A friend of mine told me that his favourite book ever was A Clockwork Orange written by Anthony Burgess, so I decided to give it a shot. I finished it a few weeks ago and I've thought about it a lot. And I still can't decide what I think about it.
It is a dystopian novel, set in future London. It follows the story of a boy, Alex, in three parts. The first part is about him and his "droogs" basically beating people up and what not. He then gets caught by the police. The second part follow his time in jail two year later. Where he finds out about a new therapy that turns felons into good people. He then goes through the extremely unethical therapy and turns "good." The third part is after he has been released into the world a changed man. He ends up running into some old "friends" and things don't go so well for him.
What I liked most about the book was the last chapter. Which, if you've seen the movie, you won't know anything about because they cut it out. But he really does change and grows up.
I really don't know what else to say, it was a very thought provoking book. It makes you think about how important ethics really are.
I would definitely recommend this book. The character of Alex is a very interesting one. Although, the language can be difficult to understand at first, the author uses a lot of slang. However, you do get the hang of it after a while.
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Monday, October 1, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Undead and Unwed - Mary Janice Davidson
I recently finished a fantasy/romance book by Mary Janice Davidson called Undead and Unwed. It is the first of the Queen Betsy series.
It is about a young woman who was recently attacked by a bunch of people. Month later she loses her job, and is hit by a car. Which kills her. Unfortunately, the car didn't quite get the job done. Her death just doesn't seem to want to stick. She wakes up in the morgue only to realize no matter how hard she tries, she just can't die! She has become a vampire.
The story goes on, she as sex with a few people and to be frank. I just did not find it interesting at all. I didn't realize going into it that it was supposed to be a romance. Well, I knew that there was romance in it, but I thought it would be more in the background. Needless to say, I was wrong.
Personally, I do not find this kind of book interesting. I stuck it out until the end, and now I can say, without a doubt, that I did not like it. I will most definitely not be continuing on with this series.
On the other hand, I can see how people would like this book, it does try to be funny, and succeeds some of the time, but I have higher standards than that. This book would definitely be a guilty pleasure read. Although to me there would be no pleasure, and a lot of guilt!
Suffice to say I do not recommend this book.
It is about a young woman who was recently attacked by a bunch of people. Month later she loses her job, and is hit by a car. Which kills her. Unfortunately, the car didn't quite get the job done. Her death just doesn't seem to want to stick. She wakes up in the morgue only to realize no matter how hard she tries, she just can't die! She has become a vampire.
The story goes on, she as sex with a few people and to be frank. I just did not find it interesting at all. I didn't realize going into it that it was supposed to be a romance. Well, I knew that there was romance in it, but I thought it would be more in the background. Needless to say, I was wrong.
Personally, I do not find this kind of book interesting. I stuck it out until the end, and now I can say, without a doubt, that I did not like it. I will most definitely not be continuing on with this series.
On the other hand, I can see how people would like this book, it does try to be funny, and succeeds some of the time, but I have higher standards than that. This book would definitely be a guilty pleasure read. Although to me there would be no pleasure, and a lot of guilt!
Suffice to say I do not recommend this book.
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Thursday, February 2, 2012
One for the Money The Movie
So I went to go see the One for the Money movie the other day with my sisters. First of all, I can't believe that it is only playing in 6 theatres in all of Vancouver! That's not a lot at all!!
So anyways... I went into the movie expecting nothing, I mean nothing! I really love the books and lets be honest. Usually, when books are made into movies they really just don't do the books justice. But, I was pleasantly surprised the other day.
If you go into the movie expecting a masterpiece then you will be severely disappointed, but if you go in just looking for a good time and not expecting to be amazed then you will have a good time! The movie was definitely cut short, but still enjoyable. And Katherine Heigl did a pretty good job and Stephanie Plum. I didn't think I would like her, but I definitely did.
I really liked the guy they picked to play Ranger, his name is Daniel Sunjata, he did a really good job. Although, he wasn't in the movie as much as I had hoped.
