Private

Private
By James Patterson

Once again I am going back to my favorite genre: mystery! Like I’ve said before, good mysteries are hard to find. A majority of them have a similar plot of the protagonist going  through a long epic adventure, discovering secrets and truth behind a great unknown. In a way Private maybe considered as ordinary, but James Patterson adds some twists.

Our protagonist is Jack Morgan, the head owner of a corporation named Private that deals with confidential cases. The book from the beginning does in fact grab your attention, mainly by the fact that the whole storyline contains several cases –  and you're bound to find one interesting. For starters, Jack’s best friend, Andy Cushman, is hysterical after the death of his wife, Shelby. Jack accepts Andy’s case not only because Andy is his best friend but also because Shelby was his former lover. But while he continues the case he discovers many of Shelby’s dirty secrets that are truly unbelievable and that not only does it hurt Jack but also destroys Andy to shreds.

Then his receives a visit from his uncle, and not a, “how you doing, son?” visit. His uncle, the owner of the L.A. Raiders, along with the the owners of the Forty Niners and the Vikings need Jack’s help desperately. With the notice of illegal gaming in professional football, Jack must enter deep in investigation into this multi-million NFL gambling.

Then the most horrible and the most outstretched case is the schoolgirl case. For many years now, eighteen girls (there might be more unknown) have been killed a by vicious murderer. The most difficult part of this case is that each murder had a different method, making it unknown  why the killer is committing these horrendous murders – this hints that there might be more than one killer.  Though the kills are different the traps are the same: the killer or killers would text the girl, using the caller ID of her friend, and ask her to meet them in a quiet and unpopulated place (there committing the crime). This type of technology—having the ability to take complete control of another phone—doesn’t exist. We are dealing with a genius here, or maybe geniuses.

But what makes this book interesting and unique is the fact that we get into Jack’s personal life. For example, we know that Jack inherited Private from his father, along with five million dollars. We later learn that he also left five million dollars for Jack’s twin brother , Tom, so they can compete to see who is better in business. Throughout the entire plot we see a strong and dangerous rivalry between Jack and Tom. We also get to see Jack’s love life; he is currently in a relationship with his secretary, but are they thinking the same thing? Jack just doesn’t want to settle down and he questions about what he feels for her. Between the lines you can clearly see that he has stronger feelings for his ex-girlfriend and current co-worker Justine. Speaking of history, Jack has his own in the military. But there is one unforgettable memory he has: the airplane he was flying home crashed, killing many of friends. But there is something missing from that memory. Something that makes him feel guilty.

To finds the answers to one or all of these questions, read the book. In my opinion I am in between loving or disregarding the book.  I’ve read so many mysteries in my life that I know how the majority of them end, and while reading Private I was able to predict most of them. I guess Patterson read my mind and added some SHOCKING twists at the end. When I divided the book between the ordinary material and rare material and balanced it out, the ordinary material was heavier. I felt that though there were shockers, it wasn’t enough repair the dent of boring it already created. But I am willing to read the second book Private: #1 Suspect. Unfortunately, I haven’t found the book so there will be a delay until I review it. So until next time, read!  

My Rating:

                                                                                                                         ~A.BW

Speak Part 2

Speak Part 2: Book vs. Movie
(By Laurie Halse Anderson)

After finishing the book Speak, I heard there was a film adaptation of it so I decided to do another book versus movie segment. When watching the movie I developed controversial feelings toward it. Using the same structure I used when reviewing The Lovely Bones —judging the actors and plot—I’ve come up with the inconclusive verdict: neutral. Like I’ve said before, neutral to me is I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it either. Before anyone attacks me with opinions, let me explain why...

