Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Top Ten Tuesday...


We’re joining in on the fun over at The Broke and the Bookish for their Top Ten Tuesday.  Today’s list is:
Top Ten Authors We Would DIE to Meet:
Monica’s List
Some of these authors I would literally have to die in order to meet and some I would just love to meet.
1. Charlotte Bronte - She is the author of my all-time favorite book, Jane Eyre.  I would like to bow at her feet.  Too much?
2. Edgar Allan Poe - Who wouldn’t like to meet this guy?  I would love to sit down and have a chat, hopefully not involving a thick haze of opium, but I’ll take what I can get.
3. Nora Roberts - One question, How does she do it?  Seriously, that woman is a writing machine.
4. Cassandra Clare - I would like to meet the woman responsible for creating Jace and thank her.
5. Sarah Addison Allen - I love her writing and would love to sit down for a little chat about the magical world she creates in small town North Carolina.
6. Jane Austen - Mr. Darcy, Captain Wentworth, Elizabeth Bennet, need I say more?
7. Louisa May Alcott - I love everything she has ever written.  She’s an amazing writer.
8. Shannon Hale - Not only do I enjoy her books, but she’s hilarious.  I love her blog where she updates quite regularly.  
9. Ann M. Martin - She is one of the reasons I love reading.  Babysitters Club kept me up late into the night.  
10. Mary Downing Hahn - She introduced me to the world of Paranomal and I haven’t looked back since.
Lindsey’s List
1. Edgar Allen Poe-I have a little bit of a dark side to me and I love his.
2.  Laura Ingalls Wilder-She was my favorite author when I was younger.  There are people who fantasise about laying out on the beach in some tropical paradise but I fantasise about simpler times.  No AC, no cars, real work to be done.  I would love to go back to those times.  (and when I say no AC I wont be living in the South).
3.  Dr. Suess-I love poems, I love rhymes, I love color and imagination, I love Dr. Suess.
4.  Maurice Sendak-Another children's author.  His book, Where the Wild Things Are, has always stuck with me.  My girls love this book and my youngest reminds me Max.  I want to write a children's book someday and I would love Sendak's pointers.
5. L.J. Smith-I first read her first Vampire Diaries book around 15 years ago.  I was a young girl who loved vampire stories and had a hard time finding a good book.  I love her vampire books and I would love to thank her personally.
6.  Shannon Hale-I haven't read all her books but I love the ones I have read.  Goose Girl was my favorite which leads to my next author(s).
7.  The Brothers Grimm-I love fairy tales and I love that they put together children's fairy tales.  I have a collection of their fairy tales and I love to read them.  I loved reading Goose Girl and then Shannon Hale wrote her version of Goose Girl.  I'm going to go in a bit of a circle here.  Shannon Hale reminded me of Goose Girl, Goose Girl reminded me of Brothers Grimm, Brothers Grimm made me think of how much I love fairy tales, I realized how many times I was saying love, which made me think of Molly Shannon, which made me think of her SNL skit "I love it!  I love it!  I love it!"
8.  Jane Austen-I feel like if I didn't want to meet her there would be something wrong with me.
9.  Oscar Wilde-My favorite book of his is The Picture of Dorian Grey.  He just sounds like an interesting guy.  I'd love to talk to him about Dorian Grey.  I always wanted more of that story.
10.  Monica Blood-Ok, ok, so I have obviously met her but she lives too far away!  I don't know if any of you know, but she is writing a book herself.  Ever since she was a little girl she has had this amazing ability to write.  I love reading what she writes.  I could seriously sit for hours and read her thoughts.  She cracks me up and she makes me proud that she's my sister.  I'm such a goob.  I've got tears streaming down my face right now as I type this, thinking of my sister.  I love you sis!  Can't wait to see you.
Julianne’s List
These are in no particular order whatsoever. Well except for the first one. She is my absolute favorite.
1. J.K. ROWLING - She wrote my all time favorite book series. EVER. Why wouldn't I want to meet her? She also introduced me to the wonderful world of reading. Without her, I wouldn't be the bookworm that I am today.
2. SUZANNE COLLINS - Hunger Games... need I say more? She also introduced me to the world of dystopian novels.
3. J.R.R. TOLKIEN - The whole world that he created just amazed me. I want to know how he came up with it all.
4. C.S. LEWIS - Narnia?? I still look for portals there any chance I get. Mostly in big gigantic wardrobes.
5. KELLEY ARMSTRONG - I just can't seem to get enough of her paranormal series. I have read it again and again. And I would like to thank her.
6. CASSANDRA CLARE - Like Monica has said I would love to thank her for creating the wonderful man that is Jace. And her new boys Ash and Will... is it possible for her to not create beautiful men???
7. LIBBA BRAY - Her books are just so wonderfully dark, aren't they?
8. CHRISTOPHER PAOLONI - Not only did he write Eragon when he was fifteen, but it is one of the most amazing series I have ever read. I'm still anxiously waiting for his final book Inheritence to come out this fall! EEEEKKK I CAN'T WAIT!
9. SHANNON HALE - I just simply LOVE her books. Goose Girl is always my go-to book on a rainy day.
10. LOUSIA MAY ALCOTT - I remember when my mom and sisters kept egging me on to read Little Women and I just didn't want to. Then I did and I fell in love with this woman. To this day Old-Fashioned Girl is still one of my favorites.
Who would you like to meet?

