Nostalgic Friday: The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

Welcome to my first official Nostalgic Friday! For those of you who missed it, I decided that due to my love of all things historical (culturally, physically, and personally) I would do a post on Fridays honoring some awesome book that is a bit older. Many of them will be books I enjoyed in my teens and others will be books that I discovered as an adult that I think are relevant to YA readers. Friday is my chosen day because I think of it as a day to celebrate the week we just finished.

This week's pick is my favorite book. I read it in 7th grade for English class and have re-read at least once a year, every year since. Believe me, that's a lot of times. It is the true story of Corrie ten Boom, a young woman during World War II. Her father was a watch repairman who owned the 100-year-old, family-run shop in the Netherlands. As devout Christians, they spent their lives living peacefully and simply.

When they saw the grave injustices being enacted upon their neighbors and friends, some Jewish and some not, the ten Boom family banded together to help as many as they could. In a way they lived by the premise of the poem, "And then they came for me..." Fighting for those who could not fight for themselves, the ten Boom family helped shelter as many as they could, until they were caught.

Being confined in the concentration camp only fortified Corrie and her sister Betsie's faith. They prayed all the time and fought off the desperation that tried so strongly to capture them. While not everyone made it out, some of the family did. You'll have to read the book to find out who though.

Needless to say, I have loved this book very well. Anything having to do with the Holocaust has always fascinated me and this book was no exception. Corrie ten Boom speaks plainly so as not to make anything sound better or worse than it really was. Her story is just one among thousands, but it stands out because of the way she tells the story. A truly inspiring read that I cannot compare to any other Holocaust memoir.

Nostalgic Friday: The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

HISTORY LESSON: The Feinberg Brothers

Silent films? Not so silent.

When the motion pictures of the early days were played in movie houses, and later movie palaces, patrons not only got to indulge in the visual aesthetic splendor, adventure, and romance, but their ears were entertained by a nearby musician tickling the ivories of the piano or organ. Songs played were those popular in the era, and each was chosen particularly to fit the mood of a given sequence. Of course, there were also several songs written specifically for films, which in turn became popular hits.

While this music provided a pleasant distraction and enhanced the experience of the motion picture viewing, what few know is that, beyond the dialogue, there was much more going on behind the scenes that the audience would never hear. In order to enhance the performance of the actors, or to evoke certain emotions, movie studios would often hire musicians to play songs while they filmed! (Below is a picture taken of the musicians playing on the set of Fred Niblo's Dream of Love). Clara Bow, for example, always requested that "Rock-a-bye Baby" be played when she had to do a harrowing, crying scene. (The background of this is both interesting and sad. Clara lost a friend in childhood who was burned to death, and this song always reminded her of him. Just hearing the music brought up the dormant sorrows of her childhood, which in turn made her performances more touching and authentic). 

While their work was uncredited, these musicians were "instrumental" (sorry) in creating a specific environment for the actors they worked with. But when sound came in, set musicians went out! The transition must have been difficult for performers, who up until then had had an easy go-to for emotional provokation. They were now forced to rely soley on imagination to get their performances across. This is one of the reasons that the histrionic, dream-like quality of silent film performances differs so greatly from the more nuanced and natural acting style that was to come with sound. The actors that could make the transition prevailed, and the rest disappeared into celluloid history.

Two musician/brothers, Sam and Jack Feinberg, did quite of bit of on-set performing before the advent of sound. In particular, they did a great deal of work on films alongside Lon Chaney. The films they worked with him on were:

  

   1. Thunder (1929)    

   2. West of Zanzibar (1928)
   3. While the City Sleeps (1928)
   4. Laugh, Clown, Laugh (1928)
   5. London After Midnight (1927)
   6. Mockery (1927)
   7. The Unknown (1927)
   8. Mr. Wu (1927)
   9. The Blackbird (1926)

                                               They even had cameo roles in While the City Sleeps. Apparently, Chaney, who was an accomplished, untrained dancer, enjoyed singing, dancing and cracking up with the brothers in between takes. John Feinberg is remembered in particular for his famous violin, crafted by Rembert Wurlitzer, which he managed to get over 100 celebrities to sign, including dignitaries, politicians, and movie stars. Even the most elusive celebrities were so fond of John that they would make an exception to their "no autographs" rule and pick up a pen. Lon Chaney was a very private man, giving out few autographed photos in his lifetime, and then only to good friends. It is therefore exceptional that his name graces the violin, as does the ever enigmatic Greta Garbo's (below on the set of Romance).

