Sex, Money, and Drugs.....Oh My! The Wolf of Wallstreet

If I hadn't read the book, I think, no scratch that,  I know,  I would have wanted to leave in the middle of the film.  Luckily for me, I had read the book and knew exactly what I was getting myself into.  So my goal here is to hopefully do for you, what the book did for me and get passed the seedy lifestyle choices so blatantly apparent throughout the film.

Meet Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo Decaprio who not surprisingly did an outstanding performance.  Jordan was in his early twenties and married to a girl who supported his ambitions as they lived their middle class life.  Jordan was never going to be satisfied with living in the middle class and was ready to do everything in his power to reach the top.  Never did he question who would he need to screw over or step on to get there.

So Jordan goes to Wallstreet and is targeted by a wealthy wallstreet executive who helps him learn the ins and outs of getting the rich to invest their millions.   Jordan does quite well for himself and even becomes a broker.  Sadly Wallstreet hits a bad streak and his employment ends.

Little does Jordan know that this minor setback will be the opportunity he needs to make his mark in the world or more accurately, rob the pocket books of many.  This is because Jordan discovers a way to make millions off of investments,  no matter how sneaky, unlawful, or corrupt it may be.  Jordan, the once eager young guy hoping to make a name for himself, soon creates an empire and works with big names like Steve Madden. True story.

While reaping the benefits of his new life,  he trades in the honest, down to earth wife number 1 for the sexy, well proportioned, from money wife number 2.  I have to give Naomi (wife number 2) credit, she isn't stupid and knows exactly how to get what she wants.  In all honesty,  the two really do love one another, but Jordan's demonds get the best of him.

Would you like to meet Jordan's demonds? They are: sex (with any variety of prostitutes in any location whether is be plane, office, car, etc.), drugs (qualudes......like 15 a day, cocain, crack, and several other prescriptions for "pain" I can't pronounce), and money (whether it's using his aunt inlaw, swiss bank accounts,  or swindling anyone willing to be sold, he had more than you could ever imagine).  These demonds controlled Jordan and eventually are what caused his empire to fall.

See this movie to find out just how one persistent FBI agent took down Jordan Belfort and his loyal Strattonites.  You'll be amazed just how far gone he was and how hard he crashed.   I encourage those of you who don't enjoy some of the lifestyle choices he made, to try to look passed that and see a guy battle a common demon many of us have to some extent. Addiction.

Based on a the autobiography. 

Buzzfeed's Books to Read Before They Hit the Big Screen Changed My Life

This blog post has been building up in my mind for awhile now.  I know the title seems a tad extreme, but it is true.  It isn't that it turned me into a reader, I was beforehand, but it did help me widen my reading genres by reading books I wouldn't have glanced twice at.  This is the girl who used Sparknotes in high school for EVERY book report.  Sorry Mrs. Boardman.........I still want to kick myself for not appreciating To Kill a Mockingbird and The Great Gatsby.  Then in college I saw The Notebook and heard it was based on a book.  That is when my reading kicked off.  The only problem was, I was devoted to all things Nicholas Sparks.  Don't get me wrong, the guy can write, but I think anyone who enjoys reading for pleasures needs variety.  So this creature of habit needed more once the relationship with Mr. Sparks was over.  This brings us to June 2013.  At this point I had read The Hunger Games Series, The Twilight Series, many Jodi Picoult books, and other novels, but I felt they all served the same demographic and I like to think I don't fit one mold of anything.  Then one fateful, summer night.  A friend on Facebook posted this link....http://www.buzzfeed.com/ariellecalderon/books-to-read-before-they-hit-the-big-screen .  For those of you who know me, know that I love having tasks to do and can get carried away by new things.  After all I am a 4th grade teacher, once vegetarian, once vegan, once blond, obsessive painter, now photographer....you get the point.  I love trying new things and have that addictive personality to where I hone in on whatever task it may be and it consumes me.  Sometimes it's good (I was refreshed when removing meat from my diet) and sometimes not so good (I was REALLY blond...and I am Lebanese...you do the math).  I digress.  So when seeing this list, my task oriented self got excited and dove right in.  I began this book journey July and just finished last night.  14 books in roughly 6 months.  Each book helped me appreciate a variety of genres.  One of them is a horror book (and amazing at that)!  I think what drew me in the most was the fact they would all at some point become movies.  Some haven't hit the big screen yet which was a bit disappointing as released dates were pushed back, but that's when I realized this was so much more than reading books to satisfy the movie buff in me (because I do see movies at least 2 times a week and often a movie will be seen 2 to 3 times..I told ya..obsessive), this became about appreciating literature.  Words on a page that will have some impact on you.  Whether you are laughing with the character, cursing him/her in your mind for making  a bad call, crying when you feel their pain.  In one of my earlier posts, I compared a book to a relationship.  Well, I do believe that to be true and feel like I just got out of a 6 month relationship with this list.  So without further ado, here are my thoughts and insights on these amazing books that did change my life for the better (I mean come on..I did go to my first author signing for the Maze Runner!).  I now have authors to explore such as John Green and series' to finish such as Mortal Instruments and Divergent.  Okay, enough of my rambling. I hope you can take away from this a great book to add to your list, your own ambition to read this list, or create your own book list.  

