Buried In Books!

It's my birthday YAAAAY!

2009-12-08T11:12:00.000-06:00

Still missing you guys, no telling when my computer will be fixed. I shall return with a huge IMM and of course plenty of reviews, + more than a few giveaways!

Until then, wish me a happy birthday! :]

Review: The Pencil Test by James Guilford

2009-12-03T12:40:00.006-06:00

My summary:

When Kendry Clare's drug-addicted mother Doris loses her job to her habit, she must move Kendry to East Atlanta--more than a few steps down from their life and home when Doris was at the peak of her career. But instead of disappointed, Kendry is excited to leave behind her non-existent social life at Crestman in hopes of being accepted at her new school; in hopes of getting in good with the girls she's seen on the train--the black girls.

Willing to do almost anything to win the hearts of the black girls, Kendry tells a life-altering lie on her first day at school that weaves a web of falseness around her world and ultimately affects the lives of everyone around her..

The Pencil Test was definitely something different for me. It is a novel that is dark, but in it's own beautiful way and it struck up emotions, thoughts and interests in me that I've never gotten from any other book.

My initial reaction to Kendry was that I could not relate to her. While I can understand the human need to fit in and to belong somewhere, especially considering Kendry's history, her fascination with the black girls came off as too obsessive for me to relate to.

On another level however, I could see myself in her shoes: On her first day at PLD (her new school in East Atlanta) she is the only white girl in the classroom, and says she feels "blaringly white." Being in an interracial relationship myself, it was easy (when we first started dating--now I'm used to it and know everyone) for me feel like I stuck out like a sore thumb when surrounded by my boyfriend's family/friends, so therefore I definitely found myself relating to her on that note.

As the book went on, I began to dislike Kendry more and more, and by the end of the book I all-out despised her. She was extremely fake and I felt like the fact that she joined the black movement group was really disrespectful, considering her true race. I was hoping for her to get caught in her lie.

Despite hating the main character, I can't say I disliked the book itself. I love how race fit into the plot. The black rebels group and Rastafarian segments made the book unique, which is great, but also left me slightly lost due to my lack of knowledge on the subject...but at the same time it left me wanting to learn more about it. The Pencil Test sparked a new interest in me and I can honestly say that's not something I get from every book I read.

I give The Pencil Test 3.5 stars and would recommend it to those who like the more dark drama young adult novels.

See my interview with James here.

Author Q&A: James Guilford

2009-12-03T12:40:00.003-06:00

James Guilford, author of The Pencil Test, contacted me about reviewing his new novel, The Pencil Test, and was kind enough to also agree to answer a few questions for Buried In Books.

To learn more about James and his writing, visit his website here.

You can also download the first 5 chapters of The Pencil Test here!

Me: So your first novel, The Pencil Test, was released in November. Do you see yourself writing more novels in the future, or do you prefer sticking to essays and articles?

James Guilford: I definitely have more novels planned. Currently, I'm working on a book that can be best described as Precious meets The House on Mango Street. I've been inspired by the fantasy movement to try my hand at something magical and futuristic. This type of book has been in my head for a while, actually. We'll see how it works out.

Me: What genre of books do you like to read? Do you limit yourself to only the genre and topics that you write yourself?

JG: Currently, I'm reading a lot more nonfiction. But I read fiction, mostly. Inside of fiction, I''m branching out to graphic novels and fantasy. I try to read little of every genre. Doing so improves my writing.

Me: That being said, what are you reading now?

JG: Right now, I have few books going. I'm reading Margaret Atwood's The Year of the Flood. It's a novel a futuristic novel--really bleak, but with a humorous elements. There's a whole bio-fusion movement that has resulted in the creation of different species, like lion-lamb crossbreeds. I'm also reading The Best American Essays 2008 and I've just picked up Michael Cunnighams' The Hours to re-read.

Me: It's so interesting that you seem to know so much about the Rastafarian movement-you include it in The Pencil Test and I see you've also written essays on it. Does your knowledge on the subject come from personal experience rather than research, or vice versa?

JG: Because I have dreadlocks (and amazing one's at that--lol), I also thought about becoming Rasti. Earlier in my life, I had adopted some of the Rastafarian beliefs (I was briefly "spiritual" and briefly "vegetarian"). So, some of my knowledge comes from experience. The bulk of what's in The Pencil Test, I'd say about ninety-five percent of the Rasta stuff, comes from research.

Me: What can we expect to see from you in the future?

JG: In the works next is a novella--about 120-pages. It's both humorous and sad. After this short work, I have a long fantasy-sci-fi novel that I'll tap off. I'd written the first chapter right before finishing The Pencil Test. I'm excited to get back to it. I'm always writing articles about school and education and parenting, because I was a teacher for 10 years.

Thank you so much James, for giving me a chance to read your book, and also for answering these questions for my readers! :]

See my review of The Pencil Test here.

My computer monitor is broken.

2009-12-03T11:18:00.001-06:00

For those who have been wondering where I've disappeared to, the screen on my computer is broken so all my blogging must be done @ the library or my dad's office. I've been going crazy! But I'll try to make it here as often as possible. I miss you all :(

You won't believe the deals I got!

2009-12-03T11:14:00.003-06:00

So I just hit this book sale @ the Univ. of AL campus library and I'm so psyched I couldn't wait until In My Mailbox to share!

Paperbacks- these were only $1 each!!!!
Devoured
Beautiful Americans
Possessions
WTF
The Diamonds
Kissing Booth
My Big Nose & Other Natural Disasters
Second Skin
The ABCs of Kissing Boys

Hard covers-Only $3 each!!
Sea Change
Beautiful
Give Up The Ghost
The Espressologist
My Invented Life

ALL are BRAND NEW & I spent under $30!!!
I'm going crazy right now, lol :D

In My Mailbox [2]

2009-11-28T23:44:00.005-06:00

[I just noticed there's a sleeping baby behind my books! LOL]

Thanks to Kristi @ The Story Siren for hosting IMM every week :]

Won:

Fallen [ARC] by Lauren Kate from Nely @ All About {n} [She's great! Sent it SO fast]

From library:

Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

The Afterlife by Gary Soto

For review:

The Real Real by Nicola Kraus + Emma Mclaughlin (Thank you ladies for sending these!) [1 for review, 1 signed for giveaway]

What did you get?!

Show me your TBR list and stack!

2009-11-27T00:24:00.003-06:00

So I'm curious as to what is on everyone's TBR list and/or stack!

I love to find new books to add to my list & I'm sure I could find something from everyone's lists.

Also, if you're familiar with your local library's online catalog, link me to the YA section. This is how I find so many great books. Here's my library's.

So if you'd like, link me to your list/stack/or list them in a post.

Here's mine.
My current count: 179 books already released, and 31 upcoming releases.

Friday Finds [5] Lots of finds this week!

2009-11-27T00:01:00.001-06:00

I think this is my favorite meme, I guess because I get so many of the books on my TBR list from other blogs...it's such a great resource for finding new books.

That being said, much props and thanks to Miz B at Should Be Reading for hosting it every week!

Surprisingly I had a lot of time to look for books this week. I found most of these just scanning through my local library's online catalog. I had so many finds...this isn't even half of them!

[[ All links go to goodreads summaries ]]

I Know It's Over by C.K. Kelly Martin ++ Kiss & Blog by Alyson Noël

The Crimson Thread (A Retelling of Rumpelstiltskin)-Suzanne Weyn ++ Oddest Of All (Short stories)-Bruce Coville

Fat Hoochie Prom Queen-Nico Medina ++ The Gift Moves-Steve Lyon

Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty-Jody Gehrman ++ The Faerie Path (Faerie Path book 1)-Frewin Jones

The One: A Chloe Gamble Novel (book 1)-Ed Decter ++ The Séance-Joan Lowery Nixon

The Secret Rites Of Social Butterflies-Lizabeth Zindel ++ Secrets Of My Suburban Life-Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Shadow Falls-Amy Kathleen Ryan ++ So Super Starry-Rose Wilkins

I hope you found something you like this week. Link me to your finds! I love them ♥

Gobble gobble!

2009-11-26T05:45:00.004-06:00

HAPPY TURKEY DAY

to all my blogger friends!

What am I most thankful for this year?.....

My little boy :]

(and the rest of my wonderful family, too.)

Hope everyone has a fun filled day!

Teaser Tuesday [1] The Pencil Test

2009-11-25T02:21:00.003-06:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Miz B @ Should Be Reading :]

Right now I'm reading The Pencil Test by James Guilford for review.

I thought I would share this quote because I had the completely wrong impression of what the title meant until I read this. This is from the very beginning of the book (a sort of caption for 'part one'):

"...[O]fficials used a pencil test to classify some coloured people as black and others as white. Race classification was dependent on whether the pencil slid out of your hair (that made you white) or got stuck (which officially made you black)." --Nosimilo Ndlovu, "The 21st Century Pencil Test" Mail & Guardian, June 28, 2008

This quote makes The Pencil Test sound like a non-fiction book, but keep in mind this is just a quote used @ the beginning of the book to set the stage for the novel. It is a fiction novel.

FYI: You can download the first 5 chapters (it'll leave you wanting more!) of The Pencil Test here. Be sure to check back at my blog for my author interview with James and review!

Review: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

2009-11-24T12:20:00.004-06:00

My summary:

In a world hundreds of years more advanced than our own, Tally Youngblood is finally about to be turned pretty--what happens to all sixteen year-olds on their birthday. An operation will turn her from a normal "ugly" into a perfect, beautiful, and stronger being and she will finally get to move over the river into New Pretty Town where it's nothing but carefree fun 24/7.

But a few weeks before her birthday, Tally meets Shay. Her new friend has decided she doesn't want the operation and therefore she runs away before she is made pretty. The "special" pretty authorities step in and send Tally on a mission to find her delinquent friend. Should Tally refuse to cooperate, she will remain an ugly forever.

Torn between betraying a friend or giving up her long-awaited operation, Tally's choice ultimately reveals secrets about the Pretties that will change Tally's way of thinking--and her life--forever.

I had heard such great things about this book but for whatever reason, I was always skeptical to read it. Now I can't believe I passed by it so many times and never picked it up. It immediately sucked me in--a mere 15pg. into the book and I was already hooked--intrigued by the mentioning of things like the "toothbrush pill," talking bridges that kept out intruders, voice-automated elevators and interface rings. This was my first science fiction/dystopia genre book and I loved thinking about what our world could be hundreds of years from now.

I will admit that in the beginning of the book I was clueless as to what was going on. Talk of interface rings and other ridiculously high-tech inventions had me baffled and feeling lost. Luckily everything ended up being explained pretty quickly or was easy enough to decipher even with little info given.

Tally's journey is filled with action and with the outcome of her choices comes plenty of suspense. Both the characters and the settings in Uglies were described quite vividly--I could see pretty much everything in my head while reading, which is important to me in any book. Westerfeld's writing is put together nicely and I can't find anything negative to say about it!

Overall I was very, very unexpectedly pleased with this novel. It ended up being the perfect book for me to start with in it's genre because it leaves me wanting to read more dystopic (is that even a word?)-type books. I will definitely read it's sequel, Pretties, as well as others in the science fiction area.

I definitely recommend Uglies, even if it isn't your type of read. I was skeptical at first and I loved it. You won't be disappointed!

Giveaway winners!

2009-11-22T00:37:00.001-06:00

The first place winner of Gossip Girl and Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, + extra girly goodies and surpries, is.......

Well first lets take a look at how the contest ended.

# of entrants: 50

Total # of entries: 179

Person with most entries: tie between Alexa & Veronica and with 14 entries each

# of new followers during contest: 88!

Okay I don't know what else to list. So the 1st place winner is...

tanya904!

Congrats!

I will be e-mailing you directly, and you have 48 hours from then to reply with your

mailing address. If you don't reply in time, I will have to choose another winner, so make sure you're looking out for my e-mail!

But wait...

It seems that I reached 100+ followers while this contest was running!

And as promised, I am adding two more books to a second winner!

But I have a problem...

I haven't chosen the books yet :\

But I have chosen a winner!
I will let you know what you've won early next week.

And the 2nd place winner is......

brizmus!

Congrats!

The same applies to you:

I will be e-mailing you directly, and you have 48 hours from then to reply with your

mailing address. If you don't reply in time, I will have to choose another winner, so make sure you're looking out for my e-mail!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered! Check out my left sidebar ['currently reading'] for upcoming giveaways!

In My Mailbox [1]

2009-11-21T23:14:00.004-06:00

^^ I wish that was my actual mailbox! ^^

Thanks to Kristi for hosting IMM week after week :D

This is my first IMM ever! The last 2 weeks I received...

For review:

The Pencil Test by James Guilford [Thank you to James for sending me this copy of his book to review. FYI, you can download the first 5 chapters of his book here.]

Won:

Ruined by Paula Morris [Thanks to Shooting Stars Mag]
Feelin' The Vibe by Candice Dow [Thank you to Tena @ Crazy Book Slut for hosting this giveaway and to Hachette for sending it]

Bought @ used bookstore:

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen

Bought @ Barnes & Noble:

Perfect Mistake [Privilege book 3] by Kate Brian

Bought @ yard sales:

Nights In Rondanthe by Nicholas Sparks
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Yoga For Dummies mini-book (this one was free! woot)
Dreams: Unlock the secrets of your subconscious by Frank Garfield & Rhondda Stewart-Garfield

Review: Confessions of a Serial Kisser by Wendelin Van Draanen

2009-11-20T17:36:00.004-06:00

My Summary:

After reading a romance novel found under her mom's bed, Evangeline Logan sets out on a mission to "live her fantasy" and find the perfect kiss. What she ends up finding is ear-lickers and fish lips, among other not-so-perfect kissing encounters. But when her reckless kissing starts to take it's toll on both her reputation and her relationships, what Evangeline learns brings much more value than a kiss ever could.

I picked this up at my library on a whim, simply for the pink cover (yes I can be quite the cover judge at times), plus I thought it looked like a cute read although it's not my usual type of novel. I liked the short, to-the-point chapters and ended up enjoying the whole book.

Overall, Evangeline was an upbeat and likable character. However, a few minor things about the writing bothered me. As I've found with a couple other chick-lit books I've read, there was an overuse of exclamation points in this book. They made Evangeline seem just a little too perky and animated. While I'm sure that's the personality Draanen wanted Evangeline to come off as having, it still just rubbed me as a little too over-the-top. I also was slightly annoyed by the word "dweeb," used four or five times throughout the book, but that's not too important. It's just not a word I'm used to seeing in my usual reading.

There were many entertaining parts in this book and I was kept pretty amused throughout. Surprisingly the ending was not too predictable (usually a common factor for romance books, in my opinion at least) and I was kept guessing the whole time about whether or not she would find her "crimson kiss," and which one of the many boys she would end up with.

Confessions of a Serial Kisser was pretty fast-paced, and maybe too much so at times. For example, when Evangeline gives herself a makeover, her transformation is just too rushed to be believable, and the same can be said for some of her kissing encounters. I mean, who walks up to some random guy in Starbucks and grabs and kisses them? But I guess that sort of thing is common in a lot of chick-lit romances.

Overall I would say that this would be the perfect read for those who really enjoy light, girly, romantic chick-lit books. It's filled with amusing characters and a good moral ending. I definitely recommend it, like I said, to any chick-lit fans looking for a cute and entertaining read.

2010 YA Reading Challenge ♥

2009-11-19T00:03:00.002-06:00

Read the rules for this challenge and sign up at the original post :D

I'm planning to participate in this challenge hosted by J. Kaye!

It runs Jan. 1st 2010 - December 2010.

I've chosen the 3rd level, which is reading 50 YA books in 2010.

Personally I think I could do the 4th level, 75, but I'll start with 50 just to be safe.

Wish me luck! ;D

Books To Prisons fundraiser = huge success!

2009-11-14T21:44:00.003-06:00

I'm happy to announce that the silent auction fundraiser our Books To Prisons group (refer to this post) organized was a huge success!

We raised over $500 Thursday night! The proceeds will cover postage to mail many packages we've been too broke to ship the past couple of months (pic below), as well as packages in the future.

If you'd like to know more about our group, refer to this post.

Just had to share with someone, I'm so happy we had such a good turnout :]

Thank you Tynga! ♥

2009-11-13T06:15:00.001-06:00

So recently I won a contest over at Tynga's Design Blog (for those who don't already know, she has a book blog, too: Tynga's Reviews) and I was delighted to see my prize:

Isn't it ADORABLE?! I absolutely love it. It looks so much better than my old one, which didn't even match my template, haha.

THANK YOU TYNGA!!!

You are so good at what you do :D

Want a button, template, etc. for your blog? Tynga's running ANOTHER giveaway!

Enter here!

Friday Finds [4]

2009-11-13T05:44:00.003-06:00

...is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

Not too many finds this week, due to limited time on the computer. But here's a couple I added to my TBR:

Beautiful by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma

Goodreads summary:
Since childhood, seventeen-year-old Ellie Summerfield has fought to overcome her grandfather's painful words that push her to be driven, determined, and successful to the detriment of those around her. She always strives to do more, be more, help more. But when a tragedy stops her world short, Ellie is confronted with her deepest fears and this question: what is her life really worth?

Experience one girl's journey to rebuild herself into someone who is truly beautiful.

Midnight Reflections by Katrina Michaels

Goodreads summary (I shortened it a bit):

All Tara Daston wanted was a fun night out dancing with her boyfriend. Getting killed was certainly the last thing she ever expected and waking back up three days later as a vampire was the last thing she ever wanted. And just when she finally begins adjusting to her new life, a friend is killed by a creature nobody can identify.

As more killings happen, she realizes that she can't ignore it any longer. Deciding to investigate a little, she meets Tom, the lead agent of the Preternatural Investigation Agency. Now that she's gotten involved, she doesn't want to stop. And when the killer notices her and is intrigued, she no longer has any choice, forcing her to work together with Tom and the rest of the agency to stop the murders.

As always, leave me your Friday Finds link so I can check out what you found :]

Have a good weekend everyone!

Review: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

2009-11-12T23:37:00.007-06:00

Summary from the book's website:

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Thirteen Reasons Why was one of those books I added to my TBR and just couldn't get out of my head. So when I pulled it from my hat (that's how I used to choose what to read next; now I use random.org) I was excited to finally read it. That being said, I obviously had high expectations for the book.

One thing I liked right away was that the chapters were split into each side of a tape. Chapter one (after the prologue) was cassette one, side one, and so on. I thought this to be a very unique way to split up chapters; I've never seen it done quite the same way in other books I have read.

However when I first started reading, I found it confusing how the dialogue was written. One paragraph, in italics, would indicate Hannah speaking over the tape, and the immediate next paragraph would be back to the voice of Clay Jensen (the boy listening to the tapes Hannah sent him). I found it hard to keep up with the flip-flopping back and forth between story lines. For example: Clay would be discussing a friend named Tony, Hannah would come on (different topic), and immediately after, Clay would come back talking about Tony again. I found myself having to skip back a couple paragraphs to remember who Tony even was. I will say that I got used to the style of writing though, after about 40-50 pages into the book. After that, it wasn't a problem anymore.

I'm really neutral about the voice of Hannah in this book, as I explain in the next paragraph down. As for Clay: of course he's very much needed in the story, and he was slightly likable at times, but I just found him bland. I suppose he wasn't meant to be too developed--Hannah is our main character, after all--but it still would have been nice to know just a little more about him as a person, and maybe his background too.

Through most of the book, I kind of kept waiting for something big to happen to Hannah, to just make her snap. A lot of what she goes through throughout most of the book just seems petty to me. I felt like it was typical high school--rumors get spread, friends turn their backs on you, it happens--and I honestly felt like she was just...for lack of better words, being a huge drama queen. I do hate that she committed suicide, and while two main things did end up happening that make her snap, she purposely put herself in one situation even though she already knew the outcome, so she really can't blame anyone but herself for that. She really made me mad at that point.

In conclusion, I was expecting more from Thirteen Reasons Why. I can't, however, bring myself to label it all-out disappointing. It's just that anytime I start reading a book, I'm longing for that "can't put it down" dialogue and plot, and if I have to put it down, I want it to be that book that I can't stop thinking about until I pick it up again--and unfortunately I just didn't find that in Thirteen Reasons Why.

Books To Prisons Project

2009-11-07T13:58:00.006-06:00

Today, I started helping with my local Books To Prisons group here in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. My step-mom is the coordinator for our local group and she got me interested in this.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the Book To Prisons Project, it is a nation wide Project made up of groups from different cities. We receive letters from prisoners (for my state, they're sent via the Books To Prisons "HQ" in D.C.), then we spend two hours, two Saturdays a month, reading the letters, collecting appropriate books at the prisoner's request, and mailing them to the prisoner.

This is such a good program for prisoners to expand their minds and leave their cell through reading books. Escapism is something we can all relate to when it comes to reading and I can't think of a better group of people than incarcerated men and women who are anxious to "leave their cells" through books.

We are always in need of donations of books (ANY kind of book: fiction, non-fiction, how-to's, paperback, hardcover, romance, westerns, horror, dictionaries, pretty much any kind of book you can think of). Also anything else you would like to donate (construction paper, sharpies, clear duct tape, ANYTHING) would be SO appreciated.

Also for you more creative folk who like to play around with Paint Shop (and other similar programs) if you would be interested in designing a poster, or anything relating to the Book To Prisons group of Tuscaloosa, AL, we would be eternally in your debt :]

I'm also in the process of setting up a blog for our group. If you would be interested in donating a template, header, button, or ANYTHING for the page, please let me know!

I'm really trying to spread the word about our group because I feel it is such a good cause. I'm thinking of running a contest soon to see who can design the best poster or template, but it's still being worked out in my mind. I'll post again soon on that.

If you would be interested in donating, please feel free to comment this post or contact me at andrearobbins10@yahoo.com

If you'd like more info about Books To Prisons as a whole, please visit these sites:

http://oldserver.quixote.org/ej/bookstoprisons/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Books_to_Prisoners

The Friday 56 - Ruined

2009-11-06T00:09:00.002-06:00

Rules:

* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of Storytime with Tonya and Friends.
*Post a link along with your post back to Storytime with Tonya and Friends.

* Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Well I'm not reading Ruined yet, but it was closest to me since I got it in the mail and set it next to my computer. Here goes:

"Maybe the storm had made her homeless, and she had nowhere else to go. But three years was a long time to sleep in a cemetary, and the gates were locked every night, Aunt Claudia had explained, to keep the homeless out."

I'm looking forward to reading this! Leave me your Fri. 56 link so I can check it out.

-Friday Finds [3]

2009-10-30T02:12:00.004-05:00

...is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

It takes up too much space to paste a description for every single book, so I've linked each one to it's goodreads summary.

Just click on the book's title [not the pictures] for all it's info.

So.. what did I stumble across this week...?

1] Always Watching (The Rayne Tour book 1) - Brandilyn Collins + Amberly Collins
2] The Reluctant Heiress-Eva Ibbotson
3] Confessions of a Beauty Addict-Nadine Haobsh

4] Lockdown: Escape from Furnace-Alexander Gordon Smith
5] The Swan Kingdom-Zoe Marriott

6] Busted-Phil Bildner

Leave me your Friday Finds link! I love finding new books for my TBR. :]

-Waiting On Wednesday [4]: Getting Revenge On Lauren Wood

2009-10-28T05:17:00.007-05:00

Waiting On Wednesday originated from Jill (Breaking The Spine.)

I haven't done a WoW in forever!

I just found out about this book on YALit.com

Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook

Release date: 1/5/10

Summary from Amazon.com:

In the final weeks of eighth grade, Lauren Wood made a choice. She betrayed her best friend, Helen, in a manner so publicly humiliating that Helen had to move to a new town just to save face. Ditching Helen was worth it, though, because Lauren started high school as one of the It Girls--and now, at the start of her senior year, she's the cheerleading captain, the quarterback's girlfriend, and the undisputed queen bee. Lauren has everything she's ever wanted, and she has forgotten all about her ex-best friend.

But Helen could never forget Lauren. After three years of obsessing, she's moving back to her old town. She has a new name and a new look, but she hasn't dropped her old grudges. She has a detailed plan to bring down her former BFF by taking away everything that's ever been important to Lauren—starting with her boyfriend.

Watch out, Lauren Wood. Things are about to get bitchy.

I don't too much care for the title, it's not very creative...but the plot looks pretty snazzy huh? I like the colors and font on the cover, but it kind of resembles the Pretty Little Liars cover, with the yellow, the swirly font, + the doll. What do you think?

Leave me your Waiting On Wednesday link so I can add some of your choices to my TBR too!

Question for bloggers who review...

2009-10-28T03:40:00.002-05:00

When I sat down to write a few reviews tonight, I started thinking...I wonder how the other bloggers out there go about writing their reviews..

Do you type it at the computer? Is it off the top of your head? Do you flip back through the book while reviewing? Etc etc.

Personally, I write little notes to myself throughout the book whenever a thought or opinion pops in my head--that way I won't forget as I read, I can have a horrible memory at times--then I write and edit it on notebook paper first, then type it up and post it.

Anyone care to share? I'm so curious!

-Review: Killing Britney by Sean Olin

2009-10-28T03:24:00.007-05:00

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY, IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY!

Summary from back cover:

Britney is the girl everyone loves to hate.

Ever since Britney transformed herself from freak-and-geek to the most popular girl at school, her life has been touched by tragedy. First it was her mom, who drowned on a family rafting trip. Then her hockey-star boyfriend, Ricky, was killed in a hit-and-run.

When the deaths continue to pile up, everyone fears for Britney. Sure she's popular, blond, and fabulous. But is that enough reason for someone to want to...kill her?

***SPOILER WARNING*** My following review contains major spoilers, but trust me, you don't want to read this book anyway :\ If you do decide to go against my advice, don't read this review, I give away the ending. If you could even call it an ending.

Even as I was only a few pages into Killing Britney, I knew just from Olin's writing style that it was going to be hard for me to get into it the book. The sentences were entirely too simple compared to what I'm used to--perhaps it may have been more enjoyable for young teens, middle school level possibly--and the whole story in general was just painfully undeveloped. It leaves the reader simply needing...well, more. Or better yet still, an entirely different book.

I'm going to be blunt and hopefully quick with this review, because I honestly disliked this book enough to not even want to discuss it any more than necessary.

Britney's mom dies in a rafting accident before the book even begins, and Britney is convinced it's all her fault. Her boyfriend Ricky is murdered in an intentional hit-and-run, and Britney is convinced that's also her fault. Pretty much everyone else in the story gets murdered and, [insert whiney voice here], Britney is convinced it's all her fault! Who would've guessed.

Of all the people in the book, you would think Britney's character would be the most developed, but it was quite the opposite. I knew everything about every other character, but knew close to nothing about Britney herself. One part of the book that especially pissed me off was a section (no more than a couple paragraphs) of conversation by one of her friends, saying "Britney is so dark after her mom died, I'm worried for her, She's got major issues" (not exact quotes from book but you get the idea) but then we aren't even shown enough of Britney's personality to know what the heck they're talking about! They just change topics. No explanation, no elaborating, not squat.

In the end, we find out it's Britney whose really killing everyone. It actually had potential to be a mediocre ending to a terrible book, but it's no surprise Olin couldn't even manage that. The ending concept was only described in 3 or 4 pages and frankly I was lost.

Why I'm even giving this two stars, I have no clue. Maybe I'm too frustrated from wasting my time on this book to think straight.

-Review: Legacy Of Lies by Elizabeth Chandler

2009-10-28T03:24:00.006-05:00

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY, IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY!

My summary:

When Megan's grandmother whom she's never met suddenly writes her a brief note summoning her to come visit her home in Wisteria, she couldn't be more surprised--or curious. Although she's never been to the house, she immediately recognizes it when she arrives. She's had peculiar dreams about the exact same house ever since she was a little girl.

That's not the only strange thing--her "almost cousin" Matt acts like he hates her before they even speak, objects are being moved and misplaced around the house, and Megan's dreams are getting weirder and scarier.

She finds herself wondering why she was even invited in the first place, until secrets are discovered and lies are uncovered, and Megan will do whatever it takes to put the pieces together.

My first Elizabeth Chandler read has definitely left me wanting to read more of her work! This ghost story was put together perfectly. It's fast-paced but not fast enough to accidentally leave out significant details or descriptions.

Our main character in this book is Megan who can't, for the life of her, figure out why her Grandmother has commanded her to her home when she's never even met the woman. As far as relating to her as a character, I must first say really don't understand why she puts up with some of the rules and comments her Grandmother inflicts on her--I know, we're supposed to respect our elders and all that goodness, but it's not like she's being forced to stay there... if my Grandmother would have treated my with that kind of coldness I would've turned around and left the same day I got there! Maybe you could say I have issues with authority, maybe I just have a bad attitude, haha who knows? Either way I couldn't relate to Megan after that point in the story.

Regardless of her Grandmother's attitude, Megan can't help but let her curiosity get the best of her so she sticks around Wisteria, determined to find out exactly what's going on. She's especially interested after finding the grave of Avril, Grandmother's sister, who apparently died when she was Megan's age (coincidence?), almost exactly sixty years earlier.

As I got closer to the last pages, with still no ending in sight, I had to wonder if the author would be able to adequately sum up the book in only 30 short pages. While the concept of the ending turned out nicely (and completely unexpected!) I found it's events somewhat confusing and rushed. I think the ending could have been better explained and stretched out longer to fit those explanations.

1/2

There are many more things going on in the story but I don't want to give too much away, so I'll wrap this up by saying Legacy Of Lies was nicely pieced together. Even at 182 pages short, Chandler managed to leave nothing missing. It had me guessing what the heck was going on with this girl, which kept me hooked throughout the whole book.

I definitely recommend this, especially to readers who enjoy paranormal/ghost stories.

-Review: Snitch by Allison Van Diepen

2009-10-28T03:23:00.003-05:00

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY, IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY!

My summary:

In a city and school split into two groups, the Bloods and the Crips, remaining neutral is not only hard--it's dangerous. Say the wrong thing around the wrong gang and it could cost you your life.

But Julia DeVino has always has her mind set on excluding herself from the deadly and fast-paces lifestyle of the gangbangers. In addition with her struggle to stay indifferent, she also hasn't had much luck with relationships--the 1st boyfriend she had also became her last when the relationship went all wrong.

But when sexy and mysterious Eric moves into town, Julia finds herself not only questioning her beliefs about relationships, but the morals she's lived by all of her life.

***SPOILER WARNING*** My following review contains minor spoilers for Snitch. They're not major enough to ruin the book for anyone planning to read it, but if you'd rather just experience it for yourself, you might just want to skip this review. Don't worry, I'll forgive you ;]

I found out about this book on Amazon.com and it caught my eye as I've had interactions with gangs and gang members myself. I thought I might be able to relate to it a bit, and I did to a certain extent. Since the book takes place in New York and I've been raised in the south, there were small differences in the gangs down here and the gangs up north. Things like rituals and initiations varied a bit, but all in all, the majority of it was the same old.

Though I could relate to a lot of the events in the book, I couldn't relate myself to Julia as a character. I could sympathize for her when her so-called "true friends" she'd known for years abandoned her after she told Eric he was going to be jumped outside the club they were at. I can understand she was lonely, with her dad never at home and her friends shunning her, and was desperate to fit in somewhere. However I lost a lot of respect for her after she chose to join the Crips. I admired her at the beginning of the book for standing up so strongly for her opinions. o when she ended up joining a gang I felt like she was kind of weak for just forgetting all her beliefs she'd supposedly felt so strongly about her whole life.

The ending was surprising--definitely not expected. Wanna know what happens?

Sorry, can't tell you! Ha ha ha.....

1/2

Overall I enjoyed this story. I haven't given away too much details so if it sounds like the kind of read you're interested in then go right ahead. I'd recommend it.

♥ New template, funny costumes, award, Perfect Mistake

2009-10-27T05:13:00.006-05:00

Well my week got started off on a good foot! What about yall?

Tomorrow: I'm going to take pictures of the inside covers of the books from my giveaway so everyone can see the stamps on the inside. I would have already, but I had let someone borrow my digi cam :] I'm also going back to the used paperback book store..hope they got some good stuff.

I'm in an excellent mood tonight. Many reasons:

For one, I borrowed Desperate Housewives season 5 from my sister--no reading for me tonight! Haha, Desperate is my guilty pleasure. Or obsession rather.

Another reason--I really love this new template! I usually like 3 columns but this feels a little less crowded. Whatcha think?

I ALMOST FORGOT...my boyfriend's mom got my little 2-month-old baby boy a costume. It's this exact one---->

I hope he'll wear it..he hates people messing with his head, especially hates wearing hats, so he might act a fool when we put this on him...hehe.

And for our pitbull:

We tried it on him, he thought it was a form of punishment, haha! Guess he'll stay at home. Nonetheless, I can't wait for Halloweener :]

PERFECT MISTAKE IS RELEASED TODAY!!! Ughh I could just pee my pants, I've been waiting for this FOREVER.

And last but not least..........

I've received another award! Yay!

I received the One Lovely Blog award from Choco.

Thank you Choco!!

Here are the rules of the "One Lovely Blog Award":
Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.
Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

So I'm passing this to:

1) Book Chick City

2) Royal Reviews

3) Books By Their Cover

4) Juicilicousss Reviews

5) Pirate Penguin's Reads

6) Teenage Fiction For All Ages

7) The Bookette

8) Once Upon A Bookcase

9) The Sweet Bookshelf

10) YA Book Queen

11) I Want To Read That

12) I Was A Teenage Book Geek

13) Inside The Mind

14) Laurens Crammed Bookshelf

15) Lost In Ink

Hope everyone has a great week!!

What Are You Reading On Mondays? [2]

2009-10-26T06:04:00.001-05:00

Last week I read:

Soulstice (Devouring book 2) - Simon Holt

Killing Britney - Sean Olin

Currently Reading...

Dark Secrets: Legacy of Lies - Elizabeth Chandler

Plan to read this week:

Breathless - Jessica Warman

Confessions of a Serial Kisser - Wendelin Van Draanen

Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher

Leave me a link to your post so I can see what you're reading! :]

A Very Girly Giveaway --CLOSED!

2009-10-24T15:08:00.017-05:00

It's high time for another giveaway at Buried In Books! Friday I reached 50 followers--thanks to everyone! I love yall ;] In celebration, I'm giving away the following to one lucky winner:

♥ Two paperbacks {one winner}: Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar and Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen by Dyan Sheldon.

♥ I will also throw in some more girly goodies, but you'll have to wait & be surprised!

♥PLUS if I reach 100 followers during the duration of this contest, I will give away 2 MORE books to a second winner, +goodies included! So get out there & promote the giveaway!

{*VERY IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE*} I got these books from my local used bookstore. They are in excellent condition, but the store (unfortunately) stamps their info + price on the inside cover (see picture to the left). This of course doesn't affect the text at all, but I know some people are picky about the condition of their books, so I thought I should inform everyone.

The rules:

-You MUST be a follower of my blog in order for your entry to count!
-Open to U.S. residents only-I'm so sorry, I just don't have the money to ship these internationally right now.

-You MUST leave an e-mail address for me to reach you at.

To enter:

To enter the giveaway, simply [1] FOLLOW MY BLOG, and [2] leave your NAME + E-MAIL ADDRESS in a comment. This will earn you one entry.

For extra entries:

+1 Linking back to this contest [posts, twitter, sidebars, etc.] One extra entry for each time you promote my giveaway. MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE LINKS so I can go and see that you spread the word!! You must leave the link on your page until the contest ends or it doesn't count.

+5 Add the button to the giveaway on your sidebar--you can find the link to do so in the left sidebar of this page.. MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE A LINK. You must leave the button on your page until the contest ends or it doesn't count.

+5 Add my blog button on your sidebar--you can find the link to do so in the left sidebar of this page. LEAVE A LINK!

The giveaway will run from Sat. 10/24 until Sat. 11/21. The winner will be chosen (using random.org) on Sun. 11/22. Thanks everyone! ♥

Could someone PLEASE help me?

2009-10-24T12:56:00.001-05:00

I want to post a html code for people to link my blog button, but when I put the code in the scroll box it posts the button image...can anyone tell me how I can get it to just show the text so people could copy and paste it?

As soon as I figure it out I'll be able to post my Very Girly Giveaway in celebration of reaching 50 followers last night. It's all ready to post, I just need the answer to this question!

Thanks in advance!

-Review: The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

2009-10-23T22:24:00.004-05:00

My summary:
The Chosen One is the story of a thirteen-year-old girl, Kyra, and her life in a polygamous religious community. The leaders of the community--"The Prophets"--have all control over her community and what they say goes. So when one Prophet has a vision from God--Kyra becoming her sixty-year-old uncle's seventh wife--everyone tells her she will have no choice. Kyra dreams of freedom but also finds it hard to choose between a new life and her family (after all, she does have 3 mothers and 20 siblings) who she is so close to.

One word:

Wow.

I loved Kyra. It seemed to me she might have been the only one in her family with any sense--or at least that used it. You can tell some of her family feels like there's more to life than just having children and following the Prophet's every order, but everyone except Kyra is too afraid to speak up. Her family won't try to escape with her because they believe the outside world is filled with Satan--from people's blue jeans and belly shirts to their books, they truly believed if you lived in the "outside world," you were going to Hell.

Kyra sneaks off every week to check out books from the Ironton County Mobile Library On Wheels, which is of course a sin in her community, and the driver of the bus was definitely my favorite character in the book aside from Kyra. I don't want to give too much away...Ugh this is frustrating, haha, I just want everyone to read this, seriously.

This book brought up so many different emotions in me. I couldn't believe some of the things Kyra was subjected to--from physical and emotional abuse to being forced to marry her sixty-year-old kin. I think what really hit me with this book is that somewhere, there are girls like Kyra in communities just like the one in the book, right now as we speak. There were times in the book I was to the point of tears. ...I want to say so much more but again I don't want to spoil the book for anyone.

Honestly, I hadn't expected to enjoy The Chosen One as much as I did. It made me look at my life and be grateful for how I was raised and the freedom I've been blessed with. I VERY highly recommend this book, and give it 5+ stars.

