Books read last week:The Duff by Kody Keplinger
Currently reading:
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
Upcoming Reads:
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
StarCrossed by Elizabeth C. Bunce
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
What are you reading on Mondays? Elizabeth C. Bunce
Books read last week:The Duff by Kody Keplinger
Currently reading:
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
Upcoming Reads:
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
StarCrossed by Elizabeth C. Bunce
Saturday, September 25, 2010
In My Mailbox 38
StarCrossed by Elizabeth C. Bunce
The Half-Made World by Felix Gilman
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
I'm so happy about getting all three of these books. I want to read them all right now!... That is, right after I finish reading the fantastic Nighshade by Andrea Cremer.
Book quote... From Gone by Michael Grant
"No. I believe in free will. I think we make our own decisions and carry out our own actions. And our actions have consequences. The world is what we make it. But I think sometimes we can ask God to help us and He will. Sometimes I think He looks down and says, 'Wow, look what those idiots are up to now: I guess I better help them along a little."
Mockingjay Review
Description: "My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead."
Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.
It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans -- except Katniss.
The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay -- no matter what the personal cost.
My Thoughts: It’s hard to explain what I feel when it comes to this book. Annoyance for the way parts of the plot played out (this part includes me crying a little…maybe). Joy for the way Gale’s scenes increased from short lines to full pages. Heartache for the changes characters Gale and Peeta make. This book doesn’t really need promoting, so I’ll get to the point. This book could have been a one page 2 liner that said Katniss became the Mockingjay, and chose [insert Gale or Peeta]. Then everyone died. I still would have said that this series was one of my favorites. At the end of the day Suzzane Collins is the creator of this world, she can do with it what she wants. I didn’t agree with everything
Ex. The reader misses a lot of the action. Like you’re in a car, being driven somewhere, but you fall asleep. Therefore, when you wake up, you’re already at your destination and you’ve missed A LOT.
I LOVED some parts
Ex. The character’s relationships are tested and prove how powerful and important love and friendship is.
Overall, It still lived up to MOST of my expectations. It made me laugh, cry, and sigh at all the loveable quotes Collins wrote for her characters. Plus, I can live with the ending, so it's all good!
Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.
It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans -- except Katniss.
The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay -- no matter what the personal cost.
My Thoughts: It’s hard to explain what I feel when it comes to this book. Annoyance for the way parts of the plot played out (this part includes me crying a little…maybe). Joy for the way Gale’s scenes increased from short lines to full pages. Heartache for the changes characters Gale and Peeta make. This book doesn’t really need promoting, so I’ll get to the point. This book could have been a one page 2 liner that said Katniss became the Mockingjay, and chose [insert Gale or Peeta]. Then everyone died. I still would have said that this series was one of my favorites. At the end of the day Suzzane Collins is the creator of this world, she can do with it what she wants. I didn’t agree with everything
Ex. The reader misses a lot of the action. Like you’re in a car, being driven somewhere, but you fall asleep. Therefore, when you wake up, you’re already at your destination and you’ve missed A LOT.
I LOVED some parts
Ex. The character’s relationships are tested and prove how powerful and important love and friendship is.
Overall, It still lived up to MOST of my expectations. It made me laugh, cry, and sigh at all the loveable quotes Collins wrote for her characters. Plus, I can live with the ending, so it's all good!
Looking Forward to...
Description: Digger thrives as a spy and sneak-thief among the feuding religious factions of Gerse, dodging the Greenmen who have banned all magic. But when a routine job goes horribly wrong and her partner and lover Tegen is killed, she has to get out of the city, fast, and hides herself in a merry group of nobles to do so. Accepted as a lady's maid to shy young Merista Nemair, Digger finds new peace and friendship at the Nemair stronghold--as well as plenty of jewels for the taking. But after the devious Lord Daul catches her in the act of thievery, he blackmails her into becoming his personal spy in the castle, and Digger soon realizes that her noble hosts aren't as apolitical as she thought... that indeed, she may be at the heart of a magical rebellion.
My Thoughts: I’ve loved every Arthur A. Levine book I’ve read. Nuff said.
My Thoughts: I’ve loved every Arthur A. Levine book I’ve read. Nuff said.
Let Me In (thoughts on remake)
Description: Let the Right One In (Swedish: Låt den rätte komma in), also known as Let Me In, is a 2004 vampire fiction novel by Swedish writer John Ajvide Lindqvist. The story centers on the relationship between a 12-year-old boy, Oskar, and a centuries-old vampire child, Eli. It takes place in Blackeberg, a working class suburb of Stockholm, in the early 1980s. The book focuses on the darker side of humanity, dealing with issues such as bullying, drugs, theft, pedophilia, prostitution and murder as well as the obvious supernatural themes.
My Thoughts: I keep on hoping I’m wrong in thinking that this isn’t going to live up to the original version of this movie. I’ve never read the book, (*goes over to Goodreads to add book to long tbr list*) but I love the original movie. It felt like a realistic Twilight without the love triangle and werewolves. The book wasn’t in the YA genre, so there was no pressure to make this “teenage” appropriate. I was happy that the author didn’t avoid death, or hard situations, as well as not killing them for any good reason. I might not always like realistic scenes, (like someone dying or a family falling on hard times) but I appreciate the “fictional honesty”. Anyway, I hope Let Me In lives up to the story, especially since I’m fond of young actress Chloë Grace Moretz (Hit-girl). We’ll see.
My Thoughts: I keep on hoping I’m wrong in thinking that this isn’t going to live up to the original version of this movie. I’ve never read the book, (*goes over to Goodreads to add book to long tbr list*) but I love the original movie. It felt like a realistic Twilight without the love triangle and werewolves. The book wasn’t in the YA genre, so there was no pressure to make this “teenage” appropriate. I was happy that the author didn’t avoid death, or hard situations, as well as not killing them for any good reason. I might not always like realistic scenes, (like someone dying or a family falling on hard times) but I appreciate the “fictional honesty”. Anyway, I hope Let Me In lives up to the story, especially since I’m fond of young actress Chloë Grace Moretz (Hit-girl). We’ll see.
Book teaser
I nodded, not sure what else to say. His eyes met mine. I stepped back, startled by his hard glare. "I won't bother you anymore. When it's time for the union, we'll figure it out."
My gut twisted as I dropped my gaze to the floor. I didn't want him to give up that easily. "Ren." I lifted my eyes to meet his. But he had already turned his back on me. My hand shot out, reaching for him a moment too late as he disappeared into the crowd.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Firleight Review
Description: With her rare ability to breathe fire, Jacinda is special even among the draki—the descendants of dragons who can shift between human and dragon forms. But when Jacinda’s rebelliousness leads her family to flee into the human world, she struggles to adapt, even as her draki spirit fades. The one thing that revives it is Will, whose family hunts her kind. Jacinda can’t resist getting closer to him; even though she knows she’s risking not only her life but the draki’s most closely guarded secret.
My Thoughts: I’m thankful to the author for writing this book, but I’m also thankful to Suzanne Collins, because if not for her, I wouldn’t have gotten to this till a few weeks (or months) later. This was my post Mockingjay book, this meant that I had high expectations in the sense that I needed Firelight to make me happy which means it couldn’t suck. Turns out, it was just what I needed. Thanks to movies like Dragonheart, I already knew I liked dragons, or draki, so I knew I’d like Firelight as long as the story was good.
The idea of draki having powers and being able to shift between dragon and human form were both awesome additions to what I thought about when I imagined what dragons could do. I have to admit that this did remind me of Twilight, (a little) but only in positive ways. There was no brooding male characters (not a lot anyway), or a female that was always getting in trouble because she was helpless. Firelight is quite the opposite in those aspects.
What I’m talking about is the fact that Will and Jacinda shouldn’t be together, but their attracted to each other anyway. My favorite part was the mystery behind Jacinda’s pride, the pride’s history, and why there is an immediate attraction between Jacinda and Will that goes beyond their emotions. I’m also very interested in learning more about Cassian, I think there’s more to him than is portrayed by Jacinda. All these things, plus The Last of the Mohicans-esque ending have me excited for the 2nd book in the Firelight series. Till then I’ll just stalk (jk) Sophie Jordan on twitter and continue to look for updates on the 2nd book as well as the Firelight movie (yay!).
My Thoughts: I’m thankful to the author for writing this book, but I’m also thankful to Suzanne Collins, because if not for her, I wouldn’t have gotten to this till a few weeks (or months) later. This was my post Mockingjay book, this meant that I had high expectations in the sense that I needed Firelight to make me happy which means it couldn’t suck. Turns out, it was just what I needed. Thanks to movies like Dragonheart, I already knew I liked dragons, or draki, so I knew I’d like Firelight as long as the story was good.
The idea of draki having powers and being able to shift between dragon and human form were both awesome additions to what I thought about when I imagined what dragons could do. I have to admit that this did remind me of Twilight, (a little) but only in positive ways. There was no brooding male characters (not a lot anyway), or a female that was always getting in trouble because she was helpless. Firelight is quite the opposite in those aspects.
What I’m talking about is the fact that Will and Jacinda shouldn’t be together, but their attracted to each other anyway. My favorite part was the mystery behind Jacinda’s pride, the pride’s history, and why there is an immediate attraction between Jacinda and Will that goes beyond their emotions. I’m also very interested in learning more about Cassian, I think there’s more to him than is portrayed by Jacinda. All these things, plus The Last of the Mohicans-esque ending have me excited for the 2nd book in the Firelight series. Till then I’ll just stalk (jk) Sophie Jordan on twitter and continue to look for updates on the 2nd book as well as the Firelight movie (yay!).
Monday, September 20, 2010
What are you reading on Mondays?
Read last week:
Nada, had to take care of some family business last week.
Currently Reading:
The Duff by Kody Keplinger
Possible Upcoming Read(s):
Torment by Lauren Kate
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
This week w/ Reading Coma
Monday:What are you reading on Mondays?
Firelight review
Tuesday:
Book teaser
My thoughts on Let The Right One In remake
Wednesday:
Looking Forward too..
Mockingjay review
Thursday:
Book quote
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Looking Forward to...
Description: Eva Forge is the last paladin of a dead God. Morgan, God of battle and champion of the Fraterdom, was assassinated by his jealous brother, Amon. Over time, the Cult of Morgan has been surpassed by other gods, his blessings ignored in favor of brighter technologies and more mechanical miracles. Eva was the last child dedicated to the Cult of Morgan, forsaken by her parents and forgotten by her family. Now she watches as her new family, her Cult, crumbles all around her.
When a series of kidnappings and murders makes it clear that someone is trying to hasten the death of the Cult of Morgan, Eva must seek out unexpected allies and unwelcome answers in the city of Ash. But will she be able to save the city from a growing conspiracy, one that reaches back to her childhood, even back to the murder of her god?
When a series of kidnappings and murders makes it clear that someone is trying to hasten the death of the Cult of Morgan, Eva must seek out unexpected allies and unwelcome answers in the city of Ash. But will she be able to save the city from a growing conspiracy, one that reaches back to her childhood, even back to the murder of her god?
My thoughts: I love (love) mythology, so this peaked my interest.
Please not Hannah Montana
If she had stuck to Hannah Montana and movies like Last Song, (meaning “wholesome” type films), this post would have never seen the light of day. I would have still been annoyed about the book adapted movies I hear she could possibly be a part of, but I would have kept it to myself (or just shared my views with friends).
It’s true that the main problem with her for me is that at this point, I see her as Hanna Montana… period. So with any movie, it’s [insert movie title] starring Hanna Montana! The most interesting thing is that she’s trying to change her image, but this new image just annoys me. It’s the, I can’t be tamed, I kissed a girl, and I want to be looked at differently type image. I personally don’t think it’s a good one for her to attach herself to, especially since she’s… how old is she?... 16?..17? Also known as not an adult? When I heard she was set to play main characters in both book adapted films Wake by Lisa McMann, and Wings by Aprilynne Pike, I was very nervous about that decision.
