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It's hard for me to write when the layout is all messed up. Still working on it.

book review: Juliet

Juliet by Anne Fortier:

"Juliet, an ambitious, utterly engaging historical novel on the scale of The Thirteenth Tale and The Birth of Venus, follows a young woman who discovers that her family’s origins reach all the way back to literature’s greatest star-crossed lovers. When Julie Jacobs inherits a key to a safety-deposit box in Siena, Italy, she is told it will lead her to an old family treasure. Soon she is launched on a winding and perilous journey into the history of her ancestor Giulietta, whose legendary love for a young man named Romeo rocked the foundations of medieval Siena. As Julie crosses paths with the descendants of the families involved in Shakespeare’s unforgettable blood feud, she begins to realize that the notorious curse—“A plague on both your houses!”—is still at work, and that she is the next target. It seems that the only one who can save Julie from her fate is Romeo—but where is he?"

I saw a review of this book in one of the many Sunday newspaper inserts (USA Today, maybe?) a while ago and have had it on my list to purchase since. Then I happened to be in Borders during their closing sale and there it was. I couldn't resist.

I was hooked from page 1. I instantly connected with the main character, Julie Jacobs and had a hard time putting the book down each night. I honestly felt like I was right there with her, in Italy, as she tried to solve her family's mystery.

Juliet has everything a girl could ask for in a book: history, romance, danger, mystery, and Italy. You do not need to be a Shakespeare aficionado to enjoy this book, but you may want to brush up on the main ideas of the story if you are unfamiliar.

5 Stars!

what have I been up to?

76 jars and counting...

malfunction

Sorry about the weird formatting guys. I don't know what the problem is. Evidently, my computer likes to add a lot of unnecessary spacing between paragraphs. Stupid technology.

wanderlust

I suffer from chronic wanderlust. It plagues me every moment of the day and unfortunately, I also suffer lackofmoney-itis. Therefore I'm left to surf the pages of my 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and browse websites like this and this and this (I discovered the last one today). My top 5 list of places I'm dying to visit changes regularly. Recently, however, I have noticed a trend and felt the urge to share! Here you go folks! Enjoy.

1. Costa Rica

If you want to become an adventure traveler, you must begin in Costa Rica. At least, that's what I have read. Ok here's my thing with Costa Rican travel - It's beautiful, it's affordable, it's environmentally friendly, it's safe, and there is literally something for everyone! It is basically the most customizable vacation destination that you could ask for and you will still feel good about the size of your carbon footprint. I LOVE ecolodges!!! Rock on Costa Rica!

2. Thailand

I am not even sure what caused me to be so interested in Thailand, but I think it may have been the elephants. As you will see in other parts of this list, I fall for places where the past and present tend to slap you in the face at the same time. Then there are the beaches. Need I say more?

3. Egypt

If you want to experience the past being juxtaposed with the present, I'm guessing Egypt is one of the ultimate destinations for that! I am such an archaeology/anthropology nerd that I feel I must visit this country. Imagine walking where the pharaohs walked, and seeing the architectural masterpieces that were created over 3,000 years ago...I'm geeking out just thinking about it! Not to mention - Who wouldn't want to go hot air ballooning over ancient ruins?!

4. Bali

When I think of magical places I think Bali. I have no explanation for this except perhaps all of the colors! I imagine the temples that seems to be growing out of the jungle and the vines that hang from the trees and the smell of jasmine floating in the air...magic.

5. Argentina

Coffee. Wine. Tango. Spanish. Need I say more? That's pretty much all I have to say about Argentina. I'm sold.

movie review: soul surfer

I've been wanting to watch Soul Surfer since it came to theaters but never got around to it. Finally, on Friday it came in the mail from Netflix and I couldn't wait to watch it!

The movie is based on the book Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board by Bethany Hamilton. Beyond the fact that I am a sucker for a movie about surfing, the story itself is absolutely amazing. Even if some of the acting was sub-par, I am seriously considering purchasing this movie. The cinematography is fantastic, which it probably the reason behind my recent surge of yearning for the ocean. I have now watched it twice and both times could not get over the fact that this story is based off real life events. Bethany Hamilton's story is one that should be retold again and again.

4 Stars!

album review: GPN

Let's kick things back off with another album review. I know my last one wasn't too happy, but this one is a 180 the other way. Let's talk about: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals!

I actually feel a little bad for my friends because I've been talking this band up since I first heard their new single Paris (Ooh La La) months ago. This girl has a set of pipes that is reminiscent of Anne Wilson and Janis Joplin. I love the '70s rock inspired beats and I always feel the need to pick up a six string and figure out how to play Freebird when I'm listening to them. Did I also mention that she's a knockout? Yeah, she kicks ass all around.

It's not everyday you find an album that you can listen to top to bottom, but this self titled album is definitely one of them!

5 Stars!

re-start

This has been a bit of a crazy year for me. However, now that my AmeriCorps term of service is coming to a close, I'm going to try to pick back up on blogging again. I think it's time.

Illuminations Review

Josh Groban has finally released a new album and I am annoyed to report that it is a giant disappointment. The album is an unfortunate cross between Neil Diamond and Paul Simon. So to fully illustrate my feelings it's time for an open letter to Mr. Groban.

Dear Josh,

I'm confused. Why did you feel the need to completely change your sound? I understand the need to branch out and show fans who you really are, but instead of being enlightened I feel confused. I know the title of the album is "Illuminations" but what should I be seeing? I feel more disillusioned than anything. I almost feel guilty for saying this because if you were truly so unfulfilled with showcasing your vocal range and find pride in your new sound who am I to tell you otherwise? I have been a fan of your since the beginning but I honestly don't get it. The truth is after waiting 4 years for this album I was just expecting more.
I understand that you worked hard co-writing every single song but they kind of all sound the same. On "Awake" you were able to change it up by adding new sounds to the old stuff. The end result was magic. The African inspired music combined with your traditional classical sound created a multifaceted album that appealed to a variety of people. Although "Illuminations" was something that took a lot of time and effort, it resulted in only one sound.
Even though I don't like this new album I will probably continue to listen to it and hope that the next album is more reminiscent of your earlier stuff.

Love,
Ariel

tyra

Dear Tyra Banks,

I don't care that you are a crazy, wanna be stage mom. I find your antics and nonsensical outbursts not only entertaining but reassuring as well. Whenever I listen to you ramble on with the other judges about things that have absolutely no connection to reality I feel better about myself. So thank you Tyra, thank you for boosting my self esteem in a way that no one else can say they have done.

Love,
Ariel