#Armchair BEA: From Words to Art

Welcome to Day 2 of Armchair BEA! Today's topic is "More Than Just Words," a chance to talk about the different forms books can take. Today I'll be discussing my love-hate relationship with a recent(ish) trend in YA: companion graphic novels. Graphic novel adaptations are cropping up all over the place lately, and they seem to be especially popular for the paranormal and fantasy genres. What I love about these companions is that, unlike other adaptation mediums such as film or TV, they usually remain very faithful to the source material, very closely following the events in the book. But, since I've usually already read the book and know what happens before picking up a graphic novel, what really determines whether or not I'll read the adaptation or not is the artwork. This is just my own personal preference but I prefer the graphic novels that lean more toward manga-style artwork over ones drawn in American-comic-book-style. Here are a few examples of graphic novels I've loved...and of ones I've not really loved.

YAY

Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer and Young Kim 

Excuse me while I take a moment to gush. I love everything about these graphic novels. They are so, so beautiful! Everything was perfect, from how closely they followed the original plot of the books, to the coloring, to the character depictions. And look at those covers! They match! They're holding hands!! It's almost too much for my poor little fangirl heart to take.

Soulless series by Gail Carriger and Rem

Another graphic novel adaptation series with absolutely gorgeous artwork. Also, the humor that makes the books so great really comes across well in the adaptation. (A note: Since this series is an adult paranormal romance series and not aimed at the YA set, the graphic novels are bit more...well, graphic. Just something to keep in mind.)

NAY

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare and Nicole Virella

I was so looking forward to the graphic novel adaptation of The Mortal Instruments...until I saw the artwork. Although the coloring of each cover is beautiful, it's the depictions of the characters that I can't stand. They have too much of that comic book superhero look to them. Not my cup of tea.

 So, what's your opinion on graphic novel adaptations? Do you have any favorites? What books would you like to see turned into graphic novels?

#ArmchairBEA: Introduction

Well, everyone, the end of May is finally upon us, which can only mean one thing...it's time for Book Expo America! Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to the actual event in NYC, so I've had to opt for the next best option: participating in the virtual event, Armchair BEA! All this week I will be posting along with the themed topics provided by Armchair BEA, and I hope you'll join me! Just go here to sign up.

As it's the first day of Armchair BEA, the first assignment is to introduce yourself. So whether you're new to the blog (welcome!) or a regular reader, here's your chance to get to know a little more about me! :)

Describe your blog in just one sentence.
BooksyDaisy Reviews (formally known as "Life in the Pages") is a Young Adult and sometimes-New-Adult/adult-lit book blog run by me, Alex, a twenty-something girl who loves books more than anything in the world (although cats and chocolate are a close second and third).

What genre do you read the most? I love to read because ___________________ .
As you might have noticed, I am primarily a reader of YA fiction. To me, YA is awesome because with each story there are always so many possibilities. YA fiction centers around a pivotal point in the character's life, when they are on the verge of adulthood and undergoing all sorts of changes. YA is so passionate--not in the romantic sense, although it can be; it's filled with the emotional excitement and turmoil of first loves, first journeys away from home, and first real obstacles in life. And, most importantly, YA stories are almost always pervaded with a sense of hope. Unlike so many characters in adult literature, YA characters aren't disillusioned and jaded. Even when they are up against seemingly insurmountable odds, whether it be taking down a twisted government or dealing with crushing heartache, there is always a sense of hope, a feeling that somehow things will work out for the better. That is what makes YA so fulfilling to read.

What was your favorite book read last year? What’s your favorite book so far this year?
For 2013, it's a tie between Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell and the Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness, both of which are fan-tastic! I also have two picks for my favorite books of 2014 (so far): Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge and Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, both beautifully woven fantasy tales.

Spread the love by naming your favorite blogs/bloggers (doesn’t necessarily have to be book blogs/bloggers).
Book Blogs: The Perpetual Page Turner, Stay Bookish, The Paper Sea, Gyspy Reviews, Paperbackd, Pretty Little Reader, These Paper Hearts
Author Blogs: Laini Taylor, Maggie Stiefvater
Non Book Blogs: Avoiding Atrophy, xomisse, Hyperbole and a Half

Share your favorite reading related quote.

That's all folks! Thanks for reading! I can't wait to meet more amazing book bloggers this week! :)