It has been a crazy month since we moved so I am extremely behind on IMM. This isn't everything from the past month but it's most of the books/swag. Hopefully soon I can get back on track and do them each week again: ) Sorry for the picture overload in this post!
Special thanks to HarperTeen, Penguin, Bloomsbury, Little Brown, Random House, and Sourcebooks. And, big hugs to Deb Caletti for taking the time to sign my books, Jeri Smith-Ready for sending me a signed copy of Bad to the Bone, Nancy Holder and Erin (love you both!), Angeline Kace, Michelle Zink, and Sophie Jordan for the other goodies this week!
Signed Books
Review Audition (ARC) by Stasia Ward Kehoe Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink The Power of Six (ARC) by Pittacus Lore Supernaturally (ARC) by Kiersten White Love Story by Janenifer Echols The Carrier of the Mark (ARC) by Leigh Fallon Don't Breathe a Word (ARC) by Holly Cupala The Fox Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson Vanish (ARC) by Sophie Jordan Sweet Venom (ARC) by Tera Lynn Childs The Dream Catchers by The Predicteds by Christine Seifert Glow (ARC +2 HB copies) by Amy Kathleen Ryan Michael Vey by Richard Paul Evens Hades by Alexandra Adornetto Sweetly by Jackson Pearce Melody Burning (ARC) by Whitley Strieber The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor The Shattering by Karen Healey … and adorable towel from Little, Brown!
Purchased A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells Birthmarked by Caragh M O'Brien The Fledgling Handbook 101 by P.C. Cast
Purchased (Signed)
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead Wings by Aprilynne Pike Spells by Aprilynne Pike
Gifted (Signed) Bad to the Bone by Jeri Smith-Ready Crusade by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie (and signed bookplate)
From Ash to Nash Tour (got signed) Across the Universe by Beth Revis Hourglass by Myra McEntire The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
Swag Firelight and Vanish cards and stickers from Sophie Jordan Descended by Blood bookmarks (signed) by Angeline Kace Card from Deb Caletti
Deb Caletti (Signed) When I worked with Deb Caletti on the Stand Up Against Abuse feature she was kind enough to sign all of the books I had by her! The Fortunes of Indigo Sky Honey, Baby, Sweetheart The Six Rules of Maybe Stay The Secret Life of Prince Charming The Nature of Jade
Something that didn't come IMM!
I got a new car!! It's a 2011 Kia Soul (Alien color!) and I absolutely love it. Technically this is my very first car that's just for me (okay.me and my 3 year old, ha!) But if you are thinking"ya know, this car makes me think of a hamster" you would be correct! It is the car that was featured on the VMAs and I adore their commercial!
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.
Today is the start of my week-long feature Stand Up Against Abuse. This is a new feature that will highlight relationship abuse and some of the recent books that have been released that discuss the topic as well. I hope to host this event every year and highlight these important novels.
Young Adult books have the ability to change lives. Teens and young adults can see a topic in a book that may have similarities to their own life. They may learn, through a strong character, how to respond to threats or violence. I have read several young adult books that I wish I would have had as a teen. They often show strength, courage, and determination that can alter the perception of a situation. A young girl with an abusive boyfriend may finally see the warning signs and decide to break free. A young boy may realize that he, too, can be mentally or physically abused and that he shouldn't be ashamed.
Many people may feel that young adult novels shouldn't tackle these issues. They may be too violent or depressing, but the truth is that thousands of teens deal with these same situations each day. They know the violence first-hand and a book may actually be the thing that triggers their drive to make it stop.
Young adult books can save lives! Authors Deb Caletti, Janenifer Brown, and Mandy Hubbard will be here answering some questions and they have offered up copies of their new books.
In order to spread the word about this topic, I will only be offering extra entries for links on twitter and/or blogs that link to this page. I will update this page throughout the week and link the author interviews. In addition, this page will contain the important resources that individuals can use in case they are in an abusive relationship. Please help spread the word about this topic and share the links on this page.You can grab the button below by copying the code. It will link to this page.
Interviews Deb Caletti Jennifer Brown Mandy Hubbard
List of Abuse Warning Signs
Phone Numbers
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE
The National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline 1-866-331-9474
Websites
The Hotline- www.thehotline.org
Teen site- www.loveisrespect.org
Break the Cycle- www.breakthecycle.org
Giveaway
Prizes:
3 winners
1st place
SIGNED copy of Bitter End
Stay
But I Love Him
The Six Rules of Maybe
2nd place
Bitter End
Stay
But I Love Him
The Six Rules of Maybe
3rd place
Bitter End
But I Love Him
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 July 11th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.
You can use this tweet "Find out how to STAND UP against relationship abuse http://t.co/MnGGOdB #standupagainstabuse"
I have read and reviewed all 3 of the books that will be mentioned this week- Stay by Deb Caletti, Bitter End by Janenifer Brown, and But I Love Him by Mandy Hubbard. You can click each title for the link to that review.
The Story of Us by Deb Caletti Publisher: Simon Pulse (April 24th, 2012) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 390 pages Source: ARC from Publisher Rating: 4 of 5 stars Cricket’s on a self-imposed break from her longtime boyfriend—but she’s picked a bad week to sort out her love life. For one thing, her mother’s romance is taking center stage: After jilting two previous fiancés, her mom is finally marrying Dan Jax, whom Cricket loves. But as wedding attendees arrive for a week of festivities at a guesthouse whose hippie owners have a sweet, sexy son—Ash—complications arise:Cricket’s future stepsisters make it clear they’re not happy about the marriage. An old friend decides this is the week to declare his love for Cricket. Grandpa chooses to reveal a big secret at a family gathering. Dan’s ex-wife shows up. And even the dogs—Cricket’s old, ill Jupiter and Dan’s young, lively Cruiser—seem to be declaring war. While Cricket fears that Dan is in danger of becoming ditched husband-to-be number three, she’s also alarmed by her own desires. Because even though her boyfriend looms large in her mind, Ash is right in front of her…
Review:
Cricket is going through a lot of changes. Her and her long-term boyfriend are taking a break, her mom is getting married, and she has no idea where to go to college. There are so many changes at once that she really doesn't know how to handle it all.
The Story of Us is a serious book, but there are so many hilarious moments. Cricket's family has gathered with her mom's future-husband Dan's family for their wedding and it's a little like that movie Christmas Vacation. There are so many disasters happening around every corner. Cricket's worried about her mom taking off again before the wedding but she's also dealing with her own issues which include the cute guy Ash, her evil future step-sisters, and a house full of crazy, stressed out family members.
Cricket was a good character because she does truly love her family and worry about them — even her older brother. And while she is young, she still comes off as mature and wise. She wants what's best for her mom and that has become a big priority in her life. She has started to question her relationship with Janssen. They have been together forever but she just can't get over a few doubts. Although we don't really get to know Janssen first-hand, he is still very much included in the book. Cricket emails with him often and shares their history. This gives us a great chance to get to know him through her experiences and he was a fascinating character!
Ash is there, and he's hot, and he pays attention to Cricket. He has a bit of that dark, mysterious vibe going on and that really draws Cricket to him. She just has trouble finding out if that's real affection or her just latching on to something for comfort.
The plot was really what created such a well-rounded story in this book. Each character brought so much drama and fun. I think that everyone will find at least a few characters who remind them of a person in their own family. Some parts of the story lagged a bit for me, especially with a great deal of focus on the family dog. Not that I dislike dogs, I don't, but her emails with Janssen were mostly about the dog and I just wanted to know more about their relationship instead.
This book is a real coming-of-age story, involving a girl just trying to deal with the changes in her life. As with many young adults, change is scary and it can be difficult to let go of the security of a home, boyfriend, or friend. It's a time where a person takes a big leap of faith and that's exactly what Cricket had to learn to do. Deb Caletti truly knows how to target the mind of a teenager and dive into their dreams and fears.
Recommended: People looking for something cute and funny, but with a deeper meaning.
1.What made you decide to share a story involving relationship abuse?
My initial goals were less about message than story — I wanted to write something suspenseful and atmospheric, a ghost story. That said, healthy and unhealthy relationships are subjects I keep returning to as a writer, probably because of my own past experience.
While I’ve not been in a relationship exactly like Clara’s, I’ve been with an abusive partner. (You can read more about this here, if you’re interested: http://debcaletti.com/archives/59).
Now, I just have this hope, this big, giant HOPE that young women (and young men) manage to stay out of those places. I hope they’ll understand themselves better than I did, I hope that they’ll put themselves only in good hands, and, more than anything, I hope that they’ll know. There was so much I didn’t know. And how can we know all that we need to about this, with the basic messages we still get? This is why I shared this particular story. To say, please know. To say, hey, those vampire books… The ones that show dark, obsessive “love” as romantic? There’s nothing romantic in something that will slowly but surely steal your confidence, joy, and ability to act in your own best interest. There’s nothing romantic about a person who frightens you.
2. What do you think teens should know in order to stay safe in a relationship?
I think it’s important to be smart and know the warning signs of a potentially abusive partner. Getting involved quickly, intensity, possessiveness, jealousy — these are things that might not seem like a big deal unless you’re aware that they are indicators of serious trouble ahead. But, even more, it’s important to listen to ourselves. Things can go wrong slowly, and there are always those little red flags at the beginning, those times when we think, “Huh? What was THAT?” We ignore that voice sometimes, though, because the “love” or excitement or approval feels so good right then. We might see red flags, but not want to see. Our strong need/desire for the relationship can cause us to explain away the worrisome things we see. But, “He wants me” is not the same thing as “He loves me.” And that little voice inside going, “Hey, wait. There’s something wrong here” – it knows.
3. Are there any resources for teens that you would recommend? (websites, phone numbers, groups, etc.)
The first thing I would suggest if you find yourself in a situation like Clara’s (or any other type of abusive relationship) is to start talking – to friends, family, teachers, counselors. People on the bus. The mail lady. Anyone. Your reality gets very twisted up, and it’s crucial to hear voices of clarity. Having someone say, “He/she did WHAT?!” is a first step to seeing straight and getting out. Their outrage and sense of what’s normal is hugely important, as you’ve likely lost both of those things. You can also call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or the National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline at 1-866-331-9474. One site for teens: www.loveisrespect.org.
4. What do you hope teenagers take from reading STAY?
If STAY helps readers recognize what this kind of relationship abuse looks like, how it builds, how complicated your feelings become, and the long-lasting damage it can do, then I am one happy writer. Too, I hope readers will see that anyone can find themselves in that place. Clara is “anyone.” I get really upset with the people (often other women, even more often very young women), who say, “Not me. Never me. She’s an idiot. I would NEVER… ” It’s arrogant, unkind, and naïve. The slope from here to there is slippery and complex, and the effect one person can have on another – on their confidence, strength, and their capacity to take action – can be profound and dramatic.
I hope readers will also take away the fact that abuse is always bigger than you are. The issues that drive someone to do those things are not solvable or cured by your love or reassurance or even by you setting down the rules of what you’ll put up with. There is no approach you can take to make it “work.” The most important thing is this: real love does not ever, ever cause you to feel small, trapped, or scared. Real love is safe.
Stay by Deb Caletti Publisher: Simon Pulse (April 5th, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 313 pages
Clara's relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it's almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he's willing to do to make her stay. Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won't let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough…
Find Deb Caletti Website | Facebook
Purchase Stay Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
Remember to check out THIS PAGE to sign up to win a copy of this book and the other books mentioned during"Stand Up Against Abuse" week. Help spread the word about the links and phone numbers listed on that page.
Back in May when I started planning the"Stand Up Against Abuse" feature, I talked often with Deb Caletti. She is so fantastic in so many ways but it really amazed me how honest and open she is about her own personal struggles with an abusive relationship. While reading her story, and seeing the list of"warning signs" she had posted, I was brought to tears several times. This was a list formed for the book The Secret Life of Prince Charming and Deb was kind enough to let me post this list here. This list is so helpful! If you think your partner may be abusive, or if you know a friend who you suspect may be going through abuse, please take time to read this list. I've had a few instances of relationship abuse, one personal, and one through watching a friend go through it. I've seen how it can tear a person down. I've seen how it can turn from loving to obsessive and how that obsession can turn into a deadly situation. I hope that the interviews from this week, and this list, will help the readers see how abuse can take over and truly destroy so many lives.
Watch Out!: Mom’s “refrigerator list” from The Secret Life of Prince Charming, by Deb Caletti
He has a victim attitude The rules apply to everyone else, not him He wants to get involved too fast. He belittles you or your accomplishments. He has big dreams but no real plans to back them up. You have a sense that something’s wrong, but can’t quite figure out what it is. He criticizes what you wear. He uses phrases like, ‘Women are always… ’ ‘Women never… ’ He’s a thrill-seeker. He’s a perfectionist, tells you how things should be done. He’s moody or intense. He tells you about his terrible childhood, or you feel sorry for him. He’s a dirty, rotten liar. He tells you you’re lucky to have him. He says you’re too sensitive. You feel you need to pay a private detective to get the truth about him. He blames others for his actions. He competes with you. He tells you you’re perceiving a situation wrong – negates instead of validates what you feel. He’s explosive. He nitpicks. You feel he’s never experienced real love and so you want to save him with yours. He often feels rejected by you. He’s jealous or watchful — you feel suffocated. He is mistreated or misunderstood. He has either a very low opinion of himself, or a very high one. He has strong black and white thinking about morals, religion, sex, you, and feels morally superior to you and others. He calls you names. You get the feeling that you’re only getting part of the story. You begin to think your feelings are wrong, you’re not seeing clearly, or you begin to make excuses for him. He thinks there is a right way to do everything. He denies being controlling – he states he is only helping you do things “better.” He says something didn’t happen that did happen (“gaslighting”). He criticizes your friends or family and tries to isolate you or dominate your time. He controls how the relationship goes – where you go out, what you eat, when you are done talking. He believes or acts as if he is more special than other people. His words twist and turn in an argument or otherwise – he’s manipulative. You hear him lie to other people or excessively exaggerate. He treats you like you’re stupid or crazy, or tells you so. He drops names or his accomplishments or things meant to impress into conversations whenever he can. He has ardent, narrow and very traditional views of men’s and women’s roles. He’s overly sensitive, and reads things in to what you say. He’s always getting his feelings hurt. He extremely interested in his appearance or his body. He still throws tantrums. He has a family background that involves alcoholism, violence or mental illness. He is distant and cold one minute and then warm and loving the next. He withholds his love and affection when he’s angry, instead of talking with you about what’s on his mind. He thinks the rules don’t apply to him. He thinks he deserves only the best, and doesn’t like to settle for less. He does not admit to or recognize mistakes, or his part of a problem. He ignores you often or is often distant. He does poorly at school or work; he has trouble getting along with those in authority; he quits jobs often or spontaneously. He uses drugs or has had numerous sexual partners or has legal or financial problems. He is an outrageous flirt. At the start of your relationship, he uses excessive flattery and tells you just what you want to hear. He doesn’t admit to being angry, even when he’s yelling. He needs excessive approval. He’d dependent on you. He’s a loner. He thinks rules were made to be broken. He’s aggressive, or a bully. He is in any way too forceful or does not respect your boundaries. He’s always in the spotlight. You’ve given up telling him how you really feel – there’s no use. No one but you sees his bad side. Everyone but you sees his bad side.
Remember to check out THIS PAGE to sign up to win a copy of the books featured during"Stand Up Against Abuse" week. Help spread the word about the links and phone numbers listed on that page.
" I was completely brought into this novel by the suspenseful writing, 'life-like' characters, and the riveting plot." — Miss Remmers Release Date: April 5th, 2011 Publisher: Simon and Schuster Challenges: 2011 eBook Challenge and 100+ Reading Challenge
"Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.
Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough... "
Okay, this "Stay" is another victim of me not reading the synopsis before reading the book. I began this book with no prior knowledge of it's plot and as a result was extremely surprised and enthralled. Immediately just by the tone of the book I knew something was amiss and I had to find out exactly what happened. I started picking up on the subtle clues and began to dissect and over-analyze every line.
The pacing of this novel was perfect; I wanted to know what had happened but I never felt like there was a dull moment. I waited for the "ah-ha" moment but my need to understand it was satiated a bit more with each chapter until the "big reveal." Part of this was due to the Deb Caletti's flawlessly elegant and thought-provoking language. I mean, really, on page 10 I was already thinking: "Man, I wish I had a hard copy to put sticky notes and even (God forbid) highlight in!"
I was completely brought into this novel by the suspenseful writing, "life-like" characters, and the riveting plot. It may be due to the fact that I am currently teaching Romeo and Juliet and have to teach each scene five times (five periods of English 9) and that my mind is just enveloped by R&J, but a lot of the bookmarks I made were because I wanted to share them with my students. They are currently struggling with how quickly Romeo and Juliet fell in love and I think that "Stay" describes that kind of "love" so perfectly.
It was also a bit sobering as before I met my Prince Charming I dated a few duds (emphasis on few). While reading "Stay" I remembered my first boyfriend at the age of 16 and saw some definite similarities to that relationship and Clara and Christian's. The jealousy, the rage, the anger, but most importantly the fear of being left and the addiction and obsession that came with my first "love." I remember editing myself, like Clara, in front of this boyfriend out of fear of his reaction. Like Clara, I have been addicted to love and lost myself in that obsession.
I think that "Stay" is the perfect read for any high school student and, after my book talk yesterday in class, I hope that many of my students go and pick up this book after it's release next week. When reading Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet they roll their eyes and say "that never happens in real life." While I pray that they are never in a situation like Clara or even a relationship similar to the one I had, I think it's important that they realize that this does happen but it doesn't always have to have a tragic ending.
Quick note: I think I would have really enjoyed the annotations (as that's how I tend to write, think, and talk) but on an eReader it was hard to follow.
Final Quick Note: When I was looking at Deb's website I realized that the characters are linked! I think that is SO cool — Nine Miles Falls!!! It reminds me of the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.
Originality: 10/10 Ending: 10/10 Characters: 9/10 Plot: 10/10 My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10 Cover: 7/10 Overall: 55/60 A
Because the language of this novel was caught my attention first and left me analyzing Shakespeare and my life, I'd like to share a few of my favorite quotes found in the ARC Galley. Please remember that any of these quotes are subject to change in the actual published novel.
"But something had already been set in motion, and I wonder and wonder how things would have been if I'd have just let that moment pass, the one where our eyes met. If I had just taken Shakti's arm and moved off, letting the electrical jolt that passed between us fade off, letting the girl return to his side, letting fate head off in another direction entirely... " (10-11).
"I had already made him into someone he would never be, and I didn't know it then, but he was already doing the same with me" (12).
"Dad was a priss about jaywalking... Or maybe he just liked to stare down what he'd testily call the "grammatical error sanctioned by the state." There is, of course, no apostrophe in the DONT WALK sign" (43).
"I tended to give a book chance and another chance and another, sometimes seeing it al the way to the end, still hoping for it to turn out different. Maybe I was confused about what you owed a book. What you owed people, for that matter, real or fictional" (49). Talk about a blogging reference!!
"I tried to read that book again before I went to sleep. I didn't like that book, but I kept going for all the reasons a person hangs in with something that isn't good — you feel bad about not giving it a chance, you've already come too far to give up now, you believe it's going to get better" (77).
-Visit Deb around the web here: Website | Goodreads -BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook
Lots of things to talk about today. First, here are a few contest winners.
The winner of a signed copy of Trauma Queen, 3 bottles of nail polish, and a t-shirt is… Jessica L.
The winner of a limited edition signed print of The Sisters Brothers is… Mickey @ imabookshark
Congrats you two. Please email me back within 48 hours with your mailing addresses.
I had to mention this cover because for some reason I didn't even know it was released yet! Love that blue.sooo pretty! This is Soul Thief, book 2 in The Demon Trappers series by Jana Oliver.Release Date: August 30th, 2011Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin Riley Blackthorne’s adventures continue in the second spellbinding Demon Trappers novel, as she battles demons… and a love that could destroy her At the start of the second thrilling installment of the Demon Trappers series, 17-year-old Riley Blackthorne has about had it up to here. After the devastating battle at the Tabernacle, trappers are dead and injured, her sweet boyfriend Simon is gravely injured, and now her beloved late father’s been illegally poached from his grave by a very powerful necromancer. Add to the mix: Ori, one sizzling hot freelance demon hunter who’s made himself Riley’s unofficial body guard, and Beck, a super over-protective “friend” who acts more like a grouchy granddad, and Riley’s almost ready to leave Atlanta altogether. But as the demon count in Atlanta increases, the already crippled Trappers Guild has its hands full, and, when the Vatican finally sends its own Demon Hunters to take care of the city’s “little” problem, pandemonium breaks loose. Only Riley knows that she might be the center of Hell’s attention: an extremely powerful Grade 5 demon is stalking her, and her luck can't last forever. As Riley’s life becomes a dangerous balancing act, will she be strong enough not to tip? And who will be there to catch her if she falls? USE GOOGLE to see The Demon Trapper's site and grab a widget.
I will be hosting a week-long event highlighting relationship abuse and ways to stop/prevent it. Authors Deb Caletti, Janenifer Brown, and Mandy Hubbard will be here discussing their books and providing links to helpful sites people can use if they are in an abusive relationship.
It will be from June 27th- July 1st and the authors and their publishers were kind enough to donate books for the event.
USE GOOGLE to learn more about the books: Stay by Deb Caletti, Bitter End by Janenifer Brown, and But I Love Him by Amanda Grace (Mandy Hubbard).
1 winner will receive an ARC of Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott and an ARC of Stay by Deb Caletti.
Swag includes: a signed Deadly bookmark, a Losing Faith bookmark, a The DUFF bookmark, a Return the Heart bookmark, a Soul Savers signed postcard, and a button.
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 May 31st.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.
Special thanks to Simon & Schuster for making this giveaway possible!
More blogoversary giveaways will be added! Sign up to receive the post via email (on the right sidebar), or check this page each day for updates. I will add each new giveaway to that list and have it on the left sidebar
Here are the books I've received over the past 6 weeks. Lots of great titles I can't wait to read! Thanks for the publishers and authors for these books and other goodies!
Review The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz Partials by Dan Wells Balthazar by Claudia Gray The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison Bewitching by Alex Flinn Two Truths and a Lie by Sara Shepard A Touch Morbid by Leah Clifford Gil Marsh by A.C.E Bauer Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale The Nightmare Garden by Caitlin Kittredge Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley My Awful Popularity Plan by Seth Rudetsky The Whole Story of Half a Girl by Verra Hiranandani Daughter of the Centaurs by Kate Klimo Black Gold by Albert Marrin The Savage Grace (ARC) by Bree Despain A Want So Wicked (ARC) by Suzanne Young Smart Girls Get What They Want (ARC) by Sarah Strohmeyer For Darkness Shows the Stars (ARC) by Diana Peterfreund Arise (ARC) by Tara Hudson Dreamless (ARC) by Josephine Angelini The Story of Us (ARC) by Deb Caletti Those That Wake (ARC) by Jesse Karp Split by Swati Avasthi Destiny and Deception by Shannon Delany Cloaked by Alex Flinn Black Heart by Holly Black The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth Trafficked by Kim Purcell Dead to You by Lisa McMann Where it Began by Ann Redisch Stampler Pure by Julianna Baggott (with scary flying butterfly that came out of the book! EEK) Starters (ARC) by Lissa Price Vampire's Kiss by Veronica Wolff All Wounds by Dina James The Onyx Talisman (signed) by Brenda Pandos (and bookmarks) Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate The Last Echo swag (for the Dark Days tour posts coming up!) Poughkeepsie swag (temp. tattoos, train schedule, beautiful bracelet!)
NOT PICTURED Wanderlust by Kirsten Hubbard The Immortal Rules (ARC) by Julie Kagawa
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.
This was the best week of books EVER! First I have to thank Simon and Schuster and Ellen for your epic awesomeness! I was so thrilled to get these books!
AND Kristie Cook, author of the fabulous book Promise, for the"O-M-G FREAKING OUT" surprise I received yesterday. (PICTURE AT THE BOTTOM)
Also, thanks to Janenifer DeLucy who is super sweet and offered a copy of her books, Brenda Pandos, Disney, Flux, T.K. Richardson, RandomHouse and Valerie from I Should Be Writing.
Simon and Schuster awesomeness!
Review The Mortal Instruments (BOX SET) by Cassandra Clare The Haunted by Jessica Verday Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare Nevermore by Kelly Creagh (2 copies) Invincible Summer (ARC) by Hannah Moskowitz Stay (ARC) by Deb Caletti The Fallen 1: The Fallen and Leviathan by Thomas Sniegoski The Fallen 2: Aerie and Reckoning by Thomas Sniegosky Freefall by Mindi Scott Vanished by Meg Cabot Haven by Kristi Cook It's Not Summer Without You by Janeny Han Elixir by Hilary Duff Wither (ARC) by Lauren DeStefano Darkness Becomes Her (ARC) by Kelly Keaton ----------------------------------- The Sapphire Talisman by Brenda Pandos (signed and bookmarks) Misguided Angel by Melissa de la Cruz Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Leviathan Hate List by Janenifer Brown A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler Whisper of Light by Janenifer DeLucy Other by Karen Kincy Return the Heart by T.K Richardson (signed and bookmarks) The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney
Won — from Valerie When It Happens by Susane Colasanti The Naughty List by Suzanne Young I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder Scribbler of Dreams by Mary E. Pearson SURPRISE! Purpose (ARC) by Kristie Cook (signed and bookmarks… and… )
My very first BLURB!! And it means so much to me. I adored Promise and can't wait to read Purpose. Thank you a million times over Kristie for this surprise!!: )
What did you get in your mailbox this week?
*IMM is a weekly meme hosted by Kristie at The Story Siren and it was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.
This year we wanted to add to the excitement of Top 10 lists by making it an event! Lisa from A Life Bound By Books, Rachel from Fiktshun & Jaime & Patricia from Two Chicks on Books and and I are hosting a top 10 week where everyone can join the fun! You can check out this post for more information. Each day you add your top 10 list to the linky (below), you get an extra entry into the giveaway for a $50 amazon gift card! Just remember, each day will have a linky for THAT Top 10 topic and your list has to be for that top 10. Today is Top 10 Book Characters of 2011! I decided to go with favorite heroines because I really love when a book has a strong girl in the story.
Divergent by Veronica Roth Katherine Tegen Books (May 3rd, 2011)
Who: Beatrice Prior (Tris Why: Tris was incredibly strong and determined. She went away from what she had known and picked a difficult path. But once she got there, she always gave 100% of herself. Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.
Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins Hyperion Books (March 22nd, 2011)
Who: Sophie Mercer Why: Sophie was an incredible character and not just for her strength. She was hilarious and always found a way to get out of hard situations. She really makes this series shine! Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary: Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.
That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.
Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.
But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?
Obsidian by Janenifer L. Armentrout Entangled Publishing (December 6th, 2011)
Who: Katy Why: She's a flippin' book blogger!! How can I not love her?? She's a book version of ME and she gets THAT in her life *points to book cover*! It's like a dream come true!: ) Ha! But seriously, she was amazing because she never backed down or pretended to be anyone but herself. Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary:Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring… until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something… unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don’t kill him first, that is.
Stay by Deb Caletti Simon Pulse (April 5th, 2011) Who: Clara Why: Clara was sweet, caring, and very mature for her age because of what she had been through. I liked that she had a great connection with her father and had the strength to leave a difficult situation. Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary:Clara's relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it's almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he's willing to do to make her stay. Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won't let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough…
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi HarperCollins (November 15th, 2011)
Who: Juliette Why: Juliette was just.wow! Even though she had a life no one could imagine, and felt she was a monster, she is able to push through her fears and turn into a very powerful young woman. She completely blew me away! Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary:Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.
The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.
The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.
Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.
Catching Jordan by Miranda KenneallySourcebooks Fire (December 1st, 2011) Who: Jordan Why:Jordan was great because she went against the norm, and her father's wishes, in order to pursue her dreams. She never backed down from a challenge and really showed how girls can do absolutely anything.Read My ReviewAdd it to GoodreadsSummary: What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though — she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team… and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.
Half-Blood by Janenifer L. Armentrout Spencer Hill Press (October 18th, 2011)
Who: Alex Why: Because, yet again, Janenifer really knows how to create characters! Alex has had a difficult time dealing the various obstacles that arise but she keeps pushing through. She has a lot of qualities I think many people would love to possess. Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary: The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.
Forgotten by Cat Patrick Little, Brown (June 7th, 2011) Who: London Why: London had to go through a lot and she never backed down. She's sweet and smart, and she deals with her memory problems in the best way she can. Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary: Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can"remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come. When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.
Amplified by Tara Kelly Henry Holt (October 25th, 2011)
Who: Jasmine Why: Jasmine left her comfortable life to go on her own personal journey. She could have easily ran away from the teasing and issues that came up, but she stuck it out and gained more courage each day. Add it to Goodreads Review Coming Soon Summary: When privileged 17-year-old Jasmine gets kicked out of her house, she takes what is left of her savings and flees to Santa Cruz to pursue her dream of becoming a musician. Jasmine finds the ideal room in an oceanfront house, but she needs to convince the three guys living there that she's the perfect roommate and lead guitarist for their band, C-Side. Too bad she has major stage fright and the cute bassist doesn't think a spoiled girl from over the hill can hack it..
Hourglass by Myra McEntire Egmont (June 14th, 2011) Who: Emerson Why: Emerson was just a bundle of awesomeness. She's kind but so protective of the people she loves. She was so well developed and absolutely perfect for this story. Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary:One hour to rewrite the past.. For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.
So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past. Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened? Tomorrow's Topic — Top 10 Coming in 2012! Don't forget to link each day! Signing up & then linking your Top 10 posts early you EXTRA entries into the $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway. The last day to share your posts is January 8th, 2012. The winner will be picked using Random.org and announced during the week of the 9th, 2012. Good Luck!
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