Feature and Follow Friday: Treasure

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

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Q: If you could only have One book -- one book -- for the rest of your life. What would it be?

For me, easy, Little Women. It's one of my childhood's favorites that I still turn to every now and then. It has romance, heartbreak, sibling rivalry, a saint of a mother, and a Teddy.

Review: Origin

The Amazon rainforest comes to life in Jessica Khoury's novel, Origin. 

Pia, an immortal who hates being reminded so, was created as part of a top secret project. She lives in a protected compound with her Aunts and Uncles -- all scientists that prefer a ''family'' environment -- but never allow her to step out into the jungle. Instead, Pia spends the days training for the unknown; forced to disregard ethical questions because she is special. And special people do what needs to be done, even if it means hurting others.

Jessica Khoury maintained a thrilling plotline throughout the whole story of morality vs. eternity. I mean, really, who would want to live forever if it meant being the bad guy?

Pia was an easy character to root for: brave, intrepid, and humble. No wonder Eio agrees to help her. Finally, a book that can be enjoyed in its entirety, without the need of a sequel to prolong the obvious.

Book Party Drink Ideas to Astound Your Guests

Here is a list of popular drinks that can share a spotlight with themed books. The I Love Zombie requires a blender, but the rest are pretty easy to serve. Remember to drink moderately.





Bloody Bella

45ml Vodkha
90ml Tomato Juice
15ml Lemon Juice
Dash of Worcestershire sauce, pinch of celery slat,
Tabasco, and black pepper.

French Connection

35ml cognac
35ml Amaretto Liqueur

Horse's Neck

1 lemon (for decor, that is where the name actually comes from)
3 tbsp gin
dry ginger ale

Sunburn

1 1/2 tbsp cognac
1 1/2 tbsp Tia Maria
2 tsp orange juice
2 tsp lemon juice

And finally the longest drink to prepare ever:

I Love Zombie

1 1/2 tbsp light rum

2 tsp dark rum

2 tsp white rum

1 1/2 tbsp orange curaçao

1 tsp Pernod

                                  1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice                                  

                                 1 1/2 tbsp orange juice                                 

                                 1 1/2 tbsp pineapple juice                                 

     2 tsp papaya juice

1 tsp grenadine   

                                                                        2 tsp almond syrup                                   

Review: Shredded

Being an athlete isn't easy. To reach a competitive level, Josie Peters had to practice lots of stunts, fracturing her wrist in the process. And if you were to ask her if it was worth it -- you'd hear a loud Yes!

So when she gets an invitation to join the BMX team that sponsors pro rider R.T.Torres, a Latin heartthrob with impressive moves on and off the park, Josie jumps on the opportunity. But instead of acceptance, Josie discovers that the only reason she was requested is because they aren't enough girls in the competition, and that no one on the team believes a female can win the prize. 

Avivi gives us a  great example of the undergoing struggle women everywhere must face in sports, illuminating the story with BMX terminology and a realistic teen voice. The friendship between her and Miguel is genuine. Not many teen authors like to portray a male/female friendship that doesn't turn sexual or into a love triangle, so I was happy to finally see one on paper. Recommended for readers who enjoy an adrenaline rush. 

City of Bones: Perfect for book fans, but leave the oblivious mundanes at home

To all whom complained that Jamie Campbell Bower would ruin the image of Jace, can now relax, after critics from all over proclaim him to be the best part of City of Bones.

The movie begins right away with an abrasive Clary, who like a typical teenager spends her time on the phone, ignoring her mom except to tell her off for dragging Luke along in a noncommittal relationship. Little does Clary know she is doing the same thing to her best friend Simon. Little does she know that her whole life is going to change in just a few hours when she begins to see people that no one else can see.

What did ruin the movie was the fast pace rushed script as the characters were juggled from one interruption to another, denying non-fans to get a feeling of their personalities. Things like Simon getting bitten by a vampire and not turning where left unexplained. As if assuming the sequel would be picked up. But the most annoying thing of all, really, was the Harry Potter like music at every single scene.  Hope these glitches will be fixed in City of Ashes, set to start filming on September 2013.