Katie's Bookshelf

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

2011-06-16T17:17:00.000-04:00

This book made me laugh, smile, and cry. On a day where nothing extraordinary was going on, I was just laying in bed reading all day this book made me feel so emotional it brought me to tears. My favorite lines were:

Maybe you can afford to wait. Maybe for you there's a tomorrow. Maybe for you there's one thousand tomorrows, or three thousand, or ten, so much time you can bathe in it, roll around in it, let it slide like coins through your fingers. So much time you can waste it.
But for some of us there's only today. And the truth is, you never really know.

This just really made me think. What if today was my last day? It seems like I've wasted so much time doing nothing. I've spent countless hours on the internet, napping, and other things that are so unimportant in the grand scheme of things its laughable. Reading Sam's story kind of opened my eyes to that.

Sam was such a real character and that's part of why I felt her emotions as my own. Lauren Oliver has penned a breathtakingly beautiful story and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it. I can't imagine anyone not loving this book. I highly highly highly recommend it. I'm excited to pick up more of Lauren's books in the future.

Waiting On Wednesday (21)

2011-06-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

Wildcat Fireflies by Amber Kizer

Publisher: Delacorte
Pub. Date: July 12, 2011

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Meridian Sozu is a Fenestra—the half-human, half-angel link between the living and the dead. She has the dark responsibility of helping souls transition safely into the afterlife. If people die without the help of a Fenestra, their souls are left vulnerable to be stolen by the Aternocti, a dark band of forces who disrupt the balance of good and evil in the world and cause chaos.
Having recently lost her beloved Auntie—the woman who showed her what it meant to be a Fenestra—Meridian has hit the road with Tens, her love and sworn protector, in hopes of finding another Fenestra. Their search leads them to Indiana, where Juliet, a responsible and loving teenager, works tirelessly in the nursing home where she and several other foster kids are housed. Surrounded by death, Juliet struggles to make a loving home for the younger kids, and to protect them from the violent whims of their foster mother. But she is struggling against forces she can't understand . . . and even as she feels a pull toward the dying, their sickness seems to infect her, weighing her down. . . .
Will Meri and Tens find Juliet in time to save her from a life of misery and illness? And will Meri and Tens' own romance weather the storms of new discoveries?
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I have been waiting for the sequel to Meridian for what seems like forever and now it's finally just a month away. I read Meridian back when it first came out in 2009 and loved it. I'm sure that Amber Kizer's newest book will live up to the awesomeness of her first. I can't wait to read it and see!

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

2011-06-14T22:03:00.000-04:00

3 reasons why you should read this book:

1. It's readable. Meaning, it isn't written in old English to the extent that you can't figure out what the heck is going on. For being published in 1847 or heck just in general, it's quite clear and concise.

2. It has a strong female main character. Even though Mr. Rochester is at least 20 years older than she is, she calls the shots. She definitely holds her own even though she is younger and significantly poorer than he is. You gotta love a kick ass female MC!

3. It's not boring. I originally bought Jane Eyre because I felt like I wasn't very well-read because I hadn't read very many "classics." At the time I thought I was going to have to force myself to get through it but it turned out to be pretty awesome. There are some pretty unexpected twists going on that made it a joy to read.

I recommend getting yourself a copy that has decent size print and getting busy reading! If you have any questions about the book I'd be happy to answer them!

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

2011-06-13T22:29:00.000-04:00

After reading nothing but textbooks for months, I could not have picked a better book than Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick to get me back in the swing of YA lit. I'm a sucker for anything with romance and Hush, Hush had just the right about of that plus mystery and paranormal elements.

I thought Nora was an interesting character. Her brain worked in such a logical way and I could relate to that. She knows there is chemistry between her and Patch and she did a really good job of ignoring it at first. I didn't find it too, too predictable. Some parts I had pegged from the start but others I definitely didn't see coming. I think it was well-balanced in that respect.

Of course, I can't not mention Patch. Can I just say that he was H-O-T!! I can't wait to learn more about his past and just him in general in the next book in the series.

I adored Becca Fitzpatrick's writing style. Something about it made the book so readable. I didn't want to put it down and when I had to I found myself thinking about what was going to happen next. I think that shows how much I was into this book. If it wasn't that great I wouldn't have thought about it when I wasn't reading it. Kind of like if you think about someone when they're not around that means something.

So basically I think you should go out and get this book. Read it. I promise you won't regret it!

Waiting on Wednesday (20)

2011-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Publisher: Viking Juvenile

Pub. Date: May 10, 2011
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Since her parents' bitter divorce, Mclean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move - four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, Mclean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, Mclean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself - whoever that is. Perhaps her neighbor Dave, an academic superstar trying to be just a regular guy, can help her find out. Combining Sarah Dessen's trademark graceful writing, great characters, and compelling storytelling, What Happened to Goodbye is irresistible reading.
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Sarah Dessen is definitely one of my top 5 favorite authors. Every one of her books is amazing. I have no doubt that this one will be just as awesome and I can't wait to read it!

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

In My Mailbox (21)

2011-01-23T09:00:00.001-05:00

I haven't done an IMM post in a really long time but this post is only going to include books I've acquired in the last week or two. So let's get started!

Zombies vs. Unicorns by various authors, edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier (bought) I am definitely on Team Unicorn!

The Fortune of Carmen Navarro by Jen Bryant (won from Books Obsession)

Have you read these? Which one should I pick up first! I'd love to hear your thoughts and what books you got this week!

Credit for creating the In My Mailbox feature goes to The Story Siren. You can find out more about it here.
Images from bn.com

Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter

2011-01-21T23:18:00.000-05:00

When Cammie Morgan enrolled at the Gallagher Academy, she knew she was preparing for the dangerous life of a spy. What she didn’t know was that the serious, real-life danger would start during her junior year of high school. But that’s exactly what happened two months ago when Cammie faced off against an ancient terrorist organization dead set on kidnapping her.
Now the danger follows her everywhere, and even Cammie “The Chameleon” can’t hide. When a terrifying encounter in London reveals that one of her most-trusted allies is actually a rogue double-agent, Cammie no longer knows if she can trust her classmates, her teachers—or even her own heart.
In this fourth installment of the New York Times best-selling series, the Gallagher Girls must hack, spy, steal, and lie their way to the truth.as they go searching for answers, recognizing that the key to Cammie’s future may lie deep in the past.
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This series has come to be one of my favorites. Spy books aren't all that common in YA so consider turning to this one if you're looking for something different and unique. Only the Good Spy Young is the fourth installment in the series, as well as the darkest one.

This one by far contains the most action, danger, and near-death situations. The main character, Cammie, and her friends never know who they can trust and they frequently come up with more questions than answers. The evil organization the Circle of Cavan is still after Cammie and she doesn't know why. The first few books in the series are certainly more lighthearted than this latest addition. The older, wiser, and more experienced Cammie gets, the more trouble she gets into. Her definition of trouble, however, isn't really on par with that of a typical teenage girls. For Cammie, trouble equals life or death situations. Failure may well mean people die. I think, for me, this is a lot of the appeal. What she goes through is on such a huge scale that it's thrilling to read.

I want to be semi-fangirly for a second and talk about Zach, Cammie's love interest. He's cute, mysterious, and she doesn't have to hide her spy status from him because he's one too. How much more could you ask for? I really hope we get some more information about him in the next book, though. I mean, there is such a thing as too much mystery. We know next to nothing about him, which when he was first introduced worked but now I can't take much more of this being in the dark. Overall, if that's the only problem I had with the novel, I'd say that it's still excellent and worth being added to your to-be-read pile.

4/5

Image and synopsis from bn.com

Wanted by Sara Shepard

2011-01-17T23:19:00.001-05:00

Synopsis from bn.com:
In Rosewood, majestic estates sprawl for acres, and Tiffany toggle bracelets dangle from every girl's wrist. But not all that glitters is gold, and the town harbors secrets darker than anyone could imagine-like the truth about what really happened the night Alison DiLaurentis went missing. . . .
Back in middle school, Ali plucked Emily, Hanna, Aria, and Spencer from obscurity and turned them into the beautiful, popular girls everyone wanted to be. Ali was the best friend they ever had. But she also made them do terrible things and taunted them with their worst secrets. Now, three years later, all their questions about Ali have finally been answered and they can put this awful chapter of their lives behind them. Or so they think.
Not every story has a happy ending, especially when four pretty little liars have done so many wicked things. In the dramatic conclusion of Sara Shepard's bestselling Pretty Little Liars series, Emily, Hanna, Aria, and Spencer could get everything they've ever wanted-unless A has one more horrifying twist in store.
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In case you didn't know, Wanted is the 8th book in the Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard. (If you didn't know about this series, you may want to reevaluate some of your life choices and get out of the house and into a bookstore more often.) Anyway, I want to warn you that once you start reading this series, it is just impossible to stop. It's seriously addicting.

On to the Wanted specific stuff! On the acknowledgment page Sara wrote that this is the last book in the PLL series. However, she apparently changed her mind and a 9th installment called Twisted is coming our way in July. See the amazon listing here.

For those of you who have been faithful followers of this series from the beginning, you should know that Wanted is just as amazing and full of unexpected twists as every other book in the series. If Sara Shepard had decided to end the series with this one, I would've been satisfied. The mystery about what happened to Ali is finally solved in a way that I surely could have never guessed. Room is left, however, for another novel.

For those of you who might be new to the series, I highly recommend you run (don't walk!) to the nearest bookstore and purchase this (beginning with the first novel, of course.) I promise you won't regret it. This series is truly unlike anything else I have ever read. It's extremely mysterious, with dashes of family and romance issues thrown in for good measure. But don't take my word for it - read for yourself and see!

I loved the 5 main characters. I could picture each girl so vividly that it was like I was really there. Type in "Aria/Spencer/Hanna/Emily Pretty little liars inspired look" into youtube and see what comes up. Clearly I'm not the only one who thinks this. Each girls individual style and look comes across in the books without taking ages to describe what each one is wearing etc.

Love, love, love this series! 5 stars.

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

2011-01-10T13:27:00.001-05:00

Scarlett Martin has grown up in a most unusual way. Her family owns the Hopewell, a small hotel in the heart of New York City. Her nineteen-year-old brother, Spencer, is an out of work actor facing a family deadline to get his career in order. Eighteen-year-old Lola has the delicate looks of a model, the practical nature of a nurse, and a wealthy society boyfriend. Eleven-year-old Marlene is the family terror with a tragic past.

When the Martins turn fifteen, they are each expected to take over the care of a suite in the once elegant, now shabby Art Deco hotel. For Scarlett’s fifteenth birthday, she gets both a room called the Empire Suite, and a permanent guest named Mrs. Amberson. Scarlett doesn’t quite know what to make of this C-list starlet, world traveler, and aspiring autobiographer who wants to take over her life. And when she meets Eric, an astonishingly gorgeous actor who has just moved to the city, her summer takes a second unexpected turn.

With Mrs. Amberson calling the shots, Spencer’s career to save, Lola’s love life to navigate around, and Marlene’s prying eyes everywhere, things won’t be easy. Before the summer is over, Scarlett will have to survive a whirlwind of thievery, Broadway glamour, romantic missteps, and theatrical deception.

The show, as they say, must always go on . . . .
Synopsis from bn.com

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I've been in somewhat of a reading rut lately. I've had to do so much reading for school that after all that was done I just wasn't in the mood to read anything else. But thankfully, Suite Scarlett helped pull me out of that rut.

Suite Scarlett was so much fun to read. Scarlett, her crazy family, and their unpredictable lives were just what I needed to get me back into the swing of things again and help me remember why I love YA lit. Scarlett was a great main character; she was resourceful, funny, and got things done while being unsure of herself and confused at the same time. Basically, any girl can relate to her - whether it be to her not-boyfriend, complicated family, or summer job.

Maureen Johnson's writing is fantastic; she was hilarious, sarcastic, and witty. Suite Scarlett was an all-around good read and I am so looking forward to reading more from this author.

A-

Disclosure: I bought Suite Scarlett myself. Cover picture and synopsis from bn.com

Update

2011-01-10T13:07:00.000-05:00

As you may have noticed, I haven't been posting reviews lately. That's because I haven't been reading anything other than textbooks (seriously, if you value your free time, don't go to college.) This post is just an update letting you all know what I've been doing.
I definitely didn't finish my 100+ reading challenge, or any of the other challenges I said I was going to do for that matter. I only got to 56, which is less than half of my total last year.
If you're interested, here's the list:

100+ Reading Challenge 2010

1. The Hollow by Jessica Verday

2. The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

3. Hunted by P.C Cast + Kristin Cast

4. Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

5. Angel of Death by Alane Ferguson

6. The Circle of Blood by Alane Ferguson

7. Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

8. Max: A Maximum Ride novel by James Patterson

9. Fang: A Maximum Ride novel by James Patterson

10. Beautiful by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma

11. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

12. Liar by Justine Larbalestier

13. Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner

14. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

15. The Tear Collector by Patrick Jones

16. I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It by Adam Selzer

17. Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

18. Lament by Maggie Stiefvater

19. Dead Is the New Black by Marlene Perez

20. Heist Society by Ally Carter

21. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

22. Carpe Diem by Autumn Cornwell

23. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

24. Ambition by Kate Brian

25. The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

26. Shadowland by Alyson Noel

27. North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley

28. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

29. Don’t Judge A Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter

30. Very LeFreak by Rachel Cohn

31. The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

32. Tempted by P.C & Kristin Cast

33. Ruined by Paula Morris

34. Kiss in the Dark by Lauren Henderson

35. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

36. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves

37. Cum Laude by Cecily Von Ziegesar

38. The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

39. The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

40. Perfect by Sara Shepard

41. Unbelievable by Sara Shepard

42. Wicked by Sara Shepard

43. Runaway by Meg Cabot

44. Monster High by Lisi Harrison

45. Wish by Alexandra Bullen

46. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

47. Classic by Cecily Von Ziegesar

48. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

49. The Clearing by Heather Davis

50. Shit My Dad Says by Justin Halpern

51. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

52. Heartless by Sara Shepard

53. Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

54. Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert

55. Witch & Wizard: The Gift by James Patterson

56. Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen

Support Your Local Library Challenge

1. Hunted by P.C Cast + Kristin Cast

2. Angel of Death by Alane Ferguson

3. The Circle of Blood by Alane Ferguson

4. Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

5. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

6. Liar by Justine Larbalestier

7. The Tear Collector by Patrick Jones

8. I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It by Adam Selzer

9. Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

10. Lament by Maggie Stiefvater

11. Dead Is the New Black by Marlene Perez

12. Heist Society by Ally Carter

13. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

14. Carpe Diem by Autumn Cornwell

15. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

16. Ambition by Kate Brian

17. The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

18. Shadowland by Alyson Noel

19. North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley

20. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

21. Don’t Judge A Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter

22. Very LeFreak by Rachel Cohn

23. The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

24. Tempted by P.C & Kristin Cast

25. Ruined by Paula Morris

26. Kiss in the Dark by Lauren Henderson

27. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

28. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves

29. Cum Laude by Cecily Von Ziegesar

30. The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

31. The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

32. Runaway by Meg Cabot

33. Wish by Alexandra Bullen

34. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

35. Classic by Cecily Von Ziegesar

36. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

37. The Clearing by Heather Davis

38. Shit My Dad Says by Justin Halpern

39. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

40. Heartless by Sara Shepard

41. Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

2010 Debut Author Challenge

1. The Tear Collector by Patrick Jones

2. I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It by Adam Selzer

3. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

4. Ruined by Paula Morris

5. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

6. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves

7. The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

8. The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

9. Wish by Alexandra Bullen

10. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

11. Shit My Dad Says by Justin Halpern

Someone please tell me you didn't finish your challenge either?!

I'm Baaack!

2010-11-28T13:12:00.000-05:00

It's been so long since I've been able to read anything other than textbooks. On the first day of my winter break from school I picked up Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Keuhnert and it reminded me why I love reading so much. Now I'm rereading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows because I wanted to be able to compare it to the movie. For the most part, it stuck to the plot of the book, sometimes taking the dialogue directly from it. I was pleased with it and can't wait to see part two whenever it comes out.

I went shopping at 3:00 AM on Friday to take advantage of all the Black Friday sales. It was crazy but so much fun! I went into Borders and couldn't resist buying something. I got Wuthering Heights and Pride & Prejudice. I feel like the majority of the books I read are newly released and I wanted to get some more "classics" under my belt. Hopefully, it will help prepare me for college and just to be more well-read overall.

I'm definitely not going to be finishing my 100+ Reading Challenge this year. School takes first priority over everything else and reading for pleasure just fell to the wayside. But I'm on break for a whole month and plan to catch up on my humongous tbr pile!

What are you reading this December?

Monster High by Lisi Harrison

2010-07-28T17:10:00.001-04:00

From Lisi Harrison, the New York Times bestselling author of The Clique and Alphas, comes a new series with a fresh twist on high school, romance, and the horrors of trying to fit in.
They prefer to call themselves RAD (Regular Attribute Disorder), but some call them monsters. So far, the "monster" community has kept a low profile in Salem, but this year two new girls enroll at Master High School, and the town will never be the same.
Created just fifteen days ago, Frankie Stein is psyched to trade her father's formaldehyde-smelling basement lab for parties and cheerleading. But with a student body totally freaked out by rumors of monsters who might be stalking the halls, Frankie finds that life in the "normi" world can be rough for a chic freak like her.
She thinks she finds a friend in fellow new student Melody Carver--but can a normi be trusted with her big secret?
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Monster High was an interesting take on the paranormal. The chapters alternate between the two main characters, Frankie and Melody. Frankie is the granddaughter of the original Frankenstein while Melody is a girl who moved to the small town from Los Angeles.

I'm going to start with talking about the ending. Oh my, is there a cliffhanger. One of the RADs is very close to being outed to the community for what he really is. The girls come together in order to keep this from happening but what's their plan? And will it even work? The ending got my attention enough to make me want to read the next book in the series whenever it comes out. Having said that, though, I don't think I would spend my money on it. This is one that I would wait to get from the library. It was a good read but not something I absolutely have to have my own copy for my collection.

Both Frankie and Melody are dealing with some serious body image issues. This is something that any teenager can relate to and understand.

For any readers out there that are shying away from this series due to an aversion to The Clique, you needn't worry. There's still lots of fashion and beauty references but no name dropping. I think you'll find this much more tolerable than Harrison's other series.

Overall, I'd say this novel was cute. Monsters are a huge trend in YA lit right now so it would make an okay addition to your collection.

3 stars

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

2010-06-26T06:00:00.002-04:00

The Lonely Hearts Club was an awesome girl power novel. After Penny gets her heart broken , she decides to swear off boys. When word gets around school, it turns out that lots of other girls share her feelings on the subject and the Lonely Hearts Club is born.

Every girl out there will be able to enthusiastically relate to thinking that boys can be a pain sometimes (or all the time, depending on the boy in question.) I really like that the story revolves around the concept that loving yourself and your friends should take priority over boys. I can admit to forgetting this important rule from time to time with less than stellar consequences so this story was especially poignant to me.

Beatles references were woven into the story nicely. From the characters names to the chapter titles, everything related back to Penny's favorite band.

The Lonely Hearts Club was an adorable, girly, and positive read. I enjoyed every page! I'm very impressed with Elizabeth Eulberg's debut and look forward to reading more from her.

The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

2010-06-24T19:39:00.000-04:00

I picked up The Cinderella Society from my local library because I liked the cover and the info on the inside flap sounded cute and interesting. However, cute and interesting doesn't quite cover everything that TCS was. It had a serious side as well.

TCS follows Jess Parker as she gets initiated into a secret society whose mission is to balance out forces of evil. There are makeovers, wardrobe overhauls, and boy dilemmas involved. Teen readers will have no trouble relating to bullying and needing backup in order to rise above peer pressure. I liked that Jess starts out as an underdog and slowly realizes her potential to shine. This reminds us that regular people ("reggies") have the power to make a difference. Kay Cassidy makes that message loud and clear without sounding too preachy.

Jess was a very real character. She was smart, funny, and full of insecurities.

Overall, TCS was super readable and a lovely debut for Kay Cassidy. It was such a great girl power read. I'm already pining for the continuation!

Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves

2010-06-21T20:10:00.000-04:00

I recently finished reading Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves and I'm excited to tell you what I thought of it. I haven't written a review in months but I'm looking forward to getting back in the swing of things. Since it's summer now I anticipate having lots of time to devote to reading and reviewing books. Anyway, on to the review!

Bleeding Violet follows Hanna Jarvinen as she navigates the unusual town of Portero, Texas and reunites with her very estranged mother. While Hanna battles her own psychiatric problems, her new home is a bit more supernatural than she can believe. I was drawn in to the dark, disturbing world that Dia Reeves laid out and couldn't put Bleeding Violet down.

Hanna was such an unusual character and I loved being able to get inside her head to see what shocking things went on there. I enjoyed exploring Portero and unlocking the towns dark secrets with Hanna. Her story was filled with crazy, unexpected twists but it all made perfect sense in the end.

Whatever you're looking for, Bleeding Violet has it all: mental illness, romance, death, estranged parents, monsters, and girl power. But beware - there are zero rainbows and cupcakes involved here. It's very mysterious, dark, and thrilling. Bleeding Violet was an exceptionally unique take on YA paranormal and I loved every page. Extra points for daring to push the limits of what's been done before. This was an amazing debut for Dia Reeves - I predict that she has great things in store for readers in the future.

Upcoming Review

2010-05-20T17:53:00.000-04:00

Last December, I was given an opportunity to review a bookshelf from CSN. My previous experience with them was wonderful. Shipping was fast and assembly was easy. Now I have another chance to review one of their products. They don't just offer bookshelves and office furniture, though. They have a wide array of offerings such as bathroom vanities, lighting, bedding, fitness equipment, and more. Check back later to see what I decided to get and what I thought of it!

Book Trailer: Dead Is Just A Rumor by Marlene Perez

2010-04-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

I love this series and I can't wair for DIJAR to be released. This series has also been optioned for film. Until then, check out this book trailer:

In My Mailbox (20)

2010-04-11T16:04:00.001-04:00

Lately my library has really stepped up and has been getting lots of awesome new YA books in so I haven't felt the need to buy any for awhile. All these are from the library:

Credit for creating the In My Mailbox feature goes to The Story Siren. You can find out more about it here.

Bookish Links (2)

2010-03-22T13:20:00.000-04:00

Main Entry: book·ish

Pronunciation: \ˈbu̇-kish\

Function: adjective

Date: 1566

1 a : of or relating to books b : fond of books and reading
2 a : inclined to rely on book knowledge b of words : literary and formal as opposed to colloquial and informal c : given to literary or scholarly pursuits; also : affectedly learned

— book·ish·ly adverb

— book·ish·ness noun

Articles/Blogs
Jason Pinter to write YA novel
America's 40 worst books. 'Gatsby'? Really?
Carolrhoda Books Introduces Carolrhoda Lab™, a New Line of Books for Young Adults
John Grisham writing young adult series
High school sweetheart
Apple’s iPad Will Read Books Out Loud, Support Free E-Books

200 free copies of my next YA novel, FOR THE WIN, for young reviewers

Products

Reader, Not a Fighter Mug

Stacks of Books Shoes!

Books I Want Right Now But Have To Wait Months For

2010-03-12T23:05:00.000-05:00

Bookish Links

2010-03-09T15:33:00.000-05:00

Here are some links that I thought were interesting!

Articles:
Young adult lit comes of age - Los Angeles Times
Hilary Duff Books It - E! Online

Products:
Sticklebook - Invisible bookshelf, anyone?
Bookshelf Chair

Sites:
BookCrossing
What Should I Read Next?
Teen Editors Wanted!

BookScouter.com Review

2010-02-19T16:17:00.000-05:00

There are tons of websites out there that let you sell your used books. But it can be a tedious process trying to figure out which one will give you the best prices. Instead of going from site to site, you can simply enter the ISBN number on BookScouter.com and it will search all of them for you. I've tried this site and checked the results on the individual sites and all the results were accurate.

The results also tell what methods that site will use to pay you and customer ratings. They even have a new mobile app!

I found BookScouter to be a highly useful tool and I highly recommend it!

Untamed by P.C Cast + Kristin Cast

2010-02-17T05:00:00.000-05:00

Life sucks when your friends are pissed at you.

Just ask Zoey Redbird – she’s become an undisputed expert on suckiness. In one week she has gone from having three boyfriends to having none, and from having a tight-knit group of friends who trusted and supported her, to being an outcast. And the worst part is, she knows it’s her own fault. Speaking of friends, the only two Zoey has left are undead, unMarked, and unable to stop bickering with each other. So who can blame her for befriending the House of Night’s newest transfer student, the majorly hot Olympic archer, James Stark?

Meanwhile, Neferet has declared a war on humans after it appears that the People of the Faith have murdered two vampyres. But Aphrodite’s latest visions show a world completely different from the High Priestess’s promises, a world full of violence, hatred, and darkness, all because of Zoey’s death—and the only way it seems she can prevent it from happening is to make things right with her friends. Zoey knows in her heart that fighting with humans is wrong. But will anyone listen to her? Zoey's adventures at vampyre finishing school take a wild and dangerous turn as loyalties are tested, shocking true intentions come to light, and an ancient evil is awakened in PC and Kristin Cast's spellbinding fourth House of Night novel.
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I picked up Untamed because I enjoyed the first books in the House of Night series. I wasn't really sure what to expect from this one, though. It turned out to be an enjoyable read but not my favorite one of the series.

The thing that was most unsatisfactory to me was that Zoey has so many love interests. Is it really necessary for her to have three boyfriends at the same time? I felt like this cluttered up the story. I think one guy would've been enough or even two at the most. But three? Overkill. This made the story less realistic and made Zoey less likable. Zoey herself keeps having negative thoughts about her "ho-ish" behavior yet continues to act in a way that she feels isn't right.

Stevie Rae and her new fledglings were intriguing to me. They seemed like more than just what you saw on the surface and made me want to know more about them. I hope that how their existence is possible will be addressed in forthcoming books in the series.

Untamed is chock full of interesting characters. Each has their own agenda to work towards, most often causing conflicts that aren't always nonviolent.

Zoey seems self-conscious and indecisive but she always rises up as the heroine in the end.

Overall, Untamed was a good read. It is necessary to read the previous books in the series before this one, though. If not, you will be very confused. I highly recommend this series.

4 out 5 stars

The Hollow by Jessica Verday

2010-02-15T04:00:00.000-05:00

When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead?and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.

Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity.
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The beginning of this book didn't impress me but Verday's writing style grew on me. It was slow to start but I quickly grew more interested in the story.

A pretty good summary of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow is worked into the story but I thought it helped me understand everything a little better after I'd read the actual legend. However, this isn't necessary to understand and get into the novel. I was just more interested afterward because I could further appreciate her new take on the old story.

Abbey was a very real, intriguing character. You get to know her maybe more than is strictly necessary. I could relate to her sense of humor. I would've liked to get to know Caspian just a little better. I felt that it was hard to care about him when you know so little about him. There are lots of flashbacks to Abbey's past with Kristen, allowing the reader to care about what happened to her friend and want to find out more information about it.

The action really picks up in the last four chapters or so. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, leaving the reader wanting more.

I very much enjoyed The Hollow and plan to pick up the rest of the books in the trilogy as they are released. I do recommend it!

