Actor, Writer, Jedi, Singer,

Actor, Writer, Jedi, Singer,
You were my brother, Anakin. I loved you

Friday, July 18, 2014

Fifty-Five Book-Related Questions

Here's a fun little questionnaire about books that I found from a blog I follow :) 
1. Favorite childhood book?
There have been several over the course of my childhood- here are various ones(not in order) The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter, Young Jedi Knights, Running Out of Time, Little House on the Prairie, The Great Brain, Yoda: Dark Rendezvous, Junior Jedi Knights, and Secrets of the Jedi. 
2. What are you reading right now?
"Ender in Exile" by Orson Scott Card(like the books, but not the author) 
3. What books do you have on request at the library?
Nothing currently 
4. Bad book habit?
I check out way too many books sometimes :P 
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
Ender in Exile, The Immortal Prince, Catcher in the Rye, and Paradise Lost. 
6. Do you have an e-reader?
I have a Kindle Fire. 
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
I prefer to read one book at a time, for the most part. That way, I can focus on that story and delve more into it. 
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
Yes- I've been getting a lot of recommendations on Blogger and Goodreads, so that's helped broaden my reading experience, which I'm thankful for. 
9. Least favorite book you read this year so far?
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower". My gosh, that book was AWFUL! I'll go more into this in my "Books of 2014" post at the end of the year, but seriously, this book sucked(to me). First off, Charlie is NOT A FREAKING WALLFLOWER! I've been there, I know how it feels and is. And, you know, wallflowers don't get to be friends with the awesome seniors(when they're 15) and have at least 2 senior girls(17-18-19) interested in them romantically(ha ha, hahaha! You know how unrealistic that is). Plus, a lot of really sensitive issues are handled terribly- the main character witnesses(Trigger warning) a rape yet does nothing(I literally threw the book away from me during this scene and yelled "why would you WRITE that?!") and the matter is completely dropped in the narrative. Also(Spoilers) Charlie was sexually abused by his aunt as a child, yet when he remembers he ends up...forgiving her almost right away? Seriously? If that were me, she'd better be glad she was dead, since I'd beat her up within an inch of her life for doing that. I mean, I can see that happening in the future, but right after finding out? That just doesn't seem realistic. There are plenty of other issues handled poorly, but these were the worst factors(since rape and female on male abuse aren't taken all that seriously). Basically, I hated this book and it had few redeeming qualities. 
10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?
Good question since I've read a lot of fantastic books this year. Here are some of my favorite reads- The Lion and the Rose/The Serpent and the Pearl, Shingeki no Kyojin mangas, Lion of Senet, Code Name Verity, Calling Me Home, Fruits Basket Mangas, The Culling, Great Expectations, Avatar: The Last Airbender comics, The Staff of Serapis/The Son of Sobek, and Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void. 
12. What is your reading comfort zone?
Science Fiction and Fantasy(High and Urban). 
13. Can you read in the car?
Yes, thank goodness. 
14. Favorite place to read?
In bed right before I go to sleep. :)
15. What is your policy on book lending?
I'll let you borrow the book if I trust you to give it back. 
16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
Nope
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
Not normally(though I have scribbled over things with Satine Kryze on it before) . 
18. Not even with textbooks?
In textbooks that I own, yes. 
19. What is your favorite language to read in?
I'm only fluent in English, so that would be the one. 
20. What makes you love a book?
Amazing characters, an exciting/engaging plot, a unique setting/good worldbuilding, and good writing. 
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book? 
See above. 
22. Favorite genre?
Science Fiction and Fantasy
23. Genre you rarely read but wish you did? 
Maybe contemporary fiction? I read a lot of genres. Maybe science fiction, since it's hard to find good books in that genre that are written recently. 
24. Favorite biography?
This may be weird, but I really enjoyed the biographies I read about Hitler and Stalin when I was studying World War II. They were very informative and I learned a lot about both individuals(did you know that Hitler was originally an artist?). And it made me gain an understand of how evil both turned out and now I get really annoyed when people compare people to these two guys. Because, really, none of our presidents have ever been that crazy/psycho.  
25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
Does the book I read on girls with Aspergers count? If so, then yes. 
26. Favorite cookbook?
I don't use cookbooks that much(we have more printed out recipes in three-ringed binders) but I do like the ones that have desserts and breads in them. 
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)? 
Probably the Shingeki no Kyojin mangas, the Fruits Basket mangas, The Lion and the Rose(Giulia Farnese was such a great woman in these books), Code Name Verity, and Great Expectations. 
28. Favorite reading snack?
Cookies, chocolate, apples, whip cream, and ice cream. 
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
"Divergent" and "The Fault in Our Stars", I guess. I was expecting both to be good but both were actually mediocre, in my opinion. 
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book? 
Depends. 
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? 
I don't feel bad about giving bad reviews, but I do keep away from being hateful since, as a writer, I wouldn't want people doing that to me. 
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose?
 French so I could read Victor Hugo's novels in their original language, Japanese or Chinese so I could read the Shingeki no Kyojin chapters when they first appear(and I don't have to wait for an English translation), or Spanish since that's the language I'm learning. 
35. Favorite poet?
Not much into poetry, but I do like these guys - William Wordsworth, Robert Frost, Percy Shelley, Samuel Coleridge, and Emily Dickinson. 
36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
Twnety-ish I'd say. 
37. How often have you returned books to the library unread? 
Quite a few, sadly. 
38. Favorite fictional character?
Oh wow, you really asked that (haha). Well, you asked for it...
Obi-Wan Kenobi, Siri Tachi, Jaina Solo, Qui-Gon Jinn, Anakin Skywalker, Anakin Solo, Tahiri Veila, Tenel Ka Chume Ta' Djo, Ferus Olin, Luke Skywalker, Satele Shan, Nomi Sunrider, Vima Sunrider, Meetra Surick, Darth Revan, Darth Zannah, Sam Gamgee, Mace Windu, Yoda, Eowyn, Frodo Baggins, Merry, Pippin, Legolas, Gandalf, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, Faramir, Kili, Thorin, Tauriel, Armin Arlert, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Albus Dumbledore, Zuko, Katara, Toph, Aang, Sokka, Iroh, Suki, Azula, Mai, Ty-Lee, Buffy Summers, Rubert Giles, Angel, Spike, Cordelia, Fred(Winifred), Gunn, Willow, Xander, Simon Tam, River Tam, Malcolm Reynolds, Shepherd Book, Inara Serra, Zoe, The Doctor, Rose Tyler, Martha Jones, Donna Noble, Captain Jack Harkness, Wilfred Mott, Ianto Jones, Toshiko Sato, Sasha Braus, Jean Kirschtein, Mikasa Ackerman, Levi, Eren Jaeger, Connie Springer, Christa Lenz, Ymir, Annie, Petra, Marco, Dean Winchester, Castiel, Anna Bates, Mr. Bates, Mary Crawley, Lord Granthum, Mr. Carson, Mrs. Hughes, Thor, Black Widow, Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk, Batman, Wonder Woman, Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, Nico di Angelo, Grover, Clarisse, Hazel Levesque, Frank Zhang, Leo Valdez, Kimi(Sisters of the Sword), Thalia Grace, Jason Grace, Mulan, Rumplestiltskin, Belle, Baelfire, Emma Swan, Regina, August, L(Death Note), Romeo and Juliet(from the anime), Tohru Honda, Yuki Sohma, Kyo Sohma, Hatori, Fakir, Duck, Rue, Saber/Arthuria, Waver, Rider, Edward Elric, Alphonse Elric, Riza Hawkeye, Roy Mustang, Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Tomoya Okazaki, Nagisa Furukawa, Tomoyo Sakagami, Kyou Fujibashi, Fuko Ibuki, Tenzin, Lin Bei Fong, Robin Hood, Darth Bane, and Orry Main(there are more, but these are the ones that come to mind). 
39. Favorite fictional villain?
Darth Vader, Darth Zannah, Darth Revan, Darth Bane, Voldemort, Rumplestiltskin, Regina, Peter Pan(OUAT), 
41. The longest you’ve gone without reading?
A couple of days. 
42. Name a book that you could/would not finish. 
Elsie Dinsmore. Couldn't even get past chapter 2. Seriously, I'd rather read Twilight than this drivel(and I hate Twilight). 
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
My own thoughts and people talking. 
44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel? 
The ones for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, they're perfect. Also, most of the Harry Potter ones(especially part 1 and 2 of The Deathly Hallows), Catching Fire, The Hobbit films, and Ender's Game. 
45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
The Percy Jackson movies. The books are amazing and while the movies had their redeeming qualities, they just couldn't match up(and they got Annabeth SO WRONG in Sea of Monsters). Also, this doesn't count, but the Last Airbender movie WAS TERRIBLE! 
46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
I don't know. 
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
I do this all the time, especially if it's a book I'm especially excited for. 
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book halfway through?
Anything related to incest, bestiality/necrophilia, blatant bigotry supported by the narrative, or anything too porn-like. Thankfully, I can find out pretty easily if any of this disgusting shit will be in it. 
49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
I do, but my book shelf is running out of space, so I can't anymore. 
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them? 
I'm stingy and I don't give things away! 
51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?
Nothing, unless you count the Game of Thrones books(I'd like to read them, but I can't). 
52. Name a book that made you angry. 
The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Really pissed me off. 
53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?
Les Miserables, maybe? Harry Potter?
54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?
Divergent or The Fault in Our Stars. 
55. Favorite guilt-free pleasure reading? 
I don't have any of those. 

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Things to Look Forward to this fall/winter and an idea for a future Blog Post Series

Summer is nearly over and, after a vacation(which I'll post about when I get back), I'll be starting school(college) again. So, since fall and winter have some cool things coming up(like always), I thought I'd do a post about it :)
Also, I have an idea for a cool series of posts, which I will mention below.


The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies film and trailer


Ever since I finished The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug last December at the movie theater, I have been eagerly anticipating the release of the last of the Hobbit trilogy- "The Battle of Five Armies". It should be an epic conclusion to an already amazing series and I can't wait to see how they adapt the last portions of the book and where it takes us. :D
Also, THE TRAILER NEEDS TO HURRY UP AND COME OUT! Apparently we'll be getting something when the San Diego Comic Con happens, and a full length trailer will be coming out in September.


The House of Olympus: The Blood of Olympus

I have loved Rick Riordan's stories about Percy Jackson and Camp Half-Blood ever since I read the first book of the Percy Jackson series, "The Lightening Thief" when I was around 11-12. And now that the last book of his sequel series is soon to be released, I couldn't be more excited. All the characters have developed so much over the course of both series and I can't wait to see where they will go from here, how they will change and develop, and how they will work together to defeat Gaea. The last book of the series is almost always my favorite and Rick Riordan has yet to disappoint with his novels about the Greeks/Romans, so I expect an awesome ending just like Percy Jackson's epic finale "The Last Olympian". And Nico and Reyna will be getting POV's for the first time ever, so that's exciting as well! :D
I hope we get the following as narrators
Percy
Annabeth
Nico(known for sure)
Hazel
Leo
Reyna(known for sure)
Jason(known for sure)

More Attack on Titan manga chapters(and info on season 2)

Once I finished the Attack on Titan anime, I immediately started right up with the manga. And it's been quite a ride so far! :D So much character development has happened, so many things have been reveled(and more questions put forth), and things are so different now than they were in the anime. And the last chapter made me very, very happy. :) :D. Can't wait for more stories!

And since I've been reading the manga, it makes me even more excited for season 2! So many good stories are coming up! :D



Mockingjay part 1 film


After last year's amazing "Catching Fire", I am definitely excited to see what the actors, writers, director, and crew will be bringing to the table in regards to their adaption of book 3. Mockingjay was my second favorite book of the trilogy(Catching Fire was my favorite), so I definitely can't wait to see it! :) :D


Starting College


I'll be heading to college in around a month, so that's a bit nerve wracking O_O


As for my new posting idea.....
After my vacation post is complete, I thought(since I'll be starting college shortly thereafter) I could do a series of fun, Top 10 posts about various things.
Here are some ideas
Top 10 Live Action TV series
Top 10 Animated series
Top 10 Live Action Female Characters
Top 10 Live Action Male Characters
Top 10 Animated Female Characters
Top 10 Animated Male Characters
Top 100 movies
Top 10 Favorite Villains

If you have any other ideas, let me know! :)

Friday, July 4, 2014

Fourth of July


Photo from "The Obi-Wan Kenobi FanPage" on Facebook

Happy 4th of July everyone! I wasn't sure I wanted to post this today(since I'm really disappointed in our country because of the Hobby Lobby decision, and the removing/lowering of the buffer zone decision, made by the Supreme Court), but I decided I should. Our country isn't free yet, but I believe we can get there :).

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Classics



I'm doing another Top Ten Tuesday (from the blog The Broke and the Bookish) and today's is Favorite classics(or classics you want to read).
Here goes! :)

1: Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien


2: Les Miserables


3: Notre-Dame de Paris(The Hunchback of Notre-Dame)




4: The Hobbit/The Silmarillion
 

5: The Chronicles of Narnia


6: The Secret Garden


7: Anne of Green Gables


8: Jane Eyre


9: Wuthering Heights


10:  The Sound and the Fury


11(Bonus): To Kill A Mockingbird


Honorable Mentions: A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, All Quiet on the Western Front, Pride and Prejudice, Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking-Glass, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Handmaid' Tale, 1984, Animal Farm, Little Women, The Great Gatsby, Lord of the Flies, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Foundation, I Robot, Frankenstein, Tom Sawyer(which I didn't like), The Old Man and the Sea(which was a little boring), The Pearl, Siddhartha, and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Classics I want to read

The Catcher in the Rye(which I currently have)

Paradise Lost(which I also currently have)

Oliver Twist(unabridged version)

David Copperfield

Dracula

Emma

Sense and Sensability

Persuasion

The Scarlet Letter

Anna Karenna

War and Peace

The Count of Monte Cristo

Of Mice and Men

The Grapes of Wrath

Maurice

Howard's End

A Passage to India

Heart of Darkness

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Catch 22

The Iliad/The Odyssey

Ivanhoe(unabridged)

As I Lay Dying

Sherlock Holmes novels

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Moby Dick

Lolita

Brave New World