Merry Christmas!

Here's to hoping that everyone has a wonderful (and safe) Christmas today! Today is all about (all religious beliefs & affliations aside) spending time with loved ones, family, and friends; the food and, of course, presents are great too, but never forget what the holiday season is really all about.

For those of you who do not celebrate Christmas, then I wish you all happy holidays!

Warm Bodies (Warm Bodies #1) by Isaac Marion

Warm Bodies (Warm Bodies #1)

byIsaac Marion

4 out of 5 Stars

Hardcover, USA Edition, 241 pages

Published April 26th 2011 by Atria

R is a young man with an existential crisis--he is a zombie. He shuffles through an America destroyed by war, social collapse, and the mindless hunger of his undead comrades, but he craves something more than blood and brains. He can speak just a few grunted syllables, but his inner life is deep, full of wonder and longing. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams.

After experiencing a teenage boy's memories while consuming his brain, R makes an unexpected choice that begins a tense, awkward, and strangely sweet relationship with the victim's human girlfriend. Julie is a blast of color in the otherwise dreary and gray landscape that surrounds R. His decision to protect her will transform not only R, but his fellow Dead, and perhaps their whole lifeless world.

Scary, funny, and surprisingly poignant, Warm Bodies is about being alive, being dead and the blurry line in between.

 

“I am Dead, but it's not so bad. I've learned to live with it.”
― Isaac Marion, Warm Bodies

I am actually surprised I enjoyed this book as much as I did. I am not really a fan of zombies; I have read one zombie novel previous to this one and hated it, and 'The Walking Dead' both bores/disturbs me, so I have no interest in watching it, unlike, it seems, everyone else I know. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because I felt like the last part of the book should have spent more time elaborating and explaining why exactly the changes going on are happening. In my opinion, it ju...moreI am actually surprised I enjoyed this book as much as I did. I am not really a fan of zombies; I have read one zombie novel previous to this one and hated it, and 'The Walking Dead' both bores/disturbs me, so I have no interest in watching it, unlike, it seems, everyone else I know. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because I felt like the last part of the book should have spent more time elaborating and explaining why exactly the changes going on are happening. In my opinion, it just sort of ended, and I feel as though there could have been more there especially since the book was not relatively long at all. The main character, R, is of course, our lead zombie. R is not his real name, however. In fact, he has no idea what his name was, or anything about his life previous to becoming a zombie. As previously stated, this book caught me by surprise. I never expected it to be such a heart-warming story, with a quite loveable hero. But can you really blame me? A zombie-romance? I have read my share of paranormal romances so it really shouldn't have made me cringe as much as it first did. However, I am glad I picked this up; I was able to finish it in less than a day.   The story line was definitely intriguing. I found myself fascinated with the world Marion created. What I found most interesting was how everytime R takes a bite of his meal's brain, he is hit by a rush of his victim's memories and glimpses of their lives. This plays a major role in the story, as R keeps seeing into Julie's (the love interest) boyfriend's memories throughout the story because he had, unfortunately, killed him. With my aversion to zombie tales, I was quite relieved to see that the book wasn't filled with shuffling zombies, crying out "Brainsss!" As I said, I really enjoyed this novel except for the ending. You're never really told what specifically is going on to the zombies to make them change. You know that it was all triggered by Julie and R, but the whole situation is never really elaborated upon. Overall, it was a great and quick read. Did it change my views on zombies? Eh, probably not so much. However, I do know I will be eagerly awaiting the release of the movie adaptation in February. Below, I am going to post the book trailer, along with the movie trailer. Enjoy! :D

Heartache in the World

My heart aches for the victims of the Connecticut school shooting and their families. Only an incredibly screwed up individual could do something like murder innocent children. It's just hard to comprehend how someone can perform such an atrocious act, and not just to children, but to any other human beings as well. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy, and I sincerely hope they get some justice and/or closure. It's such a difficult time for them, and I only hope that the media and press leave this poor people alone so they can grieve in their own way.

Waiting On Wednesday (#5)

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme highlights some of the books whose releases bloggers are most anticipating this year.

The book whose release I am most excited for this week is...
  

 

Star Cursed (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #2)

byJessica Spotswood 

Expected publication: June 18th 2013

With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.

Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.

In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess's quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England.

 The first book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles was just amazing! It honestly has to be my favorite witch related book so far. I devoured the book quickly and as a consequence, have been waiting ever so patiently for the next book. I just recently found out that the cover was released, and after seeing it, just couldn't control my eagerness. June 18th seems so far away, but know that when this book hits shelves, I will be be first in line to get it. Check out the first book, Born Wicked, below by clicking on the cover:

(Book 1)

Book Haul (#4)

 

All books shown above were picked up at a Goodwill near my university. After bringing all the books back to my dorm, I realized that nearly all of them have been turned into movies; though the only one I have seen is The Boleyn Girl, which is why I wanted to get the book. I have also already read Northanger Abbey, but I loved the book and didn't have my own copy so I definitely had to grab it when I saw it sitting there on the shelf :)