tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191528330904566362024-03-20T22:11:12.974-07:00Click-CliqueRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-67728894739395746992011-04-16T01:23:00.000-07:002011-04-16T01:48:57.523-07:00The Virgin Suicides<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >Hauntingly beautiful.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I am very happy to report that I've recently got my reading mojo back. After a long while just reading books without finishing them, I'm finally back on a roll. I've completed three novels in a span of a week (not really remarkable as they were sorta thin, but I'll take whatever after the lull I have been in). Now, now... I just remembered that before completing <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">The Virgin Suicides </span>by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Jeffrey Eugenides,</span> I completed <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Water For Elephants</span> by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Sara Gruen</span> first, but we'll talk about that in a different post. This post is for <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">The Virgin Suicides;</span> a homage to the sheer poignant beauty of the narrative and the way it was written.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkCeY0gPVxiPQ0K7iltQijNHAtBazTDYHD7rjBPEY_ffrexpP7o-fNZjD3y1p2JV_sdbz1QHh_gxmQJUg2QLdgCxQSoG7qB1USMx0PcTcbiJIP_yZgFkrbyE-gFThbCFkyY-p8AJ8u4E/s1600/VirginSuicidesCover.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkCeY0gPVxiPQ0K7iltQijNHAtBazTDYHD7rjBPEY_ffrexpP7o-fNZjD3y1p2JV_sdbz1QHh_gxmQJUg2QLdgCxQSoG7qB1USMx0PcTcbiJIP_yZgFkrbyE-gFThbCFkyY-p8AJ8u4E/s400/VirginSuicidesCover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596097125484943986" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I loved it. Completely. It tells the story of the five <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Lisbon </span>sisters and how they all committed suicide in a span of one year. It's a depressing theme. But I have to argue that it was written so beautifully, so eerily haunting, that well... it was just beautiful. After reading it, the story stays with you. It leaves you wondering, and the <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Lisbon</span> sisters - even though they all died - continues to live within your minds. The book is written from the perspective of a group of young boys who live within the same neighbourhood as the <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Lisbon </span>girls. And that's what makes the story of the <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Lisbon</span> sisters all the more mysterious and grabbing; because the boys didn't really know what went on, they couldn't fit the puzzles together... and consequently, neither can the reader. They are left - or rather, we are left - with fragments of pictures, of haunting memories... all those things that keep you guessing, that will never provide answers. The boys never solved the mystery that was the <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Lisbon </span>sisters. And guess what, neither will we.<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-40092330187317978102011-02-21T05:55:00.000-08:002011-02-21T06:16:47.064-08:00The Other Side of Christian Bale<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >Ooo, the Fighter was so good!<br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After watching <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">The Green Hornet</span> and <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">No Strings Attached, </span>I vowed to myself that I will never ever spend money on stupid movies again. Seriously. Well, okay I'll cut some slack on <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">No Strings Attached</span> (that <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Ashton Kutcher </span>line at the end sort of made it not-so-bad in my books), but <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">The Green Hornet .</span>.. seriously? That movie was complete rubbish. I've been watching really terrible movies lately (the<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"> Fockers?</span> URGH), and so yes, I've sworn to myself (not that it'll do any good, now that Hollywood movies are not being distributed here anymore; revolt people, REVOLT!). Anywho, after those last two terrible movies, I went to watch <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">The Fighter. </span>Thus, I've made good on my vow. That movie was excellent!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI0l77OY-gLWZmbVa2nzsAC3XKPDBtK_jnty6_lgThbtqDT5pPqHpUgHUUDFY-8MQ39m9t57s9yT6RFnDM4fDNWbUOuVJ9iE96yZcA2gfipgGi9Jjbri6bPaLcqIfmaHJJl6seU3n3J0/s1600/the-fighter-movie-poster.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI0l77OY-gLWZmbVa2nzsAC3XKPDBtK_jnty6_lgThbtqDT5pPqHpUgHUUDFY-8MQ39m9t57s9yT6RFnDM4fDNWbUOuVJ9iE96yZcA2gfipgGi9Jjbri6bPaLcqIfmaHJJl6seU3n3J0/s400/the-fighter-movie-poster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576144193447204322" border="0" /></a>I don't know exactly when I started being a <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Christian Bale</span> fan; it could have just been from the <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Batman</span> movies (on a side note, how excited are we for the new <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Batman </span>movie with <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Joseph Gordon-Levitt,</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Tom Hardy</span> and <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Marion Cotillard?</span>), and he just continues to blow me away, especially with <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">The Fighter </span>now under his belt. <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Amy Adams </span>impressed me very much too in this movie; such a turn around from her character in <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Enchanted.</span> The storyline was compelling, not really anything new, but with this wonderful cast and their amazing acting chops, this movie really became something special. If you have not seen it, go see it now like stat. Especially now that we are soon to be deprived of Hollywood movies.<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-26016007087122261862011-01-02T08:40:00.000-08:002011-01-02T08:59:50.310-08:00Let Me In<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >Err, no. You may not come in.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My first movie of 2011 is noneother than <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Let Me In,</span> </span>the remake of 2008's Sweedish film - similarly titled - <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Let the Right One In</span> </span>(what's with Hollywood and their Sweedish film remakes?). The movies are based on a book also titled <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Let the Right One</span> in </span>by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">John Adjvide Lindqvist</span> (for the life of me, I can't figure out how to pronounce that name). Was it good? Why yes, yes it was.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfhpg75SFAxod4A30il4V-lciOSuUrvdIR_IxGxsWgnUSgnQC1KBlYsqEzva8W7IrcRekZqhEY6lMnfm2MG2DRhzqbjDrITEYPdKGj5kl6uEItOc028qt9-6PLzgXotkd_OBBoOuWUaE/s1600/Let_Me_In.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfhpg75SFAxod4A30il4V-lciOSuUrvdIR_IxGxsWgnUSgnQC1KBlYsqEzva8W7IrcRekZqhEY6lMnfm2MG2DRhzqbjDrITEYPdKGj5kl6uEItOc028qt9-6PLzgXotkd_OBBoOuWUaE/s400/Let_Me_In.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557631319449022114" border="0" /></a>I'm not sure if many people here - my friends in particular - will enjoy this movie as much as I did. They may be expecting some sort of action-packed vampire thriller filled with gore and blood. And even though <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Let Me In</span> does showcase some gore, it really is not what you'd expect from these type of stories. This movie is a movie about friendship. That is all. It's poignant and hauntingly beautiful. It really leaves you thinking. And that is what great movies are made up of.<br /><br />I must point out that <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Abby</span> moves like <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Splice</span> when she goes for the kill. Why am I pointing this out? Because it's freaky as hell. <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Splice</span> is the freakiest sh*t I've ever laid my eyes on. But anyway, do watch <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Let Me In </span>but please do so with the right frame of mind. It's not a movie filled with cheap action scenes, over-the-top dialogues or irrational twits and turns.<br /><br />This movie is close to perfection.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-size:85%;" >Bytheby, please tune in to 105.8, the best slow hits station tomorrow at 1 - 4. I'll be on air. For those not in Indonesia, you can stream it on www.litefmjakarta.com. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Love you all.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-16073012497756213702010-12-30T08:19:00.000-08:002010-12-30T08:36:08.016-08:00Bye Bye 2010<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >And alas, I am back.<br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Only half-an hour till the 31st of December 2010. Tik a tok a tik a tok. And I've finally found my way back to this little blog of mine. I really do try to update it, I do, but well - you know. Let's hope I can update it once a day? That might be stretching it a little though, so let's try for once a week.<br /><br />What can I say? 2010 has been very kind to me. I've travelled, I've lost love - I've gained love, got my first real job... 2010, you've been wonderful. This year has been filled with many new incredible experiences that I would not trade for anything and I feel richer all the more for it. Life's good, can't complain.<br /><br />I'm not going into the book reviews just yet. I know I promised <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mockingjay</span> </span>and maybe others, but I feel like that that's old news? So I'm going to skip it and start afresh in 2011 (did not love <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Mockingjay</span> FYI). The last book I read in 2010 was <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Darklight </span>by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Lesley Livingston. </span>It was OK. As usual, the beginning-middle was very average, but just when I've decided to stop reading the series, the end just grabs me again. And I want to go on. Well, it's a trilogy, I might as well finish it.