Until The End

Harry Potter: "You'll stay with me?"

James Potter: "Until the end."

Last week, I watched the epic finale of the Harry Potter series: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.  I have to admit it is definitely in my top 3 Harry Potter films.  It was packed with so much action and it was definitely a great farewell to a wonderful series.

Part 2 was so much better than Deathly Hallows Part 1.  After clinging to the edge of my seat and watching the film 2 times, Part 1 was so boring compared to the last HP film.  The Battle of Hogwarts was so much fun to watch and I was practically clinging to the edge of my seat as I watched every single duel.

I teared up a little during Snape's death when I first watched.  But when I watched a second time, I cried even harder.  I've always liked Snape because no matter how he hated James, he cared for Harry because of his love for Lily. He was definitely the Slytherin that died like a Gryffindor.

Romione!  The kiss was extraordinary!  Although I did want Harry to be there watching them.  I wanted his little interruption like the one in the books.  

I did think they overdid Bellatrix's death.  They also messed up the ending when Harry broke the Elder Wand.  In the books, Harry repairs his own wand and puts the Elder wand where it's supposed to be, so if he dies a natural death, the power still remains with him.

The era has come to an end, but Harry Potter is definitely now a legend. 

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

My rating: ★★★★★

Summary:  

Juli Baker has always thought of Bryce Loski's eyes  as the World's Most Dazzling Eyes, ever since they were seven years old!  Bryce had always thought of Juli as the annoying girl across the street, ever since he moved into the neighborhood.  Things eventually change as Juli and Bryce enter the Eighth Grade.  Bryce starts seeing Juli in a different light then finally flips for her.  Juli, however, wonders if Bryce is really as dreamy as she thought.

What I Like:

The book is so easy to relate to!  You can really understand what Juli and Bryce are going through.  The theme is so simple and pure. 

What I Don't Like:

The ending!  It was just too sudden.  I hope Wendelin Van Draanen makes a sequel.

My Comments: 

I'd recommend this to someone who was going to read teen romance for the very first time.  It's a really good starter.  I also loved the movie version!  

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street

My rating: ★★★★★

Summary:

The Penderwicks are back home on Gardam Street!  When Mr. Penderwick's sister, Aunt Claire, decides that he should start dating again.  This means trouble for the sisters!  Follow Rosalind, Skye, Jane and Batty as they try to achieve their Save-Daddy-Plan! 

What I Like:

It's the second Penderwicks book!  You can really relate to it!  If the first book is a great vacation read, this book is the perfect read on a Sunday afternoon, right at home! 

What I Don't Like:

I loved everything from Rosalind and Tommy's relationship to Batty's spying on 'Bug Man'.

My Comments:

I really think they should make the books into movies.  It's really good.

Savvy by Ingrid Law

My rating: ★★★★★

Summary:

Mibs Beaumont can't wait to turn thirteen, the age when  all Beaumonts discover their supernatural power - their savvy.  But when Poppa is hurt in a terrible accident, Mibs needs more than just her savvy.  It will take new friends, a strong family and an extraordinary adventure to set things right.

What I Like:

The story is easy to relate to.  I also love the relationship Mibs has with her family.  They practically help each other in everything!  What I like the most is that the book encourages us to find our own savvy - the one quality that is unique about us! 

What I Don't Like:

There's nothing not to like about this book!  It's a very encouraging and inspiring book, and I love everything about it! 

My Comments:
After I read the last sentence of this book, it got me thinking.  What's my savvy?  It'll probably be my art or my hyperness.  How about you?  What's your savvy?

Fudge-A-Mania by Judy Blume

My rating: ★★★★★

Summary: 

Peter Hatcher can't survive living with his younger brother Fudge.  Fudge has big plans on marrying Peter's sworn enemy, Sheila Tubman.  That was already enough to ruin Peter's summer.  But when his parents decide to rent a summer house next to Sheila "the Cootie Queen's" house,  Peter will be trapped with Fudge and Sheila for three whole weeks!  

What I Like: 

I love how Judy Blume describes Peter's point of view.  I can easily relate to it because I know how it feels to have a younger sibling.  The book is really funny too!  I loved reading about Fudge's crazy antics.

What I Don't Like: 

Sheila.  For some reason, her character does not appeal to me.  She's so annoying and is such a show off!  No wonder she's Peter's worst enemy! 

My Comments: 

This book is a great read if you're down and want to laugh.  It's a thin book, so you can read it over and over again. 

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

My rating:  ★★★★★

Summary: 

The Penderwicks, by Jeanne Birdsall, is about four sisters who spend their holidays at the Arundel estate.  Since it's summer, they can't wait to explore the whole place!  What else is exciting?  They meet Jeffrey, the son of Arundel's owner, is their perfect companion for all their summer adventures!  However,  Jeffrey's mother isn't happy with the Penderwick sisters.  She warns Jeffrey and his new friends to stay out of trouble.  Of course they'll stay out of trouble, won't they?

What I Like:

I love the way the author shows the different characteristics of the Penderwick sisters from oldest to youngest.  The close relationship the girls have with their dad and each other are clearly defined when I read the book.  I also like the way the author describes all the adventures & mischief the Penderwicks and Jeffrey get into.

What I Don't Like:   

What's not to like about this book?  The whole book is very enjoyable and there's no swear words!  (Thank goodness!) It's a great book for all ages. 

My Comments:

This book should be made into a movie!  I reckon that it'll be a great family movie to watch! This book is just awesome.