Trailer Tuesday (21)

Prom & Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg looks really cute. It seems like a really sweet plot.

Matched by Ally Condie

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 20/20
Originality: 17/20
Writing: 20/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 95/100 or A
Source: Publisher
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.
The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.
I was really intrigued when I heard about Matched. The premise reminded me of one of my favorite books as a child, The Giver. While there are some similarities, between The Giver and Matched, the many difference made me love it. Imagine a society where everything from your job to your marriage are chosen for you. I found this to be extremely intriguing, because I have always really appreicated all of the choices that I have in life.

Cassia was a very sweet and niave character at the beginning, but slowly she learns about how much the Society is really taking away from her. Her grandfather helped with this discovery by giving her a poem that wasn't allowed. The discovery that she didn't have to be with Xander also helped, because it showed that the Society isn't always right. She begans to question their motives. Ky was such a mysterious and interesting character. I really enjoyed him and wish that there had been more about him. I didn't really understand the appeal of Xander. Cassia and Xander were suppose to be such great friends, but there wasn't really any chemistry between them.

Matched had such an amazing plot. I found it really exciting, because I didn't know what to expect next and the plot had so many twist and turns. I ussually don't enjoy love triangles, but this one was essential to the plot and acctually made it more intense. There was a lot of originality in Matched, like how excaltly was the society made that way or what was happening in the Outer Providences. Condie was a spetacular writer that created such an amazing world with amazing characters. I would reccomend this book to fans of Dystopian Fiction.

In My Mailbox (Week of November 28th)

Books for Review:
Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith
The Anti-Prom by Abby McDonold
The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta
Sister Mischief by Laura Goode
When The Stars Go Blue by Caridad Ferrer

Guest Post with Julie Chibbaro

I have the amazing Julie Chibbaro for a guest post on her research for Deadly. First, here is the summary of Deadly:

A mysterious outbreak of typhoid fever is sweeping New York.
Could the city’s future rest with its most unlikely scientist?
If Prudence Galewski is ever going to get out of Mrs. Browning’s esteemed School for Girls, she must demonstrate her refinement and charm by securing a job appropriate for a young lady. But Prudence isn’t like the other girls. She is fascinated by how the human body works and why it fails.
With a stroke of luck, she lands a position in a laboratory, where she is swept into an investigation of the fever bound to change medical history. Prudence quickly learns that an inquiry of this proportion is not confined to the lab. From ritzy mansions to shady bars and rundown tenements, she explores every potential cause of the disease.
But there’s no answer in sight—until the volatile Mary Mallon emerges. Dubbed “Typhoid Mary” by the press, Mary is an Irish immigrant who has worked as a cook in every home the fever has ravaged. Strangely, though, she hasn’t been sick a day in her life. Is the accusation against her an act of discrimination? Or is she the first clue in a new scientific discovery?

And here is Julie on writing historical fiction:
The great part about reading historical fiction, for me, is the sense that I’m having a fabulous time while also learning something. After the last page, I feel full and solid, like I ate a good meal. I try to write my books that way – entertaining and enlightening at the same time.
So how did I find the story for Deadly? Well, I grew up in New York, a place that always struck me as rather notorious for its epidemics (all big cities have this problem). I’d always heard about Typhoid Mary – mostly from teachers and parents who admonished us not to spread our germs around – and I always thought she somehow injected epidemics into people, or worse. In doing research for another book, I came across the real story of (Typhoid) Mary Mallon. Turns out she was a cook for rich NY families working in 1906. She never got the fever, only spread it unintentionally in her cooking.
This epidemic seemed a perfect set-up for a historical novel. I started to think about a girl who might be affected by this epidemic, and how she might be involved in this story. I began to hear Prudence’s voice, a 16-year-old girl saddened by the loss of her brother and father, who wants, in her words, “to fight death.”
As the story began to take shape, my research brought me into wonderful areas of discovery about the time period – the latest technology: telephones, cars, electricity – and how Prudence used this new technology to hunt down the cause of the epidemic. The Internet was very helpful in this area – quick dips to Google to find out small things. For bigger facts, or for getting a whole sense of the time, I had to get on my feet and go to the Lower East Side of NY where the story takes place, or visit a museum to look at old paintings or photos, or to the NY Public Library to look at old newspapers.
Using history in my novels allows me to do my two favorite things, reading and writing, at the same time. I hope after reading Deadly, you come away with a full feeling, or at least a sense of wonder about the world that existed a hundred years ago.

I hope you enjoyed!

Interview with Deliliah Hannaford from Fixing Deliliah and A Contest

I have the amazing Deliliah from Fixing Deliliah. Her story was very captivating, and I hope that you enjoy this tiny glimspe into her. world.
1. There are only three Hannafords left. what legacy would you like your family to leave?
That's a loaded question for sure! ;-) When I first arrived in Vermont with Mom and Rachel this summer, I was so bent on figuring out the past. I felt like I couldn't think about where I was going until I understood where I came from. There were so many fights, so many tears, so much pain... and now I realize that thinking about a legacy is kind of like trying to predict the future. Part of my problem was that I was so tied up with the past and the future -- the "what happeneds" and the "what ifs" -- that I was totally missing the moment, the right now, the important things that make life worth living. I'm still figuring that part of it out, but I'm getting better. :-) That said, whatever happens with my family, I hope that we've all learned to appreciate one another as family, and that we all have our secrets and imperfections, but above all, we love each other. I don't know if that's a legacy, but I hope we carry it with us for a long time.
2. What are the parts of Red Falls that you think that you will never forget?
If coming back here after eight years taught me anything, it's that I'll never truly forget Red Falls. Even though a lot of it was hazy on arrival, it was all still inside me, all the memories, good and bad. It was such a part of my life for so long -- so many memories of my family are tied to this place. So much of my family's history is wrapped up in this town, in this house, on the lake. After this summer, those memories are even stronger, even more cemented. I'm not going to forget any of it.
3. Patrick and you were friends growing up and now you realize that there is something more. How hard was it to act on your feelings without the fear of losing friendship?
Everything with Patrick happened so fast! Because I hadn't seen him since we were really young, I don't think I was worried as much about our friendship as I was about falling hard for him and then having to leave at the end of the summer, losing him all over again. I was also trying to deal with some trouble I'd gotten into back home, including a bit of a scandal with my non-boyfriend Finn, and I didn't want Patrick to simply be my distraction from that. The timing for us was actually really bad, but like Aunt Rachel says, when the universe is trying to hit you over the head with something, you might want to pay attention. :-) From the first moment I saw him under the bleachers that day, I knew I was falling for him, bad timing or not, lost friendship or not. Sometimes you just have to take that risk!
4. After going back to your grandma's, you gained a new appreciation for family and your past. What do you love most about your mom and Aunt Rachel?
If you asked me this when we first arrived in Red Falls, I don't think I would've been able to answer. But now I realize that even though their relationship still needs a lot of work, they really do love each other. I'm so grateful for that, because if my mom and Rachel can find a way to reconnect -- even if things are still super rocky -- it gives me hope for me and Mom, too. I'm also grateful that even when I was at my worst, they didn't walk out on me or give up. I love them for that.
5. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I just want to say thank you for letting me share my story, and for being patient. I know I can be... difficult... sometimes. I had a lot of stuff to sort out this summer, and it wasn't always easy, but it helps to have a few good friends. True friends, like Patrick says, the best kind.
(But you know, good friends or not, I'm not sharing him. Sorry! :-) )
I hope that you enjoyed the interview as much as I did. I also have a signed copy of Fixing Deliliah or Twenty Boy Summer for giveaway. Just fill out the form below by December 9th and US only.

So Epic...

Happy Thanksgiving!
I am thankful for...

