What I'm Reading

The first Recommended Reads of the year! Let's make it a good one!

1. The Dinner

I know that at least 99% of the book reading population have read this book. I'm a little late to the... dinner (I'm sorry). The Dinner is definitely a must read. Filled with plot twists, flashbacks that aren't tedious, character development and secrets, Herman Koch has certainly cooked himself a feast of a book (I'll stop). I still haven't made up my mind whether I liked it or not, and I may never will, but I admire the story and will still recommend it as a book that can divide opinion. 

2. Here Are The Young Men

What can I say about this book? Honestly, it should come with a warning. It is a stark, scary insight into the Irish male psyche. Narrated by Matthew but with third person narratives of his friends, this book is a good starter if you want to get into gritty fiction. And that ending... well, you can make up your own mind!

 3. We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves

If a book can make you laugh within the first few pages, it's usually a keeper (you know, provided it's not crime fiction or anything. Although some crime fiction can be humorous). This book had me grinning on the train from the beginning. I have yet to finish yet with one plot twist down, potentially plenty more to go, but I have already begun recommending it! Great use of flashbacks and really great characterisation. And it was nominated for the Man Booker. Do you have any other reason?

What are you reading? Let me know!

Sinead

Negative Friends

We all have those kind of friends. Friends who like to rain on your parade and pick holes in what you say. No one wants that kind of negativity but no one wants to say anything either. It's not your fault, that's just the kind of people they are. But sometimes, the negativity can get to you so much that you get frustrated and end up feeling worse than you did five minutes before. Well, when things get a bit too much, here are a few tips to get through it.


1. Continue to be yourself

If you feel like someone is bringing you down, don't let the negativity affect you. Just continue to be yourself and don't sink to their level. If you feel a dig coming up, move onto another subject. The worst thing you can do is feed the negativity back to them and engaging in bitter words will only make things worse. Just keep calm and move on.


2. Show them a good time

Very often, people find faults with other things because they're not as open minded to them. Bring your friend somewhere they wouldn't normally go, even something simple like a different place for lunch. Make it a habit of introducing them to new things, try to bring a little inspiration into their day. Once they get familiar with new things, the faults they would have originally found should disappear.

3. Be understanding

No matter how frustrating it can be, remember that there is probably more going on in your friend's life than you. They may not even be aware of what they're doing. If it's really bringing you down, talk to them about it and ask them if there's anything wrong. Be a good friend and listen. Offer advice, point them in the right direction, and let them know that you are here for them. They'll thank you for it.

4. Spend your time with people who make you feel good

If you leave a meet up feeling inspired, you know that person is a good person to have in your life. Your friends should inspire you, not patronise you! If you really feel that the relationship has run its course and that your friend is doing nothing good for you but bring you down, it's time to spend your time with the people who bring you up.

Have you got any ideas? Let me know!

Sinead

Let's go, 2015

Christmas was... hectic. Between working loads and having 384374 colds, I barely had time to breathe (or sniffle as my airways were blocked). As I jumped back into January pretty much head first with college, I have had no time to devote to myself or blogging. Trust me, my Instagram looked pretty sparse until yesterday.
But, I am back!  - although I won't be posting all that often because of college and work - I am back. And I hope to make more posts that are helpful, interesting, and just plain fun really!

If you want to find me on social media, just follow the links below!
Looking forward to sharing 2015 with you!

Sinead

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest