The Brain Lair

My ALA Experience!

2012-01-23T17:05:00.000-05:00

ALA was in one word, amazing. Seriously. There were so many people and so many books! Most everybody was super amazing and nice and polite. I met some really nice bloggers in line while I was waiting for Bitterblue. And yes, I got Bitterblue! I'm still excited over that!

Isn't that just a gorgeous cover?! I'm still so excited I got it! I'm going to be re-reading Graceling and Fire before reading this book, but expect a review sometime in the future.

The books that I got:

Yeah, so alot right? My favortite titles that I got were:
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore [DUH!]
Gilt
The Catastrophic History of You and Me
Fracture
Bittersweet
There is No Dog
Illuminate
Partials
Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff
... and basically all the other books I got. I loved everything!

ALA was such an exciting and new experience for me. I loved being in a place where everyone loves books, which is definitely not the case at my school! I also got a chance to meet a few other bloggers, who were super amazing. Plus, I got the opportunity to meet Heather Burch, author of Halflings, who also signed my book. She was wonderful and super kind. I can't wait to start her book!

Overall, my first ALA experience was amazing, and I can't wait until the next time I get to go! =)

The Sunday Salon - Are You My Newbery 2012 - What the Students Think

2012-01-22T16:57:00.002-05:00

We had our final meeting! And the Mock Newbery winners are:

Winner: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Honors: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt

The titles we read were:

City of Orphans by Avi
Sidekicks by Jack Ferraiolo
Trouble with May Amelia by Jennifer Holm
Icefall by Matthew J Kirby
Inside Out and Back Again by Thannha Lai
Apothecary by Maile Meloy
The Adventures of Sir Gawain The True by Gerald Morris
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
Bigger Than a Breadbox by Laurel Snyder
Emerald Atlas by John Stephens
Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu
Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman by M Wolizter

Somehow, I'd forgotten some of us met over summer! I forgot to include True...Sort of and Between Shades of Gray on the published reading list!

This year's club was fundamentally different than last year's. We didn't have any sixth graders and ended up with half as many students. You can tell that most were older by the titles that won!

Also, due to budget constraints, we didn't get the books until late and didn't have many copies of each. Since many students use the school library as the place they receive books - some dropped out because they couldn't get the books in time.

One thing that was the same; it was requested that we do a "popular" book club. I think I will move my focus next year. Maybe read books that are/were on the Battle of the Kid's Books. As of next month, I'll be moving to a lunch time read for each grade. 3 book clubs per month!! For sixth grade, I'll continue using the above list. For 7th graders - which has one boy - I'm going to use fantasy and for 8th - a mix of contemporary romance, fantasy, and mystery.

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows- Review

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

Reviewed by: Aneeqah's Not So Real Life
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Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Genres: Dystopia, Paranormal
Release Date: January 31, 2012
My Review:

First off, thank you so much to HarperCollins for giving me an ARC of this book!

In this story, we meet Ana. She is a totally new soul. In her world, souls have been reincarnated for thousands of years. But before she was born, a person named Ciana died. Ciana should have been reborn, but she wasn't. Instead, Ana, a totally new soul, was born. In the history of their world, this has never happened before. Obviously, people don't like the idea of this. So when Ana travels to the City of Heart to find some answers, she doesn't expect anyone to be nice to her at all. But Sam is.

The world-building was very intricate in this book. The whole thing with reincarnation was really cool, but there were also lots of different creatures, like dragons, sylphs [which are shadow-like things], centaurs, and a bunch of other things. It was really neat, and well-done, except it was a tad bit creepy that you could be reincarnated to be a boy or girl. And that your parents could become your children when they get reincarnated. It's complicated, and yes, a little disturbing, but it's still pretty easy to grasp the idea of this whole incarnation thing.

I liked Ana. She wasn't perfect, not even close to it. She started out insecure, because of all the lies her meany mother told her. But she slowly changed when she realized everything her mother told her was a lie [her mother was a really mean and cruel to her, by the way]. I think her switch from non-trusting to trusting was good, it wasn't too fast or anything. Overall, she was just trying to find out who and what she was supposed to be.

I also liked Sam. He was super sweet and kind, and helped out Ana alot. My only concern was that he was a little too perfect. Just a little. He was always there for Ana, always knew what to say, etc. He didn't really have any bad qualities at all. I really liked that he was sweet, but I also enjoy a flawed character too, but I didn't get that with Sam.

The romance wasn't insta-love, which made me happy! I hate, hate, hate insta-love so much, so I was thrilled when it wasn't the whole love-at-first-sight thing. However, that being said, the romance was just alright for me. I didn't really see a connection between Ana and Sam, except for one thing [which I won't say here, because I think it's a little spoilery]. Maybe I'm just being critical of romance now that I've read Under the Never Sky [because the romance in that book was AMAZING!], but the romance... didn't work. I did appreciate the un-insta-love though.

There was lots of action in this book that really kept me hooked. Lots of unexpected things too, which I loved. There were things that I never say coming and I was like "BAISJFASDVP;OIUA!". I love being taken by surprise, and that happened in this book! And whenever you thought things were getting a little dull, the author always threw something in the book to keep you wanting more. This book had it all, action scenes, running scenes, getting shot-at scenes, slow scenes, and even a big glittering party scene!

The reason this book didn't get a full 5 stars was probably because of Ana. I did say I liked her, but she wasn't unique. For me, she was just your typical girl protagonist. And then the whole creepy thing with incarnation. I just couldn't get over that fact.

Overall, this was a very unique story that I would recommend to anyone looking for a interesting YA story that has it all!

Everneath by Brodi Ashton - Review

2012-01-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

Reviewed by: Aneeqah's Not So Real Life
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Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Genres: Mythology, Paranormal
Release Date: January 24, 2012
My Review:

First of all, thank you to HarperCollins for giving me an ARC of this book!

In Everneath, we meet a girl named Nikki Bennett. She traveled to this place called The Everneath [shocking, yes, I know!] and this guy named Cole 'Fed' off of her energy. So, 6 months later in human years [100 years in Everneath time] she 'wakes up' and chooses to return to her old life. But she only has 6 months.

Obviously, this book is hard to explain, and I didn't do such a good job... If you're still confused about what this book is about [which, you probably are!] check out the Goodreads summary HERE which does a much better job explaining than I do!

First off, let's talk about that cover! It's beautiful! I love the swirling red dress, which is absolutely gorgeous. Overall, a really great cover.

I really liked the mythology in this book. It got confusing at times, but it wasn't any mythology that I've read before, so it was interesting for me to find out more. I'm a huge mythology fan, so this aspect of the book was great!

I also like how layered this book was. It had a whole other side to it, that applies to real life. Nikki was faced with the choice of staying in the real world, where life is tough, and going back to the underworld with Cole, where life is easy. There's alot of those types of choices that we have to make in our life, you know, the whole easy path, hard path thing? And it also touched on addiction a little too. For Nikki, being with Cole was almost an addiction, something she craved, and she had to fight that. So there's alot of undertones in this book, which is something I really enjoyed.

Nikki's old boyfriend, Jack, is a character I really liked. He was so sweet, and he was always there for Nikki. But, he seemed a little over obsessed, to the point where it seemed creepy. He also seemed like "the perfect guy" we so often see in YA. I wished he would have been a little more unique, although I still liked him.

The main thing I didn't like about this book was that it was pretty predictable. I mean, I guessed what was going to happen at the end, and I guessed a few of the things that were supposed to be totally shocking for us. I love it when I guess something in a book, and it turns out totally wrong, but unfortunately, that doesn't happen.

Also, Nikki was kind of irritating for me. When she returns to school, she's so quiet and she whispers everything. It made me want to slap her and say "SPEAK UP!". And she was so blind at times too. Definitely not one of my favorite main characters.

Overall, however, it was a pretty good read! I enjoyed the story and the mythology a lot, so if you a person who loves mythology, give this book a shot.

It's Monday: What Are You Reading 1/16/12

2012-01-16T11:49:00.004-05:00

Check out Teach Mentor Texts with Jen and Kelley to find more #kidlit bloggers joining in this special meme.

In the Past
Last week was a slow reading week for me. Deliberately. I'm trying to slow down and read less and do more stuff around my house and outside of it. We'll see how it continues!

Fault in Our Stars by John Green - I adore John Green's writing. Have read all 3 of his solo ventures as well as Will Grayson, Will Grayson. His writing is distinctive and intelligent. This book is no exception. This will be a Printz contender for 2013, no doubts.

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt - I re-read this to see if it stands up to Newbery Medal and I think it still does. It did get a little annoying towards the end with the constant repetition but overall, it has to win something.

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler - Why do I keep wanting to call this the Complete History of Why We Broke Up? Was it originally called that? Anyway, I think this is actually a Printz contender for 2012. The drawings, the stream of consciousness writing, the story line. It has a chance.

Now
Trying to do at least one NetGalley book per month. Those publishers who approve me are so generous! I want to pay them back! I mean I do, I buy the books for school, but I want to review them too.

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card - Another re-read. Or in this case, a re-listen. Loving the audio on this one. It's done by Brilliance Audio so there are several voices reading which adds to the illusion of varying characters. There were several moments I felt like crying in this book that I don't remember doing when I read it years ago. There were also several moments I had to resist going to pick up the hard copy - because I wanted to rush and finish! Will be using this for a book club pick over Spring Break.

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand - I read and enjoyed Unearthly last year so I'd been looking forward to this one. It comes out Jan. 17th but I was lucky enough to pick it up on NetGalley. It will also count for my YA/MG Fantasy challenge.

In the Future
I'm ready to start working on some of my challenges! I'm starting with #nerdprintz, #classic2, and 1 historical fiction read.

That's it for me this week! What Are You Reading?

The Sunday Salon - The Best

2012-01-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

from What I Wore tumblr

I found this tumblr What I Wore and fell in love with it! I checked out Jessica Quirk's book, What I Wore: Four Seasons, One Closet, Endless Recipes for Personal Style from the library and decided I needed to own it.

See, I just buy stuff. And most of it looks the same. This year, as part of taking better care of myself, I want to look my best too!

The book is divided into sections: Getting Started and then one section for each season. I'm in the Getting Started phase. I took EVERYTHING out of my closet and drawers and went through it! The first round was divide into keep, maybe, toss. I sent 3 garbage bags of clothes to goodwill! Some I'd never even worn and wasn't sure why I bought it! Then I went through the maybes and divided them again - another bag gone. I was down to a big pile of clothes that Quirk directed me to try on. So I did! Each and every piece. It was at turns, exciting, fun, and depressing. I divided these clothes into yes, maybe, repair, no. I put the maybes in a drawer - these were clothes I thought I might be able to fit into later this year. If they were wintry - I put them away. Then I took the clothes and I hung them all in my closet - by color.

