Blogger Interview

Today Steph from http://heyteenager.blogspot.com/ is here. Remember if you would like to be interviewed please leave your email in a comment!

1. If you could play the part of any character in a book who would it be?
I don't think I could choose! I'd love to be myself, most of all, and be able to befriend my favourite characters. If I could live in a John Green book, I'd be pretty happy.

2. The great debate: Twilight or Harry potter?
I don't really read fantasy or paranormal romance, so I'm going to have to say neither. But I do find sparkly vampires fundamentally wrong, so if forced to choose one, I'd go with Harry Potter. Luna Lovegood is so awesome!

3. What's unique about your blog?
I aim to be both informative and humorous. As well as book reviews and author interviews, I talk about issues that affect teenagers, writing (my other great passion), and lots of funny anecdotes from my life.

4. Who inspires you with blogging?
I can't pinpoint just one blogger - every single YA book blogger (including you, Ashley!) does a brilliant job of being committed to writing their blog, reading and commenting on other blogs, reviewing books, championing teen fiction and creating an awesome online community for little reward (okay, we get free books...).

5. Is there a blog you have to read daily?
I don't have a specific blog I have to read daily, but I do have to go through my Google Reader every day, otherwise I wind up with hundreds and hundreds of unread posts... and I have to stay up to date with the teen book blogosphere!

6. Ever been to book signings? Who'd you meet?
I haven't been to a book signing, but I was invited to the NSW Writer's Centre Kids & YA Lit festival and had the opportunity to meet a few Australian authors, including Melina Marchetta, author of books like Looking For Alibrandi and Jellicoe Road. Everyone was lovely. I plan on going to lots of book signings in the future! (Maybe one day I'll be the one signing books!) (I mean, they'll be books I wrote. I won't just randomly start signing books that aren't mine!)

7. Do books kick movies butt? :)
Totally!

8. What would you like people to know about you?
I love being a part of the whole YA book blogging community! In real life, I'm an Australian high schooler and reading and writing are basically my life. Pretty please check out my blog :-)

Author Signing

What did you do last Friday night? I met up with three lovely authors!

Suzanne Selfors and I

Lisa Schroeder and I

Suzanne Young and I (up and down)

The whole group.

They were all super sweet. I have been blogging for almost 3 years (since I started at a different blog before) and this was my first time meeting authors. My heart was POUNDING! It's like meeting a celeb guys!

Blogger Interview

If you would like to be interviewed please comment below. Include your name, email and blog link.

Today I have Leslie from http://thatchickthatreads.blogspot.com/ here to visit.

1. How long have you been blogging? What made you start?
I have been blogging for about 3 months =) I decided to start blogging because my friends nor my boyfriend read, so a lot of the time they got tired of constantly hearing me talk about books and reviews or current book signings and new releases. I also thought it would be really awesome to express my love for books =) I think they are abs amazing!

2. How much time do you spend blogging each day?
Well I tend to prepare my blog post in a journal before I post them =P I usually tend to spend about 1-2 hrs a day, coming up with my post and reading everyone elses post via my goggle blogger. I love to know what people think of books i've read or even one's I haven't read yet.

3. How many hours do you read each week? What are you currently reading?
I am always reading! People who know me personally know that I always carry around a book or two in my purse =) Right now i'm reading My Name is Will by Jess Winfield and after that I have Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins which is extremely exciting! :D

4. Have you attended any book signings? Who did you meet?
I have attended 3 different book signings. Melissa Marr [Fragile Eternity] was my first, then Lauren Conrad [L.A. Candy] (she is so nice and really pretty in person!) and Rachel Caine [Morganville Vampires] They were all really fun and exciting! :D

LUCKY on the L.C. front!!!!

5. Do any of your real life friends know you review? Do they review as well?
Yes a lot of my close friends know I blog. I'm always talking about it =) and no they don't, but i've gotten a few of them into reading again which makes me feel really good =)

6. Do you feel like you should be able to get school credit for reviewing?
Well if I was in High School then I guess but since I attend college, meh this blog is really just for me and any book lover and it's just something fun and awesome!

7. How do you feel about banned books?
I think that we should read them. I'm always intrigued by why they were banned and most of them have that language feel that is just insightful!

8. Anything unique about you or your blog?
Well I have this meme on Sat's called Quote it Sat, where you can pull some of your favorite quotes from passed books because know a few of us have journals with quotes and I'm a quote collector so it's always interesting to see what quotes other people find interesting or fun!

The Naughty List

(No cover because Barnes and Noble wasnt working) :(

Title: The Naughty List
Author: Suzanne Young
Publisher: Razor bill
Price: $9.99 USD PB
Release: February 4th 2010

Grade: A+
Rating: 15+

Summary: (Amazon)
As if being a purrfect cheerleader isn’t enough responsibility! Tessa Crimson’s the sweet and spunky leader of the SOS (Society of Smitten Kittens), a cheer squad–turned–spy society dedicated to bringing dastardly boyfriends to justice, one cheater at a time. Boyfriend-busting wouldn’t be so bad . . . except that so far, every suspect on the Naughty List has been proven 100% guilty!

When Tessa’s own boyfriend shows up on the List, she turns her sleuthing skills on him. Is Aiden just as naughty as all the rest, or will Tessa’s sneaky ways end in catastrophe?

The Naughty List. Is your boyfriend on it?

My Thoughts:
On Friday (the 25th) I headed to Portland for an author signing. This was for Suzanne Selfors but I invited Suzanne Young as well. I was super excited about reading her book before I met her but afterwards there was no way I could hold off any longer. Suzanne was such a sweetie and was fun to be around. By the time I got home that night it was too late to read. As soon as I woke up on Saturday I started The Naughty List. I was unable to put it down.

Tessa was an incredible character. It was impossible to not like her. I felt as if I was Tessa. My heart broke when hers did. I wanted to jump up and cheer when she did. Tessa was just flat out amazing. I loved how she was intelligent. I’m not going to lie and say cheerleaders really are that way. I’m sure there are smart cheerleaders but at my school it’s always the stupid easy girls that make it. I loved that Suzanne portrayed a different kind of girl then the typical. She showed us that its possible.

Aiden is Tessa’s ah-dorable sweetie. I found myself falling for him from the first mention of his name. Move over Edward, there’s a new boy in town J. He was the kind of boy all of us girls want. Cute, intelligent and athletic, what more could you ask for? I appreciated that even though he wasn’t the main character he was still portrayed so great that you just had to love him.

The plot of this novel wowed me. It was super unique and very well developed. How often do we hear of cheerleading spies? The correct answer is NEVER! Not even Charlie’s Angels had that! I also loved the names of the sports teams in this book. For most people it wouldn’t even be noticeable but since I live in Oregon I was cracking up. Our two biggest rival schools are the ducks and the beavers. Both of these were used in this novel. You can tell Suzanne is around here too!

My overall opinion of this book is that you should mark your calendar and on February 4th go buy a copy. Don’t wait!

Read-a-thon

I'm in a read-a-thon today guys :) I hope to finish Eclipse today and start The Naughty List. I have 4 reviews I will set to post afterwards

Blogger Interview

If you would like to be interviewed please comment here. Include your email and blog link!

Today I have Katie from http://www.sophistikatied.blogspot.com/ here to chat.

1. When did you decide that you wanted to review books?
I've been a big fan of the book blogging scene since the beginning of the year, so I guess you could say around January- when I was introduced to them. I knew that professionals reviewed books, but when I realized that normal people were doing it as well, I was completely hooked. I became somewhat depedent on some reviews before I bought a book, which never let me down. It wasn't until August though that I finally sucked it up my nervousness and made a blog. I'm sorry I didn't do it sooner, it's awesome!

2. Who has helped you the most when it came to starting your own blog?
I'd have to say Kristi from The Story Siren and Lenore from Presenting Lenore. Though they didn't help me indirectly, they both have amazing tips/advice that I studied religiously before I actually made the blog. It'd probably be a complete mess right now if not for their guidance!

3. What blogger inspires you?
Some of the first blogs I discovered quickly became my favorite. I was really inspired by the bloggers of Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf, Katie's Book Blog, Carrie's YA Bookshelf, The Book Cellar and many others. Also, I have to add The Story Siren again. I think of Kristi as like the momma of all book bloggers.

4. Who is your favorite author and which of their books is your favorite?
This is a tricky question since I don't really read every single book from the same author. My favorite author list changes up a lot, but right now the top two are Maggie Stiefvater and Carrie Ryan. Shiver, by Maggie, was probably one of the best books I've ever read, and I can easily say she'll be on my permanent favorite list for a long time. I think The Forest Of Hands And Teeth was the only story Carrie Ryan has released right now, but it's amazing as well.

5. What is one unique thing you do on your blog?
I'd say Fan Art Friday. I haven't seen any other YA book bloggers do it yet, so it can be categorized in the unique zone. Every friday I post fan art inspired by novels, and offer the chance for people to send me their own to be featured. So far, I've just been making my own mock movie posters, but I hope that in the future I'll start getting some pieces from others to post!

6. Have you ever met any authors face to face? If so, who?
Sadly, no. I always complain about this, but authors rarely come to Michigan, where I live. Maybe they are, and I'm just missing the memos. I'm always alert for in-store signings/book launches though, but no such luck yet.

7. On an average how many books do you get each month?
Hm .. I'd say about fifteen? Probably less. I'm dependent upon the library and hardcore sales at bookstores, so I don't get to read new novels as much as I'd like to- especially with the incredibly lame YA selection at my library. It takes about three years for them to actually get new books in!

8. Anything you want us to know about you?
I'm currently in the process of writing my own YA novel. It's always been a huge dream of mine to be a published author. I'm in a huge self-doubt rut right now, but I'm working my butt off on it. Hopefully in the future, my fellow book bloggers will be reviewing my story! Fingers crossed!

Theatrical Thursday

Title: Odd Girl Out
Claim to Fame: Alexa Vega
Grade: B
Rating: PG-13

Summary: (amazon.com)
"Girls are brutal," a father warns his young son in the course of Odd Girl Out. "They… tear each other to bits over the smallest things." Director Tom McLoughlin's 2005 film proves it, too, offering up a harrowing tale of one teenager's horrendous treatment at the hands of her high school classmates. When we meet Vanessa (Alexa Vega, also seen in Spy Kids), she's a reluctant member of a group of spoiled, snooty girls who rule the school hallways like designer-dressed harpies. But when she betrays "best friend" and clique leader Stacey (Malcolm in the Middle's Leah Pipes), it all starts to go south; little matter that said betrayal is actually concocted by the genuinely vicious Nikki (Elizabeth Rice). What begins as a relatively petty campaign of text messages, rumor-mongering, and daily ostracism soon escalates into full-scale torment and cruelty, including a particularly nasty website, an invitation to a party that doesn't exist (the better to humiliate the eager and insecure Vanessa), and her near-tragic reaction to these events. McLoughlin's resume includes TV shows based on A Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th, so it's no surprise that this film has a stylized, horror film vibe; there is nothing remotely light-hearted about this story (loosely based on Rachel Simmons' non-fiction book Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture Of Aggression In Girls), which focuses not only on Vanessa's nightmare but on the well-meaning but futile efforts of her mother (Lisa Vidal) to help.

Title: 4/5
The title was fairly good but there was opportunity for improvement. I didn’t see Alexa’s character as the “odd” girl she was supposed to portray.

Cover: 5/5
The Cover drew me into the movie in so many ways. The Positions and facial features of the girls were very intriguing. The background was also gorgeous.

Acting: 4/5
The acting was not great but it was good. There was room to improve when it came to certain characters.

Plot: 3/5
The plot was overly common and could have used a few twists to it.

Wednesday Wishlist

Here is what is on my wishlist this week and why.

Front and Center by Catherine Murdock

After five months of sheer absolute craziness I was going back to being plain old background D.J. In photographs of course I’m always in the background . . .

But it turns out other folks have big plans for D.J. Like her coach. College scouts. All the town hoops fans. A certain Red Bend High School junior who’s keen for romance and karaoke. Not to mention Brian Nelson, who she should not be thinking about! Who she is done with, thank you very much. But who keeps showing up anyway . . .

Why I Want this:

I will not lie, covers attract me. I love this cover and the synopsis sounds good too! I really would like a copy of this :)

Blogger Interview

Well I am back to interviewing bloggers again and I have three new blogs lined up. If you would like to be interviewed simply leave me a comment. Please include a blog link and email addy.

Today we are talking about the lovely blog, Taste Life Twice. The link is: http://taste-life-twice.blogspot.com/

1. Who or what inspired you to start blogging and reviewing?
I was using StumbleUpon, and I stumbled on a book blog. Before that, I didn't know they existed. I had always loved reading, and I thought a blog was a great way to get my opinions of books out of my head and into the world. I started surfing around blogs and entering contests, and within a week, I decided to start my own. Not much later, I invited Kiki to join me, so she does posts here and there. Two of the first book blogs I read were Reading Keeps You Sane and Persnickety Snark.

2. Is there a blogger you go to with questions?
I'd say I go to Susan of Color Online and Black-eyed Susan's for a lot of things. She's definetely my blogging mentor. My blog first centered around YA lit, without much direction, until I somehow found Color Online. I commented on one of Susan's posts, telling her that I had also noticed a lack of multicultural lit, and she invited me to be part of her project. My blog is still YA, and I still review all types of books, but now I make a conscious effort to read and review books by and about people of color.

3. What is the one book you re-read over and over again?
The Fearless series by Francine Pascal. The series goes on forever, so I have a bit of a cycle. I read them, forget about them, rediscover them, end up buying a couple more books from the series off Amazon, and the cycle repeats. Also, I can read Crank by Ellen Hopkins over and over because it's so gripping. I'll start out re-reading one of my favorite parts and just end up reading the whole book. I tend to overindulge when it comes to books written in verse.

4. What was the book that really made you start to love reading?
I think the book that really began my love of reading was Marco Comes Late by Dr.Seuss. It's about a boy who gets to school late and gives his teacher a fantastic excuse. My Dad used to read it to me before bed in the most animated way. I stopped reading for a small portion of elementary school, but I read The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis, and it really reignited my love of reading. I reviewed it on my blog.

5. Do you want to attend BEA next may? Do you think you'll get to?
I would LOVE to attend BEA, but I don't think I'll get to, because I'll be so worried about AP testing and preparing for college around that time. Plus, my parents will be reluctant to pay for the trip, but hopefully I'll get to go.

6. Have you met any bloggers face to face?
Sadly, no. But I've only been blogging for a couple months, so hopefully I've got plenty of time left. If you're a book blogger in the L.A. area, let me know!

7. Do you buy a lot of books each month? How many would you guess?
I buy a lot less now that I've started blogging, because there are so many contest wins and review copies on my shelf that I try to hold back. I usually end up buying about 5 a month anyway, and this is only with the help of friends. I tell them before we go near a bookstore,"Do not let me buy any books. I need to read the ones I have." But sometimes they let me slip by with buying one. It's because I'm a sneaky ninja. lol

8. Anything unique about you we can know?
Well, I have a fondness for brownies, bubble wrap, and musicals, I can toss and catch a six-foot pole, I worked at the polls in my neighborhood for the Presidential Election, and I am a really clumsy procrastinator. Haha Thanks for having me!

Bad Girls Dont Die

Title: Bad Girls Don’t Die
Author: Katie Alender
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Price: $15.99 USD HB
Release: April 2009

Grade: B
Rating: 14+

Summary: (Amazon.com)
High-school junior Alexis seems to be the class bad girl, complete with snide remarks, rebellious attitude, and listless motivation. At home, her overachieving mom has alienated her more laid-back dad, while her doll­-obsessed, 13-year-old sister, Kasey, periodically morphs from a blue-eyed, ordinary girl to a green-eyed, evil child plotting against others in their small town. What has possessed Kasey and their family’s beautiful Victorian home? Alender’s first novel is both a mystery and a trip into the paranormal, in which a child taunted years ago returns to exact revenge for her violent death. It falls to Alexis to sort out the historical details and protect not just herself and her family, but also the descendants of the girls implicated in the original tragic death.

My thoughts:
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a scaredy cat. I’m the type of girl who ends up on her boyfriends lap even during a PG-13 “scary” movie. I love scary after the fact but during I am paralyzed with fear. Bad Girls Don’t Die worked for me! There was just the right amount of fear and tension. The fact that I don’t believe in a paranormal universe, nor do I live in an old house might have made it a tad less scary.
I won’t lie and say there was never a part that scared me. Last night I had to stop reading because it was dark, I was alone, and freaked out. Keep in mind that just because this book scared me doesn’t mean it will scare you. Come on, I screamed when the cat walked by in When a Stranger Calls.
As for the plot, it was fantastic. It seemed really unique to me but I will admit I am new to reading scary, paranormal books. I enjoyed the creepy aspect combined with the love story. It was not the typical girl falls for vampire/werewolf/ghost type of romance.
I recommend this book to us girls who can’t handle the intense horror/fantasy books.

Authors!!!

I'm super excited guys! I have never met an author face to face and this week I am meeting 2 on Friday!!!!

Cant wait to see Suzanne Young and Suzanne Selfors

Boy's "R" Us

Title: Boy’s “R” Us
Author: Lisi Harrison
Publisher: Poppy
Price: $9.99 USD
Release: July 2009

Grade: B
Rating: 12+

Summary: (Barnes and Noble)
Massie and the Pretty Committee are on the outs: Alicia wanted to take over the cheerleaders, Dylan and Kirsten stole her crushes, and Claire just wants to be Switzerland - as in never choosing sides. Alicia forms her own group, with herself as the alpha, and makes it all about her girls and their crushes. They call themselves Soul M8s. With the boys moving back to their old but wickedly improved school, the girls can't help but be miserable without them. Luckily, Alicia has a few events planned. Can her events top Massie's previous ones? And will Massie take this new group lying down, or does the premiere alpha have something huge up her sleeve that will guarantee her status once and for all?

My Thoughts:
6the grade was the year I first indulged in The Clique series. I was quickly caught up with all of the released novels in the series. 5 years later I am still satisfying my Clique cravings.
If I’m so in love with The Clique you might be wondering why I gave it a B, not an A. The answer is simple to me. It’s time for this series to end. Yes, I love this series but it has got to the point where continuing would destroy the series. Things such as plotline have gotten way to repetitive. We can only watch Massie fall so many times. I love Lisi and her writing style but its time for her to move on and leave The Clique girls behind.
I do recommend this series, don’t get me wrong. This series got my 12 year old sister reading, for that I am thankful. I would tell any middle school girl to give them a try. Some high school girls might enjoy this series as well. There are parts that flash us back to those hard, dramatic middle school days.

The Lost Summer

Title: The Lost Summer
Author: Kathryn Williams
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Price: $15.99 USD HB
Release: 2009

Grade: A
Rating: 15+

Summary: Amazon.com

"I died one summer, or I almost did. Part of me did. I don't say that to be dramatic, only because it's true."

For the past nine years, Helena Waite has been returning to summer camp at Southpoint. Every year the camp and its familiar routines, landmarks, and people have welcomed her back like a long-lost family member. But this year she is returning not as a camper, but as a counselor, while her best friend, Katie Bell remains behind. All too quickly, Helena discovers that the innocent world of campfires, singalongs, and field days have been pushed aside for late night pranks on the boys' camp, skinny dipping in the lake, and stolen kisses in the hayloft. As she struggles to define herself in this new world, Helena begins to lose sight of what made camp special and the friendships that have sustained her for so many years. And when Ransome, her longtime crush, becomes a romantic reality, life gets even more confusing.

Cover: 5/5
The cover is beautiful and draws you in with only one glance. The vast water in front of you is very intriguing and makes you want to relax with the novel. The fact that the girl is on a dock looking out tells you she is deep in though. A possible flashback is hinted at.

Title: 5/5
The title in itself is intriguing. It makes you feel like there is bound to be an important story to read. You want to know what was lost and why. That is almost a necessity upon reading the title.

Characters: 5/5
I loved how all the characters were so very different. It’s important to have a vast variety if you want everyone to connect to the book. We had every type of girl imaginable in this story. There were also many male minor characters that were still well developed.

Plot: 5/5
I have noticed that not a ton of great books use camp as a main plot aspect. This was one of the few that I have found. That in itself is unique. The aspects of a physical relationship at camp and huge separation between counselors and campers were also new/nice.

Setting: 5/5
The fact that camp was the setting was fantastic. As mentioned before it is rather new to YA literature that people actually want to read. I applaud the author for how well she was able to describe the setting with out making her readers feel put down.

Ending: 5/5
The ending to this novel was flat out amazing. I never expected it and loved how unique it was. It wasn’t the happily ever after love crap lots of books like to shove down our throats.

Theatrical Thursday

Title: Gossip Girl Season 1
Claim to Fame: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester
Grade: A
Rating: TV-14

Summary: Amazon.com
Gossip Girl is a delicious not-too-guilty pleasure, a visual feast of couture and perfectly coiffed hair. The elite high-schoolers of New York's Upper East Side throw red-carpet parties, live in five-star hotels, and plot dastardly deeds against each other. Their actions are reported--and often exposed--by an omniscient presence known as Gossip Girl (voiced by Kristen Bell), an anonymous Web master who posts updates via her blog and text messages to the student body. Her primary target is the social circle of Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) and Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester), best frenemies who lean on each other (save for the occasional throwdown). The show opens as Serena returns from a semester at boarding school, determined to put her hard-partying ways behind her. But she's chock full of secrets, one of which is that before her abrupt transfer she'd slept with Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford), Blair's boyfriend. In season one, Blair becomes embroiled in her own triangle between Nate and slimy womanizer Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick); the two guys also happen to be best friends. Serena, meanwhile, steps into a romance with studious Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley), an aspiring writer on scholarship whose rocker dad (Matthew Settle) once dated Serena's gold-digging mom (Kelly Rutherford, Melrose Place)--got all that?

Title: 5/5
Love that they kept the title the same as the books. It fits perfectly.

Cover: 5/5
The picture on the cover is creative and fits perfectly. The picture really drew me in.

Acting: 5/5
They found the perfect person to play each character. The acting was flawless.

Plot: 5/5
The plot is super unique. I love how it is constantly changing.

Wednesday Wishlist

This is what is on my wishlist this week and why!

Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles

Ellie remembers how the boys kissed her. Touched her. How they begged for more. And when she gave it to them, she felt loved. For awhile anyway. So when Josh, an eager virgin with a troubled home life, leads her from a party to the backseat of his van, Ellie follows. But their "one-time thing" is far from perfect: Ellie gets pregnant. Josh reacts with shame and heartbreak, while their confidantes, Caleb and Corinne, deal with their own complex swirl of emotions. No matter what Ellie chooses, all four teenagers will be forced to grow up a little faster as a result. Told alternately from each character’s point of view, this deeply insightful novel explores the aftershocks of the biggest decision of one fragile girl’s life — and the realities of leaving innocence behind.

Why I want this:

I have always been fascinated by the psychology within teen pregnancy. This book appears to get indepth and I beleive I would love it! I really would like to see how this author chose to handle this hard situation.

Silver Phoenix

Hey guys! I am currently in a contest that involves getting the word out there about Cindy Pon's new release!

No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved—despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family—to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger's subservient bride banished to the inner quarters.
But now, something is after her. Something terrifying—a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn't only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined.
Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help.
It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help . . . and perhaps more.

I know you all wanna read it now :) Also, do me a favor and add her on FB. If you do let me know. Her FB is http://www.facebook.com/cindy.pon?ref=name

Must Monday 38

Here is what I am wanting this wonderful Monday morning!

Secrets Girls Keep by Carrie Silver-Stock

Girls love secrets. In many ways, teen girls are trapped by the cult of secrecy that exists today. It is as part of this cult that so many girls hide their depression, eating disorders, pregnancies, and sexual relationships.

Secrets Girls Keep shows teens that when they help share their stories without judgment, they begin to break down the walls and ensure better and safer choices for their futures. Many girls today struggle with feelings of low confidence, loneliness, rejection, and depression and then look to unsafe sex, drugs and alcohol for comfort and answers. This book shares the personal stories of other girls as they share their secrets, showing the reader that she is not alone in her struggles. Each chapter tackles a separate issue that is relevant to teenage girls today along with stories and seven secrets they can use to overcome the issues discussed in each chapter.

Buy it November 2nd!

Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher

You only hurt the ones you love.

Logan Witherspoon recently discovered that his girlfriend of three years cheated on him. But things start to look up when a new student breezes through the halls of his small-town high school. Sage Hendricks befriends Logan at a time when he no longer trusts or believes in people. Sage has been homeschooled for a number of years and her parents have forbidden her to date anyone, but she won’t tell Logan why. One day, Logan acts on his growing feelings for Sage. Moments later, he wishes he never had. Sage finally discloses her big secret: she’s actually a boy. Enraged, frightened, and feeling betrayed, Logan lashes out at Sage and disowns her. But once Logan comes to terms with what happened, he reaches out to Sage in an attempt to understand her situation. But Logan has no idea how rocky the road back to friendship will be.

Buy it October 13th!

Interview

Today Shalonda from http://shalondasblog.blogspot.com/ is here for a chat.

1. Did you start your blog on your own or were you urged by a site?
I was required to keep a blog for a college class a few years ago. It basically sat untouched for a long amount of time. One day, I stumbled upon The Page Flipper, and from there, followed the links to several other YA book blogs. I decided that since I was constantly reading YA novels and sharing my thoughts with people who had no interest in reading, revamping my blog would be a good outlet. And 10 months later, here I am!

2. Do any of your friends know you blog?
A few of my friends and family members know that I have a blog. My sister visits from time to time, and I just realized today that I have a friend who follows my blog! Recently, I was actually able to help a friend start a blog of her own (though her blog is for professional purposes).

3. Have you met any of the fellow bloggers? Was it fun?
Because we have a lot of awesome book related events in the Atlanta area, I have had the privilege to meet Vania of Reverie Media, Kelsey of Just Blinded Book Reviews, and Eli of The Tainted Poet. All three are really sweet, and because we like hanging out together, we now meet up with one another when there aren't any book events.

4. Do you have contacts within publishing companies? Do you find that easier then contacting authors separately?
It truly depends on the reason for contacting the author/publisher. If there is a book that I would like to review, I go through my contacts at the publishing houses. However, if I am requesting an interview or just being friendly, I go straight to the author. Authors have been very approachable and accommodating, and these days it is easy to have access to author contact information; however, there are certain circumstances in which it is more appropriate to contact the publisher.

5. Has a book ever really inspired you? How? What book?
I have been inspired by many books. Books like TWENTY BOY SUMMER and JUMPING OFF SWINGS have touched me. Books like WAKE/FADE and DEADLY LITTLE SECRET have inspired to me to step outside of my comfort zone. And because I am a romantic, A WALK TO REMEMBER inspired me to believe in everlasting and unconditional love.

6. Do you contact any of the bloggers regularly/ Are you close to them?
I speak with a couple bloggers on the phone or Skype. I also have interactions on Twitter. I love to communicate with people, so if anyone wants to contact me, please do!

7. What is unique about your blog?
I wouldn't really say there is anything unique about my blog. I have the usual reviews, memes, and author interviews. I have a full time job, so not a lot of time for blogging. I do it because I enjoy talking about books. If no one ever looked at my blog, I would still continue, but I am thankful for those people read and follow/subscribe to my blog!

8. Any advice for new bloggers?
Realize that blogging takes time. You are probably not going to be an overnight sensation. Those blogs that we all love and adore are so wonderful because the bloggers worked hard. With dedication, thoughtfulness, and hard work, you are bound for success! Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. When I first started, I contacted several bloggers for advice on layouts, review formats, and rating systems. They were all happy to help, and today I am lucky to call them friends!
Thanks Ashley for having me!

Review: Th1rteen R3asons Why

Title: Th1rteen R3asons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Publisher: Razorbill
Price: $16.99 USD HB
Release: 2007
Grade: A
Rating: 15+

Summary: (Amazon)
When Clay Jenson plays the casette tapes he received in a mysterious package, he's surprised to hear the voice of dead classmate Hannah Baker. He's one of 13 people who receive Hannah's story, which details the circumstances that led to her suicide. Clay spends the rest of the day and long into the night listening to Hannah's voice and going to the locations she wants him to visit. The text alternates, sometimes quickly, between Hannah's voice (italicized) and Clay's thoughts as he listens to her words, which illuminate betrayals and secrets that demonstrate the consequences of even small actions. Hannah, herself, is not free from guilt, her own inaction having played a part in an accidental auto death and a rape.

Cover: 5/5
The Cover was really great. The fact that the reverse of the cover had a map of the town was great! You could follow along with Clay as he went to the places detailed in the book.

Title: 5/5
The title was 100% perfection! It told us so much about the story without actually saying it. I was very intrigued by the title; it made me want to find out more about the book.

Characters: 5/5
The characters were incredibly well developed. I found it easy to connect with each one because they were so vividly portrayed.

Plot: 5/5
The plot was so very unique. I loved all the twists and turns that were given throughout every page. Each page gave another unique and descriptive concept.

Setting: 5/5
A lot of this story relied on setting. So many aspects happened in multiple places so the author had to develop the setting fully.

Seventeen: True Crime

Title: Seventeen True Crime
Author: Many for 17
Publisher: Hearst Books
Price: $4.95 USD PB
Release: 2007

Grade: A
Rating: 15+

Summary: Barnes and Noble
These stories come directly from the pages of Seventeen magazine. Each one includes a lurid description of the crime, followed by the punishment meted out by the criminal-justice system. The opening story features a preteen murdered by her mother after she confesses to losing her virginity. This is followed by a selection about "lesbian killers" who brutally stabbed one of the girl's grandparents and another entry about an eight-months-pregnant 14-year-old murdered by contract killers hired by the victim's adult boyfriend. One of the more appalling aspects is not only how many of the victims are young girls, but also how many of the perps are. Glossy, full-color, shocking photographs from each story appear in a centerfold. The tone and language are the typical pulpy standard set by the true-crime genre. For Law and Order and Special Victims Unit fans, these tabloid-tastic stories definitely hit the target.

My thoughts:
I had been looking for this book since it was first released. Every time I went to a bookstore I would search for it. Just recently I found a copy at a Barnes and Noble an hour from my house! The stories in this book were so incredibly gripping. Each story was fully told and easily connectable. Even though the stories were horrid they each had a message.

Recommendation:

Fans of scary, real life stories.

Blogger Interview

Today Donna from http://litbites.blogspot.com/ is in for a chat. This is what she had to say!

1. How long have you been blogging? Has it become an obsession?
My book blog, since the end of January, this year and my writing blog over a year now. I'd have to check the actual date it went up to be sure. I'm thinking a year and a half. An obsession? No. A compulsion? Yes. Once I get into a routine with something, it's very hard for me to get out and I'm in posting routines with both of my blogs.

2. What are some blogs that inspire you?
The Story Siren because of how far she's come in so little time. Reviewer X for her sheer honesty. Steph Su just because she is who she is and her blog is just all round good.

3. Favorite book of all time?
Right now that would have to be The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien.

4. Favorite feature on your blog?
Aside from the reviews? I like my Freaky Fridays. Older YA horror books need love too. They knew what horror was then.

5.Favorite review you've written?
This involves memory that I just don't have! I'd have to say my Alphas review or any of my Twilight series reviews. Honesty is my best policy.

6. How do you rate books?
Bites. Five bites is as good as you can get. Three bites ok, not good, not bad but not really memorable and one bite or lower is don't bother wasting the gas to go to the library (or energy if you're within walking distance). The reader can fill in the blanks for the rest. I don't like ratings that are so specifically set in stone.

7. What is unique about your blog?
Honesty. There are very few bloggers that are willing to be as honest as I am in a less than stellar review (Reviewer X comes to mind). And I really do my own thing. I don't like doing things that everyone else is doing because then all the blogs blend together and where's the fun in that? I try to stick to some base similarities, like reviews, obviously, but other than that, I try to stick to my own game. Easier said than done but I try.

8. favorite childhood book?
Goosebumps.

Thanks for coming Donna.

If you would like an interview please email me.

Wednesday Wishlist

Here is what is on my wishlist this week and why I want it!

Dancing Naked by Shelley Hrdlitschka

This story takes place over the nine months of 16-year-old Kia's pregnancy. She loses her virginity with her boyfriend, and though they use a condom, Derek and Kia "must be that lucky one percent or whatever it is." Kia's father pressures her to have an abortion, but she decides to go through with the pregnancy and adoption with the help of her church. Derek immediately breaks up with her, so she leans on Justin, the leader of her church youth group. The moral role is taken by Kia's "kind of liberal" Unitarian church. As her minister says, "Society is so hypocritical, isn't it?... Our own Sex Education course encourages abstinence... but also teaches that sexuality is a wonderful human experience. How can we expect teens to choose to abstain when these powerful messages are everywhere?" Kia's journey, shown in e-mail and journal entries as well as through standard narration, will prove a useful one for readers who want to see an exploration of some choices a pregnant teen may face. Human interaction and spiritual musings are all narrowly focused on Kia's understanding of her pregnancy. The only characters that are condemned by the novel are those who see only one possible option for Kia and refuse to consider others.

Why I want this:

I read this book for extra credit, in 8th grade health. I loved this book so much and found it incredibly in depth. At the start of each chapter it tells you what week in the pregnancy it is and how the baby is forming. As I read this my mom's friend was preggers. I'd call her each week and tell her that her baby had toenails or whatever. A great, must read!

Learning the Ropes

Title: Learning the Ropes
Author: Amanda Christie
Publisher: Random House
Price: $4.99 USD PB
Release: 2001

Grade: B
Rating: 12+

Summary: Barnes and Noble
Lucy goes to Washington! Her student court group has a date to be shown around the nation's capital for an entire weekend by an important politician. But before Lucy can ask all the questions she's written down in anticipation, she quickly learns that politicians aren't always that easy to get hold of. In the meantime, Simon wants to be an entrepreneur, so he decides to baby-sit for one of Ruthie's friends. But the job becomes more difficult than he ever expected.

My thoughts:

7th Heaven has forever been my favorite TV show. The love of a family is shown so vividly. Who hasn’t wanted to be at some point in their life? When I discovered a 7th Heaven book I hadn’t read I was super excited. This installment focused on Lucy and Simon. I was excited because Lucy is my favorite character. It was a great book but not my favorite 7th Heaven novel.

Recommendation:

Middle School kids or 7th Heaven fans.

Must Monday 37

Here is what I'm pining for this week guys :)

Suspicion by Kate Brian

In the newest Private book from Kate Brian, Suspicion sets up a mystery that even Reed has never faced.

Buy it tomorrow!

Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off. Now he has hooks. He chose hooks because they were cheaper. He chose hooks because he wouldn’t outgrow them so quickly. He chose hooks so that everyone would know he was different, so he would scare even himself.

Buy it today!!!

Girlfriend Material

Title: Girlfriend Material
Author: Melissa Kantor
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release: 2009
Price: $15.99 USD PB

Grade: A
Rating: 13+

Summary: (goodreads)
If Kate were Lady Brett Ashley, the devastating heroine of Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, she'd spend her summers careering around the Riviera in her coupe, breaking hearts by the dozen--because why not? In reality, Kate's never even had a boyfriend, and she'll be spending the summer abetting her mom's lame ploy to make her dad jealous: running off to Cape Cod and crashing at the seaside home of her wealthy friends, the Cooper-Melnicks. To add to the shame, the Cooper-Melnicks' gorgeous daughter Sarah a bit like Lady Brett, and she seems less than thrilled to hang out with her new houseguest. Any dreams Kate once had of a perfect summer are ruined.That is, until Sarah's cute, witty friend Adam starts drawing Kate into the fold--and seems. With Adam around, Kate feels like she just might have a bit of heartbreaker potential after all. But when a breezy summer romance quickly grows more complicated can Kate keep pretending her relationship with Adam is just a carefree fling? Or will she take the risk and tell him her real feelings? Suddenly Kate is asking herself a question she never thought she'd stoop to: Is she girlfriend material?

Plot: 5/5 Stars
The Plot of this novel was incredibly unique. Even the aspects that were common were so well developed that they blew my mind. There were so many important relationship aspects in this story you were engulfed from page one. Everyone can find their relationship or desire amongst one of the relationships portrayed in this fantastic novel.

Characters: 5/5 Stars
Each character in this story was incredibly unique and astounding. There were so many possible characters to connect with that it is almost hard to believe that the author could have made them each so fully developed. She did just that though. Every girl will see herself in one or more of the fabulous female characters.

Title: 5/5 Stars
The title was a great choice because it matched the plot so well. I can’t think of a better title for this story.

Cover: 5/5 Stars
The heart in the sand with an orange bottom half was a beautiful choice for this novel. Because the beach was a huge part of this story I love that the sand was in the cover.

Setting: 4/5 Stars
The setting was well developed but could have used a few more details. Overall I could see everything very good.

Ending: 5/5 Stars
This was one of the few books that actually made me “Aw” out loud upon completion. The ending was expected but perfect!

Out of Miry Clay

Recently I was contacted by an author and I told her I would let you all know about her new book. I myself will be getting a copy as soon as I can.

Amazon describes this book as "An inspirational work of young adult urban fiction, this 27,983 word manuscript depicts the journey of a female protagonist whose pursuit of success leads her uncover things about herself and her ability to lean on God in times of need.The novel's protagonist is a girl living in the inner-city, with the aspirations of becoming a singer. Soon, after a small break comes her way, a stranger helps her to become closer to God and many tragic things begin to happen in her life. In addition, a nagging melody begins in her head that she tries to ignore, but is always there. After the girl fails at trying to get her album together, she finds words to this melody that directly contradict the ultra sexy, ultra violent lyrics she is required to sing. Ultimately, she realizes that this is the true calling that God has on her life and it not only changes her in significant ways but changes others in her life as well."

If you want to know more check out these links.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Out-Miry-Clay-Telika-Howard/dp/0557073782/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249495644&sr=8-1
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/492698339

Interview Me

Recently I participated in Interview Me with Steph Su. So here are my answers. If you'd like to do this leave me a comment letting me know.



1. One oft overlooked book that you think deserves more attention?

Everyone knows who Judy Blume is but hardly anyone has read her book, Tiger Eyes. I love that novel and have read it many times. Its very captivating!

2. If you could be a character in a book, who would it be and why?

Ooooh this is a tough one. Bridget in the Sisterhood series I guess. She is so independent and and gets so much attention. I love her confidence. I also love that she has true friendships.

6. Who would play you in a movie about your life?

I can never remember the actresses name but she'd be perfect. She plays Grace in Secret Life. Oh yes, Megan Park is her name. Love her!

7. Without giving away any spoilers, what book ending would you change if you could, and, if possible to answer without revealing any spoilers, what would you change it to?

I loved the ending of Girlfriend Material but I wish there had been an epilogue. Too many questions were left unanswered

8. Which books or authors would you recommend to a friend who wants to start reading YA?

Sarah Dessen and Judy Blume. Just ask my sister, I've been shoving it down her thoat lately. :)

Theatrical Thursday

I want to know what you guys think about a new feature I would love to start. It would be called Theatrical Thursday. Please answer my questions in the comments.

1. Would you like to see me do a movie review every Thursday?
2. What Movie should I review?
3. Would it be okay if I included TV Shows on DVD?
4. Any other thoughts?

Wednesday Wishlist- DVD Edition

Here is what's on my wishlist this week and why.

Virgin Suicides
Director: Sofia Coppola Cast: James Woods, Kathleen Turner, Kirsten Dunst, Josh Hartnett

Teen angst in the '70s takes on tragic proportions in this haunting adaptation of the Jeffrey Eugenides novel. Sophomore director Sofia Coppola, the daughter of Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather, The Conversation), breaks out in her own right with this tale of five beautiful blonde teenage sisters (Kirsten Dunst, Hanna Hall, Chelsea Swain, A. J. Cook, and Leslie Hayman), who mesmerize the adolescent male population of their suburban Michigan neighborhood before ending their own lives. Dunst, playing the most charismatic of the sisters, is superb as a rebellious yet vulnerable dream girl, but the film also features fine (and surprising) performances from James Woods as the girls' nerdy science teacher father;Kathleen Turner as their frumpy, repressed mother; and Josh Hartnett as a high school stud whose fling with Dunst has dire consequences. What makes The Virgin Suicides truly memorable, though, is the atmosphere of dreamy nostalgia and melancholy that suffuses every frame. The boys' uncomprehending idealization of the sisters is expressed in slow-motion, soft-focus fantasy sequences of the golden-haired girls running through sun-dappled fields -- distorted images of femininity derived from '70s shampoo commercials. The score's deft use of period arena-pop by acts like Heart and Styx enhances to the '70s scenario. At once lyrical and creepy, The Virgin Suicides is a modern fairy tale that casts a lingering spell.

Why I want this:

I saw this recently on amazon and read the plot line. It sound amazing guys!!! It's so unique and the actors are fantastic. Any of you seen this? Should I buy it?

Revenge of the Wannabe's

Title: Revenge of the Wannabe’s

Author: Lisi Harrison

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's

Price: $9.99 USD PB

Release: June 2007

Grade: A

Rating: 12+

Summary: (From Amazon)

They're back! The rich, designer name-dropping, thoroughly conceited and obnoxious seventh-grade girls of Octavian Country Day School in Westchester, NY, return to compete against one another for who'll be the reigning queen of the school's "in crowd." Super-wealthy, super-indulged Alicia Rivera switches ballot boxes in the vote for a school uniform so that she wins instead of super-wealthy, super-indulged Massie Block. Readers will battle through their annoyance with and desire to choke these two girls, for the believability and humanity found in Claire and Kristen keep the story line moving. Massie and Alicia make mistakes, everyone interferes in the others' lives and loves, and all of the characters learn about their own limitations.

My Thoughts:
I read this book in 7th grade. I had discovered this series through a random book pulling at my local library. It was love at first page. The girls were very mean but it was still pretty clean! I loved how there was more then one main character that was focused on. Each girl was so different in this installment. We begin to finally see who they all really are.

Recommendation:
Middle School girls will love this series!