A Christmas Special

Image Courtesy of Steve Altier 

Today is Christmas and I want to celebrate by attempting a book tag I saw one of my favorite book-tubers, Katytastic, do on her Youtube channel. I don't know how well this will turn out but cross your fingers!

The tag's name is Bookish Scenarios, originally created by Lindsayheartsbooks. I decided to do this tag because it is funny to even imagine yourself (if you're a book reader of course) in these "bookish scenarios". I will answer seven difficult and different questions and hopefully, you will get to know me a little better through this!

1. You have to get rid of all your books and you can only keep one from each of these genres - contemporary, fantasy, non-fiction, and one other genre of your choosing. What books do you keep?

Why would someone ever make me want to get rid of all my books! It's not fair and mean... If I had my way, this scenario would be avoided at all costs but hey, I have to answer the question. 
I would pick The Princess Bride for the genre fantasy because it's such a classic that makes me smile and laugh whenever I read it. Part of the Pride for the genre non-fiction because it's one of the two non-fiction books I own and it has one of the most intriguing concept ever... The author's best friends are lions and hyenas! For the genre contemporary, I would pick Anna and the French Kiss because the relationship between Anna and St. Clair is beautiful. The last book I would choose would have to be Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief, in the fantasy genre, because a) you can't get enough of fantasy! b) It's hilarious and a pick-me-up kind of book, and c) The book reminds me of the good ol' days.

2. You're at the bookstore and you hear a teenager telling their mom they don't like to read, but their mom insists they pick something. You walk over and recommend a book you think is great for people who aren't big on reading - what book is it?

I would recommend the book Divergent because it is fast-paced and full of action. The book is engaging and fun to read and hopefully, the teen girl hasn't read it yet! Oh! And Four is to die for!

3. You're not feeling yourself and need a pick me up. Which book do you read to put yourself in a great mood?

Image Courtesy of The Lit Witch 

I would pick up The Lost Hero because the mood is upbeat and there are certain characters that make the smart-a** comments that make me laugh and smile.

4. You go back in time for a day to your teenage years. What book would you most likely have caught yourself reading?

Well, since I am still a teenager, I would be caught reading the Mortal Instruments and/or the Infernal Devices series. Cassandra Clare is an incredible writer and I would read her series over and over again.

5. Your friend surprises you with a four day trip* and you have one hour to pack. Which book do you bring to read on the way?

I would pick The Princess Bride because it's a comfort book for me and whenever I reread the book, I pick up new information I hadn't thought of before.

6. Your house has been robbed! Don't worry - everyone is safe, but your bookshelf has been raided. What's the book you really hope is safe?

If someone robbed me of my books, they are dead. I would hunt them down and... Sorry, too much information! (insert smiley face with blush.) I would have to say, this scenario is outright awful and I can't give you a specific answer. My books are like family to me because there is a person in every single book in my two hundred collection and it would be terrible if someone stole them!

7. Your friend borrows a book and returns it in awful condition. Do you a) just pretend you haven't noticed, b) ask them to repurchase it or c) secretly do the same to something of theirs?

I would kindly ask them to repurchase the book but I know NONE of my friends would do that... I hope!

That's the end of the book tag! If you want to, you can steal these questions for yourself, just make sure you cite the original owners. Hope you enjoyed my Christmas special! Merry Christmas, book nerds!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

*Hopefully, my friend is taking me to New Zealand!

How about Were-Tigers instead of Were-Wolves?

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

Have you ever hear a book called Tiger's Curse? Well if you haven't, you are officially not a book reader. I'm kidding but you have to pick this book up after you read this. 

Tiger's Curse was self-published by Colleen Houck. I understand why it isn't well known because she self-published and it takes weeks to get the book from Amazon but everyone should read it. I am seriously considering of giving my librarian a book list of what she should buy for the school library because she does not have the books that need to be more publicized. If you still don't understand how amazing this book is, I will give you a short summary:

Image Courtesy of Barnes and Noble.com

Tiger's Curse is about a girl named Kelsey who takes a temporary summer job at a traveling circus. The circus is where she meets Dhiren or Ren, a white tiger and suddenly, Kelsey is thrown into a mysterious ancient prophecy. With the help of Ren, a man who was cursed to turn into a tiger, Kelsey will try to piece the puzzle/prophecy together to break the curse.

