Book Review: Water for Elephants

Book: Water for Elephants
Author: Sara Gruen
Source: Recommendation from my mom

GoodReads Summary: An atmospheric, gritty, and compelling novel of star-crossed lovers, set in the circus world circa 1932, by the bestselling author of "Riding Lessons". "Gritty, sensual and charged withd ark secrets involving love, murder and a majestic, mute heroine (Rosie the Elephant). " Q " Parade."

My Thoughts: I loved this novel. I actually ended up reading the entire thing in a day, I simply did not want to put it down.  What I enjoyed most about this novel was how well researched the historical parts were that I picked up on.  Granted, I didn't know much about how circuses were run in the 1930's except that they traveled on trains but it read really well.  Stopping and thinking about when I was reading this novel, I felt like I was actually there and witnessing everything that happened by the way that Sara Gruen wrote.  My favorite character of the entire novel is Jacob, the main character.  He's been through a lot and then he's stuck in a nursing home but in the end there's a rewarding moment that let's him get away.  Also, part of the reason my mom had recommended this to me was because it talks in little snippets about what it's like for Jacob to be in a nursing home, and how the residents are often not listened to.  My mom recommended it to me for this mostly because she's worked in a nursing home for over nine years now and I've volunteered about seven years there so I hear a lot of things from her and even have experienced them myself.  Reading those parts in this novel makes it even clearer to me about why we do the things we do at the nursing home.  All in all, this is probably my favorite thing I've read.  Also, to note, if I wasn't allowed to pick a main character as my favorite character, I would have picked Rosie, she's an interesting elephant.

Favorite Quote: "The whole thing's illusion, Jacob, and there's nothing wrong with hat. It's what people want from us. It's what they expect."

Rating: 5/5

Film Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Film: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane
Director: David Yates
Source: I've been a follower of the book series, the films were kind of a given.
Form: DVD

Summary: Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on their perilous mission to track down and destroy the secret to Voldemort's immortality and destruction - the Horcruxes.  On their own and on the run, the three friends must now rely on one another more than ever... but Dark Forces in their midst threaten to tear them apart. Meanwhile, the wizarding world has become a dangerous place.  The long-feared war has begun and the Dark Lord has seized control over the Ministry of Magic and even Hogwarts, terrorizing and arresting all who might oppose him. The Chosen One has become the hunted one as the Death Eaters search for Harry with orders to bring him to Voldemort...alive.

My Thoughts:  I'm trying to think back to the first time that I saw this film, but that was quite a while back for me to remember.  I watched it again a week or so ago and I was blown away at the details that were brought forth. Unlike many other times when I watch the Harry Potter films for the first or second times, I didn't compare the film to the book. Which, in turn I think made me enjoy the film a lot more than I would have if I had compared the film to the book while I was watching it.  I really genuinely enjoyed this film.

Extras: The DVD that I own has additional scenes with it.  I really enjoyed seeing these snippets that didn't quite make the cut.  I think sometimes that I enjoy watching the additional scenes more often than the film.

Rating: 5/5

Book Review: Chopping Spree

Book: Chopping Spree
Author: Diane Mott Davidson
Source: a cousin sent it to me

GoodReads Summary: For Colorado caterer Goldy Schulz, business isn't just booming -- it's skyrocketing. Her friend Marla is constantly warning her, "Success can kill you." But Goldy doesn't take the warning literally until her next booking: a cocktail party for the Westside Mall's Elite Shoppers Club.

While setting up, Goldy is nearly run down by a truck with no intention of stopping. Then she finds an old friend in a pile of sale shoes -- stabbed with one of Goldy's new knives. Goldy must catch the real killer between whipping up Sweethearts' Swedish Meatballs, Quiche Me Quick, and Diamond Lovers' Hot Crab Dip. Why was the victim carrying a powerful narcotic? Who hired a private investigator shortly before the murder? Goldy's gourmet instincts tell her the final course in this case will be a real killer.

