So it's been a while since I've posted, hasn't it?
What better way to jump back into blogging than with the details of an exciting new book?!

August Faves

Another month, another list of things I loved...

Stratford-Upon-Avon

Why I Started Using Audiobooks

A few months ago I got an Audible trial and was pleasantly surprised by it.

Letting A Friend Chose My Next Reads

Ever wondered what happens when you give control of your bookshelves over to someone else? I know I have, which is why I let my friend Jemima pick my next three reads...

Bill: Plays, Plots, and Plenty of Puns

Photo from shakespearemagazine.com

5 stars

Ever wondered how Shakespeare came to be known as the greatest writer the English language has ever known? Bill, the adventure comedy film from the main cast of Horrible Histories, will give you all the answers. Well... Sort of... Not really. But it will give you a good chuckle and the urge to learn more about the bard.

Matlock Bath

How Far I've Come

June Faves

What have I been loving at the mid-point of 2018?

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

Buy from BookDepository

First Year Feelings

I've been debating actually writing this post for the longest time now because, while I do want to share my university experience, I'm aware of how glaringly negative it would be. But then if I can't get a little bit personal on my blog, where can I?

The Stigma of Stereotypes

With this week being Mental Health Awareness Week I put out a call on Facebook and Twitter for people to tell me about the most hurtful or untrue stereotypes/statements about mental health they've experienced.

Where to Start With Stephen King

I've done a few recommendation posts for Stephen King books in the past, but nothing quite on this scale. I owe a huge thanks to Zoe at Readabiltea for the inspiration, as it was her Beginner's Guide to Agatha Christie that made me realise that my King knowledge might actually be helpful to new Constant Readers. Not that I'm an expert or anything, I just really like Stephen King's books.

April Faves

Another month, another batch of favourites

April and All it Brings

Ah, April - the start of the year's second quarter, the heart of spring. What a month you've been. You were better than March - and much better than February - I'll give you that, but you still weren't perfect, were you? From grey weather and chilly mornings to being swamped in university work and not feeling much joy in the things I once loved, it seemed you were here with nothing but bad. And yet, we began to turn a corner, did you and I, April.

Grandad

Wednesday 18th April marked three years since my grandad passed away.

Recommendations: Mental Health 2.0

Paperweight by Meg Haston

If you're looking for a take on eating disorders that isn't all romanticised beauty and light, this is the book for you. Paperweight is dark, gritty, and raw. The main character, Stevie, deals with the trauma, grief, and guilt following the death of her brother, as well as her personal demons. A must read for fans of dark and angry YA.

A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard

If sweeter stories are more your cup of tea, A Quiet Kind of Thunder is the one for you. Featuring representation for anxiety, selective mutism, and Deafness, this book tackles some serious issues whilst still retaining quite a light-hearted tone. There are still moments of teenage angst, but overall this book is as sweet as pie.

Thin by Grace Bowman

Or perhaps memoirs are more your idea of fun. Part fictionalisation, part true story, Thin follows Grace's journey battling herself and her weight. It tackles the myths surrounding anorexia and looks at both the descent into the depths of the illness and the beginnings of recovery. Not for the easily triggered, but a very informative read.

Blue Planet Aquarium

What I've Been Watching: March

My reading still wasn't great in March, but my TV watching? Off the charts.

25 Things in My Room

After seeing Rebecca talk about this tag on Twitter I thought why not give it a go? It's a bit of fun that also lets you have a bit of a nosy into my life.

The Process of Reviewing

Every book blogger has written or will write at least one review in their time. And every book blogger has their own process for doing so.

Sea Life Birmingham

February Faves

Seeing as how February is the month of Valentine's Day, it felt only right to talk about all the things I loved this month.

Sasha Velour 3/2/18

Q + A with Paul McAvoy

To celebrate the release of his newest book, So... I Met a Werewolf, author Paul McAvoy has put together a blog tour. I was one of the lucky bloggers chosen to take part, and so I bring you an interview!

January Wrap Up/February TBR

January was a good start for my reading year. How did your month go?

Moving Out and Mental Health

If you follow me on Twitter, you might be aware that last month I found a studio flat in the city and moved in. 

Recommendations: Mental Health

Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall

( agoraphobia / obsessive-compulsive disorder / self-harm )

For an incredibly close, real look at life with various anxiety disorders, this is the book for you. Even with a lighter note of friendship and budding romance throughout this still manages to pack a punch and shed light on the reality of mental health. Tentatively hopeful with more of a focus on recovery than triggering scenes.

The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer

( schizophrenia / grief / munchausen syndrome by proxy )

A slightly more mature read, but by no means complicated or inaccessible. Written by someone with a history of mental health nursing, this is a beautiful depiction of how the loss of a loved one can impact your own health. Sensitive yet still realistic, this spends a lot of time looking at two brothers and how their lives change.

After the Fire by Will Hill

( post-traumatic stress disorder )

Although not apparently obvious which mental health issues are present in this book, it is obvious that the children from inside The Fence have some. Moonbeam's time inside has left her damaged, and this follows her on a journey of acceptance and healing. Set heavily in a clinical facility that looks at her memories and tries to unpick them, there are mentions of more sensitive topics including rape, imprisonment, and gun violence.

London Zoo

2017 End of Year Book Survey

As per usual, I’m taking part in The Perpetual Page Turner’s end of year survey. For 2017, however, I’ve modified it a little bit in order to focus solely on the books. That means that I’ve taken out the ‘blogging/bookish life’ and ‘looking ahead’ sections, as my blogging life…. Died…. In 2017, and I want my hobbies in 2018 to be as stress free as possible. So, without further ado – onto the survey.