Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mlynowski Publisher: HaperTeen (June 7th, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 368 pages Source: Publisher Rating: 5 of 5 stars
2 girls + 3 guys + 1 house – parents = 10 things April and her friends did that they (definitely, maybe, probably) shouldn't have. If given the opportunity, what sixteen-year-old wouldn't jump at the chance to move in with a friend and live parent-free? Although maybe"opportunity" isn't the right word, since April had to tell her dad a tiny little untruth to make it happen (see #1:"Lied to Our Parents"). But she and her housemate Vi are totally responsible and able to take care of themselves. How they ended up"Skipping School" (#3),"Throwing a Crazy Party" (#8),"Buying a Hot Tub" (#4), and, um,"Harboring a Fugitive" (#7) at all is kind of a mystery to them. Review: This is just the perfect summer read! It will have you laughing from the start and thinking that maybe living with a friend at age 16 is more complicated than first imagined. April learns that her dad and step-mom are moving and she panics. She doesn't want to leave her town, her friends, or her boyfriend. Her and her friend Vi come up with a plan that seems perfect.or… maybe not.
April begins living at Vi's house, even though her mom is away doing a play. April's dad doesn't know this, of course, and the entire time he thinks his daughter is being well cared for. Obviously, as we can imagine, April and Vi have a blast living together. They throw parties, buy a hot tub, skip school. Ya know, all the fun stuff! But all of this turns out to be a little too much for April to juggle at once.
April was a wonderful young character. She wasn't too extreme on any level --not too good, or too bad. She's what I picture as a very typical teenage girl. Vi is a little more adventurous and she brings out some of the wild side in April. They talk about everything possible and even the hard issues of love, sex, and family. In many ways they soon had a sisterly bond, which was exactly what they both needed.
Noah was April's first love and they had been together for 2 years. Noah isn't thrilled with April's living arrangements and they eventually start having issues in their relationship. But, there is much more to Noah than meets the eye. I was pretty surprised by some of the revelations that took place throughout the book. But, I could see why April fell for him and how it would seem they were the perfect pair.
Which then brings me to Mr. Awesome-- Hudson. Ahh, he was like a breath of fresh air. Hudson has to be one of the sweetest male characters I've ever seen in a book. His maturity and kind nature helped April see another side of things.
When I picked up this book I was looking for a light read with great characters and a funny plot. This fit that perfectly! Although it does contain some very serious issues and lessons, I was laughing out loud many times during the book and wishing I could go back to high school just to have fun like that again. Not that I did the 10 things they did.but, ya know.: )
If you are looking for a book that has teen drama, romance, and hilarious situations, pick up Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have). You won't regret it!
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Ten by Gretchen McNeil Publisher: Balzer + Bray (September 18th, 2012) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardback: 294 pages Rating: 5 of 5 stars Summary:
SHHHH! Don't spread the word! Three-day weekend. House party. White Rock House on Henry Island. You do NOT want to miss it.
It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives—an exclusive house party on Henry Island. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their reasons for being there (which involve T.J., the school’s most eligible bachelor) and look forward to three glorious days of boys, booze and fun-filled luxury.
But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.
Suddenly people are dying, and with a storm raging, the teens are cut off from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn’t scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?
Review:
WOW! I still shiver thinking about this story. It's not something you want to read when you are alone at night. No way! This is, by far, one of the spookiest books I've ever read. This story starts out like the perfect high school story (or movie); teenagers spending a weekend away on an island with no parents. Perfect, right? NO!
Meg and Minnie are excited to join this little party and, especially, to get to see the school hottie T.J. When they get there the teens do get to have a bit of fun but then things start getting a bit crazy. They find a DVD and the ten of them can't help but watch as ominous messages appear on the screen talking about pay-back.
At first they try to brush it off but then the teens start getting killed one by one. The mystery behind this book is so intense! I had no clue who the killer would be or how they would be connected to the story of the house. I kept second-guessing my choices and considering if it could be Minnie, T.J., or even Meg herself.
The visuals in this story are amazing. It's dark, stormy, intense! You can't help but be sucked into it and feel like you are actually there trying to run for help but finding that escape is impossible. Beyond that, we do have the connection between Meg and T.J. It was a bit if light in this dark tale. I enjoyed getting to know them and discovering their backstory as well. I thought they were adorable with their little flirtations. Then the killer has to go and ruin it all!: )
If you love horror stories, or a book where you can really picture each scene, you need to read this one. I'd love if this was a movie. I'd have to watch it in the daytime with 100 people, but still, I'd love it.
I came across this review over at The Bookworm shortly after having read and taught "The Necklace" for the first time. I hadn't thought of reviewing the short stories in our current unit, but it's a great idea and I'm a bit embarrassed that I hadn't thought of it before.
"The Necklace" was this unit's first short story and I felt like it went really well. If you haven't read it, add a bit of "class" to your life and spend five minutes reading it online for free. But in case you refuse to leave my presence — a synopsis:
"The Necklace" follows Madame Loisel and her husband through a decade of troubles. Monsieur Loisel is a clerk and thus, despite Mme. Loisel's dreams of being rich and fashionable, the pair live comfortably at a clerk's wage. One day M. Loisel brings home an invitation of a big party but Mme. Loisel isn't happy because she lacks an evening gown. So, giving up money for a rifle, M. Loisel gives his wife money for the dress. Weeks pass and Mme. Loisel is still unhappy because she doesn't have a piece of jewelry to wear with the nice dress. M. Loisel suggests she ask a more wealthy friend to loan her a nice piece of jewelry.
The night of the party comes and Mme. Loisel dances with everyone including the prestigious Minister of Education (if you are teaching this short story, make sure to tell your students that Minister doesn't imply priest — we really struggled with this so I had to bring up The Minister of Magic in order for it to make sense) while her husband, who must work the next morning, sleeps in an arm chair. By four in the morning the party subsides and couple return home only to find out that the priceless diamond necklace that Mme. borrowed is missing! M. Loisel offers to retrace their steps in search for the necklace while Mme. Loisel sits at home and worries — again, he must go to work at 10am.
A week passes and the couple take steps to replace the expensive necklace. M. Loisel borrows 36,000 francs from loan sharks and friends — signing his name without certainty that he can ever pay the money back. Mme. Loisel must do their own dishes and laundry by releasing the servant girl from their home. They also move into a smaller home and life basically sucks for ten years.
Ten years pass and the money has all been paid back and Mme. is so proud of herself that she finally tells her friend that she had lost the original necklace and had to replace it and that she and her husband have spent the last ten years slaving to pay off the loans. The friend is aghast to tell Mme. that the original necklace was made of paste and was only worth 500 francs.
I love a bit of dramatic irony in the morning!
This was a great story to begin our unit with. The students were a bit weary with character names, but once we got past that I think they thoroughly enjoyed discussing this short story (maybe even more than reading it!). The vocabulary words we focused on with this story were facade, prospects, privation, and misogynist. The students are still struggling with facade, so many of them want to say "facading" and "She is facade." But I think the term misogynist was definitely the highlight of this unit.
We spent an entire day discussing whether Guy de Maupassant was a misogynist or not. He did, after all, set Madame Loisel up with all these troubles. Her portrayal was that of a selfish, egotistical, unhappy girl who was dissatisfied with absolutely every attempt to make her happy by her husband. The other side, of course, is that is her portrayal an unfair one or simply honest? With this side we talked about Prom and the fact that with prom most students (not all) buy a new expensive dress every year and with the dress, jewelery, hair, nails, shoes, limos and all of the other "necessities" ensue. So is the portrayal of Madame misogynistically unfair or an honest portrayal of women?
"The Necklace" and the discussion that followed added a depth to my class that I was unprepared for and I highly suggest reading it. You'd assume it is out of date, but I guess the question is: has society really changed as much as we think it has?
I made it through the first week of teaching! Whoot Whoot! Bring on week two! I even found some time to read. Before I got into bed last Wednesday, I picked up "The DUFF." I was on chapter five. I told myself to read until chapter ten. Then I got to chapter ten and was like, "Really? I can do chapter fifteen." By the time I got to fifteen I was like, "I'm half way done... let's just finish this." (There are 27 chapters). I had to quit at Chapter 24. It was 10:30am and I was about to pass out. It was the best part of the book though, so I took every spare moment on Thursday to pick it up (to, you know, model reading). I finished it in DEAR and couldn't help but smile "outloud." I also read "Losing Faith" over the weekend. This week I'm going to conquer "Need" and "Mockingjay."
