Book/Literature Reviews and Recommendations! Got any?
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Battle Royale [Novel,Manga,Film] rant and discussion thread (also "Hunger Games" VS. "Battle Royale" comparisons)
Alright everyone, if any of you are avid readers or love dystopian novels, or have heard about the issue of "The Hunger Games" being a rip off of one of the greatest books of all time [Battle Royale], then you have probably read or at least heard the name "Battle Royale" at some point in your life. I read the novel from start to finish and fell in love at first reading. So if any of you want to talk or rant about what you liked or didn't like about any of the story's incarnations, this is the place to be.
Last edited by midori's crazy398 on Wed Jun 06, 2012 11:10 am; edited 1 time in total
Re: Book/Literature Reviews and Recommendations! Got any?
midori's crazy398 wrote:Alright everyone, if any of you are avid readers or love dystopian novels, or have heard about the issue of "The Hunger Games" being a rip off of one of the greatest books of all time [Battle Royale], then you have probably read or at least heard the name "Battle Royale" at some point in your life. I read the novel from start to finish and fell in love at first reading. So if any of you want to talk or rant about what you liked or didn't like about any of the story's incarnations, this is the place to be.
Battle Royale was an original concept that a lot of movies and novels have ripped off. I even consider the reality show that started it all, Survivor, to be based on Battle Royale. People love to watch the strong survive amongst the chosen. Sadly I have never actually read the Battle Royale novels, only the Asian films which were highly impressive.
Now you mention Hunger Games. As much as I ADORED Hunger Games and consider it one of the year's best films by far, I admit it was a rip off. A rip off for younger audiences, but still a rip off. I think the character of Katniss Everdeen made the traditional story better. But at the core, I've seen Hunger Games before, per se.
Re: Book/Literature Reviews and Recommendations! Got any?
@Luu Sky Sapphire
You should definitely read the novel ( there is only one book so you don't have to worry about a sequel) I will admit however if you have a weak stomach or dislike extremely graphic depictions of violence you may want to proceed with caution. It makes the Hunger Games look like Twilight, when you read Battle Royale, you know shit just got real. I used to love the Hunger Games as well ( I still think it was a great book and series) but as soon as I picked up Battle Royale I was blown away by the level it stands on compared to Hunger Games. The film in my opinion was terrible, but that may have been because I read the book first, it's worth reading Luu.
You should definitely read the novel ( there is only one book so you don't have to worry about a sequel) I will admit however if you have a weak stomach or dislike extremely graphic depictions of violence you may want to proceed with caution. It makes the Hunger Games look like Twilight, when you read Battle Royale, you know shit just got real. I used to love the Hunger Games as well ( I still think it was a great book and series) but as soon as I picked up Battle Royale I was blown away by the level it stands on compared to Hunger Games. The film in my opinion was terrible, but that may have been because I read the book first, it's worth reading Luu.
Re: Book/Literature Reviews and Recommendations! Got any?
Luu Sky Sapphire wrote:
Battle Royale was an original concept that a lot of movies and novels have ripped off. I even consider the reality show that started it all, Survivor, to be based on Battle Royale. People love to watch the strong survive amongst the chosen. Sadly I have never actually read the Battle Royale novels, only the Asian films which were highly impressive.
Now you mention Hunger Games. As much as I ADORED Hunger Games and consider it one of the year's best films by far, I admit it was a rip off. A rip off for younger audiences, but still a rip off. I think the character of Katniss Everdeen made the traditional story better. But at the core, I've seen Hunger Games before, per se.
The movies were impressive, as is the book. An original concept, though, not-so-much. I might give you that it's original from a Japanese cultural viewpoint, but since I know very little of Japanese historical/cultural matters, I couldn't weigh in on it's relative originality, even if I wanted to. Other commenters have weighed in on the issue, and I'll go along with them on the basics:
they're both derivative, in the sense that the fighting of a group of children to the death has been done before, just not with all of the same circumstances put together.
"Hunger Games" is not only derivative, it's deliberately so - it's derivative from strictly Western elements, though, and has nothing to do with "BR" whatsoever. In my opinion, anyway, and yes, my opinions are very humble - I'm sure not, but my opinions are. Anyway, "HG" has a purpose to its story, many different purposes, both in-story and out.
In the end, I'd say "HG" and "BR" are less related than Full Metal Alchemist and "The Boys From Brazil" are.
Of course, I, too, need to "read the book" where "BR" is concerned. When I do, I may say more.
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Re: Book/Literature Reviews and Recommendations! Got any?
I know I'm pretty late, but I just finished The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
I finished it in one day, and I think it's pretty good. I love Charlie as the protagonist, and some of his letters are very heartbreaking, especially the ones regarding his unrequited love to Sam.
The ending kinda confused me a bit, so it took two tries for me to fully understand what happened in the past that made him that way. Aww man, I woulda never guessed it!!
Still, it's a pretty good read, and I had an interesting experience when I went hunting for that book.
So gonna keep an eye out for when the movie comes out. Logan Lerman and Emma Watson, YAY!!
Re: Book/Literature Reviews and Recommendations! Got any?
Ah, I finished re-reading a couple of books recently...I've read every book in my house and at the nearby libraries...and there aren't any new ones out that catch my eye....BUT ANYWAY
The Left Hand of God
Paul Hoffman
The Black Tattoo
Sam Enthovan
The Book Thief
Markus Zusak
Muddle Earth
Paul Stewart and Chris Riddel
ends book rant
The Left Hand of God
Paul Hoffman
- Spoiler:
- "Listen. The Sanctuary of the Redeemers on Shotover Scarp is named after a damned lie for there is no redemption that goes on there and less sanctuary."
The Sanctuary of the Redeemers is a vast and desolate place - a place without joy or hope. Most of its occupants were taken there as boys and for years have endured the brutal regime of the Lord Redeemers whose cruelty and violence have one singular purpose - to serve in the name of the One True Faith.
In one of the Sanctuary's vast and twisting maze of corridors stands a boy. He is perhaps fourteen or fifteen years old - he is not sure and neither is anyone else. He has long-forgotten his real name, but now they call him Thomas Cale. He is strange and secretive, witty and charming, violent and profoundly bloody-minded. He is so used to the cruelty that he seems immune, but soon he will open the wrong door at the wrong time and witness an act so terrible that he will have to leave this place, or die.
His only hope of survival is to escape across the arid Scablands to Memphis, a city the opposite of the Sanctuary in every way: breathtakingly beautiful, infinitely Godless, and deeply corrupt.
But the Redeemers want Cale back at any price... not because of the secret he now knows but because of a much more terrifying secret he does not.
The Black Tattoo
Sam Enthovan
- Spoiler:
- Jack’s best mate, Charlie, has always been effortlessly cool. When Charlie wakes up one day and finds a mysterious, moving black tattoo on his back, it’s a clear sign that he’s even cooler than Jack thought. To top it off, Charlie is suddenly able to fight like a kung-fu master, fly, and control the minds of others. Yes, he’s got super powers.
Or does he?
Jack soon learns the terrifying truth: Charlie’s incredible powers come from an age-old demon called the Scourge, who is using Charlie to bring about its evil master plan. To stop the Scourge, Jack and Charlie join forces with Esme, a girl with super powers of her own, trained from birth to fight the demon. But time is running out, as Charlie falls deeper under the Scourge’s dark spell.
When the Scourge vanishes with Charlie, Jack and Esme follow their friend from the streets of London into Hell itself, where they face horrors that may well cost them their lives. Can they survive to outwit the Scourge, save Charlie, and stop an even greater evil?
The Book Thief
Markus Zusak
- Spoiler:
- HERE IS A SMALL FACT - YOU ARE GOING TO DIE. 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier. Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall. SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION - THIS NOVEL IS NARRATED BY DEATH. It's a small story, about: a girl, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. ANOTHER THING YOU SHOULD KNOW - DEATH WILL VISIT THE BOOK THIEF THREE TIMES
Muddle Earth
Paul Stewart and Chris Riddel
- Spoiler:
- Where would you find a perfumed bog filled with pink sticky hogs and exploding gas frogs? A place that's home to a wizard with only one spell, an ogre who cries a lot and a very sarcastic budgie? Welcome to Muddle Earth. A place where anything can happen -- and usually does. Joe Jefferson, an ordinary schoolboy from ordinary earth, is about to find his life changed forever. Prepare for a great battle of good, evil and sort of OK...
Re: Book/Literature Reviews and Recommendations! Got any?
Several book reviews on the way. I read so many new titles during my trip to Indonesia.
<----- So not a Reading Rainbow reference, honest!
<----- So not a Reading Rainbow reference, honest!
Re: Book/Literature Reviews and Recommendations! Got any?
Writing my review of Shania Twain's book "From This Moment On" on my community forum. Finished it during break today; what an amazing journey for the living Canadian legend.
Her best song ever = "Forever and for Always". It's everything that defines my own relationship.
Shania Twain, one of the all time greats in music. She transcended labels in music by taking all her favorite genres and working her own magic. Taking inspiration from all her childhood favorites like Dolly Parton, The Beach Boys, and a host of music's biggest names from every genre. Though she would initially enter the country music field, the Canadian star would take what is considered traditional and blended it with rock and even pop. Born Eilleen Regina Edwards, Shania was an innovative performer and song writer who really lived to make music not just for herself, but for everyone. Music comes from the heart and soul and any true artist would know that music should be shared with. Shania believed that one can take her songs and interpret them their way. So we get a feeling of ownership of the messages she delivers. Shania is without a doubt, one of the most talented and humble human beings I've ever known. Granted, I don't know the legend personally, but her hardships throughout the book were very true to life.
My family were also a dysfunctional group. As an only child throughout the years I lived with my parents, I felt she was fortunate enough to have her sisters and brothers for comforting. By the end of her parents' journey, they didn't strike me as bad parents. They did everything they possibly could to see their children make it in life, sacrificing what little money they had left. Sadly, all that effort couldn't be directed at each other. To loosely quote Shania: "They were destined to be together, even in death." Her relationship with her mother was one of my favorite elements of her book. There's such warmth in her writing whenever she talks about her mother, it's so sweet in every regard.
It was Shania and her mother's dream to make it big in the music business. Shania dealt with a lot of jealousy, creepy men and record labels that had NO idea how to showcase her talents. As a fan, I enjoyed her first album titled "Shania Twain", but I had a feeling it was a product of the record company and not Shania herself. It had a more country feeling to it, which Shania wasn't very satisfied with. Her goal in Nashville was to produce something worthwhile; not cookie cutter in the slightest. 1995's "The Woman in Me", followed closely by "Come on Over" were the true sounds of Shania Twain, the PERSON. Not so much the personality. The entire glitz and glamor lifestyle has been exhausting for Canada's shining star, but she always had great support from her close friends and family. In the end, those are the people who matter in your life.
Then there was Robert John "Mutt" Lange and Marie-Anne. Let's give credit where credit is due, Mutt was a genius producer and an even bigger genius at his craft of songwriting. That is where my praise comes to an abrupt halt. I have no sympathy for these two for what they put Shania through. They have no idea what it feels like to be in that position of vulnerability and personal anguish, all the while telling her young son that things are okay. Mutt made the biggest mistake of his life; the old saying "the one that got away..." Pfft, please. YOU let her go for a slimy eel. Besides, who cheats on Shania Twain? Mutt, you, with all due respect, are a huge loser.
Time heals as Shania knows all too well. With the dark clouds lifted, she is still here, her music is forever immortal and most of all, she has found peace with life. The life of Shania Twain is one of hard work and sacrifices. I'd highly recommend her book for anyone entering the music business or just a general fan of hers, but her story is really for anyone struggling with life. Her words were comforting like a mother's lullaby. Thank you, Shania. The Angel of Music definitely smiled upon you.
/
Rating: Five Dancer the Horse out of Five.
Her best song ever = "Forever and for Always". It's everything that defines my own relationship.
Luu Sky Sapphire reviews: Shania Twain: From This Moment On by Shania Twain (duh :p )
Shania Twain, one of the all time greats in music. She transcended labels in music by taking all her favorite genres and working her own magic. Taking inspiration from all her childhood favorites like Dolly Parton, The Beach Boys, and a host of music's biggest names from every genre. Though she would initially enter the country music field, the Canadian star would take what is considered traditional and blended it with rock and even pop. Born Eilleen Regina Edwards, Shania was an innovative performer and song writer who really lived to make music not just for herself, but for everyone. Music comes from the heart and soul and any true artist would know that music should be shared with. Shania believed that one can take her songs and interpret them their way. So we get a feeling of ownership of the messages she delivers. Shania is without a doubt, one of the most talented and humble human beings I've ever known. Granted, I don't know the legend personally, but her hardships throughout the book were very true to life.
My family were also a dysfunctional group. As an only child throughout the years I lived with my parents, I felt she was fortunate enough to have her sisters and brothers for comforting. By the end of her parents' journey, they didn't strike me as bad parents. They did everything they possibly could to see their children make it in life, sacrificing what little money they had left. Sadly, all that effort couldn't be directed at each other. To loosely quote Shania: "They were destined to be together, even in death." Her relationship with her mother was one of my favorite elements of her book. There's such warmth in her writing whenever she talks about her mother, it's so sweet in every regard.
It was Shania and her mother's dream to make it big in the music business. Shania dealt with a lot of jealousy, creepy men and record labels that had NO idea how to showcase her talents. As a fan, I enjoyed her first album titled "Shania Twain", but I had a feeling it was a product of the record company and not Shania herself. It had a more country feeling to it, which Shania wasn't very satisfied with. Her goal in Nashville was to produce something worthwhile; not cookie cutter in the slightest. 1995's "The Woman in Me", followed closely by "Come on Over" were the true sounds of Shania Twain, the PERSON. Not so much the personality. The entire glitz and glamor lifestyle has been exhausting for Canada's shining star, but she always had great support from her close friends and family. In the end, those are the people who matter in your life.
Then there was Robert John "Mutt" Lange and Marie-Anne. Let's give credit where credit is due, Mutt was a genius producer and an even bigger genius at his craft of songwriting. That is where my praise comes to an abrupt halt. I have no sympathy for these two for what they put Shania through. They have no idea what it feels like to be in that position of vulnerability and personal anguish, all the while telling her young son that things are okay. Mutt made the biggest mistake of his life; the old saying "the one that got away..." Pfft, please. YOU let her go for a slimy eel. Besides, who cheats on Shania Twain? Mutt, you, with all due respect, are a huge loser.
Time heals as Shania knows all too well. With the dark clouds lifted, she is still here, her music is forever immortal and most of all, she has found peace with life. The life of Shania Twain is one of hard work and sacrifices. I'd highly recommend her book for anyone entering the music business or just a general fan of hers, but her story is really for anyone struggling with life. Her words were comforting like a mother's lullaby. Thank you, Shania. The Angel of Music definitely smiled upon you.
/
Rating: Five Dancer the Horse out of Five.
Re: Book/Literature Reviews and Recommendations! Got any?
I need to post here. I AM ALIVE BECAUSE OF BOOKS! ^O^
Anyway, I have always been a fan of Rick Riordan's books simply because it's modern day plus Greek/Roman mythology equals awesomenity. I do remember reading Percy Jackson and the Olympians series in a week or so.
I have a lot of books back home, but not so much for an avid book reader. I am currently reading Chromosome Six by Dr. Robin Cook. Nice sci-fi book.
Anyway, I have always been a fan of Rick Riordan's books simply because it's modern day plus Greek/Roman mythology equals awesomenity. I do remember reading Percy Jackson and the Olympians series in a week or so.
I have a lot of books back home, but not so much for an avid book reader. I am currently reading Chromosome Six by Dr. Robin Cook. Nice sci-fi book.
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Re: Book/Literature Reviews and Recommendations! Got any?
Luu Sky Sapphire's quickies: In her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner
Just read In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner. My instructor found out I had the movie when she came over to visit, so she bought me the novelization. Now I've read most of Jennifer Weiner's works like Good in Bed, but never this one. After finishing the book, the movie (starring Toni Collette, Shirley MacLaine and Cameron Diaz) feels a bit rushed. Though a good rushed when you think about it and it's all thanks to Maggie's extensive story in the book.
The novel tells the story of two sisters who live in completely different worlds. You could even say they're completely different people! Rose is a responsible person who is well organized in life. Her job as a lawyer is good, she was single for a majority of her life until the present day timeline of the book and she lives on her own. The only downside to her life is her irresponsible younger sister, Maggie. Talk about the complete opposite, Maggie is a bottom feeder who leeches her father and stepfather for money, sleeps with questionable men, makes everything difficult for Rose and is unable to maintain a simple job in retail. One day, after allowing Maggie to stay over with her until she could secure a good job, Rose catches Maggie in an act so unforgivable, she tells her to get out of her life forever.
From here, the story goes in two separates directions...or should I say three! Meet Ella Hirsch, the long lost grandmother of Rose and Maggie who now lives in the fanciest retirement home in Florida. She struggles with a dark past that connects to her granddaughters, hoping to enjoy life again and have the courage to find and contact them.
I won't spoil what happens, so instead, I'll go over the main difference between the movie and the novel: Maggie's storyline. The movie did the right thing by having Maggie visit Ella directly after what happened between her and Rose. Visiting your grandmother (knowing you have her new address) is what any homeless person would do as a last resort. In the novel, Maggie takes a trip to Princeton first, steals money from one of the students and hides in a library (with a conveniently placed shower and bathroom! WHAT!?) for most of the second act. Are you kidding me? That is some strange filler! It's also here that Maggie's interest in reading starts taking shape. I like this, only it doesn't feel right to me. In the movie, Maggie read because the blind professor gave her motivation to read and in turn, reading back to him made her feel more confident and interested in books. Novel Maggie just kind of motivates herself into reading without much explanation. In one scene, she digs out several books to read on her own. Not out of boredom (that would of made sense), but out of sheer interest in reading. HOW?! She was called stupid all her life, sure, but just decided to up and read to prove doubters wrong? This was the girl who gave up reading a prop screen at MTV studios the second somebody criticized her! Then later on, Maggie reads in front of everyone (albeit carefully) in the theater scene like it's nothing! Not only that, she understands the poem ('One Art' by Elizabeth Bishop; a very beautiful piece about friendship) better than all the Princeton geniuses in the room! The movie version handled Maggie's character development much better, although I can understand why Weiner's take on Maggie would be off. She stated that she is more like Rose than Maggie. Maggie is a whole different person and Weiner is at her best when her and her characters are "one", if that makes sense.
Flaws in Maggie's storyline aside (I'll be here all day if I talk about her rudeness with Grandma Ella. At least movie Maggie didn't blatantly IGNORE Ella throughout the trip. Same goes for Rose when Maggie wanted her attention and forgiveness), In Her Shoes is a beautiful story about the importance of family, no matter what they've been through or how they live their lives. Without family, you don't make sense. -wink- Jennifer Weiner has a wonderful sense of humor (this story is loaded with hilarious Jewish humor) and her characters shine through and through.
Oh and I think "Honey-bun" works better as Pug. :)
/
Rating: Four My Marshas out of Five.
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