Books books books

So I've recently had a little free time, and have become quite devoted to my e-reader. In the spirit of all things bookish, I've decided to compile a list of book recommendations for those who are usually devoted to their TVs :P note: this is not a list of my favourite books, just ones that I would recommend to people :)

If you like CSI then read Tess Gerritsen
Much like CSI, Tess Gerritsen's novels are light thrillers that usually involve dead bodies and are incredibly easy to follow. Those who really enjoy detective series might recognise her lead characters...Rizzoli and Isles :)

If you like Game of Thrones then read Phillipa Gregory
The first time I tried to watch Game of Thrones, I was put off by the unnecessary sex and violence. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for gratuity if it moves the story forward. Then my mom explained the plotline and I realised that the GOT narrative is based on true historical facts: the War of the Roses. Even the names are similar: Lannister (GOT): Lancaster (history). Stark (GOT): York (history). Although the stories aren't exactly the same, fans of GOT will love Phillipa Gregory's series on the Cousins War. Complex alliances, arranged marriages and secret meetings between various factions who are all fighting for the throne; what's not to love?

If you like romantic comedies then try Marian Keyes
Marian Keyes novels are practically a genre on their own. They're easy to read and full of young city-dwelling women who buy lots of shoes and have boyfriend troubles. But most -if not all - of her novels tackle deeper problems as well, such as drug addiction, death and abortion. The novels are elegantly crafted to make you laugh like a lunatic, and still leave you with something to think about. Great for lazy summer afternoons.

If you like scifi movies then try The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett is my hero, and I'm happy to try anything he writes. I would read the doodles in his margins. The Long Earth series is unusual for him, and is a wonderful mixture of fantasy and scifi without the futuristic (and usually incorrect) science jargon. The novel starts with the unoriginal idea of an infinite number of parallel worlds existing, and then deviates into a complex narrative of pioneering and colonisation. I loved it :) Note: the sequel, The Long War, is not nearly as good.

If you like tragic romance then read Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Zafon
I am an avid book worm and have read many, many, many books in my 22 years. So I say this after careful consideration and much soul-searching:
THIS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST BOOKS I'VE EVER READ. Top three on my list at least, if not the very greatest novel ever.
It tells the story of Daniel Sempere, a young man in Barcelona in the early 1900s, and his quest to find out about the mysterious author Julian Carax. It has been described as Gothic storytelling, and it truly is some of the most beautiful writing I have ever read. I especially recommend this for Twilight fans, so that they can see what real tragic, Gothic writing is all about.
Words don't do it justice. Just read it. Everyone.

If you like superhero movies then read American Gods by Neil Gaiman
This novel was greatly celebrated when it came out, but I only had the opportunity to read it earlier this year. The story is about an invisible war between the old gods who were brought to American with various different cultures (Norse, Hindu, "African") and new gods that have sprung up out of modern American culture. It's not quite a superhero movie, but if you enjoyed Thor - and if you like Classics - you'll love it.

If you like horror movies then read Stephen King
I don't care what anyone says: Stephen King is the master of horror. Movies based on his novels include Carrie, Dreamcatcher, Children of the Corn, Cujo, Pet Sematary and many others. And, of course, who could forget the famous evil clown from It? In fact, start with the novel It. Creepy as hell, in a subtle, gets-into-your-nightmares kind of way. With writing that focuses on our deep-down, visceral fears, no one will ever be able to terrify you the way Stephen King will.

If you like philisophical French movies then read The Brothers Karazmov by Dostoyevsky
Apparently it's really good. I wouldn't know. I haven't finished it yet. Dense writing, lots of background info, and not as much philosophical debate as I was hoping for. Still. Some people seem to like Dostoyevsky.,

If you like porn then read Fifty Shades of Grey
I tried it and couldn't get past the first chapter. The storyline is terrible and the writing is worse. But if you're looking for nothing but sex, then this is all you need.

How to interact with your tutor

Back in 2011, when I was in second year, I had just started seeing a certain young man. He was still staying in residence, and one night he convinced me to stay over with him. Nothing R-rated happened that night (much to his chagrin, no doubt) and when I woke up the next morning, I needed the bathroom. As I had no desire to wander aimlessly around a guys' res, bumping into hungover dudes wearing nothing but towels, I convinced him to roll out of bed and show me where the bathroom was. I followed him into the corridor and moments later walked straight into my French tutor, who was emerging from a room a little way down the corridor.

Picture it: finding yourself face-to-face with your tutor, at 6am on a Saturday morning, in a guys' res, clearly wearing last night's clothes and make-up. This went beyond an awkward turtle moment; as a friend of mine used to say: "Awkward turkey - for special occasions!"

Luckily for me, I happened to know my tutor quite well as he was actually in my year and I'd partied with him and mutual friends a few times before. But when I walked into the tut the following Monday, he greeted me with a raised eyebrow and a drawn-out "Helloooooooo", and I wanted the ground to swallow me.

Now, several years later, I'm beginning to realise that interactions between tutors and their tutlings outside of the tutorial context are almost always awkward turtle moments at the very least. Since becoming a tutor, I've realised that my tutlings react to me in different ways when they happen to bump into me at Friars. Some are happy to say hi, or hug me. Some wave and smile sheepishly. Some make a point of telling me that they're "taking a night off from law!" And some, as on one memorable occasion, get a deer-in-the-headlights look on their face and bolt in terror (as if I'm going to march up to them and demand that they recite the Twelve Tables). So I decided to put together a handy guide of Do's n Don'ts for tutlings who have no idea how to react when they realise that their tutors like to have fun too.

HOW TO INTERACT WITH YOUR TUTOR
1. DON'T be afraid the greet your tutor when you see her out. I'm not a monster. I won't eat you.

2. DON'T say "I'm going to finish that assignment tomorrow morning!" That just reminds me that, at some point in the near future, I have to mark a pile of assignments. It's Friday night - I don't want to think about such things.

3. DO feel free to mention it the following week. You don't have to pretend that we didn't see each other on the Friars dance floor. But try to keep your comments appropriate. Saying "I'd never seen you in Friars before!" is fine. Saying "F**k I was so s**tfaced I barely remember seeing you!" is not.

4. DO feel free to buy your tutor shots if you feel so inclined. I won't be offended. I'm far too gracious. :P

5. DON'T think it's OK to include your tutor in everything that you do. For example, don't tell me that you don't really remember the test because you were 'really high'. I don't need to know these things.

6. DON'T be amazed if you see your tutor having a drink and dancing. I'm 22, not 52. Some of you are older than me.

And most importantly...

7. DON'T ever, ever, EVER slap your tutor on the ass if you happen to see her in Rat. Seriously. It's awkward for everyone. And I might break your wrist in response.