Passion & Pages goes Bookstagram

Monday 10 July 2017

It were only a few days into June and I made a decision, that I should have posted here back then.
I challenged myself to post everyday on Intagram throughout the month and soon became aware, how easy this was to me compared to posting once a week on the blog.

So the thing is: Lena and I decided to focus Passion & Pages on Instagram.
There will be no regular posts. We'll use the blog, whenever we feel like writing some more, additional stuff which does not fit under a single picture.



But in general, Passion & Pages will be a bookstagram account rather than a webblog.

Lena is also back.

See you at Instagram,
Ella

A book I'd rather give to the sea // Review by Ella

Friday 2 June 2017

Hi there, it's Ella!
Today I'm back with my review for Given to the Sea by Mindy McGinnis, the book I received in my April Fairyloot.

The Plot:

The book tells the story of Khosa, who is born to be the Given, dancing into the sea once she gave birth to a child who is going to be the next Given, just like Khosas mother was before her.
This is to prevent the Kingdom of from a wave like one that once destroyed it.
Vincent is third in throne sequence of this kindom.
The twins Dara and Donil are the last of the magical race of Indiri and adopted by Vincents mother.
Witt is the Lithos, leader of the Pietra, which are about to march on the kingdom of Stille.

The good stuff: 

The writing was beautiful and the concept seems interesting. The author said, the character "dancing" to the sea was inspired by a disease called the Restless-Leg-Syndrome.
The chapters were short and the book overall fast to read.

That's it.

Now the bad stuff:

To me it felt like most of the book consisted of dialogues, mostly empty phrase. Khosa having to give birth was the #1 topic, but there was also a lot of talking about sex. "The Lithos is not to be distracted" was a frequent line aswell, but I did not really saw any sense behind it.
The characters consistently repeated themselfes and one another.
They felt flat, except for Dara maybe.

The relationship between the characters sometimes seemed weird.

As for the plot: There wasn't much going on and those things that happened could have fit on maybe a quarter of pages.
Still, it was really confusing. I wasn't completely sure about some important points of the books until half of the book.
Who were all the folks? Why did Pietra send their people off to the sea to die? Why did they kill the Indiri and why are they marching on Stille? (Simple answer: They're warriors. That's their nature. Sure.)

Furthermore, the world felt flat too. Like, the kindom of Stille only consisted of the castle (?) and you rarely met citizens. And there there were a forest, a river and the residence of the Lithos. Oh, and the house whre Khosa lived for like 5 minutes.

The in the Fairyloot box included Fairyscoop with an interview with author said, that Mindy McGinnis wrote linearly, beginning to end without plotting. That's how it felt - one chapter after the other, most seemed without a purpose and some just to fill space.
Overall:
✭✭✩✩

I hope this wasn't to short, but I am pretty sure you got a good enough impression of how the book felt to me.
Have you read it yet? What's your opinion on it?
As far as I know, Mindy McGinnis other books are quite good, so am I still motivated to check those out.

Bye then, 
Ella.

May Wrap-Up // Ella

Wednesday 31 May 2017

Urgh, I know. I am super lazy with posting.
However, I just write this post now and hope for the better.
By the way: Hi there, it's Ella.


So here's my cute little wrap-up, but yeah, I am still happy with it.
Though you see, and Goodreads counted, six books, on actually held two.
And I read exactly those books which I planned to read, so that's always a plus.

Given to the Sea by Mindy McGinnis

✭✭✩✩

It was boring and I was really disappointed - not because I had too high expectations, but because it came in my first ever fairyloot. But yeah, it... sucked. I will post a short review soon. Like, "this week soon". Friday, I hope.

Modestrecke by Jessica Weis & Julia Knolle (German) / reread

✭✭✭✭✩

This was quick and fun and I immediately knew, why I loved this, the first time I read it.

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

✭✭✭✩✩

Ok, so I was slightly disappointed by this book too.
This book was way too slow and way too few things happened.
After finishing this, I got the impression, it's rather a prequel to the actual story, which is about to happen in book two.
After I spend one week with this book, reading only a few pages per day, I forced myself to finally finishing it off. Then it got better. I read like 300 pages in a day and it turned out as a quick read, once I was into it. But still, it was told far too stretched for what happened.

Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea by Morgan Callan Rogers / reread 

✭✭✭

I wrote a review on it's sequel earlier this year and about a month later, I found this copy at a book outlet. I enjoyed it very much when I picked it up years ago from the library.
I immediately felt in love again and dare to say, the two books are my favourites.
It's just this wonderful atmosphere it creates, telling the story of Florines life after her mother vanished, that makes me want to read it over and over.
I highly recommend to check it out if you're into personal stories and enjoy books, which are less about an actual plot.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

✭✭✭✭✩

Though I have to admit I bought it because of the awesome cover, I was highly interested in the story too. It was wonderful written, you exactly felt what Starr felt and giving me her point of view just was a whole other world to me. I loved the relationship she had to her family. But seeing all the stuff going on after her friend was shot, this book left a deep impression on me.

At the Sign of the Sugared Plum & Petals in Ashes by Mary Hooper /reread

✭✭✭✭ & ✭✭✭✭✩

When you read about 400 pages in one day, you know, it's good.
My favourite book from years ago shouted for a reread, so I did. I enjoyed it very much, though I did not remember it being such a quick read, but was a slower reader back then anyways.
The historical setting in London 1665 & 1666 is well illustrated and that's what I love the most. I am all about the atmosphere I book creates. Tough now, being wise and old, I see Hannah as too naive and to "weak", I understand that you can't really make her modern day badass in the 17th century. But being a bit more sassy and strong would add a bit more to the story. But nevertheless, it was a five star read for me. 
The sequel is only a four star, because Hannah coming and enjoying London for the first time as well as the growing threat of the plague was the more enjoyable plot for me.

That's it, I'll be back with my review for Given to the Sea and my monthly post soon.
Also, I will challenge myself to posting everyday on instagram throughout June at least.

Bye then,
Ella

Warriors & Legends Fairyloot Unboxing // Ella

Saturday 20 May 2017

Hooray! The May Fairyloot already arrived! And I am so pleased with it - so let me show you the awesome stuff it hold:
First we have an exclusive green tea blend by The Tea Leaf Co with hints of lychee and jasmine and also a 15% discount for the online shop.
The Opposing Tin Candle by In The Wick of Time was send out either as "flame" or "mist" and mine was obviously mist, which smells like warm stone and woodsmoke. Those candles were named by the author of this months book.
Next we have Celtic Socks, exclusively by Fairyloot. They are really soft and thick, so I think they are perfect for the colder season. They show a Celtic knot pattern.
Also included was World Mythology in Bite-sized Chunks by Mark Daniels. I am super excited about this, because I am really interested in mythology. I read about Greek, Nordic and Celtic mythology so far, but I am intrigued to learn about other cultures too.
Then there are an exclusive One Ring Bookmark by Ink and Wonder, a Metallic Feather Pen by Flora's Wonder Emporium and a Noandel Sampler.
I never read LoTR, but the bookmark is beautiful and still a nice item to use, even if you're not a fan, I think. The quill is absolutely cute and I already tried it: it's nice to write with.
Last but not least we got the book, which is Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh. I guessed it, when the topic and hint for the may book was announced and this was the reason I wanted this box so badly. It's a retelling of Mulan set in feudal Japan "filled with action, atmosphere and romance".
Sadly, I wasn't pleased with Given to the Sea, which was the book in the April box, but I have a very good feeling about this one! So excited to read it!

The box also included a signed bookplate, the fairyscoop, a note from the author, a Flame in the Mist bookmark as well as the Spoiler card and a fairyloot bookmark with the design of the month.
Lots of bookmarks, you see :D

I am thinking about writing a review on Given to the Sea by Mindy McGinnis.
However, you'll hear about me.
Ella

Notebook Filling Ideas // Ella

Thursday 11 May 2017

Hi there, it's Ella!

And if you're something like me, you are an absolute victim of buying notebooks, collecting them, but you never really use them.
So I collected some ideas on how to finally start using those and want to share those with you.

Don't know what to do with these yet... The left ones were Study Books once, only a few pages filled.

Diary

Really basic. Make daily, weekly or monthly entries, write whenever you feel like or sit down by schedule. For getting things down, self reflection and clearing your mind.

Morning Pages
The concept says to sit down in the morning, let your thoughts flow and write three pages straight.
Check out this website for more information.

Reading Diary
As being a bookblogger, I had to put this in, though I don't do it myself. You could either write shorter or longer reviews and basic thoughts on every book you read or just for special ones. You could even just write a list of the books you read and if you want to, stars for rating, to track your reading over several years.

Travel Diary
Include packing lists, tickets, bills etc and write short reports on everyday of your journey. You might add photos and overall conclusions.

Dream Journal
Write down what you remember from last nights dream on an everyday basis or only when you feel like it. Might be fun, enlightening or a source of inspiration for creative work.

Gratitude Journal
Write down three things (or less or more) everyday that you are grateful for. Works also for things that made you happy.

(random) To Do Lists

List Journal
Not just random lists, but lists on movies you want to sea, destinations you want to visit, etc.
A bunge of ideas here and here.

Bullet Journal

Sketchbook

Photo album

Vocab Book

Study Book
Write summaries of your subject matter, mind maps, definitions, etc.

Collection of Poems and Quotes
Poems might be your own. Try to illustrate them.

Inspiration Book
Could also hold Poems and Quotes, but also pictures from magazines, the Internet or self-taken. Whatever inspires you, you know.

Idea Book
Blogpost ideas, book ideas, all sort of projects, ...

Questions on yourself
I got a little booklet with 1000 Questions for myself I want to start answering in a notebook soon.
You will find some on the Internet, for example those by Lavendaire.

Notes on specific topics
For example Podcasts, helpful videos, from (non-fiction) books,...
Whatever you want to learn more of.


Notebooks in use or planned:

  1. Questions on myself
  2. Random sketchbook for scribbles (I have a proper one)
  3. Current Notebook (IV) *
  4. A leporello I want to use as a Photo album. Still have to decide on what photos I want to put in there.
  5. This will be my next Notebook (V)
  6. Planning a book idea in this one
* I have a "Notebook" for several years now. It's a mixture of a lot of things.
To do lists, diary entries, sketches, lists, quotes, ... just everything. I tried bullet journaling for half a year and it was fine, but when I found a nice planner, I stopped. Maybe I will start again.
I planned on buying a Leuchttum1917 again, but I got way too much notebooks right now, so I will use one of those instead.

Of course, you can always combine the different ways of using a notebook into one.
Do you have more ideas?
What do you use your notebooks for?

See you soon,
Ella.

This was April '17 & May TBR // Ella

Sunday 7 May 2017

Hi there, it's Ella!
And here we go with my better late than never monthly post.

Overall:

University started, Easter passed, what should I say...
I am really enjoying studying again, but I still have to figure out the right routine for me. But I think I will be able to fulfil my goal of more productivity this semester.
I also spend a weekend at Münster, which was really nice.
As I wrote in my Wrap-Up post, this was not my best reading month considering my amount of books, but they all were really good, so that's absolutely fine.

Favourites:



  1. Quality time with my family during Easter 
  2. I received my first Fairyloot box in April - and I loved it! So excited for the may one
  3. My weekend at Münster - eating great burger and watching Chinese lights at the zoo
  4. I read great books - but my favourite was Ready Player One

Looking forward:

May doesn't hold to exciting things - but I am looking forward to more warm weather and more good books + finally settling a good study routine.

TBR:


  1. At the Sign of the Sugared Plum & Petals in Ashes by Mary Hooper
  2. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
  3. Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
  4. Given to the Sea by Mindy McGinnis
  5. Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea by Morgan Callan Rogers
  6. Modestrecke by Jessica Weiss & Julia Knolle
Books I will reread - check out my post on this too. Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea I  just bought in Münster. I read this some years ago and posted a review on its sequel in march.

See ya,
Ella

April Wrap-Up // Ella

Friday 5 May 2017



Hi there, it's Ella!

And there we go again....
I know, I'm a bit late, but I will start with my monthly post trio right away. Starting with my wrap-up today, followed by my monthly overview and tbr.

Let's dive right into it.

I started this month with

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard ✭✭✭

and have also read Glass Sword ✭✭✭✭✩

I did enjoy both books very much, though I liked the first one a bit better. The Sequel was going slow at some points, but I am super curious for the third one, though I will wait to buy this one until there a copy of the size of my two others available.
I consider writing a review on the series after reading Kings Cage.



We Are Okay by Nina LaCour  ✭✭✭

I really loved this one. Check out my review.


Ready Player One by Ernest Cline  ✭✭✭

Was probably my favourite read this month. 

My Goodreads review: This book was an awesome read!
I really enjoyed the virtual reality, the possibilities it gaves to the plot.
Action, fun and mystery, magic, 80s culture and a tiny little bit of romance.
I loved the characters (except the evil ones of course - but even they were the perfect villains you love to hate).
But I also likes the serious background of the book - it really makes one think - and we should:
Massive environmental pollution and growing relevance of living online are topics we're already dealing with and will even more in the future.


The Creeping Shadow ( Lockwood & Co #4) by Jonathan Stroud ✭✭✭✭✩

I am quite a fan of the Lockwood series, though they're middle grade reads. But the authors creates an awesome atmosphere, cosy but exciting. It makes me feel being a child again, not only because those are middle grade reads or I started the series when I was some years younger, but because the concept of ghost hunters itself is rather a more childlike. I love that.
But I have to admit, that I did not enjoy this book as much as the previous ones, mainly because we had not the regular team setup and some emotional distance between the characters.


Not on the photo but still read

The Ice Twins by S.K.Tremayne ✭✭✭✭✩

I do not usually read thrillers, but sometimes, I do.
The Ice Twins was a really quick read for me, because it was damn exciting. I absolutely didn't see the plot twist in the end coming. The concept was unique I think and the psychological concept my cup of tea, since I study psychology and that's what I am interested in.

As you see, I did not read as much as in the last months, but university started again, so that's some kind of excuse. (It's not.) 
But I really enjoyed those books I read, so that's a plus!

See you soon,
Ella

How to build a TBR // Ella

Tuesday 2 May 2017


Hit there, it's Ella.

Since I finished my tbr some weeks ago, it was finally time to get some new reads.

I was super proud to and happy I finally did it and I had absolutely no problem with my now new task: Grabbin' some books.


First, I ordered the American Hardcover of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Yes, I have to admit that at one point, this was a cover buy, but I also heard that this book is really well written, so hey, I got to got it.

Ready Player One was on my radar ever since, however, I never bought it- Until now. The concept sounded super exciting (and having it already read by now: yes, it was.)

I am a fan of the Lockwood & Co. series for some years by now and I am always in need to read that book when a new one is anounced. This is the fourth one, German edition, The Creeping Shadow in English. Though they are middle grade reads, I highly recommend them, I enjoyed every single one of them, including this one, it's already read.


I don't exactly know why I picked Thre Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake, but I recently read Red Queen plus I somehow guessed it must be good because I saw one post on it on EpicReads. Don't know. I am in the mood for this I think.

We Are Okay was a cover buy but turned out as an awesome read. Did a review  on this one.

Given to the Sea was the book I got in the Aprils Fairyloot.

And last but not least: Glass Sword. I adored Red Queen, so there was no way not getting this one.

So, my upcoming monthly tbrs will feature these books (or at least those one I heven't read yet, which are three in numbers) plus some planned rereads. I did a post on those too.

I will see you soon in my monthly wrap-up and monthly overall post.

Ella.

Fairyloot Unboxing for April // Ella

Monday 1 May 2017

Hi there, it's Ella.
And, uh, yeah, I am so behind schedule.
I wanted to upload at least two posts last week and I took the photos for them, but then, I went on a trip without posting in advance or at least preuploading the pictures so I will post everything in the next few days.



However, here we go:
On last Monday, my Fairyloot box finally arrived (though I couldn't pick it up until the day after, because my neighbours took it for me but then they weren't at home until Tuesdays afternoon.

So, let's go!


First, we have this super cute To The Stars mug with a quote from A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas designed by Risa Rodil. I am following the artist on Instagram and I really love her stuff. She does awesome art with quotes from books and movies.

Next: This wonderful Reverie candle exclusively produced for Fairyloot by Meraki Candles. It smells awesome - sweet but fresh, like mint, marshmallows and candy floss. I am a huge fan of scented candles, so big love here.

Then we have a cute little Follow your dreams magnet by Fairyloot. As I said, it's cute, but I just took down my magnet board, but I putted it on my heater right now. I don't really like, that it's so huge and square. Maybe I will give it away. Don't know.

My favourite item might be the Dream Jar pin exclusively designed by House of Wonderland. I have usual buttons but this is my first pin. It's so cute, I pinned i on a beanie and wore it during the last days, when it was a bit colder. I might put it on my jeans jacket or shirt next.

The Little Dreamer tote bag featuring a quote from The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon produced by Miss Phi is adorable too. The design is super pretty. And I liked it even better than I thought: I considers the handles too short, but they turned out just fine. 

Though I already have a bunge of notebooks, here I have a new one for my collection: A gemstone notebook by Portico. Mine shows a garnet for January. It has lined pages and iridescent pages like the stone on the front on the first and last two double pages.

The next picture shows the spoiler card with the design for the Dreams & Wishes theme, the matching bookmark (first time they included one I think) plus a Spindle Fire and Hunted postcard.

Aaaand of course we got the book which is Given to the Sea by Mindy McGinnis. | Goodreads

Ok, so in super short, it's about this girl who is meant to be immolated to the sea to prevent the Kindom against a kind of wave which once destroyed it.
The rest is hard to put in a few sentences, so check out Goodreads.
I never heard of the book before but I am quite excited and it will be my next read.

Soooo, this was my first ever Fairyloot box I ever received and I am super happy with it. It contained wonderful items and I am excited for the next one, which I already ordered.

Have you ever ordered a Fairyloot box? What do you think of the Aprils one?

See you soon,
Ella

On Saturday Evening We Are Okay // Ella

Saturday 22 April 2017

Hi there, it's Ella!
Today I am here with a little review, just a short one, but there will be more posts coming up up next week. I am sorry I didn't manage to post more than once a week, I hope I will be able to improve.
Let me talk about We Are Okay by Nina Lacour. (Goodreads)
I actually bought this book because of the cover and luckily, I ended up liking it very much.

The story tells of Marin, who is spending winter break alone at the dorms of her university, waiting for her best friend Mabel to come. Mabel, who she hasn't talked to, like she hasn’t spoken to anyone from her old life since the day she left everything behind. 
She never revealed what happened after her Grandfather, whom she lived with, died. What happened after she ran away. What happened in all those months since then, how she still felt the pull of the life and tragedy she’s tried to outrun. How everything she felt was loneliness.



