The Graveyard Book

I can't believe I did it again. I've fallen in love with yet another children's book. This time with The Graveyard Book. What is it with these children's fantasy novels that get me? Ok, don't answer that.

Anyway, it was published in 2008 and was written by the English author Neil Gaiman. This award winning book tells the story of a young boy, Bod, who became orphaned when 'the man Jack' murdered his whole family. He was 'adopted' by a ghost couple who lived in an old graveyard and raised by its 'residents'. He was given the Freedom of the Graveyard (an ability to pass through solid objects within the graveyard) but was forbidden to venture beyond it. He also had a supernatural guardian called Silas. Every chapter is spaced a few years in between following Bod's discoveries and adventures. Featured in the story are ghosts, vampire, werewolves, goblins, and other fantastic creatures and unique characters. What child wouldn't love that?

'Mrs. Owens and her husband have taken the child under their protection. It will take more than just a couple of good hearted souls to raise this child. It will,' said Silas, 'take a graveyard.' 

It was, in all honesty, Gaiman's ode to The Jungle Book. Similarities are abound but were given a fresh take and a very different spin. I first thought that because of the title it would be just morbid and creepy. But I was pretty impressed by how Gaiman kept the story interesting, funny, and heartwarming at the same time. Readers will cheer and fear for whatever may happen to the young protagonist.

I can't wait for its screen adaptation, I heard it's in the works. Something to look forward to, eh?

-Faye

Love, Zombie

I told you, I love zombies (unlike my sister who begs me to flick to a different channel every time she sees one). From cinemas (Dawn of the Dead, Zombieland) to TV (The Walking Dead), I won't say no to a good zombie story.

In Warm Bodies (2013), I like that instead of screaming at them, I get to view things from their angle. This movie, based on Isaac Marion's novel of the same title, follows the mind of an undead named "R". One day, as he shuffles around to find "food", he meets Julie, a human girl who got separated from her group while scavenging for medical supplies. He becomes drawn to her, hides her in an abandoned airplane, and takes duty on keeping her safe.

Their against-all-odds love story is perfect for Halloween, Valentine's Day, or any day, really. For those who are squeamish like my Ate, I assure you it's not very gory. It's funny, youthful, and exciting. Nicholas Hoult plays a swoon-worthy R, becoming my first ever zombie crush. Haha! I must admit Hoult's gone a long way from his About a Boy days. 

It's that good a film, even cold-blooded creatures will warm up to it. :)

-Martha

Freshly Squeezed Pulp Fiction

Let's take a break from the rom-coms. :)

Pulp Fiction is one of the urban classics and probably the coolest movie Quentin Tarantino's ever made. It's dark, gory, and scary. The suspense could have killed me. It's the kind that makes you grip tightly on your seat and peek in between your fingers. And it's not even a horror film!

It's actually a funny, twisted story about a couple robbing a diner, a boxing fighter, and a bunch of talkative mobsters. The characters are unique and memorable played by an equally cool cast comprising John Travolta, Bruce Willis, Uma Thurman, and Samuel L. Jackson.

At first the movie seem scattered but in the end everything makes sense. It touches certain social topics - some controversial especially when it was first shown in the '90s. The lesson in the movie isn't very obvious but I like to think there's something there. You have to see for yourself what it is.

Whether you find it or not, I guarantee you'll enjoy every epic minute because Pulp Fiction is as pulpy as it gets.

-Martha