Book Lovers Only

Love is, as everyone says, completely blind. It is blinding in its feelings towards others as well as the lovers themselves. I suppose that to them this saying means nothing, but to those who know the world well enough love makes fools of everyone. Take for instance, Romeo and Juliet. Romeo was blinded by his love for Juliet and took his own life. Had he thought of the other parts of his existence, he may not have acted so irrationally. He may have even found new love. But he did not. He saw Juliet dead and decided on the spur of the moment that's what he wanted. Was that the best option? Probably not.

There's nothing wrong with being hurt by love. There's nothing wrong with being spiteful and angry and maybe even loathing of a relationship, especially when it's not your own. To be rejected by a friend hurts a thousand times worse than any kind of love. You may be able to get over a love over time, but regret will plague any feelings of reuniting with a friend. While you pretend to be happy and fine, your heart will ache when you think about what was lost.

So, my dear friends, never forget one thing: friends come before all. Always.

Yours Truly

Is it correct I haven't updated SOTW all month??? I've been so busy I haven't had time!! Well, I had a lot of songs on my mind this past week, but if you know me you'll know why I chose this one. Enjoy your first song for this month!!!

Song Title: Summer Nights
Artist: Olivia Newton John & John Travolta
Album: Grease (Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Listen On!
Yours Truly

Movie: The Proposal
Year: 2009
Director: Anne Fletcher
Actors: Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock, Betty White
Overall Rating: A

This movie was HILARIOUS! You never know what to expect from a romantic comedy, but this one was definitely a WINNER! The plot was twisting and unusual with nothing given away. The actors did a great job and I thought it was very good.

Favorite Part: When Betty White fake dies. Now you HAVE to watch the movie.

Watch On!
Yours Truly

Today is Monday (FOR SURE!!) and it is time for a SOTW. I've been listening to Disney incessantly this past week so I thought it only deserving I make the SOTW an homage to my favorite Disney movie!

Song Title: Colors of the Wind
Artist: Judy Kuhn
Album: Pocahontas (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Listen On!
Yours Truly

It's Friday. Yesterday was Thursday. I'm not really sure why I updated my blog with a new song of the week by the SAME ARTIST on a day that's not Monday, but too bad.

I didn't even realize it wasn't Monday. FAIL

Listen On!
Yours Truly

For some reason, it's just been one of those days when slow songs make me very happy. It's not that I'm in a bad mood--I just feel kind of tired a little sad (for whatever reason??) so slow songs are making me feel good. I just bought this CD and love the sound of Brandi's voice along with her lyrics and her style. It's definitely a winner!!

Song Title: Downpour
Artist: Brandi Carlile
Album: The Story

Listen On!
Yours Truly

Movie: Dear John
Year: 2010
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Actors: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried
IMDB: CLICK HERE
Based Upon: The book "Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks
Overall Rating: A-

Serious Nicholas Sparks fans may cringe at the differences between the book and this movie, but I can honestly say that I didn't notice many of them. Maybe that's due to the fact it's been over a year since I read the book, but I thought this movie was really good and followed the book pretty closely. A few things I did notice were different (including the ending which I liked better) but I liked most of the new changes. The biggest disappointment for me was the fact that John's father doesn't play as huge a part as he does in the book. My favorite aspect of the book was John's reconcilliation with his father. It was alluded to in the movie but in the book that theme was dominant.

Favorite Part: I think of any specific part that was the best since I enjoyed the whole thing!

Watch On!
Yours Truly

Movie Title: The Truman Show
Year: 1998
Director: Peter Weir
Actors: Jim Carrey, Laura Linney, Ed Harris
IMDB: CLICK HERE
Overall Rating: A

This movie was very thought provoking and cool. The movie's protagonist, played by Jim Carrey, is living a fake life in a popular TV show broadcasted around the world. It made me think a lot about what it would be like to be in Truman's shoes. It would suck if everything you did was manipulated and people weren't actually "there". The people in Truman's life were all actors. That would majorly suck. And to have a camera crew following me around all the time??? Yeah, no. Nonetheless, I loved this movie and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Favorite Part: The end. Which I'm NOT giving away!!

