Blog Tour: Author Interview + eBook Giveaway | The Light Tamer by Devyn Dawson

Hello and welcome to The Light Tamer Tour hosted by These Paper Worlds. Today I have Devyn stopping by for an interview in which she shares with us a little about The Light Tamer, her writing process and herself. Enjoy and look out below for a chance to win an eBook copy of The Light Tamer!

Find Devyn Dawson: Website | Facebook |Twitter


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Describe The Light Tamer in five words.

Funny - Intelligent - Happy - Flawed - First love (2 words, sorry)

What was the process like for titling The Light Tamer? Did you go through several titles before deciding?

Once I decided to title the book, it came in an instant. No other titles, it was much easier than my other books.

What can we expect to see in the second book in The Light Tamer Trilogy?

The second book is going to have more information about Light Tamers. Amber will have to face her issues with her brother's death and her dad's progress. The Rosicrucian Order classes will have a couple of characters blended in from another book of mine. If anyone has read Malevolence, they know that the Order was introduced there. School will be very interesting and challenging for our young friends.

If you and Jessie could spend the day together, what would you do?

I have two severely handicapped black labs, I'd have her heal them. I also have a rescue cat from the animal shelter, she has serious issues - I'd see if she could heal my kitty so life wouldn't be so scary to her.

Do you have a specific routine while writing or do you just wing it and see what happens?

I keep a ongoing dictionary of the characters and their abilities. I have a few crystals that I keep in my pocket while I'm writing - one is to help your writing, the other is to help you stay focused. I like the house to be empty of humans, and I like it to be silent. One of my cats likes to sleep on top of my mouse.

What book are you currently reading?

The Calling by Kelley Armstrong - my all time favorite author. When I'm finished, I'm going to read 50 Shades of Grey.

What are three weird facts your readers may not know about you?

The scene about the bee was straight from me... I have a fear of bees that I can't control. I carry hand sanitizer with me everywhere, and I won't touch salt or ketchup in public without a napkin in my hand. When I'm happy, I sing opera songs.

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Title: The Light Tamer
Series: The Light Tamer #1
Genre: YA - Paranormal/Romance
Publication: Self-published

Summary: Jessie's moved from New York to North Carolina one week after school let out for summer break. Her newly 'single' mother and her move in with grandma Gayle. Being a teenager in a retirement area is one more thing to add to her 'this sucks' list. It's bad enough to have to move, but even worse her alcoholic father left for Greece on a quest to fulfill his artistic abilities.

Things begin to look up when she is reintroduced to Caleb, the dorky boy that saved her life one summer at the beach. Caleb is no longer scrawny and nerdy, he is now tall, dark, and handsome. Caleb is a Light Tamer. Caleb introduces Jessie to Amber, a no frills, snarky, sassy attitude Light Tamer. Her words will have you laughing out loud and gasping 'oh no she didn't'. Amber's father was paralyzed last summer in a surfing accident that left her brother dead and her life upside down.

Buy the book: Amazon

Giveaway rules: One eBook copy of The Light Tamer is up for grabs. Open internationally. Must be 13 years of age or older to enter. Winner will be drawn Friday, May 4.

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Make sure to check out all the other stops on the tour today for a chance to win more fun prizes! 

 Tour Stops: 

http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy.blogspot.com/ 

http://www.coffeebooksandme.blogspot.com/ 

http://melissaseclecticbookshelf.blogspot.com/ 

http://www.autumnreview.com/ 

http://fictionaldistraction.blogspot.com/

http://countingpaperstars.blogspot.com/ 

http://www.angelsdemonsandvampires.com/

 http://paigebradish1996.blogspot.com/ 

http://themagicatticreads.com/ 

http://splashofourworlds.blogspot.com/ 

http://understandingshaestory.blogspot.com/

 http://melissamaygrove.blogspot.com/

 http://www.tsktskwhattoread2.blogspot.com/

 http://www.bittersweet-enchantment.com/ 

 http://thebooklovie.blogspot.jp/ 

http://devyn-dawson.blogspot.jp/

Monday Recap (04.17 - 04.23)

Hello friends. How are you? I had an eventful past few days. Friday was both my three year blogoversary and my brother's birthday, so I spent the day (mostly) celebrating. I also got some shopping done ;) On Saturday I had a few things for school to do and then I spent the afternoon watching Dexter. I love that show ♥ This weekend was the L.A. Festival of Books at USC and living so close by, I got a chance to go on Sunday. It was great and I will most likely be posting pictures later this week :)

If you didn't know, I am having a few giveaways right now for my blogoversary as well as one or two others. Also, this is pretty exciting news for me: I started a YouTube channel to go alongside this blog. I will be reviewing YA books there, as well as posting monthly haul videos, TBR videos and maybe some bookshelf tours in the future. I'm also going to discuss other book related stuff there too. I hope you guys take the time to subscribe and to watch :)

Here's what I plan to read this week:

 

Last week I read:

+ The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey

+ The Light Tamer by Devyn Dawson

I reviewed:

+ Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan 

I finally got through some books last week. I don't want to set my goals to high for this week, but I think I can get through both these books. Tonight I am going to the YA or Bust Tour at Children's Book World in Los Angeles. I am pretty excited! I am going to be meeting a few more authors, yay! Happy reading and have a great week everyone :)

Blogoversary Giveaway #3: Foreseen Prize Pack ★

Hello and welcome to my blogoversary celebration! To celebrate I have been giving away a few prize packs to you, my lovely readers! The Foreseen Prize Pack is the last giveaway for my blogoversary celebration and the one I am most excited to offer :) It includes one copy of each of these highly anticipated books: This Is Not A Test by Courtney Summers and Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore!

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Giveaway rules: Two brand new copies of both books pictured. Open internationally (as long as the Book Depository ships to your country). Must 13 years or older to enter. Winner will be drawn Friday, May 25. 

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Thank you all for following and happy reading everyone :)

 You can find Prize Pack #1 here and Prize Pack #2 here. 

All other giveaways can be found here.

Happy Earth Day!

I hope you all had a great Sunday! I spent mine at the L.A. Festival of Books so I didn't have a chance to post this earlier...Happy Earth Day and happy reading :D

Blogoversary Giveaway #2: Paranormal ☠ Prize Pack

Hello and welcome to my blogoversary celebration! To celebrate I am giving away a few prize packs! Prize Pack #2 is a choice of one of the paranormal ☠ books pictured below → because paranormal YA is awesome and it's a hardcover copy too! and a key & wing charm necklace from Etsy (because I love book inspired jewelry!)

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Giveaway rules: One brand new, hardcover copy of one of the books pictured (winners choice) and one handmade necklace (pictured below). Open internationally (as long as the Book Depository ships to your country). Must 13 years or older to enter. Winner will be drawn Friday, May 25.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can find Prize Pack #1 here and other giveaways here. 

Make sure to stop by tomorrow and check out the last Prize Pack :)

Blogoversary Giveaway #1: Romance ♥ Prize Pack

Hello and welcome to my blogoversary celebration! To celebrate I am going to be having a few prize packs for you! Prize Pack #1 is a choice of one of the romance ♥ books pictured below → because it is my favorite genre ever and a choice of one the bookmarks (because I just bought one and I think they are super cute!)

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Giveaway rules: One brand new, paperback copy of one of the books pictured (winners choice) and one handcrafted wooden bookmark (winners choice). Open internationally (as long as the Book Depository ships to your country). Must 13 years or older to enter. Winner will be drawn Friday, May 25. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make sure to stop by tomorrow and check out Prize Pack #2 :)

Blogoversary!

Today is my three year blogoversary, woo!
I can't believe how fast time has gone by and how much I still love doing this. It has been such an enjoyable experience :)

Since I almost forgot again this year to celebrate, like I've done the last two, I only have a few things planned. What exactly do I have planned you may ask? Well for one thing, I have decided to become a BookTuber (a book reviewer on YouTube) starting today and I hope you guys will follow my adventures over there by subscribing to my channel. I will be posting more about in the future and I am really excited to get that project started and hopefully expand my readership. I also have several giveaways for you, my lovely readers. Without you guys reading this here blog of mine, I do not think oodles of books. would have survived this long :) I will be posting them over the next three days and I hope you will stop by to check them out.

I will be linking up each giveaway below and adding this post to my sidebar so you can find all the giveaways easily. Thanks for stopping by and for reading ♥ I look forward to many more years :D
It is also my brother's birthday too :D Happy Birthday Eric :)
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Giveaway #1: Romance ♥ Prize Pack
Giveaway #2: Paranormal ☠ Prize Pack
Giveaway #3: Foreseen Prize Pack ★

Giveaway! Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Title: Glow
Author: Amy Kathleen Ryan
Genre: Young Adult - Dystopian/Science Fiction
Publication: 09.13.2011 by St. Martin's Griffin
Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Summary: What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.

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If you read my review yesterday, you saw that Glow was only an okay read for me. Here's your chance to give it a try too and see what you think about it! I am giving away my copy of the audio that I won for you to listen to also. There are no requirements to enter.

Giveaway rules: One audiobook (used once) is up for grabs. Open to US residents only. Must 13 years or older to enter. Winner will be drawn Friday, May 18.


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Review | Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Title: Glow
Series: Sky Chasers #1
Author: Amy Kathleen Ryan
Genre: YA - Dystopian/ Science Fiction
Publication: 09.13.2011 by St. Martin's Griffin
Source: Won
Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Summary: What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.

Thoughts: I didn't really have high expectations for Glow because I had seen a lot of so-so reviews on it. I was glad I won an audio copy of it because I was able to listen to it in my car when I had a chance . While I was not disappointed, Glow didn't really offer too much for me. I am not sure if I enjoyed it or not.

I can't really explain how I felt about Glow because while it was an adventurous read, with lots of shocking moments, it still felt sort of empty for me. I didn't feel any connection or sympathy towards Waverly because her personality was a little to confusing. I did not like Kieran because he was a little pathetic...and Seth, well...he was sort of a psycho. The secondary characters didn't offer much more depth either.

The story moves really quickly at first but then the pace sort of slows down a bit, and while this wasn't bad, I sort of felt a little bored after a while. Told from alternating points of view, we are able to see what happens between both the New Horizon and the Empyrean, and get into both Waverly and Kieran minds but this didn't interest me too much either.

I am not sure what the "point" of Glow really was because of all the religious difficulties the author threw in there. I really wasn't expecting religion to play such an important part of the book and made the whole plot of the book a little weak for me.

I don't think the book was bad, but do not think I will continue this series because it didn't offer much to hold my interest. It was just an okay read for me. There are a lot of mixed reviews on this one though, so I still recommend it to others who enjoy dystopian novels to check it out.

About the author:

Amy Kathleen Ryan earned her MA from the University of Vermont, and her MFA from The New School in New York City. Amy only reviews books she thinks are excellent.
Website | Facebook 

Monday Recap (for a few weeks again)

I've been in a reading slump I think. I've been reading the same books for almost a month now (if not more) and I can't get myself to finish them. At first, I was too busy, but now I don't know. This is the last week that I am going to give these two books a shot and if I can't get through them, I am going to put them on my DNF list and move on. I want to read some YA too, but I don't want to have to many books started at one time. 

Here's what I plan to read/finish this week:

I reviewed:
+ Youth in Revolt by C.D. Payne [review]

Review | Youth in Revolt by C.D. Payne

Title: Youth in Revolt
Author: C.D. Payne
Series: 1/7
Publication: 03.15.1996 by Crown Publishing Group
Source: Gift
Challenges: Young Adult Reading Challenge
Rating: ★★★★☆

Summary: SIX MONTHS IN THE LIFE OF THE WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS TEENAGER

Youth in Revolt is the journals of Nick Twisp, California's most precocious diarist, whose ongoing struggles to make sense out of high school, deal with his divorced parents, and lose his virginity result in his transformation from an unassuming fourteen-year-old to a modern youth in open revolt. As his family splinters, worlds collide, and the police block all routes out of town, Nick must cope with economic deprivation, homelessness, the gulag of the public schools, a competitive type-A father, murderous canines, and an inconvenient hair trigger on his erectile response–all while vying ardently for the affections of the beauteous Sheeni Saunders, teenage goddess and ultimate intellectual goad.

Thoughts: Youth in Revolt was one of those books that had been sitting on my TBR list for years and only happened to pick up because it was randomly chosen for me (read more on that here.) Fortunately for me, Youth in Revolt turned out to be a fun adventure that I couldn't get enough of, with fun and wacky characters that I loved and sometimes loved to hate.

Nick Twisp (who just so happens to hate his name) is a fourteen year old teenage boy who thinks of little else but sex. He is on the search to lose his virginity and along with his friends, they come up with crazy plans on how numerous ways to accomplish this. Nick lives with his mother, and her good-for-not-much boyfriend happens to stay over a lot. When the boyfriend gets in trouble with some sailors, the three hit the road and end up in a trailer park. This is where Nick meets Sheeni, the love of his life. Of course, to win her heart and stay close to her, Nick must be bad, very bad and his hilarious and wild attempts to reach her (and hopefully lose his virginity to her) cause his to cause quite some havoc that land Nick in some pretty huge trouble.

Although very single minded, Nick is an likable kid (but not always) and even though I wanted to smack him on the head every once in a while, he had me grinning most of the book with his witty thoughts. Quite smart for his age, he gets away with a lot and his ideas had me laughing out loud especially when his alter ego, Francois, was involved. His relationships with others were also very eccentric but worked well with the rest of the book. While rather long, there was a lot to get through with the book, and at no point did it ever feel dull. Nick was getting himself into one thing or another and this kept me engaged the entire time.

The author has a marvelous way of keeping the reader wanting to learn more about the characters, which there are many of. I definitely look forward to reading the rest of Nick's escapades in the next books. I definitely recommend Youth in Revolt to older teens and adults (some scenes are just not appropriate for younger audiences, but do offer quite a laugh sometimes) who think they would enjoy a different, ridiculous, humorous and raunchy coming of age story of a fourteen year old boy.

About the author:  Author and showman C.D. Payne was born in Akron, Ohio in 1949. In 1971 he moved to California. During the next 25 years, he held over 50 jobs including newspaper editor, book publisher's assistant, proofreader, trailer park handyman, and catalog writer. Since 2004 he has been the proprietor of the Eyelusion Museum, a mobile discovery museum in a restored and polished 1964 Airstream trailer. His latest mobile sideshow is a 1950s miniature town. It can been seen at the Santa Rosa Handcar Regatta and other events. He is married and lives in Sonoma County.

Website
Buy the book: Amazon

In My Mailbox 54

• Between You and Me by Emma McLaughlin
• Splintered Souls by Cynthia Lyn

What did you get in your mailbox?

Blog Tour: Author Interview + Swag Giveaway | Blood Born by Jamie Manning

Hello and welcome to the Blood Born Tour hosted by Once Upon A Twilight. Today I have Jamie stopping by for an interview in which he shares with us a little about Blood Born, his other writing, and himself. Enjoy and look out below for a chance to win some swag and an opportunity to be entered in the Grand Prize Giveaway!

Find Jamie Manning: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

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Describe Blood Born in five words.

Secrets. Love. Humor. Fighting. Vampires. :)

What was the process like for titling Blood Born? Did you go through several titles before deciding?

Settling on a title was one of the most difficult things about this book and series. I had what I deemed the perfect title when I submitted, but as sometimes happens, it was too close to the title of another book already out. So after living with that title (which, incidentally, was my MC's first name!) for nearly two years, I had to start over. It was torture! :)


What was your reaction when you first saw the cover? Was it what you had imagined it looking like?

I was floored! I was very fortunate to have tons of input on my cover, and the photographer and designer took everything I asked for and pieced it all together. It's literally like he stepped inside my head and took a picture!

If you could give Ava one piece of advice, what would it be?

Hmm...probably to not trust what she thinks is true, for it most likely isn't! ;)

When can we expect to see the second book in The Blood Prophecy Trilogy?

Book 2 comes out April 2013 (p.s. I'm neck-deep in revisions, and it's better than Book 1, if I say so myself!)

Where did you get your interest in vampires and the paranormal?

I've always been a horror movie/book nerd, and vampires have been at the top of my favorites list for as long as I can remember. I think the fact that there are so many directions you can take them is what makes them so appealing to write about!

I saw on your blog that you just signed a contract with Pendrell Publishing! Congrats! Can you share with us a little about your next book, Generation Z?

Thanks! Yes, I just signed a second contract with my publisher for another trilogy, and I couldn't be happier. GENERATION Z is YA dystopian, and though I can't say much, I can tell you that it's completely different from BLOOD BORN (even down to the style of writing) and I am loving it. I will tell you that it's centered around the last human born on the planet, and it's up to her to save humanity. :)

Are there any other projects you are currently working on?