      "I could say the night felt magical, but that would be embellishment. 
      That would be romanticization.
      What it actually felt like was life."


This is one of those books which are about the atmosphere, the feeling rather than the plot.
Marin doesn't just tell you how she feels, Nina LaCour makes you feel it.
Of course, there was a story, but is was a slowly told.
And I liked how it was going slow on revealing the truth, just the way Marin revealed the truth to Mabel.
I liked how their relationship was portrayed.
How homo- /bisexuality was just a normal and natural part of the story, but not a main part.
I liked how poetic it was. Not over the top, intended but not just wanted and placed.
This book just gave me a certain feeling. 
We are okay was heartbreaking in the best way possible. I loved it. 
I loved how it made me suffer aside with Marin and how it healed both of us in the end.

Thought it had only 234 pages, it took me a few days (mainly because I wasn't reading this much), but I really enjoyed taking myself time for it.

Did you read "We Are Okay"? 
What did you thought?

Until next week, 
Ella

Books I Want to Reread // Ella

Friday 14 April 2017

Hi there, it's Ella. 
I wanted to post earlier this week, but I was really busy with universities stuff.
I planned on writing this post a while ago, because this is really fun to me: These are books I am planning to reread (hopefully soon).

I don't want this to be too long, so I will keep it short and include the links to Goodreads.
You'll see most of the copies are German, since they are mainly books I read some years ago, before I started reading English novels.
  1. Startes & Enders by Lissa Prize (German editions) - A awesome and unique dystopian, set in a society, where all adults died in the Spore Wars and poor youngsters rent their bodies to wealthy elders.
  2. Ballet Shoes  &
  3. Circus Shoes by Noel Streatfeild (German editions) - Children's books, creating a warm and lovely atmosphere and telling unique stories of dreams and wishes.
  4. At the Sign of the Sugared Plum by Mary Hooper (German edition) - London 1665, a young girl coming to town awaiting a big adventure, falling in love but finds herself in a city more and more captured by the plague. I considered this my favourite book for years.
  5. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - The first English book I read out of English class. Despite it only being a three star read for me, I still would like to reread it now, because I am pretty sure I would enjoy it a bit more, since I will most likely understand more due to my improved English knowledge. (But it would still be three stars. I read it in German afterwards and thought the same)
  6. Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver - Two sisters, inseparable until an accident leaves them totally estranged. One sister vanishes, another girl two, which leaves the remaining one trying to find her. This was my favourite English read since then and I was completely blown away by this book. I am really interested how I will see and think about it while rereading, having the big reveal in the back of my head meanwhile.
  7. Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black (German edition) - Give me a ballet read and I will be all in. Add mystery and demons and I am all over it.
  8. Bunheads by Sophie Flack - another ballet story. You know, I love ballet stories.
  9. Modestrecke by Jessica Weiss & Julia Knolle (German) - written by two German fashion bloggers, this is a quick and fun but as well inspiring handbook.
  10. Carolina: Ein knapper Lebenslauf by  (German edition) - the story of a girl who danced ballet, unfortunately only published in Czech and German I think. However, another ballet story, you know.
  11. Russian Winter by Daphne Kolotay (German edition) - I bought this because, guess what, it's a ballet story. Except, it isn't. Like yes, this is about a ballerina, but that's not the main aspect. It's about her story. It's about personal drama. It includes a lot of political issues. I liked it back then, but I think, I did not really understood it. I am a few years older know and I think, now I will.
  12. Oxigenien by Klara Feher (German edition) - Unfortunately also only published in German and Hungarian this time. It's a science fiction novel about this man from earth who lands on a planet, where the poor people have to work to earn their everyday oxygen (that's why it's called Oxygenia), while the rich ones, well, live in fortune. The story tells how he tries to escape.
  13. Learn to scream by Beate Hanika - I think this is a really important read. I already read it a few times and I just want to do it again. 
  14. The Girl With Nine Wigs by Sophie van der Stap - the story of a young woman coping with cancer and fighting her way back into life.
Afterwards, I thought of two more books I really, really liked and want to include on this list, tough I haven't taken photos of them:

Revived by Cat Patrick - an interesting science fiction (I would say?) novel about a girl taking place in a government program testing a drug that can revive. 

White Like Milk, Red Like Blood by Alessandro D'Avenia - a poetic story about a boy falling in love with a girl who has leukaemia.

So, that's it finally. I really hope I will be able to post more than once a week and try to do this as possible.

What are you're rereads?
I would love to know!

Bye then, Ella.

March Wrap-up // Ella

Saturday 8 April 2017



Hi there, it's Ella again - today with my march wrap-up and (non-existing tbr).
Let's just get started.

