Waiting on Wednesday (38)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. :D

Today's pick:

Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu

description (from Cynthia's site):

Everyone has secrets. Some are just bigger and dirtier than others.

For sixteen years, Lucy has kept her mother's hoarding a secret. She's had to—nobody would understand the stacks of newspapers and mounds of garbage so high they touch the ceiling and the rotting smell that she's always worried would follow her out the house. After years of keeping people at a distance, she finally has a best friend and maybe even a boyfriend if she can play it right. As long as she can make them think she's normal.

When Lucy arrives home from a sleepover to find her mother dead under a stack of National Geographics, she starts to dial 911 in a panic, but pauses before she can connect. She barely notices the filth and trash anymore, but she knows the paramedics will. First the fire trucks, and then news cameras that will surely follow. No longer will they be remembered as the nice oncology nurse with the lovely children—they'll turn into that garbage-hoarding freak family on Collier Avenue.

With a normal life finally within reach, Lucy has only minutes to make a critical decision. How far will she go to keep the family secrets safe?

---

Have I ever told you about how much I like the show Hoarders? Every Monday night I can be found sitting in my bed, watching it and making these faces: "O_O" ":o" "o_O" "D:" After I watch it, I usually want to clean. It's a very helpful show. Since I love the show Hoarders so much, I bet I will like a book about hoarding. And those last sentences of the description make me want to know what she does already.

Out in February 2010!

The Purloined Boy by Mortimus Clay

[description from amazon]

The Purloined Boy, by Mortimus Clay, is a work of fantasy literature for young adults. In parts dark and grotesque, in others luminous and inspiring; it could be described as R. L. Stine meets Plato. It begins with the question, Where do all those children on the milk cartons go? It provides the answer through the eyes of one of those children, a boy named Trevor Upjohn, the purloined boy. Trevor was stolen by a bogeyman as a toddler. But he can't remember that. And he's not the only one. Thousands of children just like him were stolen by bogeys and taken to Superbia, the worst place in the universe. There, the children are cared for by group of officious and unfeeling humans known as the Guardians. For what purpose you ask? A dark and sinister purpose: the most horrid one any could possibly imagine! Fortunately Trevor is not left to fend for himself. A conspiracy comes to his aid, a conspiracy made up of an old man with one good eye, a red-haired girl named Maggie, and a mysterious but very powerful mouse named Zephyr.

Review:

Despite the fact that this book really is not my thing at all- I'm not a big fantasy person, I don't like third person narrative very much, and I don't read very much middle grade-ish fiction- I enjoyed it, for the most part. I was never really enthralled by the story; I put it down easily and never had that "I NEED to find out what happens!" feeling, but I still enjoyed it. It definitely has an original premise, though I wished the world was explored more. I never felt like I knew exactly what the Guardians did or what Superbia even was, or what Trevor was supposed to do as "the purloined boy", but I don't know whether that is because I was reading too quickly or it was just not explained.

The plot is by far the best part of this novel, and not only because it's unique. The plot becomes more exciting as the book goes on, and there are plenty of odd things and interesting twists thrown in. It takes a while for the action to become more action and less mystery, but it's worth it in the end.

I think why I wasn't enthralled by the story because I never connected with the characters. I liked Maggie, but I didn't particularly care about the other characters. I usually have that problem with third person narrative books though. Aside from that, though, I don't feel like the characters were as developed as the could have been; they seem more like puppets in a game. Like they're just there going along with the action.

I did enjoy reading the book despite my problems with it, but if I was bigger on fantasy I may have enjoyed it more.

6.5-7ish/10

Links: Mortimus's website/Amazon

This review is a part of TLC Book Tours. (:

CSN Bookcase review

So a while back I got an offer to review a bookcase from CSN Office Furniture. Finally, here is my review:

(from the CSN page):

Mylex- Five Shelf Bookcase in Oak

The Mylex Five-Shelf Bookcase is a great way to store your books, CDs, DVDs or other items without having to sacrifice style for function. Featuring a sleek oak finish, this bookcase has five shelves to accomodate your storage needs. Perfect for use in the home or office!

---

I really like this bookshelf. It fits a bunch of books, even though the shelves can't really handle the weight of many big hardcovers. My shelves with too many hardcovers on them are bending, but the ones with more paperbacks on them are fine. The shelves are easily adjustable but there's one shelf that can't be moved, which frustrates the OCD in me. I like my shelves have relatively the same amount of space between them, but I will accept that the one doesn't move and I will move on. But I do like how the shelves can be tall enough to fit even The Arrival, which none of my other shelves can do.

Assembly-wise, the shelf was pretty easy to assemble. My dad put it together while I was at school, so I wasn't there when it was put together but he said it was easy and it took less than an hour to complete. Everything was in tact when it arrived- no broken pieces or anything, which is super good.

One last thing: the bookcase kind of smells. Not that I going around smelling everything in my room, but it does have a scent to it. (I feel really weird saying that.)

A good bookcase overall, but I do wish the shelves could hold more weight. It's still holding up after all this time though, so whoo!

Pictures of the bookcase without any books in it:


With books, right after they were added to the shelves and before the shelves started bending:


I put a lot of my favorites on the shelves. :D

Go Chelsea! Go Steph!

A video dedicated to Chelsea and Steph Bowe:




Go find out more about their news here and here. :D

Silver Phoenix Winner

...is Jessica Kennedy, aka Book Reviews by Jess! Congrats. :D Email me your info or I'll email you soonish.

Randomrandomrandom.

So I was going to post a video today, but then I couldn't so I am tomorrow. It will involve cake.

Instead of video, here's some randomosity:

Yesterday (the amazing) Adele of Persnickety Snark interviewed me for her International YA Blogger Celebration. (Even though I'm from the US and therefore not exotic like the people from Germany and Spain and stuff.) You can read the interview here. :D

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You all should check out the Summerland blog, because you could win stuff.

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Do you ever need to be inspired? Motivated? If you answered yes, look at this picture:

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I got this in the mail this week:

Is this a sequel or companion to Lament? Do I need to read Lament before I read this? Is it a companion that still needs to be read after the sequel like Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr? Or is it just a straight-up sequel?

---

Have you guys heard of "Save Shrinking Violet"? If you haven't, here it what it's all about (which I took from this blog post):

"SAVE SHRINKING VIOLET!
Help Tere keep her voice!

What is Shrinking Violet? It's a young adult novel about an extremely shy high school senior trying to find her voice and reach her dream of becoming a DJ, despite the obstacles that stand in her way.

The book is about to go on back order and in order for more copies to be printed, more people have to place orders for the book.

So here's how you can help:
Please tell anyone that you think might be interested to place an order now before it's too late. Guys, girls, grandmas. grandpas, you're never too old to read humorous teen fiction!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416596968

http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781416596967"

Aaaand if you go read that blog post, you can find out about the contest Danielle is holding where you could win a gift card to somewhere. READ IT.

I totally think you should buy Shrinking Violet, because it's awesome and purple. If you want to know what I thought of it, you could read my review or I could just tell you that I loved it. You can also check out my interview with Danielle to see how awesome she is.

Getting to Know the Characters of FIRE Tour!

Today, I'm stop #10 on Kristin Cashore's blog tour for Fire (the prequel to the super popular book that I still haven't read because I am lame, Graceling). This blog tour is all about getting to know the characters of Fire, which will be out October 5. A description of the book (which I got from Alea, who got it from Amazon):

She is the last of her kind...

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. In King City, the young King Nash is clinging to the throne, while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. War is coming. And the mountains and forest are filled with spies and thieves. This is where Fire lives, a girl whose beauty is impossibly irresistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her.

Exquisitely romantic, this companion to the highly praised Graceling has an entirely new cast of characters, save for one person who plays a pivotal role in both books. You don't need to have read Graceling to love Fire. But if you haven't, you'll be dying to read it next.


And now, allow me to introduce Princess Hanna:

Princess Hanna. Now, she’s an interesting one—a little girl who’s never without her dog, the aptly-named Blotchy, and who never seems to go more than a couple days without getting into fisticuffs. (And winning.) Which of the royal siblings does she belong to, exactly?

---

Oooh, ~*mysterious.*~

Want to find out about more of the characters? Check our the list of blogs on the tour here.

You can also read a sampler of Fire here. I'd embed it but it's huge and would probably break my sidebar.

AAAAND you can enter to win a signed copy of Fire on this post!

Rules:

• To enter: leave a comment on this post telling me what color you would most like your eyes to be. Or design, pattern, whatever. Go nuts. (People tell me the main character in Graceling has different colored eyes, which is pretty fierce.)
• +1 entry: blog/tweet about this contest and leave a link to where you talked about it in your comment. If you use twitter, use the hashtag #firetour in your tweet.
  
• Sorry, but only open to the US.
  
• Ends on October 2, so enterenterenter!
  

Invisible I by Stella Lennon

[description from Amazon]

Amanda Valentino changed everything.

Callie Leary has exactly one thing, and one thing only, in common with Nia Rivera and Hal Bennett: They were each chosen by Amanda to be her guide. When Amanda arrived at Endeavor High, she told Callie she moves around a lot and always picks one person to help her navigate the choppy waters of a new school. Why did Amanda lie?

Following a course that they suspect Amanda deliberately plotted, Callie, Nia, and Hal piece together some cryptic clues. But they find more questions than answers and quickly realize that before they can figure out what happened to Amanda—the girl who changed their lives—they'll need to solve the most important mystery of all: Who is Amanda Valentino?

Review:

Before I officially begin this review, let me explain The Amanda Project (the series this book is the first in): The Amanda Project is an interactive series, complete with its own website that allows people to become their own character and tell stories they "know" about the missing girl, Amanda. Storylines people come up with on the website could possibly be used in later books in the series. There are going to be 8 books, all written by, I assume, 8 different authors. Stella Lennon is a pseudonym for all 8 authors of the books. Melissa Kantor wrote Invisible I. Books 2 and 3 will be written by Peter Silsbee and Laurie Faria Stolar, respectively, and be from the perspective of different characters.

And now that that's out of the way...

There's no denying that Invisible I and The Amanda Project has an innovative and unique concept. I'm sure the online content a heavier role in later novels in the series, as this book, like many other first books in a series, is pretty much all set-up. The narrator of this novel is Callie, one of the popular girls who was secret friends with Amanda. She was an entertaining, if a bit boring, narrator, but successfully introduces her family, characters, and the incredibly bizarre and secretive Amanda. Callie has an interesting past, specifically with her mysterious family problems. I know she has plenty of other secrets about her time as an I-Girl (aka popular girl) and time as Amanda's friend, which keeps her interesting. It's just that her voice really is nothing special- most of the time she sounds like a narrator, not a person. Like she's a movie narrator or something. This series is more plot centered, yes, but I don't think a little character development is too much to ask for.

I love the plot of this book- I'm a sucker for mysteries. And I definitely think this book has something good going on. Amanda is such a fascinating character, with all her totem beliefs and whatnot. (I really don't know how to explain that stuff.) Amanda is like a mastermind- she tricked Callie, Hal, and Nia using completely different stories- and it seems like she is craeting this mystery just so the characters can solve it. She's a fascinating character, and I hope more stories about her show up in later books. I can't wait to see what clues she planted before she disappeared, and how the characters solve them.

And I have to mention all the doodles on many of the pages- they're super cute and fun. I love pictures in books.

Invisible I is a bit slow to start with all the set up and such, but it's a good start to The Amanda Project series. I'm eager to see where the series is headed.