Random Reading Challenge

2009-10-23T21:54:00.010-05:00

This challenge is hosted by Caribou's Mom.

Want more info on this challenge? View the rules & sign up @ the original post.

This should be easy, I usually pick my books randomly anyway.

I chose level III - 12 books chosen randomly.

1. Legacy Of Lies-Elizabeth Chandler [review]
2. Thirteen Reasons Why-Jay Asher [review]
3. Confessions of a Serial Kisser-Wendelin Van Draanen [review]

10.

11.

12.

-Review: Remembering Raquel by Vivian Vande Velde

2009-10-22T23:42:00.005-05:00

Fourteen-year-old Raquel Falcone is, as one of her classmates puts it, the kind of kid who has a tendency to be invisible. That is until the night she's hit by a car and killed while walking home from the movies. In brief, moving chapters, we hear about Raquel from her classmates, her best friend, her family--and the woman who was driving the car that struck her. The loss of this seemingly invisible girl deeply affects her entire community, proving just how interconnected and similar we all really are. -summary from goodreads

Well Remembering Raquel was really like a short story for me, and at only 137 short pages, I honestly felt like just about everything in the book could have been more developed. When I first read the summary, I liked the idea of the book, but after reading it I must say I am utterly disappointed... I don't even know where to begin...

I did like the originality of some of the points of view shared in the book (example: the custodian who cleaned out Raquel's locker at school). Some other people who shared: her best friend, father, a teacher, the woman driving the car who hit her, etc. I also liked the idea of a chapter with excerpts from Raquel's blog, but I'm not satisfied with what excerpts the author chose to write about.

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but Raquel's character wasn't developed enough for me to even care if she got hit by a car or not. The only things I really feel like I knew was that she was shy, overweight, and liked playing a fantasy game on the internet. I think maybe the book should have started with a chapter from Raquel's point of view of her life, because no one in the book really knew her either, except her best friend...

Which brings me to the fact that half of the time, it seemed like whoever was sharing their point of view would get sidetracked and most chapters ended up feeling like ramblings as opposed to anything related Raquel.

The book ended abruptly; there was no resolution and the whole book basically led up to...well, nothing.

I guess this could have been a good book if the author would have elaborated more on Raquel and made the book longer...I don't know this just didn't do it for me.

DystopYA Reading Challenge!

2009-10-22T00:04:00.006-05:00

I decided to participate in the DystopYA Reading Challenge hosted by Books On The Nightstand.

To find out more about this challenge and join in, visit the original post.

"You are hereby commanded to read 3 works of dystopic fiction that were written or published primarily for young adults."

1. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld: review

2. Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody: currently reading
3.

-Library Loot [2] 10/21/09

2009-10-21T22:55:00.002-05:00

'Library Loot' is hosted by A Striped Armchair.

Just came home from the library! Yay :]

Click links for Goodreads summaries!

Had these on hold:

Legacy Of Lies (Dark Secrets)-Elizabeth Chandler

Breathless-Jessica Warman

Thirteen Reasons Why-Jay Asher
What I Saw And How I Lied-Judy Blundell

And also picked up this on a whim:

Uglies-Scott Westerfeld

Award time!

2009-10-20T22:22:00.006-05:00

I was feeling giving, so I created these (though not very creative) awards :] At least they're cute though right?

This is an award for blogs whose template & overall look I just adore :]

And with that said, I'm giving this to:

Park Avenue Princess - I've never been jealous of a blog until now! Her...well, her EVERYTHING on her blog is just too cute. I love all the pink & girly-ness of it all

Imperial Beach Teen Blog - I always love to find a blog that's easy to scroll through & not too cluttered, and this is one of them. Plus I found a few books to be released that I hadn't heard of.

Tales Of Whimsy - JuJu has a simple-but still undeniably cute-template.

Princess Bookie - I'm a sucker for pink (if you didn't know by now!) and I'm feelin' the big cupcakes--Cindy's sweet template gives me a sweet tooth.

Must And Lust For Books - Love the pink ribbons along the sides

This award is going to my all-time favorite blogs!

Tales Of Whimsy - She always leaves sweet comments, and her reviews are the best of the best.

Kilee's Closet - Kilee's blog has always been one of my faves :D

Book Nerds - I love this blog, and their look for October is my favorite holiday-based layout I've seen so far!

Park Avenue Princess - She's always running great giveaways.

Hope you all like them!! Pass 'em on :D

Reading Challenges?! Tell me which ones you're doing!

2009-10-20T20:13:00.004-05:00

So I'm already participating in the Countdown 2010 challenge, but which ones are yall taking part in? I'm really wanting to find some more to join, particularly ones that just started recently, so I won't be ridiculously behind. Leave a link!

What Are You Reading On Mondays?

2009-10-19T23:28:00.004-05:00

Surprisingly, I've never done one of these.

By the way, my apologies for going M.I.A (before my last couple reviews)--lots going on with the baby, plus I was in a hair/fashion show that pretty much took up 2 whole weeks of my life, with practices and all.

I'm kind of glad I took a little break though, because I've been able to get a good bit of reading done. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my blog, I cut time from reading to get on the computer. Expect lots of reviews coming up!!

Last two weeks, I read:

Confessions-Kate Brian [goodreads] [review]

Beastly-Alex Flinn [goodreads] [review]

Remembering Raquel-Vivan Vande Velde [goodreads] -review to come!

The Chosen One-Carol Lynch Williams [goodreads] -review to come!

Snitch-Allison Van Diepen [goodreads] -review to come!

Currently reading:

Soulstice (Devouring book 2) -Simon Holt [goodreads]

Plan to read this week:

Confessions Of A Serial Kisser- Wendelin Van Draanen [goodreads]

Killing Britney- Sean Olin [goodreads]

Inner Circle-Kate Brian [goodreads]

LoveSick- Jake Coburn [goodreads]

-Review: Beastly by Alex Flinn

2009-10-18T22:21:00.007-05:00

I am a beast

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly. [summary from the book]

I loved this book! Alex Flinn cleverly retells the story of Beauty and the Beast in a modern time, set in New York City. It follows the classic tale closely but with new-fashioned twists.

The beast, who is telling the story, is a high school freshman named Kyle Kingsbury. He is the son of a newscaster, very rich, and the most popular kid in school. After a witch, Kendra, witnesses his extremely superficial and judgmental attitude, she casts a spell on him to make him a beast on the outside the way he is on the inside. He then has two short years to break the spell by finding a girl to look past his outward appearance and fall in love with him.

I was appalled at the way Kyle was treating people at the beginning of the book. The part of the book which takes place in his high school had me picturing my high school days and thinking of the people I knew who were like him. I was happy to see him get a taste of his own medicine.

Possibly my favorite character in the book was Will, the blind tutor who Kyle's dad hires at Kyle's request. He was so kind-hearted and helpful to Will. I also like Magda, the maid who lived with Kyle both before and after his transformation.

Of course we all know how the story ends, so that was no surprise--however there were a few twists added to the ending to keep it from being too typical and too expected. I really do recommend this book, especially for anyone who enjoys re-told fairy tales.

-Review: The "Private" Collection by Kate Brian

2009-10-17T00:19:00.009-05:00

The Private Collection consists of the first four books in the series, although there are now 10 total.

My summary:

Reed Brennan is so excited to be accepted into the prestigious Easton Academy, but she soon learns is more to the school than just great academics and a beautiful campus. The girls of the Billings House always go on to become great things, but looks can be deceiving and she soon realizes that some privileges aren't worth the secrets that come along with them.

The covers for these books aren't the worst, but I will say they give off the wrong impression of the series. If I were to judge by the covers I would say that these books are like the Gossip Girl series (and the many other similar series) but there is much more to the Private novels than just little rich girls spending daddy's money--they're filled with mystery and twists and turns that will keep you hooked.

I really enjoyed Reed's character, even though I cannot relate to her in the least. I would never do some of the things she did just to be accepted. I feel for her, for some of the things that happen to her, and found myself wishing she could just catch a break. When she's first introduced, she's very much a follower, and as the series progressed and I saw her start to stand up for herself, I was proud of her. By the end of the fourth book I felt like I knew her in real life.

I've loved Kate Brian ever since I read Privilege. When I read it I had no idea it was a spin-off series of Private. I read somewhere (a blog, maybe?) That 'you should read the first four Private novels before reading Privilege' to better understand the plot. I found this to be true, however I was still able to understand and thoroughly (and I mean thoroughly) enjoy the first two Privilege books--it's become one of my favorite series.

I loved these four books almost as much as I did the first two Privilege books. It was spoiled a bit since I accidentally read Privilege before Private, but I did enjoy them anyhow.

-Friday Finds (#2)

2009-09-19T00:04:00.003-05:00

...is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

Monday:

What Happened To Cass McBride?-Gail Giles

Found @ amazon.com

Kyle Kirby has planned a cruel and unusual revenge on Cass McBride, the most popular girl in school, for the death of his brother David. He digs a hole. Drugs Cass. Kidnaps her. Puts her in a box-underground. He buries her alive. But Kyle makes a fatal error: Cass knows the power of words. She uses fear as her weapon to keep her nemesis talking - and to keep herself breathing during the most harrowing 48 hours of her life. -barnesandnoble.com

Tuesday:

Heaven Looks A Lot Like The Mall-Wendy Mass

Found at Tales Of Whimsy

When 16-year-old Tessa suffers a shocking accident in gym class, she finds herself in heaven (or what she thinks is heaven), which happens to bear a striking resemblance to her hometown mall. In the tradition of It's a Wonderful Life and The Christmas Carol, Tessa starts reliving her life up until that moment. She sees some things she'd rather forget, learns some things about herself she'd rather not know, and ultimately must find the answer to one burning question--if only she knew what the question was.

