Okay, this post is now super late, but I wanted to post it anyway because the post has been sat in a word document for so long and there are some great favourites here that are worth mentioning. Since I am now done with uni for the year, hopefully I will be able to get up to date with some blog posts so more will be on their way!

Books

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

I read this book for my children’s literature module at university and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It did not take me too long, partly because it is a children’s book, but also because once I got into it the pace was quite quick. I had heard of the novel because my sister used to have a copy of it and I remember seeing it on her shelf for years. I also remember my mum telling me that it was a really good book, so I was aware of it and knew I wanted to read it at some stage. Now, I am really glad that I had to read it for uni because it was really interesting. The novel looks at race relations in America in the 1930s. Having studied a slightly later period than this in History at school when looking at civil rights, I was interested to see the situation before this period. As a children’s book told from the perspective of a child, Cassie, this added an interesting view on the situation and also reminded me of To Kill A Mockingbird, although Cassie and Scout are on opposite sides of the relationship. Overall, I am so glad I read this novel and I definitely recommend it.

Tom’s Midnight Garden

Before I received my reading list for my children’s literature module I had never heard of this book. This was interesting because a few people on my course told me it was their favourite book growing up and yet somehow, I had no clue about it. However, I think that this was the best book I read over autumn. I really loved the story and I thought it was clever and magical. As I was reading, I was worried that the end of the story could ruin the book that I was enjoying so much, but thankfully the ending was done really well. I can see why this is a childhood favourite for many people.

The Magician’s Nephew

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has been one of my favourite stories for as long as I can remember. I have seen adaptations of a couple of the other stories but had no idea what to expect from The Magician’s Nephew. Chronologically, it is the first book in the Narnia series, but I had never really hard good things about it. However, we had to choose a book to do a presentation on and a few people started talking about how much they liked this novel. So, we chose this one for our presentation and I bought myself a copy and sat down to read it. I am glad that I did. I still prefer the second story of the series and probably always will, but reading about the creation of Narnia in a story that mirrors Genesis and learning more about the overall tale and Lewis’s world was great. I am glad that I did read this one and I feel more inspired to read the other parts now too.

Birthday Presents

Google Pixel 2

Having had my previous phone for a few years, I decided that I would like a change. I used to have an IPhone, but a few months ago I started hearing good things about the Google Pixel and decided to do a bit of investigating. After much indecision (leaving the security of Apple and IoS seemed scary), I decided to try something new and switch over to Google and Android. For a while it was a bit strange, but I quickly grew to love the phone and I am glad I switched over and tried something new. Having had the phone for a few months now, I can happily say that I have no regrets about switching from an IPhone and I love my new phone. Having someone who knows much more about tech than I do has been super helpful and has allowed me to gradually learn about some small changes that I can make now that I have an Android. Now, when someone is looking for a new phone, I always recommend looking at more than just Apple products (although they are great too).

Missoma Necklace

After hearing about the brand Missoma from various people online, I had a look at their website and have liked some of their jewellery for a while. I also liked the idea of wearing multiple necklaces at different lengths and began searching for a choker type of necklace, but I struggled to find one that I liked that was also in silver (I personally prefer to wear silver jewellery). Then I saw one from Missoma that I really liked, so I bought the sterling silver leaf necklace and I am so pleased with it and have worn it a lot. It was more than I would usually pay for jewellery, but I used birthday money and I know the necklace will be worth the money considering how much I wear it. It is really good quality and came well packaged in a lovely jewellery box. So far, I love the necklace and would recommend the brand if you are looking for a nice piece of jewellery that will last you well.

Films

Mary Poppins Returns

When I first heard that there was to be a second Mary Poppins film, I was sceptical. Why do a second film? Why after all this time? Yet as the release date grew closer, I watched the trailer and became very excited for the film. I have planned to write a post devoted to my thoughts on the film, but as of yet that has not happened, although it may still. Overall, I loved the music, the acting and the story. I felt that there were lots of lovely touches that paid homage to the first film and the story took a lot from the original books by P.L. Travers (there are reviews of the first two books on my blog). The only issue I had with the film was the ending, although actually I only realised this after chatting about the film with a friend later. Overall, I thought this was a really good sequel and I think it is worth a watch. It felt like a classic Disney film and I loved that about it.

Home Again

Choosing films to watch with friends can be difficult, but I had seen this film a few months ago and enjoyed it so thought it was worth watching together. The film is easy-viewing, but it is the kind of film that I love. Reese Witherspoon is one of my favourite actresses and I also got my friend to watch Sweet Home Alabama (I highly recommend this film too). Home Again is a sweet film about Alice, a woman who takes in three aspiring film makers into her home. Relationships become complicated between the filmmakers, Alice, her ex-husband, and her children. This is a light, funny film that explores the complications that life can throw at you. For those looking for a light, warm-hearted film, I recommend trying this one.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

I watched this film with my housemates shortly after it was released on Netflix and we have watched it at least twice since. I cannot say how true the film was or was not to the books, but I really enjoyed it. It is a young adult romance story and so is a good film to watch for a relaxing evening with friends. I definitely recommend this film for a chilled-out evening or a time when a cute romance film is needed.

TV

Vanity Fair

I want to start the TV favourites with ITV’s adaptation of Vanity Fair. I began watching this back in September as soon as it first aired, and I am not sure where it can be found now but I sincerely hope that it can because it was really good. I watched both because it looked good, but also because I knew I would be studying the book this year at university. Having now studied and read the book, I know I was right about the TV adaptation being good. The cast were well chosen, and the plot well executed. The beginning titles set the tone perfectly and I liked the decision to have ‘Thackeray’ to recap and set the story rolling in each episode. Thackeray’s novel is excellent anyway, but this adaptation was great, and I highly recommend it.

The Crown

After wanting to watch this for so long, I finally started it in the autumn and it is as good as everyone has been saying. I really enjoy learning about the British royal family, and at school I always preferred learning about modern history, so this programme combines both of those things perfectly. Of course, I am not sure how accurate the programme is, especially in the smaller details, so I do not take all of it too seriously. However, this is a great Netflix original and one that I definitely recommend and intend to continue watching.

Cable Girls

Whilst searching Netflix for shows to watch, I stumbled across this show. The show is originally in Spanish so is dubbed for English speaking audiences, but that doesn’t bother me, and you don’t really notice it after a while. The show centres around a woman who must assume a new identity in order to infiltrate a telephone company in order to save herself. There is mystery and drama but also love and friendship. Overall, I think that this show is well worth a chance.