Judge A Book By It's Cover??

I long ago realized that I judge books by their covers.  This is just something I do, subconsciously. I used to be somewhat contrite that I did this. I would force myself to pick up books with awful covers and read the blurbs, or the first few chapters, but I never bought them. Ever. Okay, maybe I need to qualify this statement. If it's an author that I love, it hardly matters what the cover may look like. I may cringe while buying it, and not look at the cover while reading it, or carrying it, but I'll still buy it. But that is the only time it will happen.

A couple of years ago I stopped being ashamed and just realized this is how I am. I like visually pleasing covers. I don't have a 'type' or a specific standard that I can say what I like, I just know. It either grabs me or it doesn't. I stopped making myself pick up books to check them out despite their cover. Now I just grab what I like to look at, and if I miss out on something because of that, then I guess that's my loss. Usually this works for me. Sometimes it doesn't.

I think for me a big part of it is that if someone puts time and thought into a cover, making it aesthetically satisfying, then I know that they feel the book is worth it, and thus so should I. If a book has a crap cover with fake people, or a cartoon-y feel on an adult book, or something that is just plain 'ole ugly then I assume (yes, I know...one shouldn't assume) that the publisher didn't feel it deserved their very best. And if it doesn't deserve the very best cover, then it doesn't deserve my money either.

As an aside - I used to absolutely hate covers that had people on them.  It took me a long time to get over that - probably the reason that I came to romance so late.  My problem (still) with people on the cover is that they are never what I picture the character to look like.  Obviously as you look below, some of the covers I've picked up because I liked them have people on the covers, so this is no longer a hard and fast rule - though I still do prefer to have it be more vague instead of specific, or to not include the face.

I started thinking about this because I just started reading Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris, the first book in the Southern Vampire Mysteries series. I always heard people talking about this series, I've watched the last two seasons of True Blood on HBO, and I forced myself to pick up this book numerous times in the bookstore. I just couldn't get past the cartoon vampires on the cover.

I mean, really? This is what you think is going to draw people in? Well, obviously it has because they're wildly popular books so I must be in the minority. Even when they changed the cover after True Blood started I just couldn't make myself start reading it. I have never been able to get the corny covers out of my mind. In fact it's taken months of my best friend telling me to start reading the series for me to even turn to the first page in the first chapter of Dead Until Dark. It's probably a great book (I'll be sure to say when I'm done), but I've always passed it by for nicer looking books.

There are several instances where this worked particularly well for me. I picked up Dreams of Stardust by Lynn Kurland because I liked the way the cover looked. The colors were nice, the picturesque setting was nice. I was intrigued by the jewels and wondered what meaning they had to the story. All in all, a good cover. And I love this book. Love the entire series in fact. Here is the reading order.

The simplicity of the the cover for Outlander by Diana Gabaldon caught my eye and I was incredibly glad I read it. It’s still a favorite – even if I haven’t stayed caught up on the series.

Otherland by Tad Williams featured a golden city on the cover. Someplace fantastical and beautiful. I wanted to learn more about that place. This was a book I picked up not knowing it was part one of a four part series…

This cover led me to one of my all-time favorite authors, Nalini Singh. I think her Guild Hunter novels have some of my favorite covers.

















More books I picked up solely because of the cover and really enjoyed:

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Almost a total exception to my person/face rule...

Touch the Dark by Karen Chance

The Smoke Thief by Shana Abe

Welcome to Tempation by Jennifer Crusie

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught





















Books I’ve picked up strictly based on the cover, but haven’t had the chance to read yet.

Sebastian by Anne Bishop

Steamed by Katie MacAlister

Greywalker by Kat Richardson

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Nightlife by Rob Thurman

Lord of the Fading Lands by CL Wilson






















Of course this isn’t always fool-proof. I can’t think of many examples of books where I loved the cover, but didn’t like the book (though I know there have been some). But I do have a very good example of a cover I hated, and a book I enjoyed. In fact, the author of this book became one of my very favorites.

On the left is the original cover for Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning. On the right, the more recent version. I strongly dislike the original version of the cover. I can’t even remember what prompted me to pick it up, but I like the newer version much better.

So I try to remember this when I see a cover I can’t stand, or don’t like…but I still find myself picking up more books based on the cover.

Anyone else do this? What are some of your favorite covers? Are there books you love, but covers that just don’t do them justice?

Review: Unholy Ghosts - Stacia Kane

Downside Ghosts Book 1

Imagine a world without gods. There is no god. There is only the Fact and the Truth of the Church of the Real Truth – an organization that has ruled the world absolutely since they were able to stop the murderous ghosts from killing all of humanity. Chess Putnam is a Debunker for the Church; she travels around disproving citizens made-up claims of hauntings, or banishing the ghosts if they’re real.

Chess has a secret though – a big drug problem which has gotten her in deep with her dealer, Bump. And now he’s calling in his debt. All she has to do is banish some nasty ghosts from an abandoned airstrip for him and they’ll be settled straight up. Simple.

Or maybe not. Because what Chess thinks will be a simple debunking soon becomes mired in black magic, human sacrifice, corruption within the Church, attraction to Bump’s top enforcer, and a sexy rival drug lord vying for Chess’ loyalty and time. Will Chess be able to banish the demonic ghost, protect the Church that she loves, keep her balance between two sexy men and not reveal her addiction?

I’m going to start off with some background. I probably normally wouldn’t have reviewed this book, but because of some discussions I thought I should at least try to organize my thoughts on it.

I first heard about this book on Karen Marie Moning’s blog. She doesn’t often recommend novels, and my respect for her craft is huge. It got me interested and I put it on my To Be Bought list. Then I read the review at Dear Author and, admittedly, the conversation on the review intrigued me more. I wasn’t so sure about the main protagonist being a drug addict that had little to no growth. It’s not the addiction itself; trials really do make you stronger. Rather, it was the idea of a protagonist with no character depth or anything I could connect with – that’s what I worried about. I have to admit that if I had bought it prior to learning about the drug use I most likely would not have made it past halfway through the book. I don’t usually read reviews of books that I plan to read, but for this one I’m glad I made the exception. I have gone to look since and seen that the ‘drug problem’ is referenced in the blurb and on Amazon, but I’d missed that before.

I guess I’m going to just get the drug thing out of the way. I didn’t like it. I see drug use, the way it was portrayed in Unholy Ghosts, as a weakness. While I like characters that are not perfect, making them more like the rest of us I like to see something along with it, additional depth. Chess can’t function without her drugs. In the beginning chapter she starts getting the shakes until she can swallow her ‘Cepts’ and get that sweet relief flowing through her system. This continues throughout the book, and not just with that single drug but many different drugs.

And just what are Cepts? At one time in the book they’re referred back to as speed, but at other times it seems like they’re something different. Perhaps I misunderstood in my reading, but often she referred to letting up off the speed and yet the drug I saw her take most was the Cepts. Not a huge point, but it’s been bugging me with the confusion.

Not only can Chess not function without the drugs, everything she does is to gain more drugs. She agrees to Bump’s deal so that she can continue to get drugs. She agrees, by lack of response and a sort of physical arrangement, to help a rival drug lord in order to get free drugs. She continues to work for the Church, hoping to get a case she can debunk and thus get a bonus so she can spend a few days in the smoke room. Okay, truth be told, Chess truly believes in the Church. She follows them (mostly) and believes in them….almost blindly.

Honestly, the drug use wasn’t what bugged me most. I didn’t like it, but I do look forward to seeing growth – even if I haven’t seen any in that particular area at this point in time.

I felt no sense of empathy, or compassion on Chess' part. No real sense of right and wrong. She loves the Church, which she feels saved her. She’s loyal to it. And yet she disregards the very base of one of their tenets – which is that she is to represent all that is right and holy in the world. Clearly the drugs she has to hide from the Church would go head-on against that. To me that’s a conflict that’s never really examined or thought about. She goes so far as to asking another character to clean her apartment of them if she should die, before the Church gets there. Moral ambiguity can be interesting, but I don’t feel that this was fleshed out enough. Granted it is the first book in the series of three planned (at this time) so perhaps it will be better explored later.

I did see a very little bit of growth as a character comes to mean something to Chess, she cares about him and his safety, but it seems almost an after thought. And it doesn’t stop her from doing what she wants to do – which is to run off to get high. I see most of her relationships by the end of the book to be mostly measured in this light – what they can do for her.

My biggest problem with Chess is the lack of growth and depth added to the lack of explanation for why she is the way she is and does what she does. If I could have had some understanding of why she chooses drugs, or why she chooses to have no close connections with other people, then maybe I could have empathized myself with her. But she gave me nothing to work with. Chess came across as an unrepentant drug addict that had no real care for anything other than what she needed and wanted. Whatever that happened to be at the moment.

Onto the good stuff.

I didn’t hate Chess – despite what you may think from the above. I think there’s a great deal going on underneath that we didn’t see in Unholy Ghosts, and that is what I’d truly love to read more about. Or maybe I just hope there is. Seeing her gain personal relationships and begin to think beyond what she had is definitely a change for her. I’m interested in seeing how those things affect her going forward and what reactions they cause.

The world that Stacia Kane has built is fascinating, fully fleshed out, and intriguing. I like how she built the Church of the Real Truth, and it’s ‘rules’ for living life. I actually hate the Church a little bit, because I’d never want to live in such a society. Their way is The Way. There is only Truth. Right and wrong are based on the facts of truth and determined by the Church. They bid people to watch their family, friends and neighbors for signs of them committing crimes which they can then be punished for by the Church. For only through debasement can redemption and forgiveness come. Blegh. What a society. And yet they apparently care nothing for those less fortunate that live in areas like Downside.

The magic and the ghosts, their history and use, was interesting and well thought out. I liked how many different aspects of the world we experienced in the short time we were with Chess. Possession. Blood, earth, spirit and dream magic. Objects that require sacrifice to use. Others that will bring about wanted results – from protective to very dangerous. I especially loved the Hand of Glory – because it’s one of my favorite occult objects in stories.

I admit, the character I enjoyed the most was Terrible – Bump’s top enforcer. He had a depth to him that I didn’t see in a lot of the other characters. He had interests outside of his job, educated himself on things that intrigued him, even without the benefit of a public education, and he surprised me more than once – not something easy to do I have to say. I found him to have an unselfish sort of sweetness and protectiveness which only served to add to his appeal. There also seemed to be a bit of insecurity there that I’d love to see further explored. All in all, I’d definitely love to see more of Terrible.

Ms. Kane touches on a lot of hot button topics and doesn’t pull her punches in Unholy Ghosts. She pushes boundaries, and shows a different side of the world than we usually see – even in our urban fantasy. Obviously the book made me think and brought out some strong responses in me. The pacing was superb, the plot interesting and it was a good introduction to the world without having information just dumped on me. I especially loved the little quotes at the beginning of each chapter. The mystery didn’t really intrigue me as much as the details and intricacy of the world, the spirit world and the tools used for magic.

Unholy Ghosts was a rollercoaster of a ride that I read in a three hour flight. It was vivid and set in a beautifully dark world. I’m very glad I read it and experienced it for myself and I will probably be picking up at least the next novel in the series, Unholy Magic (with City of Ghosts to follow that). I’d love to see Chess pull herself out of the life she’s created for herself and become something more. I want to see the growth. I would like to see what happens to the Church, and to Chess and definitely to Terrible.

Grade: D+

Book Link

New Author Challenge

Well I tried it last year and failed miserably. I think I read, maybe 2 new to me authors all year. But I'm never one to give up easily, so I thought I'd try it again this year. And with all my other personal reading challenges - what the heck ;)

The Challenge: Read 50 new-to-you authors this year. I'll list them in the order I read them, and what book of theirs I read. As well as if I enjoyed it, plan to look for more, or any other details.

This year I'm already off to a decent start (especially compared to last year):

1. Jennifer Armintrout - The Turning
The Turning is the first book in Jennifer's Blood Ties series. I loved this first book, and pretty quickly went through the other three. And picked up the first book in her next series: Lightworld/Darkworld.

2. Kate Pearce - Roping the Wind
Roping the Wind is the first book in Kate's Turner Brothers series. It was a really good, fun cowboy read. I supremely enjoyed it. And quickly read the other two. I look forward to reading more of hers.

3. Lauren Dane - Giving Chase
A good fun read. I'm definitely gonna get to some more of her work.

4. Susan Donovan - He Loves Lucy
I really enjoyed this book. I thought the love story between Lucy and Theo was not only touching, but believable.

5. Melinda Barron - Graceful Submission
This was a fantastic book. I loved the development of the characters, and how BDSM was handled in it. I will definitely be looking for more of her books.

6. Kat Alexis - Candy Coated Passion
To be honest the sex scenes got a bit tedious, and it felt like there was little to no growth with the characters. I'd love to see the author do more with them, so it's not just sex scene after sex scene.

7. Maggie Casper - Zane's Way
Hmm. It had the potential for a really good book. The characters were interesting, the storyline was interesting, but it just seemed to rushed. I didn't get enough time of them together, much more time of them apart. Not enough time to see how their relationship grew. Pity, because I missed that.

8. Julia Quinn - The Duke and I
I absolutely adored this book. The characters are lively, quick, smart and interesting. People that I would love to know. The romance is sweet, hot, and beautiful. The dialogue is fabulous. The secondary characters (coming up in future books) are absolutely fascinating. I can't wait to read more from Julia Quinn. (Yes - I know I'm quite late to this party...lol)

9. Jennifer Ashley - The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie
What a fantastic book. I love the way that the author showed the hero having AS. How it wasn't a passed over part of the story, how it was completely integrated into the love story and the overall story. Fantastic romance with a real hero and heroine. I couldn't put it down, and can't wait to read more in this series.

10. Stacia Kane - Unholy Ghosts
Read my review here

11. Charlaine Harris - Dead Until Dark
I really enjoyed this first novel in the Sookie Stackhouse series. Enough that it made me immediately get the following 9 full length novels and devour them in a week.

12. Desiree Holt - Double Entry
This was a decent book that had some likable characters, although I can't remember much specifically about them. It was a short story, heavy on sex, and light on conflict. I did have some problems with one scene in particular that was just beyond unrealistic for me - not in that it couldn't be done, but in that it definitely shouldn't, and any woman would know that. There was also some unrealistic dialogue that felt more like the author trying to give distinctive personalities rather than the characters actually having distinctive personalities. Other than that, I'd be willing to try another novel by her sometime.

