Tag: reading

Book Blog

Should good books be adapted for the big screen?

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The movie ‘ruined’ the book!

How many times have we heard these words uttered by nearly every book lover and avid reader after coming out of a movie theatre?

I probably would have said it a couple of times myself!

But, let’s be honest here, there are a lot of book-to-movie adaptations that are just outstanding and have got people admitting that the movie was much better than the book.

Not that it’s a competition, mind you!

It isn’t really a question of “ruining” the book. There is just the simple fact that the movie and book are now accessible because of their reliance on each other.

And no matter how big your imagination is, there will always be aspects of the book that your mind just cannot capture.

Take Hogwarts, from the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowlings, for example. Were you really able to envision it as it was in the movies? I know I wasn’t able to.

Watching how the scene unraveled on screen for the first time just left me in awe. I would be lying if I said I didn’t have goosebumps.

What about The Da Vinci Code?

The Hunger Games?

How adorable were Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort in The Fault in our Stars?

I’m really just naming a few from the top of my head that I think were good adaptations.

I do make it a rule though, to always read the book before watching the movie, as I love to compare how my mind visualized the details of the characters and the scenery with how the screenwriters depicted all the information gathered from the book. It’s just one of the perks of reading.

But reading aside, watching the movie adaptation is an experience on its own. It’s a good opportunity to share this experience with different people throughout the years.

So, I’m all for adaptations! I’m a big fan of reading the book and watching its movie. I make it a habit to check out what books are coming to the big screen every year to make sure I am able to read it just in time!

Are you a fan of book-to movies? Or do you think books should be left for the enjoyment of readers only?

Read the full article from Khaleej Times here

Filed on January 12, 2018 on @bloggerheads

Bookstagram Tips

Buying Books Online (How To)

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How do you buy your books?

Visiting the stores does have its perks but there’s something about being all comfortable at home or office, via your PC or mobile, comparing prices and ordering books online.

I’ve compiled a few sites below, giving some information which could help you if you plan to shop books (and bookish stuff as well!) online.

I am always exploring new sites, comparing prices here and there and I will be updating this post to add them!

*Please also note that when I speak of shipping and prices, I’m talking about UAE ones.

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Book Depository
  • Mostly find the lowest prices and just about any book.
  • Free shipping to UAE and Worldwide.
  • It takes about 3 weeks and over to reach.

Would I recommend?

I would probably.  You would definitely find the cheapest prices in there. This was one of the first sites I used to log into to get books online. It just frustrated me that they took quite a long time and sometimes my order gets lost in the mail which they need to resend again.

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Barnes and Noble
  • Shipping fee included.
  • It takes about 3 weeks and over to reach.

Would I recommend?

I guess I would. Something about their editions that just makes me want to get them. You might find that the book prices are cheaper, and they are, but if you include shipment prices (to UAE), it will probably be the same as the rest with a slight difference in prices.

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Amazon
  • Shipping fee included.
  • It takes about 3 weeks and over to reach.

Would I recommend?

Only if you can’t find what you are looking for. Sometimes I would love certain covers/editions and I can only find them on Amazon.

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Magrudy’s
  • Free shipping to UAE
  • It takes about 5-7 days to reach.
  • Cash on Delivery option available. (UAE)

Would I recommend?

That’s usually where I get my books from. When I can’t find what I’m looking for, they order on my behalf with exactly the same price. It takes away the hassle to look for the book myself.

VM
Virgin Megastore
  • Free shipping over 200 Dhs
  • It takes about 2-3 days to reach.
  • Cash on Delivery option available. (UAE)

Would I recommend?

I love ordering from here because they have one of the fastest delivery options. If you are ordering multiple books, that’s the one to go to. It’s only free shipping after 200 Dhs.

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Kinokuniya
  • Free shipping
  • It takes about 1-2 days to reach.

Would I recommend?

They have free shipping and they are the fastest when it comes to delivery. The only drawback is that you may not always find what you are looking for. And they do not have a “cash on delivery” option which sometimes I prefer to use.

There you go!

Hopefully, this could give you an insight on where to go to when you feel like book shopping online. *we always feel like book shopping! D-uh!

You can always drop me a comment below or email me and I’d be glad to be of more help! 🙂

Book Blog, Other Reviews

Book Review: Without Merit

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Book Title : Without Merit
Book Author : Colleen Hoover
My Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Date Published : October 3rd 2017

Collen Hoover is very well known for how her writing style grips at your heart, wrenches your soul and permanently leaves a mark on you after reading one of her books. I absolutely adore her books!

And as much as I enjoyed this one, it did have quite a few “buts” in my opinion.

But first, let me tell you what it’s about.

Merit Voss seems like your typical teenage girl who is obsessed with collecting trophies she hasn’t earned and for pretending she has that normal, perfect family. Nobody is really aware of what lies beneath the surface.

We follow her around as she deals with her family that includes her father, brother, twin sister, her sick mother and stepmother – a handful, right?

Along the story she meets/crushes on Sagan, then finds out that he’s her sister’s boyfriend so he’s off limits to her, though she can’t help but think about him, and meeting him have awakened a part of her that she never knew existed as he also helped her deal with stuff she wasn’t aware they existed.

I wouldn’t categorize this as romance. This book talked more about life issues, psychological matters and really much more.

My main “but” is that all those topics mentioned in the book were lightly discussed and resolved. We did not have much time to grasp about what went on or deal with it.

I’d rather we had just one main issue or two to focus on along with the romance of the book. But sadly it felt a bit all over the place.

I would still recommend it, urge you to pick it and enjoy it as much as I did. It was kind of a light read but with important issues.

Book Blog, Other Reviews

Book Review : It Ends with Us

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Book Title : It Ends with Us
Book Author : Colleen Hoover
My Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Publication Date : August 2nd 2016

“Sometimes it’s the one who loves you who hurts you the most”

Winner of Goodreads choice award 2016, lots of recommendations, my sister finishing it in one sitting with the comment ‘her best so far’, so I knew I just had to pick it up.

I’ve read quite a few of Colleen’s books, and though I try to stay away from YA romance, her books just drags you in.

This book is more than just Romance. It speaks and tackles about important issues which makes you think, sympathizes, connect with most characters and root for that happy ending.

I would totally recommend this book if you are looking to try a CoHo book. Though it may be completely different from her other books, it does have her touch and style all over it which makes her books unique in their own way.

Book Blog, Book Reviews, Other Reviews

Book Review : When Dimple Met Rishi

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Book Title : When Dimple Met Rishi
Book Author : Sandhya Menon
My Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Publication Date : May 30th 2017

Pancakes for breakfast along with your favorite cup of coffee, and picking up this book would complete that perfect Saturday morning.

This was such a delightful read. I cannot contain myself as I find myself using words such as cute, adorable and I-just-want to pinch-those-cheeks. I mean, can I? Can I?

We meet Dimple, who is all about women and career while struggling with her family who are urging her to find that “Ideal Indian Husband”. I mean, isn’t that what life is about? Finding that perfect significant other? *rolls eyes.

Then we meet Rishi, that hopeless romantic, who believes in tradition and family values. He accepts his fate to carry on the family business, meet and woo that perfect “arranged” wife and make his family proud.*I mean it, I need to pinch those cheeks!

Unknown to Dimple, Rishi signs up for that same program she has been dreaming of since forever-!, gets the surprise of her lifetime when she finds out this was all arranged by both families and it was the whole reason her parents agreed to the program anyways. *pfft! Parents! What are they thinking!

Total opposites, Dimple and Rishi who thought they had everything figured out, embark on a journey of self-exploration, family traditions, and struggle with career and life choices.

I would totally recommend this book. As much as it was a light read, it still talked about important issues that I think most have gone through or would go through.

And who wouldn’t want to have that “feel good” feeling after reading a book that has a somewhat satisfying ending?

You know you do!

ARC Review, Book Blog, Penguin U.K. Books

ARC Review : The Break

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Book Title : The Break
Book Author : Marian Keyes
My Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Publication Date : September 7th 2017

You know you’ve come across a good book when you don’t really want it to end, even though it’s almost about 600 pages. 

Reading The Break have left me with all different kind of emotions, some relatable and some not. It was super easy to fall in love with it as it had the most realistic prose, plot line and characters.

A heart warming tale, set in Dublin, our Protagonist, Amy, receives one of the worst news of her life. Her husband, Hugh, who fell into a deep depression after the loss of his father and best friend, decided to take a “break” and leave for six month backpacking in Asia.

The first part of the book was ok for me. I used to force myself to pick it up as I believe the whole process of Hugh leaving and Amy dealing with it was a bit prolonged. It was also a bit whiney for my taste.

But as soon as things picked up and we got into the plot, it got interestingly hilarious! I wasn’t able to put it down. I was so keen in finding out what will happen.

Will Amy take Hugh back after six month?

Will their relationship change? Mind you, Hugh was on a mission to sleep with other women as well. (I know, right! *rolls eyes)

Will Amy herself change?

What will happen to the rest of the family? 

Their girls? 

Three daughters left behind and a husband gone is a lot to deal with. Amy finds herself struggling between her emotions, what’s right and making sure her daughters are not affected.

Overall, I would totally recommend The Break whether you are a women’s fiction fan or not. It’s definitely worth the read. You’d find yourself so into the story and rooting for choices of your own.

What would you do if you were Amy?

Thanks to @penguinUkbooks for this book, which was given in an exchange for an honest review.
 

Book Blog, Other Reviews

Book Review : Ugly Love

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Book Title : Ugly Love
Book Author : Collen Hoover
My Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Publication Date : August 5th 2014

This was an OK plot line with OK characters and which made it an OK read!

My fourth #coho book and as much I enjoy a light read between my somewhat heavy readings, there are far better ones to pick from.

There wasn’t much of a plot line. Two who just met with mutual attraction decided their relationship is going to be all physical. No emotions whatsoever. The story just focused on that.

It was a fun, enjoyable read. I found I have laughed a lot. I just did wish it was a teeny bit deeper than it is with more character depth like her other books. .

All in all. As I said, an ‘OK’ read.

Book Blog, Other Reviews

Book Review : Maybe Someday

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Book Title : Maybe Someday
Book Author : Colleen Hoover
My Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Publication Date : March 18th 2014

“People don’t get to choose who they fall in love with. They only get to choose who they stay in love with.”

This was a really enjoyable read. It was one of those books where all you could think of when you are at work is to return home, cozy up in bed and read.

This was my Third CoHo book (having read November 9 and Confess) and I think I liked it the best from all three. It wasn’t over dramatic, it didn’t have that mushy-mushy dialogue and it was more to the realistic side.

I kind of also related a lot to the book having gone through something similar. I was reading and paying attention to every word, every detail to grasp what was going on and to check if it did make sense.

I didn’t agree with a lot of choices, was frustrated by the characters in some situations and I wanted  different reactions most of the time.

I think I lived the book more that read it. 😀 It made me think, it got me depressed, it gave me hope but all in all, I am completely glad that I have come across it and read it.

I would recommend the book to YA readers who are looking for a great drama/romance/friendship kind of stories.

Book Blog, Penguin U.K. Books

ARC Review : Fierce Kingdom

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Book Title : Fierce Kingdom
Book Author : Gin Phillips
My Rating : ⭐️⭐️/5
Publication Date : June 15th 2017

Do you know that feeling when you pick up a less than 300 pages book, and say “Hey! That’s a breeze, I’ll finish this quick!” and then it feels like you are forever reading it!

Yes! That’s the case with this one.

A fast read. It’s a thriller. It should get you all gripped up, all tensed and on the edge of your seat. Sadly, this book was none of those.

It talks about Joan who after a normal visit to a zoo, finds herself locked up in there with her son while there were some shootings going on. She sees dead bodies all around and glimpses a man with a gun. This is when she realizes that she needs to hide till she finds a way to make it out of there alive along with her son.

I was very interested in this book when I read the synopsis, and immediately asked for a copy to read and review. It started out real well. The situation was very well described. It’s not every day you get locked up in somewhere with your son while some psycho is out there with a gun shooing off just about everyone.

I was actually very impressed with the writing, the descriptions, the plot and the psychological side of the story. I think it would have made the perfect thriller but it lacked that intense whodunit and why vibe.

I found myself yawning a couple of times, forcing myself to pick it up and if it wasn’t for the three hour bus ride, I don’t think I  would have bothered finish reading it or maybe I would have skimmed right through it to reach the end.

And ah Yes, The end! I wasn’t at all a fan of how it was all wrapped up – which wasn’t really. The story already had many loop holes, so I didn’t appreciate the ambiguous ending where we need to draw our own conclusions. I usually love endings like that but it just didn’t work with this one. This one needed a confirmed conclusion from the author herself.

Overall, I wouldn’t be rushing to recommend this one and I’d ask Thrillers fan, or anyone really, to read it at their own risk.

Thanks to @penguinUkbooks for this book, which was given in an exchange for an honest review.

Book Blog, Other Reviews

Book Review : The Muse

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Book Title: The Muse

Book Author: Jessie Burton

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Publication Date: July 26th  2016

“I’m doing the absolute opposite of giving myself away. As far as I’m concerned, I’ll be completely visible. If the painting sells, I’ll be in Paris, hanging on a wall. If anything, I’m being selfish. It’s perfect; all the freedom of creation, with none of the fuss.” ― Jessie Burton, The Muse

I was a bit reluctant to pick this one up as I have read Jessie Burton’s previous book “The Miniaturist” and was quite disappointed with how the whole story was wrapped up after having such a great plot.

If not for a book club I’m part of, I don’t think I would have picked it up soon, though I did promise myself that I would give the author a second chance. And that I did.

A painting was found and the mystery that lies behind it came to life. I truly loved the interlocking stories that was set in the 1930’s and the 1960’s concerning this painting. We come across different characters and personalities which was the perfect ingredient to add to an engaging plot line.

I would totally recommend this book if you are a fan of historical fiction, mystery and art. I would also advise not to judge this book by The Miniaturist especially if you weren’t so keen on it.