The Blog Hop (3)

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee.

The question this week is:

What are your New Years book blogging resolutions?

Ooh this is such a fun question! Alright, here I go!

1. Go wide and comment on everybody's blogs! Not just on a selected few...but everybody's! I follow lots and lots of blogs, but I'll be sure to comment more often. I promise. :)

2. Hold more giveaways. Remember when I said I'd host a giveaway the minute I get a job? Yes, well, that still applies. But I'll be sure to get a part-time job very very soon this year. Seriously! It's already in the works!

3. Read 100+ books, of course. That'll always be a goal every single year ;)

4. Write! I miss writing. I miss creating up worlds in my mind and expressing them in words. I only finished one full story, but that is way, way long time ago and I was way, way young so it's not the best. Still, I aim to write (shorter) stories this year.

5. Use NetGalley. I was soooo happy when I discovered NetGalley! Now that I have a Sony e-book reader *wink*smile* I can easily read e-books. And I just did so (and finished one) this week! Yeah!

6. Last but not least, I should relax about book blogging. It can certainly take a toll on us, sometimes, so all we need to do is take a break once in a while. Especially now that I'll be graduating and heading off into the next step in education. Ooh, scary. But exciting!!

Happy New Years Eve, everyone!

No question for this week!

100+ Reading Challenge in 2011

So in 2010, I reached 88 books. Oh, so close! I'm hoping to read at least 100 this year. It's slow during the school year.... but summer is the time to go all out and read like crazy ;)

It is hosted by J. Kaye at her book blog. To read about the details of this challenge and if you are interested in participating, click here.

January:
1. Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson - January 3, 2011
2. This Girl is Different by JJ Johnson - January 8, 2011
3. Going Bovine by Libba Bray - January 22, 2011
4. WTF by Peter Lerangis - January 28, 2011
February:
5. The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell - February 3, 2011
6. Perfect by Sara Shepard - February 7, 2011
7. Liar by Justine Larbalestier - February 13, 2011
8. Logic of Demons by H.A. Goodman - February 20, 2011
9. Hold Still by Nina LaCour - February 24, 2011
March:
10. Will Grayson, Will Grayson - March 1, 2011
11. Solid by Shelley Workinger - March 4, 2011
12. The Tempest's Roar by R.A.R. Clouston - March 18, 2011
13. Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead - March 29, 2011
April:
14. Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen - April 3, 2011
15. The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson - April 7, 2011
16. The Iron King by Julia Kagawa - April 10, 2011
17. Before I Die by Jenny Downham - April 13, 2011
18. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare - April 16, 2011
19. Delirium by Lauren Oliver - April 24, 2011
20. The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa - April 29, 2011
May:
21. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick - May 3, 2011
22. City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare - May 7, 2011
23. The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard - May 9, 2011
24. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins - May 14, 2011
25. Wither by Lauren DeStefano - May 24, 2011
26. Summer at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs - May 30, 2011
June:
27. The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa - June 5, 2011
28. Linger by Maggie Steifvater - June 19, 2011
29. The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells - June 30, 2011
July:
30. Every Little Thing in the World by Nina de Gramont - July 8, 2011
31. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks - July 9, 2011
32. Breathless by Lurlene McDaniel - July 10, 2011
33. Girlfriend Material by Melissa Kantor - July 16, 2011
34. Gone by Lisa McMann - July 17, 2011
35. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson - July 23, 2011
36. Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti - July 26, 2011
37. I Know It's Over by C.K. Kelly Martin - July 29, 2011
August:
38. Fortune by Megan Cole - August 3, 2011
39. The Six Rules of Maybe by Deb Caletti - August 7, 2011
40. The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg - August 11, 2011
41. Candor by Pam Bachorz - August 15, 2011
42. Peace, Love and Ducks by Lauren Myracle - August 17, 2011
43. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler - August 19, 2011
44. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson - August 26, 2011
September
45. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks - September 5, 2011
46. Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts - September 10, 2011
October
47. All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin - October 9, 2011
November
December
48. Paper Towns by John Green - December 24, 2011
49. Hades by Alexandra Adornetto - December 31, 2011
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Resolutions!

