All About Mothers and Daughters

In celebration of Mother's Day, I have compiled a list of books I feel perfectly depict the bond between a mother and her children. 

Some stories are sad, some intensely complicated and a few are inspiring and fun. Either way, I think we can all agree that there is nothing quite like a relationship between mom and daughter. We often claim we don't want to end up like our mothers but they can be the most inspiring, motivating and encouraging people in our lives. They teach us valuable life lessons that shape us into who we become as adults. I can proudly say as I've gotten older my mom is just as needed in my twenties as she was when I was 10. And, in my humble opinion, you never truly stop needing your mother. It's great to see that they can become not only a great encourager as an adult but a friend as well. The bond transforms over the years and while the story is different for everyone, a mother's love always remains an important part of our lives. I love stories about mothers who have changed into better people and moms, mothers who have righted wrongdoings and mothers who have always remained consistent and true. Every book I list below made me want to call my mom and say a big thank you to her for her sacrifice, hard work and willingness to do what had to be done to make my life a good one. These are great literary examples of the different types of mothers and their love, sacrifice and hard work. 

Little Women - Louisa May Alcott

The Joy Luck Club - Amy Tan 

When We Fall - Emily Liebert

The Nest - Cynthia D'Apriz Sweeney

Where'd You Go, Bernadette - Maria Semple

White Oleander - Janet Fitch 

Where We Belong Emily Giffin 

Each of these books are powerful, moving, emotional and sentimental. I didn't want to stop reading them. These are definitely books I'll go back to often. I cried, I laughed and I was inspired. These mothers have so much strength and courage. While I have no children of my own it is clear to see raising children is no easy feat. So a big thank you to all the hard working moms out there, who do all they can to raise strong children, who do it tirelessly and sometimes alone! You are all fearless and appreciated! 

Happy Reading (& Happy Mother's Day!), 

Breanna 

Favorite Book to Movie Adaptations

There are far too many books I love that have been adapted into amazing movies.

For avid readers, its a complex emotional moment when we hear a book we cherish is becoming a movie. We're filled with excitement, anticipation and also worry. Sometimes the words on the page just don't transfer to the big screen and the power and presence of the book can be lost. Over the years I've found my list of book to movie adaptions growing. I can't mention them all but I certainly will list a few. 

Girl, Interuppted 

Pride and Prejudice 

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit

Harry Potter

 

The Help

In Her Shoes

Peter Pan 

Twilight Saga - Eclipse 

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland 

The Great Gatsby 

The Fault In Our Stars 

A few others I must also mention include Breakfast At Tiffany's, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Romeo and Juliet (the Leonardo DiCaprio version), and A Walk To Remember. Like I said, my list would be way too long if I listed every adaptation I love. While some key features might be missing from these movies, I was still very impressed with how it brought to life the words I fell in love with. The characters were just as I had imagined them to be and that is always the most exciting part. What are some of your favorite adaptations? Share in the comment section below! 

Happy Reading (And, Watching!),

Breanna 

A Shade Of Vampire - Bella Forrest

I feel no shame in admitting that I am a Twilight fan and have not only read and watched every book and movie but own my own copy of each. I have always been fascinated by stories of vampires. Dracula by Bram Stoker is one of my favorite novels of all time. The eerie yet alluring nature of these blood sucking half dead creatures have always fascinated me. Once the sizzle and eventual end of the Twilight saga occurred I found myself missing having a vampire to read about. Then I discovered A Shade of Vampire and the plethora of books in The Shade series. There are 24 books to be exact. The 24th installment entitled A Shade of Vampire 24: A Bridge of Stars is available March 15th. But, for now I just want to focus on the first book. 

Bella Forrest is a great writer and these books were a very unexpected find. I got bored one night and began looking through the Kindle Unlimited store and stumbled upon this series. I wanted to find something worthwhile for my next review. I almost kept going but I'm glad I decided to give the book a chance.  

The story follows a seemingly average 17-year-old girl named Sofia and a vampire named Derek who had been asleep 400 years. I'd rather not waste time telling you the synopsis of the book because you can easily read that yourself. Instead I'll tell you how easy of a read it is. The chapters fly by and before you know it you're almost finished with the book. The story is complex, the dialogue intriguing and the characters well rounded and alluring. I loved that the chapters alternated perspectives between Derek and Sofia. I enjoyed experiencing the story walking a mile in both of their shoes. The story incorporated everything you'd want or expect from a teen melodrama centered around vampires. The flirty banter, the dangerous and heroic moments, the blood and temptation and of course the love and romance. I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected but I love being pleasantly surprised by a book. I follow the saying "don't judge a book by it's cover," and it's usually worked in my favor. A sappy title or a poorly designed cover could be hiding a great and memorable story. I definitely think this series is worth checking out -- especially if you are like me and have a guilty pleasure for all things vampire. 

Happy reading! 

Breanna