Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

It may be strange seeing this post on a Sunday, but my schedule is all out of whack thanks to Book Expo and traveling. I don't have any new books this week, so I figured I would share my weekly obsessions instead to close out the weekend.

BOOK

Cover for Lizzie by Dawn Ius (goodreads)

This cover reveal makes me SO excited because it means this book is THAT much closer to being a thing I can read. I have wanted to get my hands on this pretty much from the moment I heard Dawn's next book would be about Lizzie Borden.

I love the extra detailing they are putting on the cover. I am sure the gloss touches will really stand out on the hardcover edition of this.

TV/MOVIE

Movie Poster For Wonder

I shared the trailer for Wonder last week and now the movie poster has been revealed. I love it!

It is simple, but eye catching at the same time. I love the use of Auggie's astronaut helmet for the O in Wonder. This movie is going to amazing and I cannot wait to see it.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

A few things to be excited about this week!

BOOK

Waking Romeo by Kathryn Barker (goodreads)

I recently saw this novel announcement in Publishers Weekly and was immediately intrigued. I love both Romeo and Juliet and Wuthering Heights retellings. Combining the two is not something that I would have initially thought of, but I am VERY curious as to how it'll work.

Pitched as Romeo and Juliet meets Wuthering Heights, the YA novel follows Jules Capulet who, in a future world, is reeling from the end of her romance with a classmate called Romeo; it has left him in a coma and her as a social outcast. Enter Heathcliff Ellis, a time traveler sent on a mission to wake Romeo.

I love that it takes place in the future, and I am wondering if there will be a love triangle of sorts between Juliet, Romeo, and Heathcliff.

TV/MOVIE

Red Nose Day Actually


Love Actually is one of my favourite movies to watch around Christmas. It is a must watch for me at that time of year. I was thrilled when I heard the cast was reuniting for a short sequel for Red Nose Day this year.

It is perfect. And adorable.

I am not sure which catch up I love more, but I am so happy this is a thing. It has made me want a proper sequel though. I want to follow up with the others now.

Wonder Trailer

I read Wonder for one of my book clubs, and it instantly became a book I want to get my nieces to read. I was really curious about them turning it into a movie, and the first trailer was just released.

Jacob Tremblay is going to be a fantastic Auggie and I am so excited to see this in theatres. I may see if I can take my nieces as well!

OTHER

Book Expo

Book Expo is this upcoming week! I am so excited for it to finally be here! If you're going to be in NYC let me know!

What are you obsessed with this week?

Wonder by RJ Palacio

Wonder by RJ Palacio
Release Date -  February 14, 2012

Publisher Website - Penguin Random House
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  320 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**purchased for review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

R. J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.

Wonder is not a book I would typically pick up myself. I am not as well versed in middle grade novels as I perhaps should be. It happened to be selected for one of my book clubs and I was pleasantly surprised to discover a novel filled with heart, warmth, and a powerful message at its core.

This is a great discussion starter book for adults and the children in their lives. It allows for discussion on a wide range of topics and provides a safe manner in which to do so. It might be easier for the children to discuss Auggie's feelings than their own. It's a great outlet and I can see why many refer to it as a book that should be mandatory classroom reading.

Auggie is a tenacious, curious, kind young boy whose voice stands out brightly within these pages. His character not only showcases the value of taking yourself outside your comfort zone, but the idea of being kind. Auggie chooses kindness and this book encourages the reader to do the same. He also allows himself to experience new things, even if they are a little scary at first. His character growth was impressive and is especially evident towards the end of the novel as the reader gets to see the payoff to all difference experiences Auggie has throughout the novel.

This novel teaches without feeling overt about it. It does so through the characters, and the things they experience. It is not just Auggie that teaches a valuable lesson, but all of the different people we meet through Auggie's adventures. This book offers multiple points of view that may, at first glance, seem unnecessary but really do add something to the overall theme of the novel. Each of the characters learns something about kindness, acceptance, or forgiveness. We also see the impact bullying has and many of the characters experience it, or have it dealt with in some way.

In Wonder, RJ Palacio has created an unforgettable character in Auggie Pullman. His story is one that will remain with you and you'll be urged to pass it on to others. It is a book that really should be made available in every middle grade classroom. Its message of acceptance is one that is always vital and remains more important than ever. It is one that I would recommend for anyone looking for a heart warming story for themselves to enjoy or to share with a middle grade reader. I predict that they'll fall a little in love with it too.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

TV/MOVIE

Entertainment Weekly cover for Fantastic Beats And Where To Find Them 

I am so excited to return to JK Rowling's wizarding world. I have been obsessed with everything about Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them since it was first announced.

Entertainment Weekly has put this movie on the cover of its fall movie preview issue and I love the cover!

Eddie Redmayne looks amazing as Newt Scamander and I love the little Niffler that is hiding by his suitcase! Too cute. I think this movie is going to be fun and I cannot wait to see it when it is released in novel.

Wonder movie first look

I haven't had the chance to read Wonder yet (but I intend to fix that as soon as possible). I am super curious about the movie though because Jacob Tremblay and Julie Roberts are starring in it.

People Magazine released this first look at them filming a scene and it has me excited to see a trailer and more images from the set.

photo @ DALE ROBINETTE/LIONSGATE

This looks like it has the potential to be another great role for Jacob Tremblay and I am going to bump this book up my to be read list now to make sure I read it before a trailer or anything comes out.

What are you obsessed with this week?

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)

Some pretty exciting things arrived in my mailbox this week!

First up is a Funko Pop I knew I immediately wanted. I have resisted collecting them but I am now the owner of two so I guess this is a thing that is happening.

I am super excited to see Margot Robbie's portrayal of Harley Quinn in this summer's Suicide Squad! I love the little details including the tattoos that have been painted on.

Next up are two books I am pretty excited to read! I purchased one and one was sent for review. A huge thank you to Harlequin Teen for sending along Empire Of Dust. I am excited to continue this story. I've heard amazing things about Wonder so I am looking forward to starting it!

Empire Of Dust by Eleanor Herman (goodreads)
Wonder by RJ Palacio (goodreads)

What bookish items made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!