About Books Blog 39: The Illustrated Jane Eyre

Author: Charlotte Bronte

Genre: Classic, Gothic Romance

Favorite Line

Two favorite quotes.

"Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrongs."

"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will."

Summary

Young governess falls in love with her surly employer, only to discover he has a deep dark secret.

What I Thought Of This Book

I read Jane Eyre for the first time when I was twelve. It holds many good memories for me. I remember exactly where I was when I first read it, and how I felt about it at the time. It became one of my favorite stories. I was inspired to re-read Jane Eyre when I discovered a version with illustrations by Dame Darcy. I just had to have it. It took me awhile to get around to it, but since I am returning to the classics this year, I knew it was time.

As I said I read this a couple times as a teen, but this was the first time I have read it as an adult. I found that being older allowed me to have some different observations. It caught my attention was how well the story crosses over in terms of genres. It is not only a romance with gothic themes, but a coming of age story as well. I also took note of how themes of morality and religion filtered into the story. It was something that I not only found interesting, but rather admired. I realized one of the reasons the story is so accessible to me is that it is an extremely intelligently written classic novel, but it feels like a contemporary novel.

When I was younger I was more focused on the plot. As an adult I noticed more about the characters. I noticed how confident and independent Jane was. Maybe that was just a facet of her personality I had forgotten over time. She suffers many trials in her life, but you never feel like she is a damsel in distress. She is a character that was quite ahead of her time. I also noticed that my beloved tortured soul Edward Rochester is a little on the weird side. He does these truly amusing eccentric poetic rants. Sometimes you have no idea what he is talking about. It’s hilarious. He’s not your average classic love interest. I suppose that’s part of his charm. I think I was more captured by the love story between these two people this time around, because I could understand better why they would be attracted to each other. Jane can balance out Mr. Rochester’s moods and general semi-bipolar behavior. He offers her his ability to treat her as an equal, and enjoys the fact that she is an independent intelligent woman with an amazing capacity for kindness.

I love Jane Eyre as much as ever. The lovely pictures make it even better. Whether you are a fan of the book already or a first time reader, The Illustrated Jane Eyre is a must have.

The Illustrations

The creative illustrations included in this addition of the novel enriched the story more than I thought they would. In the story, Jane often draws or paints. Illustrator, Dame Darcy occasionally includes her interpretations of drawings described in the novel. Her style is so interesting to look at. For examples of the artwork and Dame Darcy's inspiration for the illustrations click HERE.

Facts I Found Interesting

The book was originally published with the title Jane Eyre: An Autobiography. Charlotte Bronte published it under the pen name Currier Bell.

In 1966 author Jean Rhys published a parallel novel entitled Wide Sargasso Sea. The novel acts a prequel to Jane Eyre, depicting the life of the first Mrs. Rochester. I haven’t read it, but it does sound interesting.

The Movies

Jane Eyre has been made into many adaptations. This includs not only films, but also television mini series and stage musicals. I have not seen all of them, but watching adaptations of Jane Eyre is one of my little obsessions. Below are my thoughts on the ones I have viewed along with links to IMDb for all the extra information.

Jane Eyre (1944)

The 1944 version took quite a few liberties with the events of Jane’s childhood and some of the events at the end the book. It is fairly true to the plot and dialogue where the middle is concerned. Which I suppose is the important factor anyway. The lovely part of this version is the beauty of the look of the film. Shot in black and white the light and shadows created by the lighting design gives that foreboding mood you want for Jane Eyre. This is your one pit stop to see many of the great child actors of time Margaret O’Brien, Peggy Ann Garner, and Elizabeth Taylor. Joan Fontaine and Orson Wells play Jane and Mr. Rochester. They are not exactly who I would have casted for the roles. However, they are so incredibly interesting to watch. That almost makes up for my little issues with their looks and portrayals. Overall, it was fun and entertaining to watch. If you like classic film you should try it.

Jane Eyre (1983 TV Mini-series)

I discovered this little treasure by accident while looking around on Netflix. I’m so glad I did, because I think it is my favorite adaptation so far. It may not be the most picturesque adaptation. It definitely has that 80’s TV mini-series appearance. None of that matters to me, because everything else is so close to perfection. They captured almost every nuance of Jane Eyre from the choices of scenes to the dialogue. The story is allowed to span for eleven parts, so there are very few changes or eliminations to the original tale. Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke interpreted the roles of Jane and Rochester in just the right way. Zelah Clarke performed all of Jane’s facets wonderfully. It would be easy to fall into playing Jane either too modest or too headstrong. I thought she found almost the right balance. Perhaps too soft around the edges, but close enough. Timothy Dalton was an awesome Edward Rochester. He didn’t make the character so bitter that he lost all the great irony that the character can have. Some people say this version is a bit on the soap opera side. I have to say, lets face it the novel Jane Eyre is a bit on the soap opera side. Think about it epic love, epic betrayal, discovering long lost family, etc. Anyway, I loved it. The best I’ve seen so far. Of course, I haven’t watched the 1973 and 2006 mini-series adaptations yet.

Jane Eyre (1996)

This was the first adaptation of Jane I ever watched as a pre-teen. Thus, it has a place near to my heart. In re-watching it, I realized it is only okay. The cinematography is effective, but not really anything overly exciting. The dialogue is alright. They rather warped the ending, but what feature length version of Jane Eyre doesn’t. Some Jane Eyre enthusiasts have said that the casting of William Hurt and Charlotte Gainsbourg in the leading roles was wrong. I don’t agree with that statement. I think they carried out the roles well. It’s just that the performances aren’t anything to write home about. The portrayals give enough to carry the film, but the little nuances aren’t there. I do find the performance of a young Anna Paquin as Jane as a child quite lovely though. In fact, most of my favorite parts of the film are about Jane’s childhood. Overall, it is a quality adaptation but it doesn’t have the wow factor.

Jane Eyre (1997 TV Movie)

This was watchable. It certainly wasn’t terrible, but far from being a favorite. The general plot remained intact. However, I disliked many choices. What bothered me most is that the characters were not represented in any way close to what is depicted in the novel. Ciaran Hinds and Samantha Morton are excellent actors, but I did not feel they suited the lead roles well. They made Jane and Rochester on a completely too bitter, headstrong, and argumentative. This subsequently made characters I love hard to relate to. It also lead the viewer to believe that the two characters drawn to each other by more of a sensual attraction. While the book expresses that, their love is built upon a meeting of equal minds and spirits primarily. It doesn’t help that whoever wrote the script mutilated the dialogue. I know not all my favorite lines from the book are going to make in the movie, but I do expect a few important lines to be said. I also expect the ones created by the screenwriter to be things the character in the book would actually say. There were a few things that I found good about the movie though. Most notably the use of voice overs by Jane to give insight to her thoughts, which gave the film the memoir feel the book has. I also though it was nice that they allowed moments where Mr. Rochester was caring towards his ward Adele. As I said, it’s nowhere near being my favorite. I think they tried to hard to modernize a classic.

Jane Eyre (2011)

This new adaptation has a different approach then most versions. It begins with the events in the last third of the novel, and carries out the rest of the tale as Jane’s flashback. I found that very creative. It had beautiful cinematography and sound design. Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender did good portrayals of the leading roles. They are very good at playing a scene. What I found amusing about the Jane Eyre is that all the actors injected a bit of humor into their roles. I don’t think any version made me laugh like this one. I still had issues with the 2011 Jane Eyre. I never thought I would say this, but the film almost focuses too much on Jane and Rochester. This caused all the Gothic and mystery elements of the story to end up in the dust. To me they missed a great opportunity to build tension in the earliest parts of the film. In addition, I felt like they dwelled on the scene of Jane crying on the rocks for a small eternity. Then we had to watch that same scene twice, because of the flashback element. It became truly tedious. I didn’t like how the end was done either. I like the way other versions have done the ending much better. Overall, it was good but not great. Actually, the thing I liked best about seeing the film was my friend Natalie’s amusing commentary though out the entire viewing. Her thoughts on Mr. Rochester’s surly personality: “Man, dude needs to get some Skittles so he can taste the rainbow.” Hilarious!

Music To Read By

Favorite Albums

I was surprised by my favorites. I thought would like something more classical, but it fact I ended up liking very contemporary music. I have to say my first favorite was Fallen by Evanescence. I guess its semi dark themes and larger than life sound seem to fit the Gothic romance genre. I was also extremely fond of the album Extra Virgin by Olive. I don’t know why I liked this one. I suppose I liked the melodies while reading. In addition, I took the opportunity to listen to the Jane Eyre Musical soundtrack. While perhaps not my favorite, I did hear a few songs on it that I liked.

Jane Eyre Playlist

Orphan Girl - Gillian Welch

Motherless Child - Sweet Water

The Diary of Jane - Breaking Benjamin

Sirens - Jane Eyre Musical Cast

The Minnow and The Trout - A Fine Frenzy

The Heart Asks Pleasure First - Micheal Nyman

Lovesong - Adele

Bring Me To Life - Evanescence

You're Not Alone - Olive

The Scientist - Coldplay

Lullaby - Dixie Chicks

Oh my gosh guys! I finally posted this after promising it for something like five weeks. First I got writers block. Then this review took on a mind of it's own and decided to be an epic length. I hope you to enjoyed despite how long it is. I guess I had a lot of thoughts to put down. See you later. Keep it shiny!

About Books Blog 35: Sense and Sensibility

Author: Jane Austen

Genre: Classic/Romance

Favorite Line

“Do you compare your conduct with his?”

“No. I compare it with what it ought to have been; I compare it with yours.”

Summary (from Goodreads)

Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Through their parallel experience of love—and its threatened loss—the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love.

What I Thought of This Book

It all started with me downloading a free audio book application from LibriVox on to my android phone. Librivox uses volunteers to record books that are in the public domain. I just started Sense and Sensibility on a whim.

Call me uncultured, but until I listened to Sense and Sensibility on audio book I was never able to make it past the first chapter. I think I must have had some issues with the first chapter in my prior attempts at reading. It’s very important to the story but I didn’t find it particularly interesting. However, I’ve made it my goal to read all of Jane Austen’s novels this year. Thus, I decided I would read this book no matter what. I thought I might like it better if it was read aloud to me. Some books just need some dramatics to read get their point across to me. It turned out I was right. I loved the book so much while listening to it. Not only did it enhance the occasionally hilarious descriptions of the characters, but the book has lot of great dialogue which is just great when read aloud. To add to the fun the reader Elizabeth Klett did the accents really well.

The most wonderful part of Sense and Sensibility is the characters. Of course, Elinor and Marianne are lovely. I loved how different their personalities were, yet they still got along as sisters. Though suppose they did have their occasional sisterly disagreements. I couldn’t help but adore Edward and Colonel Brandon. Willoughby is perfectly written as the lovable complete jerk that he is. I really got a kick out of the some of the decidedly silly female supporting characters. They just made me giggle.

As for the plot itself I enjoyed it immensely. Jane Austin was so good at creating misunderstandings, and human conflicts for her protagonists. I usually don’t care for things that involve the socialite mentality, but this book is written in such a way that it made that frame of mind seem quite funny.

I am so glad I listened to Sense and Sensibility. Now that I’ve finished it I can’t think of any reason why didn’t want to read it on my previous attempts. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it. I don’t think it will ever beat out Pride and Prejudice in my heart, but it was still a fun way to pass the time.

Facts I Found Interesting

Sense and Sensibility was Jane Austen’s first published novel, which she wrote under the pseudonym “A Lady.”

Austen wrote the first draft of the novel then titled Elinor and Marianne at around the age of nineteen. The sisters in depicted in the story may have been based on the personalities of Jane and her elder sister Cassandra.

The Movies

Being that classic novels are great material for films there are more than a few adaptations of Sense and Sensibility. However, I have only seen two. Here are my thoughts, and of course the links to the movie trailers.

Sense and Sensibility (1995)

I have been watching this version for several years and I love it. There's nothing like a good period piece. What I notice the most about it is that it has a warm and light hearted quality to it. It seems to find humor even in the sad places. This movie also has an amazing cast of actors and actresses. They look their parts and play them beautifully. The plot is fairly true to the novel. Though the script does eliminate a few minor characters such as siblings and children, and the ages of the characters were tweaked a bit. It’s a great film for relaxing after a long day. 

Sense and Sensibility (2008 Mini-series)

I watched this recently and I found it very impressive. I’m always fond of mini-series adaptations because they can get so much of the story in. However, in this they add scenes that are only referred to in the novel. They also have a few scenes from the point of view of male characters. Another thing you don’t often see in the book because it focuses on Marianne and Elinor. I thought bringing those elements in was an interesting choice. This adaptation tends to focus on the emotional and dramatic elements of the plot. I think the actors in this version were wonderful as well. The cinematography and settings really knocked my socks off. I found myself wanting to watch it again right after I watched it the first time. This is a sign that I definitely found it enjoyable.

Music to Read By

Obviously I couldn’t listen to music and an audio book at the same time. I mean I could, but that doesn’t make much since if I want to hear the words. I didn’t have enough musical inspiration in order to create a full playlist. However, I got a wacky idea. Thought perhaps I could create an interactive playlist. What I mean is that you the followers would comment with songs that make you think of Sense and Sensibility. I would compile the list on the player below. I will also provide a written list including the links to blogs of those who supplied ideas. I think this could be a lot of fun, so let’s give it a try shall we. My contribution to the playlist is listed below as an example.

Sense and Sensibility Playlist

Liar, Liar - A Fine Frenzy (Jazz a.k.a Blog Host)

That's all folks. I'm still reading the short story for this week. However, I think I'll post that tomorrow. I really wanted to post this review first. I just wanted to thank you guys for reading. Writing this blog post just made me feel great after a crazy day. It nice to know that people are interested in my thoughts. See you tomorrow. Don't forget to comment with your song ideas. Keep it shiny.

About Books Blog 32: Calling for Angels

Author: Alex Smith

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Adventure

Favorite Line

“Funny eh? Even when you’re dead your heart can still break.”

Summary (from Red Telephone Books)

Em - shy, sensitive, with her head in the clouds - and Caitlyn - gorgeous, popular and talented - have been best friends forever, in a sleepy, nondescript town called Philiton.

But when new boy Zak moves into town, Philiton suddenly becomes a much more interesting place. With his meltingly hot looks, sense of humour and a smile that has even the hardest-hearted girls falling at his feet, Zak has the female population of Philiton Comprehensive School convinced he's an angel.

Caitlyn usually has the boys worshipping at her feet, so it’s a shock when Zak seems to be more interested in Em. Cracks appear, tensions arise, but surely Em and Caitlyn’s lifelong friendship can survive?

Em feels beset by demons. At home, she’s looking after her grandmother, who is slowly deteriorating, whilst despairing at her normally sensible brother, who is going off the rails just to fit in with the ‘right crowd’. Even Zak’s unexpected attention causes jealous girls to shower Em with spite – not least Caitlyn. If only she had a guardian angel…

Then a second boy steps into Em’s life. Dark and brooding, a captive to the secrets of a past he’d rather forget, Kai, who has appeared as if from nowhere and fallen head over heels in love with Em, is the exact opposite of Zak.

And although he may not seem like it, Kai is the real thing. He really is an angel.

What I Thought Of This Book

Two words...Absolutely lovely. Calling for Angels is such an emotional tale that one can not help but find a connection with it in some way. I think every emotion that you can have was reflected in the story, love, loss, humor, you name it and it was in there. I personally found it very endearing.

I felt that it was very well thought out both in terms of the plot and the supernatural elements. I was fascinated by how much consideration was put into inter-workings of angels and demons, or what spiritual warfare might be like from perspective of beings on of the unseen world. One thing I really appreciated was that the romance side of the story wasn’t silly, tragic, or overly obsessive.

As for the characters I positively adored their sense of humor. It created some delightful dialogue. I loved that Em wasn’t your average teenage heroine. She was quirky and fairly comfortable with it. Although I must say my favorite character had to be Kai. I think this was because I enjoyed his emotional journey the most. I liked watching him grow as a character.

I was basically smitten with Calling for Angels. I think I might have read it in less than a week. Thus, proving how much fun I had reading. I think it is a wonderful read for all ages. Many thanks to Red Telephone Books for giving me this wonderful book to review.

Facts I Found Interesting

Author Alex Smith is only seventeen years old. She began writing Calling for Angels at age fourteen. Good grief! If she writes this good now can you imagine how she’ll write later?

The Movie

There’s obviously no film yet, but I think it would make a darn cute movie though.

Music to Read By

I read this very quickly so there were not very many albums in the mix. Mostly I just listened to random playlists I had already. The only full albums I listened to were Speak Now by Taylor Swift and Tiger Suit by KT Tunstall. I thought both of these albums fit the mood of the story at times. Though I think I loved Tiger Suit the best. I’m pretty sure I listened to one more album but I can’t remember what it was now. Oh...That is just going to get on my nerves. I'm drawing a blank. Gosh, I don’t know what it was.

While reading this I got the feeling that Alex Smith and I were musical kindred spirits. There were references to two bands I love Red Hot Chili Peppers and Led Zeppelin. In addition the character Em has Florence and the Machine’s Dog Days Are Over as her phone ring tone. My phone ring tone is Cosmic Love. Ha ha. Yay for Florence and the Machine ring tones!

Calling for Angels Playlist

Looking For Angels - Skillet

Under The Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers

(Still A) Weirdo - KT Tunstall

Pretty Eyes - The Cranberries

Everything Is Not Lost - Coldplay

Sparks Fly - Taylor Swift

Smile - Glee Cast

Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars

The Heart Of Life - John Mayer

Sing - Travis

Little Wonders - Rob Thomas

Friends - Led Zeppelin

For Those Who Wait - Fireflight

Dog Days Are Over - Florence and the Machine

Yay! I finally got this out to you lovely people. Very exciting. I hope you had fun reading this post. See you soon. Keep it shiny!

About Books Blog 28: The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening

Author: L.J. Smith

Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Romance

Favorite Line

“Everything inside her was contradictory. She didn’t want company, and yet she was achingly lonely. She did want to think, but now that she was trying to, her thoughts eluded her like mice running from a white owl.”

Summary (from The Vampire Diaries Wiki)

Elena is cool, blond and slender - the girl every boy wants and every girl wants to be. Always in control, no boy has ever stirred her innermost feelings - until she meets Stefan. Drawn to him with a frightening intensity, overwhelmed by desire, Elena knows that she must make Stefan hers.

However, Stefan is hiding a terrible secret. Centuries earlier, his love for another left him with a terrible legacy, the curse of living forever as a vampire. Aching to respond to Elena, he struggles to resist. For if, he and Elena should come together, he fears that his passion would demand the ultimate gift of love…

What I Thought of This Book

I guess I was one of those wacky people that didn’t know about this book until the television show was about to begin last year. Sadly, I didn’t have time to read the books before the show began. I decided since season two has started I’d try the books now.

The Vampire Diaries has that quality that keeps you reading. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the writers writing style. I simply enjoyed the way she expressed her ideas. The novel also had an element of intrigue and mystery inter-weaved in the in the plot that I didn’t expect. In addition, this book contains possibly one of the cutest first kiss scenes I've read in a long time. I was pleased with the historical flashback scenes, explaining the tragic love triangle between the two brothers and the vampire Kathryn. Flashbacks are just awesome in my book, and I’m starting to think I’m a total sucker for love triangles.

I had a few qualms with the lead character Elena Gilbert. My first impression of her was that she was bossy and expected all the boys to fall at her feet. I really didn’t like the way she played silly games, and engaged in a competition with her frenemie Caroline for Stefan’s heart. It was as if he was a prize to be had instead of a person... I mean vampire...Whatever. I also had issues with Elena’s best bud Bonnie, who literally thought EVERYTHING is romantic. I was thinking, “Good grief, I hope these girls grow out of this.” I don’t know if they exactly grew out of it, but I they did start to grow on me. I started to understand them better. The things that I once found annoying became endearing, and a little funny. Elena’s strong personality seemed to show potential in being channeled toward good leadership skills. Her love for Stefan started to improve her for the better.

I must say I found Stefan flipping adorable. I have a soft spot for a vampire with a tortured soul. I know it’s not the most original idea, but I felt Ms. Smith gave him his own flare with it. Damon rather amusing me. He’s quite obviously dangerous and not overly concerned about murdering and maiming, yet I still found him darkly delightful. I guess in general liked the male lead characters better than the girls. Perhaps this is because when you’re over 500 years old, you are less likely to act immature.

I’m completely ready to read the rest of the series. It is a fun pleasure read. Moreover, I kind of have to read the rest of the series since the darn book ended with a cliffhanger. A fact which I find rather cool and yet a little cruel.

Interesting Facts

This book actually has a video game. I don't know why but I find that rather funny.

The Television Show

Two words: LOVE IT! I was pretty much sold on the show before I even saw the first episode. Let’s just face it I love a vampire show. Angel, Forever Knight, Moonlight, Dark Shadows, Blood Ties, you name it I’ve watched it (except True Blood because I don’t have HBO). In addition, Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder are in it. I’m a fan of both Degrassi and Lost so I had to give the show a go.

The writing and production for the show is quite brilliant. The show has a very cinematic look. In fact it is kind of like watching a short film every week. The acting is wonderful as well. The performers do very well at making you tap in to the emotions of the scenes. I only feel sorry for who ever watches it with me. I tend to get very into it and offer witty commentary between the actors lines. Ha ha.

Of course, there are considerable amounts of changes from book to show. Most notably the fact the Stefan and Damon’s back-story was updated from late 15th century Italy to 19th century American Civil War times. In the show, Elena was given a teenage younger brother, as opposed to her three-year-old sister in the novel. The vampire mythology from was tweaked a bit. Which was probably a good idea, because lets just face it if you saw the live action actors turn into animals it would be difficult to take seriously. I just wonder was it that big of a deal to people that actress cast as Elena wasn’t blond. I heard it was, but I say who cares. At least Nina can act unlike someone in the vampire movie that shall remain nameless. Wink, wink.

Vampire Diaries CW Youtube Channel

Music To Read By

This one was a musical shindig. My favorite albums were How to Save a Life by The Fray, I Megaphone by Imogen Heap, Lungs by Florence and The Machine, and I Am...Sasha Fierce by Beyonce. Yes, I know that last one sounds ridiculous, but it works I promise it works in a weird way. I also, enjoyed listing to Laws of Illusion by Sarah Mclachlan, and a little bit of Chris Cornell and Seal.

I can’t say I’m completely pleased with my playlist. I like it but it feels like it’s missing something. Oh well, maybe when I finish the series it will come to me. I’ll just fix it later. At least it is all music that I would have listened to while reading.

TVD: The Awakening Playlist

Drumming Song - Florence and The Machine

You Look So Fine - Garbage

Look After You - The Fray

In My Place - Coldplay

Smash Into You - Beyonce

Come Here Boy - Imogen Heap

Undisclosed Desires - Muse

Sweet Dream - Beyonce

Love Come - Sarah Mclachlan

Kiss From A Rose - Seal

Bloodstream - Stateless

Mission - Chris Cornell

Blood Brothers - Iron Maiden

Closer - Kings Of Leon

(Note: I heard actress Nina Dobrev say that Kings of Leon is one of her favorite bands. Ironically, vampire stories often make me think of this song for some reason.)

Well that is it my loves. I hope you'll forgive me if there are any mistakes in this review. I kind of made a deal with myself that I would have this review out by today no matter what. I taught 6 classes tonight. I'm choreographing a dance that I'm going to be in as well. We do a lot of lifts in it, so I am beat. I don't do my best proofreading when I'm tired. At least I ran it through spell check. I hope that this was at least readable. Man, I sure write a lot for a tired person. See you later. Keep it shiny!

About Books Blog 18: Scarlett: The Sequel To Margret Mitchell's "Gone With The Wind"

Author: Alexandra Ripley

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

Related Reviews: Gone with the Wind 

Favorite Line

"Happy is the best way to be because then you can let other people be happy, too. Their own way."

Summary

After several failed attempts to win back Rhett's love, Scarlett finds solace in the love of her Irish relatives.

What I Thought Of This Book

I read many statements on the internet about how terrible the novel Scarlett was. I had seen the miniseries adaptation and loved it. I got curious about the events in the book. Was it as bad as people said it was? I figured that I should read it and see for myself.

The question you are all asking is, was Scarlett as good as Gone with the Wind? Well no. I didn't expect that that it would be. I'm not sure any sequel to Gone with the Wind  written by someone other than Margret Mitchell would match the first story. Of course, the writing styles in the two books are different. They have similar themes. However, Scarlett does not have the Civil War drama the Gone with the Wind  has. Not to say that this sequel doesn't have its share of political standpoints, considering the lead character lives in Ireland for a good portion of the book. I would say that the novel Scarlett primarily centers on emotional and social journeys. One might be fooled into thinking that not much is happening in the story. If you can look below that surface, you see that the characters, much like real people, are merely taking their time to come upon the big life revelations.

I had a few qualms with the novel. It had a few slow points. In the middle of the book, I wanted to know more of what was going on with Rhett. I know the novel is named Scarlett, so the novel is reasonably focused her. Still, it was weird to hear about his life though other people. The end of the novel felt rushed. I didn't feel that the characters got a chance to interact the way they should have, because of all the craziness that occurred in the final two chapters. My last issue has more to do with me than the actual writing. I am extremely squeamish when it comes to childbirth. Thus, the birth scene was truly horrifying for me. Eww...I know I'm being juvenile, but just thinking about it makes me cringe.

Aside from these issues, I liked many things about the book. It was well researched in terms of history. I enjoyed how she incorporated the lifestyles and cultures of the different places Scarlett traveled in to the story.

I liked how Ripley captured the personalities of the characters from the previous book. She might have mellowed Scarlett and Rhett's fire a little. Yet, they were still the lovable, frustrating, fools that they always have been. In my opinion, they needed to mellow a bit to make something other than horrible fights occur. It seems like when one-half of this couple is ready to be in a relationship the other is not. Good grief.

Ripley added well-rounded new characters. The author had a way of describing new characters that was amusing and informative. Some of the main characters' family and friends were a tad annoying in a way that only shows good characterization. I have always disliked Scarlett's sister Suellen, but her grandfather and aunts might take the cake in terms of trying personalities. I didn't really care for Rhett's brother and sister either. Yep, they just have very aggravating siblings. Ha ha. I adored most of Scarlett's relatives and acquaintances in Ireland though.

I think the best thing about the story is that Scarlett finally becomes a grown-up. She learns to be comfortable with herself, and to love others unconditionally. Thank goodness. I say better late than never. I thought she was such a selfish childish character in Gone with the Wind. I guess we can forgive her a little, since most of the people she knows and loves either leave or die on her in both books. Man, that chick has bad luck.

I found Scarlett an enjoyable read. I suppose it has a few melodramatic and unrealistic moments, but why would you read fiction if it was totally realistic? It is not the best book ever written, but it is not as heinous as some reviews have stated. If you love Gone with the Wind  I think you should at least take Scarlett for a spin.

Oh, I almost forgot to say how much I love the book's cover. The multi-colored petticoats make me smile.

Facts I Found Interesting

I hope I'm not being morbid, but I found the author's obituary very interesting. You have to admit it offers interesting insights in to her life and works. I found the facts stated in it far better than any biography that I found about her on the internet.

The Movie

The big plot points from the novel are used in the film, but on a whole, it's an entirely different story. They cut some characters out and enlarged the parts of some characters. There are a few extra sub-plots. The whole back half of the movie where you really start to notice the differences. The changes don't bother me at all, but maybe that's because I watched the film first. If anything, I think the screenwriters made the story better. They brought closure to many of the character relationships, where I wanted closure in the book. They also made the characters' choices make more since. There were some scenes from the book that I wish had made it in to the film, but they weren't extremely important to the story.

The film has wonderful actors. I think they all performed very well considering they had to live up to the first film. What cracks me up is that Scarlett, our American heroine, never ends up being played by an American actress. Joanne Whalley-Kilmer is and English actress, and so was Vivian Leigh. Weirdly ironic. Anyway, I love the miniseries to pieces. It's is six hours long, so if you want to watch it in one setting you might want to save it for your day off.

Scarlett Trailer

Music To Read By

Favorite Albums

This book was a bit of a musical extravaganza for me. Since I had watched the movie first, I knew how of gear my musical choices. I was able to make a tentative playlist for the book early on that I could listen to while reading.

I had so many favorites. I loved The Break Up by Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson, Little Voice by Sara Bareilles, Battle Studies by John Mayer, Stereotype A by Cibo Matto, Eye of the Telescope by KT Tunstall, Scream by Chris Cornell, and Extraordinary Machine by Fiona Apple. All were favorites because the songs deal either with rocky relationships or dealing with obstacles. 

By the way, I totally didn't do the Scarlett Johansson thing on purpose. It's neat that she spells her name the same way though. It's a little vexing as well. Every time I search something on this book I have to weed through Scarlett Johansson stuff. Strangely, I almost picked Rhett Miller's cover of Girl for the playlist. I thought that would be pushing it. Plus, I realized Girl would possibly be better for Great Expectations than for Scarlett.

Working on this playlist actually made me want to add some songs to my Gone with the Wind playlist. I know I'm crazy, that playlist had so many songs already. I figured what the heck it’s my blog.

Scarlett Playlist

Missing You - Jem

Putting The Damage On - Tori Amos

Total Eclipse of The Heart - Bonnie Tyler

Come 'Round Soon - Sara Bareilles

Two Drink Minimum - Chris Cornell

Criminal - Fiona Apple

Special - Garbage

Love Is A Battlefield - Pat Benatar

Brick by Boring Brick - Paramore

Lint of Love - Cibo Matto

Wicked Ways - Garbage

Bad Romance - Lady Gaga

With or Without You - U2

Happier - A Fine Frenzy

First Love - Adele
O Sailor - Fiona Apple

The Fairy Ring - David Arkenstone

I Should've Known Better - Nickel Creek

Red, Red, Red - Fiona Apple
Don't Think Of Me - Dido

War of My Life - John Mayer

Baby Mine - Alison Krauss
 Tomorrow Is A Long Time - Nickel Creek

 Miniature Disasters - KT Tunstall

Cherish The Ladies - David Arkenstone

I Don't Know What To Do - Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson

The Winner Takes It All - ABBA

White Flag - Dido

Fair Ireland - Peter, Paul, and Mary

Not Just A Woman - Rob Thomas

The embed for the player repeats some songs twice. Just ignore it as I do.

Wow. This was hard to review without spoilers. I had trouble organizing my thoughts on it. I'm not sure I managed to keep it totally spoiler free, but I think it still turned out okay.

I'm very excited. I'm I've got this review out today, and I finished a book last Sunday and a book on Friday. Just when I was starting to think I didn't have time to read. I guess I was wrong. Ha Ha. See you all later. Keep it shiny!

Next About Books Blog: Comic Book Tattoo Tales Inspired By Tori Amos

About Books Blog 15: Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

Authors: Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Genre: Young Adult

Favorite Line

"Music is an angry machine. We are all angry machines."

Summary

Desperate to avoid his ex-girlfriend, Nick asks Norah to pretend to be his girlfriend for five minutes. Little did they know, that this event would spiral Nick and Norah into a joyful yet confusing semi-first date, which takes them all over New York City.

What I Thought Of This Book

I read this book, because I saw the movie one weekend. I usually try to read the book before watching the film. In this case I didn't know there was a book until I was reading the movie credits. I thought since I have an addiction to making playlists this book would be perfect for me. However, the book actually left me feeling torn. There were good things and bad things. I thought I would make a list of things I liked and things I didn't like.

Things I Liked

1. Nick and Norah are awesome characters. They are wacky, random, and love music as much as I do. I loved reading about them finding things in common, and falling in love with each other. I loved that they heal each other after their previous relationships left them emotionally insecure.

2. I think the book is a good study of why people enjoy music, and how strongly it can effect us.

3. I love Nick's song lyrics. I am so mad that the authors thought up those lyrics before I did. So unfair.

4. The two authors really seemed to write well together. Their writing styles complemented each other so well that you felt like there was only one author.

5. It's the kind of book you can read in a day. I didn't because...well I don't know why. I guess it just didn't work out that way with my schedule.

Things I Didn't Like

1. To tell the truth I wouldn't feel comfortable with any of the young adults I know reading this book.There were what I considered fairly descriptive sexual references, and a few other things I didn't think were appropriate for someone younger than high school age. Even if they were in high school I probably wouldn't suggest this novel to them. To me this book is an adult book with young adults in it.

2. The excessive cursing. I seriously had a hard time finding a page that didn't have the F-word used repeatedly on it. It wasn't so much that I was offended by it, as the fact that it became very distracting to the story. It became difficult for me to see how sweet some of the scenes were through all the F this and F that. A few curse words for the sake of realism makes since, but I think six to ten times a page is a little excessive.

3. A particular scene in the book has possibly made the movie The Sound of Music less innocent for me. Now every time I hear one of the songs, I'll think of a night club that features people dressed as nuns making out to Sound of Music songs. I am not kidding that is actually in the book. No matter how cute it is that Nick and Norah's first dance is set to Edelweiss, I still found it a little awkward. I don't even want of discuss what they did to my image of ET.

4. I worried for the youth of America. Are the poor children really as jaded and emotionally insecure at only the age of 18 as these characters are? If so, I feel for you poor sweet things.

Well that's all I have to list. As I said before, this book left me torn. As much as I loved Nick and Norah as characters, I wasn't sure if that was enough to make me read the book again.

Facts I Found Interesting

1. The book has an awesome website, nickandnorah.com. It includes audio recordings of the book, discussions with the authors, a list of playlists in the book, a place to make your own playlists, and a couple more fun things.

2. Instead of a normal acknowledgments page the authors used a playlist to thank the people who made their book happen.

The Movie

It's an okay film. I liked the actors that where casted in it. All the supporting characters looked just like I imagined them in the book. Strangely, the actors they casted as Nick and Norah look nothing like how I envisioned them in the book. It didn't really matter though, because I still liked them. I was also quite pleased that some of my favorite scenes in the book are used in the film. It feels weird saying that, because I watched to movie before reading it.

I think the main difference between the book and the movie, is that the film centers around Nick and Norah uncovering clues to find the secret concert of their favorite band, Where's Fluffy. While the band Where's Fluffy is mentioned in the book, there is no epic search for their concert. I think this change really served the film well. It provided more crazy situations for the characters to get into.

The only thing that bothered me was a sub-plot I like to call, "The Journey of Caroline's Chewing Gum." If you've seen the movie I think you know what I'm talking about. Basically the drunken character, Caroline, chews on the same piece of gum through the whole film. Let me say, drunk people and gum are not two things that mix well. Haha.

Overall the film is entertaining. I wouldn't say if was super wonderful or anything, but it's a nice way to spend your time on a weekend. I think I like the movie better than the book.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist Trailer

Music To Read By

Favorite Albums

I liked both of Green Day's albums Dookie and Nimrod. Nick and Norah are punk rock fans, so Green Day is mentioned one or two times in the story. Too Young To Fight It by Young Love was great. Their songs are upbeat yet thoughtful at the same time, which worked for club scenes and emotional scenes. Hot Fuss by The Killers for the great bass lines. Nick is the bass player in his band so it makes since. I also enjoyed Does You Inspire You by Chairlift and Ellipse by Imogen Heap.

Oh yeah! I almost forgot. Author Rachel Cohn made the following playlists for the book.

Music Mentioned In The Book

Obviously a list of songs and artist mentioned in the book. I think she might have missed a few songs though.

T(rainy)/Dreamy Playlist

In the book Norah thinks about making a playlist for Nick, using songs that either have the words train or rain in them.

The Norah Soundtrack

Songs that express Norah's point of view during the book.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

(My Version)

(Several of these songs are either in the book, or by artists mentioned in the novel. I've thrown in a couple of my favorite songs to listen to while reading in there as well. I love that a book that I only sort of liked, ends up having an awesome playlist. That is so like me.)

Too Young To Fight It - Young Love

I Want To Be Your Boyfriend - The Ramones

Chump - Green Day

Change Your Mind - The Killers

Pictures of You - The Cure

Edelweiss - Sound Of Music Cast

Closer to You - Young Love

Should I Stay or Should I Go? - The Clash

Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now - The Smiths

Bruises - Chairlift

Walking Alone - Green Day

I Fall To Pieces - Patsy Cline

I Want To Hold Your Hand - The Beatles

Take A Chance On Me - Abba

Singing In The Rain - Gene Kelly

Toxic - Yael Naim

Tidal - Imogen Heap

Wrapped Up In Books - Belle and Sebastian

Taking Chances - Lea Michele (Glee Cast)

Jump Then Fall - Taylor Swift

Well that's all folks. Just to let you know I replaced all the players on here. Sadly, the switch has left my Company of Swans playlist rather small, because I haven't been able to find all the songs for it yet. Oh well, at least I have a player now. Yay! Merry Christmas everyone!

Next About Books Blog: Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris