Saturday Squeeze: The Forbidden Game

Subconsciously making my Saturday that much better

I have been an avid reader from before I even learned the alphabet, no I am not exaggerating: I pored over a picture book with simple sentences long before I could even read the words but perhaps my baby-brain was capable of understanding because Mummy says I actually read the book, not just looked at the pictures and flipped pages. So I am a certified bookworm from the time I was born and with parents who are bookworms themselves what do you expect?

This obviously led to growing bored of the books suggested for my age and by the time I was 11 I was on the verge of reading Robin Cook and Stephen King but instead, Mummy took me to a bookstore where the bookstore owner (who knew us quite well) climbed high and dug out 'The Forbidden Game' by L.J. Smith.

I fell in love. The story is captivating and dark, it can even be sinister if you thought more on it but at the same time the story is one that can touch your heart. It is everything a teen novel should be but even now as an adult I appreciate the fantasy and story as much as I did at that tender age. L.J. Smith has been my favorite author since I was a child and I hoped fervently that she would gain the recognition she deserved but it was only when 'Twilight' by Stephenie Meyer came out that L.J. Smith's books came into the bigger picture.

Now. Not to rant but it angers me when people claim L.J. Smith copied Stephenie Meyer. No. She. Did. Not. She wrote her series 'The Vampire Diaries' (which is now the highly popular television show everyone thinks is trying to trump 'Twilight'...and rightly should) way back in the 1980s. Most of her books were written in the '80s and a lot of them went out of print and only recently are being reprinted (much to the joy of us hardcore fans!). Please do your research before you slag others off, it is only embarrassing when you go to such extremes to sneer at someone only to be corrected.

With L.J. Smith's new popularity it finally meant I could also buy a backup of my favorite novel! Throughout the years it has gotten abused by people I have lent it to - once it came back missing that huge chunk on the cover! I was appalled. Needless to say, that is why I am an absolute, horrendous bitch when it comes to lending my books out. I am not embarrassed to tell people outright "no" when they ask, not everyone appreciates books and even if they do it is still risky business.

My fanatism aside, I was thrilled to be able to cart my new copy of 'The Forbidden Game' back with me to Adelaide and leave my original copy back at home, where it belongs (with most of my heart). I do not care much for the new cover but the print is bigger and easier to read which - for a myopic case such as myself - is a real treat.

This was more of a sentimental post than a review but all I can say is if you appreciate 'The Vampire Diaries' (the books I mean, not the television series) then definitely look into the rest of L.J. Smith's books - trust me, I have them all and they are all very worth it.

Saturday Squeeze: It's Complicated

Subconsciously making my Saturday that much better

I know this movie is relatively "old" but I just got around to watching it last night with Mummy and boy was it hilarious! Yes, the plot of it is bittersweet and somewhat sad but (spoiler alert) it has a happy ending and it was the ending I had hoped for.

The movie centered on Jane Alder (Meryl Streep) who is divorced and in her 50s but loving life only to have an affair with her ex-husband, Jake Alder (Alec Baldwin), who is married to the "young fling" Agness (Lake Bell) with whom he originally cheated on Jane with. Keeping up? Also throw in a super adorable geek of an architect, Adam (Steve Martin) and you've got a thrilling love triangle. Oh, don't forget the three grown up children, cutie [almost] son-in-law and an annoying five-year old too!

Definitely a great movie to watch with your Mother and have a giggle, and speaking of giggles - Meryl Streep has such a cute giggle!

Saturday Squeeze: Stardust (The Novel)

Subconsciously making my Saturday that much better

During my sixteen hour transit at Changi Airport, I finished reading 'Stardust' by Neil Gaiman. Apparently it has been made into a movie but I have yet to see it however considering how much I loved the book I think I will watch it soon.

The book is, as Gaiman describes it, a mature fairytale. Initially I thought it was for a younger audience but getting through the first few chapters I soon came to realize that it really targets more mature readers who are still enthralled by tales involving magical beings and the impossible (yes, I do fit into that category!).

Now, truthfully I do skim through pages when a book gets slow but with this book I didn't skip a word, it was that well written and flowed amazingly throughout. If you've seen the movie adaptation of Gaiman's 'Coraline' you'll know just how fascinatingly, darkly creative he is and that is exactly what you can expect from 'Stardust'.

A perfect read to take with you if you have a few hours to spare on a flight (as I did) for it fits perfectly in a handbag or pocket even. I definitely suggest it and if anyone has seen the movie let me know if it's any good! I look forward to comparing the book and movie so look forward for that in the near future.

Saturday Squeeze: Alice in Wonderland

Subconsciously making my Saturday that much better

Since returning to Sri Lanka for my winter break I've been able to catch up on movies with Mummy dearest and so far we've managed to get through quite a few good flicks. After being requested to do a review on all of them I thought I'd take up the challenge and see which films ended up being especially memorable.

This week I'm reviewing Tim Burton's 'Alice in Wonderland' and let me tell you, there's something about this film. I watched it first in 3D, then I watched it on the plane and finally watched it again with Mummy. I wasn't too impressed with the 3D version and quite preferred it in 2D, I felt it was more beautiful that way.

Admittedly I was skeptical when I first saw the trailer (you can watch it here), although it was a Tim Burton I wasn't too happy that it didn't seem to be the original story (it's a mixture of Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'Alice Through The Looking Glass') but still trusting the genius of Tim Burton I decided to watch it...and watch it and watch it!

It's ever so creative and boasts the darkness laced with sadness that only Tim Burton is capable of. The integration of computer graphics and real actors is smooth and barely noticeable, the script flows and you're never bored. I definitely suggest this for all, especially those with big imaginations.

Luckily for me, on a personal note, my college ball is going with the 'Alice in Wonderland' theme so look out for that blog entry next month!