The Book Shopaholic

In My Mailbox (46)

2011-11-26T20:02:00.003-06:00

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It is a list of the books that I've received over the previous week, either in the mail, from the bookstore, or from trades.

Here's what I got this week:

Bought:

Barnes & Noble NOOK!
Sugar & Spice by Lauren Conrad

Nook E-books:

Yet again, long time no see! My book addiction has brought me back here, after all this is my 2 year old baby, btw last September was my 2 Year Blogoversary! No, I haven't forgotten about it. I'm still reading, especially now that I have a NOOK, which I'm in fact ADDICTED to. I find it easier to read it on it for some unknown reason! Plus, my parents left me unsupervised with their credit card, so I bought some amazing e-books!

^^^ Now I want to see what you got in your mailbox.... ^^^

Beastly by Alex Flinn

2011-08-31T17:59:00.001-05:00

Title: Beastly
Author: Alex Flinn

Pages: 300, paperback

Publisher: Scholastic

Age Group: Young Adult
Pub. Date: 2007

Overall Rating:

I am a beast.

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.

Beastly was a refreshing read about what true love really is. This modern retelling of Beauty and The Beast is truthfully a satisfying, hit the spot, pleasurable read. The theme of Beastly is that beauty is not in the face, instead its a light in the heart. Looks are insufficient to true love, because "just because something is beautiful doesn't mean it´s good."

Our main character Kyle is a spoiled-rotten, disrespectful, heartless teenager with overflowing good looks. After jokingly asking a goth girl to the homecoming dance, who he knows will accept, his evil plan takes off. Consequently, the goth girl isn't just a girl, she is a witch that will put a curse on him. He transforms physically into what his personality looks like a "beast". In order to gain back his looks and his old life, he will need to find true love and receive an "I love you". Can he do it, he only has 2 years?

What I find so fascinating is Kyle's inner transformation. He constantly struggles to be good person at the beginning, but he comes to a realization that he needs to change. In this transformation, he's getting a taste of his medicine he finally learns the meaning of what goes around comes around. Instead of being your typical popular guy he's forced to be an outsider living in captivity, so people aren't grossed out, because of his beastly looks. To make his change real, he changes his name to Adrian, and slowly removes all the layers of evil within him, significantly eye-opening. It thought me that "those who do not know how to see the precious things in life will never be happy."

I found this book empowering with a beautiful massage about true love, that most books nowadays leave out. I couldn't resist, but keep reading it without ceasing. It truly captured my attention and I was entertained every second. It's officially a book I can add to my favorites.

Content Rating:

Rated PG-13 Young Adult

Content Comments:
This book is appropriate for an older audience. Beastly has a significant amount of tolerable references to sex, profanity, drugs and alcohol, and crude comments etc.

Rating:

Plot: (10/10)
Characters: (10/10)
Ending: (9/10)
Enjoyment: (10+/10)
Cover: (10/10)
Overall: 49/50 = 99% = A+

Cover: Only drew my attention when it was changed to the movie poster.

For More Info or to Buy Beastly:

{Good Reads} {Borders} {Barnes & Noble} {Amazon}

In My Mailbox (45)

2011-08-27T22:44:00.004-05:00

Here's what I got this week:

Won From Macmillan Children's Publishing Group:

My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody
Paradise by Jill S. Alexander
Pearl by Jo Knowles
The Girl Is Murder by Kathryn Miller Haines
The Flirt Club by Cathleen Daly

Long time no see! To be honest, I don't know if I could ever be dedicated to this blog full-time like in the past. It's not to say I'll never come back, I love the memories I have of this blog and book lover community here. It's a lot to give up, but if I ever have any reviews I'll still post them here. It saddens me to say this, but with my last year of highschool and college classes I don't know if I could keep up. I don't even know if I could still read as much as I read this summer over 30+ books!

^^^ Now I want to see what you got in your mailbox.... ^^^

Epic Fact

2011-07-26T16:43:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox (44)

2011-07-16T22:12:00.005-05:00

Here's what I got this week:

From Harlequin Teen:

Past Midnight by Mara Purnhagen

Other:
Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith
The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith
The Miracle at Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith
Elisha's Bones by Don Hoesel
The Centurion's Wife by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke

Still Tiny IMMs..... Same old, same old nothing changed since I last posted. Still can't understand what's wrong with me. I seem to keep reading books, it's just I never get down to writing reviews. Mostly, because when I try it's been weeks or months since I read the book. Maybe, my next attempt will be successful, we'll see!

^^^ Now I want to see what you got in your mailbox.... ^^^

Moonglass Winners!

2011-07-08T20:06:00.003-05:00

Thanks to all my followers who entered my contest and all my new followers who entered. The contest turned out better than expected. Sorry for the delay, btw! The Moonglass contest has now ended and the (2) winners will be receiving a copy of Moonglass by Jessi Kirby our winners are.....

Winners:

#8 - Jessica's Bookshelf

#26 - Erin @ Bookish in a Box

I've contacted the winners by email. Please reply within 48 hours, otherwise your prize will be forfeited to another winner. Congrats to the winner and thanks to everyone who entered!

In My Mailbox (43)

2011-06-25T19:33:00.006-05:00

Here's what I got this week:

Purchased:

Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen

Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

Still Tiny IMMs. Needless to say, it's summer and summer books are a must, at least for me. At the moment, I'm saving for a vacation trip, so buying books is a little out of the question. But, I have been downloading books for Nook. Oh, and I got a bargain on the Sarah Dessen book for only $5. This is all for now!

^^^ Now I want to see what you got in your mailbox.... ^^^

Moonglass: Book Release + Giveaway

2011-06-22T17:39:00.016-05:00

I'm delighted to host this giveaway featuring Moonglass by Jessi Kirby. To celebrate the release - I have hardcover copies of Moonglass for (2) Winners !

When Anna was little, she and her mother used to search for sea glass, but since they looked at night, they called it moonglass.

Now, ten years after her mother's mysterious death, her father is working as head lifeguard on the same beach where her mother grew up and her parents first met and fell in love. Reluctant to get close to anyone (including her father) and not pleased about having to start at a new school, Anna begins to spend more time alone, running the length of the beach and wondering about who her mother really was. After meeting a lifeguard named Tyler, she slowly lets her guard down and together they start exploring the abandoned houses that dot the beach.

But when learning more about her mother's past leads to a painful discovery, Anna must reconcile her desire for solitude with ultimately accepting the love of her family and friends. Moonglass is a dazzling debut from an undeniable talent.

LEARN MORE:

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Moonglass/Jessi-Kirby/9781442416949

Contest Info:

must be a follower old or new
fill out form below
entrants must be over 13 years+
ends July 4
open to US residents only

Special Thanks to the lovely people at Simon & Schuster for providing the prizes!

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Hit the beach with a Moonglass copy!
Review COMING SOON!

Pick-A-Teen-Boxed-Set Contest Winner

2011-06-09T16:45:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all my followers who entered my contest and all my new followers who entered. The contest turned out better than expected. The overall results are below. Pretty Little Liars came 1st place and The Mortal Instruments came 2nd place, while The Immortals came last!

The Pick-A-Teen-Boxed-Set has now ended and the winner will be receiving a Pretty Little Liars Boxed Set our winner is.....

Winner:

#33 - Memrie(Darkangel88)

I've contacted the winner by email. Please reply within 48 hours, otherwise your prize will be forfeited to another winner. Congrats to the winner and thanks to everyone who entered!

In My Mailbox (42)

2011-05-14T22:05:00.004-05:00

Here's what I got this week:

For Review:

Moonglass by Jessi Kirby (♥)

Borrowed:
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Tiny IMM. But, I admit that I must be pleased that we're finally back to business. I'm excited for both of these books, that I'm actually reading currently. This past week I've been involuntarily been working on a 7 page research paper that has been not only depriving me from sleep, but also from posting. Although, I'm glad that most is already done, so that means I get to go crazy posting reviews this upcoming week. Needless to say, this week, I return!

Not to mention summer is just around the corner telling me there will be alot in store for this blog.

^^^ Now I want to see what you got in your mailbox.... ^^^

Pick-A-Teen-Boxed-Set Contest

2011-05-02T18:03:00.009-05:00

As promised, I'm back with a contest to celebrate the re-opening of this blog. I'm targeting this contest to those people who always wanted to read some of these series-es, but never got the opportunity to read to do so. With this contest, I want to give somebody the opportunity to start a new series of their choice!

#1#2
#3
#4#5

(1) Winner will choose (1) boxed set from (5) teen box sets each with (3-4) books. If you already have the books, please give someone else the chance win these awesome books. This may look like a small contest, but that still gives you a higher chance to win something, so give this one a chance!

Fill out form
Open to US residents only
Must be 13 years or older
Ends May 27
Best of Luck!

Fill out the FORM HERE

In My Mailbox (41)

2011-04-30T21:59:00.006-05:00

Here's what I got this week:

Reading for school:
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Received:

Beguiled by Deeanne Gist (♥)
A Conspiracy of Ravens by Gilbert Morris

Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist

Nothing too special about this IMM. I simply received a few books from a church sale for free. My book spending days have lessened, but I predict they'll be increasing after I acquire access to my dad's credit card this week (hopefully.

On a different note, The Book Shopaholic is without-a-doubt, permanently, officially back to blogging and OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

Stay tuned for a new contest/giveaway tomorrow!

^^^ Now I want to see what you got in your mailbox.... ^^^

The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

2011-04-30T10:30:00.006-05:00

Title: The Summer of Skinny Dipping
Author: Amanda Howells

Pages: 295, paperback

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Age Group: Teen
Pub. Date: 2010

Overall Rating: .5

Sometimes I still wake up shivering in the early hours of the morning, drowning in dreams of being out there in the ocean that summer, of looking up at the moon and feeling as invisible and free as a fish. But I'm jumping ahead, and to tell the story right I have to go back to the very beginning. To a place called Indigo Beach. To a boy with pale skin that glowed against the dark waves. To the start of something neither of us could have predicted, and which would mark us forever, making everything that came after and before seem like it belonged to another life.
My name is Mia Gordon: I was sixteen years old, and I remember everything.
- Synopsis from Good Reads

The Summer of Skinny Dipping - Originally, I purchased the book only because someone tweeted that this book was so great, fine I went to the bookstore and found it. Come to find out the I had read the tweet wrong it was about a different book with similar a title. Nonetheless, I dove into this book shortly after buying and let me tell me I had the ride of my life as Mia goes through a path of self discovery.

Somewhere, many times, on that path, I shed a few tears. The ending will catch you by surprise!

Mia is recovering from a breakup when she takes a summer vacation to Indigo Beach where she has spent her summers in the past. Only now when she arrives things are different, people are not the people she used to know, everybody's grown up. Mia feels a pressure to fit in to the extent of almost going skinny dipping with her cousins who practice the activity. But, not too much pressure when she meets Simon, the guy who she can be herself with, slowly without realizing starts falling for him.... how will this summer romance end?

Let me tell you, it was aggravating at the beginning I wanted to swallow the story whole in one night. I was up until 2 p.m. reading this. The writing is just that good that you want to savor more and at the same time you want to take in all that you don't have anytime to memorize the moving lines and quotes. This story was deep and its the main reason that you want to read it, because you want to get to the bottom of the story.

Often, I was annoyed with how insecure Mia was that she couldn't find a place within herself to be happy. But, then again this was for a reason. Along the way, the story gains a slower pace and that's when I was shaking my head confused of where the story was going to go.

This went on..... and on...... and on..... I then got exhausted.

But, the ending won me back. You won't see that coming from nowhere, actually that's what I expected to happen all along, but I bet most readers won't. This story is truly, enjoyable I won't forget all the memorable quotes I collected while reading it. You'll smile one moment then you'll shed a tear. I'm warning you its a heartbreaking novel that can't you resist the tears!

Content Rating:

Twist Endings Face - Rated PG-13 Young Adult

Content Comments:
This book is awarded the twist ending face for having a huge surprising twist that made the story extensively better. These twists make the book extremely more entertaining. They even leave you with your mouth wide-open. This book is appropriate for an older audience. The Summer of Skinny Dipping has a significant amount of tolerable references to sex, profanity, drugs and alcohol, and crude comments etc.

Rating:

Plot: (9/10)
Characters: (9/10)
Ending: (10/10)
Enjoyment: (9/10)
Cover: (8/10)
Overall: 45/50 = 90% = A+

Cover: Same old, same old.... I do however appreciate how the girl is running and in many aspects Mia is, so it has a feel of the book.

For More Info or to Buy The Summer of Skinny Dipping:

{Good Reads} {Borders} {Barnes & Noble} {Amazon}

In My Mailbox (40)

2011-04-16T22:07:00.005-05:00

Here's what I got this week:

Bought:

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer (♥)

Its been an unending struggle to get my hands on a copy of Twilight. First, I lost my money, I was sick so I couldn't get to the store, my mom took my credit card, and when I finally bought it my dad returned it without telling me. So, now after a months of failed attempts I bought it again!

Promises, promises.... yes last time I said that I had some posts ready and its true I'm just sorting some things out in my schedule so I can be sure to further continue writing posts, so I don't go on another hiatus anytime soon. But, it looks like its all happening this week, so stay tuned!

^^^ Now I want to see what you got in your mailbox.... ^^^

In My Mailbox (39)

2011-04-02T14:14:00.005-05:00

Here's what I got this week:

Bought:

The Season by Sarah MacLean

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

Beastly by Alex Flinn (♥)

I know I've been missing in action there's no question about it. But, books have been on my mind the whole time. This week there was a book fair at my school and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to buy some books that were great bargains. In fact, as of right now I do have some posts ready for this week, so you won't be able to get enough of me!

^^^ Now I want to see what you got in your mailbox.... ^^^

First Step 2 Forever by Justin Bieber

2011-03-20T12:25:00.005-05:00

Title: First Step 2 Forever
Author: Justin Bieber

Pages: 235, hardcover

Publisher: Harper Collins Childrens

Age Group: Everybody
Pub. Date: 2010

Overall Rating:

His debut album has already gone platinum. His YouTube videos have received over 10 million hits. He's sung for the president of the United States. His screaming fans have stormed TV studios and shut down shopping malls. Justin Bieber is a global superstar and now, for the first time ever, he's going to tell all in his very own book.
In this book, Justin tells the story of his amazing journey from small-town schoolboy to global superstar. Stunningly designed and jam packed full of exclusive unseen photos of Justin on and off stage, plus private captured moments, the awesome story of Justin's phenomenal rise to superstardom is a must-have for any true fan.
- Synopsis from Barnes & Noble

First Step 2 Forever - For the short hours I spent reading about the pop star, there was never a dull moment that made me want to put it down and quit reading. You should know that I've always been a Bieber fan, but never a Belieber until finishing this book. This book had a positive impact on me, this book isn't only about Justin's story along the way he does give some valuable advice that I will try to never forget.

Justin tells his story from the beginning, his birth, childhood, early teen years, and how You Tube changed his life. We see a different side of Justin in this book. He's not the cocky guy we thought he was after all he does have genuine feelings for his family, the people, and God. It shows how he didn't come from a rich home with no problems he did have many struggles like any other person. We see a humble side to Justin in that he never really planned to get famous, it just came to him when he uploaded videos of himself singing on You Tube.

Believe it or not the writing style is super interesting. It goes to prove celebrities can write as good any other author. His sense of humor is shown so much that I feel like I know him. I saw nothing cliched about it, everything was original and well though-out. The few words of advice he gives are almost life-changing (to me). He encourages readers to be keep doing the things you're not good at cause eventually you will be, to believe in yourself and to never let the criticism stop you, that you don't have to come from a rich family to make your dream come true, and the best dating advice as he calls it to "just listen" on a date, among others. You learn so much. About him, and yourself.

There's nothing to complain about, this book gives readers and fans a deep inside look into Justin's life. This is a must for Bieber fans, even for the haters so they can see the real Justin. After finishing this book, I felt like I had lost a friend, for sure I'll be re-reading this a thousand times. It's overflowed with inspiration and encouragement for teens to follow their dreams and never say never! (From now on I'm going to follow my dream!!)

Content Rating:

Rated PG - General Audience

Content Comments:
This book is appropriate for a general audience. First Step 2 Forever has no references to sex, drugs, profanity, cussing, etc.

Rating:

Plot: (10/10)
Characters: (10/10)
Ending: (10/10)
Enjoyment: (10+/10)
Cover: (10/10)
Overall: 50/50 = 100% = A+

Cover: Perfect.

For More Info or to Buy First Step 2 Forever:

{Good Reads} {Borders} {Barnes & Noble} {Amazon}

In My Mailbox (38)

2011-03-19T09:16:00.005-05:00

Here's what I got this week:

Bought:

Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney

Captivate by Carrie Jones

Justin Bieber: Step 2 Forever (♥)

I've been recently buying more books that the usual online and hope it becomes a habit. I'm so lucky my parents aren't complaining about me using their credit card. I'm having a blast reading my TBR pile. But, for now I'm planning to stop reading and catch up on reviews that aren't written yet.

Expect see more from me this upcoming week!

^^^ Now I want to see what you got in your mailbox.... ^^^

Personal: A New Beginning

2011-03-08T15:45:00.005-06:00

The following is a personal post I wrote to explain a struggle I had, which also explains my long absence from this blog. Maybe it can inspire somebody!

The most complicated thing I’ve ever struggled with was getting healthy and losing weight. Which explains why I turned to books to block my mind from reality. My doctor had told me I had to get healthy and fit, because I was at huge risk for diabetes, heart attack, stroke, eventually death if I continued to live the same lifestyle. (Happened last July when I stopped blogging)

I knew if I never started I was never going to get anywhere. Getting in shape wasn’t the hardest part; it was starting that was the most difficult. I procrastinated and many times said that the effort wasn’t going to be worth a thing. Yet, after I set aside all the negative thoughts I actually got myself somewhere. I got educated on nutrition and what the foods I needed were. Then, I began a strict workout routine that I had to do everyday.

Now:

Perseverance was the hardest thing to do. I expected I’d see jaw-dropping results at the beginning. And, it turned out that good results don’t happen at the beginning. I had to learn the hard way that nothing happens overnight just because I was trying. When I was just about to quit, I knew that I had to finish what I started. It couldn’t be one of my failed attempts. With endurance and strength that I didn’t even know where it came from, I motivated myself to continue.

The journey was long and and scary, but I was extremely scared to die prematurely, so I gave it my all. At the moment, I’m still not done completely, but I can say I dropped the extra weight and am now at a normal weight (after working out for over 4 months). I can exercise almost everyday, because I’m addicted. And, I’m eating more fruits and vegetables than I ever ate in my lifetime.

So there you go, I'm not the same person coming back to blogging. I was hesitant to get that off my chest. If anyone reading this is going through the same thing and wants some encouragement or tips just email me here: thebookshopaholic(AT)hotmail(DOT)com Plus, I'm going to soon set up a blog at Tumblr all about fitness I'll inform y'all when it's up.

As for this blog, I'm official back to business!

In My Mailbox (37) + Long Overdue Winners

2011-02-26T21:10:00.009-06:00

What can you do when life, just keeps throwing curves your way and you can't get a break? Simply, tell yourself there will be a day it will all be over. It's today for me, therefore I'm back!

Bought:

Delirium by Lauren Oliver (!!)
Flawless #2 by Sara Shepard
New Moon by Stephanie Meyer
Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer

Other for school:

Speak by Laure Halse Anderson
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

In the past week or two, I've accumulated these books. Which, are the only books I've bought/received since my last IMM. Nothing has changed since you last heard from me. I'm still a book geek and will continue to be.

Also, since you last heard from me I was giving some books away..... since the contest never had the needed entries in the rules I never came back to give the books away, so I'm announcing the winners now.

Prize Pack #1 Winner

34 ~ Stephanie J.

Prize Pack #2 Winner

13 ~ Diana @ Books by Their Story

I've contacted the winners by email. Please reply within 48 hours, otherwise your prize will be forfeited to another winner. Congrats to the winners and thanks to everyone who entered!

Expect see more from me this upcoming week!

^^^ Now I want to see what you got in your mailbox.... ^^^

Contest Update

2010-12-15T17:26:00.003-06:00

My 1st Year Blogaversary Contest is still running. I previously had to extend it due to the fact that I was short 20 entries. Well, it just so happens that the story repeats itself. I'm still short entries. This is understandable I've been on a hiatus. I can't complain. No content means no visits. But, now that I've officially returned to blogging again I'm really determined for everything to pick up. Therefore, I desperately want to get the books out of my hands as soon I receive the necessary entries. Anyone want to win a prize pack?

You can Enter HERE ~ This contest will for sure end by December 19.

I'm really hoping to get them out to you before Christmas. In a way as my Christmas present to you. But, this can't happen if you don't enter. So, I urge you to enter!

Don't say "no" to free books!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2010-12-14T13:25:00.003-06:00

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins

Pages: 374, paperback

Publisher: Scholastic

Age Group: Young Adult
Pub. Date: 2008

Overall Rating:

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

What hasn't yet been said about The Hunger Games? Oh my, that this book makes all those books it sits by at the bookstores look inferior. Collins kicks ass with her unbelievable, outstandingly excellent writing. This is the book all adventure-dystopian readers have always been waiting for. It brings everything spectacular you could ever ask from a book, there's noting more to ask for, it's already here between its pages.

This was the first time that I read a book with sky-high expectations and am not let down. When I heard about the exhilaration that this book brought to people, I knew I must read it. The storyline lured me in, I wanted to read about the epic battles between the kids in this alternative world. Not only does Collins balance action between fighting but it also creates a heart-wrenching feeling on the side. Everything I expected.

Don't debate why this book is on bestseller lists, why its one of the most notable books, or why this book receives so many praise! There's a wonderful reason for it all. Its original, heart-pounding, intense, and overwhelmingly glorious.

I found no faults in The Hunger Games. Everything was perfectly executed plot, characters, twists, etc. Dare I say it, it's now my most favorite book. Read it this book had a great effect on me and on countless others, that's why it's so popular. Millions of people can't be wrong. Do I have to scream it from a roof top, READ it or MISS out of something almost epic in the world of YA.

Content Rating:

Rated PG-13 Young Adult

Content Comments:
This book is appropriate for an older audience according the publisher. Although, The Hunger Games has a minimal amount of references to sex, profanity, drugs and alcohol, and violence etc.

Rating:

Plot: (10/10)
Characters: (10/10)
Ending: (9/10)
Enjoyment: (10+/10)
Cover: (10/10)
Overall: 49/50 = 99% = A+

Cover: Never drew me to the book I found it too plain. Oddly enough, inside it held something so extraordinary.

For More Info or to Buy The Hunger Games:

{Good Reads} {Borders} {Barnes & Noble} {Amazon}

In My Mailbox (36)

2010-12-04T22:09:00.004-06:00

Bought:

The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells
Firespell by Cloe Neill

This week's stash has some comteportary and paranoral YA. More books to add to my rather small TBR. It's finally shrinking and I'm relieved. I must say, I'm trying to break the pattern of just updating with IMMs on Saturdays. And, believe me I want to get back more than ever. This is the last time you'll hear me say this, I'll be back to bloggin regularly this week for sure! So look out for more!

^^^ Now I want to see what you got in your mailbox.... ^^^

In My Mailbox (35)

2010-11-27T22:07:00.000-06:00

Here's what I got this week:

Bought:

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Won:
Beautiful Dead: Arizona by Eden Maguire
(@ Flipping Pages for All Ages)

Other:
17 Again DVD

Went Black Friday shopping got tons of bargains but found very little sales at the bookstores. I did enjoy some hot delicious Starbucks at a discount and only got to buy a book and a DVD. On the bright side, I get to go again tomorrow to finish shopping using my 30% coupons + Discount Card, which I stupidly forgot to take with me. So, I'll more than likely get 2 paperbacks I've been dying for and possibly a box set.

^^^ Now I want to see what you got in your mailbox.... ^^^

OMGhhkp + Black Friday + Giveaway Info.

2010-11-25T22:13:00.001-06:00

Long time no see. I've been time and time again making attempts to get back in the grove of blogging again, but unfortunately my attempts have failed so far. I always remember how rewarding the blogging experience was and how much I've always loved talking about books, but my life sadly hasn't permitted me. Perhaps, I have too much on my plate at the moment, or it was that I wanted to get professional blog design before I came back for good.

In the effort of finally making a last attempt, I'm going book shopping on black Friday to get back into book shopping and we'll keep constantly posting after that. I'm completely aware that the sales at bookstores tomorrow aren't as big as the ones at others stores, but for shopaholics like book buyers who want to splurge/can't resist anything we'll help. I've done my research and put it into a list for you !

Barnes & Noble
InStore & Online Sales

Holiday CookBook Sale: Buy 1 Get 2nd 50% off

$10 free gift card with $100 Gift Card purchase.

50% off 1 Kids or Teen Book Set- Enter Coupon code W4A4B4Y

$10 off $75 on new & used video games. Enter coupon code E3U4C9A

Coupon Codes

P4A4N7P 30% off one item (expires 11/29/10)
W7K3B7H 15% off one item online member’s code (expires 12/6/10)

InStore:

30% off one item member’s printable coupon valid 11/24 – 11/28/10
30% off one item anyone can use printable coupon valid 11/24 – 11/28/10
50% off 1 Kids or Teen Book Set expires 11/29/10
$10 off a whole cheesecake printable coupon
B2G1 Stabucks Bagged Coffee printable coupon

Nook @ Best Buy:
InStore Sale
NOOK Wi-Fi eReader By Barnes & Noble, $99.99 - Doorbuster!

Books A Million:
InStore Sale
Early Bird Coupon-$5 off $25-Valid Fri. (11-26-10)only 7am-noon

Borders:
InStore Sale
Borders Rewards Coupon Any One Item 40% of f -Valid 11/26/10 through 11/28/10
Borders Rewards Coupon Free Medium Brewed Coffee or Latte - Valid only 11/26/10

E-Readers:

Half-Price Books:
26 November 2010, Friday, 7 am to 10 am
20% Off Early Bird Sale
First 100 Customers receive a Free Tote Bag and $5 Gift Card
One Lucky Person will win a $100 Gift Card

Hope you saw something you like! I'll be hitting the sales tomorrow early in the morning to get back into buying books. All these discounts and coupons will come in handy tomorrow.

My 1 Year Blogoversary Giveaway has received insufficient entries for the contest to end, therefore I'll be extending it to Dec. 16. Overall, I'm getting back into blogging with big hopes on making it another good year like the last one was.

Happy Shopping on Black Friday! xx

In My Mailbox (34)

2010-11-13T18:06:00.003-06:00

Yes, I took a short leave, but I'm in the process of coming back. The books I've been reading have been blowing me away, I just want to comeback and share the experience.

Bought:

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Other:

Historical Fiction Books, etc I got at a sale for free

Whirlwind by Cathy Marie Hake
A Lady of Hidden Intent by Tracie Peterson
The Measure of a Lady by Deeanne Gist
Sonnet of a Dead Contessa by Gilbert Morris
Left Behind by Time LaHaye

So-so IMM, but I'm just getting back to purchasing books after I took a break from buying books until I read most of my TBR pile. I'm so excited for Twilight, I can't explain how much.

^^^ Now I want to see what you got in your mailbox.... ^^^

In My Mailbox (33)

2010-10-23T20:11:00.010-05:00

For Review:

Drowned Sorrow by Vanessa Morgan

Megan Blackwood has just lost her son in a terrible accident. Now she has come to Moonlight Creek with her teenage daughter Jenna, hoping a change of scenery might help to put her life back together.

But something odd is going on in Moonlight Creek.

When rain falls over the village, its inhabitants commit grisly murders, leaving the place deserted with the first rays of sunshine.

Beneath the lake's surface, an eerie presence watches... and waits... Waits to reveal a tragic past drowned in mystery and fear. One that doesn't bode well for visitors.

By the time Megan realizes that her daughter's life is in danger, it may be too late to escape.

Gifted:

Best Foot Forward by Joan Bauer

Won:
Contest Craze at Princess Bookie

Breathless by Jessica Warman

Yikes! I need to urgently go on a shopping spree. But, actually I'm just saving up to buy some new releases. Luckily, I'm still not done with all the books I own, so I still have many to read. This week's books look intriguing. I knew I couldn't pass up the chance to read Drowned Sorrow it looks so spooky, perfect to read now that it's almost Halloween. And, the others look exciting as well.

^^^ Now I want to see what you got .... ^^^

1 Year Blogoversary Contest !!

2010-10-18T19:53:00.012-05:00

It's been a year, Wow almost 350 followers. Never thought I could go this far. THANK YOU! Now, to show my love to you, I'm hosting a contest with 2 winners. It's too difficult for me to pick a single book to give away, so this is the only thing that works for me.

Prize Pack #1

Where the Truth Lies by Jessica Warman (ARC)
Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready (HC)

Prize Pack #2

Burned by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast (HC)
Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey (PB)

All 2010 Releases !!!!

There are (2) prize packs each with (2) books. There will be 1 winner for each. You decide, which you want in the fill out form. If you already have the books, please give someone else the chance win these awesome books. I may add a new prize pack for a new winner before contest ends if I reach 400 followers. This may look like a small contest, but that still gives you a higher chance to win something, so give this one a chance!

Fill out form
Open to US residents only
Must be 13 years or older
Ends Dec. 16
Best of Luck!

Enter AWAY!

Loading...

In My Mailbox (32)

2010-10-16T22:18:00.010-05:00

Here's what I got this week:

Bought:

The Hunger Games

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Yet, another small IMM, but I'm in for a treat with this one. I'm hopeful it won't disappoint and my heart to be raising to know what will happen (that's what some people said about it). Anyways, I'm getting some more books tomorrow, I just couldn't go today, I may add them later, or else wait for next week. I'm just loving finishing most of my TBR for now.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

2010-10-15T10:40:00.007-05:00

Title: The Great Gatsby
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Pages: 180, paperback

Publisher: Scribner

Age Group: Classic
Pub. Date: 1925

Overall Rating: .5

The mysterious Jay Gatsby embodies the American notion that it is possible to redefine oneself and persuade the world to accept that definition. Gatsby's youthful neighbor, Nick Carraway, fascinated with the display of enormous wealth in which Gatsby revels, finds himself swept up in the lavish lifestyle of Long Island society during the Jazz Age. Considered Fitzgerald's best work, The Great Gatsby is a mystical, timeless story of integrity and cruelty, vision and despair.
- Synopsis from Barnes & Noble

The Great Gatsby - Above perfect average writing intricately deep with every line, The Great Gatsby doesn't disappoint. In fact, you learn alot about yourself that you didn't know before reading it. If it wasn't because I had to read this for school, I would have never in my wildest dreams given this book a chance. I came to discover, why it's a classic and why it's still a popular book today. It's the complex, fascinating writing about chasing a single dream to reach the America Dream and love, that still keeps people picking up the book today.

Nick, a simple guy who reserves himself from judgment, tells the story about Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is a penniless soldier who falls in love with Daisy a rich chick with class and money. Gatsby falls madly in love for Daisy and her class, so he pursues her, her love, and the American Dream. She's too glorious for Gatsby to resist. In the effort to attain her love, Gatsby builds his life with money, fame, recognition, fortune, and luxury to win her heart.

This love story is unlike any other, Gatsby would do anything in his power to get Daisy to love him. As readers, we learn how far is too far? Can loving too much be dangerous? Can money buy love? What happens when you live for so long with a single dream? Plus, the most melancholic beautiful thing - the aftermath and consequence to living with a single dream for so long like Gatsby.

From the beginning the book holds strong depth that takes you to other dimensions to discover the emptiness in people soul's even though they're surrounded by luxury. There's a fast-moving, thought-provoking beautiful flow of symbolism, metaphors, similes, you name it. It's packed with so much truth- like how in the end dreams are like roses and the sun. Roses have thorns and fade away eventually, while the sun burns you (symbolism used in the book).

To sum up, it's an important timeless classic that is brilliantly woven. That will teach you about love, dreams, lies, justice, social differences, hate, money and what it can (and cannot) buy..., while enjoying the twists and turns and surprising ending (too bad I was spoiled). Give this one a chance!

Content Rating:

Rated PG - General Audience

Content Comments:
This book is appropriate for a general audience. The Great Gatsby has minimal to no references to sex, drugs, profanity, cussing, etc.

Rating:

Plot: (9/10)
Characters: (9/10)
Ending: (8/10)
Enjoyment: (9/10)
Cover: (5/10) *Not Counting*
Overall: 45/50 = 90% = A-

Cover: Illustrates main themes in the book that are very important, you just have to know what they are to appreciate the cover.

For More Info or to Buy The Great Gatsby:

{Good Reads} {Borders} {Barnes & Noble} {Amazon}

Classic Books!

2010-10-14T20:08:00.007-05:00

Classic Books - Books which have stood the test of time, or just books that English teachers think are important for our learning. So on, I'm involuntarily having to read some classics for school, and I see loads of classic books I'll involuntarily have to read in the future as I'm a junior. Since I started reading some classics, I'm learning how classic books give me intellectual mental skills. They make me look beyond this 3-dimensional world, so I'll be posting reviews on classic books as I read them.

A vast majority of my readers are still in highschool, who more than likely will have to read the classics I'm reading, at least eventually. I'd like to somehow encourage teens to read classics (maybe even if they don't have to), because classics aren't just old books, they're wise books that teach us significant things about life. They arm us with knowledge against the battles of life.

Bottom Line: I feel they're important to literature, but are sometimes neglected as years go by. In the effort to encourage that they're great reads, I'll post reviews on the classics I'm reading to give you insight about what classics are about for whenever (and if) you have to read them. Also, so you can potentially think about checking some of them. =)

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

2010-10-14T10:30:00.023-05:00

Title: Pretty Little Liars
Author: Sara Shepard

Pages: 286, paperback

Publisher: Harper Teen

Age Group: Young Adult
Pub. Date: October 2006

Overall Rating: .5

Everyone has something to hide—especially high school juniors Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna. Spencer covets her sister's boyfriend. Aria's fantasizing about her English teacher. Emily's crushing on the new girl at school. Hanna uses some ugly tricks to stay beautiful. But they've all kept an even bigger secret since their friend Alison vanished. How do I know? Because I know everything about the bad girls they were, the naughty girls they are, and all the dirty secrets they've kept. And guess what? I'm telling.

Pretty Little Liars is a mystifying, page-turner and relaxing read that will get your mind hesitant to find out who -A is. It's crafted intelligently to create unpredictable twists in the events, secrets, lies and happenings to make the reader be unable to solve the mystery. Let me tell you not knowing will torment you that you'll be incredibly anxious to solve the puzzling story, while still enjoying the wild trip.

Centered around the lives of Aria, Hanna, Spencer, and Emily, 4 highschool girls, who each have dark, mischievous secrets, Pretty Little Liars explores the disappearance of their best friend Allison who unexpectedly disappeared. Two and a half years later, the girl's begin receiving inexplicable, provocative messages containing info only Alison knew, signed -A. But, Alison is now claimed dead. Who is -A? Is it Alison? Alison knew their darkest, deepest secrets, is she coming back to tell?From the beginning it starts strong and never weakens throughout, still strong until the end. It carried its own unique charm, mystery, humor, drama, and not to mention the suspense it holds to keep the reader satisfied. It was like the cherry on top for the stressful day I read it on.

In so many ways, Shepard portrays how the prettiest people do the ugliest things to get there way. Even how the richest people are poor in heart. How lying comes back to stab you in the back. How more than 2 people can't keep a secret. How humans hide their problems under a mask to make themselves look perfect. Relateable, huh? There's minimal depth to the story as it's a light read, but it does have substance. The feelings hidden behind these "pretty" girls are intense there's self-hate, compulsion, greed, and so much longing, and it's so easy to connect to them deeply. Reading this is reading with a purpose. Not just to be entertained, but to be exposed to how some people appear to be absolutely perfect with outer appearances, while on the inside they're hurting simply trying to find themselves and a solution.

On the down side, the beginning had a snail-pace as it's the exposition, the problem is it took far too long, mid-way through the book and it still was introducing new info. The up side is you stormed through pages. This is the first time that I felt that the writing was so easy to read that it only took a few seconds to turn the pages. Easy writing like this is so damn hard to write. Props to Shepard for her extraordinary skills.

It's safe to say, I'm a fan of the series as it holds a strong hook-ability effect on the reader. Unlike other books, this one requires you to read the whole series (8 books) to get the complete dirt behind the mystery, so this one's a cliff-hanger. Next installment, Please!

Content Rating:

Rated PG-13 Young Adult

Content Comments:
This book is appropriate for an older audience. Pretty Little Liars has a significant amount of tolerable references to sex, profanity, drugs and alcohol, and crude comments etc. '

Rating:

Plot: (9/10)
Characters: (9/10)
Ending: (9/10)
Enjoyment: (10/10)
Cover: (9/10)
Overall: 46/50 = 92% = A-

Cover: Perfect illustration to how the characters hide their imperfections inside themselves, while on the outside you'd think their perfect. You get that impression from the dolls. The dolls work fantastically to portray this.

For More Info or to Buy Pretty Little Liars:

{Good Reads} {Borders} {Barnes & Noble} {Amazon}

In My Mailbox (31)

2010-10-09T18:53:00.004-05:00

Still gone? No, officially coming back. I miss blogging, it's making me sick not to be part of the book blogging community here on Blogger. I'm just dying to come back. Yes, I've still been reading, so this means I can make a great comeback with reviews.

For Review:

Contagion by Joanne Dahme

Bought:
Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

Small IMM, but grateful to be offered a book for review while I was on hiatus. Since, I left I've been slow on the shopping. I've been more focused on finishing the books I have, but I'm getting close to raiding the bookstores this month.

^^^ Now I want to see what you got in your mailbox.... ^^^

Audrey Wait! by Robin Benway

2010-09-05T19:59:00.011-05:00

Title: Audrey Wait!
Author: Robin Benway

Pages: 313, paperback

Publisher: Razorbill

Age Group: Young Adult
Pub. Date: April 2008

Overall Rating:

While trying to score a date with her cute co-worker at the Scooper Dooper, sixteen-year-old Audrey gains unwanted fame and celebrity status when her ex-boyfriend, a rock musician, records a breakup song about her that soars to the top of the Billboard charts.

Audrey Wait! rocked my world. For the short hours that it took me to get through it, I was educated on rock music. dating a rockstar, popular culture, and dealing with paparazzi, you know teen stuff? I know I'm not the only one who was reminded of "Hey There Delilah" from reading Audrey Wait!

Evan, a rockstar in distress, writes a song about his breakup with Audrey titled "Audrey Wait". Automatically the song hits number one in the nation's music charts, and that's not all overnight Audrey is overwhelmed with fame with every play of the song. Instantly magazine editors, the press, and obsessed fans start watching her every move like a hawk, everyone wants a piece of her, wants to be her. But, Audrey only wants to be a regular non-popular girl nobody know, so she can date James her co-worker at the Scooper Dooper where she works to feed her music obsession. Will her newfound fame tear their relationship apart?

Benway is a creative machine. Every line in Audrey Wait! was perfectly arranged to engross the reader to read the fast-paced novel. The lines were so true and effortlessly humorous. There were so many open doors to Audrey Wait that would have made it cliched, but it was the complete opposite it always gave me an "lol" reaction when reading it.

Audrey's voice had so much life, heart, and passion that couldn't be ignored, she's witty, rebellious, and clever character there was so much personality there to blow your mind. As well, the cast of Audrey Wait was super developed and showed the reader a great time. Through Audrey's situation, Benway speaks to the readers about the real truth behind fame - It isn't cracked up to be. How there's always a downside to something that looks too good to resist.

All together, Audrey Wait! is worth the read trust me, don't think so? you'd be missing out on an exciting adventure you don't want to miss!

Content Rating:

Rated PG-13 Young Adult

Content Comments: The profanity is fairly easy to ignore to insensitive readers, but for sensitive readers I recommend not picking it up. Audrey Wait! has a significant load of references to sex, drugs, alcohol, and crude comments.

Rating:

Plot: (9/10)
Characters: (9/10)
Ending: (9/10)
Enjoyment: (9/10)
Cover: (8/10)
Overall: 44/50 = 88% = B+

Cover: Worth what I paid $3.48.

For More Info or to Buy Audrey Wait!:

{Good Reads} {Borders} {Barnes & Noble} {Amazon}

I'm Back + In My Mailbox (30)

2010-08-21T11:44:00.006-05:00

Missed me? I've been in Latin America with my family. It was a blast the perfect vacation. And, the fun didn't stop there as I'm now back in the US, and was welcomed with some great books in the mail (below). It was a pretty big abscense so I'll have a contest shortly next week, and this time for real post reviews on the amazing books I read while on vacation.

+
For Review:

Passing Strange by Daniel Waters (UK)

My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent (?)

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto (ARC)

Won:

Need and Capticate Contest at NeedPixies.com

Dell Mini Computer

One Month of Netflix

Where the Truth Lies by Jessica Warman (ARC)

Deception by Lee Nichols

Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey

The Fool's Girl by Celia Rees

The Twin's Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Longsted

The Kid Table by Andria Seigel

Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin

Best IMM ever! I mean a laptop nobody gives them out for free. Not to mention the great books it came with. Now I don't have to burden my parents to buy me more, lol. Awesome Week! Can't wait for the weekend too come, since school starts this week.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

And, NO this blog won't be discontinued. So don't unfollow!

^^^ Now I want to see what you got in your mailbox.... ^^^

In My Mailbox (29)

2010-07-17T21:18:00.009-05:00

Received:

Everlasting by Angie Frazier

(from marie LOVES books)

Can't wait to read this book. To show how much I care about it, I'll be reading it tomorrow while I wait 2 hours for my flight and then 3 hours flying. So long!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

And, I should mention that I won't be around computers (with internet) for around a month. So no more IMMs and no more posts. I'm considering posting reviews, but that's not guaranteed since I don't know how close I'll be to the internet. I will say that I will record reviews. Anywho, I will be back mid- August! So don't unfollow!

^^^ Now I want to see what you got .... ^^^

Winner - Sea Change Giveaway

2010-07-16T14:27:00.004-05:00

First off, thanks to all my followers who entered my contest and all my new followers who entered. I had a decent amount of entries, almost 40 entrants.

Okay so I know everyone wants to know who won so without further ado...

* Due to the fact, that the previous winner already won a Sea Change Giveaway, there's been a new winner drawn.

Winner:

#7 - Jennie(Random Chalk Talk)

I've contacted the winner by email. Please reply within 48 hours, otherwise your prize will be forfeited to another winner. Congrats to the winner and thanks to everyone who entered!

Vacation Trip

2010-07-15T17:16:00.005-05:00

I have an excuse for not posting lately. My mother is running me ragged trying pack up for our trip out of the country. Somewhere in Latin America. But that's not the point. I've been extremely over my head, because it's been 2 and half years since I have been there. So, this trip is a huge deal for me. And, for some fabulous summer reading at the beach or pool-side, I'm taking this with me:

It's my carry-on bag that I can take on the plane with me. I might be going overboard by taking some to re-read, but hey I'm not accused of "traveling light". And, as long as it's not overweight I'll be fine. Although, I've heard lots of horror stories about traveling like this with books - and Im a little scared - I don't want to have to throw any of them out at the airport against my will.

Second order of business, I'm possibly not going to be posting while I'm there, but there is a teeny tiny chance I will be able to. Anyways, I'm still going to be saving the reviews on the new books I'm reading for when I can post them. So certainly, there's going to be lots of them either when I get back or while I'm there. But, nothing is clear to me right now.

On another topic: The Sea Change contest is still open and you can enter by clicking the giveaway on the sidebar or HERE.

Ends July 16 - TOMORROW!

See ya soon, ADIOS!

~ New Affiliates ~

2010-07-12T16:06:00.004-05:00

At last.... I got around to choosing/accepting my new affiliates. I had about 13 entrants, but I'm starting slow, so I've accepted a total of the 7 most qualifying to start off with. I do hope for 3 more and ten call it quits.

Here are the my new affiliates with their blog info:

An Addicted Book Reader

Adrienne at An Addicted Book Reader focuses on reviews, book covers, books she wants, and many other random bookish things. Blogging has become a part of her everyday life, she couldn't imagine my life without blogging or connecting with other book bloggers : )

A Reader's Adventure

Mariah at A Reader's Adventure focuses mostly on Young Adult books, getting the word out there about her opinions on the many wonderful YA books out there.

Leilani Loves Books

Leilani at Leilani Loves Books reviews books from YA to romance. She will have a post or two about my life occasionally, with contests and author interviews.

Along for the Ride

Sara at Along for the Ride has everything to do with YA books! She does YA book reviews (with an occasional adult crossover), the weekly memes such as IMM, TT, WoW, and the book blogger hop. And just recently, she started doing contests. :)

Dahlia's Electric Mind

Dahlia at Dahlia's Electric Mind is all about YA books, with a few mid-grade ones thrown in. She tries to do a review a week, along with a few other features, and sometimes talks about the books she's writing.

Books by their Story

Diana at Books by their Story tries to keep us up to date with bookish stuff that goes on and along posting YA reviews every spare moment she gets.

+

I personally asked Ally at I Have a Dream to become affiliates with me.

So, these are my new affiliates for now at least. For all the others who entered, I'm still viewing your sites and becoming more familiarized with them. I'll still be picking more, but for now your links will go on my regular blog roll.

If you'd like to become an affiliate with The Book Shopaholic you can fill out this form. More info HERE

In My Mailbox (28)

2010-07-10T12:02:00.005-05:00

Received:
Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev
The Not-So-Good Depression by Amy Koss
Wereling by Steve Feasey
The Mager by Donna Napoli

So-so week. Shade looks promising, and the others I'm not so ecstatic for. For example, The Mager, I won't read the cover creeps me out. As for the others, they can wait except for Perchance to Dream until I read the Eyes Like Stars.

On another note, I have no idea how things are going to play out when I take my trip outside the country soon in about a few days or so, I suppose I'll have to do it where-ever I'm at. More info later.

^^^ Now I want to see what you got .... ^^^

Books Read in June 2010 + I'm Back

2010-07-08T19:52:00.008-05:00

Officially back! I was rudely interrupted from blogging due to no wifi connectivity, but after a few adjustments I'm now back for good, or until it breaks again (hope not).

Now for the books read in June. Well, I read several, as planned. I promised myself to read far more than I do when I'm in school. The outcome was almost as planned. I'm very pleased. And, shocked all at the same time. I can officially call myself an avid reader (after 9 months)!

Books Read:
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Summer in Paris by Michele Ashman Bell
Audrey Wait! by Robin Benway
Sea Change by Aimee Friedman
My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
The Life of Glass by Jillian Cantor
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen (won't review)
Evernight by Claudia Gray (re-read)
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (re-read)

Total Books Read: 11

Yay! Lots of fabulous reads in there. Although, it's not that great, because the more I read the more I slacked on reviews. Plus, with my unanticipated vacation from the internet, I'm even more behind, at this point I can't help it. For one thing, it's only 6 books I need to review, but I've forgotten alot about them, to give them a fair review I'll have to study them a little. Eventually, they'll all be reviewed. I promise!

Favorite Book from June: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Biggest Let-Down: Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

- Happy Reading *

Changes, Blog Button, Accepting Affliliates

2010-06-28T20:24:00.007-05:00

Changes: I made some around the site. These changes are only temporary for now, it will come as no surprise for them to change really soon. The color scheme isn't working for me, so I will be tweaking them. Once again, the header is by the lovely Katie from Sophistikatied Reviews. She's got buckets of talent for design so I got her to make this blog button:

Gosh, it looks so adorable! It was urgently needed. Thanks Katie! - Now, I'm super excited to socially network with some of you. Therefore, I'll be accepting requests to become affiliates with The Book Shopaholic. At the moment, I'm looking to get about 10 affiliates, but hoping for more in the near future.

The Advantages:

Your blog button will be added on the sidebar. (if you have one)
Your blog link will be added on the sidebar on a blog roll just for affiliates.
Updates on your blog will be featured regularly.
You can choose to guest post at anytime, to encourage interaction between our blogs.
Blogger interaction.
More may be discussed in the future.

Basic Requirements:

Personality
Mainly a YA book blogger
Your blog is powered by Blogger
Comparability with my blog and readers.
You're committed to blogging and are active posting on a regular basis.
From reading your content I can see you enjoy blogging about books.

Your amount of followers or months of blogging don't matter to be accepted. I look more for personality and positivity for blogging about books (I see this everywhere). Have no fear in applying! The benefits are for both of us. We get to become blogger buddies while both our sites grow/work together.

Just know that we will be affiliates with each other. All I ask is for you to add me w/my blog button to your affiliates page or sidebar. You can simply apply by filling out this form

New Info: I'll email the people applying to confirm that we're now affiliates, then their blog buttons/links will be added to the sidebar. Starting tomorrow!

Sea Change: Paperback Release + Giveaway

2010-06-28T10:50:00.001-05:00

I'm delighted to host this giveaway featuring Aimee Friedman's Sea Change. To celebrate the paperback release - I have a paperback copy of Sea Change + Handmade bamboo beach mat for (1) Winner !

Sixteen-year-old Miranda Merchant is great at science...and not so great with boys. After major drama with her (now ex) boyfriend, she's happy to be spending the summer on small, mysterious Selkie Island, helping her mother sort out her late grandmother's estate.

On the lush, beautiful island, Miranda finds new friends and a community with a mystical history, presenting her with facts her logical, scientific mind can't make sense of. She also meets Leo, who challenges everything she thought she knew about boys, romance...and reality.

Is Leo hiding something? Or is he something that she never could have imagined

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Aimee Friedman is the New York Times bestselling author of several books for young adults, including South Beach, French Kiss, Hollywood Hills, A Novel Idea, and, most recently, The Year My Sister Got Lucky. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Aimee attended the Bronx High School of Science, but she always wanted to be a writer, never a scientist. Though she does not know how to swim, she loves living on the island of Manhattan, where she also works as a book editor.

For more info visit the following sites:

Contest Info:

must be a follower old or new
fill out form below
entrants must be over 13 years+
ends July 16
open to US residents only

Special Thanks to the lovely people at Scholastic for providing the prizes!

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Hit the beach with this Sea Change prize pack!

In My Mailbox (27)

2010-06-26T14:13:00.006-05:00

Random Buzzers:
Rage: A Love Story by Julie Anne Peters

Won from The Book Scout:
The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June by Robin Benway
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
The Eternal Ones by Kiersten Miller

Good enough week! But, I'm seriously regret getting Rage. I didn't read the synopsis, and it goes against alot of what I believe. So, I have no intention in reading it, I can't give it away because it might be promoting the theme, so I might swap it somewhere on the internet. The other books make up for it, I absolutely love those.

On another note, I've been absent from blogging, because I'm planning my vacation trip, etc. But, I will have a contest and more than likely reviews this week.

^^^ Now I want to see what you got .... ^^^

Content Ratings for Reviews

2010-06-23T13:05:00.002-05:00

It has occurred to me that, while some people don't mind certain content in the books they read, others are curious to know even before reading a book. In addition to the ratings already on my reviews, I have developed my own content ratings, this will be included in all future reviews. The main purpose is to inform whether the book is clean or mature etc. I realize this may help younger readers, and for older readers simply be interesting to know.

Smiley Face: This face means that the book is appropriate for the general audience. For books that have minimal to no references to sexual content, alcohol, drugs, profanity, cussing, disturbing images, swearing, and violence etc. a.k.a rated G, middle grade + Young Adult

Surprised Face: This face means that the book is appropriate for an older audience. For books that have significant amount of references to sex, profanity, drugs. alcohol, violence, gruesome scenes, and crude comments etc. a.k.a rated PG-13 Young Adult

Mature: Books with this rating are only for mature readers. A book doesn't necessarily have to be an adult book to have this rating. This is for books with extreme material of either one of profanity, sex, violence, disturbing scenes, or mature behavior etc. a.k.a. rated R, Young Adult + (there are YA books like this)

Crying Face: This doesn't rate content, I will give a book this face if it had a crying effect on me. It happens alot in books today. So, this will mean the book is a tear-jerker also means you should read it if you like sentimental books.

Twist Endings Face: I will rate a book this, if it had a huge surprising twist that made the story extensively better. These twists make the book extremely more entertaining. They even leave you with your mouth wide-open.

Sleepy Face: Rarely does a book put me to sleep. I'm reserving this rating for the one book that does. This rating is for the book that I just tried time and time again to love, but didn't succeed at it. BTW, I may only use this 1 time, ever.

Those are the rating faces for now, this new addition to my book reviews will continue to evolve with time, and more will be added in the future on this post (will be linked later in the sidebar). Plus, the faces are going to be made smaller for the actual reviews. Altogether, I just hope it would make the reviews on this site much more informative and possibly more helpful to readers when choosing their books.

Waiting on Wednesday: Rich and Mad

2010-06-23T11:41:00.001-05:00

Book: Rich and Mad by William Nicholson

Release date: September 14, 2010

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Summary:

Maddy Fisher has decided to fall in love. And not just any sort of love: can't-eat can't-sleep crazy in love. Rich Ross is after the same thing. He's set his sights high, and he's going to make it happen. The problem is, in life's messy whirlwind of friends and lies and sex and porn, the real thing can be hard to fine. But there's always a first time for everything...

Here's Why I'm Waiting on Rich and Mad:
1. Egmont Books are great!

2. Romance

3. Title, it takes the main characters names Rich and Maddy
4. Cover
5. First Sex I admit I want to know

I'm anxious for this, it's coming to me soon from a tour site. Yay!

^^ What are you Waiting for? ^^

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

2010-06-21T18:16:00.006-05:00

Title: Shiver
Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Pages: 390, hardcover

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Age Group: Young Adult
Pub. Date: August 2009

Overall Rating:

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human ... until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Shiver is lyrical, enticing, full of simplicity that has the power to fascinate readers. Reading Shiver wasn't disappointing like I expected it to be - on the other hand it was a wondrous experience. It's now clear to me why someone would do almost anything for a copy of Linger.

Since she was attacked by werewolves 6 years ago, Grace fell in love with Sam, a werewolf. They are both instantly drawn to each other - human to wolf. Sam is more than he seems, he can turn into a boy, a human, and upon his return into human form, Sam and Grace fall in love. There's only one thing keeping them apart, the temperature, everytime it's freezing Sam goes back to werewolf form. There's nothing that can stop this, and it gets much worse his human side might fade....

This is a new refreshing tale about supernatural love. There's so many complications, tension, and chills that the reader feels while reading. There's so much challenge that Sam and Grace must face, as the story unfolds, the readers crave to know the outcome - all the roads are closed. It's just so easy to jump in to the story, as events happened I got excited to follow the story. I would describe how it feels - like a roller coaster ride full of screaming and trill.

Shiver was written alternating perspectives from both Grace and Sam's POVs. It's works beautifully here, because their thoughts make the story stronger, intenser, and more extraordinary. There's less from Sam at first that made me just insanely crazy, I wanted to know the truth behind this mysterious guy. Plus, there's this stability that Stiefvater keeps while writing, it's never forced or unnatural, there's perfect timing for everything.

I was touched by this novel, it gives a new outlook on love. I even had to stop every moment to savor it - it was that downright amazing. Run to the bookstore, if you haven't read this. If you don't you'd be missing out immensely!

Rating:

Plot: (10/10)
Characters: (10/10)
Ending: (10/10)
Enjoyment: (10+/10)
Cover: (10/10)
Overall: 50/50 = 100% = A+ (again!)

Cover: Foresty, cold, chilling. There's a wolf in the background that took me by surprise. It's like hiding in the cover.

For More Info or to Buy Shiver:

{Good Reads} {Borders} {Barnes & Noble} {Amazon}

In My Mailbox (26)

2010-06-19T14:41:00.004-05:00

For Review:
NoMansLand by Lesley Hauge (finished copy)
My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares (arc)

Swag:
SIGNED - Sisters Red Poster + Fortune Cookies

Pretty slow week, it terrifies me that it might be this way for the next couple of weeks. Anyways, I'm suppose to be going shopping later today, so I might update this. I just wanted to post this now, just in case I didn't find anything. BTW, if you're curious as to why I haven't posted anything lately, it's because I'm having serious technical difficulties, fortunately I'm on a different computer now.

^^^ Now I want to see what you got .... ^^^

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

2010-06-15T16:41:00.005-05:00

Title: Hush, Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Pages: 391, hardcover

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Age Group: Young Adult
Pub. Date: October 2009

Overall Rating:

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Hush, Hush made me melt like butter. Enough said, this book is addictive, deeply amazing, heart-pounding, and in a lovely way mysterious. Both cover and summary live up to the book.

Nora, a highschool sophomore, unexpectedly meets Patch, a creepy, but sexy guy in her biology class. When they are both partnered-up together, they developed an undeniable chemistry between each other. Patch starts popping up everywhere Nora goes in a stalker-ish manner. At first Nora thinks, he's trying to keep her out of harms way, but no he's far more dangerous than she assumes. Eventually, Nora discovers she's entangled in a battle amidst fallen angels.

In Hush, Hush, we get wrapped up in a story of fallen angels, history, forbidden love, and an ancient battle correctly combined to make readers fall head over heels for the story. Starting with the romance, it was 100 degree hot, spicy, yummy, and tastefully written. I fell in love with Patch instantly, he was dangerous, confident, bad-boy he practically runs the story.

It's the books uniqueness that us readers are captivated with. Something out of the norm, we see Nora and Patch, two people who in real life wouldn't be compatible, fall for each other. Then, Fitzpatrick brings us something new to supernatural fiction, I'm sure we've seen angels in books before, but not the way Fitzpatrick presents them to us. They're dark, veiled, and authentic to their history.

Nora and Bella are almost interchangeable, not that, this would bother anybody. Looking at it's a real treat for the readers who can't get enough of Twilight. The similarities are beyond question that the vampire theme was changed for fallen angel theme. Nevertheless, this book is worth the read, I can guarantee this book has like a potion to draw readers in. I'll bet it's the writing, Fitzpatrick has a way of saying something simple exquisitely. Profoundly, enjoyable.

Obviously, you can see the effect the book had on me, it was a home run, we were a perfect match. Don't let what you hear about this book determine whether you read it or not. It's a either love-or-hate for most people. Mostly, love. This one is worth buying in hardcover!

Rating:

Plot: (10/10)
Characters: (10/10)
Ending: (10/10)
Enjoyment: (10+/10)
Cover: (10/10)
Overall: 50/50 = 100% = A+

Cover: So dark. It's bound to make you run to the checkout. Love at first sight!

For More Info or to Buy Hush, Hush:

{Good Reads} {Borders} {Barnes & Noble} {Amazon}

Book Trailer: Blood Feud

2010-06-14T21:38:00.002-05:00

The long-awaited sequel to Hearts at Stake is soon to be released. On the 22nd to be exact. Like all the other fans of this series, I'm waiting to read it. I'm posting about this to share my love for this series. Here's the book trailer:

Can't wait to have bloody-vampire fun with this book!

It's Monday! What are you reading?

2010-06-14T12:03:00.004-05:00

This fantastic meme is now hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.

Read this past week:

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Summer in Paris by Michele Ashman Bell

Currently Reading:

Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

Upcoming:

Audrey Wait! by Robin Benway
My Soul To Save by Rachel Vincent

I feel the need to speed up on my reading. There's many on my bookshelf and more that I'm buying. Reviews for most of these have been scheduled, thanks to Bloggiesta. I know, the currently reading on the sidebar is not updated, that's because not all reviews are up, this is soon going to change.

Heist Society by Ally Carter

2010-06-13T14:54:00.001-05:00

Title: Heist Society

Author: Ally Carter

Pages: 287, hardcover

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Age Group: Young Adult
Pub. Date: February 2010

Overall Rating: .5

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.

Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help.

For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in history-or at least her family's (very crooked) history.

Heist Society is satisfyingly amazing. Carter brings a tale of mystery involving lost paintings, cons, thieves, danger, and suspense. The most appealing thing is it's originality, Carter has crafted a story worth the read.

Since her childhood, Kat has grown up in the family business - stealing jewels, paintings, and valuables. In order to escape from the life of a thief, Kat enrolls at the Colgan School. Unfortunately, she is kicked out, now she must return to her roots. When her father is accused of stealing paintings from Arturo Taccone, Kat must take matter into her own hands by undertaking a dangerous heist.

We are taken on a crazy adventure of extreme power, money, history, and art. The story is interestingly enough to keep following, the twist and turns run the book. The writing flows effortlessly, I was shocked to see all the skill that Carter has to write a book like this. There's so many elements of history she took to make the book, I loved the creativity.

It's not every day that you read about a teenager on a heist to save her family, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. The characters all had different traits, humor, and charm. I was much more drawn to Kat, even though she doesn't want the life of a thief she's willing to do it for the sake of the family.

I found very little faults in HS, for one some things were slightly cliched and the book dragged a little at the beginning, but the mysterious and suspenseful tone makes the book flow smoothly. At first, I had trouble with the writing being in 3rd person, but later it becomes comfortable to read.

Overall, there's so many things to love about this book. This won't be the first I read from Carter. I look forward to Kat's next adventure in the sequel.

Interested in fabulous mystery fun? Heist Society has it!

Rating:

Plot: (9/10)
Characters: (9/10)
Ending: (9/10)
Enjoyment: (8/10)
Cover: (9/10)
Overall: 44/50 = 88% = B+

Cover: The model looks alot older than Kat would probably look like, but the detailing in the glasses is appreciate-able.

For More Info or to Buy Heist Society?:

{Good Reads} {Borders} {Barnes & Noble} {Amazon}

In My Mailbox (25)

2010-06-12T10:05:00.006-05:00

For Review:
Sea Change by Aimee Friedman
Burned by P.C Cast + Kristin Cast

Bought Online:
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
The Agency: A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee
Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis
The Mark by Jen Nadol
Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe
The Life of Glass by Jullian Cantor
My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent

This is a fantastic week for me, also not a typical one. I'm very happy for the review books. Then, the bought books were bought online. They were seriously cheap I'm talking $3-$7 each. That's amazing, so I splurged a little. I didn't get to order some this week, but I will be ordering more from them in the future. If you're interested in cheap books at great condition just EMAIL me, and I can tell you where. I'm sure you already guessed. No it's not eBay or Amazon, it's better!

Side View:

^^^ Now I want to see what you got .... ^^^

Bloggiesta Time!

2010-06-11T18:51:00.003-05:00

Normally, I would pass up an even like this, but I seriously need it, you can agree. Bloggiesta is being hosted by Maw Books Blog. Basically, it's a challenge to organize, edit, develop, review, or organize anything that needs to be done, but you haven't sat down to do. Bloggiesta starts June 11th and will continue on until June 13th.

So, I will start officially tomorrow with the following tasks:

Write reviews (schedule about 6 reviews)
Write back up posts for a rainy day
Add reviews to Good Reads and Shelfari
Make Business Cards
Add new things widgets, etc to sidebars
Put a contest together
Edit Review Policy
Organize my challenge list
Write a Guest Post (for somebody)
Clean out and organize feed reader and blog subscriptions.
Think up new features
Update Blogroll

I have my hands full, I'm getting up extremely early tomorrow to all of these things done. And, hopefully I'll be done by noon so I can read all afternoon. This is definitely a challenge for me. Wish me luck!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Education of Bet

2010-06-09T21:50:00.008-05:00

Book: The Education of Bet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Release date: July 12, 2010

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books

Summary:

Bet is sixteen, very intelligent, but only knows as much as her limited education will allow. In Victorian England, girls aren't allowed to go to school.
Will is also 16, and though not related by blood, he and Bet act like brother and sister. In fact, they even look like brother and sister. And though they're both raised under the same roof, by the same kind uncle, Will has one big advantage over Bet: He's a boy, and being a boy means he isn't stuck in the grand house they call home. He gets to go out into the world--to school. But that's not what Will wishes. He wants to join the military and learn about real life, not what's written in books.
So one night, Bet comes up with a plan. She'll go to school as Will. Will can join the military. And though it seems impossible, they actually manage to pull it off.
But once Bet gets to the school, she begins to realize the education she's going to get isn't exactly the one she was expecting.

Here's Why I'm Waiting on The Education of Bet:
1. Historical Fiction

2. Romance

3. Plot
4. Author

This WoW is pretty late, but it's all Blogger's fault. I did have some other posts scheduled, but it's late and doubt they'd be read, so I'll put 1 up tomorrow.

^^ What are you Waiting for? ^^

Upcoming Review: CSN Stores

2010-06-08T17:03:00.014-05:00

Have you heard of CSN Stores? They are 200+ stores that offer quality products like modern home accents, nursery decor, shoes, kitchen accessories, bookcases, office decor, children's toys, you can name it. Especially for us book-nerds, there's a huge lighting selection, bookcases, and office furniture.

Luckily, I've been given the opportunity to review one of their products. I'm really digging their awesome bookcases. Right now, my books need a new home, but have very small space and budget so these are what look good:

Lots of variety, right? I'm really intrigued to buy from this amazing site, I'll be buying in the future to meet my furniture needs. Everything looks nice and fancy at affordable prices!

Like what you see? Go check out CSN stores, you can honestly spend hours browsing their products and probably end up splurging too much.

Bad Apple by Laura Ruby

2010-06-08T13:22:00.001-05:00

Title: Bad Apple
Author: Laura Ruby

Pages: 245, hardcover

Publisher: Harper Teen

Age Group: Young Adult
Pub. Date: October 2009

Overall Rating: .5

Junior Tola Riley doesn’t care what people say about her. She knows her ever-changing hair color and goth clothes make her an easy target. Whatever. But the latest rumor is different.... The entire school believes she had an affair with her art teacher. The rumors may be a lie, but the fallout is all too real. Will Tola finally stand up for the truth?

The only words that come to mind when reading, Bad Apple are random, bizarre, and pure craziness. The connection with the reader was always off. I could never stop to savor the goodness of this book, it was always a bad apple. Fortunately, I got at least some laughs out of it, even they weren't always fully satisfying.

Bad Apple is centered around the Life of Tola, a highschool Junior, art fanatic, and fairytale reader. Rumors of an affair between Tola and her art teacher arise. Tola must now straighten things out and clear her reputation, along with her dysfunctional family.

To say the most, Bad Apple was a humorous book, but I never understood the humor. Some things were actually funny (about 60%) other things were just stupid (40%). This book would probably appeal more to middle graders.

Speaking of the plot, it was a book without a book. There was hardly a story being told. We know the book is suppose to be about Tola and her art teacher having an affair, but is only mentioned about 30% of of the book. It shocking to see that surely that is not enough to make up a book. Most of it is just the random things in Tola's mind.

Looking at the writing, Ruby has loads of writing talent, it's easy to see when reading. But, that wasn't enough to impress me - there needed to be an actual story being told. In it self, this book isn't that bad, you can actually relate to some characters and read until the end just to see where the characters end up.

Bad Apple is a light, enjoyable read. Loads of things could have been better, but I did stay up til midnight reading it, so there had to be something good in it. Pick it up if are a fan or realistic fiction.

Rating:

Plot: (7/10)
Characters: (7/10)
Ending: (7/10)
Enjoyment: (7/10)
Cover: (6/10)
Overall: 34/50 = 68% = D+

Cover: Never caught my eye.

For More Info or to Buy Bad Apple?:

{Good Reads} {Borders} {Barnes & Noble} {Amazon}

US Vs. UK (12)

2010-06-08T10:08:00.001-05:00

US Vs. UK is a meme to compare the covers of a certain book and decide which looks best. It is currently hosted by Wondrous Reads and Bloody Bookaholic.

Today's Contestants:

Firespell by Chloe Neill

Summary: As the new girl at the elite St. Sophia’s boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she’ll have to face…

When Lily’s guardians decided to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she was shocked. So was St. Sophia’s. Lily’s ultra-rich brat pack classmates think Lily should be the punchline to every joke, and on top of that, she’s hearing strange noises and seeing bizarre things in the shadows of the creepy building.

The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird—she keeps disappearing late at night and won’t tell Lily where she’s been. But when a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout running from a real monster.

Scout’s a member of a splinter group of rebel teens with unique magical talents, who’ve sworn to protect the city against demons, vampires, and Reapers, magic users who’ve been corrupted by their power. And when Lily finds herself in the line of a firespell, Scout tells her the truth about her secret life, even though Lily has no powers of her own—at least none that she’s discovered yet…

US: Initially, I disliked the cover. And, would have never jumped at the chance to buy it. Looking at it, I like how the model is somehow hiding in the cover with the candle on her hand. She looks like she could actually be a witch. And, I really like the the key it more than likely has significance to the book.

UK: This looks like pretty much a remake of the US cover. Almost everything is the same, except the key doesn't make it to the cover. The only problem I see here is that the model doesn't particularly look like she would be a witch more like America's Top Model. Still, it looks eye-catching.

US / UK

BOTH

WIN FOR ME

I have not problem with buying either. They both look pretty similar, and look witch-ly.

It's Monday! What are you reading?

2010-06-07T18:32:00.005-05:00

This fantastic meme is now hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.

Read this past week:

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Currently Reading:

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Upcoming:

Summer in Paris by Michele Ashman Bell
Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

I read great books last week, they were kind long so that's why I only got to read 2. I'm still not done posting reviews on all of these, but I'm catching up on them - I'm typing up a review as we speak.

In My Mailbox (24)

2010-06-05T13:29:00.007-05:00

For Review:
Summer in Paris by Michele Ashman Bell
(SIGNED)

Bought from B&N.com:
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Audrey Wait! by Robin Benway

Awesome week, I'm going to love all of these. And, not only did I get the books pictured, I also ordered some books online, that I know are totally cool. It might take a while for those to get here about 4-14 days says USPS. *fingers crossed* they'll get here this week. For now, I'll enjoy these books I got this week!

^^^ Now I want to see what you got .... ^^^

Undead Much? by Stacey Jay

2010-06-03T15:46:00.009-05:00

Title: Undead Much?
Author: Stacey Jay

Pages: 304, paperback

Publisher: Razor Bill

Age Group: Young Adult
Pub. Date: January 2010

Overall Rating:

Even Zombie Settlers with Super Hot Boyfriends get the Blues...

A few months ago I was a normal girl with a normal life. But that was before my power to Settle the Undead returned and someone tried to kill me with zombies.

Now I work magic and practice kicking butt while trying to find time for pom squad and my boyfriend, Ethan, and trying NOT to think about how freaky my life has become. It can be tough. Still…things could be worse…

Oh yeah, right:
1. Feral new super-strong zombies. Check.
2. Undead psychic hottie predicting a zombie apocolypse. Check.
3. Earth-shattering secrets that could land me in Settler prison for life. Check.
4. Cheerleader vs. pom squad turf war threatening the end of the half time as we know it. Check.

I’m going to need therapy (and a cookie) if I live through the week. Unfortunately I’m learning that’s not something Zombie Queens can take for granted.

Slightly better than it's prequel, Undead Much? gives readers what they want zombie-action, drama, romance, and suspense. It a new kind of zombie novel we can all love and enjoy.

In Undead Much? Megan is falsely accused of using black magic to raise a new kind of zombie. With subplots of the relationship between Megan and Ethan. Plus, some unsolved mysteries from the 1st book.

I'm highly satisfied with what I got from Undead Much - trilling plot, great characters, the smooth-flowing writing, lots of action and suspense for the reader. There's alot of plot in Undead Much, it's all well played, and not overwhelming. I would say the writing improved from the 1st book, I loved the clever remarks.

The characters all bring something great to the table, whether it be laughter, joy, or horror. We also see alot of suspense grow from the 1st novel You're So Undead to Me, there's new mysteries unfolding, answers needed, and more zombie-trouble.

I can only complain that Megan was a little too whiny and a cry-baby at times. Then, the story got slow occasionally and I got hesitant for it to pick up. Lastly, the ending wasn't a great one. Apparently, there must be a sequel because this one isn't satisfying. On the bright side, it has me hooked on the series.

Overlooking the small defects, Undead Much? is a great book with uniqueness, and trill. It's bound to please most readers with it's charm. I highly recommend, but be ready to stay extra hours reading, it's unbearably hard to stop.

Rating:

Plot: (9/10)
Characters: (9/10)
Ending: (7/10)
Enjoyment: (9/10)
Cover: (9/10)
Overall: 43/50 = 86% = B+

Cover: It's a great pose between the Ethan and Megan. It highlights the romance being an important part of the book, and it is!

For More Info or to Buy Undead Much?:

{Good Reads} {Borders} {Barnes & Noble} {Amazon}

Waiting On Wednesday: The Duff

2010-06-02T15:00:00.005-05:00

Book: The Duff by Keplinger

Release date: September 2010

Publisher: Little Brown

Summary:

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

Here's Why I'm Waiting on The Duff:
1. Debut Author

2. Synopsis

3. The Theme
4. Cover

*** This sounds freaking awesome. ***

^^ What are you Waiting for? ^^

US Vs. UK (11)

2010-06-01T17:01:00.004-05:00

US Vs. UK is a meme to compare the covers of a certain book and decide which looks best. It is currently hosted by Wondrous Reads and Bloody Bookaholic.

Today's Contestants:

She's so Dead to Us by Kieran Scott

Summary:
When having money is all that matters, what happens when you lose it all?
Perfect, picturesque Orchard Hill. It was the last thing Ally Ryan saw in the rear-view mirror as her mother drove them out of town and away from the shame of the scandal her father caused when his hedge fund went south and practically bankrupted all their friends — friends that liked having trust funds and new cars, and that didn't like constant reminders that they had been swindled. So it was adios, Orchard Hill. Thanks for nothing.
Now, two years later, Ally's mother has landed a job back at the site of their downfall. So instead of Ally's new low-key, happy life, it'll be back into the snake pit with the likes of Shannen Moore and Hammond Ross.
But then there's Jake Graydon. Handsome, wealthy, bored Jake Graydon. He moved to town after Ally left and knows nothing of her scandal, but does know that he likes her. And she likes him. So off into the sunset they can go, right? Too bad Jake's friends have a problem with his new crush since it would make Ally happy. And if anyone deserves to be unhappy, it's Ally Ryan.
Ally was hoping to have left all the drama in the past, but some things just can't be forgotten. Isn't there more to life than money?

US: This isn't enough for me. I've heard many people say it's just too empty, not enough to represent this book. Certainly, it doesn't look that bad. The color combination works good, and the font is nice. But, it should be more involved.

UK: Normally, I'm turned off by cartoon images on book covers. Not this time, I love it. For what I've heard the scene on the cover fits the book. So, that's always great to see. I'd much rather buy this version!

US / UK
UK
WINS FOR ME

The UK is cute and would make me grab it at a bookstore. =)

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

2010-05-31T18:36:00.006-05:00

Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman

Pages: 234, paperback

Publisher: Speak

Age Group: Young Adult
Pub. Date: April 2010 (in pb)

Overall Rating: .5

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeenyear- old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she fi nds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck... A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

Absolutely, this book is heart-moving, intense, and heartrending. To the late hours of the night, this is a book that won't make you stop reading with ease. After beginning this book, I couldn't stop reading it, I didn't want to lose the deep emotion I could feel in the book. Although, I must say it didn't exactly leave mind blown.

She has a strenuous, complicated, and painful choice to make. Mia is at the verge of death battling a coma, after witnessing the death of her parents and brother. Having already lost the most important people in her life, Mia must make the choice, to leave or to stay and live her new reality.

I must praise the author for such a genius idea for this book. The choice is what keeps the reader reading until the last page. What the readers love much about this book, is how Mia can see what's going around her, like an outer body experience. While she's in a coma, it's like she has will of her own. We can hear her thoughts, and relive her memories of the past as she tells them.

The story goes from seeing the present, and Mia seeing her past. Truthfully, not much happened that excited me past the moment of the accident. But, what did happen was beautifully saddening, and tragic.

In the end, we do see some humor, so the whole story isn't joyless. I won't deny that while I thought this story was a little lacking action and excitement, this is an important book. It encourages to not lose hope after all is lost. I recommend it, warning: tears.

Rating:

Plot: (9/10)
Characters: (8/10)
Ending: (7/10)
Enjoyment: (8/10)
Cover: (9/10)
Overall: 41/50 = 82% = B-

Cover: Love how the snow theme makes it to the cover. But, the model doesn't exactly fit the description of Mia, completely. Altogether, the cover is simply beautiful.

For More Info or to Buy If I Stay:

{Good Reads} {Borders} {Barnes & Noble} {Amazon}

It's Monday! What are you reading?

2010-05-31T15:36:00.006-05:00

This fantastic meme is now hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.

Read this past week:

If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Undead Much? by Stacy Jay

Bad Apple by Laura Ruby
Heist Society by Ally Carter

Currently Reading:

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Upcoming:

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

I'm so proud of myself, for reading alot last week. Unfortunately, I don't have many books to read this week, but some are coming in the mail. So hopefully there will be a good outcome.

Books Read In May

2010-05-30T16:08:00.006-05:00

This month I read more than what I did in April. I'm happy for that. But, there's room for more, of course. Time hasn't allowed me to review all of these but, they'll be up soon. I've been busy going out of town, so reviews where neglected.

Books Read:
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong (re-read)
The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
The Forest of Hands & Teeth by Carrie Ryan
Beautiful Dead by Aden Maguire
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Undead Much by Stacey Jay
Bad Apple by Laura Ruby
Heist Society by Ally Carter

I'll call this a great reading month, I read 8 books total. That's 2 more than last month. Now that it's summer, I can only hope to break all my reading records.

*I hope you are all having a lovely weekend.*

In My Mailbox (23)

2010-05-29T22:08:00.004-05:00

Received:
$50 Gift Card to Barnes & Noble
Membership Discount Card to Barnes & Noble

I'll call this a great week. I received the gift card from a relative, and became a Barnes & Noble member! I love Barnes & Noble that much. Certainly, by next I will have received the books I ordered. So the fun doesn't end here.....

^^^ Now I want to see what you got .... ^^^

Adult Book Reviews in YA Blogs? (Opinions Needed)

2010-05-28T20:05:00.007-05:00

I've been contemplating the idea of reviewing some adult titles in this blog for the longest time. What's keeping me is what the reaction might be like. When I say adult titles I mean books like Dear John, The Last Song, The Lonely Bones, etc. Books that have gotten a lot of attention, and are appropriate for teens to read. I've seen that some YA bloggers refuse to review adult titles, but others are open to it. What matters most to me is what the readers think. This will still be a YA reviewing site, with some rare adult books. How does this sound?

My other question is, Do you like reading reviews of books that have already received a lot of attention and reviews? I feel like I'm reading books that other people have already raved about, so does it ever bother you? Lastly, Does it bother you when YA blogs review adult titles?

Collecting or Hoarding?

2010-05-27T15:11:00.012-05:00

Has it ever happen to you when you're in a bookstore, you spot a must-read book. Then by the time you're done looking around, you're carrying a massive pile of must-read books in your hands? Let's say you purchase all of them. Weeks later, you take another trip to the bookstore, *remember you haven't yet read half the books you bought before*, and now you're going to buy more. This is the beginning to the road of hoard-om.

This very strange thing happens everyday. Some of the books bought do get read, but what happens to the ones that just lie around and never get read? Still collecting or hoarding?

Let's see the difference between the two: Collecting is accumulating for present use. Hoarding is accumulating for future use.

Collecting is a healthy habit. You buy books you like, you read them and actually get enjoyment out of them. Then you constantly keep buying more. No harm done. Once you have massive stacks you can find good use of them.

The hoard-om begins when you buy books, you don't have urgent desire to read. It's an urge to run to the bookstore everytime you hear great things about a book. After purchasing the book, because you don't have urgent desire to read it you forget about it, eventually you find the book dusty. This is harmful territory. Beware! (Warning: You can find yourself with 1,000+ unread books in the next 5 years.) Keep Out!

Helpful Tips, I've learned:

If you must buy super large quantities of books, then set a number X amount of books to read before you buy more.
The time to buy a book is when you want to sit down and read it right now.
Cut down on the quantity of books you buy. Will the books run out of the bookstore? No, so you can come back and buy them when you do have a bigger desire for them.
Share them, let a friend or relative borrow a book you've read, and aren't worried to lose.
Purge: Give, Sell, Donate, Trade, Re-Read etc. the books you've already gotten use out of.
Keep your favorites, and the books that are special to you.
Don't chunk any books in the trash, there's good use for them out there. You'll regret it!
Have you heard of book lice? Yes, that's why it's important to trim your book collection every now and then.

I for one have been a book hoard for a great part of my life, so I wanted to share somethings I've learned in the process. I'm no longer a book hoard, but it's taken me years to stop. Hope this has been somewhat helpful.

Once you take control, BUY AWAY!

Waiting On Wednesday: Sea

2010-05-26T14:18:00.004-05:00

Book: Sea by Heidi R. Kling

Release date: June 2010

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Summary:

Haunted by recurring nightmares since her mother’s disappearance over the Indian ocean three years before, fifteen-year old California girl Sienna Jones reluctantly travels with her psychiatrist father’s volunteer team to six-months post-tsunami Indonesia where she meets the scarred and soulful orphaned boy, Deni, who is more like Sea than anyone she has ever met. She knows they can’t be together, so why can’t she stay away from him? And what about her old best friend-turned-suddenly-hot Spider who may or may not be waiting for her back home? And why won’t her dad tell her the truth about her mother’s plane crash? The farther she gets from home, the closer she comes to finding answers. And Sea’s real adventure begins.

Here's Why I'm Waiting on Sea:
1. Debut Author

2. Synopsis

3. Romance
4. Sea

^^ What are you Waiting for? ^^

US Vs. UK (10)

2010-05-25T16:03:00.004-05:00

US Vs. UK is a meme to compare the covers of a certain book and decide which looks best. It is currently hosted by Wondrous Reads and Bloody Bookaholic.

Today's Contestants:

Clare de Lune by Christine Johnson

Summary: Torn between two destinies?

Claire is having the perfect sixteenth birthday. Her pool party is a big success, and gorgeous Matthew keeps chatting and flirting with her as if she's the only girl there. But that night, she discovers something that takes away all sense of normalcy: she's a werewolf.

As Claire is initiated into the pack of female werewolves, she must deal not only with her changing identity, but also with a rogue werewolf who is putting everyone she knows in danger. Claire's new life threatens her blossoming romance with Matthew, whose father is leading the werewolf hunt. Now burdened with a dark secret and pushing the boundaries of forbidden love, Claire is struggling to feel comfortable in either skin. With her lupine loyalty at odds with her human heart, she will make a choice that will change her forever?

US: Pretty cool. Especially how we see only the face of the model, and then the body is blocked with a picture of a forest. Skills, because that would hide the part that she's more than just human. The angle the model is facing looks graceful to me. Certainly, I would buy this.

UK: I'm not so sure about this one. I see a heart put together by thorns or branches. The text and font are great. But, I would question before buying this. It's great to see more, sometimes. And, this gives too little.

US / UK
US
WINS FOR ME

The US is irresistible too not buy.

Chronicles of Nick - Book Trailer, Excerpt, Song

2010-05-24T19:03:00.016-05:00

Calling all supernatural, vampire, and paranormal fans! Let me inform you about Infinity: Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Jenyon - known as "the reigning queen of the paranormal genre that she pioneered long before the world had heard of Twilight." How exciting!

Infinity: Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Jenyon

At fourteen, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends. . .until the night when his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior who has more fighting skills than Chuck Norris, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters: immortal vampire slayers who risk everything to save humanity.
Nick quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one: a world where the captain of the football team is a werewolf and the girl he has a crush on goes out at night to stake the undead.

But before he can even learn the rules of this new world, his fellow students are turning into flesh eating zombies. And he’s next on the menu.

As if starting high school isn’t hard enough…now Nick has to hide his new friends from his mom, his chainsaw from the principal, and keep the zombies and the demon Simi from eating his brains, all without getting grounded or suspended. How in the world is he supposed to do that?

Book Trailer:

Still want More?

Interested in downloading the haunting song? Download it free CLICK HERE
Anxious to read the book? You can read excerpts and more from the author CLICK HERE

Infinity: Chronicles of Nick hits shelves - May 25th

It's Monday! What are you reading?

2010-05-24T18:58:00.002-05:00

This fantastic meme is now hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.

Read this past week:
Beautiful Dead by Eden Maguire

Currently Reading:
If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Upcoming:
Undead Much by Stacey Jay
Bad Apple by Laura Ruby

To catch the spirit of this meme I took, a picture of the books. ^^

I'm moving very slow in my reading, but that's just because I'm used to only reading at school. Now, school is out, and I'm having to adjust. Anyways, I'm expecting this to change this week.

In My Mailbox (22)

2010-05-22T21:16:00.006-05:00

Bought:
- Heist Society by Ally Carter

Received:
- Tension Of Opposites Swag

Borrowed:
The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Books 4-6
(not YA)

I meant to buy more, but I felt too guilty. Most likely, I'll get more this week, as I will be going to Half Price Books (it's really far away from where I live), lets hope it lives up to its name. For now, I can't wait to read Heist Society, I've heard only positive things.

Updated My Real Bookshelf

2010-05-21T11:16:00.002-05:00

I'm not one to brag about the books I have. My book collections has been growing at a slow pace since September '09. Reason being, my parents don't give me full access to their money to buy books. Fortunately, since my last bookshelf post my book collection has doubled. I predict I will have a relatively large intake of books in the next weeks, so I'm updating this now.

Overall:

The only consolation I have is that it's not as humiliating as my 1st real bookshelf post. I personally love looking at other people's bookshelf, and this is my way to share. I have read almost all the books on my bookshelf, so that takes away some embarrassment.

So, that's my YA bookshelf, it's not completely crammed, but it's getting there. I love looking at it anyway. Like I said, I'll be having a large intake of books in the present, so I update later on. This is to put a shadow on my other bookshelf post. Total: 45 YA books

My Reading Habits

2010-05-20T20:38:00.003-05:00

I've been seeing this tag (if we can call it that) all over the place, so I'll join the cause. I've found some people have some really bizarre habits, so I'm not the only one. Let's proceed.......

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack:
Yes, on a typical day you'd find me eating with a book on my hand. Although, I don't like stains on my books, I'm really careful when eating and reading. MY favorite snack would be chocolate chip cookies, chips, or candy whatever is close by.

What is your favorite drink while reading?
Well, in the mornings it's coffee or Starbucks, my drink has to have coffee in it. Or else, it's water which I'm addicted to.

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?
Oh no, it's a crime to hurt a book by writing in it (no offense to the ppl that do). I'm extremely OCD about it. I would say to use notecards, instead.

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? Laying the book flat open?
No dog-ears I can't stand them. I use book marks or notecards, when I don't have one close by then I leave it flat open.

Fiction, non-fiction, or both?
Fiction my way to go, I wouldn't read for pleasure if it wasn't fiction.

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of a chapter, or can you stop anywhere?
I can hardly every stop anywhere, I must read to the end of a chapter. But, I rather reading a book whole in one sitting.

Are you the type of person to throw a book across the room or on the floor if the author irritates you?
Never in a million years, that could potentially damage the book, I would never get too irritated.

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop and look it up right away?
Oh, yeah I look up words on my Dictionary application on my Ipod Touch. I'm such a geek<.

What are you currently reading?
If I Stay by Gayle Forman

What is the last book you bought?
If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Are you the type of person that reads one book at a time, or can you read more than one?
No, it would affect my feelings on the book. I can't go back and forth between books. It doesn't work for me.

Do you have a favorite time/place to read?
At school, I can block out all the mindless chatter around me. ^ Weird, right ^

Do you prefer series books or stand alones?
Whatever, I can get my hands on. I just hate waiting for sequels to be released, I'm very impatient.

Is there a specific book or author you find yourself recommending over and over?
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa, Need by Carrie Jones, Fat Cat by Robin Brande, The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, and Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz. I loved them all.

How do you organize your books?
Currently by publishing company starting with paperbacks then hardcovers, and similarity.

- Happy Reading

Beautiful Dead: Jonas by Aden Maguire

2010-05-19T14:24:00.012-05:00

Title: Beautiful Dead: Jonas
Author: Eden Maguire

Pages: 271, paperback

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Age Group: Young Adult
Pub. Date: April 2010

Overall Rating: .5

Two days after the stabbing death of her boyfriend, Phoenix, Darina, hiding inside an old, abandoned barn in a remote wooded area (although it's never explained why the teenage girl ventured there alone) secretly observes his initiation into the Beautiful Dead, a troupe of young zombies who have one year to find out the truth about their deaths and seek justice. Their overlord agrees to spare Darina from having her mind wiped clean and to let her visit her boyfriend for the next year in exchange for playing detective and helping to solve the mysterious deaths of four Ellerton High classmates: Jonas, Arizona, Summer and Phoenix. First up is Jonas, the victim of a motorcycle crash, who only has ten days to find his killer within their small town.

Beautiful Dead: Jonas came too promising, with the lovely cover, and fascinating plot. In actuality, it doesn't feel that way in the end. There is elements of love, grief, supernatural, death, and hope, but turns out to be just insufficient for the reader.

There's been strange deaths in Ellerton High. There's been 4 deaths of 4 teenagers, Jonas, Arizona, Summer, and Phoenix. As crazy as it sounds, the 4 teenagers are brought back from beyond the grave, and they need the help from Darina to be able to return to the afterlife after their mysterious deaths are resolved.

The plot is interesting-sounding, but unoriginal there's already a show on it The Ghost Whisperer. Still, with this concept, this book could have had a great turnout, but it wasn't executed right. However, the story moved on being unexciting, lacking, and too basic among other things.

Starting with the writing, it was simple, easy to read, with an amusing side. From page 1, no suspense sets the reader is told almost everything behind the mystery. Still, the reader is waiting with curiosity, anxiety, and great interest to know where the it will pick up. Mid-way through it the reader is still not satisfied, still waiting. This felt like a let-down, but it's a series so lets go easy on it.

When it comes to the characters, they all fall flat. As hard as I tried, I couldn't feel close to them, get in their mind, or feel for them. I just wasn't interested much in them. Fortunately, this light read will keep you for a few hours entertained, maybe not impressed but you can get some enjoyment out of it.

For all supernatural lovers this book could potentially be pleasing for you. In the end, Beautiful Dead: Jonas is "a short trill ride."

Rating:

Plot: (7/10)
Characters: (7/10)
Ending: (7/10)
Enjoyment: (8/10)
Cover: (9/10)
Overall: 38/50 = 76% = C-

Cover: Very enticing. Looks amazing, I love the color scheme and font.

For More Info or to Buy Beautiful Dead: Jonas:

{Good Reads} {Borders} {Barnes & Noble} {Amazon}

The Book Shopaholic

In My Mailbox (46)

Beastly by Alex Flinn

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Epic Fact

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Moonglass Winners!

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Moonglass: Book Release + Giveaway

Pick-A-Teen-Boxed-Set Contest Winner

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Pick-A-Teen-Boxed-Set Contest

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The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

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In My Mailbox (39)

First Step 2 Forever by Justin Bieber

In My Mailbox (38)

Personal: A New Beginning

In My Mailbox (37) + Long Overdue Winners

Contest Update

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

In My Mailbox (36)

In My Mailbox (35)

OMGhhkp + Black Friday + Giveaway Info.

In My Mailbox (34)

In My Mailbox (33)

1 Year Blogoversary Contest !!

In My Mailbox (32)

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Classic Books!

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

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Audrey Wait! by Robin Benway

I'm Back + In My Mailbox (30)

In My Mailbox (29)

Winner - Sea Change Giveaway

Vacation Trip

~ New Affiliates ~

In My Mailbox (28)

Books Read in June 2010 + I'm Back

Changes, Blog Button, Accepting Affliliates

Sea Change: Paperback Release + Giveaway

In My Mailbox (27)

Content Ratings for Reviews

Waiting on Wednesday: Rich and Mad

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

In My Mailbox (26)

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Book Trailer: Blood Feud

It's Monday! What are you reading?

Heist Society by Ally Carter

In My Mailbox (25)

Bloggiesta Time!

Top 6 Places To Read

Waiting on Wednesday: The Education of Bet

Upcoming Review: CSN Stores

Bad Apple by Laura Ruby

US Vs. UK (12)

It's Monday! What are you reading?

In My Mailbox (24)

Undead Much? by Stacey Jay

Waiting On Wednesday: The Duff

US Vs. UK (11)

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

It's Monday! What are you reading?

Books Read In May

In My Mailbox (23)

Adult Book Reviews in YA Blogs? (Opinions Needed)

Collecting or Hoarding?

Waiting On Wednesday: Sea

US Vs. UK (10)

Chronicles of Nick - Book Trailer, Excerpt, Song

It's Monday! What are you reading?

In My Mailbox (22)

Updated My Real Bookshelf

*My Reading Habits*

Beautiful Dead: Jonas by Aden Maguire

My Reading Habits