J. R. R. Tolkien : THE HOBBIT

Warning: I hope you have some time off work, as you will not be able to put this book down. Even when you aren't a kid anymore.

THE HOBBIT is beautiful story written by no one other, than the author of the famous and mostly adored trilogy - THE LORD OF THE RINGS, J. R. R. Tolkien.

Confession time. Yes, I must be one of the few adults and readers I know, who have just only read THE HOBBIT. But my explanation for this is simple. As a 15-year-old girl I have decided to tackle THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy and although I loved the story, I wasn't fond of the many long descriptions in the books. It's just so many pages you can describe the forest on. Sadly, this experience has put me off Tolkien's stories for couple of years. But this Christmas I have finally decided to man up and give The Hobbit a go. I have loved all the films, and now I am older, it's time to read this story loved by the whole world.

We all know, probably more you than me, what is story about. The ones, who haven't read the book, can google it, or watch the film adaptations. The ones, who read this incredible story, know the deal.  But I am going to quickly re-type the blur from the back, to give you the recap or quick feel of the story:

Bilbo Baggins enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely travelling further than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard, Gandalf, and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive on his doorstep to whisk him away on a journey to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo's quiet life turns to exciting adventure and he lives through the most unexpected things he wouldn't dream of before. 




This is a classic story. Many of you consider it one of the most influential book in our generation. I know many people who after reading this masterpiece, became avid readers. I, myself, couldn't agree more. And I am happy to say, that I am very glad that I have finally read The Hobbit!

Let's talk about the look first. I have bought a kiddy edition which is illustrated by Jemina Catlin. Hardback. 375 pages long. It's quite a big and heavy book, but one of the most beautiful hardbacks I own. Cloth bound with illustrations on the front and back. Magnificent.

The story.. well what can I say. I loved it. Every single page. Every single chapter. What a wonderful adventure packed with twists and turns. No unnecessary descriptions. I love it. Very suitable for children. Especially if there is a hole in their hearts after reading Harry Potter series. I can understand why so many people became readers after reading this book. It's wonderful. Thrilling. Exciting.

The writing is easy to follow and understand. Not once I had to reach for dictionary or google strange words. I have fully understood it. No winding writing, actually it's pretty queer and keeps you interesting all the way through the story. There isn't one chapter I thought boring. I adored it all. It baffles my mind how much thought Tolkien put into writing this book. All the details, the history, the language. It's mind-blowing. And a pleasure to read. And kind makes me want to give The Lord of The Rings another go.

The characters is this book are a colourful scheme of good and bad. But they are so alive and have traits of many human characteristics we can easily relate to. Bilbo Baggins' character is well develop and keeps on giving.

Of course, seeing all 3 films first, I couldn't help but compare, but this time I can truly say that I loved the spins they put in the films. I loved the book itself, but the film adaptations are wonderful too. I admire Peter Jackson for created this wonderful world for big screens! All I want to do now, is visit the Hobbit Holes in New Zealand.

All in all. I am extremely happy I gave Mr Tolkien another go. I have truly enjoy this marvellous adventure of little hobbit with 13 dwarves and wizard who always has a secret. What a wonderful read I will make sure to share with generations to come. Spectacular reading time well spent.

Twelve Winter Romances : MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME

Warning: You will fall under the spell of this wonderful collection of stories. Be aware! Romance is not dead. It's all around.

MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME is a collection of 12 wintery stories written by 12 authors of YA genre. And as it's name suggests, it's a perfect wintery / christmassy read which will keep you warm and fussy over the festive period. Not to mention, that it's a brilliant present idea for every avid reader.

MIDNIGHTS by Rainbow Rowell

THE LADY AND THE FOX by Kelly Link

ANGELS IN THE SNOW by Matt de la Pena

POLARIS IS WHERE YOU FIND ME by Jenny Han

IT'S A YULETIDE MIRACLE, CHARLIE BROWN by Stephanie Perkins

YOUR TEMPORARY SANTA by David Levithan

KRAMPUSLAUF by Holly Black

WHAT THE HELL HAVE YOU DONE, SOPHIE ROTH by Gayle Forman

BEER BUCKETS AND BABY JESUS by Myra McEntire

WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS, CA by Kiersten White

STAR OF BETHLEHEM by Ally Carter

THE GIRL WHO WOKE THE DREAMER by Laini Taylor

As the back of the book says: "Long, cold night are for falling in love."

And Fall in love you will with this beautiful, magical collection of stories...

Let's talk about the edition first. I am deeply in love with the UK edition I own. It's beautiful. There are no other words to describe it. Light blue cover, with bright electric pink decorations and dyed pages. Gold and white writing. 355 pages divided into 12 stories. Spectacular.

The stories themselves... Well there are some I only liked. I read them. I thought them sweet, but wouldn't read them again straight away. Maybe missed them out the next time. Those were : Lady and The Fox; Angels in The Snow; Polaris is Where You Find Me; Your Temporary Santa, Krampuslauf.. Even Gayle Forman's What The Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth made the list.  But of course there were stories, I absolutely adored and I cannot wait to read them again next Christmas: Midnights; It's Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown; Start of Bethlehem & The Gril Who Woke The Dreamer.. But my absolute favourite was WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS, CA by Kiersten White. That story left a permanent mark on me and therefore became my favourite christmas story. It was beautiful. It made me cry. Absolute perfection.


All of the stories were easy to read and follow. They were written in the modern style writing I love these authors for. The stories made you cry at times, but others had you in stitches from laughing. They were funny, entertaining and damn good reading for the festive period. At times when reading first couple of pages I thought I won't like the particular story and it's a waste of time, but somehow all of them managed to get under my skin at the end and I ended up liking them a lot.

This book is the perfect book from christmas period. Make yourself a cup of tea or hot chocolate, settle yourself in front of fireplace, on the couch or in bed. Make yourself comfortable and get reading. You won't regret the decision. It's the perfect christmassy read. Especially if you love happy endings. I am a sucker for them, so logically I was ecstatic with every single story's ending. It was magical, beautiful time I truly enjoyed.

I thought that Let it Snow might become my favourite christmas story, but this collection just took it out of running completely. My True Love Gave to Me is my number one choice of festive reading and I cannot wait to share it with others. I am definitely purchasing few more and giving them to my reading friends as a present. Why not? It's the perfect choice.







Thank you so much to all the authors who contributed to this collection. You all have done a great job and I am so happy to have the opportunity to get lost in these short stories and enjoy a little bit of romance.

Hope you all head a good Christmas!! xoxo

CARPE LIBRUM TBR PILE CHALLENGE 2015 !! Are you up for it?

2015 is nearly around the corner. Only couple more days and we are out with the old and happy to see the new. New is good. New is exciting. New is surprising. I must say, I've been a little bit of a slacker in reading this year. My TBR challenge on Goodreads went from 75 books down to 50 and only managed to read 47 books. Needless to say, I am disappointed with myself, especially when my book shelves store 144 books I have not read yet!!! 

And this is when my lovely american friend Sara from Carpe Librum Girl stepped in and decided to organise her own reading challenge for 2015 : CARPE LIBRUM TBR PILE CHALLENGE 2015. You don't need to be a blogger to enter it. Do you have an Instagram, Facebook, Twitter account? Do you love books and have a pile at home you haven't read yet? Guess what, she has a solution for you. Sign up for reading challenge. Here is the link for her post and all the rules are properly explained: http://carpelibrumgirl.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/carpe-librum-tbr-pile-challenge-2015.html . What are you waiting for? Sign up and finally read the beautiful stories which are awaiting for you on your book shelves. 

THE RULES:

1. The challenge will run from January 1st, 2015 - December 31st, 2015. The sign up link will remain open until January 10, 2015 at 11:30AM PST. 

2. ANYONE CAN ENTER! You don't have to be a blogger, just as long as you review the book you've read. You can review your book on your blog, Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Goodreads, Instagram etc. 

3. Any genre, length, or format of a book counts as long as it is a book that's been sitting on your self for some time. Short stories and novellas do count! The only stipulations that the book must have been released in 2014 or earlier. NO 2015 ARCs or 2015 FRESH-OFF-THE-PRESS RELEASE ALLOWED!!

4. On the 30th of every other month, Sara will post a wrap-up for the previous two months and it will contain new links for you to add your own wrap-up posts. 

5. THERE WIL BE 2 GIVEAWAYS! IN JULY & DECEMBER. Give-away details will be explained once the giveaway post goes live on Sara's blog. Bless her, she doesn't want to overwhelm us with too many details ;-)

6. You don't have to follow her or me or others to join the challenge, but you do have to follow Sara (@carpelibrumgirl) on Instagram/Twitter account or her blog to join the giveaways. 

THE BOOK LEVELS:

1-10 : A FRIENDLY ACQUAINTANCE

11-20 : A FIRM GRASP ON MY PILE

21-30 : CLEARING IT OUT

31-40 : I GOT THIS!

41-50 : MORE ROOM ON MY SHELVES!

51+ : I AM MARRIED TO MY TBR PILE

SO HOW CAN YOU JOIN?

1. Write a post about joining the 2015 TBR PILE CHALLENGE on your blog. If you don't have a blog, post about it on Facebook or tweet about it via Twitter or repost her IG POST on your IG page!

2. In your post, don't forget to include: the button/banner, link back to her Sign up page, the level you're aiming at and - if you want - a list of books you're hoping to read for the challenge. 

3. Place the challenge button on your sidebar ( please use the grab link on the bottom of Sara's original post). 

4. Link up in the linky on Sara's post using the link to your post / tweet. 

5. That's it. You are done!! WELCOME TO CAPRE LIBRUM GIRL's TBR PILE CHALLENGE 2015!! GOOD LUCK tackling your pile!! 

Read the rule and how to join? Great!! Let's give it all a try!! 

Firstly, let me tell you what level I am aiming for. As I said I have been a little bit lazy this year, but I have made the executive decision to make 2015 my year, so I am aiming for 60+ books that means I WILL BE MARRIED TO MY TBR PILE!! Yes, I want to read quite a big chunk of my to-be-read books list of my Goodreads list and finally say that I have read a lot of my books I bought in last couple of years!! You all know I have a shopping addiction. I just cannot stop buying books, so I have decided not to buy any books between January 1st, 2015 and March 31st 2015. It will be a struggle, but I banned myself from Amazon website and Leeds branch of Waterstones. It will be hard, but I need to take a break, otherwise my bank account will start to hate me. 

Secondly, here is the link to my Goodreads account so you can see my TBR pile: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/17449341?shelf=to-read . Feel free to become my friend too ;-) 

So what are you all waiting for? To your MacBooks, iMacs, Laptops, iPads, iPhone, Mobiles, PCs....go go go !! And sign up so we all can make room for more books. 

GOOD LUCK !!!