World Book Day: My Favourite Books!

Hello Lovelies!

I love books, as some of you may know and so, in honour of World Book Day, I've decided to give you guys a list of all my favourite books of all time!

So, let's get down to it!

KNIFE - R J ANDERSON
This book was given to me by my Auntie Sarah when I was about 12-13 years old, and I loved it instantly. It follows the story of rebellious fairy Knife, who befriends a human. It's a story of romance, friendship and danger and I couldn't put it down. PR Girl Rating: 9/10

BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY - HELEN FIELDING
This includes every Bridget Jones book out there. I love her. Bridget is the every woman that I want to be, with a quick wit and two gorgeous men fighting over her (Colin is my man forever.)
Definitely recommend reading if you're female, male, an alien or similar.
PR Girl Rating: 10/10 (You're lucky I gave you full marks Helen, after what you did to Mark.)

THE CONSTANT PRINCESS - PHILLIPA GREGORY
This book was given to me by my lovely Grannie, as something to read when I stayed the night at her house. My gran loves period novels and this one is no exception. Based on the life of Catherine of Aragon, this book tells the untold story of her marriages to Henry VIII and his late brother. Very interesting and full of love. I like that she is a strong woman even for that time period.
PR Girl Rating: 8/10

EAT, PRAY, LOVE - ELIZABETH GILBERT
This book is the newest in my favorites and I was hooked as soon as Liz got to Italy. It's one of those books that make you itch for adventure and there were times during reading this book where I almost bought one-way tickets outta here! Don't read while hungry. Do read if you want to find yourself.
PR Girl Rating: 8/10

CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC - SOPHIE KINSELLA
Love this book. Becky Bloomwood is far too much like me, so this book feels like my life on the page. Hilariously awkward and funny, this book follows Becky on her journey to find a job and to find love - with a few great purchases along the way!
PR Girl Rating: 9/10

So there you have it, my favourite books in honour of World Book Day.

What are your favourite books?

Thanks for reading,


Jx

I have found myself a library...

Hello Lovelies!

I now reside in the charming city of Liverpool and I have been trying to find a place to explore since lectures don't start till the end of September. 

I have been researching on my terribly slow internet to see if there actually is a library around, as I cannot access Netflix at the moment - see 'terribly slow internet' for reference. 

I stumbled upon Central Library on Google and decided that today I was going to venture there, bag full of gossip magazines and tins of soup (4 for £3 - bargain) and find myself something to read. 

As I walked through the doors, I think I must have let out a gasp because the Asian girl who had entered next to me looked concerned. I smiled sweetly and made a beeline for the 'New Books' section. This library is huge compared to ones I've visited before. There is four floors with different reading rooms, like the one I am sat in now.

I will not lie to you, I actually felt tears prickling in my eyes as I walked into the silence. Here in this room are books upon books, metal spiral staircases that reach higher shelves and comfy little seats where a writer like me can sit for hours and work at her craft. 

I can tell you now, my beloved readers, places like this are so full of history and knowledge, full of emotion that it's hard not to get choked up when you visit them. I would happily say this is the closest to at home I have felt since moving and I fully intend to take advantage of this beautiful, beautiful library. 

If you live in/ are visiting Liverpool, why don't you come and check it out? You might find me hiding in a corner with a pile of books like a little library elf. 

Thanks for reading, 

Jx 

How to build a girl: Book Review

Hello Lovelies!

I consider myself a definite bibliophile and throughout my time as one, I have found that I have a pattern in my browsing. 

I happen to enjoy books written by women, (don't ask me why, just do) and, as I have noticed recently, all these women happen to be journalists in some shape or form. 

Maybe I'm attracts by the way they write, or the fact that they have are actually living my dream of becoming a journalist and finally an author. They all write with wit and can address serious topics without fear, as they have a high understanding of their audience through the years,maps practised journalists.

Caitlin Moran, the author of How to build a girl, slowly but surely became an idol to me as I turned the pages, learning about Wolverhampton-stuck Johanna Morrigan and her adolescent struggles. She had basically written down a close account of my life up till now. Her words spoke to me and gave me a huge feeling of pride for the career I wish to pursue. 

Johanna is such a relatable character, with her need to be validated, brandishing her extreme alter ego in Dolly Wilde and her passion as a writer. Inside all of us, there could definitely be a little Johanna Morrigan. 

I enjoy the story immensely and laughed and cried - two things a good book should make you do. I invested in the characters deeply and hope that wherever they end up, that they are happy.

This book for me was a definite 10/10 and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a book full of laughs, and some serious notes too. I look forward to reading the rest of Moran's books and wait eagerly for a sequel. 

Thanks for reading, 

Jx 

Book Review; Mad about the Boy

Hello Lovelies!

Seeing as I'm moving back up north soon, I decided to look through some of my many boxes to see what would be making the cut. I got to my book box (the biggest box I own) and found some of my many treasured books, including one I read a while ago...

Now, I describe myself as a bibliophile (someone who enjoys books) and so today I thought I'd do a review of the third book in the critically acclaimed series that is 'Bridget Jones's Diary' - the long awaited 'Mad about the Boy'.

Being such a huge fan of  'every-woman' Bridget, this book was a must when it first came out. I couldn't put it down and read it in a day.

This book shows us now-married Bridget Darcy and a mother to two children, and now instead of having man problems she takes us through the ups and downs of motherhood, with lashings of Daniel Cleaver and our beloved Mark Darcy too.

However, it isn't all comical throughout. I won't spoil it, but this book will make you laugh and cry endlessly.


Order it now off Amazon and relive your memories of big knickers Bridget and relate to her all over again!


Thanks for reading!



Jx

Book review (i): The Devil wears Prada;

Hello Lovelies!

Now if you follow my Instagram you will see that I recently purchased three of Lauren Weisberger's books, 'Everyone worth knowing', 'Revenge wears Prada' and the infamous book turned movie, 'the Devil wears Prada'. Today's review starts with the latter.

This book follows the story of Andrea Sachs, a Brown graduate who is itching to get a job in magazine publishing. She ends up as an editorial assistant at the magazine 'Runway', to the most esteemed fashion mogul, Miranda Priestly. Andrea knows nothing about fashion but gets pulled into the world of designers, skinny women and all things Runway.

Miranda, of course, is not the ideal boss. She's awfully vague, spoilt and adopts a 'holier than thou' attitude throughout, and seems intent on making Andrea's life hell.

If you've watched the film, then you definitely need to read this book, to get a new perspective and relive some of those amazing fashion moments and name drops that every fashion blogger needs to know. Everything is different but still an incredible read.

I couldn't put it down and page after page, I wanted to know more about this 'she-devil' Miranda Priestly. Even though she seemed like the boss from hell, Weisberger still made me feel like that was the kind of environment I wanted to work in and I can't wait to start the next book!

After all, a million girls would kill for that job...


Thanks for reading,



Jx

My travel bucket list:

Hello Lovelies!

For Valentine’s day this year, I bought my boyfriend, Elliot, a world map on which you could scratch off the countries you've visited. He’s a bit of an adventurer himself,  during March he was making his way to South Africa – lucky sod.

I’ve never been much of the adventure type, happy to sit on the beach in Cyprus rather than throw myself into things. However, since giving Elliot that map, I’ve been thinking about how much world there is out there that I’ve not even grasped. There are 196 countries on our beautiful Earth with vast cultures and indescribable experiences for everyone. So, I’ve given it a lot of thought and I’ve pulled together a list of the places I want to visit, and things I want to do. Enjoy!

TOP FIVE ADVENTURE SPOTS

5. Australia

Don’t you think that life down under is amazing and so relaxed? I mean, the colourful foods, the clear water and the accent?! Definitely want to visit this place, see the sights and meet a kangaroo. I'd like to take a trip to Fraser island.

4. New York City

Do I have to explain? The big apple has been a beacon for aspiring adventurers for decades, with its sleeplessness and grand architecture. My aim to try the two New York classics; a bagel and a coffee while walking around Central Park, pretending I’m Carrie Bradshaw *sighs* if only…

3. The Maldives

A tiny cluster of islands which happen to host the most romantic beach houses I’ve ever seen. The water is perfect for snorkelling and it’s definitely the worlds favourite honeymoon spot.

2. Amsterdam

This city is the pinnacle of freedom and culture. The architecture, the food, the people. It all seems like a Nordic fairytale. I’d like to visit all the vintage shops, museums and walk down the canal. How romantic…I hope Elliot is making notes!

1. British Columbia, Canada

There’s something you’ll have to understand about me. I am crazy for whales, particularly Killer Whales. One of the best places to go sea kayaking and see orcas in their natural environment. It’s just the most amazing thing and I can’t wait to visit.

I hope you all enjoyed that little list and maybe I’ve inspired you to visit some beautiful places.

If not, I’m sure you could just Google it…

Thanks for reading!

Jx

Enquiries: diaryofa-prgirl@outlook.com
Twitter: @joanna22x

Book Review: Confessions of a shopaholic

Hello Lovelies!

I've been a bit under the weather recently and today I decided I'd venture, snot-nosed and blurry-eyed, out to do some personal errands in Liverpool. While I was there, I walked past a British Heart Foundation shop with the most beautiful display of books in the window. 

Now there are three things I love in windows; 

Clothes

Make up 

And books.

Being the little bookworm I am, I rushed in heading straight to the book section, eying the shelves for anything that would catch my eye. Cookery books, mind and body books and then finally, the £1 book section. Where the old Mills and Boon novels my gran reads go to die. 

But this £1 book section was impeccable. Shelf after shelf of humorous women's fiction, quirky characters written by women for women. I picked up Dawn French's "A tiny bit marvellous" and Camilla Morton's "How to walk in high heels" (I definitely needed that one, I'm like a baby giraffe in heels) and just as I was leaving, a title caught my eye. 

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella.

I'd watched the movie and fallen in love with Rebecca Bloomwood, the ironic financial journalist with an addiction to shopping. I saw a lot of myself in her...maybe too much.

She was a 25 year old woman with serious credit card debt and while reading this book, I had a momentary fear for my future as a shopaholic. I'm only eighteen, but I was told constantly by my parents to never to get a credit card or I'd be spending money I definitely didn't have.

I'd walk past Chanel and come out in more debt than Greece. Exaggeration you say? I don't think so.

As I began reading, I started noticing patterns in her mind which had happened in mine, and although mine were sporadic, there were patterns I knew far too well. 

Let's just say I got halfway through the book and start working about my savings and personal spending for the next term.

However as fictional women with rejected cards do, Ms Bloomwood indeed ends up coming out on top. But I won't spoil it for you...

If you love a girly, pick me up novel then definitely pick up this book!

It is Joanna Christofi PR Girl approved! 

On another note, I am considering starting up a YouTube channel for vlogging of fashion and beauty events that I attend and different hauls and makeup tutorials. If it gets popular I may start giveaways! Let me know on my Instagram and Twitter if that's something you'd be interested in!

Again guys, thanks for reading!

Jx

Instagram: diaryofa_prgirl

Twitter: diaryofa_prgirl