Goodbye Grant!

“What the fetch?”

Grant Wilson – co-founder of TAPS and co-host of Ghost Hunters alongside Jason Hawes, announced on the Feb. 15th episode (entitled City Hell) that he was leaving the show. He will make his last appearance on May 16th.

For fans of the show like myself, it is a bit shocking. Like many I’ve been with GH since the beginning and Grant was one of the best. He is leaving to pursue a study in graphic design and also to spend more time with his family. He is still a member of TAPS just no longer part of the show (some people tend to be confused by that for whatever reason).

For those who think the guys are faking everything and it’s all staged and blah, blah, blah – that is your opinion but for those of us who enjoy the show and all the awesome that Grant was – wish him the best of luck in his endeavors.

If you want to know some FAQ’s, check here: http://jasonhawes.com/?p=300

For Grant’s Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/grantswilson

My Book Boyfriend #13: Raver

From the novel The Raging Quiet by Sherryl Jordan. It is one of my favorites.

Raver is somewhat of a perplexing character whom the female character Marnie befriends. He is mute and is considered a madman by the locals in the village. Though Marnie knows otherwise, he is a misunderstood individual whom she teaches sign language to.

From what I recall he has long hair and is tall. He’s definitely a mature person and not what the villagers claim him to be. He’s eccentric (not crazy) yet tender (judging by the love scene )

Raver could be played by – Michael Greyeyes (he’s a Native American actor – if you’ve ever seen the TV film Stolen Women, Captured Hearts you might recognize/remember him).

Quote (I don’t own the book, so this only quote is from Goodreads – again):

“What is your name?’ she asked.

The youth ignored her, lowering his eyelids against the sun. She repeated her question. Again he ignored her, so she touched his arm, and he turned his head and looked at her, suddenly back from his own world, his eyes wary, half afraid. But he saw no anger in her; only the stains of tears, and an awful despair. His face changed, and a look of profound sorrow and compassion came over him. Very slowly he lifted his hand and wiped the tears from her cheeks. No other man could have touched her that morning; but the mad youth, with his extraordinary tenderness, gave such a depth of consolation that she found herself leaning her cheek against his hand, and sobbing. He wept with her, and there wove between them an understanding, a unity deep and poignant and powerful.” 

My Book Boyfriend #12: Erik

Ok, my MBB this week might not make much sense to some people but he’s such an enigmatic character, I had to.

More specifically from Susan Kay’s great novel – prequel/sequel to Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera – Phantom: The Novel of his Life. This one traces his life from birth to death, his travels, his encounters, the ridicule and scorn he faces along the way to the Paris Opera where he falls in love with Christine Daae – the French/Swedish soprano whom he mentors.

As most everyone knows Erik is deformed from birth with a face of a decaying corpse with sunken eyes and deformed lips. What he lacks there he makes up for in intelligence, creativity and devotion. Yeah, yeah he does have a temper, yeah he’s killed some people but you know how these things go *_*. Come on though, he’s tortured and lonely.

TPOTO is one of the greatest stories ever told along with some of the best music from a musical I’ll probably never get to see in my lifetime *sniff* – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s. I pretty much have been a Phantom fan all of my life- movies especially, but if they did make Susan’s novel into a film (which they should), I would not want a Gerard Butler (he was pretty good) or a Michael Crawford (as great as he was) but a complete, relatively, not so well-known actor to portray such a character. I can’t think of anyone at this moment though.

Quotes (I took these quotes from the Goodreads page. I do own the book but it’s in a box and am too lazy to get it out  ^_-):

"For as long as I live, no woman will ever look on me in love.”

"There is no knowledge beyond my comprehension, no art or skill upon this entire planet that lies beyond the mastery of my hand.”

 

 

“My mind has touched the farthest horizons of mortal imagination and reaches ever outward to embrace infinity.”

 

"And yet like Faust, I look in vain, I learn in vain..."

 

“And it's really very difficult to kill someone when all your inner instincts would oblige you to take off your hat first!”

February Prompt – A Classics Challenge: North and South – Elizabeth Gaskell

Character

Level 1

From what I can recall because I finished the book more than two weeks ago is that at first John was introduced (in terms of looks) as not being attractive but then later on he is. I was a bit confused as to whether he was “plain” or not but turns out he wasn’t, in Margaret’s eyes and everyone else’s.  

My first impression of John Thornton was that he was almost a Darcy-like character – misunderstood at first until he’s revealed to actually be a kind and generous person. I did not see him as Margaret saw him (maybe because of the 2004 miniseries did some spoiling for me), even so I knew because of his affections and eventual love for Margaret he wasn’t what she saw in him at first.

John Thornton was first portrayed on-screen by Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard) in 1975 – probably with hair. The  most popular guy is none other than Richard Armitage, so when reading the book after seeing him as John, it’s pretty easy to picture what he looks like.

Level 2

The character has changed throughout the novel by being driven by his affections. He wants to marry Margaret and even though she refuses him at first, to me this prompts him to take an interest in the welfare of not just her but the well being of her family as well, especially her ill mother.

John Thornton is a believable character but he’s still flawed as anyone else – be it fictional or real. He is not perfect, he may seem harsh and cruel but that is a false impression.

As for wanting to meet this character – yes I wouldn’t mind meeting him. You don’t see men like him anymore.

Level 3

I think I’ll skip this one, I’m not a writer and I couldn’t really put a characters thoughts into words.

 

My Book Boyfriend #11: MR. DARCY

A weekly meme hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader where you get to indulge in your fictional crushes. Click on image to participate.

The last but not least of Austen book boyfriends. My intention was to do all of the main male characters because they’re all mine so it was only fitting to leave the most famous one for last (for now).

I’m not going to go into great details because mostly everyone in the literary world knows who he is and what he is about. Every Janeite (most of the women including myself and I guess some men) want him very badly for ourselves.

He is tall, handsome and rich (10,000 pounds a year which is about a million these days). Full of pride and misconstrued arrogance, he’s really the greatest guy a girl could meet. He cares deeply for his sister Georgiana and he’s hopelessly in love with Elizabeth Bennet (and in the case of Lost in Austen – the answer to what it would be like to live in P&P) Amanda Price.

Quotes:

"Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you. My mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow." (Ch. 6)

She hardly knew how to suppose that she could be an object of admiration to so great a man. (Ch. 10)

 

"You have said quite enough, madam. I perfectly comprehend your feelings, and have now only to be ashamed of what my own have been. Forgive me for having taken up so much of your time, and accept my best wishes for your health and happiness." (Ch. 34)

Elizabeth, having rather expected to affront him, was amazed at his gallantry; but there was a mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner which made it difficult for her to affront anybody; and Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her. He really believed, that were it not for the inferiority of her connections, he should be in some danger. (Ch. 10)

 

 

“You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.” (Ch. 58)

 

Amanda Price: You wish to speak to me, sir?
Mr. Darcy: I am… concerned.
Amanda Price: I don’t understand.
Mr. Darcy: You came to this house knowing you’ll be brought to Lady Catherine’s. Knowing I would be there, knowing full well the abysmal disregard in which I hold you. Why, when I am, as you insist, so relentlessly unpleasant to you, do you persist in seeking me out?
Amanda Price: But I didn’t seek you out. You came to me!
Mr. Darcy: Why?
Amanda Price: I don’t know!
Mr. Darcy: You must know. I do not, and my lack of comprehension is tormenting me.
Amanda Price: Mrs Collins needs me. Good night.
[Darcy grabs hold of Amanda, and leans forward as if to kiss her]
Amanda Price: [apprehensively] Are you quite sure this is what you mean to do?
(from Lost in Austen – 2008)

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books That Would Make Great Book Club Picks

1. Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte

Since Anne is not as famous as her other two sisters, this would be a great opportunity. This is such an underrated masterpiece to be introduced to a book club especially ones focusing on classic lit of the 19th century and giving Anne more exposure.

2. Seven Tears into the Sea by Terri Farley

It’s an awesome YA novel and perfect for those types of groups. It has a Celtic legend mixed in with intrigument and romance.

3. A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

My first work of Woolfs’. It’s an essay about feminism in life and literature and so on (and a bit about a fictional sister of Shakespeare thrown in) but it’s so well written that it made me want to read more of her stuff.

4. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

I recently finished this and despite its VERY abrupt ending it’s still such a great piece of work. That first famous line will draw you in, and what’s more I could relate to the nameless narrator because of her insecurities and inner “turmoil” about herself due in part to the mysterious Rebecca.

5. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

A Romeo and Juliet-esque type of YA novel with a lot of colorful language and some *nice* scenes. If you have not read this by now, I recommend it highly for the more mature YA-er.

6. More Than You Know by Beth Gutcheon

One of my favorite books ever. An enchanting and haunting tale of first love and love lost, of reminiscing and ghostly pasts.

7. The Lady of Shalott by Alfred Lord Tennyson

It’s not a book and I’m not sure I can add it but it’s one of the most lyrical poems of all time, of yearning and despair and melancholy, set against the backdrop of the Camelot of King Arthur.

8. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

The only book by Sparks I love to bits. He’s not the best writer in the world IMHO, and he certainly shouldn’t be placed next to Jane Austen of great writing (that’s an insult to Jane) but this is his best book. Jamie is the plain and deeply religious girl and Landon is the boy who falls in love with her – it’s a perfect sentimental story that at least to me is not sappy.

9. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

I guess it was little known before the 2004 miniseries came around. It’s a good book and I finished a little while ago for my classics challenge. Another for a classic book club if you want to read some Gaskell (she also penned a bio of Charlotte Bronte with whom she was friends with).

10. Queen of Camelot by Nancy McKenzie

It is actually three of her novels of Queen Guinevere in one. It tells the tale of her and Sir Lancelot’s forbidden love for each other. I love anything and everything to do with the King Arthur legends, the Isle of Avalon, Lady of the Lake, Knights of the Round Table and so on. It’s one of my very favorites.

Pash, Pick or Pass: The Fuentes Brothers

Belle is back with Pash, Pick or Pass and this time it’s the Fuente’s brothers from the Perfect Chemistry series by Simone Elkeles.

Being that I’ve only read the first book with Alex so far, I still think I can manage with the other two if I cheat a little by way of some spoilers.

Click on image above to participate.

Pash:

Here he is doing push-ups and I’m assuming that this is the actor who plays him in the book trailers (widely available on YouTube). Carlos’ story is featured in the second novel Rules of Attraction and according to Goodreads he wants to carve out his own path in life like Alex did until he meets a girl who changes his ways of thinking.

This to me qualifies him for this because he sounds like he turns out to be great enough.

Pick:

Alex is the man! He starts obnoxious and arrogant and tough but underneath it all he’s really awesome – his only downfall is being in a gang which luckily falling for a girl makes him see the right ways in life. Plus his descriptions makes him easy on the eyes and so forth.

Pass:

Luis was only a kid when I was first introduced to him so I can’t say much at this moment. When I get to the last book in the series – Chain Reaction I’ll get a better sense of who he is as a character.

My Book Boyfriend #10: Henry Tilney

A weekly meme hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader where you get to indulge in your fictional crushes. Click on image to participate.

Mr. Tilney doesn’t get much appreciation it seems so I think he deserves a little more love than the other Austen men. I like him a lot and even though he’s not really a favorite-favorite he’s a Jane Austen creation and that’s the best thing of all.

Henry Tilney is the male protagonist of Northanger Abbey, he’s a clergyman who comes from the wealthy Tilney family. He’s clever and witty and can give in to Catherine Morland’s whims especially since she sometimes mistakes Gothic fiction for reality and can let her fantasies get the best of her. They become romantically interested through the usual misunderstandings that JA characters face.

Northanger Abbey has only been adapted twice onto screen, the latest having been the 2007 film with JJ Feild portraying Tilney. The 1986 film is weak mainly because of the ghastly marchioness who isn’t even an actual character in the book.

Quotes:

"Let me instead tell you what I said to him. I told him that I felt myself bound to you, by honor, by affection, and by a love so strong that nothing he could do could deter me from..." (from the 2007 adaptation)

 

"Then we are on very unequal terms, for I understand you perfectly well." (from the novel, Chpt. 16)

My Book Boyfriend #9: John Thornton

A weekly meme hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader where you get to indulge in your fictional crushes. Click on image to participate.

Mine for this week is the main male character from Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South – Mr. John Thornton.

As I write this I am finishing up the book for my classics challenge. Mr. Thornton is the handsome owner of a manufacturing cotton mill business and is therefore very wealthy, he also falls very much in love with the female protagonist - Margaret Hale who is repulsed by his attitudes and the North as well – viewing him as a tradesmen and seeing him as a representation of the North. Despite all this Mr. Thornton is really a kind man who takes a keen interest in the welfare of her family and taking care in their comfort.

John though looses his self-control as his feelings for Margaret progress which is displayed so perfectly by Richard Armitage in the 2004 adaptation. He’s so brooding, he’s so dark and compelling and his character portrayal has taken many comparisons to Mr. Darcy over the years – they are different men altogether but their misunderstandings with the women they love can make them seem similar to some eyes.

Quotes:

"Miss Hale, I didn't just come here to thank you. I came... because... I think it... very likely... I know I've never found myself in this position before. It's... difficult to find the words. Miss Hale, my feelings for you... are very strong... " (from N&S miniseries)

 

"You're coming home with me"

 

 

Book Reviews: The World Above – Cameron Dokey AND Carrier of the Mark – Leigh Fallon

I’m a little late with this; I have been reading the Once Upon A Time series since they first began in the 90′s, and have read every single one. They are one of my nostaligic book series as a teenager alongside Sweet Valley and those Point thrillers.

The World Above is based upon the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk – a story all should become familiar with growing up, as it was with me.  The writer – Cameron Dokey has written a lot for this series and I always found her to be a good YA author.

As I love retold fairy tales I did like this one, not as much as her other books in the series but it was done well and fair enough. These books are quick reads and fairly light so they’re made for short escapism, if you wish for that. My main gripe though is how quick the heroine and hero fall in love – it didn’t work in this. I’m all for the love at first sight – Romeo and Juliet sort of thing but here it didn’t wash. It was still fun nonetheless. 4/5

This is the debut novel by Leigh Fallon and the start of a series.

The tale of a girl who moves to Ireland with her father and is a marked one of an ancient order. Not to delve too deep into the story by way of spoilers I have to say I did like this one a lot. The main male character – Adam sounds intriguing enough but once again – he and Megan’s romance develops too quick and seems forced at times. It’s kinda mushy and not in a good way.

Fallon’s novel was put on the site Inkpop – as I understand a site for promising writers and viola – her book was discovered and published.

It’s not an original story albeit but it was still entertaining. It’s not like the premise of it hasn’t been used before.

The cover is very nice and kinda what drew me to it. I give a 3/5.