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The sad thing is that it took me 4 years to find a book as wonderful as Elantris, and an Author as brilliant as Brandon Sanderson. It all happened when I got a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble after my surgery. I had no idea what to spend it on, I had recently gone on so many book shopping sprees that I was slightly overwhelmed. So I went onto B&N online and started looking at customer reviews for fantasy novels. One thing led to another and I found myself convinced to buy some new books. One of them was Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn. I didn't read Mistborn until Christmas break, this past semester left me with absolutely no free time and I left my new books in Bedford so as not to tempt me. One of the reasons I was so interested in Brandon Sanderson was because he is the author signed on to finish Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. I wanted to know what his writing style was like. Upon reading the first few chapters of Mistborn I was hooked. Brandon has a knack for creating worlds and magic systems that are completely original. This can make for some slow going at the beginning of the read because you have to acquaint yourself with an unfamiliar system. I, however, find them fascinating and more of a hook. His originality is entirely refreshing in the Fantasy genre. It gives the reader something to look forward to every time they pick up a new book from him. Elantris is the novel that I've read most recently by him, and I thought it was amazing. Could have been better, yes, but still wonderful. One of the great things about reading one of Brandon's books is that you can go onto his website and read annotations written by Brandon himself regarding each chapter of the book. They are a little choppy, since they are not proof read and they have some typos. But I think they add so much to the reading experience. It allows me to see into his mind while he was writing the book and thus his books feel that much more intimate. It helps me understand exactly what he wanted me to see and what he wants me as the reader to take away from the book. I'm also learning a lot about the writing process. I encourage anyone who reads this to pick up a Brandon Sanderson book, it would be well worth it. (I realize I didn't actually talk about the book in this post, I think if you want to know what it was about you should pick up a copy yourself.) Tags: books, brandon sanderson, elantirs
Where am I again?: Chris' room
Feeling...:  lethargic
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Spoiler warning: Do not read if you do not wish to be spoiled with what happened in this episode or what may happen in future episodes based on the books. Sophie-Anne! I was so happy to see her. I really liked how Evan Rachel Wood portrayed her. I always felt that Sophie-Anne had this real playful side of her, like she enjoys being in power and know how to keep that power while still having fun. I lamented the absence of her bodyguards, I wanted to see Sigbert! Overall, the queen's opening scene was hilarious. Poor Bill, he was so frustrated. Some questions have been brought up regarding how the queen knows Sookie, as well as why Bill didn't leave earlier. Those of us that have read the books know that Bill actually works for the queen, and that the queen is the one who ordered Bill to seduce her. I really hope that Alan Ball keeps this plot twist, just because it's fun and gives Sookie more freedom. Yes, I am a fan of Sookie/Eric, but I don't think Sookie is going to end up with Eric (unless Charlaine gets lazy). Alan Ball has made a couple of interviews regarding whether or not he will put the plot twist in, and he basically has said that he doesn't really give a shit what the fans think (which I think is bullshit, look at what happened to Lafayette!). What I believe Sookie needs to understand is the gravity of her situation, the vamps that she have befriended are powerful, and they have networks with other vampires. She knows that word is getting out about her (Steve Newlin knew she was a mind reader), so she needs to be careful. She could easily be kidnapped or blackmailed (maybe this is why Bill was kidnapped???). At first I wasn't a fan of them bringing Hadley in so early. I still haven't warmed up to it, but it definitely adds to the allure of the plot line and opens up some more room for Alan Ball to play in for next season. It seemed as though she hadn't been made a vampire yet though... which is intriguing. Maybe she'll live a bit longer in the show than she did in the books? Or maybe Alan Ball is wanting to give her more time to have a son (unless she already has one...???). I'm interested to see her telepathic son!!!!! Alan Ball is AWESOME for being able to tie in something from the first season and bring it in here. No wonder Maryann came to Bon Temps! And it explains why the "voodoo woman" was killed first. It just seemed to tie up all those questions in a nice little bow. That still doesn't make me any less tired of the whole Maryann plot. I feel like they shouldn't have hinted at her supernaturalness until later. But whatever. It's almost over now. Poor Sookie. She's really had it rough. I do like how a lot of the stuff is happening at Sookie's house, it seems like it helps those that haven't read the books a chance to understand visually a bit of what she goes through. It gives her more freedom to complain a bit and beat up some vamps.And the scene between Sookie and Mike Spencer was funny/creepy. Jason... Ughh I thought that the show was going to redeem him a bit and I guess I was wrong. He has good intentions, but it seems now that he's just as selfish and dumb as he was in the books. At least he's more of a jerk to others rather than his sister like he is in the books. Although we might see a change in that if they introduce Crystal. ARE they going to turn Jason into a werepanther like the books? Yay! Go Sam! Although I don't think Arlene is going to be happy when she finds out that he took her kids to a vampire bar, but it's still a nice thing to do. And safe. I loved the scene with Eric. He has this way with kids that's funny. I had never thought to wonder how he would be around them. And yay! Eric flew! I was so upset when they took away Bill's flying abilities, it made me soooo happy to see him fly. My brother who was watching it with me was like "WTF?!" hehe. And Pam's outfit was awesome. An egg? Really? Hoyt and Jessica... while I love their relationship, it's not perfect. Neither one of them are perfect people, and they both have areas to work on. Hoyt needs to learn how to be on his own and make decisions for himself while Jessica needs to learn self control. So it doesn't surprise me that their relationship might be doomed. They are both having a really bad day. I loved the scene where Eric talked to Bill about giving Sookie blood the night they met. Foreshadowing Bill's orders perhaps??? Poor Lafayette, he's never gonna be able to hear a gunshot again. Stay tuned for the finale review!! Tags: trueblood
Where am I again?: my desk
Feeling...:  satisfied
Jammin to: Why am I never listening to music????
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Sometimes I think that they should make a movie of my life, but then I remember that there's no way it's interesting enough lol. In short, I miss my summer already. I never thought that I would have such an amazing summer that I wouldn't want to go back to school, but it seems to have happened! I miss Romania, I miss Colorado, I miss Bedford. And I miss all the people that I met/hung out with. I feel like I was actually happy for the first time in a long time and now it's been taken away from me. I realize that's how life works, but it's still sad. I love my AC friends, but seeing all of them just made all of the feelings that I felt last semester come back. And I don't like that feeling. So, instead of sitting around bitching about it I've decided to make some goals for myself. I'm going to write them down here. They're just some things I'd like to work on this semster. 1. Keeping my complaints to myself (in particular, when they involve a certain person). Sometimes it's ok to complain, and sometimes it isn't. I have been blessed and cursed with having a wonderful group of friends that are all very close to each other. There will come times when I really want to rant about someone, but I have to be careful who I rant to. Because ranting to the wrong people creates tension and drama. 2. Go to church more. I want to become closer to God. I've been neglecting my relationship with him while paying so much attention to my other relationships. I need to have faith that he will take care of me. I don't have a lot of faith right now, and there's a simple fix to it. I just have to get up early on Sundays. (which is real hard) 3. Pay attention to what I already have and stop wishing for what I don't. I believe that a lot of my jealousy and bad energy come from this longing for the grass on the other side of the fence, and forgetting that I already have my own. I want to think of the things I'm thankful for, rather than being jealous of what others have. I know I have a good life. Now it's time for me to appreciate it. 4. Meet new people. Interacting with the same people every day leaves me feeling restless and annoyed. I don't want to burn any bridges in a moment of annoyance or weakness. Maybe broadening my network will help me appreciate the friends I already have. Thoughts? Suggestions? I'm hoping to take this in to Rose when I see her Thursday. Maybe she'll have some suggestions. By the way, writing this all down have been very helpful. I feel a lot better! Tags: colorado, friends, improvements, life, romania
Where am I again?: My Roo Suite
Feeling...:  contemplative
Jammin to: The All-American Rejects - Real World
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SOPHIE-ANNE!!! But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start from the beginning. Sookie dreaming again about Eric was a great way to continue giving the Sookie/Eric affair momentum. Eric does need sympathy now and then. Jason and Sookie coming back was interesting. After seeing the pictures of the town set from people that had visited it I was happy to finally see it on screen. The Bon Temps sign was really funny too. Or should I say, "Bone" Tomps :) Forgive me if I jump around the episode a bit, but I'm doing this from memory. Maxine Fortenberry was such a hoot at the beginning of this episode. "Wii helps her focus" lmao. It would make sense that Hoyt would want to protect his mama no matter what she says. He's still very much a southern mama's boy. But still, I feel like they melded JB Du Rone's character in with Hoyt's. I don't remember him being so charming and gracious with women (though he doesn't realize it). If they have in fact melded, I don't think we'll be seeing Tara and Hoyt eloping like she does with JB Du Rone in the books. Mainly because this is a whole different Tara, not because I don't think Alan Ball doesn't have the potential to split up either couple of Tara/Eggs and Jessica/Hoyt. I could totally see that happen. I'd be pissed, but it would happen just the same because Alan Ball does what he wants in this universe. It's nice to see some redemption in Lettie Mae's character. Her coming and helping Lafayette save Tara was awesome. We haven't seen her for awhile, so let's hope she's changed a bit. I think the fact that she's come to rescue Tara rather than leave her like when Tara was in jail is a bit of a clue. But then again, slightly different circumstances since Tara's soul is on the line rather than her record. I was happy when Tara acknowledged this too by hugging her mother. WHAT is up with Sookie going all superpower on Maryann? What is that? ANSWER ME ALAN BALL!! Ugh. I will only accept this new development if they come up with a good reason for why it happened. So far the only good reasons I can come up with are: 1. The fact that Sookie was injured by Maryann and then fully healed has given Sookie a natural repellant against Maryann 2. Sookie's fairy heritage is coming into play I won't accept anything else Mr. Ball. Unless you come up with something good I haven't thought of yet. I will NOT accept the excuse that because Sookie is telepathic she has these powers. NO. That is just cheap writing. IT'S THE EMOTIONS STUPID! Hmm.. what else.. Some people have been asking about why Maryann's blood was poinsonous to Bill.. Didn't we already discuss this? Like back when Sookie got attacked and Dr. Ludwig talked about how it was poinsonous? Or was that only in the book? Lafayette was awesome in this episode. I loved the line about him and Jesus seeing other people. And the line about how this was the worst intercention ever. Ha. OK let's move on to Sam... Poor Sam. He's just got bad luck I think. My dad keeps asking me why Maryann is so obsessed with Sam. I was thinking that it might have to do with this ritual Maryann is talking about. And the sacrifice. Maybe Maryann came to Bon Temps looking for a person to sacrifice and she decided on Sam since she had a history with him. Then it turned out that Sam was more troublesome than she thought. Or it could be that since Sam is a supe he is a more powerful sacrifice. And Sam's heart will make her much stronger. Like Daphne's did for Tara and Eggs. Only like, times 10. O.o; I'm still fuzzy on this. I hope Alan Ball explains. HAHA I loved Terry as the "captain" of all his "soldiers"! Even though they were all insane. I was rooting for him to turn to normal when Jason grabbed Arlene but alas.. it was not to be... And Arlene screaming "NAIL ME!" was just funny. I found the whole scene amusing, along with Jason as "The God Who Comes" lol. It's nice to have humor even this late into the season and with the seriousness of the situation. And with Sam changing in from of everyone, I wonder if he really is going to explain what happened? And BTW, I really hope that they go more in depth about Sam's powers. I felt stupid with Bill said he knew someone who wuld know about this stuff and I thought "ERIC!" even though I have SEEN all these pictures of Sophie-Anne coming soon. gahhh... Although it wasn't a far jump. Eric is the one who explains everything in the books and resolves the situation. I hope we get to see Sophie-Anne's twin guards :) Although I'm a little disappointed that she doesn't look younger in the promo photos. She's only supposed to be around 15. Poor Jessica. She really needs to learn to control herself. Now that she's a vampire people are not going to be saying nice things, and it's just something she's going to have to "live" with. And poor Hoyt, now he's gotta find some way to pull Jessica off his mom! And finally, my thoughts on Sookie and Bill's teamwork on Tara.. I dunno. Sookie just makes them better by going deeper into their minds? How does that work? Just because Sookie got behind the veil doesn't mean the person goes with her does it? Meh. Until next time, I won't have HBO in Sherman so I dunno when my next update will be... Toodles! Tags: trueblood
Where am I again?: My Room
Feeling...: listless
Jammin to: You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift
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