It's Got to be Perfect | BOOK REVIEW

Hello!

"If that doesn't justify it being a good book, I don't know what does!"

Many people are huge fans of holiday reading. They'd chill be the pool or on the beach with their heads buried in the book. Me? Yeah, I like it, but if it's boring I'd easily stop and jump in the water.
You may, or may not, know that I was in Egypt last week. It was the week I began, and finished, reading 'It's Got to be Perfect' and let me tell you - it was good.

The Lucky One | MOVIE

Hello!

image source
"Did you read the book or just watch the film for the hunk (a.k.a. Mr Zac Efron)? Trust me, I won’t judge. ;)"

The other day you saw the book review. Now it’s time for the movie to be reflected upon. I must say, I was so excited to see this movie, not only because Mr Zac Efron was part of the deal, but because of the incredible story I had yet only finished a couple of days before.

There are no big spoilers in this post, and when there is, there’ll be warning ;)

I was expecting to see the opening scene that they had in the book, of Keith by that creek being a creep on those college girls. I did understand they weren’t going to keep the scene exactly the same, as the movie didn’t want an “18” age restriction, yet something of the sort would have stuck to the story. So that was tick number 1 next to the not-the-same-as-the-book tally we’re keeping.

Another thing: Logan was meant to have long hair! If you read the corresponding book review, you’d have known I always imagined Zac to play Logan, yet, I did find it a little difficult imagining him with long hair and was intrigued to see how he’d pull it off in the movie! Next thing I see, he doesn’t have long hair!! What?!

Now that the little rant is over, lets get on with the good things. Logan, being the protagonist, was played very well. I also like the selection of Taylor Schilling playing Elizabeth. Ooh, that reminds me: in the book, Logan was the only one that called her Elizabeth and the others called her Beth. This was a little detail that was so cute in the book, yet the movie missed it completely. It was only Beth. Either way, Taylor pulled off the slight naïve, but uber gorgeous-but-doesn’t-know-it kind of character. She did a good job!

Overall the movie was touching and Keith did make your blood boil, just as he did in the book! It was a good watch, and one of those that you’d like to watch on a chilled out night!

Although it was a good movie, I just wish they made the ending better. In the book it was slightly rushed, but it was better than the movie. The movies ending was very much rushed, in my opinion, and there was so much potential for a better way to end it. 

*SPOILER ALERT: In the book, both men were very much injured when trying to save Ben from the crazy river. We, as readers, knew that they both got hurt and Ben was saved. Then we read about Beth going to the graveyard with two bunches of flowers. At this point we don’t know whether the flowers are for each Logan and Keith and that they had both died, or Logan and Drake meaning Keith had survived at the risk of Logan's death, or what happened at all! The whole suspense of it really gets you worked up. Then she comes home to Logan and Ben, and you’re literally over the moon! THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is how the movie should have ended.
*END OF SPOILER

Gosh I feel I totally deserve the role of director and producer now! Only joking, they did a great job of creating the film, and there are a few bits here and there that I wish they did include from the book, but that’s just the perfectionist in me talking! 

Right, so that was a bit of a ramble, but it definitely summed up my deep feelings I had for this book. I don’t exactly know why, but The Lucky One still makes me feel slightly giddy, and it’ll be a story I’ll never forget!

This one is definitely for the dreamers!

Tell me, what did you think of The Lucky One? Did you read the book or just watch the film for the hunk (a.k.a. Mr Zac Efron)? Trust me, I won’t judge. ;)

The Lucky One - Nicholas Sparks | BOOKS

Hello!

"Many times, I caught myself physically smiling as I was reading"

Everyone knows of the oh-so-famous Nicholas Sparks based movies. You know, the ones with Ryan Gosling, Liam Hemsworth, Channing Tatum and in this case, Zac Efron. I must say, good choice of actors! Although I had known of the films, and watched a few in my day, I never really thought about picking up the book. Then came a day I decided to take a read of this one, and I've never looked back.

"yet there's something about it that just makes real life seem that much more magical"

Seeing as I hadn't yet watched the movie, I thought it'd be a good idea to flick through the book first. Let me tell you, once I picked it up, there was no way I was putting it down. I must admit, the moment I read about Thibault, Zac Efrons' face jumped into view, and he totally fits the character. Thibault is an awesome guy. He's done so many great things but is so modest. I don't know what is it about those kind of characters, but they are my favourite. So every time his good nature was mentioned, it made me feel somewhat 'warm and fuzzy' on the inside. Many times, I caught myself physically smiling as I was reading. And that's just one of the myriad of things I liked about the book.

"I don't know what is it about those kind of characters, but they are my favourite"

The overall story is quite interesting. It really does make me believe in destiny, and as cliché as it may sound, I guess I am a believer of fate. Don't get me wrong, I totally understand how this is a book and only a story, not real life, yet there's something about it that just makes real life seem that much more magical. Am I going crazy? I don't really know what it is, but the book gave me a sense of hope, the idea that 'good things are to come' - okay, this is just proving how much of a dreamer I really am!

"Then came a day I decided to take a read of this one, and I've never looked back"

I'm going to watch the movie and give you a verdict, was the book better than the movie? Keep your eye's peeled for that post later on in the week! However, to round this post off, let me just tell you, if you're looking for a nice escape, a good read and overall a lovely story rammed in a neat little book, this one is for you! 

Tell me, what do you think of Nicholas Sparks' books, any suggestions?

Anybody Out There | BOOKS

Hello!

"you'd find yourself getting very emotional over, laughing with, crying with and definitely enjoying every second of it."

Since the last book I read (review here) I had sort of lost hope in reading. Dramatic? Yes, I guess it is a little bit. Well, when one of your favourite authors of all time end up disappointing you so much, you're bound to feel a little disheartened (J.K. Rowling, how could you?). Everything happens for a reason, and I believe it was fate that this beauty entered my life.

The best thing about the novel? The storyline kept on going. There was not one point at which I thought 'I could do with skipping a few pages'. I wanted to read and read until the cows came home - or until my eyelids gave up on me.

"It'd be one of those movies you could watch again and again."

Another thing I've got to give Mariyan credit for, the lack of confusion when she writes.
Throughout the book, especially the first half of it, there is a lot of back and forth on what's happening 'right now' and what happened in the past. The thing is: you can tell the difference. It's put very clearly and it's incredible to see how a persons life can change so dramatically.
One more thing: the protagonist is very 3 dimensional, making the whole thing even more realistic.

On the note of characters, she has done a fantastic job! There are characters of which you will end up crying of laughter over, characters who you admire and characters that you wish were your best friend.

"Everything happens for a reason, and I believe it was fate that this beauty entered my life."

If you've read a few of the previous book reviews on BBXO, you'd know the ultimate thing I judge a book over: how it visualises as being a movie.
Let me tell you, this story was definitely a movie in my head. It would be a movie you'd find yourself getting very emotional over, laughing with, crying with and definitely enjoying every second of it. It'd  be one of those movies you could watch again and again.

Have you got any books you can read again and again?

The Casual Vacancy, J.K. Rowling | Books

Hello!

You may have seen this picture somewhere (i.e. Instagram) which hugely hinted at this post coming your way. Since then, I have debated whether or not this should be written. Also since then, another book has been started being read. Let me tell you, it's completely different to the one pictured above!

Well, as we're mentioning all the things that have happened since I started reading The Casual Vacancy, I'll just throw in there that this book has been the inspiration of a new show on BBC called 'The Casual Vacancy'!

For the record, I watched the first episode of that show and was not a fan. It is completely different to how I imagined it would be. To be honest, when I was reading this, I did imagine it to be a bit like EastEnders. You know, with the whole 'peaking into people's lives all over the town and their lives all intertwine, and everyone knows each other' kind of thing, yet I thought it was more 'posh' than they portrayed it in the show. Let me just say: I don't like EastEnders and I didn't like this book.

The reason I picked it up? It's got J.K.Rowling as the author, and as much as I love Harry Potter books, it's the fact that I absolutely adored The Cuckoo's Calling that made me want to pick up this one. It is nowhere near the standard of The Cuckoo's Calling. I feel like it took forever to get the ball rolling in terms of the storyline itself, heck, the ball was never rolling! It was a totally stationary ball.

I do like J.K.Rowling's writing style, which again wasn't too bad in this book, but just when you're getting into a character, it changes and another character is the main story. There are a million characters and it's so difficult to get your head around it - especially if you're not into the (practically non-existent) story line. Maybe that's why it didn't grab my attention, as there was just too much going on.

Long story short, just when you think J.K.Rowling never disappoints (after reading this book by her), she disappoints!

Have you read any other books by J.K.Rowling that may redeem her in my eyes? 

Will Grayson, Will Grayson: BerryReads

Hello!

"Quite expectedly, as it's totally cliché, the two Will's cross paths and their lives intertwine"

With a new year, the idea of resolutions is very strongly in mind. Although reading may not directly be one of those resolutions, relaxing and spending more time for yourself may be, and this is where reading comes in. On the other hand, reading may well be on your resolutions list, and I'll let you know that this book will make things a lot easier for you - you will not be able to put it down. As John Green is a co-writer, I didn't expect any different - and this did not disappoint. 

"One of the Will's is gay, and the other not, but, has a gay best friend...that's where trouble arrises"

The story told from the perspective of two boys, both of which are named 'Will Grayson'. Every chapter a switch is made from one Will Graysons life to the other Will Graysons life. They live very different lives and although you can sometimes get a bit confused of which characters are in which Will Graysons life, you can vividly picture each Will's life in your head (gosh that's confusing to explain but the book is totally not). A few chapters in and it is easier to distinguish between the lives of the Will Graysons. One of the Will's is gay, and the other not, but, has a gay best friend. You read the story of how the gay Will Grayson comes out and comes to terms with who he is. It is nice to see that it's not a 'big deal' that he's gay, and he is still completely accepted. The Will's are quite similar too, both like to give off the I-don't-care-about-anything vibe but it's nice to see how they evolve as characters.

Quite expectedly, as it's totally cliché, the two Will's cross paths and their lives intertwine. With one Will Grayson going out with the other Will Grayson's gay best friend - that's where trouble arrises.

Without giving much of the story away, I will say that it's an easy read (the best types of reads!). 'Will Grayson, Will Grayson' has a great story line which you find yourself easily following along with. You're bound to find something in common with at least one aspect of the characters, and it's nice to see how things play out.

Overall, something especially great for teenagers, but not meaning anyone of any age will not enjoy it, very modern and a book you will not be able to put down (can John Green do any wrong?).
*Available on Amazon (link)

Tell me, are you a fan of John Green books?

BerryWeekly: Hot Chocolate, Candles & Baking

Hello!

"add a bit of whipped cream and marshmallows on top if we're feeling it - you know how it goes!"

It's always nice to reflect on the good things of the week, and hearing about what others did for their week is always fun too (admitting to my nosiness here). Another post I've been loving the idea of is '10 Happy Things' of the week, it's all positive thoughts and reflecting back at the same time. Totally agreeing with the moto 'you've got to look back to move forward'...might have just completely butchered that famous quote but... you know what I mean! 

"I usually just fold the page (shock horror, some people absolutely hate that)"

First of all, I've been loving my bookmark. A bookmark included in a BerryWeekly? What is so special about it? Well, like you can't already tell from the picture, it's personalised with my name on it! I was gifted it as part of a birthday present, and have been loving it. I usually just fold the page (shock horror, some people absolutely hate that), but fear not, I now use this bookmark. 

SNEAK PEAK into a possible BerryReads post in the future!

"what better time than now"

Next, this has been my go-to drink of choice. During this time of year, when it's frosty outside and for some reason the heating automatically turns off, then while waiting for it to turn back on again we make ourselves a lovely hot chocolate!! Occasionally add a bit of whipped cream and marshmallows on top if we're feeling it - you know how it goes!

"These tasted heavenly and you gotta bet I add a couple throughout the day"

Adding to that topic of consuming stuff, I did a bit of baking. I say baking, but it's no-bake chocolate pieces - sort of a dupe for the 9 bar (which is basically a nut and seed bar). These tasted heavenly and you gotta bet I add a couple throughout the day. Definitely good as pick-me-up energy bites. Let me know if you'd like a recipe! 

"all positive thoughts and reflecting back at the same time"

Finally, if you follow me on Twitter, you'll already have seen this picture. A candle always makes me happy and what better time than now to light one?!

Tell me, is hot chocolate your go-to beverage of choice, if not, what is?

The Cuckoo's Calling - J.K. Rowling under 'Robert Galbraith'

Hello!

"notice Strike's mind work in a million different ways, looking  at the faintest clues which (we) would disregard and think useless"

 You know those times when you're really into reading and read a million books in around 2 weeks? Well, I haven't had a time like that in a while, yet I did manage to finish reading this book in 3 weeks - I was up 3 hours past my 'bedtime' finishing it off last Tuesday, so you already know the ending is intriguing and a complete I-don't-want-to-put-this-down moment.

"I could see this story becoming a movie, and I hope one day, it does!"

The story is a murder mystery of a supermodel whom allegedly jumped off the balcony of her London apartment.  Former soldier, Oxford University student and now homeless private detective, Cormoran Strike (you better believe I had to sound out his first name every time it came up), has been asked to look into it further by no other that the supermodels brother.

Throughout the novel, you notice Strike's mind work in a million different ways, looking at the faintest clues which someone like me would generally disregard and think as useless. As a reader, you're curious to note why certain clues are so important to the detective, but worry not, it is amazing to see how it is all bought together in the final conclusion.

"a complete I-don't-want-to-put-this-down moment"

This is a novel which is read with a good flow, with the storyline vividly playing in your head like a movie, who needs the cinema, hey?! But seriously, I could see this story becoming a movie, and I hope one day, it does! It is fun to read and really grips you, although the ending creeped me out a little with the amount of detail J.K. Rowling (or should I say Robert Galbraith) went into, and the harsh 'reality' of the story.

Overall a good read! Definitely recommend it to you.
Are you a crime/mystery book fan or prefer another, less gory, genre?

BerryReads: LA Candy - Review

Hello!

"basically reality TV in the form of a book - drama  with no depth."

Although it was only the other day the Autumn Reading Wish List was released, the last novel read still deserves a feature on BBXO! L.A. Candy, the first of many novels written by the lovely Lauren Conrad, was the pick of the week and here's the summary:

Lets start with the end, it was unexpected. I was literally confused as to whether or not there were pages missing at the end. You are left with not exactly knowing what happens, and oddly wanting more. I say 'oddly' as you just want a proper ending! Definitely a book considered as ending on a cliffhanger.

The storyline was loosely based on the authors' career as a reality show star, which is also a similar storyline to her other novel, previously reviewed on BBXO, called 'The Fame Game'. It was definitely a light read, with obvious things-that-only-happen-in-movies moments throughout the entire book. I would also say this was basically reality TV in the form of a book - drama  with no depth.

Being it Lauren Conrad's first novel, she did an amazing job. If you're one looking for a light read, feeling a bit like you're reading a magazine at times and others when you really do empathise with the characters - this one is for you!

What do you think of TV show stars turned authors? 

Autumn '14 Reading Wish List

Hello! 

'colder weather meaning we're less likely to go out.. so more time for reading? '

Although it may not be Autumn according to the calendar yet we all know September is basically Autumn! This means it's a new season with colder weather meaning we're less likely to go out.. so more time for reading? 

The last reading wish list was released and it's true to say I didn't read all the books, yet if I read at least one book of the wish list, I'm happy! Also, this way you can get ideas, too! 

"I hope you find some ideas for reading this Autumn"

So, to give you a bit of an idea of the books chosen, here's a summary of each:

The Husband's Secret
A lady whom is very successful and married found a letter that her husband wrote which was meant to be read after his death. The lady found it while he was alive - it contained his deepest, darkest secret and would change their lives forever...  see Good Reads version here.

#GIRLBOSS
This aspirational book doesn’t patronize young women the way many business experts do. Amoruso shows readers how to channel their passion and hard work, while keeping their insecurities from getting in the way. She offers straight talk about making your voice heard and doing meaningful work. see more here.

Freakonomics
Through forceful storytelling and wry insight, Levitt and Dubner show that economics is, at root, the study of incentives—how people get what they want, or need, especially when other people want or need the same thing. In Freakonomics, they explore the hidden side of . . . well, everything. Link to Good Reads for more.

Thinking, Fast and Slow
(from Good Reads: ) In the highly anticipated Thinking, Fast and Slow, Kahneman takes us on a groundbreaking tour of the mind and explains the two systems that drive the way we think. System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. more here.


I hope you find some ideas for reading this Autumn, and tell me: your favourite book at the moment?

BerryReads: Book Wishlist #2

Hello!

Happy Monday! Considering the last few posts on Monday's have been either Mani Monday's or Motivational Mondays - which I love doing both of them by the way - maybe it was time to switch it up a bit. Considering the enthusiasm I have for books right now, it was the perfect time for a Wishlist post! Having done one of these before and only reading one of the three I had then been interested in, lets hope its more successful this time!

Gone Girl
You probably have heard of this book before! I definitely have but it had never caught my eye... until I read the blurb earlier today: 
' Who are you? What have we done to each other? These are the questions Nick Dunne finds himself asking on the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary, when his wife Amy suddenly disappears. The police suspect Nick. Amy's friends reveal that she was afraid of him, that she kept secrets from him. He swears it isn't true. A police examination of his computer shows strange searches. He says they weren't made by him. And then there are the persistent calls on his mobile phone. So what really did happen to Nick's beautiful wife? '

Tell me you're not intrigued! No wonder it's a bestseller - it's quite bad how I just judged the book by it's (almost) bland cover. Yet, I cannot wait to give this book a try!

The Bookstore & Penelope
These two books are about girls who go to University - both in America in this case. These two were mentioned in 'Stylish' Magazine and the blurbs again caught my eye. These are not as well known as 'Gone Girl' but definitely seem interesting - more of a light read, if you may. I don't like to read too many "intense" books at a time, so maybe these will be nice breathers! (Is that really weird, or do you do the same? :P)

Insurgent
Having had a debate on whether Divergent is better than The Hunger Games on Friday, many of you said to read the books too! I didn't get around to finish reading Divergent, not sure whether it was because I wasn't 'in to' reading at the time or because I didn't like the book - but I loved the movie. Therefore, I'm going to give this a shot!

Have you read any of these books, and what's on your "wish list"? 

*picture from here, here, here

BerryReads: The Fault In Our Stars

Hello!

Well, you're probably quite annoyed at how much TFIOS has been hyped about (mentioned it about 4 times on BBXO alone!) - but one more post won't hurt you, right?! On the other hand, you may love TFIOS and don't mind reading another post! Either way, lets read on! :D

I actually finished reading the book and have got to say: It was quite moving! I love the story behind it but the ending I didn't love!! Throughout the whole story, Hazel, the protagonist, has a favourite book which ends abruptly without all the questions answered and I feel TFIOS kind of ends like that - though not as badly! Wait, does that mean there's going to be a sequel?! :O

Anyway, I liked how the book really made me realise how lucky I am - it shows the way a person with cancer feels, yet I love the idea behind it that they can still live a fantastic life, which I have always believed. Everyone deserves an amazing life and I love that the book portrays it.

If I am honest, considering how hyped up the book is, I don't feel it completely met my expectations and high hopes for it. Although it wasn't the best book I have ever read, it was a lovely one, with a great moral behind the story to live life the best you can everyday - which reminds me of a motivation monday post! I do recommend the book, yet just a warning to you that it has been overhyped! The movie is coming out this summer and I am excited to see how they have transformed it into a motion picture!

Have you read TFIOS? What do you think?

image source