Actin' Up with Books

Random Acts of Kindness - February Wrap Up/March Sign Up

2012-03-02T00:00:00.002-05:00

Random Acts of Kindness is hosted by Vanessa and Isalys at Book Soulmates. This is a time to share or give our favorite things - BOOKS. After missing a few months, I signed up again in February. As much as it makes me happy to receive books, I love to give them to.

This month I gave these books:

Tempest by Julie Cross to Amber at The Musings of ALMYBNENR
The Deepest Cut by J.A. Templeton to Mary at Sweeping Me
Realm of Possibilities by David Levithan to Adam at Roof Beam Reader

I received these books:

Amplified by Tara Kelly from Amanda at Letters Inside Out
Blue Eyes and Other Teenage Hazards by Janette Rallison from Mary at Sweeping Me

Thank you Amanda and Mary!!

Because RAK is so fantastic, I am signing up again. Like I did last month, I am going to limit myself to sending out only 3 or 4 books. Some months I would go crazy and didn't budget that well, but I didn't have that feeling last month and I like that. Anyone can sign up. Just check out the details below.

Here is a link to Wish List - http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/ref=wish_list

It is from Amazon just because that is the easiest way for me to maintain the wish list. I accept ARCs and gently used books too.

COMPLETE RULES RE-CAP:
Please read carefully & follow all rules! Thank you!

Please sign-up each month that you can participate (and by participate, we mean give as well as receive).
Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button (code is in the right sidebar).
Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog, etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger directly for their information.
Once you receive a RAK, send us an our new email to [rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com] so that we can update the Google Doc. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SEND EMAILS TO THIS ADDRESS!
E-book participation is limited to files being gifted directly to a person from the e-book store. Amazon's Kindle Store is set up to allow this, as well as the Kobo store and we believe Barnes & Noble with Nook as well.
At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K by making a "RAK Wrap-Up" post. This post should include who you SENT gifts to as well who you RECEIVED gifts from :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE including all our International brethren!

Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

Easy peezy!!

Links you will need:

Sign up for March 2012 [HERE]
See who else is participating [HERE]

Questions regarding RAK, please contact rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com

Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin

2012-03-01T01:00:00.003-05:00

Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters

by Meredith Zeitlin

Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons

Publication Date: March 1, 2012

Pages: 288

Source: Publisher

Kelsey Finkelstein is fourteen and FRUSTRATED. Every time she tries to live up to her awesome potential, her plans are foiled – by her impossible parents, her annoying little sister, and life in general. But with her first day of high school coming up, Kelsey is positive that things are going to change. Enlisting the help of her three best friends — sweet and quiet Em, theatrical Cass, and wild JoJo — Kelsey gets ready to rebrand herself and make the kind of mark she knows is her destiny.

Things start out great - her arch-nemesis has moved across the country, giving Kelsey the perfect opportunity to stand out on the soccer team and finally catch the eye of her long-time crush. But soon enough, an evil junior’s thirst for revenge, a mysterious photographer, and a series of other catastrophes make it clear that just because KELSEY has a plan for greatness… it doesn’t mean the rest of the world is in on it.

Kelsey’s hilarious commentary throughout her disastrous freshman year will have you laughing out loud—while being thankful that you’re not in her shoes, of course… (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Let me just put it out there - this book was too much fun. It has been a long time since I've read a book that made me smile and laugh over and over and over again. From the very beginning of the book when Kelsey declares that it is going to be the best year ever - starting high school - staking her claim to fabulousness - you just know that it is going to be anything but that. Get ready for the ride.

" . . . well, we're in high school now. Obviously. And . . . it's time to defy expectations! To . . . change people's perceptions of us! . . .

I've decided to really . . . do something this year. To make a mark. Stand out. Revamp myself for a new era. you know like Lindsay Lohan." (pg. 10)

Oh the naivete of the clueless former eighth-grader (yes that means you, freshman). What is so funny about her situation is that almost every freshman has had these same ideas. That is what made me want to read Freshman Year and kept me reading it and makes me want to read it again.

Kelsey was put through the wringer her freshman year, starting with making the soccer team - a main goal of her freshman year - only to have to deal with the torture of junior team captain, Julie Nelson, aka Crazy Eyebrows. (Julie is Sadie from MTV's Awkward - at least that's how I read her) Thankfully Kelsey has her three best friends - Em, Cass and Jo-Jo by her side. But all too soon the pressures of high school, new friendships, and new relationships change the girls and Kelsey begins to wonder if her childhood friendships can last.

Her fashion clueless but not-so-clueless mom and little sister Travis added other moments of humor. Travis bugged Kelsey and her friends all of the time, but it didn't come from brattiness, but cleverness. Well she was a little bratty, but she was the kind of little sister that the older sibling can't stand but her friends love. I loved the scenes with Travis and wouldn't have mind having her around more.

Adding to Kelsey's unnatural disasters to her freshman year are the boys. Of course there are boys. Kelsey's main crush Jordan Rothman is now attainable since his gorgeous girlfriend is no longer in the picture. Will she finally make her move? Will she finally get the boy? Have that first fireworks, heart-stopping first kiss? I'll never tell, you'll just have to read it and find out.

I loved this book. I loved Kelsey - she was real, fun, had a lot of heart, and could make fun of herself. Reading Kelsey, I was reminded of Jessica Darling from Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty and Ruby Oliver from The Boy Book by E. Lockhart - both characters that I love from books that hold a place in my heart because they take me back to that awkwardness of high school which, for me, really wasn't all that bad. I hope to read more about Kelsey in future books. I can't wait to know what happens her sophomore year!

I received Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disaster from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Any quotes contained within the review are from the Advanced Reader Copy and may differ from the final published version.

Waiting on Wednesday: Before You Go

2012-02-29T00:00:00.003-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Before You Go

by James Preller

Published by Feiwel & Friends

Publication Date: July 17th 2012

The summer before his senior year, Jude (yes, he’s named after the Beatles song) gets his first job, falls in love for the first time, and starts to break away from his parents. Jude’s house is kept dark; no one talks much—it’s been that way since his little sister drowned in a swimming pool when Jude was supposed to be watching her.

He was watching her. He looked away for just a moment. He was only nine years old. And he’s never truly grieved for her, or for the emotional deaths of his parents, who refuse to talk about what happened. Seven years later, Jude is finally, finally starting to live. Really live. And then life spins out of control. Again.

Acclaimed author James Preller explores life, death, love, faith, and resilience in a story that will grip readers from the book’s dramatic first few pages to its emotional end. (from Goodreads)

At my latest book club meeting I was telling my friends about how most of the books I like to read are so different from the books we read in the book club. I told them that I like books that are sad, books that make my heart ache, books that make me cry. Those don't always make for great recommendations. People aren't easily swayed to read books that make them hurt a little bit. But I want to read those kinds of books. My bookshelves are full of them. I seek them out which is why I want to read Before You Go. It sounds like it will be an extremely emotional read.

Provisions and Paperbacks discuss Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

2012-02-28T00:00:00.002-05:00

Not yet, but there will be spoilers. You have been warned.

Provisions and Paperbacks, my IRL book club, read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs a few weeks ago. As I mentioned in my previous post (you can read it here), I want to share some thoughts and ideas brought up during the book club and bring my blog readers into the discussion.

A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

There will be spoilers. You have been warned.

Here are some thoughts shared during out book club discussion after reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children:

"L" says: I loved the pictures in this book, they really took me back in time and gave me a visual to put with the words. However, I had my own idea of the setting and sometimes the photos didn't come close the ideas I imagined. This is a fantastical story but I could almost see being caught up in this time warp in real life. I could visualize myself as a character in the book and wanted to. It was strange but I almost wanted it to be more creepy. There is a yearning to know what happens now...where do the children go from here? My favorite photo was of Horace

"R" says: I think that when you start reading the book the Grandfather's stories have a fairy tale quality to them and as you read you discover the hidden meanings and truths of his stores perhaps he used what he thought his grandson could understand at a young age but as he aged he should have been more honest with his history. Toward the end of the Grandfather's life he was haunted by his monsters and his family thought he was slipping into dementia it made me wonder if his carrying the secrets and fighting the monsters drove him into insanity? I enjoyed the book because there were surprises you would think the story was leading in one direction and then you realized your assumptions were wrong.

Other thoughts:

we were all impressed with the use of the photographs in the storytelling. Every picture fit in the telling and they didn't seem forced into the story just because the author wanted to include them.
we each envisioned the portal from the current day to 1940 very differently. Personally I had trouble envisioning altogether
One of my favorite scenes was when the children were on lockdown and a few of them decided to sneak out of the house to return to the modern day and Olive is floating by the window waiting to help Jacob and Emma
My Audible Gasp Moment: when Jacob discovers the true identity of his therapist - totally didn't see that coming at all!
Didn't fall for idea as Emma as a love interest - maybe if the relationship with Jacob's grandfather had been different, but it wasn't so that was a whole lot of eww.
One of the creepiest photos - the bus driver - so sinister

Half of the group are excited about how the story ended leaving it open to more adventures of the Peculiar Children and the other half are happy to end the story as it is - rowing into the sunset.

I'd like to invite anyone to join in on the discussion and share your thoughts on Miss Peregrine's Home to Peculiar Children BUT I do ask that you only make comments on this specific book in the series and that you don't reveal any spoilers for future books in the series. Please and Thank you!

Up next: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver!!

Guest Post by Mary Lowry author of The Earthquake Machine

2012-02-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

I’m excited to be guest posting for Actin’ Up with Books. I think Joli’s blog is really unique; and it’s awesome she supports indie bookstores with her Love My Indie feature.

I’m also inspired by the blog name Actin’ Up with Books. As a young girl, books allowed me to vicariously experience what it would be like to “act up” and challenge expectations for how women and girls “should” live their lives and be in the world. As soon as I was old enough, I started having adventures of my own. I’ve done all sorts of things that women aren’t “supposed” to do, like work as a forest firefighter, an apprentice carpenter and a Hollywood screenwriter. (Women make up just 10% of each of those professions!)

I never would have found the courage to take on such challenges if I hadn’t read many books featuring strong female protagonists. And now I’m “actin’ up” by publishing an edgy debut novel about a girl who runs away from home to avoid having to fit into the mold society makes for girls. She travels deep into Mexico on a lush, fantastical journey to find her family’s yardman Jésus. The book is a wild ride perfect for any woman or girl eager to act up with books.

Book synopsis:

The Earthquake Machine

The book every girl should read,

and every girl’s parents hope she’ll never read.

The Earthquake Machine tells the story of 14 year-old Rhonda. On the outside, everything looks perfect in Rhonda’s world, but at home Rhonda has to deal with a manipulative father who keeps her mentally ill mother hooked on pharmaceuticals. The only reliable person in Rhonda’s life is her family’s Mexican yardman, Jesús. But when the INS deports Jesús back to his home state of Oaxaca, Rhonda is left alone with her increasingly painful family situation.

Determined to find her friend Jésus, Rhonda seizes an opportunity to run away during a camping trip with friends to Big Bend National Park. She swims to the Mexican side of the Rio Grande and makes her way to the border town of Milagros, Mexico. There a peyote- addled bartender convinces her she won’t be safe traveling alone into the country’s interior. So with the bartender’s help, Rhonda cuts her hair and assumes the identity of a Mexican boy named Angel. She then sets off on a burro across the desert to look for Jesús. Thus begins a wild adventure that fulfills the longing of readers eager for a brave and brazen female protagonist.

Author bio:

Mary Pauline Lowry has worked as a forest firefighter, screenwriter, open water lifeguard, construction worker, and advocate in the movement to end violence against women. Due to no fault of her sweet parents, at 15 she ran away from home and made it all the way to Matamoros, Mexico. She believes girls should make art, have adventures, and read books that show them the way.

Visit Mary's website at http://www.marypaulinelowry.com/ or follow her on Twitter @MaryPLowry

Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin

2012-02-26T00:00:00.002-05:00

Extraordinary

by Nancy Werlin

Published by Dial Books

Published by September 7, 2010

Pages: 393

Source: Purchased

Phoebe finds herself drawn to Mallory, the strange and secretive new kid in school. Soon the two girls are as close as sisters . . . until Mallory’s magnetic older brother, Ryland, appears. Ryland has an immediate, exciting hold on Phoebe—but a dangerous hold, for she begins to question her feelings about her best friend and, worse, about herself.

Soon she’ll discover the shocking, fantastical truth about Ryland and Mallory, and about an age-old debt they expect Phoebe to pay. Will she be strong enough to resist? Will she be special enough to save herself? (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

This was a book club selection chosen after having read Nancy Werlin's Impossible. Extraordinary is the retelling of Mayer Rothschild's family (which I know nothing about and will be looking up later). The story involves friendships, fairies, family curses, and betrayals. It was a bit lengthy for the story that was told involving a lot of internal conflict but also choosing to make the right decision when the options seem so limited or predetermined.

I would suggest reading this one with an open mind because it is easy think the story is simply about one thing, but it really is about so much more. I would recommend this book to someone who likes to read historical retellings and reimaginations.

The review is based on the paperback publication.

Love My Indie with author Meredith Zeitlin

2012-02-24T06:00:00.006-05:00

Love My Indie is a feature where fellow bloggers, readers, and authors tell me about their favorite independent bookstores. I love the feeling I get when I go into an independent bookstore - like it is filled with hidden treasures just waiting for me to find them.

Showing some Indie Love today is:

Meredith Zeitlin

author of Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters

My favorite indie bookstore in my neighborhood – and there are quite a few – is BOOK COURT on Court Street in Brooklyn, NY
(http://www.bookcourt.com/).

It's quiet, bright, neat as a pin, and has a fantastic selection of new and old books. Up front is the children's reading section, and there's a beautifully expanded back area with all the new releases.

I usually head downstairs to the lower level, though; for a bargain-hunter, it's a great place to find discounted books (all new, by the way, and often hardcovers, too). Look at all these good ones - and let's not forget the Dollar Book Section. Just a buck for an afternoon of reading? Pretty sweet deal.

So the next time you're in Carroll Gardens, go say hi to the Book Court folks. Support brick and mortar stores and independent booksellers! Oh, and by the way - here's where you'll find my book... !

Meredith's debut YA novel Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters will be released on March 1, 2012 by G.P. Putnam's Sons.

FRESHMAN YEAR follows the ups and downs of a witty, sometimes wild heroine as she navigates the uncharted waters of crushes, friendships, enemies, mysterious photographers, and horrifying school plays.(from Press Release)

I am currently accepting guest posts from authors, bloggers and readers who want to share their favorite independent bookstores. If you are interested, please sign up HERE.

Girl Meets Boy by various authors, ed. by Kelly Milner Halls

2012-02-22T00:00:00.003-05:00

Girl Meets Boy

ed. by Kelly Milner Halls

Stories by: Kelly Milner Halls, Chris Crutcher, Rebecca Fjelland Davis, Terry Davis, Terry Trueman, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Rita Williams-Garcia, Sara Ryan , Randy Powell, Ellen Wittlinger, James Howe, Joseph Bruchac

Published by Chronicle Books

Publication Date: December 28, 2011

Source: Publisher

What do guys and girls really think? Twelve of the most dynamic and engaging YA authors writing today team up for this one-of-a-kind collection of he said/she said stories he tells it from the guy's point of view, she tells it from the girl's. These are stories of love and heartbreak. There's the good-looking jock who falls for a dangerous girl, and the flipside, the toxic girl who never learned to be loved; the basketball star and the artistic (and shorter) boy she never knew she wanted; the gay boy looking for love online and the girl who could help make it happen. Each story in this unforgettable collection teaches us that relationships are complicated because there are two sides to every story.

My Thoughts:

I was so excited when I first found out about Girl Meets Boy. The title immediately drew me in because it clearly was going to be about relationships. Collaborating authors telling stories from alternating perspectives. Another plus in my book. And yes, a cover that I really like.

Each story was unique in its own way telling the stories of girls and boys as they build new relationships, reveal crushes, reveal secrets and allow others to see who they really are. Just as in life, not all of the characters are perfect.

In the first story collection by Chris Crutcher and Kelly Milner Halls, we meet Johnny who wants to learn how to find a girlfriend who isn't so needy or insecure or need a boyfriend who takes care of her. So he approaches one of the toughest girls in school, Wanda Wickam. She appears to have it all together, but he finds that she needs to be cared for just as much as all of the others. But he needs to learn how to start taking care of himself too.

One of my favorite stories is the collaboration by James Howe/Ellen Wittlinger "Want to Meet"/"Meeting for Real" - the characters of these stories come together because of the need for hope and the possibility of friendship. Alex isn't exactly who she says she is when she introduces herself to Max, but she wants him to be exactly who he says he is to help strengthen her belief in the goodness of people. It ironic that she must present herself as a lie, in order to truth in others. But I don't dislike her because of it. She is actually one of my favorite characters in this collection.

Another story that I liked was "Launchpad to Neptune" by Sara Ryan and Randy Powell. This story is told differently because both perspectives are intertwined to tell Stephanie and Gavin's story. They share a long history of friendship that changes after one rejected kiss. One moment of misunderstanding that isn't reconciled until several years later. This is when we meet Stephanie and Gavin. I love the opening lines to this story:

"The hardest decision the day I was going to meet Gavin: what to wear. 'Your prom dress of course sweetie,' said Dean. 'Shut up,' I said. Then I said the hell with it and wore what I always wear these days. It didn't matter." (pg. 171)

This is so telling in how this story is going to play out and it made me want to read it quickly to see how it is going to affect the future relationship between the friends and if their friendship will even continue.

I connected with some of the stories more than the others, but they were all filled with characters that I would want to read about again. I want to know what the future holds for Kerry and Rafi from "Mouths of the Granges"/"Mars at Night" after they finally admit to truth of their relationship to their parents.

I also enjoyed Girl Meets Boy because it introduced me to a lot of new authors whose works I'd never read before. I will be reading their writing in the future, that is a given. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes reading stories told from alternating perspectives, and stories about realistic relationships between girls and boys.

I received Girl Meets Boy from the publisher and author Kelly Milner Halls in exchange for my honest review.

No More Us for You by David Hernandez

2012-02-20T00:00:00.002-05:00

No More Us for You

by David Hernandez

Published by: Harper Teen

Publication Date: January 27, 2009

Pages: 281

Source: Library

For a life to come together, sometimes it first has to fall completely apart.

Isabel is a regular seventeen-year-old girl, still reeling from the pain of her boyfriend's tragic death exactly one year ago.

Carlos is a regular seventeen-year-old guy, loves red licorice and his friends, and works at a fancy art museum for some extra cash.

The two have no connection until they both meet Vanessa, an intriguing new transfer student with a mysterious past. While Vanessa is the link that brings these two very different lives together, will she be the one that can also tear them apart? (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

Lately it is very rare that I will select a book to read without knowing anything about it. I find most of my books from author sites, blogs, or bookstore sites that I visit. Or I select books by authors who I have read before. And sometimes I find something great that I wasn't even looking for. No More Us for You is one such book. I went to the library to check out a different book, and I spent a few moments seeing if there were any other books I might want to read. The title snagged me immediately. I just knew it was a book about relationships, obviously, but contemporary and with a title like that, it was going to be smart, clever, entertaining. The copy I have doesn't have the cover art, and honestly it may have made me hesitate just a little bit to read it. While the cover does tie in the with story, I don't think that it captures what the story is about at all.

Told from alternating perspectives (you know how I love this technique), I learned about the lives of Isobel and Carlos. Both guarded coming from broken relationships, they hesitate in beginning a friendship (and possibly more). They both are vulnerable and likable, but smart in knowing that, because of their pasts, a friendship may be the best thing for them. I also got to see the lives of their friends and how their choices and experiences affected Isobel and Carlos.

No More Us for You is filled with teen angst, tenderness, and moments that will rip your heart out and moments that will make your heart feel full. I was happy to meet these characters, see a glimpse into their lives and wish for them to have a bright future.

In My Mailbox (61)

2012-02-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by Kristi at The Story Siren which showcases the books that have been delivered to our mailbox or doorstep or directly into our hot little hands.

Purchased:

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
Getting Somewhere by Beth Neff
The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison
Breathing by Cheryl Renee Herbsman
Calli by Jessica Lee Anderson
Split by Swati Avasthi

Swapped:
Life as It Comes by Anne-Laure Bondoux

Paperback Swap

Won:
Centauriad #1: Daughter of the Centaurs

from Random Buzzers twitter contest

Audition by Stasia Ward Kehoe
and swag

from Gabrielle Carolina of The Mod Podge Bookshelf

Thank you to Random House RandomBuzzers, Gabrielle Carolina, and my husband for making this another wonderful week in books!

And the Winners Are . . .

2012-02-16T20:20:00.000-05:00

I held two contest over the past few weeks and both of them ended on Tuesday. Here are the winners:

catherine c

She has won a signed copy of Girl Meets Boy ed. Kelly Milner Halls

from the Girl Meets Boy blog tour

There were 73 entries and using random.org, number 49 was selected. Congratulations!

#649 Krystle

(US)

She has won a book valued up to $15.00 from B&N.com

#625 Primrose

(Intl)

She has won a book valued up to $15.00 from The Book Depository

There were 672 entries and the winners were selected using random.org.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by my blog to enter these contests and to all of my new followers!

In My Mailbox (60)

2012-02-12T00:00:00.001-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by Kristi at The Story Siren which showcases the books that have been delivered to our mailbox or doorstep or directly into our hot little hands.

Purchased:

The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

Please Don't Be True: Dangerously Alice; Almost Alice; Intensely Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Try Not to Breathe by Jennifer R. Hubbard

For Review:

Vampire's Kiss: The Watchers by Veronica Wolff

Gifted:

Amplified by Tara Kelly

Thank you Amanda!

Fangirl buttons from Laurie Boyle Crompton

This week, like pretty much every other week, I treated myself to some books. After reading The Disenchantments for the Southern Book Bloggers arc tours, I loved the book so much that I wanted to have my own copy. You can read my fangirlish review here. I became a fan of Jennifer Hubbard after reading The Secret Year and just had to get her latest, Try Not to Breathe, for my library.

I also received Amplified as a Random Act of Kindness from Amanda at Letters Inside Out. Amanda was so nice to pass along this ARC to me. Thank you! And author Laurie Crompton sent me some buttons for her upcoming novel Fangirl. I featured Fangirl a couple of weeks ago as my Waiting on Wednesday. It doesn't come out until August, but Laurie was willing to share these fun buttons with me now. Maybe I'll pass one along too.

For review, I received Vampire's Kiss from Penguin. This one just showed up. It is the second in the The Watchers series by Veronica Wolff. I've yet to read the first, Isle of Night - I don't even have it to read. If anyone knows about the series, please share your thoughts.

I didn't comment on IMMs last week because I went on vacation and had limited computer access, but thanks to everyone who stopped by and left a comment. I plan to check out a lot of IMMs this week. February is filled with some great new releases and I am interested to see what everyone got in their mailboxes!

Waiting on Wednesday: Live Through This

2012-02-08T00:00:00.001-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Live Through This

by Mindi Scott

Published by: Simon Pulse

Publication Date: October 2, 2012

Sometimes hiding the truth requires more than a lie . . .

From the outside, Coley Sterling’s life seems pretty normal . . . whatever that means. It’s not perfect—her best friend is seriously mad at her and her dance team captains keep giving her a hard time—but Coley’s adorable, sweet crush Reece helps distract her from the annoying drama. Plus, she has a great family to fall back on—with a stepdad and mom who would stop at nothing to keep her and her siblings happy and safe.

But Coley has a lot of secrets. She won’t admit—not even to herself—that her almost-perfect life is her own carefully-crafted façade. That for years she’s been burying the shame and guilt over a relationship that crossed the line. Now, Coley and Reece are getting closer, and as Coley has the chance at her first real boyfriend, a decade’s worth of lies are on the verge of unraveling. (from Goodreads)

I'm completely going to have a fangirl moment. I just love Mindi Scott! Her book Freefall was my absolute favorite book of 2010 and immediately wanted to read her next book. Only problem was, it wasn't finished yet. So when Mindi tweeted about the release and cover reveal last week, I admit I was seriously giddy. Live Through This doesn't come out until October, but I can wait. I always have Freefall to read again (and again).

Follower Love Giveaway Hop

2012-02-07T00:01:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the Follower Love Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not a Writer and Rachael Renee Anderson. I've joined this hop to thank all of my blog followers and readers for stopping by blog, reading, commenting and sharing their love of books with me.

I've decided to giveaway a few prizes this time and I am offering some choices. There are some books that I've read this year that I would like others to read to, but I also know from past hops that you guys like choices, so I'm including both! And I've decided there will be TWO WINNERS! One US and one International (as long as The Book Depository ships to you)

For U.S. Winner

The Prize

a choice of these 3 Books

a book valued up to $15.00 from B&N.com

For International Winner

The Prize

a book valued up to $15.00 from The Book Depository

Giveaway Rules:

Must be at least 13 yrs or older
Open to U.S. and International
Following is NOT required
To Enter fill out the form below

Contest ends February 14th 2012 11:59 EST
Winners will be selected using random.org

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

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

And while your here, check out my giveaway for Girl Meets Boy.

Now go to I'm a Reader, Not a Writer to see the many participating blogs!

In My Mailbox (59)

2012-02-05T00:00:00.004-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by Kristi at The Story Siren which showcases the books that have been delivered to our mailbox or doorstep or directly into our hot little hands.

Purchased

The Edumacation of Jay Baker by Jay Clark
Incarnate by Jodi Meadows signed

If I Tell by Janet Gurtler
I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler
In Too Deep by Amanda Grace
Listening In and Other Stories by Shauna Kelley free e-book

RAK
from Mary at Sweeping Me
Blue Eyes and Other Teenage Hazards by Janette Rallison (e-book)

Won:

Oldsoul by Dan Haring signed (not pictured)

from Dan and Lenore at Presenting Lenore - part of the Apocalypsies Giveaway

Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala signed

Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala signed audiobook

and other goodies!

from Holly for her DBAW Launch

Thank you Lenore, Dan, Holly, Jodi and Mary for making this a fantastic week in books for me. Thanks Shauna for sharing your collection of short stories for FREE!

And I want to give the stink-eye, yes I said it, to my mail carrier who has once again taken the opportunity to damage some of my books.

The Knife and the Butterfly by Ashley Hope Perez

2012-02-03T00:22:00.000-05:00

The Knife and the Butterfly

by Ashley Hope Perez

Published by Carolrhoda Books

Available February 1, 2012

IndieBound

Amazon

Azael Arevalo wishes he could remember how the fight ended. He knows his MS13 boys faced off with some punks from Crazy Crew. He can picture the bats, the bricks, the chains. A knife. But he can’t remember anything between that moment and when he woke behind bars. Azael knows jails, and something isn’t right about this lockup. No phone call. No lawyer. No news about his brother or his homies. The only thing they make him do is watch some white girl in some cell. Watch her and try to remember.

Lexi Allen would love to forget the fight, would love for it to disappear back into the Xanax fog it came from. And her mother and her lawyer hope she chooses not to remember too much about the brawl—at least when it’s time to testify. Lexi knows that there’s more at stake in her trial than her life alone, though. Azael needs the truth. The knife cut, but somehow it also connected.

My Thoughts

The Knife and the Butterfly is one of those stories that leaves you in awe long after finishing it. Like Azael, I'm left not quite sure how it all happened but, also, with that deep sense that I knew all along. Before reading the book, I didn't know too much of the background of the story which was inspired by true events, and I am glad for that. I think that it would have affected how I read it and how I absorbed what Azael was experiencing.

Azael comes off as a hard person, not just because he is in a gang, but because of his life's circumstances and all that he has done to make his way in his life. I learned so much about Azael through flashback memories before the fight and come to know that there is much more to him than just this hardness that he portrays in order to survive. He has a vulnerability to him too. When he begins that watch Lexi, even though he doesn't know why he is doing it, an amount of fear begins to rise in him. He's afraid that she is there to pin a crime on him and he still can't figure out what it is. He immediately dislikes her - sees her as spoiled, privileged, white. He thinks he knows her, thinks he knows her type. But as he watches her, he learns there is more to Lexi than the color of her skin, the tone in her voice, what she is projecting out into the world.

What I like about Ashley's character driven story is that I really do care about the characters and everything that may happen to them. The Knife and the Butterfly is eye-opening and all together heart-breaking.

I'm still having a difficult time putting my thoughts together about what I've read. This is one of those books I will be thinking about for days maybe even weeks. I will most definitely share this book with my IRL friends because it is one that should be considered and discussed because like I have said so many times, there is nothing lonelier that reading a book and not having someone to share it with.

The Knife and the Butterfly Blog Tour: Author Guest Post and excerpt

2012-02-02T00:00:00.001-05:00

This is the fifth stop of The Knife and the Butterfly blog tour. I am beyond happy to host Ashley for a guest post. I am a fan of Ashley's and loved her debut novel What Can't Wait. (my review here) Her new novel is just as eye-opening and thought-provoking as her first and I will be reviewing it tomorrow.

The Knife and the Butterfly

Making Stereotypes Undo Themselves

by Ashley Hope Perez

Let’s get one fact about The Knife and the Butterfly out of the way. My protagonist, Azael, is Hispanic. He’s also a gang member. And he’s been in jail.

I know what you’re thinking. How can somebody with the last name “Pérez” be ready to go along with a damaging stereotype like this?

Picture the cliché like a loosely woven sweater laid out on a bed—you think you know what it is, right? But pull on that dangling piece of yarn and watch it unravel. Watch as the yarn shows its promise for being reshaped into many other forms.

Sorry about the lame knitting analogy. Here’s my point: sometimes the cliché is just waiting to be undone. The Knife and the Butterfly starts off with a familiar scenario—jail, a Hispanic teen, a gang fight, a girl—and dares the reader to discover all the other dimensions of the story. Of the situation. Of the speaker. Of the world he lives in.

In fact, the reader is in good company because Azael himself has to overcome a number of stereotypes that he’s bought into, stereotypes that come through in his bragging and bluster—and in his sexist attitude toward women.

One of the things I loved best about writing The Knife and the Butterfly is that I got a chance to dig into a world that I had known only second-hand. And I discovered that, even in the world of gangs and petty crimes, everyday realities cast a wider shadow than the stereotypes that pretend to contain them. Azael’s life is full of contrasts, love and loss, loyalty and recklessness.

Yes, you will see Azael’s brother, Eddie, get jumped into MS-13. But you also see the two of them learn to become caregivers for their little sister—and for each other. Yesterday I blogged about the physical items Azael carries with him over at YA Outside the Lines . Here’s a memory he carries with him, one that I hope starts the process of unraveling a stereotype of who Azael is and what he is capable of.

This excerpt comes from Chapter 16 of The Knife and the Butterfly:

The last time I saw my mom was at the hospital the day Regina was born. I was six years old. Eddie was almost eight. Papi had to hold the baby up because Mami’s arms weren’t strong enough. The blanket on the bed was yellow and covered with fuzz that came off when you pulled at it. Eddie kept grabbing my hand away, but I liked the fuzz so much I didn’t care if he called me stupid. I played with the blanket, and Mami started singing real soft, Duérmete niñito, no llores chiquito. She was singing for the baby, but I liked it all the same. Then the nurse took Regina away in a little cart, and Mami called me and Eddie to come up closer to her. I had all the blanket fuzz balled up in my hand, but it didn’t matter because she just reached out to brush my hair back out of my eyes. Her hand was so light touching my forehead it made me think of a little bird, this gray one with a curved beak we used to see pecking around for bugs in the dirt of the Bel-Lindo parking lot.

“You need un corte de pelo,” she said real soft, trailing her fingers through my hair. “You, too,” she told Eddie.

He was biting his lip to keep from crying, but he swallowed hard and said, “I’ll get Mrs. Guzman to cut it, Mami. Por seguro.”

Papi came over, and he cried, too. He put his hands on the back of our heads and pulled us in close. It felt strange to be pressed against Papi’s body because it was always Mami who hugged us. I wanted to pull away and wipe my nose, but I didn’t want to make him mad. I also didn’t want my fuzz ball to get wet.

And then we were going back down the long hall with Papi. Nobody talked about what was happening because Mami already told us how the doctors said something else was growing inside her, something bad, but that they couldn’t fix it without hurting the baby. What she didn’t tell us then was that now that Regina was here, it was too late to fix it. Nobody told us that.

Mami lasted two more days. She passed while me and Eddie were at Mrs. Guzman’s watching cartoons. Papi was at the hospital when it happened. Mrs. Guzman answered the phone, and after she told us and hugged us for a long time, I asked Eddie if the birds in her hands were what carried her up to heaven when she died, but he just kept staring at the TV like the stupid happy music was all that mattered.

Sad memories aren’t my only tool for cliché busting. I worked hard to find ways to express complex insights in Azael’s voice. And the ultimate challenge for Azael is figuring out what he can do now—from inside this crazy lock-up he finds himself in—to make sure the story of his life doesn’t land him in a pile of stereotypes.

Check out an author interview with The Happy Nappy Bookseller for further insights into the writing of the novel. More excerpts, guest posts, and secrets (including two truths and a lie) coming throughout Ashley’s The Knife and the Butterfly blog tour. See the full tour schedule here

Ashley Hope Pérez is the author of two young adult novels, WHAT CAN'T WAIT and THE KNIFE AND THE BUTTERFLY. She also is a passionate teacher and student working on her PhD in comparative literature. At the moment, she lives in Paris with her husband and son where they enjoy culture, croissants, and cramped living quarters.

Ask for The Knife and the Butterfly from your favorite local bookseller or order it online.

Visit Ashley’s blog , follow her on twitter @ashleyhopeperez , or find her on facebook.

Random Acts of Kindness - February Sign Up

2012-02-01T10:00:00.006-05:00

Thank you Vanessa and Isalys of Books Soulmates for once again hosting Random Acts of Kindness! RAK is a fun opportunity to grant some wishes, share your books, and connect with other bloggers and readers. I've really missed participating in Random Acts of Kindness these past few months, so I've decided to join up once again. I love sharing books through this blogger/reader exchange.

My wishlist can be found HERE.

Here are the details from Book Soulmates:

COMPLETE RULES RE-CAP:
Please read carefully & follow all rules! Thank you!

Please sign-up each month that you can participate (and by participate, we mean give as well as receive).
Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button (code is in the right sidebar).
Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog, etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger directly for their information.
Once you receive a RAK, send us an our new email to [rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com] so that we can update the Google Doc. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SEND EMAILS TO THIS ADDRESS!
E-book participation is limited to files being gifted directly to a person from the e-book store. Amazon's Kindle Store is set up to allow this, as well as the Kobo store and we believe Barnes & Noble with Nook as well.
At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K by making a "RAK Wrap-Up" post. This post should include who you SENT gifts to as well who you RECEIVED gifts from :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE including all our International brethren!

Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

Easy peezy!!

Links you will need:

Sign up for February 2012 [HERE]
See who else is participating [HERE]
If you have any questions regarding RAK, please contact us via the following: rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com

Now that you know the details, go sign up!!

Waiting on Wednesday: Fangirl

2012-02-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Fangirl

by Laurie Broyle Crompton

Published by Sourcebooks

Publication Date: August 2012

When comic-obsessed Blaze stands up to her evil ex he posts a racy picture of her online and a battle of epic proportions ensues. Before she knows it, Zap! Thwack! Pow! Blaze becomes the target of intense bullying. She must learn to channel her inner-superhero if she hopes to gain the ultimate victory; rescuing herself. (from author's website)

I discovered this author and this book from Dear Teen Me. This is one of my all-time favorite site where authors write letters to their teen selves (if the title didn't tip you off). If you do not know what I'm talking about, definitely check it out. I've found a lot of new (and not so new) authors here and discovered some new books that I would like to read like Fangirl.

Girl Meets Boy Blog Tour: Author Interview and Giveaway

2012-01-31T00:00:00.015-05:00

What do guys and girls really think? Twelve of the most dynamic and engaging YA authors writing today team up for this one-of-a-kind collection of he said/she said stories he tells it from the guy s point of view, she tells it from the girl s. These are stories of love and heartbreak. There s the good-looking jock who falls for a dangerous girl, and the flipside, the toxic girl who never learned to be loved; the basketball star and the artistic (and shorter) boy she never knew she wanted; the gay boy looking for love online and the girl who could help make it happen. Each story in this unforgettable collection teaches us that relationships are complicated because there are two sides to every story.

Joining me today for the Girl Meets Boy Blog Tour is contributing author and editor Kelly Milner Halls. Kelly visited my blog a few months ago to share her favorite independent bookstore for my Love My Indie feature. I'm so happy to host her here again today to talk about Girl Meets Boy, writing, and some of her favorite books.

Welcome Kelly!

About the book:

I love books that are told from alternating perspective AND when authors collaborate to tell a story. This is what immediately drew me to Girl Meets Boy. Please tell me how this concept came about.

I heard one young couple’s break up story. In brief, she went to watch TV with a male work friend, he was convinced she’d been unfaithful. The “truth” each one told was completely different. That sparked my imagination. What if the best writers in YA tackled this experiment in human perception? What if pairs of authors wrote the same story from two different points of view? That’s how the concept was born.

If you could write your own cover blurb for Girl Meets Boy, what would it be?

The authors featured in Girl Meets Boy brilliantly answer the question, “What in the world were they thinking,” from a series of male and female points of view. Can understanding be far behind?

On writing:

How does your role as an editor play into your role as a writer?

When you’re editing authors as brilliant as those featured in Girl Meets Boy, you job isn’t as taxing as you might imagine. What I think I did do especially well was pairing the contributing writers. I had a strong sense of who I wanted together, and I think that helped make magic.

What is your favorite writing environment? Is it also your most productive?

I write well with noise. Silence doesn’t work for me. I need the TV or Internet radio (go Pandora) to back me up. I get distracted by quiet, as strange as that sounds. But when I’m in the zone, my (grown) kids know better than to trust any response I give. They leave me notes, so I actually absorb whatever it is they need me to remember, because when I’m deep in the work, I answer but I don’t remember what’s been said. Guess we all have our quirks.

Girl Meets Boy is your first young adult project. How was writing for this audience different from your "weird-nonfiction" audience?

It’s very different, and such an exciting new challenge. I had my first YA reading Saturday with my friend Chris Crutcher at a local bookstore here in Spokane. I was a little nervous for the first time in ten years. But it was sensational. Granted, presenting with Chris is never a bad thing, and we’ve been friends so long there’s a fun energy because we know each other so well. But it was interesting to address questions from older readers. I am thrilled to have the chance to experience both, now.

About books and reading:

Searching for new books to read is a small part of my love for books. What are some factors when you selecting new books to read? Any current favorites?

I tend to love realistic YA fiction when I read for pleasure.   But I’ll confess to loving anything that feels fresh and original in the genre. My recent favorite is probably Exposed by Kimberly Marcus and I’m reading (and loving) Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.   I’m dying to read John Green’s new book, The Fault in our Stars after watching him read the first two chapters on YouTube. Yes, I too am a proud Nerdfighter.

Do you judge a book by its cover?

Doesn’t everyone? The cover determines whether we pick that book up or not. The publishers have a huge gamble to take every time they make that crucial selection.   I usually read the first ten pages, because I’m also a writer and I now we have no control over our covers. But they are so important. Luckily, Chronicle Books created a wonderful cover for Girl Meets Boy.

Do you have a book that you like to read over and over again (what I would call a comfort read) because you know that it will make you feel good after reading it? Is it a book that you turn to because you know that it will make you laugh or does it remind you of how you felt when you first read it (a sense of nostalgia)?

When I was young, that was Charlotte’s Web. That was the first book that convinced me fiction could be real – could open up imaginary worlds and people who would matter to me. Still love Fern and Wilbur. Now, it’s probably a book called Illusions by Robert Bach. It’s utterly impossible, the scenario he’s constructed, but he makes me suspend my disbelief every time I read it. And I dearly love Deadline by Chris Crutcher. It reminds me not to waste so much time.

As an editor and book reviewer, it is safe to assume you read a lot of books for work (and for pleasure). But is there one book or author that you wish you would have read and can't believe that you haven't yet?

I am dying to curl up with every book ever written by the very brilliant Libba Bray. Can’t wait.

Can you tell me about any works currently in-progress?

I am working on two YA novels – one about a tattoo artist who accidentally links the living with the dead. And one about a high school journalist who is tested – how fiercely will she defend the first amendment when the whole world seems to disagree?   I’m also working on a new anthology, more about that as soon as possible. : )

Thanks Kelly for sharing! And you definitely should read some Libba Bray soon. Might I suggest Beauty Queens - it is the only book by Libba that I've read so far, but I thought it was fantastic and so smart!

Tomorrows Blog Tour Stop: Stiletto Storytime www.stilettostorytime.wordpress.com

And now for the giveaway:

The Prize

a copy of Girl Meets Boy

signed by all 12 contributing authors

donated by ChronicleBooks

Giveaway Rules:
Must be at least 13 yrs or older
Open to US and Canada addresses only
Following is NOT required
To Enter fill out the form below

Earn extra entries by:

(+1) Reading Kelly's Love My Indie post

(+1) Tweet: "I want to win Girl Meets Boy by @KellyMilnerH from @ActinUpwb"

Contest ends February 14th 2012 11:59 EST
One Winner will be selected using random.org

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The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

2012-01-30T00:01:00.003-05:00

The Disenchantments
by Nina LaCour
Published by Dutton Juvenile
Publication Date February 16, 2012

Colby and Bev have a long-standing pact: graduate, hit the road with Bev's band, and then spend the year wandering around Europe. But moments after the tour kicks off, Bev makes a shocking announcement: she's abandoning their plans - and Colby - to start college in the fall.

But the show must go on and The Disenchantments weave through the Pacific Northwest, playing in small towns and dingy venues, while roadie- Colby struggles to deal with Bev's already-growing distance and the most important question of all: what's next? (from Goodreads)

Why do I read young adult books? The Disenchantments IS WHY I read young adult. It is the reason I read contemporary. It was like hanging out with my best friends.

Nina LaCour’s sophomore novel, The Disenchantments, is the story of four friends having one last hurrah before going their separate ways after graduating high school. Well that’s the simple, uncomplicated description. But in one moment, Bev’s decision to go her own away, complicates everything.

I felt like I was there with Colby, Bev, Meg and Alexa in the VW bus singing along with them. Hanging out with them before their shows and all of their late night adventures. I was in the moment. I was there for all of the fun - eating at the diners, stopping at neighborhood lemonade stands, looking for sea glass and other treasures on the beach -but I was there for all of the awkward silences too. Some many things just waiting to be said, that needed to be said. I think this is what I loved most about reading The Disenchantments - really being in the story.

I loved the camaraderie of the characters. It was obvious that they all cared for each other. There were so many tender moments between them to be savored. Sisters spending their last week together before older sister Meg moved away for college. Best friends trying to understand what they really mean to each other. All of them scared that they will become different and their friendships may never be the same. But also, they were hopeful of all of the potential and possibilities of their future.

I’m realizing that I read this book from such a nostalgic perspective that, just maybe, I haven’t really expressed what a fun and adventurous book The Disenchantments really is. And oh boy (or girl) IT IS!! There are late nights spent dancing, a tattoo (or few), music you just want to belt out to - Heart, The Runaways, and always (thanks to Meg) The Supremes, and there’s even a hot tub scene! And the concerts, well, just read this book because there are no words, really.

I loved this book and can’t wait until it comes out so I can get my own copy to read over and over again. It will be like spending time with some old friends.

I received the ARC for review as part of the Southern Book Bloggers ARC Tours.

In My Mailbox (58)

2012-01-29T15:59:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by Kristi at The Story Siren which showcases the books that have been delivered to our mailbox or doorstep or directly into our hot little hands.

Purchased:

Purple Daze by Sherry Shahan
Shine by Lauren Myracle
Karma by Cathy Ostlere

For Review:

The Forgetting Curve (Memento Nora) by Angie Smibert
Requested from Publisher

Won:

Fracture by Megan Miranda

from Lenore at Presenting Lenore - part of the Apocalypsies Giveaway

So this was my week in books. A special thank you to Lenore for Fracture and hosting the Apocalypsies Giveaway and to Marshall Cavendish Publishing for The Forgetting Curve. I'm excited to read Angie Smibert's follow-up to Memento Nora (my review).

Girl Meets Boy Blog Tour

2012-01-26T00:00:00.002-05:00

How excited am I about this book? So excited!! When I first discovered Girl Meets Boy, I knew that it was a book I wanted to read. Why? Because it is a collection of stories told in alternating voices - a method of storytelling that I LOVE! And the stories are written collaboratively. Now I am thrilled to participate in this blog tour!!

Here's more about Girl Meets Boy ed. by Kelly Milner Halls

Girl Meets Boy will be featured on these blogs Jan. 26 through Feb. 14 with author interviews, guests posts, giveaways and reviews. Here is the complete schedule. Make sure to check out my interview with Kelly on Tuesday, January 31.

Chronicle Books www.chroniclebooks.com 1/26/2011
SarahRyan.com http://sararyan.com/ 1/27/2012
Rebecca Fjelland Davis.com http://www.rebeccafjellanddavis.blogspot.com 1/28/2012
The Story Siren http://www.thestorysiren.com 1/30/2012
Actin' Up with Books Http://actinupwithbooks.blogspot.com 1/31/2012
Stiletto Storytime www.stilettostorytime.wordpress.com 2/1/2012
The Book Cellar www.thebookcellarx.com 2/2/2012
Page Turners Blog www.pageturnersblog.com 2/3/2012
Mother Daughter Book Club http://motherdaughterbookclub.com 2/4/2012
Flamingnet Teen Book Review www.flamingnet.com 2/5/2012
A Life Bound By Books http://alifeboundbybooks.blogspot.com/ 2/6/2012
I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read! www.sithereandread.com 2/7/2012
Addicted 2 Novels http://addicted2novels.blogspot.com 2/8/2012
Cynsations http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/ 2/9/2012
The Children's and Teens' Book Connection http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/ 2/10/2012
365 Days of Reading http://365daysofreading.com 2/11/2012
Shooting Stars Mag http://www.shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com 2/12/2012
Beth Fish Reads www.BethFishReads.com 2/13/2012
Chronicle Books www.chroniclebooks.com 2/14/2012

And there's more! A Wattpad Contest

Wattpad is featuring the guy’s side of the story, and inviting their members to write same scene from the girl’s perspective. Stories should be no more than 300 words long, and the deadline is February 8^th. Winners will be announced on February 14^th.

One Grand Prize winner will get:

·         A copy of Girl Meets Boy signed by all 12 contributors
·         A critique of 25 pages of writing by editor Kelly Milner Halls
·         A 30-minute Skype consultation with Kelly
·         A copy of Kelly’s favorite how-to book on writing

Four runners-up will win a copy of Girl Meets Boy signed by all 12 contributors

For all of the details, go HERE
_______________________________________________
Girl Meets Boy is available now at Amazon

Waiting on Wednesday - The Unnaturalists

2012-01-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

The Unnaturalists

by Tiffany Trent

Published by Simon and Schuster

Publication Date: August 14, 2012

In an alternate London where magical creatures are preserved in a museum, two teens find themselves caught in a web of intrigue, deception, and danger.

Vespa Nyx wants nothing more than to spend the rest of her life cataloging Unnatural creatures in her father’s museum, but as she gets older, the requirement to become a lady and find a husband is looming large. Syrus Reed’s Tinker family has always served and revered the Unnaturals from afar, but when his family is captured to be refinery slaves, he finds that his fate may be bound up with Vespa’s—and with the Unnaturals.

As the danger grows, Vespa and Syrus find themselves in a tightening web of deception and intrigue. At stake may be the fate of New London—and the world. (from Goodreads)

The Unnaturalists isn't the typical book that I would be drawn to. As a reader of mainly contemporary YA, I don't immediately want to read books outside of that genre. It takes a bit of coaxing and more often than not, I'm so happy that I am introduced to new genres and authors.

I found out about this book today from my friend, Traci, who I was inviting to join the book club I am in. Immediately she tells me to check out Tiffany Trent's website because she has a new book coming out this year that may be something we would want to read when it is released. I haven't read any steampunk books, but I think I'm ready to discover what they are all about.

If you want to dive into some steampunk or if you are already a fan, then you should definitely check out Tiffany's blog to enter her Lovely Steampunk Giveaway

Thanks Traci for recommending this book!

Provisions and Paperbacks discuss Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

2012-01-23T21:00:00.004-05:00

Not yet, but there will be spoilers. You have been warned.

Provisions and Paperbacks, my IRL book club, just read Unearthly by Cynthia Hand. As I said in my previous post (you can read it here), I want to share some thoughts and ideas brought up during the book club and bring my blog readers into the discussion.

When Clara Gardner learns she’s part angel, her entire life changes. She now has a purpose, a specific task she was put on this earth to accomplish, except she doesn’t know what it is. Her visions of a raging forest fire and a mysterious boy lead her to a new high school in a new town but provide no clear instruction. As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she’d have to make—between the boy in her vision and the boy in her life, between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. . . . When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

There will be spoilers. You have been warned.

Here are some ideas that I had during and after reading Unearthly:

I had a hard time connecting with Clara throughout the first half of the book. She wasn’t a character that I really cared about what was happening to her. I guess this was because she seemed so indifferent about being an angel. She took everything her mother was telling her and didn't challenge her.

was Christian ever really her purpose? in her visions, he didn’t seem to be in distress he was just there. This is revealed in the end, but was this even her purpose or was he just going to play a role in her future purpose. Were these visions just a way to bring them together?

What is going on with the mom? She has so, so many secrets. Too many secrets. Is she good, evil? More good than evil? I’m interested to learn more about her in Hallowed. I’d even like to read a book just about her and her life. I mean she is 116 years old. I’m sure she has experienced a lot in her lifetime.

Team Christian or Team Tucker - Team Tucker ALL THE WAY - he’s not the simple country boy that Clara thought him to be when she met him. I love how he picks on her and the banter between them (and the joke about the fish - this makes me smile)

I wouldn’t call the relationship between Christian, Clara and Tucker a love triangle. I really hope that it doesn’t turn out that way. I think that the relationship between Christian and Clara serves a different purpose. I mean doesn’t he still love Kay? I’ll admit I felt sorry for her at the prom. (I know what it is like to be dumped 3 days before the prom and then have your ex-boyfriend do with another girl - this really happened!!)

The incident between Clara and Sam was super creepy. I was terrified for her when she could hear and feel his thoughts. In my mind I was screaming NO, NO, NO for her. As horrible as being dragged to hell with him was, it could have been even worse.

Why are there so many angels and angel-bloods in this small town? What is drawing them there? And was Maggie just using Clara’s vision and purpose as an excuse to move them to Wyoming? I am so suspicious of her. I’m bet she really is all great in all of her glory, but still, there is so much more to her than she is letting on. And why did she really go to California? Hmmm. . . .

Wendy is such a good friend and gives the best birthday gifts ever! Love this girl!

Christian lives with his uncle, doesn’t discuss his father (from California, right) and he never said he was dead either - could he also be Sam’s son?

So I will admit, I am very suspicious of the mom, but no one else in the club agreed with me. This book left all of us with so many more questions than answers. Some of us loved it, some of us were on the fence. All of us want to read Hallowed to know what will happen next!

I'd like to invite anyone to join in on the discussion and share your thoughts on Unearthly by Cynthia Hand. BUT I do ask that you only make comments on this specific book in the series and that you don't reveal any spoilers for future books in the series. Please and Thank you!

Up next: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs