Bookarazzi

The Book Theif

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:00:00 +0000

The Book Thief

*****

"I'm haunted by humans."

"You save someone.

You kill them."

"It amazes me what humans can do, even when streams are flowing down their faces and they stagger on, coughing and searching, and finding."

The Book Thief is a phenomenal story told from the point of Death himself. It's sad, happy, warm, cold, black, white, and glorious. A world so real is wrapped around you in Zusak's warm blanket of words and metaphors, where one girl steals a book from the snow, and from then on the story is unstoppable. Nazis parade down Heaven Street, a jew writes in a basement, a girl scrapes her knee playing soccer. A dusty book is slipped from the shelf of the mayor's library, and a bomb explodes. Death comes, life unfolds. The Book Thief encompasses the best and the worst of what is human, and tells a story of a young girl experiencing life in one one of the worst times in human history. One of the best things about Zusak's writing style in The Book Thief was the way he described words as physical objects, and it made his own words that much more tangible. This book seems to hold everything we know about the world in it's black type. Life, love, hate, desperation, loss. It's humanity, and it's waiting in the pages of this eerie, beautiful book.

The Three Musketeers

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 01:16:00 +0000

The Three Musketeers

By Alexandre Dumas

****1/2

Teaser

Mixing a bit of seventeenth-century French history with a great deal of invention, Alexandre Dumas tells the tale of young D’Artagnan and his musketeer comrades, Porthos, Athos and Aramis. Together they fight to foil the schemes of the brilliant, dangerous Cardinal Richelieu, who pretends to support the king while plotting to advance his ownpower. Bursting with swirling swordplay, swooning romance, and unforgettable figures such as the seductively beautiful but deadly femme fatale, Milady, and D’Artagnan’s equally beautiful love, Madame Bonacieux, The Three Musketeers continues, after a century and a half of continuous publication, to define the genre of swashbuckling romance and historical adventure.
Barbara T. Cooper is Professor of French at the University of New Hampshire. She is a member of the editorial boards of Nineteenth-Century French Studies and the Cahiers Alexandre Dumas and specializes in nineteenth-century French drama and works by Dumas.

Review

I enjoyed this book, mostly because of the lofty feeling Dumas' style creates. Alexandre Dumas has a very wholesome writing style, and it keeps the story satisfactory to read throughout the over 700 pages. The plot itself isn't the only thing that pulls you into the world of swords, wine, and musketeers; Dumas' writing style and the extremely interesting and lovable characters make the book intriguing when the plot is slow. D'Artagnan, the protagonist, is very bold and entertaining and the other characters teach him lessons in humility. The many different components of the Three Musketeers make it a clever story with many wise lessons embedded in Dumas' world of bravery and friendship.

Pretties

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:15:00 +0000

Pretties

By Scott Westerfield

Science Fiction, Romance, Adventure.

***

Review

Over all this was a generally good book, though I think it is my least favorite in the series because Tally is a pretty, and that really changes how you perceive the book and story line. What I did like was the insight into New Pretty Town that you never got before, and how the book did have entire different mood. Scott Westerfeld shines in leaving you breathless and waiting for more, and he really makes you think about how life would be under rule of our physical appearances. Over all, it was a good sequel, and it really left me waiting for more action.

A Christmas Carol

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:39:00 +0000

A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens

****

"God bless us all, every one."

Review

I thought, hey it's the holiday season, I should review a holiday book. A Christmas Carol is the only ghost story anyone could probably ever consider charming. You feel disgust at the horrible demeanor of Scrooge, and you love the joy of his nephew. You feel a chill in your bones as you meet each new spirit, and in the end you learn the classic lesson that money is not that important, and the spirit of Christmas is the most joyful thing of all. It's a classic story, and one you should relish this year when the weather gets cold and dreary.

Angels And Demons

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 19:00:00 +0000

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Angels And Demons

By Dan Brown

Mystery/Adventure and some historical elements

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****1/2

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"Religion is like language or dress. We gravitate toward the practices with which we were raised. In the end, though we are all proclaiming the same thing. That life has meaning. That we are grateful for that which created us."

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Teaser

An ancient secret brotherhood. A devestating new weapon of destruction. An unthinkable target. When world-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to hsi first assignment to a Swiss research facility to analyze a mysterious symbol-seared into the chest of a murdered physist-he disovers evidence of the unimanginable: the resurgance of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati...the most powerful underground orginization to ever walk the earth. The Illuminati has now surfaced to carry out its legendary vendetta against its most hated enemy-the Catholic Chruch...

Review

I loved this book. I really enjoyed the way they tied in tons of art history and Vatican history into the book. Also, lately I've been into mysteries, and this is definitely a good one. Angles and Demons is one of those books that keep you up late and you are constantly carrying around until you're finished. Dan Brown does a great job of weaving each character, description, and word into a massive twisted story of religion, art, history, love and so much more. I also really liked this book because it is never slow, and you wonder how this book could possibly hold so much action and excitement inside.

Book Slam: A Great and Terrible Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:48:00 +0000

A Great and Terrible Beauty

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by Libba Bray

Fantasy

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Teaser

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Gemma Doyle isn't like other girls. Girls with impeccable manners, who speak when spoken to, who remember their station, and who will lie back and think of England when it's required of them.

No, sixteen-year-old Gemma is an island unto herself, sent to the Spence Academy in London after tragedy strikes her family in India. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemma finds a chilly reception. But she's not completely alone... she's been followed by a mysterious young man, who warns her to close her mind agaisnt the visions.

For it's at Spence that Gemma's power to attract the supernatural unfolds; there she becomes entangled with the school's most powerful girls and discover's her mother's connection to a shadowy group called the Order. It's there that her destiny waits... if only she can believe in it.

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Slam

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Upon first hearing about this book I thought it sounded like a fun, interesting read. But when I actually picked it up and started reading I found myself confused right off the bat. The twisted plot line is very hard to follow and nothing in the novel is very well explained. Descriptions were very vague and many of the characters tended to blend together due to their similarity. In short, there was nothing dynamic about this book at all. It had no real basis or point and the ending was very bland also. Normally I love books set in the Victorian age, but this one just didn't live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it for anyone.

Wildwood Dancing

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:16:00 +0000

Wildwood Dancing

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by Juliet Marillier

Historical Fiction / Fantasy / Romance

*****

"I've heard it said that girls can't keep secrets..."

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Teaser

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Five adventurous sisters...

Four dark creatures...

Three magical gifts...

Two forbidden lovers...

One enchanted frog...

Cross the threshold into the Wildwood, and enter a land of magic, daring, betrayal... and true love.

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Review

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It is said that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, however this books cover work is the first thing that drew me to it. Kinoku Craft deserves much praise for this peice. As for the novel, I loved it just as much as the cover art. It had a wonderful story line and I often found myself unable to put it down. It had historical ties, but is mostly based off of legends. This provided for excellently developed and interesting characters as well as an intriguing plot line. I absolutely loved everything about this book. Its a must read for fans of fantasy writing or romance.

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Water Wings and The Protectors

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 22:50:00 +0000

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Water Wings Official Release Date: March 16, 2009.

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So now they are turning the rest of the Maximum Ride series into an entierly different series. The new series is called The Protectors, while the old series is called the Fugitives. The Final Warning and on, including the upcoming Water Wings(left), are all part of that series. To be honest I think the protectors is off to a horrible start, but hopefully James Patterson will be able to turn it around and make a good book. I think the odds might be against him though. The front may look cool, but you should never judge a book by it's cover. Try judging it by the new teaser:

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Comfortable in their new safe house, Max and the rest of the Flock finally begin to feel optimistic about their newly-gained freedom. Then the Machine Geeks appear--part machine, part human, totally destructive. They are in the service of an ominous Mr. Chu, who has his eyes on the Flock and their unique abilities. And if he can't have them, he'll make sure nobody else can either!As the Flock battles the Machine Geeks, trouble is bubbling to the surface of the ocean. Millions of fish are dying and someone is destroying hundreds of boats. The government asks for the Flock's help and it seems to be the perfect chance to escape from Mr. Chu and his marauding gang of thugs--especially since it means a trip to Hawaii! But danger continues to threaten Max and her friends. Can they protect themselves from Mr. Chu and save the ocean from utter destruction?

Twilight Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:23:00 +0000

t w i l i g h t

movie vs. book

Wow. Okay, I had to see the movie twice to really be able to some up with a coherent thought about it. First I'll tell you the problems I had with the movie, and then the things I liked.

The first problem I had with it was how vague it was. At times I was sure many people who hadn't read the book were probably thinking, What's the point? Another problem was Kristen Stewart. I felt like she really changed who Bella was. She didn't have as much emotion, not nearly as much loving feelings as Bella. I thought that she seemed much more indifferent then she should. The last issue was how many of the conversations that shaped Bella and Edward's relationship were cut out. All of them! I know it's necessary to cut things so a movie has an appropriate time, but I think at least one conversation was needed. Without it Bella and Edward seem like a regular high school couple, not a human and a vampire who are in love and would die for each other. They could have cut out the part were Jacob tells Bella how "They'd be watching," because it's really not that important in the scheme of things. They also maybe could have cut the number of humans killed by Jame's Coven down to one, so as to make better time.

Despite the numerous problems, there were also things I liked about the movie. I loved the piano scene, because I thought the mood was very true to the book, and it honestly made me want to cry. Another thing I liked was how well Robert Pattinson portrayed Edward's self-loathing. It was a little overdone at some parts, and sometimes put in at the wrong moment, but it was still pretty good. Here's a shocker, people: I liked the part where Edward is finding the will to stop killing Bella, and there's a flashback and some music. Even though that was not in the book, and it wasn't something I expected at all, I really liked it. i thought it showed Edward's love for her a lot, and it was definitely struck a chord with the true meaning of the book, and of their relationship.

Over all the movie was good, bad, it made me laugh(when Edward held is nose!), and made me cry. Even though I think Twilight never should have been turned into a movie, I think that under the circumstances, they did a good job, and I'm anxious to see how the rest turn out.

Breaking Dawn (Warning, spoilers)

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 04:14:00 +0000

Breaking Dawn

by Stephanie Meyer

romance/fantasy/adventure

*****

Teaser

"Don't be afraid," I murmured.

"We belong together."I was abruptly overwhelmed by the truth of my own words.

This moment was so perfect, so right, there was no way to doubt it.

His arms wrapped around me holding me against him.It felt like every nerve in my body was alive wire.

"Forever," he agreed.

Review

Raechel's Review:

This book blew me away. I couldn't believe it. Everything about Bella and Edward changes, and the way you look at the entire story changes. But I am happy with the way Meyer ended the series. She turned Bella into who she was always meant to be, and the story just takes off. Breaking Dawn is extraordinary, romantic, and keeps you on the edge the whole time. The whole series speaks so much about how love conquers everything, and how you always have a choice. All in all, this book was amazing and belongs on every bookshelf everywhere, along with the rest of the saga.

Of Mice and Men

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Of Mice and Men

By John Steinbeck

Historical Fiction

***

Review

Of Mice and Men was a very different book for me. I had never really done a lot of reading in that time period, and it was my first John Steinbeck read (though I am looking forward to reading East of Eden). But I found it to be one of those books that has a very wholesome mood to it. I also found the story to be a very different one, and very sweet. The writing style had almost a light tone to it, even when talking of the darkest events. WARNING, SPOILERS IN THE NEXT SENTENCE! I liked this book because it had a sadder ending, and everyone has told me this will make me a Steinbeck fan. I am a fan of the sad ending.

Jane Eyre

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:10:00 +0000

Jane Eyre

By Charlotte Bronte

Romance

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*****

"I must, then, repeat continually that we are sundered; and yet, while I breathe and think, I must love him."

"After a season of darkness and struggling, light broke and relief fell."

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Review

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This book blew me away. Jane Eyre is a whirlwind of passion, hate, religion, and every single word strikes closer to the heart until you're sure this book will be the end of you. The beginning of this book and the character of Jane's friend Helen blew me away, I loved her so much, and you could just feel how real she, and everything else is. And not just that, you would really want to learn from and be like Helen. The as Jane's character develops more and more through the book, you feel her pain and love, and you feel the reality of the story. One really nice thing about this book is there are no cliffhangers at the end of chapters. Each chapter is the perfect daily read, and though I could have read it all in one night, it was easier to stop than other books. Not because it was not good, but because the chapters were split so well. This book also covered a wide range of very serious and and diverse topics. This book was definitely not just the cushy woman-only love story it has been called. But one of the things I loved best about this book is that I learned so much. Not just academically, but emotionally. Over all, to read Jane Eyre would be one of the best literary decisions you will ever make.