Cast:

Melinda Sordino: Kristen Stewart

Mr. Freemen: Steve Zahn

Andy Evans: Eric Lively

Rachel Bruin: Hallee Hirsh

Heather Connors: Allison Siko

Dave Petrakis: Michael Angarano

Joyce Sordino: Elizabeth Perkins

Jack Sordino: D. B. Sweedney

For starters, when I heard Kristen Stewart played the part of Melinda Sordino I thought it would be a perfect fit. In my personal opinion, in Twilight Stewart doesn’t add much emotion almost like she numb, but these paralyzed emotions are perfect for Melinda, a teen who is trapped within herself. But when I saw the movie my expectations were unmet. For a majority of the movie, where Melinda kept to herself and didn’t express herself, Stewart did a good job, but when it came to the intense moments she didn’t deliver. Then there was Mr. Freemen ,whose physical appearance didn’t quite match. When you think of an art teacher you expect a person wearing a long shirt or a coat splattered with paint. Meanwhile, in the movie his wardrobe was too formal. Zahn didn’t sound or act like how I imagine Mr. Freemen would, but again it’s my imagination and not everyone thinks like me. Overall I think his acting fitted the story and Mr. Freemen’s personality.

Another major role in the story is Andy Evans ( as Melinda calls him “IT”) and I did not like Lively’s acting whatsoever. Andy is an arrogant guy who just does what he pleases, not saying sorry and going after people’s apologies like the movie appeared. Lively on the other hand played him too soft and didn’t portray the characteristics of a horrible and sick human being. There is a reason Melinda calls him “IT”. Rachel Bruin also plays a big role and Hirsh, like Stewart, did a good job in the small scenes but didn’t pull through in the intense moments. Siko stayed true to her character of Heather Connors. Another character who in my personal opinion is very important is Dave Petrakis, and I think Angarano was the perfect fit. Angarano literally made Dave step out of the book; Angarano did an excellent job of giving a nerdy imagine but also did a wonderful job in portraying the brave side of Dave. Joyce and Jack aren’t seen much in the movie but Perkins and Sweedney did a worthy job.

Though I am not a huge fan of the cast, I did love the plot and organization of the film. Honestly, I can say that this movie by far has beaten all movies in “staying true to the book” category; the director added parts that I even had forgotten about. I am not joking when I say that I can’t think of one thing they cut out. Though there weren’t any deletions, there were things added, or more like expanded. One addition I liked was the deepening in the relationship between Melinda and Mr. Freemen, when Melinda shows him her secret closet. Another addition I adored was that we get to see more of the cute crush Dave and Melinda share. Another thing I love about the script was all the symbolism; throughout the entire movie you not only see Melinda’s story through Kristen Stewart but also through other aspects. I especially love the beginning when Melinda draws lines on her lip representing her entanglement.

With this review my overall conclusion is the following: I love the script, don’t like the cast. The script was beyond beautiful but they should fix the flaws of the cast. Many actors were simply not suited for their role. Well that’s all I have to say so leave your comments below. Reminder this is all my opinion please don’t get upset if I have insulted your favorite actor and/or movie. Until next time, read! 

Book vs. Movie






My Rating:

                                                                                                                                 ~A.BW

This Lullaby

This Lullaby
By Sarah Dessen

While going through my past posts I realized that there is one genre I haven’t explored—romance. Though the majority of the books I’ve reviewed have a love story on the side, there isn’t one book that is completely about the most complicated thing on earth, love.  Looking for a book , my friend strongly recommended “This Lullaby” by Sarah Dessen, also claiming that if I ever want to read a really good book, Sarah Dessen is a great author. Wanting to test her theory I agreed to read the book, which, by the way, I have mixed feelings about. My goodness, love is so complicated, even in writing about it.

The book is written in the first person, narrated by 18-year-old Remy Starr, who doesn’t believe in love. Who could blame her, when her mom is about to enter her fifth marriage? Her dad, who died a few years earlier, claimed to love her and even wrote a song for her called “This Lullaby”—it became a huge hit— yet never showed any concern for Remy.

Before I start to explain the story there is one thing you need to know about Remy, she is really organized! When I say organized I mean really REALLY organized, not only in cleaning but also in her life. Remy is the type of girl who wants to have everything planned to the last detail, I guess to balance out the messiness of her mother Barbara  and brother Chris. With so much disfunction in her family all Remy wants to do is get out! Which is exactly what she is planning to do; by the end of the summer she is heading to Stanford University.