Written in sharp, witty verse, Wendy Mass crafts an extraordinary tale of a spunky heroine who hasn't always made the right choices, but needs to discover what makes life worth living.-amazon.com

Wednesday:

Bleed-Laurie Faria Stolarz

Found @ amazon.com

Over the course of a single summer day, ten teenagers in Salem, Massachusetts, will discover important truths about themselves and each other.

There is Nicole, whose decision to betray her best friend will shock everyone, most of all herself; Kelly, who meets the convicted felon she has been writing to for years; Maria, whose definition of a true friend is someone who will cut her. Then there is Sadie, a chubby eleven-year-old whose mother forces her to wear a "please don't feed me" sign stapled to her shirt; while Joy, a fifteen-year-old waitress hoping for true intimacy narrowly escapes a very dark fate. Derik discovers that his usual good looks and charm won't help him hold onto the girl he wants, while nineteen-year-old drifter, Mearl, is desperately looking for a place to call home. Sean is torn between his loyalty to his girlfriend and the possibility of finding something more with her friend, while Ginger's single-minded pursuit to bring down her nemesis only proves that they may be more alike than she thought.

Seamlessly woven together, this incredibly powerful and compelling collection of stories chronicles the very real trials of today's teen experience.-amazon.com

Thursday:

Fairest Of All: Tale Of The Wicked Queen-Serena Valentino

Found @ JuJu's Shelfari

For anyone who's seen Walt Disney's Snow White, you'll know that the Wicked Queen is one evil woman! After all, it's not everyone who wants to cut out their teenage step-daughter's heart and have it delivered back in a locked keepsake box. (And even if this sort of thing is a common urge, we don't know many people who have acted upon it.)

Now, for the first time, we'll examine the life of the Wicked Queen and find out just what it is that makes her so nasty. Here's a hint: the creepy-looking man in the magic mirror is not just some random spooky visage-and he just might have something to do with the Queen's wicked ways!

-Waiting On Wednesday (#3): Perfect Mistake, Bleeding Violet, & The Mark

2009-09-16T04:45:00.006-05:00

Waiting On Wednesday originated from Jill (Breaking The Spine.)

This week I'm waiting on...

Perfect Mistake (Privilege novel #3) by Kate Brian

Release date: October 27, 2009

Kate Brian's Beautiful Disaster brings Ariana Osgood back into the life she is accustomed to, the only questions is, what will she do to hold onto it? -barnesandnoble.com

Unfortunately that was the only kind of summary I was able to find on the internet. I started the Privilege series without realizing it was connected to the Private series, so now I'm trying to read Private and catch up. I loved Privilege and Beautiful Disaster & I'm enjoying Private so far...I absolutely cannot wait for this book. I couldn't put the first two down.

Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves

Release date: January 5, 2010

Love can be a dangerous thing...

Hanna simply wants to be loved. With a head plagued by hallucinations, a medicine cabinet full of pills, and a closet stuffed with frilly, violet dresses, Hanna's tired of being the outcast, the weird girl, the freak. So she runs away to Portero, Texas in search of a new home.

But Portero is a stranger town than Hanna expects. As she tries to make a place for herself, she discovers dark secrets that would terrify any normal soul. Good thing for Hanna, she's far from normal. As this crazy girl meets an even crazier town, only two things are certain: Anything can happen and no one is safe. -amazon.com

The Mark by Jen Nadol

Release date: January 19, 2010

Sixteen-year old Cassie Renfield has seen the mark since forever: a glow around certain people as if a candle were held behind their back.

The one time she pointed it out taught her she shouldn't do it again, so Cassie has kept quiet, considering its rare appearances odd, but insignificant. Until she watches a man die. Mining her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person's imminent death. Now how or where, only when: today.

Cassie searches her past, her philosophy lessons, even her new boyfriend for answers, always careful to keep her secret. How does the mark work? Why her? Most importantly, if you know today is someone's last, should you tell? -goodreads.com

This one looks really good.
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So what are yall waiting on today?

-Countdown 2010 Challenge!

2009-09-16T04:14:00.025-05:00

So this is the first challenge I've ever participated in! I found out about it through Falling Of The Shelf & I'm super excited ;] I'll keep updating the list as needed.

Here are the rules :

1. The goal of this challenge is to read the number of books first published in a given year that corresponds to the last digit of each year in the 2000's----10 books from 2010, 9 books from 2009, 8 books from 2008, etc. The total number of books required, therefore, is 55.

2. This challenge lasts from 09/09/2009 through 10/10/2010.

3. Crossovers from other challenges are allowed, and your lists may change at any time.

4. Sign up Here, using the Mr. Linky form. Link to your Challenge post.

5. Have fun reading!

2010

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

2009

1. Soulstice-Simon Holt
2. The Chosen One-Carol Lynch Williams
3. Perfect Mistake (Privilege book 3)-Kate Brian
4. The Pencil Test-James Guilford
5. The Real Real-Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus
6.
7.
8.
9.

2008

1. The Summoning-Kelley Armstrong
2. The Devouring-Simon Holt
3. Beastly-Alex Flinn
4. Confessions of a Serial Kisser-Wendelin Van Draanen
5.
6.
7.
8.

2007

1. Confessions-Kate Brian
2. Remembering Raquel-Vivian Vande Velde
3. Snitch-Allison Van Diepen
4. Thirteen Reasons Why-Jay Asher
5.
6.
7.

2006

1. Private-Kate Brian
2. Invitation Only-Kate Brian
3. Untoachable-Kate Brian
4.
5.
6.

2005

1. Killing Britney-Sean Olin
2. Uglies-Scott Westerfeld
3.
4.
5.

2004

1.
2.
3.
4.

2003

1.
2.
3.

2002

1.
2.

2001

-Summer Boys contest: WINNER CHOSEN!

2009-09-15T18:16:00.003-05:00

So my first contest is over, with a total of 20 participants and 83 entries.

Using the random.org generator, the winner is.............

Michelle!
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Congrats girl! I've sent you an email and will need a reply within 72 hours (9/18) so I can send you your prize ASAP!
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Thank you SO much to everyone who entered and made my first contest possible. Be looking out for another contest within the next week or so!

-Review: The Devouring by Simon Holt

2009-09-15T15:36:00.009-05:00

The Devouring by Simon Holt

When Reggie finds an old journal and reads about the Vours, supernatural creatures who feast on fear and attack on the eve of the winter solstice, she assumes they are just the musings of some lunatic author. But soon, they become a terrifying reality when she begins to suspect that her timid younger brother might be one of their victims.

Risking her life and her sanity, Reggie enters a living nightmare to save the people she loves. Can she devour own her fears before they devour her?

Bone-chilling, terrifying, thrilling...what are you waiting for?

So I was really intrigued when I first read about this book. I'd started seeing reviews around and I'd heard it was really creepy. I read blogs by some that said it actually scared them and I decided I would have to read it.

My first impression once I started reading was that I immediately related to and felt connected with Reggie, our main character in the book. When the scene in her high school took place, the author describes her status in school as not on the a-list, but not complete loser either. She was in the comfortable middle of the popularity food chain, and just blended in, which was totally me in high school. I truly felt for her family for the situation they were going through with their mother abandoning them. As I got farther along in the book she grew on me even more. She has got to be one of the bravest characters I've ever come across. I also especially loved Eben, Reggie's elderly boss at her job.

Reggie and the rest of the characters in the book (Henry, their father, Aaron, and Eben) weren't entirely developed but it worked with this book--the Vours were described best of all and that's what mattered most.

As for the book being creepy, I'll definitely second that opinion. Simon Holt's ability to describe the spooky scenes had me actually picturing them vividly in my head, like watching a movie. I, too, was scared at points.

This is the first book I've read by Simon Holt and I really enjoyed his writing. I've heard him compared to both Stephen King and R.L. Stine and I now see why, but at the same time he also has his own writing style. Overall it felt really good to read such a good book after being so disappointed with the last book I read. I will definitely be reading the sequel!

Some quotes I enoyed:

"Reggie considered it unethical, immoral, and illegal. Aaron agreed and looked at it as valuable preparation for the real world." pg. 15

"Fear, like death's icy grip, froze her in place. One of the demons smiled and brushed her bloody cheek with a long, grotesque finger." pg. 59

Another cover for The Devouring:

-Friday Finds (#1) -Good stuff!

2009-09-11T03:11:00.005-05:00

...is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

So this is my first time doing a Friday Finds, & I already know it's going to be my favorite meme to do.

I find SO many new books everyday, & I'm constantly adding to my TBR (link on sidebar --->) & since I couldn't possibly fit all of them into one post, I decided I would narrow it down to 5 each Friday (one for each day, Mon-Fri).

Here goes!

Monday:

Killing Britney by Sean Olin
I found this @ Book Nerds, one of my very favorite blogs :]

Britney is the girl everyone loves to hate.

When the deaths continue to pile up, everyone fears for Britney. Sure she's popular, blond, and fabulous.

But is that enough reason for someone to want to...kill her?

Tuesday:

Playing House by Fredrica Wagman
Found at He Followed Me Home

When Playing House appeared in 1973, Publishers Weekly hailed it, 'A probing descent into madness that will fascinate the same audience that appreciated I Never Promised You a Rose Garden.' This nationally bestselling story of one woman's struggle with the lasting effects of a childhood sexual relationship with her brother shocked American readers; it remains a literary work of enduring quality and value. In his foreword Philip Roth writes, 'The traumatized child; the institutionalized wife; the haunting desire; the ghastly business of getting through the day - what is striking about Wagman's treatment of these contemporary motifs is the voice of longing in which the heroine shamelessly confesses to the incestuous need that is at once her undoing and her only hope.'

