to do lists

To do lists. Do they make you more or less productive?

I appreciate the irony of being sat here with a massive to do list of revision for my big exam Friday - whilst procrastinating for half an hour playing around on my computer. It's hardly making me productive. However whether that's the to do list to blame or the length of time I've spent revising is anyone's guess...

I seem to be finding myself focusing far more on my Easter holiday plans and 'to do' list than my impending exam. There is something very satisfying about writing it all down neatly (especially in coloured pens!) and then crossing them off when you've achieved it.

However, it seems that I spend more time making the to do lists than I do actually doing the items on them. Hmmm. There's a concept I've heard about called bullet journalling - which is all about to do lists and plans at speed, so you can quickly and objectively look at what you have and haven't done, and move items around when necessary. I think I might try this in my holiday!

2 sleeps until my break - and I really can't wait!

switching off.

Med school. From the moment we get here, the necessity of a good work-life balance is drummed into us. It's the hope that the scales will align, that our schedules will be juggled sufficiently enough to prevent the pressures of the course causing nervous breakdowns before we even enter the medical profession.

Like most things, however, it is easier said than done. Whilst juggling impending exams & deadlines, attempts at a healthy lifestyle and a social life can become a little...weak. And with all the time spent hunched over textbooks and your laptop, trying to figure out what yet another acronym means, mental breaks can get few and far between.

I'm definitely not the best person to be preaching this, but I definitely believe that sometimes, you do just need to disconnect. It's definitely easier said than done, but sometimes all you need is to take a day to yourself. Whether you spend it with friends, or glued to a book - or even just doing nothing at all, thinking about something other than your education can do wonders to recharge your batteries.

I'm a firm advocate of organisation being the key to success; both academically and emotionally. It enables you to juggle far more than you thought you were capable of, and can help you to plan a healthier lifestyle. But it's important not to compartmentalise every minute of your day. In doing this, your life becomes separate segments - not the integrated complexity weaved together that you are. The fibres of your being are infinitely weaker separated out than they are knitted together.

I'm not quite sure of the purpose of this post. Call it intense procrastination - whatever. But sometimes, I think it's important to stop being a student, and just be. We all need to forget about work every once in a while. And who knows - maybe the work-life balance will follow. 

musings

I seem to hit bursts of creativity in life. From songs to stories, thoughts flutter around my head and they seem impossible - like butterflies - to snatch out of the air and put down on paper. As soon as I attempt to do so, they dissolve and leave me grasping at nothing.

I love the idea of blogging - a record of my life, my thoughts and feelings as I progress through life. More cohesive than a diary, but it somehow seems less personal too. However I seem to get too caught up in the 'perfection' and the visuality of it - not wanting it to go up until it looks 'right', and often failing to achieve this. Maybe I should work on getting my thoughts down, and working on its look second. To just write, and let my brain whir.

So I guess this is a post. Not so much a promise, or a commitment. But an idea. I hope that maybe, I'll be able to kick myself into gear (although how soon I am unsure - exams and deadlines are looming). Maybe I'll work on the concepts before the aesthetics. But we'll see.

Brighton Pride

As I'm sure you may know, this weekend was Brighton Pride. It's a festival celebrating LGBT culture, and features a parade with floats from many local organisations and companies, as well as street parties, a festival and music. Pride celebrates equality and it was such an enjoyable experience to see such a diverse range of people enjoying the day! 

A friend from uni was staying and we drove down for a few hours, along with my younger brother. We watched the parade from by St Peter's Church, then grabbed some food from the street vans and sat out in the sun for lunch. After that we had a wander down to the beach - the weather was amazing, and I can honestly say that I've never seen the sky so clear. 

Although I'm incredibly sunburnt now (ouch), it was a lovely day, and I was in awe of the sheer number of people all enjoying the festival. My friend took a few photos (I think I took the last one in this selection), and I thought I'd share them here.

we'll always have Paris

Paris. the most magical city in the world, where high fashion mixes almost seamlessly with the fakes and tat hawked by the street sellers on every corner. where islands exist right in the heart of the city, and even the pigeons seem classier than those in England.

I was lucky enough to be there for two short days including la fete nationale last year, and on searching through my old camera roll, stumbled across a few of my favourites. It took me right back to breakfast on a street cafe on the enchanting Saint Louis-en Isle, and climbing the arc de triomphe, and I had to share.

