I've moved!

Oh wow. I haven't made a post on this blog in exactly a year. Can't believe that!

So I took a break from blogging as you can all see but today I decided to come back! Except, I made a new blog, it's still going to be about books, mind you. I have over 100 followers on this blog and you're all amazing, every single one of you! I think I will be permanently moving over to the other blog though.

It's called Night Sky Reviews and I hope you all join me over there. If I followed you on this account, let me know so I can follow you on my new one!

In My Mailbox #2

The Vampire Diaries; The Return - Nightfall.

 The vampire love triangle that spawned hundreds of thousands of fans-and inspired a hit TV show on the CW concludes in this powerful final volume of The Vampire Diaries. In Midnight, golden girl Elena Gilbert is back from the Dark Dimension, having successfully freed her vampire boyfriend Stefan Salvatore from imprisonment. Saving Stefan had an unlikely consequence: his vampire brother Damon Salvatore has become a mortal. While the trio reels from this latest twist, they must still deal with the demons that have taken over Elena's hometown, Fell's Church. As in every L.J. Smith novel, no matter how dark the night, there is always a happy ending. Midnight takes Elena, Stefan, and Damon to their darkest moments yet. Smith will keep readers fascinated with this captivating finale to the New York Times bestselling series.

Wizards

Readers have always been fascinated by the vast body of fact and fable surrounding wizards, those healers, mystics, and memorable figures from folklore and literature. Here is a beautifully illustrated guide to wizards and wizardry, a volume tracing wizardry's origins and legends, and charting wizards' activities and powers over the centuries and across many cultures. The book's six chapters examine and discuss--the history of wizards, including Siberian shamans, the classical Roman poet Virgil, wizards of the medieval and Renaissance eras including Dr. John Dee (1527–1608), famous fictional practitioners of wizardry such as Tolkien's Gandalf, and today's shamans in South America and India . . . The traditional role of the wizard as prophet and visionary . . . The wizard as master of nature's elements, and the genius who works with nature to transform himself and others . . . The good versus the evil wizards in history and legend, from the medieval Gilles de Rais to the modern Star Wars legend of the Emperor versus Obi wan Kenobi . . . The wizard as alchemist, with special attention to figures such as Merlin, the wizard of the Arthurian legends . . . The wizard as a keeper of knowledge and a seeker of truth . . . . The author also suggests meditations and practices readers can use to foster their own potential for wizardry. This fascinating volume features 180 full-color illustrations.

In my Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren. 

Currently Reading #1

The Vampire Diaries; The Return - Midnight.

The vampire love triangle that spawned hundreds of thousands of fans-and inspired a hit TV show on the CW concludes in this powerful final volume of The Vampire Diaries. In Midnight, golden girl Elena Gilbert is back from the Dark Dimension, having successfully freed her vampire boyfriend Stefan Salvatore from imprisonment. Saving Stefan had an unlikely consequence: his vampire brother Damon Salvatore has become a mortal. While the trio reels from this latest twist, they must still deal with the demons that have taken over Elena's hometown, Fell's Church. As in every L.J. Smith novel, no matter how dark the night, there is always a happy ending. Midnight takes Elena, Stefan, and Damon to their darkest moments yet. Smith will keep readers fascinated with this captivating finale to the New York Times bestselling series.

What are you reading at the moment? 

I Am Number Four Review

I Am Number Four

Author; Pittacus Lore.

Publisher; Harper Collins.

Publication Date; 2010.

Page Count; 440.

Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you can only dream of doing. We have powers that you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real. Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. We have lived among you without you knowing. But they know. Number One was killed in Malaysia. Number Two was murdered in England. Number Three was hunted down in Kenya. Before they come for the others, they'll come for me. I Am Number Four. I am next.

This was an amazing book. It had everything; fantasy, action, romance, suspense and surprises that caught you offguard. What I really loved about it was that you could connect with the characters, feel their pain or sadness with them, feel their happiness, feel their fear. The plot was great too. I had nothing to complain about at all in this book. I love when books suck you in and you find it hard to put it down; That is exactly what happened with this story. I'm really glad that I read it before the movie is released. Bring on the second book! 

My rating; ❤❤❤❤❤

Teaser Tuesdays (8 Feb)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme held over at Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do the following:

• Grab your current read.
• Open to a random page.
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teaser. 

My teasers:

"There's no website listed anywhere on it, and I didn't expect there to be, considering that Henri has already searched the internet high and low. I read the headline of the top story: Is your neighbor an alien? Ten failsafe ways to tell!"

- I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. 

What's your teaser this week?

What are you reading?

Hey guys! I haven't posted anything in about a month. I've just been so busy! 

I changed my layout and got a new header so now my blog looks 100 times cleaner :) 

What are you all reading? 

I will have a review up in the next few days for I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. I'm just over half way through it! Watch this space!

It's Monday, What are you Reading?

It's Monday, What are you Reading? is hosted by One Persons Journey through a world of books. This is the time when we tell all of our followers what we have read in the last week and what we plan to read in the week ahead.

Finished Reading

The Gift by Cecelia Ahern

Thanks For The Memories by Cecelia Ahern

Plan To Read

Set In Darkness by Ian Rankin

What books have you read last week? What books are you planning to read this week?

Thanks For The Memories Review

New York Times bestselling author Cecelia Ahern's charming new novel explores what happens when "what if" becomes a reality for two strangers whose lives are at a crossroads. How can you know someone you've never met? That's the question haunting Joyce Conway these days. Recovering from a terrible accident and with her marriage in pieces, Joyce is suddenly plagued by an overwhelming sense of déjà vu that makes her feel as if the life she's living is not her own. During the day she has vivid memories of things she's never seen—such as cobblestoned Parisian streets she's never visited—and at night she dreams of a little girl she's sure she's never met. Joyce is convinced she's lost her mind . . . until a series of coincidences leads her on a journey to meet the one person who may hold the answer she needs. Someone's life could be depending on you right now. . . . That's the pitch that finally persuades Justin Hitchcock to donate blood—the first thing to come straight from his heart in a long time. Restless and lonely, Justin chased his ex-wife and daughter from Chicago to London, and now he's in Dublin, guest-lecturing to bored college students. When he receives a basket of muffins with a thank-you note attached, he's sure someone's playing a joke on him, but then the presents keep coming. Intrigued, Justin is determined to solve the mystery—a quest that will change his life forever. Thanks for the Memories is a heartwarming story of hope, love, and second chances—Cecelia Ahern's most magical novel yet.


This one features the unusual situation where someone receives donated blood, only to find that she somehow inherits some strange memories too - which, it seems, are from the person who gave her his blood. The book follows the lives of these two people; one an art historian, recently separated from his wife, and the other a young woman who has just lost a baby, and as a result finds her marriage in tatters. Cecelia Ahern is a really talented author! I really enjoyed this book from her, read it in 24 hours because I just couldn't put it down. You can connect with the characters and really be dragged into their world! The story was very serious at times but also funny at other moments, A great mix! This book is also being made into a movie, I can't wait! :) 


❤❤❤❤❤


Read the first chapter for free here. 

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is hosted over at The Story Siren. 

The Gift - Cecelia Ahern. 

One frigid morning in an uncharacteristic burst of generosity, workaholic Lou Suffren buys a cup of coffee for Gabe, a homeless man huddled outside his office building. Inspired by his own unexpected act of kindness, Lou decides to prolong his charitable streak and contrives to get Gabe a job in his company's mailroom. But when Gabe begins to meddle in Lou's life, the helping hand appears to be a serious mistake. Gabe seems to know more about Lou than Lou does about himself, and, perhaps more disturbingly, Gabe always seems to be in two places at once. With Lou's personal and professional fates at important crossroads and Christmas looming, Gabe resorts to some unorthodox methods to show his stubborn patron what truly matters and how precious the gift of time is. But can he help him fix what's broken before it's too late?

Thanks for the Memories - Cecelia Ahern.

