YAY!

So a huge yipee is definitely in order because I just stumbled upon the newly released cover for Fever, Lauren DeStefano's upcoming second installment in the Chemical Garden Trilogy (even though I am almost too tired to even think, I NEEDED to blog about this ASAP!)

The entire jacket in its gorg-iful glory!

It is so gorgy worgy woo, and makes me even more excited (one must ask oneself if this is even possible) for the release of the actual book, which is happening in February of 2012.

In other, equally exciting news, there has been a whole slew of The Hunger Games movie picutes released, the first of which being the amazing movie poster.

   

Some other fabulous additions are the highly anticipated photos of Peeta and Gale (our 2 leading men, swoon!) and some other great shots that give a really good indication of just how great this film is going to be. I love Peeta with his bread and forlorn expression.Magnifique!

                                                                    

I shall fall asleep happy--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Harry Potter Re-Read-a-Ganza!: The Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

♥ "Hang on. This Lord Voldything's back, you say?"  "Yes."  "The one who murdered your parents."  "Yes."  "And now he's sending Dismembers after you?"  "Looks like it."  "I see..."
     - Uncle Vernon hilariously trying to make sense of Harry's situation; book.


♥ "Oh! Albus, I see you got our notice about the time change of the hearing..."  "I must have missed it; but by happy mistake, I arrived at the ministry three hours early."
          - Dumbledore modestly showing Fudge up; movie.


♥ "And from now on, I don't care if my tea-leaves spell die, Ron, die -- I'm just chucking them in the bin where they belong!"
     - Ron once again making hilarious statements about Divination; book.


Where to begin. Well, as always, I was taken aback at how different I remember things from both the book and the movie, and how much was left out of the movie.

Overall, though, the book was amazing, obviously, and I enjoyed re-reading the fantastical adventures of Harry and the gang once again. The Order of the Phoenix is my favourite out of all the books in the series; all the way from when Harry has to explain Voldemort and Dementors to the Dursleys, when Umbridge frustrated the heck out of me, to when Harry and his comrades fight for their lives in the eerie Department of Mysteries. The loss of Sirius was almost too much for me, but also a necessity of sorts, and I think that I have finally mourned properly all of these years since the last time I read the book. I also can't help but get nostalgic for Hogwarts because I know that the days of normalcy with Quidditch and innocent mischief are behind us as we head into the scary world of defeating Lord Voldemort. The consequences of this journey are so heavy, and we begin to see them in this book. This shit is deep, people!

I've compiled a list (while watching the movie right after finishing the book) of things that were left out of the movie. For those of you who haven't read the book in a while, I hope these things put a smile on your face and help you to recall the awesomeness in its totality:


 * The aforementioned scene when Harry brings a befuzzled Dudley back to the Dursley's after the Dementor attack. The dialogue that follows is absolutely hilarious, with Vernon misnaming both Dementors and Voldemort, and Aunt Petunia shaking Dudley to make sure the 'Dementoids' haven't kissed out Dudley's soul. All this whilst numerous owls both scare and infuriate Vernon until the point of absolute crazytown.

 * When Harry arrives at the Black residence at Grimmauld Place and the whole lot try to clean the place and come in contact with many interesting artifacts and magical objects that would have been fascinating to see on screen. Also Mistress Black and her glorious cursing screams.

 * Harry and the Weasleys don't get to go visit Mr. Weasley at St. Mungo's which would have been a real treat to see, as well as the scene in which we see Neville and his Gran visiting his parents.

 * There was absolutely not a scrap of Quidditch, whereas in the book Ron made the Quidditch team for the first time, and Umbridge takes away Harry, Fred, and George's brooms.

 * Ron and Hermione weren't prefects like they were in the book. This was actually a really morose part of the book for me, since Harry was pretty much neglected, but I miss it all the same :(

 * At the end, when they go to the Department of Mysteries, they immediately go into the room with the prophecies, not the whole confusing and interesting maze of weird and ookie things they actually encounter. The brains eerily suspended in the green oozing liquid that attack Ron and make him wonky. The glass jar that makes a death eater's head into that of a baby. All gone. Not there. Riddikulus if you ask me!

 * There certainly was not as much about Cho and Harry, their whole fight in Hogsmeade and such. Percy was not even mentioned; not even a word about how he abandoned his family. There was not as much about the crazy homework that they encountered this year with having to do O.W.L.'s as well. And the examinations themselves were missed as well.

 * Another thing that I really found odd was that it didn't show, in Snape's memory of James tormenting him, that Lily defended Snape profusely, which definitely comes back into the storyline in a pretty huge way later in the series, and I found was hugely showcased in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II. Which was oh so sad and heartbreaking, BTW.

 * Ok, so one last thing. The mirror that Sirius gives Harry wasn't in the movie either. Which I thought was pretty freaking important. I mean, we didn't see nearly enough of Sirius as it is before he gets killed off, and then they choose to get rid of that as well. Which is also quite puzzling, since it also comes back into the story later on.

So aside from all my complaining due to the omission of all these wonderful things, I do really understand that, aside from there being about 26 movies, it would be quite impossible to include everything. Which is why I will leave you with this sentiment: read the books, people. It is so worth it, and I have learned that profusely since starting this journey :)

Other Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix covers:      

Spellbound--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Book to Big Screen: Part II

Part II: Up 'N' Comers

For this edition of Book to Big Screen, all of the movies are Up 'N' Comers-that is to say, that they are still to be released, and relatively soon :)

(*except for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II-I got done the post a little late, but decided I would still include it, since it is amazingly fantastical!)

       

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II

June 15, 2011

Based on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

This amazing work of art is already released, but still deserves to be mentioned, if only because it was so epic. If you are a fan of the movies, you have probably already seen it (and contributed to the records it broke at the box office!). If you aren't a fan, still see it! It is amazing, and really the best way to wrap up the series. We see Harry's journey end, after 10 years of dynamic movies, and this is the best one yet. It is jam packed with amazing special effects, action, emotions, humour, and awesomeness! See it, you won't regret it... Starring: Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe, Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter

The Help

August 10, 2011

Based on The Help by Kathryn Stockett

This book has been catching my attention since I first heard that it was going to be a movie, and has been popping up everywhere I go even longer. I am always hesitant to read books that seem to mature, or that are so highly acclaimed, almost because I think I won't like them or something (I know, I'm weird) and this was no exception. But of course once I got wind that it was going to be made into a movie, I just had  to read it, and am still trying to get my hands on it! The trailer looks amazing; it's heartfelt, funny, and endearing, all at once. I think that anyone should see this vintage film that explores freedom and looks completely promising and wonderful! Starring: Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jessica Chastain, Mike Vogel, Allison Janney, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer

What's Your Number

September 30, 2011

Based on 20 Times a Lady by Karyn Bosnak

At first glance, this movie was grouped into all the other Anna Faris movies that I know of, which are pretty stupid and immature, but this one actually looks really promising and cute. And worthwhile. A woman looks back on her love life to see if she has let The One pass her by. Also boasting a pretty awesome star-studded cast, What's Your Number looks like the next best romantic comedy that will surprise me with it's wisdom and relatability. Watch the trailer. It will leave you wanting more! Starring: Anna Faris, Chris Evans, Mike Vogel, Andy Samberg, Chris Pratt (Anna's real life husband!), Zachary Quinto, Joel McHale

Breaking Dawn Part I

November 18, 2011

Based on Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

If you know anything about me, you would know that of course I am dying to see part 1 of the last installment in the Twilight Saga movies. Between Kellan Lutz and Taylor Lautner, you wouldn't be able to pay me to NOT see this movie, and I just know that it'll be great. We see Bella get married, as well as some other coming of age things (naughty, I know- ;) and I am so looking forward to it-even more so after seeing the amazing trailer. Whether you like Twilight or not, I think that this will be an amazing Fall flick (even if there are some haters out there!) Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Kellan Lutz, Billy Burke, Nikki Reede, Ashley Greene

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

December 21, 2011

Based on The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Being the first book in the dynamic Millenium Triliogy that has swept the world, authored by the late Stieg Larsson, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo just HAS to be as good. I've read the books, and they are so complicatedly brilliant and well-written, I just can't imagine a bad movie coming out of it. Not to mention the star-studded cast. If you haven't read the books, you should! The heroine is amazing and so unique and different. That mixed with the rich language and mysterious plot is the recipe for one of the best series I have ever read. A must read + see for sure! Starring: Danial Craig, Rooney Mara, Robin Wright, Stellan Skarsgard, Christopher Plummer, Joely Richardson

    

The Lorax

March 2, 2012

Based on The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

By far my favourite Dr. Seuss book, The Lorax is the perfect children's book, filled to the brim with clever rhymes, colourful pictures, and an awesome allegorical message about the environment. I simply cannot wait for this movie, not only because of the pre-existing awesomeness of the beloved picture book, but also because of the amazing cast line-up! Starring: Zac Efron, Ed Helms, Kevin James, Danny Devito, Taylor Swift, Betty White

The Hunger Games

March 23, 2012

Based on The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Unless you've been living under a rock, you must have heard of this awesome, dystopian materpiece called The Hunger Games. First of all, the books are gold. They are amazing, and if you haven't read them, go hide. If you have missed out on all of the hype surrounding the upcoming movie (which is filming now), then I pity you. Between all the casting rumours and surprises, this movie already has so much publicity, and I know that it will be a stunner. The idea is so novel and completely gruesome that it makes the series just that much more real, and scary most of the time. There is sure to be some awesome action, automatic tears, and a heart-wrenching romantic triangle. Everything that I love in a good story :) I sincerely cannot wait! Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci




Can't Hardly Wait--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Covergasms♥ (8)

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

Ever since I read Killing Britney by Sean Olin back in 2005, I have been pining away for more books by this creepily amazing author. Finally, the time has come. I recently stumbled upon his newly released book, Brother/Sister, and I was like, "hey, I recognize that author.. hmmm, OMG!" I am so excited to read it in all its glory, and am almost equally intrigued by its cover. Observe.

So the first one is the first book by Seal Olin, Killing Britney, which I read a loooong time ago, and loved. (Read a mini review here). I love the cover as well, and it evokes such eerie simplicity, I am just so infatuated with it. And it suits the book perfectly; a girl whose life is fraught with murder and mistrust, full of surprising twists and an awesome ending.

The second book, Brother/Sister, I have not read yet, but it looks delicious! I did not profess my love for the cover right away, but I must say that I have grown rather fond of it's intriguing mysteriousness. I love the enigmatic diagonal catch-phrase action that's goin' on, and I adore the juxtaposing fonts used. I'm still a little hazy on the details of the plot, as the summary I read was pretty vague, but it should be a goodie nonetheless :)

What books have you been excited for lately?

Let me know--Cheers & Enjoy♥

The State of the Union

July thus far . . . 


So far July as been a pretty exciting month; it started out pretty good, as blog posts go, and then petered out to pretty much none for the last week. Which is due to a number of things:

 - Me, frantically trying to finish my Harry Potter Re-Read-a-Ganza! feature before I saw the last Harry Potter movie (which did not happen-booo!), which you can read more about on in my previous post. The movie was awesomely epic, though, just in case you were wondering :)

 - Taylor Swift, awesome as she is, and her FANTASTICAL concert on July 14th!! I travelled to Montreal not only to see the HP movie, but also to see T-Swizzle in concert which made all my dreams come true (if it did leave me without my hearing nor my voice for a small time).

 - Work, keeping me busy with lots of hours (YAY for MONEY!) and keeping me sleeping for much longer.

 - Our stupid apartment, which seems to be falling apart at the seams.

 - La Tour de France, an unexpected tutorial leading to another obsessive hobby, I'm sure...

So hopefully, by the end of July, I will have recovered from all of the above, and gotten back into the rhythm of things (is it just me, or am I always striving for said unachievable 'rhythm' without ever reaching its impossible ease and simplicity?)

I do have lots of posts set up to both woo and sate you, including but not limited to:
          - the rest of the Harry Potter Re-Read-a-Ganza! posts (complete with pictures of my awesome DIY shirt that I wore to the movie)

          - part II and III of the Book to Big Screen feature

          - a new and exciting Musings of Me idea

          - lots of new book reviews (which I am personally super excited for, since I have read anything other than Kathy Reichs or J.K. Rowling for, like, 2 months)

          - Lots more Covergasms♥ and Reminiscent Reads

So stay tuned and get ready for an awesome conclusion of July, and hopefully a nice and 'rhythmic' segue into August.

Hold me to it--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Harry Potter Re-Read-a-Ganza!: Update

Update!

Unfortunately, I didn't get to read all the books before I watched the final installment in the Harry Potter movie franchise, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II yesterday, but it was amazing none-the-less and I will definitely be completing the books in the next few days or so, (more like week or more!) and will keep you posted about them as I have been thus far. I am almost done The Order of the Phoenix so expect a review shortly :)

So.. more on the goods: the movie!

Wow. It was deliciously amazing and wholeheartedly epic. It was everything I was hoping for and more, and even though I am so sad that it's over, I keep thinking about how I just want to watch the movies over and over and over and over, which is such a good sign, and an overall the perfect feeling that could ever be evoked from a series.

It seemed to drag on, yet was over too quickly. The movie wrenched my heartstrings and pulled my emotions from up and down, side to side, tear-streaking to lighthearted laughter. I really don't have any complaints. It was just perfection. Everything was done flawlessly, and I wouldn't change a thing.

I really cannot imagine liking the movie any more than I do, and I cannot wait to see it again...

Until then--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Harry Potter Re-Read-a-Ganza!: The Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

♥ "Aaaah... when two Neptunes appear in the sky, it is a sure sign that a midget in glasses is being born, Harry..."

          -Once again, Ron entertains us with his talent in Divination; book.

♥ "I never liked these curtains. I set them on fire in my fourth year. Accidentally, of course."

          -Dumbledore being his comical yet wise self; movie.

♥ "They wouldn't use the Cruciatus curse on the champions. I thought it sounded a bit like Percy singing...maybe you've got to attack him while he's in the shower, Harry."

          -Fred and George up to their priceless Percy mocking once again; book.

Wow. I actually cannot believe how much I have been missing since the first time I read these books. Every expectation and opinion I have had for the Harry Potter series is heightened and strengthened as I go through this re-reading journey.

As soon as I started with the first book I knew that it would be great, of course, but things have been gaining momentum at a hasty pace, and I find that this time around, the journey is immensely emotional and surprisingly more epic. As I was reading I was thinking about how much I have changed since my first perusal of the books, which I think this has really affected the reading experience greatly, and I encourage many people to embark upon series first started in times when they were less mature, or perhaps just much younger.

I often think of books that bring me to tears (as this is probably my favourite type), but never have I associated that with the Harry Potter books (with the exception of one part in the last book). But as I keep reading through Harry's journey, I find myself getting emotional throughout the most random times, and I am constantly re-evaluating my previous thoughts of the series; which has gone from amazing to down-right awe-inspiring. I am constantly in rendered speechless at the kind of person that J.K. Rowling is, and how wise and marvelous she is. It takes a certain kind of person, and certain knowledge, imagination, and whimsy to write something so colossally outstanding.

Ok, having said all that, I really must back it up. The specific events that stood out to me in the novel were some things that I really was quite annoyed were not very well portrayed in the movie. Which I know is pretty characteristic of book to movie fandangos (as I do understand that not everything is able to be included), but I almost really feel sorry for the people who only enjoy the series in film form (at the same time, they do deserve it-pick up a book already!). When the Weasley's are present as Harry's family before the third task, I was overwhelmed with a flood of various emotions. Sirius being present was even more important, given everything I know now going into the book (that he is going to die-almost too painful for me to think about, btw). I absolutely adored whenever the big black shaggy dog was mentioned, as I feel he is the most perfect symbol of companionship. Just warms ma heart.

At the end, when Harry is back from Voldemort's clutches, and the truth has come out, when Cornelius Fudge infuriatingly refuses to believe that the Dark Lord has returned, I nearly died of anger. This forces Dumbledore to assemble all of his great allies (The Order of the Phoenix), with whom we see stick with from now until the end of Harry's journey. It all just seems so much more horribly relevant and important, and I can't help but feel that everything is just getting started.

Another heart-wrencher was Cedric's death. I don't know if I was just too naive to really encompass his death the first time around, but I felt it so strongly this time, and was even more heart-broken. When Dumbledore presents his speech about his awful death at the hands of Voldemort, it was lovely, true and scary, all at the same time. I really do wish that he didn't have to die, even though I realize that the book would not have been so good and compelling without it. I also hated when Ron was mad at Harry. Them not being friends nearly killed me, if it hadn't been for Hermione making tension-cutting coments every now and then, I don't know how I would have survived.

Other important things left out of the movie:

The ENTIRE house-elf involvement. Quite frankly, I consider this to be unforgivable. When the gang meet up with Dobby and Winky in the Hogwart's kitchens, I would have killed to see that brought to the big screen. And Hermione with her stubborn resolve to help the house-elves with S.P.E.W., despite them not wanting help. I really can't believe that this wasn't included.

The scene at the beginning of the book, when the Weasley's come to rescue Harry from the Dursley's, would have been a laugh and a half for sure! With them arriving in the boarded up chimney, all the way to when Dudley eats the tongue-engorgement taffy. It was such a funny scene, and I find myself angered even thinking about its exclusion.

So overall, I obviously already loved the series, but I really can attest to the benefits of re-reading something that seemed too big in your heart to possibly grow more; well guess what, my heart is about to explode people! I surely cannot wait another minute more...

Other Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire covers:          

Haunted--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Book to Big Screen: Part I

Part I: Been There, Done That

So I've been mentioning lately that I wanted to do a post about upcoming and current books that are being turned into movies, or already are, which started out as a little idea, and evolved into a three part series, that might even become a regular feature. So enjoy, and let me know what you think!

Part I is dedicated to recently released movies that are based on books. Some of them I have seen, some of them I am highly anticipating, and most some of them I haven't seen simply because I haven't read the book yet.

I Am Number Four - February 18, 2011

DVD release: May 24, 2011

Based on I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

This movie was so hyped up, and when I found out that it was a book, I was so pumped! (Also the trailer was absolutely mesmerizing and featured my fav tune Rollin' in the Deep). I read the book straight away, and loved it! The movie was a little bit different, and of course I liked the book better, but overall, I just loved the new take on aliens and the epic romance that was present. Can't wait for the sequel! Read my book review here. Starring: Alex Pettyfer, Diana Agron, Timothy Olyphant, Teresa Palmer

Beastly - March 4, 2011

DVD release: June 28, 2011

Based on Beastly by Alex Flinn

Ever since I heard about this book being made into a movie, about 3 years ago, I have been waiting to see it. I read the book right away, but the release date has been pushed back so many times! Cait and I finally saw it (the day it was released) and loved it! Although it wasn't critically acclaimed (and also although I hate Vanessa Hudgens), the movie was so genuine, funny, and cute. The premise is a modern re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, and it was really well done, in book and film. P.S. Neil Patrick Harris was legen-waitforit-dary in this movie! Starring: Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens, Neil Patrick Harris, Mary-Kate Olsen

Red Riding Hood - March 11, 2011

DVD release: June 14, 2011

Based on Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright

Good movie and good book, that were pretty much identical since the book was actually based from the movie. They are obviously based on the original Red Riding Hood fable, but with a little bit of a suspenseful twist. The movie was super creepy, but was really well cast. Read my review for the book here. Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Billy Burke, Shiloh Fernandez, Maz Irons

Water For Elephants - April 22, 2011

Based on Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen

I have not yet read the book (ergo, not watched the movie either) based on the sole fact that I have yet to get my hands on the cover that I want. I refuse to buy movie-tie-ins, and I really cannot find the original cover anywhere! I am determined, and I will find it soon. This is supposedly an amazing read, and I have read an excerpt, and loved it! What's not to love about an epic love-story based on such a magical setting? Count me in! Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christopher Waltz

Something Borrowed - May 6, 2011

Based on Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

I have loved this book for years, and was absolutely-freakin'-ecstatic to learn that it was being brought to life with such an amazing cast. The book is amazing, obviously, and the movie was the perfect summer flick: it had romance, lots of humour, and of course some Hamptons! Although morally questionable, this movie was so light and airy, and it comes highly recommended from me. (Although the book was better!) Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, John Krasinski, Colin Egglesfield

Stay tuned for Part II: Up 'N' Comers, which is coming to a blog near you! (Pssst, this one!)

Star-Struck--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Harry Potter Re-Read-a-Ganza!: The Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

♥ "Why the long faces?"

          -My favourite talking head from the Knight Bus; movie.

♥ "He was my mum and dad's best friend. He's a convicted murderer, but he's broken out of wizard prison and he's on the run. He likes to keep in touch with me, though. Keep up with the news. Check if I'm happy."
          -Harry nonchalantly informing the Dursley's about Sirius, leaving out his innocence of course; book.

♥ "Your aura is pulsing! Are you in the beyond? I think you are!"  "Sure..."  "Look at the cup, tell me what you see!"  "Oh yeah... well, Harry's got a sort of wonky cross... that's trials and suffering. And, uh, that there could be the sun, and that's happiness, so... you're gonna suffer... but you're gonna be happy about it..."
          -The back and forth of eccentric Professor Trelawney and skeptical Ron; movie.




I think that I like this book the most this time around because I am really getting to see when things pick up and start to get more emotional and heartfelt for Harry, with the addition of Sirius and all. And also because I didn't read this one until after The Order of the Phoenix the last time around.

Near the end, when Sirius asks Harry to come and stay with him, the only few moments of free solace that they seem to ever have, and Harry is ecstatic, almost brought me to tears, which I must say did not happen the last time I read the book. It was so touching, if bittersweet. Harry was just so darn excited! It breaks ma poor lil heart!

So some other revelations that I came to whilst reading the book were again related to differences within characters from the movie to the book. Aunt Marge! Wow. I did not recall how much of a hag she was. What a jerk! The way she treated Harry seemed 12 times more dreadful than in the movie. Going on and on about his parents and putting them down in front of Harry. Since when does anybody speak ill of the dead, even if they were dead-beats in their lifetime. No one! That's who! Stupid betch.

Moving on before I get too carried away... Another emotional scene, when Harry almost gets killed by the Dementors (near the end), and he thinks he sees his dad. The first time I read the book, I thought for sure that his parents somehow were alive. And he was so excited. But kudos to Harry still for saving his own self with an amazingly tricky Patronus. Well done, mate.

Finally, I also want to mention that I am so excited for the rest of the books (as if I need to say this again, I know!) because I feel that this book is really the beginning of where things truly start to heat up. I mean, the things to come are just so dynamic, innovative, and down-right interesting. I mean, the time-turner. I did not see that coming. Just thinking of all the interesting twists is giving me the heeby-jeebies. And since my memory is sooo bad, I can't even really remember what happens in the last book, so this really is going to be exciting and new for me! Yay!

Other various Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban covers:        

Bewitched--Cheers & Enjoy♥

(Random) Reminiscent Reads (5)

Reminiscent Reads is a feature that Cait at A Life Like Mine and I started recently to showcase the books we have read before starting our blogs. From time to time we will choose a few, good/bad, related/not, and do a mini-review explaining a little bit about the plot and our overall opinions.

This Reminiscent Reads post (as already stated in the title) is of the Random variety. The only thing tying these books together is the criterion that I chose them from some of my most recently read books, ergo, ones that I read right before I started my blog, and that do not already have full reviews. So they should be fresh in my mind. Let's see how that goes...

KEEPING FAITH by JODI PICOULT

♥♥♥♥

Having so many people around me that love everything Jodi Picoult (seriously, there is practically a religion based off this woman), and loving The Pact so much, I decided to pick up this touching story carrying themes of religion, faith healing, romance, and family. Jodi Picoult always writes flawlessly and genuinely, and this book was no exception. I feel like Picoult can write about any topic, and do so effortlessly and beautifully. Keeping Faith was something different on every page, and I highly recommend it.

THE OTHER GIRL by SARAH MILLER

♥♥♥

Being the sequel to one of my favourite books from High School, Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn, I thought that The Other Girl was sure to deliver the same humour and uniqueness in the face of modernly amateur yet choosy telepathy. The book just didn’t quite get there for me. I don’t know if it’s due to the fact that I have grown out of said shallow humour, but the book just seemed so silly and immature. There were still some funny parts, but I found myself really not rooting for the heroine and her beau, since the relationship just seemed silly, and the obstacles not worthy of literature. The Other Girl is not one of my favourites (that’s for sure), but I can see some young audiences enjoying the seemingly middle school drama.

EVERMORE by ALYSON NOEL

♥♥♥½

Evermore, the debut novel of the Immortals series by Alyson Noel, sat on my shelf (and booklist, for that matter) for so long. I am a huge fan of Noel’s work, and as such, enjoyed this fun, paranormal installment as well. I have read so many paranormal vampire, angel, voodoo-whatever, books in my time, and yet this one still seemed fresh-if slightly predictable-and worth it! I really can’t believe how Noel can write about so many diverse topics, and do so thoroughly and brilliantly. I really cannot wait to pick up the rest of the series, which I believe is now concluding after a whopping 6 books!

VIXEN by JILLIAN LARKIN

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Marking the first of many modern books written about the period of the Roaring 20’s (sadly The Great Gatsby need not apply) I read Vixen on a whim when I saw it’s fantastical cover at Chapters! The novel follows many characters who are unique and independent, yet whose events are interestingly intersecting at every turn, and whose stories also end abruptly, to be resumed in the next installment of The Flappers series. Having read the first in the Anna Godbersen Bright Young Things series shortly after, I see that this era is very interesting, though it does boast of events that are already well known, and hard to make exclusive, to some degree. The two series are pretty similar but I seemed to be promised dynamic differences within the pages of Vixen and I will surely pick up the sequel, Ingenue, when it comes out next month.

THE SWEET, TERRIBLE, GLORIOUS YEAR
I TRULY, COMPLETELY LOST IT
by LISA SHANAHAN

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I actually didn’t remember much about this book until I refreshed my mind with the summary. Which is usually not really a good sign. But what I do remember is this: a funny book that has amazing language (I think it’s set in Australia), dynamic characters, and hysterical events. The plot follows a girl whose family is pretty strange, her sister is marrying into a ridiculous family (making her wear a ridiculous swan bridesmaid dress), and she falls for a pretty not-so-run-of-the-mill guy. This is of course the formula for the makings of a pretty good, if light-hearted book. It’s not a deep read by any means, but I do assert that there are some underlying themes that would be good for any young reader to pick up on.

Hope I've persuaded someone to read some of these worthwhile histoires just in time for vaction season. I think all of them would make great beach reads!

Read on, friends--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Our True North Strong and Free!

Another great year for Canadians!
So stupidly bravely, I ventured downtown Ottawa this year for the Canada Day festivities. Wow. Not for everyone. I must say that it was so bustling, crazy, and pride-inducing to be part of the jillion people gathering in hordes to celebrate our awesome country turning 144, but it was kind of hectic.

Kind of, wow. I must really be crazy. To say that it was kind of hectic is probably the understatement of Canada's 144th year! It was hot and I must have walked close to a total of 10 kilometres that day!

But it was pretty amazing to be a part of something soooo patriotic and friendly, and overall, mind-blowing! (Although next year I will probably stay at my apartment, nice and snug on my balcony, where I can see everything from a safe distance!)

Another mind-blowing, speech-impairing, awe-inspiring addition was that of Will & Kate!

Yes this is them, and it is my personal picture!

Yes, unless you have been living under a rock, (and whether you care or not) you probably already know all about the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge, William and Cathrine, and their escapades as of late. Which happen to be in our fine, welcoming country.

This one as well!

Despite the fact that someone had to be tardy and mean (you know who you are!) and prevented me from seeing the arrival of my favourite royals, I did still manage to get pretty close the them on the stifling Parliament Hill, and get one or two good pictures.

I also got a video of Prince William's speech. Which I'm still reeling over! Amazing.



I was breathing the same air as them, and I loved every minute of it!

Sadly, I did not take this picture.

And the hat! My goodness, her hat was breathtaking! I loved it, and it was so perfect for our special Canadian day :) Makes me love them even more! They are just so darn cute!

I wish you both well, and good luck on the rest of your Canadian vacation! And come back soon, eh! (Wow, I am a huge dork...)



Be jealous!--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Covergasms♥ (7)

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

So I found out today that a series I've had my eye on for a while just released a gorgeous new cover! Without further ado:

The top one is the newly released cover in The Body Finder series, and the bottom two are its predecessors.

So I don't know much about the series, but I have heard lots of great reviews. The covers are beautiful. There is such a gorgeous, flowy, simplicity about them that really sparks curiosity within me. I love the placement of the words and author name, and the fonts used as well. Everything is amazingly cohesive (which is always uber-important), and the plot is not too shabby either. As soon as I read the synopsis, I was pretty much sold. It just seems so CSI-ish and supernatural all mixed into one. I mean, a girl who can sense dead bodies? (I've always been intrigued by the concept of cadaver dogs!). The subtle femininity of the flowers just sealed the deal! The ideas are so new, and I definitely haven't read anything similar, so I'm really looking forward to owning them!

Go with the flow-er--Cheers & Enjoy♥