Music Monday - Mr. Sandman

Okay, so this is going to be a short post, but I haven't done a Music Monday in awhile, and this song has been stuck in my head so I figured I'd share it with you.

As I mentioned before, I love Bates Motel, and a recurring song on the show is Mr. Sandman. There's just something about Norma and Norman singing it together, as Norma plays the piano, that really creeps me out - which is probably why I like it so much.

Since Bates Motel just loves to make things extra creepy for us, there was a scene in an episode towards the end of the season (4x09) that was disturbing enough in itself, but then the producers just decided to up the creep-factor by adding in this eerie rendition of Mr. Sandman. I've been humming it non-stop lately, even singing it occasionally (and I am not a very good singer). I can't seem to get it off my mind, and it's quite catchy, so I think it's going to be background music for a while more.

For anyone watching Bates Motel, did you see that finale? So crazy! Leave some comments and let me know what you think–I need to talk to someone about that ending!

You can listen to the song by clicking on this link
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Mr. Sandman by Nan Vernon

Review - Sharp Objects

Hey everyone, sorry I haven't posted in awhile. Finals may be over, but work is just getting started. I (promise) to be more active and update a bit more often. There are so many books to read, to review, and the same goes for new music, shows, and movies. But to get back into the swing of things, I'm going to start with an awesome psychological thriller by none other than the kickass author Gillian Flynn.

Sharp Objects

5 out of 5 Haunting Stars

"That's Wind Gap. We all know each other's secrets. And we all use them."

Holy shit. What the hell did I just read?? Sharp Objects has to be the most fucked-up, creepy, utterly disturbing book I have ever read. I love it. I feel sick to my stomach and like I need to cleanse my brain after finishing it, but it's so worth it. I have absolutely no idea how it is going to end, and just when I think I have everything figured out, Flynn throws in another plot twist that literally has me gripping the pages and having to re-read paragraphs. Amazing. Completely, totally unsettling, Sharp Objects is one hell of a debut novel.

Okay, moving on from my I-just-finished-reading-this-and-need-to-purge-my-feelings state, why don't I tell you guys what Sharp Objects is all about so you can understand my freakout (of the good variety). To sum it up real quick, our protagonist Camille Preaker has some mental instability due to an event in her past, and she's fresh out of a psych hospital when her boss sends her back home to cover the murder of two girls. See, Camille is a reporter, and her boss is hoping she'll have an in with the townies since she once lived there. It really does seem like small towns have the biggest secrets, and it's up to Camille to find out what's going on.

"Sometimes if you let people do things to you, you're really doing it to them. Know what I mean? If someone wants to do fucked-up things to you, and you let them, you're making them more fucked up. Then you have the control. As long as you don't go crazy."

I admit, I don't really like Camille's character. I don't really like any of the characters in the novel. But I think that's what makes Sharp Objects so addicting. Everyone has a problem, a dark side, something off about them, and it's very entertaining getting to read about it. Camille actually isn't too bad when compared to her half sister, Amma. Yeah, Camille makes some bad decisions that she knows she shouldn't be making, but Amma is serious bad news. Camille's  family is bad news. Hell, the whole freaking town is bad news. You really can't trust anyone.

Flynn deals with a lot of ideas and themes in Sharp Objects, but the one that stands out the most to me is the role of women. Women are seen as damsels in distress who need a big, strong man to take care of them. They're portrayed as victims. Imagine you're walking down a street alone at night. If a man is walking behind you, you're probably going to be on edge, but if it's a woman, not so much. Flynn takes this idea and twists it around; women may seem safe and kind, but that's not always the case. We're all human, and we all have the capacity for cruelty. This is what makes Sharp Objects such a complex, nasty book, and one hell of a dark, psychological thriller. Don't miss out on this one.

You're crazy to think what you're thinking. You're crazy to not think it.

*Oh, and Sharp Objects is being made into a TV series–so exciting!

Watching Wednesday - Intense Shows I'm Currently Watching

So, I realized I haven't done a "Watching Wednesday" post in ages, and decided instead of reviewing one show, why not make a list of some amazing ones I'm watching now? Enjoy!

