Liebster Blog Award! Nominated Again! Aaaa!!!!

I was nominated for a Liebster Blog Award a while ago. And guess what? I was nominated AGAIN!I was nominated by Orisi of Orisi's Blah Blah Blah. Orisi noinated me for this award about two months ago! I'm sorry I'm just getting around to it now! :( Life has been busy busy busy! And this is a fairly involved blog post. But I did get around to it! And life is calming down a bit! :) Check out Orisi's blog! And thank you to Orisi!

The Liebster Blog Award is an award for blogs with fewer than 200 followers. It's a way of showcase these blogs and also discover new blogs!

The rules are: I've have to answer 11 questions, list 11 facts about myself, and then nominate 11 blogs and give 11 questions to answer! So here we go! 

1. Why do you blog?

I have always wanted to be an author. I asked an author I knew through GoodReads if I should have a website and she said that I should and that having a web presence is very important for an author.

2.  If you could become a character in a book for one day, who wouldja be?

I would probably want to be Hermione Granger. I would love to live in the Harry Potter world. And get to hang out with Harry Potter and Ron Weasley and the entire Weasley family. And Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore! I also just love her character. How smart she is and strong aand she even eventually develops some spunk.

3.What is your favourite genre?

I don’t know if I can pick one favorite genre.  I especially like Young Adult, Poetry, Classics, and Memoirs.

4.Spring, Summer, Winter or Autumn?

My favorite season is Spring. Next would be Autumn. Then Summer. And then Winter.

5. Do you have a favourite book? What is it and why?

I have two favorite books. The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. These books have amazing, three dimensional characters. They are both also very intense stories – just in different ways. They both have to do with love, only in different ways.

6.  In your opinion what makes a good book cover?

I think a good book cover will have SOMETHING to do with the story inside of the book. I’m even up for symbolism. I just want it to have something to do with the story.

7. Look one-hundred years in to the future... what does reading look like then?

I really don’t want to think about that. I’m guessing e-readers will practically take over. But I have to keep hope that hardcopy books will still be around!

8. Do you love or loathe movie adaptations of your books?

It really depends on how the director does with the movie. I don’t think there is an y one way about it. I do think the book is always better. But there have been some really good book to movie adaptions.

9. Where is your favourite place to read?

Anywhere I can. :)

10. Where in the world have you visited?

I live in the United States. I've never been out of the country. But I have been to: Michigan, Maryland, Florida, Vermont, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. I think that’s it.

11. If you could explore one culture in the world and ask all the questions and not offend anybody which culture would that be?

I would want to explore Middle Eastern culture. I think they have one of the most misunderstood cultures. Especially after September 11^th. I would want to learn more about their culture.

11 Facts About Me
1. I love nature photography.

2. I started getting into photography my freshmen year of college.

3. I took three art courses my freshmen year of college: Photography, Painting and Photography.

4. I majored in English and Communications in college.

5. I changed my major from Communications to English and Communications my sophomore year of college.

6. I started out as a Psychology minor but added Creative Writing as my second minor when I found out it was available.

7. The Creative Writing courses I've taken are: Poetry Writing, Travel Writing, Fiction Writing, Memoir Writing and one more course over the summer to finish out my second minor that is just called Creative Writing (a combination of Fiction, Poetry and Memoir Writing).

8. I graduated/walked with my class at graduation on May 17th 2013 and my 22nd birthday was on May 18th 2013.

9. The first manuscript I started was called Teen Troubles. I was in 6th grade. I never finished it, but I have the notebook it was written down in and I may go back to it one day.

10. I finished the first draft of my romance novella entitled My Heart is Yours in January and I'm going to start editing it in June.

11. I am insanely ticklish!!!!

Blogs I'm Nominating:
1. Orisi at Orisi's Blah Blah Blah
2. Fatuma at Book Rants
3. Sky at Author Sky Diamond

4. Neriah at Chocolate Coffee Books

5. Rallu at The Daydreamer

6. Mum of Two Girls at Cystinosis – The Story so Far

7. Hannah at Fit Every Day

8. Ana, Cassandra, Kathy and Shannon at So Many Books, So Little Time

9. Jenia at Story For Desert

10. Dana Dane at That Movie Kinda Sucked

11. Fatuma at Life is Funny Except When it’s Not 

Questions For My Tagees:

1. How long have you been blogging?

2.  How did you come up with the name for your blog?

3.  Do you have more than one blog?

4. What are your favorite topics to blog about?

5.  What are some of your favorite blogs to read?

6. What made you decide to start a blog?

7. What is your favorite part about blogging?

8.  What is your least favorite part about blogging?

9. What do you find most difficult about blogging?

10.   Do you think you will be blogging “long term”?

11.   Just for fun: If you were an ice cream flavor what flavor would you be and why? 

So, I am delighted to be nominated again! Thank you again to Orisi! This post is a bit of work but definitely worth it! I apologize for only listing the names of the blogs, but for some reason I'm having issues putting links in my posts. I also apologize for the strange formatting. I don't know what happened. :( I hope you enjoyed this post and go to check out these blogs! 

   <3 Amanda Leigh

The Five Book Series I Would Like To See Made Into Movies!

This is a tag from YouTube. In this tag, people talk about the books they want to see made into movies. I did this video and decided to make a corresponding blog post. When I went to my bookshelf, everything I picked out was a series rather than a stand alone book. For all I know, some of these may already be picked up to eventually be made into movies. So, without further adieu, here are the five book series (in no particular order) I would like to see made into movies!

1. Blue Bloods (Blue Bloods Series) by Melissa De La Cruz

I really enjoy this series. It is definitely a very different twist to the usual Young Adult vampire series. I like Melissa De La Cruz's writing style. I think the characters in this series are very well done as well. My favorite character would have to be Dylan Ward. I would like to see this series made into a movie(s).

2. Marked (House of Night Series) by P. C. Kast and Kristin Kast

To be quite honest, this series has begun to get on my nerves. Particularly the main character. But once I start a series I have to finish it. I don't know why. I just need to know what happens. Even if the series drives me crazy. (So far there is only one exception to this.) Even though this series gets on my nerves, for some reason I'm still curious to see how they would handle making it into a movie(s).

3. Kathleen's Story (Angels in Pink Series) by Lurlene McDaniel

Lurlene McDaniel's subject matter is usually very intense. This series is no exception. These are my favorite books written by her. Her writing style is wonderful. She tackles very intense subjects that are sometimes even considered taboo. I read this series in 12th grade and thought it was wonderful  Warning: it is absolutely a tear jerker! I think these books would make a wonderful movie(s)!

4. Shiver (Wolves of Mercy Falls Series) by Maggie Stiefvater

This is one of my favorite Young Adult series. And after J. K. Rowling and S. E. Hinton, Maggie Stiefvater is my favorite Young Adult author. I think her writing is unique and powerful. I find the characters in this series wonderful. I also like how this is written in multiple points of view. I think this series would be terrific as a movie(s)!

5. Blue is for Nightmares (Blue is for Nightmares Series) by Laurie Faria Stolarz

I read this entire series in 9th grade and I positively loved it!! The main character Stacey practices Wicca. The first book deals with her having premonition type dreams that her best friend is being stalked and it turns out that she really is. There is also friendship and love in the book. There is one love story that I got really into, but the main things I loved were the Wicca, mystery and intrigue. My favorite in this series is Silver is for Secrets! I think someone should pick this up soon! I would absolutely LOVE to see this as a movie(s)!!

So, these are the book series I would like to see made into movies! What about you guys? What books or book series would you like to see made into movies? I would love to know!

<3 Amanda Leigh

Shadow Chaser by Jerel Law ~ Blog Tour!

Again! There is this infuariating white stuff around the text I can't get rid of!!!! Well, I guess it's better than not posting it at all!

Welcome to my stop on the Shadow Chaser blog tour hosted by YA Bound.  Click HERE to see the full blog tour schedule! I am delighted to be a part of the blog tour for Shadow Chaser (Son of Angels: Jonah Stone #3)! The first two books are pictured below:

The book we are talking about today though is...

 

GoodReads Blurb:

Join part angel Jonah Stone as he faces his biggest challenge yet!

Many months have passed since part angel siblings Jonah, Eliza, and Jeremiah Stone began their angelic training. As part angels, or "quarterlings," the siblings joined other children of nephilim to begin honing their special powers.

In this third installment in the Son of Angels series, Jonah's story comes to resemble a modern-day Job as he's faced with trials that affect his health, strength, relationships, and most-prized possessions. As he and the other quarterlings prepare for mid-term exams, their powers are tested once again in the most fierce battle against Abaddon's forces yet. Will Jonah's faith in Elohim continue to persevere as he fights Abaddon in his hardest battle yet?

Parents today are looking for fiction that makes Christianity and the Bible exciting for their kids. This series is the first Christian answer to Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Kane Chronicles, the Secret Series, and other middle-grade series packed with action, adventure, and supernatural fights. But the message is solidly based in Scripture, conveying God is always in control.

Review:

This is a series full of action! I usually don't read middle grade but this series intrigued me. There was not too much abut the series given away but just enough to get me intrigued. I was glad to take part in the blog tour!

Even though these middle schoolers are not "normal" they are very relatable. I think most middle school age children will be able to relate to one of these characters. Whether it be Jonah, Eliza or Jeremiah. Jonah had always felt like he was nothing special. Eliza has always been the smart one. And Jeremiah is always the baby. Children are sure to relate to one of these characters.

This middle grade novel is also more intense than most other middle grade I have read. But not to the point I would caution parents to not let their children read it. It is a good type of intense. It teaches that life is very difficult but does it in a way children can enjoy. It also teaches children about God while doing it in a way they can enjoy. 

If you are religious and want something for your kids to read that is Christian religion based this is the perfect thing! Or if you are a kid that is religious and want to read something to do with religion this is perfect for you if you are a Christian! Even if you aren't a Christian or aren't religious I think this is a great thing to pick up! It is action packed and enjoyable for children! 

I definitely recommend it for middle graders! 3.5 stars!

About Jerel Law:

Jerel Law is a gifted communicator and pastor with seventeen years of full-time ministry experience. He holds his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Tarheels!), and a master of divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Jerel began writing fiction as a way to encourage his children’s faith to come alive. He lives in North Carolina with his family. Spirit Fighter is his first novel.

Definitely check out this series if you haven't already! Links to buy this book are below! So is the link to add to your To Read List on GoodReads!

Thanks for checking out this post! You should definitely check out the books as well!

<3 Amanda Leigh

Must Read Poetry!

Here is a list of what I consider to be Must Read Poetry! Poetry is one of my absolute favorite genres (as I'm sure you know)! I absolutely LOVE it!! So, here is the list:

1. Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is my absolute FAVORITE POET EVER!! Her poetry is so enigmatically beautiful! And it is so mysterious! I love it so much!

2. Collected Poems of Robert Frost
I'm reading this one now. Robert Frost wrote my favorite poem that was included in The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton. "Nothing Gold Can Stay". Robert Frost is a wonderful poet.

3. Howl by Allen Ginsberg
This book has a lot of profanity in it, but I think the poetry is wonderful. If you are 18 or over I think you should definitely read this book.

4. territories of folding by T. C. Tolbert
T. C. Tolbert came to read at a VOX event. They were selling these books. The poetry in it is wonderful. I have a review of this book posted as well.

 

5. All of Mattie J. T. Stepanak's books

These aren't all of his books. These are the ones I have. The poetry is so simple and so beautiful. 

6. Collected Poems of Maya Angelou 
Maya Angelou is someone you simply must have on your shelf! I've read some of the poetry and the image is wonderful and beautiful!

<3 Amanda Leigh

Must Read Plays!

Here is a list of what I consider Must Read Plays! Most of which are by Shakespeare. :) Because I LOVE Shakespeare!!

1. Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Hamlet is an extraordinary play! It is my favorite play of all time and certainly my favorite Shakespeare play! It has so many complexities (even a bit of psychology thrown in there) and the language, of course, is beautiful! The Globe Theatre put on a production of Hamlet on the lawn at Pace! It was incredible! I wrote a review of it for the English Department newsletter. I should post that here. As well as the pictures we took!

2. MacBeth by William Shakespeare
MacBeth is a wonderful play! I loved this play! It is difficult to describe why. Again with the complexities. But yes, it was absolutely wonderful! 

3. All My Sons by Arthur Miller
We read All My Sons in my Introduction to Literature class sophomore year of college. The family dynamics and family secrets in this play were so well done. I really enjoyed this play very much!

4. A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
This is one of Shakespeare's comedies. We read and acted out this play in eighth grade.. I played the fairy queen. And one of the people whose mind gets messed with. The comedy in this play was very funny and very well done!

5. Othello by William Shakespeare
"There's cute jealous and then there's Othello." That's a quote from Gilmore Girls. It clearly gives you the idea that this play is about jealousy  As well as about deception and lies. It really makes one think. It was a great and tragic story!

6. Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
Another one of Shakespeare's comedies. This one is partially about the follies of falling in love and why one should avoid it at all costs. Now, I am all for falling in love, but the behaviors that take place within the characters are often spot on!

7. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare 
Ah, the last story was about how one should avoid falling in love and this one is ALL about love! A forbidden love between two teenagers, Romeo and Juliet. Their romance is forbidden by their families because they have been feuding and don't want their children interacting with each other. But the children meet. It is love at first sight and soon they are madly in love. They will do anything to be together! This is certainly an extremely tragic love story!

These plays are absolutely wonderful and you should definitely give them a read! If you pick just one though, the one I would recommend the most is Hamlet!! It is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE EVER!!!!! 

What are your favorite plays? Are you reading any now? I would LOVE to know!

<3 Amanda Leigh

Must Read Classics!

I have been brainstorming ideas for blog posts. One of the ideas I got from a video that one of my favorite BookTube Channels put up. The BookTube was Chapter Chicks! So this blog post will be about what I think are Must Read Classics. 

1. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Wuthering Heights is one of my all time favorite books! It is absolutely incredible! I heard it described as a tale of "love, madness and obsession." I consider this a completely accurate description. It is the ultimate tragic love story, in my opinion.

2. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
I stayed up reading this book until my father came into my room and took it out of my hands. In response to which I said "No." and grabbed it back from him. The story of the four very different sisters coming of age is beautiful. I always related to Jo the most, because she loves to write and is very hard-headed. 

3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This book provides a great portrait of the rich in America in the 1920s. From the time of the roarin' 20's to when the Great Depression began to take hold of the country. It also has a tragic love story. And the story takes a direction one would never expect.

4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This is a wonderful story about the complexities of America at the present time period. Some important lessons are learned by the children of Atticus Finch. Atticus Finch is also a great character. As is Boo Radley.

5. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
This book started the revolution of the meat packing industry in America. It revealed what really went on in the factories. And what made it's way into the meat. As well as the awful treatment of the people who worked there. There are some extremely gruesome scenes in this novel. So if you do not have a strong stomach, this may not be the classic for you. Although I believe it is a very important one.

6. A Thousand and One Nights by Anonymous
I very much enjoyed the story of A Thousand and One Nights. Sherizhad was very clever in the story. The stories she told throughout the story were also very good. (I hope that sentence makes sense...) This is definitely the oldest classic on this list. It is also definitely recommended.

Three Classics I Can't Wait To Read:
1. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
2. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
3. The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank

What about you? What are your some of your favorite classics? Which classics are you going to read next? I'd love to know!

<3 Amanda Leigh

Book Review: Blue Bloods: The Graphic Novel (Blue Bloods: The Graphic Novel #1)

Title: Blue Bloods: The Graphic Novel (Blue Bloods: The Graphic Novel #1)
Author: story by: Melissa De La Cruz adapted by: Robert Venditti art by: Alina Urosuv
Release Date: January 15th 2013
Published By: Hyperion
Page Amount: 112 pages, paperback

Goodreads Blurb:

For this group of gorgeous teens, New York is all about parties, fashion...and blood. 

Schuyler Van Alen is a loner and happy that way. But when she turns fifteen, her life dramatically changes. A mosaic of blue veins appears on her arms, and she begins to have memories of another time and place. When a classmate is found dead at a nightclub, the mystery deepens. Most surprising of all, Jack Force, the hottest boy in school, starts showing a sudden interest in her. 

Schuyler wants answers, but is she prepared to learn the truth...especially when she discovers her part in it?

The sexy and secretive world of the Blue Bloods comes to life in this stunning graphic novel adaptation of Book One of Melissa de la Cruz's best-selling series.

Review:

I love graphic novels! They are a great way to combine my love of reading and my love of art into one neat package!

I have been a fan and a follower of Melissa de La Cruz's Blue Bloods series since my freshman year of college about 4 years ago. I like the spin she puts on the world of vampires. My favorite character in the series is Dylan Ward. So when I saw that there was a graphic novel I knew I HAD to get it!
(If you would like me to, I can do a series review when I finish this series.)

I thought the artwork in this graphic novel was absolutely beautiful! The artwork was in full color. Most of the characters were how I pictured them. Schuyler Van Allen the most so. I pictured Bliss a bit differently. I thought she was just a bit too thin. And I remember in the description of her little sister, Jordan, it said that she was a bit heavy. The girl in the graphic novel did not show any sign of chubbiness or baby fat. Jack Force is pretty much how I pictured him. 

The story was fairly well adapted. You get the overall gist of it. If you are someone who hasn't read the novels and only chooses to read the graphic novels you may be slightly wanting for more answers.  If you have read the novels though then this is a great companion to go along with them! And as I said, the artwork really is beautiful. I do recommend this one. I give this 3.75 stars!

<3 Amanda Leigh