Book Challenge Day 15: Your favorite male character

Jem Carstairs from The Infernal Devices

This was actually a very difficult decision. There are several male characters that I can put in this catagory. Landon from A Walk to Remember, Augustus from The Fault in Our Stars, Costin from Wildwood Dancing, Adrian from Beastly and Dexter from This Lullaby are some of my favorites. But it had to be Jem. 

Jem is not only a shadow hunter, he is also a violinist, romantic and a loyal friend. Jem is faced with a terrible fate. The very poison that he was tortured with has become his drug in order to survive, but it is slowly killing him, and he knows he only has so much time on this world before he is gone. Jem is wise and patient. He is also funny and kind. His character has the most difficult journey in the series, and his choice between living and surviving is a difficult but admirable one. He becomes a very important character in the series, and he was the character that kept me reading. I don't won't to spoil the series, so I won't reveal his fate, but I will say that Jem was my favorite character in the series, because his story was the most human. He had to face his weakness, make a life changing decision and decide what type of life he would have. Jem actually taught me about inner strength that is so subtle, it is hard to recognize at first. Once Jem discovers his inner strength, he doesn't rely on fate. He does what he can to be the hero he always wanted to be. 

Book Challenge Day 14: Book from your favorite writer

Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier

I've mentioned Wildwood Dancing and Cybelle's Secret countless times, but I haven't blogged about Heart's Blood which is Marillier's version of a Beauty and the Beast story. It has a darker tone in the plot than her other novels, but this adaption was intriquing and creative. 

The story is set in Ireland, and involves the Norman invasion in the twelveth century. The main character Caitrin is a runnaway looking for a job as a scribe, and she comes across Whistling Tor. She learns of the dark magic surrounding its mysterious master Anluan and the secret of his family. 

The story has elements of a gothic novel and reminds me of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. The story also reminds me of another novel, written by Peter S. Beagle called Tamsin, which mentioned a similar type of dark magic. 

I enjoyed this story, and I came across it recently. 

This book is perfect for fans of Fantasy, Jane Eyre and Beauty and the Beast. 

Book Challenge Day 13: Favorite Writer

Juliet Marillier

This was an extremely difficult decision. First, let me list a few writers that are runners up: J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Jane Austen, Sarah Dessen, John Green, Robin Mckinley, Sarah Beth Durst, Gail Carson Levine, and Mary Hoffman.

Among other writers, I have never thought of choosing a favorite, because each writer brings their own elements to their stories, and in many cases they can't be compared to writers. 

To me, writing is not just an activity. It is a way of life. There are so many layers to writing, and each author brings something unique to their stories.

But once I examined the number of times I read these authors' books, Juliet Marillier won. 

What I enjoy about Marillier's stories is the element of folklore and the powerful voice of the protagonist. She combines mythology, magic and the coming of age story into a powerful epic. Of the books I have read by her, I become completely emmersed in the world and the main character's role in the story. Listening to the character tell their tale is magical. 

Reading Juliet Marillier's writing reminds me of the stories I want to write, and the strong voice I want the main character to have. So with many favorite authors on my list, I chose Juliet Marillier because her stories balance the human condition with the elements of folklore. 

If you're curious, here's her website:

http://www.julietmarillier.com/author.html

Book Challenge Day 12: A book you used to love but don't anymore

Eragon or the Inheritence Cycle by Christopher Paolini

I used to love reading this series. With Paolini being published at age fourteen, it gave me hope that my stories might amount to something one day. I currently own all of the books in this series, but I was disappointed in the ending, and the note in the last book, and I feel like I can't read them anymore. It may not be fair of me to say that I can't believe an author would fall out of love with their own story. I understand that there is a lot of pressure to release novels, eventhough I have yet to experience that myself, but I am sad whenever I see this series. To hear Paolini's account of the journey he went on while writting these novels, it seems he became sick of his own story, and that, as a fellow writer, leaves a bad taste in my mouth. 

I think of Tolkien, who even when he was pressured and bribed to write more of The Lord of the Rings told the world he wouldn't write anymore. He knew the story was finished. J.K. Rowling said something along those lines about the Harry Potter series as well. 

