Miss Remmers' Review

Dead to You - Lisa McMann

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:29:00 +0000

"This is definitely a 'Sorry, I can't hang out because I'm reading' book." - Miss Remmers

Release Date: February 7th, 2012
Publisher: Simon and Schuster/Simon Pulse
Challenges: 75+ Challenge

"Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It’s a miracle…at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn’t going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he’d be able to put the pieces back together. But there’s something that’s keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable..."

Okay, can I just say - WOW! A relatively short book (less than 300 pages) that had me from the first page. But this isn't a new thing for me. Lisa McMann and I have an ever growing relationship where she hooks my interest from the first page, first paragraph, first line. I still think this has something to do with the short and to the point sentences - but anyway, the first thing you need to know about this novel is that it's awesome.

Quick things: "Mama" drives me crazy - why would a sixteen year old call his mother "Mama"! I don't get that. Also, Ethan does this hysterical laugh thing that is super weird. I understand traumatic influences etc etc - but there were whole paragraphs describing his break down. Finally, Gracie was the most adorable thing EVER!

Okay, now that I got those things out of the way - let me just say, this book is made of awesome (oh, wait, did I already say that?). Well, believe it! Like I mentioned, it does hold true to McMann's writing style in that the sentences are choppy and short - but, for me, I find it refreshingly different and captivating. I enjoyed Ethan's character and I felt so bad for everyone involved.

Do you remember that movie "The Deep End of the Ocean" with Michelle Pfeiffer, Ryan Merriman, and Jonathan Jackson (swoon) from 1999? Where the son gets kidnapped while the mom and family are at a high school reunion and then they reconnect years later and the boy has a hard time fitting in with the family? I swear I have a point.

This book is just like that. Except different.

I will say the "twist" at the end had me exploding on Twitter asking if this was a series or a standalone (any one know?). I don't want to say anything more - but let me just say, I didn't see that coming (although I knew something was up). Those last couple pages, my heart just stopped, I couldn't breathe, and I couldn't read fast enough. This is, yet again, another book by Lisa McMann that leaves me waiting for more (whether in the form of a second installment of her next book in general).

-Visit Lisa around the web here: Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook

To the FTC, with love: ARC received from Publisher

January 2012 Wrap Up | February 2012 Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:03:00 +0000

January 2012 was the busiest month (traffic wise) at Miss Remmers Review EVER! Thanks everybody! The top fou posts read from January were Nonfiction for High School Students, Announcing BBRAW 2012, Fallen in Love, and Across the Universe, respectively. The search term most used to find my blog was "nonfiction." If direct numbers floats your boat - we're going steady at 702 GFC followers!

January brought seven reviews (consequently, seven books read) and 31 posts; this month I think I did a really good job of staying on top of everything and keeping the content constant. My top three favorite books of the month were "Fever" by Lauren DeStefano, "A Million Suns" by Beth Revis, and "Dead to You" by Lisa McMann. For my overall favorite book of the month (although it's SO hard to choose) - I'm going to have to go with "Fever." Even though it wasn't everything I had wanted it to be, I really missed the world that Lauren created; reading "Fever"'s pages was like returning home after a year away. Even though that home is an awful dystopian society plagued by a virus and polygamy.

The big news this month was the announcement of BBRAW (Book Blogger Reader Appreciation Week). It's coming soon - so make sure to check into it!

For BBRAW to be a complete success! :)
Read at least 5 NetGalley Books
Post seven reviews
Switch to WordPress
Continue being awesome? I really just wanted a fifth goal here.

BBRAW: Two Weeks Away!

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:39:00 +0000

Alright folks, BBRAW (Book Blogger Reader Appreciation Week) is officially less than two weeks out! This is me formally inviting you to join in and participate! I'll be posting the daily prompt list next Monday so if you'd like you can schedule posts in advance. If you have a suggestion for a prompt in regards to reader appreciation (or anything really blog related), please fill out the form below. You can choose to remain anonymous or not; if you do provide your name and blog, you'll be credited for the prompt question.

If you plan on participating, please spread the word about BBRAW. It could be as simple as tweeting

"I'm participating in BBRAW! http://tinyurl.com/7d3nzln #BBRAW @MissRemmers"

or posting a quick "Hey go check this out" post. Whatever it is - know that it is appreciated. Each day of BBRAW when the prompts are posted I'll have a linky for you to sign so we can all go visit each other!

Is anyone else getting super excited (or is it just me)?

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Fever - Lauren DeStefano

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:31:00 +0000

"I'm so in awe of the world that Lauren has created" - Miss Remmers

Release Date: February 21st, 2012
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Challenges: 75+ Challenge

"Rhine and Gabriel may have escaped the beautiful prison of Wither’s mansion, but they are far from escaping danger. First they’re chased for stealing a getaway boat, and then the fleeing pair ends up in the eerie den of Madame, an old woman who collects girls and sells them to the highest bidders. Worst of all, Vaughn, Rhine’s sinister father-in-law, seems to be on her trail every step of the way. Rhine remains determined to get to her brother in Manhattan—but the road they are on is long and perilous.Now that Rhine has finally regained her freedom, what lengths will she need to go to in order to keep it?"

IMM 1.21.12
"Squee" Moment 1.18.12
Wither 3.14.11
Book Mourning 3.12.11

Ladies and Gentlemen, that list of links right there ^ are the posts in which I have "squeed" over Lauren DeStefano, "Wither," and "Fever." I think it's almost safe to say that I'm completely obsessed. After receiving "Fever" I was almost too scared to read it. I ended up going to Twitter and asking people if Linden (my love) made an appearance and finally Cat (Beyond Elsewhere) told me that there would be "very little." I'd rather know than not - right?

Right.

Well, without Linden, I should be able to wait a few weeks to read it. Right? Wrong. After trying to get into a book for two days finally I just gave in and picked up the book that's been on my "most wanted" list for almost a year!

I immediately fell back into the plot and characters. While I was still ever hopeful of a "Linden Appearance," this never held me back from enjoying the story as it is. I'm still captivated by the setting and the dystopian atmosphere. Even though Gabriel isn't my favorite character, I enjoyed his and Rhine's journey. I liked their adventures and I loved the intrigue.

But something was missing for me.

Romance.

Call me stubborn and call me a fool for liking the polygamist over the poor server boy, but I just don't understand the romance between Gabriel and Rhine. I just don't feel it and I don't think Gabriel's feelings are as strong or as genuine as Linden's. But, I'm not the writer.

There was also a "twist" at the end that I'm not sure if I'm intelligent enough to get (apparently). I had to reread it like six times to make sure I was understanding the lingo. Overall, at this point in the series, I don't have any emotional connection to Rhine's twin brother Rowan and the twist did little to move me.

Bottom line: I enjoyed this book and I'm so in awe of the world that Lauren has created. When I book talk these books to my students they always shine away from the "polygamy" thing but after I explain that's it's more dystopia than anything their interests are peaked.

I do love Linden and I'm so excited to see where the third book will take us, even though I can guess it's not the direction that I'm favoring (because, really, when does the polygamist ever really win?). I'm going to be rereading "Wither" here shortly because I just can't get those feelings out of my head - as it was, I'm pretty sure, the most romantic novel I've ever read.

So, my question for you dear readers is this: am I crazy? Am I making a "romance" out of nothing? Out of one man's naivety and one girl's complete prison? Or do you feel it too?

-Connect with the author: Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook

To the FTC, with love: ARC received from Publisher

Puppy Named Poet?

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:45:00 +0000

So I know I already posted today (and about something personal to boot), but this is a new development people! Dan and I are calling about this precious girl looking for a new home tomorrow to see if she'd be right for us.

I know I'm completely jumping the gun, but it's late on a Sunday night and I can't sleep - does anyone have any name suggestions? I kind of like Poet! I have a Pippin (Golden Retriever) so maybe I we should go with Merry? I just don't know! I do know that this is the first dog Dan has seriously considered due to the fact that she's a bit older, non-shedding, and a medium sized dog!

What literary names can you think of? What about rescue-dog names? Will keep you guys updated!

Vacation 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:57:00 +0000

So I have a pretty huge announcement. Dan and I started Dave Ramsey's FPU course last fall (Sept 2011) and we're finally making a dent in our student loan debt (together totaling about $75,000 - we have about $60,000 to go). FPU is all about "Living like no one else so you can LIVE like no one else." It's basically about being frugal and knowing where your money is going. As a teacher and a nurse, like everybody else, our bank account is not limitless. FPU has really helped Dan and I focus in on what we have rather than what we wish we had (like no debt).

We've just recently refinanced our house so that we can lock in a good interest rate (3.75 for 30 years). I'm taking graduate classes that we are able to pay for by saving money and not taking out any more loans. We've already put money away for a trip to Mexico next December to celebrate my brother-in-laws five year anniversary with Dan's family. AND (here's where it gets exciting) we've just booked a cruise for July to the Caribbean for 7 days!

I am so excited because as Dan and I didn't go on a huge honeymoon last summer (instead we bought our house) and we've only been together since June of 2010 - we haven't had the chance to travel together. Last August we did go to the Twin Cities for a few Twin vs Red Sox games (which was awesome) but other than that this will be a whole new experience for us!

We will be taking the Carnival Legend cruise (yes, I'm completely aware of the recent disaster) and stopping in Belize, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Mahogany Bay. Dan's parents are coming with us and I'm so thankful. Since I married the baby, if the in-laws didn't come I'm pretty sure I'd be doing all the work.

Anyway, with the cruise and Mexico this year, I'm already working on my beach body (and planning what books to bring with me!).

Applefied Apps!

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:53:00 +0000

So earlier this month I mentioned that I have officially been Applefied. I'm still loving everything Apple, but I feel like I'm not making the most of my most recent Apple edition: the iPad 2. It seems like I hardly ever use it and this needs to change. The one thing I am absolutely loving is the enormous amount of Apps (particularly free apps) that are available. I have LOADS of apps on my iPhone but very little on my iPad. I think I just get so overwhelmed with the huge abundance of apps.

My iPhone Apps:

Daily:

Twitter (obviously)
Google: Easier to search than going into Safari
Reminders
RTM (Remember The Milk)
WeatherBug
FOX News
Grocery List
MyFitnessPal

Games

Tiny Tower - Addicted
Tiny Village - Addicted
Temple Run
HarborMaster
Cut the Rope
Hanging with Words (Urbalation - add me!)
Phase 10
Risk
Monopoly
Angry Piggy
Scramble (Urbalation - add me!)
Snake
Mexican Train
Battleship
Water
Angry Birds
Angry Birds Rio
Fruit Ninja
Game of Life
The Sims3
Tron
Oregon Trail

Misc Apps

Urban Spoon
Flixster
Flashlight
RMaker
Backgrounds
Wallpapers

Books

Gutenberg
Barnes and Noble: Bookstore
Goodreads
Audiobooks
101 Classics
Books

Home

Menu Planner
Fitness Pro
iMap
Pinterest
Etsy Addict
DataMan
Crock-Pot
Recipe Finder
Veg Kickstart
Smart Pantry
Epicurious
Betty Crocker Cookbook

Productivity

NetNewsWire
Facebook
Petfinder
Instagram
GameCenter NHL
MyPhone+
Places
Pandora
Scan Pages

Finance

Smart Budget
Spend Free
Spendings

Education

iTunes U
Learn Spanish
Vocabology
Mobile Learn
Spanish

WHEW! Okay, so that list looks ginormous!

But anyway, what are your recommendations? What app (for either iPhone or iPad or whatever) could you not live without? How do you keep track of everything?

Pandemonium - Lauren Oliver

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:16:00 +0000

"The big ending was jaw-dropping in more than one sense and I am officially (once again) anxiously awaiting the third novel." - Miss Remmers

Release Date: February 28th, 2012
Publisher: Harper Teen
Challenges: 75+ Challenge

"I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare, pushing aside thoughts of Alex, pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school, push, push, push, like Raven taught me to do.The old life is dead.But the old Lena is dead too.I buried her.I left her beyond a fence,behind a wall of smoke and flame."

Talk about a book you can't wait to get your hands on! When I finished "Delirium" (just over a year ago) I couldn't wait to read "Pandemonium" to find out what would happen to Lena and Alex. "Pandemonium" (do you think Lauren purposefully makes her titles hard to spell?) begins with Lena as a working part of the resistance and then goes between the "then" and the "now." At first I found this a bit confusing because I didn't really care about the "then" but as the story progressed I found myself addicted to both story veins.

New characters are introduced and new twists in "Pandemonium." I definitely believed in the resistance and their characters and loved the Hansel and Gretal bread crumbs that Oliver left for readers to find. I will say I'm not so sure about this Julian character. It's not that I disliked him, but more that I just didn't believe him. And I don't think I believed this particular Lena as well. Not that this bothered me throughout the novel because the plot was amazing on its own, but I do think it's worth mentioning (without being too specific).

I missed Alex. I missed his vision and his passion, but I guess it's a sense of irony that Lena (the believer in the society) makes it to the resistance and Alex .... well, you know. I don't want to say anything further in case of a mistaken spoiler from "Delirium." But I will say that this book did not suffer from sophomore-itis (as my students currently are). The plot was just as fast paced and riveting and, despite the character changes and minor flaws, I still loved the characters. The big ending was jaw-dropping in more than one sense (albeit a bit predictable) and I am officially (once again) anxiously awaiting the third novel.

How does Lauren Oliver do this to me?!

-Connect with the author: Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook

To the FTC, with love: ARC from Publisher (Thank you!)

Escaping Titanic: A Young Girl's True Story of Survival - Marybeth Lorbiecki

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:55:00 +0000

"It's definitely the end of the story that has the most heart." - Miss Remmers

Release Date: February 1st, 2012
Publisher: Capstone
Challenges: NetGalley Challenge, 75+ Challenge, eBook Challenge

"Commemorate the Titanic's disastrous voyage with this harrowing tale of survival. Follow the true story of young Ruth Elizabeth Becker as her awe of the mighty Titanic turns to horror when she is separated from her mother and siblings."

Wait, what!? A picture book on Miss Remmers' Review!!

Yes, folks - today I am reviewing a 34 page picture book! With the centennial of the Titanic this year, I am on a binge (or so it seems). Anyway, as this the first picture book I've ever reviewed - I didn't really know what to expect. It was definitely quick and, while I couldn't see the pictures in color (old Nook), the pictures looked great too! The story moved really fast, but I guess that can be expected?

My favorite part of this story is definitely the end; turns out our protagonist really lived and survived the Titanic. I don't want to give anything away, but it's definitely the end of the story that has the most heart.^

^No pun intended as to Heart of the Ocean, Celine Dion, Titanic 1997.

-Connect with the author: Website | Goodreads
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

To the FTC, with love: eGalley from NetGalley

Pinterest Project Creations for the Uncreative (8)

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:53:00 +0000

What is with me and food?! Anyway, this project is a few weeks old but I thought I'd still share.

I love buffalo sauce and I especially love buffalo chicken. So when I saw this recipe (Pinterest Link | Recipe) I knew I had to try it and I figured the family New Year's Eve party would be the ideal time (yes, that's how old this project is).

Now, I know I'm totally making an excuse - but remember, I'm not a good cook. The big problem with this recipe is that how it is written implies the whole thing should really take less than twenty minutes. What all new "home makers/cooks" need to realize is that this doesn't factor in cooking the chicken. The recipe says this exactly:

1. Preheat oven, or toaster oven, to 350*.

2. Mix all ingredients together, hold 1/2 cup cheese. The Kitchen Aid with a paddle attachment does an amazing job of creaming it all together. Super easy!

3. Transfer to 9×5 loaf fan (or another baking dish), sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.

4. Bake for 15 minutes.

4. Broil for 1-2 minutes to get the cheese extra golden on top.

Nowhere here does it say "Cook the chicken then do all this stuff." So before you freak out, yes I did cook the chicken, BUT I was definitely stressing out because I only allowed myself 30 minutes to put this concoction together before we left (and cooking the chicken wasn't part of the plan). So I wasn't completely unprepared ~~and unimpressed~~.

It was extremely stressful because I hate being late (especially when everyone else is always thirty minutes early - or so it seems). I even yelled at D a couple times! I ended up not having the fifteen minutes that recipe requires because I was already leaving at the time I was supposed to be there (across town). So I ended up baking it for ten minutes, grabbing hot plates and a towel, taking it to my sister-in-laws and putting it in their oven for more time (which is completely embarrassing).

I also didn't know what "shredding" chicken meant and since I didn't have the time to google it, I just cut it up really small.

Anyway, if you can't tell, this was a completely stressful experience. Granted, it was mostly my fault for not looking into the recipe a little bit more and planning ahead - but what a hot mess! This picture was taken while I was at a stop light on my way over.

It wasn't a bad recipe, but I wasn't really impressed either. But this could be due to the stress it put me through. I loved the buffalo taste but didn't like the chicken chunks. It also made WAY more than it said it did - notice the difference in pans?

Anyway, final verdict: Complete Stresser (on my part). But I'll probably try it one more time while following the directions and not planning on transporting it.

Social Media Map

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:02:00 +0000

The Grad Class I talked about last week is basically centered around social media and technology with an emphasis of its use in the classroom/library. One of the things this week that was brought to my attention was this Social Media Map. It's rather small, but if you're interested you can download it here in full.

I've been taking my time with social media and moving at my own pace. In 2005 I joined MySpace and in 2006 I upgraded to Facebook (I had to wait for my college email - remember those days?). I started with this blog in 2009, I joined Twitter and Goodreads shortly thereafter, and now I'm considering the addition of Google + and a Facebook Blog Page. I'm still not a part of Tumblr (and don't really plan to join).

