Saturday, July 31, 2010

I'm Participating in a Few Read-a-Thons in August

I participated in the Once Upon a Read-a-thon a couple weeks ago and loved it. It gave me an opportunity to get some books read that I have been wanting to. And since I liked it so much, I decided to participate in a few more.


So first off: Read Your Own Books Read-a-Thon hosted by Monica from The Bibliophilic Book Blog


This read-a-thon is going to take place from 9 AM Friday August 13th to 9 AM Monday August 16th. There will be giveaways and prizes awarded to those who have read the most and who have sent in a picture featuring the best comfy reading place. If you want to sign up or want more details go here.

And then there's another one: From Dusk Til Dawn Read-a-Thon hosted by Jami at YA Addict and Jenn at Book Crazy



This one is going to start run from August 25th through August. And hence the name-the pages you read will only count from Dusk until Dawn which is 8 PM-8 AM. And there will also be lots of giveaways and mini challenges in this one as well (and I will even be hosting a mini challenge on my blog) so if you want more information you can go here. 

Are any of you guys participating and are you excited?

Friday, July 30, 2010

Love Me Some Bad Boys (5)

I love everything about bad boys: the way they smirk, laugh, touch you, throw you against the wall to kiss you (wow that kind of sounds abusive) and defiantly much much more. There's just something about them that makes me swoon. And since I'm so obsessed with bad boys, I decided to make a meme about them. Every week I will pick one boy character from a book I have read that fits these "bad boy" qualifications. So here it goes:


Rob in When Lightening Strikes (1-800-Where-R-You) by Meg Cabot


How he is a bad boy:
There are two types of people in this book-the "townines" and the "grits". The townies are the people that have more money and live in town-people such as Jess. The grits are more the run down, bad people that live in the country. And Rob is definitely a grit and he is on parol-meaning he is a bad boy. He rides a motorcycle and goes to detention after school every day. 


Favorite bad boy moment:
There is a scene where Jessica has to sit between Rob and another boy in detention and Rob takes Jessica's notebook and writes a diss about her friend. It was really funny and a great scene.


Dateable:
Lol, maybe? He is kind though and helps Jessica out when she needs him. And this is a series-so you have a lot of time to swoon over Rob.


And if you really like the sound of this meme, then feel free to participate as well. Just leave a comment with a link to where you posted it.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Indigo Blues by Danielle Joseph

Indigo Blues by Danielle Joseph
Publication Date: July 1, 2010
Versions: paperback, kindle

Summary (from goodreads):
Indigo:


I never asked to be famous-or infamous. Such is my fate for briefly dating (and dumping) Adam Spade. Yes, the Adam from the indie rock band who wrote "Indigo Blues"-the song that gave the band overnight success, propelled them to New York City, and stole my precious anonymity. Now I'm pawed by fans, stalked by reporters, and pegged as a vicious heartbreaker. And Adam is still calling me. Doesn't he have better things to do?


Adam:


With a hit single and a promising career, I should be on top of the world. People on the street are beginning to recognize me, which is cool. And scary. The band is counting on my to write another hit, but I can't stop thinking about Indigo. Why won't she answer the phone?

This book was overall fun and short. I really liked the length because it seemed perfect for the things that were going on in Indigo and Adam's lives. Indigo thought Adam was being too clingy, so she broke up with him. Adam had a hard time with it and ended up writing a song about Indigo-titled Indigo Blues. And because of this song, Indigo's life is wrecked. Everyone keeps teasing her about it and she hears the song wherever she goes. And Adam keeps calling her, when the last thing she wants to do is talk to him. But Adam still has feelings for Indigo and needs her to know. Will Indigo finally pick up the phone?

This book was very similar to Audrey Wait! by Robin Benway. Actually I felt like I was reading the book over. Indigo is one of those girls that are different and funny and doesn't care what people think. And Adam is kind of sensitive-which isn't the biggest turn on.

Will I reread it?
I think one time was enough. I didn't mean that I didn't enjoy reading this book, because I did. It was fun and I liked the character changes from each chapter. I recommend this book if you liked Audrey Wait!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins Countdown Giveaway

I know everyone is super excited about the release date of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins-I know I am. And since that date is almost right around the corner (August 24, 2010)-less than a month away. I am going to host a Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins countdown which will be ten days full of challenges and giveaways.

It will start on August 14th, 2010 and end on the release date of Mockingjay which is August 24th, 2010. I will be giving away The Hunger Games/Mockingjay related books and merchandise for this event. But I am looking for about nine bloggers who will host a challenge on their own blog. These bloggers will post a Hunger Games related challenge on their blog to get everyone excited for the release. And I ask that these bloggers that want to participate will be willing to give away prizes to the winners (selected however you want). Around the start date of the Mockingjay countdown giveaway, I will post a big list of all the participants with links so people will be able to find you fast and be able to participate in your challenges and giveaways.

So if you are interested please fill out the form below. Or if you don't want to host a challenge/giveaway on your blog-but are an author or blogger who would like to donate any books or swag, that would be really helpful-you can also fill out the form.  Thank you everyone and I look forward to this countdown!

Waiting On Wednesday

This is a meme to show which book you are excited for to be released. It is hosted over at Breaking The Spine. For more information or to link your waiting on wednesday, go here.

How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf (Naked Werewolf, #1)How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper
Publication Date: February 22, 2010
Publisher: Pocket
Versions: paperback

Summary (from goodreads):
The first in a new paranormal romantic comedy series about a woman who moves to Alaska and finds love with a handsome rugged...werewolf?!

Okay, well the summary is kind of lame-but the fact that it's about werewolves makes up for it. I don't know what's with me but I am in a werwolf mood lately and crave any book having to do with them. So what are you guys waiting for?

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The Ivy by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur

The Ivy by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur (ARC)
Publication Date: August 31, 2010
Versions: hardcover
Received from: book trade


Summary (from goodreads):
Freshman year at Harvard-glamorous parties, blossoming friendships, steamy romances, and scandalous secrets. Skip the campus tour and get right to the good stuff: classes are for scoping guys (and their Facebook profiles), not taking notes. The library is for study dates (the medieval history stacks get a lot of action), not studying. And success is a 4.0 GPA...plus California girl with brains, beauty, and big dreams-and her three roommates survive?


Get admitted to The Ivy, the first book in a provocative new series about the world of the Ivy League.


I'm in high school right now, so I have no idea what college life is like. And The Ivy is pretty much all about college. Callie goes to Harvard with a boyfriend back home, and a lot of excitement. That is, until she dumps all her undergarments in front of a really cute boy. What's worse is that he lives right across the hallway from her and her other roommates. Callie soon finds out what college is really like, including a lot of embarrassing moments, parties, and a few romances on the way.


I'm really not into reading about college in books, since I can't really relate to it. But I did really enjoy the plot of this book and maybe it is even getting me into the mood for college. Callie is a quirky and funny character who does some embarrassing stunts, including falling face first in the lunchroom.


Will I reread it?
I think so, I really liked this book. And the writing was very different than anything I have read recently-which was refreshing. I definitely recommend picking this book up. It is filled with great advice before each chapter which was also packed with a lot of humor. 

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Manifest by Artist Arthur

Manifest by Artist Arthur
Publication Date: August 1, 2010
Versions: paperback

Summary (from goodreads.com):
Krystal Bentley is an outsider at her new high school, having just moved to a small Connecticut town. Lately she's been hearing the voice of a teenage boy in her head, and he has become her friend and confidant. The only problem is, he's dead...


Ricky Watson was killed a year ago in the alley behind Krystal's new school. The rumor mill is filled with stories of Ricky and his untimely death. Unfortunately, as a ghost, Ricky is unable to investigate his own murder, so Ricky needs Krystal to find the truth and she needs someone to listen. When Krystal befriends Sasha and Jake, both outcasts at her high school, the threesome soon discover that they have more in common than their outsider status. Each has a unique paranormal ability and an unusual birthmark in the shape of an "M." Jake announces that the M must stand for misfits, and so the three form an unusual clique. They soon realize that solving Ricky's murder can help them understand the mystery behind their powers and may reveal whether there are others like them.

Manifest is about a girl named Krystal and she has the ability to see dead people but hasn't seen one for a long time. That is, until she moves to Connecticut and starts at a new school is where she sees a very cute ghost boy named Ricky Watson. Someone killed him and he needs Krystal to figure out who did it. She, on the other hand is very reluctant and keeps telling him no. If only he wasn't so persistant...

I really enjoyed this book. The writing was very good and captured a teenagers voice. On the other hand, a few too many "totally's" were added, making it sound a little fake. The plot line was very unique, I haven't read many ghost books or people that can see dead people but I defaintly will have to go hunting for more because I really enjoyed the plot line.

Will I reread it?
Yeah, I think I will. It was very well written and kept me turning pages-trying to figure out who really killed Ricky. And everytime he entered Krystal's room, my heart would beat faster, because let's face the truth: he was just an overall hot character. I defiantly recommend this book for anyone looking for a great, well rounded story.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Middle World by J&P Voelkel Blog Tour

Today I have the author's of Middle World which are Pamela and Jon Voelkel here on my blog. For this blog tour I asked them a few questions (with the help of you guys-thanks so much). So here is the interview (I hope you enjoy it)!


