Makeshift Bookmark

My Thoughts: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:06:00 +0000

Published: Little Brown (1/2/12)
Pages: 256
Format: Hardcover
Series: No
Source: Publisher
GR Summary: Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.
Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

My Thoughts: OH, this book. Anna had told me how this one was quite possibly her favorite read of 2011 (yeah, yeah, there's a 2012 release date, I know) and I was ELATED to get my hands on a pretty finished copy. It was a quick read and I figured it'd be a fabulous way to kick start the new year. It was. Statistical Probability was so subtlely beautiful. There was actually kind of a lull in the middle, which upset me at the time, but hey! Absence DOES make the heart grow fonder!

I loved Hadley and I completely understand why she was so heinous at times. I would be too if I were in her situation. In fact, I think it's pretty freaking big of her to agree to stand up in her father's wedding to some younger little tart. I don't want a tart for a stepmom. But I'm also crazy and Hadley is a bit more level-headed. HOW LUCKY was it that she missed her flight? Because if she didn't, we wouldn't all have been enticed and romanced by Oliver. Um, he's British. And he's funny. And he makes me feel like airplane rides are the new biology class of matchmaking.

I love how the author made the smallest gesture feel huge. His hand on her knee to comfort her. Oliver simply making an observation of what Hadley was wearing. STANDING IN LINE FOR THE BATHROOM, FOR PETE'S SAKE. I feel like these are all pivotal moments. So much was said with so little. And the word "Wait" has never meant SO much or made my heart swell up to 50 times its size like it did in this book. (Oh, you'll know when you get there.)

So much feeling and sadness and revelations and acceptance wrapped into this pretty little package. Read this book if you want to FEEL.

In My Mailbox (49)

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 19:56:00 +0000

In My Mailbox, or IMM, or whatever you want to call it, is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. She's awesome. It's where you share the books you bought, borrowed, or received or review. Or obtained in ANY way. Let us share in the excitement, shall we?

Borrowed from Ginger by way of Anna

The Selection by Kiera Cass (read it. loved it.)

From Publishers via NetGalley
Romeo Redeemed by Stacey Jay
Something Like Normal by Trish Doller
Struck by Jennifer Bosworth
Unbreak My Heart by Melissa Walker

Huge thank you to Ginger, Macmillan, Random House, and Bloomsbury! I cannot wait to curl up with a nice cup of coffee and ALL OF THESE BOOKS.

In Loving Memory

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:52:00 +0000

This is a personal post. If you don't care about things that have nothing to do with books, please navigate elsewhere. Thanks.

Both my dad's parents died of heart attacks. My mom's dad died of emphysema and her mom died of complications in surgery in an attempt to remove a blood clot. I never got a chance to know my grandparents, as my last remaining grandpa passed away when I was 2. It's really a sad situation, but that's okay. It was their time.

My mom's aunt, Josephine, and her husband, Phil, couldn't have kids. They wanted them so badly and tried for years, but were unsuccessful. I think they were born to be parents and grandparents, but again, life doesn't always work out the way we wish it would. But sometimes little miracles happen and people enter our lives to fill those little voids, making us whole. Which is exactly what happened.

Not to sound vain or self-centered, but when I was born, I immediately became the apple of Aunt Jo & Uncle Phil's eyes. Little Jen could not speak very well, as many toddlers can't, so I referred to them as "JoJo" and "Fufu." (Somehow I got that from "Uncle Phil.") They slept on each side of my playpen when I stayed the night there for the first time at 6 months old. They came to all my grandparents days. They spoiled me beyond rotten. Mom would take me there several times a week and while Fufu was fixing cars out of his garage (he was a damn good mechanic) and Jojo was doing the office work, they'd let me draw on their yellow legal pads. It was just poorly drawn people and misspelled words, but they kept every one of my drawings. My uncle said I'd be a nurse one day, because every time he'd cut or burn himself while working on cars, I would wash off the wound and fix it up with Q-tips and bandaids. (Boy, I had a lot to learn.) And they loved to hear me sing. He always say "Jenny, you'd better do something with that voice." He was massively biased.

In 2007, Fufu was diagnosed with lung cancer. They removed the tumor, but didn't realize that he had pneumonia at the time of surgery, so that complicated things. They kept him in a drug-induced coma for 45 days, after which he miraculously recovered. They had told us to plan for the worst, because they didn't think he'd make it. During one of our phone conversations amidst his slow recovery, he told me that God sent him back because he needed to make sure I got married to a good man before he passed away.

In 2009, I did. Only they didn't make it to the wedding, because of more illness. Still, they proudly displayed my wedding photos all over their home.

Having moved away in 2006, I still called them every single week. Fufu encouraged me through my application to nursing school, my acceptance to nursing school, my wedding planning, the difficulties of nursing school, all my crazy stories, my crippling self-doubts about my potential as an RN. He would laugh it all off and tell me that I was meant to be a nurse. And though he was still struggling with illness when he celebrated his 73rd birthday in December 2011, he told me, "Jenny, I need to stick around to see those great-grandbabies of mine be born. Your aunt and I need to spoil them."

The day after his birthday, he suffered two heart attacks. What's worse, they found a malignant tumor in his bladder that had metastasized to his kidney, his ureter, and the surrounding lymph nodes. The cancer was too advanced. There was an option for a 5-6 hour surgery, but the urologist advised that he would only have a 5% chance of surviving the surgery. The decision was made to just keep him comfortable, which the doctor had told us would give him 3 months to a year to survive. But last Wednesday, my mom told me that his potassium level had skyrocketed to 6.6 and his calcium level was through the roof. He fell into a coma. I drove up there Thursday morning and they only had him on 1.5L of oxygen and

a morphine drip. The palliative care nurse said he had hours and that he probably couldn't hear us because he was so doped up.

I didn't care. I talked to him anyway. I told him how loved he was and will always be. I told him how I wouldn't have had anyone to bring for Grandparents Day without him and my aunt. And I promised him we'd take care of Aunt Jo.

On February 24, 2012 at 4:15pm, his heart stopped. He was surrounded by about 15 of his beloved family members and his wife. Everything feels different now and it's weird. But I feel peaceful, because I believe there is a place better than this one. So I do have hope th

at I'll see him again someday. I wanted to get up and share my memories about him at the funeral, but I would've crumbled. So this is my way of making up for that and letting anyone who cares know what an impact he had on my life.

And it's kind of funny. He thanked me after every phone call we had. He thanked me for calling him. And here I am, unable to even begin thanking him enough for all the memories, the laughter. And for being the best grandfather that a great-uncle has ever been.

RIP Fufu

December 19, 1938 - February 24, 2012

I'll be looking at the moon, but I'll be seeing you.

My Thoughts: Slide by Jill Hathaway

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:43:00 +0000

Published: Balzer + Bray (3/27/12)
Pages: 256
Format: Hardcover
Series: Book #1
Source: NetGalley/publisher
GR Summary: Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body.

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting off lately, more distant, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane.

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again.

My Thoughts: Oh man. I called that ending halfway through the book. I really wanted this book to be a compelling murder mystery with at least a tiny shred of thrilling romance. So many things fell flat for me, but here are the big three:

1. Predictability. I knew who was guilty from midway through, like I said. The clues were so obvious. There were some characters thrown in to try and divert the attention away from the perpetrator, but either I'm the world's most brilliant detective or something wasn't done right.

2. I have more questions than answers. What exactly IS "sliding?" Why does it happen? What's the backstory? Why does it just so happen that Vee can slide at the EXACT moment that is required to solve her mystery? (HOW LUCKY! But seriously, no one is THAT lucky.)

3. Complete disconnection. I could not at all connect with Vee. I don't know a thing about her, other than she has a sister and a father and a best friend Rollins. She likes astronomy and she slides. I wanted so badly to know her, but I feel like she's more like an acquaintance that I say "hey, thank God it's Friday, right?!" to every week at work, rather than someone whose head I just spent 256 pages in.

That being said, this book did have promise. I thought the idea of sliding was brilliant. I just wish I understood WHY things happened. It was all tell, no show. The mystery (before I cracked the case) was rather exciting and I couldn't wait to find out whodunnit. This book, I'm sure, will keep some people's hearts pounding up through the end, but this won't be one I'd recommend for anyone who is looking for some serious mindfudgery.

EDIT: Since writing this review, I've done a little research and this apparently will be a series. Hopefully that will provide more insight to the entire concept of "sliding." I still don't feel compelled to invest myself further into this story, but for those of you who are on the fence, perhaps this will give you a little hope for closure.

In My Mailbox (49)

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:53:00 +0000

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. Go link up and share your books this week!

For Review

Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Faery Tales & Nightmares by Melissa Marr (I'm giving away personalized, finished copies of this as well as A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton. ENTER HERE!)

A Touch Morbid by Leah Clifford (I've already reviewed the ARC. Read it here!)

Those last two showed up and completely surprised me. I can't even begin to explain how grateful I am to both Harper Teen and MacMillan Books!

My Audiobook Thoughts: Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:58:00 +0000

Published: HMH Books
Format: Audiobook
Series: Book #1
Source: Brilliance Audio
GR Summary: Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The searchspellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.

My Thoughts: Guys, I'm chuckling right now because I still cannot get over the fact that audiobooks allow me to READ AND DRIVE at the same time. I now don't dread the 40-minute-one-way commute to work! And the fact that Once a Witch is totally badass was pretty cool, too.

Tamsin is a troubled child. Can you imagine? Being in a family of witches with all these awesome talents? And you're supposed to be THE CHOSEN ONE, but then your talent just skips out on you? And having a beautiful, powerful sister and feeling like you're constantly in her shadow? For real, Tamsin is the Ashlee Simpson of the witching world (I know the Simpson sisters aren't exactly relevant anymore. But I still fondly reminisce on the pop takeover of the early 2000s.) But as we all know, Ashlee Simpson was way more awesome than Jessica. YES, even with the SNL ho-down lip-synching. The same goes for Tamsin. If you looked up "wry" in the dictionary, there you'd find Tamsin. That, in itself, is a talent. Not to mention the book was narrated by the awesome Hannah Friedman, who played a big hand in bringing all these personalities to life. (Her old lady voice was creepy, but old witches tend to be creepy, no?)

Tam definitely got in a bit over her head when she lied to hot Scottish NYU professor, saying that she was older, beautiful, more talented sister, ~~Jessica~~ Rowena, and that she could help him. Honestly, I thought there was going to be a romance between of two of them and got a little nervous, because THAT IS SCANDALOUS, Carolyn McCullough. Tamsin is a teenager! (But I didn't feel bad for mentally asking Alistair "how YOU doin?") Good thing actual love interest (and more similar in age) Gabriel more than made up for my disappointment that there wouldn't be any Scottish swooning.

With the stellar narration that brought a whole new dynamic to the story and a worthwhile plot with twist after twist, Once a Witch was ridiculously entertaining. If you choose the book, I can guarantee you a fast read. But if you decide to go with the audiobook, you won't be disappointed or bored in the slightest. You don't even have to LIKE witches to like this book, but it might just make a fan out of you.

And in honor of Tamsin, here's an Ashlee song, Love Me For Me. (Because that's all any of us really want, right?)

credit to hotpolishgermangirl on youtube

Win Faerie Tales & Nightmares AND A Beautiful Evil. PERSONALIZED.

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:30:00 +0000

You guys. Holy crap. If I could enter my own giveaway, you bet your sweet arse that I would. But unfortunately I can't. So I'm going to cry myself to sleep tonight while I offer you a chance to win two exceedingly amazing books. Badass author extraordinaires Melissa Marr and Kelly Keaton want to not only give you their books, but also write your name in them. JEALOUS.

Faery Tales and Nightmares by Melissa Marr
Published: February 21, 2012
Dangerous promises and beguiling threats swirl together in a dozen stories of enchantments dark and light by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr. Uncanny and unexpected creatures appear from behind bushes, rise from beneath the seas, or manifest from seasonal storms to pursue the objects of their attention—with amorous or sinister intent—relentlessly.
From the gentle tones of a storyteller’s cadences to the terror of a blood sacrifice, tales of favorite characters from Marr’s Wicked Lovely novels mix with accounts of new characters for readers to fall in love with...or to fear.
Lush, seductive, and chilling, Melissa Marr’s stories revel in the unseen magic that infuses the world as we know it.

A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton
Published: February 21, 2012
Myth and mayhem inhabit a richly reimagined New Orleans in this sequel to Darkness Becomes Her. After the epic graveyard battle at the end of Darkness Becomes Her, Ari and her friends know what they’re up against: Ari is facing the Medusa curse and is haunted by the image of what she will become. To make matters worse, the heinous goddess Athena has kidnapped young Violet and is threatening to destroy Ari.
Ari, along with the superhot Sebastian, is doing everything she can to learn more about Athena and to get Violet back. But the battle of good and evil is bigger than she realizes, and she’s about to be pulled into a world more horrific than she could ever imagine. a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Thoughts: All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:55:00 +0000

Published: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (9/6/11)
Pages: 354
Format: Hardcover
Series: Birthright #1
Source: won during Armchair BEA
GR Summary: In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.

My Thoughts: First off, I love the name Anya, so I instantly connected with the character on a completely superficial level. Luckily, she was audacious and spunky enough to back up her awesome name. Secondly, living in a world without chocolate and ESPECIALLY coffee is a world I wouldn't want to live in. And if I had no choice, I'd break the law all the time, assaulting fools for some coffee. I sympathized with the addicts and supported the mafiya.

This book did not disappoint me in any way. It wasn't action-packed or guns a-blazin' or collecting-thumbs-to-get-my-money, but it had just the right amount of subtle suspense to keep me satisfied. I thought Anya's ex-boyfriend was a complete tool, so I'm glad the romance redeemed itself. New love interest, Win (aka Goodwin), was all kinds of cute and fun and sweet and I had a total crush on this couple. And then there's the fact that Anya's a mafiya daughter and Win's daddy is the D.A. Starcrossed lovers. WORD.

OH. And three cheers for the awesome best friend. I think I liked her more than Anya. Not to mention a seriously sad backstory involving Anya's family that makes me want to hug mine tight.

Though the word "dystopia" usually makes me think of cyborgs and bionic arms and technology beyond my wildest imagination, All These Things I've Done is a pretty interesting addition to the genre. It's not so different from the world we know today, except no caffeine or paper and the showers are like 5 milliseconds long and freezing because there's a water ration. Not a fate I'd wish upon anyone, but it was fun to read about.

In My Mailbox (48)

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:03:00 +0000

IMM is hosted by Kristi, aka The Story Siren. This probably goes without saying by now, but you can share the awesome bookish love by showing us what you received this week. And it doesn't just have to be review books. If that was the case, my IMM would be EMPTY 95% of the time. This is the opportunity to show the books you paid cold hard cash for, too. Not to mention library books, borrowed books, books you found on the street, gifted books. YOU NAME IT.

In other news, I definitely took my nursing boards this week, also known as NCLEX. National Certification Licensure Examination. Or some variation of that. Well, you can get anywhere from 75 to 265 questions on this exam and are audio and videotaped throughout the entire process. It's SRS BSNS. Unlucky me got 193 questions, so naturally I was freaking out. Moral of the story: complain about nursing school incessantly for two years while working your butt off and chronicling everything on every possible social media site and YOU WILL PASS YOUR BOARDS. Finally no more obstacles.

Moving on:

This week is deemed: Other Bloggers are Generous as SHIZZ. Because they are.

From Lynn at Bringing the Epic
Start Me Up by Victoria Dahl
Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl
Fracture by Megan Miranda
Lynn has been raving about Victoria Dahl for quite some time now. I simply must see what all the fuss is about.

From Melanie at Reclusive Bibliophile
Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar
Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart
In Too Deep by Amanda Grace
And Then Things Fall Apart by Arlaina Tibensky
Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Thank you so much, ladies, for making my week AMAZING. And for stuffing my mailbox full of awesomeness. LOVE YOU BOTH!

My Thoughts: Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Published: Delacorte Books (March 13, 2012)
Pages: 352
Format: Hardcover
Series: No
Source: NetGalley
GR Summary: It all begins with a stupid question: Are you a Global Vagabond?

No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a guided tour of Central America—the wrong one. Middle-aged tourists with fanny packs are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. When Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspokenly humanitarian sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path.

Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they discover what they've got in common: both seek to leave behind the old versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan’s found, is to keep moving forward.

But Bria comes to realize she can't run forever, no matter what Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone worthwhile, she has to start looking back.

Kirsten Hubbard lends her artistry into this ultimate backpacker novel, weaving her drawings into the text. Her career as a travel writer and her experiences as a real-life vagabond backpacking Central America are deeply seeded in this inspiring story.

My Thoughts: So sometime not long ago, I got a borderline incomprehensible text from Anna telling me about Wanderlove and its glory. Usually, when she geeks out over a book, I know I'm in for something special.

- Before hearing about Wanderlove, I thought to myself, "well this looks like a nice little book about travel."

- After Anna's text: "I think I have to read this because obviously it's going to be steamy with lots of XOXOXs and hopefully more Xs than Os and maybe a couple XXXs."

- After finishing Wanderlove: "AHHHH IT STARTS IN MY TOES, MAKES ME CRINKLE MY NOSE WITH ALL THE GOOD THINGS!" but also "I shall take this time to quietly reflect on how Kirsten Hubbard should change the title of this book to WTF Are You Doing With Your Life, You Mundane Human Being? THIS is How It Should Be Done."

I've never in my life given a crap about travel, because the uncertainty of shower availability scares me. But after reading Bria's story about her past, her attempt to run away from her past, and finding herself again in the entire process, my perspective has changed. I love how Bria's painful past was slowly revealed throughout her journey. This book is SO not just about romance. It's about giving the finger to everyone else when it comes to your happiness, because that's something we're responsible for. For real, I was GIDDY with all of the empowerment packed into these pages. It left me feeling like I could conquer the friggin' world.

So I know I said the book isn't JUST about romance, but that doesn't mean that it's not worth mentioning. Because Rowan is a delightful specimen. And he has a touch of my favorite qualities: tortured and pensive. But don't worry, there's hope for him yet. And all fans of the Slow Burn (can I get a hell yeah?), there's something that will tickle your fancy. All fans of the good boy, there's something for you, too. Guys, this love interest is multi-faceted. Just like the story.

Wanderlove has something for everyone. A sure-fire way to cure any reading slump.

(By the way, its release date is MY BIRTHDAY.)

Guest Post: Juliana Baggott, Author of PURE

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

I know that Jen is huge on music and is interested in hearing about the process of writing and the influence (if any) that a certain artist, song, album has had on a book.

First, let me say that there’s a good bit of music in PURE. There’s a song sung by children early on in the novel.

Burn a Pure and breathe the ash.
Take his guts and make a sash.
Twist his hair and make a rope.
And use his bones to make Pure soap.

I hear this song in my head sung by children, voices floating and echoing as if in an alley.

Writing a post-apocalyptic novel means that you have to ask certain kinds of questions: What survives? Does music survive? Does the concept of God and faith? Does the desire to make art survive? Does love survive? To my mind, all of these things endure because they’re facets of the human condition. In book two, FUSE, there are more songs, eerie ones that haunt the characters.

But also, one of the things that Pressia remembers about her mother is a song, a lullabye. This becomes very important. The lullabye, although never identified outright, is a song that many people should recognize. (Here’s a hint – it’s about about a girl on a front porch and someone is begging her to take his hand to ride with him into the Promise Land.) So, yes, music is important, essential. It survives.

I don’t listen to music while I write, but sometimes I listen while plotting which for me can be a fairly associative, visual, and improvisational. It’s strange to think of plotting a novel as anything but the organizational mapping of a book – something that’s done in a very self-aware way. But for me, it’s not at all. I gather images and visual clips of what I want to write. I use large art-book sized sheets and jot those elements that have been surfacing and resurfacing. And then, sometimes to music – sometimes the same song, over and over – I quilt those images together, creating stitches that would attach one to the next. I create a map, one that I think will see me through to the end of the novel; it never does. In the writing process, the characters are willful and start to do things I don’t expect. These are moments I long for. It means the characters are real enough to make their own demands.

For PURE, toward the end of writing it, there was a song that I turned to. The Smith’s “How Soon Is Now?” It’s dark and industrial and seems, to me, to resonant with a dystopian aesthetic while insisting on being human, each of us deserving to be loved.

"I am human and I need to be loved. Just like everybody else does."
_____________________________
Julianna, thank you so much for stopping by! I'm about halfway through PURE right now and honestly, The Smiths' song is PERFECT for the feel of the novel. It's dark, it's ominous, it's desperate. Go HERE to order PURE from Amazon. It's released today!

Visit Julianna's Site
Visit Julianna's Blog

Top Ten Books For Non-Readers

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:06:00 +0000

TTT is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and thought up by my awesome friend, Jamie!

Guys, let me be honest: I don't often make book recommendations to non-readers. I read a lot of YA and am STILL in the phase where I'm quite embarrassed by this. If someone asks me what I'm reading (DAMN me for reading something that's not on my Nook!) I'll slowly turn the book over and say "oh, nothing special." But there are a select few that I've given my awesome bookish advice to and here are the books that I chose.

1. The Twilight Saga
Why? Because it's what got me reading. And from like 1998 - 2007, I probably read a grand total of 15 books for pleasure. Love it or hate it, this stuff has worked. Though I'm running out of people to recommend, because they've all seen the movies and still don't like to read. (Ahem, losers.)

2. Harry Potter
Why? Because I listened to the audiobooks and, while it takes longer to complete, you can read while doing other things. People aren't going to ask you what book you're listening to, because they're going to assume that you're listening to music. Plus, they're effing phenomenal. The movies don't do them justice.

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Why? Well, there's going to be a movie from them. And following suit with every other movie in existence (except Breaking Dawn), the book is probably better.

4. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Why? Because it's easy breezy. I recommended this book to my sister and, even though she hasn't read it yet, I still maintain she'll love it. Who doesn't adore this love triangle, anyway? It's a good one.

5. The Shade Series by Jeri Smith-Ready
Why? Because it shows that not all YA is "young." Sure, the characters are, but this is heavy material here. And it's painful. There's not much fluff found in this series, but that's why I love it. It makes me feel.

6. The Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray
Why? Because how can you not fall in love with this world? If a non-reader is looking for fantastic world-building, gripping storytelling, and an unreliable narrator who is 100% unsure of herself, so we learn as she learns, this is definitely something they'll want to check out.

In My Mailbox (47)

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:18:00 +0000

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. YAY for sharing the books we got and spreading the love.

No books for review this week, but FEAR NOT. There's still a nice chunk of awesomeness that is taking up even more space on my shelf.

Gifted
A Want So Wicked by Suzanne Young (thanks, HD! YOU ROCK!)

Bought
River Marked by Patricia Briggs (read the first 4 in the series. need to catch up. love mercy & adam!)
The Treasure Map of Boys by E. Lockhart (finished. loved.)
Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt (my first by her!)

Review: A Touch Morbid by Leah Clifford

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Published: Greenwillow (February 28, 2012)
Pages: 299
Format: Hardcover
Series: Book 2 of 3
Source: ARC from Publisher
GR Summary: Eden won the battle-she saved her true love from the darkest evil. But the war has only just begun. With secrets swirling around her, powerful allies unraveling, and life-and death-as she knows it eroding, Eden and those she loves tread dangerous ground. Can she trust anyone? Will her unearthly powers be her salvation or her downfall? A sweeping, dark, and sexy paranormal romance that will haunt readers with an inventive mythology and a cinematic New York City filled with shadows and longing.

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR A TOUCH MORTAL. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.

My Thoughts: Just when I thought it couldn't any more dark and dismal... After the insanity that was A Touch Mortal, A Touch Morbid definitely lives up to its predecessor. And Leah Clifford LIES, people. This is definitely not just a "touch" morbid. It's as if the Grim Reaper formed this 300 page book out of severed body parts. BUT I LOVE IT. And Eden's wicked green highlights.

There were some moments within Morbid where I was legitimately scared. As per the ending of Mortal, we know Gabe has fallen. GABE. You kill me. You kill me dead with your goodness, even with your flaws. And he definitely pays for it in Morbid. Seeing the struggles that Gabe is forced to endure made me wince a couple times.

Az and Eden are as adorable and tortured as ever. Why can't these two just have their happiness? Honestly. I guess it wouldn't be nearly as fun for readers if they did. And there wouldn't be much of a story to tell, because it just wouldn't be wonderfully angsty without the struggles. I am terrifyingly in love with this world.

We have a girl being consumed from the inside out. We have good vs. evil. We have Luke, who is way so intriguing that it pushes the envelope of my comfort level, given what he is. We have scary, scary demons. We have addiction. Throw these all together with amazing plot twists and SO MUCH ANGST that my heart cannot handle it and you have yourself an unputdownable read.

Rewind & Review: February

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:10:00 +0000

Rewind & Review is a feature hosted by Ginger and Lisa, for whom I have mass amounts of love. I've been reading older books lately, so this feature came about at just the right time. I plan on reading and reviewing two books that were released awhile back this month, if not more. But I'm only going to feature two because honestly? I'm not good with commitment.

Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski
Published: April 27, 2010
I loved Ten Things We Did, and I am sure this one will be no different. Can you imagine? Knowing the things you know now and being able to contact your younger self as a kind of weird, personal fortune teller? Not to mention TALKING TO YOURSELF is just flat out bananas. But as a teenager? Heck yes, I would do this. And I can't wait to read how this turns out!

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
Published: March 17, 2009
I've read both Forget You and Love Story and did not like either of them. I know this makes me a horrible person, because EVERYONE loves J. Echols. This one seems to be a collective favorite, so I'm going to give it one more shot. Plus, she can write some seriously swoony scenes. This, I cannot deny. BRING IT.

In My Mailbox (46)

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:08:00 +0000

IMM is hosted by the wonderful Kristi at The Story Siren. Surely you know that by now :)

This is the last two weeks in books. I've been pretty slow when it comes to books, but honestly? I have so many to read that I'm okay with it. Plus, reading time has been interrupted by the time spent introducing my husband to the Harry Potter movies. He hasn't read the books, but we are halfway through The Order of the Phoenix and he can't wait for more. YAY!

Speaking of Harry Potter, I finally finished the audiobooks. MY ENTIRE SOUL IS EMPTY.

Despite not many books lately, I did score some awesomeness at Half Price Books though, as you'll see below!

For Review
Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown (thanks Random House & NetGalley!)

Gifted
The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten (thanks, Dad!)

From Half Price Books
Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdoch
The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle
The Fault in Our Stars (SIGNED!) by John Green

I've never read a JG book before (SHAME!) but I do think I'll make this one my first.

Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Published: Balzer + Bray (January 24, 2012)
Pages: 370
Format: Hardcover
Series: Book 1
Source: ARC from publisher
GR Summary: Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's..

My Thoughts: Okay, so you know how in Titanic, some person actually counted the number of times Rose said Jack's name? (80 times. Seriously.) Everneath definitely has that same syndrome. Readers, it was excessive with the name-saying. And can you imagine people doing that in real life, readers? AWKWARD, readers. I'd probably give them one of these faces and walk away. That's just WEIRD, readers.

Anyway, when I wasn't distracted by the excessive use of Nikki Beckett's name (and variations of it: Nik, Becks, etc) I couldn't help but notice how...lifeless and depressing Nikki was as a main character. I get it. She spent a century in the Everneath (this isn't a spoiler) but COME ON. Give me a little something to fall in love with in my main character. Give me some HOPE. I feel like I needed a pick-me-up like a Disney movie after the main character made me so somber. I struggled finding something in Nikki that I could relate to.

All in all, I didn't dislike Everneath. Some aspects of the story did get on my nerves, but its redeeming factor? Jack and Jules. The boyfriend and the best friend. Jack was AWESOME. Everneath was not without its swoony moments, though they were few. Not to mention the really fun and interesting mythology. I'm conflicted as to whether or not I'll read the sequel. Everneath has the potential to be amongst a LOT of readers' favorite books of 2012. And I do seem to be in the minority with my thoughts on the book. Even though I do appreciate (and often LOVE) dark, angsty books, Everneath and I weren't a good match.

A Peek at My TBR (14)

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: these are books that I WANT to read and are on my TBR list, not books that I necessarily own (unfortunately!) And if I do have any of them on my shelf, I'll specify :)

A Peek At My TBR is a feature inspired by Waiting on Wednesday by Jill at Breaking the Spine and Books To Pine For by The Story Siren. I did WoW for awhile, but honestly, there's never only one book I'm "waiting" on. And a lot of the books that I "pine for" aren't just up-and-coming books. There's still a ton of oldies but goodies that I'm just now discovering or want to read soon, and I feel like those deserve some recognition as well as the fresh meat.

A Want So Wicked by Suzanne Young
Published: June 26, 2012
Own a Copy?: Rub it in, why don't you?
Why I Want It: Well, if you know anything about me, you know that its predecessor was one of the books that I flat out lost my senses over. And by "lost my senses," I mean they came out through my tear ducts. Not even effing with you, I sat at my desk at work sobbing over the ending of A Need So Beautiful (oh, here's my review). Whenever I think of this book, I can't help but do my best Veruca Salt and stomp all over my counters singing "don't care how, I want it now."

XVI by Julia Karr
Published: January 6, 2011
Own a Copy? Yes
Why Haven't I Read It? Well, honestly? I've been a little put off by the mixed reviews. That always frightens me just a little bit. But in recent months, Lynn and Anna have expressed their love for this series and I know Truth is recently published. I love me some series and I need to expand my sci-fi horizons. Ever since finishing up Cinder, I've been looking for the next sci-fi/dystopia to sweep me off my feet.

The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder
Published: December 8, 2011
Own a Copy? Yes
Why Haven't I Read It? Mostly because I just got it for Christmas and it's been busy times since then. But there are so many who loved this one. It sounds like a heavy read, so I guess I will need to mentally be in the right place to read this one. But I LOVE books that make me feel and squeeze the life out of my emotions. I absolutely need to move this one up the TBR.

Top Ten (see: eight) Books That Deserve WAY More Attention

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:42:00 +0000

TTT is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and thought up by my awesome friend Jamie. It's a freebie week, so I'm gonna use this opportunity to tell you about the books you SHOULD be reading that may have gotten lost in the hype over another book release or have been out for awhile or some reason. No matter, no matter. Because I'm telling you now! Also, you'll notice that the majority of these are series. I'm sorry, I love them.

1. Nevermore by Kelly Creagh (My Review)
This book has been on countless TTTs or random posts of mine, but LISTEN. If you haven't read it yet, you're greatly missing out on quality characterization and thrilling storytelling. Not to mention the slow burn of ALL SLOW BURNS. The sequel keeps getting pushed back, which makes my heart sad. It's a thick read, but I read it in less than 24 hours on a day when I had school AND work, so no excuses!

2. The Morganville Vampires Series by Rachel Caine
If you haven't read my alphabetized post about why you should read this series, go HERE. But honestly. They're like crack that I'd like to slang your way.

3. Georgina Kincaid Series by Richelle Mead
We all know about her Vampire Academy series and how she likes to break our hearts. But did you know that her adult series is just as good? I mean sure, if you like love interests who are disheveled-but-cute authors with messy hair and is pretty introverted and in total awe of Georgina and GIVES HER ARCs of his books. Enough talking, please go buy these on your e-reader (the covers aren't ones you'll want flashing in public) and READ! Also, your heart will break.

4. A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb
I read this book way back in the beginning of my YA obsession. This is a keeper. You know, the kind that smashes your heart into a billion pieces and before you know it, you're going into work 15 minutes late because you have to reapply your makeup from crying in your car because you finished it. NO, this didn't happen to me. (Yes it did.)

5. Frost by Marianna Baer(My Review)
OH MY GOD. The mind-screwery! The uncertainty! Guys, I could not put this one down. I was FRANTIC. If you like sweet-and-then-creepy, highly disturbing and unnerving, this is the book for you. And if you like Inception-like endings? Yep, it's got that, too.

6. The Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray
LIBBA BRAY CAN WRITE BOOKS. Realms, magic, heartbreak and a boy. ME GUSTA. Seriously. Ask Lynn. She'll tell you of these books' wondrousness.

7. The Dark Guardian Series by Rachel Hawthorne
These are the sappiest books ever. WIth the whole soulmates thing in each and every one of them. But you guys, they are SO feel good and after-school-special that I don't even care. They're quick reads and the characters are lovable. I DEVOURED them. Plus, I'm not tired of werewolves yet.

8. Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus(My Review)
Um, wasn't there supposed to be a sequel to this one? I wish there was, because there's so much left in the story to be told. This was another "one sitting book," and it was FABULOUS. Really original story. Magic. Awesome romance.

Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Published: HarperTeen (January 3, 2012)
Pages: 384
Format: Hardcover
Series: Book 1
Source: Publisher
GR Summary: WORLDS KEPT THEM APART.

DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.

Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive.

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.

My Thoughts: My thought process in the first 75 pages were repetitive variations of: "What the devil is even HAPPENING?" With all the technology and the jargon and the Aether (what IS it?) sky that kills people, I really didn't know what to think. Around the page 100ish mark, I got into the story. May I just state that I LOVE the alternative points of view? Because I did. I feel like if we just heard from Aria or Perry, there wouldn't be a fleshed-out feel of this world.

I liked the characterization in Under the Never Sky. Aria and Perry were so frigid toward another in the beginning. You know what this means: SLOW BURN. It's worth it. When the MC and her love interest are kind of afraid of one another, every little interaction becomes heightened. Such is the case. Rossi does not disappoint in the lovin' feeling department.

As much as I was confused by the technology at first: I LOVE the idea of SmartEyes. I have no idea what they actually consist of, but I like to imagine that it's like a tiny, non-stinging jellyfish that molds to your face. Also? Imagining yourself to be doing something or going somewhere and your SmartEye allowing you to do it? Uh, gimme one. Except that their SmartEyes are purely virtual. And life in Reverie is pretty isolated and sad.

Now that I've spent an entire paragraph on SmartEyes, let me say this was a fun book to read. There were cannibals, and that's pretty frightening, so there was a genuine feeling of "holy heck they could actually die at ANY MINUTE." The odds were against Perry and Aria on their mission to get Aria back to Reverie. Not to mention THE SKY. Is it a chemical? Is it electricity? Whatever it is, it can kill people. This entire book is a minefield!

A Peek at My TBR (13)

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: these are books that I WANT to read and are on my TBR list, not books that I necessarily own (unfortunately!) And if I do have any of them on my shelf, I'll specify :)

A Peek At My TBR is a feature inspired by Waiting on Wednesday by Jill at Breaking the Spine and Books To Pine For by The Story Siren. I did WoW for awhile, but honestly, there's never only one book I'm "waiting" on. And a lot of the books that I "pine for" aren't just up-and-coming books. There's still a ton of oldies but goodies that I'm just now discovering or want to read soon, and I feel like those deserve some recognition as well as the fresh meat.

WOW. I haven't done one of these since...JULY. Why the heck not? Because I love featuring books that I plan on reading sometime before I die. Since there are about a million of them. But here are three.

Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready
Published: May 1, 2012
Own a Copy?: DAMNIT HELL I WISH.
Why I Want It: Duh. I really don't even need an explanation for this, if you've ever read my reviews of Shade and Shift. Shine has the potential to be the best yet. I thought Shade was unbeatable until I read Shift. Now I think that Shift will be unbeatable, but JSR is so unfathomably gangster that she'll likely rip my heart out and drain my tear ducts dry with the conclusion of (HANDS DOWN!) one of the very best YA series out there.

Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
Published: February 22, 2011
Own a Copy?: Yes, the hardcover.
Why Haven't I Read It?: I've had this book since RELEASE DAY. And I love the paperback cover so much better, despite the half-faced girl. She has awesome hair and, girl, WHERE did you get that lipstick? I don't know why I haven't read it. There have been several times I've gone to pick it up, but I always come up with an excuse to read another one. At less than 300 pages, it's a quick read, so I need to make this shiz happen.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson, by John Green & David Levithan
Published: April 6, 2010
Own a Copy?: Yes
Why Haven't I Read It?: You know those instances where there is so much positivity and hype surrounding a book and you've built it up so monumentally in your brain that you're afraid all will come crashing down if you crack open the spine and taint that expectation? Well there you have it. Everyone has loved this book. EVERYONE. It's supposed to be knee-slapping hilarious and LOOK AT ALL THOSE AWARDS on GoodReads. And what's all this hullabaloo about someone named Tiny Cooper?

Review: Amplified by Tara Kelly

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Published: Henry Holt & Co (October 25, 2011)
Pages: 304
Format: Hardcover
Series: No
Source: Ginger (thanks, lady!)
GR Summary: When privileged 17-year-old Jasmine gets kicked out of her house, she takes what is left of her savings and flees to Santa Cruz to pursue her dream of becoming a musician. Jasmine finds the ideal room in an oceanfront house, but she needs to convince the three guys living there that she's the perfect roommate and lead guitarist for their band, C-Side. Too bad she has major stage fright and the cute bassist doesn't think a spoiled girl from over the hill can hack it. . .

In this fresh new novel by critically acclaimed author Tara Kelly, Jasmine finds out what happens when her life gets Amplified.

My Thoughts: This book's cover pretty much made the decision for me. The synopsis solidified my desperate need to devour this. A female rock goddess wannabe trying to make it? HELLO, PIPER PERABO IN COYOTE UGLY! (Sans the roof rockout, the bar dancing, and the sexy Australian...plus, Jasmine is way more awesome.)

After the first few pages, I wasn't sure what to expect. Amplified kickstarted with some parental angst and Jasmine heading off on her own. I'm so glad she does. Her dad's high-strung and there is NO room for that in a book with fishnets on the cover. Without her departure, we wouldn't be introduced to some of the most vibrant secondary characters in recent memory.

Guys, if it's anything like Tara Kelly depicted, being in a band is HARD. Know what's harder? Sexual tension with your kind-of-douche-bag, standoffish, but irresistible bass guitarist. There are onstage moments between Jasmine and Sean. MOMENTS, I say. And let's not even DISCUSS catty bitches, because they're everywhere. Fists were clenched. I loved the band dynamic, I felt so much of Jasmine's anxiety about the need to establish herself as well as be welcomed and accepted by C-Side.

I am begging all of you music fans who love a tasty little bit of tension (by "little," I mean &0&2@/0/!.!@2&!!!) to read Amplified. It's a quick read that you can easily devour in one sitting. Trust me, it'll be hard to put this bad boy aside.

RT Book Reviews: TEEN DAY. I COULD PEE.

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 02:20:00 +0000

You've heard of Romantic Times, maybe? Well, I'll be there April 14, 2011 in Chicago, IL. Maybe we'll meet. I'll tell you what, though. I've never been more excited for a bookish event. Basically, I'll be meeting Jeri Smith-Ready and Rachel Caine. That's all you need to know. And really, it's all I need to know. I might hyperventilate and/or pass out.

Will you guys be there? GO REGISTER NOW.

In My Mailbox (45) - Sniffing Cat Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:53:00 +0000

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

YAY for another awesome book week! Bo has taken a particular interest in my books this week. Apparently they smell delightful. I must concur.

For Review
Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig
Supergirl Mixtapes by Meagan Brothers
Life is But a Dream by Brian James
New Girl by Paige Harbison

Borrowed from Anna Reads
Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Bought
A Million Suns by Beth Revis (I guess I should get to reading Across the Universe, huh?)

(huge thanks to harperteen, netgalley, macmillan, harlequin teen, and anna!)

Review: Winter Town by Stephen Emond

noreply@blogger.com (Jen (Makeshift Bookmark)) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Published: Little, Brown Books (December 5, 2011)
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Series: No
Source: publisher
GoodReads Summary: Every winter, straight-laced, Ivy League bound Evan looks forward to a visit from Lucy, a childhood pal who moved away after her parent's divorce. But when Lucy arrives this year, she's changed. The former "girl next door" now has chopped dyed black hair, a nose stud, and a scowl. But Evan knows that somewhere beneath the Goth, "Old Lucy" still exists, and he's determined to find her... even if it means pissing her off.

Garden State meets Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist in this funny and poignant illustrated novel about opposites who fall in love.

My Thoughts: This one is a hard book to peg. I feel like I don't quite know what the purpose was. Was I supposed to fall in love with the main character? Was I supposed to understand what the comics meant? Was I supposed to acknowledge this as a coming-of-age book? All of the above? You guys, I may be slap happy right now and not quite make sense but this book? I don't get it.

Don't get me wrong, I thought the writing was superb. I liked Evan. I liked Lucy. I thought the latter was a bit melodramatic and annoying at times, but together, they were sweet and endearing. I enjoyed reading about their childhood and vivid imaginations. I liked Evan's mom and grandma and understood the family dynamic. I actually had a soft spot for Lucy's father and understood that her home life was rough. The interaction between those two struck a heartfelt chord with me.

This one felt strikingly similar to Dash & Lily's Book of Dares, except where Dash and Lily's romance was thrilling and exciting, Evan and Lucy's was like rediscovering an old beat up hoodie and wearing it without shame for 5 days straight. It was comfortable and familiar and right. I was content with the ending, too. I just wanted...MORE...on all counts.

And that cover? Stunning. PAPER PUNCH SNOWFLAKES!