Watch On!
Yours Truly

Another Brandi Carlile song!!! I absolutely love Brandi Carlile's songs because she has such a unique voice. It has a bit of a rock edge but it's still classic and beautiful. I had never heard of her before this song. I'm very glad I did! This is one of my all time favorites.

Song Title: The Story
Artist: Brandi Carlile
Album: The Story

Listen On!
Yours Truly

This is one of my favorite songs. It takes such a unique look at a relationship that's going to ruins. I love the story behind it and the lyrics are beautiful.

Song Title: Dead Flowers
Artist: Miranda Lambert
Album: Revolution

Listen On!
Yours Truly

My fellow readers, this is what teachers nowadays are putting in their beginning of the semester handouts:

Many days are "Pedal to the Medal" we have to get things done. Jump or fall quickly. Once in a while we take twenty but we stay on tract.

Do I even have to point out all the things wrong with these 3 sentences, which isn't even true because they're not even all complete!! And these are the people responsible for our children's education!

Well, as Jane Austen so perfectly put it herself, "For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors and laugh at them in our turn."

Read On!
Yours Truly

Movie Title: The Young Victoria
Year: 2009
Director: Jean-Marc Vallee
Actors: Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Jim Broadbent, Miranda Richardson
IMDB: CLICK HERE
Based Upon: The life of Queen Victoria
Overall Rating: A+

This movie was one of the best I've seen in a long time and DEFINITELY a new favorite of mine. The overall affect is beatiful: the costumes, the sets, the actors, are all flawless. I have to say, this was pretty much a perfect movie! I have not enjoyed movie so much as this (except for Emma on Masterpiece Theatre--which I will comment on more later in the week) in a long time! Please, for my sake, GO SEE IT! In my opinion, it DESERVES an Academy Award for Best Picture! Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, and the rest of the cast are all perfect for their characters. As I said, this movie was pretty much perfect! The cinematography too, a subject I don't know much of, was INCREDIBLE. Go see it!

Favorite Part: The whole thing!!

Watch On!
Yours Truly

This week's SOTW is actually a christmas song, but I just started listening to it. It's a beautiful song with an awesome singer (I love Brandi Carlisle's voice) that makes my day when I hear it. It has a bit of a sad melody and ellusive lyrics but I can't get enough of it! Enjoy!

Song Title: The Heartache Can Wait
Artist: Brandi Carlisle
Album: The Hotel Cafe Presents Winter Songs

Listen On!
Yours Truly

I am very sorry I have not been updating my blog on a fairly normal basis (stupid Facebook!) but I will try to continue to update! Part of the problem these past few weeks is I've been insanely busy, which will hopefully settle down now, I will get better at my updates. Yes, I know this SOTW is 4 days late (sorry!) but...I think you've gotten the point.

Thanks to a good friend of mine, Glee is now one my new favorite shows, mostly because the music is awesome! This is my favorite track from the CDs; I love the sound of it!!

Song Title: Keep Holding On
Artist: Glee Cast
Album: Glee: The Music, Volume 1

Listen On!
Yours Truly

P.S. If you're looking for a great blogs by a great person, read these...
http://emsrandomness.wordpress.com/
http://thewitchnextdoor.wordpress.com/
Go ahead. I DARE you! :)

Book Title: Girl with a Pearl Earring
Author: Tracy Chevalier
Amazon.com Link: http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Earring-Deluxe-Tracy-Chevalier/dp/0452287022/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263654909&sr=8-1
Quick Notes: A young girl goes to work as a maid in the artist Johannes Vermeer's household.
For Fans Of: historical fiction, Dutch history, art, art history
My Overall Rating: B+

Pithy Comments: I found this book very enjoyable. I love art history, so I loved that aspect of it. As with many historical fiction novels (except with Distant Waves) I always want to know more as to what is fictional and what isn't. I was especially curious because I love the art part of this book. The only thing that I didn't like was that there wasn't much info on what happened near the end. I wish that Chevalier had included more about what happens later on. I enjoyed this look at the Dutch culture and how thing's worked.

The Big Picture: A good read, maybe a little more detail.

Read On!
Yours Truly

Next Up: At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks

This is one of my ultra-favorite songs and I thought it would be very appropriate for my love of Jane Eyre.

Song Title: Turn to Stone
Artist: Ingrid Michaelson

Listen On!
Yours Truly

Book Title: 1984
Author: George Orwell
Amazon.com link: http://www.amazon.com/1984-Signet-Classics-George-Orwell/dp/0451524934/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262991880&sr=8-1
Quick Notes: Orwell's prediction of London in the future (when it was 1984)
For Fans Of: science fiction, futuristic stories, classic novels
My Overall Rating: B

Pithy Comments: This book was an interesting read. Orwell's view of the future is bleak and disturbing, but the book is powerful and keeps you interested. I was a little creeped out by the similarities between this book and our lives nowadays (especially the telescreens and the media bias). However, Orwell is an excellent writer and the characters were developed and cool. I have to admit, the part of the book I found most interesting was Winston's fascination with the past. These people know nothing of the past. I would hate to live like that.

The Big Picture: A good read but a bit disturbing.

Read On!
Yours Truly

Next Up:  Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

Movie Title: Yes Man
Year: 2008
Director: Peyton Reed
Actors: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper
IMDB: CLICK HERE
Overall Rating: A

This movie is about Carl Allen (Jim Carrey), a loser who says no to everything and is almost anti-social. Anyways, he makes a covenant to always say Yes and it gets him into some pretty messed up situations. I thought this movie was really funny and not at all boring. It was hilarious how crazy things got when Carl said yes to everything. Zooey Deschanel was amazing as Jim Carrey's quircky girlfriend. I loved the humor and was definitely worthwhile!

Favorite Part: When Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel attend Norman's Harry Potter themed party. It was fabulous!

Watch On!
Yours Truly

Hey everyone! This week's song of the week is a song I've loved FOREVER and for me it's a therapy song. If you haven't heard it, FIND IT AND DOWNLOAD IT NOW! Anyways, sorry I'm a little late on the SOTW posting. I have (as stated on my status) succumbed to peer pressure and now have a Facebook. Therefore, I have felt less of a need to write on my blog. However, don't feel rejected, I'm keeping up the best I can. :)

Song Title: Wake Me Up When September Ends
Artist: Green Day
Album: American Idiot

Listen On!
Yours Truly

Movie Title: Jane Eyre
Year: 1996
Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Actors: William Hurt, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Joan Plowright, Anna Paquin
IMDB: CLICK HERE
Based Upon: the novel "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte
Overall Rating: B-

This movie is based on the book (see previous entry) by Charlotte Bronte. The movie started off good, following closely with the original, but by the time Jane arrives at Thornfield, this movie distanced itself from the book. The ending, especially, was messed up. I'm not going to go into many specific details for those who haven't read this book, but at least know that if you're looking for a truthful adaptation of this book, check out the Masterpiece Theatre version instead.

Favorite Part: I'd have to say the beginning where Helen and Jane both get their hair chopped off. It was so cute seeing Jane stand up for Helen.

Watch On!
Yours Truly

Book Title: Jane Eyre
Author: Charlotte Bronte
Amazon.com Link: http://www.amazon.com/Jane-Vintage-Classics-Charlotte-Bronte/dp/030745519X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262362374&sr=1-1
Quick Notes: An orphaned governess goes to live at Thornfield Hall to take care of the dashing Mr. Rochester's young ward.
For Fans Of: Historical Fiction, Jane Austen, Classic Novels
My Overall Rating: A+

Pithy Comments: This book was one the best books I've ever read. I was familiar with the story, but I never would have expected this book to be so good. The story is compelling and unique; very unexpected and interesting. The writing is detailed (sometimes too much for my taste) but Bronte's use of language is flawless. After reading this book, I wanted to read it again!! It's a great read for anyone who loves a good romance or mystery story! Read it, NOW!!!!!!!!!!!

The Big Picture: A must read for anyone who loves a good book!!

Read On!
Yours Truly

Next Up: 1984 by George Orwell

Can you believe it's already 2010??? Hope everyone has a fantastic new year and we'll see what 2010 throws our way!!

"And a happy new year to all that is living, to all that is gentle, kind, and forgiving."

Read On!
Yours Truly