Weekly Geeks #16- An Interview with Rhinoa

This week’s theme is to pair up with another Weekly Geek and interview each other about a book.

We were paired up with the fabulous Rhinoa and we interviewed her about Wicked by Gregory Maguire

Who was your favorite character in Wicked and why?

That's easy, Elphaba. She was very well written and it's very easy to asssociate with a girl misunderstood because of the way she looks. It is also very easy to empathise with some of her more difficult decisions and it was a fantastic twist on the Wizard of Oz take on the Wicked Witch.

Who would you reccommend Wicked too? Do you think that it's a good book for all audiences?

I would definitely recommend it, but not to children. Since the musical came out I have seen lots of parents buying the novel for their children expecting it to be very similar. The novel is much more difficult with adult themes and content in places. It is also very political througout. This makes it no less appealing, just a slightly different audience.

Is the world that the book takes place different from that of the original Wizard of Oz?

No, it is the same world, just a different perspective. The wizard and wicked witch kind of switch places in terms of good and evil with Glinda the Good being another product of misunderstanding. There are many of the same characters between the novel and the original books by Frank L Baum plus the film, but you see them in a whole different light by the end of the tale.

Have you (or do you want to) see the musical of Wicked? If you have, how does it compare to the book and if you haven't what would you expect from it?

Yes, I have seen the musical about 8/9 times (I lose count) in the West End. The musical is excellent and can be watched without having read the novel. The best way to describe it is by saying it is the Disney's Little Mermaid to Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid. It is the all singing, all dancing version of a serious story made more palatable for a family audience. It also changes the focus of the book from a politcal agenda to looking at the nature of wicked and good.

There's a theme of evil and good. How do you think it affects the reader?

The theme is more evident in the musical, but it definitely makes you question just what is wicked. A lot of it is about perspective. One of the lyrics from the musical is about one man's freedom fighter being another man's terrorist and the story very much looks at this.

And, do you think we should read it? =]

Definitely, it is an excellent book, just be aware of the differences from the more sugary musical version.

It definitely sounds excellent. I shall have to read it soon. Thanks for answering our questions, Rhinoa.

And, Rhinoa interviewed us about one of my favourite books, The Princess Bride.

I have watched the film a few times but somehow never gotten around to reading the book. How does the book compare to the film?

Aagh! To be honest, I watched this movie five years ago and I don't quite remember it. However, I do remember thinking that as books turned into movies go, it was pretty darn good.

Are there any major changes between the two? Anything you wish had been in the film from the novel or vice versa?

Once again, I barely remember it. However, I don't think that there are any major changes. The script was actually written by the author so it stays true to the book.
Oh! But the one thing that it IS missing (but I wouldn't want it to be included-it just wouldn't work) is William Goldman's "abridgement" notes. Those notes make the novel HILARIOUS.

Who was your favourite character and why?

Ooh, that's a tough one. William Goldman has created so many unforgettable characters.(They're just all so unique!) Hmm..I think I'll go with Inigo. I've always felt a little sorry for him, what with his father dead and his entire life spent working towards that one goal. And, I've never been able to scratch that line out of my head (My name is Inigo Montoyo. You killed my father. Prepare to die). (And Wesley is interesting too...who can't admire someone who'd sacrifice so much for lurrvee).

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part? Hmm....I really love the section *spoilers* where Buttercup is kidnapped by the Sicilian trio. And then, the man in black comes to kidnap Buttercup from her kidnappers-and has to go through three obstacles (Inigo, Fezzik and the Sicilian himself) to get to Buttercup. It's very action-y and exciting and we also get to know more about Inigo's and Fezzik's childhood.

How would you describe the novel to someone who is unfamiliar to the story?

It's about a beautiful (but unfortunately, not too bright) girl and a poor but (very) smart guy. Throw in some sword fights, a collection of unforgettable characters, some humour and you got yourself The Princess Bride.

Would you recommend it?

READ IT. READ IT! I think the Princess Bride has something in it for everyone. There's romance, there's action, there's everything, combined to make one incredible book. I've never grown tired of it. There's a reason why this book is still in print more than 30 years after its first publication! And, besides that, I think this also a novel that can be read and enjoyed by people of all ages.

Happy Reading,

The Rabbits

Weekly Geeks #19- Best Books of 2008

This week's Weekly Geeks is to list our favourite books published in '08. We've read a lot of newly published books but the ones below are our favourites.

 Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen I mean, seriously, it's Sarah Dessen. How could it not make it on?

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr is a book both truthful and relatable.

 Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott *shivers* It's completely, completely unforgettable.

On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta 

House of Dance by Beth Kephart. Poetic and beautiful.

Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

And, of course, Paper Towns by John Green. You already know how awesome we think it is. ;)

Take Me There by Susane Colasanti

Three friends in New York City, Rhiannon, Nicole and James have problems. Rhiannon has just been dumped by her boyfriend and desperately wants Steve back. And she can't see what's right in front of her. Nicole's just dumped her own boyfriend and is struggling with an..issue from the past. And Jame, Rhiannon's good friend, wishes that Rhiannon would see him as something more. Take Me There is filled with family drama, relationship troubles and,of course, friendship.

Having read (and loved) When It Happen, I had high expectations. Sadly, I was utterly disappointed.

Firstly, the characters were unrelatable and unlikeable (for me personally). I found Rhiannon's obsession with getting Steve (her ex-boyfriend) to be a bit much[there's a particular scene in the book involving chalk that I'm not too fond of], not to mention her obliviousness about James was..meh.

Nicole was more interesting that Rhiannaon, she had more to her and her storyline was more complex but really...there's only so much you can crap into so few pages. Not to mention, she said "like" a bit too much. I don't say "like" nearly that much. And I say it a fair amount.

Lastly, James's voice was fine. No real problems there. But nor did I absolutely love reading his part.

Seriously, some of the things these characters did in this book was just silly. And not in a good way. I think there was just too much going on at once; it seemed implausible and overly dramatic.

I would have probably liked the book better if it hadn't had so many POV's in it. 3 is a bit much, especially when the book isn't that long. And I really don't like having to read repeats of most of the events 3 times. It's bothersome, especially when the events aren't particularly interesting.

Good things about the book? There ARE some! Colasanti's still pretty good at capturing the teen voice, just this time it was a bit overdone in some areas. Secondary characters like Danny, Nicole's ex-boyfriend, bring something extra into the story. He's not at all a stereotype and I wish we'd seen more about him. Same with the old woman that James was friends with. They'd have made the story more interesting but at least we got a bit of them!

I can't fail this book because I loved Susane Colasanti's When It Happens so much. i do recommend trying Take Me There though [through the library of course. As a hardcover, it's way overpriced]. It's not a horrible book and who knows...it could be your new favorite!

Rating:
Plot: 6/10
Characters:5/10
Readability: 7/10

Overall Rating 6/10

Happy Reading,
Reader Rabbit

Paper Towns by John Green *SQUEEE*

My sister is addicted to chocolate. And, as those of you with chocolate addictions know, there's a certain type of chocolate that really makes you salivate. For my sister, that chocolate is the Bueno. Now, generally, my sister's not picky when it comes to chocolate (people with addictions can't be). She'll take whatever she can get. Mars Bars and Coffee Crisps and Kit-Kat Bars. They're delicious, enough, I suppose, but the taste doesn't last long. Other chocolates like the Bueno (in my sister's case) are heavenly, the chocolate that she searches for in the midst of other chocolates-the one that she always buys again. Books are very much the same. Some books make you laugh or smile but in the end, you forget about them-much like those Mars Bars. Other books-those books that you linger over to make the adventure last longer, those books that you keep reading-those are the Buenos of books. 

Paper Towns easily falls into the second category, the Buenos of books (and , definitely makes it onto our best books of 2008 list-check it out!). It is easily, easily, my favourite of John Green's books.

Margo Roth Spieglman is a girl with guts. The daredevil, the popular one, the...everything. And, for a few years of her life, she was Quentin's or (Q's) best friend. Their friendship survived through mysteries...and dead bodies. But now, years later, in their senior year, it can pretty much be said that he barely knows her. But he does know of her and her crazy adventures. Everyone does.

But Q's life is about to change when Margo crawls through his window with a revenge plan just crazy enough to work and a promise of what may be the best adventure of Q's life. 

The next morning when he comes to school, he expects answers (how will Margo act around him now?) but instead, he is greeted with more questions. Questions that will turn his view of Margo inside out. Questions that will change him forever.

When I finished this book, my first though was I know why there are two covers. My second thought was *insert words not suitable for PG rated blogs* Seriously, this book is my idea of literature heaven.

As you've probably noticed, we are pretty character-driven when it comes to novels.  John Green did an excellent job at fleshing out the characters from Margo to Q to Q's best friends, Ben and Radar. Margo's big personality certainly shines and she is most certainly one of the Most Fascinating Characters that I have read about in any book. Just when you think you have her figured out, John Green throws some new information at you and you realize just how wrong you really were. Both Ben and Radar contribute a lot of humor to the novel and both had some really great moments. Both of them have real flaws and the three best friends don't have an absolutely perfect friendship which really contributes to the believability of the characters.

The writing. Oh, the writing. I have to say, I'm not the type to write in my books but for this one, I may have to make an exception. There were moments in the novel where I felt like taking out a pencil and underlining the sentences because of their sheer brilliance. Just as with his other book, Paper Towns succeeds in being insightful but not boring.

And, did I mention that it's also gut-splitting hilarious?

Because it is.

Have you ever read a wonderful book?

If you haven't, Paper Towns will fix that.

And if you have, tell us what it's called. Then, go and read Paper Towns and be dazzled.

You won't regret it.

And if you do...

Don't tell us, cos we'll have you committed.

Just kidding.

But you know what we mean.

Rating:

Plot: 10/10

Readability: 10/10

Characters: 10/10

Final Rating: 20/10

It's just that awesome.

Happy Reading

RR1 +RR2 (who actually agree, for once!)

(Paper Towns will be released on October 16, 2008!)

Book Blogger Appreciation Week (And a Little Discussion)

So as you all know, it's...Blogger Appreciation Week.

And because my sister and I had the most retarded msn conversation regarding this special week, I'll post it. [Not using our real IM names of course. Stalkers could track us down..no kidding. But anyways, just so you know that I don't appear on msn as Reader Rabbit. I'm not that uncool.

RR2 says:
duude
❇RR1(note my cool❇) says:
yes honey bunch?
RR2says:
we have to do a blog appreciation thing
❇RR1 says:
ok honey bunch
RR2 says:
oookay
❇RR1says:
maybe tomorrow honeybunch
RR2says:
lol
❇RR1 says:
we should post this convo
RR2says:
haha right
RR1 says:
lolowe should
RR1 says:
yepyep
RR1 says:
"Our conversation about Making a list
RR2 says:
ok [by this she means: wtf is wrong with you!]
RR2 says:
*serious face*
RR1:
[It's the physics. I swear]

And now on to our list.

The Ravenous Reader (now on The Chick Manifesto): She rocks. That's why. And she's funny, and smart and she has awesome posts!

Reviewer X: Hello. Have you been on her page? She's truthful, down-to-earth and downright snarky...in a great way. <3

Book Chic: What can I say? He's nice, he has a great page and he's really helpful. WE LOVE YOU BOOK CHIC XOXOXO

Em's Bookshelf: Her reviews are always interesting and I always know what not and what too read. She has never led me astray. Well, not yet, anyway....

(Other people I love. Or we love. Universal LURVE. Are: The Story Siren, Miss Erin, Teen Book Review, The Page Flipper. You. More people. But..anyways.


AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST:

Reader Rabbit [ONE aka ME]: (oo we're sly aren't we). I love myself. I spend hours beautifying myself for the worllllldddd. (That includes, sleeping, waking up 10 minutes before I'm supposed to go to school and not having time to brush my hair...but I always brush my teeth. Whats a good rabbit without teeth?..erm anyways) LOVELOVELOVE. I'm going to show myself some love by doing my homework now. And to anyone we missed out...I probably love you too. I just didn't have time to write you up. You're competing with my Chem lab and boy it's stiff competition...


Scroll down for a review of Anatomy of My Boyfriend!

Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky

High school seniors Dominique and her best friend are determined to make their last year in high school memorable. Dom, whose lifelong dream is to be a doctor, is content with her boring, boy-less life. That is until she and Amy go to a track meet and Dom inadvertently stumbles into track star Wesley. Amy, who knows Wesley, gives Dom his email and from there Dom and Wesley become friends via IM.[ RR1: That really illustrates how technology orientated we've become. Whatever happened to good ol' love notes, eh?]

Quickly after, their relationship progresses from friends to boyfriend/girlfriend to losing their virginity to each other on Prom Night. (The details of Dom and Wesley's encounters are given in detail-this book is definitely NOT for 5 year olds, people who haven't matured yet or are living in lala land...or really just don't enjoy books which contain sexual content) and Dom begins to wear the cheap, plastic ring Wesley gave to her..everywhere.

Dom is sure that she and Wesley will be together forever but after the two separate to go to different colleges in the fall, their feelings begin to change...

Everyone says that this book reminds them of Judy Bloom's Forever. Having not read that book, I can't really make a comparison. But I can say that Anatomy of a Boyfriend is frank, realistic and interesting.


Despite the fact that we have all the facts available to us, people like to hide from them and avoid them. Well thankfully, in Anatomy of a Boyfriend, everything is well-addressed and nothing is avoided. Teenage heartbreak, devastating crushes, sex etc..Snardowsky covers it all. And well too.

Onwards. The characters in the novel are well-fleshed out too. Dom's decisions make sense, despite my urge to shake her senseless at times, and I felt for her when she was hurt and was glad when she was glad.

I would mention Wes and Amy and how I found them to be interesting, developed characters but you should read the book to find out to yourself and basically all the characters in the novel are important and play a needed role. They're no random, useless characters popping in for a cup of tea in this novel.Definete props to Snadowsky for that.

Now onto the plot. It's good. It's entertaining. And you never know, you could enjoy it too. *spoiler*
Okay, now I have to mention I love how at the end of the book Dom wears her expensive grandmother's ring. I just think it's kind of an awesome contrast to the cheap one she wore when she was with Wes and how after she wears this pretty, wonderful ring as she heals from the breakup and becomes her own self. Kind of like a transformation, like she's learned more, grown stronger etc? Or am I just reading too much into it...


Now that that's out of my way, I'll just cut to the chase. I loved this book. And so I'll reccommend it to you.


Rating:
Readability: 10/10
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 9/10

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Happy Reading,
Reader Rabbit

The Holiday

Today we're presenting you with something new.

Something...different.

THE HOLIDAY: A review by THE (tvaddicts) READER RABBITS



There's really nothing better than going on a holiday (we're all feeling it now that summer's alll gone). But a really close second is watching The Holiday.


The holiday introduces the recently single Amanda( Cameron Diaz) and Iris( Kate Winslet) who's spent the past three years pining over her ex-boyfriend, Jasper. In their final bout of desperation to escape, the women participate in a home exchange. Iris leaves her homey Surrey home to go to L.A. and Amanda leaves her luxurious mansion in order to get some rest and relaxation...far far away from her dirty cheating ex.

However, Amanda gets a suprise. Despite Iris's "there are no men in town" promise to Amanda, Iris's inebriated brother, Graham (Jude Law), shows up at Amanda's door. (And you can guess what happens after that. The Holiday is a romantic comedy after all...)

In sunny L.A, Iris manages to befriend a former famous movie writer. (He's old. But it's definetely a "meet cute")Iris also meets Miles, also involved in the movie business as a movie composer. And he isn't old...but he is taken! [Oolala. What shall happen next...you have to watch to find out]

As soon as my youngest sister heard that we wanted to watch the Holiday, she immediately declared that "I will not watch that movie...it has Cameron Diaz in it. And she sucks." Not a very encouraging sign, was it? Well despite that we decided to watch the movie anyways. And halfway in, that same sister was awestruck and said that "I guess she isn't that bad after all. She's actually pretty damn good."

I know. Fainting time people. I have to admit that I also didn't have high expectations from Cameron Diaz. And, in this movie at least, she did a pretty good job. She captured Amanda perfectly and had a completely believable performance.

On to the other female lead, Kate Winslet. She's one of our favorite actresses and she didn't let us down in this movie either. Her portayal of Iris was terrific; you could feel her character's pain and joy throughout the movie. Definetely an A+++ for her.

Jude Law also had a very good performance for his part in the movie. He was amusing to watch and his character was well developed. Last movie I saw him in was Alfie. He lives up to that performance in The Holiday as well.

Eli Wallach brings his character to life. During this movie Arthur Abbot, the famous screenwriter, was my favorite character. He was interesting, lovable and fun to watch on the screen. And his final scene in the movie was heartwarming. Iris and Arthur's storyline in the movie was my favorite and even beat the romantic tale of Amanda and Graham.

Last, but not least, is Jack Black. He's the guy who befriends Iris during her vacation in L.A. and for once he plays a romantic interest. Nothing much to say here. We all know that Jack Black's pretty good, funny and a good actor. Thumbs up here!

But, of course, good actors can only bring so much to the film-what we also wanted (and got) was an excellent screenplay. The movie was funny, the lines were well-written and Amanda's tale was punctuated by her thoughts placing her in a movie tailer..hilarious and what more could we ask for?

Well...just one little thing.

The ending blows.

It was too hasty. Parts of the conflict were not properly resolved.

The ending just left us hanging there, not properly addressing the problem.

I mean, it could be worse. They could all have died in a terrorist attack or something (Yes, I know. Spoiler. But if you thought that was going to happen...sorry to burst your bubble.)

Oh well. What can you really expect from a movie called The Holiday.

I expected a better ending. But everything else was great.

So we recommend this movie to you! And use your imagination to supplement the end.

Rating 7/10 (I would have given it a 9 but then that ending...grrr)

-Happy WATCHING
READER RABBIT 1 AND 2

P.S. What did you guys think of this movie review? Yay or Nay?

Look out!

We've been lagging behind with reviewing lately (I blame school. And Physics.)

Anyways, hopefully we'll get our lazy butts to work and get some reviews out.

Coming up are:

Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky

Must Have Done Something Good by Cheryl Cory

Dream Girl by Lauren Mechling

Savvy Girl by Lynn Messina

Francey by Martin Dubow

and more but I think this list is a pretty good goal for us right now =D

-Happy Reading,

Reader Rabbit

Sucks to Be Me LAUNCH PARTY

You know how much we loved Sucks to Be Me, right? Well, now you can get your hands on it at your local bookstores.

And, to celebrate it's release, Kimberly Pauley is holding a...LAUNCH PARTY, complete with guest authors (such as Lauren Myracle and Tiffany Trent) and prizes. Now, the launch party's already started but it's not too late to go on over there, enter for some prizes or read the Q &A between Kimberly Pauley and other authors.

MADAPPLE: Christina Meldrum

Okay. Before I start up the review I just wanted to let everyone know why we're posting less.

Reason: School. Both my sister and I are in demanding academic programs, hence we get less and less time to read/review...>_< Hopefully as we get back into the swing of things, we'll be able to review more and more. So don't forget to check back here!


Now, on to our feature presentation..MADAPPLE!
Brought up in isolation by her mother, 16 year old Aslaug has been taught the old secrets of herbs and other plants. Unfortunately, despite Asluag's thorough natural education, her communication skills are limited and come to trial when Aslaug's mother dies and Aslaug finds herself living with relatives.

Aslaug's new family challenges all the values that Aslaug was brought up with. Her cousin insists that Aslaug is the product of a virgin birth, another cousin, Rune, tempts Aslaug in a way no other has and Aslaug's aunt may hold the secrets to Aslaug's true identidy...

(and more of course. But really, I don't want to spoil this masterpiece for you)

Anyways, there's really only one thing to say. Madapple is brilliant. The book's beginning is intruiging, starting with a prologue ( 1987) where a woman named Maren is pregnant and yet she's sure that she's never had sex before. Following that scene is one further into the future where Aslaug is being tried for the murder of her mother, cousin and her aunt. Basically, the book is told in alternating chapters which, together, reveal the entire story. Meldrum has written Madapple in such a way to keep the reader guessing until the ending.

The characters in Madapple aren't the type that people can typically relate too. However every single one of them is compelling to read about as Meldrum skillfully developes them.

At this moment I can't remember any qualms I had with Madapple.

Hence... the rating shall be:

5/5

HAPPY READING <3
READER RABBIT

PS: For our Canadian Readers, look on Chapters.ca for our reviews!

Yet Another Contest!

Enna Isilee of Squeaky Books is hosting a contest in honour of her birthday. She'll be giving away at least three prizes a week. More details here.