Saturday, March 9, 2013
A BookLover's Diary: New Cover for 'Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone...
A BookLover's Diary: New Cover for 'Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone...: Take a look at the first of seven new covers for the Harry Potter series from Scholastic. Amulet graphic novel artist Kazu Kibuishi c...
Sunday, February 24, 2013
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.”-----If the cover didn't sell you, this quote probably did. ----------------
I'd never really read any of John Green's books prior to this one; Marvel is a fan of his and actually got his autograph and met him at a book signing some months ago. Lucky duck. Anyway, Marvel purchased this amazing book for me several months ago~and~since she obviously appreciated the quality of the book very much~and since Marvel was the one sending this book to me~I cracked it open.
Witty and cynical and encompassing all the raw, essential parts of our humanity, Hazel is hands-down the best female protagonist and heroine I've encountered in my stroll through the Realistic Fiction department in the Novel arena. She's so very real, and Green's writing style just brings out her character so that it seems that you could turn around and see her going through the motions of her cancer-ridden life, embracing misery and love alike. Hazel is just so frank and complacent in a refreshing way; rather than live her life encumbered by the judgement of others, she tends to be herself. Augustus, the other central character in this extraordinary novel, is not as realistic because he's just too...sparkly. Just kidding. But he's a very scintillating fellow, to be sure. Honestly, when I started writing this post, I wanted to begin with a single quote from the book. But every other sentence in the book is so memorable and significant that, if I were to pick my favorite line from the novel, I'd have a terribly difficult time of it all. The characters are singular; perhaps the near-magical aura of Hazel and Augustus and their distinctive outlooks on life is all that reminds you that this is a fictional novel.
---The Fault in Our Stars is a 5-Star Winner~Realistic Fiction with all the magic of Fantasy-------------
(yes, this post was made brief and obfuscatingly vague with the sole purpose of compelling you to go and encounter the story for yourself ;)
By the way, if any of you know where I can find rating images not necessarily restricted to yellow stars, links would be greatly appreciated!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Exciting Announcement!
Hi everyone! :) Sorry for the lack of posting in recent weeks; it's been extremely hectic.
Just wanted to cover two things.
FIRST:
Today, I officially published my website, BooksAlive: http://booksalive.webs.com/
It's late so I won't elaborate--but you can check out the website for details.
SECOND:
Look out for a review of The Fault in Our Stars by John Greene--by Sunday night at the latest. Hint: 5-STAR RATING!!!
Just wanted to cover two things.
FIRST:
Today, I officially published my website, BooksAlive: http://booksalive.webs.com/
It's late so I won't elaborate--but you can check out the website for details.
SECOND:
Look out for a review of The Fault in Our Stars by John Greene--by Sunday night at the latest. Hint: 5-STAR RATING!!!
Friday, February 1, 2013
East of Eden Log 1 [Ch 1-21]
Can I say WOW. This novel is truly exceptional; and that may be stating the obvious[I mean, HELLO, it's an American CLASSIC, it has to be of great quality], but this is the FIRST older American classic I've fallen in love with. It's the kind of book I could rave about for posts and posts(which is the plan), the kind of book that keeps me guessing and keeps me perpetually intrigued. And, it's a CLASSIC, a book that all too often falls into the unfortunately disregarded pile of "stuffy" books such as The Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne and Oliver Twist by Dickens. I really should make a post about the differentiation of classics in general, but for now, I'm content with simply stating that this is a book that cannot, will not, fall arbitrarily into that pile.
Rather than post an automatic synopsis, I'm going to provide my own run-down of the novel up until Chapter 21.
Now, at the beginning, the story starts out a bit too slowly for my liking---I really couldn't care less about the mountains and hills and dryness of the Salinas Valley---but YOU MUST CONTINUE GOING, screams Chapter 2. Enter the cast. I love how the book introduces the characters; there's no exaggerated opening of a girl's clumsy collision into the perhaps glittering pale hero of the novel. Instead, the characters are laid out in all their realism and tangibility. However, since the former characteristic is heavily disputed, I'll elaborate on that later[Cathy!]. Samuel Hamilton's a pretty chill guy--imaginative, selfless, innovative--but the thing that really annoys me regarding EVERY single male in the novel thus far[including Adam T. and Charles T. and even Lee, a little] is that they all have WASTED POTENTIAL. Samuel and Adam both suffer naivete, although Adam's was borne of love and Samuel's was...just Samuel. Charles needs to stop getting so hung up on the past, and move forward instead of clinging to his farm so complacently, and Lee---Lee is capable of doing anything he sets his mind to---definitely a favorite character of mine.
The next few chapters regard another family, the Trasks---and in retrospect, Charles Trask's occasional rabidness, spurred by jealousy of his younger brother Adam---directly mirrors Cathy's wildness provoked by alcohol.
HOW DARE YOUR PUPPY WIN YOU BROWNIE POINTS -Charles
HOW DARE YOU MAKE ME DRINK ALCOHOL YOU FOOL[referring to either Mr. Edwards or Faye]-Cathy
For that reason, even many years later, after Charles has stopped resorting to bats and fists, Cathy perceives a commonality between herself and Charles. The "sixth-sense" concept is heavily dispersed in this novel--and adds to its compelling nature.
Brothels are a major feature of this novel as well---interestingly, they are depicted as home-like and even church-like. Without going into too much academic analysis, I would comment that this novel is positively bursting with religious allusions and satire; for some of you, that alone may be incentive to take the reading journey.
Now, brothels and Cathy seem to go hand-in-hand, especially towards Chapters 18-20. But firstly let's go back and introduce Cathy, for in my opinion, she is the most magnetic and indecipherable character in this book. I haven't finished the book yet, but I KNOW.
Cathy Ames was delineated comprehensively---her nature was illustrated from childhood, and it is clear that Steinbeck's pronouncement of "monstrous" is felicitous, seeing as how she exploited sexual fascination from the very beginning. The concept of "monstrous" stresses, rather than gruesomeness, a perverseness identified by society, an aberration, something inexplicable and innate. Thus, this marks Cathy quite well. Her impenetrable eyes, her heartless heart, her incomprehensibly evil actions, are done in a manner of utter complacency so that it is clear that she doesn't find a single thing amiss. As Steinbeck argues, to monsters, we seem the monsters. Conversely, is it possible that we are the monsters?
Even after Cathy burns her home down with her parents inside, even after she detrimentally seduces a priestly teacher, even after she psychologically tortures Mr. Edwards whilst leaching wealth from his stores, all with a beautiful face that only occasionally is torn apart by a frenzy of feral emotion(and alcohol), NO ONE can challenge her. Or any that attempt to do so languish. Take Adam. Cathy didn't want to go to California, she didn't want to have a child, yet Adam, blinded by love and hope in a "glory", Adam, living literally for the future, couldn't anticipate the annihilation of his present: Cathy ironically gave birth to twins(double joy or double sorrow), told Adam that he had made a mistake crossing her and that she would tolerate no setbacks to her "ultimate objectives"---what those are, I don't know as of yet. After inviting her frightened husband to throw their newborn infants down a well, she apologizes to the dim-witted Adam before shooting him and vanishing.
At this point...does it make you immoral if you actually feel that Cathy was somewhat justified? Adam, a total fool, didn't heed a word Cathy said. He essentially violated her ambitions, and he'd had clear warning. And this is Cathy. But... this is the same Cathy who deceived and harmed so many who did little or nothing to her. Then you think...but they did pose some kind of a threat to her...
Perhaps we all have a monster within us.
Let me know what you think.
Rather than post an automatic synopsis, I'm going to provide my own run-down of the novel up until Chapter 21.
Now, at the beginning, the story starts out a bit too slowly for my liking---I really couldn't care less about the mountains and hills and dryness of the Salinas Valley---but YOU MUST CONTINUE GOING, screams Chapter 2. Enter the cast. I love how the book introduces the characters; there's no exaggerated opening of a girl's clumsy collision into the perhaps glittering pale hero of the novel. Instead, the characters are laid out in all their realism and tangibility. However, since the former characteristic is heavily disputed, I'll elaborate on that later[Cathy!]. Samuel Hamilton's a pretty chill guy--imaginative, selfless, innovative--but the thing that really annoys me regarding EVERY single male in the novel thus far[including Adam T. and Charles T. and even Lee, a little] is that they all have WASTED POTENTIAL. Samuel and Adam both suffer naivete, although Adam's was borne of love and Samuel's was...just Samuel. Charles needs to stop getting so hung up on the past, and move forward instead of clinging to his farm so complacently, and Lee---Lee is capable of doing anything he sets his mind to---definitely a favorite character of mine.
The next few chapters regard another family, the Trasks---and in retrospect, Charles Trask's occasional rabidness, spurred by jealousy of his younger brother Adam---directly mirrors Cathy's wildness provoked by alcohol.
HOW DARE YOUR PUPPY WIN YOU BROWNIE POINTS -Charles
HOW DARE YOU MAKE ME DRINK ALCOHOL YOU FOOL[referring to either Mr. Edwards or Faye]-Cathy
For that reason, even many years later, after Charles has stopped resorting to bats and fists, Cathy perceives a commonality between herself and Charles. The "sixth-sense" concept is heavily dispersed in this novel--and adds to its compelling nature.
Brothels are a major feature of this novel as well---interestingly, they are depicted as home-like and even church-like. Without going into too much academic analysis, I would comment that this novel is positively bursting with religious allusions and satire; for some of you, that alone may be incentive to take the reading journey.
Now, brothels and Cathy seem to go hand-in-hand, especially towards Chapters 18-20. But firstly let's go back and introduce Cathy, for in my opinion, she is the most magnetic and indecipherable character in this book. I haven't finished the book yet, but I KNOW.
Cathy Ames was delineated comprehensively---her nature was illustrated from childhood, and it is clear that Steinbeck's pronouncement of "monstrous" is felicitous, seeing as how she exploited sexual fascination from the very beginning. The concept of "monstrous" stresses, rather than gruesomeness, a perverseness identified by society, an aberration, something inexplicable and innate. Thus, this marks Cathy quite well. Her impenetrable eyes, her heartless heart, her incomprehensibly evil actions, are done in a manner of utter complacency so that it is clear that she doesn't find a single thing amiss. As Steinbeck argues, to monsters, we seem the monsters. Conversely, is it possible that we are the monsters?
Even after Cathy burns her home down with her parents inside, even after she detrimentally seduces a priestly teacher, even after she psychologically tortures Mr. Edwards whilst leaching wealth from his stores, all with a beautiful face that only occasionally is torn apart by a frenzy of feral emotion(and alcohol), NO ONE can challenge her. Or any that attempt to do so languish. Take Adam. Cathy didn't want to go to California, she didn't want to have a child, yet Adam, blinded by love and hope in a "glory", Adam, living literally for the future, couldn't anticipate the annihilation of his present: Cathy ironically gave birth to twins(double joy or double sorrow), told Adam that he had made a mistake crossing her and that she would tolerate no setbacks to her "ultimate objectives"---what those are, I don't know as of yet. After inviting her frightened husband to throw their newborn infants down a well, she apologizes to the dim-witted Adam before shooting him and vanishing.
At this point...does it make you immoral if you actually feel that Cathy was somewhat justified? Adam, a total fool, didn't heed a word Cathy said. He essentially violated her ambitions, and he'd had clear warning. And this is Cathy. But... this is the same Cathy who deceived and harmed so many who did little or nothing to her. Then you think...but they did pose some kind of a threat to her...
Perhaps we all have a monster within us.
Let me know what you think.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Review: Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr
Here's a quick synopsis of the book---be forewarned, as I wasn't---that this is a mature book. That brings me to another point; this book, I feel, isn't quite as mature in its writing as it is in its content. The plot relies on some...innuendo and such, and there's also a bit of profanity. Yet the actual writing doesn't reflect a control of techniques that otherwise might have worked more seamlessly when wielded by other authors.
In a city of daimons, rigid class lines separate the powerful from the power-hungry. And at the heart of The City is the Carnival of Souls, where both murder and pleasure are offered up for sale. Once in a generation, the carnival hosts a deadly competition that allows every daimon a chance to join the ruling elite. Without the competition, Aya and Kaleb would both face bleak futures—if for different reasons. For each of them, fighting to the death is the only way to try to live.
All Mallory knows of The City is that her father—and every other witch there—fled it for a life in exile in the human world. Instead of a typical teenage life full of friends and maybe even a little romance, Mallory scans quiet streets for threats, hides herself away, and trains to be lethal. She knows it's only a matter of time until a daimon finds her and her father, so she readies herself for the inevitable. While Mallory possesses little knowledge of The City, every inhabitant of The City knows of her. There are plans for Mallory, and soon she, too, will be drawn into the decadence and danger that is the Carnival of Souls.
This synopsis summarizes the book quite well; and I take this as a negative indication of the book. I feel that a synopsis should scrape the surface, if at all, giving us a tiny taste of the frosting which is covering the delectable cake[metaphor working for you yet?]. Additionally, the sense that I received initially after reading the synopsis was that this novel would be magical and dark, intense and suspenseful.
Where's the Magic without the SPELLS?
There are mentions of "spells" and "wards" but I do not recall a single instance where an actual word was spelled out for the reader. This vagueness contributed to the overall lack of connection to the City, and, also, somehow the human world too. The shape-shifting of the daimons was fascinating, but it wasn't elaborated upon at all. Questions seem to permeate the book. Which is why I have to read the sequel when it comes out ;)
Darkness
Marr fantastically drew the gladiator-like competition with a breathtaking perspective into raw emotion, building upon the theme of pleasure in the novel which I wasn't so impressed with generally. Yet here, particularly in the climactic scuffle with Sol, Kaleb's character truly shines through. The universal struggle against the inexorable drive for pleasure and beauty is depicted so vividly in this scene that I truly could not stop flipping the pages at that point.
Intensity
Aya and Kaleb were the best characters by far in my opinion--they were the most adeptly cast and woven in the story. I especially fell for Aya's audacious stance in the novel-her Katniss-ness.
Suspenseful
It wasn't incredibly suspenseful-particularly where Mallory was concerned. I let out a sigh of disappointment whenever the story shifted to the human world...to the "daimon-hunter" Mallory.
CHARACTERS+RELATIONSHIPS
Ladies First...
Mallory-Clueless. Not realistic alone nor in comparison with the brief sketch given in the synopsis. An egg that wasn't cracked. Her relationship with Kaleb felt forced and unnatural--despite the justification of "pack instinct", Kaleb's instant devotion didn't fit. Furthermore, her supposed "training" hadn't given her the steel I had expected to see in her character; rather, she seemed feeble. The only steel I saw was in her ill-placed guns.
Aya-Her courage and tenacity was boldly proclaimed from the start, when she contradicted her ruling-caste status by paying "scabs" for secret information and by soaking her knives in poison to avoid killing Belias, her former lover. While reading from Aya's perspective, there's a prompt link established through which you resonate with her movements and actions and thoughts, and thus are affected more. Whereas with the other perspectives, particularly Mallory's and Belias', there's somewhat of a lack of precise pivot and balance ensuring that each perspective is powerful and contributes to the effectiveness of the novel. If Marr had perhaps invested more in one or even two perspectives rather than several, the individual scenes that felt superficial might have carried more meaning for me.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Long Hiatus
I took a Hiatus. Much longer than I thought it'd be. I'm back now! With the intention to post at least once every two weeks on something awesome and book-related.
Coming soon---Review of Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr and Reflections on East of Eden Thus Far
Coming soon---Review of Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr and Reflections on East of Eden Thus Far
Sunday, June 10, 2012
TBR
To Be Read:
Pride and Prejudice
The Radleys
Clockwork Angel(re-read this!)
Witch and Wizard
The Scorpio Races
The Litigators
Night Circus
A Game of Thrones
The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Please Look After Mom
P.R.
Unwholly; sequel to Unwind
Dorian Gray
If The Witness Lied
Writing Magic by Levine
The Scent of Rain and Lightning
House of Dark Shadows
Stealing Freedom by Carbone
The Godfather
The Wandering Falcoln by Jamil A.
Coriolanus by Shakespeare
Mortal Instruments Series, etc
Les Miserables
The Art of War
Honolulu by Alan Brennert(
Friday, June 8, 2012
Around the World in 80 Days, Closure
How satisfying to slash a perfect, thin black stroke through a Classic on my TBR List. This book was simply unlike anything I've ever read before. Funnily enough, I encountered no hot-air balloons which I had anticipated from the cover. Perhaps those weren't balloons, per se, as I'd thought. Ah well, I'll have the matter elucidated soon enough.
Now, I have to say: I was rather expecting the ending of the book. It was utterly foreseeable, the simple error of miscalculating the sly passage of twenty-four hours, unbeknownst to Fogg and his crew. Still, that didn't take much from the thrill of comprehending that Fogg, in fact, would realize a comfortable life alongside his Indian princess of a wife, Aouda. I really must discover how to pronounce her name accurately...
Now, the pinnacle and crux of this novel was clearly the scene in which Fogg and Aouda "got together." I read the passage so fast and so excitedly that I had to go back and re-read it more slowly. I thought the event so...magical!
Honestly, I'm so excited right now I can hardly string together coherent, intellectual words to wrap up my impression of the book. Suffice it to say that this was a book I am glad to have read before I die. I might update this post later, might not.
Notable Events:
* Mr. Fogg purchases the lesser half of the Henrietta so as to burn it for fuel to reach Liverpool.
*Mr. Fogg gives a well-earned blow to Fix after his release from jail. "He walked to the detective, looked him steadily in the face, and with the only rapid motion he had ever made in his life, or which he ever would make, drew back his arms, and with the precision of a machine, knocked Fix down."
-"Well hit!" cried Passepartout. "Parbleu! that's what you might call a good application of English fists."
(Verne, 152)
*Last, resonating sentence of the book: "Truly, would you not for less than that make the tour around the world?" "That" referring to the acquisition of a charming companion who made Mr. Phileas Fogg "the happiest of men." (Verne, 163)
Now, I have to say: I was rather expecting the ending of the book. It was utterly foreseeable, the simple error of miscalculating the sly passage of twenty-four hours, unbeknownst to Fogg and his crew. Still, that didn't take much from the thrill of comprehending that Fogg, in fact, would realize a comfortable life alongside his Indian princess of a wife, Aouda. I really must discover how to pronounce her name accurately...
Now, the pinnacle and crux of this novel was clearly the scene in which Fogg and Aouda "got together." I read the passage so fast and so excitedly that I had to go back and re-read it more slowly. I thought the event so...magical!
Honestly, I'm so excited right now I can hardly string together coherent, intellectual words to wrap up my impression of the book. Suffice it to say that this was a book I am glad to have read before I die. I might update this post later, might not.
Notable Events:
* Mr. Fogg purchases the lesser half of the Henrietta so as to burn it for fuel to reach Liverpool.
*Mr. Fogg gives a well-earned blow to Fix after his release from jail. "He walked to the detective, looked him steadily in the face, and with the only rapid motion he had ever made in his life, or which he ever would make, drew back his arms, and with the precision of a machine, knocked Fix down."
-"Well hit!" cried Passepartout. "Parbleu! that's what you might call a good application of English fists."
(Verne, 152)
*Last, resonating sentence of the book: "Truly, would you not for less than that make the tour around the world?" "That" referring to the acquisition of a charming companion who made Mr. Phileas Fogg "the happiest of men." (Verne, 163)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Around the World in 80 Days, Part 2
I'm a little over half way done with the book as of now. So, yesterday, I grabbed a notebook and set to writing the thoughts that occurred to me while reading the novel, which proved to be rather imprudent as I ended up writing more than reading. Here are some of the notes I came up with:
phlegm, and phlegmatic:
I knew this definition: thick mucus produced in abnormal quantity in the respiratory passages.
I didn't know it meant this, too:
2. cold indifference.
3. calm fortitude
Either way, I'm not about to compliment somebody for their "phlegm" in the face of adversity any time soon.
phlegmatic: not easily excited, slow to respond.
Page 44: "lugubrious". Wow. What a word. Apparently it just refers to something dismal. AKA: They could have used the word "sad." Found that amusing.
I loved loved loved the closing of Chapter 12! Page 46, when Sir Francis Cromary says in response to Fogg's inclination to assist the beautiful Indian hostage, "Why, you are a man of heart!", Fogg replied, "Sometimes, when I have the time."
Yeah. Epic. I think it speaks for itself.
So the thought that came to my mind here was this, scrawled in my oh-so-neat handwriting: "He's an interesting character, to be sure. Not so dreary after all."
One last note before I retire: On page 47, when the Indian guide forewarns Fogg of the risks they are taking in attempting to rescue the Indian damsel-in-distress, Fogg responds with his ubiquitous "That is foreseen." Here I penned hard on the paper: "GAWD I LOVE HIM---this book!"
Ironically, on that very same page, Passepartout's newfound love for Phileas Fogg is acknowledged.
Await Part 3
phlegm, and phlegmatic:
I knew this definition: thick mucus produced in abnormal quantity in the respiratory passages.
I didn't know it meant this, too:
2. cold indifference.
3. calm fortitude
Either way, I'm not about to compliment somebody for their "phlegm" in the face of adversity any time soon.
phlegmatic: not easily excited, slow to respond.
Page 44: "lugubrious". Wow. What a word. Apparently it just refers to something dismal. AKA: They could have used the word "sad." Found that amusing.
I loved loved loved the closing of Chapter 12! Page 46, when Sir Francis Cromary says in response to Fogg's inclination to assist the beautiful Indian hostage, "Why, you are a man of heart!", Fogg replied, "Sometimes, when I have the time."
Yeah. Epic. I think it speaks for itself.
So the thought that came to my mind here was this, scrawled in my oh-so-neat handwriting: "He's an interesting character, to be sure. Not so dreary after all."
One last note before I retire: On page 47, when the Indian guide forewarns Fogg of the risks they are taking in attempting to rescue the Indian damsel-in-distress, Fogg responds with his ubiquitous "That is foreseen." Here I penned hard on the paper: "GAWD I LOVE HIM---this book!"
Ironically, on that very same page, Passepartout's newfound love for Phileas Fogg is acknowledged.
Await Part 3
Monday, June 4, 2012
Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne Part 1
I'm currently reading the aforementioned novel, which is totally out of character. This is NOT the kind of book I'm accustomed to reading. I usually select exciting novels, I suppose, that are more contemporary. I don't usually pick up the books that are severely old and have those tiny pocket-book editions that look remarkably like the ones you read in Honors Humanities. A friend recommended Around the World in 80 Days...well, actually, the exact words were: "You might think it's kind of boring" but hey, I registered it as a suggested read, so I went and procured the book today. It's going well so far. I'm not too far in(but it's hard to know when you're "far in" when the book's only about 160 pages or so), but I do like it. It's European and exotic and inexplicably suspenseful in a completely novel fashion. I mean, there's the Dan Brown suspense where Langdon's on the verge of some horrible end, and then there's the Jules Verne AW80D suspense, where you have this quaint, complacent and utterly BORING man named Phileas Fogg traveling the globe in order to win a wager set against him by some fellow card-players. At least, I think "whist" refers to some kind of a card game. I've had bad experiences with card games so I'll just leave it at that. Anyhow, where I'm situated, Fogg is currently riding an elephant in order to recover from a "foreseen obstacle" in the form of an incomplete railroad track! See what I mean? If that isn't brilliantly spontaneous, I don't know what is! Verne also paints a delightful image of all the regions that Fogg and his valet, ---to be continued.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
100th Post...The Book Thief!
Yes, yes...how amazing--the 100th post on this Amazzzzzing Blog. For those of you who haven't checked it out yet--I have a baking blog @ blossomandbake.blogspot.com. If you have any awesome recipes or tips, feel free to comment. It's like my baking journal :D
ANYWAY, going back to books. I recently read The Book Thief, which was amazing without a doubt. No need for words and summaries---GO READ IT RIGHT NOW.
I would write more but I'm in a bit of a rush...just wanted to post since I haven't in a while.
ANYWAY, going back to books. I recently read The Book Thief, which was amazing without a doubt. No need for words and summaries---GO READ IT RIGHT NOW.
I would write more but I'm in a bit of a rush...just wanted to post since I haven't in a while.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Writing Contest
Sayonara! :)
If you didn't know(didn't look @ the profile description), I love writing, and aren't too bad at it, if I do say so myself. In any case, a friend of mine told me about a fabulous, FREE-TO-ENTER, writing contest that can be found @ this link: http://blog.lettersandlight.org/post/7852350546
The contest's deadline is actually tonight(midnight) so hurry and get your Word 2007/11 running! There is a word limit of 300 words so you should have time to complete an awesome SHORT STORY.
Good luck!
If you didn't know(didn't look @ the profile description), I love writing, and aren't too bad at it, if I do say so myself. In any case, a friend of mine told me about a fabulous, FREE-TO-ENTER, writing contest that can be found @ this link: http://blog.lettersandlight.org/post/7852350546
The contest's deadline is actually tonight(midnight) so hurry and get your Word 2007/11 running! There is a word limit of 300 words so you should have time to complete an awesome SHORT STORY.
Good luck!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Howl's Moving Castle
An utter success, in my opinion.
The only other movie besides Howl's Moving Castle I've watched that's been directed by Hayao Miyazaki is Spirited Away. My impression of Spirited Away was very garbled...it was definitely interesting, oddly hooking, but at the same time, had a creepy edge to some of the animations. When I decided to check out HMC, I had no idea how much I would love it, and appreciate Hayao M's style like so many others have. I now consider myself a new fan of HM's films and plan to watch the rest of his movies.
Book Progress: Not enough to post about.
The only other movie besides Howl's Moving Castle I've watched that's been directed by Hayao Miyazaki is Spirited Away. My impression of Spirited Away was very garbled...it was definitely interesting, oddly hooking, but at the same time, had a creepy edge to some of the animations. When I decided to check out HMC, I had no idea how much I would love it, and appreciate Hayao M's style like so many others have. I now consider myself a new fan of HM's films and plan to watch the rest of his movies.
Book Progress: Not enough to post about.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Ectasy
OK, I returned from the library around 1 point 5 hours ago and guess what I got?
Yeah. Books. But not just any books...lemme list 'em for ya! :D It's very interesting how ecstatic I can become when I go to the library and pick up a buncha books I put on hold that I was waiting for a very long time to receive.
1. Howl's Moving Castle(DVD)
2. AP Calculus(Barrons)
3. AP Chemistry for Dummies(and Medallion)
4. How to Draw Anime and Game Characters(V.1)
5. Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
6. Dialogue by Gloria Kempton
7. Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell
All in all, I got 1 novel, 3 instructional books, 2 prep/supplementary resources, and one movie. I'm still reading The Singing by Alison Croggon, not at all implying that it's not good. On the contrary, it's very, very good.
-Questions about any of the books I got? Feel free to comment. questions, opinions, your own recommendations are greatly appreciated
-I'll keep you posted with reflections on my reading! Right now, in addition to the Singing, I'm reading Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. Good so far(only on pg. 21)
Medallion
Yeah. Books. But not just any books...lemme list 'em for ya! :D It's very interesting how ecstatic I can become when I go to the library and pick up a buncha books I put on hold that I was waiting for a very long time to receive.
1. Howl's Moving Castle(DVD)
2. AP Calculus(Barrons)
3. AP Chemistry for Dummies(and Medallion)
4. How to Draw Anime and Game Characters(V.1)
5. Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
6. Dialogue by Gloria Kempton
7. Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell
All in all, I got 1 novel, 3 instructional books, 2 prep/supplementary resources, and one movie. I'm still reading The Singing by Alison Croggon, not at all implying that it's not good. On the contrary, it's very, very good.
-Questions about any of the books I got? Feel free to comment. questions, opinions, your own recommendations are greatly appreciated
-I'll keep you posted with reflections on my reading! Right now, in addition to the Singing, I'm reading Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. Good so far(only on pg. 21)
Medallion
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Books!
Hey again :)
Upcoming books I'm very much looking forward to:
Unwholly by Neal Shusterman(Sep, 2012)
Commentary: Unwholly is the sequel to the epic novel Unwind by Neal Shusterman. This is one of the books that have literally caused me to rave about it for considerable time(in this case, with the amazing person who introduced it to me, Bree). I highly, highly recommend the book Unwind.
The last book of the Maximum Ride series. I don't think we know the title of the book yet. I honestly thought the series would last longer...some dreamy part of my subconscious thought; Fang, Max, Angel, then Iggy, Nudge, etc...but I suppose not. I heard a rumor that there was going to be...was it 12 books or so in the series? Well, facts are, there's gonna be one more book. For those of you aren't familiar with the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson, it's a science fiction(in the last few books meandering into the romance genre)/action series centering around a "flock" of bird-human kids who have formed a family since they escaped their hostile "School"(laboratory where scientists performed cruel experiments on them) and encounter various tribulations from both inside and out of the flock. Very good series, but I preferred it more in the beginning. It was the ultimate ride(quite literally, the pages fly) full of sweet combat and action and a witty narrator, Max. Recently, the series hasn't been focusing on the things I really loved about it. I still do like it, I suppose. But you really should read the first books and not start at Fang or Angel. Anyhow, that book is coming out in Feb of 2012.
Upcoming books I'm very much looking forward to:
Unwholly by Neal Shusterman(Sep, 2012)
Commentary: Unwholly is the sequel to the epic novel Unwind by Neal Shusterman. This is one of the books that have literally caused me to rave about it for considerable time(in this case, with the amazing person who introduced it to me, Bree). I highly, highly recommend the book Unwind.
The last book of the Maximum Ride series. I don't think we know the title of the book yet. I honestly thought the series would last longer...some dreamy part of my subconscious thought; Fang, Max, Angel, then Iggy, Nudge, etc...but I suppose not. I heard a rumor that there was going to be...was it 12 books or so in the series? Well, facts are, there's gonna be one more book. For those of you aren't familiar with the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson, it's a science fiction(in the last few books meandering into the romance genre)/action series centering around a "flock" of bird-human kids who have formed a family since they escaped their hostile "School"(laboratory where scientists performed cruel experiments on them) and encounter various tribulations from both inside and out of the flock. Very good series, but I preferred it more in the beginning. It was the ultimate ride(quite literally, the pages fly) full of sweet combat and action and a witty narrator, Max. Recently, the series hasn't been focusing on the things I really loved about it. I still do like it, I suppose. But you really should read the first books and not start at Fang or Angel. Anyhow, that book is coming out in Feb of 2012.
Pottermore and Books
WWW.POTTERMORE.COM
For those of you who didn't wake up insanely early like myself and Marvel to view J.K. Rowling's highly anticipated mystery announcement, click the link and watch the video. There was actually a countdown starting from February, I believe, on J.K.'s YouTube channel; it was very, very unique. The background was purple, and essentially the theme was owls gathering to hear her announcement. As the numbers ticked down, more and more owls would literally appear and take their places on branches. Somehow, J.K. had gotten the page to be animated. Anyhow, thank God I found out about pottermore less than a week before the announcement; I didn't have to wait too long. Still, the anticipation was incredible. I somehow was left as uninformed, confused, and excited after watching the announcement as I was before doing so. She revealed a bit of information, but then counteracted it with some more unknown material. Can't wait till July 31st!!! Why? GO TO: WWW.POTTERMORE.COM.
All righty, now let's go to books.
I currently am reading Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Summary from Amazon.com
CLOCKWORK ANGEL:
Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.
Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.
Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.
Clockwork Angel is actually the first of a planned trilogy. The sequel, Clockwork Prince, is coming out later this fall; I can't wait! The book is going pretty well so far but it's not rave-material yet. It's very, very captivating though. I especially love the cover:
I have realized I've made this post a bit longer than I'd like so I'm going to continue my thoughts in another post. Thanks for reading, and comment, comment, comment
Medallion
For those of you who didn't wake up insanely early like myself and Marvel to view J.K. Rowling's highly anticipated mystery announcement, click the link and watch the video. There was actually a countdown starting from February, I believe, on J.K.'s YouTube channel; it was very, very unique. The background was purple, and essentially the theme was owls gathering to hear her announcement. As the numbers ticked down, more and more owls would literally appear and take their places on branches. Somehow, J.K. had gotten the page to be animated. Anyhow, thank God I found out about pottermore less than a week before the announcement; I didn't have to wait too long. Still, the anticipation was incredible. I somehow was left as uninformed, confused, and excited after watching the announcement as I was before doing so. She revealed a bit of information, but then counteracted it with some more unknown material. Can't wait till July 31st!!! Why? GO TO: WWW.POTTERMORE.COM.
All righty, now let's go to books.
I currently am reading Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Summary from Amazon.com
CLOCKWORK ANGEL:
Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.
Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.
Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.
Clockwork Angel is actually the first of a planned trilogy. The sequel, Clockwork Prince, is coming out later this fall; I can't wait! The book is going pretty well so far but it's not rave-material yet. It's very, very captivating though. I especially love the cover:
I have realized I've made this post a bit longer than I'd like so I'm going to continue my thoughts in another post. Thanks for reading, and comment, comment, comment
Medallion
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Summer Reading!!!
Hola! Medallion here, chomping on a sweet blueberry muffin. Haha...anyway, now that it's summer, there's more time to READ. Therefore, submit any and all recommendations(not really ALL, please submit appropriate material)! Thanks
Comments Welcomee
Comments Welcomee
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Hunger Games
Hello! :)
I'll give a quick dialogue concerning books in general and then go on to The Hunger Games. Feel free to skip this part and go right to the good stuff.
Well, Vespers Rising came out last month, which is the 11th book in the 39 Clues Series...I read the first book, and despite the fact that a friend made a point to buy the second for me...I couldn't finish the 2nd. I remember starting it a year ago or so...then stopping one third through. then a few months later I'd read another few pages and stop. It didn't really captivate me...at points was a little annoying with the cliche Dan and Amy relationship. Scorpia Rising, the latest book in the Alex Rider series, also came out this spring. I haven't really talked much about Alex Rider recently since the last book before SR, Crocodile Tears, came out a few years ago. I assure you it's a great series, though...appealing to both genders so that's a plus. I might make another post later on to elaborate on the AR series by Anthony Horowitz but you could look through last year's posts and I should have something on the series. Books I Have on My Immediate To-Read List: A. Courage to Heal(currently reading), B. The Singing by Alison Croggon(!!!!) I need to acquire Catching Fire as well but the local library isn't very reliable especially when it comes to popular books like the Hunger Games series. Ah well, I'll find a way to read it.
Most recently, I have read: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown, The Crow by Alison Croggon, and The Hunger Games; the latter of which shall be the focus of this post. Beginning NOW:
_______________________________________________________________________
Katniss Everdeen...hmm. Interesting name, interesting heroine. I thought the characters were very fleshed-out and realistic. Quickly, somewhat randomly:
I don't know if this is just me or were there a few prominent typos in the book? I found at least 2 or 3...let me know if it's just me.
OK, back to the characters. Katniss, Gale, Prim, and Rue were my favorite characters. If I had to choose one it'd probably be Katniss or Rue. Rue was sort of, SORT of, a combination of Katniss and Prim...she had Prim's adorableness and Katniss' practical skill and intelligence. By this point, I think I can say I fall for dystopian novels pretty easily such as Incarceron by Catherine Fisher and Unwind by Neal Shusterman(AMAZING book). I was a bit surprised by how long it took to actually get to the actual Games, though. But in the end, I enjoyed the book well enough--there were never any unbearably dull points nor incredibly irritating tendencies from the author, and plenty of commendable aspects. However, I do feel that this book is a bit overrated. It didn't exactly have the "oomph" books like the Harry Potter and Unwind, Alex Rider and The Naming had. Still, I liked it and will definitely be reading Catching Fire.
Medallion
Comments Welcome
I'll give a quick dialogue concerning books in general and then go on to The Hunger Games. Feel free to skip this part and go right to the good stuff.
Well, Vespers Rising came out last month, which is the 11th book in the 39 Clues Series...I read the first book, and despite the fact that a friend made a point to buy the second for me...I couldn't finish the 2nd. I remember starting it a year ago or so...then stopping one third through. then a few months later I'd read another few pages and stop. It didn't really captivate me...at points was a little annoying with the cliche Dan and Amy relationship. Scorpia Rising, the latest book in the Alex Rider series, also came out this spring. I haven't really talked much about Alex Rider recently since the last book before SR, Crocodile Tears, came out a few years ago. I assure you it's a great series, though...appealing to both genders so that's a plus. I might make another post later on to elaborate on the AR series by Anthony Horowitz but you could look through last year's posts and I should have something on the series. Books I Have on My Immediate To-Read List: A. Courage to Heal(currently reading), B. The Singing by Alison Croggon(!!!!
Most recently, I have read: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown, The Crow by Alison Croggon, and The Hunger Games; the latter of which shall be the focus of this post. Beginning NOW:
_______________________________________________________________________
Katniss Everdeen...hmm. Interesting name, interesting heroine. I thought the characters were very fleshed-out and realistic. Quickly, somewhat randomly:
I don't know if this is just me or were there a few prominent typos in the book? I found at least 2 or 3...let me know if it's just me.
OK, back to the characters. Katniss, Gale, Prim, and Rue were my favorite characters. If I had to choose one it'd probably be Katniss or Rue. Rue was sort of, SORT of, a combination of Katniss and Prim...she had Prim's adorableness and Katniss' practical skill and intelligence. By this point, I think I can say I fall for dystopian novels pretty easily such as Incarceron by Catherine Fisher and Unwind by Neal Shusterman(AMAZING book). I was a bit surprised by how long it took to actually get to the actual Games, though. But in the end, I enjoyed the book well enough--there were never any unbearably dull points nor incredibly irritating tendencies from the author, and plenty of commendable aspects. However, I do feel that this book is a bit overrated. It didn't exactly have the "oomph" books like the Harry Potter and Unwind, Alex Rider and The Naming had. Still, I liked it and will definitely be reading Catching Fire.
Medallion
Comments Welcome
Monday, May 16, 2011
Oh My Goodness
Finished The Hunger Games (yes, finally. yes, really) and The Crow. Will post reflections and things like that later on, hopefully.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Updates! :D
Hey all!
Happy April! :)
Lots of awesome book news...
1). I completed The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown and now officially consider myself to be a Dan Brown fan. His writing is amazingly masterful...I've read the three books revolving around Robert Langdon, protagonist of The Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons, and The Lost Symbol. I really, really hope Dan Brown writes another book(w/ Robert L. as the protagonist). I am reluctantly considering reading his other books regardless of the fact that Robert Langdon isn't in them :(. Not any time, soon, though. Why? Read on to #2!
2). I am currently reading The Crow by Alison Croggon, which is the third book in the Pellinor series followed by The Singing. As I expected, The Crow is very good, although I do miss the original stars, Maerad and Cadvan. I highly recommend the Pellinor series!
3). Marvel bought me The Hunger Games (book 1) recently so I'm going to begin that the instant I'm done with The Crow! I'm very eager to read it...after all, it's a very popular book especially with teenagers...I would have read it before now but I've been on the waiting list for several months and still am not even #20. Which is why I am extremely grateful Marvel bought me The Hunger Games. Thank you, Marvel :D
I actually have to
go right now(but really wanted to write a post so be happy with this much!)
I want to close with a request for you guys to tell others about this blog...I'm hoping for BookLoversCentral to gain a large community where people, especially book lovers, can talk about books and just have a great time receiving and giving recommendations, discussing books and characters; this whole awesome idea was in my mind when we chose BookLoversCentral as the name of this blog. So, please spread the word, give the link to friends, etc.
Will Hopefully Post Again Soon,
Medallion
Comments Welcome
Happy April! :)
Lots of awesome book news...
1). I completed The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown and now officially consider myself to be a Dan Brown fan. His writing is amazingly masterful...I've read the three books revolving around Robert Langdon, protagonist of The Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons, and The Lost Symbol. I really, really hope Dan Brown writes another book(w/ Robert L. as the protagonist). I am reluctantly considering reading his other books regardless of the fact that Robert Langdon isn't in them :(. Not any time, soon, though. Why? Read on to #2!
2). I am currently reading The Crow by Alison Croggon, which is the third book in the Pellinor series followed by The Singing. As I expected, The Crow is very good, although I do miss the original stars, Maerad and Cadvan. I highly recommend the Pellinor series!
3). Marvel bought me The Hunger Games (book 1) recently so I'm going to begin that the instant I'm done with The Crow! I'm very eager to read it...after all, it's a very popular book especially with teenagers...I would have read it before now but I've been on the waiting list for several months and still am not even #20. Which is why I am extremely grateful Marvel bought me The Hunger Games. Thank you, Marvel :D
I actually have to
go right now(but really wanted to write a post so be happy with this much!)
I want to close with a request for you guys to tell others about this blog...I'm hoping for BookLoversCentral to gain a large community where people, especially book lovers, can talk about books and just have a great time receiving and giving recommendations, discussing books and characters; this whole awesome idea was in my mind when we chose BookLoversCentral as the name of this blog. So, please spread the word, give the link to friends, etc.
Will Hopefully Post Again Soon,
Medallion
Comments Welcome
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