Cover Issues: Across The Universe

So for now this will be called cover issues. Not sure if I'll have more of these. But right now I'm having some MAJOR issues with the cover changes for the Across The Universe Trilogy.


They really messed up here, I honestly think they ruined it. I don't understand why they (the publishers/authors/whoever makes the choice to change the covers) decide to change all the damn covers when the third and final book is coming out. Especially when they're downgrading them :( Ugh!


About the first set: This is the first set, that I know of at least, and I loved these covers. Especially the one for Across the Universe, the first time I saw it I thought "wth is that...?" Then I stared for a minute and noticed that it's actually Elder and Amy. And every time I see this cover, that's all I think of! It just sucked me in! And the space! Oh the space! Such beautiful colors. The purple and pink and the stars! GORGEOUS! On to A Million Suns, I loved this one once again for the colors, but they did change it to blue and pinkish beige, but it works wonderfully. And how awesome is it that it's Elder and Amy looking out of Godspeed into outer-space waiting to arrive?





The second set: I have not seen either of these covers in person, but have seen them on the internet. I think they're okay, might even say it's pretty, at least the first one is. I feel like after you've read the book, the cover has a lot to do with what's going on it the story. I can't say that for A Million Suns, I don't like that cover at all. It just doesn't make sense to me. It looks soap opera-ish to me...

Now... About the 'new' book covers. I'm just gonna jump ahead to the third and final book in the trilogy, Shades of Earth. I like the cover. It's a little plain, but with all that greenery, it mashes with the title pretty well and goes with what I'm expecting to see. And the font, it's edgy, and tech-y like, which fits very well with the fact that the ship has all this advanced technology and it being in the future and what not. What I think it really needs is some kind of something in the background. I'm not sure what, but something. As for the covers of the first two books, uh, no... That's about all I have to really say about that. They make no sense to me and they're plain and ugly. What I don't get is the sort of industrial wall/bolts thing at the bottom of them... Is that supposed to be the walls of Godspeed? And really showing you the fact that they're trapped on this spaceship?





So my questions for you are:
--Which covers do you like better?
--If you've read any of the books, do you think the cover fits the book?


Leave a comment and tell me your thoughts?

Have a good day!

Waiting on Wednesday: Where We Belong

Waiting On Wednesday #5! :)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
My pick for this week is:

Where We Belong by Emily Giffin

Expected publication: July 24, 2012

Amazon -- Goodreads

From Goodreads:
Marian Caldwell is a thirty-six year old television producer, living her dream in New York City. With a fulfilling career and satisfying relationship, she has convinced everyone, including herself, that her life is just as she wants it to be. But one night, Marian answers a knock on the door . . . only to find Kirby Rose, an eighteen-year-old girl with a key to a past that Marian thought she had sealed off forever. From the moment Kirby appears on her doorstep, Marian’s perfectly constructed world—and her very identity—will be shaken to its core, resurrecting ghosts and memories of a passionate young love affair that threaten everything that has come to define her.

For the precocious and determined Kirby, the encounter will spur a process of discovery that ushers her across the threshold of adulthood, forcing her to re-evaluate her family and future in a wise and bittersweet light. As the two women embark on a journey to find the one thing missing in their lives, each will come to recognize that where we belong is often where we least expect to find ourselves—a place that we may have willed ourselves to forget, but that the heart remembers forever.

I don't think I've read anything by 

this author yet, but everybody seems

to love her, and this book sounds

pretty interesting. 

What are you waiting on this wednesday?
Leave a comment and tell me.
If you have a blog, leave your link :)

Have a good day!

Book Review: Easy by Tammara Webber

Easy by Tammara Webber

Goodreads - Amazon

SYNOPSIS:
When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she’s single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, stalked by her ex’s frat brother, and failing a class for the first time in her life.

Her econ professor gives her an email address for Landon, the class tutor, who shows her that she’s still the same intelligent girl she’s always been. As Jacqueline becomes interested in more from her tutor than a better grade, his teasing responses make the feeling seem mutual. There’s just one problem—their only interactions are through email.

Meanwhile, a guy in her econ class proves his worth the first night she meets him. Nothing like her popular ex or her brainy tutor, Lucas sits on the back row, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. At a downtown club, he disappears after several dances that leave her on fire.

Review:

This is the first book I've read that was actually labeled "new adult." It's older than young adult but younger than adult, so basically college books. I also don't really read "contemporary" either. But I have to say I loved this book. I cut out about half of the synopsis, because it was very spoiler-ish. It gave away a whole lot...

I thought the characters were great.. They were developed and mature and they continued to grow while I was reading the book. Jacqueline was nice, sweet, caring, fun and very smart. Her best friend/roommate Erin was also very lovable. Ahhh- and the love interests... Fabulous! I can't really say too much or I'll give it away, but i was oo-ing and awww-ing.   

The plot was good. Well paced. Love. Fun. Heartbreak. Drama. And a few BIG issues. I wasn't expecting them, but they're done very well. There were a lot of times in the book that I found my self smiling so hard and a few where I was about to cry. Overall I'd say I absolutely loved it! Not perfect, because I wasn't completely and totally drawn in, and I don't know why. I can't really pinpoint what was missing. Needless to say, I gave it 4 stars!

Have you read it?

Let's discuss it!

If not, go read it!

Have a wonderful day!

Angela's Book Haul #8

Did a little shopping the other day at my thrift store! 

I found some good stuff in great condition. Here they are:

The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe

By J. Randy Taraborrelli

Goodreads - Amazon

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Goodreads - Amazon

Nightfall (The Vampire Diaries: The Return #1)

By L.J. Smith

Goodreads - Amazon

Bookends by Jane Green

Goodreads - Amazon

Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende

Goodreads - Amazon

I really took a chance with these books. I don't know much about Marilyn Monroe, so I thought that book would be interesting... Who doesn't love some Marilyn?!? Also, I've seen 'The Help,' but haven't read the book, but I look forward to it. I also haven't read the 'Vampire Diaries' books yet, but plan to. At least I'll already have this one when I get done. I've read part of one of Jane Green's books and I liked her writing, 'Bookends' sounded interesting, so I went ahead and got it. I have never heard of 'Daughter of Fortune' or the author Isabel Allende, so I'm hoping I'll like it. . 

Have you read any of these?

How were they? Leave a 

comment and let me know!

Have a great day!

Movie Review: Young Adult

'Everyone gets old. 

Not everyone grows up.'

IMDB - Rotten Tomatoes

Official Movie Site - Amazon

Release Dates:
Theaters: Dec 16, 2011
DVD: Mar 13, 2012


Cast:
-Charlize Theron
-Patton Oswalt
-Patrick Wilson
-Elizabeth Reaser
-Collette Wolfe




Plot Summary:
Charlize Theron plays Mavis Gary, a writer of teen literature who returns to her small hometown to relive her glory days and attempt to reclaim her happily married high school sweetheart (Patrick Wilson). When returning home proves more difficult than she thought, Mavis forms an unusual bond with a former classmate (Patton Oswalt) who hasn't quite gotten over high school, either.


Favorite Scenes:
-Checking into the hotel.
-Fighting in the front yard.


Reasons not to watch it:
-It was kinda boring.
-I felt bad for her the whole movie.
-Her character was a real bitch.


Reasons to watch it:
-Good for people who like dark comedy.
-Charlize Theron plays a good "crazy lady" 

Screenshots :)

So.. Have you seen it?

Did you like it?

Hate it?

Leave a comment

and let's talk about it.

Have a great day!

Movie Review: Cedar Rapids

'This Is The First Day.. 

Of The Rest Of His Weekend.'

IMDB - Rotten Tomatoes
Official Movie Site - Amazon

Releases:
Sundance: Jan 23, 2011
Theaters (limited): Feb 11, 2011
DVD: June 21, 2011

Cast:
-Ed Helms
-John C. Reilly
-Anne Heche
-Sigourney Weaver
-Isiah Whitlock Jr.
-Kurtwood Smith
-Stephen Root




Plot Summary:
Tim Lippe has no idea what he's in for when he's sent to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to represent his company at an annual insurance convention, where he soon finds himself under the "guidance" of three convention veterans.

Favorite Scenes:
-When Ed Helms is on the phone with Sigourney Weaver having a meltdown while walking down the hallway in just a towel... Hilarious!
-Drunk pool fun.
-Plane ride home.
-Rock climbing.

Reasons to watch it:
-Fabulous acting.
-Completely hilarious.
-Ed Helms & John C. Reilly!
-Tim Lippe really goes all out!
-Drunken-ness, sex, lies, cheating...
-Because I said so!

Reasons not to watch it:
-You're lame.
-You hate watching other people have fun.

Screenshots! :)

So, you should go watch it,

if you haven't already..

If you have, what did you

think, didn't you love it?

Leave a comment 

and let me know!

Have a fabulous day!

Waiting on Wednesday: Let The Devil Sleep

Waiting On Wednesday #4! :)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick for this week is:

Let the Devil Sleep by John Verdon (Dave Gurney, Book #3)
Expected publication: July 24, 2012
Amazon -- Goodreads

From Goodreads:

The most decorated homicide detective in NYPD history, Dave Gurney is still trying to adjust to his life of quasi-retirement in upstate New York when a young woman who is producing a documentary on a notorious murder spree seeks his counsel.  Soon after, Gurney begins feeling threatened: a razor-sharp hunting arrow lands in his yard, and he narrowly escapes serious injury in a booby-trapped basement.  As things grow more bizarre, he finds himself reexamining the case of The Good Shepherd, which ten years before involved a series of roadside shootings and a rage-against-the-rich manifesto.  The killings ceased, and a cult of analysis grew up around the case with a consensus opinion that no one would dream of challenging  -- no one, that is, but Dave Gurney.  
 
Mocked even by some who’d been his supporters in previous investigations, Dave realizes that the killer is too clever to ever be found.  The only gambit that may make sense is also the most dangerous – to make himself a target and get the killer to come to him.
 
To survive, Gurney must rely on three allies: his beloved wife Madeleine, impressively intuitive and a beacon of light in the gathering darkness; his de-facto investigative “partner” Jack Hardwick, always ready to spit in authority’s face but wily when it counts; and his son Kyle, who has come back into Gurney’s life with surprising force, love and loyalty.
 
Displaying all the hallmarks for which the Dave Gurney series is lauded -- well-etched characters, deft black humor, and ingenious deduction that ends in a climactic showdown – Let the Devil Sleep is something more: a reminder of the power of self-belief in a world that contains too little of it.

 So, I read the first one and wow. It was  great, and really suspenseful. If you like a  good mystery/suspense/murder/crime book.  I really recommend this series! 

What are you waiting on this wednesday?
Leave a comment and tell me.
If you have a blog, leave your link :)

Have a good day!

Movie Review: Jeff, Who Lives at Home

'The first step to finding your destiny is 

leaving your mother's basement.'

IMDB - Amazon
Rotten Tomatoes
Official Movie Site

Release Dates:

-Austin Film Festival: Oct. 22, 2011

-Theaters (Limited): Mar. 16, 2011

-DVD & Blu-Ray: June 19, 2012

Cast:

-Jason Segel

-Ed Helms

-Susan Sarandon

-Judy Greer

-Rae Dawn Chong

Plot Summary: 
Dispatched from his basement room on an errand for his mother, slacker Jeff might discover his destiny (finally) when he spends the day with his brother as he tracks his possibly adulterous wife.

My Favorite Scenes:
-Opening scene
-The cemetery
-The Restaurant
-Spying in the hotel
-Sharron at the water cooler

Reasons to watch it:

-It was awesome: 5+ stars

-A lot of funny, feel good moments.

-Well done acting and real emotions.

-It's really good for an independent film.

-The wife is possibly cheating = good stuff.

-Susan Surandon has some girl on girl action. 

-Come on, who doesn't like Jason Segel & Ed Helms. 

-And with them, you know it's gonna be funny.

Reasons not to watch it:

-None! But if i must.

-If you are lame.

-If you hate good movies.

Some screenshots for fun!

Have you watched it?
If so, comment and let's talk.
If not, what are you waiting for?!?

Have a wonderful day!

Book Review: The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

My Favorite Author, My favorite Genre 

Author Philippa Gregory I have to say is one of my most favorite authors. I started reading her historical fiction in high school. The first of her books that I dove into was her twist on the infamous Boleyn family The Other Boleyn Girl. The book was magical, the tale was extraordinary though it was for the most part true. She has a way of pulling the reader into past worlds and making them feel part of the story. She has a knack for taking historical characters that are over shadowed by more popular ones and bringing their story to the front. In the case of The Other Boleyn Girl she focuses on the sister of Anne Boleyn and her story.

 In comparison with her sister Anne, not much is known about Mary Boleyn except that she bedded two kings and had two children. She was married twice and died young. That mystery surrounding little known people in history is a gold mine for writers of historical fiction! Because they are free to fill in the missing bits without much objection. Gregory does this very well.

Goodreads - Amazon

So, if you, like me, are a fan of historical fiction. It is certainly worth reading all of Philippa Gregory's works, but the Tudor series is my favorite. 

The Poets Korner: I Am Not My Mother

I am not my mother

The most important walk

Is less then a block

And it

Means forever.

A promise made with a long stride

That I'll always be by your side,

Doing wifely things

Every day and night

Cause I walked…

Well,what if I ran instead?

Could I still be held accountable for your happiness?

Or what if I skipped?

Even fell or flipped,

Would the vow still make sense?

It doesn’t matter I guess.

I am not my mother

And divorce is just another lover

Found at the wedding dinner or the laundry mat

In fact

Lets get divorced first and see how that fares

Maybe will stay together in the end