Library of Congress National Book Festival 2014

Hello, bookworms! 

    In case you were unaware, yesterday, August 30, was the date for the Fourteenth Annual National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.  It was my first time attending the event, and I absolutely loved it.  I failed to make it to any of the morning events or signings, but I still had a great time going to the ones in the afternoon and evening. 

    The first signing I attended was for Anne Ursu.  I made it right at the end of her session, so there was no line.  I was happy to get my copy of her novel, Breadcrumbs, signed.  I absolutely love her message, so I thought I'd share it with you guys:

 

      I went around to the tables for each state and U.S. territory present at the event, collecting stamps, stickers, bookmarks, and other fun handouts.  The Florida table was even giving out free copies of the junior novel companion for the movie Dolphin Tale 2.  I gave mine to my younger sister, who wasn't there, as a surprise gift.  I also found out that Virginia has its own book festival in March, as do quite a few other states.  You should check to see if yours has one, too.

      Unfortunately, I missed Kendare Blake's presentation, but I was able to attend her signing session and have a copy of her novel Antigoddess signed.  She was very nice, and I hope to read her books, Anna Dressed in Blood, Girl of Nightmares, and, of course, Antigoddess, really soon.

   

 

After a quick break to get something to eat, my mother and I hurried to find the room for the first ever Graphic Novels Super Session at the National Book Festival.  Raina Telgemeier, author of the popular graphic novels Smile, Drama, and Sisters, gave a wonderful presentation that my mom and I both really enjoyed.  She is just as funny in person as you might assume from reading her books.  After her presentation, I stood in line for probably forty minutes to get Smile and Sisters signed, but it was worth it.  (I've only read Smile about six times.)  There were so many people that by the time I got there, she was wearing a brace on her wrist and had to stop personalizing her signings.  But she kept going; round of applause for the amazing Raina Telgemeier!  

 

    Well, that concludes the tale of my time at The National Book Festival.  I really hope I can attend next year as well.  It was so much fun!

 

Until next post,

Regan

Series Review: Witch & Wizard

This image is not mine.  It was taken from here.

James Patterson's Witch & Wizard Series is definitely a series deserving of praise.  It includes four novels (Witch & Wizard, Witch & Wizard: The Gift, Witch & Wizard: The Fire, and Witch & Wizard: The Kiss) with the fifth and final installment, Witch & Wizard: The Lost coming out in December.  It also includes three volumes of manga (Witch & Wizard: The Manga, Vol. 1, Witch & Wizard: The Manga, Vol. 2, and Witch & Wizard: The Manga, Vol. 3) and two other graphic novels (Witch & Wizard: Battle for Shadowland and Witch & Wizard: Operation Zero).

The series of novels mostly follows Whit and Wisty Allgood in alternating first person perspective with a few other narrations throughout the series.  It is an excellent, fantasy/adventure, dystopian story filled with humor, action, magic, and romance.  The story is set in a world where magic, art, and independent thought are strictly prohibited, but there is a rebellion of children and teenagers fighting for their rights and freedom from The One Who Is The One, the world's evil dictator.  It is highly recommendable for fantasy and dystopian readers craving action.  

The manga series is just as good as it covers the storyline of the first three novels with only slight variation.  It is much quicker to read and the perfect way for people that don't typically enjoy reading to experience this series.  Only a few things are changed or left out, so it mostly sticks to the original plot.

The other two graphic novels involve events that are not part of the novel series.  (I haven't read them yet, so I cannot give a full review.)  From what I've seen, they are printed in full color and look relatively short.

I enjoyed this series enough to read it again, and I hope that anyone reading this will enjoy them too.

Until Next Post,
Rae

Book-to-Movie-Review: The Fault in Our Stars

Credit: http://strawburry17.com/the-fault-in-our-stars-has-a-movie-poster-2/

Firstly, John Green's The Fault in Our Stars is a simply amazing book.  It tells the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenager with lung cancer, who falls in love with the charming Augustus Waters.  Touching, funny, and sad, it is definitely a must-read for fans of YA romance and realistic fiction and even readers that don't tend to enjoy those genres.  It is beautifully written and incredibly entertaining.  It's a quick read that is well worth the little time it takes to be read.  However, this book is not for younger readers as it contains some cursing and adult content.

The movie for The Fault in Our Stars is very close to the book, and so beautiful that it will probably make viewers cry (much like how the book can bring tears to the reader's eyes).  However, a lot of Augustus's backstory wasn't shown, and some minor scenes were cut.  Of course, that is to be expected of movie adaptations.  Despite the changes, the movie is not at all a disappointment for readers that loved the book.

Both the book and movie are highly recommendable.

Until nest post,
Rae

P.S.- Sorry about my absence.  I've been sort of busy.  Hopefully, I'll have a new post up soon. :)