The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Rating: 3/3.5

There were quite a few issues that I had with this book. One, being the lack of authenticity the characters in the book had; if you wound up with a serious case of amnesia in a weird, prison, alien-like place surely you wouldn’t be so ready to accept everything without getting some decent answers. Some of the things that Thomas said were totally out of character and this was during the beginning of the book as well, when the readers are trying to get to know him first. Thomas’s character defaults nearly put me off the entire book.

However, the premise/plot was just so fascinating I continued with it…to the very end! I’m certainly glad I stuck with this decision because I ended up liking this book a great deal. I may not have loved it but I did like it!

The book was well written, still I was irritated by how slowly the story went; I think I was a third into the book when the book finally began to pick up but when it did, it really went for it. If only it was like that from the start…

The secondary characters in ‘The Maze Runner’ were a delight though, I really enjoyed their presence and I have to say they really made the book for me – all of them seemed like well-developed characters with a sense of purpose.

On a final note, I would like to add that the ending of this book was going great until a certain incident occurred during the last few pages that seemed incredibly implausible. 

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Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Book Review
4/5 Stars

A cute, lovable guy with multiple degrees in various subjects finds himself with a new job: an IT spy, undercover. Well, not really. Well, kind of. Lincoln (the protagonist) is the office’s new IT support tech and he has the not-so-admirable job of looking at all the emails sent around the office, which is how he falls in love with one of the people whose emails he has read.

This is an adult contemporary novel with a refreshing change as it has a male voice instead of a female one, boys can be romantic and in love with the idea of love too.

It’s a sweet plot with an interesting bunch of characters, a bit weak however and that irked me a little, there was no real life or fire in them. But they were relatable, I suppose.

If you’re in desperate need to escape for a while and indulge yourself in a little romance then this book is perfect for you.

Current Age: 6,393 days old

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Trouble by Non Pratt

Book Review

Rating: 4/4.5 out of 5 Stars

I had a vague idea about what this book was about before I went into it, I didn’t know much about it though and truthfully I’m happy it worked out that way as I feel like this is one of those books you don’t need to know a lot about before you read it. The way Non Pratt writes is fantastic, the story truly just unravels itself naturally and before you know it you’re gripped, breathless waiting for the next thing to happen – considering I read this book in less than two days must mean that statement has some truth to it.
I had a lot of fun reading this book; it wasn't ‘funny’ in its quiddity but it made me smirk numerously, mostly due to the quick wit of the two main characters. ‘Han’ and ‘Aaron’ - the two main protagonists, I absolutely fell in love with, they were both so real and understandable; there wasn’t a moment where I doubted their actions as characters – which was brilliant!
This tale isn’t just about teen pregnancy, although the story is revolved around that, it’s about so much more; there are issues like bullying and depression, friendship and family life.
The only problem I had with this book was that it was a little too predictable but it doesn’t take from the story at all, so, honestly this book is pratically flawless! Read this book, it is so good!

Current Age: 6,357 days old

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Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Book Review

Rating: 5/5 stars

“Kinder than is necessary. Because it’s not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.” 'Wonder' tells a story about Agustus Pullman, a 10 year old boy with Treacher-Collins syndrome, and his experience of going to a school for the very first time in his life. R.J. Palacio writes beautifully and captivated my attention from the very first few pages, her talent to capture the innocence of a young boy was extremely well done, and not for a moment did I doubt that it wasn’t young Agustus narrating. One of the most enjoyable things about this book - aside from the gorgeous characters that I fell in love with dearly, was the way the book was narrated. It was a fresh, and unique take to the traditional style, and it helped me as a reader understand the characters a lot better, and become incredibly attached to them. Honestly, I would recommend this book to just about anyone. It tells a beautiful story with powerful morals that one should always keep in mind; it is one of those books that I believe has changed my way of looking at life thus changing me, and only a few books have ever done that to me in my lifetime. This book was absolutely fantastic. Current Age: 6.348 days old

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Earthquake in Nepal

Today I found out the devastating news about the 7.8 (Richter Scale) Earthquake that hit Nepal in the morning and having family living there scared me senseless, but thankfully they're all okay. However, I know that thousands of others in my position weren't as fortunate me since the death toll (at the current moment) is around 1,500.

