Wannabe Writers

This is a new Meme created by another Sarah at Confessions of the Unpublished. It is for unpublished writers.
Question(s) this week: Staying motivated? I've really been having a hard time staying focused lately. The end of my book is near but I keep finding myself struggling to just sit down and type. Any advice on ways to stay focused? What do you do to keep yourself going?
I have been having the same probelm lately. I ussually watch some of my favorite movies and just write.
Where I am in the Writing Process:
I have finished one book, Sister during NaNoWriMo 2009(Okay, it was written mostly during NaNoWriMo.) I decided that if I want to pursue that book, I would have to scrap over half of it and rebuliding all of those parts. I am working on my second book, which is currently Untitled. I am at about 10,000 words and I am really excited about this book.
My current probelm is:
Finding time to write. I have been extremely busy lately. In the last two weeks, I have written two chapters. I am blaming the end of quater here and just being busy in general.

In My Mailbox(Week of January 31st)

I'll add the list of books, when I am not under such heavy stress for school. Hope you enjoy.

2010 Dystopian Challenge

Time Constraints:
Jan 1 2010 to Aug 24 2010
Deets:
1. Open to everyone (if you do not have a blog, just
state in the comments section that you read the book and on what date)
2. Any book format
3. Books can be chosen throughout the year,
but must have been read within the timeline.
4.Sign-up
5.Post your reviews in the comments area
6.Three Levels:
•Level 1 - Experimental - 5 books
•Level 2 - Addict - 10 books
•Level 3 - Junkee - 20 books

I have read:
1. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.
2. The Line by Teri Hall

I'll add more as I go, I love challenges.

Winners

The winner of Uglies by Scott Westerfeld is Amber.
The winner of The Secret Life of Prince Charming is Brittlit.
You both will be emailed, please respond in the next 48 hours. If it is not answered by then, I will pick new winners. Sorry, but I am going to the post office soon and need to get everything packaged and ready to go.
Also, one of the winners for the Swag pack didn't respond, so it will be going to Erica at The Book Cellarx.

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Rating:
Characters: 14/20
Plot: 15/20
Originality: 17/20
Writing: 17/20
Recommendation: 16/20
Overall: 79/100 or C
Cameron Smith is verily making it through high school. His sister overshadows him with his want for perfection. Then he contracts the human form of mad cow disease, which is Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. He becomes that center of attention for his family. While in the hospital, Cameron is persuaded by an angel to search for a cure that will save the world or maybe he is having a vivid hallucination that is from the disease. He goes on a road trip with Gonzo, who is a neurotic dwarf or Balder, a Norse god that is cursed to be a yard gnome. On the road trip to Disney World, they learn about things that they never though that they would know, such as true love and the string theory.
I found Cameron to be an interesting character. I liked how he grew over the book, as though he was on a epic quest. Dulcie was an awesome character and I loved her. She was such a fun character. Gonzo and Balder added the comedy and were fun and great characters. The plot was a bit slow, but it was fun. I got confused at the end and with that all of the hallucinations. It was also funny at times. Bray definitely created a original book that was one of a kind. Though I wasn't a huge fan of the book, Bray is a brilliant writer that created a fantastic story that was full of fantasy mixed with the contemporary world. I think you would like this book, if you like a book with an epic quest.

Waiting on Wednesday (44)

Title: The Six Rules of Maybe

Author: Deb Caletti
Publisher: Simon Pulse

Date: March 16, 2010

Scarlett Hughes is overly involved in the lives of everyone around her, and exceptionally interested in the habits of her neighbors. But Scarlett is thrust solidly into her own life when her sister, Juliet, returns home from school—pregnant and surprisingly married to a sweet, handsome man whom she seems to have no interest in, but who is hopelessly in love with her. Forced to take a look inward for the first time, Scarlett discovers the necessity of dreams, as well as the necessity of facing reality and speaking the truth.

I love Deb Caletti, so I am excited for this book and want to read it so much.

Trailer Tuesday (5)

I love Skins. It is so addicting. I miss the first cast a lot, hopefully I will become closer with the second cast.

Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 16/20
Writing: 17/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 85/100 or B
Charlie Healey thinks that Harmony Falls is the berginning of a whole new life. She had a brutal time in middle school. High school is a chance to start over and stay away from the drama. One the first day of school, Charlie runs into Will. He was her ex-best friend that maved away. He is a varsity athlete and hotter then Charlie remembered, Will also hangs out with the people that run the social scene at school. Charlie doesn't understand their power, when they do something unforgettable to someone that is totally inocent. Charlie has to choose between doing what is right or doing something that she will regret.
I found this book to be honest. The characters were real. Charlie reminded me of one of my friends. Sidney was sweet and a great person. Nidhi was also awesome and I liked that Charlie had to face what she did to her. Will was sweet, and made some bad decisions, but he owned up to them. Micheal was also such a great character, that made me laugh a lot. The plot was really predictable, but I still found it to be a fun and a sweet plot. I laughed a lot during this book and found it real humorous. It wasn't the most unique book, but it had some unique componet. I also enjoied Wiseman's writing. It was casual, but descriptive. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes Elizabeth Scott or Sarah Dessen, because it had the tiny hint of romance that is commonly found in thier books. It was a book that about friendship, betrayal, and how far some will go to be accepted.

In My Mailbox (Week of January 24th)

This is my In My Mailbox for this week.
Ginger High is no ordinary school. It is a school for students with special powers. Many years ago people came to Earth from the Kingdom of Animist, a parallel universe. Two long time friends, Matthias and Amanta, attended the school and then returned home to Animist. The school has had many unexplained deaths. Daisy Fisher attends the school after her old school burns down. Matthias and Amanta are called back to the school to help solve the mysteries. What are powers? And what is with this crazy school? Welcome to Ginger High.
It sounds like an interesting book and it is for a book tour.
I also got a letter from Khy.

Random post...

This is a vlog done by my Unicorn loving friend. I am super busy with school work and don't have time to write a proper post. Since, I hvae an essay, 2 maps, 2 timelines, and a project on Claude Monet due on Monday. Rachel is my Unicorn BFF and she just finished the 1st draft of her first novel. You can wish her congrats, because I am sure that is as awesome as this:

I am going to do a similar vlog, when I am not rushing to finish two months of history in the next nine days....

Swag Winners

I had a post about doing a Survey and that their would be swag winners. Well here are the three winners:
Haleyknitz
Zoe Alea
Steph Bowe
Send your address to sarahbear119(at)hotmail(dot)com.

YA Books That You May Not Have Read, but You should

So, Kelly is doing a post about some of the less well known books. I am mixing unknown books with book trailer. So they are all pretty recent. I hope you enjoy and check them out.
9. Hold Still by Nina Lacour
This book is really recent, but I loved this book. It was amazing and you should read it... like now.

8. The Dust of 100 Dogs by AS King
This book was really unique. I love the characters and the whole concept.

7. Lament and Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater
Shiver has made her books a bit more popular. I like Lament more then Shiver. Maybe it is, because I distrust werewolves. Since Courtney Summers said that they will make me broke. Also, Faeries are much more kickass. I love this series, it is totally awesome. Their isn't a trailer for Lament... so you get to see Ballad.

6. Undone by Brooke Taylor
I found this book to be interesting. I love the characters and the plot was interesting.

5. The Sky Always Hears Me and the Hills Don't Mind by Kirstin Cronn-Mills
This book was awesome. I devoured it in less then a day.

4. Give Up The Ghost by Megan Crewe
This book was really unique. It was such a great book and a quick read.

3. Impossible by Nancy Werlin
This plot is amazing and unlike anything that I have read. I also love the song that this book is based on.

2. Alive and Well in Prague, New York by Daphne Grab
I loved Matisse. She was such a great character. The plot was also good.

1. Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers
I love this book. I could read this a million times and not be sick of it.

The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz

Rating:

Characters: 19/20

Plot: 18/20

Originality: 19/20

Writing: 20/20

Recommendation: 19/20

Overall: 95/100 or A

Source: Publisher

They used to live a glamorous life in New York City. The Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Schuyler Van Alen is on the run from the Venator of the New York coven. She is blamed for the murder of her grandfather, Lawrence. Her conduit, Oliver Hazard-Perry is with her. They are searching for more information about The Van Alen Legacy. Mimi and Kingsley are part of the Venator team and are back in Rio trying to find Bliss' younger sister Jordan, who was revealed at the Watcher, Sophia. Bliss is trying to deal with and overcome being a silver blood, and the fact that Lucifer himself is kind of inside of her. Mimi and Jack are engaged, but Mimi is the only one that is truly happy.

The characters are fantastic. I love Schuyler. She is such a strong and unique character. Oliver is still sweet and so kind. I still love Jack! He is so awesome. The characters evolved so much in this book. I also liked that there was finally a resoultion to the Mimi-Jack-Schuyler love triangle. Cruz makes such a fast paced plot. It was full of action, secrets, and adventure. I could not put this book down. I also like that Cruz doesn't spend five chapters getting into the story. You jump right into the bulk of the story. This series is so original and this book was no different. Cruz is a great writer that knows how to tell a story and make it interesting. I can't wait for the next book. I am glad that it is coming out this June. I highly recommend this series, because they just keep on getting better.

Waiting on Wednesday (43)

Title: Radiant Shadows
Author: Melissa Marr

Publisher: Harperteen
Date: April 20, 2010

Hunger for nourishment.

Hunger for touch.

Hunger to belong.

Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers. Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries’ coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani’s death.

Ani isn’t one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin’s plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

Alluring romance, heart-stopping danger, and sinister intrigue combine in Melissa Marr’s next volume of Melissa Marr’s New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series.

I love this series. I love the cover and it sounds really good.

Trailer Tuesday (4)

This trailer was made by Vania. She is so gifted. I loved The Body Finder and she did a great job making a trailer. I would also like to thank my 400 followers, I can't believe that their are that many people that read my blog and like it. So, Thank you so much.

Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 17/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 89/100 or B
Source: Publisher
Lauren Wood did something horrible, when she betrayed her best friend. In her quest to gain popularity, Lauren blames Helen for narcing out a few seniors, when they do their senior prank. This is in eighth grade. So, she is thrilled to hear that her parents are moving away to New York, which is far away from Michigan. Three years later, Helen is back and she is out for revenge. Helen has a new look and she is now being called Claire. Helen's revenge has a four point plan for what she will do, but she didn't think that she would make a true friend or find a guy that she really likes, in a town that used to hate her.
Helen is an amazing character. I think that we all have a bit of Helen in us. We want to get even for something, but most of the time we don't do anything like it. I found it horrible that anyone would betray their best friend like Lauren. I realized that Lauren was just a bitch and that she was just a horrible person. Brenda was very unique and I really liked her. Christoper was sweet and I loved how he liked old movies, because I love a lot of the "classic" movies. I enjoyed the plot. It was quick and cute. It showed what popularity can do to people. It isn't the most original book, but it was still fantastic. Cook is an awesome writer that knows how to make a good book. I found this book entertaining and overall a good book. I think that you would like this book, if you enjoyed the movie Mean Girls. The revenge scheme is similar.