My Thoughts:  I had a tough time powering through this book.  A lot of the main focus was on describing the food dishes that the main character Goldy is making for her clients.  It seemed that out of the entire book there was more of a focus on the food part of it instead of finding out what happened to Goldy's friend and who did it.  This book is labeled as 'suspense' on the spine and to be honest, there really wasn't much of a suspense to it.  There would have been at least if the food hadn't overpowered everything else in the book.  I did however enjoy how Diane Mott Davidson wrote the characters, especially Goldy and her friend who ends up with a knife to his stomach.

Favorite Quote: "Maybe I was overreacting. Maybe there were a lot of corpses with missing toes, and I was going overboard."

Rating: 1/5

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Book:  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Author: J. K. Rowling

Source: The entire series has been on my bookshelf for years, I don't think any of us know how or when they all appeared...

Summary: Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and he has never worn a cloak of invisibility.

All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle and their abominable son, Dudley - a great big swollen spoiled bully.  Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry - and anyone who reads about him - will find unforgettable.  For it's there that he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, but a great destiny that been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter.

My Thoughts:  I'll be up front about this, I've read this series several times.  So many in fact that my copy of Sorcerer's Stone is literally falling to pieces, and I'll have to tape it back together for the third time.  There is something to say about this, Sorcerer's Stone is the only one out of the seven books that is the most...loved.  I've concluded this is because I still find that the beginning of this series is so incredibly fascinating and it brings back so much when I read it when I remember what it was like to be reading it for the first time.  I still love all the same things about Sorcerer's Stone as I used to.  Getting to meet Harry for the first time, still wanting to kick Dudley and smack Aunt Petunia.  I especially loved when Harry meets the Weasleys for the first time at the platform, that scene stood out the most in the entire book.  The writing, as my English teacher said last week, is just amazing.  J.K. Rowling writes in such an amazing way that she draws me into her work; this is something I've liked about her series, it makes me feel like I'm there beside Harry while I'm reading.  It still does to this day.

Favorite Quote: "Scars can come in useful. I have one myself above my left knee which is a perfect map of the London Underground."

Rating: 5/5

Book Review: Submarine

Book: Submarine

Author: Edward L. Beach

Source: Digging through a pile of history books in the school library trying to find an interesting read for my history book report.

Summary:  For the World War II submariner, every day was a life-or-death trial: going to sea for months at a time; existing in dank, claustrophobic conditions; enduring long stretches of monotonous silence punctuated by adrenaline-spiked episodes of paralyzing fear and victorious elation. It was a duty few men could handle -- and even fewer would survive.

This is the true story of those brave men who served and too often died under the ocean surface, written by a man who was there. Edward L. Beach masterfully weaves his gripping experiences aboard the USS Trigger with those of other boats fighting the war in the Pacific. Part action-packed combat chronicle, part testament to the courageous sacrifices made by those who never came back, this is a compelling eyewitness account of the war as few have seen it.

My Thoughts:  This book was a mediocre read in terms of understanding what was going on.  The author often used abbreviations and terminology that wasn't explained and made it difficult to understand what he was talking about specifically; at times it made it difficult to know what was happening.  However, this book had several breathtaking moments in it. I enjoyed how the author retold stories from multiple submarines and the submariners in them as well as his own experiences; it gave a greater look at how each submarine operated under different commands in each location during patrols.  Out of everything, I feel like the author really immersed himself in this piece of work and deeply cared about it.  He used descriptive words that made me as the reader feel as if I was in the submarine right alongside of the men serving. 

Favorite Quote:  "While other members of the crew are relieved from their battle stations, there is no rest or relaxation for the plotting parties. But not one of them thinks of being relieved, nor would he accept relief were it offered. The plotting parties are busy with a problem which, by virtue of nearly incessant drill, has become second nature to them. You have a target trying to get away from you. You have his approximate bearing, and you have a good idea of his speed. Also, you have a lot more speed available than he has. Problem: Find him. Problem: Keep him from sighting you. Problem: Dive in front of him so that, despite his zigzags, he will run near enough to the spot you select to give you a shot!"

