Saiorse Ronan will star in The Host

Remember The Lovely Bones movie? It was based on a novel by Alice Sebold. And do you remember who starred the main character, Susie? Yes, that girl. Her name is Saiorse Ronan.

And guess what! She's going to play Melanie Stryder in another book-to-movie adaptation, The Host by Stephenie Meyer!

Who knew it would take this long to

start casting for the movie? Seriously, I've been waiting for this for years. I'm so delighted that they're starting to cast people. And they made a great choice casting Saiorse.

You may know Saiorse from Atonement, The Lovely Bones, I Could Never Be Your Woman, or even from the recent movie Hanna...One thing for sure is that she's a freaking good actress. I love her. I'm so happy that she was casted. I would have preferred her for Wanda (or Wanderer) but I can't be picky now, can't I? But nevertheless, I'm ever so glad.

Now I'm just curious about who they will cast for Ian and Jared. More than curious, I'm frightened. I'm hoping they get someone good.

How about you guys? What do you think about Saiorse playing the character of Melanie? Any ideas about who they should cast for Ian and Jared?

Source: Deadline

Justine's Thoughts: Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist
By Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Pages:

183

Book Description:

Nick’s just seen the girl who dumped him walk in...with a new guy. What else can he do but ask the strange girl next to him to be his new girlfriend for the next five minutes?

Norah would do anything to avoid conversation with the not not-friend girl who dumped Nick...and to get over the Evil Ex whom Norah never really totally dumped. What else can she do but answer Nick’s question by making out with him?

With one electric, unexpected kiss, the five-minute couple of Nick and Norah set off on an uncharted adventure called the “first date” that will turn into an infinite night of falling in and out (and in and out, and maybe in and maybe out) of love. Theirs is a first date of music, laughter, heartache, confusion, passion, taxi driver wisdom, and a jacket named Salvatore. And of course a killer soundtrack.

As Nick and Norah wander through the middle-of-the night mystic maze of Manhattan, they share the kind of night you want to never end, where every minute counts and every moment flickers between love and disaster.

A quote:

But I guess you don't see the planets when you're staring at the sun. You just get blinded.

Any thoughts:

I love reading collaborations, I really do. It’s like what they say -- two heads are better than one. In perfect union, Cohn and Levithan create an adventurous world in which everything is beyond epic.

But I would have to warn whoever wants to read this and emphasize this twice, maybe three times: lots and lots of cursing. The F-bomb is dropped everywhere. It doesn’t appear every page; more like every sentence or so. There is also adult content that may be described a little too much for one’s liking. I wasn’t bothered by any of these, but I’m only saying.

What I really loved was the setting. It happens in the heart of the city late at night and early in the morning. It’s the time when most people are asleep and it’s just so wonderful. It’s interesting to go through the places Nick and Norah pass by together. The best part is the singing and dancing in the rain. That was a marvellous scene in my head.

The book was very different from the movie. I watched it first, but somehow it didn’t bother me at all. I love both for their unique yet similar plots. I’ve yet to watch the movie again, but I remember the humour and it was amazing. I’d say it doesn’t matter whether you watch the movie or read the book first. Either way, you’ll like it.

Justine's Thoughts: The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

Errr, this is quite a long one. Just a warning. :D

The Last Song
By Nicholas Sparks

Pages:

390

Book Description (from Goodreads):

Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alientated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church.The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story of love on many levels--first love, love between parents and children -- that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts...and heal them.

A quote:

Sometimes you have to be a part from people you love, but that doesn't make you love them any less. Sometimes you love them more.

Any thoughts:

I’ll begin with little fun facts that you may or may not know already. Nicholas Sparks originally wrote The Last Song so it could be transformed into a movie, keeping in mind Miley Cyrus for the role of Ronnie. Miley also chose the name Ronnie for the book, and with that, Nicholas Sparks thought it fit perfectly with the character. In my opinion, after having read the book first (yes!!!) and then watching the movie with my mom, the movie turned out to be almost as good as the book. Both versions have actually made it to my top favourites. That’s how good The Last Song is.

