The Odds Were In Its Favor: Review of The Hunger Games Movie

This past weekend was a flurry of Hunger Games madness! Just think, the it's already broken box office records, and I believe its because this is the one series where fans across various fandoms finally agree on one thing: it's greatness.

Last Friday, I rocked my own tamed down version of Capitol inspired makeup inspired by the Mockingjay book cover, as well as my very own Mockingjay pin (Purchased at ToysRus for $11.99), met up with my family to check it out.

More after the jump, as to not spoil anyone...

Loves:

Acting: BOOM! I must say that many of the actors blew me away with their performances. I think whenever castings are filled for buzzworthy series' they are always met with a bit of hesitance at first, but in this case, everything was spot on. Jennifer Lawrence especially. During the scenes right before the games begin, I felt tense, my heart pounding as if I were a tribute, and to watch her literally trembling a bit made me very proud! Amandla Stenberg as Rue...adorable and flawless. Liam Hemsworth (in what scenes he was in) and Josh Hutcherson, are Gale and Peeta. Period. When I first saw Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket, I knew we had a winner, she was fabulous! Lenny Kravitz as Cinna first surprised me because I never would have pictured him for the role, but he proved me wrong. He somehow managed to make Cinna even cooler, if that's possible. Stanley Tucci as Cesar...hilarious! So overall, awesome acting from stars and supporting roles.

Settings: The films portrayal of District 12, and the Capitol were totally different from how I pictured it while I read the books. Nevertheless, they blew my mind, and played out as true on screen. District 12 was realistic, rustic, and raw (please excuse my alliteration, :-), like how I would picture the rural south, and yet simplistically beautiful. The Capitol, over the top, almost overwhelming. I loved how it seemed to have Roman Empire influences, which is what I always think of when I envision the Games. The citizens of the Capitol were...it's very hard to explain how they looked...but it was awesome.

Story Adaptation: As films often have a hard time adapting epic novels for the screen, I'll say The Hunger Games delivered the goods. Pretty great adaptation, staying as close to the novel as possible.

Soundtrack/Score: I love the music chosen to accompany this film. It's all acoustic folk, and dreamy with a hint of the overwhelming nature that the games present to the people of Panem. Wonderful artists like The Civil Wars, Taylor Swift (doing something that I believe is quite different for her), and Birdy. (Safe and Sound is one of my favorite songs now!). I'm also looking forward to the release of the score. It suited scenes nicely, without being overly flowery or dramatic.

Things I thought were Meh:

Parts from the novel that weren't included: The complete story of the Mockingjay pin, The tension filled ending between Peeta and Katniss, Katniss' indepth relationship with Rue...those are all that I can remember right now. Of course they touched on Katniss and Rue's close relationship but it was a bit rushed. The film was still awesome without these moments, but I wish that they would've left them as is. Especially regarding the story surrounding the Mockingjay pin, as it is heavily spoken of as the series progresses.

The Arena: I don't know about your envsioning of the arena, but I always thought that it looked completely like the woods, sky and all. And in the film, the sky has clearly marked, kind of, technological lines that would seem to give away the fact that there is a force field around it. That part bugged me a bit, as they discover the force field bit as they go a long in the novel. Either way, this is minimal. Please, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

What did you think of the film?

Overall: I give The Hunger Games Adaptation 5 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey.

Oh, and before I go, There's still time to enter my 1st giveaway featuring Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris!

Have a great weekend guys!

1ST GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!: Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris

From the award-winning author of Letters from Home comes a poignant novel of love and courage, set against one of the most controversial episodes in American history: the aftermath of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern's life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother's best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.

When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.

-GoodReads

I'm so excited to unveil Novel Days' first giveaway pick: Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris. When I read it, I immediately fell in love with Maddie, Lane, TJ and Jo, and I can assure you that you will as well! Ms. McMorris, herself, was generous enough to donate a copy (THANK YOU, KRISTINA!) so that one of you lovely readers could have a chance at winning and reading this awesome novel!

