Book Boredom  

While waiting for the books I'm dying to read to come out, I'm stuck in a state of book boredom. Waiting for the next book in the series leaves you with a few options: 1 read previous books you've liked, 2 read a bunch of crappy books, or 3 just wait and read nothing. To be honest all three options suck but there's nothing you can do to change it.

                              
                                  

A good author creates characters a reader can relate to, as long as there is one good quality a character has a reader can justify the character is actually good. Writers are good at creating mood and evoking feelings from their readers. I don't know if it's just me but when I read a book I get lost in that world. I think that's why I love book series and trilogies and I hate short stories because I get emotionally evolved and I don't want the story to end. And that's the really cool thing about books, they can take you anywhere. You can go anywhere in the world and learn anything you want.

Sometimes I think its weird how I can get so emotionally invested into a book. Weeks or months later I can think of a book and the many feelings I felt while reading the book come back in full force. And while I'm reading if I truly connect with a character I feel everything they feel, embarrassed, happy, devastated, excited, betrayed I feel like I'm going through life with them. Maybe I'm the only one that reads book like this and I'm just weird. 

A.B.

Get Lost In A Book

Book Recommendation 

Taking Chances

Once again I'm posting about a Molly McAdams novel. Taking Chances:

"Eighteen-year-old Harper has grown up under the thumb of her career marine father. Ready to live life her own way and to experience things she's only ever heard of from the jarheads in her father's unit, she's on her way to college at San Diego State University. Thanks to her new roommate, Harper is introduced to a world of parties, gorgeous guys, family, and emotions. She finds herself being torn in two as she quickly falls in love with both her new boyfriend, Brandon, and her roommate's brother, Chase. Despite their dangerous looks and histories, both men adore Harper and would do anything for her, including taking a step back if it would mean she'd be happy."

Now this book goes on my list of top favorite books. I first read this book when I was starting my freshman year of college, and I found a lot of qualities in myself similar to Harper. No I didn't grow up on an army base with my widowed father but I did enter college with little experience with life in general. Like Harper I followed a straight and narrow line before college, no parties, no boyfriends, and good grades, so going to college was a big adjustment. Taking Chances may be a romance novel but it is heartfelt and well written. 

Harper has a difficult choice to make between the two guys she loves, while trying to navigate the difficult world as an adult. Harper's choice to fight her feelings for Chase while staying with Brandon works until one unforgettable night with Chase. SPOILER AHEAD: I'm not so secretly in love with Brandon and it makes me so happy that Harper ends up with him. Although I love Chase and it is touching that he would change his ways because of his love for Harper, I would always choose Brandon. 

Yes this book is a college romance novel with the usual love triangle there are so many unexpected twists thrown into this book. While reading this book I laughed, smiled, and cried and never knew what to expect. This is definitely a book I've read more than once.  

A.B.

The 100

by Kass Morgan

In keeping with this week's unofficial topic of books and their film adaptations, The 100 by Kass Morgan has recently been adapted into a TV show available to watch now on Wednesday nights at 9.8c on The CW. 

I'm a big fan of The CW, I even watched it when it was The WB way back in 2006. Wow that was already 8 years ago I'm feeling old! The CW has started some shows I've liked, Gossip Girl, Reign, Star-Crossed, The Vampire Diaries, Hart of Dixie, and 90210. Not to mention One Tree Hill was on that channel which is one of my top favorite TV shows of all time, anyway I digress. With the finishing of One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl and 90210 in the past 3 years The CW has recently created some new shows to fill the spaces, one being an adaptation of the book The 100 by Kass Morgan. 

What's interesting is that the book by Morgan was published less than a year ago on September 3rd, 2013 and the TV show was expected to air late 2013 early 2014. That's interesting because TV shows and movies need time to be filmed and edited meaning the TV show was in works before the book was even published. I read the book and thought it was pretty good. I think the whole idea of an unknown apocalyptic event is in our future. With the way people live today, the pollution, war, nuclear power, the hatred, who knows if it will happen in 10 years or 100 but it's bound to happen at some point. So the idea of living in space while the world recovers from a devastating nuclear war seems like an interesting and new twist to the whole post-apocalyptic world scenario. 

I liked both the book and the show's first episode that aired on Wednesday March 19th. The only problem other than some of the characters were suspiciously missing from the TV show was the first episode was the whole first book. The second book (Day 21) doesn't even come out until September 16th, 2014. The creators basically have free rein to do whatever they like, and no one can complain because the second book won't be available for another 6 months. 

 

Here's my prediction, I already like the first 2 episodes and I recommend you watch them they followed the plot of the first book pretty well but who knows what's to come. Since I already put the show on my regular To Watch Schedule I'm going to enjoy watching the first season until the end and when the second book comes out I'm not going to want to read it. Why, because I'm going to like the show and I won't want to risk changing ruining my opinion on the show by reading the book. Plus there will be a small chance the book will be too similar to the TV show and I won't enjoy the book because I'll already know the ending. My apologies Kass Morgan. 

A.B.

Books <-------> Movies 

2014-2015

For a follow up to my last post, I did a little research and found some release dates for movies coming out this year.

March 2014

The 100 Based on The 100 by Kass Morgan

May 30th 2014

Maleficent

June 2014 

6th The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

6th Edge of Tomorrow Based on All You Need Is KIll by Hiroshi Sakurazaka 

13th How to Train your Dragon 2 based on How to Train your Dragon by Cressida Cowell 

July 25th 2014 

Hercules The Thracian Wars based on Hercules by Steve Moore 

August 2014

15th The Giver by Lois Lowry

22nd If I Stay by Gayle Forman

September 19th 2014 

The Maze Runner by James Dashner 

October 2014

3rd Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

10th Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

17th The Best of Me by Nicolas Sparks 

November 21st 2014 

Mockingjay Part 1

 

December 2014

17th Hobbitt: There and Back Again

19th Annie based on on Little Orphan Annie by Harold Gray

25th Into the woods inspired by Bruno Bettelheim's The Uses of Enchantment

February 13th 2015

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Other:

Matched by Allie Condie: Paramount Pictures 

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi:  20th Century Fox

The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld: 20th Century Fox Producer John David

Serena by Ron Rash (2014)

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi: Warner Brothers 

Tempest by Julie Cross: Summit Entertainment

The Night Circus by Erin MorgensternL Summit Entertainment

 

Books vs. Movies

Since I'm currently bookless lets talk about books vs movie adaptions. I've only ever watched a few movies before I've read the books off the top of my head, The Great Gatsby (2013), and The Host. Truth be told I liked both movies a lot, but I also have nothing to base them off. Once you've watched the movie it's extremely hard to go read the book because you already know what's going to happen. So why is it different when you already know the story before watching the movie? Yes you already know the outcome but you've only seen it in your head. You haven't seen it actually happen. This can also be bad because producers could cast and actor that looks nothing like what you've imagined. That being said I'm a strong advocate for reading the book before the movie. Why read the book first? That's easy to answer, you'll actually have a knowledge of what will happen when you watch the movie. Ever seen a movie that was nothing like the movie trailer? But the best reason to read the book first would be.....

The book gives you so much more information and background. Take Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the whole scene in the Shrieking Shack was cut short. Or Breaking Dawn part two, there was no fight scene in the second part of that book! The movie doesn't explain the whole truth plus movie producers add whatever they want, and of course if they put everything in the movie no one would by the books. Plus the movie would be ten hours long. It's nice that movie producers have seen this problem and have started splitting movies in 2 like Harry Potter and The Dealthy Hallows, Mocckingjay or Breaking Dawn. But a lot of the time producers and screen writers change the plot to be more of a love story to get a wider range of viewers *Cough* *Cough* The Hunger Games! That book is NOT about the love triangle with Katniss, Peeta, and Gale. But they're getting better.

My advice is ALWAYS read the book first!

A.B.

Diverge

March 22, 2014

Divergent Series 

In honor of the Divergent movie that came out yesterday, lets talk about the Divergent Trilogy.

Divergent takes place in the city of Chicago in the distant future. The city is divided into 5 factions. Each year, all sixteen year olds take an aptitude test that will tell them which faction they are best suited. With these results they decide to either remain with their current factions with their families or transfer to a new faction. The story of Divergent follows Beatrice Prior and her decision to switch factions.

I am pretty excited to see the movie, although I can wait to see it after the movie's opening weekend. Many fans of the trilogy have posted how excited they are for the movie release and how they know it will be good because Veronica Roth (the author) has shared great reviews. The trailers I've seen make me excited to see the movie but the word of Veronica Roth means nothing to me. If you haven't read the series my recommendation would be to NOT read the third book, Allegiant. SPOILER ALERT: I can not even contain my anger at Roth for killing of Tris at the end of the third book. Maybe she was going for the surprise factor but really you can't kill off your main character! And it was obvious the third book was different from the beginning, I mean the first two books are from Tris' point of view  and the third is from both Tris's and Four's view point. I just wish she had just had Tris get seriously injured and had her and Four live happily ever after!

I enjoyed the first two books in the series the concept of the trilogy was interesting and well written. The third book was just a flop. My friend didn't even read the third book and I wish I had followed suit. Alas I was too excited for the conclusion of the trilogy and read it anyway. 

If you were a fan of The Hunger Games or Blood Red Road, The Divergent series might be up your alley. Divergent explores more adolescent themes like the painful realization that coming into one's own sometimes means leaving family behind both ideologically and physically. Like I said before if you decide to read the trilogy skip the third book. I pretend it never happened.

A.B.

Get Lost in a Book

Book Recommendation

My second recommendation has to be....

For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past two years The Hunger Games takes place in a nation known as Panem, established in North America after the destruction of by an unknown apocalyptic event. The Panem nation was originally separated into 13 districts under the control of the Capitol. As punishment for a past rebellion against the Capitol, in which district 13 was destroyed, one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district are selected by an annual lottery to participate in the Hunger Games an event where the 24 tributes must fight to the death in an outdoor arena controlled by the Capitol until only one remains.

The Hunger Games trilogy is narrated by 16-year-old Katnis Everdeen, a girl from District 12 who volunteers for the 74th annual Hunger Games in place of her sister, Primrose. The male tribute chosen from District 12 is Peeta Mellark, a former schoolmate of Katniss who once gave her bread form his family's bakery when her family was starving.

The Hunger Games and Catching Fire are two of my favorite books of all time. Although I have many issues with Mockingjay, The Hunger Games Trilogy remains in the top of my favorite book list. Suzanee Collins did an amazing job working themes such as severe poverty, starvation, oppression, and the effects of war into her books. The trilogy is way more then just a love story between two unfortunate 16-year-olds who are both reaped as tributes in the Hunger Games. It deals with the struggle for self-preservation that the people of Panem face in their districts and the spark that started a revolution.

For those of you who have only watched the movies, as a book reader I have to say the movies have been excellent so far, I'm not sure how I feel about them splitting Mockingjay up but I'll get over it. But I would tell you if you like the movies READ THE BOOKS! Even though they did a good job on the movies they missed so much! They also focused way too much on the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale. The books are incredible and if you like the movies you'll be captivated by the books. I read all three in one week but I'm just weird like that.

A.B.

Maybe Someday

March 20th, 2014

So I just finished up a new book by Colleen Hoover. Maybe Someday came out Monday and I finished it in two days. Hoover is known (well known to me) for writing books that aren't the basic romance novels, she has written about death, teacher student relations, rape, and kidnapping. I have liked every book I have by Hoover. I though Maybe Someday was going to be just another romance novel and the synopsis didn't give much away. But I definitely underestimated what Hoover can do. Here's the Book Description as said by ibooks:

At twenty-two years old, Sydney is enjoying a great life: She's in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and Rooming with her best friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers that Hunter is cheating on her - and she's forced to decide what her next move should be. Soon, Sydney finds herself captivated by her mysterious and attractive neighbor, Ridge. She can't take her eyes off him or stop listening to the passionate way he plays his guitar every evening out on his balcony. And there's something about Sydney that Ridge can't ignore, either. They soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one.

The book holds many unseen twists that were well placed and captivating. Sydney and Ridge's relationship is turbulent and passionate and as the reader your heart hurts while they are apart. The challenges faced in this novel go far beyond a cheating boyfriend and an unrequited love. This book surprised me in more ways then one and I greatly enjoyed reading it.

A.B.

 

Get lost in a Book

Book Recommendation

Alright as promised here's my first book recommendation. 

My first book recommendation has to be the book that allowed me to fall in love with the fictional world that books can hold. So my first book recommendation is not one book but 7. That's right Harry Potter. For those of you who don't know Harry Potter is a series by J.K. Rowling that follows the adventures of young wizard and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.The man story revolves around Harry's quest to defeat the Dark Wizard "He who shall not be named" Lord Voldemort who's goal is to become immortal and conquer the wizarding world with dark magic. The book series has been adapted into a popular movies series and since the release of the first book in 1997 has created a continuous fandom. 

The thing I love about the Harry Potter series other then it being an absolutely fantastic and well thought of story, is that everything connects. Concepts brought up in books one through six are brought up and have meaning in the seventh book. Rowling is a literature genius and deserves way more props then she ever got. The series has many strong themes and it could be said that Harry Potter has a rather dark overall theme. Yes one large theme in the series is death but it is also about how the characters react to the deaths around them. The series also hits many other themes including political subtexts, oppression, survival, and overcoming imposing odds. 

The Harry Potter series is a well written series that can be enjoyed by all ages. Being a person who read the books right was they came out I was in elementary and middle school when the majority of the series came out I didn't understand a lot of the books themes until I reread the books at an older age. The series is definitely a series to read more then once and every time you read them you notice something new. Harry Potter is the book that made me fall in love with reading and I hope you give it a try if you haven't read them already.

 For those of you who have watched the movies and haven't read the books, welcome to the fandom if you loved the movies I promise you will love the books even more! There's so much your missing!

A.B.

Lazy Sundays

Alright I finished Deceiving Lies this weekend. I thought it was pretty good. I won't lie I was a little worried what angle this book was going to take. Spoiler at the end of Forgiving Lies when Rachel is kidnapped I was a little worried the whole second book would be her kidnapped with Kash trying to find her but it wasn't and it was heartfelt and at times sad. Although I didn't like this book as much as I like Taking Chances or From Ashes I liked  both of these books and would recommend someone read them. They had a good story line without being too graphic or gory. 

I've liked all the books I've read by McAdams and two have actually landed on my Favorites list on GoodReads.com so I'm excited for Sharing You coming out this July but I'm a little nervous about it. I really don't like books with cheating, one person married, or adultery but I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt since McAdams hasn't let me down yet.

A.B.

March 4th 2014

Deceiving Lies

Today's a pretty exciting day, Molly McAdams Deceiving Lies came out today. For those of you who don't know who Molly McAdams is she's written quit a few books I've enjoyed and recommend you read, and I'm still waiting on more books of her's to come out. All of her books are interesting, what I would call contemporary romance novels. They aren't the predictable: boy meets girl, couple falls in love, tragic event splits couple up, couple overcomes the trauma and live happily ever after. No McAdams is good at putting twists in the story lines and keeping her readers on their toes, while they beg to know what happens next. Deceiving Lies is McAdams sequel to Forgiving Lies which came out last October. I've enjoyed all the books she's written, this series isn't my favorite out of all I've read but is an enjoyable read. During quick free break times today I've tried to sneak a few few chapters in and so far I've definitely liked what I've read.

Quick summary of Forgiving Lies: Logan "Kash" Ryan is a undercover cop attempting to stop a serial killer.  He meets neighbor Rachel Masters, who after a rough introduction become fast friends. Neither person wants to start a romantic relationship with the other........lets face it we know they get together. In the end will they overcome their demons? Will Kash catch the serial killer? Will it be a happy ending for Kash and Rachel? You'll have to read for yourself to fine out!

In all honesty I'm super excited to see what happens between Logan and Rachel. This story wasn't one you could predict the ending it was funny, at times cute and at other times heart breaking. I'll keep you updated on my progress and what I think. If I like a book I normally can't put it down, so I'm predicting I'll be finished by the weekend. I'll let you know what I think! 

Stay tuned later this week I'll be posting my very first book recommendation! 

A.B.

March 3rd 2014

Book Sense - Behind the Scene

Hi! 

This all started January 1st 2013 when I decided my New Years goal would be to read 200 books in 2013. All year I wrote done every book I read, by the end of July I reached 200 and my goal was over. It was at this point I came to realize none of my friends or family cared about the books I read. I was alone. I didn't have anyone to share my thoughts or give recommendations too. And then one day an idea popped into my head; Start a blog, and with a little help from my friend Book Sense was created. 

I don't know who you are or if anyone is actually reading anything I say but I'm going to write until I run out of thoughts or opinions; whichever comes first. I'll talk about the books I've read, books I'm currently reading, or want to read, maybe the movies  I've seen, or the weird TV shows I like but no one else cares about and I want you to comment. You agree? Disagree? Let me know! If there's one thing you'll learn it's that I'm opinionated. But I also want to hear what you have to say.

So if your out there....somewhere......here goes nothing.

A.B.