I can still remember writing down my resolutions for 2010. There were two that I managed to do throughout the year: Write a review for every single book I've read AND work on my physio (which was allll summer long). Ahh, hooray!

So, everybody, here are my resolutions for 2011:

1. Calisthenics! It's all about working out, which is one thing I absolutely love to do. It feels refreshing and rejuvenating! (Especially in university, the gym has free access! Heaven!)
   
   
2. Healthy food is good. But of course, this doesn't have to be something so strict. I've already established this mindset halfway through the year, so it surely wouldn't be a problem next year. I'll just have to keep in mind that it's OKAY to eat chocolates and junk food sometimes.
   
   
3. Time to get a job and live a bit of the real world. Yup. Most of my friends already have part-time jobs. I think I'm the only one who doesn't have one. That said, I swear to earn money and think like an adult (responsibility! independence!). After all, I'm getting there.
   
   
4. Be a leader. I am currently taking a leadership class in high school, and I must admit, it has helped big time! It's given me confidence and strength and knowledge that I can be a leader and I can help people. It's perfect preparation for university, I'm tellin' ya.
   
   
5. FOCUS AND STOP PROCRASTINATING. It's a bad, bad, bad, bad habit! I can't say how much I hate it! It's so important to stop this, especially with a very difficult second semester and university coming in the fall. How is it possible to stop, you may ask. That's the question I've been searching an answer for. I might try to lock myself up at the library or a study hall desk thing. Eliminate all sources of technology and I'm good to go! Except...that's almost impossible. We will have to see.
   
   
6. Last, but not least...don't forget to live. It's another important one. Just be happy in life and don't forget about the things that matter most: family and friends and the beauty of life. And smile, because it can get better.

That's all for now, folks (same quote from last year)!!! I may disappear from time to time throughout the year, but I will always be here no matter what. I will not give up on this wonderful blog, where I've made friends with other bloggers. I will continue to live for the book blog community! FOR NARNIA!

P.S. I think I forgot my blogoversary. Oopsies.

Justine's Thoughts: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay
By Gayle Forman

Source: Library (though I wish I own it)
Pages: 234
Book Description:

On a day that started like any other. . .

Mia had everything: a loving family, a gorgeous, adoring boyfriend, and a bright future full of music and full of choices. Then, in an instant, almost all of that is taken from her. Caught between life and death, between a happy past and an unknowable future, Mia spends one critical day contemplating the only decision she has left--the most important decision she’ll ever make.

Simultaneously tragic and hopeful, this is a romantic, riveting, and ultimately uplifting story about memory, music, living, dying, loving.

A quote:

Sometimes you make choices in life and sometimes choices make you.

Any thoughts:

I knew from the very beginning that I would love this novel. Firstly, Gayle Forman is a brilliant author. Secondly, it’s going to be adapted to a movie. Thirdly, it’s a well-known tear-jerker. And fourthly, just look at all the praises for this novel!

It was an emotional, fascinating, and deeply touching ride. I loved the kinds of big topics that were explored in this novel: music, family, friendship, death, life, choices, happiness, and especially love.

The way Gayle Forman tells the story is admiring and gracious. With glimpses of the past that develops Mia’s relationships with her loved ones and tells the story of Mia’s journey and how she came to be, it is hard not to cry at all. The realness of the characters, the emotions they experience, it emanates a heartbreaking feeling that the reader is able to feel. Somehow, there’s a string of connection that is shared with everyone. Forman’s ability to do that is quite a talent.

There are tons of quotes I’d be willing to share. One of them is spoken by Mia’s mom, who is way too cool, just like Mia’s dad. Mia confides in her mom and tells her about her being caught in a tug-of-war in her relationship with Adam. Mia’s mom tells her, “I’d understand if you chose love, Adam love, over music love. Either way you win. And either way you lose. What can I tell you? Love’s a bitch.” There is definitely truth in that.

Though it seems like there’s much sadness and grief and death, there’s a whole lotta love and beauty and life. The reader is left with a shining hope and thoughts that will stay for a while. It certainly opened my eyes to life, and recognized the choices I have right now. Yes, it’s a definite must-read. I truly recommend it.

Waiting on Wednesday (54)

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

Popular
by Alissa Grosso

Release Date:
May 8, 2011

Description:

Meet the clique that rules Fidelity High: Olivia, Zelda, Nordica, and Shelly, each one handpicked by über-popular Hamilton Best. You know you're "in" when you make the guest list for one of Hamilton's parties. And in the thralls of senior year, everyone wants to get noticed by Hamilton.

But Hamilton's elite entourage is coming apart at the seams. Olivia fantasizes about finally having a boyfriend, Zelda dreams of ditching high school, Nordica wants to be alone with her photography, and Shelly's plotting to dethrone Hamilton. Lies and secrets are ripping away the careful ties that have kept them together for years. But Hamilton has the biggest secret of all, one that only her boyfriend Alex knows. If the truth got out, it would shock everyone and destroy Hamilton's fragile world—and she'll do anything to protect her secret and keep her clique together.

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The cover caught my attention. The colours and the simple picture and the abstract shapes -- absolutely wonderful. And the topic of popularity has always interested me. This one I will be keeping my eye on.

Teaser Tuesday (33)

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

My teaser:

I suppose I should be happy about getting out of here tomorrow, I guess I am, but the thing is, I keep thinking about who I want to see when I get home and...there's no one. You won't be there.

I miss you, J.

~ pg. 3, "Love You Hate You Miss You"
by Elizabeth Scott

Daily Dose (49)

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

I thought I'd share some New Years photos today seeing how it's the very last Monday of the year! Ohmycapncrunch! Anyway, I wish you all a fabulous week even though I'm not here! :)

In My Mailbox (36)

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

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Library:

Runaway (Airhead #3) by Ally Carter

Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott

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Two books only this week, but it's Christmas! I've got to reserve time for family as well. Speaking of which, I will not be here this week at all. I'll be heading to Chicago (woo!) to meet relatives who I have not seen in a very long time. We will be driving all the way there and it will take a whopping 12 hours. And that is the time to read...that is, if I don't get carsick, which usually happens whenever I read in the car. But anyway, I wish you all a very good rest of the day and enjoy it while you can! :)

Merry, merry Christmas!!!

To those who celebrate Christmas, I wish you a very Merry Christmas! And to those who don't, I wish you a wonderful Holiday Season.
I hope you all are warm today. The weather is indeed cold outside. ;)


P.S. Don't hesitate to eat all the cookies and chocolates and cakes! After all, 'tis the season and let there be smiles!

Friday's Finest (44)

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.

And all the books you've read have been read by other people. And all the songs you've loved have been heard by other people. And that girl that's pretty to you is pretty to other people. And that if you looked at these facts when you were happy, you would feel great because you are describing 'unity'.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

I thought this would be a perfect quote for a seasonal time like Christmas. Everyone is together physically with families and friends by our sides on Christmas day. And we are also together with the people we've had or done something in common even if we don't know it. And that is unity.

The Blog Hop (2)

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee.

The question this week is:

What are your plans for Christmas?

Ooh, Christmas day! I'm way, way excited! Let's see...First thing will be to open presents for fun, even if I already know what's inside. I'll be spending some time with it for a while and then read for a few moments. I might also be helping my mom cook some food that we'll be bringing over to the two houses we'll visit that night. Then we leave for the first house in the afternoon, chill for a while, give and receive presents to and from them, and then we leave just in time for dinner in another's house. That's the part I'm looking forward most, to be quite honest! There is a Secret Santa thing going on with the youth, so that includes me. I'm pretty curious as to who had the easiest job of picking me. (I'd be surely happy with anything...most of all, books!). There are other games as well as entertainment such as dancing, singing, poetry reading. It's all so cool!

All of that is basically my day! Time with family is so precious and I look forward to spending it with people I love. I quite enjoy it at the same time so that's a win-win situation ;)

No question for this week!

Justine's Thoughts: Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

Blue Bloods (Blue Bloods #1)
By Melissa de la Cruz

Source: Library
Pages: 302
Book Description:

Within New York City’s most elite families, there lurks a secret society of celebrated Americans whose ancestors sailed on the Mayflower. Its members are the powerful and the wealthy--and, in fact, they are not human. They are the Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires.

Schuyler Van Alen has never fit in at Duchesne, her prestigious New York City private school, her prestigious New York City private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes instead of the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates, and she lives with her reclusive grandmother in a dilapidated mansion. Schuyler is a loner. . .and happy that way.

But when she turns fifteen, Schuyler’s life changes dramatically. She discovers a mosaic of blue veins on her arms, and craves raw meat. The death of a popular girl from Duchesne is surrounded by a mystery that haunts her. And strangest of all, Jack Force, the most popular boy in school, is showing a sudden interest in her.

Schuyler wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger?

Steeped in vampire lore and set against the glittery backdrop of New York City, Blue Bloods will be devoured by fans of Melissa de la Cruz.

A quote:

No matter how overused and abused it was, sorry was still a powerful word.

Any thoughts:

I was never good at history and I never liked it either. That was why I was a little hesitant before I decided to go ahead and give it a try.

Melissa de la Cruz’s take on vampires is unique. I mean, blue blood? That seems pretty cool to me. And hey, they glow at night instead of sparkle in the sun! (I just had to throw that in there.) But what I noticed is that Melissa de la Cruz takes the time to explain the history and explicit details such as the outfits and houses (more like ancient mansions) of characters. She has such a wide imagination, and gives a vivid view of the scene as it is happening. Because of this, the overall pace is awkward and way too slow for my liking. It takes a lot of getting used to, but I eventually did.

The characters were all very interesting; although when I come across one that has an unpronounceable name, it bugs me. Take for example the name Schuyler. I thought it was “School-er” but then her friend Oliver called her “Sky” for short. I should have known. There were other words too such as Duchesne, Croatan, Roanoke, etc…With an omniscient narration, there is a sense of mystery that tugs on you, keeping your brain alert for any clues. I am definitely interested in the characters, as I have much more to learn about them. Especially Jack Force and his twin, Mimi Force. The two of them ignites something in me and just makes me irritated. But the others I’m excited to read more about.

Blue Bloods really is just the introduction. A great one that shows the way to a mystery-filled, anxious series with love, cunningness and evil waiting at one corner.

Waiting on Wednesday (53)

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

Luminous
by Dawn Metcalf

Release Date:
July 7, 2011

Description:

When sixteen-year-old Consuela discovers she can remove her skin, revealing a lustrous mother-of-pearl skeleton, she slips into a parallel world known as the Flow, a place inhabited by archetypal teens with extraordinary abilities. Crafting skins out of anything – air, water, feathers, fire – she is compelled to save ordinary people from dying before their time. Yet now someone is murdering them, one by one, and Consuela finds herself the focus of an intricate plot to end the Flow forever when all she really wants is to get back home, alive.

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The concept about peeling skins sounds so weird...but to find out what's underneath? And what it can be used for? That sparks my curiosity. The cover takes my breath away. It is just stunning.

Teaser Tuesday (32)

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

My teaser:

You know that boy who lives a few doors down from you who's just the creepiest person alive? When you're on your front porch, about to kiss your boyfriend good night, you might glimpse him across the street, just standing there. He'll randomly appear when you're gossiping with your best friends -- except maybe it's not so random at all. He's the black cat who seems to know your route. If he rides by your house, you think, I'm going to fail my bio exam. If he looks at you funny, watch your back.

Every town has a black-cat boy. In Rosewood, his name was Toby Cavanaugh.

~ pg. 1, "Flawless (Pretty Little Liars #2)"
by Sara Shepard

Sorry about the long teaser this week. It's hard to share only a couple of sentences in the Pretty Little Liars books. I thought this one was intriguing enough. What's the deal with this Toby Cavanaugh? That, my friends, is a question I've been dying to answer.

Daily Dose (48)

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

In My Mailbox (35)

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:

Heist Society (Heist Society #1) by Ally Carter

Flawless (Pretty Little Liars #2) by Sara Shepard

For Review:

Logic of Demons: Quest for Nadine's Soul by H.A. Goodman

From Net Galley:

Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison

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You may know this from Twitter or you may not, but...I might get a Sony e-Reader for Christmas! :D :D So exciting! I can finally put .pdf files onto it! Ahh, such a nice thought. Ooh, and school is out for now...and am I ever relieved! Totally need this upcoming break to relax.

This is the last weekend before Christmas, so all is busy. The good, holiday kind of busy, that is. But Christmas shopping isn't completely finish (*sharp intake of breath*) so that must be done right away. Can you believe Christmas is next week? My, my, it's so soon!! :D

Friday's Finest (43)

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.

One of the most frustrating words in the human language, as far as I could tell, was love. So much meaning attached to this one little word. People bandied it about freely, using it to describe their attachments to possessions, pets, vacation destinations, and favorite foods. In the same breath they then applied this word to the person they considered most important in their lives. Wasn’t that insulting? Shouldn’t there be some other term to describe deeper emotion?

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Ah, the topic of love. It is true that we do throw the word around in different contexts. Sure, I love books, I love ice cream, I love summer. But I also love my family and I love my friends. Love can be expressed in many ways, mostly in our actions as it surely isn't measured only by words.

P.S. Don't you love the cute picture of the cat with the quotation marks? I had it up last week but I forgot to mention it! I think it's nice! :)

Justine's Thoughts: The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols

The Ex Games
By Jennifer Echols

Source: Library
Pages: 302
Book Description:

Brace yourself for the battle of the exes. . . .

Hayden and Nick used to be a hot item, but their brief affair ended with a highly publicized breakup. Now the two are “just friends”, excluding their occasional flirtation.

When Hayden wins the girls’ division of a local snowboarding competition, Nick is unimpressed, claiming that Hayden wouldn’t have a chance against a guy. Hayden calls Nick’s bluff and challenges him to a head-to-head boarding contest. Their mutual friends quickly take sides, the girls on Hayden’s and the boys on Nick’s, making for an all-out battle of the sexes. This friendly competition is bound to get heated--and they might end up igniting some old flames.

A quote:

Nick and me riding up together right then was like George W. Bush and Barack Obama riding to Obama’s inauguration in the same limo. Relaxed!

Any thoughts:

It’s a love and hate relationship! How I love those. One moment, Nick and Hayden are arguing like there’s no tomorrow and then before you know it, they’re making out. Actually, it’s quite the opposite: they kiss, then fight. The tension between these two is so visibly obvious in a crowd and especially when they’re alone. It’s hard not to cheer for these young teens as they try to overcome their pasts.

They both are great characters. They have depth, a background behind them that makes each of them real. Hayden tends to analyze over the smallest things, like a normal teenage girl would do. That would often lead to a huge misunderstanding. Nick is the handsome and rich guy, who could have any girl he wants and who could leave them anytime he wants. Yes, he’s arrogant but gosh, the way he’s concerned for Hayden makes my heart flutter.

The plot revolves around a lodge in which the characters spend their week during winter. There were many things about snowboarding which I was clueless about but with the help of a definition at the beginning of each chapter, I was able to learn a few things. The minor characters are also enjoyable. With Nick and Hayden’s best friends going out with each other (no, not only one but two pairs), the pressure and the tension is on. It’s funny to watch.

I just realized this is my first Jennifer Echols novel! Wow. I have got to read more of hers. Romantic comedies are my fave and this one is a great start to read.

Waiting on Wednesday (52)

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

Awaken
by Katie Kacvinsky

Release Date:
May 23, 2011

Description:

Maddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether it’s to go to school or on a date, people don’t venture out of their home. There’s really no need. For the most part, Maddie’s okay with the solitary, digital life—until she meets Justin. Justin likes being with people. He enjoys the physical closeness of face-to-face interactions. People aren’t meant to be alone, he tells her.

Suddenly, Maddie feels something awakening inside her—a feeling that maybe there is a different, better way to live. But with society and her parents telling her otherwise, Maddie is going to have to learn to stand up for herself if she wants to change the path her life is taking.

In this not-so-brave new world, two young people struggle to carve out their own space.

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This is technology. Everything is done for you with just a simple click. No interaction needed, no need to exert strength. Who knows? Maybe this is the future. It sounds interesting to me. And the cover is just so nice. It has that tinge of ancient-ness.

This is a debut author so I'm quite excited!!!

Teaser Tuesday (31)

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

My teaser:

I just hope I remember to tell my kids that they are as happy as I look in my old photographs. And I hope that they believe me.

~ pg. 53, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"
by Stephen Chbosky

Going into the book, I forgot how great the word is about it. There's just something that everybody loves about this book. Of course, I realized after how amazing it is. It's a one of a kind.

Daily Dose (47)

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