Series/Novels I Want to see on the Screen

Today I thought I would talk about something different rather than posting another review. I’ve read a lot of good books over the past few years, which got me thinking about book adaptations. There are the movies, but what about TV shows? Sometimes I think some novels would do better with a long running series rather than trying to condense the book down into a single film. But keeping on point with this post, I’m just going to move on to why I’m really writing it. I wanted to share some of the series/novels I would like to see on the screen—doesn’t matter which screen—and below is that list…

Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer: Overall I like this series and would like to see any adaption of it.

Finding Serendipity by Angelica Banks: This book surprised me by how much I enjoyed it, and like with the Lunar Chronicles, I would love to see this novel on the screen.

Scarlett Undercover by Jennifer Latham: Yeah, movie or TV, but what I really want is a sequel.

Any Brandon Sanderson Series: no further explanation.

The Archived series by Victoria Schwab: I like the characters relationships with one another as well as the interesting concept, which makes me wonder what a movie would be like for this one.

Double Vision Series by F.T. Bradley: I love this trilogy and wish there were more books—movie or TV.

Leviathan Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld: I love this series so much, the alternative history setting was done so well, and the concept was just awesome. Movie or TV for this one, I don’t care which, I would just like to see it adapted.

Gravity & Hover by Melissa West: I would say the last book too, but I haven’t read it yet, though I did enjoy Hover more than I did Gravity—it’s a good series.

The Spiderwick Chronicles by  Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black: The movie for this one wasn't so great, but when I saw it I noticed all of the changes and things that were removed from it. I would actually like to see this series as a TV show instead.

What books would you like to see on the screen?

Musing Mondays (26)

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB(Jenn) at A Daily Rhythm, that asks you to muse about something book related each week.

My Musings for the Week...

This week for Musing Mondays I wanted to talk briefly about books with open endings. I like standalone novels just as much as I enjoy series, but another aspect I pay attention to are the endings. Specifically, the end of a series or that of a standalone—I like to know that the story ends with a lot of the loose ends wrapped up. It could suggest that there are things that happen after the story ends, but for me it has to feel complete—like the adventure that brought the characters together has finally reached its conclusion.

But there are those that are left open, like something else needed to be said, but ultimately wasn't. My co-blogger recently came across a book that I would say had a pretty open ending—I’m not naming which book it was—but we had to discuss it. The details about what actually happened were vague—so much so that it was difficult to tell how the story actually ended. It could have been one way, but then it’s unclear so it could have been something else entirely. 

So, have you ever come across a book with an open ending? Did you feel the need to discuss it with others who have read the book?

The Friday 56 (24)

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice where every Friday you pick a book and turn to page 56 or 56%, and select a sentence or a few, as long as it's not a spoiler. For the full rules, visit the the page HERE

The quote I'm sharing today comes from the book I already finished, and you can check out the review HERE. The quote comes from the preface, but its one I wanted to share anyway.

"The process of nature photography is always changing, always evolving--new products and new techniques come along all the time.  I encourage you to develop your own way of working, your own equipment choices, and, most of all, your own vision."--John Shaw's Guide to Digital Nature Photography by John Shaw

What's on your page 56 this week? Or, what book do you plan on reading soon?

Review: John Shaw's Guide to Digital Nature Photography by John Shaw

Title: John Shaw's Guide to Digital Nature Photography 
Author: John Shaw
Source/Format: Blogging for Books, Paperback Review Copy
More Details: Nonfiction
Publisher/Publication Date: Amphoto Books, March 17, 2015

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Summary from Goodreads...

John Shaw is the author of seven previous photography books published by Amphoto: his authentic voice and trusted advice has helped photographers achieve impressive shots in the great outdoors for decades. In his first-ever book on digital photography, Shaw provides in-depth advice on everything from equipment and lenses, composition, and close-ups, to up-to-date information on software filtration and the histogram. In addition, he offers inspirational and frank insight that goes far beyond the nuts and bolts of photography, explaining that successful photos come from having a vision, practicing, and then acquiring the equipment needed to accomplish the intention. Easily digestible and useful for every type of photographer, John Shaw's Guide to Digital Nature Photographyis sure to be the new classic in the category...

John Shaw’s Guide to Digital Nature Photography was a very informative book, and I realized that I had a lot to learn. Thankfully I’m not doing any serious photography to where I immediately need everything mentioned—this book is still something I’m glad I found—and something I’m even more thrilled to have on my shelf. The first chapter alone offers a comprehensive look at photography gear—lenses, tripods, cameras, filters, file types and a few other things. And then the following chapters delve more into the best ways to use what you have to capture the best photo. So if you’re looking to get into photography, or just need to brush up on your skills, then I recommend checking this book out.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review, thank you!

John Shaw is one of the world's leading nature photographers and the author of many enduring bestselling books. His photographs are frequently featured in National Wildlife, Outdoor Photographer, Natural History, Sierra, and Audubon magazines, as well as in calendars, books, and advertisements. He lives in Colorado Springs.

Review: Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton

Title: Seeker
Author: Arwen Elys Dayton
Source/Format: Won, Hardcover
More Details: YA
Publisher/Publication Date: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, February 10th 2015

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Synopsis from Goodreads...

Quin Kincaid has been put through years of brutal training for what she thinks is the noble purpose of becoming a revered ‘Seeker’. Only when it’s too late does she discover she will be using her new-found knowledge and training to become an assassin. Quin's new role will take her around the globe, from a remote estate in Scotland to a bustling, futuristic Hong Kong where the past she thought she had escaped will finally catch up with her...

There will be no spoilers or much of a review. These are just my thoughts about why I’m DNFing this book.

Seeker…oh boy…this book…*sigh*. Ok, so I admit that the synopsis for this book got me. This book seemed like something I would like—really it did. Thus I can’t really say much on this book because I didn’t get very far into it. This book failed to grab me. It didn’t get my attention for more than a few short-lived moments, because honestly, I kept setting it aside. It took me so long to get through the first chapter, and then from there I just kept putting it down. It was to the point where I let it sit on my shelf for weeks without trying to read more. From the first few pages I was bored; I wasn’t interested in the world or the characters. And the opening scene was just ok—but it just wasn’t enough—and as soon as the romance came crawling out of nowhere, and the explanation for it, my interest just…vanished in a puff of smoke. Will I try to read Seeker again? Right now my answer is no. Basically, this book just wasn’t for me.

Release Day Blitz, Interview & Giveaway: Awakening by Shannon Duffy

Today, I'm excited to be taking part in the Release Day Blitz for Shannon Duffy's Awakening.  Before we get to the giveaway at the bottom of the post, read more about the book.

Awakening by Shannon Duffy  release April 7, 2015 from Entangled Teen.

Summary from Goodreads...

Desiree Six (because she was born on a Friday) believes in everything the Protectorate stands for. She likes the safety and security of having her entire life planned out—her career, her mate, even the date of her death. She doesn't even think to question when Darien, her childhood friend and neighbor, is convicted of murdering his parents. They had seemed like such a loving family. But if he was convicted, then he must have done it. Then Darien shows up in her room late one night. He has escaped from the Terrorscape—a nightmare machine used to punish all Noncompliants—and needs Desiree's help. What he tells her rocks her world to its core and makes her doubt everything she's ever been told. With this new information, will Desiree and Darien be able to escape the Protectorate before it's too late?

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What inspired you to write your first book? 

Definitely my son Gabriel. I wanted to write a story for him that he would love and one where he got to be the hero of the story. 

Do you have a specific writing style? 

I’m sort of between a planner and a pantser. I like to do a rough outline and then think it through in my head like a movie, jotting notes as I go. And then when I’m in the writing process I need quiet. Oh, and lots of coffee. 

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? 

Yes, it was my high school English teacher Mr. Rowsell. He definitely had a huge impact on me. I really took an interest in creative writing and wanted to impress him. When he read some of my things aloud in class, I was hooked. He was an amazing teacher and influence on me. 

Do you have any advice for other writers? 

Read a lot, make other writer friends who you can exchange your work with, and don’t give up if it’s something you really love. 

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? 

Thank you sooo much for reading my story and I really hope you enjoyed it! Readers are the best kinds of people, aren’t they? 

What genre do you consider your book(s)? 

Sci-fi and dystopian mix I would say. 

And finally, while you were writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters? 

I always try to put myself straight into the character’s heads. I need to feel what they’re feeling to try to make my words feel authentic.

About the Author...

Author of MG and YA books full of adventure. I grew up on the east coast of Canada in the province of Newfoundland and now live in Ontario. I love writing, reading, fashion, fitness, and traveling.

   

And now for the giveaway.  Below you can enter for a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card + Swag. Sounds like an awesome prize, right?  Well, go forth and enter!

