Breaking the Bookshelf

Book Review: Passion

2011-06-22T11:44:00.001-04:00

Title: Passion
Series: Yes(3rd book)
Author(s): Lauren Kate
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Pages: 432

Summary: "Every single lifetime, I'll choose you. Just as you have chosen me. Forever."

Luce would die for Daniel. And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.

My Thoughts: Lauren Kate's writing is my drug. Passion was without a doubt a beautifully written, suspenseful, and most of all passionate book! With each trip back in time Lauren Kate drew a picture of the time while weaving in realistic modern things that drew you back to an intricate plot filled with a intriguing romance. Passion lived up to it's expectations and set up for a blow out ending to this great series. I have never loved the characters(both good and bad) as much as I do now, and I have never experienced Daniel and Luce's love to such a degree. Passion blew my mind and my HIGH expectations with its spectacular writing, tragic romance, and cliff hanger that will lead me to tear down the walls of my local Barnes and Noble to grab Rapture the 4th and final book in the series!

Overall Rating: 5/5
One word/phrase sum up: Lauren Kate's writing is my drug....

The Friday Freakout Giveaway

2011-06-10T17:03:00.004-04:00

Every Friday in June, July, and August I will be having a giveaway! Every Friday, the prize could be books, writing related prizes, or swag(cool book related items). I will have a blog related activity(a post surrounding the prize and/or answering a question) to enter to win that Friday's cool prize! To jumpstart the Friday Freakouts I have a huge prize-pack giveaway for the first week!

For the first week, to spread around the word the topic will be: Picture Description

Picture Description is just a phrase I use for matching pictures to words. So, whatever popped into your mind when you heard Friday Freakout, match with pictures. Link back to this description so more people can have a chance to win the giveaway!

What is in this mega first week giveaway? Well here it is:

Books:

The Time Traveling Fashionista by Bianca Turetsky (review here)
Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnik (review here)
Breath of Angel by Karen Henley
My Life in Pink and Green by Lisa Greenwald (review here)
Lost Voices by Sarah Porter

Swag:

1 signed bookmarks for Clarity by Kim Harrington
1 Epic Fail stress ball
1 signed Breath of Angel bookmark
2 signed bookmarks for Possession

The winner will be picked next Friday before the next giveaway and on my twitter account(here) next Thursday night.

Book Review: Epic Fail

2011-06-09T12:18:00.001-04:00

Title: Epic Fail
Series: No
Author(s): Claire LaZebnik
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages:288
Summary: At Coral Tree Prep in Los Angeles, who your parents are can make or break you. Case in point:

• As the son of Hollywood royalty, Derek Edwards is pretty much prince of the school—not that he deigns to acknowledge many of his loyal subjects.

• As the daughter of the new principal, new-girl-on-campus Elise Benton isn’t exactly on everyone’s must-sit-next-to-at-lunch list.

When Elise’s beautiful sister catches the eye of the prince’s best friend, Elise gets to spend a lot of time with Derek, making her the envy of every girl. Except she refuses to fall for any of his rare smiles and instead warms up to his enemy, the surprisingly charming social outcast Webster Grant. But in this hilarious tale of fitting in and flirting, not all snubs are undeserved, not all celebrity brats are bratty, and pride and prejudice can get in the way of true love for only so long. Fans of Susane Colasanti (When It Happens), Polly Shulman (Enthusiasm), and, of course, Jane Austen will love finding out if Elise’s love life will be an epic win or an epic fail.

My Thoughts: This adorable summer read held my attention from beginning to end. With great writing and realistic characters I was grabbed at the start as I followed Elise Benton in a realistic school in California. The plot matched that of Pride and Prejudice perfectly and I think it was the best possible interpretation of Jane Austen's classic novel. Throughout the novel I was continually astounded with the authors writing. It alone could have held my attention but I was delighted by the beautiful romance that made me wish I could marry a superstar. Overall this was one of the greatest books I have read this year and can't wait to devour more from this author!

Overall Rating: 5/5
One word/phrase sum up: Perfect

K is for Kisses!

2011-04-14T16:48:00.003-04:00

Both Hershey's kisses, and book kisses give me a happy feeling on the inside! Both of them are both good and bad. Hershey's kisses are sweet and delicious but each one is 23 calories each... which is not a lot unless your me and you can and do eat about half the bag! Just like kiss scenes in books. If you read one you get that sweet satisfaction but as you read it repetitively(I mean like twenty to thirty times) I feel like I am slipping in on an intimate moment that is secret to them! I feel like that when I watch a Twilight movie which makes me close my eyes and blush, but when I read it I feel like I'm Bella and I really love that lovely feeling!

What about you? Do you like the intimate moments in books or do you feel like sometimes there is to much?

J is for Jeepers and Jinkies!!

2011-04-12T23:02:00.000-04:00

Daphne says "Jeepers!". Shaggy says "Zoinks!". Velma says "Jinkies!", and Scooby says "Rikes!". While Fred says he has a plan. If your like me then you spent your childhood watching reruns of scooby doo, and slowly realizing that there really isn't any boogy man because it is always the nice librarian or the town mayor. If your like me you then turned most of your suspicions and feared the nicest people... and if your not like me, well you should keep ridding to learn the incite of a different mind then your own.

The picture above/left is "the gang" or most commonly known as "those meddling kids", that guided me(one hand help by Scooby the other by various Disney princesses) through my younger age. The picture to the right is not the exact replica but close to the picture of scooby doo the graced my lunchbox kindergarden through fourth grade. Yes every other girl had a princess lunch box(my sister included) but I was loyal and loved my lunch box(right up till fourth grade when I thought I was to cool for cartoons).

What was your favorite cartoon?

Was it popeye?

Or were you a classic Walt Disney-aholic?

How about the Smurfs?

Loony Tunes?

Or at the end of the day we can all go for a Disney classic:

The Princesses!

Regardless of you favorite cartoon character scooby doo had indirectly or directly changed you in some way or another. Whether it be through someone else or broadcasted by the TV, scooby doo has forever changed life as we know it!

Comment your favorite cartoon character!

I is for Ice Cream

2011-04-11T19:49:00.000-04:00

What else relates to I than Ice Cream? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Below are picture of some of the craziest and most delicious ice creams ever!

This is not only edible but it is super adorable!

This is the worlds most expensive ice cream totaling up to one thousand dollars!

It's not ice cream but what better way to eat cookie dough then in a cone?

Valentines Day? I think so!

Ben & Jerry's: Enough said

From this random blog post I hoped you gained the hunger to eat some ice cream!

Book Review: The Second Summer of the Sisterhood

2011-04-10T09:45:00.004-04:00

Title: The Second Summer of the Sisterhood

Series: Yes (2nd in series)(1st book review here)

Author(s): Ann Brashares

Genre: Fiction

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Pages: 373

Summary: With a bit of last summer's sand in the pockets, the Traveling Pants and the Sisterhood that wears them embark on their 16th summer.

Bridget: Impulsively sets off for Alabama, wanting to both confront her demons about her family and avoid them all at once.

Lena: Spends a blissful week with Kostos, making the unexplainable silence that follows his visit even more painful.

Carmen: Is concerned that her mother is making a fool of herself over a man. When she discovers that her mother borrowed the Pants to wear on a date, she's certain of it.

Tibby: Not about to spend another summer working at Wallman's, she takes a film course only to find it's what happens off-camera that teaches her the most.

My Thoughts: Wow and ow. I feel like I read two entirely different books, one was a slow paced dreary devastation where everything went wrong while the other was a beautifully deep, knowledgable, and perfect novel. About 100 of the 373 brought us the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants at his lowest. Yes, I do get that life sometimes turns bad, and happens slowly but most stories contain flashes of that, not entire long chapters of it. That is what happened in the middle of the book, slow chapters brought us cherpy Bee, in a stage of depression, Fun Carmen yelling at everyone, Tibby turing on the past and becoming a poser, and Lena doing absolutely nothing. Past that I thought the other 273 pages were beautiful. They pulled the girls out of the messed up abbess with great philosophical lessons attached to each one. They also contained the wonderful writing skills, perfect plots, and realistic characters that pull together every Ann Brashares book I’ve read. Overall the slow parts of the story were overpowered by Brashares beautiful writing, and perfect characters that I always want to see more of!

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

One word/phrase sum up: Wow and Ow

G is for Geez I hate when you flight is cancelled, and H is for Hello I survived the airport!

2011-04-09T20:19:00.000-04:00

I am back. Where exactly have I been? I have been sleeping in the airport, flying miles above your head, and slowly losing my sanity! I am glad to say I'm home, and happy to see my big warm bed with its nice cozy bookshelf. Today I am attepting to cathc up for yesterday also but my tired eyes(got up at 3 AM), and nearly crippled fingers won't let me go much further so instead I am leaving you with several funny pictures I've accumulated over time:

And some quote ones:

Now I must go my bed has never looked so good!

F IS For Friends That Do Stuff Together...

2011-04-07T18:10:00.001-04:00

Today was a busy one and I must hand my blogging duties to spongebob!

E is for Everyone's Inspiration

2011-04-06T11:30:00.002-04:00

When I write I spark all my stories off with a little bit of inspiration. Whether it be a picture, quote, or even a moment in my life all my stories have one origin. One little thing that powers them forward. The photo below is a painting titled Maxfield Parrish - Hill Top Farm, Winter which is at Boston Museum of Fine Art. At first look it is just a beautiful painting, but when my English teacher brought in a larger version of it, that she bought at the Museum, and showed us the deeper meaning of it, I saw a story. As she put it you should enter the photo from one side and walk through it. If you enter on the left side you start at a raggedy old beat up house with a large dying tree then the picture evolved into a happy barn house with beautiful large elms. You can also enter from the right, and start at the beautiful bustling farm house then evolve into a deserted death bed. It is truly as inspirational picture.

This was a picture I found titled Candy Cigar Girl which had a short story in it:

There are many quotes that also inspire me:

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

— Dr. Seuss

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

— Marilyn Monroe

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

— Maya Angelou

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."
— Robert Frost

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one."

— C.S. Lewis

Tell me, what inspires you to write? To read? To do a good dead? To do anything?

D is for Drawings

2011-04-05T10:55:00.000-04:00

I just finished a wonderful book titled The Time-Traveling Fashionista(review here), and what startled me the most when I picked it up was the fact it contained pictures. At first I though, "Am I really going to read a picture book," but even with my doubts I did start to read it. When I hit the first picture I realized that they weren't full scene pictures but instead pictures of clothing that the characters were wearing. As the book progressed so did my rapid interest in the illustrations. Not only were they beautiful but they tied together the book so well I really can't wait to read the next book.

Below are several pictues that were in the book, that I grabbed from Poppy's site and Amazon:

In the book the pictures were full, but the only copies I could find cut off half of the image.

What is your opinion? If you've read The Time-Traveling Fashionista (which I recommend you do), are the pictures good for the book? If you haven't read the book please tell me what you think or if there is another book like it with illustrations.

Book Review: The Time-Traveling Fashionista

2011-04-04T14:57:00.002-04:00

Title: The Time-Traveling Fashionista

Series: Yes
Author(s): Bianca Turetsky
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: PoppyPages: 272

Summary: When Louise Lambert receives a mysterious invitation to a traveling vintage fashion sale in the mail, her normal life in suburban Connecticut is magically transformed into a time traveling adventure.

After a brief encounter with two witchy salesladies and donning an evening gown that once belonged to a beautiful silent film star, Louise suddenly finds herself onboard a luxurious cruise ship in 1912. As Alice Baxter, the silent film star, Louise enjoys her access to an extensive closet of gorgeous vintage gowns and begins to get a feel for the challenges and the glamour of life during this decadent era. Until she realizes that she's not just on any ship-- she's on the Titanic!

Will Louise be able to save herself and change the course of history, or are she and her film star alter ego, destined to go down with a sinking ship in the most infamous sea disaster of the 20th century?

My Thoughts: This book was not only beautifully written with an enchanting plot line, but it was also wonderfully done. They contained 25 beautiful illustrations of historically accurate vintage dresses that the characters wore that tied it together the book with an elegant informative feeling. I have never read a book where I sat down and said, Wow there was nothing wrong with that book at all. There were no flaws, no imbalances, and I must say even though this is not my typical dark romance, it is one of the top 3 favorite books. The characters were astounding, each one distinct, and unique. The main character Louise was a great heroic character that I would love to read more of, and the way many historical characters were depicted was astounding. The author added historical facts that are now permanently paved in my head because they were delivered so beautifully. Even though this book took place in a historical time and place the author somehow twisted the plot line into a flourishing drama. Overall this is the hands down best book I have read this year, and I was jumping with joy when I read in the about the author page, that she was working on the sequel!

Overall Rating: 5/5

One word/phrase sum up: Sparkling and Fantastic

C is for Criminal Minds

2011-04-04T07:39:00.001-04:00

I am now addicted to the sometimes to graphic, but always awesome show that is called Criminal Minds. The show is about a team of FBI agents that are a part of the BAU(Behavior Analyses Unit). Sadly they just dropped two of my favorite main characters(okay in the end I love them all).

What I love about the show is one thing all writers should have in their books, character relationships. Every episode there is one person on the team who works extra hard to catch the serial killer, or who is more attached to the victim then anyone else. This is like in books how one person has more friction with the main character then anyone else. I feel like that is the biggest problem in books because many writers don't work on building any bad relationships. That doesn't mean all the main characters just scream and cry all the time. The show balances out the dark concept with light lines that make anyone laugh even when they are on the edge of their seats waiting for the climax to end.

My favorite relationship is between the usually tough Morgan and the sweet tech helper Garcia.

This is one of the more intense moments in their friendship which I just loooooved!

This is one of their lighter funnier moments that made me want to fall over laughing! (This one is short so do watch it because it makes me laugh every time!)

That is one of the main reasons I love that show is the character relationships that I find so critical between characters because they set a lighter mood.

Also these little Hotch lines make me laugh:

The whole show is a great mix of tears, laughter, and intense drama that I adore! One last laughably hilarious moment:

B is for Bookshelves

2011-04-02T07:17:00.002-04:00

As an avidly crazy reader I'm always in need of a good bookshelf, but one thing I have wasted lots of my life in is scrolling through pages of pictures for various things. When I looked up bookshelves once, when creating the header to my blog, I found the craziest things that made me quite puzzled... Here are some of the weirdest bookshelves I've ever seen:

This bookshelf just seems painfully impractical....

I feel like this one defines common sense and gravity.

I'm not sure if this is actually a bookshelf... but google hasn't lead me wrong before.

You also have my header bookshelf which looks so comfy!

Thats it for me and my crazy bookshelf obsession! See you for C! Closing with several non-bookshelf but book related photos:

A is for Another April

2011-04-01T08:47:00.000-04:00

It's April again, and I am back to attempting to blog because school is slowly beginning to become less stressful. To kick off this month I have signed up for the A to Z challenge(link on picture).

Where have I been this year? Lots of school, lots of sports, and even more injures! This year through a combination of about 4 hours of sports a night and the stress from school I have a stress fracture in my lower back and a bulging disk. Short story, all sports have stopped and I have resumed the role of bookworm.

Where am I going?

Short term: I am going to start really writing again. Over winter break I pushed out about 1,000 words a day in a story that is now buried under science papers. I haven't touched it since. Even though I have been writing short stories, most of them have been cut short or left without an adequate end because I don't have the time.

Long term: I am finishing my first draft this year. That is my only long term goal.

What about you guys? Please comment with an update!

Book Review: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

2011-03-28T17:00:00.002-04:00

Title: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Series: Yes (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants)
Author(s): Ann Brashares
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Pages: 294

Summary: Carmen, Bridget (Bee), Tibby, and Lena are getting ready to spend their first summer apart since they have known each other, which is pretty much since birth. Carmen will spend the summer with her father, Lena is heading to Greece to stay with her grandparents, Tibby will stay home and work at Walman’s, and Bee is heading to California for soccer camp. Before the girls part, though, Carmen buys a pair of jeans at a thrift shop, and they magically fit each girl, in spite of their different shapes and sizes. The jeans look amazing on each of them, and so they decide the pants should travel between them throughout the summer.

My Thoughts: Wow. Just wow. I am usually in the in between in many chick flick. I think they are cute but lack any real depth. When my librarian handed me this book and said I had to read it, I threw it in the back of my piles of intense paranormal mysteries that usually consume my time. I am glad I finally came out of my paranormal abyss, to breath the sweet summer writing that flows off these pages. Unlike many novels that contain multiple main characters this book brought together the girls even though they were thousands of miles apart. When I first started the book I expected it to slowly move from girl to girl as the pants were shuffled along but instead it threw together the bits and pieces of their lives, linking them together with letters and phone calls. Every girl was different with a unique writing style, the author managed to give each one their own voice even in third person. The writing alone, makes me want to read more. Ann Brashares not only has a way with words, she has a way of crafting together a beautiful plot line that has both ups and downs. In my opinion, many summery novels lack any down fall or sadness but she perfectly balanced the scales. I've already started on the next one and people have told me they get better as you go along(I'm not sure how). Overall I can't wait to rip through the next one because I love Brashares beautiful writing, realistic plot lines, and realistic characters.

Overall Rating: 5/5

One word/phrase sum up: Best Summer Book EVER

Book Review: My Life in Pink and Green

2011-03-26T11:08:00.001-04:00

Title: My Life in Pink and Green
Series: No
Author(s): Lisa Greenwald
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Abrams, Harry N., Inc
Pages: 288
Summary: Twelve-year-old Lucy Desberg is a natural problem-solver. At her family’s struggling pharmacy, she has a line of makeover customers for every school dance and bat mitzvah. But all the makeup tips in the world won’t help save the business. If only she could find a way to make it the center of town again—a place where people want to spend time, like in the old days. Lucy dreams up a solution that could resuscitate the family business and help the environment, too. But will Lucy’s family stop fighting long enough to listen to a seventh-grader?

My Thoughts: This book was definitely supposed to be aimed at younger readers than myself. It was a cute feeling good book, with fourth-grade romances, and a happy ending. The characters were all well described, but sometimes seemed to young. They were supposed to be in middle school, and in my opinion the language of middle schoolers and the nature of their relationships is definitely much more mature then it was portrayed in this book. Thats the truth, the world is growing up faster now, and this book would have been perfect for any fifth or sixth grader due to the lack of intense problems. Even though it lacked a distinct climax it was a great book because the author is definitely a talented writer, if she created a more intense plot line she could have a Sarah Dessen like book. But, with cute writing, cute endings, cute relationships, and cute everything else, this book was a light read that made me laugh because I couldn't help but smile at this books general optimism.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5
One word/phrase sum up: cute

Book Review: Clarity

2011-02-26T10:40:00.001-05:00

Title: Clarity

Series: Yes
Author(s): Kim Harrington
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Scholastic Point
Pages: 242
Publishing Date: March 1st 2011
Summary: When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?
This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.
Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.
And a curse.
When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case--but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother--who has supernatural gifts of his own--becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

My Thoughts: After being drowned in textbooks studying my heart away this was a needed relief. Clarity was a beautifully written mystery novel that propelled me to put off my science test. I literally couldn't put this one down. All the characters were layered with realistic details and scary secrets. The writing was beautifully done, and made all the characters blend with realistic relationships. Although I was at first concerned that the powers they had would ruin the mystery they didn't. The mystery was beautifully crafted to fit in perfectly with all the powers and spin the story with a fast paced plot with a crazy ending. Overall the writing was beautiful, the relationships realistic, and the mystery suspenseful. There was never a dull moment in the life of Clarity Fern which is why I advise anyone to read this book while I eagerly await for Perception to hit the stores in March 2012!

Overall Rating: 5/5

One word/phrase sum up: suspenseful

Book Review: All You Get is Me

2011-01-03T13:04:00.001-05:00

Title: All You Get Is Me
Series: No
Author(s): Yvonne Prinz
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
Publishing Date: January 1, 2011
Summary: What happens when a city girl is transplanted onto a ramshackle organic farm in the middle of nowhere? Everything.

Sixteen-year-old Roar has been yanked from her city life and suddenly she’s a farm girl, albeit a reluctant one, selling figs at the farmers' market and developing her photographs in a rickety shed. And then she witnesses a crime that will throw the whole community into an uproar. Caught among the lure of a troublemaking friend, her love for a brooding boy, and her complicated feelings about her father’s human rights crusade, Roar is going to have to tackle it all. And with a camera around her neck, she’s capturing it all, too.

Yvonne Prinz and her novel The Vinyl Princess have ignited the teen blogosphere and entertainment media. Once again, she’s taken the pulse of culture and emerged with a book that is timely, quirky, and unforgettable.

My Thoughts: When I first started this book is seemed to draw on slowly especially because the main character seemed a little whinny since she had moved two years ago and she was still mad, but as I read further I was drawn in by the realistic three dimensional characters with quite interesting names! Aurora(Roar) was a great character with her avid love of photographs carrying along several sub-plots. The main plot to was slow but fast. There was no unraveling mystery or surprise but there were bits of random information that were relevant to the characters but did little to affect the overall plot except for shock factor. The romance though was worthy of a Nicholas Sparks novel with its interesting complexity that seemed to burn over every problem. Overall this book started slow then speed along into a controversial debate that didn't have much mystery but lots of little plots to carry along complex characters that evolved together to form a great romance.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

One word/phrase sum up: great

In My Mailbox

2010-12-19T09:03:00.000-05:00

In my Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren! Here is what I got in my mailbox:
For Review:

Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley
Corrinne Corcoran’s upscale Manhattan life is perfectly on track—until her father announces he’s been laid off and she’s shipped off to Broken Spoke, Texas, to live with her grandparents. All alone in a big public school and forced to take a job shoveling manure, Corrinne is determined to get back to the glamorous life she’s supposed to be living. But as she grudgingly adjusts—making new friends and finding romance along the way—this city girl begins to realize that life without credit cards and shopping sprees may not be as bad as it seems....

In this sparkling debut that flawlessly balances romance and humor, readers will grow to love sharp and sassy Corrinne as she goes on her totally reluctant but completely irresistible journey of self-discovery.

Logic of Demons by H.A. Goodman

What would you do if the love of your life was murdered by a deranged killer? Would you become a vigilante and seek retribution? And would this revenge affect those you care for in the afterlife? LOGIC OF DEMONS The Quest for Nadine's Soul takes you on a journey inside the psyches of men and women forced to deal with the spiritual consequences of their decisions. Through the lives of a demon, two Angels, and a mysterious teenage girl, a plethora of politically and socially relevant issues ranging from the roots of genocide and sex trafficking to child conscription and religious fundamentalism are addressed in this fantasy thriller. Life as well as the afterlife converge in this novel to explain certain peculiarities of the human condition. Whether you are God fearing individual or an atheist, LOGIC OF DEMONS The Quest for Nadine's Soul addresses moral and theological issues of interest for people of all backgrounds.

Both seem great and I can't wait to read them! What did you get in your mailbox?

Book Review: To Kill A Mockingbird

2010-12-13T09:11:00.000-05:00

Title: To Kill A Mockingbird
Series: No
Author(s): Harper Lee
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Harper Perennial Modern Classics
Pages: 336

Summary: Lawyer Atticus Finch defends the real mockingbird of Harper Lee's classic, Puliter Prize-winning novella, a black man charged with the rape of a white woman. Through the eyes of Atticus's children, Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores with rich humor and unanswering honesty the irrationality of adult attitudes toward race and class in the Deep South of the 1930s.

My Thoughts: I typically hate school books. They are usually dry, boring, and take real effort to understand. This one was quite the opposite. Although in the beginning I immediately hated it due to the assumption it would be a typical school book, I soon got over that, and enjoyed it. I loved the deep south tone that the entire book was drenched in with its typical characters that actually represented someone. I loved Scout's view on life that changed so dramatically throughout the book as different events shifted her naive childhood. Overall it was a great book that managed to contain a carefree childhood and dramatic racial battle perfectly!

Overall Rating: 4/5

One word/phrase sum up: Classic

Book Review: Return to Paradise

2010-11-25T21:30:00.001-05:00

Title: Return to Paradise
Series: Leaving Paradise
Author(s): Simone Elkeles
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Flux
Pages: 302

Summary:

Caleb Becker left Paradise eight months ago, taking with him the secret he promised to take to his grave. If the truth got out, it would ruin everything.

Maggie Armstrong tried to be strong after Caleb broke her heart and disappeared. Somehow, she managed to move on. She’s determined to make a new life for herself.

But then Caleb and Maggie are forced together on a summer trip. They try ignoring their passion for each other, but buried feelings resurface. Caleb must face the truth about the night of Maggie’s accident, or the secret that destroyed their relationship will forever stand between them.

My Thoughts: Although this book did not top any of Simone Elkeles' other books it was simply spectacular. This book seemed more like closure, and a completion of the first book ( Leaving Paradise). This book lacked the large "gasp" moment the first one had. Also, it didn't seem to have the intense problems the first one did. Although it did have problems its problems were a lot simpler and less meaningful then in the first book. The one thing that is quite reliable in all of Simone Elkeles' books are the beautifully well written duel perspectives that make everything seem so relevant. It's new characters created this perfect balance, that kept the book from plummeting into the crazy serious zone because some of these characters had a funny sarcastic hummer rapped into them. In the end I feel like she concluded a great tragic romance beautifully leaving every end tied, and I can't wait to read more by this author.

Overall Rating: 4.75/5

One word/phrase sum up: Great closure

Book Review: Fallen Angel

2010-11-23T06:42:00.001-05:00

Title: Fallen Angel
Series: Yes- Fallen Angel
Author(s): Heather Terrell
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
Release Date: December 28th, 2010

Summary: The first book in a dark, edgy new angel series about a girl who finds herself forced to choose sides in the battle between fallen angels, even if that means going against the boy she loves.
When Ellie Faneuil first sees Michael Chase she feels an instantaneous connection. But she does not realize how much they have in common, including the ability fly and to see what others are thinking - not to mention a taste for blood. Reveling in their new powers and their growing feelings for each other, Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way ... together.
But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict between fallen angels that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.
In this electrifying novel Heather Terrell spins a gripping tale of soul-mates, supernatural powers and a truth that will change Ellie and Michael‘s world forever.

My Thoughts: This was a great book! In the beginning I thought it was following the path of a slightly overused plot line, and it seemed almost common and familiar. Luckily as the end drew closer it proved to have lots of great surprising twists. The one thing I do like is that unlike most paranormal books, not everything was smooth when they realized they had gifts. In some books its like,"My, oh my I have powers. I am weird. No, I am special" This one did have the typical panic with it but also had several moments when she fell victim to her gifts, which was surprising and interesting because she was quite a strong character. The one thing that this book did lack was supporting characters. They had Ruth, Ellie's best friend, and her parents but other than a couple school kids there were not many side characters until the end. Despite lacking many characters all of them were very well written, and realistic. I think it fell victim a little to sequel syndrome thought because at the end when I looked back, despite the many suspenseful intense moments I never felt a total climax point. I am greatly looking forward to the rest of this series though because I feel it will have that main climax I was searching for, and it is definitely worth waiting for. Overall this was a captivating first book to an interesting series, and I will definitely be counting down to the moment that Eternity(the sequel) comes out!

Overall Rating: 4/5

One word/phrase sum up: Dark and Captivating

Cover Reveal

2010-11-18T06:57:00.000-05:00

The long anticipated third book in the Fuentes brothers series(starting with Perfect Chemistry, then followed by Rules of Attraction) finally has a cover!!! Here is the cover to Simone Elkeles 3rd book called Chain Reaction:

Scheduled to come out May 24, 2011

Luis Fuentes is a good boy who doesn't live with the angst that his big brothers, Alex and Carlos, have always lived with. Luis is smart, funny, and has big dreams of becoming an astronaut. But when he falls for the wrong girl, Luis enters a dark world he's never known, and just when he thinks he's got life all figured out, learns some disturbing news about his family that destroys his positive outlook on life. Will that Fuentes bad boy streak come out with a vengeance and lure Luis to live on the edge like his new girlfriend and his own father?

I'm really looking forward to this because it will be like a flip around from the past books!

Also the third wings book(first one was Wings, followed bySpells) is named Illusions.

Here is the cover to Aprillynne Pike's third book:

Scheduled to come out May 8th there is currently no description.

In My Mailbox

2010-11-13T23:49:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren! This week in my mailbox I got:

For Review:

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -the deliria- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.
But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

I am super exited for this one! Forbidden love to a whole new level!

All You Get Is Me by Yvonne Prinz
What happens when a city girl is transplanted onto a ramshackle organic farm in the middle of nowhere? Everything.
Sixteen-year-old Roar has been yanked from her city life and suddenly she’s a farm girl, albeit a reluctant one, selling figs at the farmers' market and developing her photographs in a rickety shed. And then she witnesses a crime that will throw the whole community into an uproar. Caught among the lure of a troublemaking friend, her love for a brooding boy, and her complicated feelings about her father’s human rights crusade, Roar is going to have to tackle it all. And with a camera around her neck, she’s capturing it all, too.
Yvonne Prinz and her novel The Vinyl Princess have ignited the teen blogosphere and entertainment media. Once again, she’s taken the pulse of culture and emerged with a book that is timely, quirky, and unforgettable.

Isn't this cover just gorgeous!

For School:

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Lawyer Atticus Finch defends the real mockingbird of Harper Lee's classic, Puliter Prize-winning novella, a black man charged with the rape of a white woman. Through the eyes of Atticus's children, Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores with rich humor and unanswering honesty the irrationality of adult attitudes toward race and class in the Deep South of the 1930s.

What did you get in your mailbox?

Book Review: Fixing Delilah

2010-11-12T21:19:00.000-05:00

Title: Fixing Delilah
Series: No
Author(s): Sarah Ockler
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 320

To Be Published: December 1, 2010

Summary: Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart.

She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her "boyfriend" isn't much of a boyfriend. And her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided their family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, is a Hannaford tradition.

Over a summer of new friendships, unexpected romance, and moments that test the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, Delilah must face her family's painful past. Can even her most shattered relationships be pieced together again?

Rich with emotion, Sarah Ockler delivers a powerful story of family, love, and self-discovery.

My Thoughts: Wow, although it didn't have an astounding plot line, Sarah Ockler can write. Her words portrayed through the lovable, believable Delilah Hannaford trickled out slowly like honey then poured into my mind like a sweet soda. Her characters each had a three- dimensional realistic face which helped move the story along at a moderate pace. Not included in the description of the book was Patrick, cute, and charming, and something I looked forward to as I turned the pages. The one intricate flaw of this book was an opinion flaw, meaning some people love this quality even though I don't. Some people love books full of both romance and life problems. This book had both, and even though those books sometimes annoy me this one didn't. Its story was fresh enough to make me happy that it only covered a romance, and a family's problems, and did not have a big mystery unraveling behind it. Other than that, the book was fabulous. This was one of those books where, when you do not read it, your mind is consumed with finding all different possible endings, and even though I had seven(yes seven), different possible endings I was still wrong! Overall this was an entertaining book that captivated my attention in 320 pages of astounding writing.
Overall Rating: 4/5

One word/phrase sum up: beautifully written

Sequel Syndrome

2010-11-09T13:37:00.000-05:00

Has anyone ever read a book where it seems to end without really solving anything? I have read so many books where they cut it off only to tell you that the sequel is due out in six months. I find then completely annoying.
These books in specific I personally diagnose with sequel syndrome:

Captivate by Carrie Jones
This is the sequel to Need, which was a fabulous book. This book to was great right up till the end. Sadly, I don't think it even deserves the word "end" because they presented a huge looming problem started to solve it then cut everything off unexpectedly. In some books that works, it seems like a dramatic hang off but in this book it was badly done, and uncalled for.

Of course I will still have to read Entice the third book in this series because I would love to see how it actually ends.

Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson
I didn't even bother with reading this sequel. The book got absolutely no where after an astounding first 100 pages, it just stalled. The main problem wasn't even half solved, and I think it would be pushing it to say that it solved a fourth of the problems. The romance also got no where... okay the romance did get a good halfway completion, but still....

Anyway not all books have this problem, and not all series are horrible but those books were.

Here is an example of series that didn't fall victim to sequel syndrome:

Harry Potter Series

Although there was an overall series plot, each book had an intense different plot line that ended with a different achievement or sadness that lead to a beautiful transition. These books were probably the most well written, well plotted, and overall well done books ever. These books are the best example of a great series that never seemed to end unnaturally.

How I think you can avoid sequel syndrome:

End after a large climax, not several small climax points, one big one.

Example of doing a good job: In Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince although they did not destroy all the horcruxes they ended after the death of Dumbledore, which really permanently ended it.
Example of doing a bad job: In Fallen Angels, which was an overall fabulous book, there were lots of little moments but no big ending one.

Don't start a problem then end halfway through. If you have to end in a positing where some small problem has been completed.

Example of a good job: in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince despite the fact they had lots of horcruxes they did retrieve one that would help them later. They also set up a definite plan for the next book.
Example of a bad job: In Captivate they just stopped with no real plan or plot line that could role them into the next book.

Make the plot somehow roll into the next book.

Example of a good job: In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling set it up perfectly to make it roll into the chaos of the next book.
Example of a bad job: From what I remember the first Gallagher Girls book(I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You) did not roll into the next one(Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy). They just jumped to another topic with the same setting. The rest of the books roll into each other stunningly but this one did not.

Overall I think that Sequel Syndrome has spoiled loads, and loads of books and series. So, I think it should be avoided, and looked for. In my current WIP, which it a series, my biggest problem is smooth transitions, and the ending, so right now I am obsessed with making sure it does not turn into a sequel syndrome book.

Anyway, what are some good examples of books that have fallen to sequel syndrome, and what are some examples of those who don't.

In My Mailbox

2010-11-07T09:06:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren! This week in my mailbox I got:

For Review:

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart.

She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her "boyfriend" isn't much of a boyfriend. And her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided their family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, is a Hannaford tradition.

Over a summer of new friendships, unexpected romance, and moments that test the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, Delilah must face her family's painful past. Can even her most shattered relationships be pieced together again?

Rich with emotion, Sarah Ockler delivers a powerful story of family, love, and self-discovery.

I also got:

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
This debut, the first novel in a trilogy, is achingly romantic, terrifying, and filled with blistering action.

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.

From the Library:
Waiting For You by Susane Colasanti
At the beginning of her sophomore year, Marisa is ready for a fresh start and, more importantly, a boyfriend. So when the handsome and popular Derek asks her out, Marisa thinks her long wait for happiness is over. But several bumps in the road—including her parents’ unexpected separation, a fight with her best friend, and a shocking disappointment in her relationship with Derek—test Marisa’s ability to maintain her new outlook. Only the anonymous DJ, whose underground podcasts have the school’s ear, seems to understand what Marisa is going through. But she has no idea who he is—or does she?

In this third romantic novel from Susane Colasanti, Marisa learns how to “be in the Now” and realizes that the love she’s been waiting for has been right in front of her all along.

What did you get in your mailbox?

Book Review: The Chosen

2010-11-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

Title: The Chosen
Series: No
Author(s): Chaim Potok
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: FawcettPages: 304

Summary: Few stories offer more warmth, wisdom, or generosity than this tale of two boys, their fathers, their friendship, and the chaotic times in which they live. Though on the surface it explores religious faith--the intellectually committed as well as the passionately observant--the struggles addressed in The Chosen are familiar to families of all faiths and in all nations.

In 1940s Brooklyn, New York, an accident throws Reuven Malther and Danny Saunders together. Despite their differences (Reuven is a Modern Orthodox Jew with an intellectual, Zionist father; Danny is the brilliant son and rightful heir to a Hasidic rebbe), the young men form a deep, if unlikely, friendship. Together they negotiate adolescence, family conflicts, the crisis of faith engendered when Holocaust stories begin to emerge in the U.S., loss, love, and the journey to adulthood. The intellectual and spiritual clashes between fathers, between each son and his own father, and between the two young men, provide a unique backdrop for this exploration of fathers, sons, faith, loyalty, and, ultimately, the power of love. (This is not a conventional children's book, although it will move any wise child age 12 or older, and often appears on summer reading lists for high school students.)

My Thoughts: The Chosen was divided into three books, and each book I had a totally different opinion on. Book 1: Horrible, boring, but entertaining because if two characters that also exit the book in book 1(Mr. Savo and Billy). Book 1 was very unrealistic because Danny nailed Reuven in the eye with a base-ball, and nearly blinded him but Reuven still forgave him in a heart beat. Book 2: I slowly started enjoying the odd friendship between Danny and Reuven, but I loved the way that both of them seemed to grow! Book 3: Although it ended suddenly I enjoyed this book the most. Seeing them go to collage and each branch off into there different futures was not exciting but extremely entertaining. Overall that characters in this book had both believable and unbelievable friendships, that was pared with great writing, and a normal paced story line.

Overall Rating: 3/5

One word/phrase sum up: moderately pleasing

Book Review: Crescendo

2010-11-02T20:36:00.000-04:00

Title: Crescendo
Series: Hush, Hush
Author(s): Becca Fitzpatrick
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Pages: 427

Summary: Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away, and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch, or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

My Thoughts: Becca Fitzpatrick is a writing Goddess. Crescendo flowed of the pages quickly as Nora and Patch fought an intense battle over there rocky but hot relationship and there many other quarrels. The twists and turns in this book were so high paced and intense that at moments I felt like screaming as I read the words on the page. As always Vee was beyond hilarious and provided the perfect twinge of comic relief for the book. The other characters were equally interesting, and moved the book along perfectly. The one thing that was a bit fuzzy in this book was timing. Although it was paced well I couldn't really tell what the day was or how much time had passed. Overall I can't spoil it for you but they ended it with a huge band that provided the perfect suspenseful setup for the third book(Tempest)!

Overall Rating: 5/5

One word/phrase sum up: Fast-Pace

In My Mailbox

2010-10-30T21:32:00.001-04:00

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren! This week in my mailbox I got:

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away, and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch, or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

What's in your mailbox?

Book Review: The Body Finder

2010-10-28T21:35:00.001-04:00

Title: The Body Finder
Series: The Body Finder
Author(s): Kimberly Derting
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 336

Summary: 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: Wow! This book was dark, and spectacular! It was an odd combination of my favorite reading genre, paranormal romance, and my favorite TV show, criminal minds, but somehow instead of trickling out into a odd combination between the two it sped by quickly as an intense fast pace book that left me hanging onto every word. Almost every twenty pages I would have to set down the book and take a breather because there was so much suspense and tension I almost couldn't bare continuing in fear that one of the endearing characters, that were so well written, would be killed. Sadly no matter how hard I tried I couldn't rip my eyes away from it. Jay was sweet, loving, and caring but also protective in a hot manly way, not a protective brother way like you would expect. The other characters were equally well written, her parents weren't typical parents but the author did not make a huge deal of that fact, and Violets friends were hilarious. Another amazing thing about this book was how it was written. With a plot line as good as this one the writing could be horrible, and I would still love it, but this writing was spectacular. Since it was written in 3rd person they gave you glimpses into to the minds of different people but not in a unnatural way but a smooth cool slip in that allowed you to gather more information. Overall it was a suspenseful intense book jammed with great characters and spectacular writing!

Overall Rating: 5/5

One word/phrase sum up: Suspenseful and Intense

In My Mailbox

2010-10-24T10:36:00.000-04:00

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren! This week in my mailbox I got:

For Review:

Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell(coming out December 28th 2010)

The first book in a dark, edgy new angel series about a girl who finds herself forced to choose sides in the battle between fallen angels, even if that means going against the boy she loves.

When Ellie Faneuil first sees Michael Chase she feels an instantaneous connection. But she does not realize how much they have in common, including the ability fly and to see what others are thinking - not to mention a taste for blood. Reveling in their new powers and their growing feelings for each other, Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way ... together.
But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict between fallen angels that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.

In this electrifying novel Heather Terrell spins a gripping tale of soul-mates, supernatural powers and a truth that will change Ellie and Michael‘s world forever.

From the Library:

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
"Wuthering Heights", Emily Bronte's only novel, is one of the pinnacles of 19th-century English literature. It's the story of Heathcliff, an orphan who falls in love with a girl above his class, loses her, and devotes the rest of his life to wreaking revenge on her family.

What did you get in your mailbox?

Life is Good Award!

2010-10-23T09:56:00.000-04:00

I'm very glad to announce that I has received an award, The Life is Good Award, from YA Bookie Monster!

So, there are a few rules that you have to follow if you recieve this award. They are as follows:

- Thank and link back to the person that gave this award.
- Answer the 10 survey questions.
- Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic.
-Contact the bloggers you’ve picked to let them know about the award.

Questions:

1. If you blog anonymously are you happy doing it that way; if you are not anonymous do you wish you had started out anonymously so you could be anonymous now?
I'm not anonymous but I don;t post my name, so yes I love the level of secrecy I have, and the lack of judgment that I get on my blog.

2. Describe one incident that shows your inner stubborn side:
Wow.... every day? I'm not sure if I can pin point a certain one.. I'm usually good about always listening except after swim practice. Every day when I get out of swim practice(goes from 6-8:30pm everyday...) I'm hungry and tired and have loads of homework, so typically whenever someone suggests something or gets it wrong I immediately turn ugly on them....

3. What do you see when you really look at yourself in the mirror?
That really depends... in the morning I see a blurry picture of stress, and throughout the day I see an overachieving nerd, but at night, or with my friends, where I actually try to look nice because I am with the people who's opinion I value, I like my appearance because it looks happy and relaxed. Then there is my after swimming look... chlorine matted hair, dry skin... ekk... I don't want to go into the details!

4. What is your favourite summer cold drink?
Probably any sports drink. I am a gatorade addict, and will drink all sorts of flavored water.

5. When you take time for yourself, what do you do?
Usually I blog, eat, read, but mostly I try to hang out with friends, and if that is not possible I send off tons of e-mails so I can keep communicating.

6. Is there something you still want to accomplish in your life? What is it?
I have swimming goals, both short term, and long but I also have personal goals. Mostly about writing but also about succeeding, and always trying my best... nerdy stuff like that.

7. When you attended school, were you the class clown, the class overachiever , the shy person, or always ditching?
Still in school.... I don't know what I am. Since I'm tall most people know me by name because... well... I'm hard to miss but in most of my classes... I'm not sure. Most of my close friends only have one or two classes with me but I still make lots of people laugh. I am also a nerd... so probably an odd cheesy mix between the class overachiever, and a floater...

8. If you close your eyes and want to visualize a very poignant moment of your life what would you see?
For me it was when my first close family member died... it was odd... it still is(happened a couple weeks back) I still am puzzled kind of dazed. It's weird because I know she is dead but I feel as if she is just in the room in the retirement home waiting for us to come over with news or fresh fruit...

9. Is it easy for you to share your true self in your blog or are you more comfortable writing posts about other people or events?
Its easier to share about myself... no one can judge me or say mean things, and if they do well... I can block them or something!

10. If you had the choice to sit down and read or talk on the phone, which would you do and why?
Read.... thats an obvious one. Phones are stupid, and have bad connection while if you have a good book well.... anything can happen. Your mind can be blown away, or you can giggle while you laugh at a nerdy character!

I'm supposed to name 15 people to give it to but anyone who reads this post(which will probably be only like 5). So, if you accept this award please just comment to say so!

Book Review: After the Death of Anna Gonzales

2010-10-17T09:36:00.000-04:00

Title: After the Death of Anna Gonzales
Series: No
Author(s): Terri Fields
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: MacmillanPages: 100

Summary: Brutally honest and authentic in tone, this collection of voices centers on the suicide of high school freshman Anna Gonzales.

Each piece, read alone, portrays a classmates or teachers personal reaction to the loss, taken hard by some, by others barely noticed. Read together, the poems create a richly textured and moving testimony to the rippling effects of one girls devastating choice.

Terri Fields has written a thought-provoking, important work that resonates with both pain and hope. This is a book that will stay with readers long after they put it down.

My Thoughts: This book was interesting.... it wasn't really a book as much as a collection of stories or after thoughts. Some of the stories were very good with lots of emotion, and wittiness while other were random, and had no revelation to the story. I don't think the school was at all affected by the suicide of Anna. Except for the teachers, and several friends most took advantage of it. There have been several suicides around my area in schools, and I know for a fact that almost 95% of the people were affected, some of my friends at that school didn't even know the guy but still cried the day the school choose to honor him. Anyway, overall this book wasn't all that great, and it looked as if it had major potential.

Overall Rating: 1.5/5

One word/phrase sum up: Slow, and pointless

Random Rantings

2010-10-10T13:22:00.000-04:00

Here is just some random things:

Becca Fitzpatrick has announced the name of her 3rd book(it's on Goodreads...) its name is Tempest! Isn't that just a beautiful title!
Lauren Kate's book Torment is number one on the Children's chapter book section of the New York Times Best seller list!(My review is here) If you haven't read it it is awesome!
Sarah Dessen has another book coming called What Happened to Goodbye(What Happened to Goodbye is about a high school senior who, after her parents’ divorce, has taken up the practice of assuming a new identity in each of the four towns she’s lived in.)Here is its beautiful cover:
Another book cover, and book I didn't know about is So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti. I haven't read anything by her... yet but all I've heard are great things!! Here is the description and cover of the book: Scott Abrams is the love of Brooke's life. He just doesn't know it yet. So when his family moves to New York City the summer before senior year, Brooke has no choice but to follow Scott. It's her last chance to prove to him that they're meant to be togeher. What will Brooke do when her biggest dream finally comes true, but instead she wants something more?

Anyway that is just some random book news! Have a good week!

Book Review: Torment

2010-10-05T10:47:00.002-04:00

Title: Torment
Series: Fallen
Author(s): Lauren Kate
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Pages: 464

Summary: How many lives do you need to live before you find someone worth dying for? In the aftermath of what happened at Sword & Cross, Luce has been hidden away by her cursed angelic boyfriend, Daniel, in a new school filled with Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans. Daniel promises she will be safe here, protected from those who would kill her. At the school Luce discovers what the Shadows that have followed her all her life mean - and how to manipulate them to see into her other lives. Yet the more Luce learns about herself, the more she realizes that the past is her only key to unlocking her future...and that Daniel hasn't told her everything. What if his version of the past isn't actually the way things happened...what if Luce was really meant to be with someone else?

My Thoughts: Wow! I can't explain the excitement, and expectation leading up to reading this book. I had expectations that it would blow my mind away, and be as good as Fallen which was second only to the Harry Potter Series, and... it was even better then expected!!!! Luce is one girl character that I actually love even when she is with Daniel, many characters become crumbly and soft, and although Luce does do that she is also strong, and sticks to her instinct. She is independent, funny, and one of my all time favorite characters. In the beginning of this book I was a little mad because Luce had to leave Daniel within the first couple of pages. Then as she discovered more about the ~~shadows~~ Announcers I found that Daniel not being there was better for her to develop her skills. The other characters they introduced annoyed me at first but then they grew on me like they grew on Luce. I was very glad that they let you saw the angels from the prior book. I was overly enthused to see Arriane, Roland, and the others who helped Luce. Overall this book had well written characters, amazing plot lines, and was the best book I have read in quite a while!

Overall Rating:5/5

One word/phrase sum up: Better then I could even comprehend

In My Mailbox

2010-10-02T20:34:00.001-04:00

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren

This week I only got one book but I am very exited about it! The book I got was:

Torment by Lauren Kate

How many lives do you need to live before you find someone worth dying for? In the aftermath of what happened at Sword & Cross, Luce has been hidden away by her cursed angelic boyfriend, Daniel, in a new school filled with Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans. Daniel promises she will be safe here, protected from those who would kill her. At the school Luce discovers what the Shadows that have followed her all her life mean - and how to manipulate them to see into her other lives. Yet the more Luce learns about herself, the more she realizes that the past is her only key to unlocking her future...and that Daniel hasn't told her everything. What if his version of the past isn't actually the way things happened...what if Luce was really meant to be with someone else?

What did you get in your mailbox?

Guest Post

2010-09-23T13:21:00.000-04:00

I did a guest post a couple of days ago. Here it is! Go check it out!

Book Review: Gone

2010-09-22T14:04:00.000-04:00

Title: Gone
Series: Gone Series
Author(s): Michael Grant
Genre: Fantasy/ Sci-Fi(no clue)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 558

Summary: In the blink of an eye. Everyone disappears. GONE.
Except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not one single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what's happened.
Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day.
It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your birthday, you disappear just like everyone else...

My Thoughts: Although in the beginning it was slow and extremely boring it evolved into an exiting, intense, and crazy book that kept me jumping up and down with
every word. THe characters were all completely realistic even with the characters developing powers. The problems seemed real to. Everything was good in the beginning then in the end it exploded into a book filled with intense fights, hot relationships, and a wild plot line! Overall I am working on the next book in this series, and would recommend it to anyone anywhere because it is so great. The only drawback was the slow beginning which is why I didn't give it a full 5 stars.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

One word/phrase sum up: slow then exciting

Cover Art(2)

2010-09-07T16:21:00.000-04:00

Cover art is a meme hosted by Sarah at Confessions of the Un-Published. Here are the details! Now here is mine:

Unearthly by Cynthina Hand
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees. . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what it is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place--and out of place, at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make--between honesty and deciet, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Book Review: The Wizard of Oz

2010-09-05T19:19:00.000-04:00

Title: The Wizard of Oz
Series: yes
Author(s): L. Frank Baum
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Pages: 160

Summary: This is the complete and unabridged story in which Dorothy, together with her companions the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow and the cowardly Lion, makes her journey along the Yellow Brick Road in search of the wonderful wizard.

My Thoughts: This book somehow made it into my hands so I whipped through it quickly because it was small but it was quite odd. I guess because I have seen the movie so many times any story other than that is odd. There were so many weird characters, and although the plot line was simple it seemed complex with all the problems they faced. The one thing I loved were Dorothy's friend, trusting, noble, and just great they were perfect friends for Dorothy who could at times be helpless. The made up characters were so funny due to there odd characteristics, and funny appearances. In the end I am glad I have read this timeless classic that has inspired many childhood memories!

Overall Rating: 2.5/5

One word/phrase sum up: odd

Note: Hopefully I am able to return to my normal YA paranormal books soon but school is coming so I probably have several other weird books to read!

Book Review: House of Abraham

2010-09-04T20:55:00.000-04:00

Title: House of Abraham
Series: No
Author(s): Stephan Berry
Genre: Non- Fiction
Publisher: Mariner Books
Pages: 288

Summary: For all the talk of the Civil War's pitting brother against brother, no book has told fully the story of one family ravaged by that conflict. And no family better illustrates the personal toll the war took than Lincoln’s own. Mary Todd Lincoln was one of fourteen siblings who were split between the Confederacy and the Union. Three of her brothers fought, and two died, for the South. Several Todds — including Mary herself — bedeviled Lincoln’s administration with their scandalous behavior. Their struggles haunted the president and moved him to avoid tactics or rhetoric that would dehumanize or scapegoat the Confederates. By drawing on his own familial experience, Lincoln was able to articulate a humanistic, even charitable view of the enemy that seems surpassingly wise in our time, let alone his.
In House of Abraham, the award-winning historian Stephen Berry fills a gap in Civil War history, showing how the war changed one family and how that family changed the course of the war.

My Thoughts: This Civil War retelling from the eyes of a broken family shoved in front of national spot light cast new light on the Civil War. Seeing both sides of the story made it seem more reasonable especially with the in depth research that often used real quotes lifted from letters the Todd family wrote to each other. I did feel quite bad for all of them having a large family divided by war. They had many scandals that may or may not have had as much publicity if they had not been in-laws with the president. Overall this was a required reading, so it was a challenging read that required much of my attention but it had spectacular writing that drew me in till the last words of the epilogue!

Overall Rating: 3/5

One word/phrase sum up: informative and educational

Book Review: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

2010-09-02T12:38:00.000-04:00

Title: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Series: Their are accompanies to this book
Author(s): Mark Twain
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Pages: 272

Summary: Here is the story of Tom, Huck, Becky, and Aunt Polly; a tale of adventures, pranks, playing hookey, and summertime fun. Written by the author sometimes called "the Lincoln of literature," The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was surprisingly neither a critical nor a financial success when it was first published in 1876. It was Mark Twain's first novel. However, since then Tom Sawyer has become his most popular work, enjoying dramatic, film, and even Broadway musical interpretations.

My Thoughts: This classic book was filled with funny tales of a creative cute little boy who found a way of making lots of mischief. Tom was a cute character who was a classic little boy with dreams of becoming a pirate, and an attention span that zipped by quickly making all his stories different, and fun. The writing, though old was good, and different from the usual book. The story started off slow with no point to it but ended with a fun intense fast pace plot line. Overall even though this was required school reading I actually enjoyed it, and was quite surprised when I did!

Overall Rating: 4/5

One word/phrase sum up: a great tale

Cover Art(1)

2010-09-02T12:21:00.000-04:00

Cover art is hosted by Sarah at Confessions of the Unpublished it is usually done every Tuesday but I am late this week but will be back on time next week!

My pick this week is---

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

I adore this cover, and although I haven't heard much about this book the cover is fantastic! I love the dress and the cattails it just is so intriguing!

Top Ten of The Moment (12)

2010-09-02T10:33:00.000-04:00

Top Ten of the Moment is a meme hosted by me! It is pretty self explanatory, just look at this weeks theme make a list of your top ten favorite, then grab your link and put it in the Mr. Linkey!

This week's theme: songs

On My Own from Les Miserables- I love this song and often find myself embarrassingly belting it out!
The Call by Regina Spektor- I have had a small obsession lately with this song which leaves me with mixed feelings.
My Immortal by Evanescence- I have been going through an Evanescence phase the last couple of months and this song specifically is just so heartbreakingly good!
Bring Me to Life by Evanescence- I'm not sure who is featuring on this song but I adore the song, and the video because they guys voice is more a yell/ sing while Amy Lee's is an odd drowned out vocal.
The Winner Takes it All by Meryl Streep from the movie Mama Mia- This remake by Meryl Streep has long been a favorite of mine.
If I Were a Boy by Beyonce- Beyonce has long been a favorite of mine, and at least one of her songs tends to rotate through my favorite song.
Bust Your Windows by Amber Riley(Glee Cover)- I am a HUGE glee fan, and this is one of my favorites because Amber Riley is one of my favorite show character.
Fidelity by Regina Spektor- I love both this song and the video. The song is really great with lots of interesting lyrics and vocals, while the video is weird until the end which is funny and full of life and color.
Like We Used To by Rocket To The Moon- This song always makes me sad because with the amazing vocals you can hear the sad song's lyrics.
Sweet Sacrifice by Evanescence- I am just in an Evanescence phase!!

Waiting on Wednesday

2010-09-01T10:15:00.002-04:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

I'm not usually into classic remakes, but The Lonely Hearts Club was so good I simply could not resist putting it on my wish list because I long for more of Elizabeth Eulberg's awesome writing. Here is the description for this new coming out in January 1st 2011:

From the much-buzzed-about author of THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB (already blurbed by Stephenie Meyer, Lauren Myracle, and Jen Calonita), a prom-season delight of Jane Austen proportions.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single guy in his spring semester at Pemberly Academy must be in want of a prom date.

After winter break, the girls at very prestigious, very wealthy, girls-only Longbourn Academy are suddenly obsessed with the prom, which they share with the nearby, equally elitist, all-boys Pemberly school. Lizzie Bennett, who attends Longbourn on scholarship, isn't exactly interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be - especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.

Lizzie is happy about her friend's burgeoning romance, but less than impressed by Will Darcy, Charles's friend, who's as snobby and pretentious as his friend is nice. He doesn't seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it's because her family doesn't have money. It doesn't help that Charles doesn't seem to be asking Jane to be his prom date, or that Lizzie meets George Wickham, who tells her that Will Darcy sabotaged his scholarship at Pemberly. Clearly Will Darcy is a pompous jerk who looks down on the middle class--so imagine Lizzie's surprise when he asks her to the prom!

Will Lizzie's prejudice and Will's pride keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? From Elizabeth Eulberg comes a very funny, completely stylish prom-season delight of Jane Austen proportions.

Book Review: Stargirl

2010-08-31T10:46:00.000-04:00

Title: Stargirl
Series: yes
Author(s): Jerry Spinelli
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Laurel Leaf
Pages: 186

Summary: Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first. Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. In this celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love.

My Thoughts: I adored this inspirational book! Stargirl was the character and person everyone wishes they could be with her bold characteristics, and insane outfits. Leo occasionally annoyed me because he tried forcing Stargirl to change, and didn't realize what he had in front of him. All the characters in this book were very realistic and represented many challenges about high school life. The writing did an even better better job of letting this story flow. Overall the story was eye-opening and heart warming with great characters, and a good but simple plot line.

Overall Rating: 5/5

One word/phrase sum up: inspiring and heart warming

Book Review: Dark of the Moon

2010-08-28T09:23:00.002-04:00

Title: Dark of the Moon
Series: Dark Guardian Series
Author(s): Rachel Hawthorne
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 261

Summary: I've loved him forever, but he can never be mine. BRITTANY is determined to prove herself to the Dark Guardians. And yet she's been keeping a devastating secret: She hasn't experienced any of the intense, early signs of change that mark a Dark Guardian's transformation. The only intense feelings she has are for Connor—and she's kept that a secret, too. But she knows she'll never truly have Connor's love if she's not a Shifter like him.
At the first full moon after her birthday, her greatest fear is realized: She doesn't transform. Brittany is so desperate to become a wolf that she'll go to extremes she never thought possible . . . and put all the Dark Guardians in incredible danger.

My Thoughts: Just like book 1 and 2 of this series, this book is a great read with realistic characters, and great writing matched with a exciting plot line. In the first two books I thought Brittany was a little annoying and super tough but in this book I realized that was just her shell, and she was actually a good person. I felt really bad for her most of the book, but I was glad at the end. I read this book a month ago an forgot to review it so I can only remember the basic plot line. Overall it was great writing, plot lines, and passionate characters.

Overall Rating: 4/5

One word/phrase sum up:dark and riveting

Top Ten of The Moment (11)

2010-08-26T09:34:00.000-04:00

Top Ten of the Moment is a meme hosted by me! It is pretty self explanatory, just look at this weeks theme make a list of your top ten favorite, then grab your link and put it in the Mr. Linkey!

This weeks theme is: Fictional Women who inspire you

Note: she can be from a TV show, movie, or a book.

Elizabeth Bennet- I have read Pride and Prejudice and seen the movie(both versions) and I think Elizabeth Bennet is an inspiring character with a great heart! I find it amazing that despite the fact she will have no money to her name when her father dies she refuses to marry anyone unless she is truly in love with him! She refuses 2(I think) marriage proposals before she agrees to someone who had already proposed! I think she is a great strong women!
Marianne Dashwood- Although Marianne was sometimes over passionate in her ways of showing happiness and grieving she was a character with drive and power. Her passion, despite its overbearingness, was truly inspiring. She always had a goal or a hope that she drove to accomplish.
Elinor Dashwood- Even though I have only ever seen the movie, I thought that Elinor was a great level headed character with a strong mind. Although she often put others needs in front on her own, it was with a kind heart. I found her endearing, sweet, and the backbone of a poor family.
Scarlett O'Hara- Even though I think she is a spoiled brat when she is rich, and a ruthless mean snot when she is poor, Scarlett O' Hara is a very strong character that overcomes a lot of hard challenges!
Maggie Armstrong(from Leaving Paradise)- Even though she was seemed sad and depressed all the time in this book after she got hit by a car, and was left with horrible scars, and a limp. I actually think she was an inspiring character dealing with all she had to, and still being nice, sweet, and caring
Lyddie(from the book Lyddie)- Even though I did not like this book at all Lyddie was a tough character! She always had her family in mind, and never stopped trying to get them into a better situation!

Sorry I am very busy right now with vacation, so I have to cut this post short! Have fun making your own lists!

Movie Review: Gone with the Wind

2010-08-24T07:50:00.000-04:00

Movie Review: Gone With the Wind

Leading Actress: Vivien Leigh (played Scarlett)

Leading Actor: Clark Gable (Rhett Butler)

Supporting Roles:

Laslie Howard (Ashley)

Olivia de Havilland (Melanie/Melly)

Hattie McDaniel (Mammy)

My Thoughts: This really was a great movie. Even though some of the backdrops seemed fake, but I have to remember that this movie is a classic and was made in 1939! I still haven't read this book yet, despite the fact I have gotten it from the library twice...

Scarlett was really an annoying though. When she was rich she was a snot, and when she was poor she was heartless, and mean to everyone. Also she had one goal in life: Ashley, and even though he was happily married she still attempted to throw herself on him! It was painfully annoying because Melly was such a nice harmless person who only carried for others. Then in the end when she realized Rhett was all she wanted or needed it was to late! All the characters were different, and fun. Rhett was so funny to me, and Melly was the sweetest person ever. Mammy was so funny, and some of the other characters were quit funny. She was a horribly annoying character but she is so strong after the war at Tara that that is one redeeming quality. Other than that it was a great plot line with tons of surprises, and despite the fact Scarlett was a snot all the other characters were great.

Book Review: Full Moon

2010-08-22T10:44:00.000-04:00

Title: Full Moon
Series: Dark Guardian
Author(s): Rachel Hawthorne
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 320

Summary: I may be promised to another...but thoughts of Rafe consume me. I don't know how much longer I can resist.
LINDSEY is wild and reckless, a natural rebel—maybe because her entire life was laid out for her even before she was born. Her parents are among the most powerful members of the Dark Guardians, an ancient tribe of werewolves, and they arranged Lindsey's betrothal to Connor long ago. The next full moon is coming all too soon, and then her commitment to Connor will be final—no turning back. She should be happy...so why can't she stop thinking about gorgeous, brooding Rafe?
When a dangerous threat on the pack escalates, so do tensions between Connor and Rafe. A fight over Lindsey is imminent, but will it be to the death?

My Thoughts: There was only one huge problem with this entire book for me. The writing, it was just as good as the last one but it took me nearly one hundred pages to get it in my head that it was Lindsey talking not Kayla because the writer did not do a good job at distinguishing a voice between the two. Whenever Lindsey started hitting on Rafe or Connor I unconsciously thought she was cheating on Lucas. It was very hard to keep track of. It was also annoying because I knew what it was supposed to feel like with your mate, and she had that with Rafe, but like the first book the girl tried to deny it! Other than that it was an amazing plot line that kept me clinching onto every word with its amazing characters and plot line. Overall this book was hard to get into, but in the end easy to like because it was a great story.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

One word/phrase sum up: annoying but good

Author Interview: Beth Fantaskey

2010-08-20T12:19:00.000-04:00

This is an author interview with Beth Fantaskey author of two amazing books, Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (review here), and Jekel Loves Hyde(review here)!

Here it is:

1. When it comes to writing what is the one most critical piece of advice you think an aspiring author should know?

The best advice I received as an aspiring author was to join one of the national organizations that represent writers, such as Romance Writers of America and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, etc. (There are groups that deal with various genres.) I was going it alone, then on the advice of a published friend joined RWA, and I learned so much about the industry and got to network with other writers, editors and agents… That was crucial to me. I was glad someone clued me in.

2. All of your characters are different, realistic, and unique. How do you come up with these characters, and which one is most like you, or is based off of someone you know?

Although I’m shy like Jill Jekel, aside from that similarity, all of my characters are pretty unique unto themselves. I don’t base them on people I know. They really just come to life in my mind, and “meeting” them is almost like meeting anyone new. As I write the first draft, I get to know them better and better as the “individuals” they are. (That’s true except for Lucius, the vampire prince in Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side. He just sort of walked into my office one day and started dictating his letters, and it was like I knew him perfectly from the first time I “heard” him speaking.)

3. On Goodreads I saw a book called Jessica's Guide to Ruling on the Dark Side that is scheduled to be released in 2011. Can you give us a hint in what will happen in that book?

The book, which may ultimately have a different title, is the sequel to Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, and picks up Jess and Lucius’s story after the “mini sequel” that’s posted on my website, bethfantaskey.com. (The internet chapters tell the story of Jess and Lucius’s wedding.)
Basically, the full sequel’s about how Jess tries to adjust to being married to a hot vampire prince, deal with ruling a nation of unruly undead – and cope with being kind of homesick for her old life, too. And, of course, it will explain what really happened to Mindy when she disappeared with Lucius’s best man, Italian vampire Raniero, at the wedding…

4. What is your favorite paranormal creature?

Definitely vampires. They’re so mysterious and dangerous – yet suave and well-mannered. What a combination! I think it’s irresistible.

5. Jekel Loves Hyde is a great book, and is definitely a new idea. How did you come up with the ideas to both of your books?

I’m never really sure where the ideas come from. With Jekel Loves Hyde, the title just popped into my head, and it seemed so full of possibilities that I ran to my computer to see if it had ever been used. When I learned that it hadn’t, I started to daydream about what would happen if the original novel, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, had been based in reality, and there really was a formula that could turn nice people into monsters…
Jessica’s Guide is somewhat rooted in my life. My children are adopted, and we often wonder what their birth parents were like. With Jess, I took that to the extreme by imagining her birth parents as not only vampires, but vampire royalty.
I guess inspiration comes from all sorts of different places!

6. What has been the best thing about becoming a published author?

Hearing from fans who love the books, or say they laughed and cried while reading them. That’s really amazing, to be able to give people that experience. I feel very humble and grateful for that opportunity.

7. Before you became a published author what did you do? Do you have lots of other first drafts, and story ideas that have been left unfinished?

I’ve been a writer for more than 20 years, working mainly in politics, public relations and journalism. Basically, that’s been my whole career. About ten years ago, I started writing short stories, to see if I could make the move to fiction. After I sold a few of those, I wrote two novel-length manuscripts that went nowhere before finding a project that I was really passionate about (Jessica’s Guide). I think finding a story I really wanted to tell was key.

8. Did you always want to be an author, and are there certain books that you enjoy or that impact your writing?

I guess I answered the first part already. As for books that impacted my writing – I’d say Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo is my biggest influence. I love his use of cliffhangers, his sense of drama, and the way his heroes are very dark, but also humorous and gallant. Edmond Dantes is my all-time favorite character in literature.

9. How long did it take you to finish both drafts?

I average about three months on a first draft, and about six months on second drafts. They really are like “babies” to me!

10. In Jekel Loved Hyde you wrote in dual perspectives while in Jessica's Guide you wrote from solely Jessica's viewpoint with letters from Lucious to his Uncle. Why did you write in that style, and what made you change for the second book you wrote?

My style starts with my preference for first person, which I like because I think it makes the reader feel like part of the action and the emotions. So I definitely wanted both my books to be first person. Beyond that, I also wanted to give readers the chance to see what the guys were thinking, so their perspective had to be in there, too.

With Jessica’s Guide, I had specific reasons for expressing Lucius through letters. He’s a literature-loving, eloquent vampire, so it makes sense that he’d write, and the letters are also a little bit more mysterious than just having him narrate directly to the reader. He expresses aspects of himself to his uncle – but he doesn’t tell us everything.

I decided to use a straight dual perspective with Jekel Loves Hyde because I wanted readers to know exactly what was going on with Tristen Hyde. What happens inside of his head – his struggle – is really the heart of the book, so readers needed to see that.

Top Ten of the Moment(10)

2010-08-19T01:37:00.004-04:00

Top Ten of the Moment is a meme hosted by me! It is pretty self explanatory, just look at this weeks theme make a list of your top ten favorite, then grab your link and put it in the Mr. Linkey!

This weeks theme is: Top Ten Childhood Favorites!

Note: Mine aren't in order... it is very hard to put them in order because ther are so may memories!

Caps For Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Little House on the Prarie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

The Lorax by Dr. Suess

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Make Way For Ducklings ny Robert McCloskey

There's a Wocket in my Pocket! ny Dr. Suess

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

There was an old Lady who Swallowed a fly by Pam Adams

and last but not least...

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Thanks! Have fun making your own list!

Random things

2010-08-17T05:10:00.001-04:00

Here is a pile of Random things I found intreating that are not big enough to be made into a single post, most of this is little things I picked up on Goodreads

The cover for Entice(third book in Need series) is out(shown at right)! Doesn't it look simply amazing! I really hater Captivate but I loved Need so much i will have to get this one!
The title to the third book in the Fallen series by Lauren Kate will be named Passion, and is set to be released some time in 2011
The third book in the series by Aprilynne Pike(first book titled Wings, and second titled Spells) has been set to be released April 8th(1 month before my birthday!) and is titled Enchantments while the next book in the series and the last is going to be named Illusions!
T he third book to Simone Elkeles' Perfect Chemistry series is titled Chain Reactions , and is going to be released sometime in 2011! Here is what Simone said: "Good news! Right now I am working on Luis Fuentes’ story. I can’t give away any of the exciting details because I just started writing the book so don’t email me asking for details or hints, but I will tell you that all of your favorite characters (Alex & Brittany and Carlos & Kiara) will be back. Even some of the supporting characters might make an appearance, like Tuck and Isa (and maybe some characters you don’t want to be there will be there, too)."
Also Beth Fantaskey is working on a second book to Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side which is called Jessica's Guide to Ruling on the Dark Side!

I am leaving to go on a vacation, and have a couple of scheduled posts but I won't be back for a little over 2 weeks so if I don't comment don't be offended!

Top Ten of The Moment (9)

2010-08-12T17:01:00.000-04:00

Top Ten of the Moment is a meme hosted by me! It is pretty self explanatory, just look at this weeks theme make a list of your top ten favorite, then grab your link and put it in the Mr. Linkey!
This weeks theme is: favorite scenes/paragraph you like to write(if you are not a writer then make it favorite scenes to read)
Also if you can't reach ten just go as far as you can.

Corny love scenes- These are my all time favorite to write because they include cheesy lines that have to be taken out in the second draft but are still fun to hear and play around with. For me they are also fun to write because I like to pull out a thesaurus when they kiss just to add as many adjectives as humanly possible!
Any scene involving exercise- I love any workout scenes because I am a swimmer, so I like to describe that based on past experiences. I also love describing running because I have an addiction to trying to describe wind.
Scenes in the woods- I used to go to an environmental school where we spent countless hours doing phenology, so I have spent many hours describing various settings outdoors. After 2 years of that school I feel connected to the outdoors so when I write about it I try to tap into that.
1. First impression/ description scenes- I know. They aren't actually scenes but I love the small paragraphs of description especially with paranormal creatures or the love interest because I love giving them one bold characteristic that is constantly mentioned. In the book I am reading right now the paranormal creature has multi-colored eyes to ark it as what it is, so I love describing all the colors that twirl together but are still so distinct.
Action scenes- I don't have to many of these but when I do I try to make my main character part of the action because she is a girl and I have way to many sexist books where the girls are giggly and hopeless in a fight so whenever I have one I make quite a big deal about involving the girl because it just... AHHH it is so annoying, so when I write them girls do kick butt!
Suspenseful scenes- I find these hard to do, but in a fun challenging way. I know what's coming but the reader doesn't and I have to build it up. I love having small suspenseful paragraphs that lead up to her running into a cat making a scratching noise(no I haven't written that, but that type of stuff horror movie stuff)
Endings- I am in a love/hate relationship with endings. I hate that I never know exactly how to do it but I love playing out crazy scenarios in my head.
Transition sentences- I like spacing my story but summing up a week in between crazy mini-climax points in a sentence, or two, but I love to add funny details that make it seem like a week actually passed because she/he has a story to go with it.
Best friend bonding scene- I love writing them because I have so many great friends to base it off of. Sadly all my friends have requested one thing, "Base a character off me... then kill it!" , so I have one character that has all my friends wraped in it, but I have to kill her! I cried when I outlined that scence because the friend I am killing has tons of "bonding" moments were the main character releases so much stress, and now the main character is lost.
Party scenes- Mostly because my character never drinks I like to have her point out how dumb underage drinking is, and how it harms so many. I hope I can prove a point with that because I want to rely that message that drinking under age is stupid so I want to make points of how stupid it is.

I think next weeks topic may have something to do with music....

Anyway make your post, and put your URL directly to your post in the linkey below!

Book Review: Moonlight

2010-08-11T19:54:00.001-04:00

Title: Moonlight
Series: Dark Guardian
Author(s): Rachel Hawthorne
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 263

Summary: I see him and knows what this turmoil inside of me means: He's the one. My forever.
KAYLA is the nature lover, the all-American beauty who can't understand why she's so drawn to distant, brooding Lucas. Adopted as a young child, she has no way of knowing that she's inherited a terrifying-and thrilling-gene that will change her life forever.
LUCAS is dangerous, gorgeous ... and a werewolf. As leader of the Dark Guardians, shape-shifters who gather deep within the state park, he has sworn to protect his pack. But when Lucas finds his true soul mate, his love could put them all in harm's way.

As Lucas and Kayla struggle with their feelings for each other, a greater danger lurks: Humans have discovered the Dark Guardians and are planning their destru ction. Kayla must choose between the life she knows and the love she feels certain is her destiny.

My Thoughts: I really loved and hated this book. I loved it more than hated it but still. It seemed like every other book where girl meets boy with mystical powers who then tells her se needs to make a life changing choice at seventeen. I don't know why I love that plot line but I do. It somehow occurs in almost every book I read but I still love every moment of it. The writing was spectacular but I was sometimes thoroughly annoyed at how Kayla tried not to like Lucas because he was to intense for her! That made me mad! She had pure burning passion for him which caused her to try not to like him! In the end I finally adored every moment of it. It is one of those books you need to hunker down and read then at a certain part everything clicks and suddenly all of your thoughts revolve around this book, and you must know what happens.
The writing was, as I said earlier, spectacular in the way it described Lucas and Kayla's relationship with such intensity it made me thoroughly jealous I did not have a super possessive Shifter boyfriend! All the characters were realistic, and I loved everyone in the sherpa group! Overall this was a fantastic book, and I can not wait to read the next one in the series!

Overall Rating: 4/5

One word/phrase sum up: dark and lovely

Book Review: A Long Way From Chicago

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

Title: A Long Way From Chicago
Series: Yes
Author(s): Richard Peck
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Puffin
Pages: 160

Summary: What happens when Joey and his sister, Mary Alice--two city slickers from Chicago--make their annual summer visit to Grandma Dowdel's seemingly sleepy Illinois town? In the tradition of American humorists Mark Twain and Flannery O'Connor, Richard Peck has created this memorable world filled with characters who, like Grandma herself, are larger than life and twice as entertaining.

My Thoughts: There was nothing particularly wrong with this book. Great writing, funny characters, and good short stories but it lacked a plot line to propel it forward with. Grandma Dowdel was a mischievous character with a crazy mind. She was always surprising, and made the summer trips Joey, and Mary Alice took fun. The small country town setting caused for many reoccurring characters who carried gossip like bees do pollen, and when Grandma Dowdel decided to really shake them she could. Each story was completely different, and caused me to laugh heartily. In the end if you ever want a light read about with fun stories that sound like something you would hear around a campfire pick this up.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

One word/phrase sum up: a fun tale

Author Interview: Aprilynne Pike

2010-08-07T12:45:00.001-04:00

Here is my author interview with Aprilynne Pike:

1. When it comes to writing what is the one most critical piece of advice you think an aspiring author should know?

It will probably take you more than one book to get published. And that's okay! Most authors have a trunk novel of two (or three, or ten) that are basically the stories they learned on before they wrote something good enough to be published. Do pour your heart and soul into every novel you write, but it's okay to let it go too, because the next one will probably be better!

2. Your characters are all very realistic but different, and unique. Who is your favorite character, and how did you come up with him/ her?

I like Chelsea! She just kind of evolved. She was hardly more than a mention in the first draft of Wings, and as I went through revisions with my editor, she started to become an integral part of the story. In Spells, she was, again, not going to be such a big part of the plot, but she kept finding her way into scenes.:D I don't know that I really "came up" with her, so much as that she naturally came into being. I love it when characters just are!

3. How many books will be in this series?

Four books. The third will be out next May and I am in the process of writing my first draft of the fourth book now!

4. What is your favorite paranormal creature?

Faeries! I'm not really sure what I'm going to move onto next! It's hard to leave them behind, but after the fourth book, Laurel, David, and Tamani's story is done . . . so I have to do something else.:D

5. Are you on Team David or Team Tamani? The way you writes it makes me think David but how could you like him more than Tamani because the way you write him makes him beyond perfect!

I'm afraid that because I know how the series ends, that's a question I can't answer.:D When I started writing this series, I set out to write two versions of the perfect man. And I have so many fans on both sides of the fence, so I think I managed to succeed.:D But don't worry, she will make a choice at the end, and I hope even the fans whose "team" she doesn't choose will still think the ending is right.

6. What has been the best thing about becoming a published author?

Meeting fans from all over the country. Wow! Definitely the best part!!!!