Books are my Best Friends!

2010-10-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to say that I took the past month off to get back into school and being busy, but I am back so expect lots more reviews, contests, and other fun things. Thanks everyone for your patience!

Must Monday: Suicide Notes

2010-09-20T00:27:00.000-07:00

Suicide Notes

Michael Thomas Ford

HarperCollins

Release Date: September 2010 (It may be out already!)

What?

I'm not crazy. I don't see what the big deal is about what happened. But apparently someone does think it's a big deal because here I am. I bet it was my mother. She always overreacts.

Fifteen-year-old Jeff wakes up on New Year's Day to find himself in the hospital. Make that the psychiatric ward. With the nutjobs. Clearly, this is all a huge mistake. Forget about the bandages on his wrists and the notes on his chart. Forget about his problems with his best friend, Allie, and her boyfriend, Burke. Jeff's perfectly fine, perfectly normal, not like the other kids in the hospital with him. Now they've got problems. But a funny thing happens as his forty-five-day sentence drags on—the crazies start to seem less crazy.

Compelling, witty, and refreshingly real, Suicide Notes is a darkly humorous novel from award-winning author Michael Thomas Ford that examines that fuzzy line between "normal" and the rest of us.

Why?

I was not a huge fan of Thirteen Reasons Why, but I am willing to try out another teen suicide book. I think the setting of this book makes it appeal to me. The fact that the story takes place in a hospital Psychiatric Ward adds for more drama. I cannot wait to take a deeper look into the lfie of Jeff see what he comes to terms with in his forty-five day stay in the Psych Ward.

The Silver Blade

2010-09-18T04:12:00.000-07:00

Only a few more letters left to my alphabetical booklist....

The Silver Blade

Sally Gardner

Penguin Group

$17.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis:

With his beloved Sido safely in England and the Reign of Terror at its height, mysterious Yann returns to revolutionary France to smuggle out aristocratic refugees who will otherwise face the guillotine. But while the two are apart, Yann's Gypsy origins prejudice Sido's guardian against their marriage, spoiling their reunion. When Sido is kidnapped under strange circumstances, Yann must use all his strength and courage to outwit the evil count, rescue Sido, and save all of France.

Why?

I chose to highlight this book for two reasons. Number one, I like the cover! I sound really shallow but the guy looks mysterious and I find that very attractive. Second there are not a lot of good books out there with a guy as the main character. My dad has recently gotten into young adult books and I see this as something he might read, so I want to highlight it for all the guy readers out there as well as the girls.

Florida Friday 2

2010-09-17T04:34:00.000-07:00

I am still in Florida this week and to go with last weeks top five I am beinging you another top five this week. The main reason I journeyed to Florida this summer was to go to the Harry Potter theme park.I will make sure to post some pictures upon my return but until then I will supply you with a list of my top five favorite characters from Harry Potter. I am not including Harry, Ron, or Hermione in my list because everyone loves them and I want to highlight some other characters. I know I may receive some flack for this but know that I do love very single Harry Potter character, but some are a little more dear to my heart...

1. Luna Lovegood

Oh Luna.... she is so odd and awkward that you just have to love her. She offers that odd element that is needed in the books, not to mention she is quite useful.

2. Draco Malfoy

Veryone please calm down and don't hate me.... But yes I do love Draco. If I had to choose one villian from a book who I love Draco Malfow wins hands down. While he is a jerk and tries to ruin Harry's life whenever possible I know there is a softer side that is just waiting to get out.

3. Neville Longbottom

Oh Neville... that super awkward smart kid. While Neville may seem like a pansy at times he has a heart of gold and is willing to help Harry when he needs it.

4. Ginny Weasley

Oh Ginny, how I hate you for dating Harry, but still I like you. I love Ginny's character and the fgact that she sticks by Harry throughout the books. She is loyal and a good fighter.

5. Viktor Krum

Oh Viktor... you are so beautiful yet so dumb. Even when before I saw Viktor in the movies I loved him, you have to. He is an amazing quidditch player and I just want to hug him.

Who are your favorite Harry Potter characters?

Review: So Many Boys

2010-09-16T01:16:00.000-07:00

So Many Boys

Suzanne Young

Penguin Group

$9.99 U.S.

FTC: I borrowed this book from a friend.

Synopsis:

After her center-court split with Aiden, Tessa put the SOS behind her. After all, cheaters never prosper! Now she's busy working on her faux-relationship with Aiden and negotiating the unfamiliar waters of “technically single and pseudo-dating.”

Life can't get any more dismal for a one-guy kind of girl until an imposter hijacks the SOS, and it's up to Tessa to save her squad from slander. But with her best boy hot and cold, what's a kitten to do?

Even worse, Tessa doesn't realize how much she's up against—because this copykitten is far more naughty than nice.

My Thoughts:

You have to love a good light novel. I love the Naughty List Books because they do not require a whole lot from me. They are light and bubbly just like their author Suzanne Young. I was surprised where she decided to take the sequel to the Naughty List, but in the end I loved it. I think So Many boys had more drama and more mystery than the previous book. With the Copy Kitten on the loose Tessa and the girls had to be more sneaky, and also had to try and cover up their true identity. I loved the addition of Joel to the book. He is a very loveable character and I would totally want to date him. The book was fun to read and I am excited for the final book in the series to come out in November.

Recommendations:

Anyone looking for a fun light read.

Grade: A

Age: Young Adult (14+)

Extra: If you have not read The Naugthy List yet keep a look out, because I will be giving a signed copy away when I reach 100 followers!!!!

Halo

2010-09-15T03:57:00.000-07:00

Halo

Alexandra Adornetto

Feiwell and Friends

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis:

Three angels — Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, the youngest and most human — are sent by Heaven to bring good to a world falling under the influence of darkness. They work hard to conceal their luminous glow, superhuman powers, and, most dangerous of all, their wings, all the while avoiding all human attachments.

Then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, and neither of them is able to resist the attraction between them. Gabriel and Ivy do everything in their power to intervene, but the bond between Xavier and Bethany seems too strong.

The angels’ mission is urgent, and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?

Why?

I am really getting into Angel books these days and this one sounds amazing! Forbidden love, strong bonds and much more... it is everything a girl could ever want in a book :)

Review: Wanted

2010-09-14T01:59:00.000-07:00

Wanted

Sara Shepard

HerperCollins

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I borrowed this book from a friend.

Synopsis:

In Rosewood, majestic estates sprawl for acres, and Tiffany toggle bracelets dangle from every girl's wrist. But not all that glitters is gold, and the town harbors secrets darker than anyone could imagine—like the truth about what really happened the night Alison DiLaurentis went missing. . . .

Back in middle school, Ali plucked Emily, Hanna, Aria, and Spencer from obscurity and turned them into the beautiful, popular girls everyone wanted to be. Ali was the best friend they ever had. But she also made them do terrible things and taunted them with their worst secrets. Now, three years later, all their questions about Ali have finally been answered and they can put this awful chapter of their lives behind them. Or so they think.

Not every story has a happy ending, especially when four pretty little liars have done so many wicked things. In the dramatic conclusion of Sara Shepard's bestselling Pretty Little Liars series, Emily, Hanna, Aria, and Spencer could get everything they've ever wanted—unless A has one more horrifying twist in store.

My Thoughts:

Wow, I am really behind on my reviews because it seems like forever since I have read this!!! In true Pretty Little Liars fashion Wanted brought more twists and turns then a swirly slide. I found myself trying to keep up with the plot. I do have to say that I am satisfied with the ending even if it was a little bit disturbing. I thought I knew how the book would end, but I was completely wrong, however, I was able to guess from the very beginning that the "new girl" was going to bring trouble. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster when I read this book. There was lots of hate and lots more violence then the first seven books. I think Sara Shepard did a good job ending the series except for that one last part. I cannot beliueve she had that extra last page, it made me so angry!!!!! All in all I really enjoyed the book, but I think to many people died in the series as a whole.

Recommendations:

Anyone dying to know the ending of the series.

Grade: A

Age: Young Adult (15+)

Sugar and Spice

2010-09-13T00:21:00.000-07:00

It is Monday so that means it is time for my weekly must.... As an extra added bonus to today Gossip Girl Season 4 starts tonight!!!

Sugar and Spice

Lauren Conrad

HarperTeen

Release Date: October 2010

Synopsis: No Synopsis Posted Yet...

Why?

To my own horror I actually love this series... I have been so busy I have yet to read Sweet Little Lies! Since Sugar and Spice comes out this fall I will be bumping Sweet Little Lies up on my TBR pile!!!!

Review: Heist Society

2010-09-12T01:44:00.000-07:00

Heist Society

Ally Carter

Disney Book Group

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I borrowed this book from a friend.

Synopsis:

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her to the Louvre . . . to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria . . . to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own — scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving “the life” for a normal life proves harder than she’d expected.
Soon, Kat’s friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster’s priceless art collection has been stolen and he wants it returned. Only a master thief could have pulled off this job, and Kat’s father isn’t just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.
For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it’s a spectacularly impossible job? She’s got two weeks, a teenage crew, and, hopefully, just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family’s (very crooked) history — and with any luck, steal her life back along the way.

My Thoughts:

This book was a really big deal when it came out, I remember a lot of bloggers talking about it. I, being lame and apparently not up to date, had no idea what the big deal about Heist Society was, that is until I read it. I really got into the action of Heist Society and the journey that Kat and Hale took. I loved the travel and the secrets and lies, as well as the disguises and fake names. This book was fast paced and fun and it was like I was in a James Bond movie while I read it. I don't think I had ever read a spy book up[ until I decided to read Heist Society and I will say that I am no opposed to reading more. In a way Kat reminds me of Mulan. Both are fierce and independent, they are used to doing business with the boys and are able to keep up. I think Kat was an amazing role model for young girls, minus the stealing part. I loved the high energy of the book and I found myself trying to stay one step ahead of the mystery. This book kept me on my toes and was lots of fun to read.

Recommendations:

Anyone feeling up to a little heist...

Grade: A

Age: Young Adult (14+)

The Reluctant Heiress

2010-09-11T04:03:00.000-07:00

The Reluctant Heiress

Eva Ibbotson

Penguin Group

$9.99 U.S.

Synopsis:

Being an heiress in 1920s Austria with nothing but a broken-down castle to your name and nary a penny in your purse could be frustrating for anyone but the Princess Theresa-Maria of Pfaffenstein. "Tessa," however, is thrilled with her situation, as it allows her to concentrate on her love of the arts and no one in the Viennese opera company need know that their delightful and charming under-wardrobe mistress is really a princess. But when the dashing self-made millionaire Guy Farne arrives at the opera in search of suitable entertainment for his high society guests, Tessa realizes that there may be more to life and love than just music. But while the attraction between them in undeniable, Guy's insufferable snob of a fiancée only solidifies Tessa's determination to keep her true identity a secret. Yet, after a chance meeting with the handsome Englishman, Tessa's reserve begins to melt, and she starts to wonder if it's not too late for a fairytale ending...

Why?

I usually read a lot of paranormal romance books or just more paranormal books in general, but sometimes I do enjoy a good historical fiction book. I absoutely loved Ella Enchanted, Prada and Prejudice and The Seasons. Tessa sounds like a fun character and I do love a good secret romance....

Florida Friday

2010-09-10T04:17:00.000-07:00

If you guys have been following my blog you will know that I am currently in Florida!!!! Today I chose to highlight my trip by providing you all with a list, a list of my five favorite Disney Characters... One of our major events while in Florida is of course Disney World so with no further ado here are my top five favorite Disney Characters.....

1. Sleeping Beauty

Sleeping Beauty has been my favorite princess forever. I think it might be the blonde hair. The funny part of this is that Sleeping Beauty is not one of my favorite Disney movies. I know, I am strange, but if I ever was able to become a Princess I would hope to be like Sleeping Beauty.

2. Eeyore

How can you not love Eeyore? I always want to pick him up and give him a hug. I have collected Eeyore since I was little, and have always loved the ho hum donkey. Even though Eeyore always seemed to have a bad day, he is still one of my all time favorite Disney characters.

3. Mulan

Mulan kicks some serious butt!!! I would totally want her as my best friend and on my side in a fight. I used to want to be like Mulan, well actually I still want to be like Mulan. I love her independence and her guts, I mean come on she was able to fight in the army with a bunch of boys. I think Mulan is one of the best female role models ever!

4. Lightning McQueen

Ka-Chow... I absolutely love Cars and I love Lightning McQueen. He is cocky and arrogant and I love it. He is such a fun character, and watching him change throughout the movie is so much fun. If I were a car I would totally date him!

5. Percy

Now I know this may surprise some of you but I absolutely love Percy. I watched Pcoahontas about a million times when I was younger and every time this dog made me laugh. Maybe it was that he grew a heart and became friends with the racoon in the end I do not know, but for some reason I love this dog. I even tried to have my grandma name her pug after him... she did not.

Who are your favorite Disney characters?

A couple runners up for me include:

Belle from Beauty and the Beast

Basil from Great Mouse Detective and

Grumpy from Snow White

Dark Life

2010-09-09T01:34:00.000-07:00

Dark Life

Kat Falls

Scholastic Inc.

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Synopsis:

Set in an apocalyptic future where rising oceans have swallowed up entire regions and people live packed like sardines on the dry land left, DARK LIFE is the harrowing tale of underwater pioneers who have carved out a life for themselves in the harsh deep-sea environment, farming the seafloor in exchange for the land deed.

The story follows Ty, who has lived his whole life on his family's homestead and has dreams of claiming his own stake when he turns eighteen. But when outlaws' attacks on government supply ships and settlements...

... threaten to destroy the underwater territory, Ty finds himself in a fight to stop the outlaws and save the only home he has ever known.

Joined by a girl from the Topside who has come subsea to look for her prospector brother, Ty ventures into the frontier's rough underworld and begins to discover some dark secrets to Dark Life.

As Ty gets closer to the truth, he discovers that the outlaws may not be the bloodthirsty criminals the government has portrayed them as. And that the government abandoning the territory might be the best thing for everyone, especially for someone like Ty, someone with a Dark Gift.

My Thoughts:

This book was not really for me. I really liked the idea behind the book, but the book itself did little to wow me. This book is geared towards younger readers, and that hit me from the beginning. I felt like the plot was made up of mini climaxes and in the end I was far from satisfied. Ty and Gemma are likeable characters, and I did enjoy the way the fed off of eachother. I think my favorite part of the book was the setting. The whole idea of underwater farming is whimsical and fun, and the details that Kat Falls used were great. I wish that the story would have had one major problem instead of 20 small ones. While I was able to read through the book quickly, it was not one that I really loved.

Recommendations:

Younger readers, and anyone who has ever dreamed of living under the sea...

Grade: B-

Age: Young Adult (12+)

Glass Houses

2010-09-08T00:28:00.000-07:00

Glass Houses

Rachel Caine

Penguin Group

$6.99 U.S.

Synopsis:

College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.

Why?

I really have no idea why I have yet to start this series... It looks amazing and is about a character closer to my age! I will have to start reading these soon, because after reading the synopsis again I cannot wait to start them!

My Soul To Keep

2010-09-07T01:17:00.000-07:00

My Soul To Keep

Rachel Vincent

Harlequin

$9.99 U.S.

FTC: I purchased this book

Synopsis:

Kaylee has one addiction: her very hot, very popular boyfriend, Nash. A banshee like Kaylee, Nash understands her like no one else. Nothing can come between them.

Until something does.

Demon breath. No, not the toothpaste-challenged kind. The Netherworld kind. The kind that really can kill you. Somehow the super-addictive substance has made its way to the human world. But how? Kaylee and Nash have to cut off the source and protect their friends—one of whom is already hooked.

And so is someone else…

My Thoughts:

I think that this series deserves more attention! I absolutely love Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers books. Kaylee and Nash are the perfect couple and I find myself rooting for them. I love that this is a paranormal book, but it is different from a lot of the other popular books out there right now. My Soul To Keep was my favorite of the series thus far. I found the first two books to be a little more predictable, and I really had no idea what was going to happen in My Soul To Keep until the very end, and then I was completely flabergasted. Rachel Vincent strung me along and then threw in a complete shocker at the end, and now I am stuck waiting for the next book to come out! What am I supposed to do???? I am dying to know where Vincent will take Kaylee and Nash next. While I was disappointed in one major outcome of this book, the writing was fantastic and the plot fulfilling. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of the Soul Screamers series.

Recommendations:

Anyone looking for a good paranormal romance.

Grade: A

Age: Young Adult (14+)

Night Star

2010-09-06T00:15:00.000-07:00

Today is the day I leave for Florida!!!!!

Night Star

Alyson Noel

St. Martin's Press

Release Date: November 2010

Synopsis: None Just Yet...

Why?

I have been up and down with this series, I loved it then hated it, and just cannot make up my mind. I still have the desire to finish the series so I cannot wait for Night Star to come out, I hope Ever will have gained some common sense by then

Florida....

2010-09-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

So here is the scoop.... I leave for Florida tomorrow night at around 10ish. I am diligently working to make sure that I will have reviews and fun things for all of you to read while I am gone. I am still trying to reach 100 followers so I can do my major contest, so if you know of any fellow bloggers who arenot followers yet encourage them to stop by since I will be missing two blog hops and follow fridays. I wish you all the best the next couple weeks, especially if you are starting school. So happy reading, and happy blogging! When I return I hope to be tan and to have read at least a couple more books!!

Ramona and Beezus

2010-09-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

So today I went with my mom to see Ramona and Beezus. I remember reading these books when I was a kid, and absolutely loving them. And now as a 20 something adult I loved the movie! I even cried a little...

If you have not read the books, I would completely suggest them. I would also suggest seeing the movie even if you think you are to old. It is a great mother-daughter movie, or sister-sister movie!

The Queen Geek Social Club

2010-09-04T19:12:00.000-07:00

The Queen Geek Social Club

Laura Preble

Penguin Group

$9.99 U.S.

Synopsis:

It's chic to be geek!

If you're somebody like Shelby Chappelle, a smart, witty, pretty geek army of one, you can't just put a poster up at school and advertise for somebody to be your best friend. But now freakishly tall Becca Gallagher has moved to town, with her dragon tattoo and wild ideas. Suddenly Shelby's madscientist father and their robot, Euphoria, seem normal. They become best friends instantly. But Becca wants to shake things up at school and look for "others of our kind"...and decides to form the Queen Geek Social Club.

The thing is, this guy Fletcher Berkowitz keeps nosing around, asking lots of questions about the Club. He's cute, and interesting, and possibly likes Shelby. Therefore, she must torture him. One good thing about being a loner: no one can break your heart.

Why?

Well there are not a whole lot of books that start with the letter Q, but I think this books sounds adorable! I myself was a geek in high school, I was in band and science club president! This book seems like it would be cute and fun, and I look forward to picking it up sometime in the future!

Blog Hop and Follow Friday

2010-09-03T08:18:00.000-07:00

How in the world is it Friday already???? Sorry for the lack of reviews last week everyone I was busy... reading! No worries, I am planning on getting everything squared away before I go on vacation so there will be reviews and other posts. For all my new followers this week, I am planning on having a week long contest when I reach 100 followers, so tell your friends and hop on over and follow my blog!

The Blog Hop is hosted by Jennifer at http://www.crazy-for-books.com/ The question for this week is...

Do you judge a book by its cover?

Don't we all? I do judge books by their covers but not in a bad way. If I am trying to decide between two books that look good, I will always pick the one with the best cover. I have also come across some great books because of their covers.

You can't have a blog hop without Follow Friday! Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee by http://www.parajunkee.com/

Thank you Jennifer and Parajunkee for creating awesome ways for all of us bloggers to network!!

Well it is time for me to head to work, so Have a great long weekend everyone! Happy Blogging and most of all Happy Reading!!!

Blog Hop and Follow Friday

2010-08-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

The blog hop is hosted by Jennifer over at Crazy for Books http://www.crazy-for-books.com/

Do you use a rating system for your reviews and if so, what is it and why?

I do use a rating system! I use the basic school type rating system A through F. Books I lov eoften get A+ but most books I read are in the A and B range.

Great question and thanks for hopping by this week! Make sure to check out my previous post about my major contest that I will be running soon!

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View at http://www.parajunkee.com/ Thanks for stopping by everyone!!!

Contest

2010-08-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Hey bloggers!!!!
I have decided to do a week of contests when I get to a 100 followers! I am really excited for this, and I think I have some pretty good books to give away! So far I have a copy of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, a signed copy of the Naughty List by Suzanne Young, Suitte Scarlett and Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson, What's Your Status by Katie Finn, Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen and a friend has agreed to donate The Frenzy by Francesca Block. I will find one more book set and we will have a fun filled week of give aways. Tell your fellow bloggers and keep a look out. I have 63 followers now so 37 more till contest!

ANd for a fun contest running now check out the contest over at Must Love Books hosted by my friend Ariel!
http://mustlovelabradors.blogspot.com/2010/08/blogaversary-100-followers-giveaway.html#comments

Happy Blogging and I hope to be giving away lots of books soon!

Mockingjay

2010-08-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

Mockingjay

Suzanne Collins

Scholastic Inc.

$17.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Synopsis:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

My Thoughts:

Oh My Goodness!!!!! I would like to start out this review by sending out a Thank You to Tracey Van Straaten for sending me Mockingjay early, and providing me with the opportunity to review it today! I don't even know where to start, but throughout the entire book a line from Eminem's new song Love the Way You Lie kept running through my head.... "Just gonna stand there and watch me burn, Well that's alright because I like the way it hurts," Katniss Everdeen the girl on fire. If a book is good I have trouble putting it down, but with Mockingjay it almost pained me to stop reading. Suzanne Collins is by far one of the best authors I have ever read. Mockingjay did the series justice by providing riveting action and heartfelt moments. I found myself gasping out loud (GOL) whenever something happened to Katniss and friends. I felt like I was truly part of the story. I was not really sure where Collins would take this book, but I absolutely loved her decision. With Panem in rebellion it is up to Katniss to become the symbol of the rebellion, it is her job to become the mockingjay. The entire Hunger Games series is full of desperation, death and destruction and Mockingjay stayed true to form. I sympathized with Katniss as she began to see that being the Mockingjay did not mean that her family and friends would be safe. At the end of the book I found myself relieved and a little saddened. While the ending did the series justice and brought everything to a close I could not believe how many people died. Mockingjay was amazing, and I cannot wait until Suzanne turns this series into a movie.

Recommendation: Anyone who wants to GOL

Grade: A+++++

Age: Young Adult (16+), This book is full of death and violence.

Quote: "If we burn, you burn with us"

Blog Hop and Follow Friday

2010-08-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Blog Hop!!!! The hop is hosted by Jennifer at http://www.crazy-for-books.com/

I ope you all take the chance and hop on over to my blog!

The question this week is:
How many blogs do you follow?

I follow around 75 blogs. I love seeing how different each individual blogger does things, and what new things I can learn from evey single one!

Jump

2010-08-16T07:03:00.000-07:00

Jump

Ginger Rue

Random House Children's Books

$15.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Release Date: September 14, 2010

What?

High school junior Brinkley Harper is beautiful, wealthy, admired, and powerful--until the day she wakes up in the body of a classmate she wouldn’t be caught dead hanging out with.

Goth girl Miranda is everything Brinkley isn’t: she won't leave the house in anything but black, her family life is in tatters, she’s practically invisible at school, and she’s hiding a dark secret. As Brinkley experiences Miranda’s life from the inside out, she’s forced to consider the world from a very different point-of-view. But this won’t be Brinkley's last “jump,” and each time she lives a day in another classmate’s body, Brinkley not only begins to feel empathy for others, she also begins to glimpse the fears, vulnerabilities, and disappointments behind her own perfect façade. By experiencing the world as somebody else, Brinkley may finally learn to understand herself.

Why?

This looks like a good story. I like the fact thatBrinkley is going to live the lives of more than just one person. I think this will be a great read!

Runaway

2010-08-15T09:41:00.000-07:00

Runaway

Meg Cabot

Scholastic Inc.

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I borrowed this book from a friend

What?

Emerson Watts is on the run: from school, from work, from her family, from her friends, from herself.

With everyone she loves furious with her for something she can't explain, and nothing but the live Stark Angel fashion show on New Year's Eve to look forward to, Em's reached the end of her rope. . .what's the point of even going on?

But when she discovers the truth about Nikki's secret, she knows there's only one person she can turn to.

Emerson Watts is on the run: from school, from work, from her family, from her friends, from herself.

With everyone she loves furious with her for something she can't explain, and nothing but the live Stark Angel fashion show on New Year's Eve to look forward to, Em's reached the end of her rope. . .what's the point of even going on?

But when she discovers the truth about Nikki's secret, she knows there's only one person she can turn to.

Will Christopher be able to put aside his personal feelings and help her expose her employer to the world? Is it even fair to get Christopher involved--since if he agrees, there's every chance that Stark Enterprises will try to have them both killed--this time, permanently?

Maybe it would be better for Em to just keep on running.

My Thoughts:

I'm not going to lie to you I thought Being Nikki was going to be the last book in the series and then with 20 pages left Cabot went and created a new problem. I was so exited to read Runaway, and was satisfied with where Cabot took it. Em progressively became stronger throughout the books as she became more comfortable with her new body she also became more comfortable with herself. I loved that aspect to her character. Most novels portray the pretty popular girls as stuck up, but in Runaway the pretty girl is shy and just trying to survivie. The end of Runaway satisfied me much more than the end of Being Nikki. I felt a sense of relief because the tension of the climax was over. I really enjoted this series, especially Runaway.

Recommendations: Anyone looking for a good sci-fi type chick lit book.

Grade: A

Age: Young Adult (14+)

Peace, Love & Baby Ducks

2010-08-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

Peace, Love & Baby Ducks

Lauren Myracle

Penguin Group

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

What?

Growing up in a world of wealth and pastel-tinted entitlement, fifteen-year-old Carly has always relied on the constancy and authenticity of her sister, Anna. But when fourteen-year-old Anna turns plastic-perfect-pretty over the course of a single summer, everything starts to change. And there are boys involved, complicating things as boys always do. With warmth, insight, and an unparalleled gift for finding humor even in stormy situations, beloved author Lauren Myracle dives into the tumultuous waters of sisterhood and shows that even very different sisters can learn to help each other stay afloat.

Why?

I always see this book and think 'awww the cover is so cute'. So I decided to actually look at the book and I think this would be a great fun read!!

Blog Hop and Follow Friday

2010-08-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

The blog Hop is brought to us by Jennifer from Crazy-for-Books, check her out at http://www.crazy-for-books.com/

How many books do you have on your 'to be read shelf’?

Oh my goodness too many!!!! I think I have probably 60+ books on my to be read shelf. I have a srious book buying problem that does not mix well with my lack of time problem. I love books!!!

Great question this week!!! Happy hopping everyone.

Welcome to Follow Friday everyone!!!!!! Follow Friday is brought to us by http://www.parajunkee.com/

Enjoy the follow everyone!!!

Away Laughing on a Fast Camel

2010-08-12T06:35:00.000-07:00

Away Laughing on a Fast Camel

Louise Rennison

HarperCollins

$8.99 U.S.

FTC: I purchased this book.

Synopsis:

The Sex God has left the country, taking Georgia's heart with him. So she decides to display glaciosity to all boys -- a girl can only have her heart broken so many times.

Until she meets Masimo, the new singer for the Stiff Dylans. The Sex God is gone, but here comes the Dreamboat, and Georgia's away laughing on a fast camel (whatever that means).

My Thoughts:

Oh Georgia... Whenever I need a good laugh I turn to one of these books. Louise Rennison makes me die of laguhter everytime. In this fifth installment of the series Georgia must learn to have glaciosity to boys.... and when that does not work she ends up having the cosmic horn. I absolutely love all the characters in this book, in real life they would be my friends. I love the simplicity and lack of seriousness in these books, they make for a fun light read that gets my sides splitting from laughter.

Recommendations: Anyone who wants to laugh.

Grade: A

Age: Young Adult (12+)

The Eternal Ones

2010-08-11T01:06:00.000-07:00

The Eternal Ones

Kirsten Miller

Penguin Young Readers

$17.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

What?

Haven Moore can t control her visions of a past with a boy called Ethan, and a life in New York that ended in fiery tragedy. In our present, she designs beautiful dresses for her classmates with her best friend Beau. Dressmaking keeps her sane, since she lives with her widowed and heartbroken mother in her tyrannical grandmother's house in Snope City, a tiny town in Tennessee. Then an impossible group of coincidences conspire to force her to flee to New York, to discover who she is, and who she was.

In New York, Haven meets Iain Morrow and is swept into an epic love affair that feels both deeply fated and terribly dangerous. Iain is suspected of murdering a rock star and Haven wonders, could he have murdered her in a past life? She visits the Ouroboros Society and discovers a murky world of reincarnation that stretches across millennia. Haven must discover the secrets hidden in her past lives, and loves, before all is lost and the cycle begins again.

Why?

Can you see trippy... This book looks like a combination of like twenty others I have read recently, for that reason I really want to see where this story will go!!!!

Early to Death, Early to Rise

2010-08-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

Early to Death, Early to Rise

Kim Harrison

HarperCollins

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I purchased this book

Synopsis:

Seventeen, dead, and in charge of heaven's dark angels—all itching to kill someone.

Madison Avery's dreams of ever fitting in at her new school died when she did. Especially since she was able to maintain the illusion of a body, deal with a pesky guardian angel, and oh yeah, bring the reaper who killed her to his untimely end. Not exactly in-crowd material. It's amazing that her crush, Josh, doesn't think she's totally nuts.

Now Madison has learned that she's the dark timekeeper, in charge of angels who follow the murky guidelines of fate. Never one to abide by the rules, she decides it's time for a major change to the system. With the help of some unlikely allies, Madison forms a rogue group of reapers who definitely don't adhere to the rules of the heavens.

But as she grapples with the terrifying new skills that come with being a timekeeper, Madison realizes she may not be prepared for what lies ahead—unless she gets some seriously divine intervention.

My Thoughts:

It had been about a year since I had read Once Dead, Twice Shy, but it was really easy for me to get back into this series. Madison is one of my favorite female characters in any book. She is spunky and awkward at the same time. I love the journey that the books takes her through as she learns to control being dead, being a dark time keeper, being in high school, and maybe even having a new boyfriend. She is a fun character to read about and you just have to love her. I think Kim Harrison did an amazing job creating a sequel to her original book. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Recommendations: Anyone who loves a spunky heroine.

Grade: A

Age: Young Adult (14+)

Hello Again

2010-08-10T21:51:00.001-07:00

Well I just thought I would fill everyone in as to why I have neglected my blog for the last 9 days. It has been a crazy week. Last week was going fantastic until Thursday when a mirror was broken and my week began to suck.... I would just like to state I did not break the mirror, but some of the bad luck has seemed to spread to me. Friday on the way home from work my car died, literally it died and would no longer move. If that was not enough it was rush hour traffic and people kept honking at me. Let's just say my car and I are over, and I will be searching for a replacement. The bad luck kept coming throughout the weekend. Then last night at work I jammed my finger in the photo machine and my boss laughed at me... All in all my weekend sucked, but to try and get back on track I am going to try and keep up with my blog this week! Thanks for reading my rant.

-Sarah

Only The Good SPy Young

2010-07-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

I am already halfway through the alphabet!!!

Only The Good Spy Young

Ally Carter

Hyperion

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

What?

When Cammie Morgan enrolled at the Gallagher Academy, she knew she was preparing for the dangerous life of a spy. What she didn’t know was that the serious, real-life danger would start during her junior year of high school. But that’s exactly what happened two months ago when Cammie faced off against an ancient terrorist organization dead set on kidnapping her.

Now the danger follows her everywhere, and even Cammie “The Chameleon” can’t hide. When a terrifying encounter in London reveals that one of her most-trusted allies is actually a rogue double-agent, Cammie no longer knows if she can trust her classmates, her teachers—or even her own heart.

Why?

Thhis is the fourth book in the Gallagher Girls series but it looks so good! I just read Ally Carter's Heist Society and loved it so I cannot wait to start this series!!

Blog Hop and Follow Friday

2010-07-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone I am back for my second hop!!!!! The blog hop is hosted by Jennifer over at http://www.crazy-for-books.com/

The question this week is who is your favorite new-to-you author so far this year?

I think I have two and they would be Lisa Schroeder and Suzanne Young!!! This yeard I have read Far From You and Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa and The Naughty List and So Many Boys by Suzanne. Both authors have a passion for writing that is evident in their books.Both are local Oregon authros and I have met them on numerous occassions. I would ssuggest their books to everyone!!!

You can't hve a blog hop without a Follow Friday!

Follow Fridai is hosted by Parajunkee at http://www.parajunkee.com/search/label/FF

Happy Blog Hop and Follow Friday Everyone!!!!

Quiz

2010-07-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

I stole this quiz from my friend Ariel over at Must Love Books! Looked like a lot of fun so I decided to do it as well!

The aim is to fill this in using only the titles of books you have read so far this year. Or, if that's too tricky, pick from the entire of last year's reads.

I’m only using books from this year so this should be fun! Here we go!

Describe yourself: Once a Witch

How do you feel: Far From You

Describe where you currently live: The Naughty List

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Planet Pregnancy

Your favorite form of transportation: Away Laughing on a Fast Came;

Your best friend is: The Lightning Thief

You and your friends are: Wanted

What’s the weather like: Radiant Darkness

You fear: Catching Fire

What is the best advice you have to give: Early to Death, Early to Rise

Thought for the day: So Many Boys

How I would like to die: Dancing in my nuddy-pants

My soul’s present condition: My Soul to Keep

ENJOY!!!!

The Line

2010-07-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Line

Teri Hall

Penguin Young Readers Group

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

What?

An invisible, uncrossable physical barrier encloses the Unified States. The Line is the part of the border that lopped off part of the country, dooming the inhabitants to an unknown fate when the enemy used a banned weapon. It's said that bizarre creatures and superhumans live on the other side, in Away. Nobody except tough old Ms. Moore would ever live next to the Line.

Nobody but Rachel and her mother, who went to live there after Rachel's dad died in the last war. It's a safe, quiet life. Until Rachel finds a mysterious recorded message that can only have come from Away. The voice is asking for help.

Who sent the message? Why is her mother so protective? And to what lengths is Rachel willing to go in order to do what she thinks is right?

Why?

When I picked up the book to look at it, I was reminded of the Hunger Games. This book looks like an amazing mystery/suspense book which I cannot wait to get my hands on!!

Forget You

2010-07-26T01:52:00.000-07:00

Forget You

Jennifer Echols

Simon and Schuster

$11.00 U.S.

What?

WHY CAN’T YOU CHOOSE WHAT YOU FORGET . . . AND WHAT YOU REMEMBER? There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon. But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

Why?

I think everyone has something they want to forget and just can't. This story looks really relatable and also like a great read!

Thirteen Reasons Why

2010-07-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Reasons Why

Jay Asher

Penguin Group

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I borrowed this book from a friend.

What?
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers 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.

My Thoughts:

I was not a huge fan of this book. I came in expecting a lot because of all the hype that the book receives. I think Jay Asher did an amazing job with the writing of the story. The details were phenomenal and everything flowed well. His characters were well developed and you could easily relate to most of them. My major dilemma in the book was Hannah. I think that her character came off as very manipulative. I understood the point that Asher was trying to make with her character, which is you should always be careful with what you do because it can affect other people, but I think there could have been a better way to convey this. Hannah seemed to want to ruin these peoples lives which was not something I approvd of. I did not have much sympathy for her character which shocked me throughout the read. While the writing was good and the idea of the book unique Thirteen Reasons Why was not the book for me.

Recommendations: High School aged girls/

Grade: B+

Age: Young Adult (14+)

Need

2010-07-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

Need

Carrie Jones

Bloomsbury USA

$9.99 U.S.

What?
Zara White suspects there’s a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She’s also obsessed with phobias. And it’s true, she hasn’t exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane . . . but Zara’s pretty sure her mom just can’t deal with her right now.

She couldn’t be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara’s overactive imagination. In fact, he’s still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There’s something not right—not human—in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.

Why?

Tho book looks fun, and intense! The cover pulls me in right away

Blog Hop and Follow Friday

2010-07-23T01:15:00.000-07:00

Blog Hop is hosted by Crazy For Books

This is my very first blog hop and I am really excited!

The question this week is: Tell us about the book you are currently reading!
I am currently reading Rose Sees Red. It is set back in the 1980's and is about two girls one American and one Russian and how something as simple as ballet and one night out can bring them together. So far I am really enjoying the book it is definetley a lot more serious than any other books I have been reading.

This is my first Follow Friday so here it is!

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1.Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list
2.Follow our Featured Bloggers - toreadornottoread-vampangel.blogspot.com/
3.Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
4.Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
5.Follow Follow Follow as many as you can
6.If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
7.If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!

Happy Follow Friday!

I hope you guys enjoy and I cannot wait to start to doing this every week!

The Body Finder

2010-07-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

The Body Finder

Kimberly Derting

HarperCollins

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I borrowed this book from a friend

Synopsis:
Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat left for her. But now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved by her hope that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.

My Thoughts:

This book was amazing! The Body Finder was a mystery that I could not put down. Derting has an amazing voice that is prevalent throughout the story. Violet is an amazing character with a special gift. I loved that Violet was able to sense death. It provided a dark element to the story that made it so fun to read. I was absolutely in love with Jay throughout the book. He was ana amazing friend and just plain adorable. I was entranced throughout the entire book by the suspense. Derting did an amazing job with her writing switching between the voice of the killer to Violet.

Recommendations; I would recommend this book to everyone.

Grade: A

Age: Young Adult (14+)

Mockingjay

2010-07-19T01:33:00.000-07:00

Mockingjay

Suzanne Collins

Scholastic Inc.

$17.99 U.S. Hardcover

Release Date: August 24, 2010

What?

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survivied the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody areana alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think shpuld pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse. President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends,not the people of District 12.

Why?

Must I really provide a reason? The Hunger Games is one of the most phenomenal series I have ever read. Suzanne Collins has a way with words and story. She unfolds a horrific tale that you just can't help but read. I have my copy pre-ordered and cannot wait to read it!

Behind

2010-07-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Followers,

As most of you have seen I have been a bit behind in my blogging lately. I am currently working about 60= hours a week doing an internship and maintaining an actual job. I have been trying my best to get on and blog but it has not been happening. Luckily I have decided to make the time in my hectic schedule to continue blogging regularly. It is my goal to continue getting new followers and providing reviews. Thanks for sticking by me and look forward to some reinventing of this blog in the future!

Keep reading!

-Sarah

Linger Repost

2010-07-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

Since Linger came out this past week I decided to repost the link for my review for all of you guys to read!! The book was amazing and I hope all of you read it!

http://booksaremybff.blogspot.com/2010/03/linger.html

Catching Fire

2010-07-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

Catching Fire

Suzanne Collins

Scholastic Inc.

$17.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I purchased this book.

Synopsis:

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 family a life of safety and plenty. But their 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.

My Thoughts:

Intense.... I loved the sequel o the Hunger Games. After the first book I did not think Suzanne Collins could get any better, I was wrong. I couyld barely put the book down. There was suspense on every page, and plot twists in every chapter. I became so engrossed in the book that the story started to become a reality. Collins has a way with detail that I have not seen in many other authors. She provides details that make the story vivid and lively. I absolutely loved the setting she is able to paint. Katniss is an amazing heoine and you cannot help but root for her. I cannot wait to end the series in August when Mockingjay comes out.

Recommendations: Everyone

GradeL A++

Age: 15 and up

The Maze Runner

2010-06-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Maze Runner

James Dashner

Rnadom House Children's Books

$16.99 U.S. Hardcover

What?

When Thomas wakes up, he's surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade-- a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls. Just like Thomas, the Gladers don't know why or how they got there. The next day, a girl arrives with the surprising message that Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess.

Why?

This book came up when I searched the Hunger Games. I absolutely loved the Hunger Games, and I think this book looks like it would have the same suspense and intriguing plot.

Gone

2010-06-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

Gone

Lisa McMann

Simon and Schuster

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I borrowed this book from a friend.

Synopsis by Borders:

Janie is spending her summer with Cabel, but deep down she's panicking about how she's going to survive her future when getting sucked into other people's dreams starts to takes its toll.

My Thoughts:

I was a little disappointed in the end to this series. I absolutely loved Wake and Fade, and Gone was not the same caliber. I felt like the characters completely changed in this book. Janie closed herself off to Cabel, which was unlike her. There seemed to be a huge disconnect with the characters, and they acted differently than they had in the previous books. It took more of an effort for me to read this book when in the past I was able to breeze through them. I am glad I finished the book and the series, but I had hoped for a better ending. The Wake series was unique and I absolutely loved reading it, but Gone was not my favorite.

Recommendations: Anyone who wants closure to the Wake Trilogy.

Age: 15 and up

Grade: B-

So Many Boys

2010-06-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

So Many Boys

Suzanne Young

Penguin Group

$9.99

You can currently puchase this book online or at Powells in Beaverton. Borders will be getting it in July 10th.

What?

Why?

Suzanne Young is amazing and I love her and her books! This seems like a light fun summer read!

Not Quite What I Was Planning

2010-06-10T01:44:00.000-07:00

Not Quite What I Was Planning

Six Word Memoirs

By: The Famous and Obscure

HarperCollins

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I borrowed this book from the library.

What?

In six words life story told.

My Thoughts:

Sadly, I cannot review this book in only six words. I love reading books like these. It is always so ineresting seeing what people have to say about their lives when they only have six words to sum it up. The book was filled with stories, of triumph, heartbreak, sickness, wealth, and every other thing imaginable. I felt myself smile while I red this book, because it was just fun!

Recommendations: Anyone who can read...

Age: 13 and up

Grade: A

The Carrie Diaries

2010-06-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

The Carrie Diaries

Candace Bushnell

HarperCollins

$18.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by Borders:

Before "Sex and the City," Carrie Bradshaw was a small-town girl who knew she wanted more. "The Carrie Diaries" is the coming-of-age story of one of the most iconic characters of this generation.

Why?

I love Sex and the City and think it would be fun to see where Carrie started. I love that the book looks like a diary, it makes me want to read it even more!

Keys to the Repository

2010-06-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

Keys to the Repository

Melissa de la Cruz

Hyperion Books

$14.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Release Date: June 29th

What?

Keys to the Repository is a compilation of letter, journal entries , and much more. In this book de la Cruz provides Blue Bloods lover the keys to the repository.

Why?

I love the series and can't wait to find out new juicy information!

Life As We Knew It

2010-06-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

Life As We Knew It

Susan Beth Pfeffer

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

$7.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

When an asreroid hits the moon, Miranda must learn to survive the imaginable. . .

Why? This book looks intense, and I love that it is written in journal injuries!

The Hunger Games

2010-06-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins

Scholastic Inc.

$17.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Sixteen-year-old Katniss is smart, athletic, and fast. She can take down a rabbit with a bow and arrow, hitting it straight through the eye. Will these skills be enough to survive the Hunger Games?

My Thoughts:

Wow

I do not think I have read a book of this quality in a while. This was by far the best book I have read all year. The Hunger Games was a gripping novel, and I could barely put it down. Suzanne is a phenomenal author. When I received the book I was in the middle of reading something else, so I let my dad read it. A couple days later my mom was reading it and then they both began pestering me to read it. I obliged and picked up the book to make them happy. Once I read the first chapter I could see why they wanted me to read it so much. Katniss Everdeen is a heroine like no other. Throughout the book you see her struggle as she enters the Hunger Games and fights for her survival. I was able to connect with the character immediately. The plot was enticing and suspensful. I was on the edge of my seat from chapter to chapter waiting to see what would go wrong next. I absolutely loved not being sure of what was going to happen next. Each page held a new surprise for me. I also think that Suzanne did an amazing job on describing setting. As I was reading I could feel myself in District 12, Panem, and the Hunger Games. When Katniss went to the Hob I could imagine what it looked like. When she entered the Games and saw the Cornucopia I was there. The author's attention to detail made this book so believeable it was hard to believe that this book could be fiction. I absolutely loved this book.

Recommendation:

Everyone. It was like nothing else I have ever read before.

Age: 14 and up

Grade: A+++

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

2010-06-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

John Green, David Levithan

Penguin Group

$17.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis from Borders:

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 towards romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history's most fantastic high school musical.

Why?

The cover catches my attention immediately, and then the intriguing plot sells me!

Jelaousy

2010-05-31T01:21:00.000-07:00

Jealousy

Lili St. Crow

Penguin Group

$9.99

Release Date: July 29th

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

It's a good thing Dru Anderson is fast. Because the sucker chasing her isn't slowing down-- and he won't rest until he has tasted her blood and silenced her heart. . .

Dru's best friend, Graves, and her strange and handsome savior, Christophe, are ready to help her take on the ultimate evil. But will their battle for Dru's heart get in the way of her survival?

Sneak Peek:

Last Tuesday I went to a book signing for Lili St. Crow, she provided me with a few sneak peeks into Jealousy. First the handsome boy on the cover is Christophe so no need to worry that a new character is being introduced. Ash will also be a much more important character in this book. Lili said that the book begins with Ash, Christophe, Dru, and Graves all in a motel room....

I cannot wait for the third installment of the Strange Angels series to come out!

The Reckoning

2010-05-30T15:15:00.000-07:00

I took a few days off to catch up on school, but I am back and here is a review just for you!

The Reckoning

Kelley Armstrong

HarperCollins

$17.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I purchased this book.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

My name is Chloe Saunders. I'm fifteen, and I would love to be normal.

But normal is one thing I'm not.

For one thing, I'm having these feelings for a certain antisocial werewolf and his sweet-tempered brother—who just happens to be a sorcerer—but, between you and me, I'm leaning toward the werewolf.

Not normal.

My friends and I are also on the run from an evil corporation that wants to get rid of us—permanently.

Definitely not normal.

And finally, I'm a genetically altered necro-mancer who can raise the dead, rotting corpses and all, without even trying.

As far away from normal as it gets.

My Thoughts:

Thise was a good ending to the series. I love reading final books in series because you know that you are going to be done. Kellley Armstrong did a good job of wrapping up her Darkest Powers Series. The Reckoning offered much more drama than the previous books. There was never a dull moment for Chloe and her friends. There was something waiting to get them around every corner. I was instantly drawn into the book, I had a hard time keeping up with the plot twists. My only problem with the book was the ambiguous ending. Kelley left the ending open to the reader's interpretation. I wanted her to completely end the story, but the ending she did give was sufficient.

Recommendations:

Anyone who is loving the series.

Age: 14 and up

Grade: A-

Fallen

2010-05-26T03:19:00.000-07:00

Fallen

Lauren Kate

Random House

$17.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Seventeen-Year-Old Luce is a new student at Sword & Cross, an unwelcoming boarding/reform school in Savannah, Georgia. Luce’s boyfriend died under suspicious circumstances, and now she carries the guilt over his death with her as she navigates the unfriendly halls at Sword & Cross, WHERE every student seems to have an unpleasant—even evil—history.

It’s only when she sees Daniel, a gorgeous fellow student, that Luce feels there’s a reason to be here—though she doesn’t know what it is. And Daniel’s frosty cold demeanor toward her? It’s really a protective device that he’s used again . . . and again. For Daniel is a fallen angel, doomed to fall in love with the same girl every 17 years . . . and watch her die. And Luce is a fellow immortal, cursed to be reincarnated again and again as a mortal girl who has no idea of who she really is.

Why?

The book looks interesting, and I am immediately draw in by the cover

Psych Major Syndrome

2010-05-25T13:20:00.000-07:00

Psych Major Syndrome

Alicia Thompson

Hyperion

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I borrowed this book from the library.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Using the skills you've learned so far in Introduction to Psychology, please write a brief self-assessment describing how things are going in your freshman year.

Presenting Concerns:

The Patient, Leigh Nolan (that would be me), 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, not Rorschach blots).

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, naive.

Diagnosis:

Psych Major Syndrome

My Thoughts:

This book was really interesting. I am actually minoring in psychology so it was fun to read this book and understand the concepts addressed. Leigh was kind of neurotic, but very relateable. I liked actually reading a book about a character closer to my age. Alicia Thompson did an amazing job of creating a vulnerable and relateable title character. I think my favorite part of the book was the psychology terms at the beginning of the chapters. They added some depth and prepared the reader for what was going to happen in the chapter. The book addressed some very touchy subjects, in a manner that worked. I loved the way it turned out, and really enjoyed reading the book.

Recommendation:

Anyone who needs to do a little psychoanalysis on themselves....

AgeL 15 and up

Grade: A

Early to Death, Early to Rise

2010-05-24T00:24:00.000-07:00

Early to Death, Early to Rise

Kim Harrison

HarperCollins

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Release Date: Tomorrow 5/25

No synopsis for this book on Barnes...

Why?

I absolutely loved the debut book in this series Once Dead, Twice Shy! Kim Harrison is a phenomenal author and she brings great stories to life. Madison is an amazing character and I can relate to her sometime stubborn attitude. I cannot wait to get this book tomorrow. If you haven't read Once Dead, Twice Shy there is still time for you to go pick it up today!!!!

Heartless

2010-05-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

Heartless

Sara Shepard

HarperCollins

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I borrowed this book from a friend.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

In picturesque Roaewood, Pennsylvania, neighbors gossip over picket fences, and gleaming SUVs sit in every crushed-granite driveway. But recently, friendly smiles have been replaced with suspicious glares and accusatory whispers—and it's all because Hanna, Aria, Emily, and Spencer just can't keep their mouths shut. . . .

First they claimed they found a dead body in the woods behind Spencer's house, only to have it vanish without a trace. Then when the same woods went up in flames, they swore they saw someone who's supposed to be dead rise from the ashes. And even after all that, the pretty little liars are still playing with fire.

Hanna's trading in her Dior trench for a straitjacket. Aria's trying to contact the dead. Emily's dumped her boyfriend and is skipping town . . . again. And Spencer thinks someone in her family has gotten away with murder.

The friends insist they're telling the truth about what they saw, but all of Rosewood thinks they're simply out for attention—and nobody likes a girl who cries wolf. So when the big bad killer comes after the girls, will anyone believe them . . . or will they be the next to disappear?

My Thoughts:

What can I say about this book, that I haven't already said about the other 6 before it. Of course I loved this book, the series is phenomenal and I don't know how but in each installment Sara Shepard brings something new. I thought I had this book figured out, and then it hit me in the end, and I was completely wrong. I still have my suspicions, and I cannot wait to finish the series next month. Heartless brought new disasters for each of the girls. I liked the controversy in the book, and how the town as started portraying the girls. I think this provided an extra edge to the book. I absolutely love the suspense in the book, I could barely put it down, and if I did it was not for long. Sara Shepard threw in some curveballs that I could not believe. This book was so fun to read because I never knew what was going to happen.

Recommendations:

Now that this is going to be a show I think everyone should read the series.

Grade: A

Age: 15 and up

Kiss and Blog

2010-05-22T04:55:00.000-07:00

Kiss and Blog

Alyson Noel

St. Martin's Press

$9.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

What's the best revenge when your best friend you for the popular crowd? Alyson Noel reveals all in her hot new young adult novel.

Why?

The cover is bright and fun, and everyone knows something about betrayal so this book is relateable for everyone.

Wish

2010-05-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

Wish

Alexandra Bullen

Scholastic Inc.

$17.99 U.S. (Hardback)

FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

For broken-hearted Olivia Larsen, nothing can change the fact that her twin sister, Violet, is gone... until a mysterious, beautiful gown arrives on her doorstep. The dress doesn't just look magical; it is magical. It has the power to grant her one wish, and the only thing Olivia wants is her sister back.

With Violet again by her side, both girls get a second chance at life. And as the sisters soon discover, they have two more dresses-and two more wishes left. But magic can't solve everything, and Olivia is forced to confront her ghosts to learn how to laugh, love, and live again.

In a breathtaking debut from Alexandra Bullen, WISH asks the question: If you could have anything, what would you wish for?

My Thoughts:

Wish was absolutely adorable! It took me a few chapters to really get into the story, but then I was hooked. Alexandra Bullen did an amazing job with her debut novel. Olivia is one of the most relateable characters I have ever read about. I felt like I knew the emotions she went through at school, and how sometimes it is so hard just to fit in. Violet on teh other hand took some getting used to. When she first came into the story, I was not a fan because she was bossy, but her character grew on me. I liked the idea of wishes being given but no just to a Cinderella character. I think Wish took an idea we have all heard before and transformed it into something different completely. The character development was amazing in the book. Each character fit well with the others and they played well off of eachother. This was a fun book to read.

Recommendations:

Anyone looking for a cute read.

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Envy

2010-05-20T03:16:00.000-07:00

Envy

Robin Wasserman

Simon and Schuster

$9.99 U.S.

FTC: I borrowed this book from the library

Synopsis from Barnes and Noble:

Kane and Harper know what they want:

Beth and Adam.

And they know how to get it:

Break up the shiny happy couple once and for all.

Miranda thinks she knows how to hit on Kane (Mr. Unattainable). But she could take a few pointers from the all-knowing Kaia, who's seducing Mr. Powell, teacher en franÇais. And Reed? Well, he just knows how to have a good time....

Know the feeling?

My Thoughts:

These books are just plain fun. They involve the things that all decent people try to avoid: deceit, affairs, sneaking around, and most of all envy. I was so excited to read this book after I read Lust. It was fun and I liked being able to see the outcome, however I think this will be the final one in the series I read. I enjoy these books, but they lack the intense type of content that keeps me engrossed in other books. Envy was definetley a fun read, but not one that required much thought. The characters were very real, and I applaud Robin Wasserman on that. She had 6 different main characters and all were distinguishable.

My Recommendation: Anyone looking for a little smut

Grade: A-

Age: 15 and up

Extra: This is going to be a two part lifetime movie, I plan on watching this and am very excited to see the characters on screen instead of in my head.

Wondrous Strange

2010-05-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

Wondrous Strange

Lesley Livingston

HarperCollins

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis from Barnes and Noble:

Since the dawn of time, the Faerie have taken...

Seventeen-year-old actress Kelley Winslow always thought Faeries were just something from childhood stories. Then she meets Sonny Flannery. He's a changeling -- a mortal taken as an infant and raised among Faerie --and within short order he's turned Kelley's heart inside out and her life upside down.

For Kelley's beloved Central Park isn't just a park -- it's a gateway between her ordinary city and the Faerie's dangerous, bewitching Otherworld. Now Kelley's eyes are opening not just to the Faerie's around her, but to the heritage that awaits her . . . a destiny both wondrous and strange.

Why?

I keep seeing this book everywhere and I always pick it up and put it back down... I think next time I pick it up I will not put it back down.

The Juliet Club

2010-05-15T02:55:00.000-07:00

The Juliet Club

Suzanne Harper

HarperCollins

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis from Borders:

Star-crossed love awaits three lucky American teens who travel to Verona, Italy, to volunteer for the Juliet Club, a real-life organization that's also the basis for the upcoming film, "Letters to Juliet".

Why?

The movie looks adorable, and so does the book! How can you turn down a Romeo and Juliet story?

Planet Pregnancy

2010-05-14T03:17:00.000-07:00

Planet Pregnancy

Linda Oatman High

Boyds Mills Press

$11.95 U.S.

FTC: I borrowed this book from the library

Synopsis:

Barnes and Noble did not have a synopsis for this book.

My Thoughts:

I thought this was a cute book. It was written in verse so it was a quick read. The main character was likeable you just had to root for her. I think the book addressed teen pregnancy well, and covered a lot of the issues that a pregnant young girl might go through.

Recommendations: All teen girls

Age: 15 and up

Grade: A

The Last Song

2010-05-13T03:18:00.000-07:00

The Last Song

Nicholas Sparks

Grand Central Publishing

$7.99 U.S.

FTC: I purchased this book

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

In the tradition of A Walk to Remember, this is a story of a teenage girl and her first encounter with heartbreak ?? and love.

Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside?down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alientated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church.

The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story of love on many levels??first love, love between parents and children ?? that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts...and heal them.

My Thoughts:

Nicholas Sparks is very hit and miss with me, but I actually really enjoyed reading the last song. I think the story of Ronnie and Will is heart warming as well as heart breaking at times. I think the characters are relateable and you find yourself wanting to keep reading so you can see what happens next. I loved the setting of this book. I could see the beach when Sparks described it. The main disappointment I had was that in true Sparks fashion someone had to die in the end. I never really understand why all love stories must include death, and this frustrated me a it in the end. I really did enjoy this book, and I would recommend reading it prior to the movie.

Recommendations: Anyone looking for a story about young romance.

Age: 14 and up

Geade: A- (could have done without the death.)

Party

2010-05-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

Party

Tom Leveen

Random House

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis:

It's Saturday night in Santa Barbara and school is done for the year. Everyone is headed to the same party. Or at least it seems that way. The place is packed. The beer is flowing. Simple, right? But for 11 different people the motives are way more complicated. As each character takes a turn and tells his or her story, the eleven individuals intersect. and reconnect, coillide, and comine in waysthat none of them ever saw coming.

Why?

It looks fun, and I love stories where you see it from a bunch of different points of view.

Spells

2010-05-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

Spells

Aprilynne Pike

HarperCollins

$16.99 U.S. (Hardback)

Synopsis:

Surprisingly Barnes and Noble did not have one.

Why?

This book came out yesterday and I cannot wait to read it. It has been about a year since I read the first one and that just seems like so long ago. I cannot wait to see where Aprilynne takes the reader in her sequel to the phenomenal Wings.

Once A Witch

2010-04-27T01:31:00.000-07:00

Once a Witch

Carolyn MacCullough

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

$16.00 U.S. (Hardback)

FTC: I borrowed this book from the library.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.

My Thoughts:

I am not really sure how I feel about this book. I enjoyed reading it, and I had a hard time putting it down but somethings didn't click with me. I generally liked Tamsin, but there were times when she was just to stupid for her own good. Her sister, Rowena, was cold and heartless and it was hard for me to have any sympathy for her throughout the book. The plot was intriguing, and I was surprised by the outcome in the end. I was engrossed in what was happening but not so much who was doing it. Another big let down came at the end of the book when i found out it was a series not a single book. This made me a little upset because I was ready for the story to end.

Recommendations: Anyone who has ever been in their siblings shadow.

Age: 14 and up

Grade: B+

Wanted

2010-04-26T01:03:00.000-07:00

Wanted

Sara Shepard

HarperCollins

$16.99 U.S. Hardback

Release Date: June 8, 2010

There is no synopsis on Barnes and Noble for the book yet.

Why:
It is the final book, all the clues are going to have to come together and all the problems have to be solved!!! This is also the day that the new show is tentatively airing!!

My Soul To Save

2010-04-25T01:28:00.000-07:00

My Soul To Save

Rachel Vincent

Harlequin Teen

$9.99 U.S.

FTC: I purchased this book.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies.

So when teen pop star Eden croaks onstage and Kaylee doesn't wail, she knows something is dead wrong. She can't cry for someone who has no soul.

The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad's ironclad curfew and putting her too-hot-to-be-real boyfriend's loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls: a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld—a consequence they can't possibly understand.

Kaylee can't let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk….

My Thoughts:

Love!!!!Kaylee and Nash are by far one of my favorite book couples ever! I love the chemistry that is present throughout the book. I think Vincent did a good job of following up My Soul to Take. The series is interesting and you just have to keep reading to find out what is going to happen next. I liked the edition of Tod to this book. I think that he added an extra spice to the book, and some extra turns in the plot. I absolutely loved this book, and cannot wait for the rest of the series to come out.

Recommendation: Nash and Kaylee lovers!

Grade: A

Age: 15 and up

Quote: "What if I was the sexual equivalent of popcorn? Suitable for light snacking only?" ~ Kaylee

I nearly died of laughter when I read that passage!

If I Stay

2010-04-24T01:58:00.000-07:00

If I Stay

Gayle Forman

Penguin Young Readers

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen year- old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck... A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

Why:
It sounds like a really good story, and I love the new cover!

The Lightning Thief

2010-04-23T01:33:00.000-07:00

The Lightninhg Thief

Rick Riordan

Hyperion

$7.99 U.S.

FTC: I purchased this book.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school . . . again. No matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to stay out of trouble. But can he really be expected to stand by and watch while a bully picks on his scrawny best friend? Or not defend himself against his pre-algebra teacher when she turns into a monster and tries to kill him? Of course, no one believes Percy about the monster incident; he's not even sure he believes himself.

Until the Minotaur chases him to summer camp.

Suddenly, mythical creatures seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. The gods of Mount Olympus, he's coming to realize, are very much alive in the twenty-first century. And worse, he's angered a few of them: Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.

Now Percy has just ten days to find and return Zeus's stolen property, and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. On a daring road trip from their summer camp in New York to the gates of the Underworld in Los Angeles, Percy and his friends–one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena–will face a host of enemies determined to stop them. To succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of failure and betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.

My thoughts:

I will not lie, the reason I read this book was so I could see the movie. I am very glad I read the book, because it was amazing. Rick Riordan did an amazing job in this book. The characters were very well developed and very unique. It was very fun being able to see the Greek Gods pictured in a children's book, in a way that children could understand them. I loved the adventure in the story, and the theme of ffriendship throughout. This was a fun book to sit down and read, and I found myself having a hard time putting it down. Obviously the main characters were much younger than I am, but I was still able to find things in each of them to relate to. I Loved the book!

Recommendations: Younger readers looking for a good book

Age: 11 and up

Grade: A

Betrayals

2010-04-22T01:12:00.000-07:00

Betrayals

Lili St. Crow

RazorBill

$9.99 U.S.

FTC: I purchased this book.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

She's no angel . . .

Poor Dru Anderson. Her parents are long gone, her best friend is a werewolf, and she's just learned that the blood flowing through her veins isn't entirely human. (So what else is new?)

Now Dru is stuck at a secret New England Schola for other teens like her, and there's a big problem— she's the only girl in the place. A school full of cute boys wouldn't be so bad, but Dru's killer instinct says that one of them wants her dead. And with all eyes on her, discovering a traitor within the Order could mean a lot more than social suicide. . .

Can Dru survive long enough to find out who has betrayed her trust—and maybe even her heart?

My Thoughts:

I was able to get into Betrayals a lot quicker than Strange Angels. I was enticed by the ever present danger that kept appearing in this book. There was never a dull moment and Dru always had to stay on her toes. Dru is by far one of the strongest female characters out there. She runs with the boys and can sometimes even fight with them. I absolutely love her character for this, she makes for a good female lead. Sometimes, she comes off as a little vulgar with her mouth of her sailor and her necessity to throw up whenever dange is afoot. Sometimes this detracted from the story, but once it was over and the plot began again I was able to get right back into the action. Betrayals left no time for thinking, it went from one event to the next within minutes. I am anxious to see where the next book will take Dru and the boys.

Recommendations: Anyone who wants action in their reading.

Age: 15 and up

Grade: A-

Quote:"I drowned in blackness again. Something inside me felt different, but I couldn't figure out what." ~Dru

Pride

2010-04-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

Pride

Robin Wasserman

Simon and Schuster

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Everyone's got something to brag about:

Kaia's getting it on with Bachelor #1, though scruffball Reed's gotten to be quite an interesting distraction

Kane and Harper got exactly what they planned:

Namely, Beth and Adam. (Though to keep gettin' it, their secrets -- and pasts -- best stay forgotten.)

Miranda got her heart broken, butnow she's all decked out with a new look and strategy.

Somteimes, though, you only think you've got everything.

Why:

I have already read and loved the first two deadly sin books why stop now when the plot is getting better and better.....

Radiant Darkness

2010-04-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

Radiant Darkness

Emily Whitman

GreenWillow Books (HarperCollins)

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I purchased this book.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

He smiles. "Hello."

It's a deep voice. I can feel it reverberate in my chest and echo all the way down to my toes.

I know I should leave, but I don't want to. I want to keep my senses like this forever. I'm all eye, all ear, all skin.

Persephone lives in the most gorgeous place in the world. But her mother's a goddess, as overprotective as she is powerful. Paradise has become a trap. Just when Persephone feels there's no chance of escaping the life that's been planned for her, a mysterious stranger arrives. A stranger who promises something more—something dangerous and exciting—something that spurs Persephone to make a daring choice. A choice that could destroy all she's come to love, even the earth itself.

In a land where a singing river can make you forget your very name, Persephone is forced to discover who—and what—she really is.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely adored this book!!! I was captivated from the bgeiining until the end. Emily Whitman does a phenomenal job in writing her first novel. I was able to feel a connection to Persephone within pages. She was likeable, and someone you would just want to be friends with.Whitman does an amazing job of taking a olfd Greek story and adding a modern twist while still keeping to the basic principles. This book was completely different than anything else I have been reading. I love how the book is set up into three separate sections. The sections flow well together but each one provides a different problem for Persephone to overcome. The use of vivid detail is ever present in the book, and I was easily able to see all that went on. I could not have asked for a better book to read.

Recommendation: Anyone and everyone!

Age: 14 and up

Grade: A+

Quote: "They don'tknow where I am. I never told them." ~Persephone

L.A. Candy

2010-04-04T01:22:00.000-07:00

L.A. Candy

Lauren Conrad

HarperTeen

$17.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I purchased this book.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Los Angeles is all about the sweet life: hot clubs, cute guys, designer . . . everything. Nineteen-year-old Jane Roberts can't wait to start living it up. She may be in L.A. for an internship, but Jane plans to play as hard as she works, and has enlisted her BFF Scarlett to join in the fun.

When Jane and Scarlett are approached by a producer who wants them to be on his new series, a "reality version of Sex and the City," they can hardly believe their luck. Their own show? Yes, please!

Soon Jane is TV's hottest star. Fame brings more than she ever imagined possible for a girl from Santa Barbara—free designer clothes, the choicest tables at the most exclusive clubs, invites to Hollywood premieres—and she's lapping up the VIP treatment with her eclectic entourage of new pals. But those same friends who are always up for a wild night are also out for a piece of Jane's spotlight.

In a city filled with people chasing after their dreams, it's not long before Jane wakes up to the reality that everyone wants something from her, and nothing is what it seems to be.

My Thoughts:

I was surprised when I read this book. I picked it up to read, because I knew everyone else would be reading it, I did not expect much from it. I think Lauren Conrad did a good job of creating characetrs that were likeable. Jane was my favorite. She started out as just a normal girl, who by good luck and chance was able to make it big. I will not lie the plot was pretty predictable, and it did take me a bit to get into the book, but a few chapters in I was hooked. The last few chapters sold me, and I cannot wait to read the next book. I was amazed at how much I enjoyed this book.

Recommendations:

Anyone looking for a fun read.

Grade: A-

Age: 15 and up

How To Date A Vampire

2010-04-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

How To Date A Vampire

Sophie Collins

Publisher: Spruce

$12.50 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I am not receivng compensation for promoting this book.

Barnes and Noble did not have a synopsis for this book, but I think the title is self explainatory....

Why:

With all the eligible vampires in books these days I thought this book may be necessary to read. It looks adorable, and I think it would be a fun quick read.

Must Monday

2010-03-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

I am going to give Must Monday a try......

Runaway

Meg Cabot

Scholastic Inc.

Release Date: April 20, 2010

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I am not receivng compensation for promoting this book.

Why: I absolutely love this series, and I nearly died when I got to the end of Being Nikki and saw that there was going to be more. The wait has been excruciating, but it will be worth it. After Airhead, I was not sure where Being Nikki could go, but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved that Em was beginning to actually be Nikki, but a better version. I cannot wait to see where Runaway takes her. Only a few more weeks of waiting!!!

My Soul To Take

2010-03-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

My Soul To Take

Rachel Vincent

Harlequin Teen

$9.99 U.S.

FTC: I borrowed this book from a friend who purchased it.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

She doesn't see dead people, but…

She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next…

My Thoughts:

It has been awhile since I read this book, and for some reason I kept putting the review off. However, when I read the book I was barely able to put it down. I absolutely loved My Soul to Take. The book was interesting, as well as unique. Kaylee was an average girl, she wasn't super popular, or the hottest girl in school she was normal.... besides the screaming. I loved how everything worked in the book, the plot flowed amazingly. I also had a huge crush on Nash (who I picture looking like Chace Crawford!). He was an amazing character, what more could a girl ask for. This book, had suspense, mystery, romance, and even some adventure.

Recommendations: Anyone looking for a new spin on paranormal.

Grade: A

Age: 15 and up

Spring Break Day 7

2010-03-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

Day 7: Today is the final day of Spring Break, I will be heading home from the beach to join the real world again....

The Last Song

Nicholas Sparks

$7.99 U.S.

Grand Central Publishing

FTC: I am not receivng compensation for promoting this book.

Why:

I really really want to see this movie so I decided I had to read the book. The setting is Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Once I picked up the book I knew it was one I would like. I am so stoked to read this book, and then being able to see the movie. It will be a perfect close to my spring break.

Spring Break... I will miss you!

Spring Break Day 6

2010-03-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

Day 6: I am not quite sure what I will be doing today, but I hope it involves the me, the beach, the sun, and a sweet book....

Sweet Little Lies

Lauren Conrad

HarperTeen

$17.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Ftc: I am not receivng compensation for promoting this book.

Why: L.A. a perfect place for sunshine and beaches. I have been waiting to read this book forever!!!!! I cannot wait to see what will happen to Jane and Scarlett as L.A. Candy takes off, and they are thrown into the spot light. This makes for a perfect spring break light read.

Spring Break Day 5

2010-03-25T05:15:00.000-07:00

Day 5: I am heading to the beach today, and am in the mood for a little lie...

Hearltess

Sara Shepard

HarperTeen

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I am not receiving compensation for promoting this book.

Why: I was a skeptic when I first entered Rosewood, PA. I am now absolutely in love with these books! I love how the town plays into all the events that go on. I cannot wait to see what is in store for the girls in this book. I am just glad I will be sitting in a cabin reading while they experience all of this!

Spring Break Day 4

2010-03-24T05:08:00.000-07:00

Day 4: Today I depart from Forks,we will be traveling along the WA coastline... The trip will take close to 7 hours, but will be worth everyminute of the drive since we can play "spot the county"!

Girl at Sea

Maureen Johnson

HarperTeen

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I am not receivng any compensation for promoting this book.

Why:

Girl at Sea.... Driving down the coastline. It just seemed to fit. I also chose this book because the plot takes place in the Mediterranean. I love reading books with warm settings. It takes me away from the dreary west coast and transplants me somewhere sunny and warm! I cannot waut to read this book.

Spring Break Day 3

2010-03-23T05:01:00.000-07:00

Day 3: I cannot exactly remember what all is going on today, but I believe it involves Forks and La Push, maybe Port Angeles...

Angelology

Danielle Trussoni

Penguin Group

$27.95 U.S. (Hardocver)

FTC: I am not receivng compensation for promoting this book.

Why:

First off, yes this is an adult book. Big Shocker for me! I chose this book because it looked like an intriguing story. It also takes place in New York City as well as a few other fancy towns. The main reason I chose this book for the trip is for its paranormal plot. What better time than spring break to stray from the normal and read an adult book, a paranormal one at that!!!

Spring Break Day 2

2010-03-22T04:54:00.000-07:00

Day 2: On my agenda for the day is an eventful drive from Keizer, OR to another little known town called Sequim, WA.

Suite Scarlett

Maureen Johnson

Scholastic Inc.

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I am not receiving any compensation for promoting this book.

Why:

New York City!!!! A place I wish I could go on my spring break, but sadly cannot. I chose this book because it revolves around a hotel. Thinking of hotels makes me think of traveling. This book then seemed a logical fit for my spring break trip!!!

Spring Break Day 1

2010-03-21T16:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers of my blog,
Today marks the beginning of a beautiful work and school free Spring Break. Instead if sticking to the traditional blog week, I am going to spice it up. I have chosen 7 books that I want to read this Spring Break and am going to dedicate a day to each of them. These books offer much more than a catchy plot, they also offer a great setting. Since Spring Break is about traveling I plan to do a little traveling with the books I read....

Day 1:

Lust

Robin Wasserman

Simon and Schuster

$9.99 U.S.

FTC: I am not receiving anything for promoting this book.

Why:

Lust takes place in a small town, Grace, California. Small towns are always fun to visit during spring break. Along with reading Lust I pln on visiting the tiny, yet rcently popular, town of Forks, Washington. The whole point of this book is in the title... Lust. What is better than relaxing and reading about other people's problems!

Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood

2010-03-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

I am starting this up again, because the alphabet does not end at "F"

Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood

Eileen Cook

Simon and Schuster

$15.99 U.S. (Hardback)

FTC: I am not receiving compensation for promoting this book.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

In the final weeks of eighth grade, Lauren Wood made a choice. She betrayed her best firend, 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, ad she's 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 take 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.

Why:

I absolutely am in love with the cover of this book. The bright yellow draws you in right away. The barbie with a knife in her back isn't bad either. Looking at the cover I thought about The Pretty Little Liars series which I absolutly loved. A little revenge story is always good to read, and this one just looks like fun. The last sentence makes the whole synopsis. I cannot wait to read this book!

Linger

2010-03-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Linger

Maggie Stiefvater

Scholastic Press

Release Date: July 1, 2010

FTC: I am reviewing this book for a friend who receivied it from a publisher. I am not receiving compensation and am providing an honest review.

From the Back of the Book:

Their eyes, human eyes in wolf skulls,

remind me of water: the clear blue of

water reflecting the spring sky, the brown

of a brook churning with rainfall, the

green of the lake in summer as the algae

begins to bloom, the gray of a snow-choked

river. It used to be only Sam's yellow eyes

that watched me from between the rain-

soaked birches, but now I feel the weight

of the entire pack's gaze. The weight of

things known, things unsaid.

My Thoughts:

Wow, I do not even know where to begin. Linger went above and beyond all the expectations I had of it. The dynamic change between Shiver and Linger was palpable. In Linger we delve deeper into the characters of Sam, Grace, and Isabel. We are also introduced to a new character Cole. The addition of Cole to the story creates new drama as well a darker edge. In Linger Grace begins to grow as a character. She finally has Sam and when circumstances threaten to take him away the once obedient Grace is willing to defy all the rules just to be with him. After finding a cure Sam is now permanently a human, and has gotten his wish to stay with Grace always, or so he thinks. In Linger we seem him grow as a musician, but also an individual. I fell in love with Grace and Sam in Shiver and was blown away by the new twists that Maggie was able to bring into their relationship in this book. I loved the way they grew together. I was surprised when I saw tha Isabel would be returning in Linger, but again my expectations were surpassed. She added something to the book, her honestness and leadership made for a great charcter. I loved that her and Grace are friends. The final character, Cole, was my favorite throughout the book. When I first began reading I was unsure of how to feel about him, but he grew on me as I contiued on especially at the end. The characters were so well thought out and created that I was with them each time I turned the page. The book grew as I read it, the story thickened with each chapter. By the end of the book I barely knew what to think. I was blown away. I absolutely loved Linger and cannot wait to see what will happen in the next book. Maggie did an amazing job of following up Shiver. I could not have asked for more.

Recommendations: Everyone! There are so many elements composed in this book, which makes me think it has something for everybody.

Grade: A+ (By far one of the best books I have read!)

Age: 15 and up

Quote: "Surrounded by wolves, I sat on the forest floow as the sun sank in the sky and the shadows of the pines grew, and I wondered how much time I had." ~ Grace

Waiting on Wednesday

2010-03-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

Burned

P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

St. Martin's Press

Release Date: April 27, 2010

$17.99 U.S. Hardcover

FTC: I am not receiving compensation for promoting this book.

Why????

When I first started reading this series I was not so sure, but after finishing the first book I had to move on in the series. Zoe is an amazing female character who shows that she can handle her own battles. The combination of vampyres and neferet make for a captivating story. The cover of this book catches me right away for two reasons: 1st Zoe is not Blonde so I am forced to guess and wonder who the character is and 2nd it kind of looks like Taylor Swift so I did a double take. I cannot wait to seewhat will happen in the seventh book of the series.

The Body Finder, The Return: Shadow Souls

2010-03-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

Today was a busy day in the book world... well at least in the world of books I want to read!!!

The Body Finder

Kimberly Derting

HarperCollins Publishers

$16.99 U.S.

The Vampire Diaries The Return: Shadow Souls

L.J. Smith

HarperCollins Publishers

$17.99 U.S.

FTC: I am not receiving ompensation for promoting either of these books!!

I do not have much to say except I need both of these books!!!! I absolutely cannot wait to read either of them

Far From You

2010-03-12T01:19:00.000-08:00

Far From You

Lisa Schroeder

Simon and Schuster

$7.99 U.S.

FTC: I purchased this book, at Lisa's signing!

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Lost and alone...Down the rabbit hole.

Alice thought she knew
what solitude was:
Her mother—gone.
Her father—remarried with a newborn
daughter.

Now...
Trapped
in the icy embrace
of a deadly snowstorm,
Alice faces the true meaning of loneliness.

But hope
may not be as far away
as she thinks....

My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this book. It is my favorite by Lisa. I loved the flow of the book. It flowed gracefully. Ali was a beautiful character. She drew you in and you felt like you were her, feeling what she felt, seeing what she saw. Unlike her other two books Lisa show a different paranormal character in this book: Angels. This book captivated me the entire way, and I couldn't put it down. I read it all in one sitting and was left with a sense of peace and joy when I finished it. it was remarkable. My favorite thing was the relationship dynamics and how they grew and shifted throughout the book. We were able to see friends stop speaking, enemies become friends, family that had drifted grow closer and so much more. It made me feel warm inside.

Recommendations:

Anyone in need of a little pick me up, or wanting to read something heart warming.

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Quote: "Wonderland is here now./Don't know what we might see./Yesterday's gone forever./But my future's up to me." ~ Song lyrics by Ali.

True Crime

2010-03-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

True Crime

From the Editors of Seventeen Magazine

Hearst Books

$4.95 U.S.

FTC: I borrowed this book from a friend, who purchased it.

There is no synopsis for this book. It is a grouping of stories that have ran through Seventeen magazine in the past years. I recognized some of the stories that I read. While some of the stories were horrific others were just terrible for words. I liked reading this book, because I find true crime interesting. It is not a book that I would recommend lightly. There are lots of things that many people would much rather not know about.

Grade: A

Horuglass

2010-03-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

I missed putting this up yesterday so here it is today!!!!

Hourglass

Claudia Gray

HarperCollins

$17.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Release Date: yesterday! March 9th

FTC: I am not receiving compensation for promoting this book.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Bianca will risk everything to be with Lucas.

After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire boarding school where they met, Bianca and Lucas take refuge with Black Cross, a fanatical group of vampire hunters. Bianca must hide her supernatural heritage or risk certain death at their hands. But when Black Cross captures her friend—the vampire Balthazar—hiding is no longer an option.

Soon, Bianca and Lucas are on the run again, pursued not only by Black Cross, but by the powerful leaders of Evernight. Yet no matter how far they travel, Bianca can't escape her destiny.

Bianca has always believed their love could survive anything . . . but can it survive what's to come?

Why:
It is a love story that rivals Rome and Juliet how can you not read it!!!!! It was absolutely amazing and every page surprised me. I never knew what was coming or when I thought I did, it would later turn out that I was wrong.

Number 4

2010-03-04T09:31:00.000-08:00

I am not sure if I actually like this segment but I will keep it another week or two...

4. Swim with dolphins

Fairest of Them All

2010-02-27T02:17:00.000-08:00

Fairest of Them All

Jan Blazanin

Simon and Schuster

$11.00 U.S.

FTC: I am not being compensated for promoting this book.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

If life were a fairy tale, Oribella Bettencourt would have a "happily ever after" kind of future ahead of her. A Hollywood producer has come to Des Moines in search of a perfectly modern Princess Rapunzel, and Ori — a model, dancer, and star of the beauty pageant circuit — lands the part. And why shouldn't she? With her hardworking, self-sacrifi cing mother guiding her career, Ori is stunning, dedicated, poised...and then there's her hair. Breathtakingly lustrous blond hair that sets her apart from all the other girls at school. So what if she doesn't have any friends her age, or anyone to talk to other than her mother? She's on the verge of having everything she's ever dreamed of.

But in this fairy tale, the beautiful princess wakes up to her worst nightmare — when almost overnight, Ori begins to lose her hair....

Why:

I think this looks like a fun modern take on the typical Cinderella/Rapunzel story. I like that the problem described in the synopsis is not a boy but her hair. I think this may provide a much needed break from the typical princess waiting for a prince to save her. I like the idea that there are other issues being addressed.

Hourglass

2010-02-26T10:35:00.000-08:00

Hourglass

Claudia Gray

HarperTeen

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Release Date: March 9th

FTC: I received this book from the author. I agree to provide an honest review and am not receiving compensation.

Synopsis from the back of the book:

After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire boarding school, Bianca and Lucas take refuge with Black Cross, a fanatical group of vampire hunters. Bianca must hide her supernatural heritage or risk certain death at their hands. But when Black Cross captures her friend--the vampire Balthazar-- Bianca and Lucas are forced on the run again.

My Thoughts:

Perfection! I did not think Claudia Gray could come up with new adventures after her amazing sequel Stargazer, I was wrong. While I will admit the ending did not turn out the way I personally wanted it to, I was engrossed in the book from page 1. I loved the blossoming of Lucas and Bianca's relationship. There was already a passion present that could only be compared to that of Romeo and Juliet, but it grew even more in this book. I loved that th characters grew in this book. Lucas and Bianca were forced to become more like adults and to take responsibility of their own lives. They became mini adults in this book. I also loved the few characters from Evernight that were reincorporated into this book. This book stood apart from the previous two. The setting has changed from the dark walls of Evernight academy and Bianca was thrust into the real world, as well as the world of Black Cross. There were many surprises in this book, and I could not believe how it ended. I am now eagerly awaiting the final chapter of the Evernight series.

Recommendation:

Anyone who loves Bianca and Lucas.

Age: 15 and up

Grade: A

Quote: "'We are homeless,' Lucas pointed out."

Number 3

2010-02-26T10:11:00.001-08:00

3.Drive to the East Coast. In simpler terms Road Trip!

Strange Angels

2010-02-24T10:54:00.000-08:00

Strange Angels

Lili St. Crow

RazorBill

$9.99 U.S.

FTC: I purchased this book.

Back Cover:

The real world is a frightening place. Just ask sixteen-year-old orphan Dru Anderson, a tough girl who has taken down her fair share of bad guys. She's armed, dangerous, and ready to kill first and ask questions later. So it's gonna take her a while to figure out who she can trust . . .

Dru Anderson has been "strange" for as long as she can remember, traveling from town to town with her father to hunt the things that go bump in the night. It's a weird life, but a good one--until it all explodes in an icy, broken-down Dakota town, when a hungry zombie busts through her kitchen door. Alone, terrified, and trapped, Dru's going to need every inch of her wit and training to stay alive. The monsters have decided to hunt back--and this time, Dru's on their menu. Chances of survival? Slim to none.

If she can't last until sunup, it's game over. . .

My Thoughts:

Oh goodness where to start... I had mixed feelings for most of this book. While I absolutely loved the plot I often found myself frustrated with the writing style the author used. There were some passages that jumped around so much I had to read it multiple times to get the message. Dru is an amazing character. She is such a tomboy and not someone you would want to meet in the street at night. I loved how strong she was, even when her world was falling around her. Her budding relationship with Graves and Christophe kept me intrigued throughout the story. The clarity became better near the end of the book and I was able to get into it more. I also had a couple issues with comments the author made in the book. There were a few instances where comments were made towards one of the characters that appeared racist. I do not believe the St. Crow inteded this, especially she has named him as her favorite charcter, but it did not read well. She also talked about Dru throwing up a little to much for my liking. The book was action packed, and as I said earlier only go better as it went along.

Recommendation: Anyone seeking out some crazy action.

Grade: B -

Age: 14 and up

Black Magic Sanction

2010-02-23T02:20:00.000-08:00

I know this is not a young adult book, but I have read the first in this series and plan on reading the rest. I know a lot of my friends read it too!

Black Magic Sanction

Kim Harrison

HarperCollins

$25.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Release Date: Today!

FTC: I am not receiving compensation for promoting this book.

I am not providing the synopsis for this ook, because I have been told I am not allowed to read the back covers in advance or I will ruin the books for myself.

Why: Rachel Morgan is the heroine of this series. This is the 8th book. I love the books because she is such a strong character. She can deal with paranormal better than anyone else. The hollows where she dwells is an immaculate setting and provides lots of entertainment for the reader. I need to hurry up so I can read this new book.