Bout of Books Starting Line

Let's get this party started!!

Here are the books I'd like to plow through this week:

  

  

  

Ambitious? Yes!

I'm so excited! Let's get rockin'!

Ignite

From Goodreads:    Murder, kidnapping, and forbidden romance abound in this thrilling sequel to Sara B. Larson's acclaimed YA debut, DEFY.

Alexa continues to harbor a secret love for the newly crowned King Damian, yet she remains by his side as his guard and ever committed to helping him rebuild Antion and reclaim the hope of Antion's people. However, when a new threat to Damian and his kingdom emerges, and blame is cast on the once friendly nation of Blevon, Alexa knows things are not what they seem. Once again the fate of her country hangs in the balance. Will Alexa be able to protect her king and uncover the true enemy -- before it's too late?

My Thoughts:

-    It has been a while, and I didn't take notes. I hope I can remember how I felt about this.

-    Overall, I liked it a lot. 

-    The Alexa/Rylan/Damian triangle thingy still bugs. I wish Rylan was just a good friend. Alexa doesn't even consider him an option.

-    I liked the fighting and action. I love reading about how Alexa beats everyone.

-    I felt bad for Alexa and her insecurities. I'm sure any woman would be sensitive over her face getting burned, and I liked how the author portrayed Alexa dealing with that. I liked seeing how others could overlook her scars. It was a bigger deal to Alexa than it was to anyone else, and I'm sure that is so true for a lot of things in life.

-    I hated Alexa keeping secrets and things from Damian. Their relationship seemed a tad immature in this book. Although there were plenty of tension moments.

-    I love the different cultures and seeing them through Alexa's POV.

-    Again, I felt like the romantic relationships overpowered the actual story. I wish more focus had been on the conflict. There was a lot going on with the politics and stuff.

-    Despite the minor setbacks, I'm eager to read the final book! 

Previous Book

(cover is linked)

Fan Art Friday: Dune

Showcasing Dune was inevitable!

I found some great stuff!

The last picture is my favorite because someone actually created a CG image! It looks like a video game! I want to play! That is some incredible talent!

Which is your favorite?

All images are linked to the source where I found them, so if you like an image, you can get a closer look and check out other pictures by that artist.

Bout of Books Sign Up

I'M SIGNING UP!!
I'm SO behind on my reading that I really really really really need this!

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 11th and runs through Sunday, May 17th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 13 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

I'm thinking of organizing a reading party with my friends on Saturday. . .will have to ponder this more. Feedback on this idea?

Dune Read Along: Book 2 Discussion

Suey is hosting today's discussion! Linky up over there!

She also has a great recap on this section!

Announcements:

Tweet Chat tomorrow May 7 @ 9:00 PM MST

#DuneRAL

We are starting Book 3 tomorrow!

Discussion post here on my blog on May 16!

 

If you are reading the same edition as me (and Lee Pace), that is about 12 pages a day!

Questions:

1. What do you think about all the rituals the Freman have surrounding water? Especially the funeral.

I think it is amazing what people will do to survive. I can't even imagine having a need for water so badly. The funeral was interesting. I'm not sure it is something I could watch. The Fremen customs seem so strange to me. Paul and Jessica seem like they are walking on eggshells so they can be integrated into their "tribe" or whatever. It would be stressful. 

2. Any other thoughts you have about the Freman now that we've been introduced a little better?

I think the Fremen are the key to taking back Arrakis and taking down the Baron and Emporer. I'm waiting for the epic war!

3. How do you feel about the way Paul is progressing to his destiny?

I think he is SUPER paranoid! Every decision he makes is premeditated. He has to think about how his choices will change the future. I think he is a bit over dramatic about it, especially his feelings towards his mom.  

4. We had more deaths in this section, two that stand out. Compare and contrast them.

NO! WHY!? I didn't want Kynes to die. Grrrr! I think Jamis was an ass, and I'm glad Paul took him down. 

It think it is weird how Kynes is being mourned, but Jamis really isn't. His death is accepted, and everyone has moved on. 

5. What political maneuverings are happening during this section? I'd love a nice uncomplicated explanation!

Hawat is an idiot! I don't get his deal.

The whole Count, Feyd-Rautha, Baron dynamic is confusing. These people are insane!

6. What religious events are happening?

I feel like we've covered some of this in the previous questions. 

I think what the Fremen call weirding ways are awfully similar to the Bene Gesserit ways. The tests that Paul and Jessica are being put through are scary. 

I feel like everything is so radical! I guess that is what lack of water does to people. 

7. What do you think of the Baron?

EWWWW!! 

Crazy psycho evil dude!

8. Any foreshadowing moments that stand out to you? What's going to happen?

Paul better lead an epic war against the Emporer and Baron!!!

I think Jessica's baby is going to be crazy but important.

Obviously Chani and Paul are getting together.

9. How do you like (or dislike) this section compared to the first? Any new favorite characters?

I thought this section was alright. It is still slow in parts. I like Chani and Stilgar. They interest me. They count bugs me. I hate the way he talks!

10. Do you plan to finish and stick with us through part three?

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Will Never Read

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

Top Ten Books I Will Probably Never Read

This is a toughy! I can't just go look at a list on Goodreads for this one, and there a lot of books I probably will never read, but I usually don't think about them.


I have Coulrophobia, and I would never ever be able to read this!

Just not interested

I don't read trash

After the fiasco that was Twilight, this author has struck out for me.

I won't read this or any other Nicholas Sparks book.


This is popular, but I'm just not an Amy Poehler fan. I think she is crazy.


I'm too scared to read this one because of content.


I have no desire to tackle this beast.


I loved Fangirl, but I'm not really interested in this.


After hearing a lot about the books and the TV series, I just don't think this series is for me.

The Wind Rises

My Thoughts:

-    I can't express in words how heartbreaking it is that this is Miyazaki's last film. He certainly was a master storyteller, and I will treasure his movies forever.

-    As usual, Studio Ghibli provided a breathtakingly beautiful film. The art is unlike anything else. The environment, the characters, the buildings, etc. It is so stunning.

-    This was a very somber movie. It had happy beautiful moments, but it also had a lot of heartache.

-    The story was a very lovely love story. It was very touching and very beautiful.

-    I can't stop using the word beautiful for this movie. It is what it is!

-    The characters were amazing. I loved each and every one. Like all of Miyazaki's characters, they have become dear to me.

-    Everything in this movie was so subtle and beautiful, from the music, to the characters, to the artwork, and especially the story. Only Miyazaki could create something like this.

-    The music was amazing! I love Joe Hisaishi's work!

-    Please don't retire Miyazaki!! PLEASE!! I don't want to live in a world where you aren't drawing and creating movies. 

Getting to Know You: Bucket List

Jenni is not longer making this feature a meme, but I don't care! I'm participating anyway!
This week's prompt is:

My Bucket List:

I haven't actually sat down and made one of these, but I've always wanted to.

1.  Make a pilgrimage to South Korea to see where I was born.

2.  Learn to play the piano like Ben Folds.

3.  Play Tenor Sax in a concert for Wasatch Winds.

4.  Learn to do Amigurumi

5.  Visit every state in the USA

6.  Read every Austen novel

7.  Read every Dickens novel

8.  Design and build my dream home

9.  Play a solo on my clarinet for the Wasatch Winds

10.  Have another kid

11.  No debt! (including paid off house)

12.  Go on a cruise to Alaska and go fishing!

13.  Tour all of Europe

14.  Tour all of Asia

15.  Meet Buddy Valastro and buy a custom cake from him

16.  Visit the Smithsonian

17.  Cosplay!

18.  Visit Prince Edward Island

19.  Have a ball pit in my basement

20.  Only eat real food

21.  Become a master at making Korean food

22.  Become fluent in another language

That is all I have right now. There are a lot of other things I'd like to do, but this is what I remember this morning.

Cinderella

My Thoughts:

-    This a very cute and charming movie, but it wasn't as amazing as I thought it would be.

-    I loved the twist on Sleeping Beauty that Maleficent brought to the screen, and I was hoping for a great twist on Cinderella, but I was disappointed. This was a pretty classic Cinderella story. 

-    While charming, it was a bit corny. I was hoping this movie was for adults as well as children, but I felt it was geared more towards kids.

-    Since it was corny and nothing new, I kinda wish they had just done the Rogers and Hammerstein's version.

-    The whole movie was a feast for the eyes! The costumes, the sets, and everything was visually stunning.

-    The cast was perfect! I loved Lily James as Cinderella! She was perfect. The prince wasn't too shabby either. I love Helena Bonham Carter, but I wanted more of her! 

-    It has always bugged me that Cinderella forgets she is nobility. She isn't a servant! She is a lady! It doesn't matter what her stepmother thought. I wish she had walked up the prince and said her name was Ella and she was lady of the house.

-    Ella put up with a lot. I agree that is good to always be kind, but you shouldn't let others push you around either. 

-    The mice were cute, but again, a little corny.

-    I love how they used the song Lavender Blue. I remember that song from my childhood, and I've always loved it. They changed the lyrics a bit, but I stilled loved it. 

Captain Wentworth's Diary

Goodreads Says:    The retelling of Jane Austen?s novel Persuasion from the point of view of Captain Frederick Wentworth?by the author of Mr. Knightley?s Diary.

During his shore leave from the Navy, Frederick Wentworth falls in love with the elegant and intelligent Miss Anne Elliot?only to see his hopes of marrying her dashed by her godmother.

Eight years later, Wentworth has realized his ambitions. A wealthy captain, he has pushed his memories of Anne to the furthest recesses of his mind?until he sees her again. And though Anne?s bloom has faded, Wentworth is surprised to find that his regard for her wit and warmth has not.

My Thoughts:

-    Move over Mr. Knightley, Captain Wentworth might be replacing you as my favorite Austen hero! I still love you though.

-    This book was everything I'd hoped for. I loved seeing how Anne and Wentworth met and fell in love for the first time and broke off their engagement.

-    I loved reading Captain Wentworth's perspective, especially while he was writing the letter at the end. I loved reading about his indifference to Anne, and then learning that he still loved her. Oh the agony he felt!

-    I felt that Grange did a wonderful job staying true to the story and the characters.

-    I doubt any man would keep a diary as detailed as this, so I don't know if the diary angle was the right one, but I still loved it.

-    I devoured this book! I couldn't read fast enough! I can't wait to read more of these!

-    This is a must read for Persuasion fans!