Downton Abbey: The Complete Scripts-Season 1 by Julian Fellowes

Synopsis: The full scripts of award-winning Downton Abbey, season one including previously unseen material

Downton Abbey has become an international phenomenon and the most successful British drama of our time. Created by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes, the first season delighted viewers and critics alike with stellar performances, ravishing costumes, and a gripping plot. Set in a grand country house during the late Edwardian era, season one of Downton Abbey follows the lives of the Crawley family upstairs and their servants downstairs as they approach the announcement of the First World War. Fellowes succeeds in not only entertaining his audience with a combination of sustained storylines and sharp one-liners but also in delivering a social commentary of British life. The scripts from season one give readers the opportunity to read the work in more detail and to study the characters, pace, and themes in depth. With extended commentary from Fellowes, highlighting key historical or dramatic details, this book gives invaluable insight, particularly for would-be screenwriters, into how Fellowes researched and crafted the world of Downton Abbey.

Featuring full-color photographs!

Release Date: October 16th, 2012

Number of pages: 432

My review: As a lot of people may know (since I talk about it on Twitter a lot) I absolutely LOVE Downton Abbey so when I found out there was a couple books that had the complete scripts I just had to get my hands on them. 

While these books have the complete scripts, including parts that were cut out from the show, there's also tons of footnotes where Julian Fellowes talks about a variety of things like why certain parts were cut, his feelings on different scenes, and even research that was done for different scenes. I throughly enjoyed these footnotes because it gave you an even bigger and better back story to not only Downton Abbey but the filming and Julian Fellowes himself. You can clearly see he cares for his characters and how they are presented to the audiences. 

This definitely made me want to go back and watch the whole first season over again but I've got to finish the fourth season first and above all I don't have my Downton DVD's with me here at school. Maybe something I can do over Spring Break...

I'm so excited to pick up the season two version of the scripts and want the third and fourth seasons to come out in print soon so I can read those as well! If you love Downton Abbey then you HAVE to pick these up!

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The Hunger Games Companion by Lois H. Gresh

Synopsis: The ultimate companion guide to the blockbuster Hunger Games trilogy.

For all those who adore Katniss and Peeta, and can't get enough of The Hunger Games, this companion guide to the wildly popular Hunger Games series is a must-read and a terrific gift.

Go deeper into the post-apocalyptic world created by Suzanne Collins than you ever thought possible: an alternative future where boys and girls are chosen from twelve districts to compete in The Hunger Games, a televised fight-to-the-death. When sixteen-year-old Katniss learns that her little sister has been chosen, she steps up to fight in her place and the games begin.

The Hunger Games Companion takes readers behind the scenes and includes fascinating background facts about the action in all three books, a revealing biography of the author, and amazing insights into the series' main themes and features - from the nature of evil, to weaponry and rebellions, to surviving the end of the world. It's everything fans have been hungering for since the very first book!

This book is not authorized by Suzanne Collins, Scholastic Press or anyone involved in the Hunger Games movie.

Release Date: November 8th, 2011

Number of pages: 248

My review: Comparing this book to The Girl Who Was on Fire: Your Favorite Authors on Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games Trilogy, this book was far more scientific based while the other one was more of a collection of opinions and theories about characters and other elements of the story.

I liked that the two were very different. It allowed me to see two different sides of The Hunger Games series. While some of the scientific parts here did get me a little bored, I liked how the world of the Games was connected to our real life to show that maybe some elements weren't as far into the future as we think. I also liked how at the end of each chapter there were "Dooms Day Predictions," I thought those were really funny to read.

I also liked the use of graphs and charts throughout the book. It kind of broke up the more dull moments and gave you a break from some of the heavier stuff. I could really tell that the author did her research and this was a very thorough companion guide (Plus it's only like $5 on Amazon!)

Of course, if you love the Hunger Games series you should check this out. This is the second companion novel I've read for the series and I'm really appreciating the breadth of topics each one has conquered so far. I can't wait to pick up a few more!

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Beautiful Days by Anna Godbersen

Synopsis: For the bright young things of 1929, the beautiful days seem endless, filled with romance and heartbreak, adventure and intrigue, friendship and rivalry.

After a month in New York, Cordelia Grey and Letty Larkspur are small-town girls no longer. Letty will at last chase her Broadway dreams no matter the cost. Cordelia, still reeling from the death of her father at the hands of the man she thought she loved, is set to honor Darius Grey's legacy? . . . ?and take her revenge. Promised to Cordelia's half brother, Charlie Grey, Astrid is caught up in a world of dazzling jewels and glittering nights and the sparkle is blinding.

A bitter rivalry will ensnare them all in a dangerous feud played out in the speakeasies of Manhattan and the great lawns of Long Island, and for Astrid, Cordelia, and Letty, the stakes could be deadly.

Release Date: July 31st, 2012

Number of pages: 368

My review: This was such a great sequel to Bright Young Things! I loved how the direction of this story is going. I felt more deeply connected to the characters in this novel and found myself rooting for them more and wanting to find out what was going to happen next.

I am still absolutely loving the setting of the 1920's in New York and all the descriptions of the glitz and glamour of all the descriptions, from the dresses to the buildings to the girls themselves. Everyone always seems so luxurious and their lives seem perfect but then you dive deeper beneath the surface and realize even the rich and slightly famous have their own problems as well. 

More characters were also introduced and we learned more about their backstory's which was interesting and added a completely new layer to the story. I like how the rivalry between the two bootlegger's family is playing out and can't wait to get my hands on the last book to see how everything ends!

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The Girl Who Was on Fire: Your Favorite Authors on Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games Trilogy Edited by Leah Wilson

Synopsis: Includes 3 brand new essays on Gale, the Games, andMockingjay!

**Already read the first edition of The Girl Who Was on Fire? Look forThe Girl Who Was on Fire - Booster Pack in the Kindle store to get just the three new essays and the extra movie content.**

Katniss Everdeen’s adventures may have come to an end, but her story continues to blaze in the hearts of millions worldwide.

In The Girl Who Was on Fire - Movie Edition, sixteen YA authors take you back to the world of the Hunger Games with moving, dark, and funny pieces on Katniss, the Games, Gale and Peeta, reality TV, survival, and more. From the trilogy's darker themes of violence and social control to fashion and weaponry, the collection's exploration of the Hunger Games reveals exactly how rich, and how perilous, Panem, and the series, really is.

• How does the way the Games affect the brain explain Haymitch’s drinking, Annie’s distraction, and Wiress’ speech problems?
• What does the rebellion have in common with the War on Terror?
• Why isn’t the answer to “Peeta or Gale?” as interesting as the question itself?
• What should Panem have learned from the fates of other hedonistic societies throughout history—and what can we?

CONTRIBUTORS: Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Mary Borsellino, Sarah Rees Brennan, Terri Clark, Bree Despain, Adrienne Kress, Sarah Darer Littman, Cara Lockwood, Elizabeth M. Rees, Carrie Ryan, Ned Vizzini, Lili Wilkinson, Blythe Woolston, Diana Peterfreund (NEW), Brent Hartinger (NEW), Jackson Pearce (NEW)

Release Date: January 17th, 2012
Number of pages: 253

My review: Upon completion of The Hunger Games series, I have become obsessed with finding different companion novels and philosophy books that discuss different aspects of The Hunger Games. This was the perfect starting point to delve deeper into the series and look at different hidden meanings and get a variety of viewpoints on the series.

Everything from Gale vs. Peeta, to the idea of the Games and how they connect to our society, to scifi mutations were discussed and it was incredibly interesting. I liked reading all the different authors opinions and ideas about different things in the series and I found myself either agreeing with them and seeing the series in a different light or disagreeing and coming up with my own arguments.

I definitely think this is one of those books you shouldn't read all at once though. There was a few times towards the middle of the book where I thought the essays were a little repetitive but towards the end they began to differ a bit more and the book got more interesting. This is something that you could pick up from time to time and read while you're in the middle of another book, to give yourself a breather. 

Overall, I thought it was extremely interesting and I can't wait to pick up a few more books like this because they really get you thinking about everything that is beneath the surface of The Hunger Games series. I completely recommend this for all the die-hard fans out there. 

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Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Synopsis: My name is Katniss Everdeen.
Why am I not dead?
I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans--except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.
Release Date: August 24th, 2010
Number of pages: 390

My review: What is life right now. I'm at a complete loss of words. 

