Beauty & The Books

Milk and Honey - Rupi Kaur Genre: Poetry Pages: 208 Format: Poetry Collection in four parts Rating: 4.5/5 Rupi Kaur has been commonly named the ‘voice of this generation’ and I for one would agree with that, as a woman from an ethnic minority background, I am proud to see Rupi doing well within the literary world. This poet started her career on Instagram, hence her common title of ‘ Insta Poet ’, this new generation of poets allowed for a new element of creativity within the poetry world, through the use of unique forms and artwork; as well as an easier way to show expression and thought. Two themes that this collection explores very well. Before I get into the nitty gritty aspects of the review, here is a short summary courtesy of Waterstones.com: Canadian poet Rupi Kaur’s poetry started as a series on Instagram before Kaur self-published a collected volume, Milk and Honey, which quickly became a US bestseller. The book is divided into four ch...

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves - Karen Joy Fowler Genre: Fiction/Psychological Fiction Pages: 336 Rating: 4/5 Format: Non linear storyline, moves between memories and present _________________________________________________ *WARNING, SPOILERS FROM THE ONSET* This novel is a heartbreaking tale that challenges the orthodox ideals of family and relationships. Rosemary's father is a university professor who takes part in many studies and publishes many papers, one of these studies happens to be about her life. Her life growing up with Fern, who is also a Chimpanzee! That was a plot twist that I did not expect at all! The way that Fowler introduces Fern and her character is one that people would usually associate with a human sibling, this makes the reader just assume that she is human (what else would we think?) and this is what Fowler wanted. The effect of the reader initially thinking of Fern as human, gives us just a small indication of what Lowell and Rosemary...

Heart Of Darkness - Joesph Conrad Genre: Novella Pages: 72 Rating: 2/5 Format: Messy _______________________________________________________________________________ Do not be deceived by the length of this book, despite its mere 72 pages it has taken me over a week to get to where I am at  (I managed to get to just over 1/2). I feel like this story has so much going for it, reading the overviews and summaries online I was really intrigued but the way that Conrad has chosen to write this ruins it  for me. Following the lecture that I just had on this, I definitely feel that this is almost biographical of Conrad's own experiences, using this reading it is understandable why the format is so messy. It can be suggested that his language use is there to accurately represent the events of the novella. If you are someone that likes the more challenging reads than this is definitely for you, I just could not get to grips with his modernist style. I l...

1984 (Nineteen Eighty-Four) - George Orwell Genre: Dystopia/Political Fiction Pages: 342 Rating: 4/5 Format: 3rd person Standard Narrative _________________________________________________________________________________ I feel that this novel has a slow beginning with Orwell explaining all of the dystopian terms to the reader as well as emphasising the age and condition of the main character, Winston (despite the slow start I love the effort that has been put into creating this world it makes it more enjoyable) I think for the time of writing, this novel is definitely ahead of its time! I love how Orwell contrasts the dullness of the society with the brightness of Winston's fantasies and and relationship. I do find that there is not enough depth to the characters but I get that the novel is more about the collective and not so much the individual, Winston is just a representation of the larger. Overall I would most definitely recommend this thought provoking novel! ...

  Strong Looks Better Naked - Khloé Kardashian Genre: Nonfiction/Self-help/Biography/Memoir Pages: 220 Rating: 5/5 Format: Memoir with quotes and images _________________________________________________________________________________ Everybody always talks rubbish about about Khloé and her sisters but I must say this book is amazing, Kardashian or not the story and message within this memoir is amazing! The overall vibe from this is one of positivity and understanding, she knows that life throws unexpected twists and turns at us but then she also gives advice as to how to cope with these twists. From topics concerning the death of her father to the breakup of her marriage, as well as recipes and cocktails. This book is something that everyone needs to experience, not just because she explains the benefits of exercise and food but it just makes you rethink everything and look in the mirror. Not all self-help books can do this. Definitely recommend this to anyone, alon...

I took my siblings on a day trip to Derby today and had the pleasure of stepping into heaven! (aka Waterstones) It has been so long since I've been able to shop here! I recently discovered this website www.worldofbooks.com and it is amazing! A majority of the books start from around £2.49!! (they are used books bare in mind) how great! Let me know if you check it out. xoxo P https://www.instagram.com/_beautyandthebooks_/