Heather Reviews: First Aid Kit.

Don't be confused, I'm talking about a band here! First Aid Kit is a sister duo from Sweden and I'm here to review their most recent album. The album is called "The Lion's Roar" and is jam packed with folk inspired songs. I think this band is very similar to Mumford and Sons, only female.

Some of the songs are very catchy and easy to listen to, but some of them hit very close to me. "New years eve" is a song that really hits my heart, and I really love it. The title song "The Lion's Roar" is a brilliant mixture of lyrics, voice and instruments. Imagine my surprise when I was listening to this cd, and all the sudden the singer from my favourite band started to flow through my speakers. Conor Oberst from Bright Eyes ( amazing band, check them out), makes an appearance in the song " King of Everything". This song is very similar to the music Bright Eyes had on their "I'm Wide awake, It's morning" album.

Overall, I really enjoy the album. The only downside to this album is probably how badly I've been over playing it. I'll probably be annoyed with it in a few months, but that's why they should put out another cd! I would give this album a 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's definitely one of my favourite albums. I'm so glad I randomly stumbled upon this band!

Songs to listen to: in the hearts of men, new years eve, the lion's roar, I found a way.

Sounds like: Mumford and Sons, Bright eyes, Tegan and Sara.

Do I recommend it? YES

Until next time,
Heather

Things I Loved This Month - Shannon's Book Edition

While going to university it seems as if all I've read lately are textbooks, however there were a few exceptions this month!

 For Christmas I received a ton of books, because I'm a giant nerd and love that shit. One of them was 'The Help'. The Help by Kathryn Stockett quickly became one of my favourite books. I do have to admit that I watched the movie before the book -  typically I am the girl in the movie ruining the ending for everyone having previously read the novel - and surprisingly I believe that the movie did the book justice! So if you aren't a big reader (get off this blog...?) check out the movie! The message sent is wonderful and is an incredible portrayal of the hardships that African Americans have had to deal with. Several of the stories told by maids in the book were utterly shocking, however I believe I truly loved the book because it also told the happy, loving stories. I was amazed to find out this was Stockett's first book and I'm looking forward to seeing more from her in the future.

House Rules by Jodi Picoult is another incredible book that I read in January. Before I say anything about this book, I have to admit I am completely biased because my overall love for this author is ridiculous. Her way to show different sides of very controversial matters is incredible. I love this book especially because it is about a boy with autism; how it effects the family as a whole, and even how it effects society. It was interesting because not only was it a very intriguing story - I finished the 544 page book in one day - it was also very informing. I picked up so much knowledge about autism without even realizing it! I especially love her books because she consults experts on the subjects she dives into, so everything is factual and realistic. If you ever see any book by her, pick it up, because I guarantee it will amaze you.

I re-read one of my favourite books Just Listen by Sarah Dessen this month because I couldn't resist. This book shows how music really can change a persons life. I am the girl who the teacher asks to take her headphones out in class, and I truly found this book touched people who have a similar love for music. The characters that Sarah Dessen develops in all of her books are so complex, yet at the same time easy to relate to. There is something in this book for everyone. This is a great, must read book.

I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Tucker Max is the perfect road-trip, reading on the beach book. How did a 18 year old girl get her hands on this? My boyfriend may have suggested it. So if you're ever looking for a good gift - buy your guy a Tucker Max book! It is filled with entertaining as hell stories about a guy who will do anything for alcohol and girls; yet as vapid as it may sound he is extremely intelligent. He has a way of writing that makes these funny stories even more entertaining. If you're looking for something that is intellectually stimulating, look elsewhere. But if you need something to keep you entertained on a long drive, this is perfect!

That's all I've read this month...so far! 

Heather Reviews: Harry Potter Film Wizardry

Hello Guys! I'm here with a review to get you by! The January favourites will be coming still, I just really wanted to post a review. If you don't know me, I do have another blog. You can find it under the "Meet Heather" section. On my personal blog I did talk about this book a little bit, and how I got it. So I do think reading that post is informational, I'm not just trying to get views I pinky swear. Enough about that, here's what I thought about the book.





Let's just get one thing out of the way, I am the biggest Harry Potter nerd known to mankind. So this book already made me happy. I got it in the mail today, and haven't read every single page yet, but I already love it. The book is a beautiful hard cover, with beautifully coloured pages. It's jammed packed with Harry Potter facts galore. The Harry Potter fan's dream.

Not only is it filled with facts, but also trinkets. I took a picture with a few of them in it. I don't know if I want to give them all away because I had no idea any of those things were in the book. I was so surprised and excited. Anyhow here's what was inside: a Yule Ball program, maurauder's map, Harry's Hogwarts acceptance letter, Ministry of Magic I.D badge, Umbridge's Proclamations, a potions textbook cover with potions stickers inside, quidditch world cup program, and the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes catalogue. so. freaking. cool. Am I right?




I'd have to say the only downside to this book is when you take the trinkets out of the book, it rips the pages just a little bit. It makes me cringe. I'm on of those people who could never bring myself to rip or harm a book.

Another thing that could turn a person off from it would be the price, but if you look on my blog you will see the story of how I got it pretty cheap. It definitely is worth the price, I just think that spending 40+ dollars on a book is a little steep for some people.


In summary, this book is amazing. I think you have to be a Harry Potter fan to truly enjoy it, but people interested in film production would also like it. I personally give it 4.5 stars, 5 if the pages didn't rip!

Thanks for reading guys!! See you next post <3

-Heather

Things I Loved This Month: January 2012 [books edition]

In a mere couple of days, January 2012 will have come and gone. Crazy right? Is it just me, or did this month pass insanely fast? Time flies when you're having fun right? So here it is, my first ever monthly favourites!

Books:

So I'm ashamed to say it, but I didn't read a lot this month. I do have a lot of books to read though! Here are the books I enjoyed this month.

- Ruthless by Sara Shepard. Okay, so the Pretty Little Liars Series is getting old. There are almost a bajillion books, and some how this story has managed to continue. These books are a guilty pleasure without a doubt. Light and easy reads with interesting plot lines that keep you involved in the story. I would suggest them, If you have time to read them all. I'm not a fan of the tv show though.

- It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini. I reviewed this book already, but I REALLY enjoyed it. In a way, it gave me a different view on mental illness for sure. READ THIS BOOK.

-Bossypants by Tina Fey. I have read this book before, so this was my second time. The first time, I thought it was alright. I adore Tina Fey, and I think I really expected a lot from it. It was so hyped up as this hilarious book. I did enjoy it as I read it, it just wasn't the laughing fest I had hoped for. I have read it again since, and I enjoyed it a lot more. Being a fan of SNL, Mean Girls and 30 Rock; I enjoyed hearing things from Tina. If you love Tina Fey and her humor, read this book!

Okay, so That is my book section for this month, I'll be posting more favourites soon! Maybe I'll convince Shannon to as well!

-Heather

Is "It's Kind of a Funny Story" really a funny story?

It's Kind of a Funny Story is a novel written by Ned Vezzini. It is the story of Craig Gilner, his young battle against depression, and his short stay on the adult psychiatric ward. Craig lives in New York city, goes to an elite school that he worked his butt off to get into, and suffers from depression.

The thing about this book is whenever you tell someone what it is abut, the just kind of stare at you blankly. Most people hear "teen dealing with depression" and automatically things get awkward.

However, this book is nothing close to depressing. I'm not going to give away much of the plot because I would recommend this book to everyone (Or at least watch the movie, it was well done).  The book was very entertaining, and fairly easy to read and get into. Usually I can tell if i'm going to like the book from the first chapter, i knew I liked this book just a few pages in. 

For a book about depression, it was very uplifting and light. I think the story was interesting because I feel like everyone can relate to the people in the Psych ward. Whether you're Craig, a young man who feels the weight of the world. Or maybe Noelle, a young girl who's sick of the pressures to be beautiful. The characters were well written.

For a book written about depression, it IS kind of a funny story. It was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. I feel like teen depression and teen suicide are kind of taboo'ed subjects in our society, and this book breaks the ice. Teen depression is real and not just hormones. It is interesting to the this world that many of us probably haven't seen, the inside of the psych ward. 

Overall, I recommend this book. Go read it! 

-Heather

memorable quotes:

“See, when you mess something up, you learn for the next time. It's when people compliment you that you're in trouble. That means they expect you to keep it up.” - Craig Gilner

“you have to be the prude or the slut, and if you pick one, other people hate you for it, and you can’t trust anyone anymore, because they’re all after the same thing, and you see that you can never go back to how was before…” - Noelle

 "What's a triumph is that you woke up this morning and decided to LIVE. THAT'S a triumph. that's what you did today." - Mrs. Gilner

“This was all an excuse, I think. I was doing fine. I had a 93 average and I was holding my head above water. I had good friends and a loving family. And because I needed to be the center of attention, because I needed something more, I ended up here, wallowing in myself, trying to convince everybody around me that I have some kind of. . . disease. I don’t have any disease. I keep pacing. Depression isn’t a disease. It’s a pretext for being a prima donna. Everybody knows that. My friends know it; my principal knows it. The sweating has started again. I can feel the Cycling roaring up in my brain. I haven’t done anything right. What have I done, made a bunch of little pictures? ” - Craig Gilner.

One Tree Hill

If you haven't heard of this show, you must be living underground. This show starts off following the lives of teenagers as they struggle to become all that they are meant to be while under different pressures. The aspect of playing basketball is such a large role throughout the show. This is an amazing way to convince your boyfriend to watch it with you : "come on, babe! it's filled with basketball!" and if that doesn't work, it is also filled with tons of hot girls. While one would assume the typical audience for a tv drama would be mainly girls, many guys become intrigued by the plot (while initially staring at the girls or wishing they had that basketball talent). The audience range is wide as there are several subplots which appeal to different ages and genders. 
The first four seasons take place in high school. These are the best seasons, in my opinion. The work that goes into each episode - the song choices, the perfect lines, the plot - is incredible and can leave any person with the up most respect for the talent and effort that has gone into this show. The music in this show is incredible, and if you take the time to listen to the artists that are mentioned and that are in the background music, you are opening your eyes to a variety of incredibly talented artists (such as Kate Voegele, Wakey!Wakey!, Jack's Mannequin, The Wreckers, Mozella, Finch, and many more).The struggles that these characters face are ones that are easy to relate to. If you're looking for an escape from a painful reality, watching these characters struggle definitely takes your mind off of it. Different struggles such as losing a parent, losing a boyfriend, losing your best friend, losing your identity, substance abuse, depression, sexual orientation, and many more topics are thoroughly discussed as characters are developed. However, after the first four seasons, the show becomes somewhat repetitive and disappointing as several of the main characters leave the show. But regardless of which season you watch, this show will make you feel less alone. It makes you realize that there are others out there fighting the same battle that you are. Seeing others fight these battles and win (or learn from losing) allows us to hope for more for ourselves.

Favourite clips:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJwkarPQJl8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nd2iIY1CNU&feature=related

Favourite quotes:

"You don't get to have me, not my body, and sure as hell not my heart." - Brooke Davis

"The bad guys lie to get in your bed, the good guys lie to get in your heart." - Brooke Davis

"Losing your hearts desire is tragic. But gaining your heart's desire is all that you can hope for. And if having that is tragic, than give me tragedy. Because I wouldn't give it back for the world." - Peyton Sawyer


Now go watch it :)
- Shannon

hello and welcome

Hello internet! Here's the deal, we probably have no followers at the time I'm posting this. But thats okay. This post is going up so that the future viewers of this blog will know what it is. I'm Heather, nice to meet you all. My friend Shannon ( you'll meet her later) and I have started this blog because we realized something the other day. The two of us talk about movies, books and tv shows. A LOT. We also really like writing. We're super cool too, okay... that one may be a slight exaggeration. On this blog we will be posting a new review 1-3 times a week, depending on our free time. I'm thinking posting days will usually be Tuesdays and thursdays. this does not count as a post by the way! We will post Movie reviews of both old and new movies, book reviews, and t.v shows, especially pilots and finales. I hope you guys are excited!!!!We sure are! - Heather