Birthday Books

It was recently my birthday and, because I didn't really know what to ask for, I simply said clothes and books, two of my favourite things. Here's the loot...

Blogger has made the quality of this photo horrendous and I don't know why...
A Century In Photographs
I asked for a book very similar to this ("Photos that changed the world") which was more international history however this one is just British history but is equally as interesting. I love modern history and combining it with photos, many of which I have never seen (unlike the other book where I had studied many of the photos at school) makes it a wonderful read. I can't wait to have the time to delve deeper into this.

Banksy In New York
I have a new found love for street art (which partly inspired our adventure to Shoreditch) and my friends knew I had seen this book and fallen in love so they bought it for me for my birthday. I have not had that much time to look through it as I have been away but it looks really interesting and visual which is what I love about street art.

Deliciously Ella
This is another book I asked for for my birthday as I had seen many people raving about it and was desperate to try out some new alternative, healthy recipes. As you can see, I have already marked the recipes I want to try-one of the things that pleases me most about this is that all the recipes are dairy free which is absolutely perfect for me.


Go Set A Watchman-Harper Lee
The most pre-ordered book since the final Harry Potter and probably the one I am most anxious/excited to read. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my favourite books and, after recieving this pre-ordered copy for my birthday, I am toying with myself about whether to start it or not-it has pretty poor reviews and I accidently read a few spoilers but it also sounds incredibly intriguing and I love the characters so much-I shall report back.

The Picture of Dorian Gray-Oscar Wilde
This is one of our Literature texts for next year and I wanted to do a little pre-reading before we begin the course so I found this in Waterstones for only £1.99 and thought I would give it a go. I have no idea what to expect however I figured any background knowledge is better than none and will broaden my reading horizons.

The Storied Life of A.J Fikry-Gabrielle Zevin
A friend gave this to me for my birthday after claiming that she found it almost impossible to choose as I am such a picky reader. I wouldn't say I am picky, just very critical however I had never heard of this before (I have read some other pieces by Gabrielle Zevin though) and after reading some reviews decided it sounded amazing, I can't wait to get into it when I have some free time!

One Line A day
Documenting events is one of my favourite things to do; I have a memory jar, a calendar, a summer scrapbook and a 'timetable' to document everything I have done but I never enjoy writing diaries. However this book requires simply a couple of lines which is perfect as it allows me keep record but not cringe at the pointlessness of my writing. I am also looking forward to being able to see what I did on that very day for the previous 5 years.

I am so excited to find some time to look through all of these books. Since my birthday, my life has been rather chaotic however I am now away on holiday with my family so I am hoping I can spend many a day sitting and reading as I certainly will not run out of books!

Katie x

15 comments

  1. Ooh I've always wanted a book like One Line a day! Zoe and Tanya from YouTube both got something similar recently too.
    Happy Birthday by the way!!!
    Aleeha from HALE, xXx
    www.halesaaw.com

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    1. It really is a great way of, like me you are too lazy/forgetful to write a proper diary! Thank you :)xx

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  2. Happy Birthday! I started my One Line A Day journal in January and I haven't missed a day. It's such a nice way to document your life. I still have to read To Kill A Mockingbird, but I find it quite hard to get into the story. Definitely gonna take it with me on my summer holiday!

    Have a great Sunday! xx

    http://anneslittlearea.blogspot.nl/

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    1. I agree-you've definitely got to give to kill a mockingbird a go-once you get past the first few pages (which admittedly I read 4 times!) it gets more enjoyable!
      Thank you, you too :) xx

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  3. The concept of one line a day sounds really interesting. I may have to buy one myself as I can never manage to keep diary's going all year myself but only writing 1 line a day seems simple enough . I find books to do with photographs and photographs of history great as ' coffe table books' lovely post as always x

    http://thriftyvintagefashion.blogspot.co.uk/


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    1. I am the same, you definitely should, you won't regret it! Ahh arent they wonderful just to flick through? Thank you :)x

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  4. Ooh, I really want to get one of those One Line A Day journals! Think I may get it for myself :D Cathy x

    http://whiskshooksandbooks.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. They're a perfect way to record everything-go for it!!x

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  5. The Storied Life of A.J Fikry is one of my favourite books, I hope you enjoy it! And the One Line a Day book is such a good concept.
    Happy Belated Birthday xxxx

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    1. Ah thats promising-it has great reviews-I can't wait to start it! Thank you!xx

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  6. We nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! Check out our post for more details: http://www.halesaaw.com/2015/07/the-versatile-blog-award.html#more

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  7. Banksy is awesome. I remember flipping through a Banksy book when I was in London years ago, so the Bansky in New York sounds right up my alley. :]

    // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

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    1. Same! I can't wait to have a proper flick through!x

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  8. Banksk's work is pretty amazing. If you are getting into street art you should check out Jean Michele Basquiat his work from the early 80's is very inspiring. Great picks!

    xx Falasha
    Bite My Fashion ll Instagram ll Bloglovin'

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    1. Ooh, i've never heard of him but will definitely check his work out as it sounds right up my street! Thank you :)x

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