Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars (SPOILERS)

I've been on a reading kick recently. Four books in two weeks is pretty good for me. I will do this from time to time. Read a bunch of books and then go months without reading. I trade that time with binge watching tv shows. It's what I do.

Anyway after finishing the Divergent series, I needed to fill the void with something else. I'd heard  that The Fault in Our Stars was really good, but I honestly didn't know what it was about. I knew they're making a movie, which means it must be good right? ;) So what better way to fill a void than to read another book that will ultimately throw you into a deep depression by the end? Yeah I'm a masochist I've decided.

So on that note, here is my review of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green:

Again there are spoilers, so if you haven't read it stop here and go read it. Seriously there are spoilers.

The Fault in Our Stars

So I found out really quick this book is about cancer. More specifically teens with cancer. And I knew right then, it was going to be a hard read. The bright side is that I absolutely love the way John Green writes. It's fun, youthful, and realistic. And it made me feel like I could read faster. I know that sounds weird, but the words just flowed through my brain so easily, and I read the book in three days. For me that's really fast considering I have a full time job and all.

So the main character Hazel, is ultimately dying a slow death from cancer. She's forced by her parents to go to a support group where she meets a boy, Augustus, who is from the first moment he sees Hazel, enamored with her, and she doesn't understand why. They end up becoming friends, and then more than friends. They share each other's favorite books, spend all of their time together, and even take a trip to Amsterdam together to meet Hazel's favorite author. Which doesn't turn out so well. Through most of the book, you're under the impression that Hazel will die by the end, but then it takes a twist and the ever so healthy, but in remission Augustus ends up relapsing and he dies. The hardest part of this book was definitely dealing with Gus' death. Having seen what cancer can do to a person when it's terminal first hand, made this book even more prevalent. I had to read the last 1/4 of the book through my tear soaked eyes, as the images portrayed through the words became more vivid in my imagination. I really enjoyed the portrayal of Hazel's parents. And I believe that is just how a mother would be when her only child is dying. The sarcasm brought out by all of the characters in the book was refreshing as well. Especially the banter between the teens. The only part that bothered me a bit, was the vocabulary of the teenagers. I felt it was a bit too adult and more like super educated adult. Maybe because I don't have the vocabulary myself? But in the end this book wrapped everything up just how I thought it might after the twist, and I was satisfied. Depressed, but satisfied. It's a very difficult read, but worth your time if you can muster up the strength to read it. Yeah that's a suggestion for those that still chose to read this review even though they haven't read the book. Now go read!

Book Review: Divergent Series (SPOILERS)

So a couple years ago I saw this book called Divergent by Veronica Roth, and thought it looked interesting. I put in my head a mental note to purchase it soon when I have some spare money. Well that never happened, and I ended up forgetting about it. Then the movie was being made and started getting all this buzz and I remembered I wanted to read the series. So I hunkered down and got me the entire series on my Kindle. But I didn't finish the first book in time to go see the movie on opening day like I had hoped. But I did end up finishing the entire series in a week, and rewarded myself by seeing the movie this past Sunday. Why am I telling you this? Because I like to share mundane excitements in my life, and also just because.

In this review I'm also giving you a bonus of comparing it to the movie. You should be excited. So here goes:

There are spoilers, so if you've not read the books, stop here. You've been warned.

Divergent (Book 1)

It took me a bit to get into the book, and this is why I didn't meet the deadline I had hoped for.  My main reason for it taking me so long to get into was I had expected something exciting to happen way sooner than it did. 3/4 of the book was spent building it up, familiarizing you with the characters and factions. I kept asking myself "is this really it? The big hype is this?" and then I hit the last 1/4 of the book and it finally kicked into gear for me. The action showed up and I was hooked. Unfortunately it went so fast for me that I was left needing to start the second book right away. That's not necessarily a bad thing though, and every author should want your reader to need the next story to satisfy their hunger for more. I just felt that there was a lot of build up and not enough action in the story for a series mainly based on action sequences.

Insurgent (Book 2)

So the story picks up right where the first book left off thankfully. I hate when stories shoot ahead, and then flashback themselves to tie in the gaps. If that makes sense. So this book was non-stop action, The characters never had a moment's rest, well ok maybe a little, but it sure seemed like it was one thing after another. But the nice thing was that it worked. It didn't feel like the author was grasping for events to keep the reader invested. Each thing that occurred, did so because it moved the story forward to the goal of finding out what is beyond the fence, and why Jeanine and others don't want anyone to know. One thing I will give the author Veronica Roth, is that she didn't hold back on killing characters. And it didn't matter if they were major or minor to the story. I liked that. A lot.

Allegiant (Book 3)

This book wasn't as exciting to me, and honestly disappointed me in some ways. I didn't much care for the character switching narratives about every other chapter. I found myself getting confused a few times as to who was speaking. It also reminded me of another book, a favorite of mine in the way the story was told this time around. That book would be The Time Traveler's Wife. Check it out, it's amazing, and oddly enough not confusing. Go figure. Anyway this book took us out of our normal scenery and changed things up. But it was slower, the action wasn't as much I thought, and I found myself plugging through because I needed to know how it ended. I'd had part of the book ruined for me, so I knew someone was going to die, just didn't know who. And that's what I wanted to know, as well as what became of Chicago. I do appreciate the author's bold writing, no fear approach to killing off characters, and wrapping things up nicely. Although I finished the book depressed, I was still satisfied how it ended. It felt right.

Divergent (The Movie)

The nice thing about seeing the movie, is that the book was still pretty fresh on my mind. I was able to compare the two and see just how closely the movie kept to the book. They didn't do too bad. There were a few scenes that they changed, and I don't really think for the better, but I know it was to keep the same pace throughout the movie and to get the audience to invest more into the characters. But it still bothered me. For example, I was disappointed that they cut out entire section of the book where Peter stabs Edward in the eye with a spoon. I think it will suck in the next movie when we see Edward with the Factionless all of a sudden wearing an eye patch, and they briefly explain how it all happened. Why not just show it? I think it was crucial to showing just the type of person Peter is. I didn't like how they had Tris' mother show up at the loading zones and warn her. I really wanted to see visitation day and how all the parents deal with their now different Factioned children. I found that part of the book interesting. And it really really bothered me how they changed up the whole scene of how Tris and Four stop the simulation. If you've read the book, you'll know what I mean. But overall I really enjoyed the movie. I enjoyed the book more of course, as you usually do, but they did well.

So there you have it, my reviews of the series and movie. I fairly warned you twice that there were spoilers, so if I've ruined anything for you, it's your fault. ;)

Cheers!

Some Thoughts

Sometimes I want to shave my head, and other days I want my hair down to my butt. It all depends on the day and the weather. Most of this summer I've wanted a shaved head. If I could pull it off I'd seriously consider it one day.

The bun directly on top of the head is not a cute look. It looks homely and unattractive. Pebbles lived in the prehistoric times and that's where her hairstyle should stay.

The t-shirt under everything not meant to have a t-shirt under it look is old and annoying. If it's a sleeveless, or strapless shirt, then wear it that way. If you can't, then don't buy it. It looks stupid with a shirt under it.

I'm really excited for the iPhone 5 to come out next week. And I really hope it doesn't suck. I want it to be my next phone in December.

I started reading a new book series called Frankenstein by Dean Koontz. I'm on the first book and am about 130 pages into it. So far it's not what I expected it to be. That is all I will say for now.

I'm very excited for fall TV returning. There are a couple new shows that I've had the chance to watch the pilot, and I'm interested to see how they go from there. If you want to, you can check out all of NBC's new shows online right now, either through nbc.com, hulu plus or if you have comcast on demand. So far my favorite new ones are The New Normal and Go On. You should check them out.

Book Review: Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows

Well I've finished Deathly Hallows. Well roughly three weeks ago actually. Sorry I'm so late on my review.

Let me just preface by saying I think the movie adaptations for this book are probably the closest of them all. I felt like I was watching both movies while reading the book.

So we start out in the Malfoy's mansion where Lord Voldemort has taken up residence and they are discussing the Order's plan to move Harry. Then Voldemort kills the muggle studies teacher of whom we barely know of, but is impact-full as it begins the running theme of intolerance for difference.

Soon after we cut to Privet Drive where we get to say goodbye to The Dursley's (good riddance). And then The Order shows and the action begins.

The first half of this book was more exciting than I thought it would be after seeing the movie and finding it slow. There were parts left out of the movie that added to the suspense and again made me enjoy the book far more. The second half of the book was amazing and I didn't want to say goodbye.

Having seen the movies I knew the majority of deaths that I was going to have to encounter. This didn't mean it made it any easier. I cried a lot in this book with the deaths beginning with Hedwig and ending with Fred, Lupin and Tonks. It got increasingly difficult to read the book through tear-filled eyes. But I soldiered on and finished the book.

The end was far less creepy in the book than in the movie when we leap into the future and adult Harry is sending his own child off to Hogwarts. After reading the last sentence of the book, my first thought was "why doesn't she keep writing and move onto the next generation of wizards?" I think that would be genius. And for selfish purposes of mine I think she should do it. I feel so many withdrawals right now.

Putting those feelings aside though, this book was amazing and honestly the entire series was one giant ride that I will I'm sure hop on again and again. I really don't know why I took so long to read the books, but I'm glad I finally did.

Book Review: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince

I literally devoured this book. I read it so fast and loved it so much. I bawled my eyes out at the end and gripped the book so hard in frustration through the rest. I know the truth about Snape as I've seen the movies, but reading about his wish-washy ways still angered me. The explanation of the Horcruxes was very helpful, as I don't recall much explanation of them in the movie, or I just wasn't paying attention and found myself confused over them in the movies. And Hagrid caring for Aragog was sweet and yet disturbing (big spider hater here).

I loved the Pensieve parts where they went and watched Tom Riddle's life, it was like learning about someone you actually knew, where after you look at them in a different way. You wanted to have sympathy for Voldemort, yet you know that it's completely wrong to do so.

And ugh. The death of Dumbledore was hard! I knew it was coming having seen the movie prior, but it didn't mean I was any more prepared for it when it came. The way it was written was both sad and beautiful. And I enjoyed reading about it more than I did watching it.

All in all this was a really good book, and I'm already delving into Deathly Hallows with a review soon to come.

Happy Friday!

Book Review: Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix

Well I have finished Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Well I finished it on Tuesday to be exact. And I just need to say I loved this book!

For those that don't know, or don't remember (because let's face it, I took a long reading break), I have been reading the Harry Potter series for the first time. I actually made it a New Year's goal this year to finish the series before year end. And by golly I think I might do it.


This book had me captivated from the very beginning. I did not want to put it down. There was so much of this book left out of the movie (and honestly I've only seen the movie once), that it felt like it was all for the first time. From the Dursley's to Harry's hearing for using magic in front of a muggle, to Umbridge (ultra bitch) to the Death Eaters, to Voldemort, I was pretty much pissed off the entire time I read the book. I was so angry for Harry! I know they're only characters in a book, but you get so involved that they become your family. I wanted to kill Umbridge. If I were Harry, I would have said "fuck you all" and done the death curse on her. It's a good thing I'm not Harry. The book would have been a lot shorter, and less interesting. The politics in this book reminded me why I don't like politics or religion. You always get the crazies. Fudge was so frustrating in this book. His constant need for power and adoration was nauseating, and only fueled my continual anger while reading. Harry was portrayed how a teenager would have been at that age. The teen angst, "I hate the world" attitude, is so typical of a 15 year old, and J.K. in my opinion captured it perfectly. And losing Sirius was heartbreaking. Needless to say that although I was angry the entire time I read the book, it was by far my favorite so far. I still have two more books to read, so that could change. 


I've started reading Half-Blood Prince and am about 230 pages in, I'll be giving you my thoughts on that when I'm done. 


Happy weekend!


Again I have no idea why my words are highlighted, and frankly it's making me Hulk-out a bit.

Book Review: Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire

Well I finished reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire last night. And I must say I really enjoyed it. Being that the movie version is my favorite, the book not only expanded on it, but blew it out of the water. I had no idea how much was left out! And because of this I would like to discuss a few key points and my thoughts:

I kinda like this artwork better than the artwork on my copy

S.P.E.W. - My memory sucks royally, so I don't remember what it stands for, but this was Hermionie's creation to help aid in better treatment of the house-elves. She hated that they were treated as servants, regardless of the fact that the elves quite enjoyed it. I saw myself being torn on how I felt about this, because I knew this was a direct correlation to slavery in reality of which I would never agree with. And at the same time as I'm reading I understood the stand point of everyone else in that the elves liked helping and being paid nothing for it. So who's to argue with that? Such a dilemma!

Ludo Bagman and Barty Crouch - Nowhere in the movie do they bother to go into length on who these men are and how important they are to the story! This disappointed me a bit finding all this useful information left out of the movie. I understand that they can't put everything in there, but a little more depth would have been nice. It made so much more sense why Barty Crouch was such an integral part to Voldemort's attempt on Harry's demise yet again. Ludo Bagman I don't really remember being featured all that much in the movie, but his character was pretty important too, being that he was leading the tournament. Whatev's, the movies will never live up to the books.

Neville's parents - I have to admit when I was reading about what happened to his parents I teared up a bit. I actually did quite a few times during the last 200 pages of the book, but this one in particular got to me. Knowing that Neville's family story is just as tragic as Harry's and yet no one recognized this is a little heartbreaking.

All in all the book is definitely better than the movie which is not a surprise, but I do still love the movies and will continue to watch them.

Now I'm taking a break from the Harry Potter series to read the Steve Jobs Biography that I got for Christmas. I will then continue on my New Year's quest to finish reading the entire series this year. I hope I can accomplish this. Wish me luck!

Bookcase As Promised

I now present the bookcase I bought.

Nothing super fancy, but my books have come home to me and that makes me happy.


(And if you thought I was going to be posting a picture of me lugging it into my house, you are sadly mistaken).

My Weekend in Review

So I've been MIA for a few days. Reason?

1. Thanksgiving (I tried to stay away from a computer as much as possible due to my day job, the Holiday IS my Holiday (british way of saying vacation).
2. I got sick :(  Boo for colds
3. I decided my time was better spent watching TV (whilst being sick). I caught up on the week's shows, watched some Season 5 Doctor Who, had a Friends marathon with Amber, and then watched all of Season 2 (thus far) of The Walking Dead. It was a busy weekend.
4. I ventured out on Saturday bought me a bookcase and some new artwork for the wall in the family room. So all was not lost, you should have seen me lugging that bookcase into my house (picture to come, once I've filled it). Thank God for elevators.

Rachel kindly noted that it's not spaced evenly. That has been fixed.

The World of Harry Potter

After several (and I mean it) people telling me I need to read the Harry Potter series, I have begun to do so. And I'm loving it.

I'm less than 100 pages into the fourth book (Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire), and I'm super excited. The movie version of this particular book happens to be my favorite (and no it's not because Edward is in it), so I'm more than excited to read the book and get all of the little details you're denied whilst watching the movie.

I don't expect to be disappointed, I haven't been so far, but I did just buy a Kindle, and I won't get to use it for quite a while. I hate reading more than one book at a time, yet have no problem watching multiple tv shows that have serial story lines. Go figure.

I also took a test on fb to see what my potronus is, but I can't remember. Does that make me a bad fan? I think not, it just means my memory sucks.

To be continued.

About Me

So I get the constant question when I meet new people, "what are your hobbies"? To be honest I bloody hate this question, because I don't think of myself as an exciting person, and I also hate to talk about myself. So let's get this out of the way:

My name is Chryshele (how did you get this name?). I really am not sure if I have the story right, but I always tell people my mom knew a lady who had named her daughter the same name (mom interject as needed).

I'm 30 (yep the dreaded 3-0).

Never been married (and I'm ok with that, boys suck right now, and usually all the time).

And I'm a self-appointed geek/nerd/fanatic take your pick. And I'm damn proud of it.

This is where I like to talk. I know what I love, and I will share it with anyone who will listen, so long as it's not about me directly.

So what are my hobbies? TV, Music, Movies, Books and the occasional Video Game. So expect a lot of discussion on the like (I like to write and paint too, but not as much. Funny how I started a blog...)

Yep this is me. Semi-recent picture.

Alright moving on.

P.S. I might piss people off with my sarcasm and direct comments. I'm ok with this as long as you are.

And now commence!