Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones (1986)

Pages: 212

ISBN: 0061478784

Description: In the land of Ingary, such things as spells, invisible cloaks, and seven-league boots were everyday things. The Withc of theWaste was another matter.

After fifty years of quiet, it was rumored that the Witch was about to torrorize the country again. She had threatened the King's young daugher and had killed the Wizard Sulliman, who had been sent to deal with her. So when a moving black castle, blowing dark smoke from its four thin turrets, appeared on the horizon, everyone thought it was the Witch. The castle, however, belonged to Wizard Howl, who it was said, liked to suck the souls of young girls.

The Hatter sisters - Sophie, Lettie, and Martha - and all the other girls were warned not to venture into the streets alone. But that was only the beginning.

In this giant jigsaw puzzle of a fantasy, nothing wand no one are quite what they seem to be. Destinies are intertwined, identities exchanged, lovers confused. The Witch has placed a spell on Howl. Does the clue to breaking it lie in a famous poem? What is the mysterious contract that binds the Wizard to Calcifer, his fire demon?

Review: We enter a fantastical world where witches and wizards are part of everyday life. In this world is Sophie, who gets caught up in a duel between the Witch of the Waste and the King, as well as the Wizard Howl himself. This was a fun fantasy novel filled with twists and turns. It kept my imagination going and I couldn't wait to read more. A great book, especially for the young adults.

Score: 4 out of 5

Movie Connection: In 2004, famed director Hayao Miyazakai brought this book to the big screen and it became one of the highest grossing Japanese film in history. It really is a great movie and should be on your "to see" list if you haven't seen it already.

A History of Violence

A History of Violence by John Wagner (2004)

Description: It's just another quiet day in small-town, USA, until a couple of wanted killers walk into Tom McKenna's diner looking for trouble. When Tom gives them more than they bargained for, he and his family are thrust into the kind of white-hot media spotlight that attracts a lot of attention - and questions about Tom's past. Is he really an easygoing small town guy, or is there something more?

Review: The concept behind the book is a very interesting one. We live in such a violent society that the violence inside of the book isn't really that shocking anymore. This story is a character study into what a small decision can do to change a person's life entirely. I was not too fond of the artistic style of the book. It was drawn to stark and at times it seemed sloppy. If another style had been adopted, it could have been more interesting. I have seen the movie that is based off of this novel and found it more interesting than the book. Nonetheless, I think it is still worth a look. However, if you have a weak stomach, this perhaps is not the book for you as there are many truly graphic illustrations.

Score: 3.5 out of 5

Movie Connections: Now a major motion picture directed by David Cronenberg and nominated for the Palm d'Or Award at the Cannes Film festival, A History of Violence is a nonstop psychological thriller about a man with a secret past who will do anything to keep it that way.

Persepolis

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood (2004) by Marjane Satrapi

Description: Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi's wise, funny, and heartbreaking memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In powerful black and white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her life in Tehram from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah's regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran's last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country.

Review: This is one powerful book. Although the artwork is simple, it tells a very dramatic story. From the beginning I couldn't believe all of the horrific things that Satrapi had to witness in her small years. I honestly did not know all of that about Iranian history and found it enlightening. A very powerful story that all should read.

Score: 5 out of 5

Movie Connection: In 2007, Persepolis was brought to the big screen by Vincent Paronnaud and the author herself. It was done in a very unique style. It appears to be animated, but it is like the book came to life. I have not yet seen this myself but intend to. It looks absolutely beautiful.

The Dark is Rising

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper (1973)

Description: On the Midwinter Day that is his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers a special gift - that he is the last of the Old Ones, immortals dedicated throughout the ages to keeping the world from domination by the forces of evil, the Dark. He is plunged at once into a quest for the six magical Signs that will one day aid the Old Ones in the final battle between the Dark and the Light. Thereafter, for the twelve days of Christmas while the Dark is rising, life for Will, although outwardly normal, is strangely wonderful as he is drawn through terror and delight.

Review: The story follows Will Stanton on his journey and discovery of his skills as an "Old One". At first, it was difficult to get into the story. I do not think it is the fault of the author, but my own. Once I started reading though, I just couldn't get enough. I found the story to be very interesting and well made. The wording was so colorful, I felt the world was read. I could really picture everything. It was also very enjoyable to read. I would definitely recommend this book to sci-fi fans and/or youth/young adult readers.

Score: 4 out of 5

Movie Connection: David L. Cunningham brings Susan Coopers book, The Dark is Rising to the big screen. After reading the plot synapsis, it appears that Hollywood, once again, has butchered a good story. I will reserve my final opinion until I see the final product, of course. However, it doesn't look so good.

The Seeker: The Dark is Rising (2007)

Night Watch (Nochnoy Dozor)

Night Watch (Nochnoy Dozor) by Sergei Lukyanenko (1998)

Description: Others. They walk among us, observing. Set in contemporary Moscow, where shape shifters, vampires, and street-sorcerers linger in the shadows, Night Watch is the first book of the hyper-imaginative fantasy trilogy from bestselling Russian author Sergei Lukyanenko. This epic saga chronicles the eternal war of the "others," an ancient race of humans with supernatural powers who must swear allegiance to either the Dark or the Light.

The agents of Light - the Night Watch - oversee nocturnal activity, while the agents of Dark keep watch over the day. For a thousand years both sides have maintained a precarious balance of power, but an ancient prophecy has decreed that a supreme Other will one day emerge, threatening to tip the scales. Now, that day has arrived. When a mid-level Night Watch agent named Anton stumbles upon a cursed young woman - an uninitiated Other with magnificent potential - both sides prepare for a battle that could lay waste to the entire city, possibly the world.

Review: What an interesting novel from Russia. It was really refreshing to read something from another country (although it was translated). I really like the whole light vs. dark scenario going on. It almost makes the light (or good) side seem like the real bad guys. I also like how each person actually chooses if they are light or dark and if one is dark, it doesn't make them evil. I almost have to wonder if Lukyanenko ever read Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising. After reading Rising, I found some similar themes. I know they are all taken from mythology, but I found them to be very close, which fascinated me. The book is long and is actually three stories in one. However, it went really fast and I couldn't wait to continue on the story. I highly recommend this book to sci-fi fans.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Movie Connectrions: Timur Bekmambetov brought this book to the big screen in Russia. Most of the story elements were left alone, but an important one was really changed. In the book, Anton is just a friend of Egor, not his father (as in the movie). I'm not exactly sure why they did that, but perhaps it was just to create some additional conflict. Honestly, I haven't seen the movie in a while, so I would need a refresher. I do remember being absolutely blown away. I thought it was really original and glad to see something of this quality coming from Russia. This movie should most definitely be seen by all.

Nochnoy Dozor (2004)

City of Ember

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau (2003)

Description: This novel by Jeane DuPrau takes place in the dark city of Ember, a decaying place with no natural light surrounded by the vast Unknown. Although ancestors had arranged for information on leaving Ember to be made available after the inhabitants have spent 200 years there, a corrupt mayor lost the information many years before the novel begins. Two hundred and forty-one years later, Ember's electrical lighting frequently fails, supplies are dwindling, and the populace is growing increasingly frightened. Twelve-year-old Doon and his acquaintance Lina are intent on finding a way to save Ember. After Lina finds a mysterious and fragmented paper titled "Instructions for Egress," they think they have a way out. Can they escape from the villainous mayor and his soldiers? Can they figure out the missing letters and words in the message? Do they find their way out of Ember and up to a post-apocalyptic Earth?

Review: This novel takes you on a journey with Lina and Doon as they discover things are not what they seem in the city of Ember. Doon knows things aren't right but no one really wants to acknowledge that. Then Lina makes a great discovery - instructions on how to leave the city. We are taken along for the ride as the duo make it out of the city. Overall, this book was good. I did think that it was slightly depressing. Children start working at the age of 12 and the city itself is falling apart. There are several blackouts and their supplies are running out, fast. However, there are really great morals taught to the young readers this book was intended for. So even though it may be a bit dark (no pun intended), I think it is a great book for the younger kids to read.

Score: 3 out of 5

Movie Connections: I didn't know, but there is a movie adaptation coming out in October of 2008 for this book. It is directed by Gil Kenan and starring Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, and Martin Landau. It will be interesting to see how this pans out.

City of Ember (2008)

1st to Die

1st to Die by James Patterson (2001)

Description: (From Amazon) Lindsay Boxer is a homicide inspector who's just gotten some very bad news. She deals with it by immersing herself in her newest case and soliciting the personal as well as professional support of her closest friend, who happens to be the city's medical examiner. The two women, along with an ambitious and sympathetic reporter and an assistant DA, form an unlikely alliance, pooling their information and bypassing the chain of command in an engaging, suspenseful story whose gruesome setup is vintage Patterson.

Review: This was my first time reading anything by Patterson. I have to admit that I'm hooked. It was a fairly decent story. There were things that made me groan and I did figure things out. However, there were a few surprises thrown in there. It was somewhat difficult for me to get over comparing his novel to how things really work in the criminal justice system. That is just something I always have problems with though. I really don't think that a cop would ever make friends with a reporter like that. When I worked for the P.D. I was sick to death of the press. I do like the idea and it makes great fiction. I thought the story was really interesting and I was captivated the whole time. The ending was a bit predictable, but on the whole not bad. All in all, not a bad read. I will definitely continue on with the series.

Score: 3.5 out of 5

Movie Connections: I had no idea that there was a TV miniseries based off of this book. It came out in 2003 and apparently was on NBC. There were some good actors in it, however looking at some of the reviews, it doesn't appear to have been that great. I also noticed that there is a TV series from this year based off of the Women's Murder Club. I would like to see this show just to see how they do the book justice.

First to Die (2003)
Women's Murder Club (TV) (2007)

North and South

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (1854)

Description: (From Amazon) North and South is a novel about rebellion. Moving from the industrial riots of discontented millworkers through to the unsought passions of a middle-class woman, and from religious crises of conscience to the ethics of naval mutiny, it poses fundamental questions about the nature of social authority and obedience. Through the story of Margaret Hale, the middle-class southerner who moves to the northern industrial town of Milton, Gaskell skilfully explores issues of class and gender in the conflict between Margaret's ready sympathy with the workers and her growing attraction to the charismatic mill ownder, John Thornton. This new revised and expanded edition sets the novel in the context of Victorian social and medical debate.

Review: I absolutely loved this book. I had a hard time putting it down. Part of the reason I loved it so much is that it is a topic I am very close to. Even though this novel takes place over 150 years ago, it still rings true today. My parents were both part of unions and I was as well for a short time. So I know how the workers (or "hands") felt. Milton also felt a lot like home to me. Milwaukee is very much like Milton (or was). So I really felt like I knew the characters of Higgins and the other workers. I too feel the same way that Thornton feels about the North (or Milton). I too am from a similar type of city and I don't know how people can survive in the country. This book has a warm place in my heart and I wish I would have known about it a long time ago. I highly recommend this book.

Score: 5 out of 5

Movie Connections: Brian Percival made an outstanding miniseries on BBC based on thsi book. To read my comments, visit my Video Journal. I recommend seeing the movie as well.

North & South (2004)
North & South (1975)

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (1995)

Description: Moments before Earth is destroyed, Ford Prefect, an alien who's been incognito for 15 years while researching a newer edition of THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY, rescues his friend, Arthur Dent. The two stow away on a passing spaceship, and their adventures begin. Ford and Arthur encounter ex-hippie Galaxy President Zaphod Beeblebrox; Marvin, the morose robot; and a slew of otherworldly weirdos populating Douglas Adams's cult classic.

Review: I have read that people either love this book or hate it. I can see why. The humor is not for everyone. I personally loved it. I laughed out loud so many times. As for the narrator, Stephen Fry was outstanding. I don't think I could hear anyone else but him read this book.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Movie Connections: Garth Jennings brought this classic book to the big screen in 2005. I found the movie to be a fairly good adatptation of the novel. There were some things added, however, it was all done in the style of Adams. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and highly recommend it.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)

Stardust

Stardust by Neil Gaiman (1999)

Description: In the sleepy English countryside, at the dawn of the Victorian Era, life moves at a leisurely pace in the tiny town of Wall, so named for an imposing stone barrier that divides the village from an adjacent meadow. Armed sentries guard the sole gap in this wall, in order to keep the curious from wandering through. Only once every nine years to they relax their vigil, when a market fair unlike any other comes to the meadow.

Here in Wall, young Tristran Thorn has lost his heart to beautiful Victoria Forester. But Victoria is cold and distant-as distant, in fact, as the star she and Tristran see fall from the sky on a crisp October evening. For the coveted prize of Victoria's hand, Tristran vows to retrieve the fallen star and deliver it to his beloved. It is an oath that sends the lovelorn swain over the ancient wall, and propels him into a world that is strange beyond imagining.

But Tristran is not the only one seeking the heavenly jewel. There are those for whom it promises youth and beauty, the key to a kingdom , and the rejuvenation of dark, dormant magics. And a lad compelled by love will have to keep his wits about him to succeed and survive in this secret place where fallen stars come in many guises-and where quests have a way of branching off in unexpected direction, even turning back upon themselves in space and in time.

Review: This was my first time reading a book by Gaiman. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. It took me no time at all to finish this book. The words just flowed and I couldn't stop turning the pages. I really enjoyed the world that Gaiman created. It was a great fantasy from beginning to end. The characters were wonderful. The only thing I do have to complain about is that some relationships were not as developed as I thought they could be. But all in all, a fantastic read.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Movie Connections: In August, the movie version of the book will be coming to a movie theater near you. I personally can't wait to see it. From the pictures that I've seen it looks absolutely beautiful. The only thing that I've noticed from the trailers is that much has been added, but that is to be expected. I will have to wait to make a full analysis of the movie until it comes out.

Stardust (2007)

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Volume 1

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Volume 1 by Alan Moore
Description: (Back of Book) London, 1898. The Victorina Era draws to a close and the twentieth century approaches. Its is a time of great change and an age of stagnation, a period of chaste order and ignoble chaoes. It is an era in need of champions.

Allan Quartermain, Captain Nemo, Hawley Griffin, Dr. Henry Jekyll, Mr. Edward Hyde, and Mina Murray are those champions and together they compromise the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Recruited by the enigmatic Campion Bond, under orders from the mysterious "M," these six adventurers are pressed into service by their empire in its time of need. Now they must face the nefarious Doctor and his vile plan for world domination. But things are not entirely as they seem; other factors, cryptic and corpuscular, are also at play. A remarkable drama ensues.

Review: After seeing the movie, I discovered that the story was actually a graphic novel. I finally got my hands on a copy. As usual, I liked the original material much better. I really enjoyed the novel and thought the story was very interesting. I also like the concept of different literary figures coming together to help solve a mystery. This is an adult novel, with adult concepts, so I would not recommend it to younger readers. If the story sounds interesting and you definitely should pick up a copy.

Score: 4 out of 5

Movie Connections: Stephen Norrington brought the story to the big screen. The main story was somewhat altered a bit, but was still entertaining. After reading the novel, I am not sure I like the adaptation as much as I did before. But that is more of a problem with the screenplay than the movie itself. The movie itself was okay but nothing mindblowing.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

300

300 by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley
Description: (Back of Book) The army of Persia - a force so vast it shakes the earth with its march - is poised to crush Greece, an island of reason and freedom in a sea of mysticism and tyranny.
Standing between Greece and this tidal wave of destruction is a tiny detachment of but three hundred warriors.

But these warriors are more than men... they are SPARTANS.

Review: What a beautifully violent book. The images inside are just awesome. Granted there isn't much to read, but so much more to look at. I was just blown away by the imagery. Very well done indeed.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Movie Connection: Zack Snyder (a fellow Wisconsinite) brought this graphic novel to life on the big screen in 2006. It is such an awesome and visually stunning movie. After viewing the movie repeatedly (hey, its a favorite of mine), I decided to get a copy of the book. What I find to be so interesting is how the movie is literally a moving picture of the book. Most of the scenes from the book are brought to life. I thought it was very well done.

300 (2006)

Ghost World

Ghost World by Daniel Clowes

Description: (From Amazon.com) Dan Clowes described the story in Ghost World as the examination of "the lives of two recent high school graduates from the advantaged perch of a constant and (mostly) undetectable eavesdropper, with the shaky detachment of a scientist who has grown fond of the prize microbes in his petri dish." From this perch comes a revelation about adolescence that is both subtle and coolly beautiful. Critics have pointed out Clowes's cynicism and vicious social commentary, but if you concentrate on those aspects, you'll miss the exquisite whole that Clowes has captured. Each chapter ends with melancholia that builds towards the amazing, detached, ghostlike ending.

Review: I have mixed feelings about this book. I thought it was interesting, but wished it went into more detail at the end. It seemed to end abruptly. I did find it amusing and could relate a bit to the story. Overall its a fun, quirky story about teens. I'd recommend checking it out.

Score: 3.5 out of 5

Movie Connection: There is a movie adaptation that came out in 2001. I didn't catch it in the theater, but I was always interested in it. Not too long ago it was on TV but I was not able to finish watching it, so I put it on my Netflix list. I did see it and I really liked it. So I got the book. I am not sure which one I like more. Usually I like the book better, but I'm not sure in this case. They sort of melded characters together for the movie (which they often do). I think you should definitely check the movie out.

Ghost World (2001)

Persuasion

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Description:  (From VA Beach Public Library)  Published one year after its author's death in 1818, Persuasion is Jane Austen's last completed novel. On its most basic level, it is a love story about two people separated by convention and then given a second chance. On another level, it is a characteristically deft exploration of human foibles and social flux.

Review:  After watching Mansfield Park on DVD last night, I had the whim to read this novel. I have the movie on DVD (actually two versions) but oddly enough, had yet to read the book. I thought that it was quite lovely. Its not my favorite Austen novel (Mansfield Park is my favorite), but it is close. I think the story could take place today and it would have the same meaning. That is what is great about many of Austen’s novels. They have meaning for us in our lives today.

Score:  5 out of 5

Movie Connections:  I own the first two on DVD.  The one from 1971 is a close adaptation from the BBC.  The second is from 1995.  That was my first exposure to the story.  Even the "Hollywood" version was a good adaptation.  Not much was added or left out.  Actually, a large portion of the dialogue was word for word.  I highly reccomend watching the 1995 version along with the book.

Persuasion (Mini) - 1971
Persuasion - 1995
Persuasion (TV) - 2007

Blood and Chocolate

Blood and Chocolate

Description: (From back of book) Vivian Gandillon relishes the change, the sweet, fierce ache that carries her from girl to wolf. At sixteen, she is beautiful and strong, and all the young wolves are on her tail. But Vivian still grieves for her dead father; her pack remains leaderless and in disarray, and she feels lost in the suburbs of Maryland. She longs for a normal life. But what is normal for a werewolf?

Then Vivian falls in love with a human, a meat-boy. Aiden is kind an gentle, a welcome relief from the squabbling pack. He's fascinated by magic, and Vivian longs to reveal herself to him. Surely he would understand her and delight in the wonder of her dual nature, not fear her as an ordinary human would.

Vivian's divided loyalties are strained further when a brutal murder threatens to expose the pack. Moving between two worlds, she does not seem to belong in either. What is she really - human or beast? Which tastes sweeter -- blood or chocolate?

Review: This was a really good read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. In fact, I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. Granted, it is written for the teen/tweens, but it was still a fairly good portrayal of a "real" teen. At first, I was sort of put off by all the sex talk, but then when I thought about it, that's what we all think about at that age. I thought the story was really interesting and it was really believable. Some people may not like the ending, but I really did. For the first time in a while, I have found a book that I have enjoyed from start to finish and even liked the end. This book is a must read for those who enjoy young adult books or those who like a good werewolf story.

Score: 5 out of 5

Movie Connection: Recently, a movie version of the book was released. I actually saw the movie first and then decided I wanted to pick up the book to see the actual story. Now, I did enjoy the movie on its own. As an adaptation of this book, it was bad. The only thing that was the same were the character names. Even the ending was changed to give us the good old "love conquers all" craptastic theme. Blah. I definitely like the book story over the movie and I think the adaptation was poor at best.