeks of feeling really sore and then an MRI scan I found out that I’d broken my spine with further damage to other vertebrate, muscle, soft tissue and nerve damage. The 7 hours wait to find out what had gone wrong was just the start of a very long journey ahead.

I used a wheelchair for the first time

I cried a lot when I had to use the chair because I couldn’t walk. Luckily Amy came to get me so I didn’t miss out on our girls dinner before Alissa went back to the US. I ended up having fun and forgetting about the chair for a little bit.

I was part of a winning society!!

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I wasn’t in any fit state to travel so I had to cancel Prague with Dani and Eleanor. To keep my spirits up Amy and Laura took me to the society awards where our society won 2 awards!!

I got my first Spinal Brace

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My physiotherapist is an angel and made sure I had my brace before I flew to Athens. It was hot, sweaty and uncomfortable but it done the job, I was honestly just relieved to have some support for my spine!

June 

I went on my first international creative trip & my first holiday with just Ali (by accident)

What was supposed to be a solo trip to write became a couples trip when I still couldn’t walk! Ali and I ended up having a great time and I finally felt like a writer!

I got a dream job

I got my job as a Social Media Coordinator, one I applied for but never thought I would get. It’s honestly been one of the best jobs I’ve ever had and it was great having the responsibility!

I got a new tattoo!

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I couldn’t go to Foo Fighters in my wheelchair (it was cancelled in the end anyway) so I used the money to get a tattoo that was particularly meaningful then and still is now.

I bought a lot of books…a lot.

What else is a girl to do when she’s mostly stuck in the house?

July 

I said goodbye to friends again

I said goodbye to Eleanor and Maisha as they jetted off for a year of study in New Zealand! Proud friend moment!

I played Basingstoke Live!

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This was my first show post diagnoses. I had my own box, my brace had been taken off and there was a ramp for me. I don’t know how but I got through and it was a great show!

I got frustrated.

I quickly realised I had put on a fair bit of weight and couldn’t really leave the house, sad times.

I had my sister come to stay 🙂

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One of the highlights of my summer was having this munchkin stay with me and going to see Paper Towns early!

August 

I met Don Broco

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Acoustically beautiful and some really lovely lads,

I celebrated living with Ali for a year!

We didn’t kill each other even when I couldn’t move without him! He’s been amazing this year!

I went to my first book club

I got out of my comfort zone, met a friend and bought a lot of books!

I went to the Zoo with some little monkeys

Even though I had to use a wheelchair for our family day out and got rained on I had a great day spending time with family 🙂

I got addicted to comic books

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Damn you Joe, Damn you!

I survived second year!

Despite everything I got through second year with a 2:1 overall…5 marks off of a 1st!

September

I became a third year

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I got told I was medically shorter than last year!

If I wasn’t short enough, I was told after my CT scans that I have officially lost height and may never get full feeling back in my left leg. That said I also got told that I was healing nicely!

I went to Amsterdam

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A great 21st birthday trip with Dani and Amy! Amsterdam was so much fun and my back behaved itself which is a first.

I turned 21!

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I had an incredible 21st I was spoilt and just felt so loved. This was the handmade cake that my sister made me, I don’t think I’ve ever been given so much cake in my life!

I had a stall at Fresher’s Fair

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Rounding up new recruits for the society!

I watched Star Wars…finally 

Now I’m completely obsessed! This started the countdown to see the new film.

I got recording! 

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We got serious about the EP and I was able to record without a panic attack or doubting myself. A big win for me!

October 

I was mentioned in the New York Times

Just for mentioning the 5p plastic bag charge!

I met Katie Piper

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I met one of my idols, Katie Piper. We had a great chat, photos and talked about Hampshire where we’re both from. It was also amazing to get a message from KAtie written in my book, she really is a lovely woman.

I went to my first Comic-con

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I fell in love with Comic-con and bought a stupid amount of pops, spending the last of my birthday money. It really encouraged me to get creative for the next one in May.

November 

I tried to be classy with Joe

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McDonalds and Galleries…what more could you want.

I was allowed to go to the gym class!

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A big step in my recovery! 6 weeks of gym sessions proved my spine was healing the right way and I loved them.

I left the society

Unfortunately I couldn’t cope running the society. I had to step down immediately and spent a lot of the month after pretty poorly both mentally and physically.

December 

I got to meet Ed!

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I got to meet this adorable little man that now takes over my bed!

I saw Star Wars!

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I fell in love with the new cast and am now even more obsessed. Star Wars is the best.

I went to Olympia!

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Laura finally got to use her 21st birthday present and we went to Olympia Horse Show! Such an amazing day out and we’ll definitely be going again next year.

I had an incredible Christmas 

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No lows, family time, amazing gifts. A great Christmas ❤

I decided I wasn’t giving up…

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This year has had some huge challenges and I’ve gotten through them. There’s no doubt I’ve struggled this year a lot and there will be times next year where I’m ready to give up but I won’t.

Happy New Year to all of my lovely readers and thank you so, so much for all your support this year ❤

Book Review: Paper Weight – Meg Haston

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Twenty-seven days to freedom… I am caged 

Stevie wants to disappear and in twenty-seven days that’s exactly what she’s going to do, whether they like it or not. Sent to a treatment centre for eating disorders Stevie knows they’ve got it all wrong, she doesn’t need to be here, she doesn’t want to he and she’s going to get out of here one way or another. Abandoned by her best friend, her mother and not coping with the death of her brother, Stevie has no alternatives she’s going to get back to her brother.

Haston’s novel is quite simply, brilliant. Seeing the world through the eyes of seventeen year old Stevie is heart breaking. I’m going to be honest and say that the novel is challenging to read, it deals with a lot of issues, grief, anger and living with an eating disorder. The anger that Stevie radiates is made easy to understand under the circumstances but all I wanted through the whole novel was to reach through the pages and comfort her. There are important lessons to be learnt while reading Paperweight. 

The story in no way glamourises eating disorders, it shows the reasons and the misery that they can bring and celebrates the girls around Stevie who are moving forward, even though she resents them. Haston has also made the girls normal and explores the different reasons why eating disorders develop, it has obviously been well researched. Like any novel of this nature it can be hard for people to read who have gone through eating disorders or problems with food.

One of my favourite parts of the novel is the relationship between Stevie and her therapist, whom she calls Shrink. The therapist felt like a real person and I felt she was an honest character and represented what a good therapist should be, even if Stevie isn’t keen on opening up. Stevie’s relationships with others throughout the novel are also a real eye opener and although I’ve not had an eating disorder, as someone who has had depression I found her reactions to be realistic.

The only negative that I have to say about the novel is that in the beginning I found it hard to keep track of who’s who as a lot of characters are introduced quite quickly. That said I think the novel is a good length and doesn’t dwell too much, it moves at a good pace but allows enough time for the reader to appreciate Stevie’s thoughts and feelings.

I’m giving this novel 4 stars ****, a great new YA read. The character of Stevie is a little unapproachable at first but this story really picks up and teaches you about the range of people and emotions that are related to eating disorders.

Review by Chloe Metzger

Book Review: Beautiful Music for Ugly Children – Kirstin Cronn-Mills

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‘This is Beautiful Music for Ugly Children, on community radio 90.3, KZUK. 

I’m Gabe. Welcome to my show.’ 

Gabe is not your typical teenage boy, his best friend is a girl,

when he’s not hanging out with her he’s at his neighbours house listening to original LPs and learning the radio tricks of the trade from an old man. Oh and Gabe was born Elizabeth, which I wouldn’t mention apart from it plays a big part in the story. Like many of us Gabe finds a love in music that can rival no other, well apart from a certain someone, but I’ll leave you to get to that yourself.

The intriguing name and bright cover is what initially drew me to this book, but I got so much more. Not only do you get a wealth of music knowledge from reading this novel but you also get a character to fall in love with, I felt so much for Gabe and almost cried at points while reading. Gabe describes himself as being ‘like a record’ he has an A side and a B side, one side is Elizabeth which is who everyone else considers him to be and the B side is Gabe, who he is truly happy to be. While the world is fighting for him to be Elizabeth, there’s a another crowd who is more than happy to have Gabe around. Gabe’s saving grace comes through a radio show that he hosts, Beautiful Music for Ugly Children. 

It was really refreshing in this novel to have both sides of what being Transgender means. While some people are not supportive and as the blurb says think Gabe is ‘crazy’ there are also many people who couldn’t care less about Gabe’s transition and just see him as a great DJ. I don’t know about you but those are the kinds of people I’d rather be around. Cronn-Mills has done a great job in exploring a sensitive topic and trying to go down many avenues.

I think the real gold lies with the A-Side, B-Side idea within the novel. Cronn-Mills has found a way to connect everyone with Gabe, even if they aren’t going through transition. It’s the idea that everyone has two sides to them  one they want to show to the world and one the world sees. This is the beauty of Beautiful Music for Ugly Children with just a voice on a radio station everyone is the same and I really wish life was like that. I also adored the characters of Paige and John. They’re completely different but their support for Gabe is incredible.

I’m going to give this novel 5 stars *****, it’s absolutely incredible. Gabe is an incredible character that I dare you not to love. I also appreciated that Gabe and the people around him were flawed in different ways, it made the story a lot more believable and realistic to me as a reader. I’m really looking forward to reading some of Cronn – Mills other works as she really does have a talent in creating her characters.

Review by Chloe Metzger