Wednesday 31 October 2012

Blogger Book Club!

Hey all!

I'm once again doing a new link-up, Blogger Book Club!





This month's book is The Perks of Being a Wallflower 

Contrary to what most of the reviews have been, I actually really liked this book! I originally wanted to read it after seeing the trailer for the movie, which looked really good. I'm definitely a person who likes to read the books before movies, so I purchased the book online. The photo above is my own copy :)

First off, I think the characters in the book are really well-developed. The main character Charlie is so observant, and the things he does for his friends are super-sweet. I got a bit teary at one particular moment when they all exchange christmas gifts. There are moments where you find yourself wanting to jump into the pages and slap him, but for the most part I liked that he was so caring and loyal to his friends, and to his family. I do agree that the ending was a little bit lacking though, considering Charlie's development throughout the story. 

A lot of the reviews I have read are quite negative about the book's subject matter. It does deal with some pretty heavy topics like abortion and sexual abuse - but in my opinion, I think it is good that the author isn't afraid to write about such things. I also don't have a problem with the book being aimed at young adults - I think teenagers need to learn that horrible things do happen to some people and that the world isn't always a happy place. 

Overall, I loved this book, and I am glad that I own my own copy. I will probably end up reading it again. My final grade is an A! :)

Excited to find out what next month's book will be! 

xoxo Rach

Friday 26 October 2012

Coffee Talk

Today I am doing another link up for the first time: Coffee Talk with Natalie



Coffee Talk with Natalie Blair

1. What is in your playlist?
Soooo many songs. But I have specific playlists that I listen to when doing certain things. For example:

Study - all my slow songs that aren't too distracting. Artists like Sia, The Civil Wars, Jack's Mannequin.

Exercise - All my upbeat, clubby songs. Jason Derulo frequents this playlist quite often haha

I also have a 'Sad' playlist for when I'm in sad moods. Sometimes you just need to cry it out. 

2. What is the funniest YouTube video you always go to when you need a laugh (or if you just wanna watch it)?There are a lot of youtube videos that I find high-larious, but this one featuring Chris Evans (my fav) in drag is pretty brilliant. I don't think it's fair that he looks better as a girl than I do! 


3. Favorite song in the whole wide world that you never get sick of and it's on repeat.
I normally go through phases of listening to certain songs over and over, then I'll get sick of them and move on to some new songs. I've recently gotten into The Civil Wars though, and their song 'Poison & Wine' is so beautiful! Really sad, but  their voices are amazing together and the harmonies are insanely good! 


4. Do you have any embarrassing songs/singers/bands that you like?
One Direction haha. Actually, I'm not as embarrased about this as I am about liking 2 Justin Bieber songs. It's only 2, promise!

5. What's that ONE song that ALWAYS makes you cry?
Bright Eyes by Art Garfunkel. It's also featured on one of the most terrifying movies of my childhood - Watership Down. Actual! That movie is horrific.

6. What song have you recently heard, that you can't seem to get out of your head?
I watched the most recent episode of Supernatural last night, and the song that was featured in the episode was really cool! I cannot for the life of me find out what it was though! If anyone knows, do tell. It will be very appreciated. 

*UPDATE*
I have found the song! Its called 'What's the matter?' by Milo Greene. 


Thursday 25 October 2012

That time I went to prison...

Just a quick update for today.

Did the title grab your attention?? We'll, just to clarify, I'm not a criminal...I just study them :)

As the title states, I did in fact go to prison. I actually went today as part of a field trip for my criminology class at Uni. It was super interesting to see how a real prison operates and what they actually look like in real life in NZ. I've watched too much of 'America's Hardest Prisons' and my view is slightly biased. Turns out our prisons here in NZ are a teeny bit nicer. They get dinner at 4.30 in the afternoon! They'd be so hungry for the rest of the night! But then again, prison isn't supposed to be enjoyable...

We started by looking at the youth unit of the prison where they rehabilitate offenders under the age of 17. As far as prisons go, it was pretty nice.
We then moved to the maximum security part of the prison, where we (a group of mostly girls) were greeted by some yells and whistles by the male inmates. They are so eloquent with their words. Not.
We then got shown around one of the cell blocks, which we initially thought was uninhabited. Turns out it wasn't. Us girls were sufficiently creeped out once we started seeing eyeballs appear at the little cell door windows.....
One guy thought that yelling at us and banging on his door would give us a fright. It did, and he thought it was hilarious.

We weren't allowed to see the rec yards, as the prisoners were all out exercising, and we wanted to make it out alive.

Our last stop was the special treatment unit, where they treat people who have drug addictions and other addictions I don't really want to mention. We were surprised to see that when we arrived for our tour, the prisoners were all out in the yard, and we were taken for a tour among all of them. They were a lot nicer than the maximum security ones though, some even said hello and asked how our days were going.

All in all, it was a pretty fun and interesting day. First and only time in prison though! :)


Sunday 14 October 2012

Sunday Social: Fictional Favourites!

Hey Everyone!
Once again, I'm linking up for Sunday Social! This weeks questions are all about books!

Sunday Social


What is your favourite childhood book?
I read a lot of books when I was little, but I would definitely have to say 'Where the Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak. I loved it, and still do now! A little disappointed with the movie version though. :(


2. What is your favourite book lately?
I just read 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky. Loved It! Super excited to watch the movie!

3. What is the book you wish you could live in?
Harry Potter. Without a doubt. 

4. If you could be any character from a book, who would it be and why?
Hmmm, this one is tough. Maybe Katniss from the Hunger Games. I wouldn't really enjoy the whole fight to the death bit, but she's pretty badass and survives all 3 books, so that's a bonus

5. What is your favourite book turned movie?
I'm a pretty firm believer of books are always better, BUT, Harry Potter is the ultimate. They owned those movies. Also, I was very impressed with The Hunger Games, hopefully they can keep it up with the next ones. 

Thursday 4 October 2012

New Reads! Yuss!

My Dad reckons that because of all the technology these days, books will eventually go out of fashion. I call bull on that one!
When I have children, I will make them read actual books. None of this e-reader shiz.

Speaking of books, I have a new addition to my paperback family.

After spending forever trying to find it in the library and in bookstores, I found it online from this great website: Fishpond
Its pretty much got every book you've ever heard of and more. Also, Rachel "I love free shipping" McDonald was very happy that the site does in fact have free shipping! Bonus!

I now finally own The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I've wanted to read this for so long! Especially as the movie is coming out soon (hopefully it will make it to the cinemas in NZ) and I like to read books before I see the movie versions. From what I've read online though, the movie is pretty good and follows the book really well. Good to hear. :)

The next book I plan to buy from fishpond is 'The Book Thief'. My friend raves about it all the time and says its the best book she's ever read. And she reads a lot.

What are your favourite books? I'm always looking to read new and exciting things and I'd love to hear some suggestions.

-xoxo Rach

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Is This Real Life?!?!





Holy Freaking Moly!
I just got the best news ever! 
I got accepted into the Disney Internship Program!!!!!!!!!!
Next year, for a whole year, I will be working at the happiest place on earth!
Disney World in Florida!


I get to work half the year in Quick Service Food and Beverage, and the other half in Merchandise.
I was so sure that my interview went terribly, and I was preparing myself for the worst.
But this is THE BEST!
Someone could punch me right now, and I'd still be happy.

I hope all you lovely readers are having as great a day as me! 
I'll be doing this for the rest of the day:

happy dance Pictures, Images and Photos

xoxo - Rach