Book/Film Review | Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte/ 2011 Film Adaptation

 Jane Eyre, the story of a young girl and her passage into adulthood, was an immediate commercial success at the time of its original publication in 1847. Its representation of the underside of domestic life and the hypocrisy behind religious enthusiasm drew both praise and bitter criticism, while Charlotte Brontë's striking expose of poor living conditions for children in charity schools as well as her poignant portrayal of the limitations faced by women who worked as governesses sparked great controversy and social debate. Jane Eyre, Brontë's best-known novel, remains an extraordinary coming-of-age narrative, and one of the great classics of literature.

-Amazon

Jane Eyre is one of those novels that I admit I've run away from, screaming in the other direction. That's the trouble with novels school systems force on you in high school...you kind of never want to see them again. Earlier this year, I watched a wonderful review of it by The Readables, and the next week, found myself in Posman Books purchasing a copy. I humbly amend my earlier misplaced disdain of it. Jane Eyre has become one of my favorite novels of all time.

I'm not sure what I expected upon reading Charlotte Bronte's exquisite novel, but what I received was a heroine extremely a head of her time. I've even started to think that a lot of our female heroines aspire to  be Jane when they grow up. Jane is bold, opinionated, and refuses to allow her seeming ominous circumstances to bear down on her spirit. This novel is fiercely inspirational, in that respect, as Jane refuses to be forced into the box that many around her seek to imprison her with. What I also really enjoyed about the novel is that, although there are loads of gothic references, and ties to the spirit world,  the novel did not seem overly sensational. It felt more like Bronte depicting life as it was, rather than deliberately contriving a story with ghosts hidden in dark corners and voices in the night.

When Jane meets Rochester, I think I finally understand why he's one of the most famous heroes in English Literature. He is full of sardonic wit, that really comes to life when matched with Jane's spirit. He caused me to love Jane all the more because even as she acknowledges that she is intrigued by Rochester's conversation, she maintains a level head in lieu of the many secrets that haunt him in Thornfield Hall. Rochester is extremely cocky, and at times a bit irritating in his assumption that he knows all there is of the world...yet even with all of this I felt drawn to him, his backstory, and his transformation as the novel draws to a close.

Charlotte Bronte is such an excellent writer. Unfortunately, there are many classic novels that, though I respect them, I cannot get through for the dense writing and slow moving plot. Yet from the first page, Bronte thrilled me with her beautiful writing, as well as her ability to build a wonderful plot. I'll admit that there are moments, between the middle and end, that felt a bit slow.  Nevertheless, it definitely surprised me!

       

I give Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte 4 and a half out of 5 cups of Earl Grey by a luminous fire.

Following in The Readables footsteps, I've also decided to do a brief review on the 2011 adaptation of  Jane Eyre. I've observed that fans hail the 2006 BBC adaptation as the one to beat. Unfortunately, I have yet to see that one, so until I do, this one remains my favorite of those I have seen. I can almost see the balking through the screen. Although it's the one I love most of those I have seen, it is a film with hits and misses. Of the hits, I adored the settings, especially that of Thornfield Hall, beautiful costumes,  amazing cinematography, as well as the score. They each held a poetic quality that will keep me watching over and over again. I also adored the chemistry between Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender. It's electric, and definitely rules that whole middle section of the film. Micheal Fassbender is the Rochester to beat all Rochesters. Just saying.

Of the misses: It's incredibly hard to condense a 600+ page novel into a two hour film, it's just not possible. I've never been one of those readers that watch an adaptation and agonize over how much they changed from the book, it's a useless argument. However, in this film there were moments that seemed a bit rushed. Especially the ending, which I feel they owe us 20 minutes more, at least. When it comes to Mia's portrayal of Jane, I think she did a fine job, but as many have pointed out in their reviews, I thought that she portrayed Jane as a bit more frail than I imagined her in the novel.

                               

I give this film 3 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey.

P.S.: If you have yet to check out The Readables on YouTube, please run over now! She is one of my top ten book vloggers!

Book Review | Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

“Eleanor & Park reminded me not just what it’s like to be young and in love with a girl, but also what it’s like to be young and in love with a book.”—John Green, The New York Times Book Review 

Bono met his wife in high school, Park says. So did Jerry Lee Lewis, Eleanor answers. I’m not kidding, he says. You should be, she says, we’re 16. What about Romeo and Juliet? Shallow, confused, then dead. I love you, Park says. Wherefore art thou, Eleanor answers. I’m not kidding, he says. You should be. Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love—and just how hard it pulled you under.       

-Amazon

Eleanor & Park is a quirky, bittersweet story of young love, angst, and super cool mixtape collections. It definitely put me in mind of some of the most classic coming of age stories in the 80s...Anything with Molly Ringwald. Although I was a baby in 1986, reading E+P has made me nostalgic for this beautifully raw era, jam packed with sounds and fierce fashion choices. An era where you actually had to work to get to know a person, as opposed to our instantly gratified generation (You still have to work, but, who remembers having to drag a phone full of cords into a room for privacy, or having to stop because someone else needs it?...Showing my age!)

Rainbow Rowell (killer name, btw) has masterfully executed true to life, sometimes overly dramatic, pleasantly mortifying awkward sides to high school. Park is a guy drenched in music and comics, who rides the fence when it comes to popularity. Eleanor is the girl that we have all met, or know of, whom cannot be defined, or easily understood. They both meet each other with equal parts suspicion as intrigue, and I loved this aspect of the novel. It is not a 'love at first sight', unrealistically emotive story. To experience Eleanor and Park is to experience the most beautiful form of awkwardness that I have experienced in a while. They're love grows in layers, and unconventionally, through mixtapes and the pages of comics during the ride to school.

I also loved how E+P challenge each others ideals/beliefs in this novel. Throughout the novel, Park is mystified in his love/need for Eleanor, but is also struck dumb by Eleanor's presence. There are moments where his inner monologue seem to challenge his kindness toward her. Eleanor's life brings a heavier tone to this novel. Through Park, she glimspes a life with his family, that seems unbelieveable at first, but becomes a point of healing for her. By the end of the novel...well, your heart might explode.

Bare In Mind: This novel contains profanity, and some violence.

Eleanor & Park is full of the beauty of young love, all the while maintaining that grit and attitude of the 80s. Rainbow Rowell is an incredibly thoughtful writer, who encapsulates first love in an almost mythic way, making it golden. It also shows the magic of discovering that perfect song which says everything you've ever wanted to say to someone else. E+P will, most certainly, cause you to relive your own awkwardly awesome moments. I can see this novel holding the same following as the many nerdfighters who hold John Green's novels dear to their hearts.

I give Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell 4 out of 5 cups of Irish Breakfast.

P.S. If you would like to try your hand at making a physical mixtape: You're Welcome :-D.

Book Review | Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

{NOTE: This post does not contain any spoilers, however, it will spoil the previous two novels. For those of you who have not read, and have obtained a Collectors First Edition copy, do not, I repeat, DO NOT, look at the beautiful geneology tree on the back of the book jacket. It however, IS a spoiler! }

THE INFERNAL DEVICES WILL NEVER STOP COMING A net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Mortmain plans to use his Infernal Devices, an army of pitiless automatons, to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan: he needs Tessa Gray. Charlotte Branwell, head of the London Institute, is desperate to find Mortmain before he strikes. But when Mortmain abducts Tessa, the boys who lay equal claim to her heart, Jem and Will, will do anything to save her. For though Tessa and Jem are now engaged, Will is as much in love with her as ever. As those who love Tessa rally to rescue her from Mortmain’s clutches, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself. But can a single girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army? Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment, and the tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy.

-Amazon

I'm reeling after only having finished the novel a half hour ago. I have no idea where to start, or what to harp on first, but the end result is the same: Pretty Darn Awesome!

First things first: It's wonderful to be back in the Iinstitute with a cast of characters that I've grown to love in such a short time. I wish it were to grand circumstances, however what kind of novel would it be if all were dandy? Clockwork Princess forces us all to come to terms with Jem's precarious illness, Tessa's origin,  her decision which could tear the the parabatai apart, and Mortmain's team of crazed automatons. Cassandra Clare has penned a fantastic conclusion to The Infernal Devices series.

In Clockwork Princess, Tessa matures, and stands as a true warrior. Seriously, by the end, you will be in awe of the risks Miss Gray is willing to take in order to keep her newfound Shadowhunter family safe. The most stunning portions of this novel, however, are those which showcase the unstoppable love that Jem and Will have for each other. Clare could have used this triangle as an opportunity to showcase yet another predictable, push-pull showing of testosterone. But in pure Clare fashion, she has made Tessa's decision layered and complicated, and thus obliterated the whole 'Team Will' / 'Team Jem' argument. I won't go any further, but, there will be tears, ladies and gentlemen.

Second, I loved getting to see Cecily in action! I thought that her inclusion is nothing short of genius, what with her brothers wit, her ability to ruffle Will's feather's a bit, and a certain other Shadowhunter. She is just as stubborn as her brother, and quickly comes into her own in a cast of well established characters. As far as other characters go, I certainly sympathized with Gabriel and Gideon's challenges, and I loved watching Gabriel, in particular, grow through them. Charlotte is her strong heroic self, and Henry continues to be bright and adorable. I believe this novel finally credits his genius! Sophie is just wonderful!

The conflicts within the novel are wonderfully executed, with the evil of Mortmain, as well as those within the Clave who consistently challenge Charlotte's position within it. I love that within this fantastical tale, Clare finds time to discuss the practical challenges that women had during this Era.

The challenge I have with this novel is the ending. It's truly hard to gage my own reaction to it, honestly. I both found it beautiful, yet I can see how others may wish to challenge it. I will say that Cassandra Clare executed it brilliantly, as it felt very organic, not at all contrived as other novels I've read.

Bare in mind: This novel discusses demons, the occult, and witchcraft. This novel also depicts violence, and sensuality.

I have had a thoroughly awesome experience reading The Infernal Devices series. As I've only come into the fandom last summer, I'm a bit sad to see it end so soon. But Cassandra Clare fashions a world that is intoxicating, she truly brings this fantastical Victorian Era to life. She's also given me an exemplary example of what it is to create characters who literally live and breathe as if on their own. I'm not sure I've experienced very many novels that can pull off character voice as she has.

I give Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare 5 out of 5 cups of Gunpowder Tea!

P.S.- Has anyone of you ever tried Gunpowder Tea? If so, what's it like?

Lit Rants: Cover Changes

I'm horrendously late to showcase the new cover changes to the beautiful Anna and the French Kiss series, but I had to show off these beauties. Before I get to my rant, I just want to bask in the loveliness of these new covers. I love these covers about a million times more than the former. Not that I thought them horrible, but I did find that they had a kind of 'judge a book by its cover' quality. When I first came across Anna and the French Kiss, for instance, the title paired with its kind of cheesy cover lessened its intrigue at first. I feel like the new covers are simplistic and colorful. It's possible that these may draw some to the audience that may have once overlooked it upon first sight of the cover. 

And now for the rant: It's seems a growing trend with publishers that once, say, the second novel releases in a series, they feel the need for a facelift. Meanwhile, all of us who have populated our bookshelves with glowing, cohesive covers, either have to start over, or pair series' with mitchmatched counterparts. Thankfully, in terms of this series, I've never bought the print versions, so when I do, I'll be able to buy these fresh beauties. Now the dilemma seems to be whether they will re-release the books in hardcover. At the moment it seems that they will release the first two novels in paperback, while Isla releases with the new cover in hardcover. This whole business makes me mad. I'm finally about to put up my first bookshelf, and I really want this whole series in hardcover. 

What are your thoughts on new covers midway the series?

Book Review | Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

A moving and haunting novel for readers of The Book Thief Fifteen-year-old Lina is a Lithuanian girl living an ordinary life--until Soviet officers invade her home and tear her family apart. Separated from her father and forced onto a crowded train, Lina, her mother, and her young brother make their way to a Siberian work camp, where they are forced to fight for their lives. Lina finds solace in her art, documenting these events by drawing. Risking everything, she imbeds clues in her drawings of their location and secretly passes them along, hoping her drawings will make their way to her father's prison camp. But will strength, love, and hope be enough for Lina and her family to survive? This powerful tale of heartbreak and hope is sure to haunt readers long after they finish the last page. 
-Amazon

Between Shades Of Gray is unofficially one of the most profound novels that I've read this year. Ruta Sepetys pens a novel which is hauntingly reminiscent of Anne Frank,  yet on the opposite side of the coin. I humbly admit that I had no idea that a forced removal of Lithuanians took place before Hitler rein. I consider it an honor to have read a novel that aims to tell their stories, especially in Young Adult fiction.

This novel is told from the perspective of Lina, a young fifteen year old artist, and opens on the night that she and her family are taken away from their home. From that moment, Lina, her mother, and younger brother embark on a heartbreaking and tiresome journey that tests the very fabric of their family, and their fellow people. Lina is portrayed very effectively, a beautiful mingling of hope and confusion. There are moments that I truly wanted to shake her because of her seeming selfishness, yet, it all comes from her desperation to find her father, and make it through this time of testing. I adored her mother. She is such a lovely symbol of hope and strength. She and Lina's younger brother are two characters that lift this work from being completely heartbreaking to having great faith amidst often tragic difficulties. 

Andrius is also a wonderful character to experience. I loved the dynamic between he and Lina, the challenge they pose for each other. Lina and Andrius develop a subtly profound romance in the midst of such dismal realities. I loved every minute of it. Ruta Sepetys has a beautiful way with infusing hopeful moments that almost make every struggle they endure worth it. Nothing is completely hopeless, because many of the characters that Lina and her family encounter look to small yet profound ways of keeping their love alive.

The only thing I found that I loved and hated about this book is the ending. To those of you who have read this novel, did you experience the same need for more closure? Nevertheless, this does not detract from its profundity.

Bare in mind: This novel contains some violence, and disturbing scenarios.

Between Shades of Gray embodies many of the great autobiographical accounts of genocide. Even as a work of fiction, before long, I came to see Lina, her family, and friends as real people, thus making Ruta Sepetys' desire for this work a reality. It was a truly powerful and moving story that I'm sure will continue to intrigue many for generations on!

I give Between Shades Gray by Ruta Sepetys 4 out of 5 cups of Prince of Wales tea.

Book Review | Prodigy by Marie Lu

Featured on Entertainment Weekly's MUST-LIST! The highly anticipated second book in Marie Lu's New York Times bestseller, LEGEND—perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT! June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector. It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long. But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

-Amazon

This freaking novel. This review will either be extremely short because I cannot adequately describe how awesome it is, or really long because all the little bits I love about it have clicked. Prodigy is a spectacular sequel to Legend. One never knows how a sequel will fare in the wake of a highly anticipated series, but Marie Lu is marvelous.

Prodigy picks up right where Legend leaves off, with Day and June on the run from the Republic. The adventure heightens all the more when they join the Patriots and are asked by the Patriot leader to assassinate newly elected dictator, Anden. As June and Day are separated once more, they both have the opportunity to question where their allegiance truly lies, and whether they're on the right side.

I loved that, instead of making Day and June destined lovers, Marie Lu allows them to stumble through it. They question the good and bad sides of each other, and wonder at times whether they should continue on together. It's so entertaining and heartbreaking at times to read the thoughts that they have, the second guesses, suspicion, etc. I loved June's approach to love. She is so truthful in her opinions that it can be awkward in an awesome way. I find that many of us will relate to her levelheadedness in this area. Meanwhile Day, is overcome with concern for his little brother, June's safety, and his best friend Tess who is an ever present challenge towards his relationship with June.

Of course, I expected to think that Anden is slimy, slippery, and two faced. But he, as of now, is wonderful. I did not expect the quiet sincerity that would come from him, whilst also admiring his attempts at standing his ground in his newfound position as dictator of the Republic. I love when authors throw in such wild card characters! Another character that really rises to the occasion is Kaede. She is a rock star, who seems to be fearless in every respect.

I love that Marie Lu was not afraid of taking action to the hilt in Prodigy. It's great to see female authors unafraid to explore this form of action has hard as any male would. I've never read such smooth, fantastic action sequences in a novel before. The last huge sequence in the novel is not to be missed! Talk about breathless, and rushing to keep up with everything happening. (The Film Better Be Brilliant.)

Bare in mind: Legend contains violence and some sensuality.

I'm still shaking my head in wake of this fantastic novel. Marie Lu gave us a taste with Legend, but she really kicks it up a notch in Prodigy. Nothing is as it seems. Nothing. And that ending? Oh that ending. The only horrible thing is the time we will have to wait until the third novel releases.

 

I give Prodigy by Marie Lu five out of five cups of Prince of Wales tea...and a fast ride in a jet.

Book Review | Legend by Marie Lu

A New York Times bestseller! What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem. From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets. Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

-Amazon

I'll admit that I had no intention of reading this novel. For some reason, I simply wasn't drawn to it at first. And upon spotting it in all of its beautiful hardcover glory, I decided to give in, hoping that it lived up to its acclaim. Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to smack myself for even considering giving this series the brush off.

Legend is a high octane Dystopian novel set in a civil war torn country that once was the United States. June is the wonder prize of the Republic, that seeks to mold her into a kind of exemplary model of loyalty. She is honored to get out and fight the Colonies, the other half of the US who threaten Republic Territory. However, when her brother, and Republic officer, Mettias, is June sets out on a mission to hunt down the only possible suspect, Day.

First off, this novel is highly ambitious. I would never, in most cases, want so badly for a novel to be adapted to film, but Legend written in a sweeping, cinematic way that begs to be filmed. I loved Marie Lu's portrayal of the overwhelmingly intimidating Republic. Lu does such a beautiful job of painting this frightening dictatorship, along with shedding light on the secrets they hold back from their people. I also adored that it was set in a war ravaged Los Angeles.

Legend is written in the dual point of views of June and Day. Though I have read of some who found this off putting, I found it fascinating to see the Republic through the eyes of a girl on the inside, and a guy on the outside. One of the things I also heard around the blogosphere is the positive impression that June leaves on readers. I have to agree. With the trend of seemingly childlike and naive female protagonists in Young Adult fiction, June puts all of our arguments to rest. She is a prodigy, whose military background has turned her into a calculated, well thought, highly observant fighting machine. She is confident of her abilities, and really only ever seems unsure of herself when it comes to Day.

Day is on the opposite side of the coin. He has become the first criminal to ever evade the Republic, because of the great love he holds for his family, and the great lengths he will take to get them the aid they need. He is just as talented, agile, and prolific as June is, and to watch them both meet is like fireworks on the Fourth of July. I loved the dynamic between the two of them. They challenge one another. Marie Lu has captured two awesome characters who are beautifully balanced between their identities toward the Republic and behind closed doors. Both hold such vulnerability that rival their seeming perfect personas very nicely.

Marie Lu has created a wonderful supporting cast as well. Tess, Day's friend, is so precious, and selfless. It made me angry that such a sweetheart even has to endure all that she does. Another character that really blew my mind is Kaede, who is a spitfire. She really adds spunk to the plot. Mettias, June's brother is all that anyone could ever want in a brother, supportive, protective, the works. Thomas. This one is a bit grayer. He seems caring, and protective of June, but is also very robotic a times.

Bare in Mind: Legend contains violence.

Legend is simply one of the best dystopian books I've read since The Hunger Games. Not many books in this genre has thrilled and captured my heart as this series (so far) has. Marie Lu is a master of giving us everything that goes into writing a brilliant, fast paced, epic story without over doing it: Action, suspense, romance, heartbreaking emotion, and that driving spirit that goes into the fight against injustice.

I give Legend by Marie Lu five out of five cups of Cranberry Tonic (because that's what I am currently inhaling).