Books I'm Loving This Month

1. If I Stay - Gayle Foreman

There are very few books that I can sit down with and read cover to cover in one sitting. With this book, I could never not. Honestly, there are no words to describe the emotion this novel put me through, and reading it was a pleasure, although it didn’t feel like it at the time. It’s rare for me to be rooting for the characters in a novel at all, let alone as hard as I was (and am still) rooting for Mia, and even for Adam. 100% recommended for everyone, and I’m very much looking forward to watching the film adaptation (and reading the sequel!).

2. Looking For Alaska - John Green
When I first read this book about 4 years ago, I hated it. I didn’t connect with any of the characters, and frankly, I hated Alaska (the character, the place is lovely I’m sure). This did not make for an enjoyable read, but after re-reading recently, I’m in love. Being this little bit older than I was, I found it so much easier to relate to the protagonists, and the story just really resonated with me in a way that it hadn’t before. However, Looking For Alaska still isn’t as life-changing as Green’s other novels.

3. One Of Us Is Lying - Karen McManus
I picked this up by chance in one of my much-too-frequent Waterstones impulse buys, and I am so so glad that I did. A riveting plot, developed yet still guilty-pleasure-esque stereotypical characters, and a deep underlying moral lesson, this novel is so unique and a fresh take on a too-overly-done genre.. So fresh, in fact, that you don’t realise the trope until you come to the big revelation (of which, of course, my lips are sealed).

4. Just Like Fate - Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young
Every single one of Patrick’s novels are incredible. Every single one, no exaggeration. I first fell in love with Forgotten, then Revived, then The Originals (all 100% recommended), and now her collaboration with Suzanne Young. I’m not normally a sucker for romances (not reflected by this list) but I really was for Just Like Fate. Both Patrick’s and Young's writing styles are so comprehensive yet evoke so much emotion, it’s impossible to not adore their characters.

5. What Light - Jay Asher

Okay so I realise I've gone completely romantic on y'all, which wasn't the plan, but I guess that's what I've been reading recently! Jay Asher (author of the incredible novel 13 Reasons Why) is one of my favourite authors of all time, even though I've only read two of his books (both of which are absolute masterpieces). So cheesy, so Christmas-y, so much less dark than 13RW, such a fun read that still really makes you think. 

TV I'm Loving This Month

Here are 5 TV shows that I'm Loving This Month!

1. Pretty Little Liars
Omgggggggg!!!! I am literally watching the latest episode while I'm writing this... SO good!

2. Victorious
Don't judge. I rediscovered Victorious on Netflix recently because I was trying to remember the name of a song sung on the show (it was Beggin' On Your Knees by Victoria Justice if you're interested) and I've just been watching ep after ep ever since.

3. LOST
My family and I were pretty late to the party with regards to LOST, only discovering it a few years ago. We have the first 4/5 seasons on DVD and I've been rewatching slowly over the past few months. I'm still not over so many of the deaths, although I've been told to series ending is very disappointing...

4. Peppa Pig
Okay hear me out... I'm taking A Level French, and it's really helpful to be able to hear someone speaking the language but relatively slowly, so you get used to the sounds (and learn some new vocab). That's my reasoning for watching Peppa Pig (in French, of course), and ngl I'm actually kind of enjoying it.

5. American Horror Story
Again, I was way late on the AHS bandwagon, but now I'm on it I love it so much. I've almost finished season 3 (Coven) and am super excited to watch the rest!

What are you loving on TV right now?

Films I'm Loving This Month

Here are 5 of the films that I'm Loving This Month!

1. Moana
Yep, I'm still in love with it! I mean, the soundtrack alone is enough to make Moana an instant classic. That iconic 'I am Moana' yaaaassssssss!!!

2. Hacksaw Ridge
I saw this a couple of months ago when it was first released, and (I kid you not) I literally cried from the opening scene until way after the credits. For me, the main character was so relatable even though his circumstances weren't, which I thought was a lovely parallel. I must rewatch, but I'll remember to bring the tissues this time!

3. St Trinian's
Having adored this movie (and it's sequel) for many, many years, I was thrilled to catch it on TV the other day. I still laugh, I'll be honest.

4. Kick-Ass 2
Both Kick-Ass movies are such feel-good guilty pleasures of mine. The characters are wonderful, the plot is hilarious, and yet there are still some gut-and-heart-wrenching scenes and themes. 10/10 would recommend.

5. Zero Day
Do you really expect a best-films list of mine to not contain Zero Day???? It's nearly 15 years since this masterpiece was released in 2003, and it's still just as relevant and just as fantastic. My love.

Music I'm Loving This Month

Happy Wednesday! This month brings a brand new series: Loving This Month! Each week I'll be sharing with you 5 of my top things for this month. This week is Music!

This is supposed to be a list of June favourites, but it's barely June (it's June 7th, by my watch). Therefore, this is what I'm loving currently, but who knows, it'll probably change throughout the rest of June. You can also listen to my June Playlist, which will be constantly added to as we go through the month, or check out the rest of My Spotify :).

1. blackbear
Chateau was my favourite song last month, and it's no different this month! The entire digital druglord album is incredible (and Help is pretty darn great too), and all blackbear's songs have such a great beat.

2. Bird Set Free - Sia
I never really jumped on the Sia bandwagon when she first became popular, but somehow I've only just discovered Bird Set Free, which has quickly become one of my favourite songs. I mean cmon, those damn VOCALS. GIRL.

3. The Eagles
Hotel California is both a classic song and a classic album. Both greatly loved by me atm. (My favourite song from the album is New Kid in Town.)

4. Wait - M83
I only found out about this song because (of all things) it's on the Skins soundtrack. Amazing show, amazing song. I'm listening to it right now and it's honestly making me emotional even writing this what I cant take it.

5. R5
I'm ashamed. I thought I was way out of my boyband phase, but R5 seem to combine the sweet boyband (yes, I know they're not a boyband) look of pretty-boy Ross Lynch and co with an edgier tone, and their album Sometime Last Night just seems to make you feel good. Very Summer. Much Love. (Also i am STOKED to see Ross in My Friend Dahmer; if only they'd release a trailer... Or a release date...)