HI WILL

The Great Gatsby

So this is the one and only movie I have seen in a theater in the last year, and I fell in love with it. Well, to begin with it's staring Leonardo Dicaprio and Toby Maguire, so who couldn't resist, but it's based on the classic work of Literature by the same name. Now if movies done on books are done well, they can be wonderful, and this movie definitely was one of them. Although I've never read the novel, it was evident through watching the movie that it was a very well written thought out plot with plenty of motifs, themes and metaphors. Set in the roaring 20's New York, a mysterious and unimaginably rich man known only as Gatsby hosts extravagant parties weekly. But nobody actually knows who Gatsby is; most people don't care. Next door lives a young stockbroker with a very rich cousin who lives across the bay. After one day getting a mysterious invitation to a party, he meets Gatsby himself. The two become fast friends. Sweeping his new friend away and have a grand time, Gatsby makes a real friend. The truth comes out when Gatsby reveals that he is in love with his neighbor's married cousin across the bay and that is why he built his house in that location. The story goes on to include more plot twists, love tangles and comes to a shocking conclusion. Exploring the societal rift between the rich and the poor and trus friendship, it is very well done. I think the main theme of Gatsby's never ending hope and faith that he will end up with the girl he loves was very well done in this movie and it definitely stuck with you. The one thing that stuck with me the most was the concept of popularity and fads; that the rich high society people only want to be with you if you're rich and giving them something. Overall this was an unexpected, deep, powerful film and I really enjoyed it.

The Luxe

Set in New york, this saga follows the Holland family, a part of New York's aristocracy. Having fallen on hard times after the death of her husband Mrs. Holland arranges for her eldest daughter Elizabeth to marry one of the richest and most eligible bachelors in Manhattan. But of course, Elizabeth is in love with another man, a stable boy named Will who is obviously not  an acceptable choice. Meanwhile, her younger sister complicates everything by falling for her sister's fiance. Amid the high society parties and fake friendships, Elizabeth must try to concoct a plan to save herself and her family. Unwilling to leave Will or let her family lose face, she becomes a passionate, conniving young woman. This story continues through the books, with scandals, love, grief and parties. It's a period story is definitely well done and intriguing, not to mention keeps you guessing and reveals just how much some people value their status and what they are willing to do in order to keep it. I liked it a lot and would highly recommend it.

Doctor Who

So, long time since my last post, but I have been a bit busy. Well anyway, it's summer now which means plenty of time for watching and reviewing. Now this new favorite is a bit of a surprise to me, seeing as I'm not typically into syfy type shows; however, Doctor Who has quickly landed a top spot. Following an ancient Time Lord known only as The Doctor, the series originally began in the 1960s and was restarted in 2005. The Doctor with his TARDIS can go anywhere in the universe at anytime, past or future.  The Doctor can regenerate when fatally wounded and become a new person. He picks up human companions and travels the cosmos saving planets and doing good while battling the Doctor's age old enemies. It does sound a bit fantastic and strange,at times very hard to follow, but I've come to really enjoy the show.Currently, the Doctor is on his 11th incrnation, a young looking, quirky, compassionate man played brilliantly be Matt Smith.  His main companions are Amy and Rory Pond followed by Clara Oswald. The main reason I really enjoy this show is because of the characters, their interactions, their backstories and the Doctor's never ending sorrow a regret over what he has done to the universe. Honestly, this is an incredibly well written, funny yet serious show and the cool and heartbreaking thing is that it can continue on with new people forever.
Okay, well I'll have some more book, movies and tv reviews for you!

The Gemma Doyle trilogy

This trilogy of books by Libba Bray include "A Great And Terrible Beauty","Rebel Angels"and "The Sweet Far Thing."I have a previous post about the first book in this trilogy, which you can be sure to check out.
Gemma Doyle arrives in London to attend the famous Spence Academy for Young Ladies after the tragic death of er mother. Having spent her while life in India, Gemma enters a lonely new world of confusion and grief. She quickly befriends her roommate Ann, a scholarship student destined to be a governess for her cousins. Subsequently she meets Felicity and Pippa, Ann's daring friends. However , new friendships are not all that hahahahaha come to Gemma, as strange visions begin to appear. She finds a mysterious diary, of a girl named Mary who once was a student at spence. The diary tells a thrilling tale of a magical world known as "the realms" which is governed by women soreceres known as The Order. With the help of one of their teachers, te girls begin to search for the difference between fairy tales, and reality. Gemma begins to learn that she is no ordinary girl and that her mother may not have been who she seemed. As they delve deeper into the story of the realms they learn of a rouge member of the Order, a woman named Circe. Much to their surprise and horror, they begin to unravel the mystery of the realms and the deadly fire which destroyed the east wing of the school and killed the founder and two girls . The four girls realize they've been reading a dead girl's diary, or are they? Adding to Gemmas confusion is a gypsie boy named Kartik who warn her of the powers of the realms. Although they are destined to be enemies, Gemma beings to have feelings for the strange secretive boy. The four girls travle into the realms, but return as only three. Gemma and her friends return to the realms often, to find it changing and becoming increasingly inpredictable. Plauged by visions, power, and heartbreak, Gemma MIT figure out what to do. Meanwhile they must continue with their schooling to be proper ladies and deal with gossip and family drama. Everyone is not wjo they seem, and it seems as though everyone is a small pawn in a chess game. The time draws near for Gemma to join the battle for power in the realms, but suddenly it pours into reality. Gemma must return to the realms with her friends, and some former enemies, to restore the peace and power of the realms.

I really enjoyed this trilogy, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. There is enough love, fantasy, and mystery to make you believe it is a fairy tale, but but also be realistic. I read the first book last summer and the second and third this summer, and they are all beautifully written. It's set in England at the turn of the century when times are changing and the place of women is starting to be questioned. These books are very much about how women have the power to do many things, if they try. I hope you pick up these books soon:)

The 13 Reasons Why

A while back I read The Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher. I have to say that it is a wonderful book and one of the most moving stories I have ever read. This story is about a girl who committed suicide in high school. Before she died she made tape recordings that were sent to 13 people. Each person who on the list had their own tape dedicated to them. They were the 13 reasons why she decided to end her life. This book follows Clay Jensen, one of people to get the tapes. He had a crush on Hannah for a long time, and it horrified by the tapes. Over one night Clay wanders around his town listening to Hannah's voice in his head as she explains what happened to ruin her life.

I thought this book was very well written and realistic. Each page leads the reader to a devastating realization of what actions can cause. This book makes you want to stop reading and yet it's addicting. It is the type of tragedy when you already know who dies at the beginning of the story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is 12 and older.

kathryn

The Hunger Games Movie

Yes! It's finally coming next month! The Hunger Games Movie will be in theaters March 23. I highly suggest going out to see it because I loved the books. I personally really hope the movie stays true to the book and doesn't change the story line. Also, I love Taylor Swift's song, Safe And Sound which will be on the soundtrack. Be sure to check it out:)

kkuhar

Thoughts: friendship

I haven't posted a while lot of thoughts, so I decided to start. Today's post is on friendship. Friends are some of the mist confusing people you will ever meet. Everybody as their own pack of 'besties' and are kinda expected to hang out with them. Of course the world doesn't work out like that. Sometimes you need to get away from the people you care then most about and just make new friends, build new bridges. That's the beauty of true friends, they won't ever stop caring about you even when you stop hanging out. Once a friend, your always a friend. I hate it when people have huge fights, and I truly believe that people never truly loose friends, they might just push them away. You'll always have those memories together.

Mary, Bloody mary

In the classic story of King Henry VIII and his many wives one person who often gets looked over is Mary. She was the 1st daughter of the king, and by far the oldest. She was a catholic, and daughter of a Spanish princess. During her reign as queen England had a very dark period of slaughter and religious persecution. This book delves into mary's life as she sees her father change from a good king to a tyranny. She is forbidden to see her mother and deemed illegitament, her title taken away. She is personally humiliated by Anne bolyen, the woman who changed her father, and the eventual threat of execution. Mary's life is full of danger, deceit, change, and chaos. From a princess to a lowly maid Mary is a very compelling character often forgotten by history. Personally I loved this book and found it very interesting and great historical fiction.