In My Mailbox (Week of February 28th)

Books that were bought:
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Book that were Mooched:
Courage in Patience by Beth Fehlbaum
Books for Review:
Winter Longing by Tricia Mills
Plus by Veronica Chambers
Invisible Girl by Mary Hanlon Stone
The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June by Robin Benway
Anastasia's Secret by Susanne Dunlap

Yay!

Today is my Sister Nicole's 21st Birthday.

Happy Birthday to you!

I hope that you have fun in Las Vegas!

Love You Lots!

Below is a picture of my sisters,

who are the first to read anything that I write.

The Line by Teri Hall

Rating:

Characters: 18/20

Plot: 18/20

Originality: 19/20

Writing: 19/20

Recommendation: 18/20

Overall: 92/100 or A
Source: Publisher

An invisible and uncrossable barrier encloses the United States. The Line is part of the border that lopped off the country and doomed the citizens to a mysterious fate, when the enemies used a banned weapon. There are rumors about bizarre creatures and mutant humans live on the other side of The Line, in Away. Nobody would be strong enough to live there, except the old, yet tough Ms. Moore. Rachel and her mother work for Ms. Moore. They went to live there after Rachel's father died in the last war. It is a safe and quiet life by The Line. That is until Rachel finds a recording from Away and they are asking for help. Who sent the message? Why is her mother so protective? And to what lengths is Rachel willing to go in order to do what she thinks is right?

Rachel was a sweet and naive girl. She didn't know a lot about what was happening with the government, after she found that recording and I also liked that she asked a lot of questions. She also grew a lot during the book. I really like how strong she became. Ms. Moore was also a strong character and I liked her attitude about life. She had a really strong personality. Jonathon was an interesting character and I could tell that he felt sorry about what he did in the past. Rachel's mom had a lot secrets and it was awesome to see into her pass.The plot of this book started out slow, but it gained speed as it went on. I found the way that the government ran to be similar to 1984's system, which while complex was interesting and simple. I found this Dystopian to be well though out and original. Hall created a well written book, with amazing characters and a fantastic plot. I can't wait for the sequel to come out in 2011, because there are so many questions that I have about what will happen in Away.

What I Secretly Love...

I have a secret love... for horror movies. I know that it sounds odd, but I love movies that make you jump out of your seat or suddenly feel like you have to go to the restroom. One of the first horror movies that I saw was Nightmare on Elm Street. This movie was so scary, when I saw it at eight years old. I then saw all of the sequels. At eleven, I saw The Exorcist by myself. It is the best horror movie ever(Let's not talk about the sequels...) I rarely love remakes, but Dawn of The Dead(2004) is one of the most amazing zombies movies that I have ever seen. Recently, they started remaking old horror movies and one of them is Nightmare on Elm Street. Anyways, here is the trailer, I hope you enjoy. It looks pretty awesome!

A Nightmare on Elm Street Trailer 2 in HD

Trailer Park Movies MySpace Video

Hourglass by Claudia Gray

Rating:

Characters: 16/20

Plot: 15/20

Originality: 18/20

Writing: 17/20

Recommendation: 17/20

Overall: 83/100 or B
Source: Publisher

Hourglass starts where Stargazers left off. Bianca and Lucas have finally found a way to be together, but it means that they will have to lie to the person that they care about the most. They are now on the run with the Black Cross, after running away from Evernight Academy. Bianca thinks that everything will be okay and that they can get through this, until her friend Balthazar is captured by the Black Cross. She knows that she has to save him, even if that means that she might expose herself.

Bianca is an interesting character, and she has potential. It just seemed to feel overdone to me. Lucas was sweet like in the last books, but at times he seemed to be annoying. I love Balthazar and felt that there was not much of him in the book. I really liked the previous book in this series, but I liked Hourglass until the end. The end just disappointed me. The ending seemed too hard to follow. The plot was interesting and original, but it just seemed too far out there. Gray is a pretty good writer. I just didn't connect to this book as much. Yet, I am still interested in the sequel and the possibility of what could happen.

