Hello everyone! I will be skipping my In My Mailbox post this week (but I did get some amazing books!). I will post 2 weeks worth next weekend. But for now I'm getting ready to see…
and some of these…
and maybe even a few of these…
because we are going on vacation to the BEACH!! Our first real vacation and we just celebrated our 4 year anniversary this past Thursday. I just finished my grad. school finals and I NEED A VACATION! Plus I can't wait to see how my daughter reacts to seeing the ocean for the first time. I will miss you all! I have a few posts planned just in case I can't pick up internet and I will be back late Thursday. Have a great week everyone!: )
P.S.- If anyone needs to get in touch with me (for the Halloween event, questions, or if I win a huge book spectacular giveaway and only have 48 hours to respond, EEK)… contact Lisa at A Life Bound By Books at alifeboundbybooks(AT)hotmail(DOT)com.
How to Ruin My Teenage Life by Simone Elkeles Publisher: Flux (June 8th, 2007) Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 281 pages Series: How to Ruin #2 Rating: 4 of 5 stars In this sequel to How to Ruin a Summer Vacation, EVERYTHING in sixteen-year-old Amy Nelson Barak's life is going wrong! Her mom got married and moved to the suburbs, and now they are going to have a baby. Amy moves in with her dad in Chicago and signs him up for an online dating service. His first four dates are that night.. What else? Her dog Mutt impregnated her grumpy neighbor's prized poodle, so Amy will actually have to get a part-time job to pay for half the veterinary bill. And there's this totally annoying boy, Nathan Rubin, who just moved into her apartment building. Luckily, Amy has a cute boyfriend named Avi. Only he's more like a non-boyfriend considering Avi is in the Israeli army for the next three years. What's a girl to do when everyone is conspiring to ruin her life?
Review:
I started reading this book directly after How to Ruin a Summer Vacation, and while I didn't enjoy it as much, it was still incredible. If you haven't read the first book, you may want to skip this review until you do.
Amy is now back in Chicago after her summer in Israel. She has little contact with Avi because he is now serving in the Israeli army and she isn't sure what to make of their dating status. She refers to him as her"non-boyfriend". On top of that, Amy's mom is now married and expecting a baby. Amy doesn't really feel she belongs in the house with her mother and stepfather. Instead, she moves in with her father so they can build a better relationship.
I really enjoy Amy's no-nonsense attitude but she did make a few silly decisions in this book. Signing her dad up for the dating service was one of them. He had no interest in dating and it only proved to get her into a lot of trouble. It did seem that while this was a heavy focus in the book, it was just thrown in without real meaning. I wanted to know more about Amy's school life, friends, and experiences.
There is a new guy in this book, Nathan, and he was a fun character. Amy isn't fond of him from the beginning and then he starts giving off some very mixed signals. She is confused as to what he wants from her and what she wants with him. After a huge surprise, things get even more complicated for her.
I liked that this book lets us get a better idea of Amy's new life. How she deals with her father, who is very strict, and how she deals with Avi being away. I feel that by the end of the book Amy really understands herself much better than she did before. Her and her friends were a fascinating group to get to know! This book has nearly as many laugh-out-loud moments as the first one. Now, I have to get my hands on How to Ruin My Boyfriend's Reputation! It sounds amazing! That review will be up soon… (update: soon as in, tomorrow).
Recommended: Contemporary fans who love Simone's writing. Be sure to read book 1, How to Ruin a Summer Vacation first.
How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles Publisher: Llewellyn (October 8th, 2006) Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 234 pages Series: How to Ruin #1 Rating: 5 of 5 stars Moshav? What’s a moshav? Is it “shopping mall” in Hebrew? I mean, from what Jessica was telling me, Israeli stores have the latest fashions from Europe. That black dress Jessica has is really awesome. I know I’d be selling out if I go with the Sperm Donor to a mall, but I keep thinking about all the great stuff I could bring back home. Unfortunately for 16-year-old Amy Nelson, “moshav” is not Hebrew for “shopping mall.” Not even close. Think goats, not Gucci. Going to Israel with her estranged Israeli father is the last thing Amy wants to do this summer. She’s got a serious grudge against her dad, a.k.a. “Sperm Donor,” for showing up so rarely in her life. Now he’s dragging her to a war zone to meet a family she’s never known, where she’ll probably be drafted into the army. At the very least, she’ll be stuck in a house with no AC and only one bathroom for seven people all summer—no best friend, no boyfriend, no shopping, no cell phone… Goodbye pride—hello Israel.
Review:
You know how sometimes you put off reading something then think WHY didn't I read this sooner? Yes, this is one of those books. I should have known I'd love it since I've enjoyed every other book Simone has written. Somehow I know she could write a pamphlet on vegetables and somehow make it funny and interesting.
I do admit, the summary doesn't even come close to really telling what this story is about. I have never read a book set in Israel so I was a little worried it would be a bit of a shock, but Simone captured the setting brilliantly. Amy is somewhat forced to spend the summer with her father"AKA Sperm Donor" and meet his Israeli family. She does not look forward to this in the least. Then once she arrives in Israel she really gets a huge culture shock. She has no idea what anyone is saying or what to think of the family she never knew existed.
Then she meets Avi and a few of his friends. Plus, a cousin who does not want to welcome her to their home with open arms. I gotta say, Simone is creative with names. Cousin O'Snot, and her friends (Doo-Doo included). Hilarious!
Amy is a fun character. She's not nice or one to walk away from a fight. This made her great IMO because a lot of YA characters fall flat but Amy did not, at all! She could be cruel but at least she had a strong personality.
Her relationship with Avi is very love/hate. Avi knows how to push her buttons and he seems to enjoy it. But Amy really learns how to survive by watching him and his friends. They are hard workers and very loyal to each other. She really gets a good idea of how people can live with very little and still have a good time. This experience also gives her a chance to get to know her sick grandmother. It was nice to see Amy's true self come forward whenever she spoke with her grandmother.
After reading How to Ruin a Summer Vacation, I immediately read the next book, How to Ruin My Teenage Life and purchased book 3, How to Ruin My Boyfriend's Reputation. It was that good! I have learned never to doubt the powers of Simone Elkeles and her epic writing skills.
Recommended: Contemporary fans looking for something hilarious!
1. I read that you loved to write, even as a young child; can you share some of the first stories you wrote? It’s funny you should ask, because in my office at home (which I’m sitting in right now) I’ve framed the first story I wrote. It’s hanging on the wall above my desk. It’s called “The Boy With the Seagull.” It’s written in blue magic marker, and it’s absolutely ridiculous. I was five years old. And when I was in elementary school, I used to spend hours on my dad’s computer every summer, writing (mostly fictional) accounts of “What I Did for My Summer Vacation.” I’d make up these crazy vacations that my family had supposedly gone on, and I imagined how impressed my teachers would be by these fabulous accounts of my amazing experiences. And every year, when school started, I always expected my English teachers to ask us to write an essay on how we’d spent our vacation, — I was always so excited to be so well prepared! But nobody ever asked. Somewhere at my parents’ house, there’s a drawer full of those stories. The funny part is that all I really did during my summer vacations was sit around writing. I guess it’s all paying off now. 2. It’s so interested that you went to the Linsly School in West Virginia. I lived in West Virginia until 3 years ago. What did you think about the school and the area? Did your experience influence the stories you write now?
I had a great time at the Linsly school, and I can honestly say that I got a fabulous education there. They offered so many great creative writing and specialized literature classes. I felt very lucky. And my experiences there have absolutely influenced my writing – Breathless , my first novel, is based heavily on my years at boarding school. 3. Where the Truth Lies is the companion novel to Breathless . Can you tell us a little about the relationship between these books? First of all, they’re both set at boarding schools. But while Breathless is set in West Virginia, and the school in the book is based on a real place, Where the Truth Lies is set at a completely fictional school in Connecticut. Aside from that, there are a couple of crossover characters: Mazzie Moon gets a few mentions, and so does Renee (who was Katie Kitrell’s roommate at Yale in Breathless).
4. In Where the Truth Lies , Emily discovers lies that turn her world upside down. Can you tell us a little more about the deceptions Emily faces in this book? Without giving too much away, I will say that they’re huge deceptions. They basically shake the entire foundation of her life. What’s most interesting to me is that, as the story progresses, something happens to Emily that really puts those deceptions into perspective. It certainly doesn’t make them any easier for her to accept or deal with, but I think that, as she grows, she is at least able to understand the motivations behind all the lies. 5. Can you tell us what you are currently working on? Will any future books have a connection to the characters in Breathless and Where the Truth Lies ? I just finished my third novel, which is called Between . It will be out next year. I’m SO excited about it! It’s a supernatural thriller. It’s actually been pretty successful already – it’s been sold to publishers in ten different countries! I truly cannot wait to see how teenage readers respond to the story. And I’ve just started working on my fourth novel, which will be released in 2012. It’s a murder mystery, also with a somewhat supernatural element, about identical twins who share a very dark past. To answer your other question, neither of those upcoming titles have any connection to Breathless or Where the Truth Lies . I really appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions for me!: ) Thanks!
Read my review of Where the Truth Lies Enter for a chance to win an ARC of Where the Truth Lies Find Jessica Warman Jessica Warman Purchase Where the Truth Lies Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes & Noble
"The plot isn't necessarilynewand the characters aren't exactlyoriginal, but there is definitely something different about this story... somehow a generic (albeit tragic) plot with cliche characters has completely won me over. " — Miss Remmers
"Anyone who’s had something truly crappy happen to them will tell you: It’s all about Before and After. What I’m talking about here is the ka-pow , shake-you-to-your-core-and-turn-your-bones-to-plastic kind of crappy.
Sixteen-year-old Laurel’s world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel’s life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss—a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways." "The Beginning of After" starts like almost every other contemporary YA novel that revolves around tragedy. At first the "cliche-ness" of it all really bothered me — you know, the good girl who gets straight A's, super anal-retentive, and the ultimate perfectionist who, of course, suffers some huge tragedy and along with the bad boy "gang member" who also suffers some huge tragedy. They fall in love. End of story.
Right?
Sort of. About page twenty when I felt like I had this entire story figured out I was about to put it down and say "Okay, back to paranormal fiction for me!" But I didn't. Maybe I'm stubborn or maybe I am just desperate to finish a book — but I kept reading. [I read the first half of this book in the car on the way to our "mini-moon" vacation] Soon I was annoyed when the car stopped for bathroom breaks and meals and decided that it was in my best interest (and the hubby's) for me to continue reading and skip the breaks. I couldn't pull myself away from the story — not necessarily the plot (two very different things) but the story.
Once we arrived at our destination I didn't necessarily have the time to read because of all the activities planned and of course we were surrounded by family who wanted to celebrate our first two months of marriage together and Laurel's situation slowly became a subtle rhythm (rather than a loud banging drum) in my subconscious. Until the baseball game on Tuesday night (the second baseball game of our vacation). I brought my Nook only to read during the pre-game/batting practice. But page by page (or click by click) I found myself running out of time. The game was about to start at any minute and I wasn't ready to be done reading. After the "Star Spangled Banner" I put down my Nook but by half way through the first inning I was sneaking peeks at the screen. By the end of the second inning I was down right reading shamelessly. The in-laws, friends, and my amazing husband were (for the most part) very understanding and just let me finish. I just kept saying "I'm almost done. I'm almost done."
I finished after the fifth inning. There were times when my heart literally hurt — but I have a hard time explaining why. The plot isn't necessarily new and the characters aren't exactly original, but there is definitely something different, something I can't put my finger on, about this story by Jennifer Castle. Perhaps it is the way it's told, or the subtle progression of the character's grief process — I don't know. It reminded me of "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman because "The Beginning of After" challenged me to consider my own life without my loved ones. But unlike Mia, Laurel doesn't have a choice to stay or go — she must simply continue on.
Despite the genericness of it all, I somehow found Laurel to be refreshing and easy to relate to and David mysterious and more than slightly selfish. I fell in love with the American Boy Joe Lasky. I felt for Laurel and David (although with each additional animal in Laurel's house I felt like I lost more and more of my sanity). I saw and understood the different ways that Laurel, David, and Laurel's grandmother dealt with their grief. It's almost as if Castle has somehow reinvented this plot and these characters through her fantastic story telling ability and has created something entirely different and heartbreaking.
The truth is somehow a generic (albeit tragic) plot with cliche characters has completely won me over. I highly recommend this book to any one who enjoys contemporary YA if for no other reason than to give Laurel (and Castle) the opportunity to prove that the whole "parents die in a car accident" plot is not entirely washed up.
-Visit Jennifer around the web here: Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter -BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook
Today I have Alyssa Sheinmel on the blog. I'm a tour stop for her new book The Lucky Kind, which just came out yesterday.
I have a fun interview with her and 2 lucky winners will get a copy of her book!
Summer or Winter? Summer. But with the air conditioning turned up so high that you need a blanket. TV Shows or Movies? TV shows. My favorite moment of pretty much every single day is when I climb into bed, turn on the TV, and turn off the lights. Beach or Mountains? Beach – though actually, I’d really prefer a pool because I don’t like the sand. Night at home or Night on the town? Night at home (see my answer to “TV Shows or Movies”). Coffee or Tea? Coffee. I’m not the biggest coffee drinker but I always drink it on vacation, starting with a skim latte from the airport Starbucks. I never feel like my vacation has really started until I’m sipping a latte waiting to board a plane. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate, especially ice cream. Vampires or Werewolves? Vampires. Although I am a dog person, so I suppose that’s a little surprising. But vampires are just so darn cool. Angels or Demons? Demons – well the daemons from Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series. Luck or Fate? A little of both. Tall, Dark and Handsome or Sweet, Cute and shy? I was going to say tall, dark, and handsome, but then my dog looked up at me with his sweet, cute, and shy face and I had to change my answer.
The Lucky Kind by Alyssa B. Sheinmel Publisher: Knoph Books for Young Readers (May 10th, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 208 pages High school junior Nick Brandt is intent on getting a girlfriend, and Eden Reiss is the one that he wants. He has exactly four semesters to get the girl, but when the phone rings on an otherwise ordinary Tuesday night, life for Nick and his parents will never be the same. What had been a seemingly idyllic home life has become something else entirely. But with this shake-up comes a newfound confidence for Nick; he's become a bolder version of himself, no longer afraid to question his parents, and no longer afraid to talk to Eden.Alyssa B. Sheinmel has written a powerfully gripping story about family secrets, falling in love, and finding luck in unexpected--and sometimes unwelcome—circumstances.
Prize:
2 winners will receive a copy of The Lucky Kind by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
Rules:
You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US Only and ends May 21st.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.
Find Alyssa B. Sheinmel | Website | Blog
Purchase The Lucky Kind Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
The Story of Us by Deb Caletti Publisher: Simon Pulse (April 24th, 2012) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 390 pages Source: ARC from Publisher Rating: 4 of 5 stars Cricket’s on a self-imposed break from her longtime boyfriend—but she’s picked a bad week to sort out her love life. For one thing, her mother’s romance is taking center stage: After jilting two previous fiancés, her mom is finally marrying Dan Jax, whom Cricket loves. But as wedding attendees arrive for a week of festivities at a guesthouse whose hippie owners have a sweet, sexy son—Ash—complications arise:Cricket’s future stepsisters make it clear they’re not happy about the marriage. An old friend decides this is the week to declare his love for Cricket. Grandpa chooses to reveal a big secret at a family gathering. Dan’s ex-wife shows up. And even the dogs—Cricket’s old, ill Jupiter and Dan’s young, lively Cruiser—seem to be declaring war. While Cricket fears that Dan is in danger of becoming ditched husband-to-be number three, she’s also alarmed by her own desires. Because even though her boyfriend looms large in her mind, Ash is right in front of her…
Review:
Cricket is going through a lot of changes. Her and her long-term boyfriend are taking a break, her mom is getting married, and she has no idea where to go to college. There are so many changes at once that she really doesn't know how to handle it all.
The Story of Us is a serious book, but there are so many hilarious moments. Cricket's family has gathered with her mom's future-husband Dan's family for their wedding and it's a little like that movie Christmas Vacation. There are so many disasters happening around every corner. Cricket's worried about her mom taking off again before the wedding but she's also dealing with her own issues which include the cute guy Ash, her evil future step-sisters, and a house full of crazy, stressed out family members.
Cricket was a good character because she does truly love her family and worry about them — even her older brother. And while she is young, she still comes off as mature and wise. She wants what's best for her mom and that has become a big priority in her life. She has started to question her relationship with Janssen. They have been together forever but she just can't get over a few doubts. Although we don't really get to know Janssen first-hand, he is still very much included in the book. Cricket emails with him often and shares their history. This gives us a great chance to get to know him through her experiences and he was a fascinating character!
Ash is there, and he's hot, and he pays attention to Cricket. He has a bit of that dark, mysterious vibe going on and that really draws Cricket to him. She just has trouble finding out if that's real affection or her just latching on to something for comfort.
The plot was really what created such a well-rounded story in this book. Each character brought so much drama and fun. I think that everyone will find at least a few characters who remind them of a person in their own family. Some parts of the story lagged a bit for me, especially with a great deal of focus on the family dog. Not that I dislike dogs, I don't, but her emails with Janssen were mostly about the dog and I just wanted to know more about their relationship instead.
This book is a real coming-of-age story, involving a girl just trying to deal with the changes in her life. As with many young adults, change is scary and it can be difficult to let go of the security of a home, boyfriend, or friend. It's a time where a person takes a big leap of faith and that's exactly what Cricket had to learn to do. Deb Caletti truly knows how to target the mind of a teenager and dive into their dreams and fears.
Recommended: People looking for something cute and funny, but with a deeper meaning.
1. You have written about characters ranging from psychics, aliens, and ghosts to clones. Where did you first get your interest in the paranormal? When I was little I loved to watch any TV shows with magical characters; witches, ghosts, superheroes. I’ve always felt like there was more to life than what we see and was intrigued by psychics who claimed to know about the Otherside. I like to hear lots of different opinions so I can decide for myself what is possible. 2. In the Dead Girl trilogy, Amber finds herself jumping into other bodies, what would you do if you had that ability? Tough questions because I’m basically a nice person who wouldn’t want to cause trouble for anyone else. But I also would love to live a lot of different experiences; to really understand other people and lifestyles. So I might jump into different bodies for quick trips, like getting in a car and taking a weekend vacation. But I’d always return to my real life and self because I like who I am.
3. The Dead Girl trilogy has now been optioned for TV. What did it feel like when you heard the news? If it were completely up to you, who would you cast in the show?
I was thrilled that a small production company bought the option and I hope they’ll go to the next step and make a pilot. That would be amazing! I have to be realistic, though, and accept that most options don’t go very far. Still if I could choose, I’d love for the producers to cast all unknowns (except maybe for the adult parts – it would be cool to have some major stars as parents, teachers, etc.). But when I create characters, they don’t look like anyone on TV to me. The images in my head are of unique people that I’ve created. Like Amber has curly dark hair, a pretty smile but otherwise average shape and looks, maybe a little hippy. I’d love to see who the producers would cast.
4. The Magician’s Muse is book
6 in The Seer series but it is out three years after book. Was there a reason for the longer wait for this book? Yeah, the reason was the editor and publisher felt that five books are enough. They hired me to write the DEAD GIRL trilogy and I worked on that for 2 years. I really wanted to write another SEER, though, and when I had the chance to propose one more book, I was thrilled when they agreed. So I did my best to put in mystery, murder, romance, danger, and an ending that ties up lots of plots. It’s out Oct. 1st. Then in 2011 there’s a spin-off with Thorn as a main character solving a murder mystery. 5. What projects do you have in the works right now? I’m finished rewrites for a middle-grade novel then I hope to write another Thorn book. No word yet, though, if Flux will ask for another one. If they don’t, there’s a futurist book I’d like to write. I always have at least one book churning in my brain. And next year I have two essays in YA anthologies coming out, which excites me. One is a Harper non-profit book about bullying where YA authors share stories, poems, experiences, etc. The other is GIRL ON FIRE, an anthology about HUNGER GAMES with 13 YA authors writing essays on the trilogy. I’m so honored to be included in these books and can’t wait for them to come out.
Magician's Muse by Linda Joy Singleton Publisher: Flux (October 1st, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Series: The Seer, book #6 The Final Book in Linda Joy Singleton's Popular Paranormal Series, The Seer
A whisper, too soft to swirl wispy candle smoke, carried across time, beyond life and death—and was heard."Our bargain is sealed. My secrets will be yours-when the girl dies."
In the thrilling climax to The Seer series, Sabine's psychic abilities, sleuthing skills, and courage are pushed to a dangerous edge as she deals with the mysterious disappearance of her ex-boyfriend Josh, a new threat against her boyfriend Dominic, evil magicians (both living and dead)—and a coldblooded murder.
To find out more about Linda Joy Singleton Linda Joy Singleton / Blog / Goodreads / Twitter
Purchase Magician's Muse Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository
I will be giving away a signed copy of Magician's Muse during the tour!
"It's worth it to read two equally fantastic love stories that will have you gasping for surprise and blushing with excitement" — Miss Remmers
Release Date: March 27th, 2012 Publisher: Open Road Media Challenges: NetGalley, 75+, eBook
"Elizabeth Farr never wanted to return to America. During her family’s vacation abroad, she has fallen in love with England, and is despondent when her father refuses to let her stay. Returning to New York means having her debut into society, and that means a swiftly arranged marriage. Elizabeth will never go to college, never learn to be a reporter—as she sees it, her life is over as soon as the Titanic reaches port. Of course, if she’s unlucky, her life will be over far sooner than that.
As Elizabeth and her family settle into their first-class cabins, Katie Hanrahan, a young Irish girl with dreams of finding fortune in America, makes her way to a steerage berth. Both girls have plans for the future, but love and death are about to intervene."
Two Diane Hoh books in one week; last week I reviewed Hoh's "The Invitation" and alluded to my favorite book — well folks, this is it! "The Long Night" was the first book that kept me up all night under the covers with a flash light.
On Friday (Recreational Reading day) I was all prepared to read "Kill Me Softly" — except when I started up my Nook it wasn't there! Rather than waste a good day of reading by, oh I don't know, grading, I decided to read the galley of "Titanic: The Long Night." Folks, it's literally been forever since I've reread a book — probably since I started blogging! I was wary of dipping back into these pages after all of these years because I didn't want to lose the magic. I was afraid that while reading this novel as an adult I'd pick up on the shallow characters/plot where I didn't as a young reader. I'm happy to say that that didn't happen. As an adult I'm still in love with Elizabeth and Max and (more importantly) I was able to fall in love again with Katie and Paddy. Yes, somehow throughout the years I forgot about this parallel story line (which, actually, happens to be JUST as good as the first — how often does that happen?). When I got to the first switch in narrative it all came back to me and I was immediately excited.
While much of the narration and description came back to me as if I had just read it a week ago, the feelings of excitement, embarrassment (for the characters), surprise, hurt, and love were still there as if I were reading this book for the very first time. Even though I knew what was coming, I found myself anticipating my reaction but each time the feelings somehow felt new and unexperienced. It was amazing.
Overall, this book was just as great as an adult as it was when I was a child. Really, folks — I had my mom (a librarian) make my book a hardcover (via laminating and somehow taking it apart — I don't know, she's apparently a genius) so that it would never "go bad." I loved it that much!
I know this is more of a review of my feelings and experiences rather than the book itself, but I definitely recommend taking advantage of the rerelease and getting your hands on a copy of this book. It's worth it to read two equally fantastic love stories that will have you gasping for surprise and blushing with excitement (no, not that kind of excitement!).
Below is the 1998 cover that I fell in love with and definitely still prefer. Even though Elizabeth is animated — I like her look more than the newer cover. But perhaps that's because of my emotional stake in the novel.:)
PS: This would be a great read for the Titanic Challenge (starting this weekend!).
-Connect with the author: Goodreads -BUY THE BOOK: Kindle | Barnes and Noble
To the FTC, with love: Galley received from NetGalley (and personal owned copy from 1998)
Here are a few contest winners. Thanks everyone for entering! I'm back from vacation and my IMM post will be up later today: )
320 people/ 1043 entries The Original Katie from With Her Nose Stuck in a Book {confirmed} Margaret S. from YA Bookie Nookie Brooke H. from Cupcake Queen Book Reviews {confirmed}
260 people entered/ 780 entries Laura L. (Booksnob) {confirmed}
155 people entered/ 448 entries
Katelyn (The Bookshelf Sophisticate) {confirmed}
Congrats everyone! I have emailed you all and you have 48 hours to respond with your mailing address.
Alright ladies in conjunction with the Summer Giveaway Hop I would like to celebrate two other momentous occasions this week. First of all, my birthday (whoot!) is next Sunday (August 7th) and (probably more important) I may or may not have forgotten to celebrate the blog's Two Year Blogoversary!! I know, how could I be so selfish! This blog officially turned two back in the early part of June — but with the wedding, summer school, moving, and returning from BEA it kind of went uncelebrated!
To make up for my lack of organization, celebrate my birthday, and partake in some Summer Fun I am hosting a BEA 2011 giveaway prize pack including an ARC of "Forever" by Maggie Stiefvater, "Fallen" by Karin Slaughter on audiobook, "Martin Misunderstood" by Karin Slaughter on audiobook, "Enclave" by Ann Aguirre, "The Hangman's Daughter" by Oliver Potzsch (August ARC), "Falling Together" by Marisa De Los Santos (October ARC), "Wintertown" by Stephen Emond (December ARC), "Don't Breathe A Word" by Jennifer McMahon, "The Girl Who Was on Fire" by edited by Leah Wilson, and "The Beekeeper's Lament" by Hannah Nordhaus. Links are to Goodreads.
You don't have to follow to enter, there are no "extra points," it's simply put your name in the form and go. One lucky winner will win it all (US only — sorry!) and have a box of BEA 2011 books sent their way on August 12th (winner will be chosen on the 8th but I'm leaving for vacation and won't be back to mail the books until that Friday).
If you'd like to help me my husband and I choose the photo from our wedding to put on our thank you cards — please vote on the picture you like most! No, there is no prize for voting (so don't get your hearts up). Check out the pictures and vote here!
Don't forget to join the party at the other blog's participating as well!
So this week wasn't as lucrative as last — but I'm still happy with what I accomplished. I finished reading The Man Who Loved Jane Austen, Mr. Darcy Presents His Bride, and A Vengeful Spirit. I didn't exactly meet my goals from last week's Sunday Salon because Persuasion and Jane Austen Ruined My Life didn't come into my library yet. But I did watch Emma for the Everything Austen Challenge. I went to see My Sister's Keeper and Hp 6 (still working on my review). I received an award. And I hosted my first Author Interview. So overall — I'm very happy with how I fared last week.
This week don't expect near as much fun — book wise anyway. Tomorrow I leave for a mini vacation to Washington DC. My dad needs to attend the Indian Affairs meetings so my mom and I are going to sight see. Because of this, my goals are going to be sort of sad. My goal for this week is to finish A Circle of Souls, Suspense and Sensibility, and Jane Austen Ruined My Life. Expect Reviews!
But no worries about me being gone — I've been working especially hard to make sure that I have at least one post a day while I'm gone.:)
Hey everyone. I have a big pile of books from this past month. These include review books, Christmas gifts and purchased books too so there is a lot! Thanks to all the wonderful publishers (and Lisa from A Life Bound By Books!) for sending these fantastic books!
Review The File by Angelyn Stark Extraordinary by Adam Selzer Finding Somewhere by Joseph Monninger A Sharp Time by Mary O'Connell Darkness Falls by Cate Tiernan Blood Sun by David Gilman Don't Expect Magic by Kathy McCullough Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer Pretty Little Liars: Pretty Little Secrets by Sara Shepard Girl Meets Boy by Various Authors Hallowed by Cynthia Hand Fracture (ARC) by Megan Miranda The Way We Fall (ARC) by Megan Crewe Slide (ARC) by Jill Hathaway (2nd copy) Immortal Beloved (ARC) by Cate Tiernan Switched by Amanda Hocking The Ivy: Rivals (ARC) by Lauren Kanuz Glimmer (ARC) by Phoebe Kitanidis The Last Echo (ARC) by Kimberly Derting Forbidden by Syrie James and Ryan M. James (2nd copy) Partials (ARC) by Dan Wells (2nd copy) The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #5: The Asylum by L.J. Smith Masque of the Red Death (ARC) by Bethany Griffin The Calling by Kelley Armstrong The Starboard Sea by Amber Dermont Unraveling (ARC) by Elizabeth Norris The Invisible Sun (ARC) by David Macinnis Gill Social Suicide (ARC) by Gemma Halliday Thumped (ARC) by Mean McCafferty Temptation (ARC) by Alisa Valdes Dark Eden 2: Eve of Destruction (ARC) by Patrick Carman The Selection (ARC) by Kiera Cass Everneath by Brodi Ashton Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters (ARC) by Meredith Zeitlin The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey
Purchased Crossed by Ally Condie Ruling Passion by Alyxandra Harvey Royally Crushed by Niki Burnham Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson How to Ruin My Teenage Life by Simone Elkeles How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles
Gifted Ashfall by Mike Mullin Eve by Anna Carey Crash Test Love (SIGNED) by Ted Michael Anew: The Archers of Avalon (SIGNED) by Chelsea Fine Unbreakable Love (SIGNED) by Angela Carling Dollhouse (SIGNED) by Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe Kardashian
I got Dollhouse from the BookPerk website. If you haven't signed up yet, DO IT! They have a ton of great offers and signed books come up all the time. It's a great site: ) This is the 2nd signed copy of a book I've purchased. The first was a copy of I Am Number Four signed by the MOVIE CAST!: )
What did you get in your mailbox this week?
*IMM is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and it was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.
In case you've missed the button on my right sidebar, there's a Read-A-Thon starting tomorrow! I'm really excited to participate since I missed out on Bloggiesta and the last major Read-A-Thon. I'll be driving home from Bismarck tomorrow so the first five hours will be spent with an audio book — "Shopaholic Ties the Knot." After that, we'll see what happens!
As for goals, I'd like to finish:
"Shopaholic Ties the Knot"
"Dead as a Doornail"
"O, Juliet"
"Shiver"
"To Kill a Mockingbird"
"Emma and the Vampires"
I really encourage everyone who is able to join in the fun! Summer is half way over and now is the perfect time to be "ubber" productive. I'm really looking forward to this because starting this week I'll be on (yet another) vacation for two weeks before moving in to my apartment and classroom, my best friend's wedding, and the beginning of school. Whoo! One day at a time right?
Let me know if you're participating in the fun and good luck to everyone!
How to Ruin My Boyfriend's Reputation by Simon Elkeles Publisher: Flux (November 8th, 2009) Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 257 pages Series: How to Ruin #3 Rating: 5 of 5 stars In the third book of this bestselling series, Amy Barak-Nelson misses her boyfriend Avi, who is in the Israeli army. Her grandmother convinces Amy to sign up for two weeks in a military training base. Not her idea of fun, but what's worse? Her team leader turns out to be Avi.
Review:
I think this was my favorite book of the series! If you haven't read the previous 2 books, you may want to skip this review. How to Ruin My Boyfriend's Reputation picks up a few months after How to Ruin My Teenage Life. It's summer time again and a full year since Amy first met Avi. She's now on her way back to Israel but this time she will be joining her friends at a military training base.
Nathan, Jessica, and Miranda are joining her and they get into quite a few hilarious situations. Amy isn't sure what to expect when she gets to the Israeli training base but she seemed to have no idea it would be so hard. The teens are treated like real soldiers and are forced to"rough it" just like everyone else.
The big surprise is that Avi is one of Amy's team leaders. They realize quickly that alone-time may not be possible on the base. And, while Amy may have thought Avi would be easy on her, she was wrong. He pushes her to do her best, while being absolutely adorable whenever she needs help. What is cuter than a tough team leader rushing to the aid of his girlfriend in front of all his friends? Nothing, I tell ya! So cute!
But, Avi made me angry in this book. Actually, very angry. I felt so invested in this story and Amy and Avi's romance that I really started mumbling things like"OMG how could he do that? That is so wrong! He'd better stop that!" LOL. Yes, I might be crazy, but I guess that's a good sign because I really connected with the story and cared about what they were going through.
There are a lot of physical and mental obstacles Amy and Avi must face in this story. Simone Elkeles really knows how to weave together a brilliant romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and serious moments throughout a story. I read this book in just a few hours and never even put it down. I am so sad to see it all end. *sigh* I'm glad we get the chance to get to know Amy's friends in this story and it all seemed to come together to show us the full picture of Amy's and Avi's experiences.
Recommended: EVERYONE. Pick up this series immediately. It's funny, romantic, and so well written. Start with How to Ruin My Summer Vacation so you don't miss a moment of Avi (and Amy, of course).
So I have a pretty huge announcement. Dan and I started Dave Ramsey's FPU course last fall (Sept 2011) and we're finally making a dent in our student loan debt (together totaling about $75,000 — we have about $60,000 to go). FPU is all about "Living like no one else so you can LIVE like no one else." It's basically about being frugal and knowing where your money is going. As a teacher and a nurse, like everybody else, our bank account is not limitless. FPU has really helped Dan and I focus in on what we have rather than what we wish we had (like no debt).
We've just recently refinanced our house so that we can lock in a good interest rate (3.75 for 30 years). I'm taking graduate classes that we are able to pay for by saving money and not taking out any more loans. We've already put money away for a trip to Mexico next December to celebrate my brother-in-laws five year anniversary with Dan's family. AND (here's where it gets exciting) we've just booked a cruise for July to the Caribbean for 7 days!
I am so excited because as Dan and I didn't go on a huge honeymoon last summer (instead we bought our house) and we've only been together since June of 2010 — we haven't had the chance to travel together. Last August we did go to the Twin Cities for a few Twin vs Red Sox games (which was awesome) but other than that this will be a whole new experience for us!
We will be taking the Carnival Legend cruise (yes, I'm completely aware of the recent disaster) and stopping in Belize, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Mahogany Bay. Dan's parents are coming with us and I'm so thankful. Since I married the baby, if the in-laws didn't come I'm pretty sure I'd be doing all the work.
Anyway, with the cruise and Mexico this year, I'm already working on my beach body (and planning what books to bring with me!).
One more time, I'd just like to say a big thanks for making BBRAW 2012 a huge success! I'm currently on my way to the Twin Cities for a Minnesota Wild Game and a much needed vacation with my husband! On Monday we pick up Prim! But besides the added addition to the household, life on the blog will return to normal on Tuesday! Thanks everybody for your support!
Again, I'd like to welcome Sharon from Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews as this week's Guest Reviewer. *******************
Now and Then — Jacquelin Sheehan
From Amazon.com...
"Former lawyer Anna O'Shea becomes a time-traveling ex-wife when she returns from a vacation in Ireland and is enlisted to pick up her brother Patrick's son from jail in Newark after Patrick is severely injured in a car accident. Anna retrieves troublesome 16-year-old Joe and sets him up at her home, then wakes in the middle of the night to find him rummaging through her luggage. Joe's intrigued by a mysterious swath of cloth Anna picked up at a tourist trap, and when she tries to take it from him, the two are zapped back 164 years to pre–potato famine Ireland. Sheehan vividly depicts Irish-British conflicts as Anna becomes involved with an Irish smuggler's group and falls for a rebel cartographer."
With the overwhelming popularity of books with other-worldly themes, such as vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, etc., it's not too farfetched to find a novel about a contemporary heroine getting caught up in time travel. In Jacqueline Sheehan's latest novel, "Now and Then," she hones this quirky subject to a finer edge with a brilliant tale that will captures reader's imaginations.
Anna O'Shea was at a point in her life where things had to get better, because they couldn't get much worse. A recent divorcee, Anna had just returned from a harrowing flight from Ireland when she learned her only brother had been in a horrendous accident resulting in massive head injuries, and her 16-year old nephew, Joseph, needs to be picked up from jail.
After checking on her brother and retrieving her errant nephew, Anna hopes to be able to squeeze in a few hours of sleep before hitting other family crises head on. But her plans go awry when she wakes up to find Joseph going through her suitcases. As Anna and Joseph tussle over a partially opened package, the two suddenly find themselves hurtling through time and space to wake up separated in 19th century pre-potato famine Ireland.
Anna is found injured along the coastline, and is taken in by the local blacksmith, Tom, and his wife Glennis. As she struggles to recover from her injuries and confusion, Anna is desperate to find out what happened to Joseph, who seems to have disappeared during their "journey."
Joseph ended up miles away from Anna, and was discovered by an wealthy Englishman's servant and brought to the manor house for recovery. The wily teenager leads the household into believing he is a highly educated young man, and they treat him with the highest honor and respect. Quite the change from his reality back home where he was at the bottom of the high school pecking order
As Anna and Joseph adjust and adapt to their new situations, they both soon discover new strengths and qualities about themselves that had long been buried. But as fate and circumstances work to pull the two visitors from another era together, both find that it will be hard to return to their lives in the 21st century, if they can get back at all.
Jacqueline Sheehan has taken the subject of time travel, and combining it with an indepth look at Irish/British history to deliver a novel that is thoughtful, passionate and fascinating. There is an element of romance, as Anna and Joseph both find love in the most unlikely place, but bear in mind — this is no flighty romance. "Now and Then" is an amazing work of literary fiction to be savored and enjoyed.
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Thanks again to Sharon from Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews. I have never heard of this book so I am extremely glad that this is the review you decided to send in. The cover is absolutely amazing! I'll definitely have to add this to my TBR List. If you're interested in becoming a Guest Reviewer — please find out how.
Right of Way by Lauren Barnholdt Published: Simon Pulse (July 9th, 2013) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 320 pages Rating: 4 of 5 stars Summary: Can a road trip repair a romance gone wrong? Find out in this standalone companion to Lauren Barnholdt’s Two-way Street.
Here are Peyton and Jace, meeting on vacation. Click! It’s awesome, it’s easy, it’s romantic. This is the real deal.
Unless it isn’t. Because when you’re in love, you don’t just stop calling one day. And you don’t keep secrets. Or lie. And when your life starts falling apart, you’re supposed to have the other person to lean on.
Here are Peyton and Jace again, broken up but thrown together on a road trip. One of them is lying about the destination. One of them is pretending not to be leaving something behind. And neither of them is prepared for what’s coming on the road ahead…
Review:
Right of Way was a pretty enjoyable read. I'd summarize all of Lauren's books by saying they are perfect, light, summer romances. Nothing too intense or involved but still a nice read.
Here we meet Peyton and Jace while they are at a wedding but they already have a history. I was a bit confused. It has been a while since I read Two-Way Street. You don't have to read that book to enjoy this one but the characters are connected. I just struggled with what Peyton and Jace's history could be. Jace seemed to want to talk with Peyton but she wanted nothing to do with him.
Then Peyton ends up being stranded at the wedding and has to get a ride with Jace. Peyton is wanting to run away so she plans to use Jace for a ride, but to make him drop her off on the way. I am a sucker for road trip books so that aspect of the story was really enjoyable. The pair do have some cute interactions together. I did think some of their decisions were pretty silly though. I just wanted the characters to loosen up a bit and stop hiding the truth from each other and really sit down and think about their decisions. If they would have done that, this book would have been nearly perfect.
I did really love the fact that we get to hear both POVs in this story. And that we do get a little update on some past characters we've heard of. As far as Lauren's books go, I've read nearly all of them and this one was mid-way for me. There have been a few I've liked better but this one is still a pretty good read.
Hello everyone! Sorry this is late. I didn't get back from vacation till late Friday and it took me a few days to get back on track. BUT I was super excited when I did get home because I came home to lots of packages! Some of those, however, will remain a mystery because they are prizes for the Haunted Halloween event which starts Friday!
Thanks to HarperCollins, EgmontUSA, Feiwel & Friends, Ednah Walters, Kurt Frenier, Aliseonlife, Book Faery, Fantastic Book Review, Christine Johnson, Albert Borris.
Review The Lost Saint (ARC) by Bree Despain Virgin Territory (ARC) by James Lecesne Rich and Mad (ARC) by William Nicholson Raised by Wolves (ARC- Not Pictured cause I'm reading it!) by Janenifer Lynn Barnes Desires of the Dead (ARC) by Kimberly Derting I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett Firelight by Sophie Jordan Halo by Alexandra Adornetto The Study Train by Kurt Frenier (came with wax sealed letter) Awakened (signed) by Ednah Walters Crash Into Me (signed) by Albert Borris (2 copies & cards for tour giveaway)
Won White Cat by Holly Black- won from Aliseonlife Siren (signed) by Tricia Rayburn- won from Book Faery Bring on the Night by Jeri Smith-Ready- won from Fantastic Book Review Claire de Lune bookmark and signed bookplate- won from Christine Johnson
Purchased Girl v. Boy by Yvonne Collins & Sandy Rideout Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers I Love Lucy bookmark from the beach!
*IMM is a weekly meme hosted by Kristie at The Story Siren and it was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.
