should you watch the Hunger Games?

You all know I'm a fan of the Hunger Games series (despite my negative feelings towards Mockingjay and how everything ended) and that I have been excited to see this movie ever since they released the first teaser trailer for it. So, this past late Thursday night/Friday morning, I went ahead and saw the movie on a midnight premiere. And I have to say, I was very impressed.

I am not going to say much about it since I don't want to spoil the movie for you, but I felt like they definitely were able to capture the feeling of the book. It was dark, exciting, intense, and heartbreaking at times. Also, I thought the actors did an amazing job portraying their characters - especially Katniss and Peeta, as well as Haymitch, Primrose, and Rue.

I could also tell the creators of this film tried their absolute best to stay true to the book, and I think they did so very well. They put almost every single important aspect from the book; everything was so spot-on!

As a side note, I absolutely love the way this film was edited. I don't usually notice these things, but it truly stood out to me. Another thing that stood out was the soundtrack. Awesome music - definitely fits!

I've heard some people complain about the movie - to be honest with you guys, I have never been more annoyed to hear book-to-movie complaints than when I heard the things said about this one. Maybe it's because I genuinely thought the movie was good, and I couldn't personally find anything really wrong with it. Oh well... can't please everyone, I guess. And as always, to each his own, right?

Anyway, what did you think of it?? Let me know! And if you haven't seen it yet, do so already! Most definitely worth $10 (or maybe even more)

As always, happy reading, happy weekend, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

news: Florida, books, and BEA

So, it's official! I've talked about this numerous times - about how I wish I wish I wish, I could go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter someday. I mean, let's face it; who wouldn't?? Well, finally, after about a year of just thinking about it, our little getaway is booked. We're going to Florida for a good six nights.

We're of course going to the Disneyworld parks - since I've only been to Disneyland in California - for three days. Then, we're spending one day at the Harry Potte

r park. I am beyond excited! I knew I had to share this with you guys since you'd appreciate this news more than anyone else I know in real life. Haha.

I know some of you have been there before, so I guess I wanted to ask you guys, 'What'd you think?' Did you like your visit, are there any particular activities you did that you think we should do? Let me know, please!

In other news, people have been starting to ask me about Book Expo America 2012. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be going. I had to choose between BEA and the Florida trip, and obviously, I happily chose the latter. If you are going though, let me know as well.

Lastly, I wanted to mention I am currently reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. I'm really liking its style so far. We'll see.

Anyway, what are you guys reading, and what have you all been up to? Sorry I've been so MIA. Hope you're having a great weekend.

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Rating: 2.5 stars

Review: This is a cute story. It's perfectly readable, is fast-paced, and is entertaining. However, this book screams cliche for me, sadly. Stereotypical characters, cliche dialogues, overly contrived scenarios... unfortunately. As a whole, this book just didn't seem believable to me. I get it's a fictional story, but I believe good fiction should deliver a realistic-enough story that readers would really believe it can be their own version of reality. This is just my opinion though.

That being said, Lola and the Boy Next Door was a light, fun read. Entertaining enough. I didn't hate it. It just did not 'speak' to me. It didn't have the same charm Anna and the French Kiss had. In fact, I found it a bit corny, and not exactly in a good way. I also found the main protagonist, Lola, somewhat annoying and somewhat pretentious. The male lead was not 'lovable' either, and I didn't particularly find anyone else likable as well.

I would still recommend this, mostly to fans of Anna and the French Kiss. For me, though it was light-hearted and fun, I was disappointed.

two reviews in one.

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Rating: 3.5 stars

This review will be simple and straight-forward. I enjoyed this book. It was entertaining, and I really liked the premise. I found the whole 'Lorien Legacies' backstory very intriguing, and while it's not necessarily a favorite of mine, I definitely recommend it if you like SciFi/Fantasy-ish/YA genre. I am looking forward to reading the sequel for this to find out what happens next! Should be interesting.

Legend by Marie Lu

Rating: 4 stars

I can't help it. I'm a sucker for the dystopian sub-genre. There's something incredibly exciting about getting to know different imagined versions of our world in the future. I wanted to read Legend the moment I heard of its synopsis. Fortunately, it did not disappoint in terms of delivering an engaging post-apocalyptic story. It had a really 'dark' feeling to it - which I liked - and it eminded me a lot of The Hunger Games, style-wise.

While there's some strong protagonists here, I have to admit I didn't truly feel for them or anything, almost like I wasn't given enough time to fully get to know them and fall in love with them as characters. So because of that, I felt like I wasn't completely immersed in the story.

Other than that though, I enjoyed this book. Give it a try if you like dystopian fiction.

Fandom Survey: Harry Potter edition

Name any fandom you know and then answer the questions below.

1. The first character I fell in love with - Ron Weasley. When he was first introduced on the Hogwarts Express, he really did stand out to me! He was funny, hilarious, and very memorable.

2. Character I never expected to love as much as I do now - Severus Snape. I guess when the series started, he was just this mean professor. We didn't know much about him. He had no depth yet. By the end of the series though, he has become one of my favorite characters.

3. Character that everyone loves but I don't - Hagrid! I find him useless and annoying for some reason.

4. Character I love that everyone hates - I can't think of anyone in particular for this one.

5. Character I used to love but don't anymore - Ginny. To be honest, I think this is because of the films and the actress that plays her. The image of the 'strong, wise, gorgeous Ginny' from the books didn't come to life for me, and so I feel like my view on the character just got tainted from that.

6. Character I'd totally smooch (LOL!) - Cedric Diggory. (when he was alive, of course haha)

7. Character I'd want to be like - Hermione.

8. Character I'd like to slap - Cho Chang!!! Forever and always.

9. A pairing that I love - Ron and Hermione, and Snape and Lily

10. A pairing that I despise - Cho Chang and Harry Potter.

I tag everyone to do this. Choose whatever fandom you want. It could be from a book or a movie or whatever you'd like. Enjoy! Happy friday!

who's your Valentine??

book-wise that is.

What are you currently reading?

Because it's Valentine's Day, I am re-reading Jane Eyre.

Just because I love it that much.

Happy Valentine's day!

Happy Tuesday!

Tweettweettweet.

<3

your favorite love stories.

Back when I came up with the original meme, Top Ten Picks, I used to do various topics from favorite literary characters to favorite settings. At one point I made a list of my favorite love stories of all time. Since February 14th is tomorrow already, I figured I would share that list with all of you. In no particular order, here are my top ten favorite love stories.

1. Cupid and Psyche

I love the classic story of Cupid and Psyche because of its simplicity. It is an old-fashioned story of two lovers fighting against all odds, so that they can ultimately be together in peace.
This original sculpture of the two of them can be found in the Louvre museum in Paris, France -- which is one of the many reasons why I want to visit it someday.

2. Jamie Sullivan and Landon Carter

Please forget its movie adaptation; have you read this book before??
I have mentioned Jamie and Landon in my previous top10 lists, and I've said the reasons why I love them so much. In my opinion, their story to me was one of the most believable -- not to mention one of the sweetest, cutest, adorable-est, swoon-worthy.. err.. umm.. sorry. I get carried away when I talk about them. The truth is, it has always amazed me how these two characters, who are only seventeen and still fairly young -- are able to have what I think is one of the most genuine love stories. Ever.

3. Henry de Tamble and Clare Abshire

I don't know if I like Henry so much, but I do love Clare. And I do love Henry and Clare together, if that makes sense.
To be honest, though this is about the two of them, I feel as if Clare is the main character here. This is mainly because I feel that she is the epitome of how a woman and a wife should be. Strong-willed, patient, loving, and independent. She is her own self. She is never afraid to fall, get hurt, or make sacrifices.
For me, Henry and Clare's love story is the epitome of a couple who can transcend and survive even through distance and time.

4. Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester

To me, Jane and Mr. Rochester's relationship is also one of the most believable ones out there. Together, they learn more about themselves personally as well as each other at the same time. They learn who they are as individuals, and how to communicate with each other despite their differences. For me, this is a key thing in any relationship; to be perfect together, but be separate individuals still.
I have always loved them also, because their relationship proves that first impressions aren't always as accurate as we may think. Overtime, feelings change. We see other people differently when we get to know them better. I think Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester proves this really well.

5. Elizabeth Benett and Mr. Darcy

This is another one that I love because of their relationship's "evolution." They showed how relationships -- both friendships and romance -- are able to grow if cared for. They showed the importance of accepting the other for who they really are, despite their negative sides. Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy also proved how important it is not to jump into assumptions about somebody; for that someone might end up meaning more to you than you would have thought.
Their story is about being true to yourself, accepting others for who they are, and loving them no matter what.

6. Allie and Noah
The Notebook - movie (2004)

I have actually read this one before I watched the movie adaptation. After watching the film though, I knew hands down, it was not only a lot better than the book, but it has also become one of the most unforgettable love stories of all time for me. It is old-fashioned, emotional, realistic, and believable.
A couple that has gone through it all. A story of young and first love, which continues to grow more despite everything they go through together -- and apart. A touching and inspiring story of two different people so powerful that they are able to prove that time and distance is again, nothing.

7. Joe Fox aka "NY152" and Kathleen Kelly aka "Shopgirl"
You've Got Mail (1998)

This might be one of my favorite romantic comedies. This is the story between two completely different characters -- almost somewhat like Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, and in fact, in one scene, they compared each other to these classic characters.
Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly found each other anonymously through the internet, and there, they become 'chat friends,' talking about random things that happen to them. Eventually, both start talking about more personal things; problems, their love lives, their careers, etc. Outside cyber space, in the real world, Joe and Kathleen are business rivals. They hate each other to bits, but sooner or later.. they both eventually have to find out who NY152 and Shopgirl's real identities truly are.
This is a great movie that showcases a story about unexpected circumstances; we never know who we're meant to be if we keep looking for an "ideal" someone. It is also about accepting someone -- and all the different sides they have -- for who and what they are.

8. Captain Von Trapp and Maria
The Sound of Music (1965)

This one I loved simply because you would never expect it to happen. I also have always liked the whole rich, arrogant, and elitist of a man falling for a humble and kind woman. Not only do they fall in love with each other, but through one another, they helped each other grow. Another thing I loved so much about their relationship was the fact that it was not at all cliche, naive, or juvenile. Over time, they have simple seen the good in one another, despite their negative first impressions. Another thing? Maria has helped Captain Von Trapp see again how important his children are and how crucial it is to pay attention to them, after years of ignoring them.

9. Seth Cohen and Summer Roberts
THE O.C.

10. Ron and Hermione.

Let me know which love stories you love too! Have a great week!

Bookish Gifts.

It's Valentine's Day next week, and while I am not entirely into the holiday, I still find that it can be cute and fun. Here are some bookish gifts worth looking at and possibly even purchasing for a loved one or yourself.

buy here

here

here

here

Of course, these bookish items aren't JUST for Valentine's Day.

Buy it now, buy it some other time. Either way, anybody who is bookish would be able to appreciate these and the thoughts that come with them.