Movie review 12: Captain America: The Winter Soldier

I just saw this, and I was pretty impressed. It is somewhat predictable, however I thought there were some good twists in it. There was a lot of action, and not much language. It is not a family movie (please don't take small children). However, older kids most likely will love it. Or like it at least. I can't say a lot other than you can't trust anything you see or anyone in the movie. I recommend seeing it but maybe not in theaters (too expensive!). I have heard from several people that it is extremely close to the comics. Also, at the end, if you see it in theaters, wait until after the credits, there are some intro scenes to the next X-Men movie! So, there is that. Once again, I can't tell you a lot because I don't want to spoil anything, however Scarlet portrays Romanoff amazingly well! As all of actors did! Anyway (again), that's all I can say and all I will (for now).
                                                             Thanks again!

Movie review 11: Frozen

So, this movie has been out for a while, I know however I was apprehensive to watch it because of the fact that there were trolls in it (I don't do the whole trolls and magic stuff). However and friend of a friend brought it to dinner, and we watched it. Other than the parts with the trolls it was a pretty good movie. I liked the message that you don't need a man to have strength or power (at least that is what I got from it). I also love the song 'Let it go', some people may not agree (most of you won't), but I like the Demi Lovato version better. Anyway, it was an okay movie, kind of predictable , and there is some magic in it. However Elsa's powers are genetic. Anyway, view at your own discretion.

                                                                      Thanks!

'The One' book trailer. Something exciting (for me anyway).

So, here is the book trailer for 'The One' by Kiera Cass, it will be released on May 6 (less than a month away!), I seriously cannot wait until it is out! (I already pre-ordered my copy). Okay, here you go...
Book trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVDfV7gCCFE
Pre-order purchase links: Barnes and Noble (B&N exclusive edition):  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-one-kiera-cass/1116996460?ean=9780062340719
(B&N signed edition): www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-one-kiera-cass/1116996460?ean=9780062338495
(Regular edition): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-one-kiera-cass/1116996460?ean=9780062059994

* The best part is that if you pre-order it online, all of the editions cost the same, so you can get a Signed Edition for $11.59 (U.S.).

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-One-Selection-Kiera-Cass/dp/0062059998/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397779020&sr=8-1&keywords=The+One

* $11.37 (only one edition though).

On another note, guess what I got today...
The Movie Tie-In Edition of 'Divergent' by Veronica Roth!
I got it at my local Sam's Club for less than 7 U.S. dollars!

 (Front cover)                                                               (Back cover)

I am so excited! Anyway.
Oh, I meant to tell you, if we reach 2,000 views by September of this year (2014) I will try and host a giveaway (who knows what it will be!?) So, keep spreading the word about this blog, and checking back for new, news, and reviews,m and updates, and all sorts of fun stuff!

                                                                        Thanks!

Movie review 10: Rio 2 & A huge Thank You!

So, first my review of Rio 2.  So, I am usually partial to the first movie than the sequel (except for the times when I like the second better). I love seeing the kids and all of the references to popular pop culture themes, and people today. I was somewhat bored for the first half of the movie, it seemed to me like it took forever to get to the "action" as I like to call it. What I mean is, it took forever to get to the hero part, or the climax. I loved seeing Jewel, Blue, and the gang and some of the new Rio family and friends are a good fit. It is something that I think the whole family will enjoy, there is humor that adults would enjoy and then all sorts of stuff for the kids. Unless your kids are begging you to go see it in theaters, I would recommend waiting until it is out on Netflix, or Redbox, or something. I probably would not watch it again. There were some enjoyable parts and the story was fairly well written, however after the first one being so cute, I was kind of let down. But the choice is yours!


                                         


Now the Thank You!
I reached over 1000 views on this blog in less than 9 months! And, it is all because of you! You made all of this possible, yes you! All the viewers who have been patient with me while being in school and not being able to post as often as I would like (just wait until this summer), all of the authors that spread the word about my blog, some being Jo Treggiari, Suzanne Collins, David Korson, Hillary K. Grigonis, and so many more that unfortunately I cannot think of at this time. Also, the other book bloggers (websites), like YaReads, for giving me an opportunity to be part of one of your book tours.  Oh, and Goodreads, and epic reads, for hosting the giveaways that I have received a few great books from (watch for the reviews). I also want to thank those who have supported me and encouraged me to continue reading and got em into reading in the first place. You all know who you are! I know this sort of sounds like an acceptance speech for an award (I'm not trying to make it sound like one), but I am just so astounded and speechless, and amazed, and grateful that you enjoy reading about what I think about the books I read so much that you would help me make it to 1,100 views! Just wow! Now, I have a question; I have a goal of possibly getting to 2,500 views by December of this year (2014(I might even host a giveaway!)), so do you think we can do it? Either way, I'll be grateful for you guys just checking in and reading what I have to say. Oh and hopefully I will be able to get a couple reviews up here soon. Anyway, thank you all so much.



                                                                    Thank You!

Book Reviews 15, 16, 17, 19 & 20: Maximum Ride books 1-5 by James Patterson

So I wanted to do a review of the first five books in the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson. I am working on finishing the series, so I will be doing a full series review shortly. Anyway books 1-5 are:
Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment
Maximum Ride: School's Out Forever
Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports
Maximum Ride: The Final Warning
Maximum Ride: Max

 So these books were really cool. They aren't what I would call contemporary however it isn't dystopian either. Maybe a Contemporary Fantasy or something similar? The way these books are written is genius. James Patterson has Max as the narrator (for the most part). And she is so relate-able (the whole flock is really). She feels the same way we all have felt at one time or another, and she says what we have wanted to but never have. She has so much sarcasm in here that the other characters find her annoying (I know how she feels!) She is like the big sister (basically she is), she is always looking out for the people she cares about, not caring what happens to her as much as them. The rest of the flock is awesome as well. With all their abilities that we wish we could have. What makes it even better is they suffer from the same things we do today. Rejection, peer pressure, wishing we could be normal even though being different is normal, and so much more. Even more than that is the fact that they are on their own most of the time which is how a lot of us feel today (myself included). I loved everything in these books and cannot wait to finish the series. Only then it will be over! The story keeps progressing in ways which make you have more feels for the characters, it seems like the more they story goes on the more the characters become real. I can't say a lot more, other than if you haven't read these books you should. The characters are all so easy to relate too and you feel like part of their family after the first book. Oh, and they are somewhat interactive with the reader too! Anyway, just check them out, seriously!

                                                                           Thanks!

Book Tour Book Review (#14): Kaleidoscope Me by Hillary K. Grigonis

So when I found out that I was going to get to be on this tour I was estatic. So, lets get into this. 

My review: I loved this book, Jadyn was so relate able and I understood where she was coming from. She was facing problems that a lot of people face today, and she had to learn how to cope with her problems. Her family situation is one we see a lot. I had a lot of feels while reading this book and if you read it you will understand why. Anyone of any age will enjoy this book. It is a quick read and is written in a way that takes you to several places in Jadyn's life, however is all at the same place too. I don't know what to say about this book really, I loved it and I'm sure you, reading this, yeah you, would enjoy it too. I usually have trouble getting through contemporary books, however with this one, I sped through it. It grabbed my attention and wouldn't let it go. I'm sorry I can't give you more I'm just so speechless after reading this book. So let's move on to the rest of this post.

About this book:

Kaleidoscope Me by Hillary K Grigonis

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery

Published: February 24th, 2014

Publisher: Pixel Press & Photo LLC

Pages: 162

Synopsis: 

“Sometimes, my mind is a kaleidoscope. Somewhere, buried beneath a hundred different swirling colors, is the original image, but as you turn the dial, the original meshes with colors and becomes something completely different.”