So even though I enjoyed reading Eragon and followed the protagonist through the entire story, I don't believe I'll be able to read it again. The fact that the author became burdened by this story makes me feel sorry for both the author, and the story itself. 

Book Challenge 11: A book you hated

Pamela or Virtue Rewarded by Samuel Richardson

I had to read this for college, and my professor praised it, and he did often comment that women belonged in the kitchen. He hated any strong female characters, so you can imagine what I thought of his opinion. Pamela was horrible. That poor fourteen year old girl, being stalked by a man more than twice her age. It was a terrible read, and I'm glad I didn't have to write an essay on it.

Book Challenge Day 10: Favorite classic book

                                                The Arabian Nights told by Scheherazade

This is an extremely difficult question. I have so many classics that I love. Peter Pan, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Persuasion, Jane Eyre, The Secret Garden, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Dune, (The list goes on forever).

I finally settled on the Arabian Nights, because I love the stories, and the idea of stories within stories. Scheherazade is a powerful narrator and the protagonist of her own story. Her tales have lessons,  and they involve action, adventure and romance. One of my favorites is the Mermaid Julnar, and the Black Pegasus story. These stories are so imaginative, and they inspired me to make layers of stories in my own tales. I guess to me Arabian Nights is a story that represents the art of storytelling, the power of language and the bravery of Scheherazade.

Book Challenge Day 9: A book you thought you wouldn't like, but ended up loving

Snow-walker by Catherine Fisher

I picked this book up on a whim, and ended up loving it on the spot. It's filled with Norse mythology and reminds me of East of the Sun, west of the moon. Kari is probably my favorite character, because he is a snow-walker, and the ice prince of the north. What I loved about this book was the adventure. The main character Jessa was a strong, brave and resourceful girl who accepted Kari for who he was, and taught the people of the north to trust the Jarl, or ie people, again. Not only was the story unique, but the characters were amusing, and the events were a mix of action and comedy, with some mystery thrown in for good measure. This book inspired my own tale of East of the Sun, West of the Moon. 

Book Challenge Day 8: Most overrated book

The Notebook by Nicolas Sparks

I'll begin by saying that this is my opinion, and it relates to the novel. I will add that the movie had its moments, but it was too sappy for me at times. (Yes a Disney fan said that. But for the record, Disney isn't sappy to me.)

The novel is very different from the movie. It begins way after Highschool, when Allie has to make her choice on who she's going to marry, and she runs into Noah again. 

I just didn't understand the story of this novel. I did feel bad for Allie's loss of memory, but when I turned to the last page, my reaction was "really?" 

I just felt like the story was trying too hard to get my attention, and it miserably failed. Yes, I read the book, but in my opinion, this book was nothing compared to A Walk to Remember (probably my favorite novel by Nicolas Sparks, possibly ever) and it really felt sappy and way too emotional for me to believe the story at times. 

It might have been the way it was written, but I just didn't understand what the big deal was about it. It was more of a soap opera than an actual story. 

Book Challenge Day 6: A book that makes you sad

I have read many bittersweet stories, but the one that hits me the most is Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie.

 I have always been a kid at heart, and a fan of Peter and Wendy. 

It's not only sad that Peter doesn't go with Wendy, but also that he forgets her. That forgetfulness becomes an emptiness, and Peter becomes a wanderer.

Another scene that makes me sad is when Peter returns to take Wendy's daughter away. The realization that Peter feels betrayed by Wendy growing up strikes a chord in my heart, and I pity him. No matter how much Wendy tries to explain the world to him, Peter Pan refuses to be a part of the world. Instead he remains alone, with only fading memories to comfort him. He even forgets Tinker Bell, and that moment makes him truly helpless.

For some reason the fact that Peter is frozen in childhood makes this story magical and bittersweet. Forgetting people and always craving a place to belong, Peter goes from adventure to adventure, but he can't use the wisdom that comes with looking back on the past. He is made of the present, fleeting and fragile. He is a lonely character, and a tragic hero. 

I still love Peter Pan as a novel, play and wonderful tale, but the ending of this story always makes me sad. I feel sorry for Peter, and Wendy. 

Book Challenge Day 5: A book that makes you happy

Whenever I feel down, or upset, there are two books I usually turn to. One of them is Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, and the other is Penelope by Marilyn Kaye. 

Not only do I love the story of someone breaking free of negativity and low self esteem, I love the fact that the character breaks their own curse and rises above their misery. 

Resse Witherspoon has a powerful introduction to this story. She says, "I've been all over the world and met so many people, and I've come to discover that each and every one of us has insecurities. Young or old, short or tall, we all have something we wish we could change about ourselves. Sometimes we let those insecurities define who we are and get in the way of all the great things we could accomplish. Penelope teaches us to rise above our fears, to embrace the things that make us unique, and to celebrate our individuality."

Long before I read Penelope, I already knew that I had a curse. My negative attitude haunted me, and yes it still does at times. I have this curse of being terrified when anything good happens. I always expect something horrible to follow, and I literally wait until it does. I have never been an optimist on so many levels. 

Just like going to Disney, I feel so thankful that I decided to pick up this book, just before Borders went out of business, and give it a try. Even though I had long given up on the possibility of things actually working out in real life. 

This book opened my eyes, and I read it as a reminder to hope and believe in something more. Something happy, real and true. Penelope was the story that finally convinced me to pursue my dreams, and it taught me that breaking free from the past is not a bad thing. 

Penelope does the unthinkable in her own fairytale. She breaks her own curse! She doesn't wait around for Prince Charming. She stops listening to the negative words that surround her and decides to go out into the world and discover who she wants to be. She becomes her own hero, and once she breaks away from the curse, nothing can stop her from living the life she's always wanted!

So whenever I feel down, depressed, angry or frustrated with life, I read this book to remind myself that the only one preventing me from my own happiness is me. 

If I take the leap, brave the unknown and start to actually believe I'm capable of good things, maybe even that I do deserve to be happy, I can become the hero in my own story. I can, and will break my own curse.

Book Challenge Day 2: A book that you've read more than 3 times

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

I still remember how I was introduced to this book. A friend from High School told me about it, just before the Hayo Miazaki film came out to American theatres. I read the back, opened the first page and couldn't put the book down. I honestly can't even count how many times I've read this book. It has everything: adventure, humor, romance and of course the classic elements of a coming of age story. Sophie is an amazing protagonist, and Howl is one of the silliest and charming characters that I have read in fantasy literature. Just like Sophie, you grow to love him as the story progresses, learning the difference between the rumors and who Howl actually is. The sequels to this book are comical and magical. Castle in the Air seems inspired by the Middle East, while House of Many Doors seems to be a silly children's adventure. Of the series, this is my favorite book, and the one that I could relate to the most. It has a powerful message that involves believing in what you can do, and learning who you truly are. Sophie discovers that she is more than a Hatter's daughter, and more than a house maid. She becomes a hero, or heroine, who discovers that she can not only break her own curse, but save the people she cares for with courage and confidence. 

I have definately read this book more than three times. It is one of my favorite rereads.

Book Challenge Day 1: The Best book you read this year

I have two:

This book was amazing! From the detailed world to the complex characters, Dune was my best Fantasy/ SciFi read of the year! The novel taught me a lot about world building, and creating a history for a story. It was a philosophical epic with a compelling main character. Watching Paul become Muad'ib, the reader begins to wonder about the history of religion, power and politics in the world. How one idea can snowball into something far larger than the person who began it. 

The point of view is also fascinating and goes from one stream of consciousness into the next. 

Review:

http://moderndaybookshelf.blogspot.com/2013/01/dune-by-frank-herbert.html

This book was beautiful and charming. I found a new YA author to read when I discovered it. Not only does this book have very real and funny characters, it has a powerful message about life. What it means to live, love and cherish the important moments and the people you meet. The story is deep in an emotional way, and it reads like a true story told from a teenager's journal. The main character had a voice similar to a Sarah Dessen heroine and the story was a slice of life. With some of the best YA quotes, this book is one to be read again and again. 

Review: http://moderndaybookshelf.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-fault-in-our-stars-by-john-green.html