GReads!

Tune in Tuesday {83}: Random Playlists Edition

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

A weekly feature hosted by me that showcases music - my other passion in life besides books! Each week I will post a new or old song in hopes to gain more interest. Help me in spreading the love of music! Feel free to get involved with this feature by linking up at the bottom of this post, thanks!

Random Playlists Special Edition continues this week... Open up your music library and pick a song at random from your collection to feature with us. The choice can be as eclectic as you want it to be! Share one song, or share a couple songs. Feature your random mixes with us all month long.

Well, this week concludes the random mixes. I hope you've enjoyed taking a peak at my music library. It's been fun showing you guys which tunes I keep stored on my computer. I have never sat down & counted all of them. Between my itunes library and my spotify account, I'm sure the number is outrageous - which is fine by me! Here are 5 songs I chose at random, enjoy!

"Come Pick Me Up" by Ryan Adams

"Fire Escape" by Matthew Mayfield - Warning! Serious hotness!!

"Thread" by Now, Now

"All The Wine" by The National

"Towers" by Bon Iver

If you'd like to join Tune in Tuesday on your blog, link-up below:

Sweet Summertime Reads: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

2012-05-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

This review is part of the SWEET SUMMERTIME READS feature hosted by myself, Fiction Folio, & Rather Be Reading. Be sure to check out the participating blogs for more sweet summertime reading recommendations & summer-fun bookish posts.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Published: May 8, 2012 by Simon & Schuster
Received: Purchased from Barnes & Noble

Taylor’s family might not be the closest-knit – everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled – but for the most part, they get along fine. Then they get news that changes everything: Her father has pancreatic cancer, and it’s stage four – meaning that there is basically nothing to be done. Her parents decide that the family will spend his last months together at their old summerhouse in the Pocono Mountains.

Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former summer best friend is suddenly around, as is her first boyfriend. . . and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses, the Edwards become more of a family, and closer than they’ve ever been before. But all of them very aware that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance – with family, with friends, and with love. {goodreads.com}

In the back of my mind a little voice tells me to be careful when reading a book that involves a parent dying from cancer. Especially when it's a story that is heavily focused around the inevitable. This little voice stems from my own personal experiences to losing my mother to cancer. Though it was almost 9 years ago that it happened, anything can bring me back to that moment like it occurred just yesterday -- even a story as beautifully written as Morgan Matson's Second Chance Summer.

Taylor and her family have just been told the shattering news that their father has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. There is nothing left for them to do, but wait and endure these last precious moments before he takes his last breath. Her father decides to pack up the family and visit their summer lake house, together as a family, one last time. The idea of spending their last few months as whole is bittersweet for Taylor, her mother, her older brother Warren, and younger sister Gelsey. The idea of spending the summer at their family lake house also brings back unpleasant memories for Taylor -- it's the scene she escaped 5 years ago, leaving her first true love brokenhearted, Henry. This story is focused on second chances. What it means to face your fears, when you feel that you have no ounce of courage left.

The relationship between Taylor and Henry, slowly regaining their trust in each other, and building up to be an epic romance was a delightful balance to the pressing news that everyone was anticipating as the summer came to a close. The moments the family got to share as a whole, the memories that would last forever in their hearts, were some of the best scenes to witness on page. As someone who truly understands just how precious those moments are, it made me happy to learn that this family was taking advantage of what time they had left together.

Morgan Matson did a brilliant job of setting the scene, opening the reader up to this gorgeous landscape of pine trees, rippling blue waters, and an endless blanket of stars above. The quaint town that inhabited this lake side retreat came alive in all it's characters, and their individual roles in this story. The slow build up was a relief as well. Knowing how the story would end, it gave the reader time to cherish these last precious moments as Taylor and her family were. The soft balance of young love gave an unexpected contrast to the heavier side of watching someone slowly drift away.

There were quite a few moments, especially at the end that hit a little too close to my heart. Watching your parent struggle with those low, raspy breaths in the middle of the still, quiet night. Not saying goodbye, but "see you later" and how important those few words can mean. The moment your life changes forever from a before to an after. Reading can be very therapeutic; perhaps it's why I choose to ignore that little voice in the back of my head and push through anyway.

The pages of my book are littered with sticky notes, to mark the passages that I knew held meaning to me. This one in particular stood out, in such a beautifully broken way:

"It wasn't until now, when every day I had with my father was suddenly numbered, that I realized just how precious they had been. A thousand moments that I had just take for granted -- mostly because I had assumed that there would be a thousand more."

Though this book was hard to swallow at times, it's a story I feel that everyone should read. The beauty of witnessing a family's last days with their loved one is something I never thought could be explained, or retold, without experiencing yourself. I feel that Morgan Matson has done a beautiful job of doing just that. It struck my heart on such a personal level, and for that I am thankful for reading her words.

Sweet Summertime Reads: My Summer Reading Spots

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

To kick off the SWEET SUMMERTIME READS series hosted by Fiction Folio, Rather Be Reading, and myself -- we are featuring our favorite summertime reading spots.

In a perfect world, I would be outside in the sunshine devouring my latest summertime read; however, this world in Texas does not allow such things when the temps are a smoldering 90+ degrees. So with that being said, most of my summertime reading occurs in doors. Put a book in front of me with an hour or so to get lost in the pages and it doesn't matter where my reading occurs!

My Summer Reading Spots:

If I can stand the heat, some reading occurs on my patio. There is plenty of sunshine to soak up as I consume these pages.

My comfy couch will get most of the reading time action this summer, though. I have a view of the sunshine outside, but the comfort of my A/C inside. Many hours will be lost here & I am perfectly content with that.

When certain books take me into those long summer nights & I just can't seem to put them down, my bed is the perfect spot! It's cozy and comfortable, just the way I like it. However, I may have fallen asleep a time or two with page creases on my face, ha!

image source: here

I have a few trips planned this summer which involve driving time. If I'm riding shot gun, I plan to take my books along and read as the miles pass by!

image source: here

One of the stops will be New Braunfels, TX. My family and I visit here every summer (have been for the last 25+ years!!). I love the Texas hill country and the lazy rivers that flow through this unique German town. Grabbing a book and sitting under a shady tree sounds like the perfect afternoon to me.

image source: here

My biggest adventure this summer will be my first trip to the Pacific Northwest - Seattle!! I have been planning this trip for awhile & can not be more excited. With the several hour plane ride I am anticipating a lot of reading on my way there & my way back. I plan to check out some local bookstores as well, maybe grab a coffee and sneak in a few chapters.

image source: here

Another tradition spent with the family is spending a few days at the beach house along the Texas Gulf Coast. I devoured a book last summer just sitting on the deck, soaking in the sunshine. The breeze from the gulf was a nice reprieve from the Texas heat.

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Where are some of your favorite summer reading spots? Please share in the comments & be sure to check out Fiction Folio and Rather Be Reading! Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY for Jennifer Echols' ENDLESS SUMMER + SUCH A RUSH preorder.

TGIF at GReads! {65}: Show Me Your Cover

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

Who's ready for the weekend?! I know I am! This feature re-caps the week's posts & proposes a bookish question for my followers.

Feel free to get involved by linking up at the bottom. If not, I'd love to read your responses in the comments. Thanks!

This Friday's Question:

Show Me Your Cover: What are some of the worst book covers, but hold some of the best stories inside? Don't be embarrassed, show us your cover!

* If you are participating in this feature on your blog & choose to use my graphic, please use the new, updated version above. Thanks!

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The covers you are about to see do NOT reflect poorly on the stories they contain. In fact, some of these books are my absolute FAVORITES. However, their cover design - not so much. Use these as good examples of when NOT to judge a book by it's cover ;-)

Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout - Perfect example of what the characters do NOT look like in my head. Yes, Daemon is sexy & hot - but I am not seeing him as that dude. And Katy? Definitely not. No way.

Major Crush by Jennifer Echols - Cartoon characters? No thank you. Btw, this book is my FAVORITE rom-com. Seriously so good.

Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian - Please stop breathing on each other, pretending as though you're going to kiss. There is just too much... breathe happening here. P.S. ADORE this book.

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead - I am not a fan of any of the Vampire Academy book covers, but I featured this one because it's my favorite story of the whole series. I don't know why home girl looks so pissed off all the time. Oh wait.

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick - Again, not a huge fan of any of the covers in this series but this book is my favorite of the three so far. Font type can either make or break a cover, in this case it's definitely broken.

City of Fallen Angles by Cassandra Clare - If Clary's eyes didn't look so possessed I'd have no real issues with this cover. But those eyes. Click to view the image larger. Freaky as hell!

The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott - Feet are disgusting. Period.

If you'd like to join TGIF on your blog, link-up below:

In My Mailbox {72}
Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Tune in Tuesday {82}: Random Playlists Edition
Introducing: Sweet Summertime Reads + GIVEAWAY!
The Blogger Behind the Book {60}: Meet Katelyn!

The Blogger Behind the Book {60}: Meet Katelyn

2012-05-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder who that person is over there, creating that fabulous book blog you're looking at?! I know I do! That is why I have started this feature, "The Blogger Behind the Book". There are tons of bloggers out there who love books & deserve to be noticed!

*This feature is currently scheduled with participants through July. If you'd like to be featured later in 2012, please email me.

Meet this week's Blogger Behind the Book:

Katelyn from Kate's Tales of Books and Bands

When did the idea to start book blogging come about? What was your first review you posted?

I first heard of book blogs when I was in my Young Adult Literature class my senior year of high school (That’s right fellow book bloggers; I had a whole class dedicated to Young Adult books!). The teacher just happened to have her very own blog (Y.A. Love, it’s pretty fantastic!) and we would check it out during class. Right before that school year ended, I hurt my knee and was cooped up in the house for the first part of summer. I began looking around online and realized just how many blogs were out there and I thought I could try it out too!

Finally on August 16th, 2010 I started my own blog. Let the record show that I had no idea what I was getting myself into...at all. My blog didn’t have a name, the URL made no sense, and don’t even get me started about what I blabbered on about in my posts. In fact for the first few months, I only had occasional posts in which I rambled endlessly and maybe threw a book title or two in there. It wasn’t until about 4-5 months later that my blog transformed from a blog about weird randomness and a little bit of book talk to a full-time book blog with a little bit of randomness sprinkled on top.

Now for when I posted my first book review, the answer to that question depends on how technical you want to get. I posted my first “review” of Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl which ended up being a very lengthy summary of the book. Next up we have books I “reviewed” later that year: Wake by Lisa McMann, Freefall by Mindi Scott, and Ex-Mas (A Love-Hate Story) by Kate Brian, again all summaries of the book. Finally in January of 2011, I started posting more reviews that were a little less summary and a bit more review-y!

I know you love music as much as me (surely not more, right? hehe)... share one band/musician who has inspired you over the years.

You are so right, I adore everything about music, but did you really have to go and underline “one”?!? I could probably go on for DAYS about how many bands and which specific songs have inspired me the most but since you are making me list only ONE band, I guess I’ll have to be a bit more specific. The answer is without a doubt We The Kings. They don’t sing super meaningful, thought-provoking songs and they don’t always have the most serious of lyrics BUT they have always been there.

Kati (my best friend) and I have been fans of this band from the very beginning. They were the reason we went to Warped Tour all those years ago and continue to go today, because of them we embarked on so many road trips to far away venues just so we could see them in concert one more time, they have inspired SO MANY crazy dancing/singing sessions in the car, and most importantly they were the foundation for so many great memories. I can listen to a song of theirs and conjure up a whole list of memories and I think that is why I have come to love them so much. They are there through the bad times and they are there through all the epic times too!

Describe your ideal road trip. Where would you go? Who would ride along with you? Don't forget to mention that soundtrack & those road snacks!

I love this question! Where I’d go would not be the biggest concern. I think just driving around with no end destination in mind, seeing what there is to see, stopping at a beach or two, finding cool touristy spots and maybe some unknown wonders, now THAT would be the best road trip ever! As for the company, I would of course take my best friend Kati! She is the world’s best driver (regardless of the stop light she ran through last month) and I am the world’s best passenger seat navigator (regardless of the 40+ times I got us lost in Chicago). Together we make up the greatest road-tripping duo the world has ever seen. Of course Ginger would be invited to come along since she didn’t get a chance to go to Chicago with us.

For part of the time we would be reading Diana Peterfreund’s The Secret Society Girl series because as per tradition between Kati and I, we read that series together at least once a year, generally on vacation! During the moments we are not reading this hilarious series, we would listen to all sorts of good music like We The Kings and SafetySuit! I have a feeling that with the three of us, music is something we would NOT run out of. We would drive with the windows down, listen to our favorite music at top volume, all while eating some of our favorite treats. For me it would be a slurpee, Swedish Fish, Salt & Vinegar Pringles, and Cheez-Its. Kati has got to have her Twizzlers and I assume Ginger would have some of her favorite snacks too. Now all I want to do is embark on an awesome adventure like this!

Which author would you read anything by?

You didn’t have an underlined “one” in this question so I can only assume it is safe to cheat. First we have my favorite author, Sarah Dessen! I think I have come to expect (and love) certain things from her books: a coming of age story, a main character I can relate to, a guy I can swoon over, supporting characters I will likely love because of their quirkiness, and a life lesson worth learning. Jennifer Echols is another author I could read just about every day of my life. She has the hilarious, light-hearted romantic comedy books like Endless Summer but then she has her romantic dramas that are SO FREAKING GOOD like Going Too Far and Forget You. I am also a huge fan of Stephanie Perkins, Simone Elkeles, Stacey Kade, Diana Peterfreund, and Melina Marchetta.

What does Katelyn want to be "when she grows up"?

What doesn’t Katelyn want to be when she “grows up”? My career goal is a high school math teacher. I know, shocking considering how much I love EVERYTHING about books. Right now I am choosing to ignore the fact that I am half the size of most high school students and there are very few teaching jobs in the area at this time.

I pick math partly because I am good at it and partly because I always had a crappy math teacher in school and I would like to be that one teacher that isn’t suck-tastic. On top of that career, Katelyn would also like to be a fun aunt, a future bridesmaid in Kati’s wedding, a fan of books for a lifetime, a full-time blogger/reviewer, a coach of something, a world traveler, an author, a master chef, if not a master chef at least a great baker, a creator, a good big sister, a mommy & wife (one day), and basically whatever else life has to offer.

It's midnight and you're unable to fall asleep, what would you be found doing?

Seeing as I am still on College Student Mode, this scenario happens 7 days a week. On any given night around midnight you can catch me chilling in my bedroom, either reading a book or on the computer. If I am on the computer I am either wasting too much time on Twitter or attempting to get ahead on my blog posts (I sincerely doubt it is the latter). There will always be music playing and there may or may not be an occasional midnight snack. Sometimes I like to mix it up a bit by giving myself a pedicure, color organizing my closet, alphabetizing my bookshelf, deep cleaning my room, singing to one of my dogs, fighting for space on my bed between one of my brothers, or watching ah-mazing TV shows, like Teen Wolf or Storage Wars, until I pass out.

Best moment about book blogging so far?

When I started blogging almost 2 years ago, I had no idea how remarkable and rewarding it could be. I am not kidding when I say that EVERYTHING that I have encountered because of my blog has been amazing. I have read and been introduced to so many books, the fellow bloggers I have come to know and love are now a huge part of my daily life, I still get extremely excited and my voice goes all high-pitchy when an author talks to me on Twitter. All of the book-ish events like the RT Convention and author signings have been some of my very favorite experiences. Even though all of these things combined are endless amounts of awesome, my favorite moment of blogging so far is when my parents first read my blog. It was almost a year after I started my blog when my stepmom and dad actually read it. My stepmom approached me all teary-eyed and she told me how proud both her and my dad were of what I was doing. Sure the comments, post views, interactions between publishers, authors and followers will always be so very special to me, but those few words from my parents and the pride they had in this little hobby of mine, it made it all seem so worth it.

Oh wow Katelyn. Those closing words have left me in tears!!! The validation we get from the ones we love most is so important to us. I completely understand this. And you have LOTS to be proud of!! I sometimes feel like you're the little sister to my book blogging world. I know there's a bit of an age gap between us, hehe, but yet we still find reasons such as books and music to connect -- and that is so meaningful to me!

If you don't already check out Katelyn's blog, you're seriously missing out people. I love her eclectic taste of what she posts about & of course her passion for music. This girl rocks!!

Introducing: Sweet Summertime Reads + GIVEAWAY!

2012-05-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

I love to read all year round, but there's something special about the summertime, and the books that go along with it, that entice my want to read even more. I have teamed up with Tara from Ficition Folio, as well as the lovely ladies Estelle & Magan from Rather Be Reading to give you: SWEET SUMMERTIME READS!

For the next few weeks each of us will be featuring different summertime reading related posts on our blogs. We're hoping to recommend some new books for you to check out this summer, highlight a few of our favorite authors, incorporate fun summer-themed bookish posts, and even offer giveaways to stock up on your summer reading piles! I hope you're all excited, because the four of us are SUPER pumped to bring you all this summer goodness and then some.

Sweet Summertime Reads officially kicks off on Saturday, May 26th - so be sure to visit Fiction Folio, Rather Be Reading, and right here at GReads for your official guide to summertime reading :)

To get things started, enter my GIVEAWAY for one of my most favorite authors: Jennifer Echols! Her books are the perfect summertime reading material, no matter if you're poolside or in route to a vacation getaway! I adore her stories and I want to share them with you all, as well. Be on the look out in the coming weeks for my special post dedicated to this fabulous author.

Jennifer Echols Giveaway: ENDLESS SUMMER + SUCH A RUSH pre-order

(this giveaway is open INTERNATIONAL - where ever book depository ships)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tune in Tuesday {82}: Random Playlists Edition

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

A weekly feature hosted by me that showcases music - my other passion in life besides books! Each week I will post a new or old song in hopes to gain more interest. Help me in spreading the love of music! Feel free to get involved with this feature by linking up at the bottom of this post, thanks!

