Oh.My.Gods: A Book Review

Title: Oh.My.Gods

Author: Tera Lynn Childs

Genre: Fantasy/Romance

Reading Level: Ages 13 and up

After a long month of wedding planning, and getting the whole house back together once the party was over, I was finally able to get back to reading. Unfortunately the first book I picked up was Oh.My.Gods because it had a promisingly hilarious premise where a young girl named Phoebe Castro is carted off of to Greece by her mother, who plans of marrying a man she has know for only a couple weeks. Once in Greece she finds that the new school she has to go to, is a private school for the descendent's of Greek gods. Now not only does she have to deal with homework and wedding plans but also classmates able to smite her with their powers, which is bad news for Phoebe who seems to effortlessly make enemies with her step sister and the girlfriend of the hottest demi-god in the school. After a fresh start, that I enjoyed, cliche's began to abound and the writing was just not stimulating or unique enough to warrant my finishing this book. The character development was poor and almost non-existence, her mother seemed really childish for a psychiatrist, the rest of the characters were so boring I forgot them as soon as they were introduced. That includes the love interest who's just like every other love interest. I am not a fan of books were relationships are based purely on the heroine wanting to kiss the lips of the hero. Yeah, that's gonna last.

Content: Some Language and the rambling thoughts of a hormone crazed girl

Rating: 2 stars out of 5

Recommend: No

Character Connection: The Girls of St. Trinian's

Hello fellow book bloggers, long time no read. I've been completely terrible in my upkeep of my beloved blog lately, and feel the deepest sense of shame for it. I do however have some legit reason's for my absence. My sister's getting married, so I've been so busy helping out in that area. Which mean's I've had little time to really read, I have finished two books however and hope to put the review's up sometime soon. Until then, I decided to do Character Connection's hosted by The Introverted Reader. Now there's some sorta Halloween contest with the CC going on down there, featuring baddie's from thrillers and horror novels. Well I've never been much of a fan of those types of books, and I don't celebrate Halloween, and I'm not sure if she'll count this part of the contest (which is fine really) but I thought I would write about my favorite baddie's currently.

Don’t you just love larger-than-life characters? The ones who jump off the page
and grab you? Whether you love them or hate them, you can't be indifferent to
them.

I would love to know about the characters who just won’t leave
you! Most of you will probably post about how much you love (or loathe) each
character, but this is a great place for the more creative ones among you to let
go and have fun! Write yourself into a scene with Anne and Diana. Write a love
poem in elvish for Aragorn. Draw a picture of Harry obliterating Voldemort. The
possibilities are endless.

Be sure to post the book's title and author,
and be very careful not to give away spoilers while talking about how much you
love your characters.

They aren't your conventional baddie's, because well they aren't out for revenge, or world domination, or anything like that. They're just going to school like every other normal child. Or perhaps not quite. The girls of St. Trinian's are wild little hellion's who wouldn't bat an eye lid while pumbling their fellow calssmates with hockey sticks (and sometimes knives) and pulling pranks all around school, behavior which is not only condoned by the teachers and headmistress, but encouraged as well. The St. Trinian's were created by English artist and cartoonist Ronald Searle, in 1941, and are still popular today. I think the reason being is that for fans of dark humor like myself, it becomes even funnier in the hands of devious little schoolgirls. The cartoons where turned into feature films in the 1950's and remade in 2007. In the original cartoons the girls where not individualized and they didn't have names they were just one big straw hat wearing pack of trouble.

I am a big fan of the movies, the new ones as well they are funny and a great way to kill time. The main characters in the new movie's are catergorized into groups Chavs, Emo's, Posh Totty's, First Years, and Geeks. They are run by the head girl Kelly. They are fun, and cute, and pull some pranks, but I would have to say the original girls would call them ametuers.

The two that come the closest to their original counterparts though are the twin menace's Tara and Tania (in the picture far left and right)described as "Dolchester's answer to the Soprano's." They run the gambling, and make some dodgy alcohol that usually ends of making people pass out or worse die, and they unleash as much hell as possible. Basically the movie's are worth watching just for them. Anyway that pretty much ends my Character Connection. If you ever get the chance to get your hands on the St. Trinian original cartoon books, movies, and even the remake's don't hesitate to dip into their world.

