Booktober: week one

Ketchup Clouds. So this is where I started Booktober. I will admit that this book, by Annabel Pitcher, had been sat on my bedroom floor for quite some time but I've been extremely busy recently and struggled to find time to read. This was the fantastic opportunity to get me reading again!

What I didn't realise until after finishing the book is that she is the author of a book that I read a long time ago and thoroughly enjoyed! 

Ketchup Clouds tells the story of a teenage girl (who's name I'm not going to say because that's part of the mystery) who starts writing to a prisoner as a way to deal with her guilt. Her guilt as a result of an event that she blames herself for. We never hear from the convict, who is on death row, and the cliffhanger you are left on has you dreaming up all sorts of different endings.

Throughout the novel, there are several themes, both obvious and hidden, that manage to get you questioning things about your own life. It has you wondering how you would react in certain situations and teaches a very important lesson: sometimes letting go is the only thing that you can do to stop you making yourself crazy with guilt. 

If you don't mind reading something with quite serious underlying themes covered up quite well with the odd bit of humour, then this is certainly a book for you! The way family, friendships and feelings are portrayed is so unique and definitely worth trying to understand.

That's all for this weeks review because I don't want to ruin something that you might read but I look forward to hearing about what you're reading and I'll be back next week with another.

Keep smiling, 

Kathryn x

Education: the right way?

The eduction cycle: school, college, university then a good job. It's that simple isn't it? Well, for me it is the right route. In fact, it's most probably the only sensible route into my chosen career. However, this is not the 'right way'. There is no right way when it comes to education and everyone's path is different.

Recently I've been thinking about what I could be doing if I wasn't in college and I know that there's nothing I want to be doing more but, for some people, it doesn't suit their personality. There are so many options nowadays that there is something for everyone and there is no excuse for someone to be forced into something that they don't want to do. Many of my friends who have chosen routes different to mine were unsure when following their dreams because they thought other people would think less of them for choosing a less conventional option. But what gives anyone the right to judge you for following your dreams? Why shouldn't you be able to do a degree in English, Geography or Sport science? Do an apprenticeship or drop out of college to get a job? If you are taking the next step that is right for you, where is the problem?

I guess what I'm trying to do is spread the message that as long as YOU are happy with what you're doing, why shouldn't anyone else be? Why should you have to do something to fit in with convention or to satisfy someone else? I've spent a long time trying to please other people but know now that it's me who has to live my life, and I should do it the way that I want to! So next time you feel like you're not going the right way just because it's not the most common, take a moment to think twice!

Keep smiling,

Kathryn x