Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Reading

I haven't read a book since the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy. Nothing appealed to me. I wasn't even in the mood to read since I knew it wouldn't be as interesting or entertaining as reading about Ana and Christian's love affair.

But it's that time. I've perused Pinterest and Facebook long enough, and it's time to devote my attention to something productive- so back to reading it is.

A friend of mine recommended The Glass Castle. To be honest, I'm not sure I'll like it; I rarely like non-fiction, but I'm going to give it a go. See what happens. And maybe, just maybe, my mind can focus on something other than what's online.

Have you read this book? What'd ya think?

And if you have any books you just loved, please send the title my way. :)

Friday, April 20, 2012

Fifty Shades Obsessed

My good friend, Molly, over at The Fuschia News, was telling me about this book that has apparently taken the nation by storm. You may have heard of it, Fifty Shades of Grey.

Not long after, an aqcuaintance was telling me what it was all about. "Smut" is the word she used to describe it. Well, hello! After hearing that, I knew I wanted to read it. Duh.

Before I bit the bullit, I checked around, and everyone was talking about this book. It was all over the Twitter-verse. Finally, I did it. I downloaded it, and I was quickly hooked. Yes, the writing isn't that advanced. You don't have to think about what you are reading, but isn't that part of the fun? You can get lost in a book that is fun to read and doesn't give you a headache?

I finished Fifty Shades of Grey on Wednesday afternoon. I was going to wait until Friday to download the next, but I just couldn't wait. I had to start reading the next one, Fifty Shades Darker, so I dl'd it yesterday at lunch. And friends, it's just as good. I've not read much of it yet, but it has me hooked too.

Have you read these? What did you think? What are you currently reading?

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Books and Movies

A new trend in cinema these days seems to be the book to movie film. Almost as though any book that is written should one day expect to make it to the big screen. 


This year's Academy Award Nominees are full of books turned to movies.
It just goes to show that some of the best movies once were some of the greatest books! 

"Hugo" -- "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selnick 
11 Nominations
 "The Descendants" -- "The Descendants" by Kaui Hart Hemmings
The Descendants5 Nominations
  
"The Help" -- "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett
The Help4 Nominations
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" -- "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling 
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 23 Nominations

 "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"-- "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
5 Nominations
"Moneyball" -- "Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game" by Michael Lewis
Moneyball6 Nominations
 "My Week with Marilyn" -- "My Week with Marilyn" by Colin Clark
My Week with Marilyn2 Nominations
"The Iron Lady" -- "The Iron Lady: Margaret Thatcher, from Grocer's Daughter to Prime Minsister" by John Campbell
The Iron Lady2 Nominations

"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" -- "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer 
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close2 Nominations
"Albert Nobbs" -- "Albert Nobbs: A Novella" by George Moore
Albert Nobbs3 Nominations
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" -- "Tinker Tailor Solider Spy" by John Le Carre
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy3 Nominations
"War Horse" -- "War Horse" by Michael Morpurgo
War Horse6 Nominations
 "Jane Eyre" -- "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre1 Nomination

Whether experienced via a book or a movie, these are excellent stories.


Monday, January 16, 2012

Sugar Queen Part 2

Ms. Mia Maree has posted section 2 questions for Sugar Queen. 
  1. At the end of Chapter Three, a new character, Chloe, was introduced. The author mentioned how books seem to appear to Chloe when she needs them most. What do you make of all of this? I think she has some kind of special "powers" that use books to influence her in making decisions in her life. Unfortunately (sometimes), she has no control over these books.
  2. After reading about how Jake cheated on Chloe, do you think Chloe should have forgiven him? Why or why not? I think with cheating, it is so hard to say yes or no. Yes, people make mistakes. But how do you know they won't do it again? It's so hard to gain trust back. I think in this instance, Jake was sincere in his apology, so I thought it was ok to forgive him.
  3. Why do you think Adam suddenly became interested in Josey? Because of the mystery. He never had thought of her like that before, and when he found out she was in love with him, his views of her changed...even if he didn't feel it at first. When she pulled back, he became more interested, naturally.
  4. In Chapter 6, Josey takes her mother, Margaret, to visit Livia. While Livia and Margaret chat, Josey has a chat with Livia's granddaughter, Amelia. Josey suggests that Amelia might want to have a life of her own, but Amelia shrugs Josey off and dismisses the idea. What enables Josey to think about freeing herself from her mother, rather than becoming like Amelia? I think Chloe finally gave Josey the idea that there is life outside of her mother's home. She saw she didn't want to be like Amelia, and considered life outside of what she had known.
What are you thinking of this book so far?

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

BYOB&B Club

I have never been part of a book club. Shocking, I know. As much as I love books, I have never had a group to love books with. Well, that is changing. Since my friends finally discovered the greatness of The Hunger Games, it seemed an appropriate time to start a book club. 

Thanks to Jenna's clever title and the willingness of everyone, the ball is rolling. Now, we have an official book club -- 


BYOB&B:
Bring Your Own Bottle and Book Club. 

If there is anything girls are good at, it is drinking wine and talking. What better than to drink wine, talk, and include books?!

As of last night, we had our inaugural meeting and compiled a list of books to read. 

BOOK LIST 
  1. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak 
  2. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  3. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
  4. My Life in France by Julia Child
  5. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
  6. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (this will be in addition)
First up -- The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak: 
Hardcover, 550 pages
Published March 14th 2006 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .
Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.
This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul. (goodreads summary)

A book about how wonderful books are? Yes please. 


Monday, January 9, 2012

Sugar Queen Q&A Part 1

Since I needed to get my reading back on track, I decided to join Ms. Mia Maree and her new blog book club. The first selection for the new year is Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen.

 Below are the questions posted and my responses to the first section.

  1. What are your initial thoughts of the book so far? I'm a little behind in reading because, honestly, this book has been a little hard to get into. It's not something I would have normally chosen, but I'm going to stick with it and hope it gets better!
  2. Discuss and compare Josey's relationship with her mother and her father. Why do you think Josey decided to stay and take care of her mother? Do you think it was because of the fits she threw or do you think that there are other reasons? I think Josey knew that her mother was not interested in her from the start, so that is the reason for the behavior and attitude toward her mother. I think since her father was gone most of the time, she longed for his attention and doted on him. Because she was treated the way she was (with indifference), I think she felt like she would fit in  nowhere; that's the main reason for staying with her mother.
  3. Discuss Josey's relationship with food. Why doe she hide this candy in her closet? Josey is so unhappy with her life, she relies on the pleasure she gets from eating sweets to get her through the day. She hides the food, because she know it would be looked down on and taken away. It seems to be her only pleasure in life.
  4. Why do you think Josey's mom doesn't want Josey to feel pretty? For example, taking the red sweater off when it looks pretty on her. I'm not really sure on this one. It seems like her mother feels lonely and knows if Josey had confidence she wouldn't be around to care for her 24/7. Therefore, she makes Josey feel inadequate to be sure she sticks around.
  5. Why do you suppose Josey was such a difficult child? What caused her to be that way? She was this way because she wanted attention. She longed for it. When children don't get the attention they want, they do whatever it takes to get attention, whether its positive or negative. She especially wanted the attention from her "absent" father.
As for the books I would like to see next month, I have a "wishlist" on my nook. On that list: These Things Hidden, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me, How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World.

Have you read Sugar Queen? What do you think of it?

Monday, January 2, 2012

Book List 2012

If you read my goals for 2012, you'll remember I wanted to read more. My goal is to read at least 1 book per month, even though I know I can do more. Here are a few on my wishlist.

1. Sisterhood Everlasting- The story of the 4 friends from the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants book series, except now they are adults.


2. These Things Hidden- This was recommended to me by one of my favorite teachers in elementary school. I've read the sample, and I can't wait to read the book.


3. There's Cake In My Future- I read about this book at Michelle's blog and it seems like such a fun read!


4. Seriously...I'm Kidding- I read three books by celebs last year, and just did not like them. Ellen is hilarious though, so I'm hoping I'll like this one.


5. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me- I came across this book when Mindy was doing press for the book. She's hilarious, so I have no doubt this book will be awesome.





Since I want to read at least 1 book a month, I'm obviously short on my reading list. PLEASE send me some ideas! I love hearing about what others like, so I can't wait to see what you all would recommend!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Sorry I'm Not Sorry

Do you follow Sorority Problems on twitter? If not, you totally should. She's hilarious. People find her so funny, that she's written a short little book (about 189 pages that I read in like an hour or so) about her crazy life in a sorority house.

Basically, Alexa (sorority girl) is a drunken, crazy mess. The book gives different stories of her life in college about drunken mishaps, flings with boys, and super embarrassing instances that I can't believe made it to print.

No, this isn't a great literary contribution to society, but if you want a vulgar filled book that will make you laugh out loud, this is it. I described Alexa to my friend in a text as a "preppy Chelsea Handler." Really.

Remember I said laugh out loud? I totally did. And I highlighted those parts, just so I could remember them to share later. Some of my favorite quotes from the book  include:

"Little did Carol [the mom] know she was making the biggest mistake of her life since she decided not to abort me eighteen years earlier."

"I almost fel like kneeling down on the tile and praying, but then I remembered that although my parents are catholic, my religion is wine..."

"But when your face spells out the words uptight and disgusted from across the room you know you need a little penis in your life."

"Vodka: it's like a colonic in a bottle."

My favorite!!!!
"I cannot handle people who call people. Seriously, who even does that anymore? Whenever my phone rings I wonder if the person calling me is either A. warning me about an approaching tsunami, B. notifying me there is a warrant out for my arrest, or C. batshit crazy. I mean it's not like people even use their phones to actually speak to people anymore; in fact, it is very telling that our phones have simply become apps on our phones."

"....made me go wilder than Tara Reid at a wine bar."

"I felt drawn to him like a drunk, slutty moth to a drunk, slutty flame..."

"My stomach handled Mexican as well as Kendra Wilkinson handled dignity."

"Talk about a full fu**ing circle. Come hell, high water, or shit in my pants, I will always have Britney."

"There is nothing that can make me freak the fu** out like getting a text from someone I want to have sex with."

"I have a serious problem with oversharing: I always say too much; give up too much of myself; reveal too much of my personality; send one text too many; and it is almost never reciprocated." Hello, Self!

Funny, right? It's only $5 bucks from bn.com for the Nook. It's 5 dollars worth of funny.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

The Help

If I'm not mistaken, I've talked about reading The Help, and how much I absolutely loved it. Normally, I'm not one to like pieces with such dialect, but this story was so good. And while I loved the interaction between Skeeter and the maids, I was horrified at the behavior of the other white women. I can't imagine living in a world that was like this.

Anywho- last night was the release of the movie, and I was so excited to see it. I was a little nervous, I admit, because I get so hyped up from the book, that the movie usually disappoints me. This was different. The movie depicted the book very well. Yes, there were some parts left out, but you can't squeeze a whole book into a movie. It's impossible.

The characters were just like I imagined. They had such big personalities, and I instantly wanted to be friends with Skeeter, Aibilene, and Minnie.

Since Easy A, I've loved Emma Stone. She is a great actor, so funny, and I think we were meant to be best friends! She was great in this movie. Her facial expressions alone made the character of Skeeter come alive.

If you see anything this year, go see The Help. Then come back, and tell me what you think! :)

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Jodi Picoult

So I'm reading Jodi Picoult's Vanishing Acts. And while I'm not finished with it quite yet, I am driven to post on it today. A few observations...
  • Most of Jodi's books are quite long compared to most that I read. This one is 416 pages.
  • I love how she entertwines stories and characters and makes everything mesh.
  • However, every chapter is from a different character's viewpoint and sometimes it gets confusing.
  • I HATE how she provides a history lesson with each novel. This time it's about the history of Native Americans. Once it was about Alaskans. If I want to know about their history, I'll google it. I usually skip these parts.
  • I love how her books make you straddle the fence. There is a crime (usually) and while you'd think you would be completely against it, that gray area in the middle exists and makes you think. Not everything is black and white.
  • There's always some kind of court case. Were you a lawyer in a former life, Ms. Picoult?
  • This book tells you how to make meth. METH, people. I mean, yes, you can google that too, but why would it explain the whole process?!?!?! I'm a little disturbed by this.
  • Completely off the radar, but sometimes I am curious about how to make things. Like drugs or whatever. Curious, because I'm so ignorant when it comes to drugs. I don't want to make them, but just wonder how they are made. Anywho, I never google because what if someone finds out in some strange way and thinks I'm interested??? Can't have that happening. No sir-eee.
----Edit----- I finished the book, and it was great. Of course there were some surprises, but Ms. Jodi, you did not disappoint.

I've read several books by Picoult, and like pretty much all of them.  Have you read a Picoult? What do you think??

Who is your favorite author? What's your favorite book?

Please comment so that I can get some new ideas.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

You've Got the Right Stuff.....Baaaaby!

I love linking up for WILW; it makes me feel all happy!

The summer premier of one of my favorite shows began last night! I love these girls; their personality, their style, the trouble they get themselves into. Such a good little mystery too! (I just hope we figure out who A is soon!!!!) Do you watch? If not, it's on ABC Family @ 7 central time. You'll love it!


I'm obviously not on my water kick anymore. I've become addicted to this sweet drink lately. Yummo!

I've been on a reading kick lately too. That happens; I'll read three or four books in a row, then tire of it and won't read for another month or two. I finished The Help and loved it! Now I'm on a book by Debbie Macomber called Thursdays at Eight. Chick lit is definitely my favorite to read. What's yours?


I love love love concerts. The energy and FUN that I have is out of this world. The last one I attended was the Garth Brooks Nashville Relief concert in Nov, and it was the best one I've ever been to. Next week, I'll be hitting Nashvegas up again,but this time to see NKOTBSB. Pretend you aren't jealous. I mean, I know I will feel like I'm 14 again, but helloooo. They are so fun!

What are you loving today?

Friday, June 3, 2011

Random Friday

To the four people that did my link up yesterday, THANK YOU! I've visited your sites, and tried to leave comments on each of you, but blogger keeps sending me on a never-ending cycle of logging in and then doing that catcha-thingy that everyone hates. Sorry, linkers, I tried commenting!!

This brings me to my next point, I feel pretty gosh darn silly for continuing the Favorite Things Friday when only 4 people participate. I really hoped people would like the idea and want to do it, but again, I was wrong and feel like a failure. What do you think I should do?

Along with a friend, I'm having a yard sale tomorrow. My basement is jam-packed with goodies, so I'm hoping we do well. I really need to get rid of that stuff and make some money.

I read Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin in two days. I had read one of her books before and barely made it to the end. However, with the movie out (that I have yet to see....) and so many people praising the book, I read it. SO GOOD. I think it is on my favorites list now. If you haven't yet, read it. I also picked up Something Blue and will start it today. I hope it's just as good.

I guess that's all for now. Hope you guys have a fabulous weekend!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Horizontal Bossy Pants

I've read two books in the past two weeks; My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler and Bossypants by Tina Fey. And.........here's my take.

 I saw My Horizontal Life  on BN.com for only $5, so I thought, "Why not?" Well.......

Chelsea Handler- she's funny. I love her show Chelsea Lately. But folks, this gal can't write an interesting book. Her stories are far-fetched....I mean really...who writes a book based on one-night stands? If it is true, I'm disgusted.The book is not funny. How the heck has she written more than just one and had them to be bestsellers. I'm in awe.....but more importantly, can I get my $5 back?

I saw Tina Fey promoting her book on Ellen and such, and she's hilarious! I kept wanting to buy it, but then would wait. I would want it, but didn't really want to spend the money. I finally broke down and bought it for a pretty good price (compared to the printed version) for $12.99. Well.....

Tina Fey- she's funny. I love her in movies, on SNL, and when she does appearances on various shows. But folks, this gal can't write an interesting book. She has some good lines in there, but as a whole, the book stinks. The chapters are boring, I can't focus on what she's saying because there is no entertainment whatsoever. I love you, Tina Fey, but can I get my $12.99 back?

In conclusion: comedians can't write a good book.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

What I'm Reading

So I've been stumped this week on writing topics...this has never happened before! Usually I have tons and tons to ramble on about. What is going on?????

Anywho--I've heard SO much about this book,

but it just didn's seem like something I would be interested in.


 
Until I saw this.

(I LOVE reading books and then seeing the film!)

And I knew I had to see it, because it included her.


And him.
(Isn't he just gorgeous. Those eyes those eyes!!)


And I love him, because he is a good actor. Yes, I have seen him in other things besides this.
(But I admit, I did fall for him because he played the oh-so-romantic Edward. ::sigh::)


Have you read this book?
What did you think?
Will you see the movie?