The most wonderful time of the year.

Happy holidays!

Christmas has me sufficiently spoiled, fat and lazy so I thought I’d share some of my new bookish acquisitions with you to make myself useful.

1. Champion by Marie Lu.

The final novel in the Legend series did not disappoint. I bought a digital copy of this book earlier in the month as a Merry Christmas present to me. Unfortunately, I could not stop myself from reading it before Christmas. It was very action-packed, suspenseful and romantic. But a little disclaimer, please don’t try read this right after Allegiant as I did. I do not wish such suffering on anyone.

2. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer.

This is a pre-loved copy I got at a bookswap for a very good price. It is one of those books that I had no idea about but the lady recommended it, and we book-lovers have to trust each other. I am very excited to read such a classic sci-fi. 

3. The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen.

I AM SO EXCITED. My sister –bless her soul- bought me this for Christmas to begin my Sarah Dessen collection. Weirdly enough, I have read all her books, adore them and do not own any physical copies. The situation has been rectified and I am ready to fall head over heels again. This is her latest book and will be for a while. So so excited.

4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling.

Ah, I feel as if a piece of me has been restored. I first read the entire series this year without having seen the movies. After being ostracised by the Potterhead community which included many of my friends, I quietly I borrowed the first book from the library and began my journey. A few years late but I made it to Hogwarts nonetheless. This is the childhood favourite I never knew I needed.

5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling.

I had enough money for one more Harry Potter book and who could pass up this pre-loved, first edition hardcover? I loved this book to the moon and back and remember re-reading the epilogue everyday until I had to return it. Now that I have my own copy, no one can stop my obsession. Depending on your perspective, this is an excellent or terrible prospect.

6. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke.

Last but certainly not least, a short collection of letters in reply to a young writer asking for review of his work and life advice. This book is a beautiful patchwork of Rilke’s sarcasm, wisdom and prose which I hope will inspire me to write and read the rest of my life.

Click on the titles to see the synopsis and other reviews. Also let me know what bookish gifts you received for Christmas – the good and bad. Ciao!

Christmas storytelling.

Since it's Christmas I thought I'd do a little post about the season. Apart from buying lots of presents, visiting friends and trying to fit everything into a tight schedule or budget, each year my family and I go to Christmas mass. This is a special mass where we sing Christmas carols, listen to the preachings about Jesus' coming on earth and the Christmas story.

To be honest, I used to hate going to church ESPECIALLY special celebrations. The masses are twice as long, unbearably hot (it's summer in Australia) and extremely crowded. Not good if you're in any way claustrophobic. But one day I just decided I'd look at mass as this story telling session. I can handle that. If I can handle 5 hour book binge reading then I can handle uncomfortable seating and repetitive scriptures for a little while.

Our nativity set 2013.

With this in mind my church experiences weren't nearly as bad. I think if other people took this approach Christmas carols and other "holy" things would be tolerable even if you aren't Christian and don't believe a word of it or it. The Christmas story can appreciate the Christmas story on a purely narrative level.


It was prophecised that a king would be born into the world to defeat evil once and for all- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, C.S Lewis
His parents were turned away at every door- Les Miserables, Victor Hugo
Even so, he was born marked by love - Harry Potter J.K. Rowling
And because of him -a small, poor, rejected boy- there was hope for us all. There was hope of better things to come - I am the Messenger,  Marcus Zusack

I wish you a very Merry Christmas.