It was a very lovely close friend of mine’s 21st recently and I decided to make her a Marauder’s Map for her card. I thought I’d post up pics here so other people could see it but the problem with making the map was a) there is quite a discrepancy between where things are placed in the books and the movies (even between movies some areas switched places) and b) it’s very hard to transfer a 3D castle with many layers to a 2D piece of paper. So please refrain from commenting about how it’s not accurate, it’s as accurate as I could manage given the limitations.

Back Cover

Front Cover

Unfolded Once

Unfolded Twice

Close Up - Moony and Padfoot

Close Up - Prongs and Wormtail

Whole Map Unfolded

Close Up - Forbidden Forest

More Map

Close Up - Hogsmeade

Close Up - Whomping Willow and Castle

Whole Map Shot

Close Up Quidditch Pitch

Close Up - Hagrid’s Hut

More pics

Until next time,

Slightly Bibliophilic xx

The holidays were hectic so I’m combining these two months.

A Game of Thrones - George R. R. Martin (1996)

Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.

I tend to avoid reading epic fantasy series before they’ve been completed for fear that I’ll get drawn into a world and (god forbid) the author dies or something and it’s never finished and I spend the rest of my life feeling unfulfilled - ok that may have been slightly melodramatic but you get what I mean. However, then the HBO series started and I was drawn into that anyway and so I gave up my rule and read the first book. It wasn’t a dull read despite the fact that the show has done a fantastic job at recreating it. If for no other reason, I was glad I read it just to get a little more on Jon Snow. They’ve done their best with him in the show, but as a silent, broody type it does add something extra to get to see his perspective in the novel. 
A Game of Thrones is told from eight perspectives, and I have to admit some were much less interesting than the others (particularly Catelyn Stark) but it wasn’t the kind of fantasy you put down and walk away from - during the lesser bits you’re just eager to get back to other perspectives, the thought to give up on the story never crosses your mind. Just like the series, the fantasy elements (magic, mythical creatures, and the medieval-esque realms etc) are just the background for a fantastic and compelling characters that litter the story. It’s worth a read whether you’ve seen the show or not (but also watch the show - it’s great!).

Rage - Richard Bachman aka Stephen King (1977)

A disturbed high school student with authority problems kills one of his teachers and takes the rest of his class hostage. Over the course of one long, tense and unbearable hot afternoon, Charlie Decker explains what led him to this drastic sequence of events, while at the same time deconstructing the personalities of his classmates, forcing each one to justify his or her existence.

It’s a pity that this is a common reality now and not just fiction, so much so that Stephen King felt the need to let it fall out of print. Luckily, I picked up my copy from a second hand bookstore and if you can find it, I recommend doing the same, it’s well worth the $2 you’re likely to pay. Like a darker, angrier Breakfast Club, these are teens truly dissatisfied with their world and those that are supposedly trying to help. King wrote this in his senior year and while the prose might not be to the standard of his later works, it’s screams honesty and, while he has had real issues writing endings to other novels, this one doesn’t disappoint. As a writer, I was just stunned at the way he could construct the story so you’re empathising with a killer and are positioned against the traditional good guys - police, teachers and counselors, etc. I’ll leave you with my favourite quote from it:
”When you’re five and you hurt, you make a big noise in the world. At ten you whimper. But by the time you make fifteen you begin to eat the poisoned apples that grow on your own inner tree of pain.”

The Loved One - Evelyn Waugh (1948)

Set against a background of embalming-rooms and crematoria and the unforgettable Whispering Glades Memorial Park, ‘The Loved One’ is as ludicrous as ‘Decline and Fall’, as incisively shocking as ‘Vile Bodies’, and - underneath the laughs - as moving as death itself.

If it wasn’t apparent already, I enjoy macabre humour, my mother once accused me of only reading books about death - which isn’t exactly true but also wasn’t an unfair statement. So I expected this book would be right up my alley, and while I didn’t like it as much as the similarly themed Bernie (I highly recommend seeing it - I think it’s the best thing Jack Black’s ever done)which I happened to see around the same time, it was amusing and an easy read. The characters are all horrible or naive people and bring to mind the statement, it’s not prejudice if you hate everyone equally, but if you didn’t hate them it wouldn’t be funny.

