Fiction Folio

Waiting on Wednesday: Sweet Summertime Reads & Giveaway

2012-05-30T07:03:00.000-05:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases you are eagerly anticipating.

There are so many amazing books coming out this summer, and I wanted to share with you some of my most anticipated releases. Some could be considered "summer" books, while others just simply come out in the next few months. Let me know what some of your anticipated releases are in the comments!

Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols - July 10, 2012

The Thing About the Truth by Lauren Barnholdt - July 10, 2012

Perfect Escape by Jennifer Brown - July 10, 2012

The Debutantes by Cora Harrison - August 2, 2012

Fingerprints of You by Kristen-Paige Madonia - August 7, 2012

Speechless by Hannah Harrington - August 28, 2012

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian - September 18, 2012

***

And now it's giveaway time! Some of my favorite summer reads are written by Jessi Kirby because she can make you feel like you are right there on the beach or right there in the car with the characters in her books. Because I love her books so much, I'm giving away a chance to win both Moonglass and In Honor! Just fill out the form below and note that this is open to anyone The Book Depository ships to!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sweet Summertime Reads: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

2012-05-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

Title: My Life Next Door

Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 14, 2012
Pages: 395
Source: Publisher and NetGalley

From Goodreads:

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them... until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.

***

Let's go back to that last sentence of the summary, shall we? Because it sums up My Life Next Door to a T in one short, sweet sentence. The word that stands out the most to me is dreamy - because this book is definitely that and more.

Confession time. We have all taken a peek at our neighbors before. Not in a creepy, bad way, but in a curious way. The unknown or the lack of something in our own lives makes us intrigued about what's going on in other's lives, and this is exactly the case with Samantha. She has a very small, prim and proper family that is lucky enough to have money. The Garrett's, on the other hand, are loud, not uber polished or put together, and there are TONS of them. Who wouldn't be interested in watching them from afar?

I absolutely fell in love with the Garrett family from the minute they were introduced (my favorite family member is George - if you read the story you'll totally see why). I can't help but compare them to the family in Cheaper by the Dozen because they are very much alike. They are both very large families, maybe not the richest in the world, but the love they have for each other is insurmountable. I was thrilled when Samantha and Jase started chatting and Jase could expose Samantha to a life so very different from her own.

And speaking of Samantha and Jase - HOLY HOTTNESS. The chemistry between the two just smacks you upside the head in a sexy, oh-my-God-I-want-more way sort of way and leaves you a little breathless. Then when you throw in the plot twist (don't worry, no spoilers) it just makes you that much more invested in their relationship and the story as a whole.

While the sexy times were an obvious love of mine, the other strong theme that I loved about My Life Next Door was the perceptions we make of people purely on looks. You look at someone who is clean cut and put together and you think one thing, and then you think the total opposite of the guy with ripped jeans and a motorcycle. It just goes to show how looks can be deceiving and how judgy (and way off) we can be.

Source

While My Life Next Door is the perfect summer read and should be read IMMEDIATELY, I think everyone should read this book no matter what the season. Huntley Fitzpatrick is a genius and I am so excited to read her future novels.

Sweet Summertime Reads: My Favorite Places to Read

2012-05-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

Image created by Ginger

I am thrilled to be a part of the Sweet Summertime Reads feature hosted by myself, Ginger from GReads!, and Magan and Estelle from Rather Be Reading! Over the next few weeks we will be sharing with you all things related to summer and reading, including reviews of summer books, interviews with some of our favorite authors, giveaways, and much more. Head over to Ginger's blog to check out the kick-off post and be sure to enter the first giveaway - two Jennifer Echols' books!

The first post we decided to all participate in was highlighting our favorite places to read. We all have those certain spots or places where we are most comfortable cracking open a book, and I'm going to share with you my favorite outdoor spaces that I visit every summer.

This is actually the yard that's in front of my office building in downtown Chicago. That black building to the left is the Sears/Willis Tower. You can find me outside during my lunch every single day in the summer, whether it's laying out on the grass or sitting in one of the Adirondack chairs the building sets out each day. I love when it's warm enough to sit out there because it definitely makes the work day a little more bearable!

Now we're heading away from the city and closer to home. This is the view of Montrose Harbor on Lake Michigan, which is about a mile from my house. There is nothing better than mixing a cocktail (and hiding it in a water bottle) and sitting in the grass down here with a good book. It's also is a great location to people watch :)

This is not the greatest shot, but this is my favorite beach in Chicago. I used to live across the street from here, and I would spend every single weekend hanging out, people watching, and of course, reading! The beach is pretty busy but I always sat a little away from the shoreline so I got the best view. Lake Michigan in the summer is one of my most favorite things and I will never get enough of it!

Source

This is sadly not me - but oh how I wish it was! To me, this is the best way to spend a summer day. One of my goals in life is to own a little place in the Caribbean that I can jet off to whenever the mood strikes me and have a hammock exactly like this on my private beach :) A girl can dream, right? And bonus - she's reading a John Green book!

***

What are some of your favorite places to read? Do you prefer to be outside or snuggled in a chair inside? I'd love to hear about all of them! And don't forget to check out GReads! and Rather Be Reading to see some of their favorite places to read!

Book review: I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

2012-05-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Title: I Hunt Killers

Author: Barry Lyga
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 3, 2012
Pages: 359
Source: Publisher and NetGalley

From Goodreads:

What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dad?

Jasper (Jazz) Dent is a likable teenager. A charmer, one might say.

But he's also the son of the world's most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, Take Your Son to Work Day was year-round. Jazz has witnessed crime scenes the way cops wish they could--from the criminal's point of view.

And now bodies are piling up in Lobo's Nod.

In an effort to clear his name, Jazz joins the police in a hunt for a new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret--could he be more like his father than anyone knows?

***

First, let me crawl out from under my bed, because that's where I've been chilling in FEAR ever since reading I Hunt Killers. This was by far the best YA psychological thriller that I have ever read - actually, perhaps the only YA psychological thriller I have ever read?

Barry Lyga's ability to tell a story with such detail and depth but never push too far over the line is SPOT ON. That man had me shaking from fear, excitement, anticipation, and sheer anxiety so much that I felt like I had put in a workout while reading. (Too bad it didn't count for an actual workout...) Hands down, I will read anything and everything Barry Lyga writes in the future and KNOW that I will be in for one hell of a ride.

One of my absolute favorite things about this book was the way the author portrayed Jazz's dad, the psycho serial killer. The freaky mind games this man plays with his son and his victims are both frighteningly disturbing and oddly fascinating. You can see the mind tricks he's playing but you still get sucked into them, just like Jazz and his victims. What's even more scary is that there are actual people like this out there. *shudders*

If you decide to read I Hunt Killers (and I strongly suggest that you do), be prepared to be totally and utterly sucked into the story. And make sure you don't read this book alone at night unless you are okay with sleeping with the lights on for the rest of your life.

Waiting on Wednesday: Out of Reach by Carrie Arcos

2012-05-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases you are eagerly anticipating.

Title: Out of Reach
Author: Carrie Acros
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: October 16, 2012

From Goodreads:
Sixteen year old Rachel has always idolized her older brother Micah, but she knows he also secretly struggles with addiction. So when Micah doesn’t come home one night, Rachel panics.

Then Rachel gets an anonymous note telling her that Micah is a few hours away—and on the brink of destruction. Accompanied by Micah’s best friend Tyler, Rachel sets out to find her brother. With no concrete leads, Rachel and Tyler spend hours wandering the streets. But before Rachel can move on, she must confront her own dark secrets, her growing attraction to Tyler…and the possibility that Micah may never come home.

***

Out of Reach sounds like a gut-wrenching, emotional read that will hit all the notes of a good tearjerker. I love that Rachel has to go through both a personal and literal journey while finding her brother and I'm anxious to see how Tyler plays a part in her self-discovery.

Book review: Unbreak My Heart by Melissa C. Walker

2012-05-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

Title: Unbreak My Heart

Author: Melissa C. Walker
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Publication Date: May 22, 2012
Pages: 240
Source: Publisher and NetGalley

From Goodreads:

Sophomore year broke Clementine Williams’ heart. She fell for her best friend’s boyfriend and long story short: he’s excused, but Clem is vilified and she heads into summer with zero social life. Enter her parents’ plan to spend the summer on their sailboat. Normally the idea of being stuck on a tiny boat with her parents and little sister would make Clem break out in hives, but floating away sounds pretty good right now. Then she meets James at one of their first stops along the river. He and his dad are sailing for the summer and he’s just the distraction Clem needs. Can he break down Clem’s walls and heal her broken heart? Told in alternating chapters that chronicle the year that broke Clem’s heart and the summer that healed it, Unbreak My Heart is a wonderful dual love story that fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Susane Colasanti will flock to.

