Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Short Update
Saturday, January 10, 2009
My Winning Entry! (Or Not)
This is my 'winning' entry (I'm using the term winning loosely...). Oh! And the prompt was "What was the expensive thing you've purchased that you really didn't have to purchase"
Mine has to be this dress I bought when I was 13. My class was having a luncheon so of course all the girls were going to dress up. After 2 days of futile shopping by myself, my friend dragged me out to help her while trying to find anything for myself. Let's just say that when I'm out shopping with friends, my common sense and 'find a sale!' attitude goes straight out the window. She eventual convinces me to try this dress on, which of course I'm a bit hesitant on buying but me and my no brain attitude is pacified by my friend that it looks FABULOUS on me.
After arriving at her house I decide to try it on once again to make sure my purchase was actually worth the cost. 'Lo and behold it wasn't. I thought the dress was quite modest when I first got it but after trying it on the second time my opinion went a complete 360 degrees. It was a white spaghetti strap (which if I did chose to wear this dress I had to BUY another bra to wear underneath), that had glitter and ruffled seams, that hugged to the bust and hip. That doesn't sound too bad does it? Well the bad part was that it was sheer. The top half wasn't (thank goodness!) but the entire bottom half was! My friend said, "Ewww I can see your underwear" when she saw it on me. I looked down and was like "HOLY ****!"
From that day on I could never figure out if it was bad lighting or my brain not working that made buy that dress. Of course I did return that dress next week and managed to get a reasonably cute black wrap dress for a fraction of what that white dress cost me.
This is just me gloating..or procrastinating...either way I have to get back to studying...
Friday, January 9, 2009
Interview With Cyn Balog
What were some inspirations for your book?
I am not really a fantasy fan, not like some writers of the genre who know everything about fairy lore and will likely scream foul! when they read my book. I consider it to be a romance that just happens to involve a fairy. I'd wanted to write a book about two people who were made-for-each-other, who are suddenly torn apart by the unexpected. Around that time, I'd been thinking about how most fairies are painted as dainty, beautiful female-types, and how interesting it would be to have a normal, football-loving, strong guy as a fairy. And those two ideas eventually just clashed.
Who or what was the inspiration for your characters?
Morgan is just any teenage girl, maybe a little of me. She is the me that would exist had I had an awesomely super boyfriend since birth, and also psychic abilities. She acts very self-assured but it's really just a facade because when she starts to lose those things, she starts to lose her confidence. I think a lot of teen girls base their worth on transient things like boyfriends or clothes and so their confidence is constantly wavering. Cam is just... ah... the dream boy. Just everything a teen girl could want. Okay, well, everything I would want if I were a teen, too.
What was hardest part of the novel to write?
FAIRY TALE really was one of the easiest books to write. I have heard of people going through dozens of revisions with their novels, and I didn't have to do that. I think I worked on it a total of 3 months before it was out on submissions. So I would have to say that the hardest part of this book was the beginning. Usually that's the easiest part, and the sagging middle gets me...but before FAIRY TALE, I'd written two other books...one that didn't sell and one that my agent wasn't thrilled with. Just starting a new book, knowing it might end up on the shelf, was daunting. But I guess I'm just one of those people who cannot not write.
What motivates you to write?
Now, it helps to be under contract, and know there's money coming in! But I've been a writer since I was a little kid, and it's one of those things that just draw me in. There are a few words in the English language that send a thrill down my spine..."writing" and "shopping," being two of them. I get excited whenever I think of doing it.
Do you listen to music while you write?
Nope. Music distracts me. :)
How has the road to publication been?
Once I actually sat down and said, "I'm gonna do this!" things went pretty smoothly. It was maybe 2 years from that point to selling. I had a few rejections and upsets (like when my first manuscript didn't sell)...but everyone has those, and I think I was pretty lucky. Though I'd written books twenty years ago and back then everyone thought I would be a novelist. But I'd psyched myself out, saying the odds were impossible, and never tried-- thinking that a career in marketing was much more stable and would give me a better chance at success. But if something is your true calling you're not going to be able to ignore it for long. It's like Wayne Gretzky says, "I missed all the shots I never took." Once I realized that, everything fell into place.
Do you think bloggers help in publicizing and promoting you new book?
YES! Hugely. I am completely indebted to them for spreading the word on FAIRY TALE. Right now I am in the middle of writing a new book and am expecting my second child so I'm a little frazzled when it comes to the promotion side of things. I'd like to have a really dynamic web presence but haven't had the time, and they have helped me fill in the gaps.
Do you like the cover of your book? How was the process been in developing this design?
