Top Ten Tuesday- Beach Reads

This weeks Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by The Broke and the Bookish) is concentrated on Beach Reads! I'm not one who really goes to beaches or reads outside, for that matter, but I do know what I'd bring if I did do that sort of thing...

In general, beach reading for me would include old favorites of the popcorn kind.


1- 'The Grimm Legacy' by Polly Shulman
2- 'The Host' by Stephenie Meyer
3- Old School Star Wars novels (ie: The Courtship of Princess Leia, The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Even some Young Jedi Knights!) by Various authors
4- 'Beauty Shop for Rent' by Laura Bowers


I can't think of anymore, but these books would be a good start to any beach excursion!

Happy Memorial Day!

In honor of those who have fought bravely protecting our country,

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day!

Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday/Updates

Why, hello there, readers! Not a huge amount of updates this week. For those following my reality show news, the digitized footage is in and on its way to the editor for the 3rd pass! I now understand why producers handle five projects at once-- television pre-production is such a waiting game!!!


This Week on the Blog:
Review: Enclave
Hunger Games Movie News


I'd like to remind you all about the review I did of Stacey Kade's 'Queen of the Dead'. It just arrived at the bookstore (mine, at least!). It comes highly recommended from Brooke's Box of Books!


Also, congrats to Ricki at Reading Challenged! Ricki recently won a copy of 'Sweet Valley Confidential' courtesy of Francine and Ann Marie!


And onto the Hops...

The Question of the Week is:
What book-to-movie adaption have you most liked? Which have you disliked?


Answer: By far the worst adaptation known to man (or me at least) happened to one of my favorite book series-- The Dark is Rising sequence. Susan Cooper's 'The Dark is Rising' was adapted into the travesty that is known to movie folks as 'The Seeker'. *shudder* I don't blame acting, directing, or the decision to cast an American lead instead of a British one. I blame the script writer, John Hodge. John, just so you know, I'm never hiring you-- for anything-- ever. Mr. Hodge decided the term adaption meant keeping the main characters names the same as in the book, but re-writing everything else. And I mean everything. Heck, he invented a twin brother for Will and decided that Will, the human boy, would be one of the signs! How ridiculous. John Hodge, you suck. (Oddly enough, he hasn't actually worked on anything according to IMDB since 'The Seeker'. Just desserts? I think so...)  His excuse was that the book originally didn't have enough action to keep the story entertaining.  Well, I agree to an extent.  But that means using your brain to enhance the features in the book or, if you want to add something, add something that makes sense.


Ironically enough, my favorite movie that was adapted from a book is 'The Neverending Story'. I know it jumps from the book in large ways, but I think it's fantastic. While it may not play out entirely like the book, the feeling of the book was definitely present. And seriously, Atreyu trying to get Artax to cross the the Sea's of Sadness (or whatever it was called-- I forget at the moment)-- so sad!!!





The Question of the Week is:
How many books do you read in a week? And in what format do you read them, or listen to them?


Answer: I typically bank one book a week. 99% of the time it is a physical book, not an ebook. I don't really have an e-reader, though I'm considering getting the new Nook Simple Touch eventually... I'd love an e-reader I could put my manga scans on, but I don't know how in the heck I'd ever do that!


And that's it for this week!  See ya again soon!

At the Movies: The Hunger Games News and Tidbits...

Oh, to be a PA or extra on this set... Seriously, this job, even with long hours and hot weather, would be a dream to work on!!!!


EW debuted the first photo of Katniss:

I hope this picture teaches people not to judge until they see a finished product. This picture reads Katniss from the look all the way to the accessories!


Speaking of cast, anyone heard about Cinna yet? I'm looking forward to seeing who is going to play the fashionista.


As far as Haymitch is concerned, I'm not a hugeWoody Harrelson, so I'm a bit worried. The casting directors must have seen some sparkle in his audition, though...


Add Johannafan's YT page to your links! She has video of what seems to be the Disctrict 12 train station and maybe District 12 itself! (Possibly from the Shelby/Hickory, NC set)


Currently, Hunger Games is filming in Hildebran, NC.


Extras have been hired!!!


The Hunger Games Trilogy website has a ton of great info about the books, movie, etc. Check it out!

Review: Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Title: Enclave
Author: Ann Aguirre
Genre: YA, dystopian, romance, sci-fi
Perfect for: dystopian readers (especially those that enjoyed 'Birthmarked'!)
Star Rating: 4/5 stars

Taken from Goodreads, "In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first she thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known."


Wow, a lengthy description for this novel. Here's what you really need to know: while this is great dystopian, do not read it expecting 'The Hunger Games'. It has a similar feeling, but the characters and environment are are quite different. Don't ruin this great novel by expecting 'The Hunger Games'. To be honest, I found this novel more like 'Birthmarked' or (to a lesser extent) 'Matched' in terms of storytelling than 'The Hunger Games'.


Now, onto 'Enclave'... I really like 'Enclave'. It is good dystopian and comes highly recommended! If it's not on your 'to-read' list and you like well done dystopian, then you should add this to your list! 'Enclave' is the beginning of a trilogy and will leave you wanting more!


What do I love about this novel? To begin with, the world is easy to settle into. It clearly separates itself from other dystopian titles. Main characters Deuce and Fade are likable and their relationship is believable, never crossing into 'sappy' territory! The secondary characters are characterized in a way where you really do form connections to them and care about their well-being.


Ann Aguirre knows how to tell a story. 'Enclave' doesn't follow the story you'd expect it to. Midway through it takes a turn that introduces (the before mentioned) great secondary characters and poses intriguing questions. And the ending? Well, it really shows you that the saga for Fade, Deuce, and the others is only just beginning.


All in all, 'Enclave' is a novel you want to check out. I think you'll enjoy it!  'Enclave' gets 4 out of 5 stars!

Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday/Updates

Hi all!  Brooke here!  This week kind of flew by, didn't it?!  No hard core updates this week.  I finished watching 'Hikaru no Go'.  While I hated to see it end, the ending was quite fitting.  One of my favorite things with anime finale's is when they bring back the characters-- all the characters-- that played a part and 'Hikaru no Go's finale did that perfectly.  


Also ending this week is 'Smallville'. In reality, I probably only watched the pilot and this two hour finale, but after ten years of seeing promo's during other WB/CW shows, I felt I needed to be there to watch the finale.  Again, it was a nice ending.


And 'Vampire Diaries' had its season finale.  It wasn't as crazy an 'oh my gosh' moment as seasons one's cliffhanger, but still this finale was very, very good.  I already miss it.  It needs to start season 3 soon!!!


This week on the blog:
Review: The Lens and the Looker


I missed my usual meme this week, so I plan on adding another post to the blog tomorrow or during the weekend to make up for it.  I'm thinking it's about time to post my review of 'Enclave' or 'Immortal Beloved'!


Onto the Hop's...








The Question of the Week is:
Tell us FIVE quirky habits...
Answer: 
1- I don't mind wearing matching earrings of different colors or two colors of nail polish at the same time.
2- I can only take one book at a time.  Multiple books and me don't mix!!!
3- If you were to call me, 8/10 times it will go to VM and I'll call you back!  If I don't know a number, 10/10 times it will go to VM.  I totally screen my calls. 
4- I talk with my hands, even when I'm on the phone.  At work, someone will call and ask about where their hold will be held and I'll be pointing to the registers while telling them.  What can I say?  I'm Italian...
5- I have a knack for remembering the names of toys/dolls from years past.  For example, I can spot a Spectra from a mile away, can name all the Jem dolls, and can pretty much judge what decade a doll came out by looking at it!

The Question of the Week is:

If you were given the chance to spend one day in a fictional world (from a book), which book would it be from and what would that place be?

Answer:  Two answers.  First, I'd love to spend time in JK Rowlings Wizarding world.  Heck, I'm even looking forward to one day going to the Florida amusement park!  

Second, a little more down to Earth, I'd like to see Susan Cooper's Wales.  I know, she pretty much took it from the actual Wales, but I'd love to see the places described in the book!!!  One day, I really do plan on making a trip around the Dark is Rising sites!

That's it for this week.  I promise, more updates will pop up in the days ahead!

Review: The Lens and the Looker by Lory S. Kaufman

Title: The Lens and the Looker
Author: Lory S. Kaufman
Genre: YA, Juvi, Sci-fi
Perfect for: readers of time travel sci-fi and books that take place in Italy
Star Rating: 3/5 Stars

Taken from Goodreads, "THERE'S HOPE FOR THE FUTURE, 
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE PAST?

It’s the 24th century and humans, with the help of artificial intelligences (A.I.s) have finally created the perfect post-dystopian society. To make equally perfect citizens for this world, the elders have created History Camps, full sized recreations of cities from Earth’s distant pasts. Here teens live the way their ancestors did, doing the same dirty jobs and experiencing the same degradations. History Camps teach youths not to repeat the mistakes that almost caused the planet to die. But not everything goes to plan.

In this first of a trilogy, we meet three spoiled teens in the year 2347. Hansum almost 17, is good looking and athletic. Shamira, 15, is sassy, independent and an artistic genius. Lincoln, 14, is the smart-aleck. But you don’t have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find his insecurities.

These three “hard cases” refuse the valuable lessons History Camps teach. But when they are kidnapped and taken back in time to 1347 Verona, Italy, they only have two choices; adapt to the harsh medieval ways or die. The dangers are many, their enemies are powerful, and safety is a long way away. It’s hardly the ideal environment to fall in love – but that’s exactly what happens. In an attempt to survive, the trio risks introducing technology from the future. It could save them – or it could change history."

I'm a sucker for a good time travel story, especially when it deals with Italy or Italy like settings.  'The Lens and the Looker' is a solid read that is definitely something to consider if you are in the mood for a time traveling adventure aimed at Juvi/YA audiences.

The good bits?  The characters, for one thing.  Both main and secondary, the characters in 'The Lens and the Looker'  are likable, entertaining, and have purpose.  Author Lory S. Kaufman created noticeable character growth between the first and last page-- something that isn't always found in many juvi/ya books!

As mentioned before, the setting does not disappoint.  Kaufman's descriptions of Verona and Italy in general are done well.  Having been to Italy, I know a bit about the rich, vastness that is the beautiful country and Kaufman's descriptions rang true to me!

I don't know if I would consider this 'dystopian', but it is clearly sci-fi due to the time travel element and Genie.  The main concept is dystopian and the idea of History Camps is quite interesting  but once they skip to the time traveling, it goes straight to sci-fi.

My main issue with 'The Lens and the Looker' is the writing style.  My own personal reading preferences lead towards books that don't carry a lot of long descriptive paragraphs with dialogue between each one.  I like quick dialogue and quick descriptive lines that keep the action moving and give just the right amount of description.  'The Lens and the Looker' has good dialogue, but the long descriptions made me jump a bit, sometimes missing important details.  Course, some people love long descriptions (like Tolkien readers!), but me, not so much. 

All things considered, 'The Lens and the Looker' is a good read.  If you are in the mood for time travel and don't mind slightly too long descriptive passages, this is something you may want to consider!  'The Lens and the Looker' gets 3 out of 5 stars!

Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday/Updates

Hello, folks! Fun week? Busy week for me! Remember that reality show I mentioned I was working on? Well, we finally got the re-shoots for the sizzle reel done. I believe it will be smooth sailing from here. Pitch meetings, here we come!


As for reading, most recently I finished 'Enclave' and 'Abandon'. You can read my review of 'Abandon' on the blog already. 'Enclave' will be up later. I'll let you in on a secret-- I enjoyed it!


This Week on the Blog:
Book-alike: A Doppleganger meme
Review: Abandon
Contest Reminder: Sweet Valley Confidential-- Ends May 19th


And onto the hops...

The Question of the Week is:
Are you going to Book Expo America (BEA) and/or the Book Blogger Convention (BBC) this year?


Answer: Alas, I am not attending. I can't afford to go to NY at the moment. I'd love to attend both of those conventions, though. I'm totally addicted to attending conventions of all kinds-- anime, comic cons, ala's... And conventions that give away free books?! *wide eyed* Love them. Maybe one day I'll get to attend BEA or BBC. Just not this year.





The Question of the Week is:
What is the most emotional scene in a book that you have read lately?


Answer: My family jokes that I'm made of ice. I'm not a crazy emotional person, but certain books have made my eyes water a twinge. The ending of 'A Certain Slant of Light' gets me every time I read it-- it's just beautifully done. 'The Hunger Games' has some real tear jerkers. The first book had a moment with a sweet, young character meeting her demise-- it was depressing. Oh, and let's not forget the entire 'Life as we Knew It' trilogy. That series had a whole undercurrent of depressing!


And that's it for this week! See you again soon!