Always! lol In addition to finishing up the Blood Prophecy Trilogy and beginning the GEN Z trilogy, I'm working on a YA contemporary that I'm really loving. Maybe one day it'll be out for all to read and enjoy! :)

What book are you currently reading?

Right now I'm reading WITCH EYES by Scott Tracey. Though I don't get to as often as I'd like (thank you, revisions. lol) I try to read at least a chapter a night. It's almost as if I can't sleep without it!

What are three weird facts your readers may not know about you?

Hmm, let's see.
1. My favorite sandwich is ham with peanut butter (hey, don't knock it!)
2. I used to be a professional cake decorator!
3. I once was dragged two hundred feet by an unmanned car. Yeah, I don't recommend it! :)

Thanks so much, Cindy, for great questions!

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Title: Blood Born
Series: Blood Prophecy #1
Genre: YA - Paranormal
Publication: E-book 03.14.2012 | Hardcover 04.24.2012 by Pendrell Publishing
Pages: 360

Summary: Waking up in a coffin hungry for blood is only the beginning for sixteen-year-old Ava Blue. When Chance Caldon, the hottie who dug her up, tells her that she’s half vampire, Ava’s world really turns upside down.

Half vamp? Ava can’t believe it...she doesn't even know what that means! Not until Aldric, a thousand-year-old vampire, shows up and tells her it’s true--and that he’s the one who turned her. Then Ava truly begins to believe what she is. Now, she has to deal with a sudden and powerful bloodlust, the desire to see Aldric dead, and her growing crush for Chance. Ava knows she's a monster now, she can feel it; and her life is over.

But redemption isn’t lost. Aldric is giving her a chance to regain her humanity. The price? Kill a hundred vampires, or remain a bloodsucker forever.

So Ava sets out to get her life back. But killing vampires begins a battle that could destroy everything she is working toward. In the end, Ava's decisions will forever change her life and the lives of those she loves.

Buy the book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble


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To enter in the Grand Prize Giveaway, just leave a comment below and comment on all the others stops, which you can find here to be eligible to win! Tomorrow's stop will be at The Reading Date and includes an E-Book giveaway, so make sure to check it out!

Tune in Tuesday | James Vincent McMorrow

Tune in Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by Ginger at GReads! that showcases music.

To participate, just help spread the love of music by sharing a song with others.

-- I think to get a real feel of a new-to-you artist, it takes more than one or two songs. That's why for my Tune in Tuesday I create a short playlist of each artists instead of just one song. Enjoy :)

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Month in Movies: March

I used to post a weekly feature of movies back in the day but after a while, I stopped. I decided to bring that back as a monthly post with a list of all the movies I've watched in the past month with some quick thoughts.

The Woman in Black [2012]

I was excited to see Daniel Radcliffe back in this new horror movie. I saw the trailer once and then went out to watch it the next day. There was a lot of mystery and suspense in this one, but it was in fact, not as scary as I had anticipated. While there were a few scenes that had me covering my eyes, I still peeked and watched without being too startled. There wasn't too much dialogue, but that was sort of a good thing because it sort of made it creepier. I was a little disappointed with the ending though; not what I had expected.

Rating: ★ ★ ★
Buy the book: Amazon

The Lorax [2012]

I never read The Lorax as a child, or too many other Dr. Seuss books for that matter, but we went out to watch this in celebration of both Dr. Seuss' birthday and my boyfriend's sister's birthday [March 2.] I'd seen the previews beforehand and was expecting a different tale of a boy who searches for a real-life tree, but it turned out differently. While the animation was fantastic and definitely made to be watched in 3-D, I found the story a bit dull and not very comical. It felt like a more colorful, lively version of Wall-E. Great for teaching children about taking care of our Earth though; I am sure families are bound to enjoy this one.

Rating: ★ ★ ★
Buy the book: Amazon

Drive [2011]

I had no idea what this was about and while I tried to guess at the beginning what was going to happen, I had no idea how much I was going to like this movie. It has suspense, a bit of romance, and a lot of silent Ryan Gosling. I am in love with him and really enjoyed seeing him in this role. I was even happier when I saw it was nominated for an Oscar (but it didn't win.) While it has plenty of killing, blood and some gore scenes, I definitely recommend this one to others (who enjoy those kinda things xD)

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Buy the book: Amazon

Whip It [2009]

My boyfriend insisted we watch it because he knew I would like it. And I did. Ellen Page has become one of my favorite actresses because of her ability to take a role and make it her own, and I really liked how Bliss changes grows up throughout the movie. Drew Barrymore has always been a favorite, so I loved her kick ass role here, and I was really happy with how well her first directorial movie turned out. I was also pleasantly surprised to find out about another Wilson brother, who plays the coach. Overall, I would definitely recommend this to everyone out there :)

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Buy the book: Amazon

Youth in Revolt [2009]

It took me some time to get through the book, but as soon as I was done I was ready to watch the movie. I love Michael Cera and was really interested in how he would take the role of Nick Twisp. He was Michael Cera, the way he always is. Sort of quiet and snarky, timid and sarcastic, and I thought that he fit the role perfectly. I was surprised at how similar the movie was to the book and liked that they even included the dialogue. There were obviously a few changes, but I didn't how much the ending was changed. It didn't conclude the same way the book did and it made me a little sad. If you've read the book or like Michael Cera, I recommend this one.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ½
Buy the book: Amazon

Beauty and the Beast 3D [2012]

I own the movie and I've watched it about 43746+50747 times but each time it's been released in theatres, I've gone to watch it. Including the time that it was the Sing-Along and all the children in the room screamed "...tale as old as time" instead of enjoying the scene. Anyways, Beauty in the Beast in 3D was beautiful. It made me feel like I was there, like I could really reach out and  touch the animated Belle and her books. This movie was made to be seen in 3D, and while I am not a big fan of watching movies in 3D, I definitely recommend watching this one. It looks simply amazing.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Buy the movie: Amazon

The Hunger Games [2012]

This was probably one of the most anticipated movies of all time and it was freaking awesome. There were some parts that I wish had been included and a few that I wish hadn't changed, but really, this was the best book-to-movie adaptation I have ever watched and I cannot wait to go see it again. The cast was great, the additions were awesome, the animation was amazing, and the story was right on. It made me smile and it made me cry. I loved it. I just wish there would have been some reference to the phrase "the boy with the bread."

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Buy the book: Amazon

Bridesmaids [2011]

This was a whatever kind of movie for me. I am not into "that" kind of humor and really didn't laugh out loud for any part of this movie. Okay, maybe I smiled a little when she was trying to get the cops attention by driving past him a million times. Other than that though, I was pretty disappointed. I thought it was trying to hard to be a funny girl version of all those stupid funny guy movies and was left sort of flat. I know plenty of people who really enjoyed this and found it absolutely hilarious, so I definitely recommend you check it out. I know it wasn't for me.

Rating: ★ ★
Buy the movie: Amazon

28 Days [2000]

This was an okay movie. While it had a great message, it was sort of cliche with an drug user who is in denial until she faces death and meets other people, then cleans herself up. It had a bit of romance, some funny moments, and a few sad ones too, but overall it felt sort of flat. I absolutely love Sandra Bullock, but this one is not one of her better films. Watch it if you've always wanted to (like me) or if you confuse it with Forces of Nature (like me) or if you accidentally put it on Netflix and are too lazy to reach for the controller (like me.)

Rating: ★ ★ ½
Buy the movie: Amazon

21 Jump Street [2012]

I honestly didn't want to use up my free movie ticket to watch this. My boyfriend was interested though and since there was nothing else on (and I couldn't use my free ticket to re-watch The Hunger Games) we decided on this. Can I tell you that I still can't believe how much I enjoyed this movie? I was laughing out loud from start to end, and while it was a totally ridiculous movie, it was terribly funny. I was surprised at how much I liked Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum together in these roles. They fit them perfectly and really pulled off their shenanigans well. Definitely recommend this one if you are looking for something light and humorous.

Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Buy the original: Amazon

Any thoughts on any of the movies mentioned above? I feel like I watched a whole lot :) Let's see how many April brings. Thanks for reading!

Monday Recap (03.26 - 04.01)

Happy Monday friends! I am really excited to be back to blogging :) This week I will definitely have more time to post more :D Last week wasn't too great on reading, but oh well. Time to focus on this new week :)

Here's what I plan to read/finish this week:



Last week I read:
+ Fallen from Grace by M.J. Putney

Other posts:
+ In My Mailbox 53

I've been reading the same books for weeks now and I plan to actually finish them this week. I hope! I've been saying that for a while now :/

In My Mailbox 53

• The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg


What did you get in your mailbox? :)