Monday, July 11, 2011

Divergent Review


Divergent by Veronica Roth
5 Stars
Synopsis:
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. 
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.  (from Goodreads)
Review:
This is an amazing debut novel by Veronica Roth.  She has created a believable dystopian world, one that I can actually see existing.  Her characters are vivid and and each one well-drawn.  Beatrice, or Tris, is a strong heroine and watching her grow from the quiet girl from Abnegation into a kick butt fighter is quite a ride.  Four, the initiate trainer, is mysterious, brash, mysterious, and sexy.  The rest of the characters, whether they are Tris’ friends or enemies, are easy to love or hate.  
There are so many twists and surprises in this story.  I love reading a book and not being able to predict everything that’s going to happen.  I was shocked many times by certain events, not just because of what happened, but also by how it happened.  Roth is not one to soften the blow, and that works for me.  I love gritty and unapologetic writing, and this definitely has that.  
My one complaint would be Four’s name, although I do like the uniqueness of it.  I kept reading his name as a number and would have to start the sentence over, reminding myself it isn’t four steps into the room, but that Four stepped into the room (does that even make sense?).  
The ending is satisfying, enough questions are answered to keep from being frustrated, but I definitely want more and cannot wait for the second novel in this action-packed trilogy.
--monica

It's Monday! What are you reading?


It's Monday!  Don't you wish they were just as wonderful as the picture suggests?  Well, let's make them that way and talk about one of our favorite things.  BOOKS!  So it's time to share our reading plans for the week.  Whether you get to them all this week or change your plans by Wednesday, give us your titles...





Monica’s Reads
Lindsey’s Reads

Julianne’s Reads

What are you reading this week?

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Playing with Fire Review


Playing with Fire by Gena Showalter
3.5 Stars
Synopsis:
Earth, Wind & Fire aren't just a band anymore . . .
Used to be my greatest achievement was holding a job more than three days. Now suddenly I can shoot fireballs, chill your drink, or blow-dry your hair at fifty paces with a blink of my eye!
It all started when this crazy scientist dropped something in my Grande Mocha Latte. Of course I got wicked sick. Next morning I'm waking up with this total hottie bending over me. He tells me 1) his name's Rome Masters, 2) he's a government agent and 3) I can control the four elements with a thought.
He seems even less pleased by my (apparently irreversible) transformation than I am . . . Because now he'll have to kill me.
Review:
I enjoyed this book.  While Belle comes across a bit immature, I warmed to her character.  She has a strong devotion to her dad and everything, up until this point, she has done for him.  She is witty, smart and fun to follow while learning to master her new powers.  
Although the romance, at times, seems a bit forced (Belle either jumps to conclusions and/or forgives Rome much too quickly for my taste), it develops sweetly and remains pretty sexy for the remainder of the book.  I look forward to seeing where the next book takes them.
It’s a quick read, but the characters are vivid and I instantly fell in love with Tanner.  He’s like most young men looking for something missing in their life and joining Belle and Rome seems to be the answer.  He is hilarious and cracked me up quite a few times.  I love him as Belle’s sidekick.
I bounced between 3 and 4 stars, but decided on 3.5.  While the characters are well-written and parts of the story-line original, there were times that I felt like things were forced or just didn’t work well enough to suspend disbelief.  I do recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and sexy Paranormal Romance.
--monica

