In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. Check out The Story Siren to learn more!

Nada.
Absolutely nothing.
Here's hoping for a better next week.

-Amanda

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

****Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler****

Originality- 17/20
Characters- 19/20
Remembrance- 9/10
Quote-ability- 9/10
Entertainment- 18/20
Ending- 9/10
Recommend to read- 9/10
TOTAL- 90/100
Grade- A

According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

The story started out a bit sad for my taste but somehow it made me feel very eager to read. I wanted to get close emotionally to the characters and, thankfully, I did. Frankie and Anna are two very different friends that share the memories of a friend and brother who died. I felt bad for Anna through the entire book. My heart broke everytime she had to lie to Frankie.

Setting aside the sad parts the book was a very fun read. I really wanted to be on vacation with these girls. Laying on the beach and just having fun. Too bad the girls end up fighting. Usually when friends fight I end up wondering why they even put up with each other in the first place, but with these two I totally understood why they cared so much. It's great to read about a real friendship.

Ohhh, and the boys..it was hard to see Anna letting go of Matt, but it was something she had to do, and I'm glad she met Sam. With all of this said it's obvious that I loved Twenty Boy Summer and all of the characters it had to offer. This is a great summer read that you won't want to pass up.

-Amanda

Contest: Twenty Boy Summer

Win Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler!!

According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

I have two (2) copies to give away. That means two very lucky people can win! U.S addresses only.

To enter: comment and tell me what you're planning on doing this summer.

For extra entries...

+2 for becoming a follower or if you're already following me.
+2 for posting about the contest, make sure to leave a link. Sidebar is fine.
+1 for commenting on my Twenty Boy Summer review, which will be posted tomorrow.

Contest ends June 30th. I'll announce the winners on July 1st.

-Amanda

Waiting On Wednesday: Killer

The book that I'm waiting on this week is...

Title: Killer (Pretty Little Liars #6)

Author: Sara Shepard

Release Date: June 30th

I know I've already had this book on a Waiting on Wednesday post but the summary is available and the release date is a lot closer.

In the sixth installment of the series, four pretty little girls get closer to the truth…including the identity of the killer whose actions have haunted the town for years. All the while, the new “A” is watching their every move, sending them vicious texts about the secrets they keep. Secrets like Emily’s ultra-serious relationship with Isaac. Spencer’s search for the truth about her family. Hanna’s vow to one-up her stepsister. And Aria’s blossoming relationship with someone she’s had a crush on for years. There’s one thing we know for sure about Rosewood—lives can turn inside out in a blink of an eye. People who seemed guilty are suddenly innocent, and vice versa. Alliances once thought inconceivable are now possible. And the biggest secret of all is something none of the girls could have imagined in a million years…

Except A, of course. Because A knows all.

-Amanda

Slept Away by Julie Kraut

****Slept Away by Julie Kraut****

Originality- 17/20
Characters- 17/20
Remembrance- 8/10

Quote-ability- 10/10
Entertainment- 18/20
Ending- 8/10
Recommend to read- 8/10
TOTAL- 86/100
Grade- B

Laney Parker's a city girl through and through. For her, summertime means stepping out of her itchy gray school uniform and into a season of tanning at rooftop swimming pools, sidewalk dining in the Meatpacking District, and—as soon as the parents leave for the Hamptons—parties at her classmates’ apartments. But this summer Laney’s mother has her own plan for Laney—Camp Timber Tops—and faster than a girl can pack her eye cream, she’s shipped off. Now, splattered with tie-dye fallout, stripped of her cell, and going through Diet Coke withdrawals, Laney is barely hanging on. But when she realizes her summer crush is untouchably uncrushable in the real world, she has to start asking herself some serious questions. Can camp cool possibly translate to cool cool? Sleepaway camp might just turn this city girl’s world upside

Slept Away seemed really cute at first, but I really wasn't convinced that someone would literally forcer their child to go to camp when it's costing them a lot of money. We got to learn a little bit about Laney's family background but not enough for her mother's behavior to be justified. Not only is the trip forced but you'd think Laney would at least pack her own bags and try to make the best of it. But no, instead she lets her mom pack for her and ends up having to wear clothes that she hates. Of course the adds fuel to the fire of the girls being mean to her. Also, I had to deal with endless complaining on Laney's part. At first I was with her, agreeing along, but after a while it just got really annoying.

Redeeming qualities would be the transformation that we get to see Laney go through, and the couple of great, lasting, relationships that she builds. It was really nice to read about a character that not only learns something about herself, but about people in general. Besides the complaing parts Laney was a really funnny character that I enjoyed reading about. I caught myself wanting to quote a lot of what the characters say. Overall I think that Slept Away was a satisfying read good for a summer day.

-Amanda

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. Check out The Story Siren to learn more!

For Review:

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in ZanzibarBay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

Slept Away by Julie Kraut

Laney Parker's a city girl through and through. For her, summertime means stepping out of her itchy gray school uniform and into a season of tanning at rooftop swimming pools, sidewalk dining in the Meatpacking District, and—as soon as the parents leave for the Hamptons—parties at her classmates’ apartments.

But this summer Laney’s mother has her own plan for Laney—Camp Timber Tops—and faster than a girl can pack her eye cream, she’s shipped off.

Now, splattered with tie-dye fallout, stripped of her cell, and going through Diet Coke withdrawals, Laney is barely hanging on. But when she realizes her summer crush is untouchably uncrushable in the real world, she has to start asking herself some serious questions. Can camp cool possibly translate to cool cool?

Sleepaway camp might just turn this city girl’s world upside down.

Access Denied (And Other Eighth Grade Error Messages) by Denise Vega

Computer whiz Erin Swift is ready to start eighth grade. The Year of Humiliating Events (aka, seventh grade) is behind her and she's ready to rule the school. But eight grade comes with its own set of problems for Erin to navigate, including her first boyfriend, her first break-up, and the fact that her mom has been treating her more like an eight year old than an eighth grader. Even worse, there's a new girl at MollyBrownMiddle School who is determined to remake Erin in her bad-girl image, and former crush Mark "Cute Boy" Sacks has been acting strange lately.

But as Erin's school year once against hurdles toward disaster, a personal tragedy forces her to realize that things, and people, aren't always as bad as they seem. Can she save what's left of eighth grade before it's too late?

Ghostgirl: Homecoming by Tonya Hurley

Charlotte Usher discovers that the afterlife isn't quite what she pictured when she's forced to intern at a hotline for troubled teens. Before she can officially cross over, she'll have to be a source of guidance for one such teen. The problem is she doesn't have much advice to offer since dying hasn't exactly boosted her confidence level.

But when Hawthorne High's leading, love-to-hate cheerleader Petula and her gothic little sis' Scarlet find themselves suddenly resting-in-peace in comas, Charlotte's opportunity to save them will prove to be the risk of a lifetime-for all of them.

Posh and Prejudice by Grace Dent

When 16-year-old Shiraz Bailey Wood's year-end test results come in, she's astonished to discover that not only did she pass them all, but that she's actually clever! Emboldened by an invite to higher-level classes, Shiraz enrolls in SuperchavAcademy's "Center of Excellence" to get even brainier.

Hanging with goodie-two-shoes in higher level classes seems like just the ticket to avoid getting stuck forever in her crap hometown. But Shiraz has to figure out for herself: are these posh types really any better than she, or are they just wanting to stick up their noses at everyone?

Bought:

The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl—someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I'm as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment—not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a sinister organization called the Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I'm a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control; I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.

Now I'm running for my life with three of my supernatural friends—a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch—and we have to find someone who can help us before the Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.

-Amanda

Ironside by Holly Black

****Ironside by Holly Black****

Originality- 19/20

Characters- 17/20

Remembrance- 8/10
Quote-ability- 8/10

Entertainment- 17/20

Ending- 8/10

Recommend to read- 8/10

TOTAL- 85/100

Grade- B

In the realm of faerie...

...the time has come for Roiben's coronation. Uneasy in the midst of the malevolent Unseelie Court, pixie Kaye is sure of only one thing—her love for Roiben. But when Kaye drunkenly declares herself to Roiben, he sends her on a seemingly impossible quest to find a faerie who can tell a lie.

Miserable and convinced she belongs nowhere, Kaye decides to tell her mother the truth—that she is a changeling left in place of the human daughter stolen long ago. Her mother's shock and horror sends Kaye back to the world of Faerie to find her human counterpart and return her to Ironside. But when Kaye returns to the faerie courts, a battle of wits and weapons is being waged over Roiben's throne, and she soon finds herself at the center of it all.

I liked reading Ironside more then I did Tithe. There was a lot more action that made it feel like things were actually happening. I really enjoyed the little riddles that were added it. They made me think trough the whole novel and was fun to see the answers revealed.

Kaye and Roiben's relationship is more developed but still strange. I was able to understand why Kaye declares herself to Roiben but it was horrible for him to give her an "impossible quest" Also the courts show their true colors. We're able to see that most all of the mystical beings take advantage of humans, not just those from the Unseelie Court.

The imagery is still fantastic. Everything is just so beautifully described. The scenery isn't the only thing described though. We also know the details of the pain and happiness each character feels. This just makes the book more enjoyable.

Overall I think that Ironside was a step up from Tithe with more events happening, which made it not a big time sucker. If you like fantasy of any kind you might want to check out these books.

-Amanda

Thwonk by Joan Bauer

****Thwonk by Joan Bauer****

Originality- 18/20
Characters- 16/20
Remembrance- 7/10

Quote-ability- 7/10
Entertainment- 16/20
Ending- 8/10
Recommend to read- 6/10
TOTAL- 78/100
Grade- C

Imagine having a personal cupid—an actual winged being—pop into your life and offer to make your dreams come true. The catch is he can help you in only one way: artistically, academically, or romantically. That's what happens to aspiring photographer Allison Jean (A. J.) McCreary. A. J. knows she should concentrate on getting into a top-notch art school. But she's spent five torturous months obsessed with handsome hunk, Peter Terris. Just one shot from the cupid's bow and thwonk, A. J. will have the undying devotion of handsome Peter...forever.

Thwonk was an interesting read. It was a little bit fantasy because of the whole cupid aspect but that's all. It was nice to read something that would obviously never happen but wasn't scary or unimaginable. A.J though, was completely crazy. You'd think since she is sooo serious and in love with her art, that she'd have the cupid help her with that. She's supposed to be a smart person but still somehow delusional enough to think Peter is the love of her life without even knowing him. Although Thwonk was completely annoying I enjoyed reading it when A.J had to suffer through her mistakes. I actually don't have much more to say I about this book. I didn't love or hate it. It was very mehh.

-Amanda

A Look Inside or Here They Are!

Here is a complete list of all of my A Look Inside Posts! Now I won't have to wonder if I've chose that book before. Just click on the title to go to that post.

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Fly on the Wall by E. Lockhart
Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
You, Maybe: The Profound Asymmetry of Love in High School by Rachel Vail
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
The Rule of Won by Stefan Petrucha
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
Almost Home by Jessica Blank
Perfect: A Pretty Little Liars Novel by Sara Shepard
Evernight by Claudia Gray
TTYL by Lauren Myracle
Jars of Glass by Brad Barkley & Heather Hepler
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Burned by Ellen Hopkins
Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
Paper Towns by John Green

-Amanda

Waiting On Wednesday

The book that I'm waiting on this week is...

Title: Donut Days
Author: Lara Zielin
Release Date: August 6th

Emma has a lot going on. Her best friend’s not speaking to her, a boy she’s known all her life is suddenly smokin’ hot and in love with her, and oh yes, her evangelical minister parents may lose their church, especially if her mother keeps giving sermons saying Adam was a hermaphrodite.

But this weekend Emma’s only focused on Crispy Dream, a hot new donut franchise opening in town, where Harley bikers and Frodo wannabes camp out waiting to be the first ones served. Writing the best feature story on the camp for the local paper might just win Emma a scholarship to attend a non- Christian college. But soon enough Emma finds the donut camp isn’t quite the perfect escape from all her troubles at Living Word Redeemer.

-Amanda

YA Book Club!

Chelsea from The Page Flipper has been hosting a online YA book club for a while now and just put up a lovely forum for us all to chat and discuss!

yabookclub.forumer.com Check it out and sign up if you're interested!

I do believe this month's book is Willow by Julia Hoban
If you DO join then check out the recruiting contest post and reply letting them know I sent you. My username is Thatteen.
Have fun!

-Amanda

Come and Vote!

The Shady Glade is hosting a banner design contest and I entered! It is now the semi-finals. Annnnd I need your help! Check out the designs HERE and vote for your favorite design.

If you wanna know which one is mine...

So get over to The Shady Glade and vote!

-Amanda

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. Check out The Story Siren to learn more!

It's one of those weeks guys..
I wasn't expecting anything though, so I'm not too disappointed. Next week should be a lot better.
I hope.

-Amanda

After by Amy Efaw

Yeah I know this book doesn't come out until August but It was sooo amazing and I can't help myself. So here ya go!

****After by Amy Efaw****

Originality- 19/20

Characters- 19/20

Remembrance- 10/10
Quote-ability- 9/10

Entertainment- 20/20

Ending- 10/10

Recommend to read- 10/10

TOTAL- 97/100

Grade- A

Who would leave their own baby in the trash to die?

Certainly not someone like Devon--a straight-A student, soccer player with Olympic dreams, more mature than her own mother. But desperation and panic drover her to do what most people can't even imagine. Now Devon's in a juvenile detention center, charged with attempted murder. If she's tried as an adult, she faces life in prison.

Does Devon deserve that punishment? Your answer depends on whether you believe her story--that she didn't even know she was pregnant. Was she buried in a denial so deep that she was unable to register the seemingly obvious signs of pregnancy? Or were her actions the result of a more devious, premeditated plan?

After was completely amazing! I'll be honest and say that I've always been disgusted with people attempting to murder their babies, I never even stuck around to see what happened after. But After changed my perspective. I still don't think it's okay, but it doesn't mean the mothers are horrible people all of the time. I've never read something that hit me so hard. This was probably the first time I was completely engrossed in a novel without having to laugh once.

At times After was a bit gory with the descriptions of the birth, and afterward. This, to me, just added to the reality. Devon was a pretty good character. I loved that she was completely developed. I got into her past and especially her future. I was able to sympathize but still get angry when she refused to talk about what happened.

I really liked the brief flashbacks. We got a glimpse of her only sexual relationship without it overwhelming the story. We also got to piece together everything that happened on the night of the birth, the events showing her denial, and her path leading up to being alone.

Overall I would say that After was a very compelling read that I would recommend to every teenage girl. You definitely won't regret reading this.

-Amanda

Tithe by Holly Black

****Tithe by Holly Black****

Originality- 18/20
Characters- 18/20
Remembrance- 7/10
Quote-ability- 7/10
Entertainment- 17/20
Ending- 8/10
Recommend to read- 8/10
TOTAL- 83/100
Grade- B

Sixteen-year-old Kaye is a modern nomad. Fierce and independent, she travels from city to city with her mother's rock band until an ominous attack forces Kaye back to her childhood home. There, amid the industrial, blue-collar New Jersey backdrop, Kaye soon finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms — a struggle that could very well mean her death.


So...I wasn't impressed. I really liked the whole faerie thing. It's not super original but what really is now? Anyway, I was confused a lot. Things are going fine and then all of a sudden we are hit with all of these details about the fairie world. I can't remember and keep all of these things straight. But eventually I do sort them out. Kaye was a decent character, maybe a little crazy though. I didn't understand her motives behind some of her decisions. I really liked Corny, he was funny and was always able to bring Kaye back into reality. Corny was what made me laugh and added a lot of entertainment value to Tithe. Don't get me wrong. The book was really good. I even read the sequel. Sometimes I even felt entranced by the fantastic descriptions of the creatures. But it WAS confusing and boring at times.

-Amanda

As You Can See

The blog is completely changed!
I went for bright and fresh colors that I haven't used much before.
I created the background and header all by myself! I am so happy!
Thank you sooo much for the great ideas.

My review for Tithe will be up tomorrow!

-Amanda

Waiting On Wednesday

The book that I'm waiting on this week is...

Title: Crazy Beautiful

Author: Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Release Date: September 7th, 2009

In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off. Now he has hooks. He chose hooks because they were cheaper. He chose hooks because he wouldn’t outgrow them so quickly. He chose hooks so that everyone would know he was different, so he would scare even himself.

Then he meets Aurora. The hooks don’t scare her. They don’t keep her away. In fact, they don’t make any difference at all to her.

But to Lucius, they mean everything. They remind him of the beast he is inside. Perhaps Aurora is his Beauty, destined to set his soul free from its suffering.

Or maybe she’s just a girl who needs love just like he does.

-Amanda

Help Me Out

When I last changed the design of the blog it was rainy and dark outside. Now the sun is shining and it's warming up. I think It's about time for me to change to a summer design.

You can help by commenting some ideas! Tell me some colors you would like to see, or post a link of a background you'd like me to use. Right now I'm thinking bright colors like pink, orange, sky blue, and green. I'm not sure which two to focus on.

Tell me all of your ideas!

-Amanda

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

****Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin****

Originality- 20/20
Characters- 18/20
Remembrance- 9/10
Quote-ability- 9/10
Entertainment- 19/20
Ending- 10/10
Recommend to read- 10/10
TOTAL- 95/100
Grade- A

Welcome to Elsewhere. It is warm, with a breeze, and the beaches are marvelous. It’s quiet and peaceful. You can’t get sick or any older. Curious to see new paintings by Picasso? Swing by one of Elsewhere’s museums. Need to talk to someone about your problems? Stop by Marilyn Monroe’s psychiatric practice. Elsewhere is where fifteen-year-old Liz Hall ends up, after she has died. It is a place so like Earth, yet completely different. Here Liz will age backward from the day of her death until she becomes a baby again and returns to Earth. But Liz wants to turn sixteen, not fourteen again. She wants to get her driver’s license. She wants to graduate from high school and go to college. And now that she’s dead, Liz is being forced to live a life she doesn’t want with a grandmother she has only just met. And it is not going well. How can Liz let go of the only life she has ever known and embrace a new one? Is it possible that a life lived in reverse is no different from a life lived forward?

Elsewhere would have to be one of my all time favorite books. I've read Elsewhere sometime last year from the library. I loved it so much that I had to go and buy it. Note that this is the first book I've done this to except those of Sarah Dessen. Also, this means that I re-read Elsewhere, which I barely have time to do. Elsewhere=Amazing. Remember that.

I just really loved the whole idea of the story. Zevin is so creative! The story was just so intriguing and original. Of course I've read books that were unbelievably one of a kind, Elsewhere was just so much better. Why? Because most other books with such an original storyline are horror or complete fantasy. It wasn't too far-fetched like dragons, and superheroes.

Another thing, don't you just love books that make you actually THINK? I mean, I love fluff as much as the next reader, but Elsewhere got me thinking and imagining. The idea that when we die, we grow young again is amazing. I've never read anything close to this before.

Now, I'll admit that Liz was kind of annoying. Especially at the beginning. It's hard to just read about someone denying everything that is happening and being in a pissy mood all the time, saying mean things to her grandma. Yeah yeah, she just died, but she continues to act like a crazy person for months. Girl needed to relax. Back to the good things though, the ending was sensational. The whole book was beautifully written. Overall I think that Elsewhere is a thought provoking book that everyone should read.

-Amanda

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. Check out The Story Siren to learn more!

For Review:

After by Amy Efaw

Who would leave their own baby in the trash to die?

Certainly not someone like Devon--a straight-A student, soccer player with Olympic dreams, more mature than her own mother. But desparation and panic drover her to do what most people can't even imagine. Now Devon's in a juvenile detention center, charged with attempted murder. If she's tried as an adult, she faces life in prison.

Does Devon deserve that punishment? Your answer depends on whether you believe her story--that she didn't even know she was pregnant. Was she buried in a denial so deep that she was unable to register the seemingly obvious signs of pregnancy? Or were her actions the result of a more devious, premeditated plan?

-Amanda

The Debs by Susan McBride

****The Debs by Susan McBride****

Originality- 15/20

Characters- 17/20

Remembrance- 7/10

Quote-ability- 8/10

Entertainment- 18/20

Ending- 7/10

Recommend to read- 7/10

TOTAL- 79/100

Grade- C

LAURA DELACROIX BELL—this dazzling trust fund girl’s size 14 figure doesn’t stop her from attracting the sexiest scoundrel in town, or the admiring eye of the Glass Slipper Club. However, a salacious secret could take her out of the running.

Michelle "Mac" Mackenzie—brainy, cynical, and maybe a tad judgmental, Mac would rather bury her nose in a good book than embrace her deb destiny. But being a debutante was her late mother’s dream.

Ginger Fore—this adorable tree-hugger wants to wear her grandmother’s vintage ball gown instead of splurging on an expensive dress. Yet when she gets tangled up with an older guy, Ginger will have plenty more to think about.

Jo-Lynn Bidwill—a former child beauty queen, Jo-Lynn is a bitchy vamp who makes it her mission in life to take out the debu-trash. And Jo-Lynn’s sights are set on Laura Bell.

This book was a lot different then I expected it to be. I'm saying this is a good thing of course. It's not the kind of book that I can read all of the time because...well all of the drama. It's one of those books that you have to be in the mood for. The Debs brought competing to a whole new scale. Not only do all of these girls want to be a Deb but most have other reasons for becoming a Deb. I liked that the mean doing wasn't overdone. McBride found a good realistic balance of drama. In a lot of books I found myself thinking that I, and everyone I know, would never do something like this. But with The Debs they were cruel and crazy in a relatable even slightly reasonable way. I'm really excited to see what happens next because I think Jo-Lynn is gonna take her schemes up a level. Overall I think that The Debs was a truly entertaining catty girl read.

-Amanda

A Look Inside

"A Look Inside" Is a post where I'll have a featured author, and I'll choose a book that they wrote. I always come out after finishing a book with a favorite character, so I'll also have a featured character, and one of my favorite quotes from them.

Author: Brad Barkley & Heather Hepler
Book: Jars of Glass
Character: Raven
Quote: "Pounce," Raven says over her shoulder at me. I raise my eyebrows, not sure what she means. "The purple chairs. They're open."

If you have a favorite YA author, book or quote e-mail me it at txmandaxt@yahoo.com I'll make sure to give you credit! (A.K.A FREE promotion.)

-Amanda

Waiting On Wednesday

The book that I'm waiting on this week is...

Title: Fairy Tale
Author: Cyn Balog

Release Date: June 23rd, 2009

Morgan Sparks has always known that she and her boyfriend, Cam, are made for each other. But when Cam’s cousin Pip comes to stay with the family, Cam seems depressed. Finally Cam confesses to Morgan what’s going on: Cam is a fairy. The night he was born, fairies came down and switched him with a healthy human boy. Nobody expected Cam to live, and nobody expected his biological brother, heir to the fairy throne, to die. But both things happened, and now the fairies want Cam back to take his rightful place as Fairy King.

Even as Cam physically changes, becoming more miserable each day, he and Morgan pledge to fool the fairies and stay together forever. But by the time Cam has to decide once and for all what to do, Morgan’s no longer sure what’s best for everyone, or whether her and Cam’s love can weather an uncertain future.

-Amanda

One Lovely Blog Award

I am the recipient of the "One Lovely Blog Award". It was given to me by...Michelle's Bookshelf. Thank you so much Michelle!

The rules to follow are:

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who granted the award and his or her blog link.

2.Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

15? Really? That's a lot...and I know so many people got this award already...How about everyone who reads this? If you've recently started commenting on my blog, then I've checked you out. And most likely, I love you! I appreciate everyone who reads my blog and I love you more if you comment so...thanks everyone. This one is for you!

-Amanda

Ordinary Me by June Sproat

****Ordinary Me by June Sproat****

Originality- 16/20
Characters- 17/20
Remembrance- 7/10
Quote-ability- 8/10
Entertainment- 17/20
Ending- 7/10
Recommend to read- 7/10
TOTAL- 79/100
Grade- C

While behind the wheel during driver’s ed, high school sophomore Kate Sterns inadvertently foils an escaped convict’s getaway. When her heroic actions land her face on the front page of the Wainscott Gazette, she thinks her life is over, and it is, at least her life as an ordinary anyway. Overnight she is plucked from the ordinaries and plopped into the "in crowd." At first Kate is in denial of her status change, but then she likes it, that is until she’s labeled a snob, her locker gets trashed and one other minor thing-- she’s being stalked.

Ordinary Me is a fun read. You can sit down with it and finish it that day. I was able to read it and have FUN. Yeah, I love me some super serious books, but everyone needs something fun to read to level you out. Ordinary Me made me laugh and feel all fuzzy inside. Kate was a hilarious character. She tended to overreact at the smallest things. You'd think that this would annoy people, but Kate did it in such a way that it was funny and endearing and you ended up sympathizing with her the whole way along. Sometimes though I felt that Kate and Steve's relationship moved too fast. I couldn't feel the emotions that caused them to be together. All of a sudden Kate was getting what she wanted (Steve) and not appreciating it at all. Also Steve seemed a little quick to get angry at Kate. I did like the little side story of the stalking thing. It would come and hit you when you didn't expect it. I had my guesses at what would happen, but none of them were completely right. I loved this because the conclusion made sense and I felt like I was part of it. Like I figured it out too. Overall I think that Ordinary Me was a fun read that kept me captivated.

-Amanda

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. Check out The Story Siren to learn more!

For Review:

Ordinary Me by June Sproat

While behind the wheel during driver’s ed, high school sophomore Kate Sterns inadvertently foils an escaped convict’s getaway. When her heroic actions land her face on the front page of the Wainscott Gazette, she thinks her life is over, and it is, at least her life as an ordinary anyway. Overnight she is plucked from the ordinaries and plopped into the "in crowd." At first Kate is in denial of her status change, but then she likes it, that is until she’s labeled a snob, her locker gets trashed and one other minor thing-- she’s being stalked.

Contests:

You, Maybe: The Profound Asymmetry of Love in High School by Rachel Vail

Josie is independent and fierce. She may flirt with boys or kiss them, but it doesn't mean anything, not even with Michael, who's more like a friend-with-benefits. So how can she explain what happens when Carson Gold goes after her? Carson Gold, the hottest senior, the one everyone secretly watches. . . . Maybe it's the same thing that causes all the girls to stare as he walks by. Or maybe it's something between them, something just he and Josie share. Could you resist? It's too much, when love finds you and pulls you under. It's too much, even for Josie.

Bought:

Looking For Alaska by John Green

Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words — and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps.

-Amanda

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

****The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins****

Originality- 20/20
Characters- 19/20
Remembrance- 9/10
Quote-ability- 9/10
Entertainment- 20/20
Ending- 9/10
Recommend to read- 10/10
TOTAL- 96/100
Grade- A

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival.

Wow. That's the first thing I need to say. I was completely blown away. I am SO glad my friend convinced me to read The Hunger Games. I love books that bring me to an entirely different world. Yeah, some books bring different ideas into OUR world, but Collins brought us a whole new concept that she is able ot mold into any form she wants. I like this because I'm able to have a different mind set, and not think like myself. Since this is not my world, I have to think like the characters.

Speaking of the characters, I loved them all. We all have our favorites, but right now it's hard for me to choose. I loved Katniss for her outspoken attitude and witty responses. But I loved Peeta too for being so compassionate and funny. Yet there is Rue. I loved Rue so much too with her fast tactics and lovable attitude. You can't make me decide. Each character seemed so well crafted and....real.

Back to the plot. I want to say again that I loved it. I couldn't help but feel that the games were cruel. Young people killing each other just for a game. What made it even worse was that people watched it for entertainment whether they wanted to or not. Still I couldn't tear my eyes off the pages. They were full of excitement, worry, and love. Things were constantly changing unexpectedly without any warning. This is a book that you HAVE to read. My heart ached at so many points, I even cried a little. Overall I think The Hunger Games is an amazing read that left me with NO complaints.

-Amanda