Updates!

Hey all! I'm currently gone at the moment, so I've got a couple of things to say.

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.

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.

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.

Catch you all later!

Wednesday Wishlist (23)

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:

Tweet Heart
by Elizabeth Rudnick

Claire is a #hopelessromantic. Lottie is determined to set up her BFF with Mr. Perfect. Will wants his #secretcrush to finally notice him. Bennett is a man with a plan.

Claire can’t believe it when her dream guy starts following her on Twitter. She never thought he noticed her, and suddenly he seems to understand her better than almost anyone.

But the Twitterverse can be a confusing place, especially when friends act differently online than they do in person. Things get even more complicated when Claire realizes she’s falling for someone else, the last person she ever would have expected….

Reasons I want to read this:
1. It sounds like such a cute story line!
2. Love the adorable cover.
3. I really enjoy books told in alternate forms (email, diary entries, etc.)

Teaser Tuesday (17)

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.

"I wrapped my arms around her; my fingers froze for a half second s they grazed her bra strap. I took in her scent - her familiar vanilla practically hidden by a coffee smell."

Page 15, Saving Maddie by Varian Johnson

Enjoy!

The Clearing by Heather Davis

The Clearing by Heather Davis

Publication Date/Version: April 2010/Paperback

Publisher: Graphia

Age Group: Young Adult

Received From: Around The World Tours (Thanks!)

Amy, a sixteen-year-old recovering from an abusive relationship, moves to the country to start a new life with her aunt–all she wants is for everything to be different. In the clearing at the back of Aunt Mae’s property, she makes an amazing discovery—Henry, a boy stuck in the endless summer of 1944. Henry and his world become Amy’s refuge and she begins to learn that some moments are worth savoring. But when the past and present come crashing together, both of them must find the courage to face what is meant to be, even if it means losing each other forever.

Moving from a big city to her aunt's small, country home after a relationship with a bad outcome, Amy has a lot to get used to. It's alright with her, though. She wants, and needs, things to be different. Just how different things will get, however, is beyond Amy's imagination. After wandering through a strange mist behind her aunt's house, Amy meets Henry, a boy stuck quite literally in the past. What develops is a real, hopeful love. Because of Henry's situation, things unfortunately can't stay as there are forever.

The Clearing is my first novel by Heather Davis, and based on its tone and setting, I look forward to picking up more.

Amy comes across as a brash character throughout the novel, but she's not without her reasons. Her attitude irked me at times, mainly when she was hurting genuinely nice characters without knowing it, but I also understand her need to protect herself. I'm glad this took place in the country, not the city, as I believe it helped add to the serene romance that took place. It was one of those settings that you wished you could have as a child, one of those gorgeous places to grow up. Rockville was a quaint country town where the neighbors are friendly and people make blueberry jam. Davis created the setting perfectly, and without it the book wouldn't have been what it was.

Told in alternation perspectives, you can see Amy and Henry's relationship progress slowly, but in a lovely way. Henry was the classic gentleman - ladies first, hold the door, don't make her uncomfortable. He never pushed Amy or asked for anything she didn't want to give. His demeanor was refreshing in a genre that's riddled with bad boys. I absolutely adored the progression of the relationship, as it was sweet and simple, but oh so deep. This was true, real love, not just lust. And I enjoyed every minute of it.

Henry's situation was an odd one, but luckily it was explained well. My mind couldn't fully comprehend what was happening, but that wasn't the point. It created a perfect opportunity for love to bloom, and, in this story, that was all that mattered.

The only thing that leaves me torn about this book is the ending. While it fits the book well, it left me a bit wistful. I wanted more than what I was given. I think that's just me, though.

Overall: Lovely romance. Serene setting. A perfect gentleman.

My Advice: Buy it or borrow it. It's really up to you.

The Cover: I love the washed effect of the blues and greens, as well as the picture in the middle. The girl in the red dress is absolutely perfect for the story. I could have done without the "True love is timeless" and the boy, as they don't fit my perceptions of the book.

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

Onward Bound to the Happiest Place on Earth!

Yes folks, I'm talking about Disneyland. My best friend and her family are going down to California for a bit over a week, and they're kind enough to bring me along. I, therefore, will be gone from this blog starting today until about next Sunday. I'm already gone at this point - I had to get up at 4 because we're driving. Whoopee. In the meantime, I'll be going to Disneyland, hitting up an L.A. Dodgers games, and wake boarding. So excited! I have posts scheduled, so you won't even know I'm gone. And with my awesome new phone, I'll be able to reply to your emails, so no worries there! See you all when I get back.

In My Mailbox (46)

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 Clearing by Heather Davis

(PB/April 2010/Graphia)

Amy, a sixteen-year-old recovering from an abusive relationship, moves to the country to start a new life with her aunt–all she wants is for everything to be different. In the clearing at the back of Aunt Mae’s property, she makes an amazing discovery—Henry, a boy stuck in the endless summer of 1944. Henry and his world become Amy’s refuge and she begins to learn that some moments are worth savoring. But when the past and present come crashing together, both of them must find the courage to face what is meant to be, even if it means losing each other forever.

I've already read this, and I really enjoyed it! I received this from Around The World Tours.

No and Me by Delphine de Vigan

(ARC/Releases August 2010/Bloomsbury Children's)

Parisian teenager Lou has an IQ of 160, OCD tendencies, and a mother who has suffered from depression for years. But Lou is about to change her life—and that of her parents—all because of a school project about homeless teens. While doing research, Lou meets No, a teenage girl living on the streets. As their friendship grows, Lou bravely asks her parents if No can live with them, and is astonished when they agree. No’s presence forces Lou’s family to come to terms with a secret tragedy. But can this shaky, newfound family continue to live together when No’s own past comes back to haunt her?

I've finished this one as well. Look forward to a review soon! I received this from Around The World Tours.

The Line by Teri Hall

(ARC/Released March 2010/Dial)

An invisible, uncrossable physical barrier encloses the Unified States. The Line is the part of the border that lopped off part of the country, dooming the inhabitants to an unknown fate when the enemy used a banned weapon. It’s said that bizarre creatures and superhumans live on the other side, in Away. Nobody except tough old Ms. Moore would ever live next to the Line.

Nobody but Rachel and her mother, who went to live there after Rachel’s dad died in the last war. It’s a safe, quiet life. Until Rachel finds a mysterious recorded message that can only have come from Away. The voice is asking for help.

Who sent the message? Why is her mother so protective? And to what lengths is Rachel willing to go in order to do what she thinks is right?

I received this from Around The World Tours. I've finished it, and I'm really looking forward to the sequel!

Dream of Night by Heather Henson

(HC/May 2010/Atheneum)

An abused horse. A damaged girl. A last chance for both...

I actually already have an ARC of this which I haven't read, but it's nice to have a finished copy!

The Fire Opal by Regina McBride

(HC/May 2010/Delacorte)

There was a time when Maeve O'Tullagh led a simple life; a time when she and her mother, Nuala, collected kelp on the foreshore near their cottage in Ard Macha; a time when she played among the Celtic ruins with her older brothers and daydreamed about the legendary Holy Isles, an enchanted land ruled in a past age by a beautiful goddess.

But after Maeve's sister, Ishleen, is born, her mother sinks into a deep, impenetrable trance. For years, Maeve tries to help her mother "awaken," and then the unthinkable happens: Ishleen succumbs to the same mysterious ailment as Nuala.

Heartbroken to think that her sister and her mother might be lost to her forever, Maeve sets off on an unimaginable quest to a world filled with fantastical creatures, a web of secrets, a handsome, devious villain who will stop at nothing to have her hand in marriage—braving them all to retrieve a powerful glowing stone that will help her recover the souls of her loved ones and bring them home to Ard Macha.

I received this from Bookdivas for review. I hope there's some good legends or lore behind the story.

Saving Maddie by Varian Johnson

(HC/March 2010/Delacorte)

Joshua Wynn is a preacher’s son and a “good boy” who always does the right thing. Until Maddie comes back to town. Maddie is the daughter of the former associate pastor of Joshua’s church, and his childhood crush. Now Maddie is all grown up, gorgeous—and troubled. She wears provocative clothes to church, cusses, drinks, and fools around with older men. Joshua’s ears burn just listening to the things she did to get kicked out of boarding school, and her own home.

As time goes on, Josh goes against his parents and his own better instincts to keep Maddie from completely capsizing. Along the way, he begins to question his own rigid understanding of God and whether, as his mother says, a girl like Maddie is beyond redemption. Maddie leads Josh further astray than any girl ever has . . . but is there a way to reconcile his love for her and his love for his life in the church?

Sounds like a really good concept! I also received this from Bookdivas for review.

Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler

(ARC/Releases October 2010/Graphia)

“Thou art the Black Rider. Go thee out unto the world.”

Lisabeth Lewis has a black steed, a set of scales, and a new job: she’s been appointed Famine. How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl from the suburbs fare as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

Traveling the world on her steed gives Lisa freedom from her troubles at home: her constant battle with hunger, and her struggle to hide it from the people who care about her. But being Famine forces her to go places where hunger is a painful part of everyday life, and to face the horrifying effects of her phenomenal power. Can Lisa find a way to harness that power — and the courage to battle her own inner demons?

Doesn't this sound good?! I was so stoked to get a copy! I never realized how small it was - only 180 pages.

Emma and the Vampires by Jane Austen and Wayne Josephson

(PB/Releases August 2010/Sourcebooks Landmark)

The Regency-era comedy of manners finds Jane Austen's beloved title character, Emma Woodhouse, attempting to arrange the affairs of the young ladies and gentleman vampires, including Mr. Knightley, in her social circle with delightfully disastrous results.

I received this from the publisher for review. I've yet to read a retelling like this, but I look forward to it!

Songs for a Teenage Nomad by Kim Culbertson

(ARC/Releases September 2010/Sourcebooks Fire)

After living in twelve places in eight years with her drifting mother, fourteen year old Calle Smith finds herself in Andreas Bay, California, at the start of ninth grade. Fearful of putting down roots anywhere, but armed with her song journal, she moves to her own soundtrack through a world that bounces her between the school drama crowd, a mysterious loner, and an unlikely boy who will become her first love. But it's the troubling truth Calle uncovers about the father she thought abandoned her that forces Calle to face the toughest choice of her young life.

Thanks to the publisher for this one, as well. Love the cover!

Won:

Prophecy of Days: The Daykeeper's Grimoire by Christy Raedeke (Prize from Once Upon a Read-a-Thon)

The Iron King by Julia Kagawa (From Harlequin Teen Panel Discussion)

I had a great week! What about you?

Contest: Mockingbird and goodies

Thanks to the wonderful Kathryn Erskine, I am able to offer 1 signed copy of Mockingbird, as well as some book related goodies to give away! You can read my interview and review.

In Caitlin’s world, everything is black or white. Things are good or bad. Anything in between is confusing. That’s the stuff Caitlin’s older brother, Devon, has always explained. But now Devon’s dead and Dad is no help at all. Caitlin wants to get over it, but as an eleven-year-old girl with Asperger’s, she doesn’t know how. When she reads the definition of closure, she realizes that is what she needs. In her search for it, Caitlin discovers that not everything is black and white—the world is full of colors—messy and beautiful.

Information:

Contest Closed

Good luck!

Interview: Kathryn Erskine, author of Mockingbird

Please join me in welcoming Kathryn Erskine, author of Mockingbird. You can read my review here. Kathryn grew up in Europe, Africa, Canada, and the United States, and was a lawyer before she figured out what she really wanted to be when she grew up--a writer! She takes her inspiration from the world around her and from her personal experiences, including her childhood attending 8 different schools. Lots of great writing material, and there's more every day!

1. Please describe Mockingbird in 50 words or less.
Ten-year-old Caitlin, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, struggles to understand emotions, show empathy, and make friends at school, especially after the death of her brother, her social link to the world. Working to find closure, she helps her family and her community come to terms with the school shooting tragedy.

2. What inspired you to write Mockingbird? What do you think the book's cover?
I was inspired to write Mockingbird because my daughter has Asperger’s. I used the school shooting event (which transpires before the book opens) because I was so affected by the Virginia Tech shootings in 2007. I thought that, maybe, if the shooter had received some help over the years, he might have felt heard and others might have understood him better. Mockingbird is all about walking in each other’s shoes and learning to understand each other better, which is why I tell it from the point of view of Caitlin, a girl with Asperger’s.

At first I wasn’t sure about the cover. People either love it or hate it. Fortunately, most people love it. I think it’s beautifully pure and simple.

3. The one book everyone should read?
To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s no coincidence that I reference it both in my book’s title and in the story.

