Author of the Month: January

Joyce Maynard

      This month's author to check out is Joyce Maynard. Her work includes such novels as After Her, The Good Daughters, and The Cloud Chamber. The film version that is based on her book, Labor Day, is in theaters TODAY and that is why I'm choosing Maynard as the author you should read more of this month. I know I'm a little late as to posting this, but it's never to late to start reading more books by her. Labor Day is probably the one I would recommend reading first, since the movie is out now. Reviews have been sort of negative to the film, but I've heard the novel is lot better. Aren't they always? Anyways, the the story sounds very intriguing and thrilling, as it revolves around a woman who offers an escaped convict refuge in her home. The situation heats up when the two develop a deep connection, while at the same time the the search is on for the man. I haven't read it yet, but it's definitely on my list to read for this year. I hope it's as good as it sounds!

Quote of the Week

     I'm currently reading The Taming of the Shrew, and it's making me fall in love with Shakespeare all over again! So for this week, I decided to choose a quote by him. I hope all of you like it!

“This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
― William Shakespeare, Hamlet

My Pick to Read: January

Staying Strong - 365 Days a Year by Demi Lovato

     This month's pick to read is Staying Strong - 365 Days a Year by Demi Lovato. I decided to choose this book because it seems like the perfect way to start off the new year. You can read this daily, as it's a 365-day collection of inspirational quotes, goals, and personal reflections by Demi herself. Reading this book daily can provide people with hope and positivity to kick start their days in the best way possible. I think everyone should at least check this book out. I know I'm going to!

Quote of the Week

     Having just finished a Jodi Picoult novel, I thought I would choose one of her other works to use as the Quote of the Week. Here it is:

“Torn between fear and something that resembled love, she wrestled with questions she never dreamed she would face: How could she leave? Then again, how could she stay?”
― Jodi Picoult, Picture Perfect 

Currently Reading

  
     Right now, I'm currently reading two books. The one I chose to read for fun is House of Thieves by Kaui Hart Hemmings. If you recall, I read her novel, The Descendants, just a few months ago. I liked it so much, I decided to read another one of her works. I'm really excited, as it's a collection of many short stories, even one that inspired The Descendants! Also, I'm reading The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare for school. I've read a few of his plays in the past and really enjoyed them, so again, I'm looking forward to begin reading this one. Don't forget that once I am finished with both readings I will be posting reviews, so check back whenever you can to read them. Lastly, if there's anything you guys are reading right now, let me know by posting a comment below!

Quote of the Week

     Sorry that this week's quote is a little late. I just started back at school this week, and things have been pretty busy! Anyways, I decided to choose a quote from Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult, since I just finished reading it. Here it is:

“After sticking out life, I hope it's whatever you want it to be.”
― Jodi Picoult, Harvesting the Heart 

My Reading Goals for 2014

     Last year, I began setting reading goals for myself. One of them was that I would read 30 books throughout the year. When January 1st arrived, to my amazement, I realized I had accomplished my goal! It felt great to achieve this objective after I had worked at it for the whole entire year. After accomplishing my one goal last year, I became inspired to set more goals for myself this year, and I thought I would share some with you. Hopefully by reading mine, it will motivate you to aim high and dream big! Anyways, here's my top 5 reading goals for 2014:

1. Read 35 books this year.
     Since i was able to read 30 books last year, it can't be that much harder to read 5 more, right? So far I've read one, but I better get reading if I want to obtain this goal!

2. Finish the Harry Potter series.
     I've been reading these books for almost 2 years now, and I'm still not finished! I don't know why it's taking me so long. It's not like I hate the series, because I really do love each novel. Maybe I subconsciously choose not to read them because they're so long? Perhaps I don't want the series to be over, and that's why I keep procrastinating and always pick something else to read instead, saying, "I'll definitely read Harry next!" I honestly don't know what the exact reason is, but this year I'm going to finally finish this series, even if I do have mixed feelings with it ending. I only have one left to read, so this goal surely looks possible.

3. Read all of Jodi Picoult's novels.  
     I have read quite a few of her books in the past, but this year I want to read them all! Most of the novels I read by Picoult are her early work, so I definitely want to catch up and read some of the newer stories she's written. I hear her first couple of books aren't as strong as her recent ones, so I can't wait to read the rest of them!

 

4. Read The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks.

     This book has been on my must-read list since its release in September. I haven't been able to read it yet, since every single copy has been checked out of my local library for months now! Hopefully there will be one available soon, but in the meantime, this book lands a spot on my list of reading goals for the year.

 5. Read the entire Divergent trilogy. 
     I haven't read a single book in this series, which is embarrassing to admit. I hear they are supposed to be amazing and with the movie coming out in March, it's surely a no-brainer that I have to read this trilogy. I just don't know if I should wait until after I see the movie to start reading or read the 1st book before. Whatever way I decide, there is no doubt that I will have read all 3 books by the end of the year.
     

Well those are my 5 goals for the year. What are some of your own goals? Let me know! Leave a comment below.

Currently Reading

 Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult 

     
     Over the holidays, I began reading Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult. I've been a fan of hers ever since I read My Sister's Keeper, which I thought was very good. One of my reading goals this year is to read all of her books, so I hope I can accomplish that. I am almost done with this novel, so I will be posting a review of it soon. Check back in a few days to find out my thoughts on it!

Quote of the Week

      I know I have been posting a lot of quotes from It's Kind of a Funny Story, but the book is just amazing and the quotes are so uplifting and thought-provoking. I really think everyone should read this novel and hear these quotes. If you want to understand the importance of life and living it to the fullest, then READ THIS BOOK! I'm not lying, it's life-changing. I'm sorry to keep bombarding you with more quotes from this novel, but I can't stop. Once you read the book, maybe you'll understand too. If you've already read it, I would love to hear your thoughts about it. Leave a comment below. (:

“Ski. Sled. Play basketball. Jog. Run. Run. Run. Run home. Run home and enjoy. Enjoy. Take these verbs and enjoy them. They're yours, Craig. You deserve them because you chose them. You could have left them all behind but you chose to stay here. So now live for real, Craig. Live. Live. Live. Live. Live.”
― Ned Vizzini, It's Kind of a Funny Story

 

      Additionally, I would recommend viewing the film version that was released in 2010. It stars Keir Gilchrist in the title role of Craig. Also, Emma Roberts plays the part of an equally intriguing character, Noelle. Though i thought the movie would be a little bit better than it was, I think my expectations were too high when I initially saw it. I just thought it lacked a few things that the book evoked, such as some emotional punch. Essentially, it just didn't hit me or impact me as much as the book did. I wouldn't let this fact discourage you from reading it though, because it is a solid adaptation and does follow the book's main plot and themes. Some of the aspects I liked most about the film, was the style and look of it. There are many beautifully shot scenes, as you can see if some of the pictures and GIFs I included in this post. The music is great too, especially the song, "Oh My God" by Ida Maria, which is used in the trailer. I will add the video below so you guys can see. Overall, I hope you guys read the book and watch the movie. It will definitely leave you with a sense of hope and perseverance. Like Vizzini said, do everything you want to do and live your life. Live it for REAL.

 

 Here's the trailer:

Song of the Month

      It's January now, which means I added a new song you guys can listen to while reading this blog. This month's song is "Step Out" by Jose Gonzalez. The song recently appeared in the film, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. If you didn't know, the movie is actually an adaptation of the 1939 short story of the same name by James Thurber. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I just saw the film last week and I loved it. It was a little quirky, but heartfelt and inspirational. It's all about living your life and making your dreams a reality. I think this song and movie are the perfect anthem for 2014. Take a listen and tell me what you think. I hope you like the song as much as I do.

 

Happy New Year!

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I hope everyone's 2014 is filled with happiness, love, and lots of reading! Have a great day and an awesome year. (: