Cari's Book Blog

Hunger Games Second Trailer

2012-02-02T12:51:00.000-06:00

All I have to say is: SO READY for this movie!

February Reading List

2012-02-01T07:00:00.006-06:00

So here is my schedule of what I plan to read this month. Feel free to join me and then we can discuss. Also I am always up for taking recommendations. If you check my blog often you will find I add and remove books just depending on my moods. What are you reading or looking forward to reading this month?

Currently Reading:

Currently Listening To:

Reading Soon:

Listening To Soon:

Finished Reading:

Giveaway: The Fourth Stall Prize Pack

2012-01-31T11:02:00.000-06:00

I'm excited to bring you this great prize pack of The Fourth Stall (paperback) and The Fourth Stall II (advance readers copy). I loved The Fourth Stall and Chris Rylander has a great writing style. This is a fun and witty middle grade series that anyone will love.

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Book Events: ADR3NALIN3 Teen Book Tour

2012-01-30T11:55:00.000-06:00

It's a new year with new events! I'm so excited to share pictures from the ADR3NALIN3 Teen Book Tour with authors Jordan Dane, CC Hunter, Ellie James, and Tracy Deebs at Murder by the Book. I, of course was running late because I-45 was shut down and no one told me, luckily when I arrived there was one parking spot left. The crowd was great and the authors were so fun. They talked about covers and upcoming books and why they love YA. If you couldn't make it and would like to buy a signed copy of any of these author's books contact Murder by the Book.

Review: Every Other Day

2012-01-28T11:44:00.000-06:00

Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

While Every Other Day started out a bit slow the story is so worth it. Jennifer Lynn Banes has a way of creating a world you can get lost in. Kali is a human girl who goes to school except that Every Other Day she is something more. Every Other Day she can fight supernatural beings that stalk the night. Also if she doesn’t hunt them then they will come after her, so what is a girl to do? Kali’s mom left her when she was young and she hides her extracurricular activities from her father. He is a scientist who is so caught up in his life that he doesn’t see that Kali just wants him to notice her and ask her what is going on in her life.

Even though Kali is a pretty girl, she keeps to herself in school and has never had a friend. She knows that the best thing for her is to keep a low profile, but with a dad who is non-existent it’s hard to not feel lonely. During a pep rally Kali accidentally says that she wishes she had a friend and Skylar, the school outcast, hears and offers to be her friend. Kali isn’t sure it’s a good idea but the two build a great friendship that helps Kali more than she could have thought.

Kali’s father would love it if she became friends with Bethany, the popular girl at school whose father could help his career. Kali’s only interaction with Bethany is to lure a creature out of Bethany in order to save her life. Once the creature is out of Bethany and inside Kali, her plan consists of surviving the night and hoping that her blood will kill the creature. Bethany is not one to to feel like she needs saving or have to be indebted to outcasts like Kali or Skylar, so she plans on helping Kali. The three form an unlikely trio who will need each other if Kali has any hope of surviving. To make matters even more interesting, it seems that the parasite inside of Kali is a link to a guy who is trapped and Kali can’t help but feel an intense connection with him and goes in search of him and although she wants to do this alone Skylar and Bethany decide to help her locate him, but there will be consequences they could never imagine with the path they've chosen to take.

There is so much mystery and suspense that Every Other Day will keep you captivated. I read Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes and she is a master at creating strong female characters. I would not be surprised if Every Other Day ends up as a movie. Pick up a copy of Every Other Day today!

Breadcrumbs Winner

2012-01-23T17:37:00.001-06:00

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Congratulations to Juju and come back soon for a new giveaway!

Book News

2012-01-19T11:47:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited for Geoff Herbach who just got his ARCS of NOTHING SPECIAL! Also how great is this picture of him? Run over to Geoff's blog and congratulate him and add NOTHING SPECIAL to your goodreads list!

Also Megan Bostic had her launch party for NEVER EIGHTEEN! The party was in Washington so I couldn't make it but I promise that I will make it there eventually. Megan worked so hard to promote her book that I'm great her event was a success. Again add NEVER EIGHTEEN to your goodreads list.

For those of you who are fans of Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler give Blue Willow a call and order a personalized copy of THE FUTURE OF US because they will be there Sunday Jan. 22. If you can't make it by Blue Willow to see them in person, they can ship both locally and internationally.

Be sure to keep an eye on the Blue Willow calendar because not only is the Dark Days Tour stopping in town but so is the Breathless Tour!

Last but not least if you are attending ALA Midwinter Jen Bigheart organized a blogger dinner for Friday Night! Details here: I Read Banned Books blog! I'll be there so if you see me please stop me and say hi!

Review & Giveaway: Breadcrumbs

2012-01-15T07:00:00.002-06:00

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Genre: Middle Grade

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Middle grade novels are not just for tweens! If you don't believe me then read or listen to Breadcrumbs! I adore Hazel! Hazel is a fifth grader whose parents recently split and has to deal with many changes including a new school. Hazel is unpopular and gets picked on, but what makes things easier is her best friend Jack. He has been there for the hardest points in her life.

Except one day everything changes and Jack decides not to be her friend anymore. He even becomes close with the kids who bully Hazel. Hazel is sure Jack would never just change for no apparent reason and something must be wrong. How could she possibly lose him. When Jack acts cold to her I thought about what Hazel must be going through and I was close to tears.

Shortly after Jack's strange behavior towards Hazel, he stops showing up to school and his parents say that he moved with a distant aunt. Hazel knows he would never just leave. One of the bullies tells Hazel that he saw Jack walking into the woods with a woman who was dressed completely in white and seemed cold. Hazel can't believe that Jack would leave with anyone into the woods much less someone who she believes is an Ice Queen. Hazel's journey to get her best friend back is going to be a dangerous and possibly deadly journey, but one she is willing to take to save her friend.

Breadcrumbs won my heart and I can see myself re-reading this book many times over. I'm also excited to share this with my nephew when he is older. I have read and listened to Breadcrumbs and both times I loved it. The narrator does a great job pulling you into the story. I hope you give this book a chance and to help I'm giving away a copy of the book.

I want to thank Walden Media for providing a review copy of Breadcrumbs!

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Interview: Megan Bostic

2012-01-13T07:00:00.031-06:00

Today I'm talking to Megan Bostic. Megan is not only the author of Never Eighteen, the first book that made me cry this year, but I have known Megan for over a year now so I have secret details!

Top Secret Megan Details:
Loves Sock Monkeys
Writes Poetry
Was supposed to debut in 2011
Is pals with Gae Polisner
Is a really sweet person

Please help me welcome Megan Bostic! [insert applause]

Never Eighteen/January 17, 2012

Megan: I feel like we have known you for a year now because you were originally Class of 2k11. You've also shared poetry here which I’m a huge fan of. Now the day is here and Never Eighteen is finally hitting shelves.

What is your reaction to that?

At this very moment, I’m freaking out. I’m actually relieved to have been bumped from 2011 to 2012 because it gave me more time to prepare. I don’t think anyone has a clue what it takes to market a book unless they’ve done it themselves.

Of course, along with the anxiety I also feel excitement. I’m looking forward to my release, to seeing my book on the YA shelves, and meeting readers at author events.

How did you feel when you got the call/email that Never Eighteen was going to be sold?

Every time my agent wrote and said someone was interested I was like, “Really? Weird.” I think I just didn’t believe it was happening. It was very surreal. Mostly I think because it had taken so long to get an agent, and then BAM, book sold crazy fast. Plus, I was in Disneyland. That place really is magical. :)

Never Eighteen is not a fun light book. What made you explore darker YA?

Life. Plain and simple. Life is not easy—especially in the teen years. The subject matter in that book, I’ve seen it all—death, addiction, abuse—and I witnessed it all in my teens as well as later in life. I think we sometimes need these hard stories to read because they are so real to us. We need characters we can relate to, but that also offer us hope in the end.

Which YA authors that write in a similar area of the genre do you read and look up to?

I am very bad. I mean, I love to read, but the last few years, with the writing, I’ve not read as much as I would have liked. However, two books came to mind instantly when I read this question. Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher, I will sing its praises to the ends of the earth. I’m very close to becoming a Jay Asher stalker (don’t tell him I said that). This book really spoke to me; it’s tragic and beautiful at the same time. Jay’s writing is so good, I really felt like I was hearing Hannah’s voice on those tapes.

The other novel is Deadline, by Chris Crutcher. I sheepishly admit to this being the first book of his I’ve read and it was worth every second. Again, the voice was very well written, the story tragic, but hopeful.

Saying goodbye to people is never easy. How did you come up with the points in the story where Austin makes amends with people?

The points in the story are very real. They could happen to anyone’s friend, mother, sister or brother. I think if we take a step back and look at our own lives, we’ll find people we should have apologized to, helped, or treated better. If we could see through Austin’s eyes—dying eyes, maybe we would try to make amends ourselves.

Your story is told from a male’s point of view and YA is primarily female. Do you think girls will understand or relate to Austin?

I think Austin is a very real and relatable character. Teens connect their own stories and struggles, I don’t think it matters if they’re male or female.

I hear from Amy Dominy that your book should come with tissues. What can you tell fans to expect?

Ha! I’ve actually looked into buying tissue packets to give away with the book. Lol. I think I’m too close to the story to say, so I will go by what I’ve heard from my readers. Expect to fall in love with Kaylee and Austin. Expect that they will feel like friends to you. Expect moments of laughter and moments of reflection. And definitely have a box of tissues handy.

What do you hope readers learn from Austin, Never Eighteen and about you?

You know when you say, “I should have done this” or “should have said that”, those moments when you say to yourself, “I wish I would have done something”? Well, Austin is doing those things. He wants to leave life with no regrets or should-have-beens. He may not be able to save the world, or even the people he seeks out, but at least he knows he’s tried.

He’s also teaching us to live life like you mean it. Don’t just get by, don’t let it destroy you. You only have one shot at it, don’t take it for granted.

I suppose that I’m speaking through Austin as well, though I know it’s easier to sit back than to stand up and be heard. We all have a time limit on earth, some are just shorter than others. Like Austin, I don’t want to go out with regrets. I want to make my mark, no matter how small it might be and live life like there may not be a tomorrow.

You blog often about your work in progress what can people expect next?

Well, I’m hoping what I’m working on now will be my next book. It’s tentatively titled Sad. It’s another realistic contemporary YA about a girl struggling with depression that eventually leads to cutting. Then her journey to solving the question of why and becoming whole again.

Thank you Cari, I LOVE you!! :)

Video Reading: May B. by Caroline Starr Rose

2012-01-10T00:00:00.003-06:00

I'm very excited to welcome Caroline Starr Rose author of May B. Caroline is part of Class of 2k12 and May B. is her first YA verse novel. I love listening to verse novels being spoken so I was thrilled when Caroline agreed to do a reading of May B for us.

About the book:
I've known it since last night:
It's been too long to expect them to return.
Something's happened.

May is helping out on a neighbor's Kansas prairie homestead—just until Christmas, says Pa. She wants to contribute, but it's hard to be separated from her family, especially by fifteen, long, unfamiliar miles. Then the unthinkable happens: May is abandoned. Trapped in a tiny snow-covered sod house, isolated from family and neighbors, May must prepare for the oncoming winter. While fighting to survive, May's memories of her struggles with reading at school come back to haunt her. But she's determined to find her way home again. Caroline Starr Rose's fast-paced novel, written in beautiful and riveting verse, gives readers a strong new heroine to love.

To learn more about Caroline visit: http://www.carolinestarrrose.com

Review: Never Eighteen

2012-01-09T10:33:00.000-06:00

Never Eighteen by Megan Bostic

Ratings: 4 of 5 Stars

Never Eighteen by Megan Bostic is the first debut novel from the Class of 2K12. I highly recommend you pick up this novel when it comes out on the 17th of this month. While it's only 200 pages long it's filled with lots of emotional scenes. Never Eighteen is narrated by Austin a guy who is dying from cancer before his eighteenth birthday. There are some dark moments that made me emotional wishing I could reach out and hug the characters. Scenes from Never Eighteen reminded me a tiny bit of Ellen Hopkins, the author of Crank. I will say that I wish the book had been a bit longer because then I think we would have gotten additional details and maybe known a little more about what Austin was feeling. The ending was very touching and I can see teens and adults equally enjoying Never Eighteen.

Never Eighteen is Megan's first novel which will be released January 17th 2012. Megan is currently working on her second contemporary novel. I hope you come back January 13th when Megan will be discussing Never Eighteen.

Exclusive: Miranda Kenneally's Cover and Title for Book 2

2012-01-06T11:03:00.000-06:00

I'm thrilled to share the cover and title for for Miranda Kenneally's newest book. CATCHING JORDAN was my favorite book of 2011 and I'm sure Miranda's newest book will be no exception, I'm sure it will steal that spot for 2012. The covers for Miranda's upcoming book and CATCHING JORDAN both have a similar feel, but the great thing about a companion novel is you don't necessarily have to read the first book in order to understand what's going on in the second one. If you follow this blog then you know I highly recommend reading CATCHING JORDAN, like right now. Miranda's second book will be out in October which can't come fast enough for me!

Miranda is currently working on a third companion novel and an anthology titled Dear Teen Me after the very popular blog she and E. Kristin Anderson created.

Without further ado, I give you STEALING PARKER by Miranda Kenneally...

Click here to read an excerpt of Stealing Parker.

Stealing Parker previously titled The Girl I Use To Be is a companion to Catching Jordan. This book is about a girl named Parker, who has a crush on the 23-year-old coach of the school baseball team. Parker goes to the same school as Jordan Woods and Sam Henry, so you *might* see some familiar faces. -from mirandakenneally.com

Guest post with Robin Bridges

2012-01-05T07:00:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

With a new year comes a new group of debut authors. I always like to find out how authors come up with ideas and how they find a balance between the parts of their story based on actual events and the parts that began in the authors mind. Robin Bridges is the author of The Gathering Storm which will be released January 10, 2012. I wanted to know how Robin balances historical fiction and the paranormal. Thank you Robin for taking the time to share with us!

By Robin Bridges:

I’m not sure I would have had the guts to start writing the Katerina books if I’d known how much research would be involved. It’s not that I hate research- in fact I love it a little too much. I can spend hours online reading obscure old books on Google, or just looking at old photographs on the website for the Encyclopaedia of Saint Petersburg. I fell in love with the Russian Silver Age after reading a book about the history of the actor Stanislavsky and the Moscow Art Theater. And of course, there’s the research for all the fun things I needed to know for this book, like practical necromancy or ancient Egyptian magic.

Author Gail Carriger has helpful advice for researching on her blog: one of her hints is to focus on primary sources. Since I can’t read Russian very well, I’ve had to scour the internet for good translations. The forums at the Alexander Palace Time Machine provided a wealth of information, including some of the electronic versions of the earliest books written about the Romanovs. And oh, the photographs!

I’ve used Librarything as an online bibliography of sorts to keep up with all my Katerina sources. Every book I buy or check out of the library that has anything to do with Imperial Russian history has been added to my list. The jewel of my collection is a 1968 copy of Mara Kay’s children’s book, MASHA, about a young Russian girl during the reign of Alexander I. I’m still looking for an affordable copy of the sequel, THE YOUNGEST LADY-IN-WAITING. Alas, the least expensive copy on Amazon at the moment is $895!

Russian culture is teeming with superstition. It wasn’t hard for me to imagine a Saint Petersburg filled with vampires and other monsters. When I reread my favorite Russian fairy tales about Koschei the Deathless and Baba Yaga, I also read about firebirds and bogatyrs. Digging into other Eastern European mythology, I discovered veshtizas and strigas. Want a hint about what’s next for Katerina? For Book 2, I’ve been reading a lot about ceremonial magic and the secret magical orders of the late 19^th century. (Think Aleister Crowley and the Order of the Golden Dawn.)

So my research has been a blend of history and folklore. A little occult history. And watching lots of YouTube videos. I haven’t been able to go and see the grand palaces of the Romanovs, so I do the next best thing and watch them here:

Hermitage Spirits: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHwsPVO0i7w&list=FLAJ7MTTwjsD7nOTykYrl9fg&index=8

Love to read historical paranormals? Here are some of my favorites!

Saundra Mitchell’s The Vespertine

Sonia Gensler’s The Revenant

Libba Bray’s Gemma Doyle trilogy

Colleen Gleason’s Gardella Vampire Chronicles

Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series

Marissa Doyle’s Leland Sisters books

Stephanie Burgis’ The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson series

You can learn more about Robin online at:
www.robinbridges.com
http://twitter.com/robinbridges
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Katerina-Trilogy/159461857486442
http://classof2k12.com/?p=150

January Reading List

2012-01-01T23:28:00.009-06:00

Favorite Books of 2011

2011-12-26T09:00:00.000-06:00

For book lovers picking out our favorite books of the year is practically impossible. The way I pick my favorites is to think about those books I gave high ratings to and then which stories really stayed with me. Of course one book you hear me talk about all the time is Catching Jordan. Catching Jordan is the first book in a really long time that has really wowed me so I have to say hands down it's my favorite of 2011. There were also other books that really made me fall in love and I want to share these titles with you. If you don't own these books make sure to add them to your collection in 2012.

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Divergent by Veronica Roth

OyMG by Amy Dominy

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton

Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

Delirium and Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Class of 2k11 - One Year Later

2011-12-18T16:16:00.000-06:00

I can't believe the year is almost over! I spent a lot of time talking about the Class of 2k11 this year so I had to go back and ask them to share a memory of their debut year. I feel very lucky to have found Class of 2k11 because each author and book is special to me. {Go buy Class of 2k11 books}

I've been thinking about my release day ever since I sold my book. And I imagined a lot of things--mostly involving finding the book on the shelf at a bookstore and squealing repeatedly until they threw me out--but I didn't picture what actually happened. I woke up the morning of my release to find that a bunch of my fellow 2k11ers and some awesome book bloggers had zombified themselves all over the internet. They were creepy and silly and ridiculous, and one had a plunger stuck to her head. I don't think I've ever felt more like a rock star (or maybe zombie queen is more appropriate). And out of all of the things that happened that day, it's what sticks in my mind the most--that some of my favorite people in the world did something ridiculous to help celebrate my little book of ridiculousness. I get the giggles just thinking about it. - Carrie Harris

Most surreal: The box of “author’s” hardcover books arriving, and my sons just staring; walking into the Strand bookstore in NYC to see my book up on the famous, dusty shelves; signing books at my launch for a line 100+ deep; and the first group panel readings I did with my Class of 2K11 cohorts.

Most fun/ridiculous: Ah, the Ford Crown Victoria. Need I say more? interview with Cari Soto with bee antennae on my head; 90-second sampler reading at the Dolphin Bookshop on Long Island

Most rewarding: the readers who say they love the book, but especially the teen male readers who tell me that they hate to read, but “had” to, then couldn’t put my book down. Man, I love those dudes. ;) - Gae Polisner

For me, a favorite moment with the Class of 2k11 came in the midst of every author's nightmare. It was BEA 2011 and I’d come to New York for a week of events with other Class of 2k11 authors. On this particular night, we’d taken the train to a small town for a book signing event. And no one showed up. As it turned out, the town had a parade that night. We did finally get one attendee—a wonderful girl who could only stay a little while—she was marching in the parade band. But I can tell you that it’s a horrible, lonely feeling waiting for people who never come. Still, I wasn’t lonely. More importantly, I wasn’t alone. I had my 2k11 buddies with me. And it really struck me in that moment that I would manage whatever came my way because I had this group of people to share it with. - Amy Fellner Dominy

Identity crisis – that’s how we started. We ranged in age from late twenties to late sixties and lived from the Pacific NW to New York; our prospective readers ranged from nine to eighteen and up; our approaches to marketing ranged from guerilla to gentile; our books were funny and serious, realistic contemporary, sci-fi, and historical fiction. How could we define such a diverse group? For the first few months, we traded up to fifty emails a day (most of them nice, some not so) prompting six members to give up and leave. Sometime in May, 2010, like iron filings in the presence of a magnet, we recognized what we had in common instead of how we were different and coalesced into the Class of 2k11. From that time on, we were all for one and one for all, ready to share our wide-ranging expertise and divide the workload, share tips, toss glitter, throw brickbats, or offer soothing wisdom as the situation demanded. Some of us have still never met in person, but count each other as best friends forever. - Carole Estby Dagg

I had no idea when Amy Holder sent me an email about something called the Class of 2K11, how important it would prove to be. Joining this diverse group of talented writers was one of the best decisions I ever made. The shared expertise and energy was a big help in marketing my debut novel and helped us to gain the attentions of librarians, teachers and wonderful book bloggers like you. However, I think the best part of the Class of 2K11 is how wonderful it has been to have a support network to cheer on each other's successes and provide words of encouragement when things are not going the way we want them to. I would have been lost without my classmates, and consider the members of the Class of 2K11, some of whom I've never met, friends for life. - Alissa Grosso

My favorite part of this amazing year was holding my first book in my hand. It was a life team dream come true! I also loved going to New York City for Book Expo America in May. I had never been to NYC, so that was very exciting, but it was great to meet my Class of 2k11 classmates, and also to go to the office of my publisher and finally meet face-to-face all of the people who had worked so hard on The Sweetest Thing.

The biggest surprise of the year has been how much I have enjoyed doing events where I get to meet my readers. As a kid, all I wanted to do was write, but I never had a chance to meet a real author. It is important to me to show kids that writers are regular people who work really hard to make their work the best it can be. These kids are so special, smart and unique -- I feel so fortunate to get to know them.

As for what's next -- I look forward to seeing what the future holds. I've been working hard on my next book, and hope to have some good news to share about it soon! - Christina Mandelski

The best part of being a member of the Class of 2K11 has been knowing everyone involved! Although I'm pretty quiet & don't email a lot, these fabulous people have always been around to support and commiserate or cheer the ups and downs. I couldn't have done this nearly as sanely without my 2K11 buds! - Julia Karr

I cannot imagine anything nicer than publishing in the company of friends--fellow writers across the country who share the journey, who offer advice and support, who genuinely wish the best for one another. I traveled miles with my fellow 2k11 writers--and when I was tired they carried me, and when I was lost they pointed me toward the light. How can such a thing be possible with in such a solitary vocation? My great joy was meeting them in New York, my true joy will be knowing them for a long long time, book after book, and happily cheering them on. - Sheila O'Connor

Being a debut author is such an amazing time! It’s much more emotional than one would ever dream. But I’ve been so very fortunate for all the kindness people have shown me. As a member of the Class of 2k11, a group of authors whose first books have debuted this year, I not only found other authors who I could ride the rollercoaster of getting your first book published – sharing the good and the bad - but I’ve found authors who I will count as friends for the rest of my life. Additionally, I’ve met so many wonderful bloggers and readers in this community who have supported me, rooted for me and shared the excitement of watching my story become a book – that the whole process has truly been a dream come true. I will forever be grateful for all the kind, wonderful people out there who made this such a special year! Thank you! - Kiki Hamilton

One of my favorite moments with the Class of 2k11 was actually meeting everyone (almost) in New York during BEA week. The Books of Wonder event, in particular, was, well, wonderful, and after wards Bettina, Chris, Sheila, and I had a lovely dinner outdoors at the Bryant Park Cafe. - Angie Smibert

10. Receiving wonderful emails from my classmates when ‘crisis du jour’ happened.
9. Slumber party at Gae’s house.
8. The Crown Victoria photo opp.
7. Walking into Books of Wonder to see a full house and our books on the shelf.
6. Throwing virtual rocks for my classmates
5. SCBWI Carolinas
4. Understanding how much work a debut is – and that some things work and some things don’t. But, I had a supportive team that I could teach and learn from.
3. Celebrating each small moment with people who UNDERSTOOD the agony of reviews (good and bad), Goodreads, empty and full signings, lack of ARCS, B&N, Amazon math, etc.
2. Meeting and connecting with so many wonderful book people.
1. Best part of the year – knowing that this doesn’t have to end. I have friends and I have words. Whether I ever publish again is yet to be know, but friends and great stories won’t ever change.
-Bettina Restrepo

Gae, Amy D., Christina, Carrie, Geoff, Alissa, Amy H., Carol, Julia, Tara, Trinity, Angie, Kiki, Bettina, Tess, and Sheila you are all welcome on my blog anytime!

One of a kind artwork by Gae Poliser exclusively found on Cari's Book Blog

Book Events: Mary Lindsey

2011-12-17T09:00:00.003-06:00

Hi All,

Mary Lindsey had her debut party for Shattered Souls last weekend at Blue Willow Bookshop and wow what a crowd! DFW Bloggers Stacy from Girls in the Stacks and Michelle from Windowpane Memoirs even made the trip for the event. Local authors Christina Mandelski and Joy Preble also were at Blue Willow to support Mary. The Houston and Dallas bloggers were joined by Joy Preble before the event for lunch at Becks to talk about all things books. We had such a blast, I can't wait to do it again!

Enjoy the pictures!

Review: The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories Vol. 1

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

I have never read anything like the Tiny Book of Tiny Stories! I love how unique the concept of the book came about, which Joseph explains perfectly in the video below. I was also fascinated by the fact that the stories felt complete and the illustrations added to each story. I think this is a great addition for any book or art lover. Also with every story I kept finding myself saying "oh this is my favorite story" and at the end I couldn't pick just one story, but I must say I did love the one with the egg (below). I can't wait for the next two books in this tiny series!

Book Events: Lauren Henderson

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

I recently started downloading the latest pictures on my camera and found the pictures from the Lauren Henderson event at Murder by the Book. Lauren writes the Kiss series and was in town promoting the fourth and final book in the series Kiss of Death. Lauren is currently working on a new young adult series Flirting In Italian which sounds like a fun read. I haven't read the Kiss series yet but I picked up the first three books. Lauren is hilarious and if she is ever in your area make sure to go see her.

Full size pictures:Lauren Henderson Album

For more on Lauren visit: Lauren Henderson online

Review: Catching Jordan

2011-12-01T09:28:00.000-06:00

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

CATCHING JORDAN is one of my favorite books this year! I dare you to start reading and put it down before you reach the end. I feel like a broken record because I have been telling anyone who will listen how much I love this book. When I first saw the cover I was smitten and then on closer inspection I saw that Simone Elkeles blurbed it and at that point I knew it had to be something special. CATCHING JORDAN is about a high school quarterback who lives for the sport. Only this quarterback is a girl and she is set on playing college football for the top school in the nation. Jordan wishes that her father, who plays for the NFL, would support her dreams, but just as Jordan is passionate about playing football he is as passionate about getting her to quit.

The beauty in this story is that all the characters have flaws making them very real. Jordan has tunnel vision when it comes to sports and is missing out on other life experiences like spending time with family, having friends outside the team, and even having a boyfriend. Then Ty transfers to her school and wants to join the football team. Ty played quarterback in Texas and took his team to the state championship. Jordan isn’t sure if she should worry more about her position or her heart because Ty is Chace Crawford hot.

Jordan has no shortage of hot guys around her, like her brother’s best friend Jake or her best friend Henry or one of the many guys on the team. The friendship between Henry and Jordan is sweet, funny, and effortless. Henry is the one who got Jordan into football at age seven and they have been best friends ever since. They do everything together from co-parenting an electronic baby in home ec. to playing football. While Henry is very proud of being a male slut he gives Jordan the push she needs to open up about her feelings for Ty. Jordan realizes she needs to find a balance and stop caring about what the world thinks or says.

If you only take one recommendation from me all year I hope you pick up this book! I find it rare when a novel leaves such a huge impression so I read it a second time and both times I laughed, cried, and smiled. I hope Hollywood comes calling because CATCHING JORDAN definitely has movie potential. CATCHING JORDAN is Miranda Kenneally’s debut novel and is available today. Miranda is also working on two companion novels THE GIRL I USED TO BE to be released in 2012 and BAD, BAD THING in 2013.

To learn more about Miranda visit: http://mirandakenneally.com/

December To Read List:

2011-11-30T07:00:00.019-06:00

Interview: Miranda Kenneally

2011-11-29T08:00:00.002-06:00

I'm so lucky to interview Miranda Kenneally on my blog today. Miranda's debut novel CATCHING JORDAN was one of my favorite novels this year. I love how real her characters are. CATCHING JORDAN kept me up until 4:00 AM reading it, because I would not put the book down until I finished. I gush about this novel to anyone who's willing to listen and wish I could give every person a copy of this book.

