Northern RootsOne of the best things about having some time off is not having to read something I have to. Which may make me sound like a nerd, but hey, I like books. (If you hadn’t guessed from the whole degree in English thing). 
When we arrived in St Andrews, we were all given a copy of the Life of Pi by Yann Martel by the university. I think the idea was that it would give us something to talk about in the awkward first month or so but the truth was I didn’t have the time to read anything that wasn’t for my courses.
As soon as I found myself back in Darlington, I picked it up and thought I would see what it was all about. And then struggled to put it down again. This is one of the few occasions on which I had watched the film before I read the book (something I try to avoid at all costs) but it didn’t take away from it at all. Like you would expect, there is a lot left out of the film that works so well in the book. I cannot fathom what it would be like to be in Pi’s situation – stranded at sea for the better half of a year with little hope of survival. Knowing me, I would curl up and cry. Or try and make tea, since that is my go to response to stress. But, the Life of Pi is a pretty amazing tale of survival and appreciating the good stuff no matter how small it is. 
If you’ve got the chance pick it up and learn just how beautiful and terrifying the world can be.
Kelly x