Waiting on Wednesday

The books that I am waiting on this week are...

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr-- October 18th

Jill MacSweeney just wants everything to go back to normal. But ever since her dad died, she's been isolating herself from her boyfriend, her best friends--everyone who wants to support her. You can't lose one family member and simply replace him with a new one, and when her mom decides to adopt a baby, that's exactly what it feels like she's trying to do. And that's decidedly not normal. With her world crumbling around her, can Jill come to embrace a new member of the family?

Mandy Kalinowski knows what it's like to grow up unwanted--to be raised by a mother who never intended to have a child. So when Mandy becomes pregnant, she knows she wants a better life for her baby. But can giving up a child be as easy as it seems? And will she ever be able to find someone to care for her, too?

Pure by Julianna Baggott-- February 8th

We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . .
Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.

Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . .
There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.

When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.

Stranger with My Face by Lois Duncan

Title: Stranger with My Face

Author: Lois Duncan
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Acquired: Received free for an honest review
Age Group: Young Adult

Grade: 90% or A-
Buy It: Amazon

Laurie Stratton finally has everything a sixteen-year-old could ever want. But just as her perfect summer comes to a close, things start to unravel when her boyfriend insists he saw her out with another guy-when Laurie was really home sick! More mysterious sightings convince Laurie someone very real is out there, watching her. . . .

The truth reveals a long-lost sister who has spent the years growing bitter and dangerous. She has learned how to haunt Laurie, but the visits soon become perilous. She wants something from Laurie-her life!

My Thoughts::
During my summer I have read Summer of Fear, Down a Dark Hall, and Stranger With My Face, and I think they just kept getting better and better. Like I've said before about these books can also be said about this one, I waited much too long to read it. Still not sure why, but I should have read them as soon as I got them. In my defense, I did want to spread them out so I wouldn't read them back to back.

I feel like this book involved so much more history and research, that I was able to get into it much easier. When you read a book like this one, one that talks about a different culture, you almost feel like you're reading two books, which is really neat, and at the end you feel as if they merged together. There aren't many books for young adults that talk about the native American culture, so I found it very interesting. The whole process of leaving your body and traveling was also very fascinating. There were so many great aspects to this book!

Since I knew the presence of the book, it was no surprise that people started accusing her of being places and doing things that she wasn't. We already knew that her long lost twin was going around looking like her. We also weren't surprised when we find out what she is trying to do. This makes the book pretty anticlimactic until we start learning the whys to everything. And of course when some unexpected, and unmentioned bad things started happening...My biggest worry when reading this novel was that everyone wouldn't believe her, and they would think she is crazy. Luckily, that only happened to a small degree, though many people didn't believe her, she didn't push it, and there were some people who did believe. Since I am really bad at reading mystery and suspense books, I'm so happy with how these begin. We know right away that they will be fine at the end, because the book is written as a flashback.

Overall I found Stranger With My Face to be exciting even though it was pretty predictable. It had great characters and a very interesting plot. I would recommend this book to lovers of mysteries.

The Numbers Around Publishing

I was sent to this article and found it so interesting! I hope you guys do too.


Infographic by: Web Page Creation.com

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. In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea and turned into a meme by Kristi.

Dreamland (Riley Bloom Series #3) by Alyson Noël

Riley’s finding that the afterlife can be a lonely place when all you do is focus on work. So she goes to the place where dreams happen, hoping to find a way to contact her sister, Ever. She meets the director, who tells her about the two ways to send dreams. As a Dream Jumper, a person can jump into a dreamer’s dream, share a message, and participate. As a Dreamweaver, an entire dream can be created in a studio and sent to the dreamer. But Dreamweaving was outlawed decades ago, and the studio was boarded up. Thinking it’s her only way to reach out to her sister, Riley goes in search of the old studio. There she finds a ghost boy, who’s been creating and sending nightmares to people for years. In order to stop him and reach out to Ever, Riley is going to have to confront and overcome her own fears.

Beautiful Creatures by Kim Garcia

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Contest Saturday

Here are some contests that are currently going on right now. Click the links to enter them. I will hold my own contest each month.

Win your choice of two books of many HERE. Ends 8/30

Win up to four books HERE. Ends 8/31

Win a copy of Dark Souls HERE. Ends 8/31

Win a copy of Lockdown HERE. Ends 8/31

Win a copy of Chain Reaction HERE. Ends 8/31

Win a copy of The Fox Inheritance HERE. Ends 8/31

Win a copy of Generations HERE. Ends 9/1

Win a copy of Possess HERE. Ends 9/1

Win a copy of The Mark HERE. Ends 9/1

Win a copy of Wildfire and Fury HERE. Ends 9/2

Win a copy of Bloodlines HERE. Ends 9/15

Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan

Title: Pregnant Pause
Author: Han Nolan
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Acquired: Received free for an honest review
Age Group: Young Adult
Grade: 83% or B-
Buy It: Amazon

Nobody gets away with telling Eleanor Crowe what to do. But as a pregnant sixteenyear-old, her options are limited: move to Kenya with her missionary parents or marry the baby’s father and work at his family’s summer camp for overweight kids. Despite her initial reluctance to help out, Elly is surprised that she actually enjoys working with the campers. But a tragedy on the very day her baby is born starts a series of events that overwhelms Elly with unexpected emotions and difficult choices. Somehow, she must turn her usual obstinance in a direction that can ensure a future for herself—and for the new life she has created.