In My Mailbox (Week of January 17th)

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie.
Intertwined by Gena Showalter:
Most sixteen-year-olds have friends. Aden Stone has four human souls living inside him:
One can time-travel.
One can raise the dead.
One can tell the future.
And one can possess another human.
With no other family and a life spent in and out of institutions, Aden and the souls have become friends. But now they're causing him all kinds of trouble. Like, he'll blink and suddenly he's a younger Aden, reliving the past. One wrong move, and he'll change the future. Or he'll walk past a total stranger and know how and when she's going to die.
He's so over it. All he wants is peace.
And then he meets a girl who quiets the voices. Well, as long as he's near her. Why? Mary Ann Gray is his total opposite. He's a loner; she has friends. He doesn't care what anyone thinks; she tries to make everyone happy. And while he attracts the paranormal, she repels it. For her sake, he should stay away. But it's too late....
Somehow, they share an inexplicable bond of friendship. A bond about to be tested by a werewolf shape-shifter who wants Mary Ann for his own, and a vampire princess Aden can't resist.
Two romances, both forbidden. Still, the four will enter a dark underworld of intrigue and danger but not everyone will come out alive....
Erica at The Book Cellar was kind enough to send me this, since she had a spare copy and she is super sweet. This book looks interesting.

All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 17/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 88/100 or B
Source: Publisher
Carly was a smart and sweet girl, that was until her mother died. She became impulsive and hurting. Her cousin Audrey and her boyfriend Neily know that Carly needs help. She dumps her sweet boyfriend Neily in exchange for Brighton's bad boy, Adam and she starts living to fast with the dangerous, but poplar crowd at Brighton. Then one day, Carly is found dead. Audrey and Neily are shocked at the news and a year later, they are still full of confusion and guilt from what happened. It doesn't matter that the murder, Audrey's father is behind bars. Audrey ask Neily to help her investigate Carly's murder. They both don't think that the pieces of murder evidence are adding up. Audrey suspects that the murder is someone at school and that it is someone that has dark secrets that need to be kept covered. Audrey and Neily will have to be completely honest to each other and themselves, as they uncover the secret of Carly's death.
Jarzab creates two different main characters. Neily feels guilty about the lost of Carly, because he thinks that he might have been able to say her. He is also smart and logical and knows that it was impossible. Audrey is a bit reckless and assertive. They balance each other during the investigation. Their flashbacks peel off a lot of their layers and show how much they have changed in the past four years. The plot of All Unquiet Things is a beautifully crafted mystery that also has lessons of life intermixed in the story. Jazrab also shows how quickly life can spiral out of control and that you can get lost in things. I found parts of it to be predictable. Jarzab created an authentic and interesting story. Jarzab is an amazing writer and I can't wait to see more books from her. This is an awesome mystery that is not just about a murder, but also about life.

Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 93/100 or A
Source: Publisher
Hanna Järvinen is an unusual girl. Her head is full of hallucinations, her medicine cabinet are full of pills, and she will only wear a violet dress, which her closet is full of. She has everything that she could ever want, but love. Mothers are full of love, right? Hanna is sure that she can reconcile with her mother that abandoned her as a baby. Unfortunately, her mother lives in Portero, Texas. This town has doors that lead to other worlds with flesh-eating creatures and parasitical spirits. It is not an ideal place to win a mother's love. Hanna refuses to let anything interfere with her plans. She'll flirt, lie, bleed, and even kill to get what she wants. Hanna rather live with monsters and mayhem, then to die without any love.
Hanna is a whimsical character. I lived how she was such a free spirit and honestly didn't care what anyone though. Her interactions with other's were amazingly original. The awkwardness with getting to know her mother was realistic, because I have seen someone meet a parent for the first at around the same age and saw both the resentment and the longing for love. Reeves captured both concepts. Hanna is also disturbing with her many hallucinations and her unusual actions, you want to stay away from her and also get to know her. Wyatt was also interesting. He had this honorable job, but wanted nothing but a simple life. Wyatt and Hanna's romance was well developed. It was honest and sweet at times.
Reeves made a stunning plot. I fell in love with Hanna's world immediately and found it to be amazing. I could totally picture this happening and loved every aspect of the story. I also loved how original this book was. It blended both a contemporary story with a paranormal setting, which I rarely see in books. Reeves is a stunning writer. She created a compelling book that I am sure is to capture many unique readers. It is a bit dark, but I feel that it tells a story that anyone can all relate to, because it is first off a story of love. I highly recommend this book.

The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 92/100 or A

Julia and Colt have been seeing each other for the last year in secret. No one else knew what happened, but them. Julia was from the privilege world of Black Mountain, while Colt was from the Flats, which is the poor neighbourhood in their town. They had nothing in common, but the fact that they spent a secret year together in a series of Friday Night Meetings. Colt wanted Julia to leave her boyfriend Austin, but he never pushed her to do anything. He knew that is would never happen. Julia died in a car accident on her way home from a party on Labor Day weekend. Colt heard it through the grapevine, that is till he is given a diary by Julia's brother. The diary shows what happened the last year between Julia and him. It is written by Julia and shows that she cares more about Colt then he ever realized.

The Secret Year has lively characters. I loved Colt. I could relate to him. His memories were very well done. I also loved how he has such vivid memories that were full of a range of emotions also loved his circle of friends. They were all so interesting and brought on a lot of the humor. His brother Tom was interesting and entertaining. The plot of The Secret Year is well crafted. I was engaged in the plot with the range of emotions that are written throughout this book. It has an authentic story that while short has an intense plot packed in it. Hubbard is an amazing author and I will be looking for a new books coming out from her. I recommend this book to anyone that is looking for an amazing book that is full of emotions in such a short, but fantastic read.

Waiting on Wednesday (42)

Title: Nice and Mean

Author: Jessica Leader

Publisher: Aladdin

Date: June 8, 2010

It’s easy to get pigeon-holed at New York City’s Jane Jacobs Middle School. But there is a way out: getting a video into the arts assembly, which transformed last year’s winners from outcasts into superstars. Alpha-girl Marina knows that a killer video will help people see past her nickname, “Marina the Hun.” And if her video can take down her so-called best friend and rival? Even better. Sachi, tired of being just another honor-roll Indian girl with pencils to lend, will do anything to get into video class, even lie to her strict parents.
The vastly different girls are assigned to be partners, and their hopes of fame plummet when they realize they barely speak the same language. They decide to divide and conquer: Marina films a fashion-news show, and Sachi conducts interviews to learn what she longs to know: What makes something popular?
The collaboration barely gets underway when the girls’ deception explodes in their faces. Shunned by family and friends, and thrown out of video, the girls surprise themselves by turning to each other to salvage their project. In the process, they explore the differences between dorkitude, niceness, and popularity, and how to get what you want without destroying your life.

This book sounds amazing and I love the cover.

Trailer Tuesday (3)

I love Doctor Who. I can't wait till Season 5, which starts in March! Matt Smith seems like an interesting Doctor. I have a movie with Billie Piper and him from Netflix. I am interested to see how he acts. Karen Gillian also looks like an amazing companian. I love her facial expressions and she is ginger. So she shall be kick butt. Also, the Doctor is carrying a gun, so I am not sure how I feel about this. Plus the Weeping Angels and Daleks are back. I love the Weeping Angels. I would not want to meet them in a back alley, but they make a good episode. What do you guys think of the trailer? I am really excited for it, but I will miss David Tennant.

Contest...

I am giving away a copy of Uglies by Scott Westerfeld and The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti.
Here is the info for them(from Amazon):
Tally Youngblood lives in a futuristic society that acculturates its citizens to believe that they are ugly until age 16 when they'll undergo an operation that will change them into pleasure-seeking "pretties." Anticipating this happy transformation, Tally meets Shay, another female ugly, who shares her enjoyment of hoverboarding and risky pranks. But Shay also disdains the false values and programmed conformity of the society and urges Tally to defect with her to the Smoke, a distant settlement of simple-living conscientious objectors. Tally declines, yet when Shay is found missing by the authorities, Tally is coerced by the cruel Dr. Cable to find her and her compatriots–or remain forever "ugly." Tally's adventuresome spirit helps her locate Shay and the Smoke. It also attracts the eye of David, the aptly named youthful rebel leader to whose attentions Tally warms. However, she knows she is living a lie, for she is a spy who wears an eye-activated locator pendant that threatens to blow the rebels' cover. Ethical concerns will provide a good source of discussion as honesty, justice, and free will are all oppressed in this well-conceived dystopia. Characterization, which flirts so openly with the importance of teen self-concept, is strong, and although lengthy, the novel is highly readable with a convincing plot that incorporates futuristic technologies and a disturbing commentary on our current public policies. Fortunately, the cliff-hanger ending promises a sequel.

After Quinn’s mother makes a list of attributes that she thinks Quinn and her younger sister should seek out in guys, Quinn comments, “We’re not stupid.” Her love-worn mother replies: “You can be smart and not know. And you can know and not care.” Then Quinn’s boyfriend dumps her, and she is surprised by how hurt she is, despite her ambivalence about him. As Quinn tries to sort out her tumultuous feelings, she embarks on a road trip with karmic intentions: by returning objects that her father stole from his former wives and girlfriends, she hopes that her own luck will change. Along the way, Quinn finds a new romance, lots of fabulous kisses, and a 10-foot Big Boy mascot statue, which all add to the story’s fun. Interwoven with Quinn’s story are vignettes with women who share their experiences with her and deliver lessons about men: “If a guy seems to need saving, call the Coast Guard.” Sporadic strong language might offend some younger readers; otherwise, this is a sure hit with both Caletti’s and Sarah Dessen’s legions of fans.

In My Mailbox (Week of January 10th)

Readergirlz Books that I got:
Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti
Copper Sun by Sharon A. Draper

Books bought:
Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder
The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Other Things Bought:
Headset
Hat that I am wearing...

About Me:

So, a few people asked to know more about me in a survey, here it is.
My name is Sarah Woodard. I live in Washington State. I am eighteen. Right now, I am finish high school. I want to be a published writer, when I am older. I love books, TV, Music, photography, writing, road trips, musicals, and movies. My favorite books are Looking for Alaska by John Green and the Harry Potter Series. My favorite shows are Doctor Who, Torchwood, Chuck, Glee, Project Runway, Veronica Mars, Skins, and a few other shows. My favorite bands are The Hush Sound, Death Cab for Cutie, Nirvana, and Janis Joplin. My favorite color is blue. My favorite movies are V for Vendetta, Atonement, and Gone with the Wind. I have three sisters: Nicole, Elizabeth, and Jessica. I have one brother: David. I am extremely nearsighted that I can't see with out my glasses. I also have a immunological disorder called hypogammaglobulinemia, which is commonly known as Common Variable Immunodeficiency. It is a rare genetic defect, where the level of immunoglobulins (antibodies) in the blood is low and the risk of infection is high. This has caused my family to be over protective and I tend to go to the hospital a lot. Anyways, if you have any questions, I can make a FAQ section below. So leave them in the comments.

Stupid Cupid by Rhonda Stapleton

Rating:

Characters: 17/20

Plot: 18/20

Originality: 18/20

Writing: 18/20

Recommendation: 17/20

Overall: 88/100 or B

Felicity Walker believes in true love. That is why she applies for a job at a matchmaking company called Cupid's Hollow. When she gets the job, she is surprised to find out that she isn't any ordinary matchmaker. Felicity is now one of the many Cupids in the world.

She is now armed with a hot pink PDA and a list of all the e-mails of the teens that go to her school. She is trying to make quotas of successful matches, but when she decides to hook up her best friend Maya with three boys at once. Felicity needs to come up with a plan to set it all right, before she gets fired and before Maya ends up with her heart split in three.

This book is super cute. Felicity was cute and a fun character that was realistic. I could also relate to the fact that she had a major crush on Derek, because it was like most high school crushes. I also liked Felicity, Maya, and Andy friendship. They were like a tight group of friends that I had in high school. I wish there had been a bit more about the characters. The concept of this book is great. I would like to think that there are modern day Cupids. The plot was fun and light. It was a quick and sweet read. Though, I found it odd that her employer didn't catch on to what was happening with Maya. Stapleton is a fantastic writer. She created a funny and sweet voice for Felicity. I was laughing the whole book. I can't wait for Flirting With Disaster, I think the series will be so much fun. I believe that you would this book, if you like Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies.

Source: Simon Pulse sent me a review copy.

Captivate by Carrie Jones

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 93/100 or A
Zara and her friends knew that the pixie problem wasn't solved. The king's needs grow deeper each day, while he is in captivity. While the control of the king's subjects grows weaker everyday. It makes him more vunerable and now their is a new king in town. A war over this territory will start any day and the new pixie king, Astley has an immense interest in Zara. Astley says that Zara and him are destined to be together and that there is also a such thing as a good pixie. It also doesn't help that Zara rescued him one day in the woods. Nick isn't buy it, though Zara isn't as sure. Despite everything that Zara knows about pixies, she wants to trust the new king. But it's a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It's her life -- and his.
Captivate picks up shortly after Need. Zara is such an amazing character and it was awesome to see all of the growth that she had in Need and how she continued to grow. I also love Nick, he is awesome and super sweet. He called Zara, "baby" during the whole book and it was a bit annoying. He also was way too protective. I liked Astley, but I just feel like I can't trust him. Devyn and Issie are great together and they are meant to be with one another. I loved how much action there was in Captivate and the story was really interesting. It was a really original story and had tons of twist and turns. Carrie Jones is an amazing writer and knows how to plot a book well. Jones is also great at making sequels and she smoothly picked everything up. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes Need or paranormal romance. It will do just what the title says, captivate.

Waiting on Wednesday (41)

Title: Linger
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: July 20th, 2010
This is the story of a boy who used to be a wolf and a girl who was becoming one.
Just a few months ago, it was Sam who was the mythical creature. His was the disease we couldn’t cure. His was the good-bye that meant the most. He had the body that was a mystery, too strange and wonderful and terrifying to comprehend.
But now it is spring. With the heat, the remaining wolves will soon be falling out of their wolf pelts and back into their human bodies. Sam stays Sam, and Cole stays Cole, and it’s only me who’s not firmly in my own skin.
I really liked Shiver and Linger sounds really good.

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

Rating:

Characters: 18/20

Plot: 19/20

Originality: 17/20

Writing: 18/20

Recommendation: 17/20

Overall: 89/100 or B
Grace Divine always knew that something happened the night that Daniel Kalbi disappeared. The night that she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch and he was covered in his own blood. The memories that her family tried to bury, has resurfaced, but when Daniel returns three years later, the memories start slowly coming back. Despite Grace's promise to Jude that she'll stay away, she can't keep away from Daniel. He has amazing artistic ability that is drawing Grace in, but the closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life. Grace must discover the truth behind the dark secret and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

Despain creates amazing characters that are unique and have their own personality. I really liked Daniel, he was a great character and swoon-worthy. His mysterious elements helped really bring the story to life. Grace was interesting and really sweet, too. She was a bit naive at times and believed things a bit easier then most people, which annoyed me. Jude was interesting. I liked how Grace and Daniel didn't fall for each at first sight, but they slowly liked one another. I liked how the plot slowly unraveled and had mysterious undertone. It was fairly original and different. Despain wrote beautifully and created such a unique paranormal romance. I would recommend this to people that like paranormal romance or are looking for a book that is a bit different.

Source: Egmont sent me a Copy for review.

Trailer Tuesday (2)

YARebels is a vlog group of YA Authors. They just started yesterday and here is the link, if you want to watch them. The authors are Leah Clifford, Jen Hayley, Gretchen McNiel, Kody Keplinger, Scott Tracey, Victoria Schwab, and Courtney Allison Moulton. I follow all of these authors on twitter and they seem to all be super sweet and interesting.

Some cool things to watch out for...

Richelle Mead will be having a chat on Thursday, January 7th at Penguin's Office Watercooler. It will start aroung 8PM EST. Here is the link. You can even enter your e-mail so you can be sent a reminder of the chat. I am sure that it will be a lot of fun and Richelle is super sweet.

Readergirlz also has a few chats going on soon. There will be a chat with Beth Kephart on Wednesday, January 6th at 9pm EST. There is also a chat with E. Lockhart on Wednesday, January 20th at 9PM EST. The chats will be hosted on thier blog, which can be found here.

Also here is a Widget for Incarceron:

Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 20/20
Recommendation: 20/20
Overall: 96/100 or A
Regina Afton used to be a part of the Fearsome Five. That is until rumors spread around Hallowell High. Rumors that involve her best friend's boyfriend and her. Regina has been frozen out and the now Fearsome Four are out for revenge. If she was guilty it would be different, but the rumors are so far from the truth. The bullying is also getting more intense by the hour. Regina finds solace with Michael Hayden, which is someone that the Fearsome Five used to bully. Regina works hard to make amends for her past and realize that Michael and her could easily be more then friends, that is if the Fearsome Four doesn't break them up first.

Some Girls Are shows the intense reality of bullying that is in many schools today. Some Girls Are makes you feel something so intense, that you don't want to stop to reading it. You will wonder what will come next and be stuck on the edge of your seat. The characters in Some Girls Are, are like people that I knew in high school. The Fearsome Four is inside of every school in America. They are the kind of girls that you don't want to have any classes with or even pass them in the halls. At the same time, you want to be them. I liked how Summers showed that they weren't just using psychical bullying, but also psychologically. They are smart in the worse ways. Regina is shown as a strong character that has done more then a few wrong things. At the same times, Regina is making amends with the people that she hurt. Her relationship with Michael is interesting and unlike most relationships in Young Adult fiction. I loved Michael and how honest and sweet he was at times.

The amazing thing is that you feel sorry for Regina, even though she used to be a horrible person. I slowly forgave her as the plot went on and even felt sorry for her at times. Like Cracked Up To Be, Some Girls Are has raw emotions and is brutally honest. It is the type of book that you can't believe what is happening and it is psychically impossible to stop reading. I found this book to be really original. Courtney Summers' writing is dark and intense. She doesn't sugarcoat the book with useless details, but tells that story as a realistic and one of a kind book. Seriously, tomorrow go and buy a copy of Some Girls Are. I promise that you will love this book as much as I did and will be thinking about this book for a while.

Source: St. Martin's Griffin sent it to me for review.

Cybils Shortlist

Pretty much, I talk about the Cybils Finalist for Young Adult Fiction. Which were:
Blue Plate Special by Michelle D. Kwasney, Carter Finally Gets It by Brent Crawford, Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers, How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford, Into The Wild Nerd Yonder by Julie Halpern, North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley,and Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson. They were all amazing books that I loved. You can find more info about Cybils here.

In My Mailbox (Week of January 3rd)

Books that I got:
For Keeps by Natasha Friend
So Not Happening by Jenny B. Jones
In a Hearbeat by Loretta Ellsworth
Captivate by Carrie Jones
Heart At Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
2 copies of Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress by Tina Ferraro to donate to Seattle Children's Hospital. THANK YOU, TINA!

Books read in 2009:

I can't believe another year has gone.
Here are the books that I read last year:
1. In Your Room by Jordanna Fraiberg –272 pages
2. Almost Home by Jessica Blank –256 pages
3. Betrayed by Kristin and PC Cast –320 pages
4. The Elite by Jennifer Banash –256 pages
5. In too Deep by Jennifer Banash –244 pages
6. Far From You by Lisa Schroeder –356 pages
7. Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind –88 pages
8. Hold Me Tight by Lorie Ann Grover –352 pages
9. Unraveling by Michelle Baldini and Lynn Biederman –230 pages
10. Flowers In The Attic by V.C. Andrews –400 pages
11. Going too far by Jennifer Echols –256 pages
12. TTYL by Lauren Myracle –204 pages
13. Sucks to be me by Kimberly Pauley –293 pages
14. Persistance of Memory by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes –213 pages
15. The Dead Girls’ Dance by Rachel Caine –248 pages
16. Alive and Well in Prague, New York by Daphane Grab –247 pages
17. North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley –373 pages
18. Secret Keeper by Mitali Perkins –272 pages
19. Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz –288 pages
20. Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston –336 pages
21. Torched by April Henry –224 pages
22. Get Well Soon by Julie Halpern –208 pages
23. Easy by Kerry Cohen Hoffmann –163 pages
24. Melody by V.C. Andrews –373 pages
25. The Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle –346 pages
26. You are so undead to me by Stacey Jay –264 pages
27. Your Own Sylvia by Stepanie Hemphill –260 pages
28. Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev –356 pages
29. This What I Did by Ann Ellis Dee –171 pages
30. Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson –260 pages
31. The Second Virginity of Suzy Green by Sara Hantz –258 pages
32. Something Happened by Greg Logsted –201 pages
33. Heart Song by VC Andrews –378 pages
34. Mackenize, Lost and Found by Deborah Kerbel –249 pages
35. Evermore by Alyson Noel –306 pages
36. The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King –330 pages
37. Fade by Lisa Mcmann –248 Pages
38. Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simmers –247 pages
39. Raven by Allison Van Diepen –304 pages
40. Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine –245 pages
41. Death by Latte by Linda Gerber –203 pages
42. Before I Die by Jenny Downham –327 pages
43. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson –278 pages
44. Anything but Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin –195 pages
45. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler –241 pages
46. Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella –309 pages
47. Exposed by Susan Vaught –330 pages
48. Everything is Fine by Ann Dee Ellis –154 pages
49. Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith –307 pages
50. Envy by Anna Godbersen –409 pages
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

69. Something Maybe by Elizabeth Scott –224 pages
70. The Vampire Diaries: Nightfall by L.J.Smith –586 pages
71. House of Dance by Beth Kephart –272 pages
72. Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard –270 pages
73. Death is a State of Mind by Marlene Perez –192 pages
74. What would Emma do? By Eileen Cook –224 pages
75. Amor and Summer Secrets by Diana Rodriguez Wallach –288 pages
76. Stargazer by Claudia Gray –336 page
77. If I Stay by Gayle Forman –200 pages
78. Willow by Julia Hoban –352 pages
79. Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison –304 pages
80. Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan –436 pages
81. The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti –346 pages
82. Red Glass by Laura Resau –288 pages
83. Red: The Next Generation of American Writers--Teenage Girls--On What Fires Up Their Lives Today Edited by Amy Goldwasser 288 pages
84. Soulstice by Simon Holt – 270 pages
85. Dead until Dark by Charlanie Harris –336 pages
86. Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis- 224 pages
87. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting –330 pages
88. Emily The Strange: Lost Days by Rob Reger -264 pages
89.Silver Phoenix: Beyond the Kingdom of Xia by Cindy Pon -352 pages
90. Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey -384 pages
91. Sloane Sisters by Anna Carey - 208 pages
92. The Real Real by Emma Mclaughlin and Nicola Kraus -336 pages
93. Lovesturck Summer by Melissa Walker -272 pages
94. Gorgeous by Rachel Vail -288 pages
95. Cathy's Key: If Found 650-266-8202 by Sean Stewart and Jordan Weisman -144 pages
96. Cathy's Ring: If Found 650-266-8202 by Sean Stewart and Jordan Weisman -144 pages
97.. Moonlight by Rachel Hawthorne -272 pages
98. Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender -352 pages
99. Fragile Enernity by Melissa Marr -400 pages
100. The Awakening by Kelley Armstong -368 pages
101. Wings by Aprilynne Pike -294 pages
102. Everything Beautiful in the World by Lisa Levchuk -208 pages
103. Being Nikki by Meg Cabot -352 pages
104. Breathing by Cheryl Renee Herbsman -265 pages
105. Beautiful Creatures by Marget Stohl and Kami Garcia -576 pages
106. Hate List by Jennifer Brown -416 pages
107. Ash by Malinda Lo -272 pages
108. Purge by Sarah Darer Littman -240 pages
109. DupliKate by Cherry Cheva -256 pages
110. Paisley Hanover Acts out by Cameron Tuttle-352 pages
111. Secret Society by Tom Dolby -352 pages
112. Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison -240 pages
113. Spourt by Dale Peck -288 pages
114. The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams -224 pages
115. Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter -272 pages
116. Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund - 272 pages
117. Once was Lost by Sara Zarr -224 pages
118. Geektastic: Stories form the Nerd Herd -416 pages
119. Beautiful World by Anastasia Hollings -224 pages
120. Living Dead in Dallas by Charlanie Harris -320 pages
121. Perfect Fifths by Megan McCafferty -272 pages
122. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen -383 pages
123. Love is the Higher by David Levithan -176 pages
124. Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott -288 pages
125. Jumping off Swings by Jo Knowles -240 pages
126. Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow -304 pages
127.One Lonely Degree by C.K. Kelley Martin -256 pages
128. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater -400 pages
129. Blue Moon by Alyson Noel -304 pages
130. Wide Awake by David Levithan -240 pages
121. Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner -304 pages
132. Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors -288 pages
133. Behind Every Illusion by Christina Harner -340 pages
134. Finnikin of The Rock by Melina Marchetta -416 pages
135. Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley -321 pages
136. After by Amy Efaw -350 pages
137. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld -448 pages
138. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young -272 pages
139. I Can't Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous & Obscure edited by Larry Smith -192 pages
140. Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation -464 pages
141. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick -400 pages
142. The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy -320 pages
143. Shrinking Violet by Danielle Joseph -320 pages
144. Snap by Carol Snow -256 pages
145. Girl on the Other Side by Deborah Kerbel -144 pages
146. Hold Still by Nina LaCour -304 pages
147. So Punk Rock: and Other Ways to Disappoint Your Mother by Micol Ostow and David Ostow -264 pages
148. My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent -384 pages
149. The Goodbye Season by Marion Hale -288 pages
150. The Miles Between by Mary E. Pearson -272 pages
151. Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen -320 pages
152. Beautiful by Amy Reed -240 pages
153. Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brescount White -384 pages
154. The Sky Always Hears Me and The Hills don't Mind by Kristin Cronn-Mills -288 pages
155. Blood Promise by Richelle Mead -512 pages
156. Darklight by Lesley Livingston -320 pages
157. Lady Mabeth's Daughter by Lisa Klein -304 pages
158. The Tear Collecter by Patrick Jones -272 pages
159. Emily by Emily Smucker -168 pages
160. Marni by Marni Bates -168 pages
162. Chelsey by Chelsey Shannon -168 pages
163. Candor by Pam Bachorz -256 pages
164. The Waking: Dreams of the Dead by Thomas Randall-304 pages
165. Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani -288 pages
166. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins -400 pages
167. Lament by Maggie Stiefvater -336 pages
168. Liar by Justine Larbalestier - 384 pages
169. Dani Noir by Nova Ren Suma -272 pages
170. Derby Girl by Shauna Cross -240 pages
171. Give Up The Ghost by Megan Crewe -256 pages
172. The Hollow by Jessica Veraday -544 pages
173. My Invented Life by Lauren Bjorkman -240 pages
174. The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard -192 pages
175. Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted -208 pages
176. Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines -336 pages
177. This is What I Want to Tell You by Heather Duffy Stone -240 pages
178. Boneshaker by Cherie Priest -416 pages
179. Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert -368 pages
180. Going Bovine by Libba Bray -496 pages
181. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver -480 pages
182. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier -272 pages
183. Struts & Frets by Jon Skovron -304 pages
184. I'm a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want To Be Your Class President by Josh Lieb -304 pages
185. The Demon Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan -336 pages
186. Gringolandia by Lyn Miller-Lachmann -250 pages
187. Break by Hannah Moskowitz -272 pages
188. The Cupcake Queen by Heather Helper -240 pages
190. Handcuffs by Bethany Griffin -320 pages
191. After The Moment by Garret Freymann-Weyr -336 pages
192. The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz -384 pages
193. Tricks by Ellen Hopkins -640 pages
194. The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp -304 pages
195. Crash Into Me by Albert Borris -272 pages
196. Jumped by Rita Williams Garcia -176 pages
197. Lost by Jacqueline Davies -242 pages
198. Because I am Furiture by Thalia Chaltas -368 pages
199. Rage: A Love Story by Julie Anne Peters -304 pages
200. Fat Cat by Robin Brande -336 pages
201. Krama for Beginners by Jessica Blank -320 pages
202. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan -304 pages
203. The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith -240 pages
204. How to Say Goodbye In Robot by Natalie Staniford -288 pages
205. The Homeschool Liberation League by Lucy Frank -288 pages
206. Blue Plate Special by Michelle D. Kwasney -304 pages
207. How It Ends by Laura Wiess -344 pages
208. Some Girls are by Courtney Summers -256 pages
209. Donut Days by Lara Zielin -256 pages
210. The Rock and The River by Kekla Magoon -304 pages
211. Funny How Things Change by Melissa Wyatt -208 pages
212. Food, Girls, & Other Things I Can't Have by Allen Zadoff -320 pages
213. Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson -336 pages
214. Carter Finally Gets It by Brent Crawford -304 pages
215. Marcelo in Real Life by Fancisco X. Stork -320 pages
216. Into The Wild Nerd Yonder by Julie Halpern -256 pages
217. Fallen by Lauren Kate -464 pages
218. The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott - 224 pages
219.The Total Tradegy of a Girl Named Hamlet by Erin Dionne -304 pages

I read a total of 65,795 pages in 219 books. So, I averaged 300.4 pages a book, which is higher then last year.

11 books that are must reads in 2010...

Here are eleven books that are amazing and come out in 2010. More complete reviews will come out next year.

1. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting:

I got this book in last April and I fell in love in with this book. It is based in Buckley, WA, which is close to me and loved it. This book is really amazing and it is a must read, when it comes out in March.

2. Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers:

I love this book. It is full of sparkle. Seriously Courtney Summers' books are love. It is also the best in your pants joke ever.

3. The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott:

I literally screamed, when I got this book. It was well written and talked truly about friendship and how it really is. Also the main character's name is Sarah and her nickname is Sarahbear. Stop stealing my nickname, authors... just kidding.
4. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan:

This book is amazingness in touchable form. Seriously, I could not stop laughing while reading this book. Also, it has a shiny cover.

5. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young:

This book is so cute and I want the second one so much. Plus, it has strawberry smoothie as a curse word... so cute.

6. The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassiday:

I love the premise of this book and the plot was amazing. It was slow at parts, but the unique characters made up for it.

7. The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard

I loved this book. It was amazing and I could not help loving it. The plot was amazing and so were the characters.
8. Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta:

I have the Aussie verison of this book and it should be coming out later this year in the States. It is totally different from her other books, but I loved it.

9. Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White :

This book was amazing. I loved how White created something so unique.

10. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver:

I love the concept of this book and found it really interesting.
11. The Mark by Jen Nadol:

This book was really interesting and I loved the characters.