While Remy is at the car dealership where her mother’s fiance Don works , to talk to Don about details of the wedding, an awkward and clumsy musician named Dexter tells her they are meant to be together. Then he surprises Remy by writing on her hand without her consent; putting yourself in Remy’s shoes you would understand why Remy would be freaked out by this guy. No matter how much Remy tries to shake Dexter off he just won’t budge, and coincidentally Dexter’s band is the one Don hired to play at the wedding. Then Dexter’s band is hired to play weekly in the bar Remy frequently goes  to with her friends. Though Dexter is not Remy’s ideal guy, especially being a musician and messy , he is very persistent. Eventually Remy falls for Dexter.

Knowing she is going to college, not wanting to bring things from her old life to her new life, plans her relationship with Dexter to be just a summer thing. As time passes, people, including herself, are wondering why is she with Dexter. Her friends, knowing Remy, think her relationship with Dexter doesn’t make sense. Remy is such a strict person with high standards and rules that Dexter in no way follows. First of all he is a musician, a big no-no for Remy;he is messy, doesn’t have a steady job, never ties his shoelaces and makes the weirdest challenges—all sorts of things Remy doesn’t like. Yet Remy stays with him— maybe she is in love! Remy, who believes love doesn’t exist, denies it: loving Dexter isn’t on her agenda. She claims the relationship is a summer fling, but is it really? And what about Dexter? Does he see as it a summer fling, or something else? Want to know the love story of detailed-oriented Remy and disorganized Dexter? Pick up the book and read it!

In my personal opinion it is such a sweet story! The only problem I had with the book was that it’s really predictable. Maybe it’s just me because I grew up watching soap operas and I know how conventional love stories go. But while reading the book I could literally finish a sentence without looking at it. Still, I am not going to lie, I was addicted to the book! I guess it was the girly-girl inside of me that wouldn’t let me sleep without finishing the book. So for all the softies out there and lovers of romance, read this book, I highly recommend it! Until next time, READ!     

 My Rating:

~A.BW

Speak

Speak
By Laurie Halse Anderson

As usual when I don’t have anything to read, I walk straight into the library and check out the first book I see; “Speak” was the lucky one. This is a reminder that I am willing to read ANY type of book, just leave the title and author of the book you want me to read in comments below.

“Speak” is such an inspirational book that I recommend you read it when you’re feeling gloomy. Throughout the book we follow a girl named Melinda Sordino who goes through tough times with no support. Melinda was like every typical girl just wanting to have fun with her BFF, Rachel Bruin, especially when entering high school. The summer before Melinda gets to enter the glorious world of high school, she decides to go to a party with Rachel, a high school party! Unfortunately, Melinda doesn’t know what lies beneath the cheerful party; she overdoes it with the drinks and gets drunk. Meanwhile, senior Andy Evans comes over and flirts with Melinda, a freshman-to-be. Melinda, being in a drunken state is swept away  by the adorable Andy Evans and everything is just peachy. That is, until Andy crosses the line and rapes her. Not knowing what to do, Melinda wants to yell for help, so she takes out her phone and call the cops.

When Melinda finally goes to Merryweather High School, she get off to a rough start. The whole school hates her(for calling the cops), her friends have turned their back, the only friend she has is Heather—a new student who later leaves her, too—and no one knows about the rape. Imagine having to keep such a horrible event a secret because if you told anyone they wouldn't believe you. Each day is dreadful for Melinda; she is flunking all her classes except for art—the only place where she can express herself without getting in trouble. With the help of Mr.Freeman she is able to express her pain through her art, but still she suffers.

As I put myself in Melinda’s shoes this is what I see: I am trapped in a cage filled with terrors, no one wants to help me and no one cares. I am too scared myself to pick the lock and I don’t have the strength that others have. David Petrakis is Melinda’s fellow classmate, whom unlike her is not afraid to stand up for himself, especially against a teacher. Melinda wishes she could be more like David, but with no one supporting her or telling her what to do, how can she speak?

I think the story is truly inspirational and it’s something we can relate too. We all, at one point, have felt depressed and felt the feelings Melinda has, maybe not as extremely as her, but we know what it feels to be trapped and alone. The thing I didn't like about the book was that I felt there should have been more added to the end, the author gave us so many details and inside stories but by the end they didn't contribute to the ending. I felt this story would have been better as a short story rather than a chapter book; the ending kind of left me hanging. Well, that’s all I can say, if you want to hear more about Melinda’s story, check the book out. I recently found out that this book has also been turned into a film starring Kristen Stewart,  so if you want me to do another book vs. movie segment please let me know in the comments section.  I have nothing more to say than, read!

My Rating:

                                                                                                                                    ~A.BW   

The Lovely Bones: Part 2

The Lovely Bones Part 2: Book vs. Movie
(By Alice Sebold)

While I was reading The Lovely Bones people often saw me carrying a book around; most would ask what book am I reading. When I gave them the title they would respond with an enthusiastic “Oh really!” Believing they knew what book I was talking about I’d ask, “You read the book?” but everyone replied, “No, but I did watched the movie,” and that really annoyed me. I had a lot of my friends tell me that the movie was really good so I decided to watch it and compare it to the book then share my opinion with you guys.

The Actors
One major thing I look at when seeing a film based on a book are the actors—did they deliver the role? Did they show the hidden emotions well enough?  Do they fit the physical appearance of the character?

Cast of The Lovely Bones

Susie Salmon: Saoirse Ronan

Jack Salmon:Mark Wahlberg

Abigail Salmon: Rachel Weisz

Grandma Lynn: Susan Sarandon

Lindsey Salmon: Rose Mclver

Buckley Salmon: Christian Ashdale

George Harvey: Stanley Tucci

Len Fenerman:Michael Imperioli

Ray Singh: Reece Ritchie

Ruth Connors: Carolyn Dando

First the protagonist: though Ronan does not physically look like Susie, she actually did a pretty good job. In my personal opinion I think that Ronan did a good job delivering the emotions of Susie and showing that though Susie lived in a “perfect” heaven not everything was perfect for her. Two big roles in the story are Jack and Abigail Salmon. Wahlberg did a decent job but based on his acting I expected a little more; meanwhile, Weisz, I feel, did not do the job justice. Abigail went through a lot of pain losing her child, I expected Weisz to show that pain to the point in which I would feel her pain. Grandma Lynn is another big part, and I feel Sarandon did a fantastic job! She played the part perfectly showing how crazy and fun Grandma Lynn was. Lindsey was shown a lot in the book and so in the movie, Mclver was, in opinion, neutral—in others words I didn't hate her acting but I didn't love it either. Partly I blame the book because it didn't go deep into the emotions of Lindsey, but I feel there could have been more too it based on her actions. Buckley was mentioned several times but it didn't go too deep into his story same in the movie, but I think Ashdale did good for the little bit he got. Tucci did an incredible job as Mr. Harvey! Tucci honestly creeped me out giving me the chills. Len Fenerman was shown a lot throughout the storyline but I feel they cut him out a lot in the movie, but Imperioli did a wonderful job playing the part. I also feel that Ray and Ruth were cut out a lot, especially Ruth, but Ritchie and Dando did an amazing job and they physically looked like their characters.

The Plot
Another thing I judge is how true did they stay to the story, and the changes within the story. Compared to other movies the director did a decent job staying true to the story, but there were some changes I didn't like. For example, I didn't like the fact they cut out the part in which Abigail has an affair with Detective Fenerman, which, I believe, is important because it really emphasizes how hurt Abigail was. Another thing I didn't like was that they took out a lot of Ruth’s storyline. Ruth was a very important character because she was the only one who truly believed that Susie was still with them, the only one who could truly communicate with Susie. I did expect to see Samuel and Hal too because, although they are major characters in the story, they did help Salmon family throughout the entire story—they even became part of the family by the end.

There were some changes that I did like, for example giving Holly a bigger storyline. While reading the book, I felt Holly was a useless character who was there for no apparent reason, but in the movie she help Susie continue her own life. I also liked that they made her one of Mr. Harvey’s victims because she would be able to relate to Susie’s pain and not be hypocritical telling Susie, “I know how you feel.”

Overall, I believe their script was decent compared to a lot of other books made to movies, but the cast could have used some help. As a reminder, all of this is just my opinion so please don’t be offended if I criticized your favorite actor/movie. If you seen the movie and/or read the book leave comments below, tell me your opinion, and tell me if you want me to do more movie versus book segments. Until next time, read!

Vs.

 
  

My Movie Rating:

~A.BW

Whispers at Moonrise

Whispers at Moonrise
The fourth book of the Shadow Falls series
By C.C. Hunter
Warning: The following contains spoilers for those who haven’t read the first three books of the series

A chameleon! Kylie Galden, the protagonist we’ve been following throughout the entire series trying to figure out what she is, is a chameleon. But what does that mean? In the fourth book Whispers at Moonrise Kylie has a new quest: finding out what being a chameleon means? Other than her supernatural problems she also has boy troubles. Both Lucas, a werewolf, and Derek, a fae, are striving to get her attention. And to top it all off, Kylie, with her ability to communicate with the dead, has a new ghost following her, with a familiar face!

The third book, Taken at Dusk, ends with Kylie’s deceased father stating that they were chameleon. So what’s Kylie going to do now? When she tells her friends even Holiday, a leader of the camp who Kylie loves like a sister, they all laugh at the idea of her being “a lizard”. Then Derek tells her “I love you,” when she is already in a committed relationship with Lucas.

One day Kylie’s mother unexpectedly comes to Shadow Falls Camp. Kylie immediately asks her mother if someone is hurt, but her mother says the one who is hurt is Kylie. Apparently, Kylie’s mother got a letter saying that Kylie has been sick and is suggested to run some tests. Kylie tells her mother that everything is okay but Holiday and Kylie automatically know that it was the FRU, the police for the supernaturals, who sent the letter to her mother, since they’ve been yearning to run some tests on Kylie, the undefined creature.

Often Kylie feels a calling from the woods, something in there is telling her to come in. But no matter how tempted Kylie is, there is no possible way she can enter, especially after an odd visit from her grandparents. Burnett, another leader of the camp, was able to get ahold of Kylie’s father, Daniel’s adoptive grandfather, and when they came to visit, they weren’t Daniel’s adoptive parents. They weren’t complete strangers either but rather the biological father and aunt of Daniel (but Kylie didn’t know this until after the visit). Since then, they’ve disappeared from the face of the earth, until one day in a turn of events Kylie enters the woods and comes face to face with the people who can solve her problems.

You may ask yourself why her grandfather and grandaunt are being so discreet? Well, we know from the third book that Kylie’s grandmother was killed by the FRU when being tested. Kylie’s grandpa, knowing that Burnett is part of the FRU, wants to stay away from the camp as much as possible due to the trauma of losing her wife. One night when Kylie gets to sneak off campus, she finally gets to ask her granddad: “What’s a chameleon?” He explains to her that it means they have a little bit of everything in their blood. They can change from one supernatural to another; they even can change to human form. When Kylie asks how she can control the transformations he tells her that since it’s a skill that can take a lifetime to master she must go with them and leave Shadow Falls Camp. Kylie refuses, but when her grandfather hears that the FRU is trying to run test on her he insists on her leaving. She still doesn’t agrees.

Kylie can’t leave now! Not when she has a mission. The ghost that has been following her looks like...Holiday, her beloved Holiday. But how is that even possible? With the help of Derek she discovers that the ghost isn’t Holiday rather her twin sister Hannah. Though this may seem like a sigh of relief, with C.C. Hunter it never is. Hannah tells Kylie that her murderer killed her believing it will give him power and he wants more power, so Kylie if doesn’t do something soon Holiday will join her sister in ghosthood.

Throughout the entire series we’ve seen how many problems Kylie has gone through, but in this book the troubles are tougher and life-changing. First, someone is after Holiday but with forgetful Hannah, Kylie doesn’t know who. Second, her grandfather wants her to leave Shadow Falls leaving behind her loved one. Third, she is confused about love. Derek and her have grown closer but she is officially in love with Lucas; however, Lucas is hiding something. Even he has said himself that he has secrets. Want to know more? Well, you're going to have to wait with me until April 30th, 2013 to read the final installment of the Shadow Falls series. Though it seems like a long time don’t worry, I’m here to entertain you. I stress that you read this book! The ending is so breathtakingly shocking!

 

My Rating:

 

 

 

 

~A.BW                            

 

The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones
By Alice Sebold

Murder mysteries, personally my favorite type of mysteries; but it is usually hard to find a really good one. Almost all murder mysteries have similar plots: someone dies and we follow either a cop, a close family member, or some random person who pops into the story, through a long adventure seeking justice. But Alice Sebold takes murder mysteries to a whole new level. We no longer see the aftereffects of a murder through the family’s eyes (or through the cop’s eyes) but rather through the victim’s eyes.

The book contains such an outrageous and captivating beginning that captures a reader’s attention. We follow a young girl named Susie Salmon. At the age of fourteen she is just experiencing glimpses of responsibility, maturity, even love, but on December 6, 1973 it is all taken away. As Susie is leaving school realizing how late it is she decides to take a shortcut through the cornfield. When she is closer to home she bumps into her neighbor, George Harvey; he tells her to follow him for he has built something fascinating that he would like to show her. At first Susie doesn’t know what it is, but when Mr. Harvey tells her to look harder she realizes he build a hut in the ground that is so breathtakingly hidden. He welcomes her to enter, through she refuses him at first she eventually enters the fascinating hut – what a terrible mistake. In minutes Mr. Harvey rapes and kills Susie Salmon.

Susie enters her heaven, in which in this book is a perfect little world of your own with anything you desire, but all Susie seems to do is watch over her family on Earth. At first her parents, Jack and Abigail Salmon, deny that their daughter is dead, until officer Len Fenerman finds and shows them Susie’s hat that is covered in saliva (what Mr. Harvey used to cover her mouth),implying she was dead. Later, they found her elbow. Through Mr. Harvey foolishly left the hat and elbow out in the open, he cleverly disposed the rest of the body by dumping it into a sinkhole. 

As days pass by, a depressed Jack seems to want nothing but justice for his little girl. He then starts to notice how strange his neighbor, George Harvey, is; he decides to talk to him, to see who this man is. When he spoke to the odd man his fatherly instincts told him Mr. Harvey is the murderer. Once knowing what he was sure of, he called officer Len, but as much as Len tried to find evidence, there was absolutely none that indicated Mr. Harvey was the murderer. The only suspect they had was Ray Singh, a fellow classmate of Susie. Ray had a schoolboy crush on Susie and wrote her a love note, later found unread in her textbook, but since he was with his father in a conference during the murder, he was checked off the list. 

From what Susie sees in heaven, her death has caused nothing but trouble to her loved ones. Her father is depressed and going crazy trying to find evidence against George Harvey. Her mother is miserable feeling like an empty mom wanting to escape from her sad reality through a romantic affair with Officer Len. Not only does she affect the relationship between her parents but also the lives of her siblings. Lindsey, Susie’s younger sister, is constantly being told that she looks like Susie, causing a great sadness in everyone. Because of all the chaos Susie’s death is causing in the relationship of her parents, Buckley, Susie’s 5 year old brother, isn’t getting the attention a little boy should. The boy she likes, Ray, is being wrongfully accused of being her murderer. Even people Susie barely spoke to are being affected, like Ruth. When Susie took spirit form and was heading towards heaven she appeared to Ruth; after Susie’s death, Ruth still feels her presence and often writes poems about her. Ruth is already a strange person to everyone – even her parents – and when she starts to write poems about the dead (a.k.a Susie) people find her more weird. Everyone on Earth is falling apart and all Susie can do is sit there and watch. 

This is such an interesting story because we see it through a dead person’s point of view. I think it was a big risk writing it from a dead person’s shoes because no one really knows how they feel and it’s impossible ask them how. It is also is a challenge to keep the story entertaining when the reader already knows who the murder is. I believe Alice Sebold did an outstanding job! I also think it such an engaging story due to the fact that Alice gives a realistic side oh how crazy people get as side effects of depression from losing a loved one. However, there are some unrealistic events in the story which keeps it entertaining. The only thing I can criticize is that I felt the story dragged a little in some points that I didn’t feel like continuing, but overall it’s a great read.   

My Rating:

                                                                                                ~A.BW