Friday 15 May 2015

Summer Reading!

 
Hello! Summer's almost here, and it's nearly time to create a summer reading challenge. I recently found the Sarah Dessen reading challenge on Twitter where you can read one of her books for each week of the summer and I thought it would be fun  to do! So providing that I can find copies of the books, I'll be reading and reviewing each book over the Summer!
-Kathryn
 

Friday 10 April 2015

Matched Ally Condie Book Review


Book: Matched

Author: Ally Condie

Publication Date: 2010

Thoughts: Well I first heard about this book on Pinterest where a pin was advertising books that you should read if you like Divergent (or the Hunger Games). So when I found this book in the charity shop I didn’t think for a moment before buying it (plus 50p is a bargain, who can say no to a 400 page book for 50p?)

Anyway, the first thing that made me want to read the book was the cover, I don’t normally  judge a book by its cover but to me the cover of ‘Matched’ stands out and  it gives you a good idea of what the story is about. On the cover a girl is trapped which is more or less what ‘Matched’ is about since Cassia the main character is trapped in a world that society has created.

The book is in the young adult dystopian genre (similarly to the Hunger Games and Divergent) but when I was reading the book it was more like ‘Big Brother is watching you,’ since society controls people lives e.g. who a person marries, when they die and where they work… If you pick up this book don’t expect it to be a copy of Divergent or the Hunger Games because although it’s the same genre they are very different novels.

However although Matched starts off as different from other Dystopian novels, by starting with the Matching (which is when you find out who you’re going to marry), It also has some cliché aspects of a Dystopian novel such as the main protagonist starting to question society similarly to The Hunger Games and Divergent.

I thought that the Society was very cleverly created; one thing that definitely intrigued me was that there was only 100 things of everything, e.g. 100 books, 100 songs, 100 movies (can you imagine? Having to watch the same film over and over?) And the Matching definitely interested me (what happens if you’re matched with someone you don’t like?) However although some aspects of the Society such as the Matching were described well some parts such as the Sorting left me asking even more questions.

The story is told from Cassia’s point of view, and it starts soon after she has been Matched with her best friend, and for a while its perfect, until she finds a glitch which makes her start to question society.  The main characters

I wasn’t a fan of the whole love triangle in the novel (mainly cause it didn’t feel like one, throughout the book we knew who Cassia was going to choose) I wished there was more of an insight of the relationship between Cassia and Xander.

Rating: 3.5 stars out of five. Why? Because I felt that relationship between Cassie and other characters was really fast paced and not really believable, I just don’t understand how you can know some throughout childhood and then suddenly fall in love with them after they realise that they are ‘different’.  As well as this I also think that some things about the Society could’ve been explained better such as why Society felt the need to limit the books, drawings, to the 100 drawings, books etc...  

Film: There is currently no film adaptation, but apparently one’s in the works, hopefully not for a while though since I’m not sure how much more young adult Dystopian films I can take!

Blurb:

On her seventeenth birthday,

Cassia meets her match. Society dictates

He is her Perfect Partner for life.

Except he’s not.

 

In Cassia’s society, Official decide who people love.

How many children they have.

Where they work.

When they die.

 

But as Cassia finds herself falling in love with another boy, she is determined to make some choices of her own.

And that’s when her whole world begins to unravel.

Buy now!
 

Friday 24 October 2014

Just Listen Review


Title:  Just Listen

Author: Sarah Dessen

Publication Date:  2006

Summary of the book:

I’m Annabel,

I’m the girl who has it all.

Model looks, confidence, a great social life. I’m one of the lucky ones aren’t I?

My ‘best friend’ is spreading rumours about me. My family is slowly falling apart. It’s turning into a long, lonely summer, full of secrets and silence.

But I’ve met this guy who won’t let me hide away. He’s one of those intense types, obsessed with music; he’s determined to make me listen. And he’s determined to make me smile. But can he help me forget what happened the night everything changed?

Thoughts: This book is amazing. It’s definitely one of my favourites.  I think the reason why I like this story so much is because I could relate to the protagonist; Annabel, (like Annabel I don’t like confrontations either!) The great thing about this book is that all the characters make mistakes which make the story more realistic, one of my pet peeves is when a character in a story is perfect. I also really liked reading about Owen (the boy who befriends Annabel) and the other characters such as Kirsten, Whitney and even Mallory.

The storyline is really great, we (or at least I was) easily drawn into the trap that Annabel had a perfect life after all she has a modelling job, a social life and is part of the ‘popular crowd’ what didn’t she have? But in this story it shows that her life is anything but perfect despite what others might think. One of my complaints about this story is that like other Sarah Dessen characters Annabel is quiet and somewhat reserved.