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Book Blitz Organized by:

The Friday 56 (23)

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice where every Friday you pick a book and turn to page 56 or 56%, and select a sentence or a few, as long as it's not a spoiler. For the full rules, visit the the page HERE

"She heaved on a second log and sat back, not without a nervous look or so behind her, where blue-purple light from the fire was dancing over the polished brown bone of the skull."--Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

What's on your page 56 this week?

Move, Book, or Both: Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

So there's an occasional thing we like to do on Our Thoughts Precisely. We'll see a movie and then read the book after to see if there are any differences, if it's more detailed, and whatnot. All to see if we like the Movie, the Book, or Both.

Title: Howl's Moving Castle 
Author: Diana Wynne Jones
Source/Format: Purchased, Paperback
More Details: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Publisher/Publication Date: Greenwillow Books, April 22, 2008 (First published 1986)

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Summary from Goodreads...

Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl's castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye...

I first learned about Howl’s Moving Castle when I saw the movie, and since then I’ve been curious about the book. So, recently I went out and purchased it. I can see the story and how it was adapted to the movie, but I also clearly saw the differences between the two. But that doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy the book. In fact, I have to say that I loved it. It was the kind of book that literally kept me up until three in the morning because I just had to finished it.

Going into this book I knew that there were going to be some differences, but I have to say that it didn’t bother me at all. The basic concept is about the same. The story follows Sophie Hatter after her unfortunate meeting with the Witch of the Waste and what happens after that. She runs into Calcifer, Howl, and Michael when she enters the castle uninvited. The novel certainly delved more into Howl's past, and what his family was like.  The extra details were certainly a nice addition.  Characters like Howl's apprentice, Michael, and Sophie's sisters—Lettie and Martha—played other roles in the book. I felt like they were more involved with parts of the story dedicated to exploring their personalities a little more.  Some of the events were different and you really have to pay attention to what’s going on otherwise you might overlook it—I almost overlooked it, but thankfully I caught the details.

The setting was pretty similar to the movie, give or take a few details.  The plot did have some major differences and I really enjoyed seeing how the story played out in the novel.  Another aspect that I liked was the fact that a few details were given further explanationss, giving some clarity to their meaning. So while there were clear differences between the book and the movie, I loved both of them. Would I recommend the novel? Totally. And the Movie? Yep. This is the first in the trilogy and I have to say that I would definitely like to get the other two at some point in time, because I'm curious to see what happens to Sophie, Howl, and Calcifer after the end of Howl's Moving Castle.

Trimonthly Recap: January-March

Welcome the first trimonthly recap on Our Thoughts Precisely. I figured that instead of doing a recap each month that I would do one at the end of a three month increment. This is just a place to recap reviews and various types of posts. I'm going to start with reviews...

January Reviews:

• Until Midnight by Melissa Landers
• Doctor Who: Silhouette by Justin Richards
• Video Game Storytelling by Evan Skolnick
• The Unbound by Victoria Schwab

February Reviews:

• Lucidity by Stephanie Thomas
• The Keep by Veronica Wolff
• Hover by Melissa West
• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

March Reviews:

• Scarlett Undercover by Jennifer Latham
• A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle
• Finding Serendipity by Angelica Banks

Beginning with January, I listed my 2015 Blogger Resolutions, created a Book Tag, and participated in the cover reveal for Maybe Me by Amber Hart. 

Moving right along to February I participated in the Would You Rather Book Tag, took part in an excerpt reveal for Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott, did a Book Haul, and a post for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award. 

And finally in March, on the fifteenth Our Thoughts Precisely turned 2 and I updated the design. I wrote a discussion post on the importance of taking a break, and participated in two cover reveals: Balance Keepers: The Pillars of Ponderay by Lindsay Cummings & Dragons Are People, Too by Sarah Nicolas.

I would like to get more nonfiction in the next couple of months (I recently finished one and started another), so if you have any suggestions leave them in the comments.  On another note, I want to look for more Book Tags to participate in since they're fun to do. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!

Musing Mondays (25)

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB(Jenn) at A Daily Rhythm, that asks you to muse about something book related each week.

My Musings for the Week...

This week I'm going to be reading John Shaw's Guide to Digital Nature Photography by John Shaw.  This book is considerably shorter than the Space Exploration book I finished reading over the weekend, and I have to say that I'm pretty excited about this one. So, what are you reading this week?  If you want, tell me in the comments below.