Lost in the Library

A Wrinkle in Time: 50 Years, 50 Days, 50 Blogs Celebration

2012-01-26T08:00:00.005-05:00

When it comes to books that I loved and read in my school age years, I tend to be a bit of a collector. I buy multiple copies of the book with it's various covers. I own 5 copies of A Wrinkle in Time, the four above and now the 50th Anniversary Edition.

I was thrilled when I was asked to participate in the anniversary blog tour for this incredible book. I remember checking it out the first time from the library. Taking it home and being completely transported inside it within just a few pages. It was one of the first books that ever did that for me. Made me forget the world going on around me. I was searching with Meg. Comforted by Aunt Beast. It's a story of sacrifice and unconditional love, and I remember even when I was a young reader, knowing that this book was special.

Years later I was able to revisit it, when we read and studied it in a children's literature course. I'm grateful for that opportunity as I was able to delve deeper into the story, and was able to experience it in a new way.

Now, with my son and in my work at the library I'm lucky that I am able to share A Wrinkle in Time with others.

The new A Wrinkle in Time, The 50th Anniversary Edition:

About the 50^th Anniversary edition:

The 50^th Anniversary Commemorative edition features:

• Frontispiece photo*†

• Photo scrapbook with approximately 10 photos*†

• Manuscript pages*†

• Letter from 1963 Caldecott winner, Ezra Jack Keats*†

• New introduction by Katherine Paterson, US National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature †

• New afterword by Madeleine L’Engle’s granddaughter Charlotte Voiklis including six never-before-seen photos †

• Murry-O’Keefe family tree with new artwork †

• Madeleine L’Engle’s Newbery acceptance speech

* Unique to this edition † never previously published

I highly recommend checking out the other blogs that are participating. I've really enjoyed reading their posts about this timeless classic.

Week 1: Revisiting A Wrinkle In Time

January 16 -20

Biblioklept

The Compulsive Reader

The Discriminating Fangirl

The Story Siren

Steph Su Reads

Week 2: Sharing A Wrinkle In Time

January 23 - 27

Green Bean Teen Queen

One Librarian’s Book Reviews

Week 3: Characters in A Wrinkle In Time

January 30 - February 3

Coffee and Cliffhangers

S. Krishna’s Books

Lisa the Nerd

Week 4: Expressions of A Wrinkle In Time

February 6 - February 10

The J. Sorese Visual Companion

Read. Breathe. Relax.

Book Aunt

Meg Bentley Illustration

Week 5: Reading A Wrinkle In Time for the First Time

February 13 - 17

Geek Girl’s Book Blog

The Cozy Reader

I Just Wanna Sit Here And Read

What does A Wrinkle in Time mean to you? Have you read it? Is there a book from your childhood that you treasure?

Uncover January - giveaway

2012-01-22T20:19:00.000-05:00

There are a whole bunch of amazing releases this month, and to celebrate I thought I'd host a giveaway!

Below are four covers of books that released in this month. Can you guess what they are? Answer and fill in the form below to be entered for your chance to win one of the books!

Cover 1

Cover 2

Cover 3

Cover 4

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

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

2012-01-19T01:00:00.001-05:00

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

by Jennifer E Smith

Published by Poppy January 2nd 2012

236 pages

Reviewed from finished copy provided by the publisher

Summary

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

My Thoughts:

It is such a good feeling when you read about 10-20 pages into a book and you just know it's going to be great. That was the case with The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. Hadley's still dealing with the break up of her parent's marriage, while on her way to her father's second wedding. Forced to go, feeling trapped, a series of events lead her to miss her flight...and in steps Oliver. Handsome, British, (just think of the accent) and scheduled to be on Hadley's next flight. They share an immediate connection, feel at ease, seem to understand each other and are destined to help each other more than they know.

There were lovely phrases and moments along the way that I just had to mark:

"In the end, it's not the changes that will break your heart, it's the tug of familiarity"

"it doesn't matter that you once stood in front of all those people and said that you would. The important part is that you had someone to stick by you all the time. Even when everything sucked"

"No one is useless in this world", it reads "who lightens the burden of it for anyone else"

The story itself covers just over 24 hrs in their lives, but the characters are well developed and despite the short amount of time spent with them, I felt like I knew them well. An enjoyable contemporary read, it reminded me a bit of Dash and Lily's Book of Dares. Recommended.

For more info check out the publishers webpage.

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Books I'd Recommend To Someone Who Doesn't Read Middle Grade (or jr. fiction)

2012-01-17T08:48:00.001-05:00

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the fabulous The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's list is to highlight the Top Ten Books I'd Recommend to Someone Who Doesn't Read...

... Middle Grade Fiction

My List:

I chose middle grade to recommend because I think it's easy as we get older to overlook the treasures that can be found in books for younger readers. Some of my all time favourite reads are for this age group!

1.Stunning book plates accompany this story of a china rabbit whose been lost and tries to find his way back to love again. Moving and inspiring I needed almost a whole box of kleenex to get through it but it was worth every one. goodreads

2. Discover the secrets of your favourite characters from Peter Pan in this prequel-ish retelling of a classic. Lot's of action, fast moving and with authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson lots of laugh out loud moments.goodreads

3. I'll never forget this one, as it was recommended to me by a nine-year old boy when I worked at a book store. He said "you have to check City of Ember out, it was AMAZING".

They made the book into a movie a few years ago, but it really doesn't do the book justice.goodreads

4. A fantastic re-telling of Snow White. Gail Carson Levine is the author of Ella Enchanted
and her writing in this story is especially magical.goodreads

5. I remember hearing a publicity rep talking about this book and how the author P.B. Kerr who generally writes for adults, wrote this book with the hoped of getting his 10 yr old son to read. That piece of info has always stuck with me. It's a fantastic adventure series that centre's around twin's who discover they have a magical ability. (think Aladdin) goodreads

6. Canadian comedian Sean Cullen is the author and it is laugh out loud funny. One of the highlights is the narrator and the footnotes. I recommend this a lot to reluctant readers.goodreads

7. When I first read this book it was called "Gideon The Cutpurse". I guess they changed it because it wasn't selling well under the original name. I don't know that the series has ever taken off, which is so unfortunate. I read the first one in a sitting. Two children are transported back through time and become mixed up with a pickpocket who's in trouble with the law.goodreads

8. A great book for mystery readers. It has illustrations with clues to help
you solve the mystery.goodreads

9. This is one of my favourite books (series) to recommend to reluctant readers. It has everything! Fast pacing, action, martial arts, and a quest.goodreads

My review
10. It's no secret that Lauren Oliver is one of my favourite authors and that's because she's a talented story teller. Lisel and Po was magical & heart warming.

I can't wait to see everyone else's list!

In My Mailbox - Booking Buying Binge Edition

2012-01-14T13:51:00.001-05:00

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.

Each week we are invited to post about the books we received via mail, store, library or friend.

For Review:

Chapters / GoodReads

Christmas Gifts:

Chapters/ GoodReads

Purchased: I have a problem.....

I am totally in love the these editions of Penguin Classics. I need them all!!!!

What was in your mailbox?

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

2012-01-11T15:31:00.000-05:00

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Published by Feiwel and Friends January 3rd 2012

Reviewed from ARC provided by the publisher.

Summary

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.

My Thoughts

Cinder is the first book in the Lunar Chronicles Series. It's an original retelling of a traditional favourite (Cinderella) and it stands out as a fabulous read. The buzz for Cinder is quickly gaining steam and I can see why. Meyer, creates a beloved character in Cinder- a cyborg who is ostracised from society because of her differences and seen as her stepmothers property instead of someone to be valued.

When I think about the "classic" Cinderella, I think of someone wistful, sweet and meek. I loved that Cinder was feisty, stood up for herself whenever she could, and fought against being bullied-even if she didn't win.

If I had one issue it was the books predictability. I knew in under 100 pages how the rest of the story for this book would play out. I think there might have been too much foreshadowing in the beginning. However, I don't feel like that deterred from the overall enjoyment of the book at all. I wanted more, especially after that cliffhanger ending. I can not wait for the next one!. Marissa Meyer, please write fast! Definitely recommended.

Top Ten Authors I Wish Would Write Another Book

2012-01-10T17:24:00.000-05:00

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the fabulous The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's list is to highlight the Top Ten Authors I Wish Would Write Another Book

My List:

JK Rowling. I'm sure she'll be on many many lists today!

Stephenie Meyer. I'm still hoping for Midnight Sun, but anything would do!

Suzanne Collins. I've read her Overlander Series and of the Hunger Game Trilogy
Can't wait for what's next!

Donna Tartt. She's written two books and I adored them both......I need more....

Neil Gaiman. I am such a fan.

Franny Billingsley. Chime was one of my favourite reads of 2011.

Maggie Stiefvater. I adore her. I love her books
and Scorpio Races was a five star masterpiece. I hope she never stops writing.

Erin Morgenstern. The Night Circus, is still newer,
but I can not wait to see what this amazing debut author has next.

What books are you waiting for? Are our lists similar? Leave me a link!

Guest Post- Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

2012-01-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Donna and I met when I worked at the library near the high school where she taught. She was kind enough to let me join the high school book club she began and we partnered running the meetings. I instantly felt a connection with her as she loves YA as much as I do and is such a wonderfully, kind and genuine person. She is also tons of fun to be with and we have the same sense of humour. I'm so happy that even though we no longer "work" together, she's become a very dear friend.

Her Review:

Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

Published by Simon & Schuster November 2011

329 Pages

Summary

Since mankind began, civilizations have always fallen: the Romans, the Greeks, the Aztecs…Now it’s our turn. Huge earthquakes rock the world. Cities are destroyed. But something even more awful is happening. An ancient evil has been unleashed, turning everyday people into hunters, killers, crazies.

Mason's mother is dying after a terrible car accident. As he endures a last vigil at her hospital bed, his school is bombed and razed to the ground, and everyone he knows is killed. Aries survives an earthquake aftershock on a bus, and thinks the worst is over when a mysterious stranger pulls her out of the wreckage, but she’s about to discover a world changed forever. Clementine, the only survivor of an emergency town hall meeting that descends into murderous chaos, is on the run from savage strangers who used to be her friends and neighbors. And Michael witnesses a brutal road rage incident that is made much worse by the arrival of the police--who gun down the guilty party and then turn on the bystanding crowd.

Where do you go for justice when even the lawmakers have turned bad? These four teens are on the same road in a world gone mad. Struggling to survive, clinging on to love and meaning wherever it can be found, this is a journey into the heart of darkness – but also a journey to find each other and a place of safety.

Thoughts:

This novel's energy does not let up for a second. Jeyn Roberts has created a fascinating story of desperation and terror. The modern-day tale opens with the unleashing of something unexplainable across the world where normal people suddenly turn into killers, murdering their children, students and neighbours. As the story unfolds, we learn that some people (seemingly immune are trying desperately to find a safe place. However, who can they trust? The book's chapters are categorized by the names of four main characters: Aries, Mason, Clementine and Michael. As each person faces unspeakable horror, the reader is also exposed to the realities of what humanity is capable of doing to one another. Is this time any different than genocides and wars perpetrated by people in the past? The goal among these characters is to reach the University of British Columbia, where survivors have managed to gather. As each person gets closer to the west, they travel through towns and cities, ravaged and emptied by this unknown force. This novel storyline is a race against time; I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!

Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

2012-01-06T23:14:00.001-05:00

Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

Published December 27th 2011 by Harpercollins

446 pages

Reviewed from ARC provided by the publisher

Summary:

When her parents split, Marcie is dragged from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She leaves behind her friends, a group of freaks and geeks called the Leftovers, including her emo-rocker boyfriend, and her father.

By the time Labor Day rolls around, Marcie suspects this "vacation" has become permanent. She starts at a new school where a cute boy brings her breakfast and a new romance heats up. But understanding love, especially when you've watched your parents' affections end, is elusive. What does it feel like, really? can you even know it until you've lost it?

My Thoughts:

I enjoy novels in verse but I have to say this was one of the best ones I've had the pleasure of reading and also one of the best contemporary YA novels I've read in a while. The story flowed flawlessly, and Marcie was a well written, likeable main character.

The language had a rich depth and it's almost impossible to pick a quote that I loved more than others, because there are so many to choose from.

This one stands out for me:

"I can't believe he doesn't think I understand. I do. Your arms ache to hold someone- you move in slow motion from one hug to the next so you won't jostle the warm feeling off your shoulders before the next hug comes your way."

The story is compelling , sprinkled with the perfect combination of funny, serious and steamy moments. It's well written and even those readers who may have shied away from reading novels in verse before will not regret picking Love & Leftovers up. Highly Recommended.

Tilt by Alan Cumyn

2012-01-05T14:03:00.000-05:00

Tilt

Published by Ground Wood Books July 2011

272 pages

Summary:

Stan is an intense sixteen-year-old loner who desperately wants to make the junior varsity basketball team. And it seems that he may be about to do so, until he’s blindsided by the unexpected attentions of Janine Igwash. Suddenly Stan is no longer thinking about jump shots. Instead he is obsessed with Janine’s spiky hair, her milky white shoulders and the mysterious little tattoo at the base of her neck, not to mention the heat of her breath, her dark eyes, wide hips and . . . Sometimes Stan’s imagination runs so wild he wonders whether he might be going crazy. That would be par for the course given his home life. His mother is dating the feckless Gary, and his little sister, designated gifted but a holy terror, is acting out. Then Stan’s father arrives on the scene with Stan’s four-year-old half brother,

and things become truly insane

My Thoughts:

I love when books surprise me and Tilt offered a lot more than I initially expected. I'm not easily hooked on contemporary fiction especially one with a male protagonist, but Stan was so easy to like and I rooted for him.
His dad's abandonment left his family devastated and as they slowly put the pieces back together, Stan is left to take on more of a parent role for his sister and his Mom ( I was not a fan of hers) as well. Amidst all the turmoil at home; his sister's insistence that their father is coming back soon, and his desperation to make the junior varsity basketball team, Stan falls for an unlikely girl who stirs things in him he had never felt before. Her mixed messages confuse him and without someone he can really talk to he is left to figure things out on his own. Just as he thinks he might be getting it together, someone unexpected returns and all (heck) breaks loose.
I think Tilt has great appeal for teens who enjoy the contemporary genre (girl or boy). The story is compelling enough to hold the attention of any reluctant reader. Similar authors like Corey Whaley, Jay Asher, and Gordon Korman came to mind as I was reading it. Recommended.

Top Ten Books I Can Not Wait to Read in 2012

2012-01-03T08:46:00.000-05:00

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the fabulous The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's list is to highlight the Top Ten Books I'm Excited to Read in 2012.

My List:

There are soo many amazing books coming out this year that it was difficult to narrow it down to just 10, but here goes....

This year is going to be fabulous!!!!!!!!

I'm looking forward to seeing what's on your list, make sure to leave me a link!

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

2012-01-02T16:13:00.000-05:00

Why We Broke Up

Published by Little Brown Books for Young readers

December 2011

368 Pages

Summary

I'm telling you why we broke up, Ed. I'm writing it in this letter, the whole truth of why it happened.

Min Green and Ed Slaterton are breaking up, so Min is writing Ed a letter and giving him a box. Inside the box is why they broke up. Two bottle caps, a movie ticket, a folded note, a box of matches, a protractor, books, a toy truck, a pair of ugly earrings, a comb from a motel room, and every other item collected over the course of a giddy, intimate, heartbreaking relationship. Item after item is illustrated and accounted for, and then the box, like a girlfriend, will be dumped.

My Thoughts:

I wanted to love this book. I saved reading it so it would be the first book I read in 2012. The concept sounded fabulous. A girl (Min) delivers a letter and a box to her ex-boyfriend (Ed) with the intention of illustrating why they broke up. I loved the concept, I loved that illustrations of each of the items she returned to her ex was included in the book. I thought Min and Al were likable.- Not Ed of course, but the writing style got in the way of everything I liked about the book.

Unfortunately, I did not love the writing. The sentences, paragraphs, and pages seemed to run together. I get that we were seemingly in Min's consciousness, experiencing her thoughts as she wrote them, but those thoughts felt jumbled and were challenging to decipher. There was too much dialogue as well.. "I said" then "you said" then "she said", I found it made the story disjointed, stilted and hard to follow. Perhaps I didn't fully understand the authors intentions, or maybe I built the book up so much in my own head, that I couldn't be anything but disappointed. I think what's more likely is that this type of writing style, just isn't for me.

My Favourite Reads of 2011

2011-12-31T13:21:00.000-05:00

With 2011 coming to a close, I thought that it would be a good time to reflect on the books I read this past year. I'm happy to have met my reading goal of 60 books on Goodreads; I no longer need to stress about the message telling me I'm 2% behind. I read incredible books this past year.

Books that made me laugh, and cry, books I wish I could live inside. Here's my list in no particular order:

Oh how I love this book. I want to be a character inside. I've read it 4 times already and I know it will be one that I read over and over and over again.

Divergent was all I hoped it would be and much much more. As fast paced as The Hunger Games, it lived up to the hype and quickly became one of my favourites to recommend.

Just perfection.

Delirium swept me away. The story line, the characters and Lauren Oliver's incredible ability to turn a phrase into something beautiful and memorable.

I credit reading this one with the blogosphere completely. I wouldn't have picked it up without the recommendations of 3 blogs I regularly visit. Without it I would have missed out on the fabulous Jessica and even fabulouser (is that a word?) Marcus.

Neal Shusterman is a genius and never ever disappoints me.

Unwind was deeply disturbing and wonderful and heart-wrenching.

Liesl and Po was a beautiful exceptional read.

Ok, so not a literary read but definitely adult escapism at its best. I read through the series in a week.

Le sigh.... Bones.

Classic coming of age story. So many wonderful moments in this one. I can't wait to see it on the big screen.

I picked up Chime because Gayle Forman highly praised it and she was right. I related to Briony in many ways. Dark, magical and reads differently than so many books out there.

My favourite genre done exceptionally well + Adam ( my new book boyfriend) = amazing read

One of my first reads of 2011, was also one of my favourites.

There you have it, my top 12 for 2011. I can not wait for what 2012 has in store.

Holiday Time

2011-12-12T12:48:00.001-05:00

12 days til Christmas! It's hard to believe how fast the time is going. I've decided to take some much needed time, and will be going on a short blogger hiatus until after Christmas. One of my goals in life is to learn when I am taking on too much and need to take a breather. This is one of those times, -I need to get caught up on reading, and relaxing and spending time with the family.

Thank you to everyone who supports me and Lost in the Library. I truly love this community.

Have a Wonderful Christmas! I hope you get all you wish for and more.

Waiting to Read- Dec 7th

2011-12-07T08:47:00.000-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Each week we post about the books we're anxiously awaiting...

My Pick:

To be Published- January 2012

Summary-

Emily Webb thought life would return to normal after the death of the man who attacked her and her fellow “Deviants.” Or as normal as it could be, after discovering that she has nighttime superpowers . . . and she’s a werewolf. But when Emily awakes one night to find an otherworldy Shadowman watching her, she knows the danger has only just begun.

So Emily and her pack-mates set out to find the people who made them what they are, and why. But as they get closer to the truth, they realize they aren’t the only ones in town with special powers: The most popular girls in school might just have a secret of their own–and they might just have it out for Emily.

With shadowy beings stalking them, a mysterious company doing all it can to keep the truth hidden, and the secrecy of her new identity in jeopardy, life threatens to spiral out of control for Emily. Soon these dangers will come together in one terrifying confrontation that may force her to make the toughest choice of her life . . . so far.

I am so excited about this sequel, and I just LOVE this cover too.

What are you waiting for?

The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle

2011-12-05T10:53:00.018-05:00

Published by HarperTeen September 2011

Reviewed from ARC provided by the Publisher

Summary

Anyone who’s had something truly crappy happen to them will tell you: It’s all about Before and After. What I’m talking about here is the ka-pow, shake-you-to-your-core-and-turn-your-bones-to-plastic kind of crappy.

Sixteen-year-old Laurel’s world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel’s life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss—a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways.

Today's Review is a guest post by a great friend and co-worker of mine- Jessie.

Thanks Jess!!

Jennifer Castle’s The Beginning of After, is a coming of age story about a girl dealing with the tragic deaths of her parents and younger brother. As Laurel, the main character, tries to deal with her grief and piece her life back together, she is drawn to the son of the man who was responsible for her losing her family. David is the typical bad boy who is trying to cope with his own pain and does not care who he hurts in the process. Eventually Laurel will have to decide whether she should let herself fall for David or if she should pick Joe, the sweet nice guy.

Slow moving but emotionally filled. This book will require Kleenex. Castle very accurately portrays a strong individual going through the grieving process and getting on with their life. I think anyone who has ever lost someone close to them will identify with this book. Her characters and settings were not very detailed but it perhaps allows more people to relate easier to the story. I was hoping for more in terms of plot and ending but it was still a good read. I think it would have also been great to have David’s perspective. Overall, I think this is a great book to recommend to anyone who feels a little sad, down on their luck or who has lost someone special.

In My Mailbox Dec 4th

2011-12-04T10:24:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.

Each week we are invited to post about the books we received via mail, store, library or friend.

Last week was such an epic week I decided to post in 2 parts. This is Part two.

From my Harper Book Fairies:

Thank you soooo much!

From Raincoast:

What was in your mailbox?

Waiting on Wednesday Nov 30th

2011-11-30T11:26:00.000-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Each week we are invited to post about the books we are anxiously awaiting.

My pick this week-

Expected Publication- January 3rd 2012

Summary

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.

Seriously can not wait for this.... I love the concept.
What are you waiting for?

18 Books to Give this Holiday Season

2011-11-27T22:35:00.000-05:00

18 Books to Give this Holiday Season

In My Mailbox Nov 26th 2011

2011-11-26T22:03:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

Each week we are invited to post about the books we received throught the mail,

from the library, from friends or at a store.

2 lovely book fairies (thank you so much) were busy with the mail this week and I am so grateful. I'm going to split the list up over two posts, so you'll have to check back next week to see what else was in my mailbox.

For Review:

Goodreads

Goodreads

It also seemed to be the week of incredibly gorgeous covers!! Aren't they beautiful? I think I love the Masque of the Red Death's cover the best though....

What was in your mailbox?

Diary of A Wimpy Kid- Cabin Fever -Guest Post

2011-11-24T10:52:00.000-05:00

Diary of a Wimpy Kid- Cabin Fever

By Jeff Kinney

Published November 2011 by Abrams

My ten year old son is a huge fan of this series. I brought the book home for him, and he read it in a night. He's written the "review" today.

This Diary of a Wimpy Kid book is about Greg and his friend Rowley as they try to have a Christmas Sale. They put posters up on the school about the sale. It starts to snow and all the marker's get smudged. They take the posters off and there are green stains left. So they runaway and everyone thinks it's graffiti. Greg and Rowley become outlaws. Later Greg gets stuck in his house because of a snow storm. The family food is mysteriously disappearing and they run out of power. It's up to Greg to solve the mystery. Out of a 1-5 rating I would rate it a 4 because it wasn't as exciting as the other books but it was still a good book and it was hilarious.

Top Ten Authors I'd Love To Have At My Thanksgiving Feast

2011-11-22T08:00:00.004-05:00

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Each week we post a top ten list on a variety of book related topics.

This week's list:

Top Ten Authors I'd Love to Have At My Thanksgiving Feast

My List:

1. J.K. Rowling. I'd love to share a meal and then watch all 8 movies together and talk HP for the rest of the night.

2. Erin Morgenstern. (The Night Circus) I'm convinced that the Night Circus is actually a real place, and I'm sure Erin knows where I can find it. :)

3. Lauren Oliver. She's one of my favourite authors and loves Ketchup as much as I do, she's also an amazing singer!

4. Elizabeth Miles. Fabulous author, so much fun, she's BFF's with Lauren and also a singer- I'm thinking we could have an awesome sing-along....karaoke night...

5.Stephenie Meyer. I love the Twilight saga. I always will. I will always think Stephenie Meyer is amazing.

6.Oliver Jeffers. He's British, a talented author and illustrator and one of my most favourite picture book authors...ever.

7.Shel Silverstein. I would have loved to have met him. absolute genius. I grew up reading his poems and now I read them to my son.

8. Libba Bray. She always makes me laugh on twitter and in her books. I love her witty sense of humour.

9. Suzanne Collins. Maybe I could convince her to bring a pre-release copy of The Hunger Games.

10. Maggie Stiefvater. I don't know that this one needs any further explanation.She's um...amazing.

I think this guest list would have me freaking out! My husband would be making the dinner though. Toast is kind of my best dish. :)

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

2011-11-21T23:01:00.000-05:00

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Published by HarperCollins Nov 15 2011

Reviewed from ARC provided by the publisher

Summary

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

I have no idea where to begin. The buzz and positive reviews have really said it all. I'm not sure how to articulate how I felt while reading this, in a way that will ~~stand out~~ do the book justice.

It was ~~awesome~~ exceptional from the first page. The fact that this is my favourite genre to read ~~may have~~ probably has something to do with my love for this story, but I also think the writing was strong, the plot was compelling and I adored Juliette. I wavered between wanting to be her (um...can we say Adam!) and wanting to rescue her myself.

I read this is in one sitting. I could not tear myself away, and I know that I'll ~~want to~~ need to go back and re-read again because at the rate I turned the pages I'm sure I missed a few things. :)

Tahereh has an ~~lovely, admirable,~~ gifted writing style. She's able to compel the reader forward, but there is still beauty in her words. I marked many phrases and quotes from the book as I read. As I go back to read again, I'm sure I'll find more. I am looking forward to reading it again, and can not wait for more from this talented author. ~~Highly~~ Very Highly Recommended.

For more information about the author:

Her website: http://taherehmafi.com/

In My Mailbox- November 20th

2011-11-19T20:00:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox is hosted by the Story Siren. Each week we are invited to post about the books we received through the mail, from the store or from the library.

For Review:

Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

Goodreads / Chapters

Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne

Goodreads / Chapters

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Goodreads / Chapters

Thank you soooooo much book fairies from Penguin!

Dead to You by Lisa McCann

Goodreads / Chapters

Thank you Simon & Schuster

And from my friend Maria at Cari's Book Blog

Radiance by Alyson Noel

and look she got it signed......

and she also sent this one.....

and.........

SHE GOT IT SIGNED FOR ME TOO!!!!!! OMG!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

What was in your mailbox?

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Unread Books on my To-Read Shelf.....

2011-11-15T09:43:00.000-05:00

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the Broke and the Bookish

This week's Top Ten List:

Top Ten Unread Books on your To-Read Shelf

My List:

Where She Went by Gayle Foreman. I bought this book, the day it came out, I couldn't wait for it and yet it sits on my shelf unread. I loved If I Stay so much, I guess I'm worried that I won't feel the same way about Where She Went.
Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, and now Inheritance. I had to buy them all, I've heard many people rave, but I I've yet to even read Eragon.
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand.
Looking for Alaska by John Green. This has been on my bookshelf for 3 years.....
London Calling by Edward Bloor- 6 years
Graceling by Kristen Cashore - 4 years
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson- 2 years
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare-another one I was desperate for, yet haven't read
Hate List by Jennifer Brown -2 years
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Here are a couple of pictures of my current to-read shelves-

I am so lucky to have an incredible book collection, but with so many on my to-read shelves, you'd think that would deter me from buying more right?

nope. Because I obviously have a serious problem. But I know you'll understand :)