Ten books to look forward to in 2010

Yesterday I posted my favorites of 2009, but excluded all the books I read that come out 2010. But I'm still dying to talk about 2010 books, so here are ten books, in no particular, I totally think you should be looking forward to in 2010. I'm not going to go in depth because they'll all be reviewed in depth eventually, so here's just a teaser. Click on the title for a place with a description!

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan - I am practically programmed to like this one because John and David are two of my favorite authors, but I still LOVE this one. It's funny and happy and sad and just...awesome. I don't even know what to say other than that I loved it. Plus it has a musical! Musicals = automatic win. Released April 6.

Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers - This book totally punched me in the face with its greatness. It's about a familiar topic, but Courtney makes it her own by infusing her awesome in to it. It's horrible to read about such awful things happening to someone, but I couldn't put it down. Even my sister, who never reads, liked this one. Also, I totally need another Courtney book like right now. Released January 5.


The Naughty List by Suzanne Young - This book is SOOO strawberry smoothie! It's also completley original, cute,and FUN! Tessa, the main character, might as well be a ninja, she's so secretive. I totally wish I could be as ninja-like as her. Released February 4.


The Iron King by Julie Kagawa - Again, a familiar idea, but a fresh take. An exciting tale full of action and tons of festive creatures, including the awesome kitteh Grimalkin. I need book 2 now! Released February 1.

The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell - I can't say too much about this one because Chelsea told me not to tell her my thoughts until she finished her new book (I guess she likes being tormented) but I will say this: a unique book full of awesome superhero action and a lovable hero. Or rather, a lovable villain. Released May 11.

The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy - I love secret societies, so this one was so for me. It's a fun book with a great, but not overpowering, message. I loved seeing Jess, the narrator, go through the struggles of something that seemed like it would be so perfect and happy-making. Released April 13.

The Line by Teri Hall - Khy really likes this book, even though it is written in third person (Teri :P :D)! Khy thought it was a super intriguing concept and it was well executed. And Khy cannot wait for the sequel, because the ending is a TOTAL cliffhanger. Released March 4.

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting - This book is delightfully creepy. The parts written from the killer's POV were so well done that I think Kimberly may be hiding something. And the rest of the book is full of mystery that kept me guessing the whole time. Released March 16.

Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey - This book is one I can almost guarantee you've never read before. It's different than all the other mythology/fantasy books out there- the main character is strong but definitely has her weak moments, she's not boring, and the mythology was completely new (at least, it was to me) and fascinating. Released April 1.


All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab - I know I love this book because I am currently DYING to talk about it with someone (So if you've read it already, EMAIL ME ADDRESS IN THE SIDEBAR). It's got a mystery to keep you guessing the whole time, and it has two compeltely realistic main characters. It's well written, and emotional, and really just a beautiful book. Released January 12.

There you have it! Ten books out in 2010 that already have my seal of approval. And luckily, all of these are out in the first quarter of the year, so you won't be waiting that long.

My Favorites of '09

Like many any others, I am going to post about some of my favorites book of 2009. Most of the books I read this year were at least decent- I only think I completely disliked a few. But I also read a lot of great things this year, including some amazing books that will be released in 2010. I'm excluding all of the 2010 releases and will post about some of those tomorrow, but here are some of my favorites that were released in 2009 or before (in no particular order).

• Blood Promise by Richelle Mead, boook 4 of the Vampire Academy series - So what if this one was painfully slow in the beginning and a bit frustrating in the middle? I LOVE IT. I loved seeing Rose in a new environment and seeing that she still did make mistakes even if she is unbelievably strong. Although, I am upset at what happened to Dimitri in this book. WHY, DIMITRI, WHY?
• Love is the Higher Law by David Levithan - It's David, so I love it. I love all David books. This one in particular was completely sad and heartbreaking, but still uplifting and hopeful.
  
• The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty - I believe this was the first book I read this year, and what a way to start off the year! This book was hilarious and witty and smart and just completely awesome.
• Hate List by Jennifer Brown - A very original book that also is emotional, fast-paced, and totally believable.
• Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert -This book is crazy intense and an emotional roller coaster. I cried.
  
• Scones and Sensibility by Lindsay Eland - I don't really know why I adore this book so much, but I won't question it. It's just so charming.
• Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler - LOVE THIS BOOK. Like most of the books on this list, it's completely emotional and can easily make you cry. Why do I like these books so much? I do not know.
  
• Secrets of Truth and Beauty by Megan Frazer - Now that I think about it, I really really love this book. It stands out among all of the ones I read this year, and not only because it's the only book that made me crave cheese. There was just something about it that I liked, that makes me remember it.
  

As you can see, most of the books that have made a lasting impression are contemporary rather than paranormal or fantasy. I did read plenty of awesome fantasy and paranormal this year, but those types of books really have never been my thing. I just like contemporary better.

Love is the Higher Law by David Levithan

[description from goodreads]

First there is a Before, and then there is an After. . . .

The lives of three teens—Claire, Jasper, and Peter—are altered forever on September 11, 2001. Claire, a high school junior, has to get to her younger brother in his classroom. Jasper, a college sophomore from Brooklyn, wakes to his parents’ frantic calls from Korea, wondering if he’s okay. Peter, a classmate of Claire’s, has to make his way back to school as everything happens around him.

Here are three teens whose intertwining lives are reshaped by this catastrophic event. As each gets to know the other, their moments become wound around each other’s in a way that leads to new understandings, new friendships, and new levels of awareness for the world around them and the people close by.

David Levithan has written a novel of loss and grief, but also one of hope and redemption as his characters slowly learn to move forward in their lives, despite being changed forever.

Review:

Friends and long time readers of this blog know that I have a (completely healthy) obsession with David Levithan. I've read and loved nearly all of his YA books*, I have clothing items inspired from Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, which he cowrote, I've met him twice because I'm a creeper like that. I'm basically a HUGE FAN. So obviously, when I received this book, I devoured it and now it's one of my favorite David books. I know I am a tad biased because I would love anything he's written because he's DAVID, but trust me, this book is good.

This is the first book I've read that deals with 9/11, and because I was only in second grade when it happened and don't remember anything, I really enjoyed seeing it from three perspectives and getting a broader view on the event. Each of the three narrators- Peter, Claire, and Jasper- each have a unique experience and point of view. Claire was more somber about the whole thing, while Peter and Jasper were each more confused and wanting to figure their own lives out. I wish Claire had more parts because her chapters were the ones I enjoyed the most; they were the most emotional and well-written, I thought. And although I did like Peter and Jasper's chapters as well, I felt that eventually their interaction was overwhelming and Claire spent too much time on the side.

I really have no comments on the plot, because really, there isn't much of one. This isn't a plot sort of book; it's an event book. Things happen, and they're all connected, but it's mostly just about seeing what happens after, what people are feeling. And with all the different points of view, the interactions between the narrators, and the different places people go - to concerts, lighting candles in honor of people's deaths- the feelings are conveyed extremely well. It's easy to see the sadness that they feel, the loss, and the sense of unity they feel later on. It's nice to read how them come together, and how they help each other get over the terrible things they've seen.

I really don't know what to say about Love is the Higher Law without using a hundred exclamation points. It's got David's wonderful writing and characters and... I just love it. If you want to get in to David's books, this is one of the first I'd suggest.


*I'm hoping that I can get my hands on a copy of the novelization of 10 Things I Hate About You, which he wrote. Isn't that AWESOME?

Links: David's site

Book details: Knopf/Hardcover/$15.99

Wanderlust by Lucy Silag

**Spoiler alert: don't read this review if you do not want spoilers for Beautiful Americans! You can read my review of that book here, and you should definitely read it before you read anything about Wanderlust.

[description from goodreads, an edited version]

Will they save their lost friend before it’s too late?

Angst and betrayal abound as teens search the French countryside for their missing classmate in this exciting sequel to Beautiful Americans.
The book opens with PJ on a train, racing toward Rouen to meet her sister, Annabel. But Annabel’s life may be fraught with troubles far worse than her own.

Alex persuades Jay and Zack to hunt for PJ [...]
Back in Paris, Olivia’s escapades with Thomas are interrupted when they discover reason to believe PJ is in more peril than she knows. Will the crew find PJ in time? Have they lost themselves along the way?

Review:

I have edited the description of this book because I feel it is much too spoilery. If you would like to read the full description, go here, but the events I deleted happen far into the book, and I think they would be more surprising if you weren't aware of them.

I read the prequel, Beautiful Americans, nearly a year ago, I suppose, but once I began Wanderlust everything immediately came back to me and was once again on the edge of my seat, wondering what happened to PJ. I read the first few chapters eagerly, but my excitement slowed down a bit as the characters, more specifically Alex, Zack, and Jay, spent time looking for a place to stay and not actively searching for PJ. I also found some of the events predictable as I was informed of them in the summary I had read, the same one I have edited above. However, many of the chapters left on a small cliffhanger, which kept me reading long in to the afternoon. PJ's chapters were particularly exciting, as her predicament was the most suspenseful and had the most going on. Her story also leaves on the most cliffhanger-y note, and I am now dying for book 3, Experienced.

I also enjoyed the further development of the characters in this book. I still spent the majority of the book wanting to punch Alex in the face, but in the end she seemed to have learned a thing or two. I also liked how Zack branched out on his own and PJ dealt with her problems in strongest way she could think of. And even though I found Olivia's narration to be the least exciting because she stays behind, I liked how her relationship with Thomas developed and how, in the end, there was a major turning point.

I'm not as fond of Wanderlust as I am Beautiful Americans because there were less exciting bits and it was a tad predictable, but it still has plenty of excitement, twists, and an ending that has left me dying for the conclusion to this awesome series.


Links: Lucy's blog

Book details: Razorbill/Hardcover/$16.99

In My Mailbox (12)

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. (:

Since it was Christmas, I got a bazillion books. I'm just going to list them all.

But for review, I also got All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab. It was a complete surprise, and I can't wait to read it!

And the Christmas loot:

• Tips on Having a Gay (Ex) Boyfriend by Carrie Jones
• Lips Touch by Laini Taylor
• The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley
• Sliding on the Edge by C. Lee McKenzie
• One Wish by Leigh Brescia
• The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp
• The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z by Kate Messner
• Splendor by Anna Godbersen
• Blue Plate Special by Michelle Kwasney
• The Straight Road to Kylie by Nico Medina
  
• Betrayals by Lili St. Crow
• The Lost Sister by Megan Kelley Hall
• Stupid Cupid by Rhonda Stapleton
• Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble
• Fate by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
• Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature by Robin Brande
• Love is Hell anthology
• Dramarama by E. Lockhart
• Triple Fault by Jessica Burkhart
• Best Enemies by Jessica Burkhart
• Break by Hannah Moskowitz
• What Happens Here by Tara Altebrando

...yeah, we aren't gift card people. While many people got gift cards, I got actual books! Which is funtimes. Can't wait to read all of these, yay.

Interview with THE DARK DIVINE'S Daniel

For the last post of The Dark Divine week, I have a short interview with everyone's new favorite male character, Daniel.

I found some reviews that mention Daniel, so before we get to the questions, here is what some people are already saying about him (click the blog names to get to their review):

"Speaking of Daniel, can I just say how much I adore him? He's a great combination of a bad boy and a good guy (if that makes any sense at all). He's just so SA-WOON worthy that if I think about him anymore, I might start hyperventilating out of pure sensory overload." - Catt, The Dreamer Reader

"Daniel. *swoon* (:" - Hope, Hope's Bookshelf

"Daniel was definitely swoon-worthy. He also had a strong teen voice but it was mixed with the world-weariness expected from someone with a mysterious past." - Emilee, Penultimate Page

"Daniel is 100% swoonworthy! The chemistry between Daniel and Grace was so much - I loved it." - Erica, The Book Cellar (Also, thanks to Erica for helping with some of the interview questions. :])

Obviously, people like Daniel (especially people named Catt).

And now, the Q&A!

1) What do you like doing in your spare time, besides art? What's one thing you've wanted to try, but haven't been able to?

I've always been interested in how things work. I like to take things apart and try to figure out why the designer made the choices he did--or maybe how I could improve the design.

I'm also kind of a junkie for speed--but not of the drug variety--well, at least not anymore. I like to go fast. Motorcycles. Cars. Running. Parkour is kind of my thing. I've always wanted to go skydiving. The idea of free-falling and feeling the wind in my face seems pretty exhilarating. Wonder if I can talk Grace into trying that with me.

2) If you could only do art in one medium for the rest of your life, which would you choose?

Oil painting, all the way.

3) Who is your role model and why?

Gabriel. He helped me when no one else would, and he's been through the same things that I have. I also really respect Pastor Divine. I don't know how that guy does the things he does--even for someone like me.

4) What are you most afraid of?

Becoming like my father.

5) Are you good at taking compliments? Because I have a feeling you'll be getting a lot of them after everyone reads The Dark Divine.

Interesting question. I guess I kind of feel like I don't deserve praise. I've done a lot of messed up things in my life, but I'm trying to be a better person now.

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To find out more about the humble, based on the last question, and , in the words of Catt, SA-WOON worthy Daniel, be sure to read The Dark Divine! Also, be sure to check out Bree Despain's website, blog, and twitter.

The Dark Divine Swag Giveaway!

Happy Christmas to all of you who are celebrating! The Dark Divine week stops for no holidays, so here's a contest! One winner will get a The Dark Divine shirt, nail polish, bookmarks, and stickers. To enter, fill out the form!

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

[description from goodreads]

Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.

The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

Review:

If you've been paying attention to the blog this week, you know I've been doing a whole week dedicated to this book. Based on that, you should be able to guess that I liked it. If you guessed that, you would be correct, because I thought The Dark Divine was totally great.

The book is basically being sold as a paranormal romance, which I was a bit confused by early on. The supernatural element is not revealed completely until a long, long way in the book, which made it a bit slow because I would just wonder "isn't there supposed to be something paranormal going on?" However, subtle clues were given before the big reveal, keeping me completely interested and guessing about what would happen. And once it was finally revealed, I was more than happy because it's a completely new take on a familiar thing. I also loved all the mystery surrounding the ~bad boy~ Daniel. I wondered along with Grace about why he was there, what his true motives were, and what he did while he was away.

Grace was a refreshing main character, because while she is a "good, smart girl" that some people may be annoyed by, she's not a complete bore, like some other main characters of paranormal novels I can think of. She has other interests (art) and wasn't afraid to do some snooping of her own to find out what was up. The romance that later developed in the book made her a lot more interesting as well. ;) Grace's brother, Jude, was also a fantastic character. Though I knew the general direction of where his actions would head because I am much too familiar with the parable of the Prodigal Son, the parable the book is based on, I was still fascinated by what he would do next. What would make him go crazy, why he didn't like Daniel, and what he would do to try to hide his actions were all things I wondered about, and they were what kept me flipping pages.

The Dark Divine may be slow to start and a bit predictable, but it's still full of mystery, excitement, and wonderful characters.

Links: Bree's website, blog, and twitter

Book details: EgmontUSA/Hardcover/$17.99

Interview with THE DARK DIVINE'S Grace

Yesterday, I interviewed the author of The Dark Divine, Bree Despain, and today I have an interview with the narrator of the book, Grace.

So without further ado:

1) Have you been working on your art lately? How is that going?

Wow, my work is actually getting pretty good lately. I might even have a chance of getting into the Trenton Art Institute. But I owe that all to my new tutor.

2) What's one piece of art that you wish you drew/painted/sculpted/other?

Renior's "Dance in the Town"

3) Least favorite thing about being a Pastor's Kid?

Everybody watching what I do all the time. It's like I'm a morality barometer for the whole town. My mom says that I have to be careful about the clothes I wear, or what movies I'm seen going into because people will watch what the pastor's kid as an example for what they're allowed to do. But I make mistakes like everyone else--it's just a bigger deal because people are watching me.

4) What are you and your super-close family doing for the holidays? Are you looking forward to it?

Things are kind of . . . um . . . weird with my family right now. I haven't even had a chance to think about Christmas yet.

5) What are you most afraid of?

Losing the people I love.

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To find more about Grace, and to find out what weird things are going on in her family, be sure to pick up a copy of the wonderful The Dark Divine!

Also, be sure to check out Bree Despain's website, blog, and twitter. And be sure to stick around the blog for more The Dark Divine goodness the rest of the week. (:

Bree Despain Interview

Today I'm kicking off a week of all things The Dark Divine to celebrate its release! It's one of the first Tenner books to be released, and Liyana over at LiyanaLand is celebrating the release of Scones and Sensibility and Magic Under Glass, which are also released today. I'm sure you've heard about The Dark Divine already, as it has already gotten rave reviews from cool people such as The Story Siren, The Dreamer Reader, and Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf. But if you somehow haven't heard of this awesome book, here's a description, straight from Bree's site:


Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared—the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in blood. But she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night really held. And when Daniel returns three years later, Grace can no longer deny her attraction to him, despite promising Jude she’ll stay away.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, her actions stir the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind Jude and Daniel's dark secret . . . and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it—her soul.

----

Sounds great, right? It is great. My review will be up either tomorrow or Thursday. But right now, here's an interview with the lovely author, Bree Despain:

1) I'm assuming you like the Parable of the Prodigal Son since The Dark Divine is based off of it. I'm not a huge fan since I've had to read it at least 5 times in two different classes for school. Why do you like it so much? And why did you choose that parable, instead of like the Parable of the Mustard Seed, Parable of the Sower, or The Good Samaritan? (And cue all the non Catholic/Christian school kids being all "wth is Khy talking about?)

I have always been intrigued by the Prodigal Son parable because that particular story has no ending. I really wanted to explore what happened after the prodigal son returned. Was he ever able to put his life back together? Was his good brother ever able to forgive him? Would the person who loves both of the brothers be able to reconcile her feelings and loyalties toward the two? These questions really fascinated me, and were the driving force behind the action of my story.

Not saying much, but the Parable of the Good Samaritan may (or may not) have a role in the sequel.

Author photo credited to Chauntelle Janzer of OpieFoto

2) Oooh, I'm intrigued already. Grace, your main character, is an artist. What about you? Do you draw or paint or anything like that, or do you stick to the ~art of writing~?

I love art, and it is something that is very important to my family. My uncle is a phenomenal oil painter, and my sister and brother are very talented artists. I started painting when I was a little girl, and enjoyed doing it up until high school when I finally came to terms with the fact that I was not very good at it. Luckily, I soon discovered that I was better at theatre than I was at drawing, and that hobby eventually led me to writing short plays. That’s when I discovered that my real passion was writing. I am still in awe (and a little bit jealous) of my artistically talented family members, but I kind of feel like words are my paintbrushes.

3) Just saying that I love that you spelled "theatre" the fancy way. What are you most looking forward to about your book being out?

Um, that the anticipation will FINALLY be over!! Also, I really believe that a story doesn't live until somebody reads it. I'm looking forward to my book coming to life in the hands of readers all over the country--but not in a freaky "it's alive! it's alive! Holy crap this book came to life a bit my hand off!" sort of way.

4) Were you always a big paranormal fan? Did you write any paranormal books/stories before The Dark Divine?

I started out writing realistic/humorous fiction, and the very first incarnation of TDD was as a contemporary fiction novel. But I often like to have the TV on for background noise while I'm working, and a few years ago I was writing when an episode of BUFFY came on TV. I'd never seen the show before, and after a few minutes I realized I was watching the show instead of writing. I became a huge fan of BUFFY within a few weeks, and I now own every single episode. I really liked the way they used paranormal creatures/events as metaphors for things teens deal with in that show, and I decided that I wanted to try my hand at paranormal fiction. I started reading paranormal books, and started writing a paranormal novel (not TDD), and I eventually realized that TDD needed to be a paranormal story.

To the right there is a lovely picture of Bree and me. (Yay rhyme!)

5) If you had to be a supernatural creature, which one would you most like to be?

Does a slayer count?

6) Of course it does. I saw on your site you like Friday Night Lights. LET'S TALK FNL. Saracen or Riggins or someone else? Do you want to punch Lyla too? Or Buddy, sometimes? And in one sentence, can you tell everyone why they should watch FNL if they are lame and haven't already?

Oh man, I can't tell you how much I love FNL. I am dying over the fact that I don't have Direct TV so I haven't seen a single episode of this current season. I can't wait until it's on network TV!! I like Saracen as a character, but I'm totally a Riggins girl. That boy just melts my heart. Oh, and that smile!! Okay, I better stop since my hubby will totally read this interview.

And yes on punching Lyla. She doesn't deserve to get to frolic with those cute boys. Buddy is a weird character because sometimes I hate him, and then other times I feel bad for him.

Okay, one sentence sales pitch for FNL: Hmm . . . Hot guys + great acting + great script writing + hot guys = awesomeness personified.

Or how about: I HATE football, yet I am still obsessed with this show and you will be too.

---

Thanks so much, Bree! I guess I need to watch season two of Buffy then, since it is partly responsible for the awesome that is The Dark Divine.

And everyone: be sure to check out Bree's website, blog, and twitter, and be sure to get your copy of The Dark Divine, which is finally released today!

And stick around all this week for more The Dark Divine awesomeness. (:

Scones and Sensibility by Lindsay Eland

[description from amazon]

Seek tirelessly and you shall not find a contemporary heroine of middle-grade literature as refined and romantic as Miss Polly Madassa. Still swooning over the romantic conclusions of Pride & Prejudice and Anne of Green Gables, twelve-year-old Polly decides her purpose in life: helping along lonely hearts in search of love. Polly's only task this summer is to make deliveries for her parents' bakery, leaving ample time for this young cupid to find hearts to mend--beginning with the kite-store owner, Mr. Nightquist, who will pair perfectly with Miss Wiskerton (the unfairly labeled town curmudgeon). Polly's best friend Fran Fisk is in desperate need of a mother ever since hers ran off with a man she met on the Internet; Polly must find a match for Mr. Fisk. And while she's at it, it wouldn't hurt to find Clementine, Polly's teenaged sister, a beau worthy of her (so she can shed that brute, Clint). Polly's plans are in full swing, so she definitely cannot be bothered by the advances of classmate Brad Barker.

But maybe Polly should have turned her attention to Miss Austen's Emma next, because she quickly learns the pitfalls of playing matchmaker. How will Polly patch up her own relationships, while ensuring that destined love can take its course?

Review:

I was expecting this book to be good, but I wasn't expecting to fall in love with it after only the first chapter. Though I was sometimes annoyed with Polly, the main character, I still found the book so absolutely wonderful. In fact, it may be one of my favorites of the year, but I'm sure not everyone will love it as much as I do.

My absolute favorite thing about this book was the writing. Polly speaks and narrates in an "old timey" voice, like the characters in her favorite book Pride and Prejudice. (Example of this: the first line of the description.) I thought it was simultaneously hilarious and adorable. I know it may bother some people, but the voice fit Polly completely. It's mature, and yet a bit over the top, just like Polly is. I know many will not agree with me on the language bit and may find it distracting, but I'm weird and find it amusing.

I also adored Polly. In a weird way, she reminds me of Georgia Nicolson (from the Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series)- she's hilarious, ridiculous, has her own way of speaking, and is totally unique, just like Georgia, but not as extreme. Though I wish she would have not been so stubborn and oblivious, I loved how she was determined to do what she thought was right. Her antics were highly amusing; they kept me smiling and wondering about what trouble she would get in next. Whether she was ruining someone's love life or just visiting some of her neighbors, I was completely interested and never tired of the admittedly a bit repetitive events.

Though I wish some of the more minor characters and plotlines were explored more- Polly's potential romance, for example-, I am completely enamored with Scones and Sensibility. I think it's absolutely adorable, and I totally wish I was as cool as Polly when I was 12. Highly, highly, recommended, but perhaps best for the fans of Jane Austen and Anne of Green Gables.

*Scones and Sensibility will be officially released tomorrow.

Links: Lindsay's website/blog/twitter

Book details: EgmontUSA/Hardcover/$15.99

In My Mailbox (11)

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. (:

I'm too lazy to find covers and descriptions for these (it's Christmas break, so I am more lazy than usual), so here is just a list:

• Dream Life by Lauren Mechling
• Calamity Jack by Shannon and Dean Hale
• Eighth Grade Superzero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
• Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers (which I have already read and LOVELOVELOVELOVED.)

I think that's it. Now it's time to be lazy again. x) Don't you just love Christmas break?

Freaks and Revelations Giveaway!

Yesterday I posted my review of Freaks and Revelations by Davida Wills Hurwin, and now you have a chance to win a copy!

Here's the book description, from goodreads:

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.

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To enter, fill out the form (someone please tell me if this doesn't work):

Freaks and Revelations by Davida Wills Hurwin

[description from goodreads]

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.

Review:

So far, I have seen this book nowhere. Which kinds of sucks, because it's a really great book. It's powerful and sad but still quite enjoyable.

I already knew the general direction the story was headed because one time I saw the story this book is based off on an episode of Gangland*, but for once I didn't mind. Usually I don't like reading more character-driven books where I know what will happen, but this one was interesting enough to keep me reading. Though it took me a few chapters to get used to the constant change of POV, and to get over my initial confusion over who was talking (the narrators' names are not revealed until like half way through the book so often I was like "wait what who?"), I definitely liked both of the characters' narration. Both of them were quite different, as you can probably gather from the synopsis, and each of their points of view reflected that. Doug's narration definitely had a more angry tone, while Jason's is more desperate and sad.

The tones also helped reflect the personalities and motivations of the characters. Doug's angry tone showed just how mad he was at everything- his family, his living situation, etc- and how his anger caused him to do all sorts of awful things in an attempt to feel better about himself and make things "right." Jason's more somber tone reflected that he was hopeless after his family kicked him out, and how he wanted things to be better and would do anything to get there. Because of this, it was easy to see why both characters did the things they did, no matter how crazy or wrong their actions seemed.

Though at times the book was a little slow, and the ending, while hopeful and satisfying, a bit rushed, Freaks and Revelations is still a powerful, heartbreaking, great book.


*Don't judge me.

Book details: Little, Brown/Hardcover/$16.99

My Project for Awesome video!

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Waiting on Wednesday (49)

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

Today's pick:
Tagged by Mara Purnhagen

description (from goodreads)

Kate Morgan is just as confused as the rest of her classmates when she arrives at Cleary High to find six life-size gorillas spray painted on the side of a building. Could the culprit be one of her friends or classmates? And is the kind-of-amazing creation really vandalism, or a work of art? She's tempted to stay out of it, mostly because, as the police chief’s daughter, she's always accused of being a snitch. But when gorillas start appearing throughout the state, her investigative instincts kick in.

Now Eli, Kate’s favorite co-worker at the local coffee shop, is MIA. With her best friend, Lan, preoccupied with her own boy troubles, Kate needs to figure out some things on her own. Like why she can’t stop thinking about Eli. And what she will do when all clues about the graffiti point to someone she knows...

---

I must admit that I was first interested in this book because of the gorillas. I'm not a huge ape fan or anything, but somehow they make everything more interesting, even if they are only spray painted. This book sounds like it could be really mysterious and romantic and awesome too, doesn't it? I'm always interested in graffit books too, since I really enjoyed Kelly Parra's Graffiti Girl, which was quite original. This one sounds original too. Can't wait! :D

Released March 1, 2010!

The Hunger Games and Catching Fire- questions, comments, etc.

Today, let's talk about The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. So if you haven't read BOTH of the books, run away from this post!

Spoilers ahead, for both books~

I have some thoughts on the books I want to get out there, and I want to ask some of you cray cray fangirls some things.

• First off- is there anything you DIDN'T like about The Hunger Games (I'm too lazy to italicize or capitalize it x]) ? Because one major problem I had was that I knew Katniss wouldn't die because it was in first person present, and I was pretty sure Suzanne Collins wasn't going to pull a Jodi Picoult on us. Because of that, much of the suspense and "omg is she going to win omg" feeling was gone. And I really don't see many other people complain about the book, other than that it is much like Battle Royale.
• What is this Team Gale and Team Peeta nonsense? GALE IS IN THE BOOKS FOR LIKE 5 MINUTES. Why does there have to be teams, especially when we never see Katniss and Gale interact? HE'S NEVER THERE! As far I'm concerned people either want Katniss to be with Peeta or they don't, but "don't" doesn't mean "with Gale."
• Why does everyone love Catching Fire so much? I mean, it was good, yeah, but I felt it was a bit too repetitive. I enjoyed seeing the after effects of the game and am intereste to see what will happen with the rebellion, but going back into the arena? Seriously? I've been there, done that. Something new would be nice. I understand why it was done, and liked the arena changes, but I would have rather have seen something I haven't before.
  

I've avoid reading reviews of both books because if I read any more my head will explode. But I want answers, so will someone please tell me why you love these books so much?

Hero by Perry Moore

[description from goodreads]

Thom Creed is used to being on his own. Even as a highschool basketball star, he has to keep his distance because of his father. Hal Creed had once been one of the greatest and most beloved superheroes of The League--until the Wilson Towers incident. After that Thom's mother disappeared and his proud father became an outcast.

The last thing in the world Thom would ever want is to disappoint his father. So Thom keeps two secrets from him: First is that he's gay. The second is that he has the power to heal people. Initially, Thom had trouble controlling his powers. But with trial and error he improves, until he gets so good that he catches the attention of the League and is asked to join. Even though he knows it would kill his dad, Thom can't resist. When he joins the League, he meets a motley crew of other heroes, including tough-talking Scarlett, who has the power of fire from growing up near a nuclear power plant; Typhoid Larry, who makes everyone sick by touching them, but is actually a really sweet guy; and wise Ruth, who has the power to see the future. Together these unlikely heroes become friends and begin to uncover a plot to kill the superheroes.

Along the way, Thom falls in love, and discovers the difficult truth about his parents' past. This is a moving, funny, and wonderfully original novel that shows that things are not always what they seem, and love can be found in the unlikeliest of places.

Review:

I am a big fan of superheroes, so I was quite excited to read this one. I hadn't heard anything about it before reading, so I didn't really know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It was slow, a bit predictable, and there was too much going on, but I loved the action and enjoyed it despite its flaws.

Hero is not super original, as most of the heroes in the book have powers that practically every other superhero ever has, but I did like the twist of Thom being gay. His sexuality presented some problems for him, and I liked how there were actual problems. Most of the GLBTQ books I read are usually a bit idealistic* but here it wasn't. I also enjoyed that Thom didn't make a huge deal of his sexuality, but I didn't like how he made a big deal of many other things. He was a bit too whiny and paranoid at sometimes for my liking; I know that he was worried and scared over some things, but after a while I was thinking "ok shut up let's move on."

Speaking of moving on, I wish the plot moved a bit faster. It took a while for Thom to actually get involved with the League and deal with the problems there, and although there is plenty f action after he arrives, there's a bit too much. There was too much going on; too many subplots, not enough development. However, I liked the conflict between Thom and his dad- his dad didn't accept him, his dad was the reason many people avoided him, his dad kept secrets from him, but Thom still wanted them to have a good relationship. Even though there were tons of secrets, Thom was determined to somehow make it right, and that was one personality trait of his that I wasn't annoyed with.

Hero may be predictable and have too much going on, but it's still an action packed, fun, and surprisingly deep story.

*I may or may not be referring to David Levithan here, even though I LOVE HIM.

Links: Perry's site

Book details: Hyperion/Paperback/$8.99

In My Mailbox (10)

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. (:

A very slow week, but still FREAKING AWESOME.

From a lovely person named Chelsea, I got:

The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell

Damien Locke knows his destiny--attending the university for supervillains and becoming Golden City's next professional evil genius. But when Damien discovers he's the product of his supervillain mother's one-night stand with--of all people--a superhero, his best-laid plans are ruined as he's forced to live with his superhero family.

Going to extreme lengths (and heights), The Rise of Renegade X chronicles one boy's struggles with the villainous and heroic pitfalls of growing up.

---This was a HUGE surprise, and when I opened the package I might have squealed and skipped around the house. I've begun reading it and I quite enjoy it so far! Yay! I'm only like five chapters in and I'm dying to finish, but I have finals this week so I have to studystudystudy, unfortunately. But as soon as all my difficult finals are over, I will be devouring the rest of this book. :D THANK YOU LOVELY AMAZING SPARKLETASTIC CHELSEA!

I would read __'s books just for __.

I finished a book last night, and all I could think about was how lovely the writing was. It was just GOOD. And writing is usually one of the last things I notice. Which made me realize I would read this author's books just because I LOVE their writing style, which made me think about why I would read other authors' books just because I love their plots/characters/writing/other stuff. So, I thought I would make a post on the subject. Without further ado:

- I would read Beth Kephart's books just for the writing. This was the author I was talking about above. I've read three of her books (House of Dance, Nothing But Ghosts, and the last one I read was Undercover). Her writing is just so beautiful! If you read her blog, you would know that, but her books are just so LOVELY. Her plots and characters, while good and enjoyable, never really dazzle me, but the writing...gah. I just love it.

- I would read Scott Westerfeld's books just for the plots. Scott's books all have a unique concept and although many of the first books in his series read like the first book in a series (as in, a bit slow) I would read them just to see what he's come up with. His world building is always fantastic and the plots are always super exciting.

- I would read David Levithan's books just because his name is on them. Same goes for Courtney Summers, JK Rowling, and a few others. Those three can do no wrong!

- I would read Maureen Johnson's books just for the characters. Her characters are absolutely hilarious! Even though I love how different each of her books are, I think I love the characters most of all. Though I suppose I am a bit biased because I'm obsessed with Spencer from Suite Scarlett. But still. Scarlett, Keith, Ginny, Avery, and Aidan, among others, are simply too awesome. And they're hilarious! Maybe I should change this one to I would read MJ's books just for the humor.

---

There are many more I could add, but I don't want to go on forever. (: Anyone else have answer things like this?

I feel the need to talk about Glee.

SO I AM GOING TO. I can break the nonexistent blogging about books rule if I want.

Besides, I figure many of the people who read this blog watch Glee because everyone who reads my blog is cool and cool people watch Glee.

~spoilers for the fall finale of Glee (you know, the awesome show) ahead~

First off, this song is totally my jam:



I am listening to it AS I WRITE THIS POST. It's definitely not the best song they've sung but it sounds so HAPPY.

Some random thoughts about the show/the fall finale:

• How am I supposed to make it until April?
• I am SO GLAD that pregnancy nonsense is over. That whole Terri fake baby plotline was kind of dumb and frustrating. And the Quinn one wasn't much better. Now that everything is out in the ~open~ all the stupid stuff about it can stop! Hopefully.
  
• Idina Menzel is going to be on the show? Oh my gosh. EEEEEEE! I was already squealing when I heard Jonathan Groff is going to be on the show, and Kristin Chenoweth will be on again, but Idina TOO? IT CAN'T GET ANY MORE AWESOME. I was discussing this Idina thing with my buddy Nicole (Word for Teens) and we both agreed that if she does a duet with Kristin Chenoweth/sings a song from Wicked we will die from the joy.
  
• I love Brittany the dumb cheerleader. She's so stupid but so hilarious. "I find recipes confusing." And look how ferocious of a dancer Heather Morris, the girl who plays her, is (she's on the right):
  
• I kind of don't like Mr. Schuester. He's annoying. He just is.
  
• A lot of the plot lines were rushed during the first 13 episodes (Artie/Tina, for example) but I'm hoping that is fixed in the next nine now that they have them. Yay!
  
• I love Dianna Agron, who plays Quinn. I mean, have you read her tumblr? Adorable!
  
• The choreography of the last song in the finale was win.
• I also love Artie and the actor who plays him, Kevin McHale. Both are just awesome.
  
• Sue Sylvester is the best mean person ever, even though her intentions are usually vague.
• I want Other Asian to speak more! He's awesome! He is a ferocious dancer too. Just look at this compilation someone dedicated made:
  

Ok I think I am done squee-ing now. x)

Identical by Ellen Hopkins

[description from indiebound]

Do twins begin in the womb?
Or in a better place?

Kaeleigh and Raeanne are identical down to the dimple. As daughters of a district-court judge father and a politician mother, they are an all-American family -- on the surface. Behind the facade each sister has her own dark secret, and that's where their differences begin.

For Kaeleigh, she's the misplaced focus of Daddy's love, intended for a mother whose presence on the campaign trail means absence at home. All that Raeanne sees is Daddy playing a game of favorites -- and she is losing. If she has to lose, she will do it on her own terms, so she chooses drugs, alcohol, and sex.

Secrets like the ones the twins are harboring are not meant to be kept -- from each other or anyone else. Pretty soon it's obvious that neither sister can handle it alone, and one sister must step up to save the other, but the question is -- who?

Review:

I wasn't really planning on reviewing this one, but dude. Oh my gosh. It was so GOOD. For a while I was like "so um when is this going to get more intense" AND THEN. The twist happened. And I automatically LOVED this book.

Identical is written in Ellen Hopkins's signature verse style, and like all her other books, it's written beautifully. The poetry makes it seem more intense; something about the formation/structure of the verses and lines and only using necessary words to tell the story make everything seem more intense than it already is. I enjoyed the different points of view in this book as well. Although the voices of Kaeleigh and Raeanne did sound similar at times, each one is distinct and most of the time it's easy to differentiate between the two.

As I mentioned earlier, early on in the book I was wondering when it would really start getting more eventful and exciting. Don't get me wrong- the girls' lives were both heartbreaking yet completely fascinating. Their exposition was...entertaining, if that's the right word to describe something I was fascinated and horrified by. However, as the girls got in more trouble, it got much more exciting. I was constantly wondering what bad thing would happen next and for a few nights I stayed up to read because I couldn't wait much longer to finish. And once the twist happened, there is no way I was going to stop reading.

The twist near the end is completely shocking- there are small clues throughout the book but I had no clue the twist would happen. That's all I'll say about that- it's better for you not to know much.

Identical is just as great as the other Ellen Hopkins novels I've read, but because it was so surprising, it might just be my favorite. It's emotional, sad, and completely engrossing.

Links: Ellen's website/blog/twitter

Book details: Margaret K. McElderry/Hardcover/$17.99

Waiting on Wednesday (48)

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

Today's pick:

The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell

description (from Chelsea's site):

Damien Locke knows his destiny–attending the university for supervillains and becoming Golden City’s next professional evil genius. But when Damien discovers he’s the product of his supervillain mother’s one-night stand with–of all people–a superhero, his best-laid plans are ruined as he’s forced to live with his superhero family.

Going to extreme lengths (and heights), The Rise of Renegade X chronicles one boy’s struggles with the villainous and heroic pitfalls of growing up.

---

I do not know why I have not WoWed this before! Chelsea is completely awesome and her book sounds completely awesome and I am dying for it, yet I have not WoWed it! FAIL.

I stare at Chelsea over twitter all the time and I have talked to her many times before and she is the first Tenner I ever emailed, so she is ~special.~ Special and AWESOME. So awesome that I would want to read her book even if I had no idea what is was about.

ANYWAY. Doesn't this book sound great? Superhero books are always win, but I have never read one about a VILLIAN-ish person so points for originality! Plus the book is about a boy, which is more original as well.

Chelsea is just a unique person.

Released May 11, 2010- SO FAR.

Who else loves Pretty Little Liars?

I know there must be some other fans of the series who read this blog. THERE HAS TO.

So, who else didn't know the show was already cast and is filming?

Seriously, I found this out yesterday. And I found out from Alea/Pop Culture Junkie, who hasn't even read the books yet!

Obviously I am behind in my Pretty Little Liars news.

(And for those of you who don't know, Pretty Little Liars is the first book in a series by Sara Shepard, about four ex best friends and the person who is stalking them. That's the gist of it, anyway. THEY ARE AWESOME. I don't care if they are a bit repetitive and drawn out. They are still great and addicting.)

For those of you who have read the series, what do you think of the cast (casting info here) Particularly the four main girls.

Spencer (Troian Bellisario)

---She doesn't look like Spencer. She just doesn't. I think she would make a much better Hanna or even Aria. But not Spencer, argh.

Emily (Shay Mitchell) (this was the only picture I could find)

---As you can see, the book's depiction (left) of Emily is quite different from the actress. The book one is closer to my image, but I can get behind this actress as Emily. I guess.

Aria (Lucy Hale)

---I can get behind this. Not exactly how I pictured Aria, but I can see it. She's actually probably my favorite of the four main girls cast, actually.

Hanna (Ashley Benson)

---I think she would make a much better Spencer. If she and the first girl switched roles it would be near perfect.


More cast info here and here, if anyone wants it.

I am eager to see how this all works out. Most of the big roles have been cast, but I'm too lazy to make a giant post about them, but you can go to the two links above. I think much of the minor casting was better, and I really only like 1/4 main girls. But still, I'm excited. I just hope they don't diverge from the books too much.

I wonder when we all can finally see the pilot episode?

Hold Still by Nina Lacour

[description from amazon]

An arresting story about starting over after a friend’s suicide, froma breakthrough new voice in YA fiction

dear caitlin, there are so many things that i want so badly to tell you but i just can’t.

Devastating, hopeful, hopeless, playful . . . in words and illustrations, Ingrid left behind a painful farewell in her journal for Caitlin. Now Caitlin is left alone, by loss and by choice, struggling to find renewed hope in the wake of her best friend’s suicide. With the help of family and newfound friends, Caitlin will encounter first love, broaden her horizons, and start to realize that true friendship didn’t die with Ingrid. And the journal which once seemed only to chronicle Ingrid’s descent into depression, becomes the tool by which Caitlin once again reaches out to all those who loved Ingrid—and Caitlin herself.

Review:

I expected to enjoy Hold Still after I read the premise and heard that Gayle Forman (who wrote one of my favorites of the year, If I Stay) was a huge fan, but I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Hold Still is a well-written, sad, but hopeful story that is absolutely lovely.

I loved how journal entries from Ingrid were included in the book; the entries gave her a personality even though she is dead, and because of that it was easier to see why Caitlin was so affected by her death. Caitlin had a more idealized view of her friend and as she read the hjournal, her views changed. It was easy to see why Caitlin was upset about her friend's death, and why she was upset with Ingrid. I like seeing her conflicted views of being upset at Ingrid for keeping secrets and being upset that she was gone; it was quite realistic.

Although I was more than happy with Caitlin's handling of the situation, I was less happy about her voice sometimes. At the end especially, she and the other characters sounded a bit too message-y, and I felt that Caitlin was sharing a bit too much considering the fact that earlier she didn't want to speak to anyone. However, that was my only major problem with the book. I liked seeing other people's reaction to Ingrid's death and how they helped Caitlin overcome her grief. I liked seeing Caitlin get better. I even liked reading the paragraphs about how Caitlin really felt, even though they were extremely sad.

An excellent, emotional read. Highly recommended.

Book details: Dutton/Hardcover/$17.99

Links: Nina's site/the amazing book trailer

GoldenGirl winner is...

...Casey, aka A Passion for Books! Congrats! Casey, please email me (address in the sidebar) your address ASAP. :D

In My Mailbox (9)

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. (:

All descriptions from amazon.

Bought:

Positively by Courtney Sheinmel

Emerson Price cannot remember a time when life was ordinary. She was four years old when she and her mom were diagnosed as HIV-positive -- infected with the virus that causes AIDS -- and eight when her parents divorced. Now she is thirteen and her mother is dead. Emmy moves in with her father and stepmother, but she feels completely alone. Even though everyone has always accepted her, no one -- not her father, or stepmother, or even her best friend -- understands what it's like to have to take medicine every single day and to be so afraid of getting sick. Now Emmy misses her mom more than she ever thought she would.

When Emmy's dad and stepmother send her to Camp Positive, a camp for HIV-positive girls, Emmy is certain she is going to hate it. But soon she realizes that she is not so alone after all -- and that sometimes letting other people in can make all the difference in the world.

Author Courtney Sheinmel has written an unforgettable novel about strength and hope in the face of tragedy.

---I got to meet Courtney at an event on Thursday (yay!) and she was super duper awesome. I got this one signed by her too, whoot.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.

We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.

At least, that's what I thought.

Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.

There was a curse.

There was a girl.

And in the end, there was a grave.

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.

---I have already read an adored this one, but I bought a copy at the launch part to get signed. Yay!

In the mail:

Don't Know Where Don't Know When by A.S. Laing

What a nightmare.

Hannah Dias, California Girl with Attitude, and Alex, her laid-back brother, have moved from exciting San Francisco to boring Snipesville, Georgia. Life doesn't improve when they meet Brandon, a dorky kid who is plotting his escape from the Deep South, and the weird Professor, who has a strange secret.

Suddenly, the kids are catapulted thousands of miles and almost seventy years to England during World War Two.

They fall into a world of stinging nettles, dragon ladies, bomb blasts, ugly underwear, stinky sandwiches, painful punishments, and non-absorbing toilet paper. They learn so much more than they could ever learn in a history class. Not that they want to learn it.

But they can't go home unless they find George Braithwaite, whoever he is, and whatever it is that he has to do with Snipesville.

---I got this book and the sequel for review. A.S. sent me one of my favorite review book pitches so I of course said yes. (:

I also bought:

Friday Night Lights Season 2 DVD

YESSSSSS.