5.23.2011

Let it Snow by John Green, Lauren Myracle, Maureen Johnson

It was after way after Christmas when I read this lovely these three lovely holiday stories but I was immediately in the Christmas mood right after.

Well if you have been reading this blog you will know that I love John Green novels! And although he only one story in this three stories book I loved the entire novel. It was sweet and yes they were all holiday romance stories which who doesn't love a little holiday romance. All three stories are intertwined slightly and all are equally wonderful so I advise you to pick this lovely novel up.

Yes this is rather short but if I continue I will continue to gush so I will stop.

Bye!

16. The Colour Purple by Alice Walker

Now I picked this novel up at a book sale because I have heard of the move and always wanted to watch it (even though I had no idea what it was about) and it was only $2.00.

Before I read it my mom started reading it but quickly stopped because she did not enjoy it. But it was my novel and I wanted to read it. So I picked it up and was rather taken back of what was discussed on the first page. But I continued to read it and fell in love with the story. It is a beautiful story and loved it. And after I was done I told my mom to read it and she enjoyed it as well.

Now it is written in forms of letters. Celie is the main character and the whole novel are her letters to God and then her letters to her sister Nettie and later Nettie’s letters to Celie. At first I thought this wasn't going to flow like a regular novel but it did. Soon you forget it is written in letter form and the story flows.

I have yet to watch the film but I am still interested in watching it.

So I rate this novel two checkmarks.

Goodnight, Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian

This is the last novel that I had to read for my children's lit. class so this will be my last time mentioning this.

I loved this novel!

It takes place during WWII in London. William Beech is evacuated from London to a small town and is taken care by Tom Oakley who is and elderly man and the town grouch.

Now usually for some reason I usually stay away from war novels (Why you ask. Well I just never really enjoyed them) This novel is so sweet and was quickly wrapped up into the story. The novel follows Williams’s time in the small town and shows how he adapts and grows but don't worry for those who are thinking this is just another sappy novel its not. There’s a twist and I won't reveal what it is because I'd rather you found out by reading this lovely novel and I despise spoilers.

So I of course rate this novel with two checkmarks and you should pick it up!

Bye!

14. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

The House on
Mango Street
how shall I explain this novel.

Well first off it is was also for my children's lit. course but although it is from a child’s point of view the subject matter is not exactly for children. Esperenza the main character & narrator lives on
Mango street
which is located in the slums. Esperenza dreams of the day where she can live in a big house.

The story is written in small vignettes and they each stand alone as a story. But each story doesn’t always reveal everything that happens so you’re left with the task of drawing your own conclusions.

I enjoyed how it was written even though it was frustrating at times trying to understand what exactly happened. So I rate this novel one checkmark and one x.

Till next time,
keep those books wide open (just be sure not to crack the spine)

5.20.2011

13. Breaktime by Aiden Chambers

An interesting book.


But I didn't particularly enjoy it.

The novel follows around a teenage boy on a mission to lose his virginity. (is a very quick way to sum the novel up)

Although I did not enjoy this novel. I did find it interesting on how Chambers chose to narrate the novel. He uses drawings at times, excerpts from others books and other different things. The main character Ditto narrates but takes on a challenge by his friend and he is trying to defend literature. So Ditto writes what happens to him like it is a novel. Although the plotline itself did not attract me. The way you can explore the story and examine what he is saying between the lines and with the pictures is intriguing.

So I rate this novel one x and one checkmark.

Bye for now!  :)

12. The Conversations by Walter Murch & Michael Ondaatje

Now this is a non-fiction book and I had to read it for my English class. The entire book is a long interview between Michael Ondaatje (writer) who is interviewing Walter Murch (film editor). But these are not one line questions answered with a small paragraph. Like the title it’s a conversation. They equally contribute to the book and it’s more of a discussion between two friends. They discuss editing and the go into detail about different films Murch has worked on. They compare film editing to writing. And discuss whether editing is equally or more important than the director.

I was fascinated and intrigued throughout the entire book.

But I know that this wouldn't intrigue or fascinate everyone. If your a movie buff, or into editing, or even the interested in how a story is made in a film and how the editor puts all the clips together to form a movie. This is the book for you.

I truly enjoyed this book and it really put me into the mode to create something.

I rate this book two checkmarks.

Love,

That book fiend

11. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Oh how I wish I could write a witty post to somehow match the greatness that is Oscar Wilde (but I can't). So I must submit you to my review that will not give any justice to what is The Importance of Being Earnest.

So I'll just say it: IT'S WONDERFUL, AMAZING, AND YOU WILL LAUGH YOUR BUTT OFF!

Because that statement right there although not witty, or clever, it speaks the truth.

I love Oscar Wilde and whatever he writes and I'm glad that I randomly picked up a book with a couple of his short stories in a book sale and fell deep in love.
Okay not in love with him but him as a writer and his stories and words (okay I want to make it clear I don't have a thing for dead men)

Anyways... so if you were to read any of the books I mention on here I would say read this one or anything that Oscar Wilde writes.

So what are you waiting for go to your local bookstore and enter the world that is the wonderful Oscar Wilde.  (:

BYE,

& keep on keepin on (or whatever (I really need a phrase in order to end everyblog post..anyways))

Best Wishes :)
ps. (vlogbrother reference and if you don't know what I'm talking about go check them out)

10. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor

Now Roll of Thunder is a children’s novel and it was one I was required to read for my Children's Lit. course & I absolutely loved it.

It is such an amazing beautiful book. It is during the Great Depression in Mississippi and the novel follows the Logan’s, an African American family but it is narrated by their daughter Cassie who is 10 (I think). And she has never witnessed racism and therefore doesn't understand it. She comes across racism and you the reader get to experience everything she is experiencing and this is what made the book different. You saw everything through Cassie’s eyes so as she was learning you were learning how things were in 1933 in Mississippi for an African American family.

You fall in love with the family and it is enjoyable to watch the adventures that Cassie and siblings get into and although at times it is light-hearted and fun. Taylor explores the major theme of racism.

I highly recommend this novel and give it two checkmarks.

Till next time,

Goodbye  (:

4.03.2011

6.Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

So I rate the dear Treasure Island, two x’s because I did not find it or hold it so dear to me. Why? Well the entire novel you’re waiting till they get to the island and the action starts and your left waiting for quite a while. And although it’s a novel for children, I did not find it the easiest novel to follow (probably because I wasn't paying that close attention) but I just did not enjoy this novel. I have read much better adventurer type narrated novels which are narrated by a child. And I just couldn't wait till I was finished reading this book.

So with that said Treasure Island is not for me and there are plenty novels that are somewhat similar but that I find much more interesting. One example would be the Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke to name one.

So although I enjoyed watching the Muppets version of Treasure Island when I was a youngin, I did not nor would I give this book to my child to read because I personally think there are better novels out there.


So with this said goodbye.
I really do need some kind of phrase or saying to end my blog posts. How about:

Keep on readin (because you know that does not sound corny at all)


ps. if you were wondering I am keeping up with my reading just not with the blog. So expect a rush of blog posts.  (:

pps. remember to...keep on readin because if you don't well then...I don't know what will happen...I should stop...

ppps. I know this post is out of order for some odd reason when I went back to it. It was moved to  my latest post even though it is not. Not exactly sure what happened or how to change it. But for those of you who were worried I couldn't count. Fear not I know my numbers up to 50 :)
And really thats all a person needs to know.

goodbye :)

2.24.2011

9. Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil of Slavery by Quobna Ottobah Cugoano

Now this novel is for my English class and all the books were reading in class are non-fiction.

When I started this book I was not in the mood to read non-fiction. I wanted a fictional story with characters that I could be caught up with. So this added to the reason why I did not particularly enjoy this novel.

It’s hard to follow and it takes time to understand what he's discussing.

It’s a slave narrative and Cugoano was an Afro-british writer and wrote when there were a couple of other Afro-British writers in the time he is one of the less famous writers.

The book is filled with history and it gives you a really good picture of what the times were like. But if you’re not in the mood to read non-fiction I wouldn't suggest it because you'll just end up being lost and not understanding what Cugoano is discussing. So because of this I give it one checkmark because of the historical importance and how he wrote his arguments. And one x because like I said it’s a hard book to read and it’s not for everyone.

Read because you love it and not just for the sake of reading (This is me trying to get all philosophical :))

bye.

7. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Now I really wished I blogged right after I finished reading because then my memory would be more sharper and I could pin point different points that I really enjoyed. Sadly I didn't but I did enjoy this book immensely.

The last in the series of the Hunger Games and it was an intense ride. It kept you turning the pages and whenever an tough situation came, which happened every chapter, I really had to struggle to not let my eyes stray down and catch a word that would give away what happened.

So I do rate this novel double checkmarks.

But I am still undecided on how I feel about the ending. Partially because at first I wasn't sure if Katniss picked the right man (more like young man). But when I finished reading I agreed that she did. But the ending itself lacked something. Collins kept  me interested till the end but I don't know about the ending. (wow I sound confused. But I am.)

The series was and is still amazing. My one suggestion is that when you read the series makes sure you have in your possession the whole series so you can read one right after the other. Because it is quite agonizing having to wait.

So keep on turning those pages (my creative juices are not flowing. I will come up with a good ending phrase one day…hopefully)  (:

BYE!

1.31.2011

5. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

A classic novel from 1868 about a four sisters. Now when I was younger my mother suggested to me to read the novel so I did. But I started it and never finished because I just found it to be terribly boring. But when I went to my first Children’s Literature class I found out that I would have to revisit this lovely novel. I thought I might enjoy it more because I'm older now. But sadly this was not the case. The sisters are way to prim and proper for my taste and yes I do realize it was written in a time period where people acted like this but I just didn’t enjoy it.

For this reason I give it one  x and one checkmark.

But if you’re wondering why I gave this novel one checkmark it was because at times Alcott tugged at my heart strings and I laughed at some of the antics the girls, especially Jo March got up to. There were sad moments where I felt incredible sorry and bad for the girls and their were tend and emotional moments between the sisters that drew me in.

It’s very easy to follow and this is just my opinion. I urge you to check the novel out because although I did not enjoy Little Women. Alcott wrote two other novels which follow some of the characters in Little Women the novels are called: Little Men and Jo's Boys. Which I enjoyed a lot (at least when I read them)


I realize I should have some outro saying but at the moment I cannot think of one so for now BYE.

ps. If anyone has suggestions of books please share them with me!

1.23.2011

4.Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

The second in the Hunger Games series. I am now waiting to read the last book.

I rate it double checkmarks.

I could not put this book down and just loved it as much as the first one. Literally something big happens in each chapter and each time you think nothing else can change or happen that you weren't expecting but each time Collins surprises you.

& as I type this I am in agony waiting to finish this series and I know when I get my hands on the last book I won't want it to finish. I will be tempted to read it really fast but also to read it rather slowly to stretch it out this experience. Not sure what else I can say without continuing to gush about the book but just go out and pick it up. Don't just read the back start it and give it a chance it will just blow you away.

PS. When you read this book continuously you might dream about it and even if you don't recall what happened in said dream it will be kind of terrifying. But never the less pick it up. If you comment, no spoilers PLEASE & THANK YOU!

3. Archie Marries... by Michael Uslan. Illustrated by Stan Goldberg and Bob Smith

      For all  you Archie fans out there this is THE Archie comic for you. Now you can buy each comic of Archie Marries... separately but I highly advise you to buy the book. There's a book you ask. Yes they put together all the comics, along with interviews of the amazing-talented people that create Archie, and some other nice treats into a wonderful book. As great as the comic is it self, all the extra tidbits were what made the book awesome. If your a fan of Archie this the book for you.
     Now if you haven't heard and you don't want to know don't read on because I'm afraid I'm going to give away some spoilers.
                        SPOILERS BELOW
Now in Archie Marries... they marry Archie off to both Betty and Veronica (WHAT!?!?!?!) Yes I know sounds ridiculous. But Archie one day walks up Memory Lane and instead of memories it fortells his future and there are two paths so he goes down one and on the path he marries Veronica. Now of course Betty is devestated but she gets over it and is happy for Archie and Veronica. Mr.Lodge gives Archie a job and he works hard and doesn't mess up (amazing I know). Oh one part that I was surprised at was when Archie and Veronica are on their honeymoon there talking and they walk into their bedroom and all they show is the doors and hearts all around. I was like, "WHAT!" because I mean I know thats what people do on their honeymoon but I mean its Archie do they really need to include this. I don't think so. Okay anyways Veronica gets pregnant because you know they made hearts (hahaha) and they have twins one that looks like Archie and one that looks like Veronica and of course they name them after themselves. Oh and at one point Mr.Lodge wants to give his most prized possesion to his grandchild and Smithers was like you want to give your stocks and rambles off some other things and Mr.Lodge was like, "No! My childhood sled (I know you know whats coming next) ROSEBUDDY!" And I cringed I mean I know Archie comics often make references and change the name slightly but really must you reference Citizen Kane and Rosebud. This just made me cringe.
Okay so now of course Archie should choose Betty if he had any brains but they show what it would be like if he married either one of them. Now the Betty version I didn't really like. When Archie chooses Betty at one point it seems like he wants to choose Veronica. And when he chooses Betty throughout there marriage she is constitantly worry Archie is still in love with Veronica. I mean girl get some self-esteem and stop worrying I mean if you think like that after he chooses you finally after all these years then he's going to leave you! And there are a couple of instances like this that bothered me.  And of course when Betty gets pregnant she has twins that are a spitting image of the happy couple. Oh and also in this version they show what happens to the rest of the gang and wait for it Jughead is married. Now I know your thinking he must have given into Ethel. Nope. Not even close. He marries.......................................MIDGE! I know I was shocked as well. Moose is now all zen and peaceful and Ron and Reggie get married. And when Veronica finds out she is such a bitch (pardon my language) but she really is. I mean in the end she smartens up and lets them be but I mean really mean. Betty is devasted sure but trys to be happy but not Veronica. I mean yes thats there characters but I was mad at how Veronica reacted so badly. Now I'm done my summary and my rant.  (:

                  SPOILERS DONE!
So overall I throughly enjoyed but some places I disagreed. But hey people are going to disagree. So go out a buy the book version because the extras make it so worth it.
& tell me what you think if you've read it.

