Audiobook Review: Tiger's Curse Series by Colleen Houck

Tiger's Curse - Annika Boras (reader)

Reading level: Young Adult

Audio CD

Publisher: Brilliance Audio on MP3-CD; MP3 Una edition (June 7, 2011)

Language: English

Producer:  Audible Inc.

Buy the Audio: Amazon

Visit the site: TigersCurseBook.com

The last thing teenager Kelsey Hayes thought she'd be doing over the summer was meeting Ren, a mysterious white tiger and cursed Indian prince! When she learns she alone can break the Tiger's curse, Kelsey's life is turned upside-down. The unlikely duo journeys halfway around the world to piece together an Indian prophecy, find a way to free the man trapped by a centuries-old spell, and discover the path to their true destiny.

Tiger's Quest - Annika Boras (reader)

Reading level: Young Adult

Audio CD

Publisher: Brilliance Audio on MP3-CD; MP3 Una edition (June 7, 2011)

Language: English

Producer: Audible, Inc.

Buy the Audio: Amazon

Visit the site: TigersCurseBook.com

Kelsey Hayes’s eighteenth summer was crazy. The kind of crazy that nobody would ever believe. Aside from battling immortal sea monkeys and trekking the jungles of India, she fell in love with Ren, a 300-year-old prince. When danger suddenly forces Kelsey on another Indian quest with Ren’s bad-boy brother, Kishan, the unlikely duo begins to question their true destiny. Ren’s life hangs in the balance — and so does the truth within Kelsey’s heart. Tiger’s Quest, the thrilling second volume in the Tiger’s Curse series, brings the trio one step closer to breaking the ancient prophecy that binds them.

Both of these audiobooks were amazing! The reader was sensational, she is the best I've heard since listening to Jim Dale (Harry Potter Series). Now don't get me wrong... she's no Jim Dale. Jim Dale is in a league of his own. But the brilliant Annika Boras did each voice flawlessly and each character had a distinctive sound. She spoke in an American accent for Kelsey, Asian accent for Li, and an Hindi/Indian accent for Ren, Kishan and Mr. Kidam. I enjoyed these audiobooks so much, I listened to them all through the house. I would also love to read the books and I've tried (same with Harry Potter) but I always go back to the audio. It is so much more exciting, you really feel as though you are there, in the story. Most of the time, I prefer the books over audio, occasionally (as with this case) I get lucky and it puts a big grin on my face ;)

The story/plot is also wonderful and so imaginative. It is full of drama, excitement and fun. Both books are amazing, each in their own way. I loved Kelsey, Ren, Kishan and even Mr. Kidam. The love triangle in this series is one of the best in my opinion... I have yet to read the last in the series, Tiger's Voyage. I am still torn on which man tiger brother I would choose, they are both pretty darn perfect (romantic, protective, gorgeous and a Prince).

I am headed to the bookstore as soon as I am done with this review to get the final installment of this series. I can't wait to finish it, so more review of The Tiger's Curse series to come! In the meantime grab the audio, it will put a smile on your face also!!




The Audio



The Book

PBR:

Sexual: some kissing and flirting

Cursing: none

Violence: moderate (not bloody or descriptive)

I will put FULL content on Parental Book Reviews soon when I finish the actual books.

Recent Releases of Books We've Reviewed!

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Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

This book has gotten rave reviews all over the blogosphere, and it is one of Amy's favorite books ever.  Check out her review here.

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The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

What a fantastic debut!  Something completely original, like nothing I've ever read.  And talk about mind-blowing.  I really loved this book, I already ordered my copy!  Check out my review here.

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Reckless

Beyond the mirror, the darkest fairy tales come alive. . . .

For years, Jacob Reckless has enjoyed the Mirrorworld’s secrets and treasures.

Not anymore.

His younger brother has followed him.

Now dark magic will turn the boy to beast, break the heart of the girl he loves, and destroy everything Jacob holds most dear. . . .

Unless he can find a way to stop it.

If you're a fan of high fantasy or fairy tales, you should definitely check this book out.  It was like a mix of Lord of the Rings, and Grimm's Fairy Tales.  I really liked it a lot.  Here's my review.

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The Vision

Cassie Renfield knows the mark tells her when someone is going to die and that she can intervene and attempt to change fate. But she still doesn't understand the consequences, especially whether saving one life dooms another. With no family left to offer guidance, Cassie goes in search of others like her. But when she meets Demetria, a troubled girl who seems to have the power of the Fates, Cassie finds the truth isn't at all what she expected. And then there's her heady new romance with bad boy Zander. Dating him has much graver repercussions than she could ever have imagined, forcing Cassie to make choices that cut to the essence of who she is and what she believes.

I liked the first book in this series, The Mark, more than this one.  But if you've read The Mark, you'll probably want to check out The Vision as well.  Here's my review.

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Lola and the Boy Next Door

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

Wow, wow, wow!!!  One of my favorite books ever!  Every bit as good as Anna and the French Kiss.  I have ordered this one already, and can't wait for it to get here, just so I can pet it! :D  Check out my review here.

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Indelible

Sixteen-year-old Yara Silva has always known that ghosts walk alongside the living. Her grandma, like the other females in her family, is a Waker, someone who can see and communicate with ghosts. Yara grew up watching her grandmother taunted and scorned for this unusual ability and doesn t want that to be her future. She has been dreading the day when she too would see ghosts, and is relieved that the usually dominant Waker gene seems to have skipped her, letting her live a normal teenage life. However, all that changes for Yara on her first day at her elite boarding school when she discovers the gene was only lying dormant. She witnesses a dark mist attack Brent, a handsome fellow student, and rushes to his rescue. Her act of heroism draws the mist s attention, and the dark spirit begins stalking her. Yara finds herself entrenched in a sixty-year-old curse that haunts the school, threatening not only her life, but the lives of her closest friends as well. Yara soon realizes that the past she was trying to put behind her isn't going to go quietly.

Even better than the first book in the series, Indelible is definitely one you should check out if you like spooky stories, and sweet romances!  Check out my review here.

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Beautiful Days

For the bright young things of 1929, the beautiful days seem endless, filled with romance and heartbreak, adventure and intrigue, friendship and rivalry.

After a month in New York, Cordelia Grey and Letty Larkspur are small-town girls no longer. They spend their afternoons with Astrid Donal at the Greys’ lush Long Island estate and their nights in Manhattan’s bustling metropolis. But Letty’s not content to be a mere socialite. She is ready at last to chase her Broadway dreams—no matter the cost.

Cordelia is still reeling from the death of her father at the hands of Thom Hale, the man she thought she loved. Now she is set to honor Darius Grey’s legacy . . . and take her revenge.

Promised to Cordelia’s half brother, Astrid is caught up in a world of dazzling jewels and glittering nights—and the sparkle is blinding. Charlie Grey is a gangster playing a dangerous game; and for Astrid, Cordelia, and Letty, the stakes could be deadly.

I love, love, love this series!  This is the second book in the Bright Young Things series.  Flappers, bootleggers, romance, parties, and Broadway, this book is glamorous!  Check out my review here.

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All These Things I've Done

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.

We really enjoyed this book, and the audiobook was fantastic!  If you're looking for a new audiobook, you should definitely check this one out!  See our review here.

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Have you read any of these books?  Which was your favorite?  Which one are you looking forward to?  Let us know in the comments!!

Book Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (February 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061726826
ISBN-13: 978-0061726828
Buy the Book: Amazon
Visit the site: laurenoliverbooks.

Ninety-five days, and then I’ll be safe.
I wonder whether the procedure will hurt.

I want to get it over with.

It’s hard to be patient.

It’s hard not to be afraid while I’m still uncured, though so far the deliria hasn't touched me yet.
Still, I worry.

They say that in the old days, love drove people to madness.

The deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don’t.

I had heard about Delirium before it came out, I had heard how amazing it was and I never gave it a second thought! Andye, Kit and Abigaile had all read it a long time ago, so I just figured it was something all of them would like and I wouldn't. I have been on a major Dystopian kick here lately, and I ran out of books to read. Well Abigaile loves it when I do this, the whole not knowing what to read next thing (BIG problem) I walk around in circles feeling completely unsettled and scattered. So when I get this way, I listen to what she suggests. I am very glad she suggested Delirium, I'm not sure if I would have read it, if I had all my TBR (to be read) books at my disposal. Yes, I was desperate and I'm glad it paid off. Delirium was off the charts amazing!

