Brief Book Review: Jenny Colgan

In the last month I had the chance to read two of Jenny Colgan's novels. The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris and Meet Me at the Cupcake Café. I originally found Colgan's novels because I was looking up books with cupcakes (because obviously cupcakes are the best and I love them) I then ordered Cupcake Café, found out my sister already owned an ARC copy, returned it and got Chocolate Shop. Both were cute, relatively "fluffy" books, but I enjoyed them. I'm putting them both into one very brief post, because I'm a super procrastinator and don't have time for two long ones.

I started off by reading The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris, here's a synopsis.

As dawn breaks over the Pont Neuf, and the cobbled alleyways of Paris come to life, Anna Trent is already awake and at work; mixing and stirring the finest, smoothest, richest chocolate; made entirely by hand, it is sold to the grandest dames of Paris.

It's a huge shift from the chocolate factory she worked in at home in the north of England. But when an accident changed everything, Anna was thrown back in touch with her French teacher, Claire, who offered her the chance of a lifetime - to work in Paris with her former sweetheart, Thierry, a master chocolatier.

With old wounds about to be uncovered and healed, Anna is set to discover more about real chocolate - and herself - than she ever dreamed.

Who doesn't love chocolate? Ok, I know there are people (crazy people!) who don't, but the vast majority do. I am one of those people so this book enticed me. I found her accident a little random, she fell at work and ended up losing two toes. Weird right? I mean it was something that put her in the hospital and back in touch with her teacher, but losing her toes? I just couldn't wrap my head around it.

I kept forgetting that Anna was originally from England, so she wasn't really as far from home as I kept thinking (ie Canada). I really liked getting to read about Paris, and I would have loved to have visited Thierry's chocolate shop.

The book wasn't bad, although I could predict most of what was going to happen, and some of the characters were a little far fetched. Basically if you're looking for something light to read, and especially if you love chocolate, this is a good book to grab.


I read Meet Me at the Cupcake Café second, and it was an adorable read.

Having grown up in an apartment above her Grandpa Joe's little bakery, Issy Randal has always known how to make something sweet. She's much better at baking than she is at filing, so when she's laid off from her desk job, Issy decides to open up her own little cafe . But she soon learns that her piece-of-cake plan will take all her courage and confectionary talent to avert disaster. Funny and sharp, Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe is about how life might not always taste like what you expect, but there's always room for dessert!

For whatever reason, I was irrationally irritated by the main character's name. Her full name is Isabel, but goes by Issy, which I'm not sure if it's supposed to be pronounced like it's spelled or like Izzy. But I kept reading it Issy, which bothered me. Luckily that didn't stop me from enjoying the book.
 
For a while now I've wanted to have my own cupcake shop. Even though everyone else has told me it's a stupid idea. Luckily Issy had a lot of support (other than her d-bag of a boyfriend) and created this adorable little shop.
 
Speaking of d-bag boyfriends, he seriously needed to jump off a building. I hated him so much, and would tell anyone around me (mostly people from work), whenever he did something stupid. Fortunately I knew what was going to happen and she meets another lovely gentleman.
 
All in all, super cute book that made me really happy to read.
 
Both books were cool, they had recipes in them for you to try out, and I really enjoy books like that. I haven't tried any yet but hopefully I'll be able to soon.
 
Jenny Colgan has quite a few more books that I am really interested in reading now that I've read these two.
 

Brief Book Review: Rule of Thirds

I got Rule of Thirds from my sister for Christmas, it was even signed by the author. It was part of my sister's Book Buzz event last November, so she asked what book I wanted and she would get it for me. Since Rule of Thirds piqued my interest the most (I do love photography) that's what I chose. I finally got around to reading it and I was happy I chose this book.

Sixteen-year-old Pippa Greene never goes anywhere without her camera. She and her best friend/supermodel-in-training Dace long ago mapped out their life plan: Pippa will be the noted fashion photographer, and Dace the cover girl. But ever since last spring, things have changed for Pippa — and her junior year at Spalding High proves to have its own set of challenges. Not only is Vantage Point, the statewide photography competition, in three short weeks, but her mandatory volunteer placement lands her at St. Christopher’s Hospital, a place Pippa never wanted to set foot in again. With humour and pluck, she navigates her new role as a candy striper (watch out for Code Yellows), her changing relationship with her best friend (goodbye Honesty Pact), and — perhaps most stressful of all — her new love interests (yes, love interests plural).

Will Pippa make it to Vantage Point without having a panic attack? Will either one of the guys prove less sketchy than her last boyfriend? Can she and Dace figure out a way to dream big and be best friends? One thing is certain: real life is a lot more complicated than a photograph.

Pippa (real name Philadelphia, who does that to a child?) is currently in high school and part of the photography club and is preparing for Vantage Point, a big photography competition. She also finds out she has to do volunteer hours at the hospital she spent a lot of time at when her dad was sick. This book is basically about Pippa trying to navigate life, love and friendship in high school, while trying to avoid her panic attacks.

Pippa has two boys she's interested in, Ben and Dylan. Ben she meets through school and photography, Dylan she met when her dad was in the hospital and then runs into him again while volunteering. You start off liking both of them, and then you're not so sure you like either. And then if you're like me, you figure out what's going to happen with both of them and who she's going to end up with.

What bothers me with teenagers in books today, is that they're only 16 and are talking about sex and getting so wrapped up in that. When I was 16 that was the farthest thing from my mind. Maybe I was just weird, or I'm just old now and that's how kids are these days.

I like that even though this book revolves around photography, it doesn't focus on the technical stuff or use too much jargon. I feel like people who do take pictures would understand and enjoy it, but people who don't might have been put off.

Reading this book made me really wish there had been a photography club when I was in school, or even just that the photography courses were a little better. They didn't get really good until a year or two after I graduated. It also really made me want to take more pictures, but made me feel totally inadequate in my photography skills. Guess I just need to practice more.

All in all, Rule of Thirds by Chantel Guertin is a great read for any young adult. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Depth of Field, so as soon as my sister finishes that I'll hopefully get it.

Upcoming October Movie Releases

There are a few movies coming to theatres that I might be interested in watching, as well as one that I'm excited about being released on DVD.

Starting with the movies being released in theatres, is The Judge on October 10

In "The Judge," Downey stars as big city lawyer Hank Palmer, who returns to his childhood home where his estranged father, the town's judge (Duvall), is suspected of murder. He sets out to discover the truth and along the way reconnects with the family he walked away from years before.

This movie isn't normally one I would really be interested in watching, but it looked like it could be a cute sort of family movie. It also doesn't hurt that it has Robert Downey Jr in it. It should be interesting to see him in a slightly more serious role. This one may not be one I watch in theatres, but I definitely would like to watch it some time down the road.

Next up on October 17 is The Best of Me

"White people almost kissing"

Based on the bestselling novel by acclaimed author Nicholas Sparks, "The Best of Me" tells the story of Dawson and Amanda, two former high school sweethearts who find themselves reunited after 20 years apart, when they return to their small town for the funeral of a beloved friend. Their bittersweet reunion reignites the love they've never forgotten, but soon they discover the forces that drove them apart twenty years ago live on, posing even more serious threats today. Spanning decades, this epic love story captures the enduring power of our first true love, and the wrenching choices we face when confronted with elusive second chances.

I think I may have seen one preview for this movie. But since it's based on a Nicholas Sparks book, it should be decent. Likely super depressing, but decent. I also love James Marsden. Apparently my movie choices revolve around pretty boys...whatever. If I find someone who wants to go see this with me, I'll go see it in theatres. If not, I don't think I'll be too concerned.

Finally there is Laggies, being released October 24

Overeducated and underemployed, 28 year old Megan (Keira Knightley) is in the throes of a quarterlife crisis. Squarely into adulthood with no career prospects, no particular motivation to think about her future and no one to relate to, Megan is comfortable lagging a few steps behind - while her friends check off milestones and celebrate their new grown-up status. When her high-school sweetheart (Mark Webber) proposes, Megan panics and- given an unexpected opportunity to escape for a week - hides out in the home of her new friend, 16-year old Annika (Chloe Grace Moretz) and Annika's world-weary single dad Craig (Sam Rockwell).

I feel like this movie speaks to me. That's pretty much all there is to it. I hadn't even heard about this until I started writing this post, but after finding it I have decided I need to watch it. Not only is Keira Knightley fantastic, I kind of feel like this in the sense that I have no idea what I'm doing with my life. And her name is Megan, it's always fun when a main character has the same name as you :) haha.

 

Being released on DVD October 14 is X-Men: Days of Future Past

The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods in 'X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST.' The beloved characters from the original 'X-Men' film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from the past, 'X-Men: First Class,' in order to change a major historical event and fight in an epic battle that could save our future.

 
I actually got to see this movie in theatres, and you can find my review for it here. I really enjoyed it, even though at some points it was a little confusing (past and present crossing each other). I may not be adding this to my collection right away, as I don't own any of the other X-Men movies, but at some point I plan on buying it.

All in all, October is a semi decent month for movie releases.


 

Harry Potter ReRead: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I am ashamed to admit it took me almost 2 months to read Deathly Hallows (and almost that long to write this post...). Especially because when it was released I think I read it in around 7 hours.

If by month 7 (ok, 9) you still don't know what I'm talking about, here is a post explaining the reread. And again, if you have not read or even seen Harry Potter and don't want anything spoiled, stop here. But in case you don't care about spoilers and have no idea what this book is about, I'll supply you with a synopsis.

Harry is waiting in Privet Drive. The Order of the Phoenix is coming to escort him safely away without Voldemort and his supporters knowing - if they can. But what will Harry do then? How can he fulfill the momentous and seemingly impossible task that Professor Dumbledore has left him?
The epic finale to an epic series.

I still really like this book. It's depressing as all hell, but it's still really good. It finally puts together everything we've been learning about Harry and Voldemort from the past 6 years. It also shows how much Harry has grown over the course of the series as well. He's no longer a little boy, and doesn't want people to have to protect him anymore.

The deaths in this book were the most traumatic for me. Don't get me wrong, Dumbledore and Sirius were super upsetting, but, Hedwig and Dobby, and Fred, I always lose it over Dobby and Fred. And Lupin and Tonks leaving baby Teddy behind. Gah! So upsetting.

As depressing as this book was, it does have some funny parts too. It balances out the upsetting bits pretty well.

A few of my favourite lines

I always get super emotional at the battle of Hogwarts, when Minerva and Molly fight. I love that Minerva will do anything to protect the school, and Molly will do anything to protect her family.

I feel like I'm doing a horrible job at getting my thoughts on this book across. Probably because it took me almost a month to get around to writing this post.

Regardless, I still love the Harry Potter series even after doing this reread. I now want to re watch the movies, even though I know I'll be super annoyed with them as always. I'm very much "the book was better".

Even if you weren't participating in this reread, or haven't even read the books yet, it's never too late to read them. They're not just for little kids.

If anyone ever asks me if I still love Harry Potter "after all this time", I will respond with, "always".

Upcoming September Movie Releases

September sucks a little bit for movie releases. There are no movies coming to theatre that I'm interested in, and there's only one coming out on DVD. There are also two TV shows being released on DVD this month.

Coming to DVD September 9 is Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Two years after the disastrous events in The Avengers, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) lives in Washington D.C., struggling to embrace and adapt to modern society. When a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent is murdered, Steve must team up with Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), a.k.a. Black Widow, to uncover the assailant's plan, while also battling a threat from his past: the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) from Soviet Russia.

I love Marvel movies, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier was no exception. I also really loved that Black Widow made an appearance in the film. If you're interested in the rest of my thoughts, you can check out my blog post here. I'm torn between wanting to run out on Tuesday to buy it, and knowing I shouldn't spend money. I think buying it may win.


Both my TV shows are being released on DVD September 16.

Hawaii Five-0 season four, and Castle season six. Also from Castle, Raging Heat is being released on the same day.

Overall a fairly uneventful month for movies.

 

Mini Movie Review: Guardians of the Galaxy

I got to see Guardians of the Galaxy the first Tuesday after it opened (which shows how long it took me to write this post). I went with my best friend Amber who had already seen it, which normally I hate doing but she was trying to distract me from my life and that was probably going to be the only time I was going to be able to see it. She said it was just as funny the second time around. I thought it was hilarious. But before I get into the rest of my thoughts, here's the synopsis.

In the far reaches of space, an American pilot named Peter Quill finds himself the object of a manhunt after stealing an orb coveted by the villainous Ronan.

Like I already said, the movie was hilarious. I wouldn't say it's your typical superhero story, partly because the Guardians aren't your typical superheroes. They all start out as a bunch of outcasts and basically all hate each other.

As usual, my favourite character in the movie was the non human. And as I say that I realize that most of the characters aren't actually human, but aside from being different colours, they look human. My favourite was Groot (or the tree, if you're unsure). He was cute, and even though he didn't say much ("I am Groot") he expressed himself pretty well. He just about kills me at the end though. Super cute.

I don't think I really have a whole lot to say about the movie. Other than it's really funny and you should definitely go see it. The cast is great as well. As a co-worker said, they took Chris Pratt, who usually plays the chubby, funny guy, and put him in the gym and now he's the buff, funny action hero. It's kind of awesome.

I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the Guardians again in theatres in 2017.

Upcoming August Movie Releases

Apparently August is mildly disappointing for movie releases. There is one movie being released in theatres that I want to see, and one being released on DVD. There are also 3 tv shows being released on DVD this month that I'm excited about.

Released in theatres on August 1 is Guardians of the Galaxy

In the far reaches of space, an American pilot named Peter Quill finds himself the object of a manhunt after stealing an orb coveted by the villainous Ronan.

I have to be honest, I'm not totally sure what this movie is all about. All I know is that it's Marvel, and it looks mildly entertaining. Hopefully I'll be able to make it to theatres to watch this one. I've already heard many good things about it.


Being released on DVD August 19 is The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

We've always known that Spider-Man's most important conflict has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker finds that his greatest battle is about to begin. It's great to be Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield). For Peter Parker, there's no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone). But being Spider-Man comes at a price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city. With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, Peter comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing in common: Oscorp.

I did enjoy this movie. My review can be found here. I don't know if I'll be adding it to my collection yet though. I still don't own the first Amazing Spider-Man and there are other movies I want to buy before this one. So eventually I'll hopefully be getting it.

Also being released this month are seasons of 3 of my tv shows. NCIS Season 11 and NCIS: Los Angeles Season 5 are being released on August 19, and Elementary Season 2 is being released August 22. I didn't get to see most of these seasons live on tv, my job just didn't work schedule wise, so I'm hoping to be able to buy these all when they come out and watch them before the new seasons start on tv.