Random Playlists Special Edition continues this week... Open up your music library and pick a song at random from your collection to feature with us. The choice can be as eclectic as you want it to be! Share one song, or share a couple songs. Feature your random mixes with us all month long.

For this week's random playlists, I have opened up my spotify account & picked songs at total random. Enjoy the eclectic mix of tunes that I have stored in my spotify music library. Btw, if you don't have a spotify account you're seriously missing out! I think I listen to this more than my itunes account :)

"If It's The Beaches" by The Avett Brothers

"Good Arms vs. Bad Arms" by Frightened Rabbit

"One Light Wondering" by Trent Dabbs

"Lemonworld" by The National

"We Used To Be Friends" by The Dandy Warhols

If you'd like to join Tune in Tuesday on your blog, link-up below:

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

2012-05-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Published: June 14, 2012 by Dial Books (Penguin Teen)
Received: ARC for review from NetGalley & Penguin - thank you!

"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. {goodreads.com}

I can't stop thinking about this book. It's the kind of story that lingers with you, even when you're not reading it. I had a feeling I'd fall in love with the pages of this one, but I had no idea just how much it would capture my heart. My Life Next Door holds all the elements for what I see as a perfect YA contemporary novel. There is young love, passion, conflict, friendship, trials, and so much uncertainty that comes along with those precious adolescent years. I feel as though I know these characters. I may even live just next door. So much of their world, has become a part of mine. Their stories are edged in to my mind, fitting comfortably where I never want to forget them.

Samantha comes from a very strict one parent household. Her mother is currently running for election, with her desires to please the local seaside New England town before attending to her own daughter's needs. Nothing is ever looked at too carefully, bits and pieces of their crumbling life are continuously swept under the rug (or sucked up in Samantha's mom's vacuum). But there is a family next door, a large vibrant family, which has captured Samantha's attention since she was a little girl. Always peeking inside their windows from her balcony next door, wondering what it would be like to be a part of such a pulsating family. Then one day, Jase, the second oldest son to an army of children, climbs Samantha's trellis and invites her inside their world.

I was completely captured by the Garrett family. From the strong, yet laid back so-in-love parents... to the colorful array of siblings. Each one came alive through the pages and I found myself wanting to be a part of this family almost as much as Samantha. And then of course, there is the boy. Oh sweet Jase. He has stolen my heart. Such a good, good boy. I adored his will to step in when the family needed him most, but I also admired his innocence when it came to falling in love with Samantha. These two characters hold a winning prize for strong, yet easily shattered characters as they should be in YA lit.

There is laying on the grass, hands intertwined, all while star gazing. Climbing up trellises and into open windows in the middle of the night. Taking late night swims to cool off from the summer heat. And the sweetest, softest, most desirable first everything's for what a true teenage romance should be. I adore this novel so, so much. I was expecting a summer romance, but got a story that went so far beyond that. I know this will be a contemporary novel that I will revisit time and time again. How could anyone say goodbye to the Garretts?

In My Mailbox {72}

2012-05-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

I only picked up one new book this week. I've got lots to tide me over for a few weeks - especially with all those preorders that just came in! This book though, I had been meaning to read for awhile now & thought it would be a great transition from all those heavy (yet so unbelievably good) contemps I've been reading lately. Plus I got some other bookish goodies in the mail this week, too. Check it out!

Purchased from B&N for my nook:

Hourglass (Hourglass, #1) by Myra McEntire

The lovely Melissa Buell attended the Summer Lovin' Tour in California recently & snagged these wonderful goodies for me!! THANK YOU MELISSA!!!! <3

- Signed bookplates from: Jessi Kirby & Morgan Matson

- Cute bottlecap key chain from Jessi Kirby

- Bookmarks for Melissa Buell's book, The Seventh Blessing

What's in YOUR mailbox this week?

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

TGIF at GReads! {64}: A Book Blogger is Born

2012-05-18T00:00:00.001-05:00

Who's ready for the weekend?! I know I am! I'm introducing a new(ish) feature for Fridays to re-cap the week's posts & to propose a question for my followers.

Feel free to get involved by linking up at the bottom. If not, I'd love to read your responses in the comments. Thanks!

This Friday's Question:

A Book Blogger is Born: What made you decide to
start your very own book blog?

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GReads! was born on September 26, 2010. My desire to want to start a book blog stemmed from my desire to want to talk about what I read. I'm a talker. It's what I do. Once I was reading a few books a week, I realized that my family could care less about the specifics on why a character did what they did & omg can you believe that one scene?! So.. instead of boring them to tears, I decided to create my own place on the interwebs to share my bookish thoughts with complete strangers.

When I first started out, I had no clue what "book blogging" meant. I just knew how to blog and I knew how to read -- so put two & two together and I was book blogging... I followed a few blogs from the beginning which helped guide me into this fabulous community. I became so much more enthusiastic about what I read because I found others who totally understood my passion. It was like finally finding my place in this world, ha. Since I began book blogging it has opened up so many doors in my life. I have ventured in to a new career, met so many amazing people, traveled to places I never thought I'd visit (any time soon that is)... but most of all, I get to talk about something I adore with people I hold very close to my heart. It's those elements which anchor my desire to keep doing this.

If you'd like to join TGIF on your blog, link-up below:

In My Mailbox {71}

Review: From What I Remember... by Stacy Kramer & Valerie Thomas

GReads has a new look!!

Tune in Tuesday {81}: Random Playlists Edition

Waiting On: A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

The Blogger Behind the Book {59}: Meet Kendra & Elena!

The Blogger Behind the Book {59}: Meet Kendra & Elena

2012-05-17T00:00:00.001-05:00

Ever wonder who that person is over there, creating that fabulous book blog you're looking at?! I know I do! That is why I have started this feature, "The Blogger Behind the Book". There are tons of bloggers out there who love books & deserve to be noticed!

*This feature is currently scheduled with participants through June. If you'd like to be featured later in 2012, please email me.

Meet this week's Blogger(s) Behind the Book:

Kendra & Elena from Novel Sounds

I love how you incorporate music with your book reviews. Which has been your favorite so far?

Kendra - My last choice, for the Masque of the Red Death, "Of the Night" by Bastille. It's a totally weird mash up/cover of two 90's dance songs completely turned on their heads and made in to this creepy anthem, I dig it a lot for the book.

Elena - Our Shatter Me joint review! It was our very first joint review and so much fun to do. I picked two songs for it and Kendra picked the other two. I really love the vibe for the soundtrack, our description for it was "we wanted to highlight that with music that sounded sparse but intense and had a dream-like quality to it."

Which book would you push on to anyone, no matter what age.

Kendra - This is sort of a typical answer but I'd have to say The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, I feel like it's just such a good story told so well that it transcends age.

Elena - This is also a typical answer but Harry Potter! It was such a formative part of my childhood. I just think it's so amazing how much a series can pack in and how intensive the world is. I really love hearing people talk about Harry Potter, it's almost always so genuine and 100% enthusiastic.

Where in the world do you call home? Tell us something unique about it.

Kendra - I call Southern California home! Really, Orange County. Were you aware there used to be a prime time teen opera set there? It was a tiny show, I don't think anyone remembers it.

Elena - I live in Indiana during the school year. The two things everyone knows: the Dalai Lama's brother has a restaurant here and the Subway where Jared lost all his weight is here. In the summer or holidays, I live in Orlando. Theme parks, basically!

When you're not reading and/or blogging, what occupies your time?

Kendra - I'm a horribly boring person! Work, wasting my time on the internet, spending too money on things I don't really need.

Elena - I like going to concerts and in-store performances! I also really like meeting musicians because I am that creeper who waits to shower them with my undying devotion. Or something like that.

You are suddenly given 2 tickets to spend a week anywhere in the world, where would you go? and who do you take along?

Kendra - This is so cheesy but I'd take my mom to India because she's always going on about how much she wants to go.

Elena - I would go to Tokyo with Ben Whishaw. Even though we would probably not have much to talk about, I would stare at him dreamily every time he opens his mouth. Seriously, his voice!! Kendra says I could also convince him to give Simon Amstell another chance.

Which band/musician inspires you?

Kendra - Kanye, Ryan Adams, Rilo Kiley, Beyoncé, Fiona Apple, Frank Ocean and Nicola Roberts LONG LIST but it's mostly stuff I either grew up with or new stuff I think is what I'll look back on as important to me.

Elena - What a hard question!! Um, I guess one of them would be St. Vincent. She's kind of delicate looking but absolutely vicious on stage, I love it. Pop songs with fangs! I also love the way she dresses and she's super sweet. And tall. ALSO I REALLY REALLY LOVE BEACH HOUSE. They are strange and magical creatures to me. Beach House is constantly surprising me and I think it's inspiring even reading their interviews since they have a very unique way of thinking.

Best moment about book blogging so far?

Kendra - Watching our blog grow and take shape!

Elena - Meeting people in general! Everyone is right, the community is incredibly helpful, generous, and so nice!

I'm always so intrigued by co-bloggers. It's interesting to see the ideas of two different people brought to one blog. I adore your correlation with music (obviously!) with all your reviews. I'm also pretty jealous of Elena's meet-up with Bon Iver -- even if she has a smiley face on herself in the pic, haha. Thank you so much for wanting to be featured this week! Both you gals rock :-)

Waiting On: A Midsummer's Nightmare

2012-05-16T00:00:00.001-05:00

A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger
To be published: June 5, 2012 by Poppy

Whitley Johnson's dream summer with her divorced dad has turned into a nightmare. She's just met his new fiancée and her kids. The fiancée's son? Whitley's one-night stand from graduation night. Just freakin' great. Worse, she totally doesn't fit in with her dad's perfect new country-club family.

So Whitley acts out. She parties. Hard. So hard she doesn't even notice the good things right under her nose: a sweet little future stepsister who is just about the only person she's ever liked, a best friend (even though Whitley swears she doesn't "do" friends), and a smoking-hot guy who isn't her stepbrother...at least, not yet. It will take all three of them to help Whitley get through her anger and begin to put the pieces of her family together. {goodreads.com}

Ever since I read The DUFF two years ago, I have been a fan of Kody Keplinger. I'm always interested in what she writes because she isn't afraid to take taboo topics and give them a voice. This topic definitely sounds like one hell-ish nightmare!!! I am more than curious to see how this story plays out.

P.S. I'm also anticipating some swoony scenes - Kody knows how to bring the heat to the pages!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Tune in Tuesday {81}: Random Playlists Edition

2012-05-15T00:00:00.001-05:00

A weekly feature hosted by me that showcases music - my other passion in life besides books! Each week I will post a new or old song in hopes to gain more interest. Help me in spreading the love of music! Feel free to get involved with this feature by linking up at the bottom of this post, thanks!

Random Playlists Special Edition continues this week... Open up your music library and pick a song at random from your collection to feature with us. The choice can be as eclectic as you want it to be! Share one song, or share a couple songs. Feature your random mixes with us all month long.

I was just updating my playlist on spotify for The Vampire Diaries season 3 since the finale just aired this past week & thought it would be cool to feature a few of these songs at random. There are over 80 songs in this playlist, covering the entire season, & omgoodness what an amazing season full of amazing music!! If you have a spotify account, be sure to subscribe to my playlist here.

"Are We There Yet" by Ingrid Michaelson

"Country Lane" by Telekinesis

"We Don't Eat" by James Vincent McMorrow

"Punching in a Dream" by The Naked and Famous

"Never Let Me Go" by Florence + the Machine

If you'd like to join Tune in Tuesday on your blog, link-up below:

GReads has a new look!!

