Monday, August 29

B's Monday Review: A Modern Day Persuasion by Kaitlin Saunders



Nearly eight years ago, Anne’s family, specifically her father, insinuated that her fiancĂ© Rick was solely interested in her wealth and status. Against her better judgment, Anne agreed to postpone the marriage, only to watch the love of her life walk away, never to be heard from again. Almost a decade later, still single and no longer wealthy, Anne struggles to make a name for herself designing greeting cards. Unable to move on with her life, she finds herself still emotionally bound to the man who disappeared the moment things didn’t go his way. Through a series of serendipitous events, however, Anne is reunited with her old love—just as a new beau enters the scene. Only time will tell if her heart can finally be set free to love again, or if Rick’s initial betrayal will leave her single…forever. 

My thoughts:
I think this was a good example how if you make a modern adaption then do change things!

First Anne met Wentworth at 17 (or 16) and wanted to marry him before even having finished HS. Yes her dad said no cos Rick had no money, but omg, hello! She had not even finished HS!

He was actually given an ultimatum, wait for her to finish college and then get married and he just walked away. What an effing ahole. That did not make me like him.

In the book her sis married that Charles guy even though he was in love with Anne. We never got an explanation why someone today would feel the need do do that. Why did he? Why did she? Also she must have married very young since she had 2 kids and were under 25. I am not saying people can not marry young but these two did not even like each other. It was a status thing. You can't be on the shelf either.

The Musgroves at once thought that Rick could marry one of their daughters. That worked great back then, now the whole eligible bachelor was just really? Bad parenting.

Anne was fond of reading. Rick was a really famous author. She had never heard of him. He went into the navy 8 years ago, became a writer and was now rich. 

What else...oh her sister dated their Elliott cousin, like euwww. Modern days, maybe not do that.

These two had almost no interaction before the letter, fine I believed it in those days, but now, I can not even see why you two like each other?!

Poor Anne, not married at 25. Omg how tragic.

The Lyme couple got engaged as in the real version too...too fast now.

All these people are idiots.

Omg do not read this one.

Paperback, 256 pages
Published May 5th 2011 by BookSurge Publishing
Persuasion remake
Own

Sunday, August 28

Book Review: Time and Regret by MK Tod


Author: MK Tod
Title: Time and Regret
Genre: Historical Fiction and Mystery
Pages: ebook
First Published: August 16th 2016 
Where I Got It: My Shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for an honest and unbiased review)

When Grace Hansen finds a box belonging to her beloved grandfather, she has no idea it holds the key to his past—and to long-buried family secrets. In the box are his World War I diaries and a cryptic note addressed to her. Determined to solve her grandfather’s puzzle, Grace follows his diary entries across towns and battle sites in northern France, where she becomes increasingly drawn to a charming French man—and suddenly aware that someone is following her…

Through her grandfather’s vivid writing and Grace’s own travels, a picture emerges of a man very unlike the one who raised her: one who watched countless friends and loved ones die horrifically in battle; one who lived a life of regret. But her grandfather wasn’t the only one harboring secrets, and the more Grace learns about her family, the less she thinks she can trust them.




Oooooh WWI. Such a bloody, bloody war. So many people lost their lives! I'm glad this story shared Martin's tale as well Grace's. It showed his journey as well as Grace's. The author did an amazing job with showing the true brutality of the war and the survivor's guilt. Beautiful job.

Normally I prefer one POV over the other, but for this one, I really liked both. Both had me hooked and I couldn't wait for the continuation of both. The author did a good job with the switching between WWI and the 1990s. Kuddos. It can be tough transitioning. 

So many secrets and so many regrets on all sides! Lies, blackmail, secrets, stealing, killing, and so much more! Poor Grace! LOLLL 

Poor Martin. :( He really did have a hard time. However, he was a clever man and taught Grace well on how to decipher the secrets he had. 

Now, the culprit at the end surprised me for sure. Yes, I did suspect that person....but everyone was on my radar. However, as the story progressed I did have my money on someone else. The culprit did make me sad. I really had hoped it wouldn't be that person. Super bummer....but it did make a lot of sense honestly. 

