Feb
16
What’s it about? Shades of Earth is the last book in the Across the Universe Series by Beth Revis. Without giving too much away, we get the much-needed closure of Amy and Elder’s relationship, and the fate of the ship Godspeed. If you haven’t started the series, do it now! You won’t have to wait impatiently for books to come out like I did. I can tell you that the payoff in book three is well worth reading the series. There isn’t a cheap ending (like the previously mentioned Powder), yet you aren’t disappointed that you just wasted three books to have everything in the story go to crap. It’s a nice balance, I swear! Check out the review I did for Across the Universe for more info on the series.
Should you read it? This is such a fun, moving series for fans of sci-fi, dystopia, fantasy – whatever. This series crosses those genres nicely. I wouldn’t have thought I would love a book based on a spaceship in the future so much, but I was wrong. I could hardly wait for this third book to come out! There’s romance, adventure and tension. What’s not to love? Plus, Elder is suitably dreamy, so the young ladies won’t be disappointed.
I would also recommend that this book be for adults/older teen readers. The subject-matter is a bit more mature than many parents would like for, say, a twelve year old. Think death and alluded-to sex scenes. Nothing is graphic here, and I think it’s done tastefully, but use your discretion.
Feb
11
What’s it about? In this dystopic future novel, only teens and very well-preserved elderly people remain on planet Earth. Sixteen-year-old Callie lives in an abandoned building with her little brother. Her parents, like all middle-aged people, were killed by an infectious disease. Since they have no grandparents or older family to take care of them, they fend for themselves. When Callie learns that she can rent her body to an “Ender” (well-preserved creepy old person) for an enormous sum, she makes a plan. Rent herself out, and make enough money for her and her ill little brother to live on for a long time. No more hiding out in dank buildings, scrounging for food, and hiding from juvey cops. And most importantly, her little brother can get the medical help he desperately needs. Who wouldn’t do the same thing?
But things go awry when Callie wakes up during her rental. The person renting her body is planning on murder, and she has to stop them. Can she figure out just who her renter is? And worst of all, what if the renter is right?
Should you read it? Yes. This is a fast-paced, fun read for vacations, airplanes and any time you’re looking for something really entertaining. I flew through this book in no time, and you will, too. Can’t wait to read the second book!
Feb
2
Hi all! I’ve got two book reviews coming your way just as soon as I can sit down and type them. We’ll cover:
and then:
Both were awesome, but for entirely different reasons. I’ll get to that in my reviews! I’m busy querying agents for BLEACHED.
And in case you hadn’t heard, and you’re local, there is an exciting Scarlet launch party happening in Tacoma, Washington. Check out the cover art:
Jan
30
Jan
21
OMG I just watched Looper. Thanks JAS for recommending it. It totally blew my mind. For real.
I won’t spoil it, but I will say that this movie doesn’t wuss out in the end (thank goodness) a la Powder.
Remember Powder? Seriously, if you’ve never seen it, don’t. It was ridiculous and 111 minutes that I will never get back. EVER. I will curse Victor Salva on my death bed for robbing me of that precious time I could have used vacuuming or cleaning toilets.
Anywho, I’m happy to report Looper was awesome, JGL (that’s Joseph Gordon-Levitt for y’all that haven’t been keeping tabs on him), was awesome. It weirded me out that they used prosthetics and makeup to make him look like Bruce Willis, but other than that, he was great. He really had the mannerisms of Bruce Willis down, which is to say he was kinda John McClane-like.
And sorry every woman who thinks Bruce Willis is a dreamboat riding the waves of the 80′s, but JGL looks way better with his own nose. I think most women under forty were pleasantly surprised when he grew up after Third Rock from the Sun:
Um….
So, yes – you should rent it or buy it. Great movie! It was good enough to keep me from doing a review on Starters, which I just finished and was very impressed by. More coming soon on that 
Jan
20
What’s it about? Blue, daughter of a ‘seer’ (a clairvoyant), has a unique skill. Although she can’t communicate with the spirit world herself, her presence amplifies clairvoyant and psychic abilities in those around her. And when she sees the dying ghost of a boy named Gansey on St. Mark’s Eve in the church graveyard, her mother tells her it can only mean one of two things. Either he is her true love, or she’ll kill him by the time the year is out. And those points may not be mutually exclusive.
Set in small-town Virginia, this lyrical mystery weaves the viewpoints of the local “Raven Boys” from a prestigious private school with Blue’s own sharp narration. The boys aren’t like normal rich kids – they are searching for buried treasure in the form of an un-dead historical figure, waiting to grant his finder any wish. Blue is drawn to them, even as she knows that Gansey will soon die. With several twists, this book will keep readers flipping pages well in to the night.
Should you read it? Yes! I loved Steifvater’s The Scorpio Races, and this book certainly did not disappoint. It has nothing to do with the the island of Thisby (if you read Scorpio Races), but it’s just as interesting and well-painted. I felt like I knew exactly what everyone looked like, how they walked, and even what their hands were doing while talking. Don’t misunderstand me, Steifvater isn’t too heavy on description. She is, however, extremely talented at dropping subtle hints and exchanges between characters that give us a stunning visual while we read. I’d read it again – it was that good. I can’t wait for the next book!
Jan
6
I’m just starting the Raven Boys by Maggie Steifvater, and I could not be more excited! She did such a beautiful job with The Scorpio Races. Ready my review and get your own copy!
Jan
6
I finally saw The Hobbit! I loved it! Okay, I know it doesn’t follow the books, and it is a bit long. Still, I’m a sucker for Tolkien and I just thought that this was so much better than I expected.
My favorite part of the movie is also my favorite part of the book. Remember the scene where Bilbo and Gollum are riddling each other in the dark caves? I remember being a kid and trying to quiz my dad with riddles like Gollum. I really sucked at it Hey do you remember the Hobbit book on tape? Or maybe it was a record…Either way I remember loving them so much.
What did you think of the movie?
Check out my friend Jas’ movie blog and review here.
Dec
30
Oh my goodness, have you seen Les Miserables? It was so beautifully done. I cried almost the entire time (sorry friends I was with!). Anne Hathaway as Fantine was one of the best performances I’ve seen this year. I dare you not to cry! She has such an amazing voice. It’s so refreshing to see talented, beautiful actresses in Hollywood who can do more than pout their botoxed lips.
Surprise hit of the movie for me? Helena Bonham Carter as Madame Thenardier (the innkeepers wife). Did you notice her? I swear, if she is in a scene, she steals it.
Ms. Carter is also the actress of one of my favorite scenes in any movie of all time:
Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange in Harry Potter) playing Emma Watson (Hermione) playing Bellatrix Lestrange. Um, yeah. Incepti-Bellatrix!
Okay, my brain hurts. Anyway, fantastic movie and I really recommend you watch it.
Next up, The Hobbit! I can hardly stand my excitement!
Dec
27
What’s it about? Book two of Neal Shusterman’s Unwind trilogy is definitely a hit with me! Now that I’ve been fully-submerged in this world where kids can be ‘unwound’ (scrapped for parts), I can read this book without shuddering. To read more about book one, check out my review here. Book two is more action-packed than the first book, yet still poses some really interesting philosophical questions. I can’t wait for book three! If you liked the first book, you’ll love this one too. And if you haven’t yet read Unwind, trust me that its worth it. This series looks like it’s going to be a keeper!
Should you read it? Yes! Especially once you get past the horror that is a future where kids can be dismantled for parts, it’s a wonderful book. Shusterman is an excellent writer, and more than once I found myself repeating passages out loud to my husband because they were so well done. Get it today!
