Last day of April...

So, I have finished Blog Every day April by doing this blog.
Jumps around! Um, I keep sneezing.
I though there were 31 days of April... thank goodness.
I am reading The Body Finder... it has a pretty cover. Kelsey is very mad at me for getting this and not sending it to her directly. Sorry, but this book faerie wants to keep stuff from time to time.
I kind of napped all day and now I am hyper. lol.
I think that is about it. =)
Peace out, Sarah.

Waiting on Wednesday (Week Six)

Title: Wings

Author: Aprilynne Pike

Release Date: May 5th, 2009

Publisher: Harperteen

Fifteen-year-old Laurel has led a sheltered, homeschooled life in a very small town, so when her parents decide to move and enroll her in high school, she has trouble getting used to her new life. A life, as it turns out, that’s not at all like those of other kids. One clear sign is a winglike blossom that blooms on her back. Oh, and her new best friend, the scientifically minded David, reveals under a microscope that her cells are more plant than animal. But it takes an encounter at her old home with the handsome but decidedly different Tamani to convince her that she is a faerie. She also learns it’s up to her to save her land from the evil influences that are trying to take it away from her and her family. This first novel is clearly designed to attract the Twilight set, though there’s significantly less edge (and blood). There is, however, a familiar triangle. Will Laurel choose solid, steady David, or will she be unable to resist Tamani’s lure? Stay tuned. Fine escapist fare, this neatly mixes the everyday with the otherworldly.

Reasons I am waiting on this:

1. It is about Faeries. I love faeries...

2. It has a pretty cover.

3. The summary sounds really good and fun.

4. Everyone so far that has read it, has liked it.

Teaser Tuesday(Week Three)

1. Grab your current read.
2. Let the book fall open to a random page.
3. Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
4. 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!
5. Please avoid spoilers!
"The pain was immediate, intense, and unrelenting. I threw my arms ove my face instictly, taking the beating on my forearms, legs, and back." - Dead until Dark by Charlanie Harris(Page 29.)

Red edited by Amy Goldwasser

I bought this book last October and I am not sure why I took so long to read it. It was well... amazing. Red is a collection of 58 stories, written by teenagers. Some are about self esteem, family, crushes, love, hobbies, pop culture, and the many other things. These essays will speak to you, no matter what age, you are. They are funny, cute, and sometimes heartbreaking. I didn't actually know that Jocelyn and Jordyn were in it, till shortly before reading it. It made it a little bit more awesome.
I highly recommend this to everyone. Seriously, check it out.
Peace out, Sarah.

Red Glass by Laura Resau review and contest...

Rating:

Characters: 17/20

Setting: 9/10

Plot: 18/20

Originality: 18/20

Writing: 17/20

Recommendation: 8/10

Overall: 87/100 or A-

Sophie is scared of everything: Germs, Cancer, or even become an orphan. Then one day, Pablo, a six year old, is found crossing the border with her stepfather Juan's business card. His parents died in that trip, and he comes to live with them. She grows to love this little boy who she calls-her Principito, Little Prince, after the book. After a while, Sophie's parents are able to contact Pablo's extended family. Sophie, her aunt Dika, Dika's boyfriend Mr Lorenzo, and his son Angel, travel with Pablo to Mexico. So, he can make his decision on whether to stay with Sophie's family or go back to his home.

On the travel down, Sophie become close with Angel. She is afraid that he will leave her for Guatemala.

This book had vivid imagery and was really well told. I could imagine Mexico and Guatemala from the description. The plot was original and really well done. The characters were fantastic. I liked how Sophie grew out of her fears and started to live. The writing was also pretty good.

I have an extra copy of this book. So a random commenter of this review will be chosen on May 10th at Noon. Best of luck to all.

Interview with Sarah Oakler

Sarah Oakler is the Author of Twenty Boy Summer, which comes out on June 1st. She is the first author to be on Seven Book Babes and also a part of the 2009 Debutantes. She writes late at night and mostly in her pajamas. She is completely awesome and nice.

1. What is your inspiration for Twenty Boy Summer? Did you ever have a summer like that?

Yikes, I *knew* that title would come back to haunt me! ;-) All right, Sarah, since we share a name and you're one of my favorite YA book bloggers of all time, I'll confess... I *did* have a twenty boy summer of my own, but it wasn't exactly like Anna and Frankie's summer in the book. When I was 15, my BFF and I decided to have a friendly competition to see who could kiss the most boys that summer, and I won, 20 to 17 (please don't tell my mother, as I've spent all year trying to convince her that Twenty Boy Summer is not a memoir!). So that bit of fun summer recklessness was the inspiration for the book title, but not for the actual story.
The story influence itself is much more serious and it's extremely important to me. Though it's not my personal story, the issues Anna and Frankie face throughout the book are very real. I spent several years working for an organization that supports families after a loved one has died and donated organs or tissues. The cause is personal to me as my little brother (you'll recognize him from his cameo appearance in Twenty Boy Summer - Scotty O of Helicopter Pilot fame!) had a lifesaving liver transplant when he was four years old. He wouldn't be alive today, over twenty years later, if not for the generosity of a donor family.

Through my work, I met hundreds of grieving families, many of them teens who'd suffered the death of a loved one or close friend. The stories, memories, horrors, fears, love, and courage these families showed and shared affected me in profound and life-changing ways, and when I set out to write the book, I remembered the teens and siblings and friends I'd met. I wanted to honor them by sharing a little bit of their stories through Anna, Frankie, and Matt. That's how the idea for Twenty Boy Summer was born.

2. What novel are you currently working on?

My second novel is currently in revisions with my editor for a spring/summer 2010 publication, so I'm actually working on a third novel now. Because I'm superstitious about talking up my WIPs too early, it's still kind of secret. I will say that it's another contemporary YA, but this time, it's set during the winter. As soon as I can share more, I will! And as soon as my book 2 revisions are complete, I'll share all the details about that one, too! :-)

3. Other then writing and reading, what activities or hobbies do you enjoy?

I love photography and have started professionally shooting weddings -- capturing people's happy memories and emotions is so fulfilling. I also love to travel, especially road trips with my husband Alex, and have been lucky enough to see most of the United States that way. Camping and hiking are also high on my list! And eating chocolate. Chocolate supplements all of my hobbies. :-)

4. What are some of your favorite YA books?

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (this isn't totally YA, but kind of!)

Red Glass by Laura Resau

The Season by Sarah MacLean

Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti

Wow, there are just so many. And I keep reading awesome new books that quickly become favorites! It's hard to pick!

5. Why do you prefer working at night time?

Because I'm a vampire. :-) Well, other than the whole blood-sucking thing. I've always been a night person, just like my mom. I can't really sleep at night, and I find my most creative hours are between 10 PM and 3 AM. I've tried to get on a day schedule but I always fail! So now that I write full time, I just try to listen to and go with my natural tendencies and write at night when all the ghosts and werewolves and witches are about. I think my muse must be some kind of supernatural creature who only visits me with good ideas after the sun goes down!

6. What is it like being in the 2009 Debutantes, with the other Debs?

The Debs are awesome! Being part of such a talented group of authors, sharing our ups and downs and advice, cheerleading each other's books... it's been a great experience and so helpful to know that we're not going through this crazy journey alone. The best part, though, is that I've made some amazing friends through the Debs that I've gotten to meet and connect with personally, even beyond our common bond of our 2009 debut books. I look forward to knowing them and supporting their books for many years to come, even when we're all old and wise best-selling authors. ;-)

7. Is there anything that you would like to add?

Well, since no one has offered to send me on that all-expenses paid trip to Egypt I casually mentioned on Khy's blog, I'll have to try another approach. :-) Seriously, I just want to share my thanks and appreciation with you and all of the YA book bloggers out there who love books and work so hard to share them with the world. Meeting all of you online has been one of the best unexpected perks to writing and publishing my novel. So thank you!

La la...

So right now, I am watching West Side Story and don't feel good. So, my BEDA post might suck. I have a really bad headache and want to be sleeping. So that is about it... Oh Korianne posted a picture of herself when I was younger. That dress was made for me, by my neighbor Toby. I am rocking the bangs... and I have blue eyes again. I used to be cute. I might post a few more in the future, if I can get the dreaded scanner to work.

Peace out, Sarah.

Willow by Julia Hoban

Rating:
Characters: 20/20
Setting: 9/10
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 10/10
Overall: 93/100 or A
Seven months ago, Sixteen year old Willow was driving on a rainy night in March with her parents. There was a horrid crash and her parents died. Willow now lives with her brother and has to work at the university library in order to make ends meet. She is known as the orphan girl that killed her parents at school. She also secretly cuts herself to get rid of the pain. One day, a random boy named Guy finds her secret and destroy the "safe" world that she created. He turns her world upside down by trying to help her.
Willow has a fresh voice and spirit in the book. Hoban has created fantastic characters that you will remember. David, Willow, Guy, and the other characters are original and seem real. She left their appearance for you to decide and focus more on personality. Willow is a gripping book that you won't be able to stop. The plot is full of twist and turns, and the ending is left for you to make your decision. I found it to be perfect for the ending. I also found Willow and Guy's relationship to be cute. It was amazing that he would do anything for her to get better. Willow is too amazing for word and I highly recommend it. I really loved this book.
Peace out, Sarah.

Waiting on Wednesday (Week Five)

Title: Hate List
Author: Jennifer Brown
Release Date: September 2009
Publisher: Little Brown
Five months ago, Valerie Leftman’s boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saves the life of a classmate, but is implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things they hated. The list her boyfriend used to pick his targets.
Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.
Reasons I am waiting on this:
1. Jennifer Brown is really nice.
2. It has a pretty and interesting cover.
3. The summary sounds really good and intense.
4. Everyone so far that has read it, has liked it.
5. It is one of the 2009 Debs... who have all been amazing.

So...

Today is Korianne's 20th Birthday! Happy Birthday, Korianne. Hope it is amazing...
Love Sarah.

Five interviews in one... Yay!

Kelsey, Sharon, Hope, Khy , and Jordyn were on Skype.... so we decided to do an interview like the one on, Kelsey's blog. Yay!

1. What is your favorite book ever?
Jordyn: Gone With the Wind
Sharon: My top two would be Catcher in the Rye and Frankenstein
Hope: Just Listen and the Violet series by Melissa Walker, and Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler. There we go. i pulled a few of my favorites out there xD
Khy: Boy Meets Boy, HP series, Looking For Alaska. Um. I'm out of ideas now.
Kelsey: HP!

2. What book(s) are you looking forward to most this year?
Kelsey: AFTER! by Amy Efaw. I'm looking forward to Hate List by Jennifer Brown too. The Everafter. CRAZY BEAUTIFUL!
Khy: After, Hold Still, Demon's Lexicon, Ash! The Espressologist (IT HAS A BARISTA MAIN CHARACTER!) YESS CRAZY BEAUTIFUL!
Sharon: Fire by Kristin Cashore. Oh Hate List is great so far. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.
Jordyn: I don't know if it's coming out this year or not, but The Treasure Map of Boys by E. Lockhart, Nothing Like You (at least I think that's the name of it...) and most of all... The Espressologist. Yes! Crazy Beautiful!!! Oh! And Prada and Prejudice! And the third Gallagher book!
Hope: Ash, Hate List, The Espressologist, Once Dead, Twice Shy, Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover, Prada and Prejudice, and a lot more. xD

3. What characters in a book would you most want to be?
Kelsey: Eek! HERMIONE!
Khy: Hmm. Hermione is really cliche answer. Hermione WOULD be great though
Sharon: hmmm, I do love Hermione though. I wanna be Katniss so I can kick a$$.
Hope: Clary in the Mortal Instraments series so I could have Jace!
Jordyn: I want to be Frankie from Disreputable History more than any other character I think.

4. What male characters do you find the most interesting or crush-worthy?
Kelsey: OWEN ARMSTRONG!
Khy: Dexter! NEVILLE! SPENCER!!!
Hope: Owen, Dexter, Wes, and JACE. oooh Gavin!
Sharon: Gavin from The Season...he is gonna be mine. oh John After in Going too Far...sexy cop! Will Keller from The Luxe
Jordyn: Alpha (Disreputable History), Finn (Boy Book), Sumner (That Summer), Spencer (Suite Scarlett), Brian (Traveling Pants), Hassan (Abundance of Katherines), Q (Paper Towns).

5. What book(s) got you into reading?
Khy: The Outsiders.
Kelsey: PRINCESS DIARIES! And Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. AMELIA BEDELIA! Omg, yes!
Hope: Princess Diaries got me into young adult, otherwise my mom and grandma reading to me when I was a kid. OH. And Chica Chica Boom Boom! And Dr. Suess!
Sharon: Umm I've always loved to read so I honestly can't remember any one book. Maybe Goodnight Moon? Lol. Oh I also really loved Curious George. I still have Dr. Suess books.
Jordyn: At Play. It was the first book I ever read and it featured Dick and Jane and Spot and it was AWESOME. best ever! (I was, like, three.) Me too. My mother brainwashed me into liking Curious George... she made me read those instead of Amelia Bedelia, which I also really loved.

6. Do you carry books with you at almost all times? If so how many?
Jordyn: No, but I always carry a notebook around with me.
Khy: No, I don't take them to school. Don't get any time to read at school anyway
Hope: Yeah, I carry books with me all the time. Usually just the one I'm reading, unless I know I'm going to finish it, then I take another one.
Kelsey: I don't carry that many. Since I don't really go much places. It's usually one books.
Sharon: I usually carry at least three books with me. One for fun, one for review, and one if I get bored with the other two.

7. Not book related, but any favorite quote?
Khy: hrm. I dunno. I can't remember any off the top of myhead.
Sharon: I can't think of any quotes. Haha I like that(referring to Kelsey’s). : I have favorite movie quotes, “It's one thing to want someone out of your life, but it's another thing to serve them a wake-up cup full of liquid drainer.”
Kelsey: Umm...I like the proverb in my email: He who lends a book is an idiot. He who returns the book is more of an idiot. ~Arabic Proverb But no quotes.
Hope: I can't think of any off the top of my head, but I really like the one that's on my desktop now. "We both know life is short. Too short to waste one single second with anyone who doesn't appreciate and value you." from The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
Jordyn: I think I'll use this one from Looks (because I'm in a cynical mood) and it goes... "The fat girl who loses her only friend sees, all at once, how everything works. She sees that all promises are fictions, all friendships are games with winners and losers.".

8. Do you dogear(ugh) or bookmark?
Hope: Bookmark.
Kelsey: BOOKMARK! Dogear is HORRENDOUS! SHARON! SHAME! I have a ton of bookmarks. Khy: BOOK MARK FOR SURE. Dog earing is terrible.
Jordyn: I BOOKMARK OF COURSE.I use those Starbucks iTunes cards as bookmarks.
Sharon: Bookmark and dogear. I tend to lose my bookmarks so. I only dogear paperbacks though.

9. What is the best and worse book to movie adaption?
Sharon: Oh hard! Sarah this is too hard.
Kelsey: There are toooo many. Twilight wasn't THAT bad. I liked sisterhood 2. Even if it was a bad adaption.
Khy: Best: Outsiders. Worst: Twilight.
Hope: Oh. I don't know. There's too many. Yeahh, Sisterhood 2 was bad
Jordyn: BEST = Bridge to Terabithia. WORST = Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2.

10.What book characters do you relate to the most?
Sharon: Actually I can relate to books about grief the most, like Willow. <3
Khy: The quiet ones. NERDS UNITE!
Jordyn: Specific characters? Um, Anne from Twenty Boy Summer, Lena from Traveling Pants, Elizabeth Bennet, Roo from The Boyfriend List. Haha I can relate to tragic loves the most usually for some reason. AH I LOVE NERDS. Oh, and can I add Holden Caulfeild to my list? ...I know it's weird. OH! And Annisa from Non Blonde Cheerleader.
Kelsey: Okay, my answers is: Umm..maybe Francesca from Saving Francesca? NERDS RULE! Geeks are better actually.
Hope: I like the books where the main characters are nerds. Because I am a major nerd. xD I don't know any characters off of the top fo my head like t his, though...

Skype Fiesta Bookclub and Bean Awareness Movement

So, there is awesome new book club with A lot of bloggers. You should totally join it. You have to have Skype though. We also have started the Bean Awareness Movement, which is very very important, because very few people have favorite beans.
To check us out and such, Click here.
Peace out Sarah.

Winner of Speak...

The winner of Speak, chosen by RANDOM.ORG...
Erika Lynn won.
So send me an e-mail at Sarahbear119(at)hotmail.com and I will send it soon... because I still need to send Lauren's book.
There should be another contest before BEDA ends... so yay! It might be more then one book.
Best luck and take care.
Love Sarah!

BEDA... Day 17.

So, I am running out of ideas on what to post about... so this will be just random rambling.
First off, Happy Birthday to Kristi of The Story Siren fame and also to my IRL friend Rebecca! Have a fun day.
Second off, New Harry Potter Trailer is pimp. Spoil alert to those that haven't seen it. I love Ginny and Harry in the trailer cute... and I really am excited for it. It got moved up two days on the release, yay!
Third, I saw Rachel Getting Married and Seven Pounds. Rachel getting Married wasn't as good as I though it would be, but Anne Hathaway was awesome in it. Seven Pounds was really good. Will Smith was awesome. My mom also bought Marley and Me, I am excited to watch it. It looks so cute.
Fourth, Happy Day of Silence, watch this Video.
I hope everyone has had a great week.
Take Care Sarah.

An Interview with Courtney Summers

Courtney Summers is the author of Cracked up to Be and is currently working on Some Girls are. Cracked Up to Be was one of my favorite books of the last year When she is not writing, she is planning her survival from the impending zombie apocalypse. She also spends some time with a piano and a camera. Courtney love Volcanoes too, and if you are one, she would love to. She also keeps a very snazzy blog and a very awesome twitter buddy. So here comes the interview.

1. When did you get the Idea for Cracked up to Be?
I got the idea for Cracked Up to Be February or March of 2007. I was definitely writing the book by the end of March of 2007, and I know it wasn't on my radar that January, so--WOW, that was a while ago. Now I am having a surreal 'time flies' moment. Is it really 2009?! Don't tell me. I don't want to know.

2. What can you tell us about Some Girls are? Are there any more strong characters?
I can tell you that it is a book about very mean girls, but I'll go one further than that, kind of, and give you some character names. Some Girls Are is about a girl named Regina, her evil, evil friends and a boy named Michael and the worst senior year EVER. As far as strong characters go, I'd like to think there are lots in this book. :) But I think a lot of things. I'll let readers judge when it comes out.

3. I really like the Book Trailer. How did you decide what was needed in a book trailer?
Thank you! I experimented a lot with book trailers before I released what's up on youtube now. I think most of my decisions for it were based on my limitations, actually. I did the trailer myself in Windows Movie Maker. I didn't have voice actors (and am not particularly fond of my own voice!) and I didn't have live actors, so it became a matter of trying to make the visual and textual elements as intriguing and aesthetically pleasing as possible. I hope that they are. And I knew that even if I had those aforementioned elements in place, the whole thing wouldn't come together without really, really good music. Brad Sucks (bradsucks.net) kindly gave me permission to use his song Look and Feel Years Younger from his album I Don't Know What I'm Doing (which you guys should immediately check out at his website) and I think it makes the trailer. I'm grateful to have been able to use it!

4. What are some of your favorite Young Adult books?
I love The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier with my whole heart. C.K. Kelly Martin's I Know It's Over was brutally beautiful and absolutely devastating. Skin Deep by E.M. Crane is gorgeous and vivid. Fade by Robert Cormier is so scary all I have to do is think about it and I get chills. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is crazy ~*sparkly*~ awesomeness squared.

5. I know that you love volcanoes. Which one is your favorite?
Oh! Man, okay. This is hard. Possibly the hardest question I have ever been asked. I LOVE Mount Vesuvius. It is so imposing and gorgeous and the ruins of Pompeii just speak to its ~majesty~ (ooh, Mount Vesuvius, you bring out the poetry in me). I also love reading about the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa. And Yellowstone Caldera! Have you ever seen The Discovery Channel's SuperVolcano? If Yellowstone goes we are all doomed, just FYI, but the Yellowstone Caldera is fascinating to me and amazing and it commands a ton of respect for the earth and all it's capable of in my opinion. Those are my top three. Also Mount Tamboro is really awesome because it erupted in 1815 and caused the Year Without a Summer in 1816. During that volcanic winter, Mary Shelley penned Frankenstein, which means a volcano was INDIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR GREAT LITERATURE.

6. Do you have any new music recommendations?
New music--I love Lady Gaga. I think she is fresh and smart, her music is clever, sassy and addictive and I love that she insists, "Pop music is never low brow," because I agree with her which means she is RIGHT (I guess my agreement is a determining factor in rightness). :) Her music videos are hypnotic and sexy and charged. I really adore Kelly Clarkson's latest, All I Ever Wanted as well. It's poppy and fun and endlessly catchy. Lily Allen's latest, It's Not Me It's You, is fantastic and snarky and Britney Spears's Circus--I'm so glad girl's made her come back!--is impossible not to love. I'm all about the pop goodness right now.

7. Is there anything that you would like to add?
Freddie Mercury rules! Toto's Africa is the best song ever! Thank you for the interview, Sarah! I appreciate it and it was lots of fun!

Thanks so much to Courtney for letting me interview and display her awesomeness. I can't wait for Some Girls Are.
Take Care, Sarah.

Waiting on Wednesday (Week Four)

Title: Love You Hate You Miss You
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Release Date: June 2nd, 2009
Publisher: HarperTeen
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.
Reasons I am waiting on this:
1. It is by Elizabeth Scott and her books are amazing.
2. It has a pretty cover.
3. The summary sounds really good.
4. Everyone so far that has read it, has liked it.
5. It looks like a very intense, but good read.
Peace out, Sarah

Teaser Tuesday (Week two)

1. Grab your current read.

2. Let the book fall open to a random page.

3. Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

4. 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!

5. Please avoid spoilers!

"Tonight's a test. If This Works, I'll cut school and take off a week. It's Still warm enough in the Keys" - Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison (Page 70.)

Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Setting: 8/10
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 8/10
Overall: 88/100 or A-
Callie should be having the time of her life. She id on a class trip to London. The problem is that not many of her classmates like her, since she called her best friend Katie and made fun of the cheerleaders... while one was in there. So, Callie decides to use her "emergency" credit card to buy a pair of Prada pumps. After just putting them on, Callie trips on a grate, and wakes up in the year 1815.
She finds a caste and is mistaken for Rebbecca, Emily's Long lost friend that should be sailing over from America, soon. Callie has spark with Emily's Cute, but arrogant cousin Alex, also known as Duke of Harksbury. Emily is getting forced to marry Denworth, a man that is thirty years her senior and Emily might have feelings for someone else.. Callie has little time. Will she be able to break the engagement, make Alex open up, and Gain some grace?
I love Callie and her Unique personality. It was great to see her shenanigans and humor. Emily was so sweet and you'll be cheering for a happy ending for her. Alex was very interesting and charming. Both the modern day and past were well done and elegantly mixed together. I can't wait to see more from Hubbard in the Future.
Prada and Prejudice comes out on June 11th.

So,

Happy Easter!
To anyone not Christian,I get to get up at 6 AM and go to Church. Wear a dress and be freezing. Then come home and hunt for eggs that have cash in them. So I might now make it on for BEDA.
Take Care, Sarah.

In My Mailbox(Week 9)

This is a In My Mailbox, started by The Story Siren. Check it out here.
The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson
Nina Bermudez... who TiVos every episode of Trading Spaces and What Not to Wear because watching people rip down bad decorations, cast aside bad clothes—these things soothe her.
Avery Dekker... who worships Jack Black but has learned to play Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” by heart just so that she can hate it in detail.
Melanie Forrest... (a.k.a. Mel), who inspires guys to develop instantaneous, epic crushes—the kind that cause them to want to iron their clothes and listen to the lyrics of slow songs.
Since coming together at the age of eleven, the Triangle has never been apart. The summer before senior year, however, Nina goes away to a summer program in California. When she returns, she expects to be welcomed back into her friends’ arms with great excitement. Instead, something has changed in the Triangle—Mel and Avery are acting strangely. There are in-jokes Nina doesn’t get, pauses in the conversations that seem to be full of some meaning that she just can’t grasp. She’s suddenly an outsider, and she has no idea why.Until she wanders into a dressing room and finds Mel and Avery kissing. What exactly do you do when your two best friends in the entire world start dating?
I got this book from Bookmooch. I have already read this, I wanted to own it, so yay!
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
Most of my friends now go to Pius Senior College, but my mother wouldn't allow it because she says the girls there leave with limited options and she didn't bring me up to have limitations placed upon me. If you know my mother, you'll sense there's an irony there, based on the fact that she is the Queen of the Limitation Placers in my life.Francesca battles her mother, Mia, constantly over what's best for her. All Francesca wants is her old friends and her old school, but instead Mia sends her to St. Sebastian's, an all-boys' school that has just opened its doors to girls. Now Francesca's surrounded by hundreds of boys, with only a few other girls for company. All of them weirdos--or worse.Then one day, Mia is too depressed to get out of bed. One day turns into months, and as her family begins to fall apart, Francesca realizes that without her mother's high spirits, she hardly knows who she is. But she doesn't yet realize that she's more like Mia than she thinks. With a little unlikely help from St. Sebastian's, she just might be able to save her family, her friends, and--especially--herself.
I got this from bookmooch and was excited to own it. I love this book
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Forman provides a compelling and highly textured account of the brutal 24 hours that may be 17-year-old Mia’s last. Her day starts with a drive, with her loving and moderately punk parents and her effervescent little brother, to a bookstore. A collision with another vehicle leaves Mia’s parents dead. The narrative is told in a robust first-person voice, with flashbacks, flash-forwards, and out-of-body reports on her immediate surroundings as Mia is transported, in grave condition, to the hospital. The story then follows the medical efforts to save her life, extended family and friends’ efforts to provide emotional care, and Mia’s coming to terms with what has happened and what might still await her. Mia, a gifted cellist, finds support from her alt-rock boyfriend and a best friend whose own mother is a hysteric. Mia’s recounting of this critical day is laced with insight, good humor, and wonder, allowing the reader to enter the scene as fully as Mia herself seems to have, at least for now, left her broken body. More developed and satisfying than a Lurlene McDaniel drama, Mia’s story will engage readers willing to suspend their disbelief that the future can be seen in the present.
I just finished this book and I am not sure other then, Wow and that I am glad that I bought this.
Willow by Julia Hoban
Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen year- old Willow’s parents died in a horrible car accident. Willow was driving. Now her older brother barely speaks to her, her new classmates know her as the killer orphan girl, and Willow is blocking the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when one boy —one sensitive, soulful boy—discovers Willow’s secret, it sparks an intense relationship that turns the “safe” world Willow has created for herself upside down.
So I have been hearing great things about this for months. So I just bought it and am currently reading it. I love the cover.
Peace out, Sarah.

Happy Birthdays and Good News

First off, Happy Birthday to Laura! Woot!
Also Happy Late Birthday to Sierra, but I texted you it already. Laura, Hope you have a Good Friday and that the Hannah Montana Movie doesn't suck as much as it look like it will.
Sierra, lets hang out soon. I have bakes Rice Krispies treats and I am about to make a cake for Easter. So Come get those before my siblings eat them all.
Second thing, my b-cells are back to normal, which is really really really good news. For the biology intolerant, it is an immune system cell that you need. So, I might go to infusion every other month in the summer depending on how I feel. I would take a picture of the letter, but then you would have all my personal details and that is Stranger Danger.
Also Bloggers/authors, leave your birthday in the comments, so I can post about it and not feel like a fool.
Take Care, Sarah.

Same Difference by Siobhan Vivian

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Setting: 10/10
Plot: 15/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 20/20
Recommendation: 10/10
Overall: 91/100 or A
Siobhan's books are amazing and always focus on Friendship instead of love. When I read A Little
Friendly Advice, last year, I knew this was an author to watch.
Same Difference is about a girl, Emily. She lives in Cherry Grove, New Jersey. Her best friend, Meg lives across the street and summers are spent with going to the pool and Starbucks. That is before, Emily gets accepted to a summer art program in Philadelphia.
Emily feels lost in these arty and hip teens. She soon becomes friends with Fiona, Adrian, Robyn. Fiona is obsessed with her "shadow art", Robyn's parents own a gallery, and Adrian is good with comics. There is also very helpful andcute, Yates that happens to be her teaching assistant. Emily still feels lost. They go to art show and concerts. On the other hand, Meg and Rick react wrong to Emily's art. Emily will have to figure out who her real friends are and does she want to be.
I loved Emily, she made the same desicion that I would have. The setting was also really well done. I liked that it was based on Siobhan's own expercence and I think that it made it more Realistic. I also though Meg was cute. Yates was awesome, but was a bit lacking in the personality. This is a novel of self discovery, friendship, and the choices that we make. I loved this book and I hope that you check it out for it's awesomeness.
Peace out, Sarah!

Waiting on Wednesday (Week Three)

To the world, fifteen-year-old Alexis Warren is just a pink-haired troublemaker. She doesn’t have any real friends, and her parents are way too wrapped up in their own problems to bother with hers. Pretty much the only things Alexis can count on are the photographs she creates in her darkroom and her little sister Kasey.
One night, to help take Kasey’s mind off a vicious family argument, Alexis makes up a story — the first thing that comes to mind, really, just a harmless fairytale about a little girl with no friends. But Kasey seems to take the whole thing a little too seriously. Before long, she’s actually bringing parts of the story to life — and people are getting hurt.
Alexis knows she has to find a way to stop her sister before something terrible happens. But with no friends and no help from her parents, she’s basically on her own — until help turns up in the unlikeliest form — Alexis’ archnemesis Megan Wiley, who happens to be the captain of the cheerleading squad.
Reason why I want to read this:
1. So this book sound really good.
2. It has a pretty cover, and I love the book trailer for it.
3. So far, it has a lot of good reviews.
4. So I am really excited for when I get to read this.
5. I also love anything to do with ghost.
I can't wait for this book to come out. It comes out April 21st, which is soon.

Teaser Tuesday (Week one)

1. Grab your current read.
2. Let the book fall open to a random page.
3. Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
4. 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!
5. Please avoid spoilers!

"I jumped up and ran to my room, slamming my door behind me. It didn't make me feel any better, but it felt like the thing to do." - What Would Emma Do? by Eileen Cook Page 37

Just a "brief" introduction

So, if you know me, just a bit. Then you probably know that I like a lot of thing in what could be termed as obsessive. One of those things is Doctor Who.
I was eight years old, when my dad had me watch my first Doctor Who episode. I can't remember, which one, but I know that it had Five in it. I also know that I loved it and started watching it after that.
So here is a quick introduction to the Whoniverse and such. There are spoilers... so beware.
This is the Doctor. He is Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey. He travels on a TARDIS(aka Time And Relative Dimension(s) In Space.) The TARDIS looks like a police call box used in the 60's There isn't a lot known about his childhood or family. In the beginning series, he had a granddaughter, Susan Foreman, but it is an alias.
The Doctor tries to solve things by reasoning and not by a use of weapons. He carries his sonic screwdriver like a second hand. He has been known to meet historical figures, such as Shakespeare, Marco Polo, and Elizabeth I. Each Doctor Regeneration has a different personality and signature items. Ten has his converse and Trench coat. Four has it scarf. It is also said that a doctor can only regenerate 12 times, in the other words have 13 lives. During the Regeneration process, the Doctor has extra energy and would be able to re-grow limbs and such. We don't even know the Doctor's name or much of his past, which makes it really interesting. The Doctor is currently played by David Tennant
Now to go on an explanation of Daleks, Cybermen, and The Master.
Dalek look pretty cute. I asked my dad, if I could have one at the age of nine and he said that would be like giving a loaded pistol.
I soon learn what that meant.
Daleks are a soulless creatures. That don't like anything Unique or Original about anything and are famous for the line, "Exterminate!" Their only passion is death and destruction. There voice in monotone and just plain ugly. Underneath the shell is a body that looks a lot a squid in my opinion, just uglier. Daleks were also created by Davros. The screenwriter of the first episode, where Daleks come in, made Davros to be a scientist with strong fascist tendencies.
Daleks and Davros are often believed to be Dead, but somehow they always survive. This angers the Docter, because of all that he lost in the Time War. The Ninth version of The Doctor though that he was the remaining person of the war, but is constantly running in to Daleks. Daleks are also overconfident, which runs to their end.
Now to Cybermen...
Cybermen have the brain of humans, but without any emotions. Like Daleks they are in a metal case and don't feel anything. Earlier Cybermen were from Mondas, which was knocked out of orbit. Since they had advance technology and such. They decided to turn themselves in to machines. Then being smart, turn everything that they conquer in to Cybermen. The Doctor has so far been able to defeat them, even with there advance technology. In a parallel universe, the Doctor and his companion, Rose found Cybermen created by John Lumic. He was terminately ill and wanted to live longer. The Doctor was able to defeat the Cybermen. Later in the Series, The Cybermen are sent in to the void, along with some daleks. Since they have a certain type of dust on them. This is known as the Battle of Canary Wharf. The Cybermen appear again in last years Christmas special, escaping the Void. Cypermen also have ranks, such as Cyber Leader, Cyber Lieutenant, Cyber Scout, Cyber Controller, Cyber Planner, and Cyber Director.
The Master is sort of crazy and Insane. The Master has had more then 13 lives somehow. The Doctor and The Master were childhood friends, but now have different motives. The Doctor wants help others, while the Master wants to control them. Both are very intelligent. The Master's weakness is his own vanity and pride. The Master also has a weird sense of humor. After the Time War, The Doctor thinks he is the last of this kind, but it turns out that the Master turned himself human and escaped the time war. He created Professor Yana, using a fob watch. The Master creates a paradox and tries to destroy the future of the human race. The Doctor stops with the help of Martha Jones. The Master then gets shot by his then wife and refuses to regenerate. The Doctor cremates him on a prye. A female hand with long, bright red fingernails picks up this ring. Currently there are no plans to bring him back. I find him a interesting villain.
So, This is just the tip of the iceberg on Doctor Who. I can totally do more post like this, if you like it. I spent 4 hours on this... so yeah.
Love Sarah.

In my Mailbox(Week 8)

This is a In My Mailbox, started by The Story Siren. Check it out here.
The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley
When her adoptive mother dies, Katherine Bab takes the chance she has been waiting for her whole life: she moves from her country village to London, to uncover the secret of who she really is. Before long, Kat has become a favorite of Queen Elizabeth herself, and rumors are swirling - could fiery-haired Kat be the secret daughter of the Virgin Queen? Kat's got plenty of other things to figure out, as well . . . such as how to choose between her childhood love and two handsome men at court vying for her affection. This smart, sensual novel drips with intrigue, period detail, and drama and will resonate with anyone who has ever longed to find his or her place in the world.
This book sounds really good. I love the pretty cover and all. I had this as my Waiting on Wednesday this week. Stephanie was kind enough to send this with My copy of Unraveling. So thanks Stephanie.
A Season Of Eden by J.M. Warwick
He's my teacher. I shouldn't be alone with him. But I can't help that he's irresistible.
I let the door silently close at my back. He stared at me, and a taut quiet stretched between us.
"I like hearing you play," I said, moving toward him.
He turned, in sync with my slow approach. He looked up at me but didn't say anything. I rested my clammy hand on the cold, slick body of the baby grand. "May I?"
The muscles in his throat shifted, then he swallowed. "Eden."
My legs weakened, like a soft tickling kiss had just been blown against the backs of them. "Is it okay?" I asked.
His gaze held mine like two hands joined. He understood what I was really asking.
"Let me stay," I said. "Please."
"You're going to get me in trouble."
Devyn had a contest for a signed copy of this and since the author self publishes she was nice enough to end it to more then just the winners. I already, have read this and it was pretty good.
Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson
Chemistry honors student and cross-country runner Kate Malone is driven. Daughter of a father who is a reverend first and a parent second ("Rev. Dad [Version 4.7] is a faulty operating system, incompatible with my software.") and a dead mother she tries not to remember, Kate has one goal: To escape them both by gaining entrance to her own holy temple, MIT. Eschewing sleep, she runs endlessly every night waiting for the sacred college acceptance letter. Then two disasters occur: Sullen classmate Teri and her younger brother, Mikey, take over Kate's room when their own house burns down, and a too-thin letter comes from MIT, signifying denial. And so the experiment begins. Can crude Teri and sweet Mikey, combined with the rejection letter, form the catalyst that will shake Kate out of her selfish tunnel vision and force her to deal with the suppressed pain of her mom's death? "If I could run all the time, life would be fine. As long as I keep moving, I'm in control." But for Kate, it's time to stop running and face the feelings she's spent her whole life racing away from.
Catalyst, Laurie Halse Anderson's third novel for teens, is a deftly fashioned character study of a seldom explored subject in YA fiction: the type-A adolescent. Teens will identify (if not exactly sympathize) with prickly Kate instantly, and be shocked or perhaps secretly pleased to discover that life is no easier for the honor roll student than it is for the outcast. Anderson earns an A plus for this revealing and realistic take on life, death, and GPAs.
I love Catalyst. So, I bookmooched it. I am so happy to get this.
My Life in Pink & Green by Lisa Greenwald
Displaying a lively familiarity with the topics of makeup, makeovers and adolescent angst, Greenwald makes a bright debut with this timely story. Prospects look grim for the Old Mill Pharmacy run by 12-year-old Lucy's mother and grandmother. In order to drum up more sales, Lucy decides to offer customers beauty tips and free makeup applications. Although her efforts prove somewhat fruitful, her best idea comes after she joins her school's earth club: what if they add an eco-spa to the pharmacy? Like the recent Teashop Girls, also about an enterprising preteen trying to save a family business, this novel takes an upbeat approach to serious issues—money struggles and impending foreclosure—underscoring the optimistic message that one individual can make a difference.
This book looks really cute. I love the cover, it is really cute. I was excited to get it from bookmooch. So, I can't wait to read this.
Prada & Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard
To impress the popular girls on a high school trip to London, klutzy Callie buys real Prada heels. But trying them on, she trips…conks her head…and wakes up in the year 1815!
There Callie meets Emily, who takes her in, mistaking her for a long-lost friend. As she spends time with Emily’s family, Callie warms to them—particularly to Emily’s cousin Alex, a hottie and a duke, if a tad arrogant.
But can Callie save Emily from a dire engagement, and win Alex’s heart, before her time in the past is up?
More Cabot than Ibbotson, Prada and Prejudice is a high-concept romantic comedy about finding friendship and love in the past in order to have happiness in the present.
This book looks amazing. I am already halfway through it and it is really good. The cover is amazing.
This was a really good week. I can't wait to read them all.
Peace out, Sarah.

Winner of Mackenzie, Lost and Found

So, There were 45 entries and 127 worth of extra entries.
The winner was chosen by Khy via Twitter.
And the winner is *Cues drums....*
Shooting Star Mag!
Yay! If you didn't win this time, I have a contest for a SIGNED copy of Speak.
By the way, My laptop charger broke. So I am using my sisters computer, which I am not used to it. I am still going to do BEDA, but it will be all pre-posted. And I won't be able to see comments. I ordered a new charger and it should be here by the end of the week.
Peace out, Sarah.

Books read in March

51. Atonement by Ian McEwan – 351 pages
52. 20 Boy Summer by Sarah Oakler –290 pages
53. The Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine –241 pages
54. Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine –231 pages
55. The Season by Sarah Maclean –343 pages
56. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan – 320 pages
57. Season of Eden by JM Warwick –248 pages
58. Zombie Queen of Newberry High by Amanda Ashby -224 pages
59. Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita – 300 pages
60. Say the Word by Jeannine Garsee –360 pages
61. Prophecy of Sisters by Michelle Zink –352 pages
62. Swoon by Nina Malkin –425 pages
63. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare –496 pages
64. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare –453 page
65. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare –541 pages
66. Beautiful Americans by Lucy Silag –306 pages
67. Same Difference by Soibhan Vivian –287 pages
68. Shadowed Summer by Saudra Mitchell –183 pages


Pages read this month:
Reviews posted from these books: 6305 pages
Books from Library: 2 books
Books for Review: 5 books
Books borrowed: 2 book
My Favorite: Twenty Boy Summer, so amazing. I love it.
My Least Favorite: This was really hard to pick. Swoon, I wasn't really fond of the characters
Update:100+ Reading Challenge: 68 read. 32 to go.
V.C. Andrews: Read Good Trash movement: 3 read. 8 to go
Debut Authors '09: 11 read, 14 to go

Awards (part 3)

I got tagged by the amazing Sarah Oakler. Yay!

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…

I also got the Sisterhood Award form Stephanie. Thanks Stephanie!
The people I tag:

1. Courtney Summers- I love her blog and she is so awesome.

2. Megan- I like how different her blog is.

3. Adele- I love her blogs.

4. Hope- She is so awesome and sweet.

5. Korianne- She is really rad and funny.

Peace out, Sarah.

Booking through Thursday(4)

I saw that National Library week is coming up in April, and that led to some questions. How often do you use your public library and how do you use it? Has the coffeehouse/bookstore replaced the library? Did you go to the library as a child? Do you have any particular memories of the library? Do you like sleek, modern, active libraries or the older, darker, quiet, cozy libraries?
I go to my library once to twice a week. I currently have fifty books or movies out at this time. I also going to my indie book store a lot. I went to the library as a kid and I remember grabbing picture books and later chapter books to read. I like the older libraries. They are more cozy and awesome. I also LOVE my library, no joke. It is so awesome and the people are sweet.

So...

I have 75 followers. I would jump around, but my ankle hurts. See on Monday, I was changing a light bulb. I was on my bed, which is next to my sister's. So, I fell into the crack and couldn't get my ankle out for a few minutes and now there is a huge bruise on it. So, I am double limping and my mom wants me to use crutches again, but I don't want to. Since I got off those a month ago.
Another reason for this post, is BEDA. I forgot to add that you get to suggest punishments for my little sister to pick. This only if I fail. Failing does not count as computer failing and illness(I am saying that I have to be like dying. Since I feel sick everyday.)
Also, If I Stay and Willow come out today and I really want to buy them. Since they both sound amazing. Beth keeps telling me that I buy too many books, but I still have space somewhere.
Has anyone seen Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs trailer? My childhood is ruined, I loved this book.
Peace out, Sarah.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Setting: 9/10
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 10/10
Overall: 92/100 or A
Clary Fray goes clubbing at Pandemonium, with her best friend, Simon. She soon finds a murder going on in the club, by three teenagers with weird tattoos and carrying even weirder weapons. The only problem is that the victim disappears before her eyes.
The next day, Clary and Simon go to a poet slam for Simon's band mate, Eric. The snarky Jace(One of the teens with tattoos; the other two are Isabelle and Alec) finds her there. He was sent to find out what she is and why she can see them. After that, Clary heads home, after checking her messages and finding out a weird message from her mom.
Clary finds her house ransacked and a strange creature there. Jace rescues her. She learns that somehow her mom is involved Jace's world and that she needs to save her. With the help of Jace, Isabelle, and Alec, Clary must find the Mortal Cup and the evil Shadowhunter, Valentine that has taken her mother. Simon also gets thrown in to the mix and so does Clary's mom's friend Luke. Will Clary be able to handle this all.
City of Bones is the beginning of one of my favorite series. It is funny. It is over before you want it to be and you will be waiting for the next book. The characters are fantastic. Jace is one of my favorite characters ever. Simon is sarcastic and sweet. Isabelle is strong willed and sassy. Alec is multidimensional and honest. Luke is awesome. Valentine is... evil. I loved how Clare created such a great setting. I love how the setting of New York hides all these creatures. If you haven't read this, get started on it as soon as possible.
Peace out, Sarah

Waiting on Wednesday (Week Two)

Title: The Stolen One
Author: Suzanne Crowley
Release Date: July 6th, 2009
Publisher: HarperTeen
When her adoptive mother dies, Katherine Bab takes the chance she has been waiting for her whole life: she moves from her country village to London, to uncover the secret of who she really is. Before long, Kat has become a favorite of Queen Elizabeth herself, and rumors are swirling - could fiery-haired Kat be the secret daughter of the Virgin Queen? Kat's got plenty of other things to figure out, as well . . . such as how to choose between her childhood love and two handsome men at court vying for her affection. This smart, sensual novel drips with intrigue, period detail, and drama and will resonate with anyone who has ever longed to find his or her place in the world.
Reasons why I want this:
1. Pretty Cover.
2. The Plot sounds awesome.
3. I love Historical Fiction.
The great thing is that Stephanie is letting me borrow this. So, I can't wait to have time to read this.
Peace out, Sarah

BEDA

So, I am doing BEDA or Blog Every Day April. Meaning that everyday, I should post every day this month. I think that this will help me post more often and also catch up on my reviews. So Yay! I think this will be fun. Hope you enjoy this.
Take Care, Sarah