I'll Give You The Sun By Jandy Nelson | Book Review

Book Details:

Author: Jandy Nelson

Ages: YA

Rating: 6/10

Number of Pages: 429

Plot: When tragedy strikes, the once inseparable twins Jude and Noah Sweetwine have been driven apart, living in two very different and separate worlds. Written across two different time scales, Noah’s narrative follows his exploration of his artistic skills and his dreams of attending the local art school, but will his mother’s secret tear all his dreams apart? Set three years after their family tragedy, Jude’s narrative follows her struggles in art school as well as the distinct separation between her and her twin. Following their dealings with love, school and, most importantly, their crumbling relationship, I’ll Give You The Sun, offers a unique idea to the contemporary YA genre. In a story that interestingly addresses the effects of loss and family, Nelson creates two loveable characters that the reader wants to support from the very first page. 

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children By Ransom Riggs | Book Review

Book Details:

Author: Ransom Riggs

Ages: YA

Rating: 6/10

Number of Pages: 384

Plot: An unexpected and shocking family tragedy sees young Jacob Portman travel to a remote island off the coast of Wales in order to uncover the secrets of the supposed 'peculiar' children his grandfather had told him so many stories of as a child. In a new and mysterious setting Jacob and his doubting father embark on an adventure that could prove Jacob’s new and peculiar visions and also uncover the secrets behind his grandfather’s past. In a small and archaic town, Jacob stumbles across the ruins of the orphanage once home to his grandfather and the peculiar children. Confused and disappointed, Jacob is almost ready to give up when he sees the beautiful Emma Bloom, one of the peculiar children from his grandfather’s photographs, but something is wrong – Emma hasn’t aged a day. In a story exploring the paranormal, Riggs creates a franchise that is able to mix the mysterious with historical elements.

University Update | Lifestyle

So the first term is over. I have officially managed to live away from home for a WHOLE term. That's 10 weeks doing my own cooking, cleaning and just generally keeping myself alive! And honestly, I'm quite surprised that I managed it. 

Whilst being miles and miles away from home took some getting used to (200 miles in fact), being in an environment where everyone is in the same boat really did help. Hearing stories from my friends who had already arrived at their universities, I was apprehensive and, honestly, quite scared about being thrown into a new area, knowing no one and being so far from home. To be honest, for me, it wasn't that bad. I'll take you back to the very first day...