Text and Java

Review: Scarlet by Gaughen

2012-01-06T07:03:00.000-08:00

Scarlet
By A.C. Gaughen
Published: Valentine's Day, 2012
Review copy from netgalley
In the mood for swashbuckling fun?
Read this.
From Goodreads:

"Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance. Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in. It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for".

The tale of Robin Hood has always been a fave, so the premise appealed to me. The long story short? It's a great read!

I found Scarlet to be rather awesome, and there are tons of fight scenes (all of them written very well). The whole sense of good vs evil is good and muddied, as it is supposed to be. We have outlaws stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, don't we? The swashbuckling is really exciting, and the dangers really threatening.

I also loved that Robin, John, and Scarlet are all young. I never believed that Robin Hood should be an older man, although, Alan Rickman will forever be the Sheriff of Nottingham forever and ever to me. The sheriff is not the lead villain here, but he makes a few guest appearances. And Robin Hood could come off as rather Hamlet-ish but Gaughen's Robin is able to laugh at himself and cares deeply for his band of "men".

I am not one for romance, but the chemistry between Robin and Scarlet is thick-even though Scarlet cannot see it. Too bad we did not get more of their back story (they met in London at a low point in each of their lives, and that is about all we know). I would have liked to know more about Scarlet's prior life as well. I understand why she left her situation, but it was unclear to me as to why she would don pants and take up knife wielding.

These are just tiny gripes that just prove I want more of the story!

I did have a pinch of a problem with the John/Scarlet situation as I did not understand it, or where John was coming from. Also, I appreciated the vernacular, that made sense, but I would have liked more of it.

So many times, Scarlet wipes "water" from her eyes and says "were" instead of "is". How about some more? Some medieval slang would have been cool.

I highly recommend reading the author's note at the end of the story (it was in the arc, so I'm hoping it's in the finished copy). I liked learning about the process of how Gaughen decided to write about Scarlet and her love for Robin Hood.

I think she honored his legacy with this story, and created a new spin on Will Scarlet as well.

That were fair amazin'! as Scarlet would say,.

My Year in Review....

2012-01-02T07:47:00.000-08:00

2011 was a great reading year. I can't get over how many new favorite
authors I discovered, how many challenges tried, and how many events I
was able to attend.

So, on to the best of the best. I am not ranking them this year, because in many cases it would be like putting apples up against oranges. Instead, I am calling them all the best of the best. I really recommend all of these titles AND I am linking them all to Goodreads so that you can easily add them to your TBR pile.

If I had to pick a FAVORITE favorite it would be this:

Night Circus

I did not think it would live up to the hype, but I just loved it.
Here's another:


Ready Player One

Two more great books:

Miss Peregrine's

Among Others

You can see the rest of my list on Goodreads here

But I want to share this:

Book I most thought I would hate and ended up loving:

I am a little nervous about 2012. Much of it seems to be sequel. Not that sequels are bad, I just love discovering new authors and/or seeing an author go in a new direction and really hit it home (like Beauty Queens). I have new goals, new titles to pine for, and a new schedule as I am finished grad school!

2011 YA Story Scavenger Hunt

2011-12-31T09:18:00.000-08:00

I'm today's hunt stop for the 2011 YA Story Scavenger Hunt!

Follow the hunt every day during the month of December! Answer the daily trivia questions from MG and YA books published during 2011 to be entered into the YA book giveaway.

Today's question is from Enclave by Ann Aguirre.

Question #61: Who was the leader of the Wolves?

Remember to fill out your answer in the form at Most Important Letter here!

Good luck!!

Review: Girls of No Return

2011-12-20T09:31:00.000-08:00

The Girls of No Return
By Erin Saldin
Will be published: 2/1/12
From goodreads: CUT meets HATCHET in this lacerating debut about girls, knives, and redemption.

The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area stretches across two million acres in northern Idaho. In its heart sits the Alice Marshall School, where fifty teenage girls come to escape their histories and themselves.

Lida Wallace has tried to negate herself in every way possible. At Alice Marshall, she meets Elsa Boone, a fierce native Idahoan; Jules, who seems too healthy to belong at the school; and Gia Longchamps, whose glamour entrances the entire camp. As the girls prepare for a wilderness trek, Lida is both thrilled and terrified to be chosen as Gia's friend. But everyone has their secrets--their "Things" they try to protect; and when those come out, the knives do as well.

   This is a story of obsession and about finding out who you are and where you are going. Lida is having a hard time. She is sent to this wilderness school partly as a punishment, and partly to escape the life she is living. I found Lida to be very believable, and while I did not have much in common with her I sat back and read her story with a sense of understanding.
   The big picture here is that Lida is unsure of who she is and where she fits in.She begins to obsess over her relationship with Gia. This is a girl-crush, and I did not find it sexual or romantic, but confused and painful-and that is the point. Lida is unsure of what she wants.
I worry that the description leads the reader to believe this is an adventure novel. It is not. It is about survival, but it is more psychological than physical.
   I am also left with the sense of not knowing who to recommend it too. It's rather literary. It is not an easy or fast read, but it is an important one. I think my adult fiction friends may enjoy it more than my Teen Book Club members. There are no happy endings here (because there could not be, the school is just a stop gap in the path of life). The entire novel is also written flashback style and some of the heavy foreshadowing got on my nerves-a touch. It is also real and gritty.
    Overall, a good read that needs some time to be read slowly.

Hmmm

2011-12-07T09:33:00.001-08:00

Here I was thinking that I have all of these posts scheduled so that you would not notice that I am missing while I finish up the last of my grad school work.....Sorry!
As this week I have a tour book to plow through, papers to finish, and K-Dramas to watch (thank you One Page at a Time ) for this new addiction I didn't need!

Grrr!
I promise to be back with content in about a week. Until then, if you see me, be kind.

2011 YA Scavenger Hunt

2011-12-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Whoo Hoo! Trivia time!

I'm today's hunt stop for the 2011 YA Story Scavenger Hunt!

Follow the hunt every day during the month of December! Answer the daily trivia questions from MG and YA books published during 2011 to be entered into the YA book giveaway.

Today's question is from Divergent by Veronica Roth.

Question #7: What faction was Eric from originally?

Remember to fill out your answer in the form at Most Important Letter here!

Review: Graffiti Moon

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

Graffiti Moon
By Cath Crowley
Goodreads link
Will be out on Valentines Day, 2012
Review copy from ATWT
From Goodreads:
Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.

What a sweet surprise this book is! I don't normally care for contempt stories, or romance, but I LOVED this book. I read it in one shot today. Lucy and Ed live in Melbourne (Australia) and the entire story takes place over one evening. Lucy is on the hunt for a local graffiti artist. His name is Shadow and she loves his art. This hit home for me, because I live about fifteen miles outside of Philly and some of the graffiti art that is splayed on the walls there is just gorgeous. Shadow's art really speaks to Lucy, and she thinks she may find a soul mate in the artist.
Ed, well ....., Ed is a mess, and the last thing he wants is to hang out with the girl who broke his nose a few years back. Add in a cast of friends who are a mess themselves (one owes a great bit of money to a very nasty guy), and it is one night to remember.
The writing is hysterical, there are some laugh out loud lines here!
I could not stop reading, and I couldn't help thinking that this would make the cutest date movie ever. I really, really enjoyed this. I also loved that these are average kids, all facing struggles of one sort or another. Even the minor characters come alive with detail and distinct personalities. I can't wait for more from Crowley!

Keep this one in mind for 2012 Debut Author Challenge!!!!

Anna Dressed In Blood review

2011-11-25T16:54:00.000-08:00

Anna Dressed in Blood
By Kendare Blake
Out: now
Review copy from my library
Goodreads listing
MUST READ

I have to admit, I was sold on this book months ago because I loved the cover that much. I did not care what the book was about. So, I went into this one not knowing what to expect and I was surprised.
I LOVED this book.
We have a ghost hunter, who happens to be a hot teenage boy and a ragtag group of friends who want to help him banish the most famous local ghost-Anna.
Anna, however, is not like most ghosts.
Blake writes really scary scenes and they do not come off as hokey, just the opposite. Some of the things that happen in this book are really frightening, and I cannot recommend it for the squeamish. This is so refreshing to see in YA-real horror.
I also loved that Blake was not afraid to allow her characters to make fun of themselves. Repeated Ghostbuster and Buffy references abound, and the comments were funny and relieved some of the tension of the world she has created here.
Finally, I love the world Blake has created here. I can't wait to learn more about the ghosts and other creatures roaming around this world that Cas lives in. I do wish I had read this closer to Halloween, but I know quite a few readers who would love this as much as I did.
The second book, Girl of Nightmares, will be out in August of 2012 and makes that a perfect title for my Sophmore Challenge reading list.

Happy Turkey Day!!

2011-11-24T05:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Turkey Day Everyone!!! I hope you have a couple of restful days off and a heaping plate of good reads!!!!

Ashes by Blick

2011-11-22T08:37:00.000-08:00

Ashes by Ilsa J Bick
out now
Goodreads link
review copy from library
MUST READ

I have been reading reviews of this book for months and still was not prepared for how epic this book is. I can only think to compare it to Stephen King's The Stand. It is that good.
I started this one night and even though it is kind of chunky in size, I plowed through it in one day. The action started right away, and it never lets up. At the same time, action scene after action scene does not get old. Everything seems to happen for a good reason.
Also, I have never experienced a book boy crush before, but Tom is my kind of guy. Despite the fact that there are teens in the story, survival is way more important than who is kissing who. That brought this to a whole level of mature for me. Kudos!!!!
I cannot wait for the sequel. I am not sure what the plan is for this, I just want more, more, more. NOW.
Alex is a great hero! I love that she brings a bunch of skills to the table. This girl knows her guns, has some medical training, and is able to keep her head in some of the worst situations I have read in awhile. If the end of the world arrives, I want Alex (and Tom) by my side.
I also love the hint of paranormal going on here. It's not in your face, just hints of something deeper (like The Stand!)
Read it, read it, read it!!!
And publisher-get this book a better cover, pronto!

It's Monday (5)

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

It's Monday, what are you reading is hosted by Book Journey. Check it out.

I did not have a very good reading week last week.
I finished Anna Dressed in Blood.
I finished Ashes.
Yeah. That's about it.
Sigh.
So this week it hit me that I am still 9 books short of my goal for the year. This may not sound like a big deal, but I am notorious for not reading very much in December-it just does not happen.
So, I need to pick up the pace for the rest of November. This week's goal:
read (links go to Goodreads)
Scarlet:

Unforsaken

and something else. I have not yet decided which one yet.

Wish me luck. What are you reading?

Sophmore Reading Challenge

2011-11-17T18:11:00.001-08:00

Is this the best challenge in the world, or what!?! I am so excited, as I already know of a gagillion second novels I want to read in 2012. What I do not have is a ready made list sooooo.....
I am setting a goal of 25. I will add this challenge to my challenge pages.
Here are some titles I KNOW of off the top of my head.

1. Insurgent
2. Fever
3. A Million Suns
4. Girl of Nightmares
5. Whatever the second Miss Peregrine's will be called
6.Outpost (Enclave 2)
7. Dearly Beloved (Lia Habel)
8. A Beautiful Evil
9. Revived
10. ?

As you can read, I need some time to finalize this list, but I am so excited!!!

It's Monday (5)

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

What up, everyone! It's Monday! What are you reading?
I think that is one of my favorite questions in the world. I love knowing what everyone is reading.....

Last week I challenged myself to read:
The Iron Witch
one ebook
one library book

and
I did pretty good!

Finished: The Iron Witch, see review
Finished: Bigger Than a Breadbox
Read a huge chunk of Fateful
Put a large dent in Anna Dressed In Blood (ebook)

So this week is clean up week: finish these two and maybe start Ashes.

Now for a recap of some cool things that are happening: there are several blogger holiday swaps! They are so much fun. I have buttons on my sidebar for anyone who is interested. Warning: these sign ups are only for a really short time.

The Story Siren has opened up sign ups to the 2012 Debut Author Challenge. I really organize my year's reading with this list. I print out the spreadsheet, yes I am THAT kind of a dork. But, if I could express how many wonderful authors I have discovered this way.....it's good stuff.
The only thing I don't like about the Story Siren anything is that it is SO huge. The odds of winning anything or even getting a conversation going in the 100+ comments is pretty nill.
Cue music: I like small blogs and I cannot lie....

I will probably be taking on double the amount of challenges next year, as I will finally be done school.
What challenges are you thinking of participating in?

Challenges, challenges....

2011-11-12T18:29:00.001-08:00

I pretty much killed this challenge last year, so I upped the stakes to 25 reads. Thank you Bookish Ardor for being the host with the most (dystope?)

Check out the challenge here.
I think the best part of this challenge is that I should be able to complete it just by reading the sequels to 2011 faves. Insurgent, Enclave 2, Blood Red Road the second? Bring it on......
I made a page for challenges so I don't have to hunt through my own posts. Genius!

Winner!

2011-11-11T08:09:00.001-08:00

The winner of my second-ever giveaway for a SIGNED copy of Perfect by Ellen Hopkins is:

Iluvreadingtoomuch
I have emailed the winner and am putting the final touches on my next giveaway. Thank you to everyone who entered, and to random.org for existing to pick winners!
Have a great Veteran's Day!

DAC 2012

2011-11-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

The Story Siren is accepting signups for the 2012 Debut Author Challenge. I far exceeded what I expected to do in 2011, so I am shooting for 25 reads this time around.
I think this challenge is fun because I get to find out about books I would never have heard of/or read otherwise. Prize-wise, I don't know. I don't think I have noticed if anyone has actually won anything...
So go forth and join up, if you love YA.

Review: Iron Witch

2011-11-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

The Iron Witch
By Karen Mahoney
From Goodreads: Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.
Published: Feb. 2011

I picked this one up at BEA, and I think it was an example of cover love. Honestly, I KNOW I don't enjoy fairy stories, so I probably should not have even have been remotely interested, but alas.
Sucked in by the cover, I did carry this home, and there it sat for months. Poor book. The good news is that there are NO fairies in it!

So, here's my take. I liked Donna very much. I liked Navin, even though he is really only one dimensional. I wanted to like Xan, but I don't think I learned enough about him to understand who he is or where he is coming from.
The real let down here is the world building. There isn't any. I needed more about the Order and what they are currently up to, more on the aunt, and way more about what really happened to Donna to care about this world. Here is what I understand, and it may be wrong. We have four Orders of alchemists fighting what amounts to one queen and a handful of elves, because the iron world has taken over the natural one. There are also handfuls of half-creatures who may or may not be bad guys. On top of this, the Order may or may not be bad guys.
Inserted into all of that are two snatches of "normal" life that involve this girl named Melanie, and these scenes feel like they are pulled from another book and jammed in here. Both scenes involve Donna resorting on her physical strength to scare this girl.
To sum it up, I didn't hate it. I want to read more about Donna, I just think this one would have benefited from some serious editing and a little more detail. Will I read the sequel? I don't know yet.

2011-11-08T15:30:00.000-08:00

I am seriously in love with Pinterest. Not only do I spend hours each day drooling over craft and DIY projects, I can pick up ideas for something yummy to eat. This is the place to find great craft ideas for library programs and for possible holiday presents to make.

When I dig around, I find things that make me laugh. Or that makes me think....

That said, there is one thing about Pinterest that scares me!
Folks who pin picture after picture of famous people.....really? Why? Why do we need a hundred shots of the tall guy from The Office? Do they think the star is going to see that and think "Wow, she really is my number one fan, I must find her and marry her...."
I also fear people who have figured out how to use paint chips for EVERYTHING. I think of the poor soul who has to restock them, and I want to cry. Who needs that many?
Well, how about this person?

That said, if you are already stalking around Pinterest, or if you decide to check it out you can find my boards here: http://pinterest.com/kristie_winks/
See you there!

It's Monday! (4)

2011-11-07T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted over at BookJourney. She is in Honduras, and I am not sure if we are linking up or not. Book Journey- I hope you have a great time!!!

In the meantime, my plan of reading one library book, one ebook, and one book I own did not go too badly. I did get a tour book in that I had to read first.

The end result was:
I finished The Name of the Star (library book)
I finished Hallowed (tour book)
and I am almost through Iron Witch (I picked that up at BEA and own it)

This week I am on vacation. Before we get all excited let me point out that I will be working on school work like crazy trying to finish up for the quarter, and it is my last quarter! Yes!
I plan to finish Iron Witch, try again with one of the many, many ebooks I own, and I have a major selection of library books to choose from. I am thinking this one:

or, this one:

Tell me: What are you reading?

Review: Hallowed by Hand

2011-11-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

Hallowed (Unearthly #2)
By Cynthia Hand
Published: Jan. 17, 2012
Copy: AWBTours

Goodreads (to go to the listing click here):
For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

I was super happy to return to Jackson Hole. My stay this time was....well, not as pleasant.

My first problem is the same problem I have with all novels about angels. It is as if the writer wants us to buy into angels and not faith.  How can we have angels and no God? Seriously, it is as if the angels are all just employees at FedEx, waiting around for
a new order from the nameless, faceless boss. How can this be?
Even Jeffrey at one point says, Shouldn't we pray about this or 
something? In trying to make angels an individual creation that can stand alone (like vampires, zombies, and werewolves), it does not work if there is no mention/contact with God because there are no angels without God.


It is as if the angels believe in the mythology of "Angels" but not of
God-even Satan gets a shout out here, but of course, he is an angel. 
Clara does seems to throw out bible
references every once in a while. Thank goodness for Angela, or no one 
would have ANY connection with the big guy (and really she is just researching old texts by humans). Faith through Milton? Oh-kay.


Second, this book feels like a bill of sale to us about Christian. I 
have already thrown him over for Tucker (how could anyone NOT love Tucker?) 
Now we are supposed to throw that out the window and like Christian 
instead.  The reason? Because he sits outside of Clara's window all night a la 
Edward Cullen. Sure.

Thirdly, the thing I loved the most about Unearthly, see my review 
here, was the wonderful relationship between Clara and her mom. Well, in this book, 
that's out the window. There is tons of Mama Drama, and it wears thin given the 
plot line.

Here's the dealio: I love Clara and I love this world, so I was super 
happy to return to it. There are some great scenes in this story as well (many 
of them involving Tucker and Clara). The fact that I did not LOVE this book 
will not prevent me from being excited about a third one.

I have to wonder if this book is the victim of being rushed. I think 
some of these publishers are so worried about having hit series, that they are 
rushing these authors to produce, produce, and produce. I have noticed this in 
many series lately. I would rather a longer wait and a quality story, then 
everything jammed into a quick sale because Hallowed kind of felt like a set up 
for #3 with some guest stars thrown in.

Review: The Name of the Star

2011-11-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

The Name of the Star
By Maureen Johnson
Goodreads
Review copy: From my library

From Goodreads: The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

I loved this book. At the same time, I could see why many readers would NOT love this book. There are some things that could turn readers away. The first thing is Maureen Johnson. She has this truly distinctive voice that comes out in her characters so strongly, it is as if she is sitting across the table from you and telling you this story. This voice, however is so strong it can overpower her characters. Rory is very similar to Scarlet from Suite Scarlet, because they are both Maureen Johnson. That said, Johnson's voice is smart, quick witted and a little immature. I love it, but I could see it being a drawback for other readers I know.
Second, this story does not really get rolling until about 200 pages in. The entire beginning of this book is about Rory (American) getting used to Wexford (very English prep school). As I am an Anglophile, I loved this. Others may lose patience getting to the meat of this story. Just a warning, if you have no interest in the melting of Cheez Whiz on radiators or many descriptions of a typical day at an English boarding school, then this may drag for you. Me? I could not get enough.
On the paranormal end, this is a pretty tight ghost story. I thought the exciting bits were exciting, and the thrilling bits were thrilling.
In short, I could not wait to get home just to pick up where I left off, and THAT is the mark of good book for me! I say bravo, and I am looking forward to the sequel. Also, a super thumbs up for the Doctor Who reference on page 22o.

One final note, I dislike the US cover. I know, I know, its pretty, but it has NOTHING to do with the story. That is not really the Ripper (either Ripper) and who is the woman? Because Rory is not a redhead. Or dead. Is is Mary Kelly? Just saying.....

I don't like the UK cover either. If that is Rory (is it?) she looks quite dead. The hair matches the description at least.

Review: Banished by Littlefield

2011-11-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Did you enter to win Perfect?

Banished
By Sophie Littlefield
Published: October 12, 2010
Review copy: from the library

I don't know why, but my library JUST got a copy of this. Why did it take so long, I don't know. I do know that I could not put the darn thing down and am now impatiently awaiting the purchase of Unforsaken (the second book in the series).

From Goodreads: There isn’t much worth living for in Gypsum, Missouri—or Trashtown, as the rich kids call the run-down neighborhood where sixteen-year-old Hailey Tarbell lives. Hailey figures she’ll never belong—not with the popular kids at school, not with the rejects, not even with her cruel, sickly grandmother, who deals drugs out of their basement. Hailey never knew her dead mother, and she has no idea who her father was, but at least she has her four-year-old foster brother, Chub. Once she turns eighteen, Hailey plans to take Chub far from Gypsum and start a new life where no one can find them.

I will not post the entire blurb here, because I think it gives away too much!!! I went into this novel knowing almost nothing about the story and I was taken by surprise by all of the awesomeness!!!! Note my extreme use of exclamation points. This book rocks. And, to think, I chose it based on the cover.

Hailey is fierce, she just needs a little help. Not only is she stuck in the nastiest town and living with one of the worst grandmothers in history, she is the outcast! The hard part of this review will be not spilling the beans of all of the great stuff that happens here.

Here is what I will say: I have never read anything like it. It is completely original. And what a page turner! It's action, action, action. It did take a minute to get rolling, but once it did, I was hooked. This novel is filled with strong female characters, an adorable 4 year old, and some of the best bad guys (the term "guy" is used loosely here) I have read in awhile. This book would have been better (for me) on the beach with an iced coffee at my side, but for a thrilling Fall read, it was not bad.
I can't wait to read more.

I would give this book to fans of Darkness Becomes Her (Kelly Keaton), The Replacement (Brenna Yovanoff), and the Patterson Maximum Ride series.

It's Monday! (3)

2011-10-31T06:28:00.000-07:00

Did you enter to win Perfect?

It's Monday is hosted by Book Journey.
I love being nosy and seeing what everyone else is reading, so I stop by there often!

This week I have a new plan. Hee-hee! All of my other plans have failed because I work at a library and I get distracted by books I find on the shelf, or ones that come in tucked into the new book bag. Ah, the new book bag. It's like Christmas morning all of the time.....

But I digress.

This week's plan is to read ONE ebook. I don't care which one, but I have tons uploaded and need to read them. Then I will read one library book (you don't want to know how many I have checked out, but I think I am carrying the statistics for my branch). Then, I will give my middle grade reads a rest, and read one book I own.

I'm sure this plan will go to heck when a tour book shows up, but for now, that's the plan and I will try to stick to it!

Last week I read:
Away by Teri Hall
Banished by Sophie Littlefield
A Monster Calls by Ness
I started The Name of the Star and Dearly Departed.
Plus grad school. Is it any wonder I can't watch much TV!
I did however catch Grimm and it rocked.
I loved the part where the nurse questioned the knife wound scars on Marie's body, and he says, "She was a librarian."

Bookworm Santa

2011-10-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

Did you enter to win Perfect yet?

Can you believe it is snowing here in NJ, in October? This layer of white slush has put me in the mood for the holidays. Not Halloween, but the Christmas season.
I just signed up for Bookworm Santa here.
Don't you just love secret santas? I have met some really great bloggers this way, AND, as a parent, I can't always justify buying books for myself when my kids come first (which, of course, they do). This is a guilt-free way for me to share my love of books with another bookworm.
I like to stalk my santees (is that the right word?) and send a book they really want. I hope they send me the name of someone who likes crafts as well.

The Perfect Giveway!

2011-10-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

Christi the Teen Librarian and I had the great fun of meeting Ellen Hopkins in Princeton last week. I want to share this great event with a reader who would love to own an autographed copy of Ellen's latest YA novel: Perfect.
This is a finished copy, not an arc.
Here's the skinny. No fancy forms, no extra entries (you know, I think those things are bunk anyway!), and no hoops to jump through!
*you must be 13 to enter
*I can only ship to US addresses only (sorry!)
*Giveaway runs until November 11
*winner will be determined by Random.org

So leave a comment with your name, and a way to contact you. Follows are NOT required, but I have more giveaways planned so you may want to follow just so you have a head's up on those.

Review: Away by Teri Hall

2011-10-28T06:11:00.000-07:00

I finally got a copy of Away by Teri Hall!!!! Yeah! I don't know what took the library so long. I read The Line last year and remembered really liking it. Plus, if you read The Line, you know it left off on a crazy cliffhanger!

