tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23719416677308742862024-03-13T00:24:30.331-07:00The Book OwlYoung Adult reviews and moreThe Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.comBlogger297125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-60513463348917080872010-12-20T08:00:00.000-08:002010-12-20T08:00:05.579-08:00The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNjkV3JboSXLoazDQkUshK5ukrE0QOc528L84rTmSUUwlemVGbf_16N1JbD8S2ZxFT1zxI4Fl51ZpP7tWvhOdP7xOso1Pv81tuMQ1mn1g0GyFSeM6ELwnWt5XfeKYIsH2su61OnC3f_aU/s1600/The+Replacement.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 211px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506574821819685682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNjkV3JboSXLoazDQkUshK5ukrE0QOc528L84rTmSUUwlemVGbf_16N1JbD8S2ZxFT1zxI4Fl51ZpP7tWvhOdP7xOso1Pv81tuMQ1mn1g0GyFSeM6ELwnWt5XfeKYIsH2su61OnC3f_aU/s320/The+Replacement.jpg" /></a><strong><em>The Replacement </em>by Brenna Yovanoff</strong><br /><div>Publication Date/Version: September 2010/Hardcover</div><div>Publisher: Razorbill</div><div>Age Group: Young Adult</div><div>Received From: <a href="http://princessbookiearctours.blogspot.com/">Around The World Tours</a> (Thanks!)</div><br /><div></div><div><em>Mackie Doyle seems like everyone else in the perfect little town of Gentry, but he is living with a fatal secret - he is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now the creatures under the hill want him back, and Mackie must decide where he really belongs and what he really wants. </em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div><em>A month ago, Mackie might have told them to buzz off. But now, with a budding relationship with tough, wounded, beautiful Tate, Mackie has too much to lose. Will love finally make him worthy of the human world?</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div>Mackie is a Replacement, a castoff, whatever you want to call him. Years ago he was swapped for a human child from underneath the town of Gentry. The people of this small town know that their prosperity depends on the happiness of the creatures below the ground, and talk of the odd occurrences is forbidden. The citizens pretend as if nothing happens. When Tate's little sister is taken, however, Mackie feels he must do something, as his health is quickly declining and he feels that he must in order to reverse the backwardness of the small town.</div><br /><div></div><div><em>The Replacement </em>is a chilling and, often times, gruesome debut. Ms. Yovanoff brings a new aspect to the worn out YA paranormal genre with a book that's sure to find itself loved in the hands of fans of horror, paranormal, and good story telling. </div><div></div><div>Mackie is a character that you are instantly sympathetic for. With his odd circumstances, he has never fully fit in, except with his sister and very small group of friends. His allergies to metal keep him out of cars, wary of kitchen utensils, and as far away from school blood drives as possible. With his health deteriorating, he is approached by a stranger who tells him that he is dying. This stranger seems to be one of Mackie's kind, and, soon, Mackie will find out that there are many more like him above the ground. </div><div></div><div>After the disappearance of Tate's, Mackie's somewhat crush, little sister, he feels it's his duty to find her. Because he's dying, he figures he might as well. As he learns more about the warring underworlds and their grievances with the humans, things only become more complicated and twisted and even more terrifying. What goes on down there, as well as above, are the kinds of things that keep you awake at night. And Mackie must face them with the help of his loyal friends.</div><div></div><div>Brenna does a wonderful job weaving a story and its lore. I was intrigued as the why the underworld people acted as they did. Mackie was interesting, and it was easy to understand his pain. The supporting characters were each unique, with Roswell being a favorite. What I found most compelling about this novel is the fact that Mackie fits in with neither the underworld creatures, nor the regular humans - he's always an outsider - as well as the fact that even the scary creatures felt lonely and neglected. There was one particular scene involving Mackie and one of the dead girls that really struck a chord with me. Her pain was so evident, and his simple gesture was refreshing.</div><div></div><div>I encourage all of the Young Adult audience to pick this up, as I believe everyone will find something to love about<em> The Replacement. </em></div><div><em></em></div><div><strong>Overall: </strong>Atmospheric. Creepy and gruesome. Strong emotions and depth. Great supporting characters.</div><div></div><div><strong>My Advice: </strong>Buy it or borrow it. It's a great fall read.</div><div></div><div><strong>The Cover: </strong>That is one of the scariest, greatest covers I have seen. It ties in perfectly with the novel and really sets the right mood.</div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">*This was read as a part of the </span><a href="http://thebookowl.blogspot.com/2010/01/2010-debut-author-challenge.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">2010 Debut Author Challenge</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> and the </span><a href="http://thebookowl.blogspot.com/2010/01/100-reading-challenge-2010.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">100+ Reading Challenge</span></a></div>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-41972375984014596782010-11-09T12:00:00.000-08:002010-11-09T12:00:04.961-08:00Blog Tour: Guest Post and Giveaway by Albert Borris, author of Crash Into Me<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkRUe3_Q8JLGJe50YLkW1aprsbl6_2vLjYzR5_vRUPprGzipAaF1YqSb0dMVpZHYry7U0_iD512p7gSopwvq8LdnJYd4UW-iFePLDgb2nYozd9L4b0jvmSgmbvXkr352fDhBcZAYmwAeo/s1600/Crash+into+me.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536995558249336674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkRUe3_Q8JLGJe50YLkW1aprsbl6_2vLjYzR5_vRUPprGzipAaF1YqSb0dMVpZHYry7U0_iD512p7gSopwvq8LdnJYd4UW-iFePLDgb2nYozd9L4b0jvmSgmbvXkr352fDhBcZAYmwAeo/s320/Crash+into+me.jpg" /></a>Please join me in welcoming Albert Borris, author of <em>Crash Into Me. </em>Today, I am lucky enough to share an exceprt from his book with you.<br /><br /><div><div></div><div>About <em>Crash Into Me:</em></div><br /><div><em>Owen, Frank, Audrey, and Jin-Ae have one thing in common: they all want to die. When they meet online after each attempts suicide and fails, the four teens make a deadly pact: they will escape together on a summer road trip to visit the sites of celebrity suicides...and at their final destination, they will all end their lives. As they drive cross-country, bonding over their dark impulses, sharing their deepest secrets and desires, living it up, hooking up, and becoming true friends, each must decide whether life is worth living--or if there's no turning back.</em> </div><br /><div>Throughout the book, Owen makes lists, and below is one of them.</div><br /><div><em>Top Ten Ways to Kill Yourself on Television:</em></div><div><em>1. Blind-folded Execution</em></div><div><em>2. Skate into a bus</em></div><div><em>3. Tied on train tracks dressed like Barney Rubble</em></div><div><em>4. Walk the plank on a Pirate Ship</em></div><div><em>5. Wear a fish suit in a shark tank</em></div><div><em>6. Samurai Sword Fight with balloon guns</em></div><div><em>7. Soak yourself in gasoline and hold a burning candle</em></div><div><em>8. Drive off the top of a parking garage in an Ice Cream Truck</em></div><div><em>9. Catapult into the side of a Mountain</em></div><div><em>10. Sky-dive without a parachute onto a trampoline</em></div><div>*<span style="font-size:78%;">copyrighted by Albert Borris</span></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0MMT9N3BhX1lJszm2nU07O3PkW-tRRcPX-fcS65U3ur1ORVl-Gb4GMM_s8dzSj8LcSC5CoBRsKZbGPP-71006yvkwswZ4rHUQ11TgekdePBUH0MLfFBz_GO8uO0QWabxxnqjjj0rP-0R/s1600/albert+borris.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 100px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 88px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536995837853776706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0MMT9N3BhX1lJszm2nU07O3PkW-tRRcPX-fcS65U3ur1ORVl-Gb4GMM_s8dzSj8LcSC5CoBRsKZbGPP-71006yvkwswZ4rHUQ11TgekdePBUH0MLfFBz_GO8uO0QWabxxnqjjj0rP-0R/s320/albert+borris.jpg" /></a>For more info on Albert and suicide prevention visit his website <a href="http://www.albertborris.com/">here.</a></div><br /><div>And now, for the best part! I am happy to announce that I have one copy of <em>Crash Into Me </em>to give away thanks to Albert. Please see the details below.</div><br /><div><strong>Information:</strong></div><div>- Contest will run until Sunday, November 20th, 2010</div><div>- Open to the US only</div><div>- Enter <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dExrSjlqSDJsRnpRZlV3WHUyYXE4NXc6MQ">here</a></div><br /><div>Good luck!</div></div>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-25176701574144468242010-09-25T17:00:00.000-07:002010-09-26T12:04:41.672-07:00Blog Tour: Guest Post by Andrea Cremer, author of NightshadePlease join me in welcoming Andrea Cremer, author of <em>Nightshade. </em>Today, she's here to tell us about some Young Adult books that are must-reads!<br /><div><div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong>Reading Recs, or Spreading the Love</strong></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the best parts of being an author is meeting other authors. I’ve been able to meet my writing heroes and heroines over the past several months and it has been amazing. I read as much as I can, so my recommendations here are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great books. The following titles are a few of my recent favorites:<br /><br /><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGUcnunYdxngUd5qLTckLI8siA0sIVOQyffXHjeLkHjHQO6cphSL9Omh7LF3ZnTwZN-tVky_0d6iw1nUyylUL6Ct3zyQm0K7XWbHDuEeEPymesbK1q2vcd3YdkU0bviVz2P-duseEwPFR/s1600/Will+Grayson+Will+Grayson+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 128px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 193px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521299639698094434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGUcnunYdxngUd5qLTckLI8siA0sIVOQyffXHjeLkHjHQO6cphSL9Omh7LF3ZnTwZN-tVky_0d6iw1nUyylUL6Ct3zyQm0K7XWbHDuEeEPymesbK1q2vcd3YdkU0bviVz2P-duseEwPFR/s200/Will+Grayson+Will+Grayson+cover.jpg" /></a>Will Grayson, Will Grayson</em> by John Green and David Levithan.<br /><br />Two brilliant authors who are two wonderful people write a book about two awesome boys, both named Will Grayson. I got to hang out with John and David at ALA and I’m still going through withdrawal – I wish I could see them every day! This story about self-discovery, friendship, and loyalty made me laugh out loud and cry. It’s beautifully written and full of surprises. John Green and David Levithan each write books on their own too – and they are all amazing, pick any one of them up and you’re in for a treat.<br /><br /><em>The Demon’s Lexicon</em> series by Sarah Rees Brennan<br /><br />The first book has a fabulous twist. The second book features a kick-ass heroine. All of it takes place in England, one of my favorite countries and is full of an original mythology that is fascinating and compelling. I love the characters Sarah has created and I’m dying for the third book in this trilogy to hit shelves! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh347PAMnYFpec_4nWAnYi_aHSRT-f0duzObHi6E9V_kqOHgv4LomQcD_asQPdYdH37igub9ZSOlm2UaDTz40TZkhErz0TXlkj7bd_Of1ZegQCRovPAHu8ZYqDXUwUJixyr6PP6iOcAsdad/s1600/Personal+Demons+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521299913896467378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh347PAMnYFpec_4nWAnYi_aHSRT-f0duzObHi6E9V_kqOHgv4LomQcD_asQPdYdH37igub9ZSOlm2UaDTz40TZkhErz0TXlkj7bd_Of1ZegQCRovPAHu8ZYqDXUwUJixyr6PP6iOcAsdad/s200/Personal+Demons+cover.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><em>Personal Demons</em> by Lisa Desrochers<br /><br />Lisa is my critique partner so I’ve been lucky to read this book and its sequel, Original Sin, early. You can pick it up September 14! Lisa has offered an original spin on the battle between Heaven and Hell with a no-nonsense, sassy heroine and two phenomenally sexy boys trying to win her heart (and soul). Lisa’s books are delicious and addictive!<br /><br /><em>Lament</em> and <em>Ballad</em> by Maggie Stiefvater<br /><br />I love The Wolves of Mercy Falls series, which Maggie is best known for, but her books focusing on faerie lore are my favorites by this gifted author. Not a series, but companion novels Lament and Ballad are <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdUW9eVjVoSsHs-iAWMb0F6TvMLEwP3kMq67T0pP6Cno0Bq4U0fZpZNeIKb5G6M2MGv5tJCBOWjJ7ZWUtzOBJ1ETpM2t7c8iPNSbLcxPtVMcL9wGC8ILPHS5JjVKdboWohVZuBkNXLN9M/s1600/Lament+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521299640073376210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdUW9eVjVoSsHs-iAWMb0F6TvMLEwP3kMq67T0pP6Cno0Bq4U0fZpZNeIKb5G6M2MGv5tJCBOWjJ7ZWUtzOBJ1ETpM2t7c8iPNSbLcxPtVMcL9wGC8ILPHS5JjVKdboWohVZuBkNXLN9M/s200/Lament+cover.jpg" /></a>achingly beautiful. The joys and sorrows of Maggie’s characters haunt you well after you’ve finished the books. If you haven’t checked out these books (published by Flux) you should.<br /><br /><em>The Replacement</em> by Brenna Yovanoff<br /><br />Speaking of faerie lore, Brenna’s debut hits shelves in September. This book hit me hard, but in a good way. It’s a frightening and slightly disturbing interpretation of ugliness and beauty, good and evil. The protagonist is Mackie – a very unique young man – he’s a changeling, a faerie child left in place of a human child who’s been stolen. Unlike other faeries, Mackie is trying hard to be part of his human family and their world, despite the fact that it’s slowly killing him. I loved this story which is in turns sweet and horrifying.</div><br /><div>Thanks for joining us Andrea!</div></div></div>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-84235020308153327942010-09-24T18:23:00.000-07:002010-09-24T18:40:49.983-07:00Blog Tour: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fUp5IMEJe78JuY2cqWSm8iW4iiZBZekJTiUVOmNWCgL8cIfZlhvtJJn8LJlF8xDHmnGt1RxygiHMweXXv8yIUt8wLpBjWbkz6_8Y575MvCMt2v2eUmbDbsYTgS7IeeeVdJR3_GCv-Ajf/s1600/Nightshade+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 212px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520656332227752562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fUp5IMEJe78JuY2cqWSm8iW4iiZBZekJTiUVOmNWCgL8cIfZlhvtJJn8LJlF8xDHmnGt1RxygiHMweXXv8yIUt8wLpBjWbkz6_8Y575MvCMt2v2eUmbDbsYTgS7IeeeVdJR3_GCv-Ajf/s320/Nightshade+cover.jpg" /></a><strong><em>Nightshade </em>by Andrea Cremer </strong><br /><br />Publication Date/Version: October 2010/Hardcover<br />Publisher: Philomel<br />Age Group: Young Adult<br />Received From: Publisher<br /><p><em>Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything--including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?</em></p><p>A bit animal-like, a whole lot sexy, and plenty of action. <em>Nightshade </em>is a whirlwind debut that tops the charts as one-of-those paranormal books. Ranking with <em>Raised by Wolves </em>and <em>Spell Hunters</em>, this one hits all kinds of new levels. </p><p>Calla is a strong, no nonsense kind of girl. The kind you actually want to read about. She's certainly no pushover, and you get that immediately from the story. She's tough and fights for what she wants. We're drawn in instantly to her major problem - saving a human boy, violating pack rules. Soon after, she begins to question everything she's known about the pack and just how truthful they really are.</p><p>Meet her two rival boys, Ren and Shay. Ren is the soon-to-be alpha male of the pack Calla and Ren are destined to create. He's the hot boy with a heart just for Calla. He's not without his flaws, but he is willing to stop it all for Calla. Then comes along Shay, the boy Calla saves from certain death. He's not afraid of the pack, though he should be. He fights for Calla and crosses more than a few boundaries doing so. I preferred the relationship between Ren and Calla as it was hot and exciting. I didn't feel the chemistry between her and Shay, but apparently she did. Either way, it didn't detract much from the plot.</p><p>Fast-paced and full of action, the insanity never stops in <em>Nightshade. </em>The pack is intense and demanding, while Calla's secrets draw her away from her duties and friends. There's nonstop intrigue and you can't help but flip the pages. This hefty book only took me a couple days to read. I highly recommend Cremer's debut, and I cannot wait for the next installment<em>, Wolfsbane!</em></p><p><strong>Overall:</strong> Hot chemistry, dynamic pack, full of intrigue.</p><p><strong>My Advice</strong>: Buy a copy.</p><p><strong>Cover</strong>: Loving it. The colors are great, and I especially enjoy the flowers that look as though there's been a bit of bloodshed.</p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">*This book was read as a part of the </span><a href="http://thebookowl.blogspot.com/2010/01/100-reading-challenge-2010.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">100+ Reading Challenge</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> and the </span><a href="http://thebookowl.blogspot.com/2010/01/2010-debut-author-challenge.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">2010 Debut Author Challenge</span></a> </p>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-49045301295532970972010-09-06T22:16:00.000-07:002010-09-06T22:37:06.597-07:00Review: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JsPZktZbAYGFFP8c7pZK1NkS9oHC5S3Is6MZnykiMYE15i58MvZyCCovlqUnudrU5xd_99e4eXdFSZqR21_YC4KkEFn0wcpElI8ICBAVCJnwnuR2cklDw7UNI_xrVPn76yC0GgOFQwcJ/s1600/the+sky+is+every+where+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 211px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514038032798132498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JsPZktZbAYGFFP8c7pZK1NkS9oHC5S3Is6MZnykiMYE15i58MvZyCCovlqUnudrU5xd_99e4eXdFSZqR21_YC4KkEFn0wcpElI8ICBAVCJnwnuR2cklDw7UNI_xrVPn76yC0GgOFQwcJ/s320/the+sky+is+every+where+cover.jpg" /></a><strong><em>The Sky is Everywhere </em>by Jandy Nelson</strong><br /><div>Publication Date/Version: March 2010/Hardcover</div><div>Publisher: Dial</div><div>Age Group: Young Adult</div><div>Received From: Publisher</div><br /><div></div><div><em>Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. </em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div><em>Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding.</em> </div><br /><div></div><div>Similar to Cath Crowley's <em>A Little Wanting Song</em>, <em>The Sky is Everywhere </em>delivers on romance and prose. These two books fall into their own special category of writing. It's beyond emotional, beyond evocative, beyond anything else. It's near perfection in a book. Writing as good as this hits true emotions and makes you nod along saying <em>Yes! That's exactly what it feels like</em>. Jandy Nelson is a writer who is able to put into words what everyone feels but can't describe.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bailey faces the classic dilemma of having two boys both vying for her heart. One is her sister's old boyfriend, who shares her pain but also causes enormous amounts of grief. The other is a new boy who lights up her world, bringing sunshine and music to the dark corners of her mind. Does she want to remember her sorrow, or forget it completely? The decision is complicated, and we're taken along through each of Bailey's thoughts. The beginning of each chapter starts with a poem or a few words written on trash scattered throughout the town - all of which are touching and simple. <em>The Sky is Everywhere </em>is one of those book where I wish I had a notebook handy to write down each gorgeous phrase I came across.</div><div><br /></div><div>Though the characters were a-okay after such a long fight - one of my pet peeves - I really can't detract much from the story because of a few plot points. The words and weight of this book are ultimately redeeming. This is a book you can't judge based on character arc or dramatic tension. Instead, it's one of those books you judge on the quality of life, the emotions it portrays, and the simple elegance of its words. It's touching, inspiring, and gosh darn near perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Overall: </strong>I really shouldn't have to explain at this point. I already said gosh darn near perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>My Advice: </strong>Buy it.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Cover: </strong>I didn't initially love it, but it's growing on me. I prefer the UK cover, as that one's gorgeous.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">*This was read as a part of the </span><a href="http://thebookowl.blogspot.com/2010/01/2010-debut-author-challenge.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">2010 Debut Author Challenge</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> and the </span><a href="http://thebookowl.blogspot.com/2010/01/100-reading-challenge-2010.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">100+ Reading Challenge</span></a> </div>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-69919307826208440002010-09-05T23:05:00.000-07:002010-09-05T23:31:50.231-07:00School: Why I Love, and Despise, YouFall is creeping up on us and, unfortunately, for a large majority of the population, that means one thing: school. Whether you love it, dread it, or just like to see your friends, it's always there. And now, the reasons for my love-hate relationship, which I'm sure many of you will agree with.<br /><br /><div><div><div><strong>Love:</strong></div><div>1. <em>Seeing my friends!</em> That first day back, or, for me, the first football game (which happened <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcgP6fn0so-VDiqQcmQsiAvEYd0maPmJ35Ub0RVVINnOuLekQVfl6BDJt4lKqaAn0FxpuDjqjOXqaW98Y_gwaPedJwawhje68t2j7jeS__r_wMfW5YjT3l9m62_g91w_IV4trQhrg1dIu/s1600/raise.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 147px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513683711378456210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcgP6fn0so-VDiqQcmQsiAvEYd0maPmJ35Ub0RVVINnOuLekQVfl6BDJt4lKqaAn0FxpuDjqjOXqaW98Y_gwaPedJwawhje68t2j7jeS__r_wMfW5YjT3l9m62_g91w_IV4trQhrg1dIu/s200/raise.jpg" /></a>before the first day,) is the best feeling, especially as a now upperclassman. I'm a junior! Seeing all of your old friends is great, and it's even better to say hi to people you don't talk to much. Everyone's just happy to see each other.</div><br /><div>2. <em>Being an upperclassman! </em>It's about darn time. Now I get automatic rights for all of the good things in school life: front row at all of the games, ability to walk under the minuscule cover when it rains, parting of the hallways. I'm stoked. </div><br /><div>3. <em>Talking to new people! </em>Whether it's transfers or incoming freshman, it's nice to make <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-3rtOh4z4r9eHQ1yMWtaR3f4-vxAkuA1KkCVhE7secHIQ5sDjRUwqYYnnx8Cl0zkhw0LUqHD-yURgpS12zwXDRjtVpUP6xM_77mKRYUzizfaVVqZ6obls3HcFTbWltiYHXBxY3OTRN7k/s1600/game.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513683523514918482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-3rtOh4z4r9eHQ1yMWtaR3f4-vxAkuA1KkCVhE7secHIQ5sDjRUwqYYnnx8Cl0zkhw0LUqHD-yURgpS12zwXDRjtVpUP6xM_77mKRYUzizfaVVqZ6obls3HcFTbWltiYHXBxY3OTRN7k/s200/game.jpg" /></a>someone's day by simply acknowledging them. And it's great when someone I don't really know strikes up a conversation with me. </div><br /><div>4. <em>New classes! </em>Yep, I said it. I have tons of fun going to all of my new classes, meeting teachers, and starting in on those Lit books! </div><br />5. <em>School spirit! </em>Dressing up for games, getting decked out in team colors, yelling 'til you're hoarse...that's the life of a teenager.<br /><br /><div><strong>Dislike:</strong></div><div></div><div>1. <em>Summer homework! </em>I take a couple AP classes which inevitably means summer homework. I'm 40 hours in and counting. Bring it on. Oh, and if my history teacher assigns one more mind-numbingly boring book, I don't know what I'm going to do.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakBU-3I73rNrwewyZVrE8hJpk_wdLeLJiRCwWIP_9VYoEw9qcwdndY4ApWNlhWg9Zd8QLiFpw4WRo2249ZTyRKGnqzN2yYj3PI01ls81c7q958ukmJLWyFJygJdvXnLlzv2MMzpXqfSEb/s1600/homework.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513683717388569554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakBU-3I73rNrwewyZVrE8hJpk_wdLeLJiRCwWIP_9VYoEw9qcwdndY4ApWNlhWg9Zd8QLiFpw4WRo2249ZTyRKGnqzN2yYj3PI01ls81c7q958ukmJLWyFJygJdvXnLlzv2MMzpXqfSEb/s200/homework.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>2. <em>The dreaded school picture! </em>Now this can really be a plus or a minus, but planning is terrible, as is the anticipation to see how your picture turned out. Way too stressful.</div><br /><div>3. <em>No free time! </em>Between sports, homework, and general school activities, when I am supposed to live? Or eat or shower for that matter? For me, it's wake up at 5:30 and go to bed by 10:00, if I'm lucky. Thank goodness for my friends who always get coffee - I couldn't survive without mooching off of them!</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCwiwkdxCgNLb0u1aVTbvvBGU2sqiBTjbo_wayPSy6HApx37rVXLJk_UyGQ3PU96Qage5rt9EWxPpP5cdEPf3GJzDMYoK6BkArf_3HsGfuz2tYJDDRsI2n6TEKwJC2uOUy8pzsw0XmTtA/s1600/class+photo.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 143px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513683516527010258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCwiwkdxCgNLb0u1aVTbvvBGU2sqiBTjbo_wayPSy6HApx37rVXLJk_UyGQ3PU96Qage5rt9EWxPpP5cdEPf3GJzDMYoK6BkArf_3HsGfuz2tYJDDRsI2n6TEKwJC2uOUy8pzsw0XmTtA/s200/class+photo.jpg" /></a>4<em>. Homework!</em> I've<em> </em>got 7 subjects, and that means a lot of homework. 3-4 hours average, 7 if it's bad. I will not miss those days.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. <em>Stress and the inevitable forgetful moments! </em>Yes, for some reason, you always manage to forget the test in your hardest class or to do homework in that one class. It happens, and it sucks. </div><br /><div>School, with its highs and lows, isn't everyone's favorite but I think we can all agree that it's one of the most memorable of exciting times of our lives!</div></div></div>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-55167910952886124262010-09-04T17:55:00.000-07:002010-09-04T18:52:42.723-07:00In My Mailbox or The Fed Ex Guy is SneakyIMM is a weekly meme that explores the contents of one's mailbox. IMM was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. I'm doing it a bit differently now. I will be taking pictures, including an interesting title as I'm tired of numbers and why I received it (a la Alea of <a href="http://aleapopculture.blogspot.com/">Pop Culture Junkie</a>.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdQcvclKaJXZXdGmDrpAopzH2upMsosIswG9mf7ppkQImZErgztPo0lgwsEIOv1AGzUYCGO_m7Z_ENwh9jNO_ckhLsurjdrTBDNvi-6_p2_jS-KGm3BN5BeLqAwkWO0iT-BLtAGbyNbBy/s1600/fedex2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513238911514585074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdQcvclKaJXZXdGmDrpAopzH2upMsosIswG9mf7ppkQImZErgztPo0lgwsEIOv1AGzUYCGO_m7Z_ENwh9jNO_ckhLsurjdrTBDNvi-6_p2_jS-KGm3BN5BeLqAwkWO0iT-BLtAGbyNbBy/s200/fedex2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><em>Crave </em>by Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz (Accepted Review Copy)<br /><br /><em>Echoes </em>by Melinda Metz (Accepted Review Copy)<br /><br /><em>Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love </em>edited by Trisha Telep<em> </em>(Accepted Review Copy) - Fed Ex dropped this one off, and because I never open my door for them (hehe) he left it on my porch. I walked out, looked around, and didn't see it so I came back inside. I thought maybe it was a package I had to sign for, but I decided to look again. He had wedged it in a corner behind our potted plant, under its leaves. Very sneaky... I do like that about Fed Ex though. They always put our packages out of a passerby's viewpoint.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqteD7Ojw8D90eRiGTHxQA4t7BFidwIZ95qLQgnA8FHO_EGv7-Fty7Pqq3YW4859CdrywJAFf6M4eiA8XwiUH6AIlV5zYs35wN0c9zDLSwFowK68GLReSmZyLe9Y2Yqu_ZRUAC5amw9fr/s1600/fedex1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513238901773756130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqteD7Ojw8D90eRiGTHxQA4t7BFidwIZ95qLQgnA8FHO_EGv7-Fty7Pqq3YW4859CdrywJAFf6M4eiA8XwiUH6AIlV5zYs35wN0c9zDLSwFowK68GLReSmZyLe9Y2Yqu_ZRUAC5amw9fr/s200/fedex1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em></em><br /><em>The Death by Bikini Mysteries (Books 1-3) </em>by Linda Gerber (Paperback Swap) - What a surprise! I thought I was receiving a copy of the first book, but I ended up getting all three in one book.<br /><br /><em>Perfect Chemistry </em>by Simone Elkeles (Bought) - Thanks to a gift card from my awesome Grandma!<br /><br /><em>The Indigo Notebook </em>by Laura Resau (Random Buzzers Program)<br /><br />Do you like the way I'm doing IMM now? Or do you like the old way?<br /><br />I had a good week! How was yours?The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-13402189198830396812010-09-02T16:54:00.000-07:002010-09-02T17:36:36.657-07:00I'm participating in the Banned Books Reading Challenge!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512469825015770466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YD5j1aaRmRJRFjcoPIYdcXYgnLrwFPMM0kPdQhZmPdDwVanO1EzliE1R9tbX72_BLDz8A074s40cFmHFdzfsX3Bk2segyW2jVyQksSqABfbb7ACejObW4Nosw-CoafayT3DQKel39FHZ/s200/banthis.png" /><br />The lovely Steph of Steph Su Reads has issued a Banned Books Reading Challenge, and I plan on taking part! You can read more about it and sign up <a href="http://stephsureads.blogspot.com/2010/08/introducing-banned-books-reading.html">here</a>. This is my main post, in which I will be outlining my goals and linking to reviews.<br /><br />Often times I find myself recommending book to certain age groups based on their content, but who am I to judge? I look forward to break boundaries and defying those who think they can control me. Bring on those oh so bad banned books.<br /><br />My goal is to read at least <strong>2 banned or challenged </strong>books. I'm starting out small, but maybe I'll read more. I would like to check out:<br /><br /><em>Crank</em> by Ellen Hopkins<br /><em>The Bermudez Triangle </em>by Maureen Johnson<br /><em>The Chocolate War</em> by Robert Cormier<br /><em>Olive's Ocean </em>by Kevin HenkesThe Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-4797355549007517142010-09-01T13:57:00.001-07:002010-09-01T14:23:14.074-07:00Review: Blue Plate Special by Michelle D. Kwasney<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAik00bc6Jrnbj0dg34JYSTO9FGry9X05TKTTdkfjrqtcVX_ICbgTKXtW0WI_cG8e1zNAKU_cWiKsjfKcu0TczMoA4hE2suMsdTZSPDsngUebLFIFPKjggCP2lUryLjxiL97k9hoWfCx9-/s1600/Blue+Plate+Special+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 222px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512054429520413858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAik00bc6Jrnbj0dg34JYSTO9FGry9X05TKTTdkfjrqtcVX_ICbgTKXtW0WI_cG8e1zNAKU_cWiKsjfKcu0TczMoA4hE2suMsdTZSPDsngUebLFIFPKjggCP2lUryLjxiL97k9hoWfCx9-/s320/Blue+Plate+Special+cover.jpg" /></a><strong><em>Blue Plate Special </em>by Michelle D. Kwasney</strong><br /><div>Publication Date/Version: September 2009/Hardcover</div><div>Publisher: Chronicle Books</div><div>Age Group: Young Adult</div><div>Received From: Publisher</div><br /><div></div><div><em>Big Macs and pop tunes mask the emptiness as Madeline watches her mom drink away their welfare checks. Until the day Tad, a quirky McDonald's counter boy, asks Madeline out for a date, and she gets her first taste of normal. But with a life that's anything </em>but, <em>how long can normal really last?</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div><em>Hanging with Jeremy, avoiding Mam, sticking Do Not Disturb Post-its on her heart, Desiree's mission is simple: party hard, graduate (well, maybe), get out of town. But after Desiree accepts half a meatball grinder, a cold drink, and a ride from her mother's boyfriend on rainy afternoon, nothing is ever simple again.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div><em>Too many AP classes. Workaholic mom. Dad in prison. Still, Ariel's sultry new boyfriend, Shane, manages to make even the worst days delicious. But when a trip to visit the sick grandmother she's never met reveals her family's dark past, Ariel struggles to find the courage to make the right choice for her own future.</em></div><div><em><br /></em></div><div><em>Blue Plate Special </em>is one of those stories that really gets to you. It starts as just another <em>teenagers with problems</em> book, but Michelle weaves together intrigue, wit, and awkwardness into a classic coming of age story that defies preset standards. </div><div><br /></div><div>Madeline, Desiree, and Ariel. All young girls with their whole lives ahead of them, stuck in problem situations. All are connected, but none know it just quite yet. As time flashes from one point of view to the next, each young woman offers a glimpse into hard times and just what it means to be a fighter. Their situations are heart-wrenching at worst, manageable at best, but their connections are undeniable.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kwasney has created a compelling storyline that can stand completely on its own. It flows between characters with ease, each offering up a different attitude and time period. Michelle manages to show how love and hurt transcends all boundaries, as well as just how connected we all really are. The plot kept me moving at a steady pace as I simply had to find out what happened to each girl, to see whether they had enough fight to get out of their situation. </div><div><br /></div><div>The great storyline left me so blinded that in the final chapters, when everything was coming together and connections were revealed, I was in shock. How had I missed all of the key moments and clues? It should have been so obvious, but it wasn't. Those last few chapters delivered gut-wrenching punch after punch, leaving you to piece it all together and contemplate what you've just realized. A second read-through is required for me; I hope to find the connections that I missed the first time.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Overall: </strong>Innovative. A must read. One of my favorites of 2010.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>My Advice: </strong>Buy a copy, that simple.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Cover:</strong> The simple design and over scheme are inviting. The broken pieces of one whole represent the book's major theme. Well done.</div><div><br /></div><div>*This was read as a part of the <a href="http://thebookowl.blogspot.com/2010/01/100-reading-challenge-2010.html">100+ Reading Challenge</a></div>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-59008379744790658672010-08-28T18:22:00.000-07:002010-08-28T18:25:22.574-07:00Blogging BreakThese couple weeks of time left before school starts are very busy for me, so I've decided to take a break from blogging. I'm not sure how long this will be - at least until my summer homework is finished and I'm caught up on my real life commitments. I'm still reading review books, meaning I will have reviews when I get back. Thanks to my understanding followers!The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-24036148763974957322010-08-22T10:00:00.000-07:002010-08-23T11:34:29.753-07:00In My Mailbox (49)IMM is a weekly meme that explores the contents of one's mailbox. IMM was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. Descriptions are from Goodreads.<br /><br /><div><div></div><div><strong>For Review:</strong></div><br /><div><strong><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGRNRBX-4_iTHlW9IWy717mWVJes9LFeQJ97xOEaqPeoA9jcGj7ZBddAMo3JDC9kIqsp6GP9IF-LDTLatAKfKSZX0DkNEx5N7fT_8WEYWyOyy9d0QNLUUCURk4nmyHVtgB7GPK8fMixo6/s1600/The+Secret+Society+of+the+Pink+Crystal+Ball+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 193px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508674987975560386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGRNRBX-4_iTHlW9IWy717mWVJes9LFeQJ97xOEaqPeoA9jcGj7ZBddAMo3JDC9kIqsp6GP9IF-LDTLatAKfKSZX0DkNEx5N7fT_8WEYWyOyy9d0QNLUUCURk4nmyHVtgB7GPK8fMixo6/s200/The+Secret+Society+of+the+Pink+Crystal+Ball+cover.jpg" /></a>The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball </em>by Risa Green</strong></div><div>(ARC/Releases September 2010/Sourcebooks Fire)</div><br /><div><em>When Erin Channing's favorite aunt dies, Erin is bequeathed a pink crystal ball and a set of weird instructions. Granted, Aunt Kiki (aka Aunt Kooky) always lived "outside the box." But now Erin and her two best friends are convinced that the pink crystal ball holds the key to their future-or at least the key to getting dates...</em></div><div> </div><br /><div><strong><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6ssGnpQOAQVTfWlt0qM2lEfhyVRP-4QsptRc22aEJ7CJBOVq8hr4_yjtzPHQTJy8L_YLRIFtwhm2omwkawQZSzHUu9o32S1dF9FcnpQdvyZ9_Y4CEnJji2yfzdlPqVHCocUT2JFYRk22/s1600/Jumbee+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 137px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508675107581810514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6ssGnpQOAQVTfWlt0qM2lEfhyVRP-4QsptRc22aEJ7CJBOVq8hr4_yjtzPHQTJy8L_YLRIFtwhm2omwkawQZSzHUu9o32S1dF9FcnpQdvyZ9_Y4CEnJji2yfzdlPqVHCocUT2JFYRk22/s200/Jumbee+cover.jpg" /></a></em></strong></div><div><strong><em></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em>Jumbee </em>by Pamela Keyes</strong></div><div>(ARC/Releases October 2010/Dial)</div><br /><div><em>Seventeen-year-old Esti Legard spent her childhood in the Shakespearean world of her famous father, and when he died, she knew she could never give up acting. After she and her mother move to a Caribbean island for her senior year, she realizes that nothing at her new school's theater department is quite as it seems. Stunned by the death of a fellow student on her first day of class, Esti is soon surrounded by legends of the wicked jumbees that haunt the West Indies. She finds herself snubbed by the school’s star actress and relegated to a minor part in Romeo and Juliet. </em></div><br /><div><em>Only her intriguing new friend, the elusive Alan, shares her passion for Shakespeare. Hiding in the dark recesses of the theater, he leads Esti deep into her own soul to explore the limits of her talent. When Esti's childhood best friend moves to the island and back into her life, however, Alan disappears. Rocked by growing accusations of befriending a jumbee, Esti realizes she must find out who – or what – Alan really is. She is soon forced to defy everyone and everything she’s ever believed in, as she plunges into the mysteries of Shakespeare and the legends of the West Indians, discovering shocking truths about her own past that will forever shape her future.</em></div><br /><div>I love the setting for this book!</div><br /><div align="center">I had a bit of a slow week, but that's alright! I'm really looking forward to the books I have. How'd you do?</div></div>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-38311452735098431472010-08-20T19:21:00.000-07:002010-08-20T19:42:23.162-07:00Review: The Jaguar Stones by J&P Voelkel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BXHv53FzJMX4qJIrrV7kjWHGp-kMEB6kLixqpyh2EfpbTPjkict1fCN2-F7RaSDp-jLo_zMBngrF92QYWkn5IMPK87S-dSA6Yri2ypwCYXWNgSJ7la7gcGxkafeqS20iNiECIVA3Vkbg/s1600/Middleworld+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 220px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507683877321846882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BXHv53FzJMX4qJIrrV7kjWHGp-kMEB6kLixqpyh2EfpbTPjkict1fCN2-F7RaSDp-jLo_zMBngrF92QYWkn5IMPK87S-dSA6Yri2ypwCYXWNgSJ7la7gcGxkafeqS20iNiECIVA3Vkbg/s320/Middleworld+cover.jpg" /></a><strong><em>The Jaguar Stones </em>by J&P Volekel</strong><br /><div>Publication Date/Version: April 2010/Paperback and Hardcover</div><div>Publisher: Egmont</div><div>Age Group: Middle Grade with Young Adult appeal</div><div>Received From: Publisher</div><br /><div></div><div><em>Fourteen-year-old Max Murphy, video-gamer extraordinaire, is furious when his archaeologist parents cancel the family vacation to go on a dig in Central America. But things go from bad to worse when Max is summoned to join them, only to discover that his parents have vanished. With the help of Lola, a fast-talking, quick-thinking Maya girl, Max embarks on a quest to find out just what’s going on. Soon Max and Lola are running for their lives in the perilous rainforest, as they unlock ancient secrets, meet mysterious strangers, and begin to understand that, in San Xavier, nothing is ever as it seems. </em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div><em>Fate has delivered a challenge of epic proportions to Max Murphy. But can a teen whose biggest talent is for video games rescue his parents from the Maya Underworld and save himself from the villainous Lords of Death?</em></div><div><em><br /></em></div><div>Max, a spoiled boy from Boston, is thrown into a whirlwind of ancient Mayan culture. When his archaeologist parents disappear, it's up to him to find them and bring them back. There are more than a few obstacles in his way, however. He comes across thieving monkeys, a Mayan girl, stones with the power to destroy the world, and a few bad guys who are out to get them.</div><div><br /></div><div><em>The Jaguar Stones </em>is an action-packed novel that will appeal to Middle Grade readers, as well as those in the Young Adult category who love adventure or history. I also recommend this to boys who can't seem to find a good book. </div><div><br /></div><div>Max, who is initially and continually a very whiny character who luckily deals with that problem later on, is the unsuspecting victim of a huge quest to find the Jaguar Stones and save the world from the Lords of Death. While far-fetched, the story is made interesting by lots of Mayan history. I've always had a fascination with ancient cultures, and this book really fed my appetite. I'm so glad to have picked it up, as I learned a ton and enjoyed one of the most action-filled stories I've read in a long time. The culture of the Mayans resonated on such a large scale in <em>The Jaguar Stones</em>; the basic facts and rituals were incredibly neat, and I know that anyone who enjoys history will love this book.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I said, Max is initially annoying but he gradually develops into a selfless character. Lola, a Mayan girl, is feisty, independent, and courageous. I'm adding her to my list of good role models. She fights for what she believes in and will do anything to protect her people. The plot was complicated and the book lengthy at 400 pages, a bit so for MG readers. For these reasons, I recommend this book to upper MG readers or Young Adult readers. The plot never slowed down, and I felt as though I were in an awesome Indiana Jones film. </div><div><br /></div><div>I could really tell that J&P Voelkel did a large amount of research, and I really appreciate that. This book could have been average, based on Mayan facts that everyone knows, but I learned a lot and was introduced to a fascinating culture. I am immensely excited for book two!</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Overall: </strong>Tons of action. Exciting plot. Fascinating culture. Great for MG and YA readers.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>My Advice: </strong>Buy a copy if my review has interested you at all</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>The Cover: </strong>Very literal covers can be hit-and-miss, but I'm really fond of this one. The text is interesting, and the image accurately portrays an intense scene in the story.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">*This was read as a part of the </span><a href="http://thebookowl.blogspot.com/2010/01/100-reading-challenge-2010.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">100+ Reading Challenge</span></a> </div>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-11735528432971898962010-08-18T08:00:00.000-07:002010-08-20T19:10:13.349-07:00Wednesday Wishlist (26)This post is inspired by Stargirlreads at <a href="http://booksaremylove.blogspot.com/">Books Make Great Lovers</a>. In Wishlist Wednesday, I'll showcase a book that may or may not be out yet that I would love to review and cannot wait to read! Links and descriptions are from Goodreads. Here's what's on my wishlist this week:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507677641147178162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoIIUH67_vvrScH4txwTBirQzcZ0Udqo4JMJClTgAebR9v22e0_XHjUiTOaG30Aij6wDMVQuIry-C8vEI25Gz40bX_vj08Dv5JBxxB6PbMtJGlyn23KwUKjdxdzZW1OUottOeWpO7KFP-/s200/The+Sweetness+of+Salt+cover.jpg" /> <p align="center"><em><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8001810-the-sweetness-of-salt">The Sweetness of Salt </a><br /></em>by Cecilia Galante</p><p align="center"><em>Julia just graduated as her high school valedictorian, has a full ride to college in the fall and a coveted summer internship clerking for a federal judge. But when her older sister, Sophie, shows up at the graduation determined to reveal some long buried secrets, Julia's carefully constructed plans come to a halt. Instead of the summer she had painstakingly laid out, Julia follows Sophie back to Vermont, where Sophie is opening a bakery - and struggling with some secrets of her own. What follows is a summer of revelations - some heartwarming, some heartbreaking, and all slowly pointing Julia toward a new understanding of both herself and of the sister she never really knew.</em></p><p align="center">Reasons I want to read this:<br />1. I love the cover - its images and color combinations, especially the way the text is laid out<br />2. I enjoy stories like this: ones in which a family is shaken up by secrets<br />3. I'm in the mood for contemporary fiction</p>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-27238033372166125502010-08-17T20:22:00.000-07:002010-08-17T20:28:46.741-07:00Teaser Tuesday (19)Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading in which one grabs her current read, opens to a random page, and gives two "teaser" sentences from that page.<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0EZDPrWb52vSLYuIpooP14ZN5-_HWg-7ucBXBEe4FzFqWu8N58UG41UmUjFioVu_K1vukBLEIynpqXH8IEDWOnZszT4qlTxGo0umIw9908tlgiDfDSPbzWzuP2JsAQ9H7pjb_9eUhwxX/s1600/Middleworld+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 138px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506586249417457042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0EZDPrWb52vSLYuIpooP14ZN5-_HWg-7ucBXBEe4FzFqWu8N58UG41UmUjFioVu_K1vukBLEIynpqXH8IEDWOnZszT4qlTxGo0umIw9908tlgiDfDSPbzWzuP2JsAQ9H7pjb_9eUhwxX/s200/Middleworld+cover.jpg" /></a></div><div>"<em>He spoke in an admiring whisper. "The Black Jaguar of Ah Pukuh...lost for centuries...But where did you get it?</em>"</div><div><br /></div><div>Page 59, <em>Middleworld: The Jaguar Stones </em>by J&P Voelkel</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy!</div>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-45021495992762762732010-08-16T08:00:00.000-07:002010-08-17T20:18:12.129-07:00Review: Zillah's Gift by Lois West Duffy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxL94X4r_Kqr094HRnT3r62tZLxPdWut3nAJKXUPGkPe-nRqKjjFIyvPJfRPPRqT5dRA039-yLdRF3M7tJTqTq7BkDNlWQA3hT4N5BiZC1_Ghz5kRd3OF3a0wMFQkJcas3YEFwErgUS_D/s1600/Zillah's+Gift+cvoer.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506580811904103714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxL94X4r_Kqr094HRnT3r62tZLxPdWut3nAJKXUPGkPe-nRqKjjFIyvPJfRPPRqT5dRA039-yLdRF3M7tJTqTq7BkDNlWQA3hT4N5BiZC1_Ghz5kRd3OF3a0wMFQkJcas3YEFwErgUS_D/s320/Zillah's+Gift+cvoer.jpg" /></a><strong><em>Zillah's Gift </em>by Lois West Duffy</strong><br /><div>Publication Date/Version: August 2009/Paperback</div><div>Publisher: Beaver's Pond Press</div><div>Age Group: Middle Grade/Young Adult appeal</div><div>Received From: Reader Views Kids </div><br /><div><em>Zillah is an orphan in ancient Persia living in a caravan serai--a safe haven for desert travelers. Other children taunt her because of a birth-mark on her face and strangers think it is the sign of a curse. Her future is grim until a royal caravan comes to the serai, following a wondrous star. Zillah has seen that star, though it is invisible to those around her. </em></div><br /><div><em>Through a series of amazing events, Zillah embarks on an adventure, full of danger, trying to protect her most precious secret.</em></div><div><em><br /></em></div><div>Zillah is a simple girl living in a caravan serai in the Persian desert. She works under her oppressive aunt and uncle, hoping to one day gain her freedom. A birthmark across her face scares many, leading to taunts and jokes. Zillah, however, is strong and knows that she will do something greater with her life. When a royal caravan comes through and notices her curiosity, Zillah is taken on their journey following a glorious star that only some can see. </div><div><br /></div><div>I went into <em>Zillah's Gift </em>expecting simple storytelling and, overall, an average book. This is once again a case of don't judge a book by its cover! I was plunged into a rich setting, interesting time period, and wonderful story.</div><div><br /></div><div>Zillah is a headstrong, independent young girl who is full of respectable morals and wishes. She was the kind of character that you root for from the beginning. Ms. Duffy had a fairly simple way of telling the story, but it was captivating nonetheless. The details were plentiful and I could easily see the picturesque setting. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am a big fan of historical fiction, and I was pleased to find that <em>Zillah's Gift </em>took place in a time period that I have never read about. It was pleasantly surprising, and I'm eager to seek out more stories in this time period. </div><div><br /></div><div><em>Zillah's Gift </em>is a gem of a surprise, with a touching story packed inside of a great setting. I recommend this to everyone, especially those who enjoy historical fiction.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Overall: </strong>A surprisingly wonderful read. Interesting setting. Great storytelling.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>My Advice: </strong>Buy it. I'm happy to put it on my shelf.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>The Cover: </strong>It fits the story well, with the girl and camel, the star, and the letters that look as though they've been worn down by desert sand. I love the colors of the sunset as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">*This was read as a part of the </span><a href="http://thebookowl.blogspot.com/2010/01/100-reading-challenge-2010.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">100+ Reading Challenge</span></a></div>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-56101958419349892382010-08-15T10:00:00.000-07:002010-08-16T10:43:00.109-07:00In My Mailbox (48)IMM is a weekly meme that explores the contents of one's mailbox. IMM was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. Descriptions are from Goodreads.<br /><div><div><br /><div><strong>For Review:</strong></div><br /><div><strong><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQRS6RHsXqkeqPvo3bfWy_u99TnrzMiqElkIXVohWYWmm7OWntDyr9YCSndnsN9MdTwqnerXAcTUQAIIDayggM5DWgZmKGKNXtgCUsQE2utYvAut2FQWp021RYP80ByPOM3r35lFqE-KB/s1600/The+Replacement.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 132px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506064062297804930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQRS6RHsXqkeqPvo3bfWy_u99TnrzMiqElkIXVohWYWmm7OWntDyr9YCSndnsN9MdTwqnerXAcTUQAIIDayggM5DWgZmKGKNXtgCUsQE2utYvAut2FQWp021RYP80ByPOM3r35lFqE-KB/s200/The+Replacement.jpg" /></a>The Replacement </em>by Brenna Yovanoff</strong></div><div>(ARC/Releases September 2010/Razorbill)</div><br /><div><em>Mackie Doyle seems like everyone else in the perfect little town of Gentry, but he is living with a fatal secret - he is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now the creatures under the hill want him back, and Mackie must decide where he really belongs and what he really wants. </em></div><br /><div><em>A month ago, Mackie might have told them to buzz off. But now, with a budding relationship with tough, wounded, beautiful Tate, Mackie has too much to lose. Will love finally make him worthy of the human world?</em></div><br /><div>I received this from <a href="http://princessbookiearctours.blogspot.com/">Around The World Tours</a>. I'm reading it right now and enjoying it quite a bit.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherF50P_iTLfMa7zIkmKIcCpQGlFCI8C-nSZ8MjKV-c1gpYpv_ExEjD64arep-6nEDFMH2r3oQxdGE0egmA3O6W5muDGcSRS1mJ1Gcdxn_inWjnaBVsRZ-0O_m13-G-8dSF_1J2WaljdXt/s1600/Fledgling+Jason+Steed+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506064370619763106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherF50P_iTLfMa7zIkmKIcCpQGlFCI8C-nSZ8MjKV-c1gpYpv_ExEjD64arep-6nEDFMH2r3oQxdGE0egmA3O6W5muDGcSRS1mJ1Gcdxn_inWjnaBVsRZ-0O_m13-G-8dSF_1J2WaljdXt/s200/Fledgling+Jason+Steed+cover.jpg" /></a><strong><em>Fledgling: Jason Steed </em>by Mark A. Cooper</strong><br /><div>(ARC/Releases September 2010/Sourcebooks Jabberwocky)</div><br /><div><em>Jason Steed is looking for a place to call home. He finds what he's looking for in the Sea Cadets - an elite group of British youngsters being groomed for lifelong service in the military. But when a routine training exercise goes awry, Jason finds himself in the middle of a secret mission. The future of the world hangs in the balance...and Jason might be the only one who can save it.</em></div><br /><div>This isn't my normal read, but I'm actually very excited to pick it up!</div><br /><div><strong><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-W-3DpcRWx9A0ApkJ8Gl5ALwZWTqA0TdoBWFVbE7ORdMtJdR5v1dA5uZys035zDz-XWGfmarg8B2DCb49Q7hID3fxbOUN_p7Nd1qqWEgTeuCFrtzmKzYL5Ej1nGa6gDN4kPS-j10xiCm_/s1600/My+Soul+to+Take+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506064067728158914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-W-3DpcRWx9A0ApkJ8Gl5ALwZWTqA0TdoBWFVbE7ORdMtJdR5v1dA5uZys035zDz-XWGfmarg8B2DCb49Q7hID3fxbOUN_p7Nd1qqWEgTeuCFrtzmKzYL5Ej1nGa6gDN4kPS-j10xiCm_/s200/My+Soul+to+Take+cover.jpg" /></a>My Soul to Take </em>by Rachel Vincent</strong></div><div>(PB/August 2009/Harlequin Teen)</div><br /><div><em>She doesn't see dead people, but…<br /><br />She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally. </em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div><em>Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next…</em></div><br /><div>I received this for review from the Harlequin Teen panel which I love! I've been wanting to read this book for a long time, so I'm excited to finally own it.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Swapped:<br /></strong><em><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6378239-jumping-off-swings">Jumping Off Swings</a> </em>by Jo Knowles</div><br /><div align="center">I had a good week! How about you?</div></div></div>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-58703820870698159202010-08-11T17:12:00.000-07:002010-08-11T17:20:45.929-07:00Wednesday Wishlist (25)<div align="center">This post is inspired by Stargirlreads at <a href="http://booksaremylove.blogspot.com/">Books Make Great Lovers</a>. In Wishlist Wednesday, I'll showcase a book that may or may not be out yet that I would love to review and cannot wait to read! Links and descriptions are from Goodreads. Here's what's on my wishlist this week:<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504311189690176402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIQoLazAhKmdnOtHHbUrb6hlB1EakDCN4Wm9KvWJ8VFZIElqf-kyAJIGDtUcEal8zo14qa1Zv9S6aPia5B8W5iHTf3NfZnYu00k3jy44D29tHiLNymgm4lPn6FEvjwHkG6p66bt-9RbKP/s200/Entangled+cover.jpg" /> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8579933-entangled"><em>Entangled</em></a><br />by Cat Clarke<br /></p><p align="center"><em>Grace meets enigmatic Ethan the night she's planning to kill herself. The next morning she wakes up in a strange room with a table, chair, pens and paper. There's nothing to do but write, and as she writes, Grace remembers the things she's tried so hard to forget. </em><br /></p><p align="center"><em>The hazy memories lead Grace into a dark place where friendship, heartbreak and betrayal tangle together...</em><br /><br />Reason I want to read this:<br />1. The premise makes it seem as though this will be a deep, well-thought out novel.<br />2. Why is she in that room? And why do her, well, captors want her to write? I must find out!<br />3. The combination of colors on the cover is gorgeous.<br />4. Unfortunately, this is releasing in the UK, not the US.</p><p align="center">ps. Sorry for my absence. I haven't been in a blogging mood lately.</p>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-24518496458257844242010-08-07T19:32:00.000-07:002010-08-07T19:50:48.771-07:00In My Mailbox (47)IMM is a weekly meme that explores the contents of one's mailbox. IMM was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. Descriptions are from Goodreads.<br /><strong><br />For Review:</strong><br /><br /><strong><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6378M4aWe0nnHiAzDf_wm60VK1zovHxQFmz6ywZ7BY60Nq3QrPky1dg4rbNQRCeolF5lIv9n9EjU5Zu8QnKAehN-fTBC9RtVz5EQgtqqLIOwPA1bN-EefcX7GlbfQdiYeHDFYGAeaBWV/s1600/Graffiti+Moon+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 132px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502863485293583330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6378M4aWe0nnHiAzDf_wm60VK1zovHxQFmz6ywZ7BY60Nq3QrPky1dg4rbNQRCeolF5lIv9n9EjU5Zu8QnKAehN-fTBC9RtVz5EQgtqqLIOwPA1bN-EefcX7GlbfQdiYeHDFYGAeaBWV/s200/Graffiti+Moon+cover.jpg" /></a>Graffiti Moon </em>by Cath Crowley</strong><br />(PB/August 2010 in Australia/Pan Macmillan Australia)<br /><br /><em>It’s the end of Year 12. Lucy’s looking for Shadow, the graffiti artist everyone talks about. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>His work is all over the city, but he is nowhere. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Ed, the last guy she wants to see at the moment, says he knows where to find him. He takes Lucy on an all-night search to places where Shadow’s thoughts about heartbreak and escape echo around the city walls. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>But the one thing Lucy can’t see is the one thing that’s right before her eyes.</em><br /><em></em><br />Cath was kind enough to send me a copy of this after I loved her previous book, <em>A Little Wanting Song, </em>so much!<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Swapped:</strong></div><div align="center"><em><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2800905.The_Summoning">The Summoning</a> </em>by Kelly Armstrong</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">The past two weeks I've only received two books, but it's actually been a really nice break! I removed myself from all tour websites which takes off tons of stress. I finally came to terms that I was obsessed with them. ;] Hope you had a great week in books!</div>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-19454900025073512192010-08-06T20:00:00.000-07:002010-08-07T19:32:41.657-07:00One Year Blogoversary!That's right everyone - today is my one year blogoversary! It's thanks to all of you and your lovely comments, as well as a few handfuls of amazing books, that I continue to enjoy my blogging duties. No, sorry, there's no giant contest. All I have to offer are my thanks...<br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 175px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502861161651567874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgbOCrXpA0WerW9NdIMDti0TIv_utDUusHqInRilLdVEZ6e4qviItOLhYbtqx43Vn_0zO6B0dHTFFvN4Ho97PZE0fdLTG8Rv6JgSXMuqGnxkCW1RQ-0FSx7d8aK4dPn2yZ6_1q_7WyvnF/s200/cupcake.jpg" /></div><br />...And some nummy cupcakes. Hope to see you this time next year!The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-48554432862790650022010-08-05T14:48:00.000-07:002010-08-05T15:06:00.340-07:00Mini Reviews (4)Mini Reviews is composed of, well, small reviews. These will likely be books I read forever ago or didn't enjoy a whole lot, but did finish. These reviews will be short and sweet.<br /><div><br /><div><em><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6920820-shadow-hills"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 128px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502049182028589250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyS19yj_hVZK5tXvZvP37QKhT-WsNKRs3snxfe6xTp7UNkxTjD3wfUOx9C6MCgOtQBjq8pd9x452M1n0s1Mvyn7RGLIo7agLPSCNgCBdLNrLlJLNDwpoL7EJBEano4BQYMNswy4kcrKHi/s200/Shadow+Hills+cover.jpg" />Shadow Hills</a> </em>by Anastasia Hopcus</div><br /><div>This one really drew me in and kept me reading. I was fascinated by Phe's odd powers, and I really wish we heard more about those. The concept as a whole was interesting, and the plot progressed quickly. There was a large array of characters, and the mystery added a lot to the story. I had an idea of what was going on, but I liked the feeling of figuring things out with Phe. While this isn't one of my favorites, I look forward to the next book.</div><br /><div><em><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6906370-not-ordinarily-borrowable">Not Ordinarily Borrowable: or, Unwelcome Advice</a> </em>by Thomas Thurman</div><br /><div>This book was positive in some places and lacking in others. My main complaint is that I feel as though this book is being marketed to the wrong audience. I believe this would make a great picture book for young children, but as a MG/YA book, it offers little. I can easily see small children enjoying this story along with great drawings, but for the audience I write to, it's much too repetitive and it shows rather than tells.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6522388-forget-her-nots"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 136px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502049269185951730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDA159GnspvQFOeW9qtASUjPO8kPXYENdVHt7sgd1WaheeFIEImL0yPyluGPUUVDWBMy_Gq9MMvyiMDIVzVscHY_33rn9fJ-YNUnW7OsSNVwBpd8NUyUCMTgzv6oEKCBonSJWQjhpi3ijk/s200/Harmonic+Feedback+cover.jpg" /></a><em><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6522388-forget-her-nots">Forget-Het-Nots</a> </em>by Amy Brecount White <div><br /></div><div>I wanted to like this book, I really did, but it just wasn't for me. The idea of a flower language was intriguing, and while it was fully fleshed out, it didn't hold my attention well enough. If there had been even more mystery or suspense, I believe I would have enjoyed this more. It was, however, much to young for what I thought would be a YA book. This book is better suited for MG readers. I think they will find the mystery aspect more suitable for them, as well as the overall level of character maturity. </div><br /><div><em><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6454183-harmonic-feedback">Harmonic Feedback</a> </em>by Tara Kelly</div><div><br /></div><div>Ah, the horrors of waiting a long time to review a book! All of the fault falls upon me and my procrastinating ways. This book was one that I enjoyed a lot at the time. I think I may reread it. The story was heartfelt, as were the characters. They were very real, simply themselves. The end was a shock to me, and I remember being a bit teary-eyed. All in all, it was a good read that I recommend. </div></div>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-20336447893081717282010-08-04T19:05:00.000-07:002010-08-04T19:14:37.513-07:00Wednesday Wishlist (24)<div align="center">This post is inspired by Stargirlreads at <a href="http://booksaremylove.blogspot.com/">Books Make Great Lovers</a>. In Wishlist Wednesday, I'll showcase a book that may or may not be out yet that I would love to review and cannot wait to read! Links and descriptions are from Goodreads. Here's what's on my wishlist this week:<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 128px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 192px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501742493012855538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFO-9jrhNWUUhOq1J8JQNBL6faezHAkIVvbSf08iapjDKztTj03yTbcUWH7u98LJL8syyYEwvHTNo3NZO-3rtnr5tXRffp71EybBTOEc0jyz9nx5JIpbAlo7lXCSZ0oWRszBXc8WmkQkJh/s200/The+Twin%27s+Daughter+cover.jpg" /> <p align="center"><em><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7823311-the-twin-s-daughter">The Twin's Daughter</a><br /></em>by Lauren Baratz-Logsted</p><p align="center"><em>Lucy Sexton is stunned when a disheveled woman appears at the door one day... a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to Lucy's own beautiful mother. It turns out the two women are identical twins, separated at birth, and raised in dramatically different circumstances. Lucy's mother quickly resolves to give her less fortunate sister the kind of life she has never known. And the transformation in Aunt Helen is indeed remarkable. But when Helen begins to imitate her sister in every way, even Lucy isn't sure at times which twin is which. Can Helen really be trusted, or does her sweet face mask a chilling agenda?</em><br /><br />Reasons I want to read this:<br />1. What a concept!<br />2. It vaguely reminds me of <em>The Prophecy of the Sisters </em>which I really enjoyed.<br />3. I like the cover - how there's two obvious images and how they create an image in their void</p>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-91521000967576878662010-08-04T18:59:00.001-07:002010-08-04T19:04:38.882-07:00Contest Winners!I have multiple contest winners to announce!<br /><br />The three lucky winners of <em>Lost For Words </em>are:<br /><br /><div align="center">Taylor!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Alex!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Riv!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">The lucky winner of one set of the <em>Zan-Gah </em>series is:</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center">Kisha!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">The lucky winner of a copy of <em>Mockingbird </em>and other book-related goodies is:</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center">Abhishek!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">Congrats to all of the winners. Thanks to everyone who entered.</div>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-65311227075319290252010-08-03T16:10:00.000-07:002010-08-03T16:21:58.287-07:00Teaser Tuesday (18)Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading in which one grabs her current read, opens to a random page, and gives two "teaser" sentences from that page.<br /><div></div><div><em><br /></em></div><div><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq88hUfpHTe88oCnZGBpm_pGNhGGqgtHNPm6OktPtEOZ1PFnjjzM1XWfH60U5hEBmG7_E1yzBIL3QgBeW8H3-YQqMG6uZzNdz6N8In1CTgrqHLTsfhYrc9oaVMmK7OWjKvJn3iSfFXtJ98/s1600/Birth+Marked+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501327768497698946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq88hUfpHTe88oCnZGBpm_pGNhGGqgtHNPm6OktPtEOZ1PFnjjzM1XWfH60U5hEBmG7_E1yzBIL3QgBeW8H3-YQqMG6uZzNdz6N8In1CTgrqHLTsfhYrc9oaVMmK7OWjKvJn3iSfFXtJ98/s200/Birth+Marked+cover.jpg" /></a>"Gaia sopped a bit of clean rag into her cup of tea, absorbing the last hot liquid, and then wiped it over the ankle, cleaning it. She dipped the needle in the brown ink, held it briefly to the light, and then, swiftly, as she had done before under her mother's guidance, she pressed the pin into the baby's ankle in four rapid pricks.</em>"</div><br /><div></div><div>Page 4, <em>Birthmarked </em>by Caragh M. O'Brien</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy!</div>The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-35288216278805461082010-08-02T16:46:00.000-07:002010-08-02T16:47:42.314-07:00I have returnedI'm back everyone! I just thought I would let you know. I'm going through comments and answering emails. Look forward to posts. It's nice to see all of you again.The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2371941667730874286.post-33884442969369116872010-07-30T08:00:00.000-07:002010-07-30T08:00:01.886-07:00Updates!Hey all! I'm currently gone at the moment, so I've got a couple of things to say.<br /><br />1. Don't worry if your comments aren't going through! I have moderation on, so they won't show up until I get back and am able to go through all of them. Also, I have scheduled some posts, as you can see, but a lot of it was rather last minute, so you might not see posts every day this week. I'm enjoying my time off and trying not to stress about the blog.<br /><br />2. I know that at least one of my contests has expired, and one may in the very near future. It's okay if you enter past the date I have listed as the entry closure date - I didn't know I would be gone so those contests will be extended. I'll end them when I get back, and then I'll announce the winners.<br /><br />3. IMM will be postponed until next week. I have absolutely no idea what I've received this week, so you'll see two weeks worth of books the following week.<br /><br />Catch you all later!The Book Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294811526135516050noreply@blogger.com1