Reviews by me

100 books in 2010? I think SO!

2010-01-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

I'm making a special goal for myself in 2010: Read 100 books. I can do this. Oh yes I can. This is where I will edit and keep the list, so check back often!!

Books Read in 2010

No Place for Magic by ED Baker
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
The Salamander Spell by ED Baker

Remember me??

2009-11-14T14:14:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I didn't think so....

I'M SORRY!! I still haven't been reading much, but I have lots of books to review! If all goes well (my mommy's being a stickler and making me finish my book reports first. Blech. Reviews are SO much more fun than reports. Just sayin')

But... first draft's almost done.. so there's a good chance!

I also wanna throw it out there that I'm mad I'm not doing NaNoWriMo this year. >.<

Well, that's all for now, folks. But, keep for eyes peeled for reviews...

Giant by Edna Ferber
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
The Secret by Beverly Lewis
Play on Album by Carrie Underwood

and much, much more!!!

Birthday Books

2009-09-27T13:07:00.001-07:00

So, I turned sixteen a little over a month ago (!!) and apparently, people know me too well... I gots lots of book!

Artemis Fowl
Catching Fire (!!!!)
Julie & Julia
The Time Travelor's Wife
The Vampire Diaries

and I got over $80 worth of Borders Giftcard (Who can say HEAVEN!) with which I bought...

I'd Tell you that i Love you, but then I'd have to kill you
Don't Judge a Girl by her cover
The Lucky One
Message in a Bottle
Dragon's Breath
Dragon Princess

Ummmm... Hi

2009-09-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

OK, so, like, I'm a horrible blogger :( And that fact makes me sad :( I've been SO busy with school and life in general. I'm so sorry!

Authors: I WILL review your books! Please give me some time, and I will email you the review(s) of your book/s

Coming Soon!

2009-09-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

Movie Review: Ever After

2009-09-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Name: Ever After

Director: Andy Tennant

Starring: Drew Barrymore and Anjelica Huston

Rated: PG

For: brief language and mild thematic elements.

Brief summary: Ever After tells the story of the "Real" Cinderella, Danielle De Barbarac, played by Drew Barrymore. Danielle, like Cinderella, has the wicked stepmother and two stepsisters. Unlike other adaptions of the fairytale, instead of waiting for her prince, Cinderella, or Danielle, in this case, rescues herself. Instead of having a fairy godmother, Danielle has Leonardo DiVinci to help her out. Danielle overcomes her hardships, escapes from her evil family, marries her prince, and gets the famous happy ending.

Age level: Ten and up

Cautions: Kissing and some violence and immodesty.

If you like this movie, you might also like . . . A Cinderella Story

Personal Opinion: As a lover of fairy tales and re-tellings of fairy tales, I obviously love this movie. It's fun, action filled, dramatic, romantic, and everything else you can think of. You have to love Danielle more than Cinderella: she is the ultimate poster girl for "Girl Power!" The casting was great, especially with Drew Barrymore as the heroine. I love Drew Barrymore and she DOMINATED this movie.

Overall rating: 9/10

Random tidbit: I'm boring and don't have any. *le sigh*

Book Review: The Faerie Path by Frewin Jones

2009-09-03T09:20:00.001-07:00

Name: The Faerie Path

Author: Frewin Jones

Brief summary: Anita is a normal teenager living in London with her parents. She has a boyfriend, who, on her birthday, takes her out on a boat to give her a gift. When they are hit by another boat, a whirlwind of events start to take place. Anita finds herself in the hospital and gets a strange book from an address she does not recognize. One night in the hospital, she has a dream that she is flying above London. She ends up stepping into the faerie world and finds out she is the long lost daughter of Oberon and Titania, King and Queen of the Fairies.

Grade/Age level: 12 and up

Cautions: None

If you like this book, you will also like… How to Ditch Your Fairy

Personal Opinion: Very fun read! I'm into fairies and fantasy, so this was a great book for me to read. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Rating: 8/10

Book Review: Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg by Gail Carson Levine

2009-09-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

Name: Fairy Dust and the Quest For the Egg

Author: Gail Carson Levine

Brief summary: The Neverland Fairies are created by a baby's first ever laugh. Prilla is the newest fairy to come on the island, except when she gets there, she, unlike every other fairy, doesn't know her talent. Join Prilla as she discovers many of the wonders of Neverland, including a dragon, mermaids, pirates, and Mother Dove, the mother of the whole island.

Grade/Age level: 5 and up

Cautions: None

If you like this book, you will also like… peter Pan!

Personal Opinion: Very fun, cute read. I love Gail Carson Levine, so that's why I read this. And I'm a Tinkerbell buff.

Rating: 7/10

Book Review: At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks

2009-09-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Name: At First Sight

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Brief summary: This is the sequel to "True Believer". Jeremy and Lexie are unexpectedly expecting their first child together and planning their wedding. When Jeremy gets a strange email from a stranger making him question whether or not he is the father of Lexie's baby, he begins that Lexie is having an affair with a friend from her childhood. Will they be able to get married and live happily ever after, or will Lexie's prince charming be someone else besides Jeremy?

Ages: 15 and up

Cautions: Dealing with death, the idea of an affair, a shotgun wedding, and a pregnancy before marriage.

If you like this book, you will also like… Well, you of course have to read True Believer first!

Personal Opinion: Oh, my goodness. Wow. Nicholas Sparks definately delivered in this wonderful sequel. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, making me thirst for more. The ending was wonderful, so sad and horrible, yet so great.

Rating: 9/10

Book Review: I'd Tell You I'd Love You, But Then I'd have to kill you.

2009-09-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

Name: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You.

Author: Ally Carter

Brief summary: Cammie is a normal teenaged girl, or is she? She goes to Gallagher's Academy For Girls, a school for prestigious girls to go to. Or is there more to both Cammie and Gallagher Academy then meets the eye? Cammie is really a spy, not a smart rich girl, and Gallagher is actually a school for girl spies to go and learn how to spy. When Cammie meets a guy and falls for him, she wants to become normal. But, how can the daughter of a world famous spy, who is on the path to becoming a spy herself, be normal?

Grade/Age level: 12 and up

Cautions: None

If you like this book, you will also like… I'm not sure, this is a very unique book.

Personal Opinion: What a fun book! This is such a great book and a very quick read. I love this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series and more books by Ally Carter.

Rating: 8/10

Book Review: True Believer by Nicholas Sparks

2009-08-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

Name: True Believer

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Brief summary: Jeremy Marsh is a journalist. He doesn't believe in crazy supernatural stuff, like ghosts, or psychics. After unveiling the truth about a world renowned psychic, he gets a mysterious letter asking him to come investigate a haunted cemetery down in a small town in South Carolina. While there, he meets and falls in love with Lexie, a girl who brings out the best in him. He also meets and makes friends with a variety of different characters.

Grade/Age level: 14 and up

Cautions: There is a brief brief brief mention of unwed pregnancy, and the author mentions that a couple had sex.

If you like this book, you will also like… Even Now by Karen Kingsbury

Personal Opinion: Um, wow. Wow wow wow. This, without question, is the best Nicholas Sparks novel I have read. This had humor, romance, mystery, everything! This was definately the funniest book... who knew that Nicholas Sparks could write romance? Not me, that's for sure.

Rating: 10/10

Coming soon on Reviews by Me!

2009-08-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

Giveaway!

2009-08-25T07:05:00.001-07:00

Ok, to make up for the fact I'm a horrible blogger, I'm hosting a giveaway!!!! The prize is... *drumroll* a bookmark and bracelet made by yours truly!!

Yay!

To enter, comment on this post.

For extra entries.

+1 Become a follower
+2 Already be a follower
+3 Post about this contest on your sidebar!
+4 Blog about this contest on your blog as a post!

Contest starts... now.... and ends on September 12th!!!

Please leave your email address in a comment!

Book Review: Even Now by Karen Kingsbury

2009-08-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

Name: Even Now

Author: Karen Kingsbury

Brief summary: Shane and Lauren are two teenagers head over heels in love with each other. When Lauren unexpectedly becomes pregnant, they know they want to get married. Their parents, however, have different plans. Shane's father is a successful business man, and all his parents can think about is how Shane's life will be ruined if he and Lauren keep the baby, and worse get married so young. So, Lauren and Shane's parents decide to keep them away from each other. Years later, their daughter, Emily, decides to find and get her parents back together. Will Shane and Lauren get their happy ending or will they find happiness from other people or things?

Grade/Age level: 14 and up

Cautions: Teenage pregnancy, they may briefly mention abortion, they talk about life in Afganistan and war and stuff like that.

If you like this book, you will also like… True Believer by Nicholas Sparks

Personal Opinion: Absolutely amazing. I can't wait to read more of Karen Kingsbury's books. I love her writing style.

Rating: 10/10

2009-07-18T07:38:00.001-07:00

Name: My Sister's Keeper

Author: Jodi Piccoult

Brief summary: Anna is tired. Tired of living for her sister. She was concieved as a perfect genetic match for her sister, who has been sick with Leukemia since a very young age. Anna makes a choice that will tear her family apart, more than it already is. She decides to sue her parents for the rights to her own body.

Grade/Age level: 14 and up, maybe older, maybe a little younger. My sister was thirteen when she read it, but she's a very mature thirteen year old.

Cautions: You should have caution to the whole book. This book, as wonderful as it is, is very disturbing.

If you like this book, you will also like… I've found that Jodi Piccoult is very much the female version of Nicholas Sparks, so anything by Nicholas Sparks. I highly recommend a Bend in the Road or a Walk to Remember.

Personal Opinion: This book is one of the saddest, but one of the most amazing books I have ever read. Anna's personality is great, she reminds me so much of my younger sister. :D

Rating: 10/10

Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Halfblood Prince

2009-07-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

Name: Harry Potter and the Halfblood Prince

Director: David Yates

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson

Rated: PG

For: scary images, some violence, language, and mild sensuality

Brief summary: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger are back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for their sixth year of school. Over the summer, the trio saw Harry's enemy, Draco Malfoy, at a sketchy store. Harry is convinced that Draco is a Death Eater, a follower of the evil wizard, Voldemort. Ron and Hermione, however, are convinced that Harry is biased and overreacting. Also during the summer, Albus Dumbledore, Harry's mentor and the headmaster of Hogwarts, takes him to convince an old teacher, Horace Slughorn, to come back to Hogwarts to teach. During the year, Harry goes to regular meetings held by Dumbledore, to help Harry understand what Voldemort was like before he went bad. This movie was filled with action, humor and, believe it or not, a great deal of APPROPRIATE romance.

Age level: Eight and up

Cautions: A girl kisses a boy passionately, A boy makes a sexual face to a girl, A boy and girl kiss, there is some violence and blood.

If you like this movie, you might also like . . . Any of the other Harry Potter movies.

Personal Opinion: I have to admit, after the disappointment I experienced after "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", I was expecting "Halfblood Prince" to have the same outcome on me. However, as soon as the movie had started, I was happily proven wrong. The movie not only had supberb filming, directing, acting, and cinematography, it also stayed much more true to the books than any of the other movies, except maybe for the first or second movies. The one thing I was disappointed in was that they cut out one of my favorite parts in all the books. "Roonil Wazlib". Not that it was at all important in the book, it was just funny. There were somethings that happened in the movie that made me raise my eyebrow (I won't say what, just in case you haven't seen the movie yet and plan on seeing it), just some stuff that was random and didn't happen in the book. And, ummm, is MAYBE NEEDED in the next movie?? I dunno. *shrug*

Overall rating: 9/10

Random tidbit: Rupert Grint was my first celebrity crush. I am now in love with him again. *giggle*.

2009-07-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

Name: The Host

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Brief summary: The Host takes place in an alternate universe, a world where alien souls have taken over the earth, and each soul lives in a human body, their host. Melanie, a human, has just been taken over by an alien, Wanderer. Although they are not supposed to, Melanie still lives in her head, tormenting Wanderer. Wander falls in love with Melanie's love, Jared, and goes on a quest to find him and the rest of the humans that live undetected.

Grade/Age level: 15 and up

Cautions: This is a horrifying world. Just the idea of it gives one nightmares. There's some kissing, violence, gore, blood, etc.

If you like this book, you will also like… I have never read a book like The Host before...

Personal Opinion: Um. This is a hard book to decide whether I like or not. It was WAY sci-fi, like I didn't realize it was gonna be THIS Sci-Fi when I bought the book. Towards the end, I realized I kinda liked it, it was romantic. So, yeah.

Rating: 4/10

Movie Review: Up

2009-06-16T17:53:00.001-07:00

Name: Up

Director: Pete Docter & Bob Petersen

Starring: John Ratzenberger & Christopher Plummer

Rated: PG

For: Some Peril

Brief summary: Carl is about to fulfill his and his late wife, Ellie's, life-long dream. Going to "Paradise Falls" and forgetting everything. When Carl gets violent with a construction worker, he is forced to move into a convalescent home. However, before the bus can pick him up, Carl makes his grand escape by tying thousands of balloons onto the top of his house. When he's in the air, he finds out that he is not the only one making the voyage. Russell, an eight year old "wilderness scout" had climbed onto his front porch and is now making the journey with him. On their way to Paradise Falls, Russell & Carl encounter many things, including Carl's childhood hero, a giant bird, talking dogs, and much more. This movie is sweet, appropriate, and perfect for the whole family.

Age level: All ages

Cautions: A woman has a miscarriage, a man hits another man, making him bleed. A man is ordered to go to a convalescent home. A boy mentions having a stepmother and says that his relationship with his dad isn't so great. There're some scary parts. Some fighting….

If you like this movie, you might also like . . . The Incredibles!

Personal Opinion: Okay, I was expecting this movie to be "Okay". Just in the first five minutes, I was drawn in and I KNEW I was going to love it. Weird, huh? Dug, the talking dog, WAS HACKING HILARIOUS! Most of the jokes he made kids wouldn't get (they weren't inappropriate, just for an older age group. You either have to OWN a dog or know someone who owns a dog to really get it.). Also, at the end of the movie, there's a great scene including sacrifice which I TOTALLY loved. But, younger kids wouldn't really get it. It was a totally sweet, funny, all around good movie. I really liked it and can't wait to drag my family to it. ;) MUAHAHAHA!

Overall rating: 10/10

Random tidbit: John Ratzenberger has been in every Pixar movie. And he's from the town my dad grew up in! Which is technically right next door to MY town! And my daddy saw him on the train, and he's been to the diner we usually go to… What I'm trying to say is… He's a cool dude.

Book Review: Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

2009-06-15T12:46:00.001-07:00

Name: Eclipse

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Brief summary: The Twilight saga continues with Eclipse. In Eclipse, Edward and the rest of the beloved Cullens are back, and Bella is back to normal. Bella is also much closer to Jacob. In Eclipse, the infamous love triangle between Edward, Bella and Jacob continues. At the same time, Bella's life is once more threatened by Victoria and her army of newborn vampires. While fighting for her life, Bella has to choose, vampire or werewolf?

Grade/Age level: 13 and up

Cautions: Bella tries to push herself on Edward, there's probably some swearing… Many people have problems with the idea of vampires.

If you like this book, you will also like… I'm not sure…

Personal Opinion: Eclipse is my favorite book overall in the Twilight saga. The story, romance, and action all have their peak in this book. The romance is pretty much chaste, except for the fact Edward sleeps in Bella's bed (nothing happens), and there's some passionate kissing. After I had finished reading this book, I was left wanting to "punch a werewolf in the face". Hah.

Rating: 10/10

My deepest apologies, my dearest readers

2009-06-15T12:36:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone! I am a horrible blogger, I know. I haven't updated in who knows how long. But… that is changing… TODAY!

For a week, starting today and ending Friday, I will post a new review daily! Ooh! Ahh!

Also, I would like to introduce WORDY WEDNESDAY! A day of guaranteed reviews! Unless I am busy with a good excuse (such as being away or finishing school), every Wednesday will be a REVIEW! (ooh! Ahhh!) Anyway, I'll start later today.

Are you ready?!

New Blog

2009-03-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Just a quick FYI!

I have a new blog where I'm going to put all the cool graphics and stuff I design.

It's called Designs by Katie.

Go Check it out!

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

2009-03-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

Name: Ella Enchanted

Author: Gail Carson Levine

Brief summary: When Ella of Frell was born, the foolish fairy, Lucinda, gave her the gift of obedience. Of course, as Ella grows up, she looks at that "gift" as a curse. Any command she is given, Ella has to obey. It could be something as simple as, "Clean your room." or something much worse, like, "Chop your head off.". When Ella is fifteen, she decides to find the foolish Lucinda and ask her to talk the curse off. This book follows Ella as she goes to finishing school, her father gets remarried and ultimately, she falls in love with the gorgeous Prince Charmont, Prince Char for short. Will Ella get the curse off and get the happy ending that she dreams of?

Grade/Age level: 10 and up

Cautions: None

If you like this book, you will also like.... Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

Personal Opinion: I read this book when I was about ten and it's been my totally favorite book since. It was always at the top of my "favorite books list", even above Harry Potter! Those who knew me at this age will find this as a shock, as I was a Harry obsessor from ages 8-12.

Rating: 10/10

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

2009-03-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

Name: Princess Academy
Author: Shannon Hale

Brief summary: When the priests predict that the prince's future wife will come from the mountains, everyone is shocked at the idea. When the King's Men come to let those from the "chosen" mountain town know that every girl aged 12-18 must come to "The Princess Academy", Miri is less than thrilled. Miri, a girl filled with imagination, character and wit, is angered when she is told she doesn't get a choice and must go to the Princess Academy, especially when she realizes her sister, Marda, is a few days too old to go with her. Miri, along with every other girl, goes to the Princess Academy to be taught how to act, dress, eat and do everything else a princess must. Along the way, Miri makes an unexpected friend, Britta. Britta recently moved to the mountains from a city and was recently orphaned. This book was filled to the brim with adventure and romance.
Grade/Age level: 12 and up
Cautions: None
If you like this book, you will also like....Any book by Gail Carson Levine, Especially Ella Enchanted.
Personal Opinion: The same cousin who gave me Cycler gave me this book YEARS ago. I randomly found it while cleaning my room and decided to give it a shot. As I read it, memories of me rereading Ella Enchanted for the trillionth time filled my head. Miri and Ella have much in common, including that both are spunky and they both fight their way through different trials. Princess Academy was a fun book that I HATED to put down.

Rating: 9/10

Cycler by Lauren McLaughlin

2009-02-24T08:54:00.000-08:00

Name: Cycler

Author: Lauren McLaughlin

Brief summary: Everyone hates "That time of month", right? Jill has a different reason than most girls to hate her period. For four days every month, Jill turns into Jack, a rebellious teenage boy. With the help of her "anti- Jack" mother, everytime Jack turns back to Jill, she meditates on the fact that she is "All Girl" and forgets everything that Jack did during his visit. With the help of his yoga loving father, Jack is able to be a normal teenage boy, complete with sneaking out, food and porn. Her friends all think that during those four days when she's out of school and can't see or talk to any of her friends, that she's getting blood transfusions. When Jill developes a crush on a cute bi-sexual boy, she is determined to go to prom with him. The only problem? Jack will be visiting.

Grade/Age level: 14 and up

Cautions: Jack sleeps with a girl, Jack asks for porn (and gets it), A boy is bi-sexual, Jill and her friend kiss on the lips, just as a joke though.

If you like this book, you will also like....I have no idea! This book is so unique...

Personal Opinion: When my cousin gave me this book and told me what it was about, I laughed. A girl who turns into a guy during her period? FUNNY! Makes my period seem alot easier. :P But as I randomly started to read it, I was mesmorized. I meant just to read a chapter or two, but instead I stayed up all night reading it. It was funny, touching and WAY different than any book I've ever read.

The only thing I really had a problem with was the porn. It made me uncomfortable, and that's probably the only reason I'm not letting my sister read it.

Rating: 9/10

An Old Fashioned Girl book review

2009-01-14T18:16:00.000-08:00

Name: An Old Fashioned Girl
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Brief summary: Polly, a naive country girl, goes to the city to visit her friend, Fanny Shaw, and her family. While she's there, Polly realizes that people are growing up a lot earlier now. Her friend, Fanny, dresses different, and goes to adult activities. Polly, on the other hand, prefers playing with little Maude Shaw, or sledding with Tom Shaw, Fanny's brother, to spending time with Fanny and her high society friends. This touching book is the story of Polly's journey to staying true to herself while in a place where it's odd to be yourself.
Grade/Age level: 10 and up
Cautions: None
If you like this book, you will also like....Eight Cousins and Little Women, both by Louisa May Alcott
Personal Opinion: This was probably the first book that I had to read for school that I actually really really enjoyed. Wait, no. I liked Lilies of the Field too. Ninth grade books are better than any of the other years. *shrug*

I highly, highly highly recommend you read this. It's SUCH a good book!
Rating: 10/10

Coming soon!

2008-12-26T08:07:00.000-08:00

Song by Song Review of the Wicked Soundtrack (Gotta love iTunes giftcards!)

Song by Song Review of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Soundtrack.

Song by Song Review of Rascal Flatts newest CD: Still Feels Good (Gotta love sisters!)

Movie Review of Mamma Mia! Starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth

Book Review of Little House on The Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Book Review of Holy Father: Pope Benedict XVI: Pontiff for a new era by Greg Tobin.

Book Review of Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer.

Song by Song Review of the Enchanted Soundtrack featuring Carrie Underwood

Book Review of Come Juneteenth by Ann Rinaldi

Book Review of Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

Book Review of Anne of Avonlea By L.M. Montgomery

Book Review of An Old Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott

Soundtrack Review: Twilight: The Major Motion Picture

2008-12-25T20:19:00.001-08:00

Name: Twilight: The Major Motion Picture Soundtrack

Artist: Various

Favorite songs: Decode, Bella's Lullaby, Supermassive Black Hole, Leave Out All The Rest, and Flightless Bird, American Mouth.

Song by Song Review:

Supermassive Black Hole by Muse- 9.5/10 -- This song has a great beat and is alot of fun to dance and sing along to!

Favorite lyrics: "I thought I was a fool for no-one, Oh baby I'm a fool for you. You're the queen of the superficial, And how long before you tell the truth?"

Decode by Paramore- 10/10 -- AAHH! This song is AMAZING!!!! This is the song that made me obsessed with Paramore. :)

Favorite lyrics: "How can I decide what's right, When you're clouding up my mind?

Full Moon by the Black Ghosts- 7/10 -- The song's cool, it just gets kind of repetitive after a while.

Favorite lyrics: "In the full moons light I listen to the stream. And in between the silence hear you calling me. But I don't know where I am and I don't trust who I've been. And If I come home how will I ever leave"

Leave out All The Rest by Linkin Park- 10/10 -- AHHH!! THIS SONG Is the best on the album!!!!!!!

Favorite lyrics: Ahh, I love all the lyrics, but here's thee chorus which is totally amazing. "When my time comes, Forget the wrong that I've done. Help me leave behind some Reasons to be missed. And don't resent me, And when you're feeling empty,Keep me in your memory. Leave out all the rest. Leave out all the rest."

Spotlight (Twilight Mix) by Mutemath- 8/10 --Fun song! I like it lots. :)

Favorite lyrics: "You know the one thing you're fighting to hold Will be the one thing you've got to let go."

Go All The Way (Into The Twilight) by Perry Ferrell- 4/10 -- AHHHH! MAKE IT STOP! AUGH! This is my least favorite song on the album. SO repetitive and ANNOYING!!!! It's the song that's playing when Bella and Edward walk into the prom. *shudders* augh.

Favorite lyrics: "La la la la la lalalala la la la la la Tonight! Lightning strikes! Let's go into Twilight!"-- Sorry couldn't help it. This is pretty much the whole song.

Tremble For My Beloved by Collective Soul- 7/10 -- It's pretty cool. The tune at the beginning seems like the music that they play throughout the movie.

Favorite lyrics: "Its a world where madness craves. Its a world where hopes enslaved. Oh, I tremble for my love always"

I Caught Myself by Paramore- 8/10 -- I love this song! It has a great beat and great lyrics. :) Pretty much, typical Paramore. :)

Favorite lyrics: "You got it, you got it. Some kind of magic, Hypnotic, hypnotic. You're leaving me breathless, I hate this, I hate this."

Eyes on Fire by Blue Foundation- 8/10 -- Awesome awesome song! They also play this one throughout the movie randomly. It's just the song that just has the "lalala's"

Favorite lyrics: "I won't soothe your pain. I won't ease your strain. You'll be waiting in vain. I got nothing for you to gain

Never Think by Rob Pattinson- 8/10 -- Heyyy who knew he sang?!? When I first heard this, I was like, "nooo way." It's awesome, but it's just that... his voice sounds so much DIFFERENT when he's talking! It's crazy! But a good crazy. :) He has a very unique voice, one you wouldn't expect Mr. Hot Voice to have, but... he does.

Favorite lyrics: "I should never think What's in your heart. What's in our home. So I won't. You'll learn to hate me, But still call me baby. Oh love, So call me by my name

Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron & Wine- 10/10 -- I LOVE THIS SONG!! It's the song they dance to at the prom. Sooo romantic!!!! <33

Favorite Lyrics: Have I found you, Flightless bird, jealous, weeping or lost you, american mouth. Big pill looming."

Let Me Sign by Rob Pattinson- 10/10 -- *swoons* His voice makes me swoon. *sigh*

Favorite lyrics: "She spoke with a voice That struck at the sky. She said, "come on over Bittersweet I'll wrap you in my arms" ."

Bella's Lullaby by Carter Burwell- 9/10 -- I WOULD have given it 10/10, but it's SO not Bella's Lullaby. It's amazing and I love it, but it's not Bella's Lullaby.

Clair De Lune- 10/10 -- I listened to it over and over so I could recognize it and hum it. Cuz Edward likes it. :P I need a life.

La Traviata- 8/10 -- EMBRACE YOUR ITALIAN HERITAGE!

Inappropriate lyrics: Uhh, I think there may be some. I'll look again later.

Overall rating: 8.5/10

2008-12-25T09:37:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Coming soon!

2008-12-17T15:59:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON ON REVIEWS BY ME!!

Song by Song Review of the Twilight Soundtrack!

Song by Song Review of the Sweeney Todd Soundtrack!

Book Review of Little House on the Prairie!

Book Review of Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI: Pontiff for a new era.

Song by song review of the Enchanted Soundtrack!

Book Review of Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Book Review of Come Juneteenth by Ann Rinaldi

Book Review of Anne of Avonlea by LM Montgomery

Book Review: The Covenant by Beverly Lewis

2008-12-17T13:52:00.001-08:00

Name: The Lilies of the Field

Author: William E. Barrett

Series: Abram's Daughter

Brief summary: The Covenant is the tale of Abram and Ida Ebersol two oldest daughters, Sadie and Leah, during their rumschpringe. This is a time when Amish teens are allowed to run wild and free before taking their baptismal vows.
Sadie, the eldest of the Ebersol's four daughters, is making her vows in the fall, and she is not at all sure this is the path she wants. Truth be told she has been sneaking into town asking for trouble. She knows her parents would be shamed if they knew where she had been, but this doesn't seem to bother Sadie in the least. Especially after the night she meets the fancy English boy, Derry. She could not stay away from this boy who whispered sweet nothings in her ear. Sadie at first does not understand the danger that everyone tries to warn her against, but it is not long before Sadie learns first hand what can happen when you are lead astray from God by temptation.
Unlike Sadie, Leah, the second oldest, was not raised to woman's work in the house but to man's work out side with her father. She has always been her father's son since her parents did not have any boys. As Leah watches her sister Sadie going through her rumschpringe, she begins to worry about her sister, but all she seems to get from Sadie these days is indifference. Not knowing what else to do, she starts to look forward to her own upcoming rumschpringe. Her father has it in his sites that she will marry the Smithy's son, but unfortunately Leah has another boy in mind. How can she break the news to her father without breaking his heart?
As Sadie and Leah are both going through their rumschpringe, they both learn that some times you can not stop the fall, but you can be there to help pick up the pieces. (From Amazon.com)

Grade/Age level: 14 and up

Cautions: Some adult themes including an teenage unwed pregnancy is mentioned. Nothing graphic.

If you like this book, you will also like.... Love comes softly by Janette Oke (link leads you to my review of this)

Personal Opinion: This was my second time reading this AMAZING AMAZING story! I have my fellow blogger and friend, The Other Katie (who also happens to be co-author of the Katie and Katie blog) to blame for my love of books by Beverly Lewis. This was the first book I read by her and I was honestly captivated! I fell in love with the Amish and their simple lifestyle. If I hadn't had read this book and read the rest of Beverly Lewis' books, than I never would have bugged my family to visit the Amish country and than we never would have gone there on vacation this fall! This is the sort of book that although is about the Amish, it's almost like a soap opera in the way of all the unexpected twists and turns! Great inspirational read! But, the cool thing about it is that it could be religious, or not. You can look at it as religious if you want to, but if you don't think about it as religious, than it won't seem religious.

Rating: 10/10

Contest over at Shakespeare & Showtunes!

2008-12-13T16:51:00.000-08:00

I'm holding a contest over at my personal blog, Shakespeare & Showtunes. Winner will get the chance to be a guest blog on the Katie and Katie Blog!

So, go and comment and good luck!

Book Review: The Lilies of the Field

2008-11-30T10:24:00.000-08:00

Name: The Lilies of the Field
Author: William E. Barrett
Brief summary: Homer Smith is an itinerant handyman/jack-of-all-trades who stops at a farm in the Arizona desert to see what is happening at the farm since there is no man around. The farm is run by a group of German nuns. He is persuaded to do a small roofing repair by Mother Maria. He stays overnight, believing that he will be paid in the morning. He is tries to persuade Mother Maria by quoting a bible but Mother Maria as back in a verse saying, Look at the lilies of the field, they continue to appear beautiful even though they get no payment. The bloom is to honor God, but not to get paid for their work.In fact, the nuns have no money and subsist only by living off the land, on what vegetables the arid climate provides, and some milk and eggs. Even after being stalled/stonewalled when asking for payment, and after being persuaded to stay for a meal, and against his better judgement, Smith agrees to stay another day to help them with other small jobs, always with the faint hope that Mother Maria Marthe, the head nun (called "Mother Maria" and played by Lilia Skala in the film) will settle with him. As Smith's strength and many construction skills, and tools, are revealed to the small order of nuns as he finishes the repairs needed, they come to believe that he has been sent by God to help them in their dream of building a chapel for the nearby townsfolk. (from wikipedia.com

Grade/Age level: 10 and up
Cautions: none
If you like this book, you might also like . . . I'm not sure....
Personal Opinion: What a great, fun, book! I had to read it for school, but I barely noticed! It's a quick read, but awesome anyway!
Rating: 9/10
Random tidbit: There's a great movie version! It's starring Sidney Poiter. Apparently he's famous. :D

COMING SOON!

2008-11-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON ON REVIEWS BY ME!!

Book Review: New Moon

2008-11-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

Name: New Moon
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Others in the Series: Twilight, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn
Brief summary: Life is far from normal for Bella Swan during her senior year of high school. True, her life is full of drama and boy troubles, but for Bella who sees herself as a danger magnet life holds much much more. Edward Cullen, her ever-handsome boyfriend who just happens to be a vampire, breaks her heart when he leaves after Bella receives a near-fatal paper cut at her eighteenth birthday party. Realizing that his family no matter how determined to avoid human blood, can within seconds be overwhelmed with tempation and violence leads him to place Bella's safety ahead of his own desires. To say that Bella is devastated is an understatment, she becomes zombie-like in her loss, a fact which is finally realized when Bella and one of her friends are watching a Zombie movie. "It wasn't until almost the very end, as I watched a haggard zombie shambling after the last shrieking survivor, that I realized what the problem was. The scene kept cutting between the horrified face of the heroine, and the dead emotionless face of her pursuer, back and forth as it closed the distance. And I realized which one resembled me the most. . . But it was ironic, all things considered, that, in the end, I would wind up a zombie. I hadn't seen that one coming. Not that I hadn't dreamed of becoming a mythical monster once--just never a grotesque, animated corpse. . . It was depressing to realize that I wasn't the heroine anymore, that my story was over." (106) But Bella's story is far from over. Reintroduce into the picture, Jacob Black, the young man who first shared with Bella the fact that she was falling in love with a vampire, this new friendship reenergizes Bella's existence and gives her a reason to continue on. But is her friendship with Jacob any safer for her than her relationship with Edward was? Or is Jacob hiding a dangerous secret of his own? Is Edward out of the picture for good, or will he make a comeback to try to reclaim her heart?
Stephenie Meyer's novel NEW MOON, sequel to TWILIGHT, is an exciting read, and one that I highly recommend. (From Amazon.com)
Grade/Age level: 13 and up
Cautions: Vampire-ness, a girl jumps off a cliff (not trying to commit suicide!), a girl is broken hearted and is anti-social and refuses to do anything.
If you like this book, you might also like . . . i have NO clue.
Personal Opinion: This book keeps you on your TOES!!! I kept thinking, "What's gonna happen?! WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN?!?!?!". It's the kind of book you have to keep reading, or else you're afraid you're going to miss something. That's the one downside about it. Something BIG happens in the beginning, and you want to know if it's going to be smoothed out. Personally, I liked Twilight a whole lot better and am enjoying Eclipse more too. Not that New Moon was bad, it just was lacking some romance in my book. But, at the end, the awesome action scene totally makes it OK. <3
Rating: 8/10
Random tidbit: The movie is coming out soon!! And the guy who's playing Edward Cullen played Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. And the girl who plays Bella was apparently in Zathura and In the Land of Women. Neither of which

Music Review: Fearless by Taylor Swift

2008-11-24T17:41:00.001-08:00

Name: Fearless
Artist: Taylor Swift
Artist's Previous albums: Taylor Swift
Favorite songs: Love Story, You Belong with me, Fearless, Forever & Always, White Horse and Best Day.
Song by Song Review:

Fearless- 9.5/10 -- This song is alot of fun. :) I really like it :D

Favorite lyrics: "And I don't know why but with you I'd dance, in a storm, in my best dress, fearless."

Fifteen- 7/10 -- Sweet song about what she wished she knew when she was fifteen. Helpful how-to-guide for us fifteeners. :)

Favorite lyrics: "'Cause when you're fifteen and someone tells you they love you, you're gonna believe them."

Love Story- 10/10 -- Love Story = PERFECTION. Honestly. I heard this song about two months ago, bought it on iTunes, listened to it on repeat, and still I'm in love with it. Every girl's dream romance. :)

Favorite lyrics: "Romeo, save me. They're trying to tell me how to feel. This love is difficult, but it's real." and "You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess..."

Hey Stephen- 7/10 -- This is another sweet song. I really like it.

Favorite lyrics: "And I can't help it if you look like an angel."

White Horse- 8/10 -- Awesome song containing the lyrics, "And it's too late for you and your white horse to come around." It's a great prince charming song, but it's the princess saying the prince charming is too late.

Favorite lyrics: "I'm not a princess. This ain't a fairytale. I'm not the girl you'll sweep off her feet, lead her up the stairwell. This ain't Hollywood, this is a small town. I was a dreamer 'fore you came and let me down. Now it's too late for you and your white horse to come around."

You Belong With me- 9.5/10 -- Another amazing song, so close to perfection. I can relate to this song, and I'm sure a good portion of teenage girls in the world can too. It's alot of fun to sing along with too. :)

Favorite lyrics: "She wears high-heels, I wear sneakers. She's cheer captain and I'm in the bleachers."

Breathe- 8/10 -- Not one of my favorites, but still really good. :)

Favorite lyrics: "And we know it's never simple, never easy. Never a clean break, no one here to save me."

Tell Me Why- 8/10 -- I kinda have the same feelings about this that I do about Breathe.

Favorite lyrics: "I took a chance, I took a shot. You might think I'm bulletproof, but I'm not."

You're Not Sorry- 9/10 -- I love love love this song :)

Favorite lyrics: "You don't have to call, I won't pick up the phone.This is the last straw, don't wanna hurt anymore. And you tell me that you're sorry, but I don't believe you baby like I did before. You're not sorry, nooo."

The Way I Loved You- 8/10 -- I reallllyyy like this song. :)

Favorite lyrics: "But I Miss Screamin' and fightin' and kissin' in the rain and it's 2am and I'm cursin' your name."

Forever & Always- 9/10 -- Sweet song. I really like it. ALOT!! (Like everyother song. *sigh*)

Favorite lyrics: "Was I out of line? Did I say something way too honest that made you run and hide like a little boy?"

The Best Day- 10/10 -- I LOVE THIS SONG SO MUCH! It reminds me of my relationship with my mommy. :) We're really really close. She's my best friend, my mentor and my confidante. She knows everything about me, even the stuff I don't know. We get into fights, and they are beastly at times, but she's still my best friend, the person I go to when I'm scared, sad, happy, or just need to talk. The has the best ears for listening and even better shoulders for crying. She always encourages me to shoot for the stars. She believes in me, especially when I don't.

Favorite lyrics: "Now I know why all the trees change in the fall. I know you were on my side even when I was wrong. And I love you for giving me your eyes, staying back and watching me shine and I didn't know if you knew." <--- Quick note: I do actually have my mommy's eyes. Everyone tells me they're the prettiest in the world. They're the one thing I love about myself. I

Change- 7/10 -- Ehhh. One of my least favorite songs. It's not Taylor's best.

Favorite lyrics: "They might be bigger, but we're faster and never scared."

Inappropriate lyrics: None.

Overall rating: 8.5/10

Movie Review: TWILIGHT!!!

2008-11-21T08:48:00.000-08:00

Name: Twilight

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Peter Facinelli

Rated: PG-13

For: Some violence and a scene of sensuality

Brief summary:Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) has always been a bit different, never caring about or fitting in with the trendy girls at her Phoenix, Arizona high school. When her mother Renee (Sarah Clarke) remarries and decides to move with her new husband to Florida, and Bella decides to go live with her father, Charlie (Billy Burke), in the rainy little town of Forks, Washington, she doesn't expect anything to change. Then she meets the mysterious and dazzlingly beautiful Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), a boy unlike any she's ever met. Intelligent and witty, his piercing eyes see straight into her soul. Soon, Bella and Edward are swept up in a passionate and decidedly unorthodox romance. Edward can run faster than any cheetah, he can stop a moving car with his bare hands, and he hasn't aged since 1918. Most importantly, he's a vampire. Like all vampires, he's immortal. He doesn't drink human blood (they're vampire "vegetarians"), which is rare among the vampire population. Instead, they go on regular "hiking" trips, where they feed on prey such as grizzly bears and mountain lions. For Edward, Bella is the thing he has waited ninety years for - a soul mate. But the closer they get, the more Edward must struggle to resist the primal pull of her scent, which could send him into an uncontrollable frenzy. And what will they do when James (Cam Gigandet), Laurent (Edi Gathegi), and Victoria (Rachel Lefevre) come into town and James sets his sights on Bella? Will true love prevail when Edward is forced to save her life and conquer his thirst? The true question is, When you can live forever, what do you live for? (from IMDB.com)

Age level: 13 and up

Cautions: umm, violence, you see a vampire girl jump onto a vampire and hear her break his neck. you hear a vampire break a human's leg.. there's a scene of sensuality. not too bad. some passionate kissing, they end up on the bed, but the guy jumps back. a guy watches a girl as she sleeps. a guy and girl sleep together in bed, but nothing happens. a girl sleeps in a tight t-shirt and undies. there is some cleavage shown and a joke made about "speedo stuffing"

If you like this movie, you might also like . . . Titanic? A Walk to Remember? The Notebook? Harry Potter? I don't know!

Personal Opinion: It got very... cheesy at some parts. And when Robert Pattinson leans down to kiss Kristen Stewart, he makes this weird face... But it's definetly more of a love story than an action-adventure movie like people assume. I would call it a darker chick flick. It was very different than the book, but overall, a very good, well made movie. I loved the casting of Alice, Charlie, Esme, Carlisle, Edward, Bella, Jasper and Rosalie. Emmett... I was pretty disappointed. I really liked him in the book... not so much in the movie. But Carlisle and Esme were AMAZING! Just how I had pictured them.

The baseball scene was AWESOME! I loved how Alice pitched. And the ending totally delivered.

There was this awesome scene where Edward and Bella are climbing this really tall tree, it was so cool.

But I have to say, I loved it when the vamps ran. They made this awesome 'WHOOSH!' noise. It was sweet.

My favorite part was when Edward saved Bella's life. Well actually, both times. The first time when the car's about to hit her and the second time when he's sucking her blood. *sigh*

Overall rating: 9/10

Random tidbit: When Harry Potter 4 came out, ALL my friends were obsessed with Robert Pattinson. I on the other hand, liked the guy who played Krum. Stupid immature me...

COMING SOON!!

2008-11-20T18:17:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON ON REVIEWS BY KATIE!!

Music review of Taylor Swift's CD, Fearless.

Music Review of the Sweeney Todd Soundtrack

Book Review on New Moon, the second book in the Twilight Saga.

Book Review on the Lilies of the Field

AND LASTLY....

MOVIE REVIEW OF TWILIGHT!!! Starring the Love of my Life, EDWARD CULLEN!!!

I'm actually getting ready to go to the Midnight Showing!!

Movie Review: High School Musical 3

2008-11-20T17:39:00.000-08:00

Name: High School Musical 3: Senior Year

Director: Kenny Ortega

Starring: Zac Efron, Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale

Rated: G

For: Well, personally, I think it definately should have been PG. At one part when Troy and Gabriella are dancing (Gab's wearing a short skirt) the skirt goes pretty dang high... and one girl does a dance move and you can see her undies... :/

Brief summary:As seniors in high school, Troy and Gabriella struggle with the idea of being separated from one another as college approaches. Along with the rest of the Wildcats, they stage a spring musical to address their experiences, hopes and fears about their future. (from IMDB.com)

Age level: 8 and up

Cautions: Really just the stuff I put in the rating

If you like this movie, you might also like . . . Camp Rock.

Personal Opinion: Uhhh... Wow. I was laughing the whole time. It was kinda... really corny... LOL. But the music was good, it was clean (enough), but... THE CHOREOGRAPHY WAS AMAZING!! Wow... that's all I can say. I guess they have a bigger budget cuz they could afford three choreographers. The story line was pretty dumb, though.. I recommend you wait for it to be on Disney Channel every night to see it.

Entertainment: 6/10

Highlights: The songs "The Boys Are Back" and "I Want It All"

Book Review: Twilight

2008-11-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

Name: Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Others in the Series: New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn
Brief summary: Isabella "Bella" Swan moves from sunny Phoenix, Arizona, to rainy Forks, Washington, to live with her father, Charlie. She chooses to do this so that her mother, Renée, can travel with her new husband, Phil Dwyer, who is a minor league baseball player. In Phoenix she was a bit of an outcast, so it surprises her that she attracts much attention at her new school, and is quickly befriended by several students. Much to her dismay, several boys in the school compete for shy Bella's attention.
When Bella sits next to Edward Cullen in class on her first day of school, Edward seems utterly repulsed by her. He even attempts to change his schedule to avoid her, leaving Bella completely puzzled about his attitude towards her. After tricking a family friend, Jacob Black, into telling her the local tribal legends, Bella concludes that Edward and his family are vampires. Although she was inexplicably attracted to him even when she thought Edward drank human blood, she is much relieved to learn that the Cullens choose to abstain from drinking human blood, and drink animal blood instead. Over time, Edward and Bella fall in love. (from wikipedia.com)
Grade/Age level: 13 and up
Cautions: Vampire-ness, a really scary scene (meaning it scared the heck outta me!)That sorta stuff. Oh. And be prepared. You WILL fall in love with Edward Cullen. I'm sorry.
If you like this book, you might also like . . . Harry Potter?
Personal Opinion: Woooahhhh dude! I was kinda skeptical when I first opened the book. This was AFTER I begged and begged and begged my mom to let me read it. Than I opened it and thought, "I'm not going to like it. It's going to be the biggest waste of time. Why am I doing this??" And boy, I was surprised! Yes, there are vampires in it. But they don't even SAY that Edward's a vampire until like, halfway through the book. And even then, it's not the whole plot. My friend is really into the whole vampire/emo stuff. But, this is really MILD vampire-ness. If you liked Harry Potter, you will like this. :)
Rating: 10/10
Random tidbit: The movie is coming out soon!! And the guy who's playing Edward Cullen played Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. And the girl who plays Bella was apparently in Zathura and In the Land of Women. Neither of which I have seen.