Peeps - Scott Westerfeld (2005)

After a chance encounter with a mysterious woman one night, Cal’s life is changed forever. He’s been infected with an insidious parasite. The good news: he’s only a carrier. The bad news: he’s infected all his former girlfriends - and now they’ve turned into what Cal calls ‘Peeps’. The rest of us know them as vampires. And it’s Cal’s job to hunt them down, before they create even more of their kind.

I bought this book after seeing Scott Westerfeld, his wife Justine Larbalestier, and Isobelle Carmody speak at the Sydney Writers’ Festival.  He spoke about the book in such an appealing way and with such enthusiasm I couldn’t resist and that passion for the subject is just as present in the book, making it hard not to enjoy it. It’s not for the squeamish though - every second chapter is about a real parasite and I loved the way this grounded the story and really made me interested in researching the topic further (despite my normal lack of appreciation for non-fiction). It’s not your traditional vampire fiction, in fact Westerfeld goes further back than most normal mythologies to Egyptian folklore and plays around with some of the genre stereotypes - such as the fear of crucifixes. It’s certainly nothing like Twilight - so don’t be turned off by the young adult vampire genre it has been stuck in. It’s a fun read but not for tweens looking for sparkly romance.

Until next time,

Slightly Bibliophilic xx

Sorry I’ve been away for a while so this is late.

Watership Down - Richard Adams (1972)

Set in England’s Downs, a once idyllic rural landscape, this stirring tale follows a band of very special creatures on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home. Led by a stouthearted pair of brothers, they journey forth from their native Sandleford Warren through the harrowing trials posed by predators and adversaries, to a mysterious promised land and a more perfect society.

This was one of the classics I was late to read because I was busy reading others, and as soon as I read it I wished I’d picked it earlier. I did find it strange that everyone had warned me how dark the story was, and I suppose if I had read it unawares as a child it might have had more impact in that regard but I thought the end, without giving too much away, was just lovely. For a bunch of rabbits they’re highly entertaining and rich characters, and what amazed me was Adams’ ability to retain their rabbitness (I think the ‘Lapine’ language helps) but they’re still relatable and the fact that they’re animals is never distracting. I really loved the Elhairarah fables that were added in along the way - it didn’t ever feel like they halted the action or were too tangential, instead they helped colour the world and make it more realistic. But essentially, it’s captivating and has everything an epic needs, and if you’re into that sort of thing (which I am) please don’t be turned off because the main characters have a thing for lettuce and carrots.

Polysyllabic Spree - Nick Hornby (2006)

This book explores works from classics to graphic novels, as well as poems, plays, sports books and other kinds of non-fiction. This book reveals why we still read, even when there’s football on TV, a pram in the hall or a good band playing at our local club.

This follows Hornby’s monthly columns from the Believer which chronicle “Books Bought” and “Stuff I’ve Been Reading”. I’m ashamed to say that I have up until this point mostly avoided non-fiction (with the exception of Jonathan Safran Foer’s Eating Animals), believing that fiction was always superior and I’m slowly learning now that I was wrong. Hornby is totally unpretentious and it was a delight to read his insights into reading, buying books and his failing as a reader (which were never unforgivable and certainly not unfamiliar). It inspired me to broaden my reading list - I actually had to keep a pen and paper at the ready while reading so I could jot suggestions down. This is a must read for anyone book obsessed, I certainly found a kindred spirit in these pages.

Bright Lights, Big City - Jay McInerney (1984)

You are at a nightclub talking to a girl with a shaved head. The club is either Heartbreak or the Lizard Lounge. All might become clear if you could just slip into the bathroom and do a little more Bolivian Marching Powder. Then again, it might not… So begins our nameless hero’s trawl through the brightly lit streets of Manhattan, sampling all this wonderland has to offer yet suspecting that tomorrow’s hangover may be caused by more than simple excess.

I normally find second person narration jarring with a few exceptions and this was one of them, the voice just seemed to slip effortlessly from the page and without much description I felt I had a very clear picture of the character in my mind.Other reviews I’ve read seem to get caught up in the party scene but I saw it more as a backdrop in the exploration of deeper themes. McInerney captures the feeling of a lost and self-destructive character who tried to attain the things he thought life was about - a good job, nice apartment, beautiful wife, etc - too young and now finds himself “all messed up and no place to go”. It teeters on the edge of bleakness but is held back by the dry humour and honest lines “You think she meant that the only shoes we can ever wear are our own. Meg can’t imagine what it’s like for you to be you, she can only imagine herself being you”. Despite the fact that the book will be 30 years old next year, I think those who feel lost in life will always identify with the unnamed narrator.

The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman (2008)

This is the unforgettable story of Nobody Owens, a living breathing boy whose home is a graveyard, raised by a guardian who belongs neither to the mortal world nor the realm of the dead. Among the mausoleums and headstones of his home, Bod experiences things most mortals can barely imagine. But real, flesh-and-blood danger waits just outside the cemetery walls: the man who murdered infant Bod’s family will not rest until he finds Nobody Owens and finishes the job he began many years ago.

Neil Gaiman never writes down to his readers, whether his work is aimed at children or adults, and this is no exception. This intriguing retelling of The Jungle Book perfectly balances the spooky elements with the magic and love I hope filled everyone’s childhoods. Gaiman managed to split me in two with this, there was the part of me that he transported back to childhood where I could find an adventure in anything (and often enjoyed playing in graveyards in a non-morbid fashion) and the other part which saw the story through Silas’ eyes, watching this child growing up with a sense of pride and sadness that it would soon end (it is quite short). Definitely one for all ages despite its label as a children’s book.

Until next time,

Slightly Bibliophilic xx

Show: Revenge

Episode: Season 2, Episode 1 – Destiny (Premiere)

Aired: Monday 8:45pm, February 4^th 2013

Channel: Seven

Thoughts on the Episode

*SPOILERS – THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THIS EPISODE AND PREVIOUS EPISODES OF REVENGE.

I’ve got to admit I had my reservations about the new season of Revenge and whether it would work after all the changes that seemed to have been put in place in the finale of the last season. The finale ran at breakneck speed and hit us with massive twists and reveals (even if we saw some of it coming). That was why I enjoyed this slower and more intimate premiere with its subtle call backs to the pilot (the flashforward, the Memorial Day auction, etc), and enough developments to still make it thrilling and set up this season.

I expect that everyone anticipated the reveal that Victoria was alive and in true Revenge fashion, they didn’t drag out the reveal. What I didn’t suspect is that she had made a deal with the white-haired man and I enjoyed that twist. Although I am getting really sick of calling him the white-haired man, can we get a name already? Back on topic, my greatest fear going into this season was that the introduction of the Initiative would lead the show away from a personal vendetta against a family and into a realm of the broad, faceless organisation. Instead the show has been clever so far in keeping Victoria at the core of the show, and as long as they continue in that fashion, I see no reason this season can’t be just as strong as the last.

Continue reading this review at Sticky Trigger Entertainment.

Until next time,

Slightly Bibliophilic xx

In its second year, the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) awards turned out some big names. Stars of The Hobbit, Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving were in attendance. In addition, Hugo has Cloud Atlas coming out this month in Australia and is currently filming The Turning, an adaptation of Tim Winton’s stories into a collection of short films. Cate also has Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine and Terrence Malick’s Knight of Cups coming out later this year. Nicole Kidman flew in from LA where she was on the red carpet at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Her new film Stoker premiered at Sundance last month and will be out in Australia on August 29^th.

Continue reading this article HERE or check out more of our coverage of the AACTAs with LUNCHEON RED CARPET PHOTOS, LUNCHEON RED CARPET INTERVIEWS, LUNCHEON AWARD WINNERS, CEREMONY RED CARPET PHOTOS, CEREMONY RED CARPET INTERVIEWS and CEREMONY AWARD WINNERS.

