Quote of the Day- May 31, 2011

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2: New Posters Released

Draco Malfoy

Severus Snape

Hobbit Movie News: Official Title Released

Direct from the press release:

New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures and MGM have announced the titles and release dates for filmmaker Peter Jackson’s two-film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit. The first film, titled “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” will be released on December 14, 2012. The second film, titled “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” is slated for release the following year, on December 13, 2013.
Both films are set in Middle-earth 60 years before Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.” The adventure of “The Hobbit” follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.
Under Jackson’s direction, both movies are being shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo technology. Filming is taking place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.

Hunger Games Movie News: President Snow Cast

Donald Sutherland as President Snow

Soldier's Ghost

  I bled for you – would you for me?

I blessed a skin in blazing fuel
Then took a bullet in a duel of
‘He or I to Die.’

I often question ‘Why? ’
Do you?

My country was my life to give –
Would you for country cease to live?
Sinking in a mire of death,
You have no choice –
So while you’re still alive,
Rejoice!

I cried in failure – did you care?
And as I waned, were you aware of
What I did –?
Fighting for my country while you hid
Behind your comfort back at home?

Still relaxed?
My wife and child are fading at the tomb. - Mark R. Slaughter

Quote of the Day- May 30, 2011

"Living by faith includes the call to something greater than cowardly self-preservation."- J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit)

Hobbit Movie News: Some Old Faces Join The Set

Hugo Weaving as Elrond

Ian McKellen as Gandolf

Ian Holm as Bilbo

Orlando Bloom as Legalos

Now forgive me if I'm wrong, but I don't remember Legalos being in the hobbit. Is this just some strange addition by the filmmakers?

Quote of the Day- May 29, 2011

Excuses are useless, like noses- Lord Voldemort

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Movie News: Voldemort Poster Released

Hunger Games Movie News: First Look at District 12 Justice Building

Hunger Games Movie News: Venia and Flavius Cast

Kamiko Gelman as Venia

Nelson Ascencio as Flavius

Fablehaven

Book Summary courtesy of Goodreads.com:
For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite.
Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken — Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good — powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.

My Review

Fablehaven is probably one of the best books for children and pre- teens that I have ever read. It is truly an imaginative story. Fablehaven is one of the several magical preserves for magical creatures in the world. Kendra, the older sister, and Seth, the younger brother, have been sent there while their parents go on a Cruise. Kendra is sensible and tries to follow the rules, while trying to figure out what this place really is (at the beginning of the book Seth and Kendra don't know that it's a preserve for magical creatures). Seth, on the other hand, hardly ever follows the rules, which will eventually lead him into deep trouble. Brandon Mull weaves through this fantastical story strong morals, as he spins a plot that will hold your attention until the very end.

Stars: 4. 5 

Quote of the Day- May 28, 2011

"We humans are conflicted beings. Our beliefs don't always harmonize with our instincts, and our behavior doesn't always reflect our beliefs. ... We wage war between the person we are and the person we hope to become."- Brandon Mull

Quote of the Day- May 27, 2011

"Live in the present, remember the past, and fear not the future, for it doesn't exist and never shall. There is only now."- Christopher Paolini (Eldest)

Part of the First Chapter of Inheritance, "Into the Breach" Revealed

The sound was stabbing, slicing, shivering, like metal scraping against stone. Eragon’s teeth vibrated in sympathy, and he covered his ears with his hands, grimacing as he twisted around, trying to locate the source of the noise. Saphira tossed her head, and even through the din, he heard her whine in distress.

Eragon swept his gaze over the courtyard twice before he noticed a faint puff of dust rising up the wall of the keep from a foot-wide crack that had appeared beneath the blackened, partially destroyed window where Blödhgarm had killed the magician. As the squeal increased in intensity, Eragon risked lifting a hand off one ear to point at the crack.

“Look!” he shouted to Arya, who nodded in acknowledgment. He replaced his hand over his ear.

Without warning or preamble, the sound stopped.

Eragon waited for a moment, then slowly lowered his hands, for once wishing that his hearing was not quite so sensitive.

Just as he did, the crack jerked open wider—spreading until it was several feet across—and raced down the wall of the keep. Like a bolt of lightning, the crack struck and shattered the keystone above the door to the building, showering the floor below with pebble-sized rocks. The whole castle groaned, and from the damaged window to the broken keystone, the front of the keep began to lean outward.

