Book Review Saturday! February 6, 2010

So this Saturday I bring to you a book that I had been wanting to read since I saw it on the new sellers list on the Barnes and Noble website. If you haven’t noticed I have a thing for werewolves, vampires, fairies, fallen angels, ghosts, and anything supernatural that these wonderful authors now days include into the world of young adult romance. This book in particular is about a fallen angel.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick is an amazing story about a fallen angel named Patch and a girl named Nora. Nora isn’t really the average high school girl; she is focused on her studies and is pretty much anti-boy (at least in my opinion). Nora ecounters Patch as her Biology partner while studying sexual reproduction in human beings and is immediately drawn to and repelled by Patch. Patch isn’t your average high school senior, he’s confident, mysterious, and hints a bit to the side of danger. Nora isn’t sure what it is about Patch that attracts her to him, but as the book progresses she finds it harder and harder to be away from him. In developing a relationship with Patch, Nora finds out things that she never knew existed in the seemingly ‘normal’ world of Coldwater, Maine that she thought she knew.  Because of Patch, Nora also finds out things about herself that she never knew and even why her father was murdered? Who knew talking to Patch would be the best and worst thing Nora ever did? She didn’t.

 

Sound interesting? Patch sound like the ideal bad boy? Nora sound like a different type of heroine? Give it a read, you won’t regret it. I know I didn’t, I’m thoroughly excited to see what the next book, Crescendo (September 30, 2010) holds for Patch and Nora. Things can only go up from here . . . er, well in Patch’s case anyway.

 

Let me know what you think, should you decide to embark on this read.

 

Follow Becca Fitzpatrick on Twitter @BecFitzpatrick.

New Music Monday!- John Mayer’s ‘Battle Studies’ January 21, 2010

 

I am aware that it is NOT Monday. LOL .

 

I know, I know this CD has been out for awhile now and I believe I got it the week of it`s release. So onto my feelings regarding this CD.

 It’s not often now days that I feel compelled to tell someone that they have to buy an album, but you MUST MUST MUST buy this one. Don’t download it! This is one of the only CDs I own that I like EVERY single track on it. Now, I’ve been a John Mayer fan since I was eleven (since 2001, for those who aren’t math savy); yes Mr. Mayer you are that old since I’m about to graduate college now.

This album encompasses a true passion for music that isn’t often encountered with other artists. I personally have never wanted to dance, sing, & cry to an album, but every track on there is relatable. Everyone has felt the emotions that he is describing in “All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye” or “Heartbreak Warfare.”

Mayer’s upbeat duet with Taylor Swift “Half of My Heart” is one of my personal favs. The beat accompanied with the lyrics, makes this a song that anyone that favors any other genre of music, likeable.

The other tracks on this CD, such as “Assassin,” originally took time to grow on me, but eventually after paying greater attention to the lyrics I found that it was impossible not to like it.

Overall, not exclucding the other amazing tracks on this album, John Mayer has really outdone himself. This album takes me back to the very beginning when I fell in love with John Mayer’s voice and amazing lyrical ability.

If you haven’t purchased this album and are intrested in purchasing it, DO SO; I swear (which I rarely do) you won’t regret it.

Not following John Mayer on Twitter? What are you waiting for follow him @johncmayer

Book Review Saturday! January 16, 2010

It has been an immensely long time, I am aware; unfortunately life has been kicking my butt something serious since the beginning of senior year of college. Things I never thought I’d deal with have occurred, but have no fear while I was gone I was reading.

This Book Review Saturday I’m going to tell you about an awesome book by Maggie Stiefvare called ‘Shiver.’

Now I’m sure everyone is done with the hype over Twilight and vampires, but this book is almost the opposite. ‘Shiver’ is about a young girl named Grace who basically watches after herself. Grace, as well as her friends have an obsession with the wolves that live in the woods behind Grace’s home, one wolf in particular holds her heart. What she discovers about her yellow eyed wolf leads her into a world she never thought existed.

Now that I’ve given you a summary from my perspective; my thoughts on this book are that it is an extraordinary read. I love the idea of shape shifters, obviously I discovered that from reading the Twilight Saga. Sam is the ideal boy/wolf in this story, he is caring, sweet, and mysterious; he’s what any girl would love in a book’s leading male character. Grace is a strong willed girl, that is independent and sure of what she wants  and that includes Sam.

I was glad to discover that this book is apart of a series and the second installment of the book, Linger, is due out on July 20, 2010 .

I’m looking forward to continuing Sam and Grace’s story, so until next time on Book Review Saturday, happy reading.

P.S. – Reading ‘Shiver’? Anticipating ‘Linger’? Follow Maggie Stiefvater on twitter @MStiefvater .

Songs I Can`t Believe I Like . . . September 27, 2009

A few moments ago, I found myself listening to Miley Cyrus – I know . . it doesn`t seem like something that I would post, thus the reason for my new series on here: SONGS I CAN`T BELIEVE I LIKE.

I feel the need to explain myself a smidge, I normally am not a person that listens to pop, but Miley Cyrus’  “Party In The U.S.A” has stolen my ear. Every time I hear it I have sing along and dance to it; I think it takes me back to high school, a happier more care free time. So I am proud of myself for broadening my musical horizon, even if it is only one of her songs. If you’ve NEVER heard it, give a listen below.

What do you think? Think you’ll pass on it? Disagree with me? Or think it’s surprisingly awesome? Let me know in a comment.

Music For The Moment – MJ Mixx! September 12, 2009

While on Facebook today I stumbled across a video that was posted by a friend of mine. It was entitled Michael Jackson Remix and I will admit that I was curious; so I checked it out and I’m glad that I did. The way the fans continue to honor MJ with singing his songs in their own special ways, is amazing! Check this out and let me know what you think.

These guys did an AWESOME job. What’d you think? Comment away!

New Music Monday – The Script/Parachute Concert RECAP! August 17, 2009

Last week Thursday, I had the great pleasure of attending an AMAZING concert for an equally AMAZING band – The Script (with opening act by Parachute). By now may know that I am a HUGE fan of The Script, I think their music is some of the best that is out there now. A few friends and I attended their concert on August 13th at Webster Hall and they gave a great show, full of energy and awesome vocals (then again, can you expect less of their lead singer Danny?)

But let’s start with a newly discovered group; well at least to me they’re new. Parachute is an awesome group that has a lead singer whose vocals remind you of a mixture of Rob Thomas and Adam Levine of Maroon 5; not to mention that he has hair and gestures that are reminiscent of Tyson Ritter of the All-American Rejects. Their music has a variety of instruments incorporated into each song, from the saxophone & keyboard played by Kit, the leader singer plays the tambourine and keyboard, Nate plays the guitar, Alex is the bassist, and Johnny is their out of this world drummer. Their music is upbeat and very catchy, even though I had never heard of them I found myself nodding to their music and saying “Oh I really need to download their CD, pronto.”

Here’s a little more about Parachute:

Mixing full–throttle rock with dollops of blue–eyed soul, vintage R&B and melodic pop radio anthems in–the–making, Parachute has arrived.

The band’s debut Mercury/Island Def Jam Music Group album takes off from the individual members’ shared histories, from “She Is Love,” the ballad torch song and first single, with its Van Morrison–like scatting by lead singer/songwriter/guitarist and piano player Will Anderson, to Nate McFarland’s chiming, The Edge–styled chunks of guitar laced through “Back Again,” “Under Control,” “Ghost,” “Words Meet Heartbeats” and “All That I Am.”

Will has been playing with drummer Johnny Stubblefield, bassist Alex Hargrave and saxophone/keyboardist Kit French since they were high school classmates in Charlottesville almost five years ago. Will met Nate while attending University of Virginia together, and the guitarist joined the band two years ago.

After their set, The Script came out and performed EVERY last song from their album and  a bonus song called “Heroes” ( a David Bowe cover). Although, I had never heard “Heroes” before I believe it should’ve been on the album, the song is awesome and definitely suits their style.

Take a look at what you might`ve missed:

This video isn’t from that day, but you get the gist of it.

The concert experience was awesome, moreso because we were up front, my friends and I got sweated on,  got to talk to The Script’s drummer Glen since he was in front of us and overall just experienced a day full of AMAZING music.

Words Of Encouragement For Your Day August 9, 2009

Today was another one of those days where I’ve had a personal revelation and thought why not look up another awesome quote. Once I read this quote, I immediately thought ‘wow, that’s really deep.’ How often do we really do this?

“When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.”

~ Alexander Graham Bell

So if a situation ever arises and you feel this way, hopefully this quote will come to mind and maybe you’ll react the opposite way. Things may change for the better if you do so.

Music For The Moment – “Midnight Train To Georgia” By Gladys Knight and The Pips August 6, 2009

Earlier today, I was on the phone with my best friend and we had a moment of silence listening to “Midnight Train To Georgia” by Gladys Knight and the Pips, just regaling on how wonderful music used to be. The singing just isn’t the same anymore today and no one even seems to care that a computer generated what we consider good music today. Take a moment to appreciate, what is often forgotten about.

Pure talent, at its best. We don’t see it often anymore.

Just A Little Encouragement For Your Day July 29, 2009

Today, was quite a day for me and I stopped for a moment after those momentary trials had passed and wondered whether someone else is going through something similar to what I’m dealing with. Then I thought of the bible verses I’ve been reading as of late and thought to find a quote of encouragement. Although it is not biblical I feel that it  garners great meaning.

“When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place.”

~ Unknown

 

Just remember that although things seem rocky and uncomfortable now . . eventually comfort is going to come. Nothing worth having is ever easy to aquire.

Hope you have an awesome rest of the day!

Music For The Moment – “Funny The Way It Is” By DMB July 26, 2009

As of late I’ve been really vibing to one particular song and I cannot seem to get tired of it. Wondering what it is? It’s “Funny The Way It Is” by Dave Matthews Band. The message in the lyrics is wonderful. I actually just sit down and shake my head at the things going on in today’s society. Things we don’t even think about, people deal with everyday and we have it all while others don’t. It amazes me how we can forget something like being able to drive somewhere, while others can barely afford bus fair and end up walking to where they have to go. Or how we can eat fast food, while other people can’t even afford dinner for themselves, let alone their own family. Just so many little things mentioned in this song . . . it sheds light on things you never really take time to think about in depth. Anyway, if you haven’t given the song a proper listen . . . do so. NOW!

You’ve got to love DMB . . . what do you think of this song?