4.5 out of 5 stars

The River by Mary Jane Beaufrand

2010-02-13T16:56:00.000-05:00

Veronica Severance feels cut off from the world. Forced to move from the city to rural Oregon with her parents, she is haunted by loneliness and by the chilling sounds of the Santiam, the river that runs through her backyard.

Through the fog of isolation, Ronnie finds herself becoming close with Karen, a young girl who she babysits. But when she discovers Karen's body on the banks of the Santiam, the victim of a supposed accident, Ronnie feels compelled to uncover the truth.

As she becomes increasingly obsessed with solving Karen's death, Ronnie is led deeper and deeper into the woods surrounding the river and to the dark secret hidden within its midst.
The River is a darkly atmospheric story of murder, isolation, obsession and dark secrets that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
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I was not that impressed by The River. It had mystery and unexpected elements but I felt it was also missing something important.

My biggest problem was that I couldn't seem to get attached to the characters. There were quite a few secondary characters thrown into the story that didn't bring much to the story. I think I would've been able to focus better if they were simply left out. Personally, I also had trouble relating to Ronnie. I realize that others might not have this problem so don't count The River out based on that.

I did, however, enjoy Beaufrand's writing style. I was totally thrown off by the ending. I felt like it came out of nowhere and wasn't even hinted at previously. Depending on your reading taste, this may or may not be appealing to you.

Overall, The River was an okay read. I can't see myself rereading this in the future, though. If this sounds like something you might be interested in reading, I recommend looking into getting it from the library before buying it.

3 out of 5 stars

Fang: A Maximum Ride Novel by James Patterson

2010-02-12T20:19:00.000-05:00

Max and the Flock are flying high over Africa, but this time they're not alone. A sky full of cargo planes accompanies the team as they bring much-needed aid to the continent's poverty stricken regions. Among the volunteers is the mission's benefactor—the mysterious billionaire, Dr. Hans Gunther-Hagen. Max is intrigued by his generosity, but there's also something about him—and his intense scrutiny of the Flock—that makes her nervous.

But Dr. Hans isn't the only puzzling thing about their trip. The Flock also receives a cryptic message from a young girl, who tells them, "The sky will fall." Max and the Flock are ready to return home, still unable to make sense of her statement. But the surprises don't end with their departure, and something unbelievably momentous shakes up the Flock—pushing Max and Fang closer than ever. Will the team be able to stick together through the chaos?
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I've read the whole Maximum Ride series up to this point and I have to say that I'm so happy I did. It has become one of my favorite series ever. However, Fang was probably my favorite installment.

Fang is filled with action and crazy high-adrenaline situations just as much as all the other books in the series were. By that I mean that there was A LOT of it. But this one had one thing that the others were lacking: romance. In the previous five books, there are clearly more then brotherly/sisterly feelings between Max and Fang but were hardly ever acted upon. But finally, they realize that they're in love and they don't have to fight it. I, for one, was so happy that this finally happened. I felt like it was about time if not somewhat overdue.

However, Fang and Max's new relationship causes mutinous feelings for the rest of the flock. The results are surprising and make for a fast-paced, mysterious plot.

I have to admit that I am getting very attached to these characters. They feel real in a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of way. Seeing a new side of Max and Fang made them deeper and more likable to me.

Overall, Fang was a quick, fast-paced read that I devoured. I'm a huge fan of this series and will continue to pick up future books. I do recommend it!

5 out of 5 stars

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

2010-01-03T18:48:00.000-05:00

A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.
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Perfect Chemistry was one of the most adorable novels I've ever read.

There were times where I would catch myself with a huge goofy grin on my face while reading this. There were also times my muscles would tighten up because I was so drawn into the story that when a character was feeling tense I would, too. Anytime I literally have a physical reaction to a story, that's when I want to clear my schedule because nothing is going to stop me from reading the rest of it right then. I think that says a lot. Either I get way too into what I'm reading or the author has some serious talent. My money's one numero dos.

I fell completely in love with the characters. Alex was a Mexican gang member yet his love for Brittany completely overshadows his less-than-savory extracurricular activities. The lengths he goes to to be with her make for no small amount of "awws." His gang activity does cause problems and may even be a dealbreaker, however. After all, Alex is a "bad boy" and on paper they look completely wrong for each other and nowhere near their supposed "types."

Meanwhile, Brittany is trying to plan her future around her mentally-challenged sister and overbearing parents. She must figure out what place Alex might hold in it.

The novel is a supercute, against-all-odds romance that breaks all the stereotypes. It is definitely one of my favorites of 2009!

10/10

Waiting On Wednesday (19)

2009-12-31T00:12:00.002-05:00

The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, & June by Robin Benway
Publisher: Razorbill
Pub. Date: August 3, 2010
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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.
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Having recently read Audrey, Wait! and LOVED it, I'm so excited to read Robin Benway's latest. The synopsis looks super-interesting anyway. Bring it on!

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

I was interviewed!

2009-12-22T01:04:00.000-05:00

Check out my interview at Sarah Ockler's blog's Flip It Friday Feature here!

Completed Challenge: 100+ Reading Challenge

2009-12-20T23:03:00.000-05:00

Last night I finished reading my 100th book of 2009! I have to admit, I'm pretty proud of myself. I never thought I could have read this many books.

Check out the list! It's in opposite order; # 100 I read in January and #1 I read in December.

    * 1. Violet in Private by Melissa Walker
    * 2. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
    * 3. The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson
    * 4. This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen
    * 5. Chosen by P.C. and Kristin Cast
    * 6. Violet by Design by Melissa Walker
    * 7. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
    * 8. The Final Warning (Maximum Ride, Book 4) by James Patterson
    * 9. Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (Maximum Ride, Book 3) by James Patterson
    * 10. Sophomore Undercover by Ben Esch
    * 11. Beige by Cecil Castellucci
    * 12. Duplikate by Cherry Cheva
    * 13. Beautiful World by Anastasia Hollings
    * 14. The River by Mary Jane Beaufrand
    * 15. An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness by Kay Redfield Jamison
    * 16. Glass by Ellen Hopkins
    * 17. Miss Match by Wendy Toliver
    * 18. Derby Girl by Shauna Cross
    * 19. Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen
    * 20. I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder
    * 21. Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen
    * 22. Witch & Wizard by James Patterson
    * 23. Demon Princess: Reign or Shine by Michelle Rowen
    * 24. Ash by Malinda Lo
    * 25. The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing by M.T Anderson
    * 26. Up All Night by Various Authors
    * 27. Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
    * 28. Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
    * 29. Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex & Brett Harris
    * 30. Breaking Up Is Hard to Do by Lynda Sandoval, Niki Burnham, Ellen Hopkins, and Terri Clark
    * 31. The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga
    * 32. Adored by Cecily von Ziegesar
    * 33. My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent
    * 34. Meridian by Amber Kizer
    * 35. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
    * 36. Crank by Ellen Hopkins
    * 37. Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis
    * 38. Willow by Julia Hoban
    * 39. Troy High by Shana Norris
    * 40. How It Ends by Laura Wiess
    * 41. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
    * 42. Far From You by Lisa Shroeder
    * 43. Donut Days by Lara Zielin
    * 44. I Know It's Over by C.K Kelly Martin
    * 45. Secrets of Truth & Beauty by Megan Frazer
    * 46. Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black & Cecil Castellucci
    * 47. Being Nikki by Meg Cabot
    * 48. And Then Everything Unraveled by Jennifer Sturman
    * 49. School's Out - Forever (Maximum Ride, Book 2) by James Patterson
    * 50. The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, Book 1) by James Patterson
    * 51. The Uninvited by Tim Wynne-Jones
    * 52. Switch by Carol Snow
    * 53. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
    * 54. Hidden Voices by Pat Lowery Collins
    * 55. The Elite by Jennifer Banash
    * 56. This Is What I Want to Tell You by Heather Duffy Stone
    * 57. I'd Tell You I Love You, but Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
    * 58. Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker
    * 59. Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers
    * 60. Cold Hands, Warm Heart by Jill Wolfson
    * 61. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
    * 62. One Lonely Degree by C.K. Kelly Martin
    * 63. The Devouring #2: Soulstice by Simon Holt
    * 64. The Devouring by Simon Holt
    * 65. Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs
    * 66. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
    * 67. Band Geek Love by Josie Bloss
    * 68. A Kiss In Time by Alex Flinn
    * 69. Violet on the Runway by Melissa Walker
    * 70. Shrinking Violet by Danielle Joseph
    * 71. A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell
    * 72. Airhead by Meg Cabot
    * 73. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
    * 74. True Believer by Nicholas Sparks
    * 75. Mackenzie, Lost and Found by Deborah Kerbel
    * 76. The Shape of Water by Anne Spollen
    * 77. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do by Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt
    * 78. The Miracle Girls by Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt
    * 79. Fairest of Them All by Jan Blazanin
    * 80. Bras & Broomsticks by Sarah Mlynowski
    * 81. TMI by Sarah Quigley
    * 82. The Fall of Candy Corn by Debbie Viguié
    * 83. Absolutely Maybe by Lisa Yee
    * 84. Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten
    * 85. The ABC's of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro
    * 86. Sophomore Switch by Abby McDonald
    * 87. Daugter of the Flames by Zoë Marriott
    * 88. Nights In Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks
    * 89. Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby
    * 90. Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson
    * 91. Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson
    * 92. Boy Minus Girl by Richard Uhlig
    * 93. The Summer of Cotton Candy by Debbie Viguié
    * 94. It's All About Us by Shelley Adina
    * 95. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
    * 96. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
    * 97. Go Long! by Ronde Barber & Tiki Barber with Paul Mantell
    * 98. Handcuffs by Bethany Griffin
    * 99. Betrayed by P.C. & Kristin Cast
    * 100. How To Ditch Your Fairy by Justin Larbalestier

One Year Anniversary!

2009-12-20T11:35:00.000-05:00

I just realized that Friday was my blog's one year anniversary! I just wanted to thank everyone who reads my blog and keeps me going. I may decide to run a contest in the next week to celebrate. Check back and see!

My Top 10 Most Rereadable List

2009-12-19T20:48:00.000-05:00

I love a good book more than anything, as you can tell from this blog. But when I look back at all the books I read this year, the ones that stand out most are the ones I'd like to reread again. Now, if you read books very often you know that some books are just more satisfying than others. For me, the mark of a superior novel is how much I can see myself rereading the book in the future. After finishing some books my thought process sounds like "hmm..that was good. But not amazing. It didn't knock my socks off. On to the next one." However, in contrast, when finishing up others my thoughts are more like "Holy crap! That was amazing. This author is a rock star!" You know, lots of capital letters and exclamation points.

So now I will share my top 10 most rereadable list. This list consists of the most memorable books I've read in 2009. They might not have been released this year, although many of them are debuts. I'm on my 99th book of this year so I feel that I have a fairly large frame of reference and can speak with some authority on this. Some I've reviewed and others I haven't gotten to yet. Check it out:

TOP 10 MOST REREADABLE
1. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
2. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
3. Meridian by Amber Kizer
4. Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
5. Derby Girl (Whip It) by Shauna Cross
6. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
7. Violet by Design by Melissa Walker
8. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
9. Beige by Cecil Castellucci
10. Willow by Julia Hoban

I hope that this list was helpful to you! Please be aware that this list is purely my personal opinion so please don't be offended if your favorite book is not listed.

2010 Reading Challenges

2009-12-16T23:06:00.000-05:00

I've already announced that I'll be taking part in the 2010 YA debut author challenge but since then I've decided to do a few more.

YA Reading Challenge hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog:
I'll be doing the "stepping it up" section that requires 50 YA novels be read. I usually average more than 50 but with the other challenges I didn't want to be too ambitious.

Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge also hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog:
I'm at the library all the time so why not join a challenge for it?

100+ Reading Challenge, again, hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog:
I participated in this one in 2009 and it was so much fun I wanted to continue it in 2010!

There are probably official ones but I'm doing these just for myself even though I didn't sign up anywhere:
-Nonfiction challenge (at least 5)
-Classics challenge (at least 5)

What challenges are you participating in?

Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

2009-12-16T14:28:00.019-05:00

In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off. Now he has hooks. He chose hooks because they were cheaper. He chose hooks because he wouldn’t outgrow them so quickly. He chose hooks so that everyone would know he was different, so he would scare even himself.
Then he meets Aurora. The hooks don’t scare her. They don’t keep her away. In fact, they don’t make any difference at all to her. But to Lucius, they mean everything. They remind him of the beast he is inside. Perhaps Aurora is his Beauty, destined to set his soul free from its suffering. Or maybe she’s just a girl who needs love just like he does.
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Crazy Beautiful was a more serious read. The synopsis had me very intrigued from the start and I was very excited to find out more.

I just had to keep reading because I wanted to know so badly just what it was that made Aurora and Lucius gravitate towards each other. Their relationship was of the "against all odds" variety.

The whole hooks for hands aspect makes for an interesting story in itself. The characters, however, seemed very real. I could relate to all of them in some way. His hooks were also a sobering thing to think about. We do take out ahnds for granted every day - I am right now as I type this!

It was refreshing to see a character like Aurora that was so genuinely nice. She was a character that I wish I could bring to life and be friends with.

The ending was great and very satisfying.

Overall, Crazy Beautiful was poignant, well-written, and a read well worth your time. And on top of everything else, the cover was adorable.

4 stars!

Waiting On Wednesday (18)

2009-12-16T05:00:00.002-05:00

The Lighter Side of Life and Death by C.K. Kelly Martin
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Pub. Date: May 25, 2010

Sixteen-year-old Mason Rice is having the night of his life. He's just delivered an incredible performance in the school play, basked in celebratory afterglow vibes at the party of the year, and lost his virginity to one of his best friends—the gorgeous but previously unobtainable Kat Medina. His dreams are coming true, and the future looks golden.

Unfortunately, Kat sees things very differently. Crossing the friendship line was a big mistake, and all she wants is to forget it and move on, even if that means forgetting Mason altogether. What's a guy to do? Well, if you're Mason, you hang your hopes on the first attractive twenty-three-year-old you cross paths with. At first Mason wonders if he's imagining the chemistry . . . until Colette invites him over to her apartment. Suddenly Mason's living in a whole new world.
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I was initially attracted to this book because I've loved all the author's previous novels. The cover is gorgeous as well. Then I read the synopsis and immediately thought "I HAVE TO HAVE THIS!" I can't wait for its' release!

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

2009-12-15T19:06:00.001-05:00

Alexis thought she led a typically dysfunctional high school existence. Dysfunctional like her parents' marriage; her doll-crazy twelve-year-old sister, Kasey; and even her own anti-social, anti-cheerleader attitude.

When a family fight results in some tearful sisterly bonding, Alexis realizes that her life is creeping from dysfunction into danger. Kasey is acting stranger than ever: her blue eyes go green sometimes; she uses old-fashioned language; and she even loses track of chunks of time, claiming to know nothing about her strange behavior. Their old house is changing, too. Doors open and close by themselves; water boils on the unlit stove; and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough to see their breath in.

Alexis wants to think that it's all in her head, but soon, what she liked to think of as silly parlor tricks are becoming life-threatening—to her, her family, and to her budding relationship with the class president. Alexis knows she's the only person who can stop Kasey — but what if that green-eyed girl isn't even Kasey anymore?
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Bad Girls Don't Die was a delightfully creepy read. I liked that the spook-factor happens gradually instead of jumping in right from the beginning. I think that made the story more believable and real to me.

Fans of scary stories will love BGDD. There's lots of unexpected plot twists to keep things interesting. You're always guessing what's going to happen next. Help comes from places that I never could have predicted. And, of course, there's an unlikely romance developing to balance out the creepiness.

I adored Alender's writing style. The ending was satisfying and tied things up well.

Overall, I was very satisfied with Bad Girls Don't Die. I can't wait to read more from Katie Alender!

5 stars!

CSN Bookshelf Review

2009-12-08T15:29:00.000-05:00

Awhile back I received a bookshelf from CSN to review. I've been so busy with school that I haven't had time lately to write down my thoughts. Now finals are over and I have a free minute. Unfortunately, my camera isn't working right now so I can't show you what the shelf looks like in my house but you can see the stock photo from the website here.

I was really impressed with how fast the shelf was shipped to my house. It only took a few days from the time I accepted the offer for it to arrive at my door. So if you're in a hurry and need your order fast, CSN has got you covered. This would come in handy especially around the winter holidays.

Setting it up was fairly simple as well. It came with detailed, easy-to-understand instructions. It took me less than an hour to get it put together. Although I'm sure someone who is more inclined to that sort of thing could do it much faster than I did.

It was quite sturdy and fit lots of books. It went with the furniture in my room well.

Overall, I was very satisfied with my bookshelf. Anything from CSN would be well worth the money. I would love to order more products from CSN in the future.

5 stars!

Prize Pack Contest Winner

2009-12-03T17:47:00.001-05:00

The winner of my Darlene Ryan Prize Pack has been emailed.
Thanks to everyone who entered! Check back for more contests soon!

The No Kill Book Shelter

2009-11-27T16:22:00.000-05:00

Just because one person didn't appreciate a book doesn't mean that someone else won't absolutely love it. The books you'll find here in the shelter have been badly neglected and unloved. In some instances they've even been verbally abused. Book violence is a very serious issue, one that we should all do our part to remedy. Support your local No Kill Book Shelter and give a bad book a second chance.

Two responsible, caring, screened families will be chosen and eligible to adopt the unloved book of their choice. First winner picks first....duh...and so on. Deadline for application is December 8th and I will announce winners on the 9th so not much time!

Go visit Life After Jane for more information and to enter!

Debut Author Challenge '10

2009-11-25T14:05:00.000-05:00

I'm going to be participating in the 2010 Debut Author Challenge. My goal is to read at least 12 debuts but hopefully I'll get to many more.

What is the 2010 Debut Author Challenge?
The objective is to read a set number of YA (Young Adult) or MG (Middle Grade) novels from debut authors published this year.* I’m going to challenge everyone to read at least 12 debut novels! I’m hoping to read at least 30! You don’t have to list your choices right away, but if you do feel free to change them throughout the year. I will also be focusing on mostly Young Adult novels.
Anyone can join, you don’t need a blog to participate. If you don’t have a blog you can always share your views by posting a review on Amazon.com/BarnesandNoble.com/GoodReads/Shelfari, or any other bookish site.
The challenge will run from January 1, 2010- December 31, 2010. You can join at anytime!

For more info visit The Story Siren.

Here are just a few of the ones I hope to read for the challenge:
-I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It by Adam Selzer
-The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
-The Duff by Kody Keplinger
-Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
-Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt

I only have one of these at the moment so I'll have to buy or get from the library the others as they're released.

I'll list the ones I've finished for this challenge on this post.

Demon Princess: Reign or Shine by Michelle Rowen

2009-11-17T15:30:00.000-05:00

Synopsis from bn.com:

As if trying to fit in at a new school isn't stressful enough, sixteen-year-old Nikki Donovan just found out that her long-lost father is, in fact, the demon king of the Shadowlands—the world that separates and protects us from the Underworld. When she is brought there by the mysterious—and surprisingly cute—messenger Michael, she learns that her father is dying, and he wants her to assume the throne. To complicate matters, a war is brewing between the Shadowlands and the Underworld, her half-demon qualities are manifesting, and her gowing feelings for Michael are completely forbidden. Ruling a kingdom, navigating a secret crush, and still making it home by curfew—what's a teenage demon princess to do?
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Demon Princess: Reign or Shine was interesting and original. It managed to be cute but still serious. There was even a dash of romance and cute boys thrown in to the story to add just the right about of spiciness.

The plot was went at a medium pace. The whole book took place over a span of just a few days. So a lot goes on in just a short amount of time even though it doesn't seem like it.

The characters were quite well-developed. You see more than one side to every character. For instance, you are shown Nikki's evil aunt's vulnerable side. This gives you more insight into the motivation for her actions. Characters that start out as friends become enemies and vice versa. Some relationships end up in ways you wouldn't expect.

When Nikki's dad randomly sends a messenger for her, she doesn't know what to think. All her life she thought he was dead. The fact that she doesn't immediately believe what she's being told and just go along with it makes the story more realistic and believable.

There are even some action-filled scenes so things never get too boring. Nikki isn't a damsel in distress in these situations, either. She can definitely handle the bad guys on her own. Of course, a little help from adorable Michael never hurts.

Overall, this was a fun novel. I'd love to read the next books in the series.

4 out fo 5 stars

Contest: Darlene Ryan Prize Pack

2009-11-15T16:08:00.002-05:00

To Enter: Fill out this form.
<p>Loading...</p>

Open to: US or Canada only.

You win: Rules for Life, Saving Grace, Responsible and Five Minutes More -all by Darlene Ryan, plus a chocolate surprise

For Extra Entries:
+1 Follow this blog
+1 Follow me on Twitter (@katiesbookshelf)
+2 Link to this contest (sidebars are fine)

Ends: December 1, 2009

Please fill out the above form to be entered. Any entries left in the comments will not be counted!

A special thanks goes to Darlene Ryan for donating the prizes!

Guest Blog: LM Preston

2009-11-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

TRUSTING IN YOURSELF

Trusting your own gut feelings is one of the best gifts we possess. We all get that little ‘twinge’ when something just isn’t right. When that happens…LISTEN TO IT! Trust yourself or your ‘gut’ some call it. Trust it at all times, it will never steer you wrong.

When I was young I lived in the inner-city. The neighborhood I called home, had gangs, drugs, muggers, killers, and lots of kids and family nearby. However, with all of these things present, I didn’t realize that my gut instincts were strengthening with each day I played outside, walked to school, to the bus, or traveled the city alone.

I never understood why my grandmother, affectionately named NaNa, didn’t want me to leave my block to go to the store alone. Or why, I wasn’t allowed to cut through the alleys to get to my cousin’s house, and the numerous lists of things I was told to watch out for.

My main character in EXPLORER X – Alpha realizes that something isn’t quite right with the immunization he is given. Aadi takes the initiative as asks the Doctor why it is being given to him. In addition to this finding, Aadi confirms his concerns with others.

Here are some steps to take in trusting yourself in all things;

LISTEN TO THAT ‘TWINGE’ IN YOUR GUT

When you are in a situation with a friend or an adult, and you get that feeling that something isn’t quite right, then you are most likely correct. Learn yourself, and test this ability.

Take this example for instance. Your friend tells you that you should sneak out to go to that great party that so-and-so is going to, but you feel this tickle in your tummy before you hesitate. This is your gut talking to you. It’s telling you … hold on … don’t jump into this.

Listen to it. Find out how your gut talks to you. Think of all those times you got into major trouble, and ponder over what you felt just before you did the deed that got you into that mess. That’s how you learn how your psyche talks to you.

TAKE A STEP BACK, AND ASK QUESTIONS

Never, ever, feel like you don’t have the right to ask a question. Asking a question only gets you in trouble when it hasn’t been asked, or the person of whom you are asking the question doesn’t want to give you an answer.

Don’t think I’m right on this? Test it, and think back to times when the person of whom you asked a question reacted negatively. In most cases, it is because they don’t want to give you an answer.

Asking the question is never, ever wrong. You have the right. So use it when you are in those situations where your gut is telling you that something is just not adding up.

IF IT DOESN’T ADD UP THEN IT DOESN’T ADD UP

When something doesn’t make sense, or the story just sounds down right disjointed, and your gut is telling you that something is off. Then trust your gut, something is off.

This is a saying my Nana used to tell me when I would give her a scenario of what a friend told me, or did to me.

“Honey, if it doesn’t add up, it won’t add up. Something is definitely not right with that story.”

Do you know in each instance she said this, she was absolutely correct.

TAKE ACTION

If you get that feeling something isn’t right take action.

In EXPLORER X – Alpha Aadi and Eirena, his co-pilot investigated their gut feeling that something is off about their camp with their team. They find that terrible things have been done to them.

There are several ways to take action. Here are some;

- Just tuck the knowledge away, and wait for the truth to reveal itself. Believe it or not this happens a lot in life. The truth has a way of coming out. Sometimes it happens quickly, and sometimes it takes a long, long time.

- Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in order to get the answers you want. You can ask anyone questions, and that may solve the mystery.

- Run away or stay away. If you are in a situation where an adult or a peer appears to be leading you in a direction that you feel is not safe. Run. There is no harm in running away from or staying away from someone.

TAKE ACTION

Realize that you have control of your destiny. No matter what happens to you in your life, you can learn from it all and become a better person. Making the same mistakes will become harder the more you learn to trust your gut instincts, and yourself.

by: LM Preston, www.lmpreston.com author of EXPLORER X - Alpha

Also, check out her book trailer for Explorer X -Alpha:

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

2009-10-12T04:00:00.001-04:00

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…
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My Soul to Take was a great read. It was the type of book I just couldn't put down; I wanted, no, needed to continue reading because I was so engrossed in the story.

It was very original. I'd never read, come across, or even heard of a story similar to this one. The concept of "bean sidhes" was one that I was unfamiliar with. But I was very interested in learning about these wailing, banshee creatures.

The storyline was filled with action and mystery. It was thrilling to be there when Kaylee slowly discovers who she really is. I wish I could tell you more about that but I don't want to spoil anything for you.

Kaylee was a very well-fleshed-out character. Vincent vividly describes her every thought, emotion, and feeling. You get to know her so well you feel like you've known her forever.

There are also romantic elements interwoven into the story. Kaylee's love interests do not overwhelm the story so if the romance aspect doesn't appeal to you, you needn't worry. It's definitely a nice part of the subplot but it's not a major part of the big picture. I, however, enjoyed reading about how Kaylee's predicament brought her closer to someone who knew what she was going through. Again, I wish I could tell you more about that person but I want to avoid spoilers at all costs.

Overall, I thoroughly liked My Soul to Take. Fans of paranormal lit will devour it. I do recommend it. Also, you can read the prequel, My Soul to Lose, for free here. The sequel, My Soul to Save, will be released on December 29, 2009.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Secret Society Teen Ambassadors

2009-10-10T05:00:00.001-04:00

Check out this cool promotion Tom Dolby, author of Secret Society, is hosting over at his site. Here's the info, pasted directly from Tom's blog:

Want to be a Secret Society Teen Ambassador? Submit your name and US/Canada mailing address to Tom between October 7, 2009 and October 19, 2009 and the Bradford Trust will pick fifteen winners at random. Each one of the fifteen winners will receive an Ambassador Initiation Kit in the mail!

What’s in the Initiation Kit?
• “The Initiates were given what looked like tattoos at the nape of their necks.” A set of 15 temporary ankh tattoos for you and 14 Initiates. Give them out wisely!
• “Anastasia took a sip of her martini, leaving a dark red lipstick print on her glass.” Your ticket to gorgeous lips and cheeks, TheBalm’s Stainiac Beauty Queen tinted gel blush (”a hint of tint for the lips and cheeks”)! A $15 value!

• “A card was included with the package that simply read, ‘With compliments.’” A one-of-a-kind vintage New York postcard signed by Tom — use it as a bookmark!

• “Patch and Nick used to play this game in class, where they would pass notes.” One beautiful, retro-styled Field Notes mini-notebook, perfect for writing down secrets! At the Bradford Trust, we’re crazy about these little notebooks. Normally, three are $10!

• “Lauren started to open it, but Emily stopped her.” Last, but not least: a secret initiation tool — here’s a hint: it’s sealed with an ankh!

After I Get My Kit, What Do I Have to Do?

Once you get your kit, go initiate your friends into the world of Secret Society! Loan them your copy, or better yet, tell them to pick up one of their own. For a chance to win more, see the instructions below about the tattoos!

My Friends Love the Tattoos! What Do I Do Now?
In the future, we will be launching a contest in which to enter, you will need to submit a photo of four people wearing the ankh tattoos (yes, one of them can be you!). If you want to get a head start on that contest (hint: the prize is fabulous and involves music), snap some pics of your friends wearing those tattoos; remember, you have to show all four tattoos somewhere in the pic (think hands, wrists, ankles — or if you’re really adventurous, you can go for the back of the neck!). You can start submitting those pics via email to Tom, but we won’t be officially announcing the prize until later (some things have to stay secret!). A selection of the best photos will be published on TomDolby.com; if you don’t want your photo published, please note that in your entry, and we will honor that request.

Are You Really Only Giving Away Fifteen Kits?
The Bradford Trust’s giveaway of 15 Secret Society Ambassador Initiation Kits will start today. The second giveaway of 15 will be announced later in the fall (if you read the book, you’ll understand why…), so stay tuned!

And Remember…
“There is power in being one of the first."

Mad Libs Love

2009-10-10T00:09:00.000-04:00

I participated in the Haunted Blog Tour at Books Obsession. Check out my Mad Libs here!

Michelle Moran Guest Post & Contest

2009-10-09T13:53:00.000-04:00

Why Cleopatra’s daughter?

It all began with a dive. Not the kind of dive you take into a swimming pool, but the kind where you squeeze yourself into a wetsuit and wonder just how tasty your rump must appear to passing sharks now that it looks like an elephant seal. My husband and I had taken a trip to Egypt, and at the suggestion of a friend, we decided to go to Alexandria to see the remains of Cleopatra’s underwater city. Let it be known that I had never gone scuba diving before, but after four days with an instructor (and countless questions like, “Will there be sharks? How about jellyfish? If there is an earthquake, what happens underwater?”) we were ready for the real thing.

We drove one morning to the Eastern Harbor in Alexandria. Dozens of other divers were already there, waiting to see what sort of magic lay beneath the waves. I wondered if the real thing could possibly live up to all of the guides and brochures selling this underwater city, lost for thousands of years until now.. Then we did the dive, and it was every bit as magical as everyone had promised. We saw the blocks that once formed Marc Antony’s summer palace, came face to face with Cleopatra’s enigmatic sphinx, and floated above ten thousand ancient artifacts, including obelisks, statues, and countless amphorae. By the time we surfaced, I was Cleopatra-obsessed. I wanted to know what had happened to her city once she and Marc Antony had committed suicide. Where did all of its people go? Were they allowed to remain or were they killed by the Romans? And what about her four children?

It was this last question that surprised me the most. I had always assumed that Cleopatra’s children had all been murdered. But the Roman conqueror, Octavian, actually spared the three she bore to Marc Antony: her six-year-old son, Ptolemy, and her ten-year-old twins, Alexander and Selene. As soon as I learned that Octavian had taken the three of them to Rome for his Triumph, I knew at once I had my next book. And when I discovered what Cleopatra’s daughter lived through while in exile – rebellion, loss, triumph, love - I absolutely couldn’t wait to start writing. I can only hope that the novel is as exciting and intriguing as the research proved to be. It may be two thousand years in the past, but a great love story, as they say, is timeless.

CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER: a novel
The death of Cleopatra was only the beginning...

Visit CleopatrasDaughter.com
Check out Michelle's blog at michellemoran.blogspot.com
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Now for the contest:

Prize: A hardback copy of Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran & an ancient Roman coin complete with certificate of authenticity

To enter: Leave a comment with a valid email address

Extra entries:
+2 if you're already a follower
+1 if you become a follower
+3 make a POST about this
+2 link to this somewhere (must leave link in comment)

Open to: International! Anyone, anywhere can enter!

Ends: October 23, 2009 at midnight

Cybils awards info

2009-10-09T12:59:00.000-04:00

I recently got this email from Alyssa at The Shady Glade:

Most of you have probably heard about the Cybils awards. If not, here’s a quick intro:

The Cybils are a group of awards given out every year by a group of over 90 book bloggers to reward books of the year based on literary merit (like the Newbery awards) AND popularity (like People's Choice Awards) for nine different categories. If you have a favorite book published this year by October 15th: http://dadtalk.typepad.com/cybils/2009/10/2009-nominations-are-now-open-.html#more.

And here’s the reason for my email. This is my fourth year working on the Cybils, and it seems every year there are a bunch of lists along the lines of “why haven’t these books been nominated yet?” that pop up on blogs. So I’m trying to streamline the process by creating one giant What’s Missing post: http://theshadyglade.blogspot.com/2009/10/whats-missing.html. If you’d be interested in sharing this link, I would be very grateful. I’d like to share this list with as many people as possible. And if not, that’s cool too. But I figured it didn’t hurt to ask. Thanks!

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Please go nominate your favorite book of '09! I did!

Guest Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins reviewed by Tricia Mills

2009-10-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

Catching Fire Keeps the Tension High in the Second Book of the Hunger Games Trilogy

Review by Tricia Mills

I think one of the biggest compliments an author’s book can receive if she’s writing a series is if someone finishes a book in the series and then immediately wants to start the next. That’s how I felt after reading the last page of The Hunger Games earlier this year, and once again when I finished reading the second in the series, Catching Fire, just a few days ago. I can’t believe I have to wait another year to find out what happens!

For those who are unfamiliar with the books by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games is the first in the trilogy about 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives in a sort of dystopian world where people live in 12 poor districts around a rich Capitol that rules with an iron fist. Each year, one boy and one girl from each district are chosen by lottery to go to the Capitol and participate in the televised Hunger Games – mandatory viewing by all citizens. It’s a fight-to-the-death competition that means wealth and a life of ease for the winner and his/her family, but death for the other 23 participants. Joining Katniss from District 12, the coal-producing poorest of the districts, is Peeta Mellark, a boy she knows and who once gave her bread when her family was starving. Initially, they agree to work together even though they know they’ll eventually have to face off against each other. Complicating things is Peeta’s admission that he loves her – on air. Katniss believes it’s a ploy but plays along to get audience support and thus gifts to help her during the game. The public falls in love with this star-crossed couple, and the end result is a rule change that allows them both to win.

Catching Fire starts out several months after the conclusion of the Hunger Games depicted in the first book, and we see the aftermath of the first Hunger Games ever to have two victors and how the all-powerful Capitol is reacting to that and the actions of our heroine, Katniss Everdeen. She’s glad to be alive, but she’s suffering from nightmares caused by the brutality of the Games; guilt about those who lost their lives and how her life is now one of plenty while those around her still suffer; fear for those she loves; and confusion about her feelings for Peeta and for her long-time best friend Gale, who has been forced to go to work in the mines to support his family. On top of all that is the knowledge that what she did in the Games might very well have been the spark that ignites the districts into rebellion against a Capitol that forces them to send their children off to die in the Games each year. But of all the retribution the Capitol could have taken against her, she’s not prepared for what they dish out. Once again, she and Peeta are thrust into even more danger. I won’t go into specifics because I want you all to be as surprised and shocked as I was, to get the full effect of the situations and Katniss’s emotions.

These books are wonderful, truly the kind that keep you up reading way past when you should turn off the light and let your burning eyes have a rest.

Tricia Mills writes young adult fiction for Razorbill. Her first YA novel, Heartbreak River, was released in April 2009. Her second, Winter Longing, is set to release in the summer of 2010. Visit her at www.triciamills.com.

Save Shrinking Violet!

2009-10-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

SAVE SHRINKING VIOLET!

Help Tere keep her voice!

Shrinking Violet is about an extremely shy high school senior trying to find her voice and reach her dream of becoming a DJ, despite the obstacles that stand in her way.

The book is about to go on back order and in order for more copies to be printed, more people have to place orders for the book.

Back to School Week Contest Winners!

2009-10-04T12:58:00.000-04:00

Here are the winners of the Back to School Week Contests!

Give Up the Ghost Swag Pack: Titania86

Never Cry Werewolf: Jessica Secret

Prize Pack donated by Becca Fitzpatrick: Kate

Susan McBride's Books: Wanda

The Elite series: Addicted Book Reader

Congrats! Please email me with your mailing info within 3 days!

Thanks to everyone who entered! For those of you who didn't win, I'll be posting a new contest very soon so be sure to check back.

What do you think?

2009-10-01T22:25:00.000-04:00

What do you think of the new layout? The old one was kinda boring and I felt like the blog needed a change. Please vote on the poll in the sidebar or leave a comment here with your thoughts!

The Forest of Hands and Teeth Paperback Cover

2009-09-26T17:47:00.001-04:00

I was randomly browsing around amazon.com when I came across the cover for the paperback version (right) of The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. And let me say, I'm loving it. I think it beats the heck out of the hardback one. What's your opinion? Let me know in the comments!

You can read my review of FHT here and watch the book trailer here.

YA Radio Dates

2009-09-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

I thought this might interest some of you:

Following the realy entertaining show chatting with The Story Siren... Julia Hoban author of WILLOW was so impressed with the comments about her and her book from the YA bloggers and readers that dialed in or asked questions that she has agreed to be a guest on "A Book and a Chat" also Cindy from Cindys Love of Books is going to be a guest on Thursdays show.

So two dates:

"A BOOK AND A CHAT YA SHOWS"

SEPTEMBER 17^th 6:30pm (EST) "Book and a Chat with Cindy" when YA Blogger Cindy from “Cindys Love of Books” (30min show)

OCTOBER 9^th - 7pm (EST) a "Book and a Chat with JULIA HOBAN" when Julia auhtor of WILLOW is my guest (45min show)

DIal in to chat Number is 347- 237-5398 or just visit

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond and join in the question and chat

I am now taking booking for guests to appear on my show in December and January while some dates have already been taken, I'd love to have a couple of YA bloggers/writers amongst the show guests so please contact me if interested.

Thank you

Barry Eva (Storyheart)
Author of "Across the Pond"
Book Site:http://across- t-pond.com
Follow my daily blog at: http://acrossthepon d-storyheart. blogspot. com Follow my Blog Talk Radio Show at :http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond
Amazon Reviews: http://tinyurl.com/o7sokp
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2hn1q0DZ34

Waiting On Wednesday (17)

2009-09-23T07:00:00.002-04:00

I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It by Adam Selzer
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Pub. Date: January 26, 2010

Algonquin “Ali” Rhodes, the high school newspaper’s music critic, meets an intriguing singer, Doug, while reviewing a gig. He’s a weird-looking guy—goth, but he seems sincere about it, like maybe he was into it back before it was cool. She introduces herself after the set, asking if he lives in Cornersville, and he replies, in his slow, quiet murmur, “Well, I don’t really live there, exactly. . . .”

When Ali and Doug start dating, Ali is falling so hard she doesn’t notice a few odd signs: he never changes clothes, his head is a funny shape, and he says practically nothing out loud. Finally Marie, the school paper’s fashion editor, points out the obvious: Doug isn’t just a really sincere goth. He’s a zombie. Horrified that her feelings could have allowed her to overlook such a flaw, Ali breaks up with Doug, but learns that zombies are awfully hard to get rid of—at the same time she learns that vampires, a group as tightly-knit as the mafia, don’t think much of music critics who make fun of vampires in reviews. . . .
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Zombies? Yes, please. This looks fun and original. I can't wait to read it in January!

Far From You by Lisa Schroeder

2009-09-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Lost and alone...down the rabbit hole.

Years have passed since Alice lost her mother to cancer, but time hasn't quite healed the wound. Alice copes the best she can by writing her music, losing herself in her love for her boyfriend, and distancing herself from her father and his new wife.

But when a deadly snowstorm traps Alice with her stepmother and newborn half sister, she'll face issues she's been avoiding for too long. As Alice looks to the heavens for guidance, she discovers something wonderful.

Perhaps she's not so alone after all....
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I wasn't sure if I'd like reading a novel in verse (I thought it'd be like poetry, which I can't seem to understand at all) but I discovered that it's fun and easy to read. It gets all the points across that regular novels do, but in a shorter and more lyrical form. It is perhaps a type of writing you'd have to be in the mood to read, but once you get into it it's hard to stop.

I was very impressed by Far From You. After all, it's hard enough to get words down on paper or computer screen and get them to make sense and create a story but to get them into a certain pattern and still do all that? Doesn't sound like an easy task to me..

Do not be deceived by the size or number of pages of this book. It is an insanely quick read.

The story itself was very touching. I enjoyed seeing the characters and their relationships grow and develop. It was nice to see Alice get closer to her stepmother and realize that she isn't such a bad person after all. I found it easy to relate to her.

There was minimal physical description of the characters. This lets you choose exactly how you want to picture them in your minds eye.

Overall, this was a great read. I count it among my favorites. I highly recommend it.

5 out of 5 stars

Last Day to Enter All BTWS Contests!

2009-09-19T22:49:00.000-04:00

Today is the last day to enter all my Back to School Week contests. You can find the links to the right in the sidebar. Remember - you can earn extra entries by commenting on any (+1 for each comment) BTSW interview or guest blog.

I'll be picking winners sometime in the next week using random.org.
Good luck!

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

2009-09-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again. Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.
-----------------------
Shiver was the type of novel that you just can't put down. Once I started reading I was sucked into the story and simply had to keep reading to find out how the story played out.

The chapters alternated between Sam and Grace's points of view. I think that let you get to know the characters better and made them more real. What can I say about Sam? He was just adorable. YA lit needs more characters like him.

Even if the characters had sucked (which they most definitely did not) the plot would have been enough to keep me reading. I was very interested in how Grace was going to pursue any kind of relationship with a werewolf. There was enough mystery to keep the intrigue factor high.

Paranormal as well as romance fans will be satisfied by Shiver. Maggie Stiefvater's beautiful writing will appeal to readers of all ages.

Overall, I was very impressed by Shiver. It far exceeded all my expectations. I will most certainly be picking up the sequel, Linger, when it is released in fall 2010.

5 out of 5 stars

Coming Soon: CSN Office Furniture Review

2009-09-17T16:54:00.000-04:00

In the near future I will be reviewing a bookshelf from CSN Office Furniture. The one bookshelf I have now is crammed full and the shelves are starting to bow so I'm looking forward to transferring some of my books over to the new shelf.

I'm planning to review the Ameriwood - SystemBuild 36" H Three Shelf Bookcase in white. However, this is subject to change. I think this one will fit in with my bedroom furniture nicely.

Be sure to check out CSN's other division that sells office chairs. They have a huge range of products - from quality affordable price to high end chairs. CSN has something for everyone!

Captivating Covers (3)

2009-09-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

For Keeps by Natasha Friend
Pub. Date: April 6, 2010
Publisher: Viking Juvenile

I love how the background is blurry so the only thing that's really clear is their hands.

Tempted by P.C Cast & Kristin Cast
Pub. Date: October 27, 2009
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

I really like the intricate patterns on this series' covers. The green stands out against the darker blacks and blues with an eye-catching effect.

For readers: Do you like the darker, eerier Tempted or the cute, bright For Keeps? Tell us which one you like better and why. Purely based on the covers, which one are you more likely to pick up in a store?

Willow by Julia Hoban

2009-09-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen year- old Willow's parents died in a horrible car accident. Willow was driving. Now her older brother barely speaks to her, her new classmates know her as the killer orphan girl, and Willow is blocking the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when one boy —one sensitive, soulful boy—discovers Willow's secret, it sparks an intense relationship that turns the "safe" world Willow has created for herself upside down.

Told in an extraordinary fresh voice, Willow is an unforgettable novel about one girl's struggle to cope with tragedy, and one boy's refusal to give up on her.

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This was one of the saddest books I've ever read. Willow was permanently in a foul mood (which is understandable, considering) which made me in a sad mood just reading it. You really feel Willow's emotions.

It's such a tragedy that Willow turned to cutting to help her deal with the loss of her parents. However, it does help you understand the cutters' reasoning for doing what they do. It also educates you on signs and things to look for in someone you suspect of cutting.

I grew to care about Willow so much that I wanted to scream at her "Hey! It wasn't your fault! It could've happened to anyone!" She was a very memorable character.

Willow was very well-written and I can see myself rereading this again later. I recommend this if you are a cutter, know someone who is, want to read about characters who cut themselves, or just want to read a highly emotional novel. I think it was a very intense debut for Julia Hoban. I'll make sure to pick up her future works.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Back to School for Real

2009-09-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

I know I had Back to School Week last week but today is my first official day of school. I'm only sixteen (seventeen next month!) but I'm starting college which is both scary and exciting. Studying will take priority over reading and reviewing so there will be a marked difference in the volume of posts here. I do have some scheduled posts for this week, though. Well, I'm off to class! Wish me luck!

Justine Larbalestier LIAR Tour Schedule

2009-09-13T19:53:00.000-04:00

I've read quite a few good reviews of LIAR around the blogosphere lately, so I thought the tour schedule might be of interest to you. Check it out:
US Liar Tour

Thursday, 8 October, 7:00 pm:
Joseph Beth Bookstore
387 Perkins Ext 
Memphis, TN

Saturday, 10 October, 2:00-3:00 pm
Southern Festival of Books
Talk in Room 16
Legislative Plaza
Nashville, TN
Followed by signing
3-4 pm
War Memorial Plaza
Between 6th & 7th Avenues.
Nashville, TN

Friday, 16 October, 7:00 pm:
Voracious Reader
1997 Palmer Ave
 Larchmont, NY

Monday, 19 October, 4:00 pm
Seattle Public Library
4675 Harbour Pointe Blvd.
Mukilteo, WA

7:00 pm
UWash Bookstore
4326 University Way N.E.
Seattle, Washington

Tuesday, 20 October, 7:00 pm
Third Place Books
17171 Bothell Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA

Wednesday, 21 October, 7:00 pm
Barnes & Noble
19401 Alderwood Mall Parkway
 Lynnwood, WA

Thursday, 22 October, 4:00 pm
A Children’s Place
4807 NE Fremont St 
Portland, OR

7:00 pm
Barnes & Noble
12000 SE 82nd Avenue
 Portland, OR 97266

Saturday, 24 October, 10:00 am -5:00 pm
Austin Teen Book Festival
Westlake High School
4100 Westbank Drive
Austin, TX

Thursday, 29 October, TBD
Children’s Book World
17 Haverford Station Rd
Haverford, PA

7:00 pm
Blue Marble
551 Carpenter Ln 
Philadelphia, PA

Wednesday, 4 November, TBD
Anderson’s Bookshop
123 W Jefferson Ave
Naperville, IL

Thursday, 5 November, 7:00 pm
B&N Skokie
55 Old Orchard Center 
Skokie, IL

Tuesday, 10 November, 5:00-7:00 pm
Books of Wonder
18 W. 18th St.
 New York, NY

Once again, there are, sadly, no tour stops near me. Somebody please come to Ohio!

Book Trailer: So Punk Rock (And Other Ways To Disappoint Your Mother) by Micol & David Ostow

2009-09-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

I've read and enjoyed a few of Micol's other novels so I definitely want to pick up her latest. I think it's cool that she collaborated with her brother on this one. I haven't read many graphic novels, but it's never to late to start, right? Plus, I really like books that have to do with music. Until you get your copy, check out the trailer:

Adriana Trigiani Viola in Reel Life Tour Schedule

2009-09-10T13:52:00.000-04:00

Bestselling author Adriana Trigiani is going on a 6 city VIOLA IN REEL LIFE tour. If any of you life near any of these locations, I suggest checking it out!

Tuesday, September 1 - LAKE GROVE, NY - Barnes & Noble – 600 Smith Haven Mall – 7pm

Thursday, September 3 - LOS ANGELES , CA - Barnes & Noble – 189 Grove Drive – 7pm

Wednesday, September 16 - ATLANTA, GA - Barnes & Noble – 7660 North Point Parkway ( Alpharetta , GA ) – 7pm

Thursday, September 17 - DALLAS, TX - Borders – 10720 Preston Road, Suite 1018 – 7pm

Friday, September 18 - RALEIGH, NC - Quail Ridge Books & Music – 3522 Wade Ave. – 7:30pm

Tuesday, September 22 - CHICAGO, IL - Off-site event hosted by Anderson ’s Bookshop – Pfeiffer Hall at North Central College , 310 E. Benton Ave. ( Naperville IL ) – 7pm

Thursday, September 24 - WASHINGTON , DC - Borders – 5871 Crossroads Center Way (Baileys Crossroads, VA) – 7:30pm

I so wish I could go! None of the tour stops are anywhere near where I live. =[

Troy High by Shana Norris

2009-09-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Homer’s Iliad, the classic tale of love and revenge, is shrewdly retold for teens in Troy High.
Narrated by Cassie, a shy outsider who fears that an epic high school rivalry is about to go up in flames, the story follows the Trojans and Spartans as they declare war on the football field. After the beautiful Elena—who used to be the captain of the Spartan cheerleaders—transfers to Troy High and falls madly in love with Cassie’s brother Perry, the Spartans vow that the annual homecoming game will never be forgotten. The Trojans and Spartans pull wicked pranks on each other as homecoming approaches. And the Spartans’ wildcard football star, Ackley, promises to take down the Trojans’ offensive line. But the stakes are raised when Cassie is forced to choose between the boy she loves (a Spartan) and loyalty to her family and school. Troy High will seduce readers with its incendiary cast of mythic proportions.
-------------------
Troy High was such a fun read. It was based on Homer's Iliad, but even if you are unfamiliar with it you can still follow and enjoy the story. Readers who have already read the classic will still be able to have fun reading this funny, dramatic retelling.

Having not read the Iliad, I can't say how accurate or true to the original Troy High is. However, I don't think it really matters. Shana Norris did get the idea for the main storyline from the Iliad, but she took it and made it into something entirely her own which, in my opinion, is awesome. I think that Troy High will appeal more to teens because of its modern language and setting.

If you're a fan of remakes, you'll be sure to love Troy High.

Teens will be able to relate to all the high school drama and rivalries. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an interesting, fun read.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Waiting On Wednesday (16)

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

Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
Pub. Date: May 13, 2010
Publisher: Viking Juvenile

Sorry, no synopsis. But from the cover, I think you can gather the basics.

I absolutely LOVE the cover. I think that alone would be enough to make me want to pick up this book. I've solidly liked all of Susane Colasanti's previous novels so if that's any indication of how this one will go over, I think it's safe to say that this will be something I'll want to pick up as soon as it's out.

The Waiting On Wednesday feature was created by Jill at Breaking The Spine

Thanks + Giveaway Extension

2009-09-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

First off, I want to thank everyone for making Back to School Week a success. Anyone who comments on any of the guest posts or interviews will get an extra entry for the BTSW giveaway of their choice. Please specify which one you'd like the entry to go to in your comment.

Speaking of giveaways, I'm going to be nice and give you an extra week to enter.
All BTSW giveaways will end on September 19.

Links to all the giveaways can be found to the right on the sidebar.

Giveaway: Give Up The Ghost Swag Pack

2009-09-05T15:00:00.000-04:00

To Enter: Leave a comment on this post including your email address. If you fail to leave a way to reach you, your entry will not count.

Open to: US or Canada only.

You win: Give Up The Ghost swag pack (including a ghost scent, bookmark, button, sticker set, friendship bracelet, and paper lantern)

For Extra Entries: Please put each thing in a SEPARATE comment!

+1 Follow this blog
+1 Visit Megan Crewe's site and tell me one thing you liked (Bonus +1 if you comment on her blog!)
+2 Link to this contest (sidebars are fine, just tell me what/where you did.)
+3 If you POST about Back to School Week

Author Guest Blog: Megan Crewe

2009-09-05T11:22:00.000-04:00

Five great books I read because of school

Time for school! Sure, that means less free time and more work, but it also means a chance to discover some awesome books. While I didn't love every book I read for school, my teachers introduced me to a whole lot of excellent ones. Here are five of my faves (in chronological order):

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl -- This isn't actually my favorite Dahl book (that would be The Witches, followed closely by Danny the Champion of the World and The BFG), but I have to give props to my third grade teacher for reading this book to my class and introducing us to this amazing author.

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt -- Both beautiful writing and an intense and moving story, this is one of my favorite books of all time. And who knows if I'd have found it if it wasn't on the grade six reading list?

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee -- A slice of history, a totally authentic voice, and powerful themes of prejudice and judgement. Love it just as much now as when we studied it in high school!

Lord of the Flies by William Golding -- I can still remember the heated classroom debates about the meaning of various symbols and character motivations in this book. Creepy and disturbing but oh so believable.

The Wars by Timothy Findlay -- Reading this book in senior year was, I think, the first time I felt I understood what it was like being in a war. Brutal and vivid and heart-wrenching. I actually studied it twice (in university as well) and never got tired of it.

Author Interview: Heather Davis

2009-09-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

1. Tell us a little about your high school experience overall.

High school was ok -- for most of my time there, I was a girl who straddled
various social groups. I was in drama and art classes,but I also turned out for
swimming and diving one year. I did student governmentstuff, but I also was into
going out to underage clubs and hanging with that crowd, too. I was a National Merit
Letter of Commendation winner (the only girl who was in my school that year.) I guess I
was kind of a smarty pants with artsy tendencies. I don't think I ever really fit into
any group all the way, and maybe that, in itself, was kind of hard.
Also, I worked at a fast-food place my junior and senior years and let me tell you,
there is nothing as humiliating as serving a cheeseburger through a drive-thru window
to the boy youhad been crushing on all year. Yikes.

2. What was the best book you've ever read that was assigned reading?

Wow, that's a hard one. I think it may be Moby Dick. That one I had to read twice - once in
school, where I read just enough to write the assigned paper, and once as an adult, when out of guilt I made a point to actually re-read the whole thing. I loved it.

3. Why did you pick werewolves to write about as opposed to, say, vampires or witches?

At the time I wrote the book, there was only one other werewolf book out there that I knew of - Blood and Chocolate, from the 1990's. I really wanted to write another paranormal (I'd just written a ghost manuscript) so werewolves seemed a natural choice. Plus, I love that they are not undead - they are very much alive and human most of the time.

4. Is there a particular teacher you had in school that inspired you?

I had so many, but, I guess I really loved my art teacher Susan Aurand in college. She told me not to be afraid of creating junk, just to create! You can always refine a first draft, afterall. I still live by those words in my life.

5. What's your favorite thing about the fall season?

I love cold, crisp mornings and sunny afternoons. I love the idea of fireplaces and
soup simmering on the stove and curling up with a good book. I love wearing lots of layers
and really great boots. Can't wait!

6. What are you reading right now?

I'm reading a book by Eric Maisel called Creativity for Life. It's about sustaining your
energy as an artist/writer. I just finished Beating Heart by A.M. Jenkins a few weeks
ago -- that was amazing, spare, beautiful writing.

7. What YA fall/winter release are you most looking forward to?

So many, again! Can't wait to read my friend Diana Peterfreund's book Rampant, about killer unicorns.

8. Where is your favorite place to read/write?

This is cliche, but I love my favorite Seattle coffee shop for first drafts. It's
really comfortable for me to use my home office for revisions, but the hard thinking I
do "off-site" with a tall latte. ;)

9. Pick 3 songs you think readers should listen to while reading your novel Never Cry Werewolf.

I will Possess Your Heart by Death Cab for Cutie
The Killing Moon by Echo and The Bunnymen
My Moon My Man by Feist

10. The book you've been dying to read is out in paperback and hardback.Which one do you buy?
If I'm dying to read it - I'm buying it in hardback right when it comes out!
Hope you guys will stop by my blog at www.booksboysbuzz.com for release week, and go
to HarperTeen's site to read an excerpt of the book!!

Giveaway: Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

2009-09-04T15:00:00.000-04:00

Heather Davis has generously donated a signed copy of her YA debut for giveaway!

To Enter: Leave a comment on this post including your email address. If you fail to leave a way to reach you, your entry will not count.

Open to: US or Canada only.

You win: A signed copy of Never Cry Werewolf

For Extra Entries: Please put each thing in a SEPARATE comment!

+1 Follow this blog
+1 Comment on my interview with Heather Davis
+2 Link to this contest (sidebars are fine, just tell me what/where you did.)
+3 If you POST about Back to School Week

Blogger Guest Blog: Kristi of The Story Siren

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

First off I want to thank Katie for asking me to participate! Hopefully I won't bore you too much with my back to school tale! Hope everyone has a great school year! Good Luck!

Today the theme is Back to School. I, for one, can't believe that it's that time of year again. Where did our summer go, it seems that this year has just flew by. Time always flies, whether you're having fun or not. Luckily I've been having fun, but back to the topic at hand. Back to School.

I loved going back to school every year. Fall is one of my favorite times of year, with the leaves crunching under your feet and warm apple cider. Ah, it's making me nostalgic just thinking about it. Not the mention the smell of all the new school supplies, shopping for new clothes, and the allure of the unknown. What would this school year hold!?

Every year I hoped that “this year” would be different. That this year, that boy would notice me, that this year those girls would want to be my friends. I was sure that my meticulously planned outfit and my brand new shoes, would propel me from a nobody to a somebody. That my new hair cut and zit medication would work their magical wonders, and I'd go from plain Jane to a mesmerizing Molly. And guess what, it never happen, my new shoes didn't propel me to instant popularity. Not even once. Finally I excepted reality, that this wasn't a fairy tale and things that just don't happen. And yet, even though I knew that it would never happen, I secretly never stopped wishing it would.

I think I was so worried about being accepted and noticed that I forget to look at the big picture. I was to busy focusing on things I thought I wanted, instead of seeing the great things I did have. Like my friends, my family, the awesome person I really was.

If I have any advice to give you back to schoolers, it would be this. Take this new school year as an opportunity to discover who you really are and how great you really are. Don't limit yourself! And don't forget to take the time to crunch in the leaves.

Author Guest Blog: Lindsay Eland

2009-09-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

Every year at the end of August when the days were getting cooler and a crisp chill hung in the evenings, a package would arrive at our house on Storch Road. It was addressed to my sisters and me and written with a black permanent marker that smelled like it had just been written. I remember following behind my mom as she took the large brown box from the UPS man, smiled, and then brought it into the living room and placed it on the floor.

Then there were anxious squeals because the tape could never be cut through or ripped off fast enough.

“Hurry, Hurry, Mom!”

And then, I held my breath as the brown flaps were pulled away revealing: school supplies. Heavenly, glorious school supplies!

Ah, the scent, and the sight, and the feel of them were like a piece of heaven in a box!

I still remember the sight. And even though I always got new school clothes that I’d gaze at as they hung expectantly on hangers in my closet, and even though I always got new school shoes that I wore out before that first day by clicking up and down the sidewalks watching my feet.

But the school supplies were the best of all!

The white lined paper wrapped in cellophane that I could peel off with a small tear. The unsharpened pencils that smelled like falling leaves and warm sweaters and clean desks. Shiny, smooth folders with animals on them, a new pencil box that clicked shut, a small metal box of colored pencils, and erasers shaped like puppies and kitties and horses.

And still, I find myself getting really, really, really excited over a trip to Office Max. The smell of the inside is like the smell of that box back in our living room on Storch Road. And then I walk the isle’s gazing at the supplies hanging off the metal pegs like treasures for the taking.

And sometimes I just want to take that smell home with me, and so I’ll buy myself some new white paper, pencils waiting to be sharpened, and a brand new pencil box that makes the perfect “click” sound when it’s shut.

Giveaway: Prize Pack

2009-09-02T18:06:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Becca Fitzpatrick for donating this awesome prize pack!

To Enter: Leave a comment on this post including your email address. If you fail to leave a way to reach you, your entry will not count.

Open to: US or Canada only.

You win:
1 ARC of ICE by Sarah Beth Durst
1 ARC of The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
1 $10 iTunes giftcard
1 HUSH, HUSH locker poster

For Extra Entries:

+1 Follow this blog
+2 Link to this contest (sidebars are fine, just tell me what/where you did.)
+3 If you POST about Back to School Week

Ends: September 12, 2009

Author Interview: Nina LaCour

2009-09-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

1. Tell us a little about your high school experience overall.

I went to a big, suburban high school, much like Caitlin's school in Hold Still. I was very shy in school and never spoke in my classes. I was good at English and bad at math, and my best friend and I were constantly together. We wrote each other long notes when we were in our classes, full of code names and embellished with little drawings and song lyrics. We had so much fun together, and this made everything else okay.

2. What was the best book you've ever read that was assigned reading?

There are so many, but I'm going to have to go with Catcher in the Rye. I know that it's a very typical answer, but I can so clearly remember reading that book in ninth grade and worrying for Holden in a way that I had never worried for a character in a book before.
3. Why did you decide to be a teacher?

Both of my parents are teachers, so it runs in the family. But I had no idea that I would become a high school teacher when I was a teenager. I knew I wanted to be a writer, and I thought that I would also be a professor. I tutored and taught in many places when I was in college and grad school: a private college, a city college, an Oakland elementary school, a juvenile hall. . . . Then I decided that I wanted to teach high school. And as soon as I started, it felt right.

4. Is there a particular teacher you had in school that inspired you?

I had so many amazing teachers. I was really lucky. The teacher I'll mention here is George Hegarty. I took his class in my senior year of high school. He made me talk in front of people, which I was terrified of doing, and he was incredibly supportive of my creative writing. I remember that he wrote, "The gift exists in you," on the back of a short story I wrote for his class. To receive feedback like that from a teacher I admired so much was thrilling.
5. What's your favorite thing about the fall season?

My birthday is the first day of fall, so I feel a special connection to the season. For me fall is a time of change and new beginnings. The school year starts; I meet new people; everything seems full of promise.

6. What are you reading right now?

I am reading The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. It's our school's summer reading book this year.

7. What YA fall/winter release are you most looking forward to?

I am really looking forward to reading How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford. Gayle Forman recommended it to me, and I trust Gayle's judgment. The cover is excellent, too.

8. Where is your favorite place to read/write?

Anywhere with good coffee and lots of other people who are also reading or writing.

9. Pick 3 songs you think readers should listen to while reading your novel, Hold Still.

Close to Me by The Cure, because Caitlin falls in love with it in the book.
I Feel It All by Feist, because it's my favorite upbeat song about hope and uncertainty.
Call it Off by Tegan and Sara, because it's just so pretty and sad.

10. The book you've been dying to read is out in paperback and hardback.Which one do you buy?

Hardback.

Giveaway: Susan McBride's Books

2009-09-01T17:56:00.001-04:00

The lovely Susan McBride has generously donated three books for giveaway!

To Enter: Leave a comment on this post including your email address. If you fail to leave a way to reach you, your entry will not count.

Open to: US or Canada only.

You win:
1 winner will receive signed copies of The Debs AND Love, Lies, & Texas Dips
1 winner will receive a signed copy of Blue Blood

For Extra Entries:

+1 Follow this blog
+2 Link to this contest (sidebars are fine, just tell me what/where you did.)
+3 If you POST about Back to School Week and leave a link

Ends: September 12, 2009

Author Guest Blog: Susan McBride

2009-09-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

I Heart Books

by Susan McBride

I’ve always been a bookworm.

We moved around a lot when I was growing up so every few years we picked up stakes and went to a new place, wherever my dad’s job sent him. By the time I was thirteen, I’d lived in five different cities (four different states), and I’d been enrolled in four different schools. It made it hard to keep friendships when we never stayed anywhere for very long. The only thing I could count on in those days was books.

The first thing I did whenever we got settled was to visit the nearest library and get a library card. I’d check out a stack of books, as many as they’d let me take, and I’d read them in my room in our new house. The stories took me away from all my worries and fears about starting classes mid-term with people I didn’t know and trying to find friends in our new neighborhood.

I loved books so much that I built my own library, putting pockets with cards inside the front cover. I got a date stamp, and I made my brother and sister check books out. To this day, they’re not big readers. Hmm, wonder if I had anything to do with that?

When I was in fifth grade, I tried my hand at writing novels. I have three from back then saved in a box in my closet. One was about two friends who solved crimes on their street, another was an illustrated tale about two nice monsters from Monsterville, and the third was a mystery, like a Nancy Drew, called THE SECRET OF THE FORBIDDEN TEMPLE. I even made a paper cover for it with artwork on the front and spine. Inside the back flap, I noted “Other Books by Susan McBride” and made up a bunch of titles. I loved the thrill of conjuring up characters and putting them in situations I could only dream about. It was the perfect escape, and I let my imagination fly.

I should have realized back then that I was destined to be a writer. But it took awhile longer for me to figure that out. I didn’t seriously consider becoming a novelist until I was 19 and between transferring colleges. My family was road-tripping to my grandparents’ house for Christmas, and I had an epiphany. “I will write a book!” a little voice inside my head announced as I sat in the back seat, trying to keep a safe distance from my irritating little brother. I dug out a tiny notepad and pen from my purse, and I started scribbling then and there. What I ended up writing—a 600-page historical romance called THE THORN OF THE ROSE—was never published. But I did send it out to various editors and agents who encouraged me to keep at it.

Every year after I graduated college, I penned a new novel. I had 10 of them written before I ever signed a book contract after winning a writing contest. A small press published AND THEN SHE WAS GONE and OVERKILL, before a New York agent took me on. She got me a three-book deal with Avon for my Debutante Dropout Mysteries, starting with BLUE BLOOD in 2004 (and ending with TOO PRETTY TO DIE in 2008). About the time my third mystery came out in 2006, my agent was approached by an editor looking for an author to write about debutantes in the South, kind of like GOSSIP GIRL with a drawl. That’s when I devised THE DEBS, the debut of my young adult series that features four Houston prep school seniors during their debutante season. (And, yes, debutantes still exist! Even though I’ve gotten emails asking, “Didn’t debs go the way of the dinosaur?”)

I’ve had a blast devising tall Texas tales about best friends Laura, Ginger, and Mac and their arch-enemy Jo Lynn. Since I went to junior high and high school in Houston where the series is set, I’ve had the chance to revisit my roots there and put old memories to good use. Everything really is bigger in Texas—like hair, personalities, and drama!—so it’s been a hoot using the Lone Star State as the backdrop for THE DEBS novels as well as for my Debutante Dropout books.

Although it was never much fun moving around when I was growing up, in a way I’m grateful for the challenges I had to face early on. I don’t think I’d be the person I am now without those experiences. Because of them, I learned to use my imagination, both as a reader and a writer. Isn’t it amazing, how words can transport us to other worlds, especially when we need to escape from our own? I love that!

No matter what, no matter where, it’s always home if books are there. J

Giveaway: The Elite Series by Jennifer Banash

2009-08-31T13:48:00.000-04:00

Jennifer Banash has generously donated the full Elite series for giveaway!

To Enter: Leave a comment on this post including your email address. If you fail to leave a way to reach you, your entry will not count.

Open to: US or Canada only.

You win: The Elite, In Too Deep, and Simply Irresistible by Jennifer Banash

For Extra Entries:

+1 Follow this blog
+1 Comment on my review of The Elite
+2 Visit Jennifer's site and tell me one thing you liked. (Bonus +2 if you comment on her blog!)
+2 Link to this contest (sidebars are fine, just tell me what/where you did.)
+3 If you POST about Back to School Week

Ends: September 12, 2009

"Back to School" Week!

2009-08-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

I hereby declare this week (Aug. 31-Sept. 5) "Back to School" Week on my blog! Why should you be excited, you ask? Well, because there will be tons of author interviews, guest blogs, contests, and even some guest blogs from fellow YA book bloggers! This is the biggest event held on my blog so far and I hope, with some help from you, to make it a huge success! Please stop by throughout the week for lots of great posts.

If any of you know how to make a banner and would like to lend your services, please email me!

Create Your Own Cover

2009-08-30T20:12:00.001-04:00

I've been seeing a lot of these posts lately, so I thought it would be fun to make my own. It's easy to do so try your own!

CREATE YOUR DEBUT YA COVER

1 – Go to “Fake Name Generator” or click
http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/
The name that appears is your author name.

2 – Go to “Random Word Generator” or clickhttp://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml
The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.

3 – Go to “FlickrCC” or clickhttp://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.php
Type your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.

4 – Use Photoshop, Picnik, or similar to put it all together. Be sure to crop and/or zoom in.

5 – Post it to your site along with this text.

I Can't Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Words Memoirs by Teens Famous and Obscure edited by Smith Magazine

2009-08-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

True tales of love, loss, good friends, and bad hair days filled Not Quite What I Was Planning, the New York Times bestselling first book in the Six-Word Memoir series—an international phenomenon. Some of the very best were by teens, so the editors decided to create a book written entirely by those bold, brash truth-tellers. From cancer to creativity, prom dates to promiscuity, and breaking hearts to breaking laws, the memoirs in this collection reveal that often the youngest writers have the most fascinating stories to tell.
---------------
This was a interesting book to read. It took hardly any time at all to read through but it was very eye-opening. Sometimes you forget that there are people out there who are worse off than you are. This book served to remind me just how lucky I am.

For example:

"Teen victim of shooting: lost leg."

"Falling apart because Dad's behind bars."

However, others are uplifting and inspiring:

"Cheer captain and valedictorian: stereotype annihilator."

"Never been drunk. Never been happier."

"Asperger's does not define my life."

"I'm poor. I'm going to Harvard."

Every teen will be able to relate to something from this book. There are memoirs written in every tone you can imagine. This is what I'd call a "rainy day" book. I'd have to be in a certain kind of mood to read it, but sometimes it's just what you need.

I recommend this to teens who are interested in looking at some insight into other peoples lives.

4 out of 5 stars

I Know It's Over by C.K. Kelly Martin

2009-08-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Pure. Unplanned. Perfect. Those were Nick’s summer plans before Sasha stepped into the picture. With the collateral damage from his parents’ divorce still settling and Dani (his girl of the moment) up for nearly anything, complications are the last thing he needs. All that changes, though, when Nick runs into Sasha at the beach in July. Suddenly he’s neck-deep in a relationship and surprised to find he doesn’t mind in the least. But Nick’s world shifts again when Sasha breaks up with him. Then weeks later, while Nick’s still reeling from the breakup, she turns up at his doorstep and tells him she’s pregnant, and Nick finds himself struggling once more to understand the girl he can’t stop caring for, the girl who insists that it’s still over.
---------------------
This novel was beautifully written. It was one of those books you simply can't bare to put down.

I liked that it was written from Nick's point of view. It was interesting to see how a guy would deal with his (ex)girlfriend getting pregnant. Being a girl myself, it was just nice to see that he was as torn up about it as I know a girl in this kind of situation would be.

Dani's character was especially interesting to me because she served the purpose of showing that Nick really was in love with Sasha - he wasn't just in it for the sexual stuff because he could've gotten that from Dani.

I thought it was interesting that Sasha's pregnancy drove them apart instead of making them closer since neither one was over the other yet. Unless you've been in a similar situation or know someone who has, you'll probably find it hard to relate to. I know that most teens my age don't even want to think about something like this happening to them.

The reality, though, is that things like this happen every day. I think teens should read more books like this, if not for enjoyment than to further convince them to be careful and safe if they choose not to abstain from sex. I know that I'll think twice about becoming sexually active because I certainly do not want to have to make the tough decisions that Sasha did. No teenager should have to.

I believe that this novel will appeal to both genders. It was an amazing debut from C.K Kelly Martin and I look forward to reading lots and lots more from her in the future!

5 out of 5 stars!

Secrets of Truth & Beauty by Megan Frazer

2009-08-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

When Dara Cohen was little, she was a bright, shiny star. She was the cutest seven-year-old who ever sang Ella Fitzgerald, and it was no wonder she was crowned Little Miss Maine. That was then. Now Dara's seventeen and she's not so little anymore. So not little, that when her classmates find out about her illustrious resume, their jaws drop. That's just one of her many problems. Another is that her control-freak mom won't get off her case about anything. Yet the one that hurts the most is the family secret: Dara has an older sister her parents tried to erase from their lives. When a disastrously misinterpreted English project lands her in the counselor's office--and her parents pull her out of school to save face--Dara realizes she has a decision to make. She can keep following the rules and being misunderstood, or she can finally reach out to the sister she's never met--a sister who lives on a collective goat farm in Massachusetts. Dara chooses B. What follows is a summer of revelations, some heartbreaking, some joyous; of friendship, romance, a local beauty pageant; and choices. And as autumn approaches, Dara finds she may have to let go of everything she's taken for granted in order to figure out who she really is, and what family really means.
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This novel was touching. It dealt with hard issues like body image and obesity. Since obesity and being overweight are growing issues today, it was interesting to see how this really made Dara feel and affected her life. Lots of times society judges people with weight issues without considering the person's feelings so to see the other side of the story was refreshing.

It challenged the widely accepted definition of beauty - skinny, tall, pretty. Dara, who wasn't super skinny, was beautiful on the inside and she learned to recognize and be proud of that. I liked that fact that this novel didn't imply that Dara should lose weight in order to be beautiful. It wasn't on the pro-anorexic-level-skinny side at all. It helped the reader see that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, you just have to look past stereotypes and the way other people see things to find it. It was sad to see that Dara wasn't necessarily uncomfortable with herself, just with how everyone else perceived her.

I was troubled by Dara's relationship with her parents, however. Her mom was always trying to control her life, especially her weight. They dwelled on her pagaent-winning past instead of seeing the person Dara was in the present. But when she went to meet her sister, she finally figured out that family are people that love and accept you and would never try to change you, no matter what.

Overall, this was a poignant story that was easy to relate to. An impressive debut from Megan Frazer!

4 out of 5 stars

Book Trailer: Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker

2009-08-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Melissa Walker is one of my favorite authors. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Violet series by her. So I know I'll enjoy her most recent novel, Lovestruck Summer. Check out this trailer, made by YABOOKNERD:

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

And Then Everything Unraveled by Jennifer Sturman

2009-08-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

Delia Truesdale has no idea her life's about to change forever. She's too busy enjoying the California summer. Her internet tycoon mother, T.K. Truesdale, is out of town, and that means Delia can spend all her time at the beach, surfing. That is, until everything unravels.

Her mother suddenly goes missing, and everyone thinks she's dead - excpet Delia, who knows T.K.'s way too organized to simply disappear. But Delia's still sent to New York to live with her two aunts - a downtown bohemian and an uptown ice queen.

And in case that's not bad enough, she also has to deal with a snooty new school and trying not to fall for the wrong guy. Oh, and finding her mother.

As she delves deeper into the tangle of conspiracies and lies surrounding T.K.'s disappearance, Delia begins to suspect that the wrong guy may be the right guy...and that some secrets - especially the dangerous ones - were never meant to be unraveled.

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In all honesty, this book was good. Not great. Nothing spectacular, but still enjoyable.

I liked Delia from the beginning. She was strong and didn't let others influence her opinions, even over her mother's whereabouts. I was intrigued by her background and how she lived growing up.

The big mystery of what happened to her mother was the center of the whole book. Delia is constantly thinking and plotting how to find her mom. She is so consumed with it that you just have to keep reading because it makes you want to know the real story as well.

The ending, however, left something to be desired. There were way too many questions left unanswered. I still wanted a lot more explanations. It just wasn't tied up enough for my taste.

Overall, it was a decent read but nothing too remarkable.

I LOVED the cover, though. It sort of reminds me of the opening sequence in the movie Juno. In any case, very cute.

3 out of 5 stars

Being Nikki by Meg Cabot

2009-08-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

Things aren't pretty for Emerson Watts.

Em was sure there couldn't be anything worse than being a brainiac the body of a teenaged supermodel.

But it turned out she was wrong. Because that supermodel could turn out to have a mother who's gone mysteriously missing, a brother who's shown up on her doorstep demanding answers, a former best friend who's intent on destroying Stark Enterprises to avenge the death of his lost love, and a British heartthrob who's written a song about her that's topping the charts.

How can Em balance all that with school, runway shows, and weekend jaunts to St. Johns - especially when she's got ex-boyfriends crawling out of the woodwork who want more than just a photo op; a sister who is headed to the high school cheerleading championships; a company she represents that seems to be turning to the dark side...

Not to mention trying to convince the love of her life that models aren't really airheads after all...especially one model in particular.

But then, nobody said it was going to be easy being Nikki.

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Being Nikki was a satisfying sequel to Airhead. There was no shortage of new twists. Things even start to take a dark turn.

Em Watts has now accepted and gotten used to the fact that she's now in supermodel Nikki Howard's body. She is just trying to go about Nikki's daily life while still trying to unravel the mysteries of Stark Co. And she can't forget about her feelings for Christopher, her former best friend.

New plot developments and discoveries cause everything to change and to put Em and her friends in a dangerous situation.

Overall, this was an exciting installment in the Airhead series. I look forward to reading the next installment, Runaway.

4 out of 5 stars

Book Trailer: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

2009-08-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

I've read this one, so I can tell you that it's awesome. It just came out recently so I highly recommend you go out and get your copy. Seriously, if you're into werewolf books this one is definitely for you. I'll have my review up soon! For now, though, check out the trailer:

Waiting On Wednesday (15)

2009-08-12T20:09:00.001-04:00

Kiss in the Dark by Lauren Henderson
Pub. Date: April 13, 2010
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

With Dan McAndrews's murder finally behind her, Scarlett has high hopes for a fresh start at Wakefield Hall Collegiate, the elite English boarding school her grandmother runs. Unfortunately, those hopes are dashed when her nemesis, the infamous Plum Saybourne, is transferred to the school. Plum wastes no time turning Scarlett’s impressionable classmates against her.

Scarlett has dealt with Plum’s nasty schemes before, and she can handle her archenemy very nicely, thank you—until Plum sets her sights on Scarlett’s best friend, Taylor, and new boyfriend, Jase. Then Scarlett is more than willing to fight for what’s rightfully hers.

Things only get worse after Scarlett becomes entangled in a mysterious death on campus. Scarlett is compelled to investigate because she wants to protect someone close to her. She never imagines that she’ll uncover secrets related to her parents’ fatal accident so many years ago. . . .
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I absolutely loved Kiss Me Kill Me and Kisses and Lies so I can't wait to read the next installment. Mystery, drama, AND British accents? Sounds like my kind of book. Does anyone know whether this is a trilogy or a series? In any case, I'm dying to get my hands on this one!

The Waiting On Wednesday feature was created by Jill at Breaking The Spine

Check Out This HUGE Contest!

2009-08-12T19:55:00.000-04:00

Go here to enter a great contest with an insanely large amount of books up for grabs. Please sat that I referred you! Here's what you can win:

Prizes you can win:

1. Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick ARC

2. Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen ARC

3. Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters ARC

4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater ARC

5. Troy High by Shana Norris ARC

6. Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott ARC

7. Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn ARC

8. Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker

9. Death by Series by Linda Gerber (3 books total)

10. a 5 dollar giftcard from Walmart (you can buy yourself half of a book with it, lol)

11. 3 Sarah Dessen books ( Just Listen, This Lullaby, Someone Like You)

12. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

13. Fire By Kristin Cashmore ARC

14. Last but not least, I have some extra amazon cards, so I will also include a preorder for CATCHING FIRE BY SUZANNE COLLINS. It will be shipped to on or around Sept 1st (whenever they ship it)

AND a book of your choice (under $15.00 please and it can be a preorder as long as it comes out in September-so many good books get released)

Sounds awesome, right? To enter, go here and please say that I referred you!

Donut Days by Lara Zielin

2009-08-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

Emma has a lot going on. Her best friend’s not speaking to her, a boy she’s known all her life is suddenly smokin’ hot and in love with her, and oh yes, her evangelical minister parents may lose their church, especially if her mother keeps giving sermons saying Adam was a hermaphrodite.

But this weekend Emma’s only focused on Crispy Dream, a hot new donut franchise opening in town, where Harley bikers and Frodo wannabes camp out waiting to be the first ones served. Writing the best feature story on the camp for the local paper might just win Emma a scholarship to attend a non- Christian college. But soon enough Emma finds the donut camp isn’t quite the perfect escape from all her troubles at Living Word Redeemer.

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When I first read the summary and then began reading the book itself, I wasn't really crazy about the premise. It was very original but for some reason I just tend to shy away from books that have anything to do with religion. Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against religion. I just don't find it as fun to read about as other topics.

Besides that, I found Donut Days to be a funny, accessible story. The author's messages outshine the religious context and could still be applied to everyday life outside the church. In other words, even if you're not an evangelical Christian or religious at all you could still relate the the characters and enjoy reading the story.

I thought it was a well-written novel and a fantastic debut for Lara Zielin. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Boy Toy Contest Winner

2009-08-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

And the winner is:

Jess of Lost in a Book

Congratulations! I've already emailed you so please get back to me in the next 48 hours!

Contest Alert!

2009-08-08T20:13:00.001-04:00

Check out this awesome contest at Mrs. Magoo Read s for a chance to win 9 books including:

-ARC of Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner
-ARC of La Petite Four by Regina Scott (used)
-ARC of The ABC's of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro
-Slept Away by Julie Kraut
-The Diamonds by Ted Michael
-ARC of (Re)Cycler by Lauren McLaughlin (gently used)
-ARC of Work What You Got by Stephanie Perry Moore
-ARC of Hancock Park by Isabel Kaplan
-ARC of 30 Days to Finding and Keeping Sassy Sidekicks and BFFs by Clea Hantman

Be sure to follow her blog for more cool contests and reviews!

The Devouring #2: Soulstice by Simon Holt

2009-08-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

The terrifying, nail-biting, and grossly intriguing sequel to The Devouring. It's been six months since Reggie first discovered and fought against the Vours, malicious and demonic beings that inhabit human bodies on the eve of the Winter Solstice. The Vours still haunt Reggie, but only in her dreams-until one night, when an unexpected visitor turns her nightmares into reality. The battle against evil continues in Soulstice, the second book in the thrilling The Devouring series, which School Library Journal called, "Comparable to books by R. L. Stine and Stephen King....A must-have for horror fans."
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I loved The Devouring so I was very eager to read the second book in the series, Soulstice. I was not disappointed. It was everything I expected and more.

It was just as fast-paced, thrilling, and intriguing as The Devouring. There were even more unexpected plot twists that made the story that much more readable and unputdownable.

It was interesting to see how having been occupied by a Vour previously affected Henry. Reggie's interactions with Quinn made me want to keep reading to find out just what she was thinking talking to him and *slight spoiler* teaming up with him. *end of spoiler*

The ending was so good! I am eagerly anticipating the release of the next book in the series so that I can find out what happens next!

Overall, Soulstice was a delightfully creepy read that I highly recommend if you enjoyed The Devouring. As I said before, I will definitely be picking up the next book when it comes out.

I love the cover! Hats off to all these creative cover designers. I've been seeing some awesome ones lately.

Anyone have any info about the next one in the series? Because seriously, there has to be more!

4 out of 5 stars