28 December 2007

Review: The Possibilites of Fireflies


I think it is safe to say that everyone has at least one book that they truly connect with.
For me, The Possiblities of Fireflies by Dominique Paul was it.
The Possibilites of Fireflies is a coming of age story told through fourteen year old Ellie Roma. Ellie's family started to fall apart after her father left. Her mother has since become neglectful of her sister and her. She leaves Ellie waiting outside for hours while she goes out. However Ellie likes keeping company with the fireflies. She never loses hope that one day she will be saved from her life. One Day an older guy named Leo moves in next door. He is Ellie's savior.. or at least thinks he is at first. In the end Leo helps her find out the truth.. That the only person who can save you, is yourself.
This book was really outstanding. It was so easy for me to understand Ellie's emotions and the things she was going through. My mother isn't the greatest and the way she acted towards Ellie reminded me of my relationship with my mother. A book like this doesn't come around that often. Its an amazing story that will touch you and make your emotions flow. I cried through out the book. Trust me, its not hard to. If you love a story about someone who overcomes some of life's hardest situations this is for YOU. Heck, if you like a damn good read pick this up!
This is really not something you want to miss.
I am also happy to say that Domonique Paul is working on the sequel to this novel AND the motion picture! She sounds like Wonder Woman doesn't she? =]
I know that Michelle Trachtenberg is attached as the older sister Gwen. Did I mention Gwen was a party girl? Hmm, Might have missed that...
Anyways, Pick this up. I mean it. =]
There will be a contest running soon! Can anyone say free book? =]
So, until next time!
Laura

21 December 2007

Happy Holidays!

Before I get back to reading Jane Eyre for school, I thought I'd write a quick entry. Basically, I want to say Happy Holidays and have a terrific New Year!

Right now I'm finishing The Possibilites of Fireflies by Dominique Paul and I have to say its phenominal. The book is so realistic and moving. I've gotten teary quite a few times.

More on the book later.

I don't know about you but there is a lot of books coming out like the day after christmas. Or at least, around then.


For example The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray, Princess Mia by Meg Cabot, & Fake Boyfriend by Kate Brian. Do they think I'll have money after christmas? I spend most of it before hand buying gifts.

Anyways, the first book I want to purchase in '08 is Leftovers by Laura Wiess.

Description
A devastating novel of desperation and revenge from one of today's most compelling new voices in fiction. In this follow-up to her heartbreaking debut, Such a Pretty Girl, Laura Wiess once again spins a shattering tale of the tragedies that befall young women who are considered society's Leftovers.
Blair and Ardith are best friends who have committed an unforgivable act in the name of love and justice. But in order to understand what could drive two young women to such extreme measures, first you'll have to understand why. You'll have to listen as they describe parents who are alternately absent and smothering, classmates who mock and shun anyone different, and young men who are allowed to hurt and dominate without consequence. You will have to learn what it's like to be a teenage girl who locks her bedroom door at night, who has been written off by the adults around her as damaged goods. A girl who has no one to trust except the one person she's forbidden to see. You'll have to understand what it's really like to be forgotten and abandoned in America today.
Are you ready?
-taken from Simon&Schusters website.
&& doesn't sound great? Well, I think it does!
Well, my conscience is telling me to get back to Jane Eyre. After Jane I have to read 1984. =[
That's what I get I guess. Did I mention I've read them before like 100 years ago? && Consequently, I don't remember details in the book which I need to write some critical analysises..
HAHA. Ain't life grand?
Happy Holidays!
Lurrvve,
Laura
p.s Watch this video! It'll make you laugh. Alot. Well, maybe a few times.

12 December 2007

ROBERT PATTINSON: Twilight Movie


Robert Pattinson has been casted as Edward Cullen in the upcoming Summit Entertainment movie Twilight. The movie is based on the novel by Stephenie Meyer.


Pattison's most notable role was as Cedric Diggory in the Harry Potter films. He is also currently slated to be in the upcoming film Little Ashes.



The role of Bella Swan has been given to actress Kristen Stewart. Notable roles include- Speak, In the Land of Women, and Panic Room.

In my opinion Robert Pattison is great for the role. Not to mention he's hot.
I think it'd be difficult to cast Edward's character since he's so complex, but I'm happy with the casting decision. Same goes for Kristen. I adore Speak!


I hope to God this movie isn't butchered like Eragon and Blood & Chocolate.

Don't get me started!
Lurrvve,
Laura

01 December 2007

Review: What They Found: Love on 145th St.

Yes, I'm barely alive. Thanks to school I've been away. Hi. Just thought I give a small update. Here's a review for the short story collection What They Found: Love on 145th Street.


What They Found is a new collection of short stories written by Walter Dean Myers. Each story's plot is based on love - family, romantic, platonic, and more. What They Found reveals how love can be found in some of the most unexpected places and times. Curtis is a soldier in Iraq fighting a war he doesn't want to take part in. He meets another soldier and through the horrors of war they fall in love.
I've never read anything like What They Found before so I thought It would be interesting to pick up. It was refreshing to read something with a good message. Each story captured an honest look at life and love.The book is geared more towards YA, but some stories might be a little mature for some readers. I recommend it to those who like reading fast-paced fiction. There is also something of a prequel to this collection called145 Street: Short Stories. It features some of the characters from this collection. I have not read it, but after reading this I definitely plan on it.

22 November 2007

Happy Thanksgiving

I've eaten so much today. Its like I can't stop. Literally. Everything just tastes great. That's why I don't like the holidays. Its when I eat. Alot.


Anyways, Given the state I am in I'm not in such a great mood to write.

But, I feel like I should put forth some effort.

Ohh did anyone watch Grey's Anatomy last night?

Seth Green was in this episode! I absolutely love Seth Green. He's such a great actor and completely hilarious. Ugh, I was however disgusted at the end. I knew that was going to happen when he started laughing! Lexi was the cause. BIG surprise there.



Anyways, I've been slacking. I have some reviews to write up. I still have two books to read and review. So Don't expect any updates for at least two days. I'll probably post those reviews on here when I finish them.

Oh and I've reached 50 Views! I'm really happy. =]


Okay I should stop writing and get to reading. Hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving!

Lurrrve,
Laura

17 November 2007

Review: I Want Candy by Kim Wong Keltner

I recently had the opportunity to read I Want Candy by Kim Wong Keltner.
& wow did I enjoy it. It has to be one of the best coming of age novels I've come across in a long time. Trust me, I've read quite a few.

Its 1983 San Francisco and our heroine Candace Ong lives in Eggroll Wonderland. The Chinese Restaurant her parents work at. Wonderland is Candace's hell. She's been frying egg rolls since she was five. She constantly saves her lay-see envelopes for her future escape. Perhaps her only comfort is her sort of best friend Ruby. Sure she goes out of her way to make Candace feel like crap but their still friends. Candace isn't sure if she want's to live like Ruby-- having sex with every W.P.O.D she meets but she does realise she's changing. This book ventures through life of a young girl trying to figure out herself and her new expirences.

Its hard to find a good book that really describes what it is like growing up asian american. This one does a pretty good job. At least for me. It's easy for me to identify with in some of the situations. Its nice to have a voice in Asian American literature.

Anyways, Recommend to those who have enjoyed other coming of age novels and a good laugh. However younger readers shouldn't pick it up due to some language and situations in the book.

I would post the cover up, but I don't have a scanner. Plus its not on amazon or anything. =[

I Want Candy by Kim Wong Keltner will be availiable Febuary 2008

14 November 2007

Book of the Month

I've decided a book of the month will be featured on this blog.
After much thought I thought I'd do a book that's not really in the "mainstream". The book chosen?
Eva Underground by Dandi Daley Mackall. I have to admit, when I first heard about it the cover interested me. I can't help it! I'm a romance fan. If you aren't you just haven't found the right one!
[see previous post.]
Summary:
Eva Underground is set in Chicago late 1970's. Our heroine Eva Lott is a senior in highschool with pretty much the perfect life. She has a hot boyfriend, a great best friend, and she's on varsity swim team. Things start going bad when her father tells her they are moving to Communist Poland. [Did I meantion its Communist?]
Eva has to leave her beloved life in Chicago to help out with the radical underground movement that could endanger her even more. Along the way Eva discovers many things about Poland. In consequence she grows to love the country she vowed to hate. Not only that she makes some new friends including a somewhat unusal friendship with a guy named Tomek. This is a fantastic coming of age story. It even harbors a touch of romance.
It is a truly engrossing novel that will pull you into a new world that has rarely been searched.
So, As I said before, our book of November is EVA UNDERGROUND.
I hope you look into it.

13 November 2007

Book-Related Sites

Okay, Many people don't like reading for a whole bunch of reasons.

Some excuses:

1. I read slow
2. I can't find anything good
3. I don't have time
4. I don't have a good vocabulary


Umm, you can read in the car [as long as your not driving!] and pretty much everywhere else. Make time. Take at least 15 minutes day to just relax and read something ENJOYABLE.


Which brings me to my point. What kind of books would you like to read? Or, what HAVE you enjoyed?

http://www.whatshouldireadnext.com/

This site here is quite nifty. Enter in an author and book title and be amazed! I was. I think it gets updated too. Which is good right? I recommend it. Which means that it's damn good!


I've met a lot of people who don't like paying a lot of money for books. I am one of them.
Here is a compiled list that I made to save YOU some $$$ and get you great books.

Bookmooch.com [Trade books! Request Books and Offer Books]
paperbackswap.com [Same Deal Here]
booksfree.com [Like Netflix for books. Affordable Price Ranges!]
firstlookteen.com [Win ARC/ARE Books & Review them!] FREE
Random Buzzers [Free Books with Participation] FREE
PulseIT[Simon Pulse Review Program Free] FREE


Well, I hope that list helps some people! I really think if you can get something for free you should go for it. Plus books are great. I really love PulseIT. I haven't recieved a book I didn't like.

Well, I'm tired now. I need some Green Tea!

Lurrrve,
Laura

12 November 2007

Post Office Torture

I'm quite upset. I took a nap after checking the mail today (flag was still up) . When I woke up I grabbed myself a bottle of green tea and went outside to check it again. As I walked up to the mailbox I expected to recieve two books. I reach my hand it and I got two!


Although, one was already opened and empty.


A;SDJFASD454!!!!


Why do that? Sending me an empty package is cruel and unsual punishment.
My day was already going horrible! I'm failing a class. I never fail.

Well okay I'm done ranting over my bad luck. I just hope that never happens again.

Anyways, I'm happy to say I will have reviews up for I Want Candy by Kim Wong Keltner and What They Found by Walter Dean Meyers later on.

Well, that's all for now! Hope this didn't bore you. I'm just so frustrated and tired.

Lurrve,

Laura

11 November 2007

Hello World!

ITS ALIVE!
Okay, lame. Anyways, After many months of searching I've chosen Blogger as my new blog home.
& I must say, its quite lovely =]
Well, basically, I will be posting reviews and things like that on this blog. Not only YA Fiction but Movie Reviews too. Well, those will be quite rare.
Occasionally, I might have a contest. Who Knows? The night is young!
Okay, not really. Its going to be 12am in 40 mins.
wow. I'm going to bed.
Oh, and I'm Laura by the way. && Its nice to meet you. =]
-edit-
Omo! It's so cute. =]
Im in blog heaven.