The Book Is Better But...

The Book Is Better But...

Jul 9, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. Every week they post a new topic/top ten list and invite everyone to share their own answers. I'm so obsessed with lists - so it makes perfect sense that I'd love this feature!

Top Ten Best Book to Movie Adaptations

Of course, this move has to make the top of my list! I adore this version of Pride and Prejudice - and it's an experience to watch the entire thing! To be honest, I also love the more recent adaptation, even though it doesn't really follow the book or capture its magic.

This is my other favorite Austen adaptation! Although it's not entirely faithful (Elinor is older in the movie than the book), I still love watching this version of one of my favorite books. Plus, Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman are always a win.

I actually really disliked this book because it seemed so boring and slow, but I adore the movie. I love the costumes, cinematography and score... All so gorgeous!

This is one of the most depressing books in the world - so many bad things happen to Tess! I love this mini-series because it gave me a deeper appreciation for the book and made me want to re-read it. I can't watch this movie without tearing up.

The later movies didn't follow the books as closely, but I honestly love them all. However, the first book is such a classic and a great representation of these beloved books!

Adore this book and this movie! I hate Emma Stone's wig, but everything else is just perfection. The actors are just incredibly moving, and I can't get enough of the amazingness.  

OH MY GOSH - THIS MOVIE. It's so understated and lovely! I have watched it so many times, and I love it even more with every viewing. There's just something about this adaptation - a favorite, for sure!

This is such a fun version of this classic tale of four sisters! While it's not as wonderful as the book, it's definitely deserving of a spot on my list of favorite book-to-movie adaptations.

Like almost every movie on this list, the book is still better than the movie... BUT I adore this movie! It stands on its own as more recent favorite and something I'll watch again and again.

Let's not even talk about how much this movie makes me cry. I want a daughter just so we can read this book and then watch the movie together... and Anne of Green Gables. Just saying.

READ POST

Fool Me Once...

Fool Me Once...

Jul 6, 2013

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Release Date: June 21, 2011
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 298 pages
Source & Format: Library; Hardcover
Series: Heist Society #2
Amazon | Goodreads

Summary (from Amazon)

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life: Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she's simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That's why Kat isn't surprised when she's asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

Thoughts on Uncommon Criminals

Oh Katarina Bishop... what am I going to do with you? I dove right into Uncommon Criminals after finishing Heist Society. Despite a million unread books that I already own, as well as a number books for review that I ought to be reading, I just couldn't resist another con with Kat and her crew.

The setup has changed a little bit in this one. Kat was brought back into this world in the last one because she wanted to prove her father's innocence. In the process, she learned about all the art stolen by the Nazis in WWII that had never been returned to their rightful owners. Uncommon Criminals opens with Kat on a stealing high. She's gotten another taste of this world, and now she just can't get enough. But she's making people scared and frustrated because she's taking risks, working alone and not considering the danger.

Then, Kat's approached about an infamous jewel stolen long ago - the Cleopatra Emerald. Uncovered by a husband and wife long ago, it was stolen by one of their colleagues who claimed to have discovered it himself. The jewel was already famous because it had belonged to Cleopatra, but it became more so when it was rumored that the emerald was cursed. Its questionable history and claims of how it was acquired created an aura of mystery around the famous item.

When Kat is asked to steal it and return it to its rightful owners, she can't resist the temptation. But its a job that no one - not even her father or her uncle - would want her to touch. Her family has been burned by the Cleopatra Emerald in the past. But, as you can imagine, Kat can't say no to a good heist... and to the chance to do the impossible. And so begins another adventure with Kat and her crew!

I loved so many aspects of this one! There's a really good twist that turns the heist on its head and puts Kat in a position she's never been in before. I also loved that her family played a bigger role in this story. While she undertook her last job to clear her dad, her family still wasn't a huge part of the book. Well, they definitely step into the spotlight a little more in this one - and we learn some more about their past. I really enjoyed that part of Uncommon Criminals.

The end got a tad bit confusing, but I still thought it was a lot of fun. With so much going on and so many characters involved, I wasn't really sure what exactly was happening a few times and had to flip back and try to pay closer attention. I do think that's also common for me, as a reader, with this type of book. It's so action-focused that it moves so quickly and occasionally I miss a few details. But, this was still a ton of few!

I was hoping for a little more romance because C'MON KATARINA, HALE IS RIGHT THERE. IN FRONT OF YOU. DO SOMETHING. But hey, I still like the build up and won't turn down any chance to spend a little more time with W.W. Hale the Fifth. He's handsome, rich, swoony... what's not to love?

Another fun installment in the Heist Society series that had me wondering how in the world these teenagers were going to do the impossible and smiling all the way through. Now, I just can't wait to see what they'll steal next!

So Quotable

"Every decent con man knows that the simplest truth is more powerful than even the most elaborate lie."

READ POST

Makeovers Make Me Happy!

Makeovers Make Me Happy!

Jul 5, 2013

WOOHOO!

The day has finally come.

So Obsessed With has a stylish new look that I legit adore.

Seriously, y'all, I cannot say enough about how much I love this new design. I first heard of Designer Blogs when GReadsBooks got a new look, and I bookmarked their site for future reference. Ginger mentioned that she'd gone with one of their pre-made designs that was affordable AND adorable! Well, color me intrigued!

I kept dreaming about getting a new look on the blog. Everything you've seen on here until now has been done by myself, and I haven't really loved the looks I've tried out. So, I just kept biding my time and thinking about the day I'd do an official overhaul.

While I would have loved to do something custom, I knew that it wasn't practical for me and where I'm at with blogging. I love this place and my readers, but I'm not ready to shell out the big bucks for a custom design. When I started blogging again in December, I began thinking about getting a makeover around here to spruce things up. 

I ended up just making some changes myself and calling it a day, but I couldn't stop thinking about making this place prettier. So, I kept searching and checking out design websites... but I always came back to Designer Blogs. I couldn't find anything else that really compared as far as the price and the look. I wanted both! I wanted a design that I loved, that fit me and was something I'd want for a long time, but I wasn't ready for a huge financial investment.

A few weeks ago, I decided that I was definitely going to take the plunge. Now I just had to pick a look! I spent a few days debating which pre-made template I wanted to choose, but I knew that I had to go with this one because I kept going back to it again and again.

I finally placed my order last week, and my designer, Lindsey, emailed me really quickly. Within a week, she sent me a preview to review. Hello, AMAZING! As soon as I'd looked things over, she went to work and did her thing. And now I'm in love and so happy! I also really appreciated how quickly she answered a few of the questions I had, and I'm so glad she was involved in my blog makeover.

So, if you're dreaming of a new look for your blog, I'd HIGHLY recommend the ladies at Designer Blogs. They've got so many choices to pick from for both Blogger and Wordpress sites. There's numerous add-ons you can purchase to customize things even more - or you can always go with a completely custom design! Whatever you want, they've got you covered. I'm also happy to answer any questions about my experience. If you do end up using them, mention that I sent you over! I'd love for them to know I referred you and they've got a really awesome referral program. I hope you like the new look because...

I'M SO OBSESSED WITH IT!

READ POST

Can't Catch Me

Can't Catch Me

Jul 3, 2013

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Release Date: February 9, 2010
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 287 pages
Source & Format: Library; Kindle ebook
Series: Heist Society #1
Amazon | Goodreads

Summary (from Amazon)

For as long as she can remember, Katarina has been a part of the family business - thieving. When Kat tries to leave "the life" for a normal life, her old friend Hale conspires to bring her back into the fold. Why? A mobster's art collection has been stolen, and Kat's father is the only suspect. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help.

The only solution is to find the paintings and steal them back. Kat's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family's history - and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way.

Thoughts on Heist Society

While I've seen this series in stores and around the blogosphere, I wasn't really interested in reading them. Why? Something about the covers just didn't appeal to me. I figured they'd be juvenile or cheesy, and those are two things I like to avoid. It wasn't until Magan from Rather Be Reading reviewed this one that I finally decided I ought to put it on my TBR.

One week after starting Heist Society... I've devoured all three of the books in this series! Admittedly, the Summer Series Challenge gave me the extra boost to just keep on reading but still. I was so pleasantly surprised by this one! I've seen a lot of comparisons to the movie Ocean's Eleven, but I just kept thinking of the TV show Alias while I was reading. Katerina isn't a spy - but she still reminded of Sydney Bristow in all her kick-ass glory.

Katerina Bishop comes from a family of thieves, but she wants a different life for herself. She tries to get out of the business, but it follows her wherever she goes. She finds out that her father's the primary suspect in a recent robbery, and it's not just any old art collection. The five paintings belong to a mob boss that you don't want to cross.

Talk about a book that will get you hooked! In no time, Kat's assembling a crew and plotting how she's going to pull off a heist in a place that's supposed to be impossible to rob. I loved reading about Kat putting together her crew and trying to decide on a plan. The fun names for the different kinds of cons had me laughing and trying to imagine what exactly would be involved in that scenario.

Heist Society is a fun, action-packed novel that reads like a movie. Jet-setting across the world - it's fun to picture all the places she's visiting! I didn't have high expectations, but I ended up falling in love with Kat's world and her crew. I particularly enjoyed her best friend, Hale. He's funny, smart, rich and HEY NOW there's some slow burn going on in here. This is one friendship that I can't wait to see become something more!

One thing I loved was the unexpected history lesson - information about valuable artwork stolen by the Nazis during WWII. As a girl who loves learning about history, I was ALL about this aspect of the storyline. I think that really took this story to the next level for me and made it more than just a crime caper.

Don't overlook this book! If you're looking for something fun and light, this is the perfect read for you. Heist Society flew by and had me racing to find out what was going to happen. And then I was racing to the library for book two because I couldn't wait to see what Katerina would get up to next!

So Quotable

"There were times when Kat thought she knew everything there was to know about W. W. Hale the Fifth - with the single exception of his first name - and then there were times like this, when she felt that he was like one of the first edition novels in the library of his upstate house: she hadn't even finished the first chapter."

READ POST

June 2013: On My Shelves + Recap

June 2013: On My Shelves + Recap

Jul 2, 2013

Sarah Hearts

Oh June! While you were a little disappointing weather-wise, I've got to say that you brought a new refreshed and renewed attitude about blogging. After a month or two of slacking and feeling a little blah about it all, I've had a lot of fun the last month. Joining the Summer Series Challenge was such a good decision for me. I've already read 14 books for it, and I'm pumped about two more months of it. I went a little library crazy this month, but can you blame me? There were so many books available that I've been dying to read. So, all around it was a great month for reading, blogging and book acquisition. Here's to hoping July is even better!

On My Shelves

E-Books From Library: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter, Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter, Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter, Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter, Heist Society by Ally Carter, Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls by Mary Downing Hahn, Requiem by Lauren Oliver and The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller

Books From Library: Small Damages by Beth Kephart, When You Were Here by Daisy Whitney, Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter, Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter, Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter, Secret Society Girl by Diana Peterfreund, The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd, Tigers in Red Weather by Liza Klaussmann, The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There by Catherynne Valente and Love Water Memory by Jennie Shortridge (not pictured)

Bought for Kindle: Also Known As by Robin Benway, Golden by Jessi Kirby, The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty, Something Like Normal by Trish Doller, In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters and The Caged Graves by Dianne Salerni

Gifted By My Mom: Love, Life and Elephants: An African Love Story by Daphne Sheldrick, signed(!) Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins and signed(!) Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

From Estelle @ Rather Be Reading: The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler and (signed!!) Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham

Books I Read

59. Looking for Alibrandi - Melina Marchetta

60. Little House in the Big Woods - Laura Ingalls Wilder 

61. Nowhere But Home - Liza Palmer

62. Reached - Ally Condie

63. The Lucky Ones - Anna Godbersen

64. Eleanor & Park - Rainbow Rowell

65. Betsy-Tacy - Maud Hart Lovelace 

66. Betsy-Tacy and Tib - Maud Hart Lovelace 

67. Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill - Maud Hart Lovelace 

68. Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown - Maud Hart Lovelace 

69. Heaven to Betsy - Maud Hart Lovelace 

70. Betsy In Spite of Herself - Maud Hart Lovelace 

71. Betsy Was a Junior - Maud Hart Lovelace 

72. Betsy and Joe - Maud Hart Lovelace 

73. Love Water Memory - Jennie Shortridege

74. Betsy and the Great World - Maud Hart Lovelace 

75. Betsy's Wedding - Maud Hart Lovelace 

76. Heist Society - Ally Carter
77. Uncommon Criminals - Ally Carter

On The Blog

I reviewed: The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman, Bloom by Kelle Hampton, Pivot Point by Kacie West, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, The Turncoat by Donna Thorland, City Girl, Country Vet by Cathy Woodman, Reached by Allie Condie, The Lucky Ones by Anna Godbersen, The Betsy-Tacy Treasury by Maud Hart Lovelace, Heaven to Betsy and Betsy In Spite of Herself by Maud Hart Lovelace, and Betsy Was a Junior and Betsy and Joe by Maud Hart Lovelace, Betsy and the Great World and Betsy's Wedding by Maud Hart Lovelace

I listed the top ten: Best Beach Reads, Books At The Top of My Summer TBR, Books I've Read So Far in 2013

I discussed: History + The Fever Tree by Jennifer McVeigh

I signed up for: The Summer Series Challenge

READ POST