A Song & A Book #49

Today’s Song Is;

This is the time
This is the place
So we look for the future
But there’s not much love to go round
Tell me why, this is a land of confusion.

This is the world we live in
And these are the hands we’re given
Use them and let’s start trying
To make it a place worth living in.

And The Book I Chose For This Song Is;

“Vin, the street urchin who has grown into the most powerful Mistborn in the land, and Elend Venture, the idealistic young nobleman who loves her, must build a healthy new society in the ashes of an empire. Three separate armies attack. As the siege tightens, an ancient legend seems to offer a glimmer of hope. But even if it really exists, no one knows where to find the Well of Ascension or what manner of power it bestows.”

Rapid Fire Book Tag

Many thanks to Rachel for tagging me :D! Am currently packing (have a summer job that requires me to live there) so this will be a quick one! But actually, I will be scheduling this post so it’ll be up about the time I’ve arrived at the place tomorrow :)!

But here we go;

Question 1: E-books or physical books?

Both, actually. If I was rich I’d buy physical books all the time, but e-books are cheaper and more convenient. Plus it’s hilarious to sit on your phone and read, then comes a parent or older relative along being all like “you millennials with your phones, why don’t you read a book instead??” and then you show them the screen. Sit back and watch as they experience an existential crisis.

Question 2: Paperbacks or hardbacks?

Oh c’mon how can I choose? I prefer both, as long as the cover’s beautiful. But I mostly buy paperbacks due to the price of hardbacks.

Question 3: Online or in-store shopping?

In-store of course. But at the same time, it’s a wonderful feeling to discover a package with the book you’ve been waiting for when coming home.

Question 4: Trilogies or series?

Series actually. The more, the better! Though it, of course, depends on the books. You don’t want them to feel dragged out.

Question 5: Heroes or villains?

Villains of course, no debate. Don’t judge a book by its cover, judge it by its villains.

Question 6: A book you want everyone to read

The middle-grade/YA books The Mapmaker’s Trilogy by S.E. Grove and The Books of Beginning by John Connolly, because I have no one to talk to about them. But also The Rook by Daniel O’Malley and like every Brandon Sanderson book ever.

Question 7: The last book you finished

Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb.

Question 8: The last book you bought

The Dangerous Alphabet by Neil Gaiman to the little kid I used to babysit. The family’s moving to Canada so bought that book so he can learn English with it 🙂

Question 9: The weirdest thing you’ve used as a bookmark

I don’t know?? I always have a bookmark by my side when reading, so I never have to use anything else.

Question 10: Used books yes or no?

I have about 2$ to live on for the rest of the week, I wouldn’t care if the book had been used as a handkerchief.

Question 11: Favorite book genre

Fantasy.

Question 12: Buy or borrow?

Buy. Period. I can’t ever let go of a book I’ve read, even if it was bad. Plus my local library is very small and have like no books I read.

Question 13: Characters or plot?

Hm tricky. I prefer characters, but at the same time I want a good plot, or I might lose interest. But I go with characters.

Question 14: Long or short books?

Really doesn’t matter? If it’s good, I want it really long. But like short books for me are around 300-400 pages, ‘middle’ between 400-600 pages, and long 600-700+ pages.

Question 15: Long or short chapters?

Short, duh.

Question 16: Name the first three books you think of

The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge, Blood Upon The Sand by Bradley Beaulieu, The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson.

Question 17: Books that make you laugh or books that make you cry?

Books that make me cry. I want to suffer.

Question 18: Audiobooks yes or no?

Yeees, it was audio books that got me into reading again after years.

Question 19: Do you ever judge a book by its cover?

Yes.

Question 20: Book to movie or TV adaptation?

TV adaptation. Books cannot be justified in a story told under 2 hours.

Question 21: A movie or TV show you preferred to the book

Coraline and American Gods, both by Neil Gaiman (though the American Gods series is on-going, so we’ll see how it’s all wrapped up).

Qusetion 22: Series or Standalones?

 

 

A Song & A Book #48

Today’s Song Is;

Lining up for the grand illusion
No answers for no questions asked
Lining up for the execution
Without knowing why

And The Book I Chose For This One Is;

“In a world where ash falls from the sky, and mist dominates the night, an evil cloaks the land and stifles all life. The future of the empire rests on the shoulders of a troublemaker and his young apprentice. Together, can they fill the world with color once more?”

 

First Lines Friday #2

Hi guys! I’m actually back with the ‘First Lines Friday’, can’t believe I actually forgot about this weekly meme haha… but anyway, I’m planning on posting for this meme every Friday from now on for as long as possible. 🙂

The Rules Are The Following;

• Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
• Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first
• Finally… reveal the book!

 

” A friendly desert community where the sun is hot, the moon is beautiful, and mysterious lights pass overhead while we all pretend to sleep.

Hello listeners. To start off, I’ve been asked to read this brief notice. The City Council announces the opening of a new Dog Park at the corner of Earl and Summerset, near the Ralphs. They would like to remind everyone that dogs are not allowed in the Dog Park.”

And

***

The

***

Book

***

Is

***

=

“Mostly Void, Partially Stars introduces us to Night Vale, a town in the American Southwest where every conspiracy theory is true, and to the strange but friendly people who live there.

Mostly Void, Partially Stars features an introduction by creator and co-writer Joseph Fink, behind-the-scenes commentary and guest introductions by performers from the podcast and notable fans, including Cecil Baldwin (Cecil), Dylan Marron (Carlos), and Kevin R. Free (Kevin) among others. Also included is the full script from the first Welcome to Night Vale live show, Condos. Beautiful illustrations by series artist Jessica Hayworth accompany each episode.

Mostly Void, Partially Stars is an absolute must-have whether you’re a fan of the podcast or discovering for the first time the wonderful world of Night Vale.”

 

A Song & A Book #47

Today’s Song Is;

Fight or flight
Was the decision ever mine?
It was never mine

And The Book I Chose For This Song Is; (This song was actually based on this book/series)

“Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But she’s still not safe. A revolution is unfolding, and everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans – everyone except Katniss.

And yet she must play the most vital part in the final battle. Katniss must become their Mockingjay – the symbol of rebellion – no matter what the personal cost.”

The Entertainer Blogger Award

 

Big thanks to James J. Cudney IV @ this is my truth now for tagging me! Was awhile back I think, but now I finally got time to do it :)! Will be very short answers as you may seem, but I got so much to do right now that I hardly have any time to blog at all! From Saturday I will actually be away for two months to work and won’t have time to blog at all, so I hope to do some posts before that I can schedule. But anyway, big thanks for the little award again and well, hope you’ll be satisfied with my answers.

The Rules:

• Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
• Add these rules to your post.
• Answer all the questions below.
• Display the award picture in your post.
• Nominate 12 other bloggers who are funny, inspiring and most important of all ENTERTAINING!

 

WHY DID YOU START A BLOG IN THE FIRST PLACE?

I had wanted to have some kind of “platform” to share my opinions on books and talk to others about, well, books (because none of my friends here read…). I just thought it would be really fun to have a blog, so I started one! This is by far my most successful, since, you know, all the 50+ ones I had between the ages of 10 and 12.

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?

oh wow, what an extraordinarily easy question I know exactly what’s my favorite book is.

I’d say right now The Stormlight Archive books (x), The Books of Beginning (x), The Pillars of The Earth (x) etc…

WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE THE MOST?

Sarcasm. And hypocrisy.

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD AT THE MALL?

donuts, corn in cups (mm…), dumplings, the souls of everyone who stands in front of me in the food queue, ice cream…

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PAST TIME?

 

Hm I’d say 65 million B.C. I love dinosaurs. 😀

And yes, I am physically and mentally incapable to answer questions seriously.

And I tag Lindsey @ Paradise Books , Jessica @ jessicamarie493, Rachel @ paceamorelibri, Battybibliophile @ Caffeine and Books , Saily @ the reading turtle duck , Savannah @ the book prophet, Heather Lauren @ heatherlaurenreads, MighyThorJRS @ mightythorjrs,  Amanda @ metalphantasmreads, Jackie @ toomuchofabooknerd, Anna @ mybookishdreams, you’ve all got entertaining blogs :D!

 

 

A Song & A Book #46

Today’s Song Is;

And if you’re in love, then you are the lucky one
‘Cause most of us are bitter over someone
Setting fire to our insides for fun
To distract our hearts from ever missing them
But I’m forever missing him

And you caused it

And The Book I Chose For This Song Is;

“The adventures of siblings Kate, Michael, and Emma come to a stunning conclusion when they must find the last Book of Beginning–the Book of Death–before the Dire Magnus does, for when all three books are united, their combined power will be unstoppable.
Soon Emma is on a journey to places both worldly and otherworldly, confronting terrifying monsters and ghosts, and what is darkest within herself. As the fabric of time begins to fray, she becomes the final piece of an extraordinary puzzle. Only if she can master the powers of this most dangerous book will she, Kate, and Michael be able to save the world from the dramatic, deadly final confrontation between magical and ordinary people that the Dire Magnus has in store.”

