The Prince and the Pauper

Title: The Prince and the Pauper

Author: Mark Twain

Pages: 210

Want it. Like it. Leave it.

(by the way, who doesn't love a good nineteenth century cover!)

I'm usually a lover of the classics, and don't get me wrong this book wasn't bad, but this one did not hook me as much as it should have.

I loved the fairytale element too it and the historical endnotes that Twain threw in at the end. I'm a bit of a historical fiction fanatic and this was a great example of it.

The characters were fantastic, with the way they developed throughout the story into more than just figureheads for the plot.

The introduction by Robert Time said that the book was supposed to really humorous and that Mr. Twain is something of a comedic genius, but I must have missed most of the book because I think I didn't get like 20% of the humor. And that makes me sad.

All in all, it was a good read, but not one that kept me totally hooked.

I need to get back in touch.

Calling all bloggers!

So guess who is completely out of touch with the entire blogging community?

No, not The Story Siren, I'm pretty sure she's good.

Okay and definitely not Pop Culture Junkie. Seriously?

You guys aren't even trying.

It's ME. Obviously.

The one thing I am desperately asking for is a short list of the newer, up-and-coming blogs that i NEED to be aware of. I've been here since 2008 (which isn't the longest time, but long enough in blog years) and my list is severely dated.

Please&ThankYou!

The Blog Scene is Dead...

The YA blog scene is desolate.

Yes, while this is rather grim, let's face it, the action is gone. I remember back in 2008 I was SO excited to start blogging and be in the spotlight, but i guess it just never happened.

As far as I can see, no one's active anymore. At least not very many of us are left.

And that makes me so sad.

This is one of the greatest parts of my adolescent life and it's sad to see it drifting away.

Someone please reassure me that it's not completely over...

The Fountainhead

Title: The Fountainhead

Author: Ayn Rand

Pages: 694

Read it. Skim it. Toss it.

Summary: (I literally could not find a summary of the book that wasn't an entire page long.)

My Two Cents: I don't even know what to think right now.

And let me tell you, that does not happen very often after I read a book. You all know the feeling after you finish a book. You have a clear opinion in your mind of what the message was and whether you agree with it or not.

I have not a damn clue.

The book is mainly a commentary on the human purpose. It is basically stated that if you are doing something for anything other than simply the sake of bringing about an original creation, you are corrupt. I don't think I've ever done something just to create my own idea. Am I corrupt? Am I unworthy?

alsdkfjalsdkflkajdflkjasdflkjasdlkfjasldkfjlaksjdflkajsdf.

Howard Roark, the main character, is ultimately portrayed as the greatest good. Yet he's evil in the eyes of everyone but those with the capacity to see otherwise? Peter Keating, the ambitious young architect who leads a life of passionate success, is the biggest failure in the end?

All I have to say for myself, is that I enjoyed this book more than I can express. I wouldn't say that it was a pleasurable read, but the act of processing what I had just read and thinking about the theories and how they connect to the world I live in was the best part. It is now probably one of my favorite books of all time.

I sit here, trying to come up with a way of explaining this to all of you without confusing the hell out of my audience, but there's just no way! I literally cannot express the depth of this novel.

I'll just leave all of you with this, if you want a thought-provoking classic devoid of, yet filled to the brim with emotion, this book is for you. READ IT.

Warning: The Fountainhead is pretty advanced and not for those looking for a light read.

Netflix for Wii: My New Best Friend

Books, books, books...

Seems like I'm not really reading these days? Well then you would be absolutely correct. Don't even understand it but I'm just not as enthused by it as I used to be? Oh sighh....

Right now I'm in the process of reading The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. And let me tell you, that is one long ass book. Beautifully written and emotionally challenging, but praise zeus is that sucker long.

But do you know what I do love these days? Netflix. Netflix and television.

*heart flutters*

Basically, they have this great deal at Netflix where you receive a disc for your Wii (thankfully I made that purchase a while ago) and the disc + an internet connection brings you access to your entire instant Netflix queue.

ALKASJDFLAKSJDFALSKDFJ. Can you say perfection?

HOLY *expletive*. I worship this *additional expletive*.

Do you understand what this gives me access to? I now have the ability to watch my television shows from Netflix on my television. This, opposed to staring at my Macbook screen for hours, is highly beneficial to my well-being. My eyesight has already gone to the dogs. (Not sure that was the correct phrase to use at that time, but what the hell, let's just roll with it).

And the best part about it is that I can watch every episode of a series back to back if I so wished because if it is available instantly through Netflix, it is available instantly to my television screen.

My new addictions you ask?

un) Buffy the Vampire Slayer. OH. MY. GOD. This shit blows my mind. So crazy good. I think I've made it through four seasons in about two weeks or so. Maybe one week...

deux) Doctor Who. Yes, I am officially on the bandwagon. It's nice to finally be here.

trois) All of my other tv shows that I don't have on Hulu or I have had the chance to see. Examples! 30 Rock, South Park, Bones, Skins, Arrested Development, Lie to Me, and Angel.

Lord it's like a dream that I never have to wake up from.

I LOVE Television.

So i realized that I watch wayyyy too much tv. But not much of it actually on tv...

My favorites are in bold (:

Hulu:

1. 30 Rock
2. American Dad
3. The Bachelor
4. Biggest Loser
5. Bones
6. Burn Notice
7. Castle
8. Chuck
9. The Cleveland Show
10. The Colbert Report
11. Community
12. The Daily Show
13. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
14. Family Guy
15. Firefly
16. Fringe
17. Glee
18. Greek
19. House
20. Human Target
21. In Plain Sight
22. Lost
23. Make It or Break It
24. Mercy
25. Modern Family
26. The Office
27. Parenthood
28. Parks and Recreation
29. Psych
30. Saturday Night Live
31. Scrubs
32. Secret Life of the American Teenager
33. The Simpsons
34. Ugly Betty
35. V
36. White Collar

On DVD:

1. Friends
2. Full House
3. LOST
4. Gilmore Girls

Good lord I have an obsession.

I LOVE Television: Friends

Show: Friends

Famous Names: Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc

Years Running: 1994-2004

I'm pretty sure everyone knows this iconic show. It's one of the most famous television shows in America and even around the world these days. I'd never watched it when it was on tv, but I've randomly seen reruns late at night. Recently, my mom got five seasons for Christmas. I AM OBSESSED.

I think I watch too much tv. I really do...

The best thing about Friends is that the characters really develop and grow. I'm on Season 2 and it's so hilarious and clever. I love it. I really do...

LOST.

Are there any LOST fans out there? I've been watching the first season on DVD for the past 2 days and I am freaking. out. I didn't know the show was this creepy! But I still love it (:

What do you all think? Anyone else agree?

Movie Night #2

Title: Avatar

Release Year: 2009

Famous Names: Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Joel David Moore

Buy it. Rent it. Skip it.

Summary: In the future, Jake, a paraplegic war veteran, is brought to another planet, Pandora, which is inhabited by the Na'vi, a humanoid race with their own language and culture. Those from Earth find themselves at odds with each other and the local culture.

My Two Cents: Set in 2154, this is the best futuristic slash alien movie I have ever seen. Most of the movie is made in CGI, which (excuse me if I'm wrong), is a type of high-tech computer animation. I loved this movie so much. I saw it last night with my family and the only thing I can complain about is the length. I'm going to guess and say that this movie is about 2 and a half hours long. That is one longggggg movie.

James Cameron the writer and producer of the film also produced TItanic. And boy, did he live up to expectations.

I'm not going to give anything else away so I'm just going to say: GO SEE THIS MOVIE. Like, now. I'm not kidding.

I have a feeling that Avatar will soon become a classic movie.

Movie Night!

Title: Chicago

Release Year: 2002

Famous Names: Renee Zellweger, Queen Latifah, Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta-Jones

Buy it. Rent it. Skip it.

Summary: Murderesses Velma Kelly (a chanteuse and tease who killed her husband and sister after finding them in bed together) and Roxie Hart (who killed her boyfriend when she discovered he wasn't going to make her a star) find themselves on death row together and fight for the fame that will keep them from the gallows in 1920s Chicago.