I pretty much just owned gray, black, tan and blue clothes! So sad! Now I need to pick a core color - black, charcoal, or brown. I chose gray cause I like it best of the three. Now I need to build a core collection - just like in the library! I need: blazer, cardigan, camisole,trousers, skirt plus white button-up, lbd, dark jeans and tights. Can you believe I don't own a white button-up? Not even an off-white one! How could I not??? So I'll be heading out to pick up some things plus decide on my secondary palette to add some color! Another thing I like about this book are the sketches - these are real clothes Quirk owns! Makes it seem more doable.

from What I Wore tumblr

Although it's weird to barely have enough clothes to fill a closet - I know I wasn't wearing the rest of it anyway! This past week back to school, I've gotten compliments on what I wore! So, I'm really jazzed to work farther into this book! I also hope to start taking pics of what I'm doing but think I will post those over on tumblr!

Are you making any fashion resolutions? Check out BlogHer - Year-Round Fashion Resolutions for tips! Leave a comment and then go Enter to Win a Kindle Fire by sharing other things you are doing to make this year your best yet!

Me@you.com by KE Payne - Review

2012-01-14T04:00:00.000-05:00

RELEASE DATE FOR ME@YOU.COM IS JANUARY 17TH.

Synopsis:
Is it ever impossible to fall in love with someone you've never even met? Immy Summers think so... because it happened to her.

Immy is 18 years old living a normal life, has a very normal family... and a somewhat normal boyfriend, but she quickly starts falling in love with a girl on a message board. Her name is Fickle.

As her relationship grows stronger with Fickle, Immy finds another friend on the board, named Joey. And with another person in the picture things are bound to get complicated.

My Review--

For me this was a hard read, yet any teen could probably relate to this, if they were going through the exact situation. I found the parts where you don't tell your parents, family members, and anyone around you anything, realistic. It is what most teens would do in this situation.

In some ways I saw that Payne might have been trying to ease the fear that some teens may have about any of these situations. However, I did notice that some parts were for the most part... Unrealistic. The fact that her friends would immediately accept it. In reality it would more than likely need it's time. Not in the snap of a finger it would be fine.

As mentioned before I think this would be good for anyone struggling with this kind of confusion, and friends that may have a friend going through this.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for getting to read this book.

Loving to Read one Step at a Time

KRWLucy

Tempest by Julie Cross - Book Trailer

2012-01-12T19:05:00.002-05:00

Tempest: A Novel (Tempest - Trilogy). Cross, Julie. St. Martin's Griffin. 352p. $17.99. 978-0312568894.

If that cover doesn't suck you in - I don't know what will! Oh, maybe this awesome trailer!

The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps– it’s just harmless fun.

That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future. Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.

But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler. Recruit… or kill him.

Still need more? Check out The First Four Chapters here!!

Ivy and the Meanstalk by Dawn Lairamore - Review

2012-01-12T18:39:00.000-05:00

Ivy and the Meanstalk. Lairamore, Dawn. Holiday House. 227p. 978-0823423927.

Courtney Says:

The book Ivy and the Meanstalk was a delightful new tale woven in with some old classics. Being a 14 year old girl, I rarely find myself picking up books in the children's section of Barnes & Nobles, but for this book it was different, I found the idea intriguing. The thing I liked most was the way the author, Dawn Lairamore, took a different outlook on the old tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. It was a whole new story but with references to a tale everyone knows and loves.

The thing I hate most in a book is when the beginning is slow and it takes forever to get into. But with this book that was not the case. It got into the main part of the story within the first 30 pages. And even better it practically never slowed down. From the beginning to the very end I found that it was always making me want to read the next page.

And let me just put this out there. The ending made me want her to write another book in the series so bad. I found myself asking my sister, Sydney, "There is going to be another book right? Because if there isn't I don't know what I'll do".

Although it was written for the 9-10 year old, I thought it was written just as well, if not better, then lots of the books I find myself reading these days. Personally though I think the rating is just right, because I don't imagine myself recommending this book to a kid my age, but would surely suggest this to my 7 year old sister or anyone around her age.

So in the end I enjoyed reading this book and the one before it, Ivy's Ever After, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone but most likely the younger kids, as in tweens.

Sydney's Says

The book Ivy and the Meanstalk was a great new twist on a classic tale that gets to its point fast. I have read many books, some crawl by and I have to force myself to continue to read them, but with this book though I did not need to.

This book may be written for 9 to 10 year olds but it was written very well or better than some novels I've read. It was intriguingly fast, with many twists and turns. It never slowed down, with some books they start really slow , but then get faster this book it was fast from the start.

This book was different from other fairytales because it was not a story about classic princesses and glass slippers, no this was a story about a rebellious princess, harp, and a golden egg-laying chicken. Some stories have cute little birdies, while this book had a talking goat.

I might not recommend this to nonreaders, but I might too a "super" reader. And I would definitely recommend it to a 3rd or 4th grader.

I enjoyed how this book was different from others, but I definitely think that this book would be a hit for a younger audience.

Thanks to Holiday House and Blue Slip Media for the books!

In My Mailbox (1)

2012-01-11T00:01:00.003-05:00

Hello everybody, this is Aneeqah here! I'm going to be doing a few memes, and hopefully be keeping up with them throughout the year.

Anyways, In My Mailbox [IMM, for short!] is a meme hosted by The Story Siren, where you basically talk about books you've received. So let's get on with it!

For Review [e-copy]:

GoodReads Synopsis:
Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body.

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting off lately, more distant, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane.

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again.

GoodReads Synopsis:
For seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery even existed. Now she has been abducted and trapped in the Rath of Lord Strahan, King of Faery. Strahan was only meant to rule for seven years, as Faery tradition dictates, and then give up his crown to another. But he won't comply, and now chaos threatens both worlds.

The only one who can break his stranglehold on the Faery court is his wife. . . Eloise's aunt Antonia. Using Eloise to lure Antonia, Strahan captures his wife, desperate to end the only threat to his reign. Now Eloise must become the rescuer. Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, she must forge alliances with other Fae, including a gorgeous protector named Lucas, and Strahan's mysterious son, Eldric-who may or may not betray them.

From Library:

GoodReads Synopsis:
To 17-year-old Leslie, the tattoo is a thing of indescribable beauty, a captivating mark that she must make her own. But this subtle web of eyes and wings brings with it a transformation that no sweet young girl would ever imagine or welcome. Like its predecessor, this stand-alone sequel to Wicked Lovely plunges its youthful heroine into a faery world of almost constant peril. A tantalizing urban fantasy that won't let go.

GoodReads Synopsis:
Tessa doesn't believe in magic. Or Fate. But there's something weird about the dusty unicorn tapestry she discovers in a box of old books. She finds the creature woven within it compelling and frightening. After the tapestry comes into her possession, Tessa experiences dreams of the past and scenes from a brutal hunt that she herself participated in. When she accidentally pulls a thread from the tapestry, Tessa releases a terrible centuries old secret. She also meets William de Chaucy, an irresistible 16th-century nobleman. His fate is as inextricably tied to the tapestry as Tessa's own. Together, they must correct the wrongs of the past. But then the Fates step in, making a tangled mess of Tessa's life. Now everyone she loves will be destroyed unless Tessa does their bidding and defeats a cruel and crafty ancient enemy.

Saving June by Hannah Harrington - Review

2012-01-09T06:00:00.001-05:00

Synopsis:
Harper's sister, June took her life one week before High School Graduation. No one can understand why, and it leaves Harper in complete distraught. Her divorced parents decide to split the ashes, and at her mothers house the ashes are in an urn in the house. Harper then steals the urn and makes a cross- country road trip with her best friend Laney, to California.

Then add in the mixture a boy named Jake Tolan. A bad boy, who has a passion for music... and someone who had a connection with June. Jake is keeping a secret, from Harper... One that could turn her life upside down in a heart beat.

My Review--

I have to say I did like this book, however the first part of the book was not nearly exciting for me. I was bored out of my mind, and was dying to stop reading it. But people kept telling me they really liked it, so I persevered and kept reading it and I really liked it.

There are three main characters, but I want you to read for yourself to see who the third is. I mentioned him up there... but I won't say anything.

The main character is Harper. She is a sassy girl who has a mind of her own. She likes to get things her way, and quite frankly she's pretty good at it.

Laney is Harper's best friend who sticks by her when June dies. Laney doesn't have any rules, and doesn't want to listen to any rules. She likes to go out there and have fun!

Things are really well described in this book which I love. I loved the music take. I hadn't realized that Eric Clapton's song, Tears In Heaven was written after his son's death. The amount of knowledge I gained after reading this book is amazing.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Harlequin for letting me read this book.

Loving to Read one Step at a Time

KRWLucy

The Sunday Salon - Printz of the Past Challenge

2012-01-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I came up with my own personal challenge: I was going to read all the American Library Association Michael J. Printz Award and Honor books. That I haven't already read. @LeaKelley mentioned that she wanted to do an #nerdprintz challenge and I told her what I committed to, bada bing bada bam - this post was born!

We were inspired by @MrSchuReads and @Colbysharp who have committed to read all the Newbery Award Winners from 1922 - present!

Since this is personal - I get to make up the rules! And so do you! Just wanna read the award winners? Do it! Just wanna read the honor books? Do it! Want to read from present to past? Do it! Take two years, 3 years, 4 YEARS??? DO IT!

Make this challenge one you can live with! We'll be tweeting about the challenge using the hashtag #nerdprintz and I'll be posting my thoughts as I read each book - wondering why THIS book won and award or honor and can I predict the next winner????

If you are interested in joining - please sign up below!!

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi- Review

2012-01-06T00:01:00.003-05:00

Reviewed by: Aneeqah's Not So Real Life
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Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Genres: Dystopia/Post Apocalyptic
Release Date: January 3rd, 2012
My Review:

In this book, we have two main characters: Aria and Perry. Aria has never been outside the place she lives in, called the Pods. She basically lives in the Realms, virtual places where you can do anything, be anything, and imagine anything. You don't feel pain or anxiety or anything like that. It's an easy, comfortable life. Perry, however, is an Outsider. He lives out in the open, in a tribe. He doesn't know a comfortable life. He must hunt for food, take care of his little nephew, and try to deal with his brother.

Thank you so much to Harper Collins for giving me an ARC of this book!

First off, lets talk about the cover, since I love judging books by their covers. I love this cover! It really does the book justice, plus, it actually makes sense. It's not some random cover, like a random girl in a random dress [there seem to be a lot of those types of covers out there!]. It hints a little bit at what the story will be about. Overall, the cover is gorgeous!

OK, with that out of the way, lets talk about all the reasons I loved this book...:

-The setting. I really loved the world Rossi has created. Everything was generally easy to understand for me, but it wasn't plain and simple either. It was really great, and well-done.

-The writing. I loved, loved, loved the wording Rossi used, especially the ending. That ending was just amazing. Just the last paragraph. I don't even know why I loved it so much, but I just did. I loved how everything was so vague, but you knew what was happening anyways. It's kind of hard to explain, but nonetheless, I loved it. I also liked Rossi's wording throughout the story. She doesn't come out and say everything directly, but almost dances around it. It's something I liked.

-The characters. The characters were simply amazing. The main characters weren't perfect, they had their flaws, but that made them even better. I also loved how they learned for their mistakes. Learned from each other. Characterization happened! We watched the character grow, and frankly, I don't see that in very many books these days. Plus, they weren't brain-dead or stupid. They used their wits, and weren't frustrating at all. And I love how the side-characters also had great personalities. I personally loved Roar. He was a funny type guy that I immediately liked. And even Cinder had his good qualities. Overall, we have a great crew of characters in this book!

-The romance. This was probably the main winner in the story for me. Usually, I'm not a fan of romance in books. Actually, almost 99% of the time, I'm not a big fan of romance in stories. And I especially despise insta-love. Especially insta-love. *shudder* We can talk about my hate for insta-love later, but let it be known that I really, really, don't like insta-love. But this story, for once, didn't have insta-love! A big shock, yes, I know. The romance in this book was slow, sweet, and it developed over the course of the story. It wasn't like:
Girl: "Hi there!"
Boy: "Hey!"
*20 seconds later*
Girl: "I love you!"
Boy: "I love you sooo much!* and all that other mushy stuff I hate. We could see the slight changes of feelings throughout the book. Definitely one of my favorite things about the book!

So why didn't I give this book a full 5 stars? There's two reasons...:

-The Aether. I really don't understand what the Aether actually is. Rossi really didn't give us explanation about it. Is it like a layer of the sky? Or is it the actual sky? It's something that really confuses me, and I think it will play a very big role in the next book, so I think we need to know more about the Aether.

-The last few pages. I know I said I loved the ending above, but that's basically the last paragraph. The last few pages of the book, lots of time flies by. Thing is, we don't know how much time went by, or what happened to the characters during this time. I know at least a few months have gone by, and during this book, that's a fairly long time, since some major events happen before this all this time flies by. So I would really like some extra details on what exactly happened. Hopefully, what happened during this mysterious amount of time will be explained in the next book [which, by the way, I'm absolutely dying to read].

Wow, have you ever heard people say how hard it is to talk about a book you love? I never believed them, but let me tell you, after writing this review, it's really hard to describe exactly why I loved this book so much. My advice though? Go read this book. You won't regret it.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer - Book Trailer

2012-01-03T19:09:00.000-05:00

Happy book birthday to Cinder by Marissa Meyer! Cinder was released Tuesday, January 3, 2012!

You're Invited!

Twitter Party

January 9, 2012

7pm EST

Trailer

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, 1)

Even in the future, the story begins with Once Upon a Time…. Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . . Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.

Marissa Meyer Tour Schedule - get your book signed!

Cinder Blog Tour Schedule - sign up for all kinds of goodies!

The Sunday Salon - Happy New Year - 2012

2012-01-01T20:43:00.000-05:00

I hope 2011 was good to you. Maybe not every aspect but overall good!

Have you read Neil Gaiman's wish for 2012? If you haven't, please do. His past wishes for us to find someone to love and to receive love from and to spread more kindness and wisdom is only slightly eclipsed for his wish that we make mistakes. Showing that we are taking risks, and living and growing. I second his wish.

In preparing for this awesome year ahead, I want to take a look back at some of my favorite reads of the past year.
January - Split by Swati Avasthi

February - Okay For Now by Gary Schmidt

March - Paranormalcy by Kierstin White

April - Bruiser by Neal Shusterman

May - Dark Water by Laura McNeil

June - Sidekicks by Jack Ferraiolo and Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

July - This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel

August - The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall

September - Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima and Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

October - The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

November - Bigger Than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder

December - Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby

Best Book of 2011 - Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby - I cannot begin to explain the tension that Kirby builds up as we try to figure out who the traitor is in this secluded stronghold. Then, when you know, you wonder how they will get away alive! Icefall will move you to tears! The landscape is vivid and Solveig's emotions and thoughts are yours. A Must Read!

I'm an Amazon Associate and all book links will go directly to their site.

KRWLucy's Challenges of 2012

2011-12-31T11:48:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!
Happy New Years Eve! I would like to wish you the best for the 2012 year!
With the New Year, comes a new book list, and some challenges. This is my first year I'm doing challenges. I'm not making any promises though. School can always be a challenge, along with my sports, and personal life! But hey!, I'll give it a shot.

2012 Standalone Reading Challenge
The Standalone Challenge is to read 15 standalone YA books in 2012!
1. 52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody
2. In Honor by Jessie Kirby
3. Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
4. The Story of Us by Deb Caletti
5. The Whole Story of a Half Girl by Veera Hiranandani
6. Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK by Betsy St. Amant
7. Crazy by Amy Reed
8. The Boy Recession by Flynn Meaney
9. My Sister Lives on the Mantle Piece by Annabel Pitcher
10. Lovetorn by Kavita Daswani
11. The Story Teller by Antonia Michaelis
12. Rock On: A story of guitars, gigs, girls and a brother (not necessarily in that order) by Denise Vega
13. The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen
14. Wander Love by Kristen Hubbard
15. The List by Siobhan Vivian

2012 YA Contemporary Challenge

The idea of this is to challenge yourself. I choose level one.. I know a little easy which is to read 5+ books.

1. Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff That Made Me Famous by Kathryn William

2. Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
3. The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols
4. The Difference Between You and Me by Madeleine George
5. 37 Things I Love (in no particular order) by Kekla Magoon

I felt it was also necessary for me to come up with a list of books that I would like to read...
1. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
2. We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
3. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
4. The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson
5. Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
6. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
7. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
8. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
9. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
10. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
11. Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally
12. Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott
13. Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley
14. So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti
15. Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall by Wendy Mass
16. Lost It by Kristen Tracy
17. The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart
18. Death Cure by James Dashner
19. Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow
20. Loving Emily by Anne Pfeffer
**Threes also Left to Love by Jolene Perry but the release date won't be known to April :(

Loving to Read One Step at a Time

Challenge List for 2012!

2011-12-30T00:01:00.006-05:00

Aneeqah's Not So Real Life

.......................................................................................
Hey guys! I'm really excited to be joining some challenges in 2012. There's SO many that I want to do, but here are the ones I've chosen:

2012 YA Contemporary Challenge
My goal for this challenge is to read 10 young-adult contemporary books. I usually read a lot of fantasy and dystopia, so I think this challenge will help me to branch out a little with my reading. Here is [so far] the list of books I plan on reading:

1. The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenburg
2. Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay
3. The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
4. The Fine Art of Truth and Dare by Melissa Jensen
5. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
6. Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti
7. Pizza, Love, And Other Stuff That Made Me Famous by Kathryn Williams
8. Flirting In Italian by Lauren Henderson
9. Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig
10. Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

2012 Stand-Alone Challenge
The goal for this challenge is to read 15 young-adult stand-alone books. I've only read a few stand-alone books in the past, because I like series better. But with all these cliffhanger endings in books lately, I think reading stand-alone books could really save me some anticipation! =) Here's my tenative list as of right now:

1. Struck by Jennifer Bosworth
2. The Raft by S.A. Bodeen
3. 52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody
4. Fracture by Megan Miranda
5. Slide by Jill Hathaway
6. The Catasrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg
7. Above by Leah Bobet
8. Gilt by Katherine Longshore
9. This Is Not A Test by Courtney Summers
10. When the Sea Is Rising Red by
11. Something Strange and Deadly
12. The Treachery of Beautiful Things by Ruth Frances Long
13. ??
14. ??
15. ??

Debut Author Challenge
The goal for this challenge is to read 12 books by a first-time author. I've never kept track of authors before, really, so I'm interested to see how many debuts I can read this year! My list:
1. Fracture by Megan Miranda
2. Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
3. Harbigner by Sara Wilson Etienne
4. Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
5. Slide by Jill Hathaway
6. Struck by Jennifer Bosworth
7. The Selection by Kiera Cass
8. Of Poseidon by Anna Banks
9. Gilt by Katherine Longshore
10. Everneath by Brodi Ashton
11. The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
12. Above by Leah Bobet

Of course, I'm sure these lists will change dramatically over the course of 2012! These are just the ones I think I might read during the year. 2012 should be a great year for reading! [And, hopefully, the world won't end. Because there are just too many books I'm waiting for that come out in 2013!!]

Holiday Bookaday Update - Fall 2011

2011-12-29T09:39:00.000-05:00

I'd listed several books I wanted to read over my 16 days off, 18 to be exact. I'm six days into the challenge and I've only finished 4 books! What's slowing me down? Two re-discovered loves; Twitter and Puzzles.

I picked up a puzzle of my favorite picture - Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte - and have been spending hours on it. I haven't done this in a very long time and it has been so relaxing!! I hope to find slightly smaller puzzles though, this one is 1000 pieces.

I've always been a fan of Twitter but I'd pulled back to read more - putting in a word here, a retweet there, but not really interacting. Since most of my tweeps are educators, we are all on break right now and the conversations have been awesome. So, less reading time but a touch more connection with self and others.

So, what have I finished?
Shelter by Harlan Coben - one of the LA teachers does a mystery unit each year, so I'm always on the lookout for new books for her to add to her repetoire. I haven't read any of Coben's adult books but this young adult one sounded intriguing and maybe it could be a gateway for some students. Although Shelter started out well, despite having the stereotypical sidekicks - a nerd adn a fat girl - it had promise. Coben did tend to tell too much, I never had to figure out anything, each question would be answered about 2 sentences later. And then the ending was so far-fetched as to be impossible. The age of the alleged villian would make the antics impossible. My disbelief came crashing to the forefront and wiped away most of my good feelings about the book. The good news is there can still be a good discussion about this one. Pair it with Virals by Kathy Reichs and then talk about craft and writing for a variety of audiences.

Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins - I had been looking forward to this one, as I enjoy sappy romance. While there were enjoyable moments, they got sidetracked by the author's frequent exclamation of "bieber" or "elvis presley". I mean efron, lautner, gosling - yeah, I can see that working once or twice, jk. Throw in how often she told us Liam was hot (in a stereotypical bad boy in leather jacket with motorcyle way) and I was just happy to finish.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi - I had really been looking forward to this book! I like science fiction and this has girl protag! It started out slow and ended on predictable. But, the middle was fantastic. I just don't understand why she didn't use her undisclosed till later powers more. Also, she never wore that awesome dress on the cover! Pair this one with Legend by Marie Lu and you are destined for a great conversation.

Darth Paper Strikes Back by Tom Angleberger - This follow-up to Origami Yoda focuses on Dwight and whether Yoda is helpful or hurtful. Dwight's nemesis, Harvey, makes a Darth Paper puppet and uses it to taunt this students, trying to convince them that Yoda is fake. The problems brought to Yoda this year seem much more serious. I like that turn. Obviously, pair this one with Origami Yoda and some actual origami.

Ok, back to reading! How are you doing on your reading goals?

