In My Mailbox (39)

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.

For Review:
-The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride (!!)
-In a Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth
-Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly
-Stranded by J.T. Dutton (Sounds crazy good)
-Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs (!!)
-Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White (!!)
-Zillah's Gift by Lois West Duffy
-Wings by Aprilynne Pike
-The Beautiful Beatween by Alyssa B. Sheinmel


Trades:
-Wake by Lisa McMann

I had a wonderful week! My review books came from ReaderViews and Around The World Tours. I'm a bit overwhelmed, but I'm excited to start reading. Which to read first?

Well, this slideshow basically failed. As you can see, I deleted it. I won't be doing that again. It's actually more work than what I normally do.

How was your week?

Contest: Lifted

Thanks to the lovely Wendy Toliver, I have 1 signed copy of Lifted by Wendy Toliver to give away! You can read my review and interview.

Poppy Browne is none too thrilled to be the new girl in Pleasant Acres, Texas--especially after her mother enrolls her in a private Baptist school. But to her delight, Poppy is pulled into the cool clique on her first day at Calvary High, and her new friends, Mary Jane and Whitney, are as genuinely nice as they are gorgeous and rich.

The catch? Her new pals have a nasty shoplifting habit, and before long Poppy is also a theft enthusiast. But when the girls' addictions get out of hand and friendships are threatened, it's up to Poppy to set things right...

Information:

Contest closed! Thanks for participating.

Interview: Wendy Toliver, author of Lifted

Please welcome Wendy Toliver, the author of Lifted. You can read my review here. Wendy Toliver has explored a variety of jobs, from impersonating Marilyn Monroe for singing telegrams to impersonating a computer geek at an ad agency.

Now she calls Eden, Utah home and lives with her husband, three little boys, two dogs, cat, crab, and an occasional mole.

When not working on her next novel, Wendy enjoys reading, skiing, acting, traveling, volunteering, and shooting hoops. Though she’s never been mistaken for a Siren, she has been mistaken for the Wendy’s hamburger girl.

1. Describe your new book in 50 words or less.
Poppy hates moving to a Bible belt town, but then two popular girls take her under their wings. They’re shoplifters, and she learns their secret pastime gives her an amazing rush. When her entire world crashes down, Poppy must decide how far she’ll go to protect herself and those she loves.

2. What inspired you to write Lifted? What encouraged you to write about theft?
I was watching a show on TV about how shoplifting is a huge problem, especially with teens, and thought it would make an interesting topic for a book. Most people have either shoplifted themselves, have been tempted to try it, or know someone who has, so I think it’s something we can all relate to.

3. What are you guilty pleasures in life?
Diet Coke, chocolate covered cinnamon bears, sleeping in (or going to bed early), red wine, take-out pizza, Britney Spears's music, "The Vampire Diaries" on TV, car dancing, Aussie accents, lotions and potions, Facebook/Twitter, Target, Red Robin's French fries (can you tell by my answers that I'm hungry? LOL)

4. Everyone reads classics in high school English. Which ones did you love? Which ones should students never be forced to read?

I loved the ones by Oscar Wilde and Charles Dickens. Hated Moby Dick (sorry, Melville).

5. One book you would recommend to absolutely everyone?

Green Eggs and Ham.

6. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so, please tell us a little about it.
I'm working on a paranormal YA but it's in the very beginning stages right now so there's really not much to tell except that it will be very different from anything else I've written.

7. Any last words?

Thanks so much for interviewing me, McKenzie! If anyone wants to check out the book trailer for Lifted (or get more info), take a peek at my web-site: http://wendytoliver.com/lifted.htm
Also, I blog for several amazing YA group blogs, and we love visitors.
http://www.teenfictioncafe.blogspot.com/
http://www.booksboysbuzz.com/
http://www.pulserocom.com/

Finally, I just wanted to mention that I love visiting schools, libraries, bookstores, and book clubs (in person or via Skype) so contact me if you're interested. http://www.wendytoliver.com/contact.htm

Thanks so much for joining us Wendy!

Wednesday Wishlist (16)

This post is inspired by Stargirlreads at Books Make Great Lovers. 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:

Classy
by Derek Blasberg

If you’ve ever wondered how to climb the social ladder with grace, how to feel confident in every situation, or even how to make a lasting impression (but not the kind that lands you on the latest “Worst Dressed List”)—Derek Blasberg is here, with quotes and secrets from all the socialites so girls everywhere can learn how to have class.

This hilarious handbook will provide everything you need to know about fashion, socializing, dating, and etiquette. With tons of practical tips and tools for learning to flaunt what you’ve got, dozens of specific how-tos, common no-nos, and huge blunders that even smart girls make, this tongue-in-cheek book will train you to be a lady, and not a tramp!

Reasons I want to read this:

1. Looks hilarious and snarky! The cover alone cracks me up.
2. I've flipped through it somewhere, and the tips were wonderful.
3. Love the images in the book

A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley

A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley

Publication Date/Version: June 2010/Hardcover

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Age Group: Young Adult

Received From: Around The World Tours (Thanks!)

CHARLIE DUSKIN loves music, and she knows she's good at it. But she only sings when she's alone, on the moonlit porch or in the back room at Old Gus's Secondhand Record and CD Store. Charlie's mom and grandmother have both died, and this summer she's visiting her grandpa in the country, surrounded by ghosts and grieving family, and serving burgers to the local kids at the milk bar. She's got her iPod, her guitar, and all her recording equipment, but she wants more: A friend. A dad who notices her. The chance to show Dave Robbie that she's not entirely unspectacular.

ROSE BUTLER lives next door to Charlie's grandfather and spends her days watching cars pass on the freeway and hanging out with her troublemaker boyfriend. She loves Luke but can't wait to leave their small country town. And she's figured out a way: she's won a scholarship to a science school in the city, and now she has to convince her parents to let her go. This is where Charlie comes in. Charlie, who lives in the city, and whom Rose has ignored for years. Charlie, who just might be Rose's ticket out.

Told in alternating voices and filled with music, friendship, and romance, Charlie and Rose's "little wanting song" is about the kind of longing that begins as a heavy ache but ultimately makes us feel hopeful and wonderfully alive.

Charlie has her music and freedom, but no mother or close family. Rose has her mother and close friends, but no freedom whatsoever. Charlie visits her grandpa along withe her dad in a small Australian town. Rose received a scholarship to a science school; now she just needs a way to go there. Rose sees Charlie as her way out. Over the course of the summer, love is found and lost and friendships are made and broken.

A Little Wanting Song is simply remarkable. Its portrayal of character growth is remarkable. The prose is beautiful, expressive, and gorgeous. The writing, combined with the fluid motion of the story and the transformation of the characters, made the book a true treasure.

Charlie begins as a loner - outcast from her family by an isolating father, with no mother to turn to. She has few friends, and the ones she did have ditched her for her lack of spontaneity and excitement. Rose has two best friends she would never trade for the world, but she is trapped in a small backwater town with no way to get out. Her controlling mother won't allow her to leave to go to school, though she has a scholarship. Charlie envies Rose because of her perfect friends and her steely attitude, while Rose envies Charlie because of her freedom. Rose quickly sees a way in which she can use Charlie to get what she wants, and she quickly invites Charlie to be a part of the group.

Charlie starts as a pushover character with little motivating her, but she develops into a headstrong and independent woman. She cultivates her talent for music, shattering her fears. She realizes that Rose is in just a difficult situation as her. Rose initially seeks out Charlie only to use her, but she soon realizes that Charlie's life isn't all she thought it would be. Rose changes her views and beings to see Charlie as a true friend. Her beginning intentions, however, don't go unnoticed.

The character development in A Little Wanting Song was like no other. Each character underwent a radical change, including the secondary characters. I was enticed by their growth and transformation together as a cast of characters. The book was filled with a surprising amount of humor that was just my style. It was sarcastic (love it!) and perfectly timed.

The romantic side of things was electric, intensified only by beautiful prose. The prose of this story is really what drew me in. Literally a page and a half into the book, I set it down, looked up, and told my mom, "This book is going to be amazing." I was right. Cath Crowley manages to express common emotions and thoughts in just the right way. I would read a sentence and think That's it! That's exactly how I felt. Ms. Crowley captured emotions at their deepest level with perfect wording.

A Little Wanting Song is stunning, expressive, and elicits intense emotion from the reader.

Overall: Gorgeous prose. Stunning and remarkable. Character development like no other.

My Advice: Buy it. A must own. I look forward to the day when I have a copy for myself.

Cover: One thing: the girl's hair looks greasy! That's the one problem I have with this whole book. Other than that, the cover combines Rose's and Charlie's decorative designs used throughout their alternating chapters, an element that I love.

*This was read as a part of the 100+ Reading Challenge

Updates: What's Going On

Hello all! I thought I'd do a quick updates post and let you all know what's coming up on The Book Owl. School is coming to a close - just over 3 weeks left (whoo!) - and I'll have tons of time to update and chat. I thought, in the meantime, I'd give you an idea of what you can expect over the next couple of weeks at this here blog.

Reviews you can expect:
Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman
Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
Never Bite A Boy on the First Date by Tamara Summers
Anxious Hearts by Tucker Shaw
Wayfarer by R.J. Anderson
Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald
A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley
Time You Let Me In selected by Naomi Shihab Nye (Do you enjoy reviews of poetry collections?)
Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot (Adult nonfiction that I loved!)

Other fun things:
Two author interviews
Giveaway for a signed, finished copy of an upcoming release that I thoroughly enjoyed!
Giveaway for a signed, ARC copy of a highly anticipated book that I loved!

I look forward to seeing everyone more frequently over the next few weeks!

PS. Do you like posts like these? Feel free to say no. You won't hurt my feelings.

In My Mailbox (38)

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.

For Review:

Shadow Hills by Antastasia Hopcus

(ARC/Releases July 2010/Egmont USA)

Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry.

After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all.

But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life.

I've already read this, and I really enjoyed it. A review will be up soon. I received this from Around The World Tours.

From Trades:

Karma for Beginners by Jessica Blank

Other:

Irene Latham, author of Leaving Gee's Bend, sent me a lovely postcard thanking me for my review.

I had a bit of a slow week, but it was still a good one! What about you?

Spring: Why I Love It

Spring is in the air! Here in Oregon the flowers are popping up, exploding their wonderful colors. The baby animals are crawling around. We have four baby lambs this year. The sun is coming out, and everyone's happy. I love spring. Why? Because...

1. The days get warmer. You can still wear pretty scarves and jackets, but not you can wear skirts and dresses just because!

Spring inspires me to look nicer and try a little harder. Who doesn't want to wear a pretty, flouncy skirt on a warm day? No more drab colors. Bring on the reds, oranges, blues, and yellows! Spring brings out the vibrant hues of life. Sandals, flip flops, bright jewelry. Things that make you happy.

2. Driving with the windows down. Breezy music pumping from the speakers with as much bass as possible. Singing along. Random road trips for no reason.

You know how much fun it is. Driving nowhere, your best friend in the other seat. Listening to calm, sweet music. Your hair is flying, your hand is out the window. You smile for no reason. You're extra warm. The sun filters through the window, no breeze to make you cold.

3. Thunder and lightning storms!

You can see the storms coming hours ahead of time. The clouds are swirly and tall. It's always warm out, and the flashes streak across the sky. I love the colors involved: black, purple, blue, and white. The noise is powerful and strong. Storms are the best.

4. Everyone's happy!

Whenever the sun comes out, people are instantly happy. Here in Oregon, we go through about nine months of cold, wet, rainy weather before spring comes. On that first day of sunshine, everyone eats outside, chatters endlessly, and smiles nonstop. A lot of people suffer from seasonal depression, so it's wonderful to get some vitamin D. In the spring you can sit outside, tan, and read a book. I love spring!

What about you? What's your favorite part of spring?

*images from weheartit.com

Spell Hunter by R.J. Anderson

Spell Hunter by R.J. Anderson

Publication Date/Version: April 2009/Hardcover

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books

Age Group: Mainly Young Adult, maybe Middle Grade

Received From: Around The World Tours (Thanks!)

Deep inside the great Oak lies a dying faery realm, bursting with secrets instead of magic. Long ago the faeries mysteriously lost their magic. Robbed of their powers, they have become selfish and dull-witted. Now their numbers are dwindling and their very survival is at stake.

Only one young faery—Knife—is determined to find out where her people's magic has gone and try to get it back. Unlike her sisters, Knife is fierce and independent. She's not afraid of anything—not the vicious crows, the strict Faery Queen, or the fascinating humans living nearby. But when Knife disobeys the Faery Queen and befriends a human named Paul, her quest becomes more dangerous than she realizes. Can Knife trust Paul to help, or has she brought the faeries even closer to the brink of destruction?

Knife lives in the Oak, the home of her dying faery realm. In the past, the faeries somehow lost their magic, and, without it, they have become secretive and dim-witted. Because they are unable to reproduce, their numbers are shrinking. It's up to Knife to bring back her people's magic, even if it means risking her own life. She soon befriends a human named Paul, something that is strictly against the rules. Paul, however, may be able to help her in her quest, but he may also harm the faery realm.

Spell Hunter was simply stunning. R.J. Anderson has created an enticing world full of magic and lore. The faery clan holds immense secrets, making it difficult to know who to trust. Each faery was completely unique, and their jobs made them even more so. Knife quickly learns that she is to become the next hunter, and Thorn is to teach her the ways of hunting. Don't you think it would be interesting to know which job you would receive? Those are the kinds of things that intrigue me - knowing what I'm best suited for and why I would be chosen for something. Anyways, seeing the process of Knife become a hunter was exhilarating and exciting, and her journey was just beginning.

Knife was a perfect main character. She had drive, a backbone (gasp!), humor, and she wouldn't take no for an answer. She fought for what she wanted, and she was willing to risk her life in doing so. Her interactions with Paul were touching and grew into something with a hint of romantic interest. I enjoyed their relationship and its progress throughout the book.

Knife's journey led to the discovery of some very interesting information that pushed the faery clan in the right direction. The process of discovery was fascinating, and I loved the lore behind Spell Hunter. The world was rich in detail, and I could imagine it easily. Living out in the country as I do, it's fun to imagine I might have my own faery population in my backyard. Spell Hunter was a wonderful take on the faery world, and I cannot wait to read the sequel.

Overall: Stunning. Incredibly exciting and descriptive. Wonderful characters.

My Advice: Buy it. It's a must read.

Cover: It's a bit too young looking, but it accurately portrays Knife and her home. I really love all of it, but I think changing the title font/layout would help to improve the overall aesthetics of the cover.

*This was read as a part of the 100+ Reading Challenge

In My Mailbox (37)

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.

Short post this week!

For Review:
-Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
-Faithful by Janet Fox (Whoo!)
-Don't Know Where, Don't Know When by Annette Laing
-A Different Day, A Different Destiny by Annette Laing
-A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley
-Boys, Bears, and A Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald
-Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Won:
-Wings Without Birds by Brian Henry
-The Ghost, the Eggheads, and Babe Ruth's Piano by Larry Sweitzer

I had an awesome week! What about you?

