Saturday, March 12, 2016

Book and Movie Challenge: Room

It's no wonder Room got so much praise at the Oscars.  

If you`ve read the book, then you expected the tears that this movie would undoubtedly cause. However, the book was written under the voice of 5 year-old Jack, making it even more realistic in the tone. Let's face it, a five-year-old child can't lie or embellish the truth. Therefore the captivity that him and his mom were forced into by Old Nick appeared even more gruesome in the hardcover.

That is not to say that the movie lacked in tone. Being character driven, it relied on Jacob Tremblay(Jack) and his mom played by Brie Larson (Joy) to impress us with their acting. I have no clue how the director coached Jacob into performing so well, but they really do pull us into the story and allow us to experience what it would be like to overcome an abduction.

All in all, an amazing adaptation that deserves to be watched and read.



Caught my arrow #49

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


Honestly can't seem to put this book down. It's so similar to something myself and many of my friends have experienced in terms of relationships breakups that it feels like looking in a mirror. Katie certainly knows how to create convincing characters.


Received from Publisher



Dear Emma by Katie Heaney




What are you reading this week?

Monday, February 29, 2016

Review: Imogene of the Pacific Kingdom



Imogene was forced to live with her aunt after her parents leave, promising to return when she turns ten. But the birthday passes, and Imogene receives no news. Then one day, her pendant begins pointing her to the sea, and as she plunges in the water and swims to her destiny, she comes to realize she is in fact a mermaid. A princess! And her parents hid her because her evil uncle wants the throne and will stop at nothing to get it.

Schapansky used easy vocabulary for middle-graders to understand, but gave us a witty and smart ten-year-old in the process. Imogene acted mature for her age, making wise decisions that helped the kingdom in great ways. It was interesting to see the concept of day and night under the sea as well as funny little details such as volcano rocks to cook food. 

Monday, February 15, 2016

Graphic Monday: Tomboy


Just be yourself.

For as long as she could remember, Liz has always felt comfortable in boys clothes. She loved baseball, and videogames, even comic books excited her more than fashion magazines. Of course, her classmates bullied her. They ignored her, called her names or just simply referred to her as a boy. But Liz was a tomboy. And why is that so wrong? Why are girls and boys stuck with labels placed on by society?

If there's anything that this memoir proves, is that Liz was just like any normal human girl. She had feelings, went through fun times and quarrels with friends, crushes... and was wrongfully judged for all the wrong reasons (Liz was a great friend, always being there for them, including Phyllis and her rebellious teen phase). 

A bit repetitive at times.





Thursday, February 11, 2016

Review: Best Hair Book Ever



Falling into routine is a slow death. This book illustrates several ways girls can alter their hairstyles and be fashionable. If you want to profit this tutorials to the max. I advise you have some dry shampoo, sea salt spray, volume powder (Got2B makes an excellent one) elastics, hair accesories, hair chalk, and if possible, an extra pair of hands.

Even though, the pictures were of excellent quality (large, taking over the whole page), styling your head is not as simple as it looks. Except for braids, the hair dos simply came with written instructions.

Like: Remove a lock of hair from a tied ponytail. But how -- the whole thing falls apart when I do? Also, how am I supposed to keep the little fly airs from going wild?




Too bad this book couldn't come with a how-to DVD.

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Review: Red Queen



Anyone can betray you, becomes a warning to hold on tight in this new YA fantasy series.

In Mare's world, citizens not only bleed red or silver, but the color of their blood affects their reign as well as magical powers. Red's are considered worthless. But when Mare is given the chance to work at the palace and discovers her magical gift to control lightning everything changes. She's immediately betrothed to prince Maven, and plans are set in motion for her to become a Red Queen. But why are they so keen on keeping her at all? Can Mare really stop the Reds from rebelling against the royals?

Aveyard added a lot of tension and quickly turned this fantasy into a thriller. We had a group of rebels that helped carry the story along, as characters were divided by right and wrong. Although I did enjoy the love triangle between Mare and the princes, I found the action and magical abilities of some (like Queen Elara) to be even more entrancing.

Looking forward to the sequel.

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Caught my arrow #48

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


Finally get to read this book. My precious!!

Received from Publisher




Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs




What are you reading this week?

Monday, February 1, 2016

Graphic Monday: Page by Paige


Paige was forced to relocate from Virginia to New York with her mom. She doesn't know anyone, and spends most of her time talking to museum paintings and drawing in her notebook. Her art is gorgeous, but she is so afraid to share it. Until she meets some new friends that inspire her to be free.

The Graphics kept me turning the pages, as the author found clever ways to put text everywhere. It really felt like I was staring at a piece of art and not a book. Particularly, because the story dragged as Paige dealt with her insecurities. Just when I thought she was moving on, she would shield herself back into her cocoon.

Some similarities with Plain Janes, although, I must say the drawings in this one really take the cake.




Thursday, January 28, 2016

Review: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies


I finally understand why Charlotte married Mr.Collins out of the blue.

I have seen the numerous movies based on Pride and Prejudice novel, and was looking forward to reading the zombie adaptation. Would it linger toward the horror genre or humor -- I did not know what to expect. But after reading it, I must say it definitely belongs to the latter. 

Grahame-Smith changed lots of the dialogue to incorporate the zombie theme as the Bennett girls are well trained in combat. Yes, their mother is still obsessed with marriage (regardless of the plague) and all the characters are there. Although, I must say that Grahame-Smith karma the heck out of all of them, whether by giving them even more egotistical personalities or crippling them. 



Sunday, January 17, 2016

Review: This song is (not) for you


Sad to say, this book was not for me.

Ramona and Sam have been bandmates for a long time. And to both of their dismay, the relationship has crossed the friendzone. Then one day Tom appears in the picture and gets added as a new member. But will Ramona's crush on Tom bring out everything that has been left unsaid between her and Sam?

Despite the author's efforts to add subplots about bullying, cancer, and teen/parents issues -- the main focus remained on the romance. Lack of sex motivation is not commonly seeing in YA books and I'm glad that it gets some spotlight. I mean how many of us have dated someone that just couldn't get it up or didn't want more than to hold hands? Not everyone has a high drive. The problem is the author dragged it. Giving us the impression that a huge revelation will explain his condition (gay, asexual, molested, alien...) And if that wasn't bad enough, she then ended the climax with a dried up solution to try to make every character happy. Life doesn't work that way.



Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Review: Firsts


Although one night stands are no longer frowned upon as before -- 15 of them with guys from the same school -- will not go unnoticed 

Following a bad breakup, Mercedes decides to take control of her body. She quickly becomes the school "devirginizer", sleeping with other girls boyfriends to teach them how to respect girls needs in bed. As one guy after another leaves her bedroom, Mercedes goes sloppy. No longer checking if the virgins have girlfriends or not -- or if they are virgins at all. How long can she keep doing this? Doesn't she realize that this is the opposite of self-control?

The author made sure to compliment Mercedes character with selfish parents. The mother was present throughout the novel, which made it even more cruel that she never tried to stop her child from casual sex. The book kind of dragged for a while, as Mercedes accumulated partners, but once everything unraveled Flynn provided an amazing conclusion, making sure to fit as many lessons as possible for young girls everywhere. 


Monday, January 11, 2016

Review: VIP I'm with the Band


Who can resist boy bands?

Certainly not Mac who has been a huge fan of Perfect Storm (PS) before they were a hit. Mac knows everything about them -- from eating habits to favorite colors -- and dreams of going to her Spring Fling dance with the lead singer, Zander. But when a sudden turn of events causes Mac's mom to get hired as PS' tour manager, Mac will not only get to daydream about the band, she will spend the next two months with them 24/7. Will this personal encounter change her image of them? What if Zander is not so dreamy as she pictured in her head?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although, I did find it a little lengthy for Middle-Graders at first, I soon began to see various drawings, blank pages to separate chapters, and graphic novel entries (Mac's alter ego), encouraging me to quickly changed my mind. Mac was heartfelt and quirky/clumsy making it easy to get attached to her character. She also acted like a mature twelve-year-old. Aside from the romance, the author added Lola, a rich spoiled fifteen-year-old ready to challenge Mac's favorite fan status. 

All in all a fun read with an open ending. Do I sense a series?

Friday, January 8, 2016

Feature and Follow Friday: Desires

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 books are you most excited for in 2016?



Glass Sword!!



Granted, I haven't put up my review of Red Queen yet ( I have been on a vacation lazy slump) I must admit to love the setting, the characters, and the writing style of the series. I can't wait to see what Victoria Aveyard comes up with next.

What book are you anxious for?

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Book and Movie Challenge: Mockingjay and Veronika Decides to Die



Resolute in keeping my challenge, here is my first January movie/book post.

Mockingjay Part II



Why did it take me so long to review this film? Because I had to reread the book. It had been so long since it was published (2010, keep in mind that there is no Mockingjay part 2 novel) that I felt the need to refresh and understand why a few scenes were presented the way they were. 

All in all, I found the plot stuck mostly to it's original story enough to give book fans their bucks worth. I was however surprised by the movie fanatics who didn't seem to grasp why the rebellion was not in center focus. They wanted more political details, which is impossible due to the fact that the story is told by the point-of-view of Katniss alone. And at that moment all she could think about was Snow. A great eye-opener on how revenge can blind us. 






Veronika Decides to Die




Ugh where do I start?

Paulo Coehlo is an amazing author, so amazing he can actually afford to make a cameo in his own book. While the novel deals with all the downside of depression (therapists says sadness and anger are emotions, while depression is a condition that we force upon ourselves) and reveals lots of great quotes to turn our frowns upside down, the film misleads its message. Aside from the strange sexual scene, the movie just seemed dull. 









