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.

Happy Birthday Pride and Prejudice!

It's amazing that Pride and Prejudice as been universally acknowledged and appreciated for two hundred years! With its realistic characters and layered plot line, this book has been read and enacted over and over again.  It's one of my favorite classics and Elizabeth Bennet has to be one of the most clever and unique heroines in literature. From the adapted screenplay to the popular youtube series, this story is timeless.

Dune Messiah book review on ModernDayBelle's Bookshelf

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

Writing Prompt: 43 Life changing books

Prompt: Name any life changing books you've read


One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss

This book began my fascination with rhyme. I wrote poem after poem once I could learn how, because I loved the way the words sounded.

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien

My Dad used to read this to me when I was a kid. I was always curious what would happen next and looked forward to story time. In fact, it's probably this book, and my Dad's reading it that inspired me to become a writer.


The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis:

This was the first book series that I couldn't put down, and it inspired me to come up with stories on my own. Stepping into that world motivated me to create many worlds of my own.


The Time Quartet by Madeline L'engle:

This book series was more of a step toward courage. At the time I was very young, and afraid to move to a new place. These books gave me the courage to make that decision and do the best I could to make the best of any situation.

Salior Moon by Naoko Takeuchi

This series got me interested in mythology. The complex story lines, classic light versus dark and good versus evil motifs always fascinated me and encouraged me to come up with a mythology of my own.

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

This book taught me that some stories have a bittersweet ending. The second time I read it, I learned that it was a coming of age story. It also fueled my dream to own a pet unicorn one day :) My imagination was wild  even in elementary school.

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

I literally grew up with Harry Potter. I got my Dad into this series, and it got to the point where Dad would read it first because he was the faster reader. I'll never forget waiting for my turn to read the books, and all the conversations Dad and I had after reading them.

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Mariller

This book appeared in my life by chance, and inspired a new ritual of going to the book store and just picking a book at random. It was during a tough time between Middle and High School that I read this book for imagination, sanctuary and comfort. Jena's courage, acceptance of her faults and her strengths helped me deal with the toughest times in my life.

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

This series will always mean something to me. It got me through depression, High School and just taught me about life in general. It was a well written story with very complex and amazingly human characters. Each time I read it, I learn something new about life, the world and the people around me.

The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien

This was one of the best fantasy stories ever written in my opinion. Tolkien is one of my role models as an author. When I read these for the first time, I was writing a novel before I realized it.

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

This book changed my attitude towards love. I changed with Remy, as she discovered it wasn't always a strength to separate yourself from your heart. Once she realized this, I realized I needed to believe that I had the strength to get over a broken heart.

Beastly by Alex Flinn

This book helped me learn more about myself, and it inspired my own version of Beauty and the Beast set in modern day. This is one of the books I recommended to my mom, and when she read it, it meant a lot to me. I'll never forget how excited we were to see the movie.


How to be like Walt by Pat Williams and Jim Denney

This book changed my outlook on my situations in life. Disney has always been a source of hope for me, but this book showed me that those stories and characters were created by someone who had his own challenges in life. Once he rose above them, he achieved his dream, and lived his life. This is my goal, and my guidance towards my dream job.

Books have taught me more lessons than I can remember. These are my most well known moments and stories. I'm sure there are many more. I learn something about writing, living, growing and changing every time I read these books, and I have many memories that revolve around them.

What books have changed your life?

Life of Pi: A Movie review

I want to begin this review by mentioning the novel the movie is based on. I read Life of Pi by Yann Martel years ago and loved the powerful storytelling and symbolism. Before you realize what the author is doing, your imagination follows the tale and depicts Pi as he describes his life. Pi goes on a spiritual journey of belief and tells you so throughout the book, but there are even more layers to this story than that. It's a philosophical tale, and it is up to you to decide what Pi's story is ultimately about.

Now, because the film is a movie, it's important to note that it is visually stunning. The effects are amazing and at times breathtaking. But each scene is meaningful to Pi's journey antd teaches you something new about the way he views the world.

My favorite visual scenes were the moments at night when the night sky is reflected in the water, and the moon jellyfish can be seen.
As for the story, it is very true to the book, and begins the same way the book does, with an interview. Pi is interviewed by an author who came to hear a story "That would make you believe in God." Pi begins with his childhood, and mentions three very specific times where he discovered faith.
The story itself is narrated very nicely, but they did leave a comical scene from the book out of it that I was a little surprised not to see . There were many funny moments and clever remarks from Pi, including the story where he got his name. Pi's character is intellectual, inquisitive and daring. He is set apart from his family who are more grounded in their ways then curious about the world. But his story of growing up is very entertaining and interesting.

Once Pi is Shipwrecked with the tiger, Richard Parker, things change. Very specific events happen that are no accident, and the real story begins. Now, I recommend this movie to anyone, because it makes you think, really think and by the end of the film, you learn something about yourself. It's a beautiful piece of literature and was very well translated on the big screen.
This is a movie you don't want to spoil anyone about, but in many ways, you can't even do that, because people need to watch the movie for themselves and come up with their own conclusion.
Anyway, this is a five star movie on my list, and it was a five star book as well.
I recommend both book and movie to many people, because you never know what you'll take from it.