Jadyn’s world twirls out of control after her mother dies in a car accident and her  forgetful Great-Aunt Nadine moves in. Her dad is never home and her best friend doesn’t even know  half of it. Jadyn is trying to keep it all together for her little brother, Trenton. But when Aunt Nadine disappears with Trenton in the middle of a snowstorm, Jadyn may be the only one who can find them. Kaleidoscope Me is an exciting novel about family, friendship and faith with a unique, non-linear style.

Purchase links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kaleidoscope-Me-Hillary-K-Grigonis/dp/099141330X

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kaleidoscope-me-hillary-k-grigonis/1118729299?ean=9780991413300

You can find this book on Goodreads to!  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20872493-kaleidoscope-me

And I was asked to do an interview with Hillary so here it is! (It kind of jumps around but I hope you'll like it!)

Would you mind telling us a little about yourself and your background?

I started an internship at my local newspaper the summer before my senior year in high school and I've been writing professionally ever since. By day, I work as a web content editor but by night I return to my first love—writing fiction. I'm 25, married to my high school sweetheart and spend a lot of time chasing my 1-year-old. I love photography, reading and anything creative.

What were you like in school?

My husband jokes that I'm living in a chick flick because I was (okay, fine, I still am!) a nerd in high school but married one of the popular, athletic types. I was quiet, but not afraid to stand up for what I believed in and was voted “Most Respected” my senior year. I played soccer, served as the yearbook editor and worked hard enough to get a good college scholarship. But, if I could only choose one word to describe what I was like in school, I was definitely a nerd.

When did you decide that you wanted to be an author?

My fifth grade teacher told me he wouldn't be surprised to see my name on a book some day, and since then, I knew my career would involve writing in some way. I love to read fiction and have a crazy imagination. Since I started writing fiction as a teenager, I've always been interested in writing for a young audience.

What inspired you to write Kaleidoscope Me?

Actually, Kaleidoscope Me started as a short story that I wrote for one of my college creative writing classes. I loved the main character, so I couldn't just leave it as a short story. The scene where Jadyn's younger self goes to the “attention doctor”--that's what is left of my short story. I pulled bits of inspiration for additional characters and scenes from several different places—dreams, strangers I've walked by, conversation. My inspiration never comes from a single source.

Do you write everyday, and/or have a schedule for writing? What are your writing habits?

Since I work as a web content editor and writer as well as writing fiction, I'm writing every day in one way or another. I have a schedule for my web content, but I'm a lot more open about my fiction.

Do you use a typewriter/computer/pen and paper/ect. when writing?

I do my brainstorming with a pen and paper and keep a notebook of random ideas and inspiration. But once I start with the first draft, I use my computer.

What was the hardest part of writing Kaleidoscope Me? What was the easiest?

Kaleidoscope Me is a non-linear novel, which means the story isn't told in chronological order. The most challenging part was to write in a way that bounced around like the main character's thoughts, but not in a way that is confusing or hard to follow. The easiest part was writing the scenes that I felt inspired to write, the ones that bounced around in my head for so long, I felt almost giddy finally writing them down.

Do you feel like you have more in common with one specific character in Kaleidoscope Me than any others?

Inevitably, there will probably always be a part of myself that shows up in the main character—I think the character feels more real that way. But I think it is also important to separate yourself from your characters. There are a lot of differences between me and Jadyn, but some of her smaller characteristics are ones that I share. We both like photography, for example.

Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

It's hard to pinpoint one specific person. My parents encouraged me to read (which lead to my love of writing) and to go after my dreams. My college professors and peers really helped me to take my writing to the next level. The authors that I've read both lately and when I was younger are also influences. Really, even the people that have negatively impacted my life could be viewed as influences—I tend to write well when I'm mad and some of them may even end up inspiring the “bad guy” characters.

How can readers discover more about you and your work?

The best way is through my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/hillarykgrigonis). I also have a website, www.hillarykgrigonis.com and I also post on Twitter (@HillaryGrigonis) and Google+.

If you have one, who is your favorite author, book, and movie? Why?

Ah, I hate picking favorites. But I really love books by Ted Dekker because the writing style and suspense together makes his books hard to put down. I really enjoyed The Book Thief because of the unusual story telling. I don't have a favorite move, but I like romance with a bit of humor and have an obsession with crime dramas on TV.

Do you have any favorite quotes?

I love to read quotes—It's really hard to pick a favorite. But, this one by an unknown author is hanging up in my office (which also happens to be decorated with vintage cameras): “Life is like a camera. Just focus on what's important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives and if things don't work out, just take another shot.”

Who is your intended audience and why should they read Kaleidoscope Me?

Kaleidoscope Me is written for preteens and young teenagers, but it's really a story even older readers may enjoy too. It's a story about being unique, about family and friendship but ultimately is just fun to read. It's a quick read and a good way to escape into someone else's world for a little while.

Do you have any favorite or least favorite characters, from your book, or a favorite book?

I've fell in love with so many different characters as I've read their stories that it's impossible to pick one. What I love is a character with a strong, unique voice, where you put the book down and still find yourself thinking like the main character just a little bit.

What can we expect in the future?

I'm currently working on what I hope will be the first book in a series. At this point, I'm not even sure how it will end just yet, so I can't offer too many details. But so far, I'm really loving the new characters—let's just say I'm bringing nerdy back. It's a young adult novel with a bit of romance and a little hint of mystery too.

Finally, is there anything else that you would like us to know?

Thank you so much for chatting with me, you have a beautiful blog. To stay up-to-date on my next project, follow me on Facebook or Twitter.

Any way here it is a review and interview! I had a lot of fun being on this tour and I hope you like that book if you check it out.                                         Thanks!

Book Review 13: Anatomy & Physiology Part 1: Bones, Muscles, and the Stuff That Connects Bones and Muscles by April Chloe Terrazas

 So this book is adorable! And informational! I actually learned something from this book and it was fun! The photos look like they were drawn by kids (some of which were), and there are a lot of colors in the text and photos. It is a short book with a ton of photos, large font, and lots of color. There are breakdowns of some of the terminology used and separate topics in the book, like bones, muscles, and neurology, and then subtopics, like types of bones and muscles. In the back there is a list of new vocabulary that you can practice saying.There are all sorts of facts like "A human adult has 206 bones." Everyone in the family will learn from this book and love this book! This would be great for a classroom of any sort, elementary, middle, high or college level class and beyond can benefit from this book. Maybe you could put this book and a local doctor's office for people to read so that they can understand their bodies better. The possibilities are endless! This book is very descriptive and easy to understand. If you read it please let me know what you thought. 

                                                                    

                                                                     Thanks!

Book Review 12: The Selection Stories: The Prince and The Guard by Kiera Cass

I loved the fact that I got to see into Maxon and Aspen's minds. It gave a better understanding of things going on in the Castle and a better understanding of their feelings for America. I loved the fact that after reading this book, it didn't detract from their characters in any way, in fact it made me more sympathetic, and understanding to their circumstances. I always think that it is a nice break for/from the main character, and a lot of times seeing at least part of the story from another point of view reveals much more about it. I have so many more questions about King Clarkson, and what is going on 'behind the scenes'. I am also wondering, "What is with the rebels?!". I am so looking forward to 'The One' and am not sure if I can wait until May to get it. If you haven't read these short stories and you would like to however not in eformat, Barnes and Noble has a paperback version of the two stories (as seen above), which you can order online or pick up at your local B&N:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-selection-stories-kiera-cass/1116969954?ean=9780062318329

I don't have a lot to say other than that I loved this short story book, and Kiera if you see this please consider sending me a copy of 'The One'. Maybe? No? Okay.
I have several book reviews in the works and will hopefully be up shortly, until then keep reading and checking back for reviews.
                                                               Thank You!