I love it and you guys so much, I've opened this giveaway to INTERNATIONAL READERS!

To enter you MUST:

BE A FOLLOWER OF NOVEL DAYS via GFC or RSS FEED

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LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST

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POST A TWEET ABOUT THIS  GIVEAWAY ONCE A DAY

This giveaway ends on the ides of April, aka, April 15th at 12:01 AM EST.

I can't wait to choose a winner so get on over here and enter, and tell your friends!!!! The winner will be chosen via a Random Choice generator.

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The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour Book Review

Colby's post-high school plans have long been that he and his best friend Bev would tour with her band, then spend a year in Europe. When Bev announces that she will start college just after the tour, Colby struggles to understand why she changed her mind and what losing her means for his future.

-GoodReads

The Disenchantments is what I would envision it would be like to watch The Runaways or any of the Riot Grrrl bands just starting out. It's chock full of spinning vinyls, hazy photography, beautiful art, and a vintage VW.  It's a very lo-fi novel, very analogue, if I may, and I LOVED the name of this novel! LaCour writes a coming of age story that is fun and exciting, but also filled with the challenges of growing up.  I loved that instead of writing the expected, LaCour decided to write of a band that is pretty bad. They know it, and their audience knows it, but what redeems them is their unwavering spirit. Meg, Alexa, and Bev move forward for the experience of it, for fun times, giving it their all!

I adored journeying with Meg, Alexa, Bev, and Colby into quirky towns along the Pacific Northwest. Each and every character held such presence, their own unique colors shined through. LaCour weaves an appreciation for awesome music into the novel, specifically from top female bands like The Supremes, Sleater-Kinney, and Heart. I'll enjoy discovering these artists more fully in the future! The mood of the novel is infectious, and made me want to get on the road, to revel in the unplanned moments, filling my days with photography, great music, and most of all, wonderful people.

The novel takes a serious turn as Bev decides to change plans that she and Colby have been looking forward to since they were children. I'll admit, I found Bev a bit hard to sympathize with, but, thankfully, it became easier for me once the secrets surrounding her decision were revealed. I sympathized most with Colby, and found him to be a great character to experience the novel through. He is a dreamer, who wants so badly to follow a different path from most of his high school peers. I found myself cheering for the entire lot from beginning to end! The novel progresses in such a beautiful way, that by the end, I was filled with the wonder of being young, and the beauty of being able to choose your own path as an adult.

LaCour's writing is beautiful, lush, intricate, the whole gamut! Her own road trips fueled the many experiences, scenes, and characters within the novel. I can't tell you how much more I want to road trip, or something similar, after reading this novel. It's very special.

Bare in mind: This novel contains profanity and slight sexuality.

The Disenchantments is a great novel filled with the magic of forging your own path.

I give The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour 4 1/2 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey.

P.S: CHECK OUT THIS POSTER CREATED FOR THE DISENCHANTMENTS!!!! I WANT ONE!

Strand Encounters: "Maybe that's what life is... a wink of the eye and winking stars." A homage to Ti Jean.

Strand Encounters is a feature detailing all of the wonderful bits of awesomeness I acquire in the legendary Strand Bookstore. Are you a New Yorker, or someone who loves the Strand Bookstore and wants to post about it? You should totally take on this feature on your blog!!!

The thing I love about the Strand Bookstore is that even if you come in with a book in mind, you never come out with what you expected. It's always a surprise, stumbled upon serendipitously. Last week, during one of the nicest days that the City has seen in a long while, I found my way into the Strand. No real money, but hey, you deal. I thought I would check for another novel called, Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quinonez, but this was eclipsed as soon as I found this wonderful book: Atop an Underwood, early writings by the late Jack Kerouac. And then I discovered that today is his birthday, and thought that I should do a little homage to the beautiful Ti Jean! The book contained a personal message from an Uncle to his nephew on his way to college. Only in the Strand (or your equivalent of an indie bookshop) can you find books that have histories. Perhaps, I'll write a message in it, and if I decide to give it away (which probably won't happen) someone else can find it! 

I wanted to see his writing evolve from what it was when he was 13 to what it became when he penned his most famous work On The Road. What lies in the mind of one who embraced his own unique voice from a young age? I want to glean this from him.

I learned to be an exciting, passionate writer because this man wasn't afraid to chronicle his meanderings, thoughts, and visions onto the page. I may not agree with every single thing he got into, as the beatniks lived a quite sex/drug filled reverie. But, his words pulse with life, beauty, and zeal that is infectious. This man makes me want to take my own 'On the Road' journey, just so I can fill a journal with the people I'll meet, the places I'll discover, and the growth that God will no doubt bring me to. 

Every writer who hopes to make any kind of difference in the world, should read him. He'll encourage you not to let the critics get you down, but to throw your entire heart on the page. It's only then that you will change someone's life.

Do you like Kerouac? What's you're favorite work by him? For now, mine is The Subterraneans.

PostScript: Can I thank all of you new followers once again for clicking the GFC button? You all make me smile! I hope you enjoy my posts, and thanks for reading!

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Feature & Follow #87: Hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read

I'm so excited to have been featured during this week's Feature & Follow Blog hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. I also welcome all of you new followers! This is an awesome opportunity to find out about your fellow book bloggers out there! Please join in, answer the weekly question, add your blog to the linky tool, and discover other bloggers!

This week's question: Have you ever looked at a book's cover and thought, This is going to horrible? But, was instead pleasantly surprised? Show us the cover and tell us about the book. 

I can't tell you how challenging it was to go through my mental library to find a novel which fits this scenario, as the opposite has happened more than not. However, I thought for a while and the Perfect Chemistry Series came to mind, particularly book one of the same name. Between the cover, and the synopsis, though, I didn't immediately believe that it would be horrible, per say, I did wonder if it would fade into the sea of YA romances out there that tend to focus more on spiciness than creating round characters, or wonderful plot lines. Perfect Chemistry definitely surprised me. It includes everything that I love in a romance, yet, it also discusses stereotyping, race relations, seeing an individual beyond their circumstances, and overcoming the box that an individual cages around themselves. Beautiful, simplistic romance, with an awesome plot, and memorable characters that are sure to surprise you as they did me. I couldn't believe how connected I felt to the Fuentes brothers and their loves after I finished the series!

Thanks again for the feature, guys, and I look forward to checking out all of your blogs (trying to :-).

Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris Book Review

In this poignant and evocative novel by acclaimed author Kristina McMorris, a country is plunged into conflict and suspicion—forcing a young woman to find her place in a volatile world.


Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern's life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother's best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.


When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.


Skillfully capturing one of the most controversial episodes in recent American history, Kristina McMorris draws readers into a novel filled with triumphs and heartbreaking loss—an authentic, moving testament to love, forgiveness, and the enduring music of the human spirit.
-Barnes & Noble

Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris can be defined as one of the most well done novels of 2012 thus far. This is the first World War II era novel that I've had the privilege of reading, and I'm so happy I got to experience a journey so beautiful. McMorris has taken me through so many emotions in my few days of reading--I didn't expect to feel what I felt! I purchased this novel from Kinokuniya, which I'm really excited I did, given the topic of this novel. From the moment I opened it, I couldn't tear myself away from it even if I tried. McMorris breaks the novel into seven parts, and writes from the varied perspectives of the main characters. It was so interesting to watch each point of view weave into the others, thus, tying the reader to each one.

Every single character is wonderfully human. I adored Lane and Maddie, and their ups and downs with staying united, regardless of the war that threatens to tear them apart. I loved learning about Japanese culture, and tradition, as Maddie does throughout the novel. TJ, Maddie's brother, is challenging, but not in a way that is unrelatable. I could feel his every struggle as he dealt with personal conflicts and pain. I would've loved to see more of Maddie's best friend, Jo. She is such a strong character that is charismatic and effervescent, yet, deals with her own struggles.

Not only is McMorris' writing style stellar, evoking the most classic of voices from the 40s, her research is impeccable. If she didn't come out and plainly state that this novel is a work of fiction, it could've easily read as a historical/biographical account! Yet, it is the true story of those who had to endure horrible racism, and removal from their homes as American citizens to camps labeling their culture and ethnicity a threat. My heart was broken so many times over the course of this story. But McMorris pens a novel of great hope, and knowledge that in the end, we are all fighting the same fight. This novel needed to be written. It will go into my Bookish Delights collection (novels with characters that feel like family members, and which will most likely be re-read).

Bridge of Scarlet Leaves is an epic novel filled with romance, adventure, and disturbing realities. It deserves high acclaim! Also, as much as I would rather some novels not become films, I can see this on the big screen!

I give Bridge of Scarlet Leaves 5 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey, and a cup of red bean ice cream!

Muchacho by Louanne Johnson Book Review

An inspiring YA debut from the author of Dangerous Minds.

Eddie Corazon is angry. He’s also very smart. But he’s working pretty hard at being a juvenile delinquent. He blows off school, even though he’s a secret reader. He hangs with his cousins, who will always back him up—when they aren’t in jail.

Then along comes Lupe, who makes his blood race. She sees something in Eddie he doesn’t even see in himself. A heart, and a mind, and something more: a poet. But in Eddie’s world, it’s a thin line between tragedy and glory. And what goes down is entirely in Eddie’s hands.

Gripping, thought-provoking, and hopeful, Muchacho is a rare and inspiring story about one teen’s determination to fight his circumstances and shape his own destiny.

-GoodReads

Muchacho by Louanne Johnson is surely a positive meal for the soul. I truly loved it, and have officially adopted it into my Bookish Delights Family (books with characters that feel like family members/books I will most likely re-read).  

This novel is the main character, Eduardo Corazon's, inner thoughts and musings detailing specific turning points in his life. I found that I was drawn to his narrative voice, the innocence, rawness, and inquisitive side of it. I loved experiencing his evolution from an unmotivated high school student, unwilling to step away from the box of being 'the cool bad boy,' to discovering his love for poetry, ballroom dancing, and the wonderful Lupe. Lupe is such a great character, smart, insightful, and the most confident high schooler. You can see why Eddie is so enamored by her. I loved hearing his thoughts on, Ms. Beecher, the teacher who changes his perspective on school and life. I also enjoyed reading of his experiences with his older cousin, Enrique (Primo), who is often misunderstood, and prone to attracting trouble. Once Eddie discovers his love for the written word, and begins to experiment with it, I fell even more in love with his narrative voice. 

If you are a fan of plot driven novels, then this one may not be for you. I'll admit that I was a bit put off by this at first, but as I got to know Eddie, I only wanted more of him, his experiences, and his thoughts about the people around him. Johnson does include scenes, but each one fulfills the particular focus of each chapter, as opposed to novels with filler scenes, and the like. Johnson is such a stellar writer, who made Eddie and his story come alive.

While reading, I felt as if I were given a glimpse of what it must feel like for a teacher to change a student's perspective of the world. I also remembered my days in high school, which were, like Eddie's, very unpromising. I had no idea what life meant outside of those high school walls, and I wondered how I would overcome a place that had no hope for me to do so. I needed this novel when I went to high school, yet everyone, no matter the age, can read this novel and gain positive refreshment.

Muchacho is a coming of age story about a young man who discovers the passion to change his life. It is not to be missed.

I give Muchacho by Louanne Johnson 5 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey, and a plate of enchiladas. (yeah, I said it!)