<br /><br />This is it for now. I will be updating again in the near future. In the meantime, here's a snapshot of what I've been upto (apart from work and uni);<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xwsPhv6FR5NMAF5RGGj5zBwkCyo9rqzEveUfGCv3p9Z5toYrLRWCwZNnpZ0j5iDJizRAjxe8Q4r7luMdc0dIBV2hHHKrVqqn44POMJ2wsTvShX9wGLvIyYG3fxDS8YS34dyTNOxRAxw/s1600/christmas+party.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xwsPhv6FR5NMAF5RGGj5zBwkCyo9rqzEveUfGCv3p9Z5toYrLRWCwZNnpZ0j5iDJizRAjxe8Q4r7luMdc0dIBV2hHHKrVqqn44POMJ2wsTvShX9wGLvIyYG3fxDS8YS34dyTNOxRAxw/s400/christmas+party.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556514488139529458" border="0" /></a><br />Spot me?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Lots of love,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">xoxo.</span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-48319831104376437692010-09-26T04:24:00.002-07:002010-09-26T04:46:53.884-07:00Wicked Lovely...<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >is Wickedly good.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After my first fairy book - <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wondrous Strange</span> by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Lesley Livingston</span> - I was suddenly in the market for more. It turns out that <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wicked Lovely</span> by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Melissa Marr </span>is a much more popular one than <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Livingston's.</span> However, I've heard mixed reviews for it... you know the usual good, bad, good, bad. Somebody also went on to say that <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wondrous Strange</span> is everything they had hoped <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wicked Lovely</span> to be. So yes, I was on the fence about it. But I was going to be on an 8 hour flight to Abu Dhabi, and I decided that whatever book I could get my hands on, you know, just buy it. Better be safe than sorry. And I'm going on record to say that boy am I glad I'd decided to buy it.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXhG8RUlf8KX3v4P_1LeUL26YpFBY8IXyowY3c7gLw_fvK9ma-kvCh0Lromb9nrl4hX5UWoaaTDb0CzEW9XNK7QWTrrnRJp2b9tlRM-exD-6Z3G08s5H81rFUI8FLHmHtbmFL-HwIAbU/s1600/Wicked+Lovely.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXhG8RUlf8KX3v4P_1LeUL26YpFBY8IXyowY3c7gLw_fvK9ma-kvCh0Lromb9nrl4hX5UWoaaTDb0CzEW9XNK7QWTrrnRJp2b9tlRM-exD-6Z3G08s5H81rFUI8FLHmHtbmFL-HwIAbU/s400/Wicked+Lovely.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521183634866754386" border="0" /></a>I ended up reading this book before my holiday. And I finished it in one day. I thought the characterization of the characters were pretty good. The story itself was riveting. - very original. And the angst which I loveeee so much was all there. It was so refreshing because I didn't hate the girl protagonist. She was so not annoying *cough<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Bella</span>cough*. I was in love with <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Seth </span>from day one. And I really liked the underlying love story of the narrative.<br /></div><br />That being said, I do have some complaints.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">With <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wondrous Strange</span>... I hated the beginning but ended up loving the ending. It was so climatic. With <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wicked Lovely</span>... I loved the beginning but didn't really care for the ending. Yes, I love <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Aislinn,</span> but towards the end, she did get a bit irritating. Everything was wrapped up too nicely for my liking. And there was a nice twist there in the end - something to do with the Winter Court, don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it -, but then it was solved so easily. A big turn-off.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I still love the book as a whole though. Even though the destination wasn't all that great, the ride getting there was worth it. So this begs the question, will I continue reading the series?<br /></div><br />Tentative.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Lots of people say that the first book was good - I agree - but the rest are really not worth reading. I still have plenty of books to read right now anyway, so... I'll think about it and we'll see. Good news is that it looks like a movie is in the works for <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wicked Lovely. </span><br /></div><br />I'll be the first in line.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-44859000581785086632010-09-22T23:30:00.001-07:002010-09-22T23:40:00.874-07:00Back!<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >From the greatest holiday ever!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">HELLO! Just how is everyone doing? My, how my blog has been quiet! Hopefully that won't be the case starting soon. So yes, I'm back from my holiday to <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Jordan, Israel and Egypt</span> and yes, I was blown away by those 3 countries (I can now honestly claim that I've been to <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Africa!</span>). Everything was just so breathtaking, and the people there were extremely nice and friendly. It was the most happiest 12 days of my life. I took many pictures - over 600 I think - and I wont be uploading them all here. They're on my facebook, so for those who are interested to see them, feel free to add me; <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">carai_an_ellisande@hotmail.com.</span> But make sure you let me know you're a <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">ClickCliqueOnline reader!</span> I don't randomly approve friend requests.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So this is how my blog will operate for the next few days. I will put up book reviews - like usual - but in between them will be tidbits from my holiday. So after this post, I'll put up my review of <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wicked Lovely.</span> And then a holiday tidbit, and then a review of <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Mockingjay</span> (yes, I finally got it and I've finished it last night). And so forth.<br /></div><br />Uni is starting, starting on thesis, internship and my first real job. It will be a super busy year. I hope everyone is having a nice day!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTieUoTpu-kMpTvgjq_Ox5Z5yDnbTiwqZ_VuJ_lGHriyCOdiUj15AqxsL0lspGa_Zyuu8uu5JFx2g70DgahGdbkPlbY5PRbjvTiZSjYK6aQI07dBP6-g98TYWy3i7UJYtWz_Hq0-HQaBU/s1600/DSC01395.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTieUoTpu-kMpTvgjq_Ox5Z5yDnbTiwqZ_VuJ_lGHriyCOdiUj15AqxsL0lspGa_Zyuu8uu5JFx2g70DgahGdbkPlbY5PRbjvTiZSjYK6aQI07dBP6-g98TYWy3i7UJYtWz_Hq0-HQaBU/s400/DSC01395.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519994500660062434" border="0" /></a>Toodles!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">xx.</span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-84783280067797073622010-09-05T12:45:00.000-07:002010-09-05T12:54:18.657-07:00Adios, Indonesia!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >and heeellllooooo Egypt and Israel!</span><br /><br />Tomorrow will be the day that my <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">real holiday</span> really starts. I'm really excited. I have been obsessed with <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Egypt's </span>history since I was in year 7 (thanks <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Mrs. Wilson!</span>) and I have never imagined that I would one day actually go there and see the <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">pyramids</span> with my own eyes! It's a dream come true! And then there's <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Israel; </span>I'll finally get to see all the places that I've read in the bible. I am sooo stoked! It's a 12 day trip. It's now 2.49 am and I just finished packing (I guess that's what happens when you leave everything till the last minute right?). I hope all of you are having a very nice holiday. I'll be back in I guess, 2 weeks!<br /><br />Love you all!<br /><br />P.S. I've finished <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Wicked Lovely</span> and am now starting on <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Graceling. </span>I haven't had time to write a review for <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wicked Lovely </span>- I'll do so when I get back - but I gave it 4 stars. The ending wasn't amazing, but the whole ride was. Also, <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Mockingjay </span>has not arrived. I'm so sad. So my plane-read will be <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Graceling</span> and <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">The Gargoyle.</span> Take care everyone!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">xoxo</span><br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-67585454078796042482010-08-30T03:31:00.000-07:002010-08-30T03:46:42.311-07:00Beastly<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >Still lookin mighty fine Mr. Pettyfer!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I believe I have not posted anything <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Beastly</span> </span>related in this blog of mine, and well, I think that's blasphemy. I have not read the book - written by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Alex Flinn </span>- but I have seen the movie trailer and yes, it is epic looking. I don't think I'll be picking up the book; a modern-take on one of my favourite fairytales, <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Beauty and the Beast.</span> I like my YA books to be very, fantasy-like, which I think <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Beastly</span> sort of is, but not as much as my usual munches like; <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">I Am Number Four, Wondrous Strange, Wicked Lovely</span> and so forth. However, without a doubt, I'll definitely be watching the movie. After looking at these posters, how can anyone refrain?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuniUrx8MsSFudwrGntsamOCOICk20EWLJiWURsyFOnen0KrRgOi5ahw6ToX4DzRuESRTVxFMOLsB6dsbnIhrcEbkOIhzbhoHT-wEQBY-XgZcNFNJ70uG-wlTxgR3Thvt8dS_wkwCsuoM/s1600/beastly_official_movie_poster.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuniUrx8MsSFudwrGntsamOCOICk20EWLJiWURsyFOnen0KrRgOi5ahw6ToX4DzRuESRTVxFMOLsB6dsbnIhrcEbkOIhzbhoHT-wEQBY-XgZcNFNJ70uG-wlTxgR3Thvt8dS_wkwCsuoM/s400/beastly_official_movie_poster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511150417047566418" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE23VTBCc4KSzWl8uq9q_PTVtnMNGzPE5jP9kIVUcLSOBzyLzmUItbIKDPxm04l7ewiIZcqrf8euLB1-mmizLCoFkuOenu3mDxHua2wy7c3Uim3919yZyKb2LYF4huNF6wcScMg34dXA4/s1600/Beastly_new_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 388px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE23VTBCc4KSzWl8uq9q_PTVtnMNGzPE5jP9kIVUcLSOBzyLzmUItbIKDPxm04l7ewiIZcqrf8euLB1-mmizLCoFkuOenu3mDxHua2wy7c3Uim3919yZyKb2LYF4huNF6wcScMg34dXA4/s400/Beastly_new_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511150296317611762" border="0" /></a>Beautiful, isn't it? Which one do you like better? I reckon they're both amazing! Beasted up as he is, <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Alex Pettyfer</span> still manages to look super, duper irresistable. And <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Vanessa Hudgens</span> looks gorgeous on both posters. I really can't wait for this movie, set to be released next year (Damn <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Charlie St. Cloud!</span>). I'm not sure which one I'm more looking forward to; <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Beastly</span> or<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"> I Am Number Four.</span> If I'm not mistaken, they'll be released within a month of each other; something about <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Alex Pettyfer </span>being introduced to the U.S market. Anyhow, I can't wait! I'm sure, if you're anything like me, you can't too. ;)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">xx</span><br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-12219784517678515452010-08-29T13:13:00.000-07:002010-08-29T13:50:43.392-07:00I Am Number Four<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >Who's next?</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;">Throw away the eye-make up remover, my tears practically did all the work for me. Seconds after I finished reading <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Pittacus Lore's </span>(pseudonym created by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Jobie Hughes & James Frey</span>)<span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">I Am Number Four, </span></span>I looked into the mirror at my tear-stricken face and realized my black eyeliner has smudged all around my eyes, and all I had to do was swipe a cotton bud at them and voila, clean! (this ain't good for your face, but that's all I can do right now). So how did I like this YA sci-fi? It wasn't at all bad, I tell you that.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwoMeph_eG85V_GcNvdWeEcqFjnV2vRfVh9FDk8WqOzArbMuPSmVLe41cWDE_kvuiPqcotKlZPm5II4-oF_L-LwzkHeawCIm2slaoC5fgfWfxvVZx3lOXr4imynRkwg1l6TGwauqVLKg/s1600/no2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwoMeph_eG85V_GcNvdWeEcqFjnV2vRfVh9FDk8WqOzArbMuPSmVLe41cWDE_kvuiPqcotKlZPm5II4-oF_L-LwzkHeawCIm2slaoC5fgfWfxvVZx3lOXr4imynRkwg1l6TGwauqVLKg/s400/no2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510928996108959090" border="0" /></a>You see, it is a heart. But not a coloured full heart. In scores, this translates as 3 stars out of 5. Which means I just liked it instead of really, really liking it. Why? While no doubt the story really got me in the end, it had started really slow. I liked the first two chapters a lot, but after that, it was kind of tedious. I liked <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Number 4</span> a.k.a <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">John Smith</span> quite a bit; he was very believable as a teenage boy, alien though he is. And I also liked <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Henri</span> (his guardian, or in the book's term, his <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Cepan</span>), and I liked his bestfriend, <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Sam Goode.</span> I really did not like <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">John's </span>love interest, <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Sarah Hart</span> (she was so plain, so typical, so underwhelming), and I hope with a passion that <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Dianna Agron</span> makes her likeable in the movie (to be released on February, 2011). Their love story has a bittersweet ending (throughout it was just a corny-fest), the kind of endings that I totally love, but this time around, it did nothing for me. And for me, the love stories in books are the things that determine whether a book is good or not, admist all the other themes in it. Sadly, this one part of the book didn't work for me.<br /><br />For me, emotion was lacking throughout the story. However, when it was there right almost at the end, it really set my tears running. Good as it was though, it doesn't quite make up for the absence of it throughout most part of the book. Yes, there were lots of violence (I thought it would never end!) which makes me conclude that this book is geared more towards boys than it is for girls. Maybe because the writers are both males, they weren't able to really write a girl character very well (not being sexist here, but I really think that that played a role), and thus the epic fail character of <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Sarah Hart.</span> I thought the climax of the book, while absorbing, wasn't written very well either. I got confused a lot reading it. BUT, I do think that the ending was good. And the ending saved the whole thing for me. Because of it, I will continue the series and am looking forward to reading <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">The Power of Six</span> to be released in Spring 2011. Oh my, another 5 year long wait before the series end (there'll be 6 books). I'll be so old by then, will I still be interested in YA? Hmm, I think I will be. lol.<br /><br />The upside of this book is that the authors are not like <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Cassandra Clare</span> when it comes to their characters. Read it and you'll know what I mean.<br /><br />Here's my favourite sentence of the book;<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Bright, kind eyes full of life look into mine as though offering a promise, a bond, yet I'm too young to know what that promise or bond really means."</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br />In context, it will <u><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">break your heart.</u></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /></span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-49845613738895025822010-08-28T12:59:00.001-07:002010-08-28T13:27:41.824-07:00Book Hunting<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">I deem it a success!</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Woah. Hectic days. One minute you've got completely nothing to do and then all of a sudden, you don't have enough time to do everything you need to do! That pretty much sums up my last couple of days. I won't bore you all with the details; suffice it to say I made time for book-hunting, and I came home laden with everything I had wanted to read (almost, but extremely good enough).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaKQSFkc65jNm5SlLPQyRacLFtIr9kqnn9Qz002oZ_5OdO4i-sbJwTPRbB2DyreMEis5tZRf8BR561tiDFQmK0091seOBKj21Pe_eVyuMnC9n5MNHAamH41cI2QRv78QDZJUo19mSj1c/s1600/books.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaKQSFkc65jNm5SlLPQyRacLFtIr9kqnn9Qz002oZ_5OdO4i-sbJwTPRbB2DyreMEis5tZRf8BR561tiDFQmK0091seOBKj21Pe_eVyuMnC9n5MNHAamH41cI2QRv78QDZJUo19mSj1c/s400/books.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510554156468652898" border="0" /></a>Yes, your eyes ain't playin tricks on ya. That <span style="font-style: italic;">is </span>my foot. So as you can see, I got my <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">I Am Number Four, The Gargoyle, Graceling, Wicked Lovely</span> and <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Banewreaker.</span> I found <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">I Am Number Four</span> in a different bookstore (<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Periplus!</span> So lovely Jakartanians, if you want <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">I Am Number 4, </span>go to <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Periplus</span> and not <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Kinokuniya</span>). The other 4 I got in <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Kinokuniya.</span> And <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Mockingjay</span> has been dispatched by <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/">Bookdepository,</a> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">hopefully it will be in my han</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">ds very shortly. I found out that</span> <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Mockingjay</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">is in fact available starting today (or was it yesterday?) in</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Kinokuniya.</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">I was bummed out when I was informed this, because I could have gotten it now and could have already started reading it. However, I'm sure I got it much cheaper from </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/">Bookdepository,</a> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">(only 60k!), and in the cover that I want (the U.K version). So as long as it'll be here sometime next week, I have no big reason to regret.</span></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Now, faced with many choices (when before I had none), I had</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> a hard time deciding which one to read first. I even held off the temptation to read for a day, trying to decide which one should be first! In the end, I still couldn't decide so I had asked my mum, my sister and my brother to decide for me. Based on cover alone, my sister said </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Graceling</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">whilst my mum and my brother chose something else. Can you guess which one? After the click, find out which one it is I've started reading.</span></span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNL16ONbbUFniGEWrSMu3MJd1NqC0TG-x10Jd0JddU2lYnhPqtXQurMq0tkVyMg3lTf-N6E6QukPqy2BKu_LpHR8vfW_B0-ksdWlU5ffObMuyGFdWkV26DlepS88YeBSrrzRZtB0zXUA4/s1600/x2_2803c02.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNL16ONbbUFniGEWrSMu3MJd1NqC0TG-x10Jd0JddU2lYnhPqtXQurMq0tkVyMg3lTf-N6E6QukPqy2BKu_LpHR8vfW_B0-ksdWlU5ffObMuyGFdWkV26DlepS88YeBSrrzRZtB0zXUA4/s400/x2_2803c02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510557225937707602" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">I Am Number Four</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">by</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Pittacus Lore</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">it is! So far the story is okay. Too many blonde characters for my taste; so far only one brunette. Maybe 2. But the premise is good, and I have high hopes for it. Keep checking my blog for the full review. I should be able to finish it in the next couple of days. I need to make time for</span> <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Mockingjay</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">after all. The others I might read on the plane (holiday soon, amigos!). </span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Have a great day everyone! I know I did :)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">xoxo</span><br /><br />Oh, hello <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Donna</span> and <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Kate! </span>Thanks for following! Feel free to comment on everything you see here! :)<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-58118029400418760972010-08-28T11:42:00.000-07:002010-08-28T12:57:50.907-07:00The Outsiders<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >Stay gold, Ponyboy.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A few days ago, my sister and I decided to watch <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">The Outsiders </span>starring <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe, Tom Cruise</span> and the late <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Patrick Swayze</span> (and others). It's based on a novel of the same name written by <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">S.E. Hinton.</span> I remember back when I was in year 7, my brother had to read the novel. But he couldn't be bothered so he asked me to read it instead, and I was to tell him the key points. And so I read it, and I remember loving it. Although up until I watched the movie, I couldn't really recall what had happened in the book; only that there were greasers and socs. The movie helped freshen my memory, but most of the stuff in the movie were like, new to me. So yes, I had completely forgotten the events of the book. Haha. Oh, I loved the movie as well!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGtjSOBcAjpKna12qNPMusOdn3BorJRRiOQGsd4Iq0UTRr3gHXVBvSy6Sduv46n_mYXOkpo4EW1ADxff9_lnFw01zit-qtitCoT48bZSbNtAVadBg5-Sm_mwEPYhz7T1fYPj7726ZvYc/s1600/the+outsiders.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGtjSOBcAjpKna12qNPMusOdn3BorJRRiOQGsd4Iq0UTRr3gHXVBvSy6Sduv46n_mYXOkpo4EW1ADxff9_lnFw01zit-qtitCoT48bZSbNtAVadBg5-Sm_mwEPYhz7T1fYPj7726ZvYc/s400/the+outsiders.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510549085286621010" border="0" /></a>I loved all of the Greasers; <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Ponyboy, Dallas, Two-Bit, Darrel, Sodapop</span>... <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Johnny,</span> not so much, but he almost made me cry when he wrote to <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Ponyboy,</span> telling him to stay gold! Ah, it broke my heart. Sure, the movie didn't contain much; it seemed very quick and before you know it, it's over. But I loved the simplicity and the naivete of it. It wasn't as deep as it could have been, but the poem really got me. And <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Ponyboy </span>read <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Gone With the Wind</span> to <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Johnny</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">!</span> If that didn't have me sold, I don't know what would. For those who have seen the movie, don't you think that <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Cherry Valance</span> (played <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Diana Lane</span>) had looked identical to <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Mandy Moore? </span>It was like watching <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">A Walk to Remember! </span><br /><br />Give it a go guys. You might just like it. :)<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-62355102926032303592010-08-25T11:42:00.001-07:002010-08-25T12:06:23.229-07:00YA Couple Alert!<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >Alex Pettyfer is Number 4!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Now this news just hit me out of the blue. I have been wanting to read <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">I Am Number 4</span> by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">James Frey</span>. A Young Adult book of course, I've really been munching them lately. I came across the book sometime ago on <span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads,</a> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">read the reviews, was interested but have never really researched it (because there are currently so many books in my to-be-read pile!). You can imagine how shocked I was to find out today that book i</span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">s already being made into a movie. And that</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Alex Pettyfer</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">is playing the role of</span> <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Number 4!</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">And that he's dating his co-star</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Dianna Agron!</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">3 incredible new</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" >s slapping m</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" >e on the face!</span><br /></div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccnOQxCG_QtRY-ryFy_vSSwZ1a5RbjIaIwihCCgEVapIZeY2Qf5XYqvx6gdBPeENrIrALfNKmjhYoBO485yVJ6OnL5rre78JBW3yiRLle51ix2cpTwx5Sf-qjoflh0JNrnElbZRHCUgo/s1600/I+am+number+4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccnOQxCG_QtRY-ryFy_vSSwZ1a5RbjIaIwihCCgEVapIZeY2Qf5XYqvx6gdBPeENrIrALfNKmjhYoBO485yVJ6OnL5rre78JBW3yiRLle51ix2cpTwx5Sf-qjoflh0JNrnElbZRHCUgo/s400/I+am+number+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509421612188382450" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXklVw9l7I4uvrBfpYkLxtsQJrLx-ftAj7k13QxMS8LPRg5M_jKFwm9ZKlken6URMl_xTZhjsiwwSWkqMnZApPXPAFNp77vMoBaSLmLXVEhyphenhyphennnovlcc0feEsnAUF0mAb6vt0kBNOhigHI/s1600/dianna-agron-082510-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXklVw9l7I4uvrBfpYkLxtsQJrLx-ftAj7k13QxMS8LPRg5M_jKFwm9ZKlken6URMl_xTZhjsiwwSWkqMnZApPXPAFNp77vMoBaSLmLXVEhyphenhyphennnovlcc0feEsnAUF0mAb6vt0kBNOhigHI/s400/dianna-agron-082510-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509421524091360626" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Alex Pettyfer. Alex, alex, alex. </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">He is like </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">the </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">guy for YA books. I'm not kidding. Surf youtube and you'll know what I mean. He also has</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Beastly </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">coming up, another YA book I have yet to read. Lots of people had used him for</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Jace Wayland </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">from</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">The Mortal Instruments </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">series</span></span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">(I went with</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Mitch Hewer<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">), and lots of people are currently using him for</span></span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Peeta Mellark</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">from</span> <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">The Hunger Games</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">series. I haven't used him for anything, but I totally get his appeal. To me, he has become synonymous with YA books. And well, he definitely has/is, what with </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Beastly<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> </span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">and</span> <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">I Am Number 4</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">and all. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">I love the fact that's dating</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Dianna Agron </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">because I love her. The pictures of them together that I've seen are very, very cute. I am excited for this movie, for</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"> Beastly, </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">and for them. I really hope I can find</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">I Am Number 4</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">in Kinokuniya tomorrow. Please, please be there! </span></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Alex Pettyfer, </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">you're totally on my radar now. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">[Disclaimer: Foh shizzle the pics ain't mine!]</span></span><br /></div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /></span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-79645102986758001322010-08-25T10:47:00.000-07:002010-08-25T11:20:59.116-07:00My Mistress's Sparrow Is Dead<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">An anthology of luuurveee stories</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I hate to be M.I.A, even for just a little while, now that I'm up and active again. I'm still getting through <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Anna Karenina,</span> and I haven't got any other books to read as of this moment. So I figure I'll write reviews on books I've read during my time away from this blog. And maybe TV shows, movies, well we'll get to that when we do. Now this next book, <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">My Mistress's Sparrow Is Dead,</span> is a collection of short love stories from a myriad of writers and was edited by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Jeffrey Eugenides. </span>We have <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">William Faulkner, Miranda July, Vladimir Nabokov, Guy de Maupassant</span> and so forth. As it is a collection, there are bound to be stories I loved, stories I tolerated and stories I hated. Sadly, most of the stories in this book I tolerated instead of loved. And thus I have not given it a full-heart rating.