A Great And Terrible Beauty & Rebel Angels (Gemma Doyle triology) by Libba Bray
✭✭✭✩✩

I read the two books of the Diviners series and I was all over for them. So of course, I wanted to read more of Libba Bray.
Unfortunately, I have to say, I did not really enjoy these books. They are beautifully written and I really like Gemma as a character, but wasn't able to really click with the story. Mainly, because I considered it really really  predictable.
So I decided not to read the last book.
Maybe I will do some day, but I don't feel enough compassion for the story right now.

Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde
✭✭

This was a really quick and fun read. I enjoyed the characters and the "geekiness" of the story. Very cool.

Paper Hearts #1 by Beth Revis
✭✭✭✩✩

This was just a nice collection of some writing advice by the author of the Across the Universe triology, nothing to special but enjoyable. I like how she said, that you don't have to constantly write and push through the story if you don't feel like it and how encouraging it was to hear, that she wrote a bunch of stories before Across the Universe, which weren't good enough then, but how she got better and better with every one.

Written On My Heart by Morgan Callan Rogers
✭✭✭

I did a review on this one.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
✭✭

I already read this one in German and practically in English but as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
Well,... It took my a while to get into this, but it really got better and I could really enjoy it at the end.
I think it's quite hard to read classics in another language and maybe I will prefer reading them in German, since this is my mother tongue.
But because I read it in German before, I can say I truly enjoy this story anyways.

Supergods by Grant Morrisson
✭✭✩✩

At first, I thought it would be a nice, informative and light read, but it turned out I really had to push through this.
At the beginning, it told about the first superhero comics came to life and included a lot of historical background. This was what I wanted: a general overview of the development. But the more it went on, there suddenly were a bunch of superheroes, not well explained and I really lost track. There also was a lot of analysing of random issues or scenes, which I did not consider necessary. Though I liked the psychological point of view, this was a bit too much. I was happy when I was done.

Gebrauchsanweisung für Danemark ("Instruction for Denmark", German) by Thomas Borchert
✭✭✭✭✩

This wasn't a usual guidebook, but  looked at the countrys culture, politics and its people habits. I liked how it gave this insight on the living, rather than on the touristy aspects.

The Brides of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanagan
✭✭✭

I read this years ago as a copy from my library and liked it so much, I bought one for myself. It's a mystical story about a witch who can bring beautiful woman out of seals. It's weird, a bit dark and definitely a story I never read something alike. 
If you're into fairy tales, stories of fishing villages and a hint of dark, twisted myths, go with this!

So far for my wrap-up.
I won't to an extra post on my tbr because *drum roll* I have only two books left on it! I am right now reading Red Queen with about 100 pages left. The other one is Everyday Tidying. It's a small book with everyday advice, quotes and storing hacks for tidying and decluttering. I will go through it which will take about half an hours and set some page flags. 

And then, my dream will come true: I will go to the bookstore or my supermarket, pick a random book (or two) which sounds good and read it read it right away. Boom.

Or maybe I will do a giant book haul.
However, that's all for now.

See you,
Ella.

This is not goodbye... // Lena

Thursday 6 April 2017

Hi there! Long time no see new blogpost.

First of all I'm beyond sorry for being absent the past weeks. In my last blogpost about my reading slump I already told you that something is up. Not much has changed.

The good thing is that I finished my term paper and handed it in. Nonetheless, I still have to study for my exam, go to my lectures and work through my text books. I don't want to complain at all. I'm happy with what I'm doing and enjoying my life as an university student.

My reading slump is still bugging me. It's definitely not that I don't want to read, I just don't find enough "me-time" at the moment.
That's where everything goes downward. Because I barely read I feel like I have nothing to blog about. I also don't want to post some random stuff just so that there is some blogpost from me.
Additionally, I feel like all my creativity and motivation to take pictures is gone.

That's why I came to the conclusion that taking a break from blogging is probably the best idea. I'm apologizing for that.

Nonetheless, I'm convinced that my lovely friend and co-blogger Ella will do a great job. 

Hopefully until soon!
Lots of love, Lena.

This was March '17 // Ella

Sunday 2 April 2017


Overall:

And there's another month gone. Time really runs!
But that means, it's time for another monthly post too!
I have to admit though, I wasn't really productive.
I've read eight books so far, which is okay, but minding that I've got holidays...
I always feel pretty lazy in those time and I am looking forward to having something to do.
But I still had a great time.

Well, whatsoever. Just read on.

Favourites:


  1. I went on a spontaneous trip to the sea with my grandparents.
  2. During that trip, I read "Written on My Heart" - it was awesome. I've posted a review last week.
  3. I went to the Leipziger book fair and cosplayed on Friday and Saturday. It was so much fun! Walking around, doing a photoshoot with my friend, but the whole process of preparing too! And I bought some nice stuff (like this adorable Chichi figurine) - but no books except a graphic novel - lucky for my tbr!
  4. The first warm days of spring ^^

Looking Forward:


My Danish course hasn't started yet, because the teacher was ill, but tomorrow, finally, it will!
Also, I am really exited for the new semester, which makes me even more happy, because this shows me, I made the right decision for my study subject.
I am looking forward for spring, summer and warm days, spending time with my friends and making new experiences. 
And last but not least: My tbr is pretty empty except "The Brides of Rollrock Island" (which I already read some years ago) and "Red Queen" (which I am now finally ready for, because I now have capacities for the sequels too).


I also want to inform you, that Lena will take a break from blogging. I hope she'll be able to be able to write a little post on this, but as you may think, it is because she is in a reading (and blogging) low.
I hope I will be able to post more than once a week to keep the schedule up, however, it's only a hobby for both of us and that means, it always should be fun, not pressure.

See ya, Ella :*

A Book Written on My Heart // Ella

Thursday 23 March 2017





Hi there, it's Ella!

Today, I want to talk about a wonderful, wonderful book I read during my trip to the sea.
It was "Written on my Heart" by Morgan Callan Rogers.

It is the sequel to "Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea", which I read some years ago, so I didn't fully remember the plot when picking up this one.
But I wouldn't say it is necessary to read the first book, you get into the second one very well without.

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The photos show my German edition (which is so beautiful *-*)
Here you can see the English cover.

It tells the story of Florine, who marries her childhood friend Bud on  The Point, the Maine fishing village where they grew up. The stories goes on, telling about them building themselves a life together and raising a family, while Florine is still struggling with the memories of the loss of her mother, who vanished when she was twelve. 
But suddenly, clues begin to surface, raising new hope to finally solve the mystery of  her mothers fate.

This was one of the books, I never wished to end.
Though, yes, this book is build around a certain plot, I features a lot of scenes, which are only there to show the life of the family. For me, this was the main point: Telling the story of two young people, getting married, building a family and going through certain struggles.
Florine, who can't let go of her mother,  Bud, who has to work and care for a family, while asking himself, whether there could be more in life.
At this point, the book shows how they cope with their problems and that there is no black and white in a relationship. Florine and Bud really love another but still are struggling. They're not 100% happy and they're not 100% unhappy.
Also, Florine loves her children, more than anything, but still, she sometimes struggles being a mother.

Solving the mystery around Florine mother comes up again and again throughout the book, but it's not the main point, as I said. The book is not about solving the case and following this line straight.
That's what I really liked. It doesn't show the process of getting behind what happened, but how the people involved in this live.

The characters we're awesome, relatable and lovable. The thing I loved the most about them, especially Florine, since she is the main character - they were so real to me.

So, if you love stories build around people and their way of living, family drama and individual love stories (aka what happens after the happy end - this is what the German blurb says, btw)  rather than straight plot lines, go with this wonderful book.

I recommend reading "Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea" too, which tells the story of Florines childhood and how she copes with the vanishing of her mother. Not because it's required to read the sequel, but because it's a wonderful story too.

Bye then, 
Ella

The Magic of Caraval // Ella

Tuesday 14 March 2017


It's only been out since February, but Caraval is already all over the place. I had the pleasure to enjoy this read during my study phase, and it was something, which kept my mood high.
Yes, it was a great read. So here's why you should read it too, if you haven't already.

Caraval tells the story of two sisters, Scarlett and Tella, who are somehow trying to escape their life aside their cruel father.
One day, their dream comes true: they got the chance to be part of Caraval, a one-a-year performance of magic and mystery, where the audience participates. But as soon as they arrive on the island where Caraval takes place, Tella is kidnapped. It turns out, that this is part of this years "game" - the participator who will find her first will get the price of one wish.
With the help of the mysterious sailor who helped the sisters getting to the island, Scarlett tries to solve the mysteries of Caraval to find Tella.


This book was so good.
Where should I start?
Caraval was so beautifully written, I loved Stephanie Garbers choice of words. She understood to draw the most beautiful atmosphere. Magical and colourful but still somehow dark. 
Not only is said, that reality and pretence, the performance and real magic will blur at Caraval - but it does for the reader too! In the end, you do not know, what was written to be acting and what was really mystery.

The characters were awesome too. This is a story about sisterhood in the first place, and this really is what is portrayed. Scarlett and Tella are quite different, but not bold.

It was one of this books you can't put down and you just want to go on and on with the story and longing to know what will happen, but at the same time, you never wish it to end, because you're eager to stay in this world of magic and mystery forever.

The ending was just perfect, because it completed the story, while at the same time, it let some things open, so you just want to go on, ready to dive into Caravals magic all over again...


Have you read Caraval yet? What do you think about it?

Ella

HELP! I'm in a reading slump... // Lena

Thursday 9 March 2017

Something is definitely up. I'm barely reading anymore and I don't know how I should feel about this.
I know, I've read a lot in January. But then February came and I failed. To me, the past weeks have been a huge failure when it comes to reading.
It's not that I'm not reading at all. I do read a few pages here and there. But I'm not enjoying it as much as I used to. This is what worries me the most.
I'm afraid that my book addiction was only temporary and that now I'm not a 'real reader' anymore. When I was younger I read books from time to time but I wouldn't say I was obsessed with reading.
About three years ago I fell more and more in love with reading. I would pick a good book over almost everything, especially over living a typical teenager's social life. But I have changed. I've become more confident and less anti-social. I am beyond happy for having the best friends I've ever had. Yes, I'm blaming my friends 😬

What I'm doing now

I don't want to whine anymore. I'll try my best to get out of that reading slump, I promise. Everyone says you have to sit that slump out and not force yourself to read. But that's the only way it works for me. I have to tell myself that I should read and then I usually even enjoy it.
Something else that motivates me is watching booktube videos. I feel such a huge excitement when I see what other booklovers are reading. 
And yes, although I'm barely reading and my tbr is long enough, I keep pre-ordering books I can't wait for. I hope when they'll arrive I'll be super duper happy and motivated to read them.

My excuses for not reading as much as I should in the upcoming weeks

March, April and May will be super busy months for me. I suspect it won't be easy to overcome my reading slump.
  • I have to write my term paper and go to the library and I don't feel any motivation whatsoever. 
  • Lots of cool events are coming up. I'll be going to the opera, the Leipziger book fair, dances, parties, birthday dinners and all that stuff. And Easter is around the corner, yay!
  • I want to spend a lot of time with my friends. We've been apart for several weeks and I missed them and always have an amazing time when we're together.
  • Last but not least, my fourth semester starts soon and I definitely need to get prepared and also start studying for my upcoming exam.

Nonetheless, I desperately hope 
that I'll find some time to read and actually enjoy it.
I hope you're all doing better 
with your reading!
Love, Lena

This was February '17 // Ella

Monday 6 March 2017

Overall:

Hi there, it's Ella!
Time's running, isn't it?
We're already into march, I've mastered my exams and I had a pretty good reading month. Now I am trying to figure out what to do with my life the next four weeks. Pretty crazy...

And a little update here: I started a tumblr-blog, just for fun and thoughts, so if you want to check out, click here.

Favourites:


  1. Caraval - This book was so good, I think I made it trough it in two days ( while I was supposed to study, I know...)
  2. Across the Universe - And still I was into studying, but I couldn't put it down. So after I finished it, I immediately jumped up and ran to the library to get the sequels.
  3. Tulips - I really enjoyed the fresh and colourful flowers at my desk while I was (supposed to) studying.
  4. Ballet - I restarted after one and a half year of pause and cheerleading and I am so glad I did! I adore getting back to the barre.
  5. Westworld - After finally being able to (legally) enjoy my freetime, I decided to start watching Westworld, and I am already done because, guess what - it was awesome. I think, I might really start being into science fiction...

Looking Forward:

Okay, so I think March will be amazing:
I have plenty time to read and do some stuff which was on my to do list since forever, like finally working on my photo album.
Also, I will spent time with my family and work on my Android 18 cosplay, since I will go to the Leipziger Book Fair / Manga-Comic-Con at the end of march.

I am really curious for all those things, so I hope it will really be a great month!

Ella

March TBR // Lena

Sunday 5 March 2017


Sorry for not posting earlier, but I've been busy with work. Honestly, I don't even have a real tbr. I'm barely reading lately and there're not many books I'm excited for. But that's a different story. These are the three books I'll be trying to read in March.


  1. Audrey Carlan - Calendar Girl: Volume Two (April, May, June)
  2. Audrey Carlan - Calendar Girl: Volume Three (July, August, September)
  3. Audrey Carlan - Calendar Girl: Volume Four (October, November, December) 

Have a great March!
Lena

March TBR // Ella

Friday 3 March 2017


This month, my tbr is pretty high, because I want to get it down to the ground, since I will go to the Leipziger Book Fair at the end of march. Basically, I want to buy books without worrying about those, I still have to read. That's it.


  1. Morgan Callan Rogers - Written On My Heart
  2. Libba Bray - Gemma Doyle Triology
  3. Gretchen Rubin - The Happiness Project
  4. Pride and Prejudice - Pride and Prejudice
  5. Margo Lanagan - The Brides of Bollock Island
  6. Grant Morrison - Supergods
There we go. How's your march tbr looking?

Ella