4. Looking at your biography, I see you've lived in numerous places. (Israel, South Africa, Scotland...) Did you enjoying living so many places? If you could chose one place to travel to, where would it be and why?
I loved travelling and experiencing other cultures. There’s so much to learn and appreciate beyond our borders. I felt very lucky. As I write this, my sister is in New Zealand, which is one place I’d love to visit, as well as Australia. I have to say, though, if I could pick just one place, I’d love to go back to southern Africa, specifically, Botswana. There’s something about Africa that gets under your skin and never leaves you—the languages, the music, the people, the sunsets, the wildlife—it’s a breathtaking world.

5. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so, please tell us a bit about it.
I’m currently working on Cornerstone, a novel about a boy who confronts the racism in his community while dealing with the death of his father. He learns that people, past and present, aren’t always what they seem, and that picking sides isn’t as easy as you think.

6. Any last words?
I just finished edits on The Absolute Value of Mike, which will be out a year from now (Philomel, Summer 2011), about a boy with a math learning disability and a genius for a father. Mike spends the summer with wacky relatives and ends up doing something pretty amazing.

Please visit me at http://www.kathrynerskine.com/ where you can get my news, playlists, and fun photo writing prompts, or at my blog, http://kathyerskine.wordpress.com/, or on facebook or twitter.

Thanks for interviewing me, McKenzie!

Thanks so much for stopping by Kathryn!

Deception by Lee Nichols

Deception by Lee Nichols

Publication Date/Version: June 2010/Hardcover and Paperback
Publisher: Bloomsbury

Age Group: Young Adult

Received From: Around The World Tours (Thanks!)

When Emma Vaile's parents leave on mysterious business trip, it gives her the perfect excuse to be a rebellious teen. Throw some parties, get a tattoo (or maybe just a piercing), and enjoy the first few weeks of her junior year. Then her best friend stops talking to her, the cops crash her party, and Emma finds herself in the hands of a new guardian—her college-age "knight in J.Crew armor," Bennett Stern—and on a plane to his museum-like mansion in New England.

After enrolling at Thatcher Academy, Emma settles in by making friends with the popular legacy crowd. But she can't shake the strange visions that are haunting her. She has memories of Thatcher she can't explain, as if she's returning home to a place she's never been. Emma doesn't trust anyone anymore—except maybe Bennett. But he's about to reveal a ghostly secret to Emma. One that will explain the visions . . . and make Emma fear for her life.

After being reported to Child Services because her parents have seemingly abandoned her, Emma is taken to Echo Point by Bennett, her older brother's friend whom she's always had a crush on. Things haven't been right lately with Emma, though. She can feel the presence of ghosts, as well as see them. Most of them are kind, but others seek to do harm. Emma must learn to control her gifts with the help of others like her before darkness strikes again.

Why haven't I read ghost stories lately? I don't know, but Nichols made it clear to me that I need to pick up more! I had no idea I would enjoy a story like this as much as I did. While the beginning had me wary, I quickly warmed to this book and I'm glad I delved in.

Emma, though she seemed a bit too typical in the beginning, shows herself to be a truly lovable main character. She's nice, mature, and handles her situation well. She respected the ghosts that surrounded, while many others treated them as servants. That aspect was what I admired most about her. She seemed to be a kind and nurturing person, one you would like to know in real life.

The story started out a bit odd, only for the first 30 pages or so, but the confusing events were explained later on. I loved the atmosphere of Echo Point, a quaint New England town, as well as the manor that Emma resided in while there. Nichols managed to take a worn out paranormal genre and add something completely new to the mix. I was fascinated by Emma's powers, as well as her daily experience with ghosts. She saw them everywhere - home, school, parties.

Helping her all the while, though they didn't know the specifics, were her wonderful friends. hey were perfect: understanding, humorous, and always there. The amount of lovable characters in this book tops most all other books.

The ending came as a bit of a shock. And whoo boy, what a cliffhanger! I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel.

Overall: Great, engaging characters. Beautiful setting. Amazing plot. A must read.

My Advice: If you're a fan of paranormal in the least, buy this. I'm excited to have my own copy.

Cover: It really fits the story with the manor, the girl, and the jade necklace. I would like to see something different with the title treatment, as it's a bit blah and plain. But, overall, I like it.

*This was read as a part of the 2010 Debut Author Challenge and the 100+ Reading Challenge

Wednesday Wishlist (22)

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:

Dark Water
by Laura McNeal

Fifteen-year-old Pearl DeWitt and her mother live in Fallbrook, California, where it’s sunny 340 days of the year, and where her uncle owns a grove of 900 avocado trees. Uncle Hoyt hires migrant workers regularly, but Pearl doesn’t pay much attention to them . . . until Amiel. From the moment she sees him, Pearl is drawn to this boy who keeps to himself, fears being caught by la migra, and is mysteriously unable to talk. And after coming across Amiel’s makeshift hut near Agua Prieta Creek, Pearl falls into a precarious friendship—and a forbidden romance.

Then the wildfires strike. Fallbrook—the town of marigolds and palms, blood oranges and sweet limes—is threatened by the Agua Prieta fire, and a mandatory evacuation order is issued. But Pearl knows that Amiel is in the direct path of the fire, with no one to warn him, no way to get out. Slipping away from safety and her family, Pearl moves toward the dark creek, where the smoke has become air, the air smoke.

Reasons I want to read this:

1. That cover is stunning
2. Sounds unlike anything I've read before
3. Based on the description, I get the feeling the writing will be gorgeous. "The town of marigolds and palms, blood oranges and sweet limes." Isn't that evocative?

Bookish News: Cover and Winners!

Hey all. Two things to talk about:

1. The cover of The Lost Saint!


Um, yeah, I know. Check it out. All I can say is: I need that nail polish! And yes, Bree herself says there will be a TLS nail polish. I need it to match my TDD nail polish. *looks at nails* Hmm, they're rather bare. After this post, you can bet I'll be using my TDD polish. :] To see the whole post, go here.

2. I have one lucky winner to announce! They will receive a copy of Wayfarer by R.J. Anderson. And the winner is:

Rose!

Congratulations! Thanks to everyone who entered, and good luck in future contests.

Interview: Sean McCartney, author of Secrets of the Magical Medallions

Please join me in welcoming Sean McCartney, author of Secrets of the Magical Medallions. Sean Paul McCartney (He’s not related to the Beatle) was born in 1971. He graduated from Alfred University in upstate New York with a Bachelor’s in Communications in 1993. From there he played two exciting season traveling around the world with the Washington Generals playing against the world famous Harlem Globetrotters. In 1996 Sean earned his Masters in Education and embarked on a career as a teacher. He is employed by Plain Local Schools in Canton, OH.

1. Please describe Secrets of the Magical Medallions in 50 words or less.

It is a fast paced, informative and exciting read. I consider it a cross between the mystery of the Hardy Boys with the action-adventure of Indiana Jones and National Treasure.

2. What inspired you to write Secrets...?

I wanted to create a series that I would have liked as a kid. The more I thought about it treasure hunting seemed perfect because anyone can do it. You don't need special powers. Also I saw a spot for this type of series. 39 Clues is ending. Percy Jackson has ended as well as Harry Potter and I think its time for a new series.

3. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be and why?

I got the opportunity to travel around the world and play against the Harlem Globetrotters as a member of the Washington Generals. So I have been about everywhere but I would like to go to Australia. I think they have such a rich history and they seem to be having fun much of the time.

4. What is one of your favorite Middle Grade or Young Adult book?

In my younger days I really liked the Hardy Boys and The Chronicles of Narnia but currently I like the Percy Jackson series and I really enjoyed Harry Potter.

5. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so, please tell us a bit about it. I am working on the second Treasure Hunters Club book. I am not going to reveal too much though because its not fair to do that with a work in progress. Suffice to say the adventure takes the club out of state and after a most cherished lost treasure.

6. Any last words?

First off, to McKenzie, thank you for the interview. I am new to the publishing world and I really appreciate you taking the time. Second please take a moment to visit my website at http://www.treasurehuntersclubbook.com/ and get a better idea of the series. Lastly, and I won't beg, because begging isn't dignified, go buy a book or two. It's a good read.

Thanks so much for joining us Sean!

White Cat by Holly Black

White Cat by Holly Black

Publication Date/Version: May 2010/Hardcover

Publisher: McElderry Books

Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: Around The World Tours (Thanks!)

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers -- people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail -- he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.

Cassel is part of a curse worker family. They can block your memories, change your emotions, and cause you physical pain. Cassel, however, cannot. He resorts to lying and conning, as does the rest of the family because curse work is illegal. Little does he know, his best friend, the one he thought he killed, may not be dead, and he may be a part of a con larger than any he's ever known.

While I loved Holly Black's Tithe, and while White Cat had all of the makings of a great book, it didn't have that special something that made me love it.

Cassel is an obviously intriguing character with lots to hide and plenty of ways to do so. His family history is rich and creates a great setting. While it may seem hard to connect with a compulsive liar, we were allowed access to his feelings and thoughts, so I quickly felt for him. The story's beginning had me a bit confused, but that's to be expected from a book abut conmen.

Cassel's family consisted of a whole cast of characters, from kooky mom, to loving grandfather, to shady brother. I enjoyed Cassel, but the other characters, except for his grandfather, fell somewhat flat for me. I didn't connect with them on any level, and I didn't enjoy hearing about them, as many seemed cold and without emotions.

The plot itself was exciting and really kept me guessing. It's the type of story I love - it reminds me of Ocean's 11, 12, 13, and The Bourne trilogy, my favorite set of movies ever. It had all of the makings of a book I would love, but it didn't have that special something to make it shine and stand out from the rest, which, as you can imagine, really upset me and is still irking me as I write this.

I don't know what more to ask for from this book, but it didn't have that one, elusive something to make it special. It's still a solid read, but not one I'll be going back to. I may pick up the sequel, if there is one, but I don't know how much I'll pursue this series.

Overall: Really interesting plot. Flat characters. All the makings of a great book, but missing that special something.

My Advice: Borrow it. It's a solid read.

Cover: I love Cassel's face and hair. He looks absolutely gorgeous. I wish we could see his eyes, but at the same time it's incredibly smart when compared to the book's subject, because conmen read eyes and the emotions they show. So, it makes sense that his eyes would be covered. I don't like the title or name treatment, though. It takes up way too much space.

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

A Field Guide for Heartbreakers by Kristen Tracy

A Field Guide for Heartbreakers by Kristen Tracy

Publication Date/Version: June 2010/Hardcover

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Age Group: Young Adult

Received From: Around The World Tours (Thanks!)

When best friends Dessy and Veronica arrive in Prague for a prestigious writing workshop, their priorities diverge. Dessy, fragile from a recent breakup, has come to mend her broken heart by honing her craft. Veronica has just dumped her boyfriend and plans to blow off the workshop. She’d rather master a different subject—boys. Veronica gets right to work on her “man-wall”—one paper cutout for every hot-dude she meets— and embarks on her mission to cover a wall of their dorm by summer’s end. At times, Dessy thinks her friend might be a genius. At others, Veronica seems more like an agent of chaos.

As if their love lives weren’t complicated enough, soon a homicidal suitemate is bent on killing Veronica and Dessy, and both girls are hiding secrets that could wreck their friendship. Well, no one ever said breaking hearts was a simple craft....

Dessy and Veronica are off to Prague for a summer of writing and boys. Both girls have recently broken up with, or been broken up with, their boyfriends. Dessy wants to work on her writing. Veronica, however, is set to create a "man wall" - a collection of every hot guy she meets. What ensues is chaos, first of all, and madness.

What I hoped to be a light, fun summer read unfortunately didn't turn out well for me. The concept initially interested me, but I felt it lacked sympathetic characters or a steady plot.

Dessy is a somewhat blah character. There were moments when I saw a glimmer of a like-able character, but those moments were either replaced by groveling or complying. I didn't feel for her, or her need to be liked. Veronica, I can easily say, was one of my least favorite best friend characters ever. I must have missed the part where friends are supposed to be rude and inconsiderate towards their "friend." Veronica didn't think about her actions, and I, personally, can't stand people who are unaccountable for their actions. The guys, as well, somewhat blended together.

What I did enjoy about this book was the writing aspect, the infusion of culture, and Veronica's mom. I enjoyed reading the character's stories and hearing the critiques. It gave an interesting twist to the story. I loved hearing about Prague and its history, as I'm a huge fan of all things history. It sounds like a beautiful place to visit. Veronica's mother was one character I truly liked. She was real and tough, which I mightily enjoyed. Though haughty at times, she was a breath of fresh air.

