...ingredients to soothe the mind and the madness

It's only been a couple of weeks since I blogged, and yet I feel as rusty as an old key trying to open the lock to creativity. I think it's jammed tight!

In lieu of creativity, I usually offer my latest book review, or some reading recommendations - but alas, my reading progress has been grinding slow so far this month. What can I say? The tentative return to normality has claimed what was left of my mind and scrambled it beyond retrieval or hope of coherent thought. 

Anyone else just a tad overwhelmed by life getting back to normal? Show of hands in the comments! I'm certain it's not just me.

And so, through lack of creativity, I've decided to share some of my summer home-comforts and current favourites to soothe the mind and the madness in case you desire the benefits of my latest goodies!

Number one:

'Wizard's Tower' candle from Into the Realm Candle company. These are Fantasy inspired vegan candles and wax melts I found on Etsy. I treated myself to a few scents but this was by far my favourite. What I love about the creator is her passion. It shows in her descriptions of each product, where she quite literally sets the scene for her scents. This one is a violety wizard's potion wafting down the spiral staircase of a tower. 

I swear I'm not doing her candles justice! Check them out for reassurance: Into The Realm Candle Company

I change my candles up seasonally and I'm loving these as we head into summer.

Number two:

Netflix's 'Sweet Tooth'. Maybe I'm detaching myself from our world's slow recovery from a pandemic by watching a fantastical world recover from a pandemic...even slower...I'm not sure there's any sort of logic behind that thought process so don't try to follow it through, but I'm enjoying the series for a bit of escapism.

Number three:

WORK! The novelty of work after a stagnant, workless year has not yet worn off. I only wish there was more of it about to be seized, not only in my industry, but in so many others! I just want abundance for all, is that too much to ask?

Number four:

Raspberry Sorbet. My marginally healthier alternative to actual Ice Cream - or at least it would be if I wasn't devouring whole tubs at a time! I recommend SimplyIceCream's sorbet in particular - yum yum yum!

Number five:

Agnes Obel's album, Aventine. Thank you dad for always introducing me to good music! You are the cool one in the family, I concede. Too bad you don't read my blogs so you'll never know...

Number six:

Be you a crystal lover for their appearance or their properties, I recommend Marie's Crystal Healing Bags for all your crystal needs and desires! I recently commissioned a bespoke bracelet from her to help with stress, and in particular a stress related skin irritation. I'm in love with the result which amazingly incorporates Sapphire, Amethyst, Adventurine and Lepidolite to assist with Stress, Anxiety, Calming Irritation, Anxiety, Self Love and honestly so much more!

The hippy in me is crying with joy!

Healing Crystal Bags by Marie

Number seven:

Historical Fiction. I know I said I've not been reading much recently, but of the books I have read, the majority have been in the Historical Fiction genre. Current read is Misfortune by Wesley Stace. It's turning out to be the perfect book for Pride Month, which was a happy coincidence as it was simply a book I picked up in a second hand book store and knew nothing about! I swear, best way to buy books! You find some gems!

Let me know one of your current favourites in the comments below, or something that's restored your sanity in this strangely paced world right now!

I wish upon you all the chameleon-like ability to seamlessly adapt to all changes, past and future, that might come our way!

Zuzu 🖋

Find me across social media @zuzuspages for bookish content and general writing/life updates

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...books to feel festive with

When the weather outside is frightful and the fire is so delightful, and since we've no place (you know, we're in lockdown)...let there be books!

There is nothing I like better than curling up under the comfort of a good book once the weather turns cold. Even better if it's a seasonal read.

We're halfway through November, and I am unapologetically one of those people that has already transitioned into Christmas, if only in spirit. The decorations are not yet up, but they are standing by, as is my TO READ pile for December.

