Review: A Monster Calls

Sometimes you need to hold on to something tight to let it go.

Connor's mum has cancer. Of course, Connor doesn't want you to know that -- he doesn't want anyone to know. Ever since the school found out, he keeps getting bullied or given special treatment by the staff. Things can't get any worse, until a monster arrives at his bedroom window and teaches him an important lesson.

Crying is not an option as Patrick Ness tears Connor's life apart. Cancer is a cruel enemy, and when battling with such forces, it's okay to scream, and beg, to shout for a monster to come out and defeat it for us. Connor's anger might not always seem justified, especially the way he treats his friend Lily or his grandmother who simply wants to help anyway she can. But it's part grieving.

Do not pass this one up! Susan Sarandon joined the cast not so long ago so make sure you read it before the movie comes out.

Feature Follow Friday: Read like an Egyptian

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

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

Une photo publiée par natalia k (@natyuniverse) le Mai 5, 2014 at 10:06 PDT

Q: Do you have a favorite place to read?

I love to read outdoors. This park is close to my home, and for some reason I feel like I'm in a twilight zone Egypt.  Plus, there is a stand that sells Mojito ice cream.


What is your favorite place to read?

Review: We Should Hang Out Sometime

If Josh Sundquist and I were having coffee, I'd tell him straight up: "You need to be more assertive." Granted, wooing a person that you like isn't easy. It requires guts and letting go of the fear of rejection, something that troubled Josh ever since he lost a leg to cancer at a young age. But is this one leg causing Josh to remain single or is it all in the attitude?

After seeing all the fandom surrounding Augustus Waters from The Fault in Our Stars, I went in reading this book thinking the latter. Augustus had the one thing that makes all girls swoon -- confidence. Whereas Josh would ask a girl out and then disappear after she'd say yes, certain that they would initiate the next step and set up the date. In fact, the whole book were examples of dating faux-pas, followed by "reunions meetings" where Josh, wanting some insight, would sit down with the girls and ask them for closure.

A nice memoir written with humorous undertones that reminds us of all the loves in our lives that never became a thing.

On the plus side, Josh recently announced on his instagram that he is getting married!! I guess those closures helped.

Review: Janes in Love

Jane likes Damon. But her art project (P.L.A.I.N) landed him in community service, and now he keeps rebuffing her attempts to get close again. First, by going around with another girl, then by declining her invitation to a school dance because he'd rather go with a friend. Should Jane move on?

There were far too many characters in this sequel, leaving the rest underdeveloped. Like a secret admirer that wasn't really addressed. Instead, we get Jane and her five friends moping around because they can't find dates. Her attraction to Damon is undeniable, but sometimes, the best thing to do is let the other person go and see if they come back. I wish the paperback format were larger, seeing as the images appeared in black and white and were filled with details, they would have been easier to appreciate.

Not as good as the first. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Hollywood Boulevard

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP 2015 BOOK TO MOVIE ADAPTATIONS 

Too many books top my TBR list for 2015 (my Goodreads list is at 131 to be exact) and so I decided to spare you the scrolling and opted to discuss for Book to Film Adaptions I'm looking forward to in the coming year. 

Insurgent 

The movie is just a few months away. I loved what they did with Divergent, and can't wait to see the sequel come to life.

The Duff 

Okay, so the girl they picked as the ''Designated Ugly Fat Friend'' isn't neither fat nor ugly. But the boy does look charming. Why not give it a try?

Paper Towns

Looking forward to seeing Cara Delevingne on the big screen. She also has a part in Pan which made my list as well. 

Pan 

Granted, it's a loose   very loose adaptation of Peter Pan by J.M.Barrie but it looks awesome and includes Tiger Lily. 

Ant Man

Ant Man vs the evil bees! The first thing I said to myself after reading the comic book, was ''there is no way this could be made into a film.'' I got proven wrong.  

Mockingjay: Part II

I just saw part one, and I am super greedy, because I need part two. Right away!! 

Fifty Shades of Grey

On my to view list. Hope they combine most of the books into one film. 

Which movie is on your 2015 to view list?