• My Family


• My Friends


• My Health


• My Future


• My Past


• My Home


• Good Books


• All of my amazing readers


• And the simple things of life.

Hope you all have an amazing day!

Waiting on Wednesday (79)

Title: Wolfsbane
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Penguin
Date: July 12th 2011
Betrayal, loss, pain, fear. How many trials can love endure and still survive?
This book looks so amazing and I love the cover. *wants*

Woot...

I did a guest blog on Holly Cupala's blog about five things that I want to see in Young Adult Fiction. If you want to read it, you can find it here.

Trailer Tuesday (20)

I am not sure if I will like this book. It sounds like every other Paranormal Romance. If you have read this, what did you think of it?

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Rating:

Characters: 18/20

Plot: 19/20

Originality: 18/20

Writing: 19/20

Recommendation: 19/20

Overall: 93/100 or A

Source: Publisher

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

I really enjoyed Nightshade. Calla had such a strong backbone, but she also cared for others. I could also relate to her down-to-earth personality. Ren was the typical bad boy, but I could tell that he had genuine feelings for Calla. I really liked the banter that Ren and Calla had back and forth, it reminded me of the banter in Old Hollywood films, which I love. Shay was such a sweetie and had some mystique at the beginning, but secrets slowly unraveled and I found myself liking him more. The plot was really engaging. I found myself intensely drawn into Nightshade. The romances were very sweet and well developed. The action was also well written. This book isn't like most werewolf books, it had a twist which made it more intriguing. Cremer's writing was really well developed. I found myself drawn into her world and I really enjoyed it. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Paranormal Romance and is looking for something new.

In My Mailbox (Week of November 21st)

This is my In My Mailbox for this this week.

Tell Us We're Home by Marina Budhos:

Jaya, Maria, and Lola are just like the other eighth-grade girls in the wealthy suburb of Meadowbrook, New Jersey. They want to go to the spring dance, they love spending time with their best friends after school, sharing frappés and complaining about the other kids. But there’s one big difference: all three are daughters of maids and nannies. And they go to school with the very same kids whose families their mothers work for.
That difference grows even bigger—and more painful—when Jaya’s mother is accused of theft and Jaya’s small, fragile world collapses. When tensions about immigrants start to erupt, fracturing this perfect, serene suburb, all three girls are tested, as outsiders—and as friends. Each of them must learn to find a place for themselves in a town that barely notices they exist. Marina Budhos gives us a heartbreaking and eye-opening story of friendship, belonging, and finding the way home.

This book looks really cute and is for a Teen Book Scene blog tour.

Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making It Work by Tim Gunn

On the runway of life, Tim Gunn is the perfect life coach.
You've watched him mentor talented designers on the hit television show Project Runway. Now the inimitable Tim Gunn shares his personal secrets for "making it work"—in your career, relationships, and life. Filled with delightfully dishy stories of fashion's greatest divas, behind-the-scenes glimpses of Runway's biggest drama queens, and never-before-revealed insights into Tim's private life, Gunn's Golden Rules is like no other how-to book you've ever read.
In the world according to Tim, there are no shortcuts to success. Hard work, creativity, and skill are just the beginning. By following eighteen tried-and-true principles, you can apply Tim's rules to anything you set your mind to. You'll learn why Tim frowns on displays of bad behavior, like the vitriolic outburst by Martha Stewart's daughter about her mother's name-brand merchandise. You'll discover the downfalls of divadom as he describes Vogue's André Leon Talley being hand-fed grapes and Anna Wintour being carried downstairs by her bodyguards. And you'll get Tim's view on the backstabbing by one designer on Project Runway and how it brilliantly backfired.
Then there are his down-to-earth guidelines for making life better—for yourself and others—in small and large ways, especially in an age that favors comfort over politeness, ease over style. Texting at the dinner table? Wearing shorts to the theater? Not in Tim's book. Living a well-mannered life of integrity and character is hard work, he admits, but the rewards are many: being a good friend, being glamorous and attractive, and being a success— much like Tim himself!
He is never one to mince words. But Tim Gunn is always warm, witty, wise, and wonderfully supportive— just the mentor you need to design a happy, creative, and fulfilling life that will never go out of style.
Not my ussually reading, but I really enjoyed it. I love Project Runway, so I had to read this. There were several narratives that I found really funny or engaging. It just sounded a lot like Tim Gunn and has his life experience in it, so if you are a fan of his, I highly suggest buying it soon. If not, I am sure that you will still find the book to be a charming and fun read.

Contest!

I have a copy of Her and Me and You by Lauren Strasnick for giveaway.
Here is the summary:
First love, broken friendships, and heartache all play a part in this evocative, voice-driven novel about Alex, a girl whose world is ripped apart when her father’s affair splits her family in two.
Alex moves with her mess of a mother to a new town, where she is befriended by hot, enigmatic Fred—and alternately flirted with and cold-shouldered by Fred’s twin sister, Adina. Others warn Alex to steer clear of the twins, whose sibling relationship is considered abnormal at best, but there’s just something about Fred—and something about Adina—that draws Alex to them and makes her want to be part of their crazy world…no matter the consequences.

Harry Potter and other stuff.

I can't believe that the last Harry Potter is coming out in just a few hours. I am so excited and can't wait to see it at midnight. I have been rereading the books for the last week and completely loved it.

I also want to let you all know that my C-reactive protein is higher then when I had my abscess. I feel fine and have to get several test. Wish me luck!

Invisible Things by Jenny Davidson

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 91/100 or A
Source: Publisher
Sixteen-year-old Sophie knows there is more to the story of her parents' death. And she's on a mission to find the truth. To aid her in solving the decades-old mystery, Sophie has enlisted her best friend, Mikael, whose friendship has turned into something more. It's soon clear that Sophie's future is very much wrapped up in the details of her family's past, and the key lies with information only one man can provide: her parents' former employer, the elusive billionaire Alfred Nobel.
As the threat of war looms in Europe, dangers to Sophie and her loved ones grow. While her determination to solve the mystery doesn't waver, forces beyond her control conspire to keep her from her purpose. Then, news of her great-aunt Tabitha's death sets off a chain of events that leaves Sophie questioning everything.
The more Sophie learns, the more she realizes that nothing—and no one—in her life is what it seems. And coming to terms with the dark secrets she uncovers means imagining a truth that she never dreamed possible. Full of gorgeous settings, thrilling adventure, and romance, invisible things is a novel that dares to ask, what if?
I really enjoyed Davidson's previous book, The Explosionist. It was full of mystery and intrigue. Invisible Things started right where the last book ended. A lot that was a mystery in the first book is revealed, along with several other secrets. Sophie was just as clever and thoughtful in the first book. I love Mikael. He was lovely and I found him really interesting. I love the alternative history that Davidson creates. It is so rich and full of people that were actually in our world. I found parts of the plot to drag on and a bit was unrealistic. Even with that I found such a unique and stunning book that catches your attention from the beginning. I highly suggest that you should read this book, it will capture your attention and bring you to a new world.

Interview with Joëlle Anthony

Joëlle Anthony has been a storyteller her whole life, which transformed into her writing career. She has had a few small roles in movie, but decided to change to writing. Restoring Harmony is her first book.
What was the hardest and easiest part of writing Restoring Harmony?
The hardest part was Chapter One. Before I ever even queried agents, I cut 60 pages from the front end. Then my agent made me cut more. Then my editor made me cut even more! I found it extremely hard to give the book a running start and create the world Molly lives in at the same time.
The easiest part was the last chapter. I wrote it in about an hour and it never even needed much editing. By the time I got to it, I knew the characters so well, and I knew exactly what I wanted to happen, so it just flowed right out and was done in no time. Now if I could just write first chapters that easily, I’d be set.
2. Restoring Harmony takes place in the future, but if given a choice of time traveling to any point in time, where and when would you choose?
I’ve been asked this a couple of times and I always answer the same, so I should probably try to come up with something different, but honestly, there is only one answer. I really would love to go back to live in the early 1900s in a small town in Minnesota (brrr!) next door to Betsy Ray from the Betsy-Tacy books. The books could be renamed Betsy-Tacy-Joëlle. They had the best times!
3. Music is very important to Molly in Restoring Harmony, what are some of your favorite songs?
As a child of the eighties, I’m not allowed to answer this because it would be so embarrassing. Just kidding. Sort of.
Actually, I married the man who wrote my favourite songs, Victor Mecyssne (he took my last name when we got married so now he’s Victor Anthony. How cool is he?). Seriously, I was a big fan of his work and through a series of lucky events and a mutual friend, we met even though we lived 2000 miles apart. You can hear his work through his site (http://www.victoranthony.ca). It’s a romance story that would be unbelievable in a book.
Some of my favourite songs he didn’t write are Whiter Shade of Pale performed by Annie Lennox, I Wish I Was in New Orleans by Tom Waits, and all the songs by our pal, Tom Mitchell.
4. What are some of your favorite young adult novels?
The Betsy-Tacy high school books by Maud Hart Lovelace
Tribes by Arthur Slade
The Year My Sister Got Lucky by Aimee Friedman
The Timekeeper’s Moon by Joni Sensel
Six Rules of Maybe by Deb Caletti
Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdoch
Rose Sees Red by Cecil Castellucci
5. Is there anything that you would like to add?
Thanks for having me. And thanks for blogging about books. Writers are really lucky to have so many great people blogging about authors, books, and writing.

Restoring Harmony by Joëlle Anthony

Rating:
Characters: 16/20
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 17/20
Writing: 17/20
Recommendation: 17/20
Overall: 84/100 or B
Source: Publisher
The year is 2041, and sixteen-year-old Molly McClure has lived a relatively quiet life on an isolated farming island in Canada, but when her family fears the worst may have happened to her grandparents in the US, Molly must brave the dangerous, chaotic world left after global economic collapse—one of massive oil shortages, rampant crime, and abandoned cities.
Molly is relieved to find her grandparents alive in their Portland suburb, but they’re financially ruined and practically starving. What should’ve been a quick trip turns into a full-fledged rescue mission. And when Molly witnesses something the local crime bosses wishes she hadn’t, Molly’s only way home may be to beat them at their own game. Luckily, there’s a handsome stranger who’s willing to help.
Restoring Harmony is a riveting, fast-paced dystopian tale complete with adventure and romance that readers will devour.
Molly tried to please everyone and was strangely happy in a dystopian world. I found that rather annoying. I don't feel that Molly would have acted that way with her upbringing, in some of the situations. Spill was awesome, I really liked his resourcefulness and how sweet he was. Her grandparent were lovely. This plot could have been so amazing. Parts were really exciting and interesting, but much of that wasn't explored more. I found the post-collapse world to be intriguing and did like what I learned about. I also enjoy organized crime and found the way that Anthony portrayed it to be stereotypical, but with a little twist. Anthony's writing was beautiful and I really enjoyed this debut. I think that you would enjoy this book, if you can't quite handle the sadness of most dystopian books, I would suggest this book.

Interview with Emma from The Replacements and giveaway.

Today, I have an interview with Mackie's sister Emma from The Replacements. I hope you enjoy learning about her.

1. You took care of Mackie with all of your heart and such immense devotion. What inspired to you to take care of your brother? And what has helped maintain such a supportive relationship?
Maybe you'd have to meet him to really understand, but Mackie has always been so hard for me not to like. I mean, I guess there were times when I resented him—when we were younger—but he's always tried so hard not to be any trouble. He's a really good brother, and whatever he needs, whatever he is, it's not his fault.
2. You have an extreme interest in Botany. What would you like to accomplish with that in the future?
You know, I first got interested in botany because I thought there might be a way to help Mackie deal with all the iron in the human world, but the more I studied, the more I got to love it. It's really interesting, and Mackie certainly isn't the only person I could help with it. After grad school, I'd love to go into medical research.
3. What is your favorite things about college?
It's probably cliche, but I have to say, my favorite thing about college is getting to meet new people. You have no idea how hard it is to make new friends in Gentry, and being on campus, especially in the labs, means getting to know people who actually have common interests.
4. What do you like most about Gentry? And what do you hate?
Gentry is kind of hard to talk about. I don't know that I really like anything about it, but I don't hate it as much as I did when I was younger. Now, I mostly feel sorry for the people who don't see that anything's wrong. It's like they can't help it. They just go along without questioning anything because it's what's easiest, and I don't admire or respect that, but I kind of understand it.
5. Is there anything that you would like to add?
Just that these were great questions and it's really nice to meet you! Thanks for having me, Sarah!

I also have a charm bracelet for giveaway. To enter, tell me what is your lucky number(s). Canada or United States addresses only and also enter by November 24th. Enjoy!

The Replacements by Brenna Yovanoff

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 89/100 or B
Source: Publisher
Mackie Doyle is not one of us. Though he lives in the small town of Gentry, he comes from a world of tunnels and black murky water, a world of living dead girls ruled by a little tattooed princess. He is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now, because of fatal allergies to iron, blood, and consecrated ground, Mackie is fighting to survive in the human world.
Mackie would give anything to live among us, to practice on his bass or spend time with his crush, Tate. But when Tate's baby sister goes missing, Mackie is drawn irrevocably into the underworld of Gentry, known as Mayhem. He must face the dark creatures of the Slag Heaps and find his rightful place, in our world, or theirs.

What I enjoyed most about The Replacements is the fact that Gentry is sort of both a scenery and a character. It is full of mystique and creepiness. It really worked for such a sleepy and small town. Mackie started the book and he understood that he was slowly dying and that really captured my attention, because I know that hopeless feeling. He slowly learns about what he really is and what he needs to do. I loved the devotion that Emma had to Mackie and found that sibling relationship to be so sweet. The plot of The Replacements was slow in a few places and a few things were too predictable, but overall I enjoyed the twist that Yovanoff brought to the story. The Replacements was unlike any thing that I can remember. Yovanoff made an amazing debut and I can't wait to read more from her. I recommend this book to fans of Holly Black or Melissa Marr.

Do it!

Leah Clifford is having an awesome contest.

For those not vlog friendly, mention the contest and link anywhere on the Internet. Each mention allows you to leave ONE name suggestion in the comments sections of Leah's video. Go do it. Did I mention that she is giving away a signed ARC...

Notes from the Blender by Brendan Halpin and Tricia Cook

Rating:

Characters: 17/20

Plot: 18/20

Originality: 17/20

Writing: 18/20

Recommendation: 18/20

Overall: 88/100 or B

Source: Publisher

Declan loves death metal--particularly from Finland. And video games--violent ones. And internet porn--any kind, really. He goes to school with Neilly Foster and spends most of his classroom time wondering what it might be like to know her, to talk to her, maybe even to graze against her sweater in the hallway. Neilly is an accomplished gymnast, naturally beautiful, and a constant presence at all the best parties (to which Declan is never invited). She's the queen of cool, the princess of poker face, and her rule is uncontested-- or it was until today, when she's dumped by her boyfriend, betrayed by her former BFF Lulu, and then informed she's getting a new brother--of the freaky fellow classmate variety. Declan's dad is marrying Neilly's mom. Soon. Which means they'll be moving in together.

This book was about how two people that are so different can become friends. Declan was such a shy and sweet person, under his different exterior. Neilly wasn't as she seemed either. She cared about her family a lot. I was glad that a romance between Neilly and Declan didn't develop. Their friendship was so amazing. The plot was full of humor. I found myself laughing so much. It was an original book that was focused on the merging of families, which is obviously happening more and more. Halpin and Cook were amazing writers that created separate character with their own motives and actions. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a funny and quick read.

Adios, Nirvana by Conrad Wesselhoeft

Rating:

Characters: 19/20

Plot: 18/20

Originality: 20/20

Writing: 19/20

Recommendation: 19/20

Overall: 95/100 or A

Source: Publisher

When you piss off a bridge into a snowstorm, it feels like you’re connecting with eternal things. Paying homage to something or someone. But who? The Druids? Walt Whitman? No, I pay homage to one person only, my brother, my twin.

In life. In death.

Telemachus. Since the death of his brother, Jonathan’s been losing his grip on reality. Last year’s Best Young Poet and gifted guitarist is now Taft High School’s resident tortured artist, when he bothers to show up. He's on track to repeat eleventh grade, but his English teacher, his principal, and his crew of Thicks (who refuse to be seniors without him) won’t sit back and let him fail.

Jonathan's voice was very compelling. His voice and actions seemed to be very alienating and distant. This really helped me to understand his actions and relationships with his family and friends. It also show why he missed his brother and how much he really meant to him. The Thicks, his best friends, were really interesting and also brought depth to Jonathan. I also understood his hatred of sleeping, after losing someone and also his self doubt. I loved David, he had such an an amazing story and I admired him. The plot was remarkable. Each action was interesting. I also liked that a lot of the scenery was in Seattle, which is my home away from home. It was such an amazing tribute to the Seattle music scene with the amazing Eddie Veddor in the mix. Wesselhoeft is a stunning writer. Adios, Nirvana was a great story about finding yourself in music and in the world around you.

Waiting on Wednesday (78)

Title: A Need So Beautiful
Author: Suzanne Young
Publisher: Harperteen
Date: June 21, 2011
In which a 17-year-old discovers that by performing the good deeds that her body compels her to, she will disappear into the light and be Forgotten, but by fighting “the Need,” her fate could be even more dire.
I love the cover so much and the concept just sounds so amazing. Suzanne Young is possibly the sweetest person that I have ever met and The Naughty List was a fabulous book. I am so excited for this book!

Trailer Tuesday (19)

This book looks epic! I love Flappers and the 1920's. I really want this book.

800th post

Omg, I can't believe that this is my 800th post.
I am rereading Harry Potter and the Sorcerers' Stone again and it is more epic then I remember. I will leave you with this video....

I tried to find a Neville and Luna one, but no good ones. =(
So, who did you ship the most in Harry Potter? Or are you like me and pleasantly in denial.

In My Mailbox (Week of November 7th)

For review:
Pink by Lili Wilkinson
A Touch Mortalby Leah Clifford
Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer
Mad Love by Suzanne Selfors
Freefall by Mindi Scott
Her and Me and You by Lauren Starsnick.

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Rating:
Characters: 17/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 89/100 or B
Source: Publisher
Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.
Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.
In this honest, page-turning account of a teen girl's struggle to stand up for herself, debut author Daisy Whitney reminds readers that if you love something or someone--especially yourself--you fight for it.

This book was stunning. It is a book that I believe that everyone should read. Date rape is a subject that we are all aware of, but it seems to be overlooked a lot. Even though that it is one of the most common crimes on a college campus. Whitney doesn't make Alex's plight too preachy or ignored. It is perfectly balanced. Alex is easy to relate to and I loved her voice through out the book. I could feel the guilt and self hate that she was experiencing. Once in a while, she annoyed me a bit, but I still liked her. I had strong emotion about each of the character, some I wanted to hug and others I wanted to punch in the face . I found the plot to be very entertaining and I loved Themis Academy. The setting was easy to picture. I found it to be rather original. I haven't really seen anyone getting punished like in The Mockingbirds and I found it amazing. Whitney created such a strong and engaging book that I was happy to get lost. I recommend this book to fans on Speak. It has the similar message of speaking up for yourself and hoping for the best result. Overall, a very strong and stunning book.

Cover!

I am so excited for this cover. It is just amazing. I love Melissa Walker and her books. I was lucky enough to read this book early and it was just wow. Here is the summanary:
Lacey Anne Byer is a perennial good girl and lifelong member of the House of Enlightenment, the Evangelical church in her small town. With her driver's license in hand and the chance to try out for a lead role in Hell House, her church's annual haunted house of sin, Lacey's junior year is looking promising. But when a cute new stranger comes to town, something begins to stir inside her. Ty Davis doesn't know the sweet, shy Lacey Anne Byer everyone else does. With Ty, Lacey could reinvent herself. As her feelings for him make Lacey test her boundaries, events surrounding Hell House make her question her religion. Does falling in love mean falling out of faith?

Split by Swati Avasthi

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 20/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 94/100 or A
Source: Publisher

Sixteen-Year-Old Jace Witherspoon arrives at the doorstep of his estranged brother Christian with a re-landscaped face (courtesy of his father’s fist), $3.84, and a secret.

He tries to move on, going for new friends, a new school, and a new job, but all his changes can’t make him forget what he left behind—his mother, who is still trapped with his dad, and his ex-girlfriend, who is keeping his secret.

At least so far.

Worst of all, Jace realizes that if he really wants to move forward, he may first have to do what scares him most: He may have to go back. First-time novelist Swati Avasthi has created a riveting and remarkably nuanced portrait of what happens after. After you’ve said enough, after you’ve run, after you’ve made the split—how do you begin to live again? Readers won’t be able to put this intense page-turner down.

Split is one of those books that gives you chills as you are reading it. Split focuses on the before and after of abuse, which I have never seen before. Jace's story horrified and captivated me at the same time. Jace was such a strong character and I felt so sad with each flashback that was revealed. I can't ever imagine a father doing that to his son and it broken my heart. The plot was very slow at the beginning, but it quickly gained momentum and became a fast and addicting read. Avasthi's debut was an emotional roller coaster. She created such strong emotional responses as you read this book. I highly recommend that you read this book as soon as possible. It was just so engaging and hopeful.

Waiting on Wednesday (77)

Title: The Lost Saint

Author: Bree Despain
Publisher: Egmont
Date: December 28th, 2010

Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process. When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do. She must become a Hound of Heaven. Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot—a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero. But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel is put in danger—in more ways than one. Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her—not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.

I loved the first book and want to read this one like now...

Books read in October 2010

115. Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskowitz
116. Mostly Good Girls by Leila Sales
117. Her and Me and You by Lauren Starsnick
118. Invisible Things by Jenny Davidson
119. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
120. I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan
121. Losing Faith by Denise Jaden
122. Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making It Work by Tim Gunn
123. A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend by Emily Horner
124. Violence 101 by Denis Wright
125. Adios, Nirvana by Conrad Wesselhoeft
126. Across the Universe by Beth Revis
127. Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers

Reviews posted from these books: 5 of these books so far, a few are planned to be posted later.
Books from Library: 0
Books for Review: 13
Books borrowed: 0
My Favorite: Fall For Anything or Invincible Summers. I love the plot and the characters.
My Least Favorite: Violence 101, I just couldn't connect to the characters.
Debut Authors '10: 43 read 7 books left

In My Mailbox (Week of October 31st)

For Review:
Fall for Anything by Courtney Summer
Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskowitiz
Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves
The Time Traveling Fashionista by Bianxa Turetsky
Rosebush by Michele Jaffe
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Back When You Were Easier To Love by Emily Wing Smith
The Locket by Stacey Jay
Chime by Franny Billingsley
XVI by Julia Karr
Three Quarters Dead by Richard Peck
Subject Seven by James A. Moore
Falling In Love With English Boys by Melissa Jensen
Glitz by Philana Marie Boles
Leverage by Joshua C. Cohen
Karma by Cathy Ostlere