Book Lagniappe

Perks of Being a Wallflower Movie Trailer

2012-10-01T14:49:00.001-05:00

I am so ready to go see this movie! I need to go see this movie. I absolutely loved to book.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky February 1st 1999 by MTV Books and Pocket Books

Recently Read...

2012-09-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

This past month has been hectic to say the least. My two new exchange students arrived in the middle of August, and we haven't stopped since! Between a family wedding out of state and getting the girls registered and then starting high school, this past month has flown by.

Even though I have been insanely busy, I wanted to mention some of the books I have read in the last couple of weeks that really stood out.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
June 14th 2012 by Dial Books For Young Readers

I adore this book. I would reread this book every month if I didn't have such a huge TBR pile staring at me. Everything about this book drew me in and made me read faster and stay up later because I didn't want to stop reading. The characters, both the main and supporting ones, were amazing. I wish I was younger and had Jase as my next door neighbor. Actually, I wish I had his whole family living next door! The main story line and even the minor story lines were extremely engaging. Even the cover is wonderful. If you haven't picked this one up yet, do so soon!

The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin
August 2nd 2012 by Putnam Juvenile

I loved this story with stormchaser as characters! Something about the intensity of the race to find the next tornado and gather the necessary scientific data, crushing on a member of an opposing chaser team, plus the mama drama thrown in, made for some interesting, faced-paced, pages-flying, reading for me. Yet again, I loved this cover and what it represents: not only the stormchasers hunting down tornadoes, but the internal storms Jane is bottling up. Be sure to check this one out!

The Forsaken by Lisa M. Strasse
July 10th 2012 by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

I can't really ever get enough dystopian books. This one was tells the tale of Alenna, already forced to grow up an orphan when her parents were taken away when she was 10, who gets sent to The Wheel, an island in the middle of nowhere when the inhabitants are forced to pretty much fight each other for the right to survive. Yes, it does sound like the Hunger Games, but who cares! Bring it on! I just keep reading, hoping Aleena was smart enough, savvy enough, or could at least fake it to make it through this book. I was getting worried in some parts!

Other outstanding books that deserve a shout out:

Beautiful Creatures Movie Trailer

2012-09-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

The movie trailer for Beautiful Creatures is finally here. This is such a teaser, especially with shots of Louisiana everywhere in the trailer. I can't wait for February 13, 2013 to get here!

Check here and here for more info on the movie.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl Book #1 - Caster Chronicles series December 1st 2009 by Little, Brown and Company There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.
At least, that's what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave.

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Carnival of Souls Trailer

2012-09-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

I am reading Carnival of Souls right now, and I have to tell you I love pretty much everything about it. The characters, the descriptiveness of the everything...the suspense is killing me. I really want to zoom through this book and see what happens, but then, I'll be done. So, I'm taking my time reading it, because it is worth it sometimes. In the meantime, enjoy this incredible book trailer for Carnival of Souls. I think it's amazing!

Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr September 4th 2012 by HarperCollins

In a city of daimons, rigid class lines separate the powerful from the power-hungry. And at the heart of The City is the Carnival of Souls, where both murder and pleasure are offered up for sale. Once in a generation, the carnival hosts a deadly competition that allows every daimon a chance to join the ruling elite. Without the competition, Aya and Kaleb would both face bleak futures--if for different reasons. For each of them, fighting to the death is the only way to try to live.

All Mallory knows of The City is that her father--and every other witch there--fled it for a life in exile in the human world. Instead of a typical teenage life full of friends and maybe even a little romance, Mallory scans quiet streets for threats, hides herself away, and trains to be lethal. She knows it's only a matter of time until a daimon finds her and her father, so she readies herself for the inevitable. While Mallory possesses little knowledge of The City, every inhabitant of The City knows of her. There are plans for Mallory, and soon she, too, will be drawn into the decadence and danger that is the Carnival of Souls.

From Melissa Marr, bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely series and "Graveminder," comes a brand-new tale of lush secrets, dark love, and the struggle to forge one's own destiny.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Solstice

2012-09-19T16:15:00.000-05:00

Solstice by P.J. Hoover

(@pj_hoover)

June 21st 2013 by Tor Teen/Macmillan

Piper's world is dying.

Each day brings hotter temperatures and heat bubbles that threaten to destroy the earth. Amid this global heating crisis, Piper lives under the oppressive rule of her mother, who suffocates her even more than the weather does. Everything changes on her eighteenth birthday, when her mother is called away on a mysterious errand and Piper seizes her first opportunity for freedom.

Piper discovers a universe she never knew existed—a sphere of gods and monsters—and realizes that her world is not the only one in crisis. While gods battle for control of the Underworld, Piper’s life spirals out of control as she struggles to find the answer to the secret that has been kept from her since birth.

An imaginative melding of mythology and dystopia, Solstice is the first YA novel by talented newcomer P. J. Hoover.

AHHH!! A whole year until this book comes out! So not fair. :( It sounds amazing, so I think I just might be able to wait for it...maybe...but not patiently.

Carnival of Souls Teaser

2012-09-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read.

*Let the book fall open to a random page.

*Share with us “teaser” sentences from that page.

*You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr

September 4th 2012 by HarperCollins

"She hadn't gone more than a few steps when Kaleb caught up with her. 'Are you ignoring me?'

'No,' she lied.

His voice always made her want to shiver Kaleb's voice was like dark chocolate, so rich that she felt strangely sinful listening to him talk about the most mundane things. She resisted the temptation to close her eyes.

He stepped closer to her. 'So yo didn't just see me and walk away?'

'Maybe,' Mallory half admitted. (pgs. 6-7)

Want to know how to Breathe?

2012-09-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Check out this video from author Sarah Crossan talking about her writing process for Breathe. I can't imagine a world where breathing, something I never really think about, would be something I struggled for everyday. It's a fascinating concept, and I can't wait to read Breathe!

Breathe by Sarah Crossan

(@sarahcrossan)

October 2nd 2012 by Greenwillow

Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe . . .

The world is dead.
The survivors live under the protection of Breathe, the corporation that found a way to manufacture oxygen-rich air.

ALINA
has been stealing for a long time. She’s a little jittery, but not terrified. All she knows is that she’s never been caught before. If she’s careful, it’ll be easy. If she’s careful.

QUINN
should be worried about Alina and a bit afraid for himself, too, but even though this is dangerous, it’s also the most interesting thing to happen to him in ages. It isn’t every day that the girl of your dreams asks you to rescue her.

BEA
wants to tell him that none of this is fair; they’d planned a trip together, the two of them, and she’d hoped he’d discover her out here, not another girl.

And as they walk into the Outlands with two days’ worth of oxygen in their tanks, everything they believe will be shattered. Will they be able to make it back? Will they want to?

Entice Teaser

2012-08-28T09:30:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read.

*Let the book fall open to a random page.

*Share with us “teaser” sentences from that page.

*You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Entice by Jessica Shirvington

Book #2 - Violet Eden Chapters series

September 4th 2012 by Sourcebooks Fire

"By the time I reached the front doors of my apartment building, I'd completely forgotten about my appearance an unconsciously but predictably refocused on Lincoln. Sick anticipation crept through me, circulating and intensifying with every breath.

Yeah, I have it bad.

If possible, I had it worse than ever.

There was a time when I thought my love for Lincoln was unrequited, but now...Well, it's more complicated than ever. We had a crazy, wired vibe--two people dancing around each other while simultaneously chomping at the bit to get as close as possible--and it was like hacking through a thicket of raw tension whenever we were near each other." (pg 6-7 ARC)

In My Mailbox

2012-08-27T10:38:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren to spotlight the books received for review, swapped, purchased, or checked out from the library!

Wake by Amanda Hocking

Book #1 - Watersong series

August 7th 2012 by St. Martin's Press

Fall under the spell of Wake—the first book in an achingly beautiful new series by celebrated author Amanda Hocking—and lose yourself to the Watersong.

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

Entice by Jessica Shirvington

Book #2 - Violet Eden Chapters series

September 4th 2012 by Sourcebooks Fire

Violet Eden is Grigori - part angel, part human. Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengence of exiled angels.

Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever.

The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed.

Waiting on Wednesday: Shades of Earth

2012-08-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Shades of Earth by Beth Revis

(@bethrevis)

January 15th 2013 by Razorbill

Goodreads

The final book in the trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis!

Amy and Elder have finally left the oppressive walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind. They're ready to start life afresh--to build a home--on Centauri-Earth, the planet that Amy has traveled 25 trillion miles across the universe to experience. But this new Earth isn't the paradise that Amy had been hoping for. Amy and Elder must race to uncover who--or what--else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together. But as each new discovery brings more danger, Amy and Elder will have to look inward to the very fabric of what makes them human on this, their most harrowing journey yet. Because if the colony collapses? Then everything they have sacrificed--friends, family, life on Earth--will have been meaningless.

Yes, please!!! January can't you hurry up and get here sooner? Don't you know how eagerly I am awaiting this book? Do you know how much I love this series??? HURRY UP! I need to finish this series!!

Kissing Shakespeare: Deleted Scene + Giveaway

2012-08-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Kissing Shakespeare
Pamela Mingle
August 14th 2012 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Goodreads
A romantic time travel story that's ideal for fans of novels by Meg Cabot and Donna Jo Napoli--and, of course, Shakespeare.

Miranda has Shakespeare in her blood: she hopes one day to become a Shakespearean actor like her famous parents. At least, she does until her disastrous performance in her school's staging of The Taming of the Shrew. Humiliated, Miranda skips the opening-night party. All she wants to do is hide.

Fellow cast member, Stephen Langford, has other plans for Miranda. When he steps out of the backstage shadows and asks if she'd like to meet Shakespeare, Miranda thinks he's a total nutcase. But before she can object, Stephen whisks her back to 16th century England—the world Stephen's really from. He wants Miranda to use her acting talents and modern-day charms on the young Will Shakespeare. Without her help, Stephen claims, the world will lost its greatest playwright.

Miranda isn't convinced she's the girl for the job. Why would Shakespeare care about her? And just who is this infuriating time traveler, Stephen Langford? Reluctantly, she agrees to help, knowing that it's her only chance of getting back to the present and her "real" life. What Miranda doesn't bargain for is finding true love . . . with no acting required.

Today I'm so lucky to have Pamela Mingle here on Book Lagniappe with a deleted scene from her upcoming YA novel, Kissing Shakespeare. This is a novel five years in the making which included two years of research! Gotta love the dedication! I will confess right now: I love pretty much anything to do with Shakespeare. I was an English major in college, and I am a librarian now. For me, there is just something about Shakespeare, and I would love to be in Miranda's shoes for a day and be able to go back in time to 16th century England. Just to be able to walk around and soak it all in would be amazing!

Pamela was nice enough to send me a deleted scene from the novel, which hits shelves August 14th. She also was kind enough to offer a copy of Kissing Shakespeare to one lucky winner! And, you do know you are lucky, right!?!

So, take a read at the deleted scene (which reads as if it shouldn't be deleted, at least to me) and sign up for a chance to win Kissing Shakespeare by Pamela Mingle!

Writers despair over the brilliant—at least in their minds—scenes they’ve written that never make it into their books! There are many reasons for excising a scene, paragraph, or line: it doesn’t move the story along, doesn’t help define character, it’s repetitious, and so on. I thought readers of Kissing Shakespeare might enjoy glancing at a scene that took place in an earlier version, but wasn’t included in the final published book.

A brief set-up: If you’ve already read Kissing Shakespeare, some of this may sound familiar. Most of it will be new to you, however. Right before the action begins, Miranda’s been eavesdropping on a conversation taking place in the billiard room involving Will Shakespeare, Stephen Langford, Alexander Hoghton, and Thomas Cook. The subject of the discussion is the religious discord going on in England. Prior to that, she’d attempted, unsuccessfully, to sneak into Thomas Cook’s room.

So…read on, and enjoy! ~ Pamela

I didn't wait around to see if they all agreed, but took off down the passage. The billiard room door clicked shut, and with their longer strides, the men wouldn’t be that far behind me. I flew to the staircase, cursing myself for a fool. I plunged down the steps and almost immediately slipped and fell, tumbling all the way down to the bottom. I couldn’t prevent an unladylike “Oof!” from bursting out when I landed. At least the steps were wood, not marble.

My fall made an ungodly racket, mainly because the candleholder bounced along with me. I lay stunned in a graceless heap, waiting. I was afraid to move.

"What was that?" Will asked.

"I've no idea.” Stephen’s voice. “God's breath! Someone's fallen down the steps."

The four of them raced to my side. Perfect.

Cries of "Olivia!" and "Niece!" echoed through the empty hall. I moaned and tried to sit up.

"Do not move! Lie still and let me see if you've broken anything," Stephen said. He began to check my feet and ankles, then my calves, knees, and thighs. "Any discomfort?"

"Nay." Not the kind you're talking about, anyway.

Thomas melted into the shadows and I had the distinct impression he was praying for me. I thought I saw him make the sign of the cross. Alexander paced back and forth.

When Stephen carefully pressed my ribs with his fingers, I protested. "Stop it! That tickles."

He ignored me. "Shakespeare, try tilting her head. We must make sure her neck and spine are not injured." Will cautiously moved my head from side to side.

"It does not hurt. Indeed, 'tis only my vanity that has been wounded."

"I think you've been exceedingly lucky, sister. Now, let's get you up." Before I could protest, he swept me up into his arms.

"This is not necessary!" I said, placing my arms around his neck nevertheless.

"It is if we want to avoid awkward questions," Stephen hissed. "Would one of you open the doors, pray?"

When we reached the staircase leading to our chambers, Alexander said, "God keep you, niece."

"I shall pray for your prompt recovery," Thomas promised.

A surge of guilt washed over me. "I am fine, and I thank you both for your care. Fare thee well." Will followed us upstairs, leaving us when we arrived at my chamber.

Stephen strode over to the bed. "Jesu, mistress, you're heavier than you look." He laid me down on the bed and said, "Would you care to explain what you were doing?"

I sat up, and with a groan, fell back. "I was seeking information. And lower your voice—Jennet's in her room."

"Explain 'seeking information' if you please."

"My original plan was to search Thomas's chamber, but the door was locked. I re-thought my plan and listened to the conversation in the Billiard Room instead. It was most informative."

"What did you think to gain from searching Thomas's chamber?" He glared ferociously at me, and I dropped my gaze.

"I'm not sure. I thought maybe I'd find some correspondence about Shakespeare, or possibly be able to take a look at whatever it is he's been working on."

"Can you envision what would have happened if you'd been caught? You—we—would have been sent home in disgrace, my father informed, our whole scheme would have been discovered!"

"I didn't actually do it, Stephen, so why don't you calm down? I was only trying to be helpful."

"Promise me you will not try anything so foolish again.”

I rolled my eyes. “All right!”

He lowered himself to the edge of my bed, and in a gentle voice said, “Are you in pain?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll live.” Slowly, I slid my hand across the coverlet so that it curled into his. “I’ll be sore in the morning, but it will remind me not to do something so stupid again.”

Quickly, he raised my hand to his lips before rising. “I shall call for Bess.”

Before I could utter a word, he’d rushed through the servants’ door. Damn. What was the hurry? My hand wrapped in his felt so natural. And undeniably romantic. I absolutely needed to ban all romantic notions concerning Stephen from my mind.