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth

This fantasy novel will leave you turning each page rampantly as you crave to know what happens next.  A girl must choose between following her family or her heart.  We are not talking relationships.  This is during a time where teens get to a certain age and must take a test that determines their knew path in life or which group they belong.  Most result in staying in the group of their family, but what happens if the test is inconclusive?  For one brave girl, she proves to be Divergent which is more dangerous than she could possibly understand in the beginning.  She chooses the exact opposite group of her family and is thrown into a world of danger and excitement.  What makes things even more complex is that nobody must know she is Divergent.  As she continues initiation into her new group, new life, she proves herself to be quite talented which raises eyebrows and unwanted attention.  She then begins to find out secrets, not just about her group, but about the entire system and how it is run.  A soon to be corrupt system with a power hungry leader and secrets about her family constantly battle in her mind.  Throw in a love interest who proves to be her companion and possibly more like her than she realizes (whom gets taken from her during the most difficult point in her existence) and you have a compelling novel.  I dare you to not finish the series after reading this.

2. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

You were created for a purpose.  In a world where two children are the maximum allotted and your parents are granted a third, but for one purpose.  To save the world from destruction.  By the way, as you begin to put the pieces together and are involved in intense training, you are six years old.  Ender is a talented young boy with the ability to do things he didn't know he could do.  He has the compassion but also the strength and hardness to become a great leader, but as he continues his journey and is out through the most difficult tasks with friends (whom are hard to come by at times when you are a prodigy) are dying, your mind is constantly being manipulated, and you are trying to determine if you truly want this path or if you even have a choice.  Ender is a character you truly care for and you feel his inner battles as he does things he doesn't necessarily want to do.  You watch an innocent, brave boy become hardened by his reality.  Ender is involved in a game but what he doesn't realize is, the game isn't  a game at all.

3. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Every family has secrets and most teenage girls have overbearing mothers, but for one girl it seems a bit much and she finds out nothing is as it seems.  Her mother is involved in a secret life that is beyond her wildest imagination and is taken from her.  Her mission is to rescue her mother with the help of her mysterious rescuer who'd been observing her from afar when she was at the wrong place at the wrong time when our story begins.  As the story enfolds, she finds out about a world she never knew existed.  Yes, maybe in stories, but this was real life.  Vampires, werewolves, immortal beings, and much more are becoming a normal crowd for her as she continues fighting to save her mother who was taken by the all powerful Valentine.  Valentine is one of the most powerful and evil beings, so what does he want with her mom?  The secrets unveil themselves and she soon realizes not only was her mother much more than what she seemed, but she herself has more to her than simply being a teenage girl.  So she and her immortal partner conquer evil together as they battle their own personal dilemmas such as their love for one another.  But as fate would have it, and with most love stories is does, their complicated relationship gets even more complex when they truly are separated by the most surprising detail. 

4. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Anyone who has read this will tell you how amazing it is.  I promise they are not exaggerating.  Hazel is a teenager with typical teenage problems, and oh yeah, she has terminal cancer.  What is most memorable about Hazel is her very realistic outlook on life.  She has accepted what she has, and for obvious reasons does not like it, but makes the best of it however she can.  When she meets Augustus Waters, her life is changed.  This charming, handsome, and recovering from cancer guy comes into her life at the perfect time.  What starts out as one simple and beautiful date, turns into a relationship filled with love and an appreciation for life.  Without giving too much away and knowing that cancer is an evil menace, you must know there will be tears, but I promise you won't regret it.  It is a love story and a life story that will positively affect you and hopefully make cancer free hard days, seem a bit lighter. 

5. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

One boy wakes up in a world he's never seen.  He doesn't remember what life was before this nor does he know how he got here.  He soon learns some already know him, and hate him, for reasons he can't begin to comprehend.  As time passes friend are made and this strange world they are part of begins to have a flow.  You have various groups in charge of various jobs and the job he wants most is to be a maze runner.  These brave souls go out into the unknown fighting off deadly creatures and trying to explore the world around them to hopefully get some answers.  After proving himself, he does become a maze runner and finds out secrets to this mysterious world he can't make sense of.  What are these flash backs he's been having?  Why do some know and hate him?  Why does he feel like this is part of something much bigger than what it seems?  Book one will give you some answers, but I encourage you to read the whole series.  There are 3 books and very fast reads.  The creativity and post apocalyptic essence will keep you wanting to read more. 

6. The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort

The phrase "more money more problems" rings true with this autobiography. Jordan was in his early twenties when he first entered the business world in New York City. He was an average guy making an average paycheck. Then he was exposed to the rich, wise, and greedy. Then average Jordan became a power hungry, corporate jerk with a drug problem and sex addiction.  Why read this then? Surprisingly you end up feeling for Jordan. Deep, deep, down he is a well intended person, but he is falling and falling fast in this toxic environment.   The question is.....what happens when he hits rock bottom? It's quite surprising how many times you think he does and then falls even harder and further.  This book truly does have heart and once you look past all the insane scenarios he gets himself in, you begin to route him on.  Find out what he does on his way to the top and what happens when he reaches the lowest of lows.

7. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Please refer to my previous post.  http://allthingsbooksmovieslife.blogspot.com/2013/12/gone-girl.html

8. The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel

This was the hardest book for me to get through. It was quite informative of the WWII time period but from an aspect I'd never thought of before. Hitler not only affected the lives of millions, but had a greedy passion for art.  This is where the monuments men came in.  Their mission was to find and seize all of the sacred pieces of art Hitler was hoarding.  This task was not easy as one of the most devastating wars was going on around them. As you can imagine, their bond grows as they experience some of the darkest moments in their lives. After reading this, I truly appreciate the story it tells and the information I never knew during WWII.  

 9. T

he Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Reading a book narrated by death seemed eerie, but honestly, I loved it! Death had this humanistic vibe and he genuinely seemed to care about his victims. One young girl he focused his tale on was a young girl who lost her mother to death himself on her way to meeting her new adopted family. This was during Hitler's reign which she later finds out is why she was sent to a new family in the first place. Once she arrives in her new home in a small town in Germany, she meets her new family. Her mother is a harsh appearing woman with a kind heart (you find out later) and her father becomes her saving grace. Leisel never learned to read and desires to read all and everything (even a book about grave digging). So her father teaches her which becomes the most rewarding experience for them both.As time passes, Leisel begins to feel Hitler's reign coming closer to this small town of Germany as her best friend is being bread as a future Nazi (against his will), her father is forced to defend the Nazi's, and their home becomes the secret storage for a young Jewish man whom Leisel looks up to as a brother. The irony of this is that Leisel, her best friend, mother, and father are all German. They are Germans who do not hail Hitler, not at all. Leisel's frustration grows as she sees how hurtful Hitler is to humankind. So what does this brave girl do during the infamous book burnings to help her cope with her frustration? She steals books. This novel has meaning and gives yet another perspective on the dark times of WWII.

10. Serena by Ron Rash

It's 1929 in a small town in North Carolina, and little do the people of this town know just how much their lives will be affected.  George and Serena wish to build a timber empire which seems innocent enough.  That is where you are mistaken my friends.  Serena has this mysterious power over her husband that makes him do all and anything she asks......even kill others who stand in the way of her vision.  I wish I could say this never happens, but it's quite the opposite.  Many people in town are dying and most can guess by who but are too afraid to say anything.  Then things get more intense when George discovers he has a child from a previous woman and, Serena, whom cannot have kids, feels threatened.  Nobody makes Serena feel inadequate, so this child is on her hit list.  Pathetic George tries in his own ways to protect the child and mother but is it really enough?  This novel has a mysterious affect that resonates throughout.  You know you can't trust Serena and are fully aware of her capabilities but still find yourself stunned when she raises the bar.  Just wait until the end when you see what she truly is capable of.  It truly is a gripping tale that will leave you in suspense.

11. Horns by Joe Hill

I remember first trying to find this book.  I searched all over the fiction section, then wondered if maybe it was in the young adult section, and finally settled in the teen section, but it was nowhere to be found.  Alas, one of the friendly Schuler's staff pointed me in the right direction which, to my surprise, was in the horror section!  This would be my first horror book and I was not exactly thrilled.  I just didn't know what to expect and was worried I wouldn't care about the characters.  I was very wrong.  

Poor Ig is devastated over the horrific death of his beloved Merrin who was brutally raped and murdered.  What Ig soon realizes is that he is the prime suspect!  All the evidence points to him as they just broke up after a fight and he was found near the location.  Needles to say, it isn't looking good for Ig and as the reader you begin to wonder if he really did it?  Then just when you think things can't get any worse, he grows horns and has this devilish aura about him. When he has the horns they give him the ability to extract the truth from whoever he talks to.  Whomever he comes into contact with says everything they are thinking, which in his case is awful.  His own family, he finds out has turned against him.  He truly is alone with nowhere to turn.  Ig eventually is able to use his power to find out what really happened the night of Merrin's death.  You truly feel for him when he finds out who did it, what Merrin went through, and why they broke up in the first place.  His next steps are to determine what to do.  Should he make it so the person is found out by the police or take things into his own hands?  He is battling with his inner devil that I think most could sympathize with given his circumstances.  Find out who wins, Ig or the devil inside.

12. If I Stay by Gayle Forma

Please refer to my previous post. http://allthingsbooksmovieslife.blogspot.com/2013/12/if-i-stay-will-stay-in-your-heart.html

13. The Spectacular Now by Tim Thar

Sutter Keely is  a fast talking, fast living high school senior with his bright future ahead of him.  That is until his longtime girlfriend breaks up with him leaving him devastated.  Sutter is fun, energetic, and very well intended.  So what is the problem you ask?  He is all talk.  Oh yeah, and he drinks..... a lot.  Sutter is the guy who puts hard liquor in his fountain pop at 10 am to get through the day.  Ask him if he has a problem and he can't understand why this question was even thought of.  So here we have Sutter drinking away his life when he meets a girl.  The sweet, innocent Aimee.  Aimee comes from a poor family and mother who doesn't appreciate her.  The goodhearted Sutter helps her develop the confidence she needs to live the life she deserves. As Aimee develops a strong attachment to Sutter, his friends question his motives.  Does he really like her or is this a charity case?  Aimee does help Sutter with his problems, well, not the drinking, he actually turns her to the dark side with that one, but she does help him find his long lost father whom he idolized as a child.  Sutter has some hard life lessons to learn and does so.  You truly want what's best for Sutter and often wonder if he will ever "get" it.  Find out if Aimee can rescue Sutter from himself or if he drowns in his own bottle.

14. Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight

Kate is on her way to meet with the principal at her daughter's prep school in Brooklyn.  As she arrives, their are ambulances and police everywhere.  Parents, students,and teachers are all crying or in a panic.  She is finally allowed to enter the building not allowing herself to think this could be anything to do with her. Sadly, she is very mistaken.  Originally, Kate was asked to come to the school because her straight A student was accused of cheating, but now that doesn't matter because her Amelia is dead from jumping off the school building.  The torment, heartache, and devastation take their tole on Kate as she tries to continue living her life which doesn't feel like a life without Amelia.  Then she gets texts from blocked numbers saying she didn't really jump.  So after being told it was a suicide and a closed deal, Kate finds a detective willing to work with her and they embark on a journey that unveils the secrets of Amelia's life, the school she attends, and other people in Amelia's life that Kate never knew existed.  It is hard for Kate as she finds out more about her daughter than she ever thought possible such as a secret club with awful girls, a love for another girl, and loneliness from growing up with a workaholic mother and father she never knew.  This story is told from Amelia's and Kate's perspectives which gives you the inside of Amelia's mind the days leading up to her death.  Throughout the story you are confident in who killed her, and then at the end are blown away when you discover the truth.  This story is a true reminder of how important it is to communicate with our children, the awful effects of bullying, and what people are capable of during desperate times.  You also discover the strength and bond a mother and daughter have.  Kate did have the guilt of not knowing some hidden truths about her daughter, but Amelia loved her dearly and Kate could hold onto that.  Mother's everywhere will have a hard time with this one, but it is worth it, I promise.

Okay folks, that is all for now.  Go get your reading on!  :)

The Inspiring Secret Life of Walter Mitty

I can remember seeing the first trailer for this film months ago and knowing then what I have confirmation of now.  It truly is an inspiring film and full of heart.

Walter Mitty is the guy you want to be your friend.  He is kind, sweet, and so timid you just want to route him on.  We are first introduced to Walter as he is trying to "wink" on eharmony.com at a co-worker he has feelings for.   For whatever reasons, his wink will not submit so he calls eharmony and speaks with Todd who becomes a new friend and frequent supporter of the great Walter Mitty (no seriously Todd and Walter eat at Cinnabon at the end of the movie).  We soon find out that Walter has been in his shell for some time and therefore has been lacking in the life experience department. 

Our dear friend Walter Mitty works for Life magazine during a time of duress. With the internet rampant with information, The magazine, Life, is publishing it's final copy.  Then, a well known, adventurous,  and talented photographer who has worked and respected Walter for years, sends him the negatives of his photos and specifically points out that negative 25 needs to be used  for the cover of the final publication.  The only problem is that Walter can't find it and it seems as though it wasn't sent with the other negatives. This is huge for the company and his superior whom is a douche bag with a bad beard will not let up until Walter shows him the negative.  Basically, he needs to find it or loose his job.

So Walter begins his conquest to find the infamous negative 25.  Which turns our timid, simple Walter Mitty into the adventurous person he's always been.  He literally jumps onto plains, gets into a fight with a karaoke singer in Greenland, and is involved in many more unbelievable scenarios that once used to be only in his imagination.  

If you want to know if Walter finds negative 25, keeps his job, or steels the heart of his co-worker (played by the ever so talented Kristen Wiig), you'll just have to see it.  But I can tell you this, there is a reason why Walter spaces out and imagines himself in heroic, adventurous situations.  It's because he truly is that heroic, inspiring, adventurous person.  The question is....... why did he change?

American Hustle Will Win You Over

Sex, drugs, bad hair, and bad decisions. Am I referring to the 1980's? Close. Go back one decade, make a movie about it, and then you'll have American Hustle. I have to be completely honest here, this is what I thought before going into this movie. Folks, I was wrong. So very wrong.

I knew the cast was going to be amazing. I mean Christian Bale should be your first indicator.  Christian was amazing, as usual, but so were Bradly Cooper, Amy Adams, and Jeremy Renner. Not to mention our star, bad guy mafia ringleader Robert Deniro.

Our story begins with Christian Bale's character, a well intended con man with a survivor mentality that has served him well throughout life. Things get more complicated for him once he meets the lovely Amy Adams.  They came from the same place.  Growing up doing what they needed to do to get to their version of the top.  So it's not surprising nor unoticed that they share a connection.  Bale lets her into his world and there you have the dynamic duo. Bale's business methods and  Adams' "English connections" help them contract with various customers, or victims I should say.  Things seem to be going well, that is, until Bradley Cooper's character enters their life.

Bradley Cooper is a young FBI agent just itching to rise to the top. A common theme throughout the film.   He sets up Bale and Adams which eventually leads to a very disfunctional trio. 

Cooper's character is endearing at times as his passion is to get the bad guys.   The problem here is, the bad guys are politicians and the mafia. Needless to say he gets in way over is head and takes Bale and Adams with him. 

Meanwhile, Bale is having inner conflicts as he befriends a mayor in New Jersey whom has a big heart and purpose for serving the people of New Jersey, but is also a prime target of the FBI as he doesn't always go about his purpose with the most honest methods.

With his wife (Jennifer Lawrence) meddling, his love affair with Adams on the rocks, the FBI on his back, and threats from the mafia, you truly route for Bale's character. 

Without giving everything away, I will leave you with this....The American Hustle will leave you wondering who truly is the bad guy here and who will get the just consequence? 

A riveting film and a blast from the past, I definitely recommend it. It has wit, creativity, flare, and charm.

The Inappropriately Hilarious: Anchorman Two

In my movie experience,  sequels to comedies are generally lacking.  They build themselves up to be just as funny or even funnier than their predecessors and end up letting you down. We're talking way down.  Well, I can confidently tell you that Anchorman 2 will not let you down as it's ridiculous humor will have you laughing out loud.......a lot.

We are reunited with the forever dense Ron Burgandy and his better half doing what they do best......the news.  Then the unthinkable happens and our loving couple go their separate ways due to important life decisions. So Ron finds himself alone doing bottom of the barrel gigs while his ex and son (yes they procreated) continue their lives with a new man in the picture (who reminded me of the step dad in The Santa Clause,  but much cooler).  Then Ron is prepositioned with an innovative news concept. 24 hour news! 

Ron accepts and reunites with his original news crew whom have all gone their separate ways.   One an exotic kitty photographer, one the owner of a fried chicken (or bat) fast food joint,  and the other dead.   Okay, maybe not dead after all,  we soon discover. 

Ron and his gang of misfits end up surprising all by giving a spin to the news that has a very "merica" feel which spikes ratings.   This newfound success once again gets to Ron's head and he has to decide what is more important; giving the real news or slanted, one sided version. In addition he has to decide which means more to him; his family or his "rock star" lifestyle.

For those who saw the first anchorman; you will be pleased to witness Brick's first love interest whom is pretty much the girl version of himself.  Their laundry mat, soda machine dates are truly endearing.  Ron's son will also capture your heart as he reminds you of a younger and less inappropriate version of Ron.   The two bond over a shark named Doby. (You just have to see it.)  I also promise a hilarious news crew fight scene in the end with several cameos (Wes Mantooth returns!).

Lastly, I'd like to think that even this movie can offer some meaning to life.  The media has grown so much over the years in what access we have. What once started as nightly news is now the History Channel, MTV, National News,  Local News, Wikipedia,  etc.  We truly have access to so much information more so than ever.  So we must do our research and know a bias slant when we see it or else we are no better than people who follow others out of blind faith.  I digress.  This movie will have you laughing most of its duration and feeling glad that you finally saw a comedic sequal worth seeing. 

The Courage of Hobbits

Before we embark on my review of  The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug, I have not read any of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels. In fact,  my only other experience with "middle earth" is strictly cinematic. That being said, I have always been a fan. So, if you are looking for an in depth account or comparison of the movie to the book, you may want to read something else. 

However lacking my Hobbit experience may be, I was very much looking forward to seeing this.  I loved the first movie and had high expectations for this one and am happy to say I was not dissapointed. 

We continue our journey with the second movie of the trilogy with Bilbo Baggins and the dwarfs on a mission to defeat Smaug, the dragon that destroyed their people, as well as reclaim their land.  While this is happening,  Gandalf the Grey comes across a startling revelation that the most evil of evil is growing and a war of the worlds is eminent. The overall themes of courage, perseverance,  and not underestimating the little guy is evident throughout.

The visual effects are engaging and give it the epic appeal so many love while seeing this movie.  The towns seem life like and the infamous Smaug (extremely huge dragon) is truly realistic if Dragons did exist. In addition, you see this constant conflict man has with power. Now when I say man, I am referring to the different variations such as hobbit, dwarf,  and elf. But for all intents and purposes I shall keep this simple.  Back to my point.  Our main character has a secret throughout that he carries with him. It may be a small secret in size, but the power it has over him changes him and you see him loose the innocence he once had. The saddest scene is watching his reaction when his new self realizes what he is capable of.  Even with this evil power attempting to take over his gentle soul,  he does show how much courage he has that he nor others ever realized.  Facing evil creatures and a giant dragon isn't exactly a walk in the park when you are a hobbit.

Mr. Baggins is not the only one who has this battle with power. The continuing theme of power reveals itself in a number of ways.  This truly is a good verses evil movie in the most epic proportions.  It upsets you to see civilizations crumble in weakness over the temptations of power but gives you a sense of hope when you see unlikely forces working together in order to rise above evil.

I promise you will be engaged and left needing to see what happens next to this couragous hobbit and his newfound friends.

A Book is a Relationship You Never Regret

As I begin my next book, I'm in a rather reflective mood.  This book that lies before me excites me similarly to if it were a new relationship.   It will soon be a part of my daily life.  I'm sure I will even dream about it at times.  When I'm going about my routine it will pop into my head and distract me in a good way.  As I delve into into it, the characters will be a part of my family/friends.  Yes, there will even be times where I forget that I am here and they are among the pages.  This sweet book of mine will upset me and even force me to walk away, before realizing how irrational I was and return.   Most importantly though, this book, this new relationship, will have an impact on my life in some way which to me is a beautuful thing and I will always be able to look at it fondly while remembering it's time in my life.

If I Stay will Stay in Your Heart

Wow.  I just read if I Stay by Gayle Forman and was going to wait until tomorrow to post about it, but I couldn't wait.  This was a book I couldn't put down no matter where I was, such as but not limited to: lunch breaks, waiting for a movie to start at the theater,  stop lights (ssshhhhh, our little secret), and any other chance I could get.

