A Time of Angels by Karen Hesse

Reading Level: Ages 10-14

Publisher: Hyperion Paperbacks for Children

Summary: Guided by an angel, Hannah embarks on a journey to heal and restore her family.

Why I love my teacher...

Recommended by my English teacher, I borrowed the book and fell in love with it.

The book takes place in 1918, during WWI. Hannah, a young jewish girl, lives with her two younger sisters and her great-aunt. Her father is fighting in Russia, while searching for their missing mother.

During this time period, the influenza sweeps across America.

My thoughts: I’m not really used to reading historical fiction, but from reading Karen Hesse’s Out of the Dust-I realized how much I enjoy this author’s writing.

In the book, Hannah is guided by a girl with violet eyes, her angel. I liked the way the angel appears mysterious and unspoken. Due to her surroundings, Hannah is constantly getting herself into life-threatening situations. This is when the angel appears.

What I liked about this story is the angel is not used as a major plot line, yet the author does a really good job of focusing on Hannah and how she relates to the tragic events of her time.

Again, I am can’t say enough about the writing. Karen Hesse writes simple stories that have huge impacts. Her words get to the point without carrying on pages and pages of fluff, and her message is clear.

I give this story five stars!!!

Noe

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps directed by Oliver Stone

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps directed by Oliver Stone

Rated PG-13

Cast:

Michael Douglas-Gordon Gecko

Shia LaBeouf-Jake Moore

Carey Mulligan-Winnie Gecko

Josh Brolin-Bretton James

In Theatres Now

Money may never sleep, but in this case, it should have.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps is the sequel to the 1987 hit, “Wallstreet”, reprising the role of Gordon Gecko, played by Michael Douglas.

In Money Never Sleeps, we see Gecko being dismissed from jail after serving time for insider trading and slew of other things we can’t seem to remember.

Inevitably the film flashes forward about 8 years, and here we have what appears to be a changed man. Gecko is conducting seminars speaking against greed and pushing his bestselling book.

At the same time we learn that Gecko has an estranged daughter, Winnie (played by Carrie Mulligan) and soon begins a friendship with her fiance, Jake Moore (played by Shia LaBeouf) who ironically works in Wallstreet. After the death of Jake’s boss and mentor, Jake turns to Gecko to help him seek revenge on the man he believes caused his mentor to take his own life. And there you as the viewer fall down the rabbit hole as the story drags and drags and becomes convoluted right up to the end.

What could have been an intelligent and brilliant film went beyond any normal person’s level of interest for financial corruption, deceit and turmoil; in a nutshell the movie at 133 minutes was way too long.

With a strong cast and stellar performances by all actors in this movie, it’s the overindulgent writing that ultimately weakens this movie. Not to mention the ridiculous attempts at artistic approaches to editing and stylization of the film. In the backdrop of this drama, we wished Stone didn’t try so hard to be cool-his techniques were comical and laughable and the unnecessary cameo by Charlie Sheen felt artificial and purposeless. In the end, the movie left us feeling mentally drained.

I only give it two stars.

Save your money and wait for it on DVD.

Book Blogger Hop: Sept. 24-27!

It's Friday and you know the drill! Jen over at Crazy For Books does a wonderful job of hosting the weekly Book Blogger Hop! Thanks Jen!!

This week's question comes from Elizabeth from Silver Reviews- When you write reviews, do you write them as you are reading or wait until you have read the entire book?

Our answer: Um, we always wait until we have read the entire book, but I will flag certain quotes or sections if I want to reference them later in my book review.

So to our new and old followers, Aloha!!

What do we have going on? On man. We are crazy busy this week.

Noe just finished City of Bones and I just started. Our review will HOPEFULLY be next week.

I just submitted my contest entry to the 6th Annual Vampire Genre short story contest: Lullabies 2010. To read my story, click A Drink For Your Thoughts

To read and subscribe to my film newsletter for Inside Out Hawaii Magazine, click Inside Out Screen Shots

I just attended the opening gala to the Cinema Italiano Hawaii last night. What an event! 3 days, 9 Italian films!! Plus I discovered I am madly obsessed with Italian sparking wine. Not good. Pics to come as well as a review of the "Best In Show".

And the event that I most excited about! FORKS! I will be flying out next Tuesday night to meet over a hundred fans/bloggers and writers. What do we have in common? We fell in love with the Twilight series. I will absolutely report the havoc.

Have a great weekend!!

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole Directed by Zach Snyder

Legend of the Guardians: The Owl of Ga'Hoole (Rated PG)

Acclaimed filmmaker Zach Snyder (300, Watchmen and Sucker Punch) makes his animation debut with Legend of the Guardians, based on the books Guardians of Ga'Hoole by Katheryn Lasky.

Cinematic mastery. Two words to describe the brilliance of this 3D animated film.

The movie itself seems to capture the story of the first three books in the series, and notably does an outstanding job of doing so. But what really makes this tale come to life, is the quality of the film. The stilled sweeping shots seem to offer a detailed crispness to the images, in a way that I haven't seen yet in an animated film. I think I might have shed a tear a few times, the shots were so beautiful-plus the baby owl is so ridiculously adorable.

Overall, Snyder has done a wonderful job with his rendition of this children's tale and I think I can say, that the film is safe for all ages and worth your extra dollars in 3D. I eagerly await the next installment.

I give this film five stars.

The film features the voices of Helen Mirren, Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess, Hugo Weaving, Emily Barclay, Abbie Cornish, Ryan Kwanten, Anthony LaPaglia, Miriam Margolyes, Sam Neill, Richard Roxburgh and David Wenham.

Opening nationwide in theatres this Friday, September 24th in 3D and 2D.

http://legendoftheguardians.warnerbros.com/

My Newsletter For Inside Out Hawaii Magazine

I think it is clear that I enjoy films and to be able to give my opinion, well that is just icing on the cake. Truly, who am I but a consumer as are all of you.

But recently I was given the unique opportunity to write reviews with my very good friend who shares the same passion for cinema as I do. We are now writing for Inside Out Hawaii Magazine, and I most joyed to share this with all of you. (Btw, this has been in the works for some time so we are ecstatic that it is finally up and running.)

Our goal is simple. It is to bring awareness to cinematic art, whatever form that may come in.

So please free to browse our first issue and I would be honored if you signed up as well.

Inside Out Hawaii Magazine: Screen Shots

Book Blogger Hop and Feature and Follow Friday

Book Blogger Hop hosted by Crazy For Books

Btw, thank God the week is over! Anyhoo, it is time for another book blogger hop, hosted by Jen at Crazy for Books.

In honor of Book Blogger Appreciation Week, let’s take time this week to honor our favorite book bloggers and why we love them.

I would like to feature my blog buddies over at Bewitched Bookworms. I remember when they first launched their site... Let me share how much they have touched me.

One Pushy Fox inspired me to enter and complete NanoWriMo 2009.

Cutie inspired me to go back to school.

Danny has inspired me by creating a wonderful blog for me to share with my daughter.

All the gals over at Bewitched Bookworms are wonderful. That is why I love them.

How about you? Has their been one book blogger or one blog that continually inspires you?

Feature and Follow Friday hosted by Parajunkee.com

Well, this week’s feature blogger is Bailey at Bailey’s Book Reviews. Her question was, do we favor YA or Adult reads.

For me, I enjoy both but mainly read YA.

For Noe, she is only 12. It’s total YA baby.

So, what about you? YA... Adult Fiction... what’s your fancy?

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

Genre; YA, Miscellaneous vampire tales

The book is a novella and meant to be a companion to the third book, Eclipse of the Twilight Saga.

Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful senses, superhuman reflexes, and unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood... life before she became a vampire.

Disclaimer: My mother will hate me for my review, she is a bigger twilight fan than I am.

Noe: I found the book more interesting than the Twilight series, itself. I had to actually reread parts of Eclipse because I could not remember anything. But as I reread Bella’s point of view (Eclipse), I found myself wanting to return back to Bree’s perspective/story. This is obviously because I am a fan of Stephenie Meyer’s writing and probably because I am desensitized to Bella. I find her whiny.

The Bree Tanner book surprisingly was much better than I anticipated. For a short book, with no Bella, I loved it. It was interesting to see the other side of the war. Fred, Diego and Bree were my favorite characters.