I love Winter. The scents, the food, the music, the hustle and bustle; the general feeling of warmth and joy and love that's spread as we creep closer to December and to Christmas-time. I know some people dread this time of year, and I understand why. It puts stress and strain on people, both mentally and financially, but it shouldn't have to. For me, it's genuinely enough to sit back and enjoy the perks of the season: to snatch a rare moment to hunker down and read a book under a chunky-knit blanket with a hot chocolate, or to sit down with my family and work our way through the abundance of Christmas films we've collected over the years, 

Like Santa, December is normally my busiest time of year for work, and I don't have as much down time to devote to reading. Normally this means I re-read some seasonal favourites, rather than trying committing to new books and authors. So, I thought I'd share some pre-emptive festive/winter favourites here with you all:

THE SNOW CHILD by Eowyn Ivey (2011)

This was such an incredible book, inspired by a Russian fairy tale, and transplanted into the bleak and icy landscape of 1920 Alaska. A mysterious child appears on Mabel and Jack's land, and disappears into the snow. There's a sense of hope and foreboding that keeps this book chilling in every respect.

THE WAY PAST WINTER by Kiran Millwood Hardgrave (2018)

I love any Kiran Millwood Hardgrave book, and this one was like my gateway drug. I loved the concept of a whole land shrouded in Winter and Spring being this unattainable place where all the men have been taken. 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens (1843)

A classic. The epitome of Christmas. "God bless us, every one!"

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET by Valerie Davies (1947)

I have such a beautiful little copy of this book and I love re-visiting it. It's a novella based on the story the author wrote for the 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street, which is equally classic and oh so festive.

LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott (1868)

Another classic novel with such feel good festive spirit. I love watching adaptations of this book this time of year too. They make me feel so warm and cosy.

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING by E.T.A Hoffmann (1816)

I love the original version of The Nutcracker. It's such a Christmassy story and a short easy fairy-tale read.

NORTHERN LIGHTS by Phillip Pullman (1995)

This is the 1st book in one of my favourite book series and the ice and snow of the north that makes up the setting for much of the first book makes me feel wintery.

I'm thinking of re-reading these books actually to keep up with the BBC adaptation that's currently in its second season.

THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE by Katherine Arden (2017)

This is a book I've yet to read and might just sneak its way onto my December TBR pile. It's been so highly recommended to me and I've been saving it!

THE GIRL WITH GLASS FEET by Ali Shaw (2011)

This is a book filled with ice and magic that makes it perfect for winter. After visiting an enchanted island, Ida MacLaird begins literally turning to glass. Whilst searching for the man she believes will cure her, she finds herself falling in love. This was such an unusual book concept.

I hope this list gives you some reading ideas for November and December. Let me know what your favourites are!

Zuzu 🖊

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...black cats; not just for witches #nationalblackcatday

Caught in the act!

Apologies everyone for the off topic blog that you are about to read, this one is neither bookish or fantasy based, but it is a topic close to my heart 🤍

Since tomorrow is #nationalblackcatday, and I have two stunning specimens that I adopted 7 years ago, I felt it was only fitting to devote them some special, much warranted attention both here in this blog and across social media.

Every October 27th, Cats Protection has its NATIONAL BLACK CAT DAY - aiming to raise awareness to the plight of black cats in adoption centres who tend to lose out on homes to more "colourful" or "unusual" breeds.

On average, black cats take 13% longer to find a home than cats of other colours. 

The UK's leading feline welfare charity currently has 1,300 black cats in its care at this moment. 

There are many myths surrounding black cats that date back to the middle ages when they came to be associated with witches as their companions or familiars. 

Some consider them bad luck, some say good. 

The good stems from Sailors taking black cats aboard ships, not to catch mice, but because they were considered good omens.

Even this positive association is silly superstition.

The plain truth is, black cats are just like any other. Sure, they don't photograph too well, and some argue it's this that makes them unpopular in this day and age of social media. I greatly hope this supercilious attitude is not the reason they're unpopular. If it's simply based on colour, then people don't know what they're missing. My cats are black and they have the most colourful personalities you will ever come across.

When I was looking for cats, I had only two requirements:

1. they must be rescued

2. they must be black (I desired a witch's cat to be my companion - superstition be damned)

I guarantee that about 30% of the cats I saw in animal shelters were black. I had so much choice in the rescue centres. No one seemed to want them, and I cannot fathom why!! Every single one was a sweetie!

I searched all my local rescue centres, (listed below because I strongly advise adoption from reputable shelter):

~ Cats Protection (multiple locations)
~ RSPCA (multiple locations)
~ Battersea (multiple locations)
~ Last Chance Animal Rescue in Edenbridge
~ Rolvenden Cat Rescue in Cranbrook
~ The Retreat Animal Rescue in High Halden
~ Foal Farm in Biggin Hill
...and many more! Run a google search in your area if you're looking to adopt!

The cats I saw at these locations were amazing, but not the right fit for my situation. There can be any number of reasons, but please don't be discouraged if you aren't allowed to adopt a certain cat - you just need to find the right match.

And eventually, I did.

Introducing my rescue moggies, Molly and Leo, a brother and sister who had already been rehomed once as kittens, before ending up for adoption once more.

I should stress that I went looking for one witchy cat. Of course, I got two. Who could resist? 

A witchy cat is intensely desirable to someone who writes fantasy fiction. Not to mention the fact that they're generally sleek and beautiful with hauntingly vivid eyes. So much character without their personalities even coming into play.

Molly (left) Leo (right)
Now informally known in my house as the Kray Twins

Molly (behind) Leo (in front)
The Kray Twins strike again!

Lovely Leo 

Miss Molly in a bag...not unusual

Molly helping wrap Christmas presents...

Molly is my firecracker. She loves on her own terms, prefers boxes and gift bags to comfy beds, resembles a black puddle when she lays down, eats her brother's food before her own, and is notorious for once having gotten a tea pot stuck on her head.

Leo is my fur-baby. He loves unconditionally, greets me at the door when I come home from work, hates my laptop because it monopolises my lap space, keeps me company when blogging, reading and writing, and jealously guards me from his sister when she deigns to show me love.

Although these qualities are humorous and unique to my pets, they are also not unusual cat traits and they're certainly not reserved for black cats alone.

My point being that black cats should not be boycotted. They should be embraced and loved like any other.

I hope with this blog I'll change some opinions, or maybe just reinforce your existing love of black cats.

To summarise:

Black cats are not evil.
They are not unlucky.

They are not reserved for the companionship of witches only...although...

Remember everyone, a black cat is for life, not just for Halloween!

To conclude: Adopt more BLACK CATS please!

Zuzu 🖋
find me and my cats on social media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest

For those who may be wondering, I adopted my kit-cats from the Medway Cat Trust, and I'm sad to say that when I tried to link their details here, I found that they're no longer in operation!!
So a message for Hazel Charlesworth of the former Medway Cat Trust - if you ever happen to read this blog, I thank you so sincerely for pairing me with Molly and Leo. You changed my life and theirs. -They are ten-year-old, spoilt, pampered self-made house cats now! They literally don't want to go outside unless it is to pathetically hunt me a moth (of all things) and then retire to their bed exhausted...and by their bed, I clearly mean my bed, which they have claimed as their own! Typical cats!

...bookish inspiration for halloween costumes 2020

Anyone who knows me will testify that I take Halloween very seriously. Specifically Halloween costumes...

You can blame it on my childhood in Canada where Halloween is definitely treated as more of a holiday that it is here in England. I can remember trick or treating with my entire family dressed as the characters from The Wizard of Oz, then Cinderella on consecutive years. My grandad and my uncle were the ugly step-sisters! The commitment was real.

When we moved to England, I met my Halloween soulmate, my best friend and kindred spirit whose house I still end up at every Halloween despite the fact that her family long ago stopped hosting their annual Halloween party. The party has morphed into an extravagant family feast with more food than 12 people could ever hope to consume in one night. And what I love is that we all still commit to dressing up to an extreme level.

Owing to the unfavourable Corona, this year will be the first that we're unable to celebrate Halloween together. But don't think that's going to stop us from dressing up!

Many of my past costumes have been inspired by book characters, and so I thought I would share some of my favourites ideas with you for this year in case you're in an area where it's safe to be having Halloween parties!

Cruella DeVil

A character originally conceived in the 1956 children's novel

One Hundred and One Dalmatians by Doddie Smith

Excerpt: "...she was wearing a black satin dress with ropes of pearls, but the same absolutely simple white mink coat."

Professor Trelawney

A character that first appeared in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K Rowling

Excerpt: "Professor Trelawney moved into the firelight, and they saw that she was very thin; her glasses magnified her eyes to several times their natural size, and she was draped in a gauzy spangled shawl. Innumerable chains and beads hung around her spindly neck, and her arms and hands were encrusted with bangles and rings." 

Elphaba Thropp

A character conceived in the original book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L Baum, and whose origin is reconstructed in Wicked by Gregory Maguire, 2003.

Excerpt: "...as  Elphaba moved forward, lugging her own carpetbags, it became obvious that she was green. A hatchet-faced girl with putrescent green skin, and long foreign looking black hair.

The Other Mother / "The Beldam"

The protagonist in Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Excerpt: "She looked like Coraline's mother. Only... Only her skin was white as paper. Only she was taller and thinner. Only her fingers were too long, and they never stopped moving, and her dark-red fingernails were curved and sharp."..."And then she turned around. Her eyes were big black buttons."

Katniss Everdeen

from 2008 book The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 

Excerpt: "Cinna does my hair in my simple trademark braid down my back."

Anne Shirley

The classic character whose red hair I relate to in Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Excerpt: "She wore a faded brown sailor hat and beneath the hat, extending down her back, were two braids of thick, decidedly red hair."

Of course there are an abundance of book characters you could choose from, these are just some of my favourites. I hope you're inspired. Let me know in the comments what you're dressing up as this year, or if you're dressing up at all.

It's a little bit early I know, but I wish you all a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Zuzu 🖋

@zuzuspages on Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest

...too many pumpkins

When I was younger, my mom used to read me a book called Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White, about Rebecca Estelle who abhors pumpkins, until the day that a pumpkin falls off a truck and smashes in her garden, resulting in her garden becoming overrun with them when the seeds grow! 

I believe we can pinpoint this book as the source of my pumpkin obsession. It's stuck with me ever since childhood.

I grew up in Canada where Halloween was more widely celebrated than it is here in England. I have great memories of tromping through a pumpkin patch in wellingtons to find the perfect pumpkin, which at the age of five, probably was simply a pumpkin that was small and light enough for me to be able to carry on my own. Now I demand the largest, most impressive pumpkin that I can get my hands on, regardless of whether I can carry it.

Exhibit A:

To this day I get ridiculously over excited when pumpkin season rolls around, so imagine my excitement when I discovered Slindon Pumpkins in Arundel last year: a family business, and an "internationally renowned pumpkin mural extravaganza" that's been open for 52 years, selling 50 varieties of pumpkin and 30 varieties of squash.

I felt like I was in pumpkin heaven! I spent a small fortune there without regret and made some fantastic displays around my house.

However, when planning my second trip this year, imagine my devastation when I realised the business has closed until further notice due to covid19! I'm crushed, as I'm sure so many others are. It was quite the attraction.

Disloyal as it feels now to go elsewhere for pumpkins, I characterise as a "pumpkin addict", and therefore can't go without a fix this time of year. I found a very local pick-your-own farm, Pumpkin Moon in Maidstone, and visited yesterday. Needless to say I made our like a bandit with a literal wheelbarrow-load of pumpkins and gourds, for cooking and displaying respectively.

Observe the haul:

(I might go back for more!!!)

Continuing with this pumpkin mood, and for the purposes of this blog, I scrounged around my bookshelves today and found that I've retained my entire collection of Halloween books from childhood, including the infamous Too Many Pumpkins, that induced my pumpkin addiction. The covers are adorable, and inevitably have to be shared here:

Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White

Halloween Mice by Bethany Roberts

Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper

The Witch's Hand by Peter Utton

Little Witch's Big Night by Deborah Hautzig

I recommend all these books to adults and children alike; I don't think you're ever too old to derive joy from a picture book. However, I apologise if not all the books are available to buy in the UK. As I said, I grew up in Canada, so that is most likely where they were published.

Bonus points to the first person to tot up the amount of times the word "pumpkin" appears in this blog!

It might hinge on the ridiculous! 

Thanks for reading. Happy Pumpkin Season!

Zuzu 🖋

@zuzuspages Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest

...autumn equinox

Here comes Autumn Equinox, riding in on the back of a belated heatwave here in England. When did the seasons become so dysfunctional?

No matter! Come rain or shine, I'm diving determinedly into my Autumn activities with extra enthusiasm this year. I feel like the festivities that Autumn and Winter bring are being greeted with even more fervour this year since Spring and Summer were unpredictable and a little bit of a write off due to the pandemic. Everyone wants to escape into some festive fun and remove the pressure of planning activities in the sun to fill long summer days. Now we have a good excuse to stay indoors and watch cosy films, or sit in our gardens drinking apple cider and melting marshmallows around a firepit.

Let the good times roll!

I've got a seasonal checklist that sees me thought till Christmas every year:

🍁 unpack jumpers and keep them on standby 

🍁 swap out your Spring/Summer décor with warmer tones for Autumn/Winter

🍁 collect conkers, pine cones and autumn leaves to wax and display around the house

🍁 drink pumpkin spiced lattes at every opportunity

🍁 visit a pumpkin patch or a pick your own farm

🍁 put pumpkins EVERYWHERE!

🍁 bake seasonal muffins - apple and cinnamon are my personal favourite

🍁 decorate the front of the house for Halloween

🍁 keep sweet treats everywhere

🍁 make a Halloween playlist

🍁 DIY a Halloween costume

🍁 bust out the festive films: Hocus Pocus, Corpse Bride, Labyrinth, Monster House, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline, Beetle Juice, Edward Scissor Hands, Halloween Town, The House With A Clock In It's Walls

🍁 stock up on hot chocolates and marshmallows

🍁 scatter snuggly blankets on beds and sofas

🍁 make pumpkin soup

🍁 buy autumn candles - and sometimes pre-emptive Christmas candles too

🍁 go on picturesque walks and appreciate the beauty of the leaves changing

🍁 make the most of the rainy days for cosy reading time

🍁 read spooky books (follow me on Instagram for sneak peeks at my October reads!)

I'm sure there will be an abundance of such blogs available to read as Autumn Equinox approaches, but this time of year I really am living my best life.

I've always been incredibly inspired by the seasons, and I think it's evident in my writing as it transitions with me throughout the year. I fully expect the Autumn months to shed a layer of dust from me and bring new colour to my writing and also my writing habits.

In a few months time, November will bring us National Writing Month, and although I've never officially taken part in NaNoWriMo (an annual internet-based writing project), I am very motivated by the concept of it. My work load is a little lighter this year than it normally is, so maybe this year will be the year I commit. We'll see what November brings!

I hope you're all as excited for Autumn as I am. I know it sounds as though I'm wishing the year away, but I promise I relish and savour the second half of the year enough to make it count. Let me know if your Autumn check list resembles mine, and if you'd add anything!

There's undoubtedly going to be some autumn content both in this blog and on my socials, so make sure you're following me @zuzuspages on Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Zuzu 🖋

...everything's a story

"Everything's a story - You are a story - I am a story." 

- Frances Hodson Burnett, A Little Princess

I don't know about you, but I love buying second hand and vintage, whether I'm shopping for books,  clothes, or especially furniture. I like knowing that almost everything I own came with its own past and story before it came to me. And that, in buying it, I've become part of that story too.

It's like owning a piece of history.

Sometimes the story isn't visible at first glance, but you know it must exist, and it's fascinating to think about what sort of person a 1920's cameo ring might have belonged to, for example. Its appearance alone suggests a certain fashion and era. Where it's been and what's it touched? Was it a gift? Was it passed down from generation to generation before ending up on a stall at a vintage market and finding it's way onto my finger 100 years later?

I've mentioned before that I take writing inspiration from the things around me. In my "ode to my desk" blog, I mentioned a couple of thought provoking trinkets that sit on my desk. A silver pocket watch being one of them. This is something I actually acquired in a raffle, and chose because I was intrigued by the sun and moon images that rotate into view dependant on the time of day. The sun and moon are incredibly relevant in my book THE BLOOD DRAGON, and the moment I saw it, I knew I had to have it!!! I'd wanted one of my characters to have a pocket watch, and to always be winding it, and so it was immediately situated on my desk as inspiration.

It's personal preference of course, but I like the character and fortitude of old things. Being surrounded by them creates a specific feel and environment, that influences a lot in my life, including my writing style, the blogs I write, and the way I orchestrate photos to post on social media.

I've got my favourite antique haunts, and amongst them I know I'm sure to find something that is not only unique and quirky, but that hints at the origin of the item I'm buying: a hat box labelled with an inked description of the hat it originally contained, a beaten-up travellers trunk with the initials of its owner printed on the side, a second hand book with a handwritten message to its previous owner penned into the cover. All examples of imperfections that to me can make an item so special.

If you're Kent based in England and would like some recommendations for vintage or second hand shops, I'll list some of my favourites below with website links:

- Chart Sutton Antiques in Chart Sutton, Maidstone, Kent

- Corner House Antiques in Lenham, Maidstone, Kent
- Trash or Treasure Second Hand Store in Maidstone, Kent
- Strand Quay Antiques in Rye, East Sussex
- Allsorts Antiques Vintage & Collectables in Headcorn, Kent

And many more! 

Feel free to add suggestions into the comments below!

I hope you enjoyed this random little blog entry. I'll be posting again next Monday at 6pm. Until then, you can find me across social media @zuzuspages on Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest

~ Zuzu

...my fifteen favourite book to film adaptations

Alright,  I confess it! This is a little bit of a cop out blog, owing to the fact that I'm feeling sorry for myself following a wisdom tooth extraction. Because of this, I'm not feeling my most creative. All I want to do it sit on my sofa and indulge in films and books. Which frankly is what's inspired this weeks blog topic: BOOK to FILM recommendations!

I could write about these for days, and I struggled to limit myself to just 15! Feel free to add to these in the comments below, or to contradict me if you disagree!!

MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA by Arthur Golden

Published: 1997

Genre: Historical Fiction, WWII, Novel

Film adaptation: 2005

Directed by: Rob Marshall | Produced by: Steven Spielberg

This is a film I would probably never have watched had it not been for a friend of mine who introduced me to it. I was moved by its beautiful artistry that lends itself to the subject matter of a Geisha, a word that literally means Artist. When I saw that it was adapted from a book, I knew I had to read it. The film has stayed very true to the author's voice and I think the story told is incredible. 

The novel is told from the perspective of Chiyo, whose parents sell her to a geisha house in Kyoto Japan before the start of the second world war, where she's to be trained in the customs that will one day allow her to become a geisha herself. No more spoilers, but definitely a must-read and a must-watch!

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN by E. Nesbit

Published: 1906 

Genre: Children's Literature, Domestic Fiction

Film adaption: 1970

Directed by: Jason Figgis & Ross MacGibbon

This book and this film are both nostalgic classics in my opinion. There have been many adaptations of the original novel, but the 1970 film remains my personal favourite. Like so many great adaptions, the cast is crucial in making this one great. The characters are cast and played as I imagine them in the book. It's such a simple, feel good story, and it translates so well to film.

LITTLE WOMEN by  Louisa May Alcott

Published: 1968
Genre: Children's Literature, Bildungsroman

Film adaptation: 2019

Directed by: Greta Gerwig

This latest film adaption of this classic novel touches on the story and the characters in ways that no adaptation has succeeded in before, in my opinion. I feel like it's been approached from a feminist perspective, possibly because of the female director and the strong female cast lending insight to the various trials faced by the characters. I felt it examined the struggles of women in history and addressed that it's okay for us to want more for ourselves. I loved Saoirse Ronan as Jo. She fit the character description perfectly, and brought Jo to life. 

This book is such a favourite of mine, and it brought me joy to see it brought to life so successfully!

THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett

Published: 2009

Genre: Historical Fiction

Film adaptation: 2011
Directed by: Tate Taylor

There is a quote from this book that I'm sure will sound familiar: "You is kind, you is smart, you is important." I love it so much that I have it framed on one of my bookshelves.

This is another adaptation that's very true to the book, and one that I think became even more impressive due to its exceptional cast. Viola Davis as the strong and resilient Aibileen, Emma Stone as Skeeter, and Octavia Spencer playing my personal favourite character, Minnie Jackson.

The film is true to the book, which I respect. Both are touching, and tear-jerking and thoroughly enjoyable.

This was a book from my Summer Reading Recommendations blog a couple of weeks ago, which is me vouching for it twice now. Check that blog out if you want to hear more about the story.

THE NOTEBOOK by Nicholas Sparks

Published: 1996

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance Novel

Film adaptation: 2004

Directed by: Nick Cassavetes

There is something about Nicholas Sparks' novels that lend themselves to brilliant film adaptions. I have seen all of them, but The Notebook remains my favourite. There is a longing and a nostalgia to it that puts you in the mindset of watching some black and white movie reminiscent of old Hollywood. I can’t explain it, and perhaps it's only me who feels that way when reading his books and watching the films, and if it is, so be it.

The two main characters in the book, Allie and Noah, are so brilliantly represented by Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling. Their love feels real and gripping. I wouldn't claim to be a great lover of romance novels or films, but this one definitely forced itself into my heart.

THE SECRET GARDEN by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Published: 1911

Genre: Children's Literature, Fiction

Film adaptation: 1993

Directed by: Agnieszka Holland

What more can I say about this book other than it makes me unconditionally happy. It's a book I read many times as a child and have read many more as an adult. Somehow it keeps getting better, and growing with me. The magic and imagination of it becomes more potent and freeing every time.

The 1993 film perfectly captures the feel of the book, and the characters were all cast so well, particularly Kate Maberly as Mary Lennox. I know there was a remake of The Secret Garden due to be released this year. I never had the opportunity to watch it due to Cinema closures and Covid19, but if you've seen it, let me know how it compares!

THE BOOK THIEF by Marcus Zusak

Published: 2005

Genre: Historical Fiction, WWII Story, YA Fiction, Novel

Film adaptation: 2013

Directed by: Brian Percival

The best thing about this book is its unusual method of narration, for the story is told from the perspective of Death, which is haunting in itself given that the book is set in Germany during WWII where death was abundant and real as any human. In the film adaption, I loved the choice of casting for Death. You never see him, only hear his voice, and there's nothing sinister in it's sound. Death is human sounding and nothing to be feared.

I can't ever find the right words to express how much I love this book and this film by extension. Sophie Nélisse was excellent as Liesel Meminger - expressive, innocent and relatable all at once. 

The Book Thief is the book I find myself recommending most, and a book I think everyone should read and experience to fully appreciate it's unique story.

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER by Stephen Chbosky

Published: 1999

Genre: YA Fiction, Epistolary Novel, Bildungsroman, Coming-Of-Age Book

Film adaptation: 2012

Directed by: Stephen Chbosky

This one is worth noting as an additionally exceptional adaptation as the book's author actually had the unusual privilege of directing the film himself. It won an Independent Spirit award for Best First Feature. Stephen Chbosky has always intended to adapt his book to film, and eventually sold the rights with the agreement that he could be the one to write and direct the film. I think he did so brilliantly, and with the added satisfaction that his story was told to his specifications. He captures the highs, lows, solitudes and regrets of growing up. It's a coming of age story through and through and one definitely worth the time to read and watch.

WHITE OLEANDER by Janet Fitch
Published: 1999

Genre: Bildungsroman, Fiction, Novel

Film adaptation: 2002

Directed by: Peter Kosminsky

I saw this film before reading the book, but once it was over, I knew I had to read the book to compare. Thankfully they're both amazing. The film does the book justice, but its length does not allow enough time for us as an audience to truly comprehend the extent of the main character's journey and personal pain. The book delves deeper and I was gripped. The story is so sad, and longing and tragically hopeful. Please read it and watch the film. 

Again, I've talked about this book in a previous blog, so feel free to click the link to read a little more about this story.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFÉ by Fannie Flagg

Published: 1987

Genre: Novel, Fiction, Romance Fiction

Film adaptation: 1991

Directed by: Jon Avnet

Mary Stuart Masterson as Idgie Threadgoode

I LOVE THIS FILM! And I can't believe I went through most of my life watching it but not realising it was based on a book! My parents introduced me to the film and I fell in love with the wild character of Idgie and how devoted she was to her friend Ruth and the family she created whilst working in The Whistle Stop Café. There are so many similarities between the book and the film and I'm glad it was adapted so well. The cast is great (Mary Stuart Masterson as Idgie Threadgoode). This book was also in my Summer Reading Recommendations blog, so please check that out if you'd like to know more.

THE TIME TRAVELERS WIFE by Audrey Niffenegger

Published: 2003

Genre: Romance Novel, Science Fiction, Time Travel Fiction

Film adaptation: 2009

Directed by: Robert Schwentke

This is such a great concept for a book and a film and I'm so glad that both versions now exist! This is a really interesting take on time travel because there's no time machine, and the character cannot control his coming or going. In the meantime there are those he's forced to leave who worry for his safety and can't predict when he'll return.

Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana make a really interesting casting pair, but one that really works well. I love the film adaptation and watch it regularly. It's got a timeless feel to it, as does the book, and I think if the genre appeals, it would be relatable to all generations of readers.

ATONEMENT by Ian McEwan

Published: 2001

Genre: Historical Fiction, Bildungsroman, Psychological Fiction, Novel

Film adaptation: 2007

Directed by: Joe Wright

What can I say about this book other than to scream how brilliant it is. I love Ian McEwan as an author, and I love the film adaptation of Atonement. The cast is truly amazing, and of course, like all things with the war as a subject matter, I spent my time fighting back tears as I read the book and watched the film. Brace yourselves, it's an emotional rollercoaster. It's strange to confess that I love anything with the war as a subject matter or setting, but of course I don't mean this to be morbid or disrespectful. It's a deep appreciation for the hundreds of stories that came from the war, all of them tragic, and all of them true or based on truth, which is what makes them relatable to so many people. Atonement is no exception to this, despite the story being fictional. I hope you love it as much as I do.

A LITTLE PRINCESS by Frances Hodges Hughes

Published: 1905

Genre: Children's Literature, Coming-Of-Age-Story, 

Film adaptation: 1995

Directed by: Alfonso Cuarón
This is a book and a film that I was brought up on. Not the original Shirley Temple version of the film, but the 1995 version staring Liesel Mathews. So good! And, in my humble opinion, perfectly cast. Of course, the book is always better, but this film came pretty close to perfect for me. There are a few indescrepencies where they've tried to bring it to a more relatable place for a modern audience, but the overall feeling of the story is carried through. It's my go-to movie for rainy days or if I'm feeling a bit nostalgic.

WAR HORSE by Michael Morpurgo

Published: 1982

Genre: Novel. Children's Literature, Historical Fiction, WWII

Film adaptation: 2011

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

There's an impressive all star cast for this film adaptation, but the unrecognised star is a marvellous horse whose story we follow throughout.

Michael Morpurgo has such a talent for developing characters that can't actually lend their own voice to a story, in this instance, Joey, the horse we follow through the ever increasing dangers of the First World War. The author gives a voice to all those horses that fought against their will and lost their lives in the war, like soldiers. They couldn't object or protest, and yet they were unfailingly brave in awful situations and conditions. The book and the film are incredibly moving and I challenge you not to cry for the duration.

This book has of course also been adapted into an incredible Stage Play that you have to watch if you ever get the opportunity!

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES by Sue Monk Kidd

Published: 2001

Genre: Historical Fiction, Bildungsroman, Novel

Film adaptation: 2008

Directed by: Gina Prince-Bythewood

No, this is not a documentary or a book about honey bees, despite what its title suggests. I've tried and failed to recommend this book and film to people on numerous occasions. I don't think enough people have experienced this amazing historical fiction set in 1964 during the Civil Rights Movement. It reminds me of The Help in feel and topic, but the story is so unusual and told from the perspective of a young white girl, Lily.

The book and the film are a pretty close match, my only real complaint being that Lily does not look in the film as she is described in the book. But she's embodied so brilliantly by Dakota Fanning that I'm prepared to overlook it.

Reading this book instantly endeared me to the characters of August, May and June, and the actresses cast to portray them do so perfectly: Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo and Alicia Keys respectively. It’s a predominantly female cast with such strong, independent characters to play. I knew after watching the film that I would love the book with equal ferocity. I bought it the next day and read it in one night. I promise you will love the book and the film equally, regardless of whether you read the book first or not.

Thanks for reading everyone!

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