The Fault in Our Stars Pre-Screening

I just saw the Fault in Our Stars. It was funny and beautiful and sad, all the things that I as a fan of the book and Nerdfighter could hope for. More coherent thoughts tomorrow...

Sweet dreams.

Beyond words, reviewing The Book Thief movie

I am a strong advocate for great Australian authors and boy am I proud to claim Marcus Zusack and his brilliant imagination as ours. The Book Thief is one of my all time favourite books. I read it in two sittings –an accomplishment as the novel is a literary mountain. My eyes were hurting from lack of sleep and a constant stream of tears. Despite the sadness in the book, the unfairness of it all, I truly believe it to be a, “life affirming story,” as my little flyer said.

I’ve learnt over time to appreciate novels and movies as separate entities. With this in mind I had fun experiencing the story cinematically. There’s always an odd moment where you realise that what you are seeing is exactly what you thought you would see, a strange feeling of déjà vu overcame me as we entered Heaven Street and met Papa. Geoffrey Rush was incredible as was Emily Watson and our heroine, Sophie Nélisse.

There were so many beautiful cinematic moments such as the first look at the library. Liesel’s awe was a precious sight to behold. How the gold titles reflected in her eyes. Hans’ nickname for Liesel, “your Majesty,” melted my heart. The indoor snow fight complete with buckets for helmets and barracks was hilarious. Last but not least, our last look into the book thief’s life before the screen turns black *sigh* I knew the voice of Death, colours and faces would be forever burned into my memory.

My only critique was with the narration. Don’t get me wrong, I loved how direct narration was used sparingly –we all remember the Great Gatsby’s disaster narration, I felt like I waded through an entire book reading- but the voice of Death was not what I imagined, or liked. He was too polished, perfect. Not at all old, gravelly or sinister. It bothered me the whole time and I know I wasn’t the only one.

All in all, this was worth watching and I know it will grace my movie collection when released. Where were all the award nominations? But just a note, wear water-proof mascara and bring tissues. A whole box. To watch the trailer click here.

Let me know your thoughts. Was I too harsh on Death? Did you like the adaptation? Do you think it affirms life as such? I will definitely be responding to your comments J Ciao!

2013 in Review Tag (Part 2)

Welcome to 2014! It feels completely unnatural to write that. We made it! Hooray! We survived the supposed apocalypse and everything! Huzzah! This is part 2 of my “2013 in review tag.” I hope you enjoy and have fun responding to some of these.

Me and my sister just before New Year's Day.

Best song

I See Fire by Ed Sheeran. Ed Sheeran also wins Best ginger.

Best TV show

As I don’t really watch TV anymore (Youtube addiction) I will have to say an old classic that our family watches on the holidays. The Cosby show.

Best novel (stand-alones only)

AHHH. Scrolling through my Goodreads, I realise this was a big year of books for me. Apart from The Fault in Our Stars- which we have heard enough about- I’m going to say The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephan Chbosky.

Best playscript

I only read one but screw it, I loved Macbeth.

Best series

In terms of the series I’m most excited for, it is definitely The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey or the Diviners by Holly Black. In terms of a complete series I read this year, my favourite was the Harry Potter series. I read it this year for the first time, no judgement.

Best last book/ finale

Ooooh there’s so many! I will go with Clockwork Princess, my highest anticipated read. I wrote the date in my calendar and that day after school went and got the last copies on the shelf. I even did my cramming session for my exam two nights before in order to read my book as soon as I got it. Dedication.

Best present (birthday or otherwise)

A graduation gift from my parents was to send me to Italy for 2 weeks. I’d never been overseas without my parents or to Europe and I had the greatest time.

Best movie

Catching Fire was amazing. If you haven’t seen it what are you doing with your life?

Best photo I took

Just Italy being beautiful. This was taken in the Basilica of St Francis, Assisi.

Best wake up

We woke up to the tinkling of a harp iPhone alarm, the smell of fresh croissants and a view of a Venetian grand canal out our window.

Best day

The last day of school. There were hilarious speeches, heartfelt captaincy handovers, balloons and hugging.

Best week

The week of Venice in Italy.

Best month

December. It is the only one I have clear recollection of :) Also... Christmas.

Link me some of your responses or post them here. Happy New Years again and ciao for now!