Saturday, July 30, 2011

In My Mailbox (57)

In My Mailbox is held weekly by Kristi at The Story Siren. Click here for details on how to participate.

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Library:

The Six Rules of Maybe by Deb Caletti
Candor by Pan Bachorz
The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg
Peace, Love and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle
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[Currently on a road trip to South Carolina]


Friday, July 29, 2011

Friday's Finest (71)


Friday's Finest is a new meme hosted by Steff & Justine from A Bookful of Thoughts.

Rules:
~Post a quote that really stuck to you after reading it in a book.
~Make sure it isn't a spoiler!
~If you'd like, expand on what you think it means and why you chose it.


The Summer of Skinny Dipping
by Amanda Howells

They're on a crash course to nowhere. But you, my lady friend, you're a black hole. You've sucked me in, and now there's no escape...




I thought this was a romantic quote. You know me. :) So if you've got another romantic quote, or even any other quote you'd like to share, hit it up with the linky below!

Today I'm leaving to South Carolina to spend some time at the beach. Another week of me gone! But no worries, you won't even know it because of the queued posts. *sigh*. I've still got a lot of catching up to do. Dealing with pre-school stuff is wearing me down and taking up lots of my summery, relaxing time!






Thursday, July 28, 2011

Justine's Thoughts: Take Me There by Carolee Dean


Take Me There
By Carolee Dean

Source: Library
Pages: 325
Book Description:

Dylan has a bad-boy past and a criminal record. He knows that rich, beautiful Jess is way too good for him--but she has always been the one person who sees through his tough exterior and straight to his heart, and he has been hopelessly in love with her from the first time they met. He would change his life for a chance with her.

But trouble follows Dylan wherever he goes, and a deadly mistake soon forces him to hit the road and leave his dreams behind. He’s on the run and in search of answers--answers to questions he wishes he’d never asked.


A quote:

How far can you go down the wrong path before you can’t get back on the right one?

Any thoughts:

I never thought I would like this one because of the first person male narrative, which I always find different and difficult to relate to. But the truth is, I really loved it that I believe it deserves five full stars.

The transitions between the past and the present in the first part of the novel were perfectly established. It starts out with Dylan, our main character, and his best friend Wade driving and escaping from something that has happened, which is unknown to us yet. The flashbacks provide the flow to the present, easing the amount of information so we can put it all together and solve the mystery.

But what mystery? Dylan’s on a quest to find out about his dad and he is willing to go through anything to get the information. He tries to piece together the past and the reasons why his dad is where he is, only to meet people in Texas that give him more struggles.

The thing about Dylan is that he’s poetic. Words form in his mind that produce such wonderful poetry, especially when he meets a girl with “sea green eyes”. The only problem is, it takes a whole lot of patience for Dylan to read and write. In other words, Dylan is illiterate. We can’t help but feel sympathy for him, not only because he can’t read but because he has been through so many hardships. He is also a sweet, caring guy although you may not see it at first glance.

Carolee Dean has done a brilliant job with the story -- with the relationships between characters, the pacing of the plot, the writing, and the suspense. It builds up all until the end, where there is an emotional release, where I cried. It has a great ending that has left me wanting for more...or at least a sequel.



Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (80)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.


Dead To You
by Lisa McMann

Release Date:
February 7th, 2012

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





Lisa McMann!! Just recently finished her Dreamcatcher series and I liked it overall. Anything by her I would completely read in an instant!

So now, I'm back from Florida! But my vacation isn't over just yet. I'm leaving to South Carolina on Friday for a week of nice, sunny beach time! Yippee! No worries, I'll queue posts. But boy, I have got a frickin lot of commenting to catch up on!




Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Teaser Tuesday (51)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.



From pg. 13 of "Something Like Fate"
by Susane Colasanti

We're both obsessed with fate. Anything that helps us make sense of this life is fascinating.


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Monday, July 25, 2011

Daily Dose (74)


This new meme is hosted by Holly from Good Golly Miss Holly.
(Click the photo to see its source!)


















Friday, July 22, 2011

Friday's Finest (70)


Friday's Finest is a new meme hosted by Steff & Justine from A Bookful of Thoughts.

Rules:
~Post a quote that really stuck to you after reading it in a book.
~Make sure it isn't a spoiler!
~If you'd like, expand on what you think it means and why you chose it.


Before I Die
by Jenny Downham

I'm me and you're you, and all of them out there are them. And we're all so different and equally unimportant.







Thursday, July 21, 2011

Justine's Thoughts: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Halo
By Alexandra Adornetto

Source: Contest (ARC)
Pages:
484
Rating: 4/5
Book Description:

Three angels are sent down to bring good to the world: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. But she is the most human, and when she is romantically drawn to a mortal boy, the angels fear she will not be strong enough to save anyone--especially herself--from the Dark Forces.

Is love great enough power against evil?

A quote:

Sometimes it's better to stop trying to make sense of things. Life isn't clear cut, there are always gray areas.

Any thoughts:

I didn’t notice that Alexandra Adornetto is seventeen years old until Steff read the back (unlike me) and told me. Then I said, “Wow, that is impressive. This is pretty good.” Halo is a little more focused on the romance plot and less on the paranormal, and while I enjoyed it, it still has its ups and downs.

The premise of angels coming down to Earth interested me. Life on earth is viewed differently and we get to witness the opinion of an angel from heaven. Of course, when Bethany, the youngest of the three angels sent to Earth, experiences life as a human she instantly faces temptation. She briefly thinks about pre-marital sex and struggles with drinking and partying, but she has a sense of what is right and what is wrong.

Most of the story was based on the romantic relationship between Bethany and Xavier, which was really adorable. I admit, I gushed at some parts. Xavier is kind and has a sense of humour and manners. He is your perfect guy. He does not have a single flaw unless you count his grieving past, which I don’t. But that’s the problem with me -- I like my fiction guys interesting and conflicted. However, Bethany and Xavier make a fantastic couple and I’m glad their relationship is now established so the next book in the series will contain more paranormal aspects.

The writing is wonderful. I loved how Adornetto described with detail the setting and the scenes. Bethany’s voice is unordinary from humans, who talk in slangs and with sarcasm (Admit it, a lot of us do). She gets caught behind, which makes for a soft comedic relief at times.

The one scene I disliked the most was when Xavier didn’t talk to Bethany for a while, resulting in Bethany’s depression. I cringed, and a flashback to when Bella spent time without Edward came to me. I just don’t understand how you can’t not live without your boyfriend. It sent a clear message that Bethany being alone is weak.

As much as I enjoyed Halo, I’m hoping more of a development in Bethany’s character in the next instalment as well as a focus on the paranormal conflicts. To readers who are looking for a deep romance, Halo would be the perfect, unique story for you.



Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (79)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.


Under the Never Sky
by Veronica Rossi

Release Date:
February 7th, 2012

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—nicknamed The Death Shop—are slim. If the cannibals don’t get her, the violent, electrified energy storms eventually will. In this dystopia, even the very air she breathes could kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He’s wild, dangerous—a savage. He’s also her only hope.

Perry needs Aria, too. She alone holds the key to his redemption. And their unlikely alliance will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

Debut author Veronica Rossi is accumulating fans from all over the globe—the book has already sold to more than twenty countries. It’s not surprising that foreign rights for this title have been flying off the shelf. It’s a tantalizing romance in any language.






Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Justine's Thoughts: Possessed by Kate Cann

Possessed
By Kate Cann

Source: Library
Pages:
336
Rating: 4/5
Book Description:

Rayne can't wait to start her summer job at a remote country mansion, far from the crowded, noisy London she so desperately wants to escape. But the retreat soon turns into a nightmare — the mansion is creepy, the legends of ghosts keep Rayne up at night, and she doesn't feel safe anywhere.

Can Rayne figure out why she's so freaked — before she becomes a ghost story herself?

A quote:

Sometimes a house has two histories. One that's less well known. One that people have an interest in keeping less well known.

Any thoughts:

When you read about a change of setting, you can clearly see the differences between them. In Possessed, Rayne moves to an isolated area and decides to live in a spooky, ancient-looking mansion called Morton’s Keep. It’s her only escape from what she feels is the place where she doesn’t belong -- the crowded, messy city of London.

The beginning and the middle of the book took time to get used to. It felt a little boring, I must admit. It is in the end when the suspense rises and you cannot help but want to think about the mystery and turn the pages at the same time. That was my favourite thing about Possessed. The mystery revolved around Morton’s Keep and the past events that had happened long ago. It kept me guessing about what’s wrong with the town and why the rituals the citizens hold are a big deal. Rayne is there in the middle of it all and she has no choice but to figure it out in order to keep herself safe.

The writing fits the atmosphere of the book. It was strong enough at times to make me feel a little spooked. The characters were alright. The minor ones who were left in London I didn’t get to find much about in the end and Rayne is a character who is hard to relate to. I couldn’t figure out her stand most of the time. But all in all, Possessed is an enjoyable, suspenseful read. There’s word that there will be a sequel and that, I will have to read.



Monday, July 18, 2011

Daily Dose (73)


This new meme is hosted by Holly from Good Golly Miss Holly.
(Click the photo to see its source!)


















Saturday, July 16, 2011

In My Mailbox (56)

In My Mailbox is held weekly by Kristi at The Story Siren. Click here for details on how to participate.

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Library:

The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, & June by Robin Benway
Girlfriend Material by Melissa Kantor
Gone (Dream Catcher #3) by Lisa McMann
Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
I Know It's Over by C.K. Kelly Martin
Fortune by Megan Cole

Won from Atkins:

The Host by Stephenie Meyer
Delirious by Daniel Palmer

Borrowed:

Dance Upon The Air (Three Sisters Island #1) by Nora Roberts [from Read Away the Day]
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks [from my friend's sister]


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[Currently on a road trip to Florida so this post is queued!]

This is my reading list for Florida. Possibly. I don't think I could go through all of this on my trip, though, since I'll be doing lots of things (DISNEY WORLDDDD!!!!) Hoooooray!! I may try reading on the road...although sometimes I get a little woozy. But just the thought of having so many things to read -- it makes me utterly happy! Haha! Especially since I've been considering reading the entire Harry Potter series. Uhuh. Finally, right? I must own the books though. I'm picky when it comes to owning books. I don't own much but that's one series I'd definitely like to own! I already have the last two books. (Yup I cheated and read the last two books. I think. Don't even ask about my non-existent Harry Potter obsession.) Since I'm not on the Harry Potter bandwagon, I'm not going to be talking about the movies either and how the last one just came out because I've yet to watch it from the beginning. Totally lacking devotion here to the ultimate series ever. But it's only because I came late into the book stuff.

ANYWAY. Too much Harry Potter! Ahh! I will be in Florida until next week so that means posts are on queue for now. Meanwhile, I hope you're all having a wonderful summer! :) :) :)





Friday, July 15, 2011

Friday's Finest (69)


Friday's Finest is a new meme hosted by Steff & Justine from A Bookful of Thoughts.

Rules:
~Post a quote that really stuck to you after reading it in a book.
~Make sure it isn't a spoiler!
~If you'd like, expand on what you think it means and why you chose it.


Linger
(The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2)
by Maggie Stiefvater

I never knew there were so many different ways to say goodbye.


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I always love the heartbreaking feel to this series. And to respond to this quote, I'd like to say "it's not a goodbye, just a see you later."

Feel free to link your Friday's Finest below!




Thursday, July 14, 2011

Justine's Thoughts: Vinyl Princess by Yvonne Prinz


Vinyl Princess
By Yvonne Prinz
Source: Library
Pages:
313
Rating: 4/5
Book Description:
With a summer job at Bob & Bob Records in Berkeley, California, teen music junkie Allie is ready for anything. She’s poised to fall in love, catch a thief, and make a mix that’ll break your heart. And when she blogs as The Vinyl Princess, Allie is the sort of mystery girl you can’t resist tuning in to. Get ready for the vinyl revolution!
Author Yvonne Prinz, co-founder of Amoeba Music, the world’s biggest independent music store, brings readers into the inspired, obsessive, irrepressible heart of a teen head-over-heels in love with music. Like a great record, here is a read to rock your soul and rattle your bones.
A quote:
There’s no need for us to talk. That’s how it’s like with us. We talk without speaking.

Any thoughts:
I’m not a huge music junkie, especially with old classing songs. But after reading this book -- I wish I am. The references aren’t your typical songs heard on the radio everyday. Instead, they include Johnny Cash, Rod Stewart, Peter Gabriel, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Janis Joplin and so much more. It’s like music heaven.
Allie is the type of person I would totally become friends with. She knows which songs come from which albums, she has a sarcastic sense of humor, and she has a living lifestyle that I would love to have. The minor characters were charming too and I like how they were included in the story. Except for the student named Suki renting a room in their house -- she has a ghostly presence.
The writing has a sarcastic tone, which in my head appeared dull. I think it is because Allie rambled a lot about music. She knew what she was talking about but I didn’t. The writing did, however, make me chuckle a couple of times. The storyline included interesting ideas such as a series of robberies suddenly happening in town, Allie’s mom’s romance, and of course, Allie’s own romance.
What I especially liked was the whole The Vinyl Princess blog concept. You can check it out -- it’s real! It explores the world of vinyl, which I am increasingly beginning to become interested in although it is sadly fading. Still, the songs live on! So if you’re a huge fan of music, of if you liked Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist since it’s a similar concept, why not go ahead and read The Vinyl Princess? It’s a superb idea!


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (78)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.


Witchlanders
by Lena Coakley

Release Date:
August 30, 2011

High in their mountain covens, red witches pray to the Goddess, protecting the Witchlands by throwing the bones and foretelling the future.

It’s all a fake.

At least, that’s what Ryder thinks. He doubts the witches really deserve their tithes—one quarter of all the crops his village can produce. And even if they can predict the future, what danger is there to foretell, now that his people’s old enemy, the Baen, has been defeated?

But when a terrifying new magic threatens both his village and the coven, Ryder must confront the beautiful and silent witch who holds all the secrets. Everything he’s ever believed about witches, the Baen, magic and about himself will change, when he discovers that the prophecies he’s always scorned—

Are about him.



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Description love! Wow, it built up to that very last part. So intense! I'm not into novels on witches seeing as I've never tried one before but I am definitely willing to give this a try.


Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Teaser Tuesday (50)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.



From pg. 1 of "The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June"
by Robin Benway

I hate being the oldest.

I hate it because I'm the one who has to experience everything first. And even if I haven't, my sisters still think I know everything. Which I sort of do, but that's not the point.


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First page in and I can already relate. (April has two sisters and so do I. Sigh). Good signs! Did I tell you about how much I love Robin Benway and that I loved her first book Audrey, Wait! as if I'd marry it? Well...now you know.