“Run!” Eragon shouted at the Varden, though the men were already scattering to either side of the courtyard, desperate to get out from under the precarious wall. Eragon took a single step forward, every muscle in his body tense as he searched for a glimpse of Roran somewhere in the throng of warriors.

At last Eragon spotted him, trapped behind the last group of men by the doorway, bellowing madly at them, his words lost in the commotion. Then the wall shifted and dropped several inches, leaning even farther away from the rest of the building, pelting Roran with rocks, knocking him off balance and forcing him to stumble backward under the overhang of the doorway.

As Roran straightened from a crouch, his eyes met Eragon’s, and in his gaze, Eragon saw a flash of fear and helplessness, quickly followed by resignation, as if Roran knew that, no matter how fast he ran, he could not possibly reach safety in time.

A wry smile touched Roran’s lips.

And the wall fell.

Facts Concerning Book 4 in the Inheritance Cycle Released

Christopher Paolini recently attended Book Expo America and revealed these facts about Inheritance, which will be released November 8, 2011.

• “I never wanted to be a writer – I wanted to be doing what my characters were doing. I wanted to be fighting stuff!”
• Christopher originally wanted to make a movie out of the story of Eragon. It was only after he realized that creating a movie at 15 was nearly impossible that he decided to take to pen and paper to tell his tale.
• The personalities for each of the Cycle’s dragons are largely pulled from the family pets Christopher grew up with.
• Christopher counts Wizard of Earth Sea, Ender’s Game, Dune, Tad Williams, Lord of the Rings, and Mossflower as being among the authors and books to have influenced him the most at an early age.
• We’re going to see a LOT more of Murtagh in Book 4, and fans “will be happy”!
• Christopher loves writing villains! “What I’m writing always affects my own mood, and vice versa. With villains – sometimes that can have a negative impact on me.”
• Eragon was originally named “Kevin” in the first draft of the book. “I like Kevin! Kevin’s a good name! A horrible name for the book, but a good name!”
• The name “Eragon” was a play on words with “dragon” and “era-gone-by”
• Angela the herbalist has “taken over” several scenes in Book 4 and will be featured in one “very awesome” scene.
• Angela was originally included as a joke character during a second pass on the Eragon manuscript. Her success with fans came as a surprise because of that.
• “So much changes for the characters in this book. There’s a lot of fun stuff, a lot of intense stuff!”
• Michelle, Christopher’s editor: “It’s the best one yet, you brought me to tears!” CP: “I killed a couple of characters – sorry!”
• The first chapter of book four is called “Into the Breach”
• The two mysterious women blessed by Eragon in Brisingr will re-appear in Book 4, however they are also intended to be a part of a much larger story in the future… a possible Book 5. Christopher hopes to tell this story in the future.
• “I have carefully laid the groundwork in this series for at least two other [Inheritance] books.” – Start searching for clues, fans!
• Christopher confirmed that Tenga will be addressed or make an appearance in Book 4.
• “My next book is probably going to be science fiction and I’ll go right back to fantasy after that.”
• “Nasuada plays a very important and prominent role in the fourth book. Her choices, both personal and political, carry a lot of weight.”
• “The Kull definitely play a role in the fourth book. They have an axe to grind with Galbatorix and they’re out for blood.”
• Glaedr’s Eldunari will play a role in the fourth book. “He’s not a happy dragon at the moment. Unhappy dragons – be careful of them!”
• Nasuada’s decision regarding what to do with magic users will be addressed in the book.

Quote of the Day- May 26, 2011

"If my life is going to mean anything, I have to live it myself." - Rick Riordan- The Lightning Thief

The Heroes of Olympus: The Son of Neptune Cover Revealed

If you have ever read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan, then you may know of the sequel to that series called The Heroes of Olympus. "The Son of Neptune" is the sequel to "The Lost Hero." It will come out on October 4th, 2011.

Here is a link to a sneak peak of the book: http://disney.go.com/disneybooks/heroes-of-olympus/

Hunger Games Movie News: Avox Girl Cast

Amber Chaney

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2: New Posters Released

Ron Weasley

Neville Long bottom

Working Together

We work together We work as one Though there may be times When we don't 'get on' We may not always See 'eye to eye' And sometimes we feel Like saying 'good-bye' When this happens We shouldn't lose heart For of 'something greater' We are all a part Each one of us Has a role to play In making this A brighter day We work together For the good of all It's in our hearts Where we feel the call Gods love lives within Every heart that shares and every soul that really cares So whenever you feel like going away Just listen to your heart For it wants you to stay.- Janice Walkden

Quote of the Day- May 25, 2011

Wisdom is supreme; therefore make a full effort to get wisdom.
Esteem her and she will exalt you; embrace her and she will honor you.
       - Proverbs 4:7-8

Hunger Games Movie News: Lenny Kravitz Cast as Cinna and Toby Jones Cast as Claudius Templesmith

Lenny Kravitz

Toby Jones

Quote of the Day- May 24, 2011

"Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."- Forrest Gump

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2: New Poster Released

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 Movie News: New Still and Poster

Professor McGonagall, several students, and Bill, Fleur, Arthur, Molly, George, Kingsley, Cho, Seamus, and Percy.

Hunger Games Movie News: First Look at District Twelve

Quote of the Day- May 23, 2011

"You don’t forget the face of the person who was your last hope."- The Hunger Games

The Penderwicks On Gardam Street

THE PENDERWICK SISTERS are home on Gardam Street and ready for an adventure! But the adventure they get isn’t quite what they had in mind. Mr. Penderwick’s sister has decided it’s time for him to start dating—and the girls know that can only mean one thing: disaster. Enter the Save-Daddy Plan—a plot so brilliant, so bold, so funny, that only the Penderwick girls could have come up with it. It’s high jinks, big laughs, and loads of family warmth as the Penderwicks triumphantly return.

My Review

It may be amusing to note that I read this book before I read The Penderwicks. As you may remember, the Penderwick sister's mother died when they were very young. Before she died, she gave Aunt Clare an envelope which encouraged their father to find a second wife. The story begins with a visit from Aunt Clare, who brings some disasterous news with her. The Penderwick sisters hold a MOPS (Meeting of Penderwick Sisters) and formulate the Save- Daddy Plan to keep him from giving them a horrid step- mother. Meanwhile, Sky and Jane have switched homework assignments, which leads to a major disaster. The play that Skye was supposed to write, but which Jane wrote instead is going to be the school play of the year. Unfortunately, Skye as the supposed author is forced to be the star even though her skills in acting are horrible. Rosalind and her neighbor Tommy experience a frustrating romance. Let me for a moment remind my readers that I do not usually approve of seventh grade romance, however I will make an exception for the Penderwicks for it's hilarity. Batty and Hound, who are now secret agents on an undercover backyard mission, must find out who the scary Bug- man is that they keep on seeing. Overall this book is as charming as the first with spots of humor written on every page. It reminds me of the relationship that I have with my own sisters and my own life. 


Stars: 4.5 out of 5

Quote of the Day- May 22, 2011

This task was appointed to you, Frodo of the Shire. If you do not find a way, no one will- Galadriel

 Each of us were put onto this earth for a reason. When you find out what your purpose is, you must follow it no matter what the consequences are. 

Fire and Ice

 

 

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I’ve tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.- Robert Frost

Quote of the Day- May 21, 2011- Puppy Love!!!

I would recommend to those persons who are inclined to stagnate, whose blood is beginning to thicken sluggishly in their veins, to try keeping four dogs, two of which are puppies.-Elizabeth von Arnum

Hunger Games Movie News: The Actors to Play Octavia ( Katniss' Prep Team) and Portia (Peeta's stylist) Announced

Octavia shall by played by Brooke Bundy

Portia shall be played by Latarsha Rose

Quote of the Day- May 28, 2011

“Deep in my heart I'm concealing things that I'm longing to say. Scared to confess what I'm feeling - frightened you'll slip away.”- Madonna As I go through my social life, I am often afraid that what I say will turn them away from me as a friend. Even if what I feel is good and pure, I am often scared to see how they will react to my emotions and what goes on in my life. I am frightened that I am just to strange for anyone to relate to. Loneliness is not a new emotion for me. However, to live in this world one must have friends. The problem is finding those on this planet who hold up what is good and true and do not allow them self to fall into the darkness in this world. Such a perfect person does not exist on this planet, except for Christ. Somehow, I feel that what I wish to say and discuss is just too deep for others to understand; that I am giving up a part of myself and exposing a part of my consciousness to another. Writing is the outlet in which I express myself. Listen and learn.

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

Here is the book summary courtesy of Goodreads.com:

While vacationing with their widowed father in the Berkshire Mountains, four lovable sisters, ages four through twelve, share adventures with a local boy, much to the dismay of his snobbish mother.

My Review:

The Penderwicks is the charming story of four sisters and their summer vacation in a cottage on the lands of a house called Arundel. Four years prior their mother, Elizabeth, died of cancer, leaving Rosalind, the oldest, to take care of her sisters with their father. Skye is the second oldest and the tomboy of the family. Jane is the reader with the runaway and often hilarious imagination. Throughout the story, she is working on her newest "Sabrina Star" book entitled "Sabrina Star Rescues a Boy." Batty is the youngest, at four years old. She is shy, has a special connection with animals, and never stops wearing her orange and black butterfly wings. Their father is a Botanist. This can also be funny at times because he will sometimes speak Latin in his everyday speech. Jeffery is Ms. Tifton's son. In the story, Ms. Tifton is dating the horrid man, Dexter Dupree, who plans to marry her and send Jeffery off to military school a whole year early. Jeffery, however, would rather go to music lessons. Ms. Tifton is horrid to the children, believing that they are out of her class and therefore they are a bad influence of Jeffery. The girls' imagination fills the book and makes you want to be part of their family. This I swear by the Penderwick family honor! Will the Penderwicks be able to save Jeffery from his unthinkable fate or will he have to go to military school, have Dexter as a stepfather, and forgo a promising music career because his mother thinks that she can control his life? Find out by reading this book!

 Stars: 4.5 out of 5

Quote of the Day- May 19, 2011

Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. -John Maxwell 

Hunger Games Movie News: First Look At Katniss Everdeen

Come, Rest Awhile

Come, rest awhile, and let us idly stray In glimmering valleys, cool and far away. Come from the greedy mart, the troubled street, And listen to the music, faint and sweet, That echoes ever to a listening ear, Unheard by those who will not pause to hear­ The wayward chimes of memory's pensive bells, Wind-blown o'er misty hills and curtained dells. One step aside and dewy buds unclose The sweetness of the violet and the rose; Song and romance still linger in the green, Emblossomed ways by you so seldom seen, And near at hand, would you but see them, lie All lovely things beloved in days gone by. You have forgotten what it is to smile In your too busy life­come, rest awhile.- Lucy Maud Montgomery

Quote of the Day- May 18, 2011

Those who do not show respect to others do not deserve to be respected. - Anonymous

Lockdown

Here is the book summary courtesy of Goodreads.com:

It seems as if the only progress that's going on at Progress juvenile facility is moving from juvy jail to real jail. Reese wants out early, but is he supposed to just sit back and let his friend Toon get jumped? Then Reese gets a second chance when he's picked for the work program at a senior citizens' home. He doesn't mean to keep messing up, but it's not so easy, at Progress or in life. One of the residents, Mr. Hooft, gives him a particularly hard time. If he can convince Mr. Hooft that he's a decent person, not a criminal, maybe he'll be able to convince himself.

My Review:

This book gave me a new view on the way the U.S. prison system works. Reese has been arrested for stealing drugs because he needed the money. The story tells about his live in a juvenile facility. It discusses how most of the kids who live in Progress, which is located in New York City, are from families who have never had a college graduate from their homes or a day that they could feel truly safe. Most of the kids have family members who do drugs. They are trying to find a way to fit into society. However, when they go the wrong way they are put into prison. Many of them will spend their time in and out of prison for the rest of their lives.   Reese believes that there is nothing he can do in his life after he gets out of prison. He has a nine- year- old sister named Isis, who he loves dearly, and a younger brother. His mother is an alcoholic, although she tries to hide it. The reason Reese feels so disheartened is because he thinks that no one will hire him. He will never be able to make a life for himself because he has a record. The best part of this story is that in the end he decides that instead of making a life purely for himself, he will do all he can to make a life for someone else. Personally, I found the everyday life in the prison intriguing. There were prison gangs, who beat up the younger kids, as well as rough prison workers. It also described the disgusting food and the techniques that the prison workers used for punishment. There was a lot of language in this book, but I think it fit with the theme. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It gave me a new view on prison life and what happens after the prisoners get out.

Stars: 3.5 out of 5

Quote of the Day- May 17, 2011

Don't ask for a light load, but rather ask for a strong back.
       - Anonymous

We all encounter adversity in our lives. However, with out it we would not be able to make it through our lives. Therefore, we must not ask for an easier lifestyle, but use our circumstances to learn about the world around us. 

Promise Yourself

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can
disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to
every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel like there is
something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your
optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best,
and expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on the
greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give
every living person you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, and too
strong for fear, and to happy to permit the
presence of trouble.

The Optimist Creed
From The Optimist International

Quote of the Day- May 16, 2011

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough. - Oprah Winfrey

The Emerald Atlas

Here is the book summary courtesy of goodreads.com:

John Stephens' aptly-titled new fantasy trilogy begins auspiciously with a nimble, fast-paced tale of three siblings. Kate, Michael, and Emma have suffered through ten years of odious orphanage "care"; now they have slipped into the care of the eccentric, disturbingly mysterious Dr. Pym. While exploring their new home, the children discover a magical green book. With that discovery, a decade of tedium dissolves into cascades of dangerous time travel adventures and struggles with a beautiful witch and decidedly less attractive zombielike Screechers. High early reader marks for strong characterization and battle scenes.

My Review 

The Emerald Atlas is a thrilling story that I would recommend to all ages of readers. It reminds one of The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe at first. However, that soon changes into a very original and engaging story. Kate, the oldest, promised her mother to take of her siblings when she was only four years old. After years of hardship, she is now very protective and almost motherly in some respect. Michael is a lot like Klaus in the book series by Lemony Snicket: Series of Unfortunate Events. He is a scholar of dwarves and is always spouting random dwarf facts. For example, it is a dwarf tradition to whistle Christmas Carols through one's nose. Emma is the youngest. She has never known either of her parents and her first reaction when she feels threatened is to attack the threatener. Overall, I thing that she was my favorite character is in the book next to Gabriel. Gabriel is the member of a tribe in the mountains and is the stereotypical hero fighter dude. He develops an unbreakable friendship with Emma, which adds a beautiful aspect to this book. Since the children's parents were forced to send them away when they were young, they have no idea who they are. The children are often left wondering whether or not their parents really cared about them and why they never came to get them. While I was reading, I was emotionally invested in this book. The characters were hilarious at times and the most touching and scary scenes had me gasping with surprise and sweating with anxiety. The Countess, the witch, seems silly  at first, but in a frolicking evil way. You learn later that she is just a small piece in the plan of a greater power. The plot concerning the Books of Beginning was brilliant. I've never quite thought of time that way. All and all, The Emerald Atlas is a heartwarming tale that children of all ages will enjoy. 

Stars: 4 out of 5 

Quote of the Day- May 15, 2011

A child's voice, however honest and true, is meaningless to those who've forgotten how to listen.- Dumbledore (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Cinematic Adaptation)

Small Wisdom From the Bathroom Doors

I don't think they
understand that
painting it white
gives us a blank
slate to deface- Anonymous

Quote of the Day- May 14, 2011

What you see depends on what you're looking for.- Anonymous


Have you ever learned something new, like a new word? From the moment you learn that which you did not know, it is as if the world has opened up  a new door to you. You see that thing that you just learned in anything everywhere. The heroes in stories or people in real life all come to these doors. It is what allows humans to do what they do by previous experience. Perhaps in their conscious mind was not looking for an answer to their dilemma, but their heart was. One can improve their life greatly by searching their own hearts and finding things that they did not know existed and then fix them.

Hunger Games Movie News: District 2 Tributes announced and Hamitch actor confirmed

Here is the article courtesy of Hypable.com:

It’s official! After rumors suggested so, The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Woody Harrelson will play Haymitch in The Hunger Games.
UPDATE: Read a comment about the announcement from Director Gary Ross.

Confirmation came today via The Hollywood Reporter:

Woody Harrelson has landed the coveted role of Katniss Everdeen’s mentor in the upcoming big-screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel.
Haymitch, as described in the book, is a drunk who was victorious in the 50th Hunger Games, more than two decades before Katniss’ deadly adventures begin.

Haymitch is of course Katniss’ mentor in the books and is the only District 12 contestant to have won the Games.
Many had hoped Robert Downey Jr. would take the role even though no rumors suggested he might. Are you happy with this casting choice?
UPDATE: Director Gary Ross had this to say about the news:
Haymitch is such an unforgettable character: funny cranky outrageous, sarcastic, impatient, biting but ultimately kind. I’m so grateful we have Woody Harrelson to play him. I can’t wait for us to get to work.
UPDATE 2: LOST creator Damon Lindelof was very happy to hear Harrelson was cast:
Every once in awhile, the gods bestow upon us a perfect piece of casting. Woody Harrelson is officially Haymitch.

When I am writing my book this is what I feel like... sometimes

Quote of the Day- May 13, 2011

"Teach your children what we have taught ours, that the earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. The earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." - Chief Seattle

Quote of the Day- May 12, 2011

Well... technically it's not May 12th. Blogger was having trouble yesterday and would not let members do anything except experience the thrill of only being able to use read- only mode for Blogger. Such a thing is only entertaining if you consider ripping your hair out in frustration so.

Anyway Blogger fixed the problem and that brings us to our quote of the day about patience.

Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity.- Carl Jung

After Ever After

Here is the book summary courtesy of Goodreads.com:
Jeffrey isn't a little boy with cancer anymore. He's a teen who's in remission, but life still feels fragile. The after-effects of treatment have left Jeffrey with an inability to be a great student or to walk without limping.
His parents still worry about him. His older brother, Steven, lost it and took off to Africa to be in a drumming circle and "find himself." Jeffrey has a little soul searching to do, too, which begins with his escalating anger at Steven, an old friend who is keeping something secret, and a girl who is way out of his league but who thinks he's cute.

My Review: 


After Ever After is the sequel to Drums, Girls, Dangerous Pie. While Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie is about a boy whose brother has cancer, After Ever After is about that boy's brother after he has defeated cancer. The story takes place when Jeffery is in Eighth Grade. The most interesting thing that I found about this book is that it focuses on the side- effects after the cancer is gone. The truth is, the side- effects of cancer never truly go away. Jeffery has suffered brain damage from the treatment and therefore has trouble doing his academic subjects. His best friend, Tad, has also had cancer, Brain Cancer. He is sarcastic and cynical as result of his hard life as a cancer patient. Because of his treatment, he has trouble walking. Although Tad can be mean in some respects, I think that he is bitter and wants people to realize what they are going through is nothing compared to what he has gone through. Jeffery struggles with the side- effects of his cancer treatment and the changes in his family. The fear of cancer has still not gone away and his parents still have to get used to the fact that he will not have all of the abilities of other kids his age. His brother goes to Africa to "find himself". The reason for this is that his brother thinks that no one truly cares about him. Whenever anyone sees him, they always ask about someone else, like Jeffery, but never him. The romance aspect was not my favorite part, but it's alright. Typical Middle- school romance. All and all, After Ever After is the engaging story of a boy's life after cancer and the frightening reality that his survival is not always the story of others.


Stars: 4 out of 5

Quote of the Day- May 11, 2011

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. 

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. 

It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most...

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. 

And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people 
permission to do the same.

 As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

           - Marianne Williamson, American author and lecturer

Quote of the Day- April 10, 2011

Everyone is shy --- it is the inborn modesty that makes us able to live in harmony with other creatures and our fellows. Achievement comes not by denying shyness but, occasionally, by setting it aside and letting pride and perspiration come first.
       - Kirkpatrick Sale

Platform 9 3/4

Have you ever wondered if something in a book could really happen:

Hunger Games Movie News: District 10 Tributes Cast

Hunger Games Movie News: Stanley Tucci cast as Caesar Flickerman

Article courtesy of Hypable.com
Lionsgate announced this morning who will play host to The Hunger Games!

Stanley Tucci will take the role of Caesar Flickerman.
The press release had this to say about the character of Caesar:
Caesar Flickerman is utterly familiar to all the citizens of Panem as the iconic host of the Hunger Games. Known for his outrageous appearance and buoyant personality, his upbeat interviews of the 24 tributes – a boy and a girl from each of the country’s 12 districts – are presented on every television in the nation. He is famous for turning any conversation around to the positive and finding humor in even the most dire circumstances.