These are a few of my (current) favorite things...

True Blood
I cannot even begin to describe how much I am addicted to this show. If I so much as miss one episode, I freak. I missed last Sunday's show (it airs every Sunday at 9 PM on HBO) because I was out with some friends, but honestly, if it wasn't for the fact that I can watch the show after it airs on OnDemand (thank you, sweet-sweet ComCast), I probably would've canceled on my friends. Yes, I love the show that much. So much so that I was dying when they didn't show a new episode last night for some inexplicable reason. Does anyone know why?! *Le sigh.*

If you want to check the show out, let me warn you, it's not for the faint of heart. There is sex, violence, cursing, more sex, vampires, adult themes, did I mention sex? So why am I so addicted to the show? No, not for the sex. I promise you. The story is just so compelling. The main character, Sookie, is a very human girl with a very supernatural ability -- she can read minds. She starts experiencing more of the supernatural when she starts dating a vampire, Bill Compton. You see, the show takes place in a world where vampires have "come out of the coffin" thanks to the invention of synthetic blood, which is sold in beer-like bottles and given the oh-so-clever name "Tru Blood."

Originally based on a series of books by Charlaine Harris, each season so far focuses on one book. The show is currently on its second season, and while it plays fast and loose with the plot of the books, it's still highly entertaining. Watch if you dare.


Neil Gaiman
The first book I read of his was Coraline. That was sometime last year, when I first got wind of the stop-motion film adaptation coming out (I adore stop-motion movies. True story.) I liked what I read, so I decided to read another one, The Graveyard Book. Then another one, Neverwhere. And still another one, Stardust. And so I've come to the conclusion that this man simply can't pen a bad book.

I recommend all the books I just mentioned. Heck, I recommend anything by Neil Gaiman. Not only is he a first-rate writer but he can even hold his own in an interview with the devious Monsieur Colbert. I plan on picking up some of his comic books next, which I've heard are phenomenal. I'm sure I won't be disappointed.


Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

I forget how I first heard about this book. At first, I was dubious. I couldn't help thinking this was blasphemy of the lowest sort -- how could they rewrite Pride and Prejudice, one of my very favorite books of all time, let alone include zombies in their revision? Blasphemy. But then all these positive reviews started coming out. I was looking for a new book to read. I looked it up on Amazon, flinched at the cover art, but was more taken aback by the amount of great feedback the book has on Amazon. It was on sale, so I decided to buy it. And you know what? It deserves every positive review it has gotten.

If you love Pride and Prejudice, you'll love this book. It manages to create a new world out of a very well-known and loved fictional world. Read my review (no big spoilers, promise) to learn more.


The Black Ghosts

I first heard of this band on the Twilight Soundtrack. And for those of you who are rolling your eyes at what you just read, stick with me. This band is worth a listen.

The first song I heard of theirs was "Full Moon" off the aforementioned soundtrack. I loved it instantly and it was on repeat mode for many an hour on my iPod. When I finally grew weary of hearing the same song over and over, I decided to give the rest of their music a try. I wound up buying their self-titled CD. And I honestly love the majority of this album. Songs like "Repetition Kills You" and "It's Your Touch" are so catchy you will be singing it in the shower, in the car, in the elevator, to your pet cat ... well, you get the point. They sound a little bit like Yo La Tengo and Beck got together and made a lovechild. You'll see what I mean when you hear the song below:


Full Moon - The Black Ghosts

Pandora

Speaking of music, one of my recent loves on the interwebs is the website Pandora.com. How do I explain the wonderment that is Pandora.com? Well, it's like this: you type in a band or a song title that you adore, and Pandora will play a song that you have never heard of before but suddenly adore even more than that first song you typed in. I don't know what kind of witchery goes on behind the scenes at Pandora.com, and I honestly don't care. All I know is that this website is my new best friend. It's like having your own personal DJ who knows just what you like. Try it out! I've discovered some yummy new bands like The Foxglove Hunt and Moving Units on this website. You can find me on Pandora under my user name: AnaHasCheezburger.


Well, I'm feeling very musical this month. :p What are some of your favorites this month? Share them in the comments! :-)


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8 comment(s):

Anonymous said...

Yayy! Your favorite things post (: I'm gonna have to do one of these for myself someday, haha.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is definitely now on my reading list! After I finish Neverwhere - didn't get to read much in Korea, but I'm getting there and loving it! Coraline was great too. First Neil Gaiman book I read as well.

As for True Blood, been planning to check that show out for ages. It's the summer - I'll get around to it eventually (:

Cheers!

Kate said...

Oh I love Pandora! It's great to put on while I'm studying.

Also, I just finished the first Sookie Stackhouse book and checked out the second. I've been dying to watch Tru Blood but I have zero access to it. Ughh. I just discovered the author graduated from my college so I'm pretty excited about that, too!

By the way I keep forgetting to comment, but I'm so glad you always post LOLCat funnies because I love them. :)

Malia said...

Ana
1. I read The Time Travelers Wife this weekend. I had to go to three different book stores to track it down because it was sold out everywhere. Worth the tracking down. I was teary eyed by the end.

2. I too love Pandora. It introduces me to many new bands.

3. I saw the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies at Barnes and Noble too. Glad to hear it isn't weird. I just saw the cover and was creeped out.

4. I loved the movie Coraline, I'll have to check out the books.

and finally, I've never seen True Blood but I hear it's vair vair interesting :)

ApplesnFeathers-Susie said...

Hey Ana! As an avid reader of intriguing things you have given me some awesome suggestions! I really want to check out the Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies it sounds right up my alley. I've never heard of the other author but I'll research some more and see if I like it. I've been wanting to see Tru Blood for a long time now and Aimee finally got it on the list for Netflix(Season 1) we don't have cable*sad panda* Side Note: My musical this month is Bye Bye Birdy for some reason its been in my head for almost two weeks! *LOVE YA*

Nancy Face said...

I LOVE Pride and Prejudice! I had no idea there was a Pride and Prejudice and Zombies out there! I never would have considered it if I just saw it in the store, but now I'm curious...

ElshaHawk said...

Thanks for the Pandora link, now I'm listening, 'cuz the radio station around here doesn't play what I like. I'm finding new bands too!

I think you know how I feel about True Blood. ;)

Hannahkin said...

love me some Pandora! my cousin Chas introduced us when i was in the States at Christmas last year. it was love at first sound-byte! :)

also love me some Coraline! read it again this week. srsly freaky and srsly BRILLIANT! yay! now i can't wait to watch the movie :P

love this post to pieces!

Unknown said...

@Hanny: I love you to pieces! :)