Divergent: Book Review

Don't start Divergent as you crawl into bed at night... that is, not if you plan on going to sleep anytime soon. But, if you are a night owl and don't mind pulling an all-nighter, then go ahead, pick it up and start reading - you'll be set until the sun rises. And then some.  Grab a copy and settle in for a mind-blowing, thrill-filled night. Because it will be. You know we love good books, and Divergent dazzles!

If you were a fan of the the Hunger Games Series, then you need to run to your local bookstore and snatch up both Divergent and Insurgent. We obsessed over the first two books of Divergent trilogy and we are not alone: it was nominated for a Teen Choice Award and we hear it's been optioned for a movie. YES! They are the kinds of books in which you want to know the next thing that happens; but, then again, you don't -- because you do not want them to end. Although a trilogy, only Divergent and Insurgent have been published. We are not certain when the 3rd book is due, but we will be finding out and tweeting about it. Promise.

All the deets: Divergent is set in a future Chicago, and instead of having political parties there are factions. You are born into a certain faction, and you have to abide by the rules until you are sixteen. Once you reach sixteen years old, you are tested to see in which faction you truly belong. Most people who go through the test end up being what they are born, but a handful of people change factions. This was true for the main character Beatrice. She actually had a choice, but ended up choosing the faction she had admired since she was little.  Although she has lived a life of selflessness, she may be seeking something a bit more exciting. But along with excitement comes danger and self-discovery. And, thank goodness, romance.

Whenever we read a sensational book that we can't put down, we ask ourselves what makes this book so readable and relatable? Divergent is amazingly written (flowing, gives you enough hints that you are curious, but not enough that the whole story is given away) and it's the perfect blend of a love story, sharp wit, and  adventure (enough to make your heart pound).  We are Hunger Game fanatics and didn't think anything could fill the gap as we waited for the next movie... and we are thrilled, beyond thrilled actually, to admit that we were absolutely and completely wrong. Divergent fills the gap and has given us a new reason to read late into the night.  Divergent is a page-turning, fingernail-biting, must read!

Katy Perry: Part of Me - Movie Review

We <3 Katy Perry. We absolutely adore her. But we were skeptical of a Katy Perry movie. I mean, we'd already seen her in concert, so what could we possibly see in the movie that we hadn't already seen? Seriously, why bother when you've already seen the concert, listened to the songs, heard the drama about the break-up, read People magazine, etc.... But as true fans, who decided to give it a chance, but skip the 3D version (which we suggest you do too) and we left the movie theater even bigger Katy Perry fans, if that was possible.

Katy Perry's "Part of Me" movie turned out be an inspiring tale of how much hard work and dedication it takes to become such a huge star. When most of us think about famous people we think how fabulous their lives are and how we wish we could be in their shoes, but we often forget that most famous people had to work really, really hard to be where they are today.  Part of Me reminds us that if we work hard enough we really can accomplish our dreams.

Walking into the theatre we didn't really know what to expect. We thought the movie would show a lot of Katy's concerts (which it did), but not really show much of her real life ups and downs (but it did). However, the movie showed a ton of personal information, but never slammed anyone. In true Katy Perry style she stayed upbeat, even in the midst of her own personal heartbreak.  And, she wasn't an overnight success, there were years of hard work, coupled with luck along the way.

But Part of Me also showcases how nice Katy Perry is. Sure, this is her movie and her editing, but you can't fake the stuff from before she was famous! Pretty much everyone who works for her started out as "nothing," just like her.  Her stylist is one of her closest friends, she discovered him, and now he's on tour with her... she just seems loyal, respectful, fun, and hardworking. And now, Katy Perry is one of the most iconic pop stars of our generation, proving once again that "what comes around goes around." The concert shots were entertaining, but the behind-the-scenes footage adds subtle, yet substantial, lessons in being a true "star" with lots of examples of perseverance and being true to yourself. Katy Perry's Part of Me really did share a part of her... and we definitely recommend it!

The Selection by Kiera Cass "required" summer reading

The Selection is a book good enough to keep you up all night... with a love triangle that's believable, bite-your-fingernail thrills, and futuristic fantasy. My love/hate relationship with a great book is that while I savor every word, I hate reaching the last one!  When I finish a great series like The Hunger Games, I immediately look for the next big thing. And this is it: The Selection by Kiera Cass had the same "OMG - when's the next book coming out - I can't wait" impression!

I picked up The Selection by Kiera Cass, and all I can say is you should too. Now. Today.  Kiera Cass writes beautifully and creates a world in which you just lose yourself. Ok, I better back up and tell you a little about the plot:

When there is an upcoming prince is in need of a future wife, there is a "contest" that takes place called the Selection. This contest is where the upcoming prince, or Prince Maxon, randomly chooses thirty-five girls from all social classes to compete to be his wife. When the girls are chosen, they are removed from the path that was decided for them before they were born. They then live in a fantasy world to "fight" to become Prince Maxon's future wife and the Queen.

America Singer already has a boyfriend, Aspen, and doesn't even want to be part of the Selection. Her secret boyfriend convinced her to at least try for it and once chosen she isn't sure what to think. It gets complicated once she is selected because she actually likes Prince Maxon and realizes she might enjoy the life she's learning about.  She has some decisions to make....

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book. At first I was reluctant to read it, because I'm not into "futuristic" books, but this wasn't just another dystopian fantasy. Although it had a similar romantic plot line to The Hunger Games with a love triangle, it's not really that similar, except that it's a sensational book... and I'm DYING for the 2nd book to come out (Spring 2013, we think)!!!  The story line pulls you in and the The Selection is nearly impossible to put down, so I didn't and just read through the night... honestly.  Get it, read it, let us know what you think!  And if you are looking for other great summer reads, we definitely recommend On The Line and Queen of Kentucky.