tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18930458758908620122024-03-05T04:54:16.235+00:00Liber AmorisWelcome to Liber Amoris where you can find all the updates on my favourite things we can fangirl over! This includes everything from books, musicals, TV and other random things to love.Kaitlin Harbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14216431722407823913noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893045875890862012.post-61443555126341451452019-08-16T16:45:00.000+01:002019-08-16T17:12:07.056+01:00Forcing my friends to read We Were Liars (their reviews)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few years ago, I read We Were Liars by E. Lockhart and loved it! I have reread it multiple times since and each time I find some new details which influence the storyline. The writing is so intricate and clever. I just need everyone to read it so I can discuss it... so that's what I did... I forced (well persistently persuaded) my friends to read it...<br />
Here are their thoughts on the book...<br />
<b>(THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!)</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Chloe:</u></span></b><br />
Chloe read the book with me the first time I read it, so she already has reviews on her blog which you can make sure to check out as she goes into lots of detail and talks about theories I had never even considered.<br />
<a href="https://forever-fictional.blogspot.com/2016/04/we-were-liars-e-lockhart-book-talk.html" target="_blank">We Were Liars Book Talk</a><br />
<a href="https://forever-fictional.blogspot.com/2016/04/we-were-liars-further-book-talk.html" target="_blank">We Were Liars Further Book Talk</a><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>Aaron:</u></b></span><br />
Aaron messaged me about 2 in the morning after finishing the book asking "Why did you make me read this? It's so sad!".<br />
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<u>His review:</u><br />
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'We Were Liars' was an interesting read. It started off slow and fairly ordinary, and although the pace sped up further along in the book, the complexity of the story did not become that much more extraordinary which is what made this book stand out to me.</div>
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Overall, I’d sum this book up as an ordinary story told in an extraordinary way. However, the driving force of what kept this really interesting was the first person perspective of the events going on. The main character had lost some memories and in turn, so did the audience- the other characters were not only holding information from the main character, Cadence, but from us too. Having Cadence feel like an outsider in her own family because of the simple fact that they were rich and upper-class was really simple, but the repetition of Cadence reassuring herself that she was normal (echoing the voice of her mother) made for a real claustrophobic sense and feeling of being trapped; not by the island (which was beautiful and free) but by the money and status that had to be kept up within the family’s façade.</div>
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This social message accompanied by the subtle nods at racism and prejudice made the family feel extremely real and menacing. Not in a physical way, but as if they were this primal pack of alphas with financial leverage and unjust power.</div>
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One of my favourite parts was that of the questioning of morals: if you drive someone to kill, are they to blame, or are you? This was more for the audience to decide for themselves, but all I will say is that I believe the youngest generation (the Liars) were only being used as puppets by the mothers as to gain the affection of the oldest generation (the granddad), and more so the money.</div>
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It was a futile and fruitless outcome as no one really learned from it: the mothers couldn’t (or wouldn’t) see what they had pushed their children to do and the granddad remained the king of this sick and blood-stained castle. No matter how comforting and kind he appeared, the superiority couldn’t help but seep through his smile.</div>
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It made me angry. It made me cry. It made me think.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><b>Taya:</b></u></span><br />
Similarly, I had a series of traumatized messages from Taya once she had reached the end of the book. As I was at work, I did not see them until my phone had been filled with a flow of tears.<br />
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<u>Her review:</u><br />
When I first picked up 'We Were Liars' I didn't think I would enjoy as much as I did. This is a book that made me cry and laugh. E. Lockhart does a beautiful job at taking you on an adventure, both mentally and emotionally. I would love to re-read this book over and over despite knowing the ending because the story is so well thought out. Even though the book isn't long, I grew attached to these characters and all the qualities that made them who they are. I'm so glad my friend recommended this book to me, there is not even a scrabble word to describe how happy I am she suggested it. Since the copy I read is from the library I unfortunately have to return it. But that just gives me an excuse to buy my own copy and read it again.<br />
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I can't decide if my friends are pleased they read the book or hate me for forcing them through such emotional turmoil....<br />
If you need to encourage anyone to read the book, show them this post which proves that even non-avid readers can enjoy it!!<br />
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Kaitlin</div>
Kaitlin Harbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14216431722407823913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893045875890862012.post-10462077674081559772019-08-10T11:00:00.000+01:002019-08-10T11:00:00.142+01:00Three Dark Crowns Review and Book Of The Month Questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake was my book of the month with Chloe from <a href="https://forever-fictional.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Forever Fictional</a>. Yes, we are back! Unfortunately we both agreed that it was a disappointing first read back (especially for Chloe, see her review *rant* <a href="https://forever-fictional.blogspot.com/2019/08/three-dark-crowns-kendare-blake-book.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>).<br />
Each month, as a form of discussing the book, Chloe and I are going to send each other questions about our thoughts on the book. You can find Chloe's answers to my questions <a href="https://forever-fictional.blogspot.com/2019/08/three-dark-crowns-book-of-month.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<b>THIS POST HAS SPOILERS - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!</b><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>My original thoughts:</u></b></span><br />
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The major flaw of this book that I have to comment on is the false advertising. Read any synopsis on Goodreads or even the back of the book and it intrigues you with a fight to death. What they don't tell you is that you have to get to the very last pages to even start to see any actual fight between them, the rest is just build up.<br />
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I liked being able to have an insight into all of the queens' realms as I can form a less biased point of view but it was told in such an odd way. Instead of being from the queens' perspectives, we got random characters tell the story from third person perspective. It just confused me and distanced me from the story as I struggled to connect to anyone with the narrative changing so much.<br />
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I was a bit gutted that out of the 3 different covers for the 3 different queens, I managed to get the cover of the queen I disliked the most. Seriously Mirabella, what was your input into the story other than ruining a perfectly good relationship?<br />
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I am definitely intrigued by the nice little cliffhanger at the end of the book. Were the sisters accidentally swapped?? How will this change things?? My first thought when reading this cliffhanger was definitely 'Dang, I wasn't planning on continuing the series but I want answers'. So I applaud you Kendare Blake for making me curious. Am I likely to continue the series? No.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>Chloe's questions for me:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Who was your favourite queen?</span><br />
Katherine as she always keeps trying even after making a big scene at the Gave Noir. No one would even help her to leave the room! And later she gets pushed off a cliff.. she goes through hell the whole book yet still manages to deliver one of the best lines "I want revenge. And then I want my crown".<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;">What power/gift would you want?</span><br />
I would really like naturalist powers, even if I believe that they are the weakest in the book. I love the idea of the bond that you have with your familiar.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;">If you had a familiar, what would it be?</span><br />
I would like to picture myself with some kind of bird (hopefully an exciting one like an eagle, not a pigeon haha!). It would be my lookout and come and sit on my shoulder and keep me company.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Why do you think Pietyr pushed Katherine?</span><br />
I think Pietyr was always in it for the power (I was never rooting for them). Pietyr was always made aware of any information and was respected and trusted by the court. As soon as everything went wrong and he realised that Katherine was not powerful, I believe he was trying to get rid of her. If she dies no one would know he did it so he gets away with it, she lived so I am sure he gained enough sources to go into hiding. I'm sure we'd meet him later in the series.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Will Katherine forgive Pietyr?</span><br />
I hope not. I think she's smart enough to stand up for herself. 'Bro, you can't just push me off a cliff and expect me to be cool about it'<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Will Joseph end up with Mirabella or Jules?</span><br />
I really hope Jules. Joseph and Mirabella bugged me. Extreme insta-love. What did Jules do to deserve this? She waited years for Joseph!<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;">What was your favourite scene in the book?</span><br />
It's not a major scene, but I loved it when Billy ignores his father and only bows to Arsinoe.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Who was your favourite side character?</span><br />
Jules. She is basically the naturalist hero. She would do anything for the people she cares about. She could just show off about her power, instead she uses it to help.<br />
I also like Billy. He was sweet.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Which queen - if any - do you think will be triumphant?</span><br />
I don't think any will. Somehow they will all come together and rebel.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Do you think Katherine will end up being a naturalist?</span><br />
Yes. Or a warrior. We don't know much about them, I feel they will come into the story a lot more.<br />
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Hope you enjoyed our discussion. What are your opinions on the book?</div>
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Make sure to read Chloe's answers to my questions <a href="https://forever-fictional.blogspot.com/2019/08/three-dark-crowns-book-of-month.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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August's book is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo By Taylor Jenkins Reid</div>
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Kaitlin</div>
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Kaitlin Harbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14216431722407823913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893045875890862012.post-29278876783222003742019-07-22T10:00:00.000+01:002019-07-22T10:00:05.042+01:00Reader Problems - Taking Books On Holiday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was thinking about starting a new series of posts called 'Reader Problems'. I know it's not a very original concept as other people are already making similar content, but I think it will be fun for me to write, so... I'm doing it anyway.<br />
As I'm currently on holiday (hoping I finish writing this on time), I thought it would be fun to discuss all the problems I faced when trying to decide what books to take with me.<br />
I have narrowed it down to my top five things I needed to consider when selecting books to take away with me.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>1. Limited luggage restrictions</b></span><br />
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This is my biggest dilemma I have to conquer when selecting my books. I never know how many to bring. If I only bring 3 or 4 then I have room for my clothes, but what if I read them all and have nothing else to read?? Another decision I need to make is what size books do I take? Hardback books are out of the question, there is no way I am wasting valuable space with them. Do I bring long books so they'll last longer or do I bring short books so I can fit more in my luggage???<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>2. I don't want to ruin the condition of my books</b></span><br />
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Any time a books travels anywhere, there is always the risk of it getting damaged. Because of this, I do not want to bring brand new books or special books. The problem with this is that I don't own many books in a bad condition as I am fussy and don't like buying a book in such a state. Even if I do find such books on my shelf, I still feel the need to wrap it up safely for the journey.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>3. Mood reading - I might not want to read the genre of book I chose</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span>Recently, I have turned into a complete mood reader. I stopped making TBRs and just accepted that I have no idea what I am going to read each month. This makes it even harder to choose books to take with me. Right now I might want to read fantasy, but what if I want to suddenly read historical fiction??<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>4. I might lose books</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span>Travelling places comes with many risks. One of which is the risk of your luggage being lost. With this in mind I want to take all of my books in my hand luggage with me so they are under my protection, but it is an unrealistic plan. Also, what if I get held at knife point and they demand my books off me? My babies!!!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>5. I need space if I want to buy new books</b></span></span><br />
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So I'm at the point where I have finally chosen all of my books I'm taking with me and I have started my journey. At the airport I have time to spare while I wait for my flight and the next thing I know I have bought some new books... how am I going to fit these in my luggage on my return journey????<br />
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In conclusion, the sensible option would be to just take my kindle with hundreds of different books on it... but where's the fun in that??</div>
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Kaitlin</div>
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<br />Kaitlin Harbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14216431722407823913noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893045875890862012.post-35282750418738356062019-07-11T17:30:00.000+01:002019-07-11T18:14:31.745+01:00How Accurate Are Reader Stereotypes?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">What do people assume about you when you tell them that you like reading?</span></b><br />
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Chloe- "I'm a nerd, friendless, boring, shy and have no life?"<br />
Aaron- "Gay, sad. They are confused."<br />
Emma- "I'm really introverted?"<br />
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There are lots of negative thoughts that come to people's mind when we confess our love of books. How accurate are they?<br />
Are we so strange that our enjoyment of reading can never be understood?<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>1. We are really quiet and shy.</b></span></div>
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I believe that it is true that people who read are usually pretty quiet and shy because the actual act of reading is a fairly isolated activity. You can't read a book with another person like you'd watch a movie.</div>
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But, I do think that we are loud and expressive in other ways. How else would we have this whole book community? Books that get turned into movies happen because we as readers have shouted online about our enjoyment of them! Not happy with representation in a book? We will virtually shout about it!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>2. We are really clever.</b></span></div>
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This might not be true! I think it depends on your choice of reading material. If you read an educational book on Rome you'll be classed as clever on that subject. </div>
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I do believe that I learn new things from books but that doesn't mean I'm clever. If someone wants to read a cereal box they will still learn new things but they might not be called clever.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>3. We are boring.</b></span></div>
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I could easily think the same thing back to you non-reader!</div>
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Just because you have no interest in books doesn't mean that I'm the one who's boring. Maybe I'll teach you why I find books interesting, or maybe I'll even talk about a different subject - I know, crazy idea...</div>
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I get it, when I need to gush about a book that you have no idea what it's about, I may bore you, but I would have the same experience if you talked to me about a football game that happened!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>4. We have no friends.</b></span></div>
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Of course we can make friends! Other people share an interest in books! It doesn't matter if our friends are online or not, the book community is full of friends!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>5. We are against technology.</b></span></div>
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No. Just because I read physical books, definitely does not mean that you won't find me marathoning a TV show, or staying up way too late watching YouTube. </div>
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The book community relies so much on social media platforms to raise awareness of new books.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>6. We never go outside.</b></span></div>
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One of the biggest pros of reading is how easy and convenient it is. I can sit outside anywhere I want and not worry about screen brightness or signal. </div>
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Maybe it's true that I do spend a lot of my time indoors, but that's because I'm an introvert who is socially awkward in new environments. The truth is that I love nature, especially the sea.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>7. Boys who read are gay.</b></span></div>
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I don't even get how books are related to this. Enjoyment of reading is a hobby, it doesn't define you as an individual.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>8. We read for attention.</b></span></div>
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Apparently by choosing to read when everyone else is on their phone is a way of getting attention. We don't fit in so clearly we are just trying to stand out and show off.</div>
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The truth is that I hate standing out. I read to pass time and for my own enjoyment. I'm not intentionally trying to be different or more superior than anyone else.</div>
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Those are my opinions to justify people's assumptions. Of course, it is fine to think differently, I'd be interested to know different views.</div>
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Let's prove that reading is a positive activity!!</div>
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Kaitlin</div>
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Kaitlin Harbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14216431722407823913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893045875890862012.post-77152525763537084232019-07-08T10:00:00.000+01:002019-07-08T10:00:05.853+01:00Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlj9MZOkgeB4mCeaGlYgu89H84MY2ZpuEPuIm6DLJ4DSV5220nFgU5AmnjLukxj5LxDJpM0SANaS2ciwyBwKN683HMcxvwprdIwPXm2nKAKP4JCpNkIv1QyJ2t0LZq9Jt3wZS1-8YiP4g/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="436" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlj9MZOkgeB4mCeaGlYgu89H84MY2ZpuEPuIm6DLJ4DSV5220nFgU5AmnjLukxj5LxDJpM0SANaS2ciwyBwKN683HMcxvwprdIwPXm2nKAKP4JCpNkIv1QyJ2t0LZq9Jt3wZS1-8YiP4g/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We have made it half way through the year so we can now freak out about how quickly time passes and how little time we have to achieve all we wanted!... (That might just be me).<br />
Truthfully though, in terms of books, I'm feeling good. Of course I have a monstrous TBR, but we shook hands and came to the agreement that if I keep reading, I can keep feeding it more books.<br />
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I have read 32 books so far this year meaning that I have surpassed my reading challenge! At the beginning of the year due to lack of self motivation and all other fun mental health stuff, I was barely reading anything, so I set my reading challenge pretty low. I had considered raising it when I got back into reading, but I'll take any overachieving I can get and look at me go!!<br />
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Today, I'll be doing the Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag to reflect on the books I've read so far this year. I feel like the books I've been reading have been predominantly pretty good this year. When looking for the questions for this tag, I found numerous variations of the questions and wasn't sure which were the original, so if I don't answer any that you want to know, let me know in the comments!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>1. What's the best book you've read so far in 2019?</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Renegades by Marissa Meyer</span><br />
I have never been into superheroes. All that Marvel/DC stuff? No. I just don't like the concept of these randomly gifted people having so much more power over everyone else.<br />
Surprisingly, I really loved this book! I love how the series questions these powers and whether they really were for the good of the people. I also loved the characters and that their powers were really fresh and unique.<br />
<i>(Honourable mention: All My Friends Are Superheroes by Andrew Kaufman)</i><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>2. What's the best sequel you've read so far in 2019?</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Persepolis 2 by Marjane Satrapi</span></span></div>
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I found this question quite hard as recently I have been really bad at continuing series. I don't know why but I just sort of stop after the first book. I am also trying not to repeat the same books/series in this tag.<br />
I read Persepolis 1 & 2 back to back so the story just felt like it continued nicely. These books are easy to read and I like Satrapi's writing style. I also believe that these books really enlightened me on some subjects that I knew little about and feel like it was quite an important duology for me to read.<br />
<i>(Honourable mention: Archenemies by Marissa Meyer)</i><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>3. What's a new release you haven't read yet, but want to?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid</span></div>
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I have heard so many good things about this book! I am also in the perfect mood for the genre so I really want to pick up this book soon!</div>
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<i style="text-align: right;">(Honourable mention: </i><span style="text-align: right;"><i>Enchantée by</i></span><span style="text-align: right;"><i> Gita Trelease)</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>4. What's your most anticipated release for the second half of the year?</b></span></div>
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I don't know! I know it's very unlike me but I'm more excited about books that are already released at the moment! As I haven't continued any series recently, I don't have the anticipation of a series finale or anything like that.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>5. What's your biggest disappointment of the year so far?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;">All That She Can See by Carrie Hope Fletcher</span></div>
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I love Carrie Hope Fletcher and I was looking forward to immersing myself in every creative aspect of her life. Unfortunately I just didn't get on with this book.</div>
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The book literally felt like two different stories. Half way through, something happens and the events of the book change and it just feels like the book suddenly has a whole new focus. This can be done well, but it just wasn't working for me.</div>
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<i>(Honourable mention: Teen Angst? Naaah... by Ned Vizzini)</i></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>6. What's your biggest surprise of the year?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;">All My Friends Are Superheroes by Andrew Kaufman</span></div>
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I adore this book. It was the sweetest book to read and left me feeling so happy. It just reminded me how human we are and I can not stop recommending this book to everyone!</div>
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I went into this book knowing very little about it and ended up reading it in one sitting by the sea.</div>
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<i>(Honourable mention: Renegades by Marissa Meyer)</i></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>7. Who's your favourite new author? (debut or new to you)</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Holly Jackson (A Good Girl's Guide To Murder)</span></div>
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This book was so clever and the plot was so fast-paced and intricate. I can't believe this is her debut novel! I can not wait to see what else she writes as I love her style.</div>
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As soon as I finished this book I passed it on to my Grandma to read as she was intrigued when I bought it and said she'd like to read it if it was any good! We'll see what she thinks of it!</div>
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<i>(Honourable mention: C. J. Tudor - The Chalk Man)</i></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>8. Who's your new fictional crush?</b></span></div>
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I don't know again! I remember when I was younger I got so attached to characters, but I haven't had that recently! I really liked Sketch from Renegades by Marissa Meyer but I don't feel that attached to him that I'd call it a crush.</div>
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No, I'm not just saying this because my boyfriend reads my blog haha!</div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Eliza (Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia)</span></div>
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I related to Eliza so so much! From the anxiety, the creativity, the imagination, the search for belonging and the safe person to run to, Eliza reminds me so much of myself.</div>
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Zappia consistently creates characters who have so many different layers to them and who I am fully prepared to get emotionally invested in!!</div>
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<i>(Honourable mention: Pippa from A Good Girl's Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson)</i></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>10. What book made you cry?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;">We Were Liars by E. Lockhart</span></div>
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I know it's not the first time I've read this book... or second time... but third time round it still makes me cry okay?</div>
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It will forever amaze me how so many emotions and such a clever plot can fit into such a short book!</div>
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<i>(Honourable mention: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhejOQAi6mwPsiL5-z1tViSVcw8J2QaQDxatc5_c15tK2vXMHg8H8kTsv_Aw_hmVS-F8-HCTSLrEl8DnHEGBanRIyFzufvX_Ncijed6Y44hSAe9uGog9e-Ar_HnNwdWvl_d6B9lJbHECc/s1600/Jamie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="880" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhejOQAi6mwPsiL5-z1tViSVcw8J2QaQDxatc5_c15tK2vXMHg8H8kTsv_Aw_hmVS-F8-HCTSLrEl8DnHEGBanRIyFzufvX_Ncijed6Y44hSAe9uGog9e-Ar_HnNwdWvl_d6B9lJbHECc/s200/Jamie.jpg" width="129" /></a><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>11. What book made you happy?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Everybody's Talking About Jamie by Tom MacRae and Dan Gillepsie Sells</span></div>
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Are we counting this as a book? I do, but it's technically just a script. Well, my blog, my rules - it counts.</div>
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This musical makes me happy every time I hear or read it. The positivity it promotes is infectious! Jamie is one of the most lovable people and the whole musical is so positive as well as being funny while raising awareness of important topics.</div>
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<i>(Honourable mention: All My Friends Are Superheroes by Andrew Kaufman)</i></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>12. What's the most beautiful book you've bought this year?</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ABFDxzjwTEhCwma8VeaklZuG2F8r5sl0xfLmNu2IAZaHZ2br_KmDGud0awFMj9bK4QIh3cnsZhR3v4r1XIp43GGvhQL2-wIxHaJ6ER-zlxrr2_j-ZKsAxYMlNk9CLCwKeMuL3726dAo/s1600/Queen+of+Air+and+Darkness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1044" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ABFDxzjwTEhCwma8VeaklZuG2F8r5sl0xfLmNu2IAZaHZ2br_KmDGud0awFMj9bK4QIh3cnsZhR3v4r1XIp43GGvhQL2-wIxHaJ6ER-zlxrr2_j-ZKsAxYMlNk9CLCwKeMuL3726dAo/s200/Queen+of+Air+and+Darkness.jpg" width="130" /></a><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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All of them??</div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare</span></div>
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I swear the covers of Cassandra Clare's books are getting more stunning with each new release!</div>
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The Dark Artifices series in particular, are especially stunning in my opinion. I still think that the Infernal Devices original covers take the lead though.</div>
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<i>(Honourable mention: Adultolescence by Gabbie Hanna)</i></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?</b></span></div>
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I really desperately need to catch up on Cassandra Clare's endless releases!</div>
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Oh and you know, the other hundreds of books on my TBR!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>14. What's your reading goal for the rest of the year?</b></span></div>
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I added this question in as I have met my Goodreads reading goal and want to challenge myself further (also I didn't like ending on 13 questions).</div>
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My new reading goal is to read more books than Chloe from <a href="https://forever-fictional.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Forever Fictional</a>. Might sound weird, but she always beats me and this year I am going to try my hardest not to let her win!! </div>
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Chloe, I wasn't going to tell you but I decided that it would be unfair, so I am now challenging you. Bring on the competition! You are currently 4 books ahead of me but I'll get there!!!</div>
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That's it for this tag. I had fun reflecting on all the books I read this year and hopefully I have recommended a few that I don't repeat constantly on this blog!</div>
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Kaitlin</div>
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Kaitlin Harbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14216431722407823913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893045875890862012.post-50623494455360944982019-04-08T18:00:00.000+01:002019-04-08T18:00:00.922+01:00Doctor Who in London! + other adventures..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1iDvdb833ds2s-z63FC9bbjz5Bgifwg7jztZ7TLMk3qEH9BvbPzScAdPDo_ag0SlwsYdk52XnTnL_WJR0sJ7H4hyQcRnB41S-gsAix-An-5bj17tz9Z9hb1yYT-OOzLtsRMdcsH_aCc/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-04-04+at+18.16.02+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1071" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1iDvdb833ds2s-z63FC9bbjz5Bgifwg7jztZ7TLMk3qEH9BvbPzScAdPDo_ag0SlwsYdk52XnTnL_WJR0sJ7H4hyQcRnB41S-gsAix-An-5bj17tz9Z9hb1yYT-OOzLtsRMdcsH_aCc/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2019-04-04+at+18.16.02+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For my boyfriend's (Aaron) 18th birthday, I took him to London for a surprise Doctor Who walking tour as he is a big fan of the series (basically his version of Harry Potter to me). We visited filming locations as well as sights of inspiration for the well-known series.<br />
I had to overcome lots of hurdles along the way, but it was an overall success and a day we'll remember. We ended up visiting other places such as Harry Potter themed locations as well as huge bookshops, but more on that later...<br />
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By the way, I have written this post in which I hope to be an engaging short story style. Basically, it's long and I don't go directly to the point. I hope you enjoy it, but I understand if you just want to skim read the key parts, it should be clearly divided into events.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><b>Planning</b></u></span><br />
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Let's start from the very beginning.<br />
It all started a few months ago, just after my birthday when I was discussing with my grandma ideas for Aaron's birthday. I knew I wanted to do something special and so I was trying to list his interests. (These turned out to be fairly limited or very hard to do anything with).<br />
My initial themes to work with were Doctor Who (DW) and the superhero universe (Marvel or DC). So, being the unknowledgeable person I am, I asked people for help.. (annoyingly, I didn't take screenshots of these conversations as they would be interesting to look back on).<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #e69138;">They were no help at all.</span></i></b></div>
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Having made no progress, I turned to my good friend.. Google.</div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i>Google would have helped... if I had a bigger budget...</i></b></span></div>
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I am a poor college student relying on a part-time job to fuel my car and anything to do with Doctor Who was in Cardiff! I do not live near Cardiff, it is about a 3 hour journey away which I cannot afford. Sooo... I was back to the very beginning once again.<br />
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Eventually, through the powers of the internet and social media, my mum came across a Doctor Who walking tour around London. It is run by Brit Movie Tours and you can find it <a href="https://britmovietours.com/bookings/doctor-who-london-tour/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i>Great, I had a venue. Which was still quite a large distance away...</i></b></span></div>
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After much contemplation and reassurance from his mum that he'd enjoy it, (Aaron was slightly concerned when he saw I'd been messaging his mum on my phone) I booked train tickets and suddenly we were off to London in a couple of weeks time.<br />
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It was sooooo hard keeping it a secret. I had booked it way over a month in advance and when you see someone practically every day you really want to tell them your exciting (and scary.. I'll explain later) plans.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>Reveal</u></b></span><br />
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When Aaron's birthday FINALLY arrived, I still didn't tell him everything.....<br />
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<u>The layers of Aaron's birthday present:</u><br />
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ6Q7zajeqTUKVAtaNKWX71vFIAH39p7so8LZaLL9QXDhKKriTH2XBMM6Az4bSvwR1nZVRKnbHt9y_vFpt8mXUTUNSYmP9FmfAsK8V9jTBl0UbYH_H7T3iWbEe9a5W9DKHvhaJ03jjgU/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-04-04+at+19.02.56.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ6Q7zajeqTUKVAtaNKWX71vFIAH39p7so8LZaLL9QXDhKKriTH2XBMM6Az4bSvwR1nZVRKnbHt9y_vFpt8mXUTUNSYmP9FmfAsK8V9jTBl0UbYH_H7T3iWbEe9a5W9DKHvhaJ03jjgU/s200/WhatsApp+Image+2019-04-04+at+19.02.56.jpeg" width="200" /></a>
<li>Peppa pig gift bag (Purely for my own amusement)</li>
<li>Wrapping paper around box</li>
<li>Cardboard box (As big as would fit in the bag)</li>
<li>A bag of heavy rocks inside the box (So it would feel really big and heavy. He couldn't keep the rocks as my brother wanted them back and the 3 year old can get very protective over his possessions)</li>
<li>Tissue paper underneath rocks</li>
<li>Train tickets to 'London Terminals' inside tissue paper (Nice and vague destination. Also one was a child ticket as they are cheaper and I can totally pull off a 15 year old)</li>
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And that's it. The following weekend we set off to London with Aaron having no clue where exactly we were going or what we were doing.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>The Journey</u></b></span></div>
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I feel that now is a good time to mention that this was one of the biggest trips that we had ever been on. We are both now 18, so are technically classed as adults, and we have been many places together before, but navigating yourself roughly 2 hours from home to the capital city, a massive busy place while you have anxiety.... scary. So as well as being special and fun, this trip means a lot for both of our independence and facing our fears.<br />
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Anyways, on with the story..<br />
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Our train was scheduled for 8:05am meaning that I'd have to pick Aaron up at about 7:15am to get there in good time as we didn't travel from our local station. </div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i>The clocks went forward that day.</i></b></span></div>
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So 7:15am now felt like 6:15am which means I have to wake up at what felt like 5:45am to get ready and get to Aaron's house. (I had also worked from 12 noon until 9pm the day before to be able to have the day off for the trip so I was already exhausted.)<br />
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But it was fine. Yes, we were sleep-deprived, but we both managed to drag ourselves out of bed. I then drove us to the train station. Although I have been driving for about half a year now, I am still not an amazingly confident driver and I believe this was one of the longest journeys I have ever driven and most of it was on fast roads which scare me. But I managed it and I actually didn't find it too bad. Yay, something went to plan!!</div>
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So we got to the train station in very good time and were all ready.<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #e69138;">That's when we noticed the crowded platform full of football supporters.</span></i></b></div>
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I had found out a short while before the event that a local football team would be playing at the football stadium in London that day and that it was a pretty big deal, but in my head we would be early enough to avoid the crowded trains.<br />
I was so very, very wrong. (Cue me bursting into tears on train platform).<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #e69138;">The first train was full and went straight past. The second train we managed to get on.......</span></i></b></div>
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We were already running late as we'd had to wait half an hour for the second train and the next train was slower as it stopped at more places. Luckily, I am paranoid and always leave an excess of extra time when planning things, but even then I could tell we'd be cutting it close.</div>
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I have a question. If anyone can logically answer it I will give them some kind of reward.</div>
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<b><i>How do hundreds of men go through at least 4 bottles of beer EACH at 8am while on the train???</i></b></div>
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It was actually ridiculous. We only got on the second train because I forced us on. </div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i>It was the most crowded and disgusting journey ever.</i></b></span></div>
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We had to stand the whole hour and a half journey squashed between drunk football-fueled men. They were shouting and chanting and getting up every 2 minutes and trying to squeeze through all of the people to go to the toilet as they had been drinking too much beer. There was a woman further up the carriage on her way to work who they were mocking and making a big deal of and, as the only young girl in the carriage, I felt pretty vulnerable.... Nothing happened though so it's all good. (I did find it quite amusing to spot my old school year-leader as part of the drunk crowd though).</div>
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Once off the train (thank goodness), I was basically dragging Aaron through the station as we were running late. (Remember he still has no idea where we are going. All he knows is that I took him on a hell trip and we are now late. I had planned to reveal the trip on the train but that was NOT happening on that train!). I was also partly dragging him to escape the football fans who were being animals and just charging through the barriers without paying. Also the chanting.. it was just surreal. As soon as they got out to the station they all started their football chants and it echoed all around the train station. It was creepy but also oddly mesmerising.<br />
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Anyways, back to us. We have finally escaped the football crowd. My original plan had been to walk to the meeting place as it would allow us to see some of the sights (and save me money- eek!) but we were running late so Tube it was! (The underground transport system in London). Luckily, I can navigate the Tube system so that wasn't a problem. I found us the correct line and scanned my card to get through the barrier, turned around and..<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i>Aaron's card wouldn't work and he couldn't get through the barrier..</i></b></span></div>
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I was completely convinced that the world was just trying to prove to me that I can not function as an independent adult at this stage (does not help low mental health and self esteem haha..). </div>
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So I scan myself back through and we find someone who works at the station to help us out.</div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i>He was sooo painfully useless!</i></b></span></div>
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It really pained me how bad he was. Yes, I was stressed as everything was going sooo wrong, but seriously? Telling us just to call up our bank and ask them what the problem is does not help! Finally, after me directly asking 5 times what could be a possible cause did he then offer us a solution (which meant we had to go all the way back up to the main station and down again once it was sorted).</div>
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Then, alas, we got through the barriers; on the Tube and to our station! We were meant to get to the tour meeting spot 15 minutes before the start time, but we only had 5 minutes to get there before we missed it altogether. So, we once again ran through a train station and out the front of it where the meeting point was supposed to be.</div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i>We went out the wrong side of the train station.</i></b></span></div>
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I hadn't realised that there were two entrances to the train station! I didn't realise my mistake and thought I had missed the tour. (Cue me crying AGAIN).</div>
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Then suddenly I realised my mistake (neither of us are sure about how I figured this out, but I did) and we found the other exit and I spotted a crowd of people. Running up to them and asking a man what the group was for, (one of the biggest scenes I have ever made of myself) I found out it was the DW tour and they had literally just been about to leave and, although we were late, we had made it!!!!!!!!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcBtNzezQEfOjjgD5j501WiCSpKcbBwYVZAgl_szRf8YrTVTZLp72mkpoFe9VNrylhkWk2iIQA6wv33EsIoJhr5-bYtkV5E0Cs6abkW9roIAVuumS3zsOyO4UqtPJH49Tp7xU8PzyfSY/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcBtNzezQEfOjjgD5j501WiCSpKcbBwYVZAgl_szRf8YrTVTZLp72mkpoFe9VNrylhkWk2iIQA6wv33EsIoJhr5-bYtkV5E0Cs6abkW9roIAVuumS3zsOyO4UqtPJH49Tp7xU8PzyfSY/s1600/giphy.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such an accurate representation</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>The Tour</u></b></span><br />
<u style="color: #cc0000;">(</u><span style="color: #cc0000;">The bit everyone bothered to read this for haha)</span></div>
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So, we made it to the event that all this had been for!</div>
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Aaron finally found out why we had come all the way to London and it went fairly smoothly from here (except the camera not working, so we basically have no photos).</div>
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The tour was actually really good and our tour-guide (Fiona) was so friendly and enthusiastic. She loved all things DW, Harry Potter and Sherlock. We could have gotten on soooo well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqs6nUODWaTlQ1tAI5MOCQQejFkQqJvQHkuRGm-k-SaQwIFZnH8aFG4FJKL5b6BJKG4JtFeYrzKkqArMEbeoveklgmZGfSsEuOV9S3wHUNk0MWQ6kXpcQqE4kikJTyiQ974KG4vvUt_ks/s1600/20190331_121832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqs6nUODWaTlQ1tAI5MOCQQejFkQqJvQHkuRGm-k-SaQwIFZnH8aFG4FJKL5b6BJKG4JtFeYrzKkqArMEbeoveklgmZGfSsEuOV9S3wHUNk0MWQ6kXpcQqE4kikJTyiQ974KG4vvUt_ks/s200/20190331_121832.jpg" width="200" /></a>The locations we visited were cool to see and she explained the scenes they appear in so clearly that it was very easy to picture it even from the point of view of a person who has only seen each episode once.</div>