My question for you is - how many of these social media mediums do you use? What role has social media played in your blogging profession? What social media mediums are you hesitant to try? Why?

Pinterest Project Creations for the Uncreative (7)

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:49:00 +0000

Wow, it has been forever since my last Pinterest Post (remember the Kit Kat cake?)! Well on the opposite side of the health spectrum: this time I'm talking Green Smoothies (Pinterest Link | Recipe Link)!

I've tried these healthy shakes before (using oatmeal, spinach, plain yogurt, bananas, strawberries, cinnamon, honey - and even peanut butter), but the problem is that I never get up early enough to make the shakes! And, even though I know they're good for me and they don't taste THAT bad, they don't taste good either and I end up not eating them.

But that was all going to change this time - or so I thought.

I ended up making this shake the night before and it wasn't awful. But when I got up the next morning and put it in my school bag it was much more solidified than liquid so it the texture was pretty rough going down.

I ended up throwing a ~~most of it~~ huge chunk of it out. I'll try this one more time tomorrow morning (if I can wake up) because I do like the idea of a breakfast to go that is healthy and I think, if it's a liquid, I can just suffer through it. But don't let anyone fool you - healthy does not taste good.

Fallen in Love - Lauren Kate

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:51:00 +0000

"Even though they were separate stories, I flowed from one story to the next seamlessly because they were set up in a way that was just completely natural." - Miss Remmers

Release Date: January 24th, 2012
Publisher: Random House
Challenges: NetGalley Challenge, eBook Challenge, +75 Challenge

"What makes your heart race a little faster? Just in time for Valentine's Day, it's FALLEN IN LOVE, four wholly original new stories collected in a new novel set in the Middle Ages by Lauren Kate. FALLEN IN LOVE gives fans the much-talked about but never-revealed stories of FALLEN characters as they intertwine with the epic love story of Luce and Daniel. The stories include: Love Where You Least Expect It: The Valentine of Shelby and Miles , Love Lessons: The Valentine of Roland; Burning Love: The Valentine of Arriane; and Endless Love: The Valentine of Daniel and Lucinda."

So I'm going to admit that I definitely did not do my research before beginning this book. I had no idea that it was four short stories (albeit connect short stories) put into one novel. I, apparently, did not read the synopsis that I have provided for you in this review. So in case you skipped over the synopsis, know that this book is compiled of four short stories entitled "The Valentine of Shelby and Miles," "The Valentine of Roland," "The Valentine of Arriane," and "The Valentine of Daniel and Lucinda."

The first short story was probably my favorite, although now that I think about it there were definitely some unrelated loose ends (the hat and it's importance?). Shelby and Miles are two characters that I feel like I've invested in and care about. Roland and Arriane, however, I haven't put any emotional investment into and therefore, sorry to say it, I just didn't really care about their Valentines. Granted, it was interesting to see Roland and Arriane as an MC - but the changing of the POV really threw me off. Not because I couldn't keep up, but because this book is so entirely different than any of the previous novels. At times the style and the tone was so foreign, I had to make sure I was reading the right book by Lauren Kate.

That all said, I loved how intricately woven all four of these stories were. Even though they were separate stories, I flowed from one story to the next seamlessly because they were set up in a way that was just completely natural.

Overall, I'm glad I got this title from NetGalley and I think if I would have, oh, I don't know, read the synopsis, I would have been more prepared. The only other "point five" novella I've read is "Summer's Crossing" by Julie Kagawa, so I was prepared for a novel that had to do with the plot as a whole - not four more or less random (but perfectly linked together) stories.

I also noticed this quote (directly from Shakespeare) that I really appreciated: "Seek happy nights to happy days."

IMM 1.21.12

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:39:00 +0000

Posts that were mentioned:
Interruption From Your Regular Programming

PS This was filmed prior to Saturday Morning. I definitely do not look this put together and "fresh" prior to 10am.

Grad School Update (1)

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:48:00 +0000

I am a little over a week into my first semester of graduate school. Due to a lapse in communication (okay, I procrastinated), I almost didn't make it! Classes officially started the 9th of January and (I'll admit it) I was provisionally accepted on January 6th. So that Friday I registered for classes, got my school email (and the million other passwords needed), and ordered my book! It was a crazy weekend.

Monday I gained access to the online portal that will be used for the online classes and began my first "module" - or assignment. It was pretty simple, read the readings and introduce yourself in the discussion board. Of course, I worked on my intro for like days because I wanted it to be perfect. But I think I finally submitted it on Wednesday and then spent everyday last week responding to others' introductions.

I find myself going to the portal first thing in the morning and checking the discussion boards and the school email. By Thursday night I found myself waiting (earnestly) for the second module (not available until January 16th). I'm wondering if this how my semester will always go - anxiously awaiting the next module.

It's so different being a teacher who is also a student. I find myself wanting to get the assignment done right away and excitedly awaiting the next installment. I've realized that teaching is hard - the planning, the responsibility for sixty students, the parent contact, the paper work, and the grading. I always thought being a student was worse - but now, I think I prefer just being responsible for my own learning rather than every one else's. If only one could be a student by profession - although, I guess an educator really is a student professionally.

Anyway, I guess this update is basically me saying that I'm so far loving graduate school. I'm not feeling overwhelmed and I'm loving the opportunity to be a student once again.

Passion - Lauren Kate

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:51:00 +0000

"But it's kind of like those TV episodes where the MC relives the same day over and over. You get to a point where you're like ... 'Okay. What's next?' I will say that the 'what's next' part at the end - is totally worth it." - Miss Remmers

Release Date: June 14th, 2011
Publisher: Random House
Challenges: Audiobook Challenge, 75+ Challenge

"Luce would die for Daniel.
And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .
Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.
Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.
Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever."

After the excitement and addiction that was "Torment," I feel like any book would have a hard time following. I enjoyed the premise of "Passion" and was still rooting for the characters, but the entirety of the book was Luce jumping through time I couldn't help but compare it to the endless camping scenes from "The Deathly Hallows."* While I understand that Luce learned something each time, I was just a little ... bored, I guess, until she started to piece the past together.

Also, the big twist at the end, totally saw that coming.

Regardless of the plot, I still yearned for Daniel to keep up with Luce even though (at the same time) I wanted Miles and Shelby to find her first. I went between audiobook and hard copy (both Library) to complete this book as parts of the audio were so slow - do to the recurring plot - that I figured I could just skim over bits (I know, I know, naughty blogger). But it's kind of like those Buffy and Supernatural (and that ABC Family Christmas movie starring the guy from Saved by the Bell) episodes where the MC relives the same day over and over. You get to a point where you're like ... "Okay. What's next? "

I will say that the "what's next" part at the end - is totally worth it. Overall, I'm a little disappointed in this installment of the series but it hasn't slowed down my hunger for "Fallen in Love" or "Rapture."

*So this really isn't a negative comment because who doesn't like to be compared to J.K. Rowling.

-Visit Lauren around the web here: Website | Goodreads | Twitter

-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble

To the FTC, with love: Audiobook from the Library

My Journey to a Better Blog (1)

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:23:00 +0000

Alright guys, as part of 2012 my blog goals are to improve my overall blog. I feel like I've made some steps in the right direction but there are some large (and scary) goals I still want to accomplish.

I'd like to make the switch from Blogger to Wordpress here in the next few ~~weeks~~ months. But I'm scared for several reasons: I don't want to lose everything, I'm not sure how it works since I own my domain through blogger, and I really REALLY love my new design from KD Designs. I've only had it for a month and I really don't want to lose it.

I know where I want this blog to go in the long run and I really believe that it starts with this huge move. If anyone could offer any advice or help I would really appreciate it. I just feel so lost and overwhelmed. I've been contemplating this really since Sheila brought it up last year when we were at BEA together and, like I said, I know this is a move in a right direction. I just don't know where to start and if I can bring my new look with me. Any thoughts?

In case you're wondering, there are several reasons I want to make this move. I love almost everything Google and I've been waiting on Google to improve Blogger for about two years and it just really hasn't happened yet. First of all, I really want to improve my SEO (which I'm still learning about) and I hear that Wordpress is really the way to go. I'd like to upgrade to this Thesis Theme that I hear April talk about (while still keeping my cute new look). Kristi keeps mentioning how replying to comments is so amazing and I want that! And, quite frankly, Shanyn sold me on it last year at BBC. :)

Now all I need is the courage and the "how to."

CINDER: The Book Everyone Is Still Talking About!

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:58:00 +0000

Hey folks! Remember a few weeks ago when I reviewed "Cinder" and couldn't shut up about it? Apparently this book is contagious because even after the release date, everyone is STILL talking about it! The generous folks from Macmillan have given me the opportunity to play a small clip from the audiobook for you! It sounds absolutely fantastic and it's definitely on my Christmas list for next year!

If you haven't bought it, read it, devoured it - stop what you're doing and start! It's a great book and definitely destined for amazing things (and I'm not referring to fabulous dancing balls)! I can't wait for the second book! To listen to the clip - click here!

Interested in purchasing the audiobook?
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Interruption From Your Regular Programming for a "Squee" Out Loud Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:32:00 +0000

Okay, I SWEAR I have a review ("Passion" by Lauren Kate) ready to go for today. However, I'll be posting that tomorrow as I have an interruption. I don't mean this as a "Look what I got because I'm so much better than you" post because, really, if you know me at all you know that's not my style.

I just love when things work out. In 2011 I read some amazing novels but most notably: "Delirium," "Across the Universe," "Goddess Test," and "Wither." Since then I've had this list on my desk of books I needed to get a hold of - that I couldn't possibly wait for!

But as a "small town" blogger like myself, I figured unless NetGalley was overly generous, most of these books would be in my hands on their release date. But, after some coaxing from a fellow blogger, I decided to at least email some authors to see what they could do and these authors totally came through!

First, "Pandemonium" was sent my way from the Harper Collins.

Next, after speaking to Beth Revis, her publisher sent me a copy of "A Million Suns." Beth also sent me some great swag for students as well!

Then, yesterday I was approved from NetGalley for "Goddess Interrupted." And today, when checking my mail at school, I received a large package from Simon and Schuster containing "Fever" (among other titles I'll mention this week).

Again, this post isn't a "look what I got" post but much more of a "how good is life" post. I think it's amazing that four years ago I never knew that this community and professional relationship could exist and now I'm feeling like I'm on cloud nine and having "squee out loud moments" like today. I'm amazed at how generous the industry is and am so thankful for the opportunities that blogging has given me. Plus, I just really love when things work out this way.

The "Squee" is from Sheila (Book Journey).

Caught in the Net 1.17.12

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:21:00 +0000

To go with my NetGalley Challenge, I thought it was time for another "Caught in the Net." This is where I showcase what I've currently downloaded via NetGalley! Links are to Goodreads.

From NetGalley

1.24 The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe

1.24 Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate

1.31 New Girl by Paige Harbison

2.1 Escaping Titanic by Marybeth Lorbiecki

2.21 Double by Jenny Valentine

3.8 Pieces of Us by Maggie Gelbwasser

3.13 Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig

4.1 The Girl Who Owned A City by O.T. Nelson

4.1 Dying to Know You by Aidan Chambers

6.12 Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown

6.26 Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel

I'm anxiously awaiting to hear back in regards to three requests: "Goddess Interrupted" 3.27 (OMG I am just praying to get this galley! I've been yearning for it for almost a year!), "Spellcaster" 3.27, and "This is Not a Test" 6.19.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for supplying my addiction. Anything else you've downloaded recently that I should be aware of?

Announcing BBRAW 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:48:00 +0000

I've been hinting about "The Big Announcement" for a while now and it's time to finally unveil! I am now introducing Book Blogger Reader Appreciation Week (BBRAW) 2012! Spun from the idea of BBAW (hosted by My Friend Amy), BBRAW is all about your readers. I find myself in constant awe of the brave few who stop by my blog on a regular basis and comment (or even who don't comment) and want to say a big huge THANKS! Anyone is welcome and encouraged to join in with me, but know that this is not a blog hop/giveaway extravaganza*.

On Monday (2.13) I encourage you to nominate the name of your MVR (Most Valuable Reader - the reader who you feel positively influences you as a blog writer). On Friday I'll announce the three readers whose names have been submitted the most. The first 25 names to be submitted as MVR will receive a small swag package in thanks for beings such awesome readers. The top 3 names will receive a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble^. I know that BBAW uses categorizes, but because I'm not sure how many people will participate I just want to keep it simple.

Like with BBAW, each day there will be a prompt to discuss on our blogs if you choose to participate. I will post the prompts the week before BBRAW so if you'd like to plan and schedule your post you may. BBRAW will be pretty "lax" as it's meant to celebrate the reasons we all blog - our readers. I remember that first month of blogging when I think I had three readers (and one was my mom), I was so appreciative and thankful. Every time I received an email saying "Comment" I was completely in awe. I know we always say that you should blog for you (and I agree), but blogging for you when you know others are reading what you're writing is (in my opinion) so much better and worthwhile.

I know I'm a bit scatter-brained but as BBRAW nears things will all come together. I'm so excited to finally share this idea with you all as I've been planning and brainstorming for about two months.

If you'd like to do a reader interview, I very much encourage it. We won't be doing an organized interview swap due to the fact that you'll probably want to be interviewing one of your own readers, rather than someone random (theoretically). Stay tuned throughout the next month for more information and more excitement! I have big hopes for BBRAW and am so excited to finally have shared the news. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please don't hesitate and send me an email or leave a comment! I'd love to hear your thoughts ~~because, really, I'm sort of making this up as I go~~!

*If you'd like to host a giveaway of your own to thank your readers, please feel welcome to. But don't misconstrue BBRAW as a way to "win followers"; it's purpose to show thanks of the readers who have influenced you and supported you for years, months, or even weeks.

^Unfortunately because I am funding this myself, anyone receiving a prize needs to be in the US. In the event that an international reader would be elected they will still of course be announced. Sorry for any inconvenience and, yes, I know this sucks.

Huge thanks to KD Designs (Katie from Sophitikatied Reviews) for the awesome button!

Reading Challenges 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:16:00 +0000

Here are the reading challenges I'm participating in during 2012:

A Million Suns - Beth Revis

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:37:00 +0000

"If you enjoyed 'Across the Universe,' you'll hands down devour 'A Million Suns.'" - Miss Remmers

Release Date: January 10th, 2012
Publisher: Penguin
Challenges: 75+ Challenge

"Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.
It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.
But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart. "

After the whirl wind that was my experience with "Across the Universe," I was super excited to receive a copy of "A Million Suns" from Beth Revis' publisher. Beth also sent me some awesome bookmarks and cool bracelets to hand out to students. The students are LOVING the swag and it really helped promote the novel - more so than my constant plugging. :)

While it took me a while to remember all the twists that were revealed in "Across the Universe," once I caught on (with a bit of help from Michelle Ball - Hooked to Books) I found myself enveloped in the story and characters once again. I read the first four chapters and then had to put the book down to focus on school but this weekend, as the semester ended, I read the rest of the book in one sitting snuggled up in a blanket with hot chocolate into the wee hours of the night. It's been such a long time since I've been able to do that and I enjoyed every minute of it.

This time around Amy is on a journey to find clues left behind for her while Elder struggles to maintain order on Godspeed. I loved the intricate levels of the ship descriptions and enjoyed the alternating perspectives. I felt like "A Million Suns" and so many more levels (no pun intended) and much more revelations than before. If you enjoyed "Across the Universe," you'll hands down devour "A Million Suns."

-Visit Beth around the web here: Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook

To the FTC, with love: ARC received from Publisher

The NetGalley Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:19:00 +0000

This year I'm challenging myself to make better use of the fantastic resource open to book bloggers that is NetGalley. My personal goal is to read 50 (or more) eGalleys received from NetGalley! Let's see if I can do it! You are more than welcome to join me in the fun, but it's going to be a pretty laid back challenge because I'm late to the game and it's more of a personal goal than anything.

Fallen in Love
Escaping Titanic

Calling all Artists: Teacher In Need

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:59:00 +0000

You may or may not be asking yourself, where has Miss Remmers' been the last week? Well friends, rest assured - nothing bad happened .... unless you count the dreaded "end of the semester." The past week I raced to get students prepared for finals and (for some) passing. But it came to a point where it is sink or swim, and I'm hoping my students can at least doggy paddle.

Like any procrastinator, I'm using the two days of finals week to somewhat prepare for next week (the beginning of semester two). My sophomores are starting with "The Lord of the Flies" and I'm creating a sort of Survivor-esque unit surrounding the novel. I'm basically splitting the classes into tribes and by the end of the novel the last tribe standing wins. I've implemented independent discussions, comprehensive questions, and "challenges." But I'm in need of one more thing to make this unit the best ever - a logo.

I'm looking for a talented graphic artist who can work some magic - for, you know, no cost. It's relatively simple: I just want where it says "The Amazon" or "Pearl Islands" to say "Urbanec" (my married name). On the third image, if you can think of a creative placement - go for it. It's completely up to you which graphic would be easiest (as an uncreative and not artistic talent person, I'm not going to presume to say which would be easiest).

I plan on showing my students clips from the very first Survivor season as I introduce the unit and I thought it would be awesome to have clips fade into my very own ~~slightly distorted~~ graphic. If you think you could be so amazing as to help me out and donate your talents - I would be forever grateful. As D and I just started the Dave Ramsey financial planning budget, Dave says I can't give gift cards but I could send a package of swag!

I'm really excited for this unit and I'd appreciate any artistic help I can get! Thanks!