2012-05-14T16:47:00.000-05:00

Well, it was about time this book blog of mine got a makeover. As much as I loved my previous design, I decided I needed something new & fresh. I am IN LOVE with the new look and I have the fabulous designer Lauren from Designer Blogs to thank for that! If you're looking for something new, yet very professional I highly recommend checking out their website. They have designs for both Blogger and Wordpress. There is everything from free blog backgrounds, to $10 Blogger templates, and even premade layouts which are very budget friendly! I am super impressed with the over all experience of working with this team & would recommend it to anyone! If you do by chance use their services, be sure to let them know Ginger from GReads sent you ;-)

Be sure to grab my new blog button that you see on the left sidebar & update your blog! Thank you!

From What I Remember... by Stacy Kramer & Valerie Thomas

2012-05-14T00:00:00.001-05:00

From What I Remember... by Stacy Kramer & Valerie Thomas
Published: May 15, 2012 by Disney Hyperion
Received: egalley for review from publisher - thank you!

KYLIE: Tijuana WHAT? I should be putting the finishing touches on my valedictorian speech. Graduation is TODAY, and is this a wedding band on my finger.

MAX: It all started with Kylie's laptop and a truck full of stolen electronics Okay, it was kind of hot, the way she broke us out like some chick in an action movie. But now we're stranded in TIjuana. WIth less than twenty-four hours before graduation. Awesome.

WILL: Saving Kylie Flores from herself is kind of a full-time occupation. Luckily, I, Will Bixby, was born for the job. And when I found out she was stuck in Mexico with dreamy Max Langston, sure, I agreed to bring thier passports across the border--but there's no reason to rush back home right away. This party is just getting started.

LILY: I just walked in on my boyfriend, Max Langston, canoodling with Kylie Flores, freak of the century. Still, I can't completely hold it against him. He NEEDS me. It's even clearer now. And I'm not giving him up without a fight. {goodreads.com}

You guys, one word came to mind while I was reading this book: FUN! and so much of it. The prologue alone captured my attention and I was pumped to experience this adventure with Kylie, Max, Will, and the whole gang. What I enjoyed most about this novel is how different it came across to me. First off all, it's a collaboration between two authors - which can either make or break a novel. I was pleasantly surprised by how seamless their two voices came across the page. I never felt like it was two different ideas jammed together to make one story. They meshed and it worked.

Another aspect of the story which was different, yet totally worked is the background of these two novelist. They write screenplays for TV shows and movies & it's very obvious in this book. I could totally see this story played out on the screen. With the use of multiple characters, alternating between chapters, the reader gets to experience the story through so many eyes. Again, a concept that could ruin a novel - yet they pulled it off so flawlessly! Each character has his or her own strong voice, and I was able to connect with them individually - learning their own unique story and how they all end up colliding together at the end of this crazy adventure.

Imagine waking up the day of high school graduation in Mexico, completely hung over, not remembering the night before, and rolling over to see the one guy who you loathe most laying in bed next to you. Then you look down and see that you both have on matching wedding bands. That is how this crazy adventure begins - but it's the story of how Kylie and Max got there, and all the elements that lead up to this moment which make the story so much fun to read about. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting, laugh-out-loud, crazy good time summer read!

In My Mailbox {71}

2012-05-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

The last 2 weeks have been VERY good to me in the book department. Half of the books I received were pre-orders and the other half were from netgalley or an ebook I bought for my nook. Y'all, this is what makes my bookish life so amazing -- getting my hands on those books in which I've been dying to read! But also picking up a book that takes me by total surprise & I fall head over heels in love with it. SO MUCH BOOK GOODNESS!!!!

From NetGalley:

From What I Remember... by Stacy Kramer & Valerie Thomas

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Purchased from B&N for my nook:

Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins

Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins

Books that arrived in the mail (preorders & other bookish treats):

Miracle by Elizabeth Scott

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Blood Born by Jamie Manning
City of Lost Souls (TMI, #5) by Cassandra Clare

What's in YOUR mailbox this week?

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

TGIF at GReads! {63}: Supporting Characters

2012-05-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Who's ready for the weekend?! I know I am! I'm introducing a new(ish) feature for Fridays to re-cap the week's posts & to propose a question for my followers.

Feel free to get involved by linking up at the bottom. If not, I'd love to read your responses in the comments. Thanks!

This Friday's Question:

Supporting Characters: We tend to gush over those main characters the most, but what about those supporting roles? Who are some of your favorites?

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I know the spotlight tends to be on those #SHADEboys quite often (*ahem* Logan & Zachary) but there are a few supporting characters in this story which I adore. Without them, there wouldn't be a story to tell. I think their presence is just as important. Megan is by far one of my favorite "best friends" in any literary work. She is supportive, honest, and basically kick-ass. Dylan is my favorite little brother when it comes to siblings in books. He had some promising moments in Shift (book 2), but his support in Shine (book 3) is what sealed the deal for me. Tons of character love for this series!

Graffiti Moon is another perfect example of how the supporting characters complete the story. As much as I loved following Lucy and Ed, it was the presence of Leo on each page which really did me in. He was hilarious, yet so honest. My heart really went out to him. I love when supporting characters unexpectedly grab your attention and leave an impression on you. This book in particular is a favorite of mine not just for the characters, but the storyline itself. I have a thing for books that are told in the course of one night, with the help of a gang of friends.

I have a HUGE soft spot for Lola's parents in this book. Lola and the Boy Next Door is pretty much about... well Lola and the boy next door. However, Lola's two dads gained a ton of respect from me. I loved how vibrant and IN Lola's life they were. I get irritated with the ever so popular "missing" parents in young adult novels. These two dads stood their ground and brought life to this story. Plus always infusing each page with yummy delicious cravings! haha

I just recently finished My Life Next Door a few days ago & had to add a secondary character in this story which completely stole my heart. George Garrett. He is the youngest boy of 8 children in this vibrant, pulsating family. His innocence and humor brought life to the page, even in the most struggling times. I loved his endless knowledge for things a toddler should never even know about. I adored his sense of goodness that no one could escape. This little guy stole every scene he was present for. He's by far my favorite little person I've met in story form.

If you'd like to join TGIF on your blog, link-up below:

Rewind & Review: May Edition

Review: Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins

Tune in Tuesday {80}: Random Playlists Edition

Waiting On... Unbreak My Heart

The Blogger Behind the Book {58}: Meet Reut!

The Blogger Behind the Book {58}: Meet Reut

2012-05-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder who that person is over there, creating that fabulous book blog you're looking at?! I know I do! That is why I have started this feature, "The Blogger Behind the Book". There are tons of bloggers out there who love books & deserve to be noticed!

*This feature is currently scheduled with participants through June. If you'd like to be featured later in 2012, please email me.

Meet this week's Blogger Behind the Book:

Reut from Reut Reads

When did you decide to create a book blog? What persuaded you to do so?

I created my book blog in May 2011, so just about a year now. (Yikes, has it been that long?) I'd vacillated between a lot of different types of blogs and platforms--from a personal blog on Blogger to a micro-blog on tumblr and so on. Eventually I came across my first book blog, The Story Siren. As I kept reading those posts, and came across more and more book blogs, I made the very quick decision to start my own. The first thing that occurred to me was, "why hadn't I thought of this yet?"

Which books are you most looking forward to reading in the second half of 2012?

Oh, this is so hard. At the end of 2011 I made a Top Ten Most Anticipated Reads list for 2012, but it ended up being mostly books being released in January to July. I think I'll have to make another one! Anyway, I went through my to-read shelf on Goodreads and here's what jumped out at me: Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian (which I'm sure you're looking forward to too!), Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff (Japanese steampunk. Need I say more?), The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin (Noah Shaw!), Through to You by Emily Hainsworth (parallel universes!), and The Innocents by Lili Peloquin (small towns and secrets).

What part of the world do you call home? Is there something unique about it?

I live in Canada, specifically in Southern Ontario. Unique? Um, free health care! Boo-yah! Anyway, in Canada we live in igloos, ride polar bears to school, say "eh?" a lot, and put maple syrup on everything. All the rumors are true. And you're welcome for Justin Bieber. Not to mention Ryan Reynolds.

Favorite snack to devour while reading?

Lately I've become absolutely obsessed with these Dorito chips; specifically the Sweet Chili Heat flavor. They're awesome! I have to be careful because I could totally eat a whole bag.

What piece of advice would you give bloggers who are just starting out?

Whew. Um, I gotta say be yourself, hold off requesting ARCs for a while--libraries are awesome, and network. Comment, get on Twitter! If you're already putting out great content, which you should work on first, then just get more people aware of your blog. If they like what they see, they'll come back!

If you could wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I just got these school sweatpants that I really could live in. They're black with my school logo and wonderfully baggy. Although they are unisex so they bump up a little in the crotch when I sit. I'm always like, "I don't need this extra fabric!" But give me that and a comfy T-shirt (American Apparel if you want to get fancy) and I'm good.

Best moment about book blogging so far?

The best part of blogging for me hasn't come yet, and it won't ever, the way I look at it. The best part of blogging to me is looking to the future. Endless amazing books will come out, I will meet new people, I will get more readers, I will become a bigger part of this industry that I'd like to spend the rest of my life in, it will be fantastic. So there isn't one moment I can point out. My favorite part is ongoing; it's looking ahead, and dreaming.

I love your answers, Reut! I have never been to Canada, but have always wanted to travel there. Your response cracked me up!! Also, YES to Burn For Burn. I will read anything by Jenny Han, that is a given. And now I am hungry for some doritos, haha. Thank you so much for wanting to be featured this week! I hope everyone checks out Reut's blog.

P.S. your response to best moment about book blogging = best one I've seen yet! Love that you're looking ahead.

Waiting On... Unbreak My Heart

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

Unbreak My Heart by Melissa C. Walker
To be published: May 22, 2012 by Bloomsbury

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. {goodreads.com}

As soon as I heard about this book it was put on my "must-read-NOW" list. Everything about it sounds amazing... from the horrible heart ache, to spending the summer sailing, to meeting A CUTE NEW BOY, to mending a broken heart... ALL of it sounds like the perfect Ginger YA Contemp Read! I am going to preorder my copy right this second.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Tune in Tuesday {80}: Random Playlists Edition

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

A weekly feature hosted by me that showcases music - my other passion in life besides books! Each week I will post a new or old song in hopes to gain more interest. Help me in spreading the love of music! Feel free to get involved with this feature by linking up at the bottom of this post, thanks!

Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins

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

Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins
Published: October 25, 2011 by Harlequin Books
Received: ebook from Barnes & Noble

Posey Osterhagen can't complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company, she's surrounded by her lovable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend—sort of. Still, something's missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-lookingsomething like Liam Murphy.

When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire, broke her heart. But now he's back, sending Posey's traitorous schoolgirl heart into overdrive once again. She should be giving him a wide berth, but it seems fate has other ideas. {goodreads.com}

Every once in awhile I'll have the desire to read an adult book. Shocking, I know. Who wants to follow a story about grown ups?! Boring. I tend to love my addiction to teenage angst and all the drama that comes along with it. But with this particular book, I got the best of both worlds... angst and drama but WITH PEOPLE MY OWN AGE! Ha.

Posey has always been the girl who never seemed to be noticed. As a teen she had some pretty awful times. The girl who remained friendless and was always chosen last. Her petite frame seemed to be a downside for her; something she was always picked on for. There was one boy from her past that always stood out to her though. He was the kind of guy every girl wanted. For Posey she knew it would never happen. Flash forward 15 years, and in walks the same guy in to Posey's uneventful adult life. Leave it to fate to stir up all kinds of memories, both good and bad.

I really enjoyed this book for it's cast of characters. From the German restuarant-owning parents, to the protective older brother and his partner, to the self indulging egotistical cousin, and of course.. the handsome, broken man that stole Posey's heart. All of these characters had a place in Posey's world. Their stories intertwined just enough to keep the story flowing, but never took focus away from Posey.

I was a bit surprised on how invested I became in this adult novel. Usually when I read young adult fiction, it's more of a "oh I remember that" feeling; almost reliving a moment from my own teen years. But with this story, it felt more tangible. Something I could identify with right now, and there were plenty of instances through Posey's story which I found very identifiable.

If you're looking for something light, but with a lot of heart and quick wit -- I highly recommend this novel by Kristan Higgins. My good friend Jess from Gone with the Words recommended it to me, knowing that I am a fan of contemporary novels and was looking for something in the "older" range. I will definitely be reading more by this author, seeing as though I am now a fan.

Rewind & Review: May Edition

2012-05-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to another month of Rewind & Review! Not familiar with this new feature hosted by Lisa and myself? Then please check out this blog post here, which goes in to more detail about the happenings of this awesome idea.

The idea of this feature is to encourage readers to give love to those "older" novels and hopefully attack that mile high pile of books!

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

I just recently met Sara Zarr at TLA and was happy to get a copy of Sweethearts signed by her! I've been told this is an amazing book, so I am really looking forward to reading it this month.

Let us know if you plan to read an "older" book this month for Rewind & Review!

TGIF at GReads! {62}: Literary Vacations

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

Who's ready for the weekend?! I know I am! I'm introducing a new(ish) feature for Fridays to re-cap the week's posts & to propose a question for my followers.

Feel free to get involved by linking up at the bottom. If not, I'd love to read your responses in the comments. Thanks!

This Friday's Question:

Literary Vacations: If you could take a trip this summer to any place within a fictional book, where would you go? Tell us about your summer dream vacation!

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I'm a girl who loves to travel. I've been fortunate enough to experience such places as England, France, & Italy. As much as I adore going the distance and learning about different cultures, half way across the globe; sometimes a vacation within a day's drive is exactly what I want (and need). I love any place that's laid back, preferably near an ocean or lake -- a body of water is essential :) The fictional setting that has always triggered a longing for a summer vacation is that of the lake in Jennifer Echols' Endless Summer.

The lazy afternoons spent on the water, or lounging on the deck... tons of sunshine... a tall glass of lemonade near by... an engrossing book that I can't put down... no worries, not even the laundry to care about... a gorgeous sunset over the sparkling water... fireflies dancing all around... a campfire, complete with 'smores -- this is everything I want in my literary vacation + so much more! One of these days I'll own this lake house I dream about so often & make it a reality. Perhaps there will be a marina near by? hehe

If you'd like to join TGIF on your blog, link-up below:

In My Mailbox {70}

Review: Insurgent (Divergent, #2) by Veronica Roth

Tune in Tuesday {79}: Random Playlists - SHADE series

Blog Tour: Until I Die by Amy Plum + Giveaway

The Blogger Behind the Book {57}: Meet Melanie!
Random Discussion: Auto-Approve Authors

Random Discussion: Auto-Approve Authors

2012-05-03T15:13:00.000-05:00

So I just randomly took a poll on the tweets and asked everyone:

Twitter, name one author you will read ANYTHING by. Don't even have to know what the book is about.. it's just a given.

Holy wow at the response! I was worried I may break the tweets. But.... I didn't. We can all breath again.
So what's the consensus you ask? Well here are the authors that were mentioned:

John Green
Sarah Dessen
Richelle Mead
Jennifer Echols
Stephanie Perkins
Melina Marchetta
Jennifer L. Armentrout
Jeri Smith-Ready
J.K. Rowling
David Levithan
Courtney Summers
Simone Elkeles
Patrick Ness
Suzanne Young
Trish Doller
Veronica Rossi
Melissa Marr
Gayle Forman
Rachel Vincent
Kelley Armstrong
Kristin Cashore
John Corey Whaley
Jenny Han
Myra McEntire
Kody Keplinger

Do you agree? Disagree? Is there someone NOT on this list that is an instant read for you?
I found it interesting there are a few authors listed that only have one published work out right now - wow! what a true testament to their awesomeness (the ones listed that I've read, I completely agree with btw!)

Also, in case you were wondering, I have TOO MANY instant read authors.. but if I had to choose one it would be Jennifer Echols. I love that woman's storytelling so hard.

The Blogger Behind the Book {57}: Meet Melanie

2012-05-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder who that person is over there, creating that fabulous book blog you're looking at?! I know I do! That is why I have started this feature, "The Blogger Behind the Book". There are tons of bloggers out there who love books & deserve to be noticed!

*This feature is currently scheduled with participants through June. If you'd like to be featured later in 2012, please email me.

Meet this week's Blogger Behind the Book:

Melanie from Melanie's Musings

Where in the world do you call home?

Currently, Florida. But not for long!

I just finished my first two years of college. After I graduate, I'm transferring to a new and (hopefully) exciting school out of state.

How long have you been book blogging? And what made you decide to create your own blog for it?

I did part of high school online, and in one of the many times I was procrastinating on Algebra, I came across Random Buzzers. I found some bloggers on the forum and the rest, as they say...

In fact, I just hit my 3rd blogging anniversary.

What was the last book you attempted to read, but could not finish?

Not finish a book? Never!

I have this paralyzing fear that things will become amazingly better on the next page, and I'll miss out because I wasn't patient enough. I'm trying to change that, though. As Oscar Wilde said: If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.

It's a Friday night and you have no responsibilities. What would you most likely be doing?

I love going to see a movie by myself every now and then. It used to make me feel anti-social, but now I enjoy it. Especially after watching this:

When I'm by myself, I can hog all the popcorn without feeling the least bit guilty.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

Relaxation. Moments of boredom. Maybe going on an adventure.

It's weird, this summer I have no big events planned. I've never had a summer without making plans, so I'm hoping the lack of structure will lead to some spontaneity and not just me having nothing to do.

Which book character do you think is most similar to you, and why?

Fiona from A Match Made in High School - almost has as many awkward moments as I do!

Best moment about book blogging so far?

In February, I hosted a North and South celebration. Two weeks fangirling over my favorite book and mini-series. I invited bloggers to guest post and the response was double what I had expected! It was so much fun and now I have a lot more people to squeal with when I want to talk about North and South.

I love that Oscar Wilde quote because it's so true! I am envious of your laid-back spontaneous summer ahead. I may have a few weeks of that myself, but then the craziness picks back up. Thank you so much for wanting to be featured this week! I hope everyone gets a chance to check out Melanie's fabulous book blog.