Rating: 3/5

Film Review: The Little Mermaid

Film: The Little Mermaid

Actors: Voices of: Jodi Benson, Kenneth Mars, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Samuel E. Wright, Jason Marin

Directors: John Musker, Ron Clemets

Source: Family favorite

Form: VHS

Summary: Ariel, the fun-loving and mischievous mermaid, is enchanted with all things human.  Disregarding her father's order to stay away from the world above the sea, she swims to the surface and, in a raging storm, rescues the prince of her dreams. Determined to be human, she strikes a bargain with the devious seawitch, Ursula, and trades her fins and beautiful voice for legs. With her best friend, the adorable and chatty Flounder, and her reluctant chaperone Sebastion, the hilarious, reggae-singing Caribbean crab, at her side, Ariel must with the prince's love and save her father's kingdom - all in a heart-pounding race against time!

My Thoughts:  Ariel used to always be my favorite Disney princess, but years later I think that's just because she was the only ginger out of the lot, and since I was one of the few gingers around I think I bonded with Ariel because of that.  I haven't seen this film in years, and I mean years. I honestly couldn't tell you how the film started if you had asked me before I watched it again.  I enjoyed watching this film again though, the animation was great to watch and the songs were still as catchy as they've always been.  So catchy, that I was singing them as I, who was ill at the time, was signing them as I fell asleep for a nap.  I was surprised at how much I still hated Ursula. I would have thought all these years later I would have let my grudge against her go, but alas, I was still so angry with that seawitch I wanted to cry (once again, I was ill, though I think I would have felt the same way had I watched it when I wasn't ill).  The massive fight scene with Ursula, Ariel and Eric was so incredibly intense I wanted to hide under my covers; I had either forgotten about that part or had always skipped through that portion of the film when I was younger.  In the end, The Little Mermaid is still one of my favorite Disney films.

Extra Stuff:  The VHS that our family owns is the fully restored, special edition.  The special edition of this includes a "never-before-seen" music video of "Part Of Your World".  The music video consisted of Jodi Benson singing while walking barefoot on a beach with clips from the film. I enjoyed it simply because I love the song and hearing Jodi Benson's voice.

Rating: 5/5

Film Review: Apollo 18

Film: Apollo 18
Actors: Warren Christie, Lloyd Owen, Ryan Robbins
Director: Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego
Source: My dad's "need to see" list
Form: DVD

Summary: Decades-old found footage from NASA's abandoned Apollo 18 mission, where two American astronauts were sent on a secret expedition, reveals the reason the U.S. has never returned to the moon.

My Thoughts: I'll be directly up front; I didn't enjoy this film at all. It just didn't hold my attention and I often thought of non-related things while I watched this film.  The acting itself was good, I think that both Warren Christie (Ben Anderson) and Lloyd Owen (Nate Walker) both did a great job at their respective roles.  The most difficult thing for me in watching this film was the way they put the "footage" together.  There was a lot of the film cutting out in certain parts, which I understand in many places were quite intentionally considering it was an effect of plot, but there were other times where it was really unnecessary.  I can't really place my finger exactly on the main focus of why I didn't enjoy this film, but it is definitely not one I would watch again.

Rating: 1/5

Film Review: M*A*S*H

Film: M*A*S*H
Actors: Donald Sutherland, Elliot Gould, Tom Skerritt, Sally Kellerman, Robert Duvall
Director: Robert Altman
Source: My parents
Form: VHS

Summary: Hailed as one of the best comedies ever made, the story focuses on three Army surgeons, Hawkeye Pierce (Donald Sutherland), Duke Forrest (Tom Skerritt) and Trapper John McIntyre (Elliot Gould). They devolp a lunatic lifestyle in order to handle everyday horrors encountered in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War.  Though highly skilled and dedicated, this irreverent mob of madcaps is equally adept at making a shambles of Army bureaucracy.  Accompying them are weird Corporal, Radar O'Reilly (Gary Burghoff), a martinet nurse, Major "Hot Lips" Hoolihan (Sally Kellerman) and a sanctimonious Major (Robert Duvall).

My Thoughts: I've grown up watching the M*A*S*H television series, this however was my first time seeing the actual film.  The first thing that caught my attention was the theme song to the film, it's the same tune I've had memorized for years from watching the series; the film version however actual has lyrics to it and in a way it's kind of depressing if you pay attention to the wording.  It definitely took some time getting used to the actors, but once I got over the difference in who was playing who I fell in love with the acting.  One of the things that I enjoyed about this film was the witty jokes that were here and there throughout the duration, a few I even laughed so hard at that my parents knocked on my door to see if everything was alright.  The plot line was a little difficult to follow at times because it's kind of sporatic at times; in general though it was good.

Rating: 3/5

Book Review: All Good Gifts

Book: All Good Gifts
Author: Kathleen Morgan
Source: Unknown seriously, I don't know how this ended up in my book collection

Summary: Following her father's unexpected death, successful New York City plastic surgeon Devra MacKay is summoned to Culdee Creek, her memory-laden childhood home.  As Logan MacKay's only child, Devra is now heir to the family's prosperous cattle ranch - if she can meet the terms of her father's will.

If she doesn't, the ranch will be given to Logan's friend and foreman, Ross Blackstone, a man Devra abhors. Torn between rapidly fading dreams and her determination not to let Ross "win", Devra fights to overcome her emotions and maintain her comfortable way of life. As winter settles on the Colorado plains, she and Ross come head-to-head in a fight for Culdee Creek - and much more.

My Thoughts:  Considering that I don't remember how this book became to live in my book collection, I was a bit hesitant at first to begin reading this book, but less than 200 pages I decided it couldn't hurt anything to give it a shot.  I'm actually a bit happy I decided to read it, it gave me a lot to think about in my own life in a way that I hadn't expected.  The plot itself was simple and was written adequately.  I would have liked to see this novel written in a way that it was a bit longer and had some more to the plot.  All in all, I thought it was a good and relatively easy read.

Favorite Quote: "Because the time is now, and I am here."

Rating: 3/5

Book Review: Pictures of Hollis Woods

Book: Pictures of Hollis Woods
Author: Patricia Reilly Giff
Source: recommended by my grade school librarian

GoodReads Summary: A troublesome twelve-year-old orphan, staying with an elderly artist who needs her, remembers the only other time she was happy in a foster home, with a family that truly seemed to care about her.

My Thoughts:  This is one of the books in my book case that has been sitting around my room for years and I haven't bothered to reread it again.  I faintly remember reading this book when it first came out; the school librarian at my grade school held the book for me to check it out once they got it in.  That's been several years ago and I'm happy I went back to reread this book.  Considering the differences of the times that I've read this book, I feel more connected this time I read then when I had back in grade school.  My favorite character is still Josie, the old woman who begins to forget things more frequently in her old age.  And I have to admit Josie's cat Henry was also a favorite.  I enjoyed rereading this book for the simple writing style Patricia used but it also left room to get a deep meaning across about life.  Definitely a favorite in my shelves.

Favorite Quote: "If someone looks into your eyes, I read in a book one time, he'll see right into your soul."

Rating: 5/5

Book Review: Simple Genius

Book: Simple Genius
Author: David Baldacci
Source: recommended by my mother

GoodReads Summary: In a world of secrets, human genius is power.

And sometimes it is simply deadly...

A three-hour drive from Washington, D.C., two clandestine institutions face each other across a heavily guarded river. One is the worlds most unusual laboratory, whose goals and funding are a mystery. The other is an elite CIA training camp shrouded in secrecy. Now a man and  a woman are about to run a gauntlet between these two puzzle factories, straight into a furious struggle to exploit a potentially world-shattering discovery-and keep some other secrets underwraps forever...

Former secret service agents turned private investigators Sean King and Michelle Maxwell have seen their lives splinter around them. Michelle lies unconscious in a hostpital bed after a night of sucidal violence. And Sean is forced to take on a thankless investigation into the murder of a scientist just inside the CIA's razor-wire fence near Williamsburg, Virginia.

Soon he is uncovering layer after layer of disinformation that shields a stunning world filled with elite mathematics, physicists, war heroes, spies and deadly field agents. Amid more murder a seeminly autistic girl's extraordinary genius, and a powerful breakthrough in the realm of classified codes, Sean soon learns enough to his life at riske. Now more than ever, he needs Michelle-at her best-to help stop a conspiracy of traitors operating in the shadow of the White House itself.

From Michelle's courageous struggle to defeat her long-buried personal demons to a centuries-old secret that surfaces in the heat of action, SIMPLE GENIUS pulses with stunning, high-intesity suspense. The heroes of Split Second and Hour Game, David Baldaccis #1 New York Times bestsellers, are back-as you've never seen them before.

My Thoughts: My mind was just blown away.  I was almost instantly drawn to the two main characters, Michelle Maxwell and Sean King, when I began reading.  From then on things just got even better as I read on.  Throughout the entire book I found myself speculating who was the one responsible for all the murders, which of course lead to me finishing over half the book in one day just to find out exactly who did it.  I have to admit, this is the first book I've read completely through that was not in the Young Adult section, and I could clearly tell it; the plot of this book was just exceptional, it held so many small minuscule details and was constantly making me wonder as I read.  The reading level of this book wasn't bad at all for me, and was almost an easy read; it just took some push to get past the beginning that was a little slow to read.  I definitely have to give David Baldacci a round of applause for such amazing writing he showed in this book. I have no doubt that I will read more of his work.

Favorite Quote: "Don't get too excited. Knowing that a man was murdered and finding out who killed him is, to borrow a line from Mark Twain, is the difference between the lightening bug and the lightening."

Rating: 5/5

Book Review: The Last Au Pair

Book: The Last Au Pair
Author: Mike Sincere (a GoodReads author)
Source: GoodReads.com

GoodReads Summary: GET READY TO HAVE FUN! Three young European women come to South Florida for adventure, romance, and excitement.  Expecting easy work, the women agree to become au pairs - live-in nannies for affluent American families. The first au pair is Monique, a pleasant French girl who is looking for fun. Next is Eline, a toll, blond Norwegian who will do almost anything to get a modeling contract.  The third is Sorina from Denmark, whose naivety always seems to get her into trouble.  When the three au pairs meet David Knight, a local high school teacher, their adventures get both complicated and comical as he tries to save them from their daily dramas.

My Thoughts: I'll be completely honest: I probably wouldn't have chosen this book to read in the first place, but I gave it a shot because I thought in reading the summary of the book that David Knight would be a great character to read.  Putting aside the fact that I probably wouldn't have chosen this book, I read it with a clear mind, like you should any book.  I particulary enjoyed David's character like I thought I would, he was such a great laugh throughout the entirety of the book.  I liked the fact that Mike Sincere wrote all three of the au pairs different in the sense that their personalities were quite different from one another; I had feared that they might end up cookie cutter versions of each other but that was definitely not the case.  I must also say, this book is extremely well written.  It was written in a way that made it read exceptionally well.

Favorite Quote: "While David and Monique compared costumes, Sophie left the room, returning a few minutes later with a bag of goodies. She pulled a couple of items from the bag, including jars of makeup. "Take off our wig," Sophie told David. "We have a lot of work to do." "

Other:  I was sent this book by the author from a give away on GoodReads.

Rating: 4/5

2012 Bookcase Project

As a goal/challenge for myself this year I'm reading 50 books.  I started thinking this morning when I passed my neat and organized bookcase that I haven't read the majority of the books I have, or if I have read them it's been so long ago that I can't recall what I read.  Thus I decided that I was going to read all of my books in my bookcase this year as well as the ones I've been eyeing in my mom's library.

For now, there's no more weekly library trips.

Here's the list of books that I added to GoodReads that I'll be reading this year from my bookcase.  I have a feeling that as I go through the books that I will eventually take a few into a local bookstore and trade them out. Although, there's a large portion of them I know that I won't trade but just push to the side and keep even longer to enjoy reading them all over again.

Film Review: Sister Act

Film: Sister Act

Actors: Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy, Wendy Makkena, Mary Wickes

Director: Emile Ardolino

Source: It's a family favorite

Form: DVD

Summary: Relive all the fun, laughter and irresistible music of Sister Act- the inspired comedy hit that packed pews everywhere!  Whoopi Golberg stars as a sassy, low-rent lounge singer forced to hide out from the mob in the last place anyone would ever look for her - a convent.  While she's there, her irreverent behavior attracts a flock of faithful followers and turns the nun's tone-deaf choir into a soulful chorus of swingin' singin' sisters. But when the group ears rave reviews, her sudden celebrity jeopardizes her hidden identity.  Harvey Keitel and Kathy Najimy join a heavenly cast in this habit-forming comedy bursting with '60s Motown hits.

My Thoughts: This was actually the first time I managed to see the film in it's entirety.  Whoopi Golberg's performance like in anything else she's cast in, is just absolutely amazing.  She gives her character such an edge that I couldn't see anyone else but her be the one to do it.  Maggie Smith also did a fantastic job in this film, I particulary loved her famous death stare that can also be seen in the Harry Potter films.  Whoopi and Maggie make a great team on screen even though their characters are on opposite ends of the spectrum.  This film has always held my attention, whether it be the witty banter between the characters or the music I'm not entirely sure.

Extra Stuff: This particular DVD has special features including: a featurette of "Inside Sister Act", music videos for "If My Sister's In Trouble" by Lady Soul and "I Will Follow him" by Deloris and the Sisters, and the theatrical trailer for the film.  I found the featurette quite interesting as it gets into what it took to make this film possible.  After watching the theatrical trailer, I don't believe it did the film any justice, but then again my views might be different on the trailer had I watched it before I watched the film in it's entirety. 

Rating: 5/5

Book Review: Wide Awake

Book: Wide Awake

Author: David Levithan (a GoodReads author)

Source: Browsing the YA section at the local library

GoodReads Summary: In the not-too-impossible-to-imagine future, a gay Jewish man has been elected president of the United States. Until the governor of one state decides that some election results in his state are invalid, awarding crucial votes to the other candidate, and his fellow party member.  Thus is the inspiration for couple Jimmy and Duncan to lend their support to their candidate by deciding to take part in the rallies and protests.  Along the way comes an exploration of their relationship, their politics, and their country, and sometimes as they learn, it's more than about the journey than it is about reaching the destination.

Only David Levithan could so masterfully and creatively weave together a plot that's both parts political action and reaction, as well as a touching and insightfully-drawn teen love story.

My Thoughts: I have to admit that throughout the course of reading this book I wasn't really that intrguied by it.  I didn't feel the compelling urge to want to continue reading the book and see what happens.  I often felt that it was drawn out too much in certain areas.  That being put aside, I found it difficult to read this book for the fact that the way it's written in a way that it's in the "future" but yet has a lot of similarities that our country currently has and yet still be quite different.  I thought that the thought David Levithan put into the political commentary part was brilliant; I could definitely tell he did his research about Kansas when I caught something that only native Kansans would have picked up on dealing with a group of people that are bull headed behind their beliefs.  In the end I enjoyed that the book gets across the fact that we are all apart of history in whatever we do.

Favorite Quote: "I was a part of history. We are all a part of history."

Rating: 2/5

Welcome!

Hello there! Welcome to Quiet Afternoons, a place for me where I can write and post my thoughts on books and films over the next year.  There will not be a schedule of any sort, but merely a post on occasion when I finish a book or watch a film.  I have challenged myself to read 50 books this year, so, theoretically I'll have at least 50 posts on books this year.

Book wise I usually lean towards the historically based, adventures, mysteries and thrillers.  I will however give every book a chance no matter what genre it is placed in.

When it comes to films I prefer westerns, adventures, actions, comedies and the occasional romance.  Though this has never stopped me from being indecisive about what film I want to see at the cinema.

I hope you stick around through out the year and follow along with this little adventure that I'm doing on the side.  

I'm always open for suggestions on books or films to check out.  If you need to get ahold of me for any reason just e-mail me at nerdfighter2012@hotmail.com