Amy Powis's Blog, page 3
June 15, 2021
6 Year Blog Anniversary
A lot has happened in six years when I started this blog. Before my first blog post, I was going to university later that summer. Now I have a BA and MA degree! And I have tracked my progress all the way. It's a bit emotional to think about it!
I am so grateful were my blog. I enjoy the content that I make and in a year where I have basically stopped interacting with a lot of social media but my views are higher than ever. They have tripled in a year!
I think this might because I have linked my blog on my job application and CVs so if you are a recruiter, Hi!
In other news, I have loved seeing the change in my content and hopefully see my writing progress and I hope that this continues.
Since my first year, I hoped to track the changes in my blogging life and I love to see them. So let's get started...
Q1) Favourite Book
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley- So every year I have put The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak and I say that it has not changed, which is true but another one of my favourites is Frankenstein. I studied it for A-Level, fell in love with the themes and the creativity of Mary Shelley. I still think about it today and while I love The Book Thief, I will give the spotlight to another book. Even if it is a year!
Q2) What book do you hope to read in the next year?
My answer for two years was Muse Of Nightmares and I still haven't read I although I do want to. I have the audiobook so hopefully, I will finally get to it. I did read Toffee by Sarah Crossan which was last year's read. This year though? The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green because I saw so many live streams of him signing copies and I managed to get one. Plus I really am into non-fiction and essay type stories. And it's John Green.
Q3) Most anticipated read?
My answer two years ago was Let's Call It Doomsday by Katie Henry which I got an early copy of but was not in the right headspace to read it. I still want to read this as I loved her first book so this one. I also really loved Loveless by Alice Oseman which was last years pick. This year it has to be Blackout by six authors. I have read four of the authors before and I really love their books so I can't wait for this!
Q4) Which topic would you most like to write about on the blog within the next year?
Every year I say that I want to write about my sexuality. Every year I have ideas of what you write and then I don't. Right now I don't think that I am in the right headspace as I am identifying as queer right now and it is a label that fits. So maybe something about this but because I have been quite consistent nothing is coming to mind right now.
Q5) Favourite Blog Post?
Of writing that I have done in the last year, I have to say that I love and will cherish my Disfigured and Disability: My Story blog post. I thought so much about myself and is not something that I speak about online myself. I have also wanted to write about it for a while so it is an accomplishment too!
Q6) Book you hate?
I dislike a lot of negative things about books but I can not support a book that has Holocaust jokes. The November Criminals by Sam Munson has this so you can guess why I hate this book. This is still my answer. I have been doing this for so long and it remains the worse book I have read. Yes, it is that bad. Please never read this book. Q7) Which author do you want to meet and why?
I love John Green if you couldn't tell by the earlier post. I will probably never meet him but I really want to. This is the same answer for two years but I love the guy in a really platonic and admiration kind of way. I have been watching the VlogBrothers channel for the longest time and I just respect him as a writer. As I mentioned last year, I met Hank so I want to go two for two on the Green brothers. Also, I would love to meet Hank again too after his newfound TikTok fame.
Q8) Current read?
I don't have an actual current read but I have been reading Daemon Voices by Philip Pullman for the longest time and I just want to finish it!
Q9) Next on your TBR?
Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. I have wanted to read this for the longest time and although I have read the first part, I need to first it. I was enjoying it but I need to find the time to sit down and read it. It's only short as well!
Q10) What is next for your blog?
More posts. Hopefully the consistent remains the same as I really love writing and this allows me to explore my thoughts and feelings. This is always good for my mental health even though I am really out of touch with the community.
So that's it! I still can't believe that I have been blogging for six years and hope to see you all next year!
See you soon,
Amy
June 10, 2021
June 8, 2021
June 3, 2021
Book Review: Incredible Doom by Matthew Bogart & Jesse Holden
* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *
Title: Incredible DoomAuthor: Matthew Bogart & Jesse HoldenPublisher: HarperAlley
Source: From Publisher
(Bookshop UK| Hive| Goodreads | Storygraph)
Book Summary:
It’s the dawn of a new age…the age of the internet.
Allison is drowning under the weight of her manipulative stage magician father. When he brings home the family’s first computer, she escapes into a thrilling new world where she meets Samir, a like-minded new online friend who has just agreed to run away from home with her.
After moving to a new town and leaving all of his friends behind, Richard receives a mysterious note in his locker with instructions on how to connect to “Evol BBS,” a dial-in bulletin board system, and meets a fierce punk named Tina who comes into his life and shakes his entire world view loose.
Unlikely alliances, first love, and minor crime sprees abound in this teen graphic novel debut about making connections while your world is falling apart.
Book Review:
When I saw the opportunity to review this graphic novel and I jumped at the chance. Although I love graphic novels I don't get the chance to review them a whole lot and the interesting nature made me super keen. Overall, I did enjoy Incredible Doom and I definitely recommend it.
So the graphic novel when published will be two-toned and although I only got a little sneak peek into this, I really liked it. The blue also worked super well and added to the overall feel of the novel and the nineties setting.The art style is also a big part of graphic novels and although I thought that it was good, it was not really anything new. Sometimes I don't think it does, it just has to serve the story which it does.
The story is also quite unique and I loved seeing all the different character stories come together especially towards the end. Also, the characters all had diverse lifestyles living in poorer situations to parents who were not the best.
In the beginning, I was really invested in the story and the characters so I read it really quickly, which is a credit to the writing which is a forgotten part of graphic novels. The pace of the story is fast and it never has a dull moment. This is also partly a credit to all of the stories that combine and bring interest in their own rights.
All of the characters were interesting in their own ways and I think they all bring different parts to the story. This is especially the case with Allison and Samir. I liked their blossoming romance and friendship near the end of the book. The friendship between Richard and Tina was also great and complicated too.
The setting has to work for the story and I think the nineties work. I also liked seeing the Internet and old computer chat which made me feel old as some of it I didn't understand. I liked the details and the feel of the story.
Basically, it was a really good first part and hopefully, I will be able to pick up the sequel when it comes out.
The Verdict:
Incredible Doom will give those who grew up in the nineties major nostalgia and for anyone else, it's an enjoyable graphic novel.
Have you read Incredible Doom? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments.
June 1, 2021
Take A Chance
The world of job hunting is hard. Especially for someone with anxiety.
You always have the voice in your head that tells you, you are not good enough. Through job hunting, this is almost amplified.
Even ghosted application. Every bad interview. Every rejection.
It almost tells you that you are not good enough. That you are not worthy.
You can tell yourself that this isn't true. Someone wanted you to be employed before. You are good enough.
But then you think of the consequences of those jobs.
You may have been the only one who applied. They were looking for a lot of people. You just so happened to fit the bill.
You will never get anywhere. Can't fit in anywhere. Destined to waste your life in the same job. Never following your dreams. Always stagnant.
In these moments, you just want someone to take a chance on you.
To tell you that you are worthy. That you are enough. That you are good enough.
That those words that you spent hours mulling over on your cover letter mattered. That you are qualified. That you had the skills.
It's no longer about coming up short because you were finally the one on top.
Finally, someone believed in you.
They gave to a chance.
May 31, 2021
Book Review: The Novice by Taran Matharu
* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *
Title: The NoviceAuthor: Taran MatharuPublisher: Hodder Children's Books
Source: NetGalley
(Bookshop UK | Hive | Goodreads | Storygraph)
Book Summary:
When blacksmith apprentice Fletcher discovers that he has the ability to summon demons from another world, he travels to Adept Military Academy. There the gifted are trained in the art of summoning. Fletcher is put through grueling training as a battlemage to fight in the Hominum Empire’s war against orcs. He must tread carefully while training alongside children of powerful nobles. The power hungry, those seeking alliances, and the fear of betrayal surround him. Fletcher finds himself caught in the middle of powerful forces, with only his demon Ignatius for help.
As the pieces on the board manoeuvre for supremacy, Fletcher must decide where his loyalties lie. The fate of an empire is in his hands. The Novice is the first in a trilogy about Fletcher, his demon Ignatius, and the war against the Orcs.
Book Review:
The Novice is a book that I have heard of for the longest time and last year, I decided to read it on a whim. I was really supposed as I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
I have to say that even though I had a physical copy of the book, I listened to an audiobook and this was a good shout. The audiobook for a fantasy novel is quite short so it makes for easy listening and was one of the reasons why I read it so quickly.
The other credit is due to Taran's writing which makes the fantasy world easy to understand and easy to get into. The fast-paced story also allowed me to race through it as I also wanted to know what was going to happen.
