Last night (while packing) I watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and I loved it (as usual)! There is something about that movie (and the book, obviously I read the book several times before I even saw the movie the first time) that I just love. The characters mature and grow and Jo doesn't ruin them (don't you hate it when an author messes everything up!). So, I was in a Harry Potter mood ... enjoy all of the Potter quotes and pics (all from my Pinterest account).
I always have such big plans to get so many books read that my whole shelf was overflowing with books to get to, eventually. However, since I am moving, I thought I should bring back most of what I had so they don't get lost in the move. Insert extra sad face here! Returning books is SOO hard, even though I kept track so I know what to check out later, it is like giving away a child ... well, maybe not, but still!
What I kept on my shelf:
The Masque of Red Death
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
This really has been the best week I've had in such a long time! It was more exciting then getting into Drexel or graduation. Why? Well, the reason it two fold. The first (and, in reality, the reason everything else could even happen).
Follow the jump to see the news!!!
I GOT A JOB!
This is not just a job, but it is the PERFECT position at my library, getting to do everything I've been dreaming of doing, with the best staff in the business, for a town a love, near my friends and family.
My title is: Children's Librarian
I will be doing outreach programing on the bookmobile and my position has an Early Childhood Literacy focus. I'll be initiating programs with a technology focus as well as working tech into the department as a whole. I am going to be planning story times and other parties for kids of all ages. I will also be helping with Summer Reading Program and collection development.
GLEE!!! I'm seriously so excited! I'll start the position as soon as my current position is filled ... you wanna apply?
Second Announcement?
I RENTED A HOUSE!
This picture is from the landlord's website ... and it is obviously dated. The house is now green, those trees are HUGE, and the awful junipers are gone. It was built in the early 1900's and has tall ceilings, great windows, and beautiful detailing throughout the house!!
If I seem a little absent on the blog over the next few weeks - you know why :) I'll be moving and settling into a new place. However, internet is at the TOP of my list, so I'll try to keep everyone updated!
Want details about my moving experiences and decorating a new house? Check out my other blog
I'm not proud of this ... but I feel I must be honest with you.
My #1 Life Rule is this : READ THE BOOK FIRST, watch the movie later.
First, no judging that my life rule is this boring. Second, I love that rules are made to be broken, and all that jazz ... however, I really try to not break this one. This time, I thought that I didn't want to read the book version of either of these movies. Now, I'm not so sure.
Read after the jump to see my rule breakers.
The First Rule Breaker Was
The Help
I didn't want to read this book because I never like books that "everyone" likes. I tried to read "The Tiger's Wife" earlier this year because "everyone" had told me I'd love it. I didn't finish it ... I made myself read 3/4 of it and I returned it to the library without ever looking back.
But this movie ... it was heart breaking and challenging and fantastic and I loved every second of it. I loved all of the characters, I felt the emotion, I connected ... if the book is always better than the movie, then this book must be brilliant! I actually can't wait t read it. Sigh, now I wish I hadn't watched the movie first.
Look at these women - don't you want to wear those costumes and live in their lives for a little while ... without the racial inequality.
The Second Rule Breaker Was
Eat, Pray, Love
I like Julia Roberts ... I like travel ... I love food ... I love God ... however, I didn't love this movie.
I had several people tell me it was fantastic, just as many tell me the book was a terribly long saga that was both depressing and boring. I'm sure I won't be reading the book, so I don't know if that is a fair assumption, but I do know the movie version was fairly dull and I don't understand Liz's character. How does one get to the point that they can't identify with their own life? I hope I never find out.
Things I did like about the movie ... most of Julia Robert's wardrobe (I'd love to look relaxed, but put together) and that she rode a bike with a giant basket all over. I want to ride a bike without getting hot and sweaty. How does one ride to work? I suppose they are in better shape that I :)
If you loved the movie or the book, please tell me, I need to hear some redeeming stories.
After finishing Variant last night, I needed something peaceful to read. Not sure if this qualifies, but Graphic Novels feel quiet to me.
I was attracted to this book because of two things. First was the size, it is large and looks like it would be a picture book, but it belongs in the YA section of my library - so I was intrigued. The second thing that pulled me in was the cover. Not only is the cover art obviously fascinating, but the way they make the brand new book look a hundred years old is pretty awesome
I'm only one "chapter" in and I already feel connected with the characters, which means that the author/illustrator was doing his job. As someone who doesn't enjoy a lot of graphic novels, I like it when the characters pull me in from the first page.
More updates to come, as long as I can read for a bit before falling asleep, I should be able to finish it this evening :)
Let me leave you with a picture from chapter one while I keep reading :)
August 17th
So, I'm loving the book ... but I'm not sure I understand all of it. It needs Cliff's Notes :) However ... I think what we are seeing is how foreign things feel to someone who migrates into a country. The art in this book is truly phenomenal! What a great book to pull pages from and frame them!
I'm not quite finished, but it really is good. The emotion in the pictures is so vivid that I do not miss the words that should accompany the art. Brilliant all the way around. I look forward to finishing it tonight.
As you may know, I really like Cassandra Clare's work (who am I kidding, I'm addicted to her books!!) and they are being honored with several awards. So let me give my official applause for the following::
You can download it today for a variety of eReaders. I bought the Kindle version for my iPad and it was only $0.99!!
The Summary from HarperTeen
#1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth retells a pivotal Divergent scene (chapter 13) from Tobias's point o view. The thirteen-page scenes reveals unknown facts and fascinating details about Four's character, his past, his own initiation, and his thoughts about new Dauntless initiate Tris Prior.
Plus, if you have already read the books, it is a great time to pull out the discussion guide. What are discussion guides good for? Well, you can talks things out with your teens, you (as a teen or lover of YA fiction) can start a book club and use them as guidelines, as a librarian you can create a program around them or just have them out for teens to pick up.
The Discussion Guide is available for free from HarperTeen.
Finally, check out Veronica Roth's Blog for some more tidbits about what we can expect in the future!
This book was suggested to me by our amazing YA librarian Joan. It looks exciting and I'm starting it this morning, but I thought I'd start to tell you a little about it.
Trust No One ... that is always an exciting tag line! I love a great dystopian story and this one does not look like it will disappoint.
Here is the HarperTeen Summary: Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.
He was wrong.
Now he's trapped in a school that's surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.
Where breaking the rules equals death.
But when Benson stumbles upon the school's real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape - his only real hope for survival - may be impossible.
How does that not sound fabulous????
Until you can start it, check out Robison Well's website and watch the book trailer::
I'll keep you updated :)
August 7
Benson thought he was making an upward move to a better life by getting accepted to a super elite private school and getting away from Forster Families that were a mess. However, after only a day of his "new life" he is already wishing to go home. No one leaves, the rules are insane, and it is like whoever is in charge is playing with their lives.
Did anyone see that show, Persons Unknown? This book totally reminds me of that, but it is kids instead of adults.
My thoughts so far are, what is going on? Who is in control? Why do they do crazy things? What happens when you go to detention? I have lots of questions, and the more I read, the more questions I have. Variant is turning out to be a thrilling read and I'm going to go and read some more :)
August 15th
Now that the olympics are over, maybe I'll finish a book!!
Things are beginning to be a little more routine for Benson, but there are still so many secrets. How are people dying? What happened in Jane first came? Why aren't they trying harder to leave??? I love not knowing, it makes the book SO much more exciting :) I'm ready for a sneak peak at what is going on though, I feel like I have more questions than answers and I am starting to get frustrated (much like Benson). Hopefully Wells gives us (the reader) something soon!!!
August 16th
FINISHED!
I stayed up late because once this book tells you one secret, you can't put it down! Little did I know while complaining yesterday, that I was a mere three pages from a shocking reveal! I sped through the last half of the book because I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep if I put it down - what was going to happen? Who would live? Who would die? Who was good? Who was bad?
Move this one to the top of your "to read" list immediately because it is that good ... but the ending is going to leave you hanging, so know that the sequel, Feedback, doesn't come out until October 2!
Well, it has been a pretty busy couple of weeks! I went to Denver (GIRL'S WEEKEND!, read all about it here) and we had Camp Creativity (preschoolers are adorable, but exhausting). I feel like I haven't been here and blogging forever!
Anywho, I'm back! Started my job search, which I really wish was already over, but I am working on patience and waiting for the perfect position :)
What are you doing to get ready for the school year? As I am not going back to school (as a perpetual student this is new for me) I decided to join in a "stuff the backpacks" program that helps local families get the necessary supplies for the school year. I've already done my shopping and am excited for the big day when we bring all of the school kids in and help them pick out their new supplies!!!
As for reading, I've totally been enjoying brain junk food. By that I mean magazines! My weaknesses are Elle Decor, Sunset, Traditional Home, and The New Yorker. Not to say that these are the worst junk food offenders, but I'm looking forward to getting back to reading!