The psycho killer roommate aspect was just too much for me. I didn't, and still don't, exactly understand what her problem was. But the whole thing was rather inconceivable. I didn't get what I hoped out of A Field Guide for Heartbreakers, and it's not a book I'll be recommending.

Overall: Poor characters. Shaky plot.

My Advice: Skip it.

Cover: While it's cute, I have no idea what it has to do with the story.

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

In My Mailbox (45)

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:

White Cat by Holly Black
(ARC/Released May 2010/McElderry Books)

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers -- people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail -- he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.

Thanks to Around The World Tours for this one. I've already read it, and I will have a review posted soon.

Deception by Lee Nichols
(ARC/Released June 2010/Bloomsbury)

When Emma Vaile's parents leave on mysterious business trip, it gives her the perfect excuse to be a rebellious teen. Throw some parties, get a tattoo (or maybe just a piercing), and enjoy the first few weeks of her junior year. Then her best friend stops talking to her, the cops crash her party, and Emma finds herself in the hands of a new guardian—her college-age "knight in J.Crew armor," Bennett Stern—and on a plane to his museum-like mansion in New England.

After enrolling at Thatcher Academy, Emma settles in by making friends with the popular legacy crowd. But she can't shake the strange visions that are haunting her. She has memories of Thatcher she can't explain, as if she's returning home to a place she's never been. Emma doesn't trust anyone anymore—except maybe Bennett. But he's about to reveal a ghostly secret to Emma. One that will explain the visions . . . and make Emma fear for her life.

Thanks to Around The World Tours for this one as well. I'm almost done with it, and I've enjoyed it immensely. I hope the ending's good!

Won:

Borderline by Allan Stratton (Thanks Kelsey!)

A Matter of Magic by Patricia C. Wrede (Thanks Celi.a!) (The cover is amazing, and I can't wait to read it!)

The Mosts by Melissa Senate (From Random Buzzers ARC giveaways)
The Life and Opinions of Amy Finawitz by Laura Toffler-Corrie (Goodreads First Reads Program)

Traded:

Possessions by Nancy Holder

Gift:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (PB)

My library's awesome! If you sign up for the teen summer reading program - all you do is put your name and phone number on a slip of paper - you get to choose a free book. And this was one of them! You can imagine my excitement as 1. I haven't read this yet and 2. I love paperbacks!

Bought:

Nancy Drew: Trail of the Twister

Okay, so this is a PC game. But I absolutely love them, so I thought I would include it.

I had a great week! What about you?

Me: An Inquest!

Yes folks, it's that time. I've never told you much about myself, but here it is! I like to know bloggers personally, but I'm setting up quite the contradiction as I never tell you, my lovely readers, much about myself. So, to acquaint myself with all of you further, here I am.

Let's start with the basics:

Name: McKenzie

Age: 16

Birthday: September 29th

Eye Color: Brown/Hazel

Hair Color: Brown

Height: Almost 5'8", just a bit under

Now, for the specifics. I'm going to share a few interesting tidbits that I hope you enjoy and that I hope give you a glimpse into my life.

1. I live in a very small town of about 4,000 people. But I live 20 minutes away from a city of about 150,000 people - the perfect size for me - where I spend the majority of my time. I live in a rural area. I live by the woods, on a cute little hill, with my mom, dad, and sheep. Our sheep don't really do anything besides eat down the grass. They're just there. So no, I don't get up early to feed them or anything.

These aren't specifically my sheep; it's just a general picture. But that's exactly what they look like. Cute, huh? I go to the fair every year and pass out ribbons to the sheep show-ers. Basically, some of my family runs the sheep section of the fair, and people bring their best sheep and have them judged. You win money, which is the incentive. And I pass out the ribbons. Yes, it makes me laugh too.

2. I'm a rather contradictory person. I love hanging out with my friends, but I also really enjoy being alone. I'm serious, but I'm goofy. I'm lazy, but I love sports. I like having plans, but I love spontaneity. It's all really back and forth. I once had to take a personality test for school, and when I finished it literally told me I had no personality and that I had to retake the test and talk to a guidance counselor. As you can imagine, I wasn't going to waste another 40 minutes or talk to a counselor when I knew I had a personality. I guess I really am just that split in half. Please people, understand that I'm not a no-personality-weirdo. I didn't expect computer programs to read my personality anyways.

(Sorry, had to cross out my school's name. It seemed safe.)

3. I'm completely OCD about some things. All items on my desk or table or whatever it is have to be in straight lines and line up. I can't have things thrown around. My biggest OCD tendency is that f I experience something on one side of my body, I have to experience it on the other side. For example, if I touch the edge of a desk with my right hand, I have to touch the edge of the same desk with my left hand. No one really notices and neither do I because it's just routine. I feel unequal if I don't.

4. I like to think I'm a pretty good kid. I don't any of those things that are common in Young Adult books. I've don't party, drink, do drugs, etc. You would find me either reading, bowling, watching movies, or any number of things before I did any of that. My friends and I do average, fun teenager things. We have scary movie marathons, jump on trampoline, go on impromptu bike rides, and go out to eat. I don't want to waste my time with things that will mess me up. I want to have a good life when I'm older. I study hard, take Honors/AP classes, volunteer, and play sports, and have lots of common sense. A little secret: I've gotten straight A's since kindergarten. I'm going to be a junior next year, by the way. I think all of these things show what kind of person I am. People say I'm book smart and people smart. I'm completely happy with myself, and I think that's the most important thing. I wouldn't change.

(Yes, I'm sitting on Santa's lap. A couple friends and I take a picture with Santa every year and we stand/sit in the exact same positions so that we can see how we change over the years. It's pretty cool. I cut them out though, for privacy's sake. And no, I have no idea why all of the pictures I have look like they're from the '70s.)

5. I love learning about the unknown, be it outer space, the deep sea, or ancient civilizations. I think it's fascinating that there are so many things that we can't comprehend or fully understand. I like mysteries. The Lochness monster, Big Foot, Chupacabra. Are they real?! I don't know, but it's fun to believe. I love conspiracy theories. How cool would it be if those crazy theories were true? You know what fascinates me? The universe is continually growing. But what does space grow into? More...space? Isn't that interesting! As you might be able to tell, I love to learn, and I think I'll always be that sort of person.

Well, I hope this has given you a better idea of who I am, or at least what I look like. Thanks for taking the time to read this. I guess that if you have any more questions, you can comment or email me. Adios!

Bookish News and Winners!

A few things to announce:

1. Wowio is featuring Daniel Rabuzzi's book, The Choir Boats, during the month of July. During this time, you can read the e-book free! Check it out here.

It's being described as “Gulliver’s Travels crossed with The Golden Compass and a dollop of Pride and Prejudice,” and "a muscular, Napoleonic-era fantasy that, like Philip Pullman's Dark Materials series, will appeal to both adult and young adult readers." What a cover, by the way!

2. Bluefields is offering up the first chapter of Being Jamie Baker by Kelly Oram here. I've read it, and boy am I excited to read the whole thing!

An accident that should end in tragedy instead gives seventeen-year-old Jamie Baker a slew of uncontrollable superhuman abilities.

To keep her secret safe Jamie socially exiles herself, earning the title of Rocklin High’s resident ice queen. But during a supercharged encounter with star quarterback Ryan Miller she literally kisses anonymity goodbye. Now the annoyingly irresistible Ryan will stop at nothing to melt the heart of the ice queen and find out what makes her so special.

Unfortunately, Ryan is not the only person on to her secret. Will Jamie learn to contain her unstable powers before being discovered by the media or turned into a government lab rat?

More importantly, can she throw Ryan Miller off her trail before falling in love with him?

3. All of you Facebook fans, keep an eye out for The Hunger Games fan page which will be live next week!

4. I have three lucky winners to announce! Each person will receive a copy of A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley. All winners have been contacted. Here they are:

Kisha!

Kirthi!

Shamara!

Thanks to everyone who entered, and good luck in future contests!

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Wrap Up!

I had so much fun in my first ever Read-a-Thon! The mini challenges were fun, and I got lots of reading done. I read for about 14 hours. I finished four books and started two.

Finished:

Zillah's Gift by Lois West Duffy

Three Rivers Rising by Jame Richards

Not Ordinarily Borrowable by Thomas Thurman

The Turning: What Curiosity Kills by Helen Ellis

Started:

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

White Cat by Holly Black

In total, I read around 985 pages. Thanks to everyone who made this possible. I had a great time!

The Turning: What Curiosity Kills by Helen Ellis

The Turning: What Curiosity Kills by Helen Ellis

Publication Date/Version: May 2010/Hardcover

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Age Group: Young Adult

Received From: Publicist (Thanks!)

Mary Richards is a normal sixteen-year-old girl living in Manhattan. Well, almost normal. She goes to private school on the Upper East Side, having been saved from a life of squalor by an adoptive family. But she’s also slowly transforming into a cat.

Struggling to hide her physical metamorphosis, Mary discovers that she isn’t alone. A whole race of cat people prowls the streets of Manhattan at night, including Mary’s long-time crush, Nick.

Aside from heightened feline senses, hanging out with Nick is the best thing about discovering her inner kitty. But Mary’s transformation is special and could decide the outcome of a citywide turf war. She must decide whether to embrace her powerful feline side and become a pack leader or go back to being a normal teenage girl. Can she land on her feet or will curiosity be her downfall?

Mary's been through a lot in her life. She was adopted at a fairly young age, is bullied by the class diva, and now she's turning into a cat. That's right - a cat. Luckily for her, she's not alone. Many other turn cats, as they're called, roam the streets and some even attend her school. After talking to these other turn cats, Mary learns that she's in the middle of a turf war between the domestics and the strays. She, however, is special and set apart from the rest of the cats. Will she sacrifice all that's important to her in order to stop this war?

Sourcebooks Fire is a bit of a new imprint, and I've found that while some books are hits, others are misses. Luckily, this one was a hit for me! I've yet to read Ellis' previous novel, but now I'll be sure to pick it up.

We are first introduced to Mary, along with some strange occurrences. Mary is your average girl and that makes her easy to relate to. Because she's fairly run-of-the-mill, it's easy to imagine her situation as being real. The pace in the beginning is slow, but yet I never found myself bored. I didn't mind the uneven pacing this time.

At such a short length, only 120 pages, it was hard to fully connect with all of the characters. I would have loved to know more about the other cats, as well as Mary's friends. The book's concept was an interesting one, but, like the characters, I wish I was told more about it. I hope to see the mythology of the turning drawn out more in the later installments.

The largest part that irked me about this story was how quickly Mary formed a relationship with Nick. One minute he has a girlfriend, the next he's making out with Mary while she's naked under a blanket. Uh, what? His overall possessiveness of her felt a bit skewed because there wasn't enough time for true emotions to develop.

While this story did have a few flaws, I immensely enjoyed the concept! How cool would it be to be able to transform into a cat? That seems like a pretty good choice of animal. The process was described well, and the powers that came along with it were quite interesting. I look forward to learning more in the sequel.

Overall: Great concept. Too short. Would like to know more history. Look forward to the sequel.

My Advice: I would borrow this, then buy it if you like it. I know it's a bit hit or miss for most people, so I recommend borrowing it first.

Cover: Gorgeous! I love it. The circles of light and those eyes! And look, no whitewashing. I commend Sourcebooks on that. The colors of this cover are mesmerizing. I could look at it all day. It's even prettier in person.

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

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Update 2

My second Read-a-Thon day went really well! I read for about 5.5 hours. Last night, Day 1, I started Not Ordinarily Borrowable by Thomas Thurman. I finished that this morning. It only took me about an hour total to read it. Next I started on The Turning: What Curiosity Kills by Helen Ellis. I really ended up liking that one. It wasn't that long, so it only took me a couple of hours. I spent the majority of my reading time starting Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. I'm about 1/4 of the way through, and it's fine so far. I've heard it doesn't really pick up 'til later, so I look forward to that. I'll be starting White Cat by Holly Black tomorrow instead of starting with Before I Fall because I remembered White Cat was for a tour!

My reading options for tomorrow are:
White Cat by Holly Black
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

Winter Longing by Tricia Mills

My Mini Challenge Entries:

1. Hosted by Lauren at Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf

Lauren asked us to pick our favorite book we've read during the read-a-thon and write a short review for it.

I really enjoyed Zillah's Gift by Lois West Duffy. I was surprised at the connection I felt towards Zillah, as the novella was only 120 pages long. Duffy created a rich and unique setting, unlike any I've encountered before. Even if you're not religious, this is still a great book to pick up, especially for middle grade readers.

2. Hosted by Jessica at Confessions of a Bookaholic

Jessica has asked us to answer the following questions:

1. Tell me what makes you the most emotional when you read it in a book.

I get really emotional when a main character or their love interest is dying, or when a couple is absolutely perfect for each other, but can't be together.

2. What book has made you the most emotional?

It would have to be Dear John, Forbidden, or Sing Me To Sleep.

3. Hosted by Cynthia at A Blog About Nothing

Cynthia asks us to tell her which book we would love made into a movie, and who we would want to play the main role(s).

I would love to see A Northern Light turned into a movie. I think Emma Watson would make a great Mattie.

Contest: The Zan-Gah Series

Thanks to Allan and his wonderful publicity team, I am able to offer both Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure and Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country to 1 lucky winner! You can see my review and interview.

Zan-Gah seeks his lost twin in a savage prehistoric world, encountering suffering, captivity, tribal conflict. He emerges from an uncertain boyhood to a tried and proven manhood and a position of leadership.

Dael’s disturbed mind engenders violence and division. Zan-Gah must lead his twin brother away from thoughts both destructive and self-destructive as they migrate to a beautiful new land.

Information:

Contest Closed

Good luck!

Interview: Allan Richard Shickman, author of the Zan-Gah series

Please join me in welcoming Allan Richard Shickman, author of Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure and Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country. You can read my review of the first book here. Artist, teacher, author, and historian Allan Richard Shickman was an art history professor at the University of Northern Iowa for three decades. His first novel, Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure won an Eric Hoffer Notable Book Award and was a finalist for the ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Award.

1. Please describe Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure in 50 words or less.
Zan-Gah seeks his lost twin in a savage prehistoric world, encountering suffering, captivity, tribal conflict. He emerges from an uncertain boyhood to a tried and proven manhood and a position of leadership. Themes of survival, brotherhood, cultures, gender roles, psychological trauma, nature’s wonders and terrors. Age 11 and up.

2. What about the sequel, Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country?

Dael’s disturbed mind engenders violence and division. Zan-Gah must lead his twin brother away from thoughts both destructive and self-destructive as they migrate to a beautiful new land. Themes of war and peace, tribal conflict, traumatic stress, gender roles, sibling rivalry, bereavement, redemption. Age 12, up

3. Why did you choose to write prehistoric fiction? Few people do, but it's such an interesting topic!

Actually, there is a very considerable amount of prehistoric fiction. It is a genre in its own right. Go ahead and search it; see for yourself. I chose the period after a trip across the arid American West because I was inspired to write a tale of survival. Difficult as it could be to survive in deserts and mountains in any period, it seems most remarkable and challenging in an era which was technologically very primitive, as the late paleolithic period was. Notice, I don’t say the people were primitive, just the technology. Maybe we are the primitive ones.

4. What ancient society do you find the most exciting?

Ancient Egypt is extremely fascinating and awe-inspiring. For one thing, it lasted so long!—about ten times as long as the United States has existed, if you take our birthdate to be July 4, 1776. Ancient Greece has to be my favorite, however. I love the art and drama, not only of the Classical Period, but the Hellenistic, when Greek culture spread as far as India. The Romans loved and copied Greek and Hellenistic art. Through them Greece gave us our language, our alphabet, the very word democracy! Is pizza a Greek word? Naahhh. The Renaissance gave us pizza.

5. What's the one book you recommend to everyone?

Off to Russia! If I have to name a single book, it is The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. That book practically changed my life, it moved me so much. However, I usually recommend Crime and Punishment by the same author as a lead-in. Not every book is for everyone, is it? I could and do recommend many books. Have you read The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy? It’s another of my favorites. I guess I like gloomy.

(I've yet to read any of those, but I'll be sure to check them out!)

6. Are you working on anything at the moment?

If so, please tell us a bit about it. I have been working on the third book of the Zan-Gah series for quite a while, but I have only started typing in the last few days. Dyno-mite! It picks up where the second book left off, centering on Zan-Gah’s twin brother, Dael. The story continues with Dael’s self-imposed exile, as he seeks some sort of redemption or resolution of his shattered life. He will go to live with the crimson people (introduced already in Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country). I think I’ll call it Dael and the Painted People, but I have to write it first.

7. Any last words?

Baudelaire wrote a poem about time, the last words of which were: “Die, old coward, it is too late!” That’s what I was thinking of having engraved on my tombstone, but my wife won’t even consider it. And she has the last word on the subject. My last words to my readers and reviewers are: Don’t be in too much of a hurry. The purpose of a good book is not to get done with it. I hope my readers are sorry when Zan-Gah comes to an end. One doesn’t just “read” a good book; one FEELS it. It is not enough for a book to be entertaining. It should be harrowing, enriching, moving. Because it’s not about what happens to the hero, Zan-Gah. It is about what happens to YOU.

Thanks so much for joining us Allan!

Read-a-Thon Update 1

I'm quite happy with my progress so far! I have put in right around 5 hours of reading, and I've managed to finish two books - Zillah's Gift by Lois West Duff and Three Rivers Rising by Jame Richards, both of which I really ended up enjoying.

My only problem is what to read next. Here are some of my options:

Not Ordinarily Borrowable by Thomas Thurman

The Summer of Moonlight Secrets by Danette Haworth

The Turning: What Curiosity Kills by Helen Ellis

Winter Longing by Tricia Mills

Any ideas? I think I'll start with Not Ordinarily Borrowable first because it's (a) the book I've had for review the longest, (b) very short, and (c) has very large print. So, basically, I should be able to breeze through it. Any other thoughts on which book I should read next?

My Mini Challenge Entries:

1. Hosted by Jenn at Book Crazy

Jenn asked us to pick an image or song that matched our favorite book.

My favorite book is A Northern Light...

...and I choose this image because a large portion of the novel takes place in a cute, lakeside inn. This is somewhat how I imagine it to look.

2. Hosted by Kate at I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read!
Kate asked us to connect a chapter of our current read to a song.

I am choosing Three Rivers Rising. While it doesn't have chapters, per se, there are many sections. I, therefore, am choosing the section that describes the flood hitting Johnstown and the surrounding areas.

The song I choose is Breakdown by Jack Johnson. I think that if the residents knew what was coming, they would want time to stop - or breakdown - so that they could have more time with their family. One of the lines is "Then I could take a walk around/And, see what there is to see." And think this perfectly describes what the citizens would do if they could have had one last chance - look around their town and homes, taking it all in before it got swept away.

3. Hosted by the family at The Eager Readers
They have asked us to post about (a) our favorite fictional couples and (b) a crossover couple we would love to see.

Favorite Fictional Couples:
Ron and Hermoine from Harry Potter
Lochan and Maya in Forbidden
Nora and Patch in Hush, Hush

A Couple Crossover I Would Like To See:
Mattie from A Northern Light and Lochan from Forbidden

Both are highly intelligent and devoted. I believe they would suit each other well.

That's how I'm doing for Day 1 of my first ever Read-a-Thon! If I get more reading done after this post, I will include it in tomorrow's.

Once Upon A Read-a-Thon Start

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon is hosted by Pure Imagination, Candace's Book Blog, and Reading Angel. It kicks off on Monday, July 12th and goes until Wednesday, July 14th. It's perfect for those who don't have time to read during the weekends. To sign up, go here.
I am currently on summer break, so I have tons of free time to read during the next three days. I will be taking full advantage of it.
Join in the fun and get some reading done!

In My Mailbox (44)

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 Dark Divine by Bree Despain
(ARC/Released December 2009/Egmont)

Grace Divine - daughter of the local pastor - always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood.

Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how t save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes the most: her soul.

I finally get to read TDD! I received this from Around The World Tours.

Won:
The Impostor's Daughter by Laurie Sandell
Snowflakes: A Flurry of Adoption Stories by Teresa Kelleher

Both are from the Goodreads First Reads program

Swapped:
Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani

Bought:
Sisters Revolution by Susan Dunn
American Buffalo by Steven Rinella

Both are for summer homework

Swag:
What I Learned From Being A Cheerleader by Adrianne Ambrose signed stickers

I had a good week! What about you?

Contest: Lost For Words

Thanks to the wonderful Alice Kuipers and her publicist, I am able to offer 3 copies of Lost For Words to give away! You can read my interview with Alice here.

My New Year's resolution: I'm moving on from everything that's happened. I'm not going to talk about it, think about it, let the memory pounce upon me like a waiting tiger, nothing.

All Sophie wants to do is forget. But it's not easy now that everything's changed. The house feels too big, school drags on for too long, lights are too bright, the room spins, and her hands get sweaty for no reason. And she can't remember why she was ever best friends with Abigail, who is obsessed with parties and boys. Only the new girl, Rosa-Leigh, with her prose poems and utter confidence, might understand. But talking to her seems impossible.

Lost in memories of the life she once had, Sophie retreats into herself. But there's only so long she can keep everything bottled up inside before she explodes. Maybe by confronting the tragedy of her past she'll figure out how to fix her future.

Information:
Contest Closed

Good luck!

Blog Tour: Alice Kuipers, author of Lost For Words

Please join me in welcoming Alice Kuipers, author of Lost For Words. Alice is making the blogging rounds to drum excitement for her latest novel, and I'm happy to welcome her to The Book Owl. Alice Kuipers was born in London in 1979. She studied at Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan Universities. In 2003, she moved to Saskatoon, Canada, where she now lives. Life on the Refrigerator Door is her first novel.

1. Please describe your new novel in 50 words or less.
All Sophie wants is to forget the tragic events of last summer. Problem is, her world is falling apart - her mum is crazy, her friends hate her, and she can't stop thinking about Emily, or about Dan... Sophie has to face her terrible past, but she doesn't know how.

2. How did you write a story of this kind? What was your inspiration for the book?
Lost For Words was a difficult book for me to write. It's all about dealing with loss and facing up to your worst nightmares so it took me some time to know how was the best way to tell it. In the end, I wrote the book as diary entries. Each entry gives an insight into Sophie and her life; slowly as she writes, she begins to face up to her past.

My last book, Life on the Refrigerator Door, was written in notes. I like having space between the words for readers to fill with their own imagination, so it was a natural step to write Lost For Words with lots of room for a reader to fill in the blanks. Sophie is recovering from something so terrible that she has to fill in the blanks too. For me, the inspiration was the idea of a character who was starting to fall apart - lovely, damaged Sophie. I wanted to know why she was struggling so hard, and so the book was born.

3. What is the significance of the cover? It's absolutely gorgeous!
I love the cover too. Thanks! The girl on the front has blonde hair and dark eyes and is, we discover, Sophie's sister. She is turning away because she is lost to Sophie - like so many things in Sophie's life.

4. Everyone reads classics in high school English. Which ones did you love? Which ones should students never be forced to read?
I don't think anyone should be forced to read anything ever. I remember reading Of Mice and Men in my high school English class and loving it, but I know my best friend didn't feel the same. She was put off reading for years and years because of our English classes and I think it's wrong to turn teenagers off books. My advice to readers is to read widely and to read things they might not have thought they would like - yes, the classics, like Austen and Bronte and Dickens and Shakespeare and Chaucer and the Russians, but also novels about vampires and murders and romance and outer space. Every time you read a book, you live someone else's life. The more you read the better.

5. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I travel all the time. I'm in Antwerp in Belgium right now, sitting in my hotel room, looking over at some gorgeous old buildings which house a shoe store and a cafe. Tomorrow I go to Paris and then to London. I've been travelling as much as possible since I was eighteen and I went away for a year backpacking on my own. The planet is a big, beautiful place and I'm lucky to have seen as much of it as I have. So, in answer to your question, I guess today I'd like to go to the city centre in Antwerp (as I'm already here) and maybe go to an art gallery. Rubens lived here so I might get to see his house today, depending on my baby who might prefer the zoo!

Thank so much for joining us Alice!

Mini Reviews (3)

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.

Boys, Bears, and A Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald

What a fun story! Jenna was easy to relate to, and her encounters with the boys were at times adventurous, as well as heated. Sometimes I had a bit of trouble distinguishing one boy form the other, which could be a bit confusing. I enjoyed the ecofriendly and rustic twists. Good ending, but I enjoyed McDonald's first book more.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

This is by far the most interesting nonfiction book I've ever read. The story was both compelling and heartbreaking. I learned so much, and now I could tell you anything about Henrietta Lacks and her cells. I encourage anyone who has an interest in science or ethics to check this out.

The Beautiful Between by Alyssa B. Sheinmel

Jeremy and Connelly had a gorgeous relationship, one that started out as friends and progressed into more. They completely trusted each other, and their time together was simple and right. The addition of Jeremy's sick sister propelled this short book forward. I enjoyed Connelly's growth. And that cover is beautiful.