Top Ten Tuesday- Favorite Settings

This week's Top Ten 'Five' Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, is about your favorite book settings. Here are a few of mine!

1- Italy: I've been to Italy and LOVED it. Set a book in Italy and I'll probably take an extra look at it.


2- Hogwarts: The best thing about the Harry Potter books? Hogwarts. I'm notorious for skipping along the bits that don't take place in the castle.


3- Narnia: How can you not want to visit a place where the animals talk?


4- An Animated Disney Musical:  How much fun would it be to live in a world where you can break into song and not get stared at?


5- Castles:  One day, I want to own a castle.  It's one of the reasons I enjoy readings books about them!

Top Ten Tuesday- Beach Reads

This weeks Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by The Broke and the Bookish) is concentrated on Beach Reads! I'm not one who really goes to beaches or reads outside, for that matter, but I do know what I'd bring if I did do that sort of thing...

In general, beach reading for me would include old favorites of the popcorn kind.


1- 'The Grimm Legacy' by Polly Shulman
2- 'The Host' by Stephenie Meyer
3- Old School Star Wars novels (ie: The Courtship of Princess Leia, The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Even some Young Jedi Knights!) by Various authors
4- 'Beauty Shop for Rent' by Laura Bowers


I can't think of anymore, but these books would be a good start to any beach excursion!

At the Movies: The Hunger Games News and Tidbits...

Oh, to be a PA or extra on this set... Seriously, this job, even with long hours and hot weather, would be a dream to work on!!!!


EW debuted the first photo of Katniss:

I hope this picture teaches people not to judge until they see a finished product. This picture reads Katniss from the look all the way to the accessories!


Speaking of cast, anyone heard about Cinna yet? I'm looking forward to seeing who is going to play the fashionista.


As far as Haymitch is concerned, I'm not a hugeWoody Harrelson, so I'm a bit worried. The casting directors must have seen some sparkle in his audition, though...


Add Johannafan's YT page to your links! She has video of what seems to be the Disctrict 12 train station and maybe District 12 itself! (Possibly from the Shelby/Hickory, NC set)


Currently, Hunger Games is filming in Hildebran, NC.


Extras have been hired!!!


The Hunger Games Trilogy website has a ton of great info about the books, movie, etc. Check it out!

Book-alike: A Doppelganger Meme

Ever look at a book cover and think it looks very similar to an actor, friend, etc? Occasionally, this happens to me. I've been fooling around with how to incorporate it into this blog, and finally decided to call it a meme and use it when I need it! :p Feel free to use this idea on your blog, too, if you'd like! (I wish I was talented in making icons, but alas, I'm not!)


I was working in back at the bookstore recently and stumbled upon a book called, 'The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book One: The Amulet of Samarkand' by Jonathan Stroud. It's a graphic novel about a boy who finds "himself caught in a whirlwind of magical espionage, murder, and rebellion" (Goodreads).


Take a peek at the cover.

As I looked at the cover, I instantly flashed to an actor famous for his work as the 10th Doctor on Doctor Who, Mr. David Tennant. Odd, I know, as the character on the cover is supposed to be the boy, I'm assuming, but everything screams David Tennant!


Check out the comparison picture.

What do you think? Do you see the 10th Doctor in the cover of Bartimaeus?

Top Ten Tuesday- Mean Girls

Top Ten Tuesdays is a meme started by 'The Broke and the Bookish'. Please head over to their site for more information! This week is 'Top Ten Mean Girls'. (Only five this week, b/c this question is hard!!!)

Top FIVE Mean Girls

1- Rose from the Vampire Academy novels: True, if I tried to slap Rose, she'd probably see it coming a mile away and get me first, but that girl annoyed the heck out of me half the time. This was especially true when it came to book five and six in the series. If you think about it, Rose's whole journey involved using people for her own personal gain. We get hardly any guilt from the girl in regards to that fact. I can't say anymore without spoiling, but ahh, she was a really annoying main character.