Other people who signed the notorious violin include: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jean Harlow, Herbert Hoover, Charles Lindberg, Albert Einstein, Buster Keaton, Gary Cooper, Joan Crawford, etc. The violin still exists, and was  sold at a Christie's auction as recently as 1991, (for I believe $50,000). It is indeed a great historical piece, one that told many stories in its owner's life, and continues to do so after his death. I have no photo of the true violin, but below is another Wurlitzer production that must be close in design. The actual instrument was 23 inches in length.

*** Update: I recently learned that the fabulous Geraldine Farrar, opera singer and movie star, was supposedly the first film performer to request mood music to enhance her performances for the camera.

HISTORY LESSON: The Feinberg Brothers

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday recognizes that we as bookies pine for books. This post is about what I am impatiently waiting for right now. It was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week's selection is Splendor: A Luxe Novel by Anna Godbersen. It is the 4th, and final, book in the Luxe series coming out November 1, 2009. Be forewarned! As this is the 4th book in a series, major spoilers follow if you haven't read the rest of the series yet. Check here for my post on the series in general (without spoilers) and the first book The Luxe. You have been warned.




It’s a new year, and Manhattan’s favorite socialites are stirring up brand-new drama: Elizabeth uncovers a dangerous secret from her past; Diana has an opportunity to follow her heart—and claim her future, Lina discovers money can buy happiness…for a time, and Penelope finds that life without Henry brings unexpected pleasures. In this dramatic conclusion to the bestselling Luxe series, old ties are broken, fresh bonds are formed, and every decision comes at a cost.
-From Goodreads

I love historical fiction! As a genre, it is my favorite. My preferred time period is WWII, especially surrounding the Holocaust, but this book series opened my eyes to new possibilities. Now I am not a big fan of cattiness, there is something about the cattiness of this time period that appeals to me. Maybe it is because taunts are not blatant, but more subdued. I don't need things spelled out for me and this story allows you to discover what is going on with the characters. A very engaging and mesmeric storyline that will keep you guessing at every turn, I am impatiently awaiting its release. Hopefully it will come out in a box set soon so I can buy them all at once!

Waiting on Wednesday

Nostalgic Fridays

So, I have to be honest here. I love anything having to do with preserving memories. I don't care if it is cultural history, physical history, or my personal life history. I scrapbook, take photographs of almost everything, enjoy museums, and even visit preserved historical sites. Now, I've told you all that to allow you an understanding of my "Nostalgic Friday" posts that will start shortly.

Whenever you see this header:

You can plan on seeing a review of some awesome book that is a bit older. Many of them will be books I enjoyed in my teens and others will be books that I discovered as an adult that I think are relevant to YA readers. Friday is my chosen day because I think of it as a day to celebrate the week we just finished. :D

If you like what you see, make your own "nostalgic" posts. I'd love to see what we all are/were into reading. Take care 'til next time!

Nostalgic Fridays

Bringing in the Loot

This is part of the In My Mailbox series hosted by The Story Siren. Sorry I missed last week, but there wasn't all that much loot coming in! This week is a different story though. I enjoyed getting mail, gathering holds from the library, and buying new books.

Mail:
Spellbinder by Helen Stringer was sent to me through a Shelf Awareness request.

Library:
Candor by Pam Bachorz
Fire by Kristin Cashore
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
The Fetch by Laura Whitcomb

Purchased:
Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles
Impossible by Nancy Werlin


As always, stay tuned for the next reviews, interviews, and other goodies!

Bringing in the Loot

Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles

All Ellie wanted was what most other girls seemed to get: someone to love her. With oblivious parents and a stoner for a brother, Ellie hangs out with her best friend Corinne. The girls may not be the uber-popular, cheerleader type, but they do manage to go to a few parties. Corinne is dying to hook-up with someone and finds herself jealous of all the attention that Ellie garners.

