So many books, too little time

Over the years my taste in genre has changed significantly.  I was really narrow minded in my early adult years and just stuck to reading crime and fantasy novels.  While I still read these genres (and they are my favourite), I now also read biographies, history books, drama and romance just to name a few. 

The sky is the limits!!

While this is positive with regards to opening up to different worlds and styles of writing – it also means there are now so many more books that I want to read.  The back log of books that I have on my ‘to read list’ is enormous.

But just the thought of that pile of books makes me smile – it’s a good issue to have.  I'm looking forward to reading each and every one of them and most of all I'm looking forward to blogging about my thoughts and experiences while on my reading adventures.

Signing off

Em (hoot, hoot) 

If my life was a movie

It would probably be entertaining to most! 

Drama, drama, drama!! That is what makes up much of my life.  I'm a self confessed drama queen but I think I have the right to be, well most of the time anyway. 

Yes there are a lot of good things in my life, such as love, family, friendships, success, celebrations, loyalty – the list could go on. 

BUT, it also includes those dark and depressing elements of life such as betrayal, failure, disloyalty, disappointment, uncertainty.  It is also full of those events that catch you by such surprise that they completely shatter what you thought you had.  These surprises happen way too often for my liking and are entering all parts of my life that I care about.   

My life has a lot of light and shade – you could say it is the recipe for a good novel or film.  Whatever it may be all I know is at the moment I’m making the most of the light while I can.  When you think about it, it's really unfortunate that although life is made up of good and bad, it's the bad elements that we fixate on.

Having re-read the above, I guess the only thing that’s missing from my life is a fantasy or supernatural element.  Although I have always believed our house is home to its own not so friendly ghost!!

Signing off
Em (hoot, hoot)

The Lucky One

Ok, so originally I wanted my blog to be all about books – books, books and more books.  The problem I have is that I love my movies nearly just as much.  I also found that while I was watching a recent movie – The Lucky One – I kept thinking about blogging about it.  

The great thing about my blog is that it's my own and I can do whatever I want with it.  I think you know where this is going; so this blog is from now on not just about my love for novels – it will also be about my love for films and at times other random thoughts that may or may not be related to anything in particular.   

Okay - the Lucky One is based on a Nicholas Sparks novel.  Now if you have read my previous posts you will know that where there is a Nicholas Sparks novel, there are usually tissues a plenty!!  I was only recently introduced to Sparks so unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to read the novel.  When I saw the movie was out at the cinemas, I didn’t really mind as I sometimes enjoy not knowing what to expect in a film.

The story is beautiful both in a happy and sad way.  During the entire film I felt like I was part of the journey and was riding the emotions with each of the characters.  There were moments where I was on the edge of my seat and others where I laughed out loud.  However, I also felt so sad that I got a lump in my throat and cried on a couple of occasions.

I thought the actors chosen within the film were good choices. I can't comment on whether they were right for the roles based on the novel however, they were definitely perfect on the big screen.   I was not familiar with a lot of the actors and sometimes I find this refreshing.  The only actor I was familiar with was Zac Efron.  Boy, has come a long way from his High School Musical days – he played a completely different character, a challenging character, and I personally think he did a superb job. 

This is another movie for my DVD collection!!

Signing off

Em (hoot, hoot) 

One Word - EPIC

There is only one word that comes to mind when I think about Philip Pullman’s ‘His Dark Materials’ trilogy – and that word is EPIC.

Firstly, the story takes the reader on an EPIC adventure.  It is quite complicated to explain from start to finish however, there are tales of witches, armoured bears and gypsies and there are discoveries of multiple worlds! I took a fancy to one world in particular – Lyra’s world.

Although there are many characters, I related to and liked Lyra Belacqua the most.  She’s a very intelligent 11-year-old orphan who questions everything (she’s a bit of a smart ass) and it is her EPIC adventure that we predominately follow.   It is in Lyra’s world where everyone has a personal dæmon, a lifelong animal familiar – visible entities, physically separate from their humans.  The way I interpreted it, these animals are the person’s soul. 

This made me think – what form would my dæmon take if it was a physical entity?  Although the answer came instantly I had two that came to mind – a miniature elephant or a snowy owl.  Although there is no such thing as a miniature elephant, I am sure it would be possible in Lyra’s world – they have dæmons so anything is possible!

It really is a true fantasy novel.

Unfortunately at times the book had me completely lost for words – both because I was surprised at the turn the plot took and because I was completely lost with what was happening.  Was this a lack of imagination on my behalf? – I’m not so convinced. I think it has more to do with the fact that the book itself enters into a lot of scientific areas such as physics, philosophy, and theology.  The book went well and truly over my head. 

After reading the novels I can now understand more clearly why these books have caused such an EPIC international debate around religion.  It has drawn criticism for its negative portrayal of Christianity and religion in general. I am not fussed either way – it’s a fantasy world – but I now have a better understanding at why people who are religious may be put out somewhat.

EPIC also describes the effort it took to finally finish reading the novel.  It was tedious at times and although I was enjoying it, it became one of those books where I just couldn’t wait to finish it – not to find out what happens at the end but to just finish it!  

Finally – EPIC also describes this blog, I think it is one of the longest I have written! I hope you're still with me...

signing off

Em (hoot, hoot)

The Casual Vacancy

I want to squeal, jump and pump the air all at once.  

I have just read an article that says the title of J.K Rowling’s new novel is The Casual Vacancy.  The title itself doesn’t mean anything to me – in fact just from the title alone my mind draws a blank, I could not tell you even if I tried what it will be about.  Except of course that it is going to be sensational!

Lucky for me (and other JKR worshipers) there is a bit of a blurb about the book.  Starting with ‘it is a drama based on a council election in a small English town’.  Okay although I didn’t know what it was about before reading the above sentence, I wasn’t expecting that... sounds a little boring to me – what do you think??

I read on... ‘The novel is set in the small, idyllic town of Pagford and follows the trials and tribulations of the town's residents after parish councillor Barry Fairweather dies unexpectedly and an election is called.’  Yes, an unexpected death does make a story more interesting... 

The blurb continues... ‘Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils ... Pagford is not what it first seems.  And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?’

I’m sold – tell me when and where and I’m there J  Damn, I have to wait until 27 September! The countdown begins... 167 days and counting!

Signing off
Em (hoot, hoot)

The Hunger Games - join the revolution

Last year I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to go on a seven week overseas trip with my boyfriend to England and parts of Europe. 

To say it was an amazing experience is an understatement - it was truly unforgettable.

In fact there are so many moments in my life now that remind me of our time overseas – I guess you could call them flash backs.  I have these flash backs at random times and it includes everything from fearing for our lives in Paris (long story, lol), to getting engaged in Cinque Terre, OR even something as simple as what book I read while travelling.

The book in question was The Hunger Games (HG), by Suzanne Collins.  

Before our trip I was searching for a book that I could take with me but then leave behind so we didn’t have to carry the weight.  A friend of mine suggested the HG however – she did warn that I may not want to get rid of the book after I read it.  She knew me well enough to know that I’m sentimental when it comes to my books. I have always bought them and love looking at my collection.  

I didn’t know much about the book before I read it, so did not know what to expect.  From turning the first page I was transported from reality and taken on an adventure – it was intense, dramatic, addictive and breathtaking.   The story has romance, suspense and physical adventure. 

I have a lot of praise for the first book in the series however I must admit I was disappointed with the second installment, and extremely disappointed in the third.  That’s not to say I don’t recommend reading all three – I do!! Actually I cannot see how you couldn’t after reading the first – because you just have to know what happens next.   

With regards to my disappointment - I put this down to the fact that my expectations were very high after reading the first book.  Unfortunately for me the following books didn’t deliver and I was disappointed with how some of the story lines ended.

I recommend joining the revolution!! Read the HG and then get to the movies to see it on the big screen – SO EXCITED!!  

Signing off

Em (hoot, hoot)

PS - Oh by the  way, the book survived.  My friend was right, I couldn't leave it behind :)

Matthew Reilly

One of my all time favourite writers is international bestselling author Matthew Reilly.  Ever since I read Ice Station I have been hooked. 

In particular I love both the Jack West and Scarecrow series however; I still have a soft spot for all of his standalone novels.  One such standalone book is Contest - if I had to describe this book in one word I would say it was 'epic'! Actually I can describe it in a number of single words 'epic' is just the start.  'Awesome', 'heart-stopping' and 'sensational' also come to mind quite easily.

Matthew really has a way with words - no one (that I have ever come across) writes action thrillers like he does! Every book I read I am amazed at the different twists and turns the story takes you on - you literally speed read just to get to the next page.  I also love that he creates characters that you either fall in love or sympathise with or hate with a passion.  It's one of those situations where I have to tell myself 'these people are not real!'.  I do honestly think this is what makes a good story teller.

If you love action you should definitely not miss a Reilly novel. Even if you don't like action - give him a go, I bet he surprises you.  

Quote of the day:
'I think people like escapism, and that is exactly what Ice Station is. Pure unadulterated, escapist entertainment.'  - Matthew Reilly