Killing is what Jack Reacher does best

Killing Floor (Jack Reacher #1) by Lee Child

Rating: 4 out of 5 hearts
524 pages
Released: 1997
Buy it @ book depository

Ex-military policeman Jack Reacher is a drifter. He’s just passing through Margrave, Georgia, and in less than an hour, he’s arrested for murder. Not much of a welcome. All Reacher knows is that he didn’t kill anybody. At least not here. Not lately. But he doesn’t stand a chance of convincing anyone. Not in Margrave, Georgia. Not a chance in hell. 

The sleepy, forgotten town of Margrave, Georgia, hasn't seen a crime in decades, but within the span of three days it witnesses events that leave everyone stunned. An unidentified man is found beaten and shot to death on a lonely country road. The police chief and his wife are butchered on a quiet Sunday morning. Then a bank executive disappears from his home, leaving his keys on the table and his wife frozen with fear. The easiest suspect is Jack Reacher - an outsider, a man just passing through. But Reacher is a tough ex-military policeman, trained to think fast and act faster. When authorities learn the first victim was someone from Reacher's past, and he cannot convince them of his innocence, his patient self-defense becomes a raging crusade of revenge. With two cops who believe in him - a thoughtful black detective and a woman named Roscoe - he closes in on a ruthless conspiracy hiding behind Margrave's rural charm. But closing in on him is a team of killers. Step by step, the two teams circle - waiting to see which will be the first to walk onto the killing floor.

Review

I saw the movie adaption "Jack Reacher" and I thought it was awesome! Because of this I knew that I HAD to read the books, so I started at the beginning of the series. Now that I've read one I still think that even though Tom Cruise looks nothing like the 'book' version of Jack Reacher (blonde and VERY tall), he still did a pretty good job and I think the movie does the book justice.

I decided to listen to this on audio book mainly because it was available through the library, and when I can, I like to listen to books instead of read them. It means I can get through twice as many books - one I'm reading and the other I'm listening. I'm so glad I listened to this because it had me hooked almost right away.

Jack Reacher is a tough, ex-military bad ass who doesn't care who he has to kill to get answers. Normally I read mystery/crime novels in which the detective or main character catch the bad guy to put him in jail, but nope not Jack Reacher. He doesn't care about catching the bad guys - he kills the bad guys!

The story was really exciting and had me guessing the whole time. There was lots of detail and I learned a lot from this book (I can't tell you what I learnt because it will give away too much of the story). To sum up it was fast-paced, intriguing and at times very funny. I can't wait to read more about Jack Reacher.

On the cover

I'm not sure what the red hand print represents, makes me think this is a horror novel not just a thriller/crime novel. I do like the clean, simple look though.

What I'm listening to next: The Heist by Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg

The Fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars. But in ourselves

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Rating: 5 out of 5 hearts
318 pages
Released: January 2012
Buy it @ book depository

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten

Review

This is the second John Green book that I've read and I have a feeling that it may be a bad idea reading this before any of the others, How will they live up to this?

I'm sure a lot of people have read this by now so my review is going to be in a sea of millions, so I'm going to simply speak about my thoughts and how the book made me feel.

I started off thinking that I may not like this and I've hyped it up too much, but it wasn't long before Hazel and Gus took me along with them on their journey

I found myself connecting to all the characters in different ways, even the minor players had so much to add to the story. I loved how Hazel & Gus fell so quickly and deeply in love - I guess it would be hard knowing you were going to die and not having forever to be with someone and grow old together. I also loved the connection they had with each other, they fit so well together. You know when it's meant to be, when you have that someone that just "gets" you. You can laugh and be silly with one another, but it's also the way you can know how the other person is feeling without even talking. I have that with my special someone and John Green has been able to capture this. 

This is such a quote worthy book - there are so many that I would wear on a t-shirt or as a framed print because there's so much meaning and 'realness' to them. Below are some of my favourites. Now get out there and read this!

"As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly and then all at once"

"Some infinities are bigger than other infinities"

"You gave me forever within the numbered days, and I'm grateful"

"The world is not a wish granting factory"

"My thoughts are stars and I can't fathom the constellations"

"That's the things about pain, it demands to be felt"

On the cover

This cover is probably very well known by everyone since the movie release. I love this cover a lot! The colours, the font and the simplistic overall look. 

What I'm listening to next: Killing Floor by Lee Child

How they survive now

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

Rating: 3 out of 5 hearts
194 pages
Released: November 2004
Buy it @ book depository

“Every war has turning points and every person too.”

Fifteen-year-old Daisy is sent from Manhattan to England to visit her aunt and cousins she’s never met: three boys near her age, and their little sister. Her aunt goes away on business soon after Daisy arrives. The next day bombs go off as London is attacked and occupied by an unnamed enemy.