My Thoughts::
I saw this one coming from a mile away. With all of the teen pregnancy in shows and magazines, I knew it wouldn't be long until it reached my lovely books. Fortunately it took away any celebrity appeal and it was actually quite terrifying.

I was worried when I first started out, that everyone would be super horrible to her, and us readers will have to cringe when we read as she cries and we feel sorry for her. I didn't want that. Pregnancy isn't a tragedy, and I didn't want to feel sorry for her for something she got herself into. Nolan took a different approach that made me respect our main character instead.

Elly was very honest, to the point that it hurt to watch her talk. It was like watching a train accident in slow motion and I just couldn't look away. Thankfully, she quickly learned the error in her ways. She spoke up when it was needed, and had no problem defending herself or people she cared about. She made a lot of mistakes but was able to own up to them and accept the consequences. In many books when I get to the end I wonder if the main character changed at all. I can easily say that question did not arise. It was obvious how much Elly learned at her times at camp, and while being pregnant.

The situation felt real, and the struggle was pure. Elly's hopes would rise and fall with each new situation. So many times I wanted to strangle her so she would get her act together and decide to be realistic, but she is just a teenager. She isn't supposed to be making these decisions yet. The ending was pretty sudden, and almost seemed too easy. Though when I look back it makes sense.

Overall I had a good time reading this book. It showed me some things that TV shows don't and I even teared up a few times. I would recommend this book to ANY teen who is thinking about having sex.

A Look Inside

A Look Inside is a post where I give you a couple of quotes from a book that I've read and enjoyed!

This week's book is Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway

"Get over here and talk to her. She’s a reporter, not a Dementor.”
“Harry Potter nerd.”
“Whatever. Take the damn phone."

"That would make a fantastic college entrance essay. ‘I Killed My Boyfriend and Still Managed to Maintain a 4.2 GPA and the Lead in the Spring Musical."

"Hello. Audrey’s phone. She’s currently suiting up for a soul-deadening hourly job that provides no benefits, how may I help you?"

"Did you just say ‘frolic’?”
“Is it not a word?”
“Who the hell says ‘frolic’?”
“I say frolic. And more people should.”
“They should say frolic or actually frolic.”
“Both."

“Do you want to break up with him?”
“I don’t know. Distract me from feeling miserable.”
“Umm… ummm… I got new shoes.”
“Woo.”
“Wanna come over and try them on?”
“I’ll be there in ten minutes."

Waiting on Wednesday

The books that I am waiting on this week are...

The List by Siobhan Vivian-- April

An intense look at the rules of high school attraction-and the price that's paid for them.

It happens every year. A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest. Nobody knows who makes the list. It almost doesn't matter. The damage is done the minute it goes up.

This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, "pretty" and "ugly." And it's also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection of the two.

Trafficked by Kim Purcell-- February 16th
Hannah is an ordinary teenager growing up in Moldova until her parents are killed in a terrorist bombing. While she’s still mourning the loss, she gets an offer that sounds too good to be true: a job as a nanny for a Russian family in Los Angeles.

At first, it seems like her luck has finally turned around, but life with the Platonovs quickly spirals into a nightmare. Lillian, the mother, forces Hannah to work sixteen-hour days cleaning, and won’t let her leave the house. Sergey, the father, is full of secrets. And they refuse to pay Hannah.

Stranded in a foreign land with false documents, no money, and nobody who can help her, Hannah has become a modern-day slave. And the more Hannah unravels this family’s terrible secrets, the more her life—and her family back home—are in grave danger. Desperate and lonely, she reaches out to the boy next door. But in the end, the only one who can save Hannah is herself

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Title: Ruby Red

Author: Kerstin Gier
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Acquired: Received free for an honest review
Age Group: Young Adult

Grade: 97% or A+
Buy It: Amazon

Gwyneth Shepherd’s sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon—the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the eighteenth century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

My Thoughts::
If I've learned one thing this summer, it was to not put off reading certain books for stupid reasons. It is becoming a pattern for me to put off reading books the longest, that I end up liking the most. This might not be my favorite book of the summer, but it is way up there, when initially I thought it was only going to be...okay. But boy was I wrong!

Let me just point out that since this book takes place in London, I already found it interesting. Things aren't so different that I can't understand, but they shift enough to catch and hold my attention. Since the description already told us that Gwyneth would be the one to have the time traveling gene instead of her cousin, it is no surprise when this happens. It was almost frustrating just waiting until Gwen would go back in time. We all knew it would happen, and I felt like the book dragged on forever until it did.

I honestly loved Gwyneth as a character. There were only a few times when I disliked her actions, but they were few and far between. She had strong qualities, but she didn't brag about them. Thankfully she didn't get down on herself often either, when we could all see how awesome she is. She had to live her life playing second fiddle to her cousin which I found interesting. In fact, I found most of the characters very interesting. From deciding who to trust, to who the enemy his, and who to be afraid of.

Mixing the two genres of fantasy and historical fiction turned out amazing. With me, I love fantasy and with historical fiction I either love it or hate it. This time I loved it and got the added awesome of fantasy. It adds a whole new dimension to the story. I have to give props to any author who decides to tackle time travel. There are so many ways that you can contradict yourself and make mistakes, so far I've seen none. My only big complaint about the book was that I felt like I was constantly waiting for something big to happen.

Overall I thought this was a great refreshing read and take on time travel I would recommend this book to fans of time travel and historical fiction. I can not wait to read the next book titled Sapphire Blue, which sounds even more beautiful.

Winner: Shamra Chronicles + Journal

And the winner of The Shamra Chronicles 3 book set and Writing Journal is....

Lisa Richards!!

Congrats Lisa! I have already e-mailed you. If you don't reply within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.

Get ready for my next giveaway, which will be posted on the 1st and is part of the Back to the Books Giveaway Hop!

Source Code

Title: Source Code

Director: Duncan Jones

Writer: Ben Ripley
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, and Vera Farmiga
Grade: 96% or A

My Thoughts::
The minute that I saw the description for this movie, I immediately added it to my netflix queue. The plot sounded very original and like something that I would enjoy. Also, Jake is really hot. But even though I requested it it took me a few days until I got around to watching it. I guess the initial appeal wore off.

When the movie started out I was immediately confused. Even though I knew what the basic plot was, a lot of new details were coming at me slowly, and I was trying to make sense out of them. The idea was so fascinating, but my brain kept overworking and finding holes in the whole Source Code program. But I guess since it is a fictional program, it doesn't have to be realistic or completely believable. My main problem was that, the last 8 minutes are only a memory, so how can you see things that are not at all part of that person's memory? If this isn't time travel, then how does that work? By the end that is sort of answered.

Besides being a bit confused, the next thing I was, was appalled. The acting was just so horrible for about the first half an hour. Then as things got more dramatic and exciting, it seemed like the actors got more into their character and performed better. Or maybe the exciting things just distracted me from the poor acting job.

By the end my heart was completely in the story. I don't want to spoil anything, but I was very surprised by how it ended, and it helps a lot of my holes in the idea fill up. When the credits started rolling, I sat there for a couple of minutes and said out loud even though I was alone...that was epic.

Overall I think Source Code had a very original and mostly thought out storyline. The casting was originally very nice, but didn't too as well as I hoped on the acting. I would recommend this movie to fans of Inception, or someone who just likes a plot that makes them think.

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. In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea and turned into a meme by Kristi.

Ashfall by Mike Mullin

Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. Most people don't know it's there. The caldera is so large that it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet.

Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience that he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought out both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget.

Contest Saturday

Here are some contests that are currently going on right now. Click the links to enter them. I will hold my own contest each month.

Win a copy of Possession HERE. Ends TODAY

Win a copy of The Other Life HERE. Ends TODAY

Enter a big blogoversary and birthday giveaway HERE. Ends 8/21

Win a copy of Between HERE. Ends 8/22

Win a copy of Glow HERE. Ends 8/24

Win a copy of The Implosion of Aggie Winchester HERE. Ends 8/25

Win a copy of Shut Out and The DUFF HERE. Ends 8/26

Win your choice of two books of many HERE. Ends 8/30

Win up to four books HERE. Ends 8/31

Win a copy of Generations HERE. Ends 9/1

Win a copy of Wildfire and Fury HERE. Ends 9/2

Centuries of June by Keith Donohue

Title: Centuries of June

Author: Keith Donohue
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
Acquired: Received free for an honest review
Age Group: Adult

Grade: 93% or A-
Buy It: Amazon

Set in the bathroom of an old house just before dawn on a night in June, Centuries of June is a black comedy about a man who is attempting to tell the story of how he ended up on the floor with a hole in his head. But he keeps getting interrupted by a series of suspects eight women lying in the bedroom just down the hall. Each woman tells a story drawn from five centuries of American myth and legend in a wild medley of styles and voices.

Centuries of June is a romp through history, a madcap murder mystery, an existential ghost story, and a stunning tour de force at once ingenious, sexy, inspiring, and ultimately deeply moving.

My Thoughts::
When I first accepted the chance to review this book, I have to be honest, I only accepted it because I was running out of books to read. Sure, it looked a bit interesting but I didn't give it much thought until it has been sitting on my shelf for long enough and it was time for me to read it. It didn't seem like my type of book, but I decided to give it a chance.

It started out pretty confusing. It was just one of those things that the narrator had no clue what was going on, so the author had to make a choice. Do we get inside knowledge, or do we take it as we go just like our main character? He chose the second option. Don't get me wrong, this usually makes the book more exciting, but I didn't see the purpose of withholding information this time.

After the first woman tell her story, the confusion didn't matter anymore. I got so wrapped up into what she was saying the pages just flew by. I was very impressed by how many characters were put into this novel without it taking away from the full story or causing it to drag on. I felt like I could have read an entire book based on each woman's story. They all just seemed so interesting and real. The book would thrust me into the next time period and my mind would get a little makeover every 40 pages or so. It never got boring or laggy. This book could have easily have felt like a book of short stories, but our main character is connecting them all together, which makes the book even more interesting.

The ending wasn't a big surprise or anything, but our suspicions are confirmed. We get to hear the narrators final thoughts on each of the women and get a sense of finality, which is hard to find in novels recently.

Overall I have to say that this book had the most interesting characters and storyline of all the books I've read so far this year. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to fully meet many characters in one novel, or just those who like to take a trip to the past.

A Look Inside

A Look Inside is a post where I give you a couple of quotes from a book that I've read and enjoyed!

This week's book is Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

"Say 'provoking' again. Your mouth looks provocative when you do."

"Keep in mind that people change, but the past doesn't."

"I don't go out with strangers," I said.
"Good thing I do. I'll pick you up at five."

"She'll kill me if she finds you in here. Can you climb trees? Tell me you can climb a tree!"
Patch grinned, "I can fly."

"The more time I spent with him, the more I knew the feelings weren't going away."

"What was up with class today? It was watered-down porn. He practically had you and Patch on top of your lab table, horizontal, minus your clothes, doing the Big Deed."

"One more secret smile. One more shared laugh. One more electric kiss. Finding him was like finding someone I didn't know I was searching for."

Top 5 Books of My Summer

Today will be my first day back to school, and I can't help but think about all of the fantastic books that I read during the summer. I now present you with my top 5 books read during my summer vacation!

5. The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson
4. Forgotten by Cat Patrick
3. Bumped by Megan McCafferty
2. Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
1. Divergent by Veronica Roth

I would love to know everyone else's top 5 list as well. Thankfully for me, two of these books have sequels coming out in the coming year, so it's not over yet!

Waiting on Wednesday

Dead to You by Lisa McMann-- February 7th

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

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons-- February 14th

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police — instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior — instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested don’t usually come back.

17-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. That life in the United States used to be different.

In the three years since the war ended, Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the Federal Bureau of Reformation. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow. That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And what’s worse, one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.

It's Kind of a Funny Story

Title: It's Kind of a Funny Story

Director: Adam Boden, Ryan Fleck

Writer: Adam Boden and Ryan Fleck (Screenplay), Ned Vizzini (novel)
Starring: Keir Gilchrist, Zach Galifianakis, and Emma Roberts
Grade: 95% or A

My Thoughts::
I read the book that this movie is based on before I even started this blog. It was also during a time when I would check out 7 books from the library at the time. This was a hard time because there were many instances when I wanted to keep the book so I could look at it and read it whenever I wanted to. Thankfully, I got some more of this delightful book by seeing the movie.

The actor chosen to play Craig was spot on. It is a rare moment when I can see an actor and automatically think "hmm that looks like Craig from It's Kind of a Funny Story", but he DOES. He is just as I imagined him to be. In fact, most of the characters looked pretty close to how I imagined them to be. The acting was also incredible. I have no clue how they could surround the main character, who is pretty much unknown as an actor, with some great celebrities without overshadowing him. He shined, he really do. I was so pleased with his performance...and his lips.

I especially enjoyed the short scenes from his past. While some say it distracts from the story, I say it adds to it. You get that little extra perspective. The Under Pressure musical sequence was even better. I even look up the clip on youtube so that I could watch it over and over again. I'm also really glad that they kept Craig's brain maps in the movie, I don't think I would have forgave them if they didn't.

Overall I think that though the movie and book didn't match up very well, the movie was good on it's own. The actors were chosen perfectfully, and the little extras they added in were great. I would recommend this movie to anyone who read the book, or anyone who enjoys movies about teen problems or mental hospitals.

To the Cinema!! #5

This post is similar to a Waiting on Wednesday post, but will only feature MOVIES that I am excited about releasing. I will include trailers for your viewing pleasure. I'll probably only do this monthly so it doesn't push out reviews that I need to post.

50/50


The Thing


In Time

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. In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea and turned into a meme by Kristi.

Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear, too.

Years later, when their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out, they find themselves in sleepy Live Oak, South Carolina. They're invited to stay with Sophia Kelly, a beautiful candy maker who molds sugary magic: coveted treats that create confidence, bravery, and passion.

Life seems idyllic and Gretchen and Ansel gradually forget their haunted past — until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel. He tells her the witch isn't gone — it's lurking in the forest, preying on girls every year after Live Oak's infamous chocolate festival, and looking to make Gretchen its next victim. Gretchen is determined to stop running and start fighting back. Yet the further she investigates the mystery of what the witch is and how it chooses its victims, the more she wonders who the real monster is.

Gretchen is certain of only one thing: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry.

Winter Town by Stephen Emond

Every winter, straight-laced, Ivy League bound Evan looks forward to a visit from Lucy, a childhood pal who moved away after her parent's divorce. But when Lucy arrives this year, she's changed. The former "girl next door" now has chopped dyed black hair, a nose stud, and a scowl. But Evan knows that somewhere beneath the Goth, "Old Lucy" still exists, and he's determined to find her... even if it means pissing her off.

The Shattering by Karen Healey

Seventeen-year-old Keri likes to plan for every possibility. She knows what to do if you break an arm, or get caught in an earthquake or fire. But she wasn't prepared for her brother's suicide, and his death has left her shattered with grief. When her childhood friend Janna tells her it was murder, not suicide, Keri wants to believe her. After all, Janna's brother died under similar circumstances years ago, and Janna insists a visiting tourist, Sione, who also lost a brother to apparent suicide that year, has helped her find some answers.

As the three dig deeper, disturbing facts begin to pile up: one boy killed every year; all older brothers; all had spent New Year's Eve in the idyllic town of Summerton. But when their search for the serial killer takes an unexpected turn, suspicion is cast on those they trust the most.

As secrets shatter around them, can they save the next victim? Or will they become victims themselves?

RD Readathon Final Update

The Readathon is over, and I am pretty disappointed with myself. I guess it was a bad decision to jump into a readathon less than a week before my senior year starts. I've been busy working on my summer reading projects, which at this point involves more writing than reading.

I read--
Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan
34 Pages of Stranger With My Face by Lois Duncan

That is a total of 374 Pages

I really enjoyed Pregnant Pause, and so far I am a bit annoyed with Stranger With My Face.

I definitely enjoyed the readathon! The mini challenges were very fun even if I didn't have time to participate in many. All By MySHELF, you did an amazing job. I don't think I could have tackled hosting a readathon on my own!

If I could change anything about the readathon, I would have added more blogs/variety into the mix. Most readathons that I've participated in have more than one host, and several people hosting mini challenges who also give out prizes. By doing this, the readathon gets advertised more so more people sign up, and there are more book goodies to be won. When everything is posted on one blog, it takes over that blog and it can be hard to find posts and other readers of that blog not participating will get bored.

Like I said, I had an amazing time. If Ren holds another one, I will be among the first to sign up. Thanks!

Contest Saturday

Here are some contests that are currently going on right now. Click the links to enter them. I will hold my own contest each month.

Win a copy of Falling for Hamlet HERE. Ends TODAY

Win a copy of Damned HERE. Ends 8/15

Win a copy of Possess HERE. Ends 8/15

Win a copy of Beautiful Creatures and Beautiful Darkness HERE. Ends 8/15

Win a copy of Populazzi HERE. Ends 8/18

Win a copy of Crossroads HERE. Ends 8/19

Win a copy of Possession HERE. Ends 8/20

Enter a big blogoversary and birthday giveaway HERE. Ends 8/21

Win a copy of Between HERE. Ends 8/22

Win a copy of Glow HERE. Ends 8/24

Win a copy of The Implosion of Aggie Winchester HERE. Ends 8/25

Win your choice of two books of many HERE. Ends 8/30

Win up to four books HERE. Ends 8/31

Win a copy of Generations HERE. Ends 9/1

Win a copy of Wildfire and Fury HERE. Ends 9/2

Happyface by Stephen Emond

Title: Happyface

Author: Stephen Emond
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Acquired: Received free for an honest review
Age Group: Young Adult

Grade: 80% or B-
Buy It: Amazon

Cute girls dig him. He has his own fan club

But he wasn't always this awesome. He used to be Mr. Comic Book, a resident of Lonelyland. So when he swtiched schools, he slapped on a grin and went from big nerd to big shot.

Meet Happyface. This is his journal.

This unique combination of text and fully integrated art follows the journey of a dorky, quiet, artsy kid as he reinvents himself after moving to a new town, where he's nicknamed Happyface. Peek in his journal and see the world through his hilariously self-deprecating eyes as he learns to shed his comic-book-loving, computer-game playing ways. Join him as he makes new friends, tries to hide from his messy past, forgives the people who have hurt him most, and ultimately learns to face the world with a genuine smile.

My Thoughts::
When I first started reading this book, I had it in my head that it was middle grade. So I was almost 50 pages in before in struck me that the main character is in high school, and high schoolers can doodle and draw too. After I realized this the rest of the book seemed to fly by.

Happyface was a light novel on the surface, but the more you thought about it, the more meaning was conveyed. Even though he took the idea drastically far, we all put on a happyface when that isn't we are truly feeling. And it is true, people prefer to be around happy people, so that's what we try to be.

I was a bit taken by surprise by Happyface's character. I expected him to be extremely nerdy. This is where you can see the author isn't the same generation that I am. It isn't nerdy to draw, to play video games until early in the morning, or to spend time alone. Having only a few close friends is also okay. You don't need a big group. I expected him to be hardcore introverted and nerdy, not just a little weird, so the changes he made in himself didn't seem reasonable or necessary until we learn something later on.

I love when books are written like this one. When authors withold information from the readers, and by doing this, surprises them later when it is revealed. When you finally learn something, your whole perspective of the story changes. The reasons behind each of Happyface's actions are more clear, and you understand him better.

The drawings in the book were very funny and actually helped the story be told. Some things are just better explained through pictures than words. They didn't interrupt the books flow, which I've encountered before.

Overall I thought Happyface was a cute read that didn't exactly meet my expectation, but still pleased me. I would recommend this book to those who read better with some extra media thrown in, or just like the typical nerdy boy trying to make friends story.

RD Readathon Update #1

I did okay today. I read..

Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan.

I started to listen to Lord of the Flies, and then it stopped working. So...I decided to rearrange my entire room, and hang out with my family. I know I didn't read much, but I plan on reading more tomorrow, so I know I'll make my goal of 3 books. I might fly past it actually. Now I'm reading Stranger With My Face.

Here is mini-challenge #1!
Pick 1 to 3 songs that fit the book you're currently reading. I'm going to do this with Pregnant Pause since I haven't started my next book yet.

1. Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie
2. Somebody to Love by Queen
3. Loser Like Me by Glee

A Look Inside

A Look Inside is a post where I give you a couple of quotes from a book that I've read and enjoyed!

This week's book is Tithe by Holly Black

"Yeah, the whole family knows. It's no big deal. One night at dinner I said, 'Mom, you know the forbidden love that Spock has for Kirk? Well, me too.' It was easier for her to understand that way."

"She loves the serene brutality of the ocean, loves the electric power she felt with each breath of wet, briny air."

"If curiosity killed the cat, it was satisfaction that brought it back."

"The row of dolls watched her impassively from the bookshelf, their tea party propriety almost certainly offended."

"So what are you really wearing?" The words left her mouth before she could consider them. She winced.
He didn't seem to mind; in fact, he flashed her one of his brief smiles. "And if I said nothing at all?"
"Then I would point out that sometimes, if you look at something out of the corner of your eye, you can see right through glamour," she returned.

Read Dangerously Read-a-Thon

This post is very important. This post means I am an official participant in...

This read-a-thon is only a small part of an even bigger event at All By MySHELF, celebrating Ren's 20th birthday. And everyone knows: big event + blogging = PRIZES!

Here are the important details about the read-a-thon:

The Read Dangerously Read-A-Thon will start at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 11, and end at 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 13. There will be mini-challenges on each day, so you'll have something to amuse yourself during your reading breaks. You can participate on all days or just a few, whatever you feel like or your schedule allows.

But that's not all! Everyone that participates in the read-a-thon will be entered to win $15 to The Book Depository! One winner will get their choice of any already released as of August 20) YA book, and because it's BD, the contest is open to anyone that lives in one of these countries. And if you say That Teen Can Blog sent you, we'll both get an extra entry! All you have to do to be eligible for the giveaway is sign up for the read-a-thon and post an end of day update on one of the read-a-thon days. Yep, that simple.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go sign up!

I plan on reading:::

1. Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan

2. Stranger With My Face by Lois Duncan
3. Josefina's Sin by Claudia H. Long

Waiting on Wednesday

Between the Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore-- October 25th

For as long as Esmerine can remember, she has longed to join her older sister, Dosinia, as a siren--the highest calling a mermaid can have. When Dosinia runs away to the mainland, Esmerine is sent to retrieve her. Using magic to transform her tail into legs, she makes her way unsteadily to the capital city. There she comes upon a friend she hasn't seen since childhood--a dashing young man named Alandare, who belongs to a winged race of people. As Esmerine and Alandare band together to search for Dosinia, they rekindle a friendship . . . and ignite the emotions for a love so great, it cannot be bound by sea, land, or air.

Ashfall by Mike Mullin-- October 11th

Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. Most people don't know it's there. The caldera is so large that it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet.

Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience that he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought out both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget.

Down a Dark Hall by Lois Duncan

Title: Down a Dark Hall

Author: Lois Duncan
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Acquired: Received free for an honest review
Age Group: Young Adult

Grade: 86% or B
Buy It: Amazon

Kit Gordy sees Blackwood Hall towering over black iron gates, and she can't help thinking, This place is evil. The imposing mansion sends a shiver of fear through her. But Kit settles into a routine, trying to ignore the rumors that the highly exclusive boarding school is haunted.

Then her classmates begin to show extraordinary and unknown talents. The strange dreams, the voices, the lost letters to family and friends, all become overshadowed by the magic around them.

When Kit and her friends realize that Blackwood isn't what it claims to be, it might be too late.

My Thoughts::
I have no idea why I keep putting off reading these books! I'll look at them on my shelf, and for some reason I have the idea in my head not to read them all in a row. Even though each book is totally different and unrelated to the others. Maybe I'd just feel neglectful to the other books not by Lois Duncan that aren't getting read. In any case, I thought Summer of Fear was decent, but I liked this one even more.

Starting out, I was curious about what was going on. From reading the description I knew it was going to involve ghosts, but that did not explain the creepiness of almost every person besides the students. As time went on I literally learned everything along with Kit and her classmates. Each discovery was as a surprise to me as it was for them. After I read the book, once again I was surprised to learn that Duncan had to edit parts of each of her books before they were republished to fit in with current times and technology. I almost want to read the old versions just to see how much more frightening it would be with no chance of contact. Or maybe it's creepier now, knowing how it was purposely taken away so that they couldn't reach their families easily.

The old covers interest my. The old covers look just plain creepier, but have that dated look that wouldn't get as much as a second glance in a bookstore, but the new covers pop, and still have a weird and scary feel to them.

We got to know the characters just enough to realize when they started to act differently. The focus of the author was obviously more on the plot and how to develop it without adding too much suspicion. I don't really read these types of books often, but Duncan is changing my mind.

Overall I really liked this book, it kept me guessing and my mouth agape. I would recommend this book to those who like a bit of a mystery, or a ghost story.

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

Title: The Last Little Blue Envelope

Author: Maureen Johnson
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Acquired: Received free for an honest review
Age Group: Young Adult

Grade: 92% or A-
Buy It: Amazon

Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer traveling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny's backpack—and the last little blue envelope inside—she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end.

Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure—one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits . . . and her heart. This time, there are no instructions.

My Thoughts::
I feel like it's been forever since I read Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes, and just like most others, I gasped at the ending and just had to accept that I would never know what was in the last envelope. So when I found out that Maureen Johnson was going to reveal the contents in a continuation, I was absolutely ecstatic.

Ginny is still absolutely amazing, but I think I liked her even more in this book. She had some traveling experience and seemed to have a better and clearer head on her shoulders. The addition of more characters and the whole road trip like scenario was a pleasant addition. This book wasn't wholly about Ginny's growth, so we got to know some characters and I think that really added to the story. What I liked the most about the continuation was that I think the first book just needed more. It felt unfinished in a lot of areas, so it really needed a whole book to clarify a lot and to firm up Ginny's future.

I am so happy with the couples and relationships at the end. So so so so pleased. There could have been so much more drama and confusion than there was and I'm thankful that Maureen didn't go down that path. All of the characters were really reasonable, so it would be hard to imagine much hatred and immaturity. The book was a bit predictable but it was a really fun journey. The ending was so amazing, I couldn't have asked for anything more. It all wrapped up nicely and even left a little to the imagination.

Overall I think this was a fun read with enough serious moments thrown in to make it not a "fluff" book. It had a little bit of almost everything, without needing the frills of fantasy. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the first one, use this as your incentive to read them both.

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. In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea and turned into a meme by Kristi.

The Time In Between by Maria Duenas

The thrilling, internationally bestselling novel about a haute couture seamstress who becomes an undercover spy for the British Secret Service during World War II.

A #1 bestseller in Spain with more than 1.5 million copies sold, The Time In Between has taken readers by storm with its unforgettable tale of adventure, tragedy, love, and war. Readers will fall in love with María Dueñas’s dazzlingly inspiring heroine, Sira Quiroga.

Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

With time dwindling but her will to end the Prophecy stronger than ever, Lia sets out on a journey to find the remaining keys, locate the missing pages of the Prophecy, and convince her sister Alice to help—or risk her life trying. Lia has her beloved Dimitri by her side, but Alice has James, the man who once loved her sister—and maybe still does. James doesn't know the truth about either sister, or the prophecy that divides them. And Alice intends to keep it that way.

There are some secrets sisters aren't meant to share. Because when they do, it destroys them. This stunning conclusion to Michelle Zink's Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy will make saying good-bye bittersweet for readers.

Contest Saturday

Here are some contests that are currently going on right now. Click the links to enter them. I will hold my own contest each month.

Win a copy of Blood Red Road HERE. Ends Today

Win a copy of Incognito HERE. Ends 8/7

Win a $15 Amazon gift card HERE. Ends 8/7

Win your up to four books HERE. Ends 8/11

Win a copy of Blowout HERE. Ends 8/12

Win a copy of Falling for Hamlet HERE. Ends 8/13

Win a copy of Damned HERE. Ends 8/15

Win a copy of Possess HERE. Ends 8/15

Win a copy of Populazzi HERE. Ends 8/18

Win a copy of Crossroads HERE. Ends 8/19

Win a copy of Generations HERE. Ends 9/1

Michael Grant's Transmedia Experience

I've recently learned about Michael Grant's foray into transmedia and I am extremely excited. If you don't know what transmedia stories are, it is when a story is told not only through books, but also through videos, puzzles, and more. It also includes the readers in the action.

I think he has such a creative mind that this will really be a fantastic adventure. We don't know much about it yet, but you can dig as much as you want. Here is a little bit of a teaser::

"The missing son of a U.N. diplomat... the reemergence of a strange organization... a pair of society twins caught in the middle... this is just the beginning of "Go BZRK," a new transmedia experience from author Michael Grant.

If you're ready to take the plunge in an interactive story like you've never experienced before, visit societytwins.com and register with nexushumanus.com to take your first steps in a strange and compelling universe.

Filled with video, puzzles, community collaboration, and more, "Go BZRK" put YOU the player right in the middle of the action as you join Nexus Humanus and unravel a mystery that may hold the key to the fate of all mankind."

Sign up at nexushumanus to start looking around. It looks really interesting and I can't wait to get started! You can find me there as thatteen.

A Look Inside

A Look Inside is a post where I give you a couple of quotes from a book that I've read and enjoyed!

This week's book is Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

"It's a lot easier to be lost than found. It's the reason we're always searching and rarely discovered--so many locks not enough keys."

"Everyone has their weak spot. The one thing that, despite your best efforts, will always bring you to your knees, regardless of how strong you are otherwise."

"Family isn’t something that’s supposed to be static, or set. People marry in, divorce out. They’re born, they die. It’s always evolving, turning into something else."

"Look, the point is there's no way to be a hundred percent sure about anyone or anything. So you're left with a choice. Either hope for the best or just expect the worst."

"If you didn't always have to choose between turning away for good or rushing in deeper. In the moments that it really counts, maybe it's enough - more than enough, even - just to be there. "

Waiting on Wednesday

You Against Me by Jenny Downham-- September 13th

If someone hurts your sister and you're any kind of man, you seek revenge.
If your brother's accused of a terrible crime but says he didn't do it, you defend him.

When Mikey's sister claims a boy assaulted her, his world begins to fall apart. When Ellie's brother is charged with the offense, her world begins to unravel. When Mikey and Ellie meet, two worlds collide.

The Calling by Kelley Armstrong-- April 2012

Maya Delaney’s paw-print birthmark is the sign of what she truly is a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly anyone else. Experiencing intense connections with the animals that roam the woods outside her home, Maya knows it’s only a matter of time before she’s able to Shift and become one of them. And she believes there may be others in her small town with surprising talents.

Now, Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. Then they’re kidnapped, and after a chilling helicopter crash, they find themselves in the Vancouver Island wilderness with nothing but their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home. Plentiful action and romance in this second installment in the Darkness Rising series will keep readers enthralled to the very last page.

August R.A.K

In my Student Council at my school we actually have a RAK committee, where we give people things on their birthday, rake lawns for people, and purchase a thanksgiving dinner for a family that can't afford one.

I was a bit hesitant to join in past months, but I decided that now was the time to try it out. I keep seeing books that I have pop up in wishlists, so this will be a good way to clear my shelves a bit!

Here is my wishlist:

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
The Lying Game by Sara Shepard
Hourglass by Claudia Gray
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
Trapped by Michael Northrop
Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Contact me here:: txmandaxt@yahoo.com

Winner: 200 Follower Giveaway

And the winners of my 200 Follower Giveaway are...

Leslie
and....
Ruth Hill

Congrats Leslie and Ruth! I have already e-mailed you. If you don't reply within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.

If you haven't already, make sure to enter the giveaway for the Shamra Chronicles!

July in Review

I read 7 books this month (you can check them all out in read in 2011 page)

I reviewed 7:
Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran
Bumped by Megan McCafferty
Summer of Fear by Lois Duncan
Wiches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz
Life on Hold by Karen McQuestion
Huntress by Malinda Lo
Thirteen Days to Midnight by Patrick Carman

I reviewed 2 movies this month:
Buried
Skyline

Challenges so far:

I listened to 3/6 audio books for the 2011 audio book challenge

I read 40/100 books towards my personal goal

Blog Changes:

I added my button to the sidebar so other people can put in on their blog if they want.

Overall:
I got a bit behind on my reading. After the readathon I just got lazy. As an excuse I went on vacation, and I read books for school which took longer.

This month I hope to get passed 50 books read and listen to an audio book.