Kiss My Book

Love The One Your With by Emily Giffin

2010-08-27T07:57:00.000-04:00

Love The One Your With by Emily Giffin
Synopsis:
Ellen and Andy's first year of marriage doesn't just seem perfect, it is perfect. There is no question how deep their devotion is, and how naturally they bring out the best in each other. But one fateful afternoon, Ellen runs into Leo for the first time in eight years. Leo, the one who brought out the worst in her. Leo, the one who left her heartbroken with no explanation. Leo, the one she could never quite forget. When his reappearance ignites long-dormant emotions, Ellen begins to question whether the life she's living is the one she's meant to live.

Review:

This is the fourth book I have read by Emily Giffin and she never disappoints. With Love The One Your With she shows love and marriage for what it really is, difficult and something you have to work at. In so many books falling in love is this perfect process where you are just drawn to someone and it is all sunshine and rainbows but Giffin does a great job writing about the different kinds of love and how you can love more than one person at the same time

Ellen is a perfectly relatable main character and I really enjoyed how human she was. I understood how she was torn between two men and why it was so hard for her to make a decision. I think it takes great character development to make readers love a character who is flirting with the idea of cheating on her amazing husband and Giffin did it so well.

The difference between Leo and Andy is night and day and Giffin did a great job making them both well-rounded characters. It was so easy to see why Ellen was drawn to both of them and by not allowing either one to be a villain, Giffin made the novel a much better read than if one was a terrible guy.

Giffin’s gift as a writer is in her characters and Love The One Your With is full of characters that will tug at your heartstrings and make you think about the definition of true love.

Emerald Talisman Tour: Guest Post by Brenda Pandos

2010-08-26T09:23:00.007-04:00

I am happy to be part of the Emerald Talisman book tour hosted by La Femme Readers. You can head over here and see all the other stops on the tour. Today Brenda has been lovely enough to share with us where she writes. Be sure to stop back soon for my review of The Emerald Talisman.

Guest Post:
My writing place is my couch. It's a large, comfy, 1/2 oval shaped, white couch that's magical (and covered with towels to protect it). At night, I often find my husband crashed out on it after a long day. After that's happened, it's impossible to make him come to bed (I gave up a while back). It's also the jungle gym where my boys jump onto from the coffee table and where we all snuggle together for movies. I think it's just going to have to fall apart on us for us to get rid of it because we love it so.

If I'm writing at night, hubby usually will lay next to me and beg for a head-scrape (he calls it). The trade off is he has to listen to what I've just written while I massage his scalp, but he usually falls asleep. I want to say it's the magic of the cooshy couch, my sexy voice and luxurious fingertips, not my writing that puts him to sleep. lol.

Things I need to write would be my slanket and a good drink. I'm a huge baby if it's cold, so I really love my slanket. It's a fuzzy blanket with sleeves (like a snuggie) and perfect for keeping me warm. In the summer, I'm in the crook of the couch, drinking my diet rite with a fan propped in front of me, blowing my direction because I'm a baby if it's hot. I also need a notepad and pen to jot down notes.

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

2010-08-25T08:27:00.001-04:00

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

Synopsis:
When it comes to relationships, Colin Singleton's type is girls named Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped. Nineteen times, to be exact. On a road trip miles from home, this anagram-happy, washed-up child prodigy has ten thousand dollars in his pocket, a bloodthirsty feral hog on his trail, and an overweight, Judge Judy-loving best friend riding shotgun - but no Katherines. Colin is on a mission to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability, which he hopes will predict the future of any relationship, avenge Dumpees everywhere, and finally win him the girl. Love, friendship, and a dead Austro-Hungarian archduke add up to surprising and heart-changing conclusions in this ingeniously layered comic novel about reinventing oneself by Printz medalist John Green, acclaimed author of Looking for Alaska.

Review:
John Green is one of those authors who gets rave reviews and a ton of love in the blogosphere as well as winning lots of pretty book awards but I had never read any of his books. When I was planning for my roadtrip a few weeks ago I grabbed some audio books from the library and An Abundance of Katherines was one of them.

What Green does that I instantly fell in love with is that he wrote a really smart book that still managed to be really funny. Colin is so annoying that he becomes likeable. He is whiney and pretentious but it is genuine cluelessness that makes him an awesome character. And when he is balanced by a great supporting cast like Hassan and Lyndsay his faults become part of his charm.

I also love any story about a roadtrip and this one leads to Gutshot, Tennessee where hilarity ensues. Colin and Hassan get themselves into all kinds of ridiculous situations but they both really learn a lot during their trip and mature in ways they didn’t see coming.

Green wrote a coming-of-age novel with intelligence and humor that anyone can read and enjoy and I certainly did.

I Accept The Contemps Challenge

2010-08-24T11:02:00.000-04:00

I posted last week about the new Contemps website and how awesome it is. Now I have signed up for the Contemps Challenge. The goal is to read at least 18 of the 21 upcoming Contemps books between now and August 15, 2011. I sincerely hope I can do it because there are a lot of awesome books on the list. I have alread read one of them and have a few more in my posession so thats a start. Check out The Contemps website for more information and to sign up yourself.

The Reading List:
1. Losing Faith by Denise Jaden
2. The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
3. Girl Stolen by April Henry
4. Freefall by Mindi Scott (review)
5. The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney
6. Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler
7. Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers
8. Trapped by Michael Northrop
9. Rival by Sarah Bennet Wealer
10. Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt
11. Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard
12. Family by Micol Ostow
13. Back When You Were Easier to Love by Emily Wing Smith
14. Pearl by Jo Knowles
15. Saving June by Hannah Harrington
16. The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder
17. Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker
18. Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott
19. The third book in the Carter series by Brent Crawford
20. Sharks & Boys by Kristen Tracy
21. Want to Go Private? by Sarah Darer Littman

The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

2010-08-23T06:56:00.005-04:00

The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

Synopsis:
What if love refused to die?

Haven Moore can’t control her visions of a past with a boy called Ethan, and a life in New York that ended in fiery tragedy. In our present, she designs beautiful dresses for her classmates with her best friend Beau. Dressmaking keeps her sane, since she lives with her widowed and heartbroken mother in her tyrannical grandmother’s house in Snope City, a tiny town in Tennessee. Then an impossible group of coincidences conspire to force her to flee to New York, to discover who she is, and who she was.

In New York, Haven meets Iain Morrow and is swept into an epic love affair that feels both deeply fated and terribly dangerous. Iain is suspected of murdering a rock star and Haven wonders, could he have murdered her in a past life? She visits the Ouroboros Society and discovers a murky world of reincarnation that stretches across millennia. Haven must discover the secrets hidden in her past lives, and loves¸ before all is lost and the cycle begins again.

Review:
The Eternal Ones is a beautifully written novel and a completely original storyline. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a book about reincarnation but Miller did a great job creating realistic characters that ground such a fantastical plot. The Eternal Ones has a little bit of everything, romance, adventure, fantasy and history and it all comes together for an irresistible and haunting read.

It was often hard to tell who was a good guy and who was a bad guy but that made the novel that much more interesting and impossible to put down. I liked reading the book from Haven’s point of view, as she traveled from Tennessee to New York and desperately searched for the truth. It was impossible to try and guess what would come next and I loved that because there is nothing worse than a predictable book.

My only complaint is that the book seemed a little long, there were a few times when I felt the pace was dragging and needed to be sped up. But I powered through those times and in the end the whole was good enough that it wasn’t a major fault.

If you are looking for a complex book, that will keep you on your toes and give you a little bit of several genres then you need to give The Eternal Ones a shot.

I read this book as part of the Book It Forward ARC Tours.

This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge

Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers

2010-08-22T18:05:00.003-04:00

Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers Synopsis:
Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She's spent years keeping everyone at a distance—even her closest friends—and it seems her senior year will be more of the same...until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him. What she doesn't know is that Luc works in Acquisitions—for Hell—and she possesses a unique skill set that has the King of Hell tingling with anticipation. All Luc has to do is get her to sin, and he’s as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance. Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and the angel, Gabe, is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that Luc doesn’t get what he came for. And it isn't long before they find themselves fighting for more than just her soul. But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay…for all of them.

Review:
I have a confession to make. I am a little burnt out on fantasy and paranormal books. I made this fact known on twitter but I was urged by Sara from The Hiding Spot (who has an awesome blog, seriously check it out.) to read Personal Demons before I switched gears and read some contemporary. And I am quite glad I listened to her!

A girl on earth, Frannie, inexplicably drawn to two boys who happen to be an angel and a demon, it’s a great plot made even better with Desrochers style of slowly letting out pieces of each characters back story. Luc, the demon, and Gabe, the angel, are amazing characters, so similar despite the fact that they are literally polar opposites and a perfect set of guys to play tug of war over Frannie.

Frannie ended up being way more enjoyable and complex than I originally anticipated and I loved that about her. I also loved her relationship with her grandfather, which although a very small part of the book, created some of my favorite scenes.

You have to give a ton of credit to any author who can make you feel sympathy for a demon, and wish the angel would go away. I was firmly on team Luc so I that was my stance for much of the book, although not all.
Once I got in to this book I thought I had it figured out pretty quickly but consider me wrong again. Desrochers plot line goes somewhere I never saw coming and when you think she is done surprising you there is another twist at the very end that I loved.

Overall, the book is a great, original read with awesome characters that are written perfectly. Great job to Desrochers on writing such a fun, intriguing, sexy book as her debut novel! There will be two more books in the Personal Demons series so head over to Lisa’s website and learn all about them.

My favorite quote from the book was the very first line: “If there is a hell on Earth, it’s high school.”

Personal Demons will be released Sept. 14, 2010.

I read this book as part of the Book It Forward ARC Tours.

This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge and 2010 Debut Authors Challenge

Freefall by Mindi Scott

2010-08-18T23:10:00.003-04:00

Freefall by Mindi Scott

Synopsis:
How do you come back from the point of no return? Seth McCoy was the last person to see his best friend Isaac alive, and the first to find him dead. It was just another night, just another party, just another time where Isaac drank too much and passed out on the lawn. Only this time, Isaac didn’t wake up. Convinced that his own actions led to his friend’s death, Seth is torn between turning his life around . . . or losing himself completely. Then he meets Rosetta: so beautiful and so different from everything and everyone he’s ever known. But Rosetta has secrets of her own, and Seth will soon realize he isn’t the only one who needs saving . . .

Review:
And so continues my love affair with debut authors. Mindi Scott strikes gold with her first novel, a beautiful contemporary book with a fantastic male protagonist. I decided to read the book after taking part in a chat with Mindi and genuinely being smitten with her and I was equally smitten with Freefall.

While Mindi oozes sweetness in her vlogs and tweets, her writing is full of angst and guilt and pain in the best possible way. Seth is broken, he found his best friend dead, he is drinking and doing drugs, about to fail out of school and has very little regard for life but he is able to turn it all around and going on the journey with him is very enjoyable.

Scott never hides from any of the painful emotions, drinking or drug use. Instead, she describes all of Seth’s vices with a beauty that allows the reader to feel empathy for him. When Seth meets Rosetta he begins to turn his life around but what I loved is that Scott doesn’t write a typical “good girl swoops in and rescues bad boy” book. Instead, she gives Seth other motivations to improve his life, including a great class and teacher, good friends and a supportive, although unorthodox, mother. Seth’s life improvements really come from within and it is because he is already putting in the work that his relationship with Rosetta is enjoyable to read about.
Rosetta has her own issues to deal with but I liked that they didn’t take the focus from the main character, but complimented him perfectly and when all was said and done her issues really weren’t resolved, although it was easy to sense she would get there…someday.

I also think Scott wrote amazingly complex supporting characters, particularly Kendall who is layered, complicated and lovable enough for her own book (hint, hint Mindi! I want a spinoff with Kendall).

Be sure to come back on October 1 when Mindi will stop by for a guest post as part of the Teen Book Scene blog tour! Mindi is also part of the wonderful new group, The Contemps, which I blogged about the other day.

I reviewed this book as part of 1 ARC Tours.

This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge and 2010 Debut Authors Challenge

The Contemps: YA Authors Keepin It Real

2010-08-17T09:47:00.007-04:00

Some of my favorite YA contemporary authors have teamed up to start a brand new (and completely awesome) website. The Contemps are 21 authors who will be blogging about their books and their real lives and I can not wait! Here is a little more information:

AUTHORS TEAM UP TO SPOTLIGHT CONTEMPORARY REALISTIC FICTION FOR TEENS

“The Contemps” are Keeping it Real with Outreach, Resources and New Releases

Twenty-one authors have banded together to put real life in the spotlight and to keep readers up-to-date on the latest in contemporary young adult fiction.

“There are so many wonderful authors writing contemporary realistic fiction,” said Contemps co-founder Lisa Schroeder. “As much as we love other genres, the marketplace can feel dominated by paranormal, fantasy and dystopian novels. We want to celebrate the unique way that contemporary stories help teens feel they’re not alone in this real world.”

“The Contemps” officially launched on August 17 with a mission to help teens, booksellers, librarians and publishers connect with books that feature real-life settings, characters and situations. Group members range from debuts to veterans with several titles on the shelves, and all have new releases coming out between September 2010 and August 2011. They hope to not just build buzz for members’ books, but to create excitement and appreciation for the contemporary realistic genre in general.

The members are: Brent Crawford, Hannah Harrington, April Henry, Kirsten Hubbard, Denise Jaden, Kody Keplinger, Jo Knowles, Lindsey Leavitt, Sarah Darer Littman, Michael Northrop, Sarah Ockler, Micol Ostow, Lisa Schroeder, Elizabeth Scott, Mindi Scott, Emily Wing Smith, Courtney Summers, Kristen Tracy, Melissa Walker, Sara Bennett Wealer, and Daisy Whitney.

A number of activities are planned in the coming year, including giveaways, sharing experiences from their own teenage years, spotlighting other contemporary realistic authors, and multi-author events. The group’s home base is www.thecontemps.com, where members will be blogging several times a week on a variety of topics. Online outreach will also extend to Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

“We’re reaching out to a variety of audiences,” said co-founder Lindsey Leavitt. “We want readers, teachers and librarians to know about the wealth of awesome books out there. And we want the industry to know about the authors who create these books. There’s still a market for contemporary realistic fiction, and we plan to demonstrate that.”

They will also be hosting a great reading challenge that I think I will be taking part in. I haven't decided what books I will read yet so I will post about that later. For now, check out The Contemps website and twitter.

For the comments: What is your favorite YA contemporary book!

Somewhere in Middle America...

2010-08-13T00:31:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone as you read this I am literally somewhere in middle america to quote The Counting Crows. I have explained on here before that I work in college athletics, well one of the baseball coaches I work with is getting married this weekend in Omaha, Nebraska and I am roadtripping to the wedding. Yes, thats right, I am getting up early Thursday, piling in to a car with three friends and hitting the road for a 20-hour trip. I will then spend two wonderful days in Omaha and come back on Sunday. This should be a hilarious adventure.

The best part is they are getting married in Rosenblatt Stadium which is one of the most historic ball parks in all of college baseball which makes me really happy. The College World Series has been played there for the past bazillion years and they are building a new stadium so this is one of the last events that will ever be held there!

So, I will be offline for a few days obviously and I wanted to leave you with this lovely song which I will be singing many, many times on the long drive.

The Sweetness of Salt by Cecilia Galante

2010-08-12T00:06:00.004-04:00

The Sweetness of Salt by Cecilia Galante

Synopsis:
Julia just graduated as her high school valedictorian, has a full ride to college in the fall and a coveted summer internship clerking for a federal judge. But when her older sister, Sophie, shows up at the graduation determined to reveal some long buried secrets, Julia's carefully constructed plans come to a halt. Instead of the summer she had painstakingly laid out, Julia follows Sophie back to Vermont, where Sophie is opening a bakery - and struggling with some secrets of her own. What follows is a summer of revelations - some heartwarming, some heartbreaking, and all slowly pointing Julia toward a new understanding of both herself and of the sister she never really knew.

Review:
I had been overdosing on the paranormal recently so I jumped at the chance to read The Sweetness of Salt which was wonderfully contemporary. It wasn’t a book I had heard much buzz about but I jumped in and found myself in a wonderful real world with well-rounded characters and a ton of crazy family secrets.

Galante does a great job in this novel of really creating layered, deep characters and showing how complicated family relationships can be. I loved Julia, who has lived an incredibly sheltered life and is naïve and quiet, and really liked being on the journey where she comes out of her shell. And this isn’t a typical girl meets boy and blossoms in to a woman story. Julie goes on a great journey, trying to create a relationship with her older sister while figuring out who she truly is. Of course, there is a boy too, but he really plays a minor role which I liked.

Sophie is an equally complicated character and her emotional, independent personality plays off Julia creating drama and love. Sophie has her own secrets and problems to deal with and what both girls learn is that they need eachother to conquer their fears.

If you are one of the many, many readers who loved Holly Cupala’s Tell Me A Secret then I think you will also enjoy The Sweetness of Salt.

The Sweetness of Salt will be released November 9, 2010.
I reviewed this book as part of Good Golly Miss Holly's (ARC) Tour

White Heat by Brenda Novak GIVEAWAY

2010-08-09T22:17:00.007-04:00

Hey everyone I am happy to say I am hosting a giveaway for White Heat by Brenda Novak. I have raved about her Last Stand series on my site previously and her new series is just as amazing. My review will go up in a few days but for now you can enter to win your own copy as well as a fun prize pack.

You can win a A White Heat prize pack including:

o Tote bag

o 3D viewer bookmark

o White Heat lip gloss – made especially for the book!

o A copy of White Heat

About the Book:
In Stores NOW

White Heat is the first book in Brenda Novak’s new Department 6 Hired Guns trilogy.

Nate Ferrentino and Rachel Jessop are operatives for Department 6, a private security company, and they’re going undercover to expose a new and dangerous cult.

This group has taken up residence in the Arizona desert, in a ghost town called Paradise. Members worship at the feet—and in the bed--of its charismatic leader, Ethan Wycliff. On his orders, they tried to stone a woman to death. And they’re implicated in the disappearance of a teenage girl.

To expose the Church of the Covenant, with its arcane rituals and debauched practices, Nate and Rachel must pretend to be married. That’s the only way they can get in—but being Nate’s “wife” is the last thing Rachel wants. She and Nate have a one-night history that’s just an embarrassment to her now. But they don’t have a choice. Wycliff has to be stopped.

About Brenda Novak:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Brenda Novak has three novels coming out this summer - WHITE HEAT, BODY HEAT & KILLER HEAT. She also runs an annual on-line auction for diabetes research every May at www.brendanovak.com. To date, she’s raised over $1,072,000. Brenda considers herself lucky to be a mother of five and married to the love of her life.

WHITE HEAT Book Trailer

Giveaway Info:

Contest will end on Sunday August 22nd at midnight!

The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian addresses.

I will keep the how to enter pretty simple. Just leave a comment with where you are from and let me know if you have read any of Novak’s books! I love to see where in the world my readers are commenting from. Just one entry per person, no extras for tweeting or blogging about it but I would love if you did it anyway!

The giveaway is sponsored by MIRA Books so a big thank you to them!

Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love

2010-08-07T00:36:00.002-04:00

Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love
Full of dark seduction and modern romance, this short story collection presents a variety of talented voices sure to satisfy every werewolf, ghost, fallen angel, zombie, and shape-shifter’s dark desires.

Review:
I can’t say I have read a lot of short stories for fun. I read a ton as an English major in college (and I loved so many of them) but I never really thought to read them as part of my pleasure reading. Well I am glad I picked up this anthology as there are some great stories in there from some authors I really like. I have a minor confession, I had never read anything by any of the authors in this book. There are so many great titles out by this collection of writers, many in my TBR pile but every single word in this book was from an author new to me. I will say that I will quickly be playing catch up on many of these authors after loving the short stories. I also think Trisha Telep did a great job collecting phenomenal stories and put them together in a cohesive, enjoyable way.

I don’t want to review each, individual story, and I don’t think you would like if I did that so I will give you my personal highlights.

Favorite overall story: The Assassin’s Apprentice by Michelle Zink. The very first one.

Story that gave me the creeps (in a good way): Behind the Red Door by Caitlin Kittredge. This story gave me goosebumps and yet I couldn’t put it down. Great stuff.

Story I didn’t love: Errant by Diana Peterfreun. I guess unicorns aren’t my thing. But I can say I didn’t hate it, I just didn’t like it as much as the others. The writing is still phenomenal.

Most Suprising Story: The Spy Who Never Grew Up by Sarah Rees Brennan. This story is about Peter Pan, and it is amazing. I really didn’t see that coming.

Funniest Story: Familiar by Michelle Rowen. This was sweet and funny and a perfect way to lighten the mood after some of the really creepy stories.

Story That Makes Me Want To Read Everything Else By The Author: Fearless by Rachel Vincent. It was really original and further reminded me that this is an author I have to investigate!

I reviewed this book as part of the Book It Forward ARC Tour.

If you have read/reviewed please leave your links in the comments as I would love to know what everyone else thought!

Losing Faith by Denise Jaden coming Sept. 7

2010-08-06T22:38:00.003-04:00

A terrible secret. A terrible fate.
When Brie's sister, Faith, dies suddenly, Brie's world falls apart. As she goes through the bizarre and devastating process of mourning the sister she never understood and barely even liked, everything in her life seems to spiral farther and farther off course. Her parents are a mess, her friends don't know how to treat her, and her perfect boyfriend suddenly seems anything but.

As Brie settles into her new normal, she encounters more questions than closure: Certain facts about the way Faith died just don't line up. Brie soon uncovers a dark and twisted secret about Faith's final night...a secret that puts her own life in danger.

Losing Faith by Denise Jaden is coming out Sept. 7 and in case you were wondering her blog is a fantastic place to hang out! I am so excited for this book and what really grabbed my attention is the cover, how freakin gorgeous is that?
Jaden is also going to be part of a super awesome new group, The Contemps, which will be launching a new blog on Aug. 17 and everyone should be on the lookout for that!

Evermore by Alyson Noel (The Immortals #1)

2010-08-05T22:32:00.003-04:00

Synopsis:
Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste… Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.

Review:
I had this book sitting on my shelf for over a year and had never read it. As a book I bought and not one for review it often got passed over. Well I decided it was a perfect day for it by the pool last week and I was correct (and mad at myself for waiting so long to start it).

I really enjoyed this book, I like Ever and I think the book is original and a really fast read. Ever is a great main character with quirky, fun friends and a scarred, haunting past. The fact that she regularly hangs out with her dead sister is really just the tip of the paranormal iceberg in this case.

Her relationship with Damen is somehow romantic, mysterious and frustrating all at the same time. The times they are together are amazing and so much fun to read about but his sketchy disappearing acts and lies kind of made me hate him at times. At the end it all made sense, although the drama in between is incredibly, but there were times early on when I wanted to jump in the story and demand answers. I figure a passionate reaction, even if it is partly frustration, is a good thing when reading. I want something that makes me care about the characters.

The plot is really original and I really didn’t see the ending coming, best of all I put down the book and couldn’t wait to get to the library and get The Immortals #2 Blue Moon. This is a promising start to a series that already has three more in the series available: Blue Moon, Shadowland and Dark Flame. I can already tell this angsty thrill ride is going to be an addiction for me.

This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge

Tweet Heart by Elizabeth Rudnick (ARC) Tours

2010-08-04T16:26:00.002-04:00

Tweet Heart by Elizabeth Rudnick
Synopsis:
Claire is a #hopelessromantic. Lottie is determined to set up her BFF with Mr. Perfect. Will wants his #secretcrush to finally notice him. Bennett is a man with a plan. Claire can’t believe it when her dream guy starts following her on Twitter. She never thought he noticed her, and suddenly he seems to understand her better than almost anyone. But the Twitterverse can be a confusing place, especially when friends act differently online than they do in person. Things get even more complicated when Claire realizes she’s falling for someone else, the last person she ever would have expected…. Told in an innovative format combining tweets, emails, and blogs, Tweet Heart is a contemporary romantic comedy that will set your heart atwitter.

Review:
I really liked this book in theory, not so much in actuality. I really liked the idea of a book written in tweets and blog posts and I loved the look the text, each page set up like a real twitter conversation or fun blog design. However, to make a story written in 160 character blurbs the story has to be pretty simple or it would be too hard to follow, as a result I was a little bored by the story and the one-dimensional characters.

The book definitely had some funny moments and Bennett is a hilarious character and very well written but the simplicity of the novel hurt it, in my opinion. I do think Rudnick has a gift for comedy and I would be really interested to see what she does in a more traditional setting. I will definitely keep an eye out for what she does next, as this is her debut novel.

Now let me be clear, I didn’t hate the book or anything, in fact I found myself laughing and enjoying it but at the end I just felt it was a little too simple and predictable.

I reviewed this book as part of Good Golly Miss Holly's (ARC) Tour
This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge and 2010 Debut Authors Challenge

Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin: (ARC) Tours

2010-08-03T06:00:00.002-04:00

Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin
Synopsis:
Avery Hood is reeling from the loss of her parents--and the fact that she can't remember what happened to them even though she was there.

She's struggling to adjust to life without them, and to living with her grandmother, when she meets Ben, who isn't like any guy she's ever met before.

It turns out there's a reason why, and Ben's secret may hold the key to Avery finding out what happened to her parents...

But what if that secret changes everything she knows about--and feels for--Ben?

Review:
I am not sure what I was expecting from this book. The title and summary are kind of vague but I really ended up enjoying the story and at a tiny little 256 pages I was wishing for more.

The book is technically paranormal, I mean there is a werewolf involved, but it feels like realistic paranormal. I know that may not make a ton of sense but the way that the forest is treated as a character and takes on this great role in the story feels a little more mystical than paranormal.

I also really loved the relationship between Avery and Ben, there was a greater force pulling them together, part love and part the magic of the forest.

When it is revealed who killed Avery’s parents I was really surprised, I definitely didn’t see that being the final solution. However, there is definitely a bigger picture mystery that leads me to believe that a sequel may be coming.

There is a lot of heart, emotion and mystery packed in to this short book and it is a thrilling ride. I recommend this book if you think you aren’t a fan of the paranormal because this will be a great read that may just change your mind.

The word around the blogosphere is that Ivy Devlin is actually a pen name for Elizabeth Scott and after reading the book it is definitely in her poetic, beautiful style of writing so if it is true I wouldn’t be surprised.

I reviewed this book as part of Good Golly Miss Holly's (ARC) Tour

Eat Pray Love Book Club - The End

2010-08-02T16:50:00.003-04:00

Finish Indonesia and discuss general feelings on the book. How did it affect you?
Like I have said before, this book had a profound effect on me. I love how much she learned in this book and how much I learned from her. Her time in Bali is so beautiful, its taking everything she learned in the earlier months and learning how to live differently. And changing how you live is never easy. It also gives me a little hope because she proves true the adage that love finds you when you least expect it.

Will you go see the movie?
Although I am convinced that the movie can never, ever live up to my expectations I am going to see it. I will most likely hate it though.

Will you read Committed which is Gilbert’s follow up to Eat Pray Love?
I have read it and really enjoyed it. It didn’t have the same earth-shattering power as EPL but it is a good, entertaining read and I was glad I read it.

What are some of your favorite quotes from the book?
A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave.

See, now that's your problem. You're wishin' too much, baby. You gotta stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone oughtta be.

Operation Self-Esteem--Day Fucking One.

Ok, everyone link to your final thoughts below and I hope you all enjoyed the book. Sorry for the delay on this last post but I was on vacation and just couldn’t make myself do work!

Felicia's Thoughts:
Well, the book as a whole didn't affected me at all. To me, it was a combination of boring, interesting, funny, touching and sweet. As for it having an effect on me, nothing that she wrote about made me want to apply it to my life. I just couldn't really connect on her level. I think if I was in a different place in my life, it may have affected me more. I'm pretty happy where I am in life right now. Not a lot of people can say that. I acknowledge my many blessings. I have a wonderful husband, enough money to buy what I want when I want, a few good friends in my circle, a job (though may not be really satisfying right now, I'm thankful that I have it). The only place I'm probably lacking is a deeper spiritual connection. But that is my own journey to take. I'm not unhappy or troubled, so there was nothing for me to take away. I am glad I read it though. I enjoyed this last section the most of the three. I smiled, chuckled and teared up a bit at a couple of places. I loved Felipe! Also loved Wayan and Tutti. I'm just a little bit disappointed though, because even though I (tried) to keep an open mind, I was still expecting something different. I was hoping to get a little more something from it. I'm not sure what, but I didn't get it. But it was still an enjoyable read. After reading the first two sections, I wasn't sure if I would go see the movie, but now after reading it all I think I will. I have no plans to read her follow up. Because even though I enjoyed this book, it did not entice me to read the next one.

Favorite quotes:

Not so much as favorite quotes, but one of my favorite parts of the book. I teared up at this section;

"She fumbled through my my hand like she was trying to untumble the combination on a lock and she found my index finger. Then she wrapped her whole, big hard fist around that finger and gave me this deep, long squeeze. I could feel her love pulsing through her power grip, right up into my arm and all the way down into my guts." pg. 246

Not sure why it touched me but it did. The other part that got to me was where Wayan hugged Big Ketut and Little Ketut after Liz told her she had money for her to buy a house, and they clung to Wayan not letting go. It was a teary moment for me.

I really loved Felipe! I have a weakness/fetish for men who can speak another language. (shh don't tell my hubs. lol)

"And then he leads be back to the bed, saying, in Portuguese, "Vem, gostosta." Come here, my delicious one." pg. 295

I want to thank everyone who hosted me on their blogs. I enjoyed reading everyone's answers to the discussion questions and the comments left on all the blog posts. Thanks again!

TMAS Trailer Launch Party

2010-08-02T09:19:00.004-04:00

The lovely Holly Cupala has asked me to be a part of the trailer launch party for Tell Me A Secret, which I raved about in my review. Make sure you get in on the fun as there are lots of great prizes and I can tell you the book is amazing!

Party Prizes!
Here’s what people can win:
TMAS books!
t-shirts!
Fan-made bracelets by Hannah S!
Music that inspired the book!
Sneak Previews!
Bookmarks and Handmade Magnets!
and...
A Tell Me a Secret handmade necklace!

HOW TO WIN?
Share the Trailer Love!

Click here to go to YouTube, then click the Share button to send to your Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, or blog! 5 pts each
Click here to tell us where you posted and enter to win!

Plus Holly will be featured at readergirlz for the entire month of August, with a live Twitter chat coming up! Hope you enjoy the trailer, and thank you so much for being part of the virtual tour and party!

Love You, Hate You, Miss You by Elizabeth Scott

2010-07-29T15:05:00.000-04:00

Love You, Hate You, Miss You by Elizabeth Scott Summary:

It's been seventy-five days. Amy's sick of her parents suddenly taking an interest in her. And she's really sick of people asking her about Julia. Julia's gone, and Amy doesn't want to talk about it. No one knew Julia like she did. No one gets what life is without her.

No one understands what it's like to know that it's all your fault.

Amy's shrink thinks she should keep a journal but instead, Amy starts writing letters to Julia. And as she writes letter after letter, she begins to realize that the past holds its own secrets--and that the present deserves a chance.

Review:

I hadn’t read a single book by Elizabeth Scott until just last month and now I am reading through her entire catalog at a rapid pace. So far no two are the same and they are all factastic.

The novel opens with Amy being released from rehab and struggling to deal with the guilt she feels over her the death of her best friend, Julia. She takes the journal she is supposed to be keeping and uses it to write letters to Julia. As she remembers more and more about the final weeks leading up to Julia’s death her emotions change constantly, loving, hating and missing her best friend.

The journal entries are interspersed with the main text and it adds an authentic layer to the text.

Amy’s voice is so honest and sarcastic that she makes a great protagonist, even if she is sometimes unreliable. We see everything through her eyes, through her guilt and her alcohol abuse so sometimes it is hard to know if it is the entire truth or her version but I loved every second of that.

Every character in the book, not just Amy and Julia, are incredibly detailed and well rounded. Amy’s well-meaning but self-indulgent parents and the people Amy connects with (or doesn’t) when she goes back to school are all nuanced and deep and make for a well-rounded world.

The novel is striking, authentic and moving and another great read from Elizabeth Scott.

This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge

Random Real World connections

2010-07-28T00:02:00.000-04:00

So the other night on twitter I got in to a random conversation with the lovely Heidi R Kling and Eleni of La Femme Readers about my connection with a certain Real World New Orleans cast member. With a little urging from them (and a little need to fill some blog space this week while I am on vacation) I give you: How I know Ashlee from the Real World.

As I have mentioned before I recently moved to NC and work in college athletics. Well I got started on this particular career path while in college in Boston. I loved my time at Northeastern University and became very close with a lot of the student athletes while I worked in athletics throughout my time as a student. One of them was a women's basketball player: Ashlee!

Ashlee was also a communications major while I was studying journalism so some classes overlapped and we both worked for the student radio station. For a big school we ran in some pretty small circles. Now she is the sane one on this season of the Real World and it is hilarious to see her on television every week.
Me and Ashlee last May and then me and Ashlee with two of NU's men's basketball players Manny and Chris

Here is her profile from MTV Meet Ashlee: "Meet twenty-three year old single girl basketball player Ashlee."

So there is my fun story for the day. Do you know anyone who randomly ended up on reality television?

The Deadly Sister by Eliot Schrefer: 1 ARC Tours

2010-07-27T18:30:00.003-04:00

The Deadly Sister by Eliot Schrefer

Synopsis:

Abby Goodwin is sure her sister Maya isn't a murderer. But her parents don't agree. Her friends don't agree. And the cops definitely don't agree. Maya is a drop-out, a stoner, a girl who's obsessed with her tutor, Jefferson Andrews...until he ends up dead. Maya runs away, and leaves Abby following the trail of clues. Each piece of evidence points to Maya, but it also appears that Jefferson had secrets of his own. And enemies. Like his brother, who Abby becomes involved with...until he falls under suspicion.

Is Abby getting closer to finding the true murderer? Or is someone leading her down a twisted false path?

Review:

This book surprised me, in a really good way. I started out thinking the book was a really straight forward mystery that did a great job of showing how the family dynamic changed in the face of incredibly tragedy but there is so much more to it.

Schrefer does something really interesting in this novel, playing with the readers tendency to trust the narrator. I always do, I assume that what I am being told by the narrator is the truth but what happens if the narrator is too close to the story. It added a whole new layer to the book that I didn't see coming and was really happy with.

It is a story about what happens when a family gets wrapped up in a murder investigation, and the family relationships are really well written and explained. In the final third of the novel, Schrefer turns the whole plot on its head and really surprised me in a reader. He also does it in a really subtle way that added even more suspense.

I expected a straight forward murder mystery with some family drama thrown in, which I would have been fine with and enjoyed. What I got was more, and I couldn't put it down. This is a definite read for any mystery lovers out there.

I reviewed this book as part of the 1 ARC Tour.

This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge

If anyone else has reviewed this book leave a link in the comments. I would love to know what you thought.

Crossed Out by Kim Baccellia: Book It Forward ARC Tour

2010-07-26T14:43:00.004-04:00

Crossed Out by Kim Baccellia

Synopsis:
Stephanie Stewart didn't ask for her gift of guiding the deceased to the other side but she's stuck with it. Why can't dead people just follow that bright light and leave her alone? When Mr. Undead wants to use her special talent for his own evil purposes, her little gift becomes a major liability.

Review:
Every once in a while it happens, I have to write a bad review and let me tell you I never like doing it but here we go. I will do my best to state exactly what I didn't like so that it doesn't seem like I am needlessly bashing a book.

I felt like the book lacked originality, Steph is guiding the dead to the other side which I have been seeing quite a bit of in paranormal YA and of course a bad guy is trying to use her but getting her to fall for him while the good guy is trying to save her and of course is in love with her. Yeah, that pretty much sums up the plot. Well it does when you add in that she is trying to avoid using her gifts and there is a magical teacher that happens to arrive in her life at just the right time.

The story was predictable and I felt it didn't bring anything new or fun to the genre. It lacked the humor of Stacey Jay's You Are So Undead To Me or the drama and intrigue of Evermore by Alyson Noel.

I think if it was the first paranormal YA book I ever picked up I would have liked it, but there is much better out there so this one could easily be skipped. The writing was pretty good though so I won't rule out anything else by this author.

I reviewed this book as part of the Book It Forward ARC Tour.
This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge

In My Mailbox- July 25

2010-07-25T20:36:00.000-04:00

As always In My Mailbox is hosted by the amazing The Story Siren. See her blog for more details.

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

2010-07-24T16:17:00.000-04:00

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting Summary:

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her “power” to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he’s claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay’s intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she’s falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.

Review:

I have no clue why but I seem to absolutely fall in love with debut authors the last two years and The Body Finder quickly added itself to my favorite books of 2010. The book is incredibly original and the best mix of mystery and love story I have read in a while. It is the perfect combination of edge of your seat thrill ride and heart-melting love story and I couldn’t put it down.

Violet has a gift I can’t even begin to imagine dealing with, she can sense dead bodies and also the imprints left on those who have killed. They appear as colors, smells or sounds and every one is different. To me this is the most original paranormal ability that I have come across, and there is a lot of paranormal out there right now. Her ability lands her smack in the middle of a murder investigation but it is hardly her biggest problem.

She is also in love with her best friend Jay and their relationship is so much fun to read about and Jay might be one of the best book boyfriends ever, while still being realistic. He isn’t perfect but he is awesome and incredibly protective of Violet, which is good because she goes off chasing murderers and that can lead to some sticky situations.

I also really like how much the setting of the book plays in to the plot. Mount Rainier and Lake Tapps and all the other locations become another character in the book and it really adds a lot. Derting’s description of them is amazingly well done.

I don’t often talk about covers but I really love this one. I think it is gorgeous and to me it looks like it could be one of the colors of echoes Violet sees on somebody. I also love that the cover for the sequel, Desires of the Dead has been released and it keeps the same theme. So pretty!

This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge and 2010 Debut Authors Challenge

Best Friend Guest Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

2010-07-23T09:45:00.005-04:00

It is time for another edition of Best Friend Guest Review with my lovely best friend JTR! If you missed the earlier ones check them out here and as always leave her lots of love and encouragement so she comes back for more.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

The Mortal Instruments: Book One

I picked up this book on the recommendation of a girl I met once, so I really had no idea what her taste of books was like (although we had briefly bonded over our mutual love of the Harry Potter series so I knew that was a good sign) and I had no idea what this series was about.

It turns out it’s about a bunch of my favorite things: unrequited teen love, vampires and supernatural worlds, kick-butt (Erika Lynn interjecting here: this is why she is my best friend, I would have said kick-ass) evil vanquishers, New York City, boys with daddy issues. What’s not to like?

It was a slow burn for me at first getting into the world of Clary, a teenage girl who thinks she leads a normal life in Brooklyn by dragging her side-kick best friend Simon to dance clubs and hanging out at hipster poetry cafés. Everything changes once Clary witnesses a bizarre murder/demon slaying, her mother is kidnapped and a mysterious, arrogant boy named Jace opens her eyes further to the supernatural world around her.

I admit I still feel the story is a bit predictable, and the background of the Shadowhunters is definitely reflective of a number of other fantasy novels, but it is the strength of Cassandra Clare’s characters that keep me reading. As Clary, Jace, Simon and Jace’s adopted brother and sister Alec and Isabelle gallivant across Manhattan to try to discover what’s happened to Clary’s mom, it is the incestuous (in at least one case literally) relationships and teen angst that drive their motivations as much as their Shadowhunter training and demon prejudices. As the pentagonal love situation tries to work itself out, I find I have also become fully invested in the fantasy of this hidden world that exists in the shadows of our reality. And I want to continue following Clary and Jace as they hunt down the mysterious Valentine and uncover more about the secret lives and connection they both never knew they had.

And for the record, I now know that most people seem to be all about Team Jace – but I am for Simon all the way. I guess I’m just a sucker for the nice best friend whose love will probably always be unrequited, but he continues to express it anyway. (If you couldn’t guess I’m also a firm supporter of Team Jacob in that other little known series about vampires or something.)

The quote that solidified me being a fan of this book:

Clary: “All my life I’ve felt like there was something wrong with me. Something missing or damaged. Now I know-”

Magnus (a warlock): “I didn’t damaged you … every teenager in the world feels like that, feels broken or out of place, different somehow, royalty mistakenly born into a family of peasants. The difference in your case is that it’s true. You are different. Maybe not better – but different. And it’s no picnic being different.”

P.S. I read this and City of Ashes virtually back-to-back. In fact I had a little difficulty separating them out, but you definitely will be hearing from me about the second in this series soon. If it’s any indication I immediately put the third book in the series on hold at my library after Erika Lynn (barely) talked me out of spending $25 to get the hardcover at the bookstore. Paperback is out in August, I might still be tempted to buy.

Erika Lynn again, after hearing how much JTR loved this series I went and got the first one from the library, I am about to see what all the fuss is about.

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff: Book It Forward ARC Tours

2010-07-22T07:18:00.001-04:00

Summary:
Mackie Doyle seems like everyone else in the perfect little town of Gentry, but he is living with a fatal secret – he is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now the creatures under the hill want him back, and Mackie must decide where he really belongs and what he really wants. A month ago, Mackie might have told them to buzz off. But now, with a budding relationship with tough, wounded, beautiful Tate, Mackie has too much to lose. Will love finally make him worthy of the human world.

Review:
The Replacement is creepy, and let me tell you I mean that in the most praise-worthy way possible. It isn’t like scary movie, hide under the pillow creepy. No it is creepy in a way that draws you in and makes you part of the town so you can literally feel the rain and sense everything Mackie does. Brenna Yovanoff creates a world that is so creepy and realistic it actually made me uncomfortable at times because the descriptions felt so real. She manages to write beautifully about a very ugly world.

I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book base on the description, but I really did think it is an incredibly original and imaginative novel. The first thing I loved is that the protagonist is a male, which I find is so rare in YA (see this post for more on that) and he is a complex, well-rounded character and not some simple stereotype.

Another thing I loved is that Yovanoff created a truly original setting in the town of Gentry. I have never read a book with a setting quite like this town and she did such an incredible job of describing it that I could literally feel like I was in the world. She described every scene using all the senses, I could smell the woodsy leaves she constantly talked about and felt damp and soggy from all the rain. She did an incredible job.

Yovanoff also drops the reader right in to the world and it does take about 90 pages to really figure out who everyone is and how they fit in to the town’s very strange dynamics. There were times early on that I was frustrated and confused but it all came together and became a very cohesive narrative.

Mackie’s supporting cast are also incredibly well-developed and realistic characters, I love his sisters Emma who is so loving and compassionate, his best friend Roswell who is steadfast and loyal and Tate who pushes Mackie toward the truth.

With this complex, original novel Yovanoff has set the bar incredibly high for whatever she comes out with next. I’m convinced she is the female version of Tim Burton and he will jump all over the chance to make this in to a movie.

The Replacement will be released on Sept. 21, 2010.
I reviewed this book as part of the Book It Forward ARC Tour.
This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge and 2010 Debut Authors Challenge

A Good Cause and A Giveaway

2010-07-21T17:39:00.002-04:00

Operation "I Heart Joy Like BR80" is in full swing, and this is a cause I love! It's to support an organization called Joy 2 the World, which generates micro-credit loans for the women of Ghana to encourage independence and empowerment. Besides giving loans to women for small business start-ups, they also help build wells for clean water (as opposed to river water), create pre-k schools with hot meals, and awards scholarships to those attending school.

The Misadventure's In Candyland is running a huge contest in support of Joy 2 the World, and the list of prizes is pretty incredible. Go help a good cause!

Eat Pray Love 4 - India

2010-07-21T16:19:00.006-04:00

Finish India, where she prays a lot. Richard is a major character in this part of the book. He really is a true friend and is brutally honest. I think everyone has a Richard, maybe write a post about that person in your life as well as any general discussion about this section.

This section has always been two things to me: the part I can relate to the least and the part I admire the most. I couldn't even begin to imagine going to the ashram and sitting in silence. I don't think I have ever had or will ever have the self control for that. However, there is no arguing that it worked for her. It is also the hardest part of the book for me to read because it forces me to think about really uncomfortable things, feelings and emotions that we all try to bury. But it is the dealing of these emotions that make me a better version of myself than I was when I first read the book.

I love Richard, he is my favorite part of this book. Some of his lines are my favorite in the entire thing including "See, now that's your problem. You're wishin' too much, baby. You gotta stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone oughtta be." which have become words I try and live by every single day. I have had a few Richards in my life, people who are unfailingly honest and bring out the best in me. For the purposes of this I will tell that my very best friend in the entire world is Jessica and she is definitely that person more than anyone else and I am very lucky to have her, even if we live thousands of miles apart. She also happens to write guest reviews occasionally that you should check out.

Felicia's Thoughts

I don’t think that I have a friend that brutally honest as ‘Richard from Texas’ was to Liz. I have a couple of people that might come close though. One of those people, my husband, whose real name Richard too, is one person I rely on to tell me the truth. I consider my husband my friend and someone who would be honest with me if I ask him. I don’t know if he would be brutally honest, with me, but honest enough I think. My other friend is a woman I consider my best friend, someone I’ve known since my high school days. I have no doubt that she is someone that would be honest with me about anything I ask her. In my opinion, the reason that ‘Richard from Texas’ could be so brutally honest with Liz is because he really didn’t know her that well. I mean, yes, he knew her, and he understood her (or so it seemed), but they were not friends for a very long time. They met and became friend in just a short matter of months, so I think that is the reason he could be so honest with her, because he only knew of her what he saw and what she told him. There still was a bit of distance in their relationship and because of that he was able to be brutally honest with Liz. I think the closer you are to a person, the less likely you want to hurt them if what you have to tell them might rub them the wrong way. I think we are honest to a certain point with people we have a history with versus those that we don’t.

This is section was the one I was most apprehensive about. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect so I (tried) to continue to keep an open mind. This section was kinda interesting, kinda boring (reminded me of reading a text book at school at some points), and kinda funny (Richard from Texas was funny). But ultimately, I could not connect with Liz in this section. Sure, I understood this was her journey to find God/her spiritual self and I get that. It just felt abstract to me. There was nothing that called to me, nothing that spoke to my inner self that said ‘Ahh… so that’s what she’s talking about’. So, I was left with a feel of, ‘yeah, ok, but what do you want me to do with that information?’. I found her chanting and mediation techniques vaguely interesting. I used to meditate (and do yoga, but it was mainly for exercise, not to connect to the spiritual), but I couldn’t quiet my mind enough to continue with it, so I stopped. I assumed this part is to get you to examine your own spiritual connection. So I did, briefly. I do pray nightly, but it’s mostly for others. I’m still working on my own spiritual connection and I figure it will come in time. Now that we are through this section, I’m almost (almost) eager to see what her ‘Love’ is all about.

Everyone should link up and share what they thought of India.

Summer Break Reading Challenge Activity #9 - Your Book In Pictiures

2010-07-20T12:54:00.003-04:00

"A picture is worth a thousand words." We've all heard that quote over the years and now it is time to put it to the test. Here is what you have to do:

1. Think about the book you are reading right now (or one you just finished) and choose key scenes, settings, and characters that would give people a good idea what the story is about.
2. Using the Internet, find pictures to represent those scenes, settings, and characters.
3. Create a blog post using the pictures. Incorporate a little text to help out the reader, but remember, the pictures are the most important aspect of this activity.I chose the Scarlett Wakefield books Kiss Me Kill Me and Kisses and Lies which I just finished and reviewed. The main mystery is that a boy dies while kissing Scarlett and some of the most important clues to his death are an epipen, peanut oil and a designer handbag. The first book is set primarily in London and much of the action in the second book happens in a Scottish castle. Scarlett is a gymnast and it is a very important skill for her and finally the maze is a part of her school, the Wakefield Academy. So there it is, the books in pictures.

See what other images people came up with for the books they are currently reading.

Grace by Elizabeth Scott: Traveling ARC Tours

2010-07-19T08:41:00.000-04:00

Grace by Elizabeth Scott
Summary:

Grace was raised to be an Angel, a herald of death by suicide bomb. But she refuses to die for the cause, and now Grace is on the run, daring to dream of freedom.

In search of a border she may never reach, she travels among malevolent soldiers on a decrepit train crawling through the desert. Accompanied by the mysterious Kerr, Grace struggles to be invisible, but the fear of discovery looms large as she recalls the history and events that delivered her uncertain fate.

Review:

I never thought I would pick up a YA book about a suicide bomber and devour it in one sitting. Elizabeth Scott has crafted an incredibly original novel about a young girl born in to the type of ideological war that engulfs so much of the world and makes her story relatable, moving and downright brilliant.

Grace is on a train with a stranger, Kerr, both hiding in plain sight as they try to get to the border and escape their death-filled lives. As the plot moves forward, Scott peels back layer after layer of their pasts and how they have been intertwined for years.

Scott’s writing is minimal and poetic, revealing only the exact details that somehow form the big pictures. This is a piece of art where the whole truly is greater than the sum of its parts.

Grace is engaging and moving enough to be read for pleasure but also smart and insightful enough that I can see it being read in both history and English classes. It has genuine insight in to an all-to-relevant world and an ending that will leave you both hopeful and haunted.

Grace will be released on September 16. ARC was reviewed as part of Traveling ARC Tours.
This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge

In My Mailbox - July 18

2010-07-17T23:11:00.000-04:00

As always In My Mailbox is hosted by the amazing The Story Siren. See her blog for more details.

Tell Me A Secret by Holly Cupala (Review)
Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter (Review)
Bailey Kelsey at ceruleannotions
The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
Crossed Out by Kim Baccellia
Book It Forward ARC Tours
Grace by Elizabeth Scott
Traveling ARC Tours
I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone by Stephanie Kuehnert
Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr
Sea Change by Aimee Friedman
Kathy at Bermudia Onion
Chimera by Rob Thurman
The Knight Agency
The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
Fallout by Ellen Hopkins
Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams
Crusade by Nancy Holder and Debbie Vigue
White Cat by Holly Black
Elizabeth Scott (and there is a question for you Ms. Scott)
Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink
The Gift by James Patterson
Monster High by Lisi Harrison
The Thin Executioner by Darren Shan
Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan
Fourth Comings by Megan McCafferty
32 Candles by Ernessa Carter
Bookin With Bingo

Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson

2010-07-17T03:24:00.001-04:00

Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson

Summary:

After discovering that someone saw what looked like Dan’s emergency EpiPen in A-lister Plum’s designer handbag, Scarlett and her tough American sidekick, Taylor, sneak into a posh London nightclub, where Plum has a private table. Scarlett is stunned to discover a piece of evidence that might implicate another girl in Plum’s exclusive circle, Lucy Raleigh. Which means Scarlett must cast a wider net in order to catch the right suspect.

Back at school, groundskeeper Jase is hoping to take Scarlett’s mind off her troubles with some heart-stopping kisses. Scarlett can’t help but feel guilty for indulging in romantic rendezvous when she should be hunting down Dan’s killer. However, once Scarlett finds out how Lucy is connected to Dan, she knows she must drop everything and travel to the McAndrew estate in Scotland to hunt for more clues. But when she arrives, Scarlett becomes the target of a dangerous hunt herself.

Review:

I was seriously frustrated with the first book of the series, Kiss Me Kill Me but Kisses and Lies fixed all the problems I had with book one. First of all there was a conclusion, the mystery was solved, I know who killed Dan and let me tell you it was a shocker.

Kisses and Lies had all the things I really enjoyed from Kiss Me Kill Me, Scarlett as a great main character, further development of her friends Taylor and Jase, it was fun and well written and then I got what I wanted the first time: plot development.

Scarlett’s trip to Scotland give the story motivation and development that never happened in book one and there is actually a resolution to who killed Dan. The clues from book one are important but we learn so much more in book two and this book could really stand on its own.

Dan’s family has some serious skeletons hidden in the castle and as Scarlett uncovers them and figures out who killed Dan the book is impossible to put down. It is entertaining and suspenseful with just enough humor. And I was totally surprised with who the killer ended up being and what the motivation was

This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge

Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson

2010-07-16T14:17:00.005-04:00

Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson

Summary:

When 16-year-old Scarlett Wakefield transfers from St. Tabby’s to Wakefield Hall Collegiate, she is relieved that no one knows her dark, haunting secret. A few months ago, Scarlett was invited to an elite party with a guest list full of the hottest names in British society, including Dan McAndrew. Before the party, Scarlett had only imagined what it would be like to have her first kiss with Dan, but on the penthouse terrace, Dan leaned in close and she no longer had to wonder. Their kiss was beautiful and perfect and magical, and then . . . Dan McAndrew took his last breath as she held him in her arms. No one knows how or why Dan died, and everyone at St. Tabby’s believes Scarlett had something to do with it. But now that she’s safely hidden away at Wakefield Hall, Scarlett would rather forget that it ever happened. Only she can’t. Especially when she receives an anonymous note that will set her on the path to clearing her name and finding out what really happened to the first and last boy she kissed.

Review:

I had a hard time with the beginning of this novel but by the end I really loved it. It was a slow start for me, I felt like there was too much background information and not enough action to begin the book, especially since the synopsis tells us what the major conflict is going to be. I really felt like I was half-way through the book and hadn’t really learned anything new or important.

However, once Dan died the story really picked up and I was very interested. Scarlett is a great protagonist, and I love living this story through her. She is funny and brave but realistic enough that going through this ordeal with her is very understandable.

While I loved the characters in the book, and the idea of the story I was really frustrated at the end. I felt like nothing was actually resolved and at the end of the book I knew just about nothing more than I had from the synopsis. Its like this book existed merely as a prequel to Kisses and Lies. I love reading books in a series but the main conflict in this book is never resolved, it is all back story and no action which is really frustrating. Thankfully, I already had the second book in the series so I was able to read them consecutively which made me less angry but if I didn’t I would have been seriously ticked off. My review of the second book will come soon, and I really liked it.

I wanted to really like Kiss Me Kill Me. The writing is great, the characters are great but I was really frustrated with how the plot never amounted to more than the summary on the back of the book.

This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge

2010 Debut Author Challenge

2010-07-13T10:38:00.002-04:00

The 2010 Debut Author Challenge is being hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren.

The objective is to read a set number of YA (Young Adult) or MG (Middle Grade) novels from debut authors published this year. I'm going to challenge everyone to read at least 12 debut novels! Click here to read all the details.

I am a little late to the party but I am going to play along anyway and here are the debuts I want to read. I will link to my reviews as I complete them.

1. Tell Me A Secret by Holly Cupala
2. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
3. All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
4. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
5.The Mark by Jen Nadol
6. The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
7. Simply from Scratch by Alicia Bessette
8. Swallow by Tonya Plank
9. Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
10. The Line by Teri Hall
11. Claire De Lune by Christine Johnson
12. Freefall by Mindi Scott
13. Tweet Heart by Elizabeth Rudnick
14. The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Tell Me A Secret by Holly Cupala

2010-07-13T00:04:00.005-04:00

Summary:
Tell me a secret, and I'll tell you one...

In the five years since her bad-girl sister Xanda’s death, Miranda Mathison has wondered about the secret her sister took to the grave, and what really happened the night she died. Now, just as Miranda is on the cusp of her dreams—a best friend to unlock her sister’s world, a ticket to art school, and a boyfriend to fly her away from it all—Miranda has a secret all her own. Then two lines on a pregnancy test confirm her worst fears. Stripped of her former life, Miranda must make a choice with tremendous consequences and finally face her sister’s demons and her own.

Review:
It is very rare that I find a book so engaging that it literally pulls me in to the pages and the world around me stops. In my ridiculously busy schedule I can rarely pick up a book and read it cover to cover in one sitting, life just gets in the way.

However, life had to wait tonight as I started reading Tell Me A Secret and everything else literally disappeared. I didn't eat dinner, I didn't watch the Home Run Derby (if you have ever met me in real life you know this is a HUGE deal), I didn't do anything but read every word of this amazing novel.

Now if you are having trouble following what I am saying, I don't blame you, I am having trouble thinking clearly having finished this book just minutes ago but I will just lay it out there. THIS.BOOK.IS.BEYOND.PERFECT.

Cupala has managed to write a book that is both heartbreaking and full of hope, and impossible to put down. She writes about the secrets of a teenage girl, the trials of a family and how both birth and death can change everything in an instant.

Rand has lost her sister and is now pregnant and still in high school and the journey she takes the reader on is perfectly written. Cupala makes sure we feel every single emotion Rand does, from the happy to the sad to the angry to the heartbreaking, and yes I cried while I read this.

One of my favorite things about the book is that every character has multiple names, and they all represent different parts of their lives. It is in these small details that the book is even more incredible.

Every character, from Rand to her mother to her boyfriend and her best friend, has so many layers and twists that create a depth I've rarely seen in a single novel. It usually takes many books in a series to create the kind of well-rounded characters there are in Tell Me A Secret.

I can make you one promise, you will not be able to put this book down.

I was lucky enough to win a signed copy of this book at Cupala's website but everyone should go buy this book right now. It is a truly original YA novel from an incredibly talented debut author. I can hardly wait for whatever she puts out next.

This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge and 2010 Debut Authors Challenge

Eat Pray Love 3 or What's Your Word?

2010-07-11T17:28:00.002-04:00

Having finished Italy discuss what the first phase of the journey has been like. Something fun could be that in Chapter 33 while sitting in an outdoor café in Rome, Gilbert’s friend declares that every city—and every person—has a word. Rome’s is “sex,” the Vatican’s “power”; Gilbert declares New York’s to be “achieve,” but only later stumbles upon her own word, antevasin, Sanskrit for “one who lives at the border.” What is your word? Is it possible to choose a word that retains its truth for a lifetime?

The first part of the book is so much about her healing in Italy. She has to learn how to smile, laugh and enjoy life again before she can really begin the hard stuff. I love this part of the book because she fights her depression and just does what I wish I could do. Travels around Italy, learning the language (of which I have a basic knowledge), eating the food and just enjoying the country. I firmly believe we would have a lot less depression if we could all treat it this way.

As for my word, I have spent a lot of time thinking about this since the first time I read the book. I have even asked my friends what my word is but of course I haven’t yet found the perfect one. I often end up back at fuerza, which is strength in Italian but it hasn’t seemed perfect yet. Trust me, when I do find my word I am getting it inked on my body somewhere. When I asked my friends a lot of them said independent. And while that feels close as well, it doesn’t feel quite right. Maybe part of it is that those are different words for different phases of my life and I am still looking for something all encompassing.

One particularly close friend said my word is sassy. I think that’s funny but there is no way I am owning it as my word.

The next part of the journey is totally different. And I hope you all enjoy!

Summer Break Reading Challenge Activity #8

2010-07-11T10:41:00.006-04:00

This Activity involves you creating a Read-a-Like List. You can choose any topic/theme that you want and there isn't any specific number of titles required. Just be sure there are enough so it can be considered a list.

Lately I have realized that I have been reading a lot of books set in schools. Now granted, they were both series but I really liked them and the school became a character, which I thought was great. Also, both times I have thought, this is great but it has nothing on Hogwarts!

The Gallagher Girls Series by Ally Carter: the Gallagher Academy is a very important character in itself and of course the main characters know every inch of the building, including the secret passages.

Lauren Henderson's Kiss Me Kill Me and Kisses and Lies. The Wakefield Academy becomes its very own character and of course Scarlett's advantage is that she grew up on the grounds and knows them better than anyone.

I am sure there are more but these are the ones I have read recently and both times I have thought, I love when the school has its own personality. I wish I went to either of these schools, or Hogwarts!

In My Mailbox- July 11

2010-07-11T00:07:00.005-04:00

Or the one in which I sound like an idiot. I blame exhaustion and too much sun!
As always In My Mailbox is hosted by the amazing The Story Siren. See her blog for more details.

Summer Break Reading Challenge Activity #7 - Reading Update

2010-07-09T00:28:00.000-04:00

Here is what I have been up to this summer and I am only counting books read or reviewed after the first activity on June 24.

Read and Reviewed:
I'd Tell You I'd Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter
Bloom by Elizabeth Scott
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Trust Me by Brenda Novak
Stop Me by Brenda Novak
Watch Me by Brenda Novak
Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt
You Are So Undead To Me by Stacey Jay
Cross My Heart And Hope To Spy by Ally Carter
Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
Beige by Cecil Castelluci
The Perfect Couple by Brenda Novak

Read and Not Yet Reviewed
Kiss Me, Kill Me by Lauren Henderson
Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson
The Perfect Liar by Brenda Novak

Currently Read
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

I have only read 3/11 from my original reading list but I have read enough that I am okay with my list changing. Plus a lot of what I'm reading I am loving so it is really okay to change the game plan.

How is your progress?

Eat Pray Love 2 or the one where I over share

2010-07-08T11:30:00.004-04:00

After reading the book for a week what are your first impressions? So much of this part of the book is about Liz’s battle of modern vs. traditional, where do you fall on the spectrum. Are you married with children or do you never want to get married, or like most I would guess are you somewhere in between?

Here is the part where I lay it all out there so maybe people can begin to understand why I love this book. I can’t tell you what my first impressions are because I have read this book so many times but I can tell you what happened the first time I read it.

I was 21 years old and a totally different person than I am now. I had made a habit out of letting people in to my life that would drain on my resources, emotionally and physically, because it was always about them, never a give-and-take. At 21 I had friends who weren’t very good to me and was in a horrible relationship. Basically, I was miserable, about to graduate college, terrified of the real world and felt more alone than I can possibly explain. And then I was out buying up books for quarters at tag sales and came across a bag of books for a dollar. I didn’t care what was in it, who could pass that up. I bought the bag and somewhere down in the bottom was a copy of Eat Pray Love. I threw it in my suitcase and headed back to school (I had bought it while home visiting the family).

I don’t know what made me pick it up and start reading one day while sitting at my favorite bench on campus. As I worked my way through the first few sections all I could think was HOLY SHIT! Now excuse my language but that is the only way I have to convey how I really felt. My life was so difference from Gilberts but our issues were very similar and to fix both would take drastic work. I think I might have actually started crying sitting on that bench. Seriously, I was that moved.

Now, I understand that some people find her to be whiny at the beginning of the novel and as I read it now, with my life totally different (in a good way), I can see that. But then, when I was 21 and so miserable I didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning she wasn’t whining. She was telling the completely unfiltered truth and I knew I needed to try that.

Now just as a disclaimer, I started slowly but efficiently getting rid of all the unhealthy people in my life. It wasn’t easy and it took time but now, over two years later, my life is so much better I hardly recognize the person who left all kinds of markings in my copy of EPL. This book helped me make serious changes and I am not really sure if I would have done it had I not stumbled upon this book. Gilbert has yoga. I have books.
Now maybe that is way more than I should share with the whole internet but enough people in my life already know about it so I don’t really care.

As for the modern vs. traditional part, well I am so far on the modern side sometimes I feel like living in the south is the dumbest thing I ever did. I am one of the very few little girls I knew who didn’t play with baby dolls and pretend she was a mommy, I never pictured my wedding day and I never thought “I like that name, I will keep it in mind for my future children.”

I have never once in my life wished I could get married. I am told (over and over and over and over) that this will change as I get older and that would be fine, but I really don’t want to get married. I love being single and my life is great this way. I have a career that requires a lot of travel and I work nights and weekends from September to June. Working in college athletics is amazing, fun and rewarding. This spring I worked with a baseball team and sometimes it felt like I had 30 kids, trust me I worry about them like a parent sometimes and I am certainly proud like a parent when they do well.

Moving to North Carolina a year ago was a major shock for me, I grew up in NY and went to college in Boston. I couldn’t understand why everyone down here was 25 and already married, or at least engaged, it was crazy to me. And my I don’t want to get married and I really don’t want kids attitude took them all by storm for sure. It has been a fun year of explaining my life philosophies and trying to be open minded to theirs.

Okay, enough ranting. If anyone actually made it to the bottom of this post, thank you, now head over to The Book Vixen to see what everyone else thinks.

The Perfect Couple by Brenda Novak

2010-07-07T10:39:00.002-04:00

The Perfect Couple by Brenda Novak

Summary:

A mother faces her greatest fear.

Zoe Duncan’s thirteen-year-old daughter goes missing from her own backyard while she's home sick from school. The police suspect Samantha’s a runaway—she’s not happy about her mother’s upcoming marriage—but Zoe knows Sam would never do that.

Terrified of losing the person she loves most, Zoe is willing to do anything to bring Sam home, even if it means giving up her job, her nice home and her relationship with the man she thought she wanted….

A detective faces his hardest case.

Jonathan Stivers is a private investigator who donates his time to The Last Stand, a victims’ charity in Sacramento. He’s good at what he does, the best. Which is why he’s called on to help Zoe Duncan find her missing daughter. But never has he had fewer leads to work with—or been more attracted to a client. He’s sure of only one thing: Sam was taken by someone close to the family. He doesn’t realize how close until he realizes that the “perfect” couple next door is anything but…

Review:
Brenda Novak wrote the Last Stand series in two parts. The first three books, Trust Me, Stop Me and Watch Me are about the three women who opened the Last Stand, a non-profit that helps victims of violent crimes. The first three books were their stories and I was completely captivated by them, reading all three in a weekend.

After I finished them I learned three more books had been written, The Perfect Couple, The Perfect Liar and The Perfect Murder. They all have ties to the first three but are very different.

The Perfect Couple was a good book but I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as the first three books in the series. This time the book is much more about the villains then the members of the Last Stand. Jonathan, a private detective who has been a major help to the Last Stand is the tie in this time and while he is a major character he isn’t the focus.

He is helping a woman, Zoe, whose daughter was kidnapped by her neighbors, although she has no idea her daughter is so close. Naturally Jonathan and Zoe are attracted to each other and the moments they share are some of my favorite in the book.

Tiffany and Colin are the seemingly perfect couple next door who have more than a few secrets. None of this is a spoiler since you find out they are the kidnappers from the very beginning. What Novak does so well is tell the story with shifting points of view. We see the story from every character’s point of view which is both interesting and adds to the suspense. When Zoe is in the same house as her missing daughter you want to scream at her because she is sharing a meal with the kidnappers and we are getting the story from every possible angle.

While the changing points of view is consistent with the first three books, we get way more of the villains in The Perfect Couple and somehow is took something away for me. I really liked Jonathan as the link the The Last Stand but I didn’t get enough of him. He was completely overshadowed by Colin and Tiffany and their crazyness.

I think as a stand alone novel I would have really enjoyed The Perfect Couple but because I was expecting it to follow the same pattern as the first three books I didn’t like it as much. I am hoping that I will be able to readjust my expectations and enjoy the final two books in the series.

This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge.

Heavenly Trailer

2010-07-06T22:29:00.002-04:00

Check out the awesome trailer for Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens and then head to her blog and sign up to win a copy. I can't wait to read it!

Summer Break Reading Challenge Activity #6

2010-07-06T20:33:00.006-04:00

The assignment for the Summer Break Reading Challenge today is to answer the ever important question: Who are your literature heart throbs?

Marcus Flutie
A major character in Megan McCafferty's Jessica Darling Series (Sloppy First, Second Helpings etc.) he is equal parts bad boy and soulful writer. In the FAQ on her website McCafferty said he is "the fantasy I hoped the real life guys would turn out to be–but didn’t. So in a way, I’m living through Jessica, just like you are." Yeah I have a big fat literary crush on him.

Alex Cross
A crime-fighting detective and super dad who loves his grandmother and still mourns the death of his wife. Yeah James Patterson nailed this man. I prefer not to picture Alex Cross as Morgan Freeman who played him in Along Came a Spider. I prefer the image in my head.

Damon Salvatore
What can I say, I am not immune to the vampires, I just prefer mine a little more badass than Edward. Damon from the Vampire Diaries is definitely my favorite vampire and Ian Somerhalder only made me love him more.

Of course I also love Harry Potter and I am firmly on team Jacob but I thought a lot of people would pick them so I tried to think a little outside the box. Apparently I like my fictional men a little on the brooding side. Who are your fictional crushes?

Best Friend Guest Review: So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld

2010-07-05T20:21:00.006-04:00

So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld

I was introduced to Scott Westerfeld with the Uglies series last year when Erika Lynn, the blogger extraordinaire of Kiss My Book insisted I would love it. She was of course right and I devoured the entire series even the bonus book Extras. I loved Westerfeld’s characters and his penchant for suspense and mystery in crafting his adventures. So I have been interested in reading more his books ever since. At B&N my decision came down to Peeps (his vampire novel) and So Yesterday (a book about trendsetters and consumerism). Now I have recently overdosed – in a good way – on vampires after reading Charlaine Harris’ entire Sookie Stackhouse series over the past month, so So Yesterday was the book for me.

So Yesterday is set in our world of focus groups and corporate advertising domination. It follows Hunter, a teenage trendsetter whose job is to observe and find the latest “it” thing. He reports what’s cool to “the client” – a mega corporation that shall remain nameless. Hunter’s life gets thrown for a loop when he meets Jen – an innovator or inventor of cool things. When Hunter’s boss gets kidnapped, he and Jen get caught up in a tangled web of mystery as they try to find her and in the process discover the anti-client – a group determined to undermine to consumerism obsessions of modern day society.

If it sounds a little convoluted that’s because it is. I have trouble relating to Hunter. His lack of drive makes him the ultimate follower, which is perfect for his trendsetting observation skills, but is frustrating as he seems to just bob around after Jen’s spontaneous decisions for most of the book. The best part of the book is Westerfeld’s wordplay – he never once says the name of a product but you know through his descriptions exactly what movie franchise or shoe brand he is referring to. It is a little unnerving how easy it is to understand his double speak and really show how programmed we all are into the consumerism that surrounds us. I also enjoyed Hunter’s tangents and explanations of the history of certain trends, like who were the first people to wear the color purple. I love books that leave me with lasting little nuggets of information. You never know when an occasion will call for these pieces of trivia.

Overall, the book was a disappointment mainly because of my high expectations after the Uglies series. It was still what I call a perfect subway read: a book I can enjoy for the 20 minutes I’m on the train going to and from work, but that I don’t enjoy so much that I feel compelled to read and walk as I go the rest of the way to the office. Trust me, as a new New York City gal the books that make me want to read and walk are very dangerous – those cabs don’t stop for anything!

Favorite quote from So Yesterday – “Still, you can’t blame the client for following the first rule of consumerism. Never give us what we really want. Cut the dream into pieces and scatter them like ashes. Dole out the empty promises. Package our aspirations and sell them to us, cheaply made enough to fall apart.”

Kinda depressing isn’t it.

Thanks again for stopping by BFF! I miss you!

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain trailer and contest

2010-07-03T09:51:00.003-04:00

Bree Despain, author of The Dark Divine, is holding a contest at her blog where you can win up to 11 books for helping her book trailer get a ton of hits. It is pretty fabulous so take a watch then head over to her blog. I am really excited to read The Dark Divine!

About the Dark Divine

A Prodigal Son
A Dangerous Love
A Deadly Secret

Grace Divine—daughter of the local pastor—always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood.

Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul.

EDITED TO ADD:
Enna Isilee over at Squeaky Books is having a contest giving away Bree Despain's The Dark Divine! Head on over to Ennalee's blog (Click Here) to find out how to win. In the meantime, check out this awesome trailer for the book!

Beige by Cecil Castellucci

2010-07-02T03:37:00.000-04:00

Summary:
When she’s exiled from Canada to sunny Los Angeles, Katy figures she’ll bury her nose in a book and ignore the fact that she’s spending two weeks with her father. Her father, Beaut Ratner—punk name: the Rat—is a recovered addict and the drummer of the famously infamous band, Suck. Even though she doesn’t want to be there, even though she feels abandoned by her mom, even though the Rat isn’t anything she’d call a father, Katy is a nice girl. She’s quiet and polite. She smiles. Another kind of girl, one like doom-and-gloom Lake—lead singer for an all-girl band and the Rat’s idea of a chaperone—might take off, break the rules, scrawl manifestoes on the walls. Or she might pound on the skins and cymbals, let it all out, because sometimes the beat’s better than crying. Sometimes it’s the same thing. But music is dangerous and Katy isn’t that kind of girl. So what kind of girl is she?

Review:
I bought this book last summer at The Strand when I was in NYC visiting my BFF. It made the move with me to North Carolina just a few weeks later and for the last year has been sitting on my bookshelf so modestly. I am not sure what finally made me pull it down and give it a shot but I am really glad I did and feeling a little dumb for having waited so long. I really enjoyed this book and any fan of Audrey, Wait! (which I clearly was) needs to read this.

Katy is beige. She is boring and blends in. That is until she goes to live with her rocker Dad, The Rat, and her whole world changes. Sure all the life changes and the ending are fairly predictable but the way Cecil Castellucci infuses the California punk rock scene in to the story is pure genius.

The book reads really fast, I finished it in one afternoon by the pool, but all the characters are fully developed and extreme. Either, extremely sweet and sentimental or extremely difficult, everyone in the novel is extreme. The characters are fully developed and easily relatable and The Rat, Lake, Garth and Trixie all add something amazing to the world Katy is thrown in to.

Each chapter title is the name of a song and there are so many references to music in the novel that it really made me want to download a ton of songs and name it the Beige playlist.

I also really appreciated that Castellucci tackled the darker sides of the music business head on. She didn’t dance around topics like sex and drugs, instead she made sure readers were aware that they were part of the world and showed the very real effect they have on people.

So many things to really love about this book and with that I am off to see if my library has any of Castellucci’s other books!

Has anyone read Beige or anything else by Castellucci? Leave your reviews in the comments.

This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge.

Eat Pray Love Book Club Activity #1

2010-07-01T10:14:00.007-04:00

The Book Vixen is hosting a book club for Eat Pray Love, which is one of my all-time favorite books. I can not begin to explain to you how much I love this book, but I will try over the course of the next month. You can still join in if you would like, just head over to the Book Vixen and sign up.

Today's assignment: What preconceived notions do you have of the book as a first time reader? What have you heard about it? What do you anticipate going into it? Why do you want to read it?

This is where my answer will be different then everyone else because I am on the only one in the book club who has read the book before. I honestly can't remember what my feelings were going in to the book but I read the book at a time in my life where I sort of felt like I was falling apart. They were not good times, and there was something about reading this book, about another woman going through the same thing that was incredibly powerful. I don't know if I would love this book nearly as much if I read it at a different time in my life, a time like now when everything is more pulled together.

Now, I anticipate that there will be people in the book club who don't love it as fiercely as I do, and there may be people who don't even like it and that is fine. I also can't wait to re-read it now, I have read it multiple times, and I often go back to it when I am having a tough day and just read some of my favorite passages but it will be interesting to read it cover to cover and discuss it now and see how differently I feel about it.

There will be EPL Book Club posts on July 8, July 11, July 20 and July 31. Also be on the lookout for a special vlog that I will do to show you my worn and ragged, but loved, copy of the book in the next few days.

Head over to The Book Vixen and see what everyone else is anticipating from the book.

Summer Break Reading Challenge Activity #3

2010-06-30T10:07:00.002-04:00

One of the best and most important things about blogging is building community and learning from others. Today I'm going to ask you to explore the Internet and find some things on other blogs. So, Activity #4 is a scavenger hunt. Head back to the challenge to see what everyone else found

1. A blog that is new to you that focuses on the same type of literature you do (ex: I read YA so the blog would need to focus on YA).
I learned about this blog on twitter from someone I always read so I checked it out and then saw that she was also participating in the Summer Break Reading Challenge. Now I have her in my google reader and can't get enough of her awesome reviews.
Kristen at Bookworming in the 21st Century

2. A book that is new to you that another blogger reviewed.
I learned about Firespell by Chloe Neill on OWL's blog during the second SBRC challenge. I had heard of Neill before but never read anything and this new book looks great.

3. A book set in Africa (in your preferred age category, if possible).
For me the ultimate novel set in Africa has to be Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. I have always had a love affair with the classics.

4. A book about a human/animal bond (in your preferred age category, if possible).
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

5. A book trailer for a book you want to read.
The master of all book trailers is Reverie and here is a great one for SEA by Heidi R. Kling

6. A book with a color in the title (in your preferred age category, if possible).
Sisters Red by Jackson Pierce

7. A blog that is new to you that is dedicated to a certain genre (ex: only books about vampires, only historical fiction, only urban fantasy, etc.)
a blog all about YA fantasy and is new (to me) and awesome is Bites

8. A book blog maintained by a librarian.
Green Bean Teen Queen was one of the first bloggers I started following and she is fantastic and a librarian

9. A book blog maintained by a teacher.
Miss Remmers' Reviews

10. The title of an upcoming book by an author you like (provide details - title, release date, synopsis).
Fixing Delilah Hannaford by Sarah Ockler will be out in November 201 and I am bursting with excitement! Here is an excerpt from Ockler's website

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

2010-06-29T00:36:00.002-04:00

Summary:
Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated polygamous community without questioning her father’s three wives and her twenty brothers and sisters. Or at least without questioning them much—if you don’t count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her. But when the Prophet decrees that Kyra must marry her 60-year-old uncle—who already has six wives—Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family.

Review:

The Chosen One manages to somehow be sweet and disturbing at the same time. This book was captivating and touching and brutally honest. I am not sure I can find enough adjectives to describe to you the extreme mixture of emotions The Chosen One brought out in me.

Kyra is a character so full of complex emotions that she is the perfect vehicle to tell this story. It is so easy to relate to the love she has for her family and her desire to please them. It is also easy to understand her desire to rebel against her controlling environment but I can not even begin to relate to living in a polygamous compound. That combination of easy to relate to and complete mystery is part of what makes the book so captivating.

Williams also does a masterful job of explaining the compound in a way that doesn't make it completely evil. In fact, there are times in the book when you see the community through the eyes of Kyra's family, who truly love eachother and you can almost understand why they choose that lifestyle. It would be so easy to just cast these characters as monsters but Williams shows every facet of their personalities and it creates such a believable and interesting world.

The last third of the book is heartbreaking and I absolutely couldn't put it down. When I finished it all I could say is wow. I was completely blown away and loved the book so much.

Everyone needs to read this truly original and moving novel.

This book goes toward my Summer Break Reading Challenge.

Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter

2010-06-28T08:27:00.003-04:00

Summary:

When Cammie "the Chameleon" Morgan visits her roommate Macey in Boston, she thinks she's in for an exciting end to her summer break. After all, she's there to watch Macey's father accept a nomination for vice president of the United States. But when you go to the world's best school (for spies), "exciting" and "deadly" are never far apart. Cammie and Macey soon find themselves trapped in a kidnapper's dangerous plot, with only their espionage skills to save them.

As her junior year begins, Cammie can't shake the memory of what happened in Boston, and even the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women doesn't feel like the safe haven it once did.

Shocking secrets and old flames seem to lurk around every one of the mansion's corners as Cammie and her friends struggle to answer the questions, Who is after Macey? And how can they keep her safe?

Soon Cammie is joining Bex and Liz as Macey's private security team on the campaign trail. The girls must use their spy training at every turn as the stakes are raised, and Cammie gets closer and closer to the shocking truth...

Review:

This series gets better and better with every book! When I read I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You I wasn't sure I even liked it. I was entertained and I thought it had potential but I wasn't sure I wanted to read the rest of the series. Then I read Cross My Heart And Hope To Spy and things got better, the characters were more developed and I was getting way more in to the story.

Now with Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover I am completely in love with this series. The Gallagher Girls are officially on my YOU MUST READ list.

In the third book Cammie and company continue to break the rules and venture beyond the safety of the walls of their school and their adventures make for an amazing read. This book introduced more characters that are captivating (Cammie's super spy Aunt Abby) and added more depth and layers to the characters I already liked (Macey gets better and better with every book).

As the girls in the book get older so do the spy missions and adventures. They are no longer going through boys garbage to see if he might like Cammie, now they are battling hundred year old grudges and Carter has me completely captivated.

My Favorite Quote

"Whatever the case, that didn't change the fact that a very cute, very mysterious spy by was either out to save us, or kidnap us, or date us. And I wasn't sure which one we were best equipped to handle."

The fourth Gallagher Girl book comes out TOMORROW and I can't wait to continue the adventure.

Here is the summary for Only The Good Spy Young

When Cammie Morgan enrolled at the Gallagher Academy, she knew she was preparing for the dangerous life of a spy. What she didn’t know was that the serious, real-life danger would start during her junior year of high school. But that’s exactly what happened two months ago when she faced off against an ancient terrorist organization dead set on kidnapping her.

Now the danger follows her everywhere and even Cammie “The Chameleon” can’t hide. When a terrifying encounter in London reveals that one of her most-trusted allies is actually a rogue double-agent Cammie no longer knows if she can trust her classmates, her teachers—or even her own heart.

In this fourth installment of the New York Times best-selling series, the Gallagher Girls must hack, spy, steal, and lie their way to the truth as they go searching for answers, recognizing that the key to Cammie’s future may lie deep in the past....

And a sneak peek at the first chapter courtesy of Ally Carter's website. Has anyone read an ARC of GG4? I would love to know what you thought?

Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy by Ally Carter

2010-06-27T07:56:00.000-04:00

Summary:
Cammie Morgan may have a genius IQ and attend the best school in the country, but as she starts the spring semester of her sophomore year there are a lot of things she doesn't know. Like will her ex-boyfriend even remember she exists? And how much trouble did she really get in last semester? And, most of all, exactly why is her mother acting so strangely?

All Cammie wants is a nice, normal semester, but she's about to learn her greatest lesson yet—that when you go to a school for spies, nothing is ever as it seems.

Review:
When I read the first book in the Gallagher Girls series, I'd Tell You I'd Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You, I like the book but I felt like there was so much more about the characters and their world that I wanted to know and it left me a little frustrated. In the comments Cat @ Beyond Books told me she thought the books got better as the series went on and it gave me the optimism I needed to jump in to the second in the series.

Well, let me say Cat right. The second book picked up right where the first left off and added to the depth of the characters in exactly the way I wanted. I got more of Cammie, Bex, Macey and Liz and a brand new character of Zach who I adored.

Cross My Heart also gave me more details about the world of the Gallagher Girls school that I really wanted. The school seems like such a fun and magical place and any details about it made me very happy.

I like the addition of Zach to the book as well, a male, teenage spy makes everything more interesting and he is mysterious and entertaining.

I really enjoyed Cross My Heart and seriously encourage everyone to read this series, I am getting ready to start the third book, Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover and I can't wait.

Summer Break Reading Challenge Activity #2

2010-06-26T10:00:00.003-04:00

Today's challenge is to create a wordle for one of the books you are going to read for the Summer Break Reading Challenge. I used an excerpt from Evermore by Alyson Noel from her website and this is the wordle I came up with.

Also, I made it a small personal goal to comment on everyone's reading lists from Activity 1. I went and left a thought with everyone who was in the Mr. Linky so I hope everyone knows I enjoyed seeing their summer reading lists. It must have been a little bit of good karma since I then won that challenge and get my own copy of Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver!

You Are So Undead To Me by Stacey Jay

2010-06-26T08:34:00.003-04:00

Summary:

Megan Berry's social life is so dead. Literally.

Fifteen-year-old Megan is a Zombie Settler by birth, which means she's part-time shrink to a bunch of dead people with a whole lot of issues.

And things are about to get even worse. Someone at school is using black magic to turn average, angsty Undead into flesh-eating Zombies and it's up to Megan to stop the zombie apocalypse...

Review:

I really never was one for the paranormal until very recently and cute, fun books like You Are So Undead To Me are exactly the reason I have changed my mind. It is a paranormal novel, I mean there are zombies running around, but it is also funny and romantic and very entertaining.

The plot borders on very predictable. It took me no time at all to figure out who the bad guy was but the motive was a complete surprise to me. Despite knowing pretty quickly who was behind all the zombie madness I really enjoyed the ride and found myself really interested in Jay's characters.

Megan is sassy and clumsy and it is so much fun to see the story through her point of view. She really doesn't want to be a zombie settler and watching her accept her position and clumsily figure it all out is really enjoyable.

If you like Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby (which I did) you will really enjoy this book as well.

The sequel, Undead Much, is already out and I am about to track down a copy for myself. (Anyone have one I can borrow?)

Have you read anything by Stacey Jay? If so leave a comment with a link to your review!

Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

2010-06-25T08:16:00.005-04:00

Summary:

There are two sides to every breakup.

This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They’re even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.

Then Jordan dumps Courtney — for a girl he met on the Internet.

It’s too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney’s heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la — this is Courtney pretending not to care.

But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.

Turns out, he’s got a secret or two that he’s not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can’t get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

Review:

I picked this book up a few weeks ago and headed out to the pool. I read it pretty quickly and did enjoy my afternoon with it but nothing about it really wowed me. This is the first time in a while that I am not raving about a book. That isn't to say I didn't like the book, because I really did. In fact, as I am trying to write this there isn't anything bad I can come up with about it but there isn't anything really good about it. I read it, I liked it, and then I moved on to other books.

I did enjoy that the book was told from both Courtney and Jordan's perspectives so you get a clearer image of their relationship and why they broke up. However, as they travel together the reasons they broke up and the lies they have told eachother start to unravel. You knew all along that they would end up back together and the reasons they broke up that are supposed to be a big secret are pretty obvious and maybe that transparency is what I didn't really like. Also, all the games Courtney played with Jordan during the trip felt childish and kind of annoyed me.

I hate writing bad reviews but there was just nothing about this book that really made an impact with me.

Summer Break Reading Challenge Activity #1

2010-06-24T17:39:00.004-04:00

The first task is to post your reading goals to the summer and then head back to the Summer Break Reading Challenge and share it with the group.

I have decided to just pick a handful of books that I have been wanting to read, haven't gotten to and are available at my library. I have two entire series I want to read but obviously it is subject to change since I am at the whim of my local library and someone may get them checked out before me!

The final three books of the Last Stand Series by Brenda Novak. I have already read and reviewed the first three so I want to finish the series.

The Perfect Couple, The Perfect Liar and The Perfect Murder

I also want to read the Immortals Series by Alyson Noel.

Evermore, Blue Moon, Shadowland and Dark Flame. I have read great reviews of these books and just not gotten to them.

I also have a few random books to add to the list
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
We're Just Like You, Only Prettier: Confessions of a Tarnished Southern Belle by Celia Revenbark
Willow by Julia Hoban
If I Stay by Gayle Forman

It is a pretty long list but I get almost all my reading done in the summer so I think I can do it. What are you reading for the Summer Break Reading Challenge.

Eat Pray Love with me and The Book Vixen

2010-06-24T08:33:00.003-04:00

A funny little happened on twitter yesterday. The Book Vixen asked about Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and I immediately started gushing about how much I love this book. Like serious, life-changing moments while reading it love. Turns out she was thinking about reading it as part of a book club and I would like to think I helped convince her so she has set up the book club on her blog. I think every female (and it probably wouldn't hurt the men either) should read this book. I will blog more about the serious impact this book had on me during the month of July but for now hurry over to the Book Vixen and sign up to read and chat along with us!

Reading will start on July 1st and go until the end of the month.
SIGN UP HERE

Watch Me by Brenda Novak

2010-06-24T08:04:00.001-04:00

Summary:

Sheridan Kohl was just a teenager parked at the lake in Whiterock, Tennessee with a boy named Jason when a stranger wearing a ski mask shot them both. Sheridan lived but Jason died--and the stranger was never caught. Twelve years later, by working at The Last Stand, Sheridan has learned a thing or two about investigating crime. She returns to Whiterock, intent on achieving answers at last.

But someone doesn’t want the truth to come out. Someone unexpected. Someone who is willing to resort to murder. Again.

Review:

This is the third book in Novak's Last Stand Series and it was my favorite book in the series. Sheridan is an incredibly likeable main character and her story was the hardest one for me to figure out so I just couldn't put the book down.

Sheridan was shot when she was a teenager and the boy she was with died. She immediately left the area and hadn't been back until she returns determined to solve the case. The book opens in a totally different way from the first two with Sheridan being attacked for the second time and fighting for her life. Cain, the brother of the boy who was shot along with Sheridan, comes to her rescue and sets off a crazy series of events.

As in the first two books there is a smoldering relationship between Cain and Sheridan but there is so much history that it is never simple but it is always interesting.

Cain's entire family is part of the story and the mystery and family dynamics almost always make for a great thriller and this is no exception. Every time I thought I had this one figured out there was a crazy turn that threw me (and Sheridan) off the trail.

As with the second book, Stop Me, I was a little sad that the book was set so far away from the Last Stand Headquarters but with a guest appearance by Skye I didn't mind it as much. Novak created yet another great mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed Watch Me.

Summer Break Reading Challenge

2010-06-23T19:12:00.003-04:00

In the spirit of getting back in to my blog I am going to jump in to a reading challenge. Karin of Karin's Book Nook is hosting the Summer Break Reading Challenge and I am all in. I like this because there isn't any kind of restriction. It is just reading over the summer break, and I am doing that anyway. Karin has set up a blog specific to the challenge so check it out and sign up!

I haven't decided yet what books I will be reading for this but I will post a list once I give it some thought.

Stop Me by Brenda Novak

2010-06-23T08:22:00.000-04:00

Summary:
Widower Romain Fornier lost his reason for living when his daughter was kidnapped and murdered. When the killer got off on a technicality, Romain used a gun to mete out his own justice. Now that he’s finally out of prison, free to return to his Cajun roots, the last thing he wants to learn is that he might’ve killed the wrong man. But that’s exactly what Jasmine Stratford of The Last Sand, whose job it is to help victims of violent crime, has come all the way from California to tell him.

Review:
The second book in the Last Stand Series was another great, edge of my seat read that I flew through. In all honesty I didn't like it as much as the first book, Trust Me, but I still really enjoyed it. Simply put, I didn't relate to Jasmine as much as I did Skye but I still found her story incredibly interesting and I couldn't predict how her story would end the way I did with Skye.

Jasmine is in New Orleans searching for the person who kidnapped her sister and her back-and-forth with Romain Fornier is really the heart of this book. The relationship between these two is what makes you want to keep reading and find out how their separate tragedies are connected.

Jasmine has minimal psychic powers which are an interesting plot twist but also a bit of the reason I didn't connect as well with her as I did with Skye. Her story is also told in New Orleans, away from the Last Stand headquarters in California which I didn't enjoy as much.

Also, like I said I couldn't predict at all how this story would go and when it all unraveled at the end I was shocked. It was a great ending that I really didn't see coming. There were so many separate strings that got wrapped up in a way I could never have predicted and I loved it.

So far I have loved both books in the series, be on the lookout for my review of the third book, Watch Me later this week.

The Great Debate: Zombies vs. Unicorns

2010-06-22T19:37:00.003-04:00

The ever wonderful Sharon is hosting a Zombies vs. Unicorns week at her amazing blog so head over and get in to the debate. You will have to declare a team of course. I am still wavering but I think I might go team Unicorn only because they must smell better than a rotting corpse. Right?

Trust Me by Brenda Novak

2010-06-22T06:43:00.003-04:00

Summary:

Four years ago Skye Kellerman was attacked in her own bed. She managed to fend off her knife-wielding assailant, but the trauma changed everything about her life. As a result of that night, she joined two friends--also survivors--in starting The Last Stand, an organization to help victims of crime.

Now her would-be rapist is getting out of prison. Early. And Skye knows that Dr. Oliver Burke hasn’t forgotten what her testimony cost him.

Review:

I took a break from my YA reading to go back to the genre that got me hooked on reading: thriller/mysteries. Trust Me is the first book in the Last Stand Series by Brenda Novak and it is fantastic. Skye Kellerman was attacked and managed to not only fight off her attacker but send him to prison with her testimony. No one in Dr. Burke's life believes it could possibly have been him and yet Sky and Detective David Willis know it was him.

What I really enjoyed about this book is the constant change in point of view. You get pieces of the story from Skye, David, Burke and Burke's wife Jane. With all these pieces you feel like you should be able to figure out what is going on but Novak really keeps the reader guessing. I particularly like the scenes told from Jane's point of view. It is devastating to her that her husband is in jail and you can really feel her unraveling as she realizes what her husband is capable of.

The relationship between Skye and David is captivating. You can really feel the spark between them but you also understand he devotion to his ex-wife. You just know they will end up together but the process is very entertaining.

You can tell how this book will end after the first chapter but how that resolution comes is surprising and entertaining. This is a completely captivating story that I couldn't get enough of. It is also the first in a series and the next two books tell the stories of Skye's best friends and business partners Jasmine and Sheridan.

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

2010-06-21T18:01:00.006-04:00

Summary:
Here’s the deal: Aunt Peg, the New York artist and the person Ginny Blackstone depended on to make her life interesting, took off to Europe without a word three years ago. Aside from a few postcards, Ginny hasn’t heard much. Then she gets a horrible phone call that changes everything.

But the story is only beginning. Soon after, Ginny receives one little blue envelope from Aunt Peg containing a thousand dollars and some very strange instructions…

Review:
I feel like I have written nothing but glowing reviews lately and I don't really plan on stopping now. I read 13 Little Blue Envelopes in afternoon of sitting by the pool and I truly enjoyed it. Ginny is a great protagonist and she leads the reader on an incredible journey through the letters. She has enough courage to go on this incredible journey through Europe but it still naive enough to do some dumb things that you can't help but relate to.

I would love if I had the opportunity to go on the adventure that Ginny does but I don't envy that all her adventure comes only from losing her Aunt. However, the people she meets on the journey are just as amazing as the Aunt she is missing and the relationships with these people create some of my favorite moments in the book.

Ginny's Aunt is actually the best character in the book, this woman is so amazing and complex that even though you only read her letters you love her and get frustrated with her and understand why she was so important to Ginny.

I was very frustrated at the end of the book, I didn't get the closure I had hoped for and yet I didn't feel like there was enough of an open ending for a sequel. It wasn't that there was anything in particular left out but everything was not wrapped up in a neat little package how I would prefer everything. It was more a personal preference than an actual knock on the book. But imagine my happiness when I was on Maureen Johnson's website today and saw that there will be a sequel. SO EXCITED.

I recommend this book for sure, especially for the summer by the pool. It was a great read for the day and now I can't wait for the Spring 2011 sequel.

Back from the beach

2010-06-20T20:16:00.001-04:00

Hello all, I am just back from my long weekend at the beach with my Dad and Grandparents. I had a great time relaxing in the sun and going to watch some minor league baseball. I read a lot while I was gone, finishing four books so I am working on the reviews for them. Until I get them up head over to the Book Vixen and wish her a Happy Birthday.

Bloom by Elizabeth Scott

2010-06-16T08:22:00.001-04:00

Synopsis:

Lauren has a good life: decent grades, great friends, and a boyfriend every girl wants. So why is she so unhappy?

It takes the arrival of Evan Kirkland for Lauren to figure out the answer: she's been holding back. She's been denying herself a bunch of things (like sex) because staying with her loyal and gorgeous boyfriend, Dave, is the "right" thing to do. After all, who would give up the perfect guy?

But as Dave starts talking more and more about their life together, planning a future Lauren simply can't see herself in-- and as Lauren's craving for Evan, and moreover, who she is with Evan becomes all the more fierce--Lauren realizes she needs to make a choice...before one is made for her.

Review:

I regret to say this is my first Elizabeth Scott book (hangs head in shame) but it will not be my last. I loved Bloom and I can't wait to read what else the amazing author has out there.

I loved the protagonist Lauren and watching her struggle with feelings of love, growing up and fitting in. Her relationships with both Dave and Evan are believable and you feel for the situation she puts herself in. One thing I really enjoyed was that it wasn't just a story about a girl who was struggling in high school but it incorporated the struggles she has with her parents and how that effects how she matures.

I also enjoyed that all the other characters had fully formed personalities with real lives and their own family troubles. It made it feel like a real world and not just Lauren's perspective.

I did feel like Lauren and her father resolved some of their issues in a much too simple way but I understand that isn't the focus of the book so it does have to be resolved.

Can't wait for my next Elizabeth Scott novel. Which one do you suggest? As always if you have reviewed the book leave a link to it in the comments.

I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter

2010-06-15T10:58:00.004-04:00

I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter
Synopsis: The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a fairly typical all-girls school—that is, if every school teaches advanced martial arts in PE, chemistry always consists of the latest in chemical warfare, and everyone breaks CIA codes for extra credit in computer class. So in truth, while the Gallagher Academy might say it's a school for geniuses what they really mean is spies. But what happens when a Gallagher Girl falls for a boy who doesn't have a code name?

Review: Let me start by saying I am writing this review while very sleepy because I stayed up really late finishing this book. I picked it up at bed time, having just finished Bloom by Elizabeth Scott the night before. I expected to read a little and get to bed nice and early. Wrong. I stayed up until almost 3 a.m., finishing the whole book in one sitting. This is the first in a four-book series about the Gallagher Academy and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

So that should be the first clue that I liked it right? Well, I did like the book but that wasn’t to say I didn’t find fault in it. I think Ally Carter did a great job creating a very interesting world. I secret all-girls boarding school for spies. Count me in. She even created a sort of magical campus that can all change in seconds when outsiders approach, hiding all of the awesome spy gear. However, I wanted so much more detail about the world that I never got. I kept rereading things because I felt I had missed something only to find the details I wanted weren’t there.

I love the characters in this book, the girls seem fierce (actually fierce, not Tyra Banks making funny faces fierce) and like people I would actually like to know and the story is fun and captivating. I have the same thing to say about the characters though, I just wanted more of them. I wanted more of their personalities and more dimensions.

As always, if you have reviewed the book leave a link in the comments.

The book was fun and I already have the second in the series, Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy waiting to be read when I head to the beach for the weekend. Hopefully, the second will give me the more I so desperately wanted.

SEA by Heidi R. King

2010-06-15T09:19:00.000-04:00

In finally getting back in to my blog and seeing what new books are out there I realize how much I have missed out on, particularly in the way of awesome new books I want to read. One of them is SEA by Heidi R. King. Check out the trailer (fantastic right?) and then head over to Heidi's website for a pretty awesome contest.

Oh my, I've become a stranger

2010-06-12T21:24:00.002-04:00

Well, here I am. Almost a year exactly since my last post. How disappointing. I got in to this blog while I was unemployed and living at home and as soon as I picked up and moved to a new state, started an incredibly amazing (but time consuming) job and started the next chapter of my life I let the blog get pushed aside. Now that I am settled I am hoping I can pick it up again. Although, I will do it quietly without an shouting it to the world just in case I should fail again. I wonder if anyone will find their way back...

Here is a little update on my life. I moved from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, got a job at High Point University and spend my days writing about HPU's athletic teams. Particularly the volleyball and baseball teams. I travel (alot) and for many months in the past year I have slept in hotels more often than my own bed. However, do not mistake what I am saying, I LOVE what I do and I am so happy.

In my crazy new life I have been reading much less and it made it easy to forget about the blog. However, with the summer months here I have taken time to start reading again and I will not try and get back to this blog. Hope everyone has had a wonderful year, I look forward to catching up with you.

Traveling To Teens: Sarah Ockler

2009-06-08T23:44:00.005-04:00

Traveling To Teens Tours are a way for us bloggers to get the word out about fantastic upcoming novels, that may be a great add to what you are currently reading. You can find out more about this all here.
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Author Bio:
Sarah Ockler wrote and illustrated her first book at age six—an adaptation of Steven Spielberg’s E.T. Still recovering from her own adolescence, she now writes books for young adults. Sarah has a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of New York at Buffalo and also studied creative writing through Denver’s Lighthouse Writers Workshop.

While nomadic at heart, Sarah and her husband Alex currently live in Upstate New York with an ever-expanding collection of sea glass (hers) and dinosaurs (his).

TWENTY BOY SUMMER is her first novel.

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Because so much of Twenty Boy Summer is about best friends I asked Sarah to write about her best friend.

Guest Post:

This post was a challenge to write, because in the years since high school, my concept of friendship has changed, as have most of my friends. Thinking about the changing nature of friendship used to fill me with incredible sadness. I mean, why can't everyone just stay the same? Why do people change, and with it, our relationships? But then I realized (I'm still realizing this actually, because it seems to be a constant battle for me) that the harder I fight against inevitable change, the more I struggle, the more sad I become. Change isn't always bad -- just different. So it's with this idea of ever-changing and evolving relationships that I write about best friends, and there are a few people I'd like to introduce.

The first is Melissa, who was my BFF throughout childhood, high school, and most of college. Our relationship was filled with intense drama that left us alternately inseparable every second of the day, and not speaking for months on end. We were so close that people who didn't know better assumed we were sisters. We shared everything--clothes, music, the occasional boyfriend (oops!). And if one of us appeared in public without the other, always people asked, "Where's your twin?" We finished each other's thoughts, finished each other's homework, and made grand plans for a future that never materialized. Eventually, we went our separate ways... but not entirely. We still keep in touch online and see each other when we're all home for a wedding or the holidays, and it's always nice to catch up. Although our lives are very different now, I cherish my memories of the good old days with Melissa and I think of her often. There are shades of us in Twenty Boy Summer's Anna and Frankie, and I wonder now if she'll read it and see them and remember all of our summers together the way I did as I was writing the book.

Fast forward several years, and I'll tell you about my absolute favorite person in the world, Alex. I don't even like to call him my best friend, because he's so much more than that... they haven't even invented a word for him (though I'm partial to calling him Pet Monster). I fell in love with him pretty much the first time we met and I just knew we'd be married one day (not that I revealed that on the first date or anything. That was more a fourth or fifth date conversation!). We got married in 2005, and every day brings us closer, reveals a new aspect of our friendship, changes everything, and every day I'm grateful. Of all the people in my life, Alex has been the constant champion of my writing, the one who encouraged me and wouldn't let me give up, the one who gave me the space I needed to find my writing voice and all the pep talks and hugs when I was just about done, the one who never lets me forget what I was put on this earth to do. Because of him, it's easy for me to write about falling in love, because I get to do it all over again every day.

Another face I see when I think of my best friend is Rachel, a.k.a. Darling Rachel. I've only known Rachel for about two years now, but she's just one of those people you meet and it's like you've known her your entire life. In a matter of hours, Rachel and I went from sharing curly hair products to sharing writing critiques to sharing secrets and advice to sharing tears to sharing a bottle of wine, then getting tipsy and sharing a few inappropriate jokes. :-p Rachel lives in Colorado and I miss her every day, and on the times when we do chat or see each other, there's no time or distance, no awkward reconnection, no apologies. I know I can tell her anything and she'll listen, and then she'll advise, because she's direct and honest and real, but she won't judge. She'll push and question and wonder, but she won't walk away shaking her head. I love her for that.

There's only one other woman I feel that way about -- Amy. Amy and I are so tight that we've formed an official alliance called the Worst Best Friends. We're the charter and only members, and we alternate being the worst best friends to one another in a cut-throat competition for the title of Ultimate Worst Best Friend. Amy and I met in New York City 10 years ago and in that time have cancelled, bailed on, been late for, or flat out forgotten more mutual dates than I care to recount. One time I left this sweet, blond, freckle-faced angel alone in a Mexican restaurant for almost 2 hours with my lateness, and when I arrived, she could barely stand, having sampled every flavor margarita from the fine establishment in my absence. We had a good time that night at her expense. ;-) But the best thing about my worst best friend is that she's really not worst at all, and no matter how much time passes or how many times we miss or forget or show up late for calls or dates or just can't get it together, we pick up the threads of the conversation as if she lives right next door and I see her every day. Like Alex, Amy has been a champion of my writing, helping me stay on track with a constant undercurrent of love and support and excitement, especially as I began working on Twenty Boy Summer. There is so much I admire about her and I'm so thankful to know her (and share the title of UWBF!).

There are other people in my life that I consider close and best and wonderful and amazing, and although by telling you about each of these people, this post seems to dilute the love I feel for them, I assure you that it isn't dilluted. It can't be. I'm finally figuring out that true friendship is ever-expanding, and I think that's my point -- for me, it's not just *a* BFF anymore. When I was younger, I had a best friend. We did everything together, shared everything, felt each other's pain as much as we shared our elation. We painted our toenails and talked about having kids at the same time and being next door neighbors and running away from home and everything in between, and then things changed. Or evolved. The point is, things are different now. Not bad, just different. And although there are times I long for that single BFF again who will go on a girls trip with me and finish my sentences and read my thoughts and know me so completely that we can sit in a room in comfortable silence for hours, that person doesn't exist as a single person anymore. She exists as all of my close friends, and together they bring a richness and joy to my life that I never could have imagined before.

So do me a favor. If there is someone in your life that you’re thinking about now, someone you haven’t heard from in a while, maybe not your one single BFF but someone who might not know how much she means to you, give her a call. Not an email. Not a text or a tweet. A call. And just say hello. Because chances are, she’s thinking of you, too.

You can find my review of Twenty Boy Summer here.

Traveling To Teens: Sarah Cross

2009-05-28T23:07:00.008-04:00

Author Bio:
Sarah Cross is a Taurus born in the year of the Monkey. She is four inches taller than Wolverine, but does not have adamantium claws ... yet. Fierce but cute Pallas' cats are her favorite animals--and if you don't think that is relevant, then you really don't know her. She grew up in Ohio and now lives in New York. DULL BOY is her first novel.

Summary:

Sometimes I wish I didn't care what would happen if anyone knew the truth about me. But I do care. I have to keep this - super strength, flying - a secret. No one can know - not my parents, not my friends... It's just that it's getting harder to hide it.

Superpowers are awesome - unless you actually have them, like Avery does. There's only so much he can pass off as "adrenaline" before people start to get suspicious. Probably it's best to lie low, so guys in white lab coats don't come to carry him away, to find out what makes his freakish body tick. Who wants to be vivisected? But flying under the radar becomes a whole lot harder when you can actually fly. It's dangerous to be different, so for now he'll pretend to be normal, unremarkable Avery - a dull boy - anything to keep his secret safe.

What he doesn't expect is the horrifying truth about where his powers came from, who else might have them, and the madness of one villain's plan to turn this superpowered dull boy into something even more powerful and amazing.

Review:I had been really wanting a book with a male narrator lately and not only did I get that from Dull Boy but I got one I really loved. I liked Avery's attitude and he really made me laugh. Avery is also surrounded by friends with all kinds of attitude and humor of their own and that made it a really fun read.

Overall I thought the plot was a little predictable but I had fun reading Dull Boy anyway. The mixture of superpowers and humor kept me interested despite the predictable outcome. What wasn't predictable were the superpowers each kid was given. Cross really used her imagination to give each character a really fun original power and I loved how they reflected their personalities.

Guest Post:
The Songs Superheroes Listen To:

I cannot tell you where I got this very secret information; just know that it was obtained in the most unethical of ways. And that it pays to be nice to butlers. Jarvis & Alfred, this post is for you.

"Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins

Superman could never quite get rid of that little curl in the front of his hair, you know he's still a Top Gun fan. He puts in some good noise-blocking headphones and rocks out to this song while flying Mach 10.

"My Body is a Cage" by Arcade Fire

When Rogue is in the mood to angst about her powers ("Ah can't touch anyone!" <-- note the Southern accent; C what I did thar?), she goes straight for this song. (Dr. Doom has also been known to wear this song out, but he prefers it on vinyl.)

"Never Gonna Give You Up" by Ashley Tisdale

I'm pretty sure The Falcon had never heard this version before it was included on my Sarah + Billings (the hawk) = BFFs music video (no longer available, sorry), but once he did, he was hooked. It is clearly the theme song for superheroes and their falcon sidekicks everywhere.

"Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé

Cyclops always has it bad for someone, whether it's Jean Grey, Emma Frost, or just himself when he's dancing in front of the mirror in the X-bathroom, using Wolverine's hairbrush as a microphone. That's why everyone in the X Mansion has learned to knock first; you don't want to walk in on that dance party. But hey--Cyke sees the world through rose-colored (okay, ruby-quartz-colored) glasses; he thinks he looks supercool.

"Genie in a Bottle" by Christina Aguilera

Jean Grey as the Phoenix: by "you gotta make a big impression; gotta like what you do" she means "show me you're up for destroying some planets, bb." Phoenix is kinda warped. Beast--er, I mean, some random guy who services Jean's iPod and prefers not to be named here--says he tries to delete this from Jean's "I'm the muther@#$%^& Phoenix" playlist as soon as it appears.

"This is Such a Pity" by Weezer

Professor Charles Xavier cranks this while he's doing bicep curls on his Bowflex and lamenting the troublesome relations between humans and mutants. "This is such a pity/We should give all our love to each other/Not this hate that destroys us." Word, Charles. Word.

"What About Love" by Heart

Pretty much every girl Batman has ever dated has dedicated this song to him. Once, the whole Justice League pitched in and bought Bruce an iPod Shuffle with this song, and only this song, preloaded. Rumor has it that he sometimes listens to it in the Batcave while he broods. But that rumor is thus far unsubstantiated.

Songs I Listened to While Writing DULL BOY:

I listen to music nonstop while I write, so I listen to A LOT of different songs. But here are the top 10 tracks I listened to while writing DULL BOY:

#1 - Carry on My Wayward Son by Kansas
#2 - Break the Ice by Britney Spears
#3 - Untouched by The Veronicas
#4 - Piece of Me (Remix) by Britney Spears
#5 - Start All Over by Miley Cyrus
#6 - Paralyze by Tila Tequila
#7 - Misery Business by Paramore
#8 - Be Good to Me by Ashley Tisdale
#9 - Damaged by Danity Kane
#10 - Potential Breakup Song by Aly & AJ
#11 - Popular (Live) by Nada Surf

Erika also asked me to unmask a band that secretly has superpowers. I hate to do this to you guys, but I respect Erika too much to bypass the question, so ...

The members of the YA author band, TIGER BEAT (aka Libba Bray, Barnabas Miller, Daniel Ehrenhaft, and Natalie Standiford), have superpowers. Yes. You thought it was amazing that they wrote excellent novels AND could rock out ... but I bet you had no idea they were capable of causing infinite destruction.

I'm so glad they're on our side. Catch a sampling of their rockdom on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGjz0XYEE_Y

Thanks for having me, Erika!! :)

Head over to Traveling To Teens for a Dull Boy giveaway!

Traveling To Teens: J. A. Yang

2009-05-27T11:39:00.005-04:00

Traveling To Teens Tours are a way for us bloggers to get the word out about fantastic upcoming novels, that may be a great add to what you are currently reading. You can find out more about this all here.
______________________________________________________

J.A.Yang has slummed it in the valley with the Wakefield twins; slumber partied with Huey, Dewey and Louie; joined Krakow in stalking Angela; and climbed every mountain with the Von Trapps.

Originally from San Diego, he's lived and traveled the world (okay, not all of it) in pursuit of that most elusive of targets -- inspiration.

He's authored and published a book, written for online and offline publications, and maintained a variety of popular blogs on subjects ranging from movies and technology to personal stories and amateur musings. He's just wrapped up his second book, a fiction novel for teens, and is hard at work on his third one.
______________________________________________________________

Summary: “Chloe-Grace can't help it—she's spectacular. How could she not be with celebrity parents who have been the queen and king of Hollywood for years? And Chloe is a celebrity all unto herself as well— she's the first celebrity-adopted kid in Hollywood. But now Chloe's sixteen, and she is tired of every undesired moment of the world's attention. She wonders what it would be like to be a "normal" kid in a regular school. To really understand it, though, she would need to go undercover. So after getting a "make-under" at the hands of her mother's fabulous stylist, she enters the "real" world. But she soon finds out that there is just as much drama there as there is in Hollywood....”

Review: The May release date is perfect for this book. It is a great book to sit outside, enjoy the sunshine and read.
Exclusively, Chloe isn't the next great American novel but it is fun and adorable and I really enjoyed it. Even if the story was a little predictable I thought Chloe was fun and smart character, trying to handle an impossible situation with grace.
I liked her relationship with her friends, from both schools, as she refused to give in to social circles and made an eclectic inner circle. I wished for a little more depth from her best friend Rachelle, but I suppose some celebrity kids actually are most concerned with fame.
I did really like the supporting cast of Luther, Vickie and Jana and of course Jake.
The ending left me wanting a little more as everything just wrapped up perfectly in what felt like a few pages. It was too abrupt although it did have the outcome I was hoping for.
Overall this is a prefect, cute summer read that I really enjoyed.

Come back for a guest post from J.A. Yang and head over to the Traveling To Teens site for a giveaway of Exclusively, Chloe.

Waiting on Wednesday - Rachel Vincent

2009-05-20T00:03:00.000-04:00

Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Brea king The Spine. Head over to check it out and play along.

My Soul To Take (Soul Screamer, Book 1) by Rachel Vincent.
Publication Date: August 1, 2009

Something is wrong with Kaylee Cavanaugh. She doesn't see dead people, but....

She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee know who'll be next....

Why I Want It:
I LOVE Rachel Vincent and the cover and synopsis are amazing. And I have said many times I love a series because I can get attached to the characters.
Also I will be helping Rachel promote the book's release with a author interview in late July so make sure you check back for that!

Teaser Tuesday - Exclusively Chloe

2009-05-19T14:03:00.005-04:00

In My Mailbox

2009-05-17T10:52:00.004-04:00

Books and people mentioned:
ABC's of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro
Mrs. Magoo Reads
Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch
Sloane Sisters by Anna Carey
I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter
Dayhunter by Jocelynn Drake
Korianne Speaks
Audrey, Wait by Robin Benway
The Elite by Jennifer Banash
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

As always In My Mailbox is hosted by the amazing The Story Siren. See her blog for more details.

April Wrap Up

2009-05-14T13:51:00.003-04:00

Books Read: 4 (year total 34)
The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King
Charmed Thirds by Megan McCafferty
Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Fun Stats:
New followers: 32 (total 103)
Google Reader Subscribers: 125
Posts: 39
Visits: 1,732

Google Analytics fun:
Visits from 43 countries
and 47 of the 50 states
Where were Vermont, North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming this month?

My most visited post was my first vlog.

I also completed BEDA and managed to blog everyday!

100 Followers Contest Winner!

2009-05-13T13:55:00.002-04:00

I know I said I was going to film it but I just have too much going on. So I randomly picked the name of one of my followers to get a brand new copy of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and the winner is
BOOKWORM

Congrats Bookworm! and be sure to email me your address so I can get the book out to you. I also know things have been quiet around here but there is lots of fun stuff coming up like pictures from my graduation and reviews for about 5 books that I have finished. Plus an interview with the awesome Robin Benway, author of Audrey, Wait.

Stick with me, I have a lot going on right now and unfortunately it is cutting in to my blogging time but I will be back with so much awesomeness you can barely handle it very very soon.

Teaser Tuesday - Dull Boy

2009-05-12T00:58:00.004-04:00

In My Mailbox - Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T00:42:00.003-04:00

Hope everyone is taking some time today to love their mothers!

Books and people mentioned in vlog
Korianne
Dull Boy By Sarah Cross
Traveling To Teens
The Girl She Used To Be by David Cristofano
Mudville by Kurtis Scaletta
Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
My Favorite Author
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
The Diamonds by Ted Michael
Miracle Girls by Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do by Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt
39 Clues series
Starfinder by John Marco
Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster
Jennsylvania
Exclusively, Chloe by J.A. Yang
Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Sarah's Random Musings
Fireworks: Four Summer Stories by Niki Burnham, Erin Haft, Sarah Mlynowski, and Lauren Myracle

I'm back! and some awards!

2009-05-07T10:33:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone, I have returned from my week in Boston and it was tons of fun. Thank everyone so much for congratulations on my graduation. I had such an amazing time and I promise there will be pictures soon.

Until I can get caught up on my google reader and inbox I am leaving you with some awards and the promise of lots of reviews.
I have finished
Fourth Comings by Megan McCafferty
Vamped by Lucienne Diver
Top Ten Uses For An Unworn Prom Dress by Tina Ferraro
My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler
and I am in the middle of Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster and Dull Boy by Sarah Cross so expect lots of reviews very soon.

I also have an interview with the amazing Robin Benway, author of Audrey, Wait, to post very soon.

And I am still at 99 followers so as soon as I hit 100 we will have a drawing for a great prize.

Thanks so much for the awards, I am so glad you like what I do here because I really put a lot of work in to it.

Thank you Callie and Bingo for the One Lovely Blog Award
1) Accept the award, post it on your
blog together with the name of the person
who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs
that you’ve newly discovered.

3) Remember to contact the bloggers to let them
know they have been chosen for this award.

Thank you Desert Rose for the Zombie Chicken Award

"The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all..."

Thank you Korianne for the I Love Your Blog Award

The rules to keep this award going are:
1) Add the logo of the award to your blog
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs!

I feel like these awards have hit all my favorite blogs but I am also still a little fried from my week away so if you haven't gotten them yet consider yourself nominated!
I will be back soon with lots of great stuff!

My Graduation Day!

2009-05-01T05:00:00.001-04:00

Today while most of you are reading this I will be in Boston sitting through my incredibly long graduation ceremony. I am so excited to be a college graduate and to celebrate the day with all my amazing friends and family.

I had a wonderful experience at Northeastern University and wouldn't trade it for anything. Here is to the next phase of my life!

Be back in a few days with lots of pictures and stories from my week in Boston! and then of course we will be back to the regularly scheduled programs. Book reviews!

BEDA Wrap Up

2009-04-30T00:09:00.000-04:00

Wow this was an exhausting month! BEDA started out innocently enough with Maureen Johnson suggesting she would blog every day in April and suddenly tons of bloggers jumped on the bandwagon. I jumped on and I have to say I actually was able to keep up with it! I am really proud I was able to keep up and really thankful to everyone who left encouragement throughout the month.
All my BEDA posts can be found under the BEDA label if you want to go back and see all the book posts...and some of the random posts too.
Now as I said in my last vlog things will be a little quiet for a few days while I am in Boston graduating college!!! This post was prescheduled but I can guarantee I am having a wonderful time with my amazing friends! There will be plenty of reviews and of course pictures from my trip when I get back. Congrats to all the lovely bloggers who also completed BEDA!

Also, as of writing this I have 99 followers! When I get back if I have hit 100 all 100 names will go in a hat and I will draw one to get a special prize. So grab that last spot!

Waiting on Wednesday - The Ex Games

2009-04-29T00:19:00.001-04:00

Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Brea king The Spine. Head over to check it out and play along.

The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols
Publication Date October 6, 2009

BRACE YOURSELF FOR THE BATTLE OF THE EXES...

Hayden and Nick used to be a hot item, but their brief affair ended with a highly publicized break-up. Now the two are “just friends,” excluding the occasional flirtation.

When Hayden wins the girls’ division of a local snowboarding competition, Nick is unimpressed, claiming that Hayden wouldn’t have a chance against a guy. Hayden calls Nick’s bluff and challenges him to a head-to-head boarding contest. Their mutual friends quickly take sides, the girls on Hayden’s and the boys on Nick’s, making for an all-out battle of the sexes. This friendly competition is bound to get heated--and if they’re not careful, they might end up igniting some old flames.

Why I want this
I love Simon Romantic Comedies
I love Jennifer Echols (Going Too Far and Major Crush reviews)
I love sports

Shooting Stars Magazine Party

2009-04-28T19:50:00.002-04:00

In celebration of a May 30 birthday there is a party going on through all of May at Shooting Stars Magazine. And Sarah Cross (author of Dull Boy) made this awesome banner for it. So head over and check it out.

Teaser Tuesday - Top Ten Uses For An Unworn Prom Dress

2009-04-28T00:03:00.002-04:00

BEDA Day 27 or the end of the month is hard!

2009-04-27T22:19:00.001-04:00

Between work and packing I am giving you another little post so that I can keep up with BEDA. I leave for Boston very, very early Wednesday morning and still had to work tonight and tomorrow. So my BEDA post today is just a picture of me and my sister taken yesterday when I got home from work. It was gorgeous outside and we went to play kickball and blow bubbles. Enjoy!

IMM and blog update

2009-04-26T00:42:00.004-04:00

from bookmooch
Secret Society Girl: An Ivy League Novel by Diana Peterfreund
Skinny Dipping (Au Pairs) by Melissa De La Cruz

from Waldenbooks
Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy by Ally Carter

from Korianne
Fourth Comings by Megan McCafferty

from Bree Despain
My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters by Sydney Salter

As always In My Mailbox is hosted by the amazing The Story Siren. See her blog for more details.

BEDA Day 25 or wouldn't it be horrible if I failed BEDA this late in the month

2009-04-25T23:09:00.006-04:00

Ok guys I am totally going to level with you. I just worked an 11 hour shift and therefore have no brain cells to write the Vamped review I need to write. So instead I am going to share with you the awesome trailer for The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King which I reviewed yesterday. I totally admit this is a lame post but it would be even lamer to fail at BEDA this late in the month and I just can't put together anything better. So enjoy, and check out my D100D review if you haven't already. This book seriously rocks.

And just a little hint, while A.S. King is still on a blogging break she can sometimes be found here

The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King

2009-04-24T14:12:00.006-04:00

The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King

Synopsis:
In the late seventeenth century, famed teenage pirate Emer Morrisey was on the cusp of escaping the pirate life with her one true love and unfathomable riches when she was slain and cursed with "the dust of one hundred dogs," dooming her to one hundred lives as a dog before returning to a human body-with her memories intact.

Now she's a contemporary American teenager and all she needs is a shovel and a ride to Jamaica.

Review:
I was sort of scared to read this because of all the hype. I was scared it wouldn't live up to all the rave reviews and I really hate being disappointed. But it did live up to all the hype and I really enjoyed reading D100D.

I really enjoyed going back and forth between Emer and Saffron. Their voices were very distinct and the idea of them being the same person but centuries apart is really original. The story is also so unique it really defies genre. I have no idea how to classify this book because it is so unlike anything I have ever read.

This may be the debut of A.S. King but she is a master story teller, weaving different time periods and different points of view together masterfully and creating something completely unique. I highly recommend everyone go out and get this book right away.

If anyone else has reviewed The Dust of 100 Dogs please leave a link in the comments and I will add it to the post.

This book counts toward my Spring Reading Thing Challenge and '09 Debut Authors Challenge

Wanna win some books?

2009-04-23T02:24:00.006-04:00

There is a giveaway going on at Starry Night for TMI by Sarah Quigley. So go enter and make sure to say I sent you!
Ends May 3

100 Followers contest from Juciliciousss Reviews. Ends April 25

Generation Dead from Shady Glade. Ends April 27

Blogoversary contest from Frenetic reader. Ends May 10

Sea Change from A Maze of Books. Ends May 20.

Body Image Week at My Favorite Author

2009-04-23T02:02:00.004-04:00

The awesome bloggers at My Favorite Author (they seriously rock, check them out) are hosting a body image week and issuing a challenge for everyone. I am definitely taking part in the challenge and I think everyone should take part.

Body Image Challenge

Part I: Feel Better About Yourself
For the next 7 days, we challenge you to look in the mirror every morning and find something you like about yourself. I don't care if all you can come up with is that you like your nail polish or your cute socks or your earlobes! Find something you like and can be happy about all day.

PART II: Accept That Other People Think You Are Great
Throughout each day if you ever receive a compliment about anything I want you to say "THANK YOU" and Stop. Right. There. Don't negate the compliment with "Whatever ... you're the one that's pretty" or "Thanks, but I wish my hair would have turned out better today" or "Thanks, but I'm not really very good at that".

PART III: Be A Builder
Now it's your turn to help the people around you know that you think they are beautiful and talented, too! Make a conscious effort to tell your friends and family the things you like about them, whether it's cute shoes, a listening ear, etc. You never know when it's just the thing they need to hear!

PART IV: Accept the Challenge
Add your name to the Mr. Linky widget at the MFA blog and comment to let us know that you have accepted the challenge. I strongly encourage you to post about accepting the challenge on your blog, Facebook, Twitter or MySpace pages. It's not a requirement of the challenge, but will definitely help you to remember and to do the challenge through the coming week. (The Mr. Linky widget should let you just sign your name without a url if you don't have a blog or website, but if it gives you an error just use the MFA url.) And be sure to comment after signing Mr. Linky!

Here is a link to the participating blogs and schedule. Please check it out, this is a brilliant idea.

Waiting on Wednesday - Ballads of Suburbia

2009-04-22T00:40:00.005-04:00

Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Brea king The Spine. Head over to check it out and play along.

Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
Publication Date July 21, 2009

There are so many ballads. Achy breaky country songs. Mournful pop songs. Then there’s the rare punk ballad, the ballad of suburbia: louder, faster, angrier . . . till it drowns out the silence.

Kara hasn’t been back to Oak Park since the end of junior year, when a heroin overdose nearly killed her and sirens heralded her exit. Four years later, she returns to face the music. Her life changed forever back in high school: her family disintegrated, she ran around with a whole new crowd of friends, she partied a little too hard, and she fell in love with gorgeous bad boy Adrian, who left her to die that day in Scoville Park. . . .

Amidst the music, the booze, the drugs, and the drama, her friends filled a notebook with heartbreakingly honest confessions of the moments that defined and shattered their young lives. Now, finally, Kara is ready to write her own.

Why I want it:
As I have mentioned I love books with anything music related and I think Kuehnert rocks!

You can read the first chapter here and there is all kinds of other goodies, including a soundtrack at Stephanie's website.

Teaser Tuesday - Vamped

2009-04-21T00:17:00.008-04:00

Teaser Tuesday asks you to:
Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!

"When I got to the dorm, I saw that "sanitized" meant that all the pictures had been taken off the walls and the beds stacked up like they weren't in use. Product had been cleared from the bathrooms, which made them seem almost spacious. I'd seen spy shows where cleaners could make a whole crime scene disappear, but I'd never had believed it could be done so quickly if I hadn't witnessed it."
from page 85 of Vamped by Lucienne Diver

Couple of housekeeping notes:
1. As of posting this I have 93 followers, the 100th follower will get a special prize so be on the lookout for that. In a related note Liv is trying to get to 150 followers and she also has surprises coming. So go on over there because her blog rocks.
2. I have been a slave to the restaurant where I work and been working double shifts for the last four days but today is my first day off in a week and I will be catching up on reading/blogging/all the things that get lost when I am working so much. If I owe you emails/packages it will be taken care of today.
3. Because of said crazy schedule I haven't gotten much reading and reviewing done. I will hopefully be picking up the pace so looks for lots of reviews soon!
Hope everyone is having a fabulous week!

Bad Girls Don't Die contest

2009-04-20T23:52:00.005-04:00

Over at Books By Their Cover, Katie Alender, author of Bad Girls Don't Die is Katie is giving away a "oodles of fun random stuff" to a random winner! But wait, Yan is giving away an ARC of her book! So that means you lovely readers will have two (2) chances to score a lovely prize! So head over to Books By Their Cover and check it out. And of course, mention I sent you!

Katie is also having a launch party all week so go over to her blog and get all the details.

Vote for the People's Choice Blog Awards

2009-04-20T00:08:00.000-04:00

Hey, Teenager of the Year is hosting the new People's Choice YA Book Blog Awards. It's time to show some blog love!

Nominations are now open. Here's the quick rundown of the categories:

Best Interviewer: That blogger who asks authors all the tough questions
Best Reviewer: Whose reviews are almost better than the books?
Best Newcomer: A new, fabulous YA book blogger (Six months blogging or less).

The Golden Book Blog Award: This award is for the long-time blogger who deserves recognition for their commitment to making a star blog. The blogs that inspired you to start book blogging, the pioneers of YA book blog land. They know who they are.

Rules:
You can nominate for one category, or you can nominate for all four. You cannot nominate more than four times, and you can’t nominate yourself. You can nominate someone who has already been nominated, though.

Nominations are open until the end of April. If there are more than ten nominees in each category, the most popular will be up for the awards. From there, I’ll make up polls – this is a people’s choice award. Head over to the contest post to nominate your favorite blogs.

Jennifer Banash goodness!

2009-04-19T23:19:00.004-04:00

Jennifer Banash is giving away an ARC of Simply Irresistable, the third book in her Elite series. Since I am currently waiting for Korianne to send me the first book because I only own the second this prize would make me very happy! Check out Jennifer's website for all the details because there are lots of great prizes!

In My Mailbox

2009-04-19T00:57:00.005-04:00

Books mentioned in vlog

In the mail:
Daughter's of Fortune by Isabel Allende
You Are So Undead to Me by Stacey Jay
Moonlight by Rachel Hawthorne
Haunted by Meg Cabot
Vamped by Lucienne Diver

From Barnes & Noble
Evermore by Alyson Noel
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (After I filmed this I found out a won a copy of Speak from Sarah so I am going to return Speak and get something else! Any suggestions?)
My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One Night Stands by Chelsea Handler

My pushy BEDA post

As promised here is a Chelsea Handler moment to make you all laugh

As always In My Mailbox is hosted by the amazing The Story Siren. See her blog for more details.

'09 Debut Authors Challenge

2009-04-18T01:01:00.001-04:00

I am a bit late in signing up for this one but I realized that I have been having a major love affair with debut authors this year so I thought I would jump on the challenge. The '09 Debut Authors Challenge is hosted by The Story Siren (yes the awesome blogger who hosts In My Mailbox).

The objective, obviously, is to read a set number of YA or MG novels from debut authors published this year. I’m hoping to read at least 30, but choose a number that you feel comfortable with. You don’t have to list your choices right away, but if you do feel free to change them throughout the year.
The challenge will run from January 1, 2009- December 31, 2009. You can join at anytime!

I will be aiming for 15 books.

1. Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
2. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
3. Willow by Julia Hoban
4. The Season by Sarah MacLean
5. Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell
6. The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King
7. Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
8. You Are So Undead To Me by Stacey Jay
9. Vamped by Lucienne Diver
10. The Forest of Hands And Teeth by Carrie Ryan
11. My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters by Sydney Louise Salter
12. Hottie by Jonathan Bernstein
13.
14.
15.

So I still need three more titles but I am sure they will come to me! Anyone else participating in this challenge? If so leave a comment with the link.

BEDA day 17: In Nikki's Head

2009-04-17T15:31:00.004-04:00

There is a new blog that I wanted to share with you called In Nikki's Head. It is dedicated Meg Cabot's May 1 release Being Nikki. Being Nikki is the follow up to Airhead.

I am excited to see what this blog offers up because I am about to go on a serious Meg Cabot kick and read as many of her books as I can. More details in Sunday's In My Mailbox vlog so make sure you come back for that.

So far In Nikki's head has a contest, review and guest posts. Make sure you check in to see what else they have planned.

Charmed Thirds by Megan McCafferty

2009-04-16T00:04:00.001-04:00

Charmed Thirds by Megan McCafferty

Synopsis:
Jessica Darling’s in college!

Things are looking up for Jessica Darling. She has finally left her New Jersey hometown/hellhole for Columbia University in New York City; she’s more into her boyfriend, Marcus Flutie, than ever (so what if he’s at a Buddhist college in California?); and she’s making new friends who just might qualify as stand-ins for her beloved best friend, Hope.

But Jessica soon realizes that her bliss might not last. She lands an internship at a snarky Brooklyn-based magazine, but will she fit in with the überhip staff (and will she even want to)? As she and Marcus hit the rocks, will she end up falling for her GOPunk, neoconservative RA . . . or the hot (and married!) Spanish grad student she’s assisting on a summer project . . . or the oh-so-sensitive emo boy down the hall? Will she even make it through college now that her parents have cut her off financially? And what do the cryptic one-word postcards from Marcus really mean?

Review:
I have struggled a little with this series because everyone seems to love it so much and while I like it I have yet to become really attached to it. I didn't really like Sloppy Firsts and Second Helpings got a lot better for me but I wasn't completely hooked yet. And unfortunately Charmed Thirds didn't get me all the way to Jessica Darling fangirl either.

What I liked: I liked that Jessica wasn't the whiny brat from the first book and she shows real maturity in how she handles her personal relationships. I really enjoyed the further exploration of her relationship with her sister and that she makes friendships and relationships with people at college that are very true to the college experience. I also loved the moment with her father around Christmas. I also continue to love Bridget and Percy. They are for sure my favorite characters.

What I disliked: We never really get to see her and Marcus happy and together. They are together at the beginning but they live on separate coasts and have the natural problems that come with that. And by the end of the book they are happily together again. I don't want to give away too much of the plot but I wish I got more than a few pages of them together and happy.

I find myself annoyed while reading these books and then at the end of them my overall feeling is that I like them. Which makes the reviews really hard to write. I am getting Fourth Comings from Korianne soon and can't wait to see what kind of mixed emotions McCafferty can draw from me this time.

This book counts toward my Library Challenge

Waiting On Wednesday - All Unquiet Things

2009-04-15T00:02:00.001-04:00

Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Brea king The Spine. Head over to check it out and play along.

All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
Publication Date: January 10, 2010

Summary: All Unquiet Things centers around the murder of teen heiress Carly Ribelli, who was found shot to death a mile from her house in a wealthy Northern California suburb. Carly’s uncle, a dissolute alcoholic, was convicted of the crime, but a year later his daughter still doesn’t believe her father is guilty. Determined to prove his innocence, Audrey Ribelli contacts Carly’s ex-boyfriend, Neily Monroe, the boy who found Carly’s body. She is convinced that he knows more than he thinks about the events that led up to Carly’s death. Despite Neily’s initial reluctance, he and Audrey begin their investigation at the posh private school they attend, identifying prime suspects from among their spoiled classmates and digging up secrets about Carly’s past to get to the truth behind her murder.

Why I Want It:
I have been having a major love affair with debut authors lately and my guess is Jarzab will be no different. What first grabbed me was the cover (I know I say that every week) and then when I emailed Jarzab she was so sweet that I really can't wait for this one. Plus I love a good mystery.

Teaser Tuesday - The Dust of 100 Dogs

2009-04-14T01:13:00.004-04:00

Kiss My Book

Love The One Your With by Emily Giffin

Emerald Talisman Tour: Guest Post by Brenda Pandos

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

I Accept The Contemps Challenge

The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers

Freefall by Mindi Scott

The Contemps: YA Authors Keepin It Real

Somewhere in Middle America...

The Sweetness of Salt by Cecilia Galante

White Heat by Brenda Novak *GIVEAWAY*

Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love

Losing Faith by Denise Jaden coming Sept. 7

Evermore by Alyson Noel (The Immortals #1)

Tweet Heart by Elizabeth Rudnick (ARC) Tours

Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin: (ARC) Tours

Eat Pray Love Book Club - The End

TMAS Trailer Launch Party

Love You, Hate You, Miss You by Elizabeth Scott

Random Real World connections

The Deadly Sister by Eliot Schrefer: 1 ARC Tours

Crossed Out by Kim Baccellia: Book It Forward ARC Tour

In My Mailbox- July 25

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Best Friend Guest Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff: Book It Forward ARC Tours

A Good Cause and A Giveaway

Eat Pray Love 4 - India

Summer Break Reading Challenge Activity #9 - Your Book In Pictiures

Grace by Elizabeth Scott: Traveling ARC Tours

In My Mailbox - July 18

Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson

Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson

2010 Debut Author Challenge

Tell Me A Secret by Holly Cupala

Eat Pray Love 3 or What's Your Word?

Summer Break Reading Challenge Activity #8

In My Mailbox- July 11

Summer Break Reading Challenge Activity #7 - Reading Update

Eat Pray Love 2 or the one where I over share

The Perfect Couple by Brenda Novak

Heavenly Trailer

Summer Break Reading Challenge Activity #6

Best Friend Guest Review: So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain trailer and contest

Beige by Cecil Castellucci

Eat Pray Love Book Club Activity #1

Summer Break Reading Challenge Activity #3

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter

Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy by Ally Carter

Summer Break Reading Challenge Activity #2

You Are So Undead To Me by Stacey Jay

Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

Summer Break Reading Challenge Activity #1

Eat Pray Love with me and The Book Vixen

Watch Me by Brenda Novak

Summer Break Reading Challenge

Stop Me by Brenda Novak

The Great Debate: Zombies vs. Unicorns

Trust Me by Brenda Novak

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Back from the beach

Bloom by Elizabeth Scott

I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter

SEA by Heidi R. King

Oh my, I've become a stranger

Traveling To Teens: Sarah Ockler

Traveling To Teens: Sarah Cross

Traveling To Teens: J. A. Yang

Waiting on Wednesday - Rachel Vincent

Teaser Tuesday - Exclusively Chloe

In My Mailbox

April Wrap Up

100 Followers Contest Winner!

Teaser Tuesday - Dull Boy

In My Mailbox - Happy Mother's Day!

I'm back! and some awards!

My Graduation Day!

White Heat by Brenda Novak GIVEAWAY