I Haven't Forgotten about You I Promise!: an ode to my blog

So yea... I have kind of been neglecting my blog, ergo my readers, for some time now, which is totally unintentional, I promise. It totally kills me, not being able to rant/chatter/blog on about all the things happening in my life, in my books, and in the book world in general.

I've recently dived back into the world of University-which is kicking my ass!-hopefully for the last year. I am applying to Teacher's College, and trying to get all my assignments, paper, quizes, mid-terms, projects done. And done well. So needless, to say, I haven't much time for a whole lot else.

I'm trying to at least do reviews for books as I read them, since that is pretty low maintenance compared to featured posts, even though I do still have lots of ideas lined up and ready to go.

So, an update of sorts:

- Yes, I am still planning on finishing my Harry Potter Re-Read-a-Ganza! sometime in the near future (perhaps into next year), so stay tuned for that!

- I do have another Book to Big Screen post in the works, that just needs some dedicated time and attention, whenever that happens to be..

- I'm taking two english courses this semester which happen to have lots of classics on the reading lists, so some more Completely Classic posts are sure to come!

- I am still trying to go through my ever present pile of books that have yet to be read, and have recently acquired some pretty good new ones that are not shy around the blog-o-sphere. I can't wait to read them and share them with you!

- If you are interested in some random tidbits straight from moi you can always follow me on Twitter. My username is hollygal.

Overall, I hope you guys (my faithful readers) decide to stick it out with me as I meander through the many obstacles of life (that I hope will soon dwindle-yes I know, Holly, keep dreamin'). It sucks being an adult, what can I say!

P.S. Bruno Mars has an amazing new single that is the front runner for The Twilight Saga - Breaking Dawn: Part I. (wow, long title, right?) It is called It Will Rain and it is absolutely a-mah-zing.

Mmmm! How I love me some Bruno Mars!

Alors, as you were--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Oh No they Didn't! (They did! + other unrelatedness)

Yep, You see that correctly. That is the Gossip Girl cover, in all its creepy, gory, bloody weirdness. Apparently Cecily Von Ziegesar is much more far gone than I thought. After reading her last stand alone novel, Cum Laude, I was really questioning her sanity, since I absolutely LOATHED the book (read all about it here, along with some other abominable narratives). It seems she has really gone off the deep end. In case you are wondering, she has re-written the first installment in the already very messed up series about privileged teens living the high life in New York City. This time there will be blood. (Evidently!) So as I understand it, the girls, blonde bombshell Serena & brunette beauty Blair, will now resort to murder to further fulfill their every spoiled want and need. Even though I kind of find this revolting, I also say, "sign me up!". Obviously, I NEED to read this, whether out of sheer fascination or not (or also possibly because I have every other possible Gossip Girl novel in the franchise, including prequels, sequels, spin-offs, and quite possibly prequel-sequels. Anywho, I will keep you updated! Look for this one October 3rd! Here's a summary:


          "Welcome to New York City's Upper East Side, where my friends and I live, go to school, play, and sleep-sometimes with each other. It's a luxe life, but someone's got to live it . . . until they die. So begins Gossip Girl, Psycho Killer, a re-imagined and expanded slasher edition of the first groundbreaking Gossip Girl novel, featuring all new grisly scenes and over-the-top gore by #1 New York Times bestselling author Cecily von Ziegesar.
          Just as in the original story, Serena returns from boarding school hoping to make amends with her BFF Blair Waldorf--things just haven't been the same since Nate Archibald came between them. But here's where our dark tale takes a turn: Serena decides that the only way for her to make things right with Blair is to eliminate Nate. If that means killing him, well, c'est la vie. Her attempted murder doesn't go unnoticed by Blair, however, who isn't about to let Serena kill whoever she wants-not when there's Cyrus Rose and Chuck Bass and Titi Coates and everyone else who's ever irritated Blair to get rid of first . . . .
          American Psycho's Patrick Bateman has met his match in Manhattan's newest, most fabulous trendsetting serial killers, Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen."


In other news:

*There has definitely been a trend with books becoming movies and TV shows recently (as if I need to say this again!), the latest additions being The Luxe series by Anna Godbersen, Warm Bodies by Isaac Morton, The Secret Circle series by LJ Smith, and The Lying Game by Sara Shepard. The former two are going to be movies, while the latter two are TV series' that already have shows in existence based off of different books from the same authors! I am super excited for ALL of them, but if you want to know more Book to Movie news, stay tuned for my Book to Big Screen feature. (And click for previous posts).

*If anyone is wondering where the Harry Potter Re-Read-a-Ganza! went, I am still planning on finishing it up, but due to the high volume of borrowed books (from both friends and libraries), I have a lot to catch up on, but promise to wrap it up in due time. So stay tuned for that as well. Also, I did happen to get early registration to Pottermore, so I will let you guys know all about the awesome-nosity as it happens to me :)

*There have been loads of great movies recently, and I have only seen a select few of the ones I've wanted to, mostly because I haven't had time to see all the ones that I want! Here are the ones that I've seen since mny last update:




Horrible Bosses was a pretty great movie, jam-packed with some of my favourite funny actors and lots of funny moments. The combination of Jason Sudeikis, Jason Bateman, Charlie Day (as the good guys) and Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey (as the bad guys) was purely marvelous. I loved all of them, and they really showed their hilarious versatility in this comedy. I know we are going to be seeing lots more from new-comer Charlie Day, and I really hope to see Jennifer Aniston in more of these roles, because she completely pulled off the villain! The plot was pretty funny and the ending was also pretty great, with lots of funny scenes and dialogue in between. This was a perfect summer comedy and I can't stress enough how bang-on everything came together!



I saw Bad Teacher after that, thinking that it would be so funny, exactly how I imagined it from the trailers: funny-girl Cameron Diaz in a funny role and hilarious concept, with an amazing cast to back her up. Jason Segel. Justin Timberlake. How can you go wrong? Let me spoil it for you: it went wrong. It just seemed like one of those movies that shows all its funny parts in the trailer. And it was way more vulgar than I thought, which isn't usually a problem for me, but it kind of just seemed unnecessary. Don't get me wrong, the actors still did an amazing job, I just got the feeling that there wasn't a whole lot to work with. I kind of couldn't wait for it to be over. It was still funny though and I liked the ending, and loved Jason Segel. I guess it's just more of a rental movie than a theatre one.




Crazy Stupid Love. Wow. I loved this movie. I saw it most recently, and I cannot get it out of my head. I want to see it again. I wanted to see it again right after I saw it! And again, and again, and again! This movie was so amazing, and there are so many good things about it. I love all the actors. They all did amazing jobs, and were so convincing. I really believe that this movie appeals to all generations, due to it's relatability and separate yet involved storylines. There were also so many surprises (ones that even I didn't see coming, and believe me, I pick up on a lot). And of course the movie was filled with hilarious parts. The dialogue, the scenes, the techniques. Everything seemed to add to the humour and authenticity of the movie. Steve Carrell was stellar, as always. Ryan Gosling. Yikes. Don't even get me started on this Canadian hunk-a-hunk. He was AMAZING in this movie, and acted superbly. He captured the essence of the character perfectly and makes me swoon everytime I think about it. He was funny and genuine and cute and sexy all at the same time, and I love him! The love stories portrayed throughout the whole film were so well done, and this movie really gets it, and has everything going for it! A must see, and one of my favourites, EVER!


So I think that that's just about all that I have for now...


It is time to retire (to bed!)--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♥

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♥