That's so many lives! So many lives that have been cut off before they could finish naturally. So many lives that never got to be lived. So many lives that will be missed and mourned for. It's not just sad but totally tragic too.

It's been a while since I went to Nepal, and I only lived there when I was a baby but it's struck me how different it's going to be the next time I visit. Already, Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and this natural disaster is not going to help that at all, but before the devastation it was developing and it seemed to be prospering year by year. The fact that thousands of buildings, homes and monuments have been turned to debris by the Earthquake completely destroys all the hard work made by the Nepali people.

On its own Nepal won't be able to survive this catastrophe, as an LEDC it needs all the help and support that it can get.

I urge you to help out and donate.

Oxfam (GB) 
Oxfam (USA)

Current Age: 6,343 days old 

(People helping out to clear the rubble in Kathmandu's Durbar Square)

Favourite Books of All Time

(The following are in no particular order - even though they are numbered)

1. Jumping to Confusions by Liz Rettig

This is a light-hearted book about a teenager called Cat, who thinks she's unattractive and less worthier than twin sister Tess. Enter a new guy, Josh, who actually seems to be paying more attention to Cat than her stunning sister; Cat can't believe it until she finds out that Josh is into boys which makes more sense to her. BUT that's okay with her, she didn't even like him so why would it matter?

Recommended age group: 12+

2. First Term at Malory Towers by Enid Blyton 

The first book in the 12 book series by the awe-inspiring Enid Blyton (the last six books in the series are actually written by Pamela Cox in the style of Blyton - and they're just as lovely!). Darrell Rivers is off to secondary school and she is going to be attending boarding school, more specifically Malory Towers. Follow her adventures as she makes new friends, new enemies and new stories!

Recommended age group: 8+

3. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell 

A sweet story following two characters 'Eleanor' and 'Park' accordingly who are completely different to each other and yet so similar at the same time. The writing is beautiful, it flows like a dream and the characters make me feel alive that it hurts, does that make any sense? 

Recommended age group: 14+

4. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

If you haven't read this book yet then what are you doing with your life? This is your nudge to push you into the right direction - seriously, your life will be better after you read these books. 

Recommended age group: 13+

5. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy M. Montgomery 

Oh, I love this book so much! I went into it thinking it was going to be boring but it proved me completely wrong and changed my perspectives on classic books forever. The book follows a red-head orphan who has been recently taken in by two childless folks and the adventures that occur afterwards. If you don't fall in love with Anne then there's something wrong with you. 

Recommended age group: 8+

6. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling 

Okay, the same applies to this one as with the Fault in Our Stars. BEST BOOK SERIES EVER. The first one will always hold the dearest place in my heart though because I just feel so connected to it; this was the first time I was introduced to my role model (Hermione Granger) and the first time I loved a book and the first time I wished a book was real. If I could erase my memory just so I could re-read this book and relive it like the very first time then I would. 

Recommended age group: 8+

Current age: 6,336 days old

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Way of Kings (Part One) by Brandon Sanderson

Book Review

Rating: 5/5 Stars

I can not begin to describe how amazing this book is, everything is just spot on from the plot line to the characters. As soon as I finished this book I had to go and pick up the next one, so YES, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is into fantasy, adventure and/or magic.

The book follows multiple characters leading lives that are seemingly unconnected but as you read on you realise that the actions of one character totally affects the life of another, which is so cool.

At first, I did find it difficult to get into the world because it is very detailed and therefore it can be a lot of work to process everything that is being thrown your way but as you read more of it you just naturally fall into the rhythm of Brandon Sanderson's writing pace.

The book was separated into three different parts and in-between the sections there were short stories about a selection of characters that lived in the vivid world that Sanderson created. These were wonderful, and I enjoyed them so much - the only criticism I could possibly say is that I wish they were longer. I fell in love with one of the characters who was incredibly adorable and I just laughed so much.

Immediately getting into the plot, it was completely action-packed and I thoroughly enjoyed it and that really sold the book for me. Sanderson depicted these scenes with flare that kept you on the edge of wonder throughout.

If not for the plot then please read for the characters who were all so complex and real - they really shone. Though I should advise you not to read, if you don't want something too heavy as it can be a lot to take on at once.

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Current Age: 6,323 days old