2- The White Witch in The Chronicles of Narnia: The White Witch is pretty much the definition of 'mean girl'.

3- Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter/Order of the Phoenix: Who doesn't love to hate Umbridge? She is one of the meanest characters in Harry Potter. Just thinking of Harry's 'I won't tell lies' situation makes me shudder.

4- Jessica Wakefield from Sweet Valley High/Kids/Confidential: While Elizabeth isn't exactly innocent, Jessica was definitely the bad twin. All the crazy things she did to sabatage others... Not good at all!

5- Alice from Prophecy of the Sisters: Again, not the good twin.  Not the good twin at all.  

Who are your picks for this week's theme?  (And while you're visiting, check out my ebook giveaway!  Low entries so far!

Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday/Update

Wow, what a week! There's been a bit of a commotion on this little blog this week as I posted my first ebook review, along with a Q/A with its author and a giveaway post!


I also made a few less happy posts this week-- one about the closing of the North American Tokyopop offices and one about the passing of Doctor Who actress Lis Sladen (Sarah Jane Smith to Who'vians). I found a nice tribute on youtube.  My layout cuts off the right side of the screen.  Click the video to watch via youtube.

I'll link to those posts in a moment, but first, are any of you Star Wars fans? If you haven't checked out 'Star Wars: The Musical', then, sorry, but you have to now. The link is HERE. If you go to 'The Musical' link on the right sidebar, you can play and download all the fantastic songs that these guys put together. Kind of wish LucasFilm would have done something with these songs or the concept!!!


This Week on the Blog:
Contest: Win 'Seeing for the First Time
Author Interview: Nicole Zoltack
Review: Seeing for the First Time
Top Ten Tuesday: Characters I'd Name a Kid After...
You Will Be Missed, Lis Sladen
Bye, Bye Tokyopop


And On With The Hops...

The Question of the week is:
If you find a book you love, do you hunt down other books by the same author?


Answer: I try, but many times I'll only enjoy a handful of books by the author. Universally, I love Bruce Coville's works. As far as other series, I thought I'd love DJ Machale's new series, but didn't. While I loved Cirque Du Freak (by Darren Shan), I didn't love Demonata. Even Stephenie Meyer. Loved Twilight and The Host, but the sequels, not so much! And finally, while Susan Coooper wrote my favorite book, I really could never get into anything else she wrote.



The Question of the Week is:
What is on your current playlist right now?


Answer: I'm a bit weird when it comes to music. I don't have a playlist, persay. I usually turn on a radio station and listen to random mix's. I'm a huge fan of Pandora radio and recently, groove shark.


If you were listening to a mix of my Ipod, you'd hear at lot of: The Monkee's, Hanson (yes, they still make records!), various showtunes, my favorite anime/drama themes, hits from the 90's pop era, and tons of regular pop/rock (from all decades).


Actually, a lot of my taste in music comes from my mom. Odds are if she played or plays it, I tend to enjoy it. That would be one of the many reasons I know lyrics to many a Barry Manilow songs and Bobby Sherman song. (The Monkee's was totally Nick@Nite's fault!)


That's it for now, folks! See you next week and don't forget to enter my contest!!!!! (If any of you'd like to help me out on this, I'd love a bit of advertising for it! Let your readers know!!!)

Top Ten Tuesday- Characters I'd Name My Kids After...

Top Ten Tuesdays is a meme started by 'The Broke and the Bookish'. Please head over to their site for more information! This week is a Top Ten Tuesday Rewind, meaning I can choose any topic I'd like! For this week, I'm choosing: Book Characters I'd Name My Kids After...


Book Characters I'd Name My Kids After:


1- Bastian (The Neverending Story): I've always loved this name. It's so different, unexpected. It almost has a regal aire to it. However much I love the name, it also could have some very negative aspects to it when it comes to evil, teasing kids. Regardless, I would totally use this name as a first or middle name for a future child.


2- Keely (The Big Empty): Who can say they've been friends with a person name Keely? It's a very unique name and, well, a fun name, too.


3- Bran (The Grey King): Before I name a child Bran, I'd need to hear a Welshman pronounce it. In the book, Bran tells Will that his name isn't pronounced like breakfast cereal, but with more of a long 'a' sound. Sounds pretty, right?


4- Nathaniel (Nathaniel Willy Scared Silly): Oh My Goodness... This is my favorite name. When I have my first of three predicted boys, Nathaniel will be the chosen name. I first considered it when I chose picture book 'Nathaniel Willy Scared Silly' as my FCCLA project. I was participating in the storytime competition.


5- Tally (The Uglies): Love this name.


6- Shay (The Uglies): Again, love this name, too. Westerfeld has a way with awesome character names!


7- Vaughn (TV: Strange Days at Blake Holsey High): I'm jumping into other media here, but once I heard the name Vaughn while watching 'Strange Days', I was hooked on it.


8- Ellis or Sutton (TV: Mattel's My Scene movies): Love the name Ellis. Love the name Sutton. Both are from My Scene dolls/movies.


What about you?

Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday/Update

This Week on the Blog:

Review: Sweet Valley Confidential

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I'd like to see as Movies

The Question of the week is:
Outside of books, what is your guilty pleasure?


Answer: I DVR 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' for myself and if ever it comes on DVD, I plan on buying it! I've been a MLP fan since the 80's and had doubts about this new cartoon that premiered on the Hub this year. Never would I have thought I would love it as much as I do! It's actually quite funny for kids of all ages (20 somethings included!).


And that's it for this mid-week hop!


Question of the Week:
Do you have anyone that you can discuss books with IRL? Tell us about him/her...


Answer: Does IRL stand for 'in real life'? I've never heard of it before! In real life, I talk to many people about books. Most of the time, I talk to my mom. We read the same books. Recommend them to eachother all the time. I discuss books with friends and co-workers, too.

Top Ten Tuesdays- Books I'd Like to See Made Into Movies...

Top Ten Tuesdays is a meme started by 'The Broke and the Bookish'.  Please head over to their site for more information!  I've never participated in a Top Ten Tuesday, but this list is something I was planning on doing anyways, so why not do it along side a large group of bloggers!  In no particular order, here are my top 11 books I'd like to see as movies!


1- The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman

Reason? This book would be SO easy to adapt into a made for tv movie, tv series, or both. It had a good story, good characters, and a fantastic setting where anything could happen. I'd love to write this screenplay!


2- The Teashop Girls by Laura Schaefer

Reason? Again, this book had a good story, good moral, and good characters. It would play out well as a movie.


3- Beauty Shop for Rent by Laura Bowers

Reason? Good, under appreciated book with a story that would do well as a made for TV movie. It's a coming of age story with a bit of romance, great characters, and a realistic storyline that people could easily relate to today.


4- Vampirates series by Justin Somper

Reason? Oh, My, Gosh. I love this series. It screams movie franchise. Why hasn't anyone picked this up yet?! Better yet, why haven't I hit it big to snag the film/tv film rights to this and everything else on my list!!!


5- The Young Jedi Knights by Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta

Reason? There are very few Star Wars books that couldn't be made into movies. The Jedi Academy series got me into reading about these characters I'd only seen on TV. I'd love to see these make their way onto the TV/Movie screen one day. Got that, George?


6- Stravaganza series by Mary Hoffman

Reason? Again, this fantasy series is under-appreciated and would make a great movie franchise. I see some issues in filming it b/c of all the various characters that jump in and out of the books, but if properly scheduled, this series could work really well as a film franchise or mini series. I'd love to see the BBC pick this up and do something like they did with The Chronicles of Narnia years and years ago.


7- The Ghost and the Goth by Stacy Kade

Reason? I could see this and the various sequels being great made for tv movies. The characters are engaging and the ghost/supernatural thing will always be a popular genre in tv/film.


8- Pendragon series by DJ Machale

Reason? So many reasons. A) DJ wrote this book to read like a movie/tv show. B) This series has all the elements you need for a good movie/tv right off the bat. C) I really want to see Bobby Pendragon on the big screen!


9- Knightley Academy by Violet Haberdasher

Reason? Its similarities to the Harry Potter franchise aside, this is a fantastic book that could make a great movie (or set of movies once the sequels come out!). It has the elements that made Harry Potter so sucessful, yet has it's own unique storyline that will draw people in.


10- The Grey King by Susan Cooper

Reason? B/c it's my favorite book ever. I'm calling for the whole series, actually. A re-make of The Dark is Rising would be necessary, too. The Grey King, however, would make such a great movie. I want to see Bran. I want to see Wales. I want to see the darn fire in the mountain. I want to see it all.


11- Tombstone Tea by Joanne Dahme

Reason?  I found this story to be... diffrerent... than your normal supernatural tale.  The visuals would play out really well on the film screen, I think!


And that's it. If any of these authors would like to discuss giving their film rights to me for a chance to write these screenplays/pilots/whatevers, I would be happy to talk with you. I have prior script writing/producing expirience (though nothings sold yet...) and have pilots that have placed well in various script competitions. I can prepare a detailed outline of what I picture for your book if you request. E-mail me at ashsero(at)gmail(dot)com!!!


See you all later this week! Review of 'Sweet Valley Confidential' is in the works, as well as 'Anna and the French Kiss' and 'Steel'.

Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday/Update

Hi there, readers! It's that time again! Another week, another hop/update post! This week has been quite a busy week for the blog. I did my first IMM meme and have some neat stuff planned for upcoming weeks. :-) Plus, I received my first 'review copy' from a publisher. All in all, it's been a good week!


This Week on the Blog:
Review: Filling The Family Tree
Review: Queen of the Dead
In My Mailbox meme


Now, onto the hops!

The Question of the Week is:
Since today is April Fool's Day in the USA, what is the best prank you have ever played on someone OR that someone has played on you?


Answer: I don't really remember pulling any real pranks... Kind of boring of me, right?  On the same note, I don't remember anyone really pulling a prank on me.  


I don't see a follow friday for this week, so I'll leave you here for the week!

In My Mailbox...

I've never participated in the IMM meme before, but since I received a book today, I thought I would try it out!!! Check out The Story Siren for more info!

Today, the lovely mail service graced me with a welcome site-- a package from Macmillan Publishing!  What was in the package, you ask? A hint... The characters in this title are people that any female twenty something will remember from their childhood from various book series and even a television show!

Yes, the twins made famous in the Sweet Valley High books are back in 'Sweet Valley Confidential'! Also with this book came a very cute bit of swag-- a promotional t-shirt! Thanks, Macmillan! Expect a review up within the month!


Also in my mailbox via some savvy ebay shopping...

With Season 6 debuting in April, I've wanted to rewatch series 5. BBC America always seems to rerun the same episodes... Always The Lodger, but never Van Gogh and the Doctor... I got this set cheap on ebay. A great buy!!!!


Also, I received an ebook, which will be the first ebook I've agreed to read for this blog! It's entitled, 'Seeing for the First Time' and is written by Nicole Zoltack. The story sounds promising and it was described as a novella of sorts, which means I won't be monopolizing my brothers Nook forever!


This weeks last edition to IMM hasn't actually arrived yet... If you recall, I collect dolls. I ordered an Asian ball jointed doll last month in a group order and got notification that she's arrived in the states and is ready for pick up next week! For a sneak peak, here's promo shots of everything I will be receiving!!!


Thanks for joining me for this special IMM post!

At The Movies...

At The Movies... is something I'm trying out. Christmas 2010 I received a subscription to 'The Hollywood Reporter'. It is a collection of entertainment news, reviews, and award spotlights. One of my favorite sections in the magazine has to do with new deals and cast details for pre-production projects. At The Movies... will feature some of the fun info I learn week to week from this magazine and the web in general. Comments in parenthesis are my own opinions. Enjoy!

I couldn't find anything in the Reporter that mentioned YA books and movies this week, but found some interesting info about some other franchise films...


-Did you know 'Men in Black 3' went into production with only the first act (of three) written and finalized? The premise of MIB3 is this, Agent J (Will Smith) goes back in time to 1969 and has various encounters with important people from that time. Why he goes back in time, I have no idea. Also, where does that leave Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones). The dynamics between J and K seem like a major draw for audiences so how will he play into this third movie? And getting back to the topic on hand, they went into shooting with only one act written and have now halted production because actor Will Smith doesn't like the rest of the script. (I can only see problems with going at a movie this way. First, this is a time travel movie. All the elements need to be perfect and planned out in advance. One wrong move and the movie can very easily make no sense. Think 'The Lake House' with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. Good movie, but it made no sense at all. MIB3, by shooting the first act already has locked itself into a series of events that would be very costly to re-shoot if they decide to make any major changes to the ending... If that makes sense. Plus, I'm all for actors being versatile in the industry, but if you're hired as an actor or even as an actor/producer, let the scriptwriters and directors do their thing and don't interfere to the point of halting production. Just do the job your hired for and do it well.)


-Blog 'Speakeasy' interviewed the creaters of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' and announced the cast list for the main characters of their new animated sequel series 'Legend of Korra'. Check out the cast listing HERE. (I cannot wait to see this!!!)


-Narniaweb highlighted an interesting quote found in an interview with Micheal Flaherty about 'The Chronicles of Narnia' movies. He touches on making 'The Magicians Nephew' next in the line up. Narniaweb highlights it HERE. (I find the idea that the more popular books gross more quite interesting for some reason. I would have never guessed that 'The Magicians Nephew' is the second most popular book in the series.)


This week I saw via Netflix 'Letters to Juliet'. You know what? I actually enjoyed this film quite a bit. It's essentially your basic popcorn chick flick. Here's a summery of the movie taken from IMDB, "An American girl on vacation in Italy finds an unanswered "letter to Juliet" -- one of thousands of missives left at the fictional lover's Verona courtyard, which are typically answered by a the "secretaries of Juliet" -- and she goes on a quest to find the lovers referenced in the letter."


This is pretty much your standard romantic comedy/road trip movie. I loved the setting. Even if you're not crazy about the premise, the Tuscany countryside they used for the film is gorgeous. Siena, where much of this movie takes place, is one of my favorite places in the world. Well, it is my favorite place in the world. It's so pretty and the filmakers did a good job at showing viewers how awesome it is.


I recommend this for your next chick flick night! It's cute and should make you smile!


That's it for this short edition of 'At the Movies'. See ya next week!

At The Movies...

At The Movies... is something I'm trying out. Christmas 2010 I received a subscription to 'The Hollywood Reporter'. It is a collection of entertainment news, reviews, and award spotlights. One of my favorite sections in the magazine has to do with new deals and cast details for pre-production projects. At The Movies... will feature some of the fun info I learn week to week from this magazine and the web in general. Comments in parenthesis are my own opinions. Enjoy!

- Jennifer Lawrence looks to have been offered the role of Katniss in the future adaptation of 'The Hunger Games'. Alongside her title role, Josh Hutcherson looks to be stepping into play Peeta. I haven't heard anything about Gale's character, but that maybe because Gale isn't a huge player in the novels until the final book in the trilogy. (The more I think of Josh H. as Peeta, the more I'm okay with it. I'd like to see him play a nice guy!)


- Susanna White (Nanny McPhee 2) may be directing the adaptation of 'The Host' after the original director dropped out. Various articles are saying that this movie is running into more than a few hiccups. (I *really* want to see this movie, as I find 'The Host' better than the the final three books in the 'Twilight Saga'. If they're really having trouble fleshing out the amazing story, they can hire me on as a producer!)


- According to the 'Vampire Academy' movie producers facebook page, they're still alive and well and are still working on getting the 'Vampire Academy' novels on the big screen. (I'm looking forward to seeing this series. Course, I'll have to deal with a lot of Dimitri, but as long as he's pretty, I guess it will be okay!)


- According to IMDB, the 'Enders Game' movie now has a 2013 release date. Don't take this as a hard and firm date, this movie has been in pre-production for years. ('Enders Game' is one of the few adult sci-fi books I've ever enjoyed. I'm looking forward to this... If it ever gets released!)


- Walden Media is looking to produce 'The Magicians Nephew' next in the Narnia line up. They're looking for funding now. (Honestly, I would have preferred 'The Silver Chair' to take advantage of the Eustace character while he's young, but I guess 'The Magicians Nephew' could be good, too. I haven't read that in forever.)


- This might be old news for you, but it's new news for me! Did you know that Miley Cyrus is attached to the adaptation of 'Wake' (as in the YA trilogy) by Lisa McCann? I didn't. (I can't say I've enjoyed watching Hannah Montana (oops, Miley Cyrus) in anything... It sounds like a definite case of 'read the book first'!)


- Also, I just read that a 'Septimus Heap: Magyk' movie is in the works! (Of all the fantastic series out there, they choose this one? Okay, a little harsh. It may be a good movie. Not my kind of book, though.)


This weekend, I watched 'Bandslam'. You may remember the adverts for it making it look like a remake of High School Musical. I was all set to not like this movie, but you know what? It was actually quite entertaining! It follows a high school boy who's pretty much an outsider due to a dark family secret. He also happens to be a musical genius (in a cool rock way). After starting at a new school, he gets pulled into playing producer for local band that makes it their goal to win the town's 'bandslam'.


The movie turned out to be very quirky and more of a coming of age tale than a corny 'glee-like' movie. It's not even a musical, really. And Vanessa Hudgens role in the film?  She's a side character, which was fine with me.  I don't mind her in 'High School Musical', but she has yet to prove herself as an actress who warrants $10 movie tickets...


And that's it for this week! See ya around!

At The Movies...

At The Movies... is something I'm trying out. Christmas 2010 I received a subscription to 'The Hollywood Reporter'. It is a collection of entertainment news, reviews, and award spotlights. One of my favorite sections in the magazine has to do with new deals and cast details for pre-production projects. At The Movies... will feature some of the fun info I learn week to week from this magazine and the web in general.  Comments in parenthesis are my own opinions.  Enjoy!

-Ian McKellen has officially signed on to play Gandalf in 'The Hobbit'.
-Ellijah Wood, Donald Sutherland, and Eddie Lizzard have signed onto act in the adaptation of 'Treasure Island'.
-The Movie Adaptation of 'Firelight' has a writer-- Nick Pustay. (Should be good if he sticks with the story!)
-Henry Caville will be playing Superman/Clark Kent in the new reboot. (I didn't find the first movie all that bad!)
-Somehow, 7th Heaven star Geoff Stults got another acting job in a television spin-off of Bones. (Who would have thought!)
-James Franco is in talks to play Oz, the Great and Powerful in Disney's prequel to 'The Wizard of Oz'. He's the third actor offered the role. (Personally, I'd prefer Robert Downey Jr or Johnny Depp over Franco, but they both passed.)
-Kristen Stewart is playing Snow White in Snow White and the Huntsman. (Looks like we're in for a depressing Snow White tale.)
-Michelle Pfeiffer has signed on to 'Dark Shadows' opposite Johnny Depp. (Yay!)


I found this article the other day that was actually kind of interesting. Seems that Britain has an event called World Book Night where volunteers handed out free books. Some feared it was the wrong move and would "devalue" books, but in reality it helped turn sales up!


Till next time!

Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday/Update

Hi ya to all those hopping by this weekend! Thanks for stopping by! This week... Well, not too much went on this week. Just the basic stuff-- work, attempting to write, failing to find a plot, a visit to the hospital for a medical thing my Grandpa was dealing with (he seems okay now!)...  But overall, not too much.


The blog was a little dry this week, too. My apologies! I welcomed another author to my humble webspace this week, which rocked! The regular review and SOS post will be up next week. :-)


This Week on the Blog:
Valentine's Day Post
Heads Up! Borders Files Bankruptcy!
Truth or Dare Meme
Author Interview with Lou Aronica
Review and Contest posts were posted today and should be directly under this post!


Time for the hops!










The Question of the Week is:
If you are a fan of Science Fiction what is your favorite book? If you haven't read Science Fiction before...any inkling to? Anything catch your eye?


Answer: I love sci-fi titles aimed at the juvi and teen market, though a few adult titles have caught my eye. One of my guilty pleasures is reading Star Wars novels. I was much more into it before they killed off most of the Solo children, but 'The Thrawn Trilogy , 'Courtship of Princess Leia', and the 'Young Jedi Knights series' will always be favorites of mine! (If you want to read Star Wars novels and haven't yet, start with the 90's releases. They have a good level of Star Wars fun mixed with new stories!!)


A few other reads--


'Enders Game' and 'Enders Shadow' by Orson Scott Card-- Two of the few adult sci-fi title I like. They have a good story that isn't too overrun with technical stuff! It helps that the main characters are kids, too.
'The Host' by Stephenie Meyer-- I just adore this book!!!!
'Aliens Ate My Homework' series by Bruce Coville-- This was a favorite of mine as a kid and I still occasionally re-read this series about Rod Allbright, grade schooler who may just be half alien and ends up on a crazy quest!

The Question of the Week is: 
What book(s) would you like to see turned into a movie?


Answer: So many answers!  'The Grey King', the 'Young Jedi Knights' series, 'The Host', 'Knightley Academy', (a remake of 'Twilight' with a decent Bella would be nice), 'The Grimm Legacy' (though I'd like to WRITE this script)...  The list goes on and on!


Thanks for hopping by!  See you next week!

Truth or Dare Meme

The Dare: Which character would you NOT like to meet in a dark alley in the middle of the night? Who get's your panties in a tizzy --- but not in a good way?


The Answer: Voldemort from the Harry Potter series. He is not someone I would want to tangle with on a Quidditch field or a dark alley!

2010 Highlights-- A Year in Review

2010 has been quite a year, hasn't it? Who would have thought this little blogging adventure would become what it is today? It's kind of amazing. 2010 has not only been a year of discovering new hobbies, but also a year of some great reads and some excellent opportunities.

Here, dear readers, is Brooke's Box of Books 2010 Highlights-- A Year in Review.

First Book Read in 2010:

'The Seven Rays' by Jessica Bendinger

My Favorite Debut Novel or Stand Alone Read of 2010:

'Hex Hall' by Rachel Hawkins

Runners Up:

'Knightley Academy' by Violet Haberdasher

'The Grimm Legacy' by Polly Shulman

'Birthmarked' by Caragh M. O'Brien

'Tigers Curse' by Colleen Houck

'Nightshade' by Andrea Cremer

'Matched' by Ally Condie

Best New Book in a Series of 2010:

'Empire of Night' by Justin Somper

Runners up:

'Guardian of the Gate' by Michelle Zink

'Spirit Bound' by Richelle Mead

'City of Ships' by Mary Hoffman

'Mockingjay' by Suzanne Collins

Most Irritating Read of 2010 (aka The Book I Read Like There Was No Tomorrow, but Wanted To Ring the Characters Necks Half the Time):

'Torment' by Lauren Kate

Runner up:

'Spells' by Aprilynne Pike

The 'At Least I Tried To Like It' Book of 2010:

'Shiver' by Maggie Stiefvater

Runner Up:

'The Dark Divine' by Bree Despain

Last Book Read in 2010:

'The Iron Queen' by Julie Kagawa

And there you have it-- my favorite and not so favorite reads of 2010.  In total, I will have read 63 new books this year, which is roughly a book a week.  Geez Louise!  That's quite a bit, I think!

Now that you've seen my list, I want to know what you think of the slew of books that came out in 2010...  What was your favorite?  What was your least favorite?  Share your comments below!

Christmas Happenings- A Holiday Meme, Week Three

'Christmas Happenings' is a meme designed to let you readers in on what makes Christmas special to me. It will be a weekly installment here on the blog until Christmas comes to town! (Which is in five days if you didn't know!)


I'll be making the theme of this years 'Holiday Happenings' a visual one and will be showcasing the holiday specials that share the season with me year after year. You never know, maybe you'll remember a few!

Christmas Happenings meme -- Week Three(ish)

You've seen clips from my favorite Christmas special and the corniest Christmas special. Now it's time for a twist in the format-- Holiday movies. I'm sure you have holiday themed movies you watch every year and (surprise surprise) I have some to! Here are a few movies that I think you need to check out this year!


White Christmas (1954)
Premise: Army buddies and popular song and dance men Wallace and Davis try to save their old generals Vermont inn when the lack of snow causes money to become a big problem. Along the way, their lives get entangled with the Haynes Sisters. What follows is filled with fun, laughs, and tons of great song and dance numbers!

My Thoughts: If you haven't seen White Christmas, go rent it right now. Seriously. It's a classic.


Holiday Inn (1942)
Premise: Crooner Jim Hardy is ready to give up show business and settle down in the country. When his fiancée expectingly leaves him for dance partner Ted Hanover, plans change. Convinced he can make it on his own in the country, he continues on. When country life turns into a nightmare, Jim has a smashing idea-- to open an Inn that is only open for business on holidays. He hires Linda Mason, up and coming dancer/singer, and from there, hijinks, music, and dancing ensue. Holiday Inn is filled with fantastic holiday themed songs, fantastic sets, some sweet dancing with fire crackers, and tons of fun.

My Thoughts: I love this movie. I believe I saw it for the first time seven or eight years ago and from then was hooked. The songs are fantastic and very catchy. And the fire cracker dance number that Fred Astaire does? Fan-Tas-Tic! It's so well done. If anything YT that number.. Or maybe I'll embed it for you. :-)





Since this was made in 1942, be warned that is has a black face number celebrating Lincolns birthday. My own personal opinion of it is that there is no harm done in this number because it was made in a time where people still remembered or had performed in vaudeville and black face was something you saw in those days. 


Miracle on 34th Street (1947/1994) 
Premise: Susan doesn't believe in Santa. But when a man who looks the part comes to work at her mothers dept. store, she begins to wonder...

My Thoughts:  I think we've all seen this movie, so I felt I could keep this premise short and sweet! Both versions are wonderful. I like how each version has a different ending.  It keeps it the same, yet fresh.  And both Santa's are completely believable-- heck, if I saw them I'd probably believe they were Santa, too!


Jingle All The Way (1996) 
Premise: A harried father decides to dream the impossible dream, to get that year's hot toy for his son just before Christmas Day. (Taken from IMDB)

My Thoughts: This is actually a really cute holiday movie. It's a bit corny, yes, but who can't related to wanting to find a hard to find item during the holidays. *cough*Monster High*cough* It's worth taking a look at. Plus, the Gov. of California has always been an entertaining actor to watch.


I'll Be Home For Christmas (1998) 
Premise: A college student experiences difficulty in getting home for Christmas after being hazed by his friends. While struggling to get home in time for Christmas, he learns quite a bit about himself and the true meaning of the holiday. (Taken from IMDB)

My Thoughts: Yes, this movie stars JTT (have I just dated myself calling him JTT and not Jonathan Taylor Thomas?). And yes, it also has Seventh Heaven star Jessica Biel. But it also has a fun script and is an entertaining holiday movie. It's something you might want to check out if you haven't!


There you go-- Five Christmas movie I watch at home during the holidays.  Do you like any of these?  What are you favorite Holiday movies?