7/10

Links: The Amanda Project site

Hardcover/HarperTeen/$16.99/Amazon/B&N/Borders/IndieBound

Waiting on Wednesday (37)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. :D

As (probably all of) you know, Waiting on Wednesday is where everyone waits on books that aren't out yet but are dying to read. But today, I am switching things up and talking about a few books in my TBR pile that I cannot wait to read.

All descriptions from amazon:

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

---I KNOW, I KNOW. How have I not read this even though I've had it for a while? I don't know. I really need to read it though so I don't have to avoid everyone talking about it- I refuse to read anything about it in case it raises my expectations. I really don't want to be disappointed by this one. (And I will smack anyone who comments telling me how awesome this book is.)


Freaks and Revelations by Davida Wills Hurwin

This raw, moving novel follows two teenagers-one, a Mohawk-wearing 17-year-old violent misfit; the other, a gay 13-year-old cast out by his family, hustling on the streets and trying to survive. Acclaimed author Davida Wills Hurwin creates a riveting narrative told in alternating perspectives of their lives before and after the violent hate crime that changed both their futures. This tragic but ultimately inspirational journey of two polarized teens, their violent first meeting, and their peaceful reunion years later is an unforgettable story of survival and forgiveness.

This story is inspired by the real lives of Matthew Boger and Timothy Zaal, who have shared their story on The Oprah Winfrey Show and NPR.

---Blogosphere, sometimes you fail. I have not heard a single thing about this book anywhere. (Not that I'm chatting it up either- I haven't gotten to it yet.) That's one reason why I want to read it- to see if it's one of those undiscovered gem thingies. It also sounds pretty great.

Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley

Sometimes a good-bye is just the beginning…

When Emily Carson’s parents die in a plane crash, she’s left with nothing but her mother’s last words scrawled in lipstick on a tray table: “Emily, please forgive me.”

Now it’s fall and Emily moves to New York City— where she attracts the attention of two very different boys: the cute, popular Owen, and her quirky chemistry partner, Anthony. With the help of some surprising new friends, Emily must choose between the boy who helps her forget and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately heal.

Debut author Jennifer Jabaley has written a wonderful, feel-good romantic comedy with real emotional depth. Full of lovably wacky characters, Lipstick Apology is a heartwarming story about the true meaning of forgiveness.

---I've heard a bunch of good things about this one and have been wanting to read it for a while. I dunno why I haven't yet. Maybe I should read it next. I DON'T KNOW.

Leaving the Bellweathers by Kristin Clark Venuti

[description from amazon]

The young Bellweathers–fourteen-year-old Spider, thirteen-year-old Ninda, and the ten-year-old triplets, Brick, Spike, and Sassy–and their equally peculiar parents have brought constant chaos to the once-peaceful village of Eel-Smack-by-the-Bay. Still, no one has suffered more than their loyal butler, Benway, who has finally had enough. He is secretly writing his tell-all memoirs, packing his bags, and planning his move to a tropical location, Far, Far Away.

But when the siblings discover Benway is preparing to leave their lighthouse home, they band together to prove how much he’s needed, as only Bellweathers can. . . .

Full of comic capers and close calls, an art heist and albino alligators, and good intentions gone wrong, Kristin Clark Venuti’s hilarious debut novel introduces a new family that is absolutely unforgettable.

Review:

I am older than the intended audience for this book, but still enjoyed it quite a lot. It's super fun. And that's the point, I think- to be a fun book. Not to have a mind-blowing plot or amazing characterization, but to be a fun, goofy, bizarre book that will make you laugh.

For the first large part of the book, it's mainly set-up. The children are shown doing crazy things, and Benway talks about how he wants to leave and about the book he is writing. Not until the middle do the children realize Benway might leave and try to stop him. Once the children reach that point, there is a much more developed plot. It's pretty predictable, but that doesn't make it any less fun. The children's antics are a bit immature at times, but also hilarious. They do the craziest, most unrealistic things but somehow it still comes off as funny and endearing.

The characters are not the most well developed, especially the parents, but enough information is given to make them seem at least partly believable. (I don't they can be that believable, since they have really odd habits. Keeping alligators as pets, for example.) Benway's journal entries also provide much information about their changed behavior after they find out about Benway's intention to leave, so there is development in all of them. It's just not that big because they started out so flat.

Leaving the Bellweathers's hilarious, cute, fun plot will definitely make anyone overlook its flaws.

7.5/10

Links: the Leaving the Bellweathers site

Egmont USA/Hardcover/$15.99/Amazon/B&N/Borders/IndieBound

Megan Crewe Interview

I'm hosting Megan Crewe, author of Give Up the Ghost, on her Traveling to Teens tour. Here is her interview!

Did you always want to be a writer?

I didn't always think of it as something I wanted to do as a career--that started when I was around ten or so--but I was always writing and telling stories. Even before I knew how to print, I'd dictate stories to my mom for her to write down and then illustrate them.

What was the most difficult part about writing Give Up the Ghost?

Finding a balance between keeping Cass true to the character I imagined, and keeping her sympathetic. Her motivations made sense to me, but I had to find ways to get them across to the reader and show her hidden vulnerabilities without sacrificing her sharp, sarcastic voice.

What is something that helped in you actually finish writing your story?

My in-person writers group. They read the first few chapters of the original incarnation of GIVE UP THE GHOST, which stalled about a third of the way in. I set it aside for several months, but their comments (and questions about when I was going to come back to it) encouraged me to keep trying to tell Cass's story.

Did you also want to write for young adults, or did you just get lucky it turned out that way? ;)

When I wrote my first (now trunked) novels, I was in my teens myself, so it made sense to me that my characters would also be teenagers. I always figured that would change as I got older. But in my twenties, I've found that I still really enjoy writing about and for young adults. It's such a conflicted and exciting time in a person's life, and I think kids and teens love books in a way most adults don't any more.

Can you describe your road to getting agent and publication?

