The Best Reader [Search results for reading challenge] 

2011 was really my first time attempting any sort of concrete reading challenge and I think I faired pretty well for myself. If you're interested in exactly what books I read to complete each challenge, merely click on the photo to be taken to the appropriate page.

Let's start with the disappointment first. I challenged myself to read 100 books last year; this, unfortunately, didn't happen. I read 53 books in 2011 which is actually about 10 books less than 2010. But, to my credit, a few life changing events occurred such as getting married, moving into a house, teaching summer school, and starting a new job in two grade levels I had never taught before.
Challenges:

The Off the Shelf Challenge was probably my biggest failure/embarrassment. I challenged myself to read 76 books from my own shelves, when in actuality I read 19. Whoops. If I wanted to make excuses for this, I would (theoretically) blame my new Nook and point to the eBook Challenge.

On January 11th, I bought a Nook and set a goal to read 12 of those unfamiliar, slightly scary, eBooks. On June 17th, I completed that goal. This year I read a total of 20 eBooks! I attribute a lot of this to NetGalley and the Galley Grab because I can honestly say I have yet to buy an eBook! So for those of you who are worried about the cost — don't be!

Along with eBooks, this year I discovered my love of audiobooks as well! Last year having never listened to an entire audiobook before, I challenged myself to read 12 audiobooks and I completed 15! I am now a firm believer in the audiobook! 2011 was really a year of reading discovery for me.

The iChallenge challenged me to read 10 "Vampy, Witchy, Fae-sih, Were-ish" throughout the year and I read 12. More than 10% of what I read this year dealt with vampires, witches, faery, or werewolves. I guess I love me some paranormal YA! Had Angels been added to this list my number would be 15!

For the Dystopian Challenge I chose to read 15 books and I'm really surprised I didn't read more. My final count was 14.

Another Challenge I was so close to was the Debut Author Challenge for 2011. The idea was to read at least 12 and I read 11.

And finally, the Challenge I set for myself in 2010: the YA List. In 2010 I read three of the books on this list and at the end of 2011 this number is 13. While I didn't complete the entire goal of reading all 25 books, I'm going to call this one a wash as I don't really want to attempt it again in 2012.

Overall, I'm really impressed with my progress this year, especially in regards to the eBook and the Audiobook Challenges. Like I mentioned, 2011 was really a year of reading discovery for me. Prior to 2011 I read books that were bound and nothing else and now I have three different mediums to read in. I'm so excited to see what 2012 brings!

Well, the year is almost over and I thought I should do a realistic check on my challenge goals from last January. While they vary, I'm pretty proud of myself (in all categories but one) especially since prior to this year I didn't (obviously) read eBooks or really listen to books. I feel that while this year I haven't exactly met my reading potential, I have expanded my horizons and gone out of my literary comfort zone.

Dystopian Challenge — My goal was to read 15 books and I have so far read 13. I think I can complete this one.

YA List Challenge — I've read 12 out of the 25 books. I'm going to have to label this one a FAIL.

Audiobook Challenge — My goal was to read 12 audiobooks and at this point I've read 14 — so I can already call this challenge "unofficially" COMPLETED!

iChallenge — I set out to read 10 books and at this point I've read 12! Another "unofficial" COMPLETE!

Off The Shelf Challenge — I can already tell you this is an EPIC FAIL. I've read 18 books and I won't even tell you what my ridiculous goal was.

100+ Reading Challenge — I won't categorize this as an epic fail — but it's close. I've currently read 48 books. At this point I know I won't make it to 100, but I'd at least like to hit 65.

eBook Challenge — After getting my Nook early last year, I completed this challenge in June (merely six months later — 12 ebooks) and then I set another goal for myself: 20 ebooks. I'm currently at 18 so I think I can really make 20 by December!:)

What about you? Where are you at with your goals? Any already completes or epic fails?

June 2011 Wrap Up
Well I feel like I'm slowly but surely climbing my way out of the "reading funk." I'm adjusting to married life and home ownership as well as finishing up Summer School. I'm rediscovering audio books and am really excited to see what July holds for me. Huge thanks to all my readers who are being patient and hanging in there with me. I promise that eventually my life will "level out" and reading will once again climb my priority list.
Books Read:

• Spellbound
• Summer's Crossing
• Eragon

June 2011 Stats 5,243 Page Views 570 Followers

On Monday I revealed my Titanic obsession, today I want to take that obsession to a whole new level. I'm officially introducing the Titanic 2012 Reading Challenge! This April commemorates the centennial of the Titanic tragedy and, in my eyes, it's only fitting to remember in the way that I know best — read! There are so many fantastic books relating to the Titanic that are coming out right now to aide in this commemoration that no one should be lacking good books to read — however, if you'd like to add movies to this list and make it sort of a "Anything Goes" sort of deal... the more power to you!

Yes, folks you heard me right! Anything goes — books or movies! The challenge doesn't officially start until April 1st and it will end on April 30th but in an effort to adhere to release dates etc, anything you read beginning today counts toward the challenge unofficially !

So, like other reading challenges, there are levels of participation! I apologize if this seems crass; it is meant (obviously) in irony.

3rd Class — Read or watch 2 books/movies involving the Titanic
2nd Class — Read or watch 4 books/movies involving the Titanic
1st Class — Read or watch 6 books/movies involving the Titanic

If you know of a great read/movie that you'd recommend, please comment below. As we near the official departure of this challenge I'll post a list of recommendations (movies and books).

What do you think? Sound like an awesome time? Anyone else addicted to all things "Unsinkable?"

May 2011 Wrap Up
May was not a good reading month for me. I only finished two books but I did finish my first year of teaching, find a job in North Dakota, close on a house, plan a wedding, move, and attend BEA 2011. So all in all, I'd say not bad.:) I know that sometimes months like this are going to happen and I make no preconceptions for June (my first month of being married and living in a house) — but I'm hoping to end this reading funk this summer!
Books Read:

• Mercy
• Between Here and Forever

May 2011 Stats 6,255 Page Views 563 Followers Favorite May 2011 Read
Of the two books I read this month I don't really have a favorite. Both books were good — but I wouldn't deem one better or more enjoyable than the other.

I mentioned last week that I am participating in the Summer Break Reading Challenge — not that I've officially gotten started with the reading part... but I'm having a great time with these activities!

For instance, the second activity was to create a Wordle — something I had never heard of before! I chose my review of "Before I Fall" because it's currently my favorite "gush" read — I just can't shut up about it!

The great thing about this particular reading challenge is that, by participating, I have discovered a great technology resource for my classroom! I think this is a fun little program that I can definitely see myself using when students finish their papers as a fun "de-stress" activity.

The only thing is, in regards to Wordle, is that afterward it isn't very user friendly. For instance, I used the provided html code to insert the above photo and it isn't very large. But I wasn't able to copy and paste or save the file. Update (Monday Morning): So after some help from Twitter I was able to "grab" the photo on my Mac and figure it out. But I think that this program could still be more user-friendly.

After seeing this post at Bookworming Through the 21st Century I decided to join the Summer Break Reading Challenge. While most of my summer (so far) has been devoted to weddings and travel, this summer has also been about reading. I've already finished so many books because of my travels and my unemployed summer — basically if I'm not walking down the isle or driving, I've got a book in my hands.

But I like the idea of setting goals so (and this is Activity #1) — here we go:

• Finish the Sookie Stackhouse series
• The Way of the Sword
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• The Odyssey
• Emma and the Vampires
• I Am Number Four
• I'd Know You Anywhere
• 13 to Life
• Raised by Wolves
• Fallen
• Hex Hall
• DUFF
• Knightley Academy

"This book was quite addicting once I gave up the need to 'know' and essentially 'control.'" — Miss Remmers

Release Date: April 12th, 2011
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Challenges: Dystopia Challenge, Debut Author Challenge, 100+ Reading Challenge

"New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20's. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters—or Freaks—who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight, in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs. As the two are guided by Fade’s long-ago memories, they face dangers, and feelings, unlike any they’ve ever known."

I'll be honest, "Enclave" did not grab me or demand to be read. I actually put it down once but then felt guilty about passing it on to the next reviewer without a review. So I picked it up again and "forced" myself to at least attempt 50 pages during on Recreational Reading Friday. The second time around I still struggled with this book for about the first four chapters. I was confused as to where the setting was and I had a hard time connecting to the descriptions, much like I struggled with "Inside Out. "

Despite struggling with the setting and the beginning of the plot, by second period I couldn't put this book down. I became addicted to the plot and characters and learned to be patient with the setting while I picked up on the setting bit by bit. I hope this book becomes a movie; that would greatly help me understand the parts of the setting that I'm still confused about. *Please remember, I am a small town Midwestern girl who, even when I went to BEA last year, has never been on a subway. So yes, I get the general idea of the setting, but as for the specifics — I'm completely lost.

The pacing of this novel was perfect, I felt that we were "down under" for just the perfect amount of time, "up top" in the city for the perfect amount of time, and so on and so forth. The plot moved along at a pace that I felt completely comfortable with. I loved Deuce and her strength but I fell completely in love with Fade and his "strong but silent" personality.

It's been a while since I finished the book, but when I think back what I strongly remember is the need to share this book with others. For those of you who don't know, every Friday in my classroom is Recreational Reading day. No matter what. And, like a good teacher, I model the behavior I expect of my students. I'm not grading and I'm not planning — I'm reading. On the Friday that I "forced" myself to read this book with each subsequent class I talked less and less. I, like a "bad teacher," forgot to greet my classes at the door because I was at a "good part." When a class would come in a little rowdy and see me reading at the center of the room I'd hear, "Shh! Miss Remmers' has a good book!" and the rest of the class would come in, sit down, and take out their own reads. The last couple minutes of one period a student asked me what I was reading, and I gladly shared.

This book, while it had a rocky beginning for me personally, was quite addicting once I gave up the need to "know" and essentially "control." Once I "went with the flow," "let myself go," didn't analyze, and just read the book for enjoyment (as it was meant) — this book turned out to be a complete winner. It's definitely a dystopia that I feel stands apart from the rest and I am already looking forward to book 2.

I will quickly add, I was completely confused as the front cover of the ARC says "Enclave" but in the acknowledgments and on the side binding it says "Razorland." Unless I missed it, Razorland was never specifically mentioned in the book. I hope this is addressed on the published version of the book.

Originality: 10/10
Ending: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 8/10
Cover: 5/10
Overall: 49/60 B+

This book will be released on April 12th, 2011.

-Visit Ann around the web here: Website | Goodreads |
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To the FTC, with love: ARC Blog Tour

The second "reading" challenge I've chose to participate in for 2011 is the Audio Book challenge hosted by Teresa's Reading Corner. I wish I read more audiobooks, they seem like such great "time savers." When I'm doing everyday tasks (cleaning, showering, cooking, straightening my hair, etc) I always think, "Man, I could be reading." With audiobooks I can be reading while still doing all of those everyday chores. It's like the ultimate use of time! The Audio Book Challenge runs from January 1st to December 31st, 2011. I'll be participating at the "Addicted" level in hopes of finishing 12 audio books this year.

1. Definitely Dead
2. If I Stay
3. Eragon
4. Wintergirls
5. The Giver
6. All Together Dead
7. Entwined
8. The Maze Runner
9. Speak
10. Glass Houses
11. The Adoration of Jenna Fox
12. Fallen
13. Crescendo
14. Between Shades of Gray
15. The Night Circus

Release Date: April 26th, 2011
Publisher: Harper Collins
Challenges: Dystopia Challenge, Debut Author Challenge, 100+ Reading Challenge, eBook Challenge

"When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid-infused food.
Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend, Zen, who is way too short for the job. Harmony has spent her whole life in Goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to convince Melody that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from. When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common."
I was very excited for this new dystopian novel centered around the concept of teen pregnancy. I loved the insight and the satire that McCafferty expressed in "Bumped." This exaggerated society wasn't exactly inconceivable. While exaggerated and frightening, I can definitely see something like this happening in the distant (or not so distant) future.
I went into this novel with the synopsis and a bit of an expectation. To not sugar coat it — this book wasn't for me. I found the futuristic terminology confusing and never really understood what they were talking about and where the words were coming from (why add Mi to everything?). From what I gather other reviewers had the same problem but eventually understood what was going on so maybe I'm just a bit more dense or structured. Obviously I understood some of the terminology, but a lot of the technology was lost on me. The MiNet completely confused me; is this something in their heads or is it a device?
I found the characters to be a bit lacking in depth. The two protagonists (Melody and Harmony — talk about confusing) alternated perspectives by chapter. So many times I would forget whose perspective I was reading which would only add to my confusion. This tends to happen to me when I'm reading a novel with alternating perspectives. I also never really got to know either character very well and as a result my relationship with either character never really developed.
I did really enjoy the society that was built and the classifications of people (Amateurs versus Pros, Worms, etc) and felt that it accurately described much of how our world actually works today (without the societal stigmas that accompany it). To clarify, Zen (the best friend) is classified as a Worm because he is vertically challenged and therefore isn't "paid" to mate. While I think few of us today would admit, the truth of the matter is there is generally some judgement made on looks. Many females refuse to date or mate with someone younger or shorter than them — it's a societal expectation or norm that the male be taller and older. Now, of course this isn't written in stone but I think that we can all agree that's the norm. I found these classifications to be understandable and eye opening.
Jondoe — I'm not really sure how I feel about him. At the end there it was back and forth too much and I'm not really sure what the truth is and what the act is.
Overall, this book wasn't for me. It had a great premise but I was unable to connect to the characters or the plot. I'm not sure if I'll be reading the sequel. Again, this is just me and for the most part I've only read great reviews. For more opinions check out — The Compulsive Reader, Good Books and Good Wine, Pure Imagination, and Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books.
Originality: 10/10
Ending: 7/10
Characters: 7/10
Plot: 8/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 7/10
Cover: 10/10
Overall: 49/60 B

-Visit Megan around the web here: Website | Goodreads | Twitter
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook

To the FTC, with love: Review eGalley from NetGalley

February 2011 Wrap Up

This entire year I will refer to February as my month of epic failure. In January I read nine books — this month I BARELY read four books this month and wrote 23 posts. I don't understand how this could have happened! I'm all by myself (engagement pictures!) and thought that now I'd get everything accomplished and the reverse effect happened! I did start a new weekly feature called "Back to the Basics " — but besides that I feel like I've been a very bad blogger this month!
Books Read:

• If I Stay
• Across the Universe
• Definitely Dead
• The Iron King

Dystopian Challen ge — 4 of 15 (+1 from January) Audiobook Challenge -1 of 12 (+.5) iChallenge — 4 of 10 (+3) Off the Shelf Challenge — 7 of 76 (+2) 100+ Reading Challenge — 14 of 100 (+5) eBook Challenge — 2 of 12 (-) Top YA Challenge — 5 of 25+ (+2) Debut Author Challenge — 1 of 12 (+1)

February 2011 Stats 6,523 Page Views 100+ New Followers Favorite February 2011 Read

My favorite February read was hands down ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Beth Revis. There's a funny story behind me and this book — read my public apology to Beth Revis.

April 2011 Wrap Up
During April 2011 I decided to participate in the RAK and received two great books — "Across the Universe" and "The Lost Saint." I also created the BEA 2011 Blog Feed for BEA participants — only a few days away now! I interviewed Hannah Moskowitz, author of Invincible Summer. And I filmed three vlogs for new BEA 2011 participants: What to Bring, What to Wear, and Questions Answered.
Books Read:

• Shift
• Invincible Summer
• The Goddess Test
• Bumped
• Stay

April 2011 Stats 6,233 Page Views 545 Followers Favorite April 2011 Read

My favorite April read was hands down THE GODDESS TEST by Aimee Carter.

March 2011 Wrap Up

So March kind of kicked my butt — notice how I'm not writing my Wrap Up post until April 13th. With only nineteen posts I had two movie reviews (I Am Number Four and Beastly) , a short story review (The Necklace) , and a few reviews (links below). But it's quite obvious what my March 2011 was dedicated to — "Wither" by Lauren DeStefano. I not only reviewed the book but talked about my book mourning and had a conversation with the author. I also made my first video (in which I gush about "Wither"). I also contemplated the book blogger turn over rate and confessed my sins as a bad book blogger.
Books Read:

• Enclave
• Jane Austen: A Life Revealed
• Wither
• The Iron Queen

March 2011 Stats 4,618 Page Views 478 Followers Favorite March 2011 Read

My favorite March read was hands down WITHER by Lauren DeStefano.

January 2011 Wrap Up

2011 is off to a great start at Miss Remmers' Review! I read nine books this month and wrote over 30 posts. I not only took on all forms of bullying, but also admitted to being a stuck up snob and to being addicted to technology. I found out that I will making an appearance in Denise Jaden's next novel (author of "Losing Faith "), and that I was expecting! Soon after that particular discovery — I delivered! Talk about an exciting month!
Books Read:

• How to Say Goodbye in Robot
• When the Stars Go Blue
• Cryer's Cross
• Nocturne
• Outside In
• Inside Out
• Beasts and BFF's
• Change of Heart
• Wake
• Delirium

January 2011 Stats 6,579 Page Views 150+ New Followers

Favorite January 2011 Read

My favorite January read was hands down DELIRIUM by Lauren Oliver (released TODAY!) — but close behind were WAKE by Lisa McMann, CRYER'S CROSS by Lisa McMann, and NOCTURNE by Syrie James. If you haven't read Oliver, McMann, or James yet you definitely need to make a goal of it for February! Fantastic reads!

"I loved how a part of me, like Jonas, believed that his community was perfect but then as the pieces began to fall apart and Jonas' eyes were (quite literally) opened — my eyes were opened as well." — Miss Remmers

Release Date: 1993
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Challenges: Dystopia Challenge, YA List Challenge, Audiobook Challenge, and 100+ Reading Challenge

"Given his lifetime assignment at the Ceremony of Twelve, Jonas becomes the receiver of memories shared by only one other in his community and discovers the terrible truth about the society in which he lives."

Before I say anything let me first start with this: the cover of this book is it's downfall. I understand why it was chosen, but really — this is the reason I never picked this book up before and this is the reason I will (hardly) never be able to book talk this book to a classroom of students. This story needs a face lift — literally.

Okay, now that that is off my chest let's continue.

I found myself swept away into this futuristic society and I enjoyed analyzing the pitfalls versus the advantages. I like the characters and (while at first the plot moved slowly) I could relate to the plot in an analytical sense. I loved how a part of me, like Jonas, believed that his society or community was perfect but then as the pieces began to fall apart and Jonas' eyes were (quite literally) opened — my eyes were opened as well.

This book is a fantastic read and I can see why so many love and recommend it... however, I have a bone to pick with the ending. I listened to this novel in its entirety so when it came to the ending I actually had to pull out my (new) iPhone to make sure I didn't miss a track because it ended that abruptly. I've had a week to think about it and while I'm not as upset as I was I'm still a bit... perturbed.

I mean, really? The more I analyze it I've decided that the ending could be construed as a Santa Clause/Christ ending (no further spoilers). While I am able to kind of see why Lowry would end it that way I'm still annoyed by the lack of (for the lack of a better word) depth and closure. While yes, it ends very poetically I wouldn't say that the ending had depth.

I also understand that there are two other books in the series, but after reading their synopses I don't see any direct correlation (or answers) to Jonas' storyline. So I think I'll pass — unless anyone recommends them? Anybody?

As for the audiobook and narrator in general, I thought it was fantastically done. I've been reading while walking the dog so I get in about an hour and a half of audio on a daily basis and I found myself going on extra walks with the dog to find out what happened. The narrator did a great job with the different styles of voices — especially with Jonas.

-Visit Lois around the web here: Website | Blog | Goodreads
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook

To the FTC, with love: Audiobook from the Library

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
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To the FTC, with love: Library Loan Audiobook and Bought hard copy

It's that time again! I'm really excited to get an earlier start on next year's debut challenge. There are so many amazing books coming out and I can't wait to start reading them all! For 2010 I'll probably hit around 20 debut books read. That isn't too bad considering I signed up in June: )
My 2011 Debut Author Challenge Goal: 40 books!

Here is some information about the challenge:

2011 Debut Author Challenge participant information:

• The objective of the DAC is to read at least twelve novels from Young Adult or Middle Grade Authors. While twelve is the minimum there is no maximum limit! I encourage readers who can read more than twelve to do so!
• Anyone can join. You don't have to be a blogger, and you don't have to live in the United States.
• You do not have to have an blog written in English to participate.
• You can join at anytime. The challenge runs from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011.

• Books must be a Young Adult or Middle Grade novel.
• DO NOTE: Just because a book has a teen character or is about a teen, does not mean that it is necessarily a Young Adult novel.
• This must be the authors debut with a release date in 2011. They cannot have a prior middle grade or young adult title released.
• If an author has a previous novel published under adult fiction/nonfiction or children's fiction/nonfiction, they can still qualify for the challenge if they are releasing their YA or MG debut.

• Novels must be read between January 1, 2011- December 31, 2011. That means, those of you that have read arc forms of the titles early will not be able to count those toward your challenge totals.
• You can use debuts from other countries, but the novel cannot be previously released in your county. (I explain this a little bit more in the FAQ section, if you want to check that out!)

Bolded entries mean I currently own the book. Striked entries mean I have read the book (reviews will be linked)

1. Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal 2. Unearthy by Cynthia Hand 3. XVI by Julia Karr 4. Across the Universe by Beth Revis 5. Vesper: A Deviants Novel by Jeff Sampsen 6. Choker by Elizabeth Woods 7. Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton 8. Rival by Sara Bennett-Wealer 9. A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford 10. Haven by Kristi Cook 11. Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton 12. The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney 13. Exposed by Kimberly Marcus 14. So Shelly by Ty Roth 15. Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach 16. Wither by Lauren DeStefano 17. Entwined by Heather Dixon 18. Clarity by Kim Harrington 19. Falling Under by Gwen Hayes 20. Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard 21. Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter 22. The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher 23. The Year We Were Famous by Carole Estby Dagg 24. Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton 25. The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder 26. Bumped by Megan McCafferty 27. Future Imperfect by K. Ryer Breese 28. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini 29. Hourglass by Myra McEntire 30. Die For Me by Amy Plum 31. Divergent by Veronica Roth 32. Hereafter by Tara Hudson 33. Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris 34. A Beautiful Dark by Joceyln Davies
35. Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley
36. The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver
37. In the Arms of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane
38. Through Her Eyes by Janenifer Archer
39. Flawless by Lara Chapman
40. Moonglass by Jessi Kirby
41. Girl Wonder by Alexa Martin
42. Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky
43. Possession by Elena Johnson
44. Wildefire by Karsten Knight
45. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
46. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
47. Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsay
More will be added soon…

Own- 32 Read- 11

In an effort to motivate me to read my own books (119 unread on my shelves, I counted) I decided to join the Off the Shelf Reading Challenge hosted by Bookish Ardour. This challenge is all year long (Jan 1 — Dec 31, 2011). I've decided to go all out and attempt at the Hoarder Level (76-125).

The beginning of my epic list:

1. Delirium
2. Wake
   
3. When the Stars Go Blue
4. Definitely Dead
5. The Iron Queen
6. Change of Heart
7. How to Say Goodbye in Robot
8. If I Stay
9. Pandemonium
10. Eragon
11. Forever
12. All Together Dead
13. Speak
14. Glass Houses
15. The Awakening
16. Fallen
17. Crescendo
18. The Power of Six
19. Crossed

"For some reason I am able to forgive the one dimensional characters and "too fast" of pace because of the end result: a book I couldn't put down." — Miss Remmers

Release Date: November 15th, 2011
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Challenges: Dystopia Challenge, 100+ Reading Challenge, eBook Challenge

"In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines what class you are, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your place—looking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she’s been hiding her whole life. Her only place of release is the drug-filled underground club scene, where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she’s never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. Through a series of violent upheavals, it becomes clear that Charlie herself is the key to forcing out the oppressive power structure of her kingdom…."

I began "The Pledge" with knowing nothing more than the synopsis and that it was a "pretty big deal" on Twitter when it was released via the Galley Grab; this was basically a "blind read" for me. Let me start with my initial reaction: complete and pure love. I read almost the entirety of this novel on Sunday when my husband was watching football and after our Sunday night family dinner with the in-laws we went to see "Real Steel" in theaters and I was still thinking about this book. As an exhausted new teacher, there are very few books that I "stay up for" (because, seriously, I'm usually in bed by 9:30) so when I told Dan that I wanted to stay up and read while he watched the days football highlights, he was completely shocked. An hour and a half later I finished "The Pledge" and couldn't wait to tell everyone about it.

I loved the pacing, I loved the plot, I loved the entire concept! I absolutely loved all the parallels to society today and loved analyzing the book in comparison to immigration and language barriers; I found several wonderful quotes that I have written down below to tease you. I mean, the power of words is unmistakable but Derting does such a fantastic job of highlighting and illustrating that power. I loved the twits and I loved how I never really knew which characters to trust. My initial reaction to this book was pure and complete adoration.

But within a days time I was online and reading reviews and one particular review (compliments of April from Good Books and Wine) has kept me thinking. This review brought up tons of different points that I realized I agree with but had just never thought about. I realized, after reading this thorough and fair review, that the characters aren't multidimensional — I can't tell you why I like Max or what makes Charlie so special (besides for being "plain" — which I guess has become synonymous with "the girl next door" that every protagonist lately has become). I don't understand why Max is "intrigued" by Charlie and I don't understand Charlie and Aron's relationship.

April's points about pacing also rang true for me. I couldn't put this book down because I was never bored but that probably has a lot to do with the fact that the entirety of this story really takes place in a very small time frame. Now that I think about it, I'm a bit flabbergasted that the entire plot took place in the span of a few days and that one girl's life could change so completely. But while I was reading, none of this bothered me or even occurred to me.

I think the power of the review is astonishing. April's review of this book has kept me thinking and comparing my thoughts to hers and how we agree on so much but our feelings at the end were so different. Even with all of these points, this book was still amazing for me. For some reason I am able to forgive the one dimensional characters and "too fast" of pace because of the end result: a book I couldn't put down.

Favorite Quotes:
"That was when the class system was first imposed. It was designed to discourage future uprisings, to keep people living apart so ideas of rebellion could not be co-mingled. Language became a tool, a way to complete that division... words had become the ultimate barrier" (144 — according to my Nook in the Galley).
"These Outcasts who spoke only one shared language, seemed happier than those... who were segregated by words and ruled by fear" (225 — again, my Nook in the Galley).

-Visit Lisa around the web here: Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook

To the FTC, with love: eGalley from NetGalley

"I read this book almost in its entirety in one day... but it feels like I've known these characters for months, years even! The journey I just got back from after reading "Wither" was an experience that every bibliophile looks forward to with every book they open. "Wither" may not fulfill this experience for everyone — but it sure did for me." — Miss Remmers

"What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left. "

I've read some awesome books already this year -"Delirium, " "Across the Universe, " "The Iron Queen, " and many others — but none of touched me like Lauren DeStefano's debut, "Wither."

This was one of those "surprise" reads that I had been putting off and putting off for two reasons: I hate the cover and I wasn't sure of the whole "brother" angle. Why do I hate the cover? I have no idea. I feel like I should like it, but I just don't. With the above premise I assumed that the brother was going to play a more pivotal role in this book but he didn't. I'm not sure why I was bothered by the brother bit; I think I assumed that the brother and sister would be the protagonists instead of a love interest. Boy was I wrong.

DeStefano drew me in with the first chapter and before I knew it I was racing through the pages not on purpose but by complete accident. When I finally looked at the lower status bar on my Nook I discovered that hundred pages had been covered. And worse, when I hit that last page I was at a complete stand still. That couldn't be it — could it? I want more. I need more! But we'll return to this later.

I won't lie — I'm still in shock of loving this book so entirely that I am just praying this review makes sense and does the book justice.

Despite not really knowing what was going on in the beginning chapters, I was enthralled with "Wither" and couldn't put it down. Once Rhine met Governor Linden her hatred and my hatred combined for the man could have started any number of metaphorical wars. But somehow, as his character was developed, I found myself looking for him in the novel and seeking his company out for Rhine. Why? He's supposed to be a complete polygamous misogynist! (Nothing against polygamy... it's just how I've been raised I guess.) And despite his need to "consummate" his marriages and the rest of the whole sketchy concept of this society — I like him. It's completely nonsensical and illogical — but I rooted for him and Rhine, I willed their romance to blossom. If we choose "Teams" with this novel (you know, Team Edward, Team Jacob, Team Ash, Team Puck, etc)... oddly enough I'll be the first to join Team Linden.

The setting of this novel, in a huge beautiful mansion, while creepy and imprisoning, was written so eloquently I feel like I've been there. As I feel like I know the characters. There's a saying: "You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend." by Paul Sweeney. "Wither" is one such book; when I came to the last page (even on my Nook) I felt like I was saying good bye to a female protagonist that I loved and even a half ways antagonist that I had somehow fell in love with as well!

I read this book almost in its entirety in one day — Friday's Recreational Reading in my English classroom; but it feels like I've known these characters for months, years even! The journey I just got back from was an experience that every bibliophile looks forward to with every book they open. "Wither" may not fulfill this experience for everyone — but it sure did for me.

The ending of this book, I will say, was very abrupt. Not just because it was so good that I didn't realize so many pages had been read, but the entire climax, falling action, and resolution (if you can call it that) took place during the last chapter. It seemed almost too easy of an... let's just say... ending. Too out of nowhere. Too without problems. Too... flawless. But despite that, I am LONGING for the second book to come out like I haven't longed for a book in a very long time. Many times I struggle with the second book simply because by the time it does come out I'm reading something different. I can tell that as soon as DeStefano's second book is available for pre-order it will be the first book I'll have pre-ordered since "HP 7."

"Wither" is a fantastically brilliant book that I recommend to any lover of dystopia or even romance!

Originality: 10/10
Ending: 5/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Cover: 5/10
Overall: 50/60 B

Release Date: March 22nd, 2011

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Challenges: Dystopia Challenge, Debut Author Challenge, EBook Challenge, 100+ Reading Challenge
-Visit Lauren around the web here: Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook

To the FTC, with love: Review eBook from NetGalley