BOOK REVIEW // NICK & NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST

I actually did the whole thing backwards and watched (and reviewed!) the film before I read the book, but never mind. I loved the film and thought it was so quirky, so figured the book would be just as amazing. Thankfully I was right.

Image taken from Google

In case you haven't read my review of the film (go do it!), it's generally about a pair of teenagers, Nick & Norah, who clash together and basically have this infinite night/adventure together. I say they clash together, not in a bad way but in the way in that it's the start of something big, as opposed to clashing together in the fighting sense. The film storyline actually defers a little from the book, but overall it's themed around music, love and one long infinite night filled with adventures. What more could you want?

The blurb reads;

Nick's just seen the girl who dumped him walk in...with a new guy. What else can he do but ask the strange girl next to him to be his girlfriend for the next five minutes?

Norah would do anything to avoid conversation with the not not-friend girl who dumped Nick...and to get over the Evil Ex whom Norah never really totally dumped. What else can she do but answer Nick's question by making out with him?

With one electric, unexpected kiss, the five-minute couple of Nick and Norah set off on an uncharted adventure called the "first date" that will turn into an infinite night of falling in and out (and in and out, and maybe in and maybe out) of love. Theirs is a first date of music, laughter, heartache, confusion, passion, taxi driver wisdom, and a jacket named Salvatore. And if course a killer soundtrack.

As Nick and Norah wander through the middle-of-the-night mystic maze of Manhattan, they share the kind of night you never want to end, where every minute counts and every moment flickers between love and disaster.

First of all, I love the cover of this book. It's so simple yet eye-catching. It's a beautiful colour and I love how the iPod earphones make a heart shape, as well as the cool fonts of the title. The cover is actually so predictable because it covers exactly everything that the book is about ; music, love, the characters of Nick & Norah, and their infinite night. 

The story is co-written by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, Rachel writing Norah's chapters and David's writing Nick's. The book alternates between each characters point of view which is less common, but even more so for me because I've never really read a book that uses this concept. I really enjoyed the way it was written, it was nice to get into both characters head and see the way they were both dissecting situations differently. It made it easier to really capture the way the two characters (and men and woman in general) see things, think about things and analyze things so differently when it comes to love and dating. It also helped understand their slight awkwardness a bit better, which again, I loved in this book. Their characters were very off and on; at points Nick seemed really into Norah where she was backing off a little and at other times it was the other way around. It was extremely realistic in this sense and I loved that it didn't follow the typical storyline of the couple clicking immediately and that being that. It was refreshing to see that not everything went to plan; things Norah was constantly second guessing Nick's actions and words when really he's just struggling to juggle getting over his ex and liking Norah at the same time. 

Whilst inititally Nick's character annoyed me a little bit in the film with his inability to move on from his ex, in this book I loved him right away. Perhaps it was because I was getting right in his head and understanding how he actually felt and still hurt a little. His character was a lot more deep too and I loved that.

Norah was witty and so much cooler in the book than in the film (not that she wasn't cool in the film!) and I loved her character even more when reading the book. The way she talks and just some of the random phrases she uses to explain things are hilarious. She's just like any other girl; scared to fall for this guy in case she gets hurt, even calling herself a loser when what she says or does doesn't go to plan and she feels stupid for initiating it. It was great reading about her own second thoughts because though we've all moved on and aren't teenagers anymore dealing with these insecurities or double guessing so severely, there always still there when it comes to being with someone we like, no matter how grown up we are.

There were quite a few differences between the book and the film, but none so major that the storyline was effected. For example, Tris's character is a little nicer and we come to understand that she dumped Nick because she didn't love him enough and didn't want to continue hurting him when he could instead be happy with someone else. In the end she somewhat gives the couple their blessing. In the film, Tris and Norah do have a heart to heart moment, suggesting that they sometimes forget that they're better friends then they realize, but in the book they get on a little better and this is shown more. The night in the book isn't about finding Norah's drunk friend either. Although they are still kind of pushed together in the book, the outcome is still the same.

Overall it was just a great story and I loved everything about it. After reading the story, it was so obvious that no one other than Michael Cera and Kat Dennings could have played these characters. The book was great because it just captured the whole story a lot better, everything was just that more deep and the characters were so easy to understand. 

