QT Bookworm

Beauty Queens

2011-06-17T17:00:00.003-05:00

Title: Beauty Queens

Author: Libba Bray

Pages: 390

Rating: *****

Summary (from Goodreads): From bestselling, Printz Award-winning author Libba Bray, the story of a plane of beauty pageant contestants that crashes on a desert island.
Teen beauty queens. A "Lost"-like island. Mysteries and dangers. No access to email. And the spirit of fierce, feral competition that lives underground in girls, a savage brutality that can only be revealed by a journey into the heart of non-exfoliated darkness. Oh, the horror, the horror! Only funnier. With evening gowns. And a body count.

Review: When I first heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. Libba Bray is a brilliant writer, and the moral of this story is definitely one we need to share in our society that is so focused on looks.
I don't think I truly understood what a satire could be before I read this book, which is 100% satire. From the product names to The Corporation's slogans ("Because there's nothing wrong with you...that we can't fix"), I was almost gagging. Obviously we aren't to the level the country is in this novel, but we are certainly headed in that direction. The standards of beauty are constantly being set higher and higher, especially for women. When does it stop?
I found I didn't have a favorite character in this book. What I enjoyed the most was following each girl as she either found herself or accepted herself for who she was, not what her parents or The Corporation or anyone wanted her to be. I also liked how it was strictly focused on girl power--yes, the hott pirates come in for a little bit, but they don't save the damsels in distress (quite the opposite, actually...). This story is not a romance book--it's a story of female empowerment and fighting society's expectations of beauty.
When most people think of feminism, they think of the extremists (don't we always immediately define a sanction by the extremists?), burning bras and whatnot, but the story of this book shows the true definition of feminism--girls breaking out of their shells to realize they can be whoever they want to be. Their worth in the world doesn't depend on their dress size or if they have a crown or not. I'm not trying to say guys aren't held up to ridiculously high standards as well (there is some objectifying of the hot pirates, I'll admit), but it seems more strict with girls.
With its kick-ass themes, sparkle, snakes, pirates, and satire, Beauty Queens is a memorable, moving book about the true meaning of beauty. And isn't the cover awesome?!

Recommended for: anyone really, but probably teen girls for the most part.

Vixen

2011-05-17T18:49:00.002-05:00

Title: Vixen

Author: Jillian Larkin

Pages: 421

Review: ****1/2

Summary (From Goodreads): Jazz . . . Booze . . . Boys . . . It’s a dangerous combination.

Every girl wants what she can’t have. Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle—and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music-filled nights that go with it. Now that she’s engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago’s most powerful families, Gloria’s party days are over before they’ve even begun . . . or are they?

Clara Knowles, Gloria’s goody-two-shoes cousin, has arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch—but Clara isn’t as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she’ll do anything to keep hidden. . . .

Lorraine Dyer, Gloria’s social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria’s shadow. When Lorraine’s envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone’s going to be very sorry. . . .

Review: Will someone please build a time machine to take me back to the 1920's?? Please?

After a slightly slow beginning, Vixen sucked me in and didn't let go. The drama! The jealousy! The flappers! I simply couldn't get enough! Have any of you guys seen Chicago (the movie)? It reminded me of that story in some points (especially at the end, which I won't give away here, but trust me), but waaay better. And speaking of the end, um WOW! THERE's a twist if I ever saw one! But I'm going to shut up now.

I felt almost as if each of the girl's stories could have been almost individual novels, but they were so tightly woven together that having each side the the story added depth and intrigue to the novel. Each girl had a different view and different life experiences, and thus each girl offered a different vantage point on the situation they all shared.

For once, my favorite character in a romance novel wasn't the male lead--it was Gloria. She knew her obligations, and she knew how much was riding on her. But she also knew how much she wanted a different life. And once the reader sees the reality of her predicted future, you have no choice by to pray she can somehow get the life she wants--but how?! Clara is a close second, and then come the boys.

Oh, the boys. Another reason I think I'm a teenager in the wrong decade. Be it Marcus, the suave ladies' man who happens to be Gloria's best friend, or Jerome, the icon of Gloria's forbidden life, the boys in this novel kick butt. They are tough, but smooth; sharp, but kind. But the 1920's were the years of women--more specifically, the flappers.

This book awoke my lifelong dream of being a flapper. I know, I know, smoking kills and is terribly disgusting and drinking in excess is never wise, especially as a teenager--but the dresses! The hair! The Charleston! I want to be that rebel woman with the devil-may-care attitude with the pearls and short dress. So, please, that time machine?

Recommended for: historical fiction junkies and romance lovers

The sequel, Ingenue, comes out August 9, 2011!!!

What Happened to Goodbye

2011-05-11T22:09:00.000-05:00

Title: What Happened to Goodbye

Author: Sarah Dessen

Pages: 402

Rating: ****1/2

Summary (from Goodreads): In the past two years, Mclean Sweet has moved four times. At each stop, she assumes a new persona, but it never quite works. Whether she's an effervescent cheerleader or an intense drama queen, nothing can permanently dispel the turmoil and rage at her mother since her parents' divorce.

Review: Not the best summary there, my dear Goodreads. What Happened to Goodbye cannot be described in two sentences.

Sarah Dessen has done it again. FINALLY she has released a new book, and it has lived up to the hype. Her writing is once again flawless and gorgeous. It draws me in until I can't put the book down! Honestly, she inspires me as a reader and a writer.

Now, I finished WHTG approximately 45 minutes ago, so I'm still processing. Please excuse any ramblings in this review, as my thoughts are still fresh and unrefined.

This book left me with a very different taste that I am used to from Sarah Dessen--it reminded me in some ways of Lock and Key, in which the male protagonist, Nate, has just as many secrets and issues to work out as the female lead, Ruby. This makes sense, as Sarah Dessen named Dave and Nate the "oddballs" of her love interests in this article...that apparently no longer exists. Sorry about that. But Mclean and Dave's relationship is similar to that of Ruby and Nate in that they aren't an obvious couple--they just kind of meld together to the point where you know they love each other, and they know it, and they know the other person loves them, but they don't feel the need to announce it.

Anyway, Mclean is a fabulous protagonist. Who hasn't ever wished they could start over and be someone else? Especially if you know it's only temporary. I know I have, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to start over in a sense at college in the fall. However, Mclean's various personas are her way of hiding from what's going on in her real life, her Mclean life. That is, until she moves to Lakeview. She makes friends, real friends this time, to her own amazement. For once, she doesn't want to leave. She's actually being herself, and she doesn't want to risk losing the people who actually like her for who she is, not who she claims to be.

Let me just say that I loved the basketball references in this book. Basketball is basically my life, so I could relate to Mclean's near-obsession with her father's alma mater. I feel like basketball is often an underrated sport in this country, so it was quite nice to have it addressed as a "religion", the way of life for most of Mclean's new gang (which is ironic, since she's moving around to get away from the implications of the basketball world...but that's beside the point).

To those who have read Dessen's other novels, have you noticed a trend among the mothers? There is always a riff between the protagonist and her mother in some way. My friend pointed this out to me after Along For the Ride, and now What Happened to Goodbye has followed suit. Perhaps this is just supposed to generally reflect the stereotypical mother-daughter problems of teenage years. However, Sarah Dessen's books never strike me as stereotypical. Thoughts?

Maybe because I read it so fast, or maybe because I'm still processing, but What Happened to Goodbye didn't have the WOW factor I've found in Dessen's other books, like Just Listen and Along for the Ride. Maybe because I could relate to those girls' stories more that Mclean's broken family life. I don't know. HOWEVER! What Happened to Goodbye is an AMAZING novel that adds to Sarah Dessen's brilliance as a writer. The only problem? Now I'm counting down for her next book.

Recommended for: all teenage girls--or even young-adult women, or even moms.

SILENCE

2011-05-04T17:29:00.002-05:00

The cover of the long-awaited finale to the Hush, Hush Trilogy has been released! What do you all think?

I'm intrigued! Obviously Patch is saving Nora from something....but what? And why?!

Hollywood Crush (found on Teens Read and Write) had an excerpt from Silence:
He closed the distance between us, and just when I thought he'd drawn me against him, he stopped, holding himself in check. I exhaled, trying not to cry. He leaned his elbow on the door jam, just above my ear. He smelled so devastatingly familiar, soap and spice, the heady scent bringing back a rush of memories so pleasurable, it only made the current moment that much more difficult to bear. I was seized by the desire to touch him. To trace my hands over his skin, to feel his arms tighten securely around me. I wanted him to nuzzle my neck, his whisper to tickle my ear as he said private words that belonged only to me. I wanted him near, so near, with no thought of letting go.

"This isn't over," I said. "After everything we've been through, you don't get the right to brush me off. I'm not letting you off that easily." I wasn't sure if it was a threat, my last stab at defiance, or irrational words spoken straight from my splintered heart.

"I want to protect you," Patch said quietly.
He stood so close. All strength and heat and silent power. I couldn't escape him, now or ever. He'd always be there, consuming my every thought, my heart locked in his hands; I was drawn to him by forces I couldn't control, let alone escape.
"But you didn't."

Ahh!!!

Here is the synopsis for Silence:
The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.

I feel like the sneak peek completely contradicts the synopsis. I can't wait!

Silence will be released on October 4th.

Into the Ether

2011-04-16T13:27:00.002-05:00

Title: Into the Ether

Author: Vanessa Barger

Review: ***

Summary (from Goodreads): As a Touch-Know, Genevieve has never been required to steal more than a few paltry coins. But when a powerful stranger requires their help, her family of street-wise thieves sends her to get the most important thing they’ve ever decided to liberate. It was supposed to be a simple overnight job. Instead, Genevieve is required to appear attached to her mark, the curator of the British Museum. For Genevieve it becomes more than an act, and her problems are far more significant than the possibility of her lies being discovered.

When her family betrays her, she must make an important choice – turn to the man who has destroyed everything she holds dear, or strike out on her own.

Review: I must admit: I do not own a Kindle. I had one, read one book on it, then gave it to my dad in favor of real books. This book was sent to me as a PDF--a first for me!--and the experience was interesting. It took a while to get used to reading on my computer (it did not convert me to an online reader, I'm afraid), but once I was able to get past the awkwardness, I was able to get into the story.
I liked the idea of this novel--it seemed very unique to me. A touch-know? In a museum? I can only imagine how fascinating (and a bit overwhelming) that would be. I really liked Gennie as a protagonist; she didn't need to be rescued, like so many female heroines it feels like. The villain was a bit of a stock character, and he could have been improved with a bit more detail.
This was a very short book (almost a novella), and I felt like that detracted from a lot of it. There were some things I felt could have been elaborated on. The plot flowed smoothly, but I would have like a little more information and depth.
The other thing that bothered me is a spoiler at the end, so I won't mention it. But it is frustrating! (Either lack of creativity--which I doubt--or purposely open-ended.)
All in all a quick read with an interesting set-up. Barger is a very good writer, and I will keep an eye out for future (hopefully longer) books by her.

P.S. I was intrigued enough to look up the definition of "ether"--according to Miriam-Webster's website, it is a "rarefied element formerly believed the fill the upper regions of space." Have to admit, not entirely sure how that relates. Perhaps you, dear readers, can form the connection after reading it.

CUWAC: The Moonstone

2011-04-01T11:40:00.003-05:00

Title: The Moonstone

Author: Wilkie Collins

Pages: 473

Rating: ***1/2

Summary: When Franklin Blake arrives at the Verinder house, no one would have expected the chaos that followed--not from his presence, but from what he brought with him: the Moonstone. A valuable gem with a dark and violent past, the Moonstone is said to be cursed--and when it is stolen the night after Rachel Verinder receives it for her birthday, that reputation proves to be deserved.

Review: This novel took me almost four months to read. The language is slightly difficult, and there is a lot of extraneous detail. However, it is truly a great detective novel, which is why it is sometimes called the first and greatest mystery novel.
I liked how the story was told from various points of view. Each narrator offered something different to the telling of the story, and that kept me interested. Almost the first half is told from a single perspective, and in my opinion, it is the hardest to get through.
Collins weaves an imaginative ending, one I was far from expecting. I don't think anyone could predict what was going to happen--I honestly had no idea who had done it until the last 20 or so pages!
There is love, betrayal, intrigue, superstition, and mystery in this novel. I would recommend it to fans of classic literature who are patient enough to get through the boring parts for a very satisfying ending.

Recommended to: classics and detective fans

Bittersweet Borders

2011-03-28T12:38:00.002-05:00

As most of you probably know, Borders has recently declared bankruptcy and are planning on closing many stores. Luckily, the closest Borders to my house is remaining open, but the Borders about 20 minutes away is closing. Due to this, everything in the store is 40 to 60% off! So my friend and I decided to make a little trip there and see what we could find. Here are my discoveries:

Juliet by Anne Fortier (50% off)
-This was the most expensive book I bought, but I think it will be well worth it. A modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet with an interesting spin, I am very excited about it. I love Romeo and Juliet and all related stories (see my review of a particular favorite, O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell, here).

Miss You Most of All by Elizabeth Bass (50% off)
-This book interests me because of the sister storyline. The women are step-sisters, but they still feel that bond. It reminds me of Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson, only an adult version.

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs (50% off)
-I used to knit a lot, and I loved it. There are very few books written about knitting, and I'd heard great things about this one, so I decided to pick it up. (An amazing YA trilogy about knitters is Chicks With Sticks. One of my favorite series of all time.)

Just One Wish by Janette Rallison (40% off)
-Yes, this book is just dripping with cheese and predictability, but I love Janette Rallison. I've already read at least six of her other books. They are fun, light reads, and I just couldn't resist.

So after my friend and I hit up the closing Borders, we headed to the Borders closer to our houses because I had a 40% off coupon, which was worthless at the store where everything was already at least 40% off. There I found:

XVI by Julia Karr
-This was the only book I paid full price for all day. I thought it looked interesting when someone recommended it to me on Goodreads, but I wasn't dying for it. Until I read the back when I found it at Borders. It looks different, and now I'm really excited about it.

The Element Encyclopedia of Birthdays by Theresa Cheung (40% off with coupon)
-So I love astrology. Some write it off as stupid of coincidence, but I'm fascinated by it. When I found this book for only $10 ($6 with my coupon), I had to pick it up. I've already found some insane connections to my family and friends.

So the sane person would say "Wow, six books in one day. That ought to hold her over!" But I, my blog-readers, am not a sane person when it comes to books. As luck would have it, Half Price Books sent me a coupon for 50% off one item, good for Sunday March 27 only! So you all know where I went yesterday! Here are the treasures (yes, plural, despite to fact that my coupon was only good for ONE item.) I found:

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin (50% off with coupon)
-I've heard great things about this one for a while now, so I thought it was high time for me to get it, and it was only $4 with my coupon!

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
-This one just sounded good, and I'd heard of it before (it was a #1 New York Times Best Seller), and it was only $2! Who would've passed that up???

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
-So I feel terrible about The Kite Runner because I've seen the movie, but I haven't read the book. I want to read the book, so when I saw this at HPB for only $2, I picked it up too!

And that, my friends, is the profit of my book-splurge weekend. Should I be saving money for college next year? Absolutely. Have I read any of the other books I've bought it the past couple months? Not yet. Do I have room for any more books on my shelves? Noooo way. And still I found myself in three different bookstores this weekend, never leaving empty-handed. Do I regret it? No. Has this happened to you, readers? Let me know in the comments, so I can feel less guilty!

CUWAC: Sense and Sensibility

2011-02-04T17:21:00.002-06:00

Title: Sense and Sensibility

Author: Jane Austen

Pages: 406

Rating: ***1/2

Summary: 'The more I know of the world, the more am I convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!'

Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Through their parallel experience of love—and its threatened loss—the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love.

Review: I realize it has been a while since I've done CUWAC, but I'm trying to bring it back! I read this book last fall for AP English, and it was my first Jane Austen novel. I loved it!
I loved the characters. I feel that I am a mix between the two sisters, so it was easy for me to relate to both. Elinor is a strong older sister, but she sometimes puts her family in front of her own interests. Marianne is the exact opposite: thinking only of herself and her love.
This book completely turned my ideas of love on their heads. I've always been a hopeless romantic, convinced I'll be swept off my feet and fall passionately in love someday, when I meet that one person. As I get older, the more that fades. This book tells a strict lesson about losing yourself to passion, and the different types of love one can feel. I wasn't completely satisfied with the ending of this book, but it was still good. I would have preferred different couples, but Jane Austen chose differently!
I won't go into too much more here. A friend of mine SPOILED the ending of the book when I had barely started it, so I am trying extra-hard not to do that to you guys! All in all a great novel, a well deserved classic. Jane Austen writes with excellent humor and fun, along with an insight into 19th century society (which really isn't so different from ours today!)

Recommended for: romance lovers

P.S. I am currently reading Pride and Prejudice, and I am absolutely in love with it. In case anyone was wondering.

13 Reasons Why

2011-02-02T12:45:00.004-06:00

Tile: Thirteen Reasons Why

Author: Jay Asher

Pages: 288

Rating: *****

Summary: Clay Jensen arrives home one day to find a package for him on the front step; inside are seven audio tapes. Upon listening, he discovers they are from the girl he loved, Hannah Baker--who killed herself a few weeks ago. The tapes tell the reasons why she committed such an act.
And Clay is one of them.

Review: Ah. May. Zing. I absolutely love this book. There are a few books that define a generation--Harry Potter, Twilight, Dear Alice, etc--and Thirteen Reasons Why belongs in that category.
I have never actually read the text for this novel, I've only listened to the audiobook, and I highly recommend it. I think by hearing the tapes in Hannah's voice, I can better understand her emotions and keep the story straight. This is the best audiobook I have ever listened to; the first time I listened to it, I finished it in a matter of days. The same for this time around. You are simply drawn into the story, and I don't want to turn it off until I hear the end, even if I know what happens.
I could focus on the story and the characters for this review, but I've decided I want to face off those reviewers who think Hannah's reasons for killing herself are "dumb" or "not serious enough."
High school sucks. It's a fact of life. Luckily, it only lasts four years. However, those four years can change your life for the better or for the worse in many cases. I don't know the ages of you blog readers, but I want to let you know that I am currently in high school. If you are older, maybe you don't remember the effect cruel words and the lack of friends could have on a person.
But I do.
I'm going to get personal on you guys. I have thought about what it would be like if I was, shall we say, out of the picture. I've never actually told this to anyone; every high schooler feels depressed at times, right? Anyway, I've felt that way, and I have a seemingly easy life--great family, good grades, friends--so why have I imagined this? Because it just gets to you sometimes. I don't have many close friends, and when they seem to turn on me, I feel so alone. And that is terror to a teenager. It feels like no one cares about you, and if you were gone, no one's life would really be affected. And that is exactly as Hannah feels.
Hannah is having a rough time. She's in a new school, a new high school to make matters worse. She doesn't know anyone. She has one friend. And every time she tries to open up to someone, they turn on her. Every time she decides to try to bridge the gap and trust another person, they slap her across the face (metaphorically, of course). She really feels like she has nothing to live for. Everyone at school spreads vicious rumors about her. She has a terrible reputation based on no truth. No one really knows her, and no one tries to. She is completely alone, and afraid to trust anyone, afraid they'll turn on her again.
Do you see now? Are you imagining your high school experiences? Maybe you had a fun time in high school Maybe you had a million friends and everybody loved you, and that's why this seems so stupid to you. To understand the reality of Hannah's story, you need to step outside that plastic bubble of perfection and see what it's like for the rest of the teenagers. Crappy.
I hope this has shed some insight on Hannah Baker's mind and why she would commit suicide "just because some people said some mean things." Because otherwise you're just ignorant.
Sorry for that emotional rant. This truly is a beautifully written book with an important message. Clay is an important character, and his actions are affected by Hannah, even now. I highly recommend this book, because it shows the truth behind rumors, betrayal, and solitude. And the truth ain't pretty.

Recommended for: everyone high school age+

Here's a cool video (well, cool is an odd word for it I guess) where a girl reads Hannah's intoduction. It isn't the same girl as the audiobook, but her voice does fit very well. This can show you what the audiobook is like, and if you want to try it (I would!)

One Night that Changes Everything

2011-01-06T20:26:00.002-06:00

Title: One Night that Changes Everything

Author: Lauren Barnholdt

Pages: 240

Rating: ***

Summary (from Amazon): Eliza's parents are out of town for the weekend and the high school junior is looking forward to a Saturday night hanging out with her two best friends. Instead she discovers that her private notebook has been stolen; in it, she has written down all her fears since she was 12. Tyler, president of a secret society at school, is threatening to post it online, unless she does exactly as he says. He is exacting revenge for something she posted online about Cooper, a fellow society member and her ex-boyfriend. And what about Cooper? Whose side is he on?

Review: I am a fan of Lauren Barnholdt. I absolutely loved Two*Way Street, so when I was at Half Price Books a few months back, I just had to pick this up, along with Watch Me. I started it last night, in the mood for a light, quick read--which is exactly what I got. One Night is fun, quick, and sweet. The writing is okay, the plot isn't always believable, but it's a cute story with a happily ever after.

First the positives. Though the writing wasn't stellar, it was real. Not quite as real as Robin Benway, but the characters were relatable (somewhat) and their problems were real. I'm almost positive 90% of high school girls can relate to Eliza's fears (myself included!).

Also, this book had my dying to finish. I read over half of it last night, then took it to school today and finished it before 9:30 (in my English class, when we were supposed to be watching Hamlet--sidenote, don't waste your time on that famous tragedy. Everybody dies.). I was dying to know how it would end, but also what Tyler and his gang would make her do next. It pulled me in, and since it was so quick, I was easily satisfied.

One thing that bothered me was the lack of character development. I couldn't really figure out who Eliza was--sometimes she seemed like an innocent good-girl, but other times she talked about drinking and kissing random guys. As the review on Amazon said, "readers waffle between rooting for the likable Eliza and thinking that she is so clueless that she half deserves what she gets."

I also didn't really understand her friends, who are constantly leaving Eliza ON HER OWN in a STRANGE CITY at like TWO A.M. Oh, I followed this guy I like. Oh, my cousin needed a ride. Seriously?! You're supposed best friend is being blackmailed and her ex-boyfriend is making her humiliate herself, and you just leave? Also, they acted like it was this huge brilliant plan to steal the notebook back. Um, hello! That was the first thing I thought of!

But now I'm getting nit-picky.

This is a cute story about conquering your fears. I share many of Eliza's fears, so it was cool to see her actually survive facing them (yes, I realize it is a book, but still.)

Was it as good as Two-Way Street? Definitely not. Was it good? Definitely. Will I read the rest of Lauren's books (Watch Me and Aces Up)? For sure!

Recommended for: those looking for a quick, fun read without too much depth.

P.S. Personally, I like the original cover picture better than the one actually chosen. Eliza's outfit is described in detail, but it looks nothing like what the girl is wearing on the real cover. I think this one makes the book a lot more intriguing.

What do you guys think?

Anna and the French Kiss

2011-01-04T19:34:00.004-06:00

Title: Anna and the French Kiss

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Pages: 372

Rating: ****1/2

Summary(From Goodreads): Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

Review: Can someone please send me to Paris, um, now?! Paris+young love+amazing guy=amazing! This book has gotten TONS of amazing reviews ( it has an average rating of 4.62 out of 5 on Goodreads, which is very rare for a romance book! To give you a clue, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone has a rating of 4.21, but The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks has 3.80), and I was ecstatic when I got it for Christmas. I am in love with Paris and all things French; I've been learned french for the past six years. And so I was really excited to read a book set in Paris! I would LOVE to go to a boarding school in Paris! But anyway.

I was expecting this book to be predictable (which it kinda was) and cheesy (which, ok, it was at the end), but it was so much more. Unlike most romance books, St. Clair, our leading man, has many flaws, as does Anna. I loved their friendship, because it proved to me they were truly compatible, not just physically attracted to each other. It made their relationship more real. They fought and had many disagreements, but they still loved each other.

Contradictory to the Anna/St. Clair relationship, the Toph plotline was INCREDIBLY predictable, and compared to the rest of the novel, was a bit pointless and cheesy.

I also enjoyed Anna's new friends. Her introduction to them is very realistic; they accept her and are nice to her, but they don't become superclose right away. In so many books like this, when the protagonist is in a new environment, she just "stumbles" across another girl who happens to be lonely and totally perfect for the protagonist and they become best friends YAY!! I was happy to see this book was different. Making friends isn't easy, and growing to trust someone new is even harder, and I thought Stephanie portrayed this well.

All in all, an extremely enjoyable read. I highly recommend it, and I can't wait to read Stephanie's follow-ups: Lola and the Boy Next Door and Isla and the Happily Ever After.

Recommended for: romance lovers, but also those who like their romances with lite cheese.

RYOB Challenge 2010

2011-01-04T19:31:00.003-06:00

And in case you were wondering, I failed the Read Your Own Bookshelf Challenge as well; my goal was 50 books, and I only read 31. Overall, not a great year for the challenges. But I am challenging myself to do better this year!

2011 100+ Reading Challenge!

2011-01-04T19:19:00.031-06:00

If you'd like to join in the challenge, head over to Home Girl's Book Blog here!
So...I failed this challenge last year. I only read 80 books, when my goal was 150. I am ashamed. So this year, I have lowered my goal to 111. You can see my book list for 2010 here.
But it's a new year, and I am prepared to master the challenge this year! So I am beginning my 2011 booklist here. Good luck to all participants!

January
1. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
2. One Night that Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt
3. White Cat by Holly Black
4. The Book of Luke by Jenny O'Connell
5. 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

February
6. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
7. Darcy's Story by Janet Aylmer

March
8. The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney
9. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
10. The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins
11. The Lost Saint by Bree Despain
12. Exposed by Kimberly Marcus
13. Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal

April
14. City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
15. See What I See by Gloria Whelan
16. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
17. Into the Ether by Vanessa Barger
18. Wake by Lisa McMann

May
19. What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
20. Vixen by Jillian Larkin
21. The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum
22. The Golden Spiral by Lisa Mangum
23. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
24. Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy

June
25. Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
26. Fade by Lisa McMann
27. Red Glove by Holly Black
28. Gone by Lisa McMann
29. Little Bee by Chris Cleave
30. The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum
31. Wanderlust by Lucy Silag
32. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
33. Another Faust by Dina and Daniel Nayeri
34. Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares

July
35. Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt
36. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
37. Matched by Ally Condie
38. The Naked Roommate by Harlan Cohen
39. The Girl Who Was on Fire-Your Favorite Authors on the Hunger Games
40. Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

August
41. The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
42. Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker
43. Charmed and Dangerous by Lisi Harrison
44. How to Be Popular by Meg Cabot
45. I Love You, You Idiot (Gilmore Girls) by Cathy East Dubowski
46. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
47. Juliet by Anne Fortier
48. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
49. So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev
50. Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
51. Ingenue by Jillian Larkin

The Healer's Apprentice

2010-12-16T16:22:00.002-06:00

Title: The Healer's Apprentice

Author: Melanie Dickerson

Pages: 257

Rating: ****

Summary (From Goodreads): Rose has been appointed as a healer's apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter's daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her---a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill.When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she's never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose's life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.

Review: This book was sent to me for review a little while ago, and I FINALLY got to read it. And am I ever glad it was! I am a sucker for fairy tales and happy endings, and this book was right up my alley. Sleeping Beauty was always my favorite princess, so I was really excited about this novel.

The Healer's Apprentice is a retelling of the Sleeping Beauty tale; it is quite different. It is more realistic in some ways, but still very much a fairy tale. There are some new characters to the story (who are amazing) and some characters are eliminated or changed (Aurora's fairies and Malificent, respectively.)

I LOVED LOVED LOVED Lord Hamlin. He is the PERFECT Prince Charming. However, I also liked Lord Rupert, and I felt Rose's interactions and feelings for each lord were realistic and definitely relatable (I know if a prince told me I was beautiful, I'd feel pretty good too! No shame in that Rose!)

This was one of those books where I knew the ending (duh, it's a retelling of a story everyone knows) but I didn't know how it would get to that point, and that was the best part. When obstacles arose, I knew the good guys would win, but I could never for the life of me figure out how! That curiosity is what made this book all but impossible to put down.

There were a few small things that bothered me, however. The author couldn't seem to decide if she wanted to write the book in a more modern verse or in old-fashioned English. Sometimes the characters spoke as we would today, while other times she'd throw in a "thither" or "thou." Very minor, though. Also, the princes' admiring of Rose's beauty got a bit old. "You're so beautiful" over and over and over again. Yeah guys, I think she gets it. It made the princes come off as shallow and only interested in her looks (rightfully so, in one case. But again I'm treading the line of spoiler-zone.).

All in all, I LOVED this book. These minor things are the only things keeping it from five stars.

A warning however: the book gets quite religious at the end, thanking God for his gifts, and lots of praying takes place. If that bothers you, you probably won't enjoy this book as much as I did.

Recommended for: anyone who loves a fairy-tale ending (aka hopeless romantics)

I Am Number Four

2010-12-14T20:48:00.003-06:00

Title: I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1)

Author: Pittacus Lore

Pages: 440

Rating: ****1/2

Summary (from Goodreads): In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now.

The Nine had to separate and go into hiding. The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

I AM NUMBER FOUR is the thrilling launch of a series about an exceptional group of teens as they struggle to outrun their past, discover their future—and live a normal life on Earth.

I AM NUMBER FOUR.
I AM NEXT.

Review: I tried to describe this book to some friends, and it comes off sounding incredibly nerdy: "Oh well, these aliens are living on earth because their planet was destroyed, and now the people who destroyed their planet want to kill them and eventually take over earth." Lame, right?

THIS BOOK IS SO FAR FROM LAME! I'm not big on all the alien theories and such, but I loved this book. It sucked me in; it's over 400 pages, and yet I finished it in less than five hours. Yeah. That's how awesome this book is.

The writing is pretty good. I've read better, but it was far from terrible. It kept me interested, obviously, and it wove a very unique story that I couldn't bear to step away from. What kept it from being great was how stupid John acts sometimes. I have to keep reminding myself he's a fifteen year old guy, and they don't always make the best decisions. But I felt like, as one of the last members of his race, he should have a certain set of priorities.

But that's as far as I'm going to go into spoiler zone.

The characters were incredible; I don't read many books from the male perspective, so it was nice to get a new take on things. John was as realistic a teenage boy as an alien can be; there were some stock characters, however, such as Sarah and Sam, but they still add plenty to the story.

This book will knock your socks off. Perfect as a last minute addition to your own Christmas list, or a quick gift for a friend.

The sequel, The Power of Six, is said to be coming out June 7, 2011!

Recommended for: sci-fi, supernatural lovers

AND I am Number Four is being released as a movie this spring! And, as those of you who remember my Mortal Instruments review will recall, one of my favorite young actors will be gracing the screen as John Smith: ALEX PETTYFER!!!

*swoons*

Anyway, here's the totally epic-looking trailer!*WARNING: it does give away a plot twist from late in the book...but it didn't ruin anything for me.*****

Amazing Grace

2010-12-07T20:55:00.002-06:00

Title: Amazing Grace

Author: Megan Shull

Pages: 256

Rating: ****

Summary (from Goodreads): Grace Ace Kincaid has it all. Shes a teen sports sensation. Her face and body are on the cover of every magazine. Shes front and center on the red carpet. She has the world at her feet, as long as she toes the line.But then she says three little words. Three words that take her out of the spotlight to Medicine Hat, Alaska. Population 272. Grace has the chance to start all over again. Its something she wanted so much. Now the question is: Who will she be?

Review: Hot guy? Check. Amazing best friend? Check. Cozy little town? Check. What more do you want?

I read this book for the first time about five years ago. I found it at my library and just HAD to read it again. It's one of those books. It took me barely 24 hours to finish.

Grace is a celebrity who decides to call it quits. She is just too overwhelmed with everything that she feels like she's losing herself. It'd be nice if some real-life celebrities would do this before they go over the edge (*cough* Britney Spears *cough*). Her mom has the perfect reaction--no questions, no persuasion, just says "Ok." Suddenly Grace is trading her make-up and five gajillion dollar wardrobe for parkas and sweaters in Alaska. This seemed much more fitting for her; if she was enjoying her life as a celebrity, she wouldn't have been so excited to give everything away.

I loved the setting. Alaska is often forgotten, I think. This book was great to read at this specific town because I could actually think "Wow, maybe there is someone out there who is actually colder than I am right now."

Now, let's talk about the guy. That's all anyone really cares about anyway, right? Teague is perfect. He is gorgeous, courteous, giving, and of course he falls for Grace the first time they meet. A little too perfect? Perhaps. But I really don't care. Also, how awesome is his name? I'm totally naming my son after him.

Fisher (another awesome name!) is the perfect quirky best friend for Grace. Ava is pretty cool, even if her character isn't developed as much as it could be.

This is a quick, sweet read. Cheesy? Oh yes. But it's fun. Upon finishing it this time, I felt like Megan Shull could have done more with it; many characters and minor plot lines were either hastily answered or only briefly mentioned. But Amazing Grace is short and sweet; curl up in front of the fire for a day with it, and you won't regret it.

Recommended for: romance lovers.

Gemini Night

2010-11-30T20:43:00.004-06:00

Title: Star Crossed #3: Gemini Night

Author: Bonnie Hearn Hill

Pages: 229

Review: ***1/2

Summary: Logan McRae's guy is far away and out of touch, and she is heartbroken. She turns to her mentor, renowned journalist Henry Jaffa, who helps her land a job as the Friday intern for CRUSH magazine in San Francisco. With a little luck, she could also be the mag's teen astrology columnist. All she has to do in order to prove herself to Stacy, her editor, is figure out the astrology chart for one of the celebs who will be attending the CRUSH launch party Halloween night. But when she studies the mystery person's chart, she sees disaster predicted for the weekend of the costume party. Who is the in-danger Gemini? Is it fashion designer Graciela Perez, the "Silver Dragon"? Is it her friend Chili's new guy, teen celebrity chef Alex Keen? Or is it, as Logan suspects, out-of-control singing star Arianna Woods? As Logan turns to her book Fearless Astrology for guidance, she sees something she's missed before. Big trouble is predicted that night for her sign as
well.

Review: This book was interesting. It is a quick, cute read, but what interested me most was all the astrology information. Being a Gemini, there was extra stuff for me, but there are plenty of facts about all the signs.
The story itself was okay. The writing wasn't the best I've ever read, but it was far from the worst (*cough* Simone Elkeles? *cough*). I will say I was definitely not expecting the ending, however! That was a total shock, and made me want to finish the book quickly.
Logan is the average teenage girl, only she happens to be obsessed with astrology. I imagine you learn a bit more about her and her boyfriend in the first two books in this series. (This is the third book in the Star Crossed series. I haven't read the first two, but I could still understand everything.) The mean girls were pure stock characters, but her best friends were fun and added to the story.
Though I probably won't read the rest of the series, I can definitely see myself pulling this book out in the future to read about different signs. There are excerpts from Fearless Astrology (is this a real book? Probably a question answered earlier in the series. If it is, I want it!) and the astrology columns Logan writes, there's a lot of information in this book! So if you are interested in your sign (or the signs of significant people in your life...) check this book out! I imagine the other books in the series are just as informative, too!

Recommended for: Astrology lovers

It's Monday! What are you Reading?

2010-11-08T10:38:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone who still bothers to check this even though I haven't posted in ages! I'm so sorry about my absence. With school and homework and my job I barely have time to read, much less blog! It is a terrible tragedy. But I'm bringing it back!

This past week I started Grendel by John Gardner (though not by choice; we are reading it in AP English). It is strange. Beowulf was weird, and this is just insane. It is the story of Beowulf from Grendel's perspective, and guys, he is a wack job.

I also started Star Crossed: Gemini Night by Bonnie Hearn Hill, who's publisher/agent (not sure who it was) sent it to me for review! I'm liking it so far; lots of cool astrology stuff, especially about Geminis, which this Gemini finds very interesting.

I am also truckin' through Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I'm sorry to say I have been reading it for about four weeks and I just reached the halfway point. Granted this book is the longest one I own (after Gone With The Wind), but still. Did I mention I'm extremely busy?

On the bright side, I went to Half Price Books this morning! As a member of their "Enews" mailing list, I received several coupons for this week, so I just had to use one up today! It was 40% off one item, so I headed over. I got

A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnely (pure amazing)

and

One Night the Changed Everything by Lauren Barnholdt. I've read her novel Two*Way Street, and I absolutely loved it, so I'm really excited. I also plan on going back on Wednesday (to use one of the other coupons) and get Watch Me, also by Lauren Barnholdt.

Now if only I could actually find the time to read....

P.S. I am SO INCREDIBLY PSYCHED about the release of Crescendo!!! Sadly, due to my very low funds (Half Price Books is a savior for those of us with very little spending money), I will probably have to wait for it until Christmas.

Wintergirls

2010-09-30T16:36:00.002-05:00

Title: Wintergirls

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson

Pages: 278

Rating: ****

Summary (from Goodreads: Lia and Cassie were best friends, wintergirls frozen in matchstick bodies. But now Cassie is dead. Lia's mother is busy saving other people's lives. Her father is away on business. Her step-mother is clueless. And the voice inside Lia's head keeps telling her to remain in control, stay strong, lose more, weigh less. If she keeps on going this way—thin, thinner, thinnest—maybe she'll disappear altogether.

In her most emotionally wrenching, lyrically written book since the National Book Award finalist Speak, best-selling author Laurie Halse Anderson explores one girl's chilling descent into the all-consuming vortex of anorexia.

Review: Wintergirls is the type of book you sit there thinking about after you finish the final page. It sits with you, makes you think. I finished this book yesterday, and it's all I've been able to think about today.
Wintergirls isn't necessarily "dark" (when I think dark, I think evil), but it is haunting and harsh. Nothing candy-coated here! It is truth, and lies, and perception, and loss.
Anderson's writing style mimics that of Speak (the only other book I've read by her), with fragments, varying text sizes, crossed out text, and other aspects of the text not usually considered "right" in a published novel. it is much more like stream of consciousness writing. Cassie's death is constantly in the back of her mind. "she called thirty-three times" is a common thought.
I didn't quite get the term 'wintergirl'. I understand it means not dead, but not alive, but I just couldn't really grasp it. I found the ending to be quite fitting and interesting. I liked how Laurie drew the contrast between not onlly Lia and Cassie, but Lia and Elijah as well (you'll learn all about him when you read this).
I couldn't put Wintergirls down. It is a quick read, but it will stay with you. I highly recommend it to any teenage girl, especially one struggling with body image or an eating disorder. As a girl who often wakes up hating her body, I found Wintergirls to be a reminder of how far into "dangerland" many girls go, and being skinny simply isn't worth it.

Recommended for: teenage girls.

P.S. might I just make a note of how GORGEOUS the cover is??? It is one of my all-time favorite book covers.

Guardian of the Gate

2010-09-25T20:43:00.004-05:00

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't read Prophecy of the Sisters, READ NO FURTHER!

Title: Guardian of the Gate

Author: Michelle Zink

Pages: 335

Rating: ****

Summary (from Goodreads): The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.

Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing

Review: This book was a great sequel to The Prophecy of the Sisters. It took me about halfway through the book to get into it; before then, I just felt like it had no drive. There was nothing that made me want to sit down and read more.
Then it changed.
The second half of the book is amazing. Lia must make several choices, and betrayal is her biggest threat. The betrayal she faces shocked me, though of course I knew it would be to easy to have it be the person they suspect (is that giving too much away?)
Another reason it picks up is *swoon* Dimitri. TO be completely honest, I read The Prophecy of the Sisters too long ago to remember how I felt about James, but I adore Dimitri. He is sexy, charming, chivalrous, and powerful. An excellent fit with Lia.
One thing that bothers me is how inferior Lia comes off as to her sister. WE are told Alice is a huge power, the Souls answer to her now. And Lia...well, she's learning. How on earth is she going to win this battle? And the twist at the end--I can't tell for certain if I was expecting it (hindsight bias, and all that jazz).
I'm a bit confused on the title. Initially, I heard it was The Guardian and the Gate, but somewhere along the line it was switched to Guardian of the Gate, and I couldn't really fit that with the plotline, since Lia is the Gate.
Also, the covers--I know many people are really excited about the new design, but I honestly liked the original cover to The Prophecy of the Sisters more (with the stone statues). These new covers don't really grab you like the statue cover grabbed me. It seems like it could be the cover of any book.
It was an excellent story, though. Michelle Zink is a great writer who I'm sure we can expect more from in the future.

Recommended for: Supernatural fans; historical fiction junkies

Also a note: if you haven't heard anything about Speak Loudly movement, be sure to check it out. It's all about fighting for banned books and authors' freedom of speech. Sarah Ockler talks a lot about it here, since her book Twenty Boy Summer (review here) is being targeted in Missouri.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

2010-09-15T17:17:00.003-05:00

So, really, who HASN'T read the Harry Potter series? I haven't read the entire series since about fifth grade (and I'm pretty sure only 4 were out then anyway), so I decided it was time to reread the series! This'll be my third time through. I know, a lot of fans have read them tens of times, but oh well! There may be spoilers in this review, so if you haven't read the series, READ NO FURTHER!!!!

Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Author: J.K. Rowling

Pages: 309

Rating: ***** (what else can you give Harry Potter??)

Summary: we all know the story right?

Review: So as stated above, I haven't read the first four books in a very long time (I reread 5 and 6 before 7 came out). I've watched the movies quite often (who else LOVES Harry Potter weekend on ABC Family???), but I'd forgotten many of the details and differences in the books.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is an excellent book. It's so interesting to read these earlier books after having read the entire series, because as I'm noticing in the first two, they are definitely geared towards a younger audience. The writing is much simpler, and the plot isn't nearly as dark.
That's another thing I noticed in this first book--the writing. It wasn't nearly as stellar as it is in the later books. Of course, this was J.K. Rowling's first novel, but it's cool to see where she started (which, of course, is still pretty good, but not MIND blowing) and where she ended the series as a writer--there's a lot of progression! Don't get me wrong, her writing is still great, but it gets even greater as the series goes on.
Another thing that's interesting about going back and rereading these earlier books is the incredible amount of detail and foreshadowing J.K. Rowling includes. Snape protects Harry at the Quidditch game, the centaurs discuss how bright Mars is (Mars was the god of war, and a war is coming to the wizarding world), etc. As for detail, she really shows us the characters and the setting, so next time I watch the movie I'll have to make the comments I always do for other book-based movies: "That's wrong--this is how it is!" and "He's supposed to look like this." Yeah. I'm kinda annoying to watch a movie with. For example, the Dursleys seem a lot meaner to Harry in the book than they were in the first movie. Like they dye his clothes black and only give him Dudley's hand me downs, which drown him. He does all the cooking and cleaning. (And, since I might forget this by the time I review book 2, Aunt Petunia threw a FRYING PAN at Harry's head.)
Sorry for the somewhat rambling review, but I'm not really concerned with discussing characters and plot since most of you have probably read these books and analyzed them to pieces, as most of us have while waiting for the next book to be released.

Recommended for: EVERYONE--young and old, boys and girls, avid bookworms and non-readers alike

Also, I highly recommend two Harry Potter discussions:
~Mark Reads Harry Potter. This is a twenty-something guy reading the series for the first time, and he hasn't seen any of the movies. He reviews chapter by chapter, and these reviews are hilarious! I've been following along from the beginning of the series as I read, but you can read from anywhere! He's on the 6th book now. There is a bit of profanity, so I recommend this to high school age+
~Mugglecast. This is a podcast (kinda like a taped radio broadcast. Basically people discussing Harry Potter.) done by the people who run Mugglenet, the #1 Harry Potter fansite in the world! They are currently doing a chapter-by-chapter discussion of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, but you can find older episodes on their website too. They don't just do a chapter-by-chapter; they discuss listener emails, Harry Potter news, and more great stuff! I've laughed so hard I cried listening to these guys, and I highly recommend them to ANY Harry Potter fan.

Enjoy! Only 64 days until the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1!!

Half Price Books

2010-09-06T11:26:00.002-05:00

Sooo I only recently (as in, this summer) discovered the wonder that is Half Price Books. Of course I've always known about it. There's a store about five minutes from my house, but I always passed it up for Borders or Barnes and Noble. That is, until I was out with my lovely reader friend and she suggested we go there. I'd been there before when I was younger, but, as stated, I always chose a new book store instead.

What a mistake.

Half Price Books is a store full of treasures. Some books aren't in the best of shape (which sucks for a perfectionist obsessive-compulsor like myself) but the prices are right. Hardcovers aren't super cheap ($8-9), but in comparison to list prices, they are steals. Paperbacks are all half of the list price, which is amazing.

They are having a 20% off everything labor day sale, so my sister and I headed there this morning. I was armed and ready to go! I ended up spending waaaay more than I intended, but the most expensive book I bought was actually one I got for my sister, and it was $5.18. Yeah. That's how cheap this place is. Here is my list of treasures acquired this morning:

How to Build a House by Dana Reinhardt (already read--well, listened to--but it was only $4!)

Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer (also already read, but it's a classic and one of my favorite books of all time)

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (I saw this movie and loved it! And the book is always better, right?)

Waiting For You by Susane Colasanti (I've read When It Happens by her and loved it, and I vowed to read her other books. This is one that isn't in the best of shape, but it was the only copy they had, and it was $4.50! I can survive a little damage for that price!)

Take Me There by Susane Colasanti (See above. though this one is in almost perfect shape)

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (I'm not entirely sure what this is about, but it's a classic, right? And it's so pretty--this copy is smaller, leather-bound, and has a ribbon bookmark--all for only $3!! How was I supposed to pass that up?!)

The Choice by Nicholas Sparks (love love love him. Almost perfect condition hardcover for only $2. Two dollars!!)

This is what I call a successful morning.

Sea

2010-09-02T16:09:00.002-05:00

Title: Sea

Author: Heidi R. Kling

Pages: 323

Rating: ****

Summary: Haunted by recurring nightmares since her mother’s disappearance over the Indian ocean three years before, fifteen-year old California girl Sienna Jones reluctantly travels with her psychiatrist father’s volunteer team to six-months post-tsunami Indonesia where she meets the scarred and soulful orphaned boy, Deni, who is more like Sea than anyone she has ever met.

She knows they can’t be together, so why can’t she stay away from him? And what about her old best friend-turned-suddenly-hot Spider who may or may not be waiting for her back home? And why won’t her dad tell her the truth about her mother’s plane crash? The farther she gets from home, the closer she comes to finding answers.

And Sea’s real adventure begins.

Review: This book was really, really good. For romance lovers, of course, but I loved the story.
Sienna takes a trip across the globe to help out at an orphanage for tsunami victims. I loved this because so many of us forget that these people's lives are still devastated. We feel bad and donate some money once we hear about it but after a few months we forget and move on. This is the case with most natural disasters. However, the people who live(d) there's lives are forever changed, often for the worse.
And then, of course, there's Deni. Hot, sweet, deep Deni whose family was killed in the tsunami, leaving him on his own. He is a wonderful love interest. But this wasn't some ordinary love interest. Indonesian culture is very different from ours, as most of us know, especially in regards to dating and marriage. That cultural conflict shows up quite a bit in the story.
I really liked Sienna as a protagonist. She could really relate to the kids because, though she still had her father, she lost her mother to the ocean, just like the children at the orphanage. She was in pain herself, and yet she was there trying to help other kids feel better.
Yes, this story has lots and lots of cheese. But it's not just about the romance, and though I predicted the "plot twist" at the end, it still threw a wrench into the story, and I wanted to find out what was going to happen! This is a great summer beach read, and though I realize summer is over, it could be great for the winter as well. When cuddled up by the fire, you can read about Sienna almost melting in the 100 degree heat.

Recommended for: romance lovers (fans of Twenty Boy Summer and Sarah Dessen, though it's not quite up to those levels)

30 Best Book Engines

2010-09-01T13:40:00.003-05:00

Hello all! Again, so sorry for my extended absence. With school starting, I've just been a tad busy.

A site has been brought to my attention that I thought you all might like to know about! It's called 30 Best Book Engines to Finding Your Perfect Summer Read, but it doesn't have to be just about summer books. I've looked at some of the sites and they look AWESOME! So go check it out here!

I also will have a review up shortly for Sea by Heidi R. Kling, which I finished yesterday! (Hint: It was amazing!)

YA Fantasy Showdown

2010-08-21T20:02:00.002-05:00

So I recently discovered this "showdown" going on between characters of different YA series! For each "battle", fights have been written out, and you can vote for who you think will win!

Which brings me to the reason for posting. Katniss Everdeen, of The Hunger Games, is up against Eugenidenes (anyone read Queen's Thief? I've never heard of him). She is losing by only 10 votes!!! So go vote for her here!

Other characters still in the race include Katsa from Graceling and Jace from The Mortal Instruments (swoon!)!!

The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June

2010-08-15T14:52:00.003-05:00

Title: The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June

Author: Robin Benway

Pages: 281

Rating: ***1/2

Summary (from Goodreads): Three sisters, three extraordinary, life-changing powers!

I hugged my sisters and they fit against my sides like two jigsaw pieces that would never fit anywhere else. I couldn’t imagine ever letting them go again, like releasing them would be to surrender the best parts of myself.

Three sisters share a magical, unshakable bond in this witty high-concept novel from the critically acclaimed author of Audrey, Wait! Around the time of their parents’ divorce, sisters April, May, and June recover special powers from childhood—powers that come in handy navigating the hell that is high school. Powers that help them cope with the hardest year of their lives. But could they have a greater purpose?

April, the oldest and a bit of a worrier, can see the future. Middle-child May can literally disappear. And baby June reads minds—everyone’s but her own. When April gets a vision of disaster, the girls come together to save the day and reconcile their strained family. They realize that no matter what happens, powers or no powers, they’ll always have each other.

Because there’s one thing stronger than magic: sisterhood.

Review: If you have sisters, older or younger, you will totally be able to relate to this book. It was a cute, quick read about love, magic, and of course, sisterhood.
Since I myself am the oldest of three girls, I could relate the most to April, but I found that these three sisters mirrored my sisters and I quite well--maybe it's a birth order thing. April is protective, motherly, and yes, a bit bossy--key trademarks of the oldest child. May, being the middle child, just wants to disappear--and does. June, the youngest, wants people to like her and be popular--the fruity, shallow wishes of the baby. The powers they have also relate a bit to birth order--April is able to look out for her sisters' futures, May disappears, and June can read minds.
The plot of this book, thinking back on it, isn't that deep, and yet it sucked me in. The first half of the book is really the girls getting used to their powers, the second half is when the real "action" kicks in. Of course, the ending is quite predictable, but it's cute.
As in Audrey, Wait!, the writing is very real. Nothing wordy or fancy; I felt like this book was taking place in real life. The characters speak normally and as if they are simply talking to each other, not having a written out conversation. The only thing I worry about this is the possibility of it aging--in a few years, slang will be different. Will Robin's books not be as popular when the speech is no longer modern?
All in all a good light read. I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as Audrey, Wait!, but it is still worth checking out.

Recommended for: Sisters

I could have sworn I reviewed Audrey, Wait! on here, but apparently not. Check it out on Goodreads or Amazon!!

CUWAC: "A Streetcar Named Desire"

2010-08-06T08:57:00.002-05:00

I realize I've slacked off on this meme for a while now, and I sincerely give my apologies. This book is technically a play, but I recently read it at my program at Carleton.

Title: "A Streetcar Named Desire"

Author: Tennessee Williams

Pages: 179

Rating: ***1/2

Summary: Blanche DuBois shows up on her sister's doorstep with a trunk of her belongings and bad news: the family home, Belle Reve, has been lost. Blanche spends the summer with Stella and her husband, the animalistic Stanley Kowalski. With her "nerves", Blanche is a bit unsteady--and not all she appears.

Review: This book--or play, rather--was very interesting. As stated, I read in for a writing program, not necessarily by choice. I can't say I particularly liked any of the characters, but it was very real. This play is a perfect example of gender and class roles in the mid-twentieth century--men are in charge, women just take care of them, and those of working class and just so "common" compared to the upperclass.
After reading the play, we went to see its performance, which was simply outstanding. Plays are always better on stage, where they are meant to be seen. Reading the text is one thing, but seeing it live really helped me grasp some of the deeper content of the play--such as the contrast between desire and death throughout the story. The story has also had a movie adaptation, which I have not seen, but have heard good reviews for.
All in all, a good look at an interesting time period in the United States

Recommended for: historical fiction fans, readers interested in gender roles

Sorry!!

2010-08-02T10:37:00.002-05:00

SO sorry for my inactivity recently. I was at a summer writing program at Carleton College, and I didn't have much free time! I highly recommend the program however!!

Here is a great summer read; hope you can get your hands on it before summer's over!

Title: It's Not Summer Without You

Author: Jenny Han

Pages: 288

Rating: ****

Summary (from Goodreads): Last year, all of Belly's dreams came true and the thought of missing a summer in Cousins Beach was inconceivable. But like the rise and fall of the ocean tide, things can change--just like that. Suddenly the time she's always looked forward to most is something she dreads. And when Jeremiah calls to say Conrad has disappeared, Belly must decide how she will spend this summer: chasing after the boy she loves, or finally letting him go.

Review: A good sequel to a great book. It's Not Summer Without You picks up the summer following The Summer I Turned Pretty. With flashbacks to tell us what happened over the past year, I felt like I'd never left Belly's world.
What I really liked in this book was how Jenny included chapters from Jeremiah's perspective. Of course, when they started I thought maybe we'd get some from Conrad's POV too, but to no avail. Jeremiah offers a peek into the other side of the story--the boys' lives.
This book keeps up the love triangle we thought was solved in the first book. Conrad is still infuriating, sexy, and irrestistable, and Jeremiah is still the perfect guy friend (who wants to be more).
All in all, a good summer read. Their problems get deeper, the relationships grow stronger, and it all comes back to Cousins Beach.

Recommended for: beach readers, romance lovers

Challenge Update

2010-07-01T13:18:00.002-05:00

Since we are officially halfway through the year (Wow, how is it JULY already?!), I thought I'd post an update on the challenges I am participating in this year.

100+ Books in 2010 Challenge: I am currently at 40 books this year. I need to step it up! My inital goal for this year was to read 150 books, but now that has been lowered to 100! Last year I read 130, so this is a bit of a disappointment. The end of junior year was a lot busier than the end of sophomore year!

Read Your Own Bookshelf Challenge: My goal was to read 50 of my own books this year. Now, halfway through, I have read 15. I am a bit disappointed in myself!

I'm going to have to step it up in the second half of the year! Wish me luck!

How are you guys doing on your challenges? Better than I am, I hope!

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

2010-06-19T14:20:00.003-05:00

Title: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

Author: Morgan Matson

Pages: 344

Rating: ****1/2

Summary: Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn't seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she's coming to terms with her father's death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road--diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards--this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

Review: Read this book. Right now. I'll wait.
Okay, this book, as its title states, is EPIC! I absolutely loved this book. I don't even know what to say. I finished this book at 2:00 this morning; I just couldn't put it down! It has also given me a huge desire to go on a cross country road trip. I've been to more of the country than Amy had before this trip, but I haven't seen enough!
This is the perfect summer book. Reading it at the beginning of the summer makes me feel like anything can happen in a single summer--something previously only Sarah Dessen books could promote. The characters were fantastic. Amy is a good protagonist; we are left wondering about some of her secrets, something that makes me want to keep reading. Roger is adorable. He is the perfect guy for this book, and I absolutely love him! The plot is also fabulous; there is obviously the overlying goal of reaching Connecticut, but there is enough going on during their "detour" that the trip is the best part. Of course, this is often the case in literature and life.
The only thing keeping this book from 5 stars is the predictability. I mean, you can probably guess what happens. But it isn't overly cheesy, which I appreciated.
What I really liked in this book was the scrapbook inserts, including pictures, receipts, playlists, etc.
So go read this book. You will not regret it!

Recommended for: everyone except anyone who hates romance.

City of Bones

2010-06-18T20:39:00.004-05:00

Title: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments Book One)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Pages: 485

Rating: *****

Summary (from Goodreads): When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

Review: This book has become one of my all-time favorites. Full of action and suspense with just enough romance to keep my interest, Cassandra Clare has written one of the best books no one's heard of. It is really a shame how few people have even heard of this series! (City of Bones is the first of four--City of Ashes, City of Glass, and City of Fallen Angels--out May 2011--are the next three.)
Jace is a kick-butt, sexy, self-sacrificing love interest. From about...the second time we see him I was in love. He definitely gives Edward a run for his money. I'm not completely sure, but I believe there is movie talk for this book, if not series. Alex Pettyfer would be a freakin' amazing Jace. Just look at him! *swoons*

Clary, as a whole, is not the strongest female protagonist. In this first book, she is never really involved in the fighting or the problem-solving, but that kind of makes the book more real. If I suddenly stumbled across this world of demons and Shadowhunters, I know I wouldn't be much good in a fight either!
The supporting characters are strong, and add a lot to the story, including Magnus Bane, the glittery high-warlock of Brooklyn, and Alec and Isabelle, Jace's fellow Shadowhunters.
This story has a HUGE twist at the end that made me want to throw the book at the wall. But I didn't.
I read this book last summer ( I think) and I recently finished the audiobook. DEFINTELY READ THE BOOK! The audiobook isn't the best I've listened to--no offense to Ari, but her voice got a bit annoying with lack of emotion and verging-on-Valley-Girl intonations. So if you have to choose, I definitely recommend reading the book itself.
All in all an AMAZING book.

Recommended for: supernatural fans.

And don't forget the rest of the series!

AND Cassandra is writing a "prequel" series to The Mortal Instruments, the first of which is The Clockwork Angel, out September 7, 2010 (you can see the countdown on my sidebar)

Teaser Tuesday: Extras

2010-06-15T14:14:00.002-05:00

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Warning: this teaser is from the fourth book in a series.

From page 89 of Extras by Scott Westerfeld:
"Underwater and underground?" He nodded again. "That would explain wetness. And yet I'm still mystified."

Thoughts?

2010-06-14T20:19:00.000-05:00

So...what do you think of the new layout?

YES!!

2010-06-09T14:30:00.007-05:00

I am blowing off my two final exams tomorrow to present you with this BREAKING NEWS!!!

I'm not sure how many of you are as PSYCHED for Only the Good Spy Young, the fourth book in the Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter, as I am. The publishing date was moved from June 15 to June 29 (check out the countdown on my sidebar!)

To tide you over, here is the AWESOME book trailer!

In honor...

2010-06-07T17:20:00.003-05:00

In honor of the marvelous Sarah Dessen's birthday yesterday, I give you:

Title: This Lullaby

Author: Sarah Dessen

Pages: 345

Rating: ****1/2

Summary (from Goodreads): When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?

Review: Another amazing novel from Sarah Dessen. I read it a few years ago and just recently finished the audiobook. I think this one might be my third favorite--right after Just Listen and Along for the Ride (1 and 2, respectively). Remy is a realistic girl who even I, the hopeless romantic, could relate to. Dexter is adorable, as all of Sarah's male leads are. Sarah really sets the bar high on the boyfriend front, doesn't she?
As always, this book is beautifully written. The plot moves smoothly, and the conflict is a normal one, not some drastic complication that never happens in real life. The characters are realistic too, even if Dexter is way cooler than any boy I've ever met. But I can dream that guys like him are out there!
There's so much I want to say to express how marvelous this book is, but all I can think of is...amazing! The audiobook was good quality, so if you don't have time to sit down and read the novel (though that is always the best way to go) check out the audiobook!
I honestly believe Sarah Dessen is one of the best writers of our generation. I love every single book of hers, and know only one person who doesn't like her (and I know a lot of bookworms). She writes elequently and realistically. If you haven't picked up any and all of her books, do so IMMEDIATELY! You are missing out. She writes romance for the realist. I hope to be anywhere near as good as she is someday when I get around to writing a book!
What's your favorite Sarah Dessen novel?

Recommended for: romantics, but basically all girls teenaged+.

And...

Have you heard about Sarah's new novel, coming out May 2011?

Cut and Run is described as "...a high school senior who, after her parents’ divorce, has taken up the practice of assuming a new identity in each of the four towns she’s lived in."

This will be Sarah's tenth book out! Don't miss it! I'm already counting down!

I'm sure you've already seen...

2010-06-02T16:59:00.003-05:00

The beauty that is... CRESCENDO!

Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy, Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The further Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim bloodline has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

So what do you think? I don't think it has the "WOW" of the Hush, Hush cover, but it intrigues me about the book. I'm so excited!
P.S. If anyone's found a countdown for this book...feel free to share! ;)

Sing Me to Sleep

2010-05-03T21:44:00.004-05:00

Title: Sing Me to Sleep

Author: Angela Morrison

Pages: 301

Rating: ****1/2

Summary: THE TRANSFORMATION
Beth has always been “The Beast”—that’s what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glasses. Beth’s only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is, until she’s selected to be her choir’s soprano soloist, and receives the makeover that will change her life forever.

THE LOVE AFFAIR

When Beth’s choir travels to Switzerland, she meets Derek: pale, brooding, totally dreamy. Derek’s untethered passion—for music, and for Beth—leaves her breathless. Because in Derek’s eyes? She’s not The Beast, she’s The Beauty.

THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE

When Beth comes home, Scott, her best friend in the world, makes a confession that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous, intense new feelings she has for Derek?

THE HEARTBREAK

The closer Beth gets to Derek, the further away he seems. Then Beth discovers that Derek’s been hiding a dark secret from her …one that could shatter everything.

Review: Ah. Maze. Ing. I absolutely LOVED this book. I so wanted to give it five stars! Beautifully written, relatable characters, interesting plot--this book has it all! It is so beautiful, it has joined a very prestigious, small group of books that made me cry (the others being Nory Ryan's Song, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, New Moon, and I think there was another one...can't think of it though!). I will say I predicted Derek's "big secret", and I'm sure most other readers did too.

What kept it a half-star away are two miniscule issues. First, Beth is a bit whiny in the beginning. All she talks about is how ugly she is; she never once compliments something about herself. It got a little annoying; I mean, I'm not drop-dead gorgeous either and I don't go around moping. But it got better. A little cliche on the whole "makeover" bit too, but oh well. My other issue was with the VERY LAST PAGE! I loved the ending, until the very final thing (which I won't reveal). It nearly spoiled the book for me.
In a word, this book is beautiful. Derek and Beth's relationship is enviable of every girl--whirlwind, sweep you off your feet, leave you breathless love. Who doesn't want that? It made me a bit jealous!
A fabulous read. I can tell you right now this book will be on my "Top books of the year" list. READ IT NOW!!!

Recommended for: romance lovers, high school age+

Also, check out the book trailer:

Award!

2010-04-29T18:27:00.003-05:00

I have received an award from Rachel at Books are a Garden. Thanks for the award, Rachel! Be sure to check out her blog!

A prolific blogger is one who is intellectually productive, keeping up an active blog with enjoyable content. After accepting this award, recipients are asked to pass it forward to seven other deserving blogs.

Here are the blogs I am awarding this on to:
The Compulsive Reader Teens Read and Write
One Book at a Time
2 many good books, 2 little time
Books at Midnight
Fantastic Book Review
Shut Up! I'm Reading.

Girl in the Arena

2010-04-24T21:45:00.005-05:00

Title: Girl in the Arena

Author: Lise Haines

Pages: 336

Rating: ****

Summary (from Goodreads):It’s a fight to the death—on live TV—when a gladiator’s daughter steps into the arena
Lyn is a neo-gladiator’s daughter, through and through. Her mother has made a career out of marrying into the high-profile world of televised blood sport, and the rules of the Gladiator Sports Association are second nature to their family. Always lend ineffable confidence to the gladiator. Remind him constantly of his victories. And most importantly: Never leave the stadium when your father is dying. The rules help the family survive, but rules—and the GSA—can also turn against you. When a gifted young fighter kills Lyn’s seventh father, he also captures Lyn’s dowry bracelet, which means she must marry him...

Review: I really enjoyed this book. I won it from The Compulsive Reader a while back, and I finally got around to reading it. The plot was fairly unique (more than once I was reminded of the Hunger Games), the characters were great, and there were just enough "What?!" moments to keep you guessing. But let me just get this out of the way: the dialogue bothered me. No quotation marks were used, so dialogue looked like this:

--I just don't know, I said. I shook my head and turned away.
--It'll all work out, he reassured me, though there was no possibly way of knowing.

It made the story hard to follow in some places, and I couldn't tell what was more speech or just her thoughts. It was somewhat distracting.
Other than that, which really doesn't have much to do with the story, I loved it. Lyn is a take charge, kick butt girl who doesn't let anyone fight her battles for her (no pun intended). She has a lot on her plate, but she balances it all gracefully.

The writing, for the most part, was pretty good. There were a few parts in the middle where there would be a really long run on sentence that wouldn't really go anywhere, but it just went on and on, throwing in a detail here, a bit more information there, and finally she would try to end it DRAMATICALLY. See what I mean? I only noticed it in the middle of the novel; the beginning and ending were much better.

The other little problem I had with this book is the same thing I had with the Hunger Games. They treat life like it is so disposable. Death isn't a major concept, like a character dying is normal. And I guess in the life of a gladiator you have to get used to it, but life is still a life. Death is still an ending, even if suddenly it's a sport (which disgusts me, don't even get me started). For much of the story, I had to forget the fact that the point of this "sport" is to kill your opponent. The winner isn't the one who scores more runs or the most baskets; it's the one who's still alive after the match. Which sent chills down my spine while reading.

But the story doesn't focus that much on the actual fights; it focuses on Lyn's life and the trouble she has as part of the Gladiator world. The GSA, the association that runs the sport, has many constricting rules and regulations members have to follow. Lyn is trying to break free of that and have a normal life for her and her little brother, but it isn't easy.

This really was a very good book. My issues were slight; I tore through this book in a couple days. I had to know how everything turned out for Lyn. A great read.

Recommended for: fans of The Hunger Games and kick-butt female protagonists.

But don't just take MY word for it. Watch this video, and I dare you not to want to read Girl in the Arena afterwards:

The Star Shack

2010-04-21T15:47:00.003-05:00

First, let me just say I am SO sorry for my absence! School was stressing me out, and I had prom last week (!!) so I was a little busy with that! I read a TON of great books over spring break, including this one, which I received from the author, Lila Castle!

Title: The Star Shack

Author: Lila Castle

Pages: 224

Rating: ***1/2

Summary (from Goodreads): Pete and Annabelle live for their summers together on Gingerbread Beach. They've always believed they were a perfect pair… until junior year, when Annabelle becomes obsessed with astrology. Now they can hardly stand each other. Pete thinks that Annabelle (a Leo) has become a total flake; Annabelle thinks Pete (a Scorpio) has become an uptight jerk. When Annabelle dares Pete to open a summer business on the Boardwalk generating personalized horoscopes, their fast-paced, hilarious bickering soon rises to a fever pitch. The he-said/she-said advice of the Star Shack is wildly popular and seems able to fix any relationship problem… except their own. But when one of Annabelle's star charts helps catch a thief, Pete might have to admit that the stars could really hold the key to the future…and to his own heart.

Review: I really liked this book. Told from alternating viewpoints, Lila Castle has creating a funny, cute read. I really enjoyed the characters--I laughed out loud more than a few times while reading!--and the plot was good. How they came to run the Star Shack was a bit unrealistic, but I just went with it. After reading this, I wish I could have my horoscope read to me! I want to find my perfect match! Anyway...

At the beginning of each chapter, there was a horoscope for one of the characters. This was really cool! It helped me understand the character; of course, they could have been made up for the book...but either way!

I love astrology and horoscopes, the idea that fate is playing a role in life, so I really understood where Annabelle was coming from. It'd be awesome to learn about the stars and be able to do an in-depth analysis of different people in my life (for others interested in this--check out The Secret Language of Birthdays. It's awesome, and accurate!!)

All in all, a good book. It was a quick, cute read; perfect for spring break or summer.

Recommended for: romance lovers, aspiring astrologers (aka anyone who reads her horoscope)

CUWAC

2010-04-02T20:15:00.002-05:00

CUWAC, Curl Up With a Classic, is a monthly meme, hosted by me, in which I review a classic novel.

Title: Romeo and Juliet

Author: William Shakespeare

Rating: *****

Summary: Seriously? Is this necessary? Two feuding families, kids fall in love...

Review: My favorite work of Shakespeare. Beautiful, romantic, and tragic, Romeo and Juliet is perfect for a hopeless romantic like myself. It's story is based on the themes of true love and the fact that violence and hatred will get one no where. I know there are many complaints about this play, and here I shall attempt to address them:

Juliet is too young for Romeo; it's gross. Okay, so yes, she is supposed to be about fourteen, and it is assumed Romeo is at least twenty. But when Shakespeare was around, this was completely normal! He didn't write it to be gross. During this time period, girls were married as soon as they were were women, and never to boys their own age. Which is completely sexist, but hey, let's just be thankful that time is over!!

They fall in love too quickly, and they know each other for three days before getting married. All I can say about this one is whoever says this has no faith in the power of love. I think if you believe in love at first sight, you can believe this could happen. Love isn't always this sudden, but in Romeo and Juliet's case, it drowned them from the beginning.

Now, you may not agree with me, but I love this play. If you have to read something by Shakespeare, make it this. Not only is this my favorite play, it is one of two works of the Bard that I actually like, the other being Twelfth Night. All in all, definitely read this play, romantic or not. It's basically a necessity of anyone who calls themselves a reader.

Recommended for: romantics

If you haven't already, check out my review for the "retelling" of Romeo and Juliet, O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell here.

Crescendo!

2010-03-27T10:27:00.003-05:00

Guess what guys! There is an official synopsis out for the sequel to Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, Crescendo! I discovered it from Teens Read and Write, and they found it on Girls Without a Bookshelf. Thanks to them! You can read my review of Hush, Hush here.

So here it is:

Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up.Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy, Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The further Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim bloodline has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl.

Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

So what do you guys think??? I'm so excited!

As the picture shows, the cover will be released on April 10, 2010!!

Crescendo wil be released November 16, 2010!

Contests!!

2010-03-18T20:56:00.002-05:00

Bloody Bookaholic is hosting two--that's right, TWO--contests!

First, she's giving away three copies of Numbers by Rachel Ward. This book looks amazing; I can't wait to check it out! Enter here by tomorrow! Sorry about such late notice!

Second, she's having a "Ridiculously Awesome Contest" and the name tells no lies! SEVEN winners, over 20 books! Check it out here, and enter by April 18!!

Perchance to Dream

2010-03-16T17:01:00.004-05:00

Again, I'm sorry about my absense. I have a feeling my goal of reading 150 books this year will not be reached, because I am already ten books behind where I was last year. Also, I am skipping Teaser Tuesday this week because I'm still reading One Butt Cheek at a Time (yes, I'm terrible). But, here is my review of a great sequel of 2010!

Title: Perchance to Dream

Author: Lisa Mantchev

Pages: 333

Rating: ****

Summary (from Goodreads): The stuff that dreams are made on.
Act Two, Scene One.
Growing up in the enchanted Thèâtre Illuminata, Beatrice Shakespeare Smith learned everything about every play ever written. She knew the Players and their parts, but she didn’t know that she, too, had magic. Now, she is the Mistress of Revels, the Teller of Tales, and determined to follow her stars. She is ready for the outside world.
Enter BERTIE AND COMPANY.
But the outside world soon proves more topsy-turvy than any stage production. Bertie can make things happen by writing them, but outside the protective walls of the Thèâtre, nothing goes as planned. And her magic cannot help her make a decision between—
Nate: Her suave and swashbuckling pirate, now in mortal peril.
Ariel: A brooding, yet seductive, air spirit whose true motives remain unclear.
When Nate is kidnapped and taken prisoner by the Sea Goddess, only Bertie can free him. She and her fairy sidekicks embark on a journey aboard the Thèâtre’s caravan, using Bertie’s word magic to guide them. Along the way, they collect a sneak-thief, who has in his possession something most valuable, and meet The Mysterious Stranger, Bertie’s father—and the creator of the scrimshaw medallion. Bertie’s dreams are haunted by Nate, whose love for Bertie is keeping him alive, but in the daytime, it’s Ariel who is tantalizingly close, and the one she is falling for. Who does Bertie love the most? And will her magic be powerful enough to save her once she enters the Sea Goddess’s lair?

Review: I'm a huge fan of the Thèâtre Illuminata. I adored Eyes Like Stars (You can read my review here), and Perchance to Dream was no disappointment. The characters were just as likeable and funny, and this sequel does a great job of showing Bertie as she adjusts to her newfound power.

Ariel is the only person on Bertie's "Rescue Mission" who has ever been outside the Thèâtre, and it is nothing like the rest of them could have imagined. Bertie's magic doesn't work the way she expects it to out in the real world. The romance it the book is great until the end; Lisa does a great job of showing the love triangle. I thought the romantic ending left something to be desired; hopefully that'll be cleared up in the next book?

This book has a lot more magic in it. There were some parts I read four times, but still didn't quite understand what had happened. I liked it for the most part--it added flair and mystery. I thought some parts could have been a bit clearer.

Perchance to Dream keeps the originality of Eyes Like Stars going; I have yet to read anything close to Lisa's world.

Overall, much more fantasy than Eyes Like Stars. It answers some questions, but also brings up new ones.

Perchance to Dream will be released May 25, 2010!

Recommended for: Fantasy lovers, those who believe in the power of words

Teaser Tuesday: One Butt Cheek at a Time

2010-03-09T16:29:00.005-06:00

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme held by MizB at Should Be Reading

From page 92 of One Butt Cheek at a Time by Amber Kizer

"Oh no, Ms. Whoptummy has a terrible gleam of power in her eye. The same twinkle Hitler had, I'm sure."

This simply says it all! What are your teasers this Tuesday?

And what do you guys think of the countdown at the top of the page? Too much? I tried it on the side, but you couldn't see it.

It's Monday! What are you Reading?

2010-03-08T17:41:00.007-06:00

Correction: This is a meme brought to us by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books. Sorry about that!

This past week, I've read quite a few gems:

Perchance to Dream

O, Juliet

Heist Society

I loved all of these books! I already posted my review of O Juliet, and I'm eager to post my reviews of the rest!

Now, I am currently reading One Butt Cheek at a Time, which promises to be hilarious!

What are you reading?

O, Juliet

2010-03-07T19:23:00.003-06:00

Title: O, Juliet

Author: Robin Maxwell

Pages: 306

Rating: *****

Summary (From Goodreads): Before Juliet Capelletti lie two futures: a traditionally loveless marriage to her father's business partner, or the fulfillment of her poetic dreams, inspired by the great Dante. Unlike her beloved friend Lucrezia, who looks forward to her arranged marriage, Juliet has a wild, romantic imagination that knows not the bounds of her great family's stalwart keep. The latter path is hers for the taking when Juliet meets Romeo Monticecco, a soulful young man seeking peace between their warring families. A dreamer himself, Romeo is unstoppable, once he determines to capture the heart of the remarkable woman foretold in his stars. The breathless intrigue that ensues is the stuff of beloved legend. But those familiar with Shakespeare's muse know only half the story...

Review: Usually I wait a few weeks to post my review of a book. Not sure why; it just takes me that long to get around to it.

SO not the case with O, Juliet.

This book was fantastic. I love the Romeo and Juliet love story, so when I heard about this book, I had to have it. First, the writing. Phenomenal. I've found two styles for historical fiction: Some historical fiction is written in a modern tone, so I often forget it is actually set in a different time period until someone mentions a ball or something. Maxwell wrote in the second style: classical. It is written with an old voice, so it sounds as if it is really coming from that time period. It is beautiful and inspiring. It makes me want to live during that time and write from that period, but this style is much more difficult, I believe--and much more satisfying.

Next, the story. As mentioned, I love Romeo and Juliet; it is my favorite of Shakespeare's works. I am a hopeless romantic, so I could just imagine being Juliet, wanting true love and knowing it is hard to find (not unlike modern times). She knows a terrible marriage to a dull man is imminent--until she meets Romeo. Romeo is everything she has ever wanted in a man; their love is fast and true. The part I loved most about this book was how it filled in the blanks. Shakespeare's play is, while excellent, short and, obviously, a play. You only read the dialogue and actions. In Maxwell's novel, readers can read Juliet's thoughts, see into exactly what she was thinking when she fell for Romeo and when she decides life isn't worth living without him (sorry if that spoiled the ending--but we all know what happens, don't we?).

Maxwell does make a few changes to the traditional story, but none that mattered much to me. If you are a die-hard Shakespearean and treasure is works above all other literature, it may bother you. Some differences include: they live in Florence, not Verona; Juliet is 18, not 14; their names are different; and Juliet doesn't have a nurse, but a best friend named Lucrezia. I found nothing wrong with these changes; it's an author's right to take liberties with their writing.

All in all, I adored this book. The writing was beautiful, the characters were filled in, and the story completed what Shakespeare outlined.

Recommended for: hopeless romantics, historical fiction junkies, Shakespeare fans; no reader under high school age (for some *ahem* mature scenes)

CUWAC: To Kill a Mockingbird

2010-03-05T22:34:00.002-06:00

Title: To Kill a Mockingbird

Author: Harper Lee

Pages: 336

Rating: *****

Summary (From Amazon): Set in the small Southern town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird follows three years in the life of 8-year-old Scout Finch, her brother, Jem, and their father, Atticus--three years punctuated by the arrest and eventual trial of a young black man accused of raping a white woman. Though her story explores big themes, Harper Lee chooses to tell it through the eyes of a child. The result is a tough and tender novel of race, class, justice, and the pain of growing up.

Review: This is one of my favorite books of all time. I read it several years ago for school, but it has remained at the top of my list ever since. The story is touching and revealing about human nature, and the themes present can be applied to modern day as well. By telling this story through Scout, a child, we see the way innocence was ruined in children by the lies and threats of violence. Scout faces challenges far beyond her years. Atticus is a loving, brave man who I respect deeply. But it is not all deep and brooding--Boo Radley adds much to the story, and the reader comes to see what is believed is often not the truth. This is a must read for all, even those who are not big readers. Recommend it to your friends, family, teachers, waitresses, random people on the street...

Recommended for: Everyone!

Bad Apple

2010-03-04T20:12:00.003-06:00

Title: Bad Apple

Author: Laura Ruby

Pages: 256

Rating: ***

Summary (from Goodreads): Junior Tola Riley doesn’t care what people say about her. She knows her ever-changing hair color and goth clothes make her an easy target. Whatever. But the latest rumor is different.... The entire school believes she had an affair with her art teacher. The rumors may be a lie, but the fallout is all too real. Will Tola finally stand up for the truth?

Review: This book was ok. Not great, but I liked it alright. The writing and plot were pretty good, but it never really hit me. When I finished it, I forgot about it.

I could never really connect with Tola. She's a unique young girl, and I respected how she stood up for herself in the end, but overall I never really liked her. I felt like she should have stood up to the mean girl more than she did (I mean, if someone wrote on my face, I would slap them silly!). I could relate to her sister more--the intelligent if unstable older sister who's trying to figure out where her life is going. She was pretty cool. I also couldn't relate to the absent parent thing. Her parents thought she had an affair with her art teacher, and wouldn't even listen to her side! That kind of frustrated me. Bad parenting 101.

I liked the [comments] after each chapter. It was cool to see how other people were feeling over the course of the book, even if the people were wrong and judgemental.

Overall, an ok read. Not at the top of my recommendations.

Recommended for: anyone who has ever felt like no one would listen

So sorry for my recent silence, guys. Please don't give up on me! I'll do better, promise!

Teaser Tuesday: Perchance to Dream

2010-03-02T21:55:00.004-06:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

From page 77 of Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev (ARC):

"That went rather well," Moth said. "No one was killed by a high-heeled shoe to the noggin."

This book is really, really good. Though something just happened that has me a bit confused.

What are your teasers this Tuesday?

P.S. I've hit 30 followers!!! Yay!!! Might have to celebrate in some way...suggestions?

Teaser Tuesday: Looking for JJ and goodies!

2010-02-23T19:37:00.002-06:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

From page 41 of Looking For JJ by Anne Cassidy:
"As soon as she'd seen the photograph in the newsagent's shop window she'd known that there would be others....Someone, the detective in the greasy leather jacket perhaps, was hanging round the corners of her life, waiting to walk up behind her one day and lay an accusing hand on her shoulder."

These two lines aren't technically next to each other, but I thought they made a better teaser together.

As for goodies, I meant to post about this last week when I received them: I got books in the mail! I finally understand online book-buying. I always preferred going to the store and looking thorugh the shelves, but now? I totally get the hype of buying online. I was so excited when I got home to find a big box of books just waiting for me! I finally spent my Barnes and Noble gift cards from Christmas (I know, new personally record for how long I kept book gift cards in my possession). I received (last week):

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
Heist Society by Ally Carter
Avalon High Coronation #3: Hunter's Moon by Meg Cabot
Mystery book that cannot be revealed, for it is a follower of this blog's birthday present!

I've already finished Dear John, and I am so excited to read Heist Society! I love Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series, so I'm pretty pumped for this new book!

I'm so sorry for my recent silence. School is getting more and more hectic, so I am just trying to manage that and basketball. It should get better soon, I promise!

What are your teasers this Tuesday?

Sorry & Reward

2010-02-20T19:58:00.003-06:00

So sorry for my absence the past couple days! School is a little controlling right now, so I haven't had much time to read, much less blog!

So, in return, here is a great contest being held by Storywings! She's giving away a ton of books and there will be more winners the more followers she gets! Check it out here! Ends March 19.

I just read Dear John (*cough* amazing! *cough*), so I will have a review of that up after I see the movie so I can give you a comparison!

Along for the Ride

2010-02-14T21:46:00.002-06:00

Title: Along for the Ride

Author: Sarah Dessen

Pages: 383

Rating: *****

Summary (from Goodreads): When Auden impulsively goes to stay with her father, stepmother, and new baby sister the summer before she starts college, all the trauma of her parents' divorce is revived, even as she is making new friends and having new experiences such as learning to ride a bike and dating.

Review: I am a huge, huge, huge Sarah Dessen fan. I love all of her books, and Along for the Ride is no different. I can relate somewhat to Auden's focus on school, but I know nothing of her social awkwardness. However, Sarah Dessen makes it relatable and believable. I enjoyed Auden's narration and I loved Heidi, Maggie, and Eli. Maggie was the perfect girlfriend. Colby is the perfect vacation town.

This is Auden's summer away. I wish every summer that I could go somewhere and have everything change, which is exactly what happens for Auden. She decides at the last minute to go stay with her father and stepmother for the summer, and her whole life turns upside down. She makes friends, and she has to finally step away from her mother's expectations of her. The one thing that doesn't change is her insomnia. It was very interesting to hear about the "night life"--I myself have only pulled four all-nighters. I really enjoyed how Sarah ended the book, but I won't go into detail for obvious reasons.

Sarah's writing was superb, the characters were people I wish I had in my life, and the plot was interesting and never dulled. My favorite thing about Sarah Dessen's books is how she makes it more than a love story--it isn't run of the mill chick lit. She makes it about something bigger, something deeper. She makes it seem as if this is just a normal girl's life--she's simply documenting it. Sarah Dessen=my idol.

I read this book when it first came out last June, but I just finished the audiobook. The quality of the audiobook is probably a 3.5. There were some gaps that didn't belong, but I liked the reader.

Recommended for: anyone who dreams for a summer that changes everyone; anyone who was robbed of a childhood; anyone! middle/high school age+

Now I must get back to the Olympics! Who else is addicted to them?

Twitter

2010-02-13T14:41:00.002-06:00

Hey guys,

As you probably know, I have twitter. I had a personal twitter and a twitter for this blog, and I've now decided to combine them. My new username is qt_bookworm, and you can follow me by clicking on my twitter sidebar.

I deleted my blog twitter and kept my personal twitter, so if you were following me there, please now follow my other account. The personal twitter will now be for both personal stuff and book blog stuff.

Sorry if this is confusing in any way. Please follow me! Thanks :)

Hunger Games 3! and The Reckoning Correction (again)

2010-02-11T18:56:00.007-06:00

Title: MOCKINGJAY

Author: Suzanne Collins

Release Date: August 24. 2010

Ok, who LOVES the cover and title? I am so excited for this book!

Scholastic has decided not to release advanced reader copies, which is unfortunate but also kind of nice. You won't have to worry about spoilers!

So what do you think? Any theories?

In other news, I was wrong AGAIN on the release date for The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong. It coems out April 6, 2010 according to Amazon. So sorry about that!

Teaser Tuesday: Hate List

2010-02-09T16:51:00.002-06:00

Finally reading this book! It's gotten so many good reviews, and I'm really enjoying it so far. Alright:

This is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading

Anyone can play along. Here are the rules:
Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Title: Hate List

Author: Jennifer Brown

From page 104:

"He got this curious look on his face. The smile stayed put, but he looked like he didn't understand why I was running toward him."

What are your teasers?

CUWAC (early)

2010-02-04T19:27:00.003-06:00

Hey guys, I'm heading out of town tomorrow and I'll be without computer, so I thought I'd do CUWAC a day early! [And I sincerely apologize for my silence the past few days--I'll try to do better!!! School is really swamping me right now. I'll start back up again with Teaser Tuesday and WoW next week hopefully!!]

Title: The Scarlet Letter

Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne

Pages: 288

Rating: ***1/2

Summary: [I couldn't find a good summary for this book, so here goes] Hester Prynne, a young, beautiful woman, has commited adultery. In her Puritan society, this is one of the greatest sins one can commit. As punishment, she is forced to wear a large A on her chest. She is alienated from society and is forced to live in a cottage on the edge of town. The novel follows her life here with her new child, the baby's father, and the return of her husband.

Review: I read this book for school, and I have a feeling I would have enjoyed it a lot more if my teacher didn't tell us every day how bad it was. He didn't even make us finish reading it; he just told us how it ended (I still read the ending, though, because I actually liked the book). I liked the plot line and I find older writing beautiful, if challenging to comprehend sometimes. Though her daughter freaked me out a little bit, I found Hester to be a basically good woman who had made a bad choice. I don't really blame her, though--wait until you meet her husband. Overall, this one wasn't a favorite, but I did enjoy it.

Recommended for: Teenagers, romantics

Question: would you guys mind me reviewing classics I didn't enjoy? Or would you prefer a recommendation?

Also, sorry for the short review!

Contests!!

2010-01-31T19:10:00.002-06:00

First of all, Book Bound is having a Mega-Giveaway, and she will add more winners the more followers she gets! So check it out here. Contest ends Feb. 5

Shut Up! I'm Reading is having a 200 Follower Shin-dig, and you can enter here. This one ends Feb. 14

And lastly, Steph Su is having a V-Day Giveaway, where one winner will win 5 books! You can enter that one here. This one also ends Feb. 14

Good luck!!

The Sweet Far Thing

2010-01-30T16:08:00.004-06:00

Sorry I've been a bit AWOL lately, posting only contests. So here's a review for the book I just finished last night:

WARNING: THIS IS THE THIRD BOOK IN A TRILOGY. IF YOU HAVE NOT READ A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY AND REBEL ANGELS, DO NOT READ FURTHER!!!!!

Title: The Sweet Far Thing

Author: Libba Bray

Pages: 819

Rating: ****1/2

Summary (from Goodreads): It has been a year of change since Gemma Doyle arrived at the foreboding Spence Academy. Her mother murdered, her father a laudanum addict, Gemma has relied on an unsuspected strength and has discovered an ability to travel to an enchanted world called the realms, where dark magic runs wild. Despite certain peril, Gemma has bound the magic to herself and forged unlikely new alliances. Now, as Gemma approaches her London debut, the time has come to test these bonds.The Order - the mysterious group her mother was once part of - is grappling for control of the realms, as is the Rakshana. Spence's burned East Wing is being rebuilt, but why now? Gemma and her friends see Pippa, but she is not the same. And their friendship faces its gravest trial as Gemma must decide once and for all what role she is meant for.

Review: I enjoyed this book greatly. Though Felicity officially got on my nerves at some parts, I liked the characters and their interactions. It was mysterious and everything was questioned. When I thought I had it all figured out, everything flipped. Who is good? Who is evil? Who can Gemma trust? No one, it would seem.

It took me a little bit to get into the book, as the rest of the books in this trilogy have. It really didn't pick up for me until almost halfway in, which is over 400 pages. That could be why it took me over a week to read it. When it picked up however, it really got going. I couldn't put it down, which sucked with school and everything.

The ending was a bit skewed it seemed. It was almost too hasty, but I'm starting to believe it was meant that way. Readers are supposed to start questioning things, even Gemma. The ending wasn't a perfect, everything turns out alright ending. It is a war, and not everyone will make it.

All in all a great read. If you enjoyed Libba Bray's other books, do not waste any time in picking this one up. Don't let the length scare you!

Recommended for: historical fiction junkies, romantics, fantasy fanatics; high school ages and up

Best. Contest. Ever.

2010-01-27T21:44:00.002-06:00

Okay I know I post a lot about contests (And yes I get credit for them) but seriously, this is possibly the best contest I have ever heard of. There are tons of books, and the more people who enter, the moe people will win! So check it out, it's over at Teens Read and Write, and you can enter here.

Ends March 7, so you've got plenty of time :)

It's Monday, What are You Reading?

2010-01-25T16:51:00.002-06:00

Held by J. Kaye's Book Blog!

So I had finals last week so I honestly haven't read that much recently. I'm currently reading:

The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (have been since November on my Kindle, and I just haven't gotten around to reading more of it).

Bad Apple by Laura Ruby

Listening to:

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen (I've already read it, but I'm refreshing my memory. Love it)

Up Next:

The Girl Who Chased the Moon

O, Juliet

Front and Center

Specials

Extras

(Yeah, I have a lot of books to read!!!)

What are you reading this Monday?

Contest!

2010-01-25T16:44:00.002-06:00

Steph Su is having a blogoversary giveaway! She's giving away a ton of amazing books, like Linger, Guardian and the Gate, and Sisters Red. So go check it out here. Contest ends February 28!!!

Dreaming Anastasia

2010-01-23T17:22:00.003-06:00

Title: Dreaming Anastasia: A Novel of Love, Magic, and the Power of Dreams

Author: Joy Preble

Pages: 310

Rating: **1/2

Summary (from Goodreads): What really happened to Anastasia Romanov?
Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead.
In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college—until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams…

Review: This book just didn't do it for me. I was really intrigued by the summary, and it had gotten great reviews. I can't completely place my finger on why I didn't like it. Maybe it was the writing. Maybe it was the unrealistic feel. I know it's a fantasy book, but it is set in the real world, so I thought I'd be able to connect more with it. Also, the cover is pretty except for the creepy ghost of a guy's face. I forced myself to read it so I could just have it over with. All in all, I wouldn't recommend this one.

(I read this book about a month ago, which is why I don't have many real details. Just my overall feeling that I remember).

Recommended for: Anastasia obsessers; age 13+ if you feel you must read it

I thought it was time for a review of a book I didn't like (they are few and far between, however).

Question for bloggers: How do you remember details for reviews from books you read a while back? Do you keep notes, or do you just have better memories than I do? Just curious because I've seen the "slideshows" of a whole list of books waiting to be reviewed. I can't even remember details from the book I read a month ago.

Rebel Angels

2010-01-20T15:45:00.002-06:00

Sorry for such a long silence! Finals are totally time consuming. But they are officially over, so I'm good!!! So here it is:

WARNING: THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW FOR A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY. DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IT!

Title: Rebel Angels

Author: Libba Bray

Pages: 592

Summary (From Amazon): Gemma, Felicity and Ann, (her girlfriends at Spence Academy for Young Ladies), use magical power to transport themselves on visits from their corseted world to the visionary country of the Realms, with its strange beauty and menace. There they search for the lost Temple, the key to Gemma's mission, and comfort Pippa, their friend who has been left behind in the Realms. After these visits they bring back magical power for a short time to use in their own world. Meanwhile, Gemma is torn between her attraction to the exotic Kartik, the messenger from the opposing forces of the Rakshana, and the handsome but clueless Simon, a young man of good family who is courting her. The complicated plot thickens when Gemma discovers a woman in Bedlam madhouse who knows where to find the Temple; Ann shows signs of being enamored of Gemma's loutish brother Tom, and their father's addiction to laudanum lands him in an opium den.

Review: I absolutely loved this book. I loved A Great and Terrible Beauty, so I was really excited when I got this book for Christmas. In this sequel, the characters come even more into their own. Readers accept Felicity as the cold brat who always gets her way and Ann as the mousy sidekick who refuses to stand up for herself. however, some new insights are brought in for all of the characters, which helps you understand a little more about them. I loved how this book didn't just focus on the realms, but on the world outside it as well. Felicity, Ann, and Gemma attend parties and balls and meet fashionable young men, as is normal for teenage girls. Throw in the realms and this book covers everything. The realms are disturbed, and it's up to Gemma to restore the order before the evil spirits of the Winterlands take over for good. Gemma learns a lot about herself and her powers in this book, which I really enjoyed. The characters seemed to be filled in a bit more in this novel. And there are the twists I didn't see coming , which of course I won't spoil for you here. All in all, I liked Rebel Angels even more than A Great and Terrible Beauty. I just started The Sweet Far Thing (The final book in the trilogy), so I'm really excited!

Recommended for: historical fiction junkies, mystery and fantasy lovers, high school age+

Who Loves You Baby! Award

2010-01-17T23:07:00.004-06:00

Gah a third award! I love this wonderful blogging community :)

I received this award from J. Kaye's Book Blog. It's purpose is to give back to those who have given you awards. So thanks to:

Helen's Book Blog for the Happy 101 Award

and

Reading in Color for One Lovely Blog Award!

Thanks so much! You guys rock :)

P.S. 21 followers! So excited! :)

Contest!

2010-01-17T17:21:00.001-06:00

Katie at Katie's Book Blog is giving away Once a Witch as her third blogoversary giveaway! I haven't read this book yet, but it sounds awesome! Enter here. Contest goes until January 30!!!

Contest!

2010-01-16T20:02:00.002-06:00

Another great book giveaway! This one is A Match Made in High School, which sounds simply amazing. It's being held by Princess Bookie, and you can enter here. Open through January 26!!

P.S. Not only do you win the book, you get a bunch of swag also!!

Contest

2010-01-16T18:01:00.003-06:00

In Which a Girl Reads is hosting a HUGE and AMAZING contest! She's having three winners, and there are 25 books to choose from! And trust me, they are some good ones! you can enter here. Contest ends January 19! So hustle along!

Also, thanks so much for following this blog! I've hit 20 followers, which is really exciting for me :)

RYOB Challenge

2010-01-15T20:52:00.031-06:00

This is a challenge being held by Miz B's Reading Challenges. I realize I'm jumping in a little late, but I haven't read any of my own books yet so I think I'm good.

My goal is to read 50 books from my bookshelf. I have a little over that now, so hopefully I'll read most of them!!

January
1. The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

February
2. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

March
3. Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev
4. O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell
5. Heist Society by Ally Carter
6. Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines
7. The Star Shack by Lila Castle

April
8. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
9. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker

May
10. Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

June
11. Specials by Scott Westerfeld
12. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
13. Extras by Scott Westerfeld
14. Bogus to Bubbly: An Insider's Guide to the World of Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
15. Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter

July
16. Avalon High: Coronation #3: Hunter's Moon by Meg Cabot/illust. by Jinky Coronado
17. Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1 by Stephenie Meyer/illust. by Young Kim
18. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
19. "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams

August
20. How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster
21. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
22. Sea by Heidi R. Kling

September
23. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

October
24. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

November
25. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
26. Gemini Night by Bonnie Hearn Hill

December
27. I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
28. The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson
29. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
30. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
31. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

One Lovely Blog Award

2010-01-15T20:11:00.003-06:00

Oh my gosh! Two awards in one week! I am so excited right now, you have no idea!!

I received this award from MissAttitude at Reading in Color. Thanks so much!!!

The Rules:

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs you've recently discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I actually haven't found many new blogs lately (not because there aren't good ones out there I haven't found, just because I haven't had the time!!) So I give this award to a just few blogs:

1. 2 many good books, 2 little time

2. Books at Midnight

3. Book Crazy

4. J. Kaye's Book Blog

Sorry for such a short list, but these are some great ones!

Happy 101 Award

2010-01-14T21:44:00.003-06:00

I received the Happy 101 Award from Helen at Helen's Book Blog! Thanks Helen!!! My first blog award! I'm so excited (can you tell by my excessive use of exclamation points?)!!!

Rules: List ten things that make you happy and then pass this award on to ten blogs that brighten your day!

Things That Make Me Happy

1. Books

2. Chocolate

3. My family

4. My sisters--all eleven of them

5. My friends

6. The Wisconsin Badgers Men's Basketball Team (though they also make me angry, sad, and incredibly frustrated)

7. Writing

8. Book Blogs

9. Blogging!

10. Spring

I'm passing this award on to:

1. The Compulsive Reader

2. Bookworming in the 21st Century

3. Katie's Book Blog

4. That Chick That Reads

5. Princess Bookie

6. BookMac

7. Just Your Typical Book Blog

8. Bloody Bookaholic

9. Frenetic Reader

10. Life After Jane

Publication Date Change!

2010-01-09T18:12:00.002-06:00

Again, I must change a publication date. Only this book is being moved up!

Susane Colasanti announced on Wednesday that Something Like Fate is being bumped up to be published on May 4, 2010, rather than May 18! So excited! She said this was the same day When it Happens was published, and that book is amazing, which means great things for Something Like Fate! (Not that I thought it wouldn't be good before, of course!!)

Correction

2010-01-08T17:29:00.003-06:00

In my post on Wednesday, I gave you a list of books coming out in 2010. I gave you an incorrect date for one of them (gasp!).

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong will actually be released on May 10, 2010, not May 1. Sorry about that!

The Red Tent

2010-01-08T16:43:00.005-06:00

Yeah, yeah I know I suck at New Year's Resolutions. I've been so busy lately it's not even funny. I have two big projects due this week, so I've been working on them. Both are for English classes, and both required me to read a novel, both of which I have now finished! So here is one of the books I had to read:

Title: The Red Tent

Author: Anita Diamant

Pages: 321

Rating: ****

Summary (from Amazon): The red tent is the place where women gathered during their cycles of birthing, menses, and even illness. Like the conversations and mysteries held within this feminine tent, this sweeping piece of fiction offers an insider's look at the daily life of a biblical sorority of mothers and wives and their one and only daughter, Dinah. Told in the voice of Jacob's daughter Dinah (who only received a glimpse of recognition in the Book of Genesis), we are privy to the fascinating feminine characters who bled within the red tent. In a confiding and poetic voice, Dinah whispers stories of her four mothers, Rachel, Leah, Zilpah, and Bilhah--all wives to Jacob, and each one embodying unique feminine traits. As she reveals these sensual and emotionally charged stories we learn of birthing miracles, slaves, artisans, household gods, and sisterhood secrets. Eventually Dinah delves into her own saga of betrayals, grief, and a call to midwifery.

Review: This book was quite good. The writing was outstanding. It was an interesting story about the hidden lives of women during biblical times. Have you ever noticed how almost all the stories in the Bible are told from the male perspective? This story is no different. Dinah's story is in the Bible--she has about three paragraphs. It tells us about Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob, who was brutally raped on a trip into the city. But this is just what her father and brothers say. What does Dinah have to say? Anita Diamant filled in between the lines. There are many connections to biblical stories in this novel, but you don't have to be religious to enjoy it. Religion is actually a very minor part of the story (which you wouldn't expect from a book based on a story in the Bible). The women of The Red Tent are strong, honorable, and loving. Dinah is a powerful protagonist with an honest voice that any woman can connect with. The first part of the story is the story of her mother and aunts, who are all very different but all very loving and important. The second part is about her childhood and teenage years. When the unthinkable ahppens, her life is flipped upside down. That is the third part of the story. All in all this book fascinated me, and made me proud to be a woman.

Recommended for: all women at or above high school age.

Contests!

2010-01-06T21:36:00.002-06:00

Here are a couple contests I thought I'd share:

BookMac is hosting a January contest and is giving away a copy of Secret Society by Tom Dolby (which looks amazingly mysterious and spooky). Enter here. Contest ends 1/31/10.

Katie at Katie's Book blog is giving away Need and Captivate, both by Carrie Jones. Enter here. Contest ends 1/30/10.

Princess Bookie is giving away multiple books with multiple winners, and the books are a surprise! Enter here. Contest ends whenever she says it ends :)

So check 'em out! Lots of great books up for grabs!!!

Waiting on Wednesday: Books in 2010 Part One

2010-01-04T20:57:00.012-06:00

[EDIT II: Something Like Fate's publishing date has also changed! It is now being published on May 4, 2010!]

[EDIT: The Reckoning will actually be released May 10, 2010. Sorry for the mix-up!]
For Waiting on Wednesday this week (hosted over at Breaking the Spine) , I thought I'd post the list of books I'm excited for in 2010, including mostly the books I mentioned in my Best books of 2009 post. Since that one was a bit long, I thought I'd post this one in 2 parts.

Heist Society by Ally Carter

February 9, 2010

The Guardian and the Gate by Michelle Zink (Sequel to Prophecy of the Sisters)

April 1, 2010

Spells by Aprilynne Pike (Sequel to Wings)

May 4, 2010

Something Like Fate by Suzanne Colasanti

May 4, 2010

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong (Book III in the Darkest Powers Trilogy)

May 10, 2010

Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev (Theatre Illuminata Book II)

May 25, 2010

(The cover art has been revealed, but for some reason it wouldn't let me add it here. You can find it here or at Bloody Bookaholic's blog)

Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter (Gallagher Girls #4)

June 15, 2010

(I was SO excited when Ally Carter released this cover! Isn't it gorgeous?! The bow isn't part of it; that's on there because she said it was her "Christmas present" to her readers.)

Hunger Games III by Suzanne Collins

August 24, 2010

The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (Prequel to The Mortal Instruments Series)

September 7, 2010

Fixing Delilah Hannaford by Sarah Ockler

Fall 2010

P.S. Yes, I realize I have already broken my new year's resolution to post every day. Ah well. I'll post multiple times some days, so let's just aim for 7 posts a week, hm?

2010 100+ Reading Challenge

2010-01-02T18:24:00.063-06:00

This is a challenge being hosted by J. Kaye's book Blog. Click on the button to sign up!

Just heard about this challenge, so I'm signing up!
As you read in my New Year's resolutions, my goal is to read 150 books this year, which would complete this challenge. Wish me luck!

January
1. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
2. The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

February
3. The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
4. Bad Apple by Laura Ruby
5. Hate List by Jennifer Brown
6. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
7. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
8. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

March
9. Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev
10. O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell
11. Heist Society by Ally Carter
12. One Butt Cheek at a Time by Amber Kizer
13. Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines
14. The Star Shack by Lila Castle
15. Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu
16. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
17. Albatross by Josie Bloss
18. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

April
19. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
20. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
21. The Life of Glass by Jillian Cantor
22. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
23. Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison

May
24. The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
25. Numbers by Rachel Ward
26. After by Kristin Harmel
27. All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
28. After the Kiss by Terra Elan McVoy
29. The Decoding of Lana Morris by Laura and Tom McNeal
30. Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

June
31. Specials by Scott Westerfeld
32. This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen
33. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
34. Extras by Scott Westerfeld
35. Bogus to Bubbly: An Insider's Guide to the World of Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
36. The View From the Top by Hillary Frank
37. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
38. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
39. Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter
40. It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

July
41. The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard
42. I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan
43. Avalon High: Coronation #3: Hunter's Moon by Meg Cabot/illust. by Jinky Coronado
44. Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1 by Stephenie Meyer/illust. by Young Kim
45. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
46. "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams

August
47. Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
48. How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster
49. Up Close: Harper Lee by Kerry Madden
50. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
51. The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June by Robin Benway
52. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
53. The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
54. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
55. Spells by Aprilynne Pike
56. Au Revoir, Les Enfants by Louis Malle
57. Sea by Heidi R. Kling

September
58. Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink
59. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
60. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
61. Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank
62. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
63. Jump the Cracks by Stacy DeKeyser
64. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

October
65. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
66. Pay it Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde
67. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

November
68. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
69. Grendel by John Gardner
70. Slumdog Millionaire by Vikas Swarup
71. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
72. Gemini Night by Bonnie Hearn Hill

December
73. Amazing Grace by Megan Shull
74. I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
75. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
76. The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson
77. You Wish by Mandy Hubbard
78. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
79. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
80. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-02T16:41:00.002-06:00

A day or two late, I have come up with my blogging resolutions for 2010:

read at least 150 books. I read 125 in 2009. This probably sounds pitiful, since I know Princess Bookie read 300 this year, but oh well.
Blog once a day. Since I just started, I'm still figuring out when to fit blogging into my day. this year, I will try my very hardest to post at least once a day.
Email authors for interviews. Before I started blogging, I emailed authors after I read their book(s) is I especially loved it. Now that I have a blog, I can interview them! So I should get on that.
Comment more. I know I love to read comments on my blog, so I'm going to try to comment on other blogs more often, and not just to enter contests. I follow so many great blogs--check out the list on the right :)

Cross your fingers in hopes these are all accomplished. I have so far finished one book in 2010, and I have blogged both days! So far so good.

Contest!

2010-01-02T16:30:00.002-06:00

Jenn over at Books at Midnight is hosting a contest to celebrate 200 followers! Congrats! You can read the rules and enter here. Go check it out! There will be FOUR winners and she's giving away a ton of amazing books, including Shiver, Bad Apple, and The Summoning--books I love and/or want to read!!--and many more that look incredible!

Contest ends January 15!

CUWAC

2010-01-01T12:16:00.003-06:00

My second Curl up with a Classic feature! I'm not sure if this book can really be considered a classic, but it's fifty years old and a spin off of Jane Eyre, so I'll count it.

Title: Wide Sargasso Sea

Author: Jean Rhys

Pages: 160

Rating: ***

Summary: This is the untold story of Bertha, the crazy wife of Mr. Rochester of Jane Eyre. This book tells the story of Antoinette Mason, a young Creole girl born and raised in the Caribbean. She has a rough childhood; the townspeople hate Creoles (this was a time of terrible race relations), and Antoinette has no one to get close to, not even her family. Enter Mr. Rochester, a wealthy Englishman who promises to love her and make her happy. If only the people of her life could tell more than lies...

Review: I really liked this book. The writing was a little difficult to understand in some parts, but the story overall was fantastic. I loved Jane Eyre, and I'm a huge fan of spin-offs. However, this book did put a shadow over Jane Eyre for me, because it shows the truth of Mr. Rochester. Readers can see it as they wish, a bad deed done by a young, ignorant man, or the truth of his character. It's tough. I liked seeing Antoinette's side of things, and how she became to be Bertha in the attic. A great read.

Recommended for: fans of Jane Eyre and untold stories

Sorry about the last post

2009-12-31T22:37:00.001-06:00

Sorry my post, Best Books of 2009, is a little screwed up. Blogger isn't working for me right now, but I'll keep trying to fix it.

Best Books of 2009

2009-12-31T19:06:00.015-06:00

Alrighty. Here are my top 25 books I've read this year. 2009 has been an amazing year for books, and I'm already pumped for 2010! Here goes:

1. The Hunger Games/Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

-I waited to read The Hunger Games because the concept (kids killing each other?) didn't really appeal to me. My friend convinced me of its amazingness, and I read it this summer, just in time to read Catching Fire! Now I'm super excited for the third book, out August 24, 2010

2. The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare

-Again, my friend gave these to me. They are definitely one of my favorite series EVER. If you haven't read them, go get them. Now. You won't be sorry. The fourth is due out in 2011, so you've got some time if you're a procrastinator, though this is not a series I would wait to read!

3. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

-Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite authors, and I'm surprised she isn't mentioned more in the blogosphere. She has the ability to write what might be considered "chick lit", except her books go so much deeper than romance. Her latest book is no exception. I'm currently listening to the audiobook; review to come when I've finished it.

4. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

- I only read this book less than a week ago but it deserves this top spot. As you read in my review, this book is one of my all-time favs. Mystery, romance, fear--what could be better?!

5. Swoon by Nina Malkin

-This book is another all-time fav. More romance and fear, plus a hot guy, really? Is there any question?

6. Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter

-This is the third and most recent book in Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series. I won her writing contest and received an ARC of this book--my first ARC ever! I finished it in about a day. A whole new twist has been put on the series! I am so excited for Only the Good Spy Young, the fourth GG book, out June 15, 2010.

7. A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

-Yes, this book came out about what, 7 or 8 years ago, but I just read it this year. I fell in love with the characters and the magic of their life. I also loved the historical setting, which really affects the story. I'm in the middle of Rebel Angels right now.

8. Fire by Kristin Cashore

-Amazing. I loved this book more than Graceling I think, hence its higher rank. I loved Fire as a character, and I loved the plotline.

9. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

-Another amazing book I read just this year. I love a kick-butt girl protagonist. Girl power all the way!

10. Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

-I really really liked this book, but I didn't like it as much as Uglies. Maybe because I loved David. Ah well. I got Specials and Extras for Christmas, but I have yet to start either of them.

11. Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

-I wish I could get this book in the top 10, but I've just read so many great books this year! I am so excited for Act II, Perchance to Dream. I don't know whether to be team Ariel or Team Nate. I thought Ariel really showed his good side at the end of the book, but Nate is such a sweetheart. I guess I'll just have to wait for the curtain to rise!

12. Wings by Aprilynne Pike

-I wasn't sure if I'd like this book, because I feel like this was the year of the faerie. However, I LOVED it. I am super excited for Spells, out May 4, 2010!

13. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

-This book was a lot better than I wrote it off to be initially. I expected it to be a fluffy romance novel, and it definitely wasn't. It went far beyond my expectations, and I can't want for Sarah's next book, Fixing Delilah Hannaford, out Fall 2010.

14. The Summoning/The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

-We really need to thank my friend, because she recommends the best books. I read these books in about 2 days--absolute awesome. I'm eagerly anticipating the third book in the trilogy, The Reckoning, out May 1, 2010

15. Two-way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

-another great "chick lit" book. I should mention, I do not say chick lit in a demeaning way. It's my favorite genre. The writing of this book was phenomenal; the storyline was intriguing. I want to read Reality Chick next!

16. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

-It's Sarah Dessen. Need I say more?

17. Kiss My Book by Jamie Michaels

-This was another book that took me by surprise. I read it on a snow day, and I absolutely loved it. I love books about writers and readers, and this was both! also, the love interest has mohawk. Sweetness!!! haha

18. When It Happens by Susane Colasanti

-I believe in true love. I believe there is one person who is just for me, I just have to find him. That's why I loved this book. It was a sweet story about true love, and I really really really want to read her other books, Waiting for You, Take Me There, and Something Like Fate (out May 18, 2010)!!!

19. Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

-Loved it. I wish I could put it higher up, but I read so many good books!!!!! I have two sisters, so I love reading about sister dynamics. I would be the good one, of course! Can't wait for The Guardian and the Gate, out April 1, 2010.

20. Beautiful Americans by Lucy Silag

-So good! I love all things French/Parisian, so I adored this book. I loved the intertwined plots. Can't wait to read Wanderlust!!!!

21. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

-Everyone wants that one summer where everything is different. Isabelle got that wish. Excited for It's Not Summer Without You, out next summer!!!

22. Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway

-I read this book in a few hours, one night when I couldn't sleep. Amazing!!! I loved how it was the side of the breakup you don't usually hear. Very original.

23. One Trick Pony by Daniella Brodsky

-Very, very good. Recommended by the teen librarian at my library, who pretty much rocks.

24. The School for Dangerous Girls by Eliot Schrefer

-I got this book for my friend for her birthday, and I was lucky enough to have her loan it to me. It was amazing! Dark, yet funny, scary and compelling. I know the paperback is sold only at Target, so go check it out!

25. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

-Again, I know this book was out a while ago, but I just got around to reading it this year. I laughed, I almost cried, and I adored Jodi's writing. I really want to read her other books!!! I hear the movie sucks though....

There you have it! I haven't read Beautiful Creatures or Shiver yet, which I hear are both amazing and I know have made the rounds on the blogosphere. That's why they aren't on my list, if you were wondering.

I'll post my New Year's Resolutions either later tonight or tomorrow. Happy New Year everyone!!!

Contest!

2009-12-31T19:04:00.002-06:00

Kristen at Bookworming in the 21st Century has reached 600 followers! Woot! She totally deserves it; her blog is AMAZING! And she's helped me out with my blog too :). Now she's holding a contest to celebrate the occasion, and you can enter here. The more followers she gets the more winners she'll add! So go check out the contest, and her blog while you're at it!!

Teaser Tuesday: many!

2009-12-29T17:11:00.003-06:00

Teaser Tuesday was started by MizB at shouldbereading
* Grab your current read.
* Let the book fall to a random page.
* Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
* Share the title of the book that you're getting your teaser from... That way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you've given!
* Please avoid spoilers!

I'm in the middle of a few books right now, so I figured I'd give you a teaser from each:

From page 88 of The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman:
"I see. And who are your people?"
Again Lyra had to wonder what she meant before replying.
"They were a count and countess," she said. "They both died in an aeronautial accident in the North."

So far this one's pretty good. I've heard lots of good things about this book and its movie companion. I'm reading it for school, as part of a final project for one of my English classes.

From page 159 of The Red Tent by Anita Diamant:
My mother saw my confusion. "You cannot understand all of this yet, Dinah," she said. "But soon you will know, and I will make sure that you are welcomed into the woman's life with ceremony and tenderness. Fear not."

This one is also good. I'm about halfway through, and I'm enjoying it. This one's also for school, the final project of another English class.

Finally,
From page 7 of Rebel Angels by Libba Bray:
"I-I thought I had things well in hand."
"And did you?"
"No." My answer hung in the air like so much smoke from the candles.
"No, you did not. And now the realms have been breached. The unthinkable has happened."

This is the sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty. I started it briefly last night, but already I have been sucked in. Hopefully I will have time to read more, what with all my school reading and all.

Okay, so I shared more than two sentences. Oh well.
What are you reading? Leave me a teaser!

Riding the Universe

2009-12-28T17:55:00.002-06:00

Title: Riding the Universe

Author: Gaby Triana

Pages: 266

Rating: ***

Summary (from Goodreads): Chloé Rodriguez values three things above all else—her family; her best friend, Rock; and Lolita, her Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster. With a black body, blue airbrushed flames, and perfect sloping ape hangers, Lolita is Chloé's last connection to her beloved uncle, Seth, who left her the bike when he died last summer. So when a failing chemistry grade threatens to separate Chloé from her motorcycle, she vows not to let that happen . . . no matter what. Enter Gordon. Ridiculously organized, übersmart, and hot in a casual, doesn't-know-it kind of way, Chloé's peer tutor may have a thing or two to teach her besides chemistry. But she has to stop falling for Gordon . . . and get Rock to act mature whenever he's around . . . and pass chemistry so she doesn't lose Lolita forever. Just when Chloé thinks she's got it all figured out, a bump in the road comes out of nowhere and sends her skidding.

Review: This book was pretty good. It was your standard chick lit--love triangle between girl-best friend-new guy and all--but I still enjoyed it. Chloé is a good protagonist with her own spirit and true problems. She is adopted, and along with her love life, faces the struggle of whether or not to look for her birth parents, for she fears hurting her family. This part of the story is quite touching, and while some readers may predict the resolution, it isn't too cheesy. I also liked her motorcycle--I've never ridden one, but this book made me want to. In the book, Lolita was Chloé's solace, the one she went to when she was confused or hurt. I loved Lolita.

The love triangle however? Oozing with cheese. I predicted the ending after about thirty pages in. However, I still enjoyed hearing Chloé's story and read out to see how the ending would be reached, which is often the case with chick lit. Rock was the guy you'd want as your best friend, though I don't know how he'd be as a boyfriend. I liked how this was addressed though. What wasn't too great was how Gordon flip flopped between the fun, loving boyfriend and the aloof, condescending tutor.

All in all, Riding the Universe was a light, quick read. Not for the realists, but still a good read.

Recommended for: romance lovers, ages 14+

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-27T08:42:00.003-06:00

I hope you all had a very merry Christmas. I sure did--I got ten new books! Along with the two I am currently reading for school, I think I'll be plenty busy for the next few weeks. Look forward to plenty of new reviews!!!

As my gift to you, I give you one of the best books I have ever read:

Title: Hush, Hush

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Pages: 391

Summary (from Amazon): For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.
But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Review: Oh. My. Freakin'. God.

This book blew me away. I read the last 3/4 of it on Christmas Eve, I was so into it. I hadn't even been planning on reading it, but other blogs' reviews were so complimentary that I had to check it out. And it's a good thing I did! The story kept me on the edge of my seat. I had a pretty good idea of what Patch was, but I was still intrigued and wanted an explanation. The end has a fantastic twist maybe I should have seen, but didn't. Patch was the dream male protagonist--hot, strong, mysterious, and totally dangerous. Nora was a protagonist--while most girls would immediately fall for a guy who flattered them as Patch does, she holds strong and doesn't let her guard down. I found myself waiting for Patch to come in, because I knew wherever Nora was, he'd show up. This book gave me chills down my spine. It was probably the spookiest book I've ever read. It was also original--I mean, how many books about fallen angels have YOU read recently? If any, let me know because they are some of my new favorite paranormal creatures.

This book is a definite page turner. It may appear long, but it'll suck you in. It was over before I even realized it! The sequel, Crescendo, comes out Fall 2010. I can't wait!!!

Recommended for: Paranormal readers, ages 15+

Teaser Tuesday: Riding the Universe

2009-12-22T18:33:00.003-06:00

Favorite Couple of 2009

2009-12-21T18:16:00.002-06:00

Alexa at Not Enough Bookshelves is having a countdown of her favorite couples of 2009. She is also holding a contest! You can enter it here.

My favorite couple this year would have to be Jace and Clary from The Mortal Instruments Trilogy. Jace is a witty, butt-kicking hottie who should totally be played by Alex Pettyfer in the movie *ahem*. Does that tell you a little something about how awesome he is? Oh yeah, and clary's pretty cool too.

Anyway check out her awesome contest! If she gets over 50 entries she'll give away even MORE stuff! So enter before 12/24/09!!!

Fire

2009-12-19T12:35:00.003-06:00

Title: Fire

Author: Kristin Cashore

Pages: 352

Rating: ****

Summary (From Goodreads): Fire, Graceling's prequel-ish companion book, takes place across the mountains to the east of the seven kingdoms, in a rocky, war-torn land called the Dells. Beautiful creatures called monsters live in the Dells. Monsters have the shape of normal animals: mountain lions, dragonflies, horses, fish. But the hair or scales or feathers of monsters are gorgeously colored-- fuchsia, turquoise, sparkly bronze, iridescent green-- and their minds have the power to control the minds of humans. Seventeen-year-old Fire is the last remaining human-shaped monster in the Dells. Gorgeously monstrous in body and mind but with a human appreciation of right and wrong, she is hated and mistrusted by just about everyone, and this book is her story. Wondering what makes it a companion book/prequel? Fire takes place 30-some years before Graceling and has one cross-over character with Graceling, a small boy with strange two-colored eyes who comes from no-one-knows-where, and who has a peculiar ability that Graceling readers will find familiar and disturbing...

Review: I LOVED this book, possibly more than I loved Graceling. You don't have to have read Graceling to understand Fire, but there are some connections. I liked the fact that Fire was so moral and strong despite having such power. She was beautiful, but her beauty was a curse, which is a change from most books. I hated how she was treated--like a sex object by men and a whore by women, as if she chose her stunning beauty. I empathized with her pain as a child, when children hated her becasue their parents feared her father. I liked the romance element to it (you're probably sensing a trend...), but I loved the twist added! It was the type of predictability where you know what is going to happen, but you read on to know how they reach that ending.I loved Fire. I sympathized with her contradicting emotions about her father--a terrible man, but her father none the less. The ending was not what I expected. Kristin Cashore's writing was impecable, as it was in Graceling. I highly recommend this book, as well as Graceling! (review to come for the latter)

Recommended for: fantasy and romance lovers, fans of Graceling

Bloody Bookaholic's Contest!

2009-12-19T11:34:00.002-06:00

http://bloodybookaholic.blogspot.com/2009/11/christmashanukkah-whatever-you-believe.html

This contest is awesome! She's giving away tons of books to tons of winners! Check it out!

If you head on over, please include my name/blog as the one who referred you! Thanks so much!

Contest ends 12/25/09!!!!!

Awesome Contest!

2009-12-18T16:20:00.001-06:00

http://www.princessbookie.com/2009/12/day-8-12-blogs-of-xmas-giveaway.html

Princess Bookie is giving away a BUNCH of AMAZING books! check it out!!!

Contest ends 12/31/09!

One Lonely Degree

2009-12-17T19:41:00.004-06:00

Title: One Lonely Degree

Author: C.K. Kelly Martin

Pages: 256

Rating: ***1/2

Summary (from Goodreads): Anything is possible.... Finn has always felt out of place, but suddenly her world is unraveling. It started with The Party. And Adam Porter. And the night in September that changed everything. The only person who knows about that night is Audrey—Finn’s best friend, her witness to everything, and the one person Finn trusts implicitly. So when Finn’s childhood friend Jersy moves back to town—reckless, beautiful Jersy, all lips and eyes and hair so soft you’d want to dip your fingers into it if you weren’t careful—Finn gives her blessing for Audrey to date him. How could she possibly say no to Audrey? With Audrey gone for the summer, though, Finn finds herself spending more and more time with Jersy, and for the first time in her life, something feels right. But Finn can’t be the girl who does this to her best friend...can she?

Review: This book was a quick read. I enjoyed the plot and Finn as a character. I thought it was fairly realistic for a romance novel--I really liked the ending. Audrey is the perfect best friend, the type of friend I would love to have. Jersy is the best guy friend you could hope for. Finn, despite having them by her side, is still struggling because of what happened with Adam Porter. That part of the story wasn't drawn out--I liked that the author explains it early on so you can connect it to Finn's current actions. It also wasn't the cliche you might expect it to be. Overall, a pretty good read. I recommend it as a summer beach read, because it isn't too complex and it reads easily.

Recommended for: Romance lovers, older teens (mature party scene)

Sorry for the short reviews--any suggestions? Is there anything you'd like to hear about the book that I don't include?

Uglies/Pretties

2009-12-13T18:14:00.002-06:00

Title: Uglies

Author: Scott Westerfeld

Pages: 448

Rating: ****

Summary (From Amazon): Playing on every teen’s passionate desire to look as good as everybody else, Scott Westerfeld projects a future world in which a compulsory operation at sixteen wipes out physical differences and makes everyone pretty by conforming to an ideal standard of beauty. The "New Pretties" are then free to play and party, while the younger "Uglies" look on enviously and spend the time before their own transformations in plotting mischievous tricks against their elders. Tally Youngblood is one of the most daring of the Uglies, and her imaginative tricks have gotten her in trouble with the menacing department of Special Circumstances. She has yearned to be pretty, but since her best friend Shay ran away to the rumored rebel settlement of recalcitrant Uglies called The Smoke, Tally has been troubled. The authorities give her an impossible choice: either she follows Shay’s cryptic directions to The Smoke with the purpose of betraying the rebels, or she will never be allowed to become pretty. Hoping to rescue Shay, Tally sets off on the dangerous journey as a spy. But after finally reaching The Smoke she has a change of heart when her new lover David reveals to her the sinister secret behind becoming pretty. The fast-moving story is enlivened by many action sequences in the style of video games, using intriguing inventions like hoverboards that use the rider’s skateboard skills to skim through the air, and bungee jackets that make wild downward plunges survivable -- and fun. Behind all the commotion is the disturbing vision of our own society -- the Rusties -- visible only in rusting ruins after a virus destroyed all petroleum. Teens will be entranced, and the cliffhanger ending will leave them gasping for the sequel.

Review: Okay, so it took me a while to finally read this book. I heard about how great the series was, but I didn't read it until about a year ago, when I finally picked it up--and put it down, finished, a day later. For those readers who think they can't handle 400 pages--trust me, it does not feel like 400 pages. It was a page turner. I like Tally; she's tough, rebellious, and daring. I don't know if I'd be as daring as she is if I lived in her world. The other characters of the book are great and the plot is fast-paced. And hoverboarding? Epic! There are several twists that you can't see coming, and the cliffhanger? It'll kill you until you pick up...

Title: Pretties

Author: Scott Westerfeld

Pages: 384

Rating: ***1/2

Summary (from Amazon): Tally, the protagonist of the first book, has forgotten all that she did as an Ugly and has completely embraced the mindless life of a New Pretty, going to parties, drinking heavily, and thinking of nothing more than the next bit of entertainment. It is not until one of the Uglies from New Smoke comes and delivers a message for her that leads her to two pills, that she begins to remember the real reason she is Pretty: to see if the cure will work. Tally and her new boyfriend, Zane, each take one of the pills and both begin to stay focused for longer periods of time. When he has a bad reaction to the pill, Tally has to make a desperate attempt to get him to the only doctors who can help him–the ones outside the city. Westerfeld has built a masterfully complex and vivid civilization. His characters are multidimensional, especially Tally, who wrestles with what she has done in the past and what she will be forced to do in the future.

Review: An great sequel. I read this while on vacation, and it may have been the distracting ocean, but I didn't find it as gripping as Uglies until the last few chapters. It was still good, of course--Tally and her new boyfriend Zane, along with their clique, are still rebellious--they are trying to stay "bubbly", the feeling the operation took away. This book gives readers the inside world of Pretties--on the surface, most people would probably love this operation. I know I did at first! Who hasn't envied the looks of celebrities? But after seeing what it does to you, less-than-stunning outer beauty doesn't seem worth losing yourself. This book has another horribly amazing cliffhanger, making me super excited for Christmas--Specials and Extras are high on my list!!!

Recommended for: Sci-fi readers; action lovers; anyone who has ever hated their looks or envied the beauty of someone else.

Waiting on Wednesday

2009-12-09T16:15:00.002-06:00

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Title: Heist Society

Author: Ally Carter

Summary (from Ally Carter) :When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre…to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria…to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own—scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving “the life” for a normal life proves harder than she’d expected.
Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring Kat back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has a good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.
For Kat, there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family's history--and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way.

I LOVE Ally Carter's Gallagher Girl books (check them out at her website, reviews to come), and I am so excited fo ehr new book!

Release Date: 2/9/10

Interview with Laura Ruby and Bad Apple Giveaway!

2009-12-08T20:58:00.000-06:00

Interview with Laura Ruby and Bad Apple Giveaway!

Another awesome book contest. I can't wait to read it.

Contest ends 12/13!!!

SWOON Six-Month Anniversary Event & Contest!

2009-12-08T20:47:00.000-06:00

SWOON Six-Month Anniversary Event & Contest!

Check out this awesome contest! The Book Butterfly is giving away a signed copy of Swoon, one of my FAVORITE books! I highly recommend it. Read my review for further proof.

Contest ends 12/17!

Contest!

2009-12-07T21:21:00.003-06:00

Wow two posts in one day! I'm gettin the hang of this blogging thing!

So there's an AWESOME contest being held by Katie at Katie's Book Blog. Here's the post: http://katiesbookblog-katie.blogspot.com/2009/12/12-books-of-christmas-contest.html

She's giving away TWELVE books! How cool is that?! Contest ends 12/26/09!

A Great and Terrible Beauty

2009-12-07T17:01:00.002-06:00

Title: A Great and Terrible Beauty

Author: Libba Bray

Pages: 432

Rating: ****1/2

Summary (from Amazon): A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.
Gemma, 16, has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother’s death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls’ academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order.

Review: Awesome. Amazing. Incredible. This was one of the (many) books I read on my vacation, so it holds an even more special place in my heart. This book was adventure, mystery, secrets, drama, and a beautiful Victorian setting. Though it is "paranormal", the book doesn't have that unrealistic feeling to it that most supernatural books do. Right, realistic visions...anyway, what I really did like about this book was how realistic it was. There wasn't the protagonist who is perfect and the good person who is always right, like in most novels. Gemma has her faults. She falls victim to the hype of cliques, even when she is hurt and scorned by the popular crowd. She, along with the other girls, still desire to be a part of Felicity and Pippa's clique. I found this really refreshing. The end got a little confusing, but nothing too major. It was still an excellent book!

Recommended for: Historical fiction junkies, mystery lovers.

So I am getting a cold. Yeah, it sucks. Life is go-go-go and all I want to do is sleep. I'll fit in as MANY posts as possible in the upcoming weeks, because trust me, I of all people know the magic of a good book, and the desire to share that magic by giving a book as a gift! So! Be sure to keep looking around the blog; I'm still working on adding more features. Sadly my computer fails to be up to par with what I need/want done, but I'm wearing it down. Thanks for reading!

I have returned! New feature!

2009-12-04T17:48:00.004-06:00

Sorry for my absense. Due to technical difficulties and a family vacation, I have been without access to the internet for a few weeks.

I have been thinking about ways to perk up my blog. I've decided the first Friday of the month's post will be "Curl Up With a Classic". So as my first official CUWAC post, I give you...

Title: Jane Eyre

Author: Charlotte Brontë

Pages: 374 (varies by edition)

Rating: ****

Summary (from Goodreads): Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead and subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield Hall, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman's passionate search for a richer life than that traditionally allowed women in Victorian society.

Review: Though it can be difficult at times, there is definitely a reason Jane Eyre is a classic. It is full of real characters and lush descriptions. Jane Eyre is a strong-moraled, independent young woman-a very uncommon creature during this Victorian era. Her independence and ability to love will capture any reader. Do not be deceived however--there are dark undertones to this otherwise-romance novel. There is language to get through in some areas, but for the most part the plot moves quickly and comprehensibly. Jane Eyre is a classic you should curl up under the covers with.

Recommended for: romance lovers, "star-crossed lovers" diehards

Yes I realize I said Wide Sargasso Sea was next, but I thought Jane Eyre should come before its spin off.

In other news, I will start participating i Waiting on Wednesday as well. I have a lot of books to review from my family vacation, so expect more posts soon!

A Kiss in Time

2009-11-20T18:31:00.002-06:00

Title: A Kiss in Time

Author: Alex Flinn

Pages: 370

Rating: ***1/2

Summary (from Amazon): Jack is on a European tour mandated by his parents ("What they don't tell you about Europe is how completely lame it is") when he breaks an ancient curse by kissing the slumbering Princess Talia. Instead of rejoicing, she and other awakened members of their magical kingdom are confused and perturbed to find themselves in the 21st century. In order to escape the wrath of her father, who blames her for causing the curse, Talia flees with Jack to his home in Florida. While acclimating to the modern world-cell phones, television, Jell-o shots-the princess manages to charm everyone she meets and help Jack sort out his life. Alternating between the teenagers' distinctive points of view, Flinn skillfully delineates how their upbringings set them apart while drawing parallels between their family conflicts. Fans of happily-ever-after endings will delight in the upbeat resolution, which confirms the notion that "love conquers all."

Review: I liked this book. Sleeping Beauty was my favorite Disney princess, so I was psyched to read this book. I also enjoyed Alex Flinn's other fairytale retelling, Beastly, so that played a part as well. Meryl was definitely my favorite character, but I liked Talia as well. This novel was pretty cheesy, but what else can you expect from a fairy tale? I really liked the new twist Alex adds to the story--just a hint, it's perfect for hopeless romantics like myself. So if you love a good romance novel and just want to live happily ever after, definitely check out this book.

Recommended for: romance lovers

A review for Alex Flinn's novel Beastly will come in the near future (hopefully). As of now, next on the list is actually a book a just read for school: Wide Sargasso Sea