I just finished Bloodrose by the lovely Andrea Cremer and it got me thinking about a thing or two. The YA genre has been targeted lately because of the misconceptions that some people have about what the books are about and some of the content in them. I am a teenager, which is the direct audience publishers and such are trying to reach with their ads covers and other publicity ideas, but I am also a blogger and a person who has very strong opinions about things that matter to me. Books matter to me. Today I've decided to talk about three things (because I really love when things come in threes) that come up in YA literature. Death, sex, and love triangles with a little bit about fandoms and how people treat others inside them.
First, death. Readers get very attached to characters (myself included) and can get rather emotional when they die. I think that sometimes people forget that in books, just like in real life, people die. Most characters in fantasy series are struggling against some sort of life or death situation, and they generally have friends with them to help. I know that we all wish that everyone we love in a book could end up alive, but that's not how real life works, so that's how fiction must work as well. In my mind a book with fighting but no casualties in it isn't a good book at all, because that is not how war works, and anyone who has ever read a history book knows that as well. Just like everyone else I'm sad to see a character die but at least in most cases someone has to die. It's sad but it is life and to make the story as real as possible sometimes characters have to die. No one and nothing is immortal (even those that appear to be in our favorite books) and when it comes down to it some things just must end a certain way.
Second, sex. Sex and drugs have been a huge issue in YA books lately but if you think about it sex is generally a part of life at one point or another. Teenagers are at their sexual prime with all of those hormones raging in their body. It's also been scientifically proven that people who know more about sex and the consequences are more likely to be careful and things are going to be planned. In terms of rape and or sexual abuse you also have to remember that things like that happen in real life ALL the time. As much as we would love to block out that part of the world and pretend that it doesn't exist that does not make it go away. The more people know about things the easier it can be to stop unwanted consequences. Some parents want to shy their children away from things like sex and drugs in life, we as Americans think of it as something rather dirty, even just the thought of seeing it on TV is terrifying, but in other countries things like that aren't censored at all. Thousands of pieces of art were based off of intimate relationships between two people. If you are mature enough to understand the consequences of your actions you are mature enough to read about them. If you don't like them, don't read them, it's as simple as that.
Third, love triangles. Love triangles are a big thing in literature, the idea that two very attractive males (or females) are fighting over you (let's face it, we all wish we were a character at least once in our life, most of us more) is highly appealing. In my mind though there is always only one answer. I know there are people out there who always root for the underdog, and I'm all for the underdog, but in a book there is really never any doubt over who the main character will choose. Let's look at one that almost everyone knows or has heard of at one point or another, Bella-Edward-Jacob. Yes I know, Twilight is highly overdone and talked about to the point where most people can't stand it (although I enjoyed it, and I am not afraid to say that I enjoyed it. It was the book that got me reading for fun again, and even though it's not the best book out there it doesn't deserve all of the bad publicity people give it just because of some reason that no one really is clear about). I know there were people who were Team Jacob and there were people who were Team Edward, but was there really any question about who Bella would choose in the end? For me there was never ANY question about it. Edward was always the one that she would pick, and she would pick him again and again. Yes, there were people who didn't like this but seeing as this was how it was written there is no way to change it and if all of you Team Jacob people look back did you really think Jacob had a real shot at winning Bella? If you think about it that answer is no, and in my mind that's the way it is with all love triangles. You may want things to be different, but 90% of the time they end up with the person that was always expected.
Last but not least that leads me to people who talk smack about things. No, not people (but that's not nice either), I'm talking about books and fandoms. Twilight has gotten a lot of hate, and while I admit it's not my favorite series anymore there is a reason people liked it. I'm guessing that over 70% of the people who now bash it are the same people who liked it to begin with. And what's with all the author hate? An author decides to write another book in a series, to continue the story of our favorite characters, why should we get mad at them? If you don't like the series or think they're in it just for the money then don't buy or read the book. It's that simple. How would you feel if you spent a good chunk of time working on something that you hoped would make people happy, you spend months slaving away on it, only to be met with people bashing you for various reasons that are most likely untrue to begin with? I know I wouldn't like it very much. As for character hate, they're fictional people for God's sake, how on Earth does that require any type of animosity? They. Are. Not. Real. If you are taking things that happen to characters that seriously you should probably take a step back and think about what's going on.
So that's it for now, that's my two cents. I'll probably do more posts like this in the future but for right now that's all I have. I apologize if I seem to have disappeared but finals start in the next two weeks and it's very important that I don't fail any. I do promise to update as much as I can and read as much as I can in the time being. Let me know if you have anything you would like me to talk about and feel free to give your opinions on what I had to say in the comments.
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Monday, January 9, 2012
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
In Which I Talk About Books (3)
More lists of 5 books, not 10 (so I don't cause your eyes too much harm)! Yeah, I stole some of these but I also made up a few all by myself! (Well, just because I made them up doesn't mean they haven't been done before, it just means I haven't SEEN them before, okay? Okay.)
FIRST; Books I want to find in my stocking/under the tree/etc.
1. Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt. This book just sounds so me, which kind of makes me sound pathetic, but that's okay. I'm one of those people who fixates on one part of a person (who generally doesn't know I exist) and basically I become all swoony over them. Yeah, I admit it's dorky but I AM a dork, and you can't tell me this book doesn't sound like fun.
2. Ashes by Ilsa Bick. Michelle Hodkin says this book scared her, and because I LOVE Michelle's book and I LOVE to be scared I don't see any reason why I shouldn't want this book.
3. You Against Me by Jenny Downham. I read Jenny's first book years ago and it was really good, so when I learned she was writing another book I was interested in that book as well.
4. Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally. Although I'm a tomboy I love books with sappy love stories, and I love them even more when Simmone Elkeles says that she loves them, because I love Simone Elkeles.
5. The Dark And Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan. I read the first two books in this series by her and now I really need to finish it up. I've also heard that this is the fan favorite of the three, so I'm very excited to read it!
SECOND; Sequels I need NOW.
1. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. I just finished Clockwork Prince and now I need to know how it all ends. I'm sure because it is Cassie the last book will end up with at least one dead shadowhunter that we all know and love, but I just NEED to know what happens.
2. City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare. The ending of CoFA? MAJOR CLIFFHANGER!!! I hate cliffhangers, and this one was HUGE. I need to know what happens NOW because I sense MORE bad things in store for Jace and Clary. I mean really Cassie, just leave them alone!
3. The sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. This doesn't have a title yet, which is okay, but hopefully it will have the words "Mara Dyer" in it, cause I feel that would fit well. But to the point, another book with a HUGE cliffhanger. Yeah, you learn major things in the book but just when you think you know everything, BAM, you're left dangling.
4. The sequel to Legend by Marie Lu. This book also doesn't have a title yet, but it comes out net year. The end of Legend, not really a cliffhanger at all, but I just really want to see what happens! Lu has such a great writing style that you can't help but want to read the whole thing once you actually start reading. And I want more kissing, because there wasn't enough kissing in this book, so I hope that gets fixed in book 2!
5. The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting. This isn't actually the last book in the Body Finder series, contrary to some belief, the title is just misleading. But, you all know how much I love Kim and her books, and she said this was the first book where she actually scared herself while writing a scene, so BRING IT ON!
THIRD; Teen books that will most likely end up being modern classics.
1. Looking for Alaska by John Green. If you've read this book you have to know that it's good. It makes you think, it makes you cry, and it makes you thankful for the people you have in your life.
2. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. Teen suicide is a HUGE issue, and even though this book is a NYT best seller and rights have been sold in many many countries it's still not a book that people go, "oh yeah, I've heard of that" like To Kill A Mockingbird. As times change the books that will be remembered do too, and this one should be remembered for a long time, because this will always be an issue.
3. The Harry Potter book by J. K. Rowling. There are very few modern classics that are fantasy in genre, but this one will sure to be one of the few that make it there. I have no doubt this book will go down in history for more then one reason.
4. Will Grayson, Will Gryason by John Green and David Levithan. Okay, this one is really just me HOPING it will end up as a modern classic, but I mean, who says classics can't be fun? I think this book has something to teach every one of us, and isn't that classics are really for in the end, to teach us, inspire us, and make us think?
5. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I haven't read this book and it hasn't actually come out yet, but if you've read something by John Green you know what a genius he is, and if you know what the book is about you probably already know it's gonna be on the best seller list.
FOURTH; If you haven't read these books you must go forth and do so.
1. Anything by Cassandra Clare. Her world is just so magical, and her writing is perfect, and her kissy scenes are oh so swoon-worthy.
2. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan. This book is just so funny, and it's great, and it's mind blowing, and it's just...there are no words for this book.
3. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. This book is heartbreaking and wonderful and insightful and thought provoking all in one. A true gem in the teen literary world.
4. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray. I'm sure this one is making you go "wait, what, how is this book one that I NEED to read?" But I think that this is one of the most important books you could read, because it gives you a whole new look on the way we as Americans see so many things. As a girl who takes little heed in the way she looks when she goes outside and is rather disgusted at all of the things we value now it was really great to see I'm not the only person with this opinion.
5. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. This book deals with loss, which, unless you are VERY VERY lucky, you have delt with or will deal with at one point or another in your life. Nelson somehow manages to make loss beautiful in a way.
FIFTH; Books with swoon-worthy boys.
1. Anything by Cassandra Clare. Jace, Alec, Jem, Will, Magnus, ALL of her guy characters are SO swoon-worthy. They are badass, they have a sweet-side, and man are they ripped! ;)
2. The Hush, Hush Saga by Becca Fitzpatrick. Patch is just, yum. We all love a cute guy with a bad boy side but Patch has such a soft side too. I mean, who doesn't want the ultimate bad boy devoted to them?
3. The Wolves of Mercy Falls by Maggie Stiefvater. Sam is one of those rare boys in YA literature that isn't a bad boy but still makes us all swoon. He's so sweet and so in love with Grace (which happens to be my name, but I've yet to find a Sam who's crazy in love with me). Sometimes we just need one of those boys that loves you no matter what and doesn't end up breaking your heart because of something stupid he says/does trying to be "cool"
4. The Perfect Chemistry Series by Simone Elkeles. The Fuentes boys are just SO great. They're bad, they're passionate, they're Latino (okay, that really doesn't have anything to do with anything), and they're good looking. They're also very protective about their girls, but they understand that their girls can totally hold their own.
5. Anything by Stephenie Perkins. Gosh are her boys swoon-worthy or WHAT!? And the best part, they're just ordinary boys! They have flaws! The other great thing, they fall for girls that are just like us, nothing magical about it. Yeah, they're a little infuriating because they're sometimes blind, but what boy isn't?
EXTRA; The Body Finder Series by Kimberly Derting. Kim can write some great guys, she really can! I've always been one of those girls who wants to fall in love with their best friend and live happily ever after, although Rafe isn't half bad either.
SIXTH; Books with kick-ass girls.
1. Anything by Cassandra Clare. You guys, let me just say it now, Cassandra Clare is a great writer and all her characters are great. Clary, Tessa, Isabelle, they all hold their own and all of them could kill you without help. And they're all very fashionable to boot.
2. The Body Finder Series by Kimberly Derting. Violet may not know how to fight or carry a sword or anything like that, but she is fearless because she doesn't worry about herself. She senses an echo and goes to help whoever or whatever it is that is dead. That, to me, is just as good as a person who goes out and fights demons.
3. The Nightshade Series by Andrea Cremer. Calla Tor is fierce and she takes crap from nobody! There are so many YA books out there right now that have people torn between two guys, and yes, that's the way it is for us now, but as Andrea said, Calla might end up not picking either Ren OR Shay, because she's independent! She sought the truth even when it meant destroying her standing in her home and she's not afraid to fight for what she thinks is right.
4. Legend by Marie Lu. June reminds me of the girl version of Patrick Jane (The Mentalist). She can hold a gun, she's fast, she's smart, she does what's right, she loves her family so much, and even though it could mean her death she stands up for what she KNOWS is right and fights against what is wrong.
5. Beauty Queens By Libba Bray. All of the girls in this book kick ass. They're stranded on a deserted island (or so they think) and have to survive the hardships of surviving by themselves. And did I mention they are beauty pageant girls? Yeah, I think you have to be pretty kick ass just to survive in that situation, but to be a pampered girl for your whole life and then have to stop a conspiracy, that is bad-ass.
SEVENTH; New books you might ask for for the holidays.
1. Legend by Marie Lu. So much fun, told from the point of view of the two main characters (a boy and a girl) and it's dystopian. And half the print is in gold! Fancy.
2. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. A dystopian debut that's different then pretty much anything else out there to this point. It's full of action and kissing (and who doesn't love both!?) and the story is really original.
3. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. Here's a book with a kick-ass girl and man-eating horses. The thing that really got me was the man-eating horses. Also very different then anything else out there.
4. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. This is a beautiful book with an intricate story line and it's pretty much the only thing out there of it's kind at this moment in time. She's not a debut author, but this is a book that's on pretty much everyone's radar for 2012.
5. Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey. Another book that's different (and it also needs a sequel) that has a nice air of Victorian England even though it's set in the modern day US. A unique idea that's beautiful and somewhat chilling at the same time. And the boy is pretty cute too.
EIGHTH; Lesser known creatures.
1. The Monstumologist by Rick Yancy. How many of you have heard of a Anthropophagi? Enough said.
2. The Replacement by Brenna Yavanoff. Changelings are sort of like faeries, but for the point of this post we'll say they're different.
3. The Need series by Carie Jones. Pixies! Now that's different. No, not faeries, Pixies. And they're not small little things that help you fly with their dust.
4. Zombies Vs. Unicorns Edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier. Zombies AND Unicorns? Now that's weird.
5. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. I'm not really sure what Juliette is, but whatever it is it's different. Something like a mutant. That counts as a creature, right? I mean that in the best way possible.
NINTH; Top contemporary books of the year (in no particular order).
1. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. I loved the inserts in the book, for me those were the best part! But I liked the actual page parts too, that part was good as well.
2. The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner. A cute indie book about the lengths one boy would go for his best friend (and a girl that he may or may not have a crush on).
3. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephenie Perkins. Loved Anna, loved Lola more! Cricket is mine! Enough said.
4. Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles. Luis may be my favorite Fuentes boy of the three. Probably because he's the smart one that takes some risks. I like smart boys.
5. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray. A quirky, funny read that made me thrilled that I'm not the only one who thinks American advertising has gone just a LITTLE too far. And that beauty isn't really the most important thing in the world.
TENTH; Top dystopian/sci-fi/magic/etc books of the year (in no particular order) The 10 book version!
1. Across the Universe by Beth Revis. Yay for space travel, murder mysteries, and space ships! Can you tell I'm a Star Trek nerd? ;)
2. Delirium by Lauren Oliver. This book BLEW MY MIND. It was just so beautiful and perfect and lyrical and...and...yeah, it was amazing.
3. Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma. I'm not really sure what category this book falls in, but because it has a few parts in it that could never be real (or that we have yet to discover) it will be in this category. For some reason I just loved this book. I'm not sure what it was, maybe the writing style, maybe the characters, maybe just the story idea. Although I have a sneaking suspicion it was Ruby with her Ruby ways.
4. Hourglass by Myra McEntire. Finally a time travel book that didn't confuse me! And the whole idea of the book, even though part of it was time travel was still cool and new!
5. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. It was spooky, it was sexy, it was a little confusing, and it was all good. And Noah, WOW Noah. Also, Mara, she's a bad-ass, watch out for her if you're evil!
6. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. A fresh book that took my breath away and left me pretty much speechless. My favorite parts may have been the little sections before each part and the first few chapters. ;)
7. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. I loved it. So different, but not in a bad way! I kinda wish I could write like this! Actually, I REALLY wish I could write like this.
8. The Pledge by Kimberly Derting. Because we all know I kinda stalk Kim and I basically love ALL of her books. This one was pretty cool. Also, Klingon on the sticker, that is an EPIC WIN!
9. Legend by Marie Lu. Oh goodness, this was such a thrill ride and so much fun! The sad thing, I could actually see things like this happening in the future. Beware!
10. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare. *Swoon* Goodness. So much happened in such a short amount of time in that book, and some of those kisses, WOW. We also learn SO much about SO much and it's like...it was beautiful.
FIRST; Books I want to find in my stocking/under the tree/etc.
1. Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt. This book just sounds so me, which kind of makes me sound pathetic, but that's okay. I'm one of those people who fixates on one part of a person (who generally doesn't know I exist) and basically I become all swoony over them. Yeah, I admit it's dorky but I AM a dork, and you can't tell me this book doesn't sound like fun.
2. Ashes by Ilsa Bick. Michelle Hodkin says this book scared her, and because I LOVE Michelle's book and I LOVE to be scared I don't see any reason why I shouldn't want this book.
3. You Against Me by Jenny Downham. I read Jenny's first book years ago and it was really good, so when I learned she was writing another book I was interested in that book as well.
4. Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally. Although I'm a tomboy I love books with sappy love stories, and I love them even more when Simmone Elkeles says that she loves them, because I love Simone Elkeles.
5. The Dark And Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan. I read the first two books in this series by her and now I really need to finish it up. I've also heard that this is the fan favorite of the three, so I'm very excited to read it!
SECOND; Sequels I need NOW.
1. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. I just finished Clockwork Prince and now I need to know how it all ends. I'm sure because it is Cassie the last book will end up with at least one dead shadowhunter that we all know and love, but I just NEED to know what happens.
2. City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare. The ending of CoFA? MAJOR CLIFFHANGER!!! I hate cliffhangers, and this one was HUGE. I need to know what happens NOW because I sense MORE bad things in store for Jace and Clary. I mean really Cassie, just leave them alone!
3. The sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. This doesn't have a title yet, which is okay, but hopefully it will have the words "Mara Dyer" in it, cause I feel that would fit well. But to the point, another book with a HUGE cliffhanger. Yeah, you learn major things in the book but just when you think you know everything, BAM, you're left dangling.
4. The sequel to Legend by Marie Lu. This book also doesn't have a title yet, but it comes out net year. The end of Legend, not really a cliffhanger at all, but I just really want to see what happens! Lu has such a great writing style that you can't help but want to read the whole thing once you actually start reading. And I want more kissing, because there wasn't enough kissing in this book, so I hope that gets fixed in book 2!
5. The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting. This isn't actually the last book in the Body Finder series, contrary to some belief, the title is just misleading. But, you all know how much I love Kim and her books, and she said this was the first book where she actually scared herself while writing a scene, so BRING IT ON!
THIRD; Teen books that will most likely end up being modern classics.
1. Looking for Alaska by John Green. If you've read this book you have to know that it's good. It makes you think, it makes you cry, and it makes you thankful for the people you have in your life.
2. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. Teen suicide is a HUGE issue, and even though this book is a NYT best seller and rights have been sold in many many countries it's still not a book that people go, "oh yeah, I've heard of that" like To Kill A Mockingbird. As times change the books that will be remembered do too, and this one should be remembered for a long time, because this will always be an issue.
3. The Harry Potter book by J. K. Rowling. There are very few modern classics that are fantasy in genre, but this one will sure to be one of the few that make it there. I have no doubt this book will go down in history for more then one reason.
4. Will Grayson, Will Gryason by John Green and David Levithan. Okay, this one is really just me HOPING it will end up as a modern classic, but I mean, who says classics can't be fun? I think this book has something to teach every one of us, and isn't that classics are really for in the end, to teach us, inspire us, and make us think?
5. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I haven't read this book and it hasn't actually come out yet, but if you've read something by John Green you know what a genius he is, and if you know what the book is about you probably already know it's gonna be on the best seller list.
FOURTH; If you haven't read these books you must go forth and do so.
1. Anything by Cassandra Clare. Her world is just so magical, and her writing is perfect, and her kissy scenes are oh so swoon-worthy.
2. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan. This book is just so funny, and it's great, and it's mind blowing, and it's just...there are no words for this book.
3. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. This book is heartbreaking and wonderful and insightful and thought provoking all in one. A true gem in the teen literary world.
4. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray. I'm sure this one is making you go "wait, what, how is this book one that I NEED to read?" But I think that this is one of the most important books you could read, because it gives you a whole new look on the way we as Americans see so many things. As a girl who takes little heed in the way she looks when she goes outside and is rather disgusted at all of the things we value now it was really great to see I'm not the only person with this opinion.
5. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. This book deals with loss, which, unless you are VERY VERY lucky, you have delt with or will deal with at one point or another in your life. Nelson somehow manages to make loss beautiful in a way.
FIFTH; Books with swoon-worthy boys.
1. Anything by Cassandra Clare. Jace, Alec, Jem, Will, Magnus, ALL of her guy characters are SO swoon-worthy. They are badass, they have a sweet-side, and man are they ripped! ;)
2. The Hush, Hush Saga by Becca Fitzpatrick. Patch is just, yum. We all love a cute guy with a bad boy side but Patch has such a soft side too. I mean, who doesn't want the ultimate bad boy devoted to them?
3. The Wolves of Mercy Falls by Maggie Stiefvater. Sam is one of those rare boys in YA literature that isn't a bad boy but still makes us all swoon. He's so sweet and so in love with Grace (which happens to be my name, but I've yet to find a Sam who's crazy in love with me). Sometimes we just need one of those boys that loves you no matter what and doesn't end up breaking your heart because of something stupid he says/does trying to be "cool"
4. The Perfect Chemistry Series by Simone Elkeles. The Fuentes boys are just SO great. They're bad, they're passionate, they're Latino (okay, that really doesn't have anything to do with anything), and they're good looking. They're also very protective about their girls, but they understand that their girls can totally hold their own.
5. Anything by Stephenie Perkins. Gosh are her boys swoon-worthy or WHAT!? And the best part, they're just ordinary boys! They have flaws! The other great thing, they fall for girls that are just like us, nothing magical about it. Yeah, they're a little infuriating because they're sometimes blind, but what boy isn't?
EXTRA; The Body Finder Series by Kimberly Derting. Kim can write some great guys, she really can! I've always been one of those girls who wants to fall in love with their best friend and live happily ever after, although Rafe isn't half bad either.
SIXTH; Books with kick-ass girls.
1. Anything by Cassandra Clare. You guys, let me just say it now, Cassandra Clare is a great writer and all her characters are great. Clary, Tessa, Isabelle, they all hold their own and all of them could kill you without help. And they're all very fashionable to boot.
2. The Body Finder Series by Kimberly Derting. Violet may not know how to fight or carry a sword or anything like that, but she is fearless because she doesn't worry about herself. She senses an echo and goes to help whoever or whatever it is that is dead. That, to me, is just as good as a person who goes out and fights demons.
3. The Nightshade Series by Andrea Cremer. Calla Tor is fierce and she takes crap from nobody! There are so many YA books out there right now that have people torn between two guys, and yes, that's the way it is for us now, but as Andrea said, Calla might end up not picking either Ren OR Shay, because she's independent! She sought the truth even when it meant destroying her standing in her home and she's not afraid to fight for what she thinks is right.
4. Legend by Marie Lu. June reminds me of the girl version of Patrick Jane (The Mentalist). She can hold a gun, she's fast, she's smart, she does what's right, she loves her family so much, and even though it could mean her death she stands up for what she KNOWS is right and fights against what is wrong.
5. Beauty Queens By Libba Bray. All of the girls in this book kick ass. They're stranded on a deserted island (or so they think) and have to survive the hardships of surviving by themselves. And did I mention they are beauty pageant girls? Yeah, I think you have to be pretty kick ass just to survive in that situation, but to be a pampered girl for your whole life and then have to stop a conspiracy, that is bad-ass.
SEVENTH; New books you might ask for for the holidays.
1. Legend by Marie Lu. So much fun, told from the point of view of the two main characters (a boy and a girl) and it's dystopian. And half the print is in gold! Fancy.
2. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. A dystopian debut that's different then pretty much anything else out there to this point. It's full of action and kissing (and who doesn't love both!?) and the story is really original.
3. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. Here's a book with a kick-ass girl and man-eating horses. The thing that really got me was the man-eating horses. Also very different then anything else out there.
4. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. This is a beautiful book with an intricate story line and it's pretty much the only thing out there of it's kind at this moment in time. She's not a debut author, but this is a book that's on pretty much everyone's radar for 2012.
5. Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey. Another book that's different (and it also needs a sequel) that has a nice air of Victorian England even though it's set in the modern day US. A unique idea that's beautiful and somewhat chilling at the same time. And the boy is pretty cute too.
EIGHTH; Lesser known creatures.
1. The Monstumologist by Rick Yancy. How many of you have heard of a Anthropophagi? Enough said.
2. The Replacement by Brenna Yavanoff. Changelings are sort of like faeries, but for the point of this post we'll say they're different.
3. The Need series by Carie Jones. Pixies! Now that's different. No, not faeries, Pixies. And they're not small little things that help you fly with their dust.
4. Zombies Vs. Unicorns Edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier. Zombies AND Unicorns? Now that's weird.
5. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. I'm not really sure what Juliette is, but whatever it is it's different. Something like a mutant. That counts as a creature, right? I mean that in the best way possible.
NINTH; Top contemporary books of the year (in no particular order).
1. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. I loved the inserts in the book, for me those were the best part! But I liked the actual page parts too, that part was good as well.
2. The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner. A cute indie book about the lengths one boy would go for his best friend (and a girl that he may or may not have a crush on).
3. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephenie Perkins. Loved Anna, loved Lola more! Cricket is mine! Enough said.
4. Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles. Luis may be my favorite Fuentes boy of the three. Probably because he's the smart one that takes some risks. I like smart boys.
5. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray. A quirky, funny read that made me thrilled that I'm not the only one who thinks American advertising has gone just a LITTLE too far. And that beauty isn't really the most important thing in the world.
TENTH; Top dystopian/sci-fi/magic/etc books of the year (in no particular order) The 10 book version!
1. Across the Universe by Beth Revis. Yay for space travel, murder mysteries, and space ships! Can you tell I'm a Star Trek nerd? ;)
2. Delirium by Lauren Oliver. This book BLEW MY MIND. It was just so beautiful and perfect and lyrical and...and...yeah, it was amazing.
3. Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma. I'm not really sure what category this book falls in, but because it has a few parts in it that could never be real (or that we have yet to discover) it will be in this category. For some reason I just loved this book. I'm not sure what it was, maybe the writing style, maybe the characters, maybe just the story idea. Although I have a sneaking suspicion it was Ruby with her Ruby ways.
4. Hourglass by Myra McEntire. Finally a time travel book that didn't confuse me! And the whole idea of the book, even though part of it was time travel was still cool and new!
5. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. It was spooky, it was sexy, it was a little confusing, and it was all good. And Noah, WOW Noah. Also, Mara, she's a bad-ass, watch out for her if you're evil!
6. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. A fresh book that took my breath away and left me pretty much speechless. My favorite parts may have been the little sections before each part and the first few chapters. ;)
7. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. I loved it. So different, but not in a bad way! I kinda wish I could write like this! Actually, I REALLY wish I could write like this.
8. The Pledge by Kimberly Derting. Because we all know I kinda stalk Kim and I basically love ALL of her books. This one was pretty cool. Also, Klingon on the sticker, that is an EPIC WIN!
9. Legend by Marie Lu. Oh goodness, this was such a thrill ride and so much fun! The sad thing, I could actually see things like this happening in the future. Beware!
10. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare. *Swoon* Goodness. So much happened in such a short amount of time in that book, and some of those kisses, WOW. We also learn SO much about SO much and it's like...it was beautiful.
Monday, November 21, 2011
In Which I Talk About Books For The Holiday
You guys seemed to like the posts I did where I listed books and such, and I thought that since it was almost time for people to be buying holiday presents (you know you're already thinking about it) why not make a list of books that you might want to give to people!? And if you don't celebrate holidays then you can just pick them up as a thank you gift, or keep them for yourself. Maybe you'll find something you want on the list too.
For the die-hard Vampire lover in your family;
*Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
*Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz
*Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer
*Marked by P.C. and Kristin Cast
*Glass House by Rachel Cain
Werewolf addicts;
*Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
*Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
*The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
*Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
*13 To Life by Shannon Delany
Crazy Witches;
*Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
*Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
*Possessions by Nancy Holder
*The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
*Always A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
For the Angel (fallen or otherwise) lovers;
*Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
*Fallen by Lauren Kate
*Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
*A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford
*Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
The Contemporary lovers;
*Anna and the French Kiss/Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
*Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
*Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
*Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
*The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Good Boy books;
*Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
*Thirteen Days To Midnight by Patrick Craman
*Zombies Vs. Unicorns edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier
*The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch
*The Pull Of Gravity by Gae Polisner
Creep-Out reads;
*The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
*The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
*Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
*The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
*Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann
Dystopian nuts;
*Delirium by Lauren Oliver
*Matched by Ally Condie
*Across the Universe by Beth Revis
*Wither by Lauren DeStefano
*Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Action and Adventure;
*Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
*The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
*The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
*Possess by Elana Johnson
*Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
Others to check out;
*Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma
*Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist/Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
*A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young
*Hourglass by Myra McEntire
*Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
*Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
*Forgotten by Cat Patrick
*The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney
*Shut Out by Kody Keplinger
*Die For Me by Amy Plum
For the die-hard Vampire lover in your family;
*Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
*Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz
*Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer
*Marked by P.C. and Kristin Cast
*Glass House by Rachel Cain
Werewolf addicts;
*Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
*Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
*The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
*Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
*13 To Life by Shannon Delany
Crazy Witches;
*Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
*Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
*Possessions by Nancy Holder
*The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
*Always A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
For the Angel (fallen or otherwise) lovers;
*Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
*Fallen by Lauren Kate
*Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
*A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford
*Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
The Contemporary lovers;
*Anna and the French Kiss/Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
*Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
*Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
*Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
*The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Good Boy books;
*Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
*Thirteen Days To Midnight by Patrick Craman
*Zombies Vs. Unicorns edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier
*The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch
*The Pull Of Gravity by Gae Polisner
Creep-Out reads;
*The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
*The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
*Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
*The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
*Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann
Dystopian nuts;
*Delirium by Lauren Oliver
*Matched by Ally Condie
*Across the Universe by Beth Revis
*Wither by Lauren DeStefano
*Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Action and Adventure;
*Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
*The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
*The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
*Possess by Elana Johnson
*Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
Others to check out;
*Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma
*Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist/Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
*A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young
*Hourglass by Myra McEntire
*Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
*Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
*Forgotten by Cat Patrick
*The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney
*Shut Out by Kody Keplinger
*Die For Me by Amy Plum
Thursday, November 3, 2011
In Which I'm Thankful for Books
So I found this on Beth Revis' blog, and it's basically a blog post about books I'm thankful for. Goodness there are so many books I'm thankful for, but let's stick to five, that sounds like a reasonable number, right? And it's nice and round. These are in no particular order, but will all be very important for me until I'm old and can't even remember what book I last read.
Yeah, it's a cliche, but really, this is the book that got me reading again. Some people bash it, but I think it really was what got the YA genre going. And yes, I was one of those crazy fan girls who stood in line for a good hour and a half to meet Stephenie when she came to my local bookstore, and I was up till midnight on the release of Breaking Dawn, at my local Borders (I miss it so much!), and I was even there when the first movie came out on DVD! I will admit, I'm not fangirling over it now, but it's still a good series, and I understand why people seem to dislike it, it's been overdone, but I think that deep down pretty much everyone who says they hate it read it at one point and was really excited about it.
2. Where The Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls.
3. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo.
Again, this book was read to me in either second or third grade and I just loved it. I had tried to read Kate's other books, but had never actually succeeded in finishing one of them. This is also a book I shared with my little brothers and they both loved it. Whenever a middle grade reader asks about books I recommend this one because it's just so adorable. Kate is such an amazing writer and I know that I should read some of her other books but I just haven't gotten around to it. Everyone everyone everyone should read this book because, either for yourself, to your children, to your class, just read it because it's great.
4. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss.
5. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting. This book is what got me reading again in 9th grade, when I had no time to read because of all the homework I did and thought it was a lost cause. Thanks to Kim though I found my great love for reading once again. Kim was also the first author I got to meet up and personal who actually talked to me like I was a real person. She had time to talk to me and was more then happy to meet me, even the fifth time I went to see her. Her book was also deliciously spooky and might be the reason I started loving horror movies...or maybe it was the other way around? I'm not really sure, but this book is just amazing.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Spooky Giveaway Winners
I thought I had a really great idea, but only about 40 of you entered the contest that required some thought, so maybe it wasn't such a good idea? Let me know in the comments if you liked this contest or not. Anyways, first the answeres to the giveaway!
The ones in blod are the ones that needed to be right to get an entry. The ones with stars by them are the ones that people seemed to find most difficult.
1. After Obsession2. Bad Girls Don't Die
3. Beautiful Creatures
4. Shiver
5. Vampire Academy
6. Strange Angels **
7. Paranormalcy
8. The Forest of Hands and Teeth
9. The Body Finder
10. Shatter Me
11. The Monstrumologist **
12. Blue Bloods
13. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
14. The Scorpio Races
15. Eighth Grade Bites
16. Possessions **
17. Shade
18. The Replacement
19. Tiger's Voyage
20. The Dark Divine
21. Personal Demons
22. My Soul to Take
23. Nightshade
24. White Cat
25. Anna Dressed In Blood
1. Soulless
2. The Christopher Killer
3. The Missing Girl
4. I Know What You Did Last Summer
5. Killing Mr. Griffin
And now on with the winners!
- The ARC of After Obsession goes to Ellen Trieu
- The Signed copy of Shiver goes to Brittany Hiester
- The Signed copy of Paranormalcy goes to Alishia Ruly
- The ARC of Shatter Me goes to Hannah Jewett
- The finished copy of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer goes to Tristen Callnan
- The Signed copy of The Scorpio Races goes to jordyn rose
- The ARC of Tiger's Voyage goes to Ana LucÃa
- The finished copy of Anna dressed in Blood goes to Cynthia Neilands
- A copy of one of the 17 other books pictured goes to Samantha Slager
- The Winner of the Extra Spooky Giveaway is Loony Linh
The three winners of the swag giveaway are
- Bree who's favorite scary movie was The Shining
- Tristen who's favorite scary movie was Hide and Seek
- Misha Batac who's favorite scary movie is Coming Soon (it's Thai)
Sunday, October 30, 2011
In Which I Talk About Books (2)
So you guys seemed to really like the last one of these I did, and I came up with (okay, yeah, yeah, yeah, I borrowed a few too) some more! Without further adue (which is a word dang nabbit Blogger!) a few more little lists with only 5 books so I don't kill your eyes, cause you will need them to read!
FIRST; Books with titles that made me want to read/buy them
FIRST; Books with titles that made me want to read/buy them
1. A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend by Emily Horner. I found this book at Borders before they went out of business and I mean, isn't that a great title? Well, not great as in happy, but great as in like...what-the-hell-is-gonna-happen-in-this-book-great
2. Au Revior, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber. Okay, this title is just too amazing for words really.
3. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith. HOW FUN DOES THIS BOOK SOUND!?
4. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting. Yeah, I'm kinda morbid, but I saw this title and I was like "MINE!".
5. The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen. ANOTHER FUN SOUNDING BOOK!
SECOND; Books that shouldn't be read in public.
1. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan and John Green. This book had me laughing my a** off. If you read it in public you're gonna get some weird stares, mostly stares that will be saying "what the hell is so funny!?".
2. Dash & Lily's Book Of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. Are you seeing a theme here? David Levithan is really funny! Rachel was brilliant too, don't count her out.
3. Looking For Alaska by John Green. I cried like three times during this book, which is saying something, because very few books make me cry!
4. A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young. Another book that made me cry. The ending, THE ENDING!!! I kept going, "I'm not going to cry, I'm not going to cry, I'm not going to cry" and guess what, I cried.
5. The Girl Next Door by Selene Castrovilla. The ending will get you! Have you crying like a baby. Trust me, It happened to me!
EXTRA; Where The Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. I think the ending to this one was obvious from the start, and even though I've read if three times it still makes me cry every time! EVERY TIME!
THIRD; Series that I have more than one book in but still haven't read.
1. The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins. Here's this series again! I have the first two because I started to read the first one, bought the second one, and then never finished the first one!
2. Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber. Okay, so this is all in one book, but still, it counts.
3. Curse Workers Series by Holly Black. I'm listening to White Cat right now, but I have both the first and second one. I got them so they would be signed, but I really wanted to read them, swear!
4. House of Night Series by P. C. and Kristen Cast. My mom got me the first two or three at Costco because they were cheap, and now they're just sitting on my book shelf waiting to be read.
5. The Wicked Lovely Series by Melissa Marr. I have the first two, and they're signed. I've had them for years, at least 4. My friend got them signed for me and I just keep putting them off, even though my friend said they were awesome.