Giveaway!
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Wake Trailer

2012-08-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wake by Amanda Hocking

(@amanda_hocking)

Book #1 - Watersong series
August 7th 2012 by St. Martin's Press

Waiting on Wednesday: The Last Dragonslayer

2012-08-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde

(@jasperfforde)

Book #1 - The Last Dragonslayer series

September 4th 2012 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

In the good old days, magic was indispensable—it could both save a kingdom and clear a clogged drain. But now magic is fading: drain cleaner is cheaper than a spell, and magic carpets are used for pizza delivery. Fifteen-year-old foundling Jennifer Strange runs Kazam, an employment agency for magicians—but it’s hard to stay in business when magic is drying up. And then the visions start, predicting the death of the world’s last dragon at the hands of an unnamed Dragonslayer. If the visions are true, everything will change for Kazam—and for Jennifer. Because something is coming. Something known as . . . Big Magic.

I love Jasper Fforde's different series: Thurdsday Next, Nursery Crime, and Shades of Grey. All of them. I am so excited to see a YA series for this author!!

The Rise of Nine Teaser

2012-08-07T13:00:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read.

*Let the book fall open to a random page.

*Share with us “teaser” sentences from that page.

*You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore

Book #3 - Lorien Legacies series

August 21st 2012 by HarperCollins

"Marina proved herself to be a strong ally with amazing Legacies on the battlefield yesterday. She can breathe underwater, see in the dark and heal the sick and wounded. Like all Garde, she also has telekinesis. And because we're so close in order -- I'm Number Six and she's Number Seven -- our bond is special. When the charm still held and we had to be killed in order, the Mogadorians would have had to get through me before they could get to her. And they never would have gotten through me." (pgs. 8-9 ARC)

Something Strange and Deadly Review

2012-08-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Something Strange and Deadly

Susan Dennard (@stdennard)

July 24th 2012 by HarperTeen

Goodreads

The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

Something Strange and Deadly is such a grand adventure! The whirlwind begins from the very beginning because Eleanor knows something is wrong when her brother, Elijah, doesn't return to Philadelphia as expected. Her family is struggling through hard times, and Eleanor and her mother are both counting on her brother to come home and help. In Susan Dennard's supernatural mystery, Something Strange and Deadly a missing brother and lack of funds are the least of Eleanor's worries, but are the just start of them. Someone is building an army out of the newly risen Dead, and Eleanor fears her brother's disappearance is somehow mixed up in with this. What's a girl to do? Hopefully, survive!

Eleanor is willing to defy her strict and proper mother and go where no "lady" should go to look for help, because she is determined to figure out where her brother is and who is behind this new army of the Dead. Lucky for her, help comes from a group called the Spirit-Hunters who seem to have tools built and powers harnessed specifically for dealing with the Dead. As the reader, you will be taken on a journey from when the bodies rise from the dead to the nifty tools used to by the Spirit-Hunters to put them pack in the ground to the actual members of the Spirit-Hunters themselves - everything is strange and deadly! You will not want to put this book down! You will be pulled into Eleanor's world, from the dirty back alleys to the posh theater of Philadelphia.

I was so enchanted by the world Dennard had built and all the possibilities within it. The characters were amazing, (I think they make the book) and the action is nonstop! The mystery to figure out who is behind raising the Dead is one you will want to figure out soon! You will not want to put this book down. I loved how Eleanor has to deal with escaping her mother who wants to play matchmaker and marry her off, avoiding death at every corner, and hopefully find her brother somewhere in the middle of all this chaos. I can't wait to read the sequel!

Lagniappe

Want some swag? Check out Susan's site where you can get signed bookplates, bookmarks, and character cards! All you need to do is fill out the info required and then send a SASE to:

Attn: Susan Dennard, New Leaf Literary

110 West 40th St., Suite 410

New York, NY 10018

You could score awesome autographed swag, such as: a bookplate, a bookmark, an Eleanor Fitt character card, a Daniel Sheridan character card, a Jie Chen character card, and Joseph Boyer character card.

Check out the trailer just to entice you:

The Paladin Prophecy Teaser

2012-07-31T09:15:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read.

*Let the book fall open to a random page.

*Share with us “teaser” sentences from that page.

*You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost

(@mfrost11)

September 25th 2012 by Random House Children's Books

"Will had long ago learned how to cork his emotions deep inside, showing nothing but a bland mask to his peers.

#46: IF STRANGERS KNOW WHAT YOU'RE FEELING YOU GIVE THEM THE ADVANTAGE.

Will was the tall rangy kid who always sat near the back, slumping to minimize his height, never making waves. The way he dressed, the way he spoke, the way he moved through life: quiet, contained, invisible. Exactly the way his parents had taught him.

#3: DON'T DRAW ATTENTION TO YOURSELF.

But a pounding bass line of worry still pulsed in his chest: RUN, WILL. DON'T STOP. Could the timing of Dad's text--at the moment the black car spotted him--be a coincidence?

#27: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS COINCIDENCE."

(pg. 16-17 ARC)

So far, this is one great book. I can't wait until September, so I can start handing this one out to all the teens at the library where I work!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Archived

2012-07-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Archived by Victoria Schwab

(@veschwab)

January 22nd 2013 by Hyperion

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous—it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

I loved Near Witch, and I can't wait to read The Archived! January needs to hurry up and get here!

What are you wait for this Wednesday?

52 Reasons to Hate My Father Teaser

2012-07-24T08:30:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read.

*Let the book fall open to a random page.

*Share with us “teaser” sentences from that page.

*You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody

(@jessicabrody)

July 3rd 2012 by Farrar, Straus & Giroux

"MY FATHER IS GOING TO KILL ME.
Actually, on second thought, he probably doesn't have time to kill me. But he is going to send someone to do it for him. He's really good at that. Sending people. He's done it for every major event in my life. First day of school, first date, sweet sixteen party, birthdays, dance recitals, even my high school graduation last week. All of them faithfully attended and video documented by one of my father's minions. He's got loads of them. So many I can hardly remember any of their names anymore. But without fail, anytime something significant happens, one of them always manages to show up in my father's place to perform the requisite parental duty." (p. 3)

Where Thing Come Back: Blog Tour Stop 5!

2012-07-20T02:00:00.000-05:00

Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

HB: May 3rd 2011 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

PB: July 24th 2012 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Thanks for stopping by the fifth stop on our blog tour talking about the awesomeness of Where Things Come Back by Corey Whaley. Have you read it yet? Because if not, you are missing out. I have some serious love for this book. I think it's one of the best YA books I've read this year.

3 Things I Love about WTCB

The Relationship between Cullen & Gabriel

I don't know if you have brothers or not, but I have two myself. As I was reading WTCB, I would find myself just smiling at certain scenes or snippets of conversations between Cullen and Gabriel. It was as if I could see my brothers (and me) in these two characters. I don't know if it is the same betweens two sisters or a family of girls, but Cullen and Gabriel are great brothers. Check out just a couple of my favorite scenes:

"Gabriel and I used to play this game we liked to call What If? where the object was to take turns creating the most absurd 'what if?' scenarios. [...]
'What if humans began to evolve and sprout wings?' he said,[...]
'What if I already have them and have been hiding them all these years?' I said back.
'What if I throw you off this Iroof for being a liar?' he said with a laugh.
'What if i used my secret wings to fly away?' I laughed back.
'What if nonwinged humans started hunting winged humans for sport?' Gabriel asked.
'That would definitely happen in Lily,' I added.
'What if we drafted up some laws in anticipation of this evolutionary event?' Gabriel suggested.
'What if we called them 'It's Not Easy Being Winged: Rules and Guidelines for the Recently Able to Fly'?'
'Perfect.' Gabriel sighed." (p.181, hardback)

Seriously, this could have been my brothers and me on multiple occasions just laying around killing time making up stuff. What about you? Remind you of your childhood with your siblings?

This next scene has to be my favorite one between the two brothers. In WTCB, the town of Lily, Arkansas is so enamored with the possible sighting of an extinct woodpecker they name a hamburger the Lazarus Burger. Trust me, this could happen in a small town in the South.

"'Gabriel,' I began as I walked into my brother's room when I got home, 'what do you think about the Lazarus Burger?'
'It's just a Number Three without cheese?'
'Right. But what about the fact that they are selling a burger that has nothing to do with a bird that probably has nothing to do with this town and isn't even alive anymore?'
'I think you're thinking about a burger too much instead of just eating it.' Gabriel turned a page of the book he was reading.
'Think about this.' I sat on the edge of his bed. 'What if I threw a burger into the woods and the Lazarus, if it existed, flew down and took a bite out of it?'
'Ha! Cannibalism!' Gabriel shouted.
'Ornithological cannibalism! That's even worse!' I shouted back, before jumping into the air and running down the hallway into my room in a childish manner that only brothers exhibit around each other." (pgs. 50-51 hardback)

Names of Characters

I'm in north Louisiana and went to the same university as Corey did, Louisiana Tech University. I happen to have relatives in Arkansas. I have driven in Louisiana and north in Arkansas many times passing exit signs reading the names of these characters. While I'm reading WTCB, I feel connected to the characters. Ada Taylor, a character in WTCB, is actually two towns in Louisiana I have driven by many, many times. I've seen the exit sign, registered it in my mind, and driven on never giving it or the town names another thought. Until WTCB, where I am introduced to Ada Taylor and then to Cabot Searcy and Cullen Witter, and suddenly with just the names I am "in" the story. I almost feel sorry for those readers who are not from here and can't connect with the names like I can. I think Whaley has done a tremendous job of helping the reader become immersed in small town Southern life with the every day life, the names of the characters, and the quirkyness of the inhabitants of Lily, Arkansas. I grew up small town Louisiana, and WTCB character's names add just the extra touch to have me there again! Sometimes, you just have to live it to believe it, and if you haven't then you read WTCB, right?

The Ending

Now, I don't want to give too much away for those of you who haven't read WTCB yet, but I happen to think the ending of this book is genius. (Not that I don't think the whole book isn't genius, because I do.) After reading the whole book, becoming invested in Lily, Arkansas and its residents, and following the search for Gabriel Witter, Whaley throws readers a curve ball. And, it was a good curve ball. It wasn't one you could see as you were reading the book. It was one to make you pause, and maybe reread a paragraph. So, now you've finished, and you are left sitting there with the book in your hands, staring out into space, thinking to yourself, "What just happened?" That is exactly what I said to myself. The ending of WTCB could go two ways. I like how Whaley left it up to the reader to decide, to bring in his or her own experiences, and to decided the fate of the characters. It makes reading WTCB even more personal because you have to make up your mind how you want it to go and if you believe in second chances and hope in Lily, Arkansas.

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Blog Stops!
Monday, July 16: Ginger - Intro post + GIVEAWAY announcement
Tuesday, July 17: Jenn - Hip Mama Jenn
Wednesday, July 18: Sash - Sash & Em
Thursday, July 19: Kate - Ex Libris
Friday, July 20: Joy - Book Lagniappe
Saturday, July 21: Melanie - Reclusive Bibliophile
Sunday, July 22: Asheley - Into the Hall of Books
Monday, July 23: Stephanie - Teen Librarian's Toolbox
Tuesday, July 24: Ginger - GReads!

The Kill Order Trailer

2012-07-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Kill Order by James Dashner (@jamesdashner) August 14th 2012 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

The prequel to the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series.

Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares hit the earth and mankind fell to disease.

Mark and Trina were there when it happened, and they survived. But surviving the sun flares was easy compared to what came next. Now a disease of rage and lunacy races across the eastern United States, and there’s something suspicious about its origin. Worse yet, it’s mutating, and all evidence suggests that it will bring humanity to its knees.

Mark and Trina are convinced there’s a way to save those left living from descending into madness. And they’re determined to find it—if they can stay alive. Because in this new, devastated world, every life has a price. And to some, you’re worth more dead than alive.

Waiting On Wednesday: Carvival of Souls

2012-07-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr

(@melissa_marr)

September 4th 2012 by HarperCollins

Can't wait to read this one! What about you? What are you waiting on?

In a city of daimons, rigid class lines separate the powerful from the power-hungry. And at the heart of The City is the Carnival of Souls, where both murder and pleasure are offered up for sale. Once in a generation, the carnival hosts a deadly competition that allows every daimon a chance to join the ruling elite. Without the competition, Aya and Kaleb would both face bleak futures--if for different reasons. For each of them, fighting to the death is the only way to try to live.

All Mallory knows of The City is that her father--and every other witch there--fled it for a life in exile in the human world. Instead of a typical teenage life full of friends and maybe even a little romance, Mallory scans quiet streets for threats, hides herself away, and trains to be lethal. She knows it's only a matter of time until a daimon finds her and her father, so she readies herself for the inevitable. While Mallory possesses little knowledge of The City, every inhabitant of The City knows of her. There are plans for Mallory, and soon she, too, will be drawn into the decadence and danger that is the Carnival of Souls.

From Melissa Marr, bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely series and "Graveminder," comes a brand-new tale of lush secrets, dark love, and the struggle to forge one's own destiny.

Cover Love: Such Wicked Intent

2012-07-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

I love the new look of the Kenneth Oppel's The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein series. Check them out:

Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel

(@kennethoppel)

Bk 2 - The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein

August 21st 2012 by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

Check out book one, This Dark Endeavor, and book two next to each other. Love the new covers!

Insignia Book Trailer

2012-07-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

Check out the book trailer for Insignia by S. J. Kincaid (@sjkincaidbooks).

Insignia by S.J. Kincaid

July 10th 2012 by Katherine Tegen Books

More than anything, Tom Raines wants to be important, though his shadowy life is anything but that. For years, Tom’s drifted from casino to casino with his unlucky gambler of a dad, gaming for their survival. Keeping a roof over their heads depends on a careful combination of skill, luck, con artistry, and staying invisible.

Then one day, Tom stops being invisible. Someone’s been watching his virtual-reality prowess, and he’s offered the incredible—a place at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy. There, Tom’s instincts for combat will be put to the test, and if he passes, he’ll become a member of the Intrasolar Forces, helping to lead his country to victory in World War Three. Finally, he’ll be someone important: a superhuman war machine with the tech skills that every virtual-reality warrior dreams of. Life at the Spire holds everything that Tom’s always wanted—friends, the possibility of a girlfriend, and a life where his every action matters—but what will it cost him?

Gripping and provocative, S. J. Kincaid’s futuristic thrill ride of a debut crackles with memorable characters, tremendous wit, and a vision of the future that asks startling, timely questions about the melding of humanity and technology.

Have read this one already? I just put myself on hold for one of my library's copy after watching this trailer and reading the synopsis. What about you?

Cover Love: Clockwork Princess

2012-07-11T14:00:00.000-05:00

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

(@cassieclare)

Book #3 - The Infernal Devices

March 19th 2013 by Margaret K. McElderry Books

In Clockwork Princess, Tessa and her companions travel all over the world as they race to stop the clockwork army before it’s too late. As Jem’s health worsens alarmingly and his friends search desperately for a cure, can Tessa choose between the two boys she loves—even if it means never seeing the other one again?

What a beautiful cover! I'm so excited for this book! Hurry up March 2013, hurry up.

Waiting on Wednesday: Flock

2012-07-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

Flock by Wendy Delsol (@wendydelsol)

Bk 3 - Stork Series

September 25th 2012 by Candlewick

I love this series!! Beautiful covers, the mythology, the awesome characters. I'm so glad there's a book three coming out!