July 31, 2011

In My Mailbox #17 VLOG



Blood Red Road, by Moira Young.

"Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.
Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.
Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction."

Cryer's Cross, by Lisa McMann.

"Kendall loves her life in small town Cryer's Cross, Montana, but she also longs for something more. She knows the chances of going to school in New York are small, but she's not the type to give up easily. Even though it will mean leaving Nico, the world's sweetest boyfriend, behind.
But when Cryer's Cross is rocked by unspeakable tragedy, Kendall shoves her dreams aside and focuses on just one goal: help find her missing friends. Even if it means spending time with the one boy she shouldn't get close to... the one boy who makes her question everything she feels for Nico.
Determined to help and to stay true to the boy she's always loved, Kendall keeps up the search--and stumbles upon some frightening local history. She knows she can't stop digging, but Kendall is about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried...."


Withering Tights, by Louise Rennison.

"Wow. This is it. This is me growing up. On my own, going to Performing Arts College. This is good-bye, Tallulah, you long, gangly thing, and hellooooo, Lullah, star of stage.
Tallulah Casey is ready to find her inner artist. And some new mates. And maybe a boy or two or three.
The ticket to achieving these lofty goals? Enrolling in a summer performing arts program, of course. She's bound for the wilds of Yorkshire Dales—eerily similar to the windswept moors of Wuthering Heights. Tallulah expects new friends, less parental interference, and lots of drama. Acting? Tights? Moors? Check, check, check.
What she doesn't expect is feeling like a tiny bat's barging around in her mouth when she has her first snog."


Random Magic, by Sasha Soren.

"When absent-minded Professor Random misplaces the main character from Alice in Wonderland, young Henry Witherspoon must book-jump to fetch Alice before chaos theory kicks in and the world vanishes. Along the way he meets Winnie Flapjack, a wit-cracking doodle witch with nothing to her name but a magic feather and a plan. Such as it is. Henry and Winnie brave the Dark Queen, whatwolves, pirates, Struths, and fluttersmoths, Priscilla and Charybdis, obnoxiously cheerful vampires, Baron Samedi, a nine-dimensional cat, and one perpetually inebriated Muse to rescue Alice and save the world by tea time."

American Dervish, by Ayak Ahktar.

"Hayat Shah was captivated by Mina long before he met her: his mother's beautiful, brilliant, and soulfully devout friend is a family legend. When he learns that Mina is leaving Pakistan to live with the Shahs in America, Hayat is thrilled.
Hayat's father is less enthusiastic. He left the fundamentalist world behind with reason. What no one expects is that when Mina shows Hayat the beauty and power of the Quran, it will utterly transform the boy.
Mina's real magic may be that the Shah household, always contentious and sad, becomes a happy one. But when Mina finds her own path to happiness, the ember of jealousy in Hayat's heart is enflamed by the community's anti-Semitism-and he acts with catastrophic consequences for those he loves most."

July 30, 2011

Gone For The Weekend!




My agenda is filled with book signings that I plan on going to, the first on is this weekend (Sunday) in Lynnwood WA. Kimberly Derting, Lisa Schroeder, Cat Patrick, Mandy Hubbard and a few others are all going to be there!

I can't wait to get my books signed, get tons of swag, and maybe even a extra book or two, so I can host a awesome giveaway for you guys!:D

But since Lynnwood isn't too close to home, my dad decided to take this opportunity to make it a trip; we're camping. My dad's in the military, and is deploying again this December, for I think the seventh time. He takes any chance he can get to do something special with us, and plus he's a huge help getting all my books signed and standing in line for me while I stand in another one(:

I already have blog posts scheduled on here, so that it automatically posts them, well I hope, I've never done this before! This post, and my IMM are automatically scheduled. When I come back I'll show you guys some pictures, the stuff I received and a possible giveaway(:

Have a awesome weekend!:D

July 28, 2011

Another Book Up For Trade! (Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick!)

Even though I really loved and enjoyed this book, with it's great story and pictures, I really want to make sure someone else has the chance to read it! It's a ARC and doesn't come out til September 13th! This gives one of you bloggers the chance to read and review it one more time.



If your interested in trading, my wishlist is here, and my review of this book is here!

Just simply email me, if you want to trade, and we'll figure something out!(:

Book Review #37: Wonderstruck

Title: Wonderstruck.
Author: Brian Selznick.
Format: ARC
Pages: 629.
Series: Nope.
Publisher: Scholastic.
Published Date: September 13, 2011.

Summary:

"Playing with the form he created in his trailblazing debut novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick once again sails into uncharted territory and takes readers on an awe-inspiring journey.
Ben and Rose secretly wish their lives were different. Ben longs for the father he has never known. Rose dreams of a mysterious actress whose life she chronicles in a scrapbook. When Ben discovers a puzzling clue in his mother’s room and Rose reads an enticing headline in the newspaper, both children set out alone on desperate quests to find what they are missing.
Set fifty years apart, these two independent stories--Ben’s told in words, Rose’s in pictures--weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder. Rich, complex, affecting, and beautiful--with over 460 pages of original artwork--Wonderstruck is a stunning achievement from a uniquely gifted artist and visionary."


Cover:4/5

The cover is really pretty and I love the font used to spell "Wonderstruck". But the reason I gave it a four out of five, instead a full five is because the lightening in the background? The city and buildings came into play quite a few times throughout Wonderstruck, but I don't think there was ever anything to do with lightening or a storm.

Characters-

In Wonderstruck, there are two stories, one that uses writing and the other uses pictures. Which makes choosing a favorite and least favorite character a little bit harder.

But in the end I really liked all of the characters, maybe not Rose's parents as much as the others though. Her mother is a celebrity who doesn't miss or even care about her daughter, and both her and Rose's father, believed she shouldn't leave the house because it's too "dangerous" for someone who's deaf.

What crazy person keeps their daughter locked up inside?

Story Line:

Wonderstruck, is a story about two individuals, Ben and Rose, who both runaway, searching something that's missing in their life. By the end of the book you get to know how both of this kids are related, even though Ben's story takes place fifty years later.

While Ben uses writing to express his story, Rose uses pictures.

Fully deaf, Rose wants to leave her house, see the world and see her mom again. Her mom is a celebrity and isn't home very often, so Rose sneaks outside to find her one day! When she does, things don't go as she expects them to; her mother tells her to go back home, and that the outside world is too dangerous for a girl who's deaf.

On the other hand, Ben is only deaf in one ear, but just as Rose, Ben misses something in his life. He lives with his auntie and uncle, because his mother passed away not too long ago. Ben never knew who his father was, and he found himself searching his mother's room for clues; anything that will help him find his father.

Wonderstruck was fantastic! I loved it, I loved the story, I loved the beautiful pictures, the characters, and the ending!

I wouldn't recommend this as a summer read, but if your looking for something to read late at night, something that doesn't take too much time and concentration, I would recommend Wonderstruck!

Waiting On Wednesday #16

Lola and the Boy Next Door, by Stephanie Perkins



"In this companion novel to Anna and the French Kiss, two teens discover that true love may be closer than they think
For budding costume designer Lola Nolan, the more outrageous, the outfit - more sparkly, more fun, more wild - the better. But even though Lola's style is outrageous, she's a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins move back into the house next door.
When the family returns and Cricket - a gifted inventor and engineer - steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door."


Release Date: September 29, 2011.

July 26, 2011

Giveaway Reminder!


If you didn't know I have awesome giveaway going on! You could win two signed posters (The Body Finder, and Desires of the Dead), two signed book marks (The Body Finder, and Desires of the Dead), and a sticker (Desires of the dead!).

I have a youtube video and some pictures up, so you can get a closer look, at what you could win!

The giveaway is International, and you still have lots of time to enter, if you haven;t yet!

There's tons of extra entry opportunities, so make sure to stop by and check it out!:D

Teaser Tuesday #18: Wonderstruck



This week's teaser victim is Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick! My review will be posted later on tomorrow, make sure to check it out then(:

#1.)"Fragments of his life rose up to the surface only to be pulled back under. He struggled to keep his head above the water."

#2.)"A bookmark floated through the air and landed on his chest."

July 24, 2011

Book Review #36: The Devouring


Title: The Devouring.
Author: Simon Holt.
Format: Paperback.
Series: Yes #1.
Publisher: Little Brown.
Published Date: September 1, 2008.

Summary:

""When dark creeps in and eats the light,
Bury your fears on Sorry Night.
For in the winter's blackest hours,
Comes the feasting of the Vours,
No one can see it, the life they stole,
Your body's here but not your soul..."
THE VOURS: Evil, demonic beings that inhabit human bodies on Sorry Night, the darkest hours of the winter solstice.
When Reggie reads about the Vours in a mysterious old journal, she assumes they are just the musings of an anonymous lunatic. But when her little brother, Henry, begins to act strangely, it's clear that these creatures exist beyond a madwoman's imagination, and Reggie finds out what happens when fears come to life.
To save the people she loves, Reggie must learn to survive in a world of nightmares. Can she devour her own fears before they devour her?
The Devouring is an engrossing tale of terror that will have you wondering: what if your worst fears became your living nightmare?"


Cover: 3/5

The cover looks like a great cover for a scary book like this, but to be honest it doesn't connect to the story. There was no purple smoke in the story, not anywhere! But what made me give this a score of three out of five, was the girl; the way her makeup is running!(:

Characters-

Favorite:

My favorite would have to be Henry or Aaron. I know you don't get to hear a lot of Henry (because his body was just overtaken by a Vour)! But he just seems like the perfect little brother, who looks up to his sister.

On the other hand Aaron, isn't the bravest or strongest guy. But he seems like a great best friend, that cares a lot about Reggie.

Least Favorite:

Aha, this is easy! Reggie and Henry's dad. What a jerk!? Does he not see what's going on right in front of his face? Instead of always getting mad at Reggie and making her be the cleaning lady, maybe he should spend more time with his kids and clean up his share too.

He made me so angry throughout the book! How can he not know what's going on? Maybe he should ask his children every once in a while, "How are you?" "How was school?" and "Anything new?". Come on! Open your eyes!

Story Line:

I'm not really that into reading scary stories, but I have to admit this book was amazing! I didn't have very high expectations in the first place, but The Devouring definitively proved me wrong!

Even though at some parts I just wanted to take Reggie's dad's shoulders and shake him! I thought the beginning was smooth and slowly lead you into what was happening and the end left you satisfied(:


July 23, 2011

In My Mailbox #16 Vlog!



Here are some summaries and links!(:


RAK:

My Soul To Take, by Rachel Vincent.

"She doesn't see dead people, but she senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.
Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next"


Thank you so much for sending this awesome book to me Raelena, I will definetly be sending you a book and some goodies too!(:
Make sure to check out her blog!

Review:

The Angels Are Here (Paradox #1), by Patti Roberts.

"Nine hundred years ago, under the complete cover of darkness, the Grigorian army rose silently from their underground lair and attacked the Bulguardian Royal Palace. The bloody and violent battle between the two most legendary houses raged on. All but destroying the majestic Royal City of Altair.

It was not the first war that Juliette had endured between good and evil. And it most certainly would not be her last.

Today, a little girl's world is turned upside down by a visitor,the Angel of Death. She finds herself trapped in a nightmare, consumed by her paralyzing loss and overwhelming grief. The haunting visions and untimely deaths of others are a constant reminder that life and death are only a heartbeat away"


Can't wait to finish reading this tonight, it sounds amazing Patti. Again thank you for sending me this!:D

Won:

Angels & Demons, by Dan Brown.

"An ancient secret brotherhood.
A devastating new weapon of destruction.
An unthinkable target.
When world-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to a Swiss research facility to analyze a mysterious symbol -- seared into the chest of a murdered physicist -- he discovers evidence of the unimaginable: the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati...the most powerful underground organization ever to walk the earth. The Illuminati has now surfaced to carry out the final phase of its legendary vendetta against its most hated enemy -- the Catholic Church.
Langdon's worst fears are confirmed on the eve of the Vatican's holy conclave, when a messenger of the Illuminati announces they have hidden an unstoppable time bomb at the very heart of Vatican City. With the countdown under way, Langdon jets to Rome to join forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and mysterious Italian scientist, to assist the Vatican in a desperate bid for survival.
Embarking on a frantic hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals, and even the most secretive vault on earth, Langdon and Vetra follow a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that snakes across Rome toward the long-forgotten Illuminati lair...a clandestine location that contains the only hope for Vatican salvation.
An explosive international thriller, Angels & Demons careens from enlightening epiphanies to dark truths as the battle between science and religion turns to war."

Tantalize, by Cynthia Smith.

"CLASSIFIED ADS: RESTAURANTS SANGUINI'S: A VERY RARE RESTAURANT IS HIRING A CHEF DE CUISINE. DINNERS ONLY.
APPLY IN PERSON BETWEEN 2:00 AND 4:00 PM.
Quincie Morris has never felt more alone. Her parents are dead, and her hybrid-werewolf first love is threatening to embark on a rite of passage that will separate them forever. Then, as she and her uncle are about to unveil their hot vampire-themed restaurant, a brutal murder leaves them scrambling for a chef. Can Quincie transform their new hire into a culinary Dark Lord before opening night? Can he wow the crowd in his fake fangs,
cheap cape, and red contact lenses — or is there more to this earnest face than meets the eye? As human and preternatural forces clash, a deadly love triangle forms, and the line between predator and prey begins to blur. Who’s playing whom? And how long can Quincie play along before she loses everything? TANTALIZE marks Cynthia Leitich Smith’s delicious debut as a preeminent author of dark fantasy."


I was really looking forward to Forever, Wonderstruck, Pure, and Shut Out, but thank you for sending extra books! Your fantastic!(:
Make sure to check out Lindsi's blog too!

July 21, 2011

Cover Revealed #1: Spellbound!

Title: Spell Bound
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Series: Yes, Hex Hall #3
Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: March 13, 2012

Summary:

"Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted.

Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?"


Here's a little something from Rachel Hawkin's blog!!(:

"Once again, the amazing people at Hyperion have hit it out of the PARK, if you ask me. I cannot WAIT to see this one next to the other two, even though the thought of that makes me kind of sad because once I have the final copy, it will mean the trilogy is *sniff* OVER. Yes, there are more adventures to come in the HEX HALL universe, but Sophie's story wraps up in SPELL BOUND. That meant that this book was probably the toughest book I've ever had to write. I wanted to give my beh-behs a fitting send-off, and while y'all can decided whether or not I've done that in March, for now I CAN say that the art department at Hyperion has DEFINITELY delivered on a gorgeous going away present. :)"

The last book!? Awww! But I still can't wait to read it!:D
Sounds amazing!

Books For Trade!


Trading books through blogger? I've seen quite a few bloggers who I follow, actually do this! So why not just give it a try.
For right now I just picked out a few books, that either I didn't enjoy or books that I just don't want anymore, because I need more room in my bookshelf!

  • The Kiss by Elda Minger (Paperback)
  • The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson(Paperback)
  • Airhead by Meg Cabot (Paperback)
  • The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (Paperback)
  • Replay by Sharon Creech (Hardback)

All of these books are in good condition, no one smokes in my home, we don't have cats and my dogs live downstairs!
If your interested in any of these books feel free to contact me, and we can set things up!

Here's my wishlist!

July 20, 2011

Book Review #35: Hold Still

Title: Hold Still.
Author: Nina LaCour.
Format: Paperback.
Series: Nope.
Publisher: Speak.
Published Date: October 2010.

Summary:

"An arresting story about starting over after a friend's suicide, froma breakthrough new voice in YA fiction
dear caitlin, there are so many things that i want so badly to tell you but i just can't.
Devastating, hopeful, hopeless, playful . . . in words and illustrations, Ingrid left behind a painful farewell in her journal for Caitlin. Now Caitlin is left alone, by loss and by choice, struggling to find renewed hope in the wake of her best friend's suicide. With the help of family and newfound friends, Caitlin will encounter first love, broaden her horizons, and start to realize that true friendship didn't die with Ingrid. And the journal which once seemed only to chronicle Ingrid's descent into depression, becomes the tool by which Caitlin once again reaches out to all those who loved Ingrid - and Caitlin herself"


Cover: 3.5/5

The cover of my copy of Hold Still, just confuses me. Why does the girl look like she's moving, if the book is called "Hold Still"? Maybe, if she were in the process of letting go, it would make more sense. I would really prefer the hardback instead. I feel that it fits the story a lot better!

Characters-

Favorite:

My favorite character would have to be Dylan, hands down, no question about it. She just seems like someone you could trust, depend and lean on when you need her; she knows exactly what to say or not to say to make you feel better.

Throughout the story, Dylan and Caitlin become good friends, even though they had a rough start. Maybe just because they have something in common, just maybe, something that Caitlin has no idea about!(:

Least Favorite:

In Hold Still, I don't think I have a least favorite character. In general I like them all, but there were a couple of little things that would bother and irritate me.

Starting with Caitlin! I feel that if you lose someone, it would get a little annoying if loved ones, friends or just anybody kept asking if I'm okay, if I'm managing and blah blah blah! I would be happy, when I finally passed someone that wouldn't ask me those questions, that wouldn't look at me and I would know right away what their thinking.

But when Caitlin's photography teacher, didn't approach her about it, she was so angry and felt like she was being ignored. Why? Wouldn't you be happy that for once, someone isn't talking about your best friends death?

Story Line: 5/5

Hold Still, actually doesn't start until after Caitlin's best friend passes away, this whole story isn't about a girl who wants to commit suicide. It's about another, learning to deal with her best friends passing, and learning how to move on, without forgetting Ingrid.

The book is actually divide into seasons (summer, fall, winter, spring, and summer again), it takes you on Caitlin's journey, learning to live without someone who was so close to her, making new friends, and finding her first love.

Have you ever had those times where you just want to watch a sad movie? One that you've probably seen fifty times already, like Titanic, Dear John, or The Notebook? Crying at scenes that you've cried at some many times before! This is one of those books!

If you need something sad, something that will make you change the way you think, I would definitely recommend Hold Still! I really enjoyed this book, even though I wasn't so excited about it at the beginning, it really changed my mind!

Author Interview: Nina LaCour!

"An arresting story about starting over after a friend's suicide, froma breakthrough new voice in YA fiction

dear caitlin, there are so many things that i want so badly to tell you but i just can't.

Devastating, hopeful, hopeless, playful . . . in words and illustrations, Ingrid left behind a painful farewell in her journal for Caitlin. Now Caitlin is left alone, by loss and by choice, struggling to find renewed hope in the wake of her best friend's suicide. With the help of family and newfound friends, Caitlin will encounter first love, broaden her horizons, and start to realize that true friendship didn't die with Ingrid. And the journal which once seemed only to chronicle Ingrid's descent into depression, becomes the tool by which Caitlin once again reaches out to all those who loved Ingrid - and Caitlin herself"





I'm very excited to introduce Nina LaCour, the author of Hold Still! She has answered a few questions for us, so take a few moments and learn more about this wonderful author!

Here are some quick and easy questions, just to get you warmed up!

1. Coffee or Tea?

Both! Coffee in the morning, tea later in the day.

2. Noodles or Popsicles?

Noodles. I'm a savory person.

3. Acting or Photography?

Photography. Definitely.

4. Writing or Reading?

I can't imagine my life without either.

5. Candy or Chocolate?

Depends on the day.

Now some harder ones!(:

1. What caused you to write a book on this topic (suicide)?

Two people I knew committed suicide when I was a freshman in high school. Though my book isn't based on either of them, I had a lot of questions as a teenager about what would drive a person to make such an irreversible decision, and I still have many of those questions now. But, to me, Hold Still isn't primarily about suicide. It's about what happens after that--how friendships develop, how grief overwhelms and eventually softens, how absurd and difficult and beautiful it is to be a teenager.

2. Is this book based off a real event? Have you been through the same thing?

No, I didn't lose a best friend to suicide in high school, but a lot Hold Still is based on my teenage years. The high school in the book is a lot like my high school was; the car Caitlin drives is based on my first car. Many of the themes are lifted from my life, like the way it feels to let go of old friends and make new ones and to come to know yourself gradually, in unexpected ways. But the major events and characters are inventions.

3. When writing this book, what obstacles did you have to overcome?

Hold Still is the first novel I completed. I usually wrote short stories. Short stories are great because you write them in a burst of inspiration, and you revise them and refine them and then they are finished and you are free to move on to the next one. But novels require a level of dedication that I didn't fully anticipate. There were times when I grew tired of writing the same story for so many pages and wished I could write something else. I worried a lot that it wouldn't be interesting enough, and I added all of these subplots that I later cut when my editor pointed out that they detracted from my story, which actually did turn out to be interesting. It was a difficult process, but it was also amazing to see the page count grow and to follow Caitlin through this tumultuous year in her life.

4. When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a writer.

5. How did you know you should become a author?

My mom tells me that I used to dictate stories to her before I knew how to write, and I remember how thrilling it was whenever I was given a creative writing assignment in school. I knew I should be an author because when I wrote I got this feeling of rightness, and I cared very much about making what I wrote be as good as I could possibly make it. I think it's important for people to listen to their instincts and to follow them.

6. Back in high school, were you into photography? Are you now?

When I was in high school I was obsessed with the movie Reality Bites. In the movie, Winona Ryder plays a documentarian, and I took my inspiration very literally and asked for a movie camera for my birthday. I tried, unsuccessfully, to make films, which is a lot like photography. But I didn't actually take photographs and learn to develop film in a darkroom until I was researching for Hold Still. Photography has always been a big part of my life, though. My godmother is a photographer, and my mom used to teach high school photography and is now a photographer herself, and I married a photographer!

7. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love to spend time with the people I love and go on picnics and listen to music and dance in my apartment and cook and read and rearrange furniture.

8. How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

I was headed to the airport when I got the call from my agent that we had an offer for Hold Still. I kept losing her because I was on the train and reception was terrible, but I didn't want to hang up. I was joining my girlfriend who was away in Portland, OR for work, and we went to our favorite Portland restaurant (the Farm Cafe) and had a great dinner and didn't stop smiling for days.

9. Where do you prefer to write? Outside, at your desk, in the living room?

I move around a lot. There are a couple cafes in Oakland (where I live) where I like to go to write, but most of the time I do a rotation, from the table in my kitchen where I drink coffee, to my little home office, to the even smaller deck off the back of the apartment--I find that switching up locations helps me to stay focused. I'm all about the atmosphere, too, so I always make sure that I have a clear space to work and a good view.

10. Do you plan on writing and publishing more books? Is something already in the works?

My second novel comes out in spring 2012, less than a year from now! It's called The Disenchantments. It doesn't deal with a big tragedy like Hold Still does, and there is a lot more lightheartedness and humor and fun, but it also looks at how painful it can be to grow up and grow apart from the people you were once closest to. It's about leaving home and going out into the world, and how exhilarating and terrifying and new that can feel. Here is the official synopsis from my publisher:

Colby and Bev have a long-standing pact: graduate, hit the road with Bev’s band, and then spend the year wandering around Europe. But moments after the tour kicks off, Bev makes a shocking announcement: she’s abandoning their plans—and Colby—to go her own way in the fall.

But the show must go on and The Disenchantments weave through the Pacific Northwest, playing in small towns and dingy venues, while roadie-Colby struggles to deal with Bev’s already-growing distance and the most important question of all: what’s next?

Morris Award–finalist Nina LaCour draws together the beauty and influences of music and art to brilliantly capture a group of friends on the brink of the rest of their lives.


Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Lisa!

Waiting On Wednesday #15

"The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy
In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever."


Right now, I'm actually reading Matched, and I love it! Quite a few reviews I've read and watched said the story was kind of slow, but if you ask me it's not! I love the way Ally Condie creates this new society, a new world, with a whole new set of rules! And something like that takes time.
I hope Crossed and the third book in the trilogy are just as good if not better than Matched!(:

Teaser Tuesday #17: Hold Still


This week's book, that I'll be teasing you with is Hold Still by Nina LaCour. I've already read and finished this book, so the review (and two more surprises) will be posted later on tonight!(;

So make sure to look forward to that!

#1.)"I do know that I won't say: actually it was with two guys at once, who I didn't really know, and who weren't even that cute, and it was on a rock in a shitty public park, down by a creek with dirty water."

#2.)"Today I felt like dying. I woke up and didn't want to open my eyes."

July 17, 2011

Book Review and Giveaway: Desires of the Dead



Title: Desires of the Dead.
Author: Kimberly Derting.
Pages: 355.
Format: Hardback.
Series: The Body Finder Series, #2.
Publisher: HarperCollins.
Published Date: February 2011.
Summary:

"The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.
Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.
As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger."


Cover: 5/5

Even though, I'm not sure if the pink thing is a flower or not, I just love this cover. The clean and slick black background not only makes the pink, but also the title and the author stick out much more. The cover is simple, beautiful and get it's point across.

Characters-

Favorite:

Jay's been my favorite since The Body Finder, but I found myself liking him more and more throughout the second book. He might not have been on Violet's side at one point in time (I don't want to give any spoilers!), but he's still such a sweet guy! Awwww(: When Jay became friends with the new boy in their school (Mike), they had a little bro-mance, but he still made sure not to leave Violet out.
If I had to pick a second character I really enjoyed, it would have to be Chelsea. She so bold, and outgoing, doing things I would NEVER do in public! But Chelsea added humor to the story, which was a huge plus(:

Least Favorite:

In The Body Finder, I felt like Violet could be someone that I wanted to be friends with. I understood her, and some of the things she was going through (obviously I can't spot the dead or it's murders, but just some teenage-girl-life things). But in this book, Violet seemed different. She was sneaking behind peoples backs, she got mad at Jay and didn't speak to him for days, and she also avoided the FBI.

I loved the roll Violet played, but it was a little frustrating that she could just never ask for help, always wanting to do it on her own. Come on Violet! Their your family, they love you and just want to help!

Story Line: 5/5

Ask anyone, "If you could have any super power, which would it be?". Most likely they answer won't be, "Uhhhh, I wish I could spot dead people, and their murderers!". Well, unless your in the force oooor your just ... a big weirdo. Violet, didn't exactly have a choice. The power runs in her family, even though it skipped her mom.

I had so much fun reading Desires of the Dead, even if the ending was a little sad. It held up to my high expectations, I set after falling in love with The Body Finder. I can't wait to get my hands on the third book! I hope we get to learn more about Violet's grandma, and how she dealt with this power, Jay and Violet's relationship, and maybe even include Chelsea and Mike a little more(:

July 16, 2011

In My Mailbox #15 (VLOG!)



Here's a picture(:


Shut Out, Kody Keplinger.

"Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other Schools. At Hamilton High, it’s a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part, Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight or haze a freshman. And on three separate occasions Randy’s car has been egged while he and Lissa were inside, making out. She is done competing with a bunch of sweaty boys for her own boyfriend’s attention.
Lissa decides to end the rivalry once and for all: She and the other players’ girlfriends go on a hookup strike. The boys won’t get any action from them until the football and soccer teams make peace. What they don’t count on is a new sort of rivalry: an impossible girls-against-boys showdown that hinges on who will cave to their libidos first. And Lissa never sees her own sexual tension with the leader of the boys, Cash Sterling, coming. In this hilarious and romantic reimagining of Aristophanes’ Lysistrata, the battle of boys against girls is on."


Forever, by Maggie Stiefvater.


"The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stievater
In Maggie Stiefvater's SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in."


Pure, by Julianna Baggott.

"A dystopian novel about a society of haves, who escaped an apocalypse in a futuristic dome-covered city, and have-nots, who survived the nearly destroyed outside world. The have-nots are almost entirely marked or mutated in some manner.

PURE centers around the story of Pressia, a 16-year-old survivor with a doll’s head fused into her left hand, and Partridge, an unmarked Pure who has escaped the Dome to find his mother, certain that she has survived the cataclysm."


Wonder Struck, by Brian Selznick.

"Set fifty years apart, two independent stories—Ben's told in words and Rose's in pictures—weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder.

Ever since his mom died, Ben feels lost.
At home with her father, Rose feels alone.

He is searching for someone, but he is not sure who.
She is searching for something, but she is not sure what.

When Ben finds a mysterious clue hidden in his mom's room,
When a tempting opportunity presents itself to Rose

Both children risk everything to find what's missing.

With over 460 pages of original drawings and playing with the form he invented in his trailblazing debut novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick once again sails into uncharted territory and takes readers on an awe-inspiring journey."

July 14, 2011

Book Review #34: Heist Society


Title: Heist Society.
Author: Ally Carter.
Pages: 287.
Format: Hardback.
Series: Yes, #1.
Publisher: Disney Hyperion.
Published Date: February, 2010.

Summary:

"When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her 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 her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster's art collection has been stolen, and he wants it returned. 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 (very crooked) history—and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way."


Cover: 5/5

Even though it doesn't really bother me, if book covers in a series don't match, I'm still glad they do(:
What I really like about this one, is her sly smile and her glasses. When you look into them, you can see one of the pieces of art she has to "steal" throughout the story. Awesome cover!(:

Characters-

In Heist Society, I really enjoyed all of the characters, from her little gang, to her dad and uncles. I must say, I didn't like Hale very much at the beginning of the book, but I found myself liking him more and more towards the end. But I do hope, that in the second book, Uncommon Criminals, that we get to know more about Kat's mom and the past.

Story Line:

It's like a family business, when the next generation gets old enough, they take over, doesn't matter if your family bakes, does construction, owns a farm, or steals. Some are okay with taking over, since their the next in line. But others like Kat, want something different, want something better for themselves, want more.

When you first get to know Kat, she's attending a private school. Well that is until she get's accused something she didn't do. She's been framed, and expelled.

As Kat walks out, expecting a cab, she sees a long limo waiting for her. To her surprise, Hale, a family friend sits inside waiting for her. From this moment on, everything changes. Will Kat be pushed back into her old life of theft? Will she accept the job? Is her father behind this? You'll just have to read the book to find out(;

When I picked this book up I was a little unsure if I would like it, but a lot of bloggers and youtubers I follow, said they had enjoyed Heist Society. Just like them I loved it! Before I even knew, I was already finished, and wanting more. Uncommon Criminals is the second book in the series, which I can't wait to start reading(:

July 13, 2011

Once Upon A Read-a-Thon Update #3

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon

This last two days went by so fast, I can't believe today's the last day of the read-a-thon already. I had loads of fun, reading like crazy and joining mini challenges! I can't wait til next year, to do it all again(:

The read-a-thon doesn't officially end til midnight tonight, so everyone should be cramming in another book or two.

So far I finished Desires of the Dead, Hold still, Replay, and half of The Devouring! I hope to finish The Devouring and get started on Matched(:

What have you read so far?

Teaser Tuesday #16: Heist Society


Heist Society is this week's lucky book, I'm teasing about! I have finished and really enjoyed it. I'll be posting the review this Thursday....so tomorrow(:

#1.)"The desert air was dry, but there was no denying the smell of chlorine-and money-as Kat rolled the blueprints out onto the glass tabletop."

#2.)"It was was easy to feel alone there, lost in the chaos. But Kat was a thief. Kat knew better."

July 12, 2011

Once Upon A Read-a-Thon Update #2

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon

To do a quick update (so I can get back to reading), I just want to let you guys know how far I got. I finished up Desires of the Dead, halfway through Hold Still, and about five chapters into Devouring!

My goal for today is to actually finish both Hold Still and Devouring, so I can finally get to Matched, which I'm really looking forward to reading(:

And since I did finish one book on my list, I figured why not just add one more? So I'm adding...

She's So Dead To Us, by Kieran Scott.

"When having money is all that matters, what happens when you lose it all?
Perfect, picturesque Orchard Hill. It was the last thing Ally Ryan saw in the rear-view mirror as her mother drove them out of town and away from the shame of the scandal her father caused when his hedge fund went south and practically bankrupted all their friends — friends that liked having trust funds and new cars, and that didn't like constant reminders that they had been swindled. So it was adios, Orchard Hill. Thanks for nothing.
Now, two years later, Ally's mother has landed a job back at the site of their downfall. So instead of Ally's new low-key, happy life, it'll be back into the snake pit with the likes of Shannen Moore and Hammond Ross.
But then there's Jake Graydon. Handsome, wealthy, bored Jake Graydon. He moved to town after Ally left and knows nothing of her scandal, but does know that he likes her. And she likes him. So off into the sunset they can go, right? Too bad Jake's friends have a problem with his new crush since it would make Ally happy. And if anyone deserves to be unhappy, it's Ally Ryan.
Ally was hoping to have left all the drama in the past, but some things just can't be forgotten. Isn't there more to life than money?"

Mini Challenge Day 2

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon


This mini challenge, name your three favorite love triangles!

Mine are...

1. Jeremiah, Belly and Conrad from The Summer I Turned Pretty Series.
2. Puke, Megan, and Ash from the Iron Fey Series.
3. Jacob, Bella and Edward from the Twilight Series.

... I don't believe I've read a book, that has a love triangle with two girls, instead of two boys!

July 11, 2011

Everything That Happened This Week



Welcome to this week's ETHTW! I'm going to have to make this quick, so I can get back to reading for the Read-a-Thon!(:

Monday:

Happy Fourth of July.

Tuesday:

Teaser, You Wish.

Book Review, Chasing Brooklyn.

Wednesday:

Waiting on Wednesday.

Thursday:

Once Upon A Read-a-Thon Sign-up

Friday:

Blog Hop.

Saturday:

Book Review, You Wish.

Sunday:

In My Mailbox, Vlog.

Mini Challenge (Once Upon A Read-a-Thon)

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon

Mini Challenge Question 1:
What is your favorite type of myth (Greek, Roman, Egyptian etc)?

Mine would have to be Roman and Greek, I'm really sure why. I've loved it ever since I was in elementary school, we had a after school club where you got to learn a lot about mythology. I always found myself liking either Greek myth or Roman better than the rest(:

Mini Challenge Question 2:
What is your favorite book with some type of mythology in it?

I haven't read much on mythology, but one book I really enjoyed was Troy High! It was a modern re-telling of Homer's Iliad(:

Once Upon A Read-a-Thon Update #1

Today is the first day of the read-a-thon, and I'm very excited to start reading and finally read some of those books that have been sitting on my shelf for a while now.
Since I just woke up and haven't really read anything yet, this first update will just consist of the list of books that I hope to finish within the next three days(:

Here they are...




I know this isn't as many has some other people have, but this is what I'm just going to start with. If I finish all of these I'll just add some more books to my reading list(:

#1. Desires of the Dead, by Kimberly Derting.

"The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.
Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.
As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger."


#2. Hold Still by Nina LaCour.

"An arresting story about starting over after a friend's suicide, froma breakthrough new voice in YA fiction
dear caitlin, there are so many things that i want so badly to tell you but i just can't.
Devastating, hopeful, hopeless, playful . . . in words and illustrations, Ingrid left behind a painful farewell in her journal for Caitlin. Now Caitlin is left alone, by loss and by choice, struggling to find renewed hope in the wake of her best friend's suicide. With the help of family and newfound friends, Caitlin will encounter first love, broaden her horizons, and start to realize that true friendship didn't die with Ingrid. And the journal which once seemed only to chronicle Ingrid's descent into depression, becomes the tool by which Caitlin once again reaches out to all those who loved Ingrid - and Caitlin herself"


#3. Devouring by Simon Holt.

""When dark creeps in and eats the light,
Bury your fears on Sorry Night.
For in the winter's blackest hours,
Comes the feasting of the Vours,
No one can see it, the life they stole,
Your body's here but not your soul..."
THE VOURS: Evil, demonic beings that inhabit human bodies on Sorry Night, the darkest hours of the winter solstice.
When Reggie reads about the Vours in a mysterious old journal, she assumes they are just the musings of an anonymous lunatic. But when her little brother, Henry, begins to act strangely, it's clear that these creatures exist beyond a madwoman's imagination, and Reggie finds out what happens when fears come to life.
To save the people she loves, Reggie must learn to survive in a world of nightmares. Can she devour her own fears before they devour her?
The Devouring is an engrossing tale of terror that will have you wondering: what if your worst fears became your living nightmare?"


#4. Matched by Ally Condie.

"Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow."

#5. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.

"Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge."

July 10, 2011

In My Mailbox #14 (VLOG!!!)

So I finally figured out how to work it! It only took me a month! But anyways I'm so happy and I hope you guys like it(:




Here is a picture!:D



Iron Daughter, by Julie Kagawa.

"Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.
Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart."


Iron Queen, by Julie Kagawa.

"My name is Meghan Chase.
I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.
This time, there will be no turning back."


The Reckoning, by Kelley Armstrong.

"My name is Chloe Saunders. I'm fifteen, and I would love to be normal.
But normal is one thing I'm not.
For one thing, I'm having these feelings for a certain antisocial werewolf and his sweet-tempered brother—who just happens to be a sorcerer—but, between you and me, I'm leaning toward the werewolf.
Not normal.
My friends and I are also on the run from an evil corporation that wants to get rid of us—permanently.
Definitely not normal.
And finally, I'm a genetically altered necro-mancer who can raise the dead, rotting corpses and all, without even trying.
As far away from normal as it gets."


Entwined, by Heather Dixon.

"Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it's taken away. All of it.
The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation.
Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest.
But there is a cost.
The Keeper likes to keep things.
Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late."

Book Review #33: You Wish


Title: You Wish.
Author: Mandy Hubbard.
Pages: 284.
Format: Paperback.
Series: Nope.
Publisher: Razor Bill.
Published Date: August 5, 2010.

Summary:

"Kayla McHenry's sweet sixteen sucks! Her dad left, her grades dropped, and her BFF is dating the boy Kayla's secretly loved for years. Blowing out her candles, Kayla thinks: I wish my birthday wishes actually came true. Because they never freakin' do.
Kayla wakes the next day to a life-sized, bright pink My Little Pony outside her window. Then a year's supply of gumballs arrives. A boy named Ken with a disturbing resemblance to the doll of the same name stalks her. As the ghosts of Kayla's wishes-past appear, they take her on a wild ride . . . but they MUST STOP. Because when she was fifteen? She wished Ben Mackenzie would kiss her. And Ben is her best friend's boyfriend."


Cover: 3.5/5

I love the cupcake and how PINK the whole book is! But the only thing that I don't really like and that kind of makes the cover look sloppy is the font. It just doesn't look very nice:/

Characters- 5/5

Favorite:

My favorite person would have to be Nicole, who is the main character's best friend. At the beginning of the book I felt like I could connect with Nicole, she was really shy and quiet, but once she opened up, shes really fun and crazy.

But then about half way through the story, I began to dislike her. She seemed like she was hiding something, always avoiding Kayla.

When I finished the book and found out what was really going on with her, and how she stuck up for herself to Kayla I found myself in her again.

I don't want to go into detail, because then I'll just spoil everything.

Least Favorite:

Even though Kayla's mom was only trying to help, she would have to be my least favorite character. Why would you invite your business clients to your daughter sweet sixteen? Why would you even throw a party if she didn't want it in the first place?

Another thing that bothers me, is that Kayla has already lost her dad, she doesn't need to lose her mom too. I know she's a single mom, but she could take some time off once in awhile to spend it with her kids.

But even though Kayla's mom is my least favorite character, I still like her a lot. She was doing the best she can, and just wanted to make Kayla happy(:

Story Line:

Every year on our birthday, we get to make one wish. You can wish for anything you want and it "will" come true as long as you blow out all of your birthday candles in just one breath....or so you think.

Every year Kayla makes a wish, and every year it doesn't come true. But this year, during the sweet sixteen party she didn't ask for (because she didn't want it) everything changes.

From a real and PINK my little pony, to a real life Ann doll, to her new boyfriend Ken, all of her previous birthday wishes are coming true! Kayla has to stop this mess, before her fifteen birthday wish comes true; kissing Ben Mackenzie...her best friend boyfriend.

I loved this book, it was a very light and funny read. I recommend this to anyone who has just read a dark book or something sad, this book really does brighten your day!:D

July 08, 2011

Once Upon A Read-a-Thon Sign up!

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon


I just finished signing up for the read-a-thon, which is hosted by Reading Angel, Candace's Book Blog and Pure Imagination!

I took this information from Reading Angel!


"What is a Readathon?


A Readathon is where you set a goal for yourself to read more books that is beyond your average number of books you read. There is no minimum, it's all up to you! Push yourself to get some of those books read that have been sitting on your shelves for awhile! You can read any type of book you choose!

What you get:

Many participants will receive prizes. We have swag packs as well as books for giveaway. These will go to random participants and we will list the winners on our blogs when the Readathon is finished. These prizes will be shipped from us, from authors, or from publishers. You are only eligible if you do at least one update post and participate in at least one challenge. We will check! We have a few giveaways that are international, so international readers are welcome to sign-up as well!"

Blog Hop!

Book Blogger Hop

This week's task is to blog about someone else's giveaway! Fantastic idea!:D So the people, not person, the people's giveaways I'm blogging about are.....

Lisa's giveaway, of not only Inside Out by Maria Snyder, but also Outside In! It's international, and it doesn't end til the 23rd of July! So make sure to enter if you have yet! CLICK HERE!

Than we have another Lisa (ahaha, I didn't realize this until now!), who's giving away a copy of Winter's Shadow! It's also international! CLICK HERE!

Thank you so much for hoppin' on by ya'll! Haha, I hope you have a great day(:

July 07, 2011

Waiting On Wednesday #14



Title: The Future of Us.
Author: Jay Asher.

I love going to Barnes and Noble's website and checking out all of the new releases! Just drooling over them, knowing they won't be out for awhile. When I was on the website, I found out that Jay Asher wrote another book!!!

Release Date: November 21, 2011.

July 05, 2011

Book Review #32: Chasing Brooklyn


Title: Chasing Brooklyn.
Author: Lisa Schroeder.
Pages: 412.
Format: Paperback.
Series: Nope.
Publisher: Simon Pulse.
Published Date: January 5, 2010.

Summary:

"Restless souls and empty hearts
Brooklyn can't sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca, died only a year ago, and now her friend Gabe has just died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca visiting her dreams.
Nico can't stop. He's always running, trying to escape the pain of losing his brother, Lucca. But when Lucca's ghost begins leaving messages, telling Nico to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.
As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest."


Cover: 4/5

One thing I really like about this cover, is how the girl raises her hand, and on the other side you see Lucca's (one of the boys who passed away) hand up too.

Characters-

Favorite:

My favorite characters would have to be the two main characters Brooklyn and Nico (Lucca's brother). Both of these characters lost someone, both of these characters gave been through hell for the last year, and both of these characters needed someone to lean on.

Each are dealing with their own problems; Nico with feeling that his parents would rather his brother be there instead of him, and Brooklyn with the constant nightmares, of her best friend (Gabe) who passed away.

Least Favorite:

This ones a hard one, but it would have to be Lucca's ghost and the way he "haunted" Nico. Lucca always left little symbols, or notes saying "Help Brooklyn". But honestly, can you give a little more information? And why do you keep saying and doing the same things over and over again? It seemed really repetitive, maybe he could have mixed things up a bit(:

Story Line:

L.O.V.E.D I.T!!! It was awesome! Instead of starting right when the three boys passed away, it started a year later, and I haven't read too many books that did that. It proves that the only thing that can heal a broken heart is time.

I don't want to give any spoilers, but the ending was fantastic. I'm really glad that both characters were happy, and finished the race(:

Teaser Tuesday #15: You Wish

This week's lucky book to be featured in teasers, is You Wish by Mandy Hubbard. I'm about halfway through, and not only is it cute but also funny. I've found myself smiling into the book various times(:



#1.)"If my life were a natural disaster, the president would now declare it a federal emergency and call in aid."

#2.)"My fingers grip the steering wheel and I glance down at the speedometer, wishing it said ninety-nine miles per hour."

July 04, 2011

Happy Fourth Of July!!(:




Happy Independence Day everyone!

I hope you guys have a great holiday, filled with fireworks, good food, friends and family, and a fun time. But be careful, fireworks can also be very dangerous!

My friend is taking me to a carnival, where I hope to eat lots of funnel cakes and elephant ears (YUM!). I also love riding carnival rides, and just strolling around, checking out what the vendors are selling(:

What do you have planned for today, and later tonight?

July 03, 2011

Everything That Happened This Week!



Monday

Thirteen Reasons Why Review!

Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday: Forgotten

Last Chance To Enter My Giveaway CLOSED!

Wednesday

Waiting On Wednesday: After Obsession

Thursday

None:/ I could really use a meme, for Thursday!

Friday

Forgotten Review

Saturday

Winners!

Sunday

In My Mailbox

July RAK Sign Up!

Last Weeks ETHTW!!!

July RAK Sign Up!

Book Soulmates



Random Acts of Kindness, is a monthly event hosted by the Book Soulmates, where participants can give books to fellow bloggers! It's a great way to share the book love, so if you haven't signed up yet (CLICK HERE) make sure to do so! Maybe you'll even get a book or two(;

This is my very first time participating in RAK, I can't wait to send out some books that I, myself have enjoyed!

Here's my wishlist!

Margret Stohl
Beautiful Darkness

Kelley Armstrong.
The Gathering.
The Summoning.

Melissa Marr.
Wicked Lovely.
Ink Exchange.
Fragile Eternity.
Radiant Shadows.
Darkest Mercy.

Jennifer Lynn Barnes.
Raised By Wolves.
Trial By Fire.

Claudia Gray.
Evernight.
Hourglass.
Afterlife.
Fateful.

Sarah Zarr.
Once Lost.
Sweet Hearts.

Beth Revis.
Across the Universe.

Sophie Jordan.
Vanished.

Rachel Caine.
The Morganville Vampire Series.
Working Stiff.

Melissa De La Cruz.
Witches of the East End.
Blue Blood Series.

Richelle Mead.
Bloodlines.
Vampire Academy Series.

Jeri Smith Ready.
Shift.

Kami Garcia
Beautiful Darkness.

Rachael Vincent.
My Soul to Take series (-#1)

Suzanne Young.
A Need So Beautiful.

Ally Condie
Crossed

Gregg Olsen
Envy

Amy Garvey
Cold Kiss

Alyson Noel
Evermore
Blue Moon
Shadowland
Dark Flame
Night Star
Everlasting
Forever Summer
Saving Zoe
Cruel Summer
Kiss & Blog

Jessica Brody
My Life Undecided

Anna Carey
Eve

Kiersten White
Paranormacy
Supernaturally

Gabrielle Zevin
All the Things I've Done
Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac

Alexandra Adornetto
Hades
Halo

Mary E. Pearson
Adoration of Jenna Fox
Fox Inheritance

Lisa Schroeder.
Far From You
I Heart You, You Haunt Me.
The Day Before.


If you would like to send me a book, just email me (my email is right underneath my picture, on the sidebar ------->), I'll send you my address!(:

July 02, 2011

Winners of 50 follower and Keeper Giveaways!



Thank you so much to everyone who entered! I had a lot of fun hosting these giveaways! Before I tell you who the winners are, I just want to talk about my next giveaway.

My 50 Follower Giveaway included just random books, I already read and enjoyed. The next giveaway I'll be hosting, which will be when I reach 250 followers, will revolve around how I could improve my blog.

The prizes will be ten times better, and there will be more winners, so look forward to that!:D


But back to the winners!


The winner of Jenna & Jonah's Fauxmance is.....

Suz!

The winner of The Coffee House Angel is.....

Krystal!

The winner of the Nicholas Sparks books is.....

Lisa Y!

And finally the winner of Keeper is.....

Hilary!


I have already emailed all of the winners, they have 48 hours to respond! And if they don't another winner will be selected(: