Smitten over Books

THGReadAThon Discussion Questions: Part 1 "The Tributes"

2012-02-28T20:28:00.001+08:00

Have you stop by on our kick-off guest post? I'm telling you it's really awesome, so do drop by. OK friends, here's our first leg of discussion questions for our month-long THGReadAThon.

1. Imagine one day waking up and finding yourself in Panem. What district would you be in and why? To give you an idea, here’s the list of the 12 districts and their designated jobs.

District 1: Luxury
District 2: Masonry
District 3: Technology
District 4: Fishing
District 5: Power
District 6: Transportation
District 7: Lumber
District 8: Textiles
District 9: Grain
District 10: Livestock
District 11: Agriculture
District 12: Mining

2. The Reaping Day was one of the dreaded days by District 12. If you were picked that day as one of the tributes, what would be your initial reaction?

3. You are a tribute and your mentor is planning the best strategy for you to win. What do you think will be your best selling attribute and/or skill?

4. You were not picked but your sister/father/mother was, would you sacrifice yourself for them a la Katniss or would you keep your ground a la Peeta’s brothers?

5. Time for the first impression segment. What is the first thing that came into mind when you think of:

Katniss Everdeen
Peeta Mellark
Gale Hawthorne
Cinna
Haymitch Abernathy
Effie Trinket
Primrose Everdeen
Caesar Flickerman
Rue

6. Look up. Who is the character that leaps out to you the most? Why?

7. Do you think Peeta ever thought of winning The Hunger Games even if it means killing Katniss in the process? Why or why not?

8. (Refer to p. 40) Fill in the blanks: The Peacekeepers are back too soon and Gale asks for more time, but they’re taking him away and I start to panic. “Don’t let them starve!” I cry out, clinging to his hand.

“I won’t! You know I won’t! Katniss, remember I ______” he say, and they yank us apart and slam the door and I’ll never know what it was he wanted me to remember.

9. Most memorable/favorite scene in Part I “The Tribute”?

10. I know it’s too early to say, but if there was something you want to know more about or you would want to be more elaborated, what would it be and why?

***

Remember, be cautious on giving away mega spoilers! Give at least a warning if there are major spoiler bombs along your post. Everyone has still at least a week to compose their thoughts. On Sunday, we’re going to share our favorite discussion posts so be sure to link up before it closes. For those who still want to join, sign-ups are still open! :D

THGRAT: Guest Post!

2012-02-27T08:00:00.032+08:00

Photo courtesy of weheartit.com

I know you're all tuned in today for the much-awaited guest post for this week. So do head over to my event partner's blog, Sana from Breathing Books and check it out.

PSST.. It's an author! And there's been talk about a certain "giveaway" so don't dare miss it. ;)

Remember to tune it tomorrow for the first leg of discussion questions of this month-long read-a-thon.

And I'm out.

Review: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter #1)

2012-02-26T08:00:00.020+08:00

Read from January 23, 2012
to January 24, 2012

Book: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter #1) by J.K. Rowling

Publication Date: June 30, 1997

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Number of Pages: 223 pages

Genre/s: Fantasy

Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy. He lives with his Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley, who make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. Then Harry starts receiving mysterious letters and his life is changed for ever. He is whisked away by a beetle-eyed giant of a man and enrolled in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason: Harry Potter is a wizard!

Excerpt: "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live."

Let me give a little background about my life's Harry Potter history. I read the book first through borrowing from a classmate, then from the library, reread it sometime in High School, when I finally bought the whole set, and then this month when I reread it again for the HPRC2012.

That's a total of 5 times and guess what, the magic is still there and as bright and sparklous (my self-made word after reading this) as ever. It was still as hilarious, still as enchanting and still as exciting when I first read it. The chills and nostalgia are even worst than before, if that's even possible.

On her first book out of the seven in the series, Rowling introduced as to a scrawny, bespectacled boy with an oddly shaped lightning scar on his forehead, named Harry Potter. Little did she know, Harry Potter will not only be famous in her head and in the wizarding world she created but it will also be a worldwide phenomenon.

Harry Potter lives with his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon who treated him awfully. He lives in a cupboard and was forced to endure his cousin, Dudley, who enjoys bullying him all the time. One day, he received a letter saying that he's been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and that he's a wizard. From then on, Harry Potter embarked on a journey some of us can only hope for. (and still hoping...)

As a wizard leaving in the world of Muggles especially with no background at all about magic, Harry Potter has a lot to learn and to take in. He didn't know what is the real reason behind his parent's death. That he is special because he has somehow defeated Voldemort when he was still a baby.

"Everyone thinks I'm special...All those people in the Leaky Cauldron, Professor Quirrell, Mr. Ollivander...But I don't know anything about magic at all."

I feel this odd, powerful connection to Harry, knowing that he's trying to make sense of everything around him. Pictures that move, brooms not for sweeping but for riding on sale, candies with "all" sorts of flavor and a bank run by goblins. It was too much. But what's too much for him is like a treat to the readers. It was a different world for us too and seeing it in the eyes of Harry Potter is all so very interesting.

What's really commendable about Rowling's writing as well is its simplicity. When I reread it again today, I thought is this really how Rowling wrote Philosopher's Stone? I keep imagining it as mind-boggling and quite required the use of a dictionary but no, it's really straightforward. It must've been the British talk, I was imagining then. And the humor and hilarity were superb as well.

The friendship was also one of the things I really loved about the book. At first it was Hermione "the know-it all" vs. Ron and Harry "the troublemakers". But then the troll happened, and it was enough reason for them to be inseparable.

"There are some things you can't share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them."

And the characters, oh my I can't tell you how much I love the characters in this book. Albus Dumbledore, an enigmatic, powerful magician and the Headmaster of Hogwarts who has nothing in his heart but kindness. Severus Snape who I loathed but then pulled a big shocker on us at the end of the entire series. It was enough to say I cried harder because of him than I did because of Dumbledore and Sirius combined. Minerva McGonagall who is strict and fair and just about everything but is truly a softy at heart. Draco Malfoy whose name says it all. Hagrid, a giant and the game keeper of Hogwarts whose bigness of heart and loyalty far exceeds his height and Hedwig who is not really a person but an owl, but still as important as the rest.

And the other things that sprouted out of Rowling's head is just pure, unadulterated gold. The magnificence of Quidditch and Harry being the youngest seeker in a century, the Mirror of Erised in which we got a glimpse of the longingness Harry felt for his parents that almost broke my heart, the Invisibility Cloak which lead the trio to their first adventures, the Sorting Hat which is an old hat who sings and sorts students to their houses, the Forbidden Forest first appearance on the books, Harry's first meet-up with his mortal archnemesis, He-who-must-not-be-named. Man, I could go on and on but still could not even touched the epicness that is Philosopher's Stone. Yes, we are still talking about Philosopher's Stone.

Honestly speaking, I cannot understand why I love Harry Potter so much the way I did back then. And until now I cannot really explain why I was still drawn to this wonderful world of magic and spells and why it never grows old. Somehow this story of "The Boy Who Lived" made its way to my heart and refused to leave. And I'm not even complaining. Sparklous.

Cupid's Verdict:

5 Cupids

Anyone having problems commenting?

2012-02-26T01:30:00.000+08:00

Workload-overload.

I'm taking a break from my crazy pile of workload to ask whether anyone is having problems commenting?

I've just been informed (actually, it's been raised up several months ago but I thought it's fixed already) that my comment section is too snobbish for my own good. Please do tell me if there's any problem at all with the site so I could go sue Blogger for stressing us all out. Nah, just kidding.

If you cannot comment down below, you can reach me through @Sarahbotbonkers, my twitter account or send me an email at sarah[underscore]00988[at]yahoo[dot]com. You can also use the Formspring section down below to rant about my lazy comment section.

And that's it. Now I'm heading back again to work. Happy Weekend everyone!

**Thank you Google for the picture.

THGReadAThon Starts Now!

2012-02-24T16:10:00.000+08:00

To all THGReadAThon participants,

You can now start reading The Hunger Games. Our coverage is Part 1: "The Tributes", Chapters 1-9. Reading updates are very much welcome and do use the hashtag #THGReadAThon so we could all see everyone's progress.

On the 27th we will welcome our first guest post blogger. Discussion questions will be available on the 28th of February. At the end of the first week, we are going to have the Highlight Post, in which we're going to share our favorite posts from all the participants.

Sign ups are still open, so don't be shy and join us. For the complete details and how to enter, click here. And here's our schedule once again.

Do spread the word everyone and may we have a blast.

Review: New Girl by Paige Harbison

2012-02-21T09:30:00.002+08:00

Read from February 4 to
February 5, 2012

Book: New Girl by Paige Harbison

Publication Date: January 31, 2012

Publisher: HarlequinTeen

Number of Pages: 304

Genre/s: Young Adult, Contemporary

They call me 'New Girl'...

Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.

Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.

Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.

And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back. - From Goodreads

Excerpt: "We come into the world the furthest thing from alone. We come into the world with everyone fawning over us, and helping us. That's just how it is when we die. I don't know what's different. Maybe it's the fact that when you look at someone's dead body you see their entire live flattened, with an end point."

I want to say this before this review turn into a rant. Reading New Girl was not a very enjoyable experience. By the time I was finished reading, I have a headache and I'm doing this squinty-eye thing I always do when I'm really irritated. That might sound harsh, but GAH reading this was very frustrating.

Never once did I connected with the protagonist which I will call New Girl. Because, her name I think was mentioned only once and that was on the last pages of the book. I didn't even know why that's the case.

See, New Girl wants to attend a boarding school much like in the Harry Potter series. She got in, only to find out she didn't really want to leave her friends and family and study in a school far from home. But she went anyway and all hell break loose after that. The students were cold to her and her roomate, Dana was really nasty. She have no idea why, only to find out she was the replacement of a really popular girl, named Becca who had gone missing for quite some time.

New Girl was told in alternating voices by the New Girl and Becca. And as the story progresses, I learned more about Becca. She was an attention-hoarder, scheming, evil, and you know, the one that rhymes with beach. Yeah, that. Mostly, she's the reason why I really had a hard time with this book. But knowing more about her, I discovered she was extremely lonely and has this intense need to prove herself. To show them her worth. That's why she crave attention, I guess. Dana was really hard to take in as well. My first thought about her was she was mental and beyond repair. But she has problems about guilt that has to do with Becca's disappearance. And to cope she has to project all her pent-up anger to New Girl. What do we call that in class? Oh yes, projection.

Basically, the conversations went like this:
Everybody: *whispers and stares* Why are you here?
New Girl: What is everyone's problem?
E: We know you're not the reason why Becca's not here anymore. But you have to stop acting like her. Dressing like her. Because never in a million years will you replace her. So, just stop. B**ch!
NG: I'm not trying to be her. I'm just me. *huddles in the corner and cry*
E: (not listening) Becca blah blah blah. Becca is this. Becca is that. Blah. Becca!
NG: I don't know what you're talking about.
E: You're stealing everything from her. YOU NO TOUCH BECCA's PROPERTIES!!
NG: OK. I'll stay away. I understand.
E: Good.
NG: *talks with Becca's boy toys*
E: *whispers and stares* then ERUPT.. expletiveeee

Oh the drama! Goodness, it was insufferable. Harbison did well in creating this mean and a little psychotic Becca but I think she did it so well, it got really hard for me to connect with her. New Girl, on the other hand doesn't have any backbone. If people treat me like that, I'll sure tell them to back-off and find another person to bully.

I think what kept me from putting this down and marking it as DNF, is the intrigue factor. I just have to know more although the hate emanating within the pages of the book was extremely cringe-worthy. The love aspect was pretty infuriating, too.

With that I can still say I'm speechless about a lot of things. I could talk about the issues tackled here. Some were glossed over, some were really brought out into the open. But I wouldn't though because I think some where too much for me. But I do believe it's a subjective feeling so I think you have to find that out yourself.I thought I'd know more about the characters and after revelations after revelations it did happen but it was not enough. There's not a lot of closure as well and what we have to look forward to is the future. The effing future! And the lack of authority on this book was unbelievable. Knowing that it's a boarding school, it irked me that with all the partying, and jaw-boxing, and booze, and shouting and name-calling, the adults have no idea. If there's one thing I learned about New Girl, it is to think twice before sending my future kids to a boarding school.

Pick this up, if you dare. And if you enjoy it, brava to you.

Cupid's Verdict:

2 Cupids

An advance copy was provided by the publisher at no cost via Netgalley.

Random Ramblings (11): My (Kind-of) Book Splurge Day + Announcement

2012-02-19T16:34:00.002+08:00

So I was on the hunt today for a copy of The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis for my Lit thesis. I especially like the compiled one with Aslan on the cover because 1) It's Aslan on the cover 2) It's less expensive. 3) It's less expensive. Ha! Anyway, if you're wondering what it looks like, then lookie here:

It looks cool, right?

But it's not available. They do have the little ones from Harper Collins which cost P 295 ($7) each and it's not really practical when the Aslan cover version was only P 800-est ($19). So I went home.

Kidding.

I actually ate my words today. I threw practicality out of the windows and splurged. A lot. I couldn't actually contain my excitement right now because I have 2 new books. I mean, the other is a Trilogy but yes, I have awesome new books for my non-existent bookshelf. Woot!

What did I buy? *drumrolls*

The Hunger Games! And it's 20% off! I got it at around P 796 ($18.5) when it's original price was P 995 ($23.14). I finally got my own copies just in time for The Hunger Games Read-A-Thon we're having. /shameless plugging Have you joined yet? Don't be left out, sign up now! /shameless plugging over

The other book is from one of my favorite authors when I was in Elementary. I was prowling the bookstore's perimeter, drooling and all, when I spotted Dan Well's Partials and Lauren Oliver's Pandemonium. I'm currently reading Partials by Dan Well, courtesy of Netgalley and I love it and I really liked Delirium so my hands are definitely itching to buy at least one of the 2 books. So I picked them up, weigh them in, when my attention was caught by this really gorgeous cover. I read the blurb and it was really intriguing. Then I saw the author, and it was Francine Pascal.

Francine-freakin-Pascal! One of my most-read authors back then. I was like she had a new book!! What?! Why didn't anybody tell me?

So after sweet talking my father to buy the Trilogy set of The Hunger Games *nods head like a boss*, I bought Fearless myself and reluctantly let go of Partials and Pandemonium (next times babies, next time) . I was so excited to go home, smell my new books (I'm weird like that) and took limitless pictures of them. I also browsed Goodreads and saw that Fearless was first published last 1999. You should've seen my face. Nevertheless, still excited to read it. It's Francine-freakin-Pascal anyway.

That's it for my uber long Book Splurge account of the day. I think I'll finally be able to do my very first IMM post next week, just waiting for some other books to arrive here. ;) For my announcement, read more.

***

So I thought one thesis would be enough. But no. We have to do another one. This time, alone. Do you hear that final, resounding word: ALONE. My head is spinning, my tummy is acting up and my mouth is brimming with unspoken expletives. WHY? WHY does everything have to be this COMPLICATED? *throws bomb everywhere*

As I was saying, we have our thesis for our Nursing Research course in which we have to submit our 1st 3 chapters before the end of our second semester. Then we'll be having our colloquium. By that time, I think I'd know what a cockroach feels when it's stepped on and had it's internal organs squished to death... Eew.

If that's not crazy enough, we have to make our literature paper as well in Lit class. You know what's my book or should I say books? The whole Chronicles of Narnia series. The whole 7 books. The se-se-se-ven books! And for our Chapter III: Discussion we have to submit a minimum of 100 pages! Insanely sick, right?

So instead of apologizing every now and then about my sudden lack of posts and all, I think I'll be saying ta-ta for now. I will not be having any new reviews posted until further noticed. But rest assured, my presence will still be felt (Ok, that sounded off). All my previous engagements will still be held. The THG Read-A-Thon is still ongoing! Reviews on work-in-progress status will still be posted on their respective schedules. Authors who have send their books for reviews will be reviewed on March, as agreed upon. And I'm still participating on all my reading challenges. But that's it. No more reading pleasurely, no more wasting away in front of my Twitter timeline, no more blog hopping and most of all no more procrastinating (meh!).

But this is only until the last weeks of March, kiddos. I'm still coming back, so don't forget about me, OK? And visit Cupid (the flying blue bird) when I can't. GOSH. This is killing me. I could not wait for our month-long vacation on March because not only will it be my rest month, it will also be The Hunger Games theater release. *happy dance then cries again*

Review: The Gathering Storm (The Katerina Trilogy 1) by Robin Bridges

2012-02-15T22:00:00.023+08:00

Read from February 3, 2012 to
February 3 2012

Book: The Gathering Storm (The Katerina Trilogy 1) by Robin Bridges

Publication Date: January 10, 2012

Publisher: Delacorte Books

Number of Pages: 386

Genre/s: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Paranormal

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.

An evil presence is growing within Europe's royal bloodlines—and those aligned with the darkness threaten to topple the tsar. Suddenly Katerina's strength as a necromancer attracts attention from unwelcome sources . . . including two young men—George Alexandrovich, the tsar's standoffish middle son, who needs Katerina's help to safeguard Russia, even if he's repelled by her secret, and the dashing Prince Danilo, heir to the throne of Montenegro, to whom Katerina feels inexplicably drawn.

The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power, but which side will she choose—and to whom will she give her heart? - From Goodreads

Excerpt: "We lived in the strangest of times. Russia was steeped in mysticism and the occult, and science was struggling against superstition to pull the country in the future. It was like dreaming you were in a fairy tale, and knowing you should wake up but not being able to. Unfortunately, I knew for a fact that monsters and faeries existed. I might even be one of the monsters. And there was nothing science could do about it."

What immediately drawn me to The Gathering Storm was the setting. Set in Russia where Tsars, Duchesses and Dukes were held with much importance than anything else. Power struggles were common and marrying a man or woman with high position was any parents' dream. I've always been fascinated with Russia ever since I've heard the story about Anastasia and the Romanov's family. It was intriguing, indeed but what really interested me was the unsettling fact that nobody survived in that family.

But The Gathering Storm was not about the Romanov's at all. It tells the story of Katerina Alexandrovna. A girl with a huge dream to be a doctor someday. But she was held back by what society dictates: A fine young lady marries someone of importance. End of story. But there are far more things, sinister things she has to hide if she wants to live a normal life and avoid condemnation.

Katerina stood out to me. She was a sensible, smart girl and didn't think too highly of herself. She's hiding a terrible secret-- a power she views as a curse not a gift-- that she kept hidden for years. She's afraid it would consume her and bring her to the dark side. But one evening, while attending a ball she used her powers to save someone from an evil spell. Unfortunately, somebody saw her and she was blackmailed. She will use her power for them or they will reveal her secret. Quite the dilemma, isn't it?

Katerina reminded of Fire from Kristin Cashore's Fire. She saw herself as a monster not knowing that what she hated the most about herself will save not only her family but the entire Russia. She's passionate about being a doctor even though in her time, it's frowned upon when a woman with title would "work" instead of being happily married. A little bit cynical about love so it was really cute to watch her fell in love with someone she despises the most. On the other hand, Grand Duke George Alexandrovich reminds me of Brigan from the same book by Cashore. Brigan hated Fire. Judged her harshly, treated her with contempt, but he will always be there to save her in the nick of time. With their constant meeting and unexpected brushes with out-of-the-ordinary creatures, he learned more about her and grew to love her.

What my problem with The Gathering Storm was the names and the titles. It took getting used to. But although that's the case, I'm happy that I know now the difference between the usage of -nova and -vich. Also, the ranks and familial relationships baffled me to no end. Everyone was someone's cousin, granddaughter or great great grandson.

The creatures, the superstitions and the lore, were enough to drive me crazy. Everything just keep popping out of place and it made everything so complicated. I almost poked my eye with a pen (yes, I'm reading at class again) when I discovered what's lurking beyond the forests that first time. I never thought I'll see that kind of creature again in another book. Think of Die For Me. ;)

And the sudden realization of Katerina that she loved Brigan--er George was enough reason for me to eat my socks. I think the naiveness can be pointed out on the fact that she was cynical about this. But I'm telling you that came out of nowhere. Although, I applaud this book because there's no insta-love, that out of nowhere realization just bothered me a bit. Who knew you'd fell in love with someone that fast and you'd realized it because you're not going to be able to dance with him at a ball because you're already engaged? Ha!

However, my only real thorn about this was the ending. Why does it have to end that way? Is there any awesome explanation why the ending must be in a completely different level from the rest of the book?

Nevertheless, The Gathering Storm was refreshing and different. The descriptions and the details were very well done, I've felt like I've been to Russia myself, attended the balls and curtsied 'til my knees and ankles hurt. I enjoyed it and I am expecting to know more about Katerina and her painstakingly decision (rolls eyes) to make in the next installment. Filled with glamour, myth, mystery and adventures, fans of Kristin Cashore's Graceling and Fire from The Seven Kingdom series will surely like this book.

Cupid's Verdict:

4 Cupids

An advance copy was provided by the publisher at no cost via Netgalley.

Review: Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

2012-02-12T09:00:00.001+08:00

Read from January 4, 2012
to January 24, 2012

Book: Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Publication Date: January 2, 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

Number of Pages: 400 pages

Genre/s: Young Adult, Dystopia

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY. - Goodreads

Excerpt: "She absorbed the terror and beauty of him and his world. Of every moment over the past days. All of it, filling her up like the first breath she'd ever taken. And never had she loved life more."

You know what's the worst thing that could happen to me while reading? Feel disconnected. Everything is so sloooow. It did hold my interest and the writing was good but no wow-factor for me. And there's no denying the fact that it took me 20 days to finished it. Almost 3 weeks!

Why Under the Never Sky didn't work for me:

1. It was too quiet and some of the chapters dragged. I like page-turners and attention-grabbers. And Under the Never Sky just failed to do that.

2. Some of Aria and Peregrine moments just seemed off. Especially on the first few parts although it did improve on the latter part of the book.

3. Under the Never Sky gave me a reading slump. I read I am Number Four and Shatter Me before I was able to finish it. I just couldn't get into it. I came very close to not finishing this at all.

4. When the big bang came, it sounded more like a squeak. It was almost too late to pick things up and turn everything around.

5. Why does it have to end the way it did? I think Rossi enjoys giving us mixed emotions.

But let's be fair. Under the Never Sky has a great story and will be thoroughly enjoyed. But that someone is not me. I think it's just a matter of preference. So let me share to you what I think you'd like in UtNS.

Why you should read Under the Never Sky:

1. The writing was great. Rossi has a talent with words. The narrations and dialogues are skillfully woven.

2. The world-building was splendidly done. Realms, pods, Tides. Original and interesting.

3. The concept was new. There are two distinct groups of people composed of Dwellers and Outsiders. Dwellers are considered Moles and Outsiders savages.

4. No insta-love here.

5. The last part was full of twists and surprises and infinitely better than the first half.

6. Roar was made of win and he's awesome. Enough said.

Under the Never Sky has a slow start. Rossi invested a lot with the world-building which I think paid off because it made the book really original and unique. She didn't forget the readers all together as well because she gave a little shocker towards the last few chapters and ended the book on a slight disgruntling note.

All in all, great concept and world-building but like I said, I think this book is not for me. I am NOT persuading you not to read this instead I'm asking you to consider the Why You Should Read UtNS section so you wouldn't miss out and here's hoping you'd enjoy Under the Never Sky.

Cupid's Verdict:

3 Cupids

An advance copy was provided by the publisher at no cost via Netgalley

Follow Friday # 6

2012-02-11T21:10:00.002+08:00

Hey guys! I'm finally back from my week-long hiatus. The exams were hard but I'm glad because I'm going to be able to blog again. I have another good news as well. I'm featured on Karen's blog, For What It's Worth yesterday. Yay! Hope you guys visit and check it out. :) I know this is kind of late but I missed out on this post last Friday so I definitely have to make do this week. Without further ado, here's my Feature & Follow post.

Follow Friday is a weekly blog hop hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee that expands your blog following by joint efforts between bloggers. This week's featured bloggers are Goldilox and the Three Weres and BookChowDown.

Question of the Week:

What would you prefer: reading your favorite book over and over again until you got sick of it OR reading 100s of mediocre books? And why?

Honestly, I'm not a big rereader. I don't repeat books, ever with the exception of those I really really love. But I'd rather reread my all-time faves than get stuck reading mediocre books. What's the point, right? For me, reading is supposed to be an enjoyable experience and a way to relieve stress so reading books I won't really enjoy is like setting myself up for torture.

What about you?

Share your answer down below or link-up with your own FF post.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Friday!
Want to reread The Hunger Games before the movie comes out? Join us.
For the complete deets, click here.

Random Ramblings (10): Just thought I'd let you know + Giveaway Winners!

2012-02-04T21:45:00.001+08:00

Help! I'm stuck.

I am so ashamed because I'm saying this again.

I will probably sound like a broken record right now.

And because of that I am deeply sorry...

I will be on a hiatus next week.

There, I said it. Mad? Don't worry I'll be suffering for the next 10 days as well so I think that will even things out.

The sitch

We're going to have our preliminary examinations and submission of our Chapter 2 for our thesis next week. I have to concentrate on this because our courses are extra difficult this semester and I honestly believe I hardly learned anything so I have to study more to compensate with my empty head. The thesis? Ugh. Just mentioning it give me the creeps.

After that, I think I have a clear schedule ahead. So I'm going to make up for all the days I've been gone.

On a much happier note, I am going to announce the winners in my first ever giveaway. I celebrated my 100th follower milestone as well as my 3rd month blogoversary, and I seriously can thank you guys enough for making the Giveaway Extravaganza a success. Over 1800+ entries were collected and your overwhelming support will definitely lead to another giveaway in the future. ;)

So without further ado, here are the winners!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations Dawn from Flit Lit and Jodi! Both winners chose Divergent by Veronica Roth. Hmm.. guess I'm not the only one who haven't read this book yet. I have notified them already and their books are on their way. Thank you Book Depository.

Before I end, I'd like to invite everyone to my first blogging event with my friend Sana from Breathing Books called The Hunger Games Read-A-Thon. For the complete deets, click here.

That's it. Don't be mad, OK? And please think of me while you read. I'll be watching over your shoulders. Mwahaha.

Wrap-Up: Harper Imprint Challenge (Jan 1-Jan 31, 2012)

2012-02-03T21:57:00.000+08:00

Harper Imprint Challenge is hosted by Starry Sky Books. It started on January 1st and ended January 31st. Participants have to read books published by Harper Collins and HarperCollins imprints: Harper Teen, Greenwillow, Katherine Tegen Books, and Balzer + Bray. Read my introductory post here.

I went for the Medium level (5-8 books) and these are the list of my books:

- Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

- Die For Me by Amy Plum

- Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

- Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

- Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig

Sadly, I only read 3 of the books that I originally listed and added another book. That's 4 out of 5 books I was supposed to read and 1 book does not have a review yet.

Books I read on this challenge (click the title to read the review):

1. Die For Me by Amy Plum

2. I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

3. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

4. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (review to be posted SOON)

***

I did not make it. But it was still a lot of fun doing this reading challenge and visiting other blogs who participated as well. I'll be doing this again if ever Chelsey will host this kind of event again but I think I'll be lowering my reading level next time. ;)

The Read-A-Thon of The Year: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2012-02-01T21:00:00.006+08:00

March 23, 2012 is fast approaching. Everyone be it from the reading or non-reading community have already marked their calendars in eager anticipation for the theater-release of The Hunger Games, the first in the much-celebrated book trilogy of Suzanne Collins. I for one had never been this excited in a book-turned-into-movie adaptation since the Harry Potter phenomena. I have a countdown on my phone, in my bedroom and dormitory wall, and on my desktop. If I could post it up on my bathroom wall, I would.

That's why we are happy to announce this event to help us kill time before the wait kills us (That's totally lame, I know) Me and Sana from Breathing Books will be hosting The Hunger Games Read-A-Thon, a month-long read-a-thon that will start from February 23, 2012 until the eve of March 23, 2012. We are still ironing out the schedule but as of now, it looks like this:

Click to enlarge.

Everyone can sign-up as of today, Feb 1 up to March 19. If you have missed one Chapter post you can always link it up on the succeeding Chapter post. As you can also see, there is a Highlight Post every Sunday. This is where we will choose the best post and we'll feature it that day so that everyone who joined this Read-A-Thon will get to read it!

Anyone willing to contribute for prizes, giveaways and swags will be welcome with open arms and if this event goes as successfully as we hope it to, then we'll surely come back again for Catching Fire with better and bigger prizes. ;)

Bloggers and non-bloggers are welcome to join. Non-bloggers you can use Goodreads or any other posting platforms just make sure that you can link-it up so we can all read it. To sign-up, just do an introductory post with the details and the button for this event and link-it up below. Feel free to choose from the 2 buttons (codes can be found on the side-bar) and put it on your own side-bar or wherever you want. Help us spread the word by using the #THGReadAThon hashtag on Twitter! :)

Not only will this event serve as a refresher before the movie comes out but it will be fun discussing THG with other hardcore monkey mutts--er I mean hardcore THG fanatics.

So join us because the world will be watching and so will we.

Seeing as this is our first event to host, questions/recommendations/suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

Want this read-a-thon to be extra special? Sponsor us!

Want to do a guest post? Contact us!

Email us at sarah[underscore]00988[at]yahoo[dot]com and sananoor[underscore]94[at]hotmail[dot]com

Now let's all watch the THG trailer. Let the drooling ensue!

Follow Friday # 5

2012-01-27T21:52:00.000+08:00

Look! The FF button has a new look and I'm loving it.

Follow Friday is a weekly blog hop hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee that expands your blog following by joint efforts between bloggers. This week's featured bloggers are Fiction Fervor and Book'd Out.

Question of the Week:

Which book genre do you avoid at all costs and why?

Science Fiction and Spiritual books. I don't do aliens. Never liked them in movies, televisions nor in books. I'm pretty intrigued about them in real life but that's how far my interest about them would go. I do try this genre once in a while and would surprised myself that I do enjoy them. But it's not really something I would read for the rest of my life.

Spiritual books just don't sit well with me and I avoid them as much as I can. I'm a Catholic, yes but I don't like to read books that "preach". I don't appreciate opinions and doctrines being shoved down my throat. I learned enough about them at college and reading about them in books is just too much.

What about you?

What book genre do you avoid like the plague?
Share 'em down below or link-up with your own FF post.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Friday!
Don't forget to check out my Giveaway Extravaganza. Ends 2/1.

Random Ramblings #9: The 'Why I'm Busy' Confession

2012-01-26T22:00:00.002+08:00

Sunday, Jan 22.

Know how significant that day was? You don't? Well, it was the last day I posted a book review. 4 days ago. *hides face in shame*

So I decided to explain my on and off hiatus on this blogging space of mine. And will try not to complain and blame everything to the sudden increase of our requirements this semester. Okay, maybe a little.

The reasons:

1) College is really in the hell variety as of the moment. I never thought everything would be this hectic (I actually was expecting this, but I'm still on the denial phase). Our thesis enjoys biting us in our butts and we could do nothing but endure it and trudged on. Bottom line, whining and grumping mainly sums up my day. Which leads us to reason #2.

2) My reading mood is on its all time low. Which leads us to reason # 3.

3) I'm backed-up on books to-read and to-review. I'm doing my best to catch-up but I'm barely keeping up. Everyone who visits the blog on a daily basis, must've seen how forlorn-looking the Under the Never Sky on the currently-reading portion.

So where do all this reasons leads to? Oh I know. The not-so golden question:

Am I on the verge of the dreaded blogging burn-out?

My answer?

Not even close!

Why? I've been taking a lot of anti-stress pills, that's why. Kidding aside, the start of the year has been great for me. I have super-awesome followers *waves wildly to everyone* and readers who regularly visit whenever I managed to put up a post. And you know what gives a blogger real joy? Regular Readers. They're like the gold coins in the blogging world. Priceless. To that I am greatly thankful.

What more is I started receiving physical books to review. Well, they're not really here yet but they will be soon. I never thought authors/publishers will send out physical books for me to review since I live in the Philippines. I'm more than okay with digital copies but having a real book in your hands is a much better reading experience.

And then I'm so excited because I'm hosting my very first blogging event this year with a fellow friend and book-blogger extraordinaire. We're currently on the planning stage and everything is coming together perfectly, if I may say so. The post about this will come on the last day of January so keep an eye out for it. I hope you guys will participate!

Clue! Clue!

OK then. Here's all the clue I can give for now:

Hunger Games?? Hmmm..

So before I spoil everything, I'm going to leave you all to ponder about this. And watch out for the reviews of these following books:

That's it for the WHY I'M BUSY confession. Sorry for not posting consistently but I hope you guys understand. What I can promise is I'll be doing my very best to keep Smitten over Books alive with blog posts. You can always count me on that. ;)

PS. The Giveaway Extravaganza is still ongoing. Ends 2/1.

**Photo courtesy of the world wide web

Event Alert!: Book Blogger Love-A-Thon

2012-01-26T20:57:00.001+08:00

For the entire details, click here.

I was browsing my timeline when I come across this tweet:

I checked. And this is what I've found: Katelyn from Kate's Tales of Books and Bands will be hosting an event which will be filled with love and thanksgiving in no less than the perfect day to do it, Valentine's Day.

Before I get to the details about this event, let me tell you a little secret about my love life (or lack thereof). I am single. An NBSB (No boyfriend since birth) and I used to moan about this to my friends or anyone who'd care to listen. But ever since I started blogging, I found a place where I get to experienced what I've been missing.

So what's this got to do with this event? Read this. (Taken from the original post by the host)

What is a Love-A-Thon, you may ask? It is quite similar to a Read-A-Thon but instead of reading books for an extended period of time, you will be spreading the love to bloggers all over! I am still working out a lot of minor details but here’s what I hope to accomplish with this love-fest:

Who: Anyone and everyone can sign up just as long as you remember to keep it friendly! I would like it if you had a place to post stuff so having a blog is required (I don’t think anyone without a blog would try to sign up for a Blog Love-A-Thon but sometimes you can never be too careful!)

What: A Blogger Love-A-Thon! This will be a day full of commenting on blogs, following blogs, tweeting about blogs, thanking blogs, sharing the word about awesome blogs, telling another blogger how freaking awesome they are, the list goes on and on. Basically it will consist of fun posts, mini challenges, lots of commenting, and perhaps a giveaway or two! I do not have a full schedule completely detailed out yet but I will be e-mailing it to everyone who hopes to participate. Since I am a simple person and like to keep things that way, it will most likely be a fairly easy-to-follow schedule!

When: February 17th 2012 at 12:00 a.m. EST until February 18th 2012 at 12: a.m. EST. I understand that life gets in the way which is why I am not putting in major time restrictions on how long you have to actually be participating! If you can only do it for 12 hours, then do it for those 12 hours!

Where: Twitter, blogs, Facebook! All of your posts will be on your blog but OF COURSE links are welcomed on Twitter and Facebook!

Why: I doubt any of you were asking this question but just in case, it is because there are SO MANY book bloggers that I love! I want to take this opportunity to tell them how much I appreciate all the time and energy they put into their blogs. I know this is hard work and we have all had that moment of feeling like “is there anyone even paying attention to what I’m saying?” I just really hope that a day like this will be good to lift the spirits of book bloggers everywhere! (There I go sounding all cheesy! I am sure I’ll be regretting my wording in about 2 hours but oh well, it gets the point across!)

How: If you would like to participate it is easy to sign up! (Or as easy as I can make it!)

Step 1- Read over everything I had to say and see if you a) agree with it b) want to take part in it and c) are able to participate in at least part of it!

2- Take the button at the top and save it to your computer.

3- Put it in your sidebar if you want!

4- Make up a post talking about the Book Blogger Love-A-Thon (and of course link back to this post). Also, it would be really sweet if you could put that button you so conveniently saved to your computer during step 2 and put it in the post somewhere. Your post can be as simple or as extravagant as you want. It can just be a copy and paste sort of deal or use your own wording. I don’t care just as long as ALL of the main info is there for anyone stopping by!

5- Publish your post and get the link.

6- Come back here, fill out the form and paste the link for me! Yes I will be checking out all participating blogs!

7- Tell people about this! Of course I would be happy if even 1 person wanted to do this with me but I think the more, the merrier!

8- Tweeting is optional BUT if you do Tweet about it try using the hashtag #LoveAThon. That way if I see it (trust me on this, I will now be stalking that hashtag like no other) I promise to RT for you!

Have any questions, concerns, comments, or suggestions on what we can do for mini challenges during the event? Email Katelyn here: katelynsblog(at)aol(dot)com!

This is really a great event. Giving thanks and some love will never get old. Also it's never too much to spread the love and support to others and it really goes a long way. Sounds fun, right? Let's make our Valentine's Day count, enter here.

Review: Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Tahereh Mafi

2012-01-22T14:00:00.000+08:00

Read from January to 2012

Book: Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Tahereh Mafi

Publication Date: November 15, 2011

Publisher: HarperCollins

Number of Pages: 338 pages

Genre/s: Young Adult, Dystopia

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.

Excerpt: "I tried so hard to fix what I'd ruined. I tried every single day to be what they wanted. I tried all the time to be better but I never really knew how.

I only know now that the scientists are wrong.

The world is flat.

I know because I was tossed right off the edge and I've been trying to hold on for 17 years. I've been trying to climb back up for 17 years but it's nearly impossible to beat gravity when no one is willing to give you a hand.

When no one wants to risk touching you."

I know it's no use writing a review after reading this fantastic book. I'm still reeling with mixed emotions that I have finished it and will have no more pages to flipped. But I'm going to try my best to at least touched (no pun intended) some of the parts that had me loved this book so much.

The setting

The setting was tight. Shatter Me used only few places for the plot to unfold. And it's really commendable how everything fit perfectly with each other. The cell alone could sell the book for me.

The pacing

Incredible. Fast-paced. Intense. This is exactly why I love reading dystopian. While other dystopian novels seems to bore a lot on information and details on its first parts, Shatter Me did not shy away from picking up the pace earlier in the book. And it worked splendidly to keep readers gripped from the time they opened the book and started reading it.

The writing

Different. Amazing. Mafi's an incredibly talented writer. It somehow reminded me of Lisa McMann's Wake Trilogy. They both write in their own style and it really made their book stand out from the rest. The description of Mafi's, and being inside Juliette's head is one incredible treat.

The characters

Incredible. Interesting. Incredible. I love seeing Juliette grow. She was insecure, sad, alone, rejected and she has all the reason to rebel against those that ridiculed her but she didn't. She's a kind, compassionate person despite what people think of her. She's strong, loyal and loving.

Adam. (fangirl mode) OMG. Adam was incredibly sumptuous. From the moment I heard of his deep blue eyes, I know I have a new literature crush. He is one hot man. (fan girl mode over) I feel for what he went through. He is a good brother and his devotion for Juliette was really touching and believable.

Warner. A pyscho-villain. He creeps me out. His undeniable attraction to Juliette is unnerving and entirely foul. He's obsessed with her and I think we all know how obsessed persons deal with their objects of intense interest. I said it already. OBJECTS.

James. Kenji. They deserved a special mention. I'll be okay with a whole lot of swooning but the laughs they got out of me was unexpected and totally welcomed.

The love story

The swoon-factor of this book is outrageous. This book is extremely addictive and by that I mean you can't drop the book down and wait for a downtime to be able to read it. I read at class, at a thesis conference, at lunch. And you know what? The silly grin creeping up across my face uncontrollably and the squeals turned into a not-so successful cough and snorts is enough evidence that Juliette + Adam is unstoppable.

Their chemistry and hunger for each other is palpable. It's like I'm standing in front of them, watching the exact same thing. It would be awkward, if I'm not so mesmerized by it.

***

Will you please help me out? I'm running out of adjectives to describe how awesome this book is. Saying incredible again and again does not even give Shatter Me the justice it rightfully deserves.

This book is my first dystopian read this year and I am so happy I picked this up. This is one of the few books I begged to have because I heard positive things about it. So expectations were high and thankfully, it was reached if not exceeded. I find myself stalling on the last few chapters because I don't want it to end.

Tahereh Mafi is as of now sitting at my best author lists and is enjoying a cup of coffee amongst my other beloved authors. So do yourself a favor and grab a copy now. If there's one thing I regret is I only picked Shatter Me now when I should have done it months ago. And shoot me now because the next installment has no estimated release-day yet.

Cupid's Verdict:

5 Cupids

Giveaway Alert!: By Evie-Bookish and Literary Exploration and Sparkling Reviews

2012-01-22T13:59:00.002+08:00

I am presenting 2 3 giveaways! :)

First stop: Evie-Bookish's International Box of Books Giveaway.

I am so excited about this. This is extremely big. Like enormous! And one lucky winner will take it all. I'll keep my fingers crossed about this. I badly want to win. This will run until March 1 and is open internationally.

What you can win? Behold...

To enter click here.

2nd stop: Literary Exploration's 800 Follower Giveaway

Anna of Literary Exploration has reached a very big milestone and to celebrate and give thanks she is doing this fun-filled giveaway. :D
Grand Prize Winner:A mystery box of books and swag!UPDATE: Upon reaching 900 followers she announced ONE item that will be in the box - A SIGNED copy of Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi.UPDATE: When she reached 950 followers she announced another item that will be in the box - A SIGNED copy of Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi.
2nd Place Winner:UPDATE: She managed to reach 1,000 followers. Because of this, someone else will win a little something! It won't be a big mystery box like the grand prize winner, but it will be some swag and maybe a couple of books!
Great prizes, right? This is open to US residence only. To enter click here.
UPDATE!
3rd stop: Another awesome giveaway by Sparkling Reviews! :)
Looking for new Mac? Look no further! Enter Sparkling Reviews' 13in MacBook Air and Apple Giveaway.
Big giveaway right? For the whole info and how to enter, go here.

Challenge Alert: Middle Grade March Madness

2012-01-20T20:04:00.001+08:00

Benji from The Non Reluctant Reader and Chelsey from Starry Sky Books is hosting the Middle Grade March Madness Challenge. Basically, you'll have to read middle grade novels.

The Levels:

1. Citizen, Read 1-3 Books

2. Mayor, Read 4-8 Books

3. Congressman, Read 9-12 Books

4. President, 13+ Books

The Schedule:

January 20th: Sign-Ups are OPEN (along with the giveaway)

February 22nd: Giveaway Ends

March 1st: Challenge Begins

March 7th: Sign-ups close, First giveaway of the challenge goes up

March 14: Second giveaway of the challenge goes up, first giveaway of the challenge ends

March 15-17th: Middle Grade 72 Hour Readathon Begins!

March 21st: Third giveaway of the challenge goes up, second one ends

March 28th: Final Giveaway of the challenge goes up!

April 1st: Challenge ends!

Sign-ups are open until March 7, 2012. Everyone can join as long as you have a blog, Goodreads, Amazon, Library Thing, or Barnes and Noble account where you post reviews.

That's all. Easy peasy! I have several MGN to-read and this challenge is a great push in the right direction. I'm going for the Citizen level.

Like to join in the fun? Enter here or here.

See you there!

Follow Friday # 4

2012-01-20T18:40:00.001+08:00

Look! The FF button has a new look and I'm loving it.

Follow Friday is a weekly blog hop hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee that expands your blog following by joint efforts between bloggers. This week's featured bloggers are Butterfly-o-Meter Books and Pretty in Fiction.

Question of the Week:

What's the craziest thing you've ever done to
get your hands on any particular book?

I am not really an impulsive book buyer. I weigh the books I want to buy and will think very very very hard before I buy a book. I prefer to just borrow the book first and then buy it after if I really LOVED it. I'd like to believe I am a frugal person. If I do have extra money, I'd either buy a book or stuff myself with food. But that rarely happens, since most of the time I really have no money to spend on books (Books here are so expensive, 'm telling you).

But you know what's my weakness? Bookstores. Put me in one and I'll never reemerged until you drag me out of it. And when it's one of those fateful days that I have my parents with me (I call them THE BANK), I swallow all my pride and beg for the book that really caught my eye. And it's not silent begging, mind you. I lay out on the table how awesome my grades are (not really), that I am a good student (white lie) and how I rarely ask them to buy me a book (truth!). If the good quality agenda didn't work, I sulk at the corner until they somehow realized that they are depriving me of one the few things I really love. Totally works all the time. You can say I'm spoiled but I'd like to say I'm just a "little" crazy about books.

What about you?

Share your deepest, crazy secrets about book shopping.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Friday!
Don't forget to check out my Giveaway Extravaganza.

Review: The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice

2012-01-17T08:00:00.056+08:00

Read from January 9 to
January 13, 2012

Book: The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice

Publication Date: December 6, 2011

Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.

Number of Pages: 272 pages

Genre/s: Romance

After five long years, Georgiana McLaughlin returns to the only place she’s ever considered home—the same place she stole a kiss from Ridge Carson under the community “kissing tree.” But this time he’s a man, and reconciling their past is just the beginning. You’ll find yourself applauding each new chapter filled with fun, romance, and adventure in this captivating, heartfelt tale of love, friendship, and finding your way back.

Excerpt: "'There you have it, Ridge Carson.' She beamed down at him, proud she hadn’t lost her nerve. 'I’ve stolen a kiss and you can never have it back!'"

After Georgiana was uprooted from her hometown, Colorado to live in New York, she was forced to leave her old life and friends. Filled with longing and dissatisfaction with her new sophisticated life, the old Georgiana who was outgoing and full of life has become introverted and more reserved. When her beloved grandmother had died, she was finally allowed to go back to Colorado to help his grandfather and to know what keeps her from settling down in New York. She met again Ridge Carson, his childhood friend with whom he had stolen a kiss under the Kissing Tree. And in the beautiful place of pasture and mountains, she will found what she was looking for and finally be with her one true love.

Georgiana is one feisty young woman. She had a simple, happy life with her family and friends but when his father had died in a tragic accident, it had deeply grieved his mother. To cope they had to leave Colorado, because her mother couldn't take living in their home where everything reminded him of his father.

Ridge Carson was described as tall and ruggedly handsome with wavy brown hair, big honey colored eyes and having a sprinkling of freckles on the nose. Yes, I did take note of all of that because I just have to picture him while reading the book.

When they get together, the chemistry was undeniable. What started out as a childhood friendship grew into an enduring love. Their banters were adorable and you could really feel the strong connection between the two of them.

Another thing that's worthy of note is the fact that I was able to stick with the story knowing that I'm more of an urban fantasy/dystopian girl. There's no flying around or vampires biting someone's neck or telekinesis or any of those exhilarating notion. It is simple yet every characters were interesting because they were well-developed. The setting as well has a calming effect to it. The writing made me feel like I was reading a script on a play and it made everything feel so alive and entertaining.

However, there'd be a lot of things that would have irked me in this book as well. Like why everyone has to be beautiful or how naive Georgiana and Ridge about their feelings for each other, when it's just so obvious. The events were pretty predictable too. But I read The Kissing Tree as it is. A light book filled with romance and I found myself having plenty of swoon moments, crazy smiling and outrageous squealing.

Sometimes you just have to let a book be what it was intended to be and The Kissing Tree is one of those books. A sweet and endearing story about family and finding your one true love, this is a perfect read for Valentine's Day.

Cupid's Verdict:

An advanced copy was provided by the publisher at no cost via Netgalley.

Book Blogger Confessions # 3

2012-01-16T19:00:00.002+08:00

Book Blogger Confession is a new blog meme hosted by Tiger of All Consuming Books and Karen of For What It's Worth. It is a weekly meme in which bloggers can ~~vent~~ share their blogging "problems".

Question of the Week:
Have you ever had reading/blogging slumps?
How do you work through them or work around them?

I rarely get reading/blogging slumps. It was more like no-reading-time slumps, so when I finally get to have a free time to read a book, I devoured it like there's no tomorrow. If ever I have a reading slump, it could be because I have tons of books to be reviewed. For some reason, I can't truly enjoy a book knowing that I have gazillions of pending reviews to be done. So now I make it a point to at least make a book review draft of my latest finished read before I pick up another book and it did help a lot.

What about you? Have you experienced the dreaded reading/blogging slumps? How did you handled it? Feel free to share in the comment section below or link up with your own Book Blogger Confessions.

Happy Monday!

Don't forget to check out my Giveaway Extravaganza!

Follow Friday # 3

2012-01-13T21:27:00.001+08:00

Follow Friday is a weekly blog hop hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee that expands your blog following by joint efforts between bloggers. This week's featured bloggers are Musings of a Book Lover and Badass Book Reviews.

Question of the Week:

Many readers/bloggers are also big music fans. Tell us about a few of your favorite bands/singers that we should listen to in 2012.

I love music! I think even before I discovered how much of a book nerd I am, I was hands-down a music geek. I listen to a wide variety of genres and when I was a kid I was a big fan of Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and all those big divas out there. Now, I think I have developed a huge taste in music, ranging from classic to pop.

As of now my music montage are composed of the following artists:

1) All Time Low

A band that I discovered through my friends and I would be forever thankful for them. Their music is incredible and I genuinely think that the band members are more than bandmates, they're brothers related through music.

2) Christina Aguilera

A powerful singer and has an attitude to boot. I've been in love with Aguilera's singing style and prowess ever since I was young. Her Stripped album is one of my most beloved album of all time.

3) Christina Perri

She was a recent favorite artist of mine. Her songs are definitely different and very heartfelt. My favorites are A Thousand Years, Blue Bird, The Lonely and Jar of Hearts.

4) Carrie Underwood

Country music is my new found love. And that's all thanks to Carrie Underwood. Her albums Some Hearts and Carnival Ride are one of the most played albums in playlist.

5) Jason Mraz

His voice is soothing and his music can be catchy or really emotional. Everytime I listen to him, I am in my most relaxed mood. Have you listen to I Won't Give Up? Come on give it a go. It's a beautiful song!

6) John Mayer

This very talented singer/guitarist gives me the chill whenever I listen to him. From Your Body Is a Wonderland to Slow Dancing In a Burning Room, his passion for music really shines through.

7) Adele

Adele is one of a kind. Her songs both sad portraying heartbreak and betrayal and sassy saying she can move on and you're gonna be sorry. I think I raped the repeat button for about a week before I had my fill. My favorites: Chasing Pavement, Someone Like You and I Found A Boy.

8) Jessie J

Jessie J is for me one of the most versatile singers out there. With her strong, powerful voice and great song compositions, her album, Who You Are is such a treat.

9) Demi Lovato

Her new album, Unbroken is I think her best album yet. Despite the difficulties she went through last year she was able to deliver a great album. From her moving rendition of Skyscraper to her upbeat songs, All Night Long and Who's That Boy, it showcased how much she has grown as a singer but not altogether forgetting that she's young and is more than allowed to have some silly fun.

10) The Script

One of my favorite bands ever. Their songs Nothing, The Man That Can't Be Moved, For The First Time and many more are just incredible. I could listen to them all day and would still ask for more.

11) David Cook

I've never cheered so much on any contestant since David Cook's time on the American Idol stage. He is a talented singer and his song covers are risky but very well done and can be called his own. Who would forget, his cover of Carey's Always Be My Baby? Totally changed the song! Every time I hear that today, I now immediately think of him.

12) Glee (cover songs and originals)

Their covers are always different and fun. They are a very talented bunch of outcast kids and when I listen to them I always feel as if I'm part of their fun group.

So based on the above, I could really say I'm into mainstream music as of this moment. Come listen to them and I'd surely vouch that their songs are amazing. Any recommendations are greatly welcome because I believe my love for discovering new things to love does not end in books but also include music.

And don't forget to check out my Giveaway Extravaganza.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Friday the 13th!

**Pictures are from the world wide web.

Review: I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1) by Pittacus Lore

2012-01-09T20:29:00.004+08:00

Read from January 6 to
January 8, 2012

Book: I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1) by Pittacus Lore

Publication Date: August 3, 2010

Publisher: HarperCollins

Number of Pages: 480 pages

Genre/s: Young Adult, Science Fiction

Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real.

Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.

But they know.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.

Number Two in England.

And Number Three in Kenya.

They killed them all.

I am Number Four.

I am next. - From Goodreads

Excerpt: "It's the last thing to go,"Henri says. "When you have lost hope, you have lost everything. And when you think all is lost, when all is dire and bleak, there is always hope."

John and his Cepan(guardian) has always been on the run since they arrived from Earth after their planet, Lorien had been destroyed. They are aliens and they were being hunted by the Mogadorians, the same enemies that destroyed their planet. There are nine of them and they can't be killed out of order. Three are dead and John is next that is why they decided to travel again to another small town. Stakes are even higher this time so John has to do everything to conceal his true identity and protect his secret. But John did the unthinkable. He had drawn attention to himself. He even made a friend, Sam and got himself a girlfriend, Sarah. Also, John is getting stronger and with that comes the bigger risk of exposing his true self. In the inevitable battle between the Mogadorians and the remaining Loriens, John must make his last stand and he will come to know the true meaning of loss and the bittersweet power of sacrifice.

I Am Number Four has never been high up on my TBR list. I am not fond of alien stories and I've already watched the movie. It was decent but not enough to really get me to pick up the book. But one fateful day, a classmate of mine lend me this book and I found myself highly entertained.

There was something about this book that was enjoyable and it was really interesting to know about 9 Loriens traveling to Earth to regroup and learn all their Legacies so they could defeat the Mogadorians and claim back their planet. One thing that also struck me was, I Am Number Four characters were one of those characters that would have bored me to death. They were not exactly the most flat characters out there but they came close. Maybe it was because I have seen the movie and I know what was about to happen that kept me really gripped by the story but honestly, I never found myself bored. Shocking, right? I even got a little teary eyed on the quite sad turn out in the story. I knew then that the characters had somehow managed to get under my skin and had me invested on them.

I could not really account the entertainment of I Am Number Four to it being exceptionally written either. It was pretty straightforward. He did this, he did that. He reacted, he retaliated. It was simple yet there was magic between those unassuming ventures. I was interested about John discovering his Legacies and how he handled his huge crush on his soon to become girlfriend. He's loyal and brave. He would disregard everything for the people he holds dear. Even for his dog, Bernie Kosar. Sam is a good friend. Sarah is pretty but I was afraid at first that that'd be her only asset. But she redeemed herself on the later half and showed me why John really felt that intense connection with her. Henry for me was a perfect guardian for John as well.

If there's something that could be taken from I Am Number Four it is the underlying message about war and the devastation it could bring. That the never ending quest for superiority and power would bring destruction to Earth like what happened to the planet of the Mogadorians, what the Mogadorians did to Lorien and what they're trying to do again, this time to Earth. And that there's hope even at our darkest hours.

I Am Number Four did not really make me shriek my head-off chanting "Best Book Ever" over and over like a raving lunatic. But it was packed-full of adventures, thrill and entertainment. I am certain that if the rest of the books in the series would give the same amount of likeability or even more, Lorien Legacies series would definitely sit on my well-beloved series shelf. And with that I am awarding my first half-rating ever for this book. Something I've never thought of doing.

Cupid's Verdict:

and a half

3 1/2 Cupids

PS. If you have watched the movie and decided to skip this book altogether, I dissuade you to do so. There was a lot of minor and some major discrepancies between the movie and the book. And honestly after much reflecting, I actually liked the book better than the movie.

Follow Friday # 2

2012-01-06T19:43:00.001+08:00

Follow Friday is a weekly blog hop hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee that expands your blog following by joint efforts between bloggers. This week's featured bloggers are Pawing Through Books and Book Den.

Question of the Week:
Go count the number of books sitting on your shelf. How many?

It'd take me forever to count the number of books on my TBR shelf. Shocking? Not really. I really hope I could make a dent in my reading queue this year. Wish me luck!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Friday!
And don't forget to check out my Giveaway Extravaganza.