There is still a forth coming post for the Reading Challenge, but I have a couple more chapters...that I will prolly finish tonight after Dancing with the Stars...Yes. I love DWTS! It's musical, theatrical, and totally fun! PS: Before anyone asks, I don't know who I want to win!
So this week, I have a bit of a bonus. A couple of actually. This week, I have been reading three different books: High Society (A Grace Kelly biography...That I will talk about prolly later tonight), Son of Witch (Book 2 of The Wicked Years...I'll blog about that a little later next week because I have to finish the whole series for my next challenge I'm taking on), and finally, the purpose of this post, Where She Went by Gayle Forman.
Let's start at the very beginning...a very good place to start... *Extra credit to the person who can tell me what that lines from!*
So Where She Went is actually a sequel to If I Stay. I absolutely devoured If I Stay back in July. And I mean, I read the book in a few short hours. I could not put it down. It was a quick read. The book is also a member of one of my favorite genres...YAL.
I offer a quick synopsis of If I Stay for those who that haven't read it yet: Seventeen year-old Mia gets into a car accident, but remembers nothing from it. However, while she is in a coma, she can see everything that is happening around her...including the battle to save her own life. As she watches each scene, she realizes all she has lost and what she has to look forward to if she wakes up.
The novel is told entirely from Mia's point of view. Mia illustrates the current happenings in the hospital, and weaves moments from her relationship with her boyfriend Adam into the story. It paints a beautiful picture of a fledgling relationship of young love. The story also includes a love for music and the arts. I don't think I'm blowing the ending for anyone by saying, Mia decides to stay and live. I feel like the fact that there's a sequel tells what she decides.
So now the ending to If I Stay is a complete cliffhanger. And I knew immediately I needed to read the sequel! Cue my obsessive reader side that debates between patiently waiting out the Hold List on the eLibrary or just bite the bullet and buy the book. My frugal side won out, and I waited on the Hold List. For six weeks!!
Cue girly scream when I received an email letting me know my number had been called, and I could check out the sequel!
So now I offer you a brief synopsis for Where She Went: The novel picks up about 3-4 years after the conclusion of If I Stay, and it is a continuation of Mia and Adam's story. This novel differs though because it is told from Adam's point of view. Mia decided to stay and survive, but not with him. Adam's music career gets a restart when he writes an album that portrays just how painful the breakup was for him. He becomes the target of paparazzi and feels suffocated by the fame. Mia has become a world class cellist, and she is playing the Carnegie Hall. Their paths cross again when Adam decides to impulsively go to the concert. In a single night they rehash the last three years and find a way to live with the decisions and paths both of them selected.
The novel ended exactly how I wanted, and this time I'm not going to say anything about the ending because I don't have to. It's a quick two book series that is very enjoyable.
Sidenote...As I was reading the second book, it kinda reminded me of this film series that stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. There are three movies in the series called: Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight. All three movies take place over the course of a day, and they chronicle different stages in the lives of a couple. An awesome film series if you're looking for some quirky, indie and real.
Anywho...Another blog post is coming shortly for the Reading Challenge! And I'm thinking about doing a page count too. I obviously won't be able to keep track for the whole year, but I might go to the point where I started blogging again to add all the pages up. Then I can keep track until the end of the year, and totally start a new page count for 2015.
Until next time!
Showing posts with label YAL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label YAL. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
The Giver
My original plan was to hold off on blogging until after I finished rereading The Giver Quartet (written by Lois Lowry); however, I am just too freaking excited...So change in plans.
I reread The Giver this weekend. My first experience with the book was in elementary school. One of my teachers read it aloud to us. At age 9 or even 10...How much do you really retain and listen to as your teacher reads? That being said, I don't know how to convey how much I truly enjoyed reacquainting myself with the The Giver. It honestly felt like the first time. (Cue the Foreigner song right now) It is one of few books that I would honestly dub of "literary treasure." And that is not an honor I hand out very often.
In the event that anyone reading this hasn't read the book, I offer a short synopsis for you. But you must promise to go out and read the novel immediately! I mean it's only 180 pages. The novel takes place in a Utopian society. The plot primarily follows Jonas. He is about to graduate to the Twelves group. Once a person in the society reaches the Twelves group, they are given their community assignment. Jonas is selected to be the next Receiver of Memory. He is to be trained to take place of the current Receiver, who asks Jonas to call him the Giver. The novel chronicles Jonas' training with the Giver. And for the first time in his life Jonas truly sees the world that he is living in for what it is.
The novel was released in 1993. With the other three being released in 2000 (Gathering Blue), 2004 (Messenger), and 2012 (Son), respectively. The novel won a Newbury Medal in 1994,("The most distinguished contribution to American literature for children"), but on the flip side was on the ALA's list of most challenged books throughout the 90's. Now I am one of those nerds, who finds a book even more desirable to read if it is on the challenged list.
Remember...This blog is merely a collection of my thoughts and opinions...No one has to agree or go along with me. And when I make blanket statements (like the one I'm about to make), I am not required to back them up with evidence of my claim because they are merely my opinions. (PS: This little disclaimer may have been for myself...After so many years of writing evidence-supported essays, I find myself having difficulty just writing my opinion without offering support.)
The Giver paved the way for many successful YAL series. (Said blanket statement) BTW, I apologize in advance if I spoil any novels for anyone, I will try my best to be vague without giving any massive plot points away. PS: This might be a slight ramble...but I'm gonna go forth just the same.
- The Giver takes place in a Utopian society where there is "Sameness." Free will is completely taken away from all the citizens. All choices are made for them. Everything from their lifelong career to the clothes they wear each day. The Elders group are all knowing. They see all that happens and rule with an iron fist, unbeknownst to the citizens of "Sameness."
- The Hunger Games series takes place in a Dystopian society, post-War. The Capital dictates what their District is established for...what goods they will produce. Each year the people are subjected to the Hunger Games, and they must watch as people slaughter each other for survival. The Capital rules with an iron fist as well. And their answer to Civil Disobedience...Elimination.
- The Divergent series is also set in a Dystopian society. There are five factions in the society that each person lives in. Their faction determines how they live, where they work, the kinds of jobs they will have, clothes they wear, etc...
Squirrel! Sidenote: After some research (for my own curiosity), I found that The Hunger Games series was on the ALA's 2013 list of most challenged books, and that the Divergent series would likely be included on the 2014 list.
All three series occur in a universe that we don't live in. They all hold similar elements of repression of the masses, where the long shot is the one to make the stand. To me, that makes for a fantastic read, and I am not alone in that opinion.
Young Adult Lit (YAL) is hot right now. So many people of all ages are cracking open books in this genre, and as soon as they devour one, they pick up another. I am included in this group. I can't get enough of them. I often wish I would have searched for YAL books when I was in middle and high school. I think I could have weathered that particular time period in my life far better than I did. It makes me happy that young people are reading, and getting excited about reading. And I think a huge reason is because so many YAL books are being adapted in film.
The Giver is the most recent to receive a film adaptation. At least it's the most recent one I have seen. And my initial reaction to the film: Solid. Beautiful. Thought Provoking.
I realize I might be getting skinned alive for saying that here, but I thoroughly enjoyed the adaptation. It mostly follows the novel, but like every film based on a book there are some differences. Some that are glaringly obvious. But on it's own, the film is amazing. You have to see it with an open mind, and not merely just to pick it apart with each compare and contrast from book to movie.
I would love to write about all the moments I loved in the film, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I think it should be seen without spoilers. So moral of the story here....Read The Giver and go see the film too. But as separate experiences!
See ya soon!
Jess
I reread The Giver this weekend. My first experience with the book was in elementary school. One of my teachers read it aloud to us. At age 9 or even 10...How much do you really retain and listen to as your teacher reads? That being said, I don't know how to convey how much I truly enjoyed reacquainting myself with the The Giver. It honestly felt like the first time. (Cue the Foreigner song right now) It is one of few books that I would honestly dub of "literary treasure." And that is not an honor I hand out very often.
In the event that anyone reading this hasn't read the book, I offer a short synopsis for you. But you must promise to go out and read the novel immediately! I mean it's only 180 pages. The novel takes place in a Utopian society. The plot primarily follows Jonas. He is about to graduate to the Twelves group. Once a person in the society reaches the Twelves group, they are given their community assignment. Jonas is selected to be the next Receiver of Memory. He is to be trained to take place of the current Receiver, who asks Jonas to call him the Giver. The novel chronicles Jonas' training with the Giver. And for the first time in his life Jonas truly sees the world that he is living in for what it is.
The novel was released in 1993. With the other three being released in 2000 (Gathering Blue), 2004 (Messenger), and 2012 (Son), respectively. The novel won a Newbury Medal in 1994,("The most distinguished contribution to American literature for children"), but on the flip side was on the ALA's list of most challenged books throughout the 90's. Now I am one of those nerds, who finds a book even more desirable to read if it is on the challenged list.