I read the first book years ago, so I don't remember every little detail, which I think helped me to enjoy it more and not pick it to pieces. I'm still on the fence about the actor who played Jason O'Mara . Sometimes I loved him and other times I was just like, you are way too old to play this part.
If you have read the books and loved them, which, if you have read them it's impossible not to love them! I would definitely recommend going to see the movie! And go see it in theatres, support the film!
I don't think it will happen, but I would absolutely love for there to be a sequel! A sequel would be absolutely fantastic. So go see the movie!
And if you haven't seen the trailer yet then here it is:
So anyways... I went into the movie expecting nothing, I mean nothing! I really love the books and lets be honest. Usually, when books are made into movies they really just don't do the books justice. But, I was pleasantly surprised the other day.
If you go into the movie expecting a masterpiece then you will be severely disappointed, but if you go in just looking for a good time and not expecting to be amazed then you will have a good time! The movie was definitely cut short, but still enjoyable. And Katherine Heigl did a pretty good job and Stephanie Plum. I didn't think I would like her, but I definitely did.
I really liked the guy they picked to play Ranger, his name is Daniel Sunjata, he did a really good job. Although, he wasn't in the movie as much as I had hoped.
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| Ranger taking Steph to the gun range! |
If you have read the books and loved them, which, if you have read them it's impossible not to love them! I would definitely recommend going to see the movie! And go see it in theatres, support the film!
I don't think it will happen, but I would absolutely love for there to be a sequel! A sequel would be absolutely fantastic. So go see the movie!
And if you haven't seen the trailer yet then here it is:
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Sunday, January 22, 2012
Something Borrowed
Around Christmas time I read a book called Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin. The only reason I read this book was because I heard the movie was really good and wanted to read the book before I watched the movie. Funny thing is that I finished the book almost a month ago and still haven't watched the movie.
So the book is about a girl named Rachel, she is 30 years old and single living in New York. Her best friend, Darcy, is getting married to her really good friend from college, Dex. On the night of Rachel's 30th birthday Darcy throws her a big party, gets too drunk, and has to leave early. Rachel and Dex end up hooking up that night and throughout the book continue to have an affair. The book follows Rachel as she has to decide to keep the affair going behind Darcy's back or to end it.
Personally, I didn't really like this book. I think I would give it a 2.5 out of 5. I just found there to be no suspense at all. I some little action in my books to keep me interested. I found it to be the same when I read The Choice by Nicholas Sparks.
So the book is about a girl named Rachel, she is 30 years old and single living in New York. Her best friend, Darcy, is getting married to her really good friend from college, Dex. On the night of Rachel's 30th birthday Darcy throws her a big party, gets too drunk, and has to leave early. Rachel and Dex end up hooking up that night and throughout the book continue to have an affair. The book follows Rachel as she has to decide to keep the affair going behind Darcy's back or to end it.
Personally, I didn't really like this book. I think I would give it a 2.5 out of 5. I just found there to be no suspense at all. I some little action in my books to keep me interested. I found it to be the same when I read The Choice by Nicholas Sparks.
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Forest of Hands and Teeth
I read Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan a while ago. Like a month ago. Sorry it took me so long to get a review up! I've been so distracted lately.
First of all this book takes place after the zombie apocalypse. Zombies are called the unconsecrated. The story follows a young woman named Mary, the lives in a small village that is surrounded by a big fence to keep the people of the town safe from the unconsecrated. The book starts of with her being torn between two brothers. One that she loves and one that loves her. She ends up spending time at the church with the sisterhood (the women who basically run the town) when an unexpected guest appears. Someone from out of town. The whole village had been lead to believe however that there was nothing past their fences. Soon after the mysterious woman appears the fence is breached and Mary must run. Along with a few other members of the town.
The book follows her while she tries to survive and find somewhere safe as well as decide between the two men that she loves.