As power fails, and systems fail, the farm becomes more isolated. Despite the war, it’s a kind of Eden, with no adults in charge and no rules, a place where Daisy’s uncanny bond with her cousins grows into something rare and extraordinary. But the war is everywhere, and Daisy and her cousins must lead each other into a world that is unknown in the scariest, most elemental way.

A riveting and astonishing story.

Review 

It's so hard to like Meg Rosoff books. Because they are always a little strange and hard to relate to. This is only the second book by her that I've read so I can't really judge all of them, but so far the record isn't good. 

It was an interesting book, a book about war, first loves, family and much more. I listened to this on audiobook and I'm so glad I did, because I've seen how it is written, and that could've been a huge downfall for me. Daisy is the main character and the book is written from her point of view with no talking marks or indication of who was speaking at times.

A few things I'm going to mention about the story and they may be spoilers, so read ahead at your own risk. I have to mention the incest, I know you can't help who you fall in love with but I found it a little weird. I didn't see how it was important to the story, Daisy can have love for her family and still want to protect them, she doesn't need to be romantically in love to need to protect them. Something I wished had been explained a bit more was Edmunds mental/mind reading powers. Did he have them? I'm going to say yes!

What I liked about the book was the ending, it was true to how war can affect someone so young. I also liked the strength of the children, surviving all by themselves. I have lots of respect for them!

After finishing this I watched the movie and I got a huge shock. They had changed character's personalities and many other things. People even died who didn't die in the book. It was a terribly sad movie and I don't plan on watching it again. The book is so much better!

 

On the cover 

This is a beautiful cover, you can't see it in this picture but the book actually has shiny parts where some of the butterflies are. I wouldn't think by looking at this cover that this would be the type of story inside.  There are so many different covers for this, but I think I like this one the best. This isn't a pretty book on the inside but it is on the outside.

What I'm listening to next: Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein

 

Good Old Classic Movies ~ Part Two!

I did a post over 6 months ago showcasing some classic movies that I watched for the first time. Here are a few more that I have watched and a small review about each.

 

Funny Face (1957) In Colour

Starring: Audrey Hepburn & Fred Astaire

  

I am even more in love with Audrey Hepburn after seeing this movie. I love her dancing and her fashion style. She is so adorable and even more because she is working in a bookshop - my kind of gal. I don't know about Fred Astaire as the love interest though, he's an awesome dancer/actor, but not that attractive in my eyes.

How to marry a millionaire (1953) In colour

Starring: Marilyn Monroe, Betty Gable & Lauren Bacall

I thought this was the movie that Marilyn sang 'Diamonds are a girl's best friend' in, but it's not. I still really enjoyed it. The only thing that I was annoyed with was how they made Marilyn look like a ditzy, clumsy girl. They made her seem like the stereotypical blonde.

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) In B & W

Starring: Gregory Peck, John Megna & Frank Overton

This was an ok movie, but not a favourite. I haven't read the book and after watching this it doesn't make me want to read it, I still will but I'm not in a hurry to read it. Great acting and story, I just don't think it was up my alley.

The Birds (1963) In Colour

Starring: Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren & Suzanne Pleshette

Was a little slow, but I can see that for it's time it would've been terribly scary and the special effects would've looked fantastic. I'm not saying that it looks bad, it still looks pretty good. I just didn't like it as much as Psycho. I also felt there wasn't really an explanation for why the birds were attacking people, which let the movie down a bit for me.

 

Singin' in the rain (1952) In Colour

Starring: Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor & Debbie Reynolds

This was fantastic!! The story, comedy, dancing, singing and acting were all of high quality. It has become a favourite movie and I will watch this again for sure! Gene & Debbie are so gorgeous together!

  

An Affair to Remember (1957) In Colour

Starring: Cary Grant & Deborah Kerr

A romantic movie with a twist at the end. Was quite good, but I'm not dying to watch it again.

Do you have any classic movie suggestions for me?

 

 

There aren't always perks to being a wallflower

The Perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Rating: 4 out of 5 hearts
231 pages
Released: February 1999
Buy it @ book depository

Charlie is a freshman.

And while he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years yet socially awkward, he is a wallflower, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it.

Charlie is attempting to navigate his way through uncharted territory: the world of first dates and mix tapes, family dramas and new friends; the world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. But he can't stay on the sideline forever. Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a deeply affecting coming-of-age story that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.

Review 

I watched the movie and adored it, once I finished I wanted to watch it all over again. It was amazing! So because of this I HAD to read the book and see if there were any differences. I did really enjoy the book, but not as much as the movie. Of course there was more detail in the book and certain scenes and issues were explained a lot more.

I liked the writing style - the book is written in letters from Charlie and as the book goes on you can see how Charlie's own writing gets better, which I think was done well.

Then there's Charlie and his band of misfits. I felt connected to the characters so much more since already watching the movie. I think I brought along those feelings I already had for them all from seeing the movie that it was hard to imagine them any other way. They all touched my heart in one way or another.

There were so many mature themes running through this: homosexuality, drugs, under-age sex and sexual abuse. It was unexpected when I first watched the movie because I didn't think it had such deep issues in it. I don't really recommend anyone under the age of 15 reading this.

It's a shame that the author didn't write anything else because this was so good - I guess maybe it was a one hit wonder or he thought why not quit while I'm ahead.

On the cover

I don't particulary like this cover. It is a bit old fashioned but I love the title/author font. The other cover I've seen is the movie cover, which I like better probably because I loved the movie.

What I'm reading next: Something like normal by Trish Doller

 

Good old classic movies

I love watching movies and I watch so many new movies that I thought it's time I watched some of those good classic films. Working at the library I have some perks because I was able to borrow all these for free. Enjoy all these wonderful trailers and a short review of each movie by me! :)

Some like it hot (1959) in B & W 

Starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis & Jack Lemon

This was very funny and this being my first ever Marilyn Monroe movie, she didn't disappoint! She is cute and sexy just like I imagined. It's a shame this wasn't in colour because I would've loved to see all the beautiful dresses Marilyn wears. I actually knew the two male actors in this and they were fantastic as well. Great start to my Marilyn Monroe viewing.

Gone with the wind (1939) in Colour 

Starring Clark Gable & Vivien Leigh

The clothing/costumes were fabulous, I'm so glad this was in colour! The overall movie though wasn't all that appealing to me. I didn't like it mainly because the main character, Scarlett, was annoying. Oh and the movie was four hours long and it was so depressing the whole time. I have to admit it was filmed very beautifully but unfortunately it wasn't my cup of tea. Had to wait til the end of the movie to hear the line I know - "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn!"

Casablanca (1942) in B & W 

Starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman & Paul Henreid

"Here's looking at you kid" I loved this so much! No wonder it's considered one of the best classic movies, when it was finished I wanted to watch it all over again! Something I found weird was that Humphrey Bogart has little to no expression in this, I did see him smile once and it was strange. 

A streetcar named desire (1951) in B & W 

Starring Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brandon & Kim Hunter

Was a little slow and I didn't really get what was going on. I had a slight idea but I ended up looking on the Internet to make sure I was right. Marlon Brando has a really hot body and looks nice but he is such a pig, so that puts you off him completely! At least I can say that I've seen Brando yelling "Stella! Hey Stella!"

The Seven Year itch (1955) in Colour 

Starring Marilyn Monroe & Tom Ewell

Marilyn is adorable! If she wasn't in this it would've been a little boring. The story line was quite funny, and I loved that it was in colour so we could see Marilyn in all her glory. Loved the well known subway air scene of course - "Isn't it delicious"

Calamity Jane (1953) in Colour 

Starring Doris Day & Howard Keel

This movie was loads of fun! I love musicals and this was right up my alley. Doris Day plays a fantastic character, such a light-hearted movie with a happy ending. "Whip crack away, whip crack away, whip crack away!"

Psycho (1960) in B & W 

Starring Anthony Perkins & Vera Miles

I recently watched "Hitchcock" starring Anthony Hopkins, who played Alfred Hitchcock and I enjoyed it. It made me want to watch Psycho as I have never seen it before. I thought Psycho was a really good movie. Great acting and had lots of suspense. It's not a gory scary movie, more of a psychological type of scary movie, I highly recommend it!

Have you watched any classic movies and enjoyed them?

Hugo and his magical inventions.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Rating: 5 out of 5 hearts
525 pages
Released: April 2007
Buy it @ book depository

ORPHAN, CLOCK KEEPER, AND THIEF, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.

Review 

This isn't just a book, it's an experience! The pictures and story are so absorbing, it transported me straight to Paris 1930's. I love when a book doesn't end when I finish it, it inspired me to want to know more about cinema during that era. At the end of the book in the credits & acknowledgements the author gives you websites where you can find more information. I had fun learning all about the first movies.

I saw 'Hugo' the movie and I adored it! I watched it before I read this which I think it would've been better if I had watched the movie after reading the book because I knew the mystery behind the mechanical automan and I would've loved to see the pictures come to life! I will definitely watch it again since I've read the book. 

Now that I have read this I would like to read 'Wonderstruck' to see what it's like. I loved how the illustrations told the story at times. One of my favourite instances was when Hugo was running from the station inspector through the walls of the train station. I really felt the tension and turned the pages so quickly to see whether he got away!

I recommend this to people of all ages. It's a story of finding yourself, overcoming loss, making friends & having your dreams come true! 

On the cover

Isn't it beautiful! The moon plays a part in this story and the cogs & gears look like a hot air balloon. The border reminds me of a theatre curtain like I'm getting ready to sit down and watch a show.

What I'm reading next: Amber House by Kelly Moore