Mia is a 17 year old who wakes up one day with her amazing team of a family.  Dad is a post punk rock band guy turned teacher, mom is the rock of the family with an edgy demeanor but soft spot for all things her family.  What I love most about Mia's parents is their love for music which is apparent in their children.  Now, Mia's parents are the rockers of the family, so you'd expect Mia to follow, especially given that she is a teenager.  Not a chance. Mia is a classical gal who plays a mean cello.  The cello is not just a part of her, but who she is. 

As the day continues, you are introduced to her adorable little brother who idolizes her and you find out later the reason for their powerful connection.  Then enters Adam.  The love of her life.  What's unique about their relationship is what bonded them together.....music.  Even though Adam is similar to her parents with his passion for punk rock,  he appreciates all music and their first date illustrates how music can truly move you no matter what sprectum you may fall on.

I hesitate in telling you what happens next as it was a horrific point in Mia's life.  This Juliard bound girl with the world at her hands and an amazing support system for a family gets in a car accident.  Her mother and father are taken from her instantly.  Mia is left in a coma witnessing the evens that transpire after the accident from afar.  She is there when her loved ones beg her to stay and later tell her it's okay if she can't hold on anymore.

Mia now has a choice. Does she fight to stay?  As each day passes, she becomes tired, and peaceful with the idea of dying.   Her parents are gone and living without them is too painful.  She knows everyone will be okay and eventually live their lives.  

This was one of those reads that left me laughing outloud, shedding a few tears, and getting those goosebumps only a great book can provide.  Find out what Mia decides.

The Book Thief Will Steal Your Heart

We've read the heartfelt diary of Anne Frank or other tales of the inhumane acts of Hitler and the Nazis.  Life during World War II was truly horrible for anyone lacking in their German ancestry.  What must it have been like to be on the other side? 

The movie The Book Thief introduces us to a young girl (Leisel) on her way to meet her adopted German parents.  Unfortunately, her story begins with a death as her younger brother passes away while on the train ride to their new life.  Oh yeah and........the narrator of her story is none other than death himself. 

Our young,  female heroine is brought to a little German community on Heaven St. (Very funny Mr. Death).  Her new mother is rough around the edges with the biggest heart and her father with his gentle sweetness gives Leisel the confidence and knowledge she needs to understand life as she now knows it as well as right and wrong when it comes to following so called leaders.

Leisel learns to read and it is through words that she finds life's true beauty.   From painting a picture of the outside world to her secret, Jewish friend Max in the basement, to retelling an H.G. Wells story to neighbors as they hide in the basement while bombs go off above them.  Leitzle's belief in what is right and the empowerment of independent thought along with her thirst for knowledge lead her to make decisions such as stealing books from a book burning (apparently it is very wrong to be Jewish and seek knowledge) to sneaking into a German woman's house in order to "borrow" books that never have intentions of returning.   She is a rebel with a meaningful cause. 

What I appreciate most about this movie is how it depicts the blind faith some had in such a terrible person but also the resentment some Germans had.  Watching Leisel and her very Arian race appearing best friend yelling,"I hate Hitler" across the pond was truly powerful.

You will laugh,  be shocked, and cry as you continue to route for this brave girl. 

Philomena

One of the most powerful connections is between a mother and child.  This connection begins in the womb and lasts forever.  So imagine the heartache of having your child taken from you and searching your entire life unsuccessfully.

Philomena was a young teenager who fell for a boy and let her desires get the best of her.  Being a young girl without a mother to teach her the proper measures of protection,  she finds herself at the mercy of an Irish convent to help her raise her child.  After slaving away and constant repentance for her sins,  her son is adopted and taken away.

Now an elderly woman, she continues her life mission to find her son.  With the help of a "down on his luck" journalist, Philomena travels to America after finding out the church and convent she so faithfully trusted, had purposely disieved her.

Had he asked about her? Tried to find her? Known about her? These and so many other questions absorb her thoughts as she tries to find her son.

This movie has witty English humor,  compassion,  and enthusiasm for life.   See how two unlikely people bond while searching for the missing son of Philomena.

*A true story based on the practices of an  Irish Convent that sold children from young and/or diceased mothers to American families. 

Gone Girl

We like to think when we meet a person and begin "courting" if you will, that each individual shows their best side.  Known to many as the honeymoon phase. Eventually this subsides and we see the good, the bad, and the ugly.   When you can truly get a person and appreciate their positive qualities, while accepting their flaws, and are still willing to wake up to them every morning for the rest of your life, than you truly have found your person.  But what if this person isn't who you think he/she is and you don't find out until 5 years into the marriage?

This is what happens to Nick and Amy Dunne in Gone Girl,  by Gillian Flynn.  On their 5th wedding anniversary, Amy is missing.  All that is left of her is a crime scene with large amounts of blood,  a scavenger hunt she set up for her husband which she does every year, and a diary retelling the past 5 years of their lives.

Their story will leave you wondering if Nick could really kill his wife and who both partners really were.  This is a must read as it is filled with plot twists that always leave you wondering what will happen next.   Find out what happens to the Amazing Amy Dunne.

The Hunger Games Catching Fire Will Catch Your Eye

The government uses fear in order to have control of its people. Sound familiar?  I think that is one of the appealing aspects of this series.    This concept is not so far fetched from our imaginations to seem unrealistic. 
I have heard from various readers of The Hunger Games Trilogy and agree that the movie held true to the text as much as possible.  (To be honest,  though, I hate when people pitch fits when one does not match exactly with the other. You create your own movie in your mind when reading a good book,  so let's calm ourselves a bit when movies don't fit all 300+ pages of details.) I digress.
For those who haven't read the books. This movie is one with a gripping tale of a girl who just wants what is fair but continues to upset the wrong people because she encompasses what can hurt the control established which is hope. Hope to fight what is far from just and hope for a better life. You cry with her as lives are taken, encourage her when it seems her path can't get any worse, and are left in antipation of what is next to come.  
Don't forget her torn heart.  Does the boy who she fights to protect  have her heart or the boy she's known her whole life?  Not even Catniss can figure this one out as her mind is too occupied with protecting the lives of those she loves while trying to survive another round of Hunger Games that are much more serious than previous if, you can imagine.  
This is a must see as the stakes are higher and I promise you will be left needing to see the next movie whether you are a reader of the series, or simply a lover of movies.

The Delivery Man Delivers What You'd Expect

A nice guy who makes bad choices but means well finds out he has 533 children and around 100 or so of them want to meet him. Yes, very realistic. To the movie's defense, that's not the point.  Vincent Vaughn finds his purpose by being there for his "kids" in an in the behind the scenes way.   This leads to some very endearing tales of what twenty somethings who seek their identity may go through. He bonds them together and in the mean time is facing his own personal dilemmas.  It had heart and left you genuinely caring about the characters. My favorite part of this movie is that it emphasizes how just being a sperm donor does not make a father and only a father can decide if he is the father or not.  If you want a light hearted movie with mildly funny scenes and heart,  you will enjoy it.

Buzz Feed's Books to Read

I used to be the girl who would only read Nicolas Sparks books.  Don't get me wrong.  The guy does know how to write a love story located in a quiet southern town in North Carolina.  The charm was appealing for me.  But, as I got older (wiser, maybe) it just wasn't enough for me. Then one fateful November in 2008.  I saw a movie I had never heard anything about, but knew that is was really popular among teeny boppers.  I checked it out with my partner in crime of all things movies and was hooked on The Twilight Saga.  Now, please don't discredit me just yet.  I loved the movie so much that I thought reading the books would be a good change from my typical reads.  I wasn't sure how the blood and  fantasy would fly with me, but needless to say my life was taken over by Stephanie Miller.

What Twilight did for me was made me give other genres a try and for that I am forever grateful.  Since then I have fallen in love with Jodi Picoult and her suspenseful spins involving major court cases, Pam Jenoff with her historical fiction and gripping tales, and many more amazing authors.

What truly opened my mind to the world of reading was when Buzzfeed posted 14 books to read before they hit the big screen.  http://www.buzzfeed.com/ariellecalderon/books-to-read-before-they-hit-the-big-screen   My social plans are centered toward what movie I am seeing with friends each week, so when I saw this list, I had to give it a go.  I began this journey in July of this past summer and only have 2.5 books left.  The word journey seems cheesy, but that is what it has been.  The girl who once only read books similar to The Notebook has finished the Maze Runner Series, read a horror book (yes I did say horror), read a biography about one of the most greedy creeps you could ever imagine (Really good read though!), and cried/laughed with some of the most wonderful characters I have ever encountered.

My point?  My next posts in the near future (when I am not reviewing a movie I have to tell you about) will be about these books and my thoughts.  I hope you end up reading them too if you haven't yet.