For Christmas 2017, I got a Kindle and set myself the goal of reading 12 books this year – that doesn’t sound like much to some people but I have really struggled in recent years to make time for myself to read. I’m lucky if I get to read one book a year.
Still, I am ashamed at how long it took me to get through this book. Although, in my defense, I spent a lot of January exploring my new Kindle and was easily distracted by games. I also downloaded a few books to get me started and was reading them all simultaneously whilst I figured out which one to go with… I didn’t end up finishing Gender Game until 31 March 2018.
What is the book about?
The book is set in a world divided by the sexes. Matrus is ruled by women. Patrus is ruled by men.
Skip to ‘What I think’ if you don’t want any spoilers.
https://youtu.be/XsSZDrF9pg4
How it starts
The MC, VIOLET, is a strong feisty character. From the start she is keen to get her brother back but trying to save him got her sentenced to a working house for criminals. She ends up murdering another inmate – now she will be executed for her crime. But, the queen of Matrus makes Violet a deal. Violet is to go and live in Patrus as a wife to a man she’s never met and assist is stealing an egg.
The middle
As you can guess, Violet has no choice but to take the offer. LEE, her now Patrus husband, is a very private man and only tells Violet what she needs to know. He introduces her to VICTOR, a sexy rugged cage fighter, who they will frame for the crime of the stolen egg. Violet is encouraged to spend time with Victor and ends up falling for him.
How it ends
This puts Violet in a difficult situation when they steal the egg and she flies off with Lee and frames Victor. When they take the egg back to Matrus, Victor kills the queen and takes off with the egg. Violet fights him and he falls from the motorbike-plane (he built in his garage). The book ends with Violet flying off with the egg.
What did I think
The book was alright. I gave it a generous four stars on Good Reads.
I liked the concept. The contrasting counties was interesting. I enjoyed the heated tension between Violet and Victor – a steamy romance will always keep me hooked.
I didn’t like how it ended though. It felt unfinished and was definitely left open for the other titles in the series.
Violet was no better off than she started. She still had no idea where her brother was or how to get him back – he could be long dead. She had lost, Victor, the only man she loved. I didn’t find it believable how she killed her husband. She ended up with the golden egg but we never found out why it is so important. Plus, she will likely be blamed for the assignation of the Queen.
I’m not sure if I’ll read the rest of this series as Violet isn’t a character I connect with – she’s quick to violence and killing with little remorse. It wasn’t a bad read, I enjoyed most of it. There’s just other books I’d rather be reading. I would be interested in reading more by Bella as I do her enjoy her writing style (good pace, strong characters and excellent world building).
Usually the event is split between two venues (Felixstowe Library and The Orwell Hotel). Although, these two venues will host most of the events, new venues have been added. All across town, their are workshops and author talks for anyone introduced in books and writing. Each event, isn’t that expensive, from free to about £10 – you did need to buy tickets.
I’m going – are you?
So, I’ve been most years to the festival since it started 6 years ago and look forward to going every year. Each year, the festival gets bigger and better. I tried to make a spreadsheet of what events are on and where and IT’S MASSIVE!
As of 31st March 2018, the tickets for Felixstowe Book Festival became available to the public to buy.
Alwyn gave some great insight into the traditional publishing route for writers. She talked about what went into naming her novel, the movie right and so much more. She was an engaging and likable author who spoke enthusiastically promoting her book.
Simon and Dan were like a tag team delivering their well prepared talk. They shared so much on what goes into publishing a picture book and had prepared a presentation for all the participants (a copy I still have). This was a great talk for illustrators and writers alike. These guys had a wealth of knowledge and the time flew by. We all would have happily spent the day with them absorbing all the information they had to offer.
I didn’t even know that there was an International Women’s Day until this year! I must have learnt about it at school because the movement was started by the Suffragettes in 1911. I remember studying the women and being inspired by their passion for change.
Here are some hashtags you may be interested in:
#TimesUp: Challenging sexual assault, harassment and inequality in the workplace.
#MeToo: Raising awareness of sexual assault instead of hiding it.
#PressForProgress: This is the official theme of the International Women’s Day. It has ideas to enable everybody to take part in being inclusive of women.
I have never categorized myself as a feminist but I do feel that men and women should get the same opportunities and recognition for their hard work. Change won’t be overnight but we are moving in the right direction.
To celebrate, I shall share with you the strongest female characters from novels that took action to change their world:
The Handmaid’s Tale
My first holiday with friends (no parents), my little sister gave me The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood as a beach read. I wouldn’t recommend it as a summer read but I couldn’t put the book down. It was a page-turner and I honestly couldn’t imagine what was going to happen next.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJTonrzXTJs
Many women cannot have children in this post-nuclear world. Offred is able to have children. She becomes a slave to the rich and powerful to bear their children. She may sound like a weak character because she complies but her spirit is strong and you can feel that she is going to bring change but as she is constantly watched it will be incredibly dangerous.
The book is worth reading. Hulu recently created a TV series based on the novel and that is amazing too (next season out in April).
The Hunger Games
Sadly, I didn’t get to read the books before the film came out. The series of books is by Suzanne Collins.
It is set in a post-war world where the twelve districts have to send one girl and one boy (children) to compete in a TV Show called the Hunger Games to remind them about the innocent lives that are lost at war. The MC, Katniss Everdeen, volunteers herself when her little sister’s name is called. Her sacrifice makes her instantly likeable. What makes her a strong woman is that she decides to break the system and through her actions, she inspires and leads a rebellion for change.
The Diary of a Young Girl
I think everyone has heard of Anne Frank, the little girl who hid from the Nazi’s and kept a diary of her life surviving a world war. Her diary is a true account of what happened during her hiding.
I had no idea but apparently, there is a movie based on her diary. It is also a long time since I read her diary but I remember it being very moving, insightful and thought-provoking.
You may think that Anne doesn’t deserve to make the list because she hid, she didn’t fight, she didn’t make a difference… or did she? Writing her diary was extremely dangerous and brave. Anne’s diary has been read all over the world making her voice clearly heard regarding what happened. Her words have educated billions to change, to never let it happen again. Her diary ensures we never forget.
Matilda
The book Matilda is written byRoald Dahl. I had read the book and watched the movie.
You may think it’s strange that she has made the list but she lived with a family that didn’t encourage or support her desire to read or go to school. As young as she is, she fought for her rights. It probably did help having telekinesis powers.
Shifter series
Okay, I promise I am not being biased on this one, even though the series really captured me and is my all-time favourite. Let me explain why I think the MC is a strong woman.
The story is based around Faythe’s family who are all shifters (werecats/Panthers). It is set in today’s world but humans don’t know they exist. The shifters world is very male-dominated and the daughters are to be protected. Faythe’s father is training her to become the first female leader and she is the first female enforcer. During the series, she has to overcome a number of challenges to prove herself and it is very action packed.
The first title in the series is Stray by Rachel Vincent. I have no idea why this book has still not been made into a movie/series yet. It is so good!
What do you think?
To me, these women are all powerful and strong as the characters were overcoming difficulties that restricted them from being all they could be. Their actions brought around change.
Is there anyone you think I should have included in my top 5 list? Any books you recommend I read that feature strong women? Please comment and share your thoughts.
It is a day to encourage children’s reading. Events are held across the UK to encourage children to talk about books such as dressing up as their favourite character. Many kids receive a voucher to get a sponsored book for £1 or £1 off a book of their choice.
Many publishers and other sponsors will host competitions so it is worth checking social media. Last year, I won the box set of “Percy Jackson” by Rick Riordan from Write Children’s Books For Children who ran hourly competitions on Twitter!
This year, my son has chosen to be “The Jolly Postman” by Janet & Allan Ahlberg. He loves the books which are interactive and every other page is an envelope with a letter inside (or card, puzzle or mini book, etc). Plus, he has a red bike – very cool to a 4-year-old!
Both books were bought by Noah’s aunty Hev (you can follow her blog “This Pug Can” by clicking here). No prizes for guessing which was for his birthday and which was for Christmas.
After role play in his (Postman Pat) costume as the Jolly Postman, we got warm inside with blankets, wotsits and the books themselves. Usually, we read these at bedtime but today we had time to do the puzzle and play the board game.
I also feel I need to say a big thank you to Asda. The costume sold out online. Other stores had a similar one for an extra £10 and someone was selling Asda’s costume on Amazon for twice the price! Asda tweeted back to help track down a costume for Noah. In the store, staff retrieved it from the warehouse and Noah changed his mind! He now wanted to be a lion from “How to Hide a Lion!” by Helen Stephens. We began leaving the store and he changed his mind again and did want to be the Jolly Postman. The staff returned to the warehouse to get it again. They were so helpful and friendly and didn’t complain once about the interchangeable mind of a preschool diva.
Have a jolly World Book Day
I hope you have a jolly world book day and I would love to hear about what books you have been enjoying or the characters your child dressed up as today.
Earlier this year, I wrote a blog post listing literary festivals taking place in the UK throughout the UK that have caught my eye. To read the full list, please click here.
This post is to remind you of those taking place this Spring.
This festival is made up of events and you buy tickets to participate in events. Events vary between workshops, speakers and screenings.
If you miss the event, this seaside town is still worth a visit. They have one of the most beautiful traditional bookshops, a lovely beach and chip shops.
This event promises to deliver a platform for underrepresented women writers such a lesbians. This is sure to be a positive event that is making a difference to supporting diversity and inclusion. Supported by DIVA magazine and The Guardian.
If Erotica is your thing, then there is a convention just for you. This event is in its 7th year and often sells out. It has schedule of speakers and events and is a structured event.
This year has a talk on how to blog about sex for the shy writer – aghhh the world of an erotic writer. One day I may be brave enough to write and share erotic fiction but for now the thought still makes my cheeks turn read (no, not like that!). I would probably benefit from the ‘confidence’ talk.
You buy tickets for the events you want to attend. There are a lot of authors attending and giving talks and there are events for children too. The event is not at one location but across the city so make sure you are able to get from one location to another if you booking multiple events. Filter the events by the category you are interested in, i.e. Workshops, etc.
This event is geared towards those involved in publishing but and has various talks on keeping those in the industry up-to-date with financial, legal and trending themes in the publishing world. There are plenty of exhibits covering pretty much every type of genre you can think of.
It is their 70th year running! This 17 day event will bring the streets of Bath alive with music and literature. Check the ‘What’s On’ page on the website to find events that take your interest. Each event requires a ticket and the price differs.
Everyone I know who has been to Bath has always returned gushing about how amazing it is. They are also home to one of the most well known and prestigious writing competitions (Bath Novel Award).
I wanted to do this post at the start of the year but January flew by. So here is a list of the the literary (and book) festivals that have caught my eye and are coming up this year:
If you are a fan of Romance fiction this could be the event for you. You can check the hundreds of authors attending to see if one of your favourites are going. Then you can meet them and take your books with you for them to sign. There will be book sellers to.
They have events all over the world so if you miss this one, check out some of the other dates/locations.
Run with the Time Literary supplement, this event has a number of activities such as talks, discussions, workshops for writers through to activities for kids.
If you miss the event or can’t attend, they also offer free videos and podcasts from the event.
This festival is made up of events and you buy tickets to participate in events. Events vary between workshops, speakers and screenings.
If you miss the event, this seaside town is still worth a visit. They have one of the most beautiful traditional bookshops, a lovely beach and chip shops.
This event promises to deliver a platform for underrepresented women writers such a lesbians. This is sure to be a positive event that is making a difference to supporting diversity and inclusion. Supported by DIVA magazine and The Guardian.
If Erotica is your thing, then there is a convention just for you. This event is in its 7th year and often sells out. It has schedule of speakers and events and is a structured event.
This year has a talk on how to blog about sex for the shy writer – aghhh the world of an erotic writer. One day I may be brave enough to write and share erotic fiction but for now the thought still makes my cheeks turn read (no, not like that!). I would probably benefit from the ‘confidence’ talk.
You buy tickets for the events you want to attend. There are a lot of authors attending and giving talks and there are events for children too. The event is not at one location but across the city so make sure you are able to get from one location to another if you booking multiple events. Filter the events by the category you are interested in, i.e. Workshops, etc.
This event is geared towards those involved in publishing but and has various talks on keeping those in the industry up-to-date with financial, legal and trending themes in the publishing world. There are plenty of exhibits covering pretty much every type of genre you can think of.
It is their 70th year running! This 17 day event will bring the streets of Bath alive with music and literature. Check the ‘What’s On’ page on the website to find events that take your interest. Each event requires a ticket and the price differs.
Everyone I know who has been to Bath has always returned gushing about how amazing it is. They are also home to one of the most well known and prestigious writing competitions (Bath Novel Award).
At the time of writing, the tickets are not yet online. But, from previous years there have been free events as well as events you can pay for a ticket. The paid for events have not been expensive (under £10). Events range from exhibitions, speakers, workshops and children’s activities. Events are split between the library and the Orwell Hotel.
I’ve been a few times to this festival. There have been some amazing speakers and engaging workshops.
This is event is for young people only (18 and under – hence the student price). I had to include it because if I was young, I would go. This event has a number of speakers, workshops and activities and as you would expect a focus on YA and children’s fiction.
My dream is to one day be invited to be a speaker but if I ever want that to happen I need to stop dreaming and get writing.
This event is in addition to the London Film and Comic Convention. The YALC have exhibit stands where you can speak to authors, agents and publisher and buy books. They have agent one-to-ones, workshops and speakers at the convention and lots of space to sit down and read. The focus her is on YA Literature.
The tickets include access downstairs to the London Film and Comic Convention. If you are a fan of Marvel, DC, Anime or anything like that you can pop downstairs to see their exhibits and stalls too.
Date: TBC:5 August 2018 to 14 August 2018 (Last year was 6 October 2017 to 15 October 2017)
Location: Cheltenham
Tickets: TBC (Advanced booking for members)
The information for the site is currently about last years event which was aimed at families and young adult. I recognised a lot of the names and books in attendance and the event is supported by The Times and The Sunday Times. I expect it will be very promising again this year.
At the time of writing, ticket prices weren’t available. This is a really big event with a lot of things going on simultaneously and something for every taste. I have never been but would love to go one day.
At the time of writing this years date and prices were yet to be confirmed. I included it because last years line up was full of house hold names (like Julia Donaldson, Jacqueline Wilson, Miranda Hart, etc). I’m sure this year will be just as promising – this is one to watch!
Many more
There are loads more great festivals around the country and I have only highlighted a small sample.
Please let me know if you are or have been to any of these or have any to recommend.