Review Books: uh... maybe next week?
My Books/Recreational Read: "Need" and "Mockingjay"
Class Books: We are on a short story unit including "The Princess and the Tin Box" and "The Pedestrian"
Yes, folks — I'm taking a trip down memory lane. Remember the days of Neopets and online communities via forums rather than blogs and Google Reader? Anyone remember HOL — Virtual Hogwarts?
I found this online community when it had just opened in 2001 (it is now celebrating TEN years!) and joined right away as my own way to get closer to Potter (because, really, don't we all want that even now). But after a few days and and signing up for a few classes (yes — classes!) HOL somehow became overwhelming to my freshman-self.
But now ten years later I've decided to try it again in another attempt to remain close to all that is Hogwarts and Potter. While I wait for Pottermore to officially open for the masses, HOL is the perfect place to immerse myself into an online community other than book blogging (although I love you all — it's just different is all).
But what is HOL? It's hard to explain — you may just need to visit. It's a complete virtual Hogwarts where you register and then are sorted (I'm in Gryffindor!) into the appropriate house. Late (I think mid-August) you sign up for classes in order to earn two quills (necessary to move onto the next level of this role-playing community — Year 2). You can play Quidditch — a trivia based game on all that is Potter — in order to win points for your House. There are chat rooms, common rooms, book clubs, other clubs, and loads of other opportunities to connect. I can see why my 15 year old self became overwhelmed! This community is vast and intricate! It's not extremely user-friendly and it's easy to get confused as it is difficult to navigate.
So, anyway, we'll see how long I can keep this up (as if I needed another outlet to take up my time). But if you're interested in learning more check out the HOL Wiki and if you decide to register and join up — add me as a friend! Find me under Gryffindor — Molly Black (no relation to Sirius — I kind of modeled it after Holly Black without thinking of the surname implications).
Did anyone else besides me play HOL as a kid? Do you share my thoughts of being overwhelmed? Are you willing to give it a go again?
I know, I know, I said I was done. That I had capped it off. But then, I stumbled across this post at Book Soulmates and it had a really cute button, and it's really only 10 books, and really I'd read ten novels about the aforementioned anyway... So I REALLY need to join this challenge. World, I hope you forgive me. The iChallenge runs Jan 1st to Dec 31st, 2011. The goal is to read at least ten "Vampy, Witchy, Fae-sih, Were-ish" novels throughout the year. Books I'll Be Reading:
1. Harry Potter (Harry Potter): Of course Harry Potter would top my list. He not only grew up before my eyes, but he also managed to save the Wizarding World. Think about it. He was born a celebrity and thrust into the spotlight as a child, so he could have turned out like Lindsay Lohan. Instead, he embodies all the attributes of a true hero: bravery, kindness, humility and perseverance.
2. Edward Cullen (Twilight Series): Sure, Bella could be annoying and whiny at times, but, through it all Edward was still amazing. He is everything a girl wants in the perfect guy: Handsome, strong, caring and loyal. Okay, not much of a sense of humor, but he wins extra points for literally having a rock hard body. Wink-Wink. Edward made girls believe in love and happily ever after.
3. Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games): Truthfully, I only really liked Katniss in the first two books since she pretty much lost it mentally in the last book. Granted, she experienced a great deal of loss in book three, but in the first book she was tough as nails and stood up for what she believed in. That is the Katniss I want to remember.
4. Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore (Harry Potter): Dumbledore and Harry had the perfect mentor/protégé relationship. He was wise enough to let Harry grow to be his own man, all while harboring the true secret of Harry's life. Even though he was a powerful wizard, Dumbledore still admired the human qualities that Harry possessed that Dumbledore himself had neglected throughout his own adolescent years. Plus, he also had the best lines ever."After all, to the well organized mind, death is but the next great adventure."
5. Billy Coleman (Where the Red Fern Grows): He may be only ten years old, but Billy Coleman completely stole my heart when I was younger. He had a dream and he worked harder than any other kid I had ever read about to reach that dream. Total tearjerker, but still an amazing story.
6. Augustus Waters (The Fault in Our Stars): All I have to say about him is that he gave Amsterdam to Hazel Grace Lancaster which makes him the best book boyfriend ever. You'd have to read the story to see what I mean.
7. T.J Callahan (On the Island): He became a man right before our eyes and made us swoon as he worked to show Anna Emerson that he was no longer a boy.
8. Claire Morgan (Seduction and Snacks): Sure, she had a complete gutter-mind, and was completely inappropriate most of the time, but OMG, she was freaking hilarious. I can honestly say I have never laughed as hard as I did while reading Seduction and Snacks.
9. Josh Bennett (Sea of Tranquility): He was a loner and pretty much a quiet person, but oh how you come to love him as his story tugs at your heart. He was the kind of guy that will steal your heart without you even realizing it.
10. Jacob Black (Breaking Dawn): Jacob is a surprise entry since he drove me absolutely batty in the first three books. Bella was Edward's love, plain and simple. Breaking Dawn is by far my least favorite book in the series, but Jacob completely redeemed himself in it. It was nice to finally get insight into his head and to see the things he struggled with the most.
No Attachments by Tiffany King Published: April 30th, 2013 Reading Level: New Adult Length: 302 pages Summary: Ashton Garrison walked away from a privileged life in order to hide from the one thing she's not willing to face. She knows she left behind a trail of pain, but in the long run, her betrayal will hurt less than the truth. She now has one goal: Live life to the fullest with no regrets and no attachments. She has high hopes that a move to new surroundings will provide the escape she desires, but what Ashton doesn't count on is how fate always seems to find a way to screw up any good plan. Sometimes, when love comes knocking, the pull is too strong not to answer. Suddenly, what she thought she wanted to escape from is what Ashton now wants more than anything.
Nathan Lockton has one mission: find his target and complete the task he was hired to do—no attachments and no emotion necessary. He's done it over and over again. What he thought was a typical lost-and-found job has turned into a life examining moment as Nathan is forced to deal with something he has always ignored--his feelings. Now faced with a decision, Nathan must choose to either follow his heart or complete the job.
Love can come when you least expect it. The question is: If the odds are stacked against you, how far are you willing to go for the one you love?
a Rafflecopter giveaway Links:Twitter - @AuthorTiffany Facebook - Tiffany King Pintrest - Tiffany King Blog - authortiffanyjking.blogspot.com Goodreads - Tiffany King
I'm thrilled to have Albert Borris on my blog today. He is the author of Crash Into Me.
1. What initially created your interest in being a counselor?
Being a child in a family with an alcoholic parent may have something to do with it. 2. What is the most challenging part of that career?
The most challenging part of my career has been suicides. 3. What would be the best advice you could give a teen who is experiencing problems? Talk. Talk and talk and talk. Talk to your best friend; your parents; the police; a counselor. They are places you can go for help and people who really want to help. Call 800-999-9999, a voluntary, safe and confidential helpline. 4. You have traveled to so many places. What one sticks out in your mind as your favorite adventure? One place that sticks out in my mind is India. Poverty, so much poverty, it blows my mind.
5. Crash Into Me involves the difficult issue of teen suicide. What do you hope teens and adults take from reading this book? I hope they know that are not alone and there are people and places available to teens for help! 6. What would people be surprised to know about you? My readers may not know that I had a stroke. People usually don’t become aware of that. No kidding! Also, I just renewed my marriage vows with my wife of ten years in Belize! 7. Can you share with us your general philosophy of life? What rules you strive to go by. My philosophy on life is “this too shall pass.” I don’t know who said it, but I agree.
Crash Into Me by Albert Borris Publisher: Simon Pulse (July 21st, 2009) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 257 pages Owen, Frank, Audrey, and Jin-Ae have one thing in common: they all want to die. When they meet online after each attempts suicide and fails, the four teens make a deadly pact: they will escape together on a summer road trip to visit the sites of celebrity suicides… and at their final destination, they will all end their lives. As they drive cross-country, bonding over their dark impulses, sharing their deepest secrets and desires, living it up, hooking up, and becoming true friends, each must decide whether life is worth living--or if there's no turning back.
Giveaway Prize:
1 winner will receive a copy of Crash Into Me by Albert Borris.
Rules:
You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US ONLY and ends November 21st.
Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
The form must be filled out to enter.
Find Albert Borris Albert Borris / Myspace / Facebook
Purchase Crash Into Me Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository
Thanks to Albert Borris for the interview and The Teen {Book} Scene for the tour opportunity!
This year we have 23 authors that I'll be featuring over 7 days and each day you'll have a chance to enter to win! There's also a scavenger hunt going on, so be sure to check out The Crossroads Tour Post to see what questions will be asked, what blog you'll be able to find the answer on and enter to win! Today I am featuring Dorothy Dreyer, Sarah Bromley, and Ty Drago. Be sure to check out the rafflecopter giveaway, too!
1. Tell us what makes Zadie such a great character. What are a few things we need to know about her personality?
Zadie is no ordinary girl, as one might be able to gather from the book blurb. She has powers, though she doesn’t quite know how to control them. But I don’t think it’s her powers that make her so great; I think it’s the love she has of her family. She would go to any lengths to protect them, to save them, and to keep them alive. She has a big heart she just has to learn to trust it.
2. Share with us your favorite line from My Sister’s Reaper.
The leather cover was smooth under my fingertips, worn with age, but the photograph tucked along its binding grated against my heart like sandpaper.
1. A Murder of Magpies will be coming out next year. What can you tell us about the book?
I wrote the book in 2008 after a hiatus during which my first two children were born. Vayda and Ward were both so strong in my head, and I knew there was no putting off their story. I am firm believer that the things our parents do can trickle down and, in some cases, taint us. Curse us. Vayda and her twin, Jonah, experience a lot of that, and Ward does as well. Vayda and Jonah come from a background of murder and scandal and have been in hiding in Black Orchard for two years. Ward is the first person either of them has grown to trust, and they know it can go terribly wrong in a heartbeat. They fight against expectations placed on them, but as they do so, they all uncover secrets about their families, truths they weren’t prepared to face.
2. Can you share an excerpt from the story?
I can! My publisher, Month9Books, LLC, has been gracious in letting me give you the first sneak peek at the book with the entire first chapter of A MURDER OF MAGPIES! __________________
Chapter One
Vayda
I always swore Jonah would blow our cover, and today looked ideal for a catastrophe.
We’d seen disasters, somehow crawled out of the rubble and lived. They didn’t just happen, all explosive and bombastic at once so that we had no doubt everything had changed. No, a real disaster began with a slip-up, a spark of fire that rose in the air and snuffed out. But when the ash landed, it was still hot enough to burn, and from that ember, everything we knew went up in flames.
It had happened before. I had reason to fear it would happen again.
My fingers drummed on the time-scarred armrest on a chair in Monsignor Judd’s office. Someone etched a cross into the wood five, ten, maybe twenty years ago. In an ornate stained glass window, there was no comfort in the saint’s face, only my guilt for not knowing the saint’s name. Outside the office, Monsignor stood with his fingers steepled while the heating vent blew the draping of his cassock. His ear turned to the young nun whispering with him over the manila folder of Jonah’s permanent record. Curls snaked out from her nun’s habit, and her eyes slid to watch me. Dull, dark. Nearly dead.
My hands grew warmer. I forced my breathing to slow. Calm down, Vayda girl. Nothing to get too worked up over yet.
Not easy when I was literally a magnet for emotion.
Slouching low in his chair, Jonah fidgeted with a hole in his blue trousers. A bruise purpled his cheekbone. His heat, a mix of emotion and energy, radiated with an intensity that further prickled my hands until they were scorching. I needed to cool down, put everything on ice to stabilize both myself and Jonah. I exhaled in hopes for a cold breath. I wasn’t built to absorb my twin’s fury.
You outdid yourself this time. I pointed the thought to his mind like a laser. Do you honestly think fighting with Marty Pifkin is worth all this trouble?
He avoided eye contact, naturally. That didn’t mean he didn’t hear me. And he answered soon enough, silent to all but me. Dad’s already gonna read me the riot act. Don’t give me any grief, especially since I was defending you.
Defending me from Marty Pifkin of all people. Let it go. What’s done is done. I didn’t know whether to give my brother a good wallop upside the head like our mom would have or pray we’d skate on by. Keep at it, Jonah, and people will notice what you can do. Deliberately throwing a desk without using your hands isn’t exactly wisdom for the ages.
Why don’t you keep that in mind the next time you lose it and break all the light bulbs in the science lab? He swiped a rogue strand of long, dark hair from his face. You lack subtlety and finesse, Sis.
Subtlety. Finesse. Words sixteen-year-old boys knew oh-so-much about. I choked on a laugh and lowered my eyes to the natty, blue Chucks I paired with the Catholic school-issued plaid, wool skirt and tights. Even when I wasn’t in school, I wore long skirts most days. I could move my legs and didn’t feel so caged in.
Brushing away the glass dust on my skirt, I overlooked the blood drying on my hands and clasped them together. They were less dangerous that way.
The door to the office lobby opened. The new nun’s floor-length dress gave her the look of a black dandelion seed gliding into Monsignor’s office. He followed then finally my father walked in last, the scent of wood dust clinging to his clothes. Most parents visiting St. Anthony of Padua High School rolled in wearing suits or golf attire, and then there was Dad with his New Glarus brewery shirt and vanish-splattered jeans—evidence he’d been working on restorations when called to the school.
Even if the fight between my brother and Marty hadn’t already strained my mental barriers, I would’ve noticed the disappointment coming off Dad. He had so many of what he termed cardinal rules for Jonah and me, and right then, one whispered in my conscience: There’s a devil on every man’s shoulder, whispering in his ear. Only he decides if he’ll throw salt at the devil or feed him his soul.
“What happened, Magpie?” Dad asked, a Georgia-born drawl buttering his voice, as he checked out the cuts on my hand.
“Broken glass,” I answered.
“You ought to be more mindful, don’t you think?”
His question had everything and nothing to do with breaking glass.
Monsignor cleared his throat. “Sorry to have you back in my office so soon, Mr. Silver.”
“Twice in one week is overkill.” Dad stood behind Jonah and me, a hand on each of our shoulders.
“I’ve spoken with our new staff psychologist, Sister Polly Tremblay.” Monsignor introduced the new nun. “She was hired this year after Dr. Fernandez took a position in Madison. Sister is a licensed practitioner, educator, and bride of Christ.”
Dad raised an eyebrow. “Is she now? That’s all very impressive, Sister. Do you go by Sister Polly or Sister Tremblay?”
The nun blinked twice, no emotion registering on her face. “Sister Tremblay. Polly is from my past life.”
Monsignor grabbed the manila folder from the nun’s hands and hurried through his words. His hurrying, seemingly to get us out of his office and be done with us, made blots of sweat rise along my widow’s peak. “Sister Tremblay has acquainted herself with Jonah’s file and feels he may benefit from some sessions with her. Mr. Silver, your family came to Wisconsin two years ago, but of the people I’ve spoken with, no one really knows you.”
“I see you’re a widower running an antiques business,” Sister Tremblay added.
“What’s that got to do with anything?” Dad snapped.
“The adjustment period after moving, especially when grieving and moving, can be prolonged. In that regard, two years isn’t very long at all,” Sister Tremblay answered. “Teenagers tend to cope by acting out. And if you’re as busy as I suspect—”
“I’ve got time for my kids,” Dad argued. “Always.”
The heating vent blasted more hot air into the office. My brother beside me, silent, burned with frustration, and my shoulders tightened. I crackled my knuckles, all too aware of how the lights dimmed as I did so.
Monsignor let out a sigh. “Sister Tremblay is only suggesting that talking to someone away from family could be good for Jonah.”
There was no outside the family. There never was. Hard to make friends and get past the New Kid stigma when we were either cooped up at home or at Dad’s shop under his watchful eye. No wonder our classmates thought we were weird—we were.
The hairs on the back of my neck stiffened, and I shifted in my chair for a better view into the lobby where another boy waited to talk with Monsignor. His hair curling near his jaw was the color of liquid cinnamon dashed with espresso, and a wire umbilical cord tethered an iPod to his ears as he held an icepack to his bottom lip.
Jonah’s sort of friend, Ward.
He averted his eyes from mine.
My hands grew hot again, and the overhead lights flickered, this time drawing everyone’s eyes to the ceiling. Dad’s grip pumped my shoulder.
Jonah stretched his legs. “I’m not seeing no damn shrink. Marty Pifkin’s got everyone wrapped around his finger.”
“Here we go again,” I muttered. “Jonah, stop it.”
“That guy is a creeper, and—”
I looked to Dad for sympathy. “Marty asked to compare answers on our homework and Jonah lost it.”
“—he was bothering Vayda,” my brother talked over me. “Guys like that shouldn’t be talking to her. He’s gaje. I didn’t throw the first punch, didn’t ask for Ward’s help. I barely know the kid.”
Monsignor waited until Jonah and I both quieted down. “What’s gaje?”
Jonah gave Dad a pleading look, but Dad confessed, “It means outsider, though it seems we’re the outsiders here.”
Monsignor gave a satisfied nod. “Marty claims Jonah threw a desk. That’s not behavior that will go unpunished.”
“And the physics’ lab? Every light was broken.” Sister Tremblay crossed her arms.
I sank into my chair and hid behind my hair. Those dull eyes couldn’t be avoided. I wanted out of the office. Now.
The flickering of the overhead lights grew faster. I shuddered, not cold but burning up. The poster of a kitten clinging to a clothesline cheering “Hang in there!” obviously didn’t know how fragile my grip was when so many emotion flooded a room. Usually, I could keep it together with mental barriers to deflect the constant flow of others’ feelings, but so much tension …
“You’re seriously suggesting a couple of kids broke every light bulb just like that?” Dad’s voice rose. He gestured to the palsied lights above our heads. “Y’all would be better off hiring an electrician before the school burns down.”
The room skewed left, and my vision blurred and head dizzied. Too hot, cluttered. My hands—I shut my eyes.
Energy. Rising. Must release!
Crack! A fracture drove down the length of the fluorescent light above the desk. Sister Tremblay yelped and snatched Jonah’s folder to her chest.
“Hell of a power surge.” Jonah’s black eyes searched for a way into my mind. I flung up a barrier to keep him out. Not gonna let him in, not this time. He was worried, but nothing was wrong. Except that I felt like I could spew red, white, and blue.
“Vayda, go get some fresh air,” Dad ordered. “You look flushed.”
Monsignor dismissed me, and with the expected curtsey before hoisting my backpack onto my shoulder, I cracked my knuckles one last time to diffuse the energy swelling in my hands. I stepped out of the office, out of the glow of the stained glass window, and paced near the chairs where Ward waited. Jonah started this whole mess. Marty had done nothing to me. This time. Marty never listened until Jonah made him last spring. Ever since then, Jonah had his eyes and his anger on Marty. Anything Jonah felt, I felt ten times worse. When he was happy, he was very happy, but when he was angry, he was furious.
Mom had been the same way.
“I promise you won’t go belly-up if you hold still.” Ward’s voice was deep, raw honey. His head rested against his chair, eyes shut, yet I knew he’d been watching me.
His left eye opened a crack, and I gave him a weak smile. My ears liked his voice.
Ward had been at our school only since Monday, and already he’d been cast into the same social boneyard where Jonah and I had roamed since we transferred in after Christmas break nearly two years ago. We’d tried blending with the nameless, faceless uniforms, but it wasn’t so simple. The other students never warmed to us, or we to them. We weren’t from here. We didn’t look or act like them. We were among the Avoided. But, as of yesterday, we had a shadow. A gaje shadow.
“How’s your hand?” Ward asked.
I eyed my brother and father talking to Monsignor. That Jonah hadn’t chased off Ward was a tacit tolerance of him. “A few cuts. I’ll live.” I twisted my black hair, which was long enough to skim my hips. “You hardly needed to play the white knight. Marty’s not much of a dragon, more like a salamander.”
“Maybe I like fighting salamanders.”
Chipped gray polish colored his fingernails. Artsy in an I-don’t-give-a-damn-I’ll-wear-it-if-it’s-clean way. If Monsignor noticed, that’d earn him a detention or two.
“Listen, gajo.” He didn’t deserve to be shoved to the outskirts all because of my cavalier brother. He needed to back off. While he still could. “Marty won’t bother you if you don’t bother him. Tangling with him will never be forgotten.”
His mouth twitched, neither a grin nor a frown. “I don’t scare easily.”
He slipped on his headphones and closed his eyes once more. Must be nice to be so untouched, unfazed. Must be peaceful.
“Hey,” I called. He lifted one side of his headphones. “What are you listening to?”
“Music.”
Smart ass.
Thud!
Ward’s eyes popped open and landed on the overturned chair in Monsignor’s office. A chair no one had been sitting in. Dad’s muffled voice came fast as he pulled Jonah by the arm. From the dark expression on his face, we were in for a major talking to.
“We need to leave. Now,” Dad said as he steered Jonah out of the office.
There would be no explanation to Ward of why we were leaving so fast. Dad whisked my brother and me out of Monsignor’s office, past the sanctuary where our footfalls echoed on wood floors polished by nuns until glistening. The school was a dour extension of a century-old Catholic parish. The walls in the language arts’ wing were painted rich blue, the Virgin’s color. Hung between classrooms were carvings from the Stations of the Cross, thick with dust except for the Christ’s eyes, which followed us and knew my family’s secrets and sins.
Outside was better. Riding in the car, the windows were lowered to allow in the fire-musk smell of mid-October leaves, but there was something else, an odor of buried things deep in the black earth. Dad steered into a parking lot by a grocery store. With the silence in the car, I couldn’t push back the memory of the last time we pulled over like this. Instead of a parking lot, it’d been off a highway in a forest in northern Georgia and, with the haze of morning fog guarding the Chevy we’d escaped in, Dad had vowed we were going straight to Wisconsin. There, we would start over.
Find someplace new. Claim different names.
Dad pushed his fingers through his black hair streaked with silver and set his green eyes, the same shade as mine, on my reflection in the rearview mirror. “This stops now. Your mama might’ve called what y’all do Mind Games.” The last two words were spoken slowly. “But I won’t play.”
“Yes, Sir,” Jonah and I answered.
“Mind Games, if you must work them, are private. Working them in public is how your mama found trouble.” He twisted his wedding band. “We can’t risk a repeat of Georgia.”
I jerked my head to look out the window. Black Orchard, Wisconsin. Such a pretty town despite its eerie name. Easter egg colored Victorian homes lined the streets, and people spoke with northern accents that sounded friendly no matter what was said. But pretty towns and nice people could turn on you.
Last time that happened, we escaped with nothing but our lives.
If it happened again, would we even have that?
1. What can you tell us about the third book in The Undertakers series?
SECRET OF THE CORPSE EATER raises the Undertakers’ adventures to a whole new level. The Corpses have launched a daring new scheme down in Washington D.C.: they’ve somehow replaced a sitting U.S. senator with one of their own, a trick that’s supposed to be impossible. But when Will and Sharyn go undercover as Senate Pages to foil the plot, they get even more than they bargained for. Because something haunts the hallowed halls of the U.S. Capitol Building. Something big and strong and impossibly fast. Something that seems to have a taste for Corpses!
But can the enemy of your enemy truly be your friend?
2. Can you tell us one word you’d use to describe Will and each of his friends?
I’ll try!
Will Ritter: Reckless Helene Boettcher: Courageous Dave “The Burgermeister” Burger: Loyal Tom Jefferson: Noble Sharyn Jefferson: Fearless
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It has, literally, been forever since I have done an IMM. I've been swamped with homework and last week we took my daughter to her first concert (post on that to come later). It was a blast! Here are the books I have received over the past month. Special thanks to Random House, HarperTeen, Bloomsbury, Simon & Schuster, Penguin/Speak, Shelley Workinger, Janenifer Echols, and Ednah Walters.
Review Every Little Thing in the World by Nina de Gramont She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott Promises to Keep by Charles De Lint The Forever Crush (Pink Locker Society) by Debra Moffitt Dark Eden (ARC) by Patrick Carman Flawless (ARC) by Lara Chapman Tighter (ARC) by Adele Griffin Wake Unto Me (ARC) by Lisa Cach Moonglass by Jessi Kirby Bitter End by Janenifer Brown The Lucky Kind (ARC) by Alyssa B. Sheinmel Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) (ARC) by Sarah Mlynowski Wildefire (ARC) by Karsten Knight The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (ARC) by Michelle Hodkins We'll Always Have Summer by Janeny Han Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook Bite Club by Rachel Caine Ordinary Beauty by Laura Weiss (2 copies- one for giveaway) Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky (2 copies- one for giveaway) Forgiven (ARC) by Janet Fox Nocturne (ARC) by Christine Johnson Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn Betrayed (signed) by Ednah Walters Everfound by Neil Shusterman Kiss of Death by Lauren Henderson Tighter by Adele Griffin (2nd copy) The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook Passion by Lauren Kate
Swag Betrayed by Ednah Walters(signed) bookmarks Sabine and Kisri by Moira Rogers (signed) bookplates Bitter End by Janenifer Brown (signed) bookplate and bookmark, plus bracelet (not pictured)
Gift Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Signed Love Story by Janenifer Echols Settling by Shelley Workinger (NOTE: I'm blurbed!!)
Other Goodies The Sisters Brothers by Patrick Dewitt (book and signed poster) A giveaway is going on now for a poster just like this one!
Starcrossed Book Trailer
And I just had to share a brand new book trailer I saw yesterday. I just read Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini and it was beyond amazing!! If you haven't added this book to your goodreads list, do it NOW! This book just jumped into my top 3 of this year so far. Check out the UK book trailer!
What did you get in your mailbox this week?
*IMM is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and it was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.
My husband and I were newlyweds and had rented a log cabin outside Charlottesville, Virginia, where he was in graduate school. (Incidentally, that’s where my first novel, Forget-Her-Nots, is set.) It was a show model for a company that sold new log cabin kits and was on the property of an older widow. She had planted fragrant pastel irises in front of the cabin, and it was a wonderful place to escape to after a day of teaching middle schoolers how to write. (Irises mean “a message” in the language of flowers.) However, both my husband and the widow were out of town, so I was all alone in the cabin. [Cue the music: dum, dum, dum, duh.] I’d stayed up reading late, because the setting seemed so dark and quiet and lonely. We were about half a mile from any other houses – definitely not screaming distance — and our door locks were unimpressive. I finally turned out my light and closed my bedroom door, but it didn’t have a lock on it. I fell asleep for while, but then woke up suddenly because I’d heard a stiff rustling noise. It sounded like someone was rifling through our stuff, maybe even pushing things around. The sound was right at my door. I was sure someone had climbed in a window or broken the locks. Should I stay in bed? Scream my guts out? I lay there, my head pounding, wondering if the noise was someone’s arm brushing the door or dumping all our papers looking for … I didn’t know what. I started to sweat; I was too terrified to cry. My heartbeat pulsed like mad, and I repeated a prayer in my head. Please, God, don’t let me die. My life was just starting! Finally, I couldn’t take another second. I jumped up, turned the light on, and threw open the door. The noise stopped for a second, but I didn’t see anyone. “Go away!” I yelled. “Leave me alone.” No one, no voice, no movement answered me. Then I heard the rustling again. I listened more carefully. The noise wasn’t in the other room; the rustling was coming from the floor … from … the trash can. I picked up a piece of paper near the top of the can, and a huge brown moth flew up into my face. I batted it away and burst into tears. The moth must have gotten trapped under the paper and had flapped its wings like crazy to escape. But it couldn’t. I wanted to laugh, but I felt like I’d lost ten years of my life to a moth. So the message the irises were sending me: Chill that overactive imagination. But writers need an overactive imagination, don’t they?
Thanks so much for having me, Jessica, and many spooky returns!
Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White Publisher: Greenwillow Books (March 2nd, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 384 pages When someone leaves three mystery flowers outside her dorm door, Laurel thinks that maybe the Avondale School isn't so awful after all — until her own body starts to freak out. In the middle of her English presentation on the Victorian Language of Flowers, strange words pop into her head, and her body seems to tingle and hum. Impulsively, Laurel gives the love bouquet she made to demonstrate the language to her spinster English teacher. When that teacher unexpectedly and immediately finds romance, Laurel suspects that something — something magical — is up. With her new friend, Kate, she sets out to discover the origins and breadth of her powers by experimenting on herself and others. But she can’t seem to find any living experts in the field of flower powers to guide her. And her bouquets don't always do her bidding, especially when it comes to her own crush, Justin. Rumors about Laurel and her flowers fly across campus, and she's soon besieged by requests from girls — both friends and enemies — who want their lives magically transformed — just in time for prom.
Thank you so much Amy for taking time to write a story and for the great swag donation!
Find out more about Amy Brecount White Amy Brecount White / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Purchase Forget-Her-Nots Amazon / Borders / The Book Depository
*Check out Lisa's Haunted Halloween post with Wayne Josephson and a giveaway for Emma and the Vampires.
*Reminder: If you are interested in the COMMENT CONTEST, remember to include your email address with your comment for an extra entry! Please read full entry rules here.
I love checking out other people's blogs and reviews. Waiting on Wednesday is where I get most of my new books to read, and if a blogger says a book is a must read I usually go out and buy it. - Kayla at Midnight Twilight's Book Blog Surprisingly, actually writing posts. I like feeling productive and like I'm accomplishing something. Next to that? Just talking with everybody! I really love just gossiping about books. Some people talk about celebrities; I talk about authors. Some people talk about television; I. also talk about television, but more than not I talk about books. — Nicole at WORD for Teens My favorite part about blogging is getting to introduce people to books or authors they're not familiar with. It's so fun to spread the bookish love: ) — Heidi at YA Bibliophile The writing. I have wanted to be a writer/author for a very long time but have lacked the follow through. Blogging is my first test to myself. I figure if I can start and maintain a blog consistently, I can spend the money on a class for writing too. So once I hit the 1 year mark, I'm going to sign up for a writing course to hopefully get the world I've thought up over the last ten years out of my head and onto the page, even if it is only for me! — Kelli at Scarlett's Scraps Getting comments from my readers, its really interesting to know what they think about the books I've read and what I've written. — Abigailann at The Story Factory Reading Zone I love the blogging community, I love sharing my love of books with others and when someone finds out about a book that they hadn't heard about, that's always very nice to see. — Cynthia at A Blog about Nothing My absolute favourtie part about blogging is hearing back from my followers and other bloggers about my posts. All the hard work I put into them is appreciated and for someone to say they enjoyed my review and for them to go and read that book is an awesome feeling. — Megan at Reading Away the Days The wonderful authors and bloggers, you get the opportunity to work with. Reagan at Star Shadow Blog My favorite part of blogging is when someone comments on my posts. I love it when they like what I have to say, or the way that I wrote a review, or just if they agree/disagree with me. I guess the interaction with other people is my favorite part of blogging. — Lisa at Bookworm Lisa My favorite part of blogging is writing everyday. I love to write and I even used to write a few stories when I was younger. Now I get to write everyday and even after a few years, I'm still loving it! — Gina at The Bucket List Beyond the bookish friends and working on my blog it would have to be being able to help others find great books to read. I love getting an email or DM from someone telling me they picked up the book I've recommended to them and that they loved it. — Stacey at Flippin' Fabulous — A Reader's Record I love sharing my thoughts with others and getting their opinions in return. I also enjoy reading other reviews and getting different takes on books--I love when a blogger shares my feelings on a book! I also really, really love learning about new books--I have learned to always have paper and pen nearby when I'm going through my Google Reader, to jot down new titles. My to-read list is ever-growing! -Christi at Christi the Teen Librarian Meeting people from all over the world. It's amazing to talk with people you may never meet in person. (Of course, I hope to meet them all in person one day!) — J.L. at J.L. Jackson Sharing what I think with others and seeing if they share the same thoughts or think differently. A discussion about a book or characters in a book is always fun. — Ellen at Silver Tabby Books Honestly, I love blogging because it provides me a forum to write and share my thoughts. It may be about something as silly as my infatuation with the Twilight series or raving about my favorite band, having a proud-mama moment about one of my children or even sharing something tremendously personal. I have never felt such liberty to be so free, and it has made me more self-aware and more forthcoming in my job and in my personal life. I feel a sense of independence that I have never felt before. This freedom and liberation is my absolute favorite part of blogging. In a close second is the community because without their support, I wouldn't feel as comfortable expressing myself as I am. — Michelle at That's What She Read My favorite part of blogging is when I get new followers and comments, and I realize people are reading what I write on my blog. — Thia at Through the Book Vine I love the connection with so many people in different areas and hearing about what was special to them that day. The days when I come across a new author in a genre that I enjoy is an added bonus. — Ann at Cozy in Texas Knowing that someone out there is reading my stuff, and maybe will pick up a good book because of something I said and enjoy it. Most of my friends are not readers, so this is a great way to share all my bookish thoughts without boring them to tears. — Cat at Cat's Thoughts Aside from the awesome bloggers and authors that one can interact with, it would have to be all the new books I have been introduced to. Since I started blogging I have read a lot of books that in the past I wouldn't have even bothered to pick up. — Orchid at The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia When I blog about an under-appreciated, little-read book and then have a reader write to tell me they purchased that book based on my recommendation. I love nothing more than putting good books in the hands of readers. — David at Quivering Pen Blog Meeting people who share my passion for books and sharing recommendations. I love it when readers come back and tell me how much they loved a book I recommended or found a post of mine helpful. That makes my day. — Small at Small Reviews Ugh, I have to pick? Honestly, I love most of what is involved in book blogging. If I didn't love it, I wouldn't do it. My time is too precious to waste on doing things I hate. But even if the internet crashed tomorrow (knock on wood), I would still be as much of a bookworm as I am now, talking about and recommending books to whomever will listen. That is probably the most exciting part — when I discover (from comments) that someone is actually reading my blog! — Rachel at Jacob's Beloved's Books Writing reviews! I always love to share my thoughts on books that i've read. Then getting some comments/feedbacks. I also enjoy reading others' reviews of books I've read before so I'll get another person's view on it. — Len at Musings of a Reader Happy My favorite part of blogging is seeing how my reading has changed, now I have a much broader spectrum that I read instead of the very small nitch that I was reading. — Kristin at Kritters Ramblings My absolute favorite part of blogging? Hmm.there's so much that I love about it! I really do enjoy getting to voice my opinion about books in reviews and comments. It's such a sense of freedom and not to mention so awesome when someone answers you back whose on your mental wave. - Nora at The Bookery The community. Books are great, but I'd be reading them with or without the blog. What I like is how many people are out there who enjoy the books I do, and that through our blogs I'm able to discover/ get in contact with them. The next best thing to reading a book is talking about it with someone. — Kim at Book Munchies Hm. My absolute favorite part of blogging is hearing from someone that my thoughts on a book has encouraged them to give it a try. That or knowing there are other people out there just as excited as you are about a release date. — Lindsay at Just Another Book Addict The Community! I feel like I have made great friends even if I never will meet them in real life. — Shannon at Books Devoured
*Part 3 of 3 will be posted soon. USE GOOGLE if you want to know more about the blogoversary celebration.
This year we have 23 authors that I'll be featuring over 7 days and each day you'll have a chance to enter to win! There's also a scavenger hunt going on, so be sure to check out The Crossroads Tour Post to see what questions will be asked, what blog you'll be able to find the answer on and enter to win! Today I am featuring Lisa M. Cronkhite, Kiki Hamilton, and Jane McConnel. Be sure to check out the rafflecopter giveaway, too!
1. Can you share an excerpt from your upcoming novel?
Ten months later, and I still think Jimmy’s gonna walk through the front door. In some small way, I kid myself that it still might happen. I’ll never forget those two burning words my father said when Jimmy disappeared that dreaded day. Words that still haunt me now. I keep thinking Jimmy’s out doing something and will come back soon. I know he’s gone, but still, my mind plays tricks on me.
It’s the only way I can cope with his death.
2. What can you tell us about the main characters?
Bee is super skeptical and questions pretty much everything. But with that skepticism, she’s smart and is able to protect herself enough to get through it all. Bee’s father is about the best a dad can be. He loves and trusts her and lets her make her own decisions. Bee’s father is the most consistent and supportive character in the book, whereas the mother is in a whole other world.
1. What’s the most fascinating thing about writing historical settings?
I love the Victorian era because there was such a dichotomy of belief – the industrial revolution was
changing how the world did business and how people lived, but at the same time belief in magic, faeries and the occult was still very strong. So what I love about writing historical fantasy is to mix the real world with fantasy – sort of a what if these stories dropped through the cracks and pieces of history existed that we’re just now finding out about?
2. If you could travel back in time, where and when would you visit?
I would visit London for sure. There is SO MUCH history in that city – goes back to the Romans occupying in AD 64. I would be interested in many eras but if I had to choose one, I would probably go back to the Victorian era.
1. Daughter of Chaos involves witches. If you could do one magical spell, what would it be?
At one point in the series, another Witch teaches Darlena how to travel huge distances in an instant. I’d love to be able to do that: it would make my wanderlust so much cheaper and faster!
2. Can you tell us a little about Red Magic and what it means in your book?
Red Magic is chaos magic. It’s a very misunderstood kind of magic in Darlena’s world, but as she begins to discover, chaos is about more than destruction and death. It’s incredibly powerful, but also incredibly difficult, and being a Red Witch leaves Darlena feeling angry and isolated.
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The purpose of buying all the books, going to BEA, and blogging in the first place was for my students. It's the end of the week and I am SO proud to say — it all worked and it was worth it. Many students have meandered around my bookshelves looking at the books. In the past four days I have "checked out" six books to students and I thought you'd be interested to hear what the first ten books were that came off my shelves and into students' hands.
"Shiver" (Wednesday)
"Hush, Hush" (Wednesday)
"The Hunger Games" (Thursday)
"The Island: Book One" (Thursday)
"The Way of the Sword" (Thursday)
"The Hunger Games" (Thursday)
"The Lightning Thief" (Friday)
"Son of the Mob: Hollywood Hustle" (Friday)
"Sea" (Friday)
"Son of the Mob" (Friday)
Seeing these beloved books in the hands of my students is an extraordinary feeling. Yes, there is a moment where I see the student cracking the spine and folding back pages where I gasp and think "WAIT!!!" but in the end, books can be re-purchased (even signed ones) whereas a love of reading cannot.
Some thoughts on my childhood swing set… by Erin Bowman
I'll be honest upfront: I am the biggest wuss alive.
I jump at the drop of a pin, clowns scare me to death, and I absolutely despise horror movies.
I think a lot of this has to do with the fact that my cousin told me The Exorcist was a comedy and made me watch it with her when I was about ten years old. It was the first"scary movie" I'd ever seen, and it scarred me for life. Halfway through the film my cousin fell asleep on the couch. I was so terrified at this point that I had a blanket over my head and was watching through the breaks in the knitting. Sure, I could have turned the movie off, but I forced myself to finish it. I needed to know that everything would turn out okay.
I saw this face every time I closed my eyes for the next several months:
<caption: I regret googling this photo. The image results page was downright terrifying.
As a result of this childhood trauma, I made a habit of avoiding horror movies as I grew up. To this day I've seen only a handful, and all because I foolishly believed someone who said,"This one's really not that scary. You'll be fine." (Fast-forward to me with my head on their shoulder, asking them to tell me when it was safe to look again.) I'm shockingly a huge fan of TV's Supernatural, although I truly don't know how I got through the first several seasons; something scary seems to jump out every other minute. And let's not talk about that"Everybody Loves a Clown" episode. (I may or may not have almost cried.)
So why I am telling you all this? Because while I don't have my own real-life ghost story to share, I think this look at my past will better help you understand why I find the following so terrifying:
I grew up in rural Connecticut, on a mountain street that was part of a historic district. Connecticut seems to have more ghost stories per acre than should be possible for a single state. For example: the house next to us was supposedly haunted. No family ever lived there longer than a year or two, and when they moved out, they'd always say the same thing:"The place is small… We want something bigger… I always got a strange vibe when I was home alone--like there was someone else in the house with me."
Yeah. Creepy.
My parent's house is this old cape, set right into the mountain and surrounded by woods. The backyard was great for sledding, but absolutely nothing else because it was so darn steep. It had only one level section in the lower corner of the property, and that's where my childhood swing set stood.
(In hindsight, a level portion of land among an otherwise drastic incline sounds terribly unnatural, but as a child, and even as a teen, the thought never once crossed my mind.)
A few years ago I was home for the holidays, and everyone was sitting around the dining room table. We somehow got to talking about local ghost stories. I said something about how it would be creepy to buy an old house if you knew someone died in it, let alone haunted it.
And my mom goes:"Oh, someone died here."
To which I practically screamed:"In this house?! MOM! OMG!"
And she just calmly looked at me and said,"There used to be a pool in the backyard. Right where the swing set is. Some girl drowned in it."
Cue a million visuals of this, haunting me for forever:
<caption: If I stare at this photo long enough, I can psych myself into believing she's about to crawl out of the computer exactly like she crawls out of the TV in the film.>
I have not ventured down to that swing set since my mom revealed this lovely, historic detail. I can't look at it the same way, let alone stand where that swimming pool used to be. The thought that for years I merrily pumped my legs on swing that was hovering over the same exact spot some poor girl drowned makes me sick. And these days, if I step outside at my parents house at night, I have to almost immediately scurry inside because of that feeling. You know the one-- the sensation that someone is watching you.
The house itself has never shown any signs of being haunted, but who knows about the backyard. And I don't care to find out. Ever.
Taken by Erin Bowman Published: HarperTeen (April 18th, 2012) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 352 pages Series: Taken, #1 There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends… and he’s gone.
They call it the Heist.
Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.
Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?
Prize:
1 winner will receive everything above! An ARC of TAKEN (EEK!) and cool stickers (some signed!).
Rules:
You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US Only and ends November 1st.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Website | Goodreads | Twitter
Amazon | Barnes & Noble Reminder: If you are interested in the COMMENT CONTEST, remember to include your email address with your comment for an extra entry! Please read full entry rules here
As part of Wedding Week (I'M MARRIED), today we are featuring Shanyn from Chick Loves Lit! Shanyn basically saved me during the planning process. She helped with invitations, save the dates, wedding music, and overall wedding moral. Shanyn, I can't express enough how much your support, excitement, and enthusiasm literally made this process for me. Thank you!! ********************** I'm not going to lie to you guys — I was not a girl who had all of her wedding details picked out by age ten. It's not that I hated weddings, but I hadn't been to many and didn't really understand why some girls were obsessed with planning something that had no future date in sight. So when I went to college, I went in with a major that would require me to work quite a bit right out of college — I hadn't met anyone and just figured I'd get married after I had done all of that. You can guess what happened next, I'm sure — I met my future husband at college, and kind of changed that whole willing to work eighty hours a week thing (and, looking back, I'm really thankful that it happened this way — I have worked forty hour work weeks and even that was tiring)!
Shanyn, this picture is literally to die for! I love it! I met Steve my second year of college while playing frisbee. It was a casual meeting — we both hung out with lots of the same friends, as many relationships start — and a few months later we were 'official.' He proposed at a Coldplay concert a few years later (it was awesome and I was totally surprised), and about five years after we started dating we got married. Even through all of this I hadn't started fantasizing about any details — I'm pretty easy going in general. This didn't change much throughout our engagement or any of the planning stages — my biggest concern was that I was marrying Steve, so as long as we got that all sorted I was okay with everything else.
PS: Shanyn, I am also SO jealous of this picture! It's perfect! This doesn't mean we just signed the documents in a backyard (and I didn't want to do that). Steve's sisters and mom loved the wedding process, and we did lots of crafts and shopping and trips. I found my wedding dress in one try (I love that dress so much I wish there were another occasion I could wear it!), my flowers were done by a friend (my only request was that they included lilies), and we laid decorations out on their kitchen table to play around with table decorations. Since I had a degree in graphic design, I made our save the dates and invitations, and our church happened to change the scenery in the sanctuary to something perfect right before our wedding day.
Thanks to a little luck and my and Steve's easy going attitudes, I think our wedding day went perfectly. The weather outside didn't help with travel (it was very icy, as we had a January wedding), but we had a very small list of friends and family that couldn't make it because of that — and the snow outside made for beautiful pictures. Everything from flowers to decorations to food was excellent. Most importantly, I was able to marry my love Steve, which was my goal in the first place:)
My attitude about weddings has changed a little now — I can't wait until Steve's sisters get married because I can't wait to be on the 'other side' of things to help with food, cake, crafts, dresses. I love to hear about my friend's weddings, and am always willing to offer my opinion or experience on wedding related things now that I've gone through it all (though I'm careful to not inject my opinion when it's not wanted, I know some brides are very particular:) ) .
I am very excited for Miss Remmers and I can't wait to hear all about her wedding when it's over. I've been able to hear a few things about it during the planning process, but hearing about the actual day will be awesome. Congratulations, Miss Remmers:) I hope that your day goes exactly (or at least pretty close) to how you want, and that you'll be able to share a picture or two with us afterwards:)
********************** Shanyn, I'm the same way. The theory to my wedding was "let's wing it" because I didn't really know what I wanted. I figured I wouldn't get married until I was in my fifties! I love all of your pictures and how everything came together! Congratulations!
This week I've been giving you some mini-reviews from Indie/New Adult books that have been released over the past year or so. I'd read a ton of them so it's easier to review a few at once. Monday had the books that got a 5 star review from me and yesterday featured the 4 star books. Today is another batch of 4 star books. Hopefully you will find a few you'd like to add to your list.
Fallen Crest High by Tijan Add to Goodreads
As far as new adult authors go, Tijan is not one that pops up often. I happened to find this book while browsing one day and was so glad that I did. This is really one of those books where the characters stay with you. You may not love every aspect of the story, but you can't help but keep reading till it's finished. Mason and Logan (the bothers) were great in their own ways and Sam has the misfortune of living with them after her mom decided to marry their dad. This book is pretty complicated with all the plots, sub-plots, and characters but I definitely want to see what happens in the new book.
Hopeless by Colleen Hoover Add to Goodreads This one is easy to spoil because there is a lot going on. Tons of tragedy! When Sky meets Dean she has no idea of their past. Sky has been through more than many people could imagine. It was sad to see how broken she was but I was glad that Dean could be there for her. At times the drama seemed a bit too much but it was still a well written story with a lot of great moments between the characters. Dean was my favorite. You can't help but love him and hope that these characters can somehow find happiness through all the heartbreak. Not sure when/if I'll read the next one but so many people loved this one.
Play With Me by Piper Shelly Add to Goodreads You know how sometimes you just want a light, sweet book to read? This one is perfect for those times! This was one of the cutest romances ever. Liza is a cutie! Poor girl has been in love with her best friend Tony forever and he comes back from soccer camp in love with another *sigh*. So, she has a plan to become sporty herself in hopes he will notice her. What she doesn't plan for is the soccer captain, Ryan, to start paying attention to her. They have so many of those cute moments that have you saying"awww." The ONLY complaint I had about this story was that it was just too short! I wanted more! Of course, there is now a version in Ryan's POV but still… I wish this one would have been a bit longer. But, I totally recommend it.
If You Stay by Courtney Cole Add to Goodreads Some books say they have bad boys but this one is really bad. Pax is a jerk, 100%! He has money to burn but is rude, disrespectful, and has a whole slew of drug issues. Not the easiest character to like but I liked that there was no doubting his personality. Everyone knew immediately what type of guy he was. Mila is a sweetheart who can't help but try to help Pax. Even though she is told to forget about ever changing him, she can't help but have hope that he will get better. It took a while for their sparks to really heat up but I liked seeing Pax change. Much is the story is from his POV and it was easy to see how Mila got under his skin. Courtney Cole is a great author and I look forward to reading more from her.
Someone to Love by Addison Moore Add to Goodreads This is a light story and a nice college-age romance but there was something lacking. Maybe it was depth for the character? Not sure. But, in this book, Kendall wants to be a player and she goes to the king of all players, Cruise, for help. She says she's determined to learn how to play guys. The overall story was fun to read but I'm not sure I fully bought the whole"wanting to be a player" thing. I think that with more work this book could have hit it out of the park but for something light and fluffy, it's a pretty good read. I've seen other people with some mixed feelings about this title.
Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A Tucker Add to Goodreads This is a very intense story. Kacey has had a really hard life and all she wants to do is find safety and take care of her little sister. They move into a rundown apartment and she starts working to try to take care of the bills. Then Trent moves next door. Kacey tries to brush off her feelings for him but they are drawn to each other. I really enjoyed this book and all the side characters/plots too. It's depressing at times but I couldn't stop reading. The overall idea is a bit predictable but I still found myself rooting for the characters and wanting to find out what will happen next. I will probably check out the next book in the series because it focuses on Kacey's sister.
After Tuesday by Renee Ericson Add to Goodreads This book is about Ruby, a young girl dealing with an alcoholic father. I liked this book for a lot of reasons. One big reason is that her dad, although sick, wasn't a complete jerk. He seemed like he wanted to be a good dad and that's something rarely seen in YA books. Then Ruby gets to know Brent, a guy from school, and she's forced to balance her real life with that of a normal teenager. She tries to hide her issues at home but that isn't easy. Soon both collide and she has to rely on someone else. Sometimes I just wished she would have been honest with Brent early on instead of hiding things. But I did like the way the author portrayed the relationship and the issues Ruby had with her dad. He wasn't just thrown to the side like some novels do.
Breathe Into Me by Amanda Stone Add to Goodreads This was another complex story and in the end I was scratching my head a bit. Kelsey had some really craptastic luck. She had a horrible tragedy 6 years before she heads to college and all she wants is to escape it. She has her best friend Jessi, who I loved, and soon she meets bad-boy Kane. But Kane isn't really bad. He was actually much nicer than I expected. Sometimes I wanted to shake Kelsey for being so darn trusting of guys-who-shall-remain-nameless, especially after what she had been through. Plus, I wasn't happy with the fact she judged Kane so quickly when something happened with him. I don't want to spoil anything but I do think this is definitely worth the read. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Picture Perfect by Alessandra Thomas Add to Goodreads It's pretty hard to find a good story that doesn't involve a girl who is a perfect size 4. Cat used to be a model but now she can't fit into anything in her closet. She had an accident and, after sitting for nearly a year, she's going back to school as a size 12. One thing I really liked about this story is that all of Cat's friends didn't shun her because of her size. It's not like it's the worst thing in the world so it sucks when books act like the character can't have friends if she's beyond a size 10. Cat did have friends and, really, she is the biggest issue blocking her own happiness. When Nate steps in Cat finally starts to see herself as more than a size. He helps her break down her walls and be happy again. Sometimes I just wanted her to get over things but I tried to understand where she was coming from. This book was really enjoyable and had a very unique plot (and twist).
Unbroken by Melody Grace Add to Goodreads This book has one of my all-time favorite lines ever… "Mom always told me there are two kinds of love in this world: the steady breeze, and the hurricane. Emerson Ray was my hurricane… " Love it! This book is great for a summer read. Juliet is forced to go back to her summer beach home for a while and she runs into her old flame Emerson. I enjoyed this story but nothing really stood out to me as memorable. There is some cheating, which I hate, but it didn't ruin the book for me. The characters definitely have chemistry and there are several hot moments to enjoy. ALL OF THESE BOOKS WERE RATED
"The author of The Battle for Human Nature explains why too much choice has led to the ever increasing complexity of everyday decisions, why too much of a good thing has become detrimental to human psychological and emotional well-being, and how to focus our lives on making the right choices."
This book started out as a fantastic read — not only could I not put it down but I couldn't shut up about it! I even started highlighting and writing on sticky notes my thoughts so that I could mail this particular book to other people and discuss it!
One particular moment I remember was right after I had started the book after the first segment: I went to a coffee shop with my friend to be nerdy and relax while reading. I went to the counter and asked for tea. The employee asked me if I wanted hot or cold. I took a moment and decided on hot. Then she asked me if I'd like green, black, herbal, (and a couple other choices I don't remember). At this point, I was fairly overwhelmed. I said herbal (thinking that was the most simplistic choice) and she replied with a list of over ten different types of herbal teas. Finally, completely exhausted, I asked her to make whatever she recommended.
I grabbed my mystery cup of herbal tea and returned to my booth with this book and realized that Schwartz has a point! Choices are exhausting but everyone wants them! Few coffee shops could stay open if they only offered black or decaf coffee anymore. This short epiphany continued to fester in the back of my mind for most of the night; I had never realized how choices could stress me out.
Another example: I was at a restaurant with my family this past weekend and ordered breakfast. 2 eggs, toast, and meat. This decision forced other decisions: "How would you like your eggs cooked?" "Whole Wheat, White, Rye, or Sour Dough?" "Bacon or Sausage?" "Links or Patties?"
Now, even after this book has been shut on my night stand for over a week, I still think about the choices I make everyday and how it gets to a point that it does stress me out. After reading this, I also realized how society forces companies and other industries to have a wide variety of choices and how this has affected my life as a consumer!
Overall — a fantastic, thought provoking read. But about half way through I became exhausted. I'm not sure if the language or content changed, but after a while I was no longer able to relate to what Schwartz was saying. I'm not sure if this is because the information became slightly redundant or if it became more business oriented (an area I know nothing about).
Either way, I do recommend this book simply because I think it's great to evaluate the choices you make everyday. This book was extremely enlightening and thought provoking. I'm extremely interested to hear what others thought of this book.
Originality: 10/10 Ending: 7/10 Characters: NA Plot: NA My reaction/enjoyment: 5/10 Theme: 10/10 Imagery: 9/10 Setting: NA Voice: 5/5 Style: 3/5 Tone: 5/5 Cover: 10/10 Overall: 64/75 B
1. I read that you loved to write, even as a young child; can you share some of the first stories you wrote? It’s funny you should ask, because in my office at home (which I’m sitting in right now) I’ve framed the first story I wrote. It’s hanging on the wall above my desk. It’s called “The Boy With the Seagull.” It’s written in blue magic marker, and it’s absolutely ridiculous. I was five years old. And when I was in elementary school, I used to spend hours on my dad’s computer every summer, writing (mostly fictional) accounts of “What I Did for My Summer Vacation.” I’d make up these crazy vacations that my family had supposedly gone on, and I imagined how impressed my teachers would be by these fabulous accounts of my amazing experiences. And every year, when school started, I always expected my English teachers to ask us to write an essay on how we’d spent our vacation, — I was always so excited to be so well prepared! But nobody ever asked. Somewhere at my parents’ house, there’s a drawer full of those stories. The funny part is that all I really did during my summer vacations was sit around writing. I guess it’s all paying off now. 2. It’s so interested that you went to the Linsly School in West Virginia. I lived in West Virginia until 3 years ago. What did you think about the school and the area? Did your experience influence the stories you write now?
I had a great time at the Linsly school, and I can honestly say that I got a fabulous education there. They offered so many great creative writing and specialized literature classes. I felt very lucky. And my experiences there have absolutely influenced my writing – Breathless , my first novel, is based heavily on my years at boarding school. 3. Where the Truth Lies is the companion novel to Breathless . Can you tell us a little about the relationship between these books? First of all, they’re both set at boarding schools. But while Breathless is set in West Virginia, and the school in the book is based on a real place, Where the Truth Lies is set at a completely fictional school in Connecticut. Aside from that, there are a couple of crossover characters: Mazzie Moon gets a few mentions, and so does Renee (who was Katie Kitrell’s roommate at Yale in Breathless).
4. In Where the Truth Lies , Emily discovers lies that turn her world upside down. Can you tell us a little more about the deceptions Emily faces in this book? Without giving too much away, I will say that they’re huge deceptions. They basically shake the entire foundation of her life. What’s most interesting to me is that, as the story progresses, something happens to Emily that really puts those deceptions into perspective. It certainly doesn’t make them any easier for her to accept or deal with, but I think that, as she grows, she is at least able to understand the motivations behind all the lies. 5. Can you tell us what you are currently working on? Will any future books have a connection to the characters in Breathless and Where the Truth Lies ? I just finished my third novel, which is called Between . It will be out next year. I’m SO excited about it! It’s a supernatural thriller. It’s actually been pretty successful already – it’s been sold to publishers in ten different countries! I truly cannot wait to see how teenage readers respond to the story. And I’ve just started working on my fourth novel, which will be released in 2012. It’s a murder mystery, also with a somewhat supernatural element, about identical twins who share a very dark past. To answer your other question, neither of those upcoming titles have any connection to Breathless or Where the Truth Lies . I really appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions for me!: ) Thanks!
Read my review of Where the Truth Lies Enter for a chance to win an ARC of Where the Truth Lies Find Jessica Warman Jessica Warman Purchase Where the Truth Lies Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes & Noble