What made you want to tell this particular story?
When I was in high school, I managed the boys' soccer team. Hanging around guys so often gave me an interesting view into their lives, and I wanted to share that will all the girls out there!

How difficult was it for Jordan to find a balance between being a girl, leader of her football team, and being herself?
Very hard. Jordan felt that if she showed any weakness, the guys on her team wouldn't take her seriously as a leader anymore. Obviously, teen girls have different needs than boys, so Jordan struggled with being herself and being what she "thought" everyone expected her to be. The minute she starts to experiment with acting like a girl, she begins to understand that everyone already knows she's a girl. That's even harder for her to deal with.

Jordan has to deal with her father who isn't necessarily understanding of who she is. How does Jordan handle it and how would you have handled the situation?
Jordan deals with it by trying to prove herself over and over again to her father, rather than sitting down with him and trying to understand his point of view. The same goes for him - until he starts to consider her opinions, he is very hard-headed. The entire book is about learning to make compromises.

I would've done exactly what Jordan did - set out to prove myself. But unlike Jordan at the beginning of the book, I am typically open to new ways of thinking.

Without being spoilerish what is one of your favorite scenes in the book and why?
My favorite scene is probably home ec class, where Jordan and Henry have to "raise" an electronic baby for a week. It was just really fun to write.

Catching Jordan feels like what real high school teens go through. What made you want to show more than just the fairy tale side of contemporary?
My teen years and high school were anything but a fairy tale. I guess I just wrote what I know to be true of high school.

How are you prepared to deal with the backlash from readers about some of Jordan's choices?
Mostly I just accept that different people think in different ways. I myself don't even approve of how Jordan acted at certain times, but people *do* behave poorly sometimes. That's just part of life. Besides, who wants to read about perfect characters who always do the *right* thing? (Whatever the right thing is)

What do you want readers to take away from this book?
That life is all about compromise. Some things you can afford to compromise on, but others you cannot (love, friendships).

What other projects do you have in the works?
Two companions to CATCHING JORDAN. The first comes out in October 2012. It's called THE GIRL I USED TO BE and it's about a 17-year-old girl who has the hots for the school baseball coach. The second book is called BAD, BAD THING and it's about a girl falling in love for the first time while working at a summer camp.

What exciting things do you have plans for your debut year?
Lots of writing! (I'm a very boring person, I swear). Also, I'm going to Florida to spend time in a hot tub and a lazy river.

What do readers not know about you that would make them giggle?
I can karaoke like nobody's business. I didn't make it as a country music singer. Alas.

Where can readers find you?
I'm always on Twitter and Facebook Also -- http://mirandakenneally.com/

Shatter Me and Catching Jordan Winners

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

We have winners!!!

Congratulations to Ricki @ Reading Challenged who is the winner of CATCHING JORDAN!

Congratulations to Kristi S. who is the winner of SHATTER ME!

The winners have been notified and has 48 hours to reply with a mailing address.

The Lucky One Movie Trailer

2011-11-28T23:07:00.000-06:00

GASP! Have you seen the movie trailer for Nicholas Sparks' The Lucky One? I know many aren't big fans of Nicholas Sparks, but I really love some of his books and it's primarily what I read before YA. For those of you who have read the Lucky One what are your thoughts on the trailer?

I think Zac Efron looks amazingly hot and if they stay close to the book the story will be emotional and classic Nicholas Sparks which translates into big bucks. My concern was that they cast Taylor Schilling in the lead and while she is only three years older than Zac she appears to be a lot older than him. I will reserve judgement until I see it on screen.

Book Events: Hillary Jordan

2011-11-27T12:15:00.000-06:00

Earlier this year I attended an event at Blue Willow Bookshop for Hillary Jordan, the author of When She Woke. The staff raved about When She Woke and the cover is stunning so I had to be there. Also the story is little like The Scarlett Letter so that also caught my attention. Here are a few pictures I took at the event.

For more on Hillary Jordan visit: http://hillaryjordan.com/

Black Friday Giveaway: Shatter Me ARC

2011-11-25T00:24:00.002-06:00

Ready for Black Friday? No need for hair pulling, screaming, and fighting! One lucky person is going to win an ARC of Shatter Me. I'm reading this book now and everyone raves about it!

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Make sure to visit the following bloggers who are also participating:
Kate @ Ex Libris
Tillie @ Nuttier Reads
Michelle @ Windowpane Memoirs
Sarah's Books
Books to the Sky

Review: Past Perfect

2011-11-20T09:00:00.002-06:00

Past Perfect by Leila Sales

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Past Perfect is such a fun contemporary novel. I'm not sure what part of the story the book's cover is supposed to depict, but the story itself is a perfect blend of funny, romance, mistakes, and a loveable main character.

Chelsea is a high school junior who plans to spend the summer working at the mall with her best friend Chelsea. Her goals include becoming an ice cream connoisseur and never thinking about her ex-boyfriend Ezra. Ezra was the perfect guy who suddenly ended their relationship. Chelsea is crushed and hopes he will want to get back with her. Only her plan backfires when her best friend wants to work at Essex Historical Colonial Village the re-enactment park she has worked at all her life with her parents. Chelsea eventually gives in but working at Essex gets even more complicated when she sees that Ezra has also taken a job there.

The teens at Essex have a tradition of being at war with the Civil War village across the road. They play pranks and try to get the best of each other. During the first meeting Chelsea is appointed lieutenant to help bring victory against the Civil Warriors. The craziness that goes on is hilarious!

On the first night of the war Chelsea gets kidnapped by the Civil Warriors and the guy who keeps her captive turns out to be a super cute guy! Chelsea knows that dating a Civil Warrior can't happen, but he is so cute which can only mean more trouble for Chelsea! I adore this book! Chelsea learns about herself and comes to terms about her feelings for Ezra.

If you are in the mood for a contemporary YA read then this is the book for you! Past Perfect is Leila Sales second novel! I look forward to going back and reading her first novel Mostly Good Girls and look forward to more from her in the future.

Eve Winner

2011-11-16T16:14:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Book Goonie who is the winner of the signed copy of Eve by Anna Carey since the first person drawn did not reply! The winner has been notified and has 48 hours to reply with a mailing address. Be sure to enter the Catching Jordan Giveaway!

Book Trailer: Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

2011-11-15T07:00:00.003-06:00

I'm really excited to share the book trailer of Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally! When I first read the summary I couldn't wait to read it and then when I got the book I stayed up until 4:00 AM reading it and believe me it's definitely 5 star worthy. I want to thank Miranda for letting me debut the trailer on my blog and to celebrate the occasion I'm giving away some prizes.

To learn more about Miranda visit: http://mirandakenneally.com/
The video was made by: Vania Stoyanova of http://www.vlcphoto.net/

Grand Prize will be a preorder of Catching Jordan with swag

3 others will receive Catching Jordan Bookmarks, stickers, and trading cards

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Book Depository Shipping

Guest Review: The Faerie Ring

2011-11-11T07:00:00.002-06:00

I have invited my friend Sarah to guest review on my blog. Sarah is a Houston book blogger and like me a big supporter of Class of 2k11. When she mentioned she was reading The Faerie Ring I asked if she would like to review it for my blog and here we are! I hope you enjoy Sarah's review and make sure to visit her site.

The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

Sarah's Rating: 4 stars

I’ve been looking forward to reading The Faerie Ring since I first read about it last spring and I was not disappointed! By the first few pages I was hooked and I couldn’t wait to find out more about Tiki and why she ends up picking pockets when she seems to be educated and could've possibly found another way to earn money. I enjoyed being taken back in time to 1871 London on this tale of survival and self-discovery. Tiki is not just picking pockets for herself, but for the four other orphaned children she shares a space with, for which she feels a responsibility to. But Tiki will soon find out that just because you don't get caught stealing there are always consequences and that you should be careful who you steal from.

Tiki steals a ring belonging to Queen Victoria and she soon finds herself in the middle of what could become a nasty war between England and the Faire realm. Then there is the mysterious Rieker, a fellow thief, who is not quite what he seems. I enjoyed seeing Tiki come into her own as she tries to save her family and find out more about why Rieker is so interested in her.

Part of the enjoyment of this book was seeing how all the pieces fell together and how the title has more than one meaning.I can’t wait to read more about the world Kiki has created in The Faerie Ring and to discover what is in store for Tiki and Rieker.

For more on Sarah visit: http://sarahsbookslife.blogspot.com/
For more on Kiki Hamilton visit: http://www.kikihamilton.com/

Audio Review: Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

2011-11-09T07:00:00.002-06:00

Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Rating: ????

Short and Sweet:
I have had a difficult time with this review for many reasons. See books you love and even books you aren’t crazy about aren’t difficult to write reviews for, because you know why you either loved it or not. I believe one of the hardest books to write a review for are those that grab a hold of you and pull you through an emotional roller coaster leaving you to wonder why did we go there? Dark YA novels have a purpose but if the novel leaves you with a million questions and feeling that the ending is incomplete, is the book worth it?

Longer Version:
Glow reminds me of Cresendo and Impossible, both books grabbed me and made me feel like I was living what the character was living, but is the last place on earth I'd want to be. Glow plays on a basic fear of becoming a victim and being lied to. I don’t think any person ever wants to feel like we are not in control of our safety or the fact that we don’t have a way out. With each CD I kept living this horror and found myself lashing out. If you were one of the many people sitting next to me in traffic I apologize I normally don’t swear as much.

In Glow there are two ships, the Empyrean and the New Horizon, one person makes a horrible decision that hurts a lot of people on the New Horizon and that group retaliates by taking the Empyrean's children specifically their daughters and doing unspeakable experiments on them. Waverly is one of the girls who is captured and is one of the first girls to be experimented on. She finally starts to ask questions about what their kidnappers are doing to them, but it made me angry that it took Waverly so long to figure out what was going on, when really she should have seen the signs. She was also sympathetic to her kidnappers. For me I think I would have trusted no one until I was safe, but the problem is that in Glow you are never really safe. As you can tell by my review Glow made me angry, confused and I think a lot more people should have paid for what happened. Since Glow is a series I guess you are wondering will I read/listen to the second book and my answer is I don’t know. I felt so much anger at Glow and I think it takes skills to write a book that will have that effect on a reader. I really don’t know if I could put myself through another book.

Interview and Giveaway: Anna Carey

2011-11-07T07:00:00.001-06:00

I'm thrilled to welcome Anna Carey the author of Eve. Eve is described as THE HUNGER GAMES meets THE HANDMAID’S TALE so it's no surprise that Eve is already in development as a TV series pilot from the producers of The Vampire Diaries. Lauren Kate, author of the Fallen series, calls Eve “A gripping, unforgettable adventure—and a fresh look at what it means to love.”

Where did the idea for your novel come from?
When I started the book I'd been thinking about the same few questions: What would happen if you found out everything you've learned is a lie? What if the world, as it actually was, was so much more beautiful and terrifying than you ever could have imagined? Would you have the courage to explore it?

When writing do you visualize the scene in your mind or is it just getting the words on paper?
I find the scene flows better when I visualize everything in my head--where all the characters are, what objects are around them, where people are coming and going from. It's most important when writing action scenes. I'm actually so OCD about this I make drawings, amateur blueprints and maps while writing each book. I have a detailed drawing of Eve's school showing the lake, the buildings and all the entrances and exits. I also have drawings of the dugout. Because the first book takes place over several states and the characters travel there by car, on foot and horseback, I mapped out Eve's journey on an actual map of the west, making sure the times/distances were correct.

How much changed from the original manuscript?
Overall, the first Eve book is fairly similar to the original draft. The chapters that changed the most were the ones in the dugout, when Eve is realizing how deceitful the Teachers were. She's struggling to let go of her past while learning to trust Caleb. I have a really insightful editor, who helped me condense the chapters. There were several "deep thoughts" chapters (as I call them) when Eve was just thinking about her predicament.

How did you decide on dystopia?
When I started Eve I was more interested in writing a post-apocalyptic story. I wanted to write about what happens to people after a horrific tragedy. If a disaster occurred tomorrow, how would the survivors more forward? Would there be chaos? Would we stay true to the values our country was founded on or follow the first leader with a clear vision? The more dystopian elements of the book came as I moved forward in the writing, and was thinking about how the new government would rebuild. I wanted Eve to have more challenges than just the ones she faces in the wild, and having the King's men hunting her brought a whole new level of drama to the book.

What are your next projects?
Eve is a trilogy, so I'm working on the final book now (the second book, Once, will be out July 2012). I'm starting to think about what will be next once the series is over. It'll be sad to say good-bye to these characters!

For more information visit:
Official Eve website: www.theevetrilogy.com

Like Eve on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheEveTrilogy

Follow @AnnaCareyBooks on Twitter: http://twitter.com/annacareybooks

Visit Anna Carey’s blog: www.annacareybooks.com

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Slayers Winner

2011-11-07T00:00:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Shirley Bahlmann who has won the signed copy of Slayers by C. J. Hill! The winner has been notified and has 48 hours to reply with a mailing address. Be sure to visit later today for a new giveaway!

Review: 31 Dates in 31 Days

2011-11-06T08:00:00.001-06:00

31 Dates in 31 Days by Tamara Duricka Johnson

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

31 Dates is Tamara’s real life story about how she went from instantly falling in love with the wrong guys to taking on a dating project that would teach her how to date. Tamara decided that if she went on 31 first dates she would start to figure out what she was doing wrong. The idea of finding 31 guys who would want to go out with her scared her but she was determined. I kept thinking wow do I have 31 cute dating outfits and how would I not be over it after date 13?

Tamara overcame her fears and she started catching herself thinking about a future with the guy she was on a date with that night, which then spiraled on to "did he like her as much as she liked him?" And all this was happening during their first date! As the dates progress you see the light bulb go off reminding her to break her habits. She even notices when guys start to over share too fast. What she didn’t expect was to learn that guys have a lot of the same insecurities that women have. As expected some were not a match, but some really pulled at my heart and at Tamara.

One of those was Ryan, he had such a great attitude that it seemed unreal, but when he explains why he lives his life the way he does it takes your breath away. We all know people who are scared to live because of what has happened to them in the past, but Ryan lives it to the fullest. So crush worthy!
After a bad date Tamara goes on a date with Christian the comedian and he notices she isn’t really into the date and he calls her on it. I think the fact that he was funny and he called her out on what he saw won me over and I found him to be one of my favorites.

I don’t think I could have survived 31 days without a break but I admire what Tamara did and I think the best thing is that there are good guys out there. Treat all guys with respect because he is someone’s prince charming! 31 Dates in 31 days is sassy, fun and should be on everyone’s wish list!

For more on Tamara visit: http://www.tamaradurickajohnson.com/

Book Events: Rachel Caine

2011-11-03T07:00:00.002-05:00

Last night after working late I managed to make it to Murder by the Book to see Rachel Caine. Rachel was in town for a few hours to promote Last Breath, the latest book in the Morganville Series. Rachel normally kicks off her tour in Houston and I always try and make it. In fact I have over 20 books signed by Rachel. The turn out was great and the staff was wonderful as always! THANKS Murder by the Book for a great event!

For more on Rachel visit: www.rachelcaine.com
For more on Murder by the Book visit: www.murderbooks.com

Video Reading: Scored by Lauren McLaughlin

2011-11-02T00:00:00.002-05:00

About the book:
Set in the future when teenagers are monitored via camera and their recorded actions and confessions plugged into a computer program that determines their ability to succeed. All kids given a "score" that determines their future potential. This score has the ability to get kids into colleges, grant scholarships, or destroy all hope for the above. Scored's reluctant heroine is Imani, a girl whose high score is brought down when her best friend's score plummets. Where do you draw the line between doing what feels morally right and what can mean your future? Friendship, romance, loyalty, family, human connection and human value: all are questioned in this fresh and compelling dystopian novel set in the scarily forseeable future.

About Lauren: http://www.laurenmclaughlin.net/

November To Read List:

2011-11-01T00:00:00.019-05:00

Halloween: Tessa Gratton reading Blood Magic

2011-10-31T00:00:00.004-05:00

When I think Halloween I think of spooky books. So what better way to celebrate than to have Tessa Gratton read from her novel Blood Magic. I hope you enjoy this video it's from one of my favorite creepy chapters.

My Blood Magic Review: http://cariblogs.blogspot.com/2011/04/review-blood-magic-by-tessa-gratton.html

Review: The Iron Knight

2011-10-29T08:00:00.003-05:00

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Short Version: If you haven't started this series then you should know that The Iron Knight is the fourth and final book in the Iron Fey series and I believe the series gets better as you read the books. The first three novels are told from Megan's point of view and for this final novel Ash tells the story. Author Julie Kagawa tells a unique fey story that will take you from holding your breath to holding back tears. I highly recommend this series.

Long Version:Only read this if you have already read the first three novels or you will be lost.
When I read The Iron Queen I thought it was the last book so about 2/3 into the novel I kept breaking down thinking this can't be the ending. I won't lie Iron Queen had me crying like New Moon and Shiver combined but for a 1/3 of the novel. It was not a pretty sight. So when I finished I was devastated until I found out there would be a fourth book. When The Iron Knight was released on NetGalley I was afraid to read it because The Iron Queen made me so emotional, but I also couldn't not read it.

Ash left the Iron Kingdom with a vow and he will travel until the end of the world to succeed or die trying. In The Iron Knight Julie really dove deep into Ash's past and held nothing back about how cruel he really was. At some points I questioned if he could be redeemed. While Ash is determined to get on with his quest he must turn to old friends if he is to even have a chance of surviving his quest. Some of the most difficult challenges Ash will face require doing nothing at all.

The details in the fey and creatures are so vivid they feel real. If you read carefully you will also find many hidden clues that shape the future of the story. If you are wondering if I cried, I did. THANKS FOR THAT JULIE! If you haven't started this series do so now and if you are unsure about this book I recommend you move it to the top of your "To Read" list!

Make sure to visit http://booktrib.com for The Iron Knight Blog Tour!

Slayer Blog Tour Stop

2011-10-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

I want to thank C. J. Hill who is vlogging about her debut novel Slayers. I hope you enjoy the video and read about Slayers below and enter to win an autographed copy of Slayers below.

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends; 1 edition (September 27, 2011)

Dragons exist. They’re ferocious. And they’re smart: Before they were killed off by slayer-knights, they rendered a select group of eggs dormant, so their offspring would survive. Only a handful of people know about this, let alone believe it – these “Slayers” are descended from the original knights, and are now a diverse group of teens that includes Tori, a smart but spoiled senator’s daughter who didn’t sign up to save the world.

The dragon eggs have fallen into the wrong hands. The Slayers must work together to stop the eggs from hatching. They will fight; they will fall in love. But will they survive?

Be sure to visit the other blogs participating on this tour and thank you to Heather from Fire and Ice for organizing the tour. http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/2011/10/slayers-blog-tour.html
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Cover News: Chained by Lynne Kelly

2011-10-26T23:35:00.002-05:00

Chained has a cover!

I met Lynne Kelly at the Texas Library Association Convention in Austin and found out she is from Houston and part of the Class of 2K12. I see Lynne at local book events all the time and I offered to help the cover reveal for Chained. Chained is a middle grade novel and I think the cover is very sweet. Make sure to visit Lynne because she is hosting a giveaway to celebrate the cover and ARCs.

Congratulations Lynne! I love the cover!

About the book:
The touching story of a boy and an elephant who have a friendship that's stronger than any lock, shackle, or chain.

Ten-year-old Hastin's sister has fallen ill, and his family must borrow money to pay for her care in the hospital. To work off the debt, Hastin leaves his village in northern India to work in a faraway jungle as an elephant keeper. He thinks it will be an adventure, but he isn't prepared for the cruel circus owner. The crowds that come to the circus see a lively animal who plays soccer and balances on milk bottles, but Hastin sees Nandita, a sweet elephant and his best friend, who is chained when she's not performing and punished until she learns her tricks perfectly. With the help of Ne Min, a wise old man who seems to know all about elephants, Hastin protects Nandita as best as he can. Still he wonders--will they both survive long enough to escape?

For more on Lynne Kelly visit:
http://www.lynnekelly.blogspot.com/

Audio Review: All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

2011-10-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

I found an audio book that I enjoy! The narrator is the same person who narrated the Twilight Saga. I started listening to the book on my hour commute to work and then finished on a road trip to and from Austin. For All These Things I’ve Done is a dystopian novel told from the point of view of Anya Balanchine. Anya is responsible for her older brother, sister, and grandmother after her parents were murdered. The Balanchines are part of a mafia family who produce chocolate and in the future caffeine is illegal. Leo, her brother was in an accident that left him mentally challenged and she has to find a balance in how to take care of him but also not upset him. Anya also knows that she and her siblings must stay out of trouble because neither her brother nor her grandmothers are suitable guardians.

While juggling taking care of her family and finishing school the unexpected happens. Anya finds a guy who she is crazy about and who doesn’t know about her family. While she might be smitten with Win he happens to be the son of the DA. His father is not happy with the fact that his son is dating a mafia princess. He even goes as far as to ask Anya to stay away from his son or he could make her life difficult.

Zevin did a great job of describing New York in a futuristic setting and I feel as if I could see myself walking around in the settings in the book. I wasn’t crazy about the fact that Anya quotes her father over and over, but I think it’s her way of keeping his memory alive. I can’t imagine being a teen and having so much responsibility and I think Anya deals with it by cutting off her emotions. As for me I would probably be guarded if I didn’t become a coffee addict. There is so much suspense, deception and twists to the novel that kept me hooked.

For more on Gabrielle Zevin visit: http://www.memoirsofa.com/

Book Events: David Levithan

2011-10-24T09:54:00.000-05:00

If you have ever asked me for a book recommendation then it's a safe bet that I yelled Dash and Lily's Book of Dares and maybe fangirled ~~a little~~ a lot but said you should read it. I have seen David Levithan twice once at TLA and I was the first person in line and then at the Austin Teen Book Festival where I sat front row and took about 100 pictures of him. In reality the chances of me making a fool of myself were small because I was up close for maybe 5 minutes at most.

Well just a few days ago David came up on the Blue Willow event calendar and I just about panicked. See I kept wanting to say OMG come see him I LOVE HIM from the Blue Willow twitter but knew that I had to keep the fan girl in. David was came out and was all smiles then proceeded to read from Every You, Every Me and then opened the floor to questions. Early on he asked for people to take a few pictures and put the cameras away. During the Q&A I snapped a few shots but kept worrying that he would yell at me lucky for he he didn't.

David mentioned that his next collaboration will be with Andrea Cremer, author of the Nightshade Trilogy. David is also Maggie Stiefvater's editor so I asked what was it like to work with her and he said she was wonderful. He also said that Will Grayson, Will Grayson was written early on in both David and John Green's careers. When asked if he is tempted to edit the work of those he collaborates with he said no that he knows when to wear his writer and editor hat.

So did I make a fool of myself? I left the lens cap on when I asked fellow blogger Tillie to take a picture. Oh then she realized that I left it on the art filter. I tried to take a picture of him signing the wall but could only get his backside so I didn't take the picture. Over all I was afraid to speak for fear of acting like a crazy person.

It was great to see author Joy Preble and local bloggers Hip Mama Jenn and Tille.

10 Dating Tips from Tamara Duricka Johnson

2011-10-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'm pleased to welcome Tamara Duricka Johnson, author of 31 DATES IN 31 DAYS. When I received the review request I quickly did the research and found that I could relate to Tamara and I was interested in reading 31 Dates in 31 Days. Instead of a traditional interview I asked Tamara if she would do a guest post on dating tips. Trust me when I say 31 days is a really fun read.

10 Dating Tips from Tamara Duricka Johnson, author of 31 DATES IN 31 DAYS

First dates tend to be awkward. That’s just their nature. But hopefully these tips will help ease the pain and allow for more fun.

1. When it comes to finding people to date, never underestimate the power of friends and social media. Your friends (and their friends) are great resources for meeting new people. If you choose to use online dating sites, remember that those are intended to be used for introductions, so be sure to meet in person as soon as possible.

2. Plan something simple, fun, and in a public setting. Instead of the standard dinner or movie date, I recommend opting for a local activity. Whether you choose to head to a museum or take a bike ride around a park, a new activity provides a shared experience and offers both you and your date constant fuel for conversation.

3. Set some boundaries. Before your dates, decide your own rules. How much will you limit your alcoholic intake? How late can you stay out? What are your restrictions for physical intimacy? If you set your boundaries ahead of time, it will be easier to remain committed to them if questionable moments arise during your date.

4. Tell friends where you’re going and when you expect to be home, especially if you’re meeting a stranger. This is an important safety precaution.

5. Try sticking to these Three R’s:

Relax - This is just a date. It’s a meet-and-greet, not a job interview or your wedding day. Think of this as meeting a new friend instead of a potential partner.
Respect - Even if this person isn’t your Dream Girl or Prince Charming, she/he may very well be someone’s someday. This person has taken the time and effort to meet you, so show respect.
Romance – Be kind. From the Golden Rule, to Karma, to the Third Law of Physics, we have been taught that what you present comes back to you, and the same goes with love. My personal motto is this: “If you want love, give it away.”

6. Sometimes it can be difficult coming up with good conversation. Try using the same tools journalists and business gurus use when first meeting someone.

Use the K.I.S.S. Principle. This comes from the acronym, “Keep it simple, Stupid!” Stick to light, easy, non-confrontational topics. After all, you’re just getting to know each other.
Use the 5 Ws (and one H) Ask questions that begin with who, what, when, where, why and how. These words are crucial when gathering information. They help formulate open-ended questions, allowing those you’re with to share more personal information about themselves.
Use the S.E.E. Factor Smile, make Eye contact, show your Enthusiasm.

7. Listen. Avoid dominating the conversation. Allow the other person to contribute.

8. Share your stories. Open up and be willing to share details about your life, your interests, or your family. Remember to think of talking to your date as if you’re just meeting a new friend.

9. After the date, instead of focusing on whether you want to see that person again, consider these questions: Did I enjoy my time? Did I learn anything about myself? Did I respect myself and my boundaries?

10. Write down your thoughts and impressions. This will help you realize if you’re learning anything from your dates and will help keep you honest if you tend to idealize your past.

I want to thank Tamara for taking time to stop by and share her dating wisdom. I am currently reading 31 Dates and enjoying the journey. If you want to learn more about 31 Dates in 31 Days visit: http://www.31datesin31days.com/

The Scorpio Races Winners

2011-10-23T01:13:00.001-05:00

The two winners of the Scorpio Races are:

Capillya and Jessy

Winners have been notified and have 48 hours to reply with a mailing address. I want to thank everyone who entered and remember to come back soon for the next giveaway.

Book Events: Tara Hudson

2011-10-22T00:03:00.000-05:00

I attend a lot of events so I plan to start sharing pictures and details about those events. Tara Hudson is a debut author with the Class of 2k11 who wrote Hereafter. Tara participated in the mega tour Dark Days of Summer which stopped in Austin. Oh if you are wondering I drove 3 1/2 hours during the week to go to the Dark Days event and drove back that same night. More recently Tara recently stopped at Murder by the Book in Houston and here are a few pictures. Also if you want a signed copy contact Murder by the Book.

To learn more about Tara visit: www.tarahudson.com

Book Events: Erin Morgenstern

2011-10-20T11:08:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned how lucky I am to live in Houston? It's huge book events like those hosted by Blue Willow Bookshop and Murder by the Book that make living here AMAZING. This week there were 7 big events on my radar. What kind of events are on my radar? Kid lit, middle grade, young adult and fiction. I want to share some of the photos and notes from the book event I attended for debut author Erin Morgenstern. She wrote this little book called Night Circus which has already been optioned by Summit, who is working on getting the producer of the Harry Potter movies to sign on to the project. The foreign rights have been sold to over 30 countries and Erin pulls in a huge crowd. I haven't read the book yet because I wanted to pick it up at the signing but everywhere I go I hear wonderful things about it and I plan to read it in the next few weeks.

Erin started the project through National Novel Writing Month and when asked how much of the book changed from when she originally wrote it for NNWM she said that it's "about 400 pages well imagine 350 changing completely." Fans also wanted to know if she was worried that the movie wouldn't do the book justice, but she explained that she herself took her book, shredded it to pieces, and put it back together. Her job was done at writing the book and the movie wouldn't change that. Erin believes that film can take the story to a new level that can't be told in the story and vice versa, the movie could never tell the story like the book could. When asked about casting she said she is more interested in the costumes and the details.

When hearing Erin speak she reminds me a little of Maggie Stiefvater in that both are painters and are described as being very visual people. Erin said when planning a scene she can see every detail down to the lighting.

When talking about the publishing business she felt like she learned so much. She wasn't aware that so many ARCs would go out and was really surprised when she had people lined up to meet her at BEA. Erin originally named her working file Night Circus and it was never changed. She is extremely happy with the cover. During the taping of Night Circus audio Erin was able to sit in and listen.

I'm really excited to read this book and I hope you enjoy these pictures. Also if you want to buy a signed copy call Murder by the Book I'm sure they have have a few signed copies available. Thanks to the wonderful staff at Murder for a great event!

Winners of Stupid Fast and The Pull of Gravity

2011-10-17T15:24:00.001-05:00

kaymay09 is the winner of The Pull of Gravity

~~Sayomay is the winner of Stupid Fast~~ -Did not claim prize
Lili is the new winner of Stupid Fast and has been contacted and 48 hours to reply

Thanks to everyone who entered! The winners have been notified and have 48 hours to reply with a mailing address. If you did not win don't forget to enter the Scorpio Races giveaway!

Giveaway: 2 Copies of The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

2011-10-16T09:00:00.009-05:00

I'm happy to share with you that Big Honcho Media will be giving two of my readers a copy of The Scorpio Races! I'm in the middle of reading this book and I can tell you that I love it! If you are wondering how you enter simply read the rules below and fill out the form.

About the book:
From Maggie Stiefvater, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Shiver series (over 1.7 million copies in print!), comes a brand-new, heart-stopping novel. With her trademark lyricism, Maggie Stiefvater turns to a new world where a pair are swept up in a daring, dangerous race across a cliff – with more than just their lives at stake should they lose.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Update:

Enter to win @this_is_teen’s ScorpioRaces Twitter Sweepstakes! Prizing includes limited edition custom necklaces & autographed copies of the book. Get more details http://on.fb.me/iga0vf

4 starred reviews:
“A taut, chilling, romantic adventure [that] comes to a pitch-perfect conclusion. Masterful. Like nothing else out there now.” - Kirkus, starred review

“A book with cross-appeal to lovers of fantasy, horse stories, romance, and action-adventure, this has a shot at being the next YA blockbuster.” - Booklist, starred review

“As a study of courage and loyalty tested… it is an utterly compelling read.”- Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Stiefvater sets not one foot wrong as she takes readers on an intoxicating ride of their own.”- Horn Book, starred review

For more information visit:
www.facebook.com/thisisteen
www.maggiestiefvater.com

Interview and Giveaway with Gae Polisner and Geoff Herbach

2011-10-12T20:36:00.000-05:00

I still have a ton of footage from my interview with Gae and Geoff but I wanted to show some of the outtakes and post a giveaway. One person will win a copy of The Pull of Gravity and the other will win Stupid Fast.

Rules:

US/Canada Only
Winners will be picked 10/16
Following not required but appreciated

You can find Gae online here:
http://gaepolisner.com/html/ya.html
http://twitter.com/#!/gaepol

Geoff can be found here:
http://geoffherbach.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/geoffherbach

Class of 2k11 News

2011-10-12T16:54:00.000-05:00

Did you hear the Class of 2k11 graduated and by graduated I mean all the books are out in the world! I feel really lucky to have featured the Class of 2k11 here on my blog all year long. They are celebrating by doing a final giveaway on their blog. They are giving away 2 prize packages one to a school or library and the second to someone who comments on their blog post. So hurry over to http://www.classof2k11.com/?p=2490 and comment! Also if you can't think of a school nominate Southmore Intermediate, Pasadena ISD in Houston TX.

My Life Undecided Winner

2011-10-11T14:19:00.000-05:00

The winner of My Life Undecided is Tiffany Drew!!! Tiffany has been contacted and has 48 hours to reply with a mailing address or a new winner will be chosen! Thanks for participating and a new giveaway will be posted soon.

My Life Undecided Giveaway

2011-10-05T10:34:00.001-05:00

I met Jessica Brody when Pen Fatale came to Houston and let me tell you she is so much fun. When I was contacted and offered a copy of her book to giveaway I jumped at it! Check out the video and then see details on how to enter below.

To enter:
Jessica is really funny so share a funny story with us.
US/Canada Only
Leave a comment with your contact info
Winner will be announced and notified October 11th
Winner has 48 hours to reply with a mailing address

For more on Jessica visit: http://www.jessicabrody.com/index.html

Special thanks to Macmillan and Zeitghost Media for providing the giveaway copy!

Review: The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner

2011-10-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Before I get started, I want to say that The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner made me cry! Gae can go from wacky to emotional in the flip of a page. When we first meet Nick he is surrounded by chaos. His father has lost his job and he spends his days on the couch sleeping and gaining weight. Nick’s neighbor Scoot was once Nick’s best friend, but he is sick and spends most of his time at home. Nick also distanced himself from Scoot because he just wants to be normal. Nick is pretty normal except he gets really high fevers that sometimes cause him to have hallucinations.

During one of his fevers Nick feels he is being attacked so he runs out of the house and tries to climb a water tower. Scoot sees him and calls to him causing Nick to react before he can get seriously injured. Nick’s parents fight about how close they came to loosing Nick and his dad sets off on a quest to walk to New York City in hopes of changing his life. While this might be great for Nick’s dad, Nick can’t help but feel that his dad has bailed on him.

Jaycee, Scoot’s friend, hopes that Nick will help her find Scoot’s dad who left when Scoot was young and started getting sick. Scoot confided in Jaycee that he would like to see his dad before he passes away. (Insert tears) Jaycee and Nick work together to find details and agree to find Scoot’s dad. During the journey we find out the bubble that is Nick’s life and how much he grows as a person. He learns not only about himself, but about his family and Jaycee.

Jaycee reminds me a lot of Lorelai Gilmore from The Gilmore Girls because she is quirky and can always figure out what to do or say next. You will come to love Nick, Jaycee, Scoot and the adventure they go on! I love the Of Mice and Men and Star Wars references through out the book. My only regret is that I waited so long to read it. I loved The Pull of Gravity so much and I hope you pick it up soon. This will be one of those books I re-read again and again.

For more on Gae visit: http://gaepolisner.com/html/ya.html

October To Read List

2011-10-03T10:57:00.002-05:00

So here is my schedule of what I plan to read this month. Feel free to join me and then we can discuss. Also I am always up for taking recommendations. If you check my blog often you will find I add and remove books just depending on my moods. What are you reading or looking forward to reading this month?

Currently Reading:

To Read:

Finished Reading:

Happy reading!

Banned Book Winner

2011-10-03T09:23:00.003-05:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Banned Book Week Hop! The Winner is Dominique! Dominique has been contact via email and has 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be picked. Thanks to everyone who participated and remember a new giveaway will be up soon!

Review: The Mephisto Covenant

2011-09-29T07:49:00.000-05:00

The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegan

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Class of 2K11 member Trinity Faegan, really did a great job on The Mephisto Covenant! I have heard a lot of negativity about this book but I for one loved it. Sasha’s father was killed and she can’t get over the fact that his killer has not been found. She is willing to do anything to find his killer even go to a meeting with a secret group at school. The group simply wants her to pledge her soul to someone named Eryx who gives his followers anything they want. In reality Eryx steals people’s souls when they pledge and is trying to take over hell. I was a little lost in the beginning because you are thrown right into a scene and you are wondering “who is that?” and “what did he call her?” but as the story progresses it’s all explained.

When Sasha goes to the group they turn on her and try and kill her but she's saved by Jax (insert swoon). Jax is part demon and hopes to find an Anabo. Anabos are the only girls capable of loving a demon but finding one is completely rare. Sasha happens to be an Anabo but doesn’t want any part of demons, secret groups or Eryx. Trinity really pushes the envelope by including religion in The Mephisto Covenant which at first I was skeptical about, but the book is fiction and it unfolded nicely.

The connection between Sasha and Jax is unbelievably hot! I will say I wasn’t crazy about Jax’s duster but something that could accidently get lost. Being that Jax is part demon he doesn’t have experience with dating so he has no idea what to do to get Sasha to fall in love with him. The twist is that as a demon he isn’t capable of love and she finds herself wondering if he really cares about her or if it's just the fact that he wants her to love him. If I were Sasha, I would have had my way with him now and asked questions later….Kidding-sort of!

There is a very detailed sex scene but it wasn’t vulgar. Again it's something new that I have not seen in YA but let’s face it teens have sex. Teens see sex on TV and you don’t watch 16 and Pregnant by not knowing about sex. I have seen people categorize this as instant love which I don’t think is accurate but I will say that part of being a teen is thinking you are in love with crushes, boyfriends, and Robert Pattinson until you learn what love really means. I also want to say that I love how Egmont USA puts out a great variety of stories. For me The Mephisto Covenant was great and I look forward to reading more books from Trinity Faegan!

Blue Willow Bookshop's Banned Book Week Video

2011-09-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

I'm really excited to share two videos that we took at Blue Willow Bookshop to promote Banned Book Week. Valerie's husband Greg built our jail and Alice's grandmother made the costume. I can't tell you how much I love being part of the Blue Willow Bookshop Family!

The second video is of my blogger friend Sarah from http://sarahsbookslife.blogspot.com/ and I ~~begged~~ convinced to come help me film!

Tantalize: A Graphic Novel Winner

2011-09-26T08:59:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to: hernameisavril on winning the Tantalize graphic novel!

The winner has been notified and has 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen. If you did not win make sure you enter the Banned Book Giveaway.

Banned Books Week Giveaway Hop

2011-09-24T00:00:00.012-05:00

My awesome friend Jen from I Read Banned Books is co-hosting the Banned Books Week Hop so to support her I'm participating in my first hop!

When I learned that book banning was still going on in the 21st century, I really thought it was a joke. With television pushing the boundaries of what we call "entertainment" and most kids, tweens, and teens having access to technology at their fingertips, if they really wanted to see or read things that involved profanity, drugs, alcohol, and sex there are far more accessible ways than a book. Allowing one group to decide what should be allowed in our public and school libraries is wrong and one way to give these banned and potentially banned books a voice is for us to give them one.

As you know I'm a big fan of supporting our Texas authors and earlier this year I met Gail Giles at the Texas Library Association conference. She also spoke at the Houston Teen Book Festival, she talked about how her book, SHATTERING GLASS, was challenged and it's something that has stayed with me.

SHATTERING GLASS was originally challenged in Lake Oswego, Oreg. Junior High School (2007) because the novel is "peppered with profanities, ranging from derogatory slang terms to sexual encounters and violence." - ALA's 2007-2008 Yearly Lists of Challenged and/or Banned Books

GIVEAWAY
Right Behind You (SIGNED)
Shattering Glass
What Happened to Cass McBride (SIGNED)
Banned Book Button
Bookmarks and Swag

To enter:

US only

Must be a GFC follower

Leave a comment with contact info (email/twitter)

Winner will be announced 10/2 and has 48 hours to reply back

For a list of all the other blogs participating visit: I Read Banned Books

Interview with Gae Polisner and Geoff Herbach

2011-09-23T10:24:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday Everyone!

Here is the next installment of my interview with Gae and Geoff. I will post a few more videos over the weekend and then next week we will have a giveaway.

You can find Gae online here:
http://gaepolisner.com/html/ya.html
http://twitter.com/#!/gaepol

Geoff can be found here:
http://geoffherbach.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/geoffherbach

Interview with Gae Polisner and Geoff Herbach Part 2

2011-09-22T07:00:00.003-05:00

If you watched part one of my video interview with Gae and Geoff you know to expect silly giggles but what I hope is that you see how awesome they are. As promised here is part 2 and 3

You can find Gae online here:
http://gaepolisner.com/html/ya.html
http://twitter.com/#!/gaepol

Geoff can be found here:
http://geoffherbach.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/geoffherbach

Interview with Gae Polisner and Geoff Herbach

2011-09-21T05:53:00.000-05:00

As you know I always support the Class of 2k11 and one day on facebook I saw Gae mention that she was hoping to build a buzz for her book. I said well if you dress like a bee I will giveaway a copy of your book. She said that sounded like a great idea so I went further and said if she could get Geoff to dress like a flower I would give away his book! That somehow turned into me wearing a flower and Gae wearing bee antennas and both agreeing to do a video interview with me. I'm really lucky to have them on my blog! This will be a series because there was so much great information that I want to share with you and at the end I will be giving away copies of their books. I hope you enjoy the videos and check out The Pull of Gravity and Stupid Fast.

DREAMLAND winners

2011-09-21T00:15:00.000-05:00

Sydney said... A cozy pair of Ugg Boots!!!

Meredith said.... The best accessory would be a really big walk-in closet to hold all of her wonderful accessories!

Winners have been notified via email and have 48 hours to reply. If they do not reply a new winner will be picked. A huge THANKS to Alyson Noel, Macmillan Audio and Zeitghost Media!

Lost In Time: The Blue Bloods Book Trailer

2011-09-20T22:58:00.001-05:00

I swear the videos for The Blue Blood series only get better and better! I wanted to share this with you and remind you that Lost in Time is available 9/27 but if you can wait you will want to order it from Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston because Melissa will be there 10/14 and you can buy an autographed copy.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Order of the Blue Blood Series 1-6

Blue Bloods
Masquerade
Revelations
Van Alen Legacy
Misguided Angel
Lost in Time

Bloody Valentine 5.5 (Short Stories about the series)
Keys to the Repository (Companion - Bios, family history, dictionary)

Tantalized Graphic Novel Giveaway

2011-09-18T22:43:00.000-05:00

I love promoting our Texas authors and this week Cynthia Leitich Smith will be at Blue Willow Bookshop so to celebrate I'm giving away a signed Advance Readers Copy of:

Tantalize: A Graphic Novel!

Tantalize graphic novel (Sample of inside)

Illustrated by hot new talent Ming Doyle, Cynthia Leitich Smith’s TANTALIZE is reimagined as a graphic novel— seen through Kieren’s werewolf eyes.

As a hybrid werewolf, Kieren is destined to join an urban Wolf pack and learn to master his shift. Soon, he’ll leave everything behind: home, school, his family, and Quincie, his human best friend . . . who’s beginning to be a whole lot more than a friend. For years, Kieren has managed to keep his desires— and his wolf— at bay. But when the chef at Quincie’ s family restaurant is brutally murdered, Kieren resolves to be there for her, even if it means being framed. Even if it means watching Quincie’s beloved restaurant morph into a vampire lair. But when the new chef begins wooing her, how long can Kieren control his claws? How long can he protect Quincie— and himself? In an elegant graphic edition featuring cinematic sequential art by debut artist Ming Doyle and lush, romantic cover art by Sam Weber , bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith re-envisions her delicious dark fantasy through wolfish eyes.

GIVEAWAY

To Enter:
Leave a fun comment
One entry per person leave contact info (email/twitter)
US/CAN only
Winner will be announced 9/23/11
Winner has 48 hours to reply

ALA 2012 Best Fiction for Young Adults Nominations

2011-09-15T09:36:00.001-05:00

ALA just announced the 2012 Best Fiction for Young Adults and some of my favorite people are on it! Below are the authors I have read and my reviews. Congratulations to all the authors nominated!

Aguirre, Ann. Enclave.
Archer, Jennifer. Through Her Eyes.
Dessen, Sarah. What Happened to Goodbye.
DeStafano, Lauren. Wither.
Herbach, Geoff. Stupid Fast.
Johnson, Maureen. The Name of the Star.
Jordan, Sophie. Firelight.
Marr, Melissa. Darkest Mercy.
Oliver, Lauren. Delirium.
Perkins, Stephanie. Anna and the French Kiss
Roth, Veronica. Divergent
Smibert, Angie. Memento Nora.
Stiefvater, Maggie. The Scorpio Races.

Visit ALA's site to see a complete list.

Book Trailer: Dreamland (A Riley Bloom Book) by Alyson Noël & Giveaway

2011-09-14T07:00:00.005-05:00

I'm really excited to bring you the book trailer for Dreamland by Alyson Noël. Riley is full of spunk and sass so when I first read about her in Evermore she quickly became one of my favorite characters. Then Alyson announced that Riley would get her own series and I was thrilled. The Riley Bloom books are the first middle grade books I read and I loved them just like I do YA. If you haven't picked up this series I would recommend them for readers of any age.

Giveaway Update:

Zeitghost Media has provided a giveaway copy of DREAMLAND!

Macmillan Audio has offered an audio copy of DREAMLAND!

There will be two winners!

To Enter:
Riley loves fashion so recommend a fall accessory for her
US/Canada only
One entry per person
Leave a comment telling me how to contact you email or twitter
You have 48 hours to reply with a mailing address
I will draw a winner September 19th

Partials by Dan Wells

2011-09-13T11:38:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you but I like to browse the catalogs and Goodreads for upcoming books and today I came across PARTIALS by Dan Wells. To be honest I don't even remember what I was looking for but how amazing is this cover and description? Will this end up on your to reads list?

Partials by Dan Wells

Harper Collins Balzer + Bray

On Sale: 2/28/2012

About the book:
The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the population. Reduced to tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.

Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic in training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws threaten to launch what’s left of humanity into civil war, and she’s not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will discover that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them—connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there.

Dan Wells, acclaimed author of I Am Not a Serial Killer, takes readers on a pulse-pounding journey into a world where the very concept of what it means to be human is in question—one where our humanity is both our greatest liability and our only hope for survival.

Ladybird, Ladybird Book Trailer and Giveaway

2011-09-11T09:00:00.001-05:00

Ladybird, Ladybird by Abra Ebner

Crimson Oaks is offering a great giveaway! All you have to do is click here to enter and say I sent you.

About the book:
Samantha was born on a full moon to a mother already dead. Revived by doctors and given to her unloving father, Samantha was raised a cursed child, her only friend the ghost of her mother who speaks to her through keys that open a secret box Sam hides under her bed.

From the inside out, Sam burns with life, a fire so vivid it keeps her peers at a distance, all except one. Leith, a quiet farm boy with a broken heart and demons of his own, enjoys the seclusion his classmates grant him, but the seclusion is all too familiar to Sam, drawing her interest.

For the first time in their lives, fate pushes them together, but when their worlds collide…fires burn.

Review: Sleight

2011-09-10T15:17:00.000-05:00

Goodreads summery:
Her mom is dead.
Ghosts follow her around.
Her best friend is an elephant.
And she’s about to meet the biggest game changer of all: a boy. With a secret.

When circus-dwelling Gemma Flannery learns she will be attending public school for the first time in her seventeen years, little does she know that fitting in with her 12th-grade classmates will be the least of her concerns. A pro at hiding her knack for seeing the dead (“shades”), Gemma is grieving the recent suicide of her mentally ill mother, a process eased by the introduction of her first real love interest, the charming and painfully handsome Henry Dmitri, who is harboring his own collection of dangerous secrets. Together, they will be presented with a frightening challenge: to assume their roles as heirs to a 3000-year-old magical text, the AVRAKEDAVRA, a book the über-rich, sleight-of-being master Lucian Dmitri would do anything to get his hands on. As each terrifying layer in her new reality melts away, Gemma unearths truths that her quiet, nomadic life with the Cinzio Traveling Players is not at all what she’d always cherished. Gemma and Henry must rely on each other to stop Lucian’s diabolical plotting that will bring the world to its tired, scab-riddled knees, and are sent on the flight of their young lives, to save themselves, their families, and the world from the darkest kind of destruction.

Let the chase begin.

My thoughts: 2 of 5 Stars

Sleight had a great beginning but fizzled out half way through the story and never got better. I liked Gemma and her family and the fact that the story is set in the circus. I thought the love story was good at first, but again, it didn't keep me interested. After Gemma's mother killed herself her family decides that, instead of traveling, they are going to stay in one city. Gemma has never attended public school and on the first day she meets Henry Dimitri, the son of the man funding their show. Gemma and Henry hit it off and a relationship starts to develop. Gemma can see ghosts and soon she will discover that Henry has a supernatural power of his own. Gemma and Henry learn that they are the only ones who can stop the man who wants to become ruler of the free world. I felt there was a lot of waiting to find out what Gemma and Henry were going to do and then at the very end it felt like a cat and mouse game. Through out the book I kept wondering where the story was going. Sleight is a series and while I'm not a fan of this book I will consider giving the second book a chance.

Blog Winners

2011-09-10T14:24:00.001-05:00

We have winners!!!

They have all been notified via email and have 48 hours to reply. Thank you again to everyone who entered and to everyone who reads this blog. Look for a new giveaway soon!

US: starryeyedjen

Canada: .Ambur.

Internatinal: Cass (Words on Paper)

Review: One Flight Up

2011-09-09T12:08:00.000-05:00

One Flight Up by Susan Fales-Hills

Rating: 2 of 5 Stars

Where to begin....One Flight Up is a story of four friends who are all unhappy with something in their relationships. India, a powerful lawyer, will only date guys she is sure she would never marry because she had her heart broken by the one she really loved. Abby is married to an artist whom she has helped become well-known, but he treats her and her friends like something he stepped on. Abby refuses to see that he is an ASS! Esme, a hot blooded Latina, is so bored in her marriage that she sleeps with any man who crosses her path. Monique went to school with the girls, but wasn't part of the group until recently, because she used to bully India for being half white and half African America. She is now a successful doctor but gets no attention or affection from her husband.

While India's boyfriend Julien plans for the future, India plans for the day that she gets tired of him and buys an apartment, that she keeps a secret. At this point I want to yell YOU HAVE A GOOD MAN SET HIM FREE OR BE HONEST!

Instead of each woman dealing and talking about why they are so unhappy with their men they turn to other men. They carry out affairs with no remorse. If anything they feel empowered, young and beautiful when they have their affairs or sleep around. If you ask me, having an affair makes you a coward and dirty. Since three of the girls are married they start out keeping their sexual escapades to broom closets and hotels. They eventually make use of India's secret apartment. Can we say gross? Who is cleaning the sheets? While I love my friends I really don't want to think they got it on all over my furniture. There is not enough LYSOL in the world.

As all affairs go spouses find out, but don't expect a typical reaction. I never really felt I could connect with any of these women. I also think that when we as women cheat, you have a guilty conscience, because being with a man is usually more emotional than physical and I didn't feel this was the case. For me this story was too far from reality and I didn't enjoy it.

I believe that there is a book for everyone and just because I didn't like it doesn't mean someone out there won't enjoy it. So if you are in the US or Canada and would like to read this then email me and I'll mail it to you.

It's my Blog Birthday!

2011-09-02T01:20:00.001-05:00

Dear Readers,

Today my blog turns TWO and I wanted to celebrate with you. Some of you might know that my birthday was yesterday and I haven’t been a big fan of birthdays because something always goes crazy. Two years ago I was having an especially bad birthday and the next day I decided I would do something my friends @PhotogAlice and Karm had been suggesting for a long time. Start a book blog! If you look back my blog started with two followers (PhotogAlice and Karm) then it slowly built with my Twilight friends to what you see today.

I ask myself how did your blog grow or change this year? What have you accomplished?

Have you made a difference?

So I want to quickly talk about some of the things that have happened in a year.

I worked with the Class of 2k11! They are such lovely people and have such dedication to the YA Genre and passion for what they do. Debut authors have to work 1000 times harder to get in the door and if I can do anything for them at any time they have my support!

You Rock: Carole Estby Dagg, Amy Fellner Dominy, Trinity Faegen, Alissa Grosso, Kiki Hamilton, Carrie Harris, Geoff Herbach, Tess Hilmo, Amy Holder, Tara Hudson, Julia Karr, Christina Mandelski, Sheila O’Connor, Gae Polisner, Bettina Restrepo, and Angie Smibert

My Blog was featured on Blogs of Note! Blogs of Note is an award provided by Blogger.com they feature a new blog every day and out of the billions they picked me. This still shocks me every single day!

I attended so many wonderful events! From the Texas Book Festival, Texas Library Convention, ALA, Dark Days Tour in Austin, to so many great events around Houston at Blue Willow Bookshop and Murder by the Book! I saw everyone from Sophie Jordan, Melissa Marr, Heather Brewer, Stephanie Perkins, David Levithan, Linda McMann, Justin Cronin, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Ally Condie, Melissa de la Cruz, Ellen Hopkins, Veronia Roth, Lauren Oliver and so many more! I also met Tara Hudson, Kiki Hamilton, Christina Mandelski, and Bettina Restrepo from the Class of 2k11! I get to meet Amy Fellner Dominy this weekend!

I got a job! The lovely staff at Blue Willow Bookshop gave me a home! While I have a day job GirlBoss asked me to become part of the Blue Willow Family! Don’t tell her this but I would have done it for free! See they have the best staff! Val (GirlBoss) works really hard to give us a great place for book lovers! Cathy is the angel who loves YA and gets all the cool author visits! Martha, Nancy, Jordan, and the rest of the staff keep the place running! If you are ever in Houston trust me this is the place to go! I spend so much time there and will always support them.

Friends I have met so many wonderful people both online and in real life this year! My Blogger Sister Michelle, for one, is someone I had known online but had yet to meet in person and I can tell you she has a big personality but a bigger heart! If you are ever in Fort Worth look her up! I have also met so many wonderful people from Literary Lonestars like the creators Jen from I Read Banned Books and Stephanie Pellegrin a writer who I know I will feature her book when she finally lets the world see it. Lili from WordVom and Stacy from Girls in the Stacks both Dallas girls I had a blast with this year! Christen from Portrait of a Book who always attends events around Houston with me and I can always talk into going book shopping!

To my dear friends PhotogAlice and Suzi thank you for listening every time I have a new book to gush about! PhotogAlice you always have my back when it comes to editing my post and pointing out that something made sense in my head and not so much on paper. You are the best friends a girl can have!

I have found that some people are meant to stay in your life while others you have to let walk away. I have learned that we make mistakes and while we can’t always go back and change things we can learn from them and maybe use it as inspiration to fix other things in our lives.

I try and remind myself that life is about living and when I make mistakes I must acknowledge them and grow from them. Try to not make the same mistakes twice and reflect on who you are and where your life is going. To all my blogger friends, readers, and supporters I thank you! You have given me so much and have changed my life in ways I never would have imagined. I only hope that I continue to entertain you and bring you back because you share the same crazy love of books! Did someone mention books? What is a Blog Birthday without Presents right? So let’s get to it!

Thank you all,
Cari

3 Prize Packages:

International: Any YA Book under 15.00 USD

How to Enter:

You must leave a comment.

You must be a google connect friend follower. Meaning see that follower button the left hand side click that.

You must be at least 13 years of age and have a parent's permission.

You must leave a way to contact you (email or twitter)

What prize pack (US/Canada/International) you qualify for

Winner will be drawn on 9/8/11

Winners will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be picked.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me!

September To Read List

2011-09-01T07:00:00.008-05:00

So here is my schedule of what I plan to read this month. Feel free to join me and then we can discuss. Also I am always up for taking recommendations. If you check my blog often you will find I add and remove books just depending on my moods. What are you reading or looking forward to reading this month?

Currently Reading:

To Read:

Finished Reading:

Happy reading!

Cover talk with Jennifer Bosworth

2011-08-31T07:00:00.009-05:00

Today I'm talking to Jennifer Bosworth author of STRUCK. I first started following Jenn on twitter when the writing group The Apocalypsies published a twitter list of all the writers. Last Thursday Jenn posted the cover for STRUCK which I absolutely loved and asked if she would be interested in talking about her cover.

Jennifer Bosworth was born with no idea who she was or how she got here, and had little choice but to make things up as she went along. At a young age, she learned to read and write, and decided that’s what she would do for the rest of her life. Many years later, Jenn and her husband moved to California, and she fell in love with the strange, eclectic, trying, and often wonderful city of Los Angeles. Then she wrote a book about what would happen if her beloved city were destroyed. That book is STRUCK, slated for release May 8, 2012 from FSG/MacMillan. Let’s hope the world is still around by then.

What was your first reaction to the cover?
Whoa. That was my reaction. I knew my publisher was going to give me a great cover, but I was still completely blown away. What struck me first (I’m never going to tire of that pun) was that the cover was a perfect representation of the actual content and tone of the book. I was amazed at how well the designer captured the whole world of STRUCK with a single image.

Did you see any other version?
I did see one other version, but it’s almost exactly the same as this one. My agent and I felt that the title font used on the first version of the cover was too sci-fi, so the designer changed it. Although STRUCK has some sci-fi elements, it isn’t strictly a sci-fi novel, so we felt the original title font didn’t represent the book accurately.

Normally authors don’t have input in cover designs. Were you included in the decisions of what the cover would look like?
To a certain extent. My husband has a design background and had done a couple of different mock covers for me that influenced the final design.I was also given the opportunity to weigh in on the model who was used for the cover.

STRUCK looks a little like a movie poster has there been any movie buzz yet and do you feel this will draw readers in?
There has been movie buzz, and I have to say, STRUCK would make an excellent movie. I have a background in screenwriting, and that came into play when I was writing STRUCK. It’s a very cinematic book, which is probably why the cover ended up seeming cinematic as well.

As far as the cinematic quality of the cover, I think it will draw readers in because it looks a bit different from a lot of the other covers that are out there right now. One of the most important things a cover can do for you is make you stand out.

The cover and your website front page have a similar look. Were they designed by the same person?
My husband designed the website front page (and will hopefully soon design the rest of the site for me!). Right now we’re working on the book trailer, which is going to be pretty groundbreaking. I can promise you that.

Do you feel they captured how Mia looks to you?
Oh, yes. You can’t see her face too well, but she’s all Mia Price in a conceptual sense. She’s fierce and a little sexy and, most of all, she longs to feed her addiction to lightning, and I think you get a sense of yearning from her posture and the way her face is turned up to greet the storm.

About the Book:

From Goodreads:

When Los Angeles is devastated by a catastrophic earthquake, seventeen-year-old human lightning rod, Mia Price, finds herself at the center of a power struggle between two fanatical doomsday cults, one that wants to save the world, and one that wants to destroy it... and she will be the deciding factor in which cult succeeds at their aim.

Is this a standalone book?
When STRUCK sold to FSG it was a standalone, but while I was working on revisions for my editor I wove in a few threads that could lead to a sequel. There’s plenty of story left to tell about the Struckiverse. Currently I’m working on a novel that has crossover elements with STRUCK. I wish I could tell you more about that one, because I’m so excited about it, but that will have to wait just a little longer . . .

Do we know who the bad guy is from the start or will we be guessing on who really wants what is best for Mia?
With some characters, like the blind prophet of the Followers of the Light, you’ll definitely know from the get go. With others . . . you won’t know until it’s too late.

In the Goodreads description Mia is called a lighting addict. Can you tell us more about that? Does she enjoy it or is it more that lightning can’t leave her alone?
Both. The lightning seeks Mia out, but she never feels more alive than when she’s struck. I did a lot of research on lightning, and it’s actually true that certain people attract it, and the more often they’re struck, the more likely they are to be struck again. It’s has to do with an energy exchange. In truth, lightning doesn’t strike an object unless that object “reaches out” with its energy to connect with lightning. This is how I came up with the concept of Mia’s character.

But, like any addiction, Mia’s longing for lightning comes at a price. Sometimes the lightning turns her hair to ash. Sometimes it stops her heart. And every time she’s struck, the lightning scars––actually called Lichtenberg figures––grow across her skin. This is a real phenomenon that sometimes happens to people who are struck by lightning. The figures actually look like red lightning on the skin. I like to incorporate as much natural phenomena as possible in the construction of my fantasy worlds.

I want to thank Jenn for taking time to talk about STRUCK. With such an amazing cover and description I will get this the moment it comes out. Remember STRUCK will be available May 8th 2012 so add it to your to-read list.

You can find Jennifer online at:
http://twitter.com/#!/JennBosworth
http://www.jenniferbosworthauthor.com (coming soon)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Bosworth/198817690150452
http://apocalypsies.blogspot.com

Sweet Venom 2 Title Hunt!

2011-08-30T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hello Readers,

A week from today Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs will be available in stores everyone. I read this one and I can tell you that I loved it! You have three sisters separated at birth with monster fighting powers. Can we say Charmed meets Buffy! To celebrate Tera Lynn is having a scavenger hunt for the TITLE OF BOOK 2. So here is your letter and to find out who are the other blogs participating visit http://teralynnchilds.blogspot.com but wait there are prizes!

Tera Lynn is giving away amazing giveaways on her blog prizes for the hunt, which include five signed copies of Sweet Venom and a grand prize $50 bookstore gift card, and the hunt is open internationally. For more details visit http://teralynnchilds.blogspot.com.

All kinds of book fun!

2011-08-22T14:54:00.001-05:00

It has been a book-filled month! I know what you are thinking well this is a book blog so shouldn’t all months be book months. Why yes but I wanted to share some details with you. As some of you might know I work for Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston and I have been spending more time there than I normally do. Earlier this month they sent me to Chicago for a class pertaining to the website and while I was there I went to visit Cloud Gate “the bean” at Millennium Park which of course made me think of Divergent.

Blue Willow Bookshop also hosted an event for Richard Paul Evans who wrote Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 which has a huge following by middle grade boys. While I was there for the event, I picked up Michael Vey, OyMG by Amy Dominy which I have read a while ago and loved, and Torn by Erica O'Rourke who I have chatted with on twitter and not only is the cover gorgeous but the synopsis sounds amazing! I’m really looking forward to the following events for the end of this month at Blue Willow Bookshop: Tom Angleberger, Jennifer Close and Courtney Sullivan.

Friday I did something I thought I would never do. Yes I purchased an e-reader (sigh) I’m such a diehard fan for the real book but some publishers are going e-galley or electronic advance readers copy so if I want to review books before they are published I have to read them as an e-book. When ever I read books on my computer it really hurts my eyes and I get easily distracted so I just wait until the book comes out. Well Friday I went to Borders and there it was the Kobo for 59 dollars. I knew that someday I would give in and get an ereader but I couldn’t justify spending money on one until I saw it at practically 50 dollars and if I really wanted to buy an ebook which I don’t see happening I could get it from Blue Willow Bookshop.

Saturday I met up with book bloggers Christen and Sarah for lunch at La Madeleine and then we went to local indie bookshop Murder by the Book for the Rosemary Clement-Moore event. Rosemary is promoting Texas Gothic and has written The Splendor Falls and the Maggie Quinn: Girl vs Evil Series.

More pictures here: Rosemary Clement-Moore Photos

After the event Christen mentioned cupcakes so we hoped over to my favorite cupcake place in Houston Celebrity Cupcakes for yummy treats. I had the coconut cupcake and a mini chocolate. Then I don’t know who mentioned Borders so we headed there. I had already shopped but since they were in the area it felt like the thing to do. I mean, those poor YA books that would soon be homeless if no one bought them and took them to a book loving home! I just couldn't bare the thought of that happening. Here are pictures of cupcakes, more cupcakes and Sarah and Christen with their books! I only picked up 3 clearance books for future giveaways.

Firelight and Vanish Winner

2011-08-20T23:17:00.000-05:00

The Winner of Firelight and Vanish is:

Danielle (With a Book)

The winner has been contacted and replied with a mailing address! Thanks to all who entered and check back soon for a new giveaway!

One Day Book and Movie Trailer

2011-08-18T09:35:00.001-05:00

This is one of those instances where I will say I am guilty of judging a book by the cover. I will admit that I have seen One Day by David Nicholls all the time but the cover never really wowed me enough to want to pick it up. Don't get me wrong I will read a book with a bad cover and have read bad books with amazing covers. I'm just really surprised because even when I saw the movie trailer for One Day I thought it looked like a good movie but again I had no idea it was a book. Then last night at Blue Willow I saw that they had bookmarks of the movie and I said to Val (GirlBoss) I love that movie poster and she is the one that told me it was a book and pointed it out. So tell me have you read this book? Do you love it? Do you think the trailer does the book justice? I told her to let me know when they get the movie tie in cover and I will pick it up. Has this happen to you? Did you go see a movie and didn't know it was a book? I think for me I don't read as much fiction as I use to and I don't watch many movies but I do want to see One Day.

Review: Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

2011-08-16T00:00:00.003-05:00

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Simone Elkeles is by far one of my favorite YA contemporary authors. When I first read Perfect Chemistry it reminded me of my high school years and Alex Fuentes was similar to the guys I grew up around. Simone continued to charm us with younger brother Carlos in Rules of Attraction while keeping Alex in the story. Then in Chain Reaction we met the youngest Fuentes brother Luis who was always supposed to be the good one. I loved that the story returned back to Chicago where everything started and that we got to see Luis go through his own struggles while keeping the family very much in the picture. Before the move Luis was happy in Colorado and instead of being a gang banger like Alex or a ladies man like Carlos the youngest got his thrills from being an adrenaline junkie. Don’t get me wrong the girls loved him because he is a Fuentes after all but he had a ten year plan that involved finishing school, going to college, and being an astronaut.

At fifteen Nikki Cruz got involved with a guy who broke her heart and dropped her for a gang. Nikki carries that pain with her every day as a reminder of what dating will do to her. While in Chicago Luis falls for Nikki even if she radiates emotionally unavailable from miles away. Only Luis’s plans get derailed when the gang wants him to take the spot that his father and Alex left. Luis knows that the gang life will kill his future plans but when they threaten everyone he loves he proves that he will do anything for family.

I only wish that Luis had trusted in his brothers instead of going at it alone but I understand that he felt he was doing what was best. I also love that when Alex and Carlos find out that Luis is in trouble they don’t lecture him but stand by him and fight for him. The bond and love that the Fuentes family has for one another is so indescribably powerful that you wish you were part of the Fuentes family. The bright side is that this was an amazing story that I couldn’t put down and about characters I loved! The only downside is that the Fuentes Brother’s stories have been told, but I look forward to reading anything that Simone Elkeles writes, be it with the future generations of Fuentes or new characters all together.

For more on Simone visit: http://www.simoneelkeles.net/

Firelight and Vanish Giveaway

2011-08-13T19:01:00.002-05:00

I am very excited to giveaway a signed copy of Firelight and an ARC of Vanish by Sophie Jordan. These were both 5 Star Books for me and I'm excited that someone will get Vanish a few weeks early.

Giveaway Rules:

* US/Canada Only
* Winner will be drawn 8/20/11
* Winner will be contacted via email and has 48 hours to reply
* Must be at least 13 years of age and have parent's permission.

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Review: Vanish by Sophie Jordan

2011-08-11T09:42:00.000-05:00

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Release Date: September 6th, 2011

As many of you know I took a 41 hour trip to Chicago um yes that is right, 41 hours, I wish I could've stayed longer. I had a class to attend for Blue Willow and I had a dilemma, what book should I pack? I mean I was only going for a day so it had to be something that held my attention and with Sophie’s book signing come up I knew that Vanish was the book to take.

Vanish is the sequel to Firelight by Sophie Jordan. I am always afraid of the second book in a series not living up to the first. The first book makes you fall in love, the second book typically takes it away and the third book usually makes everything right again. If you read YA series this is what we have come to expect. We usually have a main character who finds a guy in book one and they fall in love and then in book two something happens and they separate but I always hold out hope that the main character is determined enough and will find her way back to that love. I’m hoping I haven’t lost you and that you are nodding your head yes. Sounds right doesn’t it? Well for the first time in my history of YA book reading (that come to mind) I found myself completely and udderly shocked. I was having feelings not for the guy that Jacinda, the main character, falls for, but instead for the guy she was sure she didn’t want. (This has happened only one other time that I can think of) So the further I read on I kept thinking, Jacinda you judge to hastily maybe you belong with Cassian. A little voice then would say "No Will saved her in the first book, she gave her heart to him. It’s WILL!" It has to be Will, but as I turned page after page I kept seeing Cassian in a new light and I started to see that he wasn’t the problem it was that Jacinda had all these preconceived notions in her head about what she thought Cassian wanted and how he saw her but she had it all wrong! See Jacinda wanted to think Cassian didn’t want her because her sister was so in love with him and she was so dead set against doing what the pride wanted that she never really opened her mind to a possibility with him.

I know it sounds like I’m Team Cassian right? Well I bottom line is I don’t know! In Firelight I LOVED WILL!!! I was "Will 'til the end!" but then Sophie made me see Cassian in a whole new light and now I feel like in order for Jacinda to be with one the other has to sacrifice himself or accidentally fall off a cliff or Will has to say you know it’s too much and walk away. I just don’t know and you know who is to blame for all my confusion???? Sophie Jordan!!!!

You will still see a lot of the hunters, pride, and Jacinda’s family and how they all deal with everything Jacinda does. Also if anyone liked Zander then you will love Cassian’s cousin Corbin. Just saying! Vanish covers a lot, but as you can see, my main focus is on the love interests, but there is so much more and so many sub plots with questions that will need to be answered in the third and final book. I promise you I will hound Sophie every time I see her, which is often since we both live in the same city and go to the same book events. She seriously left me in shock and needing answers right away! If you read Firelight you won’t want to miss this and if you haven’t then come back tomorrow because I’m giving away a signed copy of Firelight and an ARC of Vanish!

Also if you want to preorder a personalized copy of Vanished call Blue Willow Bookshop by September 7th!

For more on Sophie Jordan:
http://www.sophiejordan.net/
http://twitter.com/#!/soverysophie

August Reading List

2011-08-05T08:47:00.005-05:00

So here is my schedule of what I plan to read this month. Feel free to join me and then we can discuss. Also I am always up for taking recommendations. If you check my blog often you will find I add and remove books just depending on my moods. What are you reading or looking forward to reading this month?

Currently Reading:

To Read:

Finished Reading:

Happy reading!

#ForeverMaggie Winners

2011-07-25T08:06:00.000-05:00

The two winners of Forever are:

Lisa @ Fic Talk

and

Angie

Winners have been contacted and have 48 hours to reply with a mailing address or a new winner will be picked. Thanks to all who entered and check back soon for a new giveaway!

Chain Reaction Book Trailer

2011-07-20T10:51:00.000-05:00

Ok this couldn't wait! Simone Elkeles just announced the book trailer for Chain Reaction. I can't wait for this book! If you haven't read the series drop everything and pick it up. Also how hot are these guys? I think Carlos is my favorite!

Book 1

Book 2

Book 3

Hunger Games Movie Poster

2011-07-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

How much do you love this? I mean it's not really functional that you can have on your side bar but I had to share it with you. I can't wait to see more!

GIVEAWAY: FOREVER by Maggie Stiefvater

2011-07-19T08:11:00.001-05:00

Want to win a copy of FOREVER and a Forever key chain? Two lucky winners will do just that! All you have to do is fill out the form below!

About the book:
In Maggie Stiefvater’s SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

Scholastic recently launched an online community called This Is Teen to connect readers with their favorite YA authors and books. Visit their page on Facebook for all the latest news on Maggie Stiefvater and Forever: www.facebook.com/thisisteen

Giveaway Rules:

US Only
Winner will be drawn 7/25/11
Winner will be contacted via email and has 48 hours to reply
Must be at least 13 years of age and have parent's permission.

Thanks to Scholastic and Big Honcho Media for the giveaway!

Bad Taste in Boys Celebration Day

2011-07-12T00:41:00.004-05:00

Did you know that the lovely Carrie Harris is releasing her first book Bad Taste in Boys TODAY? To celebrate many all over the web will become zombies and show off their sugar lips! If you are participating link up your picture or post!

Also it's not to late to participate! You can either make yourself a zombie or use a little sugar and lip gloss and recreate the sugar lips cover!

Are wondering how all tihs came together? Well that is all thanks to Gae Polisner and I just put her idea in motion! Thanks in advance to all who are participating!

More about Bad Taste in Boys:

Goodreads Description:
Someone's been a very bad zombie.

Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steroids are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate!

She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town. . . and stay hormonally human.

Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris

2011-07-11T08:37:00.000-05:00

Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Fun, quirky and witty are all words I would use to describe Bad Taste in Boys! Carrie Harris makes a science geek the lovable "it girl" everyone will want to know. Kate is the student trainer for the football team, science expert and has dreams of being a doctor and is trying to work up the courage to speak to the quarterback. While on routine grunt work for the coach Kate discovers he may be injecting the team with steroids.

Even if the football team sucks and they only see her as a nerd she won't stand for illegal, unsafe steroid use. Before Kate can even get a plan into action or notify someone Coach injects a player and things go terribly wrong. The player dies even though Kate tries, unsuccessfully, to resuscitate him. But just when she feels she's failed he suddenly grabs her butt! What the !?!?!/

This is where you can cue the zombie music, only zombies aren't real....right? Kate tries to gather evidence, like any great scientist would do, on how this could've happened and figure out how to stop an outbreak from happening by finding a cure and oh yeah try not to turn into a zombie herself in the process! I adore this book! Kate reminds me a little of Lily from Dash and Lily with the sass of Evie from Paranormalcy. I love every word of every page and can't wait for more from Carrie Harris.

For more on Carrie Harris visit: http://www.carrieharrisbooks.com

Dead Rules Winner!

2011-07-07T10:32:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Samantha from papercutsya.blogspot.com the winner of the finished copy of Dead Rules by Randy Russell! I have contacted the winner and they have 48 hours to reply. Thank you to all who entered and come back soon I have plenty of giveaways this summer!

Review: Dead Rules

2011-07-01T10:46:00.001-05:00

Dead Rules by Randy Russell

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Dead Rules by Randy Russell is the most unexpected 5 star book I have read this summer! Not only is the cover to die for, but the witty and original story is so hard to put down that I almost considered pulling over during rush hour to finish the last few chapters.

In Dead Rules Jana Webster finds out that when you die instead of a fancy afterlife you go to a place called Dead School. Everyone in Dead School is exactly as they were the moment they died and they go to Dead School to learn about themselves. As if life wasn’t hard enough now you spend your afterlife in school. Kids in Dead School are separated into groups the Sliders, who did something wrong when they died and the Risers, who were not at fault when they died. There are also the Virgins who are almost angel like and the Shades, who committed suicide. Jana arrives at Dead School as a Riser and it takes her a bit to adjust to Dead School and she's also certain that once her boyfriend realizes they can still be together he will soon join her. Wouldn’t your high school boyfriend want to die to spend eternity with you?

Jana decides not to wait for her boyfriend Michael to die and decides that she has to kill him so he can be with her. Only Jana can’t manifest, into a ghost, as a Riser and begins her path to becoming a Slider. This is both funny and dangerous. Her Riser friends try to talk her out of it, but she is determined, and with the help of some Sliders she might just pull it off. Only no plan ever goes off without a hitch, while Jana is dead set that Michael is her soul mate she misses out on Mars the tremendously hot Slider right in front of her. He is hot, hot, and hot. Ok I know I said hot three times, but you really need to read this book and see why for yourself.

Nothing I say will justify just how wonderful, fresh, funny, and downright fantastic this book is so run out and get a copy. Dead Rules doesn't have a cliffhanger ending, but I felt like there might be a window for either a second book or a companion, if so I would love that!

Dead Rules is Randy Russell’s debut YA novel and out now. I want to thank Randy for sending a review copy in exchange for an honest review. To say thanks and to show how much I loved this book I am giving away a finished copy.

Rules:

Only one entry per person.
I will draw a winner 7/7/11.
If Book Depository ships to you then you can enter
You have 48 hours to claim your prize.
I am asking that you review this book and send a link.
Winner will be chosen by Random.org
If you are under 18 you must have your parents permission and enter with their permission in your entry.
If you have any questions please contact me I am always an email or tweet away.

Giveaway Closed

July Reading List

2011-07-01T07:00:00.006-05:00

Poetry: Love's Blinders

2011-06-29T07:00:00.009-05:00

Megan Bostic will be debuting her first novel Never Eighteen January 2012 and for those who visit my blog often then you know that Megan also writes poetry. I love poetry so of course I asked if she would send me a few poems to feature here on my blog and she said yes. Today I'm sharing Love's Blinders. Thanks Megan!

Love's Blinders by Megan Bostic

Alone I sit and wait for a call that never comes

My heart echoing like an abandoned night sky

Infinite and silent.

Void of flying, fluttering, the beating of wings

Nothing but an eerie hush

No burning embers like stars

Just darkness

The flames that once blazed white hot heat

And a passion unrivaled

Have been extinguished like the end of life

Like death.

Discarded again, like yesterday’s news,

Or a pair of worn down sneakers

should be used to it now

But the mind, it lapses, the memories blurred

By desires fulfilled, heart’s yearning, love’s blinders

And disregarding all the times when love packed its bags

And left without warning leaving nothing behind

except the pain of goodbyes.

So again I sit and wait for a call that never comes

In the desolation and isolation my soul has become.

Visit Megan Bostic here:
http://meganbostic.blogspot.com
Twitter: @meganbostic

*This is Megan's work please do not copy or borrow without her permission*

Winner: A Need So Beautiful

2011-06-28T20:57:00.001-05:00

The winner of A Need so Beautiful is: April X from alysbookaway.blogspot.com

The winner has been notified and has 48 hours to reply. If you didn't win check back soon for the next giveaway. Winners are picked using random.org

Video Review: Popular by Alissa Grosso

2011-06-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Popular by Alissa Gross

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars

Goodreads Description:
For reigning popularity queen Hamilton Best, the very idea of graduation is filled with fear. She's always been the star of Fidelity High's most exclusive clique, idolized for her perfection and her fabulous parties—you know you're "in" when you make Hamilton's guest list. As high school draws to a close, Hamilton is about to lose everything that makes her who she is.

For more on Alissa visit: http://alissagrosso.com/

Review: Enclave

2011-06-21T07:10:00.000-05:00

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Enclave by Ann Aguirre is a dystopian novel where the world has practically been wiped out by biological warfare and probably a combination of other sorts of weapons, but since our way of life has ended there isn't clear documentation about what happened. Those that have survived have taken to living underground avoiding those that were infected and are now mutants that will feed on anything it can gets it's hands on. People underground live in groups called Enclaves and they live until about twenty or so and the young don't get a name until they are ready to be assigned a job of either Breeder, Builder, or Hunter. Duece had one goal growing up and that was to be assigned as a huntress, so when it happens she feels that her life is complete. Hunters aren't raised to be affectionate or emotional so when she has to comfort her friends or people around her she really doesn't know how to act. I also think she takes the easy way out and simply says well I'm a hunter so I wasn't trained to deal with that. Duece is paired with Fade who is the only person who wasn't born in the Enclave. He was found by a team of hunters and they realized that he had tremendous fighting skills, but instead of becoming one of them he chose to be an outcast. He eats alone, and refuses to build friendships or bonds. Fade gives Deuce a hard time and she feels that maybe it's because he thinks she isn't good enough and she goes in trying to prove that she is worthy.

Deuce starts to realize that the Enclave has knowledge that the mutants or freaks as they call them are more dangerous than the first believed. They also keep things from the group for what they believe is best and every year they kick someone out to keep the fear in everyone. Deuce's friend is about to be thrown out of the Enclave when she steps up to take his place and Fade follows. Living outside the Enclave in the tunnels is a death sentence but risking going topside is something Deuce would never do. Fade explains to her that he was born above ground and that might be their only solution for survival outside the Enclave. Going against everything she knows she trusts Fade, but the journey to finding something better is a long and deadly one.

At points I wanted Deuce to accept that she is more than a killing machine and communicate better with others and let those around her know her feelings, insecurities, and fears and yet she never does. Enclave is very action packed and worth reading. I only wish that the story would have been longer but I'm looking forward to the sequel Outpost due out Fall 2012.

ALA 2011

2011-06-20T07:00:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone,

If you are at ALA I hope to meet you! I posted a very silly video of me please don't make to much fun of me but hopefully you will come up and say hi!

I will also be attending the Blogger meet up organized by Parajunkee.

Anyone is welcomed details below:

The bloggers that are attending ALA 2011 will be meeting up after the Saturday, the 25th conference. Everyone is welcome to join, we just need a head count.

When: Saturday, June 25th
Where: Acme Oyster House
When: 5:30 pm

If you are joining us you are more than welcome to post this on your own blog. I know we all have different followers depending on genre and friends. It would fun to meet as many as possible and maybe take over Acme.

A Need So Beautiful ARC Giveaway

2011-06-19T11:02:00.001-05:00

When I was at TLA in April and I picked up an extra copy of A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young. I loved this book and I want to share it with you so it's simple just fill out the form and I will pick a winner 6/27 when I get back from ALA.

Rules:
US & Canada only
One entry per person
Must be 13 years of age
Following not required but appreciated it
Winners have 48 hours to reply with a mailing address

Giveaway closed

A Need So Beautiful Tour Stop

2011-06-18T13:53:00.002-05:00

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Rating: 4 of 5
How stunning is this cover? I was worried that A Need So Beautiful would turn out to be an angel story but that isn't really the case. Charlotte was adopted when she simply walked into a hospital with no memory of where she came from. As she was growing up she would have this feeling that she had messages to give to people and she didn't know where the message she was suppose to give them came from she just knew that she had to deliver it. At first the need happened sporadically but as she got older it seemed to happen every week or even every day. Charlotte learned at a young age that people wouldn't believe her and even that they would think something was wrong with her.

What also was odd is that as soon as she gave people their message they seemed to always believe her but always acted as if they had never spoken to her. Charlotte was fine with it because how do you explain why you have this life altering message to give to someone? As Charlotte gets older she realizes having friends, school, a boyfriend and a secret don't go well together. To make matters worse Charlotte realizes that fulfilling her need to help people could not only isolate her but kill her. Charlotte tries to not give into the need to help people but that only hurts her. In the end there is only one person who is willing to offer her a solution, but it would require Charlotte to become the opposite of what she is. When Charlotte realizes what her purpose in the world is, it becomes earth shattering for her. I loved the romance between Charlotte and Harlin. Instead of giving up on her when he realizes she is hiding something he stands by her and continues to try and get her to open up.

The entire novel reminds me of a beautiful hourglass. With every page I turned it was like the sand falling to the bottom of the hourglass and I felt like time was running out for Charlotte. I kind of expected the ending but at the same time I was surprisingly emotional. While the book did leave an opening for a second book I think the story didn't end on an "OMG I'm going to flip out cliffhanger". I would recommend this book to everyone and I look forward to more from Suzanne Young.

I want to thank Novel Novice and Suzanne Young for allowing me to participate on the Official Blog Tour for A Need So Beautiful. I also did a quick Q and A with Suzanne Young who is really sweet and funny. If you don't follow her on twitter you should!

What is your typical day like?

Write, rinse, repeat. No, I take my kids to school and then spend the rest of the day drafting, revising or plotting. I sometimes go on errands, but I dread them. Luckily I have a great group of friends who convince me to go out where we have dinners and attend book signings—otherwise I’m not sure I’d ever leave my stories.

While writing A Beautiful Need what was the most stressful part and how did you cope?

Regular life. I was in a tough financial spot at the time, looking for work and taking care of my kids. Sometimes it was hard to find the time (or mental energy) to write the book. But I’m glad that I did. I just really wanted to tell the story, so that was what got me through it.

Who are YA authors you read and or look up to?
I love Carrie Ryan. The Forest of Hands and Teeth is one of my favorite books ever. I also really enjoy reading Kelley Armstrong and Melissa Marr.

Have you thought about future projects?

I finished the draft of the sequel to A Need so Beautiful, titled A Want so Wicked (Summer 2012). And I just sold a new series THE PROGRAM to Simon Pulse for Spring of 2013.

For more info visit:
Suzanne's blog: http://www.suzanne-young.blogspot.com/

Suzanne's Twitter: http://twitter.com/suzanne_young

Suzanne's Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzanne-Young-Author/186332294734164

Book Club Guide: harpercollins.com

Blog Tour Landing Page: http://novelnovice.com/books/featured-books/the-official-blog-tour-for-a-need-so-beautiful-by-suzanne-young/

A Need So Beautiful @ HarperTeen: http://www.harperteen.com/books/Need-Beautiful-Suzanne-Young/?isbn=9780062008244