**If you've reviewed this film or any other movie adaptation this month, please make sure to leave your link below. I'm always searching for movies to watch or skip. 



Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Review: The Dark and Hollow Places


That sad part when you don't follow your instincts and DNF a book.

Annah is scarred inside out. She abandoned her twin sister several years ago to the Unconsecrated (zombies) and has since survived with various scars all over her body and face. But now, that her sister is found, Annah starts developing other feelings such as jealousy and lover boy envy. Can Annah ever be at peace? 

Despite being the third book in the series, Ryan chose to focus the story on a new character with a dull personality. Not only is Annah constantly conflicted, but her reasoning makes little sense. She immediately sees her sister after years of guilt, and feels nothing but jealousy. Admits to loving Elias, only to flirt with Catcher right away. It's impossible to root for a character that doesn't know what she wants. 

The action is also constantly stalled, as our four main characters are being held under their will. Together they must decide if they desire to live or exist (tough existentialist question during apocalyptic zombie times).

Wish Ryan would have stopped at book two.

Monday, December 21, 2015

Review: Not if I see you First


"One of the unexpected side effects of Parker going blind, was how she got less and less sensible about what she said to people, because she couldn't see them flinch."

After a drunk driving accident (her mother had too much wine), Parker not only loses her mom but her eyesight. A few years later, her dad passes away from a medication overdose. Thankfully her aunt and cousins move in with her (Parker had already memorized the house and neighborhood, not an easy task when you are blind) but there's a cold shoulder coming from her cousin Sheila. 

Then we have Parker's friends, who are tired of seeing her put up "bitchy" attitudes and excluding them from sharing her feelings. All in all Parker isn't mean, she's just extremely sad and bottles her emotions. But what will happen if she keeps up this front, will everyone leave her, including her soulmate?

To be honest, this book had a lot of characters. What worked against the story, is that all these characters were polite. No one had attitude as much as Parker. Although, I liked her "I can do it" motto, I couldn't see the author's message about bottled emotions until 2/3 into the book. By then, Parker became an adrenaline rush junkie, and went from wanting to take relationships slow, to, I love my ex-boyfriend and he has to love me back right now. It just shows how after a huge tragedy, you need to talk to someone before you explode.

Friday, December 18, 2015

Feature and Follow Friday: Ink and Quills talk

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 could write a book, what would it be about?



I was published in a steampunk anthology, Gears of Brass, and loved the genre that I twisted with horror. For my next story I'm planning something even more scary and gory.


What genre would you pick?

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Review: DOAWK: Old School


It's not me, it's you.

I'm a huge fan of Greg and his awkward life moments. He has a quirky family that means well, and the most amazing best friend. But this time (book 10) I feel like Kinney is running out of ideas and just adding things to fulfill his novel deadline. 

We get some deja vus as Greg and his Dad end up in a camp thanks to a one week school break that is not clear(I mean, is he on vacation). All the campers are unsupervised and fed weeks old food, even forced to live without showers. Don't get me wrong, the giggles are there, but barely in plausible situations. 

How long can this series last?



Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Top Ten Tuesday: Exploring the unknown



 




TOP NEW AUTHORS I DISCOVERED THIS YEAR

Did a small twist on the today's topic, mainly because when I like an author, I tend to devour the series right away. Like I did with the Locke & Key series. Here is the list of authors that caught my eye in 2015.


Susan EE (author of Angelfall)

Angels are not my favorite fantasy/paranormal characters. Particularly, after the disappointing results of the Fallen series. But Susan was able to mix the right amount of tension to change my mind.






August Strindberg (author of Miss Julie)

Misogynistic yes! But so were the men in that period of time. Strindberg added so much drama, and had me gasping in horror at the horrible way men treated women then (sadly, some still do).

Lena Dunham (author of Not that Kind of Girl)


Her sense of humor always gives me the giggles, but I found Dunham's latest book to not only be humorist but also very down to earth and blatantly honest. Loved it!






Joe Hill(author of Locke and Key)

Devoured the first four volumes. Waiting for the last two to arrive this Christmas. 



Tamara Ireland Stone (author of Eevry Last Word)

Plot twists are not easy to do. However, Stone managed to draw me in and gave her book an unexpected ending. 




Sabaa Tahir (author of An Ember in the Ashes)

Not a fan of historical fantasies, but An Ember in the Ashes was off the hook. I need to read the next one. 
   






S.K. Tremayne (author of The Ice Twins)

The Goodreads nomination was not in vain. This book is a psychological thriller with well done characterizations. 









Amy Ewing (author of The Jewel)

This is actually the first book I read in 2015. I was glad to start off the year with a great novel that maintained my interest right away.







Which authors did you discover this year?