Thursday 26 May 2016

April Reviews

Help
Kathryn Stockett
5/5
G.P. Putnam's Sons 10/02/2009 Paperback
Library

I've meant to pick up this book for a while now, and I was glad to find it in the Library. I loved it in many ways. It was easy to read, and had so many nuanced details about life in Jackson. The story is amazing and with Stockett's in depth look into the characters voices, we get a real sense of their personality. After I read the book, I followed it up with the film and thought it was very well portrayed by all of the actors. 

The story is gripping and immediately throws the reader into the lives of women on opposite ends of the social scales. But it is also about writing, about story telling, about changing things through books and that creates a microcosm of interesting thoughts among the storyline its self. I raced through the story and was completely hooked. It's Stockett's first novel, which gives it a little bit more of an exciting flavour, unlike other first novels the idea is clear, concrete and well handled. I highly recommend this to all readers to become one of your favourites!


Americanah

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

4.5/5
Virago 04/04/2014 Paperback
Library

Another book with a focus on modern race interactions specifically in America and
Nigeria. As a white british girl, I found it hugely enlightening, issues I'd just never thought of before were laid out honestly. I pretty much hated the interuption of the blog posts, as I always do in books that have them. But they worked better for the character's voice than the narrator. 

The story is fairly standard, a Nigerian girl goes to school in America and then returns home but its not really driven by the plot. I didnt particularly get interested in her interactions with her family or her relationships but we needed a framework to hang the ideas from, which led to some fairly flat characters floating around the protagonist.

I will say it was very beautiful written, which made it a joy to read and I loved reading it next to Help for a fast forward in time. Overall I liked the writing style and am on the hunt for Half of a Yellow Sun.




Thursday 19 May 2016

Best Value Night Out in London...

London has a lot to offer and one thing that has completely changed my life is dancing in Central London. At the risk of rubbishing other dances, I will just say that Modern Jive is one of the easiest things to get into. It's a two step dance, which means NO COUNTING! Hallelujah.

Ceroc is the platform that Modern Jive is taught from and it is a nationwide and even global brand that is spreading! This means that where ever you are in the UK there will be a dance night for you, particularly in London. With regular deals from Groupon and discounts on your first weeks of lessons AND a life time membership, it's certainly value for money.

Being able to dance is a fantastic gift, even if you only remember a couple of moves, you are sure to impress on the dance floor.

You don't need a partner, special shoes (although comfy ones are recommended), or clothes. Which means you can go to your nearest venue right after work as many people do. Now that it's summer it will get hot so bring a spare top or a towel if you need to. Top tip: deodorant and a breath mint are a winning combination.

It's also brilliant exercise for the mind, body and soul. Learning new moves and listening to the music improve brain function, the cardio and strengthening benefits are there as well, Plus with all the chatting in between tracks you're sure to make some new friends.

Check out ceroc.com for your nearest venue.

UPDATE.

I've always found Ceroc is inclusive at all of its venues.

It's a lead and follow dance but everyone can dance with everyone.

Like Tango, where men are free to dance with men, and women to dance with women; practising leading and following is a great way to hone your skills.

There are all kinds of games to play on the dance floor, swapping leads mid dance, a third dancer stealing the lead or the follow of the dance, blind leading, blind following. Double trouble: two follows one lead. Regardless of your gender, learning to lead or follow is your choice.