"So it was done. Signed and sealed. The end of one life, the beginning of another. With a good deal of sadness for so much of my life that had been wasted and misguided."

Show Me A Mountain by Kerry Young follows the life of Fay Wong, the daughter to a rich Chinese immigrant and a mother of proud African heritage. Growing up and living her life in 20th century Jamaica, Fay has to come to terms with the world she lives in, a world fueled by business, racial tension and a real threat of communism. As she grows older, she becomes wrapped up in all three worlds, to the point where she has to make a life-changing decision, one that could save herself and her family from considerable danger.

I must admit, I picked this book up on a bit of a whim. I have no knowledge whatsoever of Jamaica and it's history, so I half expected myself to get bored and/or confused whilst reading. But that was definitely not the case. Young's writing is engaging, faced paced and reader-friendly; not once did I have to re-read a passage or give Jamaica a google. It didn't take long before I was sucked into Fay's world - I read the whole book in 2 days (quite impressive for me!)

Show Me A Mountain deserves great praise for its characters. Not one is perfect, every character has significant flaws, just like the people you and I meet every day. These flaws get in the way of their lives, jeopardise them in some respects, and lead to interesting outcomes. I would like to go into these flaws in more detail, but I really don't want to give any surprises away!

I would imagine Show Me A Mountain will be classified as a work of historical fiction, as it is set in 20th century Jamaica and deals with communism (amongst other themes.) But I would also categorise it as literary fiction, one which deserves to be read by the masses - its on par with To Kill a Mockingbird. 

I urge you to put this on your holiday reading list this summer - you will come out the other side craving more internationally-set fiction.

(I was kindly given an advanced copy of Show Me  A Mountain by Bloomsbury Publishing via Netgalley.)

Beth x

On Friday, Britain seemed to implode. The country chose to leave the EU and political chaos ensued. I was, and still am, shocked at the choice 51.9% made. I'm also aware that its highly unlikely that the result will be overturned. But standing at the bus stop on Saturday morning, nothing looked to have changed, and it got me thinking. What won't change when we leave the EU? So for those disgruntled about the vote, I've compiled a list of small things that won't change after our 2018 exit. It's the little things, right?

England will have trouble winning any football tournament, it's just the way things will always be.

Your tea/coffee/generic hot beverage will still get cold if you leave it too long.

The Boxing Day sales will still be an unmissable event. 

Prince George and Princess Charlotte will still be adorable at every state occasion.

Despite widespread speculation, Magic Stars and Nandos will be sold in Britain.

Every June, thousands of Brits will tune into Wimbledon religiously, and will get wet whilst picnicking upon Henman Hill.

Netflix will always look after your welfare after a 12 hour Orange Is The New Black Marathon.

Mary Berry will still make the best Victoria Sponge.

Warm, cosy bookshops will cater for your every bookish need.

Our trains will always be delayed, late, or fail to turn up.

Your pets will still love you.

Glastonbury will forever be the most successful, yet muddiest festival.

Our make-up brushes will always be cleaned 5 times a year, when we can no longer take using a dirty foundation brush any longer.

London will still be as vibrant and lively as ever.

Your mum's spaghetti bolognese will still be nicer than your friend's mums'.

Beth x

"Sophie is concentrating on her breath. It smells like Frazzles. She says she has light for breakfast, air for lunch and love for supper, but Sophie has also secretly had some Frazzles."

I have seen the Ladybird Books for Adults in every bookshop, and have heard some rave reviews about just how funny, satirical and accurate they are. So I truly had high hopes for Jason Hazeley's Ladybird Book of Mindfulness. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to all its hype, but as this is a place for positivity, let's start with what I loved.

There's no denying that Hazeley's satirical take on the hype surrounding mindfulness was amusing. As someone who appreciates the sentiment, but cannot quite grasp its use, a little lighthearted poking of mindfulness was welcome. I also really loved the format of the book, it reads and looks exactly like the Ladybird books I read when I was teeny weeny. Just for a more adult audience, but it still took around 5 minutes to read from cover to cover.

However, some of the jokes went over my head (I'm such a innocent 19 year old...), and whilst the satire is great, I cannot help but think that those who successfully practice or rely on mindfulness have been stereotyped somewhat. As far as I can understand, mindfulness is about learning strategies to cope with your emotions and whatever the world throws at you - not just running around in fields, meditating and losing all control.

