The Best Reader:
trend

1. Knightley Academy — Bought
2. The Deathday Letter — Gift
3. Pretty Little Liars — Bought
4. Finding Forrester — School
5. Shade — BEA
6. To Kill A Mockingbird — School
7. Fall For Anything — Review Copy
8. Intrinsical — Review Copy
9. The Eternal Ones — Library
10. Dracula in Love — Review Copy
11. Captivate — Bought
12. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow — Audio via Gutenberg
13. The Dark Divine — BEA
14. The Ivy — BEA
15. Matched — Review Copy
16. Need — Bought
17. Mockingjay — Library
18. Losing Faith — Review Copy
19. The DUFF — BEA
20. 13 to Life — Bought

Plus, when I "empty" these shelves maybe I can get a Nook!:)
What about you? Have you noticed any reading trends?

What a week! I wish I would have been more prepared to have reviews of Banned Books! But plenty of people knew how to celebrate in style! But before I get to that, I still have "I Read Banned Books" pins to give out! There (at last count) nine still to ship out! No entries necessary! Send me a review and I'll send you a pin! Remember, the review can be of a book you've recently read or a review you wrote a year ago. Interested? (Of course you are!)

Ok, back to the important things — Banned Books Week and Blogs. To sum it up...

• Mary at The Sweet Bookshelf celebrated by reviewing Lord of the Flies
• Natasha at Maw Books celebrated with an awesome list of challenged books she's read and a video
• Misty the Book Rat celebrated by listing the top ten most challenged books
• Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books celebrated with a contest!
• Kristen at Bookworming In the 21st Century celebrated with a video and an interview
• Leslie (That Chick That Reads) celebrated with a vlog about censorship
• The Park Avenue Princess celebrated with a contest
• Misty the Book Rat celebrated AGAIN by listing childrens' book that have been challenged
• Leslie (That Chick That Reads) celebrated AGAIN by asking "Who Started This Mess?"
• Thea, from the Book Smugglers, celebrated by posting the list of books and trends of banned books
• Mary at The Sweet Bookshelf started her celebration off with a bang! (Probably one of my favorite posts)
• Misty the Book Rat celebrated YET AGAIN by looking at words more closely

1. I Am Number Four — Review Copy
2. Linger — Review Copy
3. Shiver — Bought
4. Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart — Library
5. Dead as a Doornail — Bought
6. Shopaholic Ties the Knot — Library (Audio)
7. Hex Hall — Bought
8. Young Samurai: The Way of the Sword — Review Copy
9. Dead to the World — Bought
10. Club Dead — Bought
11. Living Dead in Dallas — Bought
12. Hush Hush — Bought
13. Sea — Review Copy
14. Before I Fall — Review Copy
15. Dead Until Dark — Bought
16. The Way of the Warrior — Review Copy
17. The Paradox of Choice — Bought
18. Now Is the Time: 170 Ways to Seize the Moment — Bought
19. The Five Love Languages — Bought
20. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief — Bought

I've been on a buying spree lately haven't I... I really need to either read my own books (already bought), get back in the habit of relying on my library, or crack down on review books.

What about you? Have you noticed any reading trends?

From Amazon.com...

"Rebecca Bloomwood just hit rock bottom. But she's never looked better...

Becky Bloomwood has a fabulous flat in London's trendiest neighborhood, a troupe of glamorous socialite friends, and a closet brimming with the season's must-haves. The only trouble is that she can't actually afford it — not any of it.

Her job writing at Successful Savings not only bores her to tears, it doesn't pay much at all. And lately Becky's been chased by dismal letters from Visa and the Endwich Bank — letters with large red sums she can't bear to read — and they're getting ever harder to ignore.

She tries cutting back; she even tries making more money. But none of her efforts succeeds. Becky's only consolation is to buy herself something... just a little something...

Finally a story arises that Becky actually cares about, and her front-page article catalyzes a chain of events that will transform her life — and the lives of those around her — forever."

I listened to "Confessions" via an audiobook.

This is going to be an odd review. For most of the audiobook, I simply listened to it because I had nothing else to do. There were times where I had to turn the volume down because I was so embarrassed and ashamed for Becky. So that proves to me that it was a good book, I definitely connected with Becky. But I'm not sure if I want to connect with her.

By this I mean, Becky is probably one of the most flawed characters (no Twilight jokes) I've ever met. Yes Bella and Edward have their "issues," but they at least do things for love of the other (whether it be stalking each other or mishandling a situation with severe depression — okay no more jokes, I promise). But Becky lies to absolutely everyone, I don't even think she knows how to tell the truth (or what the truth is!). For most of the book she hurts everyone she comes into contact with only to advance or save herself.

But that's understandable, protagonists are meant to be flawed so that they can grow (insert Twilight joke here, but really, I'm done). So the last couple of chapters I begin to see all of Becky's lies catch up with her and I see her decide to be better, and she is! But then the ending (don't want to ruin it, so I won't)...

So I guess I'm just a bit frustrated with such a flighty character that showed no growth.

On the other hand, as a light "listen," I enjoyed this book. It was fun seeing what Becky was going to get herself into next. And even I couldn't believe all the bad things that happened to her. I would have loved to see more interaction with Becky and Luke (which is why I'll be listening to the second book).

Yes, you heard me right. I've already interlibrary loaned the second audiobook. The last couple hours I just had to find out what happened and was listening to the book all the time — in the car (obviously), in the shower, while doing homework, while getting ready for school, etc. The narrators British accent made me want to hop a plane the day after graduation and move to Europe. No luggage, no plan. Just move. I was inspired. I was also inspired to get on with my life and that there was life after college. All the "business" talk made me want to purchase my own briefcase.

I warned you this would be an odd review. I shouldn't have liked this book — but I can't help it, I do.

Oh, and I apologize for my Twilight jokes. Read my reviews, I really did like Twilight and I was super excited for the movie to come out. But I'll be the first to point out it's flaws as character development and even plot goes. I mean no offense to anyone.

To the FTC, with love: Purchased

This week's Guest Review is Ella from The Clock Monkey.

*****************************

From Amazon.com...

"
Fame It's a few years after rebel Tally Youngblood took down the uglies/pretties/specials regime. Without those strict roles and rules, the world is in a complete cultural renaissance. "Tech-heads" flaunt their latest gadgets, "kickers" spread gossip and trends, and "surge monkeys" are hooked on extreme plastic surgery. And it's all monitored on a bazillion different cameras. The world is like a gigantic game of American Idol. Whoever is getting the most buzz gets the most votes. Popularity rules. As if being fifteen doesn't suck enough, Aya Fuse's rank of 451,369 is so low, she's a total nobody. An extra. But Aya doesn't care; she just wants to lie low with her drone, Moggle. And maybe kick a good story for herself. Then Aya meets a clique of girls who pull crazy tricks, yet are deeply secretive of it. Aya wants desperately to kick their story, to show everyone how intensely cool the Sly Girls are. But doing so would propel her out of extra-land and into the world of fame, celebrity... and extreme danger. A world she's not prepared for."
I just loved this book. It had everything I expect to read in a YA book: romance, mystery, friendship, trouble, promises... Overall, a wonderful read.

The story begins by introducing Tally and her desire to become Pretty. Like everyone else around her, she thinks she's ugly, and that the only way to be happy is to get the surgery that will transform her, on her 16th birthday.

Enter Shay. She's the rebel that shows Tally there are other ways to live your life. They become best friends, and Tally is heartbroken when Shay announces that she's escaping, right before her 16th birthday (same as Tally's) to go and live in The Smoke.

Tally stays, and waits to be transformed, so she can join her old friends in the city of the New Pretties. But she's still worried about Shay. Her birthday's come, and Tally learns she won't be getting the surgery. She can either stay ugly, or go after Shay, and bring her back, but not without giving away The Smoke's secret location.

And like this begins Tally's adventure. Once in The Smoke, Tally will learn there's more to people than meets the eye, the meaning of true love and friendship, and she'll have to make a big decision: stay in The Smoke, pretend like she's been one of them from the start, tell everyone the truth, and say she's sorry; or betray those who've shown her how things really are.

Although this can be put in the Sci-Fi genre, that was one of the last things I noticed. Yes, there are flying vehicles, and instant food, but it just felt necessary to have those element there.

The things I did notice were the values this book teaches, values of family, love and friendship, above being a pretty face.

*************************

Thank you so much Ella for this wonderful review. Please stop by The Clock Monkey, share some book love, and read her original review.

Once again, we have Kate from Read This Book! as this week's Guest Reviewer.

***********************************

Bella Kirkwood had it all: A-list friends at her prestigious private school, Broadway in her backyard, and Daddy’s MasterCard in her wallet. Then her father, a plastic surgeon to the stars, decided to trade her mother in for a newer model.

When Bella’s mom falls in love with a man she met on the Internet–a factory worker with two bratty sons–Bella has to pack up and move in with her new family in Truman, Oklahoma. On a farm no less!

Forced to trade her uber-trendy NYC lifestyle for her down-home charm, Bella feels like a pair of Rock & Republic jeans in a sea of Wranglers.

At least some of the people in her new high school are pretty cool. Especially the hunky football player who invites her to lunch. And maybe even the annoying–but kinda hot–editor of the school newspaper.

But before long, Bella smells something rotten in the town of Truman, and it’s not just the cow pasture. With her savvy reporter’s instincts, she is determined to find the story behind all the secrets.
Oh how I loved this book! Jenny B. Jones has written a wonderful novel perfectly captured from a city girl’s point of view. Bella is such a witty, smart and irresistible character. You will love Bella’s hilarious insights on farm life. So Not Happening had me laughing out loud the whole time! The mystery in the book got me hooked and will keep readers turning the pages! For someone who everyone assumes is a “spoiled brat”, Bella sure proved them all wrong by ultimately becoming the heroine.
The Charmed Life series is definitely one series I will be buying more of in future. I am very glad that I bought this book, now I can’t wait for the next book I’m So Sure to be out in November. The cover is so cute and there’s another mystery too. Can you say awesome? In the mean time, get your copy of So Not Happening if you haven’t!

************************** Again, thank you SO much Kate for your reviews. They all sound like GREAT books! Please stop by Read This Book! and share some book love with Kate. Also, check out her original review.

In true "Last 20" fashion — it has been forever since my last post (August 2011) . This year I hope to keep better track because it is kind of fun to see where my books come from as a whole.

1. Double — NetGalley
2. Dead to You — ARC
3. Fever — ARC
4. Escaping Titanic — NetGalley
5. Fallen in Love — NetGalley
6. Passion — Library
7. A Million Suns — ARC
8. Torment — Own (Library Audio)
9. Cinder — NetGalley
10. The Night Circus — Library
11. Replication: The Jason Project — NetGalley
12. Silence — Library
13. Crossed — Own
14. Between Shades of Gray — Library
15. Pandemonium — ARC
16. The Pledge — NetGalley
17. Ashfall — NetGalley
18. Crescendo — Own (Library Audio)
19. Fallen — Own (Library Audio)
20. The Awakening — Own (Library Audio)

"I highly recommend this fun, light hearted read to any female. It's not a self help book — it's all about finding the small things that anyone could do any day that make women feel better about themselves and more confident in their appearance." — Miss Remmers

From Amazon.com...

"Every girl dreams of living a glamourous jet-set lifestyle, weather in the lap of luxury or on a tight budget. Dawn Del Russo Author of 101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle provides quick cheeky tips to living that swank life. Put together simply each one-liner is illustrated by Barbara Ann Scarrillo with charming, fashionable sketches sure to delight. Indulge in this fabulous quick read. Dawn Del Russo, high profile fashion stylist has been featured in print like US Weekly, Life and Style, InStyle, Glamour, Real Simple, and on Fox 5 NY for her style advice. Del Russo is also a contributing writer for multiple online publications. She has a keen sense of style and trends and is dedicated to helping women find their inner beauty, and confidence starting from the style on the outside. 101 Glam Girl Ways to and Ultra Chic Lifestyle is every women's secret guide to breezing through life glamourously."

I really enjoyed reading Dawn Del Russo's "101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle." It was fun seeing how many of the 101 tips I complied with already. I discovered (to my surprise) that my number was relatively low — 18! 18! I was not only surprised but almost appalled! I thought I had more style sense than that! But I made note of the tips I wanted to pay more attention to (such as #10 and #11 — wear lip gloss and sit up straight). This list of "improvements" is longer than the list of "accomplishments" — 22.
Now that I've realized what I need to work on, it's extremely nice that this book is light weight and compact sized. I can bring it with me anywhere! I loved this book and will definitely be keeping my own copy. Number 16 was definitely one of my favorites (find a book).
There are a few things I didn't like about the book. I found some spelling errors; while this seems to be a pretty minute thing, because it's such a short book (less than 15 words on each page) I feel that these errors should have been caught. Also, the flashy writing was, at times, hard to read — especially the number '9' and the 'I's.
But overall, I highly recommend this fun, light hearted read to any female. It's not a self help book — it's all about finding the small things that anyone could do any day that make women feel better about themselves and more confident in their appearance. I love my copy and I plan on following Dawn's advice in certain areas!

Today I'd like to welcome the author of "101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle," Dawn Del Russo.
Dawn, tell us about you. I am a fashion stylist and owner of www.belladawn.com. I have loved fashion, trends and styling since I was little. My dream came true when I opened my boutique 5 and half years ago.
Tell us about "101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle" I was absolutely so excited to put this book together. I love helping women look fabulous and feel good about themselves. This book is a simple little guide that gives everyone young an old the ability to add a touch of "glam" to their life.
What was your favorite part of writing "101 Glam Girl Ways... "? I was so excited as I saw my ideas come to life through the super cute drawings, literally I saw my imagination come to life!
Explain the writing/publishing process. The process of writing a book for the first time is definitely a learning experience, but now I can't wait to write a second. It takes time and for me evolved very organically. I started with get getting my thoughts down on paper. After I had the writing complete I was able to focus on finding a illustrator and making my visions reality. Working with Book Surge, the publisher, was a relatively simple process, they lead me through copyrighting it and design and layout.
How did you get here? How long did the whole process take? The process was about 2 year. Since I knew what I wanted to write about, and a lot of the tips I was already using on a daily basis it developed pretty quickly. The illustrations were all drawn by hand, that was much more tedious, but well worth it for the final product.

Who would like this book? The response I have received have been amazing all ages love the book. It is very relatable and many people can find a tip or two they do already. Young girls love the illustrations and simple text, while sophisticated women love the glam tips like "get a mani/pedi." Do you follow all 101 ways to being chic? I absolutely try to follow all the tips, I have definitely done them all. Sometimes making time can be difficult but so important, and I love feeling glamorous of course. If not, which ones do you feel you need to work on most? I need to get more massages... hehe, that is one I never seem to stay on top of.
Which tips are your favorite? Do you do them regularly? My two favorite's are tips #1 and #101, Wear Diamond Studs and Believe in your self. I follow them both religiously. (My favorite is also #1! I wear fake diamond studs everyday! I was so excited to see this when I first opened the book!)

Where did the idea come from for this book? The book pretty much evolved from the tips I was always giving out to my clients. I decided to post a few on my blog, and from there it eventually turned into this book.
Do you have any advice for young women who want to be chic? Yes, start with feeling confident in yourself, get your clothing tailored to fit your shape, always wear lip gloss, and love everyday.

You talk about lip gloss a lot, can you suggest a kind for someone (like me) who is clueless to all things lip gloss. There are a few great lip glossses in a variety of price ranges, E.L.F. is $1 but great gloss, Kohls sells a brand called Flirt which I love and Mac Dazzle Glass super glam. Links: Hypershine, Flirt Cosmetics, Bloomingdales
Where can we find you online? I am every where, I give daily tips on my blog www.myintimateaffairwithfashion.com, twitter.com/dawndelrusso,www. facebook.com/dawndelrusso, my shopping site www.belladawn.com, and for more about me www.dawndelrusso.com
Any last parting words? "Dream your dream, live your life, and look glamorous doing it!" Thanks for stopping by Dawn and taking time to answer some of these questions. My review of "101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle" will be posted tomorrow!