A Bit of a Problem

I haven't been doing a lot of reading lately. I'm not sure why, but every so often, well at least once a year I have a reading dry spell, as I like to call it, where I can never decided on a book to settle down with and read. My moods jump about and I'm never sure what genre I'll be interested in. It usually only takes one book to jump start me back into reading. But so far, I haven't found it yet. I am reading Sherlock Holmes though, it's the only thing I can read, but I think that's because I've been watching BBC's "Sherlock" lately. I know. That's an inspired title, how long did it take them to come up with that one. Anyway, despite the "We're only using the first name to separate our show from all the others" title, I have really come to enjoy it. It's an updated version of the famed detective. Updated here meaning it actually takes place in the 21st century. I enjoy the acting, by two men who are really good, and play the part of Holmes and Watson extremely well,but who's names I've forgotten and am now too lazy to google. But I figure if you're curious enough, you'll go look it up yourself. It's worth it, for the mystery and SH fans. Really. The mysteries are clever, the script is witty, the cast plays well off each other, and I'll reserve my ultimate judegement of Moriarty for the second series, as he only appaered once in the 1st in a very short scene were It sounded like he had cotton balls stuck in his throat.
But I digress...severely. But the point is, that if you have had a similar problem with reading, I would be greatly obliged if you could recommend any books you have read that jump started you back into reading. I don't count SH here because I'm reading it and it's not making me want to read other books, like jump start books should. Thanks for reading this rambling post, well if you did. If you didn't then, that's okay too.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency: A Book Review

Title: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

Author: Alexander McCall Smith

Genre: Mystery Fiction

Reading Level: Ages 14 and up

Summary: When Precious Ramotswe decides to use the money her beloved father left her to open the first ever Ladies' Detective Agency in Botswana, everyone is skeptical. "Can women be detectives?" asks the bank's lawyer. Mma Ramotswe herself feels unsure of her success. After all, her only assets are a tiny white van, two desks, two chairs, a telephone, an old typewriter, a teapot, and three teacups. But she does possess the intangible assets of intuition and intelligence. These she has in great supply, along with perseverance, a keen knowledge of the human mind and heart, a steadfast sense of right and wrong, and a personality that inspires trust and loquaciousness in nearly all who meet her. What she also has is a deep love for Africa generally and for Botswana and its people especially. "They are my people, my brothers and sisters. It is my duty to help them to solve the mysteries of their lives. That is what I am called to do".

My Review: This book is definitely a feel good book. It's light and comfortable, and very character driven if you ask me. I enjoyed learning some new stuff about Botswana, a landlocked country in southern Africa, and the fierce pride the people of that country have. The mysteries were enjoyable they weren't heavy, and went along with the relaxed feel of the novel. Mma Ramotswe is a fantastic character, smart, and kind, yet she can be tough when needs be, but it is a subtle, she doesn't have to fight, or hold a gun to command authority. Her back story was interesting, at times very sad, but a great way to learn why a character is the way they are. I saw the TV show truthfully before I read the book so I was already familiar with the characters. I already had great love for Mma Ramotswe's suitor Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni and her secretary Mma Makutsi who I was sad did not come too much into this first novel. But all in all it was an enjoyable read, I great choice for brain candy.
Content: Some language, Sexual references.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Recommend: yes.

WWW Wednesdays (Aug.18)

WWW Wednesdays are hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

* What are you currently reading?
* What did you recently finish reading?
* What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading? An Old Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott.

What did you recently finish reading? Wives And Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell and The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith.

What do you think you'll read next? Odd Thomas by...oh Dean Koontz and Watership Down by Richard Adams, its got rabbits and I love rabbits. :D

Top Ten Picks: Favorite Books to Movies

Hi, top ten picks is a bookish meme hosted by Random Ramblings where we pick our top ten favorite things about books according to the topics she picks. This weeks topic: Our favorite books into movies!

1. The Thin Man
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I love Nick and Nora Charles, they never fail to make me smile. I think this is my favorite book into movie because I read the book, and while I enjoyed it, it wasn't as much fun as the movie. This is a rare case of the movie was better than the book, and I think that's all thanks to Myrna Loy and William Powell who have the best chemistry together as the witty, cocktail drinking couple who solve crime, with their faithful dog Asta.

2. Anne of Green Gables
I have gone on a lot about this series only because that's how amazing it is. I like this book into movie because it is superbly cast, well acted, and the storyline is spot on. I don't think anyone could do a better version ever.

3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
This is my favorite book of the series so I was really anxious when this movie was coming out. Now this is my favorite movie of the movie series. :) It was very well done, the directing was particularly good. Also the acting was better at this point as well. I actually liked Hermione where as before she had always driven me crazy.

4. A Little Princess
This movie makes me cry every time I watch it. It is brilliantly filmed and acted. Absolutely heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. While not entirely faithful to the book, it is still a fabulous adaptation of the classic novel. But in all seriousness I prefer the movie ending anyway. :P

5. Fantastic Mr. Fox
This movie is absolutely stunning in every sense of the word. Expanding on the underdog story by Roald Dahl Fantastic Mr. Fox has everything you would expect of top notch entertainment, stellar voice acting, wonderful direction and script, and it is really one of the best stop motion if not one of the best pictures to come out of Hollywood in 2009. Yeah I really love this movie. If you haven't seen it, see it! :D

6. Horton Hears a Who!
After butchering two of the best beloved stories by Dr. Seuss Hollywood finally came out with a movie that wouldn't have the poor guy rolling around in his grave. This colorful adaptation of his book Horton Hears a Who, reminds us all why we love this brilliant fellows creative imagination. While adding on but not taking away from the original source HHAW is heartwarming, funny, and just nice to look at. I mean who doesn't love Horton? Who doesn't love those fluffy little who's? Someone with no heart that's who. :P Anyway, a lovely adaptation well worth watching.

7. Hoodwinked!
Loosely based off of the classic fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood" this imaginative, inventive, and just plain all around clever retelling is one of my favorite movies of all time. Bringing new twists, featuring a mystery complete with a Nick Charles based detective, and wonderful characters you only thought you knew, this low budget flick is one to re-watch and re-watch until you've caught every wonderful detail and subtle bits of humor.

8. Howl's Moving Castle
Based off of the lovely book by the imaginative Dianna Wynne Jones this adaptation is by renowned filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. With two such unique minds as Jones and Miyazaki this film cannot help but be amazing. While not entirely faithful to Jone's original novel, Miyazaki's admiration for her work shines through in this heartfelt, and magical movie about finding your worth. An absolute gem you must see.

9. Sense and Sensibility (2008)
I know lots of people lean towards the 1995 version, and I will be one of the first people to tell you how brilliant that adaptation is. The script is amazing and a credit to Emma Thompson's amazing talents. But I absolutely loved the 2008 version. I don't know why really, I was just glued to the screen the whole time, which is amazing because I read the book and seen the 1995 version about a million times since my childhood. I just found it thoroughly enthralling and dramatic and I really liked the cast. I get particular giggles from both movies, since in the 1995 version Colonel Brandon (whats his first name?) is played by Alan Rickman who goes on to play Snape in the HP series, and I know the guy (but not his name) who plays CB in the 2008 version from Doctor Who.

10. Emma 2009
Ooooh I reached 10? Really I didn't think I could do it! Anyway this is the best adaptation of one of my favorite JA novels. Brilliantly acted, and wonderfully scripted, I watched this version while drinking tea and delicious light refreshments with my friend. It only added to the atmosphere. :D Anyway I love this version, I really need to own it.

Well that's all for this particularly late meme. There are still tons of other books to movies I love like Series of Unfortunate Events, Ella Enchanted, The breathtakingly spot on version of Pride and Prejudice from A&E that I've been watching again since I was a little girl, and Nancy Drew. But I ran out of numbers. :(
Until next time,

Hex Hall: A Book Review

Title: Hex Hall

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Genre: Fantasy/Mystery

Reading Level: Ages 14 and up

Summary: Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

My Review: This one is woefully over due. Sorry about that. Anyway, this may at first glance seem like a lame mash up of HP and every other fantasy story out there. But Hecate Hall is no Hogwarts. It is a reform school for rebel magical creatures, where they are sent when they misbehave. I definitely enjoyed this different twist. This book is full of witty and clever characters, I really liked Sophie's narrative, she was a funny and likable heroine as well as one you could feel sympathetic towards since she is so obviously a fish out of water in her new surroundings. The supporting cast is also top notch, from Sophie's vampire roommate Jenna, who has an obsession with the color hot pink to Sophie's snotty conniving rival who's name escapes me at the moment. Anyway she was good. :P Oh and of course the ever enigmatic bad boy with a secret soft spot for the main character who always seems to crop up in every YA book I've read recently. The murder mystery sprinkled throughout this book is a page turner, creepy and intriguing I had a lot of fun reading it and it kept me continuously guessing. There are twist galore in this fantasy fare, and while it's not the YA book of the century if you want to read a light weight novel to rest the brain, one that's a lot of fun you need not look further than Hex Hall.

Content: If I remember correctly there are a few curse words, and kissing, as well as violence (murder anyone?) but nothing too descriptive.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Recommend: Yes indeed for fans of lightweight mystery and fantasy