How awesome does that sound? Colleen Houck did a fantastic job with developing the story and the characters. I feel that the love subplot is just right and there was no loose ends except for the fact Houck did end on a cliff hanger.

I also want to talk about the setting of the book. At the beginning of the book, Kelsey is in Portland, Oregon looking for a summer job, when finding one, in all of places, at a traveling circus. There, Kelsey is whisked away to spend the rest of her summer in gorgeous India.

Image Courtesy of iTimes.com

I don't know a lot about India but it sounds like a spectacular place where tigers are roam free in the jungles and the fantastic sunsets. I mean who wouldn't want to go to India?

I am aching to talk about the male counterpart of Kelsey. Ren or Dhiren is his name and he, in my fangirl mind, is drop dead handsome. Don't go hatin' on me for being obsessed over a fictional boyfriend that doesn't exist. If he was a real man, I promise you, all the girls would be over him. He is caring, extremely polite*, selfless, and he turns into a freakin' tiger... What more can you ask for. On top of that, you will meet another man that will surprise you; he came out of nowhere and into my fandom daydreams.

I am getting myself off-track and I apologize. Just give me a second to cool down all the fangirl jitters... Okay I am ready. You have to read this book. I mean if you don't, you definitely have not traveled far enough in the book world!

Well thanks for reading! The next post will be with collaboration from one of my fellow bloggers and friends, Mazana.

*Ren is over-the-top polite. He had to ask for permission to kiss Kelsey before he actually did! How adorable is that???

My Thoughts on The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I Movie

Image Courtesy of The Hollywood News

Last week, I had the opportunity to watch the first installment of The Mockingjay. I have to say, it was better than the book in some ways but I have to agree with the critiques out there, the movie makers did not need to make The Mockingjay into two movies. Before I get ahead of myself though, I'll give you the good thoughts first and then my bad thoughts. There might be spoilers but I am not certain they will give the whole plot away. 

Good:
There was action. More action than what was described in the book. Do you remember what happened in the book? Well I kinda don't but I do remember Suzanne Collins did not go into detail with the rebellions of other districts. Luckily for you, the movie does and it's totally wicked. 

I have to say though. The movie shocked me at one point. Do you like Jennifer Lawerence? I did but now I like her more because of what she did in the movie other than cry. She sung and she did a good job too! Later she said that she wanted Lorde to do it and spent the rest of the day crying because it was so traumatic* but still! She has this deep and gravelly voice that fits the mood perfectly. If you haven't heard Jennifer sing yet, the video is at the end of the post. 

Image Courtesy of Los Angeles Times

Bad:
Katniss cries a lot and I mean a lot. It seems she could've looked to the brighter side of things but since Peeta, the love of her life, is in the Capitol, she can't function on her own. Poor Gale is trying to help her out of her mood swings but he is pushed away. 

I am not trying to hate on Katniss or Suzanne Collins but I don't like how Katniss spends most of the movie moping and crying. There are scenes where everything seems to be okay but then as quickly as it starts, the scene ends and we are thrown back into the depression state.

This part of my ranting will not cover the movie but the end of the book. So if you haven't gotten around to read the book, this will contain spoilers. For the spoiler-haters, jump down to the next paragraph, please. I will not be responsible for any anger that was provoked in reading the spoilers.

Image Courtesy of The Hunger Games Wikia Page

I wish that Katniss chose Gale instead of Peeta. I don't like how the movie franchise portrayed Peeta as well, in respect of Josh Hutcherson. I always thought from the beginning Peeta was too much of baby. He couldn't fend for himself in the first Hunger Games and he was having a hard time in the Quarter Quell game as well. Gale on the other hand is strong and brave. He will stand up for what he believes in and is not afraid to get whipped for it. Gale was there for Katniss the whole movie but Katniss didn't acknowledge his comforting presence that often. If I was Katniss, I would choose Gale at the end of everything. 


Compared to the book, the movie was a bit better because of the action snippets the director decided to add. The actors and actresses did an amazing job and the director should have a round of applause for his contribution on the film. 

Overall the movie, for me, was just a long trailer to the second half of The Mockingjay but it did have some perks and I will certainly see the Mockingjay Part II. If you have any concerns of what you have read, please leave your comments down below in the feedback box. 

                        Video Courtesy of Republic Records

*Definitely not the exact words she used but I did hear she cried afterwards because it was so embarrassing. 

Finishing One of the World's Best Series!

Rick Riordan's sense of humor is outrageously funny!

A few weeks ago, I finished The Blood of Olympus. Now you might be saying, "big deal" or "who cares?" but let me tell you... I care! I remember picking up the first book, The Lost Hero when I was in fifth grade. All the book geeks at my school were psyched because they had finished the Percy Jackson series like I did and were craving more of Rick Riordan's brilliant writing.

Now four years later, I have read the very last book, therefore completing the task I had set for myself when I read the first book of The Heroes of Olympus series. 

Enough of my gushing. I will attempt to convince you that you should pick up every single one of Rick Riordan's series right after you read this post. I'll give you five reasons.

Image Courtesy of Pinterest

1. If you love a good laugh when you are down in the dumps, Rick Riordan will surely pull you out of your dark brooding state and make you smile or even laugh out loud. The way he writes will make you experience the emotions of the characters like you are in the story too. Plus, who can't resist a good sarcastic comment once in awhile?

2. Who doesn't like well-written characters? Rick Riordan's skill of manipulating your feelings to match those of the characters' is incredible. Everyone in Percy Jackson, The Heroes of Olympus, and Kane Chronicles are full of smart-mouth comments, humorous comebacks, and touching words of encouragement that will make you smirk. The dialogue has a special touch that no other author has. Here is an excerpt from The Lost Hero that proves my point:

"Even before he got electrocuted, Jason was having a rotten day."

3. Each book is told from a different character's perspective which makes you experience more of the story than with just one narrator. I know, it might seem confusing at some times but once you understand what is happening you will get the hang of it almost immediately. There are many side stories and problems that intertwine with the main goal but ultimately the characters are able to solve the problems while completing the main goal.

Image Courtesy of Pinterest

4. All of Rick Riordan's books are about mythology: Greek, Roman, and Egyptian. Even though it's not the actual retelling of the myths, Riordan incorporates the gods/goddesses and mythical creatures that try to help or kill the heroes. Even if it is not entirely accurate, you will learn a little more about mythology that you can add to your useful fact compartment of your brain.

5. Last but not least, it's awesome. That doesn't describe much but I can't tell you much without spoiling every single book! Rick Riordan's style and ideas are unique and make a great story to be told. His way of telling the stories of each hero is remarkable and the way he pulls you into the book is funny and leaves you craving for more.

Hopefully, I was able to convince you with these words of wisdom but if I didn't... Well, you are missing big time on the world's best series ever! 

Only Perfect Boys Exist in Books

Names Courtesy of the Amazing Authors Out in the World

Raise your hand if you have one or more crushes on a fictional boy. My crush status is currently over one hundred fictional boys and I am very proud. What about your fictional crushes?

I must warn you though. This is going to become awkward for people who either don't read, already have a boyfriend, or is of the male population. If you are in any of theses categories, I advise you not to read this.

Looks like you made your choose. From here on out, I will talk about my strong mental attachments to some of my favorite fictional boyfriends.

Jace Wayland. That's all I have to say. I'm joking but if you have read the Mortal Instruments, you can agree with me. He is someone that you want to have in your life. If you love smart-mouth characters, then Jace is perfect for you! Every time he speaks, he has one or two sarcastic comments to throw into the mix. Don't worry. If you don't like smart-alec character, even though they are the best kind of characters, Jace is very romantic... In his own way. He first seems like he is a know-it-all and a big show-off but once you get used to his personality and his mood shifts, he is very charming and caring.

For all those Fault in Our Star fans, we have Augustus Waters! He will love you no matter what. His way of showing his affection towards you is very different from Jace's antics. Augustus will come up to you without hesitation and make your day. He is very gregarious and is not afraid to say what's on his mind. Plus, he has a funny side to him that makes him even more likable. He is very charismatic and will face a problem with a laugh and a smile.

The next boy might not be well-known to many but his name is Prince Maxon. He lives in the world of Illéa and he was looking for a potential bride (lucky girl). What's really cute about him is he becomes socially awkward around girls. Once, the castle was layer siege on and Maxon had to go around the room to comfort crying girls, which he did not know how to do. He had to ask the main character, America, for help and advice. Now there's a man who isn't scared to ask for directions!

Image Courtesy of DivergentFans.Com

And I can't forget Four! He's the one who would protect you from the evils of the real world. As he does with Tris in Divergent. He might come out as non-sociable but he is just saving himself for the right person. And I, like many other fangirls, want to be that special person. Four has a fear of heights but the way he shows that he is afraid is the tough-guy mask. As long as I know there is a caring man underneath that mask, I would love to date him. 

One of the worst feelings when finishing a series is leaving the boys behind. It gets better because you know that you can always keep the characters close to your heart.

Top 5 Fictional Places I Want to Visit

I thought I should change the scenery a bit. I want to show you the top five fictional places I would love to visit... If I could for a day or two.

Number one is...

Image Courtesy of Wetanz

Rivendell! Meeting Elrond has always been my (unrealistic) dream. I want to meet Hugo Weaving but still... It's not the same thing. He has the personality of a great leader who knows what to do in times of need. I would love to just sit down with him and talk about the Battle of the Five Armies. 

I also want to go to Rivendell because of the beautiful architecture and the calm ambiance. The stunning, shimmering waterfalls that flow down cliffs and out of buildings would be amazing to see in real life. If you like nature and its beauty, then you and I can agree on one thing. Rivendell would be the most gorgeous landmark on Middle-Earth. 

Number two is...

Image Courtesy of Rick Riordan

Camp Half-Blood! I have always dreamed of visiting this camp since I first picked up Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. I bet you would agree if you have read any of Rick Riordan's books. The camp is full of weapons and seemingly fun games (like capture the flag but with sharp swords...) And the cabins dedicated to every Greek god and goddess with cool and unique elements.

The cabin I would choose to explore first would be Hephaestus's cabin (Cabin Nine). In The Lost Hero, it is described as "an oversized RV." Inside the cabin, are retractable beds that can be controlled by voice which by the way is totally wicked! And to add to that awesomeness, the beds can withdraw from the main floor and settle in to a private quarters underground... Now who wouldn't want to live in this cabin? Since we are talking about Hephaestus, the cabin is also full of machines and power tools. Even though I am not really into forging weapons or armory, Cabin Nine calls to me, saying "come explore every corner of me!!!"

Number three is... 

Image Courtesy of Fandango 

Hogwarts! Imagine yourself walking down the Great Hall, with Harry, Hermione, and Ron at your sides... *sigh It would be the most magical day of my entire life! Eating an abundance of remarkable, fast-appearing food would add to the craziness of being sandwiched between Harry and Hermione with Ron eating across from you.

Playing quidditch, is the activity I would like to do most at Hogwarts. I also want to learn magic and meet the professors but I am dying to play quidditch! One reason is you get to fly on a broom... A broom! You have to admit, flying is one of the top wishes if you had some sort of genie, because it's definitely one of mine! And the other reason is you're playing a sport (if you love sports) which kills two birds with one stone.

Number four is... 

Image Courtesy of FrancsReviews

Fablehaven! Fablehaven is a sanctuary for all kinds of supernatural beings like fairies, centaurs, witches, dragons, etc.. The sanctuary is run by an elderly couple who are very amiable, but know when to strike hard when necessary. The creatures that live in Fablehaven aren't your typical Glenda the Good Witch or Eragon. Nevertheless, it would be a honor to visit these creatures. I would be willing to risk my life to experience Brandon Mull's magical world.


Number five is...

Image Courtesy of Reel Film News

The Glade! I would visit the Glade under safe conditions. The maze would be turned off and there would be no Grievers roaming at night. I would love to meet Newt, Thomas, and Minho. I would like to see how they learned to survive under such harsh conditions. Plus, it would be fun to run the maze as long as there were no Grievers trying to kill me.  

Leaving these magical worlds and the characters who live there is one of the hardest things about finishing a good book. It's fun to imagine what it would be like to actually visit. 

What worlds do you wish you could visit?

The Maze Runner: A Better Movie or Book?

Image Courtesy of Film.com

The Maze Runner has everyone talking. The new edition of the Young Adult movie world has already hit the high ranking box office with $32.5 million dollars. The question is was the movie as great as the book? 

Having finishing the book before I watched the movie, I was full of anticipation; my mind asking, will they stick to the book? While reading, I found that James Dashner was very descriptive with his violence in the book. I was hoping none of it would be translated onto the screen for I am a bit squeamish when it comes to watching gore. 

In fact the other night, I was watching Supernatural behind the living room couch. I don't think the people in the row behind me, would like me doing that in the movie theater. 

I was in luck. The movie didn't show all the violence the book described. For example, it didn't show Gally receiving his revengeful blows from Thomas or the gruesome attacks of the Grievers. 

Warning Spoilers Ahead! I personally hate spoilers, but if you really don't want to read the book or watch the movie, be my guest.

Image Courtesy of Movie Pilot

The movie diverted from the book in several ways. In the book, Alby dies much later then what was shown in the movie, which makes it even sadder. Another example is the Gladers, in the book, knew what would happen if they were stung by a Griever but in the movie, they don't understand why Grievers stung and what were the consequences.

SPOILERS END! You can read on... There is no more spoilers! 

Nevertheless, I thought Mr. Wes Ball did an excellent job in turning one of the best dystopian (and you can disagree with me) books, into one amazing, action-packed movie for all those book nerds like me. And I think you should read the book as well; the book is as amazing (maybe even better) as the movie.

Was It Really A Series of Unfortunate Events?

Image courtesy of LittleBits Toys

First of all, Count Olaf is not someone who you want to meet in a dark alley on Halloween... But seriously, A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning is an amazing book. I love the way the narrator Lemony Snicket, tells the story of three extraordinary orphans who lost their parents in a large fire that destroyed their homes and lives. And from there, it only gets worse. 

I picked up this book when I was in the first grade thinking it would be an excellent read but a couple of girls ruined it for me. They scared me with the book cover and played horrible tricks on me. The girls scared me so much, I decided not to read A Series of Unfortunate Events until ninth grade.

Even though the book was an easy read, I loved it. It was full of suspense and sadness (even though it didn't make me cry*). I love the three main characters, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny. They are incredible children with intellectual abilities that help them escape Count Olaf's wicked plan. I kinda wish I had the same ability to save my own family if they were ever captured...

Count Olaf is quite the character. Like I said, I wouldn't want to meet him in a dark alley on Halloween. He is supposed to be tall, dirty and extremely rude and evil. He seems like the person who would be in the dark corner of a bar with a hood over his head, begging you to come closer so he can grab you... Or maybe that's too scary to think about. 

Since The Bad Beginning is the first of thirteen books, I can't say that I have actually read the whole series. But I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves sad endings, orphaned children, and a mystery!

* I classify myself as a crier-that-laments-over-sorrowful-books

Hello

Hi everybody!

I am excited to introduce my new blog. I am very new to this but that won't stop me. This blog is mainly going to be about book reviews. I might add a little karate to the mix but I 'm still thinking about it. I hope you guys will enjoy my blog! Yay!