Book Review: Me Talk Pretty One Day

What's good world? On to the book review then, shall we? Yes, no small talk this time round.

Now this book took me an insanely long time to finish. It's not a tough read, neither is it a long read. Honestly, it just was a case of unlucky timing; smack in the middle of the semester was when I got my hands on this sucker. As I look back, I can't help but wonder why, why did I choose to read it at that moment? Maybe to feel like a rebel, a rebel without a cause that's for sure.

The book stayed in my bag so long to the point where it began to get dog ears, being squished here and mishandled there. I felt sorry for it really, it's only getaway, my hands and in true getaway fashion the much needed break from the hustle and bustle that was my backpack, it did not come around as often or as fast as anticipated.

From the very beginning then. I came across this book last year as I scavenged the internet seeking a break from the dystopian world that I had become so accustomed to. After reading an excerpt, I was pretty much sold or was it just another case of pretty darn good enticement?

My expectations were an 'Eat, Pray, Love' type of story, a guy's version of 'Eat, Pray, Love',  'Eat, Pray, Love's'  inspiration. Can you blame me? The guy moved to Italy with his love interest, if anything, I expected more. Classic symptoms of a Young Adult addict.

The Lowdown: An autobiography. The life and times of David Sedaris. From having a lisp and having to go through mandatory speech therapy to a rather unpleasant coming-out-of-the-closet moment to his stint with drugs, not just any drugs, methamphetamine to all the odd jobs he's ever had, from the degrading personal assistant one to being a mover; a career that just didn't do him or his frame justice.

But what stood out the most? Humor, a weird sense at that, especially when it comes to matters his father, who is quite a character. Let's just say you do not have the slightest ideas of hoarding until you meet Sedaris' father.

So this book was not my cup of tea and judging from the Goodread's comments it was not a lot of people's either. Disclaimer: Scrolling down to the comments is never a god idea, brace yourself for spoilers, opinions that will affect your view and an overall biased opinion on everything related.

It wasn't all bad, especially if you are into sarcasm David Sedaris may just be king.

Have a good one!

Media Monday: Rachel Cobb, Ta-Ku Songs To Break Up To

And it's Monday, but not just any Monday, Media Monday. Can you feel the excitement in the air? Well, neither can I but let's change that up, shall we?

First things first, Fight Night happened. Mayweather did his thing, Manny thought he won and I learnt a whole lot about boxing. It feels good to be a part of history. I wonder, is this how it felt in '74 during the Rumble in the Jungle? Was there that much hype? Oh well, for now I can only be grateful for being in the moment that has since been dubbed "One of the greatest economic events of all time," because one day, when I am old and frail, yet still swagged up, my grand kids will probably ask me to tell them about the time Mayweather beat Pac-man and I will effortlessly tell the story, gory details and all. They will look at me bug-eyed and think, "Dang! She's old" and "I wish I was there to see it". I said it before and I will say it again, it feels good to be a part of history.

The betrayal I felt when I saw Mayweather and Pacquiao hug after the fight had me giving them the stanky eye. Here I was thinking they were sworn enemies. I guess that's what you call good sportsmanship, ey?

This week, to your cart of Youtube indulgences I would like you to add one Rachel Cobb. I stumbled upon this channel on a late weekend night. At the time this chilled out curly haired girl had only one video up, another thrift haul, at least that's what I thought. Her style is '90s and I know what you are probably thinking, isn't everybody's? Well let me assure you for her, this trend is not a trend, to her it's a style, her style, effortlessly put together. I am telling you this girl knows her thrift-finds, the moment she started dropping names like Joey Bada$$, I knew we had a winner. It's not all about style for Rachel, she has monthly inspirations that steer you in the right direction; musically, book-wise and even towards other Youtube channels that have you briefly forgetting about her channel, except you wouldn't dare to as you eagerly await the next batch of monthly inspo.

This channel does it for me. It's chill, it's mellow, it's minimalistic, it's cool, it's informative. Don't believe me? Go ahead, check it out. The channel of the moment awaits.

Remember how I said Rachel's inspirations steer you in the right direction? Well that was not just some lame complement being paid. Her inspirations are as legit as they come so much so that she introduced me to Toro Y Moi who in turn steered me to what would you be your musical dose of the moment Ta-Ku Songs To Break Up To.

To be completely honest with you, it's the album art that reeled me in. This should be a lesson to all Youtubers, fun thumbnails = more views, as if they already didn't know. So, this album is quite something. Not at all what I am used to but it is a mix of dark, chills and chilled music (a little word play for you there). A combination of both instrumentals and vocalists who are a mash-up of Lykke Li, Jhene Aiko and Tove Lo and any other voice you can think of which seems to float over the tune, almost as if it's a chant of some sort.

This one is for the times you just need a break with your feet up and a cool drink by your side in a Lamu type climate watching the waves come and go as the breeze swings you in your hammock ever so gently or for those assignments that have you working well into the night or because of how warm and subtle the album is, not reading a book while listening to this would almost be abuse. Maybe even have it play in one of those homy and cosy coffee shops.

Why don't you do yourself a favor and the next time you just want to chill, have this therapeutic piece playing in the background. You're welcome!

Have a good one!

Surviving College: Studying Through The Semester, Lifehacks

Word up guys and girls!

Two things I am over the moon about; School's out for summer! come on sing along with me, I know you want to, unless of course you are still in  the sea of misery studying for your finals which of course you would be excused...go on, sit in the corner and soak up all the information you can. If it's any consolation, in my neck of the woods school is not closed for summer, the much anticipated break comes around the coldest time of the year around these parts.

The second thing I am excited about and I just can't hide it, well, not really, Floyd Money Mayweather vs. Manny "The Pacman" Pacquiao. There is all sorts of trash talk and mind games, what, with Manny during the stare down telling Mayweather "Thank you" and the whole world is just like "For what?" Then, a day or two before, basically throwing shade at Mayweather insinuating that he is nothing compared to De La Hoya. Darn it! I am loving this Pacquiao guy. I can't wait to see the champion of this fight. Yes, I am torn or maybe just afraid to say whose side I am on.

But what brings us here today? Well, the story goes that a stressed student during finals week is a product of poor reading habits? I am here to tell you it is a downright lie. Yup, you read right, a lie. Boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen, it is not a story, it is a fact.

Having emerged from what could have been an academic tornado, with myself right in the eye of it, the question that kept on ringing in my head was "Why didn't I read this stuff any sooner?" I made a mental note to never be in this situation again, next semester will be a whole different ball game. Please note that this note was once a promise, in fact, the promise before the mental note is the offspring of many other promises identical to this mental note. I hate to break it to you but these promises have all, all been broken. The result of generations of broken promises? Mental notes. I mean you can't go wrong with mental notes, not to mention that the risk of disappointing myself is nearly negligible. Win-win situation anyone?

Don't worry, I am more than aware of what I have said up there being nonsensical. Don't call the psychologist yet.

With all that said, here are a few tips for myself and possible you dear reader, to keep me/us on the straight and narrow academically speaking which will have us smiling all the way on to an academic excellence list.

1. Studying is a gradual process. It is not the insane all-nighter, caffeine taking the place of your blood temporarily, with eyes deer-in-headlights wide, believe it or not, it's one of those practice makes perfect kind of things. The fuel that propels you during day one needs to burn all through to the end of the semester, not just during the first few days or weeks if you are lucky.

2. Use the library immediately after class especially if there is stuff you have been instructed to take duly note of. One lesson I have learned while in university, when the lecturer walks out of class it is not a case of out of sight out of mind, the lesson continues, except it is all on you. Summed up as, You + Library = Relationship goals. That juicy conversation you just have to have or that juicy snack you just can't wait to sink your teeth into can wait just a tad bit longer, unless of course your on the verge of death or embarrassing loud, stomach growling.

3. From the notes taken on my library trip, read and write short notes based on these notes. These personalized notes are probably going to be a lifesaver in the long run saving me from reading a book cover to cover pre-exam day.

4.Read both sets of notes or  all notes you may have taken (if you've got more than two sets, more power to you and go on with your bad self, slaying already!?) a couple of times a week.The more you read, the more familiar and understandable what was once Greek becomes.

5. Get a hold of some past exam questions. This is where you get to showcase your brilliance and of course  get to be familiar with what to expect in your exams plus some of the questions are often repeated, word for word, here is your chance to get a perfect score!

6. Be consistent on all of the above. Change the game and make it easier said and done, in fact, be the worst and make it easier done than said. So maybe I am taking it a bit too far, but you know what I mean.

When finals come around you my friend will be the boss of conceited statements like, "Come at me bro', you know I got it. " because this time you will have got "it".

Have a good one!

Surviving College: My best days are stress days.

Let's be real, you know you are growing up when you have one of those days when you are just not feeling it. Danisnotonfire enlightened me, giving this "thing" a name, The Existential Crisis. I have dubbed them, the *sighs(literally sigh)*-days or one of those days, or down-in-the dump days. Take your pick.

But in the famous words of one of my favorite rappers, K. Dot, better known as Kendrick Lamar, "MY best days ARE stress days". Of course only when I look back on them because in the moment, disappearing into thin air is one of those offers which I might just take up. Therefore, I come from the future, promising that as corny as this sounds one day you will look back on this and laugh.

So here are my tips and tricks on how I get over my down-in-the-dump days:

1. Read the Bible. I will be honest enough to say that I do not do this as often as I should, but when I do, it does more than pick me up,it has me hangin' on cloud nine. A good Bible verse or even a whole chapter does the trick. Its always good to know that G-O-D is watching down on little old me. After some WE-Time (God and I), I always like to end it with a word of prayer. An essay of prayer is more like it. My prayer requests sometime run from here to the Himalayas , I find it best to write them down and come back when the whirlwind that is my life comes down and literally count my blessings; ticking off my answered prayers.

Didn't I tell you, you'll one day look back on this and laugh? Here is your moment.

2. Watch some Youtube. My best and worst days have me ooh-ing and aah-ing at Naptural85's gorgeous mane and her daughter Oya's milestones, what can I say who knew watching a two-year old would be the highlight of my day. Other days I live the adventure on FunForLouis and other days see me debating whether I should join the phenomenon that is Snapchat thanks to one Casey Neistat.


3. Watch a series. For me, I tend to be a reality type of girl. So, you can find me mentally bucking on command from Miss D of Lifetime's Dancing Dolls or rooting for Nia and her "sloppy feet", laughing at Kendall's developed sense of humor,or hoping that 'Kenzie, lives up or better yet surpasses the bar set by Maddie, her sister. Forget Dance Moms, call me a Dance Sister. I am sure Miss Abby cannot help but roll her eyes at me.

4. Indulge in a guilty pleasure. OREOS! Twist, Lick and Dunk! You my friend  have just changed the game. Go easy though, you don't need cavities in your life.

5. Sleep. Is there a problem that a good snooze can't solve, at least temporarily? Especially when it's cold outside and the heavens decided to pour down solely on you and you change into some cosy pajamas, wrap yourself like a burrito in a blanket, get some hot cocoa going, a treat and the icing on the cake, a good movie/series/book. Go on then, the land of Zzzz awaits.

6. Read a good book. There is nothing like getting lost in a world other than your own. One minute you're this stressed, fatigued, college student strutting your stuff in the hallways in this season's get-up, comfy tee and pants, (never gets old) and the next your in Holland with Ann Frank putting even a church mouse to shame at how quiet you are.

7. Listen to some good music. From Soundtracks to full albums, Listening to Alice Smith or even One Direction, yes, despite Zayne's departure, I still wave the Directioner flag high. You will be surprised at what can pick you up as you dance to the best song ever.


8. Talk to a friend. A friend who you can tell the good, the bad and the ugly. A friend who you can laugh at yourself  in front of. A friend who when you put your phone down on or end that Skype session, a positive sigh of relief and an ear to ear smile is left on your face.


9. Drop everything and just breathe. For a while at least.

There you go, go show The Existential Crisis who's boss.

Book Review: The Last Song

Are you curious to know how I spent my New Year's Eve even though we are already past Easter? Well, let me give you a hint. You know how you go on Youtube and you see the Get Ready With Me videos: New Year's Eve Edition or how you go on your Instagram and see #OOTN (Outfit of the Night)? That was nowhere close to my New Year's Eve. My OOTN? Pajamas. Where was I going? To bed. What was I going to do? Did you say party the night away? Wrong. Be a bookworm is more like it.

My Christmas holidays were also spent with this bad mammo jamma. It is worth mentioning though that was not the plan. I previously learnt that the writer, Nicholas Sparks, also had a hand in The Notebook, Dear John, The Lucky One, Nights in Rodanthe all which have been adapted into screenplays. I would like to think that I have grown as a reader and what better way to exploit that growth other than discovering what the hullabaloo was all about with Mr. Sparks, work.

Your probably thinking, you had all these options, why The Last Song. Uhm, hello? Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth need I say more other than I watched the movie a few years back and you now have a curious cat in your hands?

The down low: Ronnie is a rebellious New York teenager being forced to spend the summer before her 18th birthday in the South with her ailing pianist father. Whilst still on her rebellious streak she mingles with the wrong company as she evades all contact with her father. An embarrassing incident has her meeting Will whom to her comes off , as a spoilt preppy Southern boy at first, but that soon changes when a summer love begins to brew between them. Love is not all that is bubbling under this summer, so are secrets that will soon be unveiled.

A good love story always wins my attention, rarely does it steal my heart. The book was not as tear-jerking neither was it as heart wrenching as I expected.I happened to mention earlier that I had watched the movie. It wasn't anything to write home about. I couldn't figure it out, was it the actors, the script. It lacked a certain depth. Then it hit me, surely the movie didn't do the book justice. That was it, wasn't it? My quest to legitimize  the story did not end with meager thoughts, a conclusion was arrived at.

I have said it before and I will say it again; admitting my likes and dislikes is not my thing. The conclusion, the book was not bad neither was it good, it was rather okay, meh, maybe even bleugh. Definitely more meh than bleugh.

The good:
Ronnie was made to sound super real. New Yorker, former piano protege, a master mind at ignoring her parents at all costs, pretend club lover, Starbucks girl. So was her brother who was a typical ten year old. If there's one thing that significantly stood out in this book, the build of the characters.I also liked the spiritual aspect and the emotions brought on by Ronnie's Dad's situation.

The not so good:
Few parts of the book were thrilling. But it just didn't hit the mark on my thrill-o-meter that I am used to; dire devastation, exaggerated summer time happiness. Come to think of it, it may just be a matter of the extreme emotions I have become accustomed to, really.

All in all, it's not a read that is stationed up there in my books. It did fill a space regardless.

So if you are used to adventure, bumpy roads, speed bumps, full-on head-on collisions, road blocks, detours in your books, this just won't do it. It doesn't have that healthy dose. is more like it. But if your more of the smooth ride vibe, with minor hiccups on the side, type of guy or are just looking to pass the time with a relative book, look no further.

Have YOU read The Last Song? What did you think of it? Don't be afraid to comment, I would love to hear from you. Possibly even gain a different perspective.

Happy Reading Y'all!

Where Have I Been?

I find it quite pretentious to start with an apology for my two, maybe even three month hiatus. But that's only because I'm quite certain that I'm not in the Big Leagues. You know the League, the elite club of bloggers that owe YOU an explanation even if they are a minute late with a scheduled post and have a name for their readers; Lovies, Lovelies, Gang; no I am not taking a jab at any blogger(s), but wouldn't that be an original publicity boost 1000%, no?

So, my answer. One word for you, SCHOOL and a dash of laziness. I bet you didn't see that coming, did ya? Just when you saw it all, a tidal wave of the worsts come at you at break neck speeds. Of course a whole lot of other events have since taken over my otherwise dull life, but I think school sums it all up. Besides getting an education, I have been left exhausted, stressed and disoriented from anything non-school related. I think it would be safe to say that it's literally taken the life out of me. I can't help but think that "they" (inventors of school) intended for this to happen all along.

It has been far from easy. The good news, I have learnt a lot, a lot worthy of documentation, the bad news, the learning process has thrown me a few curve balls that have shed a rather unbecoming spotlight on me, the great news, the unbecoming moments will surely make for a stellar biography.

The even greater news, you can look forward to a little bit of everything, from my college series: Surviving College to my personal favorite, Media Monday to the articles responsible for the beginning of this blog, a literal couple of Book Reviews to some random pieces. Cosy up, get a snack or drink, whatever tickles your fancy, turn the lights off (no, it is not the beginning of an Usher hit single.) and become one with the glow from your screen.

Happy Reading Y'all.

March 2015 TCWT Blog Chain

Well, Howdy y'all!

Again I am beyond mesmerized at how fast the sixteenth crept up on me. Honestly speaking though, I am truly disappointed at how every month I manage to be unprepared for the blog chain. Oh well, there's always next month, you know what they say, if at first you don't succeed try, try again; except well in my case if at sixth you don't succeed...

But for now, to the prompt of the month!

“What are your thoughts on reading or writing books in non-novel formats? Are there any you’ve particularly enjoyed?”


Well I have to say, I did not have a lot to go on, considering I can only say I have read only two non-novel format books; A Raisin in the Sun which, I absolutely adored, in fact adored is probably an understatement. Finished it in just under a few hours. In fact when I went thrift book shopping last year, the book was just staring at me, like it was just waiting for me. Well, if only that particular copy had a mouth on it to call out to me because it would probably be sitting pretty on my shelf. Long story short, I conceded defeat to an individual who looked to appreciate a good piece of work, of course I did not go down without a fight, that is if asking politely,"Are you going to buy that?" and shrugging in disappointment as she confirmed my then deepest fear is considered a fight. At least it found a home while I walk the mean streets, with my eyes pealed, because maybe, just, maybe there is a copy out there with my name on it.


 The second one was An Enemy of the People which was a course reader while in high school. So I will be honest enough to say that it took me a couple of months and reading and re-reading this book for me to understand what it was going on about. To be exact, reading the book a good three times, because well, you know, the third time is a charm...NOT! watching the movie with the book, watching the movie without the book and finally watching the play. No animals were harmed in a bid to understand this book.

Until I came across this question, I never really had any thoughts about this genre of books but now, my eyes have been opened, opened wide. I am pretty eager to find out if there are any books that are non-novel-esque. Come to think of it, it would be kind of like an adventure, I'm Alice and books in the non-novel formats are my Wonderland (hey, it was either that or I'd use the next best euphemism, Dora the Explorer anyone?)

Do not forget to check out all the other blogs in the chain:

6th – http://www.ch1con.tumblr.com
7th – http://kirabudge.weebly.com
8th – http://irisbloomsblog.wordpress.com
9th – http://rcubedreadsreviews.blogspot.com/
10th – http://ramblingsofaravis.wordpress.com/
11th – http://arielkalati.blogspot.com/
12th – http://semilegacy.blogspot.com/
13th – http://musingsfromnevillesnavel.wordpress.com/
14th – http://abookishflower.wordpress.com/
15th – https://erinkenobi2893.wordpress.com/
16th – http://theedfiles.blogspot.com/
17th – http://butterfliesoftheimagination.wordpress.com/
18th – http://whileishouldbedoingprecal.weebly.com/
19th – http://jasperlindell.blogspot.com.au/
20th – http://allisonthewriter.wordpress.com/
21st – http://unikkelyfe.wordpress.com/
22nd – http://from-stacy.blogspot.com/
23rd – http://miriamjoywrites.com/
24th – https://introspectioncreative.wordpress.com/
25th – http://nasrielsfanfics.wordpress.com/
26th – http://stayandwatchthestars.wordpress.com/
27th – https://teenscanwritetoo.wordpress.com/

Happy reading y'all!