13. Kasey MacKenzie - Red Hot Fury
A debut author with a fresh new look at urban fantasy. I've been working on a review for this. The concept is awesome and intriguing, but there were some definite debut-novel issues I had. Update: Read review here.

14. Gena Showalter - The Darkest Night
First book in the Lords of the Underworld series. Interesting premise, good characters. A good read, and I look forward to seeing where she takes the series.

15. Cherise Sinclair - Club Shadowlands
The best thing I can say about this author is that as soon as I finished Club Shadowlands I immediately read everything else she has available. I find her characters believable, charming, interesting and hot. The end of Master of the Mountain still strikes me as perfect - just because of how realistic it was. And beautiful. I eagerly await anything and everything Cherise sends my way.

16. Victoria Dahl (as Holly Summers)- The Wicked West
I grabbed this book on a recommendation from Sarah at Dear Author. I enjoyed it. It was a quick, intense read. I liked the female knowing exactly what she wanted, and not afraid to go after it. I'll definitely look for more of her work.

17. KC Sehlhorst - Hel Hath No Fury
I loved what the author did with the concept of Lucifer. He was handled absolutely brilliantly. I felt there were things in the storyline rushed, and not explained, but I definitely enjoyed being along for the ride and look forward to reading more by this author.

18. Vicki Lewis Thompson - Blonde With a Wand
I've heard of her Nerds books before, but this is the first one I picked up, on the recommendation of a friend. I really enjoyed it. I liked seeing the growth that both characters went through, and definitely look forward to more.

19. Anne Stuart - Ruthless
I enjoyed this historical romance novel. The characters and setting were very different to me, which was actually nice. See my review here.

20. Eve Silver - Sins of the Heart
Definitely not going to be the last book I read by Eve Silver. She set up a fascinating world, with great characters and an interesting plot. Read my review here.

21. L. Shannon - Amethyst Bound
Interesting world, but I didn't feel there was enough character building, nor enough to keep the story moving. It was relatively easy for me to put this down, and only force of will kept me going (until I met a character that I really want to know more about at the end!!) Read my review here.

22. Meljean Brook - "Here There Be Monsters" in Burning Up anthology
I loved this novella. Fantastic, fresh, interesting world and characters that are fully developed which is always impressive in a novella format. Can't wait for the full length The Iron Duke and have started on a glom of Meljean's backlist, her Guardian series.

23. Zoë Archer - Warrior
A fun adventure story with bits of magic, a trek through the steppes of Outer Mongolia and wonderful characters - read my review here.

24. Courtney Milan - Proof by Seduction
A historical that made me laugh, and tear up, I clearly felt the emotions of the characters. Read my review here.

25. Ilona Andrews - On the Edge
Rustic Fantasy is what Ilona Andrews calls this book, and I loved it, so much that it was incredibly hard for me to put down. Read my review here.

26. J.Z. Colby - The Test
Interesting idea with a young male, obviously from a different world, traveling to a city to find a crew for his ship. But it moved slow and I never felt like I got to know the characters. There was also the abrupt cut-off at the end and the mediocre writing. It did finally start to pick up near the end and I would be interested in where the story went.

27. Melissa Schroeder - A Little Harmless Sex
A fun, erotic romp that made me eager to dive into more of her works. After quickly finishing the two other books available in this series, A Little Harmless Pleasure (my favorite of the three so far), and A Little Harmless Obsession, I will definitely be looking for more

28. Riley Shane - The Taste of Magick
A wonderful Halloween short story that's sexy, fun and deep. I definitely look forward to more by Riley Shane. Read my review here.

29. Suzanne Collins - The Hunger Games
Review to come. Immediately upon finishing this book I had to go out and get Catching Fire (and then Mockingjay). Days later and I can't stop thinking about it.

30. Nicole Austin - Erotique
A 'Naughty Nooner' from Ellora's Cave. A quick short story. I enjoyed it, and liked Ms. Austin's writing style so I'll definitely be looking for more from her. I do think the end could have used another two or three paragraphs.

31. Sally Painter - Not Just an Orgy
Another 'Naughty Nooner' from Ellora's Cave. I think this had a good premise but in such a short format I think there was too much plot. There was deception, the first time the couple was together, supernatural thrown in there for good measure. It just had too much going on in such a short space. I think this story could have benefited from a longer format, or less busy-ness.

32. Cassandra Gold - Quinn's Hart
I absolutely loved this book! It was such a sweet love story and made me smile all the way through. See my review here.

33. Rebecca Royce - Yes, Captain
This was a quick, good read. While I would have appreciated a bit more development between the characters I'd definitely be interested in reading more by Ms. Royce.

34. Kristen Painter - Miss Bramble and the Leviathan
A quick steampunk read that I enjoyed. The author did a good job of showing the steampunk world and still developing the characters. Again, I would have liked to had more time there just to delve a bit deeper, but I look forward to reading more by this author.

35. Roxanne St. Claire - Edge of Sight
I don't read a lot of romantic-suspense anymore, probably because it all feels like 'been there, done that' to me. However I was pulled right into this book. And I really enjoyed it. Tortured, truly damaged hero, strong smart heroine - and they actually talk, imagine that. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

36. Sabrina Jeffries - Never Seduce a Scoundrel
Yes, it's true. I've never read Sabrina Jeffries before this year. This was a fun historical to read. It had a few things that I'm not a fan of - prolonged deception on the part of hero AND heroine for one - but in the end I liked it. I've got the others in the series on my list.


Last updated 29 December 2010

Patricia Briggs Book Order

Mercy Thompson

1. Moon Called
* "The Star of David" in Wolfsbane and Mistletoe anthology

**Alpha and Omega Series (Books 1 thru 3) take place here**

2. Blood Bond
3. Iron Kissed
4. Bone Crossed
5. Silver Borne
6. River Marked
* "In Red, With Pearls" in Down These Strange Streets anthology

**Alpha and Omega Series (Book 4) takes place here**

7. Frost Burned
8. Night Broken (4 March 2014)

* Shifting Shadows (October 2014)
Compilation of all Mercy World Short Stories and some new


Alpha and Omega
Features Charles and Anna

1. "Alpha and Omega" in On the Prowl anthology
2. Cry Wolf
2.5 "Seeing Eye" in Strange Brew anthology
3. Hunting Ground
4. Fair Game


Mercy Thompson World (Connected)

* "Fairy Gifts" in Naked City anthology
* "Gray" in Home Improvement: Undead Edition anthology


Sianim Series

1. Masques
2. Wolfsbane
3. Steal the Dragon
4. When Demons Walk

Hurog Duology

1. Dragon Bones
2. Dragon Blood

Raven Duology

1. Raven's Shadow
2. Raven's Strike

Stand Alone

1. The Hob



Please note: This page was written by me, so as always, please visit the author’s website for up-to-date, author-verified information as well as for information on books that have not yet been included to this list.

http://www.patriciabriggs.com/

Jeaniene Frost Book Order

Night Huntress
Featuring Bones and Cat

* "Reckoning" in Unbound anthology - Also ebook single available
Bones prequel

1. Halfway to the Grave

* "Happily Never After" in Weddings From Hell anthology
Chance and Isabella

2. One Foot in the Grave

3. At Grave's End

* "Devil to Pay" in Four Dukes and a Devil anthology - Also ebook single available
Blake and Elise

4. Destined for an Early Grave

* "One For the Money" in Death's Excellent Vacation anthology - Also ebook available in Magic Graves

**Read Night Huntress World Series 1 and 2 here to maintain continuity**

5. This Side of the Grave

6. One Grave at a Time

* "Home for the Holidays" in The Bite Before Christmas anthology - Standalone ebook to be release 5 November 2013

**Read Night Prince Series 1 and 2 here to maintain continuity**

7. Up From the Grave (28 January 2014)
**Final Book in Series**



Night Huntress World
Read between Night Huntress 4.5 and 5

1. First Drop of Crimson
Spade and Denise

2. Eternal Kiss of Darkness
Mencheres and Kira Graceling


Night Prince
Featuring Vlad and Leila
Begins after Night Huntress 6.5

1. Once Burned
2. Twice Tempted
3. [Untitled] (TBA)


Other

1. "Pack" in The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance anthology, also ebook available in Under Her Skin


Please note: This page was written by me, so as always, please visit the author’s website for up-to-date, author-verified information as well as for information on books that have not yet been included to this list.

http://jeanienefrost.com/

Kim Harrison Book Order

The Hollows (or Rachel Morgan Series)

* "Undead in the Garden of Good and Evil" in Dates From Hell anthology
Ivy Novella

1. Dead Witch Walking

2. The Good, The Bad, and The Undead

3. Every Which Way But Dead

4. A Fistful of Charms

* "Dirty Magic" in Hotter Than Hell anthology
Mia Novella

5. For a Few Demons More

* "The Bridges of Eden Park" in the back of For a Few Demons More
Kisten/Rachel Novella

* "Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel" in Holidays From Hell anthology
Robbie/Rachel/Pierce Novella

6. The Outlaw Demon Wails

* "The Bespelled" in the back of The Outlaw Demon Wails
Ceri/Al Novella

7. White Witch, Black Curse

* "Ley Line Drifter" in Unbound anthology
Bis/Jenks Novella

8. Black Magic Sanction

9. Pale Demon

10. A Perfect Blood

11. Ever After

12. The Undead Pool (25 February 2014)


Please note: This page was written by me, so as always, please visit the author’s website for up-to-date, author-verified information as well as for information on books that have not yet been included to this list.

http://www.kimharrison.net/

82nd Annual Academy Awards

So here we are again. The Biggest Night in Hollywood.

Thanks again Kat for joining me. It was fun doing the Red Carpet show with you.

Angela: Neil Patrick Harris - wow. Singing in a sequined covered jacket. LOL. Interesting.

Looking forward to Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin hosting this year. Though I absolutely loved Hugh Jackman last year.

Kat: Okay, bringing out the best actors and actresses was weird.

Love Neil Patrick Harris and the number, but when they cut to the audience you couldn't see who they were point to.

Here come Steve and Alec!!!!

Angela: Yeah, I'm not sure what was with the best actor/actress lineup. It was odd.

Great entrance by Steve and Alex. Gotta love the introduction Steve gave for Alec.

"And then no matter what they nominate Meryl Streep." Aww.

Kat:
"There's that damn Helen Mirren."

"Steve that's DAME Helen Mirren."

I love how they point to Gabourey Sidibe and she's like, stuck in a corner.

"They just don't give Oscars to stand up comedians...like anyone has to tell you that."

LMAO @ pulling out their 3D glasses for James Cameron.

Steve just killed the sacred sprites - lmfao.

Angela:
I loved the Damn Helen Mirren quote.

George Clooney did not look amused.

"Over here is the Inglorious Basterds section"

"And over here are the people that made the movie"

Not as funny as I've seen in years past though. This IS the Oscars after all.

Kat:
You're right, not as funny. But still fun.

George Clooney does NOT look amused.

This is you - *points to Taylor and Zac* - in five years.

I like Penelope Cruz's dress.

Angela:
I think Penelope's accent is getting stronger. What's up with that?

Yeah, George really was NOT amused.

Best Supporting Actor - defo going to Christoph Waltz.

Kat:
Yep, and he did win it. He was phenomenal. Evil but interesting. Job well done and I'm glad he got it.

Where the hell do they have Ryan Reynolds? It looks like Scottie's gonna beam him up any second now.

Angela:
Congrats Christoph!

I don't have a clue where they have Ryan, but he's looking good anyways - presenting the Best Picture nomination for The Blind Side. I haven't seen it yet, but its definitely on my list to see.

Kat:
The commercial for Jimmy Kimmel made me laugh - I loved the "I'm F***ing Ben Affleck" vid.

Aww, I love the animated picture segment.

I'm betting Up will win, but I loved The Princess and the Frog. I want to see The Secret of Kells.

And..........Up wins it. No surprise.

Angela:
I liked the 'interviews' with the animated characters.

No surprise on Up winning it. That was definitely expected. I want to see Up, The Princess and the Frog, and The Secret of Kells.

Amanda and Miley Cyrus together presenting. I like Amanda's dress.

Kat:
They're not doing full songs this year? That sucks. I like the songs nominated this year.

I'm hoping one of the songs from The Princess and the Frog wins. Though I do like the song Take It All.

Ooooooooooooooh, Colin Farrell!!!! With him in it, I might actually see Crazy Heart.

Crazy Heart wins it. See, if they'd done the songs I could have seen CF sing *sigh*

Angela:
I want to see Crazy Heart. I didn't realize that Colin Farrell did the signing. Why didn't they do the songs this year?

District 9 for Best Picture - I haven't seen this either, but I want to.

I could do without the RDJ glasses - but I like his bow-tie.

Best Original Screenplay - I think that Hurt Locker will win this. Though I'd like to see Inglorious Basterds win, which is one of my favorite movies of the year.

Kat:
Yeah, I'm all about watching CF sing.

*sigh* The Hurt Locker wins it. I SO wanted Inglourious Basterds to win.

RDJ and Tina Fey made me laugh.

Pretty in Pink and Ferris Beuller for a John Hughes segment.

Angela:
I'm not a huge fan of The Hurt Locker. But congrats to them for winning.

Pretty in Pink and Ferris Beuller. LOVE them. Makes me want to watch them again.

Ooh. And The Breakfast Club. One of my favorites.

That was a nice John Hughes tribute.

Now Samuel L. Jackson showing the nomination for Up for Best Picture. I've heard such good things about this movie. But I don't foresee it winning Best Picture.

Kat:
I would LOVE to see Up take best picture, if only to see an animated film take it.

Return of the pom pom dress - oy. I love the top of it and it sparkles beautifully in the light. Zoe Saldana is gorgeous and has great legs, but the bottom of that dress just sucks.

Carey Mulligan I adored as Kitty in Pride and Prejudice. She looks cute.

Angela:
Yeah, I could deal with the ruffles of Zoe's dress if it didn't have the split in the middle actually.

Best Animated Short: Logorama. One big advertisement huh?

Kat:
*sigh* I wanted A Matter of Loaf and Death to win. I saw it and it was cute. Plus I love Wallace and Gromit.

LMFAO @ Ben Stiller. "This seemed like a better idea in rehearsal."

Love the tail, lol. I wonder how long it'll take for him to get it off.

I'm rooting for Star Trek.

I really want to see The Young Victoria.

"It's amazing how far technology has come." *giggle*

Star Trek wins it - yay :)

Angela:
Ben Stiller was great! LOL.

Best line of the night so far: "It's amazing how far technology has come." *laughs*

Congrats to Star Trek! I'm glad they won! Well deserved.

Love Rachel McAdams dress.

Best Adapted Screenplay - I think Precious will win.

Yep. And it did.

Robin Williams looks good in those glasses - distinguished.

Best Supporting Actress - I've got nothing on who may win this category.

Mo'Nique for her role in Precious: Based on the novel Push by Sapphire, wins. Just based on the clips I have no desire to see that movie.

Kat:
Mo'Nique wins it. She was a lock, from what I heard.

I have Precious in my queue.

Angela:
It's in my queue as well. LOL. Because I saw other previews that made me want to give it a chance, but what I saw there definitely didn't.

Kat:
Avatar won for set direction *sigh*

I wanted Sherlock Holmes or The Young Victoria win.

Angela:
I'm not surprised Avatar won. I would have been happy for Sherlock Holmes winning too. But I'm a bit sappy apparently. He almost made me cry.

Presenting for best costumes...
"Clothes Whores"

"Clothes HORSE-S" LOL

Kat:
SJP's hair is doing crazy fly-aways. Nice to see my hair isn't the only one that does it.

Oooh, The Young Victoria won for costumes. I'm SO excited for this one.

WTH is the winner wearing?

Angela:
SJP's hair looks great too! My hair does the crazy flyaways :P

Winner for Best Costume looked like she was wearing drapery. Or something. And the hat didn't help.

Oh wow. I was laughing so hard at the spoof on Paranormal Activity.

Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner. Sparkles must be at home.

Kat:
Laughing my a$$ off at the hotel skit. I don't know why, but that struck me as funny.

Kristen Stewart needs to stop fidgeting.

I love the lights.

You know, with all that Saw c*** and other incredibly awful horror films they vomit out these days, I forget that they actually made GOOD horror movies once.

Angela:
Me too Kat. There are some good ones. This makes me want to watch some of them again.

And I was just asking "Why isn't Twilight in this" and then IT WAS! LOL.

Loved that montage.

John Travolta presenting Best Picture Nominee Inglorious Basterds. I love this movie. So great.

Kat:
They always do such a good job with the In Memorium section.

Angela:
Yes they do.

What is this for Best Score though? Are they doing a dance number for each one? Interesting new idea this year...

Kat:
I too can belly flop on the floor.

These scores were so much better either in the movies or on their own. The dancing does not do anything.

Angela:
So I get them wanting to do something special for this, but this is taking away from the scores themselves in my opinion. And I don't even think they're well choreographed.

Modern Family - one of my favorite tv shows, had a great commercial/preview. Academy Award charades. So funny.

Okay, now I see why everyone was afraid of the stairs. They move while you're walking on them...

Kat:
Tyler Perry!!!!

LMAO @ Alec and Steve in a Snuggie.

Angela:
LMAO. That was good Tyler Perry. Loved the Snuggie.

And The Hurt Locker wins again. *sigh*

Okay, so they just did the nomination 'trailer' for The Hurt Locker for Best Picture. And it's everything that made me want to see the movie. I wish it had lived it up to that for me.

Just did the 'trailer' for Avatar. I love that movie.

Kat:
I just....no.....can't get the desire to see it.

That's a random collection of people, but yay for Colin Farrell being up there.

Angela:
I feel that way about movies too Kat ;)

I'm liking the personal stories actually. Jeff Bridges was starting to tear up when Michelle Pfeiffer was talking.

I really like Colin Firth.

Shawshank Redemption is one of my all-time favorite movies. Morgan Freeman was great in that.

LOL. Colin Farrell is being hilarious. For all I don't like The Hurt Locker, Jeremy Renner was actually really good in the role. What he had to work with anyways.

Kate looks fabulous. I didn't get to say that earlier.

And the winner is for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role.........

Jeff Bridges.

Congratulations. I thought he was gonna win. I've heard lots of good things about this movie.

Kat:
Oprah must be EVERYWHERE.

Gabby always comes across as so sweet.

I love Meryl Streep.

All of the nominees other than Sandra looked exceptional. Why is Sandra the favorite?

And the winner is...........Sandra Bullock. Ohhkay.

Angela:
I definitely want to see this movie, and I've heard that it's a huge departure for Sandra, and that she's deserving of it. So congratulations!

But I wanted Meryl to win.

Aww. Sandra's gonna make me cry for thanking her mother. What a great acceptance speech.

And the winner for Best Director - Kathryn Bigelow! Congratulations to the first female to win Best Director!!

Kat:
I wasn't rooting for Sandra Bullock, but I did love her speech.

Woohoo!!!! I'm glad to see a female win Best Director

Angela:
Tom Hanks. I really do enjoy his movies.

Good on Tom Hanks for getting right to the point.

Winner for Best Picture - The Hurt Locker. *le sigh*

Kat:
The Hurt Locker won. Congrats to it. Not my type of movie, but I'm not sorry to see it win, especially with the excitement on the stage :D

I was rooting for Inglourious Basterds.

Angela:
I was rooting for anyone BUT The Hurt Locker ;) But congratulations anyways.

It was a pretty boring Oscars this year actually. Alec and Steve were not as funny as they could have been. Oh well.

Onto another year of great films.

Thank you Kat for joining me! This was fun, as always.

Kat:
Thanks for having me Angela :)

82nd Annual Academy Awards - Red Carpet

So Kat and I decided to do this again. We're gonna be starting in about 30 minutes.

Again, time zones threaten to mess with us, but we'll get it best as we can.

This post will be edited many times during the night.

So glad to be doing this with you again Kat!

Kat: Thanks for having me Angela :)

I've got some red carpet pics ready for fashion critique ;)

Zoe Saldana - Beautiful woman, ugly pom pom dress:


Sam Worthington - hottie:


Zac Efron - needs to fix his hair:


Ryan Reynolds - another hottie:


James Cameron and Suzy Amis - you can be too thin:


Amanda Seyfried - love it:


Vera Farmagia - when ruffles attack:


Mo'Nique - love her, love the color, but it doesn't fit in the most flattering manner:

Angela: Watching E! on the Red Carpet right now. Seacrest never fails to annoy me. But there's been some great dresses already.

I really like Anna Kendrick's. Sandra Bullock's is beautiful too. I agree on Mo'Nique's too though. Just a little different cut and it'd be perfect on her.

Kat: Watching E! as well and Ryan is as annoying as ever.

Oh joy, Miley Cyrus is on in an ill-fitting bodice.

Everyone seems to be worried about the stairs.

Anna Kendrick:


Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon:

Angela: Thanks for finding a picture of Anna's dress. I'm awful at finding them.

SJP's dress was interesting. I'm still not sure if I like it or not.

Kathryn Bigelow is so much taller than I realized!

Kat:OMG,there are some awful dresses this year.

Front shot of Vera's dress - it's even worse:


Maggie Gyllenhaal - love the dress, but not for the Oscars:


Elizabeth Banks - it looked better from the front but I haven't found a pic of that yet:

Angela: There really are some awful dresses this year. I'm still looking for a pic of Charlize Theron's.

Sandra Bullock

Nicole Richie - starting to look a bit healthier, but what's with this dress??

Diane Kruger - I'm not even sure what to say.

Queen Latifah looks fantastic in that pink though.

Kat: I don't love J Lo's dress. It looks like there's foam in it or something.

I like Sandra's dress.

Sigourney Weaver:


Eli Roth:


Tina Fey:


Carey Mulligan - my favorite so far:

Angela: I like Tina Fey's. Didn't see JLo's.

Here's the front of Elizabeth Banks

Virginia Madsen - Not really a fan. The belt I think turns it down for me.

Guiliana Rancic

Kat: I *heart* Gabby.

Kristen Stewart FINALLY learned to lighten up on the eyeliner.

RDJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love him. He's awesome :)

Stana Katic - from Castle:


Miley Cyris - ill-fitting bodice:


Matt Damon:


Anika Noni Rose from The Princess and the Frog:


SJP:


Charlize - need a front shot of her:

Angela: Having trouble finding the pictures that I want. RDJ is awesome. George Clooney looks great!

Penelope Cruz

Kathryn Bigelow

Christopher Plummer & Helen Mirren

Kat:
Queen Latifah - love the dress:


Colin Firth - looking handsome:


Gabourey Sidibe - *heart* her:


Jennifer Lopez and the foam dress:


Kristin Stewart - surprisingly my new favorite of the night:


Meryl Streep:


Another shot of Miley:


Angela: I'm surprised at liking Kristen's too. Her makeup looks really nice. J-Lo - I can't believe E! was saying it was the best on the carpet.

Here's another shot of it:


Kat:

Front shot of Charlize - ick:


Demi Moore - when ruffles attack:


Taylor Lautner:


Keanu Reeves - shave:


Angela: Charlize's dress I just can't like. It takes away from her face. And what is going on with Demi's? It washes out with her skin, and then the ruffles.


I love RDJ wearing tennis shoes to the Oscars. LOL Here with his wife - Susan.


And here's another of Taylor:


J-Lo's dress is still not nice.

Kat: OMG, Cameron Diaz FINALLY found a decent dress.

Oh joy. Another Remember Me trailer. I can't wait until that comes out, if only so I don't have to see more trailers.

Angela: Oh yeah. I was ecstatic to see another Remember Me trailer. Will be glad when they go away. Cameron's dress was nice.

Kat: I've seen Kristen, I've seen Taylor, but where's ol' Sparkles?

Miley Cyrus needs to stand up straight.

Gabourey and Meryl are both fun to listen to.

Angela: Love Meryl.

Finally found a pic of George Clooney:


I can't say I miss RPazz. ;)

Time to see who wins!

Last minute pic - Kate Winslet: