Book Review: The Silver Linings Playbook.

I have recently finished reading The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick and thought I would do a quick review of the book. I am yet to do a book review on my blog so hope its okay! 

I saw the film "The Silver Linings Playbook" when it first came out and absolutely loved it! The film definitely made me fall in love with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence a little bit more after seeing the film, and from reading the book I appreciate how amazing both of them were and acted in the film too now. The both portrayed the characters so accurately. Definitely agree with the Oscar that Jennifer Lawrence received for this role! 

The book is narrated by Pat Peoples who comes from New Jersey, and has moved back home after spending some time in a psychiatric hospital ("The bad place"). Pat thinks he has only been in there for a few months when in reality it has been years. The book hints that his mind has repressed his bad memories and that is why he cannot remember everything that has happened to him. Pat is aware that he is separated from his wife, Nikki, but calls it "apart time". He has a theory that life is a film created by God and that its "silver lining" will be the end of 'Apart Time' with Nikki. Pat strives to improve himself, both physically and mentally, as he believes it will help him win his wife back. Pats old friend Ronnie introduces Pat to a girl called Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrences character in the film). Tiffany really doesn't need much of an introduction if you have seen the film or have heard of Jennifer Lawrences acting in this film.  

That is about as much of the story I will give away as I truly believe that everyone should give this book a read, or at the very least watch the film. The book is really easy to read and is quite a short book, and the chapters are fairly short so you feel like you can pick it up to read a couple of chapters before bed.

I love how much this book emphasised focusing on the positives in life and also to look for the silver linings in life. Throughout the book I was really rooting for Pat, in the hope that he would get his silver lining at the end of it all. I found that the story was so believable and felt  that the Peoples family was actually like or similar to a typical family that many people can relate to. 

One other point I like about this book is although Pat is argued to have mental health problems, (as he was in a psychiatric hospital and subconsciously repressed his memories, as well as having quite intense anger issues) however I found myself asking "what actually counts as 'normal'"? Several other characters in the book could also be argued to have mental health issues or at least causes for concern, which I love about this book as it made me further question some aspects of mental health diagnosis and treatment. And seeing as I have a keen interest in Psychology ( as that is what my degree is in), this book really interested and gripped me throughout. 

Furthermore, Pat is out to improve himself which is pretty inspiring, for example Pat often tries to be nice instead of right for a change, and this helps him to sympathise with other people more and understand their point of view, which I personally feel that a lot of people could benefit from doing too. 

The film doesn't allow for as much character development as the book does. For example Pats mother definitely deserves a mention because she is such a great and loveable character. Many parents could definitely relate to her and would be rooting for her during the book too. 

This book is definitely a 'happy' book and would recommend everyone to read it. I hope to read some more Matthew Quick novels in the future too! Don't feel like you shouldn't read the book if you have already seen the film because they are both different and great in their own ways! Some parts of the book are not included in the film so definitely give the book a try! 

Has anyone else read this book? Or have any similar reading recommendations?

Soft Soft Soft!

Here's another beauty product review about the recent moisturising products I've purchased or that I'm using at the moment.

I recently bought the Garnier Body Intensive 7 day softening nourishing lotion and figured I should do a review of the product. The lotion is 250ml and was on offer from Boots when I bought the product for just under £2, whereas it is usually a bit more expensive, and there is also a larger bottle available. The product is said to be fast absorbing, which it definitely is, I hate waiting around for any moisturisers to absorb into the skin, and I often hate the feeling of moisturisers on my skin. But this product is perfect because it really does absorb into the skin quickly, leaving a silky feel and a gorgeous sweet almond fragrance, it also doesn't leave a sticky or dense feeling on the skin either but a light feeling effect. I am a sucker for anything almond no matter what the product is, so this lotion is spot on for me. The garner lotion range also contains various other fragrances such as Shea butter (which is also a great product!), mango oil and Aloe Vera, just to name a few. The product has definitely softened my skin; I have definitely noticed a difference on my arms and hands. Unfortunately I have a couple of insect bites on my legs at the moment so have been avoiding using too many lotions on my legs, but I'm sure the lotion will work excellently on my legs too. This lotion is definitely recommended! However, if you do suffer from really dry skin this product may not be for you, I thankfully don't have dry skin really so I don't need to apply too much moisturiser, so people with dry skin may want to try a thicker more intense moisturiser. Also, next time I think I will also try the Intensive 7 day Hand Cream by Garnier.

I thought it would also be a good idea to review one of my all time favourite moisturisers; Nivea Soft. I swear by this product and wear it every day, especially before applying my makeup. It is perfect for every day use but I also use it when my skin is feeling extra dry (I just apply it more liberally). Also when my lips are feeling slightly chapped I apply the moisturiser around the area of my mouth and it really does help. I also use this product when on holiday when I have sunburn as I really trust this product to soften my skin no matter what. It isn't too dense or heavy on the skin so I have never had any spots or oily skin from using this product. This product can also be used on basically anywhere on the body; face, hands and body. Also what is great about this product is that you can virtually get it from any shop, it is sold in Boots and Superdrug, but I have also been able to buy this product from the pound shop, £1 for a moisturiser that lasts for a while and that I really do trust is definitely a bonus! I have even got my mother using this product when usually she buys clinique and other expensive creams. I definitely recommend that everyone gives this product a try, at £1 a bottle it is hard to say no. 

I have also started to use the Sally Hanson Cuticle Massage Cream. I really love this product because I have definitely noticed a substantial improvement in my cuticles since using it, and also the smell of the product is just divine, it has a fruity tropical smell. The product is really quick and easy to use, and seems like it will last for ages as you don't need to apply a lot. It is supposed to be used every day, just by rubbing a small amount into the area around the nails, I have been using it before bedtime as that's the best time I find to apply moisturisers. I'm unsure how much this product is as I got it for Christmas, and shamefully it has been at the bottom of my nail varnish bag(s) since. 

Have you tried any of these products? What moisturisers would you recommend? 

Pukka Three Mint Tea Review

First of all; this tea smells so divine! Simply opening the packet to put the teabag into the cup releases a fresh minty fragrance. It’s also caffeine free so it is fine to drink at whatever time of day, I’ve really enjoyed drinking the tea in morning as it is so refreshing and uplifting, but also in the evenings instead of my usual cup of tea to help soothe my stomach.

I started off trying the Twinning’s everyday blend with peppermint, as I wasn’t keen on mint tea to begin with. However, as I grew to love the everyday blend with the subtle hint of peppermint, I decided to try a mint tea.  

I’ve been testing this tea for a few weeks now, I was experiencing some stomach cramps the other week and this tea has proven to be really soothing and really did help soothe my stomach, I would definitely recommend this product. Another great factor with this tea is just how refreshing the tea is; so is perfect on a hot day, or if you are feeling a bit sluggish then this tea is a fantastic pick-me-up. Also this tea has a slight sweetness to it, which is great for a sweet tooth like me! But what is great about this tea is that although it has a strong mint fragrance and taste, it is still gentle and soothing compared to other stronger mint teas.

I leave my teabag in the cup to brew with hot water for approximately 5 minutes, however what is great about the teabags is that if you prefer a milder, less intense tea then leave the teabag in the water for a shorter period of time.

I simply cannot say one bad word about this fantastic tea – I will definitely keep purchasing this amazing tea, and will definitely be telling my friends and family to give it a try.

Here is the Pukka website with all their details and products: http://www.pukkaherbs.com