Review: Robin Hood Shows and Movies

October 1, 2013 by Alyssa

Classics Retold is wrapping up! I had a lot of fun with this project, though I am disappointed that I didn’t get to read and watch as many of the retellings as I had hoped..life got in the way and all that! Today I am going to do some mini reviews of a few Robin Hood movies and the BBC adaptation of Robin Hood.

Robin Hood Prince of Thieves – As I mentioned in a previous post, this is my favorite Robin Hood movie, it actually may be my favorite movie in general. I know that there are so many people who make jests about this film for various reasons, the fact that Kevin Costner couldn’t master the English accent being one of them, but I personally love this romanticized version of my favorite tale. The producers of Prince of Thieves focused more on the relationship between Robin and Marian, the tagline for the film read “For the good of all men, and the love of one woman, he fought to uphold justice by breaking the law,” which really shows the emphasis put on his love for Marian. Kevin Costner is totes handsome, even in Waterworld, and MORGAN FREEMAN plays Azeem, you know Morgan Freeman rules. You guys, I love this movie so much that I can quote every line and play part of “Everything I do” by Bryan Adams on guitar. I love it so much that I bought the extended bluray DVD, and *spoiler alert* it is extra cool because it gives evidence that Mortiana (the witch) is actually the Sherriff of Nottingham’s MOTHER. She kidnapped the son of the last sheriff so she could put her son in the place of power, wed him to a royal, and therefore make it so her line sat on the throne. Super creepy, but you go girl.

Marian: You came for me… You’re alive…

Robin Hood: I would die for you.

Robin Hood: Men in Tights – Who doesn’t love a good Mel Brooks film? Despite the fact that this is almost a direct parody of Prince of Thieves – no really at one point Robin looks at the camera and says “Because, unlike some other Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent,” this movie still makes me laugh out loud. I fell in love with Cary Elwes while watching him play Wesley (obvs), but I will love him forever as Robin. If this hasn’t sold you, it also features a young Dave Chappelle.

Prince John: Such an unusual name. Latrine. How did your family come by it?

Latrine: We changed it in the 9th Century.

Prince John: You changed it to Latrine?

Latrine: Yeah! It used to be Shithouse.

Prince John: It’s a good change…..it’s a good change.

Robin Hood (BBC) – Now, I’ve only seen about half of season one but I am HOOKED. First of all, Robin is a STUD, as are some of his “merry men,” in fact, the actor who plays Viserys in Game of Thrones plays (a brunette) Will Scarlet, and AHEM…RICHARD ARMITAGE IS GUY OF GISBORNE! HELLOOO Thorin Oakenshield!! Second of all, it’s quite funny in that BBC way, you know the kind that makes you chuckle but not quite laugh out loud. Another thing I absolutely adore about this version is that Marian is a BAMF. She knows how to use that bow just as well as Robin does, and she uses her wiles to gain insight as assist Robin and his men. I’ll be honest, this version also has some sad parts and it isn’t presented with the greatest of special effects. Still, it is incredibly entertaining – and it’s on Netflix, so go forth and watch!

Marian: He has to have the glory, doesn’t he?

Much: Glory? Nah. I think he just wants to be loved.

So that wraps up Classics Retold! Please go to the Classics Retold page under Events on the menu up top and look at the wonderful Classics Retold posts written by fellow bloggers!

Review: A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin

September 18, 2013 by Alyssa

Title: A Storm of Swords

Author: George R. R. Martin

Publishing Information: March 4, 2003 by Bantam

Genre: Adult, Epic Fantasy, Adventure

Series information: Book three in A Song of Ice and Fire

Format: Hardcover, 1177 pages

Source: Purchased for my e-Reader

Recommended For: Fans of high fantasy novels and, dragons, layered characters, intrigue, mystery…ALL THINGS REALLY!

Of the five contenders for power, one is dead, another in disfavor, and still the wars rage as violently as ever, as alliances are made and broken. Joffrey, of House Lannister, sits on the Iron Throne, the uneasy ruler of the land of the Seven Kingdoms. His most bitter rival, Lord Stannis, stands defeated and disgraced, the victim of the jealous sorceress who holds him in her evil thrall. But young Robb, of House Stark, still rules the North from the fortress of Riverrun. Robb plots against his despised Lannister enemies, even as they hold his sister hostage at King’s Landing, the seat of the Iron Throne. Meanwhile, making her way across a blood-drenched continent is the exiled queen, Daenerys, mistress of the only three dragons still left in the world. . . .

But as opposing forces maneuver for the final titanic showdown, an army of barbaric wildlings arrives from the outermost line of civilization. In their vanguard is a horde of mythical Others–a supernatural army of the living dead whose animated corpses are unstoppable. As the future of the land hangs in the balance, no one will rest until the Seven Kingdoms have exploded in a veritable storm of swords. . .

This book. Oh, this book. The first thing to be said about this book is that it was long oh, so long…but it was overwhelmingly fantastic and didn’t feel long, isn’t that the best thing ever?! The best thing about this book is that I was NOT prepared for the things that were unfolding because even though I do watch the HBO show, this book was vastly different and so much more in depth it was like a totally new experience reading it. I knew of the BIG THING that happened due to it traumatizing me on the show, but there is so much more to this book and I was so continuously shocked by so many things that I couldn’t put it down.

The one thing that I can say for George R.R. Martin (besides the obvious – don’t get too attached to his characters) is that he has a knack for writing layered characters. Perhaps Gregor Clegane isn’t really two sided but if you didn’t already have a soft spot in your heart for Jaime Lannister prior to reading this book, A Storm of Swords will definitely sway you to feel for him immensely. The reader can also see deeply into characters such as Arya and Jon who try their best to maintain their father’s loyal nature but due to circumstances beyond their control they must do what needs to be done to survive. I wasn’t sure that it was possible, but I love Jon Snow even more after reading A Storm of Swords. Dany is beyond amazing (how is she just 14?!) and I honestly spent so much time fist pumping at her moves. Also The Hound, I love The Hound.

Let’s talk briefly about THE THING (or should I say, THINGS)…I am not going to spoil this for anyone so…well, THINGS, they HAPPEN in this book. They are jaw dropping and heart wrenching, and unbelievable. As I mentioned, I knew about the one BIG THING that was going to go down, but I had no idea that this book included so many other incredible twists and turns. Honestly, the last LINE of the last page in the entire book was mind blowing, that’s how amazing this book was.

I know, I KNOW, this series is HUGE and ominous but I think everyone should give it a go because it is, well, EPIC.

“DRACARYS!”

Book Hoarders Anonymous (7)

September 10, 2013 by Alyssa

This morning I drank a pumpkin spice latte, which means that despite it not being official…to me, AUTUMN IS HERE, BABY!! School is back in session, and the days are getting cooler. Did everyone have a nice summer? It was pretty quiet on the blog because I was enjoying my free time by reading ALL OF THE BOOKS and watching hours upon hours of Arrested Development (SPIIIICY CLUB SAUUUCE) and Doctor Who (it’s Tennant Time and OH BOY DO I LOVE HIM! ❤) So what has been happening? I got some awesome books this summer and it’s Classics Retold time! Let’s take a look!

From the Library:

The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley – Getting ready for Classics Retold!!

Maid Marian by Elsa Watson

The Sandman: Endless Nights by Neil Gaiman – An awesome companion to the series!

From Netgalley/Edelweiss:

Havisham by Ronald Frame – I am *so* excited for this, Miss Havisham’s tale at last!!

The Outcasts by Kathleen Kent – Buried treasure and the old west!

The Woken Gods by Gwenda Bond

Bellman & Black by Diane Setterfield – Methinks this includes Death personified…umm, yes please!

Promise Bound by Anne Greenwood Brown – Book 3 in the Lies Beneath trilogy!

Death Sworn by Leah Cypess – Magic & assassins!

Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

The Grimm Conclusion by Adam Gidwitz

Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd

House of Ivy & Sorrow by Natalie Whipple – Family curses…

Promise of Shadows by Justina Ireland – Harpies!

Bought/Received:

On my monthly Book barn trip I picked up some excellent goodies, pictured above:

An Illustrated Canterbury Tales, Lady Macbeth’s Daughter by Lisa Klein, The Onion Girl by Charles de Lint, Firebird by Mercedes Lackey, Entwined by Heather Dixon, Summer Tree by Guy Gavriel Kay, and The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley.

Other goodies from the summer:

The Wild Girl by Kate Forsyth (Gifted from the most amazing, Amy, from Tripping Over Books)

The History of Hell by Alice Turner

Myths of the Norsemen by Helene Adeline Turner

The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman (audiobook) – Preparing for the upcoming road trip!

What Did You Miss?

I recapped the amazing trip to Book Expo America and that one time that I met Neil Gaiman and didn’t touch his hair…

Brittany from The Book Addict’s Guide and I started a new blog that manages ARC tours and the #LitLush Twitter chat!

I reviewed a few books, my favorites being The Woodcutter by Kate Danley, and Between the Devil and The Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke

What’s to Come?

As mentioned in my Classics Retold post, September is going to be dedicated to all things Robin Hood, though I will be sharing my thoughts on Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein, and book three in A Song of Ice and Fire (It was a doozy, that one!), among others. Stay tuned, we have some great things planned for you for the upcoming months!!

Event Recap: Or, How I Met Neil Gaiman and Didn’t Touch His Hair

August 5, 2013 by Alyssa

So I saw Neil Gaiman this year. Twice. That’s right twice; weeks apart from one another and mostly in promotion for his new book The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I know, it isn’t too crazy when you take into account that I often exclaim “Oh my Gaiman!” in lieu of other Godly beings. It isn’t crazy, no, but it was slightly overwhelming for the senses. In the sense that, though I saw him over a month ago I am just now able to come down and let you all in on my FEELINGS about the whole thing…I will do my best to recap the two events and drop some blurbs here and there from Mr. Gaiman throughout :]

“I wrote this book accidentally. It started because I missed my wife, and I wanted her to see the world through my eyes when I was seven….I don’t do feelings…because I’m English…and I’m male.”

First, there was the event at Book Expo America when I got to listen to him speak about why fiction is dangerous. Without being a bore, let me quickly walk you through it…in a nutshell: my morning was insane. We missed our train and then had PROBLEMS ON THE TRACKS mere weeks after the whole train crash debacle, and I literally RAN into Javits hoping beyond hope that I hadn’t missed my chance to hear Neil speak. My dear friends Heidi and Asheley saved a seat for me and I was so giddy from anticipation that when Neil came out, I cried real tears. The absolute awe I felt was entirely too much to handle. You see, this is the voice that got me through some incredibly rough times. The voice that allowed me to gain enough courage to drive through rush hour for the first time without becoming so frozen with fear that I had to pull over until my panic attack subsided. Reality hit and I became so overwhelmed with gratitude and utter happiness that I couldn’t contain myself.

“Kids don’t need to be told what it’s like to be kids, they’re already there! It’s the adults who forget…”

Some quick things to note about Mr. Gaiman, he is a genius with words, and he is hilarious. Make you laugh out loud, hilarious. For example, when asked if he would ever consider another career, perhaps as a “hot librarian,” he answered that, “Hot librarians are apart from anything else, a very different gender than me…but yeah, the two professions that I fantasized about, that I could actually imagine wanting when I was a kid growing up were an English teacher and a librarian. They were the people that I loved and respected and the things that I was good at…well, I didn’t know that I would be good at being an English teacher or a librarian..BUT…when I was seven, all of my books…alphabetical order. The amount of worry I gave to Roger Lancelyn Green, over whether that man belonged in the L’s or the G’s…WHAT. What are you Roger Lancelyn Green?! Why are you writing these books and tales of the norsemen? Why can’t you just be Roger Green, or Roger Lancelyn, then I would know where to put you. Well, I put him in the L’s, and later discovered I was wrong!”

And then…well…this happened…

and my life was basically made…

“We don’t think of ourselves as names. I don’t walk around saying, oh look at what I am doing in my Neil Gaiman way!”

Then just three weeks later I drove three hours to Saratoga Springs to listen to Neil speak again, and this time I got to meet him. To be honest it is nearly impossible for me to explain what it feels like to meet someone so incredible and important. If you haven’t experienced it, I really can’t put the feeling into words. Basically, I listened to the wonderful man speak about his new book, and he read bits of it to us in which the beau, who drove 3 hours just to watch me react to my favorite author speak, became an instant Neil Gaiman fan. True story – he has gone through my entire Gaiman library at this point and is starting on the audiobooks. Then, and this is the best part, I got to actually meet Neil and tell him how amazing I think he is, TO HIS FACE. As you see in the picture above, there is an ongoing joke between my friend Amy and I that I ~~need~~ want to touch Neil’s hair, and I had every intention of reminding Neil of that tweet and informing him that I am not the kind of gal who just goes around touching people’s hair, but it didn’t all go according to plan..

Looking up and smiling, politely ignoring my flails.

Alyssa waiting in line: *bounces up and down* *makes girly noises*

Alyssa still waiting in line, 3 hours later: “OMG I can see him, he is right there * points * I promise I won’t cry!”

Nice woman assisting Neil with the signing: “You wouldn’t be the first one who has.”

Alyssa approaching an exhausted Neil Gaiman: *in awe* “Hello.”

Neil Gaiman: “Hello, thank you so much for waiting!” *smiles in his Neil Gaiman way*

Alyssa: *stares at Neil Gaiman*

* Neil Gaiman is handed The Sandman: Dream Country to be personalized *

Neil Gaiman: *caresses the page with Puck’s face* “Oh.”

Alyssa: IT’S BECAUSE I LOVE THE CHARACTER OF PUCK. HE IS MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN LITERATURE!! (The beau says I did not yell at Neil Gaiman but in my memory I surely was not using an indoor voice.)

Neil Gaiman: *looks up and smiles* “Thank you so much for saying that, I enjoy him as well!”

Alyssa: *GASP* “Thank you, thank you so much for being you. OMG. Thank you!” *floats out of signing room*

Isn’t it beautiful?

So yeah, overwhelming. He looked so tired and was still so charming and gracious, I could barely handle it. Then I drove the three hours home, while listening to the Evelyn, Evelyn CD we were given at the event, and became an immediate Amanda Palmer fan, so there’s that.

“How many secrets can you keep in your hair, and is that where the metaphors come from?”

“All of them.”

To sum up, go hear Neil Gaiman speak at your earliest opportunity, it is an absolutely fantastic experience that I can hardly put into words. Oh and read ALL THE GAIMAN BOOKS. No, seriously.

Neil Gaiman, I Love You

Review: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Literary Lushes is LIVE!

June 17, 2013 by Alyssa

Remember when I asked you last week about the hypothetical Twitter chats? Well they aren’t hypothetical anymore! Brittany and I have officially launched a new website called Literary Lushes! We will be specializing in ARC tours (yay!) and bi-weekly Twitter chats! We are extremely excited and hope that you will join us. The site is live, so go take a gander and find more info below:

What is Literary Lushes? Literary Lushes is twofold: First is an ARC tour site. After our experience at BEA 2013, we decided that we wanted to be able to share these ARCs with our friends and fellow bloggers but we needed a fair way to do that. We got the idea to organize it into a more casual-type ARC tour site. Secondly, Literary Lushes is a Twitter chat. We will be hosting bi-weeky Twitter chats on Thursdays at 9pm, with the hashtag #LitLush to talk about anything and everything books — and preferably with a beverage in hand! Each chat will have a specific topic of focus to help keep us on track!

So how do the tours work? It’s simple! We’ll throw out announcements on Mondays with information about the upcoming galley(s) that will be available to request. On the following Wednesday, a post will go up which will allow you to request the title, each title will be available on a first come, first serve basis. While it is first come, first serve to be granted access to the title, to cut down on travel times, it will be location that determines your place on the tour. The number of people approved for a tour will depend on the popularity of the book as well as the publishing date. You’ll have a week to read the book and then pass along to the next person.

Book Expo America 2013 Recap

June 10, 2013 by Alyssa

YAY my second year that I was lucky enough to head to Book Expo America! Can you believe that this year was even better than last year? It was less focused on getting ALL THE BOOKS and more focused on meeting all of the amazing people. I am going to try and be as coherent as possible but excuse me if I tell you of the FEELS and sound a little AHHHFLAILSBEAAHHH!

Wednesday 5/29

My “trip” started a little early than most (and a little later than those of you who attended BBC) since Brittany (from The Book Addict’s Guide) flew in to Boston and I drove to pick her up to start our festivities! It’s always a tad unnerving meeting new people, and though B and I talk every day, there were still some moments where I was all “OMG what if we hate each other…” as I was driving to the airport. THANKFULLY, that was not the case and meeting B IRL just better reiterated that you can find your best friends later in life, and that things do happen for a reason, and ya know, feels. SO anyway we decided to save some cash and stay in CT and take the train in to NYC every day for BEA. Yeah, that meant we had to get up a few hours earlier than some, and yea we weren’t able to see as much of the city and attend ALL THE EVENTS, but that will be another trip. We got sangria at dinner, and then bought a bottle of wine for the hotel room all while networking with the dude who worked at the liquor store. Skill.

Sangria out of mason jars, yeah buddy!

Thursday 5/30

EARLY start to the morning, but totally worth it. We spent some time looking in awe at ALL THE BOOKS and then headed over to see Kendare Blake and pick up Antigoddess, which I can’t wait to read. Shortly after we headed over to wait in line to meet Victoria Rossi who is, by the way, one of the most beautiful people I have ever seen, and we were like SCOREWERULE because we were told that we were first in line!!! Yeah… that was a lie. Turns out things weren’t as organized as they had hoped over in the BEA autographing area so while we were told that we were number one, so were (lots of) other peeps over on the other side of the hall! So anyway, we got in the special roped off line and totes thought we had MADE IT, and then they ran out of time and cut us off right after Britt! EEP! I was super sad, mostly because I wanted to tell Ms. Rossi that Aaron said hi and that he may or may not be sending us to stalk her, but really, I get it, and felt lucky to even have the opportunity, plus I was able to make a new friend (Hi, Shelver M!) and that is always awesome. A particular highlight was meeting Adam Gidwitz, I told him how I am currently reading A Tale Dark and Grimm out loud to Stan and how I wanted to get a copy for my love, so he signed it with a very sweet and personal message…

*I* love Adam Gidwitz

The best part about this day was meeting some fellow bloggers, a very distinct highlight of my day was when Jamie (from The Perpetual Page Turner) literally hopped and ran across the hall to flail at us (seriously love her), and of course meeting Anna (from Anna Reads), Alexa (fromAlexa Loves Books), Asher (from Paranormal Indulgence), Mandee (from Vegan YA Nerds/The Bookish Manicurist), and of course my IRL dear friend, Heidi (from Bunbury in the Stacks).

B and I headed home after a long and successful day, I was actually surprised at how huge (and awesome) my haul was!

Yeah! Signed books up top!

Friday 5/31

Friday was a tad more chill than Thursday and I spent a significant amount of time standing in line waiting to see some of my favorite authors. Specifically, Elizabeth Wein, and Victoria Schwab, also super awesome shoutouts to my girl Amy (from Tripping Over Books) who fangirled with me a bit, and Betty (from Book Rock Betty) who I was able to very quickly exclaim with (and share sads that we didn’t get to spend more time together)! WOO!

SO excited for this one, and check out those cards!

I’ll be honest, I felt really crummy on Friday, and wasn’t in the best of moods, which was sad because I was enjoying myself immensely but was still bogged down with the grumpiness, and not feeling my best. Highlights included seeing Grumpy Cat, WHO I LOVE, she is so tiny, and being able to spend some time with Heidi! B and I headed home early on Friday, which means that we skipped out on the Book Blogger’s Picnic, which SUCKED, but we both felt so crummy so it all worked out that we got some extra sleep!

Day 2 haul! Signed ones up top!

Saturday 6/1

Saturday was the most chill and also most EXCITING. Exciting because I GOT TO LISTEN TO NEIL GAIMAN SPEAK FOR ONE WHOLE HOUR. It was amazing. I plan on doing a recap of the event early next week so stay tuned but in a nutshell: SWOONS. It was the most chill because it was really more focused on friend time and less on GET ALL THE BOOKS, so we only stayed at Javits for a bit and then headed INTO THE CITY! Britt, Heidi, Mandee, Asher, and I headed to The Strand which is amazing and a bit overwhelming. I picked up a lesser known (by me, at least) Gaiman book, and We Hear the Dead by Dianne Salerni, which I am so excited about. We were also lucky enough to meet up with Estelle from Rather Be Reading!!

All of us minus Estelle, because she was awesome enough to take the picture!

After The Strand we headed over to eat some “New York Pizza” which was really more like regular pizza that I can find anywhere on the East Coast but equally delicious, and then we hung out for a bit because it was HOT and we wanted some time to chat together. We decided to head over to Books of Wonder because it has THE WIZARD OF OZ THINGS and as you know, I am obsessed.

I am excited to be around all of the OZ THINGS!

I obviously had to buy the signed copy of Chu’s Day, and signed copy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, because of reasons. Soon after we said our goodbyes and headed back to ~~Magnolia Bakery~~ Connecticut to rest up after a very eventful three days.

Day 3 BEA haul! WOO!

Sunday 6/2

Sunday was a sad day, I had to say goodbye to Britt with the knowledge that we have no clue when we will see each other again, and the fact that it honestly might be a year before we are reunited, but let’s not dwell on it, because I am so thankful to have been able to spend as much time with her as I did.

Hideous picture of me, but we are rockin' our "KEEP CALM AND READ ON" shirts!

A less than flattering picture of me, but we are rockin’ our “KEEP CALM AND READ ON” shirts!

Once I got home I was able to relax and it has taken me a few days to even comprehend the amazing-ness that was this conference. I feel so lucky to have been a part of it, the best part wasn’t the books I brought home or the swag I received, but sheer excited-ness that I felt (and felt from others) over meeting each other and expressing our love for all things literary. Also Neil Gaiman. Always, Neil Gaiman.

My final haul picture ❤

Book Hoarders Anonymous (6)

June 6, 2013 by Alyssa

June is here! That means ~~freedom~~ that the school year is almost over, which means I will have quite a bit of time to read ALL THE BOOKS! This is a good thing since I just got back from BEA and I picked up some excellent titles. I won’t be featuring those in this post, but check back for my BEA recap in a few days!