It was actually pretty straight-forward--and I'm proof that a writer doesn't need special connections to get published (I had never met or talked to my agent or my editor before). I queried a number of agents who represented books like GHOST, send out partials and fulls, and Kristin Nelson offered representation. The book went out to several editors and we had some interest from a few places. I ended up doing a revision for an editor at Holt, who then made an offer, which we accepted. After which of course there were contracts and more revisions and copyedits and fun stuff like that. :)

What was your reaction when you first heard you got an agent/publisher?

After my agent called to offer representation, I was literally bouncing around my apartment for about ten minutes, squeeing and babbling excitedly to my husband. Then I calmed down enough to stop bouncing, and called up my parents to let them know, too.

With my publisher, it was a little different because it was more drawn out. We knew they were probably going to make an offer a couple days before it actually came, and then the details were negotiated over a few weeks. So my excitement was more spread out, but there was still a lot of squeeing and babbling and probably some bouncing in there, too.

How has the blogging community and fellow authors helped you in your journey?

The online community has been amazing! I made a lot of writer friends at various stages in their own journeys through online forums and LiveJournal, many of whom gave me great advice and beta-read my stories over the years. After getting my book deal, I joined two wonderful groups, the 2009 Debutantes and the Class of 2K9. Both have provided tons of emotional support during the roller coaster that is the writing life, as well as tips and experiences that have guided me along the way. And I'm incredibly grateful to all the book bloggers (like yourself!) who've taken an interest in GHOST and get the word out about it.

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Thanks so much, Megan! You're awesome.

And here's a description of Give Up the Ghost, straight from indiebound:

Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts to breathers--and they know all the dirt on everybody. She's on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of all the poseurs in school. Burt when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass's whole scheme lies in the balance.

Links: Megan's website/blog/twitter/the Give Up the Ghost trailer

Henry Holt/Hardcover/$16.99/Amazon/B&N/Borders/Indiebound

Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe

[description from amazon]

Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts over “breathers.” Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody…and Cass loves dirt. She’s on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school.

But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass’s whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees.

As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim’s life, she’s surprised to realize he’s not so bad—and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it’s time to give the living another chance….

Review:

I'm not a big paranormal reader, but for some reason I always seek out ghost books. Perhaps its because when I was younger I watched so many episodes of Scariest Places on Earth that I'd rather get my ghost fix through books instead of freaky TV shows, but whatever the reason, I was really excited to read this book. And luckily, I wasn't disappointed with it.

Cass is a refreshingly rude character. Reading about nice girls gets a little old sometimes, so reading about Cass's desire to get away from people and intentionally alienate herself from them nice. Sometimes I wanted to slap her because she was being annoying and/or stupid, but her snark made up for all the annoying moments, as did her development. I loved how Cass didn't do a complete personality change in the book- her change was gradual and wasn't complete by the end. There's still plenty of changes Cass needs to make after the book ends, but she's aware of them and has already begun to make them. She's hopeful and motivated at the end, which really makes her actions believable.

I never understood why Cass had her ghost-seeing powers, or how she got them, but I didn't mind that much when I was reading because of how amusing her powers were. Her conversations with her ghost friends are funny and lead to plenty of shenanigans. No one reacts well to the gossip Cass tells them, which leads to plenty of drama that keeps things exciting while Cass helps Tim.

Speaking of Tim, I liked how I never knew what his deal was until the end. His emotions about his mother were well developed and believable, as were his feelings about Cass. There are plenty of ways the relationship between Tim and Cass could go, and the way it ended up was surprising and refreshing. But I don't want to spoil that part for you. ;)

Give Up the Ghost is a fun book with realistic characters, and I'm sure it will be a success because of how great it is.

8/10

Links: Megan's website/blog/twitter/the Give Up the Ghost trailer

Henry Holt/Hardcover/$16.99/Amazon/B&N/Borders/Indiebound

In My Mailbox (3)

In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie and started by Kristi of The Story Siren. :D

I didn't get many books this week, but I'm excited about what I got. (:

All descriptions from amazon:

In the mail:

Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines

It’s a fight to the death—on live TV—when a gladiator’s daughter steps into the arena

Lyn is a neo-gladiator’s daughter, through and through. Her mother has made a career out of marrying into the high-profile world of televised blood sport, and the rules of the Gladiator Sports Association are second nature to their family. Always lend ineffable confidence to the gladiator. Remind him constantly of his victories. And most importantly: Never leave the stadium when your father is dying. The rules help the family survive, but rules—and the GSA—can also turn against you. When a gifted young fighter kills Lyn’s seventh father, he also captures Lyn’s dowry bracelet, which means she must marry him... For fans of The Hunger Games and Fight Club, Lise Haines’ debut novel is a mesmerizing look at a world addicted to violence—a modern world that’s disturbingly easy to imagine.

---Got this one for review! Haven't heard much about it, but it sounds super good.

Dani Noir by Nova Ren Suma

If this were a movie, you'd open to the first page of this book and be transported to a whole other world. Everything would be in black and white, except maybe for the girl in pink polka-dot tights, and this really great music would start to swell in the background. All of a sudden, you wouldn't be able to help it -- you'd be a part of the story, you'd be totally sucked in. You'd be in this place, filled with big lies, mysterious secrets, and a tween girl turned sleuth....

Zoom in on thirteen-year-old Dani Callanzano. It's the summer before eighth grade, and Dani is stuck in her nothing-ever-happens town with only her favorite noir mysteries at the Little Art movie theater to keep her company.

But one day, a real-life mystery begins to unravel -- at the Little Art! And it all has something to do with a girl in polka-dot tights.... Armed with a vivid imagination, a flair for the dramatic, and her knowledge of all things Rita Hayworth, Dani sets out to solve the mystery, and she learns more about herself than she ever though she could.

---Already finished this one and it was SO GOOD. Thanks to the fabulous Courtney Summers, who hosted the contest I won the book from. :D

Also, isn't Nova the most amazing name? I wish my name was Nova.


When the Whistle Blows by Fran Cannon Slayton

Jimmy lives in Rowlesburg, West Virginia, during the 1940s. He does all the things boys do in the small mountain town: plays a mean game of football, pulls the unforgettable Halloween prank with his friends in “the Platoon,” and promises to head off into the woods on the first day of hunting season— no matter what. He also knows his father belongs to a secret society, and is determined to uncover the mysteries behind it! But it is a midnight encounter with a train that shows Jimmy the man his father really is.

Newcomer Fran Cannon Slayton’s powerful first novel captures the serendipity of boyhood by shining a spotlight on the peak adventures of Jimmy’s life. But at its heart, this is a story about a boy and his father in a time when trains reigned supreme.

---For review! Haven't heard much about this one either, but is has trains, and trains are fun.

Bought:

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

An ancient prophecy divides two sisters-

One good...

One evil...

Who will prevail?

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.

Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.

They just know they can't trust each other.

---I had an ARC of this one, but got the gorgeous finished copy when I saw Michelle on tour! :D

Book Signing Post!

Ahoy! It be talk like a pirate day, mateys. I have a post about 2 book signings for ye today, with pictures from the Michelle Zink and Holly Black/Tony Diterlizzi events. I will not talk like a pirate with my commentary.

Pictures from the Holly/Tony Spiderwick Chronicles event:




^Holly reading from The Wyrm King.


^Tony drawing a dragon.



^Tony drawing more dragon.

^The finished dragon.



^Tony also drew a rat king. I was very disappointed that I didn't remember what a rat king was, since I've read Peeps by Scott Westerfeld three times.

Summary of event: SUPER WIN! Seriously, one of the best events I've been to. Holly and Tony spoke for a few minutes about folklore and such, and then Tony drew some creatures from the Spiderwick series (as you can see above) and Holly read a bit from The Wyrm King and then they answered a few questions and gave the drawings away. Tony was especially hilarious, even when trying to get the laughing children to stop laughing answer the questions so they could win the drawings. Usually I am bored when people just read from the book, but it was a short passage and Holly read super well.

After their presentation thing was over, I got my books signed and Tony drew me a picture. I also got chapter one of Holly's upcoming book The White Cat, and it rocks. Wheeee!

I also got to see Senfaye from A Maze of Books, Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia. They are still lovely. :D

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The other day I got to meet Michelle Zink at one of her tour events!!!! Eeee.



^ Michelle being all authory and speaking.


^ Michelle and I. :D

Summary of event: Eeeeeeeee! So much fun. I got to speak to Michelle for a few minutes before she started speaking, which was super cool. During her talk, she talked about how she started writing Prophecy of the Sisters and how much time it took and how she moved to NY from CA. She also mentioned that the cover for book two of the Prophecy series is gorgeous (I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT) and she's working on a steampunk book (go steampunk!). My mom is also now reading Prophecy because she liked Michelle's presentation and she says it sounds good. Yay!

---

Two super fun events. :D And Michelle is still on tour, so you can check our her tour dates and go see her if she's coming near you!

Book Blogger Appreciation Week: Setting Goals

Today's topic for BBAW is to talk about what I like about my blog and what I want to improve. I'm supposed to answer the question in 50 words or less, but I am going to break that rule.

Stuff I like about my blog...hmm. I have no idea. I'm bad with positive.

Stuff I want to improve on in the next year:

• See this layout? Isn't it awful? I need a new one. But my problem is I don't like the little things on pre made layouts that say where you got them from, because I just don't. So I can't use any of those. I will have to learn to make my own, which will be the most difficult task EVER.
• I'd like to stop on that procrastination habit of mine. Let's not talk about how many books I could/need to write review for.
• Write better reviews. I don't really know what that means, but I should do it.
  
• Maybe vlog more than one a month.
• Try to come up with something original to discuss/feature. Which will be really really hard.
  
• Unrelated to MY blog, but I seriously need to comment on other people's blogs though. I never do that.
  

Catching Fire Winners

The winners of my Catching Fire giveaway are Limerick, Ali, and Hillary from The Book Reader! Congrats! If you guys see this first, email me (khyrinthia at gmail dot com) with your mailing address. Otherwise, I'll email you.

Book Blogger Appreciation Week: This post has no real name.

Today's topic for Book Blogger Appreciation Week posts is to pick a book we LOVED that we discovered on another blog.

I had a bunch of choices for this one, but I ended up choosing the following:

Hate List by Jennifer Brown- Technically I didn't find this one ON a blog, but rather from another blogger. I first heard the lovely Sharon of Sharon Loves Books and Cats mention it, and it sounded good so I requested it from the publisher. And DUDES I love this book like whoa. So awesome!

Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert- Technically I didn't find this book on a blog either. I heard about the author's first book, I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone, on tons of blogs back when I only had my blog for a couple months. I ended up reading it and really enjoying it, so I was super excited to read this book. And when I finally got to read it, I LOVED it. SO. GOOD. So I guess I found the book on a blog indirectly. Or something like that.

Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers- Does anyone remember when it was like Cracked Up to Be mania in the blogosphere kind of sort of maybe? I DO. I'm pretty sure I first heard about this book over at All Five Stars. If you've read my review of the book or seen me saying I would kill for the next book by Courtney*, you can probably guess that I loved this book. Which I did, because EEEEP this book is amazing.

*Speaking of which, Steph Su won a copy of Courtney's next book, Some Girls Are. I must resist the urge to steal it from her. If Steph Su wasn't so nice I might not resist stealing.

Book Blogger Appreciation Week: Reading Meme!

Today's post for Book Blogger Appreciation Week is a reading meme. Here are my answers:

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?

On occasion. If I'm reading a book I can keep open using one hand, I will eat an apple or something. If I can't keep the book open with one hand, I won't snack, just in case I accidentally get food on the book.

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?

It horrifies me, unless I'm supposed to write in a book for school. Sometimes I still don't like writing in books for school because I usually have to write on every page, which takes FOREVER.

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears?

Bookmark, definitely. Dog-ear-ing REALLY horrifies me.

Laying the book flat open?

Um...no? I usually hold it. Laying it flat usually bends the spine, which is gross.

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both?

Fiction! Non-fiction often bores me, unless it's a memoir. I also usually associate non-fiction with school, which is bad.

Hard copy or audiobooks?

Hard copy. I've never tried listening to an audiobook, but I'd probably fall asleep or space out if I did.

This question reminds me of the other day in history class, where my friend said she wished our textbooks were audiobooks read by people with accents so that she would actually pay attention to the book. We voted that our history book should be read by an Australian person, and our English books by a British person. Other books: undecided.

I think this would be a very good idea.

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point?

I prefer reading until the end of chapters, but I can put down the book at any point if I must.

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away?

Nooooooo. o.o I don't keep a dictionary next to me when I read, so I usually just guess the meaning of the word.

What are you currently reading?

At the time of writing this (Sunday the 13th), I am reading Unclaimed Heart by Kim Wilkins. Only 50 pages in, but it's good so far. I love historical fiction.

What is the last book you bought?

I bought Tricks by Ellen Hopkins, The Devouring by Simon Holt, and Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley last week. And today I am going to buy a finished copy of Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink, because I am meeting her (!!!!! YAY) on her tour.

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can
you read more than one at a time?

I can read more than one at a time, but I prefer not to. I get the books confused sometimes, and if one is better than the other I won't want to read the bad one.

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read?

Time of day doesn't matter to me, but I like reading on my bed, because it's the most comfortable.

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books?

Stand alone! I hate waiting for series books to come out and I always forget stuff about the series by the time the next book comes out.

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over?

David Levithan. Anyone who reads my blog should not be surprised at that answer. In fact, they should have seen it coming.

I also keep recommending Hate List by Jennifer Brown lately, because I lovelovelove it.

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?)

I wish I cuold have an organzation system, but I don't. Some of my shelves I can't put hardcovers on, so that messes everything up.

Candor by Pam Bachorz

[description from amazon]

In the model community of Candor, Florida, every teen wants to be like Oscar Banks. The son of the town’s founder, Oscar earns straight As, is student-body president, and is in demand for every club and cause.

But Oscar has a secret. He knows that parents bring their teens to Candor to make them respectful, compliant–perfect–through subliminal Messages that carefully correct and control their behavior. And Oscar’s built a business sabotaging his father’s scheme with Messages of his own, getting his clients out before they’re turned. After all, who would ever suspect the perfect Oscar Banks?

Then he meets Nia, the girl he can’t stand to see changed. Saving Nia means losing her forever. Keeping her in Candor, Oscar risks exposure . . . and more.

Review:

Sci-fi is not really my thing; I can't even name more than 10 sci-fi books I've read, not including this one, off the top of head. Yet, I found myself wanting to read this one because of the unique premise and the fangirly reviews I had read. Luckily, I enjoyed this book quite a lot, but not as much as some others.

I wasn't completely drawn in to the book until about a quarter of the way through, mostly because I wasn't sure where the heck the book was going. I knew Oscar wanted to help Nia, but other than that I didn't see many places the book could be headed. And it didn't help that it took forever for the real conflict to begin. However, once the real big problems began, I was hooked. Some of the things I wanted to happen happened, so it was a bit predictable in that sense, but there were plenty of twists and turns to make things exciting. I can't say why things were so exciting because that would be much too spoilery, but I will say that all the mistakes and seemingly odd/bad choices people made brought about some major action.

Because the majority of the characters are all robotic and perfect, it makes sense that they seem flat, especially in the beginning. However, many of them make surprising decisions and reveal things about themselves that allow them to be much deeper. Oscar in particular seems like a typical rebel who tries to secretly beat the system, but his feelings about his mother make his actions make much more sense, in turn developing his character. If there's one thing I hate about Oscar, though, is that he fell in "love" with Nia way too fast. So fast that I didn't believe his feelings much at all.

The messages and how they work are explained in the novel, but I wish that more of their effects were explained. I felt that there was much more to them than I was told, and I had a bunch of questions about what the parents think of the messages, how Oscar's dad makes them all work, etc. The book is narrated by Oscar, so obviously if he didn't know anything more, I wasn't going to know any more either, but I still have plenty of questions.

And I must mention that I LOVED the ending. Some people will probably hate the ending, but it was so unexpected and wonderful.

Candor is an exciting debut that even non-readers of sci-fi (like yours truly) will enjoy.

8/10

Candor will be released on September 22- one week from today!

Links: Pam's website/blog/twitter/the Candor trailer/the Candor website that is creepy and awesome

Egmont USA/Hardcover/$16.99/Amazon/B&N/Borders/IndieBound

YOU GUYS

LOOK AT THIS:



IS THAT NOT THE MOST AMAZING TRAILER? Vania of Reverie Book Reviews made it and it is TOTAL WIN.

It doesn't hurt that the book the trailer is for is total win too.

Book Blogger Appreciation Week: Contest!

In honor of the first day of Book Blogger Appreciation Week, I am having a giveaway!

I'm giving away one signed hardcover of....


...Silver Phoenix, by the amazing Cindy Pon!

Here's the book description:

On the day of her first betrothal meeting–and rejection–Ai Ling discovers a power welling deep within her. She can reach into other people’s spirits, hear their thoughts, see their dreams…and that’s just the beginning.

Ai Ling has been marked by the immortals; her destiny lies in the emperor’s palace, where a terrible evil has lived, stealing souls, for centuries. She must conquer this enemy and rescue her captive father, while mythical demons track her every step. and then she meets Chen Yong, a young man with a quest of his own, whose fate is intertwined with hers. Here is a heart-stopping, breathtaking tale for fans of action, fantasy, and romance–of anything with the making of legend.

---

Sounds good, right? It IS good. It's great, in fact. You can read my review of it here, and also check out my interview with Cindy here.

You can also watch this video where Jordyn and I stalk Cindy at her launch party:




You can also watch the amazing book trailer:


Rules for the contest:

• Sorry, but open to US only.
  
• Ends September 21! I know that's after BBAW ends, but I want to give everyone a week to enter. (:
  
• To enter, answer this question: what is your favorite color? This question does not have to do much with the book other than the fact that there is a color in the book title, but answer it anyway.
• +1 entry if you blog/twitter/link in a sidebar about the contest! Be sure to leave a link to where you talked about it, or it won't count.
• And remember, this copy of Silver Phoenix is SIGNED AND PRETTY.
  

In My Mailbox (2)

Yes, ANOTHER IMM from me. Shocking, I know.

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi of The Story Siren, and inspired by Tapir Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.

All descriptions from amazon unless otherwise noted:

In the mail:

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

Micah will freely admit that she’s a compulsive liar, but that may be the one honest thing she’ll ever tell you. Over the years she’s duped her classmates, her teachers, and even her parents, and she’s always managed to stay one step ahead of her lies. That is, until her boyfriend dies under brutal circumstances and her dishonesty begins to catch up with her. But is it possible to tell the truth when lying comes as naturally as breathing? Taking readers deep into the psyche of a young woman who will say just about anything to convince them—and herself—that she’s finally come clean, Liar is a bone-chilling thriller that will have readers see-sawing between truths and lies right up to the end. Honestly.

---I've already read this one, but got the shiny finished copy in the mail this week. It's a pretty good book. Review coming a bit closer to the release date!

My Invented Life by Lauren Bjorkman

With Roz and Eva everything becomes a contest—who can snag the best role in the school play, have the cutest boyfriend, pull off the craziest prank. Still, they’re as close as sisters can be. Until Eva deletes Roz from her life like so much junk e-mail for no reason that Roz understands. Now Eva hangs out with the annoyingly petite cheerleaders, and Roz fantasizes about slipping bovine growth hormone into their Gatorade. Roz has a suspicion about Eva. In turn, Eva taunts Roz with a dare, which leads to an act of total insanity. Drama geeks clamor for attention, Shakespearean insults fly, and Roz steals the show in Lauren Bjorkman’s hilarious debut novel.

---Yay realistic fiction! Super excited to read this one.

The Line by Teri Hall

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?

---Tenner book tenner book! I am INSANELY excited to start this one. I got this in the mail as part of 1 ARC Tours.

I also got Chapter One of Holly Black's upcoming book The White Cat from her at the Spiderwick event I went to the other day. (If anyone wants to see pictures from that event, let me know.) The chapter was AWESOME. Cannot wait for the rest of the book.

Bought:


Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

Five teenagers from different parts of the country. Three girls. Two guys. Four straight. One gay. Some rich. Some poor. Some from great families. Some with no one at all. All living their lives as best they can, but all searching...for freedom, safety, community, family, love. What they don't expect, though, is all that can happen when those powerful little words "I love you" are said for all the wrong reasons.

Five moving stories remain separate at first, then interweave to tell a larger, powerful story -- a story about making choices, taking leaps of faith, falling down, and growing up. A story about kids figuring out what sex and love are all about, at all costs, while asking themselves, "Can I ever feel okay about myself?"

A brilliant achievement from New York Times best-selling author Ellen Hopkins -- who has been called "the bestselling living poet in the country" by mediabistro.com -- Tricks is a book that turns you on and repels you at the same time. Just like so much of life.

---I'm reading this one now, and it's good so far. But it's by Ellen Hopkins, so of course it's good.

The Devouring by Simon Holt

[description from B&N]

When Reggie finds an old journal and reads about the Vours, supernatural creatures who feast on fear and attack on the eve of the winter solstice, she assumes they are just the musings of some lunatic author. But soon, they become a terrifying reality when she begins to suspect that her timid younger brother might be one of their victims.

Risking her life and her sanity, Reggie enters a living nightmare to save the people she loves. Can she devour own her fears before they devour her?

Bone-chilling, terrifying, thrilling...what are you waiting for?

---I've had the sequel to this one, so I bought it so I will be able to read the sequel. Sounds pretty creepy. Creepy is good.


Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley

Sometimes a good-bye is just the beginning…

When Emily Carson’s parents die in a plane crash, she’s left with nothing but her mother’s last words scrawled in lipstick on a tray table: “Emily, please forgive me.”

Now it’s fall and Emily moves to New York City— where she attracts the attention of two very different boys: the cute, popular Owen, and her quirky chemistry partner, Anthony. With the help of some surprising new friends, Emily must choose between the boy who helps her forget and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately heal.

Debut author Jennifer Jabaley has written a wonderful, feel-good romantic comedy with real emotional depth. Full of lovably wacky characters, Lipstick Apology is a heartwarming story about the true meaning of forgiveness.

---I've heard great things about this book, so I'm super excited to read it.

And remember how in my last In My Mailbox post I said I got a sekrit book? Well, that sekrit book was:

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

---IT IS AN AMAZING BOOK, OH MY GOSH. Seriously, I loved it. SO AMAZING.

Series I LOVE

Because I have no other idea about what to post today, I thought I would post about a few series I love but don't want to write entire reviews for.

Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise)

I did actually post about this series once, but I am too lazy to go dig up the post, as it was written well over a year ago.

I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH, OH MY GOSH. These are the only vampire books I will read because dude, they are amazing. And the vampires are less "I VANT TO SUCK YOUR BLOOD AND THEN SPARKLE IN A MEADOW" but more "I will now go all ninja on you." Rose, the narrator of the series, is one of my favorite characters EVER. She kicks butt.

And oh my gosh, who else has read Blood Promise? Who else loves it? Who else gasped throughout the entire last 300 pages?

---

The Stravaganza series by Mary Hoffman (City of Masks, City of Stars, City of Flowers, City of Secrets)

I haven't actually read the fourth book in this series (it doesn't match the other three, so I don't want to buy it. *odd*) but I loved the first three books. I read these books ages ago (like, pre-blogging days) but from what I can remember, they rock. They have a super fun premise- kids from our world go to an alternate version of Italy called Talia, where there is magic and such. (My summary makes the books sound bad.) Each book focuses on a different characters, which keeps things ~fresh~, but the plots of each book often overlap.

---

The Dreamhunter Duet by Elizabeth Knox (Dreamhunter, Dreamquake)

You might recognize the name of these books because Stephenie Meyer recently recommended them on her website. I don't like Twilight, but I must say Stephenie Meyer picked a good recommendation, because these books are super original and great. I read these a loooong time ago too, so I don't remember much, but from what I can remember there were always twists and turns, and plenty of fun stuff showing up. I love the premise of this one too- people can catch dreams and then show them to others at theaters. (If you have ever wondered why I don't write my own summaries, reread the previous sentence.)

---

Has anyone else noticed all three of these series are fantasy-like? How many times have I said I'm not a big fantasy person? But I suppose when fantasy stuff is good, it's really good and I love it.

Red: Teenage Girls in America Write On What Fires Up Their Lives Today

[description from amazon]

For every teen girl who thinks she’s alone, and every adult who’s dared to try to figure her out, comes this eye-opening collection in the spirit of New York Times bestseller Ophelia Speaks. In Red, fifty-eight girls—ranging in age from thirteen to nineteen, and writing from across the spectrum of geographic, socioeconomic, racial, and religious upbringings—share “heartbreaking, hilarious, and often harrowing” (Francine Prose) essays about everything from politics to pop culture; from post-Katrina New Orleans to Johnny Depp; from the loneliness of losing a best friend to the loathing or pride they feel about their bodies.

The authors of Red are brave and honest documentarians of their own lives. These girls are the best shades of red (not pink): a little bit angry, a lot passionate. They’re on fire, and their essays speak gloriously for the future.

Review:

Because this is an anthology with so many contributions, I don't have much to say about it. If I reviewed every single essay I would have plenty to say, but that would take way too long so I won't. I wanted to do a short review of this book anyway, though, because I enjoyed it so much, and because my awesome clone Jordyn is in it.

The essays cover a wide range of topics, from Johnny Depp to weight to desert rehab. There were definitely some essays that were better than others, a few essays that came off as just a little try-too-hard, and some were short but still packed a powerful punch. Each essay has something important to say, and each gets their point across even if it's not always clear. There's a lot of smart things said in this collection, and half the time I was nodding along going "YES YES YES." Even if I was reading a story that was so unlike any stories I have, I could still relate to them because of the the feelings discussed.

Some of my favorite essays:

• Mascara Wands Are Instruments of War by Jordyn Turney- I love Jory's essay, and not only because she is my clone. She writes about her relationship with her mom, and she took half of the essay straight from my brain, I swear. She got everything SPOT ON. Jory is so smart. I am ~honored~ to be her clone.
  
• TLC: Three Days by Annie Littlewood- This is one of the essays where bad things happen, but I LOVED it. Annie writes about her time at TLC, a sad, jail-ish place. Not everything was explained during the essay, but once I got to the end, everything made sense. Super emotional and smart essay.
• Burning in Heaven by Aarian Marshall- A very short essay, but still positively lovely. Easy to relate to because of the angrier tone and the fact that the essay is about not having a crazy family, and wanting something exciting to happen. Don't we all want excitement?
  

An awesome, smart, powerful anthology.


Links: The book site

Plume/Paperback/$14.00/Amazon/B&N/Borders/Indiebound

The Miles Between by Mary E. Pearson

[description from amazon]

Destiny Faraday makes a point of keeping her distance from her classmates at Hedgebrook Academy. Her number-one rule: Don’t get attached. But one day, unexpectedly finding a car at their disposal, Destiny and three of her classmates embark on an unauthorized road trip.

They’re searching for one fair day—a day where the good guy wins and everything adds up to something just and right. Their destination: Langdon, a town that Destiny’s unsuspecting companions hope will hold simply a day of fun. But, as Destiny says, “Things are not always what they seem.” Only she knows that Langdon holds far more than that—a deep secret she has never shared with anyone.

The Miles Between explores the wonder and magic of a very real world where chance, mystery, and secrets abound.

Review:

Having read and loved The Adoration of Jenna Fox, also by Mary E. Pearson, I was insanely excited to read this one. However, I was a bit disappointed in this one. Perhaps it was because of my undying love for The Adoration of Jenna Fox, but whatever it was, I wasn't a HUGE fan of this one.

I loved the concept; I'm always up for road trip books, because they always bring plenty of fun and adventure. This book was no exception, as once the kids finally hit the road, there is a steady stream of events that keep things interesting. Even when the characters are talking about only themselves, it's not boring, because they all share personal, sometimes random, facts about themselves that develop their character more. That being said, the characters were so developed and distinct that it was easy to relate to. They all have odd pasts, but that does not stop them from being so relate-able.

What stopped me from loving this book was how coincidental it was. I know it was supposed to be because coincidences and fate are two of the main themes that pop up in the book, but it got to a point where it was unbelievable that any of the things that happened would ever happen. The events were fun, sure, but a little too out there. The ending almost made up for unbelievable events, because dude. The ending was awesome. I literally gasped when I read it, because I did not see it coming at all.

A good read, but a little too coincidental for my liking.

7/10

Links: Mary's website/blog/twitter

Henry Holt/Hardcover/$16.99/Amazon/B&N/Borders