I would suggest this book to anyone; regardless of whether you've seen the film or not. It's a short book and despite the fact that it's quite deep, it's easy to read. It's funny and passionate and makes you want to go on your own infinite adventure, if even just to capture that feeling of a first love again. I also loved The Acknowledgements Playlist which was a cute idea.

This book effortlessly captured the innocence and clumsiness of a first love, and most definitely the  anticipation and excitement of the adventures we experience on those random seemingly neverending nights.

And here are some of my favourite quotes from the book!

When is a night over? Is it the start of sunrise or the end of it? Is it when you finally go to sleep or simply when you realize you have to? When the club closes or when everyone leaves? Normally, I keep these kinds of questions to myself. But this time, I ask Norah.

"It's over when you decide it's over," she says. "When you call it a night. The rest is just a matter of where the sun is in the sky. That has nothing to do with us."

"So what do you have to confess now?"

I don't know why I'm saying any of this, except that it's the truth.

"I'm confessing that I don't know if I'm ready for this."

"What is 'this'?"

Being open. Being hurt. Liking. Not being liked. Seeing the flicker on. Seeing the flicker off. Leaping. Falling. Crashing.

"Norah. I don't know if I'm ready for Norah."

I feel like I could drown in this, in him. He's lit by the machine he's leaning against, but I have fallen into darkness, not the darkness of the deranged or the depressed, but the darkness of the consumed, where all I can see, hear, taste, feel, is the probe of our mouths and hands, the warmth of our bodies pressed against each other, the urgency of his wanting, my wanting. It's like nothing else exists in the world right now except him, me, touching, exploring, longing, needing, sharing, having. So much for my straight-edge vow, because I am drunk on our ing's. If Nick's part of 'em, I want 'em, they're mine.

If I do this, it will be jumping into the middle of the mosh pit. Dangerous. Exhilarating. Terrifying. It's only a fucking turnstile, but what if I don't make it to the other side. Some people never make it out of the mosh alive.
The deafening screech of a train brakes announces the train is in the station.
Nick says, "Are we in this or not?"
To throw myself into the breach of our great divide will be a leap of faith.
I grab hold of his warm hand. Deep breath.
Ready.
Set.
Jump.

P.S Check out the Book Reviews tag for more book reviews! Also, please do visit Hanging On Every Word - another blog I'm part of. It's a collaborative book review blog between myself and some other bloggers and there are some great reviews on there! Please do check it out!

STYLE CRUSH // TAYLOR MOMSEN

Although I'm not too keen on the giant raccoon eyes, I am head over heels in lust with everything else that rock chick Taylor Momsen has to offer. It's not to everyones taste, but there's just something about the smudged eyeliner, ripped and tatty t-shirt dresses and shredded tights that she manages to pull off perfectly. On most it would look like the slutty sign of a bad night - but on Miss Momsen it just screams a grungy can't-be-bothered persona whilst still looking effortlessly stylish. I love how her outfits are less than perfect - the distressed material and messy hair gives over to a much more realistic look which is more me than the classy that I often try to be. It suggests that she has had a good night or is having a good time whilst offering a giant fuck you to anyone who dare judge her.

Taylor Momsen can I just be you? Please?!
Images taken from Google & edited myself using PicFrame App

Plus, in a weird way, it's sexy. You show me any guy that isn't turned on or tempted by the image of a woman in hold ups, an oversized t-shirt or shredded tights that show just the right amount of skin. I really love how despite actually wearing next to nothing, she somehow manages to keep it dignified and showing less skin then your average lady on a night out. The studs, leather and lace are very rock chick but she never clashes them all together too much at once in one outfit. Less is more when it comes to this grunge look and if you can look like you've made little to no effort whilst still looking as hot as her, you know you've done it right.

The best part is, it's so easy to re-create these looks yourself. Everything she's wearing is bang on trend from checkered flannel shirts to leather leggings. It's all about picking one particular trend right now (or not!) and just working it with whatever you have in the back of your wardrobe. A lot of her looks incorporate staple pieces like a well fitting pair of denim shorts, a plain black pair of hold ups or just a leather jacket. Simple items like these can spruce up - or rather, in this case, 'rock up' (as I call it!) most outfits very easily with no effort at all. If the giant heels are too much, invest in a trusty pair of ladies military boots. They go with EVERYTHING. Except, y'know, really formal clothes like a wedding dress or when it's boiling hot outside and you're sunbathing. But generally, even a cute pair of black military boots or black converse trainers can add an edge to most formal outfits too if you're confident enough. I can't be the only one who wants to wear converse on my wedding day...

Totally girl crushing on this lady right now.
Images taken from Google & edited myself using PicFrame App

If I could pull this look off every day in England I would - but recently, discarding the terrible weather pointing to the fact that I'd probably get pneumonia, I've realized that quite frankly I, and anyone else, can pull off this look or any other one as we see fit. As I've began to experiment more with my own style and lean more towards leather hot pants, tatty wifebeater dresses and jeans so skinny that they'd rival a toothpick, I've realized there's nothing whatsoever to suggest I can't pull that particular look off. Just like channelling my inner boohoo child on a hot summers day with lots of bangles, a pair of sandals and a long flowing dress, it's not down to my looks, my style or even my size to suggest just how well I may or may not pull it off. It's my confidence. Don't get me wrong, I won't be squeezing into a tiny size 0 pair of hot pants anytime soon, just like I wouldn't choose to wear a dress that's far too big for me - there is a limit of course. But as long as I feel confident wearing something, then I sure as hell am pulling it off. Never in a million years would I have thought about wearing a pair of leather hot pants/shorts but had I left the house feeling unhappy and unconfident with how they sat on my curvy hips, people would notice. I wouldn't be pulling them off at all. But generally liking the way they looked on me and not giving a shit about what other people thought secured the success that was pulling off something I'd never have dared try in the past.

So if there's a look, style or even just a daring dress you want to try but don't think it's very 'you' - give it a go anyway. Experiment in the comfort of your own home. Work it with different accessories and make up styles until you're happy and never, ever hold back because of the fear of trying something new.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to take a pair of scissors to an old pair of tights (they were already ruined, I promise you, my nan informed me yesterday that I'd unknowingly had a big ladder in the back of them whilst wearing them in work all day) and distress them so it looks like I've fallen over a million times in them. Because by the end of my next night out wearing them, I probably would have anyway so why not work the look in my favour early ;)

Although I'll forgo the giant raccoon eyes and I'm not even going to attempt the gigantic heels she seems to wear, considering how clumsy I am that's just an accident waiting to happen...

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin | Tumblr | Instagram  

GIVEAWAY/GADGET REVIEW // CASETAGRAM PERSONALIZED IPHONE CASE

A few weeks ago I won Bonjour Luce's giveaway to win a personalized iPhone 4/5 or iPad case with Casetagram. I didn't expect to win because I rarely ever win anything, but surprisingly enough Luce contact me via Twitter not long afterwards to tell me I'd won! As soon as I recieved my code, I logged onto the website to design my case. 

Like Luce, I chose to use photos from my instagram because photos are always much more arty and better quality with instragram, but you have loads of options of what photos to use. You can upload them straight, or link your Facebook to use photos from there. The design page is very easy to use ; you can choose a variety of different patterns and designs and can be really creative. I took ages trying to decide what photos to use, there were so many I wanted to fit on there! In the end I managed to fit 19 photos on my case.

It arrived in beautiful packaging and I was more than pleased when I opened it all. The case is great quality, the photos are spot on and very clear too. The case fits perfectly and it's so nice to finally have an iPhone case! I think it's a great idea that Casetagram offer you the chance to design your own - what better way to show off all your favourite photos of your friends and family than on the back of your iPhone?

I chose just a few of my photos from the past year or so. It wasn't easy - there were so many different memories I wanted to display on the case! But generally I chose a mix of themed nights out, photos with my friends and family, a photo with Jasper, photos with some of my favourite bands, my favourite bands logo and a couple of travel photos too. I also chose a favourite quote of mine, which, even though is quite small, is still easy to read!

I also had a look through Casetagram's website and thought all the other designs they offer are very cute and stylish too. One of my favourite personalized designs was where you could arrange your photos into a heart shape across two cases - which is ideal for couples! It's all very cheap and affordable too which is great.

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin | Tumblr | Instagram  

REFLECTION

Today's post is a little different but it's something that I think is quite important and thought provoking anyway, so let me know what you think.

I'm the type of person who often finds it hard to forge long term friendships, or at least keep them going. When I left for university I had no clue that the friendships with those back home would change and only a few years on and a lot HAS changed. I no longer speak to friends who I once considered best friends, or who I had known all my life. Perhaps we just grew apart or realized we had little in common anymore.

But for the first time in a long time, I feel like I fit in somewhere. I think it's important to note and remember times when your life is going well and to sit back and appreciate it because life is filled with ups and downs. Right now, I'm extremely content with my life and the relationships I have with people are a big part of that reason.

Image found via Tumblr

I think it's so easy to forget about the people that are in our every day life's and just how important they are to you. Perhaps these people are the people that have been there through it all. They've been there for your highs, but most importantly your lows too. Or maybe they're people you haven't known for long, but have clicked with instantly.

In the past year or so have become closer to old friends, made new friends and forged new relationships with some people I am more than grateful for. I've never been the type of person who has a big group of friends, but right now I am more than content with our little group which seems to be just the right size. I've come to realize that even when I'm having days when I feel far too tired to do anything, I usually end up having some of the best nights with these friends. Or there are even times when I'm bored and feeling down - rather then sticking on a movie to just take my mind off things like I used to, it's nice to know that I can now rely on these people. Just a simple message to any of them and immediately I am flooded with suggestions on how we can spend that night.

The relationships aren't perfect. There are a few relationships in my life that are still just beginning ; still filled with confliction and complication, but nonetheless I'm still grateful to have them there. Some nights I could be playing crazy golf tipsy before driving all the way to London for a Krispy Kreme donut and other nights I could just be grabbing a bottle of wine and heading over for a movie night and cuddles; each day and night can be as random as the next but no matter how down I may have felt beforehand, I always end up with a smile on my face.

And maybe I won't be friends with these people forever. Maybe we'll grow apart like I have done with other friends. And I hope that doesn't happen. But it's what's happening right now which is important. We're creating memories together, becoming as close as family and laughing so hard that it hurts our sides. Even if we're not friends in ten years time, we'll still have these great memories to look back on.

Not long ago I used to take a lot of my friendships for granted, but now I've learnt not to. It's hard to remember just how important friends are when you're used to being alone after pushing everyone away which is why you should never let yourself get into that position. When I graduated and came home and realized most of my friendships were over, it hurt, but I threw myself head first into working. And when I wasn't working or spending time with family, I just chilled by myself. Naturally I'm the type of person who likes their own space sometimes. My lack of close friends didn't bother me - not at first anyway. And then when things began to change I realized just how much I missed the friendships. The gossping, the giggling and the nights out.

Image found via Tumblr

I wouldn't change any of it for the world right now. So if you ever find yourself feeling like life is getting away, try to remember to appreciate those close to you. We ALL know what it's like when everyone is working/growing up/too skint to make time for each other. One cancelled lunch turns into months without catching up and before you know it you've grown apart. The great thing about real friendships is that no matter how long it's been, you can always count on them, but that's still no excuse. Don't let it happen, even if just a rejection to one little night out doesn't seem to be a big deal. It's not, but soon enough it will be. Remember to make time for your friends. You need friendships to fall back on, even when it's just when you need to let your hair down after a long and stressful week at work.

Life doesn't wait for anyone and you never know what could happen next week. Right now be the last time in a long time that you feel so happy, so make the absolute most of it while you still can.

And sometimes; don't be afraid to go all out. Laugh about the inside jokes for as long as you can, then write them down somewhere so you can laugh again at a later date. Take loads of photographs. Even when you shouldn't, splash out every now and then just to do something different. And appreciate not only the memories, but the people too.

It's rarely about where you are or what you're doing. It's about the company.

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin | Tumblr | Instagram  

FILM REVIEW // NICK & NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST

Image from Google

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist has been a favourite movie of mine for a few years now and I don't think I'll ever grow tired of it. Although at first it looks like a typical rom-com movie, it's anything but. It's quirky and different and is one of those indie films that has an amazing soundtrack. It is based on the novel of the same name by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan (I'll be reviewing the book soon too so keep an eye out!)

The film follows two teenagers - Nick and Norah - over the course of a night where they are kind of forced together to find Norah's drunken best friend who had gone missing, and to find the secret venue where their favourite band will be playing. The night is an humourous adventure from start to finish as the two get to know each other better. Nick is dealing with an ex girlfriend who he can't get over, whereas Norah is stuck in a 'relationship' which isn't making her happy. It's obvious to everyone but them that each other is the answer ; but somehow the two of them can't see it.

I really loved that their characters didn't exactly click right away. In so many rom-coms we see couples clicking immediately and feeling that attraction when in reality this rarely ever happens - when you meet someone you end up liking, it doesn't always get off to a good start. I loved that this film was much more realistic. Nick is still getting over his ex so of course he doesn't fall for Norah right away and likewise she finds his inability to move on annoying.

In fact, together, the two are quite awkward which I absolutely loved. We rarely see this in films but it's so refreshing and realistic to see them both shy and awkward around each other. But it's adorable to watch - it isn't off putting or embarassing - it's sweet.

At first I found the character of Nick annoying in this way too, frustrated that he couldn't see how wrong his ex girlfriend was for him. I also felt his role had been done far too many times by Michael Cera and it wasn't anything new. However, Michael Cera did play the role well and by the end of the film, just like Nick finally managed to see what was right in front of him, I found myself loving the character by the end. I think again this was because it was so realistic ; as he tended to realize it was time to move on, his annoying puppy dog love for his ex faded - which was essentially annoying me about the character.

Image from Google

The character of Nick's ex girlfriend, Tris, was very annoying, but obviously that was the whole point. The actress who played her, Alexis Dziena, played the role very well and I think even by the end of the film I felt sorry for her just a little. She clearly didn't know what she wanted - she didn't want Nick anymore, but she didn't want anyone else to have him either. 

The film very much felt like an adventure and I felt like I was along for the ride with the two characters too. We've all had never ending nights where we end up doing the most random things ; looking after our drunk best friend, desperate to see some good bands with some good company - I loved the whole premise of the film, as well as the messages behind it.

The film had an amazing soundtrack too - there was a real mix of indie, rock and upbeat music that reflected the characters perfectly. I also loved the characters of Nick's band (and Lethario!) who were hilarious - I'd do anything to have friends like that. They were great in that they kind of just took Norah under their wing and insisted on helping getting her and Nick together because they knew right away she was right for him.

I'd definitely recommend this film - its fun, lighthearted and has an awesome soundtrack so if anything, you'll definitely get into some new bands by watching this film. It's also fun to watch just to see Kat Dennings in such a different role compared to what she normally does. To most people this film would just be a rom-com, but for anyone who likes anything different it's definitely a quirky indie film worth a watch.

Finally, the film has some amazing quotes. Here are my favourites. 

Nick: You don't have to yell. It's not a train station. We're in a tiny car.

Thom: Would someone mind telling me where we're going?

Norah: You know how some people like to eat at the same places?

Nick: Yeah.

Norah: Well Caroline likes to barf in the same places.

Norah: Are you sad that we missed it?

Nick: We didn't miss it. This *is* it. 

Thom: You just haven't figured it out yet, have you?

Nick: What?

Thom: ...The big picture!

Nick: I guess not.

Thom: The Beatles.

Nick: What about them?

Thom: This. *He grabs Nick's hand* Look, other bands, they want to make it about sex or pain, but you know, The Beatles, they had it all figured out, okay? "I Want to Hold Your Hand." The first thing. It's effing brilliant, right?...That's what everybody wants, Nicky. They don't want a twenty-four-hour hump sesh, they don't want to be married to you for a hundred years. They just want to hold your hand.

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin | Tumblr | Instagram  

P.S Check out the Film Reviews tag for a mooch at some of my other reviewed films!