1. How did the two of you go about writing the book together?

Jon came up with the original idea for the book.  It was based on a bedtime story he used to tell our son – which was, in turn, based on Jon’s childhood in Latin America.  I got involved because I’d always been a writer in advertising and found it a lot easier to transfer the adventures in our heads to the printed page.  At first we’d switch off and pass the manuscript back and forth between us.  Now I do most of the writing and Jon does most of the illustrating, but we plot everything together.
2. Since you both visited some amazing places, what is the best thing you encountered?
Pamela:  For me, it’s the thrill you get when you enter one of the less excavated sites and you see it almost as the first explorers did.  Trees growing on the pyramid steps, fallen masonry, everything overgrown, incredible carvings peering at you through a tangle of foliage, howlers booming in the forest, toucans coughing in the branches, and you think “Who made this place?  Who lived here?”  
Jon: At the remote Maya site of Balamku in Mexico, you can go inside one of the pyramids, where archeologists have discovered an intact, 20 meter-long painted stucco frieze.  It depicts a wild range of mythological creatures (serpents, jaguars, witz monsters), but the most striking elements are massive frogs with Maya kings rising from their open mouths.  Breathtaking!
3. If you could meet one of your characters from Middleworld in real life, who would you want it to be?
Pamela:  Of course, it would be fascinating to meet Lord 6-Dog or Lady Coco and ask them about all the things we don’t know about the Maya.  So much knowledge was lost when Diego de Landa burnt their books.  Maybe I‘d want to meet him and ask why he did it.  There are several characters with secrets that I’d like to quiz, although we’ll find out everything sooner or later.  You know, I’d also really like to meet Raul, because he’s such a good cook.
Jon: The character I would most like to meet is Lady Coco. I imagine she would have very entertaining stories about life in the Maya court.  And she wouldn't hold back on any of the juicy details!
4. What is the story behind the cover of Middleworld?
It shows the scene where Max and Lola are escaping down an underground river.  The Yucatan peninsula, where the story is set, is made of limestone, so there’s not much surface water – the rain filters through the limestone and ends up in a network of underground caverns and rivers. We’ve actually canoed down a river like the one in the book, where you sometimes have to lie flat because the cave roof is so low and sometimes it soars above you like a huge cathedral.  There were lots of bats flitting around, and blind catfish in the water, and a human skull embedded in the rocks – but we didn’t have to shoot any rapids, thank goodness.
5. What was your favorite part to write in Middleworld?

I think we’d both choose the scene in the Black Pyramid where Ah Pukuh, the god of Violent and Unnatural Death, throws a party and Max has a string of misadventures.  It was so much fun to write and took the least editing.  
6. What do you want your readers to take from reading Middleworld?

We’d like them to take greater knowledge of the ancient Maya and the amazing things they achieved; awareness that there are still six million Maya living in central America today; respect for the delicate balance of life in the rainforest; oh, and we’d like them to feel like they’ll explode with impatience if they don’t get to read Book 2 on the day it comes out. (December 28 2010.)
7. Did you base any of your characters on yourselves or close friends?
Max is based on Jon as a child, particularly his acquisitive nature and his dislike of life in the jungle. But he’s also based on every fourteen year old we’ve ever met.  They’re not always perfectly behaved but they have a strong sense of justice – and when the chips are down, they’re usually braver than the adults.


Thanks so much Jon and Pamela for visiting my blog and doing the interview. And to all my followers, I hope you try this book out because it is wondeful (you can view my review here.) And you can buy the book from Amazon.com here.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Grace by Elizabeth Scott

Grace by Elizabeth Scott (ARC)
Publication Date: September 16, 2010
Versions: hardcover
Received from: Star Book Tours

Summary (from goodreads):
Grace was raised to be an Angel, a herald of death by suicide bomb. But she refuses to die for the cause, and now Grace is on the run, daring to dream of freedom. In search of a border she may never reach, she travels among malevolent soldiers on a decrepit train crawling through the desert. Accompanied by the mysterious Kerr, Grace struggles to be invisible, but the fear of discover looms large as she recalls the history and events that delivered her uncertain fate. 


Told in spare, powerful prose, this tale of dystopian near future will haunt readers long after they've reached the final page.

When the summary says it will haunt readers, it truly does. I don't know if I overall liked it, loved it, hated it or if it was just an ok book to me. I have no idea, but I keep thinking about this book ever since I've read it (which must be a good sign). Grace is an angel in a world where Kerr runs pretty much everything. And Angel's are suicide bombers. They have been trying to teach Kerr that he can't control everything and everyone, so when it is Grace's turn to die-she just can't. She doesn't want to die. So she gets shipped on a train for her own safety with the one and only Kerr. Only, maybe Kerr isn't who everyone thinks he is.

Half the time I was wondering what was actually going on in the different scenes, and the other half I was wondering what was going to happen. This is a very powerful book that left me with tears near the ending. It switched from past to present quite a few times, which can be a little confusing. But Elizabeth Scott doesn't disappoint.

Will I reread it?
Probably not. I am so used to reading love stories from Elizabeth Scott, so this one took me by surprise. But it was a good surprise and I recommend this book to any Elizabeth fan.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Poll Results

This week I asked the question: Zombies vs Unicorns? You may be wondering how and why I would come up with such a random question. But I didn't. Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier have a book coming out soon titled: Zombies vs Unicorns which are short stories that debate whether the Unicorn or Zombie is better.

So lets see the results:

  • 6       Zombies
  • 8       Unicorns
So there you have it; Unicorns won. But they were very close. And since I know a lot of people are excited for the release of Zombies vs. Unicorns, I have an ARC Tour going on my tour site for the book. So you can be added here. What do you guys think? Zombies or Unicorns?

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Waiting On Wednesday

This is a meme to show which book you are excited for to be released. It is hosted over atBreaking The Spine. For more information or to link your waiting on wednesday, go here.


Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: December 21, 2010
Versions: paperback


Summary (from goodreads):
I stare at the bonfire until I realize it's fallen quiet and everyone is staring at me.
"Oh. It's okay," I say to Deacon. "It's okay."
"Sorry about your dad," Deacon says. "That was supremely fucked up."
"Yeah," I agree. "It was."
"Is it true your mom's like, catatonic?"
"Deacon!" Jenna.
"What?" Deacon asks. "It's not like we're not all thinking it."


A gritty story of one girl's attempt to make sense of her father's untimely death...


This one sounds amazing. And it's by Courtney Summers (one of my favorite authors) who has also written Cracked Up to Be and Some Girls Are. She is so amazing and I can already tell this book is going to be a great one. It's just that December seems so far away...

Monday, July 19, 2010

Liberation, Book One of the Andrusian Chronicles by Maria Lucia virtual blog tour

Liberation
Today I am hosting the wonderful author of Liberation on my blog for a virtual blog tour. So please welcome Maria Lucia. Liberation is the first book in the Andrusian Chronicles and I am excited to share with you a little bit about the book, and an interview from the author. 


LiberationLiberation, Book One of the Andrusian Chronicles by Maria Lucia
Publication Date: April 13, 2010
Versions: paperback


Summary:
Amora Madre is content in the Smokey Mountains pursuing her teaching of love, things of the spirit, and metaphysics. Her childhood invisible playmates, Casey and Nia, are always by her side. But when soul mate Gabriel Ephraim enters her life, she is drawn into the heart of a horrific encounter with the spirit world in the skies over Washington D.C. Catapulted into service for the Intergalactic Supernatural Intelligence Agency, ISIA, the kindred lovers soon discover the existence of an invisible wickedness over the city, its galactic origins, and its evil designs for national and world events.


As part of an Andrusian galactic strike force, assembled to dismantle the malevolent legion's brutal matrix, Amora and Gabriel, seasoned and accomplished, embark on a dangerous adventure filled with Onaweyans, Scorpillians, historical figures, and a confrontation with the dark supernatural syndicate over the fate of the United States and the earth.


With journeys into dimensional worlds, interactions with fantastic characters and creatures, and revelation of the current struggle between the spiritual forces of good and evil, Liberation, draws the reader into a world where the spiritual dimensions and reality converge.


And then here is the interview:



Maria Lucia
  1. Can you tell us a little bit about your book, Liberation: Book One of the Andrusian Chronicles? 
  Liberation is a uniquely written paranormal fantasy novel. It is about a woman name Amore Madre who is suddenly pulled away from her comfortable life in the mountains to Washington D.C. where she discovers that she has been chosen by an Intergalactic Supernatural intelligence Agency to help fight an evil supernatural syndicate affecting the nation and the planet. She is part of an Andrusian (the worlds of love) galactic strike force as is her soul mate Gabriel. Together they embark on a dangerous mission filled with dimensional travel, Onaweyans, historical figures and a confrontation with the dark syndicate. Liberation ties together actual devastating current events that have happened in our nation and in our world with real historical characters, and beautiful journeys through worlds of fantasy. The novel challenges the reader and makes them think. “Could this be true?”
2. Where did you come up with the idea for your book?
I was walking around downtown D.C. and scenes began flashing in my head about the story. The Andrusian race began calling me until I sat down to tell their story. I began writing scenes down and through the years that followed began piecing them together into a story. The inspiration defiantly came from living in D.C. and visiting the different sites often.

  3. Do you base any of the characters in your book after yourself or close friends?
Creative people use all of the available information around them for their creations, what’s happening in the world, what is happening in their lives, what they study or the trends that the masses are following. Most of all I feel that creative people often delve into themselves for the depth and enrichment of the characters. There is definitely a part of me in the book and of my friends.

4. What was your favorite scene or character to write about in this book?
I have two favorite scenes. The ending which I’m not going to discuss and save for the readers and the concert the Onaweyans give. They are by far my favorite characters and members of the story. Every time I would write about them I would cry deeply like the scene in the movie “Something’s Gotta Give” where Diane Keaton just balls as she writes. Well that’s how I’ve been about the Onaweyans, I’ve been a total mess since the day they came into the story. I love everything they represent, everything they say and everything they do.
5. Who or what has been your biggest inspiration throughout your writing process?
There have many things that have inspired me deeply during the writing of this novel. First and foremost has been the place where I have lived for the last nine years, Washington D.C. There is such a depth of history in its buildings and monuments. It’s the old Washington that turned me on, the one at the very first of the nation’s birth. I have also been greatly inspired by Dr. Michio Kaku and his experience of the universe and unlimited expansion of consciousness. To him, a reality filled with many dimensions and galactic worlds filled with races other than ours is allowable and probable. That’s refreshing and great for my creativity.
6. What do you hope readers will take from reading Liberation: Book One of the Andrusian Chronicles?
I hope this book touches them deeply in places that they have forgotten about within themselves. I hope that it turns them on like it did me, and fires them up about its contents. But most of all I hope that it takes them on a journey that they love and will take with them forever. If they are truly fantasy lovers, who love the paranormal and a twist of science fiction it will.


Thanks so much, Maria, for doing the interview and visiting my blog. And if you guys want to buy the book off of Amazon, you can go here. Thanks again, Maria!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (ARC)
Publication Date: October 19, 2010
Versions: hardcover, audio
Received from: Around The World Tours

Summary (from goodreads):
While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies' throats. And she wouldn't have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she'll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla's predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy's secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centeries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all.


I read a lot of werewolf novels, and since this is a werewolf book, I instantly loved it. Calla is the alpha of a pack called the Nightshades, while Ren is the alpha of the other pack. So they are to be mates in the new pack together when halloween comes-the night of the union. But when Calla meets Shay, she can't help thinking of wanting him. But she knows she's destined to be with Ren, so why is her heart telling her to be with Shay?

I really enjoyed the uniqueness of this werewolf book. Including how when they shift, their clothes don't get ripped to shreds. And how they are destined to be together and don't get to pick their own mates. This book had a love triangle between Calla, Ren, and Shay. And let me just tell you that I had a lot of hatred toward Shay-he just bothered me and I could barely stand reading about him. As for Ren, I loved him and everything about him. He is the type of character that is very popular at school and knows what he wants and pushes Calla to get what he wants.

Will I reread it?
Yes, I really did enjoy this book. And hopefully in the (near) future there will be a sequel because Andrea Cremer kind of left a cliff ending. The writing in Nightshade was superb and the characters were relatable to so I definitely recommend picking this book up.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

The Death (and Further Adventures) of Silas Winterbottom by Stephen M. Giles Blog Tour

I am lucky enough to be able to participate in The Death (and Further Adventures) of Silas Winterbottom by Stephen M. Giles blog tour. So for the blog tour I am going to review the book which was given by me from the publisher to review.  So here it goes (I hope you enjoy it):

book cover of 

The Body Thief 

Silas and the Winterbottoms 

by

Stephen GilesThe Death (and Further Adventures) of Silas Winterbottom by Stephen M. Giles (ARC)
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Publication Date: August 1, 2010
Versions: hardcover
Received from: publisher

Summary (from goodreads):
And you thought your family was strange.


Uncle Silas has always been greedy, evil, insulting, and extremely rich! But a dying uncle with a vast fortune is definitely one worth getting to know. Even if it means spending 2 months on his secluded island home with a houseful of suspicious servants and a hungry pet crocodile.


But what is Uncle Silas really up to? Will Adele, Milo, and Isabella outlive Uncle Silas to inherit his money? And just who is that mysterious "guest" in his basement? Is it worth the money (or their lives) to stick around and find out?


This story is so well written and so interesting that I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know what would happen on the next page, and the page after that and eventually the book ended. The Death (and Further Adventures) of Silas Winterbottom is about three cousins named: Adele, Milo and Isabella. Their families are each poor and have at one time asked for help (and money) from their uncle: Silas Winterbottom. He said no to everyone of them and is known to be a cruel and greedy man. So to all of their surprise, they receive and envelope from their uncle saying that he is dying and that he wants them to visit him before he does. They (or their families) each push them to go to grab the inheritance money. But when they get there-they get what they never expected.

I really enjoyed the plot line of this story. It kind of reminded me of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory where they are all competing for the inheritance. And I love Charlie and The Chocolate Factory so it was hard for me not to enjoy this book.

Will I reread it?
Maybe? But I really liked the tone and how the chapters switch from different character's points of views. This book is probably recommended for more younger audiences, but if you like adventure I would definitely pick this up.

You can pre-order this book from Amazon here (it will be released on August 1, 2010)

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and no compensation

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Wrap-up

Once Upon A Read-A-Thon
The Once Upon a Read-a-Thon was a great hit. I know a lot of people that participated and had a blast with it. So thank you so much Lori, Candace, and Angel for hosting this.

Throughout the read a thon, I didn't read as many books as I hoped I would but I still did plow through a couple that I needed to read either for ARC tours or review books. Here are the ones I have finished during the read-a-thon:

1. Winter Longing by Tricia Mills
2. Songs For a Teenage Nomad by Kim Culbertson
3. Girl v. Boy by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout
4. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

So overall, I think I did pretty well with reading. And since this was the first ever read a thon that I have done, I really look forward to participating in future read a thons. And since this was a three day process-I need a little break from blogging for today or maybe even two or three days. How did you do on the read a thon?

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Update Day 2

Once Upon A Read-A-Thon
So today I was really busy (hanging out with friends) that I didn't get as much time as I wanted for reading. I  am really looking forward to tomorrow though (which is the last day) and hope I will get more time for reading. So here are the books I have read today (day 2)

1. Girl v. Boy by Yvonne Collins & Sandy Rideout

Yes, I only read one. How has everyone else been doing on the read a thon? How many books have you read so far?

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Mini Challenge (3): Favorite book read over the read a thon

Today is the official date that the Once Upon a Read-a-Thon kicks off. If you haven't already signed up and are still interested, go here. And during the Read-a-Thon there are fun Mini challenges to do that you can win books and other prizes.


Lauren at Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf is hosting this mini challenge and she has asked us to review our favorite book that we have read so far during the read-a-thon. I would have to say that Girl v. Boy by Yvonne Collins & Sandy Rideout is the best one I have read (which also happens to be the one I read today) so far throughout the read-a-thon. So here is my (short) review:


Girl v. Boy by Yvonne Collins & Sandy Rideout
Publication Date: July 8, 2008
Versions: hardcover, paperback


Girl v. Boy is told through a high schooler named Luisa. Her school is participating in a literacy event where whoever raises the most money will get an additional month off of school for break. Everyone is really excited but the competition really starts to heat up when the girls and boys go against each other to try to raise the most money. Luisa is also asked to be the anonymous columnist that writes about this big event. But before they know it, it turns out to be the battle of the sexes. I really enjoyed the tone of this book which was full out funny and very sarcastic. It overall was very refreshing and I found myself really enjoying the whole plot line and the character of Luisa in general. I definitely recommend this light read especially when it's still the summer.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

New ARC Tour Site



I have created my own ARC Tour Site titled: Smitten With Books ARC Tours. You can see the site here. I already have three tours going on right now including: Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin, Nevermore by Kelly Creagh, and Zombies vs. Unicorns by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier. So if you want to participate, make sure you go and check it out.

I also want to thank everyone who has been so supportive of my blog and my tour site, I really appreciate it and look forward to becoming friends with a lot of book bloggers who are just so kind.

Thanks again and if you would like to donate an ARC or recently released book to the tours, please email me here: smittenwithbooksarctours@gmail.com

Monday, July 12, 2010

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Update Day 1

Once Upon A Read-A-Thon
The first day of the Once Upon a Read-a-Thon is coming to an end. I read really early this morning (about two o'clock in the morning) and then I went to bed and woke up pretty late. I was gone for parts of the day and couldn't help but watch some of The Hills episodes. But I did read some books since this is of course a read a thon.

Here are the books I have read today:
1. Winter Longing by Tricia Mills
2. Songs For a Teenage Nomad by Kim Culbertson


So, how is the read a thon going for you? Everyone keep up the great work and I hope you have a great second day of the read a thon.

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Mini Challenge (2): Photo that reminds you of a character

Today is the official date that the Once Upon a Read-a-Thon kicks off. If you haven't already signed up and are still interested, go here. And during the Read-a-Thon there are fun Mini challenges to do that you can win books and other prizes.


This is the second Mini Challenge I am participating in and this one looks like loads of fun. Jenn at Book Crazy is hosting this one and she wants us to pick out a character or scene from a book and pair it with a song or photo of what reminds you of the scene or character. 


So here it goes:
Katniss from The Hunger Games
For somes reason, every time I think of Katniss, Emily Browning from Lemony Snicket's Unfortuniate Events movie pops into my head. I have no idea why either but I think she would be a great character to play Katniss

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Mini Challenge (1): Favorite Fictional Couple

Today is the official date that the Once Upon a Read-a-Thon kicks off. If you haven't already signed up and are still interested, go here. And during the Read-a-Thon there are fun Mini challenges to do that you can win books and other prizes.

The first one I will be participating in is my Favorite Fictional Couple hosted by Violet at The Eager Reads. I have to name my favorite couple so here it goes:

Kate and Will from Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott

I have always been drawn to the love/hate relationships and Elizabeth Scott is such a great writer that she makes both these characters so interesting. I love that they each have problems and together they kind of are a problem but it's so cute and he's so nice. And the book is filled with such funny and real moments. I just love everything about this couple.

So what is your favorite fictional couple?

Winter Longing by Tricia Mills

Winter Longing by Tricia Mills (ARC)
Publication Date: August 12, 2010
Versions: paperback
Received from: Jami's ARC Tours


Summary (from goodreads):
A plane crash in Alaska takes Winter's first love away forever...


When Winter's boyfriend is killed in a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness, she's robbed of the future she'd only just allowed herself to believe might be hers. Winter and Spencer had been destined for one another. And after his death, Spencer's presence continues to haunt her.


But when her next-door neighbor becomes an unlikely friend, Winter begins to accept all that she can't change. Can she open herself to a new future...and a possible new love?


This story is very sad and overall real. It's about a girl named Winter who has always loved Spencer. But only recently did she confess that love and ask him to the the dance. He said yes and Winter was finally with the man she loved. That is until something terrible happened and he died in a plane crash. Winter can't believe it at first, but soon comes to realize that the love of her life died. She begins to fall apart until her next door neighbor, Jesse, starts taking interest in Winter. She doesn't want to believe she is starting to feel things for Jesse either, Winter just wants to believe Spencer is still alive.


There were so many moments tied into this book that made me want to cry my eyes out. It was so sad and emotional and the characters were all so wonderfully created and real. I felt bad for Winter, and Spencer's parents. And I loved Jesse, who actually cared so much for Winter. He was such a nice guy and I loved that he was one of the only people who understood her situation.


Will I reread it?
Yes, I loved it and every scene Tricia Mills weaved into this book. Each chapter starts with a memory of Spencer or a quote which tied very nicely in with the plot line. I look forward to reading future releases by Tricia Mills.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

I have a button now!

I was thinking about creating a button for my blog for a long time now but have no idea how to make one. You could say that I lack in the graphic field. But that's okay because Jessica from A Blog to Brag About made one for me. I absolutely love it-so thank you so much Jessica! I definitely recommend her work so if you want a blog makeover, check out her website.

If you want to add my button to your blog, feel free. I still have a lot of extra room on my blog to fill up with buttons so if you want to do a button trade (meaning I will put your button on my blog in exchange for you to put my button on your blog) then please email me here: smittenwithbooks@hotmail.com






Once Upon A Read-a-Thon

Once Upon A Read-A-Thon

Angela (from Reading Angel), Candace (from Candace's book blog), and Lori (from Pure Imagination) are hosting a Read-a-Thon titled: Once Upon A Read-a-Thon. The name is so cute! This read a thon takes place from July 12th to July 14th which is a Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. You can read as little or as much as you want (and sleep is definitely recommended). I think it sounds like a blast so I am definitely looking forward to it and this is my first Read a Thon so I have no idea what I'm getting myself into.

To read more information on this read a thon you can go here. And to sign up for the read a thon, you can go here.

Please comment and tell me if you are participating because I will definitely cheer you on and hopefully we will cheer everyone on and try to make the best of this wonderful event. Thanks so much Angela, Candace, and Lori for hosting this and I know it's going to be great!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure by Allan Richard Shickman

Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure by Allen Richard Shickman
Publication Date: July 15, 2007
Publisher: Earthshaker books
Versions: paperback
Received from: publisher


Summary (from barnesandnoble.com):
The hero, Zan-Gah seeks his lost twin in a savage prehistoric world, encountering suffering, captivity, conflict, love, and triumph. In three years, Zan-Gah passes from an uncertain boyhood to a tried and proven manhood and a position of leadership among his people. Themes: survival, cultures, gender roles, psychological trauma, nature's wonders and terrors.


I thought this book was very refreshing. I have never read anything prehistoric or about cave men so I really enjoyed trying something new. The book starts out with Zan hunting for his very first time. He kills the animal which earns him the name of Zan-Gah. But he has a twin brother, who went missing a few years back and is trying to tell Zan something. Zan knows he has to go out looking for his brother and he does. The rest of the book is filled with a lot of adventure and a lot of great writing.


It was very odd at first to read about this time period and some of the vocabulary they used. Also, the names were very hard to pronounce which took some time out to try to say them over and over and over again. 


Will I reread it?
I don't think so, it was more of a one time read. I recommend this book to probably a younger audience that enjoy a lot of action. This is also a very short book (around 130 pages) so it's good if you have a short attention span.


I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and no compensation

Friday, July 9, 2010

New ARC Tour

Hello everyone. If you don't already know what an ARC Tour is then it is a compiled list of book bloggers which one ARC book is sent to so the books circulate as fast as possible.

I absolutely love joining in on ARC tours so I decided to create my own ARC Tour site, titled: Smitten With Books ARC Tours. You can see the website here.

I already have a few tours going on that I think a lot of people would be interested in and look forward to being apart of another tour site with all the wonderful book bloggers. But I didn't come up with the idea by myself. Around The World Tours (hosted by Cindy), Star Book Tours (hosted by Shanyn), International Book Tours, One ARC Tours, We Love YA Tours, and Traveling ARC Tours are all wonderful sites that have been such an inspiration and have made my ARC site, the best it can be. So thank you guys so much for the inspiration and I recommend checking out all of their ARC tours sites-they are truly amazing to be apart of.

And if you would like to donate an ARC or recently released book then you can email me here: smittenwithbooksarctours@gmail.com

Thanks so much,
Morgan

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Book Blogger Hop

What is it, are you asking? Well...."the book hop is a weekly event, hosted at Crazy for Books,where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read. It's a great way to network with other bloggers and make new friends!"

You can find more information and sign up for it here.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Do you have any ideas?

Egmont USA contacted me to do an interview of the authors of Middleworld (you can see my review here) by Jon and Pamela Voelkel. And since you guys are the ones who are going to be the one's reading the interview-I wanted to know if anyone had any ideas of what questions I should ask.

But to know what you would like to ask-here's more information about their book, Middleworld:

Middleworld by Jon and Pamela Voelkel
Publication Date: April 27, 2010
Versions: hardcover, paperback, kindle, audio

Summary (from barnesandnoble.com):
In the ancient city of Itzamna, Lord Six-Rabbit wakes up screaming. A great warrior king of the mighty Maya, he has dreamed he was a lowly, flea-bitten monkey. How could this be? Was this some sorcery sent by his half-brother, Tzelok, the evil priest?

1200 years later, in Boston, Massachusetts, a 14-old Max Murphy is looking forward to a family vacation. But his parents, both archaelogosts and Maya experts, announce a change in plan. They must leave immediately for a dig in San Xavier, the tiny Central American country where his father grew up. Max will go to summer camp. Max is furious. He's always suspected that his parents cared more about the Ancient Maya than about him and this proves it. When he's mysteriously summoned to San Xavier, he thinks they've had a change of heart. But he's met at the airport by one of their colleagues, who explains that his parents have gone missing at the remote Maya temple of Ix Chel. He also tells Max the legend of The Jaguar Stones, the five sacred stones of Middleworld (the Maya name for the world of men) which enabled Ancient Maya kings to wield the powers of living gods.

And so begins Max Murphy's wild adventure in the tropical rain forests of San Xavier. During his journey, he will unlock ancient secrets and meet strangers who are connected to him in ways he could never have imagined. For fate has delivered a challenge of epic proportions to this papered teenager. Can Max rescue his parents from the Maya Underworld and save the world from the Lords of Death, who now control the power of the Jaguar Stones in their villainous hands? The scene is set for a rollar-coaster ride of suspense and terror, as the good guys and the bad guys face off against a background of haunted temples, zombie armies and human sacrifice.

Now a little about the authors:
Over the last four years, authors Jon and Pamela Voelkel visited over twenty Maya sites across Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. They’ve canoed underground rivers, tracked howler monkeys in the jungle, and met with leading Maya archaeologists—all in order to provide a rip-roaring adventure for children and an accurate portrayal of an incredible civilization.

So what do you think I should ask them? Just leave a comment and tell me-thanks so much

Waiting On Wednesday

This is a meme to show which book you are excited for to be released. It is hosted over at Breaking The Spine. For more information or to link your waiting on wednesday, go here.

Love Sucks! by Melissa Francis
Publication Date: July 27, 2010
Versions: paperback, kindle

Summary (from goodreads):
AJ Ashe is moving on. Sure she still has not-so-sisterly feelings for Ryan, her ex-boyfriend-turned-step-brother, but there's a new vampire in town and his name is Alexander Archer. Caught between the desire to move forward with Sexy Lexy and being drawn to her past with Ryan, AJ things life couldn't get anymore complicated. Yeah, right. When her mother's pregnancy is threatened, it looks like AJ's long lost father is the only person who can save her. But Dad's help comes with a price. AJ is forced to join the evil side of her family, a very creepy shape-shifting demon is there to make sure AJ cooperates. All this and she's still got to plan the prom. Being a teenager is tough, but being a teenage vampire just flat out sucks. Pun totally intended.


I really like the sound of this book and am looking forward to the release date. I think it will be really funny and I enjoy reading vampire books.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

The Duff by Kody Keplinger

The Duff by Kody Keplinger (ARC)
Publication Date: September 7, 2010
Versions: hardcover, kindle. audio
Received from: Around The World Tours


Summary (from goodreads):
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 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.


This is one of the best books I have read this year. It is so funny, and sad, and overall true. Bianca is at a party club when Wesley Rush, the hottest boy in school (and he knows it), comes up to her and tells her she is the duff-Designated Ugly Fat Friend. Bianca is furious at first, and ends up throwing her drink on him, but she soon comes to realize that he's right. Her friends are gorgeous and she's just plain. Bianca has always hated Wesley for being a womanizer but when things start to get really bad in her family, she uses him to get out of her life. 

The Duff by Kody Keplinger was amazing. I loved Bianca's voice and the character of Wesley most of all. They had a love/hate relationship through the book and each grew in ways they needed to. I loved seeing their relationship grow, even though it was a smudge bit predictable.


Will I reread it?
Yes, I cannot wait for this book to release and then I will be able to go out and buy my own copy. Even though Kody Keplinger is only eighteen years old (I know!), she's an amazing author that I know will keep on releasing amazing books. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.