"So why am I super excited two watch Season Two of True Blood and pick up the second novel? Because it's a good story. Pure and simple. It's a fast-paced, exciting, "guilty pleasure" sort of read." — Miss Remmers
From Amazon.com...
"Sookie Stackhouse is just a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. Until the vampire of her dreams walks into her life-and one of her coworkers checks out...
Maybe having a vampire for a boyfriend isn't such a bright idea."
I'll admit it. I tried reading this book last summer and didn't make it through the first chapter. I then watched the first season of True Blood on DVD and realized it wasn't the writing that I disliked, it was the character Sookie (more on that later).
But then, literally a couple days ago, a friend of mine said, "Reagan, let's read this series together this summer." I gave him a bit of a head start, and when I said he was actually enjoying it I finally went to Target to buy my discounted copy. I started reading (read way too late into the night) and finished it while waiting for my flight to leave for Louisville.
My thoughts?
I still disliked the same things. First of all, the cover. I am not a fan of these covers (at all). If I wasn't so against purchasing the movie (or in this case television) cover, I would have preferred that one! These covers deter me from this series.
Second, I don't like Sookie, at all. I think she's too innocent, pure, and naive but then she's got this "I'm going to save the world" and kick-butt attitude. I just find her entire character unbelievable and contradictory. This is true for the television show as well.
So why am I super excited two watch Season Two of True Blood and pick up the second novel? Because it's a good story. Pure and simple. It's a fast-paced, exciting, "guilty pleasure" sort of read. I can't really put my finger on exactly what I like about this book (despite very clearly being able to define what I didn't like) — but it was a good read and I'm glad I brought it on the plane.
Because I watched Season 1 first, I am very excited to pick up the second novel since I will hopefully not know "who done it" this time.
Today I am a stop on the Awaken blog tour. I have the lovely Katie Kacvinsky here to answer some questions and I will be giving away a finished copy of Awaken to one lucky reader.
1. Can you tell us a little about your past in the entertainment industry and your time as a teacher?
I took time off of college when I was nineteen and moved to Los Angeles. I’ve always had a huge passion for film and I wanted to work in the entertainment industry. In the year and a half that I lived there, I worked on a movie set as an a assistant to the director, worked for a production company, worked at a stand up comedy club and wrote on the side. Later, after I went back to school and graduated from college, I realized that no matter what I did it had to involve writing. I wanted to inspire kids to write, which is why I became a high school English teacher. I also love working with teenagers—I think high school is such an interesting phase and kids go through so many changes.
2. What made you decide to pursue writing?
I’ve always written. It’s an outlet, a form or entertainment, a mobile therapist, and a friend. I majored in journalism in college, but fiction writing has always been my passion. I love the creative liberty. I started writing books that I wish were on the shelves. I just write stories I would want to read.
3. Can you tell us about the main characters in Awaken, Maddie and Justin?
Maddie was born out of some journaling I did when I moved to Oregon. I was entranced by the beauty of this state—the rainforests and oceans and valleys. I was constantly outside hiking and exploring and I started realizing how much people miss when they’re always online. That’s how Maddie was created—this trapped, spirited character craving more than her confined life. Then, I thought, how cool would it be if someone came around to open her up? Open that lid and help her crawl out? That’s how Justin was born. He represents the “real” world. In so many ways Maddie is asleep and Justin needs to wake her up. I liked that idea. I thought it was romantic and interesting.
4. What originally made you want to tell this story?
I wanted to write a thought-provoking love story. So many love stories I read have a good romance, but the plot falls short. I find myself skimming over the storyline, just to get to the love scenes. I wanted to write a book with a plot that was gripping enough to keep the reader engaged. I love dystopian stories, especially when they’re focused around technology. I definitely think technology has its perks but I also think it’s important to keep it in check.
5. In a world where computers are used for everything, do you think that the main idea of your story could come true someday, or that in some way it already is true?
I think if we continue on the path we’re going my story could easily come true, and in many ways we are already there. We work, shop, order food, date, socialize, watch movies, read, take classes and can even exercise through a computer. The problem with this convenience is it’s getting harder and harder to turn off. I feel like you can either be excited for the future, or you can fear it. Lately, I live on the side of fearing it.
Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children (May 23rd, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardback: 352 pages
Maddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether it’s to go to school or on a date, people don’t venture out of their home. There’s really no need. For the most part, Maddie’s okay with the solitary, digital life—until she meets Justin. Justin likes being with people. He enjoys the physical closeness of face-to-face interactions. People aren’t meant to be alone, he tells her. Suddenly, Maddie feels something awakening inside her—a feeling that maybe there is a different, better way to live. But with society and her parents telling her otherwise, Maddie is going to have to learn to stand up for herself if she wants to change the path her life is taking. In this not-so-brave new world, two young people struggle to carve out their own space.
Prize:
1 winner will receive a copy of Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky.
Rules:
You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US Only and ends June 1st.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.
Find Katie Kacvinsk y | Website
Purchase Awaken Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
Sourcebooks has two fabulous summer lovin' books coming out. The Summer of No Regrets by Katherine Grace Bond and While He Was Away by Karen Schreck are both released May 1st. Today I have a guest post from Katherine on why we crave fame. Sign up below for a chance to win both titles!
Why We Crave Fame “Celebrity-in-Hiding.” When I first started writing THE SUMMER OF NO REGRETS, I didn’t want to admit how much that idea intrigued me. I’m a lot like my main character, Brigitta—all about finding the meaning of life, not fantasizing over whether the guy next door is a movie star. When I bought a National Enquirer, I explained to the grocery store clerk that it was for research— that I was writing a book (“Yes,” I told her modestly, “I am an author.”) I certainly didn’t normally read that sort of thing. Of course not. Well, okay, maybe the headlines. Occasionally.
But as I read through stacks of People and Star and Us (which is a lot like eating sugar cubes all day long), and more stacks of celebrity biographies, I started to wonder what the deal is about fame. Why does it fascinate us? Why do we love the idea of either being famous or being connected to somebody famous?
I think it’s because we’ve got some interesting ideas about “being known.” If I’m “known,” people know who I am, right? Lots of people. Those people will say I’m talented and beautiful and they’ll treat me with special respect. If I’m known, I get to wear amazing clothes and ride in limousines. People will do what I want just because I’m known. If I only eat the green M&M’s, someone will pick those out of the five-pound bag and put them into a crystal dish for me. If I’m known, I am important—more important than that boss who fired me, or the teacher who gave me a C and said “You ought to be ashamed of yourself,” or the security guard who threw me out of a mall in Seattle for plugging my cellphone into a floor outlet (true story!)
But is that really what being known is? Getting special treatment and being better than somebody else? Who really knows me when I’m known like that? What I crave, what I really crave, is to have a few people who will look into my eyes and know me—know how I wrinkle my nose when I laugh, and what my favorite show is, and why I’m afraid of guns. It’s what we all want, I think—people who will listen to us when we’re scared, and scream with us on the roller coaster, and trust us with their hurts. We want to know we matter. We want to have a few people we don’t have to hide ourselves from.
So is Brigitta’s next-door-neighbor a secret superstar? We can talk about that later. I need to go to the grocery store and read some headlines.
The Summer of No Regrets by Katherine Grace Bond Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire (May 1st, 2012) Paperback: 290 pages The day Brigitta accidentally flings herself into the lap of a guy she's never met, her friend Natalie is convinced he's Trent Yves, egotistical heartthrob-in-hiding. When the boy, who calls himself Luke, is nearly eaten by a cougar, Brigitta finds herself saving his life, being swept into his spectacular embrace and wondering if she wants Natalie's fantasy to be true.
As the two spend the summer together raising orphaned cougar cubs, Brigitta still can't be sure of his true identity. But then again, since her grandparents' death, her father's sudden urge to give away all their possessions and become a shaman, and her own awkward transition from girlhood into a young woman, she isn't sure of anything. What is the truth? More importantly, can she accept it?
While He Was Away by Karen Schreck Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire (May 1st, 2012) Paperback: 249 pages This is just something I have to do, okay?" I hear David say."The right thing."
He cradles my face in his hands. He kisses me hard. Then he lets go of me. His eyes dart from me to whatever's next.
All she wants is for him to stay. She's been doing pretty well, pretending he doesn't have to go. But one day, after one last night to remember, she wakes up and there's no denying it anymore. He's gone.
When Penna Weaver's boyfriend goes off to Iraq, she's left facing life without him. As summer sets in, Penna tries to distract herself with work and her art, but the not knowing is slowly driving her crazy. Especially when David stops writing.
She knows in her heart he will come home. But will he be the same boy she fell in love with?
Prize:
1 winner will receive a copy of The Summer of No Regrets and While He Was Away.
Rules:
You must be at least 13 (or have permission) to enter.
Name and email must be provided.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US only and ends May 9th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.
Find Katherine Grace Bond Website | Goodreads | Twitter
Hello and welcome to the starting line for Haunted Halloween: True Stories of the Paranormal! Throughout the month of October on my blog and Lisa's, at A Life Bound By Books, we will be hosting many authors and special guests sharing everything from True scary stories, to exciting exclusive excerpts from highly anticipated books to, interviews and yes giveaways!
Pssst! I can’t tell you just what were giving away, but I can tell you this. *whispers* its well over 100 books!!! Yes, you heard that correctly!!
We are excited to be able to finally share with you all the amazing things we have hidden away from each of our guests. Tomorrow we will finally be bringing you the first stories and we can’t wait!
Starting sometime tonight we will also share with you some details about a few of the big giveaways. Two to be exact and then one more tomorrow. Are these the only contests you ask? No! Far from the only ones we have planned, but these will take a little bit of time, so we wanted to give you a head start with the two you will soon see.
Also – on Oct 14th we’ll be hosting a Twitter party!! Starting at 9pm EST we will be having fun with authors and anyone who can stop by. We’ll be there hanging out for at least an hour, if not longer so anyone feel free to drop in and say hello. Oh, you might want to hang out, there will be trivia and random giveaways for using the hashtag #HauntedHalloween. Be sure you’re following but @BoundByBooks and @TheBestReader for details and to be able to participate in the trivia!
If you’re looking to get a quick and easy head start to all those extra entries, we would love and appreciate it if you’d take the button for our event – you can find it in my right sidebar — and add it to your blog’s sidebar!
So, come and help celebrate Halloween with us and all of our guests for the whole month. It won’t be the same without you; we think you’ll have a haunting good time!
Remember-- We will be posting the details for 2 BIG giveaways tonight (4 winners each) so come back in a few to see that!
Experience the Heartbreak and Humor When the Academy Award® and Golden Globe® Winner Comes to Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD March 13 During the film, we find out that Alex, the oldest King daughter, has been sent away to boarding school for acting out — but she sure isn't the first difficult child that has been banished to boarding school on film! This Top 10 list will illustrate some other films where boarding school plays a role in the plot, including Flirting, Rushmore and Dead Poet's Society. Based on the best-selling novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings and set in Hawaii, THE DESCENDANTS is a sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic journey for Matt King (George Clooney) an indifferent husband and father of two girls, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off of Waikiki. The event leads to a rapprochement with his young daughters while Matt wrestles with a decision to sell the family’s land handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries. if…
if… is a 1968 drama about a British boarding school that is known for its severe punishments and the mistreatment of younger students by the older students (the Whips). The film focuses on three “outcast” students who are punished particularly severely at the hands of the Whips, and their eventual plan to retaliate on their oppressors. The films ends in a bloody battle between the outcasts and the rest of the school. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 1969 Cannes Film Festival. .Au Revoir Les Enfants Au Revoir Les Enfants is a 1987 French film that is based on actual events experienced by writer/director Loius Malle. The film takes place at a French boarding school in 1943. The school’s headmaster has introduced three Jewish students who must hide their true identities in order to evade the Gestapo. The film follows the friendship of one of the Jewish students, Jean Bonnet and another student, Julien Quentin. Eventually, the three Jewish students and the headmaster are captured and taken to concentration camps. Dead Poet’s Society
Dead Poet’s Society is a 1989 film set in a conservative prep school in Vermont in 1959. John Keating (Robin Williams) is the radical new English teacher at the uptight Welton Academy Prep School. Through his unorthodox teaching methods, like standing on desks and tearing pages out of books, Keating is able to help his students discover and explore their true passions in life, like writing and acting, instead of succumbing to the lives their parents have prescribed for them. Flirting Flirting is a 1991 Australian film set in two different boarding schools in 1965. The film stars Noah Taylor, Thandie Newton and Nicole Kidman as students attending boarding schools across the lake from each one another. Danny (Taylor) meets and falls in love with Thandiwe (Newton), a Ugandan-Kenyan-British girl. The couple is faced with racism and political turmoil, and must meet secretly in order to develop their relationship. Eventually, the couple is forced to separate, with letter writing as their only remaining connection. School Ties
School Ties is a 1992 film starring Brendan Fraser, Matt Damon and Chris O’Donnell. Set in the 1950s, this film is the story of David Greene (Fraser), a Jewish student from Pittsburgh who is given a football scholarship to attend a prestigious prep school in New England. After it is revealed that he is Jewish, David is ostracized from his former friends and anti-Semitism begins to plague the school. Scent of a Woman Scent of a Woman is a 1992 drama starring Al Pacino and Chris O’Donnell. The film is about a preparatory student (Charlie Simms) who takes a job as an assistant to a cantankerous, blind retired Army officer (Frank Slade). Frank takes Charlie on an extravagant trip to New York City with the intention of committing suicide once the trip has concluded. Charlie convinces Frank not to kill himself, and Frank helps Charlie win a disciplinary hearing at his school. Al Pacino won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance. Rushmore
1998’s Rushmore is the story of Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman), a precocious 15 year-old student at the prestigious Rushmore Academy. Max befriends Herman Blume (Bill Murray), a wealthy industrialist who has two children in school with Max. After Max’s unauthorized and failed attempt to construct an aquarium at the school, he is expelled and forced to attend public school. Following his expulsion, Max and Blume begin battling each other for the affections of first grade teacher Rosemary Cross. The Emperor’s Club 2002’s The Emperor’s Club stars Kevin Kline, Emile Hirsch, Jesse Eisenberg and Paul Dano. The film focuses on the fictional men’s prep school, St. Benedict’s Academy, in Andover, MA in the mid 1970s. The film tells the story of a passionate Classic professor who encounters a difficult and corrupt student. The film picks up 25 years after the group’s graduation, and shows that the boys continue to learn lessons from their old teacher even into adulthood. Les Choristes Les Choristes is a 2004 French film that is set in a boarding school for troubled boys in 1949. The film focuses on a new teacher at the school who starts a choir, and helps the boys become happier, better behaved, and find hidden talents. The new teacher also helps expose the atrocities of the cruel headmaster, while nurturing Morhange, a young boy with an amazing voice and a true talent for music. The Harry Potter Series
As much as we Muggles don’t want to admit it, Hogwarts is, at its core, a boarding school. The film adaptations of the wildly successful series of novels focuses on the titular boy wizard who travels to school to develop his wizarding skills. In the process, Harry and his friends embark on exciting adventures and face many obstacles and dangers, including some not-so-abnormal teen moments, such as asking a girl to a dance, and navigating a new (or in their case ever-changing) building on your first day of classes. Fox Entertainment has offered up a Blu-ray/DVD copy of THE DESCENDANTS for one lucky winner!
Prize:
1 winner will receive a Blu-ray/DVD copy of THE DESCENDANTS.
Rules:
You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US Only and ends March 26th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.
Thanks to Think Jam and Fox Entertainment for providing this giveaway.
The post you are about to read is 100 % **Role Play
All the characters represented here (please see the list of all Role Players provided below ) with the exception of Lisa and myself are **Role Players from a group on twitter. They have agreed to role play with us to help celebrate not only our Halloween Event, but also to help share our love for the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by author J.R. Ward, as these Role Players are also huge fans of J.R. Ward's works.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT NO ONE with this site/blog, Lisa’s site/blog nor the role-playing group — which you can find with the list of twitter accounts provided — is in any way, shape or form connected to or affiliated with J.R. Ward. No one present or represented here is J.R. Ward, nor is the role playing intended for any purpose other than the personal enjoyment of the Role Players involved.
Warning: This story contains mature and adult themes.L/J: *trying to get the topic back on track* Okay then, since were talking about Vampire movies and all, what do you think about the TV shows out there that have Vampires of the non-sparkly variety in them? Such as say… The Vampire Diaries or True Blood?
@Vishous_BDB: Only if we want a laugh, true? @BellaR_BDB: I’ve heard of the shows from some of the followers, but I haven’t watched them. Do you watch them? *glancing at L and J* @Tohrment_BDB: *shakes head* I don't watch shows about teenagers, first. And the True Blood stuff? Some of the humans on twitter complained about it being all wrong, so I've kept my distance.
L/J: So, being that we found you on twitter, which is great and amazing to get a chance to check in with each of you nightly… it looks like you all have fun with it? Was it you @Vishous_BDB who got them all hooked? And if not, how did you all get started with it?
@Vishous_BDB: Yeah I thought it would be a good way to get our stories out there. It worked, we have had several people tell us they read the books because of us.
L/J: @Vishous_BDB Your right, it is a great way to further spread the word about each of your stories.
@Vishous_BDB: *nods knowing I am always right* @Rhage_BDB: I hate to admit he is right *nods at @Vishous_BDB* But he was. @Tohrment_BDB: That's V's big brain working over time again. It's been a good ride, so far. @Phury_BDB: V got us started. At first it did seem awkward for some of us, myself included. But it has been interesting. @Wrath_BDB: I’ll admit to not being completely sold on the idea of twitter at first. I couldn’t figure out who had time for this shit. But as the leader of the vampire race, I’m finding it to be an excellent communication tool as well as the best form of agitation for the @Scribe_Virgin I’ve seen in a couple hundred years. *smirks* @MaryL_BDB: The whole Twitter thing fascinates me. People are so friendly and they genuinely seem to care about us as people, not just us as figments of their imaginations. Maybe you could give us some insight into that. Why do people we don’t know follow our lives so closely? Not that I don’t love it! @BethR_BDB: Everyone is really friendly and supportive of us. @MarissaH_BDB: I have to agree with @BethR_BDB and MaryL_BDB. Everyone has been so kind on Twitter. When things between @Butch_BDB and myself were uncertain so many people has such kind and supportive words.
L/J: @MaryL_BDB & everyone… to answer your question, I think we follow each of you because after reading your stories we feel like we know you, even just the slightest bit. That this is our way to stay connected to you and see where each of you are in your lives while waiting the long way for the next book/chapter to begin within your world. And trust me, it’s a long wait…
L: Actually *blushing* – Jessica dared me to send a message to @Rehvenge_BDB and that’s how this whole interview came about. He suggested I speak to @Wrath_BDB. *Looks to @Rehvenge_BDB*, by the way, thanks again.
@Rehvenge_BDB: *standing, using the cane to lead my way to you* It was my sublime pleasure. *taking up your hand, stroking a thumb over the inside of your wrist… and FEEDING on your anxiety before heading back to the game*
L: *Stares at @Rehvenge_BDB and his purple eyes. Wonder if that really just happened. Hearing @Wrath_BDB’s tone – shaking head to clear the haze bringing me back to the room*
@Wrath_BDB: Rehv. Cut the shit, man. She’s my guest and I won’t have you using her.
L: Well, *still nervous* you somewhat intimidate us, though we thoroughly enjoy following along, so we both lurk. Maybe after this we won’t lurk as much?
@Butch_BDB: What the hell is there to be intimidated of? *grins* @Vishous_BDB: True that.
J: @Butch_BDB — maybe it’s just that each of you, well the males at least, radiate so much testosterone… or it could just be the fangs.
@Butch_BDB: *smirks* @MarissaH_BDB: It’s always nice to talk with everyone one Twitter. But I was nervous about talking with people in the beginning- it was something outside of anything the gylmera would ever have approved. @BethR_BDB: There’s no need to be intimidated. I enjoy talking with everyone.
L/J: @MarissaH_BDB & BethR_BDB – Thank you so much for making us feel so welcome and inviting us in. Thanks to each of you really.
@MarissaH_BDB: *smiles warmly* @Rhage_BDB: Yeah, you should talk to us. A lot.
J: @Rhage_BDB — now that we have had a chance to get to know you all, I definitely think we will be chatting with you a lot more.
@Tohrment_BDB: Hey, reach out, we don't bite *laughs*
L: @Tohrment_BDB *laughing with you* did you really just say that?
@Tohrment_BDB: *thinks to the immediate past* Yeah, I did. *winks* @Qhuinn_BDB: *grins* No lurking allowed, ladies. Maybe a Corona or two will loosen you up a bit?
L: @Qhuinn_BDB *slight smile* well, while Corona is one of my favorite beers, I’d much rather have some Tequila. *blushing*
@Qhuinn_BDB: *Grins at Lisa, holding up a lime and the salt shaker* I've got the Heradurra right here, babe. Body shots on me?
L: *stares at @Qhuinn_BDB Speechless*
J: @Qhuinn_BDB actually, right about now I could use one… Could you pass one over?
@Blaylock_BDB: Truly, be at ease. We really enjoy interacting with our followers. Oh, and ignore @Qhuinn_BDB. I try to. *smiles, blushing slightly*
J: *giggles after drinking* Aww @Blaylock_BDB you’re just too sweet! *walks across the room and touches his cheek. Thinking this Corona is starting to relax me*
@Blaylock_BDB: *blushing brighter at your touch* Thanks.
J: Um, how about a question for each of you? Do you enjoy reading and if so, what’s your favorite type of story?
@Butch_BDB: Mysteries for me. The cop in me never really went away totally. @Vishous_BDB: I love to read. Everything. I have thousands of books. I enjoy anything that makes me think. @Tohrment_BDB: I like to read vampire stories for a good laugh and conspiracy theory fiction. The DaVinci Code wasn't bad. I can also read about cars for days. The Complete Book of Corvette and Porsche: Excellence Was to be Expected are two of my faves. Lots of beauty in those pages. *Thinks about the Stingray* I think that covers it. @Rehvenge_BDB: Mob stories. Big fan. *enigmatic grin* @Zsadist_BDB: *lips curl in a smile* Anything Nalla wants me to read to her.
L: @Zsadist_BDB Oh, I almost forgot – here *passes to @Zsadist_BDB* I brought this book for Nalla. I found it just the other day and thought she might like it. It’s called Cloudette. *smiles*
@Zsadist_BDB: *smiling — nods* Nalla will love it. Thank you *glances over at Nalla and Bella, smile widens* @Phury_BDB: I enjoy reading a wide variety of things. @Wrath_BDB: *shakes head* Unless I can get something in Braille otherwise @BethR_BDB reads to me. I love hearing her voice, so it’s all good. @BethR_BDB: I enjoy anything I can read to Wrath. But I’m not going to lie; I like a good Nicholas Sparks book just as much as the next female. @BellaR_BDB: I like romance novels. *smiles* I like happy ever afters. @EhlenaA_BDB: I read everything I can get my hands on. *looks to @Rehvenge_BDB* I’m currently reading “Mind Manipulation: Ancient and Modern Ninja Techniques”… you know… gotta stay sharp.
J: @EhlenaA_BDB — Same here. I try to read a variety of different books. Never know what ones may turn into favorites. *thinking of picking up that book… never know when it may come in handy*
@MaryL_BDB: I’m very much a reader. Currently I’m reading Our Synaptic Selves, though usually I read the latest in childhood disorders. The field changes so fast, it’s hard to keep up. @MarissaH_BDB: Well, I’ve been enjoying reading books that @MaryL_BDB found for me as wonderful reference points for SafePlace. I continue to feel like there is so much that I don’t know. @Qhuinn_BDB: *runs a hand through my dark, spiky hair* Hmm… Do video game guides count @Blaylock_BDB: *laughs* Um… no, @Qhuinn_BDB, video game guides don’t count. We’ve been pretty busy lately, but I really like Joe Hill. @Lassiter_BDB: I prefer TV.
L: @Lassiter_BDB how did I know you were going to say that? *laughing* J: @Lassiter_BDB oh, do you mean more of those Lifetime Movies that were mentioned before.
@Lassiter_BDB: Exactly. Classy TV. @CormiaC_BDB: I have been devouring every book about architecture that @Phury_BDB has been able to find for me. And human history books. I’m intimately familiar with our race’s history but now I’m curious about other histories.
L/J: This one is for the Shellans – how do you each put up with all the fighting? *glances over to see @Tohrment_BDB and looks away sad to have asked such a question*
@Tohrment_BDB: *Knowing I'm going to have to ride this out, it's what Wellsie wanted for me. Resolved to stick around no matter how thick it gets, trying to focus on sinking my next shot instead.* @MarissaH_BDB: I’d be lying if I said I didn’t worry every time @Butch_BDB goes out hunting--what he does is different than what the other Brothers do, and it will always frighten me. But I trust him, and I trust that he will do everything in his power to come home to me each night. *sees @Butch_BDB watching me, smiles at him in return* @Butch_BDB: *winks at @MarissaH_BDB* @CormiaC_BDB: I knew @Phury_BDB first as the Primale and a warrior, so I always knew this was part of who he is. It doesn’t mean I don’t worry, because I do. But I know that he and his Brothers are fighting for our entire race, and that’s a calling greater than my worry. And besides, he’s already proven he’s stronger than even he knew… *smiles proudly at @Phury_BDB* @DocJaneW_BDB: *Looking up from the plans for the new clinic and shaking my head* You just can't think about it. *glancing over at V who's leaning on his cue, smiling at him* And I'll be damned if I ever lose any of them should they need my expertise. @BellaR_BDB: *looks at Nalla* I worry. I try not to, but I do. *looks over at @Zsadist_BDB* But even while I’m worrying, I know that @Zsadist_BDB will always do everything in his power to come home to us. And I choose to believe that he will. @MaryL_BDB: *sighs* I know it’s important to him, to his Brothers, so I just kiss him before he goes and then hold my breath until he comes home. I think I’m comforted by my pet, the one he calls “the beast”. Well, his beast and I have an arrangement. He keeps my Rhage safe and I scratch him behind the ears when he gets home. *giggles and winks @Rhage_BDB* @BethR_BDB: I know how frustrating it is that @Wrath_BDB can’t be out fighting alongside his brothers, but he has a responsibility to the race as their King which he takes very seriously. I worry about the other warriors who are out in the streets every night, hunting down lessers and keeping us safe. @Wrath_BDB worries about even more than I do, and I don’t like to think of how hard he would take it if something happened to one of them. @EhlenaA_BDB: I don’t worry overly much about @Rehvenge_BDB fighting. His battles are waged on a different field. *taps head*
L: The strength each of you has is amazing. I can hear it in your voices; see it in your body language. The conviction in our words comes shining through when speaking of such a hard subject. Thank you for your honest answers.
@DocJaneW_BDB: *nods* You're welcome. You have to be strong to handle one of these males, trust me. All the women here are tough as nails, couldn't be happier to find myself in their ranks. @BellaR_BDB: *smiling* You’re welcome.
L/J: *gets up to walk around – seeing how natural they all are with each other, makes my/our nerves settle some* (hearing laughing over a game of pool between @Vishous_BDB & @Tohrment_BDB we walk over to check it out.*
@Vishous_BDB: *taking a shot*
L: Who’s winning?
@Vishous_BDB: *nods at @Tohrment_BDB* Want to play winner? @Tohrment_BDB: *Eying the 3 ball, knowing I can bank it in if V misses his next shot*
J: Ohhh, no, we’re still playing Monopoly with @Wrath_BDB, @Rehvenge_BDB, @Zsadist_BDB, @Phury_BDB. We just came over to see what you guys were laughing about?
@Vishous_BDB: Well you did bring up the sparkly vamps so we had to give @Rhage_BDB some flack, true? @Rhage_BDB: *flips V off* @Tohrment_BDB: *shaking my head at all the sparkle talk* @Lassiter_BDB: *still glowing* What is wrong with sparkle? @Rehvenge_BDB: *finally absconding with Park Place AND Boardwalk, nailing the Brothers with sly amethyst eyes* Just hand over your banks now, ladies. *steepled fingers*
L: Who’s winning at the monopoly game? Oh… not sure, but I believe @Wrath_BDB might be. *feeling less and less nervous, but knowing it can return at anytime with so many males of this size packed into this room.*
@Rehvenge_BDB: *pulling all Z’s internal outrage for a snack and replacing it with the overwhelming desire to bake Halloween cupcakes* @Zsadist_BDB: *feeling like I want to bake some cupcakes – shakes head and glares at @Rhevenge_BDB * You Fu… *growls* @Wrath_BDB: *grins* Of course I’m winning. And Rehv? Park Place and Boardwalk mean nada. *laughs* @Rehvenge_BDB: *shouts above the music that it’s Jessica’s turn*
L/J: *looking up at @Vishous_BDB, @Rhage_BDB, @Tohr_BDB & @Butch_BDB over the pool table* we’ll come back again in a few… *walking back over to the couch – noticing @John_MatthewBDB and @Xhex_BDB have joined the group* `1
Be sure to come back tomorrow night for the 3rd and final part of our interview! You won't want to miss out it AND we'll have another surprise tomorrow night as well!
If you would like to follow along with the all the Black Dagger Brotherhood Twitter Role Players is part of this group, please USE GOOGLE to easily follow each character. And trust me, you don't know what your missing! So hurry and follow today!
@FritzDoggen_BDB Online: (updates, notes and information on the Twitter Role Playing Group)
Website | Twitter
Order All 8 books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and Preorder book 9 Online here:
Amazon | Borders | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository
Thank you so much to all the characters from the Black Dagger Brotherhood Twitter Role Play group for all the time and effort they have been putting in to help us celebrate not only Halloween and our event, but also our love for all that is the Brotherhood and J.R. Ward.
Reference:
**Role Play
–verb (used with object) 1. to assume the attitudes, actions, and discourse of (another), esp. in a make-believe situation in an effort to understand a differing point of view or social interaction: Management trainees were given a chance to role-play labor negotiators. 2. to experiment with or experience (a situation or viewpoint) by playing a role: trainees role-playing management positions. –verb (used without object) 3. to engage in role-playing.
Interview by Lisa (L) & Jessica (J)
All who are attending?
Playing Pool are Vishous_BDB & @Tohrment_BDB with @Butch_BDB and @Rhage_BDB playing next. Playing Monopoly are @Rehvenge_BDB, @Zsadist_BDB, @Wrath_BDB, @Phury_BDB, and Jessica and I. @BellaR_BDB and @BethR_BDB are playing with Nalla. @DocJaneW_BDB, @MaryL_BDB, @CormiaC_BDB, @EhlenaA_BDB, and @MarissaH_BDB are looking over more plans for the medical facility while waiting for a shellan monopoly. It is much calmer. No daggers. @John_MatthewBDB and @Xhex_BDB come in later, still in honeymoon phase they are… looking happy. @Qhuinn_BDB and @Blaylock_BDB are playing Xbox. @Lassiter_BDB flutters from group to group inputting his two cents. @FritzDoggen_BDB serving crepes and drinks.
Check out Lisa's Haunted Halloween post!NOTE: This post will be the same on both of our blogs.
REMINDER: *If you are interested in the COMMENT CONTEST, remember to include your email address with your comment for an extra entry! Please ready full entry rules HERE.
The post you are about to read is 100 % **Role Play
All the characters represented here (please see the list of all Role Players provided below ) with the exception of Lisa and myself are **Role Players from a group on twitter. They have agreed to role play with us to help celebrate not only our Halloween Event, but also to help share our love for the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by author J.R. Ward, as these Role Players are also huge fans of J.R. Ward's works.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT NO ONE with this site/blog, Lisa’s site/blog nor the role-playing group — which you can find with the list of twitter accounts provided — is in any way, shape or form connected to or affiliated with J.R. Ward. No one present or represented here is J.R. Ward, nor is the role playing intended for any purpose other than the personal enjoyment of the Role Players involved.
Warning: This story contains mature and adult themes. J:@Rehvenge_BDB – seriously, I haven’t played this since college. Any tips on how to beat these boys? and you too *laughs* C’mon – help a girl out?
@Rehvenge_BDB: *enigmatic smile* Mind over matter, female. *leans forward* No… really… mind… *reaching out with the “fun” side of me to get a nice hold on your emotions… then looking over @Wrath_BDB and releasing my hold on you in an effort to play nice*… over matter. @John_MatthewBDB: *Walking in with Xhex, smiling at the shellans, nodding at the brothers* @Xhex_BDB: * Walking into room with John seeing everyone gathered together kicking back. Noticing @Rehvenge_BDB playing Monopoly with @Zsadist_BDB, @Wrath_BDB, and @Phury_BDB. I feel the smugness rolling off him, he must have Boardwalk and Park Ave again.* Gearing up to win @Rehvenge_BDB? @Rehvenge_BDB: You know my tastes, Xhex. And how I play for keeps. *flicking amethyst eyes to @EhlenaA_BDB and thinking she’s overdue for one of our “special” phone calls*
L: *smiles* Hello, @John_MatthewBDB & @Xhex_BDB. It’s nice to see you both tonight. We were hoping you’d make it.
@John_MatthewBDB: *Looking to @Xhex_BDB, signing* Translate for me? @Xhex_BDB: Of course. *smiling at @John_MatthewBDB* @John_MatthewBDB: *signing* It's always good to be here, this is my family. No matter how crazy or strange, this is home. Thanks for your support of all of us.
L/J: *Sitting back, taking everything in and listening to the conversation that’s going around the room.*
@MarissaH_BDB: I’m new to some of these human traditions, but @Butch_BDB has explained the Halloween tradition to me. I’m curious to know what costume my hellren might wear if we all donned costumes? *looks towards @Butch_BDB* @Butch_BDB: I’d put on a cop uniform. You wanna see my night stick, baby? waggles eyebrows and picks @MarissaH_BDB up, swinging her around, planting a kiss on her lips* @CormiaC_BDB: Oh, costumes? That sounds like fun. I think I might like to dress up like an Explorer — I’ve been reading a lot of human history books lately. Perhaps Magellan or Columbus or Cortes… *looks to my hellren* What about you, @Phury_BDB? What costume would you wear? @Phury_BDB: *looks at @Rhage_BDB and @Vishous_BDB* Before anyone suggests it, I am NOT dressing up as Pocahontas so @CormiaC_BDB can be John Smith. @CormiaC_BDB: Pocahontas? @Phury_BDB: Never mind. As for a costume? I don’t know, I’d probably go as something that would make my niece laugh. @Vishous_BDB: Now that is a great idea, true? @MaryL_BDB: I love Halloween. I’d love to know what costume @Rhage_BDB would have me wear. *blushes again* Scratch that, baby. I don’t think I want you to answer it in the interview. @Rhage_BDB: *growls* @BethR_BDB: I think @Wrath_BDB would make a good pirate & I could be the kitchen wench. *laughing at the mental image of my hellren dressed up as a pirate* @Wrath_BDB: *shakes head* Great, I have to hand out candy to humans and dress up as Captain Jack Sparrow. Leelan, we need to discuss this pirate obsession of yours, preferably while I’m pillaging your village, wench. *low growl* @EhlenaA_BDB: *smiles sweetly @Rehvenge_BDB* You’ve already seen my Halloween costume. What’s your favorite part? @Rehvenge_BDB: Pantyhose. *FANGS* @DocJaneW_BDB: *Laughing at the Halloween talk* I already have the perfect costume, I'm going as a ghost. Of course V has other ideas, don't you? *raises an eyebrow* @Vishous_BDB: *growls, tempted to grab @DocJaneW_BDB and head for the pit*
@Lassiter_BDB: So I have a question for you two. Since I don’t have my own book yet, *rolls eyes* I want to know which book if your favorite? And what makes it your favorite? I know that when I get my own book that one will be everyone’s favorite. Also who’s your favorite brother? Favorite shellan? Favorite couple? It is okay to say I am your favorite, we all know it’s true. @Vishous_BDB: *walks over and drags @Lassiter_BDB away from you* Leave them alone Lassy. He will do anything for an ego boost.
L: It’s okay @Vishous_BDB. I’ll try to answer @Lassiter_BDB’s question. I do have two books that are my favorites, which two, I’m not going to say. However, I will tell you this — I more then enjoyed, laughed even cried during each and every book for one reason or another. @Wrath_BDB & BethR_BDB’s story had me hooked and ready for more. Now, that’s how it is at the end of each book. Craving more. As for the other questions you asked. For a favorite brother – depends on who’s book I’m reading at the time. That brother will usually end up being my favorite. For shellan, I think the answers they gave for how they deal with the fighting just proves to me that they are all worthy of that title. And for Favorite couple? Well, each has been through so much *looks at @Tohrment* that shows that even a Vampire race and the couples within it have some normal, if not extremely hard things they have to deal with, that makes you seem somewhat human in how most of us humans can relate to you. So, each couple is my favorite if for that reason alone. As for your book @Lassiter_BDB I’m looking forward to it. *smiling at you* I can’t wait to see where your story will go and to learn more about you. *thinking I kinda rambled there*
L:What about you Jessica?
J:Well, I will admit that I am very much looking forward to your story @Lassiter_BDB *winks* but as for past stories I am a huge fan of @Zsadist_BDB and I think that him and @BellaR_BDB are a fabulous couple! I mean c'mon, @BellaR_BDB kicks butt! Gotta love when the lady takes charge. *smiles* I do have to say that one thing I loved in each book was that the shellans were there to help each of you see a different side of yourselves and with that I believe it helped to open each of you up a bit too.
@Lassiter_BDB: A long as you didn’t say that one is your favorite I am good: *points @Vishous_BDB* @BellaR_BDB: *small smile* Thanks.
L: What about each of you? What do you think of your stories being out there? And were you surprised at anything you read after the fact?
@Wrath_BDB: Challa has been good to us. She’s told our stories and kept it accurate. I can’t ask for more than that. @Butch_BDB: I’m ok with what she wrote about me. It was hard to read about my family back in Boston and how things ended with us, but *shrugs* I’ve found where I really belong and that’s what really matters, true? @John_MatthewBDB: *Looking at @Xhex_BDB and signing* It's hard to have all of that exposed but at the same time I think it can help anyone realize that no matter how tough the path, eventually you end up exactly where you're supposed to be. * Squeezing @Xhex_BDB's hand and turning my head to look @Tohrment_BDB, remembering @Wellsie_BDB* @Xhex_BDB: * Returning @John_MatthewBDB’s comforting gesture. * It is difficult as I am a private person normally, but it has brought me back to where I needed to be and to people I can work with, albeit hesitantly for me given my personality. *Smirks * @Phury_BDB: I’m not proud of some of the decisions I made, so it was difficult to know that those decisions were in print. But I am proud of what I’ve done since then. So it makes sense to have the bad showcased with the good. @CormiaC_BDB: *nodding* You have much to be proud of. *thinks how proud I am of you* And yes, it was difficult to know that what we went through was shared with others, but we take the good with the bad… together. *smiles at @Phury_BDB* @DocJaneW_BDB: *Cutting in* I'd just like to say that I find the bond between mates absolutely compelling. Through reading the books, you are easily aware of when a male has found their mate *thinking of @Vishous_BDB's intoxicating bonding scent*. In each instance, the urge to claim their mate is nearly immediate whether the female is vampire, human or a half-blood, and in @Butch_BDB's case, he even knows before he's made aware of his lineage. I think that what may not be acknowledged as frequently, but can't be ignored, is that each of us was in turn magnetized to them. So is it all fate? Or is there something in our chemical make up that draws us to one another? I think there is plenty of room to explore this phenomenon. Anyway, I went off on a tangent there. About our story being out there? Personally, I think our book kicks ass. *winks at V*
J: Yeah.and what do you look forward to as more stories come out and your lives move forward?
@Wrath_BDB: A united vampire race. We need to recruit and work together to decimate the Lessing Society. With the Brotherhood strengthening daily anything is possible. @John_MatthewBDB: *signing* I'd like to see my boys @Blaylock_BDB and @Qhuinn_BDB get smart and find what I did with @Xhex_BDB, no matter what that means, for both of them. As far as the two of us *smiling at @Xhex_BDB* well, I just look forward to kicking some ass side by side *John then signs something that Xhex doesn't translate* @Xhex_BDB: * Rolling my eyes at my Hellren and signing back. * I can’t wait. @Phury_BDB: I hope you’ll get to see our race strengthened… @Vishous_BDB: Getting to know sister mine. @Butch_BDB: I’m waiting to see what’s doing with @Payne_BDB. If she’s anything like her twin, holy hell we’re in for a ride *glances over at @Vishous_BDB grinning* You love me bro, and you know it. *glancing over at @MarissaH_BDB* @Vishous_BDB: *claps @Butch_BDB’s back* True.
And with that, were going to get back to our visit and games here. We hope you enjoyed getting to peek in on our visit, we know we had a great time sharing it with you. Goodnight!
If you would like to follow along with the all the Black Dagger Brotherhood Twitter Role Players is part of this group, please USE GOOGLE to easily follow each character. And trust me, you don't know what your missing! So hurry and follow today!
@FritzDoggen_BDB Online: (updates, notes and information on the Twitter Role Playing Group)
Website | Twitter
Order All 8 books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and Preorder book 9 Online here:
Amazon | Borders | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository
Thank you so much to all the characters from the Black Dagger Brotherhood Twitter Role Play group for all the time and effort they have been putting in to help us celebrate not only Halloween and our event, but also our love for all that is the Brotherhood and J.R. Ward.
ENTER TO WIN the first SIX books inthe Black Dagger Brotherhood!!One lucky person will win a box set!! NOTE: The winner for this contest will be chosen at Random with a little help from @Wrath_BDB! He will be helping us pick the winner LIVE ON TWITTER soon after Nov. 15th. Lisa and I will post details closer to when @Wrath_BDB is ready to pick the winner,so keep an eye out! Here are the rules and how to enter:
You MUST complete the form to enter. No entries in comments please they won't count. Comments are welcome, so share your love with Lisa and I for the Black Dagger Brotherhood World!!!
You must be at least 17 years old to enter. (these are ADULT titles, so you MUST be at least 17 to enter)
This contest is open to INTERNATIONAL! (Anywhere the Book Depository Ships to!)
Contest ends: Nov. 15th, 2010
Check out Lisa's other Haunted Halloween post!NOTE: This post will be the same on both of our blogs. REMINDER: *If you are interested in the COMMENT CONTEST, remember to include your email address with your comment for an extra entry! Please ready full entry rules HERE.
Hey everyone! Today kicks off the Baby, It's Cold Outside blog tour! Aimee, Kate, Heidi and Amy have stopped by today to do a few fun"This or That" and Fill in the Blank questions. Be sure to check out the giveaway below for a $10 Gift Card! A new giveaway will be featured during each week of the tour.
FOLLOW THE TOUR
AIMEE CARSON This or That List:
Hot or Cold: Cold! I grew up in Florida and I hate hot weather. Hot Chocolate or Coffee: In answer to your question, I lugged my espresso maker all the way to last year’s Romance Writers of America conference in Anaheim. I’ll be taking it next year too. Real Tree or Fake Tree: Real. You just can’t beat the wonderful scent of pine on Christmas morning. Spending time by the fire or Spending time in the snow: I’m gonna be greedy here and say I want to play in the snow and then snuggle up in front of the fire afterward. The two kinda go together like peanut butter and chocolate. Fill in the Blank: My story is perfect for the holidays because_______ my feisty heroine has just suffered through the worst year of her life when she runs into the hero on New Year’s Day. ‘Tis the Season to be Tempted is all about new beginnings, and having the courage to start over. My characters begin the story as (friends, enemies, strangers, etc.)_______ Hmm, this is a tough one. My hero is best friends with the heroine’s older brother. They grew up together, with the hero always being a little disapproving of the heroine’s questionable choices. She’s … ah, kind of a nonconformist. And there’s always been this lingering unspoken attraction. Of course, they were too different to consider a romantic relationship. So… friends? Sort of. Enemies? Sometimes. Strangers? In all the ways that really count. This book is about them revealing their true selves. A perfect gift for the characters in my story would be_________ a gourmet set of kitchen utensils, but you’ll have to read the book to find out why! *insert evil laugh* If I could spend Christmas with any celebrity it would be_________ Conan O'Brien, because he makes me laugh!
KATE HARDYThis or That List:
Hot or Cold Cold — I can't sleep if I'm too hot!
Hot Chocolate or Coffee — Coffee (especially if it's a skinny latte — though after my one proper coffee a day I tend to drink instant whole bean decaf)
Real Tree or Fake Tree — I would love a real one, like the one we had when I was a child, but we have a fake one which is narrow and doesn't take up quite so much room
Spending time by the fire or Spending time in the snow — as long as I don't have to drive in it, snow (otherwise, please let me stay by the fire with a good book!)
Fill in the blank
My story is perfect for the holidays because _________ it's all about second chances and learning the true meaning of Christmas
My characters begin the story as (friends, enemies, strangers, etc.) ___________ total strangers
A perfect gift for the characters in my story would be __________ exactly what they get — each other!
If I could spend Christmas with any celebrity it would be _________ Antonio Banderas, because he's utterly gorgeous (as well as coming across in interviews as a really, really nice guy) and he dances the tango beautifully (see 'Take the Lead' for details): o) And as we're learning the tango in ballroom dance class next term, I would love to dance the tango with him. (Or the waltz. I bet he waltzes perfectly, too!)
HEIDI RICE This or That
Hot or Cold: Cold (and snuggly)
Hot Chocolate or Coffee: Coffee with Skimmed milk when I'm being good, Hot Chocolate with cream when I'm being bad (I'm usually bad!)
Real Tree or Fake Tree: Real tree, gotta be, it's not Christmas if you can't smell the Norwegian spruce in our living room.
Spending time by the fire or Spending time in the snow: Time by the fire (after time in the snow!)
Fill in the blank My story is perfect for the holidays because _______ it'll whisk you away to a luxury department store on Fifth Avenue where there are no queues, you can have anything you want without paying for it and there's a hunky guy on hand to rub your feet when you're done! And there's a really hot romance in there somewhere, too!
My characters begin the story as (friends, enemies, strangers, etc.) ______ strangers with misconceptions about each other.
A perfect gift for the characters in my story would be________ Each other! If I could spend Christmas with any celebrity it would be _______ Pierce Brosnan who would take me to Mauii. Why? Because I've heard he looks super cute in a sarong!
AMY ANDREWS This or That Hot or Cold — Hot Hot Chocolate or Coffee — Hot Chocolate Real Tree or Fake Tree — Fake Spending time by the fire or Spending time in the snow — By the Fire (whilst watching the snow out the window)
Fill in the blank My story is perfect for the holidays because _it’s about two strangers in a snowed-in cabin, perfect for long, lazy days snuggled up in bed!______ My characters begin the story as (friends, enemies, strangers, etc.) ___strangers. A perfect gift for the characters in my story would be ___a super-size box of condoms! If I could spend Christmas with any celebrity it would be _George Clooney because I couldn’t think of any other celebrity I’d want to kiss under the mistletoe quite as much as George!
Baby, It's Cold Outside by Amy Andrews, Aimee Carson, Kate Hardy, and Heidi Rice Published: Entangled Publishing (November 19th, 2012) Reading Level: Adult
Four novellas from four of the biggest names in romantic fiction!
Kate Hardy's 'TIS THE SEASON TO KISS SANTA
With the help of a sprig of mistletoe and some snow angels, a recently single pastry chef teaches a highly successful and sexy Scrooge the true meaning of the holidays on a snowy Christmas Eve that quickly heats up.
Heidi Rice's 'TIS THE SEASON TO GO SHOPPING
When a Christmas Day blizzard strands an up-and-coming marketing manager and her boss's very off-limits, very hot playboy son in his department store, the two toe the line between naughty and nice as they unwrap their holiday presents—and each other!
Amy Andrews’s ‘TIS THE SEASON FOR KISSING
A down-on-her-romantic-luck kindergarten teacher plans to drown her New Year’s Eve sorrows in a gallon of spiked eggnog, but the arrival of her best friend's sexy brother threatens to melt the snow piling up outside the tiny Vermont cabin.
Aimee Carson’s ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE TEMPTED
After the worst year ever, a jilted music manager rings in the New Year alone, swearing off men forever. But things get complicated when her brother's best friend, the perfect man with the perfect body, tempts her to break her vow—if only for one hot night!
A few weeks months ago I asked for your opinion: what books would you recommend to my students. I had a fantastic response. If my stats for that post are any indication, this question has been asked many times before and people, especially teachers, are still looking for those great recommendations. Well, after asking my mom (a school librarian) and the librarian at my school, I'm finally making public what we have put together. I'm pretty sure everybody can find something on this list; I know that nonfiction is an area I need to work on as well and as I'm expecting one nonfiction read from my students by the end of the semester I've set the same standard for myself.
If you'd like to look at these lists in a Google Doc format: Recs from Readers and Recs from Teachers
Here are the recommendations from other readers: Title of Book Diary of Anne Frank In the Garden of Beasts Manhunt Farewell to Manzanar Graphic Novels: Maus and Persepolis Half Broke Horses I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings The Meaning of Matthew: My Son's Murder in Laramie, and a World Transformed What is the What I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Freakonomics Under the Black Flag Cleopatra: A Life All But My Life Freedom Riders Einstein's Refrigerator Brothers in Arms The Devil In The White City Little Princes 360 Degrees Longitude Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
You Had Me at Woof Decoded Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us Night Eat, Pray, Love I am Scout: The Biography of Harper Lee I am Scout: The Biography of Harper Lee The Glass Castle The Children's Blizzard Rocket Boys Stitches: A Memoir
And here are the recommendations compiled by two fantastic school librarians:
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Scars by Cheryl Rainfield Publisher: Westside Books (March 24th, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 250 pages Source: Author Rating: 4 of 5 stars Kendra, fifteen, hasn't felt safe since she began to recall devastating memories of childhood sexual abuse, especially because she still can't remember the most important detail-- her abuser's identity. Frightened, Kendra believes someone is always watching and following her, leaving menacing messages only she understands. If she lets her guard down even for a minute, it could cost Kendra her life. To relieve the pressure, Kendra cuts; aside from her brilliantly expressive artwork, it's her only way of coping. Since her own mother is too self-absorbed to hear her cries for help, Kendra finds support in others instead: from her therapist and her art teacher, from Sandy, the close family friend who encourages her artwork, and from Meghan, the classmate who's becoming a friend and maybe more. But the truth about Kendra's abuse is just waiting to explode, with startling unforeseen consequences. Scars is the unforgettable story of one girl's frightening path to the truth. Review: This is such a heart-breaking story. After reading it, I know it is one that I will never forget. Kendra is being tortured by the glimpses of memories from her past. Those memories are ones that are of the horrible sexual abuse she experienced. Something that complicates Kendra's situation further is that she can't remember the face of her abuser. To attempt to deal with the pain she cuts herself as a way to release her emotions. Now Kendra is being watched and she knows her predator is back to try to control her again.
Kendra uses her art as a way to hold on to reality. That, along with her therapist Carolyn, are the only things that seem to keep Kendra moving forward. Soon Kendra gets to know Meghan, a girl from school, and instantly realizes what true love might be. Meghan has issues of her own but together her and Kendra are able to support and trust one another. Their love is sweet, gentle, and I felt Cheryl was able to express the true emotions of each character. Watching their relationship slowly progress gave me hope that Kendra had finally found the connection she needed.
Carolyn was able to give Kendra the help she needed in order to deal with the deeper issues involving memories, cutting, and the abuse itself. Her assistance enabled Kendra to take her time coming to terms with the flashes of memories she experienced. I loved the fact that this book did show the importance of someone receiving psychological help from a professional.
This story isn't just about love and healing. It has a powerful, shocking ending that made me speechless. It is disturbing and Cheryl doesn't shy away from the truth of abuse. I think the reality this book presents is exactly what more YA books need to incorporate. Sexual abuse is something that happens to many teens and young adults. It is a difficult topic but it is important for readers to fully understand what emotional problems can go along with being abused. It does not stop after the act or after the abuser has been caught and punished. As with Kendra's story, it can lead to self-harm and emotional instability that cannot be ignored.
For more information on Cheryl Rainfield or Scars: Cheryl Rainfield / Twitter / Goodreads Buy from: Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes & Noble
Melissa Walker, author of Small Town Sinners, is here today to talk about her book.
Check below for a chance to win an ARC copy of Small Town Sinners.
1. The cover for SMALL TOWN SINNERS is amazing! Was this the original cover, and what was your first reaction to it? The final version is pretty close to the first one I saw (which took my breath away at first glance!), but I asked if they could to brighten up the colors because I was afraid Lacey looked dead. You can see the before and after in Part 1 of my Cover Story: http://www.melissacwalker.com/cover-stories-small-town-sinners/
2. A lot of people are afraid to tackle topics like religion. Were you worried about that while writing the story? Yes, it did make me a little uneasy. I worried that my own beliefs would get in the way of my characters' and/or my readers' thoughts. But once I really put myself into the headspace of Lacey Anne and tried to stayed true to her, it felt natural and the fear went away.
3. What did your work with Seventeen magazine and ELLEgirl teach you about writing and about young adults? Magazine edits are way harsher than book edits (I remember a couple of"This sucks" comments on my magazine stories in the early days), so I developed a thick skin and a quick revision pen at the magazines. And I learned that young adults are the BEST audience to write for because they care so much about what they're reading and whether it rings true. I'm into passion.
4. If you could describe Lacey and Ty in only three words each, what would they be? Lacey: contemplative, loyal, determined Ty: curious, confident, perceptive
5. What are some of your summertime guilty pleasures? Popsicles (at least one a day), two movies in a row (amazing AC! Popcorn! Bliss!), walks in the park instead of workouts in the gym.
6. Can you tell us five little-known facts about you? 1. I use lipstick as blush too. 2. I facebook-stalk people from my past. Regularly. 3. I prefer the subway to cabs (reading time!). 4. I don't like live music that much (I know! Lame!). I'd rather listen at home. 5. I feel the same way about most sporting events. (But I do love the hot dogs at baseball games.)
Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker Publisher: Bloomsbury (July 19th, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardback: 259 pages The story of Lacey Anne Byers, a small town girl who is excited to star in Hell House, her church's annual haunted house of sin, until a childhood friend reappears and makes her question her faith.
Prize:
1 winner will receive an ARC of Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker.
Rules:
You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US Only and ends August 18th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
Stephanie Thomas has stopped by today to tell us a little about the world we will see in her book Luminosity. Be sure to sign up for the giveaway below!
Can you describe the world we will read about in Luminosity?
Luminosity is set in a dystopian world. The first book of The Raven Chronicles mostly takes place in The City, which is… exactly what it sounds like: a city! This city was created after a war that destroyed most of what was formally known as America. The survivors rebuilt on the East Coast, in this city that is protected with a force field-like shield and an electric barrier fence.
The City is mostly a dark place. In my head, I pictured it kind of like Gothim City. The “normal” people who live inside The City are called Citizens. They are kept inside the barricades for their own safety from whatever lies outside the fences. They must abide by curfew and other rules, but they don’t think of themselves as being oppressed. In fact, they are quite happy to have a place that is deemed safe enough to thrive.
The Seers are those who have the ability to see into the future and have been tasked with protecting the Citizens to the best of their ability. They live in the Institution, which is the tallest and most central building of The City. You’ll have to read to find out more about this mysterious place!
The only other place mentioned in book one would be Aura, where the Dreamcatchers live. Little is known about Aura as it’s so far away and houses the enemy.
Technology also has a huge role to play in Luminosity, though it is staggered and a bit inconsistent at best. The Seers definitely have some advanced technology, but there are times where it might be thought the Dreamcatchers know a bit more about what they are working with in that regard. It’s an interesting element to explore, since science and technology can be used to help and to hurt depending on whose hands it falls into.
I hope you enjoy the world I’ve created! I wish I could say more, but I don’t want to give anything away, so if you are curious, you’ll have to take a peek for yourself and see! Happy Reading!
About Stephanie: Stephanie Thomas has been writing ever since she could put letters together to form words. When she was a small child, she would present her mother and father with self-made newspapers filled up with make believe stories and pictures. Her love for writing followed her all throughout her schooling, where she entered and won writing contests of all sorts. Stephanie decided to become an English teacher and completed her B.A. at The Pennsylvania State University. While teaching, she later went on to get her Master’s in writing from The Johns Hopkins University. She completed her very first manuscript during her graduate studies, and by the end of the program, she had completed two more. Stephanie is quick to tell anyone that she’s a born and raised Philadelphian, and her heart will always belong there. She moved to Baltimore with her husband, and they’ve been living there for the last five years with their doggie, Sailor, and their rabbit, Buns (aka “T Sizzle).
Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas Published: Entangled Publishing (November 13th, 2012) Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 296 pages Series: Raven Chronicles #1 My name is Beatrice. When I was born, I was blessed with the Sight. I was immediately removed from my parents and enrolled in the Institution. At the age of twelve, I had my first true vision, earning my raven’s wings. And when I turned seventeen, one of my visions came true. Things haven’t been the same since.
The Institution depends on me to keep the City safe from our enemy, the Dreamcatchers, but I’m finding it harder to do while keeping a secret from everyone, including my best friend Gabe. It is a secret that could put us all in danger. A secret that could kill me and everyone close to me.
But the enemy has been coming to me in my dreams, and I think I’m falling in love with him. He says they’re coming. He says they’re angry. And I think I’ve already helped them win.
Tour Wide Giveaway! Prize: A Signed Copy of Luminosity, A Raven Pepsi Bottle Cap Necklace, and Swag.
The Eternal Sea by Angie Frazier Publisher: Scholastic Press (June 1st, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 368 pages Source: Publisher Series: Everlasting #2 Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Romance and adventure are just around the corner.. After the thrilling journey that led Camille through the dangerous discovery of love, secrets, and a magical stone that grants immortality, Camille has everything she wants. She's escaped the men who wanted her dead, and now she is ready to build a new life with Oscar, her one true love. But things are not to be so simple. Oscar is acting strangely, and before they can even board a ship from Australia back home, to San Francisco, Camille learns that the journey is not over. If she does not follow the magic of the curse of Umandu, her life and Ocar's could be in grave danger. Review: I was actually surprised by how much I honestly enjoyed book one, Everlasting. I must say that this series continues to stun me as it continues. The Eternal Sea picks up there Everlasting left off. We see Camille go off on another journey that is packed with action, suspense, and even more romance.
A newer aspect of this story was the addition of a nice love triangle. Gotta love those! I really enjoyed getting the chance to learn about Randall. Although we know about him all along, this book really gives us a chance to understand him. He was not at all who I expected him to be. I will even admit that I went back and forth on who I liked best, him or Oscar. Shocking, but true! He was very well developed in the story and gave the book exactly what it needed. I enjoyed his interactions with Camille. It was obvious that he cared for her deeply.
The Eternal Sea takes us deeper into the legend that started Camille's journey. We also get a more in-depth look into her personality. I could relate to her and understand the difficulty of her decisions in this story. Her fighting spirit came forward and kicked butt! I loved it. I always enjoy a strong character and Camille is that and more. Sometimes I wasn't sure how she would continue but she always did.
This series has a fantastic list of characters; some new, some old, and some we don't see as often as we did in Everlasting. But they all bring so much to the plot. I did find that this book took me a little longer to get back into the story, but by the middle of the book I was completely hooked and couldn't put it down! I just had to know what was happening next and how the romance would heat up.and with who.
I am so excited for the next book! Angie has created a magical series with a complex plot, engaging characters, and a powerful heroine that will keep you at the edge of your seat!
Find Angie Frazier Website | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads
Purchase Everlasting Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
Please read:The post you are about to read is 100 % **Role Play All the characters represented here ( @The_Omega_ ) with the exception of Lisa and myself are **Role Players from a group on twitter. They have agreed to role play with us to help celebrate not only our Halloween Event, but also to help share our love for the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by author J.R. Ward, as these Role Players are also huge fans of J.R. Ward's works. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT NO ONE with this site/blog, Lisa's site/blog nor the role-playing group — which you can find with the list of twitter accounts provided — is in any way, shape or form connected to or affiliated with J.R. Ward. No one present or represented here is J.R. Ward, nor is the role playing intended for any purpose other than the personal enjoyment of the Role Players involved.
The following story contains some strong language and mature themes.The Favor by @The_Omega_ What is that spiteful b**** up to now?” I reached over to one of my pets, a strange mixed breed, part dragon, part cockatrice, all malevolence and anger. There are a total of six in existence. I bred them especially for aggression and protection, not that I really needed protecting or anything. But they come in handy when I need to intimidate my lessers. Or others. As I ran my arm over his bumpy scales, I thought back to the day the Scribe Virgin came to ask me a favor. It seems one of her precious warriors needed to be taught a lesson. He was a strong bastard and she had nothing with which she could impress upon him the lessons she felt he was in sore need of learning. I knew it was a sharp blow to her pride to have to come to me for anything. She had always been favored, in everything, and was loathe to have to ask me for help of any kind. In this it was no different. She entered my domain with a gust behind her, carrying that cursed scent from her Fade with her. “ Could I possibly borrow one of your dragons? I wish to curse one of my warriors, to teach him how to control himself and as I can think of nothing more out of control than your creatures, one of them would work nicely to punish him,” she asked without a hint of humility. She was asking me a favor and didn’t even have the decency to bow before me. I just looked at her, not saying a word. I could tell she was becoming impatient as she began to explain very quickly. “Rhage is impulsive and quick tempered. He’s also very strong and could take out many of your army before they even realize he’s there. It would be in your best interest for this warrior to be tamed.” I was hesitant to trust anything she said. I’m probably the only one who knows her truly. When our Father made us, it was assumed that she got the light while I got the darkness. We are supposedly two halves of a whole — she the positive and I the negative. Quite inaccurate. Our Father was mostly darkness and while it’s true all I got was that, it is also true that my dear sibling, while getting mostly goodness, also got a hefty dose of evil to go with it. She had a wicked mean streak that even her favorite monsters couldn’t escape. I would have said no out of hand, but I thought this would be an excellent way to dispatch of the Brotherhood immediately. I decided I would allow her to take the meanest, most out of control dragon I had, fully expecting that it would eat every vampire in the Brotherhood and make the rest of my job easy. There was no way, I thought, the Brother could possibly wrangle this monster.
“ You may have my favorite pet, but I have some conditions that must be met,” I said to her after a very long silence. “This isn’t something I do without great trepidation, knowing how horrid you are.” She waved her hand, as if to dismiss my concerns about her motives. She was always so dismissive of me and it drove me insane. “ No, sister mine, I will not be brushed off,” I growled in an ominous tone only I can pull off. “If you won’t agree to my demands, you shall not be allowed the use of my pet.” As I began to outline my requirements, a small smile played on her face. No one could tell me that the Scribe Virgin wasn’t sadistic. She was in absolute agreement that she borrow the most aggressive dragon, the one who would take the most work to control. She was happy to curse her warrior for 200 years, which I demanded to ensure the beast would have ample time to do its job. The only stipulation she balked at was my presence at the insertion. She didn’t want me there and I couldn’t understand why. “ I can’t be seen with you,” she said, aghast at the thought. “You can’t come to my sanctuary. You can’t be anywhere near me in any place where people might see us.” I put aside the insult. She had long since ceased to hurt my feelings with her obvious disgust at my very existence. “ Sorry, no deal. If I can’t be there to witness my pet, my baby, being implanted in that disgusting brute of yours, then you can’t have him,” I said as I turned away, fully prepared to send her away empty handed. I knew that would get her. One thing my darling sister couldn’t stand was being denied a chance to hurt another soul, even if was one that she had created. She liked to hide in her white world, where everything looked pristine and pure. However, anyone who looked closely at her behaviors, the things she did, the things she required before being willing to grant any favor, they would have seen the cruelty in her acts. “ I will agree to whatever you ask, brother,” she practically spat the word at me. “As you have asked a price for this, you must make sure the monster you give me will be the most difficult trial a warrior could possibly have to endure. If you don’t, I will find a way to make up the difference, and that will be most unpleasant for you. Of that you can be sure. Oh, and I shall have to hide you with a mhis. I wasn’t being facetious when I said I couldn’t be seen with you.” So the deal was struck. Within the blink of an eye, we were in front of the warrior, who had his head bent awaiting his punishment. I noticed the dead owl lying by the tree and I knew this vampire was in for more pain and suffering than he could possibly survive. My sister loved her birds and there was no way she was going to let this pass without extracting her pound of flesh. The Brother was larger than a typical vampire, but he was nowhere near big enough to contain my beast without a great struggle, and getting him into the vampire wasn’t going to be anything short of torturous. He was shaking a bit, perhaps in fear. Or maybe it was remorse, as he did seem to genuinely feel bad for whatever act had ended in the death of the owl. If he was smart, he would have been terrified. Whatever he felt, he kept his head bowed in shame and awaited his punishment with bravery. My sister, in her flowing black robe, was standing in front of the male. She reached down and grabbed him by his long, blond hair, yanking his head back until it looked like it was going to wrench from his neck. Looking into his face, she roared at him, “You have taken one of my most precious possessions.” The male just gaped at her, his eyes wide with surprise at her indignation. Tears were rolling down his face now as he stammered out a weak apology. His whole body was wracked with sobs. He blubbered about how he didn’t mean to do harm, how he hadn’t thought of the repercussions of giving his weapon to someone untrained. The words were coming out of his mouth so fast I had to struggle to understand what he was saying. I guess the male wasn’t stupid after all. He was petrified. From out of her robe, the Scribe Virgin pulled a large dagger. It was bone handled and looked like something with which a human would disembowel large game. Still looking directly into the vampire’s eyes, she took the knife and stabbed him in the throat. It made a sound of a stone dropping into wet cement, a slurping noise that would have caused a mortal to vomit. The male’s eyes did the impossible. They became even wider than they had been, taking up so much of his face that it appeared eyes were all he had. Pulling slowly, she dragged the blade down through his neck, his chest. The sickening sound of his sternum cracking was loud enough to startle the birds still left in the trees in this very twisted sanctuary. The strength she wielded to break through his rib bones one by one was impressive. My sister was watching the line of damage as she created it, her gaze not wavering from her bloody task for a moment. She didn’t stop until she had cut him all the way to his pubic bone. As intestines and entrails spilled out of the gaping hole my sister had gouged in this pathetic creature, she looked as if she was in ecstasy. Her head was tilted to the sky, the look on her face one of rapture. My sister had lost her mind in that moment. I was sure of it. The male looked as if he was screaming, though no sound was coming out. His eyes were wide but not seeing. His face was contorted in pain that most would be unable to live through, draining of color as the blood poured from the wound in his torso. There was so much blood, running in rivers down the hill, into the fountain, turning the water a deep hue of red that was terribly out of place in this sea of white. The vampire’s essence was leaving quickly as my sister was lost in her own private rampage. She actually seemed unaware of the harm she had done. As the warrior seemed to finally grasp the severity of the situation he was in, he resigned himself to the fate that would be conferred upon him. Any fight he may have had inside his large body left, just as the vital fluid was doing. Snapping out of whatever twisted reverie she was lost in, the Scribe Virgin captured my dragon by his barbed tail and set about the onerous task of forcing a very round peg into a very square and much smaller hole. Inch by inch, she pushed and shoved that 12 foot dragon into the opening she had created when she eviscerated the vampire. The sound of bones crunching was almost more than I could bear. Almost. The warrior’s face was a study in tortured agony. Sweat was pouring from his brow. His mouth was agape in a silent wail. His eyes were rolled back in his head, and still my sister continued her almost methodical invasion of the body she had laid open. When the dragon was finally well seated, crammed really, in the small space, she held her hand out, a light emanating from it, and she sealed the wound she had earlier created. She unceremoniously dropped her warrior, using that dangerous hand to clean up the mess she had made. The vampire curled into a ball then very violently splayed his body out, knowing that whatever was inside was too large for his shell to hold. Finally he found his voice and the silent screams became deafening shrieks and had my sister not covered her heinous act with a mhis that not only hid me from sight, but this entire gruesome scene, all of her innocent Chosen would have fled her presence in absolute terror. But the Scribe Virgin was nothing if not smart. She wasn’t going to let anyone see her madness. With another wave of her hand, she wiped the memory of what she had done from her creature’s mind and made sure the dragon was well ensconced inside his body, making them one. It was almost as if the male came awake, he startled and awareness returned to him. “ You will carry with you a curse, for two hundred years, to remind you of what you have done here. No more will you be able to think only of yourself, acting impulsively as only a young child should be wont to do,” she whispered into his face, so close to him it made even me shudder. “And you will be reminded every time you get even slightly out of control, because you will be visited by a beast so savage even those you love won’t be safe.” I left her garden impressed, and a little hopeful that perhaps she and I had come to some sort of understanding. Perhaps we would be able to work together in the future, not always be at odds. She had, after all, just brutally attacked the warrior race she claimed to love so much. Of course that isn’t what happened. Instead of being able to break free of its warrior prison and devour the Brotherhood, my sister enchanted the beast, protecting her vermin, and instead my dragon chose to eat my lessers. In the 99 or so years he’d been inside of that Brother, he hadn’t eaten a single one of the noxious rodents he should have preferred. That certainly should be a hint as to how slimy those freaks are, when even a dragon won’t eat one. My sister, the malicious Scribe Virgin, irritates me to no end. My life's mission has been to eradicate the disgusting species she created and she is seriously screwing that up. Everything she did is in direct opposition to me. Every single thing. And it is beginning to piss me off. She really is a spiteful b****.
If you would like to follow along with the Role Players that @The_Omega_ is part of, please USE GOOGLE to easily follow each character within the group. And trust me, you don't know what your missing! So hurry and follow today!
Find@The_Omega_Online:
Twitter | Facebook
@FritzDoggen_BDB Online: (updates, notes and information on the Twitter Role Playing Group)
Website | Twitter
Order All 8 books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and Preorder book 9 Online here:
Amazon | Borders | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository
Reference:
**Role Play
–verb (used with object) 1. to assume the attitudes, actions, and discourse of (another), esp. in a make-believe situation in an effort to understand a differing point of view or social interaction: Management trainees were given a chance to role-play labor negotiators. 2. to experiment with or experience (a situation or viewpoint) by playing a role: trainees role-playing management positions. –verb (used without object) 3. to engage in role-playing.
Thank you so much to @The_Omega_ and all the other characters from the Black Dagger Brotherhood Twitter Role Play group for all the time and effort they have been putting in to help us celebrate not only Halloween and our event, but also our love for all that is the Brotherhood and J.R. Ward. * Check out Lisa's Haunted Halloween post with Sara Bennett Wealer and a giveaway for a signed copy of Rival.
*Reminder: If you are interested in the COMMENT CONTEST, remember to include your email address with your comment for an extra entry! Please read full entry rules here.
True by Erin McCarthy Published: Penguin (May 7th, 2013) Reading Level: New Adult ebook edition: 222 pages Rating: 5 of 5 stars Summary: When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job… unbeknownst to Rory.
Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…
Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost…
Review:
I really enjoyed this story. It was cute, light, and fun. First we meet Rory, who doesn't have a lot of experience with guys. She's very focused on school and is super smart. She gets really uncomfortable when put in certain social situations and her roommates make it their goal to help her.
In comes Tyler. Tyler is the bad boy. He's the complete opposite from Rory, it seems. They meet a few times and while they may feel some attraction, they both know they have nothing in common. But Rory's roommates won't stop obsessing about Rory's love life. They want her to let loose and have fun so they recruit Tyler to help her out of her shell.
Over time the two do connect and see their similarities. Tyler may be a"bad boy" but he's a nice guy and very protective of Rory. It's easy to see that his feelings for her run pretty deep. But things don't stay good for long and Tyler finds his horrible past coming to bite him. He works really hard to try to take care of his siblings because of his terrible mother, but it puts a ton of pressure on him.
Rory and Tyler must find ways to deal with these issues. Some aspects of this book were a bit predictable but I still really enjoyed it and didn't put it down while reading. I am excited to read more from Erin and I hope she writes more NA titles.
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver Publisher: HarperTeen (February 28th, 2012) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardback: 375 pages Source: ARC from Publisher Series: Delirium #2 Rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare, pushing aside thoughts of Alex, pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school, push, push, push, like Raven taught me to do. The old life is dead. But the old Lena is dead too. I buried her. I left her beyond a fence, behind a wall of smoke and flame. Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.
Review: SPOILERS!! Pandemonium may be just one of the many dystopian/post-apocalyptic novels we have seen recently; however, it will always stick out to me simply because of the complexity of Lauren Oliver's writing.
I admit, it took me a while to get into the groove of this book. The chapters alternate between"now" and"then" and I had a hard time figuring out when was now and what was then. Yes, slightly confusing. About mid-way into the story I felt more comfortable with that structure. It gave us a glimpse of what Lena is doing now, compared to where she was once she first got into the Wilds. Lena"then" was more weak, a bit whiny, and sort of got on my nerves. Then again, she is dealing with the fact that Alex is not with her so I tried to understand her struggles to fit into this foreign world.
If anything, Lena's time in the Wilds showed her exactly what she needed to survive. She learned how people take care of each other and the true dangers of living away from everything she knew.
The"now" part of the story takes place months later with Lena in New York. I won't go into a lot of details of this section because it was part of the surprise of the book. I was fascinated reading what was going on and how Lena was involved. But I will say that this is the part of the story where the love-triangle begins and we meet Julian.
Lena and Julian do have a very unlikely connection and I liked that a lot. I felt Julian was a wonderful character to add to this story; but, I have a difficult time with this particular relationship. Part of the enjoyment of Delirum was the honest, true love story between Lena and Alex. I feel that is a bit tainted now. This made me become irritated towards Lena during the end of this book and question her feelings. Plus, the cliffhanger didn't help. I like to have a book end during a good place where I can feel good about what I just read. I didn't really feel that way at the end of Pandemonium.
Although I didn't like this sequel nearly as much as Delirium, Lauren's writing still continues to amaze me. Each new plot line or setting is beautifully crafted and it really transports the reader into the story.
I have a special post from Janenifer Rush to celebrate the release of her book Altered. Each of the blogs on the tour has been assigned a character (Nick, Cas, Trev, Sam or Anna) and Janenifer has shared her thoughts on each character based on a selected excerpt from the book. I was assigned the character Cas!
ALTERED Excerpt: If Cas knew I liked Sam, did Sam know? Of course he did. I wasn’t exactly secretive about the whole thing. But hearing it out loud changed everything. I suddenly felt nauseous. I put my face in my hands. “Oh my God." The tree branches rustled. Cas dropped to the ground next to me and patted my head. “It’s all right. Go ahead and admit you’re in love with me, too. Let’s get everything off our chests while we’re at it." I swatted at him but he dodged away. “You’re not making me feel better.” “Who said I was trying to make you feel better? Fact: Sam’s got swagger. Fact: I’m straight. Fact: Even though I’m straight, I sorta love the dude. So I can’t say I blame you.” (Altered page 166)
Jennifer's Thoughts: Out of all the Altered boys, I think Cas is the most entertaining to write! There isn’t a lot of hidden meaning in the things Cas says. He isn’t modest. He isn’t quiet. He isn’t afraid of saying whatever pops into his head. As a writer, that’s liberating! In this scene, Cas and Anna are talking about Anna’s crush on Sam, which isn’t news to anyone. But, in true Cas form, while Anna is mortified about her crush, and mortified about him knowing, Cas is climbing a tree. He cannot sit still for longer than five minutes, which is one of my very favorite Cas characteristics. When I wrote this scene, I thought, no way would Cas remain on the park bench while Anna poured her heart out. So what would he be doing? He’s listening to her, of course, because he responds with the perfect answer! But while his brain is occupied, his body also needs to be moving, hence the tree. If you’ve ever watched the movie Marley and Me, just picture Marley, and you have Cas’s canine equivalent. Now, when I write Cas into a scene, the first question I ask myself is: What in this setting can he get into?
ALTERED BLOG TOUR: Monday, January 7th – YA Bibliophile Tuesday, January 8th – YA Sisterhood Wednesday, January 9th – Confessions of a Bookaholic Thursday, January 10th – Once Upon A Twilight Friday, January 11th – Icey Books
Altered by Janenifer Rush Publisher: Little Brown (January 1st, 2013) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcove r: 33 6 pages Series: Altered, #1 When you can’t trust yourself, who can you believe?
Everything about Anna’s life is a secret. Her father works for the Branch at the helm of its latest project: monitoring and administering treatments to the four genetically altered boys in the lab below their farmhouse. There’s Nick, Cas, Trev.. and Sam, who’s stolen Anna’s heart. When the Branch decides it’s time to take the boys, Sam stages an escape, killing the agents sent to retrieve them.
Anna is torn between following Sam or staying behind in the safety of her everyday life. But her father pushes her to flee, making Sam promise to keep her away from the Branch, at all costs. There’s just one problem. Sam and the boys don’t remember anything before living in the lab—not even their true identities.
Now on the run, Anna soon discovers that she and Sam are connected in more ways than either of them expected. And if they’re both going to survive, they must piece together the clues of their past before the Branch catches up to them and steals it all away.
Michelle Pickett is joining me today for an interview discussing her book PODs. PODs is, by far, one of my favorite books from this year. I highly recommend reading it!
Thank you for hosting me on your blog today! I’m so happy to be here. 1. If the world in PODs were true, how would you handle life living in a POD?
Wow, starting right off with the hard questions. Living in the PODs would be difficult, obviously. I think I would immerse myself in my writing and use it as an escape. I’d create other worlds to visit and let my mind wander away from the POD life/world. That would probably be the only way I’d survive being locked in one place for a year.
2. What would you miss the most?
Other than the obvious like family and friends I’d miss Reese’s peanut butter cups and being able to take my laptop outside to write while listening to the birds.
3. Who would you want in the POD with you?
That’s a hard question because the answer should be that I’d want everyone with me. Every life is worth saving. But, since the PODs only hold a small number of people I would be selfish and take my family.
4. What items would you want with you?
I would take my laptop, Kindle, camera and journal.
5. If you had a choice, would you stay in the POD or try to live life outside of it?
Well, I have an unfair advantage when it comes to this question. I know what happens in book two, The Infected. So knowing what I know from the sequel determines my answer to this question. But I’m not giving any spoilers so I’ll just have to say… my lips are sealed on this one.
Thank you again for hosting me on your blog. I enjoyed answering your interview questions.
I love hearing from readers. If you have any questions or comments about the book, send me an email. I’d love to hear from you!
PODs by Michelle Pickett Published: Spencer Hill Press (June 4th, 2013) Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 312 pages Summary: Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it's in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it's a balm for the broken soul.
After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That's the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating… monsters.
Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life--a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure. GIVEAWAY
1. Can you explain how you first got the idea for Dreaming Anastasia?
The kernel of the idea for DA came one afternoon when it was raining to hard for me to get to my car after school and I was hanging around my classroom waiting for it let up. This girl characters came to me. She was funny and smart and sarcastic – and she was sitting in history class writing a note to her friend. I loved her voice. So I kept writing. And somehow a story unfolded. Because when the bell rang and I wrote her leaving the class, I knew she was about to bump into a mysterious and handsome stranger. The rest is history!
2. I read that the original title was Spark, did you consider any other titles for this book, and what caused the change? Ha! You’ve done your research! Basically Dreaming Ansatasia was called Spark for a very long time. But somewhere around the time we entered copy edits, my editor decided that the title didn’t sufficiently brand the book. He wanted readers to pick up the novel and immediately have some sense as to what it’s about. And Spark really didn’t cut it in that regard. Interestingly, Haunted has always been the title of Book 2! So in publishing, anything can happen.
3. What has been the most shocking thing to happen to you since becoming a debut author? Well, the most shocking thing was having my dream of being a published novelist come true and then getting diagnosed with thyroid cancer this past February. That definitely knocked me around for a bit.
4. I love the covers of Dreaming Anastasia, and book 2, Haunted, what did you think when you first saw the covers, and the book in print? I fell in huge love with both covers as soon as I saw them. Although I loved the HAUNTED cover more immediately because it was so absolutely what I’d seen in my head that it was uncanny. The DA cover actually evolved some; Ethan was not originally on the cover! But we’re all glad that the art department decided he needed to be added.
5. Can you tell us a little more about where this series will go, how many books, and what you are currently working on? Well, I hope to be able to do a third book in the relatively near future. Here’s the blurb for book 2, HAUNTED: Anne Michaelson’s world turned upside down last year when handsome, blue-eyed and temporarily immortal Russian Ethan Kozninsky showed up. Now six months later, Anne still has powers she doesn’t fully understand. She’s still dreaming about Baba Yaga’s forest. And she’s definitely still got feelings for Ethan, even though she’s got a new boyfriend—the very normal and very sweet lifeguard Ben Logan. But things are about to get even more complicated. There’s a wicked Russian folklore mermaid stalking Anne. With her heart torn between Ben and Ethan, Anne’s search for the rusalka’s identity reveals deep and startling secrets — including the true source of Anne’s powers. As the romance heats up, so does the danger. Will Anne’s powers be enough to help the rusalka get what she wants? Or will the longings of her own heart get in the way?
Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble Publisher: Sourcebooks Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 310 pages Series: Dreaming Anastasia, book #1 What really happened to Anastasia Romanov? Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead. In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college—until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams…
Find out more about Joy Preble Joy Preble / Blog / Twitter
Purchase Dreaming Anastasia Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository
I’ve been scared many times – that breathless, stomach dropping sensation that comes with illness, being broke, doing poorly on a test or at a job; worry that my child might be in trouble of one sort or another – the normal stuff, really. But the spookiest true event I’ve ever experienced happened for about two weeks straight not long after my mother passed away from a sudden heart attack. Her death was totally unexpected; we’d spoken in the morning and by the afternoon she was gone. It would be a long time before I came to terms with it. We’d had a routine, my mom and I. Every afternoon around five o’clock, either she’d call me or I’d call her. Usually I was home by then – trying to figure out dinner or supervising my son’s homework or whatever it is one does after a day of teaching and parenting and life. We’d talk for five minutes or ten or sometimes longer. I don’t remember what we said to each other; I doubt it was anything special. But it was a given. Somewhere between five and six in the evening, we connected. If the phone rang then, I knew without looking at caller id that it would be her. Maybe when someone dies so abruptly, things are different. I don’t claim to know or understand. But the week after the funeral, around five thirty, my land line rang. When I picked it up, no one was there. It wasn’t a dial tone or a wrong number. It was just dead air until I hung up. It didn’t happen again that night. But the next evening, the phone rang. Same thing – just silence. I pressed the receiver to my ear and said hello. But no one answered. Every evening for the next two weeks – and I swear this is true – my phone rang. Every evening there was silence. Eventually, it stopped. I’ve chosen to believe that maybe she just wasn’t quite ready to go. Because what other explanation is there? Two weeks of phone malfunction? Two weeks of merry pranksters? Or my mother – reaching out to say hello, a few last times before she finally slipped away. Joy Preble
Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble Publisher: Sourcebooks Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 310 pages Series: Dreaming Anastasia, book #1 What really happened to Anastasia Romanov? Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead. In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college—until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams…
Prize:
1 winner will receive a signed copy of Dreaming Anastasia and stickers and bookmarks.
Rules:
You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US ONLY and ends October 27th.
Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
The form must be filled out to enter.
Haunted, book #2 in the Dreaming Anastasia series will be released January 1st, 2011.
- Thanks so much Joy for the story and the book and swag donation! Find out more about Joy Preble Joy Preble / Blog / Twitter
Purchase Dreaming Anastasia Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository
Book Trailer
* Check out Lisa's Haunted Halloween post.
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