The best part is also the plot. It has been described as Lord of the Rings meets Pokemon and this is something that I can agree on. The idea is that Fletcher is made a novice so his job is to catch these creatures and learn to do so.
This also adds a boarding school element to the story which was another part of why I enjoyed the book. Seeing Fletcher learn to catch the creatures and gain better skills was great to see. There was also a class system in the book which was interesting to see unfold.
The book also has a lot of action towards the end and I liked seeing it come together and unfold. He knows how to write them though as I felt like I was on the edge of my seat and just wanted to keep reading.
I loved seeing Fletcher make connections and have relationships form. Unlikely friendships often tend to be a favourite of mine and there are definitely some in this book that made me happy.
As I mentioned at the beginning, I can't wait to read the next in the series to see what happens.
The Verdict:
The Novice is an unrated fantasy story that had been lost in recent years but is still worth the read and hype.
Have you read The Novice? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments.
May 30, 2021
Book Review: Jack Of Hearts (and Other Parts) by L.C. Rosen
* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *
Title: Jack Of Hearts (and Other Parts)Author: L.C. Rosen Publisher: Penguin
Source: NetGalley
(Bookshop UK| Hive| Goodreads| Storygraph)
Book Summary:
Jack Rothman is seventeen and loves partying, makeup and boys - sometimes all at the same time. His sex life makes him the hot topic for the high school gossip machine, but who cares? Like Jack always says, 'it could be worse.'
And then it is. After Jack starts writing an online sex advice column, the mysterious love letters he's been receiving take a turn for the creepy. Jack's secret admirer loves him, but not his unashamedly queer lifestyle. And if Jack won't curb his sexuality voluntarily, they'll force him.
As the pressure mounts, Jack must unmask his stalker before their obsession becomes genuinely dangerous...
Book Review:
I had heard so much about Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) when it first came out and I was interested in the premise. The book is quite special in the way that it deals with sex positivity and for that alone it is worth the read.
Although I think the book is really important, I have to say that I had some problems. I found Jack as a character really annoying and this made it hard to connect to a lot of the book. He does have a vulnerable side which you can definitely see but some of the actions are quite questionable.
A lot of the book does focus on a place where teenagers can get sex advice given by Jack. A lot of this is really great to read about as books do shy away from the topic but of course, so many people can benefit from the descriptions.
As an asexual person, it was nice to see representation included in the story and will definitely help readers and those who need it. I also think that the description was based around sex and different types which again make the appeal wider.
I did for the most part enjoy the characters and Jack's friends and how they all supported him. I really do hate the whole blackmail trope though and even though it was handled well, I just don't want it included in my stories. Especially LGBTQ+ ones.
I did like the writing style and the issues they were tackled which made me want to read more from L.C. Rosen in the future. I have also heard a lot of good things about Camp so will definitely get to it soon!
The Verdict:
Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) is a special YA read that a lot of people should read.
Have you read Jack Of Hearts (and Other Parts)? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments.
May 29, 2021
Six Asian Book Recommendations
With the violence against Asian American becoming more apparent and hate crimes up here in the UK, it right to discuss books that are by Asian authors. As the month closes, it is also good to note that it is AAPI Heritage Month as well. While researching for this post, I realised how little I had read by Asian authors in general and I need to continue reading books by Asian authors from a variety of different places. If you would like to know more about issues regarding Anti-Asian violence please do so here. So let's get to the list...
When I Grow Up I Want To Be A List Of Impossibles by Chen Chen
I discovered Chen Chen by watching uncarley's YouTube channel and after reading his poem, Summer, I knew I had to read his collection. It was really raw and impactful and there were so many poems that I thought were well written and I connected too. Many of them discuss the intersections of being Chinese and gay and how he navigates life which I enjoyed.
Night Sky With Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong
So a lot of people love Ocean Vuong so this is not a surprising recommendation. I do think that a lot of people have read his novel but the poetry collection is also worth the read. Again he knows how to write a poem that pulls on your emotions and creates so much empathy. I tabbed some of the poems because I loved them as they are so lyrical in their approach.
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui
This was one of the first graphic novels that I read and it details their life moving through from Vietnam to America. It is an important part and discusses what war is like and how it remains with a person. The illustrations are also great and I loved the colour that was used throughout.
This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki
I know that so many people do not like this book and I can kind of see why, but I did. So much so that it was one of my favourite books of last year. I love the illustration style and seeing all the characters evolve over the novel. Also, it has a sense of quiet that I love in the novel as nothing much happens but it is still great to read about.
Blue Flag by Kaito
I have loved this manga series since last year and not many have read it which is why it is on this list. This series follows a group of friends who basically all like each other. Girls liking girls. Boys liking boys and boys liking girls. All of this makes for an interesting love square and I love reading about it. All of the characters are so sweet and I love reading about their very complex friendship dynamics.
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker & Wendy Xu
I didn't love Mooncakes, I know so many other people did and for good reason. The book describes the story of a Werewolf and a witch as they become friends and try to discover some secrets. One of the characters is also non-binary which is perfect for anyone who is looking for a queer graphic novel.
My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness by Kabi Nagata
One of my favourite books of last year, this book is tender and raw as we are Kabi Nagata's head. This book follows her life as she deals with being gay in a family that doesn't accept it as well as discussing her depression. I felt this book was really relatable and I got so much from it and I know others will too.
Let me know some of your favourite Asian books in the comments below!
See you soon,
Amy
May 28, 2021
Finding Balance
As I have been doing a lot to get a new job recently, from writing applications to doing research on companies. I have seen endless CVs and Cover Letter recently to attending interviews and actually still going to my job, my life has been a little out of wack.
From the blog post title, I've lost my mojo. I am kind of out of balance.It feels like all of the things that I love are going under the radar. It is not part of my daily life anymore, which is making me disappointed In my life. Even as I am writing this I am on my week off, and the same is still happening. It's a little better but I know there is still so much I want to do/
I have tried so hard to keep everything together but something always goes wrong. As I try to keep myself well, reading all the books I can, blogging, I can feel all the plates spinning.
And it feels like at any moment everything is going to fall.
I think that it already has and I am trying to pick up the pieces.
It's the analogy of you can have all of these things but there is always going to be that one thing that is missing. When you love a lot of things, telling yourself that you have don't have infinite time in the world, it's hard. Really hard.
So I am trying to keep all of the plates spinning. All the things that I love having priority in my life.
I always that I am good at time management but this is showing me that might not be the case. Maybe I just need to plan a little more.
Either way, I hope that I can fix my problem soon and find my balance.
May 13, 2021
Book Review: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *
Title: The Silent PatientAuthor: Alex MichaelidesPublisher: Orion
Source: Netgalley
(Bookshop UK| Hive| Goodreads | Storygraph)
Book Summary:
Only she knows what happened.
Only I can make her speak.
I love him so totally, completely, sometimes it threatens to overwhelm me.
Sometimes I think-
No. I won't write about that.
ALICIA
Alicia Berenson writes a diary as a release, an outlet - and to prove to her beloved husband that everything is fine. She can't bear the thought of worrying Gabriel, or causing him pain.
Until, late one evening, Alicia shoots Gabriel five times and then never speaks another word.
THEO
Forensic psychotherapist Theo Faber is convinced he can successfully treat Alicia, where all others have failed. Obsessed with investigating her crime, his discoveries suggest Alicia's silence goes far deeper than he first thought.
And if she speaks, would he want to hear the truth?
Book Review:The Silent Patient is a book that has been hyped about for the longest time so when I picked it up I was apprehensive. Overall I had a good time with The Silent Patient and I look forward to reading more from Alex Micxaledes in the future.
I have to admit that I spent the day listening to the audiobook and although I did enjoy the experience I did have some problems with it. The narrator is definitely younger than the main protagonist and this threw me a lot as I feel like this does make a difference.
I think the book tries to have an unreliable narrator and the narrator being such a younger person messes with this dynamic. I do think that the character is meant to be creepy but the narrator sounds too nice for this to be true.
The narrator and audiobook also are quite difficult as sometimes the narrator will read the book before they do the reading which can also change the way that you read the book. l have seen some reviews where they read the book in one way and I completely didn't get that.
One of the reasons why I don't tend to read thrillers is because I normally know the ending. I did end up guessing the ending and I don't think this did have an impact on my enjoyment of the book.
While I did enjoy the writing and the characters, there was just something that I did not connect with overall. I have seen the new book from the author so I will definitely check out the Maidens in the future.
The Verdict:
The Silent Patient is worth the hype, being a good thriller that will have you racing to know the ending.
Have you read The Silent Patient? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments.
