I don't want this blog to become a list of movies that I've recently watched, but I thought "We Bought a Zoo" deserved a mention. I'm not going to critique the movie, but I just wanted to shed some light for those of you who are having the "movie before the book" or "book before the movie" debate!
I recently read We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee - I thought it was a very interesting story and well worth the read. After reading the book and watching the previews for the movie, I was super excited to go see it.
I liked Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Maggie Elizabeth Jones (so cute, it was worth it just for her!), and the rest of the cast. I think they did a good job with the storyline that was presented in the movie. The movie is "based on a true story" - that is, don't expect the same story to be told in the movie and the book. My movie date (mom) would lean over to me and say "Did that happen in the book?" and my answer was often "No" or "Not like that." To make the book "Hollywood-worthy," they probably had to add in extra storylines, like the love story and extra family drama.
The main storyline (a family buys a zoo and attemps to make it a success) is still the same and there are many of the little funny stories from the novel included, but a lot of the movie is extra stuff that is added in.
So... don't expect the book when you go see the movie. But the movie was good and I would watch it again. (I may have shed a few tears...)
My suggestion... Read the book before watching the movie, if only for knowing what actually happened with Benjamin Mee's zoo experience. The movie and book were different enough that it probably wouldn't matter what order you do them in, but I find the book would give you a better appreciation for the trials and tribulations of Benjamin Mee.
My favourite quote from the movie was "You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it."
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Willing Spirits (Phyllis Schieber)
I picked up Willing Spirits by Phyllis Schieber when I saw it for sale in the Bargain Books section at Chapters. I'd never really heard of Schieber, but Jodi Picoult gave her words of praise on the front cover, so I decided to try it. The book was about the friendship between two teachers, Jane and Gwen. Jane discovers her husband with another woman, so Jane goes to her longtime friend, Gwen, for help. Gwen's husband left her and now she is romantically involved with a married man.
I've been thinking about my blog lately, thinking that I've never really given a book a "bad" review. I'm the kind of person who, even though Phyllis Schieber will likely never read this, I will feel bad if I give it a bad review.
I will say that not much happened in the book. You get snapshots into the lives of Gwen and Jane, but the story focuses mainly on relationships and friendships, with very little other plot. I went quite a few nights there without opening the book before bed, showing that I really wasn't completely into this book. I will also add that maybe I am too young to fully appreciate the friendship that is described in the novel.
I may have just chosen the wrong Phyllis Schieber novel to try - she does have a few other novels that look promising. This novel probably won't be on my list of recommendations. (Sorry, y'all...)
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Ransom Riggs)
I bought this book with a gift card I received for Christmas. Basically, I was at Chapter's and wanted to take advantage of the 30% off hardcover boxing day sale. I searched on their computers for top 2011 picks and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs showed up under Top Teen Books. (And once again, I did judge the book by the cover... Doesn't that picture make you want to read it?)The story is centered around Jacob, a sixteen-year-old boy who used to believe everything his grandfather told him (because who doesn't believe these fairy tales as a young child?). Jacob's grandfather, Abe, then whispers his final words to Jacob, filled with weird ideas and confusing information. When his terrifying nightmares start, Jacob journeys to an island near Wales to find some answers. If nothing else, Jacob's family hopes that this journey will help him distinguish between fantasy and reality. Once there, he finds "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" and begins to believe that these children, who were in fact "peculiar," may still be alive.
Sounds a little weird, right? The first hundred pages seemed like they could be very real - no talk of magic - everything seems to be based on Jacob's imagination. Later in the book, though, there is some "magic" (if you want to call it that!) There is some time travel - that is, Jacob, who has found the home for peculiar children and knows that something is up, finally finds the entrance to their loop, which is a different world and relives September 3, 1940, over and over again.
Now what do I mean when I say the children are peculiar? Well, one of the boys is invisible, one girl has super human strength, another girl can light a flame ball in her hand, and another boy releases bees from his body every time he opens his mouth. Sounds weird, but it actually makes a lot of sense in the story.
This story mixes real photography from old collections with a new fiction story. I really loved how these very strange photographs were used to tell a creative story. Just looking at the pictures is cool enough, and then reading the story that "goes along with them" lets you use your imagination and really get into the plot.
The storyline really kept me interested, especially near the middle and end of the book, where there is a lot more adventure than there is at the beginning. Without too much of a spoiler... while the book could be a standalone book, I feel like there could possibly be a second one on the way, with the story left kind of wide open at the end.
I liked this book. It was good and kept my interest. You need some imagination to read it - don't expect it to be like a true story based on the photographs. It's worth reading just to see how well Ransom Riggs connects the photographs. It was a great first novel by Ransom Riggs and I would definitely read another.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Seriously... I'm Kidding (Ellen Degeneres)
I've been waiting for a while to read this book. I kind of knew that I was getting "Seriously... I'm Kidding" as either a Christmas or Birthday gift (shh...) so I had to hold off on reading it. I was super excited when I finally received it for my Birthday and it made it on top of the pile of books that are on my "to-read" list!
I LOVED this book. Loved it. I thought Tina Fey's book was funny, but I thought Ellen's book was funnier. This could be because I am a huge Ellen fan (and didn't know much about Tina Fey when I read her book), but regardless, this book was Hilarious with a capital H.
I was laughing out loud even as I read the flaps in the book and the back. And then I was laughing out loud when I was reading her message to readers and her acknowledgements at the beginning of the book. And so on... The laughing continued.
It's such a random book, with chapters about anything and everything. A chapter about Meditation? Yep. A chapter about Stretching? Yep. A chapter about Pros and Cons? Yep. She includes something for all ages! Colouring pages for children, a chapter for the older audience and a chapter for the teens. It's all there!
It's like a standup routine, but you're reading it instead of listening to her say it.
One part I thought was particularly funny was a chapter where she suddenly says that she bets you're thinking about how you're thirsty for tequila. She writes, "So that reader is going to take to their Twitter account and tweet, 'Reading Ellen's hilarious new book. Thirsty for tequila.' And if that makes people want to buy the book, I think that's great." (Seriously... I'm Kidding, Ellen Degeneres, p. 139) Well, I decided to sign onto Twitter and search for this phrase. Yep, it was there. In fact, at the exact moment that I made it my most recent tweet, 10 other people also tweeted the exact same sentence. Awesome.
I suggest you go out and buy this book. Read it as fast as you can (because I know once you start it, you won't want to put it down). Then make everyone you know read it by talking about how funny and great it was. Then once everyone has read it, keep it as a coffee table book or a bathroom reader. Because it's that funny that you will want to reread sections of it over and over again. Seriously... It's funny.
I LOVED this book. Loved it. I thought Tina Fey's book was funny, but I thought Ellen's book was funnier. This could be because I am a huge Ellen fan (and didn't know much about Tina Fey when I read her book), but regardless, this book was Hilarious with a capital H. I was laughing out loud even as I read the flaps in the book and the back. And then I was laughing out loud when I was reading her message to readers and her acknowledgements at the beginning of the book. And so on... The laughing continued.
It's such a random book, with chapters about anything and everything. A chapter about Meditation? Yep. A chapter about Stretching? Yep. A chapter about Pros and Cons? Yep. She includes something for all ages! Colouring pages for children, a chapter for the older audience and a chapter for the teens. It's all there!
It's like a standup routine, but you're reading it instead of listening to her say it.
One part I thought was particularly funny was a chapter where she suddenly says that she bets you're thinking about how you're thirsty for tequila. She writes, "So that reader is going to take to their Twitter account and tweet, 'Reading Ellen's hilarious new book. Thirsty for tequila.' And if that makes people want to buy the book, I think that's great." (Seriously... I'm Kidding, Ellen Degeneres, p. 139) Well, I decided to sign onto Twitter and search for this phrase. Yep, it was there. In fact, at the exact moment that I made it my most recent tweet, 10 other people also tweeted the exact same sentence. Awesome.
I suggest you go out and buy this book. Read it as fast as you can (because I know once you start it, you won't want to put it down). Then make everyone you know read it by talking about how funny and great it was. Then once everyone has read it, keep it as a coffee table book or a bathroom reader. Because it's that funny that you will want to reread sections of it over and over again. Seriously... It's funny.
Friday, January 13, 2012
We Bought a Zoo (Benjamin Mee)
I got We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee for my Birthday from my brother. For those of you who know that my Birthday was yesterday, don't be amazed that I'm finished this book already... I opened this present a little early, since my brother was on his way out of town for work for a few weeks.
My main interest for this book started when I saw the preview for the 2011 movie. To be honest, I probably would never have found this book had this movie not come out.
Basically, meet Benjamin Mee, a DIY writer. His father recently passed away, leaving his mother alone in a house worth half a million pounds (yes, pounds, not dollars!). His mother is ready to downsize, but when Benjamin hears about a rundown zoo that has recently come on the market, he convinces (most) of his family to take on the task of revamping the zoo. During this process, there are many obstacles, such as his wife having a brain tumor (I didn't give it away, it's on the back of the book), the amount of work that is required on many of the animal enclosures, restaurants and restrooms, as well as the lack of money since there is currently no income for this zoo. The book basically travels through Benjamin Mee's experiences from buying the zoo to trying to secure funding to renovating numerous areas throughout the park to his experiences with learning about the animals. The book ends on opening day of Dartmoor Zoological Park.
I just want to say how good the story behind this book is. I think it's amazing and very uplifting how this family was able to reopen a zoo that was in the condition he describes, especially considering the lack of skills that Benjamin Mee had when he first purchased the zoo. He probably learned so much about himself and his family throughout this process, and based on how he talks about his experiences throughout the book, you can tell that he absolutely loves what he has done for himself and his family.
Benjamin Mee was a writer before he bought the zoo and published this book, so there is no doubt that the book is well written. I did find, though, that the book was written more like a report than a story. He moves from topic to topic in an order that makes sense (although not always in a chronological order, since he is sometimes adding in his past experiences with the animals at various points throughout the book) and the book does start where you'd expect and end at a good point.
The sentences, paragraphs, and chapters were all fairly long and I found that I really needed to be concentrated on my reading throughout this book, or else I'd be reading the same page over a few times before it sunk in. (This is not ideal for reading at lunch time on supply teaching days!)
While there are many personal memories (such as when he was nearly attacked by a porcupine in the middle of the night) that make you smile, there is a lack of conversations between individuals. While I don't want to judge the movie without having seen it, I'm wondering how well the events in the movie actually represent what happened at this zoo. I already see so many things that are different than the book. (I did just read on the Darmoor Zoo website that in the movie, the zoo has been renamed and that the zoo is based out of California. "Based on a true story" means that the idea came from the book, right? I guess that any and all publicity of the book and their zoo is great for them to ensure that they have the funds to keep the zoo open.)
The verdict? Read it if you're into non fiction and if you have some time to sit and laze around on the couch with a book. The story is very worthwhile. (I may have even shed a tear at the end...) It was good and I'm still very excited to go see the movie.
My main interest for this book started when I saw the preview for the 2011 movie. To be honest, I probably would never have found this book had this movie not come out.
I just want to say how good the story behind this book is. I think it's amazing and very uplifting how this family was able to reopen a zoo that was in the condition he describes, especially considering the lack of skills that Benjamin Mee had when he first purchased the zoo. He probably learned so much about himself and his family throughout this process, and based on how he talks about his experiences throughout the book, you can tell that he absolutely loves what he has done for himself and his family.
Benjamin Mee was a writer before he bought the zoo and published this book, so there is no doubt that the book is well written. I did find, though, that the book was written more like a report than a story. He moves from topic to topic in an order that makes sense (although not always in a chronological order, since he is sometimes adding in his past experiences with the animals at various points throughout the book) and the book does start where you'd expect and end at a good point.
The sentences, paragraphs, and chapters were all fairly long and I found that I really needed to be concentrated on my reading throughout this book, or else I'd be reading the same page over a few times before it sunk in. (This is not ideal for reading at lunch time on supply teaching days!)
While there are many personal memories (such as when he was nearly attacked by a porcupine in the middle of the night) that make you smile, there is a lack of conversations between individuals. While I don't want to judge the movie without having seen it, I'm wondering how well the events in the movie actually represent what happened at this zoo. I already see so many things that are different than the book. (I did just read on the Darmoor Zoo website that in the movie, the zoo has been renamed and that the zoo is based out of California. "Based on a true story" means that the idea came from the book, right? I guess that any and all publicity of the book and their zoo is great for them to ensure that they have the funds to keep the zoo open.)
The verdict? Read it if you're into non fiction and if you have some time to sit and laze around on the couch with a book. The story is very worthwhile. (I may have even shed a tear at the end...) It was good and I'm still very excited to go see the movie.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Bossypants (Tina Fey)
I got this book for Christmas, but I've had my eye on it for a while. I've heard some good things about the book and decided that I was ready to try it. I also saw her on The Ellen Degeneres Show and she was hilarious... Check out that appearance here and here.
In Bossypants, Tina Fey describes many things she has experienced in life and her stories make her seem somewhat more 'human' and down to earth. She discusses important times in her career (such as her years at SNL or on 30 Rock), her honeymoon, her college years, photo shoots, and being a mother.
I read the book from start to finish in about a day, but you could also pick a specific chapter that you're more interested in and read that. It's not the type of autobiography that you would need to necessarily read in order. She wrote well and since she is pretty funny, this shone through in her writing.
Now, I should tell you that I'm not a "must watch" Tina Fey fan. I think she's funny and I do like her when I see her in movies or on television, but she's not one who, in the past, I have rushed out to see in a new release. I think that someone who has watched her for those many years on SNL or who has been a fan of 30 Rock would definitely like certain parts of the book more than I did. (I didn't get some of the 30 Rock stuff since I've never really watched much of the show... But lately, I have debated picking up a season).
However, that said, there were so many parts of the book that were funny and heartfelt regardless of whether you have seen all of her shows and movies. Who can't laugh at her honeymoon experience (where there was a fire on a cruise) or her commentary that goes along with a photo shoot? While it is non fiction, there were many chapters that were not specific to events in her life, but just her insights into some of her experiences.
The book was an easy read and it was definitely funny. If you can watch the clips of her on Ellen and be intrigued like I was, then I think you'd enjoy the book. It did definitely make me laugh and say to whoever was nearest me at the time, "You have to listen to this..."
In Bossypants, Tina Fey describes many things she has experienced in life and her stories make her seem somewhat more 'human' and down to earth. She discusses important times in her career (such as her years at SNL or on 30 Rock), her honeymoon, her college years, photo shoots, and being a mother. I read the book from start to finish in about a day, but you could also pick a specific chapter that you're more interested in and read that. It's not the type of autobiography that you would need to necessarily read in order. She wrote well and since she is pretty funny, this shone through in her writing.
Now, I should tell you that I'm not a "must watch" Tina Fey fan. I think she's funny and I do like her when I see her in movies or on television, but she's not one who, in the past, I have rushed out to see in a new release. I think that someone who has watched her for those many years on SNL or who has been a fan of 30 Rock would definitely like certain parts of the book more than I did. (I didn't get some of the 30 Rock stuff since I've never really watched much of the show... But lately, I have debated picking up a season).