I wasn't the biggest fan of this book. I would probably give it a 3 out of 5. Although, after reading this book and watching The Walking Dead TV series I do feel extra prepared for a zombie apocalypse should it ever happen!
First of all this book takes place after the zombie apocalypse. Zombies are called the unconsecrated. The story follows a young woman named Mary, the lives in a small village that is surrounded by a big fence to keep the people of the town safe from the unconsecrated. The book starts of with her being torn between two brothers. One that she loves and one that loves her. She ends up spending time at the church with the sisterhood (the women who basically run the town) when an unexpected guest appears. Someone from out of town. The whole village had been lead to believe however that there was nothing past their fences. Soon after the mysterious woman appears the fence is breached and Mary must run. Along with a few other members of the town.
The book follows her while she tries to survive and find somewhere safe as well as decide between the two men that she loves.
I wasn't the biggest fan of this book. I would probably give it a 3 out of 5. Although, after reading this book and watching The Walking Dead TV series I do feel extra prepared for a zombie apocalypse should it ever happen!
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Review
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Stardust
| Cover of Stardust by Neil Gaiman |
I guess that means that I can't really give it a good review. To be fair, when I am/was reading it I enjoyed it. It just wasn't really a page turning, however, I still found it interesting.
There just wasn't enough suspense for me. I give this book a 2 out of 5.
The movie was a lot better.
I feel really bad when I start a book and don't finish it. Like I've failed, not only myself, but others, like the author or something. Like I owe it to the author. By choosing his/her book to read and not finishing it, I feel like I'm insulting them.
Well, I am very sorry Mr. Gaiman, I tried, and failed. In fact, I failed us both. But don't lose faith in me! I have a bunch of your other books sitting on my bedside table, collecting dust/waiting for Christmas break, to be read. And I will not only start them, but I will finish them. Or at least some of them, I doubt I can get through all of them in the short 2 weeks we get as break.
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Monday, August 29, 2011
My Horizontal Life
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| Cover of My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler |
This book is definitely a good read for anyone looking to have a little fun, and maybe even die a little bit from embarrassment. You don't need to think at all during this read. So if you're looking to just turn off your brain and enjoy one big TMI of a book then this is for you!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Firelight
| Cover of Firelight by Sophie Jordan |
The story is about a girl named Jacinda, she is a draki. A descendant of dragons, though their true form is dragon they live their lives in human for and only shift into dragon form under the cover of the night sky. All of the draki live together in the mountain, hidden from the hunters. One day, when Jacinda takes a risk she is almost caught and killed by hunters. In order to protect her from the punishment of the pride she must flee. While trying to fit in with a school of normal kids, she feels her draki slipping away, and will do anything to hold on to it. The one person who brings it out in her is the one person who could also kill her. Will. Jacinda can't help but get close to him for fear that is she doesn't her draki will die and she will be human forever.
All in all, this book is a fun read. But i found that it was very repetitive with the whole 'I can't be with Will, but I need to be with him.' Every chapter she would change her mind. Although, the book ended with quite a cliffhanger, therefore I cannot wait until the second one comes out!
If you have some free time, and don't want a tough read, then I recommend this book. It was a really quick read.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Catching Fire
| Cover of Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins |
If you haven't read the first one, and are planning to I wouldn't read any further.
The second book takes place a few months after the first one ends. Right before Peeta and Katniss have to go on their victors tour. In the aftermath of the hunger games things pretty much go back to the way they were. Except that Katniss and Peeta are set for life. With riches beyond their needs. And with Gale now working at the mines six days a week, Katniss hunts alone. Without their even knowing they have become the leaders of sorts to a rebellion going on all throughout Panem. This years hunger games will be it's 75th one, therefore it is a quarter quell. Every 25 years the game makers put a twist on the game, just to emphasize that the districts are powerless. In past years they have doubled the amounts of tribute, and had the districts vote who should go in.
Any guesses on what the twist to this years quarter quell will be?
I really loved this book. I really recommend reading the first book and continuing on to read the second. I lose myself in these books. I stayed up two nights in a row until 5 am just reading! I literally could not put it down!
Unfortunately I have to wait for my friend to finish reading the 3rd book before she is going to lend it to me. She is even going to lend it to me on her E-reader! So I'm pretty excited to give that a try, to see how I like it.
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Choice
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| Cover of The Choice by Nicholas Sparks |
The book is about a woman, Gabby, who moves to a small town in order to be closer to her boyfriend. When she thinks that her neighbours dog has gotten hers pregnant she storms over there to give him a piece of her mind. While he tries to win her over, she is torn between her new neighbour and her current boyfriend. She must make a choice. The story then skips 11 years or so and Travis, the neighbour, now has to make an important choice. (I don't want to tell you what it is about though, it'll give too much away.)
I can see how others enjoy these sorts of books. It is an enjoyable read, I just found that when I wasn't reading it I had no desire to pick it up to find out what will happen next. I would be just as happy to just let it sit on my bedside table for the next three years without ever wondering what will happen. I literally had to force myself to read it, but then, when I actually was reading it, I would want to keep reading. But not in the way where I'll stay up 2 hours later than I intended to just to find out what happens next, like I often do with other books.
Well I just got the second book in The Hunger Games series. So I should be staring and finishing that rather quickly.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
The Hunger Games
| Cover of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins |
I must admit, it was a pretty intense book. I'll do my best not to give anything away here.
The book is set in the future, when the States is now known as Panem. It is ruled by a city called the Capitol and there are 12 districts within Panem (used to be 13). Each year two tributes are taken from each district, one boy and one girl, between the ages of 12 and 18 (Might be 19, can't remember). These tributes are taken and put into a massive arena to fight to the death.
The book is split up into 3 parts. In the first part we are introduced to Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl who hunts in order to keep her family fed. She has a younger sister, Primrose (Prim for short) and a mother to take care of. Ever since her father died in a mining explosion she has been the breadwinner for her family. Katniss ends up being the female tribute for District 12.
In the second part, Katniss finds herself being prepared for the games, along with all of the other tributes. They must go through interviews, and they have 3 days of training. And then they are thrown into the arena, where it's every man/woman for themselves.
In the third part the hunger games are over... now I don't want to give anything away so I'm not going to say any more than that. You'll just have to read it for yourself to find out what happens!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a good easy read. It's a real page turner. I've even been so nice as to lend my copy of the book to my sister and her boyfriend... And I never lend out my books!
I am also very pleased to announce that they are making a movie. The movie is set to come out in late March next year (2012). Jennifer Lawrence is going to play Katniss and Josh Hutcherson will be playing Peeta. Check it all out here.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Sex and the City
| The women of Sex and the City Charlotte York, Carrie Bradshaw, Samantha Jones, and Miranda Hobbes |
The series on the other hand is great. It's smart, sexy, clever, and at times it's hilarious. You really grow to love the characters. Although, I thought that the acting in the first season was pretty bad, but it gets so much better. I love all four women and feel like I know them as if they were real life friends.
I also feel like I've learned things from this series. I feel like sex shouldn't be taken so seriously (not to say I should sleep around.) Another thing; it's important to be yourself. There's no point in acting like anyone other than yourself, you're wasting no ones time but your own.
I am almost tempted to watch the movies again just to see if I would like them better once I have seen the series, and know the characters better.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Fallen
| Cover image of Fallen by Lauren Kate |
I had about 30 pages left to read in this book for so long, yet I just couldn`t seem to get it read. Not because I didn`t like it, but because I just could not find the time! I like to read before I go to bed, and every night I was getting to bed late and had to get up for work in the morning. Even though 30 pages isn`t a lot to read, I still have to commit a good 45 minutes or so. I just could not deprive myself of almost an hour of sleep. I`m already enough of a grump in the morning as it is!
Even though it took me so long to finish it, I really did enjoy reading it. It was a little slow at times though, and I did find it to be very predictable.
The novel follows a young girl named Luce, she has recently been a part of a fire where the boy she was with died. She was neither proved guilty or innocent, therefore she is sent to a reform school. At this school she meets two boys, one who obviously likes her and seems like a really good guy, and the other who at times shows interest and other is outright rude to her. With her new friend Penn she looks into the latter`s past and tries to find out more about him. All the while she is seeing these shadow creatures, who she thinks started the fire that killed the boy.
I can`t really say much more without giving it away. Although, when my sister saw the title she guessed exactly what was going on. So I guess it`s not that hard to figure out.
Hopefully my description was helpful. I would recommend this book, but as usual; I would recommend it to a younger audience. Probably around the age of 14-18 would be good.
The novel follows a young girl named Luce, she has recently been a part of a fire where the boy she was with died. She was neither proved guilty or innocent, therefore she is sent to a reform school. At this school she meets two boys, one who obviously likes her and seems like a really good guy, and the other who at times shows interest and other is outright rude to her. With her new friend Penn she looks into the latter`s past and tries to find out more about him. All the while she is seeing these shadow creatures, who she thinks started the fire that killed the boy.
I can`t really say much more without giving it away. Although, when my sister saw the title she guessed exactly what was going on. So I guess it`s not that hard to figure out.
Hopefully my description was helpful. I would recommend this book, but as usual; I would recommend it to a younger audience. Probably around the age of 14-18 would be good.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Matched
| Cover of Matched by Ally Condie |
It is about a 17 year old girl who grew up in a place where their government called "The Society" dictates everything; From what they eat to who they will marry and have children with to what their career will be and when they will die. It starts off with the main character, Cassie, on her way to her Match banquet. Where she will find out who she is going to spend the rest of her life with. When her name is called her match ends up being her best friend Xander. It is extremely uncommon for your match to be someone you know, or even someone from the same city/region as you. Later when she inserts the chip with Xander's information, that everyone receives to inform them about their match, another boy's face shows up. She knows this boy too. Throughout the book she tries to figure out why this other boy's face showed up. And discovers that she has feelings for him as well. She has to decide whether to fight for him and go against The Society or to stay with Xander.
This book reminded me a lot of The Giver, which I read in grade 8 for my English class. It definitely makes you really appreciate all the free will that we have. And even though it may seem daunting at times, the big choices that we all have to make in life are our own to make and that is the way it should be.
I didn't really enjoy the ending, I thought it was kind of inconclusive. I'm not sure if the author is making a sequel or not, I hope so though. It feels very unfinished. I think it came out fairly recently, within the past year or so, therefore a second book probably won't be out for another year or so if one is planned.
The next book I'm reading is called Fallen by Lauren Kate. I'm actually almost done it. So hopefully I'll have time to post my thoughts about it tomorrow or the next day!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
13 Reasons Why
| Cover of Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher |
The book is told from the point of view of a teenage boy, Clay. He comes home from school one day to find a box of cassette tapes on his front step addressed to him. There is no return address. As he plays the first tape he realizes it is a girl from his grade, Hannah, who killed herself just a few weeks earlier. She goes on to explain that the tapes explain why she killed herself, the 13 reasons why. Well more like the 13 people that ultimately caused her to do it.
You follow Clay as he listens to the tapes, and visits the places that Hannah mentions in the tapes. You see how Clay is affected by her suicide, even though he did not know her that well. He did have a crush on her.
This book really shows that how you treat others can really have an impact on their lives. Whether you may realize it or not. You don't know what that person is going through or how they will react to the situation. Or what kind of a snowball effect your actions will have.
I wanted to give you the official link to the website (here). And, as I was looking for the link I discovered that they are turning this book into a movie. Selena Gomez is to start as Hannah. I have looked and I can't find any news of a release date though. Here's the IMDB link.
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