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We even ended up getting a free bus ride! Part of the tour needed us to get the bus to the next location and as we were lucky and an old fashioned bus came which didn't accept contactless, we got a free ride!! Also the old bus was really cool.</div>
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I would recommend the tour for any Doctor Who fans.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>Waterstones Caf</u></b></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>é</u></b></span></div>
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After the tour, which was really good, (although I was freezing cold and my legs were really aching from work the day before) we decided to get a well deserved hot chocolate. I navigated my way to the nearest Waterstones (I can always find Waterstones, even in an unfamiliar place) and we finally took a moment to relax.</div>
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While at Waterstones (and somehow looking around all the books), we planned out the places we wanted to go next. I had not planned anything after the tour as I had left it open to do whatever we felt like and if there was anything that Aaron wanted to do in London while we were there. With the help of Google, we made a plan of action and set off to our next destination. We wanted to go to the DW store in London but it was closed so we'll have to go there some other day.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>Forbidden Planet</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7yVxAG1vWS1BuQ6YnPOV7CIZPZqrJSUISJdExne845w49gxmoTgqwNWJkqOB9jrfyVYWw3YujQ8YaLriC2gTbh6FPHz-zxUV-Wv_8NrycUAO9zRSKiz5nQJpB9YNTQ0jwBFWo-qPVRM/s1600/20190331_153612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7yVxAG1vWS1BuQ6YnPOV7CIZPZqrJSUISJdExne845w49gxmoTgqwNWJkqOB9jrfyVYWw3YujQ8YaLriC2gTbh6FPHz-zxUV-Wv_8NrycUAO9zRSKiz5nQJpB9YNTQ0jwBFWo-qPVRM/s200/20190331_153612.jpg" width="150" /></a>This was the first time we had been to a Forbidden Planet store and oh my goodness!!!! It was amazingggg! It has everything! All fandoms, a massive comic section, a massive book section, so many signed books!!!! In loveeeee. We spent a fair amount of time in there and it was so cool. I am so happy places like that exist! We also still cannot get over how massive London stores are! They have so many floors! Back at home, a shop with two floors is big.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>Foyles</u></b></span></div>
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As we were walking to our next planned destination, we passed a massive Foyles bookshop and somehow ended up in it.... </div>
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And again, so many floors!!!!! Books and books and books and books!!! I ended up forcing Aaron to drag me out of the shop!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>MinaLima</u></b></span></div>
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Next we went to MinaLima (is that even a surprise? I love this place so so much!).</div>
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I mentioned MinaLima in my March Wrap-up so I'll link it <a href="http://liber-amoris.blogspot.com/2019/04/march-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> if you want to find out what I got.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>Hamleys</u></b></span></div>
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Being the kids we truly are, we ended up going to the biggest toy shop I could think off. Does anybody else feel like it's the shop from the film 'Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium'?</div>
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Out of all the places on this trip, the place we lost each other is in the toy shop.. Typical.</div>
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I noticed they had a new Harry Potter section which is amazing and soo many cool things! I picked up a bottle of Butter Beer each as it is so yummy.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>Home Time</u></b></span></div>
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As the journey to London was so traumatic, I made sure that we got back to the station and on the train before we had to go through it all over again. We got back on the Tube; Aaron's card didn't work again so I just bought him a ticket with my card and then we got to the train station. We had a short while to wait for the train so I took the opportunity to get a well deserved tea. Then, we managed to get seats on the train in the quiet section and relaxxx.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzIHh1uB6rv260y_LVUC1KMvRANX_wzB5SNZvtrMGdZM6tKjHPV8vlmjZYgwjUJkfTO2FWTiFHwYdkhqhNobnk1grt4VY2Zp_qfgb-lUfb_b1jdN-5sa6reFKrwuq-jGT07zY3jExg5Q/s1600/20190331_210858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzIHh1uB6rv260y_LVUC1KMvRANX_wzB5SNZvtrMGdZM6tKjHPV8vlmjZYgwjUJkfTO2FWTiFHwYdkhqhNobnk1grt4VY2Zp_qfgb-lUfb_b1jdN-5sa6reFKrwuq-jGT07zY3jExg5Q/s200/20190331_210858.jpg" width="150" /></a>As we were waiting for the train to leave, the first few football fans started getting on, returning from their match, and I was pleading the train to hurry up and leave. Eventually, after a few fans ran on, we left with a much, much quieter train.</div>
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We got back to our station with quite a relaxing journey, where we could finally talk about the day, and then walked to my car and collapsed. We had planned to get some food out, but we were so exhausted that we decided just to go back to my house and eat pizza which was a BRILLIANT idea. (Although the first shop we went to for pizza was closed).</div>
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After pizza and drinking the Butter Beer, I dropped Aaron off home and just disappeared into my bed (the next day at college people thought I was drunk with how sleep-deprived I was).</div>
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That is the story of our trip to London. I can confirm that all events are true. Yes, it was such a crazy, crazy trip! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! It was so funny to remember how absolutely ridiculous the day was!<br />
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I hope you had a great day Aaron! x<br />
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Kaitlin<br />
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<i>P.S. I can not take any credit for top photo (Tardis by Thames)</i></div>
Kaitlin Harbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14216431722407823913noreply@blogger.com5