Fire

Goodreads Description:   She is the last of her kind...

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. In King City, the young King Nash is clinging to the throne, while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. War is coming. And the mountains and forest are filled with spies and thieves. This is where Fire lives, a girl whose beauty is impossibly irresistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her.

Exquisitely romantic, this companion to the highly praised Graceling has an entirely new cast of characters, save for one person who plays a pivotal role in both books. You don’t need to have read Graceling to loveFire. But if you haven’t, you’ll be dying to read it next.

My Thoughts:

-    It wasn't too interesting to read, but it was good to listen too.  I couldn't just sit and read this story, but I enjoyed the audio book while I played Zuma.  

-    I liked the narrator's voice.  It was strong, but feminine.  

-    The prologue is interesting.  It was cool and sad to see Leck's Grace evolve.  I really want to know what happened to him between the time Fire lost him and when he becomes King.

-    This story moves a lot slower than Graceling.  It was mostly politics and hearing about the war. 

-    Besides Leck, there really wasn't anything that tied this world and the Graceling world together.  It was like reading about 2 separate worlds.  

-    The family relationships were crazy!  It was like watching a daytime talk show.  Who is the father?  That child is illegitimate!  You slept with who?  blah blah blah!

-    Fire's character was interesting.  She was really strong, but had a lot of doubts.  She had a lot to think about, and she had a pretty hard life.   I would not want to trade places with her.  

Captain America: The First Avenger

My Thoughts:

-    Awesome!!  Totally Awesome!!

-    The casting was perfect!!  These people were born for these parts.  Chris Evans captures the essence of Captain America perfectly in his mannerisms, his fighting technique, and personality.  The Red Skull...dang!  They did awesome with him.  It was like these characters just stepped off the pages of a comic book.

-    Steve Rogers wasn't a small guy.  He was your average G.I. Joe, and he volunteered for the Super Soldier Serum.  The small skinny guy thing worked out though, and I kinda liked that change.

-    I love that Dum Dum Dugan and Bucky is in this!!!

-    I really wanted a Wolverine cameo.  It would have been so awesome!  

-    There is a part where a guy gets pureed in a propeller.  It gives me the willies ever time!  

-    The whole movie is great.  The emotions, action, characters, etc are all just awesome!  Plus, it is pretty accurate.  

-    I kinda wish they had spent some more time in the present with Captain America, but we get see him more in The Avenger movies.  

-    I hope they bring back Red Skull and Hydra for an Avenger movie.  From the looks of things, they might not, but I hope they do because S.H.I.E.L.D. did fight Hydra.  

The Day Before

Goodreads Bit:   Sixteen-year-old Amber, hoping to spend one perfect day alone at the beach before her world is turned upside down, meets and feels a strong connection to Cade, who is looking for his own escape, for a very different reason.

My Thoughts: 

-    This is written in verse like a few of Schroeder's other's books.  I love the verse style!  

-    I love the poem on page 114!!!  It is exactly how I feel about books!

-    I am gushing!  Seriously...I don't know why, but this one day romance has me gushing.  I think I was just in the right kind of mood.

-    I loved Cade and Amber's relationship and how it develops.  They have this one day to spend together, and they make it count!  The romance doesn't just happen.  They connect, get to know each other, and I liked that.

-    I want to play the movie game with someone.  I think I'm just going to start saying, "have you seen that movie?" to people. 

-    Sometimes I want to take a day like this.  I want to just run away, do whatever I want, and not care.  

-    I couldn't stop reading.  I just had to keep turning the pages, so I could find out what happens, and why these 2 people needed a free day.  

-    What happened to Amber and Charlotte is something I'm really scared of.  When I had my little gnome, I was glad they took so many precautions to make sure she was mine.  I know the chances were really slim, especially since I don't think my hospital delivered any other Asian babies that day, and my gnome is a like a little clone of me, but still...I worried.  

-    The story just made me smile!  It wasn't a super happy or ha ha book, but it made me smile! I felt really calm and peaceful when I finished.

Waiting

From Goodreads:   Growing up in Africa and Latin America as the children of missionaries, London and Zach were as close as could be. And then Zach dies, and the family is gutted. London’s father is distant. Her mother won’t speak. The days are filled with what-ifs and whispers: Did Zach take his own life? Was it London’s fault?

Alone and adrift, London finds herself torn between her brother’s best friend and the handsome new boy in town as she struggles to find herself—and ultimately redemption—in this authentic and affecting novel from award-winning novelist Carol Lynch Williams.

My Thoughts:

-    The style is very unique and different from all the other Carol Lynch Williams' books I've read.  It was like reading poetry, but not.  

-    It was very much a Williams' book, but it also reminded me of some of Lisa Schroeder's books. 

-    This was a really somber book.  It breaks your heart, but gives you a little bit a hope at the end.  It was...in a word...beautiful.  

-    The cover is very appropriate for this book.  I just felt like I needed a hug after reading it.

-    The love triangle kinda bugged me.  I felt like London was using both those guys.  I know she was going through a rough time, but still.   Did she have to go all kiss crazy?

-    I love that we got to see London grow and develop.  It was wonderful to see her find some sort of happiness and self worth.

-    Lili is a great friend!  Every girl needs a friend like that!

-    The story was very gripping.  I couldn't stop turning pages.  I just devoured the book from start to finish!  I find myself doing that will every Williams' book though. 

My Re-read Thoughts:

-    This wasn't as good as I remember.

-    I didn't like London or any of the other characters.

-    The story was really dry.

-    I still thought the writing was beautiful, but it was the only thing I liked.

-    I hated how London was using those two boys. 

-    I just didn't connect with the story or characters. I was really sad and disappointed.

Princess for Hire

Goodreads Synopsis:   When Desi Bascomb gets discovered by the elite Facade Agency–royalty surrogates extraordinaire–her life goes from glamour-starved to spectacular in a blink. As her new agent, Meredith, explains, Desi has a rare magical ability: when she applies the ancient Egyptian formula “Royal Rouge,” she can transform temporarily into the exact lookalike of any princess who needs her subbing services. Dream come true, right?

Well, Desi soon discovers that subbing involves a lot more than wearing a tiara and waving at cameras. Like, what do you do when a bullying older sister puts you on a heinous crash diet? Or when the tribal villagers gather to watch you perform a ceremonial dance you don’t know? Or when a princess’s conflicted sweetheart shows up to break things off–and you know she would want you to change his mind?
In this hilarious series debut, one girl’s dream of glamour transforms into something bigger: the desire to make a positive impact. And an impact Desi makes, one royal fiasco at a time.

My Thoughts:

-    If they made a movie of my life, I'd hire Audrey Hepburn to play me too!

-    Old movies, Animal lover, Clarinet player, and Audrey Hepburn references...This book is awesome!!

-    The story was a really fun, light, and clean read!  Sometimes...you just gotta pick one of these up to break up the other stuff.  

-    I have to say that this book was a guilty pleasure.  Everything on the cover screams "Not For Me!!"  I don't know why I picked it up.  I'm glad I did though, I enjoyed it...more than I should have.

-    The whole Hayden thing was LAME!!  What a waste of time!  I knew the guy was a loser from the beginning!

-    There were a few things that were a little dramatic and meh.

-    I really love Desi.  I can relate to her on a lot of things.  I really love that she wanted to make an impact.  She helped girls achieve what they couldn't do for themselves.  That takes guts!  I don't know if I could have done that.  

-    I really enjoyed seeing Desi's character develop and become more.  

-    I liked that the author spelled Karl with a K.  My hubby's grandpa's name is spelled like that.  K's are better!  

-    I also really liked the fairy tale elements of the story.  It was fun!

Random Thought

For those of you who have been watching AGT, I just have to say...

I WANT A LABRADOODLE!!

The way that one bounced around on his hind legs,

and the Congo line, and just all the cuteness!!!

I can't stand it!!  I want one of those fuzzies!!

The Avengers

My Thoughts:

-    AAAAWWWEESSSSOOOOOOMMMMEE!!!

-    Well...there were a few things I didn't like, but I'm a Marvel Comic buff, so I'm picky.

-    The SHIELD uniforms were changed, and I didn't like the design a ton.

-    Bringing all The Avengers together was so great!!  I was geekin' out!!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE that they did individual movies and then brought them together!  I wish Iron Man's movies had a better bad guy...like Mandarin, his nemesis!  Overall the movies have been really well done!  Thank the maker that Marvel took over!!!!!!!!!!

-    I didn't like Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.  It bugged me. They cast picture perfect people for all the others, but they seriously screwed up Nick Fury.

-    There was a chick being Nick Fury's second in command.  I have no idea where that chick came from!! She stole Black Widow's job!  Black Widow is SHIELD's #2!  Everything that other chick did was Black Widow's job.  I know she was buys with other things, but they didn't have to replace her.

-    The fight scenes were fantastic!!  The CG was some of the best!!  Some of my favorite parts are where the heroes are battling each other.  SO GREAT!!  This movie had some of the best action sequences I've seen for a while. 

-    That was probably the best Hulk I've ever seen...EVER!  Out of ALL the hulk movies, this one was awesome!

-    Loki isn't an evil person.  He is the God of Mischief.  He caused a whole lot of problems, and he was a HUGE trouble maker, but he wasn't evil.

-    There were a few scenes where I thought I was going to die laughing!!!  OH MY GOSH!!  The best one was the Hulk/Loki scene.  If you've seen the movie already, you know what I'm talking about!!

-    The Stan Lee cameo was funny.

-    The creatures that came through the portal looked like Locusts to me (from Gears of War).  I think they kinda stole that design.  They didn't really say, but I think they came from the Shadow Realm.  If so, COOL!  The head honcho bad guy you see at the end...I know that face!!  I can't put a name to it right now, but I know that guy, and I'm stoked!!  There better be a 2nd Avenger movie!

-    How come Hawkeye didn't have his suit?  The purple suit with the mask.  Where was it? 

-    All the actors (minus Jackson) were phenomenal!!!!  They were born to play those roles.  They could have done better with Black Widow, but Scarlett Johansson did alright.  Robert Downey Jr. cracks me up!!

-    I could go on and on and on, but I think this is sufficient!  Overall, it was really well done!  This is a must see movie!!

p.s.   I want a Deadpool movie now!  Please Marvel!!

Spirited

Goodreads Synopsis:   In May 1756 war is formally declared between the British and the French. During this highly dangerous time, Isabella Sevens is travelling with her father to the British stronghold Fort William Henry.

In the forest, Wusamequin, the young and handsome medicine man, looks to avenge the death of his wife and child at the hands of British soldiers. When Wusamequin spots Isabella and her father, he alerts his warriors to capture them. But Wusamequin is quite taken with how bravely Isabella battles. He orders the warriors to spare her and her father, and they are dragged back to their village. However, many members of the Mohican tribe still want them to be killed. In a desperate plea to Wusamequin, Isabella vows to stay as his hostage if he lets her father go.

My Thoughts:

-    In the copy of the book I read, the font on every other page was terrible.  The lines are fat and it makes it harder to read.

 -    The story isn't so much a Beauty and Beast re-telling as much as a Dances with Wolves story.  To be honest...it is Dances with Wolves but the roles are switched.  The man is an Indian and the woman is English.  There wasn't even a beast...he was an Indian.  I know the white people viewed them as beasts, but I prefer re-tellings of this story to have some sort of deformed/cursed person.

-    I liked the little fairy people.  They added some light fun to a more serious/somber story.

-    Isabella is a really strong female protagonist.  I really liked how she was a fighter as well as a lady.

-    The story has been done SOOOOO much that I just don't appreciate it anymore.  I understand the whole moral of the thing, but I'm getting tired of this particular plot.  It isn't original.  

-    I thought the way the author used magic in the story was really well done.  It was a little mysterious and had the Indian vibe, but it wasn't over the top.  

Roxanne

My Thoughts:

-    This was a modern twist on the classic Cyrano de Bergerac.  I like the original better...MUCH better.

-    I liked the saxophone in the opening song, but I'm a sax lover.

-    Steve Martin's little song at the beginning made me laugh.

-    His white socks with dark pants and shoes really bugged me.  Through the whole movie, all I could see were those darn socks!!

-    I like how CD got the cat out of the tree, and I liked the 20 funnier come backs.  Those were the best parts of the movie.

-    The first half of the movie was a comedy and I laughed a lot, but the 2nd half was kinda dumb.  It went all chick flick and mushy.

-    Chris was DUMB!!!  Wholly cow!!  What an IDIOT!!  He wasn't even as hot as he was supposed to be.  

-    The leading lady didn't really convince me that she was intelligent.  She seemed almost as dumb as Christ...not quite as dumb, but almost.

Graceling

Goodreads Description:   Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.     When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. 

     With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.

My Thoughts:

-    It would be hard to have Katsa's Grace.  I would have a really hard time killing people.  I wonder if Katsa had hard time at first, or if part of her Grace takes away some guilt.

-    Po?  The author named her leading man Po?  That name should only belong to big fat pandas.   After a while though, the name didn't bug me.

-    I wish my hubby had Po's Grace sometimes.  Not all the time, but it would be nice once in a while.  Then he would know how I felt, and I wouldn't have to explain stuff to him over and over.

-    The story had some great characters.  Po is so patient and kind, especially with Katsa.  Katsa was a really strong female protagonist.  She did what she had to do, but she still had human flaws.  There were a few side characters that I really liked, like Raffin and Bitterblue.

-    I really enjoyed the book more the 2nd time through.  The politics and different kings and kingdoms were easier to keep track of and understand.

-    The 2nd half of the book is pretty intense.  I was so scared for Katsa and Bitterblue.  

-    The "pain" bit after Katsa and Po got together was a little odd to put in a book.  It made feel a little embarrassed.

-    I want to visit Po's castle someday.  

-    I wish there was a sequel to this instead/along with companion books.  I would love to go on another adventure with Katsa and Po, and I'd like to know what happens in some of the kingdoms and with certain characters.