Firstly, this photo is not taken by me (I merely googled it), although the carpet looks strangely like my own. Secondly, I finished this novel yesterday and I am surprised. The plot is thoroughly developed and dramatic, and I found that it did surprise me here and there. There is definitely some irony in the turn of events, but I did enjoy the novel overall. It was a quick read for me, and a good distraction from reading dull and drab textbooks. If you`re looking for something to read, and are keeping low expectations, here`s something to read :)

Some Relatively Unimportant Facts…

The book was published in June of 2009 and was listed on Oprah’s summer reading list in 2009. It has two covers, and the one I`m reading actually has the alternative orange cover with a lovely painting on it. The paperback copy of this book has 273 pages.

The book I am reading is called Lime Tree Can`t Bear Orange by Amanda Smyth. The story has been quite intense and powerful to me so far. What captures my interest the most, is undoubtedly the way Smyth describes places, things and people in the book. I have struggles putting it down to do the readings that I should be for my courses. I do recommend the book, it is not a difficult read despite how difficult a life our main character leads.

Review: Green Lantern (released June 2011)

Spoiler Warning. Yes, but I cannot say I was surprised at all throughout the movie, so there may not even be anything to spoil.

The impression. Here is the trailer: click. In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight, let those who worship evil’s might, beware my power… Green Lantern’s light! For my bestie`s birthday, this was what she wanted to watch. And that is the oath she wanted me to memorize, in threat that I would be defriended if I did not. (Shhhh, I still had to look that up…)

The introduction. Hal Jordan leads a very casual and carefree lifestyle, but it is clear that many people care for him, and that things usually turn out alright. In one of the very first scenes, we watch him push past the boundaries of the duel. And although he wins, he falls right from the sky, reliving memories of the death of his father and almost unable to save himself.

The action. I found this part was almost lacking.. It is cool how he uses his ring to manipulate things, and make things happen just by imagining things.. But really.. “Fear” was much too easy to defeat, and who would have realized that the very first jet fighter scene would become a foreshadow to how he would push the limits to win, and defeat his opponent. But at the end of it all, you cannot really say that there was a whole lot of action in this movie.

The ending. So surprise, surprise, our superhero conquers his inner battles and saves the day. Oh, and of course, he also gets the girl. OH! And we can`t forget that he wins the respect of all his colleagues. Overall, I cannot say the ending surprised me in the least. But do wait til the end of credits for a sneak peak at yet another movie, that of course, will entice all audiences to watch.

The plot. A very simply and very classic plot. Would-be superhero leads a very lost (if not lazy and irresponsible) life, something climatic and exciting changes his life as he knows it, he is bestowed unimaginable responsibility of protecting all his loved ones and the universe, (and given super powers, duh). Enter the villain who is usually a victim himself in some way, but no matter how sad his story, he will almost always lose to our superhero. Don`t forget our damsel in distress, who`s life is threatened and saved. BAM! We have our superhero plot that wasn`t twisted in the least for entertainment in this movie.

The cast. Ryan Reynolds wasn`t super impressive because his lazy life where his good looks and charms get him through life.. Doesn`t seem like much of an act to me. As a personal bias, I don`t particularly prefer Blake Lively, and so while I kept an open mind, she didn`t really manage impress me. At least she does something useful in the movie (shoot missiles at “Fear”) rather than simply be kidnapped or be in danger for Hal Jordan, aka Green Lantern, to save.

The opinion. I found that although it definitely did not win movie of the year or even the month, but there isn`t a whole lot to criticize unless you really start to look at the tiny specifics, which of course, I will not. It was enjoyable, it wasn`t as though I wanted to leave a quarter way into the movie (no sarcasm intended!). But it isn`t a miss unless you`re a super comic book fan! …Which my bestie happens to be! So happy belated birthday, considering how late I`ve posted this!

3.5 Stars.

The creator of this giant 3D labyrinth came to our store yesterday. Michael McGinnis brought three of his creations: two that you can buy yourself in store, and one that is brand new and will be in stores soon. The game called Perplexus is really cool and the original is recommended for ages 6 to 106! He has his original game, called Perplexus which has 100 barriers to it. He created a Rookie Perplexus with 70 barriers for younger ages, and his newest creation called the Perplexus Epic has 125 barriers with a teeter totter in it!

If you have a chance to meet him, Michael is actually a really cool guy who`s really into what he does :) I had a chance to talk to him and hear his story and then try out the different Perplexuses for the hour and a half that he was with us (and get his autograph!) Learn more about him and Perplexus here: click. (under “Our Story”) And check them all out here on our Chapters website: click.

Photo found at huffingtonpost.com