Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Daughter of Smoke and Bone captures its readers interest with an orphan girl named Karou, whose cheating ex-boyfriend tries to win her back by posing nude in her life drawing class. As if this wasn't enough of a jolt, Karou's adoptive family is chimaera -- mythical creatures from various animals parts -- making Karou's background even more of a blurr. Is she ... human?

A lot of information was thrown into the book: portals to different worlds, an instalove relationship, a war between angels and demons, dentistry, magical power to fly, past lives... Every time I figured out where the story was going, Laini Taylor would shake her finger at me, and twist the plot the other way around. 

Perhaps now that the characters are set, Days of Blood and Starlight (book2), will be easier to follow.

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Picture

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP FAVORITE BOOK/FILM ADAPTATION

NOMINATED FOR BEST PICTURE 

With so many book to film adaptations it would have been extremely difficult for me to choose without limits. The 86th Academy Awards will be hosted this Sunday, so what a better way to praise them for all the recognition they have provided artists over the years. 

10. The Godfather (1972) adapted from Mario Puzo's novel of the same name.

Not as good as the sequel, but the tone of the film was beautifully dark. I also have a thing for scripts written by the original writer himself.

9. The Wizard of Oz (1939) adapted from L.Frank Baum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Following a yellow brick road is a lot easier that following simple arrows. The book might be different than the movie, but the film still packs lots of punch and a great musical score.

8. Terms of Endearment (1983) adapted from Larry McMurtry's novel of the same name.

Loved Shirley in Steel Magnolias, though this film takes the cake. The characters were well crafted, complimenting each other in surprising ways. One of the best Mom/Daughter bond seen on film.

7. Beauty and the Beast (1991) adapted from Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont's story of the same name.

Awkward thing is Jeanne-Marie married a Beast in real life, who took all her dowry money to please his selfish needs until he contracted a disease due to his "party lifestyle" thus releasing her from her duties.

6. The Exorcist (1973) adapted from William Peter Blatty's novel of the same name.

Still recovering from major nightmares.

5. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) adapted from Tennessee Williams' play of the same name.

"Stella!!" "Stella!!"

4. The Color Purple (1985) adapted from Alice Walker's novel of the same name.

Amazing Script. I dare say that, for me, Oprah stole the show.

3. Hugo (2011) adapted from Brian Selznick's The Invention of Hugo Cabret

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Selznick is a talented genius. His illustrations are meant to be hung on walls.

2. Mary Poppins (1964) adapted from P.L.Travers' series

Need to pick up one of the series' book soon. I'm so very curious. Apparently, the movie doesn't resemble the books at all. Sigh!

1. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) adapted from J. R. R. Tolkien's novel of the same name.

Saw the movie, loved it, found it quite long. One day I shall challenge myself to read the series.

Feature and Follow Friday: Let's Clean up the Streets

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: What was the last book that made you cry?

Yes! I admit it, The Girl in Red -- a picture book -- by Aaron Frisch and Roberto Innoncenti made me cry.

Well not exactly ''tear up'', more like recoil inside, and desperately want to cry because of the impotent horrible feeling that there isn't anything I can do to help children who have passed away in the hands of predators.

Kids are always warned not to talk to strangers, a lesson often accompanied by the Red Riding Hood tale. Well, in this version there is no food starved wolf, Grandma's house is replaced with a trailer, and no one is there to save little red.

Review: Wonderstruck

After watching The Invention of Hugo Cabret, I rose from my chair and applauded the cinematography. Not every director gets to frame shots like that. But then once I read the book, I realized that all the frames had been previously drawn by Selznick. If anything, he deserved a lot more credit. I'm happy to say that the quality of the illustrations are maintained in Wonderstruck.

Having lost his mother, Ben must face his home being sold. While going through his mother's personals, he discovers his father's identity and leaves for NYC alone. Despite being a minor --  a deaf minor. Rose's story on the other hand is told in pictures. She also ran away from home to find her mother. And yes, both stories intertwine with a sentimental ending. Throughout the book, the narration is moving and easy for a middle-grader to follow.

Thank you Selznick for illuminating us again with a sweet message of hope.

Top Ten Tuesday: Restless Temptation

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP REASONS TO BLOG AND READ 

C.S. Lewis once said: "You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me,"  which brings me to my main reasons for reading and blogging:


Reading is Endless

There will always be more books than you can ever read. So many different genres when you need a change. It's versatile.

Blogging Allows you to Connect

Imagine the most amazing flavor of ice cream and not being able to describe it to others because they believe desserts are dull. Blogging allows us readers to interact together and dissect those books we love so much.


Keep Updated

When does the new book from so and so come out...? Is it worth the read...? All topics mentioned through blogging.


ARCS

A.k.a Advance reading copies. Bloggers don't always have to wait for the publishing date to read a book copy.