Anything But Books Tag

Hi guys! This has been a couple of extremely stressful weeks as I’m having my exams right now. Just finished the second one a few hours back so have a little time to rest until the next one tomorrow… but then I’m free! I’ve barely read anything this month because all my time have been spent on studying, but I hope I’ll get to read some soon 🙂

I was tagged to do this tag by the gorgeous Jackie @ toomuchofabooknerd, big thanks! ❤

1. Name a cartoon(s) that you love

I don’t watch cartoon now but I loved (still love) Avatar: The Last Airbender!

2. What is your favorite song right now?

Omg wow. I have like 1000+ songs I listen to. It all depends on the mood for me. For some examples: If I want to feel ‘magical’ I’d say ‘Alice‘ by Cocteau Twins take the top list (I listen to many versions of the song, my favorite remix is this one and my favorite cover is [x]). I really hope to find a fitting book soon for ‘A Song & A Book’… If I feel angsty or emotional (especially over a book and/or characters) ‘The Walk‘ by Imogen Heap. That song really expresses those feelings perfectly it’s so beautiful.

3. What could you do for hours (that isn’t reading)?

Listen to music or watch Studio C sketches on Youtube haha…

4. What is something you love to do that your followers would be surprised by?

Hm man I don’t know, sarcasm?

5. What is your favorite unnecessarily specific thing to learn about (this can do with books, I guess)?

Omg I am a walking encyclopedia of (un)necessarily specific facts. I am not kidding, I am that friend in the group. Not only can (or could) I say hello in like 40 languages and example ask for help in Indonesian (though I’ve never been there nor know anyone from there), in every course I love to learn weird facts. My ‘bizarre historical events’ book tag (x) is quite a dead giveaway of my little trait.

6. What is something unusual you know how to do?

I don’t know? I can sneak up on a roe deer from the front (did that once). I can also mess up ‘technics’ like I was once on the radio and they had troubles with the sending for the first time, twice. And they couldn’t figure out what it was. Oh and I know how to cook scones in the oven. They’re not supposed to do that.

7. Name something you’ve made in the last year (and show us, if you can)

I’ve made the right choice

8. What is your most recent personal project?

Survive the exams

9. Tell us something you think about often (maybe while staring out of windows)

“Is that cat chasing a roe deer?”

10. Give us something that’s your favorite.

Reptiles! like me and a friend was outside once and saw a snake and we both freaked out – she out of terror and I out of happiness.

Lastly, say the first thing that pops into your head

ALAS, POOR YORICK –

A Song & A Book #45

Today’s Song Is;

(honestly, it was so hard to choose lyrics to pick out because this song is hauntingly fitting for the book)

Crooked fingers knocking on windows without souls
Bodies are swinging from rooftops and poles
Howling through hollows/…/

You cover your eyes, you cover your mouth, you cover your ears
Still you follow our trail
We’ll do it all, we’ll do whatever you say, God has left us anyway/…/

(There are echoes lost in the garden
Is anybody listening?
They whisper:
The ones who are only living are the ones who are only dying)

And The Book I Chose For This Song Is;

“Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years before, when she lived and made love with her husband, Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now…”

 

T5W – Ravenclaw Book (Characters)

“Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you’ve a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind.”

This week’s topic so happens to be books that represent your Hogwarts house. However, I decided to do my own little thing and instead pick characters that would share the same Hogwarts house. That’s because I have a confession, and that is that I haven’t read Harry Potter… I know, shame. But that series is so hyped that it is the most intriguing to me. But I’ll get to it, one day… So it was pretty hard to pick books that would fit, so instead I chose to pick characters (from books, although some may count as books for Ravenclaws).

I did the test like twice before, and got Ravenclaw (if I remember correctly). Did the test now again, and got Ravenclaw again, so I trust that’s my house. Plus, I relate  a lot to this house since I’ve always had a deep love for learning, science and discovery, plus creativity and individuality (like when I was little I always wanted to do something that was uncommon here). So it’s little surprise that I mostly relate to characters who’re Ravenclaw or share traits with the house.

