Hello People,
Welcome to the second installment of The Monthly Wrap Ups, a series where I wrap up my month in books and movies, within the first week of the next month (and this time I have actually managed to post this within the first week. hurrah!).
BOOKS:
Note: This is going to be a very raven bookish update, since the two books that I completed last month were from the series that I am currently obsessed with – The Raven Cycle. I am not going to summarize the plot, because I have already done that while introducing The Raven Boys (Book # 1 of the The Raven Cycle quartet) in my last wrap up here. Also, any summary of Book 2 and 3 will inevitably include spoilers for the first book, and since my goal here is to influence everyone reading this to check out this series, I am staying away from spoiler territory. But feel free to leave your spoiler-y thoughts in the comments section and we can discuss there. 😀
The Dream Thieves (Book #2 of The Raven Cycle quartet) (4 stars)
This book has the lowest rating (by me) so far in this series. Well, relatively speaking of-course, because 4 is still a pretty good rating in my world. And really there is only one reason for the lower rating – according to me, this book goes overboard with its focus on Ronan, to the detriment of everyone else, and also takes a detour from the main plot line.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t dislike Ronan. I actually like him – a lot, and this wasn’t an irrelevant detour either. It does add to the plot. I just felt that this track did not require a whole book dedicated to it (and only it), and I really wanted more of the others.
Mostly because, it has been a long time that I have felt so invested in fictional characters, and I truly love them all – Blue, Gansey, Noah, Ronan, and even Adam (though he continued breaking small pieces of my heart in this book too). I just would have liked to get to know all of them a little more, which did not happen, and that is my main grouse with this sequel.
The Raven Boys had a multi-faceted narrative, with all of the characters having a (relatively significant) story line, as the main plot unraveled (albeit a little slowly). That was not the case here, which is why, I liked this one a little less than Book #1, but that is not to say that I did not love this one too.
Verdict: Never mind the stars. Read this.
GET THIS BOOK HERE:
Amazon One Link: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
Amazon India: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
Blue Lily, Lily Blue (Book #3 of The Raven Cycle quartet) (5 stars)
This one I enjoyed a lot more than the second installment of this quartet, and it is (so far) my favorite book in the series. It had everything that I loved about Book#1, and more. The characters stayed as lovable as ever (Adam redeemed himself in my eyes – finally!) and Steifvater is just a class act when it comes to character development, which really is one of the best things about this series.
However, I must say, that at this point (after reading 3 books out of 4) I am wondering why this series is promoted as a romance. There is so little of the romance that it doesn’t justify it being marketed as one. If there is anything that stands out about this series, it’s the wonderful friendships that develop and unfold (which is really amazing to watch, and a big part of why I love this series so much).
But while we are talking about the romance (or its non-existence) – I must say that though this series doesn’t need the romance (it does well without it too), the readers are conditioned to expect one. And while this book has a lot more of Blue and Gansey than the earlier two, it’s not enough. See, I understand slow-burn (heck I have ranted about insta-love so many times!) but this is not even moving at a snail’s pace. After 1300ish pages, I think it’s about time to crank up the heat on that ‘true love’ the author promised.
Also, I must mention that Steifvater has a very peculiar way of handling her ‘villians’ – I never know what to do with them! Hate them? Love them? Empathize with them? And many times these threads involving the villians are very anti-climatic, which can be very frustrating. But of-course these are just petty complaints if you compare it to the amazingness (newly coined word) of this series.
This book especially was a total page turner, and I can’t even count the amount of life-things I have procrastinated to read this one; sleep was just a minor causality.
When I finished this book, my mind was full of this chant –
“Rex Corvus, parate Regis Corvi.” “The Raven King, make way for The Raven King.”
*Rolls out Red Carpet for The Raven King*
(For the uninitiated: The Raven King is the final book of this series.)
Verdict: Do you need more convincing? Get this. Now!
GET THIS BOOK HERE:
Amazon One Link: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
Amazon India: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
P.S. A non spoiler series review for The Raven Cycle as well as a spoiler-y book chat for The Raven King is coming up soon – very soon.
P.P.S. This past month I also had a 2 part Book Review/Discussion on Ajaya by Anand Neelakantan. If you missed it, you can check it out here (Part 1) and here (Part 2).
MOVIES:
Note: I am not doing star ratings for movies, because unlike books, I don’t analyse them critically, but if ratings are important to you, then you can safely assume that any movie I recommend is a 4 or 5 star from me.
Kate & Leopold
I had come across this movie several times before I decided to take a chance on it and watch it. I am not sure exactly why I kept putting it off, but it just seemed very meh to me at first, but I was clearly wrong.
The plot revolves around the lives of the two protagonists Kate & Leopold who seem to be perfect for each other, except that these two are not living in the same century. Bummer, right? But like they say – true love finds its way (at-least in the movies!).
This one has all the elements of a good romantic comedy – interesting plot, good acting, and a heart warming happily-ever-after.
It’s not perfect, there is at-least one major plot hole at the end, but it did not bother me at all. I think it is about expectations. I was having a very hectic week, and I wanted a relatively mindless rom-com, a feel-good kinda movie, and this delivered. Plus there was time-travel – which was a complete bonus, because I love this theme in books and movies.
As far as the cast is concerned – Hugh Jackman is very charming and talented. I don’t think I have seen many of his movies, but I am certainly going to hunt them down now. Meg Ryan was well, Meg Ryan. This was not her best performance, but she is always pretty good. It’s just that her character kinda blends into many other characters she has played before, and it’s just more of the same.
Nonetheless, this one is a safe bet in the rom-com universe, as long as you don’t get hung up on the accuracy of the sci-fi/time-travel aspect, and remember that this is essentially a romance. Having said that, Hugh Jackman’s charm contributed significantly to my overall enjoyment of this movie.
Check this out on Amazon HERE.
Today’s Special
This one was an extremely random pick. I did not want to put time and energy in selecting a movie (hello laziness!) and this one popped up on the first page of Netflix. It was about food, and I thought – how bad could it be? As it turns out, it wasn’t bad at all. In-fact it was very very good. A completely unexpected charmer!
The plot revolves around this guy Sameer (Aasif Mandvi) who comes from an immigrant family, but is born and raised in America (Brooklyn, I think). His family owns an Indian/Pakistani restaurant which is struggling to survive, but he works in an American restaurant as a Sous Chef, and has little to no knowledge, or interest for that matter, in his native cuisine.
Certain circumstances lead him to the position of managing his family’s restaurant for a little while, which he accepts, albeit grudgingly. The story then follows him as he navigates through the maze of his cultural roots while balancing his hopes and dreams for the future.
This story takes a very predictable route, and also includes certain far-fetched characters, yet has an irresistible charm that is guaranteed to make this one a crowd pleaser.
Moreover, I liked the casting, and everyone acted extremely well, however the protagonist Aasif Mandvi was the one who shone in this department.
All in all – It’s a quirky, light-hearted, good-natured comedy, revolving around the delicious food of the Indian sub-continent – a definite crowd-pleaser!
Check this out on Amazon HERE.
Have you read any of these books or watched any of these movies? Any others that you have recently read/watched that you really enjoyed? Do share!
Naz @ Read Diverse Books
Everyone keeps gushing about The Raven Cycle! Gosh. How likely is this series to be turned into a TV show or movie? I’d love to see that.
Shanaya Tales
I don’t think that there are any talks going on currently, but this is one I would love to see getting adapted. 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…May Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #FridayReads
Beat About the Book
Loved your wrap up post. Need to read this series – The Raven Quartet but am in the midst of A Game of Thrones so this will have to wait. I’ve watched Kate and Leopold and I loved it. I like Meg Ryan, period. Have you seen You’ve Got Mail? I completely loved her in it. Haven’t heard of Today’s Special. Will try to catch it now.
Beat About the Book recently posted…Do you judge a person by the books he reads?
Shanaya Tales
Yes, I have seen You’ve Got Mail – it’s one of my all time favs – and I have liked Meg Ryan ever since. 🙂
Do check out Today’s Special – takes a little predictable route, but very charming nonetheless. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…May Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #FridayReads
Athira
I loved Today’s Special! It was definitely charming and wonderful. I don’t think I have ever watched Kate and Leopold even though I love Meg Ryan. Yikes!
I have been thinking about read the Raven Quartet. So many good reviews for this series. Let’s see, maybe next month.
Shanaya Tales
If you love Meg Ryan, you would love Kate & Leopold. She is her usual likable self, and Hugh Jackman is a bonus. A very charming bonus. And yes, the Raven Quartet – you won’t regret it. 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…May Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #FridayReads
Hema
I love Kate and Leopold! Young Hugh Jackman (drool!). I’ll have to check out “today’s special’. I’m loving this monthly round up, Shantala! Keep ’em coming 🙂
Hema recently posted…Toledo with a Toddler
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Hema. And yes, do check out Today’s Special – a little predictable, yet charming. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…May Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #FridayReads
Bina @ If You Can Read This
Okay okay it looks like I need to read the Raven series 😀 I’m more after the friendship stuff but have seen everyone gushing everywhere. Have a great June!
Shanaya Tales
Thank you, Bina. Definitely check out The Raven Cycle. You won’t regret it. Happy Reading! 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…May Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #FridayReads
Jenny @ Reading the End
Ha, well, you’re not wrong about the romance. But I thought even if Blue and Gansey didn’t get very far in this book, Ronan did quite a bit of courting of Adam. Right? Right? And it was great. Plus, it’s still true that the books are more about friendship. I guess the marketing of it as a romance must’ve been because that’s something very familiar in YA? Magic things, and romance?
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Shanaya Tales
Oh yes! I adored Ronan and Adam – Team Pynch all the way! 😀 And you know what, after I finished The Raven King, I have kinda changed my mind on Book # 2. I can now read a whole trilogy dedicated to just Ronan. 😛
Shanaya Tales recently posted…May Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #FridayReads
Sulekha
I love Meg Ryan and Hugh, so their movie gets a 7 star rating from me 🙂 Loved it, not seen Today’s special but it sounds good. I just bought two books yesterday, The Snowman by Jo Nesbo and Sing you home by Jodi Picoult, can’t wait to read them 🙂
Shanaya Tales
Yes, I enjoy watching them both, though I am slightly biased towards Hugh. 😛 Do check out Today’s Special – it is a little predictable, yet very charming. And happy reading! 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…May Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #FridayReads
Manish Purohit
Love this section of your blog, it always gives one option or the other to the prying eyes 🙂 This time I chose Kate & Leopold for me to take away from your post. Keep writing…looking forward to further posts
Manish Purohit recently posted…Diwan-e-Ghalib ~ The Curtain Raiser. . .
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Manish. Glad you like it. Do watch Kate & Leopold. You won’t regret it. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…May Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #FridayReads
Alana
Seems I spend too much time online nowadays and not reading or watching movies. But, speaking of Hugh Jackman, he has a line of coffee out now called Laughing Man. I normally don’t care if a celebrity endorses something (it doesn’t make me try a product) but in this case, I fell in love with one of the blends just because, and I’m happy I tried it. Have a great weekend!
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Shanaya Tales
I used to do that too – think I will spend 1 hour on the internet, and it magically turns into 5. Sigh.
Laughing Man? Sounds interesting. Will look it up. 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…May Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #FridayReads
Nabanita
I’m going to watch Today’s special toady ‘coz I can’t seem to find any movie to watch.. And for books, I’ve been reading Tale of two cities and it’s slowly beginning to grasp me… Not an easy book to read but it grows on you…
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Shanaya Tales
Hmmm..I have heard a lot about that book, but haven’t read it yet. Some books are like that. They take time to grow on you. Happy reading. 🙂
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Mithila Menezes @fabulus1710
I think I’ll check out Today’s Special. It seems interesting. I’m totally in the mood for a movie today, which is quite surprising, considering that I always prefer reading books instead ?
Shanaya Tales
Oh yes. I always prefer books over movies. I only watch movies to keep my husband company, but even he has kinda given up on me, and watches many movies without me, while I snuggle with a book. Though I watch (and look forward to) Book-To-Movie Adaptations. 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…May Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #FridayReads
Devika
I loved “Kate & Leopold” when I watched it at the cinema years ago in Germany. 🙂 And I became a Hugh Jackman fan after it.
As for Maggie Stiefvater, I read and enjoyed her “Shiver” wolf trilogy, but haven’t read any of her other books.
Shanaya Tales
Yep, I have seen his movies in the past, and have always loved his performances, but this one has made me enroll into the Hugh Jackman fan club. 😀
Also, if you enjoy Maggie’s writing – check out The Raven Cycle. It is a pretty unique plot, and the characters are extremely lovable. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…May Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #FridayReads
Shailaja Vishwanath
Ahem Kate and Leopold is way better than a mindless rom-com. Should I judge you now? 😉 Then again I have a freaking big crush on Hugh jackman so that may colour my view 😉 I LOVED the movie. Just loved. And it’s also interestingly the first time I see Hugh and Liev together (they come together again in the X-men series) and am impressed with the range of Hugh’s acting. The man can do no wrong! Not read the Raven series and from the looks of things at the moment, will be unable to start any series for quite some time. But so glad to see you all excited about it. 🙂
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Shanaya Tales
Oh no, not at all. I meant my expectations were pretty low, but I loved this one. Someone pointed out a plot hole, and I thought of that too, but I was too busy fan-girling over Jackman to care too much. 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…May Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #FridayReads
blogoratti
Great wrap up indeed, thanks for sharing and nice weekend!
Shanaya Tales
Glad you liked it. Thank you for reading. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…May Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #FridayReads