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrAFJURQDSd6PCPIi80owp3_0WL3y9kSllZ3BCsrszGaXGtL0tOVYe6Zx1JLccA8Z4hsKB_AL6napNRCbKxaDWf_8IY83swWIFnhM1Is4U_tVaffe7PXHP7A8fK0tQCNJO9Q5SXZBnZI/s1600/My+Mistress%27s+Sparrow+Is+Dead.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrAFJURQDSd6PCPIi80owp3_0WL3y9kSllZ3BCsrszGaXGtL0tOVYe6Zx1JLccA8Z4hsKB_AL6napNRCbKxaDWf_8IY83swWIFnhM1Is4U_tVaffe7PXHP7A8fK0tQCNJO9Q5SXZBnZI/s400/My+Mistress%27s+Sparrow+Is+Dead.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509407959490899378" border="0" /></a><br />There are over 20 short stories in this collection. Here are the names of the stories I loved;<br /><ul><li><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">First Love and Other Sorrows</span> </span>by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Harold Brodkey.</span></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">A Rose For Emily</span> </span>by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">William Faulkner.</span></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">The Hitchhiking Game</span> </span>by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Milan Kundera.</span></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Mouche</span> </span>by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Guy de Maupassant.</span></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Something That Needs Nothing</span> </span>by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Miranda July.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">Not much out of that 20+ aiye? You must first understand that this anthology of love is not really about <span style="font-style: italic;">love. </span>Let me borrow <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Eugenides' </span>words;<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">"When it comes to love, there are a million theories to explain it. But when it comes to love stories, things are simpler. A love story can never be about full possession. The happy marriage, the requited love, the desire that never dims - these are lucky eventualities but they aren't love stories. Love stories depend on disappointment, on unequal births and feuding families, on matrimonial boredom and at least one cold heart. <u>Love stories, nearly without exception, give love a bad name</u>."<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Usually, I love these kind of stories. I'm not always for the happy endings, actually most of the time I'm not. But the stories in this anthology either went above my head and I didn't understand it, or I just simply didn't like it. But the ones I loved, I <span style="font-style: italic;">loved </span>completely. My ultimate favourite is probably <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Mouche.</span> </span>I wouldn't tell anyone not to read this because I believe there is something for everyone in this collection. I just didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped I would. But hey, I found 5 stories that I loved. I dare you to find more.<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-66261001547245660992010-08-24T06:53:00.000-07:002010-08-24T07:31:14.688-07:00Thesis Approved!<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >Thinking of switching to non-thesis, crazy idea?</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm on my holidays. However, today I had to go to campus for a <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">thesis </span>briefing (ah the stress that is the last academic year of university!) I don't have the jitters. Yet. I know I will soon. They threw a lot of information at us kids today and posted the approved <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">thesis </span>topics as well as the names of our respective thesis advisors. My approved topic is; <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">"The Effect of Female Protagonists in Young Adult Fiction as Role Models for Teenage Girls."</span> It just screams me, doesn't it? Will it be difficult, you think?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdkf5v5IKyMP0rjjhwLY1bmMvUH8BIS8zLGEQ7scMlXvRsXbBWRCNxoN869kYLU2wLP4oqGD0Y-PxE_EOcpCpnmP_Xk21_KjhIdgAGdGlPNBisXgkYCYj-lzfrjCxux2ImM15VBkAyGk/s1600/hardcore.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdkf5v5IKyMP0rjjhwLY1bmMvUH8BIS8zLGEQ7scMlXvRsXbBWRCNxoN869kYLU2wLP4oqGD0Y-PxE_EOcpCpnmP_Xk21_KjhIdgAGdGlPNBisXgkYCYj-lzfrjCxux2ImM15VBkAyGk/s400/hardcore.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508980463845407250" border="0" /></a>Look at me there in class, hardcore studying. Haha. Anyway, I was thinking of switching to a <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">non-thesis. </span>There's a possibility that I may intern at a Production House, and they specialize in making <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">TVCs. </span>For my non-thesis, I can make exactly that, and I was thinking, well, why not? I'll be getting first hand experience of it anyway? (IF, I get the internship, which brings me to my stressful situation of not being employed as of yet). With the <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">non-thesis, </span>there's a possibility of an epic failure. Should I take the risk? If it works well, however, it'll be soooo goood. So, help?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Update on <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Anna Karenina</span> (spoilery, so avert your eyes if you plan to read it!); <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Levin </span>is getting married to <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Kitty,</span> at last! They're so endearing! And <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Vronksy</span> just went abroad with <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Anna, </span>with her refusing her husband's divorce! Man, she's crazy. But I really do understand where she's coming from. A difficult situation, it is. I get her aversion to her husband, and her feeling not deserving of his generosity, but does she not have a shred of sympathy for him? I understand, back then, well, I can imagine it's very hard to be in her position. But she's so selfish, it's mean.<br /></div><br />Yes, I'm enjoying this book. Surprisingly a great amount.<br /><br />Love you all!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">xx</span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-31025400589582300342010-08-23T04:15:00.000-07:002010-08-23T04:37:02.244-07:00The Mortal Instruments Music<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >The Flavour of Jace Wayland</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Back when I was obsessed with <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">The Mortal Instruments</span> trilogy, I made an album cover art along with a tracklist of songs I thought suited the feelings of our broody <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Jace Wayland.</span> I still like this fake album of mine, but the books, in retrospect were just....meh. Seems like I'm a pretty impulsive person; I get too excited after reading a book. Don't get me wrong, I love the world <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Cassandra Clare</span> has created but the dialogues in the trilogy were just really...... And they killed off......! Really now. And don't get me started on <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Clary!</span> An epic fail of a character (<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Bella</span> > <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Clary</span>, OMG right?). Actually, all of the characters in the trilogy were off. Which makes me wonder why I liked the books in the first place. Well it definitely had its turns, plot-wise. It had teenage angst. Good, good. And during that time, I had madddd love for <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Jace Wayland.</span> So, must give credit where credit's due. I'm going off tangent here. Fake album, yes. Here's the cover and tracklist;<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0uRj-oRTvPVzFPiBCbZmHRIPB8Tf0zj9tBsI5LRFOOFSlQLL0g9PiaJDEf6Dz7OCFMp_9cDeg60Ea7l8S3SftXmQCCatxi6nRjax0xm-GPBk5hyphenhyphenpQwlDuuCwd3BtkBg6X0U7SBSV2tw/s1600/Jace+hazy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0uRj-oRTvPVzFPiBCbZmHRIPB8Tf0zj9tBsI5LRFOOFSlQLL0g9PiaJDEf6Dz7OCFMp_9cDeg60Ea7l8S3SftXmQCCatxi6nRjax0xm-GPBk5hyphenhyphenpQwlDuuCwd3BtkBg6X0U7SBSV2tw/s400/Jace+hazy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508565444508469074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHO8yuYxXupVOYYLIVvVZCycHC6qmhdvm8FVRjpdQfqATeJVfhuilpNZOjMCeBO5umAHHpC-GR_sd6hdMRRAB3MRwOlRMwhwKP5dbNQx_raZqZh7OEUm32Hjth5V7YZ8eKa0PXi0Ys8hc/s1600/tracklist.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHO8yuYxXupVOYYLIVvVZCycHC6qmhdvm8FVRjpdQfqATeJVfhuilpNZOjMCeBO5umAHHpC-GR_sd6hdMRRAB3MRwOlRMwhwKP5dbNQx_raZqZh7OEUm32Hjth5V7YZ8eKa0PXi0Ys8hc/s400/tracklist.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508565295524981714" border="0" /></a>As you can see, I used <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Mitch Hewer</span> (<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Maxxie!</span> From <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Skins Generation 1</span>) as <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Jace Wayland. </span>Perfection by the by. Go give the songs a listen and tell me whether you think it suits <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Jace. </span>I still have this album on my ipod, and it was ages ago since I read the books.<br /><br />The best book of the trilogy was <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">City of Ashes,</span> imho; all the good angst was stored and showcased there.<br /><br />Oh, I notice I've got 2 new followers. Hello! Feel free to comment on anything you see. <u><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">BIG LOVE</span></u> for you two ;)<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-72183665559968153422010-08-23T03:20:00.000-07:002010-08-23T03:38:15.896-07:00The Last Vhalgenn<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >My last audiobook</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">From the get go, I didn't like it. I wanted to; it had the potential to be so good. The short story tells the tale of the last <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Vhalgenn,</span> loyal companion to the King; a sister, a lover, a friend. Returning after the jealous Queen's banishment of her, <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Raik </span>came back only to find herself partaking in the dying Queen's last request; take the newly born heir away from the Kingdom, to save his life.<br /><br />Sounds pretty good right? Not so. Not so at all.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6K9lmu2GCWcHneYbLAfHcupoXGTSrJIpo-T5Cxh4BOFAGKj-Xuqvaw7sRvL53HGCiopneYIcUkHqVGiJ1UEV5LSF3gBlUHQ-T0-pafsD_sM8pjRUWY2Ra3c616NvWz9PmAgp1HlGVHqg/s1600/The+Last+Vhalgenn.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6K9lmu2GCWcHneYbLAfHcupoXGTSrJIpo-T5Cxh4BOFAGKj-Xuqvaw7sRvL53HGCiopneYIcUkHqVGiJ1UEV5LSF3gBlUHQ-T0-pafsD_sM8pjRUWY2Ra3c616NvWz9PmAgp1HlGVHqg/s400/The+Last+Vhalgenn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508551141563196738" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Now I've got to give <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Kayelle Allen </span>credit; the concept is not half-bad. I'm a sucker for these kind of stories, usually. Bittersweet, anguish... all that jazz. And I suppose this story had all that. I may have liked it a bit if not for the awful, awful, AWFUL voice narration of the audio-book. In retrospect, <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Lesley Livingston,</span> was spectacular with her <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wondrous Strange. </span>I shouldn't have given her such a hard time. I'm just not an audio-book person. But seriously, I may have slightly liked this book if I have read it. The woman who narrated this book was horrible; the same intonation in everything. Most of the time, I couldn't tell which character were speaking. Oh <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Lesley Livingston, </span>pardon my harsh critiscism of you! I take it back, I take it all back.<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-84499129690344570432010-08-22T14:06:00.001-07:002010-08-22T14:11:54.321-07:00A Hunger Games Contest!<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">OMG!</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Devoted <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Hunger Games</span> readers, I have something to share. A <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Hunger Games</span> contest is currently being held with awesome prizes to win! I'm shaking with excitement, I'm not kidding.<br /><br />Head on over to <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><a href="http://paperbackdolls.blogspot.com/2010/08/mockingjay-mega-giveaway.html">Paperback Dolls</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">, </span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><a href="http://paranormal-obsession.blogspot.com/2010/08/huge-mockingjay-giveaway.html">Obsessed!</a> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">and</span> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><a href="http://www.fwiwreviews.net/2010/08/let-games-begin.html">For What It's Worth</a> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">to enter! </span></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">It's international! You've got nothing to lose, and so much to win!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Goodluck everyone!</span><br /></span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-73529982391964918322010-08-22T12:50:00.001-07:002010-08-22T13:15:55.163-07:00A Southern Vampire Marriage<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >A True Blood Wedding. Perfection.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I have a major soft spot for the cast of <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">True Blood. </span>I was out of the loop of this awesome series for a very a long time. And then on one fateful day, I picked up <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Dead Until Dark.</span> I was hooked. After that, I just<span style="font-style: italic;"> had </span>to watch the series. And <span style="font-style: italic;">it is</span> as awesome as they say it is. Unfortunately, for me the book peaked at <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Dead Until Dark.</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Dead and Gone </span>was good too, but the books in between and the book after was... in retrospect, a big downer. I'm sticking to the show now.<br /><br />Anyway, even though on the show and in the books our dear <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Sookie </span>and <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Bill</span> have not tied the knot, they have done so in real life this last Saturday!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0NQQkY7GfBIKFoGDkGEcccvzcX15b5aet1LM13T25UsNhvfDvZFH67_kGdwS2zAjVykjLfP4ZtiBN0gt-2g_32jfhXGhStjYf7nR8PSyCa7wMYQZLYDp3V45VPoKuIo3xGbZIMhZtK0/s1600/annapaquinwedding13.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0NQQkY7GfBIKFoGDkGEcccvzcX15b5aet1LM13T25UsNhvfDvZFH67_kGdwS2zAjVykjLfP4ZtiBN0gt-2g_32jfhXGhStjYf7nR8PSyCa7wMYQZLYDp3V45VPoKuIo3xGbZIMhZtK0/s400/annapaquinwedding13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508327555036069778" border="0" /></a>After the click, check out who came to this bloody shindig :)<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DhrAZxDO3nX9KzXcrNyOZZO5SDNUW5kTho8RIBpifuulIW4fCc1PAxi-TKFjEoGwvIUDHbzHZFFyXw7hLwp-YoXs0oEttRcmOnDb6cZWFN6Wql1ZWZTUJgSgohyCUY0fUGwb-mkUVCI/s1600/2v9oxag.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarhKwcvarBwHhY0yFmVfXKttyuOy1kxCWUSdjgojvJl_LoGZiSoYHNXw-yqQrPMU4KNrnEobnw92QK0ZOyYU2gKBi62HrqBuYh-TmYC3ehuckprPyefxGHzEh7TAKGsnrsDwaTe2q_G0/s1600/fu9fr9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarhKwcvarBwHhY0yFmVfXKttyuOy1kxCWUSdjgojvJl_LoGZiSoYHNXw-yqQrPMU4KNrnEobnw92QK0ZOyYU2gKBi62HrqBuYh-TmYC3ehuckprPyefxGHzEh7TAKGsnrsDwaTe2q_G0/s400/fu9fr9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508327309062619554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHzseKAw10zPT_n2v1_ctNLmD0gC66J1-7kUBRurzdWPCHupzOm6RxXE6gpvnleLWndEAyXcJK1FwqSr86m2bAapE0V1Tr7ganmDVJ5g5Wuzq2CzO-AeeKdz_V8l-j18JXIuoQGDOWEI/s1600/6ghfo2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHzseKAw10zPT_n2v1_ctNLmD0gC66J1-7kUBRurzdWPCHupzOm6RxXE6gpvnleLWndEAyXcJK1FwqSr86m2bAapE0V1Tr7ganmDVJ5g5Wuzq2CzO-AeeKdz_V8l-j18JXIuoQGDOWEI/s400/6ghfo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508327853902992658" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAHK7hhoQ4JALwpGfCQI3X9v-Sx0yjerC2j1IMobatDCLnoUKzFM7VWdeN2SaVxU3Y0nByUFspiaHKLfnqpdqpOJQGxZmQdgVu2XoW81me5aHzzjYsHc5VL7JAQQah5weoXRuILSMmV4/s1600/2v9oxag.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAHK7hhoQ4JALwpGfCQI3X9v-Sx0yjerC2j1IMobatDCLnoUKzFM7VWdeN2SaVxU3Y0nByUFspiaHKLfnqpdqpOJQGxZmQdgVu2XoW81me5aHzzjYsHc5VL7JAQQah5weoXRuILSMmV4/s400/2v9oxag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508327176119644786" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ATYnsXsU5c_g3edxX5hmqP1hltBUGdq0uDaOaQRHfpIEZn3E79nnMM_IafibzlQwODh2riQf1TOZD0MxYCRdrCmzvs1veBz4tfiSioKTNWRL5zA4rKI7NNMQuxYLGk7QXHCxv7s9cKo/s1600/68c22s.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 327px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ATYnsXsU5c_g3edxX5hmqP1hltBUGdq0uDaOaQRHfpIEZn3E79nnMM_IafibzlQwODh2riQf1TOZD0MxYCRdrCmzvs1veBz4tfiSioKTNWRL5zA4rKI7NNMQuxYLGk7QXHCxv7s9cKo/s400/68c22s.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508327020718429874" border="0" /></a>I see you, <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Lorena!</span> Haha. Apparently almost everyone in <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">True Blood </span>(or is it everyone?) were in attendance. Sweet, right? I love <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Anna Paquin's </span>wedding dress; it's elegant in an understated way. Not a big fan of her hair do though. Nonetheless, I'm sure it was a magical night for <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Anna </span>and <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Stephen.</span> I'm geeking out. I love <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">True Blood,</span> and I love<span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"> Anna</span> and <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Stephen</span> (and <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Mr. Northman, </span>where is he?).<br /></div><br />Congratulations!<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">[Disclaimer: Foh shizzle, the pics ain't mine!]</span><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/50218096.html#cutid1">[source 1]</a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.paquinanna.com/">[source 2]</a></span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-28157687830219849182010-08-22T11:45:00.000-07:002010-08-24T11:49:54.647-07:00Wondrous Strange and Katy Perry<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >Extraterrestrial</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wondrous Strange </span>by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Lesley Livingston</span> was my first audio-book. I still have complicated feelings on it; on the audi0-book, not the story itself. During the first half of the audio-book, I was bored. The story did nothing for me, and added with the narration (I believe it was <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Livingston</span> herself!), I almost hated the whole feel of it. <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wondrous Strange</span> is not a book I would have picked up on my own. My foray into YA has mostly been for vampires and werewolves (I'm tired of them now), and <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wondrous Strange</span> is about fairies. On top of that, the book cover is ghastly! I know, I know, don't judge a book by its cover and yadayadayada, but <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wondrous Strange's</span> cover and other covers like it, well... not my thing, at all.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, I didn't know what to expect. I only continued to listen to the audio-book because I don't like not completing things. So thus, I pushed through. And then, I don't know what happened, but I suddenly fell in love with the story! And by default, I fell in love with the world of fairies!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf0GqmUGr1reMd3uiunBDzbz_eSLOUsuQM7qzIob2-iJoJa7f5sw2tFcoxoYO6akYerYgLzuW91upTLABnWyoNdg-pSYjAJi320XeE-PiG8nYVlrzKw_7ZWWnYMyLSW7ditY0EjrJFFI/s1600/Wondrousstrangeet.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf0GqmUGr1reMd3uiunBDzbz_eSLOUsuQM7qzIob2-iJoJa7f5sw2tFcoxoYO6akYerYgLzuW91upTLABnWyoNdg-pSYjAJi320XeE-PiG8nYVlrzKw_7ZWWnYMyLSW7ditY0EjrJFFI/s400/Wondrousstrangeet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508309604482327106" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, this book deserved a full heart from me! It's not 5 stars (the first half of the book was really, really slow), but the climax, and the ending, and how the love story turned out at the end, made me give it a 4 (and still a full heart!). I really didn't expect this. The annoying voice of the narration really outdid itself in the second half of the book. <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Lesley Livingston</span> really set the mood with her voice. She really does know how to create suspense and emotion. The story wrapped itself very, very nicely. Now I'm crazy for fairies. Job well done, I say.<br /><br />What does this have to do with <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Katy Perry</span>, you ask? Click and find out!<br /></div><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, immediately after I finished the audio-book, <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">E.T </span>by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Katy Perry</span> came up in my ipod shuffle. And I was struck at how suitable it was for the relationship between <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Kelley</span> (the female protagonist) and <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Sonny </span>(the love interest). I mean, it's not suitable word for word; <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Katy Perry's <span style="font-style: italic;">E.T</span></span> is like about aliens and sci-fi whilst <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Wondrous Strange</span> is paranormal. BUT, the general feel of the song and well, the lyrics too (for me anyway), kinda spoke for <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Kelley</span> and <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Sonny</span>. Here, have a listen:<br /></div><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KpS-mb9J94o?fs=1&hl=en_GB"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KpS-mb9J94o?fs=1&hl=en_GB" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">What do you think? I think it's epic.<br /><br />Now I'm obsessed with fairies. If things work out according to plan, tomorrow I will be book hunting for <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wicked Lovely</span> (another fairy series), and if I'm super lucky, I'll find the sequel to <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wondrous Strange, Dark Light.</span> Oh, I'm also looking for <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Lord of the Fading Lands</span> by <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">C.L Wilson. </span>So if you're in Jakarta, and you see it, well be sure to let me know!<br /><br />Oh and the verdict on audio-books? Not my thing. I'll listen to them if books I normally don't get is available for free, but if not, I won't spend money on them, and I rather get the book than the audio. I do believe that I would have liked <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Wondrous Strange</span> </span>so much more if I had read it.<br /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" class="status-body"><span class="status-content"><span class="entry-content">"And thy fair virtue's force perforce doth move me ... And I do love thee."</span></span></span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-14943118392491632072010-08-22T10:41:00.001-07:002010-08-22T11:07:32.301-07:00The Hunger Games Series<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">So far, we love!</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Every faithful YA reader will definitely know many things about <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">the Hunger Games</span> series; <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Mockingjay </span>- nigh upon us, a movie based on book 1 to be released next year, <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Katniss Everdeen, Peeta </span>or <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Gale?</span> and so forth. It is a trilogy; the last one to be released in just a few days! Will it be as awesome as the first two? *Fingerscrossed*<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNl0fgBs5b3su2comz90NVoCth-sJ_UaOpKQNX9zTk2lODwInwsDCPgKkMyBWMhE4pU0YaIUZFHT5AJb1pszqAkHWplDxCCjhVvBvVPzDPiev_6seQ5EaGhH1z9rpZ4y7r1cGCrsZ-2Y/s1600/The+Hunger+Games+series.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNl0fgBs5b3su2comz90NVoCth-sJ_UaOpKQNX9zTk2lODwInwsDCPgKkMyBWMhE4pU0YaIUZFHT5AJb1pszqAkHWplDxCCjhVvBvVPzDPiev_6seQ5EaGhH1z9rpZ4y7r1cGCrsZ-2Y/s400/The+Hunger+Games+series.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508292431885817986" border="0" /></a>People might wonder why I've chosen these covers to be featured instead of the other more popular ones (you know, the one with the mockingjay pins?). The answer is simple. These are the ones available to me. You notice the hearts? Yes, I loved them both. The books were gripping from the get go, and it took a lot of willpower to put the books down to eat, sleep, shower... you get the picture.<br /><br />I have to say though, as good as the two of them were, the first one, <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">The Hunger Games, </span>is the better book. No lulls. It was action-packed, suspenseful, romantic. It was a great ride. Those of you who have read the second one, <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Catching Fire, </span>will understand when I say that the story was rather repetitive. Sure, it was with totally different variables... but it wasn't that original. And you would think <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Gale </span>would be featured more. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the book. Far from it. It just could have been better. Didn't stop me from loving it though. I think YA readers would love it too, and go completely nuts for it (as I did).<br /><br />Oh and for those who don't know what in the world <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">the Hunger Games</span> is/are, here's what you need to know;<br /><ul><li>North America has been divided into 12 Districts, with Capitol as the central government.<br /></li><li>Each year, a boy and a girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district, (randomly chosen) must compete and fight till death in the annual Hunger Games, televised for everyone to see (gory details and all)</li><li>16 year old <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Katniss Everdeen</span> volunteered to take her sister's place in the games.</li><li>Epicness ensues.</li></ul>Enjoy!<br /><br />Favourite quote from the series:<br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" class="status-body"><span class="status-content"><span class="entry-content">"You could live a hundred lifetimes and not deserve him, you know.</span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">"</span><br /><br /><br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-91000372421952900452010-08-22T10:14:00.000-07:002010-08-22T10:25:54.300-07:00A Random Idea<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >Well, not really random. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I think everyone is very much aware that I'm a total and complete bookworm. And during this summer break (I would say it's summer in Jakarta right now), I've been very in tune with this particular trait of mine. I've recently joined <span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com">Goodreads</a> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">and it has been amazing. I love being part of a book community; it's so refreshing to find people with the same interests as me. So this got me thinking, should I turn my blog into a book blog? I'm obviously more passionate about books than Hollywood. Or should I leave it as it is? A blog with a touch of everything? Books, movies, A-list celebs, music? Maybe still that, but leaning more towards books? Ah I don't know. I guess we'll just see as time goes on. I hope to be more active now that I have more free time at my disposal.</span></span><br /></div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Well how is everyone? How are my almost non-existent readers? haha. Book reviews coming up lovelies :)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">xoxo</span><br /></span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-56250695472235846302010-07-29T02:47:00.001-07:002010-07-29T03:13:04.925-07:00The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Hollywood Style<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >Daniel Craig > Brad Pitt</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Praise the heavens! Seriously everyone, do it! Ever since news have been circling around regarding the awesome movie that I'm sure this movie would be, some crazy casting nominees have surfaced on the internet. I was frustrated when it seemed like <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Brad Pitt</span> would play the role of the great journalist, <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-style: italic;">Blomkvist,</span> but alas, that is not so! <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Daniel Craig,</span> sexy sexy <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Daniel Craig,</span> has signed on to play this role not only for the first movie, but for all three! And yes, this is awesome!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUtenv4E2ycZCeQbMenofIsUVfvHtB82D-KDBJsMe4RlLpqhXP5zStqDyIox40N-URgbHva0Zm27W6dYXRxVqVLZONJT_QkSiQ7Rj9ScBhWKJPy2XqoLznvVFlKWYxd_WnPIhQtdWUsQ/s1600/The+Girl+With+the+Dragon+Tattoo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUtenv4E2ycZCeQbMenofIsUVfvHtB82D-KDBJsMe4RlLpqhXP5zStqDyIox40N-URgbHva0Zm27W6dYXRxVqVLZONJT_QkSiQ7Rj9ScBhWKJPy2XqoLznvVFlKWYxd_WnPIhQtdWUsQ/s400/The+Girl+With+the+Dragon+Tattoo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499268483268310706" border="0" /></a><br />We can also breathe now that we know <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Kristen Stewart </span>nor <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Anne Hathaway</span> (or any of the early casting names that we have heard about), will be playing the great <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-style: italic;">Lisbeth Salander.</span> Rumours have it, <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">K.Stew</span> wont playing this role due to scheduling conflicts with <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Breaking Dawn.</span> HA! For me, that's just downright ironic. No actress has been casted yet for this life-changing role, but I'm optimistic. They might just get it right, these Hollywood people.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-3586305948527688232010-05-11T07:23:00.000-07:002010-05-11T07:45:10.302-07:00Tony Stonem Is a Good Guy<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >Nicholas Hoult, Mmm Hmm.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Resident hottie, <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Nic Hoult,</span> went to the slums of <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Nairobi</span> for <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Christian Aid Week.</span> I've never heard of this fundraiser before, but kudos to my <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Nic</span> for taking the time to do this. He saw first hand how <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Christian Aid Week</span> is making a difference in the lives of the people living in the slums.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGEFMShcCmHqcJqB194vA2DdZxMrkgMmSaOroks5554Ic_9gIzq8jxUfoOtE1cyJNXQBZknXz7nG_QLu5B2zaBdt1zwDqVdZ-lZE8BGW6rGjyum8cWrKNt358vSSkP0xQwvYYb1WJ1uc/s1600/nic1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGEFMShcCmHqcJqB194vA2DdZxMrkgMmSaOroks5554Ic_9gIzq8jxUfoOtE1cyJNXQBZknXz7nG_QLu5B2zaBdt1zwDqVdZ-lZE8BGW6rGjyum8cWrKNt358vSSkP0xQwvYYb1WJ1uc/s400/nic1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470019458474918066" border="0" /></a>After the click, check out more pictures of my boyfriend doing his good deed.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNL8-mOG-i4XRKYoo0TO9zztjEht2xq_nhvQWta2lU1ZLHeHMpTYl9e8FzWXIDpWA4f9MS6k_YH9MOGuV0L8ns2k6XqwQAqsNAFFA6FCPE2DyKJCSDrIsWjVJmcbd9vH_ZCIIed-l_Qg/s1600/nic3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNL8-mOG-i4XRKYoo0TO9zztjEht2xq_nhvQWta2lU1ZLHeHMpTYl9e8FzWXIDpWA4f9MS6k_YH9MOGuV0L8ns2k6XqwQAqsNAFFA6FCPE2DyKJCSDrIsWjVJmcbd9vH_ZCIIed-l_Qg/s400/nic3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470019016917074210" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6ubfzW44ZWugH-Jqj63xEHKhRTJIumWyM5q6Teicw9jkYrhZ_iNtGOKNA8eONDUQSM-N52dzQ4Yh0I_E2DLvOgzjBqQ18Y8EtLO9VdHOkfxns9zEnmyzVIIqt43D7AJfBAszV59vr00/s1600/nic2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6ubfzW44ZWugH-Jqj63xEHKhRTJIumWyM5q6Teicw9jkYrhZ_iNtGOKNA8eONDUQSM-N52dzQ4Yh0I_E2DLvOgzjBqQ18Y8EtLO9VdHOkfxns9zEnmyzVIIqt43D7AJfBAszV59vr00/s400/nic2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470019295644780530" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDZJdNgnQELnAjdwVZktwko1K8GhcepwVhuYbh9LqY2relFpOqVb7bHLLaF11YH71NJo1mj2J_T8ssIYZtJyCa7qZU4Ke1Ds8etBSrcBSSCHmDs7ox7G8Dz4CGkpcZWM_h_t3YNafPb4/s1600/nic4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDZJdNgnQELnAjdwVZktwko1K8GhcepwVhuYbh9LqY2relFpOqVb7bHLLaF11YH71NJo1mj2J_T8ssIYZtJyCa7qZU4Ke1Ds8etBSrcBSSCHmDs7ox7G8Dz4CGkpcZWM_h_t3YNafPb4/s400/nic4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470018693033012386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlXbQS359DJsY7bf0wg_TL0NcN-CTcyigd6LMLCKCHuPPDrTOhyrWKNEYApAF_1lNHI1a9xt-5C3uaDtYpnuT8V6X1AtEGr4vLEgnvut9WJckYNW6dmVMT84K5bytPfBSPR0q1_Ic2y0/s1600/nic5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlXbQS359DJsY7bf0wg_TL0NcN-CTcyigd6LMLCKCHuPPDrTOhyrWKNEYApAF_1lNHI1a9xt-5C3uaDtYpnuT8V6X1AtEGr4vLEgnvut9WJckYNW6dmVMT84K5bytPfBSPR0q1_Ic2y0/s400/nic5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470018377037341266" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-mU6TPSB-54E5lUiC1uqAM8mGbnOcMZwGsHgVJYU0hA2MNANn6UmNIvPAJ2VNX3qrBdQRuT1r4sGuwMmWQu-ejm2TmKPvywMFTFVEaMTHxdGvz7M37h2E_jXfaeYAY0u0HeJO8gvxhk/s1600/nic6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-mU6TPSB-54E5lUiC1uqAM8mGbnOcMZwGsHgVJYU0hA2MNANn6UmNIvPAJ2VNX3qrBdQRuT1r4sGuwMmWQu-ejm2TmKPvywMFTFVEaMTHxdGvz7M37h2E_jXfaeYAY0u0HeJO8gvxhk/s400/nic6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470018192694474674" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">"When you first see the sewage and the cramped living conditions, and experience the smell, it's stifling. The only comparison I can make with home life is that it's like a music festival where you can't get out, the toilets never get cleaned, and there's no music. That really doesn't do justice to it. All those I met there were in a vulnerable situation but showing great strength.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">It's difficult to describe some of the conditions I saw in Kenya, as for most of us back home they would be unbearable. But visiting the Christian Aid project showed me that simple facilities like toilets and showers and clean drinking water can make such a difference to people's every day lives. Giving this money isn't a short-term fix. It enables families to build their own futures. If everyone in the UK gave just a small amount of money this Christian Aid Week, it will help people like Catherine Kithuku and her family enjoy a cleaner, safer and healthier life."</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It's always nice to see celebrities involving themselves in noble acts such as this one. If I understand correctly, <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Hoult</span> travelled to several districts, met many people and familiarize himself with the upsetting situation. I love him even more for doing this (if that is even possible). It's important for celebrities to understand that they can do a lot to create awareness for issues such as this. And <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Nic Hoult </span>is only one name in a long list of names who have used his status to do some good. Kudos to them all. And OMG, isn't he just yummy? Look at the second picture for goodness sake! What I would do to just ...<br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">[Disclaimer: Foh shizzle the pics ain't mine!]</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:78%;" ><a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/pictures/2010/05/10/nicholas-hoult-in-kenya-for-christian-aid-week-115875-22248866/">[source]</a></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />[Photo Credit: Christian Aid / Lee Thompson]</span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-29332564346610888132010-05-10T09:08:00.000-07:002010-05-10T09:23:32.394-07:00Really, Iron Man 2?<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >A total flop in Rachel's eyes.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Ah. How to say this? I hated <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="font-style: italic;">Iron Man 2.</span> </span>It was slow, not funny, and lacked action. While I agree that movies shouldn't depend on action and effects alone, I really felt that <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Iron Man 2 </span>lacked these, amongst many other things. The first <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Iron Man </span>movie was by far, the superior one. And was I the only one who thought that <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Black Widow</span> was going to be a villain? Well the fact that she was not was quite a revelation.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoUzqb1nyNjPDWDzHqihfM9e0ox-313atJjn_JgbynVvk9KWSVs_P-uU8P7HzFpj1ou9KuHQpTn5d7xDVslRz2km8tJAD9eRmb1f1nzK9Do0dy6ExajowBSQ5bLXQXRxveAD-NAoCaqQ/s1600/iron-man-2-poster.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoUzqb1nyNjPDWDzHqihfM9e0ox-313atJjn_JgbynVvk9KWSVs_P-uU8P7HzFpj1ou9KuHQpTn5d7xDVslRz2km8tJAD9eRmb1f1nzK9Do0dy6ExajowBSQ5bLXQXRxveAD-NAoCaqQ/s400/iron-man-2-poster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469675900670391282" border="0" /></a>The only thing I liked (and even this, not so much), was the promise for <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">The Avengers. </span>And that is only because my man, <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Edward Norton</span> (you know, <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Hulk?</span>), will be in it (he better be!). The <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-style: italic;">Captain America</span> shield was cute, but I guess, that's about it. I'm not really a comic book junkie so I don't know my mythos well, so apparently, there were many references in the movie that I didn't notice. Seriously, this movie was a let down. Not long into the movie, I was already thinking about something else. My interest was lost. Not even <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Robert Downey Jr.</span> could save it for me. And he's quite delicious too.<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219152833090456636.post-80959685647187062622010-05-10T08:36:00.000-07:002010-05-10T09:00:22.811-07:00CC Library: The Millenium Trilogy<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:78%;" >Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I know I have been practically M.I.A for like, forever. Rest assured I have not been resting on my laurels! I've actually gotten a lot of reading done. The one that I want to feature on my blog is the <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Millenium Trilogy </span>by the late <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Stieg Larsson.</span> It consists of three separate novels; <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire</span> and <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xF5i84aTuyeHJTjiziC0aMzVZuHAYCRGyB4R5o8TISFUpgvwt2LMmgIsxLk42rdxg1-qR1MsZuXTvDPEeKPo-01UQeFq_84uzIx4WwXp74E9CVrM54nAYA9ti8lMG-MYnhJsK0t104U/s1600/millenium.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xF5i84aTuyeHJTjiziC0aMzVZuHAYCRGyB4R5o8TISFUpgvwt2LMmgIsxLk42rdxg1-qR1MsZuXTvDPEeKPo-01UQeFq_84uzIx4WwXp74E9CVrM54nAYA9ti8lMG-MYnhJsK0t104U/s400/millenium.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469668336379539746" border="0" /></a>I loved all three of them! They were all consistently good. If I had to choose my favourite out of three, I wouldn't be able to pick one. Each of them is special in their own way. I normally don't like books that touch on politics, but these three are an exception. I've got my hands on the Swedish movie of <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo</span> but I haven't had the chance to watch it. All three books have been made into movies and I heard that they were quite satisfactory. I've also recently heard that Hollywood will be re-making them. I don't mind, as long as they get the casting right. Please, not <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Brad Pitt</span> for <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Blomkvist!</span> And not <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Kristen Stewart</span> or<span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"> Anne Hathaway</span> for Salander! I vote for <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Carey Mulligan,</span> please!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, if you have the chance to read them, I think you should. They really were page-turners. I slept at like 5 am everyday reading them (during examination week too!). For my first foray into Crime fiction, I must say I'm impressed. You would be too.<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06281961272550228303noreply@blogger.com0