OrganizedMessLibrary

Update!

2011-12-08T12:01:00.001-08:00

Hey bloggers! I haven't been on for a while, so i have a lot to catch up on! I had a lot going on, and my baby bunny, had babys of her own. So i was pretty occupied for a while, But i'm not back in action. I'll be posting 3 reviews on short stories that has been requested by two authors. I was intended on posting reviews on the books that i've read recently, but i like to put other's requests before my own :) please comment for any questions or concerns regarding this blog or the blogger, lol. Thank you!

Thirteen Reasons Why By: Jay Asher

2011-11-17T15:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Release Date: October 18, 2007
Publisher: Razor Hill
Hardcover; 288 pages
Literary Awards:
-South Carolina Book Award for Young Adult Book Award(2010)
-Florida Teens Read(2008)
-Georgia Peach Honor Book Award(2009)
-Kirkus Reviews Editor's Choice
-California Book Award Winner

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.
On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

To start off, i would have to say that this book was difficult to review! I've had to contemplate and figure out a way to put my thoughts into words. The book itself was okay, but recommending it? Hmm.. Let's review shall we?

Hannah Baker took her life by overdosing on pills. She recorded 7 tapes with 13 sides. Each side had revealed a reason of why she commited suicide. Those thirteen reasons basically represented thirteen people, which is meant to be passed around within them. This was her way of leaving her message behind and make her message clear. One of the recipients was Clay Jensen. He is the protagonist, the narrator, it's his story, his experience listening through these tapes along with his thoughts. A package arrived at his front porch, a shoe box containing tapes and a map. Once he hit that play button, his life will never be the same.

I was very excited when i got this book. Let me emphasize that.. I ordered a bunch of books, and out of all of them, i chose to read this one first! When i was done with the book, i was somewhat disappointed-Not my style. To be honest, i don't know why this book gotten so popular.

The plot was a little unreal. I find that some stories of the people on the list to be unbelieveable. They we're kind of ridiculous and childish because the fact that it was overly-dramatic. In reality, it's what teenagers face in high school every day, so it was too dramatic. There we're malicious reasons in the mixture as well! I had difficulty to sympathize and put myself in the situation of Hannah Baker's character.

As for the characters, i felt that the characters we're strong and a lot more realistic than Hannah Baker's character. What kept this book in reality was truely the characters. I love love Clay. He's emotions, his thoughts, and everything about him. He was the most human of them all. I got so furious when Hannah Baker commited suicide when he didn't get that real chance with her! In the back of my head i'm thinking, you should have gave him a chance! In a way, i wanted to keep reading because of the protagonist ;)

When it comes to narration, i don't really give a lot of thought about it. But for Jay Asher, he knows the best. I love the narration in this book, it makes it feel real and live. It fits with the story real well. However, i kind of got confused to Hannah Baker's tape with Clay's thoughts together. I literally had to re-read to realize why i misunderstood. But, Jay Asher does know how to create suspense and keep the fire going! I think that the creativity of the narration and suspense was the ONLY reasons why this book kept me going. Very well written!

Although this book had more cons than pros, i still would recommend this book. Suicide is a very serious issue, that can be prevented! I don't think that suicide is ever the right answer, so this book helps keep you in mind to watch how you treat people. Overall, the message of the book saved it all, and what makes this a good read!

My Rating: 4/5

In Between The Lines #2

2011-11-16T17:00:00.000-08:00

Currently Reading: Boy Toy By Jay Asher.

I'm bookmarked at "5" on Flashbacks, not flickers. I intended on writing before reading on the next section, but i couldn't! I just wanted to keep reading and reading, but i had to stop myself and give it a break. This book does not want me to put it down, i swear! I know this book was published years ago, but i need to catch up and read books that i've missed out on. This book would have been featured on Library Clean-up, due to the fact of it's published date, but i bought this book not too long ago. It's been featured IMM, which was my first IMM :) At first, i thought it was kind of boring. But this book is so grabbing and it's narration/format of this book makes it fun to read! I seriously cannot wait to write this review. I think i might get a head start on it!

2011-11-14T13:35:00.001-08:00

NEW BANNER!
I know, it's been just days since i changed the look of the blog.. But after a while, i got tired of my banner. I thought it was just too much, too fancy. I wanted a banner that was simple, yet cute! Hope you all like it. Comments and suggestions are welcomed.