New York Times bestselling author Cecelia Ahern's charming new novel explores what happens when "what if" becomes a reality for two strangers whose lives are at a crossroads. How can you know someone you've never met? That's the question haunting Joyce Conway these days. Recovering from a terrible accident and with her marriage in pieces, Joyce is suddenly plagued by an overwhelming sense of déjà vu that makes her feel as if the life she's living is not her own. During the day she has vivid memories of things she's never seen—such as cobblestoned Parisian streets she's never visited—and at night she dreams of a little girl she's sure she's never met. Joyce is convinced she's lost her mind . . . until a series of coincidences leads her on a journey to meet the one person who may hold the answer she needs. Someone's life could be depending on you right now. . . . That's the pitch that finally persuades Justin Hitchcock to donate blood—the first thing to come straight from his heart in a long time. Restless and lonely, Justin chased his ex-wife and daughter from Chicago to London, and now he's in Dublin, guest-lecturing to bored college students. When he receives a basket of muffins with a thank-you note attached, he's sure someone's playing a joke on him, but then the presents keep coming. Intrigued, Justin is determined to solve the mystery—a quest that will change his life forever. Thanks for the Memories is a heartwarming story of hope, love, and second chances—Cecelia Ahern's most magical novel yet.

Sorry for the bad quality photos! I don't have a digital camera or picture phone at the moment so I'm stuck using my webcam! 

The Gift Review

One frigid morning in an uncharacteristic burst of generosity, workaholic Lou Suffren buys a cup of coffee for Gabe, a homeless man huddled outside his office building. Inspired by his own unexpected act of kindness, Lou decides to prolong his charitable streak and contrives to get Gabe a job in his company's mailroom. But when Gabe begins to meddle in Lou's life, the helping hand appears to be a serious mistake. Gabe seems to know more about Lou than Lou does about himself, and, perhaps more disturbingly, Gabe always seems to be in two places at once.

With Lou's personal and professional fates at important crossroads and Christmas looming, Gabe resorts to some unorthodox methods to show his stubborn patron what truly matters and how precious the gift of time is. But can he help him fix what's broken before it's too late?

I thought this was a great story! Not your typical Christmas story where two people fall in love. It really makes you think about life and just like it said in the book, time is precious. It was very well written and I didn't get bored once. Great twist at the end, I didn't expect it at all. It teaches you how important your family can be an how important time is. I loved it! 

❤❤❤❤

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Review.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

by J.K Rowling.

Published in 2007.

Page count: 607

Description

Harry continues his quest and burden to hunt and destroy the remaining Horcruxes to thwart Lord Voldemort’s dark plans. Along the way, Harry tackles many hurdles such as: hardship, death, exile, more death, overcoming fear, lots more death, and choosing between "what is right and what is easy." Somehow, Harry must find within himself the strength to complete the final task that has been thrust upon him. By the end, Harry along with his Hogwarts mates and the remaining Order of the Phoenix duel the Dark Lord and Death-eaters in a magnificent battle of magic and wizardry.
In this finale, J.K. Rowling unveils in spectacular fashion the answers to the remaining questions that have eluded and enlivened fans throughout the Harry Potter series; and she ends it in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ BRILLIANTLY. While the end of this beloved book series is bittersweet, the magic will always be encapsulated in the reader’s imagination. After all just like Harry, we may ask the same question, “Is this real? Or has this been happening inside my head?” …and Dumbledore’s answer would apply just as soundly, “Of course it is happening inside your head, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”

Important Characters

Harry Potter: The eleven-year-old protagonist of the story, loyal and kind hearted and is known in the wizarding world as 'The Boy Who Lived'. He has black, ruffled hair that remains permanently untidy, just like his father's. He wears glasses, is thin, and has his mother's green eyes peering out from beneath rounded glasses.

Albus Dumbledore: He is the wise headmaster of Hogwarts, though he is considered mad by some.

Hagrid: A half-giant who is gamekeeper at Hogwarts. He is one of Harry's good friends at school, and owns a giant dog named Fang. He is fond of dangerous creatures, regarding them usually as pets.

Ron Wesley: With red hair, freckles, and a number of siblings, Ron is one of Harry's best and most loyal friends at Hogwarts.

Hermoine Granger: A smart muggle-born witch who becomes friends with Harry after he and Ron save her life. She has bushy brown hair, brown eyes, and somewhat large front teeth.

Draco Malfoy: He is a first year Slytherin who has a very unfriendly disposition; he is strongly disliked by Harry, Ron and Hermione. He is thin with sleek blond hair.

Severus Snape: He is Head of Slytherin House and Potions teacher at Hogwarts. He loathes Harry because he's like his father. He has greasy black hair, a hooked nose, and cold black eyes. Most people dislike him, except for the Slytherin House.

Professor McGonagall: She is Head of Gryffindor House and Transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts. She takes the place of Headmistress whenever Dumbledore is required to leave the castle.

Argus Filtch: He is the sneaky caretaker of Hogwarts, who can never be found anywhere without his cat, Mrs. Norris. He enjoys getting students into trouble.

Lord Voldemort: Lord Voldemort was the greatest dark wizard in Harry's time; he attempted to kill Harry as an infant and was only able to leave a scar.

Dolores Umbridge: A very unpleasant Ministry official that was a cruel Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in Harry's 5th year. She is said to look toad-like and is a great fan of pink and kittens.

Fenrir Greyback: A ruthless werewolf who works for Lord Voldemort with the interest of turning as many people into werewolves as possible.

Kingsley Shacklebolt: A member of the Order of the Phoenix. He is assigned to protect the muggle Prime Minister.

Remus Lupin: Werewolf. He is Harry's former Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and he and Harry are good friends. He is an active member of the Order of the Phoenix.

Arthur Weasley: Ron's father. He works for the Ministry of Magic in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office; he has a fondness for muggles and encourages acceptance towards them.

Molly Weasley: Ron's mother, who is very protective of all her children. She is described as a rather chubby, red haired woman.

Fred and George Weasley: Twins who own Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, a very successful joke shop.

Ginny Weasley: Ron's bold younger sister, and a good friend to the trio.

Tonks: An active member of the Order of the Pheonix, with a relationship with Remus Lupin.

Aberforth Dumbledore: Albus's less talented brother.

Kreacher: He is a bitter and old house elf who belonged to the Black family.

Dobby: He is a rather unique house elf who was originally owned by the Malfoy family before being freed by Harry.

Luna Lovegood: Harry, Ron, and Hermione's unusual friend. Often called "Loony" Lovegood, mainly because she has a way of saying the truth but making people uncomfortable when she does. However, she does believe creatures like Nargles and Crumple-Horned Snorkacks, which, even in the wizarding world, do not exist.

Sirius Black: He was Harry's godfather who was his dad's best friend. He is deceased since the end of the fifth book. He was wrongly convicted of the murder of thirteen Muggle bystanders and a former friend, Peter Pettigrew.

Belletrix Lestrange: One of Voldemort's most loyal Death Eaters; she is a very dangerous and very powerful witch. Sister of Narcissa Malfoy and Andromeda Tonks, and killer of Sirius Black. She also tortured Frank and Alice Longbottom into insanity.

Teddy Lupin: Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks' son, raised by Tonks' mother, Andromeda.

Wormtail: One of the four Marauders' Mapmakers, and a former friend to James Potter, Remus Lupin, and Sirius Black. Has gone to Voldemort's side, as his own life is his highest priority.

Organizations

Gryffindor: One of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, founded by Godric Gryffindor. Its emblematic animal is the lion and its colours are scarlet and gold. Minerva McGonagall is the most recent Head of House. Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, also known as "Nearly Headless Nick" is the house ghost. The particular characteristics of students Sorted into Gryffindor are courage and chivalry, of which the lion is the symbol.

Slytherin: One of the four Houses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and is traditionally home to students who exhibit such traits as cunning and ambition. Its emblematic animal is the snake and its colours are green and silver. Founded by Salazar Slytherin, the house is comprised mostly of pure-blood students, due to its founder's mistrust of Muggle-born witches and wizards. The house has a negative reputation, with many claiming that it is the source of most Dark Wizards in Britain, notably Tom Marvolo Riddle, a.k.a. Lord Voldemort, as well as many of his Death Eaters.

Ravenclaw: One of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, founded by Rowena Ravenclaw. Members of this house are characterised by their intelligence and cleverness. Its house colours are blue and bronze, and its symbol is the eagle. The house ghost, who in life was the daughter of the house's founder Rowena Ravenclaw, is the Grey Lady. Many great wizards and witches have come from this house, including Filius Flitwick and Luna Lovegood.

Hufflepuff: One of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Its founder was the Medieval witch Helga Hufflepuff. The Head of Hufflepuff is Pomona Sprout. The Fat Friar is the House's patron ghost. Hufflepuff is the most inclusive among the four houses, valuing hard work, patience, friendship and fair play rather than a particular aptitude in its members. Its emblematic animal is the badger, and yellow and black are its colours.

Dumbledore's Army: Dumbledore's Army is a student organization that is founded by Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger in book 5 in order to stand up against the regime of Hogwarts High Inquisitor Dolores Umbridge, as well as to learn practical Defence Against the Dark Arts

Death Eaters: The sworn followers of Lord Voldemort; some notable Death Eaters are Bellatrix Lestrange and Lucius Malfoy.

My Thoughts

This book is amazing. It really did finish the Harry Potter series perfectly. Some really unexpected stuff happened in it, stuff that shocked me and made me shed a tear. That's the magic of it. J.K Rowling really is a hero. So I just want to say thanks to her, thank's for changing my life with the boy who lived under the stairs. It's really sad that this is the last book in the series, I wish the story just went on and on.

Rating

❤❤❤❤❤

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Review.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

by J.K. Rowling.

Published in 1997.

Page count: 223 pages.

Description

Say you've spent the first 10 years of your life sleeping under the stairs of a family who loathes you. Then, in an absurd, magical twist of fate, you find yourself surrounded by wizards, a caged snowy owl, a phoenix-feather wand, and jellybeans that come in every flavor, including strawberry, curry, grass, and sardine. Not only that, but you discover that you are a wizard yourself! This is exactly what happens to young Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling's enchanting, funny debut novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In the non-magical human world--the world of "Muggles"--Harry is a nobody, treated like dirt by the aunt and uncle who begrudgingly inherited him when his parents were killed by the evil Voldemort. But in the world of wizards, small, skinny Harry is renowned as a survivor of the wizard who tried to kill him. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, pig-like cousin Dudley.

Important Characters

Harry Potter: The eleven-year-old protagonist of the story, loyal and kind hearted and is known in the wizarding world as 'The Boy Who Lived'. He has black, ruffled hair that remains permanently untidy, just like his father's. He wears glasses, is thin, and has his mother's green eyes peering out from beneath rounded glasses.

Albus Dumbledore: He is the wise headmaster of Hogwarts, though he is considered mad by some.

Hagrid: A half-giant who is gamekeeper at Hogwarts. He is one of Harry's good friends at school, and owns a giant dog named Fang. He is fond of dangerous creatures, regarding them usually as pets.

Ron Wesley: With red hair, freckles, and a number of siblings, Ron is one of Harry's best and most loyal friends at Hogwarts.

Hermoine Granger: A smart muggle-born witch who becomes friends with Harry after he and Ron save her life. She has bushy brown hair, brown eyes, and somewhat large front teeth.

Draco Malfoy: He is a first year Slytherin who has a very unfriendly disposition; he is strongly disliked by Harry, Ron and Hermione. He is thin with sleek blond hair.

Severus Snape: He is Head of Slytherin House and Potions teacher at Hogwarts. He loathes Harry because he's like his father. He has greasy black hair, a hooked nose, and cold black eyes. Most people dislike him, except for the Slytherin House.

Professor McGonagall: She is Head of Gryffindor House and Transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts. She takes the place of Headmistress whenever Dumbledore is required to leave the castle.

Professor Quirrell: He is the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who has a stutter and is often seen as very uncomfortable and awkward.

Argus Filtch: He is the sneaky caretaker of Hogwarts, who can never be found anywhere without his cat, Mrs. Norris. He enjoys getting students into trouble.

Lord Voldemort: Lord Voldemort was the greatest dark wizard in Harry's time; he attempted to kill Harry as an infant and was only able to leave a scar.

Organizations

Gryffindor: One of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, founded by Godric Gryffindor. Its emblematic animal is the lion and its colours are scarlet and gold. Minerva McGonagall is the most recent Head of House. Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, also known as "Nearly Headless Nick" is the house ghost. The particular characteristics of students Sorted into Gryffindor are courage and chivalry, of which the lion is the symbol.

Slytherin: One of the four Houses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and is traditionally home to students who exhibit such traits as cunning and ambition. Its emblematic animal is the snake and its colours are green and silver. Founded by Salazar Slytherin, the house is comprised mostly of pure-blood students, due to its founder's mistrust of Muggle-born witches and wizards. The house has a negative reputation, with many claiming that it is the source of most Dark Wizards in Britain, notably Tom Marvolo Riddle, a.k.a. Lord Voldemort, as well as many of his Death Eaters.

Ravenclaw: One of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, founded by Rowena Ravenclaw. Members of this house are characterised by their intelligence and cleverness. Its house colours are blue and bronze, and its symbol is the eagle. The house ghost, who in life was the daughter of the house's founder Rowena Ravenclaw, is the Grey Lady. Many great wizards and witches have come from this house, including Filius Flitwick and Luna Lovegood.

Hufflepuff: One of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Its founder was the Medieval witch Helga Hufflepuff. The Head of Hufflepuff is Pomona Sprout. The Fat Friar is the House's patron ghost. Hufflepuff is the most inclusive among the four houses, valuing hard work, patience, friendship and fair play rather than a particular aptitude in its members. Its emblematic animal is the badger, and yellow and black are its colours.

My Thoughts

A brilliant starter for J.K. Rowling's exciting seiries of Harry Poter, introducing all characters and beginning the mysterious plot of Voldemort. It has everything, great plot, awesome characters, adventure. J.K Rowling really knows how to write and please people. I really wish that I had her imagination. This story isn't just for kids, it's for everyone. You just fall in love with it straight away. I couldn't put it down at all, finished it in less than 24 hours. I read this book back when it first came out but I decided to read it again to refresh my memory and I'm glad I did. I also love how alike it is to the movie, but the movie did leave some details out, nothing major. But I do love them both! If you haven't read this book yet, I highly recommend you do. It's a proper classic and I loved it.

Rating

❤❤❤❤❤

The Last Vampire Review

The Last Vampire by Christopher Pike.

Published in 1994.

Description

For five thousand years Alisa Perne has been living among and off humans. Alisa hunts alone, thinking nobody knows her secret. But someone is stalking her, someone wants her dead.

My Thoughts

I adore this story! I love how they were able to incorporate so much Hindu mythology into it. I found it all so very fascinating, and it made me spend a lot of time looking up all the gods and goddesses mentioned in the story. Great to read and it is not childish in the least. The story chronicles the 5,000 year life of the "last vampire", Sita aka Alisa Perne. I can't recommend strongly enough if you are a fan of vampire literature.

Rating

❤❤❤❤❤

Blog Of The Week Award

I just want to say thank you to The Crazy Bookworm for giving me this award, means alot :)

Head on over to her blog and check it out, follow and comment! :)

Alice In Wonderland Review

Alice In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.

Published in 1865.

Description

Bored on a hot afternoon, Alice follows a White Rabbit down a rabbit-hole without giving a thought about how she might get out. And so she tumbles into Wonderland: where animals answer back, a baby turns into a pig, time stands still at a disorderly tea party, croquet is played with hedgehogs and flamingos, and the Mock Turtle and Gryphon dance the Lobster Quadrille. In a land in which nothing is as it seems and cakes, potions and mushrooms can make her shrink to ten inches or grow to the size of a house, will Alice be able to find her way home again? The book initially seems a very simple story written for children. However, many of its chapters and scenes have very deep meaning. The story flows very rapidly. Most of the scenes provoke your though process. The book is an interesting read due to its apparently simple storyline but complex characters, light humor and very simple logic.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely adored this book! I read it as a kid and immediately fell in love. When the whole Tim Burton movie craze started up, I re-purchased the book and read it again. Finished it in a day. Sheer nonsensical bliss. What an original Lewis Carroll was! There’s no one like him – his voice is unmistakable. The wit, the cleverness, the intellect and the sheer playfulness of the writing guarantees a good time is had by adults as well as children. One thing that is completely absent from Alice, and therefore from the books, is fear, so I do get puzzled when people describe the books as terrifying. Even the Queen of Heart’s hilarious, all-purpose “Off with their heads!” seems to carry no real danger – the only real threat in Wonderland appears to be being sent to prison (read: Sent to one’s room without supper). The whole thing is relentlessly funny – it’s mean to inspire giggles, not nightmares. And, well, little children are blood-thirsty creatures anyway. I believe that the genius of these books and the reason that they’re so enduring and entertaining for child and adult alike is that they were written for a specific child and the books are suffused with the sparks and sparkle, the unique symbiosis, of a very real, particular friendship. Beneath the dazzling performance of the adult seeking to amuse the children with funny stories and voices, there is a specificity, a sense of a private language or code, stemming from the fact that it was written for one beloved person, that gives one the uncanny feeling that there’s a meaning amidst all the nonsense – an elusive, indescribable but integral truth that’s impossible to discover – like the objects in the shop in Through the Looking Glass that can only be seen out of the corner of one’s eye, but never when you look at them directly. Or like the most beautiful garden you ever saw, seen through a keyhole in a door you’re too big to pass through.

Rating

❤❤❤❤❤

Change Of Heart Review

Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult.

Published in 2008.

447 Pages.

Description

The acclaimed #1 New York Times bestselling author presents a spellbinding tale of a mother's tragic loss and one man's last chance at gaining salvation. Can we save ourselves, or do we rely on others to do it? Is what we believe always the truth? One moment June Nealon was happily looking forward to years full of laughter and adventure with her family, and the next, she was staring into a future that was as empty as her heart. Now her life is a waiting game. Waiting for time to heal her wounds, waiting for justice. In short, waiting for a miracle to happen. For Shay Bourne, life holds no more surprises. The world has given him nothing, and he has nothing to offer the world. In a heartbeat, though, something happens that changes everything for him. Now, he has one last chance for salvation, and it lies with June's eleven-year-old daughter, Claire. But between Shay and Claire stretches an ocean of bitter regrets, past crimes, and the rage of a mother who has lost her child. Would you give up your vengeance against someone you hate if it meant saving someone you love? Would you want your dreams to come true if it meant granting your enemy's dying wish? Once again, Jodi Picoult mesmerizes and enthralls readers with this story of redemption, justice, and love.

My Thoughts

Honestly, I disliked this book. It wasn't the worse I have ever read but it just wasn't for me. The story seemed to drag out and each chapter was someone new telling the story from their point of view. It seemed messy and all over the place. I just couldn't get into it whatsoever. I couldn't even finish it. I got half way through and had enough. I would not recommend this book to anyone.

Rating

❤❤

One Lovely Blog Award!

I got my second blog award! I want to thank The Crazy Bookworm for giving me this award :)

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.
2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered.
3. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I pass this onto:

Breaking The Spine.

In The Closet With A Bibliophile.

Jam.

The Forgotten Hollow.

The Story Siren.

Ramblings Of A Teenage Bookworm.

A Bookish Wonderland.

Another Book Junkie.

Black Fingernailed Reviews.

Books By Their Story.

Erika Breathes Books.

Katie's Book Blog.

Liz Writes.

Patricia's Vampire Notes.

She Is Too Fond Of Books.