***

Unbreak My Heart is a fabulous book to kick off the summer months.

The thing that initially captured me about this story was the setting. The author did such a great job of explaining the surroundings and made me feel like I was right there on the boat with Clem and her family.

I was also a big fan of the alternating chapters that went back and forth between the past and the present. It worked well in developing the story and explained how Clem came to be in the situation that she was in.

And the boy… there has to be a boy! James was the perfect complement to Clem’s character and I enjoyed watching them interact throughout the summer.

*steps onto soapbox*

Although sadly realistic, it drives me nuts when the girl is the one that catches all the flack when a situation like this happens and the guy gets away with it. Both are in the wrong, yet the girl is always the one at fault. I’m glad the author wrote the story to show this realistic aspect because I think it shows YA readers that it’s not right – both the cheating and the way people treat girls when cheating does happen.

*steps off soapbox*

After reading Unbreak My Heart, I now know that I must read the rest of Melissa C. Walker’s books. Shame on me for just now experiencing this amazing author, but I promise to fix that soon!

Book review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

2012-05-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

Title: The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green
Publisher: Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin
Publication Date: January 10, 2012
Pages: 313
Source: Won from Sash & Em

From Goodreads:

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

***

The Fault in Our Stars is yet another stunning novel by John Green.

One of the absolute best things I love about John Green is how you can instantly tell that he’s the author. He has such a unique voice and language that is completely and totally his own, and that voice really burst through in this book.

Per usual with any book by John Green, I cannot say enough great things about The Fault in Our Stars. The characters, the setting, the emotion – everything meshed perfectly and created one hell of a story.

The book is about teens with cancer, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about friendship, love, bravery, humor, and a positive but realistic outlook on life. These kids weren’t given a choice but they made the most with what they were given.

The Fault in Our Stars will make you laugh until you cry, cry until you hiccup, and leave you feeling like you were just part of something amazing and special.

Book review and giveaway: Revived by Cat Patrick

2012-05-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

Title: Revived

Author: Cat Patrick
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 8, 2012
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher

From Goodreads:

As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life.

A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency’s true goals, she realizes she’s at the center of something much larger—and more sinister—than she ever imagined.

***

I can never pass up a good government conspiracy novel, and Revived fits that bill to a T.

If nothing else, this book really made me think. Can you imagine having a drug available that brings you back to life? Would we live our lives differently? Take more risks? Try new things? The idea intrigues me to no end and I think it was a great idea to base a story.

On to the characters. I loved watching Daisy discover more and more about the Revive program and question the beliefs she's had all her life. A certain boy helps her on this journey (of course), but the character that really stood out to me was Daisy's friend, Audrey. Besides Daisy, she was the character that I connected with the most and she played a pivotal role in the overall story.

I recommend Revived to anyone looking for a quick standalone story that will make them think. And courtesy of Little, Brown, I am offering you a chance to win your very own copy! Just fill out the form below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday: Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone

2012-05-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases you are eagerly anticipating.

Title: Time Between Us
Author: Tamara Ireland Stone
Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: October 9, 2012

From Goodreads:
Anna and Bennett were never supposed to meet: she lives in 1995 Chicago and he lives in 2012 San Francisco. But Bennett’s unique ability to travel through time and space brings him into Anna’s life, and with him, a new world of adventure and possibility.

As their relationship deepens, they face the reality that time might knock Bennett back where he belongs, even as a devastating crisis throws everything they believe into question. Against a ticking clock, Anna and Bennett are forced to ask themselves how far they can push the bounds of fate—and what consequences they can bear in order to stay together.

***

Star-crossed love? A Chicago setting? This book already has two of my very favorite story elements so you can be sure I'll be reading Time Between Us. Tamara Ireland Stone will be signing books at BEA so fingers crossed I can snag a copy (and share it, of course).

Book review: The Princesses of Iowa by M. Molly Backes

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

Title: The Princesses of Iowa

Author: M. Molly Backes
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: May 8, 2012
Pages: 464
Source: Publisher and NetGalley

From Goodreads:

What does it mean to do wrong, when no one punishes you? A smart and unflinching look at friendship, the nature of entitlement, and growing up in the heartland.

Paige Sheridan has the perfect life. She's pretty, rich, and popular, and her spot on the homecoming court is practically guaranteed. But when a night of partying ends in an it-could-have-been-so-much worse crash, everything changes. Her best friends start ignoring her, her boyfriend grows cold and distant, and her once-adoring younger sister now views her with contempt. The only bright spot is her creative writing class, led by a charismatic new teacher who encourages students to be true to themselves. But who is Paige, if not the homecoming princess everyone expects her to be? In this arresting and witty debut, a girl who was once high-school royalty must face a truth that money and status can't fix, and choose between living the privileged life of a princess, or owning up to her mistakes and giving up everything she once held dear.

***

A combination of heavy life lessons mixed with lighter, more superficial problems are the main ingredients that make up The Princesses of Iowa by M. Molly Backes.

The MC, Paige, goes through a ton of issues and situations throughout the story and you almost feel sorry for the girl. Almost. Paige is definitely on the snobbish and entitled side, making it a little difficult to feel bad for the way people are treating her. The important thing, however, is that she evolved and changed as the story went along (in my eyes).

My absolute favorite theme of the story was the power of writing and how deep it can impact you when you just sit your butt down and do it. As someone who has struggled with the confidence to write a good story for a long time, I took Paige's journey to heart and it was just the kick I needed to get back into it. The NaNoWriMo class I took that Molly taught helped with that as well :)

The Princesses of Iowa can definitely be added to the growing list of amazing 2012 YA debuts. If you are looking for a contemp that is a bit on the heavier side and involves a lot of drama, this book is for you.

Author Signings Times Two

2012-05-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

I have been super lucky these past few weeks in that I was able to attend two amazing author signings.

First up - Ruta Sepetys (enter in major squealing and fangirling). I have wanted to meet Ruta ever since I read Between Shades of Gray a year ago and I was incredibly excited when I saw she was coming to Anderson's in April.

The gorgeous paperback cover

Rebecca Barnhouse, Ruta Sepetys, and Tracy Barrett

The three authors took turns asking each other questions about their books, writing processes, and favorite books. They were really fun and engaging and then let the audience ask questions. Everyone asked really great questions and the authors seemed to be having a lot of fun answering.

And now time for the major freakout point - when I actually met Ruta Sepetys and she knew who I was. I think I managed to hold it together until I left and then I just let my freak flag fly on the way home.

Eeeekkk!

Needless to say, this was one of my favorite signings and I can't wait to see Ruta again at BEA in June!

***

Now on to awesome signing part two. CASSANDRA CLARE'S ONLY SIGNING FOR CITY OF LOST SOULS!!! That deserved all caps because this event was huge. I don't know exact numbers but I'm pretty sure they went over 400 for the signing line.

The big screen all ready with Jace and Clary

The night started off with the City of Lost Souls book trailer, then moved on to Q&A. Holy excited crowd! People were doing all sorts of crazy things to get picked to ask their question and it was quite entertaining just watching the excitement buzz around the room. Then it was on to the signing portion! Since there were so many people, the line was super long so you could get a rune "tattoo" or take a picture with Jace while waiting.

Vanya and Cassie Clare

We unfortunately couldn't pose with Cassie Clare, but you could take candids while waiting in line (hence Heidi chilling in the background). She was incredibly sweet and nice and signed every single copy you brought along. Needless to say, we were all thrilled that the City of Lost Souls party was close to Chicago and had a blast!

***

And there it is - two amazing signings courtesy of Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville. I had an absolute blast at both and can't wait for more signings this summer with great friends :)

Waiting on Wednesday: The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

2012-05-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases you are eagerly anticipating.

Title: The Lost Prince
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: October 23, 2012

From Goodreads:
Set several years after the events of the first, this trilogy will star an older Ethan Chase, Meghan's brother.

***

Can we just take a moment and stare at this cover? Maybe a little more... still looking... can't take my eyes away...

Okay, enough oogling (for now). This book could have zero summary and I would still be all about it. First of all, it's Julie Kagawa. Second, it's associated with the epic Iron Fey series. And third, THAT COVER. You bet I'll have a shiny hardcover of this one for my bookshelves come October!

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Book Quotes

2012-05-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

This week's topic is to list your top ten book quotes. I don't know how I'm going to pick only 10, but I'm going to try my hardest. Some books I wish I could just quote the entire thing, but for the sake of your sanity I will refrain :)

As always, the lovely ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish deserve a shoutout for hosting Top Ten Tuesday!

***

1) "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live."

-Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

2) "You?' is all I can manage to choke out. 'Always me,' she replies softly, bashfully. 'Who else?"

-Where She Went by Gayle Forman

3) "It's really not a practical dream to have, is it?" He stares right at me. It's intense, being under the weight of his full attention. "Dreams have to be practical?"

-Saving June by Hannah Harrington

4) “Because this is what happens when you try to run from the past. It doesn't just catch up: it overtakes, blotting out the future, the landscape, the very sky, until there is no path left except that which leads through it, the only one that can ever get you home.”

-Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

5) "Dating you would be like a series of unnecessary root canals interspersed with occasional makeout sessions.”

-Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

6) “Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book. And then there are books like An Imperial Affliction, which you can't tell people about, books so special and rare and yours that advertising your affection feels like a betrayal.”

-The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

7) “Books are more real when you read them outside.”
-Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

8) “It's easy to talk about things we hate, but sometimes it's hard to explain exactly why we like something.”
-Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

9) “I am a being comprised of letters, a character created by sentences, a figment of imagination formed through fiction.”
-Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

10) “I don't want to lose the boy with the bread.”
-The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

A New Favorite Poem

2012-05-07T08:55:00.002-05:00

The other day, my grandma emailed me a poem that is one of her all-time favorites. I had never heard of it before, but after reading it I know I will read it again and again. My grandma and my mom are such huge influences in my life, but they were especially big when it cane to instilling a love of reading in me at a very young age.

The Reading Mother by Strickland Gillilan

I had a mother who read to me
Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea.
Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth;
"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath.
I had a Mother who read me lays
Of ancient and gallant and golden days;
Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,
Which every boy has a right to know.
I had a Mother who read me tales
Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,
True to his trust till his tragic death,
Faithfulness lent with his final breath.
I had a Mother who read me the things
That wholesome life to the boy heart brings-
Stories that stir with an upward touch.
Oh, that each mother of boys were such!
You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be --
I had a Mother who read to me.

(source)

Do you have any poems that mean something special to you about reading? If so, I'd love to read them so please share in the comments below!

Review and giveaway: Wrecked by Anna Davies

2012-05-03T08:44:00.000-05:00

Title: Wrecked

Author: Anna Davies
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Pages: 321
Source: Big Honcho Media and publisher

Summary:

In the wake of a tragic boating accident that killed her friends, 16-year-old Miranda is consumed by guilt. She has no memory of how she managed to survive the crash, only the murky dreams of a strange boy in the dark water. Her only refuge is in the late-night swims she takes alone— until one night on the beach when she meets Christian, a boy who seems eerily familiar, but keeps many secrets.

The more she fights it the faster love pulls her under. Soon she finds herself in over her head when the dangerous true nature of Christian’s secrets rise to the surface.

Wrecked is a seductive contemporary reimagination of The Little Mermaid, with a paranormal twist, from debut author Anna Davies.

***

Ahhhh… forbidden romance. The best kind, right? Wrecked is chock full of that and more and is an impressive debut from Anna Davies.

Wrecked was my first experience with mermen/betwixtmen and they are definitely different than other paranormal creatures. I really liked the island setting where Miranda lives and the water element that glued the story together. I wish there would have been more description and detail with the merman world below the water’s surface, but I understand why the author kept most of the story “Up Above.”

If you are looking for a little starcrossed love a la The Little Mermaid with a little more of an adult theme, Wrecked is your book. Intrigued? Check out an excerpt from Wrecked and enter to win one of two finished copies, courtesy of Simon & Schuster.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Blind Spot by Laura Ellen

2012-05-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases you are eagerly anticipating.

Title: Blind Spot
Author: Laura Ellen
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Release Date: October 23, 2012

From Goodreads:
There’s none so blind as they that won’t see.

Seventeen-year-old Tricia Farni’s body floated to the surface of Alaska’s Birch River six months after the night she disappeared. The night Roz Hart had a fight with her. The night Roz can’t remember. Roz, who struggles with macular degeneration, is used to assembling fragments to make sense of the world around her. But this time it’s her memory that needs piecing together—to clear her name . . . to find a murderer. This unflinchingly emotional novel is written in the powerful first-person voice of a legally blind teen who just wants to be like everyone else.

***

Wow. Talk about an original plot. Part murder mystery, part drama, part emotional struggle - count me in! The macular degeneration aspect is something I have never read about so I am really intrigued for the Blind Spot to release in October.

I Finally Get to Meet Ruta Sepetys!

2012-04-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

You guys, I can't tell you how pumped I am for tonight. I finally get to meet Ruta Sepetys, author of Between Shades of Gray! I read and reviewed this book over a year ago and I still think about it to this day. For a book to have that big of an impact on me is pretty freaking spectacular, so you can imagine how excited I am to meet this wonderful author.

Back when I reviewed Between Shades of Gray, I started poking around the Internet and started reading Ruta's website. Imagine my surprise when I found out she went to the college in my hometown! And this college and hometown are both TINY - typically, no one has ever heard of Hillsdale or Hillsdale College (both great places by the way - lived near there the majority of my life). But there it was, and I just had to email her and tell her I knew where she attended school. She was completely gracious with my fangirling and we exchanged a few emails that made me sit in awe. Was I really just chatting it up with Ruta Sepetys like no big deal? Yep, I sure was, and it is still one of my book blogging highlights.

Stay tuned for more fangirling and pictures later this week!

Why I've Been a Little MIA Lately...

2012-04-26T10:24:00.000-05:00

I haven't been posting quite as much lately, so I figured I'd fill you in on why. For the record, I'm blaming this on all of you out there (particularly Anna, Jamie, and Ginger) who told me I would love this show...

VERONICA MARS

You guys, I'm obsessed. I get home from work and watch 3-5 episodes every night. No reading, no blogging, no chores, no cooking dinner - just Veronica Mars. I just finished season one and am one episode into season two. And there is no end in sight.

If you haven't watched this show, you really need to STAT. I know, I know - just what you need, right? Yet another TV show to watch on top of all of your regulars. I felt the same way, but then once I started watching I just couldn't stop. And I don't plan to until I finish season three.

In case you have no idea what Veronica Mars is all about, here's a little synopsis. Veronica is in high school and works part-time for her dad, who is a private investigator. He used to be the sheriff, but was shamed out of office for screwing up the murder investigation of Veronica's BFF, Lilly. The entire show revolves around Veronica digging deeper into the murder to find out who really killed Lilly, but each episode has its own little mini-crime that Veronica has to solve.

And let me tell you, Veronica is a BAMF. She's super smart, snarky, witty, and sarcastic, but she has a sweet side that comes out every once in a while. And her dad is one of my favorite characters ever. He's dorky, but so nice and would do anything to protect Veronica. Then there are the boys... what would a show/book be without boys?! Duncan is Lilly's brother and Veronica's ex-boyfriend and is going through his own issues. Logan Echols is Lilly's ex-boyfriend and Duncan's BFF and has some major dramarama going on in his family. And Wallace is the new kid in town that Veronica befriends and convinces to do her favors with her investigations.

So if you haven't been convinced yet, check out the season one trailer and see for yourself how amazing this show is. In the meantime, I'll be holed away with my laptop watching the rest of the series :)

Waiting on Wednesday: Sweet Shadows by Tera Lynn Childs

2012-04-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases you are eagerly anticipating.

Title: Sweet Shadows
Series: Medusa Girls #2
Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: September 4, 2012

From Goodreads:
Three teenage descendants of Medusa, now united, must claim their heritage to fight the monsters escaped from the abyss.

Gretchen may have known she was a descendant of Medusa long before her sisters--after all, she's spent her life fighting the monsters that escape the abyss--but that doesn't mean it will be easy to teach the other girls the ropes.

Greer has pressing social commitments on her plate and precious little time to train in her newfound powers. But that wretched second sight won't leave her alone, and her fabled heritage seems to be creeping into her fashionable life.

Grace has worries closer to home--like why her brother, Thane, has disappeared. He's hiding something. Could it possibly be related to the secret heritage the triplets share?

***

I feel like it has been forever since Sweet Venom came out, and I have been anxiously awaiting the release of Sweet Shadows since last September. Check out that twisty hair again on the cover - love it! I can't wait to read more about these three sisters and see what adventures await them.

Book review: In Honor by Jessi Kirby

2012-04-24T09:07:00.000-05:00

Title: In Honor

Author: Jessi Kirby
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 8, 2012
Pages: 240
Source: Borrowed from Ginger

From Goodreads:

A devastating loss leads to an unexpected road trip in this novel from the author of Moonglass, whose voice Sarah Dessen says “is fresh and wise, all at once.”

Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it. Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous.

Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

***

I’m going to start out by being 100% honest – I had no intention of reading this book. Even though I loved Moonglass, I just couldn’t bring myself to read In Honor. And here is why. I have a really hard time reading books about people dying in the military, probably because my little brother is a Marine and has been to Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Pacific in the last couple of years. And I worry that one of these stories could really make me break down and hit too close to home. But, Ginger kept raving and raving about this book and told me that I should give it a shot. And since I obviously trust Ginger’s opinion, I gave it a go, and I couldn’t be more thrilled that I took a chance on In Honor.

I don’t even know where to start on this review because there are just SO many elements that weave together perfectly to make In Honor the incredible story that it is. I’m just going to share my list of fabulous things that I loved about this book:

1) I love the name Honor.

2) Rusty reminds me of Tim Riggins 100%, and anyone that reminds me even a little bit about Tim Riggins is a win in my book.

3) The book perfectly portrayed how different people deal with grief in different ways, and there is no right or wrong way.

4) Jessi Kirby had me so emotionally invested in the characters that I felt like I was breaking up with them when the book ended.

5) The cave scene. I will say no more, but when you read the book you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Again, I am so happy Ginger persuaded me to read In Honor because it is definitely one of my favorite reads of 2012. Whether you have any qualms like I did about reading this book or not, I highly recommend you jump in and give it a shot. You may be pleasantly surprised like I was :)

In My Mailbox (65)

2012-04-21T18:00:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme created by Kristi at The Story Siren that gives readers the chance to share the books they bought/received/swapped/borrowed over the past week.

Between a few amazing review copies and some awesome books from Anderson's and the RT Convention, I'd say I had a pretty good week :) Although the books are a huge perk, the best part of this week was by far meeting up with some of my favorite bloggers/friends ever.

For review:

Wrecked by Anna Davies (thanks Big Honcho Media!)

Secret Letters by Leah Scheier (thanks Leah!)

And now the highlight of the week... the events! First the books:

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams

Body & Soul by Stacey Kade

Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

And now for the epic part - the FRIENDS!

Yay bloggers!

Pretty much the best picture ever

RT time!

OMG it's Margaret Stohl and Stephanie Perkins

JERI SMITH-READY!

That time Kiera Cass and I started bustin' a move

All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better week! I got to hang with some of my faves AND meet up with new bloggers (I'm looking at you Katelyn and Kyle!) Here's hoping we can all meet up again soon!

Book review & giveaway: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

2012-04-20T06:38:00.000-05:00

Title: The Immortal Rules
Series: Blood of Eden #1
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Pages: 485
Source: Publisher

From Goodreads:
In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

***

Hellooooo vampires! I've been on a huge contemp kick lately so throwing in a paranormal story was just what I needed to spice things up. Add in the fact that the book is from JULIE KAGAWA, paranormal author extraordinaire, and you have one heck of a story.

For me, this wasn't your typical vamp story. Sure, there are vampires and blood, but The Immortal Rules really was about Allie's struggles - both before and after she became a vampire. Being the first book in the series, The Immortal Rules was chock full of back story and details, setting up the rest of the series nicely. The action really picked up about halfway through and left me on the edge of my seat.

And what story would be complete without... romance. While the romance isn't a main focal point throughout, there is some definite chemistry going on between two certain characters that I have to know more about in the next book.

All in all, The Immortal Rules is a great first book in the Blood of Eden series and I highly recommend if you are looking for a great paranormal story with a lot of contemp elements. If you want to check it out for yourself, enter the giveaway below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday: Hidden by Sophie Jordan

2012-04-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases you are eagerly anticipating.

Title: Hidden
Author: Sophie Jordan
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: September 11, 2012

From Goodreads:
Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride. But she resisted long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse, a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory.

The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control. As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning....

Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made in the explosive conclusion to Sophie Jordan's Firelight trilogy.

***

I had the pleasure of meeting Sophie Jordan at the RT Convention last weekend and chatting with her made me even more excited for Hidden to be released. I'm sad to see this series end, but I can't wait to find out what happens!

Top Ten Tuesday: Tips for New Bloggers

2012-04-17T09:19:00.000-05:00

This week's topic is to list your top ten tips for new bloggers. I have been blogging for almost two years now, and while I'm not an expert nor do I have all the answers, I have picked up a thing or two along the way that I wish I would have known when I started.

As always, the lovely ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish deserve a shoutout for hosting Top Ten Tuesday!

1. Be yourself. I can't stress this one enough. Just like in life, be who you are and don't try to be like someone else.

2. Find a voice that reflects your personality. This one is easier said than done, but once you find it, it's what will set your blog apart from the rest.

3. Find a posting schedule that works for you. It could be three times a week or every single day - do what you are comfortable with and remember, quality over quantity does come into play.

4. Have a clean, easy-to-read layout. This is completely subjective, but the easier your blog is to read, the more likely you are to have people reading it. Bright pink font on a sunshine yellow background may be your thing, but you may blind your readers in the process :)

5. Strike up conversations and discussions. I have found that Twitter is invaluable when it comes to book blogging because it allows you to easily connect with others out there just like you. Don't be afraid to chat it up with a fellow blogger or an author - we are very friendly people and share the same interests as you!

6. Tweet your reviews and include authors/publishers Twitter handles. I have found that when I tweet a review, it is WAY more likely to be shared or retweeted when I include the author or the publisher in the post. This took me a while to get comfortable with, but the rewards are totally worth it.

7. Attend author signings. This obviously depends on where you live, but attend as many signings as you can. It's a great opportunity to network and meet those authors and bloggers you admire and love.

8. Cross-post your reviews on GoodReads, Amazon, B&N, etc. I post my reviews on GoodReads and have found I get a decent amount of traffic from people on my blog from my GoodReads account. It only takes a few minutes to set one up and is just another way to network with fellow bookworms.

9. Don't get hung up on ARCs and what everyone else has. Another one that's easier said than done. The green monster can definitely rear it's ugly head in the book blogging world, but just remember - it's not about the ARCs. It's about creating friendships with people who love to read and sharing your love of books with like-minded people.

10. Have fun! This is by far the most important aspect of book blogging. Most of us do this because we enjoy books - plain and simple. It should never feel like a chore or a job. If it does, take a break and come back to it.

Ultimately, remember this - it is YOUR blog. Your space to share your thoughts and ideas. While myself and others may have some good tips on starting out, the important thing to remember is that there is no one right way to blog. Be yourself, have fun, and enjoy!

Anderson's and RT Convention and Bloggers - Oh My!

2012-04-13T09:04:00.002-05:00

Today kicks off the start to what promises to be an AMAZING weekend! First up is the author signing tonight at Anderson's Bookshop featuring Tahereh Mafi, Anna Carey, Veronica Rossi, and Cynthia Hand. Then, on to the RT Convention on Saturday with more authors than I can count!

People like:
Kimberly Derting
Kami Garcia
Margaret Stohl
Sophie Jordan
Tera Lynn Childs
Saundra Mitchell
Veronica Roth
and the list goes on and and on!

And to make this weekend even better - meeting up with fellow bloggers! You know, cool peeps like Anna, Jen, Jamie, Heidi, the Housewives, Kristi, Lynn, and more.

If you are going to the RT Convention on Saturday and want to meet up with some fellow bloggers, we are having an informal meetup at the Red Bar in the Hyatt Regency around 8pm. Stop by, have a cocktail, and chat with fellow book lovers! Hope to see you there :)