Something Borrowed is Revisited (Book vs. Movie)

                  

the movie

As promised, here in this blogpost is the compare and contrast of Something Borrowed (both the movie and the book). Sometimes it could be a bit disappointing to read a book and then watch the film version of the original work realizing the film wasn't going to go exactly as the written work.  I personally found myself exactly in that position. In the book, Darcy is quite a b*tch but at the same time is depicted to have a sense of humanity that equalizes her negative side. In the movie she was protrayed by Kate Hudson as a cartoon character: the typical female villain in most of its progression. However, for Rachel who was played by Ginnifer Goodwin , she was portrayed more headstrong than how she originally is in the book. That was  especially one good thing that brought up the movie: Rachel taking the balls to confront her emotions and grow as the movie progresses. And yes you see John Krasinski on the right of Kate Hudson as part of the entourage. He plays Ethan, the long-time best friend of both Darcy and Ethan. It was sad for me to see that he was actually saying what Hillary, another best friend, was saying to Rachel in the book. In the book, it is more empowering to hear it from a female perspective because of the situation Rachel didn't want to confront herself and Dex[the guy engaged to Darcy] about. Nevertheless, Krasinski's dialogue helped the movie with involving some humor and a bit of a twist to things. What I was mixed about was how Dex was portrayed in the movie. Played by the handsome Colin Egglesfield, Dex was played as this cheesy goody guy who is sensitive and whatnot. I thought the direction of the acting was bad because in the book Dex is more realistic. He isn't necessarily the sensitive guy. Even Marcus, the guy who is supposed to be close friends with Dex seems to me like a total sleazebag in the movie while in the book he is your regular guy caught in the whole love mess. I have no comment as to how Claire, who is more of Darcy's best friend is portrayed. The whole movie was a mess in the dialogue and in the characters because the actors only portrayed stereotypical archetypes instead of the realistic characters in the book. I did appreciate the fact that at the end Darcy and Rachel were able to end on a good note even if it didn't make sense or wasn't really fitting with the whole movie. Overall, the movie seemed as more of the Disney version of a book on a realistic situation than portraying the actual real situation of dealing with betrayal and the end of friendships in general.  

Vampires Still Amist

the hardcover cover

While I am cooking up that movie vs. book comparison I will continue to cultivate the usual random book reviews. Recently, I finished another supernatural novel. (I have a fancy for the supernatural especially vampires). When it comes to vampires in novels you know there is going to be some action. This is definitely the case with Meg Cabot’s Overbite; a novel written in third person narrative about vampires, redemption, ancient history, and of course some romance.

Taking place in present day New York, Overbite follows Meena, a psychic; her vampire lover, Lucien Antonescu; her brother, Jon; and her handsome co-worker, Alaric Wulf in an action drama against flesh eating vampires.  Although, Jon participates less in the action as the other characters, the action is just an added bonus to all the dramatic twists.

This novel would mostly be considered a supernatural mystery/romance because certain “criminals” are punished and eliminated and of course the protagonist gets the happy ending.  It would have been advisable for Meena to have been able to kick some butt just like the other characters instead of just having the brains to uncover the mystery. Nevertheless, Velma would be proud for her cookie smarts. If you are a vampire action lover you will definitely get sucked into this book. 

One of Those Books that Became A Movie

the original book cover

Never watched the movie but when I saw the book, I figured why not try the original work. First things first; Darcy isn't blond in this book. And second of all, I don't know how it was in the movie but the book starts in the nick of actions. Written in past & present tense, Something Borrowed is written in first person narrative by Emily Griffin in a very realistic look into regular life romance.
Surrounding the relationship of Darcy, Rachel, and Dex the main characters of the book most of the time; this book deals with the situations of cheating, female competition, and of course the big L.O.V.E.
I enjoyed it what with the drama and the sense of humor you can tell comes directly from the author. However, I don't like Rachel, the main character, for her passivity into most of the situations in her life. But as usual appreciated how she was able to come and digress from the epiphanies that most readers will expect from her. As an example of sociology with female behavior in society, I would use this as a fictional example.

(Note: I will be writing a comparison with the movie soon enough)
Til Next Blogpost,
Miss Bobo

Angel Alert!

the hardcover edition taken from Selfor's website

Written by Suzanne Selfors in first person narrative, Coffeehouse Angel takes place in Nordby, where two coffeehouses are rivals and Katrina Svensen, the one telling the story, deals with not only the rivalry, her grandmother’s business going downhill, but also with an angel carrying a heavy load.

Inspired by Greek mythology, this novel is an innocent teen Chick flick in book form. With good morals, a dash of humor, and an identifiable plane jane such as Katrina; this story has a lot to say between its lines. I would recommend this book when in need for a literary pick-me-up. 

A Supernatural Drama Bomb Review

There are many people who are brave enough to admit they are into romance novels.  I am one of them. So when I find a supernatural romance, I get rapped up in it enough to spend a whole afternoon reading halfway through the book. This novel was one of those.

Written in first person narrative, Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl, takes place in a small town named Gatlin where most folks call the Civil War the Battle of Northern Aggression. Here everyone is the epitome of average normality, except for Ethan and Lena; (the main characters), who knew each other in dreams before they met each other. (Talk about love at first dream)

Although, I would have finished the book in one day and a half, there is so much intense supernatural drama mama that I had to segment the reading within days of the week. Yes, folks, I said days. There are so many twists in this novel than any sensational soap opera seen on TV; I wouldn't be surprised if this book is adapted into a movie. 

Be prepared for those cliche moments, because of course, this is a teen supernatural romance.  Nevertheless, for those who have read Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instrument series; you might just have found your fix with this one. 

(P.S. CHECK OUT THE TRAILER...DEFINITELY MUST READ!)

Remember that Song...

There is always someone who is stuck being picked on at an early age or being someone’s sidekick friend. They either have a sucky life at home or a sucky life at school. Although, it’s not everyone, the situation is still applicable to a selectable few. This book is exactly that if not a resemblance.

Written in first person narrative, I Want Candy by Kim Wong Keltner is a coming of age story taking place in 1983 San Francisco surrounding the life of Candace Ong who has worked with her parents at Eggroll Wonderland, a Chinese restaurant, for as far as she can remember.

Most of the book is Candace complaining about being the one with the sucky life while her “friend” Ruby, has sexcapades with W.P.O.D.s (“White Punks on Dope”). She does get a taste of what it’s like to have the wild life. And like any other adult, Candace makes a decision out of the climax of these experiences; making this an adult novel instead of the typical YA realistic fiction novel.

Of course, with the voice this novel is given, you would assume these are teenagers within the age range of 16-18. Surprisingly, it is not the case. Candace is 14 and in the eighth grade while her “friend” Ruby is the same.  There is a dash of humor in certain chapters and a pinch of the supernatural. But don’t expect the perfect romance in this book because you really aren’t going to get it. However, there is a lesson just like there was in Jailbait by Leslea Newma (which is a YA novel): don’t take candy from strangers.