At the begging of May Ivy Miranda tagged me for The Honestea Tag created by from nie, and I'll be filling it out today! I have a funny history with tea. When I was younger, I would drink it from time to time because my parents did, but didn't seek it out. In 2018 I went to another country and became obsessed with tea! I was that way until June 2020 when I stopped drinking it because I thought it was making me shorter (did I mention I'm crazy?). Anyway, I started drinking tea again last October and don't drink it every day, but I love it while I'm outlining novels or doing homework late at night. It's the perfect thing!
The main reason I wanted to do this tag was to have tons of gifs of people drinking tea, even though that is the opposite goal. But wait, what does that even mean, MC? For this tag you want the least about of these gifs, but I'll let the rules explain.
The Rules:
no lies allowed. if an answer is too shameful to expose you may substitute the answer with a gif/image of someone drinking tea.
Chloe's example →
there are optional bonus additions to questions but these are not for the faint of heart.
if you complete the tag having answered every question + the bonus additions (no gifs used), you are dubbed a certified tea chugger, and you deserve a badge to show the world that you are not afraid of a steaming hot cup of TRUTH.
tag at least one other person (a tea party with just one is not very fun. trust me.) untagged persons are more than welcome to fill it out as well (nothing cooler than crashing a tea party).
Guys, ever since Ivy tagged me (thank you!) I've been stashing up these gifs, so be ready for a wild ride! It's funny, lab partners have been wondering why my computer's dashboard is so full of them...
As miranda (from nie) said, a gif defining apprehension before you get started doesn't count, so here's this.
She's at a tea party, so it counts.
THE QUESTIONS
what is a 'bad' (generally disliked) movie that you actually love?
I tend to have very controversial favorites, and I think those are all masterpieces. So, while 'bad' doesn't mean a poor quality movie, I can't make myself put it in this category.
I'm just not going to say anything. Mostly because I can't think of anything, but anything I do think of I'm not inclined to state here for all the world to see. I've been very sensitive lately to backlash against things I love, so I'm not up to this today. But, those readers who have been with me for a long time, I would love your guesses! What are movies I enjoy that are generally disliked?
what is your most shocking reading habit?
I am obsessive about which books I "read" before others. Especially on Goodreads. The covers of the books I read have to go in a certain order. So, I'll read all but the last page of a book then finish others. It doesn't make sense, I know, but I can't stop. And I just think I'm getting worse.
tell us the number one lie you write in your posts.
Ouch. This is a big ask! Probably that I don't like romance in stories. I do not like R rated content, but I love connections between characters. Ships are my favorite things, and I have multiple Pinterest boards for just characters who I think should be together. I am very particular in these things.
I sometimes tell the truth in this area. If you've been reading my posts for a few months you'll confirm that I've said these two are my favorite couple of all time. Period.
tell us the worst character name you've ever thought up. {bonus: share a character name you find ridiculous in a book/movie}
Just the other day I was trying to remember all the names of all the characters I've created and I failed miserably. Probably my main character being Peter? Just because it is so basic (still my favorite name of all time, though, but not for a character). So many of my characters have bad names because I think I'll just stick something in there as a placeholder and will change it later, but I never do. I also always forget to give them last names.
I just found one, but I can't share. It's too bad.
Fine, I found an even worse one, but I'll say it anyway. King Audric of Nivalis. I often just throw assorted letters together. Nice, huh? I found it when looking to answer a question later on.
I can't answer the bonus option just because I can't think of anything. I know so many times I come across a name that I think it's horrendous, but I'm drawing a blank here!
Okay, Quiggly Quagmire is not my favorite. I like Duncan and Isadora well enough, but Quiggly? No thank you.
what is the real reason you procrastinate writing your work in progress?
Do I even know? I usually say, "time", but is that the real reason? I guess I think it won't be any good. It will be cringy, I have no right to write or have an opinion when everyone else in the world does. It's easier for me to be quiet.
Can you guys tell I haven't really written since December?
what is a genre of music you secretly love?
I am very vocal about my music tastes and I don't have secrets. I loathe country music but once in a great while I find something tolerable. I have a really wide range in music tastes (I bet you thought it was all just Twenty One Pilots, musicals, and movie scores. It's only mostly those things, not completely). The other day I realized I seamlessly went from listening to country to k-pop. A skill, right?
if you're a plotter, what do you really think of pansters? and if you're a panster, what do you really think of plotters?
I am officially a planster. I need structure to do ANYTHING, but also am a little lazy and never fully commit to that. So, if people can go either way I really respect them! I think it is very brave to be a pantster (how do you even spell that?) and it takes serious dedication to be a plotter. I fall more into the plotter category because as soon as I don't have something plotted I stop writing. Hey, that's the real reason I procrastinate! I don't always know the truth myself...
share at least three lines of dialogue from one of your first writing projects {bonus: give us the good stuff. your most gruesome butchering of the English language)
Oh dear. There's a reason I don't read that. Man, it's going to take me awhile to find something old...
“I cannot thank you enough, Sir--I mean, King.” He said not to say Sir or Your Majesty, but what else should I say?
“Abbi, I know you miss your father, so I will not ask you to call me that, but you cannot call me Sir or King all the time. What would you like to call me?”
“Well, I only ever called my father ‘Papa’, so I could call you Father if it is alright with you--and Mariah.”
From my very first "novel". Ouch. What is this? What is the purpose of this dialogue? What is the purpose of this story. This at least shows me that I've gotten much better now that I have a few completed works under my belt. Maybe one day I'll be brave enough to completely redo this. It may be past repair.
tell us the title & artist of the last song you listened to.
Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root. Right now my family is hanging out and listening to music, all picking things and adding to the queue on my sister's phone. I picked that one, because it is straight up nostalgia.
(editing me is listening to Simple Song by Passenger, so I thought I'd let you know to be 100% honest).
which beloved book/movie character do you dislike & why?
Beloved...hmm. I have put this post off for days because I. cannot. think. of. anyone. I know there are tons, I just can't think of any? Finally, I came up with one each of my sisters like but I don't, but I don't know how beloved they are for the rest of the world.
Peter Kavinsky (from the To All the Boys series). This is just from the movies (haven't read the books), but I never liked him. He annoys me tremendously, especially because I'm a lot like Laura Jean but I don't get what she sees in him. The 2nd movie is my favorite because it has the least of him and darling John Ambrose (aka Jordan Fisher). I slightly liked him in the beginning of the 3rd, then grew to like him more, then was annoyed with him AGAIN by the end.
Edmund Bertram (from Mansfield Park). The most useless Jane Austen hero. I don't get what Fanny sees in him, especially because Fanny and I are identical in every other way, no questions. He's just there. I don't have time to vent about him right now, but he's the reason I don't like Mansfield Park. Right now my sisters and I are in the middle of watching the 2009 Emma mini-series for the first time, which I've wanted to do for years. But, I'm having the hardest time with Jonny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightley because I'm so used to him being unlikeable as Edmund!
tell us the title & topic of a post you have left in draft.
Title: Why I Hate the Word "Good" When it Comes to Books and Movies
Topic: exactly how it sounds. Anyone interested? I should come up with a more mysterious title.
What else do I have? Oh, I'm thinking about writing one called "Story Bulimia" which is about struggles I've had with stories. Any interest in that one?
what is a book you pretend you've read/would like to read but know you never will? {bonus: share a time when claiming you've read a classic/well known book didn't end well}
I've never claimed to read a book I haven't. I'm very honest when it comes to books. Let's see, though, I've thought from time to time about reading Lord of the Flies, but I don't think its going to happen.
tell us the title & topic of the most embarrassing post you've ever written. {bonus: include. the. link.}
Presenting...My Charles Dickens Book. It was basically Bookstagram, but here on my blog. I actually had many posts titled "Presenting..." which was me just showing off my collections. It is all very embarrassing and makes me want to slam my head on a table or spit out my tea. Now I actually share a Bookstagram account with my sister, and she ensures I'm not so awkward.
Me, after reading that post.
I actually did much better than I thought I would! I'm not a certified tea chugger, but I am more honest that my sister things. (She says I lie all the time, but that's not the same as only telling part of the story).
I think you guys are all tea drinkers, right? If not, I apologize for my mistake! What is your favorite beverage?
Thank you all for reading! I haven't been that active this month with blogging because I'm taking a summer course, but I have plans for this summer, so stick around!
In the meantime, tell me what you think of my answers! Do you drink tea? Do you have a genre of music you only rarely listen to? Do you ever expire from reading your old writing? What are your thoughts on Peter K and Edmund B? What are movies you like that other people don't? I'd love to talk about it with you!
I am back with answers to a tag that I should've answered ages ago. Back in April I filled out The Sunshine Blogger Award, which I had been tagged for three times. Right after that I was tagged two times and I decided to have another post where I filled out the tag three times and I decided to wait until I was tagged again (a little presumptuous of me? To assume that?).
In August I received my third tag and I thought, "Yay! I'll fill that out when I get the ch---"
I was tagged two more times. So, instead of filling out three at a time (which was a huge post in itself), I will be completing five of the tag because I have to do it before I get tagged again. I'll try not to go overboard with the pictures therefore making it too long...
Also, I've finally been forced to switch over to the new blogger format and I'm already fighting with it. So, I'm blaming that for anything off with the formatting and whatnot. Sorry about that!
Now, as you have noticed, this is a book and movie blog. I'm answering these because there are questions in here that deal with different literary pursuits. If you are skimming through (I am shocked! Why would you? Don't you want to read what I say for hours upon hours?) all of the fiction related questions will be in bold and blue and the rest will be in bold and yellow.
Rules:
1. List the award’s official rules
2. Display the award somewhere on your blog
3. Thank the person (s) who nominated you
4. Provide a link to your nominator’s blog
5. Answer your nominator’s questions
6. Nominate up to 11 bloggers
7. Ask your nominees 11 questions
8. Notify your nominees by commenting on at least one of their blog posts (I will certainly do this when I have the opportunity!)
I must be tired today because the only movie house that I coming to my mind is from The Parent Trap (1961). It looks so awesome!
2. What movie pet would you like to own?
I've always felt partial towards Raja. Even though he isn't a lion, I love him.
3. What book do you wish your favorite actor or actress could have starred in an adaptation of?
This sounds weird, but I'm going to be casting North and South - by Elizabeth Gaskell. Why does that sound weird, MC? Well, it's who I imagined was in it when I was reading the book.
Jessica Brown Findlay as Margaret Hale
&
Chris Evans as Mr. John Thornton.
Those who have read it: do you think it would be good?
But, that actually wasn't the question. The question was not about a favorite book but a favorite actor or actress. Hm, let's see. Katie Hanna had a fantastic dream cast of Pride & Prejudicewhich would make my life complete if it came true. I can't think of anything better!
4. Are there any movies you like better than the book they were based on?
I love both the book Flipped - by Wendelyn Van Draanen and movie of Flipped (2010) so much! I can't even tell you, they are both so wonderful. BUT, I slightly, tinily, maybe, possibly, itsy-bitsyly (sorry about my making up words) like the movie better. That is only because they did an incredible job with it and gave it a neat setting.
Also, I have high, high, high hopes for the upcoming movie Dune (2020) which is supposed to come out in December! I hated the book so much, but the casting in here looks AMAZING and it just looks fully and epicly awesome. Check it out:
5. What's your favorite movie that's set in the decade you were born in?
I bet you are all wondering how old I am. I know this is trying to be vague, which I appreciate, but I'm still going for the illusion that I'm a little old lady from the 30's. (MC, when have you ever been going with that? I don't know..) I am answering with movies set in several decades therefore you all will be confused. The Back to the Future trilogy.
6. Do you collect movie memorabilia of any sort?
Not too officially. I collect movies a little. I want to find my niche, though.
7. What actor and actress have never made a movie together, but you wish would have?
Why won't my brain work!? These are such perfect questions and I'm messing them up! Let's go with Jimmy Stewart and Olivia de Havilland. If they made a movie together that I don't know about, let me know!!!
8. What director would you like to have direct a movie based on your life?
I don't pay that much attention to directors, to be honest. If I was important enough I wouldn't mind having Rob Reiner, Kenneth Branagh, or Greta Gerwig make a movie about me...
9. Do you ever like a remake better than the original film?
I prefer the 2015 Cinderella over the 1950 one. I mean, the animated version is so nostalgic and the animation itself is lovely, but the 2015 one is GORGEOUS. It is one of the best movies ever made.
I also like the 2017 Murder on the Orient Express better than the 1974. I hope to provide you with an explanation to that soon...
10. What's your least-favorite movie genre?
Horror!
11. Are there any movies in your least-favorite genre that you do like?
Nope. I can't think of a single horror movie that I like. But, I do like suspense, which is sometimes confused but completely different! I love The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)!
1. Comedies or dramas [or do you like them equally]?
I prefer dramas. I usually don’t like movies that are trying to make me laugh the whole time because it usually isn’t funny to me (there are brilliant exceptions of screwball comedies that I love: Bringing Up Baby (1938), Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), and What’s Up Doc? (1972)). But, at the same time my sisters and I have noticed that movies that don’t make you laugh are always lacking something.
To answer in a straightforward way: I like dramas that are sprinkled with parts that I think are funny. Like Sense & Sensibility (1995). I laugh the whole way through that movie because it is so wonderful.
2. Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character?
Why, of course! Who doesn’t? Right now my main crush is on the character Artemus Gordon from the TV show Wild Wild West (1965-69).
He is technically the sidekick, but I watch the show purely for him. He is the best! He is hilarious, is a wonderful actor (that’s what his character did before he was a spy), and is just all around awesome.
3. Movies or music?
Well, these questions aren’t getting any easier.
I’ll definitely have to say movies, but in the last few months I’ve gotten so attached to music, it’s pretty crazy.
4. What story [movie, book, show, etc.] has made the biggest impact on your life?
Oh golly. This is such a huge question that I’m going to have a few answers:
First off: STAR WARS. I can’t tell you guys how much I love this series. I only mention it here on my blog every few posts. I have visited sites where they filmed the sequels trilogy. I think about it constantly. I can't think of a day that goes by without STAR WARS having some part in my life.
In Nov./Dec of 2018 I had where I put a picture from a movie that changed my life everyday for ten days. You can check that out HERE. I was thinking about giving them all explanations one day, so if you'd be interested in reading that let me know!
5. What is your favorite and least favorite thing about yourself?
Wow, such a deep question!
Favorite: I try to see the best in everyone.
Least favorite: I am very lazy and procrastinate 24/7.
6. Do you like sports? If so, which ones?
I'm neutral on doing sports myself, but I LOVE watching the Olympics. It's seriously one of my favorite things ever. So yes, I like sports. My favorite to watch are snowboarding, figure skating, and freestyle skiing.
7. Joss Whedon or James Cameron [look them up if you don't know who they are]?
I'm not overly familiar with either of them. I think I'll have to go with Joss Whedon because even though I don't like his DC work, I like what he did with Marvel in The Avengers (2012) and Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015).
8. Michelle Rodriguez or Michelle Forbes [again, look them up if you don't know who they are]?
I looked them up, but I haven't seen either of them in anything, so I can't say.
9. Historical fiction or futuristic fiction?
I do read a lot of historical fiction and enjoy it. I haven't had that much experience with any futuristic fiction. (But is that stopping me from making one my NaNoWriMo project this year? No, no it is not.)
10. Which show would you rather spend a month in: Star Trek, Firefly, or Battlestar Galactica?
After reading McKayla talk about all of these I really want to see them, but I haven’t had the chance yet! I’ll have to go with the one I have the most experience with: Star Trek. I’ve only seen a handful of episodes and I think they are all from The Next Generation? Anyway, I would want to spend a month with Data and on the holodeck. Is that what it's called?
11. If you were in an action movie, what would be your weapon of choice?
Bow and arrow, 100%! Any of you who have spent some time here know that I am obsessed with Archery.
This is not the gif that I was looking for, but it'll do.
1. Is there a particular song that you would show to people if you were trying to explain yourself -- your personality, your heart, your aesthetic, your inner landscape -- in musical form?
Do I love this question? YES I DO. If you listen to anything by Twenty One Pilots then that's me. The music they write is so much me that when I know other people who listen to it I get super excited because I feel like they are my new best friend. Mostly this one:
//Wish we could turn back time to the good old days
When our momma sang us to sleep but now we're stressed out//
2. Do you like tattoos or no?
A definite no. I just don’t like the idea of anything going into my skin. Plus, what happens when you get tired of it? IT DOESN’T GO AWAY.
3. What is your favorite thing about your favorite holiday?
Well, I don't even know what is my favorite holiday. Whatever it is my favorite part is the joy of celebration! Sharing stories and memories with others.
4. What non-story-related hobbies do you enjoy?
*blinks* Uh, is there such a thing? Well, I like to dance and downhill ski.
5. Top three favorite TV shows?
I’m having a list for fictional series’s (so I can tie it back to this blog, ya know) and one for any competition or documentary TV show.
Whenever I am asked this question it is a combination of three: Reading, writing, and watching movies! They go together and I can't pick out which one is my top favorite.
2. What is the best book you've read so far this year?
Fun fact: This question was asked last time I did this tag and the answer is the same.
Anna Karenina - by Leo Tolstoy! I was sure that I wouldn't like it based on what I knew about it, but it IS THE MOST INCREDIBLE BOOK. It is now my tenth favorite book of all time. I really, really, really want to review it, but I haven't figured out how to put my thoughts into words yet. One day, soon I hope!
3. What is the worst book you've read so far this year?
I'm happy to say that this year has been a really good year for reading for me! (Unlike 2018 which was horrible and I read my least favorite books of all time). Um, my least favorite is probably Middlemarch - by George Eliot. It wasn't bad, but I just was so confused the whole time and didn't care about any of the characters. It took me months to read. Anytime something interesting seemed to be about to happen it was skipped! In the next chapter the characters would mention that it had happened, but I didn't get to see it. My favorite characters were Mary and Fred.
I take that back. I just remembered a book that I didn't finish because I loathed it so much: The Grapes of Wrath - by John Steinbeck. For what made me stop and other thoughts, go HERE.
4. What is your favorite color and how do you use it in your life?
If I had a lightsaber, guess what color it would be.
BLUE. I just love this color so much! I am constantly wearing it, and whenever I have a choice I pick blue. This blog theme used to be covered in blue before my sister convinced me to change it to something more "movie like". Even still a lot of the elements are blue.
5. Do you drink tea and if so, what brand is your favorite?
I used to drink a lot of tea. At least one cup everyday. It started in 2018, but this June I stopped. I have a bet with my younger sister going and we are seeing the results before I drink it again. When I did drink it the brand Berry's was my favorite.
6. Since we're slowly coming up on the holidays, what is your favorite treat in December?
There are so many good ones! I am more of a savory person than a sweet person, but I still love the flavor of peppermint! Anything with that.
7. Do you play board games and if so, what is your favorite?
Ah, yes, I love playing board games! My favorites include Clue, Catan, and Ticket to Ride. If anyone else plays these games please let me know!
8. What is your favorite movie that was made during the Hays Code, 1934 - 1968?
There are two possible answers to this question. My favorite movie of all time, Singin' in the Rain (1952) was made in those years, so that is one answer.
But, my favorite movie that was made in the Hays Code because it was made then and no other year is The Philadelphia Story (1940). I've only see that movie twice, and the first time I was really anxious because I didn't know how it would end! The second time I ended up loving it. The things that are addressed in that movie and the way everything was handled because it was made in the Hays Code are so meaningful to me. If you haven't seen it, I recommend it! And, if you're like me and get wary in the middle, follow through to the end!
9. Who is your favorite singer/group?
Twenty One Pilots! I first heard a song from the group in April of 2019 and was indifferent. I would listen to it from time to time but other than that I wasn't too interested. In March of this year I heard their song "Ride" and was like, "WOW. I need to hear more of their songs!" Since then I have listened to almost all of them and they really mean a lot to me. Their songs speak to me in a way that I hadn't heard in music before. A couple of my favorites are "Stressed Out", "Ride", "The Judge", and "House of Gold". I put "Stressed Out" above, but if you haven't heard them here are the others:
Ride
The Judge
House of Gold
10. Do you prefer CDs, digital music, or (GASP) vinyl?
Old fashioned me prefers CDs, which is good because my family has five million of them. I love the idea of vinyl, but I haven't had much experience with it. I will admit that digital music is the most convenient, but I still love my CDs.
11. What got you started in the blogging realm?
I was always telling my family facts about movies. One day when my sister and I were watching Inspector Gadget (1999) I was mentioning some part I liked and whatnot and she suggested I start a blog. In July of 2016 I took her up on that. Look where that's gotten me!
2. When was the last time you left a comment on someone else’s blog?
Well, this morning? I believe? I’m really bad at leaving comments because I just forget to, so I can’t tell you the specifics.
3. Is there a movie or tv show other people like that you don’t? If so, what is it?
Downton Abbey. I mean, I watched all of it and dearly loved some of the characters, but I just didn’t like it as much as most people.
4. Do you like reading? If so, what book are you currently reading?
I love the reading questions! Just today I started the book One Bad Apple - by Rachel Kovaciny which I have had since August but told myself I had to finish Howards End - by E. M. Forster first. I’m so excited because I am always looking for new Snow White retellings!
5. What is a movie related opinion you and your friend see eye-to-eye on?
Don’t mention STAR WARS, don’t mention STAR WARS, don’t mention STAR WARS
A former blogging friend and I have so many opinions that are the same! We both love Jane Austen and have the same opinion on Frozen II (2019). There is so much that we agree on, but if I relate it all we will be here all day.
6. Is there any advice your family has given you that has been applicable to your blog?
There are always nuggets of wisdom coming from my family, but the ones concerning my blog are writing pieces of advice. Namely, don’t make lists. I tend to say these are the things I like: 1, 2, 3, etc.. While it makes sense to me, it isn’t always easy for other people to read.
My reviewing format definitely follows a list style, but I’ve learned to talk about things more. For example:
Instead of saying what I like about STAR WARS like this:
The lightsabers. The Jedi. Yoda.
I would say:
The lightsabers are such a unique weapon. Swords made out of light and lasers? As Obi-Wan says, it is a graceful tool. The Jedi themselves are very wise, especially Yoda, and though they have made mistakes, there is a lot that they teach me about control of oneself and focus. Something I that tell myself everyday is a line from Yoda: “Do, or do not. There is no try.”
See how much better that is? Lists help me to break things down into which sections I should put all of my thoughts, but it has helped me articulate my opinions better. And of course I used STAR WARS as an example.
7. Has Coronavirus affected your blog in any way? How?
Not really. I guess because I didn’t have my usual job and vacation this summer it gave me more time to blog? But, at the same time because I didn’t have the usual I had a longer daily job with my dad that took up more time. So I don’t really know.
8. What was the most recent gift you purchased for a loved one?
Just in case she starts reading this I’m going to be vague because I haven’t given it to her yet. I bought two books for my sister.
9. Have you come across a character from media that you found relatable? Who and why?
So many! I did a post once HERE, and I’m planning to do another, so I’ll just be brief.
Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter - by J. K. Rowling, Luke Skywalker from STAR WARS, and Fanny Price from Mansfield Park - by Jane Austen.
Like Luna people think that I’m slightly crazy, but I am very loyal. Just everything that Luke does is me, and same goes for Fanny. For both of them whenever they make a choice it is the exact same one that I would make for the exact same reasons.
Plus, Peter Parker from the MCU. He just wants to help but also feels incapable sometimes.
10. If given the opportunity, which movie scene would you re-do?
Such a good question and I should’ve given it some more thought. I’m sure as soon as I publish this post that I’ll think of something better, but this is what I have for the moment.
There is as scene in the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) that I want to take out rather than redo. It is the song “Oh What a Man” or something like that. It is so unnecessary! My sisters argue that this is the moment that we realize Truly’s feelings, but come on. The viewers are not blind. They can see what is happening without having to go into a five minute song walking around a park/garden that we’ll never see again.
11. What are your thoughts on time travel?
A few bloggers and I actually did a post about this around Leap Day, so check that out HERE.
For me, I love seeing it in books and movies! Being mysterious because of spoilers, but my absolute favorite Marvel movie uses it and it was so BRILLIANT.
Time for tagging! Now, I won't be tagging 55 people, but I'll do 11. Since so many of these questions are so good I'm going to be picking a handful of them for my questions:
1. What book do you wish your favorite actor or actress could have starred in an adaptation of?
2. Are there any movies you like better than the book they were based on?
3. Comedies or dramas [or do you like them equally]?
4. If you were in an action movie, what would be your weapon of choice?
5. Is there a particular song that you would show to people if you were trying to explain yourself -- your personality, your heart, your aesthetic, your inner landscape -- in musical form?
6. What non-story-related hobbies do you enjoy?
7. Top three favorite TV shows [fictional or not fictional or both]?
8. What are the best and worst books that you've read so far this year?
9. What is your favorite movie that was made during the Hays Code, 1934 - 1968?
10. If given the opportunity, which movie scene would you re-do?
Well, thank you to everyone who tagged me! If you made it through this enormous post then you deserve all my thanks as well! What do you think of my answers?
I am so excited of what this year will bring!!! But, before I go into that, I am going to post a list of all the books I read in 2018! If I reviewed it, I have linked to it. Here are the links to my 2016 list, and 2017 list! I hope you enjoy!
This year was a little bit of a disappointment because I read some really bad books for school or challenges. Bleh, I always felt gross after reading them. I have hope, that this year will be better!
New-to-me Reads:
Mansfield Park - by Jane Austen (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4) Danny the Champion of the World - by Roald Dahl Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief - by Wendelin Van Draanen Night of the Ninth Dragon - by Mary Pope Osborne The Rumpelstiltskin Problem - by Vivian Vande Velde The Goose Girl - by Shannon Hale The Merchant of Mars - by Ronald Pisacuro The Zookeeper's Wife - by Diane Ackerman Flipped - by Wendelin Van Draanen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - by J. K. Rowling The Cure - by Parker J. Cole Time to Say Goodbye - by Parker J. Cole Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm - by Kate Douglas Wiggin When You Reach Me - by Rebecca Stead Frankenstein - by Mary Shelley Rainbow Valley - by L. M. Montgomery The Beet Queen - by Louise Erdrich Lady Susan - by Jane Austen The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - by Ann Brashares Uncommon Type - by Tom Hanks Mary Poppins - by P. L. Travers Candide - by Voltare The Midwife's Apprentice - by Karen Cushman The Adventures of Robin Hood - by E. Charles Vivian The Haunted Showboat - by Carolyn Keene Death Comes to Pemberly - by P. D. James Charlotte's Web - by E. B. White The Body in the Library - by Agatha Christie The Book Jumper - by Mechthild Gläser Romeow and Juliet - by Kathi Daley The Tales of Beedle the Bard - by J. K. Rowling Angela's Ashes - by Frank McCourt (I didn't read all of it, because I cried it was so terrible, but I did so much I am counting it) The Wild Robot - by Peter Brown I Got This: To Gold and Beyond - by Laurie Hernandez Enna Burning - by Shannon Hale Mark Twain in Virginia City - by (I'll have to look this up) Funerals are Fatal - by Agatha Christie Cinder - by Marissa Meyer Scarlet - by Marissa Meyer Treasure of Hope - by Ceciliy Wolfe Cress - by Marissa Meyer Winter - by Marissa Meyer Stars Above - by Marissa Meyer Missing! - by Émile Gaboriau The Travelers Story of a Terribly Strange Bed - by Wilkie Collins Murders in the Rue Morgue - by Edgar Allan Poe The Ten-Thirty Folkstone Express - by Sax Rohmer Sarah, Plain and Tall - by Patricia MacLacnlan
Total: 48
Yikes, I need to review more!
Rereads:
The Chronicles of Narnia - C. S. Lewis: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe Prince Caspian The Voyage of the Dawn Treader The Silver Chair The Horse and His Boy The Magician's Nephew The Last Battle
The Anne of Green Gables Series - by L. M. Montgomery: Anne of Green Gables Anne of Avonlea Anne of the Island Anne of Windy Poplars
Total: 11
My 10 Favorites New-To-Me (No specific order):
1. Flipped - by Wendelin Van Draanen
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - by J. K. Rowling
3. When You Reach Me - by Rebecca Stead
4. The Adventures of Robin Hood - by E. Charles Vivian
5. The Wild Robot - by Peter Brown
6. Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm - by Kate Douglas Wiggin
7. The Rumpelstiltskin Problem - by Vivian Vande Velde
8. Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief - by Wendelin Van Draanen
I picked Pike's Peak, which is Read 12 books from your TBR pile/s, and I did 15!:
Mansfield Park - by Jane Austen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - by J. K. Rowling The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe - by C. S. Lewis Prince Caspian - by C. S. Lewis Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm - by Kate Douglas Wiggin Frankenstein - by Mary Shelley Rainbow Valley - by L. M. Montgomery The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - by Ann Brashares Mary Poppins - by P. L. Travers The Adventures of Robin Hood - by E. Charles Vivian Funerals are Fatal - by Agatha Christie Missing! - by Émile Gaboriau The Travelers Story of a Terribly Strange Bed - by Wilkie Collins Murders in the Rue Morgue - by Edgar Allan Poe The Ten-Thirty Folkstone Express - by Sax Rohmer
The Mount TBR 2019 challenge:
I once again, pick Pike's Peak! I am really excited to participate again!
Thank you so much for reading this huge post! Have you read any of these books? Are they your favorite?
Yes. This is me. (Haha, I didn't even me to do that!) The person who you really haven't seen a lot these last two months...
May and June have been hectic. And I haven't been in a blogging mood. But, I'm back now and (hopefully) for the rest (most) of the summer!
Getting down to business. On Monday, my family and I finally saw The Greatest Showman.
...
...
IT WAS AMAZING!!!!! I really enjoyed it and cried a lot. Just because that is what I do when I watch movies.
But, I can't get the songs un-stuck from my head, which is fortunate that Hamlette tagged me with The Greatest Showman Book Tag!!! Thank you so much Hamlette!!! (She loves it as much as I do. Probably more.)
Rules are:
Answer the questions.
Tag whoever you want .
Using her graphic is optional, but recommended.
'The Greatest Show': Name a book that’s as entertaining as a circus:
A Riddle in Ruby - by Kent Davis. It has been awhile since I read this, but I do remember it being hectic. It was funny, entertaining, confusing, and crazy.
'A Million Dreams': Name a book that’s set in a fantastical world:
'Come Alive': Name a book that makes you outrageously happy:
Flipped - by Wendelin Van Draanen. I don't know why, but I love this and the movie so much.
'The Other Side': Name a book that changed your mind about something:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - by J. K. Rowling. I didn't really like the Harry Potter books up until the last half of this book. It is amazing.
'Never Enough': Name a book that you’ve re-read more than once:
I don't usually re-read books. I love them, but I just want to read new things. I can't think of any book that I have re-read more than once. But, if I do re-read a book once it means I like it.
'Tightrope': Name a book with an adventurous main character:
Janie from The Apothecary - by Maile Meloy. By the way, it's a really good book.
'From Now On': Name a book with a wonderful family (related or otherwise):
The Lord of the Rings - by J. R. R. Tolkein. They aren't really related, but all the characters have such fellowship for each other. I'm fitting this into the "otherwise" bit of this question.
(Just to let you know, I could have answered The Chronicles of Narnia for all of these questions.)
I tag:
Elanor: she told me again and again to watch it.
Lilah: because she is the musical expert.
Anyone who saw it for the first time recently.
Thanks for the tag, Hamlette!
Hm, notice anything different?
My little sister made me a new header!!! Isn't it great! It perfectly combines my love of books and movies!
I am so sorry these posts have been so random lately, this year so far has been crazy!
Anyway, the amazing Elanor at Musings of an Austen Wannabe, created this tag, then tagged me! And the fabulous Ruth, the lovely Cordy , and the splendid Olivia tagged me as well! Thank you, Elanor, Ruth, Cordy, and Olivia!! Of course, it's a period drama tag, so I can't pass it up! And, when four people have tagged you for the same tag, I guess it's time to do it.
I am going to try to do a different movie/book/actor for each question, but it might not work.
Another Period Drama Tag:
Rule #1: Answer the questions
Rule #2: Link back to the person who tagged you
Rule #3: Tag at least one other blogger to do the tag
Here are the questions:
1. What was the most recent period drama you watched? Share what you thought of it.:
Uh, the last one was Sense & Sensibility (1995). I have seen it before, and I love it to pieces. My sisters and I were laughing, and crying, and my dad was wondering what in the world was going on. It is actually so funny, especially Hugh Grant. But, Alan Rickman is my favorite. I wasn't even going to watch, but then I got sucked in. I love that movie so much.
2. Do you generally prefer period dramas in the form of a movie or a TV series/mini-series? Why?:
If it is based on a book, I usually like mini-series if it is based on a book, but then some of my favorite period dramas are just movies. And I love it when I find a full series that is a period drama and that is clean.
Sorry, that was not a good answer. These are hard questions!
3. What is your favorite musical period drama?:
I have lots of others, but I'll say My Fair Lady. Just 'cause I get those songs stuck in my head all. the. time.
4. Read the book first or watch the movie first?:
Book! This is sort of my blog's motto:
Unless, I have already started watching it when I learn it is based on a book, I'll just keep watching. Or, if it has been on my shelf forever and I just go ahead and watch.
5. What is a valuable life lesson you learned from a period drama?:
Don't judge others.
Speak with your voice as well as your actions.
6. Which period drama hero would you be likely to fall in love with in real life?:
Elanor! How am I supposed to answer this!??
Um, I guess I would say Don Pedro of Aragon from Much Ado About Nothing (1993). I mean, he just is so nice, and I feel that he gets left out.
Anndddd... Jim Craig from The Man from Snowy River (1982).
Mr. Darcy, from Pride & Prejudice.
7. Do you ever like to binge-watch a period drama series?:
Haha. Hahahaha. It's not like I've ever done that.
Kidding. I once watched all of Pride & Prejudice (1995) in one sitting. And I have watched five episodes of Robin Hood BBC in one sitting as well. I know, I'm crazy, but when it is so good you have to keep watching!
8. What things go best with watching a period drama?:
Family who laugh and talk about it with you. I know, you're thinking, "Why would you talk during a movie?" Well, you don't, but you do talk about the movie. My sister and I yell at the characters, we tell them to do things.
9. Which period drama do you think you would fit into best?:
Robin Hood!!!!!!! (MC, you just want that to be true.) Okay, okay. I probably wouldn't last one day in Sherwood, but still.
I really cannot think of anything for this question. Um... I took a quiz and it said I should be in Call the Midwife. I'm not sure how accurate that is, so I'll say Mansfield Park.
10. If you could have any period drama character for a best friend, who would it be? And why?:
Beatrix Potter from Miss Potter (2006). She loves to write, draw, dance (sob), and I think we would be great friends!
11. Show us a picture of a period drama costume you wish you could wear in real life.:
*yawn* Hurry up and get me dressed, maids! (btw, this movie is sssssooooo good.)
Sorry, I'm kidding again. They are all ssssssooooo amazing!!! They are a little too fancy for me, but I would love to wear this one of Meg's from Little Women (1994).
Sorry the picture is a little blurry.
12. Are there any period dramas you like to watch during a particular season or holiday?:
I only watch A Christmas Carol (many different versions) during Christmas.
13. Which period drama has your favorite soundtrack?:
Robin Hood BBC! I could listen to it all day long!
14. Dream cast your favorite actor and actress in a period drama of your choosing; tell which parts they would play and why.***:
I did this backwards, I should have come up with a movie then come up with actors. I came up with actors then found a movie for them to be in. I'm not even sure if this will work, but I tried. I know that it sounds really weird, and it probably won't go, but it was all I could think of.
A new version of Emma:
Holliday Grainger as Emma Woodhouse.
Richard Madden as Mr. Knightley.
My brain is dead, and they are all I can think of.
15. Are there any period dramas you like more than one version of?:
Robin Hood!!!!! (Stop answering that for everything, MC!)
16. What are the top three period dramas that you haven't seen on your to-watch list?:
Only three!!??: Belle (2013) Howard's End (1992) [I own this, but I just haven't watched it yet!] Sense & Sensibility (2008)
17. Show a picture of your favorite period drama hairstyle.:
I know I already used P&P as the answer to what I binge watch, but this is really my favorite hairdo.
18. What was your favorite wedding in a period drama?:
This wedding from Emma (1996):
Look!! Mr. and Mrs. Weston are so happy! And Emma is congratulating them!!
19. What is your favorite biographical period drama?:
AMAZING GRACE. If you have not seen this movie, GO!! It is the true story of William Wilberforce, and it is sssooo beautiful!
And... The King's Speech is really fabulous.
20. Which historical novel will you forever recommend to anyone and everyone?:
Any Jane Austen book, any Charles Dickens book. Forever.
***14. Side note: deceased actors do count
Well, I did use some twice (or thrice), but I am pretty happy with my answers. Thank you so much to all of you for tagging me!
I tag: Elanor (you have to answer your own tag!)
& Hamlette
& Catherine
&
Anyone else who hasn't done it.
Many thanks once again to everyone who tagged me, and thanks for reading! What do you think of all these movies? MovieCritic