Wednesday:

Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott
I actually saw this at two different blogs on Wednesday, but forgot both of them :\ Sorry!

Eighteen-year-old Danielle—aka Sydney, Rebecca, or whatever alias her mother chooses—has been stealing since she can remember. She and her theft-savvy mother move from town to town, mining the successful men whom her mother attracts for information that allows them to find and rob the toniest homes. Dani has no school, no friends, and no home until she and her mother land in Heaven, a small, wealthy beachfront town where Dani realizes what it is like to have a best friend and also a boyfriend, who just happens to be a cop.

Scott tells a surprising story that features a mature teen who longs for the straight and narrow, even as the adults around her profit from crime and corruption. Dani’s first-person narrative includes a few winking references to the lucrative life theft can garner, which feel like odd, misguided shifts from the story’s strongest message that Dani is a brave teen who can and does shape a strong future for herself.

Thursday:

Blame by Michelle Huneven

Found at She Is Too Fond Of Books

Patsy MacLemoore, a history professor in her late twenties with a brand-new Ph.D. from Berkeley and a wild streak, wakes up in jail—yet again—after another epic alcoholic blackout. “Okay, what’d I do?” she asks her lawyer and jailers. “I really don’t remember.” She adds, jokingly: “Did I kill someone?”

In fact, two Jehovah’s Witnesses, a mother and daughter, are dead, run over in Patsy’s driveway. Patsy, who was driving with a revoked license, will spend the rest of her life—in prison, getting sober, finding a new community (and a husband) in AA—trying to atone for this unpardonable act.

Friday:

In Your Room by Jordanna Fraiberg

Found at Must And Lust For Books

Molly and Charlie have fallen head over heels in love—even though they’ve never met Molly is a fashion-conscious city girl in L.A. Charlie is an earthy, mountain-biking dude from Boulder, Colorado. Each of them has big plans with their respective friends for the summer—until they discover that their parents decided to swap houses!

Luckily there’s no amount of homesickness that a bit of snooping can’t cure. Charlie and Molly begin crawling under beds and poking around in closets to find out a little more about each other—and they like what they find.

Can Charlie and Molly’s long-distance romance survive jealousy, misunderstandings—and the thousand miles between them?

What did you all find?!

-Review: The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

2009-09-10T16:25:00.006-05:00

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

All Chloe Saunders wants is a life like any normal teenager – the chance to get through school, make friends, and maybe meet a boy. But when she starts seeing ghosts, she knows that like will never be the same again.

Soon the ghosts are everywhere, demanding her attention. When Chloe finally breaks down, she’s admitted to a group home for disturbed kids.

At first Lyle House seems okay, but as she gets to know the other patients – charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek; obnoxious Tori; and Rae, who has a ‘thing’ for fire – Chloe begins to realise that something strange and sinister binds them all together, and it isn’t your usual ‘problem kid’ behaviour.

And they’re about to discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home, either… -summary from the book jacket

I can't believe I finally finished this! It seriously took me forever, partly because I've been so busy with the baby, & partly because I just couldn't get into it.

I had mixed feelings about this book from the moment I picked it up at the library. I was expecting a typical "I see dead people" cliche ghost book. After the first chapter, I thought surely that my assumptions were correct, but as I read on, I saw that there was more to the story than just ghosts.

This book moved way too slowly for me. I really could not make myself get into it, and there were a couple times I thought about just putting it down, but I kept hoping the pace would pick up & I would get hooked. Unfortunately that didn't happen until the last 100 pages of the book. I finally got into the story as there was more suspense towards the end.

I liked the characters in the book probably more than anything else, and that's not saying much because they weren't the cream of the crop for me either. I began to enjoy them more too towards the end of the book, mainly Derek's character. The first 300 pages, all minor characters (everyone but Chloe) seemed kind of bland to me. I began to understand them more as the plot picked up.

Overall, if the whole book had been as intense and fast-paced as the last 100 pages, I would have enjoyed it much more.

Still undecided about whether or not I will read the second, The Awakening. The ending leaves me wanting more, but only if it picks up at the speed this book left off. Then it may be possible I could enjoy the sequel more than the first, but if not.......I just don't think I could sit through that whole thing again! Just a slow, slow process for me, reading this book. :\

Another cover for this book:

-Waiting On Wednesday (#2): Devoured by Amanda Marrone

2009-09-09T20:46:00.009-05:00

Waiting On Wednesday originated from Jill (Breaking The Spine.)

This week I'm Waiting on...

Devoured by Amanda Marrone

Release date: September 22, 2009

Megan’s twin sister Remy died in an accident nine years ago, and she’s been haunting her ever since. Knowing how crazy that sounds, Megan keeps this secret to herself and tries to lead a normal life. But when she takes a s ummer job at Land of Enchantment to keep an eye on her new boyfriend and his lovesick best friend, Samantha, she meets fellow employee Luke who can see Remy, too. Things get even twistier because Megan’s new friend Ari is sporting a massive crush on Luke, who seems to be developing a massive crush on Megan…making for a love triangle that’s positively possessed.

Megan wants to keep her distance from Luke, but when Remy’s visions get crazy violent; she knows she needs his help. Because someone’s definitely in danger...the only question is who? -goodreads.com

Never read any of Amanda Marrone's stuff before, but I think I'll start with Devoured. Anyone else looking forward to this one?!

-'True Blood' Season Finale Trailer + 'Dead Until Dark'

2009-09-09T01:40:00.007-05:00

I don't know about you all, but I love everything about both True Blood the show and the Sookie Stackhouse novels. I've only read the first two (Dead Until Dark & Living Dead In Dallas, the former being my favorite of the two) but I plan to read the rest of them.

Sooo.. I saw this trailer on HBO for the first time tonight & I absolutely LOVE the way it was put together, so I had to post it to see what ya'll thought:

Really draws you in doesn't it?! I was hypnotized in front of my TV, lol. I especially love the close-ups of Eric, with the blood dripping down, him smiling...I'm way too excited for this finale..

Ok! I'm done w/ the fangirl nonsense.

HBO's 'True Blood' is based on the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris, which begins with Dead Until Dark.

From wikipedia: Dead Until Dark is the first book in Charlaine Harris's series The Southern Vampire Mysteries / Sookie Stackhouse novels. In this first installment, the author introduces the character of Sookie Stackhouse, a young telepathic waitress from the fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisiana, and her world, an alternate history where vampires, shapeshifters and other supernatual beings coexist with humans. In Dead Until Dark Sookie begins a romantic entanglement with her vampire neighbor and is faced with a series of murders in town.

I personally recommend it for those who haven't already read this book!

Other covers for Dead Until Dark:

-'Summer Boys' contest ending soon!

2009-09-06T05:08:00.005-05:00

Originally I didn't know how long I was going to run this for--Now I've decided that the contest will end:

Tuesday September 15 @ 5pm central time

For those who haven't entered the contest, you may do so here.

Just letting you all know about the update since I kind of left it up in the air at first.

As most of you already know, this is the first contest I have ever ran, so I'd really love to see more entries--anyone who wants to spread the word would be much appreciated!

And be looking for more (even better!) contests from me in the future! :]

-Library Loot! [9/4/09] + baby pictures!

2009-09-04T15:25:00.017-05:00

'Library Loot' is hosted by A Striped Armchair.

Just tell what you brought home from the library!

Well unfortunately I didn't physically get to make it to the library, I've been at home w/ baby, but my dad was nice enough to stop by there & pick up a few of my holds for me & this is the result:

The Devouring- Simon Holt

The Vours are evil, demonic figures that inhabit human bodies during the darkest hours of the winter solstice. After Reggie reads about them in an old journal, she assumes they are figments of a madwoman's imagination. But after her little brother begins acting strangely, Reggie soon finds out what happens when fear comes to life. summary from flipkart.com

I've heard amazing things about this one!

Wings- Aprilynne Pike

Wings is a fairy tale. Truly, a fairy tale. It is about a young girl called Laurel, who suddenly sprouts wings on her back. It is very much a fantasy story, but one that is set in a recognizable setting; contemporary California. Here, Laurel quickly comes to find out her true heritage, and why she is different from those around her. summary from ezinearticles.com

I've read both good reviews & so-so reviews about Wings, so I'm curious to see whose side I'll be on!

Invitation Only- Kate Brian

Reed, from a working class family, is attending the wealthy Easton Academy on a scholarship, where she finds out that rich girls have some very dark secrets. summary from worldcart.org

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^^ Didn't want to post too much summary, since it's a sequel--didn't want to spoil anything.

I still have yet to re-read Private--it's been so long since the first time I read it, I don't even remember it. I'm still waiting for someone to return it to the library.. grr.. lol. I accidently read the Privilege series first (I knew they were both by Kate Brian, but I thought they were two completely different series, but they're connected). I'm gonna try to read these (or at least most of them...isn't there like, 10?) before Perfect Mistake comes out next month.

Bliss- Lauren Myracle

When Bliss’s hippie parents leave the commune and dump her at the home of her aloof grandmother in a tony Atlanta neighborhood, it’s like being set down on an alien planet. The only guide naive Bliss has to her new environment is what she’s seen on The Andy Griffith Show. But Mayberry is poor preparation for Crestview Academy, an elite school where the tensions of the present and the dark secrets of the past threaten to simmer into violence. Openhearted Bliss desperately wants new friends, making her the perfect prey of a troubled girl whose obsession with a long-ago death puts Bliss, and anyone she’s kind to, in mortal danger. summary from barnesandnoble.com

The cover of this book made me pick it up. I love how the font contrasts w/ the expression of the girl behind it. I glanced at the inside summary, but didn't read too deep into it so I don't really know what to expect. Anyone whose read it, have any opinions?

I'm excited about this little bunch! Hmm..now just gotta figure out which to read first..

My reading has been moving soo slowly lately--whenever I'm not busy with Marshawn I'm trying to catch up on sleep! Yesterday I made a little more progress on 'The Summoning' & I'm hoping to keep it moving today too.

& also as promised, pictures of my baby boy:

He's such an angel! View the rest of the pictures here.

Hope everyone had a good week! :]

-Waiting On Wednesday (#1): Beautiful by Amy Reed

2009-09-02T03:48:00.025-05:00

Waiting On Wednesday originated from Jill (Breaking The Spine.)

I'm Waiting on...

Beauiful by Amy Reed

Release date: Oct. 6, 2009

When Cassie moves from the tiny town where she has always lived to a suburb of Seattle, she is determined to leave her boring, good-girl existence behind. This is Cassie's chance to stop being invisible and become the kind of girl who's worth noticing.

Stepping into her new identity turns out to be easier than Cassie could have ever imagined...one moment, one choice, will change everything.

Cassie's new existence both thrills and terrifies her. Swept into a world of illicit parties and social landmines, she sheds her virginity, embraces the numbness she feels from the drugs, and floats through it all, knowing that she is now called beautiful. She ignores the dangers of her fast-paced life?but she can't sidestep the secrets and the cruelty.

Cassie is trapped in a swift downward spiral tinged with violence and abuse, and no one—not even the one person she thought she could trust—can help her now.~summary: amazon.com

This looks so good!!

-Awards!

2009-08-30T21:17:00.005-05:00

thanks to Casey from A Passion For Books for giving me this award!!
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Blogs that receive the Lets Be Friends Award are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more information to these writers. Deliever this award to eight bloggers.
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I'm passing this to... (( drumroll ))

♥ Krysten (( I LOVE to ReaD )) --> She seems like she's got a great personality
♥ Brandé (( Book Junkie )) --> Everyone knows she's a sweetheart! When I first started blogging not too long ago she gave me a lot of advice.

Thanks Andrea @ the Little Bookworm for giving me this!

Your blog rocks too! ;]
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I'm passing this to...

♥ Kilee (Kilee's Closet) --> She totally deserves some attention! You should definitely follow her blog, if you're not already.

-Sorry!

2009-08-27T12:23:00.010-05:00

What a week!

Sorry if it seems like I disappeared! I had my little boy Sunday night (Actually, I was having contractions as I was typing up the 'Catcher' review, lol!)--6 lb 13 oz & his name is Marshawn Jay :) I'll post some pics with my next review, which will hopefully be soon! I promise it'll be ASAP, things have just been a little hectic!

-Review: The Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger

2009-08-23T05:19:00.012-05:00

The Catcher In The Rye-J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye is the story of teenager Holden Caulfield's turbulent last few days before his Christmas vacation. During these days, Holden leaves Pencey Prep, a boys' school he's been kicked out of, and takes off for a few nights alone in New York City. ~bookrags.com

I finally gave in and read Catcher In The Rye after my dad begging me to read it forever. I was hesitant to read it for a couple of reasons...first, I remember some teachers making their students read it when I was in high school (I never did like those books, because I hate being forced to read something, I'd rather choose to do so on my own--authority issues, lol). I was also skeptical because I felt like it was so far out of my usual genre-even though all I knew about it was it was written in the 1940s-I'm more accustomed to modern, young adult books.

I must admit that I had the wrong idea about Catcher In The Rye, though. I love the main character, Holden Caulfield-he was very entertaining, sarcastic, and witty. When I first started reading, I was worried that since the book was written so long ago, it would be written in a very old-fashioned style, but it was actually refreshing & fun to read some of the lingo & such from that time, & it wasn't too extreme or used annoyingly.

- Some parts were quite boring-overall, it was J.D. Salinger's style of writing, and Holden's humor & way he tells the story, which kept me reading. Good book, though! ;]

-New template + Summer Boys contest!

2009-08-22T17:44:00.017-05:00

So I finally decided on a template :] It looks like me, with my dog! Lol, thanks to Brandé (Book Junkie) for suggesting the website that I found it at! Let me know what you all think!

In celebration (or even just for the hell of it!) I'm going to give away a book from my collection. And the book is...

Summer Boys

by Hailey Abbott

It's summer. It's hot. And it's time to hook up.Cousins Ella, Beth, and Jamie are at their family's beach house, and they're gearing up for the wildest time of their lives.

Sassy Ella is majorly crushing on a cute older boy -- who just happens to be her sister's new boyfriend. Meanwhile, practical Beth is surprised when she finds herself falling for her best friend George. And shy, creative Jamie gets her heart broken when her summer love abandons her. Three girls, too many boys, and some seriously stormy romances...it all adds up to one unforgettable summer. -summary from barnesandnoble.com

It's a fun, light, young adult read.
The book is followed up by 3 more in the series: Next Summer, After Summer, & Last Summer.

Entering is very easy, as it should be. Just leave a comment with your name & e-mail, & you get one entry!
Extra entries are as follows:

+ 4 already following
+3 becoming a follower
+2 posting on your blog linking back to this contest
+1 telling me who referred you w/ a link to their blog (this gets you AND them an extra entry)

Contest will end 9/15/09 @ 5pm central time.

-Review: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

2009-08-20T14:15:00.022-05:00

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

The Notebook is an epic love story centered around an older man who reads aloud to an older, invalid woman whom he regularly visits. From a faded notebook, the old man's words bring to life the story about a couple who is separated by World War II, and is then passionately reunited, seven years later, after they have taken different paths. Though her memory has faded, his words give her the chance to relive her turbulent youth and the unforgettable love they shared.

As teenagers, Allie and Noah begin a whirlwind courtship that soon blossoms into tender intimacy. The young couple is quickly separated by Allie's upper-class parents who insist that Noah isn't right for her. Several years pass, and, when they meet again, their passion is rekindled, forcing Allie to choose between her soul mate and class order. ~newline.com

Well it's not very often I end up liking a movie more than the book, but this is one of those situations.

The Notebook was a great book, no doubt, but I wish it would have went more in-depth into Noah & Allie's past (the summer that they met). That is one reason I like the movie more: you actually get to see what happened that summer and how it came about that they fell so in love & remained that way for the rest of their lives. The book just BARELY skimmed over the details of their first summer & mostly focused on the later years, when they meet back up, & their old-age years.

It did make me cry, just like the movie, though ;]

- Romance novels aren't really my thing. I guess I just prefer watching sappy movies to reading sappy books. *chuckle* However it did keep me interested throughout, for the most part..

-Review: The Secret Lives of Fortunate Wives by Sarah Strohmeyer

2009-08-17T23:36:00.026-05:00

The Secret Lives of Fortunate Wives by Sarah Strohmeyer

Pampered Hunting Hills, Ohio, socialite Marti Denton never realized she was madly in love with John Harding until he impulsively married Claire Stark, a beautiful but socially awkward newspaper reporter to whom a "coming-out" party is a controversy, not a tradition.

It's not until the Hunting Hills wives are plunged into a series of explosive scandals that the two women reach a new understanding of each other and what it means to be a fortunate wife in the twenty-first century.

In The Secret Lives of Fortunate Wives, Sarah Strohmeyer has written a Stepford Wives for our time--funny, wise, and eye-opening. ~summary: banesandnoble.com

Eh. This book wasn't all that I hoped for. I picked it up at my library b/c it reminded me of the TV show Desperate Housewives and, I can't really explain why, but it kinda got on my nerves at times. I think the first half of the book was okay, but by the time I got halfway through I was only reading to get it over with. It is similar to Desperate Housewives, but not nearly as exciting, in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, there are some catchy sub-plots going on here, & some funnies also (i.e. erections lasting long enough to make one lose one's job, lol) but overall...bleh. I think one reason might be that I can't relate so much to these older women (the book was in the fiction section) as much as I can relate to young adult books.

- Like i said, bleh..

-Review: Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris

2009-08-17T23:15:00.032-05:00

Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris

Harper Connelly has what you might call a strange job: she finds dead people. She can sense the final location of a person who's passed, and share their very last moment. The way Harper sees it, she's providing a service to the dead while bringing some closure to the living-but she's used to most people treating her like a blood-sucking leech.

Traveling with her step-brother Tolliver as manager and sometime-bodyguard, she's become an expert at getting in, getting paid, and getting out fast. Because for the living it's always urgent-even if the dead can wait forever. ~summary: barnesandnoble.com

I'm usually not a big fan of mysteries--well actually, I'm never a fan. But I read this for two reasons: I've never heard of a story plot even similar to this, & also because I'm already a fan of Charlaine Harris. Either way I'm glad I read it!

The book follows Harper Connelly, who was struck by lightning when she was 15 & therefore now has the power to track corpses, & see the moments right before they died. People hire her to find their missing loved ones. I really liked Harper's character--of course she feels a little out of place in the world since so many people look at her like the anti-Christ, or like she's crazy, but she still continues to do her job to help bring closure to people & despite what people think she feels like she's doing something good.

Series followed by Grave Surprise and An Ice Cold Grave. The fourth book, Grave Secret, is scheduled to be published in October 2009. If you read this, you'll want to read the whole series!

- Very good book; fast-paced; very unique storyline. Was enough to make me read the sequel. I could see this being made into a TV show or a movie, just like her Sookie books.

-Upcoming Releases-9/1-Hate List by Jennifer Brown & The Hollow by Jessida Verday

2009-08-17T22:20:00.024-05:00

These two caught my attention; they are both scheduled to be released on September 1st, 2009:

Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Five months ago, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he used to pick his targets.

Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life. ~summary from Amazon.com

The Hollow by Jessica Verday

When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is 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. ~summary from amazon.com