Top Five Books of 2012

I read a lot of books this past year. It was great! I'm absolutely sure 2012 is the year I've read the most books. I've read about eleven books this year and I hope to increase that number next year. I'm going to keep a list of all the novels I read in 2013. My goal is to read twenty and when I hit that, fifty.

Here are my Top Five Books I've read in 2012, in order:

1. Choke by Chuck Palahniuk 
2. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson 
3. Lullaby by Chuck Palahniuk 
4. The Hipster Handbook by Robert Lanham
5. Tell-All by Chuck Palahniuk 

Of course I absolutely recommend every single one of these books! Read them in any order you want, just be sure to read them!

Sidenote: 2012 was the year of Chuck Palahniuk.

Choke and Choke

A quote from Choke by Chuck Palahniuk I think sums it up quite nicely is,

"Nothing is as exciting as your fantasy." - Victor Mancini. 

When you read Choke, you'll understand.

Choke by Chuck Palahniuk 

Choke by Chuck Palahniuk was really funny. As soon as it started The details were so vivid I could actually see everything happening. I wasn't confused at all. I don't think I can emphasize how much the detail brought everything to life. This is the most vivid mind imagery I've ever had while reading a book. Maybe it's because I've read so many that now my mind is used to creating an imagine. But I really think it was the style of writing in Choke. The style of writing reminded me of Bret Easton Ellis's tweets on Twitter. Victor has a similar personality to Ellis on Twitter, which is a mixture of complaining, womanizing, scheming and intentionally having the most unpopular opinion so that people will argue with you. Reading Choke was like talking to a friend because of the style of writing. The language and tone were the chillest out of all the Palahniuk novels I've read.

The theme of all parents screw up their kids is prevalent. I love that theme because it's so true and so easy to relate. I also think existentialism is another theme in Choke; Victor is just in a perpetual state of existentialism and it's hilarious. He is living day to day searching for a reason to live and not give up with everything going the opposite ideal. The few things he does to keep him going are even a burden to him.

The last few chapters of Choke were totally Fight Club-esque. I felt that Victor came to a realization just like the narrator of Fight Club did. Some other parts of those last chapters reminded me of Fight Club, but I don't want to spoil anything. The twist in Choke is also unlike any other Palahniuk novel; it's so much better. There's also a hilarious scene towards the end of the book while Victor is pretending to choke.

Choke is absolutely the Palahniuk novel I see most of myself. When I was reading Choke, all I could think was Victor says everything I think. He's my spirit animal. Choke is mostly it's about a relationship between a mother and her baby boy (which I think is one of the strongest relationships  especially if the son is the first or only born). Diary by Chuck Palahniuk is my favorite novel by him, but after reading Choke I think it's taking a seat as second best. I literally cannot say enough great praises about Choke. I most definitely recommend Choke by Chuck Palahniuk. It has to be the best book I've read all 2012.

Choke (2008)

Choke directed by Clark Gregg was funny; I love a good dark comedy. I was really excited/anxious to see how the novel was adapted into a film. Because you can get away with so much more in a novel than in a film and Palahniuk's novels take full advantage of that. I couldn't wait to see what was left out and kept from the book in the film. To my surprise, a lot from the novel was kept in the film. Two scenes I thought would give it a rating of NC-17 were kept and Choke (2008) was only rated R. Amazing. I liked Choke by Chuck Palahniuk better only because the way I pictured the characters was completely different from who they casted. For example, even though Sam Rockwell's acting was more than I could've asked for, I don't think he embodied Victor too well. I just wish the acting of Sam Rockwell and Anjelica Huston was still there just in other actors. Does that make sense?

I don't know what it is, but recently when I watch a film of a book I've read, I just feel like everything is just happening; just scene after scene. So I tried to imagine I hadn't read Choke before watching Choke. It kind of worked, especially when one of the characters was introduced.

The opening scene of Choke completely reminded me of Fight Club (1999). It's quite difficult to talk about Choke the film without giving anything away. I did find it funny and I really appreciated that not much had changed in the adaptation. But the book is far more memorable.

I definitely recommend reading Choke by Chuck Palahniuk before you watch Choke (2008).

Sidenote: There was a connection to Choke by Chuck Palahniuk to the film The Art of Getting By (2011) directed by Gavin Wiesen. The quote in Choke, "We live, we die, and anything else is just delusion." immediately made me think of the quote, "We live alone, We die alone. Everything else is just an illusion." from The Art of Getting By. Choke came out before The Art of Getting By leading me to think that either the writer of The Art of Getting By, Wiesen, read Choke or he just thought of it himself. I just find it so uncanny how similar the quotes were if they just coincidentally happened. Pretty cool if was just a coincidence.

Christmas 2012 Wish List

There's only one week until Christmas! I'm excited to eat, spend the whole day with my family and listen to Christmas music!

This year I only have ONE item on my list. (Crazy, right?!) That one item is: 

 

Grimm's Complete Fairy Tales by The Grimm Brothers 

(Available at Barnes & Nobles)

Recently, I've been watching A LOT of Supernatural (understatement of the year). There was one episode in season three entitled "Bedtime Stories" that caught my attention. It was about fairy tales coming to life. They mentioned how the original fairy tales weren't as sweet as Disney has made them out to be. I thought, Hey, I've never read any of the fairy tales by The Grimm Brothers. And that's when I had the brilliant idea to get this book. I love fairy tales and dark ominous stories so this book is perfect for me!

What's on your Christmas list? 

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

"When you're on a road trip, life is all about the detours..."

I discovered this book because of a post I saw on Tumblr. It was quote from the book. I wanted to know where the quote was from so I Googled it and found Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson. I didn't want to read it at first because within the description it states that Amy finds Roger "unexpectedly cute". That just struck me as odd or a cliché. It's very much implied when it's a story about a boy and a girl that one of them finds the other attractive. Even if they start off hating each other, eventually they fall in love. It's the basis of every love story at least every teen love story. I also didn't want to read it because Amy is entering her senior year of high school and I'm a college sophomore, half way done too. I didn't want to read about someone younger than me. The last reason I was hesitant to read Amy & Roger's Epic Detour was because of the incident in Amy's past that is the reason she's taking a road trip with Roger. Her father dies, prompting her brother to act out and instantly causes her mother to want to move across the country. What a typical story, I thought. I've seen this story so many times and I wasn't convinced that Morgan Matson could write it differently. Also, the title is kind of lame. To me, it sets up the book to be epically excellent and if it's not then what an epic disappointment.

Imagine how surprised I was when  I opened Amy & Roger's Epic Detour and couldn't put it down! It's probably the most engrossing young adult fiction I've read since the Being Nikki series by Meg Cabot. I absolutely loved that Amy and Roger went on a road trip. I want to go on a road trip with my friends; whether it's across the country or just to Texas. Of course my circumstances will be for fun and not move because I lost a parent. I liked that every detour they took was significant to either of them. The detour cities helped the reveal a little bit of their characters. I also loved the music in Roger's playlists. I knew most of the artists, but I also got introduced to new music. I love getting introduced to new music.

At first, Amy is a little too whiny and self loathing to me. I understand why, but I thought it was a bit exaggerated. Amy also seemed a little too clueless. It could be seen as dramatic irony, but it was beating me over the head. However, Amy clearly had the most character development. By the end of the book I think Amy grew up. Now that I think about it, Amy reminded of Devin Brochu's and Rainn Wilson's characters in Hesher (2010). Roger was my favorite character because he is the most intriguing male character in a young adult novel I've read. He was perfect; not only his looks, but his personality and all that he did. All his secrets and baggage weren't laid out for us to see like Amy's. That's always a plus in my book when you keep a little of the character to the character and slowly reveal it to the reader.

From the first page I totally imagined this book as a film. It's totally set up for one. The situation, the characters, the music is already all there. I would love to get the rights and turn it into a feature length teen dramedy. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour is just asking to be turned into an independent film. I wonder if Morgan Matson is making any moves to get this made into a film.

My initial thoughts on Amy & Roger's Epic Detour were completely false. Which is the only thing I could ask. The best thing that could happen to me while reading a book is to have my expectations blown up and find that the book is the complete opposite of what I thought.

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour is a must read! It doesn't start off slow, I got really into it (literally all I wanted to do was read it) and I never wanted it to end. But the way it ended was as perfect as ending could get.

If I were to update my Reread List Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson would definitely be added. 

Young Adult Fiction & Adult Fiction

About a week ago I started to read Hell Week (Maggie Quinn: Girl vs. Evil) by Rosemary Clement-Moore. Almost a month ago I checked it out from the library because I was feeling in the mood to read something supernatural (I mentioned that in a pervious post). Anyway, I started to read it and about five pages in I decided it was absolutely boring and I didn't want to read it anymore. I only kept reading up until about page fifty was because I was waiting to go somewhere and I needed something to do besides drool over my phone. I read Highway to Hell from the Maggie Quinn: Girl vs. Evil series when I was a senior in high school. I don't remember if I liked it or not. All I remember is that I stayed up until it was time to get ready for school finishing it because it was due on that day and I couldn't renew it anymore. That wasn't a very good idea because I was tired all day and I felt miserable. I will forever associate the Maggie Quinn series with that painful memory. That may have played a role in why I didn't want to read Hell Week.

At first I wanted to read Hell Week because I was in the mood to read something supernatural and it's nice to read something other than Chuck Palahniuk novels. But I wanted to read something supernatural themed about four weeks ago and during that time I was reading two Palahniuk novels. So by the time I was ready to start Hell Week I was no longer in the mood to read something supernatural. The next Palahniuk novel I want to read has been in the back of my head for two years now. That's how long I've wanted to read it and I still can't wait to read it.

I think a major reason why Hell Week didn't hold my attention was because it's a young adult novel. Even though the story is about Maggie Quinn, a freshman in college going through Rush week, I felt I am too mature for it. That might sound pretentious or cocky, but I truly believe it. The font was so large, the language too simple. I've been reading Chuck Palahniuk novel after Chuck Palahniuk novel (not to mention Bret Easton Ellis novels) with sophisticated plots and advanced sentence enhancers (big words). I guess I've set myself up to only read novels with intriguing plots and unconventional characters; characters who are further from my age, but I can still relate to them. I feel a little bad starting a novel and not finishing it, but I did that when I first read the Gossip Girl series by Cecily von Ziegesar and a couple years later I was hooked. Maybe that'll happen with Rosemary Clement-Moore's series (I doubt it though).

I say that I'm only going to be reading adult fiction novels, but Meg Cabot's youth novels, the Gossip Girl series, A Series of Unfortunate Events series and more youth fiction will always have a special place in my heart. I'll never not want to read those books. I'm also considering reading the series Hilary Duff wrote. I don't know anything really about the series, literally only that she wrote it, but I imagine it's a young adult series. I love Hilary Duff so I'd read her series no matter how old the character.

One of the reasons I love to read is so I can put myself in someone else's life and lose myself; I can imagine myself as the protagonist or antagonist. Isn't one of the joys in life reading about someone you could be? That's why I like to read books about characters who are older than me. I can imagine myself as them in the future. I'm a future oriented person; I love to dream about the future. And as much as I love to read about characters who are my age just because they're my age, reading about older characters is more appealing because I can look into the future. It's like looking into a crystal ball and I'm a completely different person. I do, however, love to watch films about characters my age and about five years older. Watching a film about an older character is kind of freaky. I view it as that could actually happen to me whereas in a book it's more hypothetical. If you follow my logic, congratulations  You're as peculiar as I am!

Well, those are my thoughts on young adult and adult fiction. I much prefer adult fiction because I'm getting older (shutter) and that section of the library is vast and unending. I could live in that section of the library.

Wicked Twisted Lullaby

"Ever heard of a culling song? It's a lullaby sung in Africa to give a painless death to the old or infirm. The lyrics of a culling song kill, whether spoken or even just thought. You can find one on page Poem and Rhymes from Around the World, an anthology on the shelves of libraries across country. When reporter Carl streator discovers that unsuspecting readers are reading the poem and accidentally killing their children, he begins a desperate cross-country quest to put the culling song to rest and save the nation from certain disaster. Written with a style and imagination that could only come from Chuck Palahniuk, lullaby is the lastest outrage from one of our most exciting writers at work today. "

What a difficult review this is going to be. I'm going to try and not give away any spoilers, but it's going to be hard. This review may seem light compared to my other reviews of Palahniuk novels. It also could be because I was a bit confused by Lullaby, but here goes!

I enjoyed reading Lullaby by Chuck Palahniuk; it brought me back to when I read Diary in high school. Lullaby and Diary are so similar. I wonder what I would've thought if I read them right after each other. The narrator in Lullaby reminded me of the narrator in Diary which I loved. The narrator was unreliable even though we find out the narrator's name is Carl Streator. I really found Diary and Lullaby so similar not just because of the narrators. Also because of the weird events, the situation and the theme. 

Lullaby is the most moral and philosophical Palahniuk novel I've read to date. The narrator can't tell what he actually believes from what he's been told to believe. He's talking about free will. The theme of "free will" plays a major role in Lullaby. The narrator grapples with idea as many of us may have dealt with feelings like that. 

There weren't a lot of things I didn't like about Lullaby. I've gotten a lot of quotes from this novel. One being this quote: The more people die, the more things stay the same. It's kind of a contradiction because people have to die in order to keep the natural balance. But it goes perfectly well with everything that happens in Lullaby. I loved how the narrator is driven throughout the whole story because of one event that happened to him and how it keeps coming up throughout the novel. I liked the idea of him being conflicted about his situation and him being the only one who sees the irony in what they're doing. They way Palahniuk uses colors in this novel is unlike any novel I've read before. The description of how pink hair is or what kind of yellow is a suit was really appealing. The most vivid imagery of colors in a Chuck Palahniuk novel. 

Carl Streator kind of looks like Castiel from Supernatural. If you don't watch the show, read Lullaby then Google Castiel. As for those you who know who Castiel is, just read Lullaby. 

In all of Chuck Palahniuk's novels there's a huge twist that changes the whole novel. However in Lullaby, I think the whole book was the twist. 

Most of Palahniuk's protagonists are sort of Anti Heroes. You're not supposed to feel too bad for them or sympathize with them but by the end of Lullaby, I feel bad for Carl. All he wanted was a "normal" life and now he's stuck in his new life where his old self is a ghost. 

I recommend you read Lullaby! Maybe even read Diary and then Lullaby or Lullaby and then Diary. 

Pygmy by Chuck Palahniuk

""Begins here first account of operative me, agent number 67 on arrival Midwestern American airpot greater _____ area. Flight ______. Date ____. Priority mission top success to complete. Code name: Operation Havoc."

Thus speaks Pygmy, one of a handful of young adults from a totalitarian state sent to the United States, disguised as exchange students, to live with typical American families and blend in, all while planning an unspecified act of massive terrorism. Palahniuk depicts Midwestern life through the eyes of this thoroughly indoctrinated little killer, who hates us with a passion, in this cunning double-edged satire of an American xenophobia that might, in fact, be completely justified. For Pygmy and his fellow operatives are cooking up something big, something awful, that will bring this dumb country and its fat dumb inhabitants to their knees."

It pains me to say this, but Pygmy by Chuck Palahniuk is my least favorite Palahniuk novel (thus far). I never met a Palahniuk novel I didn't like until I opened Pygmy. I thought I actually did like it. The writing style reminded me of the way Annyong from Arrested Development speaks. I found that funny and it helped set the tone of the book. I also liked the names of the "kill moves" Pygmy aka operative Number 67 said during his inner monologues. For example he'd say: "pow-pow, Giant Stork Death Kick, collapse inside of pig dog (number 67's name for his host brother) zygomatic arch (cheekbone), driving bone back direct to spear brain, jab-bloom, dead before make stink breath." He'd say stuff like that in his head imagining ways to kill the people around him. Number 67 doesn't like any Americans. He's on a mission from his country to destroy America.

Then I finished the 'Dispatch Second' aka the second chapter of Pygmy and I had to take a break. The second chapter is super graphic and not what I expected from Mr. Palahniuk. He's written stuff like that before, but the nature of this time did not sit well with me. I couldn't believe what I had just read. At first I didn't really follow it, but certain words gave me clues of what was going on and then I got it. Maybe I was being a little too sensitive about the situation, but I just can't get over that. I will forget it in time, but I just can't believe it. I think that I might've liked Pygmy better if what happened in chapter two didn't get constantly referenced in all the other chapters. I don't think it was relevant to mention more than three times. Sure it played a role in the "twist", but it got mentioned way more times than necessary.

It took me forever to finish Pygmy, mostly because I put it down for two weeks. The plot of Pygmy has such potential and I could tell when it was supposed to be funny, but it was in bad taste for me. I really couldn't wrap my head around the comedy after the second chapter. It sucks because I'm judging the rest of the book based on what happened nineteen pages in, in a two hundred and forty one page novel.  But que sera, sera.

I found it kind of hard to follow Pygmy as well. At first I liked the style of writing, but then I read a whole chapter and I totally missed everything that happened. I only realized I did because they were talking about it in the next chapter.

The end of Pygmy was also so mediocre. Not at all in the style of Chuck Palahniuk. I was really disappointed. I had high hopes for Pygmy and I got shot down so hard.

For the first time ever, I'm not recommending a Palahniuk novel. But if you want to read it to know what I'm so disgusted over, go ahead. Don't say I didn't warn you. 

My Childhood Reading

From a very early age I was getting books read to me and it's no wonder I started reading before kindergarten. It's kind of funny when I look back on it because some days my friends would spend more time with the teacher and I always wondered why. It turned out they didn't know how to read and they needed more time with the teacher to learn. So I overreacted then, in kindergarten, and that trend continues throughout my young adult life. But I digress.

My mom was really into helping my brother and I get to our full potential. Reading is a good way to get there because if you can read, you will always be learning and gaining information. So she read to us all the time. There are bookcases of Marc Brown, Eric Carle, Disney, etc books in my house. I've definitely had them all read to me and on my own I've probably read them all again. Every night before tucking me in, my mom would read a book to me. I remember there was a time in my life when every night my mom would read a mystery Barbie book from this series I got. I loved those books. They're all gone now; my mom gave them away to the kids she teaches. I don't mind because I've outgrown them, but maybe I should've kept them for my daughter. When I outgrew being read to before I go to sleep I started reading on my own. I read the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen mystery series, the Captain Underpants series, Goosebumps, everything. I couldn't get enough.

Recently, my mom told me that my absolute favorite book for her to read to me was Dumbo. Every night that's what she read to me. I don't remember that at all, but it's not surprising because I love Dumbo now. That explains why. She says I loved Dumbo because of his pink ears. I loved pink when I was little. Isn't that cute because I'm not too fond of pink now.

This is my old Dumbo book.

If I had to pick one thing to thank my mom for, besides my life, it'd have to be introducing reading to me at such a young age. I can't imagine where I'd be right now if I didn't read at such an early age. It sounds weird to say because reading doesn't seem like that big of a deal, but it's a big deal to me. I really think reading has shaped me into the person I am today. I think reading and film go hand in hand,  but that's another post in itself.

I think it's really important to read at an early age because it helps with learning and it's fun. I know my kids will definitely be reading everything I read as a kid, especially Captain Underpants.

Upcoming!

Welcome, welcome!

This is going to be another quick post. I'm currently reading a book that I will review next week. But I still wanted to post something this week because I like posting every week.

I had a little bit of a think over. Here are some of the upcoming posts that will be featured on Lectionem Monstrum:

• Christmas 2012 Wish List
• A surprising review of Pygmy by Chuck Palahniuk
• GOOSEBUMPS! 
• Chuck Palahniuk master post
• A look back on my least favorite novel

I hope you're looking forward to reading them as much as I'm looking forward to writing them!

Just Keep Reading! 

A Little Reading Monster. 

Update #4

H E Y

How is everyone?

What are you reading lately?

So.. It distresses me to inform you that I have come at a standstill as to what posts I want to make. I feel that review after review about Chuck Palahniuk novels is rather repetative, but then again I don't know what else to do. I have some drafts I'm waiting to post, but it requires me reading some books I don't really feel like reading at the moment. I have so many excuses, I know. Wanna help me? Do you have suggestions for posts? Or books to read?

I've just requested another Chuck Palahniuk novel and a book from a series I read a couple years ago. I'm feeling a bit in a supernatural mood so maybe this book will be good for that. Other than that I don't have any posts ideas that would allow me to post every week. I like posting every week though. Welp, I suppose everything will work itself out. But your suggestions are still much appreciated.

Email me! lectionemmonstrum@gmail.com

Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk

"Cassie Wright, porn priestess, intends to cap her legendary career by breaking the world record for serial fornication. On camera. With sex hundred men. Snuff unfolds the perspectives of Mr. 72, Mr. 137 and Mr. 600, who await their turn on camera in a very crowded green room. This wild, lethally funny and thoroughly researched novel brings the huge yet underacknowlegded presence of pornograhpy in contemporary life into the realm of literary fiction at last. Who else, but Chuck Palahniuk would dare do such a thing? Who else could do it so well, so unflinchingly and with such an incendiary (you might say) climax?"

(It's a mouth! LOL)

Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk was the perfect book to read on the train. The first day I opened it up, I could feel the guy sitting next to me reading whatever he could see over my shoulder, staring at me giving me a funny look and then go back to reading. Then when this same guy decided his stop was up, he not so smoothly leaned forward as he got up trying to figure what book I was reading. For all those nosy people who lean over to see what you're typing or watching on your phone whilst on public transportation, if you want to freak them out, read Snuff. I thought people were judging me when I read The Hipster Handbook by Robert Lanham in public, but that's nothing compared to reading Snuff in public. But of course that didn't stop me; it only made me want to read it more obnoxiously in public. I found it hilarious that people would think I'm reading a nice, innocent book and that they too can read a nice, innocent book only to be slapped with the fact that Snuff is about a porn star setting a record for serial fornication.

But Snuff isn't just about a veteren porn star trying to set a world record. Cassie Wright has her surface reasons for doing what she's doing, but as you read further into Snuff, you'll find a hidden agenda to this whole story. I thought it was really interesting and really true. I liked how Palahniuk didn't outright use the real meaning of Snuff as the main plot. He had an idea and decided to use something funny to make it seem less heavy of a topic. There were so many twists and turns and things revealed that helped the story it's hard to describe them without giving everything away.

In the description when it says Snuff was thoroughly researched I thought Palahniuk did research on the porn industry because that was what's on the surface. As I read more of Snuff and read all the knowledge bombs he was dropping, I realized he didn't do research on the porn industry. There was a lot of mentions of old Hollywood actors and how they died or what they did for their craft. I'm not going to say who he mentioned or go into specifics, you'll just have to read it yourself! I fully intend to do some research on my own and see how many of those facts are true. But I think they're all true. I think I got smarter reading Snuff. Everything in Snuff was really thought out; there was nothing in Snuff that didn't have a purpose. I love stories like that. Nothing was a placeholder. And on account of there was so much detail in Snuff the fact that everything had a purpose is amazing. I love Palahniuk's spare no detail style of writing.

Being told through different perspectives, Snuff reminded me of The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis. I think stories told from different perspectives allows so much more to happen and it makes the story more intriguing to read. Snuff also reminded me of Diary by Chuck Palahniuk because of the main character and story.

I found Snuff really funny. The porn parodies of big Hollywood films mentioned in the book were hilarious as were the names Sheila called the six hundred men who agreed to be in Cassie Wright's "going out with a bang, record breaking" adult film. Some of the parodies mentioned: The Wizard of Ass, The Twilight Bone and To Drill a Mockingbird. These are probably real adult films, but my curiosity is not so tickled that I Googled to find out. Some of the nicknames Sheila gives the participates were: willy-wankers, palm-pilots and jizz-juicers. Never have I ever laughed so hard at alliteration.

I always think I know what's going on in one of Palahniuk's novels. I keep thinking it until I'm slapped in the face with the truth. Then I'm left surrounded by my exploded brain trying to pick up the pieces. Palahniuk really knows how to lead you on and then tear everything you think down. With no mercy! That was no exception in Snuff.

My favorite character was Mr. 72. He was so naïve and sensitive. Compared to Mr. 137 and Mr. 600, he was the one who I sympathized the most with. Sheila reminded me of Hazie Coogan from Tell-All by Chuck Palahniuk. I don't want to give anything way, but while reading Snuff I felt like Sheila was doing what Hazie did, only twice as fast. To put it simply, I thought Sheila was a shady character.

I really wonder what inspired Palahniuk to do research and write a novel like Snuff. I think it's the most innovative novel I've ever read. I don't think I'll read another novel like it unless I read Snuff again.

I think this would make a great film. I was thinking about how I'd write the screenplay while I read it. Perhaps it's too shameless, but I think done right, Snuff could be a profitable indie film.

I highly recommend Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk if you're looking for a laugh!

Sidenote: I said Snuff twenty-five times in this post (including this time and the title).

What's Next?

I'm not even halfway done with reading all of Mr. Chuck Palahniuk's novels, but being the "Looking forward to the future" type of person that I am, I've been wondering for a while what author I should read next.

There's a bunch of options. Authors I've heard of, authors I've never heard of, books on my To Read List, just pulling a random book off of the library shelf...

What do you reckon I should read next?

I was planning on reading The Harry Potter series or The Sookie Stackhouse series. (Eventually I'll read both.)

I'm also thinking about rereading a book I didn't like the first time I read it..

Your suggestions are always welcome!

What are you currently reading or thinking about reading?

Guilty Pleasure Literature

You know how some people consider watching Jersey Shore or The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills a "guilty pleasure"? I've been wondering, can the same be applied to reading books?

Are there any books or authors you read that you consider a guilty pleasure of yours?

Personally, I'm not ashamed of any book that I read so I don't have any guilty pleasure books. I will occasionally read a book with a strong female lead who has her love interest and whatnot. But I won't try to hide the fact that I'm reading a book like that. Recently I've learned books like that are categorized as "Chick Lit". I've never heard that before. It kind of reminded me of the term "Chick Flicks".

I would consider romance novels as the top guilty pleasure books for anyone. If I had to pick a guilty pleasure book it'd probably be a romance novel. I've never read an actual romance novel before though. They just don't interest me.

Chick lit, romance novel, trashy magazine... What's your poison when it comes to guilty pleasure literature?

Obsession, Deceit, and Really Dark Chocolate x Ski Teal We Drop

I'm taking a quick break from my "Chuck Palahniuk read-athon" to indulge myself in a little lite reading. Much like those nights when you throw caution to the wind, pop in your favorite romantic comedy and shovel that Ben and Jerry's into your mouth like you're filling a grave to hide you guilty pleasure.

I've been reading Kyra Davis novels here and there. I read my first one in eighth grade. I was browsing and just decided to pick it up. I read another book of hers at the end of 2011. I only pick up a Davis novel when I see it. I don't go out of my way to read her novels. Except this time. I really wanted to do another nail polish/book post. I searched all the Palahniuk books I have yet to read, but couldn't find one with cover art that went well with the nail polish I wanted to wear this week. Being the crafty little bugger I am, I thought maybe I should look up some cover art from Kyra Davis. And lo and behold, here I am with another nail polish/currently reading post!

I was really adamant about wearing Ski Teal We Drop from OPI this week and I think Obsession, Deceit, and Really Dark Chocolate by Kyra Davis meshes quite nicely.

Obsession, Deceit, and Really Dark Chocolate is novel #3 in the Sophie Katz Murder Mystery series by Krya Davis. It also happens to be the third Kyra Davis novel I've read. I'm reading the series out of order like I did with Gossip Girl. I don't mind; it's more fun this way! Her style of writing is pretty generic, but I love her use of adjectives, ability to describe certain scenes and the titles of her books are divine!

And of course, who doesn't love a bit of a mystery!

Psst! Check out my first nail polish x book post here.

My Favorite Novel: Chloe Does Yale by Natalie Krinsky

"Chloe Carrington is a typical Yale student, except that along with her coursework she writes the sex column for the campus newspaper. This puts her love life under intense scrutiny, to say the least. Like all her friends, she's hoping to hook up with the right guy, but that proves even more difficult than participating in may notorious Yale traditions, like drinking dollar drafts at Toad's, struggling through financial markets and attending Exotic Erotic, the most entertaining party on campus. Natalie Krinsky's sparkling debut novel is all about what goes on behind those proper ivy-covered walls. And needless to say, it isn't proper at all."

I just finished rereading Chloe Does Yale by Natalie Krinsky and of course I loved it! Although I knew the end before reading the first sentence I was still genuinely surprised. As I read it, I had a different ending in my head which resulted in my being upset at the end. (I wanted it to go a different way, I remember it going a different way, but I digress.) The ending was far from bad. It was ideal; it's where I want to be the summer between my junior and senior year of college.

I first read Chloe Does Yale sophomore year of high school. I picked it randomly off the Young Adult shelf of the public library near my high school. At such a young age Chloe Does Yale was the most shocking "Young Adult" novel I had read. Now, being the jaded nineteen year old I am and having read books from Bret Easton Ellis, Chloe Does Yale is not shocking at all; it's much more interesting. I think it's a great idea to reread novel every few years or so. You'll discover so much. I first read this when I was fifteen. Four years later, I find all the topics relatable and I see so much of my personality in Chloe Carrington. Everything she said, her sarcasm, her awkwardness, it reminded me of myself. I can say that in confidence because I've gotten to know myself better over the past four years. The only difference between Chloe and I (besides the fact that she goes to Yale and writes a sex column) is that she's much more outgoing. I wish I could be as open as she is with strangers, but I usually only act like that around my very close friends. But I really feel, in another universe, I would be am Chloe Carrington. After reading Chloe Does Yale, the first time, I couldn't believe it was put in the Young Adult section and by the looks of it (battered and falling apart) it must have been very popular amongst the youth. (I can't help, but wonder what my Mom would've said if she asked me what I was reading. I once read an adult novel that had "Sex" in the title around her and she wasn't exactly comfortable with it. She was just happy I was reading.)

I applaud Natalie Krinsky's bold move to make a novel revolved around sex, a very sensitive subject in this PC world. When I was younger I loved Chloe Does Yale because it was about sex (I'll admit it), but now I love it (still) because it's about sex and because of Chloe. You see how I've matured. I wish my friends and I talked about sex more, like Chloe and her gang. Chloe is twenty-one, I'm only nineteen. Maybe in a couple of years my friends and I will be comfortable talking about it. I'm the one who makes the awkward sexual jokes and always has to put the sexual spin on any conversation. That's just where my humor lies. It may be vulgar to some people, but my friends tend to think it's funny (sometimes). Natalie Krinsky's writing reminds me of Bret Easton Ellis; blunt and funny. I like how Chloe commented on the conversations she was having. As she's the narrator it's normal, but in Chloe Does Yale, it felt different than other first person novels I've read. I felt like Chloe was retelling her junior year at Yale directly to me. I didn't feel like I was actually reading a book at all, I was hearing a story. When I can connect and engross myself in a novel like that, it's definitely a novel worth sharing and rereading.

Chloe Does Yale made me want to go visit Yale immediately and funny enough when I started reading this my friend was visiting her cousin at Yale that weekend. To this day I have yet to visit Yale and I know no one who goes there so I don't think attending any of the lovely parties Krinsky talks about is in my future.

I'll definitely keep rereading Chloe Does Yale for years to come. The next time I read it may be after I graduate from college. That's going to be interesting to see how much I've changed and if I still relate to Chloe.

I highly recommend Chloe Does Yale by Natalie Krinsky!

Back to School Reading

It's that time again, school is starting! I'm really upset! I had such a spectacular summer and I don't want it to end. But I suppose it's time for me to start a new chapter in my life (pun intended).

Since school is starting, it's time to read one last book of the summer. Even though this summer I read a total of maybe two books (not even a fraction of what I usually read), one more would make my summer complete.

My dilemma comes in what book to read. I have two contenders and as cliché as it may be, they're both have school as the main setting.

Here are my options:

Chloe Does Yale by Natalie Krinksy

OR

How To Be Popular by Meg Cabot

Chloe Does Yale is more appropriate because the main character, Chloe, is in college like me. How To Be Popular deals with Steph Landry, a high schooler. Both are two of my favorite books of all time from two of my favorite authors of all time. (That sentence is just making the decision even harder). I haven't read either in a long time, I'd really like to reread both of them, but which one first?! It's easier to get Chloe Does Yale because I actually own it; I'd have to request How To Be Popular at the library and wait for it to get there. Although both deal with school, they're both on different extremes of school. These novels couldn't be more different from each other, but still so intriguing.  

Which ever I choice, there will be a blog post about it. I'm making my decision soon! Wish me luck!

Update #3

Well this is a bit awkward, no?

Today, while sitting on my bum at work, I realized I missed a week posting on this blog. It's possible that I missed two weeks. I'm actually too afraid to check. Maybe I'll check after I post this.

I just wanted to say that I'm alive and I haven't abandoned this blog. I've just been having so much fun in California (not to brag), I've lost track of time (obviously) and with all that's happened/happening I'm not sure if I can slow down and get back on track anytime soon. I have less than three weeks left here (UPSET) and I really want to enjoy them, go crazy and focus on social interactions. I'm probably never going to see these people again (SADNESS) so I want to enjoy the time I have left (which I actually have yet to do). But I digress.

Regularly scheduled blogging will commence in a couple of weeks, maybe sooner since I just remembered I had this blog...

I'm sorry my Little Reading Monsters!

Just Keep Reading!

Reread

Ever read a book?

Ever read a book and actually love it?

Ever love a book so much that after awhile you want to read it again? And again?

These may be obvious questions, but have you ever asked yourself them?

I have and now I made a list of the "Top Five" books I'm dying to reread.

But this is in no particular order.

The Reread List:

1. How To Be Popular by Meg Cabot
2. Chloe Does Yale by Natalie Krinsky 
3. The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis
4. Diary by Chuck Palahniuk
5. will grayson, will grayson by John Green and David Levithan 

Do you have any books you're dying to reread?

Books into Films

Disclaimer: This post may contain SPOILERS. READ WITH CAUTION.

This could be a whole different blog, so I've decided to narrow it down to a few books into films that I've read and seen. Of course I've seen more, but these are just the ones I picked to talk about. I was quite flustered to write this post because there are so many different books turned films. But I'm sure there are plenty of other blogs, reviews and more about this topic that you can also read as well.

The following is strictly my opinions and should be taken as that, not as facts. This is my take on books and films being an avid reading, film major and future screenwriter.

Where to begin??? I guess first I want to say, I consider it a hobby of mine to read books and then watch their films. Last year I spent it mostly reading books so that I could watch the films after. I do appreciate the different interpretations between books and their film equivalents. Sometimes they get it just right and other times it's a complete miss. Horrendous even. I compare a lot while watching the film. Sometimes that can be a bad thing and sometimes it can be a good thing. It's a good thing for me when the film and book are similar or when I end up loving both versions even when they're different. It's a bad thing when I start pointing out how that wasn't in the book or how they totally skipped this and they changed EVERYTHING. That's when I ruin a good film for myself or I see that the film interpretation wasn't what it could've been.

In no particular order, here are some books I've read and the films they turned into that I watched.

Fight Club: by Chuck Palahnuik was a great book. The film was great too; Edward Norton and Brad Pitt were phenomenal. And David Fincher never fails as a director. But I have to say that Fight Club the book was better because I never saw the ending coming. My mind was B-L-O-W-N at the end of the book. I was so surprised. Although the ending of book and film were somewhat different, I wasn't totally surprised at the ending of the film. It ended with a really nice quote and I wasn't "upset" that things were different. I liked it. Whether you want to read the book first or watch the film is up to you. Either way I think you'll be surprised.

American Psycho: by Bret Easton Ellis was an AMAZING book. It took me about five, six years to read the book though; I ended up seeing the film first, not even knowing it was a book. It was through the power of Tumblr that I found out American Psycho was not only a film, but a book and a book first. The two versions were very much different from each other. There was a lot stuff taken out for the film. I'm guessing because of all the gore, sex and murder. In one scene, Patrick Bateman uses a bottle of hairspray while he's having sex to you know... Needless to say that got cut out. In the book he also kills a lot more animals. Patrick Batmen as a character in the film and book were very similar. The arrogant nature, the attitude, the clothing, lifestyle, very similar. But once again, I have to say I really loved the book better. Mostly because no detail was overlooked. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis is the best American Psycho. Although, hats off to Mary Harron for writing and directing the film version and not holding back so much that it got an NC-17 rating. And Christian Bale, there are no words. You are my favorite actor. I recommend you read the book first.

Less Than Zero: by Bret Easton Ellis was another amazing book. The film on the other hand was not so amazing. They (the production studio) very much rushed the production of this film because of the raising fame Ellis was getting through this book (as it was his first novel). As a result, to me, the film was alright. Once again book and film were very similar; although things that were unclear to me in the book had some light shed on them in the film. I don't really have a lot to say about this film because I didn't like it. I'm picking the book over the film again because Ellis is an extraordinary writer and the film just could not compare. I'm also going to recommend that you read the book first before seeing the film.

The Informers: by Bret Easton Ellis was confusing and funny as I said before in a previous post. But the film, the film was HORRIBLE. Absolutely horrendous. I feel bad because Ellis wrote it along with Nicholas Jarecki, who I've never heard of before or after The Informers. Maybe it was the director or the writing in conjunction with the horrible acting and actors they picked that made The Informers such a bad film. I followed the connection with the characters a little better than in the book, but there was nothing really holding me down to finish this film except the fact that I never don't finish films, no matter how bad they are. The book and film were very different; there were vampires in the book that got cut out of the film. Probably because even more people wouldn't have seen the film if vampires were in it. I'm picking the book over the film purely because the book was way funnier and the acting SUCKED. I recommend you read the book and skip the film.

The Rules of Attraction: by Bret Easton Ellis is my favorite Ellis novel. The Rules of Attraction directed by Roger Avery was a hit and miss for me. There were times when I really liked how he interpreted the script and how the actors portrayed it. But then, there were times where I thought the acting was so over done and looked so forced and faked. The casting wasn't so accurate for me; the actors alright. They could've spent a little more time thinking about the look of each character. Ian Somerhalder was not a convincing Paul Denton (but ONCE he had a redeeming moment) and Shannyn Sossamon was a bad Lauren Hynde. James Van Der Beek as Sean Bateman was lovely though. I'd love to see who didn't get the role of the main characters (Paul, Lauren and Sean). I think the minor roles were casted perfectly, actually. What I really liked about The Rules of Attraction (2002) was how the different points of view was shown through each character. I loved how it was done in the book and in the film. The technique was just well executed.  For the most part Avery stuck to the book; he only changed Lauren's character mostly. I wasn't too fond of that. My favorite part of the film had to be how they showed the chapter of Victor talking about travelling through Europe. The usage of pictures, time lapses and narration was brillant! Overall, this film could've been better, but the soundtrack is something to write home about. Read the novel first then watch the film.

