PAPER TOWNS - by John Green

Year Published (this edition): 2013 - by Bloomsbury. 
Genres: Young adult/contemporary/adventure. 
Pages: 305. 
Author: John Green. 
Source: Library. 
Goodreads: Paper Towns

Blurb: 
Quentin has always loved Margo Roth Spiegelman, for Margo (and her adventures) are the stuff of legend at their high school. So when she one day climbs through his window and summons him on an all-night road trip of revenge he cannot help but follow.

But the next day Margo doesn’t come to school and a week later she is still missing. Q soon learns that there are clues in her disappearance . . . and they are for him. But as he gets deeper into the mystery – culminating in another awesome road trip across America – he becomes less sure of who and what he is looking for.

Masterfully written by John Green, this is a thoughtful, insightful and hilarious coming-of-age story. 

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS - by Sara Gruen

Year Published: 2011 - by Two Roads.
Genres: Adult/romance/historical fiction. 
Pages: 414. 
Author: Sara Gruen. 
Source: Library.
Goodreads: Water for Elephants. 

Blurb: 
In Depression-era America, everyone’s running away from something. Some people join the circus to escape.

Jacob Jankowski hitches a ride on a freight train and in that instant his life changes.

By morning he’s landed a job with the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth.
By nightfall, he’s in love.

Overall, it was a dark, beautiful fairy tale; almost spoiled by unnecessary, crude sexual content.  

JANE GOT A GUN (film) shuffled along; stilted by flashbacks, but succeeding as a partially entertaining Western

Cast: Natalie Portman; Ewan McGregor; Joel Edgerton.  
Year: 2016. 
Director: Gavin O' Connor. 
Content Rating: R for some violence, language, and sexual suggestiveness. PG 13 L V. 
Source: Rented.  
IMDB: Jane Got a Gun 

Synopsis: 
A woman asks her ex-lover for help in order to save her outlaw husband from a gang out to kill him.


Overall, it was a good movie; despite a slow start and the amount of back story that tried to clutter it. 

THRONE OF GLASS (Throne of Glass #1) - by Sarah J. Maas

Year Published: 2012 - by Bloomsbury. 
Genres: Epic high fantasy/romance/action/young adult/adventure. 
Pages: 404.
Author: Sarah J. Maas.
Source: Library.
Goodreads: Throne of Glass. 

Synopsis: 
Meet Celaena Sardothien.
Beautiful. Deadly.
Destined for greatness.

In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake. She got caught.

Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celaena must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament—fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin’s heart be melted? 


Overall, the writing was vivid and gorgeous, but the main character let the story down.

Book Arrivals! - EXCITEMENT IS HERE

I am so excited right now because I have two amazing new books that I have been dying to read for basically months and I'm dying to start them but I can't yet cos I'm already reading library books at the moment and so AHHHHHH just let me introduce you to the newest members of my book family <3 <3 <3 :)

TORN (Trylle Trilogy #2) - by Amanda Hocking

Year Published: 2012 by Tor. 
Genres: Urban fantasy/romance/young adult/action. 
Pages: 356.
Author: Amanda Hocking. 
Source: Library. 
Goodreads: Torn

Synopsis: 
Acknowledging that she was different from everyone else wasn't difficult for Wendy, she'd always felt like an outsider. But a new world and family is a little hard for any girl to accept. Leaving behind the country of her birth, she is determined to fit back into normal life. But the world she's left won't let her go that easily.


Overall, this benefited from an exciting start but was ruined by the nothing that happened afterwards.

What I've Been Reading & Watching - Binge TV and pretty books ;)

So I've kinda been binging on TV shows this week.....well, on Arrow, actually. I bought series 2 and having otherwise seen only snippets of the rest of it on YouTube, this was really exciting for me. I'm not one of those people who like downloading the episodes online, etc; I love having the actual cover and holding the pretty disc <3 And same goes for books; they have to be physical for them to claim my heart.

SWITCHED (Trylle Trilogy #1) - by Amanda Hocking

Year Published: 2010 - by St. Martin's Press. 
Genre/s: Young adult/ romance/ action/ urban fantasy/ paranormal. 
Pages: 333. 
Author: Amanda Hocking. 
Source: Library. 
Goodreads: Switched. 

Blurb:
Wendy Everly knew she was different the day her mother tried to kill her and accused her of having been switched at birth. Although certain she's not the monster her mother claimed she is, she does feel that she doesn't quite fit in. The new girl in High School, Wendy is bored and frustrated by her small-town life -- and then there's her secret, her mysterious ability -- she can influence people's decisions, without knowing how, or why ...When the intense and darkly handsome newcomer Finn suddenly turns up at her bedroom window one night, her world is turned upside down. He holds the key to her past, the answers to her strange powers and is the doorway to a place she never imagined could exist: Forening, the home of the Trylle. Among the Trylle she is not just different, but special. But what marks her out as chosen for greatness in this world also places her in grave danger. With everything around her changing, Finn is the only person she can trust. But dark forces are conspiring -- not only to separate them, but to see the downfall of everything that Wendy cares about...

EMMA (film) was absolutely lovely in every single way

Cast: Gwyneth Paltrow; Toni Collette; Ewan McGregor; Jeremy Northam; Greta Scacchi.  
Year: 1996.
Director: Douglas McGrath.
Content Rating: PG for brief mild language. 
Source: Bought. 


Synopsis: 
In rural 1800s England things go bad for a young matchmaker after she finds a man for another woman.





Overall, this film was ABSOLUTELY lovely in every way :) <3 It was pure, cinematic class, and an excellent romantic comedy.  

Oh, to wish upon a book.......or four - HEAR ME WHEN I BEG ;)

Oh, books. There are some that I am just dying to read but haven't been able to, either because they're so freakin' expensive or our library doesn't have them. 
Darn. 
So in the meantime I just wish for them and fangirl over their beauuuutiful covers, etc, etc, and here are four of my "wishlist" books :) <3   

THE IRON LADY (film) was bland and boring and totally undeserving of Meryl Streep's flawless performance

Cast: Meryl Streep; Jim Broadbent; Harry Lloyd; Olivia Colman; Richard E. Grant.  
Year: 2011. 
Director: Phyllida Lloyd. 
Content Rating: PG 13 for some violent images and brief nudity. 
Source: Library. 

Synopsis: 
An elderly Margaret Thatcher talks to the imagined presence of her recently deceased husband as she struggles to come to terms with his death while scenes from her past life, from girlhood to British prime minister, intervene.




Overall, Meryl Streep is excellent. The movie isn't. 

What I've Been Reading - BEAUTIFUL new books all round!

This week is so exciting in terms of what I've been reading :) I got two books from the library (one I haven't read before) and both books have totally sucked me into their worlds and left me begging for more <3  

Book Vs. Movie #1 - The Devil Wears Prada - by Lauren Weisberger

Well, let me tell you, there's a clear winner when it comes to deciding between the book and movie.....

NIGHTS IN RODANTE (film) was hardly worth spending a night with

Cast: Richard Gere; Diane Lane; Scott Glenn.  
Year: 2008.
Director: George C. Wolfe. 
Source: Bought. 
Content Rating: PG 13 for some sensuality. 

Synopsis: 
A doctor who is traveling to see his estranged son sparks with an unhappily married woman at a North Carolina inn.






Overall, it was a decent movie, better than the book, and I suppose it was one of the better Nicholas Sparks' films.  

My Movie Arrivals & What I've Been Watching

I got a beautiful new movie, Safe Haven, and I'm so excited to watch it! I read the book and LOVED it, and was kinda surprised I did cos I'm not usually a fan of Nicholas Sparks (with the exception of The Notebook, obviously.....)  

Life Update & What I've Been Reading

So, I did a drama show on Sunday and it went so well; despite stressing hectically beforehand as I always do. It was about Charlie Chaplin, and  after I got home, I actually watched some of his actual performances on YouTube; just for the fun of it. (Though a bit late for my show, hehe). 

I actually really liked it (and surprised myself there...)! It's delightfully dated and so sweet. 

Anyone else seen some of Chaplin's old movies? What did you think?! 

School has kept me so busy recently, thanks to a research project I've only just finished today. 
But although it's kept me very busy, I have really loved researching and learning about Jacqueline Kennedy. What an amazing ( and rather infamous...) woman! I have LOVED reading about her and her life and her courage and determination during hard times like JFK's assassination, etc. 

I read the book by Christopher Andersen called Jackie After Jack and I HIGHLY recommend it. It was so engrossing and captivating and entertaining and FULL of rich details from Jackie's incredible life.  

My Movie Arrivals!

Yay! 

I got two more beautiful babies, and I'm literally dying because the cover for Water for Elephants is just so gorgeous and GAH it's so pink and beautiful <3 <3 

THE HOST - by Stephenie Meyer

Year Published: 2008 - by Little Brown and Company. 
Genre/s: Thriller/romance/sci-fi 
Pages: 620.
Author: Stephenie Meyer. 
Source: Library. 

Blurb:
Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love. 


I really enjoyed this. And I'm honestly surprised because for about the first half of the book, I really didn't. 

Overall, I really liked it. Meyer's writing has definitely improved since Twilight, and Wanda was a stronger character than Bella. Well, only a little stronger, unfortunately. 

ELEGY ( Watersong #4) - by Amanda Hocking

Year Published: 2012 - by Tor.
Pages: 542.
Genre/s: Paranormal/romance/urban fantasy/young adult. 
Author: Amanda Hocking. 
Source: Library. 

Blurb:
Gemma's life is slowly being destroyed. Cursed as a siren, she is struggling to escape a destiny of savagery and darkness. She's desperate to break the spell that has turned her into a monster and torn her away from the family- and the boy- she loves. But the alluring yet lethal sirens, Penn, Thea and the newly initiated Liv, have no intention of letting her go.


(First read in June 2016).


Overall, I love Daniel and Harper (especially Harper), I love the action and dialogue, and I love Marcy. Marcy was a REAL highlight :D 

TIDAL (Watersong #3) - by Amanda Hocking

Year Published: 2013 - by Tor. 
Genre/s: Paranormal/ romance/urban fantasy/young adult. 
Pages: 352. 
Author: Amanda Hocking.
Source: Bought.

Blurb:
Her only hope lies with her greatest enemies

Gemma is facing the fight of her life. Cursed by beautiful but deadly sirens, her extraordinary powers have a terrifyingly dark side, and becoming human once more is proving her greatest challenge yet. As she struggles to break the curse, the sirens, Penn Lexi and Thea are determined to kill her before she can set herself free.

Gemma's only allies are her sister, Harper, and Harper’s boyfriend, Daniel. Together they must delve into their enemies’ mythical pasts – to discover their darkest secrets. But Penn has also set her sights on Daniel. Soon, the sirens threaten everything Gemma holds dear: her family, her friends, her life, and her relationship with Alex – the only guy she's ever loved. Can she save herself and those she cares about before it is too late?

WAKE ( Watersong #1) - by Amanda Hocking

Year Published: 2012 - by St. Martin's Press. 
Genre/s:  Paranormal/ romance/urban fantasy/young adult. 
Pages: 309.
Author: Amanda Hocking. 
Source: Bought.

Blurb:
Fall under the spell of Wake—the first book in an achingly beautiful new series by celebrated author Amanda Hocking—and lose yourself to the Watersong.

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets. 

LULLABY (Watersong #2) - by Amanda Hocking

Year Published: 2012 - by St.Martins' Griffin. 
Genre/s: Paranormal/urban fantasy/romance/young adult. 
Pages: 290.
Author: Amanda Hocking. 
Source: Bought. 

Blurb: 
Don't miss the next chapter of Watersong, a bold new series that will enchant you, entrance you, and hold you captive under its spell

Now that Gemma Fisher has inherited Penn, Lexi, and Thea's curse - and all the strange new powers that come along with it - she has no choice but to run away with them. Devastated that she has to leave everyone she loves behind, she's still determined not to give in to the unspeakable hungers that plague her.
Unfortunately, they're growing stronger every day, and she's not sure how much longer she can resist.

Harper won't give up on finding her sister Gemma, vowing to get her back no matter what the cost. The search draws her closer to too-gorgeous-for-his-own-good Daniel, and tests her fiercely guarded independence like never before. She's always been the strong one who everyone else depends on.... Can she let herself depend on Daniel?

As Gemma and Harper plunge deeper into a magical world they barely understand, it becomes painfully clear that Gemma's old life may be lost forever. But can she still hold on to her humanity?

LULLABY (Watersong #2) - by Amanda Hocking

Year Published: 2012 - by St.Martins' Griffin. 
Genre/s: Paranormal/urban fantasy/romance/young adult. 
Pages: 290.
Author: Amanda Hocking. 
Source: Bought. 

Blurb: 
Don't miss the next chapter of Watersong, a bold new series that will enchant you, entrance you, and hold you captive under its spell

Now that Gemma Fisher has inherited Penn, Lexi, and Thea's curse - and all the strange new powers that come along with it - she has no choice but to run away with them. Devastated that she has to leave everyone she loves behind, she's still determined not to give in to the unspeakable hungers that plague her.
Unfortunately, they're growing stronger every day, and she's not sure how much longer she can resist.

Harper won't give up on finding her sister Gemma, vowing to get her back no matter what the cost. The search draws her closer to too-gorgeous-for-his-own-good Daniel, and tests her fiercely guarded independence like never before. She's always been the strong one who everyone else depends on.... Can she let herself depend on Daniel?

As Gemma and Harper plunge deeper into a magical world they barely understand, it becomes painfully clear that Gemma's old life may be lost forever. But can she still hold on to her humanity?