July 31, 2014

Monthly Review: July


July is already over? Whaaat? No WAY!
It is, and it was fun, sunny, beautiful, and absolutely AWESOME! After a rough end of school in June, with finals, and not being able to keep up with every, I've done much better in July. Not only did I balance going to school, blogging, working out, but also applying for jobs.

This month, August, is going to continue with school, blogging, getting a job, but also applying to Global Honors in school. It's a lot, I know, but I'm determined and feeling really good right now, and it makes me want to anything and everything!

So here's what I did this month!

Book Reviews:

Just One Year (Just One Day, #2)Going Long: Waiting on the Sidelines 2 (The Waiting Series) (Volume 2)Nantucket Blue (Nantucket, #1)Tilt


While It Lasts (Sea Breeze, #3)If I Stay (If I Stay, #1)Where She Went (If I Stay, #2)Just for Now (Sea Breeze, #4)


It's Monday, What Am I Reading:


The Statistical Probability of Love at First SightMessenger Of Fear (Messenger of Fear, #1)Nantucket Red (Nantucket, #2)


Wednesday Memes:

Through to YouOne Past MidnightThe Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles, #1)The Girl from the Well


This Week's New YA Releases:

Four by Veronica Roth: Book CoverReturn to MeThe Fall of Five (Lorien Legacies Series #4) by Pittacus Lore: Book CoverThe Selection Stories by Kiera Cass: Book Cover


Twitter:


Posted my review of Going Long on Twitter this month, and guess who RETWEETED, FAVORITED AND REPLIED!?!


How awesome is she??!

Pinterest:

 

Recording Youtube Videos outside, is the best! UGH love it!


Got these flowers for my Mama's birthday, and HAD to take a picture!


July 31- Aug. 6 SYNC's Audio Book Downloads!

Welcome to Turning Pages!

This is the last week in the SYNC program that will include an YA read, which is Divided We Fall, by Trent Reedy. I haven't read this one, but I have seen it around a bit, and LOVE the cover!

I hope you guys give it a download, and let me know what you think of it!

Divided We FallThe Red Badge of Courage


(Titles are the links to each book's SYNC website, where you can download your copy!)


July 30, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday

The Girl from the WellTitle: The Girl from the Well.
Author: Rin Chupeco.
Summary:

"I am where dead children go.

Okiku is a lonely soul. She has wandered the world for centuries, freeing the spirits of the murdered-dead. Once a victim herself, she now takes the lives of killers with the vengeance they're due. But releasing innocent ghosts from their ethereal tethers does not bring Okiku peace. Still she drifts on.

Such is her existence, until she meets Tark. Evil writhes beneath the moody teen's skin, trapped by a series of intricate tattoos. While his neighbors fear him, Okiku knows the boy is not a monster. Tark needs to be freed from the malevolence that clings to him. There's just one problem: if the demon dies, so does its host."

Release Date: 8/5/14.

Why I'm Waiting:

I haven't heard anything about this book, or this author, and the cover of this book isn't really tugging at me. So what DID pull me in? The synopsis! DUH! I haven't read too much about ghosts and souls, but I've been looking for some books to pick up in the fall. The Girl from the Well, sounds like a pretty good choice.

Have you heard of this one? Have you read it? I would LOVE to know what you think about it!



Audio Book Review: Just For Now

Just for Now (Sea Breeze, #4)Title: Just For Now.
Author: Abbi Glines.
Series: Yes, #4.
Source: Publisher.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster.
Published Date: 8/27/13.
Links:
Book Depository
Goodreads

Summary:

"Preston is one bad boy. And Amanda has harbored a crush on him for forever. When she finally makes her move on him, it does not end well. But still, she can't resist him. Especially now that he seems to be pursuing her, too.

No one wants wants them to be together. Not Amanda's brother Marcus, who is on the verge of his marriage to Low, and definitely not any of Preston's buddies. They know way too much about Preston's dark side. Even Preston realizes he's not good enough for someone like her.

But Amanda believes there is more to Preston than his bad boy persona, and she is determined to unearth what he's hiding behind his seductive blue eyes; secrets that could explain his actions. Secrets Amanda might not be able to forgive.

Yet the dangerous attraction persists...and neither Preston nor Amanda is going to deny it."

My Thoughts:

Can I just say how much I LOVE these books, and how I CAN'T get enough? Every book follows the story of a different couple, and every book is stuffed with romance and drama...which is perfect for this AMAZING weather we're having in the Pacific Northwest.

Just For Now follows the story of Preston Drake and Amanda Hardy.

Preston, who is known as a man whore, caught Amanda's a few years back, when her older brother, Marcus, was his best friend. Back then, Amanda would have never gone after Preston, but now that she's all grown up, she wants to catch his eye and get his attention.

Amanda knows he is bad news, and probably not the guy, a smart girl like herself should be interested in, but she can't help herself. Something about him, keeps Preston in Amanda's head all day.

Preston isn't who many people assume him to be (who really is though?), and he doesn't just like sleep around with women for fun. He does it for his little siblings...I know that sounds weird, but hear me out...

Preston's mom is an alcoholic, who doesn't give a crap about her kids, and instead it just looking for the next bottle of booze or man. She made his childhood hell, and he wasn't going to let her do that to his three younger siblings. When Preston found out that older women were VERY willing to spend a buck on sex with a younger, good looking guy, he didn't hesitate. He took every offer he could get, and had repeating customers. Not only could he pay the rent, and stock the kitchen, for his brothers and sister, but he also had some extra spending money.

Amanda on the other hand, has grown up in a much more privileged home, but doesn't let that get to her head. She's sweet, kind, and really caring, especially when she meets Preston's siblings later in the story.

But Amanda isn't the only one keeping her eye out, but Preston is too. He has realized just how grown up Amanda has become, just how beautiful she is...but also just how much she doesn't deserve a guy like him. Preston can't keep her out of his mind, just like she, him. He couldn't imagine ever going behind his best friends back, by dating his younger sister.

...but that all quickly changes, during one late when things between Amanda and Preston go a lot farther than expected...

Final Verdict:

Is this even possible? Can Abbi Glines' books always get better and better. Every time I read when I always tell myself, "this one is my favorite". But then I read another and say, "nope, this one is definitely my favorite!" She never hesitates to amaze me, with her characters and stories!

Just like the last three books, I LOVED the main characters! Amanda is so innocent and kind, and caring. While Preston is much more rough, but also sweet and caring. In the previous Sea Breeze books, I wasn't really sure why some of the guys didn't just go for it, and talk to their girls, but in Just For Now I did. Preston didn't want to betray his best friend. He knew Marcus's sister was off limits, and that caused the struggle he had.

The story had its ups and downs; there were tough times for both Amanda and Preston, which really kept me on my seat! Overall, the story was SO GOOD! AND the ending was EVEN better! These guys honestly say the PERFECT things, even when they don't always do the right things.

If you haven't already started or picked up this series, you really should, especially before the summer ends! DO IT! (:


July 29, 2014

It's Tuesday...What Am I Reading?

Nantucket Red (Nantucket, #2)Title: Nantucket Red.
Author: Leila Howland.
Summary:

"Cricket Thompson's lifetime of overachieving has paid off: she's headed to Brown University in the fall, with a spot on the lacrosse team and a scholarship that covers almost everything. Who knew living in the dorm cost money? An Ivy League education seems to mean living at home for the next four years.

When Cricket is offered the chance to earn enough cash to afford a real college experience, she heads back to Nantucket for the summer. But the faraway island challenges Cricket in ways she hadn't anticipated. It's hard to focus on earning money for next year, when she finds her world opening up in entirely new ways-to art, to travel, and, most unexpectedly, to a future completely different from the one she has been working toward her whole life. A friendship blossoms with Ben, the gorgeous surfer and bartender who encourages Cricket to be free, even as she smarts at the pain of seeing Zack, her first love, falling for her worst enemy.

But one night, when Cricket finally lets herself break all her own rules, she realizes she may have ruined her carefully constructed future with one impulsive decision. Cricket must dig deep to fight for her future, discovering that success isn't just about reaching goals, but also about listening to what she's been trying to ignore-her own heart."

What I Think So Far:

So far? I'm sixty pages in, and my heart has been broken for the last thirty. There were some ups and downs in Nantucket Blue, but it ended on a really good note for Cricket! I was excited to see how things would continue to play out for Cricket and Zack, but within such a short amount of time, all those hopes have been crushed...

Cricket has just finished her last year of high school and is on her way to university. She's attending an expensive Ivy league school, but without staying in the dorms and with the help of scholarships, Cricket was able to afford it. It's summer time, and her step grandparents, promised Cricket, that if she earned eight thousand dollars during the next two and a half months, they would match that.

The only place Cricket knows where she can earn so much money, in such a small amount of time was Nantucket...

Nantucket...where Zack is spending his summer...with his new girlfriend...

Gone (Gone, #1)Title: Gone.
Author: Michael Grant.
Summary:

"In the blink of an eye, everyone disappears. Gone. Except for the young.

There are teens, but not one single adult. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what's happened.

Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day. It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your birthday, you disappear just like everyone else..."

What I Think So Far:

After devouring Messenger of Fear, and I knew I had to pick up more of Michael Grant's writing! AND what better book to start with than Gone?

This series is a bit of an older one, and a lot of people seem to really have enjoyed it! I was SO excited to pick up and start this series....that I put them ALL on hold in the library and pick them up the next day...



July 27, 2014

Book Review: Where She Went

Where She Went (If I Stay, #2)Title: Where She Went.
Author: Gayle Forman.
Series: Yes, #2.
Pages: 264.
Source: Purchased.
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile.
Published Date: 4/5/11.
Links:
Book Depository
Goodreads

Summary:

"It's been three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life.

And three years he's spent wondering why.

When their paths cross again in New York City, Adam and Mia are brought back together for one life-changing night.

Adam finally has the opportunity to ask Mia the questions that have been haunting him. But will a few hours in this magical city be enough to lay their past to rest, for good - or can you really have a second chance at first love?"

My Thoughts:

August 22 is just around the corner, which means it's crunch time for those of you who want to desperately see the movie, but also want to find the time to read the book before hand. You have less than a month, get on it!

Where She Went is the second installment in Gayle Forman's duology, and takes place three years after Mia wakes up in the hospital. Mia is attending Julliard in New York, and is on her way to becoming on of the best cello players known to man! She is handling her loss, as good as anyone can, who has lost their entire immediate family.

Adam on the other hand has made it big with his band, and a HUGE rock star! But within only a year or so of fame under his belt, he is already struggling with the paparazzi and media. Adam also has a new girl friend, who is a actress...

Adam is leaving for his tour the next day, but when he sees that Mia, the amazing cellist, is playing in concert, he decides to buy a ticket, and hide in a far back row. But Mia hears rumors flying around that Adam, the rock star, is attending her concert, she decides to call him backstage after her show.

The two spend the night together, and Mia even shows him, her favorite places in New York. Things seem to be good, and both Adam and Mia are having fun. But Adam doesn't want to avoid the subject anymore, or try to push it from his mind...He wants to know why she left him, why she stopped replying to his messages and phone calls, why she just ended things with him.

....and three years later Mia, finally decides to tell him.

Final Verdict:

In If I Stay, the thing that bummed me out the most, was that we didn't get to see much of Adam. Yes, a few things here and there, and what he would say to Mia's unconscious body, but not much else. I was excited to see that this book was revolved around Adam's perspective, and that we, the readers, were allowed to witness his thoughts and feelings.

Towards the beginning of the book, I was a bit heart broken. Why? Because I thought Mia and James would never break up. I would have never seen it coming. They were so perfect for each other.

The break up wasn't really discussed towards the start of the story, instead we were given snippets here and there. I was PISSED that Mia ended things so strangely with Adam; never really giving him a straight answer or explanation. I couldn't imagine how Mia could do this to a guy "she loved" and who she was dating well over two years. It doesn't make sense to me. Even if she wanted to end things, you still spent the last two years of your life with him, doesn't she care about him at all?

But after reading Where She Went entirely, and Adam finally gets his explanation, it all makes sense. I see where Mia was coming from, but still didn't think she handled it the right way. But who knows what she was thinking at the time; she had just woken up in the hospital after a serious car accident, and her family was dead.

I was looking for a little bit of romance in If I Stay, and I got that through the flash backs. But I liked that the book was focused more on Mia. Where She Went on the other hand, was focused entirely on their relationship, that past and on making it work. I liked that as well.

Overall, Where She Went was also an EXCELLENT read! And if you're looking for something heartwarming, these books would be the ones to pick up!



July 26, 2014

So Many Books To Wish For, How Do You Keep Them All Organized?!

Honestly, I can say I'm a "list person". I love lists, I don't know why, maybe it's the way they look, the happy little excited feeling I get when I write one, or just the idea of how organized they are...or maybe a combination of all that and my weird need to write things down.

One of my biggest bug-a-boos, are when things are halfway.

(Okay, I know that sounds weird but hear me out first...)

I want things to be finished, not necessarily a task, so I guess I'm looking for a different word...complete. I like when things are complete. There's a weight lifted off my shoulders when I know something is done, complete, full, whatever term you want to use.

If I'm mowing the lawn, and have to stop halfway through, to go and do something else, that needs my attention RIGHT THEN, it irks me. The entire time I'm not mowing the lawn, I'm thinking I'll forget to do it, and it will still look like that by tomorrow, what might the neighbors be thinking, etc etc. There's just this pressure on me, that it keeps the thought of having to finish that thing, in my head the WHOLE time.


And you're probably thinking well, Lisa, how does this relate to books and why are you posting this nonsense on your blog? (And you might also be thinking, Lisa, you have a problem.)

When I buy books in a series and the covers don't match or the books (for some WEIRD reason) aren't the same size, it doesn't bother me as much any more. But when I don't buy the complete series right away, I get this anxious feeling, same thing when I don't mow the ENTIRE lawn.


This same thing happens when I read a REALLY good book, and want to read the author's other books, but can't do it right away.

I don't know why, and I can't really explain.

Okay, I'll admit, I have a problem. But does it really count, if I also found the perfect solution?

I tried getting rid of this feeling by writing down my "wish list" of books in a notebook, and while that was VERY satisfying, it also sucked, because I would always forget to take it with me to the store. Or I wouldn't plan on going to the store, but sponatenously decided to head there anyways.

It's just didn't work out for me.

So then I figured I would use my phone...but turns out, that my list is WAY too long, and it would take over five "lists" on my phone to put down books I need to just finish series.

...but then I came across this little, beautiful, thing called Amazon wish list. Not only can it hold however many books I want on there, but I can also easily access it from my phone, from anywhere.


So far, Amazon wish list rocks! If you aren't using it already, and are looking for a efficient way to organize the books you need and want, I would recommend giving it a try.

If you are using Amazon wish list, how do you like? How long have you been using it?

Want to go and check out my wish list? CLICK HERE!


This Week's New YA Releases!

Welcome to Turning Pages!

This is a meme hosted here at Turning Pages, showcasing all of the new YA books coming out within the next seven days. Interested in any of the books mentioned below? Click on the books title, it'll take you to that book's Book Depository page, where you'll be able to read more about it!

Paperback:

The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines Series #4) by Richelle Mead: Book CoverThe Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider: Book CoverDoon by Carey Corp: Book CoverThrough the Zombie Glass (White Rabbit Chronicles Series #2) by Gena Showalter: Book Cover


Before You by Amber Hart: Book CoverBubble World by Carol Snow: Book CoverThe Selection Stories by Kiera Cass: Book CoverFragile Line by Brooklyn Skye: Book Cover


Hardback:

The Young World by Chris Weitz: Book CoverLet's Get Lost by Adi Alsaid: Book CoverThe Bridge From Me to You by Lisa Schroeder: Book CoverThe Fourth Wish by Lindsay Ribar: Book Cover


Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian: Book Cover