At the last party, Corinne comes out to find Josh leaving Ellie in the backseat of his dad's van and then Ellie getting sick. What felt meaningful and special to Ellie was just a "no big deal" event to Josh. Unfortunately for both of them it becomes a big deal when Ellie realizes she is pregnant.

Gathering her strength to make up her mind about what to do, Ellie tries to make it through the rest of the school year with the help of Corinne, Corinne's new confidante Caleb, and Caleb's mom. What happens when the unthinkable happens?

Jo Knowles knows her stuff. This poignant tale looks at teen pregnancy in a real and believable light. It's not just about what happens to the mother and the baby; there is a whole community involved when a teen gets pregnant. In this book we get to see it from the best friend's perspective, the father's perspective, and the reactions of those indirectly involved. I could definitely sympathize with the main character and with the father throughout the entire story and I really liked how the characters overlapped just enough that when you transitioned from one narrator to the next you could still keep up with the storyline. While not a necessarily cheerful story, this cautionary tale might give the reader a sense of what else goes on around a situation like this. A job well done.

Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

Brat camp. That is where Shelby has been banished to. All because of a little innocent mischief with a few boys, Shelby's manipulative stepmother has convinced her father to send her to a brat camp promising to return a bright, well-behaved teen. If her stephmother had her way, Shelby would be on her way to an evil, militaristic style camp where they don't take it easy on "tough cases."

Instead though, Shelby's father has conceded to send her to a more tame version of brat camp deep within a forest. Naturally she meets the one kind of person she is supposed to be avoiding: a daring rebel of a guy named Austin Bridges III. She finds his British accent very attractive along with his stand-offish attitude.

Soon though, while trying to follow all the rules set forth by the camp so she can get back to "reality", Austin confesses that he is a werewolf in desperate need of his medicine. Unfortunately it was confiscated after a minor fiasco on their way to camp. Now Shelby is the only one who can help him before it is too late.

The premise of the book sounded very appealing and intriguing. Unfortunately I felt that there were parts of the story that just didn't add up in the end. The time frame for the whole camp is dramatically short for all the events that are supposed to take place during this time. The supporting characters were almost non-existent to the point that the only names I can easily recall are the two main characters. Sadly it almost felt like a short-story crammed with more "fluff" scenes to stretch it out. While I am hoping that the author might continue her work in a follow-up novel (because the ending was obviously left open for a sequel) I am not anxiously awaiting its arrival.

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

HOT SPOTS in CA: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

For those movie buffs living within the Los Angeles area, there is one place you must go ASAP! It turns out that the 4th floor of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences houses a rotating display featuring a different subject every few months. Currently, they have dedicated their attention to Irving Thalberg, MGM's boy wonder (above). 

I randomly stumbled upon this fact when trying to track down the location of Lon Chaney's makeup case. As his #1 fan, I learned that upon his death his wife, Hazel, donated it to the Los Angeles Natural History Museum, which displays it in its California History section in the basement from time to time. Further correspondence with the museum informed me that there are in fact 2 makeup bags: a smaller one, which will be on display at the museum for one day only- Sunday the 25th of October- to members only, and the larger more famous one (above), currently on loan to the Academy for the Thalberg display. The small case was basically Chaney's start-up kit at Universal, whereas the larger bag was used when he was at MGM and, by then, considered a makeup pro. Because the Thalberg display is !!FREE!! I opted to go there, and I was not disappointed. Chaney was the first star of the first film Thalberg made at MGM, He Who Gets Slapped.

In addition to displaying Chaney's famous bag, which still contains spirit gum, false hair, etc, the Thalberg showcase also has the wig Chaney wore as the old woman in both the silent and sound version of The Unholy Three and the glass cover he wore on his eye in The Road to Mandalay. But Chaney isn't the only actor from MGM's lot featured here! In addition, there are several film clips playing from MGM's top films of the Thalberg era, and photographs and film stills of Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, John Barrymore, Jean Harlow, etc. Norma Shearer, Thalberg's wife, is also heavily featured, and the hat with the mechanized bird (right) that she wore in Marie Antoinette is there to admire.

There are many other costumes and set pieces to see, including the leather get-up Ramon Novarro wore in Ben-Hur (left) and one of the black suits Leslie Howard wore in Romeo and Juliet. (Howard, by the way, was a very tiny man)! Different letters of correspondence between Thalberg and other MGM big-wigs, an invitation to his funeral, and other documents are posted within glass cases for visitors to read as well. It is truly an amazing collection, and I was surprised at all of the Hollywood artifacts present in one small space. I found myself getting quite emotional looking at all of the intricate pieces that helped create Hollywood history. And again, it is totally free, so if you haven't gone I suggest you do. It is a great way to spend an afternoon. 

The Thalberg display will be there only a little over a month longer, ending on December 17th. When you enter the building, go to the desk and you will be given a pass. Take the elevator up to the 4th floor, and voila! After you're done, you can stop in the main lobby and check out their collection of movie posters. As always, happy hunting!!!

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

8949 Wilshire Blvd, 4th Floor

Beverly Hills, CA 90211

310-247-3600

Hours: M-F 10-5, Sat. and Sun 12-6

Admission: Free

HOT SPOTS in CA: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday recognizes that we as bookies pine for books. This post is about what I am impatiently waiting for right now. It was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week's selection is Tempted by P.C. and Kristin Cast. The 6th title in the House of Night series coming out on October 27, 2009. Be forewarned! As this is the 6th book in a series, major spoilers follow if you haven't read the rest of the series yet. Check here for my post on the series in general (without spoilers) and the first book Marked. You have been warned.


Zoey needs a break after some serious excitement. Sadly, the House of Night school for vampyres doesn't feature breaks on its curriculum - even for a High Priestess in training and her gang. Plus juggling three guys is no stress reliever, especially when one is a sexy Warrior so into protecting Zoey that he's sensing her emotions. Wider stresses lurk too, and the dark force in Tulsa's tunnels is spreading. Could Stevie Rae be responsible for more than a group of misfit fledglings? And Aphrodite's visions warn Zoey to stay away from the immortal Kalona and his dark allure - but they also show that only Zoey can stop him. She's not exactly keen to meet up, but if Zoey doesn't go to Kalona he'll exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. She just has to find the courage to do what's necessary, or everything that's important to her will be destroyed.
-From Goodreads

I have fallen in love with this series. While there is high school drama in large quantities, there is just something about this series that pulls me in a way that not many other teen paranormal series can mimic. The characters are very approachable and the story has many twists and turns in it. I also like that there is Native American and Wiccan parts brought in as well as vampire lore. A good series for those who enjoy drama, sexy vampires, and a whole lot of mischief!

Waiting on Wednesday

Hold Still by Nina LaCour

I can't wait to get my hands on this book. While my to be read (TBR) pile continues to grow taller, this one just looks incredible.

An arresting story about starting over after a friend’s suicide, froma breakthrough new voice in YA fiction

dear caitlin, there are so many things that i want so badly to tell you but i just can’t.

Devastating, hopeful, hopeless, playful . . . in words and illustrations, Ingrid left behind a painful farewell in her journal for Caitlin. Now Caitlin is left alone, by loss and by choice, struggling to find renewed hope in the wake of her best friend’s suicide. With the help of family and newfound friends, Caitlin will encounter first love, broaden her horizons, and start to realize that true friendship didn’t die with Ingrid. And the journal which once seemed only to chronicle Ingrid’s descent into depression, becomes the tool by which Caitlin once again reaches out to all those who loved Ingrid—and Caitlin herself. -From Amazon

This book looks like it is on the same wavelength as After by Amy Efaw, which I was enamored with. The writing still was pointed, yet full of feeling and emotion. Also, check out the book trailer by the author below and see a live-stream of Nina's interview from a Borders in San Francisco on October 28th @ 7 PM Pacific time over on here.

Hold Still by Nina LaCour

We have a winner!

Congratulations are due to Alessandra who won the signed copy of New York Times Best-Selling Author Adriana Trigiani's debut teen novel Viola in Reel Life. Thank you to all who entered. Your comments and words of enjoyment mean that I am doing something right. Thanks again and stay tuned for my next giveaway!

We have a winner!

Teen Read Week is here!

I am super-excited for Teen Read Week! Sadly as my library is closed for renovations my awesome Harry Potter/Lord of the Rings-based game night had to be put on hold. I'll get to break it out another time, but that doesn't mean that I'm not still spreading the word.