A Series Of Unfortunate Events: by Lemony Snicket is the greatest book series I've ever had the absolute pleasure to read. The books and film WAY different. I wrote a little bit about my film experience here. This has to be the worst interpretation I've seen of a children's book not counting Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat (2003) because to me that film never even happened. I haven't seen A Series Of Unfortunate Events (2004) in eight years, but still there's a bad taste in my mouth. I hated how the first three books were all compiled into one film so of course vital information had to be cut out or squeezed in. And the way it ended put me off completely. I couldn't believe it! Back then when I saw it, I was so into the film adaptation of books being one in the same. But honestly, I know I just wanted it to be like how the Harry Potter series was presented: One film per book. I'm really glad the film series did not continue. I don't know if I could've bared it. Read the series, then reread the series then tell your friend to read and reread the series with them and then SKIP the film.

Nineteen Eighty-Four: by George Orwell was one of the most intense books I read before I discovered Bret Easton Ellis. On the other hand the film was horrible! There was less action and suspense. I felt like there was no reason for any of the characters to fear the authority like in the novel. I also found everything so obvious. I don't know why. Maybe it was because I read the book or maybe it was because everything was so predictable. I don't think I even realized Nineteen Eighty-Four was a film. I read it because of Tumblr and I think a Google search led me to discover it was turned into a film. And it came out in 1984, how original. I also felt like it had a happy ending where in the book it was a sort of uncomfortable ending. WHATEVER YOU DO, SKIP THIS FILM. Reading the book by George Orwell should be enough.

It's Kind Of A Funny Story: by Ned Vizzini was such a lovely book! I really enjoyed it! It's a must read. I actually liked the characters in the book better than in the film. Craig wasn't as helpless in the novel as he was in the film. The film was pretty good; decent. Despite the fact that a lot of things were changed, It's Kind Of A Funny Story (2010) has a special place in my heart. I loved the cast and the scene when they all sing Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie still gives me chills. Read the book first then watch the film. You'll love both; I haven't met anyone who didn't.

A Clockwork Orange: by Anthony Burgess was an excellent book! I loved the narration and Alex's made up language. Whether the book was better or the film was better, I can't tell. I loved them both! I thought the film had a very good balance of elements from the book and then some new elements. I especially loved the interpretations of the book in the film. It's a pretty intense book (for lack of a better word) and the way the situations were portrayed was well executed. I watched the film first by some random act, then I found out it was a book read it and then ended up watching the film again. The film was a bit more clear than the novel to me; I followed the film a bit better. But both the film and book are perfect. Read and watch both; you won't regret it!

Catch-22: by Joseph Heller took me forever, FOREVER to read, but I finished it and I liked it, even though somethings were unclear. The movie was just as good! I think it was even funnier than the book. I watched the film over a year ago so all the details aren't crystal clear, but I remember either really liking the ending or just it sticking with me because it might have been different than the ending of the novel. Chronologically, somethings happen differently than in the book, but I didn't mind. This is a classic novel and you should read it. But whether you read the book or watch the film first, it won't make much of a difference.

What to Expect When You're Expecting: by Heidi Murkoff I think they're running out of book to turn into films. Skip it. I'm skipping it; mostly because it looks so stupid, but also because I haven't read the book because I have no need to read the book.

The Perks of Being A Wallflower: by Stephen Chobsky is Coming Soon and I'm excited to see what happens! After reading The Perks of Being A Wallflower and talking about it with friends I found out what Aunt Helen really did to Charlie and I'm wondering if they'll keep that in the film. Chobsky wrote and directed the film so we'll see if it comes out excellent, hit/miss or just plain bad. Read the book then go see the film! I anticipate I'll like the book better because I'm not really feeling who they casted. I only like Mae Whitman, Emma Waston and Paul Rudd; everyone else is questionable especially that walking skeleton, Ezra Miller. 

I'm also going to read Choke by Chuck Palahnuik and watch the film.

Sidenote: I heard that The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger couldn't be turned into a film because Salinger had it written in some kind of binding contract that forbade it. I think it was valid until he died, which was two year ago. If this is true, I wouldn't be surprised if someone is now writing that screenplay (I only wish it was me). I only hope that if someone is developing The Catcher in the Rye into a film, they take it in a different direction than the obvious interpretation that everyone has.

With my career I want to adapt novels into films along with making original films. There's just so many books I've read and I visualize them and I think they'd look amazing as a film. Books like Chloe Does Yale by Natalie Krinsky, How To Be Popular and Pants on Fire (both) by Meg Cabot. I aslo wouldn't mind writing my own book and turning that into a film, like Stephen Chobsky or Bret Easton Ellis.

Personally, I want to see Lunar Park by Bret Easton Ellis turned into a really good horror/suspense film.

Update #2

Hello Little Reading Monsters!!!

This is actually the second time I'm writing this post because I don't even know what happend, but all the writing got replaced by the stuff I wrote in the first Update post and I couldn't recover it.

(Do I sound like Lady Gaga? It just occurred to me, right this second that Lady Gaga's fans are called Monsters or Little Monsters. I've had this blog for just about four months and I never realized it before. Did you realize it?)

Greetings from Los Angeles!!! As I write this, I'm currently laying on my bed in my dorm room at UCLA. How exciting, right?!

In the first Update post I mentioned that I'd be heading off to LA soon and posts would be slow. It's only been a week that I've been here and I think I've done pretty well. Granted, I only post once a week and it's only been a week, but still I'm dedicated!!

As I expected, I forgot to pack something. Guess what I forgot to pack, amongst all things!! I forgot to pack books! One book to read on the flight here and one to read on the flight home. I realized on the plane, so I just fell asleep. Which is probably what's going to happen on the flight home. I was kind of upset. I wanted to read the books so that I'd have some books to post about. I still have some posts up my sleeves though.

I have been reading scripts instead of books lately. Actually, one script. It took me four days to read. But I finished reading my first full length, feature film script! I can't really talk about it, so that's all I'm going to say about that. I'm excited to read more scripts as well!!

I'm having tons of fun here in Sunny California. I just wish I had a good book to read while I tan and relax on by the pool or on the beach.

One week down, seven more to go!!!

Are you currently reading something?

Until the next page, Happy Reading!!!

From a Little Reading Monster.

Personal Reading List

You know how you had those 'Summer Reading Lists' in elementary school? And you had to pick three or four books from the list to read? Then when school started you'd be tested on those books?

Well I've decided to take that horrible idea and put a personal spin on it.

Here's my *Personal Reading List*. A list of books I want to read. I won't have to pick three or four because I'm going to read all of them (and enjoy it). And, most importantly, I won't be tested on any of them when school starts!

These are the top three books I really want to read at the moment.

1. Drive by James Sallis
2. Choke by Chuck Palahniuk
3. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski  

Comment with your own Personal Reading List! I'd love to check out some more books!

A Not So "Tell-All" Review

I didn't start Tell-All off right. I started it on the bus whilst being tired on my way to work. I usually don't fall asleep when I'm reading anything, but I succumbed to the temptation and found myself falling asleep. I was still able to finish some of the sentences. No lie, I read a bunch of lines over and over. And at one point I was sitting on the bus, eyes closed with an open book in my lap. Picture that! (LOL) As I procrastinated on, thinking I had enough time to finish before I left for California, I let a week, two weeks pass by without me reading another page. Then I sat down and finished the whole thing in about two hours. It took me far too long to read Tell-All, but I finished it (my second book of Summer 2012, might I add)!!!

Tell-All by Chuck Palahniuk wasn't my favorite Palahniuk novel. Not exactly my favorite, but Tell-All was just my cup of tea because of the theme and focus of the book. It's a satire novel about pop culture, focusing on movie stars. The Old Hollywood theme was right up my alley and I liked that Palaniuk bolded the names of all the old Hollywood stars. It was a bit confusing following the narrator though; there's a lot of layers in Tell-All. She reminded of the unnamed narrator from Diary, the first Palahniuk novel I read. I really liked the writing style of Tell-All because it was a book written like a screenplay, but with all the details of a narrative. The writing style also reminded me of the format of a play. Tell-All also felt similar to the style of writing of Mr. Bret Easton Ellis, my favorite author. So that was another plus. 

I found that Tell-All didn't have that jaw dropping twist that I've come to expect from Chuck. It was a bit predictable by the end. At one point I misread something and thought that was the jaw dropping twist, but that was quickly squashed. It's hard to explain without giving anything way, but I didn't exactly see the ending coming and on the other hand I did sort of see it coming. I'll just say it involves the three main characters: Hazie Coogan, Katherine Kenton and Webster Carlton Westward III. I did, however, like the way Tell-All turned out, I was very satisfied. 

If I read Tell-All in a different state of mind and at a better pace, I might have followed it better. But I got all the jokes, recognized the satire and understood everything that happened. 

There were also some parts of the dialogue that I found hilarious. Page 95 lines 4 and 10 from the bottom and page 96 line 2 from the top, are the first instances of HILARITY. The way Palahniuk describes the "love making" between Kenton and Westward is so eloquent and I've never seen it done like that before, I don't exactly know how to process it, so I laugh. His intention was to probably make people laugh at that part. Mission accomplished. 

I may have contradicted myself a few times in this review, but let it be known that I did like Tell-All by Chuck Palahniuk; it just wasn't my favorite. 

I do recommend Tell-All by Chuck Palahniuk although it's very genre specific. It's probably the simplest Palahniuk novel to follow and that I've read so far. I picked it to read before I left for California because it's only one hundred and seventy-nine pages; a nice, light read. (Not to mention the movie star theme).

I can't wait to read more Palahniuk novels!!!

"Every word he's written about me is a lie, including 'and' and 'the'."

-An Unnamed Source

Starting to "Tell-All"

In an afford not to "Tell-All" (pun!), I've decided to make a quick post about the lastest book I'm reading.  

I've gotten my hands on a copy of Tell-All by Chuck Palahniuk! I can't wait to see what kind of adventure Tell-All will take me on! As of this post, I haven't reached page one hundred yet, but I'm fast approaching it.

What book are you currently reading?


Happy Reading!

A Little Reading Monster.

Rant by Chuck Palahniuk

When I first picked Rant by Chuck Palahniuk to read I had no idea what it was about. Cards on the table here, I picked Rant because I was looking at the cover art for the list of Palahniuk books I have to read to see which one went with my new Essie nail polish. And Rant was the winner!

I was really cautious not to go onto Wikipedia or any other website that came up. I strictly looked at the image section of Google. I'm glad I didn't get any spoilers because I don't think I would've enjoyed Rant as much or had as many conflicting emotions as I have.

So starting to read Rant I had no expectations. None at all, about anything. Fresh eyes, open mind about it. It didn't even occur to me to expect a twist in the plot like Palahniuk is so famous for. So when that twist hit me, sure I recognized it, but DAMN what a zinger!

It's going to be quite a challenge to review this book without giving away too many secrets or anything. I already told you there's a plot twist. I'll try not to spoil anything else for you (if you care about Rant not being spoiled for you as much as I did).

Basically, Rant by Chuck Palahniuk is about Buster "Rant" Casey. It's his (somewhat) life story told by all the people he interacted with and who they interacted with. And... that's where I'll end that summary because I've already given too much away. I held back here, trust.

I can tell you what I liked and disliked about Rant though, sans the spoilers.

I'll start off with what I liked. I definitely loved Rant because of the plot, the unexpected twist and the characters. My favorite character being Neddy Nelson and before he was introduced, I didn't have one. The plot is very interesting because and despite of the twists and turns it takes; I liked the complexity. The style of writing was another reason why I enjoyed Rant. I've never read a book written in a way that is like a transcript; like a court transcript or something. Only the characters are being interviewed. A page before the actual story starts, Palahniuk lists a few books that are also written in this style. I'm definitely going to check them out. I learned a lot from reading Rant. Without giving away anything, I learned a lot about [blank], I wrote down a lot of words and the quotes from some of the characters are great. I mostly really liked that Rant made me think. By the end, all I wanted to do was search for answers. Answers about the book, the characters, the plot, all of it. I was confused throughout Rant, but that's just me. I didn't mind being confused because I kept reading and sometimes my confusion got answers and sometimes I just got more questions.

What didn't I like? What made me dislike Rant? I was confused for a lot of the book. And by the end, even though I basically understood what happened, I still had a lot of questions. I personally felt sometimes the paragraphs were hard to follow. There was one chapter when I started off totally following it, but by the second paragraph I was lost and I ended that chapter knowing a little bit less. Then there'd be a chapter where I understood the whole book, everything made sense; I felt like I didn't even have to finish Rant. Then I'd read on to the next chapter and everything I thought I knew was shot to shit. But I suppose that's Palahniuk's lovely charm playing into his novel. (No sarcasm intended.) I could possibly be really stupid as well.

Despite being confused whilst reading Rant, I do completely recommend you read this book. Whether it's because you love Chuck Palahniuk (me), you like to read (me) or you want to get mind-fucked, I recommend Rant. Do not read this if you "need something to do"; it's a pretty complex book and needs your full attention. Trust.

To resolve my confusion, I either should reread Rant or head to the interwebs to find answers. I'm most likely going to do the latter because I feel that if I reread Rant in my still confused state, I'd be even more confused and thus none of my questions would be answered. And that's the opposite of what I want.

??Questions??:

Have you read Rant by Chuck Palahniuk? Were you as confused as I am/was? How'd you get over the confusion? Do you plan on reading Rant after reading this post or are you going to steer clear? (I say challenge yourself! But that's just me.)

Hey, make my day! Answer my questions (see above), tell me your opinion on Rant and/or this post. Email me at lectionemmonstrum@gmail.com, y'all!

Next, I plan to read Tell-All by Chuck Palahniuk. Look out for a currently reading and review post of Tell-All and a Chuck Palahniuk Master Opinion Post like my Bret Easton Ellis Master Opinion Post.

Sidenote: Rant by Chuck Palahniuk is the first book I've read for Summer 2012!

Update

Hello Reading Monsters!!!

This here is going to be an update on my current situation and the future state of this blog.

I'd first like to say, Thank You!!! to everyone who's read this blog and my different posts. I'm having a lot of fun writing the posts and I hope you're having as much fun reading them! I encourage you to email me at lectionemmonstrum@gmail.com anytime about questions, suggestions, etc on books. I'll answer as quickly and as best as I can!

Meanwhile, I'll be going away for a while. I'm starting a new intership soon, in a different state. My means of getting the books I read is The Public Library. Since I'll be leaving the state (for two months), I won't be able to checkout and read books during that time. I don't know if I'll be able to get a library card in the different state I'll be in and checkout books. I don't even know if I'll be able to read during the two months I'll be away. I plan to take one of the books I own with me to read on the airplane. I might take two, one for going there and one for coming home.

I have a number of posts locked and loaded for the next few weeks (I like to post once a week) and I'm slowly planning what posts I could do for two months so that this blog doesn't go dry and I don't disappoint any avid readers.

I may not be able to post every week whilst I'm away, but I am going to try and post any chance I get. So from June 24th to August 18th expect a sparse amount of posts. I apologize in advance, but fear not! I'm loyal to this blog and damn crafty so I won't neglect it for two months. I'll eventually (soon) come up with a plan. I want to read Tell-All by Chuck Palahniuk next, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to before I leave. Your suggestions would come in handy right out now. Why not tell me what you want to see on this blog. It's as much my blog as it is yours.

Look out for new posts soon and stay with me for the upcoming months!

Don't forget to email me suggestions, questions, recommendations for posts and books!! lectionemmonstrum@gmail.com

Your input is highly valued.

Just keep reading!,

A Little Reading Monster.

Books vs. eBooks

I grew up reading hardcopies of books, so you could say I already have a bias against electronic versions of books. I don't have anything against them or people who prefer eBooks, but personally I love the feel, smell and experience of reading from a hardcopy and holding the actual book. I don't like reading from a computer screen very much; not sure if I can explain why, but I just feel when I read on a screen, it's more likely that I'll read the same line over and over. It's also harder for me to follow along with my finger (something I like to do a lot while reading). Not to mention, I get distracted easier when I read on a computer.

When you have a Kindle, Nook, iPad, etc. I admit it is easier to have multiple books with you at one time. They're also ideal for travelling when you go on extended trips and stuff. But I've just never been into not having a hardcopy of a book. Of course this limits me because I mostly go to library and check out books. I can't take library books with me when I go to another state for more than two weeks or another country, I don't get to keep the book once I finish it and if I don't finish it within the time period of rental, I have to return it and then take it out again. I don't mind this, there are ways of getting around the system. I also don't mind "lugging" around countless books in my bag. I love the weight of a good read.

I don't know much about eBooks or digital copies of novels, but I think you can rent a copy of book on your "tablet"device, right? (Correct me if I'm wrong.) But if you can't and you read a book you don't like, you're stuck with that book. Sure, you can delete it off of your device to make more space for better books, but that's not going to return the $3+ you spent on it. At least with hardcopies of books you can sell them and get some money back or give them away to libraries or friends.

Another reason why I prefer actual books is that I don't think reading on a small screen is going to do good things for my eyes. I already wear glasses (reading glasses, since I was a kid) and squinting at a screen will only make my prescription stronger. With real books, the font is already big enough for my eyes and I don't have to zoom in to get a better look.

You also can't forget about the older sibling of eBooks, Audiobooks. I don't like those either. I probably hate them more than eBooks. Mostly because they put a voice to the characters when you should be able to put your own voice to the characters. It's like when a book is turned into a film, the director is showing their own voice and interpretation. Also with Audiobooks, it's mostly one person doing the voices of many characters. At least in film versions of books, there's a different person for each character. I remember once I was in my friend's car and she was listening to an Audiobook of a book in the A Series of Unfortunate Events series. I think Tim Curry was the person who they decided would be on the Audiobook. Although I like Tim Curry, I didn't want him to read a book to me. I don't why, but even at that early of an age, I didn't feel comfortable hearing someone else's voice read a book to me I was capable of reading to myself. I guess if you think about it, if your parents read to you when you were a kid, like my Mom did, that could technically be your first experience with an Audiobook. But for me, they're two completely different things. When you're younger and people read to you, it's because the easiest way for you to understand is through listening and then you'll be able to read on your own. That's how you learned to talk, isn't it, by listening? Audiobooks just seem to rush through books and you don't get to take the time to absorb every word. At least with eBooks you can turn the pages and read on your own.

I must admit, it might be funny to hear the Audiobook for American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis (if there is one). I'd love to hear what kind of voice they picked for Patrick Bateman.

In the battle between Books and eBooks, I have to side with books. I'm a sucker for a nice, thick hardcopy that I can use, abuse and get attached to.

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

I own and have read every single A Series of Unfortunate Events books by Lemony Snicket. I remember it was the first books I actually really enjoyed reading for fun. And also the first books where I wrote down words I didn't know and then I looked them up.

I first discovered A Series of Unfortunate Events from my elementary school. We would get these Scholastic Book magazine type things where we could order books. God help the kids these days; I doubt schools even do that anymore. Regardless, I ordered my first A Series of Unfortunate Events book (The Bad Beginning) there and kept doing it until I changed schools. My new middle school didn't give out the Scholastic thing. Because of that, I took to Barnes & Noble for my A Series of Unfortunate Events fix. I wanted every book. Not to mention I wanted them all to myself to point where there are two copies of The Wide Window, The Miserable Mill and The Carnivous Carnival in my house. I was so selfish back then I wouldn't let my older brother read my copies of the series. So my mom resorted to buying him his own copies. It's actually the one series we both love. He's read all the Harry Potter books, but doesn't like Harry Potter.

Now, I'm going to try and explain this as best I can. I LOVE the title of every book. Lemony's titles were simple, but packed with symbolism which I loved. I also loved Lemony Snicket's alliteration. I thought that was the coolest thing ever as a kid. And I still do! Alliteration never ceases to put a smile on my face. If my memory serves me, he also did it with some characters in the books. The one that sticks out the most is the triplets young Violet, Klaus and Sunny met at boarding school in The Austere Academy. I think all the triplets' names started with Q's. That blew my mind as a child. I kid you not. Also I liked how he named the characters to fit their personality. Very subtle, very unique.

By far, the saddest book in the series for me is The Slippery Slope. It was all about Sunny. I don't want to give anything away, but it's powerful. A Series of Unfortunate Events was the first series and quite frankly the first books where I read about unhappy endings and children being orphaned. I learned a lot of words, idioms/phrases and life lessons from reading A Series of Unfortunate Events and I'll never forget them. I learned what you really get is more questions than answers and you're as good as you make yourself. I mostly learned that it's real out here in the streets. I hope Snicket didn't write from his own experience because then I'd be totally bummed out.

I've heard of some people rereading the series every year. I wish I had the time for that! I've only read the series once and that was a long time ago; maybe eighth grade. That all has to change.

If I had to pick a favorite book from the series it would have to be... I literally cannot pick one! I've looked them over; at the covers, said the titles out loud, recalled what happened. And I just can't do it. Don't make me pick! Don't make do it! Please! If I had to pick a favorite character, it'd be Violet, while I was reading it, but Klaus now. I absolutely loved Violet as a kid because she was kickass girl! She was smart as all hell and could invent anything. She was MacGyver, but the preteen girl version. Now if I'm honest, Klaus would be my favorite character because he reads a lot and can recall the information at any given moment. I have to say that is me now.

I also went to see the Nickelodeon film of the series with my mommy (!). I didn't like it. I didn't like how they didn't dedicate one film to one book or how they used the ending of the first book to end the whole film. I really didn't like how they barely stuck to the books and shoved the first three books into one film. I came out of the theatre as a ten year old girl like, "WUT? That was the best they could come up with?!" You know how I like to see a difference between book and TV/Film interpretation?  This was not one of those times. And I'm SO glad they did not make more films based on the books. One was enough and enough was too much.

Lemony Snicket is my favorite author from childhood. I have yet to read a series that is as unique and innovative as the A Series of Unfortunate Events series.

If you haven't read this series or even heard of it, shame on you! I hope that rock you're living under is comfortable and don't even bother crawling out of it.

The Master List of A Series of Unfortunate Events Books:

1. The Bad Beginning
2. The Reptile Room
3. The Wide Window
4. The Miserable Mill
5. The Austere Academy
6. The Erstaz Elevator
7. The Vile Village
8. The Hostile Hospital
9. The Carnivorous Carnival
10. The Slippery Slope
11. The Grim Grotto 
12.  The Penultimate Peril
13. The End

Ending with thirteen books in the series, Lemony? I see what you did there.

This post is making me want to drop everything and reread the series! If that actually does happen, I'll definitely make a post comparing reading them then to reading them now. 

Fun in the Gondola x Rant

I thought I'd do a little *Beauty Blogger* type post to change things up a bit and it pay homage to the bloggers who inspired me to start my blog.

I'm obsessed with nail polish, but my collection is tiny compared to other people's I've seen via YouTube.

Anyway, the point of this post is to say that I love a good nail polish to accompany me while I'm reading. Your hands and nails are the tools used while reading a book so why not make them look presentable? I sometimes read line by line with my finger so why not give myself something pretty to look at whilst I absorb these beautiful words?

This week I decided to wear Fun in the Gondola by Essie. It's a subtle guava pink nail polish. I normally don't wear pink nail polish, but this color is so beautiful, so I said, "Hey, why not?" Along with this beautiful nail polish, I'm currently reading Rant by Chuck Palahniuk.  I think they go pretty will together.

Sidenote: There's a possibility I'll do more of these nail polish and books posts. It's a lot of fun!