assesments – judgement day!

“The time has come.. to select one courageous young man and woman -” Right. This is not exactly The Hunger Games. But anyways… It’s time to select the best three posts of this blog to be judged (well, graded is probably the more apt word. but judged sounds more dramatic). I decided to choose one from each category. So, here are the top 3!  (click the title! it’s linked to the post!)

1. Ruby Sparks Sparks.

category: WATCH

* This post reflects on my blog writing tone and how I construct my opinions in a blog format.

2. BlogCeption – a blog in a blog

category: READ

*  This post reviews another blog and how theoretical constructs apply to it. Essentially, it discusses on the writing style of PerezHilton.com and the many amazing features on the blog in a Pros and Cons form, complete with snapshots from the blog itself.

3. Mumford & Sons – Babel

category : LISTEN

* This post showcases interaction with other media such as Spotify and also other websites (the lyric sources).

ALSO

4. FAIRYTALES

category: random, WATCH

* This one doesn’t make the word count, it’s basically just a list of fairytale adaptations compilations in Gallery form. Just thought I shouldn’t forget the ‘random’ category. And also I thought this falls under the ‘fresh content’ criteria.

It’s been fun having this blog project! Don’t forget to follow WatchReadAndListen (@WRandL) on Twitter for updates and new posts once the blog is assessed.

The Bronze Horseman

Oh where to begin with Paullina Simons’ The Bronze Horseman…. I have never read the author’s work before and I came across this book after being recommended by my friend (pretty much what I read are based on recommendations. GoodReads.com helps too).  The book is published back in 2001 and I felt so outdated for not knowing about the book sooner.

So basically, the story is set in Leningrad during the second world war where the protagonists Tatiana met a handsome soldier Alexander and they fall in love. BUT… it turns out… that Alexander is the solider Tatiana’s older sister, Dasha, had been crushing on! And the whole novel revolves on their love story.

And before anyone goes skeptical over this, this is NOT a Twilight-esque love story which means it has quality. Due to the setting that revolves around Russia during the war, this is one of the most heartbreaking and realistic love story I have ever read. It doesn’t only focus on the romance, it also dwells on families and nationalism.

When I started reading it, I was introduced to the setting of Leningrad and thanks to Paulinna Simons’ well written novel, I became familiarized with the setting. The stories are so engaging that I root for the protagonists and can’t stop flipping the pages to see where fate leads them. The more I learn about the characters, the more interesting the story gets. There are a number of twists here and there and there were countless times where I found myself with teary eyes while reading the book.

Of course, when there are pros, there’ll be cons.  But I can’t think of many for this book. It’s just that for me, the book is so thick and sometimes I felt that there are parts that felt dragged. Some dialogues are unnecessary and although quite entertaining to read, the novel would work if it’s cut out. It’s repetitive in some parts- which I guess illustrate further on the same routines these people do during the stressful war time. But it could simply be stated in a paragraph or two instead of pages.

Overall, The Bronze Horseman was very enjoyable. One of those books that I love reading before bed (although it causes some problems too because it’s so hard to put down) and for people who love romance, this is a must. Plus, if you’re so addicted and can’t get enough of Tatina’s and Alexander’s love story, there are 2 more sequels following the book! I will most definitely check out ‘Tatiana and Alexander‘ and ‘The Summer Garden‘.

For anyone who have read it, did you LOVE it? and if you haven’t, WILL you read it? Share your thoughts!

x
C

Mumford & Sons – Babel

Mumford & Sons, if you haven’t already heard of them, is the Grammy nominated indie folk rock band from England! I was first drawn o Mumford & Sons when I heard their song Little Lion Man. Then I started hearing their songs featured on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and One Tree Hill. Ever since then, I was obsessed with the unique raspy voice of Marcus Mumford!

So when their second album Babel came out, I was beyond excited. And I guess, I’m not the only one. Babel is the BIGGEST ALBUM RELEASEthis year! (source: PerezHilton)

How awesome is that? Now, in case you’re so eager to have a listen, I have posted a playlist of the album below. So, you can listen as you read on my reviews!

If you ask my favorite song of the album, I’d say… I don’t know! I can’t pick one! Every songs in the album are just classic Mumford & Sons. From the single I Will Wait to other songs in the album like, Babel, Ghost that We Knew, Lover’s Eyes, Lover of the Light and I can just keep going. You see, the thing about Mumford & Sons is… The songs are intense, emotional, and beautiful. Although at times… it could get a little depressing and heavy when the song illustrate on religious themes and suicide . But still. I love listening to M&S when I feel like I need some inspiration. Mumford & Sons have successfully written the best lyrics with such emotional depth! I could quote the entire album’s songs but for now, if I really really really have to pick one, it’d be from Lover’s Eyes.

“Love was kind, for a time,
Now just aches and it makes me blind.

The mirror holds my eyes too bright,
I can’t see the others in my life.”

Okay, maybe one more quote from Ghost that We Knew

“So give me hope in the darkness that I will see the light
‘Cause oh that gave me such a fright
But I will hold on with all of my might
Just promise me we’ll be alright

But the ghosts that we knew made us black and all blue
But we’ll live a long life
And the ghosts that we knew will flicker from view
And we’ll live a long life”

I can’t just get over the fact on how amazing their songs are. The lyrics are one thing, but the music in general is just mesmerizing. It’s the type of songs you can listen to over and over again. I guess I can’t help it but have a little shout out to my favorite songs from their debut album, Sigh No More. Do check out, Little Lion Man, The Cave, White Blank Page and Thistle & Weeds.

I hope you’re as mesmerized as I am. As always, I welcome your thoughts!

x,
C