LOVE the cover. I really have not heard anyone say a negative thing on my cover yet. Sadly, I had no input into it whatsoever. My editor sent me the cover they'd developed, I loved it, and it was agreed.
Are you upset about the change of the title?
Not at all. It was done because sales were a little worried that a younger audience might be turned off by a title with "Lust" in it. Since I had received emails from mothers concerned as to whether this would be appropriate for their young daughters, I knew those concerns were valid. Considering the book is more of a sweet romance, I didn't want the title misleading anyone. FAIRY TALE is a much more accurate title, anyway. Though I must admit I liked raising eyebrows whenever I said LUST! And there is another book on the market (an adult book) called FAIRY LUST, and it has erotic stories involving elves... so perhaps it is better to distance my book. I'd hate for anyone to accidentally buy the wrong book and give their kids that!
Why was there a change in the title after so long (is it because of the "mothers who emailed me wondering if a book featuring LUST was suitable for their 12-year-old daughter" XD)?
Really, it was a suggestion from the sales reps at the bookstores--they were concerned about having the book face-out on the YA shelves with the word "LUST" in it. I really don't think LUST is a dirty word but I can understand them wanting to be safe rather than sorry. And I work in marketing-- I get that this is business. FAIRY TALE opens the book to a whole audience of people who may have passed it up. And the sales reps are the experts. If they believed that we could sell more books by titling it FAIRY POOP, I would have probably gone along with it.
Are you excited about the new title?
Not excited, so much as relieved that it was so easy to agree on. To me, the title isn't the most important aspect of the book--it's a number of things working together that determine whether a book is successful. I am happy the cover is staying the same, though, because I know a lot of teens are very visual and I really think it's beautiful.
Who is mainly in charge on creating a new title?
I brainstormed with my editor, but the sales reps threw out FAIRY TALE, and it was one I had thought of on my own... so we agreed in a matter of minutes.
Can you tell us more about your latest novel, Sleepless?
Sleepless is about a sandman who falls in love with a mortal girl whose sleep he controls. It's a dark book about forbidden love. It's also about the afterlife and what happens to us after we die. It's the first book I've written that takes place partly in other worlds. Writing it and coming up with new, strange places has been an exercise in expanding my imagination, that's for sure.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Only you can prevent forest fires? I'm sorry, I am drawing a blank. Hi, Mom!
I hope everyone enjoyed the interview! Cyn's website, and her blog
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
I Got An Award!
I got a Butterfly Award from Sharon at Sharon Loves Cats And Books! Thank you so much Sharon! And I love your little quote about me XDThe rules for passing it on are:
1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded the blog to you.
3. Award up to ten other blogs.
4. Add links to the blogs you award onto your blog.
5. Leave a message for your awardees on their blogs.
Carmen for being my first ever follower! (even before the giveaways!)
Amanda for having a post about me only! Even if it was oddly creepy...
Carol who already received an award from Sharon but still! She always ask me what I'm reading right now even though my answer is less than exciting XD
Stephanie for being so absolutely fabulous (who also got an award from Sharon already...)
Elizabeth because she has amazing books (and definitely an extremely fast writer as well!)
Mrs. Magoo because she has video book reviews! And I can never have enough courage to do those!
Tricia Mills for finding me out of nowhere and commenting about my review of her latest book!
I'm off to contact these people now!
Can You Solve?
For two extra entries (+2) solve this sequence.
O, T, T, F, F...
What are the next three letters?
For another two extra entries (+2) solve this puzzle.
11
21
1211
111221
312211
...
And finally for an extra three entries (+3), solve this riddle.
Now! I will a rhyme construct by chosen words the young instruct...
What is this sequence?
Email me the answers and comment on THIS post once you've done so. When the answers are cleared by me (meaning if they are correct) please tell me which giveaway you would like to use it for by commenting on THAT post that you correctly solved the sequences.
This should entertain you guys (hopefully!) while I'm away :D
Monday, January 5, 2009
Tallulah Falls
Tallulah Falls by Christine Fletcher (May 29th 2007)Grade: 2 stars out of 5
Summary: “When Tallulah Addy sets out on an impulsive cross-country trip to rescue her best friend, she doesn't anticipate getting stranded in rural Tennessee without a dime. Nor does she guess that rescuing a dog will land her a job in the local veterinarian’s office. But there, under the wary eye of ornery Dr. Poteet, Tallulah works harder than ever before, tending to animals of all shapes and sizes—and unexpectedly, to wounds long-buried in herself. Tallulah swears she'll leave the first chance she gets, yet when given the choice, it may prove harder to keep the promise to her friend than to say good-bye to the strangers who have become her new family.”
Review: I have to say I was fairly disappointed in this book. I felt that at least one-third to one-half of the book could have been taken out. While reading the procedures of treating various animals is quite interesting in the beginning, reading about it for 100 pages or so isn’t.
I thought that some of the relationship Tallulah had with the many characters could have been developed quite further. The characters themselves could also have been further developed themselves. They seemed very much monotone.
The scenes that I happen to do like were very well done. Great tone, great description, and great atmosphere. If only the entire novel was like that.
Overall: Many of the things the author wrote could have been taken out and elaborated on the characters and character relationship. A decent attempt at a coming of age story.
Cover A-
This may probably be my last review for the next two weeks or so. Right now school has started so I currently have my head is some other books and after that I'll be reading tons of books on Washington Irving for my thesis paper unless you guys want me to review those books XD.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Shakespeare Meme
1. What was your first introduction to William Shakespeare? Was it love or hate?
I was first introduced to William Shakespeare at school like many others. Honestly I hated Shakespeare. Maybe it was the way my teacher forced us to act out every scene, line, and act. Which by the way we weren’t very good actors so most of the time it was hard to follow what was going on. Or maybe it was the fact that she quizzed us as soon as the last word was spoken. And that I happen to failed almost every. single. last. quiz.
I probably would have enjoyed the book if it was independent reading. Actually a greater chance since I wouldn’t be highlighting line after line, jotting down notes in the margin while trying to remember every single character; their motives, their appearance, their actions!
I think school cursed me into hating Shakespeare…
2. Which Shakespeare plays have you been required to read?
Romeo and Juliet (of course), Julius Cesar, Macbeth, Richard III.
3. Do you think Shakespeare is important? Do you feel you are a “better” person for having read the bard?
Honestly I have no opinion on whether or not if he is important. To me he just wrote plays that I had to read for school. Plain and simple.
Am I supposed to feel like a “better” person…?
4. Do you have a favorite Shakespeare play?
No. I neither love nor hate all his plays.
5. How do you feel about contemporary takes on Shakespeare? Adaptations of Shakespeare's works with a more modern feel? (For example, the new line of Manga Shakespeare graphic novels, or novels like Something Rotten, Something Wicked, Enter Three Witches, Ophelia, etc.) Do you have a favorite you'd recommend?
I think that the younger generation will probably enjoy the adaptations much more than the original. These days it’s less about the beauty of words and more on trying to save money on texts by shortening words. I haven’t actually seen or read any but I’m intrigued now…
I'll be back in a hour or so and actually pick the people but for now I tag whoever wants to do this! I'm off to read more physics!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
New Challenge!
I already have some great books lined up to read and this can definitely coincide with my other challenge. As soon as the logo finalizes I'll have it posted up!
Guidelines:
- Anyone can join, you don’t need a blog to participate. But if you are a blogger feel free to review your challenge books! If you don’t have a blog you can always share your views by writing a review for Amazon.com/BarnesandNoble.com/GoodReads/Shelfari, or any other bookish site.
- The objective, obviously, is to read a set number of YA or MG novels from debut authors published this year. I’m hoping to read at least 30, but choose a number that you feel comfortable with. You don’t have to list your choices right away, but if you do feel free to change them throughout the year.
- The challenge will run from January 1, 2009- December 31, 2009. You can join at anytime!
2. Fairy Lust by Cyn Balog
3. You Are So Undead To Me by Stacey Jay
4. Purge by Sarah Littman
5. The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry
6. Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison
7. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
8. Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
9. Anatomy of Wings by Karen Foxlee
10. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
11. Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
12. Crash Into me by Albert Borris
13. Shadowed Summer by 16. Faery Rebel by R.J. Anderson
17. Shrinking Violet by Danielle Joseph
18. Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
19. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
20. The Diamonds by Ted Michael
21. The Beef Princess of Practical County by Michelle Houts
22. Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman
23. Exclusively Chloe by J.A. Yang
24. My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters by Sydney Salter
25. The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
26. Beautiful World by Anastasia Hollings
27. Wings by Aprilynne Pike
28. Secrets of Truth and Beauty by Megan Frazer
29. Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley
30. Ash by Malinda Lo
31. Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
32. As You Wish by Jackson Pearce
33. Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson
34. Daddy's Little Angel: Bedeviled by Shani Petroff
Friday, January 2, 2009
Heartsinger
Heartsinger by Karlijn Stoffels translated by Laura Watkinson (January 1st 2009)Grade: 3 stars out of 5
Summary: "Mee was born with a great gift: the ability to sing other people's stories and heal their pain. But Smee also carries his own pain -- his failure to reach his deaf mother and heal her grief at his father's death. As he travels the country, he eases many people's sorrows, but he cannot connect with anyone himself.
Mitou also has a gift: spreading joy through a few notes from her accordion. When she hears about Mee--who was born on the same day she was--she knows that surely they belong together, each of them helping others through their music.
They finally meet on the way to the king's castle to sing for the beautiful Princess Esperanza. But will Mitou's hopes be fulfilled--or is the pain of the past too great?"
Review: This book is written in short, simple, but powerful sentences. Think Ernest Hemingway and “The Old Man and the Sea,” filled with symbolism and emotion packed imagery. It reminds me of a Disney-esque type of movie with its setting, characters and ending, but with a much darker and brooder type of feel.
Each chapter is a tale of its own. They tell of the people that Mee and Mitou come across. Of a lieutenant that died in a well with his flute grasped in his hands to a sailor whose sweetheart waited for him day by day. There’s about 6 different tales but there are many more sub-stories connected to each person. It gives the reader great background information about the characters that the author presents which I love since I’m all for the small little details!
I love the irony of the characters as well! Mee who was born from deaf parents lived a childhood that filled with merriment and love became the singer of sorrows. Mitou was born from a set of parents who loathed one another became the merrymaker. Forced into marriage by her wealthy and take-no-for-an-answer father, she grew up in an environment filled with abusive words and hate.
There are some lines that I adore from the book. Almost the entire book is less than happy but some quotes had me chuckling. One very powerful line that I love was from Mee, “A man who cannot make his own mother happy does not deserve to enjoy himself.” It might not be as strong out of context but after reading his life background it’s so emotionally powerful.
Oh the ending! It was slightly odd and out of the blue but can be a great example of how opposites attract. Of course, this plays a great part with the happily ever after, well as much as you can from this novel. *spoiler* And yes, it was indeed Mee that fell in love with Mitou. Like yin and yang almost *spoiler*
There was also a part in the story had me irritated but I won't dwell on that. Unless you guys want me to...?
And kudos to the translator who did such an amazing job! They can either make or break a book.
Overall: While it was hard to get started eventually I fell in love with this story! Definitely try this book out, it’s only 134 pages!
Cover B
Thursday, January 1, 2009
YA Book Challenge
2. Read 12 Young Adult novels. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
3. Challenge begins January through December, 2009.
4. You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.
This challenge is being hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog!
My List:
- Mistletoe by by Hailey Abbott, Melissa de la Cruz, Aimee Friedman, Nina Malkin
- Heartsinger by Karlijn Stoffels
- Purge by Sarah Littman
- Tallulah Falls by Christine Fletcher
- Meridian by Amber Kizer
- You Are So Undead To Me by Stacey Jay
- Need by Carrie Jones
- Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz
- North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley
- Taken By Storm by Angela Morrison
- Hot Mess by Julie Kraut, Shallon Lester
- The ABC's of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro
- Sea Change by Aimee Friedman
- A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
- Generation Dead by Daniel Waters
- The School for Dangerous Girls by Eliot Schrefer
- What Would Emma Do? by Eileen Cook
- Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith
- Bones of Faerie by by Janni Lee Simmer
- Absolutely Maybe by Lisa Yee
- Raven by Allison van Diepen
- Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby
- Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
- Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott
- Anatomy of Wings by Karen Foxlee
- Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog
- Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell
- Shelter Me by Alex McAulay
- Dead Girl Walking by Linda Joy Singleton
- Everything Is Fine. by Ann Dee Ellis
- Chasing Boys by Karen Tayleur
- Wake by Lisa McMann
- Fade by Lisa McMann
- Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
- Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
- The One by Ed Decter
- Crash Into Me by Albert Borris
- The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
- Evermore by Alyson Noël
- Breathing by Cheryl Renee Herbsman
- Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
- Play Me by Laura Ruby
- I Know It's Over by C.K. Kelly Martin
- Graceling by Kristin Cashore
- To Be Mona by Kelly Easton
- Kissing Booth by Lexie Hill
- The Guardian by Joyce Sweeney
- Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund
- If I Stay by Gayle Forman
- Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty by Jody Gehrman
- Triple Shot Bettys in Love by Jody Gehrman
- Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr
- A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell
- You've Got Blackmail by Rachel Wright
- Faery Rebel by R.J. Anderson
- Five Minutes More by Darlene Ryan
- Say the Word by Jeannine Garsee
- Shrinking Violet by Danielle Joseph
- Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
- Undone by Brooke Taylor
- Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
- Cold Hands, Warm Heart by Jill Wolfson
- The Diamonds by Ted Michael
- Band Geek Love by Josie Bloss
- Band Geeked Out by Josie Bloss
- Mercelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork
- A Street Car Named Desire by Tennesse Williams
- Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
- The Beef Princess of Practical County by Michelle Houts
- Brutal by Michael Harmon
- Riding the Universe by Gaby Trina
- The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
- Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman
- Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita
- Girlfriend Material by Melissa Kantor
- Destroy All Cars by Blake Nelson
- Airhead by Meg Cabot
- Fire by Kristin Cashore
- The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
- Being Nikki by Meg Cabot
- Soulstice by Simon Holt
- The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
- One Lonely Degree by C.K. Kelly Martin
- Cathy's Book by Jordan Weisman, Sean Stewart, Cathy Brigg
- Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
- The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
- What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones
- My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters by Sydney Salter
- Cathy's Key by Jordan Weisman, Sean Stewart, Cathy Brigg
- Cathy's Ring by Jordan Weisman, Sean Stewart, Cathy Brigg
- Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott
- Beautiful World by Anastasia Hollings
- Slept Away by Julie Kraut
- Wings by Aprilynne Pike
- Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner
- It's Not You, It's Me Kerry Cohen Hoffmann
- Tempo Change by Barbara Hall
- Unraveling by Michelle Baldini and Lynn Biederman
- Swoon by Nina Malkin
- Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle
- Secrets of Truth and Beauty by Megan Frazer
- Sprout by Dale Peck
- Perfect Fifths by Megan McCafferty
- Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz
- The Lost Summer by Kathryn Williams
- Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
- Fat Cat by Robin Brande
- Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley
- Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
- The Book of Luke by Jenny O'Connell
- Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
- Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
- Are U 4 Real? by Sara Kadefors
- Waiting For You by Susane Colasanti
- Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson
- As You Wish by Jackson Pearce
- Second Skin by Jessica Wollman
- Unclaimed Hearts by Kim Wilkins
- And Then Everything Unraveled by Jennifer Sturman
- Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives Vol. 2 by Ellen Schreiber
- Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
- City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
- City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
- Daddy's Little Angel: Bedeviled by Shani Petroff
- Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen
- The Sweet Life of Stella Madison by Lara M. Zeises
- Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles
- Touch by Francine Prose
- City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
- Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
- Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys by Kate Brian
- Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
- Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales--Sanctuary by Melissa Marr
- Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
- Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr
- Bite Me! by Melissa Francis
- Ash by Malinda Lo
- Exclusively Chloe by J.A. Yang
- The Amaranth Enchantment by by Julie Berry
- The Musician's Daughter by Susanne Dunlap
- Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
- Gert Garibaldi's Rants and Raves: One Butt Cheek at a Time by Amber Kizer
- I Can't Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous & Obscure edited by Larry Smith
- Give Up The Ghost by Megan Crewe
- The The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove by Lauren Kate
- Scones and Sensibility by Lindsay Eland
- The Comeback by Marlene Perez
- Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman
- Ghost In The Machine by Patrick Carman
- Behind Every Illusion (The GreenEarth Series, #1) by Christina Harner
- Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis
- Food, Girls, & Other Things I Can't Have by Allen Zadoff
- The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy
- Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black
- Candor by Pam Bachorz
- After by Amy Ewaf
- The Hollow by Jessica Verday
- Snap by Carol Snow
- Viola in the Reel Life by Ardiana Trigiani
- Sisters of Misery by Megan Kelley Hall
- The Lost Sister by Megan Kelley Hall
- Ruined: A Ghost Story by Paula Morris
- TwiLite: A Parody by Stephen Jenner
- Feels Like Home by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo
- How To Take The Ex Out Of Ex-Boyfriend by Janette Rallison
- Girl v. Boy by Yvonne Collins & Sandy Rideout
- You Are Here by Jennifer E. Smith
- Two-way Street by Lauren by Barnholdt
- Top Ten Uses For An Unworn Dress by Tina Ferraro
- How To Hook A Hottie by Tina Ferraro
- Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
- Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkelse
- Once A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
- The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
- Club Dead by Charlaine Harris
- Cashing In by Susan Colebank
- Darklight by Lesley Livingston
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
In Your Room/Saving Zoë
Because my brain hurts, I present mini-reviews! Oh and make that 9 books I've read these past few days!In Your Room by Jordanna Fraiberg (October 16th, 2008)
Grade: 1.9 stars out of 5
Summary: “Molly and Charlie have fallen head over heels in love—even though they’ve never met Molly is a fashion-conscious city girl in L.A. Charlie is an earthy, mountain-biking dude from Boulder, Colorado. Each of them has big plans with their respective friends for the summer—until they discover that their parents decided to swap houses!
Luckily there’s no amount of homesickness that a bit of snooping can’t cure. Charlie and Molly begin crawling under beds and poking around in closets to find out a little more about each other and they like what they find.
Can Charlie and Molly’s long-distance romance survive jealousy, misunderstandings and the thousand miles between them?"
Overall: I did enjoy this book, but it wasn’t something truly AMAZING! to me. I loved how Charlie’s parents are lesbian—a very nice surprise since as how I haven’t seen this done before. I liked the way the author incorporated modern things like Facebook and such into the novel. I thought the alternating points of views and chapters were a nice way to showcase both of their personalities and traits, especially since it gives the readers a positive message about spending some time outdoors and going biking.
What I would’ve liked was a bit more pages for the resolution between the fight with Molly and Charlie. Thought it was over too fast. A very quick summer read.
Cover C-
Something about this cover throws me off a little. Maybe it’s the angle where the photograph was shot, or the color of the rug.
Saving Zoe by Alyson Noel (September 4th 2007)
Grade: 3.7 stars out of 5
Summary: “In Alyson Noël's newest teen novel, one sister's secrets save the other's life--in more ways than one. Meet fifteen-year-old Echo, a typical teen trying to survive high school without being totally traumatized by boy trouble, friend drama, and school issues. As if she didn't have enough on her plate, Echo is also still dealing with the murder of her sister Zoë. Although it's been over a year, Echo is still reeling from tragedy that changed everything. Beautiful and full of life, Zoë was the glue that held her family together, and although the two sisters were as different as night and day, they still had a bond that Echo can't let go of. When Zoë's old boyfriend Marc shows up one day with Zoë's diary, Echo doesn't think there's anything in there she doesn't already know. But as she gives in to curiosity and starts reading, she learns that her sister led a secret life that no one could have guessed--not even Echo.”
Overall: Ms. Noel has redeemed herself to me! After the initial read of Cruel Summer, I was very hesitant about reading some of her other books, but I do stand corrected. She is a phenomenal writer! I love the way how the emotions build and build until it finally collapses and you’re left with a completed feeling. I loved Echo and Zoë (even their names!). How you can relate and understand them even Zoë which you only catch glimpses of from her diary. I adore the ending, very cute and symbolic. My only problem of the novel was how it never did truly explain Zoë’s death.
Cover C: Not really understanding the whole purpose of the three girls on the cover. I’m assuming that they are Echo and her best friends, but they don’t play a huge significance in the book except for Echo.
I hope you love this novel as much as I do Sharon! I'm seriously considering taking it back once you've finished though, it's that good! But I won't because that'll be mean :]
I might plan on extending both of these reviews but for now, I can't come up with enough points.
Beautiful Americans
Beautiful Americans by Lucy Silag (January 8th 2009)Grade: 2 stars out of 5
Short Summary: Penelope Jane or PJ as she likes to be called is an enigma to everyone from the start. But what is she really hiding behind that gorgeous face?
Olivia, a born dancer, is aiming for a scholarship in this stunning city. Dancing is her passion and dream but what is she willing to give up as the result?
Alex has what all the girls want—beauty, wealth, passion and strive. But can this cool calm and collected fashionista survive in this bustling city?
Zack, a regular boy from Memphis, has captured the eyes and hearts of many girls but who really is his type?
Review: Told in four different points of view, this novel showcases Lucy Silag’s versatility in manipulating her characters. Each one has their own unique personalities that will never get you confused on who’s who.
Olivia: She was definitely not one of the stronger characters. Gave no real lasting impression whatsoever but I did quite enjoy reading her relationships. It gave a little scandal and excitement to the book. I also like her determination, I think she may be the only one who gave an actually reason to be in France!
Alex: Okay so I DID NOT like reading about her. I had to force myself to just read her, a real pain in the butt. From her thievery to her whiny/bitchy attitude to almost everything in general, I wanted to just rip the pages from the book. That’s how much I didn’t like reading about her.
At the very beginning she wanted to find love that was understandable. But as it progressed, I got all the feeling that all she wanted was sex. It was plainly obvious that he held no interest in her emotional but her conceitedness blind sighted her and she resorted to thievery of clothing. So I felt no pity towards her when she got dumped.
PJ: Annoying. That’s all I can sum her up as. As self-dependent as she tried to be I find her needing more help than anyone else. Her constant want for her sister, her sister’s boyfriend, and to be liked gave me another character that I had to force myself to read. I also thought that the mystery aspect of her, in her sister’s disappearance and her parent’s arrest, were both unneeded. I guess it gave PJ depth and reason to be in France but after reading the entire book, we’re still stuck with the same information from the very beginning of the novel!
Zack: I LOVE Zack. If any of you have ever watched Project Runway season 4, he is so much like Christian Siriano! And I adore him! From his snarky/spunky attitude and his critiques to all that is fashion to his emotional baggage of his sexuality, I wanted more! I even enjoyed reading Alex more through his point of view, that is how much I love him! He alone made reading this book so worthwhile.
Overall: I was expecting fireworks in the skies of the night but instead I got sparklers in the glow of the afternoon. Very disappointed with the book since I had such high expectations. I’ll be looking forward to the sequel but I probably won’t rush out to get it once it’s been released.
Cover C+
I love the background and the color scheme to it. I love the font and style to it as well. What I did not understand was how there were only three columns. I’m guessing the first is Alex, second is Olivia, and third is Zack. What happened to PJ? Is she so mysterious and elusive that she wasn’t included in the cover?
Anatomy of a Boyfriend
Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky (September 23rd 2008)
"Before this all happened, the closest I'd ever come to getting physical with a guy was playing the board game Operation. Okay, so maybe that sounds pathetic, but it's not like there were any guys at my high school who I cared to share more than three words with, let alone my body.
Then I met Wes, a track star senior from across town. Maybe it was his soulful blue eyes, or maybe my hormones just started raging. Either way, I was hooked. And after a while, he was too. I couldn't believe how intense my feelings became, or the fact that I was seeing—and touching—parts of the body I'd only read about in my Gray's Anatomy textbook. You could say Wes and I experienced a lot of firsts together that spring. It was scary. It was fun. It was love.
And then came the fall. "
I love the little captions pointing to the body parts. Especially since in the actual book Dominique talks about these part in a rather better light, so that was quite ironic and humorous to me.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Question (10)
Email me the answer and comment here once you've done so. (+1) extra entry for correct answer.
Question (9)
hint: the answer can be found on my review...
Email me the answer and comment once you have done so. (+1) extra entry if correct.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Interview With Courtney Summers
If anyone has been reading my update section at my sidebar, you would have noticed the line, "interview with Courtney Summers" posted up there quite some time ago. Well guess what! It's here! So I'd love to introduce the awesome Courtney Summers!
My review can be found here.
To purchase your own copy of Cracked Up To Be go to Amazon
What were some inspirations for your book?
The book was definitely inspired by the question, "What is the worst thing you've ever done?" And it was also really inspired by people--girls in particular--who aren't afraid to tell it like it is, especially at the expense of being seen as nice. I really, really wanted to write a female character who was incredibly abrasive and basically mean--before and after a traumatic experience--and see if she could carry the story I had in mind.
What was hardest part of the novel to write?
From the end of page 126 all the way to page 128. I gave away everything too soon and it took me a little while to realize it, which = days of stalled writing, which = frustrated Courtney!
What motivates you to write?
I love telling stories, plain and simple. :)
Do you listen to music while you write?
Yes! I love to listen to music while I write. It really locks me in, and if I have to leave a scene partway through writing it, I can come back, put on the song I was listening to while I was writing it and it helps me get back into the headspace I need to continue writing.
What is on your current playlist?
I've had the Twilight soundtrack and score in constant rotation, Beyonce has gotten some play time (If I Were a Boy is AWESOME--that music video is fierce, in my humble opinion), some Lily Allen (is her new album out yet???), lots of Matthew Good (The Audio of Being)...
How has the road to publication been?
It's been a total adventure--a really fun rollercoaster ride that I feel incredibly fortunate to be on.
Do you think bloggers helped a lot in publicizing Cracked Up To Be?
YES. Oh, yes, definitely x 1,000. I'm so grateful to book bloggers like yourself who have taken the time to point people in the Cracked Up to Be's direction. From Waiting on Wednesday posts to reading the book, to reviewing it, to giving me the opportunity to be interviewed (thank you for this interview, Yan!)--it all helps in getting the word out. And when you take into consideration that there's no shortage of YA novels out there, and that many reviewers are inundated with reading material, I realize I'm not entitled to any blogger's time, so I definitely don't take it for granted when they decide to give their time to my book, regardless or whether or not they like it in the end. I really appreciate it. Book bloggers rock!
Do you read the reviews?
I do. I don't comment on them, though, because I worry I could inhibit any potential discussion.
Do you like the cover of Cracked Up To Be? If not, what would you have changed?
I love the cover! I wouldn't change a thing. There's so much green on it, and I have a mad love affair with the colour green so it's all good.
Do you have any future books planned?
Yep! My next book, Some Girls Are (title may possibly change), will be coming out in Winter 2010. It's about vicious nasty mean girls. Fun times, fun times.
...and this random question because I simply adore Bailey...
Are you a cat or dog person?
Neither! I am a bird and degu person. :) But if I had to choose, a dog person definitely.
What are some of your favorite books from 2008?
I Know It's Over by C.K. Kelly Martin. It's a brilliant, breathtaking, HEARTBREAKING (all in capitals!) story about saying goodbye even while certain unexpected events are holding you together and the prose is just knock-you-off-your-feet amazing. It's the kind of book you want to hug when you're done reading it because it's just that good. Skin Deep by E.M. Crane is another one that got me--it's this very, very intense novel about a painfully shy girl trying to find her place in the world and every time you read a page you can feel your chest getting tighter and tighter--it's really beautifully written. Violet Raines Almost Got Struck By Lightning by Danette Haworth was the absolutely sweetest book I read this year and Violet one of the most memorable protagonists. Soulless by Christopher Golden was AWESOME zombie fun, and I'm a big zombie fan so that's high praise.
What are some books that you can't wait for in 2009?
One Lonely Degree by C.K. Kelly Martin, Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler, The Line by Teri Hall, Far from You by Lisa Schroeder (which is out now, but, like Cracked Up to Be, is technically a January 2009 release), The Book of the Maidservant by Rebecca Barnhouse, Flash Burnout by L.K. Madigan, Handcuffs by Bethany Griffin (okay, that's a December 2008 release, but I won't be able to get to it until the new year so I'm putting it here!) and Evermore by Alyson Noel, to name a few.
What are some of your all time favorite books?
Anything Robert Cormier has written has a guaranteed spot as one of my favourite books of all time. The man is a genius. My all-time favourite book that I read this year is In the Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami. But warning: In the Miso Soup is not a YA book and it has some EXTREME gore in it that's not for everyone but--it. Is. Amazing. Quiet, suspenseful, unputdownable. A dark and gritty look at loneliness and the human condition. I adore that book like crazy.
How big/extensive is your book collection?
Big enough that I need more bookshelves and, consequently, some (okay, a lot) of my books have found a temporary home in my closet until I can make this happen. *shame*
Got any new books from the holidays? Gave any away?
I was gifted the Twilight series. Which is awesome. It has brought me much joy. I ended up giving away a lot of copies of Cracked Up to Be this year!
What is biggest accomplishment of 2008?
Definitely seeing Cracked Up to Be in print.
What was the most memorable moment this year (besides getting your book published) to you?
Selling Some Girls Are was a very memorable moment. The book was really tough to write, and it came off the heels of a difficult time.
What is your funniest moment?
Uhmmm. Sometimes (okay, all the time), when I go through a drive-thru with someone, I say naughty words while they're placing their order in hopes that one of these naughty words will slip INTO their order. For example, "I would like a bacon double buttburger," or whatever. I do this because I guess drive-thrus bring out the obnoxious jerk in me? Anyway, it FINALLY happened this year when, at the Tim Horton's drive-thru, I got the person next to me (who shall remain nameless) to order an 'Ass Cap'. Technically, that wasn't *my* funniest moment but I found it hilarious and since I was directly responsible for it, I'm gonna say that counts.
Your New Year's resolution?
I don't do the New Year's resolution thing, really. Less chance of me breaking them that way!
What is your position with carolers? Love them; hate them; a strong desire to throw rocks at them?
LOVE THEM. We have a distinct lack of Christmas Carolers around these parts, but how can I begrudge/throw rocks at someone who wants to bring a little holiday cheer to the land? Keep rockin' it, Christmas Carolers!
Give her a round of applause people! Now go out and buy a copy of her amazing book! I command thee to!
Courtney's website, blog, goodreads
I would love some critiques on this interview. What could have been done better? Some of the good, or the bad? Be on the lookout for some more interviews!
Sidenote: the reason I wanted to ask about the carolers was because my friend had told me that she would be caroling this holiday. I had asked her to stop by my house that evening...so I can throw rocks at her from my window. She gave me this look so I quickly added that I'll draw little pink hearts on the rocks though! She just gave me this weak awkward laugh...of course she never did show up during the holidays to sing. I love carolers, don't get me wrong! It was just something I said to ease the boredom of which is called pre-calculus.
