Father's Little Dividend

My Thoughts:

-    This DVD needs to be re-mastered cause it looks terrible.  Father of the Bride didn't look this bad.  audio is pretty bad too.

-    My hubby is going to react a lot like Stanley Banks when our little gnome gets married and has a kid.

-    Kay looks about as pregnant as a stork.  Dang she is a thin thing.  Elizabeth Taylor was so pretty!

-    There are a few dramatic parts that I was kinda like "oh brother" about.

-    I LOVE Spencer Tracy.  He is so believable in any role he plays.  He is the best part of this movie! 

Wild Orchid

Goodreads Description:  "Once upon a Time" Is Timeless 

Wielding a sword as deftly as an embroidery needle, Mulan is unlike any other girl in China. When the emperor summons a great army, each family must send a male to fight. Tomboyish Mulan is determined to spare her aging father and bring her family honor, so she disguises herself and answers the call. 

But Mulan never expects to find a friend, let alone a soul mate, in the commander of her division, Prince Jian. For all of Mulan's courage with a bow and arrow, is she brave enough to share her true identity and feelings with Prince Jian?

My Thoughts:

-    I wish there had been less about Mulan's family drama and more about the war. It would have been more fun reading about Mulan in the field. 

-    This was a fun light read. It wasn't anything stupendous, but I enjoyed a lot of it. 

-    It was about what I expected from a Once Upon a Time book.  I wish there had been a bigger twist on the story though.

-    I can relate a lot to Mulan.  I am a tomboy, and I would rather shoot a bow and arrow and use a sword than learn to embroider and sew.  The way Mulan felt out of place and how her father wouldn't approve of her is something I could relate too.  My poor mom always  wanted girls she could doll up, but she got tomboys.  

The Westing Game

Goodreads Description:  This highly inventive mystery involves sixteen people who are invited to the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will. They could become millionaires, depending on how they play the tricky and dangerous Westing game, which involves blizzards, burglaries, and bombings. Ellen Raskin has entangled a remarkable cast of characters in a puzzle-knotted, word-twisting plot filled with humor, intrigue, and suspense.

My Thoughts:

-    There are a lot of characters in this book, but it isn't too bad keeping track of everyone and knowing who is who, especially after they've been paired.

-    I love the mystery!  The gears in my head were turning the whole time trying to figure everything out, but I couldn't!!    

-    Well done and clever story!  Great characters and a captivating plot.  I loved every moment!

-    The perspective changes from character to character, but I liked being able to get inside all of the characters heads and find out how they were piecing the clues together.  

-    I want to play Clue now.

Mr. Popper's Penguins

My mother-in-law gave me a bunch of these Newbery award books, so you are going to see a bunch of reviews for them.  I plow through these pretty fast.

Goodreads Description:  A classic of American humor, the adventures of a house painter and his brood of high-stepping penguins have delighted children for generations. "Here is a book to read aloud in groups of all ages. There is not an extra or misplaced word in the whole story."--"The Horn Book." Newbery Honor Book.

My Thoughts: 

-    Fun illustrations!  Those penguins are so darn cute!

-    Why does the text only cover 2/3 of the page?  They could put a lot more text on each page.

-    Even though this is for a younger audience, I found it cute and funny.  I chuckled quite a bit.

The Healer's Apprentice

Goodreads Description:  Two Hearts. One Hope. 

Rose has been appointed as a healer's apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter's daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her—a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill. 

When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she's never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose's life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny. 

My Thoughts:

-    I understand that Rose would want a respectable job, especially if it meant avoiding an arranged/terrible marriage, but someone who gets sick when seeing blood shouldn't be a healer?  I know it explains this more further in the book, but why did Rose WANT to be a healer so bad if she hates the sight of blood?

-    Thank Heaven for dogs!!

-    The love triangle is terrible.  Lord Rupert is a cad!  I wasn't too fond of Lord Hamlin either.  He was supposed to be a strong/manly character, but he was kind of a baby.  Not a total baby, but enough that it bugged me a little. 

-    I wish I had read more reviews and labels for this book.  I didn't know it was going to be religious.  I am a Christian, but this was a bit too religious for me.  

-    The book was pretty predictable.  I had everything figured out by pg 102 (and I was right.)  

-    I enjoy a good romance in a story, but this book was ALL romance.  Nothing inappropriate is in the book, but the whole story revolves around the romance.  I like other things going on in the story as well.  I wish there was more about Moncore throughout the book.  

-    I loved the bit about Hildy and Gunther.  It brought out the most emotion for me.  

Q&A

I'll ask the questions, you provide the answers.  Ready?

How much of a book do you read before you quit?

What makes you quit a book before finishing?

My Thoughts:

I try to give a book a good sporting chance before quitting, so I made a rule to read at least 100 pages before allowing myself to put the book down forever.  I feel like that is ample time for the author to get over the boring stuff and captivate me.  

I usually quit a book if it is super boring, I can't stand the characters, I think the book is dumb, or if I don't understand what the heck is going on.

  Your turn.  What are your thoughts on these questions?

Kirby's Return to Dream Land

 

My Thoughts:

-    This plays and feels a lot like the original NES Kirby Dreamland.  I loved that game, and I enjoyed this one as well.

-    The powers you get don't just do one thing, they can do several moves.  You also get super charged guys and get an awesome power that only lasts for a little bit.  My favorite was the snowball one.  

-    King Dedede and Meta Knight are good guys now?  That was a bit confusing.  You can play with them and a spear guy for multiplayer.

-    It was a little annoying to play mulitplayer.  I kept accidentally getting on peoples heads and stuff.  We got in each other's way a lot.  This would have been better as just a one player.

-    During multiplayer you can share food, but when you share, you kiss each other.  It weirded me out!  I don't want to see Kirby and Meta Knight kiss!  They just should have made it so you didn't share food.

-    There is an "extra feature" after you beat the game.  It claims to be a whole new adventure, but it isn't.  I played a couple levels, and it is only a harder difficulty.  The only thing that changes is your health meter is shorter and the stars are outlines.  Other than that, there is no difference.  They just want you to play the game over again.

-    There are 3 mini game type things that you can unlock, but there weren't too exciting.  I played them once, and it didn't get me to play again.

-    The end boss is great!  There is about 3 phases or so, and I had a lot of fun fighting him in all phases!  I love a good boss fight!

-    This isn't the greatest Nintendo Game out there, but for us Kirby fans, it was fun!  I think the new generation of gamers will enjoy it as well!  

The Hunger Games

Last night/this morning, I had the pleasure of seeing The Hunger Games movie!!!  Ya, I was one of the crazy people at the midnight showing.  

 I had the pleasure of going with a bunch of book bloggers and company.  I met a lot of really awesome people, and I had a super great time!!

Now without further delay: 

My Thoughts:

-    The movie was good....really good!  If you love the books, the movie will not disappoint you.  There were a lot of scenes that were just spot on!  The emotions are all there!  It was a bit thrilling.

-    The casting was perfect.  I think Jennifer Lawrence channeled Katniss's character perfectly.  I was worried about Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, but he delivered!  Stanley Tucci made me laugh every time I saw him, and Rue...she just steals your heart.  I was really happy with the overall casting.  

-    (for Andrea)  Gale was a good looking lad, but I'm still a big Peeta fan.  Peeta has a bit of Gilbert Blytheness to him.  He has had a huge crush on Katniss for forever, he is a really good guy, he has a sense of innocence about him, etc.  Who doesn't love a good Gilbert type of guy?

-    The capitol looks like Naboo.  

-    The use of music and lack of music was great!  When the sound would cut off, my heart would drop.  It was really well done.

-    My only complaint was I felt like a monkey was holding the camera for some of the movie.  I would have liked a steadier view of things. 

-    There are only a few changes from the book, and they were super minor.  I wish all movies could be this accurate!  This is probably the best book to movie since Lord of the Rings.  

The Last Princess

Goodreads Description:  Happily ever after is a thing of the past. 

A series of natural disasters has decimated the earth. Cut off from the rest of the world, England is a dark place. The sun rarely shines, food is scarce, and groups of criminals roam the woods, searching for prey. The people are growing restless.

When a ruthless revolutionary sets out to overthrow the crown, he makes the royal family his first target. Blood is shed in Buckingham Palace, and only sixteen-year-old Princess Eliza manages to escape.

Determined to kill the man who destroyed her family, Eliza joins the enemy forces in disguise. She has nothing left to live for but revenge, until she meets someone who helps her remember how to hope--and to love--once more. Now she must risk everything to ensure that she not become... The Last Princess.

My Thoughts:

-    The beginning reminds me a lot of Anastasia.

-    Overalls make a come back in 2090, ha ha!

-    This book doesn't feel like it takes place in the future.  I pictured the whole story happening in the past, like during the 1920s or something.  There were very few mentions of technology.  They rode horses instead of drove cars.  They used the radio a lot.  The food they ate was bread and cheese.  This is stuff that I don't picture in a book that happens in the future.  I wish the author has used more modern or futuristic technologies.

-    I was really "in love" with any of the characters.  I just didn't really connect with any of them.

-    The book was alright, but it wasn't anything special.  It had a good ending, but the rest of the book was just meh.  

Me, Myself, & Bob

 

Goodreads Description:   Larry. Bob. Archibald. These Veggie Tales stars are the most famous vegetables you'll ever eat. Oops, meet. Their antics are known around the world. But so much of the Veggie Tale story hasn't been told. In Me, Myself, and Bob, Phil Vischer, founder of Big Idea and creator of Veggie Tales, gives a behind-the-scenes look at his not-so-funny journey with the loveable veggies. From famed creator to bankrupt dreamer, Vischer shares his story of trial and ultimate triumph as God inspired him with one big idea after another.

My Thoughts:

-    I am a HUGE fan of VeggieTales, and I just had to pick this up.  I'm so glad that I did!!

-    The introduction is wonderful!  I loved the book from page one.  It was actually from the first sentence.

-    I loved learning more about a show I have enjoyed since I was a teenager.  There were a few insights to some of the shows that were really fun and interesting. 

-    Phil Vischer is one hilarious guy!  I laughed out loud a lot!  Even though it was a funny book, it was a really heart-felt book too.  I laughed and cried.  

-    I read this book a little slower cause I wanted to really soak in everything!  

-    Vischer's story is an awesome one!  If you are a Christian, a VeggieTales fan, or whatever, this is a must read for you!!  The ending was a bit sad, but it was very uplifting.  Vischer's message of dreams and God is one everyone should hear or read.  

-    I don't really know what more to say about this book.  You have to just read it for yourself.  I'm a bit blown away.  

-    I LOVE VEGGIETALES!

The Phantom of the Opera

My Thoughts:

-    The transition between the ruined theater to the brand new theater was awesome!

-    I felt like the movie did the stage version credit.  There were a few things out of order (like when the chandelier crashing down), but they did a good job adapting this to film.

-    I wish they had gotten an all Broadway cast for this.  I didn't like that they just got some actors and taught them how to sing.  Phantom of the Opera is ALL about the music!!!  Emmy did good, but she seemed a bit young to me, and her voice was a little inexperienced.  Gerard Butler made a really stunning and yummy phantom visually, but...they kinda had to teach him to sing.  He did good, but I wasn't aw struck enough with his voice.  I thought Minnie Driver was perfect for Carlotta.

-    They captured the emotion and heart of the musical really well.  

-    The costumes and overall look of the movie was really beautiful. 

-    I have mixed feelings about this movie.  I want to love it, but I think the casting wasn't up to par.  

-    I wonder if they will ever adapt Les Miserables into a movie like this.  I think would be scared if they did...excited, but scared. 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

My Thoughts:

-    The movie starts EXACTLY where Part 1 ended. 

-    Why does Ron always look stoned?

-    I don't think Harry and Lord Voldemort could feel the horcruxes be destroyed or sense them.  I'm pretty sure they didn't.  That was kinda weird for me in the movie.

-    I was impressed with the CG!  It really made the movie more thrilling.  I was like "WHOA!"  "That's cool!"  "That's creepy!" etc.  They did a good job. 

-    They didn't do justice to the whole Snape's memory bit.  I wish they could have spent a little more time on that.  It was good, but I wanted it to be heart wrenching and awesome!!!

-    I felt like they could have made one movie out of the two.  They could have cut out a lot of the camping bit in the first and combined the 2.  

-    I still like the books better, but I think they did an ok to good job with the movies.  Most of their casting was really spot on.  The editing in some of them are kinda crazy.  This one's editing was better, but there were some random scenes that I was like "what just happened?"

-    It is kinda sad, but kind of a relief that the Harry Potter series has come to end in both book and movies.  I enjoyed anticipating the next book, and I feel like Harry and the gang are long time friends of mine.  I'm glad it is over though.  It was time for something new...like The Hunger Games! 

Goose Chase

Goodreads Synopsis:  Her name is Alexandria Aurora Fortunato, and she is as lovely as the dawn. But that is only one of her problems. Theres beguiling heroine. Her flight will take her to strange lands and lead her into perilous situations, all of which the plucky Alexandria views with a wry and witty spirit. Here is a sprightly tale of magic and romance, in which those geese play a most surprising role. 

