Review: Sam the Night Person by Lisa Ruszcyk

Title: Sam the Night Person

Author: Lisa Ruszcyk

Rating:

Who Should Read it?People interested in a unique twist on fantasy! This is especially for people that enjoy more character based books, I'd say!

What I Have to Say: Sam the Night Person was an unexpected, exciting surprise. It was one of the most creative, unique stories that I had read in a very long time. The world of night people and day people and seoli and seloiu that Ruszcyk weaves is just bursting with newness and creativity.
Azzy (which, by the way, is the awesomest name ever) is an extremely interesting, well-balanced character. Same is a confused but lovable complement to Azzy's self-assuredness. The first half of the book is dedicated to developing their relationship, and I couldn't help but feel like I was there, watching excitedly as they learned to like each other, as they discovered all of the ways in which they are compatible.
I was so taken in by the relationship that, when a major plot twist happens in the beginning of the second half, I was shocked. I remained on edge ans Ruszcyk took us on a roller coaster ride of confusion and learning and love and revenge. It was so suspenseful at points that I literally felt it.
Sam the Night Person was a fantastically written wonderful story. The only weird thing about it was Ruszcyk's way of occasionally out of nowhere referring to people by their physical characteristics when she had just previously referred to them by their name. It was almost confusing at points. Also, because it's me, I didn't like that both Azzy and Sam were heavy smokers, but at least it didn't seem to contradict who they are, as I feel that it does in a lot of books.
Still, it was an awesome, suspenseful,, intense page-turner of a read!

Summary (from Amazon):
What is a night person? They thrive by moonlight, spreading lightening bolts and freezing the earth. They hide their powers from society.

Sam stays up all night, drinks coffee without pause, chain smokes cigarettes and secretly talks to the moon. Azzy knows it, but doesn-t know why or how.

Azzy has been having a series of obsessive daydreams about a young man named Sam. He seems to be a magician of sorts. All she knows is that she can-t eat, sleep, drive or work. All she can do is think of Sam. She is in love, and she must find him.

She follows a daydream to a Colorado lodge where she has seen Sam in her mind. To her astonishment, he appears there the very next day. He doesn-t believe her, but who would? Is she crazy?

Sam and Azzy have a connection. Where did it come from? And who is behind it all? Of course, there-s always a reason for everything. Azzy-s daydreams were no accident.

Will they be able to withstand the man behind the torment? After years being apart, they find themselves facing the most destructive man of water magic they have ever known. He threatens their love. Together in heart and apart by necessity, they must find a way to stop him.

Disclosure: This book was sent to me in e-book format by the author to give an honest review.

Review: the Basic Book of Digital Photography by Tom and Michele Grimm

Title: The Basic Book of Digital Photography: How to Shoot, Enhance, and Share Your Digital Pictures

Authors: Tom and Michele Grimm

Rating:

Who Should Read It? Anyone looking to spice up their digital camera life a bit. See some tips in my last post if you really want an idea of whether or not this book is for you. Or read my review below!

What I Have to Say: What a cool book! I was so excited to receive this book for review because, as hard as I try, I'm really just a terrible photographer. I'm hoping that, with all of the fantastic tips I've read in this book, all that's about to change. I think this review is best done with tabs!
- It was very well-organized, meaning that it was incredibly easy to find anything specific one might be looking for.
- It has lots of helpful illustrations that complement the ideas being written about. It's just a pity more of them couldn't have been in color.
- It's got tips and ideas for everyone, from the immediate beginner (seriously, even for those that may not even know how to turn on a camera) to the more advanced photographer just looking for a new way of thinking about something.
- I think it's a fantastic gift idea for those who love taking pictures or even for someone starting off with a digital camera.
- It's even great for someone thinking about purchasing a digital camera, as it starts off with some great buying strategies.
- Literally every single thing I could think to look up I found in this all-inclusive book.
- At the end of the book, there was a glossary of digital photography terms with clear, concise definitions of next to every possible word one might have trouble with.
- This book serves as a great reference guide. I know I for one will be happy to have it around.
- My two biggest complaints were the lack of color photos (which I understood, as I know they can get VERY expensive) and that it sometimes felt a little bit TOO elementary.
So there you have it. I, for one, thought this book was fantab! My night time photographs have already improved thanks to one small tip from this book.

Summary: The ultimate, up-to-the-minute digital photography handbook-from the authors of the bestselling Basic Book of Photography.