My notable quotes:

Disclaimer: I, Suz, am a huge fan of Twilight. I would prefer that Stephenie focus her writing on Midnight Sun. That is all.

Suz: This novella actually sat on my shelf for some time. For some reason, I had no desire to read a story from a newborn vampire’s POV that had been killed anyway in Eclipse. Not only did it seem pointless, but kind of sad. Who wants to read someones last words?

Oddly, the book was not bad as I thought it would be and at 178 pages, a very quick read. Told from Bree’s point of view, you get a sense of what Riley put these newbies through. Deprived of information, lied to, locked up and starved.

Bree is simply a product of the pathetic vampire that made her-that’s right, I called Riley pathetic. But strangely, I became fascinated by her relationship with Diego and even more so, with Fred (a vampire that clearly had the gift of stench). Amazingly, with the guidance of Diego, Bree begins to have a conscience and an understanding of what she was created for. This unfortunately, is information learned a little too late.

If you are a fan of Stephenie’s writing, than you will enjoy the book. It really reads like deleted scenes from a movie.

My notable quotes:

Even though Noe and I give it three stars, we are actually leaning towards three and a half.

Sofia Coppola’s “Somewhere” Wins A Golden Lion At The Venice Film Festival

Sofia Coppola was honored the prestigious Golden Lion award at the 67th Annual Venice Film Festival. Can we hear screams all around?

Side Note: For those that are not familiar with the award-Il Leone d’Oro-The Golden Lion is the highest prize that can be awarded to a film at the Venice Film Festival.

I’m a huge fan of Sofia and could not be more thrilled. Congrats to a well deserved entertainer!

Official Trailer for Somewhere: Release Date December 22, 2010-Can we say Oscar?

Book Blogger Hop and Follow Friday!

You know the drill! Jen over at Crazy for Books has created this absolutely great way for the blogging community to get to know one another-Blog hop!

This week’s question comes from Anne at My Head is Full of Books: Post a link to your favorite post or book review that you have written in the last three months.

A: Well, since we just did this one-I think I’ll direct you to my review of Mockingjay. (Btw, we did not want to do any spoilers, so we opted for a family interview. It’s hilarious but heartfelt. My family truely are fans of the Hunger Game series.) To view our interview, click here.

Next up-Parajunkee’s View has featured Angela, from Reading Angela (we are new followers).

This week’s question: Ebook or print?

A: Well, since we don’t have a kindle or iPad, Noe and I choose print! But, we plan to buy an iPad and then we will definitely mix it up. Some books I just don’t need to have in print, while others I want to be able to share with my friends, pass it on to my daughters, have in my hands.

So, I’m curious. For those that enjoy ebooks-what are you reading on?

TCM-Hosting 16 Prominent Film and TV Critics For The Month of October

For the month of October, Turner Classic Movies will be spotlighting 16 of the most influential Film and TV critics-with each critic showcasing two films of their choosing.

For any cinema lover, this is an excellent opportunity to watch such classic-for free. If we are lucky, each critic will make an appearance and explain the thoughts behind the choices of some of these poignant films.

This is also an excellent opportunity to educate your children on such classics, while exposing them to the timeless beauty of storytelling using film.

The schedule is as follows:

Monday, Oct. 11

David Denby

8 p.m. The Big Sleep (1946) – starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
10 p.m. His Girl Friday (1940) – starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell.

Robert Bianco
Midnight The Perils of Pauline (1947) – starring Betty Hutton and John Lund.
2 a.m. Hail the Conquering Hero (1944) – starring Eddie Bracken and Ella Raines.


Wednesday, Oct. 13

David Edelstein
8 p.m. The General (1927) – starring Buster Keaton and Marion Mack.
9:30 p.m. Smiles of a Summer Night (1955) – starring Ulla Jacobsson and Eva Dahlbeck.

Kim Morgan
11:30 p.m. Something Wild (1961) – starring Carroll Baker and Ralph Meeker.
1:30 a.m. He Ran All the Way (1951) – starring John Garfield and Shelley Winters.


Monday, Oct. 18

Joe Morgenstern
8 p.m. Oliver! (1968) – starring Mark Lester, Ron Moody and Oliver Reed.
10:45 p.m. The Black Stallion (1979) – starring Mickey Rooney and Teri Garr.

Peter Travers
1 a.m. Almost Famous (2000) – starring Patrick Fugit, Billy Crudup and Kate Hudson (TCM premiere).
3:15 a.m. The Lady from Shanghai (1948) – starring Rita Hayworth and Orson Welles.


Wednesday, Oct. 20

A.O. Scott
8 p.m. Ride Lonesome (1959) – starring Randolph Scott and James Coburn.
9:30 p.m. Park Row (1952) – starring Gene Evans and Mary Welch.

Lou Lumenick
11 p.m. The Last Flight (1931) – starring Richard Barthelmess and David Manners.
12:30 a.m. All Through the Night (1942) – starring Humphrey Bogart and Conrad Veidt.


Monday, Oct. 25

Susan Granger
8 p.m. Lust for Gold (1949) – starring Glenn Ford and Ida Lupino.
9:45 p.m. The Magnificent Yankee (1950) – starring Louis Calhern and Ann Harding.

Tom Shales
11:30 p.m. Mickey One (1965) – starring Warren Beatty and Alexandra Stewart.
1:15 a.m. Hollywood Hotel (1937) – starring Dick Powell and Rosemary Lane.


Wednesday, Oct. 27

Roger Ebert
8 p.m. The Lady Eve (1941) – starring Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda.
10 p.m. Sweet Smell of Success (1957) – starring Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis.

Mick LaSalle
Midnight Lady of the Night (1924) – starring Norma Shearer and Malcolm McGregor.
1:15 a.m. Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933) – starring Warren William, Joan Blondell, Dick Powell and Ginger Rogers.

HG-Mockingjay Review by My Husband and Noe

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Genre: YA, Katniss-Awesomeness

To be honest. If you have read Hunger Games and Catching Fire-chances are you’ve already read Mockingjay too.

But, if you are thinking about the series and have not had the opportunity to start the Hunger Games... by all means, you must read the books! You will not be disappointed. From the beginning of the Hunger Games, to the last words of the epilogue of Mockingjay, the story is riveting, intelligent, and well... captures your heart.

Essentially, it is the adventures of a very strong young woman named Katniss Everdeen.

Let me say, Mockingjay was everything that I had hoped it would be and more. I was glued to every word and consumed with the well being of all my beloved characters. I cried... I laughed... I fell in love.

This was poor Lily, while I read the book.

All she wanted was for her mommy to be finished.

Funny thing is, I was the last to read this book in my family. Yes! Both my daughter and my husband have read all three books and are huge fans of the series as well. Soooo... I thought I would ask them a few general questions for fun instead of doing a normal written review. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: My husband does use the word “Awesome” waaaay too much and Noe is just plain shy-trust me. She talks a lot.

This family gives the entire series, a huge five stars.

My Rec for DVD rental; Inglorious Basterds

Inglorious Basterds 2009 (Rated R for violence)

Cast and Credits

Director-Quentin Tarantino

Brad Pitt-Lt. Aldo Raine

Melanie Laurent-Shosanna Dreyfus

Christoph Waltz-Cols. Hans Landa

Eli Roth-Sgt. Donny Donowitz

Michael Fassbender-Lt. Archie Hicox

Diane Kruger-Bridget von Hammersmark

The move takes place during WWII and is recounted in chapters with the story evolving around the renegade American soldiers, also known among the Germans, as the Basterds-and their goal of scalping as many nazi soldiers as they possibly can. On the flip side we follow a very scary Cols. Landa (German Soldier) and his ruthless but effective ways of locating Jews hiding/living in France.

Separately the two stories flourish, until the characters cross paths some years later in Paris, where full chaos ensues.

I am a fan of Tarantino, but sometimes his films tend to be a little too graphic for me. Not in this case. In fact, I would say the opposite. Considering the nature of the stories, the violence makes sense and works for me (as it pertains to war).

With a great ensemble cast and some very witty and comical lines, by none other than Mr. Brad Pitt, you cannot lose by renting Inglorious Basterds.

By the time the movie was over, my husband looked over at me and said, "That was the best Tarantino film ever." And this man is a fan of Reservoir Dogs, so there is something to be said about that.

Regardless, do not be intimidated by its content, plot line or strong suggestion of violence. It is a well told story, with some comic relief. In the end, you will be amazed at how much you enjoyed and rooted for the characters in this story.

It is a must see.

Official Trailer.

Book Blogger Hop and Follow Friday!

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read! Thanks Jen over at Crazy For Books

This week’s question comes from Sarah at SarahReadsTooMuch; Do you judge a book by its cover?

Great question! Why yes, we do. Case in point. Hunger Games. I’m not going to lie. I’m going to be completely honest. I thought that cover was a little butt ugly the first time I saw it and I passed that book by for months... till finally, I had stumbled across enough positive reviews, that I bought the book. (It’s actually my favorite trilogy.)

Then, you have the opposite, where a book like Beautiful Creatures comes along and I am drawn in simply from the gorgeous cover. I have no idea what it’s about, it’s on the B&N counter for purchase. See? I’m bad like that.

Next up!

So, we’re new to this one but let’s join the fun over at Parajunkee’s View. Candace from Candace’s Book Blog asks the question: What is your favorite brick and mortar bookstore?

Um, Barnes and Noble. Know why? Because they put a gaddamn cookie by the counter and I freaking buy it every damn time I’m in there. I dream of that cookie. I desire it. Swear on the... Well you get the point. They know me and they understand how to lure me into the book store. And this works on Noe too!

How about you?

Beautiful Creatures Nominated! Vote Now: YALSA Teens Top Ten

Aloha!

It's Time! Vote now for the 2010 Teens Top Ten, hosted by YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association). Guess what? One of my favorite books of 2010 has been nominated: Beautiful Creatures, so please get out there and vote.

If you are like me and my daughter, fans of BC and also impatiently waiting for the next book in this series, Beautiful Darkness. Then show your appreciation by voting for Beautiful Creatures today.

You can vote here: YALSA Vote

And if you would like to participate in the efforts to help promote Beautiful Creatures. Here's something a little extra brought to you by the Castergirls.com


CALLING ALL CASTERS & OUTCASTERS
JOIN TEAM CASTER!

Are you a fan of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES & BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl?

If you are, join TEAM CASTER and help Caster Girls & Boys, the Official US Fansite for The Caster Chronicles, get the word out about this amazing series! As a member of TEAM CASTER, you will receive exclusive swag, news, contest opportunities & messages from Kami & Margie! We will send you updates with all the new info on the launch of BD, Kami & Margie’s events on the Smart Chicks BD tours, as well as advance details on upcoming or excusive contests!

To join, simply e-mail us and tell us you want become a member of TEAM CASTER & receive updates via e-mail. Our first promotional effort/contest is described below. If you plan to participate, include that info in your e-mail! Castergirls@gmail.com

To Enter:
1) Add the Beautiful Creatures Teens' Top Ten Button from www.beautifulcreaturesthebook.com to your blog, site, FB page, or all three! The more places you add the button, the more points you earn.

2) Once you place the button on your blog, e-mail us at castergirls@gmail.com. When e-mailing please include your name, blog/website URL, twitter name, and your name. We will verify you have placed the button on your blog.

3) Tweet, Tweet, Tweet and encourage people to vote for Beautiful Creatures or add the button to their blogs. But don’t tweet the same thing multiple times a day. No one enjoys spam. Be creative! When tweeting, we ask that you simply add an @reply to @castergirls so that we see your tweet. The more tweets and @replies we see, the more points you’ll earn.

4) Post a message on your blog, site, Facebook page, or all three! If you post anywhere other than twitter, please e-mail us and let us know.

Prizes

Grand Prize (1 Winner)
· A signed copy of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES & BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS
· 2 different BC/BD posters signed
· 1 Set of four different BC/BD Buttons
· 1 Set of BD Bracelets & Tour Dog Tags


Second Prize (4 Winners)
· A Signed Copy of the new BC paperback
· 2 different BC/BD posters
· 1 Signed Bookplate
· 1 Set of four different BC/BD Buttons
· 1 Set of BD Bracelets & Tour Dog Tags
· 1 BC Key Chain

Contest runs from September 1st – 17th. Winners will be notified by September 18th.