Summer reads

My book-buying addiction is getting a little severe. Every time I am halfway through a book I find myself wandering over to a bookstore to buy one I can read straight after I finish the one I'm currently reading. The summer is a great time for literature nerds like me because of all the endless spare time we have (most of us like to keep to ourselves due to our stacks of books we must finish before summer is over!!!) Sooo, I thought it would be fun to share with you my current book favorites!

This summer I've purchased a few books and I've chosen them very carefully. I know that most people don't think a book is a big purchase but for me it kind of is. I don't want to spend money on books I will only read once, I want to spend money on books I will have for the rest of my life - books I can read over and over again. Most of these books are classics so I doubt you will be unfamiliar with their names (if you don't read much literature I suggest you should move on to another post of your interest, reading about something you have no clue about is never a particularly entertaining experience..). I will leave a little review or a recommendation by the books so you can choose if you're ready to dive into some of the most amazing books I've ever read!

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963)

Review: 
When I read this for the first time I knew nothing of Sylvia, her life or even her poetry. My mind had not been filled with negative opinions that a lot of people tend to think have about Sylvia Plath. I read this with a completely neutral state of mind and it drew me in and after that there was no turning back. This book is about Esther Greenwood who lives the "perfect life" but is very depressed and suicidal. As you get deeper into the book you can almost feel the depression and insanity so clearly you start to wonder if this book was written especially for you. Sylvia Plath was an amazing poet but also an exceptional novelist. 
Rate: 10/10

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis (1991)

As the name gives away this book is about an American psycho, literally. I don't recommend reading this book if you're sensitive when it comes to murder/rape/drugs. There were a few times that this book made me feel sick but it is completely genius. Patrick Bateman (the "hero" of the story) tells you about his life in an insane way, he describes what every single character is wearing head-to-toe and gives you graphic descriptions when he murders homeless people, cops and hookers. Writing this down it sounds completely awful but when you pick up this book you won't be able to put it down. 
Rate: 9.5/10

Mad Girl's Love Song: Sylvia Plath and Life Before Ted by Andrew Wilson (2013)

Review: 
I haven't finished this one yet but I'm getting closer and closer to the final chapter. I can honestly tell you that this is much more than I expected. I had sort of given up on biographies but this one really captures the Plath-spirit in a neutral way. I had read somewhere that a lot of biographies about Sylvia are either on her side or against her but this one describes her life and personality perfectly, you'll be able to form an opinion of your own.
Rate: 8.5/10





Orange Is The New Black by Piper Kerman (2010)

This one has gone through a lot with me, traveled to Latvia and back but also accompanied me on a family roadtrip. Most people are familiar with the TV series that were made from this book (if you're not then why???) but you've got to be able to distance yourself from the show when you're reading it because otherwise you won't enjy it as much. This book is kind of an autobiography about Piper who goes to a women's prison and spends a year surrounded by fellow criminals. At first she is rather frightened and on edge but as she gets to know the prisoners she realizes that they aren't horrible human beings just because they've committed crimes. The main thing you'll learn from this book is you've got to stop judging people because of their looks/actions/skin color. This book should be taught in schools, it's such an eye-opening masterpiece. 
Rate: 9/10

The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (2000)

Where do I begin to describe this life-changing book? It is a graphic novel and I finished it within three days. It's also an autobiography and tells the story of a little girl growing up in Iran. The struggle and violence that nation has had to deal with is perfectly described and will often leave you close to tears. This book had me staying up way to late and thinking about going home to read as I was hanging out with friends. A must read for people that are interested in sociology and such.
Rate: 10/10

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937)

Everyone must be familiar with this book but I can't resist to put it on my list. I can honestly tell you that this book had me both laughing and crying out loud. Tolkien is of course a complete master when it comes to writing fairy tales that are suitable for both grownups and tiny children. I adore this book so, so much, it is such a great work of art. 
Rate: 10/10

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1940)

This is a strange but wonderful story that tells the tale of a pilot that meets a little prince in Sahara. The prince tells stories of a little planet of his that are quite amazing. You won't ever forget this book.
Rate: 10/10











Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronté (1847)

I can't say I'm a huge fan of love stories but this one held me captive the whole time. This story is no ordinary love story, the tale of Cathy and Heathcliffe is so god damn emotional it will bring you to tears more than once. I have nothing else to say about this book except for it's absolutely perfect and I can't wait to read it again and again.
Rate:10/10

Poems by Sylvia Plath collected by Carol Ann Duffy (2012)

Have you noticed my Sylvia Plath obsession yet? Probably not, I mean, only 3 out of these 9 books have to do with her.. Ever since I read The Bell Jar I've been infatuated with her and these poems are definitely not a let-down. Sylvia was one of the greatest poets ever and has been such an inspiration to young poets all around the world. This is a great read for people that want to crawl deeper into Sylvia's head and read some amazing poetry while at it.
Rate:9.5/10



Thanks for stopping by!
Punk hugs, 
Maria

Room tour

Last week I left my lovely bedroom for good. My dad was moving in with his girlfriend which meant that I had to say goodbye to my cozy and private bedrooom and move my stuff to a much smaller room at the other end of town. Yay. The last evening I spent there (before I packed all my stuff) I took a few pictures to remember my room. So I thought I'd share it with you!

I hope you'll enjoy this little post and feel inspired in some way. 

I've spent way too much money on candles this year and I light one or two
every night before bed, it's so comforting.

I have a bad habit of buying fashion magazines even though I haven't finished
the one that came the month before. Although, that means I can sit
down anytime and read them and I never run out of stuff to read.

I bought these two from topshop a few weeks ago. I bought the little night
creme first to make sure I wasn't alergic to it or anything. It is so good, everytime
I put it on I feel so fresh in the morning. I recommend it to everyone.
The tinted moisture lotion is just as good.

I wear this necklace almost everyday which is funny because I got it when I
was 6 months old. It's almost a choker now but it reached down to my stomach
when I first got it. Kind of cute to think about it.

Recently I've gotten into drawing a lot more than I've usually been. I've
always enjoyed it but just recently have I actually bought sketching books
and drawing pencils (4 sketch blocks and 10 pencils to be honest....). I'm not
very good but I like spending my time doodling.

My "bedside table". I am usually reading 4-5 books at a time and last week
I was reading The Hobbit, 3 Icelandic short story collections and poems by
Sylvia Plath.

This is my Vinyl collection. My dad gave me a box filled with old and classic
rock when I got my vinyl player so 98% of those albums are over 20 years old.
I think I have about 10 albums that I've bought myself.

That week I had the Footloose soundtrack on repeat. I have no regrets.

I'll miss my old room but I'm trying to stay positive. That's the only way, right?

Punk hugs,

Maria

March favorites

Due to the fact that it was my birthday two weeks ago my room seems to be packed with new stuff. 
New clothes, new books and new music so it seemed only right to do a March favorites post.

The day after my birthday I went with my mom and sister to get a late birthday present. I had already gotten a curling iron but my mom insisted on finding something more. So we went thrifting, of course. I found lots of stuff this time and I ended up buying two more sheer shirts, two high waisted jeans, two knit sweaters and these pants above. I adore everything I bought and I feel super happy with the items. I especially love the three items above. The pants are so comfortable and I love the Clueless vibe they give off.

This one was a birthday present from my best friend. She knows how obsessed with Sherlock Holmes I am so this was the perfect gift for me. As you can see it says The essential mysteries in one sitting. That means I can read all the Sherlock mysteries in ten minutes or so. Perfect.

This was also a gift from another best friend of mine. It's a 5-year journal where I write down answers to questions everyday for five years and as the years go by I can keep track on how I've changed over the years. I am obsessed and so far I haven't missed a day! Yay me!

I don't think this one needs any caption at all. Again, this was a birthday present from yet another best friend. She shares my love for literature and old stuff. These poems are so beautiful and Sylvia Plath is my favorite. It's so incredible that she was one of the very first female poets and an inspiration to all the poets that followed her footsteps.

This one I got from my friend who bought me the mini Sherlock stories. I'd never read it before and was dying to do so. I had been babbling about how I hadn't found the book with a pretty cover so she found it for me. She's the best. I started reading it immediately and it's so great. Perfectly written and I'm so in love. I am kind of happy I haven't read it before because now I can fully experience it. 

This purse I bought for myself. I did it in a hurry, was buying birthday presents for my sister in Zara and was on my way home to study for a math exam. When I spotted this purse I was sure it was going home with me. I could just picture myself wearing my new yellow dress with this purse over the shoulder. It's also the perfect size, not too small and not too big.

That's all for my March favorites post. I wanted to do something different this time because I've been doing so many fashion show recaps. I have put those posts on hold for a bit and am only going to post my absolute favorites at the end of Fashion week, which is pretty soon so stay tuned!

Punk hugs, 

Maria

Recent book purchases

A few weeks ago I discovered a small section in this book shop down town that sells fantastic classic for a very small prize. The past month I've bought myself five books; The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote, Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, Sherlock Holmes the Novels (Volume two) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi.
I couldn't be happier with the books I bought, I've only gotten around to reading The Bell Jar and Breakfast at Tiffany's but I'm super excited to start reading the rest!

When I finished Breakfast at Tiffany's I was greeted by a funny surprise, there were three other short stories by Capote in the book. I read the first two, House of Flowers and Diamond Guitar, and they were both beautifully written and really influential. The third one is called Christmas Memory and I decided to save that one for next December (long shot maybe, I'm not the most patient person you'll meet and I will probably give up on saving it and read it in three days). Capote is a great writer and i think everyone is familiar with Audrey Hepburn's iconic performance in Breakfast at Tiffany's. If you haven't read the book I strongly recommend it, it really is as equally amazing as the movie.

I'm really looking forward to reading this one. The only book I've read by Kurt Vonnegut is Cat's Cradle and I really, really enjoyed that one. The sarcastic and black humor Vonnegut had completely swept me away. I've heard so many great things about this book and when I saw it in the store I knew I had to have it. When I finish reading Damned by Chuck Palahniuk this one will definitely be next on my list.

Sherlock Holmes. My beloved. 

For a long time now I've been wanting to read the Sherlock Holmes novels and after watching the third season of the television show were Benedict Cumberbatch is looking delicious I knew this Sherlock obsession was not going away any time soon. Even though this is the second volume of Sir Arthur's work I was so excited to find this book I didn't even hesitate. I don't care if I read the latter novels first, I just want to know more about Sherlock Holmes. 

This book I read first. It is so incredibly mesmerizing and you won't be able to put it down once you pick it up. I didn't really know what to expect when I started this book but whatever it was it definitely wasn't this. The deeper you get into this book the deeper you get into Syliva's head. As most people know this book is pretty much her life story and it is so incredible how she was able to capture her own insanity and depression and put it into words. No one will finish this book untouched.

I've never read a graphic novel before and it's definitely something i'm looking forward to do. I saw the movie they made out of this book and it was very memorable. I'm pretty sure this book will teach me a lot and I really can't wait to read it.

If you've read any of these books you're welcome to let me know what you thought of them in the comments, i'd love to hear from you. Also, if you're not a fan of reading I suggest you give at least The Bell Jar a try, it really is beautifully written but it's completely your choice.
I'm sorry for the lack of originality in my post the past week, it's just that I've been crazy busy with school and being sick but I promise great content for next week!
Punk hugs
Maria.