The Best Reader [Search results for review] 

It's been a while since I've done this — so let's have it it. The last twenty books I read have come from:
1. The Things That Keep Us Here — Review Copy
2. The Hunger Games — Library
3. Lucifer Rising — Review Copy
4. Isabelle's Boyfriend — Library
5. Girlfriend Material — Library
6. Some Girls Are — Won
7. Cracked Up to Be — Library
8. I Used to Know That — Review Copy
9. Love You, Hate You, Miss You — Library
10. The Source of Miracles — Review Copy
11. Elmer the Christmas Elf — Review Copy
12. Inside Out — Review Copy
13. A Christmas Carol: Special Edition — Review Copy
14. The Recipe Club — Review Copy
15. The Prince Harming Syndrome — Review Copy
16. Lighting Their Fires — Review Copy
17. A Duty to the Dead — Review Copy
18. The First Thirty Seconds — Review Copy
19. Everything Sucks — Review Copy
20. Thanksgiving at the Inn — Review Copy

1/20 — I won
5/20 — Library
14/20 — Review Copy

I was a little bit surprised at the high number of Review books I've read. Recently I've been shaking up review copies with library books, whereas last December I was definitely reading all review copies. But this could have something to do with my course load too — last semester I had an English heavy course load and was reading academically all the time and read only Review copies because of my 'obligation' (oh, if only I felt 'obligated' to eat ice cream!). Now with a more education focus, my reading load has significantly decreased and I find that I have more time to read recreationally (which is always a good thing).

The purpose of this blog is to inform reluctant readers of great literature that will get them passionate about reading.

I accept review copies from authors and publishers and I love to participate in blog tours, host contests and interview authors. As a first year teacher, my time is limited; because of this, I am not able to accept every book offered.

All my reviews are original and honest. I have never been compensated and all of my thoughts are my own.

Types of Genres I enjoy: While Young Adult and Adult literature is my main focus, I do accept and review some middle grade and children's titles. I am partial to fantasy, paranormal, chick-lit, romance, historical fiction, literary fiction, anything that addresses social issues, mysteries and thrillers.

I do not prefer to read a series out of sequence. If you have a review request that is part of a series that I have not read, I will ask that you provide a copy of each of it’s predecessors. This will allow for a more effective review, all reviews of the series will be posted as well.

Genres I don't usually pick up: I normally do not read non-fiction, memoirs/biographies or science-fiction. But, if you feel that a particular book would be beneficial and interesting towards reluctant readers — I'd be willing to consider it. Currently I do not accepting e-books or pdfs for review. I do occasionally accept self-published books.

When I accept a novel to review: It does not guarantee that I will write a review. While I strive to complete each book, if I find myself unable or unwilling to finish it, I will not force myself to read. I truly believe that reading should be enjoyable — if the book I am attempting to read becomes a "chore," I will put it down. I do promise to read 100 pages of each book accepted for review before putting it down. If I do not finish a book, I always pass it on (unless the provider of the review book asks me not to) in, what I call, a "Quick Giveaway." I simply give the book to the first responder with a Guest Review. An example of a Quick Giveaway. If you do not want a book to be passed on, please tell me before hand or I can make no guarantee that it won't be handed off to another reader.

While I try to only accept review books I think I will like, I cannot guarantee that the review will be positive, but it will be fair. I don't take pleasure in negating someone's work, but my reviews will be my honest opinion. My reviews include a synopsis of the novel (generally provided by Amazon or the publisher's website) and my personal thoughts about the book.
How long will it take for a review: I try to read the review titles that I receive in a timely manner but I do have time constraints. If the book is an ARC, I will try to review the book in the month surrounding its release date, in most cases before the book is released or shortly after. If the book is already released then it may take me anywhere from 2-4 months to read and review it.

Note of Clarification: Review if I do not plan on keeping the book in my classroom. If this is not something you want, please tell me before hand — just in case. Also, I love hosting giveaways or Author Interviews — if this is something you'd be interested in, please let me know.

Traffic Details: According to Google Analytics, I receive about 200 visitors a day and generally have 10 to 15 comments a day. This blog is not particularly meant to generate huge amounts of outside traffic. This blog is meant to introduce reluctant young readers to different novels. During the school year my students visit this blog daily and will contribute to the reviews listed. My students will use this blog as a reference when looking for a "good book to read for fun."

If you're interested in knowing a bit more about me — please visit my About Me page.

Disclosure: All of the books I receive for review are provided by the publisher or the author. I do not expect, accept, or receive monetary compensation for my reviews.

Today is the day when thousands of people flood the stores for the cheapest deals in order for the Holidays. Christmas gifts will be bought, wrapped, and placed under trees.

Throughout the blogosphere many people have dedicated themselves to buying books for the Holidays — I love this idea and have also decided to partake in the bookish festivities. It was at this point, that I thought, "More books in more people's hands means more book reviews!"

So thus, I've decided to begin a challenge, or campaign, this holiday season to collect Guest Reviews! (I thought I was pretty clever.) If you haven't, please stop by and read my mission and (especially) my plea for Guest Reviewers. This holiday season I'd like to collect as many book reviews as possible.

