Cute Book Stores Rule!

Last Thursday my boyfriend and I went to Downtown Riverside to check out the art show. There's a variety of very talented people there enthusiastically trying to sell their art to the general public. That evening I also came across a little used book store, as you can see in the photo. It was the most adorable little shop I have ever came across. Not only was the variety of books enormous, the prices were very affordable. Granted you rarely find new releases here, the books there all range from a year ago to long before books were invented, or a little after that. Outside the store are three racks of books. One for 25 cents, another for 50 cents, and the last one for 2 dollars. As you can see, most of these books are very affordable. Luckily for me, I had a dollar in my pocket and brought home 4 books! Yay! Go Downtowne Riverside's Used Book Store!

For the Readers of our Generation

Alright so I've been doing my usual internet searches relating to books and things to read and came across this website: Fridayreads.com. For those familiar to this site know it's a great way to find out what is being read around the world. Not only is it a fantastic way to be informed on what new books are out, but it is also easy and very compatible to your social networks! That's right, you can follow the site on twitter, facebook, and tumblr, as well as the app! Here's the link to the web site for those who are interest: http://fridayreads.com/. So go and share what you're reading to the world of readers!

UC Riverside’s 35th annual celebration of writers and writing!

For all those who live close by or are interested in any of the following authors are welcomed to go! You will probably find me there!

Tuesday, Feb. 7 — 1 p.m., novelist Charmaine Craig, author of “The Good Men” and visiting assistant professor; 2:30 p.m., novelist Ben Ehreneich, author of “Ether” and “The Suitors,” and winner of the 2011 National Magazine Award for feature writing; 4 p.m., Michael Jaime-Beccera, associate professor of creative writing at UCR and author of “Every Night is Ladies’ Night” and “This Time Tomorrow,” whose work has won the International Latino Book Award and California Book Award; and 5 p.m., novelist Susan Straight (Stephen Minot Memorial Reading), distinguished professor of creative writing at UCR and winner of the 2008 Edgar Award for Best Mystery Story, finalist for the 2001 National Book Award, and finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Her most recent novel, “Take One Candle Light a Room,” was named one of the best novels of 2010 by the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and Kirkus.

Wednesday, Feb. 8 — 1 p.m., author of the Maisie Dobbs mystery series Jacqueline Winspear, winner of the Agatha Award for Best Novel, the Sue Feder Award for Best Historical Mystery and the Bruce Alexander Memorial Award for Best Historical Mystery; 2:30 p.m., Pushcart Prize winner B.H. Fairchild, author of “The Art of the Lathe” and “Early Occult Memory Systems of the Lower Midwest,” whose work also has won the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Bobbitt Award from the Library of Congress for the most distinguished book of poems published in the previous two years; 4 p.m., poet Bonnie Bolling (Distinguished Alumni Reading), author of “In the Kingdom of the Sons,” winner of the 2011 Liam Rector Poetry Prize; and 5 p.m., Pushcart Prize winner Frank Gaspar, author of “Leaving Pico” and “Stealing Fatima,” and winner of a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in Literature, a California Arts Council Fellowship in poetry, and the California Book Award for First Fiction.

Thursday, Feb. 9 — 1 p.m., poet Christine Kitano (Distinguished Alumni Reading), author of “Birds of Paradise”; 2:30 p.m., poet Derek McKown, author of “Arrows in Hand”; 4 p.m., poet Mark Jarman, author of “Bone Fires: New and Selected Poems,” “The Secret of Poetry” and “Body and Soul: Essays on Poetry,” and winner of the Lenore Marshall Prize, the Poets’ Prize and a Guggenheim Fellowship in poetry; and 5 p.m., poet Garrett Hongo, author of three books of poetry, three anthologies and “Volcano: A Memoir of Hawai’i.” Hongo has won a Guggenheim Fellowship, two NEA grants and the Lamont Poetry Prize from the Academy of American Poets.

Diane Wakoski

Friday, Feb. 10 — 1 p.m., readings by poet Alexander Long, a seven-time nominee for a Pushcart Prize and author of “Still Life,” which won the White Pine Press Poetry Prize for 2011, and the chapbook “Still Life,” which won the 2010 Center for Book Arts Chapbook Competition; 2:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., poet Polly Bee, author of “Scattershot”; 4 p.m., poet and artist Gary Young, the recipient of a Pushcart Prize and author of several collections of poetry, among them James D. Phelan Award-winner “The Dream of a Moral Life”; and 7:30 p.m., Diane Wakoski, whose poetry has appeared in more than 20 collections and many slim volumes of poetry.  Her selected poems, “Emerald Ice,” won the William Carlos Williams Prize from the Poetry Society of America in 1989.

For more information: http://ucrtoday.ucr.edu/2610

Novel of the Week #3

Novel of the Week #3

I know it's been a while since you've read about the Novel of the Week, but it's back! This week we're kicking off with The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. One of my closest friends recommended this book; it is her absolute favorite. I am half way through the book and also came across some important information concerning this book, any one who has read it or plans on reading it would like to know. The movie based on this book is coming out pretty soon and like any novel's fan, the moment they hear there's a movie coming out, their mind blows up with excitement!

Before I get into the movie details though, let me give you some background on the book. This story begins with a high school boy that lives by the standards of an observer, always standing on the side lines watching and analyzing. His letters, more intimate than a diary, are unique, hilarious, and catastrophic. Although we may not know to whom he is writing, we are welcomed to view his world, and many people's world as well. Like many teens, he finds himself trying to live his life as well as try to run away from it. I recommend this book because I believe, like many teens who think they are alone, can relate to the context of Charlie's letters. Despite the fact that Charlie sounds like a socially awkward, whiny boy, I think he also portrays the way teens develop after living a life of a bystander.

This year the movie based on The Perks of Being a Wallflower will be coming out, and I am happy I got to read this book before I watch it. Yes! I am one of those loud people that goes to book-based movies and yells at the producers because they missed key ideas from the book. You may laugh at the thought, or you might despise me, but I just 99% of the time love the novels more than the movie. I pay for the movie, I think I should get my money's worth!

Looking at the casting of the movie, I am a bit disappointed. Here's the link so you can check for yourself http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1659337/. I am semi-satisfied that Emma Watson will be playing the part of Sam, as well as Logan Lerman playing Charlie, BUT when I read the book, I did not imagine Ezra Miller as Patrick! As well as other characters. But, like the old saying goes, Everyone's a critic! Tune in next week for the Novel of the Week! :D

I'm back!

Hello Fellow Readers!
I know it has been a very long time since I've posted up any new book reviews. I apologize! The good news though, is that I got the Blogger App for my Ipod; which means, I will be blogging alot more often where ever I am! Or, where there's wifi. So keep checking up on the blog for the Novel of the week every week as well as other new additions to the blog! Thank You for your patience! 
-Mitzy

Novel of the Week #2

The Novel of the Week is The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I read this book last year and I was amazed by this author writing as much as I was with the plot of the story. This book really captures the experience of living in Afghanistan before, during, and after the Afghanistan War. 


The tragic events of this novel will impact any reader, with or without background of the war. I myself was not informed with much information about the war, except that I knew there was a war. 


The Kite Runner tells the story of Amir, a young boy from the Wazir Akbar Khan district of Kabul, who befriends Hassan, his father's young Hazara servant. The story is set against a backdrop of tumultuous events, from the fall of Afghanistan's monarchy through the Soviet invasion, the mass exodus of refugees to Pakistan and the United States, and the rise of the Taliban regime.


This was Hosseini's first book published in 2003 and was adapted into a film under the same name, The Kite Runner. I have not watched the film, but I do plan to. Regardless, I highly recommend this book!


Stay Tuned for next week's novel! 

Novel of the Week #1

I decided to start a little segment on my blog; Novel of the Week will be, well, this is pretty self explanatory.  


This week's novel is Matched by Ally Condie. I chose this book because not only did I love it but, relates to society now. Not only that but, it has a sequel, Crossed, which came out the 1st of this month. 


In this novel, you find the flaws of a utopia and the attempts of a so called "perfect" society. When you read this, you will find yourself appreciating the little freedoms taking for granted every day. The freedom to whom you can love, where you work, who your friends are, etc. 


If you would like to read more about the books, or Ally Condie you can go on the official site by clicking the following link : http://matched-book.com/ 


Stay tuned for next week's novel! 

"I laughed, I cried, I lost 15 pounds!"

I AM AMERICA (AND SO CAN YOU!)
Stephen Colbert is such a witty, comical man. He's straight to the point and because what he says is so true, it's funny. If being sarcastic was an art form, he would be the master artist. 


I just began reading his book earlier today. I have to say, it made me laugh with almost every sentence. I usually wouldn't read a book that contains one mans opinions about so many topics from Race to Sex, Religion to Sports but, after reading the cover I had to read the inside! 


I personally have never watched his show The Colbert Report, but after reading the first chapter, I am considering watching it. If you ever find yourself looking though the book section of any store, wondering what to choose to read, pick up a copy of I Am America by Stephen Colbert. Although this book might not be one of the usual engaging novels you're use to reading, it will provide comical relief in your life and make you literally "LOL". 

Easy Way To Organize Your Bookshelf :D

So check it out! I found an amazing and simple way to organize what books you've read, and which ones you need to read! Goodreads.com is a great way to keep track of all of your books, and its easy to use. All you need is an email, then sign up! Not only does this website help you keep what you've read and need to read organized, but based on what you rate these books, it will recommend more books! So you'll always have books on your "Need To Read" list. 

Fiction meets Reality!

This is the first time I watched Stranger Than Fiction and believe me when I say this, it is one of the most intriguing and entertaining demonstrations of literature in action. This film displays the obstacle that every writer faces in their career: Writer's Block. 


A simple man named Harold Crick soon finds himself trapped in the narration of his life story, and eventually his death. Reacting to a woman's voice narrating parts of his normal every day life, he becomes astonished with the sight of himself changing every aspect of how he lives. The author of her book then found herself face to face with Harold, the main character, also the soon to be dead hero in her novel. 


If you are any thing like me, you will enjoy this film like any well written novel. You won't want to stop watching the tv set! Stranger Than Fiction really captures the fascinating and creativeness of authors and displays it like warm, fresh cupcakes in the window of a bakery. You'll be begging for more :D  

Even Better Hunger Games Trailer! :D

I have found an even better trailer than my last post.. it is absolutely an amazing preview of what the movie will be like. Although I did not imagine Peeta like the actor from Zathura,Josh Hutcherson, this trailer does a wonderful job displaying the main idea of the novel. I am extremely excited to watch this movie.. So excited. 


I'm a little afraid though, that many of the viewers will have not read the book beforehand and the Hunger Games will only become like the Twilight Series, or Harry Potter. A part of me wishes the movie does not come out so that it will stay significant and is only praised by those who truly read and loved the trilogy. Despite this fact, I am extremely enthusiastic about this preview and I have to say, the director did a good job capturing the details in the book. 


More on the Movie and Book! Stay tuned!

Hunger Games the Movie?! :D

For all you Hunger Games fanatics, here's the movie trailer for the first book in this amazingly well-written trilogy! If you are excited as I am, you probably marked down March 23 down for on next years calendar. I love the ending to this trailer, although it doesn't really highlight the best and most intriguing moments in the novel. I'll be posting more on the Hunger Games Trilogy through out the month and I will be making a big tribute to the Trilogy on March, leading up to the premier. Should be fun. Stay Tuned! 

Brian Coffey :The Face of Fear

Usually, I stick to more modern, or current novels, but I found this novel at a thrift store in Downtown Riverside with a close friend of mine, Paola. First of all, I found the title rather intriguing. The Face of Fear. Although my copy of the book did not have a cover, the title was obviously enough for me to obtain it, and then read it. I have to say, the introduction was a great hook, opening up with action and suspense. Though out the novel, Coffey did an excellent job keeping me on the edge of my seat! 

Unlike many novels of suspense, The Face of Fear has a unique, non-cliche plot. Told in third person, the main characters are all inter connected and make every single part of the story even more interesting and whole. I have to admit, the killer in the story, known as the Butcher, is one of my all time favorite characters. He is not only witty and clever, but he contains an almost emotionless, calm quality that makes him unpredictable and even more suspenseful. I usually am not attracted to the killer of any suspenseful novel, but this character is an exception!

Coffey does an excellent job keeping his audience interested and literally on the edge of their seat through out most of the novel. This may be my favorite novel of suspense and like all other books on this blog, I most definitely recommend The Face of Fear to any reader interested in a more older yet, well written and intriguing  novel. 

Praise to High Fidelity

Not too long ago, a good friend of mine, Alfonso, recommended and lent me this novel, High Fidelity by Nick Hornby. I have to admit , I was a bit skeptical to the quality of this book, due to the strange cover as you can see above.Being the reading fanatic I am, I did not hesitate to read the first few chapters. Reading chapter one was all it took for Hornby to wrap my mind with his unique and sarcastic writing style like prey to a starving snake.

This work of fiction really portrays the reality of the "ups and downs" that come with every relationship, capturing the childishness of adult lives. This novel really displays the manner in which men think and function. Rob is your typically guy now a days, and makes decisions that are not always beneficial to anyone but himself; despite this fact, he makes an effort to care for the few that he loves. This book is set in London, and I found their slang so fascinating, and I found it humorous as to how many times they say bollocks! 

I truly recommend reading this novel, especially if you're looking for a good laugh throughout the whole book. You will find yourself admiring and despising Rob! I laughed with every word on each page and found myself realizing how close to reality Hornby made this novel! Please do not hesitate to read!

Feedtastic!

One of my all time favorite books, a National Book Award Finalist, and winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize is Feed by M.T. Anderson. If you are a big fan of teen fiction or science fiction, this is a must-read book!  From Anderson's view of how our society will end up, this futuristic world where most people have computer implants in their heads to control their environment is created. 


Titus, the narrator, is a unique character with an unforgettable, ironically funny voice. He has always had the "feed", a direct connection to the internet, ideal to serve the needs for those living this futurist attempt of a utopia. Although the "feed" is convenient, you will read how easy it becomes to depend of it and it's creator. Find out how Titus his encounter with an unusual girl with a serious problem changes his life for ever. 


I personally recommend this novel without reservation. Anderson has a unique and amusing writing style that will capture every image of this futurist world and display it so vividly, you will find yourself, as I did myself, unable to put this book down until I reached the end. 

The Limitless Knowledge of Books

As my first post, I'd like to talk a little bit about this blog and it's purpose. I'll start with a little be about my love of reading and writing. I gained an interest for reading in elementary school and since then I have fueled this interest with all genres and lengths of books. Reading has exposed my mind to the world outside of me and the world inside of the mind of others. 


From reading emerged the desire to write. I always find myself astonished with the idea of how simple letters form words, and words form in to sentences so complex, conveying a greater meaning. Every single word has a purpose, a message from the mind of the writer. Writing is an art in which much of the youth take for granted now a days.


I decided to combine these two great loves of mine, and created a blog! I hope that my book reviews, book recommendations, writer's bios, and much more helps keep this cultural art form alive and praised, along with the rest of the many great writers around the world!