Before I moved out of my dorm I thought I should end my final year at school with a picture of my FULL book shelf.
Books recently bought.
Books bought and won.
Review books that I am so very far behind on!
The bottom of my book shelf tends to be my "junk" shelf in that I just end up stuffing finished books down there!
Please welcome Sheila, from One Person's Journey Through a World of Books, as this week's Guest Reviewer.
******************* The Book Thief — Marcus Zusak
This is a Young Adult book that my book club just read and I thought it was fascinating. YA may like it because the narrator of this book is Death himself.
"It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau. This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul." I have come to a point in my life long journey through books that I truly enjoy books that are out of the norm… you know, an author who takes an idea out of left field and molds it into a tale that tantalizes the brain, that stimulates the outer reaches of your mind…..this is such a tale…. and this is exactly what drew me to The Book Thief. Yet another book that waited patiently on my book shelf, I am sure it was the title that interested me first. It has to do with books…. and not only that, but a main character with a strong desire of needing to steal books. Interesting… But that’s not all! Flip the book over and you find out it is told from the perspective of Death. Now that’s different. Like I said earlier, it is written from the perspective of Death. And in this case, Death has taken an interest in a young girl who’s brother had died and she, Liesel, is now under the care of foster parents. It is 1939; Nazi Germany, and Hitler is in his full reign. As Death narrates the story, sometimes jumping ahead to share the long term (or in some cases short term) outcome of people in Liesel’s life, I became so entangled in the weave that I frequently forget the narrator and his role. I found the book fascinating and I could get the feel of the times, the level of poverty, the act of stealing just to be fed…. even if that feeding is in the form of literature. I could relate to that and can not imagine what a life would be like not having the written word available to you freely. I too, could relate to the desperation of our Book Thief. I really enjoyed the read. It is nothing like I have read before and I loved the story line. The book was beautifully written and I am still sitting here in high respect for Markus Zusak's style in which he wrote a book, that, as of this date, is my favorite of the year, perhaps in my top ten of all time reads.
******************* Thank you so much, Sheila! What a great review! If anyone else has a great book to recommend to high school students, please email me (my profile has the address). Check out this post for more information on how to become a guest reviewer.
Please remember to check out Sheila's blog, One Person's Journey Through a World of Books, and share some book love. To Sheila's original review, in my blog.
Thanks again, Sheila! I will be sure to add this to my huge book list!
I'd rather have a book with a broken spine than a book in perfect condition not being read.
Before and After 4th Period
I've recently been struggling with keeping my Classroom Book Shelf in order. I find myself fixing the shelf almost between every class period — even if it's not a reading day!! I 'm not sure whether to be happy that they are at least browsing the books or annoyed that they have such disregard for not only the written word (a taste acquired) but classroom materials and my own personal possessions as well.
I suppose this is the price to pay for loaning out books to high school students. It's not the fact that the books are slowly but surely getting worn down from constant use and (of course) students' breaking the spines that bothers me; I'd rather have a book with a broken spine than a book in perfect condition not being read. It's more the fact that they have no idea how much time and money I have put into creating this library for the them; it's been my project for the last two years.
But despite the continuous work of fixing my bookshelf and reminding students that the harder they are on the books the fewer the people who will get to read it — I am glad that the books are being used (if even only browsed).
In preparation for the beginning of Bloggiesta on Friday, I've compiled a list of everyone who is participating who has a Twitter account. Now, this list isn't perfect because not everyone has Twitter or I couldn't find it. Furthermore, next time I do this I'll put the direct link to their Twitter page. But because I didn't think about it until I was done, you just have to go your twitter.com page, find people, and search the username.
I've tried to keep up with this list, but if you recently signed Natasha 's Mr. Linky then you may not be on this list. If you aren't and would like to be added, please email me, google (at) gmail (dot) com, your Twitter username and the link to to your blog (like everyone elses) and I will add you immediately. Also, if your Twitter username is listed and you don't want it to be for privacy reasons — please email me and I'll remove it. I don't want to intrude on anyone's privacy by posting their usernames for any one to read. I didn't put up anyone's username that wasn't publicly visible on their blog. If the name wasn't visible — I emailed or commented. But still, if you want your name removed, please let me know.
If you see a mistake (spelling or whatever), again, let me know and I'll fix it.
The whole point to this was so that for the next couple days we can all check each other's updates and get to know each other a bit better (don't forget to use the hashtag #bloggiesta). Also, by posting reviews/blog links to Twitter, we can all see what everyone else is up to, participate in more mini-challenges, and be more of a 'team.' I'm really excited about this — but I completely understand if you want your name removed. I'm excited for Bloggiesta in general, and compiling this list and seeing blogs that are new to me and already connecting with these readers has really 'lit the fire' for Bloggiesta and I hope that you all get the same feeling I did.
Good luck everyone!
1. Rebecca @ The Book Lady's Blog — bookladysblog
2. Miss Remmers — google
3. Deborah (Books, Movies and Chinese Food) — readerbuzz
4. Nicole (Linus's Blanket) — NicoleBo
5. Melanie @ Melanie's Musings — MelanieMFoust
6. Vasilly — 1330v — Vasilly
7. Katie (Read What You Know) — katietweetsya
8. Michelle (Michelle's Masterful Musings) — jmchshannon
9. Chris@ bookarama — Christbookarama
10. Shona's Book Shelves
11. Pam (Bookalicio. us) — bookaliciouspam
12. Suey — SueySays
13. Sandra (Fresh Ink Books)
14. Ann @ Books on the Nightstand — AnnKingman
15. Amanda (The Zen Leaf) — pookasluagh
16. Lindsay — lindzsmile
17. Avis (she reads and reads)
18. Kate (The Neverending Shelf) — neshelf
19. Cindy( cindysloveofbooks) — cindyloveofbook
20. Tracie @ Yule Time Reading — YuleTimeReading
21. Bibliofreak — bibliofreakblog
22. The1stdaughter (There's A Book) — the1stdaughter
23. Florinda/ The 3 R's Blog — florinda_3rs
24. christina (Reading Thru The Night)
25. Laura W
26. Sharla — WinterWrite
27. Tam @ Bailey's and Books — BaileysandBooks
28. Jennifer @ Reading with Tequila — TequilaReader
29. Marquetta (Love To Read For Fun) — Loves2Read4Fun
30. Colleen
31. Michelle (galleysmith) — galleysmith
32. Aarti @ Booklust — aartichapati
33. christine( booktumbling) — booktumbling
34. Shellie (Layers of Thought) — layersofthought
35. melissa @ 1lbr — melissa1lbr
36. Nan (Nan's Corner of the Web
37. Robin of My Two Blessings — My2blessings59
38. Lexie/ Poisoned Rationality — lexilewords
39. Ashley @ Ashley's Library — GirlThatReads
40. Callista (SMS Book Reviews) — callista83
41. Beth F (Beth Fish Reads) — BethFishReads
42. KyleeJ @ Kylee's Journal — KsJournal
43. Kristen (Bookworming in the 21st Century) — bookgoil
44. Stacy's Books – stacybuckeye
45. alisonwonderland (So Many Books, So Little Time) — utahalison
46. Monica (Bibliophilic Book Blog) — bibliophilicboo
47. Helen (Helen Loves Books) — lovesbooks81
48. Emily @What Book is That? — heynocupcake
49. debnance at readerbuzz
50. Susan (Bulging Bookshelves)
51. Susan (Bulging Bookshelves)
52. Grace — bibliophile23
53. Lauren (Reading Comes From Writing) — blondierocket
54. Julie — faithfulgirl
55. Sheila (Journey Through a World of Books) — bookjourney
56. Emma (Booking Through365) — SekritEmuSister
57. Bitsy (Fabula: A Book Blog)
58. Brittany Landgrebe — light_aurora
59. Zee @ Notes from the North — Zommie
60. Karin (Karin's Book Nook) — kperry
61. Karin (The Book Jacket) — thebookjacket
62. Alethea (Read Now Sleep Later) — frootjoos
63. Kathrin (Secret Dreamworld of a Bookaholic) L3
64. Suzanne (Chick with Books) — ChickwithBooks
65. Ash (English Major's Junk Food) — ashbrux
66. Gnoe's Graasland — graasland
67. Sabrina
68. I Heart Monster
69. Drea (Book Blather) — awaitinserenity
70. nomadreader
71. Patricia — PatriciaAltner
72. Lisa A
73. Sherry at Semicolon
74. tanabata (In Spring it is the Dawn) — tanabata2000
75. Margot (Joyfully Retired)
76. Kim @ Good Clean Reads
77. Tasha B. (Heidenkind's Hideaway) — heidenkind
78. Chelle (Tempting Persephone) — persephonereads
79. Justine (A Bookful of Thoughts) — justeena
80. Jaime (Denim Debutante. com) — denimdebutante
81. The Kool — Aid Mom — thekoolaidmom
82. Liz B (Tea Cozy) — LizB
83. Honey (Coffeespoons) — fantaghiro23
84. Dawn — She is Too Fond of Books — toofondofbooks
85. Mother Reader
86. Jennie from Biblio File
87. Laurel — Rain Snow — laurelrainsnow
88. Alexia561 — alexia561
89. Alison (Alison's Book Marks)
90. Vicki ~ Reading At The Beach — Readatthebeach
91. Sally Hanan — inksnatcher
92. Debbie's World of Books — DebWorldOfBooks
93. Marion (Books & Fiber) — tattoocats
94. Sara (The Hiding Spot) — http://twitter.com/thehidingspot
95. Charlotte
96. Lisa
97. Molly (My Cozy Book Nook)
98. Joyful@ New Horizon Reviews
99. Dana (Rantings of a Bookworm Couch Potato
100. 5 Minutes for Books (Jennifer & team)
101. Meg (A Piece of Evidence) — jbbmegan
102. Sherrie( Just Books)
103. Caridad Pineiro — CaridadPineiro
104. Marci (Serendipitous Readings)
105. Sharon (Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews) — SharonChance
106. Becky
107. Dani (YA All The Way) — Danidlion
108. Erica (The Book Cellar) — thebookcellarx
109. Jen — Devourer of Books
110. Erika (Reading with Momma)
111. Bart's Bookshelf
112. Intense Whisper — intensewhisper
113. Jenn's Bookshelves
114. Gayla
115. Sarah (My World of Books)
116. Amyloves Bud
117. Melissa (Betty and Boo Chronicles)
118. Nicole @ Book — Wyrm — Knits
119. Sue (Books, Books, Magical) — froggyfitz
120. Bea (How Novel!)
121. Julie (My Book Retreat)
122. Kris
123. Joyful@( The Sacrifice — Book Review)
124. melydia — melydia
125. Laura (The Calico Critic)
126. Karey Shane (er, K.S.R. Kingworth)
127. Savvy Verse & Wit — SavvyVerseWit
128. lena
129. cindy
130. Amused (Amused by Books)
131. Gina @ Book Dragon's Lair
132. Marg (Reading Adventures) — MargReads
133. KyleeJ @ Kylee's Journal — KsJournal
134. Heather (Capricious Reader) — capriciousreadr
135. Sandra (Musings of a Book Addict)
"Whenever I was going to put this book down to do something productive, I found the chapter that I was about put down too seductive to release indefinitely." — Miss Remmers
Release Date: November 1st, 2011
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Challenges: Off the Shelf, 100+ Reading Challenge, Dystopia Challenge
"In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky — taken by the Society to his certain death — only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander — who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart — change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever."
It feels like this review has been a long time coming. As many of you know, last year at BEA 2011 this was the prize book that was stolen — the one book I was really upset about. I'm over it and have moved — but it was still bitter sweet opening this book again for the first time. You see, after receiving this book I went to stand in line somewhere else and I began to read it while in line. But when I realized I was behind a blogger I knew, I put it in my bag of books instead of my purse. That movement still haunts me — if only I had put the book in my purse (to be read later)! But anyway, the past is the past and I've finally completed this book.
Sorry for the poor quality — Blackberry photo
I couldn't contain my excitement!
Lately, "Matched" and "Crossed" have been on my mind for other reasons (you know, rather than their awesomeness). Last month I talked about Cursive: The Lost Art Form and how I connected the loss of creativity to a not-so distant dystopia. And now, as I've finished "Crossed," I have so many more thoughts and questions.
First of all, it took me a long time to get into this book but I think it's mostly because I didn't really remember what went on at the end of "Matched." I read "Matched" in September 2010, that's a long time to remember something. I trudged through the murky remembrance of details (on my part) and slowly the story came back to me. A few times I had to rely on the help of Twitter friends to sift through the details (such as: what did the three pills stand for?). This didn't completely put me off this book (as it was more my fault than fault of the book's) but I wish (unrealistically) I could have remembered more prior to starting "Crossed."
Once the details came back to me, I couldn't put this book down. I finished it in a day while my students had meetings with the counselors in regards to college preparation (talk about a great day!). I will mention that the last chapter of this book did completely baffle me — I'm assuming the ambiguity was purposeful. But I still felt like I was missing something and that it didn't necessary flow well with the rest of the novel.
As for the characters and plot, there were enough surprises and twists to keep each chapter exciting. Whenever I was going to put this book down to do something productive, I found the chapter that I was about put down too seductive to release indefinitely. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I can't wait for the final installment of this novel.
Also, anyone but me hoping the final novel cover will be red to continue the theme? But if it is, what can that mean!?!?!
-Visit Ally around the web here: Website | Goodreads | Twitter
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook
To the FTC, with love: Loved and Bought
Do you remember this post — with all the insane pictures of my amazing bookshelf. Well, as I mentioned, I have graduated, moved out of the dorms, moved back home into my parent's retirement trailer, and am patiently waiting to move into my apartment at the end of the summer. Until then... this is where all my beloved books are (my bookshelf had to be put in storage).
Yes, these are in the only hallway and will probably remain there until August with the rest of my stuff that wouldn't fit in my closet.
I miss my book shelf.
It's official, I have become a book smuggler. If The Book Smugglers had a Book Smuggling Anonymous Association, I'd be admitted.
Last Friday I admitted to my roommate that I had been smuggling books into the apartment. I assured him that I wasn't spending money on the books, they were books I had gotten from the library's giveaway shelf. I confessed that each day I would take one of the several on my desk, bring it home, and slip it onto the book shelves.
Shock was the first emotion that flashed across his face, then it was a look that could have been directly translated into "Are you kidding me?" He then told me that I was doomed to be on the television show "Hoarders" and that when we moved out he wasn't going to help carry the boxes of books.
Then, he said it: "Reagan, you may have a problem." I immediately argued that it could be worse; I could be bringing in stray dogs or be addicted to alcohol or smoking. Yes, my "addiction" takes up space and will be a pain to move out, but... it's worth it right?
For about a millisecond, I was sincerely concerned if he was right or not. Do I have problem? I have been bringing in more books than I've been reading lately. Has book blogging skewed my idea of book ownership? In the beginning I was an avid user of my library, now I find myself making more and more trips to the used bookstore. Do I now view "an intense amount of books"-ownership as normal because all of my book blogging friends have the same "problem" that I do?
Who knows
I can tell you I don't see my book purchasing going down any time soon. I'm not going broke and my students are devouring everything I have. Is it so wrong to be addicted to reading, the written word, and books in general?
But, I do still feel a little guilty about "cluttering" the apartment...
Today I'm participating in two memes — the Book Bloggers Hop, hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books & Follow My Book Blog Friday, hosted at Parajunkee's View. I am also putting up my weekly recap... get it? "Follow My Hop Recap?"
This week's question from the Hop: What keeps you reading beyond the first few pages of a book and what makes you want to stop reading a book and put it back on the shelf? Generally I keep reading past the first few pages simply because I feel every book deserves a chance. However, if a book's characters or plot haven't caught my attention by page 50 then I start to get concerned. The first thing that can make me wish I had never picked up a book is definitely the tone or language. If I feel like I'm loosing brain cells or IQ points the book definitely isn't for me.
This week's question from Follow Me Friday: Q. Your favorite book/movie character just walked into the room! Who is it and what would be your first reaction?
Great question — I'm going to need to sleep on this one for the moment unfortunately! I'll let you all know tomorrow!
BEA 2011 IMM Vlog Review of "Spellbound" by Cara Lynn Shultz My Newest "Help My Blog" Discovery — Timely for Twitter
In case you live under a rock or have severely neglected your Google Reader, you are aware that Beth Revis' "Across the Universe" was released yesterday. If you need to jolt your memory, take a look at any one of these fantastic posts:
Frenetic Reader
The Compulsive Reader
Books with Bite
Book Soulmates
Hooked To Books
Chick Loves Lit
Overflowing Shelf
Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf
I've heard talk about this novel for the past couple weeks and everyone sounded really excited. Here's the kicker and my confession: I ignored every single post in my Google Reader about this book. I ignored every review and every mention of it on Twitter. Yes, world — I stuck up my nose whenever I came across this book's title or cover.
Why?! You ask me WHY?
Because I hated the move "Across the Universe." Gasp. I know. Everybody supposedly loved that movie. Yes, I can appreciate the artistry and I love the Beatles music — but the movie did not float my boat. So immediately upon seeing the cover for Revis' "Across the Universe" and looking at the title — I became a book snob. I assumed it was book with the plot of the movie. I, for the life of me, couldn't figure out why everybody in the blogosphere was so excited for the release of "Across the Universe."
Then, on Monday I was pursuing Flippin' Fabulous and saw this review. I'm not sure why I didn't immediately scroll down or exit out like I had been for so many weeks, but I heaved a huge "here we go" sigh and actually read the synopsis and the review.
From Goodreads
A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.
Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules. Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next. Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.
After reading this I thought of one thing — my love for Battlestar Galactica.
Yes, I admit it. I love Battlestar Galactica. What do "Across the Universe" and Battlestar Galactica have in common (that I know of)? Basically this: "A spaceship built of secrets and murder." But it's enough to peak my interest!
I always knew I was a cover snob; I pick books up because they look pretty. But I never realized that I am an actual SNOB! That I would let the cover and title deter me from even being open minded about a book because I hated a movie just blows my mind (although, you have to admit, both covers do look similar). I feel bad as a reader that I would be so stuck up. So close-minded! It's something I definitely need to work on — to think, I almost would have never even looked at this book! It has a great synopsis and, I'll admit, the more I look at the cover the more I like it.
Beth, please take this post as the most sincere apology I could come up with. I can't wait to read your book in the very near future.
Godspeed.
Buy "Across the Universe": Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Visit Beth Revis: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Release Date: August 26th, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Challenges: Off the Shelf, 100+ Reading Challenge
"I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me... he's one of us.
Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another... but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together? They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed. I am Number Seven. One of six still alive. And I'm ready to fight."
A year ago today I actually reviewed "I Am Number Four " — how crazy is that! I can't believe it's already been a year!
"The Power of Six" was a book that I had been looking forward to for months, probably since a year ago today! I loved the first book, the movie was okay, and "The Power of Six"... well, "The Power of Six" was definitely surprising. There were several times throughout this book that I couldn't help but say "Shut up!" or other such responses. I enjoyed the two different perspectives (John and Marina) but I will warn you, it is a bit confusing at first who is who. Your hint is that there are (slightly) different fonts between the two — at least in the ARC.
I enjoyed Six and Sam even more than before although the various romances throughout the novel did get to be a bit tiresome. I just wanted something to happen — anything! But I digress...
In all aspects, "The Power of Six" was great. I loved the characters, I loved the plot, and I fell in even more love with the history of Lorien. But for some reason, I'm just not as passionate about this novel as I thought I'd be. Again, I loved it — but I'm not racing to tell everyone about it. I think this book may be a victim of the Series Syndrome (post to come next week). With all the different series out right now (it feels like every book I'm reading is the first of a trilogy or something like that), I am finding that I adore the first book but by the time the second book comes out my overwhelming passion and love has some how subsided into this indifferent subtlety. And this makes me sad. I mean, I hate that that happens to great books and fantastic series. Does this ever happen to you?
-Visit Pittacus around the web here: Goodreads
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook
To the FTC, with love: ARC from Publisher and Gift from Michelle at Hooked to Books
Today is my birthday!!
Yes, my blogoversary and birthday are that close together because I started my blog as an early birthday gift to myself.: ) So, to celebrate I thought it would be fun to have a personal post. I wanted to talk about the books that made me love reading.
One of the first books I read was The Babysitters Club.
I read several of them throughout my childhood but it took me a while. I remember my friend and I would pretend to be in a babysitters club.although we had no kids to watch.
Ohhh, to be that young again!
Then, like so many other kids, I loved Goosebumps. Although I was completely scared of everything, I still read these books. Why? I have no idea! R.L. Stein is just an amazing author and his books always gave me nightmares, but I couldn't put them down.
And remember those chapter books where you pick where the story goes? I can't remember any of the titles now but I loved those! Sometimes I would cheat and look ahead but it was still so much fun! Anyone know if they still make those?
Then there was my first ever series. The first series that I followed. The first one that I looked for at wal-mart every time we went there (I lived in a small town with no bookstores). I would get so excited to see a new book on the shelf. I remember spending my entire summer reading these books. I think that this started my true love of reading. I read these books long before they were turned into a TV show so I was able to really connect with the characters and imagine who they were.
Here is the amazing part of this story. I now know Melinda Metz, the wonderful author of this series. Okay, maybe not"know" but I have talked to her AND she sent me a signed copy of Roswell High: The Outsiders. This is priceless to me! Priceless!! I will get to show my daughter this book and tell her how I have spoken with the author! How cool is that!? Not many people get that opportunity and I will treasure this gift forever.
That is the part of blogging that amazes me the most. We get a chance to talk with authors we have"known" for years. We can spread our love for their books and hopefully help others develop a love for reading as well. What better thing to share with people than a passion for something?
After that amazing summer of reading, I picked up several other books and slowly built a collection. Once in high school, I wasn't able to read as much but I always missed it. I didn't start reading again until July 2008. I went to the bookstore wanting to find a great book and what do you think I picked up? Twilight. I didn't know anything about the series but the cover grabbed my attention and the summary peaked my interest. I fell in love! I immediately grabbed New Moon, and Eclipse, and thankfully Breaking Dawn had just been released so I read it too. I read all four books 2 times and then decided to go to the bookstore to find more amazing reads. I did find several books that I loved. The Evernight series, Vampire Academy, House of Night; pretty much anything vampire related. I admit I was stuck on paranormal for a while.
Now, I read anything I can get my hands on but my love is still in young adult books. I still enjoy paranormal, but now I love dystopian, contemporary, romance, and more! I'd much rather read than watch TV. It's interesting to see how our reading habits change over time.
So, what is my new book obsession? Divergent, by the amazing Veronica Roth. This book is everything I enjoy wrapped up in a nice, pretty package. If you haven't ordered this book, do it! It's out now.
Many books are all amazing in their own way. But it takes a lot to really grab a reader. Certain books always seem to stick with me and it's impossible to get the story and characters out of my head. But isn't it great to feel so much passion towards a story? I'm amazed at the talent writers have and I'm thankful for all the work they go through to share their stories with me.
What were some of your book first-loves? What book are you obsessing over now?
"The characters were all fantastically real to me... I found myself rooting for them and thinking of them well after the book was closed and finished. The plot was extremely fast paced, suspenseful, and down-right addicting." — Miss Remmers
From Amazon.com...
"Not all dreams are sweet.
For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody — notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime. She can't tell anybody about what she does — they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control.
Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant... "
Book Trailer I picked this book up simply because it looked good. Then I read the premise and that sounded interesting too. So I put it with the five other "these look good" books at the used bookstore; when I got home I put them on my shelf. Less than 24 hours later I felt drawn to this book, there were loads of other books I needed to get to first but I found myself looking on the shelf for this book in particular after finishing Delirium.
Upon first opening "Wake," I realized that the writing is extremely choppy — and that I liked it that way. The sentences are short and to the point; it's a type of writing style I would normally discourage with my freshmen, but with "Wake" I found that it drew me in and added both mystery and suspense. The choppy writing made the story seem to move faster and with a sense of urgency. Lisa's writing style otherwise was unique and different. The different font for the dreams and the reality were helpful; the dream writing was done so in a way that I felt like I was actually seeing it.
I pitied Janie for her ability, I can't imagine getting pulled into people's dreams without warning. It'd be one thing if she were sleeping too, but that she can be driving, studying, talking, and all of a sudden pass out — not cool. But speaking of cool... Cabel is hot. I've been lucky enough to read two books in a row with fantastically drool worthy male protagonists ("Wake" and "Delirium"). Even when Cabel was being sketchy, I couldn't help but hope he had a plan. On the bus with the McDonalds when he came to her rescue — I almost died of romance! The Snickers bar and the skateboard! This boy has moves and if I weren't engaged to the most romantic man I know (nonfiction wise), I'd let him put his moves on me!
Cabel's "alternate" life was a little hard to buy — but it didn't deter me from reading. Lisa's characters were all fantastically real to me, even with their flaws (especially Janie's a bit unbelievable best friend). I found myself rooting for them and thinking of them well after the book was closed and finished.
The plot, like I said, was extremely fast paced, suspenseful, and down-right addicting. I can't wait to pick up "Fade" and "Gone" from the library today!
Originality: 10/10 Ending: 10/10 Characters: 8/10 Plot: 10/10 My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10 Theme: 10/10 Imagery: 10/10 Setting: 5/5 Voice: 5/5 Style: 5/5 Tone: 5/5 Cover: 10/10 Overall: 97/100 A
To the FTC, with love: Loved and Bought
To find out more about this series and author, visit the following links: -Visit Lisa around the web here: Website | Blog
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Random bit of information: Last night I had to extremely awful nightmares that I'm sure Janie is happy she didn't have to witness. Not the kind of nightmare where I'm naked — but the kind where both my parents have died and I didn't get to say good bye. I just remember wallowing in my dream pity. I'm pretty sure my face was contorted to my "crying face" while I was sleeping because now my cheeks hurt. I also dreamt that I was in a play with my three best friends (all drama majors) and I screwed around the whole time and then didn't know my lines when it came to the opening night and I let them all down.
/End Rant
Release Date: 2006
Publisher: NAL Jam
Challenges: YA Challenge, Audiobook Challenge, iChallenge, Off the Shelf, 100+ Reading Challenge
"Welcome to Morganville, Texas.
Just don't stay out after dark. College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation, where the popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks in the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life. But they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood."
I apologize for my rant/rave. I'm sure this book wasn't as bad as I am recollecting now, but I'm just needing to get this all off my chest. If you stick with me through this review there is a "light at the end of the tunnel" in the form of a funny "while I was listening" story. I know it's "unprofessional" to write super negative reviews and I mean no disrespect to the author, but this book at it's essence just did not float my boat. For a different perspective please look at these reviews: Love Vampires, Book Briefs, and Books from the Addict.
I chose to pick this series up because it was on my Top YA List Challenge and, I won't lie, I'm a "sucker" for vampire books. Unfortunately, this book didn't suck me in... at all. First of all, I found all of the characters to be so entirely cliche, shallow, and extreme that I couldn't take ANY of them seriously. In the first chapter you're introduced to Jenn, Gina, Monica, and Erica — the mean girls. I mean, really? Perhaps the purpose of the similar syllables was to indicate that they were really of one personality, but it really only confused me more.
I understand the element of fiction, but how mean these girls were was just two extreme for me to even handle. I mean, pushing a girl down the stairs in a dorm and leaving her there to potentially die? I understand the whole laundry thing because I've seen that kind of bullying, but jumping the girl!? I'm serious, at one point (spoiler) all of the girls in the dorm kidnapped Claire by shoving a bag over her head and throwing her into a van and beating her and then there was the time when they took her to the basement of the dorms and held her down while she was beaten. That's just too ridiculous for me to handle.
Speaking of Claire, I am so sick of hearing how intelligent she is! Every chapter I was reminded of the fact that she was only sixteen but smart for her age and that she was in college early. It was almost like listening to how clutzy/ditzy Bella is every other page. Then the parent issue: it seems like in most YA books there's a lack of strong parents (because how else would these kids be getting away with all they are getting away with?). In this book, apparently two extremely good parents let their sixteen year old go to this far away small-town university rather than let her go to a large, ivy-league near by. Then after a hospital incident (because Claire apparently can't go anywhere without needing to be rescued) her parents finally get worried and only then does Claire become a REAL sixteen year old.
But it's not really Claire's fault — all of the characters acted (LOTS) older than they really were. I just can't wrap my mind around a bunch of eighteen year olds hanging out in a house (and paying for it) and being as mature as they were. With the alcohol references and the maturity of the characters, it felt like they were more in their mid-twenties rather than the end of the teens.
Whew. Still reading?
Those are basically the notes I had typed down while listening. Forgetting the characters and the plot, the narrator alone didn't really sell me on this book either. I purchased a hard copy of Volume One, the first two stories, months ago but I won't be reading the last part of it. I just can't stomach it.
I know as a "fair" reviewer I should mention something that I enjoyed about this audiobook, but there really wasn't anything (other than the fact that at least the vampire society was intriguing and even believable). I do have a funny "while I was listening story" though to lighten the mood of this review.
While I was listening to this audiobook to and from work my neighborhood underwent some major road construction. At one point I was in my car stopped at one of those signs held by a worker (one side said stop and the other side says "slowly"). I was in the front of the line and this particular worker was sort of staring at me funny. Then all of a sudden a more "racy" part of the book was narrated and I could just feel the judgement of this worker staring me down. I started to get really embarrassed and even blushed. I'm hoping he couldn't hear me, but I do have to have my radio on pretty loud to hear the audiobooks. Awkward.
-Visit Rachel around the web here: Goodreads | Twitter
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook
To the FTC, with love: Library Loan Audiobook and Bought hard copy
Second shelf is divided: the left side is Review/Recreational Reads and the left side is dedicated towards textbooks. Notice I only have two more Review Reads (as of write now) — very excited! I feel like I'm making progress!
"I found myself... having to take out one ear bud because it hurt to listen. Not a physical hurt, but an emotional and mental hurt." — Miss Remmers
Release Date: October 1999
Publisher: Puffin
Challenges: Audiobook Challenge, YA List Challenge, Off the Shelf, 100+ Reading Challenge
"When Melinda Sordino's friends discover she called the police to quiet a party, they ostracize her, turning her into an outcast — even among kids she barely knows. But even worse than the harsh conformity of high-school cliques is a secret that you have to hide."
"Speak" has been on my list of things I MUST read for about two years. I finally got around to listening to it.
You undoubtedly remember the discussion last year about "Speak" being a banned book. You know how supposedly powerful it is and how everyone loves it. Well, if I could say any ONE thing about this book that you may not have heard before it would be this: the audiobook's narrator is absolutely fantastic and listening to this novel may even be more powerful than reading it.
I'm not kidding, unlike "The Maze Runner" where the audiobook hindered my enjoyment of the book, this audiobook was amazing. The narrator was absolutely brilliant — so honest, innocent, sarcastic, and believable! I felt like I knew her! The narrator's voice with Halse Anderson's words put such emotion into me!
For instance, several times (not just once) I found myself walking the dog and listening and having to take out one ear bud (I know this sounds crazy) because it hurt to listen. Not a physical hurt, but an emotional and mental hurt. There was even a moment when I was walking and listening and it was rather late at night (around midnight) and at that point in the novel I was actually looking behind me to make sure no one was there! It's been weeks since I've finished this book and that suspicion is still there — the fear!
Besides a fantastic story that was so well written and articulated, this book (and more specifically this audiobook) is the perfect example of VOICE for students. My school district employs the 6+1 writing traits and one of the traits is VOICE. Voice is incredibly hard to teach because 1) it's hard to find and 2) it's hard to do! In the coming weeks as my students get comfortable with their routines and we begin discussing the 6+1 traits, I will be using "Speak" in the classroom to discuss the immense power of VOICE — something Laurie Halse Anderson seems to be an expert at.
-Visit Laurie around the web here: Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook
To the FTC, with love: Library Loan Audiobook
Release Date: 1999
Publisher: Harper Collins
Challenges: YA Challenge, iChallenge, Off The Shelf, 100+ Reading Challenge
"A deadly love triangle
Elena: beautiful and popular, the girl who can have any guy she wants. Stefan: brooding and mysterious, desperately trying to resist his desire for Elena... for her own good. Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him. Elena finds herself drawn to both brothers... who will she choose?"
Alright, I obviously picked up this book because I was looking for something to satiate my Vampire Diaries thirst. I love the series and figured that the books would be a great extension. I am not one of those people who can't watch the movies in fear of it ruining the book (unless we're talking "My Sister's Keeper") so I'm pretty good at recognizing and appreciating books and movies as two separate entities. I went into "The Awakening" understanding that there were going to be differences and I was prepared.
Or so I thought.
I was not prepared for a protagonist that was so "Queen Bee," egotistical, self-centered, and overly self-confident. Really, book Elena is so completely unlikeable that it's no wonder they had to completely revamp (no pun intended) her character for television. I mean, everything about her down to her very core bothered me (not that I LOVE television Elena, but at least she's endearing). In regards to Stefan... eh. I just didn't buy the whole "I must have him" attitude and everything from then on out was sort of a wash.
I will say that had Elena been a bit more... pleasant, I would have continued on with the series. I liked the writing and I enjoyed the different plot lines from the series.
This was another book that I bought that had the first two books in one "volume." Needless to say, much like "Glass Houses, " I won't be completing this volume.
This post by Bookalicious Pam was really what inspired me to read the novel and despite my feelings toward the book, I really hate what was done to L.J. Smith. If you aren't aware, read the article or google it.
-Visit L.J. Smith around the web here: Website | Goodreads | Twitter
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook
To the FTC, with love: Bought
Books Read:
Movie Reviews:
Book Shelf Pictures:
To celebrate the release of the 3 rd book of the SOLID series,
Shelley Workinger has put together a giveaway game!
EVERY ENTRANT who COMPLETES the task will win
ebooks of BOTH “Solid” (Solid #1) AND “Settling” (Solid #2). The GRAND PRIZE WINNER will win SIGNED COPIES of ALL 3 BOOKS,
including “Sound” (Solid #3) just as it hits the shelves on Nov. 1 st !
The rules are simple:
1. Visit each blog on the list
2. Leave a quick comment to show you were there
3. Copy the image fragment and paste it into a Word.doc There are 18 stops to visit, comment on, and collect pieces from;
once you’ve hit all 18 stops and assembled* all of the pieces to complete the image,
email your entry to the author at: SolidNovel@gmail.com.
4. Visit the author’s blog: But What Are They Eating?
and leave a comment letting her know you’ve sent in your completed entry. ALL 4 STEPS are important because she will choose the Grand Prize Winner
from her blog comments (using Random.org) and then check her email to verify the entry. *Don’t worry; the pieces are in order, so if you follow the list, it’ll be easy.: )
The Game runs from Oct. 25 th through Oct. 31 st ;
last day to enter is Oct. 31 st and winner will be chosen Nov. 1 st .
Good luck and get gathering! Here’s my piece:
And the rest of the stops: 1. Books Devoured 2. I’d So Rather Be Reading 3. Paromantasy 4. Book Lovers Inc. 5. Magic of Reading 6. Paranormal Indulgence 7. Katie’s Book Blog 8. One Book at a Time 9. To Read or Not To Read 10. Wanted Readers 11. The Itzel Library 12. My Reading Room 13. Reading Teen 14. Confessions of a Bookaholic 15. Royal Reviews 16. Books with Bite 17. Skyla 11377 18. Me, My Shelf & I THANKS FOR PLAYING!
Release Date: 2003
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Challenges: Audiobook Challenge, Off the Shelf, and 100+ Reading Challenge
"Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy—until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire."
My journey with "Eragon" has been one heck of a ride. I've owned the book since probably 2005 but never really sat down to actually read it. Last spring when I was looking for a good audio, I found "Eragon" on CD at my library and picked it up simply because I couldn't find anything else and I figured "why not?" While driving to ND to visit D and apply for jobs "Eragon" definitely kept life interesting. I ended up renewing it several times because it is a longer audio book and I found that it took me a while to "feel the need" to listen to it.
It wasn't until I was making my final trek to ND with the car packed and the uHaul stuffed that my heart began to race and I hated to even stop for gas because I didn't want to be pulled out of the fictional reality that I presently found myself. When I pulled in to Bismarck I had three discs left. But then the wedding happened and all of a sudden the audiobook was due back at the library — in South Dakota. So, despite the need to finish, I had to send it back to SD with a friend who came up for the wedding.
Weeks passed. The "need to read" slowly dissolved.
But then, once I had my new license and was able to obtain a library card, I went online and interlibrary loaned the audio AGAIN! I finally finished the story in it's entirety last weekend when I travelled home (to Northern Minnesota) for the 4th of July.
I told you — what a ride.
I enjoyed "Eragon" tremendously, but like I said it did take me a few discs to get "addicted." The narrator did a fantastic job. I think part of my reluctance to just sit down and listen stems from the fact that I have seen (and enjoyed) the movie so, while there were major differences, I knew how it was going to end and the general plot line.
I'm not sure if I'll continue on with this series or not. I hear that each successive book gets better and perhaps, since there aren't other movies, I'll have a better element of surprise.
Okay, who am I kidding? Logging on to the library's site right now to request.
-Visit Christopher around the web here: Website | Goodreads | Twitter
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook
To the FTC, with love: Bought and Audio borrowed from Library
Well, it's been awhile since my last book shelf picture post! So I thought I'd update everybody!
Okay, so I took these pictures at the beginning of October (note all the Halloween decorations). But, I feel like it's they are fair pictures. In the picture to in the upper right hand corner you'll see all the Harry Potter books I've been reading along with "The First Thirty Seconds," "Mr. Darcy's Dream," and "Frankenstein." In the upper left hand corner is the entire bookshelf:) fan, ipod, and all! And below you'll see my TBR pile and textbooks. The HUGE yellow Literature book — yea, I had to create an entire curriculum. It was intense.
Happy Tuesday everyone!