Away By Teri Hall
Published: September 15 by Dial
Sequel to The Line
Find it on Goodreads

Here's the breakdown from goodreads:
After crossing the Line, Rachel finds herself in a world where survival is never guaranteed - a world where bizarre creatures roam the woods and people have strange abilities. Everything has gone to ruin Away and the survivors have banded into warring clans. Rachel finds her father being held prisoner by a tribe of Others, and she and her new friends set out to rescue him. But when they cross back over the Line, Rachel and Pathik make a foolish decision, bringing them into further danger that can only be resolved with an unthinkable sacrifice.

An adventure filled with life-and-death choices, dark conspiracies, and heart-poundingly suspenseful moments, this sequel delivers.

And my two cents: This is a great story for upper middle graders and teens who enjoyed City of Ember and The Tomorrow Girls series. The writing is simple, the story line moves at an even pace, and it is perfect for a reluctant reader. This is not a story that delves deeply into the subject and the characters are all one dimensional, but the story is the important motivator here. It is clear that there is no good side of the line vs bad side. It's more like there are good and bad people on BOTH sides. I liked that message! The action scenes were well drawn, although I would have liked to know more about the animals in the Away. Nipper was cool, and I wanted more. There are lots of great "father figures" in this story which is a nice balance from The Line which was filled with "mother figures".
I think this is ramping up to be a series, so I would expect a third one.
If you need romance with end of the world tale, you need to look elsewhere. There is no development of a relationship here, just a kind of awkward sputtering of emotion at a bad time between two kids who have more important things on their minds (like surviving), and some alpha male posturing. So there was no eye rolling from me!

It's Monday (2)

2011-10-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Ah, another Monday. Well, at least there are a million books to read....

It's Monday! What are you reading is hosted over at Book Journey. I love this meme, and I will probably forget to link up, but hey, at least I have a map for my reading this week.

Last week was a total FAIL. I still have not finished Triangles, Frost, or started Dearly Departed.

I got distracted by this book:

And it was fabulous!!!! At least I can count it toward my Middle Grade read of the week. It was so good, I am putting this into the hands of anyone feeling the emptiness left behind by the end of The Series of Unfortunate Events.

And this book:

Which is good because it is one I own and the "book diet" dictates I should work on stuff I have. I had a hard time getting into this one, but once it got rolling, I could not put it down.

So this week my plan looks like this:
Steampunk: An Anthology (from library)
Darth Paper Strikes Back (my middle grade read)
And one book I own (I don't care which one, I just HAVE to own it)
plus finish Triangles (I only have twenty-five pages to go!)

Let's see how I do.
Happy Monday, everyone.

Book Trailer Mania!

2011-10-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

I am putting together a bunch of book trailers to screen for the TBC (Teen Book Club) for our next meeting. I just wanted to share some of my faves for Fall 2011:

The Name of the Star

The Flint Heart (so pretty!)

The Death Cure (not my fave, but the TBC did The Maze Runner)

One more! I think this one is great!
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick

One more, I swear! Something spooky for Halloween!
A Monster Calls

That's all for now. As you can see, I am becoming a trailer addict.
If you are into watching more great trailers check out this site. She even has ready made book talks with Prezi slides. Unfortunately, my lib does not own half the books on her list, but I enjoyed making my own anyway.

It's Monday

2011-10-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

This is my first ever It's Monday post, and it's funny because I do this every week anyway, so why not blog about it?
What are you reading is hosted by Book Journey (click to go there) and it is a fun way to see what people are reading.

So, I just finished Breadcrumbs today. It was wonderful. I have been pretty good about my challenge (to myself) to read one middle grade book per week. I will have the Breadcrumbs review up on Wed.
Last week, I read The Flint Heart, Sparrow Road the week before, and The Strange Case of Origami Yoda which started the whole thing off for me.
I don't count middle grade books in my personal challenge to read 111 books in 2011, but I don't think that's weird. I just don't feel they are long enough to count as novels. Am I alone on that?

Anyway, this week, I have some choices:

I have Perfect too, but I really want to go with Christi to hear Ellen Hopkins in Princeton. So, I need to read Triangles or Perfect.

I want to finish Frost, I started it. I LOVE it, but I had a bunch of tour books come in one right after the other, and I had to put Frost down.

I am on a BOOK DIET! I realized that I have yet to read half of the books I have on my book shelves. That is because my tour books, arcs I pass on to my teens, and my library books take up a great deal of my reading time.

Speaking of the library- guess what came in for me today?
The Name of the Star, Steampunk an Anthology, and Apothecary.
Sheesh.

So I am shooting for: Triangles, Frost, Apothecary, and Dearly Departed (from Netgalley). I am not super stressed about DD because I pre-ordered it. I have to have it. Did you see the cover?????
Of course, once I own it, I'll probably never read it.

Review: Pure by Baggott

2011-10-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

Pure
By Julianna Baggott
Out: 2/12
Review Copy: tour
Stars: 4.5 out of 5

Super short booktalk: In the future, after deadly bombs have laid waste to all of civilization there is a society of survivors living in a dome. In the wastelands, there are survivors as well. They are mutated, and waiting to be "saved" by the folks in the dome.
One young man, in the dome, has just learned that his mother may be alive and living in the wastelands. He wants his mommy, even if he has to bring the entire world crashing down to get to her.

Okay I can't say this is one of the best dystopians of 2011 because it does not come out until 2012, but believe me, it's a winner.
All of the elements are right-the geography, the society (both in the dome and out), and the creatures, oh, the terrifying creatures. Horror fans will be pleased as well. The characters are drawn so well, they come to life. I felt a connection with all of them.
The story is told in alternating POVs, each chapter lets the reader in on more that is going on. In this way, the reader has a complete view of the situation without having one character's POV to depend on. I especially liked Lyda. At first, I did not understand the point of remaining with her character after her big moment, but I think I understood dome life more through her experiences than the early ones with Partridge.

Pure is an adult novel that will appeal to the YA crowd. It's strengths are in the images. Holy cow, there are things in this story that I will never, ever forget. The battle scenes are really exciting too. Please, please do not make this into a movie. My favorite character is El Capitan, and there is no way Hollywood will get him right.(Did we not learn from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy's Zaphod Beeblebrox?) Pressia, I am afraid, may come off as hokey too. Just, please, read this and allow your imagination do the work.
Two tiny gripes: there are many instances of coincidental savings. Too many in fact. Any time someone is truly in peril, someone miraculously shows up to help. Because of that, many of the characters did not get a chance to prove themselves as kick ass as they really are.
Another gripe is the tagline on the back of the arc (not the author's fault, of course)!
In 2008 there was the Hunger Games, in 2010 The Passage, in 2012 it will be: Pure.
To me, these books are apples and oranges. Honestly, I thought The Passage was best used as a door stop, and every book this year has been compared to the Hunger Games.
Book pairings: I was overcome with a feeling of connection between Pure and McCammon's Swan Song (which is in my top ten list of books-EVER), not just because of the swan references, but for many reasons. I would also pair it with The Stand.
It is a must read.

Review: The Flint Heart

2011-10-13T16:28:00.000-07:00

The Flint Heart
By Katherine Paterson and John Paterson
Illustrated by John Rocco
Out now!
Review copy from my library

I was not sure I would enjoy this one, as anyone who knows me knows that my tolerance for fairies (or pixies or brownies) is minimal.

This is a charmer, however. From the moment the story first begins, in the Stone Age, I was transfixed.
I do love how the story remains constantly intelligent: there are words in the story I needed to look up.

"So the message was sent, the charades were acted, and the cold collation eaten." (271)

This is a story that does not "talk down" to to children, and in fact, forces them to ponder such things as whether or not it is wise to consider the Point of View of someone else, the value of a hot-water bottle (made in Germany), and what could make a simple, kind person decide to make it their mission in life to be in charge of everything and every one. The tale reminded me very much of Alice in Wonderland, or Bedknobs and Broomsticks-stories for children that were smart and important enough for adults to read as well. I predict major awards are in this book's future.
My only complaint, and it is very minor, is that I wished for more illustrations! They seemed very few and far between. The bits that are in there are very special and lovely.

Review: Under the Never Sky by Rossi

2011-10-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

Under the Never Sky
By Veronica Rossi
Published: Feb. of 2012
Stars: 2 out of 5

She is a dome dweller, he is from the dangerous sticks. He has super smell and sight, and she has been genetically altered to sing like a bird.
They meet in the wasteland. Yawn.

Okay, to be fair, this book just was not for me. And to be even more fair, I feel as though I have read every dystopian book out there, so I have a great idea of where the bar is set.
This one is very middle of the road.
I did not care for Aria at all (spoiled, clueless, in denial for most of the book, and she is rude). Perry came off like a fifty year-old with a gruffness that did not translate to sexiness, and a chip on his shoulder that made me dislike him even more. I constantly forgot he is supposed to be a teen boy. So, I forced myself to finish this because it was for an arc tour. There are just too many wonderful books to read, and I believe life is to short to keep going with one that is not working for you.
Under the Never Sky is a patchwork of fifteen better books. The eyepiece? Feed. The Realms? Ready Player One. The mutant savages in the wasteland (take your pick: Mad Max, Waterworld, etc). Honestly, I felt this one was the fart joke telling cousin of Blood Red Road. Save your money and time. Read something else.
I recommend: Divergent, Pure, Enclave, Feed, Blood Red Road, The Stand, and thirty other books that came out this year.

Review: Glow by Ryan

2011-10-10T05:37:00.000-07:00

Glow by Kathleen Ryan
Goodreads listing
Published: Out now
Stars: 3 out of 5

Quick Book Talk:
In this story, two teens aboard the spaceship Empyrean are on course to colonize a New Earth on a new planet. That means that they (as the oldest of the new generation) are expected to marry and procreate-and soon. Something goes wrong when the first ship sent from Earth a year in advance, the New Horizon, slows down to wait for the Empyrean to catch up. All hell breaks loose. In space.

I have to confess that one of the driving reasons I wanted to read this book is because there is a huge spread in the reviews! People either seem to love it or hate it. I have read reviews that claim that Glow is just religious propaganda, and reviews that call Glow a "Lord of the Flies in space". (I loved that, and agree).
Lesson the first: and you would think I would know this by now: stop reading reviews before reading the book.
Lesson the second: books hit people in different ways.
To me, this was a great space odyssey. It had all of the characteristics: a rigid rule system, a sense of isolation, danger, and a strong community (on both ships). I liked Waverly, Kiernan was so-so as a YA book boy hero, I found Seth to be the more interesting character (and secretly hope that Waverly realizes that too). There are a ton of one dimensional characters, as there has to be in a large cast. I did not quite understand the true motivation of Anne Mather. And there is a great deal of human emotion involved. Waverly, for example, is not quite sure she is ready to bunk down with Kiernan. It is a question of her age, and what she wants to do with her life. A great many of the men on both ships are perverts and bullies. Sadly, some of the women are also. For the size of this book (307 pages), I kind of expected more back stories. I wanted to know some of the characters better (like Samantha) so that went the you-know-what hit the fan, I would have had a better idea of who was doing what and why. Seth is the only one who really gets any kind of a background story, and it is only because it involves a sweet moment with Waverly.
So, for the first in the series, I thought it was really good-not perfect, but really good. There is a need in YA for more Science Fiction (paranormal elements are NOT Science Fiction).

I would pair this book with Black Hole Sun by David Gill (check out the hunky new cover!) and Across the Universe by Beth Revis.

Review: Blood Wounds

2011-09-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

Blood Wounds by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Review copy: from tour

Out: now

Stars 4 out of 5

This was a tough read. I want to call it realistic and “gritty”. While I am sure it is gritty,I am not so sure it is realistic. It couldhappen. Willa’s family situation isvery, very different. She has astepfather who cares very much for her, andtwo stepsisters. The stepsisters have a very wealthy mother, so Willa haswatched her sisters be handed the best of the best their whole lives, while shemakes do with the leftovers.

I am all for more fiction about poorer families, I ampersonally so sick of reading about super rich teens. In this economic climate,I doubt highly that most of my library kids can relate to expensive fashionsand handbags that cost more than mortgage payments.

Willa tries to connect to the roots of her parents, buteverything is complicated by the actions of her father.

This book is about finding where you belong, and about whobelongs to you.

I had one issue with this story, and one warning.

Pfeffer’s fans, who love her previous series, may not getthis new direction and topic. Then again, they were gritty and realisticrenderings of a dystopian tale, so perhaps they will love it.

The complaint: Something very fairy tale happens to Willa atthe end of this book that I thought was out of place and just too easy anending. As I read, I wanted to see Willaovercome all of this, I did, but what happens is far-fetched and rang as too convenient.

Really recommended for teens who enjoy crime dramas, realistic fiction, and biographies of struggling childhoods (such as Glass Castle, or A Stolen Life).

2011-09-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

Ahh, in case you missed it, I have added a GFC follower box to the right. As you may remember, I am kind of against these things because I don't blog to get free books (it is lovely when they show up, however), so I don't have a huge urge to prove I have followers.
I never require following when I host a giveaway (yes, I know I am way overdue for a new one).
BUT, I did read something today that kind of changed my mind about how bloggers stay in touch and how they link to one another and the truth is, if you do not blog on Blogger, you could not follow me before unless you bookmarked the site and checked in. Thank you for all of you who have done that (some of you for a long time). I hope this makes things easier! I wasn't trying to be difficult, I swear. Also, it is my great hope that the arrow above is actually pointing at the GFC box when I publish.
Plus, I promise a new giveaway soon.
No, you still will not be required to follow me. Only if you want too.....

2011-09-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

In my quest to read more Middle Grade books, I am trying to read many of the books that folks think may win the 2012 Newberry. I am working my way along this ongoing list.

Today, I would like to share my thoughts on Sparrow Road by Sheila O'Connor.

This book was not for me.

First, the History major in me was going crazy trying to place this novel in time. Here is my mathematical formula for narrowing this down:

First, no mention of cellphones or internet= time <1995
Mama's "hippie" stint in Amsterdam= time >1969
Several mentions of "paisley" and peasant blouses= 1970's
Raine is 12, going on 13 + Mom (hippie)= late 70's to early 80's
Final result= 1978-1989
Still, it is a range.
Next, my major, major problem with this story is that it features a bunch of non-functioning adults who rely too much on a 12 year-old. A 12 year-old that they do not tell the truth to, and then expect her to make mature decisions. HUH? Several times, I wanted to reach into this book and punch the mother. Was she not the most immature woman EVER? She sneaks her kid away from her loving grandfather, without telling her why, tells Raine her father wants to meet her, and then dumps the whole thing in the kid's lap. No one, with the exception of Diego, ever asks Raine how she feels or if she is okay. It is all about their own agendas!
Josie, another grown woman, involves Raine in a project to reunite the orphans of Sparrow Road, Viktor gives Raine a job watching a woman who is loosing her mental capacities, and everyone assumes that if Raine is busying working on "art" she will grow as a person. How about treating her like one?
Even the ending (not really a spoiler), Mama asks Raine if they should stay at Sparrow Road, or return to the city. In this way, Mama would not have to be a "waitress" anymore. What?!?! How about what is best for your kid, lady?
I cannot think of one kid I know from the library, or my own daughters who could appreciate this story. Is it a thinly veiled criticism of the foster care system, a reflection on single parenting? Who knows.
What I did love was Raine. Why did I love her? Because I am an adult. She speaks and thinks like an adult. She has more empathy for the ghosts of orphans in the attic, than the adults around her have for her. So, as a child reader, could they relate to Raine? Would this story have made more sense if Raine had been 15 or 16, I think it would have.
Well, it least it gave me something to think about.
Newberry worthy? I don't think so.

Review: I Finally got around to reading Yoda

2011-09-23T05:20:00.000-07:00

The other day I was forced to admit, I just do not read enough Middle Grade books. This is ironic, because the majority of my reference questions are about MG books. A woman came in and said that her son was done with the My Weird School series, and she wanted to know what he should read next.
Thank goodness for Novelist, but when the list printed out (contemp., mg, humorous) I realized I had not read many of them at all. So, I plan to correct this.
I started with The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. I must admit I had checked this one out when it first came in simply because the crafter/Star Wars fan in me wanted to make a yoda. I did not actually read it then.
The crux: A creepy kid named Dwight walks around school with an origami yoda puppet on his finger dishing advice. Some of the advice is brilliant, some...not so much. Tommy has compiled a case file of incidences in order to get to the bottom of the "mystery".
Last night, I sat down and plowed through it. It took me about an hour. I would not claim that it is laugh out loud funny, but that is because it is not aimed at me. Instead, the mom in me wanted to find out why Dwight was the way he was. Something is really wrong there.
The book is set up like a case file, and many of the characters get their say-either through drawing, reporting personal experiences with the yoda, or in the case of Tommy, trying to apply what they have learned to his future with Sara, his crush.
I was glad to see a great mix of personalities, girls and boys, and a bully (that was pretty funny). It is short, and filled with illustrations, so reluctant readers may feel at home here. The kids write/speak like normal kids at this age, and kids can be mean. This is reflected here as well.
Overall, I was glad I read it. The sequel, Darth Paper Strikes Back is on order for me at the library, so I will keep going with the series. As for my quest to read more MG books, may the force be with me.

Review: Beyond the Grave by Mara Purnhagen

2011-09-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

Beyond the Grave
By Mara Purnhagen
Book Three of the Past Midnight Series
Out: now
Review copy from NG
4 out of 5 stars

I love this series. Seriously.
This is the third book and we meet up with Charlotte only weeks after the big events in the second book. So, unlike the first two, this book really should not be read as a stand-alone. There are several reasons for this.
First, the reader needs to understand what happened to put the Silvers in the situation they currently find themselves in. Secondly, this book has a different feel than the first two. The family is sad. The family is disjointed, and scattered. As I have loved Charlotte from the first book, I can see the change in her character, and a first time reader may not understand her motivations in this novel.
That said, the pacing is fantastic, the action moves along at a good clip, we get a new character, and see a new side to a returning one.
My favorite part was a flashback to an investigation at a bed and breakfast called the Pink Rose. It hit me later, that what I really missed was the investigations. Here's hoping that the family is back on the road in Book 4.
The Past Midnight Series (links go to Goodreads)
Past Midnight
Raising the Dead (novella)
One Hundred Candles
Haunting the Night (novella)
and now,
Beyond the Grave

Review: Legend by Marie Lu

2011-09-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Legend
By Marie Lu
Published: Nov. 29/2011
ARC from publisher
4.5 out of 5 Stars

In the Republic, children are sorted by a trial that they either pass and go on to lead productive Republican lives or fail and go to work camps.
June is the daughter of a proud Republic family. She is the best of the best, even entering high school three years early due to her perfect score in the trial. She is 15.

Day is a criminal mastermind who has brought nothing but trouble to the Republic-disrupting supplies, breaking into government facilities, and taking his spoils and giving them to the poor. This futuristic Robin Hood is also 15.
Now, things have gone horribly wrong and it's the best of the best vs the worst of the worst. June vs Day.
I loved this book. It was like reading manga that had been converted to novel form. The action is solid, the conflict between the two solid characters is even and perfect. It reminded me very much of Death Note.
The world building is excellent, although I have never been to California, so I'm sure my imagination's version of the Republic will differ from someone who lives there now. Landmarks mentioned in the story, for example, do not mean anything to me.
So, why not a perfect score? Well because the book is a great deal of fun but never really dips into that lower level of introspection of the situation. It does not go deep. It is a high action, fun read.
Highly recommended for fans of The Hunger Games, Dark Life, Black Hole Sun, and manga.

Scarecrow Craft- Happy Fall Y'All

2011-09-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

I am so glad summer is over. To celebrate, we had a scarecrow craft at a neighboring library branch that is a little short staffed at the moment. It was fun to host a craft at a different branch, but a little strange-like making dinner in someone else's kitchen!
The craft was for kids ages 6 to 12. I had many 8 year olds come, and that was perfect.
We started with a great story: Waltz of the Scarecrows by Constance W. McGeorge

So, to make all of my standing crafts, I start with two normal sized paper plates. Shear off about an inch off the bottom. Now the circular plates have a flat edge. Flip the plates so the tops face one another and staple the sides.

Use a small paper plate as the head. staple that to the body. Once the body is stuffed with crumpled paper towels (or newspaper) the plates will stand up. The only thing to add is imagination.

I put out bibs and bobs. Lace, fall foamies, buttons, and raffia. The kids went to town!

With the story, craft, and game, this craft ran about an hour. Some kids got some help from moms (who stayed in the room). and they finished a little faster. As they finished up, I introduced my game.

Lately, I've been loving this blog called Librarianism Chronicles. She created Monster Bowling, and I just reworked it for this craft.

Scarecrow's Revenge! In this game, the kids "bowled" a funkin at "crows" made from soda bottles. The goal was to pretend they were the scarecrows and this was payback time!
We had many strikes. It was super fun, but they broke my funkin ( a fake pumpkin), so I recommend buying two (it can't hurt to have a back up!)

See the funkin in action?
<---

Review: Burnout

2011-09-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

Burnout

By Adrienne Maria Vrettos
Published: September 13, 2011
Review Copy: ATWT
Stars: 4 out of 5

I don't read much contemporary YA fiction. I'm not sure why. I guess part of me feels a story is always better with a science fiction element, or a zombie thrown in.
I wanted to read Burnout because it takes place on Halloween, or the day after- depending on whether or not you count flashbacks.

There are no supernatural elements in this story. Still, it is one of the spookiest, page turn-y novels I have read in years.

Nan wakes up on a subway car. She is covered in makeup, shoeless, and is wearing a costume that is way too tight. On top of that, Nan cannot remember the last 24 hours.
The story alternates between NOW, and what Nan is doing to figure out what has happened to her, and THEN. The flashbacks are really well done and the reader gets to know Nan, her mother, and her crazed best friend Seemy through these glimpses of the past. I was only a little disappointed in the end, which wrapped up nicely, but a little too conveniently for me. That is why I went with a four star and not five star rating.

I couldn't put it down, and at 208 pages it is a short read. The pages will not turn fast enough, and this is a perfect autumn release.
I highly recommend it for readers who loved Imaginary Girls (like me!), who read Lois Duncan, or who want a fast paced mystery. Good stuff.

Review: Frost by Baer

2011-09-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

Frost

Marianna Baer

Goodreads link

Published: September 13, 2011

Stars: 4 out of 5

I love crazy, quirky books. Sometimes I find a jewel of a nutty read and some of the images stick with me forever.

This is one of those books.

Perfect for Fall, Frost drops us back to school (a boarding school) and in a house on the property that is a dorm for four students and a totally absent house mother.

Leena, studious and nerd-girl cool, is rooming with her two besties. Forced on them is Celeste, the school's crazy girl and the reader thinks

"Oh, great, another book about friendship dynamics and how they change in senior year".

Oh, hell to the no.

This is a flat-out horror story complete with a gothic setting, unreliable characters, false leads, and red herrings. It is a strange (in a good way) read. Yet another book I wanted to put down and call everyone who was reading it and say, "Hey, did you just read that? Did that really just happen?"

I needed a break from the end of the world, shapeshifters, and zombies and Frost House provided a much needed escape. Not that I would spend the night there, but still.....

Review: Witchlanders by Lena Coakley

2011-08-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

Witchlanders

By Lena Coakley

Out: now

Review copy: NG

Stars: 4 out of 5

It actually took me a month to read this. I started out all gangbusters: probably did the first 200 pages in a night, them whammo.

It just slammed to a halt in the middle.

There is wonderful world building in this novel, and I enjoyed it, but when it came time for both sides to meet it sort of felt like a buddy comedy gone wrong. Then, during the hurricane, I picked it back up, and from part 3 on it was all action.

Two cultures, divided by a great war, have remained apart for a generation. Now, a threat to restart the war has drawn together enemies who must work together-or everyone will die.

That is the main premise.

However, under all of that is what was, for me, the real story: a family that is being torn apart by drug addiction and mistakes of the past.

Skyler, the daughter, is a strong character and I almost wish this had been her story. I found Ryder to be a little mean at times. On the flipside I found Falpian has many layers and grows through the novel.

I have decided I want to own a dreadhound (another creature from the book). I also loved all of the magic (and its limitations) in the story.

Overall a very successful fantasy novel! Perfect for readers who just are not ready to tackle Game of Thrones yet.

A note about the cover: this is a very male-centric story. I think many of my male members of the TBC would read it, but the cover is very feminine. The sword and the red cloth work, but the ice princess is a little out there. This is not a romance!

Review: Shifting by Bethany Wiggins

2011-08-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

Shifting

By Bethany Wiggins

Out: September 27, 2011

Review copy from publisher

Stars: 4 out of 5

This was a pleasant surprise. The writing is way above par! Maggie Mae is a shifter stuck in the foster care system and because of problems related to her affliction, she has been passed around for years. Because of this she is fiercely independent and strong.

At her final stop before she graduates high school and is cut free, she may just have stumbled on a place she can call home.

I think the best parts of the novel have nothing to do with the actual transformations into animals (well, the horse part was hilarious), but in the great descriptions of life in New Mexico. I also loved the weaving of Navajo legend into the story.

The male lead, Bridger (first time I have seen that name!) is strong, successful as a real friend, and really caring.

I think I just loved Mrs. Carpenter the best!

I hope for more from Wiggins, but especially this town and these characters. Surely, this could go farther...I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Go Me Go

2011-08-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, this week I am busting-a-move. I need to read a whole bunch of books by the authors who will be attending this year's PAYA Festival on August 27, 2011.

Check out the list of authors here.

About PAYA here.

Edit: Due to lovely Irene, I will be ducking out of this event. I will however continue to read all of the books I gathered by the PAYA authors. So a stay at home read-along, if you will.

Irene=suck.

Contest News

2011-08-23T19:33:00.001-07:00

Brenna Yovanoff is having a contest. Not just a contest, but an ARC contest.

Because I LOVED The Replacement, and I am dying to get my hands on a copy of The Space Between, I will now define the song that best describes me:

er...

This is way harder than I thought it would be.

Um.

Okay, well there are songs that are important to me: because I love them or because they were playing when something great happened in my life.

So, I am calling on the song that is the anthem for bookworms all over. Dig Moxy's groove as they sing about a girl who would rather read than , well, do anything else.

And that IS just like me ;)

If you would like to enter the contest/sum up "you" in a song go to Brenna's blog.

2011-08-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

All These Things I've Done

by Gabrielle Zevin

Published: September 2, 2011

Add it to your Goodreads TBR list

Review copy: from BEA

I cannot even think of this book without The Killer's song playing in my head....good thing I love that song.

I knew about this book before I went to BEA and it was on the must get list, even though I really did not dig the premise. It is the future, chocolate is banned. Anya is a mafia daughter (the mafia controls the chocolate). Meh.

Add to the fact that I am one for one with Zevin. I loved Margarette Town. I thought Elsewhere was a little piece of perfect. I couldn't get through Amnesiac or Hole... So, it was a crapshoot.

Results: this story rocks. It really does. I loved the grandmother, the love interest, the story line, and the world building is great: the future is enough like now that it feels recognizable-but weird enough to be the future. And Anya? She is kickass. Her duty to her family is really enviable. There are some political connections in the book, but they never get too heavy or boring.

I recommend this one for the reader who is looking for something different. I am really looking forward to the sequel.

And now, back to The Killers...in my head.

Review: The Night Circus

2011-08-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

The Night Circus

By Erin Morgenstern

Out: September 13, 2011

Review Copy: Edelweiss (thank you)

Stars: 5 out of 5

This is quite possibly the hardest review I have ever had to write, because nothing I can say will do this title justice. It is perfect.

I was sucked in on the first page, and I cannot remember the last time I was this obsessed with a book (Harry Potter comes to mind, as does Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell-another masterpiece).

I did not just want to read this book, I wanted to crawl into it and not leave-ever.

This book just made my top ten list, and as someone who has read hundreds of books over my lifetime, that is saying something.

It has orphans, magicians, clock makers, circus performers, tents filled with dreams, and a love affair to rival Romeo and Juliet. In fact, Morgenstern's love of Shakespeare is alive throughout the entire story.

I cannot wait to see what Morgenstern does next.

This will appeal to more mature YA audiences. Highly recommended for Ray Bradbury fans, Lev Grossman fans, and anyone who wants to go somewhere completely new.

Comical- Me reading comics

2011-08-18T00:55:00.000-07:00

It's funny, I love graphic novels but I have never taken to comics. They are just so different.
Maybe it is because I grew up reading Archie, and let's face it....Archie is lame. Maybe it is because I am not a superhero lover.

I want to go to Comic Con next year, so I figured I better get

myself an 'edu-ca-tion.

I started at BEA, and hit all of the Comic-related tables. Here was my opener: "I know nothing about comic books, I hate superheroes, I love manga, whatcha got?"

I left BEA with piles of comics.

I have been slowly working my way through them, and they are a nice break from novels. Here are the standouts (with new, improved one sentence recaps of awesomeness)!!!!

Locke and Key:

It's by Joe Hill and concerns a house that hides keys that do things to the person turning them.

Seriously, the story line here is strong, well developed, layered and very frightening. Personally, I would not set foot in Key House if you begged me, and three kids have to live there!

Great series!

Morning Glories:

A school is testing and killing its students, all of whom were born on the same day.

This series is freaking me out. I love the cast, but the evil is still pretty hidden at this point (I have read the first collect

ion, the next one is due in Fall). Just a glimpse,

"detention" is a room that locks them in and water seeps in from the floor, until they are clinging to the ceiling trying to breathe.

Chew is kicking ass and taking names on the award scene, and it should because it rocks.

A cop who can "see" the past of any food he eats, becomes an uber-detective when he starts biting victims of crimes.

I would not recommend eating while reading this series, as poor Tony has to chomp into some gross stuff, but of all of the comics I have read lately, this one had me laughing and cheering all at the same time. There is a broad appeal to this comic, I think murder mystery people would get a kick out of it. Chew also features a small-ish cast, so it is not hard to follow.

Overall, it is quite appetizing. (Groan, I know, I had to go there).

So, fear not. There is a comic book out there for everybody. I am not going to quit reading manga, for anything, but I will read these three series until conclusion.

BTW, these are not the only comics I have read since May, they just represent the three I liked the most.

Up Up Down Down.....

2011-08-16T00:44:00.000-07:00

Video Games Live - Classic game themes... by Mujahbarrukah

In honor of one of the best books I have read this year so far, which comes out today, I offer you this video of an orchestra performing the themes of many classic video games.

Get thyself to the bookstore and grab Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. Even if you are not a gamer, or a nerd girl (like myself), this is an incredible adventure. I am aware that it is an adult novel, but the YA crossover here is obvious. I have no problem wearing my "Are You Ready?" button today! I am going to put this book into everyone's hands!!!!

To my geeky friends, I have only to say this:

Ready Player One is "NEVERWHERE" good. It is.

I love Cat Patrick!

2011-08-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Goodreads

Out: now

4.5/5 Stars

Review copy: from the library

I was not going to read this book, in fact I had "forgotten" to even add it to my TBR list. But, one of the perks of my library job is to see the new titles when they come in. When I pulled it from the pile, one of my Teen Book Club members was standing there, and we looked it over. She decided to check it out.

Flash forward to the next day, when Cayla came screaming into the office:

You have to read this NOW!

O-kay. Well, I couldn't put the darn thing down and read it in one night.

It's a winner!

Why? Well, a big thumbs up for London who is a great character with a voice that just grabs you right away. There is very little angst here, and this girl has a lot to be depressed about-however, London never seems to mire in it.

And Cayla and I agree, Luke is one of the BEST male characters, ever. He well developed, realistic, and has multiple levels-not the typical YA pretty boy who just shows up to rescue the lead female when it is needed. Hooray for Luke, may we all find one just like him for ourselves!

My big fear was that the novel would fall into the Groundhog Day trap (re: boring) and it never did. Well done!

Was hoping for a sequel, but CP's blog says no. Oh, well, I will still keep passing this title around. It's a keeper!

I am not usually a fan girl, but I went and friended Cat Patrick on every social site and her blog. Why? Because I want more, of course.

Netgalley July- Another Fail

2011-08-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

I love Netgalley with my whole heart (as I am sure you do too), and in July I went for my second attempt at the great challenge over at Red House Books Blog.

Led by the charming Emily (Willow Raven), participants read as many NG titles as they can. This is my second attempt to clear off my ereader of some titles I have been carting around for some time now.

Alas, July was not my month.

The goal was to read 5 NG titles.

I read: 3

My review of Flyaway is here.

My review of The Near Witch is here.

My review of The Way We Fall is here.

Ironically, I read more NG titles in June. I do not expect to be able to compete in October, as I will be back in school (for my last quarter of library school).

Review: The Revenant by Gensler

2011-08-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

The Revenant
Sarah Ginsler
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Released June 14, 2011
Review Copy: From Library
Goodreads link

What a pleasure! This is not only a spooky ghost story, but a highly researched historical novel as well. I could not put it down, and do not remember reading anything like it before.
I was super pleased to see the main character grow up during this novel, the change was subtle,and realistic. Very well done!
The ghost here is a real chiller, but scarier than the dead is the behavior of the living. This novel, at its core, is really about class and social standing. It is about how we treat each other and how money and standing effect that.
There are really three stories in one here and each is handled very well. I recommend this for fans of Lois Duncan, Laurie Halse Anderson (for the history buffs), and anyone looking for something different to read.

The Source of All Things: A Memoir

2011-08-01T06:10:00.000-07:00

The Source of All Things: A Memoir

By Tracy Ross

Goodreads link

Source: library copy

I found about this one from Whole Living Magazine. It was really wonderful. Tracy Ross writes like she is sitting at the kitchen table with you and is just telling you her story. I could not put it down. She is so brave and I loved reading how she rescued herself from a really bad situation. It made me wish I was more connected to nature. Does drinking half the world's supply of coffee count?

Highly recommended for fans of The Glass Castle, Fierce: A Memoir, and The Girl's Guide to Homelessness.

Book clubs should be reading this right now.

I can see it having a cross over audience into YA, because most of this story takes place when Tracy was a teen.

Sometimes in books about abuse, an adult steps in to "save" the main character. Tracy's story is unique in that she saves herself and the authorities really fail her. Imagine the lives this book could improve if it got into the right hands at the right time!

Holy Smokes, What a great read!

2011-07-31T13:13:00.000-07:00

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

By Ransom Riggs

Published by Quirk

Out: Now

Goodreads Link

Review copy: from my library

Stars: 5 out of 5

I waited for this one for forever, and it far exceeded my expectations. I had thought it was a book of quirky photos, with a small story line.

Ho, Nelly. Not even! Add this to your TBR lists pronto.

Miss Peregrine's is a novel with the photos interspersed in the text to liven up the descriptions of the characters. But the reality is the story is fantastic! It reads like a brand new fairy tale (like nothing you have seen before). There are good guys, bad guys, hidden worlds, special powers, orphans, boarding schools, and WWII. The only thing this novel was missing was gypsy wagons -I love gypsy wagons ;)

This came in for me on Friday while I was at work, and I could not put the darn thing down. Page turning is not the right word for it, it is almost as if the reader is absorbed into the story.

Riggs leaves the ending open for a sequel (please, please write a sequel!!!). I just loved this crazy book.

Mini Review: Teeth

2011-07-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

Teeth: Vampire Tales
Edited by Datlow and Windling
Out: Now
Review copy: library
Stars: 3 out of 5

This will be a mini-review because I am just so glad it's done and I am not going to comment on every story.

It took me months to read this (no, really, I started in May!). First, I hate short stories. Really, why should I invest twelve pages to enjoy a character just to never see them again? Urg. That said this collection has some gems in it. It also had some duds, and that was why I had to keep putting the book down. I finally finished the last "dud" today.
I know when I start noting how many pages a story is...the collection is over for me.

The best story in this collection, IMHO, is Flying by Delia Sherman. I also enjoyed Vampire Weather by Garth Nix.

Overall: if you are in the mood for vampire lit, then go for it. If you are over the fangers, as I suspect I am, let it go.

Review: The Way

2011-07-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

The Way We Fall
By Megan Crewe
Published Jan 24, 2012
Review copy: Netgalley
Stars: 3 out of 5

A friend once told me that dystopian lit breaks into two categories: During and After. Here, The Way We Fall is a during. We watch as a virus overtakes a small island off the coast of Canada. The problem, for me, is that I prefer After books (Blood Red Road, Divergent, Hunger Games, etc). This one felt on par with others I have read, but more generic. Crewe does not spend a great deal of time on description and because of that, I found myself not really caring about any of the characters. Even though we are reading the MC's diary (written as letters to an old friend) I don't think I understood her motivation for half of her actions. Her relationship with her father was really unclear. Ditto mom. And what is up with the brother? There just is not anything in this novel that will help it stand out in the pack.

Anyway, what was really great was the idea that the MC was a natural observer. That totally fit with the story. Also the character of Gav, well done. Guys in teen fiction are usually one dimensional, Gav was really well thought out.

I can see me reading the sequel. I will also put this into the hands of readers of How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff (a great "during" novel) and Life as We Knew It by Pfeffer series (come to think of it, all of these titles are really similar).

One more...

2011-07-23T18:02:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to add this shot of the shuffleboard. Again, the TBC (Teen Book Club) made it for me.

More Summer Crafts!

2011-07-23T17:39:00.001-07:00

Cruise Into Crafts!

For my 6-12 year olds I hosted Cruise Into Crafts in which we boarded a "cruise ship" called the SS Librartania and went to sea. On deck, we had a phantom boat story (not too scary) and stations of fun.

The ship went down the East Coast to South America, so Station One was a craft of molas. We made ours from construction paper. I think they look all 3-D and cool.

Station Two, the kids made "Find Its" from empty creamer bottles (the clear ones) and colored rice. I searched for doodads all around the library for days beforehand, and we had more than enough shells, buttons, tiny toys, and wooden pieces to hide in there. Really cute!

Station Three was Limbo. We had trophies for the winner of each group.

Station Four was shuffleboard. The TBC painted a shuffleboard on paper for me, I glued two of those smaller cheap Frisbees together (with some glass marbles inside for weight) and made "pushers" from gift wrap tubes and paper plates.

Station Five was food! Check out Bruce!!

He was the big hit of the whole day. I carved him the night before, and found the idea on Pintrest. The kids ate watermelon and drank iced tea or lemonade with umbrella straws.

This was so much fun, and required a staff of four. So worth it.

Teen Book Club

2011-07-23T17:28:00.001-07:00

So, I know it is late in the summer, but I want to share some of the stuff my crew has been up to (busy, busy bees).

First, they picked The Maze Runner by Dashner as our August book. I think it is great that 15 kids all share the same reading preferences.

With our One World, Many Stories theme in the kids room, we created a "communication corner". See our lovely English phone box? It was once a refrigerator box, but I cut the many windows and created a "dome" by gluing on poster board. The TBC painted and decorated the booth. We placed toy phones all around the box and on the tables and the little guys have just loved "calling" the world fr

om the library this summer.

Here is a close up of the inside.

Also, written inside is "hello" in many different languages.

Review: Near Witch by Schwab

2011-07-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
Goodreads link
Publish date: August 2, 2011
Stars: 3.5/5

One sentence synopsis: In the village of Near a stranger has arrived in town, and the children of Near are disappearing.

This one was high on my TBR in 2011 list. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.
I love a good ghost story. I love a good witch story. I love stories that are set outside of time and here we are isolated in the village of Near, which is bordered by spooky moors.
The writing is beautiful:

"In my dreams, someone is screaming. The voice cries out and gets caught in the wind. It's tangled, faltering. And then it changes, stretches long and thin, pulled taut before it breaks, and all is quiet." (e-galley pg 247)

Gorgeous, gorgeous prose! A fiery heroine! A tortured innocent! And somebody is stealing the village's children.
The problem with this story is that it is 50 pages too long. And repetitive! Three times, Lexi's mother bales her out of trouble with her lawman uncle. Three times Lexi approaches the forest to complete her task and then falls back. Three times she consults the good witches for cryptic advice.
The "romance" also falls flat. I didn't really buy into it until later (and that was more because I realized Lexi was not going to be able to do anything on her own). I thought the story would have worked better if Lexi had sisterly feelings for Cole, because, despite showing us some severe make-out sessions, Schwab never really explains the attraction between these two. In fact, Cole barely speaks but somehow he has won Lexi's heart? It just didn't fit.
Schwab is one to watch, this is a first novel after all, and I always try to give debuts a fair shot at growing. I think she has the talent to write a really beautiful story, I just think she needs some plot work.
That being said, Near Witch is not a bad story, I just would not run out and buy it. Pick it up at the library instead. Better yet, wait for Fall and a super windy night and then read it (that is the time of year I would have released this-spooky, windy October).
For those who love: witchy stories, Cryer's Cross (has a similar feel), and The Village (the movie).

Review: Flyaway

2011-07-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

Flyaway by Helen Landalf

Goodreads link

Published December 2011

Source: Netgalley

Challenge: netgalley July

I really enjoyed this book, I thought Landalf did a great job examining the life of a child who has an addict for a parent. One one hand, they have unconditional love and loyalty for the parent, on the other, they have enough of a survival instinct to know when they need to protect themselves from further harm. I know, I grew up with two parents with addictions (not meth in either case). As a teen, I searched for books like this (and rarely found them): stories of teens who live through this terrible situation. As a YA librarian, I hope that books like this wind up in the hands of the kids who need to read them (they need to know IT GETS BETTER).

That said, the three star rating is for the love interest, it was not developed well, and it was not needed. The scenes with The Professor and friends-okay. The scenes with Alan-immature and they actually wrenched me out of the story and made me grimace.

Girls who are dealing with tough situations like this one do not need complicated love interests (the bird symbolism was heavy, and the story did not need the entire Alan-romance subplot, if anything it felt like two separate books smashed together into one). Also, I think the relationship between Stevie and the tutor could have been a little deeper, he was certainly a wonderful male role model for her.

I did feel that the relationship between Stevie and Mindy was very, very realistic!

Reading, reading, reading

2011-07-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

Just an update, I am still here, but I am on a crazy readathon (self-induced). As I had never read anything by Ellen Hopkins, and as she is coming to NJ in September AND as I have an ARC of Triangles (her first adult novel) I felt I better get on the Hopkins train.

So far, I have devoured Burned and Crank. Whoa. I think Burned was one of the BEST things I have read in ages, although I still don't get the ending. Well, not the ending, but the final, final bit. So I made one up on my own.

Also, I am cleaning up, reloading, and plowing through some Netgalley reads for the challenge over at Red House Books.

So work, read, eat while reading, sleep, and then read some more. In short, summer Heaven.

In which I declare my Participation in Netgalley July!

2011-07-03T08:46:00.001-07:00

I love this challenge. Read and review some Netgalley titles and "hang" out with some other readers doing the same thing. You can join the challenge here.

This is a great challenge because I sometimes put my NG titles on the backburner to my library books and physical arcs. Also, NG offers titles way in advance, so I tell myself I will get to them in time. And, confession, sometimes I do not. Sob!

So how many will I read for this challenge?

I think:

Let's get going!!!

Circle Nine- A very confused review

2011-07-02T05:07:00.000-07:00

Circle 9 by Anne Heltzel

Published by Candlewick

September 13, 2011

Source: NG

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Challenge: Netgalley July

Have you ever found yourself reading a book and you wish you could find someone else, right now, who is reading the same book? This was like that for me. Stuff happened in this book and I looked up and went "What?!?" This is a book that requires a reading buddy.

I was kind of mesmorized by this novel. I just could not put it down. But, I am left kind of empty. Is this the story of Abby and Sam (an unhealthy relationship)? Or is this the story of Addison, and the effects of trauma on us? I am a bit confused. Heltzel has this talent for making the pages turn fast, fast, fast. I was glued to the story, especially when Abby sees her world one way, then blinks and catches a glimpse of "reality". I finished the story more than a little confused, was this a re-telling of a fairy tale? Which one? And how did Abby's mind trick her for so long? I need to find a shrink and get more information. And Amanda (all of these "A" names!)-what was the point? To cause a rift? A reading buddy and I could have bounced ideas between us until this made sense.

It was a good pool read, and I was glad to spend time with this story. I will remember Heltzel's name, because this woman can write. I can't wait to see what she does next.

WOW (3)--Texas Gothic

2011-06-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

My poor neglected blog. First, school is out for the summer but then summer reading hit at the library and well, we know what that is like. I am, however, on va-cay, so I am reading like a fool. Expect loads of reviews. Bad news, internet is spotty here so I am uploading them to the best of my ability.

So. WOW. Check out this cover! And a ghost story, I am SO in the mood for a ghost story right now. I have had this one in my Goodreads TBR list for awhile, and I just read a great interview with Clement-Moore in Bookpage that made me wish it was in my hands right now. The good news is that it comes out July 12th, so not that long of a wait! Bad news, library did not order it (yet). Sigh.

WOW- Waiting On Wednesday (2)

2011-06-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

I have missed Lia Habel TWICE! First, she was at the Steampunk World's Fair on Sunday (after I left) and she was at BEA on a day I could not attend. Alas, I wait patiently for this title which marries steampunk, zombies, and awesomeness.

I think I have had this one on the TBR list since Badass Bookie interviewed her (when was that, January?)

Picture snagged from "That's Swell" Blog, where it was also featured as a WOW. What a pretty blog! Check it out! Warning, it takes forever to load-at least, it did for me today.

My New Obsession-MNO!

2011-06-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

I have decided to feature a new meme: My New Obsession (MNO). The idea is that we can share what we are into right NOW. This changes all of the time with me, and I suspect you too, so let's let our freak flags fly and show me what you are all excited about!

Music: I can't get enough of "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People. The library has not bought the cd, so I am pondering the expense of ordering the MP3 download from Amazon. Every time I do this, the library buys the cd a week later. Perhaps they are spying on my account....

Books: Release Your Inner Geek

I have read and loved two books this year so far that are just love songs to the inner geek.

Among Others by Jo Walton is about a young girl whose reality is just terrible, and she gets through it by reading science fiction novels and by practicing magic. This is one of the most original books I have read in years. My review is here.

My other (new) fave is Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. I saw it at BEA, and grabbed a copy from Netgalley. I could not put it down. This will not appeal to everyone, but as someone who grew up in the 80's and who loves video games (not to the extreme the characters in this story do, but hey). Think The Empty Pot meets Goonies meets Tron meets Brazil (one of my top ten movies of all time!) Yeah, it is something like that. Read my review here.

Movie: I know I am a little late here, but we just watched True Grit and it was great. I didn't understand a third of what Bridges said, so I plan to watch it again with subtitles, but Mattie Ross stole the entire movie for me. Excellent.

TV: Still going strong with Game of Thrones (although, I am not sure I LOVE Game of Thrones). I really like some of the characters in the story, but the huge amount of sex bothers me. Also, when characters I don't like are on screen, the story really drags for me. I kind of see it as a stop gap until True Blood comes back.

Summer shows I can't wait for:

True Blood

Haven

Torchwood: Miracle Day (too bad it is set in the US)

(I really don't watch too much TV)

Movies I can't wait for:

HP 7.2 (have tickets for opening night already)

Super 8

So, if you have some current obsessions, leave a comment!

WOW- Waiting On Wednesday

2011-06-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

This is my first ever WOW post, I am not sure why I have waited so long....

La! Let me present, EVE the book I third most wanted from BEA but could not get because they released it on Thursday. Sigh.

Here's a bit of the premise from Goodreads:

The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. Wildlife has grown over once recognizable landmarks, and the New America is ruled by a controlling King who will stop at nothing to rebuild the nation—including enslaving its boys and turning its girls into broodmares.

LINK

WOW is hosted by Breaking the Spine, you can link up here.

A Random Present

2011-05-30T15:47:00.001-07:00

This arrived in the mail this week. It did not come with a letter, or note, but the return address said Random House.

Well, thank you, Random Person! I will wear my buttons (especially the "I'm Incorrigible!" one) with pride.

Thank you, randomly.

Review: Divergent

2011-05-27T11:50:00.001-07:00

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Out: now

Goodreads link

5 out of 5 stars

Oh, my. I loved this book. Now, to give a review without gushing (much).

I am always leery of books that have so much hype as they consistently disappoint me (see: Matched). I was super happy to grab a copy of Divergent from a coworker, and took my time before starting it (I had just finished Blood Red Road -review here-and did not want to merge the books in my mind).

This is one of those hard to describe plots. In a futuristic Chicago, folks split themselves up into factions. Beatrice knows she does not fit into the faction she was born into-she just isn't sure she fits into any of the other factions either.

The world building is incredible, I never once questioned anything Roth had to say. The characters were all realistic, given the situation. And the best part is that Beatrice, like Katniss (you knew the Hunger Games comparison was coming) and Rhine of Wither is super strong-we as readers know this, but watching Tris figure it out is the best part.

I cannot wait for the next one.

Review: Awaken

2011-05-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Debut novel from Katie Kacinsky.
E Galley from netgalley
4/5 stars

If, like me, you have walked into a coffee house and witnessed four people sitting together but not actually speaking to one another just staring at their cellphones, well then you know where this novel is going. In a world in which we upload videos to smaller screens so that kids can watch movies while we shop or drive, instead of you know....talking to to our kids, well then you know where this novel is going.

In Madeline's world, everything is done online. School, work, exercise, dating, etc. Crime is down, but no one remembers how to live. Que the rebel with a cause, Justin, who just might shake Maddie's world up if she decides to "awaken" to reality.

There are some really great scenes in this book. The relationship between Maddie and Justin takes a nice, reasonable time to develop. Maddie's world may come crashing down, but a new one is waiting there for her and it has been there the entire time: Reality.

I could not help compare this to Brave New World and 1984. This is a nicer version of those scary stories. In Awaken, the cops use stun guns, and people who rebel are exiled or, if they are kids, sent to institutions for fresh brainwashing. No one is ever really in danger here.

Some of the future technology is so cool, you almost can't understand why they are rebelling! Seriously, ceilings you can digitally paint on! Digital School you can attend in your pajamas (wait! I do that now in Library School). Zipcars that get you wherever you want. I'd almost sign up if it didn't mean trading in my soul.

This hits the shelves on May 23, and I think it's a great Spring Read. Just watching Maddie fall in love with nature made me want to go outside and see it again for myself. Of course, I would bring this book and a blanket, and a Justin.

I want my Teen Book Club to read this. I think there is a lot of room for deep discussions about compromises security over privacy, government mandate vs individual morals, etc. There is a warning hidden in this book and today's teens would benefit from hearing this version of a possible future.
A disclaimer, this book was made available to me from netgalley. Thank you kindly.

2011-05-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

Sharks & Boys by Kristen Tracy
Published: June 28, 2011
arc from NG (thanks)
4 out of 5 stars

I read this in one shot last night. It was not at all what I expected, I was expecting a simple drama-filled teen romcom. Heck no! This is a survival story, one so good I couldn't put it down and could not flip pages fast enough.
Here's the deal: four sets of twins who are all buddies from "twin studies" are stuck in the Atlantic on a raft-the Coast Guard may or may not have been called. The raft is surrounded by SHARKS!
I really loved that each of these characters is super smart, some of them borderline genius, and it can be a little confusing in the beginning to remember who is the twin of who.
Enid is also going through some major family drama, and her usual analytical nature-that comes in so handy in science, is turned to looking at each detail of her relationship with a microscope. As an effect, it is driving everyone away from her.
This is a refreshing book, so different from everything I have read lately.
Be warned: keep a glass of water near you through the entire reading!!!
This title will not appeal to everyone. It reminded me of The Life Aquatic, or if Wes Anderson wrote a YA novel.

Review: The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

2011-05-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

The Girl in the Steel Corset
By Kady Cross
4 out of 5 stars
Published: May 24, 2011
arc from publisher for review (thanks!)

There are not a lot of steampunk titles for YA, so I was super glad to hear of this new series. Finley Jayne has a monster inside of her and the strength to throw a man through a wall. In Victorian England, a rag-tag band of "extraordinary" teens join forces to fight The Machinist-a mad man bent on creating horrors of the cyberman-kind.
Overall, this was a really great adventure story! I think the writing was good, but I never got fully sucked into the story. There is not one, but two love triangles. What I really enjoyed was the technology mixed with the real aspects of the time. Some of the inventions were Jules Verne-worthy, and the details were fun. Jack Dandy, for example, is a real figure and not just a style of dress.
Picture Jekyll and Hyde mixed with Hellboy and you have the picture. So far, my favorite characters are Emily and Jack Dandy.
I think it belongs on the shelf of any steampunk enthusiast, and I cannot wait for the next book in which it appears we will be heading to New York.
A note about the cover: I wish it was a little less romance novel-y, but the corset is cool.

Review: Blood Red Road

2011-05-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

Blood Red Road by Moira Young
Published: June 7, 2011
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
arc from ssgg (thanks!)

Of all of the books I was most looking forward to this year, this book was at the top of the list-right above Divergent.
What can I say about this story? It is better than great. But why? Let's break it down. We have a family, far from the rest of civilization, isolated and protected, and something happens to trigger a quest of almost epic proportions. I was amazed while reading it, there is very little here that I have not seen before (I read a great deal of dystopian lit). The magic comes in how Young pulled all of these elements together. Sometimes, the book felt as though we were in ancient Rome. Sometimes, the Wild West. The effect is one that feels familiar, but seen through new eyes.
As a kid who grew up on Mad Max, we see many of the same elements here: brutal and primal human behavior. At the same time we see our kindly Western heroes, our Amazon princess warriors, and through it all we have a girl who could be any of us. She has a mission, and nothing will distract her from it (thank you for not letting romance screw this story up-it would not have fit, it was handled very well).
A note on the dialect:
The book is written in a strange vernacular, it took me a bit to get used to it, but I think it was realistic. This strange world (after us, the Wreckers) would have different dialects, different customs. I can't wait for the sequel and to continue on with this group of warriors/survivors. I can't wait to see what is next.
Recommended for readers of dystopian lit and readers of historical fiction.

Failing...

2011-05-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

My poor, neglected blog-how I love thee. I am so crazy busy with work, school, NJLA, planning for the Steampunk World's Fair, and BEA that I barely have time to do anything. I am, however, still reading away.
I did not get many Netgalley titles read :(. I did finish Ultraviolet, and I started but could not finish Spellbound (I just could not get into it). Ditto Starcrossed. Sorry, I look forward to Netgalley July. Here is the link to the challenges. I should have more time this summer, as I am taking a break from grad school (and will finish up in the Fall).
Anyhoo, I promise more later, including my review of Blood Red Road, several author signings, and my little wishlist for BEA (I'm also curious what everyone who is going to BEA will be "hunting" for-maybe you know of a title I missed?
Back soon, I promise.
XOXOXO

Netgalley April____Ultraviolet by Anderson

2011-04-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

I loved this. I was hooked from the opening sentences. Just to prove how into this book I was: something happened and the galley came through and only worked on the tiniest font. I used a magnifying glass to read it. Despite the migraines, I pressed on because I had to find out what really happened between Tori and Ali.
This book was not at all what I expected, I recommend going in with no expectations. At first I thought it was a mystery, then a paranormal, and now....I don't want to ruin the surprise for anyone. I didn't see it coming.
I am going to check out more books by this author right away.

Nobody gnomes the trouble I seen....

2011-04-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

So as part of my Storytelling class (how great is that?) I had a friend film me telling a story in my Gnome Craft. The audience is my real group of 6-12 year olds who I work with twice a month. They are a hard crowd to please.

Anyway, to set this up, I adapted the story from the movie Amelie. I called it The Traveling Gnome, although it is actually a subplot in the film and not a story per se...
So, here is Story #1- The Traveling Gnome with Props.

Review: Peach Keeper by Allen

2011-04-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

See, I read adult books too. Well, some. Well, a couple.

Here's one.

I finished this morning while looking out the window like a lost puppy waiting for the UPS angel who will drop off the new Mortal Instruments book today.

Review: I love Allen's books, they go down like iced coffee on a hot day. I LOVE Alice Hoffman, and Allen is like Alice Hoffman Jr (or AH lite). Both write stories about women that have pinches of everyday magic. If you believe the sky goes white just before big changes happen, or that a con man can smell like peaches, then this is your book.

Now, I am not a romance fan, and this story is loaded with a double romance (blech!) but there is enough of a tale here to allow me to overlook the mush and really enjoy the story.

There is nothing too deep here, and of course everyone is just gorgeous, but it is a great Spring read-light and airy.

Also, coffeeology? I'm onboard. I wonder what my cream and an Equal says about me? Rachel? Care to chime in?

One more thing: I updated my Goodreads challenge from 85 for the year to 111 because I am already at 33. Now, if I can read 33 books by April, work full time, go to grad school, and raise a family, then people who "do not have time to read" are lying.

Okay, back to staring out the window for the brown truck....

Netgalley April!

2011-03-29T17:52:00.001-07:00

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.

Review: Girl's Guide to Homelessness by Karp

2011-03-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

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 and you will feel as if she is telling you the story over a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

I not only highly recommend it, I will present some book pairings:
1. The Glass Castle- Jeanette Walls
2. Random Family- Adrian LeBlanc
3. The Broke Diaries- Angela Nissel
4. Without a Net: Middle Class and Homeless (with kids) in America-Kennedy
5. Fierce: A Memoir- Barbara R. Moss
6. Change Me Into Zeus' Daughter-also by Moss

At first, I was a little wigged out that this book is being marketed as a teen book, but just yesterday I watched a teen check out A Child Called It, so I am re-thinking this. Please don't let it stop you from recommending it to readers of all ages. Keep in mind the F-bomb is in there and so are several mature sexual situations (not including the abuse).

Review: I Am J by Beam

2011-03-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

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 does a wonderful job of spreading understanding and knowledge. I understand this would not be the topic of choice for some readers, but I am glad this book is out there for any reader who is experiencing a similar struggle (or really any struggle). This is a story that does not allow for giving up or defeat-a tale filled with hope.

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner.....

2011-03-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

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!

Attention Lucky Leprechauns.....

2011-03-16T00:14:00.000-07:00

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!

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Review: Subject 7

2011-03-14T11:35:00.001-07:00

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 kind of stops.
For comparison, I would say it is like the Maximum Ride series; only way, way more violent-lots of face-smashing.
I think I would continue to read the series just to see where it is going.

Another Author Alert!!!!

2011-03-08T06:44:00.000-08:00

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.

Author Alert!!!!

2011-03-05T17:15:00.000-08:00

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.

Review: Wither

2011-03-01T16:41:00.000-08:00

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 best was Rhine finds strength in her memories of her family and is determined to create a future for herself. She is not waiting around for the male hero to swoop in and save the day, nor does Rhine's entire existance revolve around Gabriel and what Gabriel thinks of her. Yay, girl power!!!!

I can't wait for the next one. Is anyone else thinking that Linden may have some surprises up his sleeve? I think he reminds me of Heathcliff, except he has two Catherines.

Highly recommended for fans of dystopian lit, not so much for romantics.

Review: Trapped

2011-02-22T07:40:00.000-08:00

Trapped by Michael Northrop
Out now, Goodreads
Review copy from Star Book Tours (I love these guys)
4/5 Stars

While this would have been the perfect read during the crazy storms of Jan. 2011 I enjoyed it in the non-snow time too. I am forever looking for books to recommend to teen and pre-teen boys and this one is now tops on my list.
To sum it up: During a freak (18 feet!) snow storm, 7 teens are trapped in their high school. The power goes out the first night, the water pipes burst, and the school bully is one of the seven.

I thought Trapped was very successful. The sense of isolation was well done, the characters were realistic (I especially loved Scot's voice), the dangers were real and the plot was fast moving.
That said, a reader will find themselves screaming at the book "Why don't you try this?"
Safe to say that the characters in this book have not read as many survival novels I have, so they are a little clueless.
I would have holed up in the library, created a stove in the shop that vented out a window with a pipe, and tried a land line. I also would have raided the teacher's lounge the first night.
The ending is a little coincidental, but satisfying. I would have appreciated an epilogue.
Still, a great read for a snowy winter night. Highly recommended for fans of survival fiction (a la Hatchet or The Girl Who Owned a City), but kids who loved City of Ember or Incarceron should also dig it (for the survival aspect).

Giveaway Winner!

2011-02-21T07:26:00.000-08:00

The winner of Blessed and Iron Queen is: #28

Kayla M.

Kayla, I have sent you an email (look in your spam just in case!). Send me your address and I'll get the books in the mail.

If for some reason I do not hear from Kayla by Wednesday night, I will pick a new winner.
Thank you to all of your awesome comments and for all my new followers on Twitter. Check back in March because I will be doing another giveaway around St. Patty's Day!

Review: One Hundred Candles by Purnhagen

2011-02-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

One Hundred Candles will be published: Feb. 22, 2011
Goodreads link.
This book is the second in a series. See my review of the first book here.
5/5 stars

First, I love this series. I love Charlotte. She is very smart and quite courageous. A one-sentence recap of the story-so far: Mom and Dad hunt ghosts and Charlotte is better at attracting deadly demons than hot guys at school.

I have never heard of the one hundred candle game (ritual?) that begins this book. I did, being a librarian, investigate some more online and there are variations on how to play but it sounds like fun. And here I had thought me and my friends had covered all of the usual sleep over party games: light as a feather, Ouija board, frozen bras....

Poor Charlotte has, this time, attracted something "worse than" a demon, a cute football player, and a bunch of hauntings at school. I thought the pacing of this book was great. I also adore how, even though Charlotte is dealing with many things, the minor characters run independently of her and have their own lives (Jared with the memorial for example). I really recommend these titles to mystery fans as YA mystery is lacking. Like Scooby Doo, the hauntings are usually solved with humans behind them, but unlike Scooby Doo there are "real" supernatural creatures at work here too.

Two things: the ending cut off. Seriously, I went back to the source to see if my egalley file was incomplete, it wasn't. It didn't feel like a cliffhanger, it felt like the author ran out of time. And, two, Noah needs to be a little more....more. Yeah, he is supportive (and hot?) but except for complaining about his mom, he's kind of a non-entity. Man up, Noah!!! Get proactive. I know it's hard when the female character is so strong ...but you can do it.

ARC from netgalley. Thanks.

Review: Darkness Becomes Her by

2011-02-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
Goodreads link
Published 2/22/11
egalley from gg
4/5 Stars

I really liked this story. One, it took a bunch of elements I have seen a million other places and put it back together into a brand new story. Loved the gothic setting. I do wonder if Keaton had me entranced because of her writing or if I loved this so much because I have been to New Orleans and recognized almost everything in the book.
Ari is not a blushing flower of a heroine. Think instead: a slightly less mad Lizbeth Salander. I gave super points for this being a first novel, and I am assuming this will be a series. So I want more character development and more exploration of supporting characters in the next book. I love the little cast of outcasts surrounding Ari. Crank, especially, could be our first-ever elementary school steampunk hero! Henri has no personality at all, and Dub needs some background, but I love them already.
The world building here is great, but I would love to know a few more things. How, for example, are supplies getting into the city if the postal truck barely gets across the bridge? Where is the food supply? I am curious because I care.
I predict this series will find fans with paranormal readers, mythological readers, alternative history readers, and dystopian readers (the feel is there).

Review: XVI

2011-02-17T07:53:00.001-08:00

XVI by Julia Karr

Out now, Goodreads

Review copy, personal library

4/5 Stars

I bought this one back in January when it came out, but you know how it is with books you own. Between the review copies and the library copies, the ones you own keep getting put on the bottom of the pile.

To Sum it Up: In the future, girls are tattooed with the number 16 on their wrists to signify they are ready to procreate. Nina fears being marked, fears for her mother's safety with her abusive boyfriend, and is about to find out her family's past is way more involved than she thought.

I really liked Nina. In fact, I liked all of the characters (with a special shout out to Gran and Pops who were super great). The plight of poor Nina finding herself kind of gets over shadowed by the Resistance movement, but it is in there.

That being said, the world building in this one could have been better. Cars are "trans", soda is "sparkle" and fridges are "chillers". Whoa, futuristic.

What Karr did really well was create a propaganda filled government that I never once questioned was in complete control over society. I did not see enough of the resistance to understand what they were doing, but that is what sequels are for.

Ed was a truly chilling, believable villain. He's a perfect example of what happens when you give idiots power, even a little bit of power.

As for the whole concept of treating women so poorly in society, as a History major I want to point out that whenever a great civilization slides women's rights are one of the first things to go. I found this to be realistic and very, very frightening.

This is why I worry about a generation of girls growing up on Paris Hilton. *shudders*

My First Ever Giveaway!!!!!

2011-02-13T05:35:00.000-08:00

It is time to give back, my friends! I've been plotting this one for a while and the time is here. I give you:

My First Giveaway!!!

Here's what's up for grabs:

One autographed copy of Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith and one advanced reader copy of The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa.

I know! I'm excited too!!!

Here are the rules:

1. Open to US peeps only (sorry! Broke grad student here)

2. The giveaway is open from 2/13/11 to 2/20/11 because I hate long giveaways.

3. I will email the winner on 2/21/11 and they will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen.

4. Random.org will pick the winner.

5. No extra entries (everyone is equal in my eyes).

6. Fill out the form to win!!!

Following and comments are not required for the giveaway, but sure are appreciated!

Awesome Author Signing!!!

2011-02-12T17:08:00.000-08:00

I just came back from meeting Cynthia Leitich Smith! She was in my local Barnes and Noble, and I hightailed it over to meet her (and to pick up a copy of Blessed). Cynthia is one of those people who it is a genuine joy to be around, she had us laughing and "performed" some of Tantalize for the crowd.
There was much love all around!! This is why I go to author signings. First, how great is it to hear a book being read by the person who wrote it. Second, I have never met an author I didn't like, but it is so great to put a face to the prose. Plus we usually get some sort of background on the creation process that I find interesting. Cynthia is awesome. Check out her website-several members of the audience seem to know her already because she is super great about communicating with her fans.
Now, I'm only halfway through Eternal but I really like it (I wanted to have the first two read before the signing, but it didn't happen).
Three more great things:
1. Everyone who went left with this cool dry erase/magnetic board that looks like a menu from Sanguini's.
2. I won a giveaway of all of Cynthia's books.
3. I promise to share the love. From now on, anytime I know of ANY YA author who will be in town (which for me is the Philly/South Jersey area) I will share it here and on twitter).

In the pictures: the dry erase board, my pile of winnings, and Cynthia (I am the one in glasses).
Stay tuned tomorrow to see why this event is (possibly) good news for you too!

Review: Outside In by Snyder

2011-02-10T06:39:00.000-08:00

First, let me just say that I have loved Maria V. Snyder since Poison Study and always look forward to a new title from her. That said, I liked (not loved) Inside Out. It was better than okay, but not great. I liked Trella, but the best part of the book was the surprise ending which I did not see coming.

CAUTION: You will see the word "love" many times in this review.
Outside In by Maria V. Snyder
Goodreads link here
4.5/5 Stars

Here is the second book in the series. It will be published on March 1, 2011. I loved this book. Maybe because the first book was a lot of set up, and now that we are all on the same page this book felt like the adventure really began. I read this in one night! It's so action packed, I could not stop reading. I feel like Trella really grew up in this story. I only hope there is more.

I think the character I have most grown to love is Dr. Lamont. I loved her, hated her, despised her, and then loved her again. I felt Trella's pain on that end.

This book is a little, er, sexier than the last (there is alway sex in the Poison Study books and the Opal stories and I know older teens read them). I was just kind of surprised to see it here. There is some heavy petting and then some more briefly in the end. Was it necessary? It really never is, in my book. I get that the characters love each other without going in that direction, but that is me.

Overall, a great read, and I hope there will at least be one more! But what on Earth would it be called? We had Inside Out, Outside In....how about Upside Down or Around and Around?

Just have to share....Show and Tell

2011-02-08T07:04:00.000-08:00

I won an Across the Universe water bottle by making an ass of myself on facebook. So many people have come up to me at work and church and said "Kristie, what is up with you and the water bottles?" Well, it was hard earned, but I love it. Thank you Beth and Razorbill!!!!

The mail came today and I have won some awesome swag and the book Kiss It from Melissa over at YA Bookshelf. Thank you so much! I love autographed bookmarks. I am such a dork, I ran out and bought an album to put them in (blame Beth Revis, the first one in my collection was from her). You don't want to use them! They are autographed! Am I a crazed fan? Probably. The book is signed as well. I am a big fan of Melissa's blog, I check it daily. Right now she is doing a great series on book trailers. Very cool.

Mom made these great Cake Pops (cakepops?) that are shaped like footballs for the Super Bowl. I had to share, they are so cute!! There is a Cake Pops book out there, and I may just have to grab it for her for Mother's Day.

Dystopian readers rejoice!!! It is another Dystopian Feb. over at Presenting Lenore (I love when she does this, usually August and February). Lenore offers up new stuff and features classics so we should be able to stack those TBR piles right back up to the ceiling.

Check it out here!

Review: Choker by Woods

2011-02-08T05:51:00.001-08:00

Choker by Elizabeth Woods
Goodreads link
Copy from the library
3/5 Stars

Quick recap: Cara is having some major issues at school: She is being bullied by the in-crowd, has a crush on a guy out of her league, and she feels friendless and alone.
Enter her best childhood friend, Zoe, who has resurfaced after doing something bad. Cara agrees to hide Zoe in her room in the hopes that they can reform the close friendship they enjoyed as kids.

Spoiler Free Review:

Choker is a good first novel. The pacing is page turning, the plot is interesting, and there are some genuine shivery moments. My only issues are with the characters. They are highly undeveloped, and that leads to a disconnect for the reader. If you are not invested in anyone, then the story just plays out without emotional attachment.
Large chunks of time are not reported. Something had to have happened in between events.
Cara is unlikeable-she barely speaks to anyone, and as a friend she sucks. If a friend of mine showed up in my room, I would want to know what happened.
Ethan is complex, but we never really get to know him. Zoe is empty of personality, except for physical description, and because I am staying spoiler free that is all I can expound on that.
I just wanted some more meat to the story. A little bit of exploration of friendships (especially when the rest of the world is not treating you very nicely) would have been keen.
Overall, Choker is a short, shivery read.

Valentine's Day Fun

2011-02-04T09:21:00.000-08:00

Program: Valentine's Day

Ages: 5-12

Ah, Valentine's Day, how I dislike you. Yes, the crafts are cute, but if you love somebody-tell them everyday. So, now that my party-pooper true self has left the building, see what we made at my V-Day craft yesterday!!

As I have no idea what gorillas or frogs have with love, I chose Robot valentines to recreate into awsome name badges. We began by reading Unloveable by Dan Yaccarino (which I love because it is about loving yourself for who you really are, not what the cat thinks about you).

Then we made boxes to look like ourselves (and to store valentines in) and then I put out tables spread with goodies like colored paper, wooden cut outs, buttons, stencils, doilies, etc and the kids made valentines (good old fashioned ones).

For a giveaway, I made Valentine's Day bark, which I found here.

My version had pretzels, m&ms, white chocolate, and heart sprinkles (white, pink and black).

The bag labels came from a free printable I found here.

What would I do without free printables? I'd die. That's what.

The Valentine's Day box was featured in the current issue of Pack O'Fun magazine, something else I cannot live without. Tip: the directions want you to cover the cereal boxes with paper, and I did my sample like that but it took forever. For the boxes for the kids, I just painted them a shade of cream (two coats). Much easier, and markers and crayons worked great on the paint.

Text and Java

Review: Scarlet by Gaughen

My Year in Review....

2011 YA Story Scavenger Hunt

Review: Girls of No Return

Hmmm

2011 YA Scavenger Hunt

Review: Graffiti Moon

Anna Dressed In Blood review

Happy Turkey Day!!

Ashes by Blick

It's Monday (5)

Sophmore Reading Challenge

More Middle Grade Reads

It's Monday (5)

Challenges, challenges....

Winner!

DAC 2012

Review: Iron Witch

Pinterest

It's Monday! (4)

Review: Hallowed by Hand

Review: The Name of the Star

Review: Banished by Littlefield

It's Monday! (3)

Bookworm Santa

The Perfect Giveway!

Review: Away by Teri Hall

It's Monday (2)

Book Trailer Mania!

It's Monday

Review: Pure by Baggott

Review: The Flint Heart

Review: Under the Never Sky by Rossi

Review: Glow by Ryan

Review: Blood Wounds

Review: I Finally got around to reading Yoda

Review: Beyond the Grave by Mara Purnhagen

Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Scarecrow Craft- Happy Fall Y'All

Review: Burnout

Review: Frost by Baer

Review: Witchlanders by Lena Coakley

Review: Shifting by Bethany Wiggins

Go Me Go

Contest News

Review: The Night Circus

Comical- Me reading comics

Up Up Down Down.....

I love Cat Patrick!

Netgalley July- Another Fail

Review: The Revenant by Gensler

The Source of All Things: A Memoir

Holy Smokes, What a great read!

Mini Review: Teeth

Review: The Way

One more...

More Summer Crafts!

Teen Book Club

Review: Near Witch by Schwab

Review: Flyaway

Reading, reading, reading

In which I declare my Participation in Netgalley July!

Circle Nine- A very confused review

WOW (3)--Texas Gothic

WOW- Waiting On Wednesday (2)

My New Obsession-MNO!

WOW- Waiting On Wednesday

A Random Present

Review: Divergent

Review: Awaken

Review: The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

Review: Blood Red Road

Failing...

Netgalley April____Ultraviolet by Anderson

Nobody gnomes the trouble I seen....

Review: Peach Keeper by Allen

Netgalley April!

Review: Girl's Guide to Homelessness by Karp

Review: I Am J by Beam