Catching Fire

Book: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games book 2) by Suzanne Collins

Rating: 5 Stars

Release date: September 1, 2009 (TOMORROW!)

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

*****

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't read The Hunger Games, don't read any further unless you want some major spoilers. And another thing, if you haven't read The Hunger Games, what are you waiting for?

Somehow, some way, Katniss Everdeen managed to outsmart the Capitol and save herself and Peeta at the end of the 74th annual Hunger Games. You would think that would make everyone happy. But no. The Capitol is not happy with being made the fool. President Snow wants revenge and he will get it, any way possible.

That's it for my summary. Sorry guys if you were hoping for more you will just have to go to your nearest bookstore tomorrow morning and get your own copy. =]

Once again, I am amazed by Suzanne Collins. I didn't think Catching Fire could be better than The Hunger Games but it really was. I just love everything about these books. Katniss, Peeta, Gale, Prim, Haymitch, I love them all. Peeta a little more than everyone else, though. =P

In the sequel to The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins brings back the old characters and introduces many new ones, some good, some not so good. I really thought that all the characters were unique and quirky in their own ways and I love that about both the books. I felt like I could really understand each and every character and that is something great about these books.

Also, there are many new problems for Katniss in book two. I won't go into detail, obviously, but boy did I feel sorry for that girl so many times. She just can't seem to catch any luck at all. And sometimes I feel bad for her but others I am just so jealous. She has Peeta and Gale. Why can't I have one?

Overall, I have nothing bad to say about Catching Fire other than it ended and I have to wait for the third book. How unfair is that? I want it so bad. Oh well, if it's as good as this one, it will be worth the wait.

Oh and TEAM PEETA all the way!

The Hunger Games

Book: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Rating: 5 Stars

Release date: October 1, 2008 from Scholastic Press

Summary: Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

*****

Katniss Everdeen would do anything for her family. Ever since her father's death in a mine accident, she has been the leader. She does have a mother but her mom's specialty is healing not killing. And killing is what Katniss does. In order to keep her family alive, Katniss hunts for their food and extra to sell. She and her best friend, Gale, work as a team to keep their families alive and well.

Things change when Katniss' little sister, Prim, is drawn as a tribute for the Hunger Games. Katniss does the only thing she can think to do, which is volunteer to take Prim's place. She knows she probably won't make it out of the Games alive but she also knows that if she dies her family will be taken care of by the people of District 12.

Peeta Mellark is the boy tribute from District 12. Katniss and Peeta don't have anything in common and they barely know each other so Katniss figures it should be easy to kill him once the Games begin. Little does she know in order to win these Games she will have to have Peeta by her side.

Will Katniss be able to distance herself from the other participants of the Games? Will she be able to keep her temper long enough to gain some sponsors to help her through the Games? And most importantly, will she be able to kill Peeta if it comes down to that? Who will win the 74th annual Hunger Games?

OMFG!!!

That's all I can think to say about The Hunger Games. Well, I guess it's not all I have to say but it's a start. I think that makes it pretty clear how I felt about the book. I loved it and it holds a special place on my shelf so I can go back and read it over and over again. It's just that good.

Going into The Hunger Games I was skeptical. I had heard such great reviews about it but I didn't really think I would enjoy it. I mean, it's about a bunch of kids going into battle and brutally murdering each other. I figured it would just creep me out. I was wrong. It was hard to read at parts because of how sad it was but in the end it was totally worth it.

The Hunger Games is a very unique book that will hopefully take young adult readers by storm. I understand that a lot of people think that a book about teens killing each other wouldn't be good but it was. Suzanne Collins did an amazing job telling the story of Katniss and really making the characters likable, even when they were trying to kill each other. Maybe even a little too likable because I now have a huge crush on Peeta. He's the perfect guy and I just want him. Too bad he's fictional. =]

Overall, The Hunger Games is now one of my favorite books and I can't wait for more of Katniss' story. I have a feeling that this trilogy is going to be very popular and if it's not well then it should be. If you haven't read the first book yet, go get it. What are you waiting for? The sequel, Catching Fire, will be released in less than two days so hurry up and read the first one.

Similar books:
The Uglies Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld

In My Mailbox 31

In my mailbox was started by The Story Siren and is a list of what you received in books over the past week either through the mail, library, or a bookstore.

The received:



Book: Slumgirl Dreaming: Rubina's Journey To The Stars by Rubina Ali

Release date: September 8, 2009 from Delacorte BFYR

Summary: No summary available but it's about one of the stars from Slumdog Millionaire.

I got this one on Monday and it was a complete surprise. I hadn't heard of it until I got it in my mailbox but it sounds like a really good book and I can't wait to read it. Oh and I should probably watch Slumdog Millionaire soon. I have heard that it is really good. Did any of you guys see it and if so, what did you think of it?



Book: Catwalk: Strike A Pose by Deborah Gregory

Release date: September 8, 2009 from Delacorte BFYR

Summary: The competition heats up at Fashion International High School. Bring it!

Sashay, parlay! The design competition at Fashion International High School heats up as each design house struggles to produce its first—and hopefully award-winning—line. Tensions are cropping up in the House of Pashmina, and it’s not clear whether Pashmina and her best friends will weather the runway. They’d better scramble if they want to win a real shot at a fashion career and an all-expenses-paid trip to Florence!

This one was another surprise for me. I got a lot of those this week. It sounds cute so I will probably end up reading it. It's by the author of The Cheetah Girls and I read those when I was younger so maybe I will like this one. =]



Book: Sea Glass (Glass book 2) by Maria V Snyder

Release date: August 25, 2009 from Mira

Summary: Like the colorful pieces of sea glass washed up on shore, Opal has weathered rough waters and twisting currents. But instead of finding a tranquil eddy, Opal is caught in a riptide. Her unique glass messengers which allow instant communication over vast distances have become a vital part of Sitian society. Once used solely by the Councilors and magicians, other powerful factions are now vying for control. Control of the messengers equals control of Sitia. Unfortunately that also means control of Opal.

If that isn’t enough of a problem, Opal’s determination to prove blood magic is still being used is met with strong resistance. The Council doubts her, her mentor doubts her, and even her family is concerned. When her world is turned upside down, she begins to doubt herself. In the end, Opal must decide who to believe, who to trust, and who has control—otherwise she will shatter into a million pieces and be swept out by the tide.

This one I knew was coming but I was still super excited to get it. I did an interview and giveaway with Maria Snyder a little while ago and she was so amazing. She sent me my own copy of Sea Glass and it's signed. It's awesome.



Book: The Fatal Child by John Dickinson

Release date: September 8, 2009 from David Fickling Books

Summary: The final novel in this compelling trilogy set in a medieval fantasy world.

Atti is the Fatal Child. Beautiful and adored, she is troubled by a recurring nightmare of violence and betrayal. She can love no one and trust no one, and she wakes screaming in the night.

Driven by his love for Atti, Ambrose, son of Phaedra, gives up his wandering existence and takes the throne. This is the story of his kingship and his attempts to remove the curse of Beyah, the weeping goddess, from his land. For while Beyah weeps, she poisons hearts, and only when the weeping stops can peace be restored to the kingdom.

Seen through the eyes of Padry, close advisor to the king, and of Melissa, maid to the queen, this is a passionate story of love and betrayal, power and sacrifice, hope and loss. Prophecies are fulfilled and story threads are concluded as Ambrose and his mother struggle to come to terms with their destinies.

Okay so this is the final book in a trilogy and I haven't read the other two. I really need to try and get those soon, though. It sounds like a great story and the book is huge. It's like five-hundred-something pages. I love those kind of books. They are perfect for a rainy day when you are stuck inside.



Book: The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Release date: September 8, 2009 from Delacorte BFYR

Summary: Can love last beyond the grave?

Sylvie Davis is a ballerina who can’t dance. A broken leg ended her career, but Sylvie’s pain runs deeper. What broke her heart was her father’s death, and what’s breaking her spirit is her mother’s remarriage—a union that’s only driven an even deeper wedge into their already tenuous relationship.

Uprooting her from her Manhattan apartment and shipping her to Alabama is her mother’s solution for Sylvie’s unhappiness. Her father’s cousin is restoring a family home in a town rich with her family’s history. And that’s where things start to get shady. As it turns out, her family has a lot more history than Sylvie ever knew. More unnerving, though, are the two guys that she can’t stop thinking about. Shawn Maddox, the resident golden boy, seems to be perfect in every way. But Rhys—a handsome, mysterious foreign guest of her cousin’s—has a hold on her that she doesn’t quite understand.

Then she starts seeing things. Sylvie’s lost nearly everything—is she starting to lose her mind as well?

This is my second copy of this book. I now have the hardcover and the ARC. I am going to save my ARC for my big month of contests coming up so keep checking back to find out more about that. Also, this is another one of those giant books that I love. It's over five-hundred pages and the cover is gorgeous. I can't wait to read it.

The bought:
Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
Acts of Mercy by Mariah Stewart

I was so happy to get Blood Promise. I was actually very lucky because I got the last copy that Target had. =]

Oh and Acts of Mercy isn't YA but I bought it because I love mystery type books and it's the third in a series that I have.

What was in your mailbox this week?

Create A Cover!

Found this at The Story Siren!

CREATE YOUR DEBUT YA COVER

1 – Go to “Fake Name Generator” or clickhttp://www.fakenamegenerator.com/

The name that appears is your author name.

2 – Go to “Random Word Generator” or clickhttp://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml

The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.

3 – Go to “FlickrCC” or clickhttp://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.php

Type your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.

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

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

Breathless

Book: Breathless by Jessica Warman

Rating: 3 Stars

Release date: August 18, 2009

Summary: When Katie Kitrell is shipped off to boarding school by her distant father and overbearing mother, it doesn’t take her long to become part of the It Crowd. She’s smart, she’s cute, and she’s an Olympic-bound swimmer who has a first class ticket to any Ivy League school of her choice. But what her new friends, roommate, and boyfriend don’t know is that Katie is swimming away from her past, and from her schizophrenic older brother, Will, who won’t let her go. And when he does the unthinkable, it’s all Katie can do to keep her head above water.

*****

Katie Kitrell's life is going down the tubes. Her brother has finally done something so bad that not even Katie can escape from it. The only thing her parents can think to do is to ship her off to some unheard of boarding school.

Once there, things don't seem to bad. Katie fits right in with the popular crowd and boy are there some cute guys there, especially Drew. Everything seems just great for Katie and how can she possible ruin that by telling them about her brother? So, she doesn't. Instead Katie decides to lie and tell everyone that he died. How hard could it be to keep that secret?

Life for Katie seems to be looking up. Cool friends, a new crush, and the only thing that's weird is her roommate. Mazzie is the weirdest person Katie has ever met but maybe there is a reason for that. Now all Katie has to do is figure out what it is.

Katie's life is perfect at boarding school but what happens when her real life intrudes? How can she continue to keep Will a secret when he has done something so unspeakably horrible it's bound to get out? And will Katie be able to salvage her new life when it does?

Breathless was a very good debut novel but nothing that really made me want to read it again. I felt like the summary was a little misleading because Katie wasn't just shipped off to boarding school for no reason, she was shipped off because Will had finally gone off the deep end. From the very beginning of the book I could just tell there was something seriously wrong with Will and I was very nervous to find out what he ended up doing that was so horrible. Well, he did many things.

Also, I didn't really like Katie much. She smoked, drank, and was very superficial. She lied about Will because she wanted people to like her and that was pretty much it. She wanted to be popular and that was all she cared about when she got to boarding school. Oh, and swimming but popularity and boys came first. I mean, at one point in the book she got so drunk that the next day she ended up puking in the gutter by the pool. That wasn't my idea of a good example that teens should read about in books.

Overall, Breathless did not leave me breathless. I have read some great reviews about it but I just didn't like it and don't think I ever will. I mean if you're looking for something to keep yourself occupied go ahead and give it a shot but it's not one that I will be rereading anytime soon.

Similar books:
Breathless by Lurlene McDaniel
Private by Kate Brian

Psych Major Syndrome

Book: Pysch Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson

Rating: 5 Stars

Release date: August 11, 2009 from Hyperion

Summary:
Patient Name: Leigh Nolan

Age: 18 years

Presenting Concerns:

Leigh Nolan has just started her first year at Stiles College. She has decided to major in psychology (even though her parents would rather she study Tarot cards than Rorschach blots), despite reporting that she thinks, "Psychology is a load of crap."

Patient has always been very good at helping her friends with their problems, but when it comes to solving her own...not so much.

Patient has a tendency to overanalyze things, particularly when the opposite sex is involved. Like why doesn't Andrew, her boyfriend of over a year, ever invite her to spend the night? Or why can't she commit to taking the next step in their relationship? And why does his roommate Nathan dislike her so much? More importantly, why did Nathan have a starring role in a much-more-than-friendly dream?

Aggravating factors include hyper-competitive fellow psych majors, a professor who's badly in need of her own psychoanalysis, and mentoring a middle-school-aged girl who thinks Patient is, in a word, nave.

Preliminary treatment will include Introduction to Psychology, but may require more if she's going to answer these questions and make it through her freshman year.

Diagnosis:

Psych Major Syndrome

******

Leigh Nolan has enough problems in her life already. Add a roommate who hates her boyfriend, boyfriend's roommate who hates her, trouble with her boyfriend, and a mentoring program with her arch rival and things get even more crazy. Oh and then she has to go and analyze it all.

Leigh likes her college. She doesn't really get graded there so things seem pretty easy and she's studying what she wants to study, not what her parents want her to study. So why does it seem like everyone is rushing her and pressuring her? She's a freshman, why should she worry about things now when she has three more years for that?

Also, what in the world is wrong with her boyfriend? They were high school sweethearts and they now go to the same college. On the outside it seems like everything's perfect but why won't he invite her to stay over? Maybe it has something to do with his roommate from hell, the one who can't stand her.

Things can't seem to get any worse for Leigh but somehow, they do. Will her roommate ever like her boyfriend and if not, is there a reason why she shouldn't? Will Leigh ever figure out what she did to make her boyfriend's roommate hate her? Will she ever stop analyzing every little detail of her life?

First off, I just have to say that I loved Psych Major Syndrome. Sometimes you just want a really cute, feel-good romance novel and that's what this is. At first, I really didn't know what to expect but once I got into the story, I really got into it.

Leigh was a great character and she reminded me of one of my best friends so that made the book even better. Also, it was just so funny. Reading about Leigh and all her many issues, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. Of course that always gets me some weird looks when I happen to do it in public. =]

All the characters in Psych Major Syndrome were great. I liked the ones I should have liked and I really didn't like the ones I shouldn't have liked. Alicia Thompson did a great job of making the characters believable and I really understood why Leigh either loved them or hated them.

Oh and I will say this, my favorite character was the girl Leigh mentored, Rebekah. She was hilarious. If I ever mentored I would want her as my student. Also, she had some shocking truths that actually helped Leigh get over her past and learn how to move on. She was not only funny, she was very wise for a bratty fifteen-year-old.

Overall, I really recommend Psych Major Syndrome for anyone. I mean who doesn't love a cheesy romance every now and then?

Similar books:
The Comeback by Marlene Perez
Labor of Love by Rachel Hawthorne

Waiting On Wednesday: Ice

Book: Ice by Sarah Beth Durst

Release date: October 6, 2009 from Margaret K McElderry

Summary:When Cassie was a little girl, her grandmother told her a fairytale about her mother, who made a deal with the Polar Bear King and was swept away to the ends of the earth to become a prisoner of the trolls. Now that Cassie is older, she knows that this was a nice way of saying her mother had died. Cassie lives with her father at an Arctic research station, she is determined to become a scientist, and she has no time for make believe.

Then, on her eighteenth birthday, Cassie comes face to face with a polar bear who speaks to her. He tells her that her mother is alive, imprisoned in the troll castle. And that he can bring her back--if Cassie will agree to be his bride.

That is the beginning of Cassie's own real-life fairytale, one that sends her on an unbelievable journey across the brutal Arctic, through the Canadian boreal forest, and on the back of the North Wind to the land east of the sun and west of the moon. Before it is over, the world she knew will be swept away, and everything she holds dear will be taken from her--until she discovers the true meaning of love and family in the magical realm of Ice.

I actually just found this one yesterday when I was looking at updates on Goodreads. Becca Fitzpatrick, the author of Hush,Hush, gave it five stars and a great review so I decided that it would be a great WOW. Also, the cover is really pretty and I love polar bears so a fairytale about a polar bear king really intrigues me. =]

What are you waiting on this week?

Teaser Tuesdays: Radiant Darkness

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

From page 1 of Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman:

"Persephone. Daughter of DEMETER, the harvest goddess. Kidnapped and forced to--"

Wrong! In every book of myths, the same; in every book, wrong!

Okay so obviously I haven't read very much of this book. I finished The Lost Summer and just picked this one up and will be starting it soon. I haven't really read many reviews about it but I think it sounds interesting especially after taking a Myths class last year. Hopefully I will like this one.

What are you reading this Tuesday?

Challenges!

So, I have noticed a couple challenges that I think would be fun to participate in. Briana at The Book Pixie and Kelsey at The Book Scout have both posted about challenges recently and I decided that I would join in.

First in a series challenge:



Guidelines:
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
2. Read 12 books that are the first in any series.
You may read & list your chosen books any time during the year.
3. Challenge begins January thru December, 2009.
4. You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.

I did the same thing as Briana and upped the number from 12 to 16 because there are a lot of series' that I need to get started on.

Here is my list:
1.Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
2.Ghost Huntress: The Awakening by Marley Gibsin
3.The Devouring by Simon Holt (read)
4.Beautiful Americans by Lucy Silag
5.Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (read)
6.Strange Angels by Lili St.Crow
7.Gone by Michael Grant
8.Oathbreaker: Assassin's Apprentice by JB Redmond and SR Vaught
9.Glass Houses by Rachel Caine
10.You Are So Undead To Me by Stacey Jay
11.Secrets of My Hollywood Life by Jen Calonita
12.Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
13.Marked by PC and Kristin Cast
14.City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
15.The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

Read Your Name Challenge:



Guidelines:
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
2. Read books that start with the letters of your name.
You may read & list your chosen books any time during the year.
3. Challenge begins January thru December, 2009.
4. You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.

Here is my list:
K: Kiss Me, Kill Me by Lauren Henderson
A: Ash by Malinda Lo (read)
T: Tempo Change by Barbara Hall
I: Intertwined by Gena Showalter (read)
E: Everafter, The by Amy Huntley

Those are my two challenges. I already own most of the books so it shouldn't be too hard to read them. Plus some of them I just keep putting off so now I have to read them. =]

Hush, Hush Contest!

Book: Hush, Hush

Release date: October 13, 2009 from Simon and Schuster

Summary: For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

******

So, normally I have a reason to hold a contest but today I just decided to hold one for fun. I somehow managed to get two copies of Hush, Hush this week and so I will be giving one copy away to a lucky reader. I haven't read it yet but I have heard some amazing things about it.

Now here are the details for the contest:
-One lucky reader will win an ARC of Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick!

Requirements:
-You must be a follower to enter. If you aren't already then just click the follow button and you will be eligible.
-You must leave a comment with a valid email address. If you don't like putting your email out there than just email me at katieb206@gmail.com and let me know that you want to be entered.
-Please include all entries in one comment because it makes things a little easier for me when I tally things up in the end.

Extra entries:
+1 for new followers
+2 if you post a link somewhere (up to three links)(sidebars, twitter, etc.)
+3 if you followed my blog before this post
+4 if you add me to your blogroll
+5 if you post about this contest (posts only, no sidebars)

This contest is open for US and Canada only. It will be open until September 5 and the winner will be announced on the 6th. Good luck everybody!

In My Mailbox 30

In my mailbox was started by The Story Siren and is a list of what you received in books over the past week either through the mail, library, or a bookstore.


The received:
Snap by Carol Snow (for review)
The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard (for review)
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (2 copies) (one from Briana at The Book Pixie)
Diary of a Witness by Catherine Ryan Hyde (for review)
(re)Cycler by Lauren McLaughlin (for review)
Simply Irresistible by Jennifer Banash (for review)
Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis (2nd copy)
Ghost Huntress: The Guidance by Marley Gibson (from Robyn at Books from Reading It All)
Immortal by Gilllian Shields (from Briana)
Dull Boy by Sarah Cross (from Briana)
Strange Angels by Lili St.Crow (from Briana)
The Counterfeit Guest by Rose Melikan (from Robyn)
Harry Potter book 5, 6,7 by JK Rowling (from contest)
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched The World by Vicki Myron (from Robyn)
Rapacia: The Second Circle Of Heck by Dale Bayse (?) (for review)
The Physick Book Of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe (from Robyn)

The bought:
Secrets of my Hollywood Life: Family Affairs by Jen Calonita
Impossible by Nancy Werlin
Den Of Shadows Quartet by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Okay so I got a ton of books this week and most of them were from trades or friends. I did get The Secret Year for review and I was so excited about that. I also got Snap for review and I am reading it right now. So far it's okay but not the greatest. Hopefully it will get better. Also, I got a second copy of Never Cry Werewolf which I am going to save for a giveaway!

Oh and has anyone heard of that Rapacia book? I randomly got it for review and I have never even heard of it. I might read it or I might just give it away. I will decide later. Also, I am going to be starting a new contest today so check that out later. So, that's my mailbox and yes I caved and bought some books. The Jen Calonita book was $2 and I have the first two and the other two were just too tempting to pass up. Oops! =]

What was in your mailbox this week?

Sorry!

Okay so I was going to do my IMM today but I have such a terrible headache. I'm going to wait until tomorrow to show you all the amazing books I got in my mailbox this week and then I will be announcing my next contest. Oh and I might as well admit it now that I caved and bought some new books. It was my mom's fault. She offered. I just couldn't refuse so I will tell you all about those tomorrow.

Night everybody!

Harlequin Teen Sweepstakes

I keep seeing this on blogs so I gave in and decided to post it on mine too.

Jumping Off Swings

Book: Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles

Rating: 3 Stars

Release date: August 11, 2009 from Candlewick

Summary: Tells, from four points of view, the ramifications of a pregnancy resulting from a "one-time thing" between Ellie, who feels loved when boys touch her, and Josh, an eager virgin with a troubled home life.

*****

Ellie can't believe this is happening. She thought Josh was different than all the other boys. She thought he might actually care for her. Instead he proved that all he wanted was one thing and now that he's gotten what he wanted he has no more use for her.

Little does Ellie know, she's pregnant and Josh is the father. The only person she can tell is her best friend who doesn't know how to help her. Instead things get even more tangled when Corinne involves Josh's best friend, Caleb.

What will Ellie choose to do about her pregnancy? Can Josh prove to Ellie that not all guys are after one thing only? Will Ellie's home life ever improve?

Jumping Off Swings was one of those books that just didn't do it for me. I think it was just too short. I felt like I didn't get any background information about any of the characters and it really made the book hard for me to like.

In the book you can tell that Ellie's home life is screwed up and it even mentions it once or twice but I never knew why it was so messed up. I was really confused. Also, you saw glimpses of Caleb's and Josh's home lives but you never once got any insight into Corinne's family situation. It just didn't make any sense to me.

Also I just hated the ending. I felt like things were unfinished and I was just left thinking, huh? I know a ton of other people who really liked Jumping Off Swings but I was not one of them. I'm not saying don't read it if you think you might like it, I'm saying maybe check it out from the library before buying it.

Similar books:
After by Amy Efaw
Angel's Choice by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Eek!

Okay so I was just over at Greenbeanteenqueen's blog and I saw something that made me squeal.

Here it is:


The cover for the third book in The Immortals series is awesome and what is even cooler is that the release date was pushed from early next year to November 24 of this year. I know a lot of people didn't like this series but I loved it and I was so mad that I was going to have to wait til next year to read what happens with Damen and Ever and now I only have a couple months to wait. I know I'm not supposed to be buying books until I read all the ones I have but I just know that I will be buying this one as soon as it comes out.

What do you think of the cover? What about the series? Love, hate, or just don't care?

How It Ends

Book: How It Ends by Laura Wiess

Rating: 5 Stars

Release date: August 4, 2009 from MTV Books

Summary: All Hanna's wanted since sophomore year is Seth. She's gone out with other guys, even gained a rep for being a flirt, all the while hoping cool, guitar-playing Seth will choose her. Then she gets him -- but their relationship is hurtful, stormy and critical, not at all what Hanna thinks a perfect love should be. Bewildered by Seth's treatment of her and in need of understanding, Hanna decides to fulfill her school's community service requirement by spending time with Helen, her terminally ill neighbor, who she's turned to for comfort and wisdom throughout her life. But illness has changed Helen into someone Hanna hardly knows, and her home is not the refuge it once was. Feeling more alone than ever, Hanna gets drawn into an audiobook the older woman is listening to, a fierce, unsettling love story of passion, sacrifice, and devotion. Hanna's fascinated by the idea that such all-encompassing love can truly exist, and without her even realizing it, the story begins to change her.

Until the day when the story becomes all too real...and Hanna's world is spun off its axis by its shattering, irrevocable conclusion.

*****

Hanna has finally got everything she could ever want. Really awesome friends and the boy of her dreams. Now why does it seem like it's not what she wanted?

Hanna loves her high school life with Seth as her boyfriend and her two best friends are great, especially because they all get along so well. Seth may not be the perfect boyfriend but he is what Hanna wants. At least until she meets Jesse, a misunderstood motorcyclist who can't seem to forget her and who manages to make her smile every time she sees him.

Hanna has a great family which includes her neighbors Helen and Lon. They are basically her grandparents. When Helen becomes ill in Hanna's sophomore year of high school things begin to change. Seth starts treating her badly and nobody can seem to understand what Hanna feels about Helen's illness. Things get even worse when Hanna is drawn into the story in the audiobook that Helen is listening to.

Hanna knows that Helen's life isn't how she would want to be living it but is there really anything that she can do? And does Hanna really want to put up with all the bullshit and lies that Seth keeps telling her or could Jesse possibly be the one for her?

How It Ends is one of the best books I have ever read. When I read Laura Wiess' Such A Pretty Girl I thought it was great and that her other books couldn't top it but I was so wrong. How It Ends just blew me away and let me tell you, how the story ended was not expected.

Hanna was a very likable character and I loved how the story was told from her perspective and Helen's, at least in the beginning. You could really feel the love that was shared between them and how much they truly meant to each other. Also, I loved the story of the audiobook. I was shocked at the story but it truly made the book fantastic.

Also, I couldn't stand Seth and I couldn't believe that Hanna put up with him. He was such a dick and it was so obvious from the very beginning. I just hated how Hanna fell for him and let him ruin her life. I thought that Jesse was amazing but he wasn't in the book that much. I wish he had been and that is my only complaint about the book. He just made me laugh and he seemed like the perfect guy.

While How It Ends isn't exactly a happy book, it is a spectacular one. It made me laugh, cry, and gasp from surprise. I recommend this book for anyone, even adults. I'm actually thinking about making my mom read it just so I can talk to her about it. It's one of those books that you just want to chat about afterward. If you haven't read any of Laura Wiess' books, this one is the perfect place to start.

Similar books:
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

Waiting On Wednesday: WIll Grayson, Will Grayson

Book: Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Release date: April 6, 2010 from Dutton Juvenile

Summary: Two superstar authors join forces on a collaborative novel of awesome proportions One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens—both named Will Grayson—are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history’s most fabulous high school musical. Hilarious, poignant, and deeply insightful, John Green and David Levithan’s collaborative novel is brimming with a double helping of the heart and humor that have won both them legions of faithful fans.

Okay first off isn't that a gorgeous cover? I just love the colors and how vibrant it is. Another thing that makes this book droolworthy is that it is written by two amazing authors. A book by both John Green and David Levithan is just amazing. I love both their writing so I can't wait for this one. Actually, I am currently reading one of David Levithan's books so it seems appropriate to have this as my WOW.

What are you waiting on this week?

Teaser Tuesdays

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

From page 67 of Love Is The Higher Law by David Levithan:

"I can't sleep.

It's not just the sound of the rain outside. It's not the unfamiliarity of the bed I'm lying in. It's not my mother's deep, uneasy breathing next to me. It's the thoughts. They will not go to sleep, so I cannot go to sleep."

So far, I am really liking this. It is horribly sad so far but I think it is supposed to get better. I seem to be reading a ton of sad books lately or at least books that make me sad. I think I will pick a happy one next. =]

Also, I am reading The Valentine Legacy by Catherine Coulter but it is a trashy romance novel so I don't include it in my teaser today. I just thought I would mention my dark side and my secret or not-so-secret addiction. I love any trashy romance and I am not afraid to admit it although sometimes the covers embarrass me if I read them in public. =P

What are you reading this lovely, rainy Tuesday? Well, rainy for me!

Geektastic: Stories From The Nerd Herd

Book: Geektastic: Stories From The Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castelluci

Rating: 4 Stars

Release date: August 1, 2009

Summary: Acclaimed authors Holly Black (Ironside)and Cecil Castellucci (Boy Proof) have united in geekdom to edit short stories from some of the best selling and most promising geeks in young adult literature: M.T. Anderson, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Tracy Lynn, Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Barry Lyga, Wendy Mass, Garth Nix, Scott Westerfield, Lisa Yee, and Sara Zarr.

With illustrated interstitials from comic book artists Hope Larson and Bryan Lee O'Malley, Geektastic covers all things geeky, from Klingons and Jedi Knights to fan fiction, theater geeks, and cosplayers. Whether you're a former, current, or future geek, or if you just want to get in touch with your inner geek, Geektastic will help you get your geek on!

*****

Geektastic is a very different book. I'm not going to write my own plot summary just because there are tons of different stories in Geektastic and it would take forever. I will say that they were all really cute and geeky!

Okay I will admit that I am not that geeky. I have never been a fan of Star Wars or Star Trek and both of those came into play in some of the stories in the book. I was a little confused because of this. A couple stories were all about Star Trek or Star Wars and I didn't really know what they were talking about. That is my only complaint but I guess maybe I should just try watching Star Wars and Star Trek now. =]

I have to tell you that One Of Us by Tracy Lynn and I Never by Cassandra Clare were my two favorites of the whole book, especially I Never. They were both really cute and nothing about them confused me. A ton of the others were great too but those were the best for me. They just had me hooked and I have never read anything by either of the authors. I know, sad. I am ashamed of myself. I will have to fix that soon.

Overall, Geektastic was just a fun book that brings out the nerd in everyone. There really is a story in it for everyone. Plus, the comics were really good too. If you haven't read it yet, definitely check it out!

Similar books:
I have no idea! There are just so many different types of stories in this. It's really hard to compare to something. If you have any ideas please mention them in the comments!

Winner!

First off, thanks go to everyone who entered my contest for a copy of Sea Glass by Maria V Snyder. I had a ton of entries and it was fun to read what everyone liked most about the interview.

Now on to the winner:

Steph Su

Congratulations! I have emailed the winner and she has two days to get back to me before I pick another winner. Also, don't be discouraged if you didn't win because I plan on starting up a new contest very soon. Thanks again everyone!

In My Mailbox 29

In my mailbox was started by The Story Siren and is a list of what you received in books over the past week either through the mail, library, or a bookstore.

The received:



Book: Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty by Jody Gehrman

Release date: April 17, 2008 from Dial

Summary: Geena can't wait to spend summer vacation with her two best girls: her friend Amber and her cousin Hero. All three are working at the Triple Shot Betty coffee shop together, but the moment Amber and Hero meet, the claws come out. They hate each other on sight. Geena's dreams of a girl-bonding summer fl y out the window, and then threaten to disappear completely when a few cute (okay, drop-dead gorgeous) guys come along to woo the Bettys. But all is not what it seems, and in a story of mistaken identities, crazy summer high jinks, and enough romance to make Shakespeare proud, Geena and her friends learn that when Bettys unite, they can take on the most powerful force in their world: a hot guy.

This was actually from Kelsey over at The Book Scout. I traded her for this and my next book and they both sound like really cute reads. I might need a cute read after Catching Fire. =]



Book: The Black Sheep by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout

Release date: June 17, 2008 from Hyperion

Summary: Fed up with her parents and all their ridiculous rules (they keep a binder full of them), fifteen-year-old Kendra Bishop writes away to The Black Sheep, a reality TV show that offers the chance to swap families with another teen. But when the camera crew shows up at her Manhattan apartment, Kendra starts to have second thoughts. Too late. Kendra's whisked away to Monterey, California, to live with the Mulligans. The carefree household that couldn't be more different that her own--complete with hippy parents, their five kids, and a pet ferret. And falling for Mitch, the Mulligan's seventeen-year-old son, only complicates things further, especially since Mitch despises the TV show and everything it stands for. But given the chance, Kendra might just be able to juggle first love, her new stardom, and a pushy TV producer who will stop at nothing for higher ratings.

This is the second book from Kelsey and I have been wanting to read it for a while. It just sounds really cute and I have heard that it is good. Plus, the cover is cute!



Book: Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard

Release date: June 1, 2009 from Razorbill

Summary: To impress the popular girls on a high school trip to London, klutzy Callie buys real Prada heels. But trying them on, she trips…conks her head…and wakes up in the year 1815!
There Callie meets Emily, who takes her in, mistaking her for a long-lost friend. As she spends time with Emily’s family, Callie warms to them—particularly to Emily’s cousin Alex, a hottie and a duke, if a tad arrogant.
But can Callie save Emily from a dire engagement, and win Alex’s heart, before her time in the past is up?

I actually won this one from I Heart Monster and she included some really cool bookmarks and a Hollow sticker. I can't wait to read it. It sounds like my type of book with a mix of romance and historical fiction.

The bought:
NONE!

This is my first week without buying any books in a long time and I feel very proud of myself. My bookshelf is just overflowing and my wallet isn't, if you know what I mean. Maybe when my TBR stack is a little smaller and my budget a little bigger I will start up again but for now I need a break.

What was in your mailbox this week?

Lipstick Apology

Book: Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley

Rating: 5 Stars

Release date: August 6, 2009 from Razorbill

Summary: Sometimes a good-bye is just the beginning…

When Emily Carson’s parents die in a plane crash, she’s left with nothing but her mother’s last words scrawled in lipstick on a tray table: “Emily, please forgive me.”

Now it’s fall and Emily moves to New York City— where she attracts the attention of two very different boys: the cute, popular Owen, and her quirky chemistry partner, Anthony. With the help of some surprising new friends, Emily must choose between the boy who helps her forget and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately heal.

Debut author Jennifer Jabaley has written a wonderful, feel-good romantic comedy with real emotional depth. Full of lovably wacky characters, Lipstick Apology is a heartwarming story about the true meaning of forgiveness.

******

Emily has always been the perfect obedient child. She would never disobey her parents or do anything that would disappoint them. Until they leave. The moment her parents leave for their flight Emily hosts an all out rager of a party. People are going crazy and Emily is determined to finally get the guy of her dreams. And then her aunt walks in.

Emily just knows that she is in deep trouble but she could never guess how bad it would be. Her parents flight crashed and in the rubble a tray table was found with a message from her mother. After that, things just get worse.

Not only is Emily forced to leave the only home she has ever known, she is now pretty much famous for her mother's last message. Everyone at her new school knows who she is and Emily just knows that this is the time for her to become a new person, a popular person.

Is that really what Emily wants or is she just looking for a way to forget her mother's last plea? Will Emily ever find out what her mother was asking her to forgive and if so, can she do it?

Lipstick Apology was an amazing book and an even more amazing debut for author Jennifer Jabaley. I was stunned at how great the book was. I just loved it.

Lipstick Apology had a surprising mix of funny moments and heartwrenchingly sad moments. There were times I couldn't stop laughing and others when I couldn't stop crying. It was the perfect balance of comedy, romance, mystery, and finding yourself. I really felt that you could see Emily's growth throughout the book and the many lessons that she learned.

I also really loved all the other characters. They were very well-developed and I really love that in a book. I just can't stand when you don't feel like you know more than 2 or 3 main characters. My favorite character of the whole book would have to have been Trent, the hairstylist and best friend of Emily's aunt. He just made me laugh so hard and he provided the perfect comedic relief for the story.

I don't know what else I can say about Lipstick Apology other than that I highly recommend for anyone. It was just that good and I can't wait for more books from Jennifer Jabaley.

Similar books:

Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott

The Girl Death Left Behind by Lurlene McDaniel

Hey!

Hey guys! I was going to write a review for Lipstick Apology, which I loved, but I'm so tired right now that I don't think it would do the book justice. Instead I thought I would just mention that if any of you guys are on goodreads you should add me as a friend if you haven't already or leave me a comment here and I will add you. I am posting a ton of books to trade there because I just don't like Bookmooch or any other site. This way I can trade with people that I know from blogging. I have been going through boxes of books for the past 2 hours and I have found books that I didn't even know I had. I figured I probably didn't really need them if I couldn't even remember them. =]

I promise to post a review tomorrow and read more of Catching Fire. I have been doing so much other stuff I have barely had a chance to read but I loved The Hunger Games and I just know that when I have finished Catching Fire I will want the third book so much. Oh well another year to wait.

Night everyone!

Waiting On Wednesday: The Hollow

Book: The Hollow by Jessica Verday

Release date: September 1, 2009 from Simon and Schuster

Summary: 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 has never felt so desperately alone. 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.

The Hollow is book 1 of THE HOLLOW TRILOGY. Learn more at jessicaverday.com

Gosh this just sounds amazing and who wouldn't be drawn in with a cover and synopsis like those? I just love all these new books that are coming out this year and Jessica Verday's has been at the top of my wishlist since I heard about it a couple months ago. I only have a little less than a month to wait for this one but it still seems hard when I want to read it so bad. Also, I love that it is going to be a trilogy because I always love more books. =]

What are you waiting on this week?

Teaser Tuesdays

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

From page 145 of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

"The arenas are historic sites, preserved after the Games. Popular destinations for Capitol residents to visit, to vacation. Go for a month, rewatch the Games, tour the catacombs, visit the sites where the deaths took place. You can even take part in reenactments.

I hear the food is excellent."

So, I admit that I am way behind. I just got Catching Fire and I haven't even read The Hunger Games until now. Oops. I just don't like waiting for sequels because I am always so anxious to know what happens next. So far I am not even halfway through Hunger Games but I can already tell it is just as good as everyone has been saying. I have a feeling I will be reading frantically for the rest of the day until I can finish it and then comes Catching Fire. =]

After

Book: After by Amy Efaw

Rating: 5 Stars

Release date: August 11, 2009 from Viking

Summary: An infant left in the trash to die. A teenage mother who never knew she was pregnant . . .

Before That Morning, these were the words most often used to describe straight-A student and star soccer player Devon Davenport: responsible, hardworking, mature. But all that changes when the police find Devon home sick from school as they investigate the case of an abandoned baby. Soon the connection is made—Devon has just given birth; the baby in the trash is hers. After That Morning, there’s only one way to define Devon: attempted murderer.

And yet gifted author Amy Efaw does the impossible— she turns Devon into an empathetic character, a girl who was in such deep denial that she refused to believe she was pregnant. Through airtight writing and fast-paced, gripping storytelling, Ms. Efaw takes the reader on Devon’s unforgettable journey toward clarity, acceptance, and redemption.

*****

Devon is not the kind of girl who does this. She is not the kind of girl who gets arrested. She is not the kind of girl to abandon her baby to die in a trash can. In fact, Devon's not even the kind of girl who gets pregnant.

Yet Devon does all of these things and they land her in more trouble than she could ever imagine. She is the girl who has straight A's and Olympic dreams. How will people look at her if they know what she has done? And how can she be part of the Olympics if she lives in jail for the rest of her life?

With the help of some new friends and a fierce lawyer, Devon might be able to salvage her life but is she willing to face the truth to get there?

After is very deserving of all 5 stars. It is a book that moved me and really made me think. I mean, before reading this, there was no doubt in my mind that Devon was guilty and deserved everything she got but after really getting inside Devon's head, I was skeptical. What could make somebody do that to their own child? Is there ever really a reason?

Reading After was a little hard. It dealt with such a delicate subject but a subject that is growing more and more every day and Amy Efaw did a fantastic job of getting inside the mind of someone who would abandon their own flesh and blood. I didn't think it would be possible to like Devon but I did find myself on her side.

Also, the ending truly left me smiling. While the story is sad I felt that Amy Efaw did a wonderful job in getting her point across and I look forward to more books from her in the future.

Similar books:

Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles

Angel's Choice by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

The Comeback

Book: The Comeback by Marlene Perez

Rating: 4 Stars

Release date: August 1, 2009 from Scholastic

Summary: Sophie Donnelly is one half of the most popular and powerful couple in school, until new girl Angie Vogel shows up and compromises everything. Angie steals Sophie's starring role in the school play, and, worse, her super-popular boyfriend. Sophie has been quickly dispatched to social Siberia, but not for long--she'll do anything it takes to make a triumphant comeback.

*****

Sophie Donnelly has everything she could possibly want. She has the perfect boyfriend, the perfect best friend, and she is pretty much guaranteed the lead role in the school play. Everything is going perfectly for her. That is, until Angie Vogel shows up.

Without a second thought to Sophie her boyfriend leaves her for Angie who also stole the lead role from Sophie. Now she is stuck with practically no friends and no way to get them back. At least, that's what she first thinks.

Sophie knows that she can't be unpopular and she will do anything to get her popularity back. But will she be able to live with the person it makes her? And does she really want Connor back or has she moved on to bigger and better things?

I was pleasantly surprised with The Comeback. I really enjoyed it and I even managed to read the whole book in one sitting. While it was a very predictable book it was still really cute. Sophie was a pretty good character and I found myself rooting for her throughout the book.

The Comeback is basically just a cheesy romance book. I have no problem with that but I know some people who would like a little more substance to their books. I have to say that I didn't really see a message in this book. Sophie was always just trying to get her popularity back and in the end she sort of seemed to understand that popularity wasn't everything but I don't think it was a very clear message.

Overall, I liked The Comeback and I do plan on reading more of Marlene Perez's books. This one was just fun and easy and a good book to have on your shelf for a rainy day. I can't wait to read her other romance, Love In The Corner Pocket.

Similar books:
Labor of Love by Rachel Hawthorne
Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley

In My Mailbox 28

In my mailbox was started by The Story Siren and is a list of what you received in books over the past week either through the mail, library, or a bookstore.

The received:



SIGNED!!

Book: A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi

Release date: June 15, 2009 from Cedar Fort

Summary: The sleepy town of Newbury, Connecticut, is shocked when a little girl is found brutally murdered. With the murderer on the loose, the police desperately look for any clues to lead to his identity. Meanwhile, a psychiatrist in a nearby hospital is also in a desperate search to find the cause of seven-year-old Naya Hastings s devastating nightmares. Afraid that she might hurt herself in the midst of a torturous episode, Naya s parents have turned to the bright young doctor as their only hope. When these two situations converge, they set off an alarming chain of events. In this stunning psychological thriller, innocence gives way to evil, and trust lies forgotten in a web of deceit, fear, and murder.

I was very excited to get this. I have seen it on a couple blogs recently and I haven't read any really good psychological thrillers lately. Preetham Grandhi was kind enough to send me a signed copy and I can't wait to get started on it!



Book: Catching Fire (Hunger Games Book 2) by Suzanne Collins

Release date: September 1, 2009 from Scholastic

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

Oh my gosh I was so excited to get this. I actually squealed when I saw what I had gotten in my mailbox. My mom just kind of looked at me like I was crazy. Oh well I'm used to that by now. I plan on reading this as soon as I finish Breathless and I am so eager to start.

The bought:
Dark Secrets 1: Legacy of Lies and Don't Tell by Elizabeth Chandler
The Eternal Kiss edited by Trisha Telep
Wicked 1: Witch and Curse by Nancy Holder and Debbie Vigue

So, that is what was in my mailbox this week. I got two great books and I just couldn't resist buying the other three but I have promised my mom that I will stop now. I posted a picture of my bookshelf earlier this week and it is pretty much full and those aren't even all my books. Now I just have to figure out how to pick which ones to keep and which to get rid of. Oh it's just so hard. If anybody has any tips let me know.

What was in your mailbox this week?

Shiver

Book: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Rating: 5 Stars!!!

Release date: August 1, 2009 from Scholastic

Summary: For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

*****

Grace's friends and family have never truly understood her. They can't understand the feelings she has for the wolves that live in the woods behind her house, especially not the connection she has for one wolf in particular--her wolf.

Her friends believe she is too caught up in the wolves behind her house and not enough in the people in her school. She just doesn't seem to understand that she should be associating with humans and not animals. What she doesn't know is that the wolves are human, at least for part of the year.

When things start to go bad and the wolves seem to be in danger, Sam shows up and Grace immediately knows who he is. What she doesn't know is how it works and how long he will remain human, and with her.

Can Grace and Sam find a way to be together, forever and always? Can the wolves find a way to let Sam go or will they try to stop his relationship, in any way they can?

OMG, this is just an amazing book! One of the best books I have read in a while and I was just shocked at how much this book enthralled me. I couldn't put it down and now that it's over I just want more. It is just that kind of book.

Shiver was just the perfect beginning to what I expect will be one of the best trilogies I will ever read. Sam and Grace were just such great, lovable characters. I am also more than willing to admit that I would love a Sam of my own. He just seems so sweet and perfect. I honestly can't think of one bad thing to say about Shiver. It made me laugh, cry, and hold my breath till I knew what would happen. The only thing I can't think that made me mad was that it ended and I have to wait a whole year for the next book.

I am terribly sad to say that I have never read anything by Maggie Stiefvater before this but I am extremely happy to say that I plan on remedying that very soon. Shiver was an amazingly well-written book that I plan on re-reading many times over the years. I can't wait for the sequel, Linger and I plan on reading her other YA book, Lament, as soon as I can. If you haven't read anything by Maggie Stiefvater yet, what are you waiting for? Run, don't walk, to the nearest bookstore, library, or a friend's bookshelf until you find one of her books!

Similar books:

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause

Genevieve's Half-Birthday Contest!

Hey guys! I know I already posted about this but I thought I would post this as a reminder. Genevieve from Genevieve's Blog is having a huge half-birthday contest and she won't close it until she has 100 different people entered. Genevieve is awesome and her contest is great. Some of the prizes include an ARC of Fire by Kristin Cashore and a signed copy of Fade by Lisa McMann. Who wouldn't want to win one of those books?

Also, if you do go enter don't forget to mention who referred you because then we both get extra entries.

Okay now if that isn't enough to get you to go enter, I don't know what is! Here is the link straight to the contest post!

Product Review: Bookcase from CSN Office Furniture

A couple weeks ago I posted about being offered a bookcase to review. I picked the Falls Village Five Shelf Bookcase in Soft White and I just got it the other day. I finally had time to set it up and with the help of my mom, it is perfectly put together and set up right next to my bed.

Here is a picture of all the pieces leaning against the wall:



It was a bit bigger than I expected but still not hard to put together once all the pieces were out of the box. Everything was all there and neatly packaged so nothing got damaged. It came with everything you would need and all I had to use to put it together was a flathead screwdriver and a hammer. Also, the instructions were very easy to understand and there were no mishaps in putting it together. All-in-all it took about an hour and then came the fun part of loading it up with my books.

And here it is...



The finished bookcase, but without any books! Doesn't it look lonely?



There that's better. Now it is perfect!

It fit perfectly next to my bed and I can reach over and grab a book to read when I get bored. I just love how it fits and it looks perfect in my room. Also, it holds a ton of my books so no more piles on the floor.

Overall, this bookcase was even better than I expected. It's sturdy enough to hold my books and attractive enough that I like the way it looks in my room. I did feel a little overwhelmed when I first took it out of the box and saw all the pieces that I had to put together but after looking over the instructions everything seemed a lot easier. It all went together perfectly and my only complaint is that the backing is a little flimsy and didn't line up exactly right. It's a very small complaint, though. Once I got it flattened out everything went together just fine and it looks great with my books and knick-knacks all lined up on it.

In the end, this is a great buy. I love everything about it and I know I will use it a ton now and over the years. Whereas my old bookcase was too crappy to even hold all my books this one is in no danger of collapsing. I totally recommend this bookcase for anybody like me with
quite a few books and no space to put them and I really appreciate CSN Office Furniture giving me the chance to review it. Their shipping is fast and free in some cases and their items are more than worth it. I will definitely be frequenting their site in the future for any purchases for my home office.

Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!

Waiting On Wednesday: The Reckoning

Book: The Reckoning (Darkest Powers book 3) by Kelley Armstrong

Release date: May 2010 from Random House

Summary: No summary available yet but it is the continuing story of Chloe Saunders and her friends.

I loved both The Summoning and The Awakening. I will admit to being a bit creeped out by some of the scenes but it wasn't so bad that I couldn't enjoy the book. Plus both the books have major cliffhanger endings and I can't believe this one doesn't come out until May of next year. That is such a long wait for me. Oh well I know it will be worth it.

Also, I just saw that I now have 200 followers. Thank you guys so much! I am so amazed and happy. Of course I'm going to try to come up with a worthy 200 followers contest and I will let you guys know when you can expect that.

Oh and I'm thinking I might start trading some of my books so let me know if you guys would be interested so I can decide if it's a good idea or not.

What are you waiting on this week?

Teaser Tuesdays

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

From page 16 of Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson:
"You don't need Ellen Chandler--or for that matter some guy named Rotter--to make you doubt your life," she said. "Just go enjoy yourself for once without over-analyzing it."

I haven't read very much of this yet but it's pretty funny so far and it's cool reading about the psych stuff I learned in school this year. Also, it seems to be a really cute story and I haven't really read one of those in a while.

Also, I just got an amazing book in the mail but I'm going to leave everyone guessing until Saturday's IMM. Check back then to see the book that made me squeal. =]

Fade

Book: Fade by Lisa McMann

Rating: 4 Stars

Release date: February 10, 2009

Summary: SOME NIGHTMARES NEVER END.
For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck.
Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open -- but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.
Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability -- and it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a dream catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd feared....

*****

Janie is ready to really be with Cabel. She wants to be able to tell her only friend and she just wants to come out of hiding. Of course, that's not possible. Their cover would be completely blown and the last case isn't quite closed yet. Also, it looks like they might be needed for a new case at Fieldridge High.

Janie and Cabel don't exactly see eye to eye on Janie using her abilities to catch criminals. They both know it could put her in danger and Cabel can't seem to accept that. Things really start to heat up when Janie figures out who the criminal in their school is and instead of trying to get away she works to get closer and in the midst of all the turmoil finds out some shocking secrets about her ability.

Will Cabel be able to love Janie and let her do her own thing? Will Janie solve the mystery or will she become another one of the criminal's victims?

I loved both Wake and Fade. Janie and Cabel are two of my favorite characters. Their stories are just so unique and interesting and just keep getting better. I have to say that I would love to have Cabel for myself especially after reading Fade.

Lisa McMann's writing style is very different. It didn't bug me at all when I read Wake but it did bug me a little in Fade. I'm not really sure why, it just took me a little longer to get into the story but once I did I quickly forgot about my problems with it. Fade was so gripping and shocking and just all out great.

I don't really have anything bad to say about Fade other than my minor issue with the writing style. Once you get into the story the book is just impossible to put down. Both Wake and Fade are on my list of favorite books and I can't wait for the third book, Gone. It will be released next year and I am so excited about it. If you haven't already read Wake and Fade, what are you waiting for?

Similar books:
Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog
Wake by Lisa McMann