In general, I’m always half excited half nervous about book adapted films, which books I’ve read. I’d love it if all the books I like where turned into films, but there are so much that goes into making a movie, and sometimes the initial idea of how the movie should go doesn’t actually get portrayed on screen. Add that anxiety with the fact that “Hannah Montana” with an “I’m an adult now” attitude, and I’m even more anxious.
Even though I’m still thinking, “please not Miley Cyrus, I don’t think she can pull it off”, I hope she can become those characters and not Hannah Montana’s version of Janie (Wake’s main character) and Laurel (main character from Wings).
It’s true that the main problem with her for me is that at this point, I see her as Hanna Montana… period. So with any movie, it’s [insert movie title] starring Hanna Montana! The most interesting thing is that she’s trying to change her image, but this new image just annoys me. It’s the, I can’t be tamed, I kissed a girl, and I want to be looked at differently type image. I personally don’t think it’s a good one for her to attach herself to, especially since she’s… how old is she?... 16?..17? Also known as not an adult? When I heard she was set to play main characters in both book adapted films Wake by Lisa McMann, and Wings by Aprilynne Pike, I was very nervous about that decision.
In general, I’m always half excited half nervous about book adapted films, which books I’ve read. I’d love it if all the books I like where turned into films, but there are so much that goes into making a movie, and sometimes the initial idea of how the movie should go doesn’t actually get portrayed on screen. Add that anxiety with the fact that “Hannah Montana” with an “I’m an adult now” attitude, and I’m even more anxious.
Even though I’m still thinking, “please not Miley Cyrus, I don’t think she can pull it off”, I hope she can become those characters and not Hannah Montana’s version of Janie (Wake’s main character) and Laurel (main character from Wings).
Firelight book teaser
"Well, then what are you waiting for?" Mrs. Hennessey asks.
For it to get easier. For life to stop being so hard.
Since that's nnot going to happen, I send Mrs. Hennessey a shaky smile and step outside.
"Hi, Will," I say softly.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Gone review
I bought Gone at the last minute at a bookstore. My Aunt was with me and was willing to buy me a paperback ($10.00 and under), so I got a book and headed for the checkout line. But then I thought, is this what I want? I ended up going back and trading my current book for Gone.
Seeing how Gone is over 500 pgs., I was apprehensive about starting it. 500 pages are great when I like a book, but its torture when I’m not connecting with a story. I ended up connecting so much that when I finished, I was surprised about how fast it went.
This story was more intense than I thought it would be, and that’s the main reason I liked it. It was violent; people died and got hurt multiple times. I don’t enjoy violence itself, but I appreciate an author who doesn’t placate their readers. The fact is, if all the children were left by themselves, a lot of (legitimate) bullies would stay bullies. Plus, people do crazy things when they crack (not to be confused with being on crack), or panic.
Something else this book did was making me ask myself questions. I can normally tell I like a book when it makes me think about my own actions, and what I would do if I were in a certain situation from the story. Would I stand up EVERYTIME I should, even when I’m tired of always doing the right thing, or would I give up? Take a break from always doing the right thing.
Cleary from the number of books in this series, and the ending of Gone, this story has only just begun. There’s still a lot of ground to cover and I’m ready to walk it… or read it, either one.
Roald Dahl Day
Today is Roald Dahl Day, as well as his birthday. I’ve never done anything for this day (because I didn’t know about it before) but I thought I’d share a little bit about the impact he made in my life.
I’ve enjoyed every one of his books I’ve read, but there are two that I really love. Matilda and BFG were my favorite of his books, as well my then current favorite books (elementary). Matilda really reached out to me, because I was the child who would beg her parents to take her to the library, then proceed to go find books, and come back to wherever my Mom or Dad was sitting and plop down 4 or 5 books from the children’s section. Then, I would venture off to the teen section, and then the adult section. I rarely left the library without needing a bag to carry my books in. All this means that I could relate to Matilda, because she was another child my age that loved books.
As for BFG, I felt like the story was told in such a way that I became as invested in the story as much as an elementary aged child could be. I still smile when I walk by one of his books I’ve read, which brings back happy memories. Those are just two examples of the many instances Roald Dahl brought happiness to my life.
This week is also Roald Dahl week, which is hosted by Bri Meets Books and A Girl Reads. This apparently means guest posts, a giveaway, and others things.
What are you reading on Mondays?
This meme was started by J. Kaye
Read last week:
Firelight by Sophie Jordan
Currently Reading:
Torment by Lauren Kate
Possible Upcoming Read:
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
This week's Schedule
Last week's schedule didn't go well, but I think I'm back on track sooo..
Sunday - IMM
Monday - What are you reading on Mondays?
Roald Dahl Day
Gone review
Tuesday - Book teaser or Book Quote
Please not Hannah Montana
Wednesday - Looking Foward to...
Thursday - Firelight review
Possible contest (if I hit 250 followers by Friday)
Saturday, September 11, 2010
In My Mailbox 37
This meme is brought to you by TheStorySiren
The Darkangel by Meredith Ann Pierce
Eon by Alison Goodman
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn
Grass for His Pillow by Lian Hearn
Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty
I got all of these except for two at my favorite used bookstore (Yay!)
Monday, September 6, 2010
What are you reading on Mondays?
This meme was started by J. Kaye
Read last week:
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Currently Reading:
Firelight by Sophie Jordan
Upcoming Read:
Torment by Lauren Kate
Saturday, September 4, 2010
In My Mailbox 36
I'm so happy about all these books, and am currently reading Mockingjay (it didn't get here until a couple days ago)!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Hunger Review
Description: “Thou art the Black Rider. Go thee out unto the world.”
Lisabeth Lewis has a black steed, a set of scales, and a new job: she’s been appointed Famine. How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl from the suburbs fare as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?
Traveling the world on her steed gives Lisa freedom from her troubles at home: her constant battle with hunger, and her struggle to hide it from the people who care about her. But being Famine forces her to go places where hunger is a painful part of everyday life, and to face the horrifying effects of her phenomenal power. Can Lisa find a way to harness that power — and the courage to battle her own inner demons?
Lisabeth Lewis has a black steed, a set of scales, and a new job: she’s been appointed Famine. How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl from the suburbs fare as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?
Traveling the world on her steed gives Lisa freedom from her troubles at home: her constant battle with hunger, and her struggle to hide it from the people who care about her. But being Famine forces her to go places where hunger is a painful part of everyday life, and to face the horrifying effects of her phenomenal power. Can Lisa find a way to harness that power — and the courage to battle her own inner demons?
My Thoughts: First off, the cover lured me in, then the words “Thou art the Black Rider. Go thee out unto the world” caught me. I thought, could this be, a book about the horsemen of the apocalypse? Thanks to reading the The Gardener by S. A. Bodeen this summer, I’d been reintroduced to the four horsemen of the apocalypse, which led to me doing a little “Wikipedia research”. Therefore, I was excited about Lisa becoming a horse..woman? (scratch that)...men. The idea of having a book about Famine (and the other three) caused me to drool over this book (not literally), but the story didn’t go the way I thought, or even hoped it would initially. Once I started reading, I was happy it didn’t go the way I assumed it would, because it took a more positive turn, by discussing a more important topic.
I don’t personally know anything about what it’s feels like to be anorexic, or the thought process that goes with it, but Kessler seems to portray Lisa as a legitimate example of a real life situation. She also wrote Hunger in such a way that any girl with any type of body issue can relate in some way to Lisa.
This book had for one, an important message, and one that at certain points in the story made it hard for me to continue on reading how the characters dealt with their eating disorders. It had quick-witted one liners that came mostly from Death, who apparently looks like Kurt Cobain and is considered to be sexy. It also had bad-a(**) steeds and great quotes that most would find useful (“You are full of fear, when instead you should be comfortable with your own strength”).
Hunger is so entertaining yet driven by an important message that when it comes out, I plan to give away a copy of her book, because 1) I think other girls (and guys) should read this book, and 2) a portion of the proceeds from Hunger is supposed to go to the National Eating Disorders Association.
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