Still Sucks to Be Me by Kimberly Pauley

Still Sucks to Be Me by Kimberly Pauley

Publication Date/Version: May 2010/Hardcover

Publisher: Mirrorstone

Age Group: Young Adult

Received From: Around The World Tours (Thanks!)

With vampire boyfriend George and best friend Serena by her side, Mina thought she had her whole life—or rather afterlife—ahead of her. But then Mina’s parents drop a bomb. They’re moving. To Louisiana. And not somewhere cool like New Orleans, but some teeny, tiny town where cheerleaders and jocks rule the school. Mina has to fake her death, change her name, and leave everything behind, including George and Serena. Not even the Vampire Council’s shape-shifting classes can cheer her up. Then Serena shows up on Mina’s doorstep with some news that sends Mina reeling. Mina may look a lot better with fangs, but her afterlife isn’t any less complicated!

Now that Mina's a vampire, she's had to leave behind her old life. New name, new identity, a new town. She left behind George, her boyfriend, and Serena, her best friend, having to fake her own death. Mina's previous life, however, is catching up with her quicker than she thought. Between shape-shifting classes and a rather attractive boy, Mina's got plenty to deal with.

Still Sucks to Be Me, the sequel to Sucks to Be Me, continues the story of Mina, teenage vampire extraordinaire. It's similar to the first in style, humor, and layout. Each chapter starts with a vampire myth, and many chapters have lists about all sorts of things. I loved the tongue-in-cheek references to Twilight and other popular vampire media.

Mina's your typical teenager, besides the vampireness. She's funny, albeit a bit dramatic. There's a whole onslaught of characters, but each brings their own characteristic to the story. Raven's insane, George is lovable, Cameron is mysterious, and Serena is the awesome best friend. The characters really make up the story.

There was some interesting background in this installment, though I wish we knew more about it. We were introduced to the Carter Clan and their possible involvement with the Black Talons. I felt, however, that I didn't learn nearly as much about them as I would've liked to. I imagine this is because of another installment in this series' future.

Overall: Quick, light read. A bit forgettable, but a fun weekend read. I would pass over it for something with a bit more substance, but others may enjoy its lightheartedness.

My Advice: Borrow it.

Cover: I don't know why, but that girls hair drives me cray to no end. And her blue eyes look very unnatural. I like the blue of the suitcase, but the rest of the cover seems overdone, I suppose.

*This was read as a part of the 100+ Reading Challenge

Wednesday Wishlist (15)

This post is inspired by Stargirlreads at Books Make Great Lovers. 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:

Bird
by Rita Murphy

A girl easily carried off by the wind. An elderly widow whose husband died under strange circumstances. An isolated dwelling that breeds fear. Miranda has no recollection of where she came from—only that years ago, a gust of wind deposited her outside Bourne Manor. The Manor’s sole inhabitant, Wysteria Barrows, took Miranda in and promptly outfitted her with special boots—boots weighted with steel bars to keep her anchored to the ground. But aside from shelter and clothing, Miranda receives little warmth from the aging widow. The Manor, too, is a cold place, full of drafts and locked doors. Full of menace. Full of secrets. Then one day a boy named Farley appears. Farley helps Miranda embrace her destiny with the wind . . . and uncover the Manor’s hidden past.

Reasons I want to read this:
1. What an intriguing description.
2. The cover is gorgeous!
3. It reminds me of Howl's Moving Castle and The Wide Window
4. It sounds like a piece of art, more than just a book.

Lifted by Wendy Toliver

Lifted by Wendy Toliver
Publication Date/Version: June 2010/Paperback
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: Around The World Tours (Thanks!)

Poppy Browne is none too thrilled to be the new girl in Pleasant Acres, Texas--especially after her mother enrolls her in a private Baptist school. But to her delight, Poppy is pulled into the cool clique on her first day at Calvary High, and her new friends, Mary Jane and Whitney, are as genuinely nice as they are gorgeous and rich.

The catch? Her new pals have a nasty shoplifting habit, and before long Poppy is also a theft enthusiast. But when the girls' addictions get out of hand and friendships are threatened, it's up to Poppy to set things right...

Poppy is forced to move. It might not be so bad except for the fact that she's enrolled in a private Baptist school. Thing is, she isn't religious. Her mother's more worried about Poppy's college application than anything. Poppy is instantly accepted into the popular crowd at Calvary High, and she leaves behind Bridgette, her first-day mentor at Calvary. As Poppy grows closer to Mary Jane and Whitney, she's let in on their dirty secret. They shoplift. Not because they need to, but because they love the adrenaline rush. Soon Poppy is joining in on their escapades and realizing just how much she loves the rush too.

This is my book by Wendy Toliver, and I really enjoyed it! She's definitely an author to watch out for on my list. She made a serious subject approachable, but even more complex. She takes two well-liked and nice, but ultimately hypocritical, popular girls and turns them into criminals. It poses some interesting questions: Are people looking the other way because of their status? Would they get away with this otherwise? Why is such hypocrisy allowed?

Poppy is easy to connect to, and I really enjoyed her. She's fun, spunky, and independent. She's a typical teenager who happens to run into a bad problem. Mary Jane and Whitney both seem to be nice, wholesome individuals, but looks can be deceiving. I really enjoyed the characters. I think their social status made the read even more compelling because you wouldn't expect them to be thieves.

The plot evolved quickly, jumping right into theft and the rush of it. The three girls didn't really need anything; they only did it for the rush. It's easy to see how they could get caught up in it. Oddly enough, I never viewed them as bad people, only good people making bad decisions. Their social standing really did have an effect on my perspective, sad to say. I could see it being easy to fit right into their crowd and go with the flow. They seemed like genuinely nice people.

The ending was a bit too happy, but I was glad someone faced the consequences. I look forward to reading more by Wendy Toliver!

Overall: Quick and fast paced. Thought provoking. Very enjoyable.

My Advice: I would say buy it or borrow it. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I look forward to owning a copy.

Cover: The cover's a bit plain, but there's a certain something that draws me in. I feel that the girl is a bit too rough to be Polly. I like the simple font, but other than that, there's nothing specific I enjoy.

*This was read as a part of the 100+ Reading Challenge

Mini Reviews (1)

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.

Friends Forever by Mary Ann McRaney

Eh, not good. It was definitely not YA. It needed more editing. The story was repetitive, and certain phrases were used constantly. Very little identifiable plot. Odd ending. Skip it.

Queen of Secrets by Jenny Meyerhoff

Boring plot, somewhat annoying characters. I thought the element of religion might add some interest, but it really didn't. Essie was self-centered and too focused on being popular. She redeemed herself a bit in the end, but it wasn't anything special. The book was just okay, but ultimately forgettable.

The Seven Rays by Jessica Bendinger

I actually quite enjoyed this one. The premise was interesting, and the plot was quick. Yes, the main character was a bit immature, but that's life. I know lots of immature people, so it actually seems more true to life that way. I enjoyed Beth's love interest. Her powers were awesome, and I loved the mystery behind the book! Crazy ending. Looking forward to a sequel.

Reel Culture by Mimi O'Connor
Very quick read. Fun for those who need to polish their knowledge of movies. Enjoyable quotes, summaries, and popular references. Makes me want to watch some classics!

Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens

Definitely my least favorite of Laurens' books. The plot was slow and not all that exciting. It was too much of a telling book, rather than a showing book, if you know what I mean. I felt that Abria, the main character's sister who had a mental disability, was almost used as a crutch. I didn't really like the way her sister was portrayed. It felt off. The ending was about all I liked. I won't be picking up the sequel.

Status Update

Hello everyone! Thanks for sticking around. As you may have noticed, my blogging is seriously lacking. Pleas expect that for about the next month. After that, I'll have lots of free time to post and talk. At the moment, I've got two sports, AP exams, projects, and finals. I'm just stressed, and blogging really isn't a priority. I'm still reading and catching up on books, so don't worry. I may post content randomly, but it won't be very consistent over the next month. I'm not officially on hiatus, but my blogging will be very laid back for the time being.

Love you all!

In My Mailbox (36)

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.

For Review:

Magickeepers: The Pyramid of Souls by Erica Kirov

(ARC/Releases May 2010/Sourcebooks Jabberwocky)

It was stolen from Alexander the Great. To keep it safe, Edgar Allen Poe bargained away his sanity. And somebody suckered P. T. Barnum to get their hands on it. It's the most closely guarded secret in the magician community. And it's missing.

Hmm, I hadn't realized this was the second book in a series. Looks like I'll have to pick up the first one.

Anxious Hearts by Tucker Shaw

(ARC/Releases May 2010/Amulet Books)

Eva and Gabe explore the golden forest of their seaside Maine town, unknowingly tracing the footsteps of two teens, Evangeline and Gabriel, who once lived in the idyllic wooded village of Acadia more than one hundred years ago. On the day that Evangeline and Gabriel were be wed, their village was attacked and the two were separated. And now in the present, Gabe has mysteriously disappeared from Eva.

A dreamlike, loose retelling of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous love poem “Evangeline,” Anxious Hearts tells an epic tale of unrequited love and the hope that true love can be reunited.

I've heard wonderful things about this one. I received this from Around The World Tours.

Wayfarer by R.J. Anderson

(ARC/Released April 2010/HarperTeen)

The faeries of the Oak are dying, and it’s up to a lone faery named Linden to find a way to restore their magic. Linden travels bravely into dangerous new territory, where she enlists the help of an unlikely friend—a human named Timothy. Soon they discover something much worse than the Oakenfolk’s loss of magic: a potent evil that threatens the fate of all faeries. In a fevered, desperate chase across the country, Timothy and Linden risk their lives to seek an ancient power before it’s too late to save everyone they love. R. J. Anderson has artfully crafted a world of stunning magic, thrilling adventure, and delicate beauty, where a girl far from home must defeat the pervasive evil befalling her beloved faery realm.

Ah!!!! I loved Spell Hunter so much. I can't wait to read this. I received this from Around The World Tours.

Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony

(ARC/Releases May 2010/Putnam)

The year is 2041, and sixteen-year-old Molly McClure has lived a relatively quiet life on an isolated farming island in Canada, but when her family fears the worst may have happened to her grandparents in the US, Molly must brave the dangerous, chaotic world left after global economic collapse—one of massive oil shortages, rampant crime, and abandoned cities.

Molly is relieved to find her grandparents alive in their Portland suburb, but they’re financially ruined and practically starving. What should’ve been a quick trip turns into a full-fledged rescue mission. And when Molly witnesses something the local crime bosses wishes she hadn’t, Molly’s only way home may be to beat them at their own game. Luckily, there’s a handsome stranger who’s willing to help.

This sounds amazing! Thanks to the lovely Stacey from Putnam for this.

Sea by Heidi Kling

(ARC/Releases June 2010/Putnam)

Haunted by recurring nightmares since her mother’s disappearance over the Indian ocean three years before, fifteen-year old California girl Sienna Jones reluctantly travels with her psychiatrist father’s volunteer team to six-months post-tsunami Indonesia where she meets the scarred and soulful orphaned boy, Deni, who is more like Sea than anyone she has ever met.

She knows they can’t be together, so why can’t she stay away from him? And what about her old best friend-turned-suddenly-hot Spider who may or may not be waiting for her back home? And why won’t her dad tell her the truth about her mother’s plane crash? The farther she gets from home, the closer she comes to finding answers.

And Sea’s real adventure begins.

I have Sea! Thanks to the super lovely Stacey from Putnam for this.

I had an amazing week! What about you?