Switching to Wordpress

Well, friends, it has finally happened. I have decided to switch The Left-Handed Book Lover over to Wordpress instead of Blogger.

So far it has been strange, as I've been using Blogger for YEARS. I'm still learning the ropes a bit, but the new Wordpress site has all my old content and looks VERY similar. I do feel like Blogger offers more freedom in blog customization and html (I'm using the free Wordpress), so it's been hard to get my blog design looking the way I want it to. I'm not quite there yet, but hopefully over time I'll be just as happy with the way that blog looks as I am with the way this one looks.

I'm not sure what inspired me to make this change, to be honest. I really don't have any issues with Blogger--in fact, I love Blogger! I guess I'm hoping that using Wordpress will bring in more viewers/followers, but we'll see. I'm certainly not shutting this blog down, so if I end up unhappy with my switch, I'm coming right back to Blogger.

I hope you all will follow alongside me in this time of transition because the content is going to be more or less the same!

So, without further ado, I PRESENT TO YOU MY NEW WORDPRESS BLOG!!!!

Movie Review: La La Land

Please note: This review was written weeks ago and originally published in my university's newspaper. 

When Damien Chazelle's "La La Land" was first released in 2016, it seemed as if there was positive buzz surrounding it on all sides. I was mad at myself for waiting this long to watch it, because it sounded like exactly the kind of movie I would give my heart to. Unfortunately, I probably could have waited another year or ten to watch it and not be missing much.

This musical romance follows a struggling actress and a bitter pianist as they fall in love and try to figure out what they are doing with their lives. "La La Land" is a nod to Old Hollywood and smooth jazz in the twenty-first century, which others may have found charming but did not sit well with me. The tone and the time period did not seem cohesive to me. Maybe it's because I feel no particular connection to jazz or classic Hollywood, but the nostalgia the movie seemed to be reaching for never quite hit its mark where I'm concerned. Instead, I felt almost jerked around as the movie flip-flopped from the modern day to a thirties vibe.

I also felt the musical numbers, overall, to be jarring. I adore musicals and I am completely on board with the singing-out-of-nowhere trope, but in "La La Land," half of the numbers didn't seem to have a good transition and weren't entirely interesting. They were well done in terms of the vocals and the music itself, but they were simple and I found myself very disengaged anytime the characters began to sing.

Now, the characters themselves were fairly well-developed and interesting. I was certainly hoping for their success as I watched. However, I wouldn't describe them as especially memorable or unique. In fact, my biggest critique of this entire film is that it seems to be lacking the thing that makes it different and memorable. Maybe the musical numbers are supposed to serve that purpose, but I didn't feel it. The story, the characters, and even the romance—it was all stale and done many a times before. Admittedly, though, I am fond of the ending.

While I am sure many people disagree with me (proven by the number of awards this film won), "La La Land" had some ups and downs but was mostly bland for me. I do not necessarily regret watching it, but I'm not exactly glad I watched it either.

My rating: 

3/5

Top Ten Backlist Books I Need To Read ASAP

(This meme is actually hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl now, but I am far too lazy to make a new graphic)

I have been an advocate for reading backlist titles for a while now. But studying abroad has given me very limited access to new releases, so my reading endeavors are going to be largely focused on backlist books for the next few months. Here are the ones I really need to get to! 

1) Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas - Okay, I don't know that I actually have any interest in reading this novel or series at all, but it's so popular I feel like I at least need to give it a try? I have a weird, inexplicable aversion to Sarah J. Maas, though, so I'm not sure if this will happen or not.

2) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky - I think I might be the only person left on this planet who hasn't read this novel, but that will change soon enough!

3) Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry - I've been obsessed with Katie McGarry since I read an ARC of her debut years and years ago, and now that Scribd has given me access to her new series I am ABOUT IT.

4) The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski - I've been really interested in this series for a while and I've heard good things about it. It definitely sounds like the kind of fantasy book I would devour.

5) Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire - Everyone raves about this book! And it sounds so fascinating. I can't wait to see what all the hype is about.

6) The Distance Between Us by Kasie West - I've never read anything by Kasie West, which is absurd to me, considering she writes exactly the kind of books I live for. I'm not committed to this book being my first Kasie West book, so if you think I should read another one instead, lemme know.

7) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - This is another novel I have heard everyone talk about for YEARS. I have no idea what it's about, really, or if it's even my kind of book, but I need to give it a shot!

8) Made You Up by Francesca Zappia - Zappia's newest release received a lot of love and attention, so I'm interested in giving her work a try. Also, this sounds like a heavier contemporary novel, which I always love.

9) Dumplin' by Julie Murphy - This novel sounds WONDERFUL and something that will inspire me and that I'll be able to relate to. Plus, with a film in the works, I neeeeed to read it.

10) Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo - I'm currently reading the first novel in the series, and I don't know if I'm going to jump into the sequel right away, but I definitely need to read the entire trilogy. I'm horrible at finishing series, but I can do this!

2 Brilliant, Legal Ways To Read For Free

I just want to preface this by saying this post is not sponsored in any way, shape, or form. I just wanted to share two websites that I have completely fallen in love with that a lot of book lovers out there might not know about!

1) Riveted
(That's a link--click to sign up completely for freeee!)

The team at Simon Teen has created this website full of YA bookish content, completely free to sign up. It's blog-like and features videos and exclusive information about released and upcoming YA books, as well as hosts giveaways. You can learn about books you've never heard of or books you have heard of. Whatever totes your goat.

But of course, what you clicked on this post for is the FREE BOOKS. Every month, Riveted offers a small selection of books you can read for free!

This month:

As you can see, they have full books available, and extended excerpts available for some new releases. Thanks to Riveted, I've had the chance to read some books that I really adored, such as Morgan Matson's Since You've Been Gone (which helped me discover Morgan Matson, who is now one of my ultimate favorite authors), Jenna Evan Welch's Love and Gelato, and, recently, Margaret Rogerson's An Enchantment of Ravens.

I try to remember to check Riveted every month to see what titles they have available! I am so thankful for this website and Simon Teen!

2) Scribd

I learned about Scribd recently, thanks to a tweet from someone in the community, and it had me COMPLETELY SHOOK. Maybe I'm the last person to hear about this website, but it really changed the game for me.

Okay, disclaimer: Technically, Scribd is a monthly subscription service HOWEVER, you can begin a two-month free trial that you can cancel at any point! And upon signing up, you get your own link so that if someone signs up using your link, you get another free month! That said, I beg beg beg you, if you choose to try out Scribd (which, again, you can cancel your free trial at any point), please use MY LINK.

Now, let's get to the more info part of this.

Scribd has an entire database of ebooks and audiobooks and other stuff, like sheet music. And it's REALLY good stuff!

That's a screenshot from my account so it's all YA titles, but they have every genre! As you can see, they have new releases available as well as backlist titles.

Scribd has been incredible for me because I'm studying abroad and don't have the same access to books that I did when I lived in the U.S. so this website is PERFECT for international readers. You can also download the app on your phone and download the titles for offline use.

You can save all the titles you're interested in to a list and you don't have to worry about how long it takes you to read something. This website has such an extensive collection of titles, I'm finally getting to read a ton of books I've been wanting to read for ages, like Shadow and Bone and Simon Vs. the Homo Sapien's Agenda.

I highly recommend checking out Scribd, and not just because I want another month free (but I definitely do, so I'd really appreciate if you signed up using my link!), but because it has made me so happy since I discovered it. I've been telling everyone about it.

A Broad Goes Abroad #1: The Horror Of Grocery Stores

Please note: This article was written several weeks ago and originally published in my university's newspaper, The ArkaTech. 

On February 3, I packed too many bags, said goodbye to my cat and headed to Graz, Austria, for a six-month study abroad adventure.

Exciting, right? Well, yes, but the thing about adventures is that they are often accompanied by fear and stress just as much as excitement.

I have an abundance of experience when it comes to being generally unprepared in life, but nothing I’ve experienced before this trip compares to the sense of floundering I felt the moment I left the familiarity of America. Frau Haulmark, one of the lovely German professors and the study abroad coordinator here at Tech, warned me about the obstacles I would face upon arrival in Austria, but I was nowhere near ready.

Let me just say, I’ve heard jet lag mentioned on TV and in books all my life, but I never truly understood what it was until I felt it. For the first week I was in Graz, I was tired all the time. I would be subtly smacking myself in the face on the bus so that I could keep my eyes open. That is, after I figured out how the busses work. Despite its many charms, Russellville did not allow me to develop any sort of public transportation skills. Fortunately, I’ve yet to board the completely wrong bus, but it took me a while to realize that if I would just walk across the road I could get on a bus going the opposite direction, and that I didn’t have to wait for the bus to go through its entire route before turning around. There’s definitely a learning curve when it comes to public transportation, but after being here over a week, I feel like I’ve mastered it (though I still sit in my seat tense, listening to each announcement with rapt ears in fear that I will miss my stop).

The most obvious issue I face daily is, of course, the language barrier, which is to be expected. The moment I agreed to this wild ride I knew my very-limited German would not be sufficient. I didn’t know, however, that for days I would listen to my stomach grumble because I would be too afraid to go to a restaurant or grocery store.

February 7 was my 22 birthday, though, so I worked up the nerve to go to a nice restaurant for my birthday dinner, and it really wasn’t so bad. Most people in Austria speak English, and most of them appreciate the effort to speak German.

Grocery stores, on the other hand, are probably the most stressful aspect of living in Austria so far. 

didn’t see that coming at all, but Austria is a country that thrives off of efficiency. I’m used to strolling down the aisles of Walmart with my friends, making friendly conversation with the cashier and smiling apologetically as I fumble to put my money back in my wallet. Graz grocery stores are not having any of that nonsense. Shoppers move swiftly through the aisles, entirely unconcerned if they get in your way and I have received many scowls when I didn’t have my items bagged and my money at the ready by the time the cashier was done ringing up my purchase. Grocery shopping here is like an Olympic sport I have not trained for.

