Pemberley Digital...

Hello to all of you lovelies! So, this week I wanted to shed some light on a couple of my favorite adaptations, done by Pemberley Digital, a video production company that has re-imagined some of my favorites novels. Including "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma" by Jane Austen, "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott and "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley.

Growing up, I had the privilege of reading all of these wonderful works and have seen many film adaptations (some are definitely better than others), however I love what Pemberley Digital has accomplished. They have taken classic literature and created modern interpretations, while staying true to the original story and the characters that readers have loved for decades. In addition, to adapting these novels to film, they have also put them into a format that will allow a modern audience to enjoy the characters' and their stories. 

Viewers have the opportunity to watch each adaptation in intervals. Each video is about 5 minutes long and tells a portion of the story. For those who have read these books, you can enjoy a modern take on these time-less characters, their relationships, the obstacles they face and how each story is resolved. For those who have not read the novels, these are entertaining short films that will keep you wanting more (and hopefully they will inspire you to read the original content--but that's my hope). Each digital adaptation is filled with great writing; the scripts are funny, smart and relatable, and the actors fulfilling the roles have done a great job balancing the historical persona and adding contemporary features to these characters (which is not an easy thing to do-- these characters are beloved in the literature community and many-- myself included-- find it difficult to relinquish our vision of the characters and allow Elizabeth Bennett. Emma Woodhouse, Dr. Frankenstein or Jo March to be someone different then who we had pictured while reading the novels). But Pemeberly Digital has made these classic characters, modern and "real" beings, allowing a whole new generation to enjoy these wonderful tales.


Now, this is kindof cheating-- because I've actually been a fan of Pemberley Digital's work for a few years now, but recently I've started to re-watch their videos and I have to admit that the second time around (okay let's be honest, it's more like the 5th time), is actually even better. I have picked up on hidden jems that have been placed in each episode, and I love seeing their modern take on the relationships between the characters--whether it is between family members, love interests or colleagues/friends. 

Pemberley Digital has also showcased strong female characters, different types of evolving relationships and the affects of technology/ social media (both positive and negative) on a real person. The new media format has, for the first time, given viewers/readers the opportunity to interact with these characters, through: Q&A episodes, blog posts and social media interaction. Which in my opinion, is a clever way to engage with the online community. 

I highly recommend viewing each of Pemberley Digital's series and diving into these beautiful works. I have falling in love (again) with these stories and have enjoyed watching Pemberley Digital's take on the classic novels. However, to be fair they have taken some liberties with stories; for example in "The Lizzie Bennett Diaries" there is only three sisters-- Jane, Lizzie and Lydia, which differs from the book, where there is five (Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia). But nonetheless the video series unfolded nicely. So far, my favorite series has been "Emma Approved," based off of the novel "Emma." I found the caliber of script writing and acting to be the best (so far)-- it was funny, emotional, the characters were charming and developing the story around a "match-making/ life coach" was a creative ways to bring in tertiary characters. Not to mention, I loved that they had a character cross-over from the "Lizzie Bennett Diaries" (even if it didn't come from the original content, it was a clever way link everything together).

Check out Pemberley Digital's upcoming projects, blogs and video series at: http://www.pemberleydigital.com/
And you can also watch these series on their YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/PemberleyDigital

(You can also find both links, located under my "Faves List")

For now, I say good night and hope that the my random ramblings have peeked your inner bookworm. 

~BL

 Hello to all of you lovelies! 

"Rebel Belle" Review

Bookcover: tumblr.com/search/rebel+belle

Hello to all of you lovelies! I have another January book review for you (yay!), "Rebel Belle," written by Rachel Hawkins. Now, "Rebel Belle" is the first novel of this trilogy-- "Miss Mayhem" (Book 2) and "Lady Renegades" (Book 3). The third book won't be released until April 2016--and I'm trying to decide if  I want to read the second book now or wait until it's a little closer to the release of "Lady Renegades" (but I do have some time to decide). What are your thoughts?

As I'm sure you have gathered from: a.) I wish to continue with the series and b.) am eagerly awaiting the release of the third book. that I liked "Rebel Belle."

Although, I do have to be honest, I was hesitant to read this book at first. I went into it thinking "it's just another bad/corny attempt to give a teenage girl superpowers." Now. don't get me wrong, I love the idea of girls being superheroes--brave, strong and saving the guy for a change. However, I have read stories that tried to empower women and they fell flat on their faces. The women come off as cold, cruel, snarky and even bitchy. I have longed for a novel that allows a female character to be bold and powerful without losing what makes her an inspiration or doesn't use her strong traits as a negative. Male characters don't run into this dilemma quite a much-- and often times when a male character has an edge we (as readers) are quick to forgive them, because they have a good reason as to why they are "damage" (abuse, neglect, heartbreak, war, death etc.). Brash and strong, female characters tend to lack that "forgivable" quality that allows us readers to relate to them on a personal level. And yet, I am happy to report that "Rebel Belle" has successfully navigated through the "dislike" of a female lead. But I will admit I did become annoyed with the lack of strength our female character(s) had at points throughout the book, I felt as though I was reading a book written about girls/women in the the 50's and not today. However, I have a feeling that was Rachel Hawkins way creating a "before" and "after."  First, showcasing a "traditional southern belle" (pun not intended), followed by her progression and willingness to become a warrior, and finally showing her destiny coming to fruition (or at least I hope that's the case). 

I'm about to dive into the good stuff, but before I do I have a little confession/ housekeeping to do...

I want to first say that I actually listened to this book. I'm a huge fan/advocate for audio books, they allow me to multi-task while still being active--whether that is me working, cleaning my apartment or taking a shower. I can "read" and be "busy."

However, there is a risk when listening to an audio book. If the narration is bad or if the characters "sound" different then what you envision them to sound like or if how the lines are recited doesn't match how you (the reader) believe they should be said--then there is an immediate resistance to liking the novel and/or there is barrier between how you connect with the characters, despite how wonderful the story may be. Fortunately this was not the case with "Rebel Belle," narrated by Amy Rubinate. Both the narration and editing were well done. I really enjoyed how Amy Rubinate captured the "southern twang" without over doing it, she was also able to give each character (male and female) their own identity. I appreciated how each character had their own rhythm, their own pronunciation and pace. Amy Rubinate did especially well within conversations. There were multiple times where there was more than just two people speaking, but the conversation flowed naturally, without confusion of who was speaking.

Now for the "good stuff..." 

"Rebel Belle," revolves around a young, high-school student Harper Price. At first, Harper seems like the stereotypical "southern belle" (a girl who wants to be Homecoming Queen, wears pastels and pearls, would be likely to be seen drinking sweet tea on a plantation) and to be honest, she is. I mean, I was half expecting Scarlet O'Hara from "Gone with the Wind," to tramp through the halls of Harper's high school yelling "as God as my witness, I will never go hungry again!" (don't worry, she didn't). However, Harper does embody a lot of those "southern" characteristics-- cotillions, white gloves and cheer-leading. But she also has a deeper story, for which truly defines her.

On the night of Homecoming, Harper is only prepared for one thing to happen-- to win Homecoming Queen. Everything else is not important. But after a strange run-in with her school's janitor (in the lady's room-- might I add). Harper is no longer just an ordinary high-school student, she is now empowered with incredible abilities. She instinctively knows how to fight off attackers twice her size, out run (or drive really) chasing cars, and she has the speed, strength and fortitude of a proper hero. Though Harper she does lack a true "superhero" origin story, she is quick to figure out what her destiny is-- or who really.

"Bruce Wyne's parent get killed and he goes to Tibet or whatever, and Superman is an alien, and Spiderman had that radioactive spider. Me? I kissed a janitor in the school bathroom."  

When Harper's path took an unexpected turn-- we discover she becomes a Paladin, which is an ancient warrior who is destined to guard, protect and defend the Oracle. But of course, destiny couldn't make things easy on Harper-- not only does she have to guard another person, she has to guard a person she hates. Harper discovers she has to protect David Stark: school reporter and now evidently a "psychic," not to mention her high-school nemesis. David is also imbued with specific abilities of his own. But as we find out there is a mysterious prophecy regarding David and his "gift," which has a dangerous league of witches or "Mages" that are after him and now it is Harper's job to keep him alive. 

As we follow Harper through these peculiar events, we are reminded that she is merely a teenager-- task to defend another human-being at the expense of her own life (if it comes to that). Something she (nor really anyone) is fully prepared for-- up until now Harper's biggest concern was her school and social life, her boyfriend and cotillion. Now she bares the responsibilities of a mystical prophecy, and the only person she can confide in, was the person she despised. 

At this point, things get even more complicated. The more removed Harper becomes from her "previous" world the closer she becomes to an unlikely source: David. Harper and David develop a deep bond, and the two fall for one another. Unfortunately part of the mysterious prophecy, dictates that David's fate could very well be the end of the world. So, talk about a dating deal-breaker.

"Rebel Belle," is a fun read-- full of witty banter, action, love and a bit of magic. I found myself not wanting the story to end, not just because the climax of the story happened very close to the end of the book (which was a little annoying), but also because I found myself laughing aloud a lot-- like seriously laughing. There were moments where I was tearing up from laughter. I enjoyed how even some of the characters "simple" tasks like research were made interesting and entertaining. One of my one of my favorite aspects of Rachel Hawkins' writing is the humor intertwined with emotion. There are some seriously witty lines, which helped emphasized the dramatic or intense scenes. 

But as I mentioned before, the climax of the story happened very close to the end of the book, which I'm not a fan of. To me, when a novel does this-- I feel like the book was actually longer but the author, publisher or whomever cut the story into two separate books. However, I do recognize that I may be alone in this thought-- mostly because I really enjoy long books. Especially, in the beginning and end of series. Personally I feel like the length allows for character and world development and provides time to tie up all of the story's loose ends. 

Though I ended the book with some questions, I am excited to read the next two novels. I hope we pick up where we left off in "Rebel Belle," we were left on a bit of a cliffhanger and I'd like to see where "Miss Mayhem" takes the story. I'm eager to see how the Harper, David and Ryan work together-- in spite of the super awkwardness that already exists, and figure out this magically world.

For now, I say good night and hope that the my random ramblings have peeked your inner bookworm. 

~BL

"Fangirl" Review

Hello to all of you lovelies! As promised I've decided to read at least one book every month, but I never said I could't read more than one. So here we go... 

Bookcover: bookcoverings.com/fangirl-by-rainbow-rowell

I just finished "Fangirl," by Rainbow Rowell. Now before I break-down the plot and characters, I want to say that I really enjoyed this book. Though at times I found the story frustrating, I like to attribute that intense emotion to the level of connection I found with certain characters within the story. As a reader, when I develop an attachment to a character(s), I become protective, annoyed, even angry with them at times. This was the case with "Fangirl." I so desperately wanted the characters to make better choices, the right decisions and to fight, instead of hide; but a good story-teller knows when to let the characters lead and have the story unfold naturally.

"Fangirl" is a rare type of novel, it touches upon topics that many stories shy aware from: social anxiety, mental disorders, learning stigmas, loneliness, fear, abandonment--just to name a few. And though, these themes sound extreme, they are emotions we all feel, in some way or another and we all develop ways of coping with them. Throughout the story some characters struggle more than others, but as in real-life people struggle at different times. I believe this is the aspect many readers connect to most, when reading "Fangirl." Our heroine has faults--she struggles, she fails, she is forced to face her flaws head on. This coincides with the idea that all people have internal obstacles to overcome, and when that fear subsides, we evolve. This was an underlying tone in the main character, Cath's life. A socially awkward girl, who throws herself into fiction to protect herself from real-life.

The story begins as twin- sisters embark on their freshman year of university. Wren a self-confident, out-going and the typical eager freshman, is excited to shed her high-school persona and more importantly move forward with her life. Even if that means leaving behind (figuratively speaking) her sister. She dives head first into the college experience, new friends, roommates, style and parties. Compared to her identical twin sister Cath--a reserved, cautious, studious, self- conscious and extreme introvert. Cath would have been happy to stay in her concealed bubble--where nothing is ever too hard and no one ever gets too close. 

As time moves forward, Cath is forced out of her safe, little--all be it lonely, world by her out-going and lively roommate Reagan. We first meet Reagan on "move-in day" but she is like world-wind and we don't really get to know her until Reagan confronts Cath about her bizarre eating habits. 

Reagan is two years older than Cath and fearless. She doesn't allow anything or anyone hold her back. After Reagan slowly draws Cath out of her bubble--with little acts of kindness, eating meals together, giving her advice and introducing Cath to her friend Levi. It is than, that Reagan and Levi put an end to the weeks of Cath's self-inducing seclusion. Cath becomes reluctant friends with Reagan and Levi, and slowly begins to find her place among her fellow- students.

However, it's really Levi--the tall, kind, rancher that really allows Cath to find herself. He accepts her for all of her idiosyncrasies, all of her self-doubt and to put it Cath's own words: 

"And I'm crazy. Like maybe you think I'm a little crazy, but I only ever let people see the tip of my crazy iceberg. Underneath this veneer of slightly crazy and socially inept, I'm a complete disaster."

But it's Cath's "crazy," which allows us to see different sides of the her character. Cath has to deal with an unstable family, a father that is only lucid a part of the time, a sister who has abandoned her familial responsibilities and an absent mother. Leaving Cath as the care-taker of those around her. She worries about her father and sister, and bares the (sometimes unnecessary) burden of holding her family together. 

Not to mention, her classes, schoolwork and her actual passion--a fanfic of her own creation "Carry On." Throughout the story Cath interacts with people trying to manipulate her, professors that don't understand her and an over-whelming desire to escape from it all. "Carry On," provides Cath with that escape. It is an adaptation of her favorite book series, "Simon Snow," her version of "Harry Potter." Cath uses this fictional world as a creative (and at times emotional) outlet. 

For that past two years, Cath has been writing chapters on how she thinks the characters would act, who they would befriend and who they would fall in love with. But the end is in sight, with the eighth and final book of the "Simon Snow" series. This is causing Cath anxiety and sadness over the end of a story that has influenced her since she was a child. Although it is a bittersweet end, the end of the series, has offered Cath new opportunities for real beginnings and the chance to create stories from her imagination.

Before reading "Fangirl," many people would believe it is just another "chick-lit" story or a "coming of age" tale, which on the surface that may be true. There is romance, discovery, loss and friendship within chapters. But after finishing the book, it is fare to say that underneath the superficial layer, "Fangirl" is a story with heart and allows its readers to relate to  the obstacles that each character confronts. 

While I was experiencing the book for first time, I could relate a great deal to Cath's and Wren's characters. I found myself reliving awkward college moments and remembering what it was like to be a heartbroken, embarrassed and scared freshman. Though Cath's social seclusion was often frustrating because I wanted her to face her fears--I realized that as reserved as Cath was, her sister Wren was equally out-going. But I think that was Rainbow Rowell's plan. She wanted to show the extremes, and how each end of the spectrum needs to find their middle-ground.

As I mentioned before, I enjoyed "Fangirl." It was captivating read. I only have two real qualms with this novel-- 1.) the interruptions that occur, between Cath's "real-life" and "Simon Snow" fictional life. It is obvious that Cath's "fanfic" of "Simon Snow," is a huge part of who the character is and who she will become--but I found that the constant interruptions brought me out of Cath's world and disconnected me from her story. And 2.) there was no real resolution to Cath's story. The book, kindof just ended. 

We were able to read a preview of her first original story. But I would have liked more to read. And I still want to know how Cath ended her freshman year. How things progressed/how she left things with Levi; how she was feeling about the end of her first year; or how she felt about her family--especially her relationships with her father and mother. 

Though I ended the novel with some questions, I feel that is was a wonderful example of story-telling. And I would recommend "Fangirl" to readers of all ages, especially to those who grew up reading, loving and living vicariously through the "Harry Potter" series, like I did. I was able to experience the excitement and anticipation I felt when each new book or movie was released and I was able to step back into a magical world once again. It was nostalgic and memorable read, which gave me a deep connection with the characters.

For now, I say good night and hope that the my random ramblings have peeked your inner bookworm. 
~BL

The Comeback...

Hello to all of you lovelies! It's been a while (to say the least) since I've sat down to write--to really write. Work and life tend to get in the way. But I have decided a new year, a new mentality. Reading and writing are two things that I love--two aspects that have helped define and shape my personality. 

Image: thestockmandiaries.co.uk/inspiration/vintage-books

I like to believe that I am a rational, independent thinker; someone that can compartmentalize the day to day from fantasy. But at my core, I am a romantic (I blame Beauty & the Beast and Jane Austen). I have always been a person that can throw myself into a good book, blocking out the world and become a part of the story. And that is what I want to share.The idea that stories have the power to take the reader to new and wonderful places. Books are an incredible vehicle that can transport your mind to the past or a different world all together. 

Sharing the stories, the adventures and most importantly the characters I love, is a way for me to express how passionate I am about books. I truly believe that "Books Open Your Mind," whether it is a dystopian adventure or a classic romance. A good book can change the way a person thinks, can challenge and expand their imagination, provide social satire and comedic relief. 

I have been, admittedly, infatuated with Fairy tales, epic adventures and the idea of "Prince Charming." since I was a little girl. But as it turns out "real life" and "fiction" are two sides of the same coin. One is always responsible for inspiring the other. Throughout history, writers have pulled aspects of reality--moments from their own life-- and shaped stories around it. The same, is said to be true for taking life lessons and morals from a novel. Because even though, the tale says a "giant lumberjack had a blue ox" as a buddy. doesn't mean there wasn't a man that did great things.

"A man tells his stories so many times that he becomes the stories. They live on after him, and in that way he becomes immortal." -Big Fish.

So my plan for 2016 is to read at least one new book every month and write a review/book talk about it. But between the monthly reviews I want to write a weekly post about a book, poem, or passage/article from my past/present that has inspired me in some way or write about a topic that is relatable to the literary community. Whether that is a movie or TV adaptation of a book or a new book being released.

For now, I say good night and hope that the my random ramblings have peeked your inner bookworm. 
~BL