Book vs. Movie is a feature here at JenniElyse. I do a side-by-side comparison of the book and adaptation. Afterward, I reveal which I like better.
As I said in my review of THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES, I actually saw the movie before I read the book. I loved it so much that I decided to listen to the audiobook as soon as I was done with the one I was listening to at the time. And, so this is more of a Movie vs. Book post.
I saw THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES in the theater with Corey, my friend Kami, and her daughter. As I watched the movie, I had no idea what to expect other than it being set in Panem and in The Hunger Games universe. It made the movie more suspenseful and exciting in a way.
I thought that Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler were fantastic in their roles as Coriolanus and Lucy Gray Baird. I loved Peter Dinklage as Dean Highbottom, Viola Davis as Dr. Gaul, Hunter Schafer as Tigris, and Josh Andrés Rivera as Sejanus. I also thought Jason Schwartzman was a fantastic Lucky Flickerman. He definitely gave me vibes that he could be Caesar Flickerman’s (aka Stanley Tucci) dad.
As soon as I finished reading THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES, I watched the movie a second time. During this second watch, I noticed all the little details that were left out of the movie. While I do think the details add to the story, I think the director, actors, and screenplay writer did a great job of including what was most important to the movie. I also think seeing it on screen, hearing / seeing the actors’ emotions within each of their roles added to the story and experience a lot.
Verdict
I bet you know the verdict before I even say it. The movie may not have everything and be a little different from the book, but the spirit of the story’s still the same. Most of the time books are way better than their movies, but in this instance, I think both the book and movie are equally as good.
Have you read THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES? Have you seen the movie? Do you like the book or the movie better?
https://i0.wp.com/jennielyse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bookvsmovie-sq.png?fit=918%2C918&ssl=1918918Jenni Elysehttps://jennielyse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/logo_2024_black-1030x312.pngJenni Elyse2024-02-12 00:00:002024-07-09 19:24:45Book vs. Movie: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Sunday Post and Sunday Salon are blog news memes hosted at Caffeinated Reviewer and Reader Buzz, respectively. It’s a chance to share news, recap the past week on your blog, andshowcase books and other things.
Feeling
I’m still feeling a little bit dizzy and now nauseated because of the compounded antibiotic I’m on for my mega sinus infection. I can tell it’s working because I’m not as congested as I have been, so that’s something to be grateful for.
I haven’t made any progress on THIS SPELLS LOVE by Kate Robb this week. I can’t read when I’m nauseated and dizzy.
I did finish listening to THE HUNGER GAMES audiobook and I’ve started the CATCHING FIRE audiobook. It’s been nice to relax and listen to both of these while I’ve been sick.
I haven’t made any progress on THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexandre Dumas. Before I started feeling super dizzy and nauseated, I tried to read it but it started to put me to sleep. (Please don’t hate me.) I decided to check out the audiobook and I like it a lot better so I’ve switched over to it. It’s also the unabridged audio to boot. I probably won’t finish by the end of February since it’s 52 hours long. I’ll keep at it, though.
Listening
I haven’t really listened to any music this week. But I did watch the new WEST SIDE STORY on Disney+ this week. Here’s one of my favorite songs from both movies. Which one do you like better? Personally, I like the new one better. Sacrilege, I know.
Watching
Corey and I are still watching THE TUDORS. We’ve only watched a couple of episodes in season 2 so we haven’t made much progress this week.
We watched THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES again because I wanted to see it after reading the book. And, since I finished listening to THE HUNGER GAMES audio, we also watched the movie. I love watching the movies right after rereading the books.
We also checked out the new Mark Wahlberg movie on Apple TV+. It’s called THE FAMILY PLAN. It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed it a lot. In one scene Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan rap along to “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice and it was pretty cool to see Wahlberg rap again. I was sad they didn’t play any of his music back from the day, lol.
Loving
I think there’s never a time I love my husband more than when I’m sick. Corey’s always so good about taking care of me. He makes me food, gets me drinks, goes to the store to pick up my prescriptions, etc. He’s a good guy.
Wanting
I want to see ARGYLE in the theater. Hopefully, Corey and I don’t miss it because I’m sick.
Needing
I need to be more careful when I warm up the water for my sinus rinses. Friday night I accidentally heated the water too much and didn’t realize it until I shot it up my nostril. It was one of the most painful things I’ve ever experienced in my life. I felt like the left side of my face was on fire and the nerves in my top teeth were screaming at me. Fortunately, I didn’t burn myself too badly as the pain went away about 10 minutes later.
P.S. I may not respond to comments today. It may not be until a little later in the week since I’m not feeling well. Thanks for your understanding.
Last week I posted Part 1 of The Series Series, discussing series I’ve read from start to finish and whether I’d recommend them to other readers. It was a lot of fun taking a deeper look at the series I’ve read.
Series can be daunting especially when they have a ton of books in them (e.g. The Wheel of Time series, Harry Potter, Outlander). If the whole series hasn’t been written, you agree to wait years before there’s any closure. And, sometimes the ending is horrible and you get mad for investing so much time into the story.
Despite the time, effort, and possible unhappy outcome of series, I still love reading them. I love being able to stay with some of my favorite characters longer than just one book. I love how much we learn about those characters and the worlds they are a part of.
Part 2: Series I’ve Started
Let’s get started with Part 2 of The Series Series. Today I’ll be discussing series I’ve started but haven’t finished.
Alex Stern Series by Leigh Bardugo
Books Read: NINTH HOUSE
Books Currently Released: 2 out of 3+ books
Current Feeling: I love the dark, creepy, paranormal atmosphere of this series.
Continue: Yes.
Artemis Fowl Series by Eoin Colfer
Books Read: ARTEMIS FOWL, THE ARCTIC INCIDENT
Books Currently Released: all, 8 books
Current Feeling: I liked but didn’t love Artemis Fowl. I thought it needed more character and story development. I’ve heard each subsequent book is better than the last.
Continue: Probably.
Ascendance Series by Jennifer A Nielsen
Books Read: THE FALSE PRINCE
Books Currently Released: all, 5 books
Current Feeling: I really enjoyed THE FALSE PRINCE and I’d like to know what happens.
Continue: Yes.
Burning Glass Trilogy by Kathryn Purdie
Books Read: BURNING GLASS
Books Currently Released: all, 3 books
Current Feeling: This trilogy reminded me a little bit of Katherine Arden’s Winternight trilogy. I love the Russian-esque setting and I’d like to see what happens.
Continue: Yes.
Defy Trilogy by Sara B Larson
Books Read: DEFY, IGNITE
Books Currently Released: all, 3 books
Current Feeling: I loved the first two books in this trilogy. I honestly have no idea why I haven’t read ENDURE yet.
Continue: Yes.
The Diviners Series by Libba Bray
Books Read: THE DIVINERS
Books Currently Released: all, 4 books
Current Feeling: I loved THE DIVINERS. I loved its creepy 1920s feel. At the time I read it, the other books in the series hadn’t been released yet and I just haven’t picked the series back up yet.
Continue: Yes.
Dread Nation Duology by Justina Ireland
Books Read: DREAD NATION
Books Currently Released: all, 2 books
Current Feeling: I thought the alternate history of the Civil War with zombies was fascinating. I thought Justina Ireland did an excellent job of showing how systemic racism hurts people of color.
Continue: Yes.
Dune Chronicles by Frank Herbert
Books Read: DUNE
Books Currently Released: all, 6 books
Current Feeling: DUNE is my all-time favorite book. I love it so much. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the rest of the series and I’m afraid that if I hate the other books, then I’ll not love DUNE as much as I do. Fortunately, DUNE ends in a way that I don’t have to continue the series if I don’t want to.
Continue:
Elements of Cadence Duology by Rebecca Ross
Books Read: A RIVER ENCHANTED
Books Currently Released: all, 2 books
Current Feeling: I adored A RIVER ENCHANTED. I meant to read A FIRE ENDLESS last year, but I didn’t get to it. I definitely will this year.
Continue: Yes.
The Glamourist Histories Series by Mary Robinette Kowal
Books Read: SHADES OF MILK AND HONEY
Books Currently Released: all, 5 books
Current Feeling: I thought the first book was only okay. I really liked the concept of glamours; I just couldn’t connect with the characters.
Continue: I might read one more book to see if I like the series more.
Graceling Realm Series by Kristin Cashore
Books Read: GRACELING, FIRE, BITTERBLUE
Books Currently Released: 5 out 6+ books
Current Feeling: I loved the first three books. When I finished reading BITTERBLUE, I wanted more books in this world and I’m so glad Kristin Cashore has written more.
Continue: Yes.
Han Solo Trilogy by AC Crispin
Books Read: THE PARADISE SNARE
Books Currently Released: all, 3 books
Current Feeling: I really enjoyed the first book in the trilogy. I thought it was a good backstory for Han Solo. Even though it’s not cannon anymore, I look forward to reading more.
Current Feeling: Depending on what Ally Carter decides to do with this series, it could be complete. She has said, though, that if a new idea comes to her, she’ll write another book. Anyway, I do love this series. I love Kat and Hale and I need more in this world.
Continue: Yes.
Into the Dark Trilogy by Bree Despain
Books Read: THE SHADOW PRINCE, THE ETERNITY KEY
Books Currently Released: all, 3 books
Current Feeling: I’m a huge fan of Greek mythology and I love the world Bree Despain created. It’s one of my favorite Persephone and Hades retellings. I don’t know why I haven’t read THE IMMORTAL THRONE yet.
Continue: Yes.
Lady Janies Trilogy by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
Books Read: MY LADY JANE
Books Currently Released: all, 3 books
Current Feeling: I adored MY LADY JANE. It’s hilarious, suspenseful, and romantic. I love the alternate history fantasy.
Continue: Yes.
Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta
Books Read: FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK
Books Currently Released: all, 3 books
Current Feeling: I really enjoyed reading Finnikin’s story. I thought the world-building in this one was fantastic and I’m curious about Froi’s and Quintana’s stories too.
Continue: Yes.
The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
Books Read: CINDER
Books Currently Released: all, 4
Current Feeling: I loved CINDER. I thought it was a really interesting retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale. I love the science fiction feel to the story and all the characters.
Continue: Yes.
One of Us is Lying Series by Karen M McManus
Books Read: ONE OF US IS LYING
Books Currently Released: all, 4
Current Feeling: I don’t know why, but ONE OF US IS LYING rubbed me the wrong way. I’ll admit it was suspenseful and I wanted to know what was happening. But, when I found out I was really mad.
Continue: No.
Stalking Jack the Ripper Series by Kerri Maniscalco
Books Read: STALKING JACK THE RIPPER
Books Currently Released: all, 4 books
Current Feeling: I’ve always been fascinated by the history and stories of Jack the Ripper and the first book didn’t disappoint. I’m curious what the other books have in store as well.
Continue: Yes.
The Starry-Eyed Universe Trilogy by Alechia Dow
Books Read: THE SOUND OF STARS
Books Currently Released: all, 3
Current Feeling: I thought THE SOUND OF STARS was really interesting. I liked the science fiction world Alechia Dow built and I’m curious how the series resolves itself.
Continue: Yes.
Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas
Books Read: THE THRONE OF GLASS
Books Currently Released: all, 8
Current Feeling: I really loved THRONE OF GLASS. I thought it was an interesting story and world. I also really loved the characters. I’m looking forward to reading more.
Continue: Yes.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Trilogy by Jenny Han
Books Read: TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE
Books Currently Released: all, 3
Current Feeling: TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE frustrated me so much. I hated how Jenny Han ended (aka didn’t end) the book. Fortunately, I got an ending from the film. It wasn’t enough to get me to read the other two books, though.
Continue: No.
The Tudor Court Series by Philippa Gregory
Books Read: THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL
Books Currently Released: all, 6
Current Feeling: The Tudor Era is one of my favorite historical time periods. I think the story of Henry VIII and his wives is fascinating, even though he was a horrible human being. I read THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL before I knew it was part of a series. I’m excited to delve more into this era. (This series is now part of a larger 15-book series. I’ll have to decide after I read these if I want to read the others.)
Continue: Yes.
The Winner’s Curse Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski
Books Read: THE WINNER’S CURSE
Books Currently Released: all, 3
Current Feeling: It’s been a while since I’ve read THE WINNER’S CURSE but I loved the story, the world-building, and the characters. I look forward to finding out what happens.
Continue: Yes.
The Wolves of Mercy Falls by Maggie Stiefvater
Books Read: SHIVER, LINGER
Books Currently Released: all, 3
Current Feeling: I’m not a huge fan of shapeshifting lore (i.e. werewolves), but I really like Maggie Stiefvater’s take on it. I also love the characters. Again, I don’t know why I haven’t read FOREVER yet.
Continue: Yes.
Conclusions
I was right. There are a lot more series I’ve started and haven’t finished than ones I’ve read from start to end. I didn’t include all the series I’ve started and not finished either because this post would’ve been a lot longer. I might have to swear off starting new series until I finish the ones I want to continue.
Be sure to tune in next Wednesday for part 3 of The Series Series. I’ll be discussing series I’d like to start (if I hadn’t just sworn off starting new ones, lol).
What about you? Have you read any of these series? Do you agree with my comments? Are there series I don’t plan to continue you think I should? What are some series you’ve started but not finished? Do you plan to continue reading them?
https://i0.wp.com/jennielyse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/theseriesseriesnew-sq.png?fit=919%2C918&ssl=1918919Jenni Elysehttps://jennielyse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/logo_2024_black-1030x312.pngJenni Elyse2024-02-07 00:00:002024-02-09 13:29:22The Series Series: Part 2
Title: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Author: Suzanne Collins Series: The Hunger Games #0.5 Genre(s): Dystopian, Romance, YA Pages: 541 Source: Own For: Personal Interest Rating: Sexual Content:
There's content in this book that may be triggering to some readers. I've tried to include the possible triggers in this book at end of my review.
Goodreads Synopsis
It's the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to out-charm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute, but the odds are against him because he's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low.
My Thoughts
I wanted to read THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES before the movie came out last year. Unfortunately, my reading mojo wasn’t where it normally is so I committed the cardinal sin of watching the movie before reading the book. I liked the movie so much I finally decided to start listening to the audio book.
I thought THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES was really fascinating and a fantastic prequel to The Hunger Games trilogy. I especially loved learning about Panem after the first war between the Capitol and the districts. I thought it was interesting to see how the Hunger Games operated before they became what they were in the 74th Hunger Games.
I loved the characters in THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES. Lucy Gray was my favorite, of course. I love how much she loves life, her defiant spirit, her go-with-the-flow personality, and her when-life-gives-you-lemons-make-lemonade outlook. I felt sorry for Sejanus, having to leave his beloved District 2 and become a citizen of the Capitol. I loved learning more about Tigris and I’m curious why and when she and Coriolanus had a falling out.
Watching Coriolanus Snow’s life unfold in THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES is a lot like watching Anakin Skywalker become Darth Vader in the Star Wars prequels. You keep hoping it won’t happen, but know there’s no hope. I thought it was interesting to be in his head, to hear the conflict of remaining loyal to the Capitol and regaining his status and wealth or siding with the districts and Lucy Gray.
Overall, I really enjoyed THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES. However, I’m only rating it 4 stars because I thought Coriolanus’ transition to the “Dark Side” was a little abrupt, especially how fast he and Lucy Gray turned on one another.
I also thought the audiobook was awesome. I loved Santino Fontana’s deep voice. I just wished he sang all the songs in the book, like Jim Dale does in the Harry Potter audio books.
Have you read THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES? If so, what did you think?
Trigger Warning
There is a trigger warning for violence against children, loss of a parent, cannibalism, and animal deaths.
https://i0.wp.com/jennielyse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/review-balladofsongbirdsandsnakes.png?fit=919%2C918&ssl=1918919Jenni Elysehttps://jennielyse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/logo_2024_black-1030x312.pngJenni Elyse2024-02-05 00:00:002024-07-28 05:40:10Review: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Sunday Post and Sunday Salon are blog news memes hosted at Caffeinated Reviewer and Reader Buzz, respectively. It’s a chance to share news, recap the past week on your blog, andshowcase books and other things.
Feeling
I’m feeling a little bit dizzy, headachy, and congested again. It seems that my sinus infection hasn’t gone away. My doctor took a nose swab of each nostril. You know the swab I mean, the ones that go all the way up your nose and feels like it’s scratching your brain for an interminable amount of time?! Yeah, that’s the one. Blech.
The overall results of the swab came back on Friday and it seems that I not only have a bacterial infection, I have 4 fairly resistant bacterial infections. Once he receives the details and finds out what kinds of bacteria I’m playing host to, he’ll prescribe me a compounded antibiotic that goes in a sinus rinse. Hopefully, we can send these buggers on their way sooner rather than later.
My review for THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES will post tomorrow.
Reading
I started reading THIS SPELLS LOVE by Kate Robb yesterday. I would’ve started reading it sooner, but I’ve been distracted by other things (see Loving section below).
I’ve also been listening to THE HUNGER GAMES audiobook. I think the narrator’s different from the “books on CD” version I listening to many moons ago. I like the new narrator a lot.
I also decided to join a buddy read with two of my friends. One of them wanted to read THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO this month for Black History Month. We’re all reading abridged editions. I feel like my edition could’ve been abridged a little bit more.
Listening
I listened to the score for THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS this week. It’s one of my favorites. I’m sharing this particular song, “The Kiss,” because the music in one of the episodes of THE TUDORS reminded us of this song.
Watching
As mentioned above, Corey and I are currently watching THE TUDORS. I’ve wanted to see it for a while. I’m fascinated by that era in history. We just finished season 1. Henry’s trying to get a divorce from Catherine of Aragon so he can marry Anne Boleyn. I think season 2 is going to cover their marriage and her beheading. There are only 4 seasons so I don’t think they can devote one wife per season. Maybe some of the others will be quicker.
Loving
I’m loving TheStorygraph. I decided to join because my friend Suey will be hosting a FAIRY TALE read-along there in March. I wish I had joined sooner because I have always despised Goodreads, as it’s so clunky and ugly. (I was a fan of Shelfari, but Amazon killed it in 2018.) I don’t love everything about TheStoryGraph, but I do love its simplicity, some of the community features, and it’s a lot more pleasing to the eye than Goodreads. Unfortunately, it’s taken me a lot of time to clean up the data I imported from Goodreads. I’m done with that so now I can get back to reading.
If you’re on TheStoryGraph and want to follow me or be my friend, here’s my profile. Also, don’t worry. I’m not quitting Goodreads. I just may spend more time over on TheStoryGraph.
Wanting
I want Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of an early spring to be right. I need more sun and warmth. Plus, if spring comes early, maybe summer will hold off until it’s supposed to and we’ll get a long spring. That would be the best!
Needing
I need to get out more. I’ve been hibernating in my house a lot over the past few weeks. It’s probably because I haven’t felt very good. The dreary weather also makes it harder for me to get up and out.
Title: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes