"Safe Haven" Book Review

Audiences have become familiar with the author Nicholas Sparks, from his popular works like "The Notebook" or "A Walk to Remember" and while those are critically acclaimed, his novel "Safe Haven," which let me add has not been turned into a movie, is not only moving but is also addictive.

The plot begins with an introduction with the heroin, Katie--a young, timid woman keeping a life or death secret. From the very beginning the reader relinquishes all control and undoubtedly believes the narrator. We are engulfed by the scenery—the colors, the smells, the people and begin to learn bits and pieces of Katie's life. After months of seclusion, Katie goes against her instincts and entrusts her secret to her neighbor and close friend Jo. It not only allows Katie to heal but also offers the reader some insight on Katie's traumatic past.

Jo is an interesting character. She portrays confidence and wisdom; she shows compassion and strength and proves to be, not only Katie’s salvation but also a means of empowerment. Jo is able to empathize with Katie and shows her how fight for her life. However, Jo also has a secret that is not reveled until the very end.

The interesting aspect of “Safe Haven” is how the book is constructed. Traditionally, most novels follow a similar formula—character development, story growth, and plot summary; followed by the climax, conflict resolution and finally the conclusion. However, “Safe Haven” is unique in the respect that the climax and conclusion happen relatively close to the end of the novel and within the last few chapters.

When all seems peaceful and the reader finally feels like Katie's life is going to have a “happy ending,” a wrench is thrown in the mix. She is haunted by the demons of her past and encounters this evil head on. It is a triumphant story where the innocent overpowers the malevolent, and where the darkness falters to the light. Katie shows the conscience of a character and how even the most “good” and demur character has both pure and sinister qualities within them. But, it also proves that it is our choices, our actions that dictate the type of person we can become.

My only qualm is that there is a religious undertone to the story, but that does seem to be a trend within Sparks’ novels. His work refers other aspects of life that transcend the physical world. And although, this is a theme that resonates throughout Sparks’ novels, there are at certain points, references that seem unnecessary.

Overall, “Safe haven” is an enjoyable read that captivates the interest of its readers while allowing them to utilize their imagination to piece together the story.

Harry Potter Phenomenon "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part 1" Film Review

The Harry Potter phenomenon has swept the world ever since author J.K. Rowling published the famed and popular serious several years ago. The Harry Potter serious has become much more than a book on the best selling list, it has engulfed today’s youth and instilled a sense of magic into it’s audience. The Harry Potter series while it has sold millions of copies and shattered numerous book records; it is still a beloved tale of friendship and overcoming obstacles.

From the beginning, the series gained popularity; it had a steady group of young followers that remained constant throughout the years. Now that my generation has grown up, the films have allowed the next generation to enjoy the stories and adventures of Harry, Hermonie and Ron.

The latest film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part 1” marks the bittersweet beginning of the end of the Harry Potter series, in which fans have spent the past decade engulfing J.K. Rowling's books and the critically acclaimed films based upon them, as the young heroes Harry, Ron and Hermione leave the confines of Hogwarts and strike out on a mission to find and destroy the mysterious pieces of their nemesis, Voldemort's soul.

Although, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part 1” main focus is the build up to the epic finale—the Harry- Voldemort showdown, Part 1 has the background explanation of events that some feel is unnecessary but for those who like having all the facts and who actual read the series, Part 1 is the most accurate to the books. The characters actually use the same words/ lines from the book and scenes from the novel that have been typically cut out of films, were included.

The most anticipated film of the year, is finally in theaters and while some are infatuated with the stories and enjoy the films others feel the Par 1 was a let down. Part 1, did lacked the number of action scenes that the previous films immediately had, but it stayed true the book and maintained a steady balance between emotion and humor.

Personally, Part 1 was better then I expected. I was anticipating a film that tried to tie up loose ends and writers that took creative liberties to make- up a “nice and neat” little package, which would give away information or allude to future events. Instead, I was proven wrong. The film set-up the action and drama expected from “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part 2,” without giving too much away.

If “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part 2” is as accurate as Part 1, then audience members are up for some laughs, tragedy, missing pieces—finally coming together and an epic battle between good and evil.

The final film marks the end of an era—Harry Potter has occupied our homes and minds for over a decade. For those of us who grew up reading the books and watching the films, “Harry Potter and the Deadly Hollows” ends the series with a bang.

"Letters to Juliet" Movie Review

Letters to Juliet” was predicted to be one of this year’s cutest, romantic comedies and while its cast was relatively unknown, besides its female counterparts—Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave, it fulfilled its prophecy. “Letters to Juliet” is set in the year of 2010, yet radiates the feeling of being a classic film. The movie reveals timeless romantic notions of destiny, fate and above all true love.

It tells the story of an aspiring journalist—Sophie, played by Seyfried, who travels to Verona and stumbles upon one of Italy’s most romantic and cherished traditions. Sophie’s character goes to Juliet Capulet’s home, the beloved character from William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” where lovelorn travelers write letters to Juliet asking for her help or advice on love. Obviously, Juliet Capulet is unable to respond—her being a fictional character and all, however the Secretaries of Juliet write back, on her behalf. Meeting these women, Sophie becomes enamored by the custom and a contributor to Juliet’s advice

Sophie finds a 50-year-old letter hidden in the wall and writes back. Even though Sophie does not really believe that her letter will find Claire, played by Redgrave, the author of the letter, she becomes captivated by the by the story. When in fact, Sophie’s letter finds Claire and Claire’s grandson Charlie, played by Christopher Egan, the three start out on an epic love adventure, to reunite Claire and her true love Lorenzo.

While, Sophie and Claire share the same idealistic pursuit of rekindling true love, it is Charlie’s character that plays the realistic and sometimes ill-mannered male equivalent that grounds the two women. However, this not only adds depth and reveals emotional bonds between the characters, but also leaves the story with a possible romantic connection.

At times “Letters to Juliet” can be corny or even hokey, but it reveals an underlining message of hope and longing. Although the main storyline is dedicated to the pursuit of love, “Letters to Juliet” uncovers the notion of discovering what you want and seizing the opportunity when it comes. Overall, “Letters to Juliet” is charming film that will have its female audience traveling to Italy to discover the power of the Secretaries of Juliet.

"Arcade Fire" Music Review

Arcade Fire, the Canadian indie rock band, has recently released its highly anticipated third album The Suburbs. The band’s previous albums Funeral and Neon Blue showcase their unique and distinct sound—their use of instrumental strumming combined with smooth vocals, compliments their intoxicating lyrics.

The Suburbs stays true to the band’s melancholy sound while branching out into a strong beat and up-tempo bass. Yet, The Suburbs incorporates a set of forthcoming lyrics that exposes the internal emotions of the band, despite the album’s songs being relentlessly chorale. The music strings together as if it is telling a story. The band’s inspiration for the album’s lyrical content was Win and William Butler's upbringing in the suburbs of Houston. According to NME Magazine and Win Butler, the album "is neither a love letter to, nor an indictment of, the suburbs - it's a letter from the suburbs."

“Ready to Start” utilizes a multi-layered rhythm that stirs their audiences’ attitude. While “Half- Light I” is a softer down-beat song that balances out the dramatic tracks of the “My Body is a Cage” or “Rococo.”

Overall, The Suburbs is a solid album that combines tradition and strong levels of musical content. Arcade Fire’s third album starts off strong and grows stronger. It is a collection of songs that challenges the previous set and continuous to evolve.

"Piper's Story" Game Review

I'm not usually interested in computer/ video games, however, a new game has peeked my interest. "Piper's Story" is different then the traditional game. Aside from the story plot, the game is aesthetically pleasing. Each new level has unique details-- as if it were a moving, interactive painting.

"Piper's Story" does not follow traditional video games, in the sense that the last level is the most difficult, but instead closely follows the pathway of a traveler's tale. The player is introduced to 'Piper' and her objective, which is to collect 14 ingredients that will save her grandmother from dying. While following the trail, 'Piper' meets new characters that reveal information, which will help her achieve her goal. Each level unveils new obstacles and forces the player to strategize, instead of simply killing objects, like many of today's games.

"Piper's Story" is an original game-- for many reasons: the player is not allowed to touch the sides/ walls of the game-- and for players like me, that's a challenge in of itself; also 'Piper' has unlimited lives. Instead of "dying" in the game 'Piper' merely runs away. Finally, the game is designed in intricate mazes that have additional challenges added to each level. Some are timed, while in others, 'Piper' becomes invisible and the player must become precise in their execution in order to move on to the next level.

But like I said before, I'm not one for video games, but "Piper's Story" is different then most games. It challenges the player to not only react to what their seeing but to develop their own way of succeeding. So, I guess you could say that I've been converted, thanks to "Piper's Story."

"Piper's Story" is not yet available for distribution, but if you go to http://aerolawstudios.com/pipers%20story/piper.html or Google AeroLaw Studios, you will find "Piper's Story" and other projects created by the same artist.

"Mumford and Sons" Music Review

I recently received a collection of records. An eclectic group of artists—ranging from "Neil Diamond" to "The Grateful Dead." But when I came across "Mumford and Sons," I became intrigued by the soulful and eccentric sound coming from the group.

I've heard of them before, but I wouldn't have considered myself an avid fan—by any means. However, when I listened to the record I discovered that their unique vocals and soft, melancholy melody, was the perfect antidote to a high-strung day. “Sigh No More” is the Mercury Prize nominated debut album of London-based folk-rock quartet that was released in February of 2010.

The song "Timshel," combines harmonized vocals with tender instrumental strumming. The guitar begins as an equal counterpart to the lyrics, but as the song progresses the guitar starts to challenge the soft undertone of the singing. Both the vocal and instrumental parts become more commanding, while each part takes turns softening into the background. The two pieces play off of each other, while never overpowering the other. “Timeshel,” like many of the other songs on “Sigh No More,” introduces a pleasant set of lyrics to cure an otherwise collection of gloomy lines.

“Sigh No More,” showcases “Mumford and Sons" musical range, while staying true to their unique sound. “After the Storm” follows the give and take relationship that “Timeshel” introduces. This is a general theme carried throughout the album, which is surprisingly tender and empathetic. The most inspiring aspect of “Mumford and Sons” music is how they intuitively balance their most intimate confessions within their songs, as if they are speaking for the masses. I suspect that will we hear great things from “Mumford and Sons.”

"Apologize, Apologize!" Book Reveiw

Elizabeth Kelly's first novel, not only topped the New York Times Best Sellers List, but also has become an inspiring story about love, loss and the importance of family. "Apologize, Apologize!" revolves around the harassment of a long-suffering Collie Flanagan, the only rational member of a wealthy family of dog loving- alcoholics, with hypocritical political views, immature playboy actions, media moguls and of course, pigeon racers. As Kelly describes the absurdity-surrounding Collie, I felt annoyed and frustrated for him. I couldn’t imagine having to live with parents that were more preoccupied with sun- tanning (indoors) or trying to agitate Collie’s grandfather, the Falcon, rather than focusing on their children. His family is similar to a car- wreck, driving past you’re thankful that you are not apart of it, but at the same time you can’t help but watch.

Collie had little relief within his own home, a place that is supposed to be a sanctuary, a place to relax and forget about the hectic world. But for Collie, it was a place filled with judgment and frustration. Much of the humor of this first half of the novel revolves around Collie's thoughtful memories of his infuriating family members, one more outrageous than the next. He talks about his brother Bingo as the typical little brother—he follows Collie around, wants to do everything Collie does and he definitely pushes Collie’s buttons. As they grow up, the dynamic changes. They are no longer the carefree brothers that enjoy being around each other (to some degree—I mean let’s face it they are brothers, they can’t get along all the time), but they now buttheads on practically everything. They have become polar opposites—Bingo following the footsteps of his parents and uncle, while Collie is taking the path lead by his grandfather.

“Apologize, Apologize!” is, up to this point, a mixture of angst and humor, but when tragedy hits the Flanagan family everything changes. They are left with regret, anger and guilt, which each member copes with in their own way. This more serious section has a little trouble maintaining its momentum, it is darker and more melancholy—but I believe this was Kelly’s way of integrating Collie’s emotions with the transition of the writing style.

Towards the end, the plot pulls itself together and returns to Collie's charming, frustrating family. Fortunately, the shift is enough to carry the rest of the story towards a tender, attentive conclusion that offers a small amount of release to this long-suffering young man. This also holds true for Kelly’s first novel. “Apologize, Apologize!” is good enough to overcome its flaws and clever enough to make us want more.