Happyface by Stephen Emond // Book Review

Rating: 4/5; Entertaining. Enjoyable. Really liked it.

Release Date: June 14, 2011

Synopsis:
Enter Happyface's journal and get a peek into the life of a shy, artistic boy who decides to reinvent himself as a happy-go-lucky guy after he moves to a new town. See the world through his hilariously self-deprecating eyes as he learns to shed his comic-book-loving, computer-game playing ways. Join him as he makes new friends, tries to hide from his past, and ultimately learns to face the world with a genuine smile. With a fresh and funny combination of text and fully integrated art, Happyface is an original storytelling experience.

Thoughts: 
The format of the book is very unique, that's what I liked the most. I looked forward to the drawings and amusing comic strips. I also liked how honest the protagonist was. He is known to us and most of the characters as Happyface. At first he starts off as an awkward nerd, but then transforms himself into someone who always smiles and is liked by everyone. In journal format he talks about how is life was before and after a certain event. About this event, I won't spoil it, but I don't like how that portion of the story was developed. To me it felt as if it kind of came out of nowhere. I get what the author was going for, but I just didn't like it. *shrug* I also thought some of Happyface's problems were his own fault. This guy is very possessive and somewhat mentally unstable so it was kind of hard to side with him or feel that much sympathy towards him, especially when he exhibited stalker-like tendencies (even as a child he was not that great with his emotions). He should have talked to a professional, his mom, or at least his friends, just someone.
Again, I still did like how the protagonist was so honest. As a reader, you really came to understand why he did all the actions he did and why he tried to hide it behind a smile. In a way, it makes you think about how easy it could be to just pretend certain bad things in your life don't happen and just smile. Maybe eventually you'll be happy. I like how this book made me think that even though Happyface did not really learn much in the end. In my opinion anyway. I just feel like he did not make much progress on that front.
For all his flaws, I loved reading about Happyface. It was extremely fascinating to me and I could not stay away from the book for long no matter how much I needed to. I recommend this, just know what to expect.

Resembles:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series


~~T.V and Book Addict~~

Love It: Korean Wave + Duck Song

These videos are...sigh.

This one is cute. Called the "Duck Song." A friend showed it to me and now I find myself saying/texting "waddle waddle." Ridiculous.



I LOVE Micky (JYJ member) & Hyun Bin (Secret Garden) & G-Dragon (Big Bang) so this was a great surprise.



~~T.V and Book Addict~~

New to My Playlist + Free Song

NMP = songs I've recently added to my never ending playlist of songs I'll play in a loop unless I have the master list on shuffle. If the song's legally available for free (usually for a limited time for promotional purposes) I shall provide a link.

"Crave You" by Flight Facilities fet. Giselle. I love this! The video is so random haha

Found: Friend.

"Arms" by Christina Perri. Ah, so nice. 

Found: Radio.


"Pumped Up Kicks" (The Knocks remix) by Foster the People. I love this! Been hearing it in a loop since its release in April. 

Found: We All Want Someone. 
Download: Get it. 


Do you like? If you already knew these artists and like other songs of theirs, please share which. 

~~T.V and Book Addict~~

Forgotten by Cat Patrick // Book Review

Rating: 4/5; Re-readable. Enjoyable. Great read. Recommended.

Release Date: June 7, 2011

Synopsis:
Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.
Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.

Thoughts:
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this book. It was sincerely a pleasant read. It just was. It's one of those realistic books that, although not entirely suspenseful, you can't help but turn the pages quickly wanting to know more and more.
I don't know how the author does it, but Cat Patrick sure knows how to make it seem as if all this is possible. As a reader, you don't find yourself even doubting that this can occur. If Cat Patrick says it, then it must be true. That's all there is to it.
The way the author can weave such a story is beyond me and boy did I like it. Since the protagonist always forgets the past and can only remember the future (what will happen in her and others' futures), throughout most of the book I wondered how it was possible for this girl to continue to love a boy she meets every day. Thankfully Ms. Patrick addresses this issue. Sadly, she does so halfway through the book. That kind of bothered me and I can't get over it. Either way, I'm happy with this read and I recommend it as that was pretty much my only complaint.
Read it. Enjoy it. Love the characters and love the way this book will make you think about your memory and your future.


Related:
50 First Dates
The Time-Traveler's Wife


Be happy happy happy and jump up and down often!!
~~T.V and Book Addict~~

Waiting on Wednesday: Envy by Gregg Olsen

Release Date: August 23, 2011

New York Times bestselling adult true crime author Gregg Olsen makes his YA debut with EMPTY COFFIN, a gripping new fiction series for teens based on ripped-from-the-headlines stories…with a paranormal touch.

Crime lives--and dies--in the deceptively picture-perfect town of Port Gamble (aka “Empty Coffin”), Washington. Evil lurks and strange things happen--and 15-year-olds Hayley and Taylor Ryan secretly use their wits and their telepathic “twin-sense” to uncover the truth about the town's victims and culprits.

Envy, the series debut, involves the mysterious death of the twins' old friend, Katelyn. Was it murder? Suicide? An accident? Hayley and Taylor are determined to find out--and as they investigate, they stumble upon a dark truth that is far more disturbing than they ever could have imagined.

Based on the shocking true crime about cyber-bullying, Envy will take you to the edge--and push you right over.

I'm so very curious about this new series & wow that cover will surely stop you on your tracks at the bookstore/library/ebook store. 

~~T.V and Book Addict~~

Giveaway (US & Canada): The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente

I recently began reading this book and wow!! Within the first pages it already started blowing me away with the wonderful story, writing, and illustrations. Believe you me, this is not a book just for middle grade readers. It actually somewhat reminds me of Spirited Away. I can never ever tire of that movie and story. I love delving into that world so much, it just immediately warms my heart. Even the very thought. Okay, I'm getting off track.

Try and win this read why don't ya?



Rules:
1 winner for a finished copy
US and Canada
Deadline: June 30 mid. central.
Fill out form:





More on the book:

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn?t . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.

With exquisite illustrations by acclaimed artist Ana Juan, Fairyland lives up to the sensation it created when the author first posted it online. For readers of all ages who love the charm of Alice in Wonderland and the soul of The Golden Compass, here is a reading experience unto itself: unforgettable, and so very beautiful.

I love the trailer! It is so cute and creative. 

Author:  Site / Blog / Buy it

:)
~~T.V and Book Addict~~

Dream Thursday: talking bunny

You know you hasn't done a Dream Thursday post in ages? This girl right here. In case you forgot what DT was, it's where I post some of the crazy dreams I have. I have weird a** dreams. It's so FUN and entertaining to share and if you would like to let me know what you dreamed, feel free to comment!

I only remember a small bit of this dream that I had a few nights ago. It was pretty nuts though.

I was in the backseat of a small crowded car next to two people. I was holding a large bunny when I noticed it had the ability to talk. It was SO odd, but I found it more amazing than scary. After some time I got a strange evil vibe from it, but at the same time I was still excited to have a freaking talking bunny! Everyone chastised me because I was not satisfied with it only speaking English. I reeeeally wanted it to speak Korean ;)

Reasoning:

• I probably dreamed about a bunny because lately I have been hearing about bunnies. One of my best buds terribly wants a bunny, but she has no time to take care of one. Another friend recently got a pet bunny that is really cute. He told me that apparently bunnies have this funky thing they do that's called binking. They basically jump around when they're excited, except it's kinda a freaky deaky thing because it seems like they're out of their minds. I also dreamed this around Easter. 
• The Korean probably has to do with me watching Korean T.V shows lately. I haven't watched much that recently, but I guess the Korean-ness is still floating around in my subconscious. 

~~T.V and Book Addict~~

New to My Playlist

NMP = songs I've recently added to my never ending playlist of songs I'll play in a loop unless I have the master list on shuffle. If the song's legally available for free (usually for a limited time for promotional purposes) I shall provide a link.


"Fake Palindromes" by Andrew Bird. Reeeeally like this crazy song. 

Found: Pandora.com

"Down" by Jason Walker. First heard the lovely song he wrote to his wife, "You Will My Heart," then I fell in love. 

Found: Vampire Diaries. It's sad that I didn't seek more Jason Walker songs.

"Comes and Goes (in waves)" by Greg Laswell. okay this is a song that had already been on my iPod. Whatever, it's awesome possum.

Do you like? If you already knew these artists and like other songs of theirs, please share which. :)

~~Lisette~~

Giveaway: Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier (U.S & Canada)

Ooooh this book has been getting great reviews. You know you want to read it so enter and win it!!!

Rules:
1 winner for a finished copy
US and Canada
Deadline: June 16
Fill out form:


Goodies -

Synopsis:
Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!
Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover 

who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

Trailer:



Links: Kerstin Gier (in German so use google translate if you don't read German) / Macmillan author page / Book Reviews

~~T.V and Book Addict~~

Super 8 // Movie Review

Rating: 4.5/5; Really enjoyed it. Re-watchable. Add-to-your-collection worthy.

Release Date: June 10, 2011

Synopsis:
In the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and the local Deputy tries to uncover the truth – something more terrifying than any of them could have imagined.


Thoughts:
Oh it was so...pleasant. It reminded me a lot of The Goonies, which I love. Overall I was extremely satisfied with this movie and would eventually buy it on blu ray. The downside was that at the end, I thought, "Is that it?" I think I'm just being greedy though because I just loved all the characters, especially the main kids. Their relationships were great to see. I loved that the most. I did not expect there to be so many laughs and I certainly didn't expect some of the gore, but there it was. It is basically the goonies/horror movie. It's kinda perfect. The fact that the child actors were immensely talented and able to convey so much emotion...ah, amazing.
Quite the adventure and quite the film. Highly recommended and that is all I shall say for fear of spoilers.

**** Be sure to stay after the end credits (you won't have to wait long) because you HAVE to see the adoooorable video the group made. It's very... gnarly. ****

Trailer:


For fans of:
The Goonies
Attack the Block
Childhood love stories --- Ah, can I help it that I adore love stories??? Nooo ;)

Enjoy!!!
~~T.V and Book Addict~~

Giveaway: Everlasting by Alyson Noel (US & Canada) (CLOSED)

So who wants to win the final book in the Immortals series? Even if you, like me, haven't had the chance to begin or catch up with the series, enter anyway so you'll have the book when you get there! :)


Rules:
1 winner for a finished copy
US or Canada residents only.
Deadline: June 13
Fill out form:


Other goodies -

Synopsis (beware of spoilers if you've yet to read the previous books):
The sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears—all in the hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.
Will they be united—or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!


Trailer:



Links: Alyson Noel / Twitter / Macmillan author page / Book Trailer / 

:)
~~T.V and Book Addict~~