From October 18-24th, libraries across the nation will be celebrating everything that is teen reading. This year's theme is "Read Beyond Reality." Now while that might have a very "sci fi/fantasy" sound to it, that is not necessarily the case. I like to think that encouraging teens to read things "out of this world" can mean anything from sci fi, to fantasy, to dyspotic universes, to absolutely phenomenal classics!

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has been hosting this even since 1998 encouraging teens to explore other entertainment options besides video games and movies. There are events going on all week at local libraries and events that last even longer, or are more national, online.

Check out these hot spots of information:
WrestleMania Reading Challenge : A reading challenge that extends beyond Teen Read Week where you can win prizes.
Teens' Top Ten: A vote was taken earlier this year of the top ten books that have come out in the last year for teens. The winners are announced during Teen Read Week.
Wake County Public Libraries Teen Reading Lists: There are a plethora of lists on this website that can be used as a great jumping ground to find out what you like and some suggestions of books to read.

Enjoy your fun-filled reading week and be sure to thank your event organizers if you go to any events!

Teen Read Week is here!

PERSONAL NOTE: Gene Kelly is a Sexpot!

I was sick this past week. Very, VERY sick. Confined to my bed, there was nothing for me to do but stare at the ceiling or the television, so I opted for the latter. In my codeine induced delirium, I was having trouble picking a movie to watch, so I thought to myself, "Hey, I should just go through my DVD collection alphabetically, watching one film of each letter..." (I got to N in 4 days, by the way). First up was Anchors Aweigh, which had been sitting in my stash collecting dust since I bought it. It was my first time seeing the film, and now I am kicking myself for waiting so long to watch such a gem!

I have never considered myself a huge musical fan, but after watching this film I may be a classifiable junkie. Aside from noticing the enjoyable story, catchy tunes, and the extreme skinniness of Frank "Blue Eyes" Sinatra, I was left with one very clear impression: Gene Kelly is phenomenal! Not just as an actor, a singer, or a dancer, but as a man who so easily blends all three categories into one charismatic goldmine of masculinity and grace that he makes all other men look like boys.

It's strange, for I have seen Singin' in the Rain, Cover Girl, etc, but never before have I been so impressed by Kelly's profound athleticism. He doesn't jump, he soars; he doesn't dance, he destroys! He can take the entire frame and fill it up with his own virile frame like it's some kind of magic trick. Then there is the thing I can't put my finger on, which is his incredible essence, his power. Unlike Astaire, whom I equally adore, Kelly leads not with an endearing bashfulness, but with a profound confidence. Both men are graceful, talented, cocky in their own way, but Astaire is innocent and classic, while Kelly is seductive and modern. Indeed, there was one scene at the beginning of Anchors when Kelly is on the phone with his never seen "booty-call," Lola, and as he sensuously strokes the receiver I found myself going, "Whoa! How did that make it past the censors?!?!" 

Perhaps I am not well-versed enough in Kelly's filmography, but I felt that this role was a bit of a departure for him. I always thought of him as a "nice guy," a "gentleman," the "boy-next-door-who-dances." In this film he is a bit more dangerous. He plays the lady killer, ironically opposite the innocent Frank Sinatra character (haha). While he is not a rogue by any means, he has more edge, even if he proves to be more talk than action. He's a bad boy, but the bad boy who is a lover and not a fighter. The typical macho, Alpha male in the package of a graceful body and a trustworthy face, Kelly could have gone on to play truly dangerous men. His immediate likability would make him the perfect predator. I know Kelly did perform in some dramas, and I am interested to see how they turned out.

In any case, if you haven't seen Anchors Aweigh, I suggest you do posthaste, if only for the famous dance sequence Gene Kelly does with the cartoon mouse Jerry of "Tom and Jerry"- (another great thing about Kelly was his innovative way of using technology to expand the possibilities of dance, such as the scene in which he dances with himself in split-screen in Cover Girl). In the mean time, if you have any other good Kelly movies to recommend, I'm all ears!

PERSONAL NOTE: Gene Kelly is a Sexpot!

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

The master of prose-written novels has done it again. Ellen Hopkins has delivered yet another amazing novel dealing with difficult, but applicable subject matter.