GAME OF THRONES

I'm sure most people have heard of Game of Thrones, and for good reason. George R.R. Martin has created one hell of an epic fantasy series, and producers have done an amazing job translating the books into a TV series. Set in medieval times, there is deception, wars, magic, violence, betrayals and some pretty horrible characters that we all love to hate. It seems like everyone in the Seven Kingdoms wants the Iron Throne, and the writers are not kidding when they say "you win or you die." No one is safe in this show, and the intricate plot-lines are addicting. 

If you aren't watching Game of Thrones, you really should start ASAP–you're missing out on something special. Plus, spoilers are everywhere, so be careful about that. You can find the series on HBO, and if you don't have HBO, I'm sure there are other ways to get the episodes. I actually caught up when I first started watching by renting the DVDs from the library. Whatever you need to do to get your hands on the episodes, it's so worth it.

Game of Thrones Season One Trailer–just a warning, this show does contain graphic violence and nudity in it, and is rated Mature.

DAREDEVIL

Daredevil is a Netflix original show, and they recently added the second season–by recently I mean back in March, but I've just been able to start watching. I'm speeding through this season, and loving every second of it. Sometimes I think I should try and pace myself, drag out the season a bit longer, but then I realize I need to find out what happens next, and watch the next episode. I actually have some free time right now, so I'm not feeling too bad about binge watching this season.

For those of you who haven't heard of Daredevil, it's about lawyer-by-day, vigilante-by-night Matt Murdock, who was blinded in a terrible accident as a child. Losing one of his senses has made him more reliant on his other senses, especially hearing, and after rigorous training by [deleting spoiler here], he now uses his heightened senses to fight crime and clean the streets of New York City's Hell's Kitchen. He's taking the law into his own hands in a different kind of way, and creating lots of enemies in the process.

Daredevil is a dark, intense show, and I absolutely love it. The first season is amazing, and the second hasn't disappointed me yet. I'm probably going to finish it up in the next day or two, and I can't wait to see how everything plays out. If you have Netflix and are in need of a great show to watch, you really can't go wrong with this one. And if you don't have Netflix, I'd buy season one on DVD when you get the chance–this is definitely one of the better 'superhero' shows I've watched. Speaking of watching... time to get back to season two!

Daredevil Season One Trailer–also very graphic with violence, can get very bloody.

BATES MOTEL

Oh, Norman, Norman, Norman... you're seriously creeping me the hell out lately. Bates Motel is a prequel to Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller Psycho (it may be an oldie, but it's a goodie too, and if you haven't seen it, you really, really should). The show is basically showing how Norman Bates become the crazy guy he is in Psycho, and the writer's are doing a fantastic job. The relationship between Norman and Norma Bates, and what happens in the small town of White Pine Bay, will stick with you for awhile after watching.

Bates Motel is currently in it's fourth season, an A&E original show that airs on Monday nights at 9pm. If you haven't seen the show, the first three seasons are on Netflix (and this is a very binge-worthy series), or I'm sure you can find the season DVDs to watch. The progression of the plot and the development of the characters are amazing, and this is not one to miss. It's scary how normal the Bates think they are, when it is very clear that they are not, and it's especially creepy when we get inside Norman's head. But that's what is so addicting about the show, and what keeps me coming back for more.

Bates Motel Season One Trailer–Mature rating for some episodes.

Game of Thrones, Daredevil, and Bates Motel are just a few of the shows I'm watching right now, but they are definitely some of my favorites. Have you seen these shows, are you caught up on the current seasons? If so, let me know what you think! I love discussing awesome, dark, complicated TV shows with people. And if you haven't watched any of these shows, I hope my post gets you interested! They're really awesome series, I promise.

Review - Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock

5 out of 5 Heart-Breaking Stars

"End this. Pull the trigger. Make it easier for everyone."

Holy crap this is a depressing novel. The whole time I was torn between just wanting to hug Leonard and then yell at everyone who's let him down to open their eyes! I feel like it should have been so obvious to others that Leonard was clearly spinning off the deep end, and that's the scary thing: sometimes, it's not as obvious as you think, and sometimes, people notice but just don't put together what all these signs mean, or just don't care to.

It's heartbreaking how many times Leonard is let down, how the few people he does care about don't realize he's saying goodbye. The redeeming factor about these characters is the few that matter do care, they do realize that Leonard needs help. But sometimes it's just too late.

"I feel like I'm broken–like I don't fit together anymore. Like there's no more room for me in the world or something. Like I've overstayed my welcome here on Earth, and that everyone's trying to give me hints about that constantly. Like I should just check out. I'm so fucking worthless."

Quick is very blunt in his writing; he never holds back on describing what Leonard is feeling, as he repeatedly reminds us how he is going to kill Asher and then himself. It really drives home how dark of a place Leonard is in. When the secret is revealed about why Leonard wants to kill his former best friend and then himself, I completely understood why Leonard wanted to commit a murder-suicide. This just goes to show how talented Quick is in his writing, and just how much Leonard has suffered.

The wonderful thing about Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock, is that, even though it is an extremely dark and sad book, it's about got humor and a sense of hope. There are two characters that I absolutely love in this novel (Walt and Herr Silverman). Also, the footnotes is a really cool idea. What I hope people take from reading this novel is that you can't put a measurement on pain, not really, and to never give up. Hold on to hope; it's one of the most powerful things in the world.

"People pay for what they do, and still more for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it very simply; by the lives they lead."

*Quick addition: Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock is in film development, with Channing Tatum as the director. Not sure about a possible release date yet, but I'll be looking out for it!

Spotlight Sunday - Sharp Objects

Sharp Objects

Gillian Flynn

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Synopsis:

WICKED above her hipbone, GIRL across her heart 
Words are like a road map to reporter Camille Preaker’s troubled past. Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, Camille’s first assignment from the second-rate daily paper where she works brings her reluctantly back to her hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls.

NASTY on her kneecap, BABYDOLL on her leg 
Since she left town eight years ago, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed again in her family’s Victorian mansion, Camille is haunted by the childhood tragedy she has spent her whole life trying to cut from her memory.

HARMFUL on her wrist, WHORE on her ankle 
As Camille works to uncover the truth about these violent crimes, she finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Clues keep leading to dead ends, forcing Camille to unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past to get at the story. Dogged by her own demons, Camille will have to confront what happened to her years before if she wants to survive this homecoming.

With its taut, crafted writing, Sharp Objects is addictive, haunting, and unforgettable.

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When I saw the movie Gone Girl and then found out it was actually a book, I knew I had to get my hands on Gillian Flynn's other works. I read Dark Places first after hearing about how creepy and awesome it is, and loved it. Now, I'm finally making my way to Flynn's other novel, Sharp Objects. I have started reading it, and let me tell you, it's so eerie and sinister and I'm loving every sentence Flynn has written. I'm sure I'll finish it quite soon, so you won't have to wait to long for a real review!

Just reading this teaser will probably peak your interest and have you checking this one out of the library. And it's only going to get better.

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Teaser:

"Okay, so what's your favorite color, your favorite ice cream flavor, and your favorite season?"

"Blue, coffee, and winter."

"Winter. No one likes winter."

"It gets dark early, I like that."

"Why?"

Because that means the day has ended. I like checking days off a calendar -- 151 days crossed and nothing truly horrible has happened. 152 and the world isn't ruined. 153 and I haven't destroyed anyone. 154 and no one really hates me. Sometimes I think I won't ever feel safe until I can count my last days on one hand. Three more days to get through until I don't have to worry about life anymore.

"I just like the night."

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Has anyone read any of Flynn's other works? What about this one? What did you think? I love hearing from you guys, so don't hesitate to leave a comment! Talking about Gillian Flynn's works is bound to be interesting.

Film Friday Review - We Are Your Friends

We Are Your Friends

4 1/2 out of 5 Makes-Me-Wanna-Dance Stars

"Any successful artist, they have this moment when they stop being an admirer and find their signature."

Since finishing the novel This Song Will Save Your Life, I've been curious about DJing and remembered seeing a trailer about just that with Zac Efron as the lead role. I mean, music and Zac Efron? I knew I was going to be watching this one at some point.

I really like We Are Your Friends. It may be cliched and predictable at times, but I'm okay with that. I didn't go into watching it thinking that I was going to be getting some amazing film that was going to really make me think. But We Are You Friends did surprise me, and I like it way more than I thought I would.

I think what really has me enjoying this movie is the music; it's amazing how music can unite us. The way that Cole can read a crowd, understand what they want and connect with them through music is awesome. His character develops a lot throughout the movie, and it's great getting to see him move from an amateur DJ to the real deal. It isn't an easy journey for him, but it's a great feeling at the end.

If you want a surprising movie to make you feel good and want to dance your heart out, then this is the perfect one to watch. Cliched it might be, but that isn't stopping me from really liking what I've watched. And even better, I've found a soundtrack of some of the songs used, and while this normally isn't my go-to kind of music, it's definitely worming its way in.

"Are we ever gonna be better than this?"

Trailer Link

Spotlight Sunday - The Fantasy Fiction Formula

The Fantasy Fiction Formula

Deborah Chester

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Synopsis:

There's more to writing a successful fantasy story than building a unique world or inventing new magic. How exactly is a plot put together? How do you know if your idea will support an entire novel? How do you grab reader attention and keep it? How do you create dynamic, multi-dimensional characters? What is viewpoint and do you handle it differently in urban fantasy than in traditional epics? What should you do if you're lost in the middle? How do you make your plot end up where you intend it to go? 

From the writing of strong, action-packed scenes to the handling of emotions, let award-winning fantasy author Deborah Chester guide you through the process of putting a book together. Convinced there's no need to shroud the writing process under a veil of mystery, Chester supplies tips that are both practical and proven. They are exactly what she uses in writing her own novels and what she teaches in her writing courses at the University of Oklahoma. 

Along with explaining story construction step-by-step, Chester illustrates each technique with examples drawn from both traditional and urban fantasy. The technique chapters include exercises to assist novices in mastering the craft of writing fantasy as well as suggestions for avoiding or solving plot problems. More experienced writers will find tips for taking their work to the next level. 

With an introduction by author Jim Butcher, The fantasy fiction formula provides the information you need to gain skill and proficiency in writing fantasy like a pro.

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I've been an aspiring author since about the time I could read, emphasis on aspiring. I've started books, scrapped ideas, written and tried a new angle with the same general idea only about a thousand times. I always seem to get stuck about thirty pages in - is what I'm writing making sense? Does the plot work, are the characters developed? Is this something someone would actually want to read?

Around this time, I get writers block, like somehow the next scene will just come to me if I take a break. But it won't. Being an author is something that takes a lot of work, and writing any chance you can get. Writing a novel is like dealing with a monster, and I'm in way over my head trying to finish a 300+ page novel right off the bat. And this is why I've been writing short stories and flash fiction a bit more lately; building the tension and getting to the climax is done much quicker, and I find that easier.

But that doesn't mean I've given up on writing a full-length novel. I've just put it on the back burner so I can (hopefully) develop my writing skills a bit more before trying something so difficult. I'll take any advice I can get in how to accomplish this task; and the ones who know what they're talking about are the ones who have already reached the goal of being published.

Deborah Chester was Jim Butcher's teacher, and we all know how much I love Butcher's Dresden Files. So when The Fantasy Fiction Formula was given as a gift to me, I started to read it right away. Butcher's introduction got me excited for what advice I am going to get diving into this novel, and I can't wait to take in every word Chester has to offer. 

Unfortunately, I'm nearing the end of the semester right now, and that means papers piling upon papers, and don't forget to write that other paper, too! Once I get out from underneath all this work, my next go-to book is going to be The Fantasy Fiction Formula. I can't wait to take in all this knowledge just waiting at my fingertips, and learning some of the secrets to finishing a novel.


Give me all the info.