Lauren Oliver is a wonderful writer and story teller. I would say that the story started off a bit slow, picked way up in the middle and ended with a bang! I really chewed a hole in the inside of my cheek, the ending was tense, and that didn't even do it justice! The characters in the book were developed perfectly, at a great pace and very like-able. Oliver did a great job explaining how the USA had changed over time and how LOVE was actually a disease.      
I think what I enjoyed most about this book (other than the main characters Alex and Lena) would have to be the plot! It was original enough to wanna keep on reading. I was not able to put this book down, Alex and Lena had wonderful chemistry. Lena was shy and scared in the beginning of the book, yet she grew so strong and fearless. Alex was such a sweet guy, yet he was street smart and liked Lena a lot! Lena was about to be cured from the disease Amore Deliria Nervosa when she met Alex. You'll just have to pick this book up and read it to see what happens between Alex and Lena and the tough journey that lie ahead for them and their disease. You can thank me when your done ;)

I can't wait for the sequel next year. I'm so glad I loved this book and that I can add it to my Dystopian list.

Book & Audio Review: All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (September 6, 2011)
Reading level: Young Adult
Audio CD
Publisher: Macmillan Young Listeners; Unabridged edition (September 6, 2011)
Buy the book: Hardcover | Audio

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.

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The Audio:

Andye says:  I thought this audiobook was fantastic!  I really enjoyed listening to it a lot!  The reader had a great voice for YA, and she did a really good job with all the voices, even the guy voices, and the ones who had accents.  It's funny, but one of my favorite voices was actually Win's voice! The audio really added a great element to this story that I think you'll miss out on if you don't listen.  If you get the chance, I would definitely recommend picking up the audio for this one!

Kit says: I was pretty impressed with this audiobook.  There were a few bits that I felt were a bit awkward (with the Asian-British accent, but I'm not really sure how anyone's supposed to be able to pull that off) but overall, I would recommend this if you're an audiobook fan!

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The Book:

Andye says:  All These Things I've Done was a fantastic book.  I really enjoyed listening to this one.  Anya was such a relatable character, at least to me.  I really felt like I could sympathize with her (empathize?....never could figure out the difference).  I loved her strength and how logical and determined she was.  She was only sixteen and had to take care of her entire family, and she never complained.  She saw what needed to be done, and just did it.  The romance between Anya and Goodwin (Win for short) was so sweet.  Win was absolutely the perfect guy, and the Romeo and Juliet factor made their romance all the more appealing.  There were so many fantastic characters in this book who were all so thoroughly fleshed out.  I felt like I knew each and every one of them, and I somehow cared for them all.....even the ones I kind of hated. 

The only negative thing I will say is that I didn't feel like this futuristic world was planned out quite enough.  Or at least it wasn't explained thoroughly enough.  Their world seemed to be almost exactly like our world, only for some reason, chocolate etc. was illegal.  There wasn't much explanation about why caffeine was outlawed, why alcohol was legalized, or other things like that.  There was no new slanguage either.  You'd think that after 70 or 80 years, things would be quite a bit different, and teens would have created a few new words.  I mean think about how much things have changed in the past 70 years. 

I hope that doesn't dissuade anyone from reading (listening to) it, though, because it really was a great book!  Gabrielle Zevin combined the future with the past and came up with a story that combined mobsters, romance, family, friends, Liberty Island (in the form of a detention center), love, hate, oranges, and lots of lots of chocolate. 

Kit says:  I thought All These Things I've Done was superb.  I absolutely loved the whole backwards idea of chocolate and caffeine being illegal, and alcohol being available to kids of any age.  The most bizarre part was probably the fact that Anya's grandma was born in 1995... the same year as me.  ME.  Usually when I'm reading a book, (and I assume everyone else does this too) I sort of put myself in their shoes,  but as I was reading this one, it kept hitting me that I would be the grandma in this case, on my death bed... dying (as if there's anything else you'd be doing on your death bed).  There was one part where Anya's friend Scarlett says, "OMG!" and Anya asks her what that's supposed to stand for and she says, "I dunno, amazing or something..." At that point I felt old.  Anya ended up asking her grandma what it stood for and she explained that, in her day, they had to abbreviate everything because they were always in such a hurry.  And it's so true.  But it's so strange to hear it past tense.

Other than that, I really loved the characters in this book (well, most of them anyway).  I loved Anya and her strength and independence.  I loved Scarlett for her loyalty and genuine love for Anya.  And I, of course, loved Win for his utter perfection.  I did not love Gable, and that's self-explanatory.   Overall, I thought this was a great book and I would definitely recommend it!

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Content:

• Sexual Content:  Heavy
• Profanity:  Mild
• Violence:  Moderate
• Other Notables:  "Underage Drinking" is not illegal, and teens drink, though the main characters aren't very interested in drinking.  To them it isn't a big deal (because it's not illegal). 
  

For more details, click here.

This-n-That: The Cookiepedia by Stacy Adimando

Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Quirk Books; Spi edition (September 6, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1594745358
ISBN-13: 978-1594745355

Buy the book from Amazon
Quirk Books

Trendy cupcakes may come and go, but cookies are a timeless treat! If you miss the days when snacks were simple and handmade, you'll love this homespun encyclopedia of cookies. Full of hand-drawn illustrations, gorgeous photographs, and easy how-tos, The Cookiepedia features updated recipes for everything from Amaretti and Almond Biscotti to Mint Thins, Macaroons, Chocolate Chip Cookies and dozens of other favorites--more than 50 recipes in all. With a lovely lie-flat binding and a delightfully whimsical design, The Cookiepedia will be a trusted companion for a new generation of bakers

My review:
My main household chore is cleaning the kitchen.

It has been my main chore since I was 10.
Everyday.
2-4 times a day.
And I don't necessarily love cooking. Well because, yeah it involves me walking into the kitchen.

So naturally, I hate being in the kitchen.
But recently, I have found a passion for baking.
And I don't even care if I have to do the 17 billion dishes afterwards, because I love it, that freaking much.
Weird, right?
So when Quirk sent The Cookiepedia to my mom, of course I stole it from her, and told her that it is now mine.
This book is absolutely amazing.
Not only does it have creative, yummy, and easy cookie recipes but it also has handy stuff that is useful to know.
For example: The very first page has Butter Math, and the ingredients for The Basic Cookie.
Plus, it explains to you, why it is important to let butter become room temperature.
(I didn't know that it is important. That's why I've been putting a stick of butter in the microwave for 15 seconds before I start baking all this time)
It also has little places next to the recipes where you can add notes if you'd like.
It's the little things like that, I think makes a cookbook (of any sort) that much better and useful.
And then, on all the other glorious pages of delicious cookies,
there are so many recipes I cannot wait to try.
The one I'm most excited to are the Everything-but-the-Kitchen-Sink-Cookies!
(I am definitely trying them with the Cool Ranch Doritos)

I have made it my goal to try all of these cookie recipes.
So everyone get ready to devour deliciousness.

Audiobook Review: The Power of Six (Lorien Legacies) by Pittacus Lore

Reading level: Young Adult 
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (August 23, 2011)
Listening Length: 10 hour(s) and 47 min.
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Harper Audio (August 23, 2011)
Buy the book:  Audio | Hardcover

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight.

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The Audio:

 

I'm of two minds about this audiobook.  There were two readers for The Power of Six.  Neil Kaplan read the chapters from John's (4's) perspective, and Marisol Ramirez read the chapters that were from Adelina's (7's) point of view.  I thought that Neil was a good reader, he has a great, deep intense voice, HOWEVER, I didn't think he was good for this part.  He sounded like he was about 40 years old, and it just didn't fit with the feel of a young adult book about teenagers.  I could get past his "too old" voice when it came to John, but his voice for Six was just awful.  He made this totally freaking awesome girl sound like a twelve-year-old boy.  And Sam's voice was even worse.   I mean, I know that Sam was kind of dorky, but he made him sound like a twelve-year-old boy with a sinus infection.  There are parts of the book where there is some romantic tension between John and Six, and even Six and Sam, but these were hard to buy into when Sam sounded SO beyond geeky, and Six sounded like a boy.

However, there was also Marisol.  I think she did a great job reading Adelina's character.  Adelina was just discovering herself and her powers.  She was unsure, and intimidated by the future, and Marisol captured that fantastically.  I found myself wishing that she had read the whole thing, or that she at least read Six's lines.  I think that would have made the audio so much better.

In the end, I was able to get past the parts I didn't care for, and really enjoy the story, though.  The book was definitely good enough to overcome the reader.  If you are looking for an audiobook to add to your list, I would still recommend this one.  But if you're debating between listening or reading, you might just want to pick up the book.

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The Book:

I wasn't planning on reading this book.  I liked I Am Number Four ok.  Just ok.  I loved the movie, and figured I'd just wait for the next one, and not worry about the books.  But Harper sent the book, and the audio, so I decided to give it a shot.  I'm really glad that I did.  I liked this book SO much better than the first.  Maybe it was because there was more action, and mystery.  Maybe it was because of Six....she is seriously hardcore.  Maybe it was the absence of Sarah.  I just couldn't take their mushy-gushy relationship in Four.  Ugh.

I loved finding out more about the Lorien history.  I loved the non-stop action and adventure in this book.  I love the alternating points of view, and waiting for the time when those two world would collide.  I loved the romantic tension between Four and Six.  Thank the Lord he isn't stuck with Sarah (though I worry he'll still end up with her in the end....ugh).  There were so many things that I liked so much more in this book than in the first.  It made me wonder if it was written by a completely different person (does anyone have any info on that).

So even though I thought I was done with this series, I find myself now eagerly awaiting the next book.  I can't wait to see how all the Loriens will find each other, and how their stories will intersect.  And will there be a movie??  I seriously hope so!

My review of I Am Number Four, the book.
My review of I Am Number Four, the movie.

The Audio:

The Book:

Content:

• Sexual Content:  Mild
• Profanity:  Heavy
• Violence:  Heavy
• Other Notables:  None 

For more information, check out The Power of Six on Parental Book Reviews.

Book Review: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

• Reading level: Young Adult

• Hardcover: 352 pages

• Publisher: Quirk Books; Book Club edition (June 7, 2011)

• Language: English

• ISBN-10: 1594744769

• ISBN-13: 978-1594744761

A mysterious island.An abandoned orphanage.
A strange collection of very curious photographs.
It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

My Review 

As the title says, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a very peculiar book. When I was  starting to read it, I expected an intense, horror themed book. Although there are some unnerving scenes, that actually isn't the main theme. Starting off a bit slow, it actually progressed into a fun, happy book. Well... For a time.

In explaining this book, I would break it up into three emotions: The beginning, sad. The middle-ish, happy and fun. The ending, tense. And together, this made for a very entertaining and exciting read.

My mother read this book a while ago and, knowing I would love it, convinced me to read it. I'm pretty glad she did this, because I loved it. It was very well written, with a sort of spooky background, which makes you constantly on the alert for anything out of whack. It is a very exciting book that promises an extremely enjoyable read.

Go read my mom's review for Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children here!

Movie Review: The Machine Gun Preacher starring Gerard Butler from Relativity Media

Genre: Drama

Official Site: http://www.machinegunpreacher.org/

Official Trailer: Itunes Movie Trailers

Directer: Marc Forster

Cast: Gerard Butler, Michelle Monaghan, Kathy Baker,

 Madeline Carroll, Michael Shannon, Souleymane Sy Savane

Very rarely does a movie get stuck in my head where I obsess over every scene... The Machine Gun Preacher did just that! This movie was like reading a really good book with great character development and with an incredible story to tell.

The movie starts off hard, rough and gritty. Gerard Butler's character was insane... HE was insane. Butler did such a fantastic job portraying Sam Childers. Childers was rough, alcoholic, drug addict, been in prison, and was a horrible father and husband. Butler played his part very well, a little too well. I'm a huge fan of Gerard Butler and it was really getting to me, to see him play such a horrible man, the worst you could imagine.

This movie shows you the true story of how Sam Childers (Gerard Butler) went from a person leading a life of self-destruction to a life of going to church, getting clean, finding faith, caring for his wife and daughter, all while becoming the saviour to a bunch of orphaned kids in Sudan. Sam Childers was a man who needed to do something with his life, to do something good for a change. I felt that this movie was casted perfectly, Gerard Butler was a perfect Sam Childers. Sam's wife who was played by Michelle Monaghan, did a fantastic job. I would think it would be hard to play alongside such a strong character, as Butler had to play, but Monaghan held her own. She was as strong of a character in this movie as he was, she was not drowned out by Butlers brilliance at all.

I would see this movie all over again, even though it was harsh. When I say harsh, I mean the children in Sudan are starving, orphaned, and dying. This movie was really hard for me to watch, however, The Machine Gun Preacher has a strong message to send out and the movie did an excellent job of doing that. I went home and immediately donated to the Sam Childers site, he even has a donation set up for a well, so the children can have clean drinking water.

What's funny is that I walk into this movie looking cute with perfect makeup, when the movie was over, I looked like a junkie with mascara running down my face. You are one tough person if this movie doesn't bring a tear to your eye! When I think of the impact this amazing, very well acted movie will have on it's fans... well it's much like The Schindler's List... even though it was harsh, it was phenomenal. The Schindler's List will forever go down in movie history, it has also won a lot of awards. The Machine Gun Preacher is no different... as far as the acting, storyline and message, this movie will win academy awards. You can mark my word on that! The message that this awesome movie gives, is one that will forever be in your thoughts and heart.

This movie is rated R for stong violence, strong profanity, brief sex scene.



A BIG thanks to Amy from a Different Drummer for giving ReadingTeen pre-screening passes, Andye and I enjoyed sitting with the press!

Follow Different Drummer on Twitter @drumtweets and visit their site differentdrummer.com

Second Hand Saturday! 9/24/11

Welcome to Second Hand Saturday!!

Last night ABDUCTION (movie with Taylor Lautner and Lily Collins) released.  Taylor is also going to star in Incarceron (book by Catherine Fisher) and Lily Collins is going to star in City of Bones (book by Cassandra Clare).  With all these books-to-movies coming out, which one are you most anxious for?  Or are you dreading them?  Let us know in the comments to enter this week's Second Hand Saturday giveaway.  Tweet for an extra entry!

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This week's winner is:

Amber Elise

 Email me at ReadingTeen1 at gmail.com with your book choice!!  Please put "winner" in the subject line.  You have a week to claim your prize!

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What is Second Hand Saturday?

Review and Giveaway: Beautiful Days by Anna Godbersen

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (September 20, 2011)
Buy the Book: Amazon

For the bright young things of 1929, the beautiful days seem endless, filled with romance and heartbreak, adventure and intrigue, friendship and rivalry.

After a month in New York, Cordelia Grey and Letty Larkspur are small-town girls no longer. They spend their afternoons with Astrid Donal at the Greys’ lush Long Island estate and their nights in Manhattan’s bustling metropolis. But Letty’s not content to be a mere socialite. She is ready at last to chase her Broadway dreams—no matter the cost.

Cordelia is still reeling from the death of her father at the hands of Thom Hale, the man she thought she loved. Now she is set to honor Darius Grey’s legacy . . . and take her revenge.

Promised to Cordelia’s half brother, Astrid is caught up in a world of dazzling jewels and glittering nights—and the sparkle is blinding. Charlie Grey is a gangster playing a dangerous game; and for Astrid, Cordelia, and Letty, the stakes could be deadly.

There is something absolutely amazing and fascinating about this series.  I've never read a book where I felt so completely lost in another time period before.  Anna Godbersen doesn't just write about the 1920's, her words are actually dripping with the 1920's.  As I mentioned in my review of Bright Young Things last year, I'm not a very visual person.  But, somehow Anna makes me able to see every last detail of her story.  I can picture the grandiose houses, the gorgeous dresses, the speakeasy that Cordelia and Charlie build, and the view from Max Darby's airplane, like I am actually there.  And reading this book makes me want to be there.

While Bright Young things was about these girls trying to find their place in The Big City, Beautiful Days is more about them trying to find themselves.  They have gotten so wrapped up in the lazy, self-centered, glamorous life of a boot-legger's daughter/friend, that they've forgotten who they are, and who they want to be.  Astrid has become obsessed with being the perfect wife, Cordelia can't get her mind off a certain distraction in the form of Max Darby, and Letty has seemingly abandoned her dream of being a star.  But as the girls try to find their way again, they make some decisions that may come back to haunt them in the end.  I can't help but be constantly reminded of the tagline in Bright Young Things, "One would be famous, one would be married, and one would be dead."  As I grow closer to these girls, and their stories, I am eager to find out what happens to them, but I'm dreading that ending.  And my mind keeps changing about which girl will achieve which outcome.

I seriously love everything about this series.  From the time period to the mystery, from the heartbreak to the glamor, this book has me entranced!  The dialogue has me enraptured, the romance has my heart pounding, and the storyline and plot twists are constantly making me guess at what will happen next.  I can't bring myself to pick up another book yet, because I just don't want to leave these girls behind.

If you enjoyed Bright Young Things, you will not be disappointed with Beautiful Days.  If you haven't picked up this series yet, I can't recommend it enough.  Go out and grab Bright Young Things get lost in the roaring twenties like I have!

 Content:

• Sexual Content:  Moderate
• Profanity:  Mild*
• Violence:  Moderate
• Other Notables:  Drinking during prohibition, smoking, partying at clubs

For more details go to Beautiful Days on Parental Book Reviews.

 
Giveaway:
Thanks so much to Harper Teen for sending me an Advance Readers Copy.  Since I'm going to buy the hardcover to match my copy of Bright Young Things, I'm giving away my ARC.  If you'd like to enter, just fill out the form below!

Vlog Interview with Lani Woodland, Author of Indelible

Today, as part of the Once Upon a Twilight Blog Tour, we have a vlog interview with Lani Woodland, author of Intrinsical and Indelible.  Check it out!

Thanks so much, Lani, for taking the time to do this for us!  

Thanks to Lani and Once Upon a Twilight, we're giving away a copy of Indelible.  If you haven't entered yet, you can enter below!

Book Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (November 29, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 039925675X
ISBN-13: 978-0399256752
Buy the Book: Amazon
Visit the site: marielu.org

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

June was a great character. She was strong kick-butt, but still very feminine. She knew what it took to be the best and she did that just perfectly. The reason I liked June's character so much was, just that she was simple, yet very smart. She is the only one, in the entire Republic, that scored a 1500 (perfect score) on her Trial. She started University at the age of twelve. She learned things like; how to scale a tall building with super speed and agility, how to handle a XM-621 and other powerful guns, also how to beat the crap out of guys three times her size. Yes, June was amazing and very wealthy. I guess you could say she had it all... perfect life, apartment (where she lived with her brother Metias) the clothes, the money, the respect, and the looks. I mean she was the prodigy of the Republic!

What surprised me about June is, that she was so normal. After having such a high standard of life/living, she was nice, kind and loving. June like to have fun, and do mischievous things that would get her sent home from school. At fifteen, June was still young and it showed sometimes. Though, in this book, she had to grow up quick, because her life turns tragic.

Day was a very interesting character, and yes, I loved him from the start! He was from a completely different world than June. Day was very poor,  tall and good-looking, with blue eyes for days. The poor families usually didn't do well at the Trials. The Republic made sure of that. Day stayed optimistic though, he had done many things illegal, as far as the Republic was concerned, after he failed his trail. Day's only concern was his family. Were they infected with the plague? And if they were, what would happen to them? Day would give his life to make sure his family was safe. Day had a close friend he made long ago, her name was Tess. She was sweet, a few years younger, but willing to help in any way she could. Tess was very loyal and would do anything for Day.... Day protected Tess, kept her fed and secure.

That was the kind of man Day was... protective, honorable and protective. So the day he ran into June, was the day he'll never forget. Day fell for June hard... the only thing is,  June is undercover, trying to figure out who killed her brother Metias.  Day and June were from the opposite ends of the world, but also the same... they were both very good at what they did! Day seemed a likely suspect but, June also falls head over heels in love with him...

One thing is certain, Day is from the opposite end of the world than June. However, Day feels a connection to June like no-one he has ever encountered. 

The Republic is a whole character in itself. The Republic had so many rules and regulations. They make their citizens pass what is called a trial, and the score can very... whether you are rich or poor ( they will deny this fact). The commander in the Republic was very sinister, and had a strong agenda, she would stop at nothing to get her own way, even if it meant killing innocent people. There were a lot of shenanigans and lies going on in the Republic, and it is well known, as you read this book! The Republic was evil and full of deceit and had to keep their "citizens" perfect! It didn't matter with the Republic, they will kill, steal and destroy to get their way. Let me just say I was a little stressed out there at the end, it was quite a dramatic ending.

This book could be a stand alone (which I like) however, it could also have a sequel (which I will look forward too!) Anyway, I thought the storyline, romance and action scenes were a great mix. As far as the whole book was concerned, I loved it! As far as Dystopian goes, this will be one of my favorites!

PBR:

Sexual: none

Profanity: mild

Violence: heavy

For full content GO to Parental Book Reviews.

*PAY ATTENTION: LEGEND WILL BE THE "READING CLEAN SPOTLIGHT" FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER. SO IF YOU WANT TO READ THIS BOOK BEFORE IT COMES OUT, CHECK BACK HERE!