Top 5 Wednesday is hosted by Sam and Lainey on this Goodreads group.

5. Jack from The Pillars of The Earth by Ken Follett

“Nevertheless, the book gave Jack a feeling he had never had before, that the past was like a story, in which one thing led to another, and the world was not a boundless mystery, but a finite thing that could be comprehended. ”

Jack is clearly Ravenclaw. He has a desire for any kind of knowledge, just for the sake of knowledge, and a deep desire to create something original and magnificent. He’s intelligent by nature, but was underestimated as a child due to his somewhat ‘absent’ look and appearance (which is another trait he shares with many of his fellow Ravenclaws).

4. Hoid from The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

“The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think but to give you questions to think upon.”

There are several worthy Ravenclaw candidates in this book, so I’m doing a little ‘honorary mention’ here (as I don’t want to mention the same book twice) and that goes to the royal cousins Jasnah and Renarin Kholin, who are both awesome. But I chose to go with Hoid as he is not only one of my favorite characters of Sanderson’s books, but also as he represents most of his books.

Probably Sanderson’s most mysterious character, he would have actually made it to the 2nd place had it not been for that we actually don’t know enough to properly sort him. He could probably go as much into Slytherin (especially after his little “warning” speech to Dalinar near the end of WoR) but for the most part, he reveals traits that fit within the Ravenclaw house. His alias is a hint for the start, but the way he acts and talks makes him sound very “Ravenclawy”. He says intelligent and witty comments, his words usually hide a much deeper, secret meaning and wisdom. Not to mention the fact that Hoid loves to philosophy whenever he gets the chance (and with anyone). And although we don’t know whose side he’s on (if anyone’s), he’s not shown to be villainous or manipulative of the others (he’s actually more “maneuvering” in his behavior to get people to do what he wants, and that actually helps them).

Plus don’t forget that Hoid slanders other characters in both books for sacrificing other people like resources for their personal ambition, which is a very Slytherin trait. Just because you might have a secret agenda or ambition doesn’t mean one automatically becomes a Slytherin. Many examples show that the sorting hats sort after who we want to be as much as who we are.

3. Lord Henry from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

“Pleasure is the only thing worth having a theory about,” he answered in his slow melodious voice. “But I am afraid I cannot claim my theory as my own. It belongs to Nature, not to me. Pleasure is Nature’s test, her sign of approval. When we are happy, we are always good, but when we are good, we are not always happy.”

The cynical and manipulative Lord Henry may appear as the typical popular Slytherin student, but when analyzing his character (which I actually had to do for an essay), one will realize that he’s actually a Ravenclaw.

Lord Henry shows a philosophic and scientific interest in humanity’s darker nature, but never acts on it himself. He lacks any ambition nor, as stated, any desire to act out what he says or just any goal with what he does. Instead, he charms himself and his immoral ideas into other people’s heads with witty and philosophical comments, then proceeds to observe them like a scientist observing a lab-rat.

In that way, Lord Henry demonstrates the more villainous traits (although he’s not exactly a villain in the book) of a Ravenclaw who just happens to have gone too far. From the mind of a Ravenclaw, his character is very interesting to analyze…

2. Faith from The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge

“She had always believed deep down that science would not judge her, even if people did.”

Faith’s deep love for discovery and science makes her a clear candidate for the Ravenclaw house. She’s also feeling a bit of an outsider due to this love that is not considered ‘proper’ for a girl in her time period, but Ravenclaw house is famous for accepting and welcoming the little “odd” ones. Although she later demonstrates traits that could fit her into Slytherin, Faith is still a Ravenclaw at heart.

1. Raptor Red from Raptor Red by Robert T. Bakker

“A pair of fierce but beautiful eyes look out from the undergrowth of conifers. She is an intelligent killer…”

Yes, the first place for a Ravenclaw goes to a raptor. But there’s a reason for that.

For her, the Ravenclaw traits are the very thing that’s vital for her life. She’s an intelligent killer who uses her experiences to survive, but also highly developed problem solving and creativity. The Utahraptor exhibits the Ravenclaw traits at their “core”, why they are important for beings to survive and, most importantly, develop.

 

What are your picks for this week’s theme? Got any editions of your own? Agree or disagree on how I sorted any character? Comment below! ❤