YA Book Realm

Short Book Review: Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti

2012-01-22T11:14:00.002-05:00

Ruby McQueen is a sixteen-year-old high school student with the name, she thinks, of a rodeo cowgirl porn star, or, maybe worse, a Texas beauty queen runner-up. Ruby, ordinarily dubbed the Quiet Girl, finds herself hanging out with gorgeous, rich, thrill-seeking Travis Becker. With Travis, Ruby can be someone she’s never been before: Fearless. Powerful. But Ruby is in over her head, and finds herself risking more and more…

Ruby was a good character. There was nothing really special about her just like she described herself, she was the “Quiet Girl.” While she was a little boring the supporting characters were dynamic and fun to read about. The book was a lacking in a interesting plot which made it boring, I found myself skimming some parts. I did not find Travis as charismatic as Ruby did although he "had" all the qualities. There is not much to say about the book besides the fact that it was decent.

Getting There 2012

2012-01-07T21:37:00.006-05:00

I've been AWOL for a long time. The past year has been horrible to say the least. I was in the hospital because I was not fueling my body with proper food.

Although, I was not anorexic or bulimic I was not in a good place emotionally. It was years of belittling myself and obsessing about my weight/image that got me to this place where I was not eating enough food and exercising excessively.

I lost sight of things that mattered most like my family and my health.

So to start this year of I will try to be more healthy-mentally and physically.

I am going to be more proactive and start reading books, reviewing and connecting with the book blogging community which I find is very therapeutic.

With the help of my sister I plan on blogging more about books, T.V. shows, and movies. I miss the bogging community and I hope to become more involved.

Book Review: A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandel

2010-08-24T17:15:00.003-04:00

Book Review by, The Little Sister
Check out my other review of The Lonely Hearts Club

Cora Bradley dreams of escape. Ever since her reckless older brother, Nate, died in a car crash, Cora has felt trapped in her small town. Her parents are increasingly overprotective, and even her best friend, Rachel, has begun to slip away.
So Cora seeks solace in art, drawing elaborate maps and envisioning herself in exotic locales.

Then Cora’s maps lead her somewhere unexpected: to Damian, the handsome, brooding boy who was in the car with Nate the night he died. Cora forms a tentative bond with Damian—himself an artist—who reveals to her the truth about who her brother really was. As Cora begins to piece together the fragments of her life, she finds herself falling for Damian. But, will she have the courage to follow the chart of her heart?
Cover Summary

I absolutely loved this book. Without a doubt. From the very beginning, this book left me in awe and in tears. Cora, to me, personifies a truly strong and courageous character which makes her increasingly admirable and a likeable character. I definitely liked her. Her response to the different obstacles in her life after her brother’s death was inspirational. While she did mourn and grieve and shed many tears over her lost brother, she still held on strong and remained in reality and continued on with her life. She didn’t allow this tragedy to dictate her life and lose herself.

Many people, after losing a loved one, just stop living their life and submerging themselves in their sorrows and regrets. However, Cora, realized that she is young and have much to live for still. Her response to her parents was also impressive and noble. She demonstrates selflessness, kindness and perceptiveness towards her somewhat neglecting parents.

The characters in the book were also realistic which is something that I love. There are some books that have too perfect to be real characters but this book didn’t. The flaws and the redeeming qualities in these characters is abundantly clear. I find that many people can actually relate to these characters, their emotions as well as their situations.

While I mercifully never had to endure the death of a loved one, I was still able to connect with certain aspects of these characters and their lives. I’m sure many people can as well. Especially the relationship between Cora and her friend Rachel. Definitely a circumstance that teenagers or even adults can say that they have experienced at some point in their life.

The relationship between Damon and Cora was also sweet and realistic.I really liked the natural feel of it. While Cora is fourteen, Damon is seventeen and yet their relationship is constructed so nicely that it isn't strange at all. The fit well together and it was nice to read about their brief romantic moments where they are devoted and tender towards each other. Not only was the story great, but so was the writing.

The writing of an author is something that I may often comment on. It is extremely important in a good book. There are different styles of writing and I really liked this book’s and Sandell’s style of writing. It was simple and easy to grasp and at the same time included a somewhat sophisticated language. I absolutely recommend others go out and read this fantastic book. Especially if you’re into some angst with a splash of romance.

Book Review: Forget You by Jennifer Echols

2010-07-12T17:10:00.004-04:00

WHY CAN’T YOU CHOOSE WHAT YOU FORGET . . . AND WHAT YOU REMEMBER? There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.

But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

I’m a big fan Jennifer Echols after reading Going Too Far, her first romantic drama. Unfortunately, Forget You did not have the same effect as the previous book. I found the main character Zoey a little oblivious when it came to her relationship with Brandon. For a girl who takes multiple Advanced Placement classes you would have expect her to know and execute her relationship with Brandon better then she did. Her “thing” with Doug was strained due to Zoey still having a “boyfriend” but they did manage to have some heated scenes. Where Zoey was lacking in many ways, Doug was not. He was a desirable character that redeemed the book.

Her quest to uncover what that happened the night of the accident was anything but suspenseful. When she makes a big revelation of that night it was not really surprising and seemed obvious.

Overall, was a okay book. It was not great because it did not have the same effect as the previous book where I read in one sitting and re-read. But its worth a shot.

Book Review: Deadly Little Lies by Laurie Stolarz

2010-06-23T16:40:00.001-04:00

Last fall, sixteen-year-old Camelia fell for Ben, a new boy at school who had a very mysterious gift – psychometry, the ability to sense the future through touch. But just as Camelia and Ben's romance began to heat up, he abruptly left town. Brokenhearted, Camelia has spent the last few months studying everything she can about psychometry and experiencing strange brushes with premonition. Camelia wonders if Ben's abilities have somehow been transferred to her.

Ben returns to school, but he remains aloof, and Camelia can't get close enough to share her secret with him. Camelia makes the painful decision to let him go and move on. Adam, the hot new guy at Knead, seems good for her in ways Ben wasn't. But when Camelia and Adam start dating, a surprising love triangle results. A chilling sequence of events uncovers secrets from Ben’s past – and Adam's. Someone is lying, and it's up to Camelia to figure out who – before it's too late.

This book was alright. I had some issues with it like reoccurrence of the threatening phone calls and notes. It was a bit overused especially since it occurred in the previous book. The romance aspect was lacking I felt like Ben was giving mixed messages to Camelia which got to be a bit annoying. What I did like about the book was Wes and Kimmie’s presence. There interaction which each other was always had humor to it. I’m not giving up on the series just yet. I hope the next book Deadly Little Games has much more interesting plot then this book's plot.

My Soul To Keep by Rachel Vincent

2010-06-22T12:00:00.000-04:00

My Soul To Keep by Rachel Vincent

Kaylee has one addiction: her very hot, very popular boyfriend, Nash. A banshee like Kaylee, Nash understands her like no one else. Nothing can come between them.

Until something does.

Demon breath. No, not the toothpaste-challenged kind. The Netherworld kind. The kind that really can kill you. Somehow the super-addictive substance has made its way to the human world. But how? Kaylee and Nash have to cut off the source and protect their friends—one of whom is already hooked.

And so is someone else…

This was amazing! I don’t even know where to begin. It had so many twists and turns it never got boring. I was entangled into Kaylee and Nash’s life. The problems that she encountered in the last two book seems minuscule compared to what she has to face in this book as she learns more about the Netherwold and has to fight the evil force for those she love. Kaylee, was strong and did not let anything deter her from her what she believed in. Rachel Vincent creates a layered world paired with great characters to keep the plot moving and intriguing.

I just have to add, I can not wait for the next book! The ending was so..., I can't even formulate words to describe it but leaves you aching for the next book.

Book Review: Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers

2010-06-18T13:44:00.005-04:00

Perfect Parker Fadley isn’t so perfect anymore. She’s quit the cheerleading squad, she’s dumped her perfect boyfriend, and she’s failing school. Her parents are on constant suicide watch and her counselors think she’s playing games… but what they don’t know, the real reason for this whole mess, isn’t something she can say out loud. It isn’t even something she can say to herself.

A horrible thing has happened and it just might be her fault.

This book was a pretty powerful book. I absolutely loved Parker’s voice, she was blunt, uncaring of what she said, and honest which made the book funny in her depressing state.

There were times I could relate to Parker, like her grades and etc. The supporting characters were interesting and kept the story going. The romance part of the novel was unusually interesting. I was surprised by how much I liked Chris, the “perfect boyfriend” she broke because he still loved her even after her major transformation. The ending was perfect in every way, everything came to a full circle and left me content with whole novel. I definitely recommend this book.

Book Review: My Soul To Save by Rachel Vincent

2010-06-13T13:06:00.002-04:00

My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent

When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies.

So when teen pop star Eden croaks on stage and Kaylee doesn’t wail, she knows something is dead wrong. She can’t cry for someone who has no soul.

The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad’s ironclad curfew and putting her too-hot-to-be-real boyfriend’s loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls for a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld—a consequence they can’t possibly understand.

Kaylee can’t let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk….
Soul Screamers: The last thing you hear before you die.

The second book of the Soul Series was a satisfying one. It had an interesting plot line involving pop stars and the selling of souls. The book opened up a new perspective in the bean sidle world. Kaylee’s power continues to grow and become stronger with the help of Nate and his mother. This is one book in the series not to be missed. I can not possibly wait to read the next book as Nate and Kaylee’s relationship grow and another new addition of a twist. Overall, it was a good and quick read. I can not wait for the next book.

The Dark Divine Nail Polish Contest

2010-04-01T15:00:00.000-04:00

The Dark Divine

While waiting for the publication and release of the fantastic book by Bree Despain, we are proud to host a nail polish giveaway.

From Amazon.com:
Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.

The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

Intrigued? Check out the book and enter the contest to win a Dark Divine nail polish.

Contest Rules:

~Must be a resident of the U.S.
(unless you know someone in the U.S. that can send it to you)
~If you link our contest on another site +1 entry

Contest Ends: April 8, 2009

Wherever Nina Lies Contest!

2010-02-23T08:00:00.002-05:00

Wherever Nina Lies

Nina was beautiful, artistic, wild...and adored by her younger sister, Ellie.
But one day, without any warning, Nina disappeared.
Two years later, Ellie can't stop thinking about her sister. Although everyone else has given up hope that Nina will return, Ellie just knows hers sister is out there somewhere. When Ellie finds a clue in the form of a mysterious drawing, she sets off on a road trip with her crush, determined to find her sister.
Along the way, Ellie finds a few things she wasn't planning on. Like love. Mysteries. Lies. And something far more shocking...the truth.

Three (3) winners will receive:

Wherever Nina Lies book

Entering Rules:

Commenting with e-mail address

Additional Entry: In a separate comment, let me know if you linked to this contest. Please provide URL. (Every placed linked= +1)

Contest Ends on: Tuesday, March 9

http://www.lynnweingarten.com/

Book Review: The Lonely Hearts Club

2010-02-15T16:39:00.002-05:00

Title: The Lonely Hearts Club
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Page: 320 pages

Penny Lane Bloom has completely sworn off boys after an unforeseen incident involving her childhood sweetheart. From that moment on she vows to herself that she will not date another boy. But soon her new attitude catches the attention of other girls who have had endured the same heartache caused by boys and together they form what become known as The Lonely Hearts Club.

I have to admit, I was wary when I began reading this book and did not have such high expectations from the book, however I did like the idea of a bunch of girls coming together due to their immense dislike for boys to bash them. It made me slightly giddy because I happen to be very cynical when it comes to boys and their sincerity and intentions so I read it and I must say it was not what I expected. While it is not quite one of my favorite books it’s not on my hate list either. It was actually quite good.

The characters were relatively realistic which is always nice to see in books because it makes them all the more relatable. What also gave this book extra points was that it didn’t just discuss the relationship between a boy and a girl, but also the relationship between friends and I found it to be nice and true. Not all friends are loyal to the end but then there are some that make up for those indigenous ones, the ones that are true and there for you in times when you are unable to take action and give you the push that you need. It was also intriguing to see how slowly but surely Penny along with some other girls from the club were actually beginning to change their opinions on boys in general as they met boys that were decent. This book is great in that it gives girls hope and some insight in that maybe not all guys are idiotic, crass or dense.

Rating: 6.5/10

My Soul to Save CONTEST

2010-02-01T08:30:00.005-05:00

My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent

When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies.

So when teen pop star Eden croaks on stage and Kaylee doesn’t wail, she knows something is dead wrong. She can’t cry for someone who has no soul.

Kaylee can’t let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk….
Soul Screamers: The last thing you hear before you die.

You can learn more about Kaylee by downloading the free Soul Screamers prequel My Soul To Lose here!

Here's a link to the official Soul Screamers Web site. Check it out!
http://soulscreamers.com/soulscreamers/index.php?q=T1039

HOW TO ENTER

+1 Comment

+ 1 Link in a SEPARATE comments

End Date: February 15

Alexandra Bullen Interview & Giveaway

2010-01-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

Today we present you with an interview with Alexandra Bullen. Her first novel Wish debuted on January 12, 2010. Wish is about a girl named Olivia who receives three dresses and is granted a wish with each dress. Check out this interview and enter the contest for a chance to win the book by commenting below!

What are some techniques you would use to get rid of writer's block?

I try not to believe in writer’s block. If I’m writing on a deadline, I really don’t have a choice. I have to write every day. It’s not always great—usually, it’s nowhere near great on the first try. But it’s a start, a place to go from the next time I sit down. If I’m really feeling stuck, I’ll do something else for a little bit, something outside, or with other people. Staring at the computer rarely helps.

What was the constant thing that kept you going while writing your book? What was your motivation?

To finish it! And to get Olivia to where she needed to be.

Was there a point where you felt like giving up and just stop writing the book completely?

I was always really attached to Olivia and her story and I don’t think I would’ve been able to leave her without knowing she was okay.

Have you already started having ideas for another book?

Always. I’m working on the sequel to Wish right now, which feels new because it’s all new characters, but also familiar because of the premises—three dresses, three wishes, and the girl who needs them most.

What sort of complications did you have during the writing and getting it published process, if any? How did you overcome them if you did have any?

The hardest part about the publication process for me is being patient and realizing that there are many, many other people involved. When you finish a book, you want it to come out right away! But there’s so much more to be done. The waiting is sometimes difficult, but it’s all worth it in the end.

How has your life changed after publishing Wish?

I get a couple more emails, and I get to write Wish 2. That’s pretty much it!

What are some of your interests other than writing?

I live near the beach and try to walk on it as much as I can. I do yoga, I cook a lot (not always well, but I try!) and I read every day. I also get really obsessed with TV shows long after they’ve aired, so I spend a lot of time catching up online.

If you could have any supernatural power or any special and uncommon ability like photogenic memory, what would it be?

I’ve always wanted to be able to teleport. I hate airplanes.

What type of place would you consider your sanctuary?

The island I live on is pretty close to perfect, but any place near the ocean with lots of woods to walk in would do.

What snacks did you have the most while writing this book?

I’m not much of a snacker, but I have to start every day with coffee and a bowl of oatmeal. I mix up the toppings—brown sugar, cranberries, maple syrup, bananas—just to keep things wild and crazy.

Hearts Contest Winners

2010-01-23T18:50:00.000-05:00

The winners of The Lonely Hearts Club are:

1) April

2) Nancye

3) Thao

Congratulations! Please respond to my email within 24 hours.

Hearts CONTEST

2010-01-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

The Lonely Hearts Club
Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating, so she vows: No more. She’s had one too many bad dates, and has been hurt by one too many bad boys. It’s a personal choice…and soon everybody wants to know about it. It seems that Penny’s not the only girl who’s tired of the way girls change themselves (most of the time for the worse) in order to get their guys…or the way their guys don’t really care about them. Girls are soon thronging to The Lonely Hearts Club (named after Sgt. Pepper’s band), and Penny finds herself near legendary for her non-dating ways – which is too bad, since the leader of The Lonely Hearts Club has found a certain boy she can’t help but like…

Three (3) winners will receive:

The Lonely Hearts Club book

E N T E R I N G_ R U L E S:

Commenting with email address.

Additional Entry: In separate comment, let me know if you link to the contest. Please provide URL. (ever place linked= +1)

Ends: Monday January 18

http://www.elizabetheulberg.com

Important

2009-11-14T02:43:00.003-05:00

SCHOOL IS AWESOMELY AWESOME!!!!

Don't you think?

I DO!

And I swear to you I'm not being sarcastic, even though it sounds as if I am because I am dead serious you all SCHOOL= LOVE!

Winners of The Vampire Assistant

2009-11-03T10:17:00.002-05:00

Winner of The Vampire Assistant giveaway are:

Wrighty

and

Mandy

CONGRATULATIONS! I will be Please forward me your US mailing address by 11:59 Wednesday, November 04, 2009.

A Little Announcement:

I'm miss the Book Blog community so much, every single one you! Junior year, has made me super busy taking a full schedule which I regret but hopefully, I can do all the things I want to, like read and review books. I'm going to plan to do at least a weekly posting on random topics, its better then nothing. Right?

The Vampire's Assistant Movie Giveaway

2009-10-01T16:18:00.003-04:00

Recently, there's been an increase in the number of YA books turning into movies or TV shows.

I actually like this because it makes people read books. How many people do you know who read Twilight, after they found out there was a movie for it? Personally, I can say a handful. (Plus, I am one of those people. hehe)

Here's another movie, THE VAMPIRE’S ASSISTANT based on the popular series of books by Darren Shan.

In theaters OCTOBER 23rd

Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant, based on the popular series of books by Darren Shan, is a fantasy-adventure about a teenager who unknowingly breaks a 200-year-old truce between two warring factions of vampires. Pulled into a fantastic life of misunderstood sideshow freaks and grotesque creatures of the night, one teen will vanish from the safety of a boring existence and fulfill his destiny in a place drawn from nightmares.

(To view the trailer click here or click on the tab labeled "Trailer" on the widget below.)

Looks pretty darn good, doesn't it. And the lead

So, to give you a little incentive other then Josh Hutcherson looks fine all grown up and to check the movie out, I present to you all a contest wherein:

Two (2) winners will receive:

* Cirque du Freak book Set (3 titles in one book)
* Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant Locker Mirror

DVD’s are valued at $16.98 each.

Here's some info regarding the book that is up for grabs:

THE VAMPIRE'S ASSISTANT and Other Tales from the Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan

New movie edition features the first three books--Cirque Du Freak, The Vampire's Assistant, and Tunnels of Blood-- bound up in one volume!

Do you love to be scared? Then don't miss the terrifying adventure that begins when Darren and his best friend, Steve, get tickets to the CIRQUE DU FREAK, a wonderfully bizarre and creepy freak show. Brace yourself for thrills and chills as the boys witness a parade of grotesque creatures and face their deepest fears by entering the darkest world of the vampire. In the blood-curdling tradition of Anne Rice and Stephen King, CIRQUE DU FREAK will have you shrieking for the next horror show!

E N T E R I N G_ R U L E S:

Commenting with email address. Vote by clicking on your favorite Cirque du Freak T-shirt saying below on the widget. Then let me know which one you picked, I'm curious. (Example: Picked saying #1...)

Additional Entry: In separate comment, let me know if you link to the contest. Please provide URL. (ever place linked= +1)

Contest ends October 23rd when the movie comes out in theaters

See quick and easy! Enter away, and good luck!

The Book Rundown (1)

2009-09-27T11:00:00.001-04:00

Here's a mini list of books I will be reading in the upcoming weeks when time allows. I might be doing more "Book Rundowns" in the future. Helps keep track of few books that I will be read in upcoming weeks. It is usually feature 2-4 books. In this weeks case only two, for now.

=================================================================

#1
Title: NATIVE SON

Publisher: Chelsea House Publications

Author: Richard Wright

Amazon

Not so excited to read this because right after I will be writing an huge essay the night before its due. Oh no. Hopefully, the book will be good. *Fingers crossed*

#2
Title: THE EX GAMES
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Author: Jennifer Echols
Website: www.jennifer-echols.com
Blog: www.jenniferechols.livejournal.com

Order at:
Amazon
Barnes & Nobles

Excited to read this! Loved Jennifer Echols', Going Too Far can not wait to see what is in store for this one.

=================================================================
What books will you be reading soon?

Catching Fire Winners!

2009-09-26T12:30:00.000-04:00

Finally, got around to picking winners for Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins giveaway!

The very lucky winners are:

1. Beth (lizzi0915 at aol dot com)

2. Heather Zundel

3. Zombie Girrrl

Congratulations you won a beautiful hard cover of Catching Fire, a collector pin, and a limited addition Catching Fire T-shirt!

I will email all you guys soon. Please email me back as soon as possible with a US mailing address. If you have won this contest in other lovely book blogs and will like me to pick another winner, let me know. I'm sure someone else would appreciate that. =)

Winners of James Patterson Prize Pack

2009-09-24T08:00:00.001-04:00

Winners of these lovely set of books ofJames Patterson prize pack are:

Kelsey

and

Donnas

Please email me back with your mailing address by Friday, September 25!

Later on today, winners of Catching Fire Giveaway will be announced! Until then, enter away.

One of My All Time Favorite Book

2009-09-13T01:45:00.002-04:00

Okay, as a little gal attending first grade or was it kindergarten...I LOVED this book, still do.

I picked this up one faithful day in my magnificent public library in Queens, New York thinking it was going to be a "scary" story. Instead it was not scary but amazingly good with beautiful and vibrant images of a boy named Max who becomes king of the magical land of Wild Things.

More info here

LOVE this book. LOVE the illustrations. Can't wait for the movie out in October 16, 2009. So psyched for its release.

CATCHING FIRE BOOK GIVEAWAY

2009-09-07T08:30:00.005-04:00

Read THE HUNGER GAMES?

LOVED it like I did?

Here's an awesome opportunity to win CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins prize PACK!

Information of the Book:

Having just passed the ultimate test of survival—the Hunger Games—sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark defied the Capitol and their harsh rules. But even as both won their families a life of safety, now the Capitol wants revenge. Despite her feelings for Gale Hawthorne, Katniss must showcase her love for Peeta on a cruel Victory Tour, and the stakes are higher than ever. Rumors of unrest are spreading quickly, and to Katniss and Peeta’s shock, they’ve become the face of a dangerous rebellion. But how will they be able to take on the Capitol and protect their families? In Catching Fire, the second installment of the Hunger Games, only one thing is certain: sparks will fly!

Three (3) lucky winners will receive:

* limited edition promotional T-shirt
* collectible mocking jay pin
* copy of Catching Fire

TO ENTER:

Comment with email address!

That's it!

DEADLINE: Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The Fine Print:

The Catching Fire book promotion is open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if you have a friend in the States who can accept your prizes by mail!). Entrants under age 13 must have parent or guardian permission to enter.

Meanwhile visit the official website:

http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames

And for Suzanne Collins audio recording, and cool book trailers!

www.scholastic.com/thehungergames/downloads

Good Luck!

Oh I'm a yummy, chummy, funny, lucky gummy bear

2009-09-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Found this a while back randomly in youtube and rediscovered again today. Thought I'd share.

Isn't slightly addicting?

Waiting On Wednesday: Its coming in a few days

2009-09-02T16:25:00.000-04:00

Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have
by Allen Zadoff.

Life used to be so simple for Andrew Zansky–hang with the Model UN guys, avoid gym class, and eat and eat and eat. He’s used to not fitting in: into his family, his sports-crazed school, or his size 48 pants.

But not anymore. Andrew just met April, the new girl at school and the instant love of his life! He wants to find a way to win her over, but how? When O. Douglas, the heartthrob quarterback and high-school legend, saves him from getting beaten up by the school bully, Andrew sees his chance to get in with the football squad.

Is it possible to reinvent yourself in the middle of high school? Andrew is willing to try. But he’s going to have to make some changes. Fast.

Can a funny fat kid be friends with a football superstar? Can he win over the Girl of his Dreams? Can he find a way to get his mom and dad back together?

How far should you go to be the person you really want to be?

Andrew is about to find out.

It's funny, initially I was never really interested in this book at all. But after seeing like two great reviews of it I was. Plus I want to see what kind of changes he has to make to become more fit because lately I've been obsessing over what I eat.

Release Date: September 8, 2009 (eww a day before school starts)

James Patterson Prize Pack!

2009-08-31T00:00:00.007-04:00

You heard of James Patterson right?

You must of? He's famous for his unbelievable ability to squeeze out a book into the publishing world every other month.

Well next month, MAXIMUM RIDE: MAX (info below) is being released in paperback on September 15^th

Still reeling from their most recent adventure, Maximum Ride and the rest of the flock must head out to sea to uncover the secret behind a brand new series of disasters—fish are dying off the coast of Hawaii, hundreds of ships are being destroyed. As if that weren’t enough, they’re also being tracked by a criminal mastermind with, oh yeah, an army of mercenaries. Can the flock save themselves and the ocean, and the world, from utter destruction?

Visit the official website for more info. =)

^{And in honor of the latest installment of James Patterson's YA book series I present you this lovely little contest. ;)}Two (2) winners will receive an ultimate James Patterson Prize Pack:

Maximum Ride: Max (paperback)
Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment (paperback)
Maximum Ride: School’s Out – Forever (paperback)
Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (paperback)
Maximum Ride: The Final Warning (paperback)
Maximum Ride: Manga (paperback)
The Dangerous Days of Daniel X (paperback)
Daniel X: Watch the Skies (hardcover)

====ENTERING RULES====

Since I like to keep it simple all you have to do is:

Comment w/email address. +1

Contest ends Friday, September 11, 2009 and the contest is open to US Mailing Address ONLY. No P.O. Boxes. International address will not be fulfilled, unfortunately.

My School Summer Reading List

2009-08-27T12:40:00.001-04:00

I know its a little too late to put up this list considering school starts in less then 2 weeks for me and I have yet to read any of the books I was suppose to.

But here are all the books that are needed to be read, understood, annotated, understood front to back cover-back to front cover, formulate a critical essay in which I make up shit about themes and how this relates to my life and whatever the hell the teacher wants.

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

Synopsis

A brilliant profile of the Lost Generation, Hemingway's first bestseller captures life among the expatriates on Paris's Left Bank during the 1920s, the brutality of bullfighting in Spain, and the moral and spiritual dissolution of a generation.

This one I'm looking forward to reading. Why? Because Jess Mariano, the bad boy hottie who played the only literate boyfriend of Rory in Gilmore Girls, mentioned Ernest Hemingway. And ever since then I been wanting to read it. Now I get to kill two bird with one stone.

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

Faulkner's distinctive narrative structures--the uses of multiple points of view and the inner psychological voices of the characters--in one of its most successful incarnations here in As I Lay Dying. In the story, the members of the Bundren family must take the body of Addie, matriarch of the family, to the town where Addie wanted to be buried. Along the way, we listen to each of the members on the macabre pilgrimage, while Faulkner heaps upon them various flavors of disaster. Contains the famous chapter completing the equation about mothers and fish--you'll see. (Amazon)

Now this sounds interesting. But I have this horrid feeling the writing will be weird, thus making me hate the book. We'll see? But I am interested by the synopsis unlike the Hemingway book.

The Things They Carried by Tim O' Brien

One of the first questions people ask about The Things They Carried is this: Is it a novel, or a collection of short stories? The title page refers to the book simply as "a work of fiction," defying the conscientious reader's need to categorize this masterpiece. It is both: a collection of interrelated short pieces which ultimately reads with the dramatic force and tension of a novel. Yet each one of the twenty-two short pieces is written with such care, emotional content, and prosaic precision that it could stand on its own.

I started reading this on the bus when I first got a copy from the teacher right before summer vacation. I read a page or two and the writing seemed easy to understand and not cryptic. So that's a bonus. *thumbs up*

Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby is a novel by the American author F. Scott Fitzgerald. First published on April 10, 1925, it is set in Long Island's North Shore and New York City during the summer of 1922. The novel chronicles an era that Fitzgerald himself dubbed the "Jazz Age." Following the shock and chaos of World War I, American society enjoyed unprecedented levels of prosperity during the "roaring" 1920s as the economy soared. At the same time, Prohibition, the ban on the sale and manufacture of alcohol as mandated by the Eighteenth Amendment, made millionaires out of bootleggers and led to an increase in organized crime. [google books]

This is a book that I heard great things about from my brother, who doesn't read unless he is required to for school. So hopefully, for once he's right and it will be something I like.

------

So what are some books you read/reading for your summer assignments for school? Love to know. Do you hate, surprisingly enjoyed it?

Waiting On Wednesday: Finally doing One!

2009-08-26T00:55:00.000-04:00

Haven't done one in aggggeeeess part because I couldn't find a book I really want that has not been already featured by other fellow book bloggers.

Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
Publisher: Viking Juvenile

I have no clue what the book is about. Actually, that's a lie. I kinda have a feeling of what the book may be about. I just have no clue what the actual synopsis is. But my god the cover looks awesome so does the guy in the cover (the hair is pretty damn cute)

Oh and just found "The main character of my fourth book, Something Like Fate, is very Minka Kelly from Friday Night Lights." - Susane Colasanti [in an interview done with Teens Writing for Teens]

Comes out: May 13, 2010

Bookshelf Review: Me Likey, Me Likey

2009-08-24T10:45:00.001-04:00

As you guys know, I was contacted by CSN Furniture to review a bookshelf. And then last Friday, I got a lovely and pretty big package on my door steps with this baby.

My sister and I got to work and put this together in approximately and hour to an hour in half total. It took us a couple of minutes here and there trying to arrange the parts and figure what goes in the right places. But it was fairly simple to put together. Keep in mind we are two females under the age of eighteen with limited assembling experience, the most we came to assembling large equipment would be Glade Plug-Ins (then again that is so large).

If we can do it, trust me anyone can do it.

The bookshelf is currently in my room, providing shelter for my books, that have been deprived from a safe environment to look cute in. I just love the doors on the bookshelf. It keeps off the nosy guest that come and rifle through your bookcase if a poor book with a pretty/shiny/ and or catchy title catches there vulture eyes. And leave it a mess. Plus if you already have enough room for books, it can be easily substituted as a place to store clothing and other little nick-knacks.

Now that I got a bookcase, I might buy a matching computer desk to go with it.

Want/need a bookshelf or other office furniture?

Consider CSN Furniture for bookshelves of all shapes and sizes all within great and affordable price. Plus as added bonus free shipping if you live in the states.

Check out the website www.csnofficefurniture.com for awesome and reasonably priced bookcases, chairs, office tables and other great furniture. You will not be disappointed.

Book Review: The Devouring

2009-08-23T00:57:00.002-04:00

Title: The Devouring
Author: Simon Holt
Publisher: Little Brown
Pages: 240 pages
Release Date: September 1, 2008

Reggie Halloway, fifteen-years-old has a lot on her plate, especially, since her mom left her and her family, almost a year ago, without warning. She forced to take a considerable number of extra duties around the house, taking care of her younger brother Henry, maintaining school, friends, and a job. And it doesn’t help that her father has been distant and uncaring ever since the day her mother left.

But things take a turn for much worse, when Reggie finds a mysterious old journal telling the story of mysterious creatures known as the Vours that inhabit human bodies in Sorry Night, the darkest hours of the winter solstice. Reggie assumes that the journal, is merely the musings of a mental person. And so for fun Reggie and her best friend, Aaron decided to participate in Sorry Night and “try” to conjure up this so call Vours. During these hours the Vours steal the most afraid being and this year its Henry. Now it is up to Reggie to save her brother from this evil being. But first she needs to fully understand these monstrous creatures but most importantly overcome her own fears.

Reading this reminded me the good old days when I was a sixth grader reading R.L Stine books. In true Goosebumps and Fear Street nature these books were creepy. The main character, Reggie was likable and I could feel her frustration about the situation with her brother. I thought this was going to be a stand alone novel because form what I remember there was no indication of a sequel. But I don't care because I really, really want to read the sequel The Devouring #2: Soulstice. Can't wait to find out what happens next.

(Sorry, the review sucks read the book a while back. November of 2008 to be exact.)

Book Review: My Soul To Take

2009-08-03T12:20:00.003-04:00

Title: The Soul Screamer Series: (Book 1) My Soul To Take
Author: Rachel Vincent
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Pages: 384 pages

God bless Rachel Vincent’s latest YA book series The Soul Screamers for getting me out of a horrid month long reading slump. I was captivated by the very first page.

The book begins with Kaylee and her best friend sneaking into a club. There she meets and finally talks to her long time crush Nash Hudson who later consoles her when she is near hysteria because she predicted the impending death of a girl in the club. When three more beautiful teenaged girl drop dead and on two occurrences Kaylee has the urge to scream, she is convinced that she is going insane. Nash tells her otherwise, he explains to her the reason for her urge to scream is because she is a bean-sidhe like him. Kaylee is overwhelmed with new information that she is not humane but she quickly accepts it in order to save the lives of innocent teenage girls who are being attacked by premature deaths.

My Soul To Take was a great and successful beginning to Rachel Vincent’s foray into Young Adult literature. The writing was captivating and flawless, no awkward dialogues or actions. The main characters, Kaylee, Nash, Tod and Emma were all very charismatic and had this certain charm about them. Kaylee and Nash’s relationship seemed natural and developed even though they got together fairly quickly. I was happy there was no immediate confession of their “undying love” for one another but it was evident through their actions. Plus I liked the fact that Kaylee, even though she had a long term crush on Nash, doubted his intentions in the beginning when he first started showing his interest for her.

The plot was intriguing and it was interesting to learn about what exactly banshee’s were and how they functioned. Vincent creates a supernatural world that is believable and fascinating all the same. Overall the book was amazing. I want to read the sequel My Soul To Save immediately!

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Review: Sea Change

2009-08-01T12:00:00.001-04:00

Title: Sea Change
Author: Aimee Friedman
Publisher: Scholastic (Point)
Pages: 320

Note: The review will be short considering I read it a month ago.

The book begins with Miranda, sixteen years old, who has to spend summer in Selkie Island with her newly divorced mother. There she learns about her mother’s unusual past as well as learn about the folklore about mermans that circulate throughout the island.

Oneday, she meets an mysterious boy named Leo. Miranda instantly feels a connection to him and vice versa, resulting in an intense relationship. However, Leo’s mysterious behavior has her questioning his true identity.

The romance aspect of the book was lacking. I thought that Miranda and Leo got together far too quickly and I did not see why exactly they were interested in each other. The great thing about the novel was the use of imagery was perfect. I could envision the beautiful places of Selkie Island.

Overall the book was decent. Something I would recommend for a very quick summer read.

Rating: 2.5/5

Contest Winners

2009-07-31T15:20:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to

Bianca
Liz
Wanda
Shawna
Shadowofwonder47

for winning the paperback edition of book # 7 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows AND as an added bonus, a collectors edition Harry Potter pin!

And Congratulations to

Erica
Purdypirate
toryaslim822

for winning on of three copies of the paperback edition of Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson!

I will email you shortly, but feel free to beat me to the punch and email your US mailing address as soon as possible!! You have until 11:59 Saturday, August 1, 2009.

My books will be saved! Yay!

2009-07-29T16:00:00.003-04:00

I've been a book lover all my life, a book blogger for only a year and I must say that I never owned a bookshelf in my whole entire existence in this earth. Never. Ever.

Its sad and its true. I book lover [insert my full name], have never owned a bookshelf. There I said it again.

Of course this cause problems housing my precious books. Currently, they are held in a card board box and various plastic Wal-Mart bags in my dark closet.

But hopefully, pretty soon my poor little books won't need to stay in that dreaded box and various plastic bags because the wonderful CSN Office Furniture offered me a bookcase to review!

Can you believe it! Its as if they knew that I was in desperate need of one. So except a review in the near future (hopefully) of the lovely bookcase that will be sent be CSN Office Furniture.

In the meanwhile browse around the site. They have great and affordable office furniture, such as filing cabinets, conference tables, folding tables, and much much more with free shipping (within US). Don't believe me. Check it out your self.

The Two Book Series That Got Me Into Supernatural

2009-07-29T08:26:00.001-04:00

In January 2006 I was given a very brand new laptop and I rarely used it. Until that summer of 2006, boredom hit me. And I used that laptop not to play Blasterball but go on amazon and search for books! (I was a very nerdy seventh grader, still nerdy)

And one day while searching for books I came across Blue Is for Nightmare series written by Laurie Stolarz.

Ever since 2006, I have been in love with this series. Unfortunately, I haven't read the books since then because my stupid library lost copies of the White is for Magic. (Must acquire money to buy the series!)

Anyhow, imagine my surprise when I find out that a new book will be released in the series called BLACK IS FOR BEGINNINGS. September 2009. Next month!

The book is going to be a graphic novel and not just a novel-novel, which I wish it was. But oh well beggars can't be choosers.

(More info here)

The next book series was found simultaneously as the BLN series it is The Seer Series (total of five books published in the series) authored by Linda Singleton. This was found by the clever "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought" feature that Amazon has each book's web page.

And just like BLN series I was freaking estastic to learn that this will also have a sixth book to the originally five books in the series. The book is called MAGICIAN'S MUSE, the 6th THE SEER in September of 2010. Long wait but its coming.

(Cover not available yet but I shall post when it is)

As well as these new books both Laurie Stolarz and Linda Joy Singleton are currently in the midst of publishing/completing new series, they are The Touch series and the Dead Girl series, respectively.

I have yet to read the Dead Girl series but I'm pretty sure I would enjoy it.

But I can tell you for a fact I loved the Deadly Little Secrets the first book in the series. Can not wait for book 2 Deadly Little Lies.

So these are the first two book series to really get me into Supernatural books like these. So thank you Laurie Stolarz and Linda Singleton.

Mini Personal Book Reading Challenge

2009-07-28T15:34:00.000-04:00

Okay, Chemistry is going to have to wait awhile because its summer vacation and this evil can not ruin something I have been looking and longing for ten months of my life. No way, no way. So instead of jumping right into Chem I'm going to participate in a mini book reading challenge because I have not finished a book since last month. I know its utterly embarrassing.

So the challenge will end tomorrow and I plan to read a total of THREE books by tomorrow night. I know its not a lot but I'm fighting with time and honestly I have none.

And then I will write FOUR reviews. One for the book I read in June and three for the books I plan to finish by tomorrow night.

Wish me luck!

Its Official. . . I Hate Chemistry

2009-07-27T15:10:00.001-04:00

On the second to last day of June I went to school to take a very important Chemistry exam. And on that very same day after three hours of enduring the groveling exam I left.

Fast forward a few weeks (about 6 or so) I get the exam grade. And I begin to curse out my Chem teacher for holding a "party" instead of reviewing and regretting getting side tracked so many times and not going all out studying my brains out with every little detail and hating my teacher (I can't help it).

If you haven't already guessed the grade was horrible even if I passed but compared to my usual 90s on final exams, the grade might as well as been failing.

So now the few remaining of my summer weeks I will be studying my ass of for the retake of the Chem exam JUST FREAKING FANTASTIC. And I can't believe how it already 27th of July! Its insane how fast time goes. Clocks ticking and I got to stay away from the blogsphere

On to other news I should announce the winner of Suit Scarlett the same day as the Harry Potter contest which is July 31st. So enter away while I study. *sob sob*

Suite Scarlett Contest

2009-07-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Haven't gotten to read the Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson yet, with is beautiful newly released paperback edition cover?

Here's another chance to win one of THREE copies.

But first the book synopsis:

The Hopewell Hotel is small Art Deco “jewelbox” in New York City. The hotel has a grand past, but a somewhat dusty and broken present, with pigeons breaking into the rooms, chandeliers with more cobweb than glass, and constantly exploding toilets. Guests are rare, but it does have one constant set of inhabitants... the Martin family.

Scarlett Marin is the third of the four Martins. Scarlett is fifteen, blonde, and broke. Her friends are gone for the summer. And she’s got this one curl that exists just to stab her in the eye and blind her. Welcome to her life...

LOL at the last sentence.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Official Contest Details:

To enter: Simply comment =]

For additional entries (+1): In a SEPARATE comment link contest somewhere. Please provide me a link

HARRY POTTER (contest)

2009-07-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Did you know its been TEN years since Scholastics' published the first Harry Potter books?

Harry Potter was basically what jump started my so called reading career. These books are what made me realize just how amazing reading can be and how magical it is. (I know, I know it sounds really cheesy but its late and I love Harry Potter!)

Enough incoherent babbling in my part, what I'm getting at is: YOU have a chance to witness the amazing-ness of Harry Potter because I'm happen to be hosting a contest. =)

Official Contest Details:

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will hit theaters this summer – the 6th film in the series. Why not catch the finale NOW by reading the page turning final installment of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – released in paperback July 7th. It all comes down to this - a final face off between good and evil. You plan to pull out all the stops, but every time you solve one mystery, three more evolve."

So FIVE (5) winners will be chosen to receive their very own

paperback edition of book # 7 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows AND as an added bonus, a collectors edition Harry Potter pin (its very very pretty)

You know you want one.

Entries

I'm going to keep it real simple because I know how we I like to be lazy. I don't want to count them up and you don't want to do them. ;)

+1 for commenting
+1 for linking, please help spread the word (Make sure its in a SEPARATE comment)

Contest Deadline: Friday, July 31st 2009

In the main awhile check this site out: http://www.scholastic.com/harrypotter/

*Special thanks to DV for making this contest possible.

Flying, Flying, Flying

2009-06-27T08:30:00.000-04:00

So I was officially done with all exams on Tuesday, and ever since then my house as been chaotic.

Why you ask?

Tw0 words: Packing luggages.

Its not fun especially with my mom constantly yelling at my siblings and I, to put this and that into this pocket, not to pack enough underwear, and not to forget to pack a nice trousers and dress and other miscellanies items.

It hasn't been fun. No, no.

And on top of that I'm kinda afraid of flying. It has been raining all month (around here) and I'm pretty sure pilots do not prefer flying through storm clouds. And even if the weather did not suck I would still be afraid because throughout the year, in the news I've heard about quite a few plane accidents that have occurred.

To recall a few from the top of my head:

A plane on the Hudson River (people survived, but still scary stuff right there)

A plane crashes into a house, killing a man who was in his living room (his living room guys!!) as well as the people on the plane.

A plane disappears for a few weeks on its flight from Brazil to Europe (I think). Later found in the Atlantic Ocean. Killing people on the plane.

See what I'm talking about.

I'm not liking this plane crashing/disappearing/on the River business, at all. But I gotta suck it up, I have no choice because on 7:30 pm today's very evening I will be boarding a plane. And four other times as well.

I will be blogging throughout the month of July but if on August first I do not blog about how I got home safely, assume the worst.

LOL Best Video Ever!

2009-06-24T18:10:00.001-04:00

This is just too good not to share.

If only Bella was more like Buffy, the book would of kicked butt.

Waiting On Wednesdays

2009-06-24T15:55:00.001-04:00

Wow I haven't done one of these for so long. But I just found about this book which sounds pretty darn appealing . . .

EVERYTHING SUCKS by Hannah Friedman
Release Date: August 3, 2009
Publisher: Hci Teens

"By my senior year [in high school] I am the chair of the student body and disciplinary committee, coordinator of 3 community service programs, I have a 4.0 GPA, a millionaire boyfriend with a BMW, and finally, for the first time in my entire life, I am considered 'cool.' But when an article of mine about the college admissions process is published in Newsweek, everything I've worked so hard to achieve is pulled out from under me...and I resolve once and for all to stop allowing other people to define me."

Welcome inside the head of 21-year-old Hannah Friedman--a fresh new author whose biting wit and captivating writing style is a cross between bestselling YA author Anne Brashares (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) and the hysterically honest Amy Sedaris (I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence).

Everything Sucks details the teenage years in all of their cringe-worthy absurdity--from getting home schooled in a tour bus with hippie musicians to attending one of New York's most prestigious private schools on full scholarship to developing a drug addiction and eating disorder to nearly getting kicked out of Yale University before she even gets to attend. In the end, it's Friedman's spirit that keeps her afloat.

Amazon

Book Review: Willow

2009-06-20T08:30:00.000-04:00

Title: Willow
Author: Julia Hoban
Publisher: Viking, Penguin
Pages: 336 pages
Release Date: April 2, 2009

Okay this book is one I’ve been lusting for so long. And now that I finally got to read it and needless to say I was enamored by it.

The book begins with Willow, seventeen living in NYC with her older brother David and his young family, seven month after her parents died in a horrible car accident. As if the accident isn’t already enough to make anyone mourn for years what makes it worse is Willow was the one driving. This of course leads her in a state of depression, constantly relieving the terrible events of the accident. Willow unused to such pain, resorts to cutting herself as a antidote for her mental pain of being an orphan and being a burden to David and his family. No one knows about her situation, that is until Guy, who is determined to prevent Willow’s from causing herself pain. The book chronicles Willow’s road to recovery, realization, redemption and first love, with the help of the people who matter the most, the people who loves her.

The book is told in the third person narrative but the readers stay with Willow and everything she feels and experiences is witnessed and yes this does mean the cutting scenes. It was fascinating to find out what drives a her to begin cutting and why she feels it is necessary.

Guy is any girls dream, supportive, protective and yet not so overbearing unlike some male characters (coughEdwardCullencough). I understood his overwhelming need to help Willow because he bluntly states that he does not want her in his conscious if something happens to her. As someone who has that same mentality, I can see why he feels that way. Guy was a prominent character because through his and Willow’s interaction, readers witnessed just how much Willow has developed from the beginning of the novel to the end.

Overall, a great book, exemplifying just how complex humans are. I would definitely recommend this as a must read, for those curious of the inner workings of a “cutter.”

WORDS TO KNOW
diffidently- lacking in self-confidence
dubious- 1) hesitating or doubting (2) not to be relied upon (3) of questionable value
stupendously-extremely impressive
opiate-something that causes a unrealistic sense of contentment
diatribe (n)- a harsh and forceful verbal attack
pallid-pale, especially because of poor health (2) feeble
oblique-not explicit or direct
reprimand (n)-formal expression of disapproval
alchemy(n)- a mysterious or paradoxical process
genuflect(v)- lower one’s body by bending one knee to the ground in worship or sign of respect
cataclysm(n)- a violent upheaval or disaster
frivolous(a)- not having any serious purpose or value (2) carefree and superficial
desultorily-(a) lacking purpose or enthusiasm (2) going from one thing to another erratically
innocuous(a)- not harmful or offensive

Memorial Weekend Read

New/Oldish Feauture Makes an Appeareance

2009-06-19T15:00:00.001-04:00

Remember Word of the Week feature I had up on the blog?

No?

Not surprising because I only did it once.

But the whole point of it was to learn new vocabulary words that might end up being in the SATs (not looking forward to them).

But instead of having a word every week, I'm going to post words that I did not know when I came across them while reading. And either link to dictionary.com or actually write out the definition myself.

I think this will be more effective for both me and you because that way I’m forced to write down the words and if you plan on reading the book yourself you will know what the word means beforehand (assuming you didn’t already).

I know I just set myself for public humiliation since my vocabulary is very limited and you might laugh at some of the words I needed to look up. =)

Book Contest Everyday!

2009-06-18T14:00:00.000-04:00

Just got two emails about book giveaways, that you guys might be interested in.

Giving It Away For Free
(the only time Momma would approve)

Serena Robar is giving it away for free the entire month of June. That’s right. A book a day, every day in honor of her latest book release Giving Up the V. All you have to do to is sign up for her newsletter and you are entered to win. Enter once and you are in the running to win a book every day the entire month of June.

Ehh I want to read this book!

And at Teen Libris there is a monthly giveaway. this month there's a chance to win signed copy of:

The New Kid by Temple Mathews

In most small towns, the New Kid is big news. In Harrisburg, Washington, there's something going on that's even bigger.

This month, we're (Teen Libris) giving you a chance to find out what! Enter to win one of 10 copies of The New Kid (click to read an excerpt!), signed by author Temple Mathews.

Win here.

Haven't heard of this book until now, but it sounds good. Off to read the excerpt.

Tests

2009-06-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

The dreaded NYS Regents (subject tests distributed everyone in NY) are near. I have to take four in the next two weeks. And my last will be on Tuesday, June 23.

So from then until now I will be studying my ass off. Hopefully, all this stress will be converted to eutress when I get back my grades.

So the blog will be in temporary hiatus, unless I procrastinate studying and type up a blog post, which is very likely. But we'll see.

For those who are still taking finals:

GOOD LUCK!!! Studystudystudy (wish I took my own advise)

And for those who are not because you are done with them:

Just know I'm sending evil vibes your way. >;]

----

The next blog post will most likely cover what books (non YA books) I'm planing on reading over the summer. There's some good stuff there . . . I hope.

I Be Evil

2009-06-07T03:00:00.002-04:00

I was just getting over the fact that I was not going to be able to read this book until October. I honest to God was. You know how you want something for so long and then later your feelings for that thing or person wears off. Well, that is what happened with me wanting to read Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins after reading and loving the first book. Unttttil I was sent the trailer. It did something to me guys, it reignited this evil lust to read the book. It was as if flames of desire was encircling my body with this feelings of want and need.

I was just thirteen seconds, thirteen seconds in and immediately, I stopped the trailer. Thirteen minutes later I still have not watched the entirety of the trailer, and I still want it, so bad it hurts. So I can imagine what it will do to me if I actually watch all of it and not have a copy. So me no watch trailer or read amazing gushing reviews until I have the book within reach.

You guys saw it already, I'm sure but I shall share with you guys anyways. Isn't it sorta torturous to watch?

Video out of the post box. Weird.

Writing: HELP!

2009-05-29T17:51:00.002-04:00

Okay next year I'm taking THREE AP classes, not a lot compared to other people but to moi 3 APs= No Life.

Aside from signing my life off my life to an array of textbooks, and other mundane reading material what concerns me is AP Language & Composition.

From what heard this class requires you to write a essay practically every other day, literally.

No big right? Yeah, think again because guys I am the worst essayist in the existence of mankind. Third graders could write more effective essays then I can, actually scratch that, a neantherdal could most probably write better, with a few movements of their pens on paper. (Try to ignore how, very historically inaccurate that last statement is.) What I'm getting at is, aside from how much I suck at World History, is that me and writing are like water and oil, we do not mix.

I do not enjoy writing, I do not enjoy planning stupid essays, I do not enjoy revising essays and I sure as hell ain't any good at it. Yet here I am sitting on my bed already enrolled in an AP course in which I'm most likely guaranteed to fail.

Any logic person would ask, "Why, oh why would you sign up for this class?"

And here's my logistics for this act of stupidity.

Like I have mentioned a gazillion times I am not good in any manner or degree of writing an essay. That is bad. What also is bad is admission to a college requires one emaculate transcript, one hell of a extracurricular activities, and one kick ass ESSAY (oh no that word again). And this is what my brain thought:

Transcript- is irrevocably scared or ....about to be

Extracurricular activity- most probably the same as the kid sitting behind you in class second period, nothing extraordinary.

Essay- . . . . . . . (I will not tell you something you already know)

So here was my reasoning I'm not going to be turning into Einstein overnight and I don't think NASA will allow sixteen year old girl to go on a space mission with them anytime soon. So technically, the only thing I have to resort to is what I am horrible at most- writing. And so I signed up for AP Lang & Comp signed the contract saying I will not drop the class and if I do I get an automatic fail.

So I need to write, write, write and aside from reading I will be writing, writing, writing. Not only do I want to do well in the class I also want to prove my friend who gave me this look o_0 when I told her I will be in the meeting Tuesday for AP Language and Composition. She bluntly told me that I sucked writing essays, thanks biyatch love ya to.

So, I got June, July, and August to become a somewhat decent essayist. I am so ready for the summer assignment.

Not sure how many will read/skim this post in its entirety but I would LOVE you if you can give me some ideas, pointers, suggestions in how I can become a better writer. And please let me know if you took or taking the course next year or if someone you know took the course.

Book Review: Sleepaway Girls

2009-05-25T11:30:00.001-04:00

Title: Sleepaway Girls
Author: Jen Calonita
Publisher: Little Brown & Company
Pages: 304 pages
Release Date: May 1, 2009

This book was just an average book. The plot itself was simple and I wasn’t a big fan of it. Sam Montgomery, decides to spend the summer in Whispering Pines, as a counselor-in-training (CIT), to distant herself from her best friend and her new boyfriend’s antics. On her first day, there she quickly learns about the cliques within camps, there are the evil bitches, aka Ashley and Gabby, the heart throb, Hunter, and the playful but cute, Cole, and other CITs Em, Grace and Court, who she befriends immediately and they create a club known as the Sleepaway Girls.

Soon after arriving at camp, Sam is catapult into a war, the Sleepway Girls vs. Ashley and Gabby, who are dead set on making her life hell in Whispering Pines, including causing havoc between the guys she like. And during all this she manages to have fun and learn to stand up for herself.

I didn’t particularly like this book, I was bored through a lot of the book. There was no big lead up to anything, like the pranks or other activities mentioned. The way the romantic aspects played out was unrealistic. For example Em, Grace, and Court, and they all have crushes on three other guys (senior counselors or CITs, like themselves) and by the end the book, all three guys like them, same situation with Sam and her crush. I guess this counts as a spoiler but honestly, you kind of figure it know its going to happen. None, of the characters, minor or major particularly stood out to me, it was just flat if anything they seemed a little immature for fifteen year olds. The book can be pretty much summed up as a YA book disguised as a middle grade novel.

April 2009 Spring Break Read

Book Review: Sliding on The Edge

2009-05-08T21:36:00.002-04:00

Title: Sliding on the Edge
Author: C. Lee McKenzie
Publisher: WestSide Books
Pages: 268
Amazon

Shawna Stone, sixteen years of age, and basically does not give a rat’s ass about anybody. She can roam around her Las Vegas without any problem. But Shawna Stone, is not like any other teenager, she plagued by the Monster, who tells her to cut herself. No one knows about Shawna’s problem, not even her own mother, who is too busy gambling in the local casinos, that is until she is unexpectedly, forced to live with her grandmother, Shay’s ranch in California. There she is faced with strict rules from her grandmother Kay, who is desperately wants to reach out to Shawana. Both have to learn to come into terms with one another.

Hmm...the book was quite different, then any I’ve read. I’ll admit the thought of the main character having a mental disorder derailed me a bit. The first two chapters were a little odd but after that the book hit its stride and was excellent.

My only problem with the book was the alternating point of views of Shawna and Kay’s perspective on the same scene. Yes, it did manage to give readers insight to each of the character’s feelings, which was good (especially when Kay and Shawana were not in the same place), but it kinda got a little annoying when the scenes and dialogues in the chapter overlapped. But other then that, I really appreciated the alternating point of views.

The characters were great. I really liked Shawna and her tone and Kay, although a much older person then Shawna was easy to relate to was dealing with moving into a new place and experiencing things she never did before, like having a stable parental figure. Kay, in the other hand was going through having to take on a teenager and understanding what she was going through.

I loved the setting of the book, Kay’s farm and the overall feel of the place. Its really weird to explain but when I think back to the book, I think of the darkness of the book but I also imagine sunny skies and the comforting feel of the farm.

Overall, Sliding on the Edge was an amazing book with a nice blend of romance, and characters coming to self-actualization. Definitely, recommend it for a quick but meaningful read.

April 2009 Spring Break Read

Y before A = Awesome

2009-05-05T01:25:00.005-04:00

A comprehensive list of PARANORMAL YA novels published by primarily Adult writers.

(I tried summarizing book blurb in my own words, kinda short but click on book cover to be directed to Amazon page)
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Lili St. Crow: know for various Adult novels

YA Book:
Strange Angels

I've heard great things about this one, already. Can't wait to read it myself. Here's what it about:

"Dru Anderson has been “strange” for as long as she can remember. She travels from town to town with her father, hunting the things that go bump in the night and eat the unwary. It’s a weird life, but a good one–until it all explodes and a zombie busts into her new house.
Alone, terrified, and trapped in an icy town, Dru’s going to need every inch of her wit and training to stay alive. Can she trust the boy who is just a little too adult–and just happens to get bit by a werwulf? Or the strange blue-eyed boy who tells her she’s heir to a long-forgotten power? Can she even trust her own instincts?" (Read more here)

Okay, doesn't that just want you to read it even more? Thankfully, it coming out this month.

Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: May 14, 2009

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Kim Harrison: known for her adult urban fantasy series.

YA Book:
Once Dead, Twice Shy

I really want to read this book. You know what the funny thing is? When I finished reading Prom Dates from Hell, which featured a sneak peek of the book I remember thinking that the short story had a lot of potential to be a book. So yeah, really looking forward to its release in May by HarperTeen, speaking of HarperTeen, they got some REAL good paranormal books coming out. Can't wait to read them.

The book is about

Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: May 26, 2009

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Rachael Vincent: also known for her NYT best-selling Urban Fantasy series Shifters.

YA Book:
My Soul To Take

I remember this book being mentioned on Rachael's blog over the summer and being intrigued. Adult urban fantasy writer going to write a YA? Now, that's a book me want to read. So here's what is about:

A teenage girl who suddenly develops powers of a banshee. She doesn't know how or why she does and the hottest guy (aka her crush) in school helps her understand it. Meanwhile, her classmates are dropping dead for no reason.

Plot- original (check) Romance-Present with Potential (check) and Mystery-present (check). Three checks, and I can't wait to start reading it.

Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Release Date: August 1, 2009

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Gena Showalters: Known for writing novels in paranormal genres. Unlike the last two authors she wrote a few YA novels, before.

Recent YA Book:
Intertwined

I didn't know about this book until recently and it sounds fantastic. Its about a boy, Aden, has has this special abilities to see the past, future, raise the dead, posses another human. With that said, its going to be one heck of a book. Plus the book features two forbidden love, now that's a interesting. Looking forward to reading this as well.

Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Release Date: September 1, 2009

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Lately, I've been noticing a lot of adult authors releasing YA books this year. Hence the list.

So excited to read them, although most probably not get to read all of them soon, A) not release yet B) school rules my life and I ain't liking it. =(

However, only one more month of school before the dreaded exams and then, sweet bliss- summer vacation. Guess what I'll be reading?

Enough of me, which are you looking forward to/ do you know other adult authors publishing YA novels ?

Overcoming My Mid-Teen Crisis

2009-05-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

This year sucked for me.

I don't know why but I lost interest in everything. First it started off with school, my grades, people, and then it manifested into how little I started to read and before I knew it I lost motivation to do anything.

And I was completely aware of all this, and this just made me even more, hate life. I wanted to do better except I did not have this internal drive to push myself to do it. I came to realization early this year, that life as I knew it was over, those care free time are gone, instead it is and always will be replaced by stressful weeks that go by in a blur (and Liv did an amazing job explaining some of the things I mean here). Its like some dreadful cycling of days, weeks and months.

I wasn't always like this the whole entire year, there were times I would do good, but then I would just fall back to that same stupid mentality of indifference to my life, school, and friends.

Today, when I went to my AP World History review, my teacher was telling us how we should have already began to start studying for the exam. I haven't started but that is not what really scared me. What scared me was my attitude. The old me would have been going through a panic attack, which is acceptable (if not welcomed) in this particular situation, except I, was totally indifferent. Again, an example of lack of that most sought out, internal drive.

But then when I was talking to my mother tonight, she was talking about the future, and my career goals and I began to feel that hint of adrenaline, that long lost internal drive.

I've been dreaming of becoming one thing in my life, all my life. Sixteen years of my life I wanted to be this and I'm not going to give it up. Not now. I've been thinking about it for far to long, and its too late to go any other direction.

The whole point of this post is: I'm ready to start caring and I have found this drive, and I'm going to do better and I will do better.

So tonight, I will kick procrastination in the ass and finish my Geometry homework, work on my project, and go to school on Monday with a completely different attitude. Because baby, the old me is back!

A Note To My Teacher

2009-05-01T22:00:00.001-04:00

A little note to a teacher of mine who thinks her class is the only class we need to pass. We all had/have on of those.....

Dear Teacher,

I understand you want us to do well in your class and that dreaded state exam at the end of the year, I really do, whatever your intentions may be. Whether it be getting a higher pay check or winning that bet with the teacher next door to you, that your class will have a higher average then his/her's class, or something as noble as wanting to "make" something of ourselves.

But please realize you are just one of all the other teachers, that are vying for the raised salary, winning a bet, or wanting to make an honest to God difference in our lives, and get a higher grade in their subject-related state exam. A little acknowledgment of the fact that your class, is not the only class that we students have to endure but one of many others.

We have other exams, quizzes, oral presentations to worry about that do not occur in room 146. I know its hard to believe, because your basically their teaching in that room for more then half the day. But its true.

All I'm asking for is just a little acknowledgment of that. You can even keep giving us those gazillions of packets that we work on daily in class, which to be honest DOES NOT help us, but it does help killing the earth in which we dwell on, just realize your class is not the only one. For now, I'm okay with that because I plan on recycling the paper rather then take all the packets you gave us and having a bonfire like that one kid suggested, but please realize we have other classes, that are just important as this, if not even more important.

Sincerly,
Exasperated Student

PS. I was repetive, I know, and I most probably have a shit load of grammatical mistake, which could have been avoidable if I studied for the PSATs or SATs rather then do your stupidd butt project.

=============================

On an entirely different note: OMG its MAY. Time flys by even when your certainly not having fun. =(

Book Review: Sophmore Switch

2009-04-27T12:25:00.000-04:00

Title: Sophomore Switch
Author: Abby McDonald
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Number of Pages: 296

Emily and Tasha, two very different girls switching to two very different lifestyles. Tasha is your typical Californian, blond, party hard and dates guys as frequently as one changes underwear, while Emily is your stuck up Brit girl, who always has her nose stuck in a book, studying and etc. They switch places so Emily is California and Tasha is in Oxford. Both have to learn to adjust to the foreign place and along the way learn their “true” selves.

You know there some things that are just not meant to be no matter how try you want it to work out and this book was one of those things. I tried I really tried to get into it but I couldn’t. Yes there were times that the book was interesting but others it was just too bland, in my opinion, for my taste.

I think the first problem was, I wasn’t too sure keen about premise, two girls switching lives with two very different lifestyles. Yeah, okay, so? Although, these girls were switching lives they pretty much had the same issues: making themselves accustom to the different environment (as expected), boy troubles, trying new things, and other such things of the same essence, in a way. Emily needed to learn to relax and forget about her ex and Tasha needed to stop her reckless behavior, partying and get more studious.

This book was told in alternating point of views, making it harder for me to enjoy. At certain points of the book I wanted to know more about Tasha’s situation more then Emily’s and vice versa, at other times. To clarify: say a new problem was introduced in one chapter then it would be cut off to explain the situation for the other character.

The characters were at first, really blase at first. But as the story progressed I was impressed with their thought process and actions, especially the decisions made toward the end of the book. So major kudos for that.

Overall, the book was“not to be meant to be” for me. It was boring for a good amount of the book and did not hit its stride until the third-quarter of the book.

Random: But there is a really cool site for this book, just found it. Click here.

Youtube & Book Burning Cult

2009-04-26T16:05:00.004-04:00

Okay I'm no fan of Twilight. But this is a little extreme. They could have at least donated the book to a library or something and express their hatred in healthier ways (in my case) like make Edward Cullen vodoo dolls or incessantly make fun of the fact he might have a sparkling you-know what. But burning books, my inner book lover self cringes at the sight of bound pages, even if it is Twilight.

One of many others:

Public Reader?

2009-04-24T15:00:00.002-04:00

I envy those people who can read and actually concentrate on what their reading in odd places, like the bus stop, the car, waiting on the line, motorcycle, okay not really sure about the latter but you get the point.

I can only read in secluded areas, with minimal movement and no other person nearby like, my room (in my bed), my living room (sometimes), and the library depending on the location.

Reason #1- There's a slight chance I might have self-diagnosed ADD or something. I came up with that conclusion myself, look how many times procrastination has been a big problem of mine. (In fact I'm doing it right now. Shh)

Reason # 2- An irrational fear, in which a flying object will transpire out of nowhere and end up hitting me in the head, causing me to get a concussion, enabling me to actually, read the book.

(Warning: Harry Potter and The Goblet Of Fire spoiler mentioned)

Reason # 3- I make "strange faces." Apparently, I make funny faces when I talk, (been called out upon this by classmates and friends) sometimes. Sp, I can imagine I do the same when I read. And what if there's this really cute guy staring at me and I make a horrifying face. Like this o_0 when Cedric Digory dies in the fourth Harry Potter book.

Reason # 4- Ties in with Reason 3- getting the sudden Hebbie Jeebies! Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about, it most probably happened to atleast once. When you get the sudden chills out of knowhere in a perfectly warm day, chances are someone's staring at you. And, I for one can't stand being stared at.

Reason # 5- What if a person starts doing what I usually do (yes I admit it) and see me with a book and get all up my grill and ask me what I'm reading and I don't feel like talking to them because hello, they're strangers. Granted their fellow book lovers, like me but my mommy said specifically, not to talk to strangers. So I must listen. Plus, I want to avoid people looking over my shoulders (hate when teachers do that when writing essays or doing classwork) and reading the book with me (like the picture above.)

Yeah, so basically, I can not read in public places, which really sucks because if I could I think I would totally read so much more books in average. How about you?

Top 10 Things I Hate About School . . . Currently

2009-04-20T16:10:00.002-04:00

1) Chemistry teacher who refuses to teach.

2) GEOMETRY PROOFS!!! They are pure evil!

3) AP World History. Why? 1,200 AP World History Terms to be written in index cards!

4) Spanish speaking test, I can barely speak English properly half the time.

5) Poetry unit in English! Let's just say I don't get unless its written in white and black, I can't decipher the "gray" area (teacher's word not mine).

6) After-school activities that are in session for only 5 minutes and the rest of 25 minutes waiting around for the school bus, what a waste of time.

7) Stupid people who boast about drinking and puking their guts out over the weekend. (Since when was that considered a huge accomplishment??)

8) Redox - Yes its Chemistry.

9) Being sleep deprived.

10) Having overbearing parents (still love them though =] )

I <3 The Story Siren

2009-04-19T18:40:00.002-04:00

OMG Kristi from The Story Siren is simply amazing and talented! Look at the beautiful layout she did for me. Isn't she extremely nice, for doing this? I can't thank her enough.

THANK YOU so much Kristi!!!!! I love the header and layout. =)

In My Mailbox: Huh?

2009-04-19T03:50:00.001-04:00

Okay so I haven't received books in the mail other then my Pulse It books in the past few months. So imagine my surprise when Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey shows up in my doorstop.

I do not know how I got it.

Didn't request it from the publisher ever, so they wouldn't have my address.

Is it possible I entered a contest?

Maybe, except don't ever remember doing so. So weird. Although, I'm a little freaked as to how my mailing address was sent to them, I'm so freaking excited about reading the book! Heard so many good things about this.

By the way if anyone can solve the mystery, please let me know. Was it recently up for grabs in a contest where you send it your mailing address by filling one of those online form thingys? If so, what website?

I Joined

2009-04-19T00:00:00.001-04:00

Yep that's right I joined twitter knowing all the precautions be the wonderful people who responded to the Twitter Help post.

I think Deltay summed it up pretty well.

"Resistence is futile.
Joining is inevitable."

You can follow me at twitter.com/yabookrealm

Computer Issues

2009-04-18T22:15:00.002-04:00

So I haven't been able to use the computer since Monday night, because my computer supposedly was attacked by viruses.

What's up with that?

I'm sure I or anybody in whoever uses this computer, doesn't do anything that would cause that, if you catch my drift. ;I

But apparently Geek Squad (LOVE them? said it might have been caused by email virus. So my word of advise, never open spammer emails. They are bad. Also get some Anti-spyware software, or something along those lines.

But that's why I haven't been able to thank all the awesome people who answered my Twitter questions below. (Thanks guys. =) )

Or

Email back whoever emailed me these past few days. Doing that right now. =)

To Tweet Or Not To Tweet: Help

2009-04-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

It's been the growing internet sensation, Twitter. You know it's something when you hear news people on CNN ( mostly Don Lemon), tewlling you to folow them on Twitter.

But yeah I've been wanting to join except I don't know if I should. Adele from Persnickety Snark, basically scared me (sorta) here, in the comment section, about the horrors of getting a Twitter. But I have this sick curiosity of seeing what the hell its about. I mean I have a MySpace, Facebook, and .... no Twitter.

Pros of getting a Twitter:

Many bloggers have, can connect with them more better.

Many authors have, can connect with them more.

Sounds like fun.

Bored online, always can tweet about being so. You can't let ever body no any other way.

It's the only time when you can stalk people, and it would be socially acceptable. (Not that I have urges to stalk people in real life....I don't, requires too much work)

Cons of getting Twitter:

I procrastinate too much, this will not help. (But then again, I find other ways to procrastinate)

Okay looks like I'm going to twitter, just not right this second.

But I have a question. When you join:

1) Do you get email updates of every single tweet a person you are following? Because that would of be very annoying. I'm already a subscriber to all kinds of online newsletter, half of which I don't remember doing so. And not to mention I get all these spam littering my email inbox.

2) Do you get an email update whenever someone responds to a tweet of yours?

Book Review: Secret Life of Bees

2009-04-10T18:50:00.000-04:00

Title: The Secret Life of Bees

Author: Sue Monk Kidd

Publisher: Penguin

Pages: 302

Amazon

Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Beestells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the town's fiercest racists, Lily decides they should both escape to Tiburon, South Carolina--a town that holds the secret to her mother's past.

There they are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters who introduce Lily to a mesmerizing world of bees, honey, and the Black Madonna who presides over their household. This is a remarkable story about divine female power and the transforming power of love--a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.

This book was remarkable. I’ll admit I would have never read it, if I didn’t win it in a contest, which was hosted by the fabulous Keri Miluski.

First let me start off by saying I love Sue Monk Kidd’s writing. She uses vivid imagery and it so beautiful. Here’s a little excerpt from the book:

“That night I lay in bed and thought about dying and going to be with my mother in paradise. I would meet her saying, "Mother, forgive. Please forgive," and she would kiss my skin till it grew chapped and tell me I was not to blame. She would tell me this for the first ten thousand years.”

See what I mean. Loved it and one of the reasons why it is easily, hands down one of the most beautifully written books, I ever read.

The book featured strong female leads, which I greatly appreciate. Lily was likable because she was defiant and was firm about what she believed in. However, Lily wasn’t the only strong females in the book, there was Rosaleen and the Boatwright sisters who were wise and were surrogate mothers to Lily, teaching her things her mother wasn’t able to.

The Secret Life of Bees, is a great novel showing the true essence of the civil rights movement in the 1960's and a coming of age novel all wrapped in one. A must read, for everyone.

Winner!!

2009-04-09T17:00:00.000-04:00

Finally got around to counting up all the entries and the winner of The September Sisters by Jillian Cantor is:

NORA

CONGRATS Nora, please send me an email with your mailing address by April 11, 2009. Or else I will have to pick another winner.

I want to thank C, from HarperCollins for making this contest possible by providing the book and Jillian Cantor for doing the lovely blog about her sister. It was fun reading about everyone's experiences with their siblings.

And I want to thank all the people who entered!! I will be holding another contest next month or so, so all the extra entries from this contest will be counted towards the future contest. So don't worry all your hard work with the extra entries for this contest will not be forgotten. =)

Movie Review: Dedication (2007)

2009-04-08T10:30:00.002-04:00

I always dread when someone asks me what my is my favorite movie.

Why?

Because I always am *shrug* don't have one.

Well that was before I watched Dedication last year.

This movie was amazing, I mean it did have some weirdness to it, but trust me they can be easily overlooked because you can help but love the main character Henery Roth played by the amazing Bill Crudup.

Okay here's what it is about:

Henry Roth is messed up. A New York children's book author who tells kids that Santa doesn't exist, he hates sleeping with- and next to- anyone, including his girlfriend and must lay on the floor, usually with heavy objects on top of him just to feel safe. His motto is "Life is nothing but the occasional burst of laughter rising above the interminable wail of grief."

"Dedication," a modern love story in which a misanthropic, emotionally complex author of a hit children's book series (Billy Crudup) is forced to team with a beautiful illustrator (Mandy Moore) after his best friend and creative collaborator (Tom Wilkinson) passes away marks the directorial debut of Justin Theroux. As Henry struggles with letting go of the ghosts of love and life, he discovers that maybe all it takes is a little dedication.

This movie, in my opinion was awesome. Seriously watch it. Billy Crudup's performance was so freaking great. He's the only reason why I would even wanted to send seven bucks and go to the theaters to see Watchmen.

And you know what the really scary thing is? Mandy Moore was even great. I never really liked her in How To Deal, the movie adaptation of Sarah Dessen's novel or A Walk to Remember. I always saw her an ehh actress, never really pleased by her performance. But Mandy Moore in this movie was pretty damn good.

The plot itself was simple nothing to extraordinary. But this movie has to be one of the best romantic comedy ever. All because, and I know I said this before of Henry Roth. He has one fucked up person, that you can't help but love.

Overall an amazing movie, with the best characters ever. And for those of book reviewers, there's even a mention of galley copies of book. ;)

BUT BE WARNED: The movie's rated R because of language and sexual content, the lather is very minimal.

Here's a trailer:

How I Got Out Of My Read Slump

2009-04-07T17:00:00.000-04:00

I've been unsuccessfully trying to read a book (which will stay unnamed), for four or more weeks now on and off. Everytime, I picked up the book to read it, I can not bring myself to read more then just a few pages, without getting bored and tired of reading.

This book, which shall not be named, triggered, what every book blogger/reviewer dreads a . . . a reading slump.

Reading Slump- a long and heinous period of time, in which a person can't will themselves to pick up a book and read. Also known to cause book bloggers/reviewers to panic.

But after weeks of unsuccessful reading, I have finally discovered a remedy for this atrocious syndrome. I was even luck to finish a book, I didn't think it was possible! =O

Now you can to, with just a few points.

Here's how:

First, stop reading the book that triggered your reading slump. This is very important if a book does not hold your interest even after weeks trying to read. Just don't read it.

Then, allow yourself a day or two of not reading and do something as scandalous as watching television or computer. Who know? Maybe an episode of The Hills, while your at it. (Warning: you may get addicted, so moderate your television/computer time)

Still don't feel like reading?

No problems, time to take drastic measures.

Clear your head and make love to your books. Eww, not like that. But similar technique, think foreplay.

Take out all your books, lay them out in front of you.

Marvel at the pretty covers.

You know you want them.

Be bold. Pick a book, of your liking at the moment.

Yes, you know you want to read that book, even though the publication date isn't until September and you should be reading the book that's being released next week.

Push those evil book bloggery thoughts out of your head and read that book, enjoy that book, love that book and most importantly finish that book.

Lookie, lookie here you finished a book, you now can write a review. And that's right, read another book. And then before you know it, you will be on your way to read more and more books and who knows, maybe you can read and finally review the evil book that triggered The Reading Slump or you know give it away in a contest. Whatever floats your boat.

Who else is on Spring Break?

2009-04-06T18:55:00.004-04:00

Today, was my first day of spring break! And no, I'm not going off to some cool exotic vacationing spot.

I'm actually going to be everyday, this month....er...more like this week. Sorta like the BEDA that Maureen Johnson and a whole bunch of awesome book bloggers are doing. So in my case it would Blog Every Day This Week.

So starting today, I will be posting everyday this week until Sunday, April 12. This should be fun. lol

Oh and also I FINALLY am out of the horrid Reading Slump, I've been in for weeks now. hehe

PS. Is anyone else in spring break?

Book Review: Fairest of Them All

2009-03-28T15:30:00.001-04:00

Title: Fairest of Them All

Author: Jan Blazanin

Publisher: MTV Books
Release Date: April 2009

Number of Pages: 256

(Summary from Amazon)

If life were a fairy tale, Oribella Bettencourt would have a happily ever after kind of future ahead of her. A Hollywood producer has come to Des Moines in search of a perfectly modern Princess Rapunzel, and Ori -- a model, dancer, and star of the beauty pageant circuit -- lands the part. And why shouldn't she? With her hardworking, self-sacrificing mother guiding her career, Ori is stunning, dedicated, poised...and then there's her hair. Breathtakingly lustrous blond hair that sets her apart from all the other girls at school. So what if she doesn't have any friends her age, or anyone to talk to other than her mother? She's on the verge of having everything she's ever dreamed of. But in this fairy tale, the beautiful princess wakes up to her worst nightmare -- when almost overnight, Ori begins to lose her hair....

This book is a lot different from what I usually read. It had no romance, but yet I was compelled to finish reading it. Why? Partly, because the author’s writing was really good and partly, because I wanted to see how drastically her life changed because of her unfortunate disease and okay, I’ll admit it I was hoping for maybe just a little romance but that didn’t happen. Still was good but the main character Ori, was really a odd. She was so naive at times, assuming stupid things just based on people’s appearance. Kinda got on my nerves. But then, you couldn’t help feel sorry for her, especially because during a good amount of the book her mother resents her just because she loses her chance of being in a movie.

The novel overall was not the greatest, it was just okay. However, with that being said I think Jan Blazanin did an amazing job at showing and educating readers, how something as losing one’s hair can drastically change a person’s life and finding true friends all in the same time.

Special thanks to A and B for the book!

What Book Blogging As Taught Me So Far

2009-03-25T13:00:00.001-04:00

So I've been book blogging since August and I sure as hell learned a lot.

Without further ado here's my list. By the way, I love list, as you can most probably tell by this post.

How to use/make gmail and gmail chat

How to make/use blogger

Do schedule posting on blogger! weeee

How to do a little (and I stress little) bit of HTML. See look here I embed my first video!

Book Bloggers are awesome

How awesome authors are

That there are really nice people out there

How to speed read

How stressful it is having a book blogging, even though it seems that I don't update a lot

Its very important to email replies back really quick

Naming the publishers of YA books by simply knowing the title

Getting feedback through comments makes me feel all warm and fuzzy

How to use a MySpace (although I rarely use it)

How to make/use a FaceBook (although I rarely use it)

That I pretty much suck at going on social networking sites like MySpace and FaceBook

I tend to make random post like these every time I'm procrastinating!

Ok, gotta get back to work. =(

Add on to the list!

Currently Listening To

2009-03-22T00:28:00.005-04:00

Not that any of you care but I love KEVIN RUDOLF.

Love the songs in his album In The City.

Wanna listen, click here.

The Sepetmeber Sisters Contest Extended

2009-03-19T16:22:00.006-04:00

Hey guys!

The winner for The September Sisters by Jillian Cantor contest will be posted sometime this weekend. So anyone who wants to enter still can.

I have been really busy seen I've participating in my school's drama production (I'm a techie), so I haven't had the chance to count up all the entries! Sorry about that! I promise it will be done this weekend, so keep your eyes out for the winner.

Thanks for your patience.

=)

PS. I'll be trying to post more!

ETA: CONTEST EXTENDED again! Sorry guys, I want to make sure I give everyone the right amount of entries. So sorry, hey it my first time hosting a contest. ;)

Book Review: Something, Maybe

2009-03-08T15:30:00.004-04:00

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

Hannah, wants nothing more then to be out of the lime light, which her parents bask in on a daily basis.

Her father, is the founder of jackesonjamesonline.com, featured in JJ: Dreamworld, where he surrounded with girls, half he’s age (much like Hugh Hefner).

Her mother, an ex girlfriend of Jackson James, hosts weekly video chats with strangers . . . in her underwear.

This, not so surprisingly makes Hannah the butt of the crude and perverted jokes, on a daily basis or being totally ignored, which in return just causes her to withdraw from her classmates more and more.

Luckily though, she doesn’t have to deal with that at work, Burger Town, where she’s with Josh. He is perfect in Hannah’s eye, totally the opposite of his parents, reads poetry, and actually seems to care about the world. Unfortunately, she and Josh are not the only ones working at Burger Town, there’s the obnoxious and loud Finn who seems to try to distance Josh and Hannah apart.

This book, just goes to show how skilled Elizabeth Scott is. Hannah is so different from Dani from Stealing Heaven, it’s really remarkable. And although, I knew who she was going to end up with by just simply reading the summary, it was still enjoyable to read about Finn and Hannah’s relationship. I was surprised how, finally (which was quite messed up, if I say so myself) Hannah’s infatuation with Josh ceased, thank goodness.

But aside from the romance aspect of the novel, what I admire about Scott’s novel is that it manages to incorporate a family predicament. Usually it explains the reasoning to how she thinks. For example, like Hannah is weary about getting close to a person because she feels like she’ll become so horny (which apparently, she believes is genetics) and do something her father would (fill in the blanks)-made me chuckle.

I’ll admit it took me awhile to get into the book, but after a few chapters I really got into it. But overall the book was pretty damn spiffy, wouldn’t expect anything less of Elizabeth Scott, eh?

Pre-Order a copy at Amazon
And join the release party fro Something, Maybe over at Elizabeth Scott's blog to win lots of cool prizes!

Special thanks to AK!

Review: Persistence of Memory

2009-02-28T16:00:00.001-05:00

Persistence of Memory by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Being diagnosed with schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder at a young age, has landed Erin Mishrahe, in a ward for most of her childhood. But after being eighteen months free of her alter ego, Shevaun, Erin is enrolled into a public high school for the first time at the age of sixteen. For the time being everything seems to be going quite normal until she is transported to France in another person’s body, Shevaun.

Everything for Erin, gets even more puzzling when an old friend, makes a reappearance in her life and tries to explain to her that she really isn’t schizophrenic and that Shevaun, her alter ego, really is a vampire.

In the meantime Shevaun, now fully aware of the strange connection she and Erin shares, is determined to be rid of the connection between the two, even if it means killing Erin in the process.

So after reading a lot of negative reviews of The Persistence of Memory, I was wary about picking the book up. The plot seemed a little far-fetched and unusual so I no clue what to expect, only have read one Amelia Atwater-Rhodes book (Demon In My View) years ago.

But the book turned out to be really good with loads of surprised. I actually liked the main character Erin. I personally felt she was quite sensible, despite the fact she was a supposed schizophrenic with Disassociate Identity Disorder. She was skeptical about certain things, until she had concrete evidence that they were true.

But my favorite character had to be, Erin’s friend Sassy, diagnosed as a compulsive liar, he was always fun and interesting to read about. I loved the parts whenever he was mentioned. He was funny and protective of Erin, which I thought was so sweet, and he had a lot of charisma, which I was not anticipating. I would want to read a sequel just to read about him more.

My main problem with the book was that at times I got really confused and would have to back track to understand what I was reading, which got a little annoying. But other then that the book as a whole surprised me in more then one way and I was pretty satisfied at how things ended.

Although, I have very limited experience with Amelia Atwater-Rhodes book, I really liked this book more then Demon In My View. So I guess that accounts for something right?

224 pages
Delacorte Books for Young Readers
December 9, 2008

*Reviewed for BookDivas.com

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

2009-02-24T13:30:00.002-05:00

Meg is your regular teen delinquent with blue hair, and frequently finds herself in a sticky situation. One day, Meg and her friends trespass, a railroad bridge, that is forbidden grounds. As soon as they arrive, there are handcuffed and taken to the police station by a young rookie cop, John After. He makes sure that Meg and her friends pay for what they have done and not just get out the charges by their parents paying a fine.

John Afters wants them rehabilitated and he’s got a plan.

One of them will spend a week riding with the fire truck,

one with an ambulance,

and one with the police patrol.

Meg is stuck with police patrol, with no other then the cop who arrested her, John Afters. During their week together they learn a lot about each other, more then what was bargained for.

Okay this was my first Jennifer Echols novel and definitely not going to be my last. It was such an insane book, I swear it is not what I thought it was going to be. In my head I thought it was going to be one of those light cutesy type of book with less plot more dialogue even though the plot alluded to a serious undertone. But it wasn’t. It downright had a lot of seriousness going on with great dialogue in between.

The characters were very dynamic, which made me love this book even more. Both John and Meg had reasons for doing whatever they did. He has a story, a reason for being the way he is, for wanting to be a police man, for wanting Meg to understand how reckless she is and what the consequences there are, if she doesn’t stop her ways soon. Meg, also had this amazing narrative voice. Her character is complex, and there is reason for that.

And another thing I was particularly happy about was Tiffany, an old friend of Meg’s rekindled their friendship after years of not talking to each other for a few years. They had such a friendship, loved how they were so different from each other, kinda like one of my friends and I.

There was one certain thing about the book that I felt ehh about, but it really was a very small thing. I can’t be specific, since it would be considered a spoiler. But obviously it was a very tiny thing because it was outweighed by how everything else was awesome.

The book was definitely a big roller coaster ride (I know it sounds cliche),but unfortunately there really is no other way to describe it. A torrent of different emotions, this book, yes oh yes. And I loved it.

Pre-order on Amazon

Just Wanted To Let You Know. . .

2009-02-22T20:30:00.001-05:00

As, many, many of you guys school is getting more and more time consuming. Outlining chapters, studying for test, writing essays, and etc.

And I have been slacking off like crazy this year. It's like as soon as I entered sophomore year I just went blah. The last 2 quarters (last semester) my grades were not something I was proud of at all. And I'm determined to change it this semester.

And there's only one way to do that. Which is to start changing my computer habits. Not using the computer Monday through Thursday on days I have school. This is the only way I can get my grades up because I'm on it doing the most unnecessarily things ever (procrastinating) when I should be doing my school work.

Which means if you email me I won't be able to respond to until Friday after school, unless of course I have no school that day.

However, I plan on scheduling post (reviews, memo, and etc) throughout the week.

So I hope you guys still continue to read and comment.

Undone by Brooke Taylor

2009-02-20T13:30:00.002-05:00

Kori Kitzler is the "dark angel" of her high school: beautiful, mysterious, the subject of rumors. Serena Moore is just an average girl, until a run-in with Kori in the bathroom in eighth grade. When Kori tells her that they are more alike than she thinks, Serena is instantly intrigued, and their fateful friendship begins. When the girls are asked to complete a writing assignment listing the five things they would want to happen--their five ways to tempt fate--Serena doesn't take it seriously. But when something tragic happens to Kori, Serena is left with her loneliness and Kori's five things. Can Serena complete her best friend's tasks, or will she leave her list undone? Undone is a striking debut novel about friendship, family, and the secrets we keep from the people to whom we are closest.
(Summary from jacket flap)

For once I didn’t write my own summary. The plot is too complex for me to summarize, without making it sound stupid.

This book was making quite the buzz around everyone’s blog over the summer. When I initially decided to read the book I tried not to have any expectation because whenever, I do I tend to not like the book as much as everyone (example Twilight series). But I’m happy to say this book was superb and it succeeded my expectation. Yaay!

The characters were really unique individuals with their own voice. What I loved most about Undone, were the little details, that I assumed where unimportant, were indeed not little details but played a huge role in the plot. The way how every event in the book was connected showed how well the book was thought out. My one little problem was the consistent mention of how Serena was really gifted using a computer. But that’s just me being really nit picking.

I just can't wait to read the next YA book by Brooke Taylor.

Amazon

Waiting On Wednesday

2009-02-18T10:50:00.002-05:00

WINGS by Aprilynne Pike

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful--too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

Aprilynne Pike's Wings is the first of four books about a seemingly ordinary girl named Laurel who discovers she is a faerie sent among humans to guard the gateway to Avalon. When Laurel is thrust into the midst of a centuries-old battle between faeries and trolls, she's torn between a human and a faerie love, as well as her loyalties to each world. In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

So usually, I'm not into the whole faerie/fairy books. And when i saw this book around the blogosphere I didn't give it much thought, I didn't even read the description. But then I saw the author video (below) and I REALLY REALLY wanted to read it, now that I actually know what it was about. Too bad I have to wait awhile to read it. =(

Totally random, but I love the shade of her lipstick.

CONTEST: Win The September Sisters by Jillian Cantor

2009-02-17T20:00:00.004-05:00

As you guys most probably know, I read and loved The September Sisters by Jillian Cantor.

And so now it's YOUR chance to win it, read it and love it. ;)

(image from Jillian's blog)

Here's how:
Leave comment below with your name and e-mail address

Extra entries:

+1 for adding me to your blogroll
+2 for commenting on guest blog about your own personal experience with siblings, cousins, friends (can be short;)
+2 for linking to the contest, and letting me know (send me the link, please)
+3 for/already following Jillian Cantor's blog
+3 for/already following my blog

Contest ends on Friday, March 13.

Good Luck!

In the mean time you can click on the image to Browse Inside the book!

My Sister (Real & Fictional) by Jillian Cantor

2009-02-17T12:45:00.001-05:00

My novel, The September Sisters, is about what happens to 13-year-old Abby after her younger sister disappears. There’s a lot in the book about the two sisters, and people have been asking me how much of it is based on my own experience, growing up with a younger sister.

No, my sister didn’t disappear! But some of the details of the sister relationship in the book are similar to my own experience. My sister and I used to fight a lot when we were kids. She’s three years younger than me, but ever since I can remember she’s also been a lot taller and stronger than me, so usually I was the one losing in physical fights. (I was always better at winning the verbal ones, though. Go figure!) There’s a scene in the first chapter of The September Sisters when Becky (the younger sister) pushes Abby out of an inner tube that they both wanted and then holds her head under water. This was a common occurrence for me and my sister. (And I was always the one getting pushed out of the inner tube or whatever it was we were fighting over on that particular day!)

Another similarity: In The September Sisters, Abby and Becky are 2 years and 1 day apart – both born in September. Well, in real life, my sister and I are 3 years and 1 day apart (although we were both born in June). My birthday is first, so when we were younger, my sister would spend the entire day of my birthday talking about how many hours it was until her birthday (the next day) – just like Becky does in the book. It was so annoying. I used to hate this!!

In The September Sisters, Abby’s mother is always telling the girls that when they grow up they’ll appreciate having a sister, and when I was growing up, my grandmother always used to say this to me and my sister. (We totally didn’t believe her!)

But, she turned out to be right. Unlike Abby and Becky, my sister and I grew up completely uneventfully in the suburbs with two normal parents. Then, when I was a senior in college and she was a freshman, we were away from home, at college, together. And for some reason, I’m not even sure why, we started hanging out. We would study together and go out to lunch, and within a year we went from mortal enemies to best friends.

Now we live 3000 miles away from each other, but we still talk on the phone all the time, and we always try to spend our birthdays together. It’s funny how the thing I hated most about having a sister when I was growing up, is the thing I love most now. It’s so fun to have someone, a friend, to celebrate my birthday with every year. (Although, my sister still jokingly holds her birthday countdown on my birthday every year!)

If you want to read more about Abby and Becky, The September Sisters will be out on February 24, 2009 and is available for pre-order on Amazon now!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

As someone who has a younger sister, I can so relate to this blog. Thanks for Jillian for doing an amazing guest blog! =)

Guess Who's Back, Back Again Tell A Friend

2009-02-16T16:52:00.007-05:00

Okay I'll stop with the Eminem lyrics (I couldn't help it, been stuck in my head all day)...

So it has been torturous having no accesses to the computer/internet for sooo long! But now my computer is fixed and working beautifully.

And that means I can finally prepare to hold my first ever contest right here at YA Book Realm. Whoo-hoo! More about that later, like tomorrow. ;)

Because right now I wanted to thank some very amazing people for wishing me a Happy Birthday last Monday.

So THANK YOU

Lee Verday, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Cheryl Renne Herbsman for wishing me a happy birthday over at myspace.

And

Sharon, Laza, Hillary, and BookNsucH.

You guys are ah-maziiinngg.

Oh as for how old I am, BookNsuch was right, I'm 16!! :D

Waiting on Wednesay (3)

2009-02-11T14:30:00.003-05:00

The Hollow by Jessica Verday

When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is deadâ?¦and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. It only makes things worse that everyone now treats Abbey like either a freak show or a charity case. Thank goodness for Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.

Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity.

My Thoughts:

I learned about this book when I friended Lee Verday, her husband through myspace, after reading the synopsis of his wife, Jessica Verday's book I was so anxious to read it and a little sadden that it was expected to release on the FALL of 2009. And it didn't help that they had teasers up on their myspace blog, and from there two sentences teasers her writing style seems amazing.

Here's the trailer:

[*scheduled posting*]

I wanted to celebrate with you guys

2009-02-09T13:30:00.001-05:00

my BIRTHDAY, who better then the awesome YA Community right? Today I turn . . . (guess how old) and I can't believe I'm ___ years old already. Unfortunately, I won't be having a birthday party. Why you ask? Two words, economy sucks.

Some books in my Birthday Wishlist:

Fade by Lisa McMann

even though it's technically released tomorrow, the day after my birthday, how cool.

Just Another Girl by Melody Carlson

sounds really good, just found about this book recently

The Boys Next Door by Jennifer Echols

read great reviews of this one and love her writing style

Impossible by Nancy Werlin

been wanting to read this back in July!

Sleepless by Terri Clark

love the concept and everything, want to read this one a lot

The Dust of 100 Dog by A.S. King

I went to borders on it's release date and they didn't have it, but when I went there this weekend there was quite a few copies but I didn't have any money! Oh by the way, awesome contest at Steph's blog. Link on sidebar.

Need by Carrie Jones

Cover is gorgeous, love it! I haven't read any books with pixies and such, so this would definitely be good one to start with it seems, because of all the raving reviews.

AND MANY MANY MORE that I can't think of right now. Any books that are in your birthday wish list, that should be added to mine. Please let me know, I'll consider it your gift to me. =)

*scheduled posting*

I Hate My Laptop With Passion: Quick Updates

2009-02-08T14:32:00.006-05:00

Real quick update:

My stupid computer hasn't been working, so that's why I haven't been able to check emails, respond to emails, blog and record my podcast for The Read Carpet (which I was freakin excited to be part of it). And I really sorry for those who were awaiting responses back for their email, it was not intentional.

[By the way, if you were wondering about the picture, that's what I want to do to my computer right now!]

But I'm at the library now, using a computer (yes I know I just stated the obvious, saying I was using a computer, what else would I've been using??), so I will be scheduling some post throughout the week. Like a Waiting on Wednesday Post and maybe even a review of Going too Far by Jennifer Echols, on Friday. And I might even be able to comment blogs. . . that's if my cousin lets me use her laptop.

Hope everyone has a good week.

Okay gotta get to work.

Just In Case You Haven't Heard Already

2009-01-31T02:24:00.004-05:00

THE READ CARPET PODCAST

http://thereadcarpet.podbean.com/

What is it?

The one and only YA orientated podcast, known to the YA community.

And it's awesome.

Created by Adele of Persnickety Snark and The Sarah Dessen Diarist

(I think a round of applause is in order for her and all the amazing bloggers that participated!!)

Check it out.

You know you want too.

Eternal by Cynthia Leitiech Smith

2009-01-30T12:00:00.006-05:00

After, reading Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith over the summer, and being completely armored by the universe, I was ecstatic to learn that there were more novels planned to be set in the same universe.

Eternal, introduces new beings-angels, Guardian Angels to be specific.

Zachary, is a GA for Miranda, and he has done his duty just fine for seventeen years of Miranda’s life. Until one night when Miranda and her friend, Lucy decided to meet a guy in the cemetery. While there, Miranda is ambushed by the reigning King of the Mantle of Dracula, himself. Miranda, is soon adopted by him, turned into an eternal (vampire). He introduces her to the “other world” where life is much more glamorous then Miranda imagined. Now it’s up to Zachary, to save Miranda’s soul as well as redeeming himself for letting Miranda turn into a vampire, under his watch.

Although, I read the back cover, I do not think I had a clear understanding of what the book truly was about. With that being said, no at all what I expected. Although, it is set in the same universe, there were many differences between these two. Yeah sure there are were-animals and vampires and that’s about it. Tantalize focuses more in the world you and I are living, while Eternal, more on the “other world”-the vampire quarters.

I liked how the book was told in alternating points of views between Miranda and Zachary. I think the book was would have been considerably, less enjoyable if only told in Miranda’s point of view. Her character was very mundane. Most of her concerns were whether or not her adopted father would approve of her and if she was being a “proper” lady and vampire. I disliked her lack of emotions of being ripped (metaphorically speaking of course) from her family and friends.

On the other hand Zachary was everything but boring, he was amusing and imaginative. A very nice and refreshing voice after reading about Miranda’s mindless thoughts. The plot was all right, nothing special, at times it felt like it was lacking. But I was happy towards the end it picked up and it got a lot more exciting and intriguing. And Miranda’s character redeemed herself by doing something very noble in the end, which made me like her much better then before.

All in all it was an okay novel with a cliff hanger in the end. So naturally, I really want to read the forthcoming book, Blessed, which will feature members of both cast from Tantalize and Eternal.

Thanks N, for the copy!

Released Date: February 10, 2009
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trailer:

Want to Win:
Tantalize Click here.
Eternal Click here.
Eternal Prize Pack Click here.
Good Luck!

Your favorite?

2009-01-26T19:00:00.001-05:00

Let me start off by saying I LOVE Sarah Dessen's writing.

And I can't wait for Along for the Ride, which has been recently reviewed by Reviewer X (!!)

So I am curious. Which Sarah Dessen book is your favorite?

That Summer

Someone Like You

Keeping the Moon

Dreamland

This Lullaby

The Truth About Forever

Just Listen

Lock and Key

At the age of twelve I was an avid mystery and supernatural lover. My reading preference was very limited, unlike now (I pretty much read everything). One faithful April day, I was at the library, it was my first time at the Young Adult section, and I saw Keeping the Moon. I pretty much read and finished it the same day. And surprisingly, LOVED it! I loved Norman, I loved the whole make over aspect of the book, I loved basically everything about it. I'll admit I haven't reread the book since seventh grade but I think I will especially after reading Adele's recent chapter commentaries.

Lock and Key is right up there with Keeping the Moon.

ETA: I TOTALLY forgot to mention Just Listen! Thanks guys in the comment section for reminding me. =) So I guess it's a tie between Lock and Key and Just Listen. And you would know why, if you read it's amazingness (is that a word. *Does a google search and finds urban dictionary definition* good enough for me)

So anyhoo, what's YOUR favorite Sarah Dessen book? And favorite SD male protagonist?