Why was Grandmama/Cynthia was such a B! But I don't understand it fully. Why would Martin stay with her or put up with her being so mean to Grace? You can't help who you love, but he should have put his foot down and told her off. I think she needed a reminder that you can't be a B whenever you wanted. Yes, it did make the story interesting and make it harder for Grace to solve the mystery....but yeah. Not cool. 

My only real complaint was the ending after the reveal and whatnot. It did seem to drag on and on. It felt like it was never going to end and I expected more to be revealed, but nothing was. 

Pierre was meh to me. He was nice and I'm glad Grace found him....but I guess I wasn't taken in by his charm. 

I was utterly hooked from page one. The characters were interesting and I was very involved with both of their stories. I will admit...I teared up a couple of times during Martin's story! THE FEELS DAMMIT! THE FEELS! War is such a nasty, nasty thing especially WWI. WWI was the beginning of the shift of how warfare was done. It was a nasty transition that caused so many people to die on all sides. Super sad. The mystery was good and the culprit surprised me. 

I also LOVE THE COVER! Beautiful. 

In the end, I highly recommend this for everyone. Yes, there is some historical parts involved, but the author does a good job making it feel real and alive. The mystery and finding out all the secrets was for sure good. The ending did drag on a bit, but the rest of the of the story was fun. I shall stamp this with 4 stars. 




















Saturday, August 27

Saturday Scribbling Challenge #6: Poetry Edition




This is a fun little writing challenge that Blodeuedd and I have come up with! We each challenge each other with the selected theme. 

We had such fun last month with the poetry, we decided to do another poetry edition. :D


First....Blodeuedd's poem:



The Fallen
WWI inspired fantasy poem; continuation from last month's poem
by Blodeuedd
Ravens in the distance
A dark cloud of despair
Blood, rivers of red running by
Crying, screaming, dying
The Day of the Fallen
Last breath of the brave
She walks like a ghost
Searching, aching, wanting
She cries as she stumbles
Limbs, broken bodies, rotting 
A shield, blue and golden
A sword glimmering in the sun
Help me
A whisper in the wind
Moving forward
Blood in the mud
There he lies
There her heart breaks
She falls down
His face so sweet
Heart breaking
Soul dying
One last embrace
No more, she says
No More
Last cry of the Fallen
Last day of the Brave
Move on, she hears
Move on, they say
New battles
More death
No More, she cries
No More
There she sits
As the sun sets
As Night comes
 A new Day enters
More, they say

More.




Now, my poem:


How I Missed This Feeling
Inspired by 'Criminal Minds'
by Carole Rae

A welcoming serene smile
A light touch. 
He gently places a kiss
On my lips.
My nerves racing. 
Heart pounding. 
How I have missed
This feeling. 
The room is spinning,
We are alone. 
Should I dare
Ask for more? 
He leads me to the bed
And kisses me gently. 
I feel my cheeks burning
And heart beating.
He sits next to me and
Tangles his hand in my hair.
As he kisses me again
A swell of pain
Raises in my stomach.
I look down
And blood is pouring. 
I look up and gasp.
His once gentle smile
Is now evil
And menacing. 
He cackles as my sight blurs.
He whispers,
“How I missed this feeling.”
And then my world goes black. 

Friday, August 26

Book Review: The Egypt of Cleopatra by TD van Basten


Author: T.D. van Basten
Title: The Egypt of Cleopatra
Genre: Nonfiction
Pages: ebook
First Published: November 29th 2015
Where I Got It: My Shelf (Amazon Freebie)

Cleopatra VII (69 BC - 30 BC), the last Pharaoh of Egypt, was a very educated, crafty, ambitious and clever woman. Her intellect and charisma – far greater than her beauty and sexuality - allowed her to keep the power for nearly twenty years by fighting against – and allying with - the greatest power at the time, Rome. Although her history was written by who defeated her and, therefore, modified according conveniences of them, there have been found, in recent archaeology researches, evidences of her intellect and achievements that portrayed her beyond her beauty and sexual power. She captivated the two greatest Romans of her time, and destroyed herself. Cleopatra was representing everything that the Romans didn't like. Not only was she a woman, but she was a woman with power. 

