Going abroad was exactly what I expected… and then some

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So you probably noticed that six months ago I completely disappeared from bookstagram. The reason: I was spending my last semester of university studying abroad in Strasbourg, France. And now I’m back, with a few worldly insights to share. None of which are exactly groundbreaking, but I’ll share them with you anyway. Continue reading

Book Recommendations #2

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My favourite season has finally arrived, and with it comes wool socks, sweater weather, an unhealthy amount of hot beverages, pumpkin pie, cuddles by the fire, and last, but certainly not least, Halloween! There is no better time to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book. Continue reading

Random Thoughts and Bookish Ponderings: Cultural Appropriation or Exchange?

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So I read this article, published by The New York Times Book Review a couple weeks back, and I’m still mulling it over. It discusses an extremely relevant (and touchy) subject: where do you draw the line between artistic license and cultural theft? The article is well-written and provides the opinions of two writers, Rivka Galchen and Anna Holmes. Here are my thoughts on the subject. Continue reading

Random Thoughts and Bookish Ponderings: Why do I read?

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I thought I’d start writing about some of my random bookish musings, hope you enjoy:

I’m always wondering why we humans are so attracted to storytelling.

Why do we tell stories? Why do we take the time out of our own lives to invest in lives of others, fictional or otherwise? Is it a natural curiosity or an escape? Is it humanity’s propensity to empathize and seek connection? To live a thousand lives in one lifetime? Perhaps the answer is a summation of all these things. Continue reading

Monthly Book Haul

septbhI promise I don’t buy this many books every month.

milk and honey by Rupi Kaur

I’m not a big poetry fan, but this book has gotten so popular that I thought I would check and see what all the hype is about. I’ve read a couple of pages and it seems pretty heavy… (not that’s necessarily a bad thing!) What did you guys think?

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

No, I have not read The Catcher in the Rye. And yes, I know it’s embarrassing. So many people have been telling me how great this book is and how I should read it. Well. Now I’ve bought it. That’s the first step right? Now I just have to find the time (and motivation to read it).

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

Part of the movie adaptation of this book was filmed at my high school! I’ve also heard good things.

The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

I read this one in high school and immediately became obsessed. This book is the epitome of beautiful books. I have so so so much love for this book. I honestly don’t know why I’m only buying by own copy of it now.

Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende

I really want to be an Isabel Allende fan… But I can’t if I’ve only read one of her books, right?

The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner

This is the third book in the series. I do not own, nor have I read any of the other books. But it was $2.50 at the thrift store and I hope to purchase the whole series eventually, so why not right?

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Just finished reading this one! You can check out my review here.

And I Darken by Kiersten White

Oh baby. I have heard so many good things about this book. I am hella excited to read this one. The protagonist sounds totally badass. Also let’s talk about that cover though… 100%.

Toodles,

Rebecca xx

Lyrics & Literature: Songs I’m digging this August

 

Hey fellow nerds!

You know when you’ve been reading a really intense book for hours, you’re all antsy, emotions flying, eyes blurry? You don’t want to stop but know you just got to take a break? For me, that break means blasting the music in my room, doing a little jig to get out the jitters and then settling back in to continue reading. It’s a strange ritual, I know. But it sure works. Here’s a couple of songs I’m digging this month (in no particular order):

7 Years – Lukas Graham

My sister introduced me to this song a couple of weeks ago and I am so happy she did. It was released last year and is quite popular now (understandably) so I don’t know how I hadn’t heard it before. Unfortunately, I don’t think much of his other music is as good.

Indigo Home – Roo Panes

I am in love with Roo Panes. Not only is he an incredibly talented musician/singer, but he’s also one hell of a hottie. And he’s English! Look at me fan-girling. So embarrassing.

Send My Love (To Your New Lover) – Adele

This list wouldn’t be accurate without at least one Adele song. This one is hella catchy.

Summer 2016 – LEJ

These girls are amazing. Every year they put together a cover compilation of all the top listing songs of the summer. I’m in love with their French accents. I think their Summer 2015 is my favourite, but Summer 2016 is a great track too.

Look out for the next month’s feature! What songs are you guys liking this month?

See ya, nerds 🙂

Rebecca xx