So here are my Top 15 books of 2012 –

15) The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling

This was the book that not only most eagerly anticipated by me but also by every Harry Potter and JK Rowling fan. I am sure that most of them like me ordered the book as soon as JK Rowling announced she was releasing a new book. And that is one of the main reasons for negative reviews on this book. The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling is definitely not for everyone. This book is for those readers who enjoy adult and thought provoking books. This book doesn’t have a beautiful, well rounded, action packed story. The book goes in a sluggish pace and takes its own sweet time to take off. The characters in this book aren’t your larger than life characters, whom you immediately admire and fall in love. Every character in this book is flawed and very real. And for me, these real life characters and situations are what make this book one of my favorites. This book is definitely thought provoking and left me with a very heavy heart. The climax and the last line of the book are incredible. If you want to read the full review click here.

Favorite Quote: Her family half carried Terri Weedon back down the royal blue carpet and the congregation averted its eyes.

(You won’t understand why I like this line if you haven’t read the book. But if you have then you will surely know the significance this simple line holds).

14) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The main reason this book makes it to the list is Erin Morgenstern’s beautiful prose. Her writing is, for a lack of better word, magical. Just like soft music and hot bath soothe my nerves, Erin Morgenstern’s words gave a feeling of serenity. Honestly, this book doesn’t have a strong storyline and I was left wondering what this book was really about. But the thing is I dint care. The author captivated me with her writing and imbibed me into this beautiful world she created. I was so lost in the book and the characters that when this book ended I was sad.

Favorite Quote: The finest of pleasures are always the unexpected ones.

13) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Given how biased I am towards this man, one of his three books I have read this year (Paper Towns, Looking for Alaska and TFIOS) had to be in my Top 15. For the longest time I was contemplating between Paper Towns and TFIOS. Finally, I decided to go with TFIOS, even though I enjoyed reading Paper Towns more, because TFIOS managed to evoke emotions in me and leave an everlasting impression. The story, the writing and the characters in this book are amazing. I won’t say more about this book as I have already done a review on it and if you want to read my review then click here.

Favorite Quote:

• My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations.
• I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, then all at once.
• The marks humans leave are too often scars.
• Some infinities are bigger than other infinities.

(Sorry couldn’t choose just one line).

12) A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

I prefer Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns over his more famous book The Kite Runner. I liked the story and the characters of this book much better. I loved how the author interwove the changes the country Afghanistan was going through with the lives of characters in the book. The story of this book is beautiful, heartbreaking, rich and deep. The author’s narrative is exemplary. I would highly recommend this book to any historical fiction or drama lover.

Favorite Quote: One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.

11) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

I was very surprised with this book. This book not only lived up to the ridiculous high expectations I had but also managed to surpass those ridiculous expectations. The book is short and a very quick read as  the story captivates you and it becomes very difficult to put the book down. I liked how the book was written in form of letters and as lame as this sounds, while reading the book I felt like Charlie was my friend who was rambling on about this life. I loved the story, I loved and characters… especially Charlie. He is one of those fictional characters who will stick with you and play on your mind for a long long time. This is one of those books that you either love or hate and I belong to the former category.

Favorite Quote: I would die for you. But I won’t live for you.

10) The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

This is one of the sweetest books that I have read this year. I loved this book so much that I am willing to overlook author’s feelings of supremacy over Indians (who she keeps referring to as blacks). But then again most authors from that era tend to have those feelings. But, coming to the book I found Secret Garden to be very sweet and pleasant read. I liked the story and the characters and how author develops them throughout the book. I love Dickon and wish he were my friend.

Favorite Quote: It made her think that it was curious how much nicer a person looked when he smiled. She had not thought of it before.

9) Unwind by Neal Shusterman

This is one of my favorite dystopian books. The world Neal Shusterman creates is interesting and blood churning at the same time. I loved his writing style and the way he built the plot. There is one particular scene in this book that sent chills down my spine and gave me more creeps than any horror book or movie ever managed to give. I am yet to recover from that fantastic piece of writing. Even though the book is told from perceptive of three kids, the book isn’t just about them. There is no point of time in the book where the personal lives of the characters start to dominate the original plot and that’s one of my favorite things about the book. I can’t wait to read Unwholly (second in the series).

Favorite Quote: I’d rather be partly great than entirely useless.

8 ) Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I immensely admire Jane Eyre, not just the book but also the character. Jane Eyre is one of the strongest female protagonists I have read in classics. When I was reading the book I thought Jane Eyre was an idiot for taking the decision that she did. But now that I think of it, I think that the decision she took wasn’t just right but also very brave. The fact that Charlotte makes her heroine choose her principles and self-respect over love is commendable. Charlotte Bronte’s writing reminded me a bit of JRR Tolkien’s writing. Just like Tolkien, Charlotte too is a very descriptive author. Even though I loved her writing style, I feel that the book is a lot longer than it should have been. But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a fantastic read. If you have patience with big books and classics definitely give this book a try.

Favorite Quote: I do not think, sir, you have any right to command me, merely because you are older than I, or because you have seen more of the world than I have; your claim to superiority depends on the use you have made of your time and experience.

7) I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

In 2011 I read Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief and fell in love not just with the book but also with the author’s writing. Ever since I read that book, I have been raving about it and recommending it to anyone who is interested to listen. So, I decided to pick another book by the author and settled for I am the Messenger as the book premise sounded fantastic. And I really wasn’t disappointed with the book despite my high expectations. I am the Messenger is funny, gripping, mysterious and very well written. Many complain about the ending of the book and to be frank I had to re-read the ending twice to actually understand it. But once I did my respect for this book and author increased. Highly recommend it.

Favorite Quote: Sometimes people are beautiful.
Not in looks.
Not in what they say.
Just in what they are.

6) The Two Towers and The Return of the King by JRR Tolkien

Even though I have been a huge fan of Lord of the Rings for a long time now, I can now say that I am officially (according to me by watching a movie you can never say you are a huge fan, may be fan of movies but not a real fan) a huge of LOTR and JRR Tolkien as I have completed reading the books. As most of you have already read or watched the movies, I wont bore you saying how wonderful the story and characters are. If you haven’t seen the movies or read the books then I will say that you are missing out on something incredible.

Favorite Quote: But no living man am I! You look upon a woman. Éowyn I am, Éomund’s daughter. You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.

5) Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan (The Lost Hero, Son of Neptune and The Mark of Athena)

It was in the end of 2011 that I picked up Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series. And ever since then my love for this man and his talent and books has only grown. I devoured the Percy Jackson series and moved on to the spin off series The Heroes of Olympus. I have to say I was bit wary about this because I was wondering if the combination of both Roman and Greek mythology would overwhelm me. But all my apprehensions were for naught because Rick Riordan manages to skip between the two mythologies and camps beautifully. While my favorite character from last series Percy Jackson and Annabeth remain my favorite, I also love the new characters he has introduced in this series, especially Leo. Rick Riordan’s writing is a treat and his witty one liners are to die for. In all of his books there is not a single dull moment and it always keeps you on your toes. The fact that I have to wait till October this year for the fourth book in the series is killing me.

Favorite Quote: I try not to think. It interferes with being nuts.

4) Persuasion by Jane Austen

This is my second most favorite Jane Austen book. Yes, Pride and Prejudice still rules the list of not only my favorite Jane Austen book but also my favorite classic of all time. But I have to admit that Persuasion came very close to P&P. Jane Austen’s writing is as usual flawless and beautiful. The setting and the story are brilliant. I liked the flow of the book and I don’t remember a single time I felt bored while reading it. Just like in P&P the author beautifully captures the nuisances of the family. The book isn’t big on drama with great twits but is a simple and beautiful romance story. I loved the main characters Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth. The side characters too are delightful and feel extremely real. That’s something I always love about Jane Austen’s works. Her characters are always relatable and aren’t larger than life characters but people whom you find in different walks of life.

Favorite Quote: You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope…I have loved none but you.

3) A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin

This is the one book that has blown my mind, knocked my socks off, fascinated and frustrated me the most this year. As much as I loved this book, I won’t deny there were times when I was so irritated with it. This irritation mainly came out of love and curiosity. George RR Martin’s writing is brilliant and I bow to this man for creating this epic fantasy and few of the best characters I have ever read. His details about each character, their family trees and history are so precise and I appreciate the effort he put into this.  Most of the characters in this book are grey and there is no definite right or wrong. The plot is filled with twits and turns that you never see coming. The fantasy element is top notch. But my favorite part of the book is the manipulations, lies and cunningness of the characters. I can’t wait to read A Clash of Kings and it’s only the size of the book that’s stopping me from doing so.

Favorite Quote: When you play a game of thrones you win or you die.

2) The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald

I understand now why this book is considered as the ‘Great American Classic’. Even if of you leave you the brilliant symbolism, the story by itself is something that captivates you and stays with you a long time after you finish the book. The author’s narrative is beautiful and anyone who ever inspires to write a book should definitely read this to understand how a book should be written. The way the author peels layers off his characters, who at first seem perfect; to leave these flawed characters is brilliant. I have to say though, that one of my most favorite parts of the book was the symbolism, be it author’s use of colors (to describe his characters or emotions) or names (‘Great’ and ‘Daisy’… anyone?). The story is tragic with never dying optimism. The optimism in this book is somehow both comforting and gut wrenching at the same time. A beautiful book that I highly recommend.

Favorite Quote: I hope she’ll be a fool — that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.

1)   The Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness

My favorite dystopian/sci-fi series and one of my favorite series of all time. After Priscilla at the Readables gave high praise to the series, I decided to pick it up and boy, oh boy, I loved this series so much. Patrick Ness is a sheer genius. The world he creates, the characters and the plot is brilliant. All the three books are incredible and are unputdownable. The main antagonist of the series Mayor Prentiss is one of my most favorite villains of all time. Every character Patrick Ness creates is fantastic… they have their flaws as well as their strengths. I was wary about the sci-fi elements in the book but I have to say I really enjoyed it. I have been raving about this book and series ever since I read it and cant recommended it enough. I did a review of The Knife of Never Letting Go, if you want to read it click here. I couldn’t review the second the third books as I was so mesmerized with it that I couldn’t form a coherent thought.

Favorite Quote: “I think maybe everybody falls,” I say. “I think maybe we all do. And I don’t think that’s the asking.”
“I think the asking is whether we get back up again.”

Honorable Mentions:

1) Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan

2) Coraline by Neil Gaiman

3) Paper Towns by John Green

4) Cathching Fire and Mockinjay by Susan Collins

5) Right Ho, Jeeves by PG Wodehouse (my first Wodehouse novel and can’t wait to read more).

Note: All the pictures are courtesy Google. I have used the pictures of the editions I actually own. From next time I will try to take pictures and put them.

PS- I will me more regular in blog world from now on, so watch out for more posts. To all HP fans who have been asking for the second installment of best moments in Harry Potter, have patience. I am working on it and it will be up very soon.

Related posts:

1. Raining Books!
2. The Twilighter In me
3. My Favorite Romantic Flicks

But there was always a tug in my heart strings pulling me towards the blogworld. There have been numerous occasions in the previous year where I almost posted something on my blog. But then again something or another happened and I never got to posting any of the posts I had planned on. But today I have finally decided to make a comeback and let all those posts that have been lying in drafts and mind finally see the light of the day.

Anyways, I will talk more about my oblivion in future posts but will now get to the current post at hand as I am super duper truper excited about it.

You see, even though I wasn’t blogging this past year, my mind couldn’t stop thinking about different ideas that I could convert into a blog posts. Out of many ideas, one of my favorite ideas was to list out my ‘Top 100 Harry Potter Moments’ both from books and movies. I collected various pictures, noted down my favorite moments but always faced a major problem when it came to condensing those moments to just 100. I had nearly 50 moments every book/movie and dint feel like taking any of them off the list. So, finally I have decided to list my favorite/top moments from each book/movie rather then from the whole series as a whole. This gives me more pleasure and less strain and I am sure that all Harry Potter fans will enjoy these posts immensely too.

As I just completed re-reading ‘Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone’ I will start off with these series of posts with no further ado. Here we go -

1)  Moment 1 – Mr and Mrs Dursley of number four, Privet Driver, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.

2)  Moment 2 – There will be books written about Harry – every child in our world will know his name.

3)  Moment 3 – ‘I would trust Hagrid with my life,’ said Dumbledore.

4)  Moment 4 – ‘To Harry Potter – the boy who lived’.

5)  Moment 5 – As the snake slid swiftly past him, Harry could have sworn a low hissing voice said, ‘Brazil, here I come… Thanksss Amigo.’

6)  Moment 6 – Yet here it was, a letter addressed so plainly there could be no mistake.

7)  Moment 7 – The Dursleys ducked, but Harry leapt into the air trying to catch one.

8)  Moment 8 – Happy Birthday Harry.

9)  Moment 9 – Harry – yer a wizard.

10)  Moment 10 – ‘NEVER –‘ he thundered ‘- INSULT – ALBUS – DUMBLEDORE- IN- FRONT- OF –ME!’ He brought the umbrella swishing down through the air to point at Dudley – there was a flash of violent light, a sound like a firecracker, a sharp sequel and next second, Dudley was dancing on spot with his hands clasped over his fat bottom, howling in pain. When he turned his back on them, Harry saw a curly pig’s tail poking through a hole in his trousers.

11)  Moment 11 – ‘Welcome to Diagon Alley’

12)  Moment 12 – It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this want when its brother gave you that scar. I think we must expect great things from you, Mr. Potter… After all, He Who Must Not Be Named did great things – terrible, yes but great.

13)  Moment 13 - “Fred, you next,” the plump woman said.
“I’m not Fred, I’m George,” said the boy. “Honestly, woman, you call yourself our mother? Can’t you tell I’m George?”
“Sorry, George, dear.”
“Only joking, I am Fred,” said the boy and off he went.”

14)  Moment 14 – All you have to do is walk straight at the barrier between platforms nine and ten.

15)  Moment 15 – ‘Anyone sitting there? Everywhere else is full’.

16)  Moment 16 – She had bossy sort of voice, lots of bushy brown hair and rather large front teeth.

17)  Moment 17 – And my name’s Malfoy, Draco Malfoy ( reminds me of Bond, James Bond).

18) Moment 16 – I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks.

19)  Moment 19 – ‘Not Slytherin eh? Better be Gryffindor!’

20)  Moment 20 – Fame clearly isn’t everything.

21)   Moment 21 – I’ve found you a seeker.

22) Moment 22 – We could all have been killed — or worse, expelled.

23)  Moment 23- ‘Wingardium Leviosa!’

24)  Moment 24 - But from that moment on, Hermione Granger became their friend. There are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them.

25)  Moment 25 - Harry was speeding toward the ground when the crowd saw him clap his hand to his mouth as though he was going to be sick-he hit the field on all fours-coughed-and something gold fell into his hand.
‘I’ve got the snitch!’ he shouted.

26)  Moment 26 – His father’s… this had been his father’s.

27)  Moment 27 – Mirror of Erised

28) Moment 28 - It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.

29)  Moment 29 – Little did Harry know Ron and Hermione had been secretly practicing the Leg Locker curse. They’d got the idea from Malfoy using it on Neville, and were ready to use it on Snape if he showed any sign of wanting to hurt Harry.

30)  Moment 30 – ‘Look, he knows his mummy’.

31)  Moment 31 – ‘Can you think of nobody who has waited many years to return to power, who has clung to life, awaiting their chance?’

32)  Moment 32- ‘I suppose you think you’re harder to get past than a pack of enchantments.’ (This line always makes me laugh).

33)  Moment 33 – “But will it cover all three of us?” said Ron.
“All – all three of us?”
“Oh, come off it, you don’t think we’d let you go alone?”
“Of course not,” said Hermione briskly. “How do you think you’d get to the Stone without us?”

34)  Moment 34- ‘Don’t you call me an idiot!’ said Neville. ‘I don’t think you should be breaking any more rules! And you were the one who told me to stand up to people!’
‘Yes, but not to us,’ said Ron in exasperation.

35)  Moment 35 - Hermione: “Yes – of course – but there’s no wood!” Ron: “HAVE YOU GONE MAD? ARE YOU A WITCH OR NOT?”

36)  Moment 36 – ‘It’s the only way … I’ve to be taken’.

37)  Moment 37- ‘Harry – you’re a great wizard, you know.’
‘I’m not as good as you,’ said Harry, very embarrassed, as she let go of him.
‘Me!’ said Hermione. ‘Books! And cleverness! There are more important things – friendship and bravery and – oh Harry – be careful!’

38)  Moment 38 – ‘Snape was trying to save me?’ (somehow from this moment I thought Snape would turn out to be a good guy and he turned out to be a hero).

39)  Moment 39 - Where there should have been a back to Quirrell’s head, there was a face, the most terrible face Harry had ever seen. It was chalk white with glaring red eyes and slits for nostrils, like a snake.

40)  Moment 40 - I believe your friends Misters Fred and George Weasley were responsible for trying to send you a toilet seat. No doubt they thought it would amuse you.

41) Moment 41 - After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.

42)  Moment 42 - Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself.

43)  Moment 43- You’re mother died to save you.

44)  Moment 44 – Only a person who wanted to find the Stone — find it, but not use it — would be able to get it.

45)  Moment 45- ‘Sent owls off ter all yer parents’ old school friends, askin’ fer photos…knew yeh didn’ have any…D’yeh like it?’

Harry couldn’t speak, but Hagrid understood.

46)  Moment 46 – ‘There are all kinds of courage,’ said Dumbledore, smiling. ‘It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.’

47)  Moment 47 – ‘We need a little change in decoration’.

PS – I am currently half way through Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets so expect that post soon.

Related posts:

1. 2011 Resolution
2. Raining Books!
3. The Twilighter In me

Coming to the actual post now. Here are the dresses that have caught my attention in 2010 on the red carpet… in other words Best Dressed in 2010.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez is a diva. She looks absolutely stunning every time she walks down the Red Carpet. Every time I just cant wait to see her on the red carpet and know who she is wearing at that particular event. She has splendid taste. That’s why I find it so difficult to select my favorite from all the events but my most favorite has to the Zuhair Murad dress she wore to the Met gala. This gown is GORGEOUS.

Lin Chi Ling

Lin Chi Ling wore this beautiful, gorgeous, stunning just WOW Valentino dress that I can’t stop drooling over. It’s so breathe taking and gorgeous that this probably would qualify as my most favorite gown of the year. I just LOVE it!

Gwyneth Paltrow

To CMA Awards night Gwyneth Paltrow wore this gorgeous single side high slit Atelier Versace dress which FABULOUS. Even though I liked the run away version more as it was lighter still the dress is amazing and man she carries this off!

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek always looks good on red carpet but there are some times she looks breath taking and this Gucci Gown she wore to Cannes makes her look gorgeous.

Natalie Portman

I never knew how beautiful Natalie Portman was until I saw her in movie Closer. She is so so pretty. She looked gorgeous in this red dress Rodarte dress. Doesn’t she look like a million bucks?

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria is someone who always manages to present her best side at the red carpets. She looks breath taking every time she walks on a red carpet. Who can forget her white Emilio Pucci gown? As gorgeous as that gown was it was the black Robert Rodriguez that she wore to the Emmy’s that stood out for me even though it gives you a deja vu of Cannes.

Penelope Cruz

Elie Saab is the designer of the year for me. I have fallen in love with so many collections and gowns of his that I have lost the count. Penelope Cruz looks Beautiful in this Elie Saab which she wore to Cannes Film Festival this year. She looks pretty and very happy as she walks hand in hand with her hubby.

Fan Bing Bing

I never knew who Fan Bing Bing was until I saw her on the red carpet of Cannes Film Festival. Actually I don’t know who she is even know but all I know of her is that she is one the best dressed celebrities. Every gown she wore to the film festival was gorgeous but Fan Bing Bing made a statement by wearing Dragon Robe by Laurence Hsu. The dress clearly represented her country and she looked beautiful.

Angelina Jolie

I am not a fan of Angelina Jolie… I don’t care what others say but I don’t find her all that gorgeous. Anyways I m team Jennifer (If you know what I mean). But anyways, I just ignore the fact that she looked awesome in this red Alterie Versace dress to salt premier in Russia. She looked ravishing.

Jennifer Aniston

I am so glad to see Jennifer Aniston in this short Valentino Fall dress. Jennifer Aniston is gorgeous no doubt and looks good in everything but I hate that she is monotonous. Her style is pretty much the same long gowns with a slit and mostly black. So this Valentino dress comes as a breath of fresh air.

Scarlett Johansson

If you ask me to name one young actress that I think is gorgeous I would say it’s Scarlett Johansson. She has a great face and an even greater body. But there is hardly few times that she does justice to herself on the Red Carpet. This time around for the Iron Man 2 premiere she wore an amazingly chic and white Armani Prive. Isn’t she looking great?

Rachel McAdams

I just can’t get over the Elie Saab that dress Rachel McAdams wore to the Oscars. She looked so beautiful and the gown is so pretty with the Big Prints… I m in love!

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker has been all over Red Carpets thanks to her promotion of her movie Sex and the City 2. I fell in love with her black Alexander McQueen gown she wore on one of her promotional tour. This Alexander McQueen piece is brilliant.

Kate Beckinsale

Kate Beckinsale looked amazing walking down the Red Carpet in this Gucci during Cannes Film Festival.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway is one more gorgeous actress who looks beautiful on the Red Carpet almost every time. I am kinda partial towards her as she is my favorite. This time around she looks amazing in this Valentino gown.

The other dresses that caught my attention along with the top 15 are -

Lea Michele in Oscar De Lenta

Ana Kendrick in Ellie Saab

Rachel McAdams stunned me again by wearing Lanvin Spring dress

Catherine Zeta Jones in Versace

Cate Blanchett in Christian Lacroix

Gwyneth Paltrow in Armani

Carrie Underwood in Randi Rahm

Leighton Meester in Vera Wang. This is actually a Bridal Collection Dress .

Fan Bing Bing in Elie Saab

Rihanna in Christian Dior

Kate Hudson in Marc Jacobs. This has been worn by many on Red Carpet but I like it best on Kate.

I will be back soon with Golden Globe Awards post (hopefully). Till then miss me . And as promised earlier I will try to regular in blog world again.

Related posts:

1. I love love love the Oscars!!!

Inception

If you have been a regular reader of my blog, I won’t have to tell you how much I loved this movie. I have not only raved about this movie in my review but it has made into my Top 20 Favorite movies of all time. This movie is a master piece from Leonardo DiCaprio and Christopher Nolan. An awesome movie and a must watch for any and everybody.

The Social Network

This movie came so close to being my most favorite movie of the year because it’s that brilliant. I have already said so much about it here. But will again say that as soon as I review my Top 100 List (which will be soon) I m going to put it there because it deserves to be there 110%.

Toy Story 3

I love love love love this movie. This is one of the best animation movies ever made. The movie is just amazing and it’s flawless. I so wish that they make Toy Story 4… I mean, Can you get ever of this lovely, brilliant, funny, heart warming, awesome animation movies?

Shutter Island

Another one of Leonardo’s movie that I loved watching this year. The acting, the plot, and the direction everything about it is so brilliant. And the last line of the movie is my most favorite line. Watch this one if you either like Leo or good thrillers.

Letters to Juliet

This movie is just so ‘Awwww’ and more ‘Awwww’. At the end of the movie I felt as if this movie was made for the hopeless romantic me, as everything I want and like is in it. Its mushy, it has the concept of true love, a good looking guy, destiny, sweet and cute romance, comedy, climbing balcony’s and not to forget my ultimate fantasy. What is it you ask? Well my fantasy is going to a strange land and falling slowly in love with a total perfect stranger who is of course a foreigner. I know this will never come true but a girl can dream na . And oh, the beauty of Italy is so very visible in this movie.

Shrek Forever After or Shrek 4

The final movie of the Shrek Series so I had to watch it even though I dint like the 3^rd one that much. But I m really glad to have seen this movie because it’s as good as the 1^st. The donkey and his witty dialogues are back. The story is brilliant and concept of True Love’s Kiss is back again. I did miss puss  as he isn’t as prominent but still a high leap from the 3^rd installment.

Despicable Me

The best animations to me have come from Pixar and Dream Works. But Despicable Me comes from none and it’s not even a Disney Movie but has everything that a good animation movie needs to have. A heart warming story, humor and the music are what appealed to me most in the movie.

How to Train Your Dragon

One more animation movie of this year that I loved. I fell in love with the Kid and the dragon. The friendship show between them is the best thing in this movie.

The Karate Kid

Can you believe it I had never seen a Jackie Chan movie before this? I do like him but somehow I preferred watching the Jackie Chan cartoon show than his movies. Anyways, this is the 1^st movie and I have to say that this movie is brilliant! But the movie belongs to Jaden Smith as much as Jackie Chan.

The Other Guys

The movie that took me totally by surprise. When I started to watch the movie I dint expect it to be even ok let alone good. But it was great. The best comedy movie I have seen this year. The chemistry between Mark and Will is amazing and the high point of the movie.

As many good movies there have been, there have been movies that I dint like much or felt disappointed with and here are the not-s0-favorite- movies -

Alice in Wonderland

It’s not a bad movie. Its good and actually I like it. But it wasn’t as good as I expected it to be. You see, I had very high expectations as it has two of my favorite actors Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway. Whereas Johnny Depp was good Anne’s acting I thought was over the top. Somehow, not as good as I thought it would be.

Valentines Day

I had so many expectations from this movie. I means isn’t it given when you have such an awesome star cast. And also it’s supposed to be a romantic comedy my favorite genre with all mushy tales but I dint find it all that great. It was ok but nothing more.

Sex and the City 2

I have never seen Sex and City TV show actually. I only saw the 1^st movie and found it ok, so probably I should have never bothered to see this one. But I heard  so much about it that I saw it out of curiosity. But I wish I hadn’t… it wasn’t good. And I wonder why do people like Sex and the City so much.

Eclipse

I don’t like Twilight movies. I like the books and find the movies very disappointing. But I had heard that the movie Eclipse was good and also Eclipse is my most favorite book from the series so I watched this movie. My opinion on this movie is same the others it’s not worth a watch. But if anyone of you likes the movies, can you please explain me why? It’s like a mystery to me… really.

Eat Pray Love

This is the 1^st Julia Roberts movie that I hated. Not once during the movie did I feel anything for the character. When I 1^st saw the movie I thought… ok, may be a bad adaptation of the book but after reading the book I find the movie less torturous.

I know 2010 has been great for movies and I m sure that 2011 wont be any less. Here are few 2011 movies I m waiting for –

The Rite

Gnomeo and Juliet

Apollo 18

Jane Eyre

Scream 4

Pirates of Caribbean 4

Winnie the pooh

The girl with dragon tattoo

The hangover 2

Kung Fu Panda 2

Sherlock Holmes 2

I hope you guys had a very good New Year’s celebration .

PS – I have updated my blogroll just now and I didn’t know that I read so many blogs. If I have missed any do inform me .

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In just a few hours the year 2010 will be coming to an end (and not to forget the decade) and a brand new year 2011 will begin. 2010 was a good year for me (apart from losing my best friend) and was filled those little, sweet happy moments that are very special to me. In the begging of this year I had made a very very silly To-Do List and I just remembered that few hours ago. So lets see how successful I was… shall we?

♥ Learn to say NO,be it to dogs or to people.

(Done… but none of them particularly liked this change in me).

♥ Go for my Masters and become geeky kinds and try to top the university.

(Got into a job instead).

♥ Buy an awesome pair of high heels and learn to walk not trip in them.

(Got a pair of wedges, can walk in them but really I now know I prefer shoes).

♥ Lose weight and get fit.

(Do 2-3 kgs counts?:P)

♥ Learn swimming or playing guitar or salsa dancing… in other words learn something new.

(Learnt few codes so I guess that’s something new).

♥ Stop being lazy and do all those things I have postponing and this reminds me. I need to stop postponing stuff.

(Hahaha… but yeah I m not as lazy as before.)

♥ Stop wasting money and start saving it spending it wisely.

(ROFL… Wise spending and me!!! Ok, I don’t spend it wisely but don’t spend it lavishly either.)

♥ Learn more recipes, cook better.

(Yes).

♥ Take care of more street dogs and feed them regularly.

(Did in 1^st part of the year after that my pups grew up and wandered off).

♥ Get over the chocolate addiction and eat them twice a week rather than daily.

(Yes! Yes! Yes! I did it finally!)

♥ Become more eco-friendly.

(Hmm… not sure).

♥ Learn to put on the make-up… its high time dont you think?

(I know how to put mascara and lip gloss now… does that count as make up?)

♥ Try to stop being this nocturnal animal and sleep on time and more importantly stop sending messages to friends in the middle of the night asking if they are awake.

(Never gonna happen ).

♥ Go and dance in the rain… I have wanted to do this forever.

(Did it and trust me it feels awesome ).

♥ Take many more photographs and better ones.

(Done).

♥ Blog more and blog better. I dont know how many things am I gonna end up doing.

(Its for you guys to decide).

So, what are my resolutions for this year? Nada! Except for of course the Book Challenge and Reducing Weight thing (it will never end will it?).

This year all I wish is for is few of my dreams to come true and also that this year brings in a lot of happiness for everyone I love and care about. My happiness depends on that.

And Thank You guys for being a part of my life this year and keeping up with all the crap things I write. You are a big part of my life and many times your comments bring me out of the gloomiest of moods. So thanks Again !

I Wish all of you guys a very Happy New Year from bottom of my heart and wish that every dream of yours come true and this year is filled with lots and lots of happiness . I hope you guys make this year special too as you have made my last .

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I vividly remember the day when I walked hand in hand with my Grand Pa (whom I used to call Tatha) with excitement and anxiety filling every cell of my body to get my 1^st ever novel from a near by library. This was done for 2 main reason; one was that I had completed all the books laying around in my home including my academic English Text Book and the two supplementary (as usual within 4 days from the purchase) and reason two was that my Grand Pa was tired of me nagging for new and innovative stories as he had exhausted himself with all the stories he remembered (which comprised of many novel stories as I now realize) and he thought the only way I would shut the hell up was if he gets a novel that would occupy me for days but little did he know. So he took me to the Library that was 30 minutes away from my home and introduced me into this whole new world of books that I soon fell in love with.

As probably the case with everyone I started off by reading Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys mysteries (I guess that’s where my love affair with mysteries started and curiosity cells in my body got activated). I read them in such a fast pace that shocked both my Grand Pa and the librarian. My Grand Pa never thought that I could read anything so fast, sitting for hours together and forgetting the whole world around me especially given my concentration levels when it came to academic books. Soon I completed all the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books in library and moved on to Harry Potter.

I digress  (talking about my Sweet Heart Grand Pa and books always does that to me)… all I wanted to say was that I don’t read as much I would love to or as much as I used to before. And considering that books are my best friends and I love them beyond eternity I m really disappointed in me. So, I have made a resolution (along with my friend) for the upcoming year 2011. The resolution is to try and Read 100 books this year and I m calling this challenge 100 Book Challenge for 2011.

I don’t really like rules but well, oh well my friend told me that every challenge even if it’s for your self needs to have rules (such a party pooper eh?). So, anyways here are the rules –

• You should read 100 books in year 2011 which spans from January 1^st to December 31^st.
• You can read books of any genre, fiction, non-fiction, poetry absolutely any book that’s recognized.
• You can even re-read the books (I made this one because I want to re-read the whole Harry Potter series).

It’s that simple!

Anyways me being me I have already made a list of books I wanna read in 2011 (as I have been wanting to read a few for ages now) and here is the list –

(The books that I will be reading for the 1st time are in blue, the ones I m re-reading are in pink and the once that I have read but dont remember much are in purple)

1)      The Girl who played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

2)      The Girl who kicked the Hornets’ Nest by Stieg Larsson

3)      The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

4)      A Thousand Splendid suns by Khaled Hosseini

5)      Murder is easy by Agatha Christie

6)      Why dint they ask Evans by Agatha Christie

7)      The Shining by Stephen King (I have never read a horror fiction… this will be the 1^st)

8)      A walk to remember by Nicolas Sparks

9)      The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R Tolkien

10)   The Two Towers by J.R.R Tolkien

11)   The Return of the King by J.R.R Tolkien

12)   The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien

13)   A tale of two cities by Charles Dickens

14)   A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

15)   Kane and Abel by Jeffery Archer

16)   Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

17)   Wings of Fire by Abdul Kalam

18)   Malgudi Days by R.K Narayan

19)   Swami and Friends by R.K Narayan

20)   Sherlock Holmes complete works volume 1 by Arthur Conan Doyle

21)   Sherlock Holmes complete works volume 2 by Arthur Conan Doyle

22)   Friends Til’ the death by David Wild

23)   The Last Song by Nicolas Sparks

24)   Safe Haven by Nicolas Sparks

25)   Dear John by Nicolas Sparks

26)   Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

27)   Rage of Angels by Sidney Sheldon

28)   The interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud

29)   The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

30)   The three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

31)   Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

32)   The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Galaxy by Douglas Adams

33)   Born in Fire by Nora Roberts

34)   Born in Ice by Nora Roberts

35)   Born in Shame by Nora Roberts

36)   Dance upon the Air by Nora Roberts

37)   Heaven and Earth by Nora Roberts

38)   Face the Fire by Nora Roberts (all the Nora Roberts books after a strong recommendation by my sis)

39)   Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

40)   Midnights Children by Salman Rushdie

41)   The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

42)   The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin

43)   Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

44)   The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

45)   Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding

46)   Charlett’s Web by E.B White

47)   The Giver by Lois Lowry

48)   Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho

49)   The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare

50)   Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

51)   Othello by William Shakespeare

52)   Hamlet by William Shakespeare

53)   Macbeth by William Shakespeare

54)   Anthony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare

55)   A midsummer nights dream by William Shakespeare

56)   Much Ado about nothing by William Shakespeare

57)   Into the wild by Jon Krakauer

58)   Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

59)   Strong Poison by Dorothy L Sayers

60)   Gaudy Night by Dorothy L Sayers

61)   Selected Short Stories of O. Henry by O. Henry

62)   Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

63)   Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K Rowling

64)   Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K Rowling

65)   Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K Rowling

66)   Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix by J.K Rowling

67)   Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K Rowling

68)   Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling

69)   The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

70)   Gulliver Travels by Jonathan Swift

71)   Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

72)   To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

73)   Murder on Orient Express by Agatha Christie

74)   Death on Nile by Agatha Christie

75)   Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie

76)   Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

77)   The Foutainhead by Ayn Rand

78)   Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

79)   The Firm by John Grisham

80) Letters to Juliet by Lise Friedman

Those are the books I can think of right now but as the near goes by the List will get edited as I strike off the books I read or add the new books that I have read or want to read.

I m really Excited about this Challenge to myself. I have never ever challenged myself before like this. Let’s see if I can win.

Do you guys wanna join too and enjoy this year by reading books with me? If yes all you have to do is say in comments that you are IN and by the end of 2011 inform me how many books have you read. You don’t have to blog about every book you read but if you want to I won’t stop you. If you have a Goodreads Id add me so I can keep a track of what are you reading. And NO Cheating .

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Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,

In the lane, snow is glistening

A beautiful sight,

We’re happy tonight.

Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,

Here to stay is a new bird

He sings a love song,

As we go along,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,

Then pretend that he is Parson Brown

He’ll say: Are you married?

We’ll say: No man,

But you can do the job

When you’re in town.

Later on, we’ll conspire,

As we dream by the fire

To face unafraid,

The plans that we’ve made,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,

And pretend that he’s a circus clown

We’ll have lots of fun with mister snowman,

Until the other kids knock him down.

When it snows, ain’t it thrilling,

Though your nose gets a chilling

We’ll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

(Lyrics of song winter wonderland)

From bottom of my heart I wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas!

I hope this Christmas brings a lot of cheer and joy for everyone.

Merry Christmas!!!

PS – I wanted to come up with something original like the last year but my cold had all together different plans hence the lyrics of my most favorite Christmas song ‘Winter Wonderland’.

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Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist who has just lost a libel case under murky circumstances is hired by Henrik Vanger, an ex industrialist to investigate the disappearance of his great-niece, Harriet 40 years ago. Unknown to Mikael, Vanger had him checked by Lisbeth Salander, a freelance investigator for Milton Security who always is an awesome hacker. The story then follows these two main protagonists and how they come together to solve the mystery of mysterious disappearance of Harriet Vanger.

Larsson’s writing is a treat if you ask me. Its pretty easy to follow and intriguing. The actual plot is something that you can rank in the ‘good thriller’ list… its absorbing. His attention to details is something I enjoyed especially when it came to the Vanger family. The other thing about the book I liked was that he speaks his mind through the book and you can understand what all he stands for and what he opposes as you read the book.

The biggest criticism every one has about this book is that it’s misogynistic. And I m not denying it, it is but isn’t that expected when you pick up a book originally titled ‘Men who hate Women’? The point that I oppose is that Larsson is misogynist. Infact he is quite the opposite, he is lashing out at misogyny and it’s pretty much evident in his writing. Yes, the extreme graphic nature of rapes give you creeps and make you want to take showers but then again I had expected that given the title.

Of course this book isn’t perfect. It has its drawbacks too. Its major draw back if you ask me comes in form of length. There are many times that you feel that the book is been dragged especially in the end. The other thing is that you can hardly empathize with any character (may be just Henrik). I mean Mikael is pretty much a good guy and would have been my favorite if not for his flaw of sleeping around. Call me old fashioned but I can’t digest the things like open marriage and casual sex. Salander is mysterious Ofcourse and sometimes awesome (especial the time when she gets her revenge) but something in her makes you stay wary of her. I hope that this dissolves when I read the 2^nd book. But my biggest complaint from the book is something I can’t talk without spoiling it. May be you will understand when you read the book.

Anyways, pick this book up if you like a good thriller but stay away from it if you can’t handle the graphic nature of sexual assault on women and children.

Ratings – 3 ½

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How are you? I can’t believe that Christmas is here already. It just feels like yesterday that I wrote this letter to you. I want to thank you for full filling every wish of mine from the list. Thank You for my awesome Panasonic FS 30 camera, I-pod Nano, a very pretty white hand bag, a Gap jacket and red color Converse shoes. But more importantly Thank You for making this year so a wonderful filled with love, laughter, happiness and peace. Thank you once again for everything.

Like every year this year too I have deiced to make my ‘Wish List’ and send it out to you. So here are the things Santa that I want this year (from this Christmas to the next).

Friends til the end book -

You know I m a huge fan of Friends sitcom. I have seen the DVDs of mine so many times that few of them have even stopped working. I love the show and miss it. I have given up hopes of a movie. Anyways, I have been trying to get this book since the day I knew this book existed. So I would be very glad to get my own copy of this book.

Lord of the rings + Hobbit Books–

I have been trying to read these books for such a long time now. Some how I never managed to read them even though I love them. It would be much better if I owned the books and had to never bother about giving them back etc, etc. And also they are the books that would be priceless in my book collection.

Mac Book  –

A year ago I wouldn’t have bothered about a Laptop. I was perfectly happy with my Personal computer. But after hearing so much about Mac Book and how awesome it is I wanna have it too. And now that my career is totally related to computers I think it’s a good enough ask.

Bryan Adams Concert Tickets –

You know I love love love Bryan Adams… don’t you? I vividly remember the evening when I switched on my radio, sat by my window watching the rain and eating when I heard a mesmerizing voice sing ‘Have You Ever Loved a Woman’ and since that day I love him. And my love for him has only increased. So, it’s obvious that I have been dying to go his concert since the 7^th grade. This time he is coming to Hyderabad on Feb 16^th and I don’t wanna miss it.

A Pet Fish –

You know I have been longing for pet dog or a cat for long time now. Its been so long since I had a pet. I miss having them around. But I know that this isn’t the right time to get a cat or a dog so I would settle for a pet fish. Not an aquarium but a single fish in a bowl would be more than enough.

A vacation just for the sake of it –

Every time that I out of station now a days it’s either because there is a function or something drastic happened or because we have to visit a temple. But this time around I want to go on a vacation just to be on a vacation. Of course I wouldn’t mind visiting temples but they shouldn’t be the sole reason for the vacation but just a part. Don’t get me wrong I don’t hate going to temples but I feel like I deserve a relaxed vacation which I haven’t had in a long time.

William Shakespeare complete collection –

William Shakespeare along with Agatha Christie is the author who’s work I enjoy reading a lot. His complete collection would be so very priceless to me and a great addition in my collection.

Jewelry –

I used hate jewelry and never liked wearing them. But now a days things have changed… I have an urge to own some beautiful jewelry… preferably diamonds. After all Diamonds are girls best friends… aren’t they?

An awesome Fast Track Watch –

Yes, I love the current fast track watch I own. I still thing that my watch is the best product they have come up with even till date but well I need a new one because it’s been 2 years since I got one. My strap is ripped.

A Great bag

I know, I know, I asked for a bag even the last time and got it but Santa I can never have too many handbags. I love handbags… they are my obsession and really want a beautiful bag even though I already have an awesome white one. And remember Santa it shouldn’t be made from any animal. I hate such bags.

Those perfect tiny heels or flats –

Ever since I got corns in my feet I have been very careful with them. I now prefer wearing slippers or shoes than heels. And I like wearing them as my feet feel awesome.  But I want to get those perfect heels or flats that I can wear out to functions. I want the ones that not only look pretty but are soft and wont hurt my feet.

A big and very cute Soft Toy –

(all pics from google and wehartit.com)

I love soft toys. Infact they are always on my bed sleeping beside me giving me company in the nights. I hug them and sleep most of the days. So for that main reason I want a big soft toy that I can cuddle with and sleep every night. And Ofcourse it has to be cute.

But you know what I want the most don’t you Santa? I want happiness, laughter, god health and lots and lots of love. If I don’t have these nothing else really matters.

Forever Yours,

Harini.

PS – This weekend I am very busy so you wont find me stalking your blogs for a while. But I promise to catch up as soon as I can .

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I had no intention of watching Social Network because somehow I was quite sure that this movie wouldn’t work… at least not for me. When the reviews came out I was stupefied. But it was after S insisted that I decided to watch this movie and Boy Am I glad to have seen it! I would have missed one of the best movies this year just because of my prejudice.

As you know the movie is based on the book ‘The Accidental Billionaires’ by Ben Mezrich (I haven’t read the book but want to) which is in turn based on the founder of Facebook Mark Zukerberg (who has dismissed the movie as fiction for some reason) and his two law suits. The plot doesn’t seem all that interesting but trust me the movie is intriguing from the very 1^st scene of Mark being dumped at the bar. The screenplay of this movie by Aaron Sorkin is remarkably extraordinary. He has managed to bring the human drama of trust, friendships and betrayals feel real on the reel making it a hearty and an incredible movie. The non-linear plot line just adds that bit of zing to the story. The clever and the sharp dialogues please you immensely. The writing and the dialogues feel like the work of a genius.

Backing the brilliant drama is as good if not more breathtaking performances. Jesse Eisenberg as Mark is nothing less than impeccable. He plays the character of a nerd with ‘what next’ attitude who can is very arrogant, rude yet lonely and introvert brilliantly. Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker and Armie Hammer as the Winklevoss twins are brilliant. But for me personally the show stopper is Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Savarin. His acting is so heart warming that I have taken an instant liking towards Eduardo. You feel for him as he manages to touch your heart with a moving performance.

What made me like this movie the most is that it brings out the point of view of every character. It shows why every person thinks he is right in his place. You can see why Mark Zukerberg thinks Facebook is his idea and why the Winklevoss twins differ. You can see why Eduardo feels that he has been cheated which Mark fails to see. The decision of deciding who is right or wrong is up to you. It’s you who has to decide if Mark Zukerberg is a hero or the villain or just human.

It’s a must watch!

Ratings – 4 1/2 out of 5.

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