I decided to try a new thing today - I've done it once or twice before, but never continuously. I thought starting a monthly favourites would force me to blog at least once a month, and also (hopefully) force me into a blogging routine. So, here are my August favourites. (I know it's a bit late, but better late than never)
FILMS/TV
Stranger Things // I've just finished this Netflix original series and oh boy! I'm not great with scary things, but the jump scares and general creepiness is worth it for the characters, the storyline, and the incredible acting. I would definitely recommend to any fans of sci-fi or supernatural plots.
plot: On November 6 1983 in the town of Hawkins, Indiana, 12 year old Will Byers vanishes mysteriously. Will's frantic mother, Joyce, searches for him while Police Chief Jim Hopper launches his own investigation. Will's friends Dustin, Mike, and Lucas discover a psychokinetic girl who claims to know Will's location. As they uncover the truth, a sinister government agency tries to cover it up, while a more insidious force lurks below the surface. (cool, right?)
Gilmore Girls // I know this is a very old and loved show, but I've only recently started it with my mum. It's just been added to Netflix, so that's my excuse! It's such a lovely, happy show, and I love binge-watching it with my mum.
plot: The show follows single mother Lorelai and her daughter, Rory, who live in Stars Hollow and deal with the stresses of work, school, relationships, and life.
I haven't really watched any great films recently, so hopefully I'll have more in this section for my September Favourites.
BOOKS
The Shatter Me Trilogy // I read Shatter Me a couple of years ago, but had to put the sequel, Unravel Me, down when I was revising for mocks and I never went back to it. But this summer, I made it my aim to read this trilogy (and a few other books, obviously!) and I finished it when in France. It was so. good. Juliette's character development is absolutely incredible, and Tahereh Mafi's writing is stunning. The first book, Shatter Me, was annoying and average at best, but once Juliette began to realise that the world was so much worse than her romantic drama, it swiftly became a phenomenal story about accepting yourself as a monster, rather than denying it. Just... breathtaking. Definitely, 100% recommend to anyone that likes YA, dystopian, superhero-esque plots, and a lot of romance.
plot: Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17 year old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anyone, and the clouds are the wrong colour.
The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now, so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war - and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.
Animal Farm // George Orwell is an utter genius and this book must be read by everyone that has ever and will ever exist. That's all I have to say.
plot: The animals of the Manor Farm lived badly because their farmer Mr Jones, a mean and always drunk man, exploited them. One day Old Major, the old pig who is the animals' leader, calls a meeting with all of the animals, and tells them about a dream he had had the previous night about a farm run by the animals, for the animals.
MUSIC
Good Grief / Fake It / Send Them Off! - Bastille // I adore Bastille, and always have, and their three new singles are absolutely incredible. I'm listening to them on repeat as I write this. They're songs that you can't help singing along and doing a weird little dance to. Also, Dan Smith is a gift to this world. They're on Spotify, which is what I use for my music - unlimited free music? What is not to love? - but I'm sure you could find them on iTunes or Youtube.
Someone That Loves You / Treat You Right - HONNE // HONNE is a very recent discovery for me - their album Warm on a Cold Night is absolutely amazing, but Someone That Loves You and Treat You Right are my favourite songs from it, and maybe just favourite songs of mine, full stop. They're an incredible band, and I'm lucky enough to be going to see them in October. Definitely give them a listen, and start with these songs!
MISCELLANEOUS
My Macbook // My brother just bought a new Macbook, so I automatically got his old one - and I am loving it. It's so fast, I can message people without having to get up, walk upstairs, and grab my phone. I can write to do lists and have it pop up on my phone, I can access my camera roll on my laptop, and all of my important dates are synced up. It is so wonderful, and I am so glad I have it ready for the beginning of Sixth Form - I will need a good laptop for A Levels!
Paper Comets // I've already written a post on Paper Comets - find that post here and the actual zine here or here - but I had to include it in my favourites, because it has been a favourite of mine. I was absent from the blogging community for so long, so to be asked to take part in something as wonderful as this made me feel part of the family again - not forgotten, not left behind, still relevant and still loved. I've chatted with so many amazing bloggers - some already friends of mine, some new to me but close friends now. This experience has been the best thing about August, and I can't thank these wonderful girls enough. All of their blog links are in my previous post, so please check them out.
I really hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know if a monthly favourites post is something you'd like to see!
