It is...1:13 am...And I have decided to travel on back 4 months and revisit my attempt at a book blog.
Man...I was so friggin' diligent in highschool with a butt-load of time on my hands. Unfortunately for moi, University has come along and squashed my amazing book blogging capabilities by piling on a bunch of readings that probably won't spark anyone's interest...
For instance *clears throat*...
-King Leopold's Ghost,
-Anthills of the Savannah,
-The Interesting Narrative Life of Olaudah Equiano
-The Picture of Dorian Gray (actually really good)
-Heart of Darkness (not so good...but considered good by intellectuals EVERYWHERE)
...Not to mention textbooks...Which I don't count...BLARGHIDY, blargh...blargh...
So unless you all have a mad desire to read reviews on these historical and educational pieces of literature, I will continue to be a hopelessly, horrific book blogger...
I may pop up a good review or two once in a while (KEY WORD: ONCE)...(Just recieved Clockwork Prince for Birthday :D)...But, other than that, one can only expect to find random, dopey apologies for being a crappy book blogger every couple of months...You...are...welcome...
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Review: The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
Synopsis (Goodreads)
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Quote
"Kind people have a way of working their way inside me and rooting there." — Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games)
Review
When I first read the synopsis of this book, I was a bit hesitant to dive into it; the dystopian genre isn't one of my favourites.
Although the first half of this novel was rather slow, I became entirely captivated by this original plot.
The very concept of "The Hunger Games" is cruel, thrilling, and action-packed. The main character of Katniss Everdeen lived up to my "kick-ass" heroine standard and embodied a very rare strength. Furthermore, I found myself caring for the many characters despite the threat of their certain deaths.
This book, however, is not a romance. Although it dabbles in the beginnings of a possible love triangle, it is mostly about the twisted existence of a world controlled by the elite classes. It is about how the underdogs are given the chance to fight back against injustice. "The Hunger Games" is heart-breaking, heart-wrenching, and heart-warming.
Although the first half of this novel was rather slow, I became entirely captivated by this original plot.
The very concept of "The Hunger Games" is cruel, thrilling, and action-packed. The main character of Katniss Everdeen lived up to my "kick-ass" heroine standard and embodied a very rare strength. Furthermore, I found myself caring for the many characters despite the threat of their certain deaths.
This book, however, is not a romance. Although it dabbles in the beginnings of a possible love triangle, it is mostly about the twisted existence of a world controlled by the elite classes. It is about how the underdogs are given the chance to fight back against injustice. "The Hunger Games" is heart-breaking, heart-wrenching, and heart-warming.
The Movie
I'm kind of excited for the movie adaptation of this book, but I'm not sure about some of the casting choices :S
Katniss
Gale and Peeta
*I have been a bad, bad, bad blogger for the summer months...Horrific actually...I'm trying to get back on the book-blogging wagon...If that makes any sense :P
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Teaser Tuesday (8)
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.
From page 40 of Love Walked In
by Marisa De Los Santos
"Maybe love comes in at the eyes, but not nearly so much as it comes in at the ears, at least in my experience. As we talked, light flicked on inside my head; by the end of the night, I was a planetarium."
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Teaser Tuesday (7)
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.
from page 97 of (my copy of) Wuthering Heights
by Emily Bronte
"If all else perished and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger: I should not seem a part of it."
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Monday, 27 June 2011
Sunday, 26 June 2011
Harry Potter: Pottermore and Trailer
J.K. Rowling has announced the creation of Pottermore, an online reading experience! It will give crazy Harry Potter fans, like myself, an opportunity to interact and participate in this amazing fictional world!
I've read these books tooo many times...And will continue to do so <3
Love you Harry!
This trailer is so freakin' AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! I can hardly wait!
It's so sad to see this amazing movie series to come to an end :'(...However, I have no doubt that these books will continue to be read and enjoyed by youths all over the world.I've read these books tooo many times...And will continue to do so <3
Love you Harry!
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Review: Delirium
Delirium
by Lauren Oliver
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.
But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love
Quote
"And now I know why they invented words for love, why they had to: It's the only thing that can come close to describing what I feel in that moment, the baffling mixture of pain and pleasure and fear and joy, all running sharply through me at once." — Lauren Oliver (Delirium)
Review
I LOVED this book. After reading "Before I Fall" I was a tad bit hesitant to read another Lauren Oliver book. However, it surpassed my expectations in all areas.
The plot was like none other I had read before. It was an original concept that transported me into the unstable possibilities of the future. What would life be like if love was a disease? "Delirium" painted a world I could never imagine for myself - a world where everything important to me would be considered dangerous.
Lena was everything a main character should be. It was very easy for me to place myself in her shoes and take a run through a futuristic Portland. The love story between her and Alex was a journey in itself as it was in pursuit of something banned and condemned. "Love" became a discovery in itself: hesitant, scary, and passionate.
This book made me fall for Lauren Oliver's writing. She writes as though she is painting a canvas (something I can truly appreciate). I recommend this book to everyone and eagerly await the second and third installments in this series.
The plot was like none other I had read before. It was an original concept that transported me into the unstable possibilities of the future. What would life be like if love was a disease? "Delirium" painted a world I could never imagine for myself - a world where everything important to me would be considered dangerous.
Lena was everything a main character should be. It was very easy for me to place myself in her shoes and take a run through a futuristic Portland. The love story between her and Alex was a journey in itself as it was in pursuit of something banned and condemned. "Love" became a discovery in itself: hesitant, scary, and passionate.
This book made me fall for Lauren Oliver's writing. She writes as though she is painting a canvas (something I can truly appreciate). I recommend this book to everyone and eagerly await the second and third installments in this series.
Friday, 24 June 2011
Friday's Finest (5)
Friday's Finest is a new meme hosted by Steff & Justine from A Bookful of Thoughts.
Rules:
~Post a quote that really stuck to you after reading it in a book.
~Make sure it isn't a spoiler!
~If you'd like, expand on what you think it means and why you chose it.
Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Bronte
"To women who please me only by their faces, I am the very devil when I find out they have neither souls nor hearts - when they open to me a perspective of flatness, triviality, and perhaps imbecility, coarseness, and ill-temper: but to the clear eye and eloquent tongue, to the soul made of fire, and the character that bends but does not break - at once supple and stable, tractable and consistent - I am ever tender and true."
~Mr. Rochester
Follow Friday (8)
Q. In light of the Summer Solstice. Also known as Midsummer...let's talk about fairies. What is your favorite fairy tale or story that revolves around the fae?
This is such an easy question to answer! The Iron Fey Series is definitely my favourite fairy adventure by far! The Iron King, The Iron Daughter, and The Iron Queen were an absolute delight to read: romantic, action-filled, tear-jering, and comedic. Who knew faeries could be so kick-assI am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series The Iron Knight!
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
EXAMS!!!
I've been neglecting my blogger duties for the last couple of weeks as a result of EXAMS!!! Poo...
Of course I'd rather be finishing up "Jane Eyre" and starting on "Hunger Games", but I'm too busy pouring over religion textbooks and dissecting "Waiting for Godot."
The good news, however, is that I'm done tomorrow! I'll be back to regular posting soon :)
Good luck to all the souls braving the weathers of exams, and happy reading to those who are a)done exams and b)don't have exams...I'm totally jealous!
Of course I'd rather be finishing up "Jane Eyre" and starting on "Hunger Games", but I'm too busy pouring over religion textbooks and dissecting "Waiting for Godot."
The good news, however, is that I'm done tomorrow! I'll be back to regular posting soon :)
Good luck to all the souls braving the weathers of exams, and happy reading to those who are a)done exams and b)don't have exams...I'm totally jealous!
Friday, 10 June 2011
Follow Friday (7)
Q. The magic book fairy pops out of your cereal box and says "you and your favorite character (from a book of course) can switch places!" Who are you going to switch with?
I would LOVE to switch places with Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series. Frankly, she pretty much has it all: brains, beauty, skill, Ron...;) I love the fantastical world of Hogwarts and its many magical settings. It would feel magical to go tramping through the Forbidden Forest, dance at the Yule Ball, or attend classes with a couple of amazing friends. Plus, she has a happy ending!Happy Friday!
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Musical Fantasticness that makes me feel gushy inside...
Found this amazing guy through Christina Perri (who is also amazing...Check her OUT!)
...His name is Jack Martello.
His voice is like butter on a bagel
...Or chocolate mousse on a cake
...Whichever!
Plus, he's covering Adele...So major bonus points to him!
Awesome-sauce!
(Everything seems to be either "amazing" or "awesome" to me today...My apologies.)
...His name is Jack Martello.
His voice is like butter on a bagel
...Or chocolate mousse on a cake
...Whichever!
Plus, he's covering Adele...So major bonus points to him!
Awesome-sauce!
(Everything seems to be either "amazing" or "awesome" to me today...My apologies.)
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Teaser Tuesday (6)
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.
From page 161 (of my copy) of Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Bronte
*Beware of the run-on sentence! :P
"My world had for some years been in Lowood: my experience had been of its rules and systems; now I remembered that the real world was wide, and that a varied field of hopes and fears, of sensations and excitements, awaited those who had courage to go forth into its expanse, to seek real knowledge of life amidst its perils."
*Note: This book is so beautifully written. I'm loving it so far! <3
Monday, 6 June 2011
Artist Spotlight: Viktoria (viria13): Jane Austen FanArt
Check out Viktoria (viria13) on DeviantArt HERE!
I am a huge fan of Jane Austen, and thus, fell in love with most of the movie adaptations. My favourite of all is the most recent "Pride and Prejudice" starring Keira Knightedly. I love Viktoria's FanArt of Elizabeth and Darcy, as well as Jane and Tom from "Becoming Jane" (starring James Mcavoy and Anne Hathaway). These are so adorable!!! In addition, Viktoria is a huge fan of Harry Potter...Her FanArt that will appeal to Harry Potter nerds (for example...moi), can be found HERE.
I am a huge fan of Jane Austen, and thus, fell in love with most of the movie adaptations. My favourite of all is the most recent "Pride and Prejudice" starring Keira Knightedly. I love Viktoria's FanArt of Elizabeth and Darcy, as well as Jane and Tom from "Becoming Jane" (starring James Mcavoy and Anne Hathaway). These are so adorable!!! In addition, Viktoria is a huge fan of Harry Potter...Her FanArt that will appeal to Harry Potter nerds (for example...moi), can be found HERE.
Elizabeth and Darcy
from 'Pride and Prejudice'
Jane Austen and Tom Lefroy
from 'Becoming Jane'
I absolutely LOVE these movies, as well as the Jane Austen novels. Be sure to check them out. There's nothing like an old-fashioned romance ;)
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Review: Before I Fall
Summary (Book Trailer)
Quote
"And when I wake up it's wonderful, like I've been carried quietly onto a calm, peaceful shore, and the dream, and its meaning, has broken over me like a wave and is ebbing away now, leaving me with a single, solid certainty. I know now." — Lauren Oliver (Before I Fall)
Review
I really wanted to love this book. But...
From the beginning, I had trouble connecting with the main character. Samantha is the kind of girl that is the polar opposite to who I am. Popular, spoiled, spiteful, and cruel.
I plowed through pages and pages about a self-centered girl who had trouble learning from her mistakes. Every time she had to relive a day, I hoped for her to become the kind of character I could feel for. It was only until the end of the book that I was able to truly recognize her humanity.
The concept of reliving the same day was frustrating...Same people, places, and conversations. This book could have been much shorter.
What really turned me off was the unrealistic ending. I could not imagine myself making Samantha's choices or using her rationale. All in all, I closed the book without satisfaction.
There is no doubt, however, that this book was beautifully written. It was delivered like a piece of poetry and had many memorable lines. For this reason alone, I do not regret reading this book. It was breathtaking in its imagery and language usage. flag
From the beginning, I had trouble connecting with the main character. Samantha is the kind of girl that is the polar opposite to who I am. Popular, spoiled, spiteful, and cruel.
I plowed through pages and pages about a self-centered girl who had trouble learning from her mistakes. Every time she had to relive a day, I hoped for her to become the kind of character I could feel for. It was only until the end of the book that I was able to truly recognize her humanity.
The concept of reliving the same day was frustrating...Same people, places, and conversations. This book could have been much shorter.
What really turned me off was the unrealistic ending. I could not imagine myself making Samantha's choices or using her rationale. All in all, I closed the book without satisfaction.
There is no doubt, however, that this book was beautifully written. It was delivered like a piece of poetry and had many memorable lines. For this reason alone, I do not regret reading this book. It was breathtaking in its imagery and language usage. flag
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Review: At the King's Command
At the King's Command (#1 in the Tudor Rose Trilogy)
by Susan Wiggs
375 page
Summary (Goodreads)Frustrated by his own failures at matrimony, King Henry VIII punishes an insolent nobleman by commanding him to marry the vagabond woman caught stealing his horse. Stephen de Lacey is a cold and bitter widower, long accustomed to the sovereign's capricious and malicious whims. He regards his new bride as utterly inconvenient…though undeniably fetching.
But Juliana Romanov is no ordinary thief—she is a Russian princess forced into hiding by the traitorous cabal who slaughtered her family. One day she hopes to return to Muscovy to seek vengeance.
What begins as a mockery of a marriage ultimately blossoms into deepest love.
Quote
"He could not name precisely the special quality she possessed. A glow. An exuberance. An aggressive and determined joy that gave her the courage to push past his defenses, to confront him with unflinching courage, to look into his heart and to see something there worth fighting for." — Susan Wiggs (At the King's Command)
Review
"At the King's Command" was a very satisfying historical romance as it had many interesting twists that I wasn't expecting. It was an amazing introduction to the Tudor Rose Trilogy and had me craving for more. I loved how I was able to really connect with, and feel for, Juliana, the main heroine. As a royal princess turned gypsy, she is a truly strong, compassionate, and loving character. This refreshing novel told a story about a woman's ability to recall a broken man to life. It relays a message of rebirth, revenge, and forgiveness.
Romantic, passionate, comical, tear-jerking.
This book led me down a delightful path of heart-pounding chase scenes and tender love scenes.
As always, Susan Wiggs never fails to enchant me with her powerful use of diction and description. A chapter painted in warm reds and golds is easily transitioned into a chapter of sheer blues and silvers...A feast for the mind!
Romantic, passionate, comical, tear-jerking.
This book led me down a delightful path of heart-pounding chase scenes and tender love scenes.
As always, Susan Wiggs never fails to enchant me with her powerful use of diction and description. A chapter painted in warm reds and golds is easily transitioned into a chapter of sheer blues and silvers...A feast for the mind!
Teaser Tuesday (5)
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.
From page 267 of The Iron Queen
by Julie Kagawa
"I learned long ago that you don't get in the middle of a lover's spat. Nothing ever goes as planned - people fall in love with the wrong person, someone ends up with a donkey head, and then it's a whole big mess."
~Puck
(I love Puck's comic relief and sarcasm!)
Monday, 30 May 2011
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