1 year

Hello internet! I must say, it's been a while...

Although it feels as though I may be shouting into the void a little here, I just wanted to touch base on where I'm at in life. And, as of today 18th June 2016, I am all moved out of university halls, so I guess life as a fresher is pretty much over. All being well regarding my final exam, I've finished my first year at medical school - and what a year it's been!

There's definitely been ups and downs, with low points including having a nervous breakdown over at the recycling bin, but the ups have by far superseded the downs. It's been a fab year with a great bunch of people, and every day I spend here reminds me how lucky I am to be working towards my dream!

I've learnt so much this year; not only in a medical situation but about myself as well. University is more than just getting a degree; it's learning how to live independently. It's been a bit of a learning curve, but I think I'm getting there!

Of course I've discovered some pretty cool medical related things as well! From understanding the naming behind an epi-pen, to being able to spout causes of steatosis, my knowledge has expanded more than I realised was possible, and I'm simultaneously thrilled and terrified at the prospect of another four or five years of this. Witnessing healthcare from a student perspective has also been fascinating, and I can't wait for another year of clinical placements in hospitals and GP surgeries! 

So that's me. One year down: older, somewhat wiser, and definitely a whole lot wearier. All for the better though - I cannot wait to see what the next year brings! 

Prom 2015

So, last night marked my final event as a member of my school: our sixth form leavers prom. It was a great night; the school looked so beautiful and it was lovely to see everybody so dressed up. The free bar, buffet & music all set up for an amazing evening dancing and socialising, although I was definitely yawning my way through work today!

I thought I'd do a quick outfit, hair & make up post just explaining how I achieved my look - hopefully you'll agree with me that it was simple but elegant. 

My dress itself was this green number from Phase Eight. As you can see from the photo, it had a cut away skirt and the bottom was sheer, so it was simultaneously short and long, which I loved. To me, it felt very Grecian so I teamed it with gold sandals from New Look and this long golden pearl necklace. I wanted to keep it simple, so I wore small gold earrings that had been a christmas present.

My hairstyle

Close up of the front of the dress, and my make up

In keeping with the Grecian style, I did a mid-placement bun, separating out a segment of hair on each side of the bun. I then french-plaited these back, and wrapped them around the bun. This photo was quickly taken by my mum to show me the back, so we made sure to hide the pins after this!

I then used Half-Baked from the Naked 2 palette all over my eyelids, and used a thin layer of black liquid eyeliner to create the illusion of thicker lashes. I had hoped to do more of a golden smokey eye for a more dramatic effect, but unfortunately I ran out of time. I still liked the end result though! My brows were defined using the Nars brow mascara in mid brown. I always feel vaguely clownish in even the most subtle of lipsticks, as knowing me it will inevitably end up halfway across my face. So, I settled for my Nars 'Anita' lipstick, which is a natural looking pinkish nude. 

To finish off, I just thought I'd show you a couple more photos from the night. The first is my twin brother and I (my shoes failed to make any appearances after ten o'clock...ahem), and the second is a group photo with my friends! It was such a lovely evening and I am so excited to share these photos!

Has anyone else been to a prom this year, or maybe their graduation? I'd love to see some photos! I'm off to Prague soon, so keep an eye on my blog for a travel diary from my visit.

Helena x

MIA

So I've been pretty missing in action for the past couple of months... It was my eighteenth birthday at the end of February, and after that work's just been piling up at school. Exam season's getting closer and closer and I'm trying to contain my freakout and failing miserably...roll on the 17th June!

Despite all the cramming for revision I've had something pretty amazing happen - I got my second offer for medical school! I was so surprised and happy, although this means I've got to try my best to get in now...eek! It's gonna be a tough ride but hopefully I can get there.

The top few pictures are from my birthday... I don't know if I've ever mentioned it on here, but I'm actually a twin! My brother and I had about three birthday cakes, and honestly that was all I ate for about a week, but who's complaining?

I also headed out into Brighton for my first legal night out a couple of weeks ago! I'm a bed at 10o'clock, every day PJ day kinda girl so it was definitely out of my comfort zone haha. I may have two left feet but I loved dancing around!

Before getting my head stuck in some revision, I also popped out to a friend's birthday party. The theme was 'Space 90s', and I was (theoretically) the 'dark side of the moon'! On a side note - I absolutely LOVE this dress from Asos that I wore, it's super cute and easy, and everyone needs an LBD in their wardrobe.


That's all from me today, but hopefully I'll manage to get back in the blogging scheme of things soon. I've got a super exciting summer lined up so fingers crossed I'll be able to share it on here!

Helena x

Current Favourite Songs

So all in all I've had a pretty good half term. I've been up to London a couple of times to see two amazing shows - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and the Woman in Black, went to Southampton for a university offer holder day, and managed a few outings with friends as well, which was nice. 

I thought I might share some of my current favourite songs with you - these are the things I've had on repeat all week!

Since last summer I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Last Five Years film, and finally, last week it was released! As soon as I could I listened to the soundtrack and fell in love with Jeremy Jordan and Anna Kendrick as Jamie and Cathy. A Summer in Ohio is hilarious and Anna Kendrick sounds wonderful singing this - it's already crept up my iTunes 'most played' in less than a month! Catch the trailer for this film here.

I have two left feet but I still love to dance around, and Gravity (DJ Fresh ft. Ella Eyre) definitely makes me want to do this! It's not super new but it's a great one to really not take too seriously.

A more chill song I'm loving is Nina by Ed Sheeran - his new album is gorgeous and so great for long drives! It's super catchy and if you've not heard it then you should definitely check it out. 

February also heralded the long-awaited Fifty Shades of Grey movie, which brought with it a pretty sweet soundtrack. It's not really my sort of film but Love Me Like You Do is great and so much fun to belt out when you're home alone!

I do have one or two guilty pleasures that I'm also loving at the moment... I'm not usually a boyband kinda gal but Good Girls by 5 seconds of summer and Night Changes from one direction are pretty catchy songs that I've been really enjoying recently. Don't judge me!

Finally, what playlist would be complete without one from Taylor Swift?! Those who know me know I'm a MASSIVE fan - I'm loving 1989, but especially Style. I am SO excited that it's her latest single - it's bound to be a huge hit. The new  music video is pretty cool - you can catch it here. 

The best high school movies

Now, I don't mean to brag or anything, but cheesy high school movies are kind of my forte. I watch them ALL the time - they're perfect for background watching when you're doing your homework, or on a duvet day. 

So, I decided to compile a list of my all-time favourites. It isn't exhaustive by any means, but next time you're feeling down or looking for a classic to watch, try one of these!



Heathers
This is probably a bit of an unheard one - to tell you the truth, I only watched it after listening to the musical, but I was instantly in love. It's a bit of a cult classic, about an outsider who manages to infiltrate the most popular clique in school - the three Heathers. But it all takes a bit of a U turn when her enigmatic boyfriend begins a murder campaign...
It's absolutely hilarious and brilliantly quotable - 'how very' is my new fave catchphrase, and it's definitely worth a watch.

Heather, Heather, Heather...and Veronica

John Tucker Must Die
Also known as the ultimate girl power movie. Three girls being screwed over by the same guy decide to take their revenge, and it's hilarious. Added bonus: the soundtrack is pretty great as well. Who doesn't like the All American Rejects?!


The Breakfast Club
This is the classic teen movie - 5 kids from different cliques with 5 different reasons for being stuck in detention on a Saturday morning. It's a brilliant coming of age movie that resonates with the brain, the athlete, the basket case, the princess and the criminal. 

Clueless
I don't think I can even begin to explain my love for Cher. Her facial expressions are my facial expressions, and her driving skills...probably surpass mine! This is such a funny film, and I love that it's based on Emma by Jane Austen. 

She's All That
This is a bit of a random one - I don't really know how well regarded/known it is? (I looked it up and apparently it's pretty popular?!) I stumbled across it one evening on Netflix and it's just a really sweet film. Freddie Prinze Jr was pretty hot in the 90s as well though!


So, I guess this is my random post of the week! Hopefully expect more up - I'm on half term this week so maybe I'll be able to write another blog post.

Helena

My New Year's Resolution...a month later

I was thinking some stuff over this weekend, and I realised that I want to make a few changes to my life this year! Not necessarily big changes, but things to help myself feel more confident. And then I figured that these all fell under one big, umbrella resolution. Better late than never, eh?

For me, it's taking a risk. I need to be more assertive and stand up for myself to get what I want! I also need to take a chance and wear something a bit out of my comfort zone, or use a bolder lipstick once in a while. 

I guess the risk taking also extends somewhat into my personal life as well; I need to be braver when it comes to meeting new people and getting to know them. It's important not to be too afraid of what others think of you, which is a lot easier for me to say than to act on. Send that text. Wear red lipstick! Ask questions you want to know the answer to. 

So yeah. That's my somewhat random resolution this year. Maybe it doesn't seem like a big one, but it's one that I'll do my best to adhere to in 2015! Have any of you got any resolutions this year? How's keeping them going? 

//BIG NEWS//

So this week actually turned out to be pretty exciting!

I went on a school trip to Les Mis (AKA my fave show ever) on Thursday. I am a huge musical theatre geek and I think it's pretty safe to say that, during those two and a half hours, I was LIVING. By the end of the first act, I was just about ready to stand up, leap on stage and join in the revolution they'd been singing about for half an hour! This would have been pretty interesting, given that I was in the upper circle and would have probably fallen off the balcony.

The beautiful chandelier at Les Mis- we were in love!

We got in about half midnight, and as someone who doesn't function with much less than eight hours sleep, I was definitely pretty unimpressed by my half six alarm the next morning. I just about crawled into school and managed to stay awake during assembly, but on the way back I was woken up by the news that I'd just been given a conditional offer to study medicine at university! HOW MENTAL IS THAT?!?!?

I've got to get certain grades, which is pretty terrifying, but this has increased my motivation by about 1000%! I spent the entire day in a complete blur and was very overwhelmed by the entire thing (I'm still preparing myself for the email saying it was a glitch in the system!). My brother had to log onto my UCAS track and check it for me, my hands and legs were shaking too much! That evening was the night of our sixth form social, and I went to my friend Sophie's house to get ready before hand! She runs an awesome beauty blog that you should definitely check out. The evening itself was pretty good, although I was super tired at work the following day! 

At the party (I'm on the right!)

The last few days were pretty insane, and I'm in definite need of some downtime tomorrow to do the crucial things in life: finish my book, clean my room & plot some reaction rate graphs.

Mac Paint Pot in 'Vintage Selection'

I thought I'd tell you all about a product I only discovered this weekend, but I've been really loving. As a contact lens wearer, my eyes get very sensitive and irritated, particularly when I'm tired. What I've noticed is that they get especially uncomfortable when I'm wearing powder eye shadow. This was kinda crushing, as I'm completely in love with my Urban Decay Naked 2 palette (tricky to use - boo!), so I'd been on the hunt for a creamier eyeshadow to avoid the powder falling into my eyes.

'Vintage Selection' colour, as shown on the Mac cosmetics website.

Whilst I was out shopping with Mum at the weekend, we popped into the Mac store for a quick look. I stumbled across the paint pots and was immediately in love. They're cream based eyeshadows that are easily applied with a brush (I use my Real Techniques detail brush for control).

I picked 'Vintage Selection' after trying a couple; a pale pink with a shimmery undertone. It looks great for daytime or evening and is quite subtle, which I love.

Best of all, it doesn't irritate my eyes at all, so I'm thrilled. Have you tried these paint pots? What do you think? If you've got any recommendations I'd love to know! x

'The Theory of Everything' Review

Happy New Year!

As a quick revision break, I popped to the cinema last Thursday to see the new Eddie Redmayne film, 'the Theory of Everything'. Since the trailers first came out I'd been eagerly anticipating the release of this film and it really didn't disappoint! I'm a huge fan of Eddie Redmayne and as a bit of a scientist (although definitely not a physicist), it was awesome to see the life of someone massively influential in the science world playing on the big screen.

The poster for the film

I loved the use of colour saturation and varying shades in order to add both mood and a sense of time period to the movie - this was useful as the only date given throughout was 1963, right at the beginning. As Eddie Redmayne wasn't actually ageing that much whilst shooting the film, it was a tad confusing trying to estimate where we were in history!

Personally, I enjoyed how the science in the film was kept to a minimum, and it instead focused on his personal life. Obviously Hawking has made some huge contributions to physics, but concentrating on his struggles and personal determination gave the film a human note that everybody could relate to. As he played Hawking in the later stages of his illness, Redmayne did an incredible job with even the tiniest nuances in his movement and eye expression, which captured the wry humour and awkward charm of his Hawking, despite his restricted movement. He perfectly played the character from awkward, gangly young man to husband and world-renowned lecturer, and the progression of his personality was clear to see.

Ok - anyone else seriously in LOVE with this dress?! WANT.

The score was also beautiful and really added to the most poignant and dramatic moments of the film. As soon as I left the cinema I downloaded the movie score, and it was honestly perfect for revising to! It blocked out all the background noise but was soothing enough to not be distracting, and it's all I've listened to for a week!

I've linked the trailer here, and I strongly recommend running to see this beautiful film whilst you still can!

Have you seen it? What did you think? I'd love to know! x

2014 Round Up

I've seen a couple of these floating around on blogs, and other various social media places, and it seemed like a fun thing to do! I thought I'd look back on all the cool things that have happened this year for me as it's been a pretty good one. I've learnt so much this year and as my final, whole year of 'childhood' (before I hit 18 in February), it's been a great jumping off point for an exciting, new chapter ahead of me. Ok, there's now an overload of cheese and it's only the third sentence so I'd better just get into it.

• The year started off with entering the extended essay competition at school. I wrote an essay on a subject close to my heart; being a twin, and was lucky enough to be awarded second prize. I was so happy to be picked and I actually had a ton of fun writing the essay.
• My birthday was in February and my friend kindly arranged a surprise party for my brother and myself. It was such a lovely gesture and it was great to get all our friends together and have some fun!
• Just after my birthday, I saw Wicked in the West End which was amazing! I love musicals and it was awesome to see it again, I think this must have been the third or fourth time I've seen it!

Our view of the stage of Wicked

• This year,  my mum turned the big five oh, and to celebrate, we threw her a surprise birthday party. Her family live about 300 miles away so it was amazing to have everyone here for a party in our garden, although I was surprised that we could all fit!!

My lovely mummy's amazing birthday cake! 

• After the exam period, I was awarded the Upper School Musician cup at the Celebration Day! It was a really lovely surprise.
• I finally finished my gold D of E this summer - I NEVER have to walk up a hill again. If someone asks me, I can just refuse! But seriously - it was my fave D of E so far and it was such an achievement to have.
• After D of E, I went along on my second cub camp. It's great helping out there and I honestly feel that helping out with the kids has made a massive difference to my maturity, but also my communication skills!

Cheesing on a lifeboat in the summer

• A week after I came back, I took my driving theory test and passed! Yay! That evening, I saw the European premiere of 'Dogfight', one of my favourite shows, and my comment on this was my first post on this blog!

• After a successful but nerve wracking results day, I embarked on a week's work experience in a GP surgery. This may not sound like a thrilling highlight to many people, but it was amazing. I'd never even entertained the possibility of being a GP before but all of a sudden, a whole world of opportunity opened up and it was fascinating to see firsthand the quality of care in the community, which is becoming especially important in today's society. 
• I then had my last first day back. For someone who's been going to the same school since they were four, it was a pretty momentous occasion, but I'm excited for 2015's first days in new places to roll around, all the same. 
• It was pretty quiet through September and October; I did a bit of work experience (including scrubbing in on some surgery!) and finished my UCAS application, attended a few parties, but I performed my last ever school show in November. That was quite emotional, having done them since year 10, and it was lovely to go out with a bang and perform with some of my friends!
• Near the end of November, I took my grade 6 exam in musical theatre and to my utter astonishment was awarded a grade 6. Like, what even. I'm so happy and have honestly come so far from being a tone deaf ten year old.
• November and December also brought other things for me - two interviews for medical school, and an offer for my fifth choice of biomedical sciences! I feel so lucky to have gotten this far and I can't wait to do my final interview at the end of January and show them what I'm made of.

All in all, the year had some pretty cool points for me. But undoubtedly my favourite thing was spending it with my family and close friends. I'm so proud of everything they've accomplished, especially my two brothers and my mum, and I can't wait to see them go on being wonderful in 2015.

Bring it on!

'Mockingjay Part 1' Review

So after a really busy end to the term, I've finally got a little free time (aside from mock revision & interview preparation!) this holiday to put up my promised 'Mockingjay' review. I'll try to keep it brief, as I don't want to give anything away to those who haven't seen it yet.

To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from this. I loved the first two novels and subsequent movies, however there was something about the mood of the last book that I just didn't love. I found it a bit slow paced and depressing. But this movie was great from start to finish - the vast majority of the acting was superb, particularly from the film crew and Liam Hemsworth. I enjoyed the really uniquely shot scenes, and the score was atmospheric and helped to bring an underlying tension to the film, which perfectly reflected the thrill felt throughout the film.

For me, the highlight was 'the Hanging Tree' and the scenes around it. It was beautifully orchestrated and arranged, and it's use in the film was ingenious and chilling. Definitely the best bit, in my opinion. A lot of my friends found the ending to be the best bit, however, for me, it didn't really strike a chord. I've never loved Katniss & Peeta's relationship massively, so it didn't have the same effect that it could have done.

All in all, it was a good film that I really enjoyed, and I am looking forward to the penultimate film a lot more than I previously was!

Have you seen 'Mockingjay'? What did you think? Drop me a comment and let me know!

Life Update

So...

These past few weeks have been absolutely manic! I had my grade 6 last Saturday, which went really well! The following Monday, I popped out to see Mockingjay part 1 and got a Nandos with some friends, which was lovely, and the film was amazing! Stay tuned for a review coming up soon (hopefully...).

Then, on Tuesday, something amazing happened. Well, it probably doesn't sound that fab to everyone else but I was super chuffed! I got an email inviting me to interview at one of the medical schools I applied to! I'm thrilled, and I can't wait to head up North in December and attend. So this was the special point of my week by far.

I also chatted to a surgeon on Thursday, and that was really interesting. It was great to get an insider's view into the profession and he also suggested a few things that I should check out in order to improve my general knowledge!

This week's also looking pretty good to be honest! I've got my staff Christmas party in the middle of the week, followed by performing with the chamber choir in a concert in a church at the weekend, then a friend's 18th birthday meal! All in all, looking pretty exciting!

Short Girl Problems

As someone who teeters on the shorter edge of normal, I know all too well some of the problems that can arise from being... petite in stature. Highlights of this particular gene quality include:

1. Being an arm rest for anyone above six foot. If you do this, please remove your arm and exit my life ASAP.

2. Similarly, having your hair ruffled or being referred to as 'cute'. The five year olds are that direction, thank you.

3. Having to stand on the bottom shelf at the supermarket and jump in order to have any chance at reaching the ONLY product you want on the top shelf. Where are the steps when you need them?!

4. Not wearing heels on a night out and subsequently being on armpit height with everyone else...

5. That dreaded moment when you're told to 'stand in height order'. The only faint bonus is that you always know where you're going to be standing. Right. At. The. End.

6. The fun game in school called 'how many year sevens are taller than me this year?'. It loses it's appeal after the first five or so.

7. Your younger brother grew taller than you before he even hit puberty. 

8. Your younger sister probably did too.

9. Having to adjust your car seat after someone who's six foot odd has driven it. And the steering wheel. (Try sharing a car with a twin brother who's 6"1!)

10. And finally, kissing. Enough said. 


Hope you enjoyed! Have you got any short girl problems of your own? Or maybe even tall girl problems? Let me know!

Helena x

Coram Boy

I'm writing this at 11PM still filled with an incredible high... Can't get over how amazing the past three nights have been!

After 3 months of rehearsals, our school production was finally performed and it was great! It was such a good cast and we all worked together so well to pull it off, I'm so so proud of everyone involved. I especially loved the familial atmosphere and how we were making friends with people we would otherwise never have spoken to.

For four of my friends and I, this last night was particularly poignant. It's our last school show, ever, as we're in year 13, and we've all been taking part/helping backstage for years now. It's devastating to think there'll never be another fish and chip rehearsal!

Included below is a little photo of the five of us, after tonight's performance.

10 Books That Changed My Life

I saw this on Facebook, and I thought it looked pretty interesting, so I thought I'd give it a go. I'm an avid reader and have read so many books in my lifetime, it will be tough to list only 10!

1. Enid Blyton's entire works - these pretty much sum up my childhood. I was obsessed by it all, the Famous Five, Secret Seven, Mallory Towers and the Magic Faraway Tree to name but a few. My brothers and two of our close friends made our own secret club to mimic the famous five, and my brothers and I watched the video over and over again! Enid Blyton was a huge part of my childhood, and it's something I look back on nostalgically as I come nearer my eighteenth birthday.

2. 'To Kill A Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. This might be a common one, but nevertheless I loved it. It's definitely true that the books you study at school stay with you, and I really enjoyed looking at this, and I loved the message it gave out.

3. 'Night Road', which is (as far as I know) a not very well known book. I picked it up on a deal in Sainsburys a few years ago, and it's haunted me ever since. It's the story of two fraternal twins, and their friend/girlfriend. It's literally my worst nightmare in a book as one of the twins is sadly killed in a freak car accident (her twin brother was supposed to be driving but was too drunk) so her best friend is to blame. Heartbreaking and beautiful, I can't read it without crying my eyes out as the thought is a little too close to home for me. 

4. The Harry Potter series, by JK Rowling. Again, I'm cheating a little by listing a series rather than a book, but I kinda think it counts... The Philosopher's Stone was the first 'big' book I ever read by myself (aged 4), and it was instantly love. My dad used to joke about how I knew more about Harry Potter than JK Rowling, and I remember him ordering me my copy of the Order of the Phoenix so I could get it the day it came out - I read it in about two hours! When I was in year three, I got the Prisoner of Azkaban as a present for getting a good parents evening. And yet, I've still never been to Harry Potter Studios. The injustice is unreal!

5. 'A Prayer for Owen Meany' is another indescribably amazing book. My English teacher recommended it to us in December 2013, and I read the majority of it wondering when the action would start. I admit, I found the character of Owen Meany incredibly irritating, and the way that John Irvine wrote his speech all in capitals frustrating. There were quite a few points where I was wondering why the author was telling us this, but I did persist as my teacher had raved about it so enthusiastically. And then, literally in the last four pages, everything was revealed. It was the kind of huge jaw dropping bombshell that made EVERYTHING fall into place, and the sudden realisation of the masterpiece that I'd been reading for about a week suddenly hit me. The skill with which Irvine crafted that novel was immense and I recommend it to everyone I know!

6. 'Charlotte Gray' by Sebastian Faulks was another novel that I discovered in English GCSE. We were given an extract as part of our language paper, and it's war setting immediately intrigued me. I'm a huge fan of Sebastian Faulks' work, and I really wasn't disappointed by this. It's a thrilling book with many location changes, keeping it fast paced and fresh, and like so many of my favourites, it isn't afraid to get emotional and harrowing. One of my favourite aspects is that Sebastian Faulks writes from a female perspective, and this isn't the only book where he does similar things with the narrative, which is refreshing. It's Alexander McCall-Smith esque in a world filled with men rarely writing from women's perspectives, or with female central characters.

7. As an aspiring medic, I must admit that any scientific books not directly related to the human body, I find a little dull. I just prefer fiction to read. But, I read 'Human Genome' by Matt Ridley, and that was awesome. Sorry for the poor use of vocabulary, but it was seriously great. It held my interest throughout and I loved the unique division of chapters into separate genes - it was really clever. It was scientific, but allowed those not studying it at a higher level access to it's information by means of an explanatory prologue or introduction of sorts. It was definitely useful for me to make sure I'd covered it all.

8. 'Wonder'. It may be a children's book, but that doesn't stop it being one of the most heart-warmingly, heart-breaking WONDERFUL books I've ever read. So lovely, and a really great way to subtly teach children about acceptance. Seriously. It's divine.

9. 'The Girl You Left Behind' by Jojo Moyes. Love dem war books. I thought this was so unique and it beautifully intersected the past and present with a very clever link. 

10. I saved this spot for one of my most recent favourite books, that I've already commented on in a review on my blog - 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' by Louis de Bernieres. Check out my thoughts on it for more depth, but it's incredible. Funny and sweet and tragic all at the same time, it reminds you of first love, and those familial relationships that you don't give much thought to, all hanging under the shadow of war.



Have you seen this tag before? Which books are on your top ten? I'd love to know!