A Thousand Words

My Review!
Jack McCall, a rich, famous agent, doesn't understand the value of relationships until a sacred Bhoddhi tree turns his whole life around. With every word he says, a leaf falls off the tree. Dr. Sinja, a spiritual guru, who was Jack's client, has heard a story similar to the problem he was facing and told Jack that when the all the tree's leaves are gone, he will die-or so he thinks. Silence is golden. Unfortunately Jack learns this lesson the hard way. With hand gestures, wind up dolls, and expressions, Jack tries to convey what he feels or wants to say. People obviously don't understand and start mistaking his actions. Jack's life spirals out of control as he looses his job, his family, everything. There is only one solution to his problem: to mend all relationships with only a thousand words, which is nearly impossible. Jack tries everything. He donates to charities, feeds the poor, and is nice to everyone, but there is one relationship that is very important and holds the answer to everything. Forgiveness. Jack forgives his dead father for leaving him and realizes that there is no point being mad over anything because you should make the most out of life and fill it with happiness.
Summary!
I enjoyed watching this comedy because it definitely taught me a lesson and was really funny. I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone 8 years +, because anyone younger won't really understand the movie. I rate this movie 3/5 stars, it is a great family movie and only 1:30 hours, that's why my review's short =) Words may be important, but actions are more important.
-Sneha

    Directed by Brian Robbins
    Starring: Eddie Murphy
    & Kerry Washington

                                                                   

Clarity by Kim Harrington

Summary!
Unruly suspense. That's all I can possibly say about Clarity without revealing anything, so if you hate spoilers, don't read on! Clare Fern has the ability to see visions when she touches an object, she can see your deepest secrets. You might think that's crazy, but unlike most of the frauds that claim to have abnormal powers, Clare and her family actually do. Her mother, Starla, can read your thoughts and Clare's brother, Perry, can communicate with the dead. Obviously, everyone thinks the Fern family is a bunch of freaks and torture Clare at school. But on the inside Clare is a regular teenage girl. She's treated like an untouchable and loner by everyone except her mom, Justin, Perry, and Perry's best friend, Nate. Justin, her ex, brought a ray of sunshine into Clare's life and was the love of her life, until he cheated on her with Tiffany Desposito, your usual popular snob, when he was drunk. Justin persistently begs Clare for forgiveness because he loved her and it was an accident, but tough Clare doesn't give in. The Fern family business was to do readings, or tell someone about their past with the powers they behold.  Naturally, tourist love us! <3 When Gabriel Toscano, the detective's son, comes to town, both he and Clare fall in love, it was love at first sight. Victoria Happel, a  tourist, was murdered. The first murder in Eastport for years. Dumbo Justin, coincidentally the mayor's son, is asked by his dad to take up the case. He asks Clare for help to crack the case because he knows she actually has a gift. Clare agrees, because it's the right thing to do. She was so excited to work with Justin and Gabriel, until Gabriel comes to know she was a physic. Gabriel asks Clare to prove she's not a fake by cracking the case. He becomes a total meanie, but still can't stop loving her. What was the reason behind all of this? Everyone becomes a prime suspect, including her innocent brother, who asked Victoria out the night of the murder. What extent can she go to save Perry? Everyone are pawns in a bigger game of chess. In the end, the story takes a twisting turn and reveals the killer. Clare figures out who the killer, but to Gabriel it doesn't matter anymore. He is already in love with her and was only mean in the beginning because his sister was abducted and his mom had gone to several physics, mediums, and telepaths, but they were all frauds. 
Summary!
I think that Clarity was pretty good. It wasn't put of this world, but it was ok...I would recommend it to teens (12 ans up). I rate it 3/5 stars because it was a good mystery and I liked it. Surprisingly, it wasn't confusing. You get sucked into the book and can't put it down. 
-Sneha

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Summary!
My Sister’s Keeper, a New York Times Bestseller by Jodi Picoult, is a mind blowing novel that sucks you into the world of Anna and Kate Fitzgerald, two loving sisters. Anna, the protagonist in this book, was born as a bone marrow match for her older sister Kate, who has been suffering from leukemia, a fatal cancer. She was designed to be her sister’s genetic match, not because her parents wanted a designer child, but because they dearly wished to save Kate. Anna is the key to Kate’s survival, but what happens when that main key snaps because she is pushed too hard? Anna has been through several painful surgeries, transfusions, and shots from the moment she was born, not by choice, but because that is the reason for her existence.
My Review!
My Sister’s Keeper wouldn’t be the same if it was written by another author. Jodi Picoult  writes this book with every chapter from a different character’s perspective, so you get a taste of each character’s personality. With an unforgettable ending that leaves readers in awe, this book is more than one would expect. I would recommend this heart-felt novel to anyone eleven and up, as the story is quite complicated. From teenagers to adults, this story is relatable to people of all ages. I read this book seven hours straight--my eyes were literally glued to the pages! Take it from me, this book definitely beats watching TV; it is like you are in the story or leading a double life. After I finished the book, my thoughts would always drift back to the unpredictable ending and what the book would be like without that surprising twist. Jodi Picoult beautifully captured the essence of sisters with an amazing story that holds a place in my heart. I loved this book because you could feel the emotions and see the story from the descriptive writing. I rate this book 5/5 stars! 
-Sneha 

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draane

Summary!
Hope. Hope is like a ray of sunlight on a gloomy day. Hope is what pushes you through difficult times. Hope is all Jessica, a competitive runner, has left to cling on to when she loses one on her legs in a calamitous accident on the way back from a track meet. Running is who Jessica is. What will be left of Jessica when her passion is snatched out of her fingertips? All of this is the result of a careless truck driver who was hauling a load of junk when he slammed into the school bus. Not only did this accident claim Jessica's right leg, but also the lives of the irresponsible truck driver and a sweet girl named Lucy. When Jessica comes out of shock and depression one week after the accident, her family and best friend, Fiona, try to lift her spirits and make her happy again. Although Jessica appreciates their efforts, she can't forget the experience of running- the steady rhythm of feet pounding on the surface, the persistent wind blowing in her face, the ability to clear her mind, and the mere thrill that drives her to beat records. The prosthetic leg turns what used to be small daily things have now turned into obstacles- walking, climbing up/down stairs, using the restroom, showering, and most of all going to school. But Jessica can't give up. She has to keep on taking baby steps, that's the only way she can make a difference. Everyone has been really supportive of her, especially the track team. One day Kyro, the coach, shows Jessica a few videos of some competitive runners who have running prosthetic legs(s). Once the idea is planted in her mind, it gives Jessica a new hope. She knows that her family is suffering to pay for her bare medical needs because the truck driver didn't have insurance so the idea of a running prosthetic is unthinkable. But it makes her feel better knowing that she has a chance. The track team organizes bake sales, car washes, and news interviews to raise money. Their kindness uncovers more generous people who are willing to donate to the cause of a stranger. This is an example of humanity that's done out of the kindness of your heart.
*SPOILER ALERT*
The track team raises $20,000 and Jessica is able to run again! From this whole experience, Jessica meets Rosa, a girl with cerebral palsy, who becomes a great friend and lifesaver in math. She has a very unique personality and adds another dimension of depth to everything; she thinks of stuff Jessica wouldn't have imagined. For example: Rosa thinks that a finish line could not only mean the end of something but the start of something new. Jessica and Fiona had always overseen Rosa and that was obviously a mistake. All Rosa wants is for people to see her for herself, not her appearance. Not wanting others to commit the same mistake, Jessica starts training for her and Rosa to compete in the River Run, a ten mile race. It is extremely difficult to push a hundred pounds in a wheelchair while running at the same time when you yourself have a disability. But Jessica doesn't let that discourage her. She builds her strength and is ready to give Rosa the opportunity to experience the thrill of running. This also raises awareness about Rosa's disease and many people start appreciating her for who she is. On the day of the River Run, Jessica does it! Both she and Rosa cross the finish line and opened a new chapter of hope in their lives.
My Review!
I loved this book! It had an amazing story and taught me a big lesson. I rate it 4/5 stars and would recommend it to everyone! Appreciate what you have, because its better than what someone else out there has. Keep hoping!
-Sneha 

Ek Deewana Tha

Beware: Ek Deewana Tha is a total love story! I warn you for excessive hugging and sappiness! If you are not into lovey dovey stuff, DON'T WATCH IT!
Summary and My Review
Ek Deewana Tha is about Sachin who falls in love with Jessie, the girl living upstairs. Sachin's family is renting a level of Jessie's parent's house. It was love at first sight for Sachin, but will Jessie fall in love with him? Over time, yes! Although Jessie might not show it through her rudeness to Sachin, his persistence finally melts her heart. But...this isn't a happy ending for Sachin and Jessie. On top of religious problems, Jessie is a few years older than Sachin and has a stable job, unlike Sachin, who's on his way to become a filmmaker. Once Jessie's parents learn about their relationship, they immediately decide to get Jessie married. Their relationship faces many problems and ups and downs. Typical Hindi movie. I didn't really like it. It was kid friendly and very clean. But I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I rate it 2/5 because it was very stereotypical and boring. The story was very simple to follow. The only thing I enjoyed about this movie were the songs! <3

Directed by: Gautham Menon                              
Produced by: Reliance Entertainment
Screenplay by: Javed Akhtar
Story by: Gautham Menon
Starring: Prateik Babbar
             Amy Jackson
             Manu Rishi
Music by: A. R. Rahman              

To hear songs from Ek Deewana Tha, click the links below:
Hosana
Sunlo Zara
Phoolon Jaisi
               

Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya

Summary!
This movie is about Viren, a rickshaw driver who is also the son of a famous kidnapper, not in the way you would think. He loses all of his money that was hidden beneath the rickshaw seat when Bhatti, his boss, suddenly sells all of his rickshaws, influenced by Viren's dream of buying cars with his hard-earned money. Viren left home six years ago, disgusted by his father's method of earning money. Although Viren's father doesn't hurt anyone and provides the people he abducts with shelter in a grand palace and food, his method of making money is wrong. Viren sets out and gets a job as a rickshaw driver to earn a living with hard work and determination. When Viren is drunk, he approaches Bhatti with a gun during Mini's, Bhatti's daughter's, engagement and demands his 60, 000 rupees ($1,200) back. Seizing the opportunity to escape her engagement, Mini instantly hatches a plan and forces Viren to fake kidnap her. Mini doesn't want to get married to Sunny, who  doesn't know how to do anything, as she is very adventurous and always likes to try something different. Mini explains her fool-proof plan to Viren: they will demand 1 million rupees ($20,000) as ransom and Bhatti will be forced to pay the money because he loves Mini, then both Viren and Mini will split the money. This is only the start of a love story that includes gate crashing someone's wedding, putting on a drama for free gas, being abducted by Chotu's (Viren) father, and falling in love. At Chowdhary's, Chotu's dad's, palace, Mini grows attached to Chotu's sweet,  loving family and doesn't want to leave when Bhatti arranges for the ransom money. What will happen next to these lovebirds? Watch the movie to find out!
My Review!
This romantic comedy is hilarious; i was cracking up every 5 minutes! It was a great movie that I would recommend to all families (it is totally kid friendly) and great to watch with your family, friends, or siblings. I really enjoyed watching Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya and fell in love with the song Piya O Re Piya, sung by Shreya Goshal and Atif Aslam! I rate this movie 5/5 it was definitely a good time pass.
-Sneha

Directed by: Mandep Kumar
Produced by: Kumar S.Taurani
Story by: Abhijeet Sandhu
Starring: Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmuck

Click on the links below to listen to songs from Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya:
Piya O Re Piya
Tu Mohabbat Hai
Pee Pa Pee Pa

Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

Summary

Violin. Violin. Violin. Carmen Bianchi practically eats, sleeps, and walks violin. 24/7 she practices violin to please others, but not really for herself. She has been playing violin her whole life and is one of the best violinists in the world. Carmen, a seventeen year old, is home-schooled and doesn't have the high school experience. She does what she is told. Although Carmen wishes she was a normal teenager, she is far from it. She won a Grammy for the best classical album, was on the cover of Time magazine, and was accepted into Julliard, to name only a few of her many achievements. Carmen lives in the realm of classical music and is obviously expected to win the Guarneri, one of the most prestigious competitions. When she is intimidated by Jeremy King, her biggest competitor, Carmen goes to do some research on him and falls in love with him. She leads a life of violin and has an addiction to an anti-anxiety pill that helps her perform but becomes a drug for her; she can't stop taking it. Although she can't afford to add a relationship on top of all this, Carmenn can't resist Jeremy's bright blue eyes and interesting personality. Diana, her mother and manager, has always been there for Carmen and expects her to win. Carmen loves her mother, but Diana puts way to much stress and pressure on her and always expects her to be perfect. Diana used to be a musician. She was the lead soprano vocalist of the New York Metropolitan Opera Company until she lost her voice and had to have several surgeries, marking the end of her blossoming career. Carmen was a living mistake of Diana and Jonathon Glenn, her extremely rich father. Before Carmen was born, her father left Diana. Only when she won a Grammy and became a famous, talented violinist, Jonathan claimed he was her father and took interest in her, seeing Carmen as profit and fame. The Glenns bought her the Strad violin, one of the best violins in the world. It was worth $1.2 million.Carmen secretly has a complicated relationship with Jeremy. Their love story has ups and downs, but Carmen didn't realize that  Jeremy was using her, but not in the way she thinks. What extent can Diana go to to ensure Carmen's winning?
My Review
I love, love, love, love, love, love, loved this book! It was absolutely marvelous. Just the first page will give you shivers. Phenomenal. I have no words to describe this book; it was just simply breath-taking. I would recommend this book to all tweens, teens, adults...everyone. It is to die for. I rate it 5/5! I <3 the cover, its so interesting! =) I learned a big lesson from this book: Be what you want to be, not what others want you to be. 
-Sneha

Legend by Marie Lu

Summary!

Adventurous. Heart-Pounding. Romantic. Suspenseful. Legend, a dystopian novel by Marie Lu, ties all of these genres together into an amazing thriller that is definitely worth reading. June, the protagonist in this book, is a military phenomenon who has achieved what 99% of the Republic are unable to do at just 15-- a perfect Trial score 1500/1500. Her parents unfortunately met with a car accident when she was very small, so Metias, her loving brother, had carried out the duty of being her mother, father, and a loyal brother. Just when she was getting over the loss of her parents and thought that her life couldn't get any worse, Metias was murdered. Desperate to avenge his death, June frantically grasps the opportunity by Commander Jameson to investigate his murder case. In the Republic, or the society, you do what you're told and don't question it. Dangerous plagues develop and spread, claiming the lives of innocent people. Everyone assumes that they are bad luck, but Day, a poor wanted criminal, does the unthinkable and blames the Republic for these diseases. Determined to save his brother's life who caught the plague, Day attempts to steal plague medication. From a criminal viewpoint, Day is very strange- he doesn't kill people. When Day is accused of killing Metias, June goes undercover as a poor slum girl to uncover the truth of his death. In the process, Day falls in love with June and a strange connection ties them both together. As June learns more and more secrets about the Republic, she doubts everything and everyone- except Day, who has told her only the truth and questioned things that she hasn't imagined. 

My Review!

I devoured this book! It was magical, I felt like I was transported into the book and was witnessing everything. Not only does Legend paint pictures in your mind with sensory images, but Mary Lu's writing style, a every other chapter alternating between the perspectives of Day and June , is absolutely breath-taking. I admire Marie Lu, because she was able to write such a detailed, complicated story in only 305 pages. June's character is so relatable; her feelings could be sensed from the writing. She is so bold and has so much audacity. I would rate this book 4/5 and recommend it to all tweens and teenagers. 

-Sneha

London Paris New York

Summary!
“London, Paris, New York” is a sappy, romantic comedy love story that is about two people with completely opposite personalities: Lalitha, a simple middle-class girl, and Nikhil, a rich guy whose character can be very deceptive. When both coincidently bump into each other in the airport (I love how in Hindi movies both characters always seem to bump into each other! Crazy right? It’s like destiny wanted both of them to meet! :)) after Lalitha misses her connecting flight to New York, something about Nikhil melts her ice hard protective layer and uncovers the real Lalitha-  witty, extremely intelligent, and arrogant, she’s the typical girl-next-door type. Both decide to spend their first day of freedom together in London! Their short, yet happy, time together doesn’t last for long though as both have to part their separate ways. Lalitha’s first impression of Nikhil was completely expected- a rich, snobby brat. But as Lalitha got to know Nikhil better, she realized there were more complications and problems to his life, including the unfortunate loss of his young 16 year old brother. Nikhil was born to “fill the gap of his brother’s death” and his loving parents just want him to stay alive so he won’t have to face his brother’s terrible fate. Nikhil wants to be a filmmaker, but can’t find the correct topic that expresses him. As he falls in love with Lalitha, she tells him to stay true to himself, and that was the key to all of his problems. This complicated relationship faces or is tested by, silly difficulties fights, and complications.
My Review!
In the movie, Lalitha and Nikhil only spend one day in London, Paris, and New York and already know that they are in love with each other. In my opinion, I find that’s kind of stupid because the love story seems rushed, I mean it’s not like they can really do sooooooooooooo much in just one day. I think the movies would have been much better without this whole one day thing, but apart from that it was pretty good, overall. Nothing special or out of the ordinary, just a common Hindi love story, but if you have the time and are really bored, go for it! I rate this 3/5 stars! It is definitely kid friendly, probably 8 and up.
-Sneha

Director, Story, and Screenplay by: Anu Menoz
Starring:
Ali Zafar and Aditi Rao Hydari 

For songs from London, Paris, New York, click the link below:
London, Paris, New York
Woh Dekhnay Mein
Pyar de Siyape
Tehree Si Zindagi