Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins Publisher: Scholastic Press (August 24th, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 390 pages Series: The Hunger Games book #3 Rating: 4 of 5 stars Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.
Review: This is late but I did want to share my thoughts on the last book of The Hunger Games trilogy. I normally try to stay away from spoilers in reviews but with this one it was pretty difficult to do that. Suzanne Collins created a world that many could have never imagined, but through her words she painted a picture of Panem, its districts, and the characters that live there. This series captured so many who fell in love with Katniss, Peeta, Gale and the others who make up this incredible story.

The way Suzanne Collins tells a story blows me away. She isn't afraid to talk about difficult topics or show the hard facts of violence. The depth and heartache of her characters can be felt on each page. Mockingjay continued with the pattern we saw in the previous books and carried on with the story of Katniss as she struggles with everything going on around her.

* Spoilers *
Mockingjay, like the other books in The Hunger Games series, deals with war, violence, and loss. These difficult topics are handled in a way that I can only describe as"real". I did completely enjoy this book and it kept me gripped to the pages but I don't feel totally satisfied after reading it. Even with that, I gave it 4 stars because it goes so far beyond typical books and the story is still one of the best I have ever read.

First, the characters seemed more"disconnected" to me. They had very little interaction, and when they did, it was awkward or seemed forced. I missed the love Katniss had for Peeta and Gale. I didn't see the passion, the commitment, the fire that was in the previous books. I think the main reason for that was Katniss. She seemed depressed (which was completely understandable after all she had been through); however, I thought it made things a little more difficult to follow. At times the book skipped entire parts because she was gone or unconscious. She just seemed on autopilot.

The only spark of enjoyment I saw was with her interaction with Finnick. I truly enjoyed Finnick's character and the life he gave to the story. Mockingjay was so focused on the war and violence, I felt it lacked in personal enjoyment. I do understand that in Katniss's case little can be enjoyed, but for me, I needed something to hope for throughout the book.

Now, for the ending. I didn't mind the story of the Epilogue and thought it ended nicely, however, where was Gale? It was like they said"oh, he works somewhere else now." and POOF he was forgotten. I am Team Peeta all the way but c'mon, Gale was Katniss's best friend for years! He can't just be forgotten like that. Where's the Gale love?

Now, don't get me wrong, I truly loved the book! I just felt that The Hunger Games and Catching Fire created a story that just didn't seem to go as well with this one. Plus, final books carry a certain expectation and it can be difficult to find closure at the end of any series. I'm still a total Hunger Games fan and would read anything Suzanne Collins wrote. This story portrays many harsh realities that are not seen in other YA books and she did this with an incredible grace. Katniss is one of my favorite characters of all time and her fire and courage is beyond comparison.

USE GOOGLE to read a guest post by Leah Cypess on the Mockingjay Epilogue.

Find out more on Suzanne Collins and her books
Suzanne Collins / Scholastic The Hunger Games

Buy from:
Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes & Noble

Book Trailer:

Hello Dauntless fans! Today we have an incredible giveaway for you. The poster below is SIGNED by Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. It came from the red carpet premiere of Breaking Dawn: Part 1. In addition to this fabulous prize, the winner will also receive an exclusive, limited edition Mockingjay pin from comic con!

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a Breaking Dawn: Part 1 poster signed by Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner from the red carpet premiere and an exclusive Mockingjay pin from Comic con.

• You must be at least 13 (or have permission) to enter.
• Name and email must be provided.
• Contest is International and ends April 30th .
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The rafflecopter form must be filled out to enter.
• Lots of extra entries possible.
• You can come back and enter each day!

Good luck and thanks again for helping spread the word about #TeamDauntless.

Hosted by Sheila — Thank you!

This week I finished "Mockingjay" and am still in the process of "Need." I was pretty distressed last week about not being able to purchase "Mockingjay" right away. Then I just happened to take my students to the school library on Wednesday for their tour and the librarian mentioned that she had just gotten back from Barnes and Noble. I went up to her afterward and said, "You may be my new best friend." I asked if she had purchased "Mockingjay" and she had. She gave it to me before she had even cataloged it! Talk about connections!

Review Books: "Dracula in Love"

My Books/Recreational Read: "Need"

Class Books: We are on a short story unit including "The Scarlet Ibis"

No Spoilers!

"It's a bit hard to review such a talked about book. I don't have really anything to add besides: AMAZING!" — Miss Remmers

From Amazon.com...

"Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12."

It's a bit hard to review such a talked about book. I don't have really anything to add besides: AMAZING!

Why I read this: This is clearly obvious. The Hunger Games was fantastic. Period.

Plot: Fast-paced and captivating, Mockingjay did not disappoint. While the ending was a bit abrupt and not as romantically enhanced as I would have preferred, it kept my interest. The ending plot line was absolutely fantastic and heartbreaking at the same time, but it was the perfect ending (except romantically...) .

Characters: The beloved characters of The Hunger Games are still the same beloved characters, sort of. I found Katniss to be less self-centered and whiny and then there's... well, you know. At first this dramatic character change upset me, but now that I've had time to think about it, I realize it made the story that much more intense. I did feel a lack of character connection throughout the novel, even in the Epilogue. This made me sad simply because I needed that connection as closure. But, who am I?

Cover: Perfect for the story. I love it!

Random Thoughts: Absolutely a fantastic read! Thank goodness it was "Recreational Reading" day in all of my classes! What a great invention! Without giving anything away, I'm just going to say: TEAM PEETA!

Final Thoughts: Highly recommended (obviously)! I can't wait to talk about this book with my students who read it in the future!

Originality: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
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: Library Loan

Comments, of course, are always appreciated. But please remember not everyone has read the book yet; I don't want to indirectly be responsible for spoilers being leaked to unexpecting students/readers. Please be "spoiler conscious."

Hosted by Sheila — Thank you!

I made it through the first week of teaching! Whoot Whoot! Bring on week two! I even found some time to read. Before I got into bed last Wednesday, I picked up "The DUFF." I was on chapter five. I told myself to read until chapter ten. Then I got to chapter ten and was like, "Really? I can do chapter fifteen." By the time I got to fifteen I was like, "I'm half way done... let's just finish this." (There are 27 chapters). I had to quit at Chapter 24. It was 10:30am and I was about to pass out. It was the best part of the book though, so I took every spare moment on Thursday to pick it up (to, you know, model reading). I finished it in DEAR and couldn't help but smile "outloud." I also read "Losing Faith" over the weekend. This week I'm going to conquer "Need" and "Mockingjay."

Review Books: uh... maybe next week?

My Books/Recreational Read: "Need" and "Mockingjay"

Class Books: We are on a short story unit including "The Princess and the Tin Box" and "The Pedestrian"

Where Is YA going?
It’s been a long time since Harry Potter. Even though we’re all storming movie theaters to see the first half of Deathly Hallows, from the books that are coming out now you’d think the whole series was ancient history. Judging by what is hitting the shelves, you’d think a YA book can’t be good unless it has a love-triangle or a death within the first ten pages, and then it has to drag us over hot coals as it resolves its torturous, dark conflicts, finally ending with a dreary whimper. Do you know what I’m talking about? How did we leave behind the exciting and the innocent to get here in just a few short years?
For me, the young-adult genre’s latest revolution is losing that essence that made me fall in love with it in the first place. I hate to see it go, and I’m desperate to find a way to bring it back to its roots.
I remember I was a counselor at a sports camp the day Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released. The post office had to send two trucks to deliver all of the pre-orders, and we had to suspend activities because everyone wanted to read. I’ll tell you what, you’ve never been around a happier group of people in your life. Even the counselors were reading it, and everyone was just smiling ear-to-ear, delighted and enthralled. We all gasped at how dark the story had become, but now it still seems so innocent and playful. Even finishing Dealthy Hallows, most people felt charged, ready to jump for joy. Right toppled wrong! Something had been accomplished!
Let’s compare that to Mockingjay. When you see people reading Mockingjay, don’t you have to start looking at them like they’re about to invade the Capital? “Good luck! I’m praying for you!” Your eyebrows scrunch up with concern, and they nod as if to say they’re willing to make a sacrifice for the greater good by reading this book. No matter how much you loved it, I don’t think there’s anyone out there who can describe the ending as “happy.” Instead, Collins leaves us with an ambiguous message about what it was all for, that being left alone is the best we can hope for. Where’s the feeling of triumph, of joy? I understand that life can be hard, but is a happy ending really too much to ask for?
YA has long been the playground of authors, allowing them to delve into issues that are too sticky for adult fiction. But instead of using the swings or the slide, they’ve chosen to start releasing the worst demons they can devise, and now the books they’re publishing are filled with pent-up traumas and emotional horrors beyond what most of us could ever expect to live through.
A quick look at recent and upcoming releases tells us exactly what we’re in for. Matched is about an oppressive regime dictating who people love. Wither is about an abducted girl who is stripped of her freedom and forced to marry someone. Torment… well I think the name says it all. I’m not saying any of these are bad books, but yikes, makes me glad to be living in the real world!
For those of you who can sympathize with me here, people who miss some of the youthful exuberance and sense of exciting discovery that constitutes their vision of YA, let me pose an alternative. If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, a little more innocent, you may find some refreshment in my Powerless series, which is just about to release its third book! The story is about a fifteen-year-old girl named Mira Ipswich who discovers she’s the only one in the world without a unique, magical power. Despite her limitation, she’s got to find a way to co-exist and make friends, and the larger arc of the series is her attempt to reunite her family. There are hardships, to be sure, but as long as they keep hope in their hearts, the possibility for a bright future remains.
I’d like to close with a heartfelt thank you to Jessica for graciously providing me with this space. I’m excited about holding a giveaway on “Confessions of a Bookaholic,” and I hope we all keep reading to our heart’s content!
Jason Letts is the author of the Powerless series. You can find out more at his website: www.powerlessbooks.com

Powerless: The Synthesis by Jason Letts Published: May 30th, 2010
Reading Level: Young Adult Series: Powerless, book #1 Mira Ipswich couldn't have ever known the startling difference that separates her from the rest of humanity. But when she discovers a strange anomaly in the midst of her seclusion, her parents are forced to reveal she exists in a world where everyone is imbued with a wondrous natural gift. Everyone except herself that is. Accompany Mira as her attempts to fit in among peers and understand her inconceivable condition embroil her with the dangerous forces threatening her homeland. Protected by nothing more than her imagination and ingenuity, you'll never find a superhero more like you.

The first book in the Powerless series is the tale of Mira’s turbulent and perilous entry into the world around her. And once she’s a part of it, nothing will ever be the same again.

The story is already raking in the awards. It's won the Webb Weaver 2010 Writer's Competition, the judges proclaiming they were"entranced by the writer's ability to bring together this unlikely group of kids," and that the book could"be a hit in the YA book world." The story is a roller coaster ride, filled with diverse characters, lots to discover in an ever-expanding world, and a story full of hopes and aspirations. If you like stories with plenty of dramatic twists and spirited intensity, it'll have you falling in love with a brand new series and begging for more!

Giveaway Prize:

• 3 winners will receive an ebook of Powerless: The Synthesis.

• 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 International and ends December 5th.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Find Jason Letts Jason Letts / Twitter / Goodreads / Blog

Purchase Powerless: The Synthesis Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Ebook version is available through Amazon for $0.99! USE GOOGLE to read chapter one for free.
For an extra entry into the contest answer this question in the comments below.
If you could choose, what individual superpower would you want?

Hello brave Dauntless team! If you missed last week's street team post you can USE GOOGLE. We will be sharing more answers soon from members telling us why they are Dauntless, and picking a winner from last week's challenge.

We are at the final stretch before the big Insurgent release and because of all the amazing fans, we were able to FREE FOUR! Veronica Roth posted the link to where you can read the exclusive scene from Four's POV.

Now for an update on your assignments and challenges.

Assignments

2. Keep spreading the word about the Dauntless links.
- Make sure you visit them yourself. There are new things added to the Dauntless tumblr site each day.
- Use the hashtags #TeamDauntless, #DauntlessFaction, and #DivergentNation with the links http://bit.ly/dauntlessfaction and http://bit.ly/choose_dauntless

3. There are some huge giveaways going on now.
- You can still enter to win a NOOK with an ebook of INSURGENT.
- Our big giveaway from a few weeks ago was for a Breaking Dawn poster SIGNED by Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner and a Mockingjay pin from Comic Con!
- Last week's giveaway was for a I Am Number Four poster signed by Alex Pettyfer and Dianna Agron with an ARC of The Power of Six!
— Remember: You can enter these 3 giveaways each day.

Challenge

Here are your 5 choices:

• Tell us WHY you are Dauntless. If you need inspiration, check out Kimberly Derting's answer.
• Show us pictures that remind you of Dauntless.
• Show some Dauntless tattoo ideas.
• Skills needed to be a good Dauntless member.
• What would be part of a Dauntless workout.

This challenge will be open until April 30th. Make sure you put your link in the linky tool below!

Today is our very first Friday Book Talk, English 9! Let's start by talking about one of my favorite novels and series of the year: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

The Hunger Games trilogy consists of

• The Hunger Games
• Catching Fire
• Mockingjay (out on the 24th!)

Now for the review: The Hunger Games.

I highly recommend this novel to all students. It's a fast paced read that captivates readers from the first page. There is a movie based on the best-selling novel in 2011 — keep a look out.

There are two copies in the classroom and some in the library. Keep this series in mind when you're considering recreational reading books and books for DEAR.

Hey again street teamers! We now have 110 members. WOW! That's so incredible. Thanks to everyone again for your tweets and blog posts. We really appreciate it! Still want to sign up? Just USE GOOGLE!

Do you want to show off your DAUNTLESS spirit on facebook? There are new graphics you can check out here. Just click and download!

Last week's challenge is complete and 2 brave members created vlogs talking about"What it means to be Dauntless". We are so proud of them! Since this was a hard challenge, BOTH people will get swag packs!

Here are the links to their vlogs. Steph's Book Corner Lover of Paranormal
Now, for new business. First make sure you check out the information for FREE FOUR. If enough people pre-order INSURGENT, we will get to hear from FOUR's point-of-view. Amazing, right?!

We promised we would share answers from the street team members on why each person wanted to join the Dauntless faction. We are going to share the answers from the first 30 members. More will be posted next week.

I completely identified with Tris's decision in Divergent and love the fearlessness behind the DAUNTLESS.
— Sara's Books and Life

I want to stand tall and not be afraid. I want to live on my will power and not be a coward.
- Beata M.

Because I'm fierce, I love adrenaline rushes and good tattoos.
- JustJmac's Facebook

Living Dauntless is to face life's fears and obstacles and cleverly overcome them. There is no better way to live!
- Fiction State of Mind

I honestly wasn't sure I was Dauntless until I re-read Divergent and I realized that I loved surprises and I would be the kid who is scared of nights but would jump off the building anyways. I'm a strong person and once I get something stuck in my head, I'm determined to see it through.
- Reading the Best of the Best

I've lived my life trusting my instincts to survive and overcome many things. I intend to continue in this manner. I trust Tris and Four's example of choosing DAUNTLESS and believe that DAUNTLESS is my faction as well.
- Novels by G. Donald Cribbs

Because I believe in facing your fears and living in the moment like the Dauntless do. Don't be afraid to live life to the fullest; don't let your fears keep you from doing what you want.
- Paranormal Dystopia

I try to be brave. I don't want to be afraid anymore.
- Stephanie Diaz

Because I'm into tattoos and piercings: P
- Fighting Dreamer

I am the old Dauntless. The one who cherishes strength and bravery. Not being a bully and standing up for what you think is right. It's where I belong and where I could find myself.
- Paper Cuts

I want to join the DAUNTLESS faction because I feel it is where I belong. I am a strong, independent person who is fearless when it comes to the tasks at hand. I think I would make a great addition to Dauntless.
- Steph's Book Corner

Because for so long I've been selfless and taught to do such. I want to be brave and learn to face fear head on. To come out completely out of the shy shell I used to live in.^^
- The Dauntless Writer

Bravery before brains, bravery before blood, bravery for beliefs.
- Misty's Book Mess

The Dauntless aren't afraid to march to the beat of their own drum. Having the guts to be who you really are is true courage.
- Starting the Next Chapter

Short and simple: because Tris is amazing and the strength she gains by being a dauntless is fantastic. I want to learn to face my fears like her!
- The O.W.L

I want to be in the Dauntless faction because I believe that a person must have the determination and will to learn. To do great things you need to perservere and step out of your comfort zone and that is what makes up courage. It's not how strong you are or how tough you look but it's how far you're willing to go for the faction or anything else. I want to be in the Dauntless faction because I want to experience what it's like to explore new things and be able to face trials and obstacles head on. I want to be brave and I know I can do good.
- Soul Sisters

I've been fearless my entire life. It's about time I flaunt it!!
- The ParaHangover

Joined Dauntless for the knowledge that I could face anything and come out on top.
- 600 Sugarcubes

I was born to be Dauntless, it's in my blood.
- tanemax

Knowing me, I would be born into Dauntless. I have always be"encouraged" to try everything and anything. I'm a natural fighter, but as well as intelligent. But I'm not cocky like those Erudites; D. Naturally I belong in Dauntless; D
- The Reading Fish

I would want to join the Dauntless faction because I want to face my fears head on and I wish for my life to be exciting and to live life to the fullest and I find that would be fulfilled best in the Dauntless Faction. Plus I always wanted to use moving trains as my transportation.
- LifeOffTheRails

The Dauntless are brave regardless of the circumstances that they are faced with!
- TwiWildflower

Because I am DAUNTLESS! oh and Yara asked me too=)
- A Book-Lovers Review

Hummm… Why the Dauntless faction? Was there ever even another option? We ROCK! Hands Down! Enough Said!: )
- Lover of Paranormal

Dauntless gives me the option to do things that I've always wanted to do but never could. I try to be this good kid all the time, but every now and then I'm just not. I am really proud when I do something that normal people wouldn't think of doing because it could ruin an object or hurt them. I've started to becomem very brave and bold, and I want to be free to do that.
- Brooke R.

Dauntless are afraid, but act anyways.
- Books Were My First Friends

I was to be a Dauntless member, because I want to learn to master and conquer my fears! Also jumping on and off of trains is rather appealing! PLUS the dauntless don't hide they face everything head on with no nonsense!
- Moonlight Book Reviews

I love to read and support authors.
— Tamara

- The Magic Attic

Assignments

1. This week's hashtag will be #FaceYourFears.
- Tweet, or blog, telling us about your fears or one that you have faced lately.
- It can be anything, big or small. Being Dauntless is just having the courage to face what you are afraid of.

2. Keep spreading the word about the Dauntless links.
- Make sure you visit them yourself. There are new things added to the Dauntless tumblr site each day.
- Use the hashtags #TeamDauntless, #DauntlessFaction, and #DivergentNation with the links http://bit.ly/dauntlessfaction and http://bit.ly/choose_dauntless

3. Another email will be sent to street team members on Friday.
- We have a surprise in store and we need your help with it!

4. There are some huge giveaways going on now.
- You can still enter to win a NOOK with an ebook of INSURGENT.
- Our big giveaway this week was for a Breaking Dawn poster SIGNED by Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner and a Mockingjay pin from Comic Con!
- Remember: You can enter these 2 giveaways each day.

Challenge

This week, we are asking members to blog about all-things DAUNTLESS. We have 3 topics to choose from. Post your answers and leave the link to where we can find the post.
Here are your 3 choices:

• Movie Night: List of movies that would be shown for a Dauntless movie night.
• List of actors you want to play in the Dauntless faction
• Dauntless required reading

This challenge will be open until next Tuesday, April 17th. Make sure you put your link in the linky tool below!

• I read the following books during the Fall of 2010 (August 13th, 2010 — December 31st, 2010):

• Knightley Academy
• The Deathday Letter
• Pretty Little Liars
• Finding Forrester
• Shade
• To Kill A Mockingbird
• Fall For Anything
• Intrinsical
• The Eternal Ones
• Dracula in Love
• Captivate
• The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
• The Dark Divine
• The Ivy
• Matched
• Need
• Mockingjay
• Losing Faith
• The DUFF
• 13 to Life

Hosted by The Story Siren. If you want to find out more about it in my blog. Anyway, these are books I got this week at the bookstore, library, and in the mail, of course. Last week I mentioned the awesome BOOK SALE! This is what I scored! For Review:

• "The Iron Queen" TWO COPIES! Expect a giveaway!

Won:

• "Picture Perfect"

From the library:

• "Across the Universe"

• "Beautiful Dead" -$2
• "Evermore" — $2
• "Blue Moon" — $2
• "Strange Angels" — $2
• "Betrayals" — $2
• "Soulstice" — $2
• "The Lucky One" — $4
• "Fearscape" — $4
• "The Body Finder" — $4
• "Siren" — $4
• "The Ghost and the Goth" — $4
• "Monster High" — $4
• "Immortal" -$4
• "Distant Waves" — $2
• "Catching Fire" — $4
• "Mockingjay" — $4

Hosted by Sheila — Thank you!

This week I finished "The Iron King" and "The Odyssey." Next week I'd like to finish:

Review Books:

My Books/Recreational Read: "Definitely Dead" and "Across the Universe"

Class Books:

August 2010 Wrap Up

While I think six is a decent number of books read, the blog really went on hold this month. I began teaching, I was still moving in, Dan moved in, etc. I definitely struggled with keeping a balanced life in August.
Books Read:

• Linger
• I Am Number Four
• 13 to Life
• The Duff
• Losing Faith
• Mockingjay

September 2010 Wrap Up

Again, I struggled in September, only reading three books (someone slap my wrists and say "shame"). Books Read:

• Need
• Matched
• The Ivy

At least in October I read four books... right? I know, this post is beginning to sound like the post of excuses, but I did get engaged! Books Read:

• The Dark Divine
• The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
• Captivate
• Dracula in Love

There really is no excuse for November... world, I apologize. Books Read:

• The Eternal Ones
• Intrinsical
• Fall for Anything

Finally! Redemption! I read six books in December! WHOO! Books Read:

• Knightley Academy
• The Deathday Letter
• Pretty Little Liars
• Finding Forrester
• Shade
• To Kill A Mockingbird

Get Caught Reading is a new Sunday event at Miss Remmers' Review. For more information check out this post.

This week I got caught reading "Mockingjay" during my lunch break. I shut my door and turned the lights off so I wouldn't be interrupted.:) Aren't I evil!

If you've been caught reading this week, please sign the Mr. Linky! I'm really excited to find out where everyone else gets caught. I plan on sharing these pictures with students to spur their excitement!

Where did you get caught reading this week?

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

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

So many great books this week! Thanks to Random House, Bloomsbury, Simon and Schuster, Rachel Caine, Sherry from Flipping Pages For All Ages, and a mystery person (sorry, I have no clue who sent it but THANK YOU!)

Review
Elixir by Hilary Duff
Clockwork Angel (and poster and notebook) by Cassandra Clare
I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison
Brain Jack by Brian Falkner
Revolution by Janenifer Donnelly
Say the Word by Jeannine Garsee
Need by Carrie Jones
Captivate by Carrie Jones

Won
Firelight (ARC) by Sophie Jordan- won from Flipping Pages For All Ages.

Mystery Book
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (with bookmark)- from?
*If you sent me this THANK YOU: )

OMG So excited!! *happy dance*
Ghost Town by Rachel Caine (SIGNED!!!!) with SWAG!
*Thank you so much Rachel!

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.

"The mystery of the plot really kept my interest; there were times when I thought I had it all figured out (after the first initial twist) and then with the last eight chapters there was another twist! And then another! The end of the book was absolutely perfect — I laughed and I cried." — Miss Remmers

From Amazon.com...

"Haven Moore can't control her visions of a past with a boy called Ethan and a life in New York that ended in fiery tragedy. In our present, she designs beautiful dresses for her classmates with her best friend Beau. Dressmaking keeps her sane, since she lives with her widowed and heartbroken mother in her tyrannical grandmother's house in Snope City, a tiny town in Tennessee. Then an impossible group of coincidences conspire to force her to flee to New York, to discover who she is, and who she was.

In New York, Haven meets Iain Morrow and is swept into an epic love affair that feels both deeply fated and terribly dangerous. Iain is suspected of murdering a rock star and Haven wonders, could he have murdered her in a past life? She visits the Ouroboros Society and discovers a murky world of reincarnation that stretches across millennia. Haven must discover the secrets hidden in her past lives, and loves, before all is lost and the cycle begins again."

Why I read this: The cover really drew my attention in and then after reading the synopsis I knew I would love this novel.

Plot: It took me a while to warm up to the plot; in the beginning it was slow and I could really connect with the setting or characters. The plot also left a lot out, which adds to the mysteriousness, but frustrated me because 1/4 of the way into the book I figured I should have some idea of what was going on. With patience in check, by half way through the novel the plot thickened and deepened to a point where I couldn't put this novel down. I found myself rethinking reincarnation and wondering "what if" and thinking "how romantic." The mystery of the plot really kept my interest as well, there were times when I thought I had it all figured out (after the first initial twist) and then with the last eight chapters there was another twist! And then another! The end of the book was absolutely perfect — I laughed and I cried.

Characters: I did struggle with some of the characters and the amount of religion emphasized in this small community. Coming from a small Midwestern community, I understand how religion can play an important part of a community but I thought it was caked on pretty heavy throughout (especially) the beginning of this novel. I also struggled with Haven's back and forth mentality in regards to Iain. Speaking of Iain... loved him! I absolutely adored him... even when I really disliked him I enjoyed his character. A great character (in my opinion) is one who you can love and hate at the same time because of the depth of the character... this was Iain Morrow for me. Also, I just gotta say Adam definitely caught me unawares.

Cover: A very simple cover — but definitely cover love.

Random Thoughts: I'll admit it, I definitely googled the Ouroboros Society. I just can't get over how romantic it all is! To continue searching for "the one" for lifetimes. I would LOVE to see this novel as a movie.

Final Thoughts: This book was fantastic; I could not put it down and could not push it from my thoughts. I had about 100 pages left when school got out and read until I was able to leave (3:45) and then took it home with me. Dan was reading "Mockingjay" and when he began to shut his book so that we could "talk about our days" I begged him to continue reading. Together we sat side by side on our recliner and read. He saw me laugh, cry, and shout out in amazement over this book. He saw my despair when the novel was ending and I knew it wasn't going to end the way I wanted it to. He witnessed the small bit of hope that remained as I began reading the final chapter. And he held my hand when I shut the book and let out the sigh that goes along with the end of any great read. It's become a very fond memory that I think says a lot about our relationship and I'm so happy to say that it is a memory that involves this book.

Read it.

Originality: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 4/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Overall: 94/100 A

To the FTC, with love: Library Loan