The Host: Movie News- Extra Photo

One of my top ten favorite reads is 'The Host' by Stephenie Meyer.  The movie started production earlier this month.  While news is slow coming and pictures even slower, a local extra's snapshot recently hit the web.  It shows five girls in 50's style fashions.  It seems this adds fuel to the rumors that the host society has a 'retro' feel to it.

While I never pictured the world in 'The Host' to be at all inspired by the 50's, I can see why the filmmakers decided to go that route.  If you think about it, the hosts values are similar to the idea of the 1950's.  People were taught to be pleasant, amiable, rule abiding, perfect.  A lot like how the hosts.  On a side note, I've always been a fan of 50's fashions, so if this movie brings them back, that would be awesome.

More information on this film can be found at 'The Host Movie News'.

My Billy Shelf

I re-organized my bookshelf today and thought I'd share it with you!

It was a huge mess earlier today, piles of books left and right, spined and lying cover down. Essentially, the definition of messy bookshelf. 

But, look at it now!!!

 
It's sooo much better than it was before.  There's still two rows on a few shelves, but at least I can see more of the book titles.  Click the image to head over to Flickr and see a few notes I added on what you are seeing!

Deja Vu Covers! Which do you prefer?

Occasionally (well, all the time), I shelve books at work.  Today, I shelved two books with very similar covers.  I thought I'd share them with you.  Someone who uses Getty Images to make money must have been very excited to see their image on two book covers!

First, let us take a look at 'Mad Love' by Suzanne Selfors, published by Walker Books for Young Readers.  The cherry red umbrella is eye catching and the raining hearts?  They're cute, too.  Do I plan on reading it?  No, but as far as covers go, it's a nice one.

Now, take a peek at 'Struck' by Rhoda Stapleton, published by Simon Pulse.  Are you getting the sense of deja vu?

Two different publishers.  Two different cover designers.  One Getty Image manipulated in two different ways.  (Look closely and you'll see identical water droplets on the umbrella's panel, fourth from the left!) Neat, huh?

My personal favorite is the cover to 'Mad Love'.  I think 'Struck' has too many hearts raining down.  Which do you prefer?

Follow Friday!

Question: Many readers/bloggers are also big music fans. Tell us about a few of your favorite bands/singers that we should listen to in 2012. 

Answer:  I'll be listening to:

 Hanson- I've loved them since MMMBOP and their new stuff is great!

 Sonohora- I just discovered these guys. I don't speak italian, but love their melodies!

I think this will also be the year of 'oldies'...

 Those are three of mine! Who are yours?

Update

Hi guys,


I just wanted to apologize for my lack of updates.  I didn't mean to drop off the face of the earth!!!  Why the sudden disappearance?  Mainly, my day job has been giving me more hours and on top of that, I'm working on a side project that will (fingers crossed) let me cut loose from the before mentioned day job, so I've had less time to 'chill'.  Needless to say, it's been hard to find the time to really get into a book!  


I recently started reading 'Tempest' by Julie Cross.  So far, I'm really enjoying it!  'Tempest' is a time travel story that has already been optioned by a motion picture company. It hits store shelves in January.  I'll be sure to leave a review here on the site when I finish this read!  


Also, be on the lookout for a review of 'A Beautiful Friendship' by David Weber.  This book was sent to me via the publisher. I've never read Weber before, so I'm looking forward to reading his first YA novel.  


So, don't worry.  I'll be a back and updating.  It just maybe a little less frequent!!!


~Brooke

Updates/Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday

Hello again to all my friends, I'm glad you came to play, fun and learning never ends-- oops, sorry channeled Barney there for a moment!  Thanks for stopping by the blog.  This past week was pretty centered on 'Divergent'.  


New This Week:
Divergent Fantasy Cast
Divergent Review


And the hops...
The Book Blogger Hop: 

The Question of the Week is: As a book blogger, how do you introduce yourself in your profile? 


Answer: Do I have a profile? Hmm. Not so much.. I may have to work on that. In my soon to be updated profile, I'm sure I'll mention my love of reading, my goal to work in television or at least get a script or two produced, and my other hobbies (ie: doll collecting).  Maybe all in Q and A style?  I'll probably have some silly little quote in there from Doctor Who. I think that it's important for people to know who the writer is on blogs. That's why I do these hops and why I do the fantasy casts. Those two things give a little more insight into me, I think. I'll have to make my profile reflect that, too. 


Follow Friday:
The Question of the Week is: It's that pesky magic book fairy again! She has another wish: What imaginary book world would you like to make a reality? 

Answer: Does 'The Neverending Story' count? I've always wanted to hold a book with the Auryn on the cover and the whole idea of being part of the book while reading it? One word-- Awesome!

Thanks for stopping by this week. See you again soon!!!

Updates/Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday

Hello friends! Down a laptop, I haven't been able to post my usual three posts a week here. Apologies. It didn't help that my reading schedule has been off this past month. You know when you're in a reading rut? Yep, that was me. :-) 


Now, I'm back. I have two book reviews 'in the wings' and am going to start another book tomorrow. 


As far as the reality TV show front, things are looking good!!! Keep your fingers crossed for me. I think I made a good choice to stay behind the camera in television. I've read recently reality 'stars' don't get very much money compared to the creative team. 


Anyone watching Falling Skies? I think that wins for my new favorite show of the summer. 


See you all next week!

The Question of the Week is:  What are you most looking forward to this fall/autumn season – A particular book release? Halloween? The leaves changing color? Cooler temperatures? A vacation? (If your next season is other than fall/autumn, tell us about it and what you are most looking forward to in your part of the world!) 

Answer: I really enjoy Halloween. I'm a ham at heart, so dressing up and pretending to be something new and exciting for an evening, even if I'm too old for trick or treating, always makes me happy!



The Question of the Week is: If you could change the ending of any book (or series), which book would you choose? And, why? 

Answer: There are a few, actually! 

I would have told Stephenie Meyer to stop at 'Twilight', first off! There are bits of the sequels I like, but it would have been fine as a standalone! 

I'd probably have to go to K.A Applegate and get her to make a happy ending for the 'Animorphs' series. (Wiki to synopsis of the final book) I remember really disliking the negative vibe the last books in the series had. So not the way to end it!

I'd also like to knock on George Lucas' door and tell him that he needs to find a way to get Chewie back from the dead and to redeem Jacen from his dark downfall (I'm thinking, we can do JR and call it all a dream!) in the EU Star Wars novels! There was no reason for Star Wars to get so darn dark, in my opinion.

Thank You!

A big thank you to all who entered the 'Summer' contest! I'm sending out e-mails to the winners tonight. If you get an e-mail, please confirm your information within 48 hours. :-) When I have everyone confirmed, I'll go ahead and set up a congratulations post! 


For an extra point, entrants had the option to answer a question 'What does summer mean to you?' A good chunk of you mentioned that you love summer because you get to read more books. 


Here are a few of my favorite responses: 
AmyS: To me summer means we are that much closer to winter. I love snow! 
The Happy Booker: Just one thing? I'm not that decisive! Summer for me is hurricane season, flip flops, spaghetti straps, and my hubby looking hot in his apron showing of his grillin skills! 
Ann: Hot weather means summer to me, and boy, we got it this year! 
LolaWid: Summer to me is having my kiddos home, and all schedules go out the windows... 
Shahira: Summer = Falling in love. :] 


You can find all the response in the comment section of the 'Contest' post! 


As a consolation prize, I've embedded some clips of my favorite things! Enjoy!


   
If you haven't seen Newsies, you really should. It is my favorite movie. Seriously, how can you not love it? A cast of hot guys? Kenny Ortega? Lots of song and dance numbers? Great acting? This movie as it all!


   
Another favorite of mine is the Sister Act series. This clip is from the finale of Sister Act 2.


 
Two Doctors=awesome. I love the 'You were my Doctor' part. It always gets me. 


And that's it for now. Thanks for entering the contest. See you next time!

Updates/Contest Reminder/Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday

It's another weekly hop already? Wow. This week flew by! Be sure to check out the happening's on the blog this week. Lots of fun stuff happened!  


I'd like to thank Stacey Kade for taking the time to fill out the author interview! Thanks!


This Week on the Blog:
Review: Passion by Lauren Kate
Author Interview: Stacey Kade
Contest Info: Win 'Queen of the Dead' by Stacey Kade


Reminder: Are you a follower of the blog? Enter to win Stacey Kade's 'Queen of the Dead' or a handful of promotional keychains! All the details can be found in the contest post! Enter soon-- the contest ends on the 7th!


And onto the hops...


Book Blogger Hop

The Question of the Week is:
What is the one ARC you would love to get your hands on right now?


Answer: I was JUST talking to my mom about a book that I wished I had received! Very timely question! 'Darkness Falls' is my pick. It's by author Cate Tiernan and is the sequel to the wonderful 'Immortal Beloved'. I'm really looking forward to stepping back into that world!  


While this isn't an ARC, I would love to get my hands on 'Immortal War' (final book in 'Vampirates' series) by Justin Somper. It was released by Simon and Schuster UK in June, but we don't get it in the States until January. Do I think I'll make it to January to read this? Not a chance. I'll be placing my order on Amazon.uk soon!!!  It's just so irritating knowing that it can be found on bookstore shelves now, just not in my country!!!


Follow Friday:




The Question of the Week is:
Talk about the book that most changed or influenced your life (was it a book that turned you from an average to avid reader, did it help you deal with a particularly difficult situation, does it bring you comfort every time you read it?).


Answer: While I can't think of a book that really changed my life drastically, I have a few 'comfort' reads. If I'm feeling down, I usually pick up 'Twilight', 'The Host', or 'The Grey King'. They always seem to get me through tough times. It helps that they are some of my favorite reads. 'Twilight' is pure popcorn-- corny in a good way. 'The Host' has the cutest love story. 'The Grey King' has some great settings-- mostly Welsh locations that have some connection to King Arthur. After reading one of these books, I'm usually out of whatever funk I was in!


Thanks for hopping by this week!  See you next time!

Updates/Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday

Hello, my friends. How are you all this week? I've been in a Doctor Who'y sort of mood, myself. It's my own fault. I ordered the 10th Doctor doll (made by Tonner) and it arrived this week. Which then made me have to watch 'The End of Time Parts 1 +2' (aka the final two episodes of David Tennant as The Doctor). Do you want to see the doll that started me in this mood? You do? Okay, let me pull up a picture....

The factory version of this doll looks different than this one. Tonner styled his hair really funky right out of the box. I bought this from a kind seller who was willing to fix his hair. It really helps in seeing the resemblance between this face mold and David Tennant's face, I think.


And keeping on this Whovian tangent, if you have watched the entire David Tennant era, watch the video below. It's quite funny!



And This Week on the Blog...
SDCC 2011: Merlin, Being Human
SDCC 2011: Avatar: Legend of Korra
SDCC 2011: Doctor Who, Supernatural
Review: Illusions
SDCC 2011: Vampire Diaries
SDCC 2011: Breaking Dawn
Friday Five Favorites


And the Hops...
Book Blogger Hop:



The Question of the Week is:
Highlight one book you have received this week (for review, from the library, purchased at the store, etc.) that you can’t wait to dig into!


Answer: Well, I just borrowed 'Wolfsbane', sequel to 'Nightshade'. While I highly doubt I'll be able to start it anytime soon, it's good to *finally* have it in my hands!


Follow Friday:

The Question of the Week is:
Let's step away from books for a second and get personal. What T-Shirt slogan best describes you?


Answer: Well, I've always liked the t-shirt that says, 'I used to be schizophrenic, but we're okay now'. While I'm not schizophrenic, I do have a tendency to talk to myself and you could say that writers themselves have their fair share of schizophrenic tendencies. :-)

See you all next week!

SDCC 2011: Being Human, Merlin Panel

And the US reboot of the 'Being Human' panel is up live on youtube in one long piece!
Find it HERE.


And 'Merlin had a panel, too!
Complete Panel
I apologize for making these all separate posts, but hopefully you all don't mind!!!  I don't want to lose any of the links!

SDCC 2011: Avatar: The Last Airbender: Legend of Kora

I'm a huge Avatar fan and would have totally loved to see this panel in person!  Korra's airtime is still so far away!!!!
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Upon watching this panel, I have to say it is one of the more informative ones I've sampled thus far!  Totally something you'll want to watch!

SDCC 2011: Doctor Who, Supernatural Panel

As you may know already, I'm a huge Doctor Who Fan.  A high quality video of the Doctor Who panel (with Matt and Karen) has popped on youtube!  You can find the whole long thing in one part HERE!


Supernatural's panel is also on Youtube.  Shot by the same guy who did Doctor Who, you can find it HERE!


The poster, Gonturan74, has many other panels on his youtube page, so check them out, too!

SDCC 2011 Vampire Diaries Panel

The Vampire Diaries Panel
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5


The audio isn't fantastic, but Ian and Paul look great!

SDCC 2011: Twilight- Breaking Dawn Part 1 Panel (links!)

Being the dork I am, I would have loved to be at San Diego Comic Con this year.  SDCC is one of the largest entertainment/comic/media conventions in the States.  (And is SO Much fun to attend!)  I even made a fantasy panel list. With the con just ending, I'm sure more videos will come up soon.  For right now, here's clips to the Breaking Dawn panels from this year!


'Breaking Dawn: Part 1' Press Conference:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3


It's nice to see them all smile. Hopefully, they brought that into the movie....


'Breaking Dawn: Part 1' Panel:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5


You can't see them in the video very well, but the audio is good. Rob and Taylor are funny people!

Updates/Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday

Happy Hop! This week has been crazy hot in the midwest. We hit 103 degrees in our garage yesterday. Yikes! Thankfully, our air conditioning is kind of working-- keeping it at 80 degree's, which isn't great, but is better than 95!


Looking ahead, make sure to stop by the blog August 1-7th. I'll be participating in the August contest hop. :-) I have some fun things to giveaway. While I'm not going to give away any spoilers just yet, I'll give you a hint. The prizes have something to do with Stacey Kade's 'Queen of the Dead', the sequel to 'The Ghost and the Goth'. More details to be posted soon!


I'd like to post my condolences to Borders Books and Music. I worked at a Borders for six months. It was my introduction into retail, actually. While I was there for a short time, I will always have fond memories of my time spent there. Borders differs from Barnes and Noble in a few key ways. I'll miss the fantastic manga section that most Borders have. In the same respect, I'll miss the little extra bobbles that Borders sold-- anime figures, t-shirts, purses, Pocky, etc. I spent most of my paychecks on the extra's that my Borders sold than books, I think! Even today, I go in and buy some of their 'extra's from time to time. And let's not forget the Hand Crafted Black Cherry Soda...  Yum.  Whatever happens, I hope that the thousands of Borders employees who are eventually losing their job aren't shafted and end up where ever they have to end up to be happy.


This Week on the Blog:
Review: Ashes, Ashes
Top Ten Tuesday: Required Teen Reading
Borders Liquidation


And onto the hops:
Book Blogger Hop:

The question of the week is:
What’s the ONE GENRE that you wish you could get into, but just can’t?

Answer: I'm not very good with contemporary fiction, teen or otherwise. There are some times I wish I could venture from my traditional suit of supernatural genre's, but nothing ever works out in my favor when I do that, so I've pretty much stopped.

Follow Friday:


The Question of the week is:
Name 3 Authors that you would love to sit down and spend an hour or a meal with just talking about either their books or get advice on writing from.


Answer:
Susan Cooper- b/c she rocks. Seriously, The Dark is Rising Sequence is far too underrated here in the States. I would love to just hang out with her for a while and talk about Wales, writing, and The Old Ones!


Laura Whitcomb- b/c she seems like a pretty interesting lady. Her blog is filled with some great posts, including those on her Supernatural Tea Parties. All in all, she seems like a fun person to hang with for an hour. (Author of 'A Certain Slant of Light')


Stephenie Meyer- Yes. Make fun of me all you want, but I would love to meet Stephenie Meyer. And believe it or not, I would probably ask far more about 'The Host' than the Twilight Saga! Stephenie seems far more down to earth than other writers, so I think she'd be a blast to hang with. Plus, it would give me a chance to ask some questions about 'The Host' that have bugged me since reading it!


And that's this week in a nutshell.  See you all next week!

Bad News For Borders!

Attention Borders shoppers, you may want to read this article. I hope that something will happen that keeps Borders open, but the news isn't good...  From what I gather, if a sale doesn't arise by Sunday, July 17th, the company will have to start a major (and quick) liquidation of all its stores.


Update:  And it looks like Borders will be liquidating...

Updates/Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday

After an interesting week of having very little electricity, we are finally on the grid again. This week was originally dubbed 'Harry Potter Week', but it was cut short due to the power outage. I will be continuing to update with my scheduled Harry Potter updates, however!


This week on the blog:
Review: Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Kids
Harry Potter Meme Fun!
Video Rewind: Sorcerer's Stone
Fun Harry Potter Facts: Movie's 1 and 2
Funny or Die Trailer for Field of Dreams 2


I saw this video on Yahoo! and it made me laugh... I thought I'd share it here!

And on to the Hops!

The question of the week is:
How/Where do you get your books? Do you buy them or go to the library? Is there a certain website you use like paperbackswap?


Answer: I usually get my books from the library first. I hardly ever buy debut titles from a store until I've read them and decided I want to collect the series.



The question of the week is:
What do you do when you're not reading?


Answer: Tons. I usually will chill in front of the tv watching something on Netflix (currently: re-watching old school Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and the K-drama Boys Over Flowers) or be on the computer killing time doing this or that. Aside from staring at screens, I love shopping, re-rooting dolly heads (aka giving them new hair), or taking photos of things! You can see my some of my re-roots/photos on flickr! Recently, I've decided to go back into directing short documentaries and oral histories for fun...


Happy hop!

Heads Up! My Power's Out!

Hello readers,


Just a little heads up, my power has been out since Monday morning due to the windstorms that came through Illinois earlier this week. 


Since I didn't pre-set any of my posts for the week, Harry Potter week, reviews, and any normal meme's are going to be delayed until the power is restored. Com Ed has no idea when that might actually happen, though! Being that we have a down pole in the yard three houses down, I don't see this being fixed soon...

Brooke's Box of Book will be back soon! Until then, I've placed a picture of a candle in this post, so you may experience what I have had to deal with for the past few nights... :-)


Till next time (which I hope is soon)!

Field of Dreams 2: NFL Lockout

The Funny or Die trailer for 'Field of Dreams 2: NFL Lockout', starring Jacob Black himself, Taylor Lautner.

Field of Dreams 2: NFL Lockout with Taylor Lautner from Taylor Lautner