Thursday, December 31, 2009

Something, Maybe

Cover Image

Title: Something, Maybe
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Price: $16.99 USD
Release: March 24th 2009
FTC: This is my own purchased book. I did not receive it from the publisher or author.

Characters 20/20
Plot 20/20
Setting 20/20
Cover 15/20
Ending 20/20

Total grade: 95% A

Sexual content: 10/20
Violence: 0/20
Drugs: 0/20
Underage drinking: 5/20
Swearing: 5/20

Total rating: 13+


Summary: (Amazon)
In this often astute, occasionally awkward take on family and unwanted fame, Hannah Jackson James tries not to live in her parents' dubious shadow. Her father is an aging reality TV star with a Hugh Hefner-esque castle full of girlfriends. Her mother, a minor actress and former girlfriend of Jackson's, now makes her money hosting a webcam show in skimpy underwear. When Hannah moved with her mom to a small town at age 12, she tried her hardest to blend in. Five years later, her concerns include staying unnoticed at school, making sure her mom can pay the bills, and deciding how to approach the object of her affection, a fellow student named Josh who works next to Hannah at the drive-through call center for a fast-food chain. Then her father calls for the first time in five years to invite her to visit him in New York. Hannah is torn between her desire for his love and her suspicion that the gesture is nothing more than a cynical ratings ploy. Scott's portrayal of Hannah's family situation is subtle and convincing. Readers will understand without being told that Hannah and her mother love one another, but that Hannah is as much a parent as a child. Her relationships with her peers are less believable. Her interest in Josh never quite seems genuine, and readers realize long before she does that Finn, a kind but irreverent goofball, is a better match.

My Thoughts:
This book was awesome! I have never once not been impressed with Elizabeth Scott. I saw the obvious play on Hugh of Playboy fame as hilarious. I was cracking up every time he was in the picture.

Hannah was a sweetie and I really liked her. I felt that I was really able to have a connection with her, which is always nice. She was the typical teen girl, liking what isn’t good for her.

Finn was adorable. I wanted him to be my boyfriend. Josh was exactly what I saw him to be from the start. This is defiantly a worthwhile read.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Wednesday Wishlist

Here is what is on my wishlist this week! *hint hint mom, my birthday is in just over a week :)*

Cover Image
Bff
by Lauren Myracle
Summary: Barrnes and Noble
Readers fell in love with Angela, Maddie, and Zoe, the three great friends who shared their ups and downs in ttyl, ttfn, and l8r, g8r. Now readers get to chronicle their own BFF experiences as they fill out the quizzes, questionnaires, and lists in this fun, interactive companion to the series. Together, friends can figure out which character they most resemble, cast the movie of their lives, and make promises to their adult selves. (“I hereby officially swear I will never ever EVER wear ‘mom jeans,’ so help me God. And if I do, I will have to eat my own shoe.”) Perfect for a car trip or sleepover, this book will provide as many laughs and blush-worthy opportunities for reflection as the series that inspired it.
Why?
I love the series!!! Loved it!!!
FTC: I am not being compensated for mentioning this book.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Guest Review- The Hollow

Today my real life good friend, Sarah, is giving us a review. Her blog is: http://booksaremybff.blogspot.com/

Cover Image
The Hollow
Jessica Verday
Simon and Schuster
U.S. $17.99 (Hardcover)

FTC: This is my firend's book. She did receive it from a publisher with an agreement that an honest review with no compensation would be given.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:
When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead?and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity.

My Thoughts:
This was ana amazing book. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but omnce I did I had a hard time putting it down. Abbey was a strong female character. I could truly relate to her, she spoke her mind as well as stood up for herself. I found the plot of this book to be very engrossing. I felt like a part of the story and felt like I was experiencing what the characters were. Jessica Verday did an amazing job incorporating the old with the new. I loved that she had quotes from Sleepy Hollow before every chapter. I think this added to the book in a major way. I think the setting was amazing. Placing the book in Sleepy Hollow added more depth to the book. I also think that it worked well with the characters and emotions of the book. I found the ending of this book horrible. Everything that could go wrong went wrong, but I know there is another one coming so I can accept the ending and wait.

Recommendation: Anyone and everyone

Grade: Beginning "B", Middle "A+", End "B-"

Age: 15 and up (Some scary scenes, and lots of mature emotional problems)

Quote: "I looked down at the shallow stream below me and felt silly. The horseman couldn't cross water." ~Abbey

Monday, December 28, 2009

Must Monday

Here is what I am awaiting this week.
Cover Image
Summary: Barnes and Noble
Sequel to: Los Angeles is all about the sweet life: hot clubs, cute guys, designer . . . everything. Nineteen-year-old Jane Roberts can't wait to start living it up. She may be in L.A. for an internship, but Jane plans to play as hard as she works, and has enlisted her BFF Scarlett to join in the fun.

When Jane and Scarlett are approached by a producer who wants them to be on his new series, a "reality version of Sex and the City," they can hardly believe their luck. Their own show? Yes, please!

Soon Jane is TV's hottest star. Fame brings more than she ever imagined possible for a girl from Santa Barbara—free designer clothes, the choicest tables at the most exclusive clubs, invites to Hollywood premieres—and she's lapping up the VIP treatment with her eclectic entourage of new pals. But those same friends who are always up for a wild night are also out for a piece of Jane's spotlight.

In a city filled with people chasing after their dreams, it's not long before Jane wakes up to the reality that everyone wants something from her, and nothing is what it seems to be.
Why? Lets just say I LOVE the Hills
FTC: I am not being compensated for reviewing this book.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Undiscovered Gyrl

Cover Image
Title: Undiscovered Gyrl
Author: Allison Burnett
Publisher: Vintage Paperback
Price: $14.00
Release: August 2009
FTC: I received this novel from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review with no compensation.

Characters 20/20
Plot 20/20
Setting20 /20
Cover 15/20
Ending 20/20

Total grade: 95% A

Sexual content: 15/20
Violence: 0/20
Drugs: 10/20
Underage drinking: 15/20
Swearing: 15/20

Total rating: 16+

Summary: (Amazon)
Undiscovered Gyrl is the blog of beautiful, blond, Katie Kampenfelt, an 18-year-old girl who seeks to record, for her own edification, the year following her high school graduation.
The novel begins as the diary of an ebullient, funny teenager, filled with the musings, mood swings, and escapades of youth. We are in her skin as she plots her break-up with her college-age boyfriend, battles with her mother, considers whether to sleep with a 32-year-old film professor, confronts a terrible truth about her new boss, and lands a new job as nanny to a newborn.

Soon, however, the story deepens into the engrossing record of a young soul in peril.

My Thoughts:
This novel was amazing! I have never been so impressed with a book that is in blog/diary format! I enjoyed every minute of this book and could not stop reading. I even got in trouble for reading too much in a class but hey, it was so worth it!

The ending pissed me off at first but after a little bit I realized that’s how it had to be. I loved how honest it was and I have my own ideas as to how the story came to an end… J

Go read this book! NOW!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Blogger Interview

Today Zombie Girl is here. Want an interview? Email me, princessashley9@gmail.com

When and why did you start blogging?
I started blogging about a year ago with a crafty/arts blog, but switched my attention to that of book blogging in May. Basically, I was in need of some new reading material, but didn't know what there was. See, I'm one of those people who gets to the bookstore and just stares at the display with a look of glee and mild confusion on their face. If I don't have a game plan going in, I get totally overwhelmed by all the possibilities. My sister introduced me to book blogging, and for that I am eternally grateful. :)

Who is your favorite author and why?
At this very moment... Suzanne Collins. The Hunger Games series is the most fantastically amazing thing I've read since Harry Potter (I use HP as a mental baseline for reviewing books). The world is just so complete and the characters are probably the best I've ever read, but my favorite, favorite thing about the series is that you don't passively read it, you live it! I felt like my fate was tied up with Katniss' and I could not put it down! Tied for second place right now are Derek Landy, author of the hugely funny Skulduggery Pleasant series, and Kelley Armstrong, author of one of my fave zombie series The Darkest Powers.

What bloggers inspire you?
Dahlia of Dahlia's Eclectic Mind for helping me out behind the scenes, Orchid of The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia for being so faultlessly generous, Amy from The Park Avenue Princess because she's a sweet heart and helped promote my blog, Allysa Kirk (and the whole Kirk clan) from Teens Read and Write because they always have something nice to say and are frequent commentors, Kristi of The Story Siren because she handles herself and her blog so professionally but is still really nice and willing to promote other bloggers, Sarah of Sarah's {random} Musings because she really reaches out to others through blogging, Taschima Cullen from Bloody Bookaholic because she was the first to call me Zombie Girrrl, Sandy of Pirate Penguin Reads because she keeps me in the loop, and Velvet of vvb32 reads because she hosted Zombie Week and is one of my best blog buddies. This is just the short list; there are a lot of other inspirational bloggers out there.

What book is most like your life?
Great question! I have no idea! Just kidding. My life is most like that of Stephanie Edgely from Skulduggery Pleasant, except I'm not twelve-years-old, I don't live in Ireland, I've never met a talking skeleton, I have no magical talents, I don't wear black, and I don't have a dead rich uncle, but I do have a taken name! Rivers Jubilee. ^-^

As a child what book did you love?
Hop on Pop by the late, great Dr. Suess. I was very much into Dr. Suess when I was little, and I used to hound my parents and older sisters to read it to me. Finally, they got tired of it, and told me to do it myself. Consequently, it's the first book I ever read! Fun fact: Dr. Suess invented the word nerd.

Do you want to write a book? If so what’s it about?
I'd love to write a book! I'm in the primordial stages of writing a series of short stories right now about... (wait for it)... zombies! Surprised? Yeah, I didn't think so.
Anything unique about you or your blog? A few things, actually. On my blog, I frequently use footnotes as a means of keeping my posts on point as I do tend to digress, I rate book with on a scale of 1 to 5 zombies (as opposed to stars or whatnot), and I rate books not only on how much I enjoyed them, but also on their content like movies. As for something unique about myself, my three favorite shows are Glee, It's On With Alexa Chung, and The Golden Girls and my two favorite foods are s'mores and roasted brocoli (just not tegother).

Where should a line be drawn between YA and Adult books?
Sex. Personally, I hate smut in my books, which is why I stick to YA. I've tried some adult books, and they were great as far the story and characters went, but I had to skip over pages at a time because of sex scenes. That's not the only reason why I think that's where the line should be drawn. I think that premarital sex would be much less of a problem if it weren't so prevalent in teen marketed media. It's flaunted on TV and in movies, and splattered across the pages of our books. Authors have a hard road to walk in this respect, because on one hand, they want their books to be real, so they include sex; on the other hand they need to be responsible advocates for the youth so they shouldn't glamorize it. I see it as a circle; some teens have sex, so authors write about it to keep their material relatable, teens read that sex is a normal past-time for their set so they do it (and I'm not tossing every "teen" into this. I know that not everyone is so impressionable that just reading about a "cool" character will make up their mind about what to do in these situations. I'm generalizing for simplity's sake.), so authors write about it to keep their material relatable, and so on. Some authors, though, handle this predicament beautifully by writing about, not just sex, but the consequences. They tell kids that it isn't just an activity. It can change your life in ways that you'd never have expected, and I'm not just talking pregnancy or STDs, I'm not even talking about the social repercussions of it, but the emotional impact it can have on a young person who thought they were ready, or that they were in love, but weren't. And even if they were "ready", it's still a huge step and should never be looked at through the lens of popular culture. It all comes back to that age old argument that if, "It's in their everyday lives it's okay to put it in their books/shows/movies." Authors and media producers need to take responsibility for their products and realize that they are the makers of our culture. Art doesn't always imitate life, often it's the reverse. Books should at least have a content rating similar to movies. That would even help stem the growing issue of book banning, if people were fully aware before they ever cracked the spine what they were in for.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas

I'm busy opening my presents! Have a lovely day and may your bookshelves be blessed this year :)

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Death by Denim

Cover Image
Title: Death by Denim
Author: Linda Gerber
Publisher: Sleuth Speak
Price: $7.99 USD
Release: May 14th 2009
FTC: I received this book from the author with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Characters 20/20
Plot 20/20
Setting 18/20
Cover 15/20
Ending 18/20
Total grade: 91% A


Sexual content: 0/20
Violence: 12/20
Drugs: 0/20
Underage drinking: 0/20
Swearing: 2/20
Total rating: 12+ in age appropriate. 13+ in connections


Summary: (Amazon)
Aphra Connolly is being chased by some very dangerous people. She knows her survival depends upon staying far away from love interest Seth, and listening to her mom’s lectures on the finer points of anonymity and survival. But how is a girl supposed to live under the radar and not think about her boyfriend when she’s in Paris—the most romantic city in the world? When her mom’s contact in Paris is found floating in the Seine with a deadly message stuffed in his mouth, Aphra realizes that she will never be able to stop running unless she confronts the situation head-on. Sneaking away from her mom, Aphra tracks down the criminal mastermind in Italy, only to unwittingly reveal Seth’s location. And her mistake has just put them both in mortal danger. . .

My Thoughts:
I thought this book was a fairly good way to end this series. I loved how the story ended but then there was the epilogue which leaves room for a spin-off!

I found “Seth” just a loveable in this installment. I wish he was my boyfriend! Wait I lie… My boyfriend is already amazing! I wouldn’t mind having Seth though if I didn’t have my love! Aphra and him are perfection together!

I would recommend this book to fans of teen mystery books!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Wednesday Wishlist

Here is what I want this week! I did get an early borders card ;)

Cover Image
Jumping Off Swings
by Jo Knowles
Summary: (Barnes and Noble)
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?
For some reason the psychology behind teen pregnancy interests me.
FTC: I am not being compensated for linking this book

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Some Important Info

Hey guys! I wanted you to know a bit that's going on in my life in case I miss a few posts these next few weeks. I am a sophomore in advanced math and this year it got super hard for me! I have finals coming up so I need to study my butt off for Algebra 2 and Chem. I am a more abstract thinker, not what happens when I mix blank with blank.

Also I need to do well because next year I will be going to the community college. I will finish all of High School in that one year and move on to college the next! It'll be tough but I'm done with High School.

Anyways wish me luck these next few weeks... AND as I turn 16 on January 11th :)

Monday, December 21, 2009

Must Monday

Here is what I'm waiting for this week!


Cover Image

Very LeFreak
by Rachel Cohn

Summary: (Barnes and Noble)

Very LeFreak has a problem: she’s a crazed technology addict. Very can’t get enough of her iPhone, laptop, IMs, text messages, whatever. If there’s any chance the incoming message, call, text, or photo might be from her supersecret online crush, she’s going to answer, no matter what. Nothing is too important: sleep, friends in mid-conversation, class, a meeting with the dean about academic probation. Soon enough, though, this obsession costs Very everything and everyone. Can she learn to block out the noise so she can finally hear her heart?

Why?

This sounds like it has a unique and interesting plot!

FTC: I am not being compensated for mentioning this book.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Holiday Cheers

Here is a Christmas Survey so you can get to know me a bit :)

Have you been naughty or nice this year?
Nice of Course ;)

What do you want most for Christmas?
Books, dur

Do you believe in Father Christmas?
Santa? Of course ;)

What is your favorite food at Christmas?
Cookies!!!

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?
Yup

Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?
Yup

What is your favorite Christmas song?
Christmas Shoes

What is your favorite Christmas movie?
Christmas Shoes

What is your best memory of Christmas?
Oh so many :)

What do you look forward to most at Christmas?
Seeing my family

What are you doing for Christmas this year?
Family is coming here

Who do you want to kiss under the mistletoe?
Wouldnt you like to know ;)

What kind of Christmas tree do you have?
Fake. Mom is allergic

Do you take part in a secret santa?
I did this year

Do you go to any Christmas parties?
Sometimes

Have you ever had a white Christmas?
Last Year :)

How early do you wake up on Christmas morning?
Between 7 and 8

Do you still get a stocking?
Durrr :)

How many Christmas cards do you normally send out?
1 or 2

What is your Christmas wish?
Cant tell you or it wont come true :)

Saturday, December 19, 2009

On the Bright Side, i'm Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God

Cover Image
Title: On the Bright Side, I’m now the Girlfriend of a Sex God
Author: Louise Rennison
Publisher: HarperTempest
Price: $6.99 USD
Release: May 14 2002
FTC: This is my friend’s book that she purchased. Neither of us received it from the publisher.

Characters 20/20
Plot 10/20
Setting 10/20
Cover 15/20
Ending 15/20
Total grade: 70% C

Sexual content: 15/20
Violence: 0/20
Drugs: 0/20
Underage drinking: 0/20
Swearing: 10/20
Total rating: 12+
Summary: (Amazon)
Fourteen-year-old Georgia Nicolson is back in British author Louise Rennison's irreverent, laugh-out-loud sequel to the Michael L. Printz Honor Book Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging. Written in diary form, these truly hilarious books chronicle the often minute-by-minute, very dramatic, and significant flip-flops of a teenager's psyche.
7:18 p.m.My eyes are all swollen up like mice eyes from crying. Even my nose is swollen. It's not small at the best of times, but now it looks like I've got three cheeks. Marvelous. Thank you, God.
9:00 p.m.I'll never get over this.
9:10 p.m.Time goes very slowly when you're suicidal.


My Thoughts:
The first book in this series was pretty good but this one was far from it. The plot was just one big, frickin, run on from the first book. Georgia was on my nerves by like page 15. I had no desire to read more because it goes so long but I did finish. The middle was alright but the beginning and end both weren’t worth it. I will not be reading the rest of the series, but I have a thing against annoying whiners. If you can handle whining from a 14 year old that acts like she’s 10 then do read this!

PS. Sorry for the short review but I have a sprained wrist and typing hurts very bad.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Blogger Interview

Today Jessica from http://eatsleepdanceread.blogspot.com/ is here to chat. Want an interview? Email me at princessashley9@gmail.com

When and why did you start blogging?
My first official post was on April 19, 2009, but I had been reviewing books that I read in a binder for about six months prior to that. I started blogging because I love reading and I don't have many friends that read. I wanted a way to talk about all of these amazing books that I was reading, and my friends didn't want to listen. I think Em's Bookshelf was the first blog I discovered, and I just read and read for about an hour. ( the web address for that is http://emsbookshelf.blogspot.com/ )

Who is your favorite author and why?
That's hard and not. I love a lot of authors but if I had to pick one, Kate Brian. I love the Private series! I stole Megan Meede's Guide to the McGowan Boy's and I loved it so much that I had to read more by her. So I picked up Private and a couple weeks later I had all of the books in the series read and on my bookshelf. I can't wait for the 11th book to come out *squeel*

What book is most like your life?
My life is pretty boring, sadly. I wish that my life mirrored a book like in the Bard Academy books, by Cara Lockwood. I wish that my life was like the books Secrets of my Hollywood Life, by Jen Calonita. Besides reading I love to dance and act. And in some ways my life is like Kaitlin's, I deal with boys, friends, and the mean girls.

Secret fictional crush?
I think a lot of people want a guy like Edward Cullen. I do too but I also like Alex and Paco from Perfect Chemistry, by Simone Elkeles. Both of them are so sweet and caring even though their supposed to be the tough guys in a gang.

Have you ever met any authors face to face? Who?
I've met a couple children authors at school but I can't remember their names. The only other author I've met is Scott Westerfeld. I met him in middle school and almost had a heart attack. He came to my school and I got Specials signed. I was obsessed with the Uglies series at the time and I was jumping out of my seat when he gave his speech. My friends, who again don't read as much as I do, thought I was nuts.

What author would you want to write a collaborative book with? Why?
Of course Kate Brian, but also Simone Elkeles. I loved Perfect Chemistry and it's my favorite stand alone novel. I can't write novels, I've tried, so our book might not turn out as one of their best works. I'm happy just reading their amazing stories.

What has been your favorite school assigned book? Why?
It wasn't assigned but my teacher almost made me read it because she knew how much I loved reading, Where the Red Fern Grows. I read it in fifth grade and I can remember exactly where I was when I started bawling. I loved the heart and compassion in the story. So not assigned but pretty close. But I also liked To Kill a Mocking Bird, that was a really well put together mystery.

Where should a line be drawn between YA and Adult books?
I really don't think that their has to be a line drawn. I think that teens should read adult books and adults should read YA books. I have a friend who wont read YA because she thinks that it is all mushy and she just doesn't like any of the books that she has tried in YA and she's happy reading adult books. My mom reads my books all the time. She actually makes me request YA books at the library for her so that she can keep up with what I'm reading. She read a book that I was reading and ended up reading the whole series while I didn't even finish the first book. So really I think what ever your interest is go for it!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

My Fair Godmother

Cover Image
Title: My Fair Godmother
Author: Janette Rallison
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Price: $16.99 USD HB
Release: January 2009
FTC: I received this book from the publisher with an agreement that I would provide an honest review with no compensation.

Grade: B
Rating: 13+

Summary: (Amazon)
Sixteen-year-old Savannah is devastated when her boyfriend dumps her for her studious older sister, and she dreams that her life will take a fairy-tale turn, complete with a handsome prince, a ball, and a happy ending. Her wishes bring the astonishing arrival of Chrissy, an aspiring fairy godmother. Still in training and not quite in command of her magical abilities, Chrissy sends Savannah through a chain of otherworldly mishaps, including visits to Cinderella and Snow White’s stories and finally to the Middle Ages, where Savannah defeats a cast of magical creatures and discovers that regular guys are sometimes preferable to princes.

My Thoughts:
Another book where I took notes! I think this new review system might actually work out for me! The start of this book was fantastic! It was different then any start I had ever seen! It drew me in, in a way I hadn’t experienced in a while.

I admit that this didn’t sound very good to me but I was surprised to find out that I was wrong! It was so much better then I expected. I know I gave it a B but I think that’s partly my lack of love for fantasy. You all know that I am pretty hard on fantasy books but if I love them I can get almost anyone to read them! This was a great book for all fantasy lovers! Those who are skeptical about fantasy should give this a try. Fairies are a nice change to all this vampire stuff these days!

Quote:
“What kind of jerk hits on their girlfriends sister?” -Emily

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Wednesday Wishlist

Take a peek at my wishlist this week!

Cover Image
Love Is the Higher Law
by David Levithan
Summary: Barnes and Noble
First there is a Before, and then there is an After. . . .
The lives of three teens—Claire, Jasper, and Peter—are altered forever on September 11, 2001. Claire, a high school junior, has to get to her younger brother in his classroom. Jasper, a college sophomore from Brooklyn, wakes to his parents’ frantic calls from Korea, wondering if he’s okay. Peter, a classmate of Claire’s, has to make his way back to school as everything happens around him.
Here are three teens whose intertwining lives are reshaped by this catastrophic event. As each gets to know the other, their moments become wound around each other’s in a way that leads to new understandings, new friendships, and new levels of awareness for the world around them and the people close by.
Why? I have never read a September 11th book and I feel this is good place to start.
FTC: I am not being compensated for linking this book. I am only saying what I hope to buy/ get for christmas.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Blogger Interview

Today I am chatting with Sadako from dibblyfresh1.blogspot.com. Email me at princessashley9@gmail.com for an interview

When and why did you start blogging?
I started blogging after reading Tiff's BSC blog and Troy Steele's Goosebumps blog, and also after reading a lot of Television Without Pity recaps, because I wanted to do something that funny that would make people laugh.

Who is your favorite author and why?
If I had to limit myself to one, Daphne DuMaurier (who wrote Rebecca, and a lot of other books), because she has a really great way of making you feel part of the world you're reading and because she really wraps you up in suspense. Hers are the kind of book that when you're reading them, you can't think about anything else, and that's something that I think every writer wants to hear.

What bloggers inspire you?
Troy Steele who writes the Goosebumps Blogger Beware blog because he's so funny. Fear Street's blog because those are always really hilarious as well. Nikki's Are You There Youth? It's Me Nikki because she takes me back to all the books I read as a child and still love. I also really enjoy Psyched on the Prairie and Not That Kind of Girl.

What has been your favorite school assigned book? Why?
Usually I don't like books assigned in school but I was assigned the book Wuthering Heights freshman year of college and ended up reading it early before we got around to it. I loved the mystery of it and the disturbing atmosphere--I'm really into creepy/horror and suspense.

What is your goal with your blog?
Primarily, I want to entertain people and make them laugh. I also like when people are happy that I reminded them of some book they read years as a child and now remember it. Nostalgia is awesome.

As a child what book did you love?
I loved Harriet the Spy and the Long Secret by Louise Fitzhugh, and read those over and over again. They were one of the few books that felt really authentic to me because often YA/kids authors sugar coat things or think that making something accessible for kids means toning it down. Louise Fitzhugh wasn't afraid to tell kids the truth and she could do it while being entertaining

Anything unique about you or your blog?
My blog is unique because I don't think I have any real limitations. I snark YA literature (with a LOT of Babysitters Club recaps), but also pop culture in general, and I think my humorous slant is different from a lot of the other blogs out there. Plus, while a lot of other blogs have covered the Babysitters Club and even Caroline B. Cooney just as I have, so far I haven't seen any others that have recapped Go Ask Alice.

Where should a line be drawn between YA and Adult books?
I think that the things that appeal to young adults and adult-adults are different, and a good YA author can pinpoint that sometimes things that seem trivial (dating, etc.) to adults are really big deals. At the same time, I don't think that the line needs to be too precise beause a really good book appeals to almost everyone, in my opinion. I started reading Stephen King as a young adult, and those books felt more real to me as a teen than they do now. And sometimes I'll read a book as a kid and not realize until I'm older just how good it is (Harriet the Spy, A Wrinkle in Time, The Giver).

Monday, December 14, 2009

Must Monday

It's that time again... MONDAY! Here is what I'm waiting for this week.

Cover Image
Release: March 2010
Summary: Barnes and Noble
Anapra, Mexico, an arid, one-room tin/cardboard-hut colonia on the outskirts of Juarez that is prone to dust storms and las muertas de Juarez, girls who disappear. Georgia and Riley are two Pennsylvania teens, the former, plain, responsible and subject to debilitating panic attacks and the latter her very artistic best friend whose rich, fashionable mother considers her merely average. Riley will prove her mother wrong by starving herself. When the girls join nine other teens for a two week Goodworks excursion to build a community bathroom in Anapra, the two worlds come together. The hopefulness of a people with nothing, dressing their children in bright colors and treasuring what little they have is contrasted with two girls who have everything yet are in need. As Georgia watches Riley waste away, "seeing her bones through her skin," she can no longer remain the silent friend, regardless of the consequences. Kephart's prose is typically poetic. She pens a faster-paced novel that explores teens' inner selves. Their hearts go out to the Anapra people, their children, and five-year-old Socorro searching for her missing sister's spirit. Georgia and Riley must overcome their inner conflicts in order to survive.
Why? It sounds unlike any book I have read before!!!
FTC: I am not being compensated for linking this book. I am simply saying what I want to read.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Just One Wish

Cover Image
Title: Just One Wish
Author: Janette Rallison
Publisher: Putnam
Price: $15.99 USD
Release: March 2009
FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review with no compensation.

Characters 20/20
Plot 20/20
Setting 18/20
Cover 20/20
Ending 15/20
Total grade: 93% A

Sexual content: 0/20
Violence: 0/20
Drugs: 0/20
Underage drinking: 0/20
Swearing: 2/20
Total rating: 10+ in cleanness but 13+ in connections
Summary: (Amazon)
This screwball comedy-cum-heartfelt drama is by turns far-fetched, enjoyable, and touching. Seventeen-year-old Annika's little brother, Jeremy, is about to undergo surgery for cancer. The teen promises him that she has a genie that will bring his favorite TV character, Teen Robin Hood, to meet him. In what seems like too much of a sitcom plot, Annika drives several hours, invades the show's set, and persuades its star to come home with her. He's on a tight schedule. Paparazzi attack them. His car breaks down. Steve and Annika fall in love, adding a sweet, but uncertain, romance to the mix. She also learns that he has a family situation of his own to resolve. Questions about the meaning of life and whether there is a caring God give the book heft but don't always jibe with its lighter aspects.

My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely novel. It was funny yet had some real tough issues. It handled terminal illness in a tactful and honest manner. It’s a hard issue to tackle, let alone honestly but Janette did just that!

I was totally in love with Steve and wanted him as my boyfriend bad. He was so well laid out within the pages that he seemed real. Annika was also very well developed. Jeremy was adorable and I just wanted to hold him.

As for the ending I hated it. Yes it was fully ended but I was bawling upon closing the book so that’s why I hated it. Don’t get me wrong, it was a fantastic ending, just not what I had been rooting for. A real tear jerker there.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

It Happened to Nancy

Cover Image

Title: It Happened to Nancy
Author: Anonymous, edited by Beatrice Sparks
Publisher: Avon Books
Price: $6.99 USD PB
Release: 1994, republished with new info in 2004
FTC: This is my own book that I purchased. I did not receive it from a publisher or author.

Grade: Because this was a girl’s real life story I feel wrong judging the plot and such. There for I will give this an A because it taught me so much new stuff.

Sexual content: 10/20
Violence: 5/20
Drugs: 1/20
Underage drinking: 10/20
Swearing: 5 /20
Total rating: 13+


Summary: (Amazon)
Fourteen-year-old Nancy, an asthmatic, meets 18-year-old Collin, a gentle, caring young man who appears to be the answer to her dreams--until he rapes her, leaving her HIV-infected. In spite of her rapid decline, explained in a note at the beginning of the book, as the result of her weakened immune system, Nancy leads a full, poignantly happy life because of the loving support of both friends and family.

My Thoughts:
I felt that this was an important book to read from the second I saw it. There has always been controversy around wither the books of Beatrice Sparks were in fact real teen diaries or simply her imagination. After reading this I conclude that they were real. There were too many big holes that were left unfilled; any “author” would have filled them. It was written in the over dramatic tone of a teenage girl. I am not by any means saying AIDS should be taken lightly, I’m saying that the smaller aspects in this book were over dramatized.

I liked how the main plot started off right away; we weren’t left to read many pages of pointless diary entries. I do think all teens should read this and not just girls. We all think we are invincible, that we won’t get AIDS but you don’t know that. The chances of getting raped and contracting AIDS from the person who raped you are very slim but wouldn’t it be better to be aware if you were that one in a million? I learned so much from this book. I consider myself pretty wise when it comes to teen’s health but I realized AIDS was not something I stopped to think about, ever. I wasn’t planning on getting it so why waste my time? Chances are you know someone who has HIV/AIDS or will have HIV/AIDS. Get educated!

Quotes:
“I don’t even love or want myself.” -Nancy

Friday, December 11, 2009

Blogger Interview

Today Ariel from http://readingrocks4me.blogspot.com/ is here for a chat. Want an interview? Email me at princessashley9@gmail.com

Who is your favorite author and why?
I have many, many, many favorite authors, but if I had to pick one, I would say Shannon Hale. She writes such epic, beautiful books that remind me how much I love to read. I aspire to be like her one day.

What bloggers inspire you?
Juju from Tales of Whimsy. Her blog is so cool, and she is such an awesome, dedicated blogger.

What book is most like your life?
Probably North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley, because everyone's got dysfunction and pressure to be prettier in their life.

Secret fictional crush?
I am in love with Gale from The Hunger Games. :-P

What has been your favorite school assigned book? Why?
Jane Eyre. It was brilliant! I was surprised by how accessible the writing was, and how much I cared about the story and the characters. While a bit tedious, it was completely worth it.

What is your goal with your blog?
I am so overwhelmed by my passion for literature that I need an outlet. Blogging provides that. By joining this community, I can absorb other reader's thoughts and share my ideas with others. With people who care. I get to talk for as long as I want about this thing that I love. The goal of my blog is to provide that, a haven for the book-obsessed.

As a child what book did you love?
Harry Potter was my first book love. My family started reading the series together when I was five, and now I've read them upwards of two dozen times. The Harry Potter world will always have a special place in my heart, and on my bookshelf. ;-)

Do you prefer single title or series books?
Most of the time I prefer single-title books. I can really appreciate an author who can pack all of that into one novel. It's nice to be able to have an epic adventure without having to wait for the next book to come out, or even having to read three books instead of one. Granted, sometimes I never want it to end, and in these cases, series are good. But my favorite thing is when an author writes a stand-alone book and then later come back and write companion books from other character's perspectives or about different things. That makes me immeasurable happy. :-)

Thursday, December 10, 2009

How to be a Vampire

Cover Image
Title: How to be a Vampire
Author: Amy Gray
Publisher: Candlewick
Price: $14.99 USD
Release: October 13th 2009
FTC: I received this book with the understanding that I would provide an honest review with no compensation.

Characters 20/20
Plot 12/20
Setting 15/20
Cover 15/20
Ending 15/20
Total grade: 77% or C

Sexual content: 5/20
Violence: 20/20
Drugs: 0/20
Underage drinking: 0/20
Swearing: 0/20
Total rating: 13+

Summary: (Amazon)
Welcome to the world of the undead! A comprehensive guide to the vampire lifestyle quenches newcomers’ thirst for lore — and tasteful tips.For those who join the decadent realm of the vampire, eternal life holds juicy perks — charm and strength, shape-shifting and flying, telepathy and super-powered senses. But then again, one becomes . . . so terribly hungry. Is there an etiquette for feeding without causing a scene? How do you set up your crypt? What supernatural foes will make your blood run colder? In this elegant, edgy resource, the newly immortal will find everything they need to know, including:- a quiz to determine your true vampire persona - ways to turn into a vampire — or when a kiss is not just a kiss; and why you should take a look at your family tree - a transformation checklist, including canine teeth and UV sensitivity - a makeup and fashion guide to looking damned good (or just damned) - knowing your weaknesses, from garlic, stakes, and sunlight to a n obsession with counting - 10 signs that your boyfriend is a vampire, including super coolness (body temperature-wise) and a habit of sleeping in - a field guide to vampiric variations around the world and through history

My Thoughts:
Okay I’ll be honest here… I didn’t like this book. For all of you who are devoted readers, you know I’m not a huge fantasy girl in the first place. A book about “being” a vampire is just too creepy for me. Some parts felt as if they were actually trying to teach you to be a vampire or as if they actually believed you could be one. Bizarre is just not my thing.

Keep in mind this is not Twilightish fully. They do reference Twilight occasionally but the vast majority is movies where the vampires are actually sucking blood. What the hell is the deal with the donors? I don’t want to read about humans who actually “donate” there blood by allowing the vamps to suck away. That grossed me out.

If you like vampires then go ahead and give this a try, but if your really only a Twilight person don’t bother.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Wednesday Wishlist

Here is what's on my wishlist this week. Hey mom if your looking Christmas is coming and so is my sweet 16 :) *HINT HINT* :)

Cover Image
How to Hook a Hottie
by Tina Ferraro
Summary: (Barnes and Noble)
At 17, Kate Delvecchio has one goal in life: to become a millionaire before the age of 20. And as far as she’s concerned, college will only slow her down. Unfortunately for Kate, the one thing her parents do agree on is that they totally disagree with her strategy. And so the deal is born. If Kate can raise five thousand big ones by graduation day, her parents will hand over the balance of her college account to invest as she pleases. No college, no degree, and no way she’ll ever be able to pull it off. But when Kate accidentally agrees to go to the sports banquet with the hottest guy at school, she stumbles upon a possible cash cow. The rest of the junior class is amazed that no-nonsense Kate could hook such a hottie, and one by one they approach her for help hooking their own. She doesn’t know anything about getting guys, but for $100 a pop, she’s more than willing to invent a six-step plan for How to Hook a Hottie. And how could that possibly backfire?
Why?
The plot sounds like the kind I like. Real and honest :)
FTC: I am not being paid to mention this book. I am just saying what I want to buy.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Blogger Interview

Sandy from http://www.piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/ is here for an interview.
If you want interviewed email me at princessashley9@gmail DOTcom


What bloggers inspire you?
Quite a few! There are many lovely people in the book blogosphere but the ones that have really helped me have been Briana from The Book Pixie, Taschima from Bloody Bookaholic, Eli from The Tainted Poet, Kate from The Neverending Shelf and Alba from Letras Y Escenas. They've all got amazing sites.

What book is most like your life?
You know, my life is really not that interesting enough to resemble any sort of book! There’s practically no drama in my life (if you don’t count me freaking out over college) ;)

What book should be a movie? TV Show?
Hmm… I can’t say The Host because it’s already in the process of becoming a movie *squee*. I think E. Lockhart’s Ruby Oliver books and Megan McCafferty’s Jessica Darling series would be great t.v. shows. OH. Can you imagine the Vampire Academy books becoming movies??? THAT would be insane! ;D

Have you ever met any authors face to face? Who?
I met Lauren Myracle (the author of the ttyl series) this year at one of my local indie stores; she was so kind and down-to-earth! I was with a friend and while my friend easily chatted with her, I was just like, “Duuuurrrrrr.” I felt star-struck, lol!

As a child what book did you love?
I’ve read many books throughout my childhood but the one that particularly stands out is Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. (if you haven’t read it, I recommend it!)

Do you want to write a book? If so what’s it about?
I do. I don’t want to say much about it….but it involves two girls, two boys and a lot of confusion! (Not to mention romance. ;D)

What book is your favorite that is currently banned?
Some books that I really enjoyed are The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler, Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez and The Giver by Lois Lowry. These are all great books and I can’t even comprehend WHY they’re banned. And don’t even get me started about Harry Potter! :/

What book should be assigned in High School?
I think everyone should read The Giver by Lois Lowry. It’s an interesting dystopian story disguised as a utopia. It really makes you think :)

Monday, December 7, 2009

Must Monday

It's Monday again! Here is what is on my coming soon Wish List this week.

Cover Image
Summary: (Barnes and Noble)
Sixteen-year-old Jess Parker survives by staying invisible. After nine schools in ten years, she's come to terms with life as a perpetual new girl, neither popular nor outcast. At Mt. Sterling High, Jess gets the chance of a lifetime: an invitation to join The Cinderella Society, a secret club of the most popular girls in school, where makeovers are the first order of official business. But there's more to being a Cindy than just reinventing yourself from the outside, a concept lost on Jess as she dives tiara-first into creating a hot new look.
With a date with her popular crush and a chance to finally fit in, Jess's life seems to be a perfect fairy tale. That is until the Wickeds--led by Jess's archenemy--begin targeting innocent girls in their war against the Cindys, and Jess discovers her new sisterhood is about much more than who rules Mt. Sterling High School. It's a centuries-old battle of good vs. evil, and the Cindys need Jess on special assignment. But when the mission threatens to destroy her new dream life, Jess is forced to choose between this dream realized and honoring the Sisterhood. What's a girl to do when the glass slipper fits, but she doesn't want to wear it anymore?
Why?
I admit I am kind of judging this book by it's cover but I LOVE IT! The plot also sounds like my cup of tea... and if the shoe fits, wear it, right? :)
FTC: I am not being paid to mention this title. I am simply stating what I want to purchase.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Ash

Cover Image

Title: Ash
Author: Malinda Lo
Publisher: Little Brown
Price: $16.99 USD HB
Release: September 2009
FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review with no compensation.

Characters 20/20
Plot 15/20
Setting 15/20
Cover 20/20
Ending 15/20
Total grade: 85% or a B

Rating: 15+


Summary: (amazon)

Described as "Cinderella…with a twist," Ash is in many ways the familiar fairy tale about a girl's move from comfort to despair to true love (with a little help from fairies and magic). Standard Cinderella images set up the story: after losing her mother and later her father, Ash is treated as a servant in the home of an unkind stepmother and two unfriendly stepsisters. She has ties to the fairy world, attends the royal ball in an enchanted dress, catches the eye of the prince, and finds love by the end of the story. However, while structural similarities exist, ideologically Lo's beautiful and dark tale takes the story to a new place. It is not about Ash being found and saved by a charming prince; instead, it is about her courtship with Kaisa, the King's huntress, a relationship that burgeons over time and is based on more than just initial attraction. Despite Ash's grief, oppressive guardianship, and dangerous flirtation with the fairy Sidhean, who promises to steal her away from her sadness, the protagonist finds her own salvation and chooses to live and love in the real world and on her own terms.

My Thoughts:
This was the second fairytale “retelling” I had read lately and I must say it was beautiful! I felt that it kept enough of Cinderella so we all knew that was part inspiration but it changed enough that we knew it was not a rip-off.

The characters in this novel were lovely! I felt a strong connection to the very quickly which is always a good thing. This was a pretty good novel. I wouldn’t go so far as to say you should go buy a copy right now but if your out pick up a copy of Ash.

Quotes:
“Aislings mother died at midsummer.”

A Second Opinion:
Kristy gave it 4 of 5 stars. See her review http://www.thestorysiren.com/2009/09/ash-by-malinda-lo.html

Mrs. Magoo liked Ash! http://www.mrsmagooreads.com/2009/10/ash.html

McKenzie thought Ash was beautiful! http://thebookowl.blogspot.com/2009/10/ash-by-malinda-lo.html

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Breaking up is Really Really Hard to Do

Cover Image
Title: Breaking Up is Really, Really Hard to Do
Author: Natalie Standiford
Publisher: Little Brown
Price: $9.99 USD PB
Release: June 2005
FTC: This is my personal book that I purchased. I did not receive it from a publisher or author.

Grade: A
Rating: 14+
Summary: (Amazon)
Is he "It?" You know the truly perfect guy? Suddenly Holly isn't sure that her boyfriend is "It." Lina is so sure her teacher Dan is "It" that she begins a risky e-mail relationship with him. Madison's "It" has always been Sean...until she met Stephen. Can there be two "Its?"

My thoughts:
I took more notes as I read so yay for me! I thought this novel was not only hilarious but a fun read in many aspects. It had the adorable best friend’s thing going on as well as the dating dramas lots of High School girls face.

I found one spot that I really connected with so I was really enjoying this book. I wont tell you what part that is because I would have to give to much away and nobody wants a spoiled story! Let’s just say two girls and one guy.

This story was defiantly age realistic. It was about sophomores and since that’s what I am I know what we are up to these days! I saw those girls doing a lot of the things my friends and I do. They also faced the same battles I face!

There was quite a bit of minor swearing but welcome to High School.

I think teen girls should give this series a chance! I really think they’d enjoy it!

Quotes:
“What kind of place was Iowa City? Did they ride tractors down the street?” -Lina

Friday, December 4, 2009

Nothing Like You

Cover Image
Title: Nothing Like You
Author: Lauren Strasnick
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Price: $16.99 USD HB
Release: 10/20/2009
FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review with no compensation.

Grade: A
Rating: 15+
Summary: (Amazon)
When Holly loses her virginity to Paul, a guy she barely knows, she assumes their encounter is a one-night stand. After all, Paul is too popular to even be speaking to Holly...and he happens to have a long-term girlfriend, Saskia. But ever since Holly's mom died six months ago, Holly has been numb to the world, and she's getting desperate to feel something, anything--so when Paul keeps pursuing her, Holly relents. Paul's kisses are a welcome diversion...and it's nice to feel like the kind of girl that a guy like Paul would choose.

But things aren't so simple with Saskia around. Paul's real girlfriend is willowy and perfect... and nothing like Holly. To make matters worse, she and Holly are becoming friends. Suddenly the consequences of Holly's choices are all too real, and Holly stands to lose more than she ever realized she had.

My thoughts:
The cover is gorgeous for this book! There is just something about it that really draws me in and makes me want more.

This novel starts out with Holly’s first time. I thought that was a great place to start and found the aftermath of the virginity lost very unique. Girls who don’t want a relationship with the person who takes their virginity are pretty rare. The loss of a v-card is pretty common in teen literature but this was very different than any I had seen before.

Lauren must have a very large vocabulary because her word choice was awesome! I love finding new words for common ones and this novel defiantly helped me out there! It was an intelligibly written novel. Lauren also showed a bold voice through her main character, Holly. The characterization was above any I have seen in books lately. You were able to develop a real connection to the characters and storyline.

This was another story where I was able to connect to the love triangle. I’m starting to wonder if someone’s trying to tell me something, haha. I think because I have experienced this in my own life that Holly was very dear to me.

There was quite a bit of swearing in this novel as well as sexual slang. It was not more then I hear in high school but probably too much for most middle school aged readers. I for one would not hand it to my 12 year old sister to read. The lesson I found in this book was that you need to love yourself. Everyone in the whole world can love you but unless you love yourself you cant truly be happy.

Quotes:
“It had cliffs and crashing waves and seemed like the appropriate place to do something utterly unoriginal, like lose my virginity in the backseat of some guys dinged-up, bright red BMW.” –Holly (thought)

“I couldn’t imagine anyone really, really liking me.” –Holly (Thought)

“Such a small price to pay in exchange for my pride.” –Holly (Thought)

A second opinion:
Jill gave this novel an A and a lovely review. See her thoughts: http://readingisbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/nothing-like-you-review.html

Lexi gave this novel 5 of 5 stars. See her review: http://anotherpageisused.blogspot.com/2009/07/nothing-like-you-by-lauren-strasnick.html

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Blogger interview

Michelle from http://www.galleysmith.com/ is here for an interview. To be interviewed comment with your email or email me at princessashley9@ gmail.com

Q: Who is your favorite author and why?
A: I’m enjoying Suzanne Collins. I though Hunger Games and Catching Fire were phenomenally written books and I’m looking forward to the third and final in the trilogy. I also find Jennifer Brown’s writing to be very deep and compelling, I’ll read anything she writes now that I’ve read Hate List. If you’re into chicklit Kristin Harmel is my absolute favorite author in that genre. She’s got a new YA title releasing soon as well so I’ll definitely be picking that up.

Q: What bloggers inspire you?
A: This will sound corny but honestly all bloggers inspire me. It takes so much dedication of time and resources that the fact that a person cares it out of their regularly scheduled life (ie: family, work, etc) amazes me. Book bloggers in particular seem to be an extremely tight knit group, it’s quite impressive.

Q: What book is most like your life?
A: It would be hard to say since I read primarily YA at this point and I’m **well** beyond the target age of the characters. I will say that most can relate to overcoming some sort of adversity, making difficult decisions about life, romantic entanglements and issues related to communication. I believe that all of us can likely relate any book to our lives if we really looked hard enough.

Q: What has been your favorite school assigned book? Why?
A: I wasn’t much of a reader in school honestly. I barely remember the reading list, it’s so different now anyway. I imagine that I enjoyed Catcher in the Rye, Grapes of Wrath and other classics.

Q: What is your goal with your blog?
A: I hope to provide readers with insight into books I’ve read. Help the select what they themselves may want to purchase. I also enjoy connecting with other bloggers and readers. Creating that community is extremely important to me.

Q: As a child what book did you love?
A: I loved the Pokey Little Puppy books. We actually had a dog named Pokey that looked just like the main character so I was just so smitten with them imagining that what was written was done so about **my** Pokey.

Q: Do you want to write a book? If so what’s it about?
A: I’ve actually written quite a lot over the past several years but it would likely be classified more as women’s fiction. I’d love to do a YA novel but my inspiration is in short demand at the moment. I’d have to give it a great deal of thought before I jumped in. It’s a competitive field and growing all the time so any idea would have to be particularly outstanding to even get a toe in.

Q: What book should be assigned in High School?
A: Hate List. Fabulous book. All about school violence and acceptance and family relationships. It was superbly written and just a great read for people of all ages

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Wednesday Wishlist

Here is what is on my wishlist this week... Christmas is coming ;) *mom and dad*

Cover Image
Rehab
by Randi Reisfeld
Summary:
KENZIE CROSS never thought she'd vault to insta-fame on the TV action drama Spywitness Girls. A virtual unknown, she's the show's breakout star—and the lead in a major new movie. It's like it's Christmas and her birthday every day, and Kenzie has every reason to let loose and party hard, especially after nontop press interviews, photo shoots, publicity, and promotion.

But when her partying goes a little too far, Kenzie is given an ultimatum by her director: Go to rehab, or get cut from the film. Kenzie agrees to the stint and really kind of enjoys her posh quarters, not to mention her daily swim, her horseback-riding lesons, and her private massages, which are all part of her "therapy." But then it finally hits her why she's really there, and she begins to wonder if she's even ready to leave...
Why? I love bad girl books because its so opposite of me. Its nice to slip into a totally different lifestyle.
FTC: I am not being compensated for linking this book.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

What I Wore to Save the World

Title: What I Wore to Save the World
Author: Maryrose Wood
Publisher: Penguin
Price: $9.99 USD PB
Release: December 1st 2009
FTC: I received this book from my contact at Penguin with the understanding that I would provide an honest review without compensation.

Grade: B
Rating: 13+


Summary: (Amazon)
Third in the fabulous series that started with Why I Let My Hair Grow OutSenior year's coming up fast and Morgan still has no clue about college, or a career-the whole rest of-her-life thing is basically a blank. Maybe it's because she spent her junior year obsessing about Colin, the hot Irish guy she fell for last summer (that was right around the same time she discovered she's a half- goddess from the days of Irish lore... you had to be there). She even saved Colin from a nasty enchantment, but he doesn't know that. Colin doesn't believe in magic, not even a little. But then a mysterious message reunites her with Colin, who turns out to be caught up in the biggest faery-made disaster ever. We're talking the end of reality-not just reality TV. To save the world, she's going to have to tell Colin the truth about her half-goddess mojo. But if he doesn't believe in magic, how will he ever believe in her?

My Thoughts:
I thought this was a well written book but I admit I was left behind. I had never read the first two books so I was lost. I was able to quickly get the important parts and feel caught up though. If you have read the first two books you won’t be disappointed in this third installment. If you have not read the first two give them a try! They are very unique and I think most anyone could enjoy some aspect of them!

Random Quote:
“Woah! I see yer point; that’s bloody hideous!”