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This is such a good idea, I have to share: Red House Books is hosting a challenge for April that is all about reading all of our netgalley books. Now, I don't know about you, but sometimes I let these babies stack up because I am A. doing schoolwork B. library books have dates that are due sooner than ng and C. ARC has to be read and passed along faster than netgalley. I plan to read 3 netgalley titles this month. Read all about the challenge here .

The Girl's Guide to Homelessness by Brianna Karp (I was having trouble finding a photo of the cover, so here is one of Briana instead-from her site) Publish date: April 26, 2011 read egalley via netgalley, but requested arc to share with coworkers Goodreads 5/5 Stars In a nutshell: This is the true story of Brianna. She lost her job and became homeless. BUT the book is so much more than this. She was abused as a child (sexually, physically, and verbally) and this is Brianna's story of trying to dig herself out of unemployment in this recession (and her quest for true love). Hoo. That being said, I must tell you I loved this book. I found it inspiring! It is a must read for my generation and everyone who loved Glass Castle . I will personally be putting this book into the hands of many, many people. I also plan to buy several copies as I know some readers who would love to get this book as a gift. For a preview, check out Brianna's website . Her tone is very conversational a

I Am J by Chris Beam Goodreads link 4/5 Stars One sentence synopsis: J was born Jeni, but wishes to become the boy she knows she is on the inside. The best thing about reading fiction is when it lets a reader walk in the shoes of a character who is from a world the reader does not get to experience on their own. The second best thing about fiction is when you, as a reader, finds a character in a book who mirrors your own situation. I Am J is an important book. It is the first (and only?) book I have read about transgender teens and I found it really interesting. I liked J very much, although there were times I wanted to jump into the novel and speak up for him (he tends to remain quiet). I wanted to defend him, and be the friend he needed. But no worries, as this book is about more than just a journey from girl to boy. It is a novel about family and friends, and who is really there for you when you need them. I loved that the characters in this story are really "real". Beam

I can't thank all of you who friended me, followed me, and, well.... just popped in for a visit enough. It was so much fun to be a part of this hop, and I can't wait to do another one. In the meantime, I just wanted anyone who cared know that: 1. my lucky charm is a blue rock (I swear my grades have improved since I started carrying it around!) 2. I am soooo glad I am not the only one who believes in lucky charms!!! Now, grab those charms as random.org picks our lucky winner. #292 Gina (yummyfaerie) who has a lucky rabbit's foot , You have won the $25 gift card to Amazon. I will be emailing you in a second to get your address. Thank you again for participating, I know from entering many of these contests myself that it takes time to fill out forms, jump through whatever hoops to follow/comment/or follow and comment. Thank you, YOU ROCK!

Whoo hoo! Time for some lucky, Irish fun. One lucky, lucky person will win a $25 gift card to Amazon to spend on whatever your little heart desires. Rules: Fill out the form. Comments and follows are not required, but sure are nice! US only, I am just too new at this to attempt International at this point. Check out all of the blogs on the hop! There are loads of chances to win some great stuff. Thank you for entering, and please feel free to stop back and visit me anytime! Contest open: March 17, 2011 to March 20, 2011. Winner will be notified on the 21st by email. Hop to here to see the list of participating blogs! Loading...

I was looking for an easy, quick read on my tiny break between quarters. Here is review (also, check back on St. Patrick's Day for a new giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Subject 7 by James A. Moore Goodreads link 3/5 Stars One sentence recap: Genetically engineered kids have hidden monsters inside of them that can be summoned by code phrase, and the monsters want out. I am glad I read this. There are some really great parts in this book, it is a page turner, and it has inspired me to read The Strange Case of Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde. I only wish I would have saved this one for the beach! There is very little characterization in the book, and the first person narration jumps from character to character (and to character within characters!). It is a great action novel, I know some teen boys who would love it. I kind of wish it had been a graphic novel-I would like to see what the characters look like. I'm hoping this is a series, because Subject 7 just k

I know it seems like I have been MIA lately, and that is because it is crunch time with school. I have six days to get in my papers (you know how it goes). BUT, If you are in the tri-state area you have to join us at the Princeton B&N on April 26th! Check out Christi's blog here for the full deelio (and also because her blog is great). Other news, I just found out Jana Oliver will be at BEA (yes!) and I had to ILL her Time Rovers series because, I understand, they are incredible. So I am hoping to pick up a copy of Demon Trapper's Daughter in May. In the meantime, I am reading nothing but textbooks (yech) but I have some pre-scheduled posts set to roll. Hopefully, I will be back before you miss me. FYI- If you loved Glass Castle, get ready for Girl's Guide to Homelessness by Brianna Karp. FYI (2) If you have not read Glass Castle, put down what ever you are reading and read that now.

If you remember, I actually read this one three time last year. The first time for myself, then on audio for the kids and I (a car trip), and then I wrote a paper on it for school. I love this book so much. So, my girl Maryrose Wood will be in Princeton at Barnes and Noble on March 11 @ 7pm. I have mapquested this and figure it's gonna take me about a half an hour. Here are the details . If you run into the chick in glasses clutching her copy of The Hidden Gallery to her chest like an infant, yeah, that's me. It is my goal to post any and all author events I can find in the NJ/PA/DE area. I will only report on YA and Middle Grade authors. If you know of an event and I don't have it posted, send me an email.

Wither by Lauren DeStefano Publish date 3/22/11 Goodreads review copy from publisher 4.5/5 stars Wow. What can I say about this book that has not already been said? I have yet to read a bad review of Wither, and there is a reason for that... One sentence synopsis: In the future people have short life spans and Rhine has been kidnapped into marriage to a forlorn groom. The world building is excellent. The storytelling is excellent. I cannot believe this is a first novel. Of all of the titles I have heard people say "will remind you of Hunger Games" Wither is the first to fit that bill. Rhine and Katniss share similar traits, the situation is just as despondant, and the luxury vs extreme poverty settings are there too. But make no mistake, Rhine's story is original and her own (although, it is the reader in me that keeps wanting to compare it to other books- Handmaid's Tale would also work). So, IMHO, this is what I can add to the Wither discussion: what I loved be