Mind Games by Kiersten White

Source: Publisher
Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future. 
Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways… or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.
In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost
Fia is a strong character that no one would want to cross, but she cared deeply for her sister Annie. So much that she is controlled by the boarding school that she is at. Annie is an interesting character that I found intriguing. I also liked their abilities, but wish that White went into it more deeply. James' father runs the boarding school and James became a very intriguing character to me and I hope to learn more about him. Adam became an amazing character and I just loved him. 
The plot of Mind Games is very fast paced. I read this book very quickly and wanted more when it was done. I liked the way that Mind Games was told. It switched between Fia and Annie's perspective while alternating past and present. This book felt very original and I liked the world that White built.  White's writing enchanted me and I became immersed into the story. I would recommend this book to fans of White's previous books.  I can't wait for the sequel and to discover what will happen next.

Waiting on Wednesday (118)

Title: The Book of Broken Hearts
Author: Sarah Ockler
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: May 21, 2013
When all signs point to heartbreak, can love still be a rule of the road? A poignant and romantic novel from the author of Bittersweet and Twenty Boy Summer.
Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one.
Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas?
Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong?
Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking.
I have adored all of Sarah Ockler's book. I can't wait to read this one. It sounds so amazing.

Pivot Point by Kasie West

Source: Publisher
Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.
In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.
I found this book to be amazing. The format was really interesting and I loved it, because it felt like I read two books at the same time. Addie is a very lovely character. I really connected to her, but I am not sure why. Laila was an awesome character and I believe that she really cared for Addie. I liked Duke, even though I didn't want to. His confidence attracted me, while annoyed me at the same time. I loved Trevor so much. He was so sweet and caring. The world building was very awesome, because it made the book more exciting. Since it felt realistic and unique.
The plot of Pivot Point often overlapped with each other and I really enjoyed that aspect. I just really enjoyed the concept and wanted more. I know that this has been done in other forms of media, such as Sliding Doors. I found the way that West presented it, to be perfect for the story. This book made me feel so much and I began to question every decision that I made. I hope to read more from West in the future. Her writing made me want to read more and I became invested in both the plot and characters. I suggest that everyone should read this book. It was a clever and unique story. I need more books like this in the future.

Contest: The Elite by Kiera Cass

I enjoyed The Selection and I know that a lot of people are also dying to read The Elite.
So I am doing a giveaway of an arc.
Anyways, Here is the summary: 
In America Singer’s world, a bride is chosen for the prince through an elaborate televised competition. In the second book of the Selection series, America is one of only six girls left in the running. But is it Prince Maxon—and life as the queen—she wants? Or is it Aspen, her first love?
Just fill out the form below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Source: Publisher
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous man, Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
America was a very strong and independent protagonist. I also liked that she sang. I wish that she were a bit more memorable and also not as indecisive. Prince Maxon made me swoon and I really adored him. At the same time, Aspen was also appealing. I can't wait for the relationships to develop, so that I can choose. I found the concept of this book to be really intriguing. I have watched a lot of reality TV, so seeing it evolve into a Dystopic future entertained me. I found the caste system to be interesting. It also seems like a less tame and Disney version of The Hunger Games. The plot dragged for a bit in the beginning and I wish that their had been more world building, because it isn't fully explained till about halfway through. Cass' writing was good. I enjoyed the book.  I am really excited to read The Elite, because of the cliffhanger at the end of this book. Overall, this book is a fast and fun read that touches on dystopia. I would recommend this to someone that would like that sort of book.

Trailer Thursday (1)

I used to post trailers on Tuesdays a while back, but Thursday is a better day for me now. So I am changing it up as I try to post more frequently.
 
Five reasons that I am excited for this movie:
1. This book is just amazing.
2. The cast of this movie is just like everyone that you would want in the movie.
3. It is directed by Baz Luhrmann, who it known for his lavish and colorful sets. He also directed Moulin Rouge and Romeo + Juliet, which I love.
4. It is set in the 1920's. I adore that time period.
5. This movie was suppose to already be out, so I am like super excited for it. It just looks amazing and I adore the soundtrack so far..

Waiting on Wednesday (117)

Title: The Moon and More
Author: Sarah Dessen
Publisher:  Viking Juvenile
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Luke is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they both grew up. But now, in the summer before college, Emaline wonders if perfect is good enough.
Enter Theo, a super-ambitious outsider, a New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. Theo's sophisticated, exciting, and, best of all, he thinks Emaline is much too smart for Colby.
Emaline's mostly-absentee father, too, thinks Emaline should have a bigger life, and he's convinced that an Ivy League education is the only route to realizing her potential. Emaline is attracted to the bright future that Theo and her father promise. But she also clings to the deep roots of her loving mother, stepfather, and sisters. Can she ignore the pull of the happily familiar world of Colby?
Emaline wants the moon and more, but how can she balance where she comes from with where she's going?
Sarah Dessen's devoted fans will welcome this story of romance, yearning, and, finally, empowerment. It could only happen in the summer.
I am really excited for The Moon and More. Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite writers and I can't wait to see what she does next.

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Source: Publisher
Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.
As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.
Scarlet starts right up after Cinder ends. Just like with Cinder, I love the characters.  I also loved the addition of Scarlet, Thorne,  and Wolf. Scarlet is well kick-ass like Cinder. She is also sweet, intelligent, and not afraid to stand up for what she believes in and do anything to get there. Thorne is Cinder's traveling companion and he was really funny, arrogant, and clever. I just found him to be such a great character. Wolf is a strong and mysterious character. I kept on guess what type of character he would be and fell in love with him on the way.  Cinder is just as amazing and Kai is swoon worthy. The plot is exciting and  I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. There were main surprises on the way. The plot is really original and creative. Meyer's world continues to develop and I couldn't wait to find more about the world. Meyer's writing is amazing and I just can't wait for more in this series. I recommend this series if you enjoy fairy tale retelling or want a book with dynamic characters, exciting plot, and a fantastic world. 

Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony

Source: Publisher
After her mother died, Glory retreated into herself and her music. Her single father raised her as a piano prodigy, with a rigid schedule and the goal of playing sold-out shows across the globe. Now, as a teenager, Glory has disappeared. As we flash back to the events leading up to her disappearance, we see a girl on the precipice of disaster. Brilliant and lonely, Glory is drawn to an artistic new boy, Frank, who moves in next door. The farther she falls, the deeper she spirals into madness. Before long, Glory is unable to play anything but the song "Chopsticks."
But nothing is what it seems, and Glory's reality is not reality at all. In this stunningly moving novel told in photographs, pictures, and words, it's up to the reader to decide what is real, what is imagined, and what has been madness all along....
I found this story to be a really creative and new way to tell a story. I liked that it was a mix of visual and text to tell the story. I didn't feel that I got to know the characters as much as you get to in a regular novel. I also feel that the book leaves too much to be determined by the reader. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a unique  format with an uncertain plot.
Also I did like the imagery in the book and enjoyed it.

Read in January 2013

1. Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor
2. Now the Day is Over by Joan Fiset 
3. Cinders and Sapphires by Leila Rasheed
4. Trojan Women by Euripides 
5. Reached by Ally Condie
6. The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man
7. Crash by Lisa McMann
8. In Too Deep by Amanda Grace
9. Trojan Women by Euripides 

Reviews posted from these books: 1 of these books so far, some are planned to be posted later. 
Books for School: 3 
Books for Review: 2
My Favorite: I really loved Cinder and Sapphires. Reached was a great ending. Also Days of Blood & Starlight made me want more.
My Least Favorite: None this month. 
Debut Authors '13: 1 read  24 books left 
2013 Feminist Reading Challenge: 2 of 10
Books I hope to read next month: I would love to read The Elite, Fever, or The Moon and More.