My Thoughts:  

-    The characters' dialogue is in Old English, but the rest of the book isn't.  The author did a really good job mixing the two while writing.  

-    The proverbs and verses at the beginning of each chapter are fun.

-    The Ogress bit was a funny part of book.  I really enjoyed it.

-    I can't decided if I like the Prince or not.  He is really sweet and kind, but he is also a fool.

-    The book is a re-telling of The Goose Girl with a bit of Rapunzel in there.  I really enjoyed the twists and plot of the book.  Even though it is a fairy tale re-telling, it is unique enough that it could be it's own story.

-    I really liked the Goose Girl.  She was a really spunky character.

-    Great characters and a fun story = great book!

Shall We Dance

My Thoughts:

-    I didn't like the idea of John lusting after another woman.  He was married!  His relationship with Paulina doesn't go anywhere anyway, so I didn't see the need.

-    Bobbie was kinda gross.

-    I didn't understand why John couldn't tell his wife about taking Ballroom.  It baffles me, and I still really don't get it.  He should have just told her.

-    Those moves that Link pulls in the office at the end was awesome and hilarious! 

-    I love that Nick Cannon played a small part.  He cracks me up! 

Nim's Island

My Thoughts:

-    This is a different role for Jodie Foster.  I'm not sure I like her as a schizophrenic.  Her character was a bit annoying.

-    Nim was cute girl.  I haven't seen her in any other movie, but I think she did a good job in this one.

-    I like movies with a great moral in it.  I'm not sure this one had that.  There were a few messages like it's not good to be alone, face your fears, etc.  It didn't have a really great message though.  It didn't move me.

-    I would say this movie is more for younger audiences.  It is just a fun and wacky show that I think kids would like, a good clean family film.

-    I think Gerard Butler was kinda wasted on this movie.  They could have gotten any other actor and it would have been the same.  They probably only got him so people would watch the movie.

-    I wouldn't ever choose to watch this again, but I wouldn't be totally against it if I was with someone who did want to watch it.

Enchanted

Goodreads Synopsis:     It isn't easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past - and hers?

My Thoughts:    

-    A lot of Fairy Tales make an appearance in this book.  The ones that are prominent are The Princess and the Frog, Cinderella, and Jack and the Beanstalk.   Crazy Awesome!

-    I loved all the characters.  Sunday is a really sweet and lovely character.  I really enjoyed Saturday.  She is a girl after my own heart.  Erik, Velius, and Trix are great sub characters that bring a lot of humor and loyalty to the story.

-    There is a bit of a mystery in the book.  I kept trying to piece together a lot of things to get the whole picture.  No worries though, all was revealed in the end.  

-    As far as Fairy Tale Re-tellings go, this one has more depth and complication to it.  It was so much more than just girl meets boy, they fall in love, overcome some evil person, and then live happily ever after.  While all those elements are there, there is A LOT more going on.  

-    I really loved this book, and I recommend to anyone who loves a good Fairy Tale.  

So Silver Bright

Goodreads Synopsis:   All Beatrice Shakespeare Smith has ever wanted is a true family of her own. And she’s close to reuniting her parents when her father disappears. Now Bertie must deal with a  vengeful sea goddess and a mysterious queen as she tries to keep her family – and the Theatre Illuminata – from crumbling. To complicate it all, Bertie is torn between her two loves, Ariel and Nate.

My Thoughts:  

-    I just can't get over the covers to this trilogy!  I love them all!!

-    This is the third and final book in the Theatre Illuminata series.  It is a really great conclusion. It wrapped everything up, and made me feel really happy at the end.  I'm sad that I don't get to read more about the characters, but it was a good ending, and I am fully satisfied! 

-    I love the cast list at the front of each book.  I wish every book had that.  It would help me a lot with some books.

-    This book was as good, if not better, than the first!  I really enjoyed the entire thing!

-    Mixing the powers over nature was a new and kinda weird development.  I didn't really understand why the author put that in until the ending.  Then it all kinda came together for me, and I liked it.  

-    This book had a lot more fantasy elements in it than the previous two.   

-    I know I said I hated love triangles, but this one ended really really really well.  I think it is probably my favorite love triangle ending.  I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say, it ended not as I expected, but I loved the decisions Bertie finally made for Ariel and Nate.

-    I loved the humor in this book.  The 4 fairies were a constant delight, and I enjoyed the other banter as well.

-    Overall, this was a really delightful book with lots of happy endings!  I thoroughly enjoyed it!! 

Perchance to Dream

Goodreads Synopsis:   We are such stuff as dreams are made on.

Act Two, Scene One

Growing up in the enchanted Thèâtre Illuminata, Beatrice Shakespeare Smith learned everything about every play ever written. She knew the Players and their parts, but she didn’t know that she, too, had magic. Now, she is the Mistress of Revels, the Teller of Tales, and determined to follow her stars. She is ready for the outside world.

Enter BERTIE AND COMPANY

But the outside world soon proves more topsy-turvy than any stage production. Bertie can make things happen by writing them, but outside the protective walls of the Thèâtre, nothing goes as planned. And her magic cannot help her make a decision between—

 Nate: Her suave and swashbuckling pirate, now in mortal peril.

 Ariel: A brooding, yet seductive, air spirit whose true motives remain unclear.

When Nate is kidnapped and taken prisoner by the Sea Goddess, only Bertie can free him. She and her fairy sidekicks embark on a journey aboard the Thèâtre’s caravan, using Bertie’s word magic to guide them. Along the way, they collect a sneak-thief, who has in his possession something most valuable, and meet The Mysterious Stranger, Bertie’s father—and the creator of the scrimshaw medallion. Bertie’s dreams are haunted by Nate, whose love for Bertie is keeping him alive, but in the daytime, it’s Ariel who is tantalizingly close, and the one she is falling for. Who does Bertie love the most? And will her magic be powerful enough to save her once she enters the Sea Goddess’s lair?

 Once again, LISA MANTCHEV has spun a tale like no other—full of romance, magic, adventure, and fairies, too—that readers won’t want to put down, even after the curtain has closed.   

My Thoughts:

-    Another amazing cover!!

-    Not as fun as the first book, but it has a riveting ending, and I enjoyed it.

-    Most of the book feels like the characters are wandering around lost, and they never know what to do.

-    Bertie is kind of a jerk in this book.  She is mean to everyone.  Part of me doesn't blame her for some of it, but she could try to be more pleasant.

-    I no longer hate Ariel.  I think he is just misunderstood, and I find him quite charming now.

-    I really liked the power of words idea in the whole book.  Bertie has to be careful about what she says and writes.  It is a good lesson for everyone.  

-    The love triangle is more prominent in the second book, and I still don't like it.  I do like all the characters though.  I just don't like that Bertie has to decide.  Love triangles frustrate me. 

Eyes Like Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:  All her world’s a stage. 
Bertie Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater. She’s not an orphan, but she has no parents. She knows every part, but she has no lines of her own. That is, until now. 
Enter Stage Right 
NATE. Dashing pirate. Will do anything to protect Bertie. 
COBWEB, MOTH, MUSTARD SEED, and PEASEBLOSSOM. Four tiny and incredibly annoying fairies. BERTIE’S sidekicks. 
ARIEL. Seductive air spirit and Bertie’s weakness. The symbol of impending doom. 
BERTIE. Our heroine. 
Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the actors of every play ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book — an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family — and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known. 
Lisa Mantchev has written a debut novel that is dramatic, romantic, and witty, with an irresistible and irreverent cast of characters who are sure to enchant the audience. 
Open Curtain  

My Thoughts:

-   This is one of my favorite covers!!  It is so cool and beautiful, and it goes along with the book very well.  The font for the chapter headings and page #s are fun and some of my favorites as well.

-    The 4 fairies are really funny, and they always provide the comic relief.  It is hard to keep track of which one is which, but it doesn't deter from the story at all.  It was actually just fun to read their lines.  It really didn't matter who was who.  

-    This is a great book for Shakespeare fans!  The whole book is filled with Shakespeare characters, plays, and more!

-    Bertie is a wonderful female protagonist.  She is fun, spunky, and a bit mischievous.  I love the rebellious side of her.

-    There are a lot of characters in this book, and I usually don't like books with too many characters, but this one is different.  It is easy it keep track of who is who.  I liked the way each character was introduced as well.

-    I loved that the whole story took place in a theater.  I really loved the whole concept.  It was very different and fun from anything I've read.  The enchanted theater provided everything, and it made me want to live in there myself.

-    There is a love triangle, and I'm not too fond of it.  I have like/hate feelings towards Ariel.  He is so easy to dislike in the beginning, but then he starts to grow on you.  Nate on the other hand is the most charming pirate on the planet!