Uglies

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 03:27:00 +0000

Uglies

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By Scott Westerfield

Science Fiction/Adventure/Romance

*****

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Teaser

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Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license-for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few week Tally will be there.

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But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk like on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world- one that isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.

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Review

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When I first bought this book, I thought it sounded kind of superficial and weird. When people told me about it, I always thought it sounded just kind of like your average future book. But this book ended up being really good. I was amazed that i was instantly pulled into the book once I had read chapter one. What I really liked about this book is it's just not like hearing a story, even though it's in third person. It seems amazingly real, every human part of Tally just hits home with the reader. This book takes you on a wild, futuristic adventure and leaves you gasping, awaiting more. At first I was reluctant to give it five stars, but for the type of book it is, I definitly think Uglies deserves it.

Book Slam: The Green Glass Sea

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 02:59:00 +0000

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The Green Glass Sea

By Ellen Klages

Fiction/Science Fiction

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Teaser

Suze unfolded the top of the bag. Dewey started to say something, started to shake her head no, then shrank away from the protest like a turtle pulling it's head back toward its shell. Suze reached in and picked up a book, riffling the pages with her thumb.

"The Boy Mechanic." she said, snickering. "Why do you have that?"

"They didn't make one for girls," Dewey replied.

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Slam

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Okay, I'm surprised I even bought this book. But what surprises me more is the fact that it won the Scott O'Dell Award. I myself don't find this book capable of any award. I kept trying so hard to read this book, and it was just so boring. Finally picking it up was torture. The book seemed very monotone, the characters, story, and descriptions all very generic. This author was being, well, generically creative. What I mean is that if some kid turned it in for a 9th grade English paper, everyone would be amazed. But everyone would be so much more amazed if it were actually published, for different reasons. Over all, don't waste you time or money on this book.

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Inherit the Wind

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:26:00 +0000

Inherit the Wind

by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee

Historical Fiction

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****

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as"Gentleman, progress has never been a bargain. You've got to pay for it. Sometimes i think there's a man behind a counter who says, 'Alright, you can have a telephone; but you'll have to give up privacy, the charm of distance. Madam, you may vote; but at a price; you lose the right to retreat behind a powder-puff or a petticoat. Mister, you may conquer the air; but the birds will lose their wonder, and the clouds will smell of gasoline!'"

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Teaser

The accused was a slight, frightened man who had deliberatley broken the law. his trial was a Roman circus. the chief gladiators were the two great legal giants of the century. like two bull elephants locked in mortal combat, they bellowed and roared imprecations and abuse. the spectators sat uneasily in the sweltering heat with murder in their hearts, barely able to restrain themselves.

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At stake was the freedom of every American.

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Review

Inherit the Wind is based off of the famous Scopes trial. This case was centered around the debate between evolution and creation. The seemingly innocent school teacher is placed on trial for teaching his students the theory of evolution, knowing full well that this is illegal in his state. The two legal giants of the time then show up in the tiny southern town and go at it. The dialouges between them are amazing and at times quite thought provoking. The pivitol scene in which Drummond (evolutionist) calls Brady (devout christian) to the stand and helps plead Cates' case by questioning Brady's faith, is intensely fascinating. The characters of Drummond and Brady (the attorneys) are extremely well developed. If you have the slightest interest whatsoever in the centuries old battle between science and religion, this is the book for you.

To Kill a Mockingbird

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:52:00 +0000

To Kill a Mockingbird

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by Harper Lee

Historical Fiction

***

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Teaser

The unforgettable novel of a childhood in a sleepy Southern town and the crisis of conscience that rocked it. Compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving, To Kill a Mockingbird takes readers to the roots of human behavior - to innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, humor and pathos.

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When I first picked up this novel I expected it to be rather boring and honestly, the first hundred pages or so kind of were. In this book you travel with two children through a very rough time in their lives. The great depression has set in and their father, a lawyer, has taken on the toughest case of his career. The trial creates some very exciting drama, for the issue that was really being tried was the credibility of a black man in a time when they had no rights. This book gives a deep insight into what is right and what is wrong. It is an interesting view on this matter because it is seen from the eyes of a child. For anyone interested in historical fiction this is the book for you.

Raechel- I just wanted to add a little bit to this post. I loved To Kill A Mockingbird because of the tangible world Harper Lee creates and just how descriptive and real Maycomb, Alabama becomes to the reader. Whenever I think of good imagery, I think of To Kill A Mockingbird. I think the book also touches and many different moral issues, and the book as a whole is very relatable. I would probably have given this book four stars.

The Hobbit

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:26:00 +0000

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The Hobbit

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By J.R.R. Tolkien

Fantasy/Adventure

***1/2

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"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold (as the hobbits do), it would be a merrier world."

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Review

When I read The Hobbit, my first impression was that is was a very wholesome feeling book. By wholesome I mean it portrayed some of the characters as contented people, and the book itself was contenting. I have heard some people say they were bored with this book, but I found it exhilarating, and it takes the reader on a journey through magical lands with interesting people. This book is great for fantasy lovers, and good for all ages as well.

Eclipse

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:24:00 +0000

Eclipse

By Stephanie Meyer

Romance/Science Fiction/Fantasy

*****

" 'What would you do if she changed her mind?' Jacob asked.

'I don't know that either.'

Jacob chuckled quietly. 'Would you try to kill me?'. Sarcastic again, as if doubting Edward's ability to do it.

'No.'

'Why not?' Jacob's tone was still jeering.

'Do you really think I would hurt her that way?'

Jacob hesitated for a second, and then sighed. 'Yeah, you're right. I know that's right. But sometimes...'

'Sometimes it's an intriguing idea.'"

Teaser

In the dead silence, all the details suddenly fell into place for me with a burst of intuition. Something Edward didn't want me to know. Something that Jacob wouldn't have kept from me. Something that had the Cullens and the wolves both in the woods, moving in hazardous proximity to each other....

Something I'd been waiting for anyway.

Something I knew would happen again,

as much as I wish it never would.

Review

I was so excited for the release of Eclipse. My favorite part of the book is a conversation between Edward and Jacob. I felt Meyer created a true image of what it means to choose your destiny. Bella is struggling with many choices in her life, and in the end, Meyer leaves you waiting for more. The book starts out simple and in a happy mood, Btu it quickly changes to adventure and love. Eclipse made me look at the whole series in a new way. This book is exhilarating, interesting, and makes me wish there were more pages to turn. If you have read Twilight and New Moon, you simply have to read this book. The whole series is great for anyone, even the guys. So regardless who you are, go out and read Eclipse!

I Am the Messenger

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:04:00 +0000

I AM THE MESSENGER

By Markus Zusak
Mystery, Realistic Fiction, Romance

****

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"Maybe everyone can live beyond what they're capable of."

Teaser

Meet Ed Kennedy—underage cabdriver, pathetic cardplayer, and useless at romance. He lives in a shack with his coffee-addicted dog, the Doorman, and he’s hopelessly in love with his best friend, Audrey. His life is one of peaceful routine and incompetence, until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery. That’s when the first Ace arrives. That’s when Ed becomes the messenger. . . .Chosen to care, he makes his way through town helping and hurting (when necessary), until only one question remains: Who’s behind Ed’s mission?

Review
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When I first picked this book up, I thought it sounded really strange. But, I was interested because I had heard many good things about this author. I was actually bought this book on a trip to New York, and so I started it on the way home. I read the book in two days, because once I started it, I was very curious. Zusak really made me want to know what happens next. I liked the character of Ed very much, because he's always very calm, and he's definitely a realist. I Am the Messenger made me think about the way humans react to what happens to them, and it also makes the startling realization that things don't just happen to us, we make our future. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Markus Zusak, and also anyone who liked Wicked, because I saw a few similarities there. I Am the Messenger is good, and meant to be read. I hope you read it, and I hope you get the message.

Number The Stars

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:58:00 +0000

Number The Stars

By Lois Lowry

Historical Fiction

***

"It is much easier to be brave when we do not know everything."

Teaser

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Ten year-old Annemarie Johanson and her best friend, Ellen Rosen, often think about the way life was before the war. It's now 1943, and their life in Copenhagen is filled with school, food shortages, and the Nazi soldiers marching through their town.

The Nazis won't stop. The Jews of Denmark are being "relocated", so Ellen moves in with the Johansons and pretends to be part of the family.

The Annemarie is asked to on a dangerous mission. Somehow she must find the strength and courage to save her best friend's life. There's no turning back.

Review

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When I first picked up this book, I thought it just looked like a simple, easy read. I have read the Giver, and loved it, so I decided to go ahead and read this one. But I ended up really liking it. It was overall well-written, and it was a little suspenseful. It turns the dark age of Hitler into the innocent childhood of little Annemarie, and the book makes you look at things with a pure and innocent child's point of view. This book was great for anyone who is interested in the Holocaust, and takes an interesting look at the morals of humanity. I recommend this book if you like historical fiction. Otherwise, you might be a little bored.

Upcoming Event: Twilight Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:00:00 +0000

Upcoming Event: Twilight Movie

12/12/08

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"When you can live forever, what do you live for?"

I don't know about you guys, but I am really anxious for this movie. I am still debating whether or not to go see it. The only part of the cast I approve of is Charlie, and Edward is okay. Alice is alright, but in my opinion the rest are horrible. But, because I am an obsessive bookworm, I'll probably see the movie anyway. Ugh. Ha ha. In November we will probably have a poll asking you if you want to see the movie if you have read the book, so you better get going. We will also have a Movies vs. Books post on it after it comes out. Probably the next day.

Here is Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Movie Page. She has a lot of good info and videos, so check it out. Watch the commercial. The only concern I have about the commercial is that TWILIGHT VAMPIRES DON'T FLY! Apparently the film directors think they do.

Twilight Movie Cast List

Bella
Kristen Stewart

Edward

Robert Pattinson

Charlie
Billy Burke

Alice
Ashley Greene

Rosalie
Nikki Reed

Jasper
Jackson Rathbone

Emmett
Kellan Lutz

Carlisle
Peter Facinelli

James
Cam Gigandet

Jacob Black
Taylor Lautner

Jessica
Anna Kendrick

Mike Newton
Michael Welch

Eric
Justin Chon

Angela
Christian Serratos

Billy Black
Gil Birmingham

Esme
Elizabeth Reaser

Laurent
Edi Gathegi

Victoria
Rachelle Lafevre

Renee
Sarah Clarke

Tyler
Gregory Tyree Boyce

Waylon Forge
Ned Bellamy

Phil
Matt Bushell

Mr. Molina
Jose Zuniga

Even though I'll probably hate it, I'm going to go see it. If you see it, post us a comment and tell us what you think, or if you have any info or something to say about the movie. We'd also love to see any fan made cast videos.

New Moon

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:30:00 +0000

New Moon

By Stephanie Myer

Fiction/Romance/Fantasy

*****

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" Once you cared about a person, it was impossible to be logical about them anymore."

"'NO! This is about my soul, isn't it?' I shouted furious, the words exploding out of me-somehow it still sounded like a plea. 'Carlisle told me about that, and I don't care, Edward. I don't care! You can have my soul. I don't want it without you-it's yours already!"

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Teaser

I knew we were both in mortal danger.

Still, in that instant, I felt well. Whole.

I could feel my heart beating in my chest, the blood pulsing hot and fast through my veins again.

My lungs filled deep with the sweet scent that came off his skin.

It was like there had never been any hole in my chest.

I was perfect-not healed, but as if

there had never been a wound in the first place.

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Review

You know, I've heard most Twilight fans say that New Moon was their least favorite book in the series. Some say it was because there wasn't enough Edward, some say the middle was really boring, but New Moon was actually my favorite book in this saga. I loved the different mood that separates the book from the rest of the series. I think that this book only strengthens our knowledge of the characters, and of the story of Twilight. This book shows how important love truly is, and also the reality that things don't always work out for everyone. The reader feels Bella's pain, shares her joy, and so much more. The book helps us see that despite what we tell ourselves, true love always comes first. This book is really good, and I think if you really liked Twilight, and you liked the story, not just Edward, then you will like New Moon.

Movies vs. Books

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 22:00:00 +0000

Movies vs. Books: Eragon

This book was loved by many people, including myself. The author, Paolini, was admired because he had written such a popular book at such a young age. So naturally, when it was announced that there would be a movie, everyone was very excited. But when fans flocked in to see the film, most were extremely disappointed. The movie was a horrible likeness of the book. I know some things must be cut out, or changed slightly in order to make the movie an appropriate length, but this was absolutely ridiculous. Many major plot changes were lacking from the film. This made it hard to understand, and if you hadn't previously read the novel, it was at times very hard to follow. Additionaly, it seems as though the producers of this film did not even read the rest of the novels in the series. Many things that were absolutely essential to the other books, were left completly out of the movie. This will only make it harder to explain things in the following movies. That is, if they even produce they rest of them. Speaking of not understanding things, nothing was ever explained. The movie never told the reasons behind any of the desicion making or actions throughout the film. One minute, they're peacefully strolling around the city, and the next they're in a bloody war. To those who hadn't previously read the novel, this was hard to understand, and just yet another example of the terrible flow throughout this film. Lastly, the movie just lacked the amazing detail of Paolini's books. The appearances of some of the characters were altered to an almost unrecognizable point (cough* cough* Arya). And just the general tone of the movie was much different (in a bad way) than that of the book. I loved the Eragon book, but the movie was awful. I was ranting about it for days. And if you havn't already, (and you've read the book) i really recommend you don't see it.

Frankenstein

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:13:00 +0000

Frankenstein

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Mary Shelley

Classic Literature/Fiction/Horror

*****

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"I am malicious because I am miserable. Am I not shunned and hated by all mankind? You, my creator, would tear me to pieces, and triumph; remember that, and tell me why I should pity man more than he pities me?" - Monster

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Teaser

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Few creatures of horror have seized readers' imaginations and held them for so long as the anguished monster of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The story of Victor Frankenstein's terrible creation and the havoc it caused has enthralled generations of readers an inspired countless writers of horror and suspense. Considering the novel's enduring success, it is remarkable that it began merely as a whim of Lord Byron's.

"We will each write a ghost story," Byron announced to his next-door neighbors, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and her lover Percy Bysshe Shelley. The friends were summering on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland in 1816, Shelley still unknown as a poet, Byron writing the third canto to Childe Harold. When continual rains kept them confines indoors, all agreed to Byron's proposal.

The illustrious poets failed to complete their ghost stories. But Mary Shelley rose supremely to the challenge. With Frankenstein, she succeeded admirably in the task she set for herself: to create a story that, in her own words, "would speak to the mysterious fears of our nature and awaken thrilling horror - one to make the reader dread to look round, to curdle the blood, and quicken the beating of the heart."

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Review

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This is very possibly the best written book that I have ever read. It's definitely one of my absolute favorites. Mary Shelley does a superb job with details. You can imagine ever character perfectly, and her descriptions of the monster leave nothing to be desired. Her descriptions of nature are so exact that you can picture the scenery down to the last speck of dirt or blade of grass. She also manages to tie up every loose end. Nothing goes unexplained, and at the end of the novel you feel as though you have really witnessed this terrible atrocity. Shelley has a unique way of playing with the reader's emotions. At times you feel such incredible pity for the monster that it is nearly overwhelming. And yet still, at other times, you feel such hatred for him that you hope and pray for his demise. This novel is a very "dark romantic" styled writing. The elegant phrasing also adds to the emotional level of this piece. I loved everything about this book. I highly recommend it for advanced young readers interested in classic literature, or adults.

Sherlock Holmes

noreply@blogger.com (Raechel) — Sat, 31 May 2008 17:00:00 +0000

The Complete Sherlock Holmes

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Mystery

****

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"Elementary, my dear Watson."

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Teaser

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Eccentric, arrogant, and ingenious, Sherlock Holmes remains the world's most popular and influential fictional detective. In four novels and fifty-six short stories, Holmes, with his trusted friend Dr. Watson, steps from his comfortable quarters at 221B Baker Street into the swirling fog of London. Combining detailed observation with brilliant deduction, Homes rescues the innocent, confounds the guilty, and solves the most perplexing puzzles crime has to offer.

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Review

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I enjoyed Sherlock Holmes, and I found that it was a really good break from extremely singular genres such as romance or science fiction. I liked the short story format because I could just browse through the book at my leisure. I also enjoyed the novels, they provided more elaborate stories. Holmes is a character that is impossible not to like, either for his wit or his cunning. The crimes are also interesting because you can try to solve them as the story goes, like most mysteries. Over all, Sherlock Holmes was a very well rounded book, and for people who enjoy adventure, mystery, and reading late into the night, this is a great book.