I ended up finishing this in a little under 3 hours. I just could NOT put it down. I've had sort of a weird run through with The Hunger Games series. When I read the first one I didn't like it that much (namely because a lot of my friends were pressuring me to read it). But then I read Catching Fire and absolutely LOVED it (and loved the movie!) and Katniss really began to grow on me as a character. 

Mockingjay, to me, was like the perfect ending. A lot of people said they didn't like it, but I think it was amazing. It wasn't a typical perfect storybook ending, it was a Hunger Games ending where there was enough happiness and destruction to make it feel real.

Katniss has definitely become my all-time favorite heroine. She is simply amazing. Of course, she has her blunders here and there but what she goes through is incredible for someone her age and the fact that she can rise against everything and become this symbol for her people shows an immense amount of strength and adversity.

Anyways, Mockingjay had it all! Suspense, plot twists, and the not so perfect ending that turned out to be perfect after all. Everything just worked for me. Well, not everything because there were certainly some moments where I got a little teary eyed. 

I am sad to see the series end, but I look forward to the Mockingjay movies with bated breath. Hopefully, they will be as amazing as Catching Fire was. Go Katniss!

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Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen

Synopsis: The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: Flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the Roaring Twenties.

Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star....

Cordelia is searching for the father she's never known, a man as infamous for his wild parties as he is for his shadowy schemes. Overnight, she enters a world more thrilling and glamorous than she ever could have imagined — and more dangerous. It's a life anyone would kill for...and someone will.

The only person Cordelia can trust is ­Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have it all: money, looks, and the love of Cordelia's brother, Charlie. But Astrid's perfect veneer hides a score of family secrets.

Across the vast lawns of Long Island, in the ­illicit speakeasies of Manhattan, and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls' fortunes will rise and fall — together and apart. From the New York Times bestselling author of THE LUXE comes an epic new series set in the dizzying last summer of the Jazz Age.

Release Date: October 12th, 2010

Number of pages: 389

My review: I have read Anna Godbersen's other series The Luxe, and was completely enthralled by that one so when I saw that she had written a series set in the 1920's I was immediately drawn in.

Our story follows three main girls, Cordelia, Letty, and Astrid. Cordelia and Letty are best friends who wish to move to New York in order to "find themselves" and make it in the big city. Anna Godbersen does an excellent job once again of setting up the scene and switching from the different points of views of the characters without it being confusing or annoying. Just when you get too much of one character she moves you onto the next and let's you see into their life for awhile.

Typical of Anna Godbersen's books there is a lot of mystery and intrigue that float beneath the surface of the glitz and glamour of these girls' fabulous lives. She definitely keeps you guessing and wanting more, more, more! I read half this book in one day because I was so captivated by her writing!

Often I was reminded of The Great Gatsby, and I could tell that she pulled a few components from Fitzgerald's novel such as magnificent parties, riches being thrown around, and lot's of fancy women and dresses (and illegal alcohol! Remember this is during prohibition...)

The ending, of course, left me wanting more and I have ordered the second novel so that I can continue on with reading what happens next with these girls. Anna Godbersen always has something up her sleeve and I'm always following along wanting to know what it is! This also interests me in other types of YA novels written during this time period so I will have to definitely find more!

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Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Synopsis: THE HUGO AND NEBULA AWARD WINNING NOVEL Orson Scott Card’s beloved classic Ender’s Game is now a major motion picture. Andrew “Ender” Wiggin thinks he is playing computer simulated war games; he is, in fact, engaged in something far more desperate.  Ender may be the military genius Earth desperately needs in a war against an alien enemy seeking to destroy all human life. The only way to find out is to throw Ender into ever harsher training, to chip away and find the diamond inside, or destroy him utterly. Ender Wiggin is six years old when it begins. He will grow up fast. “Orson Scott Card makes a strong case for being the best writer science fiction has to offer.” —The Houston Post This movie tie-in edition features cover art from the Summit Entertainment film starring Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley, and Asa Butterfield as Ender Wiggin.

Release Date: 1985

Number of pages: 324

My review: I was first heard about this series when the trailer came out for the book and then recently my friend told me that I had to read it. I have to admit I had some trouble getting into the story. I was a bit confused about the world and there was a lot that wasn't explained. It's one of those stories that I sometimes feel I'm entering into way too late, and that a prequel would be extremely helpful in understanding certain components of the story.

Nevertheless, I did learn more and more about the world Ender was in as the story progressed and what his purpose was for the entire universe. I liked the sci-fi world that surrounded Ender (that which was explained to me). 

I found Ender to be an...interesting character. I didn't dislike him, but he could get on my nerves sometimes. I understood that he was just a kid growing up in this world where he wanted to be no part of, but he could have chosen not to go to the intergalactic school! Obviously, as a young boy he had a lot of problems with being picked on, which was something else I couldn't really relate too.

I wish there had been a dual-focus on the other side of what was happening. Of course we saw what was happening up at the school with Ender, but I wish we could have learned more about what was going on down on Earth with the rest of civilization, especially with people like Ender's siblings, who were also trying to make a difference in the world like Ender.

Overall, the ending (no pun intended) really saved this book for me. If the end wasn't as good as it had been I probably would have rated this at least a three star. Nevertheless, four stars from me, but I don't think I'll be continuing on the series.

Sidenote: I don't normally like movie tie-in covers but I absolutely love this one!

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Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Synopsis: The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand. 

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

Release Date: August 14th, 2012

Number of pages: 416

My review: I loved this book! I loved the intense romance between Abby (Pidge) and Travis. Travis just seems so dreamy, albeit he is a little intense at times like when he gets into fights over the simplest things and goes a little overboard in certain situations (I can't say cause duh spoilers!).

Abby also seems like a bit of a pushover when it comes to Travis, but hello! who wouldn't be with that gorgeous bod and sexy tattoos. But to each their own.

I loved how the college they went to totally reminded me of the one I was currently in, and it seemed very realistic so the setting was set up flawlessly. The supporting characters were also pretty awesome and the occasional appearance of Abby's sarcastic roommate always made me giggle.

Overall, I'd say it was a really good New Adult book though I do think the ending was a bit unrealistic. I liked unweaving the characters stories while reading through the book, but the ending was a bit off putting for me. It just seemed like a bit of a let down compared to the rest of the book. Build up was amazing though and this is one of those books that will get you hooked from the very beginning. 

I would recommend this for girls who are currently in college, but maybe not any younger since there are some steamy situations!
P.S. I despise this cover. It makes absolutely no sense to the book and it looks like a stock image that has been severely altered. 

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The Edge of Always by J.A. Redmerski

Synopsis: Five months ago, Camryn and Andrew, both dealing with personal hardships, met on a Greyhound bus. They fell in love and proved that when two people are meant to be together, fate will find a way to make it happen.
Now, in the highly anticipated sequel to The Edge of Never, Camryn and Andrew are pursuing their love for music and living life to the fullest as they always swore to do. But when tragedy befalls them, their relationship is put to the ultimate test. As Camryn tries to numb her pain, Andrew makes a bold decision: To get their life back on track, they'll set out on another cross-country road trip. Together they find excitement, passion, adventure-and challenges they never could have anticipated.

Release Date: January 14th, 2014

Number of pages: 464

My review: When I found out that I had been granted permission to read and review and advanced copy of this on NetGalley I was so excited! I loved the first book, The Edge of Never, and this one also did not disappoint! 

While The Edge of Never was filled with romance and passion with a smidge of heartbreak, The Edge of Always rivaled all that by throwing in deeper emotions of love and loss. I genuinely felt sad for Camryn and Andrew and all that they went through in these 400 some pages. When they triumphed and overcame an obstacle I was cheering along with them, and when they sank down and felt defeated, I mourned with them as well.

There was a few times towards the end where I felt like the book was dragging on a bit much, and I was relating less to the characters and what they were saying, but I still think this was a fulfilling sequel. A bit lengthy? Yes. Necessary? Maybe...

I think it's really up to each individual reader to decide whether or not this was as good as the first book. I for one thought The Edge of Never was better, but this one was a good ending for Camryn and Andrew's trials, tribulations, and travels. 

So, if you disregard that the ending was a little bland, the beginning and middle of the book more than make up for what the ending was trying to accomplish (closure, I guess? The author was just giving way too many over the top descriptions of love, even for me to handle). 

Overall, a wonderful ending to the duology and was something that I greatly anticipated to read and now am glad that I have finished it!

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The Paige-Turner's 2014 Bookish Resolutions

Often times at the end of the year I think about what I did this year through blogging, reading, or overall social media interaction and develop a plan for the new year.

Yeah you're all thinking, "Don't we all!?"

But I'm going to take it seriously this time. So, I have complied a list that I will reference and cross off things that I have done throughout the new year. Here we go!

• Read a book outside my comfort zone
• Read at least 12 classics (one for each month)
• Read more New Adult books
• Don't slack off on reviews or reading (this was a huge problem for me this year. I need to find that right balance)
• Finish at least a third of my TBR shelf
• Limit how many books I buy (unless I finish more on my TBR)
• And, as usual I have pledged to read 100 books in 2014 (I surpassed this in 2013 and read a total of 121 books!)

What are your resolutions? I'd love to hear some!

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Love Is a Number by Lee Monroe

Synopsis: When her beloved boyfriend Huck dies, Eloise is wrecked. All she has left of him are the texts that he sent: short, succinct - but full of love. 

They keep Huck alive. And so Eloise texts him back as if he can receive her messages from beyond the grave. She never expected to get a reply ....

Dan is travelling South America in one last hurrah before university and real life kick in. 

He's ready for love, but not of the casual kind. He's not met a girl that's set his world alight. But he's ready for her when she decides to make an appearance. One night on his travels, Dan discovers an abandoned phone. 

He pockets it, then forgets about it. He never expected it to ring ....

Release Date: July 4th, 2013

Number of pages: 400

My review: I guess I don't know really where to begin with this review. It was a really cute read, but I did have some issues with the characters which prevented me from giving it a five-star rating. I think if the characters had been better I would have liked this a lot more. 

Let's talk about our first main character Eloise. Smart, pretty, stuck-up and she knows it. Gosh this girl annoyed me. She was constantly complaining about how her mother constantly planned everything for her and never let her have a say in anything, yet she never stood up for herself! I kept waiting for a moment when Lo would do something that she wanted for herself but she never really did until the last 50 pages. 

Out of this whole book the last 50 pages are what saved it, and boosted it to the four star rating that I gave it.

Now Daniel. Ugh Dan was the same way! He was constantly moping about how he was a "nice guy" and wasn't attractive and nerdy. Oh cry me a river. Again, with Dan he redeemed himself in the last 50 or so pages. 

Also, the whole book screams British, which was very cute! The way the characters talked and the different places they were going to "Uni" made me want to visit there more than ever. 

I liked this book and I think the premise was really cute I just thought it kind of dragged on and on a lot. There was a lot of buildup to an ending that I thought could have been extended a little further. I feel the first 100 pages could be cut and shoved to the end so that I could see more of what happened to the pair. Oh well.

It was a cute read, but not something I will be reading again any time soon in the future. 

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Reading Cram: Wrap Up Post

Sadly, the Reading Cram has come to an end. I had so much fun participating in all the challenges and of course reading a ton of books! Huge thank you to Juliababyjen's Reading Room and Dana Square for hosting the Read-A-Thon!

Here are my totals:

I read a total of 16 books! I completed almost all of the one's on my list (I didn't get to one of them which was 52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody). 

I also read a total of 4,236 pages! I'm actually very proud of myself. Here's a look at what I read in these two weeks:

      

How did everyone else's cram go? Leave links below and I'll come check it out!

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The Bling Ring: How a Gang of Fame-Obsessed Teens Ripped Off Hollywood and Shocked the World by Nancy Jo Sales

Synopsis: In time for the 2013 film The Bling Ring directed by Sofia Coppola and starring Emma Watson: an in-depth exposé of the exploits of the infamous Hollywood "Bling Ring"-a band of beautiful, privileged teenagers who were caught breaking into celebrity mansions and stealing millions of dollars' worth of valuables

Meet the Bling Ring: six club-hopping LA teenagers accused of stealing more than $3 million in clothing and jewelry from the likes of Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Orlando Bloom, Rachel Bilson and other young members of the Hollywood elite-allegedly the most audacious burglary gang in recent history.

Driven by celebrity worship, vanity, and the desire to look and dress like the rich and famous, the Bling Ring made headlines in 2009 for using readily available sources-like Google maps, Facebook and TMZ, to track the comings and goings of their targets. Seven teens were arrested for the crimes, and instantly became tabloid fodder. The world asked-how did the American obsession with celebrity get so out of hand? And why did a band of ostensibly privileged LA teens take such a risk?

Vanity Fair reporter Nancy Jo Sales found the answer: they did it because they could. And because it was just that easy.

Author of the acclaimed Vanity Fair story on the Bling Ring "The Suspect Wore Louboutins," Sales gained unprecedented access to the Hollywood thieves, and in the process uncovered a dark world of teenage arrogance, greed, obsession, and delusion. Now, for the first time in a full book length work, Sales details the Bling Ring crimes up close and in depth, and reveals the key players' stories in a shocking look at the seedy world of the real young Hollywood. 

Release Date: May 21st, 2013

Number of pages: 288

My review: After watching the movie, The Bling Ring, directed by Sofia Coppola, I knew that I had to read the book and get more details on this fascinating story. There is something about this whole plot that is just surreal to me; as if, it really is a piece of fiction. But it's not, it's real.

The novel is completely different from the film which was good. While the film focused more on the surface of the story (spoiled kids from Southern California who go to celebrities homes to steal their stuff) the novel delves more into the background of the kids, what happened before, after, and during the burglaries, and a lot of statistics about kids in America and their fascination with celebrities and Hollywood. 

I liked every aspect of this novel. It comes across as a very long newspaper article, which it essentially is. Most of the novel focuses on Nick Prugo's testimonies and confessions about the burglaries. Although, there are some components in which Nancy Jo Sales talks with the other kids who were apart of the burglaries. 

While most of the kids disgusted me, Nick Prugo actually was the only one who earned my sympathy. First, however, I feel I must state that in my own opinion, I feel that they all committed the burglaries. With that being said, I also think it was extremely disgusting what they did. Under no circumstances is it okay to go into another person's home and take their possessions. It doesn't matter how rich or famous they are. No one deserves to be trespassed upon. 

I could tell from the novel that Prugo felt sorry for what he did. He seemed to be a kid who was sucked into something he didn't want to do in the first place. Yes, you could say that he didn't have to do anything, but when you're a kid in high school and are going through the anxiety issues that Prugo was going through and needed friends, then I understand why he confessed.

The novel also gave statistics and information about teens in this new age Hollywood and how we're all apparently obsessed with celebrities and becoming famous. The novel also had this sort of feminist perspective. There were quite a few times when Sales would go off on a tangent about women and girls and how they are constantly being exploited by media and advertising. I loved this aspect of the novel, because it went more in-depth as to possibly why the teens in the Bling Ring committed their crimes, especially the girls. 

Overall, I was enthralled by the novel. It was fascinating to me not only what these Bling Ring kids did, but everything going along with their burglaries. I think the fact that I myself am sort of fascinated with celebrities too helped spike my interest in the story. Admittedly, the whole thing was also interesting to me too because all of this happened less than an hour away from where I live in California. As someone who grew up here I know what it's like to feel close to Hollywood and feel like you know these celebrities. However, I'm not one to walk up to their homes and steal their things.

I listened to the audiobook for this book and it really helped me get through the story. I don't know why but somehow it made it easier for me to understand and get through the novel because at times it can be quite dry. Just a word of warning. 

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Reading Cram Progress/Spell it out Challenge

Since I last updated (from days 7 and 8) I have read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak which was awesome and The Daughters Join the Party by Joanna Philbin. 
Right now I'm currently reading The Bling Ring by Nancy Jo Sales (it's completely fascinating!)
My overall total is 12 books read and 3,343 pages, as of today. I think I can finish at least one more before the end of the Reading Cram. 

Books read today



Moving on! Today's Challenge is the Spell It Out Challenge. You take the titles of books you've read in 2013 and using the first letter of those titles, spell out a name. I decided to spell out my name so here goes!

P--Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson
A--Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky
I--Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
G--Game On by Melanie Spring
E--Entangled by Nikki Jefford

What did you spell out? Leave a link below and I'll come check it out!

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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Synopsis: It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

Release Date: January 1st, 2005

Number of pages: 576

My review: I can't believe I waited so long to read this! I've had it sitting on my shelf for quite some time and I always promised myself I would read it at Christmas (I don't know why) and so this year I finally did it.

The Book Thief is such a deep story. Of course the narration is from the point of view of death, which while bringing a different perspective to the story, also adds an element of solemnness. Death doesn't seem vengeful or mean, he seems tired of his job and sorry that he has to carry so many souls during World War II. He brings a somber tone to the story, which I think is good because if it had been from the point of view of Liesel, our main protagonist, it would have given the story more innocence, which would have ruined the overall feel.

As touchy of a subject that World War II can bring to some people, Markus Zusak has flawlessly written a tale which inspires hope and love for the written word. The Book Thief is one part sad and hopeless, and one part gleeful and triumphant. While Death tells the tale of Liesel, Liesel herself brings out a vivaciousness that has the readers rooting for her from the very start. 

I enjoyed every aspect of The Book Thief (except maybe the ending which had me crying like a baby!) It takes on such a unique perspective and tells a tale, the likes of which had never been told before. Not only does The Book Thief reinforce how precious reading, books, and writing, can be, and how they can save us and give us an escape from reality, but The Book Thief also shows how resilient and strong some people can be in the face of devastation. 

Of course now, I can't wait to see the movie! And I can say hands down this is the best book I've read this year.

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Reading Cram Day 7 and 8 Progress

My reading cram is still going strong! I have finished 9 books with a total of 2,210 pages!
Right now I am currently reading The Book Thief and it's been slow going. I'm worried it will take up the rest of my time for the challenge because it's such a huge book. I will try my best though!
I have also been participating in all the challenges so that's fun too!
Here is the books I have finished and the one's that are still on my list that I need to read:

To-Read

Finished

How is everyone else's challenges going? I'd love to hear from you!

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Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender

Synopsis: Colette Iselin is excited to go to Paris on a class trip. She’ll get to soak up the beauty and culture, and maybe even learn something about her family’s French roots.

But a series of gruesome murders are taking place across the city, putting everyone on edge. And as she tours museums and palaces, Colette keeps seeing a strange vision: a pale woman in a ball gown and powdered wig, who looks suspiciously like Marie Antoinette.

Colette knows her popular, status-obsessed friends won’t believe her, so she seeks out the help of a charming French boy. Together, they uncover a shocking secret involving a dark, hidden history. When Colette realizes she herself may hold the key to the mystery, her own life is suddenly in danger . . .

Acclaimed author Katie Alender brings heart-stopping suspense to this story of revenge, betrayal, intrigue — and one killer queen.

Release Date: September 24th, 2013

Number of pages: 296

My review: The first book I read by Katie Alender was Bad Girls Don't Die (you can check out that review here) and I hated it so I was a bit apprehensive about how much I would like this one, but I was pleasantly surprised!

Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer was so much better! I think what I liked about this one was that it had more historical aspects which is always interesting to me, and it took place in Paris! Swoon! How can you not like books that are in Paris?

I also felt that the writing was much better in this book. Bad Girls Don't Die, I think was her first novel and the planning and execution (no pun intended) was more well done in this novel. From the descriptions of the dresses, to the scenery, and the history, it was just much more beautifully written. 

At first I was having problems with Colette and how she constantly wanted approval from the "popular" girls from her school, but actually it was a key component for the story. The ending was a bit predictable due to this factor of the book, but it was cute nonetheless. The characters felt real, like this was really happening and that kept pushing me forward to read more and more. Typically, in murder novels I'm not at the edge of my seat but this was so well written I just HAD to know what was going to happen next!

Also, sidenote, I just LOVE the cover! It's so vibrant and beautiful. I get lost in the model's eyes. When I asked my mom if she liked the cover she asked if that was fruit punch on her face. Harhar mom. 

Check this out if you're looking for a light read, with a smidge of romance, history, and murder!

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Reading Cram Day 6: Seasonal Challenge

Updates
I have now finished 6 books! (What!?)
Well three of them were Fruits Basket manga, but hey they still count!
So yesterday I read a total of 4 books and I know I will be able to finish Marie Antoinette Serial Killer by Katie Alender today. After that I'm not sure what I'll read...too many options!

Challenge
Today's challenge is to recommend a book for the following categories:

• Recommend a book good for a snow day
• Recommend a book good for a rainy day
• Recommend a book good for a beach day
• Recommend a book good for a spooky night

Personally, I like to read classics or really big novels on snowy/rainy days so I'll give a classic recommendation for those and a more modern recommendation. 

Snow Day

    OR    

I always love reading both of these around Christmas time. They just get me in the spirit.

Rainy Day

    OR    

Beach Day

      

Spooky Night

(This book scared the crap outta me!)

So that's my list! Leave a link to yours below! I'd love to come check it out!

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