Book Review: "Fateful" (2011)

Fateful by Claudia Gray

    You can find me snug up on my beanbag at home with my nose deep in a book, and it's no surprise that the subject of that book happens to be of the Titanic. When I searched through my library's online catalog to look through all five pages of Titanic-related books and movies they had, I was stunned and ecstatic to find that four new books had been added! I decided to pick up the YA novel Fateful by Claudia Gray first.

   Never would I have suspected what I just read.

   Werewolves? On the Titanic?! "You've got to be kidding me!" was my first reaction. Then I thought, "Is this at all disrespectful?" Let me just point out that I'm not the biggest Twilight fan, but I decided to give this Jack-and-Rose Titanic romance crossed over with Taylor Lautner-impersonating werewolves a chance.

   Of course, I loved it. The novel is about a maid, Tess Davies, who wants to leave her old life as a servant and start anew in America. Little does she know that during that ill-fated voyage she would meet supernatural beings -- werewolves -- one who will protect and the other who will harm. She never expected to be falling in love with Alec Marlowe: Her protector, a monster, a beast, the only thing her heart desires. Yet, she does -- and he does, too. 

   A very romantic plot with memorable dialogue and accurate details of the Titanic's voyage. I was surprised it was so good. I'll be rooting for a sequel! Maybe World War I drama or something? Anyway, I recommend this book as a must-read, especially if you like history and werewolves. (Can I convince you more by saying Alec is a red wolf, just like Jacob Black?)

   With the 100th anniversary of the Titanic sinking coming up, lots of documentaries and books are piling up with just that fascinating subject. I'll be sure to review others on this blog as well!

The 84th Annual Academy Awards

Meryl Streep

Michelle Williams

         The 84^th Annual Academy Awards premiered on Feb. 26, this year hosted by Billy Crystal. Crystal, who’s hosted the Oscars eight other times, sang a medley of songs about the Best Picture nominees to start the event. 

Once everyone had their moment on the red carpet, the winners were announced. “The Artist” became the first silent movie since 1927’s “Wings” to win Best Picture. The director, Michael Hazanavicius, won Best Director.

After seeing George Clooney’s face a numerous amount of times, the Best Actor nominee lost to his competitor Jean Dujardin from “The Artist.” Best Actress went to Meryl Streep for her act in “The Iron Lady.” 

During the event, the French circus Cirque du Soleil performed, introduced by Muppet presenters Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. 

Another presenter, actress Sandra Bullock, spoke German with a Chinese accent when she presented the winner for Best Foreign Language Film.

Previously on the red carpet, actor Sacha Baron Cohen, dressed in his costume from “The Dicatator,” spilled “ashes” from the urn he was holding on host Ryan Seacrest, who spent the rest of the evening cleaning his suit.

Regarding previous record holders, Walt Disney won the most Oscars with 26 wins; Meryl Streep receieved the most acting nominations with 17 wins; and the movies “Ben-Hur,” “Titanic,” and “Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” won the most Academy Awards in history, which was 11 each. 

Overall, this year’s Academy Awards was “one of the breeziest ceremonies in decades,” said the Cleveland Plain Dealer. 

As Crystal said, “Nothing can take the sting out of the world’s economic problems like watching millionaires present each other with golden statues.”