All I can say is that I’m really glad I read this book; it seems crazy to think that I had some reservations about buying this book! This is definitely one of my favourite Sarah Dessen books and I would recommend it to anyone who’s looking for something new to read.

Reviews:

“A compelling story and beautifully written,” -Time Out.

“Unputdownable,” –Mizz.

“A poignant coming of age story.” –The Big Issue.

Film Adaptation: There is currently no film adaptation of this book but I can only hope that one day there will be one,  so if there is going to be a film adaptation make sure you read the book first, after all the books are always better than the film.

More Romance

Buy the Book!

 

 

Sunday 12 October 2014

If I stay Book Review

Title:  If I Stay.
Author: Gayle Forman
Publication Date:  2009
Summary of the book:
The last thing Mia remembers is music.
After the accident she can still hear it. And she can see her damaged body being taken from the wreck of her parents- car even though she can’t feel a thing.
All she can do is watch as doctors rush to save her life, as her friends and relatives gather outside her room as the boy she loves struggles to be near her.
As the next twenty-four hours unfold. Mia must come to terms with what happened before the crash- and what could come after her. And she knows she must make the most difficult choice of all.
If she stays. (Blurb)
Mia is a budding cellist, who dreams of one day going to Juilliard. But after the accident everything changes and she is forced to make the biggest decision yet, will she stay with her friends and Adam or will she go?
 Thoughts: Most people compare this book to ‘The Lovely Bones’ which I haven’t read. I liked this book but one of the main problems I had with this book was that I found was that it was too short! It is told through flashbacks so we get an insight of what Mia’s life was like before the accident. I really liked this (although I was disappointed when I reached the end of the story & my Kindle said it was only 80% of the way through!) It ends with a cliffhanger, so if you really enjoy this book I'd strongly encourage you to buy the sequel in advance. Although I enjoyed this book I'll be honest and say that I don't think I'll be reading it again on account of the fact that I couldn't really connect with the characters (but that could just be me), perhaps one day I'll read it again and my opinion will change, you never know. 
Reviews:
 "This sensitively written story of the power of love and loss presses all the right buttons . . . the intensity of feelings and tragic suddenness with which life changes will strike a chord with teenagers and the young at heart. Read it, as they say, and weep" (Daily Mail)
"This is a wonderful, beautiful book; so gripping, so wise and oh, so heart-breakingly painful" (Carmen Reid)
"It reminded me very much of The Lovely Bones. I found it uplifting and satisfying" (Anne Cassidy)
Film Adaptation:
There is a film adaptation of the novel (it only recently came out) and it stars Chloe Grace Mortez as Mia Hall, although I haven’t seen the movie it looks good and the trailer inspired me to read the book! (:
Chloe Grace Mortez                            
Mia Hall
Jamie Blackley
Adam
Liana Liberto
Kim
Joshua Leonard
Denny Hall
Mireille Enos
Kat Hall

Romance







Saturday 27 September 2014

The Book Thief Review

Title:  The Book Thief
Author:  Markus Zusak
Publication Date:  2007
Summary of the book:
 Here is a small fact:
You are going to die.’
1939 Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier.
Liesel a nine- year- old girl is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall.
Some important information:
The Novel is narrated by Death.
It’s a small story, about:
A girl
+
A accordionist
+
Some fanatical Germans
+
A Jewish fist fighter
+
And quite a lot of thievery.

Another thing you should know:
Death will visit the Book Thief Three Times.

During the horrors of World War 2 Liesel Meminger is sent away to Himmel Street to live with her new foster parents; Hans and Rosa Hubermann. Liesel steals a book called The Grave Digger's Handbook and is fascinated by it even though she can neither read nor write, throughout the course of the book she learns to read and write and she finds solace in stealing books.

Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book, I was a bit reluctant to read it at first because of course it is set in ‘Nazi Germany’ and I knew that it would be pretty sad. But I’m glad that I finally decided to pick it up and read it, it’s very rare when a book reaches a spot in my top five favourite books when I’m only halfway through! Only behind to my all-time favourites; The Hobbit, The Magicians Nephew and The Harry Potter series.

You may be asking yourself; should I read this book? You may be a bit apprehensive as to whether or not you should read it, and I strongly encourage you to read it.  Sometimes a fictional interpretation of history helps the reader come to a real understanding of historic events, by reading it is almost like reliving historic events. This is an astonishing book and it has definitely encouraged me to read more fictional historic novels. I fell in love with the characters; Max, Liesel, Rudy, Hans even the story of the accordion made me shed a few tears.

Reviews:
"Extraordinary, resonant and relevant, beautiful and angry." (Lisa Hilton Sunday Telegraph)
"...a beautifully balanced piece of storytelling...Unsettling, thought-provoking, life affirming, triumphant and tragic, this is a novel of breathtaking scope, masterfully told. It is an important piece of work, but also a wonderful page-turner." (Guardian)
"A moving work which will make many eyes brim." (Marianne Brace Independent on Sunday)
"This is a weighty novel worthy of universal acclaim. A sense of dread prevades this beautifully written novel. As The Book Thief draws to a close, Death says: "There's a multitude of stories that i allow to distract me as I work." The story of the Book Thief, who tried to change the world in her own small way, proves one formidable and inspiring distraction." (Lianne Kolirin The Daily Express)
"Brilliant and hugely ambitious ... the kind of book that could be life-changing" (New York Times Book Review)

Film Adaptation:
There is a film adaptation of this book; the film came out in 2013.
It stars:
Sophie Nélisse as Liesel Meminger
Geoffrey Rush as Hans Hubermann
Emily Watson as Rosa Hubermann
Nico Liersch as Rudy Steiner  

More Historical Fiction 
Buy the DVD
Buy the Book


Wednesday 24 September 2014

Wattpad Interviews: PureAwesomeness67

This is an interview with Pureawesomeness67, check out her works; Under the influence & The Lonely Hearts club! :)  

1) How did you find out about Wattpad?
I heard about it from a friend while I was still writing my first story. It sounded like a cool site, so I checked it out, and soon enough I began posting my own stuff on here.

2) How did you feel when you completed your first story on Wattpad?
I was really excited. I remember my first thought once I had posted the last chapter was, "Wow, I can now tell people I've written a novel. I finally did something useful with my life." And then I told about it to everyone who'd listen.

3) Were there times that you felt like giving up on a story? How did you overcome that hurdle?
With How I Met Your Brother and Under the Influence, I had absolutely no problems with that, but with everything else there had been a few times when I just lost all my motivation. I don't have writer's block too often, but when I do, it hits me hard. Most of the time, I have to take a break to work on something else or start something totally new (which is more of a bad habit than anything, because I've got four stories that are all kind of on hold). Sometimes watching movies or reading helps, just to get some inspiration.

4) Is there anyone/ anything that inspires you to write?
Movies and TV always seem to spark ideas in me (Shaun of the Dead inspired me to write The Z Word). Books and music, too. A few of my friends are also writers on here, so sometimes-- mostly  when we get stuck-- we give each other suggestions and bounce ideas back and forth.

5) Whose your favourite character to write about and why?
Hmm. This is a tough one. I have to go with Charlie and Hunter from Under the Influence, mostly because I spent quite a bit of time planning their development and what their personalities would be like. They're complementary, they bring out the best in each other. I tried really hard with these two.

6) Are there any parts of your novels that are based on real life experiences?
 I wish! No, my life isn't nearly as interesting as my stories. There might be a few instances in which something is based off a real life situation in How I Met Your Brother, but they aren't that significant. There's the "Sexy Derriere Song" that my friends made up in eighth grade... I can't think of anything else

7) Were you worried what people would think when you uploaded you stories?
I was, at first, but not as much anymore. When you start writing (or doing anything, really) there's always the fear that people won't like or agree with what you write, but once you get over that and start writing for yourself instead of everyone else, it becomes a lot easier.

8) Do you have any tips for aspiring writers on Wattpad?
The most important thing is not to give up. There will be times when you think you won't be good enough, or you run out of ideas or motivation, but keep going. Don't get discouraged just because you don't have as many votes or comments as other people. Those don't matter. Write for yourself and nobody else. Those are the most important things to remember.

9) to what extent do you plan before starting to  write your story?
It varies. Sometimes I just plan the characters and let the plot develop as I go. Other times, I make character biographies and write down everything that's going to happen in a chapter before I write it. It really depends on the story.

10) what are your current goals for your ongoing stories on Wattpad?
I'm hoping to edit them one day and send them to a few publishers, try my luck. I don't know. I'm not too focused on getting published just yet, though. I want to hone my writing first.

Sunday 20 October 2013

The Hobbit: The Desolation of the Smaug trailer


On Friday 13th of December which may be unlucky for some- but not for us, the Hobbit The Desolation of the Smaug will be coming to cinemas! :) 

The stories follows the story from The Hobbit an Unexpected Journey, and stars Ian McKellon as Gandalf and Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins. 

The Hobbit is a prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The main protagonist of The Hobbit is Bilbo Baggins, Bilbo Baggins is the Uncle of Frodo Baggins who is the main protagonist of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The story also tells us how the ring came in the possession of Bilbo. The journey focuses on telling us about Bilbo, the wizard Gandalf, Thorin and their company of dwarves (there are fourteen of them in total- because thirteen is considered unlucky) the company set off to get the stolen gold from the dragon Smaug.

A sneak peak  of the trailer can be found bellow. 


Are you excited for the release of this film? Will you go to the cinema to see it?


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