The Regency Romance Quiz: Who Would You Be?

I just took a Regency Romance Quiz. I was expecting to be the 'bookish' type girl, but I oddly got the 'belle of the ball'. WHAT? That's insanity. Well, perhaps they're right. I've been very social lately and I'm almost completely out of my shy-shell. College and working at Tim Hortons has been wearing away that shy-shell slowly but surely. So perhaps the quiz is right. 

"Lucky you - you are the Belle of the Ball. Looks, wit, charm, accomplishments and money - you have them all. You are the toast of Society, and have received offers from no fewer than three Dukes. There is no-one who does not love you on sight. Sound good? It isn't, because to compensate for these riches, the author has something very nasty indeed in store for you. I mean, she does have to write a novel here, and you can't expect to be happy all the time. So, you have a Dark Secret. Or perhaps a Secret Love for the only man who does not appear to desire you. Or maybe you will be kidnapped, or become embroiled in a scandal, or be wagered and lost by your brother in a card game. The possibilities are endless, but you may be certain of two things. 1) You will not get through this book without some kind of scandal being attached to your name. I'm sorry, but that's just how it is. 2) Whatever it is, he (the man of your dreams, that is) will fall in love with you, rescue you, slay your opponents, defy your detractors, marry you and live happily ever after. This is a romance novel, after all"

Who will you be? Take the quiz and find out! Follow the link HERE!

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Wildcard Wednesday

As you have probably noticed I changed the name of the my random posts for Wednesday. I'm very indecisive when it comes to picking and that includes on what I will pick for my random topics. So the idea of Wildcard Wendesday formulated in my mind. I have assigned a topic for each ace card and I also will throw in the Joker card, because I felt bad. The joker is always thrown away and rarely never used for anything.

1. Ace of Hearts: Something to do with music or movies
2. Ace of Clubs: Something of the historical kind
3. Ace of Spades: Something to do with the book I'm currently reading
4. Ace of Diamonds: Something to do with past books read or books I want to read
5. Joker: Something funny and happy or completely random

I'm really going to have fun with this, I think. For this week....I picked the Ace of Spades!!

This week I'm going to give you a little sampler of the book I'm reading 'Crazy Snake' by Robert J. Conley:

I'm only in the third chapter so not much has happened yet. The story is about Crazy Snake and his Creek tribe. Some of my ancestors came from this tribe, so that's one reason why I decided to read this book. So far it's slow moving, but a lot is going on. It's decent so far. Here's a random sentence or two:
"He had also begun to wonder if the Confederate soldiers would actually attack them. He wondered if he would have to fight, and if so, what kind of a warrior he would make."

Could imgaine having to think and wonder whats going to happen to you and your family. He also wonders if he'll die or if anyone he loves will die if they're attacked? He's only 14 years old. Could you imagine having that constently running through your mind at all times of the day? I can't. At 14 years old I would wonder if that cute boy noticed me or not or if I'll have enough lunch money to get a candy bar.



~Here's today's question/activity:~
What are you currently reading? Give me a random sentence or two of that book.




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Book Review: The Snow Fox

Author: Susan Fromberg Schaeffer
Title: The Snow Fox
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, War
Pages: 438
First Published: 2004
Where I Got It: Library


"Is one's fate created by the people one is lucky or unlucky enough to love? The Snow Fox raises this question as it brings to life three people who existed almost one thousand years ago in Japan. One of them is Lord Norimasa, whose highest love is to reunify his country and restore peace. The second is a member of his court, Lady Utsu, one of the supreme poetic geniuses of her time. She is also a woman renowned as the country's most beautiful woman, as famous for her cruelty as for her beauty and artistry. The third is Matsuhito, a samurai who apprentices himself to Lord Norimasa, and who, in time, becomes a legendary warrior.
When Matsuhito and Lady Utsu fall hopelessly in love, the lives of these three are forever changed. Separated by the warfare ravaging Japan, Matsuhito and Lady Utsu do no meet again until both of them have aged so greatly that they no longer recognize each other, their ecstatic and long-delayed reunion is shadowed by the caprices and cruelty of time, the transience of all living things, or what the Japanese call mono no aware."

This book was the first historical novel I read that was set in medieval Japan. I've read some contemporary set books set in Japan, but this was defiantly a first for me. At first I was a little unsure if I liked this book or not. However, I avoided judging until I read the last page and was done. I then let my mind think and work out what I just read. It was an amazing love story and one that will always stay with me. At first I was irritated with how the author wrote the story. She jumped to different points in time without warning. I would find myself absolutely confused and frustrated with the characters.


However, once I got to book two, I was absolutely in love with this book! I even loved how foreboding the book was, it warns you and give you so many clues to what's about to happen and how the book will end. You want to enjoy these and believe that everything will be okay. I wanted so badly for every character to find they're happy ending, but as we all know that that never happens. I will admit that I fell for Matsuhito. He's sort of the Japanese version of William Marshal from 'The Greatest Knight' by Elizabeth Chadwick. He's such a great guy! He's so loyal and perfect. (Spoiler coming) I was devastated that he died at the end, but it was romantic because he couldn't live without Lady Utsu and his son. (Spoiler done).
I hated how the author skipped around and how she plotted out the story. I would've preferred it running in a straight line, but I know she did it purposely. I loved the story and all the characters, even Lord Norimasa's psychotic wife. I loved how she used the foxes as the symbolism of the entire book. All-in-all, I found this a great story and if you love history like me, you'll enjoy this book. It shows you life of three historical figures in medieval Japan. It shows you a completely unique and misunderstood world. I do recommend that you give this book a shot. Out of 5 stars, I will grant this book 5 stars. It was 4.8, but since I don't do decimals I rounded up.






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<3 Carole Rae

Music Monday

I've noticed that I haven't incorporated my love for music in my blog. I thought long and hard how to do it for about 15 minutes (haha) and I came up with this. 'Music Monday'. Every week I want to show a music video or a video that means something or something I really like. We'll try it out and see how it works out. ^.^

This week I'm going to show you a couple videos. You don't have to watch them of course. ^.^




The first video is a Marie Antoinette video by  broadwayfanatic124. The song is 'Leave Out All the Rest' by Linkin Park.

" This is a Marie Antoinette video showing the relationship between Marie Antoinette and her daughter Marie Therese. Marie Thérèse was the sole surviving child of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. She spent three years of her girlhood in revolutionary prison where she was seperated from her brother, mother, and aunt after the death of her beloved father. She would always remember her family throughout her entire life. Including marrying her cousin the Duc d'Angoulême as it was her mother's wish. I used the blue clips to represent Marie Thérèse because when she was at the Hofburg in Vienna wore clothes of vivid royal blue (the color of her ancestral Bourbon banner) instead of mourning clothes."

This is a funny one I think you'll enjoy. It's called 'The INavigator' by nigahiga

I hope you enjoyed the first 'Music Monday'. 

<3 CR

HAPPY EASTER EVERYBODY!

I just wanted to take a couple minutes to wish everyone a safe and happy Easter. I spent the day with my family and a couple of my friends. It was a peaceful and fun day. I hope you all had and will continue to have a wonderful day. Unfortunately, my happy and peaceful day will be ended at 10 pm (Michigan time) when I will have to go to work. Yeah, I'm being forced to work tonight. Boo. Well I hope you all enjoy the rest of the day! Happy Easter!!!! (Enjoy the pictures below)

<3Carole Rae

First WildCard Wednesday

This is the first Random Wednesday entry. I promise to try and post something every wednesday or thursday morning or tuesday night. In honor of the lovely book 'Dark Angels' by Karleen Koen, I've decided to give you a little taste of one of the main characters in the book: Queen Catherine. I really liked Queen Catherine. I felt extrememly bad for her, because of her husbands public snubbings by publicly showing affection to his young and pretty mistress. Even though many people thought she was an ugly bird-like woman she had a heart of gold. She's one of the many queens that were wronged by her royal husband.  However, she never sat by idly, she would demand respect. The King also sided with her and would see that his mistresses would give her the respect she deserved.

When King Charles, her husband, first laid eyes on her, he wrote to his sister:

“Her face is not so exactly as to be called a beauty, though her eyes are excellent good, and nothing in her face that in the least degree can disgust one. On the contrary, she hath as much agreeableness in her looks as I ever saw, and if I have any skill in physiognomy, which I think I have, she must be as good a woman as ever was born. You will wonder to see how well we are acquainted already; in a word, I think myself very happy, for I am confident our two humours will agree very well together.”

Catherine was born Catarina Henriqueta on November 25th 1638 in Portugal. When she became queen, she wasn't a popular queen, not only for her being Catholic, but because she none of her pregnancies came to term. Which means she never gave the King and the people an heir. However, she was well thought of because she brought tea to England and made England into a tea-drinking country.

Even though she never gave the King any childern, he always held her in high respects. Many people pushed the idea of divorce in his direction, but he always refused.

Catherine would die December 31, 1705 and was buried at the Jeronimos Monastery in Belem, Lisbon.

I hope you enjoyed that little tid bit about Queen Catherine of England. ^.^

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<3Carole Rae of Michigan :D

New Book Review: Dark Angels

Author: Karleen Koen
Title: Dark Angels
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Pages: 544
First Published: 2006
Where I Got It: Library
"Alice Verney is a young woman intent on achieving her dreams. Having left Restoration England in the midst of a messy scandal, she has been living in Louis XIV’s Baroque, mannered France for two years. Now she is returning home to England and anxious to re-establish herself quickly. First, she will regain her former position as a maid of honor to Charles II’s queen. Then she will marry the most celebrated duke of the Restoration, putting herself in a position to attain power she’s only dreamed of. As a duchess, Alice will be able to make or break her friends and enemies at will.

But all is not as it seems in the rowdy, merry court of Charles II. Since the Restoration, old political alliances have frayed, and there are whispers that the king is moving to divorce his barren queen, who some wouldn’t mind seeing dead. But Alice, loyal only to a select few, is devoted to the queen, and so sets out to discover who might be making sinister plans, and if her own father is one of them. When a member of the royal family dies unexpectedly, and poison is suspected, the stakes are raised. Alice steps up her efforts to find out who is and isn’t true to the queen, learns of shocking betrayals throughout court, and meets a man that she may be falling in love with—and who will spoil all of her plans. With the suspected arrival of a known poison-maker, the atmosphere in the court electrifies, and suddenly the safety of the king himself seems uncertain. Secret plots are at play, and war is on the horizon—but will it be with the Dutch or the French? And has King Charles himself betrayed his country for greed?"




~*~

Yes, I read the prequel first. I did it purposely. If I don’t read the prequel I get confused. That happened when I read the Lord of the Rings trilogy for the first time. There’s 20 times more information in the books then in the movie, so I had to stop and read ‘The Hobbit’ first.

Anyways, this was a long book. Long but oddly entertaining. It held my attention the first page I read. I had to force myself to put it down and go to work or do my homework. Karleen Koen is a wonderful author. I love her writing style. As you may know, I hate when books change narration in the middle of a chapter. I usually get confused, however Karleen Koen did an amazing job with writing in a flowing manner and making sure the reader didn’t lost when she switched to another narrator (aka me).

Even though Alice is arrogant and proud, I still really liked her. She reminded me a little bit of my friend Sarah, just a little. I loved every character in some way, even the mysterious and dangerous Henri Ange. Karleen Koen, I believe, forces you to understand each character and why they do what they do. She has a way to make you sympathize with even the most evil and murderous character. I love when authors do that! I also love when you can find yourself in a character. I found a lot of myself in Barabra, Alice’s best friend. That always makes the book even more wonderful.

However, I was VERY angry at a couple points in the book. There were two scenes and then the ending. I hated the ending. It seemed very forced and a little cheesy too.  (Spoiler coming up, I’ll right it in white, so if you want to read it you can highlight it) I was very upset that not only did Barabra die, but that the author had Henri Ange kill Pharaoh, the horse. I hate when movies or books kill helpless and innocent animals.  (Spoiler done.)

Overall, I loved this book. The ending could use editing, but besides that it was great! You should read it if you love intrigue, romance, betrayal, humor, and history. This book gives a large glimpse into the courts of two great kings: King Louis XIV of France and King Charles II of England.  Out of five stars I grant this book 4 stars.

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The Next Movie of the Week is Les Miserables!

Yes, I've decided that the next movie of the week will the 1998 version of 'Les Miserables' based off the book. I've seen the ending and part of the middle of this film in my French I class years ago. I'm really excited! I liked the book and I bet I'll like the movie.

There are a lot of mainstream actors and actresses in this movie, including: Liam Neeson (Schindler's List), Geoffrey Rush (Pirates of the Caribbean), Uma Thurman (Kill Bill), and Claire Danes (Romeo and Juliet). 

Here's the trailer below:

New Book Review: The Autobiography of Henry VIII

Author: Margaret George
Title: The Autobiograhpy of Henry VIII
Genre: Historical Fiction, Diary, Historical Romance
Pages: 939
First Published: 1986
Where I Got It: My shelf (Another gift from my favorite professor)


"The spellbinding, imaginary memoirs of one of England's greatest kings, Henry VIII, through his childhood, his transformation of the Church, his six wives--two beheaded--the execution of his friend Thomas More, and his daughter, Elizabeth."




The summary doesn't do this book any justice. Not only does it talk about the key points in his life, it talks of other minor events not seen in movies or other books. Within 900 something pages, Margaret George brings Henry VIII back to life (I don't like that thought). Henry VIII, in my opinion, was psychotic and a little bit insane. However, I found this book interesting and well written.


It took me a while to read it. Oh, lets say about 2 weeks, roughly. It's a big book. I keep finding myself picking up larger books lately. However, it was large, but it kept my interest. Don't let the size scare you, you'll find yourself reading 50 pages in no time. It draws you in. It was hard to put down, but I forced myself. I wanted to pace myself.  


I love the Henry VIII Margaret George portrayed in her novel. He seemed more real. She showed not only his weakness and negative qualities, but she also showed his strengths and positive qualities. I may not like Henry VIII that much, but I did find myself understanding him more. 


The books viewpoint was mostly the Kings, but Will Sommer made an appearance here and there. I was expecting his parts to be more jesterish (if thats a word), but it wasn't. Yeah, he did have his one-liners, but...it actually bored me just a little bit. I think I would've liked the book better if there was more comic relief or if Will Sommer's part wasn't included. I wasn't a fan of him.


All-in-all I did find this book very interesting and a complete original. I loved how Margaret George brought this man, Henry, to life. Also, I loved her writing skills. I'll probably find myself reading more of her novels later on. I do recommend this book if you are a Tudor era lover, like moi. Out of five stars I think I'll have to give it a 4. It would be a 4.4, but I rounded.  

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<3CR

The Return of Legolas and other news.

It's confirmed...Orlando Bloom is officially on-board for 'The Hobbit' as the always graceful Legolas. I was worried that he wouldn't be there. Here's a little of the interview with Orlando Bloom:

"Question: You were a part of the hugely successful franchises for The Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean, and now those franchises are continuing on. What’s it going to be like to see those movies, as an audience member?

ORLANDO BLOOM: Great! I’ve had such a great run with them.

Are you going to appear in The Hobbit?

BLOOM: Yeah, it’s looking like that. I’m really excited about going to see Pete [Jackson] again. It’s still a little up in the air, but the idea of working with Pete is fantastic. I can’t actually really talk too much about it, at this point. I just was given the script to piece through, so it’s quite exciting.

The whole script?

BLOOM: Yeah!

Will you have to do anything to physically prepare for that role again?

BLOOM: Are you telling me that I’ve put on weight, in the last 10 years? I just have to grow my hair really long and blonde again.

Isn’t he a younger version?

BLOOM: Yeah."

Also, Richard Armitage is 100% confirmed playing the role of Thorin and Sir Christopher Lee will be making an appearance as Saurmon! ^.^ To check out more, click HERE.

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<3CAROLE RAE

Movie Review: Australia

Length: 165mins
Released: 2008 (USA) 
Genre: Adventure, Romances
Rating: PG-13, violence, scene of sensuality, and some language
Directed By: Baz Luhrmann
Where I Got It: Redbox



'Australia' is a movie set in Australia (duh). It stars Nicole Kidman as the rich English Rose, Lady Sarah Ashley. Starring next to her is the always amazing Hugh Jackman who plays Drover, the Australian cowboy. It's narrated by the little Aboriginal boy named Nullah (played by Brandon Walter) who works at Lady and Lord Ashley's little cattle station (I guess thats what its called). The story takes place before WWII.


Sarah comes over to Australia to reign in her husband and force him to sell this cattle station. However, once she gets there she finds that her husband had been killed. Her husband's alcoholic accountant convinces her not to sell the cattle station and to live out her husbands dream and end Lesly 'King' Carney's rule over the cattle industry. So she enlists Drover and his small gang to aid her in this. During all this, Sarah somehow manages to unofficially adopt little Nullah.


The story follows Nullah, Sarah, Drover, and their pals on this turbulent adventure in the outbacks of Australia.

The way this movie was filmed reminded me of 'Moulin Rouge'. It starts of hilarious and happy. However, as the story moves along it becomes more and more sad. Near the end I was balling my eyes out! I really enjoyed this film though. It was a different type of movie for me. I'll be honest the only movies I have seen that was set in Australia was 'The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course' and 'Ned Kelly'. I don't know much about Australian history, so this was completely and utterly new to me. I didn't know much about the Aboriginals, who were treated much the same as the Native Americans. 


In my opinion, this movie didn't get enough credit. It was a lovely tale about love, compassion, adventure, cows, revenge, and all that. I also loved how they somehow blended a Wizard of Oz theme into it too. I'm not sure how they managed that without making it seem cheesy. It worked quite well! My favorite part of the movie was when Lady Sarah sang Over the Rainbow to Nullah to comfort him. It was heart-warming and hilarious because Lady Sarah couldn't sing to save her life. The only thing I winced at was how melodramatic some parts were. Like the beginning! Most of Lady Sarah's belongings were destroyed and I thought she was going to have a stroke. I chuckled at those melodramatic moments, but they also made me gag and wince. 


Besides that, I found this movie highly entertaining! I suggest that those who haven't seen it, go and rent it. Even if you're like me and don't know much about Australia, you should give this movie a shot. It's cute, funny, romantic, and full of adventure. You'll enjoy it. Also, I must say this: David Wenham did an amazing job as a villian! Just saying. Alright, out of a possible five stars, I shall grant this movie...5 stars.

Would I Watch Again?:
mmmmm....probably

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<3 Carole Rae

The Winner is...

Alright. It's time to announce the winner of the very first Random Rambling's giveaway. I enjoyed hearing about your favorite authors. ^.^ I'm so glad I decided to use Random.org instead of me having to pick. I wish I could give everyone the prize. That's life though. It's not fair. No more beating around the bush...the winner of the Barnes&Noble gift card is.............

ASHLEY!

Well, stay tuned and better luck next time! I hope you all (and maybe more) join in on the next giveaway that'll be occuring soon.


<3 Carole Rae

Book Review: Les Miserables

Author: Victor Hugo
Title: Les Miserables
Genre: Historical Fiction, Classic, Drama
Pages: 896
First Published: 1862
Where I Got It: My shelf (A gift from my favorite college professor)

"Few novels ever swept across the world with such overpowering impact as Les Misérables. Within 24 hours, the first Paris edition was sold out. IN other great cities of the world it was devoured with equal relish.

Sensational, dramatic, packed with rich excitement and filled with the sweep and violence of human passions, Les Misérables is not only superb adventure but a powerful social document. The story of how the convict Jean-Valjean struggled to escape his past and reaffirm his humanity, in a world brutalized by poverty and ignorance, became the gospel of the poor and the oppressed"



I'll admit it...the first few chapters made me want to rid of the book and just forget about it. Not wanting to give up, I decided to listen to the audiobook on my way back and forth from school and work. I soon got very interested! I didn't stop listening and then I started reading too.

This tale is about love, compassion for your fellow man, redemption, forgiveness, and every other wonderful quailty that should be embedded in everyone. The worlds not perfect and Victor Huggo shows that. However, through all those wonderful qualities you can make the world a better place. That's what Jean Valjean does.

Okay, Jean's name is dumb. I think Victor Huggo ran out of names by that point. Everytime I heard that name, I couldn't help but chuckle or roll my eyes. It's like being named Bob Bob (which is a real person). However, I did adore Jean, he was such a great and complex character. I love his transformation. I love how he was just a guy who tried to feed his family, who turned into a hardened criminal. And then he transformed to a very kind and gentle man.

Victor Hugo did a amazing job writing this book. I really want to rewatch the movie. I watched only the end a long time ago in my freshmen year of High School in my French I class. I was sick so I missed the beginning and middle of the movie. I didn't connect the dots until my mother told me there was a movie about this book.

'Les Miserables' was a very long and sometimes very dull book. It was good, but many points made me sleep. I believe that Victor could've cut some parts out. I don't mind long books, but they need to keep the readers interest.

I will have to grant this book 4 stars. I do recommend that you give this book a shot. It's a classic and really makes you think about humanity.  ****

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Book Review: Queen of Fashion

Author: Caroline Weber
Title: Queen of Fashion
Genre: NonFiction, Biography
Pages: 412
First Published: 2006
Where I Got It: My shelf (Gift from a friend when I turned 16)

"'The Queen of Fashion', Caroline Weber's suspenseful, remarkably well-documented, and surprisingly humanizing account of the role style played in Marie Antoinette's fate and legacy, the author adds texture, shimmer, and depth to an icon most of us thought we knew already."

This is probably the 5th times I've read this novel. I received this book as a gift for my sweet 16th birthday (the theme was masquerade/costumes, which I went as Marie Antoinette). One of my good friends got this book for me. When I got it, I wanted to go home and read it right then and there. However, I restrained myself.

I decided to re-read it once more, because I can't get enough of Caroline Weber's amazing writing style and depth into the world of fashion of that time period. She does a wonderful job explaining how Marie Antoinette used fashion to gain acceptance and approval in the French Court. Also, she does a dazzling job bringing all the clothes to life. This is a dazzling book about fashion and how it was used in every day life.

It's very interesting. If you have any interest in Marie Antoinette or the time period, you should read this. Yes, there are some pictures in there, but they're there to aid you in a visual. I adore the pictures! I think she should have included more. Oh well.

I will warn you now...it does have it moments of dry spots. I think most books have at least one or more of those. Other than that, I adore this book and I have no choice but to give 5 stars.



<3CR

News: Reading Challenge

On Goodreads I just entered a cute little reading challenge. For this challenge you have to read books that correspond with each letter of your name. ie: If your name is Sam you read Say My Name for 'S'. Abundance for 'A'. Marie Antoinette: A Novel for 'M'.

I'm really excited! I have three months to read 6 books. I just started today, so I have to finish July 7th. I think I can do it...^.^ It's just for fun, so I hope all of you join in! Here's my list:

Crazy Snake for 'C'
Autobiography of Henry VIII for 'A'
Royal Pains for 'R'
Our Hearts Fell to the Ground for 'O' ('o' was a hard one)
Lord of the Night for 'L'
Emma for 'E'.

Wish me luck!

<3CR

Book Review: Cyrano de Bergerac

Author: Edmond Rostand
Title: Cyrano de Bergerac
Genre: Historical Romance, Classic, Play, Drama
Pages: 240
First Published: 1897
Where I Got It: My shelf (Goodwill)

"This is Edmond Rostand's immortal play. In which chivalry and wit, bravery and love are forever captured in the timeless spirit for romance. Set n Louis XIII's reign, it is the moving and exciting drama of one of the finest swordsmen in France, gallant soldier, brilliant wit, tragic poet-lover with the face of a clown. Rostand's extraordinary lyric powers gave birth to a universal hero - Cyrano de Bergerac - and ensured his own reputation as author of one of the best-loved plays in the literature of the stage."

This story is a classic and priceless. I've never read the play in book-form, but I've seen a couple versions played on the stage. I've seen a couple versions played on screen. Now, I've finally read the play on paper.

'Cyrano de Bergerac' is by far one of my favorite plays, so I was super excited when I found this book on sale at Goodwill (yes, I like searching through the bookshelves at Goodwill, one persons thrown away book could be my treasure. I think that's how that goes...). I'll say it here and proud: I prefer the play. Seeing it being acted out is makes the story a lot more emotional and believable then reading it. Just like so many of William Shakespeare's plays too.

However, I loved the book. Edmond Rostand did a fantastic job at writing and creating this epic love-story. It can relate to everyone. I believe Cyrano's large nose symbolizes more than just his nose, but something we all hate about ourselves. It shows that we may be perfect in so many ways, but there may be one thing that makes us believe we'll never be loved. It holds us back. Cyrano did have a big nose, but he was such a wonderful and courageous man that he could've had any woman he wanted, if he didn't let his nose-issue get in the way. This tale of love teaches us to just give love a chance and not let our weaknesses get in the way. If you never read the book, seen the play, or seen the movie then you really are missing out. No matter who you are, you can take something away from this play.

It's short, sweet, and to the point. Edmond Rostand could've made it longer and believe it would've still been extremely popular. I recommend that you give this story a try. Out of 5 stars, I grant this one 4 stars. ^.^


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My Very First Giveaway!

This is an exciting day for me! I'm finally offering my first giveaway on this blog! I wasn't quite sure what to do, but I had an epiphany during the first day of my spring quarter (during General Psychology). I couldn't figure out what to give away. I had many ideas, but now I know. For my first giveaway, the prize is *drums*....... a $20 giftcard to the beloved Barnes and Nobles!! Woot woot!

(This giveaway is in honor of my last quarter of my freshmen year at college. If you don't have a Barnes and Nobles, I'm sorry.)

To be entered into this giveaway, just send me an email and answer the question below. Also, it would be nice if you were a follower to my blog, but it's not a requirement. The winner will be chosen at random. But here's a treat, if you recommend a friend and have them follow my blog, you'll get your name thrown in the pot twice! So you have twice the chance to win! What more could you ask for?

The winner will be announced April 12 at 4pm. Good luck everyone!

QUESTION:
Who's your favorite author and why? (It doesn't have to be too special, just a sentence or two)

REQUIREMENTS:
-Send an email with your name and address, here's my email: carolerae4488@yahoo.com
-In the email answer the question above.
-Have a Barnes&Nobles somewhere near you

Good luck everybody!

<3CR

Book Review: The Knight of Maison-Rouge

Author: Alexandre Dumas
Title: The Knight of Maison-Rouge
Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Classic
Pages: 448
First Published: 1845
Where I Got It: Library

"Paris, 1793, the onset of the Terror. Brave Republican Maurice rescues a mysterious and beautiful woman from an angry mob and is unknowingly drawn into a secret Royalist plot - a plot revolving around the imprisoned Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, and her enigmatic and fearless champion, the Knight of Maison-Rouge. Full of surprising twists, breakneck adventure, conspiracies, sword-play, romance, and heroism, The Knight of Maison-Rouge is an exhilarating tale of selflessness, love, and honor under the shadow of the guillotine. Dumas here is at the very height of his powers, and with this first and only modern translation, readers can once again ride with the Knight of Maison-Rouge."

It was a nice ride. This book is like the ferris wheel at amusement parks. It's just a simple and relaxing ride. It's not the most popular ride, but everyone pretty much enjoys it. This is not Mr. Dumas' best book.

'The Knight of Maison-Rouge' is not a typical book I usually read. It heavily shows the Revolutionaries side and a little bit of Marie Antoinette's side. Too be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of this one. Yes, it did show a different viewpoint and it shows a very strong-willed and courageous Marie Antoinette. Which is different, because many novels about the Queen shows her as weak and how to succumbs to just playing the victim.

Alexandre Dumas is a fantastic author, but this was not his best. He does a wonderful job, but it was....not interesting. Like I said, the ferris wheel of his novels. Just a cute tale to take a break from all the breakneck rides that are so exciting you may lose your lunch. There were some twists and turns, but it was very predictable. The main character was kind of an idiot and very naive. I couldn't stand Maurice. The ending was horrid and made me mad. Besides that, it was not a horrible book. Just not a classic and I'll probably never read it again. Out of five *s, I grant this one 3 stars. It would be 2.5, but I don't give decimals, so I rounded up.


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The Hobbit Movie News

I couldn't wait to share this, but I have good news to those who love 'Lord of the Rings' and/or 'The Hobbit'. Orlando Bloom, Elijah Wood, Cate Blanchett, Sir Ian McKellen, and Andy Serkis are officially casted to replay their roles in 'The Hobbit'. News about the others are still unsure as of right now.

Oh, more news! Filming has also began! It began March 20. That means we still have a lot of time to wait until it comes to theaters. *sighs* That also gives me more time to revisit 'The Hobbit' book. It's been a while since I've read the book, so a refresher will be welcomed.

As promised, I'll be keeping an eye and ear on this film. I'll let you know more of what I hear about casting and anything else thats important. Click here to check out my top go-to place to find out info.




<3

The New Movie of the Week...

I finally discovered the movie of the week: Australia. Yes, the one with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. I was suppose to see it in theaters, but no one else wanted to go and see it, so I decided not to go. It's an adventure romance and I bet I would look odd being alone and seeing a romance movies. I went to the Random Movie Generator place and after a couple tries, this movie popped up. Well, it helps that David Wenham makes an appearance in this film. To be honest, I have no clue what this movie is about. I've seen the trailers, but it doesn't give much a way. I'm really excited. ^.^ Here's a trailer:

<3 Carole Rae

Movie Review: Brother Bear

Length: 85 mins 
Released: 2003 (USA)
Genre: Family movie
Rating: G
Directed By: Aaron Blaise and Robert Walker 
Where I Got It: Borrowed it from Library



'Brother Bear' is one of the last true Disney movies that actually having meaning to it. The movie is about a young tribesman journey to becoming a man through love and compassion: Kenai. It starts out with Kenai and his two brothers gathering fish for the celebration of Kenai receiving his scared totem which would be his guide for helping him on his journey to becoming a man. He obviously receives the Bear of Love. What man would really be happy about that?


He all truth, he hates bears. He thinks their monsters and thieves. The actions of one bear stealing the fish, confers his theories about bears. He sets out the hunt down the bear and his brothers follow. His eldest brother sacrifices his life to save their lives, but the bear lives. Again, Kenai believes his theory on bears is proven right. After the funeral, he heads out to kill the bear. He tracks it down and kills it, but to teach him a lesson for his impulsive ways the spirits turn him into a bear to learn about compassion and the true hearts of the bears. 


With this he has to find the mountain with the aurora spirits. Along the way he comes across a cub that had been separated from his mom: Koda. Koda may be annoying, but he knows the way to the mountain with the aurora spirts, so Kenai takes Koda along with him. 


The movie stars Joaquin Phoenix as Kenai (Gladiator, Ladder 49), Jeremy Suarez as Koda (The Bernie Mac Show), Jason Raize as Denahi (The Lion King), and DB Sweeney as Sitka (Hardball, House). 


It was a cute movie. Like I said earlier its one of the last true Disney movies. It teaches kids love and compassion for those around them. It also teaches how to be forgiving to those that have done wrong to you. I loved the meaning behind it and all the characters. It has the typical Disney humor behind it. There's not much else to say about it. It's a typical Disney movie. Cute, funny, made for all ages, and full of life meanings that we can all that to heart. 


I hated the ending though. He decides to stay a bear (this is not a spoiler, because we all know they came out with a second movie) and I wished he and Koda would've been turned into human. Kenai was cute as a human. haha. Oh well. I highly doubt that I'll go out of my way to see the second movie though, they should've left it at that. This movie is granted 4 stars. 

Would I Watch Again?:
I don't think so...


<3Carole