This Page

has been moved to new address

A Written Rhapsody

Sorry for inconvenience...

Redirection provided by Blogger to WordPress Migration Service
A Written Rhapsody: June 2011

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Humpday Harmonies: I Wanna Go by Luke Conrad


I've had this song playing a lot lately. Okay, yeah I found him through the Hunger Games parody that I find hilarious, but my love for that song is a whole other post. Anyways, I heard this and instantly fell in love with it. Though I love me some Britney Spears on some days, this cover totally beats it. His voice, though sort of sad, has a way of bringing a smile to my face. I think it's because I picture him giving me cake and really, who wouldn't love a guy who makes them baked goods? Also, songs that I can have a whistling tune to get stuck in my head 24/7 are always total wins.

Check out his channel for more information on where you can get his tunes!

Labels: ,

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Teaser Tuesday: Legacy by Cayla Kluver

Photobucket


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Legacy (Harlequin Teen)"The insult had barely reached my ears when I felt, more than heard, London move forward to jump from the dais and land before the prisoner. With a swift kick the the chest, he knocked her backward off her feet, and I gripped the arms of my chair in alarm, terrified that his hatred of Cokyri had taken control of his senses."

Labels:

Monday, June 27, 2011

Book Notes: You by Charles Benoit

YouThis wasn't the way it was supposed to go.
You're just a typical fifteen-year-old sophomore, an average guy named Kyle Chase. This can't be happening to you. But then, how do you explain all the blood? How do you explain how you got here in the first place?
There had to have been signs, had to have been some clues it was coming. Did you miss them, or ignore them? Maybe if you can figure out where it all went wrong, you can still make it right. Or is it already too late? Think fast, Kyle. Time's running out. How did this happen?"

I've been trying to figure out my thoughts about this book since I finished it and am no closer to deciding  than I was three days ago. I loved the second person narrative as it put the reader into the main characters shoes. The characters were well developed and I was able to feel with them. Kyle, the main character, was written in a way that he's able to be relatable within different ages. Though seen as a "loser" and introvert on the outside, he's shown through his inner monologue to be a person with an outlook that is beyond his years. His relationship with his little sister gives the story it's heartwarming touches as she is the one person who he shows real emotion for. Zack, the antagonist, plays a character that I loved and hated all at once. I continually wanted to punch him as I laughed at some of his comments. 

What left me to not completely love this book was the ending. As I read, I couldn't wait to find out what happened as it was hinted to in the opening scene. The end was complete yet left me with a really unsatisfied feeling. Overall, though Benoit was able to write a story that was immediately grabbing and suspenseful,I didn't see it as the mind-shattering novel it was said to be. 

Labels: ,

Friday, June 24, 2011

Book Notes: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones (Mortal Instruments)"When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder—much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing—not even a smear of blood—to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? 

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . . "


I think it's pretty mandatory to talk about something in this series if you have a book blog. This book was haunting me before I even read it. Friends would mention it in conversations, I'd read numerous blog posts about it, I'd see books in the series laid about in my school library(yes, I hang out in the teens book section when at visiting the library, don't hate!). This book wasn't going to leave me alone until I read it, and I'm glad I finally did.

There's some books that go into so much detail that it's a pain to get through the pages. This book was definitely not one of them. Clare wrote her settings and characters in a way that made me want to know more information all throughout the book because it drew me in so much. I also enjoyed how the book opened and grabbed me for the ride without a background. What I liked about the storyline was that there was a bit of everything from this genre. What I mean to say is, we had vampires, demons, werewolves, faeries and a bunch of other stuff.  Though the story was a little predictable as I got into it with some cliche characters, they were enjoyable.

Jace was an immediate love for me because of his snarky attitude. What's not to love about a hot guy making you laugh? Though Clary was described as shy, I felt there was a bit of incongruity with her as she was said to be one way, but then would do things a shy person wouldn't. Also, female characters thinking they're forgettable until a hot guy proves them otherwise...Could we please stop them now?  Thanks.


I was more of a fan of Isabelle as she seemed to be a very kick-ass type of personality with a good heart. Simon is totally my homeboy. I can't really explain why, other than saying he's just that person I'd want in my life. I hope to learn more about him and Alex as I think they deserve a bit more spotlight.


Overall this book was a great start for a series I plan to continue to be absorbed in!

Labels: ,

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Music Notes: Forever & Always by Parachute

Forever And Always
LISTEN

Yes, I know I wasn't able to do a music post last week since I was out of town. Paying for hotel internet wasn't something I was going to do after paying for the room because well, I'm cheap and broke. Hope you'll forgive me! However, I am back this week with more ear candy, so you can stop having those withdrawal symptoms I know you've had all week.

I'm thinking it's pretty impossible not to like this song. Seriously, if you aren't a little like this guy after listening to this song, check your heart.

I love songs when they can so easily paint images right into your head that you don't even need a music video for it. The song is so simple yet beautiful. Though sad, the song is able to somehow put a little smile in your heart because of its theme of undying love. The song just puts me in a big sappy mess where I want to hug everyone around me. I haven't had a chance to check out all of Parachute's albums yet but they're definitely worth the listen. Big thanks to Amanda for introducing me to it too!

Listen to and find out more about the guys of Parachute here!

Labels:

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays: You by Charles Benoit


Photobucket

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
You



"He slows up a bit and you watch as his lips pull back, his teeth clenched. He angles toward you, not much but enough to put you within range."

Labels:

Friday, June 17, 2011

Book Notes: Mayne Attraction-In The Spotlight by Ann Mauren

Mayne Attraction: In The Spotlight"Ellery Mayne is a high school girl who makes a disturbing discovery. After a foiled abduction attempt, she realizes that an entire team of security personnel are secretly shadowing her every move. As she works to make sense of this startling development, she secretly transitions from the one who is being observed to the one who carries out observations of her own, testing the limits of a secret service detail who think they are conducting transparent surveillance on a clueless teenager. When the mystery behind the secret security unravels, Ellery is faced with decisions that involve her future and the hopes of two unlikely love interests: a handsome but conflicted security agent who doesn't realize she knows about him, and her first love--a boy that broke her heart--who has returned to explain his actions and his feelings for her. Told from Ellery's perspective, she puzzles over what could interest not one but two handsome suitors and a whole security force. Suddenly this quiet loner realizes that her life is 'In The Spotlight' and she is the 'Mayne Attraction.' "


I really tried giving this book a chance because I wanted to like it. The premise of the book seemed like it'd be an interesting mystery romance for a change. The prologue was able to grab me fairly quickly and made me want to continue reading to see where the storyline would go. Ellery was a likable character and I enjoyed how Mauren wrote her to be an educated word nerd. Though I enjoyed Mayne's quirky personality, this is pretty much where my compliments end for this book. 


As I read, I kept waiting patiently for the storyline to get going. The interesting prologue seemed to have very little to do with the rest of the book. Finding out she was being watched, you'd think she'd have more questions about it and be weary, but she just seemed to accept it. When the romantic aspects of the story began, I sat thinking I had missed chapters somehow where she explained about her feelings and relationship for the male characters. For being such an educated and seemingly well-rounded character, I found Ellery to be pretty judgmental and immature. 


Though it doesn't usually bother me if there are typos in areas, this book had way too many for me. As I was really bored with the storyline, the typos stood out more and really started annoying me. Overall, I just feel with a little more work this book could be better. There are supposed to be two other books to follow this book in the other points of view, but if it's anything like the first book, I don't see me reading further to see where the storyline goes.

Labels: ,

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Teaser Tuesday: Mayne Attraction by Ann Mauren

Photobucket

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Mayne Attraction: In The Spotlight"Suddenly I was in another cold place, thousands of miles and tears away, being held by different and better arms.Another voice was whispering reassurances in my ear."

Labels:

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Book Notes:The Trylle Trilogy by Amanda Hocking

Ascend (Trylle Trilogy, #3)Torn (Trylle Trilogy, Book 2)Switched (Trylle Trilogy, Book 1)"When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy finds out her mother might've been telling the truth.

With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - and it's one she's not sure if she wants to be a part of."

I actually read this book a while back but decided to put my review up for it since I thought it was worth mentioning. At first I was honestly kind of hesitant to read it when I heard it being about trolls. I imagined the creepy doll I had as a kid with the crazy green hair and pink jeweled belly button walking around. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the barefoot semi-human alternative this story used instead. Hocking did a great job of engaging me and pulling me into the storyline to find out what would happen next. She was able to keep up suspenseful moments without drawing them out for too long. My only real issue with the book was the character of Wendy. Without giving too much away, her character was massively annoying to me. I felt like she continually whined about her life. Yeah ok, I understand that her mom was cuckoo for cocoa puffs and that'll mess you up a bit, but it was like she felt because of that one instance, she was able to justify the way she acted. No, I'm sorry Wendy but we all have problems so you need to stop being a jerkface, thanks.

Though I had issues with characters, there were others that redeemed the book for me and kept me reading. I kept wanting to be a part of their crowd and take part in their activities. The storyline overall was pretty entertaining and kept me interested throughout the books. There were a few areas where I thought there could be a bit more development, but it wasn't a real issue to the story itself. Also, I'll jut say Hocking has her way with words to make a simple kissing scene into something that could almost make you blush and get nervous butterflies just by reading it. If you're looking for a light and fun read that is also incredibly affordable, I'd say give the Trylle Trilogy a try.

Labels: ,

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Music Notes: Dirty Work by All Time Low


I Feel Like Dancin' by Interscope Records

Okay, I will start off this post by stating from the beginning that I already absolutely love All Time Low. I have been a fan for a few years now and have been waiting patiently for this album to come out. With all the delays for the release of the album, it's been a painful wait to hear what their new sound would be like. I'm sure I'm not the only one who gets a little sad when a smaller artist goes to a major label. Obviously, I'm super happy they're getting the popularity they deserve, but a small part of me can't help but be sad for them no longer being that band barely anyone knows about. Hearing the few songs they've released previous to the launch of the cd, I was having mixed feelings. "Under a Paper Moon" didn't do much for me when I first heard it. It could've been the poor quality of all the YouTube videos of live performances I watched, but I was initially disappointed. Then we officially had "I Feel Like Dancing" release weeks ago and I can't get enough of it. Every time I hear it I get a goofy smile on my face and start bopping my head to it. I don't think they could've chosen a better song for their first official release to promote this cd. Coupled with the video, I think it totally fits who they are with their off beat humor and recent complaints of them moving to different labels because of 'selling out'.

Finally being able to listen to the songs from the album, I'm so happy they were able to keep their sound. They still have the wordplay on some of their lyrics and the heart-wrenching slower tunes I've come to love throughout their albums."Daydream Away" for me, is one of those songs where you just want to lay in the grass with the sun out and have some time to yourself.

Most importantly of all, of course, are the songs I can dance around like a dork and sing at the top of my lungs to, which this album seems to be full of. Songs like, "Just The Way I'm Not","Forget About It" and "Return The Favor" continuously have me looking around to see if anyone's around before I sing aloud to my hearts content. The song making me most giddy is "Heroes" because I feel it to be most reminiscent of their older albums. This cd will definitely be on continuous play for the next few weeks. 
Check Them Out

Current Favorite Album Lyric:





You're just a daydream away
I wouldn't know what to say if I had you
And I'll keep you a daydream away
Just watch from a safe place
So I never have to lose
 

Labels: ,

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare


Photobucket



Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I've been wanting to participate in Teaser Tuesdays for a while, so yay, finally! I know I'm pretty late to reading this book, so please don't laugh at me for being late to the epic-ness of this series. I'm making my way through the series during my free time.


City of Bones (Mortal Instruments)



" Meanwhile,” Simon added, “I wanted to tell you that lately I‘ve been cross-dressing. Also, I‘m sleeping with your mom. I thought you should know." 

Labels: