Review: The Wrong Girl

The Wrong Girl by Zoe Foster

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



Fun and very easy to read, I really wanted to like Foster's writing efforts. But I just can't move past how terribly bland the writing is.

I love a good hit of chick lit every now and then (Ok, nearly every second book I read...) and always try to consider them in comparison with other chick lit because there is no point comparing them to anything else. So, Monica McInerney and Nora Roberts are the gold standard. Their prose is nothing special, but they do have an engaging way of writing that makes you feel things. I just didn't get anything from Foster. Which is a shame because the plot is decent enough and the characters are both likeable and believable (though Lily and Simone's friendship did puzzle me a little - her friendship with Alice made far more sense and should have been given more time). The writing is just bland, rushed and uninspired. Perhaps reading it straight after a McInerney effort didn't help matters, even if I thought that had not been a best effort either.

I must admit that while this book (and Foster's others) have been on my radar for some time I have never been tempted to pick one up and I actually won this copy at the launch of Kindling: A Writer's Edit Anthology. I think I will give the others a chance though, because this book wasn't a complete flop.



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Book Review: Is It Just Me?

Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not quite as good as I wanted it to be, to put it simply. Perhaps my expectations were too high, or perhaps it really is not as great as it should be. I hesitate to add this, but if you are a Miranda fan some things may feel familiar, and not in a good way. I sometimes thought I'd heard these jokes before...

That said, I still really liked it and if you do love Miranda, read away! Its fun, lighthearted and amusing. I did laugh out loud, and I smiled the whole way through. Really, its impossible not too. She has a way of conveying a story that really is hilarious, and you never find it difficult to believe that these ridiculous things could happen to her. Her hilarity is just the way she is, so it certainly comes through in the writing.

Unlike other celebrity memoirs (not that I've read too many...) the voice was authentic and it was decently written. Perhaps that comes from the comedy background, and the fact she is not just an actor or presenter, but a creator. Basically, she has done this writing thing before.

So, if you like/love/adore Miranda, read the book. I can't deny its not fun, but don't go in expecting comedic genius. Genius is not what she does; she does hilarity and she does it well.

The Weekly Digest #28

1. Prize winning books by women you need to read NOW!
2. How much of a book addict are you? Buzzfeed has the answer! Let me know what you all get (I ticked 43 boxes - so basically I have a problem...)
3. The newest Time magazine with Beyonce leading the 41 other women mentioned (think designer Pheobe Philo, Hilary Clinton, Natalie Massenet aka Ms Net-A-Porter and Miley) as the world's most influential people. What's great though (and why you should get a copy) is that each bio was written by a close friend of the entrant. Sheryl Sandberg wrote on Beyonce, Stella McCartney wrote on Philo and J.Crew's Jenna Lyons wrote about Massenet. And that's just for starters. 
4. Brooklyn based Helen Levi's wonderful ceramics. The pitcher and mug sets are top of my list
5. A little while ago Book Depository released their list of the 100 best books ever, and now they've released the top 100 as voted by their customers. Check it out - you never know what you may find.
6. Olivia Burton watches. Just perfect. 
7. These recipes for strawberries from Saveur. How I wish they were in season, but alas, I'll just pin them for later.
8. Gorman's winter harvest quilt needs no explaining.

The Weekly Digest #27

I know, I'm sorry! Its been such a long time and you've all probably moved on by now... But alas, I have been busy reading, reading, reading - such is the life of an English student! That does mean I'll have lots of great reviews for you very soon (though not to soon as if you look at my Goodreads profile you'll see I'm currently in the middle of 21 books...).

I have for you a Weekly Digest though (or should that be monthly? Its been awhile...)

1. This fantastic reversible shopper from Marcs. It comes in number of colour combos but my pick is the classic black and cream.
2. The Coveteur's chat with the remarkable and wonderful Iris Apfel. There are many pearls of wisdom here including: "I have all of these lovely things that I've collected over the years that are just sitting there and are very hard to part with. I finally decided that it was ridiculous and that people should enjoy them." and "My father told me once not to expect anything from anybody so I wouldn't be disappointed. If somebody was nice and did nice things for me I should be overjoyed, but I shouldn't go through life expecting it, which is very good advice." 
3. Book Depository's 'Best Books Ever' list. Can't say I agreed with all of them, but you can suggest you're own. Check them out. 
4. The Royals. Mostly baby George and those ridiculous cheeks of his, and of course the Duchess. I mean could she be any more perfectly dressed? Nails it every time. 
5. The Life Picture Collection on Art.com. There really is something for everyone - from quirky images to monumental moments in history. 
6. I'm reaffirming my love for the Manrepeller with these latest gems: The 30% Theory, FODO,  and The Alarming Similarities of Lena Dunham & Kim Kardashian (I know, but read it & be amazed).
7. This stupid easy tin can DIY. You don't even need the paint to be honest! And the freezing tip is brilliant. I've started saving cans. 
8. These letter planters would make a great cheap & easy, yet impressive DIY gift. The blog Henry Happened is my new favourite thing.

The Weekly Digest #26

1. The Co autumn/winter collection. I know, so last season, but its cooling down here so I'm after inspiration. See my picks on Pinterest.
2. Blankets. Piles and piles of them! I'm so keen for cooler weather (ghost white skin doesn't agree with summer sun unfortunately). I want this one from Country Road, and these ones from Hard to Find, the In Bed Store, and Fenton & Fenton.     
3. So in a bit of shameless self promotion, I'm selling some things on Ebay! Yay! So head over, so whats there and if anything takes your fancy put in a bid! There are many bargains to be had (I'm talking 99c auctions on Isabel Marant!).
4. Gillian Jacobs' wardrobe on the Coveteur. Please can it be mine? 

The Weekly Digest #24

1. The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet - WATCH IT. I think its so important for women to have the conversations she is having. Yes, there are celebrities, but they are all intelligent women. Lady Gaga has some particularly enlightened things to say I thought, and Diane von Furstenberg should be our model for ageing. And it isn't only celebrities - there is a senator, writers, magazine editors. Anyone who is female with something to say. This is a show for and about women - it's everything we talk about between ourselves on a bigger platform.
2. Country Road has me pining for cooler weather. There are the cosiest knits, perfect ankle boots in every shade and some fantastic jackets. And then there are the spotty accessories and the homewares strike a perfect balance between cosy and modern. The menswear looks pretty good too. 
3. Flora Waycott offers up cute and quirky prints, which you can hang on your wall or dry the dishes with. You can even share the love with her greetings cards. 
4. I find it hard to get lovely bed linens in quality cottons that are still simple enough to please my boyfriend. I think Fictional Objects just might be the key to fixing all my problems. There splendid pieces come in all shapes and sizes, and aren't over priced. A Queen sized doona cover will set you back $190, and it's reversible so think of it as 2-for-1! 

The Weekly Digest #22

1. Claudia Pearson's Etsy shop. Very cute foodie illustrations on everything from calendars to tea towels. 
2. This up-cycled glassware made from old glass bottles. I like the blue glass tumblers and green vase.  
3. I love jam. I love it most when its homemade (I don't think I've ever actually bought jam in a supermarket...). The Jam Bandits are a creative pair based in Surry Hills who've come up with something I wish I'd though of - homemade, local in every way, small batch jam. Brilliant. See their site for info on where you can pick up a jar or two. Their Instagram is super cute too so get following. 
4. It's Mariah & Buble. Singing together. All your Christmas dreams come true. Watch it.

The Weekly Digest #19

1. The five rules of feminist cooking. Inspired by Nigella of course.
2. J. Mendel's spring/summer 2014 collection. The mix of hard, edgy lines and lace is a perfect match.
3. Cleansing Oils. They're the new it-product in skincare and I'm hooked! I've started using Nude Skincare's Perfect Cleanising Oil (available at Mecca Cosmetica) and after a fortnight I can really feel the difference. It's a strange way to cleanse, and I'm still getting used to it, but I really love it.
4. Pecans - I love them and try to include them in lots of my baking (from simple cookies to luscious breakfast muffins). I challenge you not to do the same after trying out these recipes: pecan cream cake, pecan pie ice-cream pie, poppy seed & nut granola, blackberry & pecan biscuits, and triple-choc pecan cookies.

 

The Weekly Digest #11

1. These quirky artworks and other things from Little Circus Design (a.k.a. artist Madeleine Stamer.) I love the 'Blue Girl' print, the giant bird wall motifs, this babushka dolls print and this dove print.  
2. I'm a Keira Knightly fan (and even more so when directed by Joe Wright as she is here). And even if you don't like her that much, you need to watch this video she's done for Women's Aid on domestic violence. Its 2 minutes of your day that you really should be spending on Youtube. 
3. The quaint little decanter-inspired porcelain vases from Shan Annabelle Valla. I'll take a triple set please!
4. I'm really liking Moroccan-style prints at the moment. Like the one on this Oscar de la Renta dress or skirt, and these pieces from Asos: tile print pants, shift dress, scarf print dress, and mini dress.   
5. These quirky cushions. Since moving in with Mr Boyfriend, there have been some decorating issues - I am a girly-girl and he, well, obviously isn't in to that so much! I think Zana offers just the right balance (that is, he can put up with these ones, but not these incredible floor cushions from Bonnie & Neil)
6. Neil Barrett's autumn/winter '13 collection is a masterclass in good coat-wearing (and one of his is probably a good place to start). 

The Weekly Digest #10

1. Kate Upton. Yeah, um, wow. She's had 4 Vogue covers this past year. Not bad for a swimsuit model with boobs (yes, you read right. The vogue model has boobs). See her latest for Vogue Brazil here. 
2. These photos of old London superimposed onto photos from today. Looks cool.
3. Mag Nation's cool new foodie quarterly 'Diner Journal' fresh from Brooklyn USA. Its ad-free and beautifully bound. More a book than a throw-away magazine. Collect and treasure! Pick it up here.
4. This snappy observation from Coco Rocha (here). I agree - how can you be a 'style icon' if you aren't actually picking the clothes? Food for thought.  
5. Running. I've gotten (well, getting) back into it and am realising why I took it up in the first place. Download the Couch-to-5k app and read these tips from Refinery29 to get you started.