My Two Cents: Chicago is the perfect vaudville 1920's film for me. It's dark, sexy, and basically has some of the best jazz numbers I've ever seen in a musical. I am such a fan of musicals! I haven't seen many, but I'm hooked. I actually don't know why I watch so few of them...

Anyway, I thought Chicago would be a bit to raunchy for my taste, but it was totally spot on! Plus Catherine Zeta-Jones absolutely stole the show. John C. Reilly was also great in a role other than fat, lowely single guy. His rendition of Mr. Cellophane was sooooooo brilliant. Richard Gere was awesome too, but I'd always thought of him as an old man, so I guess that took away some of his shine in my eyes.

I definitely would restrict this viewing party to over 13 only. It was fairly graphic in a lot of the scenes, but what else would you expect from a vaudeville?

I've got to say, my absolue favorite part was the Cellblock Tango. 5 girls from my high school performed it for the end of the year solo and ensemble choir show. I watched the movie like 2 hours ago, and it is STILL stuck in my head.

Enjoy my lovelies!

Gone

Title: Gone

Author: Michael Grant

Pages: 558

Read it. Skim it. Toss it.

Summary: In the blink of an eye. Everyone disappears. GONE. Except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not one single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what's happened. Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day. It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your birthday, you disappear just like everyone else...

My Two Cents: I have no idea why I liked this book.

That is an understatement. I devoured this book.

This is an over 500 page book. I read it in less than 2 days.

I don't even like Sci-Fi!? What is going on here?

Maybe now I do? Oh what a dilemma this book has put me in...

Gone was absolutely phenomenal. I think if the age limit for the characters was extended to maybe 16 or 18, it would have been a bit more relatable, but that didn't affect the story much. The romance seemed a bit too adult for 14 year olds to comprehend. And I can fully say this, having been 14 a mere 2 years ago.

But the age did bring into perspective the total horror of young kids, 10 years old even, wielding a gun or fighting tooth-and-nail for their lives.

Great. Book.

The Luxe

Title: The Luxe

Author: Anna Godbersen

Pages: 433

Read it. Skim it. Toss it.

Summary: The beautiful young Holland sisters, Elizabeth and Diana, rule Manhattan society. Or so it appears. When they discover their status is far from secure, everyone—from the ambitious socialite Penelope Hayes, to the debonair bachelor, Henry Schoonmaker, to the Holland's dour maid, Lina Broud—threatens the girls' golden future. When Elizabeth's carriage overturns near the East River, her glittering life, well-known for lighting up the city's gossip pages, is swallowed by the rough current. Then the question on everyone's lips is this: Who will take Elizabeth's enviable place?

My Two Cents: AHHHHH Historical Fiction. I love it! I'm addicted to historical fiction. I'm not going to lie, I totally am. And this time period, while it would have been better set in London, was spot on for me. To me it was very Queen Elizabeth-esque. And promise me, this is a very good thing. Diana was an absolutely fascinating character to say the least. She annoyed me very much in the beginning, but what kept me going was her intensity. Unlike her shriveled plum of a sister.

Don't get me wrong, I wanted to live Elizabeth Holland's life. Decadent gowns, courting boys, what is there to not like. But sometimes, she just seemed so timid! I longed to shake her by the shoulders screaming, "WHY?! GROW A PAIR GIRLFRIEND!"

Grow a pair? Really Emily? Ohh toshh, please forgive my graphic language.

All in all, The Luxe was a fabulous read. If you happen to be a fan of scandals, hot stable boys and flouncy dresses, yeah, you just hit the jackpot.

The Clue of the Broken Locket

Title: Nancy Drew Mystery: The Clue of the Broken Locket #11

Author: Carolyn Keene

Pages: 178

Read it. Skim it. Toss it.

^ So that's new. But I got the idea from Time magazine, which I get weekly. And I think it's a bit better than an actual rating. Tell me if you like it?

Summary (from good old shelfari): Nancy Drew and her friends are plunged into a network of strange events when they visit Misty Lake. The very night they arrive, they meet pretty, red-haired Cecily Curtis, who seeks Nancy's help in solving two mysteries: one concerning Cecily's fiance, Niko Van Dyke, a popular singer who believes that his record company is cheating him of royalty payments; the other, involving a family treasure hidden before the start of the Civil War - Cecily's only clue being half of a gold locket.

My Two Cents: Nancy Drew books are just so classic! They've been around since what - the 1930's? Goodness I'm such a nostalgic person. I love love love going back and reading these kinds of books. Plus, a girl detective? How cool is that!? If you've read this series, you know you wanted to be Nancy, don't even lie to yourself. She is such a magnificent heroine!

The Clue of the Broken Locket was pretty decent. I adore the cliffhangers at the end of every chapter. It might get a bit predictable at times, but it still keeps me glued to the book. If a book can do that for me, that's a treasure in itself. The setting wasn't my favorite in this mystery and the plotline got strange sometimes. I wasn't particularly impressed by the characters either. Overall, it was a good Nancy Drew, but not a great one.

I did very much enjoy the crazyyyyy conclusion though! I could have never guessed what was actually happening in the inner-workings of the plot. And I LOVE being suprised during mysteries. Predictably isn't bad at all, but sometimes it just doesn't work.

If you want to start reading Nancy Drew books, I wouldn't start with this one. But if you are a fan of the series already, go check it out!

The Best Thing About It:

Classic literature.

ARGHHHH.

So Blogspot won't let me post?

This is super cool... I don't even think this post will work.

Love Life?

School and soccer rule my universe. Not that I'm complaining...

But I wish I had more time to read :(

Pen Pals!

I love the idea of having a pen pal, so if you would like to be my pen pal, please email me at:

thatonegirlemm@aol.com

Basically, I'm just a teenage girl who likes letters.

But who doesn't like letters?

So if you would like a pen pal, email me!

Students: You Need to Watch This.

This is so important for kids to understand.

Please watch, even if you aren't a student.

I care about my education, and you should too.

101 Great Books!

Now I'm sorry if you thought this was going to be a post with my favorite 101 books, but it isn't. I love CollegeBoard.com. I am always planning for college, and it's basically my favorite site ever invented. And on College Board, they have a list of 101 Great Books to Read Before You Go to College. So I decided to take on that challenge and I've started it with:

A Death in the Family by James Agee.

Let the fun begin (:

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Author: J.K. Rowling

Pages: 652

Rating: A+

I love Harry Potter.

I'm sorry, but I'm a tad obsessed.

Things I re-realized when re-reading:

-Harry and Ginny are perfect

-Ron and Hermione are perfect

-I WANT TO BE HERMIONE GRANGER.

-How much I despise Snape

-How brilliant Malfoy really is, despite his Death-Eaterness

-I WANT TO BE HERMIONE GRANGER

Donut Days

Title: Donut Days

Author: Lara Zielin

Pages: 243

Grade: C+

Summary: Emma has a lot going on. Her best friend’s not speaking to her, a boy she's known all her life is suddenly smokin' hot and in love with her, and oh yes, her evangelical minister parents may lose their church, especially if her mother keeps giving sermons saying Adam was a hermaphrodite.

But this weekend Emma’s only focused on Crispy Dream, a hot new donut franchise opening in town, where Harley bikers and Frodo wannabes camp out waiting to be the first ones served. Writing the best feature story on the camp for the local paper might just win Emma a scholarship to attend a non- Christian college. But soon enough Emma finds the donut camp isn’t quite the perfect escape from all her troubles at Living Word Redeemer.

Review:

Donut Days is a Christian book.

A VERY Christian and religious book.

You see, I am not an extraordinarily religious person, so I had some trouble connecting to the story. I was hoping that the story of Emma's parent's church scandal would just be a side note. The rest of the story sounded great, but everything was all ensconsed in Christianity. Even the romance was filled with spiritual revelations and God!

So that part of the book was not my favorite.

Also, the dialogue in some parts was just not good.

An example:

"Hey."

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yep, thanks. You?"

AGHHH. That about put me to sleep.

But the book wasn't all bad! I thought the ending was just right for the story. Also, the conniving and thievery was worked in well and I thought it was pretty captivating! But I don't have much else good to say. It could have been better. I probably wouldn't reccomend it to anyone, but for a light read when you have nothing else to do, it's not bad. I guess I just couldn't relate...