Tuesday 23 August 2016

My Kindle Bookshelf Tour


Welcome to a new post!

If you've been reading my blog for a little while, you might remember that I did a post about the books that I have on my English bookshelf, as I love reading quite a bit. And if you read my blog during December, you will probably remember that I got a Kindle for my birthday. Since then I've had the chance to read a few books, so I thought it would be time for me to make a tour around the books that I've read on it so far. It would probably be a lot more, if school hadn't gotten in the way, but I guess it's still enough to talk about ;).

I included my goodreads reviews as well, but if you want to be up to date all the time with my reading and find out more, you can check out and follow my account HERE! :)x

Giovanna Fletcher - Dream A Little Dream
(Source: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51q5MJy-fOL._SX324_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
I had wanted to read some of Gi's books for quite a little while, meaning I was pretty happy when I got two books of her when getting my Kindle from my parents. It's a really lovely story for every woman that loves herself some Young Adults books! It's been so long I can't remember much, but as I gave it 5 stars on goodreads, I must've liked it quite a bit. :D

Giovanna Fletcher - Billy and Me
(Source: http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1353125698l/16112830.jpg)
This is the other book that my parents got me, which I actually was a little more exited about. It's definitely a story that reminds you a little of a fanfiction because the story doesn't seem like something you would imagine to happen in real life. I only gave it three stars on goodreads, yet I enjoyed it just enough to read the second story. I feel kinda bad now for making it sound that shit of story even though it really isn't that bad, but still here is my review from straight after I had read it:

I expected quite a lot from this book as I had just finished Dream A Little Dream, and I liked this one, but it also kinda let me down. I felt like I was thrown into a story that my 12-year-old self would have read, or maybe even into a fanfiction. I really don't like the way they meet and hook up, because it seems to be such a stereo type for these type of books, but I have definetely seen worse. The last part of the book was definetely my favourite part of the book, because it felt like it made a bit more sense and it just was a lot more interesting. It's not a bad book, but it won't make it into my favourite books either.

Giovanna Fletcher - Always With Love
(Source: https://www.penguin.co.uk/content/dam/catalogue/pim/editions/486/9781405919180/cover.jpg)
This is the sequel to Billy and Me that I just talked about, which I actually didn't read that long ago. It's another lovely story, not my favourite book but definitely lovely and a nice quick read. Here's my review again, as that'll give you a little more of an insight from when I had just finished it:

This is such a beautiful story, even though it's kinda what I used to read when I was 10-12 in an adulty version. The only thing I didn't like about this sequel is that I often knew what was going to happen next. I really loved the whole wedding planning bit, the ending as well, I just wish I wouldn't have known straight away what the last lines would be. But I don't wanna make it sound bad because it really is a great story!

(Can you tell I get mood swings, even about books :D?)
                 
Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher - Never Never Part 1
(Source: http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1428934147l/24378015.jpg)

This story is cut into three short books I think, and I really felt like the story sounded pretty interesting. My review doesn't really sound that exited, but since I have only read the first part, I want to get myself to reading the other parts of it as well at some point, as I want to find out how it will turn out. There's definitely a nice thought behind the story!

Didn't really throw me away and didn't suck me in that much, but still not a bad book and I'll deffo have a look at the sequel to see how to story goes on.



Morgan Matson - Since You've Been Gone
(Source: http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1377702326l/18189606.jpg)
A really nice book about a girl who's best friend suddenly disappears, and only leaves her a list of things she has to do, since she would never do them otherwise. She feels like she has to accomplish this list in order to find out what has happend to her friend. A really lovely novel for any young adult/teen!

Been wanting to read this book for quite a while and pretty happy I finally did it! Amazing idea for a plot, even though the chances of it happening in reality probably aren't that high :D There was some time in the middle of the book when I wasn't sure whether it was going to get boring, but since it didn't last that long, I was still able to give it 5 stars! Honestly an amazing read!



Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice
(Source: https://www.penguin.com.au/jpg-large/9780141037516.jpg)
I always wanted to get into books like Jane Austen, William Shakespeare etc, but reading books in school, it kind of put me off again, but somehow finally got myself to starting Pride and Prejudice. Reading certain classical books with a hard language in your native language is one thing, reading it in a different language is a whole other league. I really liked this book, but I have to be honest by saying that it took me quite a while and I still didn't get what the heck was going on at quite a few points, but hey I finished it. :D

As I'm not a native speaker and I have never read any classic especially in English, I found it quite hard at some points to follow the story and keep reading. I however did have quite a few moments when I really enjoyed reading a lot, as I think it is a beautiful story. I'm really looking forward to reading more for my A Levels next year, but until then I will try to read more classic. :)



Shay Mitchell & Michaela Blaney - Bliss
(Source: http://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/photo.goodreads.com/books/1433592375i/24804487._UY1000_SS1000_.jpg)
I wasn't 100% sure, when I heard that Shay was writing a novel, even if I love her. And as you'll be able to tell from my goodreads review, it definitely wasn't a book that I would re-buy or recommend. It wasn't completely terrible, but I sadly felt very disconnected to the characters and their stories, and didn't completely feel the whole plot as well. Try it and see for yourself if you want to see for yourself what you'll think, but I personally am just not a big fan.

I wasn't expecting this to be my new favourite book, but I definitely did expect more. It took me more than half the book to actually get who the characters were and which story belongs to who. I feel like it's that typical hollywood story that I used to read when I was around 11 years old, which I find quite sad. The writing style was actually quite nice, but nothing major. If the plot was better, it would deffo get more than just two stars...I love Shay loads, but I ain't going to lie about this.



Carrie Hope Fletcher - All I Know Now
(Source: http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1419013055l/22232035.jpg)
I admire Carrie a lot, and I love her videos. The fact that she was bringing out a book actually made me really exited, as I love her advice. This is a really lovely book talking about her experiences and giving you all the tips she can. It was a little slow at some points, but still quite lovely. I also cannot wait to read her newest book real soon!

Loved this book but there were just a few bits that I found quite slow and boring - still a lovely read though, especially for people that enjoy Carrie's videos. Xx                 



Anna Todd - Before
(Source: http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449431625l/25788203.jpg)
I first read Anna's After Series on Wattpad, then bough the books as well. The series is not perfect, as I am saying in my review, but it still got me hooked. This book however kind of let me down, even though I didn't have too many expectations anyway, as I felt like it was all getting a little bit too much. If you are obsessed with the series, read it and see for yourself, but for anyone else I would recommend reading After first.

I was pretty exited for this book actually, even though the After series wasn't the most perfect one it still was a pretty good read. But 'Before' started with these weird first cheapters that I didn't quite understand why they were written/published. They didn't bring me any new ways of thinking about certain characters or anything like that. And that was pretty much the 'BEFORE' part. I don't really understand why this whole book was written because at most points I got a little bit bored because I already knew exactly what was going to happen. I sadly feel like the only things I got from this book is a little more understanding for Hardin's behaviour and a bit more of an insight into the bet. But that was it, and it makes me sad. I expected a lot more from this book. Sorry Anna...



Jay McLean - Where The Road Takes Me
(Source: http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1420103824l/23379428.jpg)
My goodreads review basically says everything, but I am still glad I found this book in my goodreads recommendations - go through that there's a lot of nice stuff in there you might end up loving.

It had its up and downs plot wise throughout the whole novel, but I still decided to give it 4 instead of 3 stars. I've definitely read a lot worse books. A bit to unrealistic at some points, but still a lovely story and a nice read



Brittainy C. Cherry - The Air He Breathes
(Source: http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1441375261l/25564446.jpg)
When I read this I funnily just got into watching the Michalak's YouTube channel - if you don't watch them yet, you're missing out - so I kept imagining Stef when reading about the main male character, which is kinda weird but fun at the same time. I kind of had to think about Gone Girl and The Girl On The Train sometimes, even though they were completely different, but I guess if you liked either of this, this is a book for you, even if it isn't the best novel of all time! :)

A 3,5 stars from me. A very decent book - not the worst one but not the best one either. I feel like it was a little too stereotypical (if that is the word to describe it) at some points, but I still enjoyed the story.



Marie Lu - Legend
(Source: http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333909141l/9275658.jpg)
If you like all of that jazz like Divergent, The 5th Wave, Hunger Games, Maze Runner etc, this is a book series for you. I still haven't read the whole series, but I really like the story, being obsessed with the books I just mentioned. I hate that I waited so long before I read this, as I kept putting it back on the shelves.

I've definitely enjoyed this book a lot! If you like Hunger Games, Maze Runner, The 5th Wave etc, this is a book for you. If you've read these other ones before, like I did, you will probably notice quite a few points of the plot that you've already read in pretty similar ways. But it's still an amazing story, with lovely characters and a really good writing style!  
               
Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan - The Royal We
(Source: http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421107274l/22875451.jpg)
I am completely obsessed with Royals, especially the British and Swedish one, and especially the Cambridges, meaning when I found this on goodreads and Amazon I nearly had a melt down of exitement. It definitely feels like a new retelling fanfiction type story of Kate and William, but if you love them or stuff similar to that, you will love this book!

If you are as obsessed with the British royals, especially Catherine and William, this is the book for you! I absolutely loved the whole story and I couldn't stop talking about it through the whole reading process! The ending could've been a little better, but all together a lovely read!  
               
Rick Yancey - The Infinite Sea
(Source: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51c%2BwRUGMvL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Took me a little while to finally read the sequel, but my review from goodreads says basically everything in very few sentences.

Loved the sequel! Much better than other sequels, didn't expect it to be that good! A little slow at the beginning but I loved learning more about Ringer, though I've got to admit I didn't like her character before. Exited to get the 3rd book in a few days :)



Rick Yancey - The Last Star
(Source: http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1444237685l/16131489.jpg)
I hated waiting a whole 3 days without starting a new book so I could read this straight after the sequel, but again my review says everything.

I was so exited to read this book, but turns out I might've been a little too exited. Don't get me wrong, I've read a lot worse and Rick's writing style was still on point. However I feel like there was something missing in this book. It kinda found it to get confusing towards the end, and yet I still haven't quite understood the story of the Others. I was at least waiting for a little more interaction between Cassie and Evan, but instead I felt like it was quite focused on Ringer and Ben this time. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing - I just expected a little more from it. All in all a lovely way to end a series, but not the best one.

Anne Blankman - Prisoner of Night and Fog
(Source: http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1395470671l/17668473.jpg)
I don't usually read a lot of historical stuff, but hearing a lovely youtuber called Sasha Alsberg talk about this, I knew I had to read it. If you aren't interested it in World War stuff etc you will probably not enjoy this that much, but if you do, I think you will probably love it!

If you love hearing about WW/Hitler etc, there's a high chance you'll love this book. The author created a beautifully written story by combining both fiction and real events. Defo made me want to read more historical books. The only thing I might have to critize is that I feel like the main character pretty much had easy access to get these informations, but it didn't make me love the story less.



Jojo Moyes - Me Before You
(Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fd/Me_Before_You_(film).jpg)
I put off reading this for so long, until I saw the trailer for the first time and had to read it - and it was definitely the best thing I could've done. This is probably my most favourite book ever. I said I loved TFIOS for a long time, but honestly - this is even better in my opinion!! If you like a heartbreaking romance but not so romance novel, and you loved TFIOS, and even if you just want to start a new book - READ THIS IT'S SO GOOD *-*!

I am absolutely speechless. This book literally killed me, maybe even more than TFIOS did. One of my new favourites, and definetely something you need to have read. Can't believe it took me so long. Let's just hope they've made a good film out of it so I can melt in the cinema...If you haven't read this book yet, make it the next thing you do because I don't know how people can't be bloody in love with this freaking book.



Jojo Moyes - After You
(Source: http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1429029729l/25041504.jpg)
Definitely not as good as the first book, which is kind of sad but kind of expected as well. Just don't expect it to be as good as the first one. It's still very lovely though.

I wish you could give half stars. I'm not 100% sure about this book. I absolutely bloody loved the first one, but even after reading it I am still confused why there is a sequel. I loved hearing a little bit about more Lou's story, and the story was a lovely thought in general. Yet, I think it was kind of unnecessary. The magic of the first book was kinda missing in my opinion. All together still a lovely story, but not any as good as the first book!



Harper Lee - To Kill a Mockingbird
(Source: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51A6rmAqknL._SX309_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)

I read this for school, and it's probably the first one I properly enjoyed reading, as I've wanted to do so for quite a while. I definitely see why this is a school book, as it talks about some really important topics etc.

What a beautiful story! I'm usually not a big fan of school books, but I'd been wanting to read this one for a while now, as everyone's talking about it, and it didn't let me down. I love how the story is told from a children's perspective for once, as it gives the story a totally different and amazing aspect. Part 1 was good, even if it was slightly boring at some points. However, part 2 was incredible! Totally recommend this book!

J.K. Rowling - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
(Source: https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=harry+potter+and+the+cursed+child+book&view=detailv2&&id=AFF4E40947740222FE7953
711C53D93DCB423372&selectedIndex=2&ccid=2bdpRHpb&simid=60802188249930425
8&thid=OIP.Md9b769447a5b76608bff6c59dd36caf6o0&ajaxhist=0)

I'm not going to talk about this book, as I've already done a whole review post about it, which is spoiler-free! So if you want to find out more about this beauty, click HERE! :)
George R.R. Martin - Game Of Thrones 5 Books Collection
(Source: http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mAf60n1UyUPnYm2ISw-VH3g.jpg)

I bought the 5 books collection of Game of Thrones a little while ago, but I'm still working on the first one. That book series is a pretty long thing, and as I already know most of what is going to happen, at least in the first book, I am kind of slow. I commited to reading all of these by buying the whole set, so I am going to read them anyway - probably not all of them in a row though, as I've already had breaks because I needed to read HP and the school book. :D Have you read the series yet? If so, what can I expect compared to the series? Let's talk!:)


So, I really hope you enjoyed this post! What do you want to see next on my blog? What book are you currently reading, and what is currently on your to-be-read file? I really want a little more inspiration for future reads, and I'd love to have some chats about real good books - tell me allllll you want and let's have a little lovely chat :)

Have a great day! ♥


Love, Jacqueline Xx





P.S. I do not claim any copyright for the used pictures! All rights go to their owners! I do not use these pictures to gain money, I use them for fun and inspiration only!

Thursday 18 August 2016

TRAVEL DIARIES: Exploring Berlin by Foot


Welcome to a new post!

As a few of you might remember from my JULY CHATS post, me and my family booked a trip to Berlin for the middle of August. We went there by train, from Wednesday to Saturday, to enjoy a little time off and explore somewhere new as a family. As I love photography and keeping memories, I took a whole bloody load of pictures, already having in mind whilst taking pictures that I would probably write a blogpost about my time there.

With this post I am going to start a little series, where I talk and show you through all I did when I was away, including a few tips that I would've found helpful before going there as well. I love writing down what I did on holiday, so this is going to be a little travel diary.

As I took so many pictures, I decided to split this up into 3 posts, instead of having to cut it down so badly. I edited quite a few pictures, but also left quite a few in their original state, as I wanted a nice mix of both and some pictures definitely needed a little highlighting due to the weather. Today you are going to see everything from the day that we went up there, so here's to day 1! :)

We stayed at the InterCity Hotel at the main train station of Berlin, meaning we were pretty central, and I can really recommend if you are on a budget but still want a really nice hotel. The breakfast was a little fruit-less, but absolutely damn good! You can reach a lot of the government stuff and some sights by foot really easily as they are kinda close. HERE's a link to the hotel, if you want to have a better look at it.
My Travel Outfit:

Denim Jacket: ONLY
Top: H&M
Trousers: H&M (currently available!)
Shoes: Converse
Clock: New Look
I've had food at Peter Pane's once upon a time name Hans im Glück quite a few times before, and they do the best burgers and sweet potato fries ever! I got my parents to go to Peter Pane for our first lunch after we arrived, and they were so bloody happy with it, that we went twice - and let me tell you that stuff like this usually never happens. This time I had a noon menu including a burger and I chose salad instead of fries. There's also a hot drink included. If you want really nice food for not a lot of money, whether you eat meat, you are vegeterian or vegan, you will find something to eat. They've got a whole lot of stuff, and I wish there was one close to where I live, but that probably wouldn't do that well on me trying to eat healthyisch. HERE is the link to the website, so you can check it out if you are going to Germany. They've got quite a few restaurants, and their partner once upon a time HANS IM GLÜCK pretty much sells the same stuff, if you ever get anywhere near one.

After an amazing lunch, it was time to finally explore the area around the hotel!

Bundeskanzleramt (Federal Chancellery)
Reichstag
Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate)
Hotel Adlon
Siegessäule
British Embassy
Bag: River Island
Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church)
KaDeWe - Kaufhaus des Westens

Well, that was day 1 in Berlin, starting to walk kilometers over kilometers, starting our  power program till Saturday. I hope you enjoyed this post. The next few ones will include a few more tips on what to do and see, so get ready for that, if you'd like to hear and see more about my trip. :)

Have you ever been to Berlin? If so, how did you like it? Have you visited anywhere else in Germany? What's on top of your travel bucket list? Let's share and talk :)

Have a great day ♥


Love, Jacqueline Xx