Review: Catching Jordan

Prepare to question your sport prejudices.

Jordan has a lot of pressure to deal with. Her father doesn't approve of her playing football, yet praises his son whenever he does. The good thing is that Jordan now has newcomer Ty's attention, and gets to experience love for the first time. But what exactly is love? Is it the goosebumps you get when he is near you, or the fact that he supports you no matter what? Because if it's the latter, Jordan has got it all wrong. 

The teamwork observed in the book was inspirational. JJ, Carter, and Henry in particular, show Jordan the proper respect any girl should get. Miranda Kenneally's focus on the father/daughter relationship was quite moving, demonstrating the reasons behind Jordan's father disapproval and her struggle to maintain her dreams alive. 

All in all, a beautiful short novel, that makes football sound fun.     

Feature and Follow Friday: Homebound

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 is the biggest city you live near?

I'm proud to say I live in Montreal. Except for a beach (which the city is working on now) there isn't much that we are missing. We have four seasons, hockey, and a charming bilingual community, able to converse with you in French and English wherever you go.

If you do come to Montreal, the Old Port is an absolute must see. You can stroll in the historic port in a horse carriage, catch a play at the Centaur, and then visit the Gothic Notre Dame church. Although, by far, the prettiest Basilica to visit in Montreal remains the Saint Joseph's Oratory.

Top Ten Tuesday: Shipwrecked

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP TEN CHARACTERS I'D WANT ON A DESERTED ISLAND  

Once upon a time, my boat crashed on a deserted island. I woke up, not only glad to see I had survived, but that I was not alone. With me was: 

Pi from Life of Pi

He has survivor experience. Most importantly rafting experience. He could teach us how to fish and maintain our bodies with protein.

Jason from Meant to Be

You are probably wondering why I included him? Think about it! The mood will plummet without someone to make us laugh.

Maya from The Rising

As a cougar shape-shifter, her skills can keep us safe. Her knowledge of the woods and plant life is also an asset.













Rose from Vampire Academy

Experienced bodyguard. Love how direct she can be, plus it would be interesting to watch her argument with ...... Jace.

Jace from The Mortal Instruments

Although, he will definitely clash heads with Rose, I think these two would eventually get over it and make a great team.

Thomas from The Maze Runner

Fearless and creative, he could help come up with great plans.

Lola from Lola and the Boy Next Door

She might not have superpowers, but her sense of humor and style is a necessity for me. I truly believe she would make the habitat homey.

Sam from Shiver

He could use this experience to write great songs and play them for us. How can anyone survive without music?!?

Sophie from Hex Hall

A magical being is a must.

Will from Clockwork Angel

How do we get by without electricity? Will Herondale has all the answers. Plus he is brave and handsome.














Who topped your list?

Review: The Book of Broken Hearts

The Vargas brothers share one disorder: commitment phobia. 

They will make you fall in love with them, then leave you heartbroken whether is on prom night or at the altair. No wonder Jude's sisters made her swear to never breathe near one. But ever since the youngest Vargas brother, Emilio, was hired by her dad to fix his beloved bike, Jude is entranced. Emilio seems so caring, so loving toward his family, so reasonable to her father's alzheimer's condition... Maybe it is time to break that oath?

Although the romance in The Book of Broken Hearts is sweet and romantic in a non-cheesy way, the story's background overshadows it. As Jude tries to hold the family together -- whether by ignoring the signs that her dad's condition is deteriorating, or trying to keep peace between her sisters by forbidding her heart to speak of love  -- she makes us remember the importance of family. 

The ending might feel a little rush, but all in all, Ockler gives us a realistic interpretation of growing up with an alzheimer parent. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Classic life Lessons

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP TEN THINGS TO LEARN FROM THE CLASSICS  

Don't you just love classic movies. Thanks to Netflix, I've been catching up on old times and learning in the process.

Lesson 1: "You don't know what you have until you idiotically get rid of it."

Sunrise by F.W. Murnau (1927)

A bored married man is convinced by his mistress to kill his wife, but when he takes her on a boat to her doom,  he realizes all she wanted was some attention and falls in love with her all over again. Now -- if he could only deal with that mistress...

Lesson 2: "Sometimes the people we count on the most are the first to run away at a sign of trouble."

High Noon by Fred Zinnemann (1952)

Cooper just retired from his sherif post and is on his way to his honeymoon when a bad guy comes back for revenge. Sadly, no one in town is willing to fight him so Cooper must reclaim his post. Talk about proper ethics.

Lesson 3: "We must always be ready for a close-up."

Sunset Boulevard by Billy Wilder (1950)

In today's times when everyone is taking pictures in day-to-day locations, one must always be ready for the camera flash. Norma Desmond would be ecstatic and definitely an instagram star.

Lesson 4: "First impressions aren't always right."

Singing in the Rain by Gene Kelly (1952)

Don and Kathy despised each other at first. And of course, there is the whole fiasco about who the real star of the movie was. 

Lesson 5: "There is no place like home."

The Wizard of Oz by Victor Fleming (1939)

Yup, even if you live in a dull black and white world where the neighbors are unfriendly. There is no place like home -- so don't waste your time crying about migrating to a warmer and sunnier climate. 

Lesson 6: "No one is immune to heartbreak."

Teorema by Pasolini (1968)

A whole family falls in bed with the same young man: the mother/father/daughter/son and even the maid. After sleeping with everyone, he says goodbye and leaves. We get to see how everyone deals with heartbreak. 

Lesson 7: "Never lower yourself for anyone."

Gilda by Charles Vidor (1946)

While angry, Johnny treats Gilda like a tramp so she decides to settle this matter by doing a striptease in front of all his casino clients. Oh, Gilda! 

Lesson 8: " Karma is a @!*#%"

Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock (1960)

When you least expect it, Karma will be there. Make sure the bad deeds are worth it. 

Lesson 9: "Don't accept strange gifts."

The Exorcist by Friedkin (1973)

Seriously, follow your instincts. Also, a Ouija might not be the best board game out there. You are better off playing Uno.

Lesson 10: " If you spoil your children, you'll all suffer at the end."

Mildred Pierce by Michael Curtiz (1945)

I don't personally believe in spanking, but oh, that Veda!! She deserved worse, like a terrible summer cleaning up the gum wall in downtown Seattle.