The Basic Book of Digital Photography is the definitive guide to the expansive world of digital photography from two of the field's most established authorities. The Grimms' classic guide, The Basic Book of Photography, has sold over 400,000 copies since the first edition was published in 1974. Now they are steering photographers through the new era of digital imaging.

This comprehensive handbook covers how to compose the best shots with cameras from point-and-shoot to the increasingly popular SLR (single lens reflex) models-and even cell phone cameras- and takes readers through the steps to improve, display, and preserve their images. The guide includes over 400 photos and illustrations, an extensive glossary and addresses everything from choosing a digital camera to storing files and printing photos. An indispensable accessory for amateur shutterbugs or dedicated professionals, this is the one handbook no digital photographer will want to do without.

Disclosure: This book was sent to me by Julie of FSB media in order for me to give an honest review.

Top Ten Tips for Dynamite Digital Photography

Did you get a digital camera for Christmas? Know someone who did? The Basic Book of Digital Photography might just be for you. While waiting for my review, which will be posted later today, I've got 10 great tips for you now from the authors of this awesome book!

Top Ten Tips for Dynamite Digital Photography
By Tom Grimm and Michele Grimm,
Authors of The Basic Book of Digital Photography: How to Shoot,
Enhance, and Share Your Digital Pictures

Here are 10 easy ways to greatly improve your digital photographs and
avoid the pitfalls that are common with today's automatic cameras.
Professional photographers Michele and Tom Grimm offer these and many
more tips in their brand-new handbook, The Basic Book of Digital
Photography.

1. Pay Attention to Composition.
Too often a picture lacks impact because your subjects seem too far
away. Move closer or zoom in to concentrate attention on your main
subject and to avoid unwanted elements that are distracting. Make
certain you see nothing in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen that
you don't want in the final picture. Be especially alert for cluttered
backgrounds. Finally, just before you shoot, check that the horizon
appears level in your camera's viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

2. Vary the Format of Your Pictures.
Cameras make pictures that are rectangular, not square, so you should
remember to turn your camera vertically for appropriate subjects, such
as portraits of people. In other words, don't be so lazy that you
always hold the camera horizontally. Appropriately, horizontal images
are in the format called landscape, while the format for vertical
shots is known as portrait.

3. Shoot, Shoot, Shoot.
If you used to shoot with a film camera, break the old habit of just
making one or two exposures. The memory cards that are substitutes for
film in digital cameras will hold hundreds of pictures and you can
easily erase the images you don't like. So shoot away until you get
the perfect picture. A big bonus is that you won't have to spend extra
time at your computer fixing up mediocre shots with image-editing
software.

4. Press the Shutter Release Button . . . Don't Jab It.
More pictures are ruined because of camera shake than for any other
reason. The main offense is jabbing or snapping your finger down on
the shutter release (which jars the camera). It's easy to avoid
blurred pictures: Just remember to arch your shooting finger and
slowly press or squeeze the shutter button. Also, be sure to hold your
camera with two hands to help keep it steady.

5. Shoot with Flash Outdoors.
Pictures taken outdoors, especially of people and pets, are frequently
better when you use your camera's built-in flash. That's because
direct sunlight often causes annoying shadows on faces, particularly
around the eyes. Flash "fills in" those shadows to provide uniform
illumination and a more pleasing portrait. Also, to keep your subjects
from squinting in bright sunlight, ask them to turn their backs to the
sun. That puts their faces in shadow, which you'll then illuminate
with the flash.

6. Memorize the Shooting Range of Your Flash.
Although they are convenient, built-in flash units are not very
powerful and underexposed flash pictures in dark places are often the
result. To avoid underexposures (or overexposures) with your flash,
memorize its operating range. How distant (or close) can your subject
be for a proper exposure? The flash range of a point-and-shoot camera
may only be 3 to 12 feet. Caution: the flash range will change as you
adjust your camera's zoom lens; check the instruction manual.

7. Set a Higher ISO for Sharper, Non-blurred Images, and Greater Flash
Range.
Keep in mind that adjusting your camera's ISO to a higher number, such
as ISO 800 instead of ISO 100, automatically sets smaller lens
openings for more sharply focused images, as well as faster shutter
speeds for stop-action, non-blurry pictures. It also extends the
maximum distance range of a built-in or dedicated flash unit.
Unfortunately, a very high ISO, such as ISO 1600 or 3200 (if
available) may cause unwanted effects in digital images called
artifacts. Take some test pictures at different ISO settings to
compare the results.

8. Read and Reread Your Camera Manual (and our Digital Photo Book).
Most new camera owners look at the instructions only once or twice, if
at all. But modern digital cameras, whether point-and-shoot or SLR
(single lens reflex) models, are not as simple as their advertisements
suggest. Study the instruction booklet until you're familiar with all
of the camera's buttons, symbols, and picture possibilities. If you
lose the instructions or forget to bring them on a trip, log onto your
camera manufacturer's Web site and download a copy of the manual.

9. Compose Pictures with Your Viewfinder, Not the LCD.
Unless you're taking close-ups, it is easier, faster, and steadier to
compose pictures by using your camera's viewfinder (if available)
instead of the LCD screen. There is more support with the camera
pressed to your face as you look through the viewfinder instead of
trying to hold it steady at arm's length while composing subjects on
the LCD screen. Also, you won't be bothered by bright light that makes
it difficult to see images on the LCD.

10. Don't Let the Date and Time Deface Your Pictures.
Make sure your camera is not set to automatically print the time and
date of your shots on the front of your pictures; it will ruin their
appearance. Besides, you should be aware that the time and date are
embedded in every photo image file as hidden metadata that can be
viewed at anytime with image-editing software on your computer.

©2009 Tom Grimm and Michele Grimm, authors of The Basic Book of
Digital Photography: How to Shoot, Enhance, and Share Your Digital
Pictures

Author Bios
Tom Grimm and Michele Grimm, authors of The Basic Book of Digital
Photography: How to Shoot, Enhance, and Share Your Digital Pictures,
are a husband-and-wife photojournalism team who have spent nearly four
decades traveling the globe; the couple has visited every continent
and more than 130 countries in search of the perfect photographic
image. Their photographs and articles have been published worldwide in
magazines and newspapers and on the Internet. The Grimms are authors
and illustrators of thirteen adult and children's books.

For more information, please visit http://www.TomGrimm.com and http://www.amazon.com.

Books to Movies (1): the Road

Okay, so I see a lot of movies (YAY!!!! I love movies! And my UGC cinema card is one of the greatest thing about France), and lately it seems like a lot of those movies were originally books.
SO, I've decided that, when I see a movie based on a book that I have already read, I will write about it here in Brizmus Blogs Books! YAY!!!! Just try telling me you're not excited!!!!

Last night, I saw "the Road," which was based on the book by Cormac McCarthy of the same title.
Unfortunately, I read the book before having a book blog, so no review to link you to.

THE BOOK: I only sort-of liked this book. I thought it was beautifully written, and the relationship between the boy and his father was intense and beautiful, the kind of pure, undying love that I'm just not used to seeing. And yet, it was also slow and boring. At times when I THOUGHT it should have been intense, I just didn't feel the intensity of it, I didn't feel the stress that I theoretically should have been feeling.
So, while I enjoyed it, the overall impression that it left me with was: BORING!
I know a lot of people will hate me for saying that.

THE MOVIE: The movie was a different story, but not entirely. I really thought that there was no way a movie would be able to portray the relationship between the boy and his father with the same majesty, beauty, and intensity of the book. Cormac McCarthy's words were carefully chosen and used with grace, and it seemed to me like that might be next to impossible to transfer to the big screen.
I was wrong.
Watching the movie, I felt their relationship so much more intensely than I did while reading the book. It was confusing and unsure and yet perfect and innocent at the same time.
Seeing the images I had previously only imagined also helped me get a better sense of the tension and stress I had thought I should be feeling while reading the book. It all became so much more real to me, and there were several times in which I actually found myself holding my breath in anticipation.
And yet, it was also exceedingly slow. So slow that I at times found myself bored. Which is what I meant when I said that it was not entirely a different story. The boredom during the movie, though, was significantly less than during the book. Thus the overall impression that it left me with: INTENSE!

Verdict: the MOVIE was BETTER than the BOOK!!

Have you seen the movie? What did you think?
If you want a great review of this book by someone who loved it, check out Rhiannon Hart's review!

Review: Brida by Paulo Coehlo

Title: Brida

Author: Paulo Coelho

Rating: 1/2

Who Should Read It? This book is for you if you love Paulo Coehlo or if you love a good book with a deeper meaning. If you've ever read and enjoyed a book about a pilgrimage or about the power of faith or about love and soul mates, this book is for you.