However, that said, there were so many parts of the book that were funny and heartfelt regardless of whether you have seen all of her shows and movies. Who can't laugh at her honeymoon experience (where there was a fire on a cruise) or her commentary that goes along with a photo shoot? While it is non fiction, there were many chapters that were not specific to events in her life, but just her insights into some of her experiences.
The book was an easy read and it was definitely funny. If you can watch the clips of her on Ellen and be intrigued like I was, then I think you'd enjoy the book. It did definitely make me laugh and say to whoever was nearest me at the time, "You have to listen to this..."
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Dark Lover (J.R. Ward)
Are you a Twilight fan? And if so, do think that maybe you're a bit too old for Twilight? Then I have just the book recommendation for you!
If you haven't already read my embarrassing library story detailing how I ended up with this book in my hands, you should do that now.
Dark Lover by J.R. Ward is a vampire love story with a bit of action and suspense. Wrath is a purebread vampire who was asked by his friend (Darius) to take care of his (Darius') daughter (Beth) as she went through her "changing" from human to half-vampire. (She's the daughter of a human mother and a vampire father, so obviously when she's about 25, she will go through her change and become a vampire.) Although Wrath first declined the opportunity, it does fall upon him... Beth and Wrath have an undeniable chemistry from the beginning and he must do everything he can to help protect her.
This book was like Twilight - but more hardcore in many ways. There was a lot of detail about their "brotherhood" (that is, the vampires who are responsible for the livelihood of the vampire population) and about "lessers" (the humans without souls who are trying to get rid of the vampires). A lot of interesting information was introduced and will no doubt be built upon in future books of The Black Dagger Brotherhood series. The information seems to go into more depth about the vampires in this book than what Twilight ever did. Also, there is more information about their relationships in this book, making it appeal to an older audience.
I liked the book. I found it a bit confusing at the beginning because I was learning a lot of new 'terms,' but once you get into it a bit, it all makes sense. It was easy to read and kept you entertained by moving back and forth between different storylines that are all somehow connected. While you are comfortable with the ending of the book (i.e. it doesn't make you want to immediately go grab the second book in the series off the shelf), there is so much left to happen with the characters that you do feel as if you need to continue in the series to find out more.
If you haven't already read my embarrassing library story detailing how I ended up with this book in my hands, you should do that now.
Dark Lover by J.R. Ward is a vampire love story with a bit of action and suspense. Wrath is a purebread vampire who was asked by his friend (Darius) to take care of his (Darius') daughter (Beth) as she went through her "changing" from human to half-vampire. (She's the daughter of a human mother and a vampire father, so obviously when she's about 25, she will go through her change and become a vampire.) Although Wrath first declined the opportunity, it does fall upon him... Beth and Wrath have an undeniable chemistry from the beginning and he must do everything he can to help protect her. This book was like Twilight - but more hardcore in many ways. There was a lot of detail about their "brotherhood" (that is, the vampires who are responsible for the livelihood of the vampire population) and about "lessers" (the humans without souls who are trying to get rid of the vampires). A lot of interesting information was introduced and will no doubt be built upon in future books of The Black Dagger Brotherhood series. The information seems to go into more depth about the vampires in this book than what Twilight ever did. Also, there is more information about their relationships in this book, making it appeal to an older audience.
I liked the book. I found it a bit confusing at the beginning because I was learning a lot of new 'terms,' but once you get into it a bit, it all makes sense. It was easy to read and kept you entertained by moving back and forth between different storylines that are all somehow connected. While you are comfortable with the ending of the book (i.e. it doesn't make you want to immediately go grab the second book in the series off the shelf), there is so much left to happen with the characters that you do feel as if you need to continue in the series to find out more.
"'Life is full of wonderful surprises, isn't it?'If you're not into the fantasy and vampire thing, then this is not for you. However, as I mentioned, if you are a vampire fan but are looking for something a little more adult, then this would be a good pick.
'It certainly is.'" (Dark Lover, J.R. Ward, p. 329)
Sunday, January 1, 2012
My Top 2011 Picks
I started blogging late in 2011, but it has been a great
reading year for me since January. I loved a lot of my 2011 reads, but here is a shorter list for those who are short on time. Although many of the books I read would have honourable mentions, here are my top picks from my 2011 Reading List, in no particular order.
*Clicking on the image will bring you to my initial post about the novel.
The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Although this book is found in the Young Adult/Teen section, I absolutely loved these books! The Hunger Games trilogy consists of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. These books by Suzanne Collins were a little bit of action and love and a lot of exciting and awesome. Start this trilogy, no matter what your age, when you have a few days to spare because you are not going to want to put these books down. The movie comes out in 2012 so you can look forward to that! Buy the book here.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Help was a very popular book this year. Part of its success was probably because of the release of the 2011 movie. The story, dealing with inequality between coloured maids and their bosses, was funny and heartfelt. The book had me laughing and crying. Buy the book here.
Little Princes by Conor Grennan
The book Little Princes is the true story of Conor Grennan, who travels to Nepal to volunteer in an orphanage. He finds out the truth behind the past of these young children - they are actually victims of child trafficking and many of them have families who are still alive and well. Grennan takes it upon himself to help these children reunite with their families. Little Princes was a great non fiction read filled with Grennan's memories of his time in Nepal. This book also made it onto the CTV Canada AM book corner. Buy it here.
Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay
This book, though fiction, was eye opening to historical events that occurred in 1942 in Paris, during the Vel d'Hiv roundup. I'm not a huge history fan, but I liked this book. It goes back and forth between plots in 1942 and 2002, as a journalist tries to connect events that are close to her family. Buy it here.
Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
Secret Daughter is the story of Asha, a young adult who was given up for adoption when she was born. Her biological mother was forced to give her up since boys are the strongly favoured sex in their culture. A family in the United States adopts Asha, one of her adoptive parents being from a similar background and culture. So many issues are touched upon in this book. It's a really heartwarming story that I think many of you would love. Buy it here.
Honourable mentions include Water for Elephants, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Room, and Once Upon a Day.
*Clicking on the image will bring you to my initial post about the novel.
The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Although this book is found in the Young Adult/Teen section, I absolutely loved these books! The Hunger Games trilogy consists of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. These books by Suzanne Collins were a little bit of action and love and a lot of exciting and awesome. Start this trilogy, no matter what your age, when you have a few days to spare because you are not going to want to put these books down. The movie comes out in 2012 so you can look forward to that! Buy the book here.The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Help was a very popular book this year. Part of its success was probably because of the release of the 2011 movie. The story, dealing with inequality between coloured maids and their bosses, was funny and heartfelt. The book had me laughing and crying. Buy the book here. Little Princes by Conor Grennan
The book Little Princes is the true story of Conor Grennan, who travels to Nepal to volunteer in an orphanage. He finds out the truth behind the past of these young children - they are actually victims of child trafficking and many of them have families who are still alive and well. Grennan takes it upon himself to help these children reunite with their families. Little Princes was a great non fiction read filled with Grennan's memories of his time in Nepal. This book also made it onto the CTV Canada AM book corner. Buy it here. Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay
This book, though fiction, was eye opening to historical events that occurred in 1942 in Paris, during the Vel d'Hiv roundup. I'm not a huge history fan, but I liked this book. It goes back and forth between plots in 1942 and 2002, as a journalist tries to connect events that are close to her family. Buy it here.Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
Secret Daughter is the story of Asha, a young adult who was given up for adoption when she was born. Her biological mother was forced to give her up since boys are the strongly favoured sex in their culture. A family in the United States adopts Asha, one of her adoptive parents being from a similar background and culture. So many issues are touched upon in this book. It's a really heartwarming story that I think many of you would love. Buy it here. Honourable mentions include Water for Elephants, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Room, and Once Upon a Day.
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