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 17/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 88/100 or B

Source: Publisher

Lennie Walker used to be a bookworm and a clariet player in the shadow of her older and more bold sister, Bailey. That is until Bailey's heart fails her and Lennie is left to deal with the aftermath of Bailey's death. She is stuck in a hole of grief that she can never get out of. Then she reconnects through Bailey's ex-boyfriend Toby and this new guy in town named Joe Fountaine. Toby helps her reconnect with her sister, and she finds someone that actually understands her. While Joe who is a musical genius, helps distract her from the grief that plagues her. Even though they seem to help her, she feels gulity for moving on her life and having to learn to live with out her sister.

Lennie Walker was an amazing character. I could understand what she was going through, because I have lost my sister and know how it is impossible to get over the mountain of grief that stays with you everyday and you have to slowly accept it. Her voice really shined through out the book. Toby was like someone that I knew when I went to school. He was sweet and you could tell how much he loved Bailey. Joe was also so sweet, but at time I didn't think he understood what Lennie was going through. Also, I loved that he called Lennie, John Lennon. The plot was based on the finding soulitude in a world that is full of grief. Emotions of love, lost, and the bonds of sisterhood are explored in this book. I found it to be a honest and sweet book that I really liked. I found this book to be orginal in the way that grief was dealt with, which is honest, because we all don't have a text book way of grieving. Also, the poems added to the orginality, because it explained Lennie and Bailey's relathionship in a simple and lovely way. Nelson had a fantastic debut. Her story was emotional, original, and honest that displayed what lost really was like. I would recommend this book to fans of Willow and Thirteen Reasons Why.

Waiting on Wednesday (48)

Title: The Replacements
Author: Brenna Yovanoff
Publisher: Razorbill
Date: September 16th 2010
Mackie Doyle seems like everyone else in the perfect little town of Gentry, but he is living with a fatal secret - he is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now the creatures under the hill want him back, and Mackie must decide where he really belongs and what he really wants. A month ago, Mackie might have told them to buzz off. But now, with a budding relationship with tough, wounded, beautiful Tate, Mackie has too much to lose. Will love finally make him worthy of the human world?
This book sounds really good. I also love the cover it reminds me of Rosemary's Baby, which is a pretty good movie. I can't wait to read this.

Yay!

I can't believe it, but I just posted my 500th post, which is amazing. Usually I don't finish what I start, which is why I am surprised that I have been doing this for eighteen months. Anyways, I hope that you all enjoy my blog. =)

Trailer Tuesday (8)

I have a copy of this book, but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. I love Ally Carter. This book is also about thieves, which I love. I can't wait to read it.

Beautiful Creatures Signing

Last night, I went to a signing for Beautiful Creatures. I loved the book and I have talked to the author a few times. So, I was super excited to go.
Kami and Margie started off with explaining how they wrote the book and their love for Diet Coke. Also where they got their ideas and much more.
Then Kami did a reading of Beautiful Creatures and then there was a Q&A time.
Then Kami explained the contest that they are doing and gave the first clue from Melissa Marr's book Wicked Lovely.

Then it was time to sign books. I also gave them a bag of goodies which you can see.

Kimberly Derting, author of the soon to be released The Body Finder(I think it is 22 days now!) was there.
My Cybils buddy Jackie Parker was there.
Liz Gallagher(Author of The Opposite of Invisible) was there too. I got to have a lovely chat with all of them!

In My Mailbox (Week of February 21st)

Books that I got this week for Review:
The Secret to Lying by Todd Mitchell
Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonold
Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev
The Clearing by Heather Davis
The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell
Shadow Hill by Anastacia Hopcus
Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Opposites of Tension by Kristina McBride
Siren by Tricia Rayburn

Nonbookish things:
A Polka Dot Bag
Heart Headphones
Ghostgirl Chocolate

Wannabe Writer (4)

Wannabe Writers is a group for all of you out there who are un-published like me. I often find myself searching the web for information during my struggles as a new writer. So I wanted to start a place where us future young-adult authors can come together to ask those questions, share our stories, and get feedback. Here's how it works: (click here)
Sarah's Question This Week: Is editing as you go a bad thing? The day ends and many times I have less words than when I started. How do I stay focused on the end of my story?
My answer:
I don't allow myself to edit until I am done with a project. This way that I don't lose where I am going or ideas that are hidden in a story. Your first draft is suppose to be utter crap, so why not allow yourself to just write and then worry about the problems in it.
My Current Problem: I actually had a really good week and wrote 5000 word. =)

Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson

Rating:

Characters: 18/20

Plot: 18/20

Originality: 19/20

Writing: 19/20

Recommendation: 18/20

Overall: 92/100 or A

Scarlett's life is as crazy as ever. She is now Mrs. Amberson's assistant and has to do anything that she ask for, which is usually dropping off scripts to her brother Spencer and doing Mrs. Amberson's shopping for odd food. Scarlett has to make friend with Chelsea, a Broadway Star that is Mrs. Amberson's new client. Scarlett is trying to juggle her sophomore year class, a lab partner that is a bit too nice, and she is also trying to get over the boy who broke her heart. Her family is in a million different directions. It is surprising that Scarlett has has time for herself with everything that is going on in her life.

Scarlett Martin is a character that I can relate to so much. She is insecure about what she wants to do in life. She is also lovable and really caring. Her brother Spencer is really funny and I love his humor. I loved that he tried out for Crime and Punishment, which is a tribute to Law and Order. Lola and Marlene also became a bigger part of the story. I liked learning more then what Scarlett sees. Max was an interesting addition to the series, I loved what I found out about him and hope to learn more. Murray is the most awesome dog ever. The plot of this book was just as exciting and funny as the last book. I found myself laughing so much during this book. This book was really original with it's great characters and the wonderful plot. Maureen Johnson is a fantastic writer that knows how to write such a great book. I recommend this to anyone that likes Maureen Johnson's other books.

Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 20/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 94/100 or A
Source: Publisher
The Drakes are not a normal family. They are a family of vampires and some of their family dates back almost a century. Their daughter Solange happens to be the only born female vampire known, so she poses a direct threat to the vampire queen. It is the day before her sixteenth birthday, the day that all born vampires become undead. Solange doesn't want to rule or even become a vampire. She rather be doing ceramic, hanging out with Lucy(who is human), or getting to know Kieran Black, a vampire hunter that keeps on showing up. Everyone is after Solange, but Lucy will be able to save the day with help of one of Solange's seven brothers, Nicholas, whom she might have a crush on. Together, they must take on a royal court, an anti-vamp league, and rival tribes of the undead, just to make sure Solange survives. By the stroke of midnight, her fate will be sealed, one way or another.
Solange was a reluctant vampire, which I think is really rare in YA. I really enjoyed seeing it. I also liked how she was multidimensional and had flaws. Lucy was also a sweet girl. The friendship that Solange and Lucy had reminded me a lot of Lissa and Rose in the Vampire Academy series, which I adore. I also loved how all seven brothers were different in some way and how you got to learn more about Nicholas in this book. Kieran Black was an interesting character. He was really smart and wanted revenge. Yet, he didn't exactly want to kill Solange. I loved how their were three types of vampires and each were clearly created with their own attributes. The plot was an interesting story. It was gripping and I loved how fast the story was. It was so hard to put it down and I didn't want for it to end. This book was really original and fascinating. Harvey was a great writer and I had the pleasure of meeting her. She was so sweet and nice. I can't wait for her other books, because I am sure that they will be just as awesome as this book. I know that you are probably sick of vampire books, but this series is really awesome and unique. I would honest recommend this to anyone that likes paranormal young adult.

Waiting on Wednesday (47)

Title: Princess For Hire
Author: Lindsey Leavitt

Publisher: Hyperion Book

Date: March 16, 2010

When an immaculately dressed woman steps out of an iridescent bubble and asks you if you'd like to become a substitute princess, do you
a) run
b) faint
c) say Yes!
For Desi Bascomb, who's been longing for a bit of glamour in her Idaho life, the choice is a definite C--that is, once she can stop pinching herself. As her new agent Meredith explains, Desi has a rare magical ability: when she applies the ancient Egyptian formula "Royal Rouge," she can transform temporarily into the exact lookalike of any princess who needs her subbing services. Dream come true, right?
Well, Desi soon discovers that subbing involves a lot more than wearing a tiara and waving at cameras. Like, what do you do when a bullying older sister puts you on a heinous crash diet? Or when the tribal villagers gather to watch you perform a ceremonial dance you don't know? Or when a princess's conflicted sweetheart shows up to break things off--and you know she would want you to change his mind?
In this hilarious, winning debut, one girl's dream of glamour transforms into something bigger: the desire to make a positive impact. And an impact Desi makes, one royal fiasco at a time.
This book looks really cute. I have already preordered it and can't wait to read it. The cover is so cute!

Contest for Taken by Storm

Leesie is a beautiful, straight-laced Mormon desperate to escape high school and the boys who torment her there. Michael is a scuba diver whose parents were killed on a dive trip. He desperately longs to dive again, but terrifying flashbacks of the hurricane that killed his friends and family plague him. Leesie is drawn to Michael's brokenness—she feels she can save him. He is attracted to her purity and beauty. Soon, all the rules Leesie has found easy to obey in the past (no hot-and-heavy kissing, no dating an unbeliever, no sex) are no longer cut-and-dry, and her plan to attend BYU no longer seems so important. Both Michael and Leesie must figure out what matters most to them. This book explores the teens' relationship through poetry, instant messages, and journal entries. Although the format is clever, the author doesn't fully commit to sharing this story in the characters' own words. Leesie's poetry is full of emotion and does a great job of expressing her feelings, but Michael's journal entries are unconvincing as the writings of a grief-stricken teen. Also, he is selfish and disrespectful of Leesie's beliefs, and she is too willing to forgive him when he has sex with a classmate. Their relationship is uncomfortably codependent, and when the teens split up at the end, it is a relief.
Contest is International and it ends on March 9th.

Teaser Tuesday

Here is a teaser from my Current WIP, Starlight:
Lunch is like a circus. Each group seems to have their own clique and a series of skills. I sit two tables over from the popular kids. Two tables away from the center of the universe in high school. Most of them used to be my friends when I was little, but I have changed and I can about more things then parties and what I am wearing. I also became a bit smarter and was transferred into honor classes in middle school. That is when I met Jordan and stopped hanging out with Kelsey Turner and Lauren Halland. I pick at the cucumbers in my salad with my fork as I sip my Gatorade. The noise of the cafeteria rumbles around me as Jordan sits down across from me. She has a yogurt, turkey sandwich, and sobe on her tray. Jordan glances behind me and then remarks, "I think that lunch will be rather interesting today."
"Okay." I reply as Smith sit right next to me with a huge piece of pizza, a basket of fries, two milk cartons, an apple, and an orange. Only girl's are pigs, if they eat a lot, while guys eating a lot makes them, well I guess normal. An awkward silence last what seems like a decade, but in reality it is only a few seconds. I take a bite of my salad and wave at Smith.
He glances at my lunch and sighs, "Are you seriously only eating lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes for lunch?"
I nod as Jordan says, "She doesn't trust the lunch ladies to make anything but a salad bar. She still is wary of it."
"Why don't you bring lunch then?" Smith ask with his mouth full of an orange slice.
I laugh, "I bring a lunch and put it in my musty locker. Then I take it out after it has been at room temperature with a million germs growing all over it. I am sorry, but that is a horrible idea. I rather just eat my tiny salad and have a snack when I get home."
"Never talk about anything that could be germy with Julie, or she will freak out and spray you will disinfectant and Purrell. Seriously, she has been a misophobia, since she was like ten. It is funny at times." Jordan says after she finishes her yogurt.
Smith laughs, "I know what to get you for Christmas, now. An industrial sized container of antibacterial wipes should do just fine."
I giggle and then remark. "I will probably use it in a few days with how messy it is at school."

Anyways, I hoped you enjoyed it.

Gone by Lisa McMann

Rating:
Characters: 16/20
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 17/20
Recommendation: 17/20
Overall: 85/100 or B
Source: Bought
Janie has to make a final decision. She learned in Fade that going into dreams will make her blind and handicap. She could try to leave Cabel and live in a world of isolation. She know that Cabe will stay with her until she dies, he will never try to leave her. She has to choose between being strong psychically and mentally or continue her life as it is. Janie also meets her dad, who happens to be a dream catcher, too. She learns that her decision is not as easy as it seems, that this is a catch-22.
The characters weren't as strong as in the previous book. Janie was more moody then the last book. She has to decide which is the better decision, either ways she will lose something that is really important to her. Cabe wasn't as present at the other books, but I loved how supportive he was as always. The plot was a character driven plot, unlike the previous books in the series. I find the choice ideal interesting, because either way she loses something. At the same time, I could relate to it. We all have to make choices that have echoing effects on us in the past. This is a original book that had a great concept. McMann did a good job writing. I felt like the ending could have been more concrete, instead of being so opened ended. I do live her simple writing style that flows through out the book. This book was an interesting end to the series and I can't wait to see what McMann is writing next.

In My Mailbox (February 14th)

I forgot to say this, but thank you for all of the comments yesterday. It means a lot.
For Review:
Shade by Jeri Ready-Smith
Claire De Lune by Christine Johnson
Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonold

Bought:
Gone by Lisa McMann
Tips on Having a Gay Ex-Boyfriend by Carrie Jones
Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison
Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
The Dark Days of Hamburger Haplin by Josh Berk
Heist Society by Ally Carter

Won:
Dirty Little Secret by CJ Omolulu along with swag

A tiny part of me...

Wednesday was my three year anniversary of being sick. I have been asked by people why I remember it and the reason is that I changed a lot in that time. Honestly before getting sick, I was gossip, a good student, and not overall a strong person. I would cry about simple and useless things. Now, it take soul twisting moments to make this happen, I cry about things that actually matter. I have never actually written what happened and I am going to to do that now, because I am getting better.
It was a normal day on February 9th, 2007. I had just finished my first round of finals in high school. The next day at 4am, I woke up with extreme pain and I was unable to walk. it felt like a knife was being shoved into my stomach. My parent though that it was the flu. I had a flu like this, when I was younger. I was having fevers of over 104 and verily eating. I had to sleep sitting up, otherwise I would scream in pain for the whole night. I had to get help to go the bathroom, getting dressed, and walking. I honestly thought that I was going to wake up dead. The doctor that I saw, was f sure that it was appendicitis. I was rushed to the hospital and had surgery. The next day, I felt the same. Later that week, I went for my surgery check up. I was still having a pain and he said that was normal and that I should try to walk more.
Later that week, I went to see my doctor and she did tons of blood work. I was tested for AIDS, Lupus, RA, and pretty much every disease under the sun and also had me get an MRI. It turned out that my white count was really high and there was a mass on my MRI by the pelvis. With a fever, high white count, and a mass on a MRI, there are only a few things that it could be and on the top of the list is an infection.
After the weekend, I was admitted into the hospital, because they had no clue, what was causing a list of symptoms. My older sister Nicole, came everyday, even on her 18Th birthday, which she brought me a breakfast. My younger siblings came with my dad when they could, but I didn't want them to miss Work or School on my account. An orthopedic doctor finally found out that I had abscess in my right psoas major muscle. The psoas muscle is pretty deep and just above your hip bone. It controls a lot of the lifting that you do with your legs. I went in for an exploratory surgery and they came to a conclusion that it would be risky to open me up. They decide on doing a CAT Scan insertion tube procedure. Since it would be less invasive and I would heal from it more quickly. For the next fifteen days I wasn't allowed to shower and still had to get help walking.
I came home the day before my mom's birthday. I still had to sleep upright and most foods made me sick. I returned to school on March 23rd. I had missed over a month of AP Classes and was still in pain. On April 15th, they figured out that I had Reactive Arthritis in my right hip and I stopped going to school until Sept 2009. I was told to see a Rheumatologist. It took over a month to wait for that appointment and during that time, my uncle died. This was added stress on the family and I think that February 10th just brings a reminder of what is to come. Anyways, when I went to my doctor. I was put on Prednisone, which is an evil medicine that makes you gain weight like you are eating a few pounds of bacon a day. In August of that year, my Rheumatologist figured out that all of my Immunoglobulins were very low. There are five major types of Immunoglobulins: IgA, IgE, IgG, IgD, and IgM. Each of these antibodies are severely important to how the body is ran. Luckily, I found an amazing doctor that found out what was wrong with me. It is Common Variable Immunodeficiency that is caused by severe hypogammaglobulinemia(lack of antibodies). I started getting infusions in January 2008 and will continue to get them every 2-4 week. I still am at high risk for infection and cancer, but I believe that I can make it through.
During this time, I really found what I love. Reading has always been a passion of mine and I discovered that I was to write for living. I also found the wonderful world of book blogging. I am not saying that I am happy that I got sick, but I have met some of my best friends from it and tons of other amazing people. I also want to thank everyone for their support, because it means so much. I seriously appreciate it.

Wannabe Writers (3)

Wannabe Writers is a group for all of you out there who are un-published like me. I wanted to start a place where us future young-adult authors can come together to ask those writing questions, share our stories, and get feedback.

Where I am in the writing process: Didn't get much done, because I have a major cold. I got 1000 words and did some revising(I know I shouldn't have. I only added more content.)

Sarah's question this week: The above being said, I think I'm slowly starting to get a good grip on my own voice. But how do I make my other characters sound different? I write in 1st person and that voice belongs to my main character. But the problem is that all the other characters are starting to sound just like her. Obviously, I try to make each secondary character have a different personality, likes, dislikes, special phrases they often use, etc. But I still feel like I'm writting a story with 20 different me's here. What do I do to seperate them?

My Answer: You have to think like your character. When you are writing different characters that is your new set of mind.
Here is example one:
I hate the smiles that people give in high school. Smiles are as fake, as the “Prada” purses that girls in my school guard like they are your children or a piece of thier demented soul. No one likes anyone in high school, so why do we pretend to like each other. It is just a mask and all mask are uncovered at some point. The only person that understands this in the high school is Jordan. She helps me understand that being nice has a reason in high school. It gives you things and I don’t mean sex or drugs. It gives you this sense of power. Some sort of ability over people, while being a bitch gives you nothing, but a few dirty looks and other nasty things, for example an opened tuna can in your locker, which I never did to Kelsey Turner. She is as big of a liar as her thighs are, which can crush cities in a few steps.
She is a cynical girl that is really negative and obviously hates high school. At the same time she cares about her brother and wants to know her dad.
Then here is example two:
I find puke in the toilet again. The smell is worse then rotten milk, I can’t believe that my sister has done it again. I can only stand so much morning puke. I flush it and decided that going to the bathroom can wait. I opened the opposite door and flip on the switch. “Turn it off.” Lara screams from her bed and starts layering her pillows over her eyes to protect from the attack of lights. Hunter hops out of Lara’s bed and throws on his jeans and a blue T-shirt.
This girl is in love with her sister's boyfriend.
The point that you have to know everything that is important to your characters. Julia is example one and my current WIP and example two is Lily from my first maniscript. I also think that characters need to have bits of you, or you don't really understand them and can't protray them well. And honestly if you can't protray them well, you will SUCK at the book.

A Match Made In High School by Kristin Walker

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 20/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 95/100 or A
Source: Author
At the first day of school, the principal announces that every senior must complete a year long Marriage Education program, Fiona Sheehan believes that her life can't get any worse. That is until she finds out that her husband is jerky jock Todd and whose real life girlfriend, Amanda had has it in for Fiona since second grade. Also, Amanda is paired with Fiona's long term crush, Gabe. At least Fiona isn't paired with very quiet, very dorky, and very big Johnny Mercer like her best friend Marcie. Pranks, Fights, Misunderstandings, and Reconciliations fly wild in this amazingly original comedy.
This book had such amazing characters. Fiona was strong and sweet. I liked how she didn't care so much about what people, but she also had layers that made her three dimensional. I loved Johnny Mercer, he was so sweet and awesome. Todd also was funny and a great character. I was so glad that he didn't fall for Fiona, but they became friends. Marcie was also a great character. The plot wasn't predictable. There was one part that I guessed, but other then that it was as predictable as the weather. This book was also so funny, I was laughing the whole time that I was reading it. The insults and pranks is what made this book so great. This book was also highly original. Their were some stereotypical characters that I still enjoyed, because they were complex and interesting. Walker created a fantastic book that I loved. I can't really compare this book to anything, but you should read it.

The Author Hunt

If you are a Young Adult author that will be visiting the Washington, Oregon, or Idaho in 2010 or aware of events that I may have missed, please contact me at sarahbear119@hotmail.com with the event details so that the event may be featured.

Heather Brewer (Vladimir Tod Series):
Wednesday, February 10 at 7:30 PM: Powell's City of Books 1005 W BurnsidePortland, OR 97209 USA

Christine Fletcher (Ten Cent Dance):
Sunday, February 28 at 2-3:30PM: She will be giving a presentation at Cedar Mill Community Library 12505 NW Cornell Road Portland, OR

Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (Beautiful Creatures):
Sunday, February 21 at 5:30PM: Third Place Books 17171 Bothell Way NE Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Monday, February 22 at 7pm: University Bookstore 15311 Main Street Mill Creek, WA 98012


Tanya Egan Gibson (How to Buy a Love of Reading):
Thursday, February 25 at 7PM: University Bookstore 4326 University Way NE Seattle, WA 98105

Emily Whitman (Radiant Darkness):
Saturday, February 27 at 2:00pm: Wy'east Book Shoppe & Art Gallery 67195 East US Highway 26, Suite A Welches, OR 97067

Suzanne Young (The Naughty List):
Wednesday, February 16 at 7PM: Powell's Books at Cedar Hills Crossing 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd. Beaverton, OR 97005

For other states, visit these blogs:
The Neverending Shelf - Southeast region
The Story Siren - Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan
The Book Cellar - Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois
YA Bliss - Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Oklahoma and Kansas
Frentic Reader - California

Waiting on Wednesday (46)

Title: The Clearing

Author: Heather Davis

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Date: April 12, 2010

In this bittersweet romance, two teens living decades apart form a bond that will change their lives forever. Amy is drawn to the misty, mysterious clearing behind her Aunt Mae’s place because it looks like the perfect place to hide from life. A place to block out the pain of her last relationship, to avoid the kids in her new town, to stop dwelling on what her future holds after high school. Then, she meets a boy lurking in the mist—Henry. Henry is different from any other guy Amy has ever known. And after several meetings in the clearing, she’s starting to fall for him. But Amy is stunned when she finds out just how different Henry really is. Because on his side of the clearing, it’s still 1944. By some miracle, Henry and his family are stuck in the past, staving off the tragedy that will strike them in the future. Amy’s crossing over to Henry’s side brings him more happiness than he’s ever known—but her presence also threatens to destroy his safe existence. In The Clearing, author Heather Davis crafts a tender and poignant tale about falling in love, finding strength, and having the courage to make your own destiny—a perfect book to slip into and hide away for awhile.

I really liked Heather's first book and this one sounds amazing. I also love the cover, it is so pretty.

Trailer Tuesday (7)

I love Finnikin of the Rock and this trailer is really awesome.

Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 93/100 or A
Source: Publisher
Everyone has secrets. Lucy's secret is bigger and dirtier then others. Her mother hoards anything. Nobody would understand the stack of newspapers and mounds of garbage are filling the house to the brim. A rotting scent covers the house, Lucy is afraid that one day the smell will attach to her clothes. After years of keeping others at a distance, Lucy has a best friend and maybe even a boyfriend that is as if she can appear normal to then, but one day, Lucy comes home from a sleepover to find her mother dead. She almost calls an ambulance, but notices all of the filth and garbage. The paramedic will come and bring the fire trucks and the news camera. No one will remember mom as the nice oncology nurse with lovely children. Her family will be known as major garbage hoarders in her town.
Lucy was an interesting character. She had fears about not being accepted by others, because of her families secret and she also has normal teen issues. Josh was cute. Kaylie was also a interesting character. The plot was amazing and really got me thinking, if anyone in my family started hoarding, I think that it would be utterly disgusting and I couldn't handle it. It is a disease, so it is a little more understandable, but Lucy's mom had asthma and all of the mold and decay could not be good for her. This book also covers such a small time frame, because it is so well detailed. This book is unlike any other book that I have read. Omololu is such a great writer, her descriptions were hauntingly disturbing. Also, the ending was a complete surprise to me. Seriously, get this book now!

In My Mailbox (Week of February 7th)

Books for Review:
A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
Riding Invisible by Sandra Alonzo

Wannabe Writers (2)

This is a new Meme created by another Sarah at Confessions of the Unpublished. It is for unpublished writers to get some support from each other.
Where I am in the writing process: Still un-published and working on finishing my 2nd manuscript. I finished 2 chapters this week, while doing school work. A chapter for me, is 1500 to 2000 words.

This week's question(s) this week: Finishing this thing? How do you tie up all those loose ends and write the perfect ending? I've never struggled this much in my writing. Usually it just flows out. Any suggestions?
My answer: When I finished my first book, I took a two week break and then wrote three possible endings before I figured out which ending that I wanted. I still wasn't happy with it. This time, I actually wrote the ending shortly after writing the beginning of my book, so I am slowly filling in the holes till the I get to the end of my book. I think it is what works the best for me.

The River by Mary Jane Beaufrand

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 17/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 89/100 or B
Source: Publisher

Veronica Severance moved from the city to rural Oregon with her parents. Her father was a lawyer and got the wrong person off. They now run an inn. She is haunted by loneliness and by the chilling sounds of the Santiam, the river that runs through her backyard. Ronnie finds herself becoming close with Karen, a young girl who she babysits. But when running, she discovers Karen's body on the banks of the Santiam, the victim of a supposed accident. Ronnie feels compelled to uncover the truth, because Karen was smart and knew the woods well. She slowly becomes more obsessed with solving Karen's death, Ronnie is led deeper into the woods surrounding the river and to the dark secret hidden within it's midst.

Ronnie was an interesting character. I liked that she ran and also she didn't give up easily. I also liked how all of her neighbours had unique personality and all played a part in the story. The plot was well done. Details slowly came out on each page, which was wonderful for a suspenseful mystery. Unlike most mysteries, I wasn't sure what was going to happen. It was very original and unique, I rarely see books that are written like this. Beaufrand is an amazing writer that created a great book that I couldn't put down. I recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a mystery book, with something different to the plot.

The Naughty List by Suzanne Young

Rating:

Characters: 18/20

Plot: 19/20

Originality: 19/20

Writing: 19/20

Recommendation: 20/20

Overall: 95/100 or A

Source: Publisher

After the last cheerleader captain is publicly humiliated, when she finds out that her boyfriend has an "other women". Tessa Crimson takes over the cheerleading squad and starts Society of Smitten Kittens. At the request of girls who suspect that their boyfriends of cheating, SOS will launch a full-scale investigations. If SOS finds any evidence, they will provide it to their clients. So far all of the boys have been guilty. Tessa's boyfriend Aiden is troubled by her frequent absences and the secrecy that comes with SOS. Things become a bit more complicated by the arrival of Christian Ferril and his sister Chloe. Christian is interested in Tessa and Chloe has her eye on Aiden. Then Aiden's name shows up on the list. She starts using her sleuthing skills on him. Is Aiden just as naughty as the rest of them?

I found this book to be extremely cute. Tessa and her friends are like able. They were really sweet and original. Their voices brought depth and realism to the cheerleader stereotype. I love secret societies and SOS was ran awesomely well. The reports were through anonymous cell phone and top-secret correspondence. The SOS then receives cheater reports and goes on missions. I found the way that SOS was ran to be clever and plausible for a teenager. I would love to be in a Secret Society like that and it helped me get engaged further into the plot. I also loved the fun alternative cuss words that Tess came up with. This book was so original and I fell in love with it. Young is a fantastic writer that created a clever and unique story. I highly recommend this book, you should buy a copy right now. I can't wait for the sequel So Many Boys. I bet it will be just as amazing.

Waiting on Wednesday (45)

Title: Shade
Author:Jeri Smith-Ready
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Date: May 4, 2010
When her boyfriend dies a most untimely death, Aura--who can see ghosts--is forced to reconsider her relationship with the living and dead in SHADE.
This book sounds AMAZING! I love the cover. It is so pretty. The reviews that I have seen so far are posistive and I can't wait to read this book. I can't find a good describtion, but it still sounds totally awesome.

Trailer Tuesday (6)

I have this book in my TBR pile. It looks really good and I have heard amazing things about it. I love how this trailer is so simple, yet pretty.

Books Read In January 2010

1. Captivate by Carrie Jones
2. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
3. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
4. Stupid Cupid by Rhonda Stapleton
5. Undead Much by Stacey Jay
6. All Unquient Things by Anna Jarzab
7. Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me? by Louise Rennison
8. Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook
9. The Line by Teri Hall
10. Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman
11. Ballad by Maggie Stiefvatar
12. Hourglass by Claudia Gray
13. The River by Mary Jane Beaufrand

Reviews posted from these books: 6 of these books so far, a few are planned to be posted later.
Books from Library: 2 books
Books for Review: 11 books
Books borrowed: 0 books
My Favorite: Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me?
My Least Favorite: Hourglass, the ending was a huge wtf moment.
Update:
100+ Reading Challenge: 13 read. 87 books left
Debut Authors '09: 3 read 47 books left
Dystopian Challenge: 2 read 18 books left