What I Have to Say: Anyone who has read Paulo Coelho knows that he writes with a wisdom and grace that reaches out and touches your soul. He writes with poise and beauty that is, unfortunately, lacking in the majority of modern literature. "Brida" is just another reminder that a beautiful story can be used as a way of teaching a wonderful, necessary lesson. It's not a story that was written just for the sake of being written; it was written because the world had something to say.
In Brida, we follow Brida, a 21 year old girl looking to become a witch, on a pilgrimage of self-discovery and world-discovery, looking to find answers to questions we all sometimes ask ourselves. Through her, we as readers get to learn about the Tradition of the Sun and the Tradition of the moon. As we watch Brida learn and grow, we learn what it means to have utter and absolute faith in something, in the world. We also learn that magic itself, the magic of the world, comes from having faith and allowing ourselves to trust in that faith.
One of my biggest problems with this book was Brida herself. She was a smoker, and it didn't seem to fit with her or her personality at all. I'm totally biased when it comes to smokers - I like them less, and that's just a fact. Still, in this book, I thought I had Brida figured out, and then suddenly out of nowhere she smokes a cigarette, and it just rubbed me the wrong way. It didn't fit in with any of the images I had in my head about who she was. There were other things about her as well that just didn't jive - times when she got angry or confused or frustrated, and it just didn't make sense for the person that she was becoming.
Which makes me feel as if I must have been missing something. Paulo Coelho's books always have some deeper meaning under the surface, and I feel like, through my lack of ability to understand Brida, I missed out on something big.
And yet despite that, I loved it. I loved the passion and the love and the beauty and the faith and the spirituality and the transformation. It was a page turner through and through. It was literally one of those books that I couldn't put down no matter how hard I tried. And in the end, it had me thinking for days.
What I found most amazing about this book was how much Coehlo managed to transmit to us through sheer simplicity. It was a short, simplistic story that contained so much more than seems possible in just 200 pages.
Utterly spellbinding, I think, is the best way to describe it.

Summary: people of great wisdom. She meets a wise man who dwells in a forest, who teaches her to trust in the goodness of the world, and a woman who teaches her how to dance to the music of the world. As Brida seeks her destiny, she struggles to find a balance between her relationships and her desire to become a witch.

This enthralling novel incorporates themes that fans of Paulo Coelho will recognize and treasure. It is a tale of love, passion, mystery, and spirituality from the master storyteller.

Final Question: If you've read Brida, what did you think? And do you think that I was missing out on some major theme?
If not, what are some unanswerable, worldly questions that you sometimes ask yourself? Do you ever think about the soul and what having or not having a soul implicates? Do you ever wonder if there really is a right and a wrong? Do you think about soul mates? Or do you wonder about something else entirely?

The Frenchy Contest and Shanghai Girls!

I'm here to tell you about two AWESOME contests going on in the blogosphere!

The first is happening at The Book on the Hill.
She is giving away some fun French goodies (magnets, notebook, bookmark, etc. . .) along with your choice of a stack of Frenchy books! There's also a movie collage, and if you guess all of the movies correctly, you get a bonus copy of "My Life in France" by Julia Child. I personally have only guessed two of the movies so far.
I would show you a picture of the books and goodies, but it's just as easy for you to go check it out for yourself! Seriously, what are you waiting for?!?

Oh, and while you're over at the Book on the Hill, don't forget to enter her Book Sketch Contest!

The next contest is for a book that I have been DYING to read; I am therefore incredibly reluctant to tell you about it in case you don't already know. But because I'm nice - Luxury Reading is giving away a copy of Shanghai Girls by Lisa See.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is one of the greatest books of all time (in my humble opinion), and Peony in Love and all of her other books are pretty awesome, too!
So go check out this contest! Now!

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In My Mailbox awesomeness is brought to you by Kristi at the Story Siren!!!!

So, this week was NOT a good week for books! There was only one I was waiting for, that I won in a contest at the beginning of December, but it didn't come. I'm actually starting to get a little bit worried, as things are often stolen by the mailman. :-(

In the end, I didn't receive a single book in the mail, and I didn't buy a single book, and I didn't go to the library.
On Thursday, I was feeling a little bit sad about this, so I went a little crazy downloading free books for my kindle.

Those books are:



All God's Creatures - Carolyn McSparren
Mossy Creek - Deborah Smith, Sandra Chastain, Debra Dixon, Virginia Ellis, Nancy Knight, Donna Ball
The Crossroads Cafe - Deborah Smith
Once Bitten - Kalayna Price
Suite Scarlett - Maureen Johnson



I've already read Suite Scarlett, but I loved it, so I figured - can't hurt to have a copy on my kindle as well!
Also, note that while all of these books were free for my kindle when I got them on Monday, Suite Scarlett is the only one that is still free. It's weird how they can be free for such a short period of time.

What awesome books did you guys get this week?