Forge

Here is the book summary:
In this compelling sequel to Chains, a National Book Award Finalist and winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson shifts perspective from Isabel to Curzon and brings to the page the tale of what it takes for runaway slaves to forge their own paths in a world of obstaclesand in the midst of the American Revolution. The Patriot Army was shaped and strengthened by the desperate circumstances of the Valley Forge winter. This is where Curzon the boy becomes Curzon the young man. In addition to the hardships of soldiering, he lives with the fear of discovery, for he is an escaped slave passing for free. And then there is Isabel, who is also at Valley Forgeagainst her will. She and Curzon have to sort out the tangled threads of their friendship while figuring out what stands between the two of them and true freedom.

My Review
"Forge" is the thrilling sequel to change. It is good if not better then chains. Curzon has been trying to find a way of life ever his and Isabel's paths separated. As he travels, he meets a Patriot soldier named Eben, who convinces him to join the Patriot army. The story chronicles Curzon's life, as he lives through Valley Forge. While in Valley Forge, Curzon is unfairly made a slave once again by his former owner. Unexpectedly, he meets his friend Isabel. Together they must free themselves in a world that is not kind to their race. Curzon is a very deep thinking character, who captures the struggle of Valley Forge for survival. Isabelle fiercely believes in freedom. Through Curzon's eyes, we learn about the mistreatment of slaves, which makes you wonder how the human race could ever do such a thing.

Stars: 5 out of 5 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Trailer

Quote of the Day- April 29, 2011

"To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved"- George Mcdonald

 All of us will do just about anything to be appreciated, to be loved by society. However, sometimes that striving leads to dishonesty and distrust. Be careful of whom you chose as your friends, so that they do not corrupt your character.

Quote of the Day- April 29, 2011

"It is no use fixing our minds on higher things if we ignore what is going on around us." - Aesop

The best way to understand this quote is by looking at your own life. Think about it.

Hunger Games News

 The article is courtesy of Hypable.com:

Three new ‘Hunger Games’ cast members revealed, secrecy of negotiations spotlighted

In case you haven’t noticed, let us be the first to tell you: The Hunger Games casting announcements have been appearing left and right. Today we’ve learned of three new people cast for the film!

NY Mag’s Vulture, which broke word of John C. Reilly playing Haymitch, has new casting information:
Vulture has been able to glean that a passel of offers have gone out to talent, most notably to Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci and Lenny Kravitz. We’re told that Harrelson’s offer is to play the role of the Head Gamemaker, Seneca Crane, of the 74th Hunger Games.
One can imagine that after starring as the aesthetically obsessed art director Nigel in The Devil Wears Prada, Tucci would make for an excellent Cinna; then again, he’s so imperious, Tucci could be a great President Snow, too. And as to Kravitz’s involvement, we’re at a loss, but we’ll keep you posted.
Shortly after Vulture reported this news, movie insider Larry Richman reported the same three names had been brought on board. As we’ve told you in the past, Richman’s sources have been 100% reliable so far.
In Vulture’s same article they discuss how secret casting negotiations have been:
We’re told that not only are Hollywood agents being forced to sign nondisclosure agreements in order to receive offers for clients, but that even their assistants are being forced to sign NDAs, too.

In Honor Of A Finished Book

I just finished Beastly by Alex Flinn. In honor of this momentous occasion (tee hee), I shall give you all a poem to think about. What do you think it means? Answer in the comments

SONNET 54

O, how much more doth beauty beauteous seem
By that sweet ornament which truth doth give.
The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem
For that sweet odour which doth in it live.
The canker-blooms have full as deep a dye
As the perfumed tincture of the roses,
Hang on such thorns and play as wantonly
When summer's breath their masked buds discloses:
But, for their virtue only is their show,
They live unwoo'd and unrespected fade,
Die to themselves. Sweet roses do not so;
Of their sweet deaths are sweetest odours made:
   And so of you, beauteous and lovely youth,
   When that shall fade, my verse distills your truth.

Quote of the Day- April 28, 2011

"A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go but ought to be."- Rosalyn Carter

What I've Been Reading: A Sneak Peek Of Book Reviews

Forge

Lockdown

Beastly

                   

Reckless

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quote of the Day- April 27, 2011

You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one. -Henry David Thoreau

I'm sure most of us want to be better people. I think that where we fall short is when we only tell ourselves who we want to be and fail to make ourselves into that person. Morals are hammered into our heads and we know them to be right, but we the situation presented to us and turn in to our advantage. Immorality is when you go against societies ideals and fail to meet the consequences. Morality, while is may go against societies ideals, creates a person who will meet the consequences of their actions whether they are right or wrong. Therefore, it is impossible to simply become a better person without trying. "You must hammer and forge yourself" a character who does what is good and right. 

