Top Ten Tuesday: Indecisions

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP BOOKS I'M NOT SURE I WANT TO READ 

To read or not to read, the one question every reader asks themselves before opening a book. Some are too long, too depressing -- or simply not the right book at the right moment. Here are my current indecisions:

Reached by Ally Condie

The last book of a series can't make or break the whole thing. I admit that after reading Crossed, and not being too impressed, this finale scares me.

Betrayed by P.C. Cast

Another series I'm unsure if I should continue.

Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl really got to me -- made me think about the advantages to ignore bullies. But Milkweed deals with jewish kids in Nazi Germany. Sounds a bit too depressing for me to read right now.

Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready

Seriously disliked the sequel Shift. Not sure I want to finish this series.

The Bad Seed by William March

No offense to William, but if this book is an exact replica of the movie, I'd rather keep avoiding it. I have seen the film way too many times to learn anything new.

Which book topped your list?

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.

Review: City of Lost Souls

City of Lost Souls marks the fifth book in The Mortal Instruments series. The same to hit the screen last year with Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower. This time, Jace finds himself attached to Sebastian by the evil Lilith -- whose spell is so strong that if one suffers so does the other. Now that Sebastian plans to raise a war against the clave, Clary will have no choice but to defend both sides and protect her love.

It's quite impressive to watch Cassandra Clare maintain the tension and intrigue all the way into book 5. She does this swiftly, filling the gaps with Simon's woes of his estranged relationship to his mother, and Alec's unease with his boyfriend's immortality. Most importantly, the story didn't feel exaggerated in any way or prologued for the sake of word count.

Sadly, due to the unpopularity of the first film, the sequel has been postponed. Fans can at least rejoice that the books are now all in print and reread them at their own pleasure.

Feature and Follow Friday: Hands of Time

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

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

Q: If you had a time machine where would you go?

I would travel back in time -- no doubt about that. As a good citizen of the world, I would stop pointless selfies, bad hair cuts. And cooks who don't wash their hands.


Here are a few books about time travelling you might enjoy:

Review: The Rules for Breaking

The crazy ones are always in for the long run.

Turns out the FBI had a mole in the crew, causing Anna (formerly known as Meg) and her family to live in chaos for the past years. But what are the odds the corrupt agent was working alone? This time around Anna and Ethan won't have to deal with family secrets and backstabbing foes. Instead, they are taken hostage, tortured, and dressed up...?

Sadly, this sequel to The Rules of Disappearing, doesn't stand to it's predecessor. Two thirds of the book are spent locked in vans and buildings, while Anna's sister, Teeny, is mostly there to launch her own spin-off. Elston did try to instill the family life through all the action by creating a plot line for Anna's mother -- and hence providing the novel with well-done emotional scenes.

A great addition for YA thriller fans.

Top Ten Tuesday: To define is to limit

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP FAVORITE CLASSICS

An odd thing about this week's topic, is that I'm currently reading Pride and Prejudice for the first time.So far so good, but it doesn't feel right to add it to my list just yet. 

Animal Farm

George Orwell

Don't trust a pig!! Guess that saying not only applies to relationships but farms as well.

Gone with the Wind

Margaret Mitchell

I so give a damn about this book. It is extremely long (used to be that way back then) but meaningful. 

Pollyanna

Eleanor H. Porter

Taught me to see life through a more positive light.  

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Oscar Wilde

My favorite classic by far. Dark and disturbing, should appeal to all who refuse to accept old age.

Which book made your list?

Review: The Book Thief

In Zusak's The Book Thief, Death narrates a story that changed him forever. It appears a little orphan girl, Liesel, triggered his humanity as he sees her adapt to an outspoken adoptive mother and a kiss prone neighbor, but also to the political changes in Germany, 1939, that leads the family to hide a young Jewish refugee.

Although, many have seen the talented cast in the film bring the well-adapted script to life, the book remains deeply poetic, and worth every page and tear. Liesel's struggle to fit into her new life, especially to learn how to read and write despite the insults from the other kids, was inspiring. She doesn't learn to prove them wrong -- she develops a love for books -- staying up late every night with her Papa studying words. Every character had their moment, including Rudy, who gets told off for painting himself with mud to look like his favorite runner only to receive a disappointing lesson on racism.

I leave you with the official movie trailer

Caught my arrow #35

Caught my Arrow is a meme similar to In my mailbox and  Stalking the Shelves featuring books that were purchased, borrowed or received that week.

It's Sports Week at BookCupid's house!! I'm counting the hours until the FiFa games take over again. Until then, I can always pass the time with some reading. 

Purchased

Catching Jordan

Received from Publisher

Riley Mae and the  Rock Shocker Trek

What are you reading this week?

Feature and Follow Friday: Shopping Ideas

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

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

Q: Post a photo of your favorite coffee mug (or mugs if you can't choose just one)

Tea aficionado with no artistic coffee mug?!? I'm in serious need of help. Keep seeing these around Chapters lately. The resemblance they share with Harry Potter's owl is appealing.

Review: Her Dark Curiosity

The past always comes back to haunt us.

Although, Juliet's heart still yearns for Montgomery and her body aches for the medicine that maintains her animal urges under control -- Juliet wants to rebuild her live. Creating a cure is her only hope, then she can forget everything. Forget Moreau Island. Unfortunately for her, someone something followed her off the island making sure the horrific secret that happened there is out. Will she be able to cure herself before her Dad's friends decide to keep her as an experiment?

Once again, Megan Shepherd used the retell pattern, basing the story on Jekyll and Hyde. The effect wasn't as moving as The Madman's Daughter but only because Dr. Moreau was an evil genius badass and is a tough act to follow. The love triangle remained with a steamy hot sex scene worth rereading. All in all, the book is a nice follow-up to the first, even if, one can't help but ask themselves ''Where is this all leading to?''

Review: Not Exactly a Love Story

Vinnie's mom is tired of being the sole provider for the family. Her solution: divorce -- marrying Vinnie's gym teacher and moving him across the city. One can't blame his rebellion when he picks up the phone, calls his pretty new neighbor and tells her obscenities. Or can we? Will Vinnie learn to control his impulses before he ruins his chance with the only girl who understands him?

Audrey Couloumbis author of Love me Tender gives us another story that deals with parental separation. Vinnie is so composed with his family's rupture, that we sort of expect him to fall apart sooner or later. As always the parents where very well written. Both mother and father played their role in the end of the relationship, making the story quite believable.

A short yet interesting read taking place in the late 70s.