-    Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I'm eager for more!!   

Mockingjay

Goodreads Synopsis:   My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.

My Thoughts:

-    Even though we don't see a lot of Prim in the first 2 books, most people feel a lot of love and compassion towards her.  I think this is due to the connection that the audience has with Katniss.  She cares so much about Prim, that the reader will automatically feel protective of her too.  I enjoyed the few instances in Mockingjay where we got to interact with Prim.

-    Collin's writing style is so easy to read and get caught up in.  Everything just flows so naturally, and I don't even notice I'm reading.  

-    I cried at the end of Chapter 11 and during the last few chapters.

-    Justice was served to everyone that deserved it!!!!

-    I know a lot of people weren't happy about the darkness and sadness of the last book, but I thought it was necessary.  There really wasn't any other way to end the trilogy.  There had to be a huge war.  Katniss was hysterical and lost for a lot of it, but in reality, people who have seen the horrors that she has act this way.  People who go through terrible things have post traumatic stress disorder, and I think the author captured this in Katniss very well.  

Three Coins in a Fountain

 

My Thoughts:

I just picked this up from the Library.  It caught my attention cause the Gaston from Gigi was on the cover.

-    The opening/theme song is sung by Frank Sinatra.  While he is singing, it shows off some of the beauties of Rome.  I thoroughly enjoyed the opening.

-    Georgio and Prince Dino were very dashing and charming.  I liked them both, but I felt bad for them.  They both got the shaft! 

-    Half the movie is sad, and the other half is happy.  I was glad the ending was a happy one.  I was scared for a little bit it wasn't going to be a good ending.

-    Prince Dino went to pick up Maria, and he honked the horn for her!!  I can't stand it when people do that, especially if you are picking a girl up for a date! 

-    I can't decide if I like it or not.  I had to watch it twice, and I'm still undecided.  I like a lot of things about it, but other things bug me a little.  I might need another female's perspective.  Any of you want to watch it with me?  Overall I don't think it was amazing, but I think I could learn to really like it.  Right now, I'm sitting at "it was good, but I didn't like _________."

-   If you love romance and chick flicks, you'd love this movie!  I can think of a few of friends who would probably adore this one.   

Catching Fire

Goodreads Synopsis:    Sparks are igniting, flames are spreading and the Capitol wants revenge. 

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before...and surprising readers at every turn.

My Thoughts:

-    Peeta is almost the perfect man.  The way he always steps in to compensate for Katniss's lack of words or deeds, is amazing!  I totally agree with Haymitch when he says Katniss couldn't do any worse and that she doesn't really deserve someone so good.  

-    Even though this is the second time I'm reading this, it is still gripping and full of surprises.  

-    I wonder what is happening outside the arena.  I would love a companion book where we get to see Haymitch's perspective.  How do the mentors all watch and get sponsors and send things to the tributes?  

-    This is by far the worst cliffhanger ending ever!!!!!  

-    I'm never going to be able to think a rose smells good.  I hate President Snow that much!

-    The Hunger Games was mostly action and thrill, but Catching Fire is more emotional for me.  I go through so many different emotions when I read this:  sadness, anger, lots of anger, hope, shock, distress, etc.  It is so moving!

-    Haymitch you JERK!!

The Hunger Games

Goodreads Synopsis:  In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. 

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before — and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My Thoughts:

Keep in mind that this is the second time I've read this amazing book.  I'm going to the midnight showing of the movie, and I wanted everything to be fresh in my mind.  This might destroy the movie for me, but I'm willing to take that chance.  

-    This is one of my favorite Dystopian novels!  I love the fast pace and dying urge to know what happens next!!  This book captured my FULL attention from the get go!

-    I hate the Capitol!!!  

-    The first time I read through the trilogy,  I didn't want Katniss to end up with anyone.  After all she had been through, how could she?  This time through though, I was a total Peeta fan!  The more and more I read, the more I realized how much Katniss actually needs Peeta.  With her survival instincts, the chaos surrounding her, and the completely lost feeling she has sometimes, she really needs Peeta by her side to help her and steady her!

-   This book has everything for everyone.  It is pact full of action, suspense, romance, bloodshed, a wide range of emotions, etc.  It is awesome!

-    I love all the characters.  I feel for them, and I love the depth of their personalities.  Characters make or break a book.  The Hunger Games has some of my favorite people in all of literature.  Besides the main characters, the one that really gets me in this book is Rue.  I feel so much emotion towards that little girl!