Friday, July 8, 2011

Friday Blog Hop


It’s time for Parajunkee’s Friday Blog Hop.  This week’s question is a bit different than normal, but I’m sure an answer instantly pops into everyone’s mind.
Q. Let's step away from besties...What is the worst book that you've ever read and actually finished?




Monica
The answer for me is Lord of the Flies by William Golding (I’m sure I’m quite in the minority).  Couldn’t stand it, it still gives me the shudders every time I think of its disturbing contents.  

Lindsey
I had to read Walking Across Egypt by Clyde Edgerton when I was a sophomore.  I'm sure I had to read it because it is another one of those classics but I did NOT enjoy it.  There is this one scene from the book that has been burned into my memory.  The boy, I don't remember his name, has had a rough life and finds himself at this old woman's house.  He's filthy and has never had a bath before.  It's probably supposed to be one of those great, meaningful scenes where he cleanses himself, but I couldn't get rid of the image.  He lays in the tub letting his pelvis rise and fall in the water.  YUCK!!!  I never want to think about a boy/man talking a bath again. 


Julianne
A book that just gives me the creeps every time I think about it, which is extremely rare, is Bliss by Lauren Myracle. It started out okay, and then it took a turn for the worse very quickly. It is still hard for me to not remember a certain part of the book that involves and very disturbed girl and her creepy relationship with her cats.




What’s the worst book that you’ve ever read?

Friday Night! Movie Night!


If we’re not talking about books, we’re probably discussing movies.  Even better, movies adapted from books.  Whether it’s which actors should play what character or what we picture the book’s world looking like on the silver screen, we’ll spend hours  deciding just what will make the movie perfect.  
This Friday will be dedicated to Harry Potter (said with a British accent).  With its final *tear* cinematic release in 7 days, we thought it would be fun to wax reminiscent about our bespectacled hero and his motley crew of friends.  Enjoy our list of Top 7 Favorite Things from Harry Potter.
Monica
As most of you know, I’ve only seen the movies, so my faves come only from those.
1. Emma Watson.  I’ve already shared my love for her, but I just think she’s the cutest.  And I love her as Hermione.
2. Loyal friends are hard to come by, but when you’ve got them you have to hold onto them with everything you’ve got.
3. I love that you can always tell Ginny has had a thing for Harry.  So cute!  And then so va-va-voom!
4. Ron is the best friend anyone would want.  A bit thick at times, a bit clueless at others, but always good for a laugh and fiercely loyal to the death.
5. I love the world that has been created.  Every tiny detail is so well-thought out and orchestrated.  I feel instantly transported to London, or Hogwarts or the woods behind the school.  There are not many movies I can watch over and over, but HP marathons run regularly at my house.  
6. I love that as the kids grow up, the movies become darker.  Time grows darker as it passes and the Hogwarts team has to be even more dedicated to the cause than ever.  And they are.  They know the risks, but that doesn’t slow them down.  They love their worlds and their families, and want a bright future for each.    
7. Good always wins.