So, of course studying abroad is exciting, but it comes with a whole slew of anxieties and problems that I am conquering one day at a time. Every day I learn something new and accomplish something unexpected. Every day I grow a bit more confident in my European life. I feel as if I’ve already come so far and I’ve only been in Austria a little over a week. I can’t wait to look back six months from now and see just how many strides I’ve made.

STAY TUNED TO HEAR MORE ABOUT MY STUDY ABROAD ADVENTURES!

Movie Review: Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Please note: This review was written several months ago and originally published in my university's newspaper.

Sequels are precarious. Most fans are looking for a sequel that develops its own, special charm while also maintaining the original film's appeal. Some fans are simply seeking another round of entertainment. When it comes to Matthew Vaughn's "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," I was one of the latter fans. I imagine anyone expecting something fresh from this sequel will be disappointed, as it contains gobs of similarities to its predecessor. Probably too many similarities. However, "The Golden Circle" is still a wildly entertaining film and, personally, that's all I was really looking for.

"The Golden Circle" is an action/comedy that throws us into the happenings of a secret UK spy agency called Kingsman. Once again, we're following Eggsy, a young, formerly-rough-around-the-edges member of Kingsman. Everything seems to be golden for him: he has saved the world, become a hotshot spy, and started dating a Swedish princess. Too bad an isolated, sadistic drug lord named Poppy has other plans for him. She gathers intel on Kingsman and does everything she can to destroy the organization, forcing Eggsy to travel to the U.S. and join forces with an agency called Statesman to defeat Poppy.

There are a handful of plot decisions that I don't agree with. Without giving anything away, there is an event in the beginning that feels like a cheap way to get the plot rolling. There are also a few major conflicts throughout that could have easily been avoided with any sort of logic or communication. The major issue, though, is that the villain plotline is practically identical to that of the first movie: a wealthy, eccentric mogul of some sort has created a large-scale hostage situation. While I don't mind most of the similarities and rehashing done throughout this film, this one does bother me. I want to see the spies facing obstacles they've never quite encountered before. Instead, they've already conquered a situation just like this one, so it's hard to feel impressed.

Honestly, though, I'm willing to overlook those grievances, because this movie is so much fun. It is absurd and cartoonish while also being intense and interesting. There are predictable moments, but for the most part (especially during the action scenes) I was never entirely sure what to expect next from this film. "The Golden Circle" never fails to take dramatic turns I could never imagine, and that's what makes this film so engaging.

What I enjoyed most about this film was the characterization and the emotional aspect. While I still feel like we could delve deeper into these characters, I felt like we got to know most of them much better than we did in the first movie. We got to know what drives some of the characters. We got to see weaknesses. We got to see their strength. We dug deeper and it made them stand out to me much more.

Though it isn't a perfect sequel, "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" is a delightful, engrossing experience, and left me feeling nothing but content when I left the theater.

My rating:

4/5

Top Ten Books I Loved But Will (Probably) Never Re-Read

(This meme is actually hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl now, but I am far too lazy to make a new graphic)

I'm quite fond of re-reading, even if I don't do it as often as I'd like. But there are some books that, no matter how wonderful they were, I can't see myself picking up again. Never say never, though!! Who knows what mood will strike me in the future?

Tbh, this topic was really tough because I was going through my Goodreads and kept saying, "Okay, well I wouldn't mind reading that one again!!" with every single book. I had to get cutthroat and make some decisions.

BUT IF YOU HAVE NOT READ ANY OF THESE NOVELS FOR THE FIRST TIME YET, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND EVERY SINGLE ONE!!!

1) Wither by Lauren DeStefano - This was a solid 4-star series for me. I binged it. I enjoyed it a lot. (Check out my review of Wither) I can't see myself re-reading it, though. It was an in-the-moment read for me. I don't find myself missing the characters or the world.

2) Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven - I rated this 4.5 stars. The romance was cute and geeky and there was a lot of body positivity represented in this novel. I just don't feel the urge to give it another go.

3) When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon - Another 4-star read for me. I really loved the characters and the story and I definitely recognize how important this novel is, in terms of diversity. However, I think that I, personally, got what I wanted out of it the first time around. I can't wait to read the companion novel, though!!

4) Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies by Laura Stampler - Once again, I gave this 4 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed traipsing through New York in this novel (unfortunately, not in real life) and the engaging writing. This was just a quick, light read, and I will remember it fondly, but I don't think I'll be revisiting it. (My review!)

5) Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl - I will always regard this series as one of my all-time favorites. It's been years since I read it, and I really don't remember much that happens in it, but I was in looove with it as I was reading. There are 2 reasons I can't see myself re-reading it, though. Firstly, that's a commitment. This series has 4 books and they are all clunkers. Secondly, I'm very afraid I won't like it anymore and I refuse to let that happen.

6) Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver - Lauren Oliver is one of my ultimate favorite authors. Her prose is gorgeous, and this novel is no exception. It's absolutely beautiful and it made me SOB when I read it. But I'm afraid this is the kind of novel that loses its effect after the first read. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm not going to take that chance. This is one of those novels that I'm not committed to NOT re-reading, though.

7) The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh - I don't know that I'd even describe this novel as good. I remember having a lot of issues/questions while I was reading, but I could. not. stop. It was such an addicting read and I ate up every second of it. But, again, I think I got what I wanted out of it the first time I read it. I have not read the second installment yet, but I want to. Even still, this novel does not have a particularly complex story, so I don't think I'd feel the need to re-read it once I get my hands on the sequel.

8) Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick - Just talking about this series makes me cackle a little bit because this is another one of those series I was SUPER INTO when my reading habits were just beginning to form. I think I might hate it and cringe to death if I went back and re-read it, but I will always hold it in my heart. I do still own the entire series, though, so maybe one day I'll give it a go for nostalgia's sake.

9) An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson - This is one of my more recent reads and it was absolutely delectable. I couldn't tear myself away. I'm pretty sure I read it all in one sitting. But I just don't think it's the kind of book I'd want to re-read.

10) Just One Day by Gayle Forman - I remember really enjoying this one but also finding it a bit slow. I think Gayle Forman is a brilliant writer, and this is probably the book I'm most unsure of.

Movie Review: Kingsman: The Secret Service

Please note: I wrote this review several months ago and it was originally published in my university's newspaper.

I’m not particularly fond of action movies. Typically, when I am watching an action movie, it loses my attention and I struggle to become invested in the characters. That said, “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” directed by Matthew Vaughn, took me by surprise. A combination of action and whimsy makes for a thoroughly enjoyable film!

“Kingsman” introduces us to Eggsy, a street kid with an ugly home life and a penchant for legal trouble. After one especially messy situation, he unknowingly calls on a secret spy organization known as Kingsman. He competes with other, more qualified peers to become a member of the organization. Meanwhile, a wealthy technology mogul devises a nefarious plan to defeat Kingsman and take over the world.

To put it plainly, this movie is downright fun. Between the characters’ banter and the often-over-the-top circumstances, I couldn’t help but be entertained. 

I really respect the fight scenes in this movie, because Vaughn manages to find an ideal balance of work and play. The characters accomplish major feats of violence while also maintaining an element of humor, which prevented even me from getting bored by the punching.

My favorite facet of the plot was the competition. I was rooting for Eggsy to prove his worth and join the ranks of Kingsman. It was fascinating to see what kind of mental games the higher-ups were playing and the physical peril the characters wound up in.

When it comes to characterization in this film, I have mixed feelings. I was able to sympathize with Eggsy and my heart broke for his situation, but he was the only character I felt like I got to know on any sort of personal level. That’s not to say I didn’t connect to any of the other characters, but, frankly, when I think about the other characters we’re introduced to throughout the movie, I realize we either don’t learn anything about them, or they become caricatures instead of people. I enjoyed the characters—there is a smorgasbord of different, interesting personalities present—but, overall, they lack a level of depth that could have bumped this movie up to the next level. The underlying absurdity woven throughout the film works with most aspects of it, but the characters were just short of being believable.

Despite how I feel about the characters, this movie really kept me engaged. “Kingsman” certainly had me on my toes. My jaw fell open multiple times as I was watching, because I was never quite prepared for any of the events that were taking place.

I am eager to watch the sequel, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” Hopefully we will further explore the characters and the secrets of Kingsman, because a movie as delightful as this one deserves an even more dynamic sequel.

My rating: 

4/5

Lefty's Lowdown: Infinity by Jus Accardo

Infinity by Jus Accardo
(The Infinity Division #1)
Published: November 1, 2016 by Entangled Teen
Source: I received a free e-galley via Netgalley, but all opinions in this review are 100% my own.

Summary from Goodreads: 
Nobody said being the daughter of an army general was easy. But when her dad sends a teenage subordinate to babysit her while he’s away… That’s taking it a step too far.

Cade, as beautiful as he is deadly, watches Kori with more than just interest. He looks at her like he knows her very soul. And when he saves her from a seemingly random attack, well, that’s when things get weird.

Turns out, Kori’s dad isn’t just an army general—he’s the head of a secret government project that has invented a way to travel between parallel dimensions. Dimensions where there are infinite Koris, infinite Cades…and apparently, on every other Earth, they’re madly in love.

Falling for a soldier is the last thing on Kori’s mind. Especially when she finds herself in a deadly crossfire, and someone from another Earth is hell-bent on revenge…

 I'll be honest, reading this kind of made me feel like I was back in 2010, in the heart of the paranormal romance craze. And, well, I wasn't mad about it. While perhaps not the greatest novel of all-time, Infinity is interesting and addicting.

I'll be honest, I found the beginning of this book to be kind of frustrating. Kori, the protagonist, is almost killed and everyone knows why except her, it seems. So she's out there basically begging the people who saved her what's going on and they have the audacity, over and over again, to be like, "lol can't tell you, sorry." Like, just tell the damn girl why she is being ATTACKED. However, once we got past all that nonsense, the sailing was much smoother.

Going into the novel, it seems like there's going to be a bit of insta-love, but there's really not. Instead, we have a complicated, slow-burn romance. It feels doomed and impossible so of course I was alllll about it. Nothing like good ol' star-crossed lovers.

The characters themselves could be a bit annoying at times (might I direct you a couple paragraphs up), but all-in-all, they were well-developed and I was eager to learn more about them as the story progressed. Kori, an artist and military child grieving her mother's death, is quite kick ass. In the beginning, she gets rescued by Cade and his friend Noah, but she definitely makes up for it in the end. Cade is kind of forgettable, quite frankly, but he's sweet and broken-hearted, and I loved him a lot while I was reading. Noah, though, is my favorite character, I think. He's such a cold asshole in the beginning but his character grows so much. I really adored seeing the way the dynamics between these 3 characters shifted and evolved throughout the novel.

Despite what I said in the beginning of this review, this book is more than a cliche paranormal romance. The story is incredibly interesting and there is so much emotion and growth throughout. Infinity definitely kept me hooked and made me eager to read the sequel. This is the kind of book I'd recommend if you're looking for something to just take your mind off life.

My rating: 

3/5

Is It Worth The Hype #1

Hello, ladies and gentlemen and other lovely humans. Welcome to The Left-Handed Book Lover's first ever episode of Is It Worth The Hype, in which I will discuss books that have been persistently raved about within the community.

Are you nervous to crack open a novel beloved by seemingly all book fanatics? Well, this is the place to come for some real talk about those books. Obviously, it is still a matter of taste and opinion, but I am going to try to take a (somewhat) subjective look at these popular novels to help you determine whether or not they are right for you.

1) Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

The quick answer: YES, it is worth the hype. 

The long answer: This novel has A LOT going for it, even if it's not your typical sort of read. I'm not particularly experienced with science fiction, but I think this book contains something for everyone. 

The authors are incredibly creative with the formatting of this novel, meshing different forms of media--police reports, computer files, camera roll recaps--making this clunker of a novel go by incredibly quick (plus the pacing is excellent). The different forms of media allow the authors to incorporate a variety of different voices and perspectives, all of which are fun and interesting. 

This book contains sufficient action and romance and sci-fi goodness and emotion. Somehow it manages to be just an incredibly FUN novel while also being intense and heartbreaking. I was confused at first, but as the story progressed, everything clicked together and erupted into this amazing, unforgettable story.

I firmly believe that everyone's reading experience is different and that there are novels certain people just will not enjoy. Illuminae, however, is a book I'd recommend everybody at least TRY, even if it seems to deviate from your reading comfort zone. 

2) To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Now, we're COMPLETELY switching gears here.

The quick answer: Maybe--will only appeal to a certain audience. 

The long answer: This series is tricky because while I really enjoyed it, I recognize that it's not for everybody. First of all, if you don't typically enjoy contemporary novels, go ahead and skip this one. It's very cute-sy, character-driven, and romance-focused. It's not especially profound or even exciting. If it takes something ~special~ for you to enjoy a contemporary novel, this isn't it. 

HOWEVER, if you do like contemporary novels, it's a whole completely different story. Obviously, there are many different kinds of contemporary novels, and this one is more on the fluffy side. If you're looking for a breath of fresh air, this is definitely worth the hype. Lara Jean is a bit naive and sheltered, but it's hard not to be charmed by her and her family's innocence. They're definitely not perfect people, but they are kinda pure and adorable. 

Personally, I find this series just has a memorable vibe to it that helps it stand out from a lot of YA contemporary books. It's not the most beautifully written or the most original, but it's worth the hype because of the way it will make you feel when you're finished reading it. 

3) Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

The quick answer: No, it's not really worth the hype.

The long answer: I read this book last summer and enjoyed it, but I still don't think it deserves all the praise it gets. First and foremost, let's get this out of the way. This novel's ending is problematic. And, quite frankly, even if it weren't problematic, I still think it's a cheap ending. Like, the author could have come up with a "twist" more creative than that. 

I'm sure there are people who are going to completely disagree with me on this, but there's not much about this novel that sets it apart from the slew of contemporary novels at our disposal. The premise is interesting, but the characters aren't really memorable. 

I can point you to tons of other YA contemporary books that have a more complex romance, a more feasible and interesting plot, better emotionally-developed characters, etc. It was an enjoyable read in the moment, but nothing spectacular. 

If you were uncertain about any of these novels, I hope I provided you some helpful insight. And if I didn't...oops. My bad. 

If you've already read these hyped books, do you agree or disagree with my takes on them? What books do you think are or are not worth the hype? Let's chat!!

Movie Review: A Dog's Purpose

Please note: I wrote this review over a year ago and it was previously published in my university's newspaper, The ArkaTech. 

I am a cat person through and through. I like dogs well enough, but I never thought I wanted to watch a movie from a dog's perspective. The only reason I agreed to watch Lasse Halstrom's “A Dog's Purpose” (based off of W. Bruce Cameron's book of the same name) is because my canine-loving friend was having a bad day. I didn't want to enjoy the movie and I certainly didn't want to weep throughout seventy-five percent of it, but alas! My wants were irrelevant in that dark theater. Halstrom presents a maelstrom of feelings with this one, and, of course, adorable dogs.

As the title implies, “A Dog's Purpose” is about a dog named Bailey searching for his purpose in a large, confusing world. We get to see several of Bailey's lives—which means we get to see several of his deaths as well—and follow along as he serves loyally as each owner's side, with a delightful voice over to let us know what's going on inside Bailey's head.

It seems like a fairly simple story, and in some ways it is. I won't deny that this film has cliché and predictable moments, but that doesn't mean it is without complexities. For a large portion of the film, Bailey grows up alongside Ethan, a little boy who saves him from dying of dehydration in a hot vehicle. Bailey is Ethan's best friend; the two go everywhere together. As Ethan enters his teen years, his life becomes more complicated—with his family, with girls, and with sports—but Bailey loves him unconditionally. This is one of the most heart-warming friendships I've ever witnessed in film, and I became much more invested in it than I care to admit. When their time together comes to an end, I lost any composure I was maintaining. I couldn't collect myself, either. Each new death Bailey experienced tore me to pieces all over again.

As much as I loved Bailey's life with Ethan, I thoroughly enjoyed his other lives as well. We get to see a nice diverse cast of characters and lifestyles, from police drug dog to lonely girl's comfort animal. It was precious to see the different ways this dog affects the people he loves. Also, the variety of dogs were all just incredibly cute and worthy of many loving sighs.

While it's admittedly strange to go on a journey of self-discovery with a dog, Halstrom manages to make it poignant and insightful. I think it would be quite challenging not to be charmed by this movie—trust me, I tried. If, for whatever reason, you need a good cry, this is probably the film you want to turn to. I experienced a lot of emotions throughout, but I left the theater feeling genuinely joyful and satisfied.

4/5

STARRY EYES BLOG TOUR: Guest Post from author Jenn Bennett

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett
(standalone)
Published: April 3, 2018 by Simon Pulse
MY REVIEW

Summary from Goodreads:
Ever since last year’s homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesn’t hurt that their families are the modern day, Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets.

But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together.

What could go wrong?

With no one but each other for company, Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults as they try to make their way to safety. But fighting each other while also fighting off the forces of nature makes getting out of the woods in one piece less and less likely.

And as the two travel deeper into Northern California’s rugged backcountry, secrets and hidden feelings surface. But can Zorie and Lennon’s rekindled connection survive out in the real world? Or was it just a result of the fresh forest air and the magic of the twinkling stars?

GUEST POST FROM JENN BENNETT

Lefty asked: If Zorie were writing a wilderness survival guide, what kind of stuff would she include in it?

Interesting question, because it’s something that’s touched on in Starry Eyes—only, not for Zorie. In the book, Zorie teases goth-boy Lennon about writing a backpacking book, which she imagines would be called Grim’s Super-Gothy Guide to the Dark Wilderness.

Lennon’s guide would contain:
· Gory facts about all the ways you can die in the wilderness

· Campfire ghost stories

· Stern warnings about how everyone must use bear vaults


Zorie’s guide would contain:
· Fill-in calendars, checklists, and color-coordinated tabs for planning your trip

· Star charts showing the constellations

· Stern warnings about how everyone must use bear vaults

I'm so glad Jenn could stop by the blog today! I literally love this book with all my heart and I hope everyone reads it. And personally, I wish Jenn would release Lennon's wilderness survival guide because I would read the HECK out of that. And y'all are gonna have to read the book if you wanna know why both characters are so adamant on using bear vaults because DRAMA! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jenn Bennett is an award-winning author of young adult books, including: Alex, Approximately; The Anatomical Shape of a Heart (aka Night Owls in the U.K.); and Starry Eyes. She also writes romance and urban fantasy for adults. Her books have earned multiple starred reviews, won the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award, and been included on Publishers Weekly Best Books annual list. She lives near Atlanta with one husband and two dogs. Visit her at www.jennbennett.net.

FOLLOW THE TOUR

Lefty's Lowdown: More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer

More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer
(Letters to the Lost #2)
Published: March 6, 2018 by Bloomsbury Children's
Source: I received an eARC of this novel through Netgalley. All opinions stated in this review are 100% my own.

Summary from Goodreads: 
*While this book exists in the same universe as Letters to the Lost, it is a standalone title.*

Rev Fletcher is battling the demons of his past. But with loving adoptive parents by his side, he’s managed to keep them at bay...until he gets a letter from his abusive father and the trauma of his childhood comes hurtling back.

Emma Blue spends her time perfecting the computer game she built from scratch, rather than facing her parents’ crumbling marriage. She can solve any problem with the right code, but when an online troll’s harassment escalates, she’s truly afraid.

When Rev and Emma meet, they both long to lift the burden of their secrets and bond instantly over their shared turmoil. But when their situations turn dangerous, their trust in each other will be tested in ways they never expected. This must-read story will once again have readers falling for Brigid Kemmerer’s emotional storytelling.

 After finishing Letters to the Lost, I simply could not wait to get my hands on this sequel. Thankfully, I'd been approved for the title on Netgalley, otherwise I have no idea what I would have done. Admittedly, while this novel was absolutely enjoyable, it didn't quite hold up to its predecessor for me.

This story follows Rev, a character I fell in love with in Letters to the Lost, and Emma, a new and intriguing character. I wish I could say I loved Rev in this novel as much as I did in Letters. I think I was just expecting something different. While the Rev in Letters was indeed a bit tortured, he was also unwaveringly sweet and supportive and wonderful. In this novel, though...I get it, he was going through a lot. But I just found him incredibly frustrating. He was keeping this big secret from his best friend and his family and it was poisoning him. Even still, I do not understand why he chose to keep it a secret. I really think that all of his angst and drama would have dissolved if he had just taken the honesty route. More than that, I felt as if he didn't treat people the way they deserved.

On the other hand, I really enjoyed Emma's character. She is this badass gamer girl who coded her very own computer game that hundreds of people played. Once again, I think a lot of her problems would have been solved if she had just told an adult what was going on with her, but I was more sympathetic to her secrecy. She felt like her problem didn't really matter and she was determined not to show weakness.

No matter what, though, I was hooked on these characters' stories. Despite any irritations, I cared about them and I wanted to see their happily ever after. The ending took a turn that wasn't hard to see coming but was kind of unexpected in terms of the tone of the story. A part of me wants to say it was a bit melodramatic, but, without giving spoilers, I have to admit that shit like that actually happens. Kemmerer has presented us with a very real, very scary threat that we might not even be able to see coming in our own lives.

I do love that Kemmerer maintained the theme-of-sorts from the first book, which is beginning each chapter with a letter or message. I also love the glimpses of Declan that we get to see in this novel, and we even get more resolution for his story. And, of course, I will forever and always love the relationship between Rev and Declan. No matter what obstacles arise in their personal lives or in their friendship, they are there for each other no matter what. It's real, unconditional love. I said it in my review of Letters and I will say it again: this relationship can and should serve as an example of a beautiful, healthy male friendship for the rest of fiction history.

This novel deals with subjects such as abuse, cyber bullying, women in male-dominated spheres, divorcing parents, adoption and foster care, and interracial families. Though this isn't a perfect novel, and my rating will reflect that, it is still one that will live in my heart for a very long time. These characters and the world they live in became real to me. I was not ready to say goodbye when the novel concluded, but I was satisfied with where their stories ended.

My rating: 

3.75/5

Top Ten Books That Take Place Outside The U.S.

When I first read the topic for this week, I thought it was going to be a challenge. I didn't think I'd read that many books that take place in other countries, but I was delightfully surprised to find out that's not entirely true. I was also surprised to find out how many books I've read that take place in England! That said, I limited the amount of England-setting books I could include on this list, but believe me, there are several other lovely novels I could have chosen. I also did not include fantasy settings that aren't real places, because that's cheating.

What's crazy to me is that I have actually been to a couple of these countries, and that in a few days, I'll be headed to even more of them!!!

1) Prince in Disguise by Stephanie Kate Strohm | Scotland | This novel is so fluffy and adorable and completely underrated. We get to meet (fictional) Scottish royalty and explore hidden passages in Scottish castles and learn about traditional Scottish celebrations. If you're looking for a quick, delightful little romance to read, this is the book for you.

2) Love and Luck by Jenna Evans Welch | Ireland | Maybe this is cheating because at the time of writing this post, I'm about halfway through this novel, but I don't care. Ireland is the very first country outside of the U.S. that I had the pleasure of visiting. The first scene in this novel takes place at the Cliffs of Moher, which was my favorite place in Ireland. Already this novel makes me want to go back to the Emerald Isle.

3) Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley | Australia | This book isn't about tourists visiting Australia, so the setting doesn't play a HUGE role, but this is one of my all-time favorite contemporary novels and, again, completely underrated.

4) My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows | England | I don't even know that I need to explain this novel, because we all know that this book was an absolute blast to read. It rewrites a little bit of English history, and has fun doing it.

5) Daytripper by Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon | Brazil | This graphic novel actually visits and beautifully illustrates several countries, but it takes place primarily in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This graphic novel is stunning and thought-provoking and completely worth reading whether you enjoy graphic novels or not.

6) Blood Promise by Richelle Mead | Russia | I couldn't not include a book from my favorite series of all-time. It was so refreshing to get away from St. Vlad's in this installment and roam Russia.

7) Me Before You by Jojo Moyes | England | First and foremost, I understand that this novel is considered problematic by some, but I adore it. The setting kind of plays a big role in this novel and at the same time doesn't, but we also get to visit Mauritius for a little while, which is a beautiful country in East Africa.

8) Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins | France | I think this one was a given. This novel is so cute and allows us to explore the romantic city of Paris (which I will be going to next week!!!!!!!!!!!).

9) And I Darken by Kiersten White | Turkey | This novel takes place in the time of the Ottoman Empire, and it is so dark and lush and a truly fascinating read.

10) Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch | Italy | Italy had always been my #1 desired traveling destination, and this novel completely charmed me when I read it, and made me desperately want to try gelato in Italy. Now I have tried gelato in Italy, and I can confidently say it lived up to the hype. I''ll actually be on my way to Florence when you all are reading this, which is crazy! My friends and I are planning to do a gelato crawl, which is like a pub crawl but better.

Ode to the Broken (AKA Spoopy Bridge Story)

I'm studying abroad in Austria this semester, and my university doesn't have a booming creative writing program, to put it mildly. That said, I am currently enrolled in an introductory fiction writing class. It's...odd to be back in an intro course, but so far I adore it.

Anyway, for our first homework assignment, my professor gave us several prompts to choose from. The one I chose was to find a photograph and write a scene inspired by it. It's the first creative thing I've written in a while, and I quite like it, considering it is a first draft.

I'm gonna share it with you now. Keep in mind this is not meant to be a complete short story.

P.S. I found the image on Pinterest.

The lake is perfectly still, as if the fey and the gods and the entire land are holding their breath in anticipation. And perhaps they are, indeed. But I know the tremble in their chests do not mimic mine, for they aren’t weary and fearful like I am.

They are eager.

If the ravenous eyes of the forest and the sky have narrowed their focus to witness this moment, it is because they can sense the peril awaiting the foolish mortal who dared to crash into their havens and demand recompense.

Or maybe they’ve already forgotten about me. What is a mere moment’s irritation in the scope of eternity?

The bridge that leads to Her neglected altar appears instable, but not otherworldly. It is discolored and dilapidated, like a corpse that had never been discovered. It leans left and then right, dips below the water and rises above again. Staggering. Struggling to stay afloat.

I am familiar with the feeling.

“When does it stop being worth it?” Calden asks from behind me. “This vengeance quest of yours.”

I didn’t think there was anything left in me to crumble, but I feel it in the pit of my stomach. The last of my spirit has disintegrated.

“I haven’t assigned a value to our son,” I say. My voice is frigid and empty. I almost don’t recognize myself, but this is who I have become. “We’ve given up everything for him. Why quit now, when there’s a chance we can get him back?”

At fifteen, Father forbid me from seeing Calden, claiming I could never marry an executioner’s son. At sixteen, my stomach swelled. Mother wailed while Father tried to thrash the baby out of me. I escaped off adrenaline alone and Calden spent weeks nursing me back to health in an abandoned cottage in the woods.

We’d learned to catch our own food and hide whenever footsteps approached.

We lived in constant terror: that my father would find us, that the water would make us ill, that our baby would never see life. We didn’t know what we should have really been fearing.

Calden takes a step forward and reaches for my hand. How can he possibly feel so warm? I allow myself to bask in it for a single moment, knowing it might be the last warmth I’ll ever feel.

“He was a child,” I whisper. “He was pure and lovely, and he did not deserve to die at the mercy of a frivolous war. The fey and the gods—they were careless, and they will undo the ruin they have caused.”

He shudders—I see it in his face and feel it in the grip on my hand. “This will not work. You cannot trifle with She who even the gods fear and expect to survive.” His next words are so flimsy, so ephemeral, they already sound like a memory. “I cannot lose you, too.”

A gust of wind leeches any warmth from my bones but it does not ruffle the water before us. I turn away from Calden’s pinched face.

“Can’t you see? You already have.”

As I take my first step onto the precarious bridge, the wind intensifies. It envelops me like an enormous hand enfolding me in its grasp. Whether that hand is pushing or pulling me, I cannot yet tell.

             A howl rises on the wind, and with each step I take, it becomes more musical, a dissonant melody beckoning me toward Her altar.

Movie Review: It (2017)

Please note: This review was written months ago and previously published in my university's newspaper, The ArkaTech.


Oftentimes, the most exciting part of a movie is the hype surrounding it. Believe me, the anticipation I felt for Andy Muschietti’s adaptation of “It” (based off of Stephen King’s book of the same name) was delicious, but it paled in comparison to the reality of the film. “It” is equal parts thrilling, hilarious, and emotional. I would not mind seeing it a few more times, despite my college kid budget.

“It” follows a motley crew of pre-pubescent boys and one feisty girl (they’ve dubbed themselves the Losers Club) as they puzzle out the mysterious disappearances happening in their town. The closer they get to discovering the truth, the weirder things get. When one of the members of the Losers get captured by Pennywise the chilling clown, the rest of the team ventures down into the sewers on a rescue mission, confronting all their fears along the way.

The group dynamic between these kids is what makes this movie. Even if Pennywise were completely removed from the film, this would still be a solid flick because of these characters. There is never a shortage of ruthless one-liners, mustered courage, or camaraderie. Admittedly, some characters are more developed than others, but they each have their own distinct personalities and struggles. I was emotionally invested in each and every one of them. I wanted to hug them all and promise that nothing bad would ever happen to them again, and I’m so proud of how much they grow by the end of the movie.

While “It” is being marketed as a horror film, I wouldn’t describe it as particularly scary. There were a few moments that had me jumping in my seat, and, of course, Pennywise is a thing of nightmares. However, the true horror, in my opinion, lies in these kids’ personal lives—in humanity. “It” isn’t so much scary as it is absolutely riveting. I was eager to solve this puzzle alongside the Losers, and I was never able to predict what life had in store for them next. “It” did not lose my attention for a single second while I was watching and even long after the credits were done rolling.

I applaud any movie that can make me go from cackling to tearing up in a single scene, and “It” accomplished that feat many times in a mere 135 minutes. I will be talking about this movie for a long time, and I can hardly wait to see what kind of magic the sequel will bestow upon us.

5/5