FOURTH; Books that don't have sequels but should.
1. Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey. I know it's not out yet, but when you read the book you'll see how much this book NEEDS a sequel! And it's not because it's unfinished, but because the story would be AWESOME even if it was continued.
2. Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma. I'm sure this book was ended the way it was for a reason, open to interpretation, like the movie Inception, but I kinda want to know the TRUTH, and Nova built such a great world that I didn't want to leave and wouldn't mind coming back to.
3. Forgotten by Cat Patrick. Another book that doesn't need a sequel to tie up loose ends, but just because the sequel would be amazing if it were written.
4. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab. I would really love to see how this story would continue if there was a sequel. Would Lexi find another ghost to face, another witch? Maybe if it was even a companion novel set in the same world?
5. Possess by Gretchen McNeil. This book MAY have a sequel, but nothing has been announced yet. Gretchen says it will be a series, but seeing as it hasn't been contracted nothing is official yet.
FIFTH; Series I've started but not finished.
1. Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead. For some reason these books didn't grab me like they did for other people, so even though I have all of them, and they're all signed too, I just see no need to finish them. Also, I feel I know where the story went, so there is no reason for me to read them.
2. The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod by Heather Brewer. I've only read the first book, and it's not that it wasn't bad, I just don't feel a burning desire to finish this series either.
3. The Forest of Hands and Teeth Series by Carrie Ryan. I've read the first two, and I want to know what happens in the last one, but it's a HB book and I haven't even bought it yet, so maybe when that book comes along and finds a way to my shelves I'll read it. This one I do want to read, I just have other books I want to read more!
4. Possessions Series by Nancy Holder. I have the second book in this series, I bought it and everything, but again there is no dying need to read it RIGHT NOW! Although I did like the first one, very spooky.
5. Bad Girls Don't Die Series by Katie Alender. I have an ARC of the second book AND a finished copy of the second book but I've still yet to get to it. The finished copy is sitting only about a yard or so away from me right now, staring at me and going "you were supposed to read me" and it's making me feel bad. Maybe I should put a blanket over it so it can't see me...
SIXTH; Morbid books I own.
1. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting. Yeah, it's a YA book, but it's about a girl who finds dead bodies, I mean, for YA that's pretty morbid, but I loved every page and can't wait for the third one!
2. Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves. This is about killer twins with a serial killer father. I've heard it's gory and nasty, and that makes me want to read it even more!
3. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves. Same author, same crazy mind, same basic idea, kinda nasty and not a book for everyone, but definitely one for me.
4. The Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith. This is supposed to be a grizzly book and again I feel the need to read it. I like grizzly.
5. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. Ryan isn't afraid to kill off characters, and the book has zombies in it. That's pretty morbid if I do say so myself.
SEVENTH; Fluffy books I own.
1. Both Stephanie Perkins books. Yes, they're light and fluffy and I love them both very much. I love morbid things and I love fluffy things, I'm a walking contradiction.
2. Epic Fail by Claire LeZebnic. A fluffy book with really no terribly bad stuff at all in it, and I read it in a day. Yay for happy books!
3. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. A happy book with music in it! This book actually has one of my favorite quotes ever in it. I just love it so much.
4. The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook. This book was so much fun to read, a nice break from all of the crazier books out there. Just a book about a girl learning to be herself.
5. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. This book had me laughing from the first page and just like the other book I read by these authors was just so much fun. A little adventure, a little romance, another great quote or two. Loved it!
EIGHTH; 24 hour reads.
1. Epic Fail by Claire LeZebnic. Yup, this book I read in one day. It was fun and I just couldn't seem to help myself.
2. The D.U.F.F. by Kody Keplinger. I started this book on December 31st and finished it that same day. I put it down a few times but just kept picking it right back up! An awesome debut.
3. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. I read this book in 7th grade...or maybe it was 8th... This book is short, so it's not hard to believe I read it in one day.
4. Impulse by Ellen Hopkins. It was a weekend, I read in the car, on the couch, didn't watch TV, finished it right before bed. I needed to see how it ended. It just pulled me in.
5. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles. I read through two lunches even though I was only supposed to have one (it was an accident I swear!) and then I might have started reading it again right after I finished homework and stayed up a little past my bedtime to finish and write the review. But shh, don't tell my mom.
NINTH; Books you might not expect me to read.
1. Infected by Scott Sigler. I saw this book at my local Barnes & Noble and I picked it up. I have a strange fascination with crazy diseases (fictional or real), and even though it was an adult book I picked it up and read it anyways. It was good.
2. The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris. When I was watching the movie (which is AMAZING by the way) I saw that it was based on the book, and then, because I love the movie so much, I just had to read it. So I did.
3. The Mist by Stephen King. My friend recommended this to me, and seeing as I'm a horror freak I had to read it. I got it for a dollar and it took me a day to read.
4. Be More Chill by Ned Vizzini. This book is about a guy, told from a guy's point of view, and talks about sex, women, and pretty much everything else a teenage boy deals with, but I'm not a teenage boy, and this book is not as well known as his other book, but still good!
5. Rx by Tracy Lynn. Another not so well known book. It's about a high school drug dealer, and no, not illegal drugs, but prescription drugs. I really enjoyed this book and read it years and years ago. If you've heard of this book I'm very impressed!
TENTH; Books with rave reviews that I didn't find amazing.
1. If I Stay by Gayle Forman. I think it's because so many people had said how amazing this book was, but it really fell short for me. I wasn't blown away like so many other people were.
2. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I had to read this for school and I know that adults just LOVE this book, but I think it's one of the most depressing books I've ever read. I will never read it again and curse whoever it was that called this book inspirational.
3. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. People love these books, I just didn't. I didn't love them when I first tried them out a good four years ago and I didn't love them when I read them because Richelle was doing a signing and the last book had come out.
4. Pulse of Heroes by A. Jacob Sweeny. This is an indie book and the author sent me a copy for review and signed it and everything. I really wanted to love this book, I really did, because it sounded really good, but I just found the main character just a little too immature to be real. I also found it just a little slow, but don't let that stop you from picking it up and loving it!
5. The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson. I was really excited about this book and people had been saying it was great, but I was just disappointed with the ending and how everything turned out. I'll probably read the next one though.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Spooky Giveaway!
First off, this is the 100th post on the blog!
Now onto our regularly schedule program. Today Is the start of the Spooky Giveaway. Ta-Dah!
Now the way this works is easy, I'm gonna post some cut outs from book covers and all you have to do is guess the correct title of each to be entered. There are 25 covers (which you guys helped me decide, that's what the 20 or 25 was). You have until the 31st to figure out all of the names of the covers. All you have to do once you've figured out the names is to fill out the form here. The original prizes (see below) are all included as well as 17 others that are not. The covers are in order 1-25 starting at the top left and going to the right, then the second row to the left, and so on and so forth. Now here are the covers. They're all spooky books and all but one is out now!
The original prizes are;
- A signed copy of Paranormalcy
- A signed copy of Shiver
- A signed ARC of The Scorpio Races
- Anna Dressed in Blood
- An ARC of After Obsession
- An ARC of Tiger's Voyage (this is the one that's not out yet)
- An ARC of Shatter Me
- The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Each one will go to a different person. And what's extra cool, if you get them all right you're entered to win one of the books that wasn't an original prize. So there are 8 original prizes and 25 covers, so that means if you guess all the covers correctly you are entered to win your choice of 17 books! Now let me make this clear there is only going to be ONE winner and they will win ONE of their choices of the 17 books. If you just want to go for the original prizes just tell me what number the covers of the original prizes are.
Now all of those books up there are pretty popular, but if you like a real challenge I have 5 more covers of spooky books that are less widely known, and if you guess and get all of those right (or if it turns out to be too hard x/5 right) you will be entered to win one of THOSE books! If you want to try to win one of those books fill out the form here. And here are the covers.
And last but not least if you're not up for the trouble of any of those you can also enter to win a whole bunch of swag, because I have a ton of that, and I need to clear it out so I can get more! Anyone can enter that contest and just fill out the form here.
The main contest will be international if you can pay for shipping if you win. The extra contest is international as long as the book depository ships to your country for free (does it, check here). And the swag contest will be open to everyone because the world needs more swag!
Now go forth and enter, and have a great Halloween! Winners will be announced ASAP, but no later then November 5th.
Friday, October 21, 2011
In Which I Talk About Books
A shocking title for a blog post on a blog that's dedicated to books right? Yeah, I know, CRAZY!!! Any who, I've seen some other...what are they called meme's where every Tuesday (or some day of the week ending in the word "day") there's a different topic and it's generally a list of like 10 books that (and then you insert something here) and I really want to do that, but I feel that I would forget to do it every week, so we're just gonna squish it all into one BIG MASSIVE LONG blog post. So some of these I've seen on other blogs, and I think I might make up one or two of my own, because, I mean, we all know how creative I am, right? RIGHT! So let's get going! And in the interest of time and space, let's do 5 of each instead of 10.
Note; These are in no order!
FIRST; Books that I'm pretty sure everyone has read except for me.
1. The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. Yeah, I know I know, everyone tells me I need to read this, but have I, NO! I tried, but I had lots of homework to do that year and it just didn't keep my interest, THERE WAS NO KILLING HALF WAY THROUGH THE BOOK!!!
2. The Immortals Series Alyson Noel. People have been raving about these, and they're all over used bookstores and stuff, so I bought the first one, but it's just sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. Poor thing. I've heard mixed things about this series, but still, I feel like everyone has read these!
3. The Curse Workers series by Holly Black. I've heard rave things about these books, how beautiful they are, how amazing, ect, ect, and I have the first two signed, but I've yet to read them. Holly was so funny it makes me feel even worse that I haven't read them.
4. The Wicked Lovely books by Melissa Marr. Met the author, have two of the books signed, heard rave things about them, never read them. I've even had friends tell me these are great and still, they're just sitting on my shelf.
5. Pretty much any book my Sarah Deesen. I have heard amazing things about her, people just love her books, girls especially, but every time I think about getting one of her books there's something I want more, so I put it back. I finally have one of her books, so maybe that means I will read it soon?
SECOND; Books that left me Speechless (for one reason or another).
1. Delirium by Lauren Oliver. I'm pretty sure that everyone who has ever read this book has said the same thing, and that is, "WHERE IS THE SECOND ONE!!!". If you've read it, enough said, if not, you'll just have to read it to find out what I mean,but don't say I didn't warn you.
2. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. Some people have said they don't like this book, but me, this book was just like...wow, it was amazing. I loved every second of it and I can't wait to see what Jandy writes next.
3. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. The whole book was just like, "woah" and then the end was like "woah" and then the last page was really like "WOAH!".
4. A Need so Beautiful by Suzanne Young. This book made me cry, thank GOODNESS I was at home when I finished it. One of those books you need some time to process.
5. City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare. If you've read it you all know why this book is on here. The End.
THIRD; Those books that no one really knows about that I really liked
1. The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner. This book is AMAZING but since it's not really available in big chain stores not many people have read it. It's so cute and the author is a really good friend of mine. Star Wars and Of Mice and Men. Enough said.
2. Memento Nora by Angie Simbert. This book is kind of like a shorter version of Uglies by Scott Westerfeld and has the potential to be really great if more stores would just carry it.
3. The Girl Next Door by Selene Castrovilla. This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me think, but sense it was published by a small company it isn't readily available but should be. Fans of My Sister's Keeper will really enjoy this book a lot.
4. The Past Midnight Series by Mara Purnhagen. A little spooky, a little funny, a little romancy, and all around fun I'm really glad I found this series because even though I passed it over once I really wish I hadn't.
5. Laney by Joanne Martin Sowless. Another independently published book, and yeah, it's about vampires, and yeah, it does kind of remind me of Twilight but IT'S SO GOOD!
FOURTH; Sequels that I need NOW but don't have...yet.
1. The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting. I pretty much stalk Kim, and whenever I hear she has a new book I need it NOW.
2. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare. If you have read Cassie's books you will know why I need it.
3. City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare. See number 2.
4. Timepiece by Myra McEntire. Hourglass was amazing and I just can't wait to see what happens in this series next. Pretty much the only time travel book I've found that doesn't confuse me!
5. Fever by Lauren DeStefano. The cover is beautiful, the first book was great, and it just ended right...there. I need to know what happens.
FIFTH; Debuts I'm dying to read.
1. Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock. Kimberly Derting blurbed this book and it's about a rouge werewolf, so I pretty much need this book.
2. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith. The idea of this book really interests me, and just the name. Don't say it doesn't make you want to read it too!
3. Everneath by Brodi Ashton. Pretty cover and intriguing idea. Also, this book has gotten lots of hype and it sounds good.
4. Slide by Jill Hathaway. This book is about serial killers. I LOVE serial killers. Well, not if they're coming after me, but in literature and TV they're amazing. Can't wait.
5. Incarnate by Jodi Meadows. Another pretty cover (so I like pretty covers, shoot me) and a really cool idea. This book is just asking to be read!
SIXTH; Books I ALMOST wish I hadn't read early because now I have to wait longer for the next one.
1. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. The ending was just so BAM and now I have to wait even longer for the sequel to come out then the rest of you!!! Cruel!
2. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. This book was so different and so much fun I can't wait to see where the sequel goes.
3. Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting. This was the FIRST ARC I EVER GOT! and I read it pretty much right after I won it. Now I learn there's gonna be another one, WHY DO YOU MAKE ME WAIT!?
4. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. This book was so amazing, as was Anna and I know that Isla will be just as amazing.
5. Wolfsbane by Andrea Creamer. The ending of this book was just like "Woah" and there are not going to be ARCs of the third one. That's just not okay.
SEVENTH; Debuts that knocked me off my feet.
1. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting. Dark, morbid, romantic, and a serial killer, what more could I ask for.
2. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. So different, so amazing, so fresh and invigorating. Pick it up when it comes out.
3. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. I just loved this book, but you really expect me to believe it was her first book? ;)
4. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. Scary, paranormal, different, and oh so delicious.
5. Across the Universe by Beth Revis. Murder, spaceships...I don't think anything could make me happier, seeing as I grew up watching Star Trek.
EXTRA; Matched by Ally Condie. This book was just so great, even with a love triangle, even though people seem to hate love triangles.
EXTRA; Nightshade by Andrea Creamer. Yay for sexy werewolf's that DON'T loose their clothes when they shift and a sexy, tough, female protag.
EXTRA; Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. This book was just so amazing, so cute, so funny, I WANT AN ENTIENNE!!!
EIGHTH; Books I've had since they came out but have still yet to read.
1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Yup, I bought this book when it first came out and it's still sitting waiting for me to be read.
2. The Monstromologist by Rick Yancey. I have the hardcover version of this book with the original cover and I keep meaning to read it, I do, but I just keep finding something else that needs to be read more!
3. I Am Number Four by Pattacus Lore. Bought this the first week it came out and it's still just sitting on my shelf asking to be read.
4. Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves. This book is about serial killers and I bought it even before it was supposed to be out (Borders wasn't always great with release dates) and still hasn't been read.
5. Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mlynowski. I bought this the DAY it came out, had all intentions of reading it, and it's still waiting for me to pick it up.
NINTH; Books that made me hit myself because I didn't read them sooner.
1. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. Once I read this book I was hooked and picked up the second one right away. The second one was already out, I mean, I should have seen the first one sooner!
2. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. I bought this book back when it was brand new and I stored it away until just last year. Man I didn't know what I was missing. A zombie book with no use of the word "zombie", talk about interesting idea.
3. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. My mom bought me this when it first came out and it just sat on my book case until the second one was almost out, and I only read it because the second one was coming out. Now there was a stupid reason to read a book I ended up loving.
4. Impulse by Ellen Hopkins. I didn't read this book mainly because I've never been a fan of poetry, but once I read it, man oh man did I wish someone had told me about it sooner.
5. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. I didn't even know this book existed until the movie came out and I saw it at Target. Sad really, cause it was so great.
TENTH; books I bought with every intention of reading and then didn't.
1. Ten Things we Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mlynowski. I love books like this, books with really no huge plot line but lots of laughs and romance.
2. Wildefire by Karsten Knight. A volcano goddess book written by an author who just cracks me up, why haven't I read this again?
3. Instructions for a Broken Heart by Kim Culbertson. This was supposed to be like Anna and the French Kiss and it looks funny, so I had my mom buy it for me, but it's just sitting on my bookshelf.
4. The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker. The cover was interesting, the idea was fascinating, and it was a murder mystery of sorts but I've just never picked it up to read!
5. Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves. Another book about serial killers that I haven't read. What's wrong with me? I can't call myself a serial killer buff if I haven't read this book!
EXTRA; Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers. This one is really a new addition to the list, I read some quotes from this book on Tumblr and I had to find out what book it was from, it was from this book, so now I need to read this book too!
LAST; If you bought me one of these I would love you forever. (The 10 book version!)
1. Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst. This book is supposed to be funny like Paranormalcy and just sounds different from anything else out there on the market. A vampire with a conscience, kinda reminds me of Angel. <3
2. Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. I've heard nothing but great things about this book from authors and readers alike, so why wouldn't I want it?
3. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Again, heard nothing but good things about this book, so why shouldn't I want it?
4. Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt. This books is so down my ally it's not even funny. It just sounds to cute and adorable I can't help it.
5. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson. I've wanted this book since I heard about it, just haven't gotten it yet.
6. Eve by Anna Carey. This book has a plague in it, A PLAGUE! Need I say more, I mean, this is me we're talking about here.
7. The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen. This just sounds so great and I've heard it's beautiful from a number of people.
8. Fury by Elizabeth Miles. I have a signed poster of this hanging above my bed and it sounds really good.
9. Timeless by Alexandra Monir. It just sounds so beautiful, doesn't it?
10. Pretty much any book I don't own. ;)
I'll stop with 11 because I could probably go on forever. Are there any categories you can think of? Any I should do. Your opinions on my picks? Maybe you want to yell at me? I'll probably do more of these in the future so let me know if you have any ideas on what I should do them on, or if you just want me to shut up. Either way, let me know.
Note; These are in no order!
FIRST; Books that I'm pretty sure everyone has read except for me.
1. The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. Yeah, I know I know, everyone tells me I need to read this, but have I, NO! I tried, but I had lots of homework to do that year and it just didn't keep my interest, THERE WAS NO KILLING HALF WAY THROUGH THE BOOK!!!
2. The Immortals Series Alyson Noel. People have been raving about these, and they're all over used bookstores and stuff, so I bought the first one, but it's just sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. Poor thing. I've heard mixed things about this series, but still, I feel like everyone has read these!
3. The Curse Workers series by Holly Black. I've heard rave things about these books, how beautiful they are, how amazing, ect, ect, and I have the first two signed, but I've yet to read them. Holly was so funny it makes me feel even worse that I haven't read them.
4. The Wicked Lovely books by Melissa Marr. Met the author, have two of the books signed, heard rave things about them, never read them. I've even had friends tell me these are great and still, they're just sitting on my shelf.
5. Pretty much any book my Sarah Deesen. I have heard amazing things about her, people just love her books, girls especially, but every time I think about getting one of her books there's something I want more, so I put it back. I finally have one of her books, so maybe that means I will read it soon?
SECOND; Books that left me Speechless (for one reason or another).
1. Delirium by Lauren Oliver. I'm pretty sure that everyone who has ever read this book has said the same thing, and that is, "WHERE IS THE SECOND ONE!!!". If you've read it, enough said, if not, you'll just have to read it to find out what I mean,but don't say I didn't warn you.
2. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. Some people have said they don't like this book, but me, this book was just like...wow, it was amazing. I loved every second of it and I can't wait to see what Jandy writes next.
3. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. The whole book was just like, "woah" and then the end was like "woah" and then the last page was really like "WOAH!".
4. A Need so Beautiful by Suzanne Young. This book made me cry, thank GOODNESS I was at home when I finished it. One of those books you need some time to process.
5. City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare. If you've read it you all know why this book is on here. The End.
THIRD; Those books that no one really knows about that I really liked
1. The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner. This book is AMAZING but since it's not really available in big chain stores not many people have read it. It's so cute and the author is a really good friend of mine. Star Wars and Of Mice and Men. Enough said.
2. Memento Nora by Angie Simbert. This book is kind of like a shorter version of Uglies by Scott Westerfeld and has the potential to be really great if more stores would just carry it.
3. The Girl Next Door by Selene Castrovilla. This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me think, but sense it was published by a small company it isn't readily available but should be. Fans of My Sister's Keeper will really enjoy this book a lot.
4. The Past Midnight Series by Mara Purnhagen. A little spooky, a little funny, a little romancy, and all around fun I'm really glad I found this series because even though I passed it over once I really wish I hadn't.
5. Laney by Joanne Martin Sowless. Another independently published book, and yeah, it's about vampires, and yeah, it does kind of remind me of Twilight but IT'S SO GOOD!
FOURTH; Sequels that I need NOW but don't have...yet.
1. The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting. I pretty much stalk Kim, and whenever I hear she has a new book I need it NOW.
2. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare. If you have read Cassie's books you will know why I need it.
3. City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare. See number 2.
4. Timepiece by Myra McEntire. Hourglass was amazing and I just can't wait to see what happens in this series next. Pretty much the only time travel book I've found that doesn't confuse me!
5. Fever by Lauren DeStefano. The cover is beautiful, the first book was great, and it just ended right...there. I need to know what happens.
FIFTH; Debuts I'm dying to read.
1. Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock. Kimberly Derting blurbed this book and it's about a rouge werewolf, so I pretty much need this book.
2. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith. The idea of this book really interests me, and just the name. Don't say it doesn't make you want to read it too!
3. Everneath by Brodi Ashton. Pretty cover and intriguing idea. Also, this book has gotten lots of hype and it sounds good.
4. Slide by Jill Hathaway. This book is about serial killers. I LOVE serial killers. Well, not if they're coming after me, but in literature and TV they're amazing. Can't wait.
5. Incarnate by Jodi Meadows. Another pretty cover (so I like pretty covers, shoot me) and a really cool idea. This book is just asking to be read!
SIXTH; Books I ALMOST wish I hadn't read early because now I have to wait longer for the next one.
1. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. The ending was just so BAM and now I have to wait even longer for the sequel to come out then the rest of you!!! Cruel!
2. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. This book was so different and so much fun I can't wait to see where the sequel goes.
3. Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting. This was the FIRST ARC I EVER GOT! and I read it pretty much right after I won it. Now I learn there's gonna be another one, WHY DO YOU MAKE ME WAIT!?
4. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. This book was so amazing, as was Anna and I know that Isla will be just as amazing.
5. Wolfsbane by Andrea Creamer. The ending of this book was just like "Woah" and there are not going to be ARCs of the third one. That's just not okay.
SEVENTH; Debuts that knocked me off my feet.
1. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting. Dark, morbid, romantic, and a serial killer, what more could I ask for.
2. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. So different, so amazing, so fresh and invigorating. Pick it up when it comes out.
3. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. I just loved this book, but you really expect me to believe it was her first book? ;)
4. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. Scary, paranormal, different, and oh so delicious.
5. Across the Universe by Beth Revis. Murder, spaceships...I don't think anything could make me happier, seeing as I grew up watching Star Trek.
EXTRA; Matched by Ally Condie. This book was just so great, even with a love triangle, even though people seem to hate love triangles.
EXTRA; Nightshade by Andrea Creamer. Yay for sexy werewolf's that DON'T loose their clothes when they shift and a sexy, tough, female protag.
EXTRA; Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. This book was just so amazing, so cute, so funny, I WANT AN ENTIENNE!!!
EIGHTH; Books I've had since they came out but have still yet to read.
1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Yup, I bought this book when it first came out and it's still sitting waiting for me to be read.
2. The Monstromologist by Rick Yancey. I have the hardcover version of this book with the original cover and I keep meaning to read it, I do, but I just keep finding something else that needs to be read more!
3. I Am Number Four by Pattacus Lore. Bought this the first week it came out and it's still just sitting on my shelf asking to be read.
4. Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves. This book is about serial killers and I bought it even before it was supposed to be out (Borders wasn't always great with release dates) and still hasn't been read.
5. Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mlynowski. I bought this the DAY it came out, had all intentions of reading it, and it's still waiting for me to pick it up.
NINTH; Books that made me hit myself because I didn't read them sooner.
1. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. Once I read this book I was hooked and picked up the second one right away. The second one was already out, I mean, I should have seen the first one sooner!
2. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. I bought this book back when it was brand new and I stored it away until just last year. Man I didn't know what I was missing. A zombie book with no use of the word "zombie", talk about interesting idea.
3. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. My mom bought me this when it first came out and it just sat on my book case until the second one was almost out, and I only read it because the second one was coming out. Now there was a stupid reason to read a book I ended up loving.
4. Impulse by Ellen Hopkins. I didn't read this book mainly because I've never been a fan of poetry, but once I read it, man oh man did I wish someone had told me about it sooner.
5. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. I didn't even know this book existed until the movie came out and I saw it at Target. Sad really, cause it was so great.
TENTH; books I bought with every intention of reading and then didn't.
1. Ten Things we Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mlynowski. I love books like this, books with really no huge plot line but lots of laughs and romance.
2. Wildefire by Karsten Knight. A volcano goddess book written by an author who just cracks me up, why haven't I read this again?
3. Instructions for a Broken Heart by Kim Culbertson. This was supposed to be like Anna and the French Kiss and it looks funny, so I had my mom buy it for me, but it's just sitting on my bookshelf.
4. The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker. The cover was interesting, the idea was fascinating, and it was a murder mystery of sorts but I've just never picked it up to read!
5. Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves. Another book about serial killers that I haven't read. What's wrong with me? I can't call myself a serial killer buff if I haven't read this book!
EXTRA; Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers. This one is really a new addition to the list, I read some quotes from this book on Tumblr and I had to find out what book it was from, it was from this book, so now I need to read this book too!
LAST; If you bought me one of these I would love you forever. (The 10 book version!)
1. Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst. This book is supposed to be funny like Paranormalcy and just sounds different from anything else out there on the market. A vampire with a conscience, kinda reminds me of Angel. <3
2. Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. I've heard nothing but great things about this book from authors and readers alike, so why wouldn't I want it?
3. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Again, heard nothing but good things about this book, so why shouldn't I want it?
4. Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt. This books is so down my ally it's not even funny. It just sounds to cute and adorable I can't help it.
5. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson. I've wanted this book since I heard about it, just haven't gotten it yet.
6. Eve by Anna Carey. This book has a plague in it, A PLAGUE! Need I say more, I mean, this is me we're talking about here.
7. The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen. This just sounds so great and I've heard it's beautiful from a number of people.
8. Fury by Elizabeth Miles. I have a signed poster of this hanging above my bed and it sounds really good.
9. Timeless by Alexandra Monir. It just sounds so beautiful, doesn't it?
10. Pretty much any book I don't own. ;)
I'll stop with 11 because I could probably go on forever. Are there any categories you can think of? Any I should do. Your opinions on my picks? Maybe you want to yell at me? I'll probably do more of these in the future so let me know if you have any ideas on what I should do them on, or if you just want me to shut up. Either way, let me know.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
In Which I talk About Where I Went and Where I'm Going
Okay, first off, don't freak out, I'm not actually going anywhere, well...I might be going to the movies tomorrow, but that's nothing to be worried about. My recent absence has been due to a couple of things. One, homework. Yeah, I know, not a GREAT excuse, but it's something right? I know a few of you have asked, the winner of the signed copy of Wicked Lovely was Bethzaida Medina. If I owe you a prize (aka, you've won something and you don't have it yet) it's because I seem to have a phobia of the post office. No, not like a legit one with a name that is really long and no one can pronounce, but I just really hate waiting in lines because I have better things to do with my time. Don't worry though, I'll get there this week! Probably Thursday or Friday. Now, where have I been? That's a good question, I've gone to quite a few books related events in the past few weeks. I went to the smart chicks kick it tour here in Seattle and had LOTS of fun. Met 15 authors and they were all great. Then I went to see Tahereh Mafi at a fancy restaurant, where I learned that I don't do fancy food. Got that guys, if you want to date me don't worry about fancy food, a good book and I'm all yours. We got to talk pretty much one on one, there were a few other bloggers there, but it was really personal. She's SO CUTE!!! And really nice, and her book is AWESOME, go check it out when it comes out in November (Shatter Me). Then yesterday I went to see Laruen Oliver. You guys, YOU GUYS she is SO GREAT!!! I was only one of like...10 people there, which included a few book sellers who worked there and I got to talk to her and she is AMAZING! She read from my ARC of Pandemonium, so the few people there got a sneak peak at the sequel. She also read from Liesl and Po, and that book sounds really good, so I'm gonna read it to my little brothers. This month I'm so booked up with author visits, school work (well, that's just assumed), and then I'm trying to figure out something to do with my best friend. Just this coming week I'm going to three book signings, back to back to back (by which I mean Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) and there I will be picking up swag and possibly even a signed book or two to give away, so keep your eyes open for that. I also mentioned on the facebook page that I picked up an ARC of the third book in the Tiger's Curse series, Tiger's Voyage, because it was just sitting at my school and no one had taken it, so I said to myself "I'm going to pick up this poor book and give it away to one of my very cool followers." Basically what I'm saying is stay tuned for a few contests in the near future involving an ARC or two, at least one signed book, and some major swag, because I have lots of that to give away. That's where I've been, and right now I'm working on reading The Scorpio Races, then it will be onto Silence, then Beautiful Chaos, then back to my ARCs. Oh, and it's October, which is a spooky month right, check back here the last week of October (so from the 24th onward) and you will have a chance to win a few spooky books in the spirit of the holiday! Hopefully a new review will be up soon, and I all hope that you are having a great October. If any of you are wondering, I'm also reading Crank by Ellen Hopkins as my first independent book in LA class.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Win Win?
So, I have a proposition for you all, I know how much you all love signed books, I mean, who doesn't love a signed PERSONALIZED copy of a book? I know that I do, although sometimes I think about how much I could maybe sell it for one day so sometimes I just have them sign the book, but that's beside the point. I know that you all like winning books, and you all like signed books, and you all like winning signed books, so really this is a win-win for you! If you want me to get a signed book for you email me at peachandblue2@aol.com but act fast, cause I'll only let one or two people do this per my signing, cause I don't want to kill my arms carrying a ton of books. Basically the events that I'm going to are as followed, and if you want you can let me know if you want a signed book from the event, but only pick one or two so that other people can participate as well. The catch, you have to buy your own book if you want to guarantee you get one. You can physically mail me the book, have it sent to me via a website, or just send me the money (before hand or I guess if you WILL pay me back you can do it afterwards if you can't get it to me by the day of the signing) to buy it from the store the event is going on at, then I'll get it signed and mail it back to you. If possible maybe you could consider adding an extra $5.00 for shipping, because sometimes that can get pricey. Please note that all the books will go back media mail if you live in the US, or first class (which is the only thing available) for those of you who live internationally. Either way it may take a little while for the books to get back to you. Without further adu the list of upcoming author signings and when I would need the book/money to get to me so I can get it signed for you;
* means that I might not be going, so definitely email me ASAP if you want a signed book from these events.
- Kody Keplinger-September 17th
- Tera Lynn Childs-September 21st
- Smart Chicks Kick it Tour-October 2nd (Seattle)
- Lauren Oliver-October 7th
- Maggie Stiefvater-October 11th
- Kiersten White (with Claudia Gray, Anna Carey, Amy Garvy)-October 12th
- Lani Tayler-October 13th
- James Dashner-October 15th
- Jay Asher-October 17th
- Ellen Hopkins-October 25th
- Kiki Hamilton-October 26th*
* means that I might not be going, so definitely email me ASAP if you want a signed book from these events.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
In Which I Talk About Amazing Authors I Know
Being a blogger is hard work, and I pretty much started with no connections at all. I still have very few and I work my butt off to get all the ARCs I do and I buy almost all of the prizes I give away that aren't ARCs. Now I know authors always say how amazing bloggers are, but in my mind it's totally the other way around. Yes, I know that bloggers spread the word about books and such, post reviews and all that, but without authors there would be no books for review. It's really a circular thing, without one there wouldn't be the other, and vice versa. I have met so many authors since I've started blogging and I can never thank any of them enough for all of their help. Some of the ones I know the best are as followed;
Kimberly Derting author of The Body Finder, Desires of the Dead, Skin Contact in Enthralled, and the upcoming The Pledge, as well as two more Body Finder novels.
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Kimberly has been so great to me and it's even cooler that she lives in my state. She puts up with all my silly stalker moves and she never seems to get mad when I pester her about whatever it is I might have on my mind at the moment. She's also really sweet, and not just to me, but to pretty much everyone I've ever seen her meet! She was so nice to my dog and her writing is awesome. If she ever comes to your city definetly try and go see her, cause she's really a great person and without her I might not have started blogging! Authors like Kimberly really do make it possible for bloggers to keep doing what they're doing, and she is such a great person to talk to, I could just talk to her for hours, maybe pick her brain for a story or two. I think I won my first ARC that I reviewed from her too! She was also my first book signing if I do recall correctly! http://kimberlyderting.com/
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Kimberly Derting author of The Body Finder, Desires of the Dead, Skin Contact in Enthralled, and the upcoming The Pledge, as well as two more Body Finder novels.
Selene Castrovilla author of The Girl Next Door, Saved By the Music, By the Sword, Upon Secrecy, Evolution, and the upcoming Melt.
Selene I met through facebook and she's just been a great person to talk to about all sorts of things. She really understands the teenage mind and she's just a great person to talk to. Her books aren't as well known as they should be, but that doesn't mean that they aren't amazing, because they are. Thankfully she is recognized in the literary world and gets to go out and about to places I've never been. Her books are so deep and down to Earth, and so emotional you can't help but fall in love with them. She was the first author to offer to send me a copy of her book to review all on her own and I'm glad I took her up on the offer. She's been branching out and her neweset novel is half formated in verse form. It's been so much fun talking to her and she even picks me up some cool thing ever now and then when she goes to all those cool conventions. Unfortunetly her books aren't on the Nook yet and you can't buy them in many stores, but I would deffinetly reccomend all of them, especially The Girl Next Door. http://www.selenecastrovilla.com/
Gae Polisner author of The Pull Of Gravity and a member of Class of 2k11. She's currently working on her next novel (or at least I really hope she is).
I met Gae over facebook and even though it was a bit of a disaster at first (Gae knows what I'm talking about) we managed to work it out. She really is a great person, and I've gotten to know her so well, even only after a few months. Her debut book was really amazing and althoug she can be a little crazy at time she's still amazing. We talk constantly and honestly I love her to death. Gae is so much fun to talk to and we just get along so well. She was kind enough to give me one of her author copies, you know, the ones that authors get just because they publish their books, and she gave me saw, and also puts up with my crazy tweets and random bombardments of her facebook page. She is one of the most supportive people I've ever met and I really hope I get to meet her some day in person. So you all need to go out and buy her book so that she will make it onto the New York Times bestselling list and come to Seattle, cause she's all the way in New York!!! http://gaepolisner.com/ Also, her website has hidden trolls all over it, and when you move your mouse over them they give you secret messages, but you'll have to read her book to find out why it's trolls.
Other mentions;
Janet Gurtler author of I'm Not Her and the upcoming If I Tell. She has put up with me spelling her name wrong on twitter countless times and even sent me a copy of her book because of a silly mixup with publishers and such. http://www.janetgurtler.com/
Nova Ren Suma author of Imaginary Girls and Dani Noir. She has a great new voice to the YA genre and she puts up with all of my insane tweets about how much I love her book, and all the bugging that goes along with me trying to schmooze out a signed copy. http://novaren.com/
Leigh Fallon author of the upcoming Mark of the Carrier. Also one of the authors who puts up with my crazy nagging about getting an ARC of her book, she's really nice and a pretty great person all together. http://www.leighfallon.com/
Andrea Cremer author of Nightshade, the upcoming Wolfsbane, and the last book in the series Bloodrose. She was nice enough to do an interview with the page when it was just a tiny little thing, and even offered up THREE of her own personal stash of books for winners. http://www.andreacremer.com/
Last but not least;
Eileen Cook author of The Education of Hailey Kendrick, Killing Lauren Wook, What Would Emma Do?, and the upcoming Unraveling Isobel. She has also written a few middle grade novels about faries. Eileen and I talked on facebook and when I asked for some signed postcards she sent me a whole bunch to give away, along with a nice letter, and a signed copy of Lauren Wood because of a conversation we had on Facebook. I also got her to come to Seattle for a signing. http://www.eileencook.com/
This isn't even close to all of the great authors I've met while being a blogger and hopefully one day I'll get to meet all of these great authors in person.
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