2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Now when I heard about this book I thought the plot was just odd and had no interest in reading the series. But one day I was in Chapters and I picked up the book and read the first chapter and I was hooked. I knew I was mistaken before and needed to read this series. So I asked for the first book, The Hunger Games, for Christmas as well.

So I started the book and could not put it down. I was attached. I found a new love. It was heartbreaking. And just downright amazing. And I hope to God they don’t mess it up the movies.

This novel is so intense and if you start reading it make sure you have the rest if the series. So when you finish it you can continue on to the second novel and then onto the last.

Quick snyopsis: There are these games that happen every year called the Hunger Games and the Capitol makes all the districts send one boy and girl to fight to the death on live television.

Now my description does not give the book justice and I know at first you’re like thinking, “this book is just downright depressing.” But it is absolutely AMAZING and is a must read.

I rate this book a double checkmark!

Now I want you to go to the library. But I know for a fact you will have to wait on a list until you get it so go to a bookstore. And buy it, and don't only buy the first one buy the other two as well because you don't want to be like me waiting for the book from the library. Now go and let your eyes feast on this incredible adventure told by the lovely Suzanne Collins.

1. Paper Towns by John Green

I rate this book a double checkmark!

Okay so my third John Green book (I read Looking for Alaska just after Christmas) and it did not disappoint. I was almost scared to read his books because I've heard so much about them and was really looking forward to it. I thought maybe I was going to expect to much but I did not. It lived up to what I was expecting (not exactly sure what I was expecting. I guess just a really good book)

I almost want to say Paper Towns is my favourite out of the three books I've read but I feel like I need to read them over again. Yet again wonderful characters and a storyline that will keep you turning the pages. When you finally find out what a paper town is you'll want to do something (can't really say it without spoiling it so I'll leave it at that) Nearing the conclusion John really ends the book beautifully each time the characters have grown and they have a better grasp of their life or a situation. His conclusions sort of remind me of the Harry Potter series where each time Harry comes back and Dumbledore asks him what lessons he has learned and Rowling shows how the characters have grown. Except in John’s books it is a little less grande but not in a bad way.

So go to your local library and pick it up!

PS. I won't always do a synopsis of a book in case you were wondering.

1/2 An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

         So I came into the new year in the middle of reading An Abundance of Katherines (maybe not exactly in the middle but I can't actually recall. Let’s just say it was in the middle)
         This book was amazing. For the longest time I wanted to read John Green's novels and so for Christmas I asked for his books. Yes I ask for books for Christmas.
         This was my second John Green novel and I loved it. He captures each character and molds them into believable human beings. You can imagine them as actually people not these fake 2-d characters.
       A quick synopsis: A child prodigy is now a teenager and he has a thing for girls names Katherine and has dated 19 Katherines. The 19th Katherine dumps him and he goes on a road trip with his Judge Judy loving best friend Hassan. And Colin (child prodigy) thinks he has discovered a theorem to predict how a relationship will turn out.
        It's amazing book and you should definitely go buy it or get it from your library.

P.S. I'll be rating the books I read out of two check marks. So I give this book I give two check marks. I do realize I could actually use a check mark but typing it is just so much better.   :)

1.15.2011

How dare she judge books by their covers!

Hello there (whoever you may be)

Before you start to judge me for judging books, let me explain.
When I said, "oh but I do judge books by their covers," I simply meant actual books. I don't judge people by the way their look or animals or food (well actually maybe food). What I simply meant was when I am in a bookstore, which happens rather frequently, and I am looking for books, but I don't have any in mind, I will pick up books with appealing covers. Because when one wonders around a bookstore not knowing what your looking for you pick up books with appealing cover art. Somtimes the cover is the only thing about the book that appeals to me and I put it down and move on. This is what I mean. I usually won't pick up books with people on the cover (depending on how exactly they display the people) because I just don't like people on my book (yes I know I'm rather odd).
So this is what I mean when I say or rather type, "oh but I do judge books by their covers."

Now that we have straighten this out, I will introduce you (if there are any of you) to what this blog  is all about (even though above  me (there is a little intro) So in 2011 I will try to read 50 and a half novels. And I will like to share this journey with you. So each time I finish a novel I will write a blog sharing if I enjoyed the book and what I liked about it and so on. If I give any spoilers I will let you know ahead of time (because if your like me I absolutely despise spoilers).

So sit back relax and enjoy!

PS. For those of you have heard about, 'read  100 books in a year,' and is wondering why am I not doing that. Well I don't think I can read 100 books in a year because of school. It gets so busy which slows down my reading. So 50 is more realistic (even though technically challeneges are not always made to be realistic). Anyways hope you and I read some amazing books this year!