In Between The Lines

2011-11-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, i just finished the 14th Chapter in,You Against Me By: Jenny Downham. So far, i would have to say... I LOVE IT. I instantly absorbed into it, and it was too hard for me to put the book down, and get myself onto my blog! Jenny Downham, so far is my favorite Author.<3 Now, i'm going to continue reading 8)

Update!

2011-11-11T13:28:00.001-08:00

New Banner, Color Scheme to go with it: "Ice Cream Wedding", from ColourLovers. Click Here to view the palette!

I've never talked about my theme or the reason for the look of my blog, and i guess now will be the best time!
Well i love the Asian art, culture, and history.. Mainly Japanese & Chinese. I especially love CHERRY BLOSSOMS, go figure. It reminds me of my Grandmother, and holds significant meaning of her.

My Blog focus' on YA books, that i love to read! And with that being said, i wanted to combine that love with the love for cherry blossoms.

New Feature: Library Clean-Up.
This is a new feature that I've created for OrganizedMessLibrary. I have books on my shelf that i HAVE NOT bother to read, because of all the new exciting books coming out. In time, i ended up pushing them aside for the new books. I haven't took the time to read them, so i figured, why not feature them on my blog?

Each Friday, i will post one book on my Library Clean-Up. In time, i can look back on this feature and use it as a list to catch up on. Since these books have been sitting in the same place for years, collecting dust, i thought "Library Clean-Up" would be the most applicable name for it.

Update!

2011-11-11T11:10:00.001-08:00

Whats new: More buttons, OrganizedMess Features, & Features by other bloggers now on this blog! Also, if you took notice of the button on the left, yes it's a feature! scroll down to view! You may also view these features & buttons on the "Features page"

___________________________________________________________________________

New Buttons!

_____________________________________
OrganizedMess Features:

Organized Updates
is a feature of this blog,
where i will share updates regarding
this blog. i.e: Features, new look, etc. etc.

In Between the Lines
is a feature where i will share
updates on books that i'm currently reading,
anything exciting or commentary on the book.

Library Basket
is a feature of this blog,
where i will share books that i've gotten
from my local library. In 2012,
there will be a Support Your Local
Library Challenge, which those books will be
featured on my Library Basket

*More features coming soon! Feel free for your own personal use, but don't forget to leave a comment! :)

________________________________________
Features by other bloggers:

In My Mailbox:

Button by: Jude Henderson

Button & Hosted By: Kristi

In My Mailbox is feature

created by Krisiti of

the Story Siren(See link above).

This a way where you can

feature books that you've gotten,

but not in a form of a review. It does

not necessarily have to come from your "mailbox",

it can also be from your library & more.

Update!

2011-11-07T21:28:00.000-08:00

Here's the new Rating System! I wanted to be different, so why not something cute & that i adore with a passion? HELLO KITTY! <3 Also, i created a page in the navigation for more details on my criteria in reviewing books in my perspective. I'm not completely done with the page, meaning i didn't elaborate just yet, so keep checking my twitter for an update when it will be completed. Enjoy!

Love Sick By Jake Coburn

2011-11-07T16:50:00.000-08:00

paperback, 240 pages.
Published September 22nd 2005 By Dutton Juvenile

Ted's drunk-driving accident has ruined his life. it cost him his basketball scholarship, ended his plans for college, and forced him into AA. but just when ted has resigned himself to his new life, Michael appears. the wealthy father of a bulimic Manhattan rich girl has a tempting proposition. He has agreed to pay for ted's college tuition, but there's one catch. ted has to secretly keep tabs on his benefactor's daughter, erica. A seemingly simple task, with only one minor problem: ted never expected to fall in love.

I wasn't absorbed into the book as i expected. Within the first half, i was quite bored to be honest. I felt that it was over detailed about things that didn't need to be detailed, which made me very confused in the beginning. The book started off really slow, but it became worth it after a while.

I find that the novel was an interesting story on Bulimia and Alcoholism. I've never paid much attention to eating disorders, because i had no relations or interest in it. But, i somewhat learned a lot, especially when a character in the book has Bulimia.

As for the Bulimia part, i like how to author described Binging. It made me want to purge myself. Excellent!