Usually a taboo subject, Tricks follows five different teens through their decisions regarding sex. Hopkins deals with the reality of what can happen when things go horribly with careful consideration and a thought-provoking situations.

Eden is the sweet, innocent daughter of a hell-fire-and-brimstone pastor. Her mother and father have forbidden her to date until she is ready to marry, so meeting Andrew was definitely not planned. They shared a love that they hoped could withstand anything. That love is tested when she is sent off to a secluded, religious, reform center to have her "demons" excised. Eden holds on to her memories as she is forced to do unthinkable things in the name of escape and freedom.

Seth is a farmer's son who has hidden his true self for far too long. After finding and losing his first love, Loren, Seth is forced into outing himself as gay to his conservative father. Being forced from his home and everything he knows, Seth becomes the kept arm candy of an older gay gentleman, only he's not so gentle.

Whitney really just wanted to fall in love. She thought that Lucas was the one and even gave him her virginity. Sadly, he used her and then threw her away. Hurt and depressed, Whitney reaches out for help to the only person she can think of. Bryn promises to take care of her, she believes him, and he makes good on his promise; at least in the beginning.

Ginger hates her mother Iris but there's not much she can do about that fact. Being the eldest of six children, the responsibility of taking care of those younger than her falls on Ginger. While her mother is out with her new dirtbag boyfriend, turning tricks, or buzzed out of her mind, Ginger and her grandmother work hard to provide for the little family. After one of the youngest children is severely injured in an automobile accident and Ginger has an all-too-familiar encounter with one of Iris's "friends," Ginger decides to skip town with a friend. The two girls didn't really know how much worse things could get for them.

Cody doesn't know how to make things better. His mom and stepdad Jack are quite happy, until the unthinkable happens and his mom is left on her own with Cody and his little, troublemaker brother Cory. Cody retreats into a world of sex and drugs to cope. Unfortunately he can't shake the responsibility he feels for his family. Desperate time call for desperate measures, but even Cody is a little anxious about the lengths he is willing to go for his family.

Spellbinding and captivating, this book will ensnare your sensibilities and leave you breathless. Hopkins has an interesting way of weaving stories together just enough that you can see characters from another character's point of view. It gives a truly insightful glimpse into the truth that we are all interconnected on some level.

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday recognizes that we as bookies pine for books. This post is about what I am impatiently waiting for right now. It was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Winter's End by Jean-Claude Mourlevat is set to be released November 10, 2009 from Candlewick Press.

In a gripping dystopian novel, four teenagers risk impossible odds to fight against tyranny in a world of dangerous choices — and reemerging hope.

Escape. Milena, Bartolomeo, Helen, and Milos have left their prison-like boarding schools far behind, but their futures remain in peril. Fleeing across icy mountains from a terrifying pack of dog-men sent to hunt them down, they are determined to take up the fight against the despotic government that murdered their parents years before. Only three will make it safely to the secret headquarters of the resistance movement. The fourth is captured and forced to participate in a barbaric game for the amusement of the masses — further proof of the government’s horrible brutality. Will the power of one voice be enough to rouse a people against a generation of cruelty? Translated from the French, this suspenseful story of courage, individualism, and freedom has resonated with young readers across the globe.
-From Amazon

This book sounds amazing! Very rarely do teen novels originally written in French get translated for other countries! I am so excited because I love dystopic universes and this one sounds right up my alley. Teens rising against oppressive governments just gets my heart racing. Can't wait.

Waiting on Wednesday

Night Runner by Max Turner

Zach Thomson doesn't know that he's a vampire. Sure he has lived as an orphan in the Nicholls Psych Ward because he has a rare allergy to the sun and every food known to man, but that doesn't make him a bloodsucker. Does it?

So begins the tale of Zach's understanding of himself and the world outside of the Nicholls Ward. After the gruesome murder of his father, Zach slipped into a coma and when he awoke he was suddenly allergic to sunlight and all forms of food. Unable to be cared for in foster care and with no living relatives coming forward to claim him, Zach has grown up with only Nurse Ophelia and his best friend Charlie.

After a crazy incident involving a deranged man and a motorcycle Zach's life is suddenly more exciting than he could have ever hoped. It turns out that someone is after him and it's not a good thing. So Zach is on the run and running out of places to hide. As his misadventures continue he starts to piece together what exactly his father was doing, what his condition is, and how he can keep those around him from mysteriously disappearing.

While I have read worse first novels, this one was pretty bad. I got the feeling the whole way through that the author was skipping important details (like character development and a cohesive plot) that would be divulged in a later book. The storyline was choppy most of the time and just when I felt like I was getting into the characters and a rhythm, the whole thing changed again. I'm hoping that this becomes better as the series goes on. It just didn't do it for me, but I suggest that if you like generic vampire lore (Vlad the Impaler-esque type stuff), then this is definitely up your ally.

Night Runner by Max Turner

HISTORY LESSON: FUN FACTS ABOUT EARLY HOLLYWOOD

I am currently reading The Story of Hollywood by Gregory Paul Williams. I am already coming across several little tidbits I find interesting... and amusing! Here are some of the better ones that I would like to share with you!


> In the very, VERY beginning of Hollywood, before paved streets and neighborhoods, the few settlers who ventured into the fairly wild territory began setting up camp and establishing the first homesteads. A mere four years into CA statehood, small homes and farms began popping up. One of these homes belonged to the eccentric "Greek George." He lived in an adobe in what is now the Hollywood Bowl by the swamp. What made him so "eccentric?" He owned camels! In true, Hollywood fashion, he used these animals as a means to deliver mail and supplies. 

> There was controversy and drama raging in the hills of California from the early get-go. When the first settlers were establishing their homes, there was trouble brewing between the Californios, who had traveled to and lived in the area longer, and the new American immigrants. The Californios were often usurped of their unregistered land by the new movers and shakers, which led to many (obvious) ill-feelings and rivalries. From 1863-1874, Tiburcio Vasquez (right) became a hero when he robbed the snobby new Americans, pillaging their farms and livestock. He never stole from his fellow Californios, who rooted for him in his endeavors. He was like the Hollywood Robin Hood, and many consider him to be the inspiration behind the future Douglas Fairbanks character, Zorro! 

> Many of you are familiar with the fact that Hollywood was originally called "Hollywoodland." This is because it was started as a real estate development by Harvey Wilcox (left), whose wife, Daeida (bottom left), came up with the name when talking with someone who owned an estate in Hollywood, IL. She loved the implied unity of "nature and culture," and Harvey approved, so he named his newly constructed subdivision after it. Harvey even named some streets for himself and his wife: Wilcox and Dae Avenues. There were two children that always crossed their property on the way to school at Sunset and Gordon, and Harvey and Daeida thought it would be cute to name streets after them as well: Ivar and Selma! Vine Street, in addition, was named for the fact that it bordered a vineyard.


More to follow...

HISTORY LESSON: FUN FACTS ABOUT EARLY HOLLYWOOD

Bringing in the Loot

This is part of the In My Mailbox series hosted by The Story Siren.

A little bit slower going this week in the book world for me, but I did still manage to get some nifty stuff.

Bought:
Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles


Library:
Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani
Soulless by Gail Carriger
Lament by Maggie Stiefvater


Also, don't forget about my contest! I am giving away a signed copy of Viola in Reel Life to one lucky winner. Find out more here.

Bringing in the Loot

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Handsome vampire princes shouldn’t just show up on your doorstep. Unfortunately for Jessica, that is exactly what happened. She was just planning on enjoying a nice, normal senior year at Woodrow Wilson High School, but Lucius Vladescu changed all her plans. He is a vampire prince who has come to reclaim his betrothed vampire princess. Unfortunately for Jessica, she has no idea what he is talking about.

As if being a teenager isn’t hard enough, Jessica must now face the fact that she is in fact a vampire. Not only that, but she is vampire royalty; descendant from a long line of vampires. So now she won’t be able to stay with her family and friends any more as she must return to her homeland, marry Lucius, and become the ruling princess that her people expect. Oh, and if she refuses to reclaim her birth right, she will essentially be signing the death warrants of her people as a centuries-old rivalry will be re-igniting resulting in war.

An alternate take on the teenage, vampire romance, Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side not only encompasses the romantic and dark elements of vampire lore, it also explores the politics of ruling vampire society. While it can be a little sluggish at points and the teenage angst can wear on one’s nerves, the overall storyline and the different approach to a familiar story allow the reader to overlook these minor hiccups and enjoy the ride. A nice light read that will be sure to fulfill your vampire needs!

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Classic Cinema Survey

A Noodle in a Haystack started this survey. Keep it going!

1. What is your all-time favorite Clark Gable movie?

Gone with the Wind. He gets better and better every time I watch it. He should have won the Oscar!!!

2. Do you like Joan Crawford best as a comedienne or a drama-queen?

Drama-Queen for sure! Just saw Humoresque and loved her in it!

3. In your opinion, should Ginger Rogers have made more musicals post-Fred Astaire?

I think she could have and would have been fabulous, but I think she needed to try something new. She is great in everything, so it doesn't really matter!!!

4. I promise not to cause you bodily (or any other serious) harm if you don't agree with me on this one. So please be honest: do you like Elizabeth Taylor? Hm?

I do. When she is good, she's fantastic. But I have seen some mediocre performances come out of the girl. I will love her forever for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf alone!

5. Who is your favorite off-screen Hollywood couple?

Clark and Carole... obvi!

6. How about onscreen Hollywood couple?

Irene Dunne and Cary Grant.

7. Favorite Jean Arthur movie?

Mr.Deeds Goes to Town.

8. What was the first Gregory Peck movie you saw?

To Kill A Mockingbird.

9. What film made you fall in love with Alfred Hitchcock? (And for those of you that say, "I don't like Hitchcock" -- what is wrong with you?!)

Psycho!!! It was my first, and you never forget your first!

10. What is your favorite book-to-movie adaption?

The Phantom of the Opera

11. Do you prefer Shirley Temple as a little girl or as a teenager?

Little girl. She was the cutest kid ever!

12. Favorite character actor?

Peter Lorre. Creepy and spectacular!

13. Favorite Barbara Stanwyck role?

Eugenia in The Lady Eve. Hysterical.

14. Who is your favorite of Cary Grant's leading ladies?

Ingrid Bergman. Gorgeous and talented!

15. Bette Davis or Joan Crawford?

Joan. Bette is great, but Joan was fierce!

16. What actors and/or actresses do you think are underrated?

Errol Flynn. He was more than a man in tights, but a thoughtful and talented actor. I think Marilyn is underestimated too. She was a "movie star," so her comedic abilities are all too often written off.

17. What actors and/or actresses do you think are overrated?

 Sharon Stone!!! HAHAHA!

18. Do you watch movies made pre-1980 exclusively, or do you spice up your viewing-fare with newer films?

I watch all eras. My favorite is early silents through pre-code, but there are still wonderful movies made every year!

19. Is there an actor/actress who you have seen in a film and immediately loved? If so, who?

Jean Harlow. There is nothing to not like about her.

20. Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire?

Hm, toughy. I'm going with Astaire, if only for Top Hat!

21. Favorite Ginger Rogers drama?

Kitty Foyle.

22. If you wrote a screenplay, who would be in your dream cast and what roles would they play? (Mixing actors and actresses from different generations is allowed: any person from any point in their career.)

Only my close friends will get this, but as I have assigned each pal a movie star doppleganger, this is who would star in the story of my life-

Me: Carole Lombard, Mom: Katharine Hepburn, Dad: Lionel Barrymore, Bro: Gregory Peck, Sis: Joan Crawford, Grandma: Kim Novak.

The cast of friends would be as follows- Mindy: Bette Davis, Jessica: Josephine Baker, T: Errol Flynn, Joey: Tyrone Power, Dana: Barbara Stanwyck, Rachel: Marion Davies, Stephanie: Loretta Young, Rita: Lupe Velez, Chad: Jack Lemmon, Monica: Grace Kelly. All roles will be age appropriate.

23. Favorite actress?

Carole Lombard.

25. Favorite actor?
Lon Chaney.

26. And now, the last question. What is your favorite movie from each of these genres:

Drama: Sunset Boulevard.

Romance: Casablanca.

 














Musical: Calamity Jane.

 














Comedy: Some Like It Hot.

 









Western: The Searchers.

 















Hitchcock (he has a genre all to himself): Rear Window

Classic Cinema Survey