Not sure what a guest review is? Last week, Sheila (from One Person's Journey Through a World of Books) donated a review of Viola in REEL Life. This week, Leslie from That Chick That Reads donated a review of Blood Promise. Every Wednesday I highlight a different Guest Review. The purpose of this is for students to have a different person's perspective on books — someone other me. Also, by having other reviewers donate reviews, students are exposed to books that I may not have ever picked up. As with this entire blog, my goal by collecting guest reviews is to create in struggling reluctant readers a passion for recreational reading — something that comes easy to you and I.

So, by now are you thinking of a book that you want to recommend? The book should be one of your favorites, one that would get a struggling student excited about reading another book. A book that I can place in their hands and have them say to me, "Give me more."

Got one? Two? THREE?

Awesome! Now all you have to do is...

• Look in the left sidebar to make sure I don't already have a review of it posted (if I do, comment on the review with the link to your review and I'll post it as well). Not there?
• Look below, to make sure I don't have a review of it scheduled. Not there?
• Now check Mr. Linky and make sure someone hasn't just sent a review of the same book? Not there?
• AWESOME! At this point, email me your review [missremmeres at gmail dot com]. Include the link to your blog (if you have one) and a link to your original review. Oh, and sign Mr. Linky! The purpose of this is so everyone can see what you have sent in. Where it asks for your name, please put the title of the book. Then your blog's URL.

• City of Bones
• Hush Hush
• The Help

Want to spread the word? On Monday, look for a generic Guest Post (provided by me) that you can copy and paste (I thought this was also a clever idea). If you look in the right side bar you'll see my "Guest Reviewers" Button with the html code, feel free to add that to your blog. I am also working on doing the same sort of thing with the button above.

Please make sure that the book is suitable for high school students — if it's questionable, either email me or choose another book.

At this point, I can't offer anything to each and every Guest Reviewer. I am giving away $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble to one of the guest reviewers.

This doesn't take a lot of your time, a link to your blog will be posted in the review at least twice (along with a link to your original post), and you will forever have a link back to your blog in the right sidebar (see "Guest Reviewers"). You can simply copy and paste from your blog. And, most importantly, you will be putting books in struggling readers' hands. After all... 'Tis the season.

Campaign will end January 4th and because I can send the gift card via email — this is open World Wide! NOTE: Please note that PAST guest reviews do not count towards this. In order to be eligible to win you need to email me and link to Mr. Linky a new review(s).

At the beginning of the year, Momma Remmers applied for and received the Laura Bush Grant, $5500 for fiction books only. A dream come true, I know. So before I left for school, I gave Momma Remmers my huge theoretical TBR List (theoretical implying I don't have the books, but I want to read them). When I went to visit Momma Remmers at her library at the high school, she had a HUGE surprise for me — a huge box full of books (the books I requested!) that I can take with me during break to read! So my original "To Do List" just grew exponentially:

• Finish "The Source of Miracles" (Review)
• Finish listening to "Confessions of a Shopoholic" (Own)
• Read "Merry, Merry Ghost" (Library — 12/30)
• Read "Inside Out" (Review)
• Read "Elmer, the Christmas Elf" (Review)
• Read "Lucifer Rising" (Review)
• Read "Comfort Living" (Review)
• Read "I Used to Know That" (Review)
• Read "Death Beauty" (Review)
• Read "The Man Who Loved Books Too Much" (Review)
• Read "Some Girls Are" (ARC — Goodreads Winner)
• Read "The Van Alen Legacy" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Post all the Guest Reviews I've received for My Holiday Book Review Campaign
• Read "Love You, Hate You, Miss You" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Truly, Madly: A Novel" (ARC — Goodreads Winner)
• Read "Jennifer Johnson is Sick of Being Single" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Sea Change" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Jumping off Swings" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Before I Die" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Embellish" (Review)
• Read "Gone" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Cracked Up to Be" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "How to Buy a Love of Reading" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Oh.My.Gods." (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Dark Places" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Nothing But Ghosts" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Isabelle's Boyfriend" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "The Grand Sophy" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Shelter Me" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Ransome's Honor" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Poltergeist" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Girlfriend Material" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Wicked Lovely" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "According to Jane" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Catching Fire" (Library — Momma Remmers)

I survived the cold this week. Aberdeen was, according to CNN, the third coldest place in the nation on Friday. Brr! I spent New Years Eve at school attending a jazz dance (which was awesome) and returned to Northern Minnesota the next day. That was a lot of driving. I saw "The Blind Side" with my mom tonight — such an inspiring movie. Wow!

I just finished "Some Girls Are" and plan on writing the review later today (Monday). This week, while I didn't get a chance to formally review anything, I did have two quick giveaways (Congrats to Sharon and Esme), I posted my Privacy Policy, along with my latest Award. I also posted all of my recaps: December Wrap Up, Books Read in Fall 2009, End of Fall 2009, Guest Reviewers, and Hello 2010.

Sandy was this week's Guest Reviewer — donating her review of Hush Hush. Please share some book love and visit her at Pirate Penguin's Reads.

My holiday campaign to collect Guest Reviews ends today (my Sunday Salon was late...) — we acquired 44 reviews! Thanks to everyone who has donated! I will post later today (after I go to bed and wake up again) who won the $25 Gift Certificate.

I gained three followers this week and now have 37 amazing followers. Welcome and Thank you!

This week I am so excited to begin Bloggiesta! I've compiled a Twitter list of all the participants who have Twitter and I'm really excited about it. I spent a lot of time on it so I hope people use it. Overall, I'm just really excited to start Bloggiesta. I'll be starting a day early, as I'll be driving on Friday for five hours and unpacking everything. If you haven't joined in yet, check it out at @Maw Books, there's still time!

From my insane list that there's no way I'm going to finish, I'd like to finish "Girlfriend Material," "Sea Change," and "Jennifer Johnson is Sick of Being Single."
My list of books to read/things to do during break:

• Read "Inside Out"
• Read "Elmer, the Christmas Elf"
• Post all the Guest Reviews I've received for My Holiday Book Review Campaign
• Finish "The Source of Miracles" (Review)
  
• Read "Lucifer Rising" (Review)
  
• Read "Comfort Living" (Review)
  
• Read "I Used to Know That" (Review)
  
• Read "Some Girls Are" (ARC — Goodreads Winner)
  
• Read "The Van Alen Legacy" (Library — Momma Remmers)
  
• Read "Love You, Hate You, Miss You" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Truly, Madly: A Novel" (ARC — Goodreads Winner)
• Read "Jennifer Johnson is Sick of Being Single" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Sea Change" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Jumping off Swings" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Before I Die" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Embellish" (Review)
• Read "Gone" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Cracked Up to Be" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "How to Buy a Love of Reading" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Oh.My.Gods." (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Dark Places" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Nothing But Ghosts" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Isabelle's Boyfriend" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "The Grand Sophy" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Shelter Me" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Poltergeist" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Girlfriend Material" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Wicked Lovely" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "According to Jane" (Library — Momma Remmers)

What did you finish this week?

Last Holiday Season I asked for reviews for Christmas and I had a fantastic turn out. This year I'll be doing the same thing (with an updated button, although I might change it). I haven't done it in months, but I really need to get back in the habit of posting guest reviews on a weekly basis. If you're new to Miss Remmers' Review and don't know what a "Guest Review" is, please see this post.

My mission since transitioning from student to student teacher to (finally) classroom dictator... um, I mean loved teacher... has not changed. I love receiving books for review and connecting with bloggers, readers, teachers, publicists, etc, but the purpose of this blog is to supply my students with an abundance of reviews to spark their interests in reading. I can't do this alone.

I know this is a busy season for everyone and there are so many fantastic projects, challenges, etc going on. It doesn't take a lot to become a Guest Reviewer.

Let's break it down (now):

1. Think of your favorite YA book that you think struggling readers would devour.
2. Look at my left side bar. Is it listed?
If yes, please email me and I'll add your review link to the bottom of the post.
If no, fill out the form with a link to your review.

It is basically that easy. Of course, in order to be entered in the contest it does have to be a NEW review to this blog. But basically, if you're a book blogger, it's as simple as copying and pasting the review link from your blog into the form.

Did I say contest? OH I DID!

Submit more than five reviews and be entered to win the GRANDPRIZE: an ARC of Lauren Oliver's "Delirium"

Submit less than five reviews and be entered to win any of the following prizes:

• an ARC of "In the Arms of Mr. Darcy" by Sharon Lathan
• an ARC of "I'd Know You Anywhere" by Laura Lippman
• an ARC of "Take a Chance on Me" by Jill Mansell
• an ARC of "HERO: For One Kid, the Time is Now" by Mike Lupica
• an ARC of "Dreaming in Chinese" by Deborah Fallows
• an ARC of "Emma and Vampires" by Wayne Josephson
• "Sea Change"

Please don't be a Scrooge, share your reviews!

From Amazon.com...

"From the very first page of this stunning novel, readers are drawn into the lives of eight seemingly ordinary women who pass through Manhattan's swanky Four Seasons Hotel. While offering sanctuary to some, solace to others, the hotel captures their darkest moments as they grapple with family, sex, power, love, and death.

Trish obsesses over her best friend's wedding and dramatic weight loss. Robin wants revenge after a lifetime of abuse at the hands of her older sister. Anne is single, lonely, and suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Drug-addicted rock star Louise needs to dry out. Southerner turned wannabe Manhattanite Franny is envious of her neighbors' lives. Sheila wants to punish her boyfriend for returning to his wife. Ellen so desperately wants children that she insists she's pregnant to her disbelieving husband. And Morgan, the hotel manager, haunted by the memory of her dead sister, is the thread that weaves these women's lives together."

Two giveaways in one week — no, I'm not crazy. But much like "Life After Yes," my priorities have changed since receiving "Based Upon Availability" for review. School is looming ever so close and I'm feeling the pressure begin to build. This book has great promise for an adult read, but it's not something I could easily sell to my ninth graders.

Because this was a review book, I ask that the winner be willing to forward their review link to the author/publisher. I will email the winner the contact person's name and email. This would be a great opportunity to network.

If you'd be interested in receiving this book all you have to do is email me at google [at] gmail [dot] com with your address AND a link to your favorite review for me to put up as a Guest Review. The first person to do this wins — simple as that. Once I get an email, I'll comment on this post who will receive this great read. Please make sure that I don't already have a review of the book by looking in the left sidebar. I would also really appreciate it, since I did not review this book, if, after reading it, you sent me your review as Guest Review.

Reminder: Please read my Contest Policy — at this time I can only afford to mail books to US addresses. I apologize for this inconvenience.

I haven't quite read 20 books from since my last post, but I was in the mood to do this anyway:

1. Beastly — Bought
2. Talk To Me Like I'm Someone You Love — Review Copy
3. A Certain "Je Ne Sais Quoi" — Review Copy
4. The Four Agreements — Library Book but then Bought
5. The Princess and the Bear — Library Book
6. Food Rules — Bought
7. All Quiet on the Western Front — School Book
8. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan (Audio) — Library Audio
9. Catching Fire — Library Book
10. The Devil Wears Prada (Audio) — Library Audio
11. Message in a Bottle (Audio) — Bought
12. Thirteen Reasons Why — Library Book
13. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Audio) — Bought
14. Mia the Magnificent — Review Book
15. The Bubble — Review Book
16. Alphatudes — Review Book
17. Jumping Off Swings — Library Book
18. The Things That Keep Us Here — Review Book
19. The Hunger Games — Library Book
20. Lucifer Rising — Review Book

8/20 — Library
7/20 — Review Copy
4/20 — Audio
4/20 — Bought
1/20 — School Book

The books in bold were also listed on the previous "Last 20" post.

When looking at the numbers, it's obvious where my "review book" reading slump was. I'm glad I'm starting to get out of it. I hope to have this list rejuvenated here in a month or so, when I'll hopefully have more time to read (yay, summer!).

As promised, today I'm going to provide a generic Guest Post that you (if you want to spread the word) can simply copy and paste and post on your blog. Not only will it spread the word about donating guest reviews, but it will also give you a day's break from coming up with something clever to post about!:) Haha just kidding (sort of).

Hey everybody! Miss Remmers here from Miss Remmers' Review. [Insert your name here] was so generous to allow me to write up a quick post to spread the word about Guest Reviews. As a future educator, I am on a mission to collect book reviews from book bloggers/enthusiasts. My hope is to provide students with reviews of awesome books that they can't put down and that will leave them asking for another book. In essence, I want to inspire struggling and reluctant readers to read recreationally.

To do this, I need your help. This holiday season I am trying to collect as many guest reviews as possible. Not sure what a guest review is? Last week, Sheila (from One Person's Journey Through a World of Books) donated a review of Viola in REEL Life. This week, Leslie from That Chick That Reads donated a review of Blood Promise. Every Wednesday I highlight a different Guest Review. The purpose of this is for students to have a different person's perspective on books — someone other me. Also, by having other reviewers donate reviews, students are exposed to books that I may not have ever picked up.

Have I successfully peaked your interest yet? Are you thinking of an awesome book to inspire non-readers? Perfect. Please stop by and donate a review. It's extremely simple — simply copy and paste your original review into an email along with links to your blog and the original review. It's as easy as that. My goal is collect twenty reviews by Christmas. If I do this, I'll give away a twenty dollar gift certificate to Barnes and Noble to a guest reviewer. The more reviews you send me the more chances you have of winning. If I get thirty reviews, I'll give away thirty dollars (I'll go all the way up to fifty)!

This doesn't take a lot of your time, a link to your blog will be posted in the review at least twice (along with a link to your original post), and you will forever have a link back to your blog in my right sidebar (see "Guest Reviewers"). And, most importantly, you will be putting books in struggling readers' hands. After all... 'Tis the season. If you're interested, please stop by and learn more about Guest Reviews and how to officially join in on the holiday festivities.

Thank you [insert your name] so much for letting me take up a precious post here at [Insert blog title]. I very much appreciate your continual support.

Easy as pie!:) Am I clever or am I clever! If you'd like a more personalized Guest Post, please ask. I just wrote this up to hopefully spread the word. Thanks everyone — I genuinely appreciate your support.

1. I Am Number Four — Review Copy
2. Linger — Review Copy
3. Shiver — Bought
4. Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart — Library
5. Dead as a Doornail — Bought
6. Shopaholic Ties the Knot — Library (Audio)
7. Hex Hall — Bought
8. Young Samurai: The Way of the Sword — Review Copy
9. Dead to the World — Bought
10. Club Dead — Bought
11. Living Dead in Dallas — Bought
12. Hush Hush — Bought
13. Sea — Review Copy
14. Before I Fall — Review Copy
15. Dead Until Dark — Bought
16. The Way of the Warrior — Review Copy
17. The Paradox of Choice — Bought
18. Now Is the Time: 170 Ways to Seize the Moment — Bought
19. The Five Love Languages — Bought
20. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief — Bought

I've been on a buying spree lately haven't I... I really need to either read my own books (already bought), get back in the habit of relying on my library, or crack down on review books.

What about you? Have you noticed any reading trends?

I beat the storm home last Saturday and have spent the week at home. While it seems like I haven't gotten a lot accomplished, I have. I successfully reattached my 'enter' key and reinstalled Word. I lost most of my music (about 8GB) while trying to transfer music from my iPod to my PC (I've come to terms with said loss) and had a pick me up by having Santa bring me a new iPod Touch (not that I know how to use it yet). I have seen three movies in theaters since last Sunday including: "A Christmas Carol" (let down), "The Princess and the Frog" (surprisingly amazing), and "Sherlock Holmes" (slight let down). Last Sunday my phone broke and they were sending me a new one. It was supposed to arrive on Wednesday. It is now a week later and I still do not have a working phone — but again, I've come to terms. As you can tell, I had a pretty rough week (in regards to technology). Slowly (but surely) things are starting to look up.

This week I reviewed "Inside Out, " "The Source of Miracles, " "Elmer the Christmas Elf, " "A Christmas Carol: Special Edition, " "I Used to Know That, " and "Cracked Up to Be. " As a result, this has probably been one of the most productive weeks (in regards to blogging/recreational reading) that I have had since August. I'm SO enjoying it. "The Source of Miracles " was one of the best books I've read in such a long time! I can't shut up about it! I did read/finish "Love You, Hate You, Miss You" as well — the review is coming. I did have to abandon two books that have been hanging over my head all semester. I've had both of them for months and I've continually tried to pick them up and read them — but I was forcing myself to do it. And I can't condone forcing myself to read when I have such an awesome bunch of books to read. So, I'll be passing them on (hint hint). Stay tuned.

Sadly, part of the 8GB of music lost included "Confessions of a Shopaholic." I wasn't too far into it though so I'm not too upset about it. I'll probably look for it at the library. I also didn't do an "In My Mailbox" post as I haven't received anything (not even a phone)! But I do know that I have a book or two waiting for me back at school that I will get sometime this week when I head back for New Years.

Cassie was this week's Guest Reviewer — donating her review of City of Bones. Please share some book love and visit her at Happy Book Lovers.

My new holiday campaign to collect Guest Reviews has been a great hit — we've acquired 44 reviews! Thanks to everyone who has donated! Campaign ends January 4th and is open to absolutely everyone! I have four more Guest Reviews to post (scheduled) but those are only the ones that I received via email. Many people only left a link on Mr. Linky — which I guess is okay and it is still appreciated. I just feel more like I'm plagiarizing then — but reviews are reviews and the more the better.

I gained three followers this week and now have 34 amazing followers. Welcome and Thank you!

My list of books to read/things to do during break:

• Read "Inside Out"
• Read "Elmer, the Christmas Elf"
• Post all the Guest Reviews I've received for My Holiday Book Review Campaign
• Finish "The Source of Miracles" (Review)
  
• Read "Lucifer Rising" (Review)
  
• Read "Comfort Living" (Review)
  
• Read "I Used to Know That" (Review)
  
• Read "Some Girls Are" (ARC — Goodreads Winner)
  
• Read "The Van Alen Legacy" (Library — Momma Remmers)
  
• Read "Love You, Hate You, Miss You" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Truly, Madly: A Novel" (ARC — Goodreads Winner)
• Read "Jennifer Johnson is Sick of Being Single" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Sea Change" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Jumping off Swings" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Before I Die" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Embellish" (Review)
• Read "Gone" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Cracked Up to Be" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "How to Buy a Love of Reading" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Oh.My.Gods." (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Dark Places" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Nothing But Ghosts" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Isabelle's Boyfriend" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "The Grand Sophy" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Shelter Me" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Ransome's Honor" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Poltergeist" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Girlfriend Material" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Wicked Lovely" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "According to Jane" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Catching Fire" (Library — Momma Remmers)

What did you finish this week?

I've started doing something new where I highlight all of the Indie/Small press books I've picked up to read on my Kindle. I will post mini-reviews of the titles each month.
The top 2 books from this month were Bully by Penelope Douglas and Lick by Kylie Scott!

Bully by Penelope Douglas
Add to Goodreads

Review:
OMG, I need about 10 more books just like this one! Bully was one of those"enemy to lovers" stories and I devoured every single word! Tate and Jared were best friends and then he changed and started treating her like crap. Yes, this makes Jared a bit difficult to love but I just couldn't help myself!! Over time, I could see how he was hiding his feelings. I also loved the fact that Tate was a really strong character. She was tired of putting up with his crap so she made sure he knew it. I loved the ways she'd get back at him. They had a lot of great interactions. I'm just sad that it's over: ( I want to re-read this one very soon!!

Lick by Kylie Scott Add to Goodreads

Review: Ahhh, love! This book was a surprise for me. I'm not wild about the cover but I heard it was great so I picked it up. Plus, waking up not knowing you married a rock star? YES PLEASE! I ended up loving this story so much! Evelyn wakes up with a stranger next to her, David, and she has no earthly idea who he is. After dealing with a killer hangover, and going back home, the press soon figures out what happened and she has to run back to David to get the situation fixed. But things happen and they then start to get to know each other. Evelyn gets small pieces of the night back and.*happy sigh* it was just wonderful! This is another book I want to read again! Both characters were fantastic and had amazing personalities! I highly recommend it!

The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy
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Review:
This was a fun read. Pretty light and, while it does take a look at a controlling relationship, there's much more to the book. Juliet has had her eyes on Dylan for a while. They"hook up" and it turns out to be horrible but Juliet still dates him. At school she tries to have a good relationship with Dylan but he is really controlling. She finds a friendship with a guy named Reed and they were terrific together. I really wish I had a friend like Reed.: ) He was such a good guy and he really cared for Juliet. Their bond builds slowly, which was nice. As far as"first college experiences" go, this was a super fun book.

Dark Summer by Lizzy Ford Add to Goodreads
Review: I picked up this book knowing nothing about it. It was free on amazon but I'm so glad I took a chance with it! Summer has been to a lot of boarding schools but they always fail. Now, she's trying a new place and it's finally somewhere that she fits in, sort of. There are many people who don't like Summer but she still builds some great friendships and connects with twins Beck and Decker. At age 18 each person is turned either Light or Dark, but that doesn't really mean they have to be evil. We learn this after hearing about Decker and his fate. The whole world behind this book was enjoyable and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Beautiful Broken Rules by Kimberly Lauren
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Review:
I actually wasn't sure if I would enjoy this one. The blurb didn't really grab me but I was happy to see that the book was better than I expected. Emerson is known as the slut in school and she's sort of okay with that. She wants nothing to do with relationships but she is surprised by her feelings with Jaxon, one of her best friend's new roommates, comes to town. She finds herself breaking a few of her strict rules about guys. She tries to hide away due to heartache but soon realizes what she is missing out on. I had fun with this one. It's nothing too deep or original but it was still a nice read.

Elite by Rachel Van Dyken Add to Goodreads
Review: Wow, what a book. I had no earthly idea what to expect with this book. I wasn't sure if it was dystopian or just a whole different world, or if it was something paranormal. I was a bit surprised by the"surprise" of it all. Trace wins a scholarship to an elite school and she is immediately faced with the complexity of the school structure. She's shocked to find out that a student, Nixon, is in charge and that he seems to completely hate her. There are some things Nixon does that are just so unforgivable but then I ended up liking him anyway? GRR! Trace was great and I enjoyed finding out more about her. The friends (semi-friends) she makes along the way range from nice to deadly and the twists and turns are unimaginable! It's really hard to even describe this book so I'll just say, if you are looking for something completely different, with a big twist, get this one!

A Matter of Fate by Heather Lyons
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Review:
I was reluctant to pick up this book because I'm not a huge fan of Magicals. In the end, I was happy I had read it and I do plan to read the second book soon. Chloe is a Magical but she knows very little about herself. From the start we learn that she's had dreams about a guy since she was young and then he is suddenly there in her school. This leads to a crazy love triangle though but it was pretty well done. I was a bit confused at times by all the Magical knowledge we get at once, but it was pretty unique. If you are a fan of paranormal books that have a very unique world, get this one!

Let Love In by Melissa Collins Add to Goodreads This is another brand-new-to-college book with a character who has a tragic background. Not a new idea for a book but still well-written. Maddy lost her parents when she was young and it has made her fight against falling in love. She meets bad-boy Reid at school and their relationship begins. They both have went through a lot so this made for two stubborn, slightly frustrating characters. A lot happens in this book between the two and some decisions I didn't quite understand. It's still a pretty enjoyable read. Nothing too surprising inside but nice.

Delayed Penalty by Shey Stahl
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Review:
This story has a very emotional start. A young girl is found by a hockey player in an alley after a brutal attack. It's obvious she would have died there if he hadn't brought her to the hospital. The book started out a bit stronger than it ended for me. For some reason, even though I should have felt terrible for Ami, I just never really connected with her. On the other hand, Mase was fantastic. I loved his character and POV. He had a wonderful family and great teammates. I just felt that if Ami would have been a slightly better character, and not so dry, I would have enjoyed it more.

Trying Not to Love You by Megan Smith Add to Goodreads
Review: This is hard for me to review. The actual story idea is amazing. I loved that Kenzie and Hunter had a relationship going back to childhood. I loved the family dynamics and the role of her best friend. But the writing brought it down, IMO. I don't think teens speak to each other like"I do not know why he was not there." (this isn't an actual sentence from the story but it shows what I'm referring to). It just messed with the flow of the story and the actual dialogue itself. It's robotic and caused me to pause quite a few times. I've seen another reviewer get comments because she said it bothered her while reading and yeah, it totally bothered me too. Big time. It took something away from the characters and made it more difficult for me to connect with them and believe them as being young adults. I really wanted to feel bad for Kenzie during parts of the story but I didn't feel a lot for her. Maybe it was mostly due to the language or feeling like I was just being told what was happening instead of really feeling the emotions behind it.
This book ends on a huge cliffhanger, which I'm not a big fan of honestly. I do think I'll read the next one when it comes out.
I know this story has a ton of fans already and everyone is entitled to their opinions on it.

Hey everyone, it's me again! I haven't had to beg for Guest Reviews since Christmas as so many many bloggers and readers sent in their favorite reads as part of my Guest Review Campaign. But now, those beloved scheduled posts have to a very near end. I only have a few more left!

The purpose of these Wednesday Guest Reviews are to expose my very future students to different types of genres and reads. While I like to think I have a very eclectic TBR pile, I love featuring other bloggers and their favorite reviews as well.

All you have to do is email me at google at gmail dot com with a review of your favorite book. This can be a review you've already posted on your own blog or a book you just finished. I ask that you look in my left sidebar to make sure I don't already have a review of that novel — if I do, email me anyway with a link to your review and I'll add it. In your email, include your blog url and the url of the original review. It's as simple as that.

Because of graduation and the long summer of unemployment that is ahead of me, I can't afford to offer any kind of incentive at this time besides exposure of your blog.

If you have a read that you just can't shut up about and love passing on — please email me a review that I can pass onto my students. While any read that fits high school readers is perfect, I am teaching 9th grade reading next year — if that helps any!

Thank you so much (in advance),

From the Official Website:

"Kim West, LCSW-C, known as The Sleep Lady®, has developed a gentle and effective approach to helping infants and young children learn to put themselves to sleep without letting them "cry it out"—an option that is not comfortable for many parents.

This book, newly revised and updated, tells parents everything they need to know about sleep from newborns up through age five. It helps parents gently guide their young babies into good sleep rhythms from the start, laying the groundwork so that they can learn to “sleep through the night” It gives tips on breast feeding, night weaning older babies, scheduling meals and naps, and helping children discard the “sleep crutches” that make them wake during the night. For older children, the Sleep Lady system helps parents learn when the child is ready to move from a crib to a bed, when to consolidate two naps into one, or how and when to give up naps altogether. It helps parents decide whether, and for how long, to "co-sleep" or "room share," and how and when to move a baby or toddler into his or her own room."

The book "up for grabs" this time is a copy of "The Sleep Lady's Good Night Sleep Tight" by Kim West. If you'd be interested in receiving this book all you have to do is email me at google [at] gmail [dot] com with your address AND a review of your favorite book for me to put up as a Guest Review. The first person to do this wins — simple as that. The review can be one that you've used at your own blog — simply copied and pasted. Once I get an email, I'll comment on this post who will receive this great read. Please make sure that I don't already have a review of the book by looking in the left sidebar. I would also really appreciate it, since I did not review this book, if, after reading it, you sent me your review as Guest Review.

Reminder: Please read my Contest Policy — at this time I can only afford to mail books to US addresses. I apologize for this inconvenience.

It's time for Blogoversary Giveaway #2! Just to clarify, you can sign up for ALL of the giveaways — just make sure to donate another review! And — in case you REALLY want to in, here's a hint: the more reviews you donate the better chance you have of winning!

Up for grabs this time around are three ARC copies of "Sweet Treats and Secret Crushes" (out in November).

From Amazon.com...

"When a blizzard threatens to ruin Valentine’s Day, three seventh-grade friends make and distribute fortune cookies to their lonely neighbors—and confront the secrets they’ve been keeping from one another.

Confident Kate doesn’t notice much but the latest gossip, and shy Georgia can’t say out loud what’s always on her mind. They’re joined by observant, careful Olivia, whose epic, single-minded crush on PBJ (real name: Phillip Becker-Jacobs) is starting to frustrate the other two. Using fortune cookies that mysteriously always seem to speak directly to the person who opens them, the three girls try to work together to bring some love to their building, while reminding each other why they’re such good friends to begin with."
Just a few quick reminders:

• This is only open to US candidates (I'm sorry all my international and Canadian Friends! I haven't received my first paycheck yet and am currently living off the parents! Plus, all these weddings are expensive)
• You must be 13 years of age or older.
• Please review my Contest Policy if you have any questions.

Please remember that these reviews are meant to benefit struggling or reluctant high school students (specifically 9th graders) so pick an awesome read!

Contest will end Monday (June 21st) at noon.

From Amazon.com...

"Revenge has never tasted so sweet...

As a young girl, Solis Burkes is raped at the hands of ruthless school bullies-an incident that haunts her into young adulthood. Then she meets Nacio, a strikingly handsome man who seems to know everything about her-including the painful past Solis hasn't told anyone about. But what Solis doesn't know is that Nacio has been with her every step of the way, protecting her ever since that fateful episode.

It's a destiny he's been working up to for the last 257 years.

Now, as Solis enters a dark world of vampires, voodoo, and passion, she'll need all the protection she can get. Unbeknownst to her, those responsible for Solis's rape have returned. Connected to the evil voodoo Priestess Aldicia, they'll stop at nothing in their plans to spew violence and mayhem throughout the city. And an old family feud dating back centuries puts Solis first on their list of targets. But not if Solis can unravel the clues fast enough, and inflict her own brand of revenge... "

The book "up for grabs" this time is a copy of "Embellish" by R.L. Sloan. If you'd be interested in receiving "Embellish" all you have to do is email me at google [at] gmail [dot] com with your address AND a review of your favorite book for me to put up as a Guest Review. The first person to do this wins — simple as that. The review can be one that you've used at your own blog — simply copied and pasted. Once I get an email, I'll comment on this post who will receive "Embellish". Please make sure that I don't already have a review of the book by looking in the left sidebar. I would also really appreciate it, since I did not review this book, if, after reading it, you sent me your review as Guest Review.

Reminder: Please read my Contest Policy — at this time I can only afford to mail books to US addresses. I apologize for this inconvenience.

Winner: Jasmyn!

With the New Year I'm trying some new things. Today I'm participating in two "new to me" memes — the Book Bloggers Hop, hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books & Follow My Book Blog Friday, hosted at Parajunkee's View. I am also putting up my weekly recap... get it? "Follow My Hop Recap?"

If you're a new follower, please leave me a link to your blog in the comments below so that I can return the hello!

This week's question from the Hop: What book influenced or changed your life? How so?

The first book I remember staying up all night to finish was "Titanic: The Long Night" when I was in middle school. That was really the start of it for me.

This week's question from Follow Me Friday: What books have you discovered lately from someone's book blog?

I read the review for "Hamlet's Blackberry" by William Powers at Sophisticated Dorkiness and thought it sounded like an interesting review. I met Kim this past fall at the Twin Cities Book Fair and as soon as I read the review, I marked it "to-read" at Goodreads. I also came across this Spotlight on Gothic Fiction (something I know very little about) at Small Review. I really liked the premise of "The Twin's Daughter" and found it at the library yesterday!

This week at Miss Remmers' Review A very late Sunday Salon — where I take on all forms of bullying Review — "Knightley Academy" Too Awesome to Title Review — "Delirium" Reading — Not a Solitary Activity

From Target.com...

"With a job as a lawyer and an engagement that began in Paris, Quinn should be happy, but the lingering grief from her father's death is muddying her decisions and she struggles to figure out whether the choices she is making are the correct ones."

You know how it goes when you get the wonderful opportunity to review a book that sounds fantastic, you receive the book, open the book, and realize that, while the book still has a promising plot and theme, your tastes have somehow changed in the course of a few weeks?

This is what happened to me after receiving "Life After Yes." The first page is captivating (as are the first 100 pages!). The characters are easy to relate to and the plot is fast paced. I loved clouded descriptions that readers misread for something sexual and dirty when in fact Rowley is describing something everyday and almost mundane.

So why am I giving this book up? School starts in a week and I really need to focus on reading books geared towards my 9th graders. While I do plan on using the descriptions in this book as an example of fantastic writing, this book is not geared towards 9th graders but more towards advanced YA or adult readers.

Because this was a review book, I ask that the winner be willing to forward their review link to the publisher. I will email the winner the contact person's name and email. This would be a great opportunity to network.

In order to win, please donate a review of your favorite book as a Guest Review for my ninth graders. All I need is a title and a link to your review. Please make sure I don't already have a review of the book by looking in my left sidebar.

Contest closes Tuesday at noon (central time).

Reminder: Please read my Contest Policy — at this time I can only afford to mail books to US addresses. I apologize for this inconvenience.

It's time for Blogoversary Giveaway #3! Remember, you can sign up for ALL of the giveaways — just make sure to donate another review! And — in case you REALLY want to in, here's a hint: the more reviews you donate the better chance you have of winning!

I am giving away two books from the series Gifted by Marilyn Kaye: "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" and "Finders Keepers" to one lucky winner!

Just a few quick reminders:

• This is only open to US candidates (I'm sorry all my international and Canadian Friends! I haven't received my first paycheck yet and am currently living off the parents! Plus, all these weddings are expensive)
• You must be 13 years of age or older.
• Please review my Contest Policy if you have any questions.

Please remember that these reviews are meant to benefit struggling or reluctant high school students (specifically 9th graders) so pick an awesome read!

Contest will end Monday (June 21st) at noon.

From Amazon.com...

"We've all been there. A conversation with a loved one escalates into conflict. Voices rise to a fever pitch and angry, accusative words fly through the air. At times like these, it seems impossible to find the magic words that will lead to healing. Enter Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love.

A psychotherapist with decades of experience in counseling couples, Nancy Dreyfus hit upon the revolutionary practice outlined in this book during a couples-therapy session in which a wife's unrelenting criticism of her husband was causing him to become emotionally withdrawn. In the midst of this, Dreyfus found herself scribbling on a scrap of paper, "Talk to me like I'm someone you love" and gestured to the husband that he should hold it up. He did and within seconds the familiar power differential between the two shifted, and a gentler, more genuine connection emerged. Dreyfus was startled, then intrigued, and then motivated to create a tool that could help others.

This elegantly packaged spiral-bound book features more than one hundred of Dreyfus's "flash cards for real life"-written statements that express what we wish we could communicate to the person we love, but either can't find the right words or the right tone in which to say it. The statements include:

*Taking responsibility: "I realize I'm overreacting. Can you give me a minute to get sane again?"

*Apologizing: "I know I've really hurt you. What can I do to help you trust me again?"

*Loving: "You are precious, and I get that I haven't been treating you like you are."

A one-of-a-kind, practical relationship tool, Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love will help couples to stop arguing and begin healing."

The book "up for grabs" this time is a copy of "Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love" by Nancy Dreyfus. If you'd be interested in receiving this book all you have to do is email me at google [at] gmail [dot] com with your address AND a review of your favorite book for me to put up as a Guest Review. The first person to do this wins — simple as that. The review can be one that you've used at your own blog — simply copied and pasted. Once I get an email, I'll comment on this post who will receive the book. Please make sure that I don't already have a review of the book by looking in the left sidebar. I would also really appreciate it, since I did not review this book, if, after reading it, you sent me your review as Guest Review.

Reminder: Please read my Contest Policy — at this time I can only afford to mail books to US addresses. I apologize for this inconvenience.