Lindsey
Wow, I don't even know where to begin.  I first started reading Harry Potter after the first movie came out.  We drove from Tennessee to California.  In 3 days I read books 1-4.  That is a lot of Harry Potter!  I realized I needed to snap out of the Harry Potter world when I was at Disneyland chuckling at the silly muggles and their amusement rides.
1.  Some movies know how to cast a character and these movies are no exception.  I loved everyone cast! I'm a big Emma Watson fan myself.
2.  The 4th book (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), was my favorite book for years (nearly a decade).
3.  After finally reading the 7th book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, it is now my favorite book.  I don't know what took me so long to read it but I only just read it a few months ago.  Sometimes the end of a series makes me sad and I just can't bring myself to the inevitable end.
4.  Since I haven't yet seen the last movie (Part 2) I have to say the Part 1 is currently my favorite movie.
5.  I'm fascinated with wands.  When reading the books I love the connection they have with their owners.  Each wand is unique and has meaning.  I know this is a bit dorky but I want to go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter just so I can buy a wand.
6.  I hope Monica doesn't kill me for this one.  Most brides-to-be have bachelorette parties the night before they get married.  Not my sister.  We spent her last "single" night standing in line to buy Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.  As dorky as this may seem, it is one of my favorite memories, and not just Harry Potter memories, all time favorite memories.  The people we met.....the clothes we saw....the things we heard.....the excitement....everything.  It was great.
7.  Finally, I'm going to have to agree with Monica.  I love how dark they get.  Sometimes, I feel especially nowadays, people are afraid of a little darkness.  For some reason I love a good tragedy.  A perfect world is boring.  It's the darkness that makes light so much better.  There would be no good without the evil.  I'm not saying Harry Potter is a tragedy, but I'm saying that I'm glad everything doesn't go as perfectly as it should.  But good does overcome evil, just as it always should and always will.

Julianne


Harry Potter. What can i say? This series is what created what I am today. For the past 11 years I feel like i have lived and breathed Harry Potter. So you could say...... I'M BLOODY OBSESSED with it!! Now let's get started with this list (which is in no particular order)
1. I am in LOVE the Weasley twins. They are the perfect pair. Their connection with each other cannot be described in words. Any scene, book or movie, that involves them is always one of my favorites.
2. Hogwarts is my dream school. That place is bloody amazing! All those rooms and secret passages to explore! Who wouldn't want to go there?!? I will say that when my eleventh birthday came around I was extremely disappointed I did not receive a letter to Hogwarts. I just kept thinking it got misplaced in the mail or they couldn't find my house. Then I realized the startling truth..... I was a muggle :/
3. My favorite room in Hogwarts would hands down have to be the Room of Requirement. A room that can change into anything you need it to be at that moment. If i had this room that would be all I need. Don't give me a house, just give me the room of requirement and I'll change it into any room of the house I need.
4. Harry and Ginny's first kiss. Movie version = awwwwkkwaarrrddd. Book Version = PURE GOLD. I  honestly hate their kiss in the movie. Its horrible. But in the book, it's bloody BRILLIANT! I love how spontaneous it is and how Harry just goes for it and even surprises himself. It was the perfect first kiss for the two of them. I mean it takes place after a victory from Quidditch, could it be more perfect? I think not.
5. I love how intricate and unique the whole story is. The story flows from book to book. Rowling never leaves out a detail. You know that if a question comes up you will find out the answer sooner or later.
6. Why can't Quidditch be a real? I would be so beast at that sport. When I read the books I always love imagining the Quidditch matches.
7. That the number 7 has a reoccurring appearance in the books. 7 books. 7 years at Hogwarts. 7 positions to play in Quidditch. Harry's birthday is in the 7th month of the year. Gryffindor Tower is on the 7th floor. 7 Horcruxes. 7 days till the last movie comes out. Plus many more.... its just something to think about.
P.S. Lindsey, if wanting a wand is dorky then let's be dorky together and get our own wand.

What are your favorite Harry Potter moments?

You're welcome.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Clarity Review


Clarity by Kim Harrington
4.5 Stars
Synopsis:
Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch an object and the visions come to her. It's a gift.
And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case — but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother — who has supernatural gifts of his own — becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most? - from the author’s website
Review:
I’ve been reading a lot of books lately that have heroines that are, at first,  a bit immature and annoying.  So it was nice when I instantly took to Clare.  She’s witty, smart and honest.  Coming from a quirky family has its drawbacks, but she handles them better than most.  I enjoyed watching her use her gift and make the best of it.  It was also refreshing to see a heroine not shirk her gift, but to have the desire to use it for good.  
I also enjoyed the love triangle created by Harrington.  It was believable and never felt forced.  I wasn’t sure if I was rooting more for Justin the ex-boyfriend or Gabriel the new guy.  I’m still not sure which boy I prefer for her. 
There were many unexpected twists to the story that had me guessing up until the final chapters.  Most of them were plausible, some a bit forced.  But because the rest of the story was so well-done, I’m willing to overlook those minor flaws.
Perception, book two in the series, comes out March 2012 and I am really looking forward to it.  Clarity didn’t end on a nail-biting cliffhanger, but the loose ends and last minute revelations will keep me wondering for the next 9 months.  Highly recommended!
--monica

It's Wednesday, I'm in Love...


It's Wednesday!  So that means we're already in the middle of the week, Hump Day, if you will.  Everyone needs a little pick-me-up around this time, right?  We decided that to help us get through the week we would share our favorite fictional love stories.  It can be a favorite of all time or from the book you're currently reading.  As long as it involves love, come on over and share!
This Wednesday, let’s discuss our favorite Love Triangle.  We know they aren’t everybody’s thing, but here at Heart Bound, we just can’t get enough.  **This is a re-post from last week.  Lindsey and Julianne didn’t answer it then, so I thought I’d give them another chance. -Monica**
Monica’s Choice
I love me a good love triangle, especially when it's hard to decide between which pairing is the best.  This week I'm going to pick the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning.  I'm not sure if I would necessarily call the triangle between Mac, Barrons and V'lane a LOVE triangle, but a girl can hope that it will turn into one.  Can't she?  Of course!  Anyway, there are moments that I am torn between whether I prefer Barrons or V'lane or either one at all.  I don't know if I've shared on here my weakness for a fairy (not in real-life of course, my husband would probably like me to comment on his manliness that drips with virile testosterone) and V'lane pretty much fits the bill for what I like in my fairies.  Yet for the most part, I am all Team Barrons.  He's tall, dark, handsome, mysterious and lethal.  What could be a better combo?  He can be, and almost always is, a huge jerk, but he never fails when it comes to saving Mac's life.  Sometimes he's even tender, but it's a quick flash and before Mac can process it, Barrons is back to his cold self.  So can Mac trust him?  Or is he one of the bad guys that she'll have to kill in the end?  I can't wait to find out when I finish up the last of the Fever series, Shadowfever.  I just hope I can handle whatever happens!
Lindsey’s Choice
I just finished reading the second book of the Celestra Series.  Ethereal is a fallen angel book.  I love my angels and demons!  So far I have really enjoyed these books.  Unfortunately I think they are only books that can be read on the Kindle.  Skyla is a typical teenager who moves to a new town.  She meets Logan and immediately falls in love with him.  It was love at first sight.   But for some reason I have always got to root for the underdog.  In this case it is Logan's cousin, Gabe.  There is something about Gabe that I love.  Maybe it's that he's not as protective of Skyla.  He lets her do what she wants.  He explains things to her.  He never waivers on his devotion for her.  But he has to sit and watch Skyla with Logan.  When it becomes too dangerous for Logan and Skyla to be seen together he gets to become her "fake" boyfriend.  For appearance sake, he gets to kiss her. Even Skyla begins to question who she loves more.  I'll keep my fingers crossed for Gabe.
Julianne’s Choice
Who is involved in your favorite Love Triangle?

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Top Ten Tuesday...


We’re joining in on the fun over at The Broke and the Bookish for their Top Ten Tuesday.  Today’s list is:
Top Ten Rebels in Literature:
Monica’s List
These aren’t necesarily the top ten, but they are the characters that pop into my mind first when I think of good rebels in literature.
1. Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins - Epitome of a rebel to me. 
2. Isi from Goose Girl by Shannon Hale - Rebels to survive
3. Lady Katsa from Graceling by Kristin Cashore - She is one kick-butt hitwoman.  You don't want to be on her bad side.
4. Dru Anderson from Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow - She's tired of being left in the dark.  Her powers are growing and so is her rebellious streak.
5. Meghan Chase from the Iron Fey series by Julia Kagawa - She fights to keep those she loves safe.
6. Lena Haloway from Delirium by Lauren Oliver - Nobody's going to tell her what to do, especially when it comes to love.
7. Violet Ambrose from The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting - Nothing will stop her from finding a killer. 
8. Rosamund Vivian from A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott - She's far from the classic proper girls of most 1800's literature.  She knows what she wants and she'll have it.  
9. Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - The classic rebel, she'll live life on her terms.
10. Huck Finn from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain - It's the spirit of rebellion that keeps this young boy going.  
Lindsey’s List
...is off at a family reunion.
Julianne’s List
Who are your top ten rebels?

Trailer Tuesday...

We’ve always enjoyed a good book trailer, so we decided to turn Tuesday, regular boring, old Tuesday, into Trailer Tuesday.  We’ll show you trailers of books we’re currently reading or books that have yet to be released.  The trailer today is for Clarity by Kim Harrington.  I just started this one today, so I’m not very far in and am really enjoying it so far.  So kick back and relax, well for at least 52 seconds anyway.

Monday, July 4, 2011

It's Monday! What are you reading?


It's Monday!  Don't you wish they were just as wonderful as the picture suggests?  Well, let's make them that way and talk about one of our favorite things.  BOOKS!  So it's time to share our reading plans for the week.  Whether you get to them all this week or change your plans by Wednesday, give us your titles...



Monica’s Reads
Lindsey’s Reads

Julianne’s Reads
What are you reading this week?

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Giveaway @ Pedantic Phooka

We’ve got another great giveaway we wanted to let you all know about.  Head on over to Pedantic Phooka to check it out!  The winner will be announced Monday, July 4th, so hurry on over!  

This book sounds like a great Paranormal read.  Here's a description from Goodreads:
Elena Manory is by no means an ordinary teenage girl. Being born with the ability to heal herself from any injury, and with the knowledge that on her eighteenth birthday she will become a vampire, Elena is aware that she is more than a little different from other girls her age. It isn’t until she meets William Granville, an alluring and impossibly handsome vampire, that she begins to question her destiny and what secrets the Institute of Magical Intervention and her adopted family have withheld—secrets that could change the fates of not only her own life, but of the lives of all the immortals. As events spiral out of control, William may be the only person Elena can place her trust in. He, and Elena’s magical family, must fight to save her, joining forces to defeat a common, deadly foe. For William, it is his chance to save the girl that he has searched eternity to find. The heroine in this highly-imaginative Aussie-based tale is a vampire—but she is something more. This is a fast-paced, intelligent and highly-entertaining novel … The final chapters are climatic, desperate, chilling. For a first novel, Berridge ticks all the boxes. She has the makings of a career author. To attempt what is now a well-worn theme and produce something fresh, vital and entertaining is the mark of an enterprising and crafted writer. —Wendy O’Hanlon, Acres Australia 

Friday, July 1, 2011

Friday Night! Movie Night!


If we’re not talking about books, we’re probably discussing movies.  Even better, movies adapted from books.  Whether it’s which actors should play what character or what we picture the book’s world looking like on the silver screen, we’ll spend hours  deciding just what will make the movie perfect.  
This Friday will be dedicated to discussing what movies we think are better than the books they are based on.
Monica
I recently read Beastly by Alex Flinn.  I struggled through it for most of the book.  For the most part, first person narrative doesn’t bother me, but it did here.  And if I hadn't been reading it for a book club, I probably would not have finished.  The main character, Kyle, is arrogant, disrespectful, vain, and downright unlikable.  Then he gets cursed and has to break the spell before the deadline set by the witch.  IMO, he never redeems himself, he still is an arrogant jerk and I never grow to like him.  Now, in the movie, it’s a different story.  I actually liked the movie, didn’t love it, but I was entertained enough to watch it again. Kyle is much more likable and I actually believe he wants to be a better person.  It was so much better than the book that I’ll even forgive Vanessa Hudgens her monotone voice.  So head to your nearest video store or a Redbox and check it out.  
Lindsey
Julianne
What is you favorite book-turned-movie?