The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a mystical tale skillfully weaved by Brian Selznick. Using both pictures and words, Selznick hurriedly throws the reader in for the ride of a lifetime. Though at times confusing, more times than not you cannot put it down. Your sole concern is to find out what comes about of Hugo and Isabelle, the mysterious toy shop owner, and the automaton.
Part One pulls you in immediately with a series of pictures starting at the moon and slowly working it's way onto the face of a young boy in a Parisian train station. I need to interupt myself just to say how impressed I was by the illustrations. They captured the true essence of the emotions of the characters and implanted you into the different Paris spots. Brilliantly done! Anyway, you quickly find out that Hugo, the boy, is secretly the time keeper of the clocks in the train station. He is, therefore, also a thief and essentially the ghost of the station. The story that unfolds is a mystery, a very slight romance between Hugo and Isabelle (the kid version of romance!), and a fairy tale. I found myself trying to find even just 20 minutes to sit and read because it was so good! It looks extremely intimidating, especially for young kids, because of the size of it. However, take just a minute to flip through it and you will see that probably half of it is the illustrations and most pages with text are not full pages with it. This unique style made the book go by very quickly. If I sat down for the said 20 minutes, I would get a solid hundred pages read!
Selznick did a wonderful job on this book. I could not put it down and did not want it to end. I will most definitely be checking out what else he has written!
Hi everyone, Yep, it's really me. Been MIA for awhile again. Really sorry about that :( Have had a lot going on, I guess. I could focus on medical issues, but maybe that deserves a post all on its' own. I hope to be slowly scooting back into blogging. Just know that I still think of all of you SO much. I miss you and love you terribly. Until next time (which will hopefully be SOON lol). Love you, Hannah
Hello everyone! Oh my goodness! I cannot believe that it's been sooooooo long. I am so sorry to just have disappeared, though I have kept in touch with a lot of you, thank goodness :) You all keep me sane lol....anyway, things have been crazy here between this, that, and the other thing. I'm hoping to start posting more regularly now though. Yay! And I will have you know that if you all are interested in more book reviews I have about 9 books to review that I've read just for myself, so let me know if you'd be interested in having them reviewed please!
Today, I have my first official review! YAY! Thank you to Miss Teeny Tiny aka Amber :P and Renee for pushing me to do this. I think that it was a great idea and I'm excited to get my next book!
Description of book: “I only know one man who might be able to tell me where I come from, and that man is a liar and a fraud.”
As far back as he can remember, the orphan Grady has tramped from village to village in the company of a huckster named Floyd. With his adolescent accomplice, Floyd perpetrates a variety of hoaxes and flimflams on the good citizens of the Corenwald frontier, such as the Ugliest Boy in the World act.
It’s a hard way to make a living, made harder by the memory of fatter times when audiences thronged to see young Grady perform as “The Wild Man of the Feechiefen Swamp.” But what can they do? Nobody believes in feechies anymore.
When Floyd stages an elaborate plot to revive Corenwalders’ belief in the mythical swamp-dwellers known as the feechiefolk, he overshoots the mark. Floyd’s Great Feechie Scare becomes widespread panic. Eager audiences become angry mobs, and in the ensuing chaos, the Charlatan’s Boy discovers the truth that has evaded him all his life—and will change his path forever.
My Review: The Charlatan’s Boy by Jonathon Rogers was an enjoyable read. It was not my favorite book and disappointed me a little bit after hearing remarkable compliments about it and it did sound really great! It never caught my interest until the very end of the book, unfortunately. I am not sure if it was enough to make me curious enough to read the second book or not. There were not too many characters in this book by way of named, main characters. I did enjoy the character of Grady and his quest to find his way in this crazy world. He is a young boy who has always believed that he was a real live Feechie because that is what Floyd, his pseudo father figure of sorts, has always acted. However, that is simply what it was, an act. So poor Grady is suddenly lost, unknowing of what he really I, who he really is, and he wants to find his real parents. So you can easily be sympathetic to this little boy’s feelings. Floyd simply irritated me, which I almost think was part of the point. Just when you thought that he was getting “good” or at least being nice to Grady, he became somewhat of a jerk again for lack of a better term. It drove me crazy! It was very interesting to kind of see the behind the scenes of what it takes to be a charlatan though. Not that I ever plan on being one or anything, but it was just interesting to see the mechanics of their mind. I think knowing what the book is about, there are a few kids I would recommend this too. I think based on some of the material though; you would want to limit it to a mature fourth grader through middle school aged. I think kids may enjoy the sense of adventure and relate even more to Grady and the other characters!
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Just an update: My school year is almost done :) Last day is April 29, but last final is due by email on the 30th. But still!! I have a roommate for next year!!! Her name's Amanda and I'm sure you will be hearing about her coming up soon lol. I will post on our crazy adventure that we're taking today to my home (*whispers* she's meeting the family and my old friends LOL) I am so very excited about it and having her makes me actually excited to come back next year. I am still working at my grocery store as a cashier on the weekends, but am applying to be able to substitute teach in May and whenever they need me from now on. I will focus on only elementary school because it would just be too tough with especially high school because of my age compared to theirs! It would be cool because if I'm at WRS I know a lot of the kids and I do get paid to do it, so it will be fun. Medically, everything is up in the air right now. Apparently I do not have Rheumatoid Arthritis even though, yes, that is what I have been diagnosed with for five years now. That's very frustrating for me because though RA wasn't good, at least I had a diagnosis and I had come to terms with it by now. So no news still about all that unfortunately :/ I got to skype with a certain Miss Tiny Ariel last night for the first time!!! YAYAYAY! It was really fun and I look forward to many more fun skype dates to come ; ) I've been reading like crazy for who knows why! LOL I always keep the blog updated in that respect. I am on book number seventeen for 2011 which I don't think is too shabby considering it's technically still March!
That's about it for me! What's new with all of you???
OH just ONE more thing ; ) I will be going on TWO trips this summer again! Alicia, gramma, grampa, and I will be driving to Wisconsin for the Jersey cattle convention....it could be interesting LOL! And then Gramma, Grampa, Alicia, Mom, Aunt Donna, and I will be going to....drumroll please *drumming on desk* Wales, London, and the Isle of Jersey again!!!!! Yessss they are all repeats, but they are three of our favorite overseas vacations we've been on : ) One of the highlights, I can tell you right now will be meeting two of my favorite blogger friends who also are coincedentally my best UK friend and my mum ; ) when we go to London!!! We're hoping to see Wicked together (since that is how we found each other afterall) and do lunch or something of the sort. SO excited, you two!!
Okay now tell me about yourselves ; ) Hugs, smooches, and much love to you all! Hannah
Welcome, welcome!! First, can I just say THANK YOU to Amber for organizing this whole thing?! How fun has it been so far, people? Awesome! I'm honored to be among these other women for our blogfest. Bravo, ladies! Love your blogs and the party has gotten a great start!
Now as you can probably tell by the title, I do not have an author here today, unfortunately. Been having a hard time getting someone to fit me into their busy schedules! SO, you're stuck with me today, all me ; )
Now, let me ask you. Who doesn't think of Beyonce when they hear the term 'Single Ladies' now!? Lol! So of course, Beyonce must be our beginning for this post. Anyway, this will take you through one Valentine's Day, what I might suggest you do, single ladies ; )
Step 1: Keep music going ALL day! Start to finish, it'll make you happy ; )
Step 2: Breakfast, ladies! I would suggest letting yourself go all out since it a holiday afterall ; ) So, chocolate chip pancakes, anyone!? Or Bee and I both highly suggest chocolate chip coconut pancakes! Mmmmm even better!
Step 3: Now, just because it's Valentine's Day doesn't mean you shouldn't get your exercise in! But do it in a fun way! I would suggest playing Just Dance on your Wii! *gestures this way* C'mon you're all invited over to my house to play! This is one of my absolute favorites! This is the screen you look at on the TV. You follow the girl. SO fun, trust me! Now who's up for the challenge?? I'm warning you I can get over 10,000 points now! But none of you imagine me doing this, ya here!?
Step 4: Now for a little relaxation, ladies. You deserve it. Time for some quality reading time : ) Now, we all love that, no? Here are just a couple suggestions, a total variety of course:
Anyone else have any good Valentine's Day books to recommend? These are just romances, not specifically Vday! Lol...
Step 5: Pamper yourself!!
This could be as simple as taking a hot bath and shaving your legs, c'mon you know you're all guilty of not doing it as often in the winter ; ) Or as "complicated" as setting up a mani-pedi or getting a massage. This Valentine's Day is for you, in celebration of you loving yourself, so go all out! Relax, take some time for youself!
Step 6: Now that we're feeling relaxed, why don't we take a road trip to somewhere we love? You get to choose for you. Maybe it's a museum, the aquarium, the park down the street, or even the library! Get outside and do something : )
Step 7: Now at this point I would say you could start to chillax for the evening already lol! I would make yourself (or buy *wink*) a lovely dinner of your favorite food and then watch some movies. Suggestions:
Oh there's TOO many!! I could go on and on and on! Lol...what about you? Some of your favorites?
Step 8: Take a few minutes to remember yourself. Who's important? YOU are. : ) Here, I'll give you a push in the right direction.
People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.
~ Elizabeth Kübler-Ross ~
Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.
If you look at what you have in life, You'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, You'll never have enough.
~ Oprah Winfrey ~
If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people.
~ Virginia Woolf ~
Thanks for sticking with me through this little guide : ) I know it isn't much, but I hope you enjoyed some good music and maybe a couple laughs too!
GIVEAWAY TIME: It's not very specific but the winner will recieve some chocolate and a book that is to be determined! It's a little bit of a mystery ; ) All you have to do is leave a comment this time around, folks.
Don't forget to stop by the other blogs with giveaways going on currently for the blogfest:
One last thing before I go to all my blogger buddies, I wish everything this song has to offer for each and every one of you : ) Happy Valentine's Day to each one of you!! With love, Hannah
Here's the blurb from Amazon: As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a cherished dream. Libby wishes to become a famous journalist, Pete plans to study to become a minister, and Bennett wants to join a fraternity and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well. And when Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?
My Review: First of all, let me thank Amber so much for sending me In Every Heartbeat. I am so glad you did!!
This was my first book by Kim Vogel Sawyer and most definitely will NOT be my last. I was so pleasantly surprised on so many levels.
This book follows three best friends as they venture into a new part of their lives as college students. The year is 1914 as Libby, Petey, and Bennett become freshman in college. All three are orphans, raised in the same orphanage, but all having different experiences there. Though they start out with the stongest bond, they soon realize that their relationships are going to change, some for the better and some for the worse it seems.
Now I don't want to give anything away, but I loved this book! Lol...I felt like the characters were quite relatable, especially the feelings because I am in that weird transition face, as they are too. Though I did not completely relate to Libby, she is much more outspoken then me, I related to her on a deeper level. One of the same desires as her. I have to admit that I did not love Bennett's character. He almost became the person you love to hate, but not quite. However....Petey. Oh my goodness. I think I fell for Petey...hard! He was so sweet and true to himself and his beliefs. I don't know how you couldn't not like him. Just seemed like such a perfect guy to me...lol!
Anyway, I say bravo to Kim for her success!! As soon as I finished this I went out and bought A Hopeful Heart on Amber's recommendation ; ) Well the next day...lol! Great job! Have a great day! Hannah
Okay people....it is getting very near that wonderful day of romance, chocolate hearts, and roses. Yep, you guessed it! Valentine's Day! Lol...in our suite here at school it looks as though (and I quote) "Cupid puked all over our walls". Bahahahaha! We've got paper hearts everywhere, arrows, etc. It's crazy, we'll just say ; )
So on that note I want to mention the Season of Love Blog Party!
This is going to be sooooo fun, I'm convinced! And why shouldn't it be? Now to steal from Amber's invitation on her blog:
"Who: Everyone is invited!
What: A progressive blog party
When: February 7th through the 14th
Where: Various blogs
Why: To celebrate the wonderful gift called love!
And here's a peek at the tentative schedule, with links to the blogs that will be featured each day:
Monday, February 7th: Amber at Seasons of Humility--Interview with MaryLu Tyndall and a giveaway Tuesday, February 8th: Renee Ann at Doorkeeper--TBA Wednesday, February 9th: Casey at Writing for Christ--Interview with Kristin Billerbeck and a giveaway Thursday, February 10th: Hannah at Project Journal--TBA Friday, February 11th: Joy at Edgy Inspirational Romance--TBA Saturday, February 12th: Julia at Darkglass Ponderings--Interview with Jody Hedlund; "romantic" menu of recipes from a chef! Sunday, February 13th: Renee at Black 'n Gold Girl's Bookspot--Interview with Laura Frantz and a 3-surprise-Christian-fiction-books giveaway Monday, February 14th: Visit Seasons of Humility for a Mr. Linky listing of all the blogs writing a special Valentine's Day post; winners announced on the participating blogs."
Yes, I'm still TBA. I am waiting to hear back from my author, though, who will hopefully agree! Anyway, I hope that you all will join us because it's going to be a fun time!
Thanks to Renee for making the awesome blog button! And a huge thanks to Amber for getting this ball rolling!!! Talk soon, Hannah
Blurb: For over twenty-five years, Ellen Raskin's Newbery Medal-winning The Westing Game has been an enduring favorite. It has sold over one and a half million copies. This highly inventive mystery involves sixteen people who are invited to the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will. They could become millionaires-it all depends on how they play the tricky and dangerous Westing game, a game involving blizzards, burglaries, and bombings! Ellen Raskin has created a remarkable cast of characters in a puzzle-knotted, word-twisting plot filled with humor, intrigue, and suspense.
My review: The Westing Game is one of the only books I will actually choose to reread. Why, you might ask? I have no clue actually! I first ordered this book from the book order in 4th or 5th grade. Since then I reread it at least once a year.
What starts out as a strange storyline, quickly becomes something much more. You become so attached to the characters that you don't know which way is up! There are quite a few main characters but no minor characters really to keep track of. So, in a way it works itself out.
The book is a murder mystery, of sorts. It is extremely interactive, but I'll warn you, it WILL keep you guessing up until near the very end. Just when you think you have it figured out, Ellen Raskin finds a way to turn it all around.
Like I said, I've been reading this for years and it never ceases to delight me with every page turned. No matter your age, I think you will enjoy this wonderfully written mystery that might just leave you in tears by the end too! I really hope some of you consider picking this one up : )
Like Amber, I am hosting a book challenge this year. I am taking it over for Alaine @ Queen of Happy Endings blog. I participated in this one last year also and didn't completely commit lol! But this year I'm ready for it because I have some that definitely go into this category ; )
Copy this code to your website to display this banner!
This challenge is for all those books you wish you'd read. It might be Pride and Prejudice, War and Peace, a Nora Roberts Romantic Suspense, the Outlander series or a childhood classic Winnie the Pooh. I have a very long list of books that I've been wanting to read for years, not to mention the list of books I've added to it since I've been blogging. These don't have to be books you currently own, you can buy them, borrow them or beg for them. This is a great challenge for getting those TBR piles reduced. So go have a look at what you might read and challenge yourself.
This is kind of a catch-all challenge. A good one to start with, if you ask me!
Challenge Guidelines:
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. --Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.
2. There are four levels:
-- Curious – Read 3 books.
-- Fascinated – Read 6 books.
-- Addicted – Read 12 books.
-- Obsessed – Read 20 books.
3. Any book format counts.
4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.
5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2011.
So sorry for taking my time about getting it posted, you've lost 14 days already!!!! AHHHHH! Joking ; ) But I am still sorry about that lol. I did decide, however, that for me personally I'm not going to necessarily pick a category. Throughout the year I will instead keep my list updated! Lol! So here's what I have so far:
I'm going to stop there for now, but check back occasionally because I bet you I will be updating this as I actually browse my shelves : )
Now bear with me, folks. I'm trying Mr. Linky for the FIRST TIME! Lol....so if there are problems I'm working on it. If it doesn't work, you'll get to just sign up in the comments.
So, who wants to try this challenge with me!? Hannah
I'm currently a college junior at Granite State College while living at home with my mom! I had a rough time at my old school, staying afloat with the help of my amazing friends! So last year, I moved home and had an incredibly successful year even graduating with my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from my community college. I am very grateful for Mrs. Haynes for giving me the idea to start my blog because not only do I enjoy doing it, but I have made so many tremendous friends through it! I try to keep up with my blog but as I said, I'm a college student and thus get busy lol. In the past year, I have made some amazing changes in my life, I hope maybe you'll pop in from time to time to share in my celebrations with me :) Hope you'll stop by to have a chat real soon!
You are Mammy. You are one tough cookie. You are strong, loyal and can see right through any bull. You take great care in watching out for your loved ones and will do anything in your power to make them happy without compromising your position.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
