My theme song...hmm...

So, a certain author by the name of Brenna Yovanoff (author of New York Times Bestseller The Replacement, which happens to be one of my favorite horror[-ish] books) is hosting an interesting contest in which participants blog about their own personal "theme song".

My theme song has certainly changed over the years, but as of now, as of this moment, this song definitely fits me.

May I present, Pale by Within Temptation.

I chose this song because not only is it hauntingly beautiful (like me, hehehe...although I'm not pale in complexion...), but there is such a rich complexity to my life that is properly portrayed in the song's lyrics.  Also, despite the somewhat sorrowful tone, the song has undertones of hope and love...

...It's a very lovely song.  I hope you all enjoy it.  And Brenna, thanks for a fun and easy contest. :]

Yes, yes, I know...horrorish is not a word.  Please forgive me.

~*~

P.S.  Oh, I almost forgot. Silly me. Here's the link for the contest: The First Space Between Contest. Anddd, the cover for Brenna Yovanoff's The Space Between, which releases November 15th.

Maggie's new book: THE SCORPIO RACES

Now that Maggie Stiefvater's beautiful Shiver trilogy has reached its end, fans have something new to look forward to...her new book, The Scorpio Races, which hits your local bookstore on October 18th!!  Mark your calendars and spread the word; this book looks mighty interesting.

Check out Maggie's handmade trailer!

Anddddd, here's the lovely cover:

Oh boy, I can't wait. Hurry up, October!

"The Hunger Games" Movie Poster

Oh my goodness; I can't wait to see this movie! :D If YOU haven't read The Hunger Games trilogy yet and you love to read, get your lazy little tush over to your local library or pick up your own copy at Barnes 'n' Noble--whatever, just READ IT! Three of my most favorite books of all time. I STRONGLY recommend them to friends and aquaintances and everyone always ends up loving them.

<---Anyway, this is the first official poster for the movie. :)

You can read my review for The Hunger Games as well as any other books that I've read at Goodreads.com here: Aianarie's review of The Hunger Games

THE BOOKS:

Comments on "The Hunger Games" casting...

So lately I’ve been following the casting process of one of my favorite book series, The Hunger Games, and boy, have I had a few surprises.

I agree with the casting choices for the most part; I think Jennifer Lawrence is a great choice for Katniss Everdeen, I think she will play the part well. I’m a little disappointed with the choice for Peeta Mellark, Josh Hutcherson; I would have preferred this beautiful boy from Beastly and I Am Number Four:

Alex Pettyfer <3

…*sigh*…At first I was really disappointed but now that I’ve thought about it, I think Hutcherson will be able to pull off the role nicely. I wish him luck. I am far less-than-satisfied with the choice for Gale Hawthorne. I don’t think Liam Hemsworth fits the part at all. I would have liked someone more along the lines of:

Drew Roy

…and CINNA?! I was absolutely quite dumbfounded when I heard that Lenny Kravitz was casted as Katniss’ stylist. And a bit…disgusted. He doesn’t seem right for the part at all (even more so than Hemsworth for Gale), and I wondered to myself if the casting director even read the book, let alone took the time to think about who would be right for the role. In my opinion, Kravitz is too big. Too masculine. Cinna needs to have certain feminism to him, but not as much as popular fan choice Adam Lambert. Please, no. I was thinking of Prince Caspian:

Ben Barnes. Can’t you just see him with gold eyeliner? <3

Finally, I’d like to comment on Portia, Peeta’s stylist. Latarsha Rose has been cast for the role. They almost hit it for me, but not exactly. Rose is pretty and has the calm face I was looking for, but my number one choice for Portia was Tamina from Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time:

Gemma Arterton


So those are my thoughts. As for the other leads and the tributes, I think they’re all fairly good choices. I look forward to seeing what else they come up with. Regardless, I can’t wait to see this movie.

What I've been listening to...♫

I like to listen to new artists, so I’ve heard a lot of…interesting stuff. But sometimes, probably more often than I think, I stumble upon some real talent. Lately I've really been into the whole pop-punk thing. Bouncy stuff. I hope you enjoy my muscial randomness today.

And lately I’ve had this one song stuck in my head by a budding electropop star. I heard Love Like Woe by a one-man band called The Ready Set; this song is totally awesome. Maybe I’m just weird, but I freakin’ love this song. It’s fun, shiver-inducing pop that is reminiscent of Owl City (another one-man electronica band that I happen to adore) with a touch more attitude.

Check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh6Oz-L156c/ (NOTE: the vid’s weird-o-ness level is pretty high, but hey; focus on the big picture here, AKA: Jordan)

The Ready Set has a handful of other catchy tunes on his new album: I’m Alive, I’m Dreaming, including Spinnin’, Stays Four the Same, Limits, and more. He definitely catches the Owl City vibe with titles like Atmosfears and Melody’s Song.

Plus, Jordan’s a hottie, so yeah. Maybe I’ll marry him someday.

How could I say no?

~*~

AND HERE'S SOME MORE POP-PUNK!

I’d also like to introduce another breakout band that I’m currently enjoying, Stereo Skyline. You can visit their fansite here:

http://stereoskylinefansite.blogspot.com/

Their CD is called Stuck On Repeat. Songs include A Little More Us, Heartbeat, and Tongue Tied. I saw the video for “Tongue Tied”, and wowzers—music vids these days are weeeeeeeird. Brian Maddox is totally hot though. I’m finding it hard to choose a favorite between him and Jordan (above). Ha ha ha…

You can see the video for "Tongue Tied" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxN4cnyqqe4/


~*~

And finally, here's this week's playlist:

ASHLEY'S PLAYLIST 8/5/10

1. There For You – Flyleaf
2. So I Thought – Flyleaf
3. Love Like Woe – The Ready Set
4. Monsoon (Gateway Version) – Tokio Hotel
5. Tongue Tied – Stereo Skyline
6. Valentine’s Day – Linkin Park
7. Save You – Kelly Clarkson
8. Like We Used To – Rocket to the Moon
9. Through Glass – Stone Sour
10. Collide – Howie Day
11. Queen Bee – Nickasaur!
12. Heaven Can Wait – We the Kings
13. Teenage Dream – Katy Perry
14. Never Alone – Barlowgirl
15. Hanging By A Moment – Lifehouse
16. Touchin’ On My – 3OH!3
17. The Truth – Kris Allen
18. The Only Exception – Paramore
19. Somewhere I Belong – Linkin Park
20. Leave Out All The Rest – Linkin Park

~*~

That was fun! Maybe I'll do this again sometime! ;)

P.S. If I've hurt your brain, I am immensely sorry.