Recently I've been reading..

I felt like I haven't done a book review type post in aaages! Since finishing uni, I've found it quite hard to get back into reading non uni normal books as I hadn't in so long. In the past month though I've managed to get through 3 which is pretty good for me!

Richard Matheson ~ I am Legend

I'm sure many of you will have seen the film with Will Smith in? Well I only found out 2 months ago that it was adapted from a book written in the fifties. If you haven't seen the film and want to, STOP READING NOW! The film is about a virus that spreads across the world, with only one survivor- Robert Neville. The virus makes zombie like humans that only come out at night. After reading the book, I now understand that the humans are not 'zombies' they are vampires. However Matheson's book was revolutionary in the Zombie genre as it was the first of it's kind and sparked the topic among horror enthusiasts. The vampire virus spread, in his book, as a zombie virus might, with only one survivor Robert Neville. The ending of the book is different to the movie so I won't give too much away. But I really enjoyed and now believe the movie ruined and changed far too much of Matheson'sgreat novel. 

Aravind Adiga ~ The White Tiger

The story is about Balram- the White Tiger. who works in a teashop, in a banal mind numbing job. He was removed from school early by his parents to work in the tea shop and see's a way out as a chauffeur to a rich man in his village. From this job he discovers New Delhi and keeps wanting more and more and begins to think comitting the odd crime worn't hurt anyone. This gets worse and worse untill the ending which I won't give away. I really enjoyed this story, I thought it was different and can see why it won a Man Booker prize.

Markus Zusak ~ The Book Thief

This has to be one of my favourite books that I go back to again and again. It revolves around nine year old Liesel, who lives with foster parents in the time of the third Reich after her parents were taken to a communist camp and after he brother's funeral she comes across a book. Following this she comes acoss many many books that she steals. All becasue she loves her step father reading to her at night. The story is narrated by 'death' and talks of the horrors of the world wars, but it is well done. I'd recommend this to people who enjoy books like 'a thousand splendid suns', 'the kite runner' or 'the fault in our stars'.

What have you all been reading lately? Do you have any recommendations- I love hearing about new books I wouldn't otherwise have come across?

I'm going on holiday...travel essentials

Hopefully, the blogger schedule thingy should have worked an you'll be reading this while I'm away(yay). I'm going on a proper holiday for the first time in ages! And I thought it might be interesting (I find it interesting on other people's blogs as I'm nosy!) to see what some 'essentials' are.

So first up, hair/face essentials: Moroccanoil, Etat Pur micellar water, Ojon damage reverse shampoo + condiioner and Nivea Daily essentials express hydration primer.

For the hair- I picked these Ojon minis as I'll be in the swimming pool, sea and hopefuly the sun will ve out loads, so these sounded perfect for my dyed hair. Same goes with Moroccanoil. I love this stuff and think it does so much for my hair for heat stlying and helping dry ends, plus it smells amazing.

And also make up essentials, Collection Lasting perfect ultimate wear powder, Collection longer lashes waterproof mascara, Revlong lip butter in Candy apply, Boots eyelash curlers, Real techniques buffing brush and Urban Decay Naked Basics palette.

For my make up- I chose the powder, for the obvious reason of getting rid of shiny sweat face, and waterproof mascara 'cause of the pool and sea. Eyelash curleers because lashes look so much better when curled. Candy apple as it's such a pretty bright colour, great with a tan! And lastly my new fav-Naked Basics palette as it will have all the shades I need in.

What are your travel essentials? Is there something you can't live without on holiday?