I would like to have a look at the other Ladybird Adult books on offer; the hangover edition looks pretty funny. If you want to pick one up, just be aware that you may come out the other side more offended than your 5 year old self.

Beth x

(Sidenote: it appears I skipped review #11 of my challenge, which was in fact Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. Sorry!)

(Source)

This is an unpaid collaboration with Eventbrite

UK university holidays are 12-15 weeks long. But what do we tend to spend them doing? Well, nothing at all really. Yes, us students don't have the money to go out every day of the week, or pay for oodles of extravagant 'once in a lifetime' experiences - but that doesn't mean we should settle for a summer of boredom! 

"I recently came across Eventbrite, an event management website currently running a campaign to get people to GOMO (Get Out More Often)." The GOMO campaign is all about squashing our FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) this summer, by taking more opportunities both far afield and locally. This really made me think about how everyone, regardless of income and experience, can get out more often and have a great summer.

Book something spectacular

If you're anything like me, you probably prefer a quiet day at home to a busy day out. But sometimes its good to change things up a bit and do something out of the ordinary. My 20th birthday is fast approaching, and instead of a physical gift, my Mum has booked us tickets to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the Musical. I honestly cannot remember the last time we spent some serious money and treated ourselves to a special day out, so this treat is well deserved! Maybe you too could book yourself a little treat, a concert, musical or trip abroad?

Get involved in a local event

Living in the South East of England, I'm always spoilt for choice when it comes to local events. When I was younger and to some extent now, I was constantly involved in musical events, whether it be orchestral or more modern. It was such a great thrill to perform in front of an audience and watch people enjoy your hard work. I still get involved in concerts as and when I can. So if you can give up your time for free and help pull off a great local event, do it!

Create your own event

Whilst I have no personal experience of creating my own event, I know plenty of people who do. Whether it be a small charity fundraiser, a blogger meet-up, or a summer celebration, its totally possible to organise something yourself. I'm personally terrified of all the organisation that goes into planning an event, but if the right opportunity came knocking, I would not turn it down. Eventbrite can help you set up and promote your event here.


If you would like to find national and local events to get involved in, I would suggest heading over to Eventbrite's website, where you can explore events going on locally and in all four corners of the UK. If you're feeling brave and want to create your own event, Eventbrite also have the facilities to advertise, so you get as many  visitors as possible!

GOMO this summer!

Beth x

As I'm typing this post, the aftermath of the EU 'Brexit' win is the focus of every news outlet. By 1pm, Britain had voted to leave the EU, PM David Cameron had resigned, and Labour MPs had called for a vote of no confidence in Jeremy Corbyn. 1pm. But if you rummage around online, you'll find a pile of important news stories pushed to one side. Very little to no airtime has been given to this 'other' news, so here's the run down of what you may have missed if you've been watching the referendum all day.

Coroner Martin Fleming has told the court that Labour MP Jo Cox died from "multiple stab and gunshot wounds." The MP died on Thursday 16th June outside her constituency surgery in Batley and Spen, West Yorkshire.

 Bernie Sanders has said he will vote for fellow Democrat Hillary Clinton in the November presidential election.

Donald Trump touched down in Scotland this morning to open his new resort. A comedian, believed to be Lee Nelson, was taken away by security guards, after handing out red gold balls emblazoned with a Swastika to the crowd. Trump was not best pleased.

Chinese state media have said that a tornado and hail storms in Jiangsu, east China, have killed 98 people and injured around 800 more. 

In sport, Wayne Rooney believes the England can win Euro 2016. Wimbledon preparations are also well underway; Andy Murray's first opponent will be fellow Brit Liam Brody.

Harry Styles has reportedly signed a solo record contract, leaving thousands of fans to believe that the 1D hiatus could be permanent. 

Beth x

“Every man’s island, Jean Louise, every man’s watchman, is his conscience. There is no such thing as a collective conscious.” 

I was craving familiar text this week, so I dived back into the world of Jean-Louise Finch and re-read Harper Lee's Go Set A Watchman. It was exactly the read I needed. Having always been fixated on To Kill A Mockingbird, I grabbed this sequel virtually on the day of release and devoured it in one afternoon. The second time around it took me a matter of hours.