Written in four characters’ points of view, The Last Song takes on many different things such as family relationships, Christian views on life, forgiveness, and first love. The characters are amazing, and I was able to connect with them, making myself feel as if I was in their situation. The setting is set at a beachside bungalow, where the atmosphere is serene and I can only hear the sound of the waves crashing. I imagined it beautifully, especially as the characters take walks on the beach. Nicholas Sparks’ style for plot is something that I would have to admire and keep a lookout for in his previous novels. They are usually very touching, and all issues from the very beginning eventually conclude near or at the end. But the reason I gave this novel four stars (four and a half if that is possible on Goodreads) was because I felt that too much is going on, too much strings attached to various characters. Regardless, I still think that this is one of my favourite novels, and one that I would immediately recommend.

With the movie starring Miley Cyrus, I thought I ought to give it a try. Actually, I wanted to. From the previews, it seemed like it was going to be a good movie. While many people assumed that Miley would ruin the movie, it is worth giving it a try, because I loved the movie - I’m even considering buying the DVD. I want to watch it again! Miley Cyrus and Liam Hensworth are an adorable pair. One can easily sense the chemistry between them (and yes, I’m aware of them going out in real life). Their relationship is just what I imagined from the book. Miley did a great job playing her character (gosh, I love the clothes that she wore) although at one point when her face crumpled as she cried, I had the sudden urge to giggle instead. I’m not a fan of her and her songs, but she did alright in her performance in The Last Song, as well as the song I like called When I Look at You, which is meant for the movie.

There is one thing that I must point out and it is the difference between the father’s personality in the book and in the movie. Steve, the father, is a softer and gentler character in the book. He is the type who would do anything for Ronnie even if it hurts him. In the movie, I couldn’t help but notice how different he is. He is more like the father who would make silly jokes and the one who would discipline Ronnie instead of take all her words in to hurt himself. I suppose, though, that it would be more interesting to have a father like the one in the movie instead. Still, it irked me. Another thing was the deal with Marcus, the intimidating sort of jerk in the story. After an incident, he just disappeared completely. My mom even said, “Isn’t he supposed to seek revenge? Because he’s the type who would seek revenge.” I suppose (again) that there wasn’t enough time to include a closure for Marcus. Overall, there are differences that separate that novel from the movie. But what I liked was that it was almost faithful to the book. Some of my favourite lines were said and I couldn’t help but smile to myself, thinking of how glad I was that I read the book first.

The Last Song is fascinating in its exploration of love in all sorts of forms, reminding us how much it can affect us, and how powerful it is to have the ability to take us through in life. It is a novel that one must seriously not pass up.

Justine's Thoughts: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Here's a review I promised. :)

My Sister’s Keeper
By Jodi Picoult

Pages:

423

Book Description (from Goodreads):

Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate -- a life and a role that she has never challenged...until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister -- and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves.

A quote:

Where are words, when you need them?

Any thoughts:

Wow, is all I have to say right after I finished it. My Sister’s Keeper is one stunning piece of work that I must read it again. I even found out that the quote “You don’t love someone because they’re perfect. You love them in spite of the fact that they’re not” originated in this novel! Jodi Picoult is brilliant, I say!

One thing that I loved was the constant switching of point of views. Every chapter it is different, and there are several characters who get the chance to speak and voice out their side of the story. It may be confusing and may take some getting used to at first, but it eventually becomes easy adapting to the way they tell it. The purpose is to prepare the reader for the case in the end of the story, which is all too suspenseful that I could not stop reading.

There are two main sides of the story, and at times I find it difficult which one I should side with (I was neutral most of the time). There is one being Sara’s side, the mother who would absolutely do anything for her dying child and the other being Anna’s side, who is Sara’s youngest daughter, the one who filedsthe case for medical emancipation. It is all too big of a web to explain everything, but that is the point of it. Most characters don’t really explain why they’re doing what they’re doing, such as why Anna files the lawsuit and why Campbell Alexander, the lawyer, makes up a variety of excuses for his service dog. It is only near the end when we finally see things clearly.

My Sister’s Keeper is definitely one that would make you think hard. There are times when characters such as Anna and Brian, the father, would insert short, meaningful passages. Brian has a hobby of using his telescope to look at the stars at night and when he would tell stories about stars, gods, or goddesses, I would find myself asking, “Why did Picoult include this passage?” And then I would pause so I could deeply analyze the meaning.

Needless to say, this novel is very knowledgeable. From the detailed medical information, the ethical and moral issues, to the law-related concerns, I was just marvelled. It takes time to absorb all of it, causing one to feel touched because of the subject matter.

The movie, on the other hand, made me bawl. I watched it first (*ahem* this one is an exception to my oath which claims to always read the book first then watch the movie) and watched it again whilst I was in the middle of the novel. There are several differences, the major one being the end, which was completely different from the book. I’m beginning to think that moviemakers want their movies to have pleasant endings, because it is the very opposite from the book, which was just shocking. I still liked the movie, however. Cameron Diaz is one great actress and played the role of Sara really well. The others were quite amazing too. I pictured each of them as their own character while reading the book and they all fit their roles nicely. I would most likely see it again whenever I need my fix of sadness, because it can surely make a person cry enough tears.

Justine's Thoughts: Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

Ahh! I forgot to schedule posts this weekend! I'm so terrible, I know. It was a long weekend so I was busy all the while. Lots of sun and heat! I love it! Anyway, here's a long review to make up for my lack of interesting posts. The next reviews will be deep reads as well. Just a heads up. ;)

Dear John
By Nicholas Sparks

Pages:

276

Book Description:

...When SavannahLynn Curtis comes into his life, John Tyree knows he is ready to turn over a new leaf. An angry rebel, he had enlisted in the army after high school, not knowing what else to do. Then, during a furlough, he meets the girl of his dreams. Savannah Lynn Curtis is attending college in North Carolina, working for Habitat for Humanity, and totally unprepared for the passionate attraction she feels for John Tyree.

The attraction is mutual and quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah vowing to wait for John while he finishes his tour of duty, and John realizing that he’s ready to settle down with the young woman who has captured his heart.

Neither can foresee that 9/11 is about to change the world and will force John to risk every hope and dream that he’s ever had.

Like so many proud men and women, John must choose between love and country. And like all those left behind, Savannah must decide to wait or move on. How do we choose wisely? How can we face loss - without giving up on love? Now, when he finally returns to North Carolina, John will discover that loving Savannah will force him to make the hardest decision of his life.

A quote:

“I’m just trying to make it through the day with enough energy to face tomorrow.”

Any thoughts:

A beautiful, tragic love story. And it was exactly what I needed to read when I borrowed it from the library.

Like I did with The Lovely Bones, I watched the movie first (which I have sworn to myself that I will never do again.) Overall, it’s completely different from the book. There are way too many things that I could tell apart. One of them is the ending, and how more is added to it just to please the viewer. Well, it didn’t. It just left us to think whether or not there is more to it. That may be a good thing in some cases, but in this one, it doesn’t make sense. Still, I thought it was okay. The scenery was beautiful; I’ve always wanted to live near a beach as well as try surfing. There were also so many parts that made me tear up. I managed to hold it in (except for one tear that escaped...I couldn’t help it!) because I hate crying at the movie theatre. I would suggest watching this movie only if you’re looking for a heartbreaking romance that is sure to make you cry.

The actual book is what I would prefer over the movie (like most book-to-film adaptations). For one, John is an amazing protagonist. Sure, he has made mistakes in the past and he was known to be a rebel, but after meeting Savannah, his life changes for the better. That is where I really start to admire him, especially when it comes to the most important decision. Over time, he grows to become more mature as he serves to protect his country, leaving Savannah waiting for his return home.

To those who have yet to read Dear John, I would suggest reading it, but do so with caution. Nicholas Sparks creates a sense of realism, one that may either cheer you up to no end or break your hearts into tiny pieces. But it is always fascinating to enter a different world that can bring out your emotions, and that is what Sparks succeeds in doing.

Justine's Thoughts: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

The Lovely Bones
By Alice Sebold

Pages:

328

Book Description:

Susie Salmon, murdered at age fourteen, is adjusting to her new home in heaven, a place that is not at all what she expected, while back on earth her grief-stricken family is unravelling. Out of unspeakable tragedy and loss, The Lovely Bones succeeds, miraculously, in building a tale filled with hope, humour, suspense, even joy. This phenomenal #1 bestseller is a novel celebrated at once for its narrative artistry, its luminous clarity of emotion, and its astonishing power to lay claim to the hearts of millions of readers around the world.

A quote:

Between a man and a woman there was always one person who was stronger than the other one. That doesn’t mean the weaker one doesn’t love the stronger.

Any thoughts:

Alice Sebold explores the aftermath of someone who has passed. It’s unbelievably wonderful. Her writing is purely magnificent; every single line is quotable (expect many quotes from this novel for Friday’s Finest) and powerful. I liked it regardless of a few things, and I would suggest this to anyone who is looking for a deep read.

I watched the movie first. Let me just say that it was beautifully depressing. Heaven was perceived as a fanatical place, one’s favourite place to be. It’s so colourful and lively, that I wanted to pause and look everywhere. But I couldn’t. I would get the DVD, but at the same time, I wouldn’t. I’m not too sure that the plot is right for me. When I say it’s ‘beautifully depressing’, I’m talking about both the quality (‘beautifully’) and the plot (‘depressing’).

The movie covered half of the book, which I suppose is understandable considering that the book stretches on for years after Susie’s death and that the movie can only be a certain amount of time long. I have to say, however, that it was put together well. It was wrapped up quite nicely and I was satisfied.

Now onto the book. Alice Sebold writes the truth. She tells the story with such a voice that makes you slow down and absorb the words. It definitely makes you think in that way. And the experience of having to go through grief, you could almost feel it. Unfortunately, I didn’t. I didn’t feel myself present in the book. Maybe it was because Susie was in heaven and she was watching the events occur as a witness, or maybe I just didn’t connect. Whatever it is, it didn’t grip me, and that was a problem, for I found myself being too eager to finish the book.

The plot is a little disturbing, to be honest, especially how she was murdered. But Alice Sebold focuses on how the characters, including Susie in heaven and her murderer, get through it, ever so realistically. It just seemed like it dragged on for a long time. The beginning was great and afterwards it began to slow down then I started losing interest. Nevertheless, its beauty with words got through to me and kept me going.

Justine's Thoughts: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Time Traveler’s Wife

By Audrey Niffenegger

Pages:

518

Book Description:

When Henry meets Clare, he is twenty-eight and she is twenty. Henry has never met Clare before; Clare has known Henry since she was six. Impossible but true, because Henry finds himself periodically displaced in time, pulled to moments of emotional gravity from his life, past and future. Henry and Clare’s attempts to live normal lives are threatened by a force they can neither prevent nor control, making their passionate love story intensely moving and entirely unforgettable. The Time Traveler’s Wife is a story of fate, hope and belief, and more than that, it’s about the power of love to endure beyond the bounds of time.

A quote:

Love the world and yourself in it, move through it as though it offers no resistance, as though the world is your natural element.

Any thoughts:

The Time Traveler’s Wife is such a wonderful work of art, casted through words that bring a sense of awe, beauty, and wonder. Everything about it felt artistic and poetic to me, as though I was reading something that came out of a picture.

The writing matched the age of the narrator, whether it was Clare or Henry, and each came with their own voice. For example, when Clare was around the age of eight she would ramble on and on in one very long sentence, and when Clare was thirteen her sentences would improve but then she would write in one enormous, never-ending paragraph. I found that interesting. Also, sometimes, there were inserts of poems, which were amazing and meaningful, and small pieces in a couple of different languages, which I think were French and German (or Latin). Overall, even though I had to get used to the writing in the beginning, I have to say that I really admired it.

Clare and Henry have made it to my top favourite literary couples list. Their love story is one that is unique, yet heartbreaking and full of longing at the same time. Though I didn’t cry when I read the novel, I was bawling at one point in the movie, which I watched first. And I would have to say that this is one of the best books that has turned into a movie. The beginning was very similar to the one in the book, as well as most of the scenes. Only some unimportant ones have been cut and some have changed, which I didn’t mind at all. There also was a bit more maturity (e.g. sex and language) in the book, whereas in the movie, it was safer, for lack of better words.

I’d have to go back to the imagery in the book, though, which I marvelled at and appreciated. Everything is outlined and detailed for the reader to imagine the world Clare and Henry are in as Niffenegger writes it.

Justine's Thoughts: The Twilight Saga - New Moon

It may contain a few spoilers, but if you read it, you'll be safe. Not much is revealed.

Yeah, yeah, here goes another New Moon review. I'm doing this not because everyone else is writing reviews about it, but because I want to look back at my thoughts later in the future, to see what my opinion was when I saw it....just in case I forget. :D

So I just saw it today with my mom, two days after the movie was released. I was not surprised to see many people in the theatre. In fact, the one we were supposed to go to was sold out. Luckily the one after that was only 30 minutes away, so all we had to do was wait. The theatre was full of people of different ages and the ones sitting near us were young children. The girls on the right side of me were in their teen years, which was just great because they reacted how I expected them to react, although it was less worse (thank goodness). The downside was that this one girl sitting nearest to me would often snort (at Edward! I know, right?) and place her legs on the empty seat beside me so it would make this noise that would bug the jitters out of me. Other than that, the rest of the people were actually quiet. O, happy day!

Anyway, onto the movie.

It had me at hello, to say the least. The beginning captured me with the effects so I was already amazed when it started. The landscapes -- fields, Italy, mountains, cliff, etc -- were really breathtaking. I loved the way it was filmed.

One thing I adored the most is that they stayed really true to the book. I was pointing out to myself the parts they got from the book and I found myself cheering! It made me happy, haha. Oh and there were some laugh-out-loud parts, which I thought were fantastic. Charlie continues to make me laugh.

The actors were indeed much better. Even though we get less Edward and more Jacob, I was fine with it. I think I found a new respect for Jacob; I felt really sorry for him at some parts. Taylor Lautner is a growing actor and he is the best Jacob ever. I loved his stunts! And Bella -- wow. You could literally feel the pain she was going through. I think the breathing sounds that she was making helped. You could tell she was hyperventilating and you could feel the emotion. Kristen Stewart is awesome, in my honest opinion. I love her as Bella. And finally, we come to Edward. Sometimes I couldn't comprehend what he was saying (same goes with Bella). All I heard were mumbles (which is why when the DVD is out, I'm going to get it, pronto!). But anyway, the sparkles have improved! And the Volturi scene? Jaw-dropping. There sure is more action in this movie and it was very intense.

Speaking of the Volturi, Dakota Fanning proved me wrong. When I first heard the news that she was going to be Jane, I doubted she could do it. But boy, Dakota Fanning was astonishing! She was fierce and that is just how I imagined Jane would act.

There were also a few scenes in which Victoria appeared. It still is sad to think that Rachelle Lefevre won't be in the next one. That is one of the things I feared most -- character switches in the middle of the movie series. But I hope Bryce Dallas Howard does a good job. I've never seen her act, so I'm not sure what to think yet.

I thought the wolves were pretty cool. Their roars, as they vibrated through the whole theatre, felt real, like you're actually watching them right in front of you. Remember seeing Jacob transform into a wolf in the trailer? Seeing it in the theatre is so much better!

Lastly, the ending. It's a cliffhanger! I saw it coming but I still had my hand up to my mouth in shock. Still, I had mixed feelings about it. I understand why they would do that because it's a movie series and all...but where is the ____ I was looking for?!? Now I'm wondering how Eclipse is going to start off...

Oh curiosity, why dost thou torture me?!

Overall, I enjoyed it fifty times more than Twilight. It really is worth the wait and the money.