Dark Knight Trilogy Screenplays

I had the pleasure of reading through this book from Netgalley recently. 

It's just what it says, the complete script plus some storyboard art.

I must admit I wanted more storyboard art than was given, but that is my favorite part. 

If you love the movies this is a great addition to your book collection and makes a great coffee table book!

5 out 5 stars!

Craftin' Time: Knit Your Socks on Straight!

or

Get Your Socks on Straight: Wow! Knit Socks on Two Straight Needles; Includes 20 Unique Patterns

                                                                                        

I was excited when I was approved for an ARC of this book. I love to knit and have had an aversion to knitting socks, although not because of circular or double pointed needles, but they seem a bit tedious (no matter how gorgeous the pattern was) and I can't imagine wearing something I painstakingly knit on my feet, with like shoes. This book has slightly changed that view. 

Upon opening the book, I immediately look at the table of contents, the patterns have such cute names (jelly bean, wrapped in hugs and Coffee Break) and were colorful. 

The beginning of the book has a nice explanation of why she wrote the patterns and then the book (novice knitter afraid of double pointed needles).  In devising these patterns she devised her own seaming technique so the socks look nice and natural. 

The socks are knit from top to bottom and she places the seem often on the side of the foot and leg. 

She clearly advises swatching. It needs to be washed and dried as if it was your own sock to measure shrinkage and the like. I suggest before and after pictures with a ruler. 

I really loved that her suggested Cast On Method was the Continental/Long Tail Cast On. Its a personal favorite of mine. To keep your edge nice and loose she also suggests casting onto two needles at once as you want the top of sock loose enough to stretch out a bit. 

The explanation in the beginning of how the heel is knit is a great help for people who haven't knit socks before or wonder how would this be accomplished on straight needles. It was reassuring that she has thought of all the questions readers would have.

Throughout the book advice is given on how to fix mistakes you have made which is a great help and reassurance. 

Instructions are clear and easy to understand, techniques laid out in the beginning for guidance, with the usual glossary in the back. 

The first few patterns are a little boring for those more experienced in knitting but they better and more intricate as you go along. Some seem a little silly, but most are so fun and stylish!

Favorite patterns to look for:

Moccasocks- I find these ridiculous but they look like so much fun, especially as gifts or to wear all around the house.  They are made to fit above skinny jeans so they are definitely with the times. 

Coffee break- 

I just love the colors of these socks and the frilly edge is delightful

Slainte -

These are gorgeous socks and with the cute buttons on top I can't wait to try this pattern!

Winter Delights : Gingerbread men and snowmen - 

definitely something I'd knit in winter, the colors are so cute and cozy, the top edges are frilly and stylish.

Carnegie Hall -

They did indeed save the best for last. These are adorable, it looks so perfect and incorporates crochet edges for frills. The Bow is wonderful and adds that perfect little touch on a black tie affair for your feet!

Overall! 5 out of 5! I can't wait to try some of these patterns!

instructions are clear and helpful.

20 patterns is a great amount and I definitely want to try Knitting My Socks on Straight!

Edit:

One thing I would have liked to see would be a tutorial on how to alter her patterns to fit feet not her specified sizes. 

Comics Corner: Avatar The Last Airbender: The Promise

I was graciously granted ARC: The quality was ok. I hope to get the real book soon to see the artwork in its full glory and those great side panels with creator info. 

While staying true to the art style of the series, Avatar TLA: The Promise was a great way to show audiences how peace came to be despite stubbornness of fire and earth kingdoms. 

This edition is all 3 comics in one ending on a juicy cliffhanger that the legend of Korra has dangled in our faces as well. 

the story is told quite like an episode or a small arc of the series and is understandable (indeed good for youngins) but it has a bit more romance than before so older kids may appreciate it more. 

I feel it is something avatar fans should read and hope they come out with another story to that ending!!!

Overall: I love it and will buy it when I can. 

5 out 5 stars!

Also not really a spoiler but SOOOOO CUTE. Uncle was one of my favorites.

First book post!

So heres a small first post on favorite authors, book series and what I'm currently reading. 

Lets start with my favorite Authors. Books I read when I was younger that I enthusiastically tried to get my hands on at Book fairs, library's and the store (it was K-mart when I was younger).

Lois Duncan.

I first read her in Middle school and fell in love! I read Killing Mr. Griffin first and it was so fantastic I continued reading books by her. 

James Patterson.

I read When the Wind Blows in high school and was hooked on his writings. I haven't read all of the Alex Cross novels but I'm working on it. I read Swimsuit recently and that was pretty great, lent it to my mom for a plane ride....I don't think she read it though.

Agatha Christie.

I first read her in middle school. I actually don't remember what I read then but I remember not thinking much of it. I got a hold of  And Then There Were None on a friends recommendation quite a few years ago and have read quite a few of her novels and the movie adaptations since.

I love Death on the Nile and Murder on the Orient Express was pretty great. 

Neil Gaiman.

Unfortunately I wasn't really introduced to his writings until the movies based on his books came out. 

I had a friend with all of the sandman comics and they are great but I hadn't realized he wrote other things (this is High school and we didn't have a computer in the house until I was in college)

I watched Stardust, Coraline , and Mirrormask and immediately had to read the books. 

The writings he did for my favorite Caped Crusader solidified my love for his writings. 

Betty Ren Wright

Her books were the first books that made into the paranormal/mystery genres. 

Out of the Dark was the first one I remember reading. I loved it and continued to read her books. They were easy reads and I remember them being over before dinner.

The Dollhouse Murders and The Ghost Witch  were also ones I remember being a favorite.

I'm sure I have more, but they are at the top of my list.

Book Series

Series seem to be all the rage with books these days. Especially in the Young Adult genre I'm so fond of. 

Wayside School is one of the first actual series I remember reading and being in my room all day for it. 

A Series of Unfortunate Events is a series I haven't finished but all that I have read I loved and will finish soon. They are such quick reads.  

The Chemical Garden series is one I recently read but Oh I fell hard for it. I'm in need of the last book (yet to be published as of this post), but its one I recommend for YA readers.

Flappers, its not a fantastic series but its one I like nonetheless. Set in the 1920's, murder, interracial love and gangsters oh my! I have yet to finish the third book but I look forward to acquiring it. 

Millennium  is a fantastic series and the movies really did do it justice. 

Intense reading but so worth it. 

Johannes Cabal-a funny and touching series of a gifted necromancer with issues.

Skulduggery Pleasant -a fun teen read with a great series and following. 

The Princess Diaries - I never know what it is about reading a diary that is so fun, but it is. Environmentally conscious Princess Mia deals with school, boyfriends and embarrassment. I loved it. 

The Hunger Games - great read and something I couldn't stop once I started. The Last book was great, I actually cried I cried!! A rare occurrence. 

The Bailey School kids - oh man blast from the past, another indication of how much I love paranormal genres. It was always fun, sweet and a great read. 

Anna - I loved this book and I'm currently reading the second. another paranormal book about a boy who kills ghosts. He and his mother move around to dangerous occurrences when they move to a town with the legend of Anna Dressed In Blood. I recommend to anyone with a love of paranormal books. 

Nancy Drew - I got to read these books because my mother had a grand collection of the series. Mysteries have always been a favorite of mine. plus Nancy Drew is so cute! especially that adorable movie that came out a while back. 

Goddess test - A twist on Greek folklore, with a little romance and plenty of action with twists and turns. I really enjoy this and hope I get to read more. 

Currently Reading

Girl of Nightmares  - the second book to Anna dressed in Blood.

I'm only at 9%  and it took me until the second chapter to get interested and start reading more but I was having trouble remembering the details of the last book. Luckily books always put in past events in the story. Updates and full review to come!

More lists to come and hopefully reviews!