Remember...This blog is merely a collection of my thoughts and opinions...No one has to agree or go along with me. And when I make blanket statements (like the one I'm about to make), I am not required to back them up with evidence of my claim because they are merely my opinions. (PS: This little disclaimer may have been for myself...After so many years of writing evidence-supported essays, I find myself having difficulty just writing my opinion without offering support.)
The Giver paved the way for many successful YAL series. (Said blanket statement) BTW, I apologize in advance if I spoil any novels for anyone, I will try my best to be vague without giving any massive plot points away. PS: This might be a slight ramble...but I'm gonna go forth just the same.
- The Giver takes place in a Utopian society where there is "Sameness." Free will is completely taken away from all the citizens. All choices are made for them. Everything from their lifelong career to the clothes they wear each day. The Elders group are all knowing. They see all that happens and rule with an iron fist, unbeknownst to the citizens of "Sameness."
- The Hunger Games series takes place in a Dystopian society, post-War. The Capital dictates what their District is established for...what goods they will produce. Each year the people are subjected to the Hunger Games, and they must watch as people slaughter each other for survival. The Capital rules with an iron fist as well. And their answer to Civil Disobedience...Elimination.
- The Divergent series is also set in a Dystopian society. There are five factions in the society that each person lives in. Their faction determines how they live, where they work, the kinds of jobs they will have, clothes they wear, etc...
Squirrel! Sidenote: After some research (for my own curiosity), I found that The Hunger Games series was on the ALA's 2013 list of most challenged books, and that the Divergent series would likely be included on the 2014 list.
All three series occur in a universe that we don't live in. They all hold similar elements of repression of the masses, where the long shot is the one to make the stand. To me, that makes for a fantastic read, and I am not alone in that opinion.
Young Adult Lit (YAL) is hot right now. So many people of all ages are cracking open books in this genre, and as soon as they devour one, they pick up another. I am included in this group. I can't get enough of them. I often wish I would have searched for YAL books when I was in middle and high school. I think I could have weathered that particular time period in my life far better than I did. It makes me happy that young people are reading, and getting excited about reading. And I think a huge reason is because so many YAL books are being adapted in film.
The Giver is the most recent to receive a film adaptation. At least it's the most recent one I have seen. And my initial reaction to the film: Solid. Beautiful. Thought Provoking.
I realize I might be getting skinned alive for saying that here, but I thoroughly enjoyed the adaptation. It mostly follows the novel, but like every film based on a book there are some differences. Some that are glaringly obvious. But on it's own, the film is amazing. You have to see it with an open mind, and not merely just to pick it apart with each compare and contrast from book to movie.
I would love to write about all the moments I loved in the film, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I think it should be seen without spoilers. So moral of the story here....Read The Giver and go see the film too. But as separate experiences!
See ya soon!
Jess
Sunday, January 20, 2013
The Night Circus
Clearly I'm starting off on the right foot with this blog! Lol! But I've been on a "Downton Abbey" kick, which has most def added several books to my read list for this year! I can hardly wait! :)
Back on track though, this post is merely to serve as an update of sorts and to air some of my grievances and thoughts on currents reads!
1) I am currently reading "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern. I checked the book out because I mean the title alone leaves so many possibilities as to what the book could be about! I am about 55 pages in and I might be a little lost. It's like there are several plot lines happening.
One is the mysterious Night Circus that shows up unannounced and is only open from dusk to dawn. All patrons experience events that can only be described as the supernatural.
The second is about two children (a boy and a girl) whose guardians are magicians that seem to be training their children to compete in some sort of duel of wits. Although I'm not even sure if it will be a duel. The magicians refer to it as "playing" and each is allowed to train their child for years. The only formal commitment of the pending competition is when each child has a ring placed on their finger that "burns/scars/marks" them as the competitor.
I'm not quite sure if I'm enjoying this book yet. It jumps back and forth between the two plot lines, and is very cryptic. The author hints at things that are happening to the children as they grow up and learn, but it never directly says what is going on. I have no idea what is going to happen and why there is even a pending competition between the two marks. I have so many questions about the back story: What's up with the old magician guardians? What is their past relationship like? Why are they using these children as competitors?
And then of course, I have predictions in my mind. Did they set up their competitors as a boy and a girl simply because they will be future lovers? Will they join the eponymous Night Circus with their new found "powers?"
Ps: I feel like I should mention that one reviewer of this book said it was like Harry Potter, which I do not see at all! But maybe that is to come further into the book! Either way I will be persevering through it to find out! And I will post more later!
2) I'm also reading Furious Love. It's about the live affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton! I am immensely enjoying the read! It is so detailed about their lives and the others that were affected by their relationship and movies! I have a million thoughts to post about the book, but I will wait until I am finished! I have a little over half left and can't wait to finish it!
Btw, a Gone With the Wind post is coming! I just need to sit down a write it! Hopefully this week! :)
Back on track though, this post is merely to serve as an update of sorts and to air some of my grievances and thoughts on currents reads!
1) I am currently reading "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern. I checked the book out because I mean the title alone leaves so many possibilities as to what the book could be about! I am about 55 pages in and I might be a little lost. It's like there are several plot lines happening.
One is the mysterious Night Circus that shows up unannounced and is only open from dusk to dawn. All patrons experience events that can only be described as the supernatural.
The second is about two children (a boy and a girl) whose guardians are magicians that seem to be training their children to compete in some sort of duel of wits. Although I'm not even sure if it will be a duel. The magicians refer to it as "playing" and each is allowed to train their child for years. The only formal commitment of the pending competition is when each child has a ring placed on their finger that "burns/scars/marks" them as the competitor.
I'm not quite sure if I'm enjoying this book yet. It jumps back and forth between the two plot lines, and is very cryptic. The author hints at things that are happening to the children as they grow up and learn, but it never directly says what is going on. I have no idea what is going to happen and why there is even a pending competition between the two marks. I have so many questions about the back story: What's up with the old magician guardians? What is their past relationship like? Why are they using these children as competitors?
And then of course, I have predictions in my mind. Did they set up their competitors as a boy and a girl simply because they will be future lovers? Will they join the eponymous Night Circus with their new found "powers?"
Ps: I feel like I should mention that one reviewer of this book said it was like Harry Potter, which I do not see at all! But maybe that is to come further into the book! Either way I will be persevering through it to find out! And I will post more later!
2) I'm also reading Furious Love. It's about the live affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton! I am immensely enjoying the read! It is so detailed about their lives and the others that were affected by their relationship and movies! I have a million thoughts to post about the book, but I will wait until I am finished! I have a little over half left and can't wait to finish it!
Btw, a Gone With the Wind post is coming! I just need to sit down a write it! Hopefully this week! :)
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
A Reading Recess
2013.
It's here. Weird.
Over this last week, I've been taking inventory of all the books I read this last year. I came up with 99 books that I read and finished in 2012. Just shy of 100...Damn! And yes, I counted two or three times just to be sure I didn't miscount! So clearly it only makes sense that I need to set out this year to make it a full 100...Hopefully more. And this is gonna be my forum/sounding board for my progress, thoughts, and opinions.
As I went through the list of books read this year, I realized what an amazing reading recess it has been. This year's reading list included:
1) The Hunger Games trilogy, which I devoured twice...And no, I only counted them once on my list! The series added to my love for the YAL (Young Adult Lit) genre. And it was a wild, emotional ride to boot! I don't doubt that I will re-read them soon!
2) The Silver Linings Playbook, which honestly started as a sample I downloaded out if curiosity became a whirlwind read that I finished in two days. I then found out that it was a movie with Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper and wanted to see it immediately. However, since I live in such a small town the movie didn't even come here! Boo!!!
3) The Perks of Being a Wallflower! Another quick read. I wish I could write a book like this...so personal and insightful and honest. The more I read, the more I felt like Charlie was writing his letters to me.
4) A charming novel called "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. The book is told from the point of view of a golden retriever named Enzo. Enzo regaled me with how he protects his human, Denny, from vicious stuffed zebras! It was entertaining, sad, and real.
5) A handful of non-fiction: Penny Marshall's "My Mother Was Nuts" and Tina Fey's "Bossypants"...quite possibly one of the funniest books I've ever read! I even enjoyed her idea of the sickest joke ever! Lol!
Other non-fiction includes the beginning of my obsession with Old Hollywood biographies: "Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman" by Sam Wasson...Amazing read! The book goes into great detail about Audrey's career and struggles of being a modern woman in a world that believed women should be at home. And of course it's about Breakfast at Tiffany's, which is my most favorite movie in the world!
And then there's "Once Upon a Time," which is a biography that chronicles the lives and relationship of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. Quite possibly one of the most fascinating biographies I've ever read!
6) Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations"...I honestly wasn't sure I was going to read this one, but then I started it unexpectedly one night. This is only my second Dickens novel that I've read, and I forgot just how much I love his prose style. It's descriptive and full of lessons! I can't even count how many highlights I made throughout the novel! Thank God for the Kindle!
7) This year I also tackled Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With the Wind"...I had always wanted to read it, especially since I am a huge fan of the movie! So I downloaded the novel in February. I have been reading the book in spurts for the entire year. I didn't intend to take so long, but I have enjoyed the leisurely journey. And Scarlett O'Hara has climbed my list of favorite literary characters to spot number two! Which it has to be said that my literary characters list hasn't been altered since I was a sophomore in high school! For the curious, number one is Jean Louise "Scout" Finch of "To Kill a Mockingbird." Even though Gone With the Wind was a 2012 read, it will be given a full post be because there is just too much to say about the book!
I'm not sure what my "Reading Recess of 2013" will hold. But I have several hopefuls already downloaded and waiting for me on my Kindle! One being Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina." I plan on dabbling in some more of F. Scott's Fitzgerald's novels about the roaring 20's. I will continue on my non-fiction obsession, which I have already started with "Furious Love," a biography about the love affair of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. And I will be attacking my YAL reading list as well!
So here's to a Happy New Year and my Reading Recess of 2013!
Cheers!
It's here. Weird.
Over this last week, I've been taking inventory of all the books I read this last year. I came up with 99 books that I read and finished in 2012. Just shy of 100...Damn! And yes, I counted two or three times just to be sure I didn't miscount! So clearly it only makes sense that I need to set out this year to make it a full 100...Hopefully more. And this is gonna be my forum/sounding board for my progress, thoughts, and opinions.
As I went through the list of books read this year, I realized what an amazing reading recess it has been. This year's reading list included:
1) The Hunger Games trilogy, which I devoured twice...And no, I only counted them once on my list! The series added to my love for the YAL (Young Adult Lit) genre. And it was a wild, emotional ride to boot! I don't doubt that I will re-read them soon!
2) The Silver Linings Playbook, which honestly started as a sample I downloaded out if curiosity became a whirlwind read that I finished in two days. I then found out that it was a movie with Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper and wanted to see it immediately. However, since I live in such a small town the movie didn't even come here! Boo!!!
3) The Perks of Being a Wallflower! Another quick read. I wish I could write a book like this...so personal and insightful and honest. The more I read, the more I felt like Charlie was writing his letters to me.
4) A charming novel called "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. The book is told from the point of view of a golden retriever named Enzo. Enzo regaled me with how he protects his human, Denny, from vicious stuffed zebras! It was entertaining, sad, and real.
5) A handful of non-fiction: Penny Marshall's "My Mother Was Nuts" and Tina Fey's "Bossypants"...quite possibly one of the funniest books I've ever read! I even enjoyed her idea of the sickest joke ever! Lol!
Other non-fiction includes the beginning of my obsession with Old Hollywood biographies: "Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman" by Sam Wasson...Amazing read! The book goes into great detail about Audrey's career and struggles of being a modern woman in a world that believed women should be at home. And of course it's about Breakfast at Tiffany's, which is my most favorite movie in the world!
And then there's "Once Upon a Time," which is a biography that chronicles the lives and relationship of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. Quite possibly one of the most fascinating biographies I've ever read!
6) Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations"...I honestly wasn't sure I was going to read this one, but then I started it unexpectedly one night. This is only my second Dickens novel that I've read, and I forgot just how much I love his prose style. It's descriptive and full of lessons! I can't even count how many highlights I made throughout the novel! Thank God for the Kindle!
7) This year I also tackled Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With the Wind"...I had always wanted to read it, especially since I am a huge fan of the movie! So I downloaded the novel in February. I have been reading the book in spurts for the entire year. I didn't intend to take so long, but I have enjoyed the leisurely journey. And Scarlett O'Hara has climbed my list of favorite literary characters to spot number two! Which it has to be said that my literary characters list hasn't been altered since I was a sophomore in high school! For the curious, number one is Jean Louise "Scout" Finch of "To Kill a Mockingbird." Even though Gone With the Wind was a 2012 read, it will be given a full post be because there is just too much to say about the book!
I'm not sure what my "Reading Recess of 2013" will hold. But I have several hopefuls already downloaded and waiting for me on my Kindle! One being Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina." I plan on dabbling in some more of F. Scott's Fitzgerald's novels about the roaring 20's. I will continue on my non-fiction obsession, which I have already started with "Furious Love," a biography about the love affair of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. And I will be attacking my YAL reading list as well!
So here's to a Happy New Year and my Reading Recess of 2013!
Cheers!
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