Chains

Here is the book summary courtesy of commonsensemedia.org:

Isabel and her younger sister, Ruth, were promised that they would be freed at their mistress' death. Instead, her nephew nephew sells them to a wealthy Loyalist and his sadistic wife. At the Locktons' home in New York, the girls are made to work nonstop while the British and Americans fight over the city. When a young slave on the American side asks Isabel to become a spy, she agrees on his assurance that they'll help free her. But the Americans are ultimately no more interested her freedom than the British.


My Review

"Chains" is the wonderful story of a slave girl named Isabel. Her character captures the spirit of freedom. The book takes place in New York, during the Revolutionary War. This was surprising to me. Countless books tell about slaves during the Civil War, but you never here about slaves during the Revolutionary War. A question is asked throughout the entire book: "If we are fighting for freedom, shouldn't freedom be for all people?" The story goes into detail of the punishments given to slaves. For example, Isabelle is branded with the letter "I" on her cheek. It stands for insolence, but Isabelle later adopts it to symbolize her own name. Laurie Halses Anderson's words capture the spirit of the time period and causes you to hope that Isabelle will break the "chains" that hold her. 

Stars: 5 out of 5

Quote of the Day- April 26, 2011

We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... we must do that which we think we cannot.
Eleanor Roosevelt

The Emerald Atlas

I hope to write a review on this book soon.

Quote of the Day- April 25, 2011

No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted. - Aesop, Greek fabulist

Words are truly powerful things. An unkind word can scar you for years. However, a kind word can give you hope. Although it may seem that the unkind words outnumber the kind ones, there are always people who care for you. The people who care are the ones who spread kindness. Those who do not often want to build themselves up to try to experience a joy that they can only get by being nice.  It does not work, but that is the way that the world dictates joy to us. Joy, in a worldly view, is seen as stepping on others to feel better about yourself. It may not seem like that sometimes, but it is true.

The Bronze Bow

 Here is the summary courtesy of E- notes.com

Elizabeth George Speare's The Bronze Bow takes place in Galilee, Israel, during the time of Jesus. Eighteen-year-old Daniel bar Jamin has endured a life of unbelievable hardships. At the tender age of eight, Daniel witnesses his father’s and uncle’s crucifixion by Roman soldiers. His mother also dies shortly thereafter. Daniel’s younger sister, Leah, is so traumatized by their deaths that she appears to lose her mind. Daniel’s grandmother, poor and elderly, is unable to support the children, so she is forced to sell Daniel to the town’s blacksmith, Amalek.
Daniel works for Amalek for five years but then escapes. He flees to the hills above Galilee and becomes a member of a rebel group led by the zealot Rosh. Rosh despises the Romans who occupy Israel. It is his mission to drive them all from the land.
Daniel too is consumed by hatred of the Romans. He makes it his mission to kill as many as he can in order to avenge his parents’ deaths and to pay them back for the havoc they have wreaked on his country.
The longer he spends with Rosh, the more Daniel’s hatred grows. But he begins to hear about a man who has a different message, a message of love and tolerance. However, Daniel faces a long battle before he can give up his vow of hatred. He even puts his friends as well as his sister in danger. It seems that he will destroy them all in his single-minded pursuit for justice, but gradually, the words and actions of Jesus help Daniel understand that only love has the strength to “bend the bow of bronze.”

My Review

The Bronze Bow is a wonderful story. I think that my favorite part about this book is that you get to have first hand insight of what the world was like in Biblical times. Daniel has every right to hate the Romans, yet at the end he learns to "love his enemies" and not act towards them with hatred. That is one of the most beautiful things about this book. The characters are well developed and the story is thoroughly exciting and interesting.

Stars: 5 out of 5

Quote of the Day- April 24, 2011

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.  -Robert Flatt

Happy Easter!

Easter Bunny Hugs And Kisses

That cute little bunny has hopped all day,
delivering baskets for the holiday.
His paws are so tired and his nose how it itches,
He left you something special to fulfill all your wishes-
Lots of cute little Easter bunny hugs and kisses.- Anonymous

Quote of the Day- April 23, 2011

"And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." - Nelson Mandela

More Hunger Games Movie Actors Cast

Here is the report courtesy of Lytherus.com:

To add to the core cast of Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, and Liam Hemsworth as Gale, the pivotal roles for many of the other main cast members has been filled in the past few days.

District 11′s Rue and Thresh will be played by Amanda Stenberg and Dayo Okeniyi, both newcomers to the big screen.

from ew.com:

Now, Lionsgate has set its sights on District 11: EW has confirmed exclusively that the studio has cast Hollywood newcomers Dayo Okeniyi and Amandla Stenberg as Thresh and Rue in the adaptation of the Suzanne Collins trilogy, directed by Gary Ross. Okeniyi, playing the intimidatingly strong tribute, has appeared in a short called Eyes to See and an upcoming horror film, Slew Hampshire. Stenberg, who is on board as Katniss’ arena ally Rue, has roles in the September’s Colombiana and the telefilm Taste of Romance.

District 1 Tributes Marvel and Glimmer will be played by Jack Quaid and Leven Ramblin.

Leven Rambin has starred as Lily Montgomery on All My Children and appeared on episodes of CSI Miami and Wizards of Waverly Place. Go check out Leven’s IMdB page!

Jack Quaid is a newcomer, but his parent are actors Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid, which is why I recognized his face.

And the important role of Prim Everdeen was cast earlier today. newcomer Willow Shields is set to play the role.

From The Holywood Reporter:

Lionsgate’s Hunger Games movie has found Katniss’ younger sister, Primrose Everdeen.

Newcomer Willow Shields will play the role, nicknamed Prim in the books, the studio announced Wednesday. The actress joins Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta andLiam Hemsworth as Gale.

Prim played a pivotal role in the first book of the Hunger Games trilogy that led to Katniss’ harrowing ways.

In addition, four tributes have been cast: Jack Quaid and Leven Rambin will play District 1’s Marvel and Glimmer, and Dayo Okeniyi and Amandla Stenberg will portray District 11’s Thresh and Rue.

Elizabeth Banks is also in talks to join the Gary Ross-directed project as Katniss’ handler Effie Trinket.

Hunger Games will be produced by Nina Jacobson and Color Force. It will be released on the big screen March 23, 2012.

These are some of the most influential secondary characters from the books. How do you think they’ll live up to these beloved characters? Do they fit the image you have of them in your head?

Quote of the Day- April 22, 2011

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.- Henry David Thoreau

We all have dreams. In the book "Little Woman", Louisa May Alcott once described dreams as castles. These castles are figments of our imagine. They are things that we can only dream of, but can never seem to create ourselves. However, dreams can sometimes be granted, but you can not rely upon fate to bring those dreams into existence. A dream often takes hard work to be fulfilled. 

Beyonders: A World Without Heroes

The book summary courtesy of Brandonmull.com:
Jason Walker has often wished his life could be less predictable—until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank into a strange, imperiled world. Lyrian holds dangers and challenges unlike anyplace Jason has ever known. The people all live in fear of their malicious wizard emperor, Maldor. The brave resistors who once opposed the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail.
In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power that can destroy the emperor and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes.

 My Review

Over the years, Brandon Mull has created magical lands within our own world through his book. In "A World Without Heroes" he takes us to a land outside of our own world. The various creatures that Jason and Rachel meet along the way are one of the most interesting parts of this book. For example, the Amar Kabal look like humans, but they are immortal because of a seed that grows when they die. Because of this seed, the Amar Kabal can be reborn. The characters are well developed and at times are hilarious. The story explores what it means to be a true hero. Imagine a world where the ruler has bent all of the heroes to his will without fighting him. The greatest swordsmen now is too stuffed with food to move. The greatest opposer to Maldor is now in the same heavenly castle as the swordsmen, as he starves himself on the addictive "Hunger Berries". There are no true heroes that will do the right thing no matter what the consequences. There is only one thing that can supposedly stop Maldor: a word of power. However, I won't dwell upon that part of the story so that you will be surprised at the end.

Stars: 3.5 out of 5

Quote of the Day- April 21, 2011

"I know. It's all wrong. By rights we shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something."- Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers movie adaptation

Back by popular demand: More Easter Egg Pictures (with words)!

Hahaha

You crack me up

Deviled Egg

Did you notice the dark side doesn't have cookies?

Guess what I am?

An elf egg!

Peace sign egg

Why am I smiling?

...because smiling is good for you

Giggle

I'm a sweety egg

Hehe

Don't look at this end

Urg

Rats foiled again

Mystical egg

An important lesson has been learned

This is why you wear a helmet

What's black, and blue, and sad all over

An emo egg!

Hmmm

So that explains it

Quote of the Day- April 20, 2011

"The future depends on what we do today"- Mahatma Gandhi

Easter Eggs

It's about this time of year when kids start making Easter eggs. Over the years, the eggs of my sister and I have turned into eggs that resemble pieces of art more then anything else.

The classic Easter egg

The Dark Lord Eggy

Watercolor egg

Butterfly egg

Sunny- side Up

Ooooo what's this

It's a star!

Cheese!

Ahhhh I'm falling

Zen egg

The All Natural egg

Emo egg

Now compared to those other eggs doesn't this one look boring.

Quote of the Day- April 19, 2011

Living is strife and torment, disappointment and love and sacrifice, golden sunsets and black storms. I said that some time ago, and today I do not think I would add one word.
-Laurence Olivier


Life is full of ups and downs. Nothing can be done about it. However, a storm marks the time when the morals you hold are tested. When you enter a hard time, will you care about only yourself or the others around you? Saturday's Tornado's destroyed not only homes but people's lives. Here are some stories from that day:
                                                           An infant survives being blown away by the tornado

An article about a Lowe's manager who helped save lives:


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110418/ap_on_re_us/us_severe_storms_hero_manager


My family and I had to hide in the bathroom, but thankfully the tornado passed us and no one was hurt. When we finally looked out the window we realized that our road was flooded...again.

The neighbors complained to the town for the third time, but in the end it turned out to be a good thing.

When there's a rainy day, the children play.