I Challenge Thee, er, Me 2012

2011-12-26T17:17:00.000-05:00

from art.com

It's that time of year. Challenge time. How will I grow as reader and a reviewer? Each year, I attempt something new and usually abandon it about 1/4 of the way through. Not.This.Year. I am going to do this. I have two official sign-up challenges and then some personal challenges I will be tackling this year.

The Classic Double Challenge
This challenge intrigues me because you pair contemporary fiction with classic fiction. Something that I think could lead more students into choosing and reading classics outside of the classroom. I'm going for the LARGE level - 3 pairs of books

The 2012 YA/MG Fantasy Challenge
I enjoy reading Fantasy and Science Fiction. I'm not sure what attracts me to these titles and I want to find out. This particular challenge will pair nicely with my own personal Cybils challenge listed below. For the YA/MG Fantasy challenge, you need to read 10 YA/MG Fantasy books released in 2012.

Cybils 2011 YA/MG Nominated Fantasy/Science Fiction Challenge
This challenge definitely needs a shorter name! There were too many books on the Cybils F/SF nominations list that I had NOT read. So, I am going to remedy that by trying to read 15 books off the YA list and 15 books off the MG list. Some of these will be decided when they release the finalist list on January 1!

My Printz of the Past Challenge
I became interested in the ALA Printz award back in 2006 when I became a middle school librarian. I've been into it pretty much nonstop. In 2010 I formed the Goodreads Mock Printz group. This started as a part of a book group I was hosting at work and has grown from there. I've been trying to at least read the winners of the award but decided this year to challenge myself to read all the Printz Award/Honor books for the past 11 years.

2012 MG/YA/A Genre Challenge
Donalyn Miller, The Book Whisperer, has a book requirement in her classes. She challenges the students to read 40 books in a variety of genres, to stretch themselves, to become better readers. I take up her challenge with #bookaday and want to participate in this one too. Although her exact numbers to read in each genre may change with her students, I'm going with the original one published in The Book Whisperer.

I also want to read a variety of adult books so, I'm adding a component for genre books written for adults. Hence, the "A" in the challenge title.

2012 Battle of the Kid's Book Reading Challenge
Every year School Library Journal hosts a Battle of the Kids' Books to find the best book of the previous year. They get celebrity judges, authors all, to read two of 16 books and determine which will move on until only 1 is left. I discovered the challenge in 2010 and read 11 of the 16 books. Last year I read 15. My goal for 2012 is to read all 16 and try to pick the winner!

I'm creating a challenge page that will list a combination of books I want to read or have read for challenge.

Are you up to the challenge? What are your reading goals for 2012?

UPDATE: Adding a Newbery Awards challenge that will cover three to four years! Check out Watch.Connect.Read for details! Totally "stress-free" #nerdbery challenge! Yay, Mr. Schu and Mr. Sharp!

Reading Challenge 1 - Holiday Bookaday

2011-12-23T21:10:00.000-05:00

This is my second year joining Donalyn Miller, The Book Whisperer, in holiday #bookaday. We challenge ourselves to read a book each day we are not at work. I have 16 days off and many books to tackle for Mock Newbery and Mock Printz plus I have two books to read from The Nerdies and two recommendations. Hmm..

Ok, without further ado, my holiday #bookaday Hope to Read list

Under the Dome by Stephen King
The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner
~~Darth Paper Strikes Back by Tom Angleberger~~
Bluefish by Pat Schmatz
~~Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin~~
Blink and Caution by Tim Wynne-Jones
~~Shelter by Harlan Coben~~
~~Heart and Soul by Kadir Nelson~~
~~Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi~~
The Freedom Maze by Delia Sherman
Everybody Sees The Ants by AS King
Saving June by Hannah Harrington
~~Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins~~
~~Never Forgotten by Patricia McClintock~~
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
Invisible Sun by David MacGinnis Gill
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Not on original list but read
Cheshire Cheese Cat by Carmen Agra Deedy

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Small as An Elephant by Jennifer Jacobson

That's good place to start, but there's more than 16 books and some of them are long! I better get cracking! Do you have any days off coming up? If so, what are your holiday reading plans?

Aneeqah's Not So Real Life- Books I Want to Recieve

2011-12-22T00:01:00.004-05:00

Even though we don't celebrate a holiday this time of year, I always have a book wishlist!! =) Here's my list:

1. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
2. Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick
3. Fateful by Claudia Gray
4. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
5. Sweet Venom by Terra Lynn Childs
6. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mai
7. Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
8. Legend by Marie Lu
9. Wildfire by Karsten Knight
10. Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

Also, here are the top 10 books I'm anxiously awaiting for in 2012!

1. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
2. Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
3. Endlessly by Kiersten White
4. Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins
5. City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
6. Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake
7. The Enchantress by Michael Scott
8. Untitled (Red Pyramid #3) by Rick Riordan
9. The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
10. Unwholly by Neal Shusterman

Happy holidays everybody! Make some time to snuggle in a blanket by the fire with a good book. :)

KRW Lucy - Books I Want in 2012

2011-12-21T06:29:00.001-05:00

Ninja Chica Lucy has a good mix of old and new titles she's looking forward to and you can see, she's keeping it real!

1. The Death Cure by James Dashner

2. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

3. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

4. Left to Love by Jolene Perry (I don't know when the release date is! But I really want it when it comes out!!)

5. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

6. Facing the Giants by Eric Wilson

7. The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart

8. Leap Day by Wendy Mass

9. Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall by Wendy Mass

10. 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass

11. 12 Finally by Wendy Mass

12. 13 Gifts by Wendy Mass

13. Pure Red by Danielle Joesph

14. Win Forever: Live, Work, and Play Like a Champion by Pete Carroll and Yogi Roth

15. Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters by Chesley B. Sullenberger and Jeffery Zaslow

16. My Life in Pink and Green by Lisa Greenwald

17. A Father's Love: One Man's Unrelenting Battle to Bring His Abducted Son Home by David Goldman

18. Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me by Howie Mandel and Josh Young

19. The Summer Before Boys by Nora Raleigh Baskin

20. Just Don't Fall: How I Grew up, Conquered Illness, and Made it down the Mountain by Josh Sundquist

21. Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Lynn Vincent and Todd Burpo

22. Through My Eyes by Nathan Whitaker and Tim Tebow

23. Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love by Matt Logelin

24. Side Effects by Amy Goldman Koss and Osho

25. Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

Loving to Read One Step at a Time

Lucy

Happy Holidays!

Bellanush - Books I Want in 2012

2011-12-19T07:05:00.000-05:00

Ninja Chica Isabella of Bellanush

Well I have a lot of books that I want to get for the holidays so it was hard to narrow it down to ten! I managed though so here are the

Top Ten books I would like to recieve:

1. Crosssed by Ally Condie
2. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
3. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
4. Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
5. Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell
6. Entwined by Heather Dixen
7. Halo by Alexandra Adornetta
8. Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey
9. Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber
10.Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

That's my list! Happy Holidays! :)

Ninja Chica Anusha of BellaNush

Here are the books I would LOVE to receive:

1. Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

2. Divergent by Veronica Roth

3. Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

4. Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

5. Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

6. Nick & Norah's Infinite Play List by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

7. A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

8. This Isn't What It Looks Like by Pseudonymous Bosch

9. Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

10. Torn by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Happy Holidays everyone!!!!

The Sunday Salon - Books I Want to Read

2011-12-18T11:28:00.001-05:00

This week some of the Ninja Chicas and I will be posting about books we want to read in 2012. Today is my day.

In no particular order (except the first two!):

The Fault is In Our Stars by John Green
Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta - LOVED Finnikin of the Rock
Endlessly by Kierstin White
The Enchantress by Michael Scott
Outpost by Ann Aguirre
The Outcasts by John Flanagan
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
When She Woke by Hilary Jordan
Boy 21 by Matthew Quick
Wintertown by Stephen Emond
The Accidental Creative by Todd Henry
Invisible Sun by David Maginnis Gill
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale
Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins
The Dead of Night by Peter Lerangis
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
The List by Siobhan Vivian
Curveball by Jordan Sonnenblick

Those are just the tip of the reading iceberg!! There are many more on my Goodreads To Read list! And also on the Cybils 2011 Fantasy and Science Fiction nominee list! I'd like to work my way through the middle grades list!

What's on your list? What's coming out or has been on your TBR pile for quite a while?

The Personal History of Rachel Dupree by Ann Weisgarber - Review and Blog Tourr

2011-12-12T23:43:00.001-05:00

Personal History of Rachel Dupree
Ann Weisgarber
Penguin Books
2008

The Personal History of Rachel Dupree opens with Liz, Rachel Dupree's six year old daughter, sitting on a plank that's being lowered into a well. Liz isn't being drowned, she's going down to get water for the family because the drought has left them with no other options. Or so Isaac Dupree has convinced his wife Rachel there are no options. They've been married a long time and Rachel is starting to lose faith in Isaac. She's seen him put their land ahead of the welfare of the family too many times. He will do ANYTHING for the land. Not so much for his family.

Rachel and Isaac have been married a long time. They met when Rachel was a cook in Isaac's mother's boardinghouse. He came home after the war and she fell in love. Isaac fell in love too, but not with Rachel. More with the land she could give him. He was determined to go west and make his fortune as a landowner and he was entitled to 160 acres. He didn't want to marry Rachel but he could see how she felt about him. And he did want her 160 acres - immediate land doubling.

So, they got married and both Rachel and Isaac thought they got what they wanted. They were both wrong.

Ann Weisgarber tells the Personal History of Rachel Dupree in alternating time periods but always through Rachel's eyes. While Rachel's story of love making you blind is compelling, I find the setting is an even stronger character: the drought so strong they could only take sips of water, the lightning storm that promised survival on one hand but didn't quite make it, the landscape so harsh that all the neighbors were leaving them. Rachel uses the weather as sort of a touchstone, it brings backs memories of other, mostly happy times. These times serve to give Rachel the strength to make some tough decisions. Or at least to plan them.

I'm hoping that if I'm in the situation that Rachel is, where my husband continually proves that he doesn't actually love me but really loves the land, where my husband continually puts my children and me in danger, when my family is about out of food and my husband will not ask his mother for money, where there is never enough money, ever. I hope that I don't wait over 14 years to get strong. I hope that I'll pay attention to the signs that he gives me along the way. That the ache I get from his disapproval - and my kids too - serve as a warning.

Even sort of knowing what's going to happen doesn't prevent The Personal History of Rachel Dupree from pulling you in. The vivid scenery descriptions place this book solidly in the 1900s. The tumbleweeds, the shack, the clothing - this is good historical fiction.

About the Author
Ann Weisgarber was born and raised in Kettering, Ohio. She was a social worker before earning a master’s degree in sociology at the University of Houston and becoming a teacher. She divides her time between Sugar Land and Galveston, Texas.

The Personal History of Rachel Dupree has been optioned for a film my Viola Davis who played Abilene in The Help.

Thanks to Penguin Books and TLC Book tours for the book!