The Diary Hates Me!

I. Am. So. Sorry. I have no reason for this to be so late, but hey, Happy New Year! Hello! This is an entirely voluntary post, not at all induced by homework. No, you're right, that's too good to be true, I'm doing this because I have a load of P.Q. homework that I don't want to be doing. So I procrastinated my way over here, switched on my computer, opened Youtube, started my playlists of funny videos, opened this blog and put it off as looooong as I could. It's working!

My homework diary: You do this every night! I'm full of blank spaces where there should be ticks!
Me: You are a inanimate object that is not an anime character or a character from a book. Therefore you may not speak to me, so shut up!

Hum... I'm not exactly the nicest of owners, but the diary hates me, I swear! And I have proof. Homework I write down just disappears and then I don't do it. I promise that's what happened to my biology homework! I promise! Anyway, on with the show!

Quoterxx

Funny quote:

This was almost the quote I used, but then I heard this. It
 fits, though! The picture comes straight off the internet.

Random Human Being: Are you sure there's enough room in here in the event of a fire, what with all of us and Gilbert's ego?
Ivan:At first I was going to say yes, there is enough room, but then you added his ego and no, we're all screwed.
Gil: I'd just like to make a point. I am a member of the association of narcissists and it is not a disease, we are just legitimately more awesome the the rest of you.
~ This came straight off a Youtube video I'm watching, so credit goes to 'CelticMist03' for putting it up~




Thoughtful quote:
"I like to say I don't care what people think, but rather like most phobias, there's no real chance that can happen."
~ Me, in a debate with a friend.

This happened a couple of hours ago, and I was getting pretty worked up (we were debating about putting stress on oneself) anyway, I said this, but I didn't really think about it until Dad and I were halfway home  and I started talking about it. I think it's pretty true. Almost everyone wants to be accepted by someone, whether that/those someone(s) are generally popular or not. Everyone wants to have a friend who won't judge and I think everyone cares about what they think. At least, to some degree. I believe that this appears in varying degrees in people. Some people hardly care, some people try to fit themselves exactly into society. Personally, I care about what people I care about think. I also think that it's important to be able disregard some opinions in order to have your own identity. Not rudely, just to be able to say, "Okay, you say this show is weird, I say t's extremely funny, so I'll watch it but I won't make you." I think people need to be able to make an idiot of themselves in public every now and then. (This is coming from the girl who ended up - after much pleading - yelling "Open this damn door at once!" whilst scratching on a door on Halloween. Thanks for that idea, Kitty, Linda, Alexia. Thank you....)

Also, because I want to have reasonably long post to make up for my epically long hiatus, I would lie to announce something that has been really exciting me and my friend Sorrel recently. Series 3 of BBC's Sherlock is coming out this year. Plus, I'm going to see the Hobbit *squeaks*. But, as I haven't seen that yet, sadly, I cannot give a review on it. I can, however, branch out and review Sherlock.

Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes) and Martin Freeman (JohnWatson)

Name: Sherlock
Writers: Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat (Based off the books by Sir Conan Doyle)
Recommended Age: I'd say 10+, but it really depends on a lot of stuff....

I discovered this when I was visiting my friend (Sorrel)'s house and we rented this. I was addicted. She recommended it and, rather like many Conan Doyle fans, thought it would be ridiculous to try and put Sherlock Holmes in the modern world. However (and I mean this in the nicest way possible), also like many Conan Doyle fans, I think I have been slightly blinded by the style of Sherlock. Horses and carriages and flickering street lamps and street urchins are a big part of Sherlock's world, but they aren't what the books are actually about and, of course, they were modern books when they were written. A lot of people have said that Sherlock in a lab doing experiments is completely wrong, but who can deny that if they were around then, they would have been the original Holmes's second home? I personally love they way they have adapted it, it has become much more relatable, especially in this age of technology. There is still the unmissable air of eccentricity in Sherlock, displayed often in his long speeches as he thinks out loud, reminiscent of another character, also written by Moffat..... Anyway, I enjoy the fact that knowing the resolution in the books in no way ruins watching these mysteries, as I don't even think the culprit is always the same person! Overall, the BBC series is more adventurous than the original in my opinion, and definitely more humorous!
So that was a bit long winded, but I think it gets my point across. "Think" being the key word there.
Love and apologies,
Quoterxx

Una Stubbs as Mrs Hudson

Mark Gatiss as Mycroft Holmes

Lara Pulver as Irene Adler

Courtesy of Kitty

Me right now.....

Hello! Two, in such short time. you say? Why, thank you for noticing.... This isn't voluntary. (Don't worry, that's not really true) I would like to thank my friend Kitty who is at present sitting next to me and pointing out quotes at the speed of light. Sadly, most of them are funny only to us...... And a whole hoard of anime supporters, which I guess most of you aren't. The world is probably a better place for that... Some people still live in this dimension. Hehe...









Funny quote:
I have nothing to declare except my genius - Oscar Wilde, courtesy of my friend Kitty.

No, even I don't advise this.....

Thoughtful quote:
Not everything that can be faced is changed. But nothing can be changed until it's faced. - James Baldwin, also courtesy of Kitty.

I like this because it's true. Nothing, even the rotation of the earth and the continuation of life on earth, takes place without a little nudge. Okay, so maybe gravity's a pretty big nudge, but you understand my general point, right? If you want something to change, you have to be prepared to make sacrifices.  And it's a pretty even proportion.
Big Change: Big sacrifice.
Small Change: Small sacrifice.
And yes, Change gets a capital letter. 'Cause I'm the author and I can!

Love,
Quoter xx

Names...

Hello, humans and my good friends the intergalactic Nargs!

Not dead yet, though I can understand why you'd think that! I'm sorry I was so long.....

Quoter here! Actually, I was thinking, would Quotress sound better? I mean, I always think -ess sound better, the -er, you know? Like actress! In fact, as Briony (Chime) says, "Murderer. No, murderess. Somehow, that sounds so much more violent." At least, that's paraphrased. My friend asked me the other day if I had a quote for everything. If I think hard enough, I do..... Is that a good thing? Somehow, it doesn't seem like one. Hm. What do you think? Anyway, that's enough about names, although the books I am quoting do have some of the most interesting names - Issa, Yasri and Twiga, to name three. Plus my favourite email address - rabidfairy@shakestinyfist.com (But don't contact it.... Someone may have made one?)


Funny Quote:

Hey! My body may be small, but my soul is large. It’s why I wear platforms. So I can reach the top of my soul.
-Zuzana, Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Thoughtful Quote:

Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there's no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic

-Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Firstly, the picture goes more with the book than with the quote, so that's more really for the review. Anyway, there's a couple of quotes I can think of to back this point up, notably President Snow's speech in the Hunger Games. I like this tough, because it describes all the things you can do with hope, and there really is a lot. It really is extremely powerful, because if you believe something can happen, I think you're halfway to making it happen. You're more likely to work hard for your goal if you think it is achievable. So, those are my views on hope. And I think they are views shared by many people, because you just try typing "quotes hope" into google.   

So, on to the book review! 

Title of book: Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Author: Laini Taylor

Sequel: Days of Blood and Starlight

Rating: 9/10

Age: 11+ 

Favourite Character: Zuzana

Advice: Very good, but watch for some slightly adult scenes.

Brief Plot: Karou lives half of her life as an ordinary art student on the streets of Prague, with a tiny best friend and an annoying ex-boyfriend. Only, she lives the other half as a messenger for  Brimstone, a chimera, though we would call them monsters. And one day, on an errand, she sees an angel, and both her lives spiral out of her control.

I like this book because there is a good mixture of themes mentioned - Romance, (which I'm not usually a fan of, though this is so well written I've made an exception) mystery, adventure, humour and more. I love the story and the twists, and I love how the characters are written, so that they seem real and extremely believable, even the otherworldly Brimstone and the perfect Akiva (Yes, perfect can be believable) Overall, a good, varied read.

Book Trailer

Buy Daughter of Smoke and Bone here

Buy Days of Blood and Starlight here

Also, I realise the formatting changed halfway through this, but I couldn't get it back.....

Bye!

Awkwardness!

Hey guys, I realise I forgot the review I promised.
Oops!
So... awkward.....
Also, I'm sorry for not reviewing for so long.  *Hides*
Alexia: Why are you hiding?
Me: You'll see.....
*Fans (who am I kidding, people) start throwing knives*
Alexia: .... *Goes back to computer*

Quoterxx

Here we go.

Swallows and Amazons

Author: Arthur Ransome

We have here the more recent edition, picture off Amazon. Swallows and Amazons is about a group of four siblings who take a boat, Swallow to an island on a lake to camp. I'VE BEEN THERE! ...... Sorry.....  random insert of mania. What I meant was that I've been to the inspiration. Anyway, these kids wind up chasing two girls over the lake and later befriending them. The "Amazons " then help the "Swallows" launch an attack on the unfriendly Captain Flint and his houseboat. Okay, so maybe that's not quite how it happened, but close enough. I liked this book as it is possible, unlike most of my readings. The characters are must more relatable, as they have no ties to other worlds, races or The Shire. I am, for future reference, a
MASSIVE LORD OF THE RINGS FAN!
Although this book is beyond fault, the one fault is that is is quite formal and moves slower than some nowadays books.

I would recommend this book for 7+ years. However, it is not romantic or overly dramatic, though the series develops in drama as it goes along. I know this book isn't quite to everyone's taste, but try it, and see what you think. Especially if you like things set late 20th century.

My favourite character in this book is Susan, though in later books it is Dot, or the twins from Coot Club.


  You can buy the book here and the film here.









Zanna Hamilton as Susan in the
film.

So, there we go.
Quoterxx

What you can hear at lunchtime.....?

Hello! While the titles are getting no better, the suggested quotes from friends and family (and gerbils - at least when I was researching quotes, Pippin and Indie were jumping around and squeaking, so I think they might have had something to say. Sadly, I don't speak much gerbil, and all I could make out was "Sad..... donkey says.....rose, okay?") are pouring in. However, I have a high standard, so none are in. So for this quote I have resorted to keeping my ears open in the hope of picking something up. And... unlike most of my plans,  IT WORKS! (Cue jumping round screaming with Rose, the only one who will put up with it) The funny quote today is from a couple of friends of mine - Kitty and Alexia. I was sitting, eating lunch and chatting to Sorrel and Rhona when these words came floating over.... Believe me it took me ages to process. Also, it's more weird than funny, so if you are looking for something normal, just skip it.

Quoter xx



Funny Quote:

Kitty: Does anyone else feel like an ood while eating spaghetti?
Alexia: Meeeee!
    ~ My friends at lunch ~

(Thank you, guys! By the way, please check Alexia's blog - SconeHeart)


Thoughtful quote:
Getting over a painful experience is like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go to move forward.
       ~ C. S. Lewis ~

I like this quote because it is true, and because it is, like monkey bars, moving on something I am absolutely terrible at. I like to dwell in the past, so I need to learn from this.  Yay......... So, anyway, circling back to topic. It's always hard to let go, but I think it's important. Very VERY important, in fact. If you can't let go of someone or something, then you can't enjoy your life as much as you should. I don't mean forget them, but let them rest at the back of your mind.

So, that was my advice for a while. I will try and find more cheerful quotes in future. I feel down today, as yesterday was really bad... I was in the Lake district over the weekend, and left my luggage there, along with homework. My teachers were really nice, but the doesn't stop stress. Plus my friend Tay was missing, so if you're out there GET BETTER... Alexia really misses you too.....

Ah, well. That's enough moaning. If I'm not careful, I'll end up becoming unfocused enough to hear 'Gangam Style' (Is that the right spelling?) in the back ground,

Help!

Quoter xx

Oops!

While trying to help my friend follow my blog, I forgot I was signed in already, so I have ended up following my own blog. I promise, I'm not utterly desperate!

My First Review

Hi guys!
Here are my latest quotes of awesomeness! Or rather my latest quotes which I hope with be interpreted as awesome. (I have noted, by the way, that both my current posts are My First.... If you think of anything better, please leave a note in the comments.) so, I have found two quotes, both of which come from books, so I will have a short review to accompany them. I hope you enjoy!
Quoter xx

Funny Quote:

"Just let me get this straight,' he said. 'You're angels on a mission to help mankind and you've been assigned Venus Cove?"
"Actually Gabriel's an archangel," I corrected. "But otherwise, yes."
"Well that explains why he's so hard to impress," said Xavier flippantly.
        ~ Bethany and Xavier,
                        Halo ~

Thoughtful quote:

"Who would wave a flag to be rescued if they had a desert island of their own?"
         ~ Titty,
        Swallows and Amazons ~

Yeah, yeah, okay - I know we all would. I think anyone would. But this is a good point. You can have fun ABSOLUTELY ANYWHERE! If you were on a desert island, and you have arranged yourself a routine and a life, wouldn't you enjoy it? Even a little bit? I think it's a good point - there's always something you can enjoy.


Okay - as promised, reviews for a book I have quoted - Halo. I will probably do a review for Swallows and Amazons next post.

Halo

Author: Alexandra Adornetto (18 when this was published)

Brief Plot: Bethany, Ivy and Gabriel are two angel and an archangel sent to Earth to save the humans from the Dark powers that have been targeting different areas, including Venus Cove. While there, Bethany, who is learning about humans for the first time, falls in love with Xavier Woods, a mortal who has recently lost his girlfriend, Emily.

I like this book because it is unpredictable and the romance is well-written and not soppy. I couldn't put it down, and had to walk all the way to school while reading. (If a certain cyclist is reading, I apologise the little - ahem - incident this morning and I hope you don't get sued.) The characters were well written and on the whole, realistic, though I feel Ivy was a little one-sided. Overall, the stats are:

Rating: 8/10
Age: 11+
Favourite Character: Ivy (Despite my earlier comment)
Advice: A good read, but you may want to keep an eye out for certain language.

Sequels:

Heaven
Hades

Buy them here:
Buy Halo Here
Buy Heaven Here
Buy Hades Here

Goodbye for now!

P.S. If there is a quote you would like me to know, your thoughts on one of these, or a book you feel I should read, please leave a message in the comments below!

Metaphorical cupcakes (or, if like my friend Linda you have an oh-so-rational fear of cupcakes, cookies) for those who follow or review.
Quoterxx