Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Fracture by Megan Miranda

Source: Publisher
Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine
 —despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it? 
Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening? 
 For fans of best-sellers like Before I Fall and If I Stay, this is a fascinating and heart-rending story about love and friendship and the fine line between life and death.
Delaney is an amazing character. She has dealt with a lot and still remains an awesome and truly unique character. I liked that it included Delaney's struggle to accept what happened and recovering. Decker was another awesome character. He really cared about Delaney and was a very caring and genuine character. Troy enchanted me at first and I found his complex character to be  very interesting.
The plot of this book was awesome. There were a few parts in the book that were a bit slow, but were made up by the exploration of death and what it can do to the people that it touches. I loved the concept of this book. It was mostly contemporary, but the mix of paranormal elements. Both parts blended well together. Fracture had sparks of originality and I found it to be a captivating story. Miranda's writing created a great voice for Delaney, that told a spectacular and original story. I recommend this book to someone that wants a unique and amazing book. It would appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen and Sarah Ockler.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Giveaway: Love? Maybe by Heather Helper

I have a copy of Love? Maybe by Heather Helper for giveaway. Here is a summary:
This spring Dial, a division of Penguin Young Readers, is pleased to publish a swoon-worthy story of young love in LOVE? MAYBE by Heather Hepler  Award-winning author Heather Hepler intertwines romance with baking in this charming tale of a young girl who must face her insecurities about love when a string of valentines from a secret admirer goes straight to her heart. Just because Piper’s birthday happens to fall on Valentine’s Day does not mean she’s obsessed with romance. In fact, after watching her father and her stepfather both walk out on her mom, she’s a self-professed cynic who doesn’t believe in true love at all. That’s why she made “consternation hearts” for the candy store where she works, with expressions like “buzz off’ and “no way.” But this year, her friend Jillian has a plan to help everyone find a little love by Valentine’s Day – even Piper. Valentine’s Day just got a whole lot more complicated. 
Heather Hepler, acclaimed author of The Cupcake Queen, Jars of Glass, Dream Factory, and Scrambled Eggs at Midnight, delights with this sweet combination of dreamy romance and wholesome fun sure to establish her as the perfect Susane Colasanti or Sarah Dessen for the younger set.
I found Helper's The Cupcake Queen to be very cute. So I am excited to read this book. If you want to enter this giveaway, fill out the form below and follow the terms and conditions.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

Source: Publisher 
Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine - a place known for the miraculous events that occur there. But it's undeniable that strange things happen in Promise: everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingoes in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe - in love, in herself, and even in miracles. 
A debut novel from an immensely talented new writer, The Probability of Miracles crackles with wit, romance and humor and will leave readers laughing and crying with each turn of the page.
There are books that with you for a long time, I found The Probability of Miracles to be one of those books. I could relate to Cam, so much. We had a lot of the same interests. I admired the sarcasm and bravery that she had in the situation that she was in. The sick parts of the book were easy for me to relate to and I understood where she was coming from. The list that Cam had, reminded me of Tessa from Before I Die by Jenny Downham, which is one of my favorite books. I also liked that Wendy included Cam's culture as a celebration of life, especially as she explores  polynesian dance.
Perry, Cam's Sister, has the optimism that I wished that I could have at times. Her belief in miracles is so amazing. I also loved her belief in unicorns. Her mom never gave up and the strength that she had, reminded me of my mom. The humor that her Nana had, was amazing and I loved the strength that she added to the story. Asher was a great character, he has experienced so much tragedy and is stuck dealing with a cracked mirror of his past life. There are many other characters that I adored, each character had their own voices and personality.
The plot of The Probability of Miracles is magical. Even thought this book is full of sadness, Wendy Wunder captures a story that is full of hope and a celebration of life. It is also one of those books that you will be thinking of, even after the book has ended and that you will continue to want to know more. I can't wait to read another book from Wunder, because this book was immensely wonderful and captured everything that I love. I recommend that you read this book as soon as possible. It

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Book trailer for Harbinger


Here is what the book is about:
Set in a world in which a diminishing oil supply has lead to chaos and mass rioting, sixteen year old Faye is plagued by waking visions and nightmares. Her parents think the only solution is to send her to Holbrook Academy, the creepy prison-like school for disturbed teenagers. When she and her friends wake up on the floor with their hands stained red, Faye has no idea what it means, but fears she may be the cause. But despite the strangeness of Holbrook and the island on which it sits, Faye feels oddly connected to the place. The handsome Kel tries to help her unravel the mystery, but Faye is certain he is trying to kill her –and the rest of the world too.
It sounds a bit creepy, but very interesting.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Best Books of 2011

Sorry that I am a few days late. My end of the year was full of goodbyes, since I am back incollege. Anyways, here are my  favorite books from last year , a few honorable mentions, and my favorites of not 2011.
1. The Probability of Miracle by Wendy Wunder
This book hit me hard, because once upon a time I was sick. Not as sick as Cam, but I could relate to her sarcasm and bravery. I loved her pop culture knowledge and the love that she had for her family.The writing was also beautiful and I didn't want to stop reading this book. I was sad when it ended.  I can't wait to write a full review on it soon. It was also the last book that I read last year. I put off reading it for so long, because I have been dealing with a flare of my disease and it hurts thinking that I am lucky. I highly suggest that you read this book as soon as possible.
2. Lola and The Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
I adore the characters in this book. They are realistic, funny, and amazing. It is a great romantic book that anyone can relate to. I am so excited for her next book.
3. A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young
This book was amazing. Suzanne wowed me with her beautiful writing. Charlotte is an amazing heroine and is easy to relate to. This book is a mix of contempary and paranormal, which might be my favorite genre at the moment. I can't wait for A Want So Wicked.
4. Divergent by Veronica Roth
I heard so much about this book that I was sure that my expectation would never be met. Luckily the hype lived up to it and I loved the dystopian world that Veronica Roth created it was amazing. Tris is kickass and Four  is amazing. I can't wait to read the next book.
5. Hourglass by Myra McEntire
This book was so unique and intense. Emerson is such a fantastic character. I also loved Michael and Kaleb. The time travel also engaged me and made me more interested in it and I liked how it was uniquely happened.  I am so excited for the Timepiece.

Honorable Mentions:
1. The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
I loved The Body Finder series, so I was excited to read this book. It was unlike her first book and I liked the whole feel of the book.
2. Forgotten by Cat Patrick
This book was magical. The concept of the book could either suceed or fail, I found myself to be charmed by London and Luke. It was just a fun and epic book.
3. Red Glove by Holly Black
I loved White Cat and found Red Glove to be just as amazing. Holly Black could write ads for selling cars and I would still read them. This book broke my heart, but I can't wait for Black Heart.
4. Bitter End by Jennifer Brown
Jennifer Brown's books are major cry fest in a good way. I was a crying mess after Hate List, and found Bitter End to be just as intense.
5. Wither by Lauren DeStefano
This was another dystopian novel that I loved. It was very realistic in a scary way that I couldn't help loving this book. Rhine is also a strong and fierce character that is easy to admire and love.

Best of not 2011:
1. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
I love Donnelly's writing, which was part of the reason that I was reluctant in reading Revolution is that I loved her previous book A Northern Light so much. Andi and Alexandrine are two different girls, but their stories are both vibrant and amazing. I didn't want this book to end.
2. Don't Breath a Word by Holly Cupala
I loved Tell Me a Secret and was so excited for this book. I found it to be just as intense and amazing. It is also set where I am currently living, which was really awesome and I could totally see the character in the environment. I also start working in a homeless center for teens soon for one of my classes, which I am excited for.
3. Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
It is such a fantastic book. I love the winter setting. I love the characters. Most of all, I loved the writing.
4. A Touch Morbid by Leah Clifford
Since it is the second book, I will keep it short. Eden is just as kickass and Leah Clifford know how to create a prefect cliffhanger.
5. Fever by Lauren DeStefano
This is another sequel. It was fantastic. This book helped display how the world really was. A lot of the characters developed in this book. Overall I really enjoyed it.

Friday, January 6, 2012

New Years Goals

Sorry for being about five days late. I had to pack everything back up for college, move back in start school, and do homework in those days.  Along with a few other things.
Anyways here are my goals:
1. Post 2 reviews a week. I was such a failure on the blog after I went to college. I am going to try to make more time for reading and blogging this quarter.
2. Read 100 books. This is really a goal now with school and other things happening in my life.
3. Write more often. This doesn't mean for school, but I need to finish a WIP at some point and this will be the year that it happens.
4. Answer emails more efficiently and also keep my inbox clean.
5. Exercise and eat more healthily. This is a huge problem at college that I am going to make sure that I make better decisions and since I did lose 75lbs last year and would love to lose more.
6. Be more social. I am not a very outgoing person. I hate talking to people, but I need to talk more to people. Especially to the people that have always been there for me.
7. 3.7 GPA. I got a little bit lower than that this quarter, but I am going to work more.
8. Don't worry as much.

There are so many reason that I love this trailer:
1. It is about John Green's new book.
2. It is simply beautiful.
3. The song is gorgeous.
4. The quotes are gorgeous.
5. It makes me want to read this book so much, more than before.

Monday, January 2, 2012

In My Mailbox (Month of December)


For review: 
Chopstick by Jessica Anythony and Rodrigo Corral
Fever by Lauren Destefano
Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
The Edumacation of Jay Baker by Jay Clark
Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
Of Posidon by Anna Banks
Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama
52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody
All These Lives by Sarah Wylie
Struck by Jennifer Bosworth
What Happened too Hannah by Mary Kay McComas
Graveminder by Melissa Marr
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Why We Broke uo by Daniel Handler
The Starboard Sea by Amber Dermont
The Goddess by Aimee Carter
Bought:
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Christmas Gifts: 
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Shine by Lauren Myracle
You Againist Me by Jenny Downham
Every You and Every Me by David Levithan

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