Now as for characters, i love books that have strong characters who have backgrounds that interest me or relates to me.

Overall, i loved how the Author describes, i love the moral, and the story of this novel.
But it disappointed me about the Romance in this novel. I was expecting a little more than just only drama!

My Rating: 3/5 Okay.

In My Mailbox!

2011-11-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi of The Story Siren.

This feature is used to share your books that you've received. They can be bought, from the library, or literally in your mailbox & more. It's a way of sharing books but not in a form of a book review.

Each week or so, i will post books that I've received, which i cannot read them all in a period of time. So i found this really useful, which In My Mailbox can also be "sneak previews" of what book reviews will be coming up soon on my blog!

Books i've bought from Barnes & Noble

(Yes, Literally did come from In My Mailbox LOL):

You Against Me By: Jenny Downham

Boy Toy By: Barry Lyga

Thirteen Reasons Why By: Jay Asher(Currently Reading!)

2012 Support Your Local Library Challenge!

2011-11-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

I have never done a challenge yet since i have started this blog. I started my blog in October, which wasn't the right time to do a challenge since i was longing to do the 2011 Challenge. Now that a new year is soon to begin, i figured that this challenge was the best candidate that i have came across so far!
I'm challenging MYSELF to Level 4 which is to read 37+ Library Books from January 1, 2012- December 31, 2012! It's a Leap Year! An extra day to finish!

Rules:

Anyone can join.
You don't need a blog to participate. If you are a Non-blogger please leave a comment with a link (if you review elsewhere) to your review or with the book(s) you read.
Audio, ebooks (some libraries allow ebooks to be checked out), bound books are ok.
No re-reads
Create a sign up post and post the link in the linky below.*
Challenge goes from January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012

Levels:

Level 1 - Read 12 library books

Level 2 - Read 24 library books

Level 3 - Read 36 library books

Level 4 - Read 37+ library books

This Challenge is Hosted By: The Eclectic Bookshelf

*Please click the Host to post your link!

UPDATE!

2011-11-07T10:08:00.000-08:00

I know i haven't been posting or updating...Sorry for the inconvience. I just had a lot going on & things that needed to be taken care of..

I'm sure a lot of you understand, and know what i mean. But i'm back in action! Hopefully by the end of today, a new review will be up! I HAVE A LOT OF CATCHING UP TO DO.... Patience... PASS IT ON. Lol.

2011-10-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

"Success in life is the result of good judgement. Good judgement is usually the result of experience. Experience is usually the result of bad judgement"

-Anthony Robbins

SAVE LIDS TO SAVE LIVES

2011-10-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

*This post does not pertain to my Book Review Blog, I know, But please:

JOIN IN THE FIGHT TO END BREAST CANCER.

I've collected 17 Yoplait's pink lids to raise awareness & redeemed them. :)

Please help by redeeming your favorite Yoplait's product with the pink lid.

Look for the pink lids on Yoplait products and redeem your lids online, by mail, or both! (*By December 31, 2011)

Each lid will donate $0.10 to Susan G. Koman for the cure®.

Up to $2 Million dollars will benefit Breast Cancer outreach programs and research.

More about Susan G. Koman for the cure®:

Susan G. Komen was a victim of Breast Cancer. Towards the end of her death, she begged her sister to make sure that other woman with Breast Cancer would not suffer like she did.

As of 1982, The Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, is the worlds largest breast cancer organaization and the largest source of non profit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.

______________________________________________________________________________

Learn more about Save Lids to Save Lives®

Redeem Your lids online now!

or send your lids to:

Save lids to Save Lives

P.O Box 9656

Grand Rapids, MN 55745-9656

Please read the Mailing Guide before sending in your lids.

Thank you! :)

I need to catch up!

2011-10-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

...........On my reading, writing, and updating this blog!

I'm so sorry everyone for the lagg.

In the mean time, feel free to contact me & express your opinions and suggestions regarding this blog site!

It would be very helpful.

Thank you.

2011-10-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

"There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them."

-Denis Waitley

2011-10-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

"Failure can destroy you if you are weak, but if you are strong, you can destroy failure."

-Wael El-Manzalawy

Before I Die By Jenny Downham

2011-10-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Published: July 5th 2007 by David Flickling Books
ISBN: 0385613466 (ISBN13: 9780385613460)
Setting: United Kingdom
Literary Awards: ALA Teens' Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults (2008), Branford Boase Award (2008), The Inky Awards for Silver Inky (2008)

Tessa has just months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It’s her To Do Before I Die list. And number one is Sex. Released from the constraints of ‘normal’ life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa’s feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallised in the precious weeks before Tessa’s time finally runs out.

Tessa who is 16 years old was diagnosed with Leukemia when she was 12 years old. She finds out that her diagnoses is terminal & only has a few months left to live, which she then realizes that she needs to make the best of the time she has left. She then creates a to-do list before she dies. She knows well she can't be like normal girls her age and experience love, so she settles for sex which is the first thing on her list.

She goes through all these experiences from drugs--to crime, which then leads to a very heartbreaking ending. Through out the story, it was very touching and poignant. The well-written literature made this story unforgettable.

What i really loved about this novel was how strong the characters were, the love story, and the importance of life itself. Also how realistic this story is.

Tessa's character is so astounding, that i wanted her to live as much as she did. I cried about 5 times during this book. Throughout the book, it was slowly breaking my heart, page after page, and when i got to the end, it just shattered.

I would have to say this was the most touching, poignant, heartbreaking books I've ever read. This is a book you definitely SHOULD read & add to your bookshelf. It's one of those books that you don't want to put down, or take a break from reading!

My Rating:
5/5

The Abandoned By Amanda Stevens

2011-10-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

Published: March 14, 2011

There are rules for dealing with ghosts. Too bad Ree Hutchins doesn't know them.

When her favorite patient at a private mental hospital passes away, psychology student Ree Hutchins mourns the elderly woman's death. But more unsettling is her growing suspicion that something unnatural is shadowing her.

Amateur ghost hunter Hayden Priest believes Ree is being haunted. Even Amelia Gray, known in Charleston as The Graveyard Queen, senses a gathering darkness. Driven by a force she doesn't understand, Ree is compelled to uncover an old secret and put abandoned souls to rest—before she is locked away forever....

An ebook exclusive prequel to The Graveyard Queen series.

Ree is currently a student at a grad school in Emerson and is also a volunteer at a mental hospital. She had a favorite patient named Violet, who then passes away of old age. She overhears a conversation that reveals that there is a secret lingering within the facility, which relates to the paranormal experiences she encounters.

This piece of literature was a decently written short story. I didn't have a grip on this book for the first couple chapters, but after a while, i got absorbed into it by the suspense this story was giving off. I'm a sucker for romance stories, and this one had a little spice into it! What i didn't like about this book was that it was very brief of the character Amelia, although i grew interest in Ree.

Overall, i think the story was very good & well written. The Abandoned is a eBook prequel to The Graveyard queen series, which i'm sooo exited for :)

My rating:
3/5

Bookshelf: Read

2011-10-05T19:10:00.000-07:00

For my first post & for the time being until i post a book review; i will share my Bookshelf that i've recently read, along with my rating of the book. :)

Flowers for Algernon By Daniel Keyes

In this classic story that inspired the hit movie by the same name. Charlie Gordon, a retarded adult who cleans floors and toilets, becomes a genius through an experimental operation.

My Rating:

Before i Die By Jenny Downham

Tessa has just months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It’s her To Do Before I Die list. And number one is Sex. Released from the constraints of ‘normal’ life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa’s feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallised in the precious weeks before Tessa’s time finally runs out.

My Rating:

The Crucible By Arthur Miller

Based on historical people and real events, Arthur Miller's play uses the destructive power of socially sanctioned violence unleashed by the rumors of witchcraft as a powerful parable about McCarthyism.

My Rating:

Stargirl By Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first.

My Rating:

To Kill a Mockingbird By Harper Lee

The unforgettable novel of a childhood in a sleepy Southern town and the crisis of conscience that rocked it, To Kill A Mockingbird became both an instant bestseller and a critical success when it was first published in 1960. It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was later made into an Academy Award-winning film, also a classic.

Compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving, To Kill A Mockingbird takes readers to the roots of human behavior - to innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, humor and pathos. Now with over 18 million copies in print and translated into forty languages, this regional story by a young Alabama woman claims universal appeal. Harper Lee always considered her book to be a simple love story. Today it is regarded as a masterpiece of American literature.

My Rating: