Mind the Gap: Journey to the Wizarding World begins!

So yes. I know. A little late for reviewing such a popular book, which was first published over two decades ago. Although, it does make it easier when you have already watched the films several times, even if I did believe when I was younger, that I didn't understand what the fuss is all about. But I guess sometimes you need a little time. And so, time was what I got. So here we go, I am nearly twenty-one years of age and I have now began one of the most popular children's series in history.

So what did I think? Well, I must admit, after a whole two decades of being on this earth and trying to avoid it for the majority of my life, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was it an easy read, but it was also very short and simple, which I think is why people love this formula dearly since the beginning.

What I loved most was how relatable the characters were. I think that we all have a little bit of Harry, Ron, Hermione or even Snape for that matter. I think that it makes the story itself even better, as it makes us feel as though we are on this magical journey with them, even if we are muggles in real life!

I love how normal every aspect of it is, even if it meant to be about some magical world from afar. But really when you think about it isn't. It is very much in the present day (I know! Back in the 90's). Everything feels so real, rather than a usual fantasy type book where it is usually set in the backdrop of a mysterious land, with no way to get there. However, when it comes to this book, it is different as the place is clearly in Scotland and it feels like you can really escape, really believe that somehow, throughout all the bad things going on, there is still something so pure and innocent you can run to with ease.

My rating: ****

Comments

Thoughts of a Bookworm #5: Goodreads Choice Award is Fake

Hello! So, I know that it has been some time since I was last writing to you all. But I saw an email the other day and it really got me that I couldn’t not share my thoughts on it. As we all know it’s that time of year again. The fairy lights are beginning to twinkle, the days and nights are getting darker and colder and we are all starting to look ahead to the next year. But what comes before next year? Well, the Goodreads Book Choice Awards of course. One of the biggest events in a bookworm’s calendar. But personally, I think the whole thing is an insult to the whole book community. Obviously, when I was younger I didn’t think any different to most bookworms. However, I have come to realise that it isn’t necessarily what is the best book of the year but rather a popularity contest. More so now than ever with the insurgence of ‘BookTok’. Honestly, I don’t think we will ever get a book worthy of the title ever again. It has become a pure vanity project. Take me back to the T...

Thoughts of a Bookworm #6: Booktok is killing literature

Booktok. One of the most exciting community spaces for a reader in the past five years. A place where there is a big online community giving insight into old and new releases. Reviewers who are receptive to their audience and you don't have to be 'somebody'. This is no branded bookclub. It is a place for all people with different tastes come together to share what they truly love. Books. I have to be honest, I have also been a fly on the wall. Using their recommendations many a time for myself or as research to help someone else in their favourite genre. It can be a great tool. But there are times where I have thought that I was giving into the book version of 'fast fashion'. But what do I mean by 'fast fashion' exactly? Well, have you been watching recently? Especially in the romantasy space where plots have been subverted to a simple trope. One huge example that I tend to see is 'how much spice is there?' I get it. You want certain things to make...

A Wedding in the Country by Katie Fforde

SYNOPSIS Lizzie has just arrived in London, determined to make the best of her new life. Her mother may be keen that she should have a nice wedding in the country to a Suitable Man chosen by her. And Lizzie may be going to cookery school to help her become a Good Wife. But she definitely wants to have some fun first. It is 1963 and London is beginning to swing as Lizzie cuts her hair, buys a new dress with a fashionably short hemline, and moves in with two of her best friends, one of whom lives in a grand but rundown house in Belgravia which has plenty of room for a lodger. Soon Lizzie's life is so exciting that she has forgotten all about her mother's marriage plans for her. All she can think about is that the young man she is falling in love with appears to be engaged to someone else...