Completely Classic: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Completely Classic is a feature (started here!) that discusses modern and other Classic literature.

Far in the future, the World Controllers have created the ideal society. Through clever use of genetic engineering, brainwashing and recreational sex and drugs, all its members are happy consumers. Bernard Marx seems alone in feeling discontent. Harbouring an unnatural desire for solitude, and a perverse distaste for the pleasure of compulsory promiscuity, Bernard has an ill-defined longing to break free. A visit to one of the few remaining Savage Reservations, where the old, imperfect life still continues, may be the cure for his distress.… Huxley's ingenious fantasy of the future sheds a blazing light on the present and is considered to be his most enduring masterpiece.

I had to read this book for one of my English classes, and being that it is a well known modern classic, I was pretty excited to finally be let in on all the hype. The book overall, was a pretty good utopian/dystopian read, although it lacked a little bit of excitement as far as my tastes go.

I think that that book describes an insightful and fresh society that differs from any other dystopian civilisation that I've ever encountered. It was also surprising that it doesn't come across as so horrific as others in the genre. Huxley's projected view on the future definitely begs to be considered a plausible option, and shows a very different side to relationships, families and friendships.

I loved the characters, with all of their differing insights and lives. I also enjoyed the biographical information, learning in detail about the society and how everything works and came about.

Overall, I think this book is a must-read, obviously it has a reputation for being a classic. It may not be the most thrilling read, but it definitely makes the reader think long after the novel is finished, and, like any good dystopian novel, leaves some deep (almost allegorical) questions.

Still thinking--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Covergasms♥ (13)

Covergasms♥ is an original Book♥Hooker feature that discusses all things cover related!

For the first Covergasms♥ post of 2012, I have arranged something really exciting and awesome for you eyes and mind to devour. Behold some amazing cover redesigns that make my heart both melt and swoon simultaneously (impressive, right?). You see, for shallow ol' me, covers really do play a part in what books I choose to read, and for some, no matter how many good reviews a book has gotten, I will not buy it because the cover is just positively GHASTly. Lucky for me, these books have been redesigned and look incredible. Enjoy:

Before

   

After

   

The Mockingbirds and The Rivals by Daisy Whitney:

          Huge improvement. The first covers nearly make me cringe, and with such awesome story potential, the redesign just makes it more retro and inviting, as well as intriguing. The use of actual humans instead of animals I find works wonders in the relatability department. Tehe.

Before

   

After

    

White Cat, Red Glove & Black Heart by Holly Black:

          The covers are simply phenomenal. I hated the first ones with the usage of weird effects and creepy characters. They just seemed corny and one dimensional. The news ones, however, are sensationally wonderful with the vibrant simplicity evoked with the colours and artistry. We can still see the characters and uniformity, yet the art is gorgeous and simply stunning. I am so glad that the covers have changed, since this series gets amazing reviews everywhere I see it.

Both series were in desperate need of a revamp, and now that they have one, I am sure to pick them up and devour them :)

Hope you do the same--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares

Return to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants . . . ten years later

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ann Brashares comes the welcome return of the characters whose friendship became a touchstone for a generation. Now Tibby, Lena, Carmen, and Bridget have grown up, starting their lives on their own. And though the jeans they shared are long gone, the sisterhood is everlasting.

Despite having jobs and men that they love, each knows that something is missing: the closeness that once sustained them. Carmen is a successful actress in New York, engaged to be married, but misses her friends. Lena finds solace in her art, teaching in Rhode Island, but still thinks of Kostos and the road she didn't take. Bridget lives with her longtime boyfriend, Eric, in San Francisco, and though a part of her wants to settle down, a bigger part can't seem to shed her old restlessness.

Then Tibby reaches out to bridge the distance, sending the others plane tickets for a reunion that they all breathlessly await. And indeed, it will change their lives forever-but in ways that none of them could ever have expected.

As moving and life-changing as an encounter with long-lost best friends, Sisterhood Everlasting is a powerful story about growing up, losing your way, and finding the courage to create a new one.

First of all, I cannot believe I've waited this long to post this review.

Sisterhood Everlasting is an epic portrayal of relationships already woven together by years of adventure, hardship, and friendship that carried teen girls through their adolescence. Ann Brashares creates a novel that echoes the beauty of Tibby, Carmen, Bridget, and Lena, but also takes the next step by transforming into a mature work of fiction that appeals to the adults we have become.

I grew up reading the Sisterhood series, and absolutely adored it. This follow-up piece of art is the emotionally stunning companion that gives us a taste of our favourite girls, but also changes our lives in an epic interpretation of life.

I loved this book and Ann Brashares transmitted it perfectly. The writing was eloquent and the emotions ran deep and beautifully. I saw my dearest characters go through changes that are not only relevant but relate-able. 

This book was extraordinary and a necessity not only to those who have grown with the Sisterhood, but also anyone who enjoys moving narratives that ring true to life and bring out the best in all of us. This book completes me.

Changed forever--Cheers & Enjoy♥

A Fresh Start: Welcome 2012!

Well, here we are. 2012. A new year, and hopefully new blogging habits (AHEM, better ones!) are in store for me us all! I have so many reviews that are sitting, just waiting to be written. All I can say is that I hope 2012 is not the end of the world, as many people would like for us to believe. I mean, I haven't read nearly as many books as I would like. Anywho, hopefully I will be sending lots of posts into the ether, and hopefully you will stick around to enjoy them :)

So 2011 was a pretty good year for me. It was the year I started my blog, and I think I've definitely grown exponentially from years past. Yep, I'm an adult now. And with adulthood, comes great responsibility (or something like that). So, bottom-line, I am UBER busy. I have learned to manage my time better, so one can only anticipate more reading and blogging to be done in this new year.

As I promised the last time I caught up with my blog, I will be hopefully, (sometime) completing my Harry Potter Re-Read-a-Ganza! ...

I have over a dozen reviews lined up, that I will try to bang out soon, and also get back to posting some awesomely informative features. I have lots in mind :)

Reading Goals

So that's a pretty big title for some pretty underwhelming news, as I failed to complete my reading goal of 100 in 2011. I only reached about 65, so I am going to try and beat that sad number with a stick this year, let's see if I can! Let me know how you guys did last year, and your new goals for this year, as I am sure they can put my goal to shame! For shame...

As well as reading, I do also like to partake in some other awesome hobbies, like watching tv and movies obsessively, and also quilting! Cait and I love to quilt, and I did actually finish my first quilt in 2011! Woohoo for me! Here's a little pic of it (also a little bit of book lovin'!).

This also reminds me that I'm going to be doing a new feature showing all the various places that my books live. Since my mother has a penchant for moving, my books have indulged in travelling and experienced many different homes in their lifetime. Coming to a blog near you.. (psssst, this one!).

Well, that's all for now--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Covergasms♥ (12)

Covergasms♥ is an original Book♥Hooker feature that discusses all things cover related!

To kick start some fabulous new posting, I was inspired by a cover that I saw that evoked a holiday-like reminiscence in me, and I thought what better way to get the holidays started, then to do a Covergasms♥ post dedicated to holiday inspired covers (or covers that I simply deem holiday-y, even though they aren't really). So sit back with some hot cocoa or spiked egg-nog, and enjoy the view :)

         

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

          This book is the one that sparked it all. I happened upon this book a few days ago, and really haven't stopped thinking about it. I love making cookies during the holidays, first of all, so it really hit a soft spot. I've been going through some stressful few weeks, and am counting down the days until the semester is over, the holidays start to be in full swing, and I get to return home to my family (where hopefully cookie-making will ensue!). This cover is so captivating in its innocent simplicity. It evokes that warm fuzzy feeling in me that I experience whenever I think about anything Christmas related! I also love the cute curly font, and the background, which, to me, reads of a fresh snowfall (perhaps even the first of the season!), and also like a perfect dusting of icing sugar :)

Ex-mas by Kate Brian

          Obviously this evokes a strong sense of Christmas/holiday cheer. I have actually had this book on my shelf for a few years now, and I plan on reading it every Christmas season, it doesn't get done, and then I say I will read it next year. Rinse. Repeat. Well maybe this year is the one (fingers crossed!). But more than likely not. I love Kate Brian, both her series' and stand-alone novels, and I'm sure this one will be nothing less than fabulous. The cover is not one of my all-time favourites, but is obviously the perfect remedy to my isn't-school-almost-done-yet-I-want-presents end-of-year funk. Truly cute, and inevitably delicious :)

The Book of (Holiday) Awesome by Neil Pasricha

          Ok, so if you haven't heard of this book, or at least its predecessors, then you don't deserve Christmas at all! These books are a refreshing slice of heaven, with all proceeds going to charity. There is definitely something for everyone in each of these books, and reading through these uplifting anecdotes is half the fun. This particular edition is the holiday one, and the cover really speaks to me of golden Christmas cheer, decorated with colourful Christmas lights that remind me of my charming Christmas tree. I can't wait to crack this one open!

Starstruck by Cyn Balog

          This book actually doesn't even follow a Christmas theme, but the cover really says Christmas cheer to me. The use of the cute multicoloured bokeh (newly acquired term!) is just darling, and makes me think of the late, snowy nights when one travels home from a holiday party, drunk off of love and holiday cheer. This cover is full of character, and really one of my all-time favourites. This font is just adorably delicious!

All warm and fuzzy and stuff--Cheers & Enjoy♥