Go Set A Watchman follows Jean-Louise Finch and her visit back to Maycomb, Alabama, and watches her get wrapped up in a race row, whilst sparing with her father Atticus. To avoid giving anymore of the plot away, I'll insert the Random House hardback 'blurb' here:

Maycomb, Alabama. Twenty-six-year-old Jean Louise Finch – ‘Scout’ – returns home from New York City to visit her ageing father, Atticus. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights tensions and political turmoil that were transforming the South, Jean Louise’s homecoming turns bittersweet when she learns disturbing truths about her close-knit family, the town and the people dearest to her. Memories from her childhood flood back, and her values and assumptions are thrown into doubt. Featuring many of the iconic characters from To Kill a Mockingbird, Go Set a Watchman perfectly captures a young woman, and a world, in painful yet necessary transition out of the illusions of the past – a journey that can be guided only by one’s own conscience.

The main message of this novel is so simple yet so evocative: everyone must set their own moral compass and answer to their own conscious. Flawed characters, shocking events, and the humdrum of Southern life really hammer this message home. 

Whenever I need to be set back upon the right course, I simply read the last chapter. It reminds me of my responsibility to myself, the community and the wider world. After reading Go Set A Watchman, I felt so grateful that Harper Lee had allowed the world to read Scout's next chapter. Soon after, Harper Lee died. Maycomb was left behind for good, but never forgotten.

Beth x 

I don't know about you, but I'm 100% ready for the EU referendum debate to be over. It's put a significant strain on my patience, TV viewing and tolerance at family mealtimes. I've made up my mind, but if you haven't quite made a decision yet, then don't worry. I've sifted through the piles of propaganda and scaremongering (from both sides), and put together a list of useful websites that will actually give you answers and advice.

 BBC Reality Check

A team of journalists at the BBC have been tasked with providing impartial analysis and live fact-checking for anyone who wants to know the ins and outs of the EU. They spend their days finding out the facts behind the claims put forward by both campaigns, so we don't have to decode the politics.

The European Union: A Citizens Guide by Chris Bickerton, £6.29, Amazon

I've dipped in and out of this book over the past couple of weeks, and I really did find it useful. Being a former politics student and aspiring journalist, I thought I knew a lot about current affairs and the EU, but apparently I did not. Grab this if you want to gain an understanding of the EU, rather than rely on the arguments for and against the UK leaving. I think you'd be able to make your own mind up having read a couple of chapters.

Towards Brexit: The UK's EU Referendum - Future Learn Course

Future Learn specialize in providing free online courses organised by universities, on a whole range of subjects. I've been using them for years, just for my nerdy history moments, but I fell over this course on the referendum and have found it beyond useful. It focused on Vote Leave one week (I refuse to say #Brexit) and Vote Remain the next, and actually explained what each campaign stood for! You can still sign up for it now and look back at what's been going on.

I hope this has helped someone with their voting decision, and maybe even convinced some of you to go out and vote. Unlike a general election, everyone's vote is really important and could sway the end result! 

But if like me, you're sick of the whole shebang, hold tight - Thursday's not long away...

Beth x

I put my blog firmly on the back burner last week, as I was neck deep in the world of journalism. Not that I'm complaining - it's probably the best thing I've done in a long time. I was lucky enough to get accepted onto a week long journalism course, that took me on a whistle stop tour of the ins and outs of print, broadcast and online journalism. By the end of the week, I'd helped produce a ten page newspaper, a 20 minute radio news show, a 25 minute TV news show and ran a live news website for the whole day. So what did I learn from my time in the journalistic bubble?

Seeing yourself on TV/hearing your voice on radio isn't that bad

I was really apprehensive about appearing on radio and TV broadcasts, purely because I'm still trying to tackle a confidence crisis. But at the end of each day, I was so proud to see my end product and didn't actually mind watching/hearing myself back. 

Treat your editing software like you would the Queen

I quickly got used to using a Mac to edit with, but it took some time to realise that editing software would only be kind to you if you were kind in return. So don't prod buttons repeatedly, work to fast or expect miracles from the software. Patience will get you the results you need.

It's impossible to escape the news, so embrace it instead

Prior to this course I did take an interest in news. But now I'm borderline obsessed with it. Every morning we would start with an editing conference, and we were expected to know news stories in depth. I was reading the news when I woke up, on my way to uni, and constantly had one eye on sky news throughout the day. I'm still doing this now, and my course has finished. I feel so much more informed on more than just Swiddleston's unfolding love story!

The news you're working on at 11am will evolve into a different story by 2pm

Whilst writing for print and online, I spent most of my time tweaking articles I had already written or updating published work. It's a journalists job to update the public no news it has not heard, so reporting on yesterday's events is a big no!

Journalism isn't as hard as you would think

Nothing about being a journalist is inaccessible. As long as you can digest news, use a computer and have a passion for reporting, you can be taught all the ins and outs. 

I had a phenomenal time this week and cannot wait to apply for a journalism MA and one day my dream job as a radio news broadcaster. One week ago, I didn't think I would ever get the opportunity to become a journalist, but this just shows that if you have a passion for something, and are willing to put in the hours, the opportunities will come your way.

(If you want to check out some of the work I did this week, please do head over to our online news site Kent Now! http://centreforjournalismprojects.co.uk/kentextra/newsday/) 

Beth x 

“I don't want realism. I want magic! Yes, yes, magic. I try to give that to people. I do misrepresent things. I don't tell truths. I tell what ought to be truth.” 

A Streetcar Named Desire has forever been on my TBR pile, but to be honest with you, I'd never really summoned the enthusiasm to give it a go. After my sister thrust into into my hands and told me that my feminist mind would love it, I read it in one sitting. Being a 104 page play, it really didn't take me long. But boy is there a lot to discuss.

The plot is complicated, so I'll see what I can coherently convey. Basically, Streetcar documents Blanche Dubois' visit to her sister's home in New Orleans. All the audience know about Blanche is that she appears to be quite well off but very lost. Over the course of the next few months, those around her question the truth about her past, and her identity. Stella's abusive husband Stanley, the wariest of them all, also fancies Blanche all to himself. See, I told you it was complex.

Tennessee Williams, much like John Steinbeck, really does dive into the depths of the American psyche; picking apart the American Dream, whilst subtly hinting towards well ingrained racial discrimination. Opinions towards rape, domestic abuse and female empowerment are also heavily explored, something which, (as my sister rightly predicted), was of great interest to me. This mixed with the vital role played by post-war mental health institutions made for a harrowing, yet supremely important read. 

If like me, you cautiously tip-toe around plays, or have mixed feelings regarding American literature, please read this marvel from cover to cover. You're eyes will be widened to the injustices of post-war America, a damaged society that isn't that far from the America we know today.

Beth x

As a nation, the British could win Olympic medals for worrying. But we shouldn't let that get in the way of enjoying ourselves. After 20 years of observing the British in their natural habitat, here's a list of things we should all stop worrying about!

The great British summer

Us humans are waterproof. So if its cold and rainy, just pack a mac and go enjoy yourself. 

The Kardashians

Love them or hate them, the Kardashians are here to stay. There's no point getting riled up about Kim's latest parenting tip, or Kylie/Kendall's new cosmetic procedure. 

Your blog stats

Blogger stats are over inflated, and Google Analytics are basically hieroglyphics. Lets all concentrate more on post interaction, surely that's far more rewarding than getting bogged down by stats?

Jess and Nick's on-off relationship

New Girl fans can sleep easy, we all know Jess and Nick will get there in the end.

The queue at Lush

Yes, there can be an awfully long wait sometimes, but come on, this just means there's more time to have a mooch around!

The calories in a 99 Flake ice cream

Really. They're only around for a few months. Enjoy them whilst its warm enough!

Friends not replying to/seeing messages straight away

Not everyone has speedy thumbs and loads of free time. Its quite likely that they're just super busy, and about 0.001% likely that they hate you profusely.

Pairing up your socks

Socks are cheap and functional. Who needs to match them up...

Andy Murray and Wimbledon

Focus on the strawberries and cream kids, the strawberries and cream.

Beth x

What's the gift that keeps on giving? - Equal pay.

Come on, this is such a simple requirement that employers love to ignore! Gender Parity is a real issue, with gendered pay gaps having a knock-on effect on family livelihoods, and a woman's quality of life. Equal pay is as simple as adjusting paysheets to show the same pay for the same job, regardless of gender. Why on Earth this is so difficult in 2016 is beyond me!

What's a girls best friend? - Her independence.

Instead of banding about silly answers such as 'a perfect hymen' or 'open legs', a woman's independence makes so much more sense. If we, as women, can live independently, think independently, and work independently, it can only make us stronger. Right?

Maybe she's born with it. Maybe it's - Confidence and an understanding of internalised sexism.

I'm swiftly approaching my twenties, and with that has come a new lease of confidence and an eye-opening realisation of the monster that is internalised sexism. I try to to judge other women (I'm still working on this), and never berate myself for feeling confident, or being as successful as my male collegues. Every woman was born with the capacity to feel confident, has the ability to understand everyday internalised sexism, and therefore conquer anything. 

How did I lose my virginity? - Comfortably, on my own terms.

Eurgh. I absolutely hate that I have to explain this still to some people on a regular basis. Virginity is a concept that does not denote anyone's worth. You should lose it when you're ready, and in a way that makes you feel comfortable. Let's keep the rape jokes firmly in the past, shall we?

I get by with a little help from - The genuine support of other women.

If I ever acquired a time machine, I would find out who the first woman was who criticized another woman, and give them a thoroughly good talking to. Talking other women down should be the least of our problems. Surely mutually supporting each other, and simply leaving those who you don't get on with be, is a much more productive way to live?

Whats that sound? - Applauds for the first female US President.

I couldn't not mention this after Hilary Clinton's victory over Bernie Sanders in the US Presidential race. Wouldn't it be great to see a woman at the helm of a country that holds considerable influence across the globe? Surely this could only be a good thing!

Maybe next time you play this game, take a closer look at what you're cards are implying. Like me, you may be pretty horrified.

Beth x

"Sophie, I know you're all modern these days with your phone, laptop and the fact you're even on blooming Twitter AND Instagram, but I thought we could take things old school and act like we're in one of those old books you're permanently reading. It'll give our grandchildren something to be amazed by when we're long gone. No doubt they'll stumble upon a dusty and weathered box in the attic and open it with delight as they realise how much love we once shared...or how bad my spelling, grammar and punctuation were."

The highly anticipated sequel to Billy and Me, Always With Love was a treat to read. As the girlfriend of Billy Buskin, a global movie star, village girl Sophie May finds herself splitting her time between her little cafe in Kent and her boyfriends house in LA. When Billy extends his stay in LA to star in a film, the couple rely on letters and the occasional call to keep them together. But with paparazzi rumours, Sophie's ever expanding tea shop and her mother's imminent wedding, can Sophie and Billy keep their transatlantic relationship on course? 

I tend to stay away from predictable rom-com books, and although Always With Love is essentially a rom-com, its far from predictable. Whilst following the unfolding love story between Sophie and Billy, Fletcher delves deep into what life is like in the limelight with regards to paparazzi and constant media attention, whilst also questioning human attachment to places, people and material things. Why are we so attached to four walls? Is it right that we feel guilty making positive life changes after the loss of a loved one? Should we always follow our dreams, regardless of who we may leave behind?

Sophie May is also a loveable character. She runs a tea shop that caters for the older ladies of the small village of Rosebud, and prefers a good Indian takeaway over a wild night out. She reminds me a lot of myself, and I'm sure other people feel this too. But she also has flaws - she jumps to conclusions, drags a lot of her past worries and guilt around with her, and relies upon herself for everything. I honestly think this is why Giovanna Fletcher has seen so much success from this novel; her characters aren't transparent, self-righteous martyrs, but real people with real problems and tricky decisions to make. 

At only £5.59 (and going down) on Amazon, I pre-ordered this way back in January, praying that this sequel would be as good as its predecessor. I needn't have worried in the slightest. Relatable yet still pure escapism, you'd be a fool not to give Always With Love a chance.

I thought I'd do a little window shopping in Lush. Note to self; it is impossible to do such a thing. I ended up buying a few bits and bobs to cheer up my baths. Hopefully these will last a while!!

Intergalactic Bath Bomb, £3.95

My sister chose this as a post-A Level treat. Though looking back I wish I had bought one too. It smells really minty, and looks like it's going to make quite the statement in the bath.

Lava Lamp Bath Bomb, £3.95

I was attracted to its orangey smell and purple polka dots. I have no idea what this will look like in water, but I'm hoping for a show.

Ickle Baby Bot Bath Ballistic, £1.95

This is by far the cheapest bath product I have found in store, and its one of my favourites. It doesn't create any bubbles, but has a really soothing, sleepy scent and turns the water a beautiful baby blue. I always come away with one of these.

Milky Bath Bubble Bar, £3.75

I'm not a huge fan of milky bath products, but the smell of this bubble bar tempted me into giving it a try. I actually prefer bubble bars to bombs, as I can stretch them to two or three baths, and they are bubblier than a simple bomb.

I had to stop myself after these four, as I knew it was only a matter of time until I bought the whole bath range...

Beth x

"You only get one life. It's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible."

Me Before You doesn't really need an elaborate introduction due to its critical acclaim and the impending release of its much anticipated movie adaptation. Small-town girl Louisa Clark finds herself employed as a carer to Will Traynor, a quadriplegic, who has effectively given up on life. Louisa finds out she has just six months to prove to Will that his life is worth living, hoping to stop him from ending his life through assisted suicide.

I have mixed feelings about this novel, mainly due to its authors insistence that is is a 'weepy'. Yes, Me Before You is a sad story, one that will leave you with questions about life and whether assisted suicide is morally right. But the novel didn't make me cry, and I am prone to a good cry. I instead found myself feeling content with the ending, not sad in the slightest. I am itching to elaborate upon this, but I really don't want to spoil the book for you all - that is if I haven't already, you've probably already twigged the ending.

Moyes also writes that Me Before You is a poignant romance novel, but I truly feel that the romance that blooms between Louisa and Will is secondary to the insight Moyes gives into the life of quadriplegics and their families. I learnt so much about a condition I knew so little about prior to this read, and that knowledge will certainly stay with me. I also learnt the importance of positivity and of living a full life - something I need to shake myself into doing on occasion!

Me Before You certainly entertained, educated and emotionally evoked me. For me, it wasn't the emotional roller coaster ride I had been promised, nor did it entirely live up to its critical acclaim - I was left slightly underwhelmed by the supporting cast of characters. None-the-less, this read was certainly worthwhile, and I shall definitely pick up the sequel.

Beth x

I spend a lot of my time drooling over beautifully positioned flat lays and perfectly edited posts, and love to experiment with replicating the same slick look for my posts. But whilst everything I write about is honest, blogging often portrays a glamorous life where I'm out everyday, have tonnes of spare cash, and find blogging a breeze. So to any of you out there who may have a very sophisticated image of me blogging in your head, here is what my life is really like! 

If I have nothing to do that day, I will probably not get up until 9:30am and watch Neflix until it asks me if I'm still alive.

I love getting out and about, yet sometimes a day escapes me. I don't tend to blog about these days, so sometimes my posts make me seem super busy all the time. I mean, I am super busy (especially this summer), but I can still afford a few lazy days!

My flat lays are nearly all on my duvet or my desk, as my house is definitely not filled with Pintrest-worthy spots.

I live in a cosy family home, clustered with family memorabilia, laundry and our possessions. We don't own oodles of succulents, have great lighting spots, or burn candles on a regular basis. My room still looks like its inhabited by a teenager. I wouldn't change anything about my surroundings simply for the sake of a good photo.

I own a tin full of make up and a have very cluttered sideboard dedicated to my beauty bits.

If you thought I had an elaborate draw system, here's what I really use:

I'm a uni student, so copious amounts of haul posts are a no no for me.

That's why I tend to do wishlists more than hauls. Anything I do buy and go on to talk about on my blog is simply because I needed it, or it was a little treat at the end of a term.

Unless I'm very organised, I normally write a post on the days its scheduled to go up.

I do actually try and schedule all my posts on a spreadsheet with a month to view. But often I don't write them until the day and then publish them in the nick of time. 

It feels better to have cleared up a few misconceptions that some may have about me and my blog. I wanted to show you that I'm certainly not perfect, and live a very normal life. I do my very best to show this in my posts, and want to continue to do so. I really do appreciate bloggers who do manage to create a pintresty-house, can afford to finance haul posts every week, and have their admin under control. But thats simply not me right now, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Beth x