Cleopatra, one of the most famous of all of Egypt's illustrious Pharaohs, has become an indelible part of our understanding of ancient Egypt. What is less well known is the context of her reign - the cultural and political climate at the time of her birth, rule, and death. As a leader, Cleopatra was much more than just a seductive, beautiful temptress. She was a young woman brought to power during a tumultuous time in the history of her country, as well as during the rise of what would become one of the biggest and most powerful Empires in the history of the world: Rome. 



I have always had a huge interest in Ancient times, especially with Ancient Egypt. I took a class about the Ancient World. We spent a good deal on Ancient Egypt, but we really didn't spend ANY time on Cleopatra who was the last and most famous of Pharaohs. Isn't it funny how the last is always the best? The first and the last are the most remembered in many situations. 

I like Cleopatra for many reasons. However, I think people give her too much credit. Yes, she was beautiful and smart and charismatic. She got the throne and held onto it longer than someone else might have. The fact remains though....she lost in the end. She lost everything, so she wasn't the best Pharaoh. Sure...she gave a hell of fight, but she was the last and lost it to Rome. 

The question, now, remains. Was it hopeless the moment she got the throne? Was she doomed to fail? Or was there something else she could have done to save her throne? After reading this, I am leaning more towards the hopeless at the beginning. Egypt was in bed with Rome and Greece for a LONG time. I feel her ancestors set her up to fail ultimately. However, I do feel she made her bed too. Getting with two Romans of power didn't help matters. Especially with Antony....the man had a Roman wife who was sisters with Augustus. Yes, yes, you damn romantics...I agree you can't help who you fall in love with. BUT IT WAS FOOLISH!!!! It was truly dooming her to love Antony. 

Anyways. This was a quick read that shared more background knowledge of the Egypt Cleopatra was walking into. I truly wasn't that aware that her ancestors set her up to fail in many ways. They had caused such friction inside the country and set up too many ties with the Greeks and Romans for comfort.

Now, my only real complaint with the book were the repeats. He repeated himself a few times about the same thing. I get it. Please don't repeat. I understand trying to drive the point home, but it was tiresome at some points.

I do wish there was a small section about the clothing style of the day. I'm probably biased, but understanding the fashion choices of a time period helps understand the mindset and personality of the historical figures. 

Overall, though, this was a simplistic read even for those that do not have a great love of reading history books. This would be a good read for someone in college who wanted a quick summary. 

I shall stamp this with 3 stars. 

















Monday, August 22

B's Monday Review: Proxima by Stephen Baxter

The very far future: The galaxy is a drifting wreck of black holes, neutron stars, and chill white dwarfs. The age of star formation is long past. Yet there is life here, feeding off the energies of the stellar remnants, and there is mind, a tremendous galaxy-spanning intelligence each of whose thoughts lasts a hundred thousand years. And this mind cradles memories of a long-gone age when a more compact universe was full of light... The 27th century: Proxima Centauri, an undistinguished red dwarf star, is the nearest star to our sun. How would it be to live on such a world? 

My thoughts:
The beginning was a bit slow, but I kept thinking it's Baxter and it got better. I think the problem was that there was this other POV that showed up, not often, not that long, but I just did not care. I was all about the settlers. Oh those were fascinating.

It's a race between China and the rest, and to beat China settlers are sent to Proxima. It takes 4 years for a message to get from there home, and the settlers are really left to fend for themselves. On a strange new world, and well there are So many more things I want to say, but honestly it's just spoilers spoilers.

Proxima is an interesting planet, and there are secrets, and the end, omg, that was freaky! I really need to read part two to see how it all plays out. There are some good secrets in here for sure.

The book is about Yuri who gets sent to Proxima (and stuff goes down and I so want to talk about but I can not.) I loved learning more about the planet and the struggle for the settlers.

The POv of whatever was boring, and I am glad when it showed up it was a few chapters and I skimmed it. I did not really see the point of it. Our solar system is boring.

Conclusion:
In the end, Baxter is a great sci-fi writers and he always comes up with such cool concepts. I need book 2 then.

Cover
ok

Hardcover, 456 pages
Published September 19th 2013 by Gollancz
Proxima #1
Sci.fi
Library

Sunday, August 21

Joint Discussion: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes - BOOK VS MOVIE EDITION






This month we are shaking it up a bit! It is a battle of BOOK VS MOVIE! *cue the dundundaaa music* We decided to check out 'Me Before You'. Blodeuedd watched the movie and I read the book.  

Author: Jojo Moyes 
Title: Me Before You (Me Before You #1)
Genre: Romance & Fiction
Pages: ebook
First Published: January 5th 2012
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.


What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.



Length: 1h 50 min
Released:  June 2016
Genre: Romance
Rating: PG-13

Where I Got It: Seen at the Theaters


A girl in a small town forms an unlikely bond with a recently-paralyzed man she's taking care of.









TRAILER:



C: So...the movie. What did you think about the cast they had? 

B: Well, the guy in the wheelchair did not do much really. GoT blondie was superhappy all the time, hey even I can play superhappy ;) Neville Longbottom was HAWT. Damn. Oh wait...yes it worked, good cast.

C: Mhmmmm he did grow up hot. I was worried about him, but he did do a turn around. He played the boyfriend, Pat, right? Was he an ahole like he was in the book?

B: I would not say he was an ahole in the movie. He was just reeeeeeally focused on his running.

C: What about Lou? How was she portrayed? Was she awkward and have a crazy wardrobe? 

B: Such a crazy wardrobe, though some things were cute, some things were sooooo ugly. But she was awkward, happy and clumsy.

C: Now...Will. What about him? While reading I had a very distinct picture in my head. Was he sarcastic and brunette? I honestly pictures James Franco as him. LOLLL I’m not sure who they even casted as the actor. 

B: Sam Caflin? He was sad, stared out his window, he did not want her there, but hey I got that. He is stuck in that thing and can’t even lift a finger. He was depressed. I just felt sorry for him. Also...I remember him as blond? Now I have to check that.

C: Honestly...you can’t blame him for being depressed! I would be absolutely miserable. So, in the film, he was completely unable to move? In the book he could move his head and neck a bit. One arm he could move his fingers and wrist. 

B: Oh he was a brunette, my bad ;) But his head a little yes, but that was it…

C: Interesting that they made that change! In the book he just couldn’t move the forearm, arm part, so he had to be fed still. I wonder why they did that? Easier in away instead of trying to explain it. Make it sadder? Mhmm. Even though it didn’t need to be sadder. >__>

B: I guess it was easier that he could not move anything, and never would be able to. Sad, depressing, and a movie that made me cry. Sigh, I hate crying movies. How was the book with the crying bit? Gods, it hit me hard in the movie.

C: I was fine until the last part of the last chapter and the epilogue. The rest of the book I had hope. DAMMIT HOPE! But there was until the end and then I cried like a baby. I do have an essential question…..did they include the scene with the tattoos??????? I feel that was essential even  though it was like 4 pages. 

B: I do not really have an idea what you are talking about...so no.

C: Gah. :/ Maybe it’s going to be a deleted scene. Sighssssss. 

B: Now I want to know! But yes I guess they cut a lot.

C: In book exclusive. ;D It was depressingly funny. That is all I will say. But yes, the book was in the POV of Lou. There were a couple of chapters where they branched off and did a few pages of Will’s dad’s and then Lou’s sister. OH! They did a couple of pages of Nathan’s too, which I liked. 

B: Just here POV here, I would have liked his but I am sure that would have been painfully depressing. His dad and mum had as much screen time, and her sister was only there for Lou to talk with.

C: Seems about right. Will’s parents had some good “book time” too. Especially the mom. Will’s sister made a couple of appearances, but she was nonessential in my opinion. She was a pain and not very helpful in ANYTHING. Selfish brode. Same with Lou’s sister. I didn’t like her. She was selfish and she was helpful once in a while to Lou, but she was a brat overall. 

B: I am sorry...he had a sister? Not here, that is why it was so sad. Their only child paralysed and depressed. This really was Lou’s movie, her pain, which was kind of bad, others were sad too.

C: Yes, yes. In the book he had a sister Georgiana (spell?). However, he might as well had been a single child. Woman moved to Australia and was “too busy” to visit. She came like twice to see him. But yes, the same in book, it was Lou’s book. At first I was annoyed with her, but I did end up liking her and feeling bad. She liked him alot and she really wanted to help. 

B: I felt she was not that smart, she got really surprised to hear that he would never walk again (or at least be better in some areas). Omg, that is what the name means. Silly woman.

C: Yeaaaaa Lou wasn’t the brightest of the bright. However, I think that was part of her charm. She was probably book smart in school, but she is naive. I’m glad she had some flaws. Made me like her. I think that is why Will liked her too in the end. He had the “perfect” girlfriend and see how that ended up???? Poor Will. 

B: In the movie I saw it another way, he had clearly chased her away, and I could understand her leaving. Who would want to stay with someone who does not want to talk to you. It must have been heartbreaking for her too. But yes he was sad about it, but I also think he did it cos he knew they could have no future. It was wrong towards her.

C: Maybe in the movie the ex tried harder. But from what it sounded like in the book, she tried for a couple of months and then booked it. LIKE LADY! He JUST became this way….he needs time. And then she found comfort with his ex bestie. Way to add salt to the wound. There wasn’t another dude you could have been with? Why the bestie? >_< 

B: Here I just assumed they find comfort with each other. It was never said how they broke up. I just got the feeling cos that is how he was towards everyone else.

C: He was an arse to everyone in the book too. But the ex left only after a couple of months. I would have stuck around and told him to shut up. LOL But now….the ending. Without spoilers...was it what you expected?

B: Sort of yes...that is all I am saying. I just did not expect such a sad ending. A heartbreaking ending. I really do not know what I hoped for.

C: Same. I had hope, but a part of me knew there was little to zero hope. It did not end how I thought. Poor Lou. I do want to see if she does push forward and do what Will asked her to do. 

B: She brought it on herself, she was awfully naive about everything. But I can not blame her.

C: You can’t help who you fall for. Honestly, Will helped her become a stronger and more bold young lady. Helped her realize dreams and all that. The title fits and now I understand it. 

B: It does fit...sad sad sad. Who would not cry watching this movie or reading the book.

C: Heartless creatures would not! At least a single tear is required! I do want to watch the movie pretty badly. The book was AMAZING! The beginning was a wee slow, but after she meets Will it became addicting. I had to read forward. I’m honestly giving the book a 5. What about the movie??

B: Eh, a 3. It was good, but it was not amazing or anything. A 3 is good :) You know me. I would not read the book, I can not go back. But if I read a book I can watch the movie but not the other way around.

C: I’m the same sometimes. However, I do recommend the book. The book was really good. LOL. 

B: I do wonder...damn library for only having one copy. That is evil. I wonder how the audio is since none of us did that.

C: I listened to some of the audio….but it wasn’t moving fast enough for me, so I shut it off and read the book. LOL No patience, that is why it is rare for me to listen to the audio. xD

B: Aha, interesting. Good to know.

C: :D So...any more questions, thoughts, concerns, or mentions? I’m out of coffee D:

B: Not really. It was a good movie. But be prepared to cry, so have tissues nearby.

C: Same with the book. Tissues and a long night...you will not stop reading x_x

B: What next then? I believe it is my turn. No crying book this time ;)

C: LOL yes. No sad book. It is your turn. I do apologize for making you cry ;D Maybe a comedy….or romance or actiony. LOL All you girl!

B: At least I have seen it now, since everyone have been talking about it.

C: Yup! I read it...now I have to see it. The end?

B: Omg, wait, there is a book 2?!

C: Maybe it is a continuation of Lou’s story?????!!!!! *looking it up*

B: It is called After you. Her story continued.

C: Right. Yes. I knew about it. But I didn’t know, know. LOL Yes. It continues on with Lou and her life after. I need to read it. 

B: Interesting...the library does have one English copy….maybe we should do this for next month?

C: I’m fine with it. :D Or do we want to do a different book for Sept and save that October? Maybe give you time to read the first one. Hehehehe

B: Sure, i will keep an eye out for it (someone had it). The end :D


**CAROLE'S CONCLUSION**
I must watch the movie now.

The book was a little slow, but it turned into something I could not put down. Some of the characters needed a slap, but it made it that much better. I really want to watch the movie even though I know the ending and I sobbed like a school girl. Out of five stars, 5.






Tuesday, August 16

Book Review: Rant by Chuck Palahniuk


Author: Chuck Palahniuk 
Title: Rant
Genre: Fiction, Science Fiction, & Horror
Pages: 320
First Published: May 2007
Where I Got It: Friend let me borrow a copy


Buster “Rant” Casey just may be the most efficient serial killer of our time. A high school rebel, Rant Casey escapes from his small town home for the big city where he becomes the leader of an urban demolition derby called Party Crashing. Rant Casey will die a spectacular highway death, after which his friends gather the testimony needed to build an oral history of his short, violent life. 




This is my second book by this author. The other one was pretty good, so I had hopes. Sadly...I'm not sure about this one. 

Okay. This is a tale about a dude name Rant (a nickname of course). He was a crazy, crazy man who touched everyone's lives in a manner of ways. His "friends" all decide to share their stories and memories of this crazy ahole. 

I will admit that the way the story was told was pretty interesting and unique. I wouldn't call it "edgy" like others on other reviews say. It is not "new" or crazy. It is, however, interesting and new for the author. HOWEVER, I was majorly confused for the vast majority of the book. Why? Well, it was choppy and everyone was talking over each other and interrupting their story. I had to go back and forth to try and remember who's story is who's. At one point I grew extremely frustrated and went back to the beginning of the chapter and read one story from one POV and then I went back someone's else. Confusing? Here is an example of the format:

SoandSo: So yea, Rant was a crazy person. We to the store one day. He forgot the list.

Anotherbro: When Rant was a kid he got Rabies.

Yahoo#3: So yeah he did this and this and I was LIKE OMG!

SoandSo: So we had to go all the way home! I was so...like annoyed!

Anotherbro: Rant liked kissing da ladies with his rabies. IT WAS FUNNY! Let me tell you about this time.

Yahoo#3: I was so stunned that he did that! When I didn't think it could get worse...he did this! LIKE WTF?!

And so on. It scrambled my brain and I had to go back and forth and get through everyone's individual stories just so I could keep straight what was going on.

My next concern and question......................................HOW DID RANT HAVE THESE SO CALLED FRIENDS????? He was a total loony and psycho! He gave people rabies! WHAT? He was also a total creep. I can't elaborate...read the book and see the creepy ways of Rant.

Now, I will admit it was interesting and kept me entertained to see what other things Rant did. For me it was like watching some horror film. You can't help but look even when its gross and just BLEH! So yes, I couldn't stop reading this crazy, insane book that made me work REALLY hard to read. 

The only character I "liked" (and that is a loose term of the word) was Echo. I think her and Rant's relationship was strange and he was a super creep, but I liked her. Not sure why, but I was excited to read more from her then any of the other characters. 

Now...would I recommend this book to someone else? No. Read another Palahniuk book first before you tackle this hot mess of a book. He tried something crazy and I feel like his other book "Choke" was WAYYYYYY better to start off with. This....this is not the one to start with.

Would I have liked this better if I had any ounce of liking for Rant? Mmmmm, no. Rant was not my problem even though he was a loony to the extreme and I was surprised he lived so long (*cough* he died super young *cough*). My biggest fault in this was the style the author decided to do. There were too many people all talking over each other and it was honestly hard to follow. 

In the end, the concept was good. The characters were interesting. However, the layout and format was "edgy", but failed me as a reader. Kuddos to those who could follow along and not get lost in all the stories, but this style was not for me. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 2.