"All the reading she had done had given her a view of life they had never seen." Roald Dahl

The focus for this blog was going to be travel – places that I would love to visit in the future, and books that have influenced my choices to some extent. It still does touch upon this, but as I started writing it, it has also become a bit of a reflection on the last year. 

The beginning of last year saw some big changes. Up until recently I would have said that, over a year on, I’m a different person now to who I was then, however now I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m more or less the same person, but more aware of who I am and what I want out of life. I’ve met some amazing people, strengthened long standing friendships, achieved things I never thought possible and had some great times. Don’t get me wrong, there have been some not so great times…things haven’t always worked out how I would have liked them to, there are people who are unfortunately no longer in my life for lots of different reasons, and there are times when I wish I could go back and do things differently. However, in actual fact, there is very little that I would change about the last year – I remain ever the optimist (most of the time!) and actually the people that I’ve met in the past year, and the people who have always been there, have built my confidence and made me feel that I can do anything I want to do. Which brings me on to the actual focus of this blog…

I had always been resigned to the fact that I would never do the whole travelling thing, and that it wasn’t really ‘me’, but over the last few months it’s all I can think about. I guess you could say I’m feeling a bit restless, and want to see more of the world. Books that I have read have fed into these thoughts, and I’ve started some planning to try and bring these thoughts to some kind of reality.

The books that I have chosen to focus on are Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts, and The Beach by Alex Garland.

“If you could be happy, really happy, for just a while, but you knew from the start it would end in sadness, and bring pain afterwards, would you choose to have that happiness or would you avoid it?”
Gregory David Roberts

This is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read, definitely a must read for book lovers. It is based on true events and experiences of the author, Gregory David Roberts, who, after escaping from an Australian prison where he was serving time for armed robbery and drug related offences, travelled to India and spent a number of years living in Bombay. At nearly 1000 pages long, it is a bit of a heavy read, but I promise it is worth it. Roberts’ prose and narrative is captivating, at times a fast paced thriller, while other times providing a vivid and detailed description of India’s surroundings, culture and people, injecting humour and wit where appropriate. It is clear to the reader that Roberts has a great deal of love and respect for Bombay and its people, particularly when recalling the poverty and social injustices that he witnessed during his time there. This is further illustrated by his friendship with Prabaker, who is somewhat of a sidekick during the first half of the book, his humour and outlook on life provides some light relief on times, while other times breaking your heart.

I don’t want to give away too much detail, but just to give you a bit of a flavour of what to expect; during his time in Bombay, Roberts lived in a slum, fell in love, and became involved in the Bombay criminal underworld. Before reading this, I read numerous book reviews; most were really positive, however some readers felt that at time Roberts came across as a bit self-righteous and “holier than thou”. After having read the book, I did pick up on elements of this, but not enough that it spoilt the reading experience…and actually, given his vast life experiences I kind of feel as though he should be forgiven for it!

The quote I’ve used above is my favourite from the book; my answer to this was easy, I would always choose happiness, no matter how fleeting. Nothing lasts forever, why not enjoy something for what it is, for as long as it lasts.

“Escape through travel works…By the time the plane was airborne I’d forgotten England even existed."
Alex Garland

I first read The Beach when I was 16; I’ll be honest, the reason for me reading it was because the film starring Leonardo Dicaprio was due to be released, and I have this rule that I have to read the book before watching the adaptation. Had it not been for this, it may not have been a book I would have chosen at that time. 

The Beach tells the tale of Richard, a British man in his twenties, who embarks on a backpacking trip to Thailand in an attempt to seek fulfilment and leave behind the trappings of Western culture. During his time in Bangkok, Richard hears of a nearby island, referred to as a ‘hidden paradise’. When a map leading to the island finds its way into Richard’s possession, both Richard and a travelling couple he meets in Bangkok, head off in search of this paradise. Upon discovering the island and a small community of people that have set up home there, Richard and his travelling companions appear to settle relatively quickly into the island's way of life, particularly Richard who initially becomes highly regarded among his peers. 

However, even though the beach community may seem to be paradise on the surface, looks can be deceiving and it soon becomes apparent that there is a darker, more sinister undercurrent; complex relationships develop, tensions build, and Garland clearly conveys the negative impact that complete isolation from the rest of the world can have, particularly in Richard’s case, where he appears to lose all sense of reality. The Beach demonstrates that even in the smallest communities, individuals can be working towards different agendas, particularly when there is a perceived threat and survival instinct kicks in, and that even the strongest relationships can become fragmented.

The Beach is one of those great books that you can’t put down; Garland’s detailed descriptions of the hustle and bustle of Bangkok provide a stark contrast to the picture he paints of the idyllic surroundings at the island. I felt as though I was transported to Thailand, and experiencing it first hand with Richard. Upon reading it for a second time more recently, I found the way that Garland presented the ideal that we so often have of "escaping" our everyday lives to be a thought provoking one; perhaps for a short time escape is possible, but no matter where we go, or how far we travel, we can't escape from ourselves. 

If you had told 16 year old Gemma, reading The Beach for the first time, that she would one day be contemplating taking a similar trip to Richard (sinister island aside hopefully!), she would never have thought it possible. My travel plans are now in full swing and, all going as planned, I will be heading off in April 2017… I am sure there will be a blog!  

To end with one of my favourite quotes, and something I have definitely come to appreciate more within the last year…"Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted." John Lennon. 

"There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be…" John Lennon

'Everything happens for a reason', 'what will be will be'…these are phrases that we will hear constantly throughout our lives, usually during difficult moments to reassure ourselves that things will be ok. I think that I sit somewhere in the middle, flitting between what's meant to be will be, and, if you want it go and get it. There is a risk in waiting for things to happen to you, rather than knowing what you want and moving forward in ways that will get you closer to that point, however also sometimes having to accept that not everything is within your control. 

The Oxford Dictionary defines 'fate' as being "The development of events outside a person's control, regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power", or, "The course of someone's life, or the outcome of something, seen as outside of their control.' The definition of 'destiny' is "The hidden power believed to control future events." From this, it is easy to understand why the words fate and destiny are often used interchangeably, meaning different things to different people. 

This brings me nicely onto the three books I will be focussing on for this post; The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Life After Life by Kate Atkinson, and, One Day by David Nicholls. 

"People disappeared, reappeared, made plans to go somewhere, and then lost each other, searched for each other, found each other a few feet away."

The Great Gatsby, F.Scott Fitzgerald 

People that know me well will no doubt be surprised that I have chosen to write about The Great Gatsby. During discussions about classic books, I have been very clear on the fact that after being very excited to read it, I was left with a sense of disappointment. This could be for a number of reasons; it is a very descriptive book, and relatively slow paced. I am also a sucker for a happy ending and it wasn't quite what I'd expected, however upon reflection, its beauty lies in its tragedy, and F. Scott Fitzgerald writes beautifully with some of my favourite quotes having come from Gatsby. 

The story of Gatsby is narrated by Nick Carraway, who has recently moved to New York to start work, and is the neighbour of Jay Gatsby, a rather mysterious millionaire, whom no one seems to know much about, but it seems as though the whole city attends his rather extravagant parties. The novel unfolds in the Summer of 1922, and Nick details his developing friendship with Gatsby, capturing the 1920s era with its wealth, decadence and recklessness. Daisy Buchanan, Nick's cousin, plays a key role in Gatsby's story; Gatsby and Daisy had met and fallen in love in 1918, before Gatsby went to serve overseas. In the time that they have been apart, Daisy has married the wealthy Tom Buchanan, and it is no coincidence that Gatsby now lives in a mansion that overlooks Daisy's home, in the hope that one day she will appear. In the five years that they have been apart, Gatsby has concentrated on building his wealth as he sees this as going hand in hand with winning Daisy. 

So, how does this link back to fate and destiny? Well upon reading the book, it appeared to me that Gatsby had become so fixated on pursuing Daisy, seeing that as his wealth grew so did the certainty that him and Daisy would be together, that he had attempted to force what he believed to be his destiny.  In doing so, he seemed unable to determine between reality and fantasy. To me, this is equally as dangerous as being passive and letting moments pass you by. I never quite reached a conclusion in my own head as to whether Gatsby was actually in love with Daisy, or in love with the idea of it. 

I think that this is a book that everyone should read at least once; I should mention that I thought the film was excellent...Leonardo Dicaprio was born to play the part of Jay Gatsby!

"Life wasn't about becoming, was it? It was about being."

Life After Life, Kate Atkinson

I am not going to say too much about this book, because to do so would spoil the experience if you haven't already read it. It is so beautifully written, and really makes you pause and think about the consequences of what may seem like insignificant actions at the time, but how big an impact they can have on shaping our future. It makes the reader question whether, given the opportunity, would you want to live your life over and over again, in an attempt to get it right? It made me think about what 'getting it right' would mean, and the conclusion that I came to was that the decisions and mistakes that we make are the right thing for us at the time that we make them (although it doesn't always feel like that upon reflection!). 

At the start of the book, set in the Winter of 1910, a baby dies at birth; the story then starts again and tells the tale of the baby if she were to live…and so this continues throughout the book. It perfectly captures the idea of fate and destiny, and looks at whether we are responsible for changing the course of our own lives, or whether our fate is inevitable. I can't recommend this book enough - if you take nothing else from this blog, please at least follow this recommendation!

"Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved, if you ever get the chance."

One Day, David Nicholls

I have a confession…I have never fully recovered from this book! It made me laugh, cry, and gave me hope, whilst breaking my heart. My friend Rachael gave me the book to read when we were living together, and I remember walking into her room sobbing after finishing it, to ask her why she would put me through such an ordeal! Don't let this put you off though, I promise you it is worth it. 

The book begins in 1988, on the day that Emma and Dexter are graduating from Edinburgh University, They meet that day, and spend the night together, discussing their futures and where they see themselves being at 40. They remain in touch over the years, forming a strong friendship which meets its own challenges throughout different points of their lives. Each chapter moves a year ahead, detailing where both Emma and Dexter are in their individual lives, and also in their relationship…which is for the most part a friendship. I don't think I would be spoiling it to say that it is clear from the beginning that Emma and Dexter are meant to be together, but are kept apart due to a number of setbacks, missed opportunities, bad timing, a reluctance to recognise their feelings for each other, and just sheer bad luck. 

It certainly leaves you with the message that life is indeed short, and we should live for every moment, as cliched as that sounds. Having first read this six years ago, I think I might just about be ready to go back and revisit it…or maybe not! 

I am conscious that I have focused on fiction to consider the roles that fate and destiny play in our lives, so I thought I would use a real life example to show that some things are meant to be, but we have some responsibility in recognising it and taking steps to get us there. My close friend, Jessica, who has actually been more of a sister given the close friendship between our mums, told me the story of how her and her now fiancé Ben met, and how they came to be together, and said that I could use it for my blog. I know you shouldn't have favourites, and certainly shouldn't announce it publicly, but after seeing them together they are my favourite couple! This is their story in her words (I love it!)…

"We met on a drunken night on holiday in Cyprus, my first night and Ben's last but one night. I was slumped in a chair drunk and Ben wrote a note from across the room for the waitress to give to me. I was so excited I confronted him about the note, and Ben told me he thought I was the most beautiful girl he's ever seen, and the fact that I was Welsh was a bonus! He realised how drunk I was, so wrote me another note and hid it in my bag to remind me that we had arranged to meet the following night, good job he did because I wouldn't have remembered!! We had an amazing night and of course danced the night away [Jess and Ben love to dance as you can see in the photo!] and in the morning said our goodbyes. We stayed in touch for a couple of months later but I decided that long distance wasn't what I wanted and ended it. Ben kept saying that he felt like we were giving up on something amazing but I still said no. About three months later, the maternity cover on my job ended and I either had to find another one or I was told there were jobs available in London. Since I was 18 I had always said that I wanted to move to London so thought I'm just going to do it. As soon as I moved I called Ben and told him I was now in London, and asked if he would be my London friend because I was on my own. We went out for dinner on my first week, and then planned a day of being a tourist for me a week later, after that we were inseparable and have been ever since. If it wasn't for my job not having a position for me in Cardiff, I wouldn't be where I am now, and me and Ben wouldn't be together."

So you see, the stories that we read in books are actually based on something that can happen to us at any given moment…so as a conclusion I guess what I've learned from the books I've read, my experiences, and the experiences of others, is to trust your instincts, realise that worrying isn't going to change anything, and that making a fool of yourself isn't going to kill you, it may just get you to where you need to be! 

"Those who do not believe in magic will never find it"

The word 'magic' can mean very different things to different people; for example it can mean power, a practice, a feeling, a moment, a quality that someone has. So bearing all of this in mind, really shouldn't we all believe in magic in some form?

I know that I do; I believe that we all have magic within ourselves that we practice every single day in some way, whether it is in our relationships, through our friendships, in our families, through our work and in so much more…wouldn't the world seem a harsher place if there was no such thing as magic?

The quote that I have used as the title for this post comes from Roald Dahl, a man who was a firm believer in all things magic, and, when I was reading his stories as a child, made me feel as though I could do anything I wished to. As an adult, I have read many books that reinforce this message. The three that I am going to focus on today are: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J K Rowling, Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, and, Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult.


"We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are." 
J K Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Usually my intention with a post is to hopefully sell a book so well that it will inspire other readers to give it a try…with the Harry Potter books I have no doubt that there is no need for me to give it the hard sell, surely there won't be anyone who hasn't heard of the Harry Potter series?! I was a bit of a latecomer to this, and it only came to my attention when I caught a bit of the film on TV (yes, I broke my own rule, and watched the film before reading the book!). After this, I became more tuned into the hype, and soon became 'that person' who was waiting outside Woolworths at midnight to get their copy of the latest book, in order for me to read it through the night to avoid finding out the ending through someone else!

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the first book in the series; when we first meet Harry he is living with his aunt, uncle and cousin, and treated as somewhat of a slave and dogsbody by them. His living quarters are limited primarily to the cupboard under the stairs, and I think it's fair to say his quality of life is poor. As well as those around him, Harry is aware that there is something different about him, a power within him that enables him to make things happen. As his eleventh birthday draws near, letters start to persistently arrive for Harry, and in an attempt by his uncle to thwart them from Harry, the family are taken to stay at a deserted island where it is believed that the letters will not reach him. However, the power of magic should not be underestimated! As the clock strikes midnight on Harry's birthday, the legend that is Hagrid makes a forceful appearance to announce 'You're a wizard Harry!' Harry finally receives his letter, which contains the exciting news that Harry is due to start school at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…now the fun begins and we are introduced to the wonderful world of Hogwarts! We slowly find out about Harry's past, and the events that have led him to this point. And of course, we meet his two sidekicks Ron (my absolute favourite!) and Hermoine. Each time I revisit the Harry Potter books, I am amazed by J K Rowling's incredible imagination; the names, the spells, the plot lines; truly outstanding.

Please do not rely on the films alone; yes, they are excellent adaptations, but as is always the case, so much of the detail is lost in translation.


"Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there's no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic."
Laini Taylor, Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Daughter of Smoke and Bone is the first in a trilogy, and is probably my favourite of the three books. At the start we meet Karou, a seemingly typical art student in Prague, juggling her studies with her relationships. However, we soon realise that an element of Karou's life is shrouded in mystery, with her regularly disappearing to run secret errands for Brimstone, who raised Karou from a baby. Brimstone, and the others who live in his workshop and shared the upbringing of Karou, are chimera; half human, half beast. The workshop in which Karou was brought up is situated on a site from which both the human world as we know it, and the world of the chimera, Eretz, can be accessed. There are a number of portal doors across the world through which entry can be gained.

So, what happens at Brimstone's workshop, and how does this link to the errands that Karou runs for him, I hear you cry! Well, Brimstone is able to use teeth to rebuild new bodies for souls of the chimera to be reincarnated…enter Karou, who is required to collect teeth from the human world to enable Brimstone to continue his craft.

As you would expect in a fantasy novel of this kind, the chimera have an enemy in the form of the seraphim; angels. Karou gets drawn into the war when the seraphim close down the portals from the human world to Eretz, and Karou is no longer able to access Brimstone's workshop and her beloved chimera family.

Whilst Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a fantasy novel, it explores many themes that we can all relate to in everyday life; loyalty, war, treachery, forbidden love, and of course, magic! The prose is captivating, and Karou's story completely captured me, a true heroine. The fact that it is set against the backdrop of Prague, with its great culture, art and heritage adds to the magic, mystery and romance.

I read recently that Universal Pictures have acquired the rights to make a film adaptation; I can't wait to see what they do with it. As always, I would recommend reading the book first, not waiting for the film!


"I understood the need for miracles - they kept reality from paralysing you."
Jodi Picoult, Change of Heart

It is actually quite surprising that I haven't featured a Jodi Picoult book before now; she is one of my favourite writers, always tackling complex and sensitive issues, enabling the reader to consider them from a number of different perspectives. There are many of her books that will stay with me, however the one that stands out is Change of Heart, so much so that I can remember when and where I was when I finished it… it was on my 26th birthday whilst staying in a caravan in Llangennith...Rachael Jones, you may well remember how distraught I was at the end!

At the start of the novel, we learn that Shay Bourne is facing the death penalty after being convicted of two counts of capital murder of police officer Kurt Nealon and his young daughter Elizabeth, leaving his pregnant wife June alone. Eleven years have passed since his sentence; Shay is discussing with his prison mate that he wishes to donate his heart to a young girl he has seen on the news, who has a terminal heart condition. We soon learn that the girl in question, Claire, is the daughter of June and Kurt Nealon.

When Shay's heart is confirmed to be a perfect match for Claire, the book considers the perspectives of all of those involved in relation to law, medicine, religion and ethics. Throw in the added element that Shay appears to be able to perform miracles from which a media frenzy ensues, with him being hailed as a religious figure. This serves to add to the controversy and the torment that June is going through, in accepting the heart of a murderer (who has taken the life of her husband and eldest daughter) in order to enable her child to live.  As is usually the case, we learn that all is not as it seems, and there is a mammoth twist at the end…I won't spoil it for you!


So, what did I take away from each of these books? I believe that like Harry, we all have a power within ourselves which enables us to make things happen…like Karou, there may be times when we feel as though all is lost, however with hope and determination we can create our own magic and destiny…and, in the case of Shay, sometimes we all need to believe in something to get us through the darker times.

I believe in magic, do you?

Never judge a book by its movie...

Anyone who knows me will know that I always insist on reading a book before going to see the film adaptation - it is very rarely the case that the film is better than the book, so I like to read the story for myself first and visualise the characters, interpreting it in my own mind before watching it unfold on screen. I then enjoy pointing out all of the details that have been omitted from the film that I feel would have been important to include - as you can imagine, my friends love this!

Sometimes the filmmakers get it absolutely right, and rather than coming away from the cinema detailing what is missing, I come away reliving all of the things that I loved about the book upon my first reading, having seen the characters come to life.

With this in mind, I have chosen to focus this post on books where I feel the film adaptations have completely done them justice, and as with the books, moved you more than you thought possible. The purpose isn't to encourage you to just watch the film if you haven't already read the book, but hopefully to do both!

The books that I have chosen are; The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, and, Atonement by Ian McEwan.

"Most people lose the ability to see silver linings even though they are always there above us almost every day."
The Silver Linings Playbook, Matthew Quick

At the beginning of The Silver Linings Playbook we meet Pat Peoples as he is being discharged from a mental health facility, into the care of his parents. We quickly learn of Pat's obsessive behaviour, and the driving force for his recovery which is the hope that he will be reconciled with his estranged wife, Nikki, after what Pat refers to as their 'Apart Time'. Pat has lost all concept of time, and what he believes to have been months has in fact been years, so we join Pat as he tries to piece together lost moments and move forward with his life.

Throughout the book we learn about Pat's personal struggle, his relationship with his family, and events that have brought him to this point. Witnessing his journey to discovering more about himself and his relationship with others, we feel as if his personal struggle is also our own. I really grew to love Pat, and cared deeply about what happened to him and how he was treated by others.

Pat's relationship with his father is complex, and throughout the book we see how Pat connects with his father through their love of football, and it is through this that Pat feels he is a part of something. Pat's developing relationship with Tiffany, who is overcoming issues of her own, also plays a central part within the story.

This is an endearing and thoughtful story, touching upon serious issues in a sensitive and heartwarming way, adding a touch of humour where appropriate. Above all, this is a story of unwavering hope with Pat never losing his belief that everything in life can have a happy ending if we look hard enough for the silver lining.

The film adaptation has a brilliant cast; Bradley Cooper as Pat, Robert DeNiro as Pat's father, Jennifer Lawrence as Tiffany. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, with Jennifer Lawrence winning Best Actress. A number of changes were made within the film adaptation,  however the message and the spirit of the book remains; we all struggle with life at some point, in many different ways, and Pat's story will inspire hope for us all.

"Memories, even your most precious ones, fade surprisingly quickly. But I don't go along with that. The memories I value most, I don't ever see them fading.'
Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro

Never Let Me Go is narrated by Kathy H, who tells us that she is now working as a carer, visiting recovery centres to care for recuperating donors. As a carer, she has time to reminisce about her childhood at Hailsham; a residential institution for children, preparing them for their lives as carers and donors. Through Kathy's recollections, we learn of her relationship with close friends Ruth and Tommy, and the complexities that both connect them and tear them apart. For Kathy, this time for reflection is clearly also an attempt for her to come to terms with all that has happened in the past, and to an extent what lies ahead in her future.

From the start of the book, Kathy gives away very little detail or background information, meaning that life at Hailsham is to a degree shrouded in mystery, however the reader gets the sense that something sinister is on the horizon, despite the descriptions of an idyllic, countryside setting. Indeed, it is a sinister and tragic story; for the children at Hailsham their life plan has been determined for them and lies completely outside of their control.

There are a number of themes explored; childhood, innocence, a willingness to accept your fate, relayed in Ishiguro's beautiful prose, which doesn't attempt to be flamboyant or dramatic, but is instead written in a relatively calm and matter of fact manner. It encourages you to consider life, and to concentrate more on the little things that will create lasting memories; friendship, a song, a gift.

This story will stay with you for a long time, it is harrowing and unsettling, and you will be thinking about it long after you have finished the last page.

The film adaptation stars Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield and Kiera Knightley as Kathy, Tommy and Ruth. It remains very true to the book, with a very simplistic, stripped back approach to storytelling, enabling us to make our own interpretations from what is implied within.

"From this new and intimate perspective, she learned a simple, obvious thing she had always known, and everyone knew; that a person is, among all else, a material thing, easily torn, not easily mended."
Atonement, Ian McEwan

Atonement begins on a summer's evening in the 1930s at the home of the Tallis family, where thirteen year old Briony Tallis has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of her elder brother Leon and his friend, along with her cousins who have come to stay. Briony's sister Cecilia has also returned from studying at Cambridge, and is reacquainted with her childhood friend Robbie Turner, whose mother works on the Tallis family estate.  It soon becomes clear that new feelings have developed between Cecilia and Robbie, which is not lost on Briony.

In response to a number of interactions that Briony witnesses between Robbie and her sister, along with a draft letter that Robbie unwittingly sends to Cecilia via Briony, Briony draws her own misconstrued conclusions on Robbie, and his intentions with her sister. This is presented as being partially due her naivety and innocence in relation to adult feelings, however there is also a more calculating self-serving element, where Briony doesn't want to see her world as she knows it to be threatened by any significant change.

Later that night a terrible incident occurs, and due to the misconceptions that Briony has formed in her imagination about Robbie, she falsely accuses him of a crime he didn't commit, thereby committing a crime herself in the process. Briony's actions set in motion a chain of events spanning decades, where the lives of those present on that summer evening are consequently changed forever.

You will experience a roller coaster of emotions while reading this book; anger, frustration, heartbreak, sadness, confusion, hope. Each of the characters will stay with you for some time, as will the vision that McEwan creates of the Second World War and the impact on both those who fought in the war, and the families that were left behind.

The film adaptation is truly beautiful and poignant, perfectly capturing the plot and and the feelings conjured by the book. One particular stand out scene from the film is a shot from the beach at Dunkirk, that would bring even the hardest person close to tears. The film is brilliantly cast with both James McAvoy's portrayal of Robbie Turner and Keira Knightley as Cecilia Tallis, being outstanding.


I strongly believe that films should never replace books, and that to truly appreciate a film it is important to first read the story upon which it is based. However there are film adaptations that can reignite your love of a story, enabling you to develop different interpretations and to place a different emphasis on certain story lines or characters.

Are there any film adaptations that you feel were better than the book? I would love to hear about them!

It's so much fun to write about lawyers, but I never enjoyed being a lawyer." John Grisham

Before we start I should explain that this post is going to be quite niche. I have chosen to focus on one of my favourite authors who inspired me when I was a teenager…John Grisham. I have to thank an old school friend, Ellie, for lending me The Rainmaker when I was 13, it was the first John Grisham book I read, which to some extent has shaped my studies and career from that point on.

Before becoming a writer, John Grisham was a lawyer specialising in criminal defence and personal injury litigation. He wrote his first novel, A Time to Kill, after hearing the testimony of a 12 year old rape victim at trial, and since then has published over 20 books and been hailed as 'master of the legal thriller'. 

As with previous posts, I have selected three books to focus on…this has proven to be a very difficult task given that there are so many incredible ones to choose from, but I have decided upon The Rainmaker, The Chamber, and, The Confession. 

"I'm alone and outgunned, scared and inexperienced, but I'm right."

John Grisham, The Rainmaker

When we meet Rudy Baylor, he is a law student preparing to sit the bar exam. As part of his studies, Rudy undertakes pro bono work at a local community centre where he meets Dot and Buddy Black, who go on to become one of Rudy's first clients and are set to have a massive impact on his future. 

Dot and Buddy have a terminally ill son, Donny Ray, who has leukemia and could have been saved with a bone marrow transplant, his twin brother having provided a match. Prior to Donny Ray's diagnosis, the family had taken out a life insurance policy with a company called Great Benefit; a large, wealthy insurance firm. 

Their claim for a bone marrow transplant is denied a number of times, ultimately resulting in the death of Donny Ray. Great Benefit treat the family with complete disrespect, sending out company correspondence that describes them as being 'stupid, stupid, stupid' which will no doubt provoke a strong reaction with the reader, as it does with me each time I read it! 

A legal battle ensues, with newly qualified Rudy leading the case for the Black family, with the help of sidekicks Deck Shifflet and Bruiser Stone, who use less than conventional methods to assist Rudy in practising the law. 

Throughout The Rainmaker, Grisham highlights the injustices that people can suffer due to their perceived social standing, however with determination and support can make a difference, fighting back against those who feel they are invincible.

"Look at me…A wretched old man in a red monkey suit. A convicted murderer about to be gassed like an animal."
John Grisham, The Chamber

Sam Cayhall is a man on death row for the murder of two Jewish children who died when their father's law firm was bombed 20 years earlier. Sam is not a nice man; he is bitter, bigoted and racist, having been a dedicated member of the Ku Klux Klan for many years before his confinement. After many years of appeals, Sam's time is nearly up and the gas chamber is ever increasingly becoming a reality.

Here we meet Adam Hall; a a newly qualified lawyer starting out at Chicago law firm, Kravitz and Bane, and desperate to be involved in taking on Sam's case. The reason for this is tied to his family history, and much of the book focuses on their developing relationship, as well Sam's impending execution.

It is clear early on that Grisham has written this book with his own views on capital punishment very much at the forefront of his mind, highlighting the impact of death row not only on those convicted, but also on those around them. The way in which Grisham develops the characters, particularly Sam, has a profound effect on the reader, and will leave you thinking about their story long after it ends. I know it certainly has that effect on me, and it is a book I have returned to many times. 

"Death row is a nightmare to serial killers and axe murderers. For an innocent man, it's a life of mental torture that the human spirit is not equipped to survive."

John Grisham, The Confession

Donte Brumm has been on death row for nine years, and is now four days away from his execution. We learn from the offset that Brumm is innocent and has spent most of his adult life incarcerated for a murder that he didn't commit. In fact, we know that Travis Boyette is the man who has committed the crime; he murdered a high school cheerleader, hid the body where no one would find it, and sat back and watched an innocent man be convicted and sentenced to the death penalty.

However, now Boyette has discovered that he has a brain tumour and is close to death himself, therefore choosing to confess his crime to a pastor, starting a race against time to prevent the imminent execution of an innocent man.

The Confession is heartbreaking and thought provoking, at times very frustrating, but if nothing else it will force you to consider the issue of capital punishment and the system upon which it is built, providing a somewhat alarming insight into the American legal system.

Given that this book focuses so heavily on the death penalty, with Grisham's views strongly conveyed as they were in The Chamber, you may wonder why I chose to feature such similar books from Grisham's wide ranging back catalogue. The truth is that both are very important to me, and having read The Chamber at a relatively young age it made me question whether I would want to live in a country that felt it was right to kill.

If you have read any of the books mentioned above, I would love to hear your thoughts on them. If not, I hope that this blog has encouraged you to give one a try.

More information on John Grisham and his books can be found at www.jgrisham.com.

The Rule of Three...

It is often said that things happen in three's…it is not clear exactly where this comes from, however if you have seen The Craft (great film!) you will know that in witchcraft the 'Rule of Three' is a widely held belief that whatever energy a person puts out into the world - good or bad - it will be returned to that person three fold; 'by the power of three make them see, make them see'. If bad things happen, we often have an expectation that they will happen in three's, waiting for the next thing to go wrong.

Rather than concentrate on the bad, I thought I would focus on the good things that come in three's and had some interesting responses when I asked my friends; three wise men, three wishes, Hanson, Destiny's Child (the final line-up obviously!), gammon, egg & pineapple, the Batman trilogy, Three Times a Lady. Even though this list is small, it probably provides quite an insight into the minds of me and my friends!

The 'rule of three' is also a writing principle that suggests that things that come in three's are funnier or more effective than any other numbers of things; Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, Three Billy Goats Gruff. This leads me on nicely to the theme for this post; the trilogy.

The books within a trilogy are all connected in some way, whether it is by the characters, setting or theme. The reader is able to invest more in a story and a character, and it is often upon completing the final instalment of a trilogy that I feel most bereft!  I must say here that it is extremely frustrating to finish a book which is part of a trilogy and have to wait a year until the next one is published. Before you read on, I can confirm that all of the books featured in this post are available to buy!

The trilogies that I will mention in this post are; the Delirium trilogy by Lauren Oliver, the Millennium trilogy by Stieg Larsson, and, His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman.

Delirium
Pandemonium
Requiem 

"Love: a single word, a wispy thing, a word no bigger or longer than an edge. That's what it is: an edge; a razor. It draws up through the centre of your life, cutting everything in two. Before and after. The rest of the world falls away on either side."
Lauren Oliver, Delirium

The Delirium trilogy is a young adult dystopian story set in the future. I read the first book after it was recommended on Twitter, and subsequently recommended it to all of my friends. The power of social media! The story centres around a strong female lead, Lena, who lives in a society where love is considered as being a disease - amor deliria nervosa - which will eventually result in death. In order to 'save' people from this disease, every child must have the 'Cure' upon reaching the age of 18 through a surgical procedure. We learn relatively early in the story that Lena's mother committed suicide rather than have the Cure, and that as a result Lena and her sister are brought up by her aunt and uncle.

Throughout the three books there are many twists and turns, including a complex love triangle, with each book ending on a cliffhanger. The concept of love being a disease is an intriguing one that will really make you consider the consequences and the importance of all kinds of love, and how we often take it for granted.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,
The Girl Who Played with Fire,
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest

"Friendship - my definition - is built on two things. Respect and trust. Both elements have to be there. And it has to be mutual. You can have respect for someone, but if you don't have trust, the friendship will crumble." 
Stieg Larsson, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

I am certain that even if you haven't read this you will have heard people talking about it. The Millennium trilogy starts with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo where we meet the central characters; Lisbeth Salander, a computer hacker, and Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist, who are brought together to undertake a private investigation on the case of a missing woman who has not been seen for thirty six years. Salander is not your conventional heroine, in fact initially she is not very likeable at all, however I think that this is part of her charm. Throughout the course of the trilogy we gradually learn of Salander's past and how this has influenced the woman she has become.

Do not let the length of the books put you off, they are a gripping read and trust me, you will not be able to put these books down until you have reached the conclusion. The Millennium trilogy is unpredictable, violent, dark and in places sadistic. These elements can make for difficult reading at times, but are needed to achieve the overall effect which is explosive. The one thing that will remain consistent will be your admiration and desire for justice for Salander, for whom you will route for throughout.

Northern Lights
The Subtle Knife
The Amber Spyglass

"Every little increase in human freedom has been fought over ferociously between those who want us to know more and be wiser and stronger, and those who want us to obey and be humble and submit."
Philip Pullman, His Dark Materials

I have referred in previous posts to books that will stay with you long after you have finished them, and that you will wish to revisit time and time again. For me, this trilogy is certainly one of them. In the first book, Northern Lights, we are introduced to Lyra who has been raised as an orphan in an alternate world to our own. Lyra is given an alethiometer, or truth teller, which is said to answer any question that is asked of it by a skilled user. Throughout the course of the story it appears that no one is able to read the alethiometer as well as Lyra, and it is indeed this instrument which plays a key part in her destiny. Lyra displays many admirable qualities such as strength, courage and loyalty, also using deceit and manipulation where necessary.

Throughout the story we move between alternate worlds, meeting weird and wonderful characters, considering issues of justice and morality. Although the trilogy is cited as children's fiction, it touches upon very adult themes. I won't say any more than - to do so would ruin the experience for a first time reader!


It proved difficult to narrow it down to just three trilogies, I have read so many good ones…I would love to hear your thoughts on any of the above if you have read them, or any that you would recommend.

"You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend"

The title of this post expresses a feeling that I have experienced many times; when I have truly loved a book I am always sad to finish it and it takes me a little while to be able to start another. I thought it was an apt title for this post as it coincides with the week during which World Book Day falls, and will focus on books that have inspired both me and my friends.

The Oxford Dictionary definition of the word 'inspire' is "To fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something…" It is always useful to have a dictionary definition, however if you were to ask each person what 'inspire' means to them, there would be many variations. When I asked this question of my friends and fellow readers, I received the following responses:

"Makes you feel like you want to or can do anything; it gives you hope"

"Encourages you to try harder/be better. Makes you want to achieve"

"Something that changes my outlook on life usually by giving me an insight into something I don't tend to come across on a day to day basis"

"Inspire means to recognise what's achievable through another's achievements"

For me it can mean a number of things: something that encourages you to make a change; a message that stays with you, giving you the will to make a difference and to speak up when you know that something isn't right.

Usually I would provide a synopsis of each book mentioned within the blog, however I have decided not to do this so much this time. I am hoping that the words of other readers will be enough to encourage you to read the inspiring stories mentioned, if you haven't already done so.

There are so many books that have inspired me; books that have stayed with me long after I've finished the last page. It has been difficult to settle upon just one for the purposes of this post, but I am sure that those of you that have read my chosen book will agree that it has a lasting effect on the reader. I have chosen The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

"When she came to write her story, she would wonder when the books and the words started to mean not just something, but everything"
Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

I will only tell you two key details about The Book Thief; it is set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death. This probably gives the impression that the story is going to be a rather bleak one, and elements of it must be given the time during which it is set, however it is also beautifully written and uplifting. We are introduced to many inspirational characters throughout the book, however for me Hans Hubermann is the hero throughout, quietly exerting a positive influence and inspiration on those around him. For me, The Book Thief portrays three key ideals; that a small act of kindness can give someone a reason to live; the importance of friendship; and, where we see injustice we should speak up and not simply be bystanders to it. Words can be as powerful as any physical act, and it is important that we are therefore careful about how we use them, and equally as careful as to how we interpret and use the words of others.

That is enough from me…below are some thoughts from friends about the books that have inspired them and why (in some cases I have added a very brief synopsis):


"You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I'm grateful"
John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars tells the story of two teenagers, Hazel and Augustus, who meet at a cancer support group. Hazel has terminal cancer and Augustus is a cancer survivor. The story focuses on their developing relationship, whilst also providing a realistic insight into the impact of their illness on themselves, each other and those around them.

"It has inspired me to not waste time on problems, but to find solutions, to love life to the full and to embrace new opportunities".


"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it"
Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

"It is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read. It makes you realise that everyone is equal and deserves a chance. The quote above is so true to everyday life and something I always try to remember when I go to judge someone before taking time to know them."

"I love how it's written from the perspective of a child. The simplicity and innocence of how everything is described makes it all the more powerful when as a reader you interpret the meaning behind things and realise what is actually going on. The book deals with many themes including racial injustice, class, loss of innocence, gender roles, understanding and compassion. Of all the themes within the story, the one that stands out for me the most is the idea that people aren't always what they seem to be. A person may be better, worse, just different or could have redeeming characteristics that offset other less pleasant aspects of their personality. This is something that has always stuck with me and an idea that I'm sure everyone can relate to or had some experience with." 

"I hate to hear you talk about all women as if they were fine ladies instead of rational creatures. None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives"
Jane Austen, Persuasion

"It is set in Autumn in Bath, is beautifully written and I love it because it's about second chances, love and loss. Anne Elliott is my heroine because she's able to rise above what is naturally expected and get what she wants…I always think how impossible it seems that an 18th century very poor woman could have time to even write a book, let alone get it published and then stand the test of time. Jane Austen was a genius no question but she was also doggedly determined - and that makes me think how could I ever say I 'couldn't' do something when she did that…not that I think I could do what she did, but her determination inspires me to think that potentially I could and should do what's important to me, and not stop for anything."

"Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst and unsurprised by anything in between"
Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

"It has without a doubt inspired me although I can't really pinpoint how. It is the autobiographical work of Maya Angelou and at 16 I must have studied every line of the book. Growing up in Neath I honestly can't say I ever came across racism and the book is so raw in its account of what growing up in Southern America was like for a young girl in the 1930s that even at 16 it made me think how incredibly lucky I was in my life and my upbringing. It's so hard to believe that one person made it through everything that Maya Angelou did and at the end turned turned out to not just be normal but truly inspirational."

"None of us ever know all the possible courses our lives could have and maybe should have taken. It's probably just as well. Some secrets are meant to stay secret forever. Just ask Pandora".
Liane Moriarty, The Husband's Secret

The story centres around Cecilia and a letter that she finds addressed to herself, written by her husband and only to be opened upon his death. Needless to say that Cecilia reads the letter, and throughout the book we see the consequences of that decision for both her and the other women whose lives it has altered.

"The Husband's Secret has inspired me with the premise that one moment can determine our entire lives. It reminds me that actions have consequences and that you should always try to be your best self."


I hope that you have enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing and researching it. I hope that it reflects a love of reading and if nothing else encourages you to read one of the books mentioned, or prompts you to revisit a book that has inspired you.

I did say I wouldn't name names but I must say thank you to the friends that have contributed to this blog…their words have inspired me and their writing ability has certainly put mine to shame…you know who you are!