Until next time,

Unpublished xx

Show: Suburgatory

Episode: Season 2, Episode 1 – Homecoming (Premiere)

Aired: Sunday 8:00pm, 3^rd February, 2013

Channel: Go! (99)

Thoughts on the Episode

*SPOILERS – THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THIS EPISODE AND PREVIOUS EPISODES OF SUBURGATORY*

Suburgatory is back and trying its hardest to make up for last season. For one, Eden seems to be gone for good. We’re just left hoping they don’t stretch out the Dallas/George will-they-won’t-they relationship too much further because it feels close to snapping one way or the other. The biggest improvement this episode is George taking a step backwards and letting Tessa explore her young adulthood and her interests in her mother. His overbearing qualities have always been one of the hardest parts of the show to swallow, especially considering they moved to the suburbs because he found a box of condoms, so this may be a really good turn for the show to take. It also allowed the absence Alex (Tessa’s mum) left feel more present than ever, letting us appreciate what George has gone through and making it all the more special at the end when he opens the lines of communication about Alex.

Continue reading this review at Sticky Trigger Entertainment.

Until next time,

Slightly Bibliophilic xx

Director: Nick Love
Writers: Nick Love (screenplay), John Hodge (co-writer), Ian Kennedy Martin (source material)
Starring: Damien Lewis, Hayley Atwell, Ray Winstone

Based on the 1970s UK TV series, the story follows Jack Regan (Winstone), a detective in the Flying Squad – a group of metropolitan police specialising in armed robbery and violent crime. When armed robbers turn over a jewellery store, killing an innocent civilian, Regan and his loyal partner George Carter (Ben Drew) pursue to bring them to justice, despite the consequences.

This kind of film doesn’t hold up kindly to too much thought or reality’s standards. The plot is predictable, sticking to the tropes of the action genre in a loving way, but it’s the characters that really drive the story. Winstone is perfect for the gruff Regan and it’s his chemistry with the other actors that really stands out and makes the film worthwhile. Although it is disconcerting seeing Lewis with a cockney accent, after two seasons of Homeland it’s easy to forget his origins.

Continue reading this review at Sticky Trigger Entertainment.

Until next time,

Slightly Bibliophilic xx

We at Sticky Trigger are pumped for 2013. Screw resolutions and the betterment of ourselves, we’re excited for the upcoming entertainment and 2013 promises lots of goodies in TV, movies, games and music. We’ve compiled a list of everything we’re looking forward to this year so you can get as eager about it as we are.

Check it out by clicking on the links for the most anticipated lists for:

TV P1

TV P2

MOVIES P1

MOVIES P2

GAMES

MUSIC

Until next time,

Slightly Bibliophilic xx

It’s been 14 years between Beavis and Butt-head episodes but creator Mike Judge hasn’t lost his touch with these snickering idiots. They may now be commenting on this decade’s atrocities to intelligence — Twilight, Teen Mom, Supersize Me and, probably the worst of the offenders, Jersey Shore — but the boys still remain basically the same lovable idiots in their out of date band t-shirts. For those who did watch and like the original series, I’m sure you’ll find everything you loved in this remake (bar Daria – Beavis is slightly confused about what happened to her) and it’s bound to bring about strong feelings of nostalgia.

Continue reading this review at Sticky Trigger Entertainment.

Until next time,

Slightly Bibliophilic xx

Hooper recorded the singing live on set, orchestra added later, a ground-breaking choice for filmed musicals. The excellent quality of the recordings was a pleasant surprise; the songs were no less grand for the absence of studio polish.

Hathaway stole the show with her magnificent singing and acting, Jackman was consistently strong as Valjean, and I wouldn’t be surprised if either picked up major awards. I went in with low expectations for Crowe, especially after reading some harsh reviews; however I was surprised how much I enjoyed him as Javert and how enthralled I was during his two big musical numbers. He certainly didn’t lower the bar of the performances in the film. However, when held up to his own acting history, it wasn’t his best work as he was clearly concentrating on his vocals. Despite this, both he and Hathaway made me reconsider lyrics and characters I thought I knew well, creating a depth and empathy for Javert and Fantine that I hadn’t felt before on stage, and that stayed in my mind after I left the cinema.

Continue reading this review at Sticky Trigger Entertainment.

Until next time,

Slightly Bibliophilic xx