Read, Read, Read

hectic

2009-10-20T12:16:00.001-05:00

Life for me has been hectic, which is why my blog has sucked lately.

I'm working two jobs and going to school, so finding time to read and blog inbetween is getting harder and harder.

Not to mention my reading time is cut down by the fact that I have to read Ivanhoe for Reading Unlimited. It's a hard book to get into.

So I'm apologizing for the suckiness, and hopefully I'll catch up with some reviews and fun stuff soon.

<3 Chelsie

About the widget...

2009-10-10T22:08:00.002-05:00

Obviously I had the wrong code on my contest post and I apologize.

The widget has been set up correctly, to anyone who may have been interested.

Thanks :)

<3 Chelsie

Cirque du Freak Vampire's Assistant Movie Giveaway!

2009-10-08T10:00:00.001-05:00

THE VAMPIRE’S ASSISTANT

Due in theaters October 23rd

Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant, based on the popular series of books by Darren Shan, is a fantasy-adventure about a teenager who unknowingly breaks a 200-year-old truce between two warring factions of vampires. Pulled into a fantastic life of misunderstood sideshow freaks and grotesque creatures of the night, one teen will vanish from the safety of a boring existence and fulfill his destiny in a place drawn from nightmares.

In Celebration of this movie release...

Two (2) winners will receive:

Cirque du Freak book Set (3 titles in one book)
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant Locker Mirror

What do you have to do?

Comment on this post with your choice for your favorite Cirque du Freak t-shirt saying (and don't forget to vote for it in the widget above!)

And that's it! This contest will run until October 23rd, and is open to US residents only.

The Vampire’s Assistant giveaway is open to legal US residents who are at least 13 years of age as of October 1st. Prizing is only available to United States mailing address only. (International readers can enter if they have a friend in the States who can accept their prizes by mail.)

The President's Daughter by Ellen Emerson White

2009-10-03T20:08:00.002-05:00

Title: The President's Daughter

Author: Ellen Emerson White

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Meghan Powers likes her life just the way it is. She likes living in Massachusetts. She likes her school. And she has plenty of friends. But all that is about to change. Because Meg’s mother, one of the most prestigious senators in the country, is running for President. And she’s going to win.

Rating: 4/5

Review:

My school librarian highly recommended this book and the rest of the series, so I decided to check it out and see for myself.

I'll admit, this isn't the sort of thing I usually read. I may or may not have picked this up without the recommendation, but either way I'm glad I did get the chance to read it. There is such a great message to it.

The book, as anyone could guess, is about a girl whose mother runs for president, and wins. This is an interesting point itself, obviously for the simple fact that we haven't had a female president. One may think that if we did get a female president in the future, this book would be pretty pointless. However, I think it's pretty timeless and focuses more on relationships between characters than on the politics and presidency.

I believe that anybody could relate to this book in some way. Maybe your parent(s) aren't around as much as you'd like, or you feel like you're always in someone else's shadow and not your own person. Either way, I love the interactions between the main character, Meg, and the rest of her family. She is a teenager, who wants to be a normal teenager, but who is trapped in her life of being the president's daughter. Throughout the book, you can't help but feel for her. She is such an interesting and decent person, despite the teenager-like things she does.

That being said, I liked the book. The best part, for me, as I've mentioned several times, is the characters. Their development throughout the book and also the way they function together. This is a family book through and through, and I really enjoyed it.

Waiting on Wednesday- 9/30/09

2009-09-30T06:29:00.000-05:00

WoW started here.

The Naughty List

by Suzanne Young
Release Date: Feb 4, 2010

As if being a purrfect cheerleader isn’t enough responsibility! Tessa Crimson’s the sweet and spunky leader of the SOS (Society of Smitten Kittens), a cheer squad–turned–spy society dedicated to bringing dastardly boyfriends to justice, one cheater at a time. Boyfriend-busting wouldn’t be so bad . . . except that so far, every suspect on the Naughty List has been proven 100% guilty!
When Tessa’s own boyfriend shows up on the List, she turns her sleuthing skills on him. Is Aiden just as naughty as all the rest, or will Tessa’s sneaky ways end in catastrophe?
The Naughty List. Is your boyfriend on it?

This book sounds absolutely hilarious and I can't help but want to read it... who could resist?!

Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter

2009-09-24T07:57:00.000-05:00

Title: Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover

Author: Ally Carter

Summary:

When Cammie "The Chameleon" Morgan visits her roommate Macey in Boston, she thinks she's in for an exciting end to her summer break. After all, she's there to watch Macey's father accept the nomination for vice president of the United States. But when you go to the world's best school (for spies), "exciting" and "deadly" are never far apart. Cammie and Macey soon find themselves trapped in a kidnappers' plot, with only their espionage skills to save them.

As her junior year begins, Cammie can't shake the memory of what happened in Boston, and even the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women doesn't feel like the safe haven it once did. Shocking secrets and old flames seem to lurk around every one of the mansion's corners as Cammie and her friends struggle to answer the questions, Who is after Macey? And how can the Gallagher Girls keep her safe?

Soon Cammie is joining Bex and Liz as Macey's private security team on the campaign trail. The girls must use their spy training at every turn as the stakes are raised, and Cammie gets closer and closer to the shocking truth..

Rating: 4/5

Review:

The Gallagher Girls series has always been one of my favorite series to read. It is always so interesting and unique, and always hilarious. Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover was no exception.

In this book, the girls are faced with a kidnapping threat, and it makes everyone uneasy. Cam is her usual self, breaking rules and always trying to get things done. That's my favorite thing about this book: it's fast-paced and funny. Cam and her friends are wonderful characters; for the most part they are unique and interesting and always saying or doing things that make you want to crack up.

These books are hilarious and fun; not serious, but still dealing with enough issues that they aren't all fluff. I would definitely recommend them if you are looking for something light and easy to read.

Waiting on Wednesday- 9/23/09

2009-09-23T07:55:00.001-05:00

WoW started here.

Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood

by Eileen Cook

Release Date: January 5, 2010

Popularity is the best revenge.
In the final weeks of eighth grade, Lauren Wood made a choice. She betrayed her best friend, Helen, in a manner so publicly humiliating that Helen had to move to a new town just to save face. Ditching Helen was worth it, though, because Lauren started high school as one of the It Girls--and now, at the start of her senior year, she's the cheerleading captain, the quarterback's girlfriend, and the undisputed queen bee. Lauren has everything she's ever wanted, and she has forgotten all about her ex-best friend.
But Helen could never forget Lauren. After three years of obsessing, she's moving back to her old town. She has a new name and a new look, but she hasn't dropped her old grudges. She has a detailed plan to bring down her former BFF by taking away everything that's ever been important to Lauren—starting with her boyfriend.
Watch out, Lauren Wood. Things are about to get bitchy.

Even though I wasn't entirely pleased with What Would Emma Do?, I want to explore more from Eileen Cook... and it looks like this is a good book to try out :)

Crashed and Chasing Fire

2009-09-22T20:04:00.000-05:00

This week, I have been reading...

Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter, which was amazing. This series is fantastic.

Now I am in the middle of The President's Daughter by Ellen Emerson White. It was recommended to me by my school librarian and I like it so far.

Next: Crashed by Robin Wasserman and Chasing Fire by Suzanne Collins. So excited!

The Private Series by Kate Brian

2009-09-21T12:14:00.004-05:00

Recently I finished Paradise Lost, and I have to say that it's really difficult to review books like this; that is, ones that are part of a very long series. The books are hard to think of as one. They all connect together and create one story.

That being said, I have to say that I love the Private series. I wish I could review each book separately, but it would be impossible. Each book has it's own perks and happenings that make them so interesting and special that I couldn't take the time to write a thoughtful and in-depth review. Also, they just aren't those kinds of books.

I'd like to say that the reason I won't review them all separate is because they are all "the same" but that would come out the wrong way. They aren't the same, but the way they are set up and written are entirely similar, and chances are that if you like the first one you will enjoy the rest of the series. At least, that's how it was in my case.

That being said, the Private series is definitely a wonderful series, especially if you're looking for something that will keep you on your seat and constantly interested.

And the Winners Are...

2009-09-21T11:58:00.002-05:00

The winners of the huge Maximum Ride promotion are....

Amy and Paradox!

Email me at bookluverreviews@hotmail.com with your address and the books will be sent out asap!

<3 Chelsie

reminder and my awesome reading week.

2009-09-15T12:25:00.002-05:00

Reminder: Max Promotion ends TONIGHT at 8:00 Central Time! Enter Enter Enter!

Also, I've had an amazing reading week: click here to learn more about what I've sunk my teeth into!

<3 Chelsie

Waiting on Wednesday- 9/9/09

2009-09-09T12:22:00.002-05:00

It started here.

Release date: October 27, 2009

The cover to this book is divine, like the rest of them. This series is one of my favorites, and I am very excited to see where Splendor takes us!

Waiting on Wednesday- 9/02/09

2009-09-02T12:04:00.002-05:00

It all started here.

Release Date: October 19, 2009

As a lover of the first two books in this series, Dairy Queen and The Off Season, I am extremely excited to read Front and Center. It looks fantastic!

MAX Promotional Prize Pack!!!

2009-08-31T12:00:00.004-05:00

If you've been to Carol's blog (or, actually, a lot of blogs right now) I'm sure you've seen this already... but you can consider this a double opportunity to win, as well as something too good to pass up (I know I couldn't pass up the opportunity to host this awesome promotional giveaway... these books are amazing!)

ENTER TO WIN A SET OF JAMES PATTERSON PAGETURNERS!

MAXIMUM RIDE – IF SHE LIVES, THE WORLD LIVES, IT’S THAT SIMPLE.

Read “MAX” - the newest book in the bestselling Maximum Ride series.
On sale in paperback 09/01/09!

Still reeling from their most recent adventure, Maximum Ride and the rest of the flock must head out to sea to uncover the secret behind a brand new series of disasters—fish are dying off the coast of Hawaii, hundreds of ships are being destroyed. As if that weren’t enough, they’re also being tracked by a criminal mastermind with, oh yeah, an army of mercenaries. Can the flock save themselves and the ocean, and the world, from utter destruction?

Two (2) winners will receive a James Patterson Prize Pack:

Maximum Ride: Max (paperback)
Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment (paperback)
Maximum Ride: School’s Out – Forever (paperback)
Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (paperback)
Maximum Ride: The Final Warning (paperback)
Maximum Ride: Manga (paperback)
The Dangerous Days of Daniel X (paperback)
Daniel X: Watch the Skies (hardcover)

To win:

- comment on this post with your email address OR email me with Max Promotion in the subject

For an additional entry:
- follow my blog
- post a link to this post on your blog/facebook/etc.

This contest will end at eight o' clock PM (my time) on September 15th.

Good luck! Even if you don't win, go out and read some James Patterson books, now!

The Fine Print:

The Maximum Ride: Max Promotion is open to legal US residents who are at least 13 years of age as of August 24, 2009. There will be two prizes for each Promotion. Each prize consists of the following eight (8) books: Maximum Ride: Max (paperback); Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment (paperback); Maximum Ride: School’s Out – Forever (paperback); Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (paperback); Maximum Ride: The Final Warning (paperback); Maximum Ride: Manga (paperback); The Dangerous Days of Daniel X (paperback); and Daniel X: Watch the Skies (hardcover). The approximate retail value of each prize is $72.00. Winners will be confirmed on or about September 28, 2009 by email. Prizes will only be shipped to confirmed winners with addresses in the US. Prizes will be shipped within 30 days after a selected entrant is confirmed as a winner.

Crash Into Me by Albert Borris

2009-08-30T19:29:00.002-05:00

Title: Crash Into Me

Author: Albert Borris

Summary:

Owen, Frank, Audrey, and Jin-Ae have one thing in common: they all want to die. When they meet online after each attempts suicide and fails, the four teens make a deadly pact: they will escape together on a summer road trip to visit the sites of celebrity suicides...and at their final destination, they will all end their lives. As they drive cross-country, bonding over their dark impulses, sharing their deepest secrets and desires, living it up, hooking up, and becoming true friends, each must decide whether life is worth living--or if there's no turning back.

Rating: 4/5

Review:

Since I read the summary, this book has been high on my list. When I bought it, I couldn't wait to start reading it.

It started off well. I really liked how no important information was just given out, and you had to read more to learn what you wanted to know. It built suspense perfectly from the first page, and with a book like this it's very important to want to know more. And I did; the characters all intrigued me, simply because it was such an unlikely group with the exception of one common trait: they all wanted to die.

Not only did I love the suicide aspect of the book, I loved the road trip. Road trips in general fascinate me. However, that part was sort of disappointing. When a group of people are traveling across the country, I expect details. I want to know what's going on, and this road trip went way too smoothly for my taste. Everything was too convenient; none of their parents were suspicious at all? The credit card always had enough money no matter what they bought? It seemed unrealistic.

Even through the lack of details and the unrealistic factor, I still found this book extremely enjoyable. It was interesting and kept me guessing until the end, which I really liked. Also, it was filled with hilarious lists, which I think always make a book better. They threw in a touch of humor into what would under normal circumstances be an all-out depressing book.

Overall, a good read, and recommended.

just joined...

2009-08-20T20:31:00.001-05:00

I just joined Book Mooch, which makes me wish I had discovered it a long time ago.

Anyone else on there that feels like friending me?

Waiting on Wednesday

2009-08-19T11:24:00.002-05:00

It all started here. :)

Release Date: April 6, 2010

No official summary, but from Elizabeth's blog:

The Unwritten Rule is a story about a girl, Sarah, who falls for her best friend's boyfriend. As you can probably guess, things get really complicated really fast and The Unwritten Rule is about friendship and family and love and the agony of breaking that unwritten rule about falling for your friends' boyfriends (especially you best friend's boyfriend!) (and of course, now you know how I got the title too!)

It's still so far away, but I absolutely adore Elizabeth Scott and I am extremely excited!

<3 Chelsie

Teen Tuesday

2009-08-18T12:35:00.003-05:00

We have some new recruits to Teen Tuesday, and personally I am trying to get back into it. I posted this week, as well as a few others, and you can view them all on the blog.

It would be so great if some older members wanted to post, or at least peek around a little. And as always new members are welcome as well.

<3 Chelsie

Grayrider by Bruce Skye

2009-08-14T10:04:00.000-05:00

Title: Grayrider

Author: Bruce Skye

Summary:

Fantasy meets medieval magic in Grayrider. This novel spans the gamut—think Tolkienesque with a suspense-filled punch of chivalry! This is story-telling at its best where kings, sorceresses, and memorable heroes create an impression that you’ll remember long after you’ve finished reading. Step into the land of Boadhagh, where an exiled king, Gabriel brings word to King Airell of an impending attack from the Ansgarian army—the same army that murdered his family. King Airell has no men to stave off the attack, so Gabriel takes matters into his own hands. The beautiful sorceress and daughter of King Airell, Deidre, learns that her mentor created the violent Ansgarians and leaves her kingdom to warn her father. They join forces to defeat their mutual foe—and as they fight together, Gabriel and Deidre fall in love. Tragedy, love, revenge, defeat, and grief are played out with insightful precision through Skye’s characters. The story builds to a crescendo and the ending’s dramatic climax will stay in your memory long after the final page is turned.

Rating: 3/5

Review:

I’ve never been the hugest fan of fantasy novels like this one; they tend to drag on and on for me. However, this one I liked.

First of all, the novel was short. There wasn’t any spreading things out to create 500 pages of nothing but fluff. It was short, sweet, and to the point. The focus was on the two main characters, and the battle that occurs throughout much of the book. I liked how it didn’t stray and talk about this thing, or that thing, or anything else. Simplicity is something that I think works well with this kind of book.

That being said, I liked the book a lot more than I thought I would. I was slightly wary about starting it, worried that I wouldn’t like it, and it would take me forever to get into. I shouldn’t have worried. Now, I’m not saying that I loved the book so much that I sped through it as fast as possible. I did get bored at some points, and I was capable of putting the book aside in favor of other activities. But I was still interested in the story, and interested in what would happen, enough for me to come back for more.

As a not-so-fantasy-fan (or at least, not fantasy of this sort), I can’t really say that this is a great book. But I can say that I enjoyed reading it, and would recommend it someone who is perhaps more of a fantasy type person than I am.

Ruby's Imagine by Kim Antieau

2009-08-13T10:04:00.000-05:00

Title: Ruby's Imagine

Author: Kim Antieau

Summary:

A storm is coming. Big Oak told Ruby Butterfly and Ruby Butterfly told Ruby the girl. But how does Ruby the girl tell everyone else? Her grandmother, Mammaloose, will say it’s Ruby’s imagination—not real. Like Ruby’s memories of her mama and daddy—just make-believe. But this storm isn’t make-believe. It’s coming hard and strong, set to destroy everything in its path. And if the storm is real, maybe Ruby’s memories are, too.

Rating: 3/5

Review:

I knew as soon as I finished the first page that this wasn’t going to be an ordinary story. Ruby, the main character, is someone who sort of lives in her own world a lot of the time. She has her own way of speaking, with different names for ordinary things, like birds and trees. This was obvious from the very first page; as was the fact that something big was going to happen.

I liked this book. It goes through the events of Hurricane Katrina through a new perspective: Ruby’s. She knows the storm is coming, but she also knows that nobody will believe her. She continues on with her life, thinking about her friends and her family that she’s never known. Her life is really something interesting, and I almost wish that I could have gotten to see a bigger picture. There were a lot of things that weren’t described in too much detail, and Ruby is such an interesting character that I wanted to know more.

With such a big event occurring in this book, I thought it fell slightly short of expectations. A lot of the novel was about Ruby, and the rest of it was about the hurricane, I had a hard time figuring out what the main purpose was. Was it to describe Ruby and her family situation, or to talk about the hurricane? I am left slightly confused, and so I can’t say that this book will really stick with me for very long.

browsing the web (oh how I love this subject...)

2009-08-12T10:49:00.002-05:00

I have just discovered something very important to me :)

This book will be released on April 13, 2010.

That is way too far away for me, but it's okay because for a long time I wasn't even sure if there was going to be a third book at all.
You can read my not-so-stellar review of Kiss Me, Kill Me here

and wait for my oh-so-stellar review of it's sequel, Kisses and Lies, coming soon :)

<3 Chelsie

PS. The third cover is the best yet :)

How to be Bad by Lauren Myracle, E. Lockhart, and Sarah Mlynowski

2009-08-12T10:35:00.000-05:00

Title: How to be Bad

Author(s): Lauren Myracle, Sarah Mlynowski, and E. Lockhart

Summary:

From the authors of ttyl, Bras & Broomsticks, and The Boyfriend List come three unforgettable characters—and one exhilarating novel

Vicks is the wild child whose boyfriend has gone suspiciously quiet since he left for college; Mel is the newcomer desperate to be liked; and Jesse will do anything to avoid a life-altering secret. Each one has her own reason for wanting to get the heck out of their nowheresville town, even just for the weekend. So they climb into Jesse's mom's "borrowed" station wagon and head south.

Hearts will be broken, friendships will be tested, and a ridiculously hot stranger could change the course of everything.

Rating: 3/5

Review:

I have read at least one of each of these author’s books; in Mlynowski and Lockhart’s case, I’ve read more than one. So when I picked up this book and started reading, I knew ahead of time the type of story I could expect to read. I knew the authors’ style, and I knew that they were (are) all good authors. Not my absolute favorite ever, but good.

Knowing this, you’d think that I would have read this book right when I got it. Last May. Or was it April? I don’t remember. All I know is that it took me way too long to actually get in the right mood to read it.

When I did, though, I was hooked. The three girls were so interesting, and I fell in love with, of all things, the conflicts. Three girls with different personalities, going on a road trip? Ah, the possibilities!

Early in the novel, I had the general direction of the book mapped out in my head. I knew exactly where it should have gone, and I would have been extremely disappointed if it went astray. Looking back, I don’t remember exactly what I thought would happen. All I know is that it didn’t happen; but the direction taken was one that I was happy with regardless.

To be honest, I don’t have too much to say about the book. There were parts where I got bored, there were parts where I bawled my eyes out, and there were parts that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. And at the end of the day, I got what I expected out of it; nothing too amazing, but enough to satisfy.

I'm back!

2009-08-12T10:26:00.002-05:00

After a long, long, long, long, long absence (or so it seemed) I now have internet back in my home.

Due to this, there will be regular updates. And reviews. And maybe I'll get creative and do something fun and different for a change. But for now I'll just start with catching up on some stuff I've missed.

Thank you to my loyal readers... I know I probably don't have (m)any but I hope that will change soon.

TTFN,
Chelsie

My Summer (Bookish) Projects

2009-06-03T10:06:00.004-05:00

Summer Projects (In No Particular Order)

1. Finish reading Gone With the Wind

2. Read The Chronicles of Narnia

3. Try again with the Blue Bloods series

4. Read half of the books in my current TBR pile

5. Reread some old favorites

Sounds okay to me ;-) However, I will probably accomplish... one or two. Because I have no self-discipline when it comes to my books.

Chelsie

What Would Emma Do? by Eileen Cook

2009-05-29T10:11:00.002-05:00

Title: What Would Emma Do?

Author: Eileen Cook

Summary:

While juggling friendship issues (her best friend isn't speaking to her), a love triangle-turned-square (okay, maybe she shouldn't have kissed her best friend's boyfriend...but it was totally an accident!...sort of), and escalating mayhem in her small religious town (uh-oh...what would Jesus do?), Emma realizes she has to stop trying to please everyone around her and figure out what she wants for herself. It's time to start asking, "What would Emma do?"

Rating: 4/5

Review:

This book was very easy for me to get into, and even more easy for me to enjoy. It was funny-- hilarious, even. Emma was one of those characters who was just fun to listen to. She wrote lists practically every two seconds (and I LOVE lists, especially sarcastic ones) and the way she narrated her story was just so entertaining, I couldn't help but be drawn to it from the very beginning.

Emma also made it very easy for me to empathize for her. I can very easily imagine myself in her situation-- she and I both have dreams too big for the small towns we live in. Also, both of our towns our very religion based (although hers is probably more so than mine, although I'll get to that.)

That is all fine and well, and things go great for the beginning, but then things started to get a little iffy for me. A lot of the story seems too far exaggerated, like the EXTREME emphasis on religion. Maybe that happens in real life, but I wouldn't know about it... I have never been to or heard of a modern-day place that is so religion-focused. I also wish that the story were more original, more of it's own. I had high hopes, but I just can't help but want to scream SALEM WITCH TRIALS! Obviously it's not a coincidence; it was written entirely intentionally to be like a modern-day Salem. So it's like a retelling, which would be alright if not for the fact that in my honest opinion, the book had so much more potential than what it turned out to be.

The Van Alen Legacy

2009-05-28T10:14:00.003-05:00

The cover for the newest Blue Bloods novel is amazing.

This coming from someone who didn't really like the first book.

The cover is almost enough to get me to try the series again. I may end up doing that over the summer; along with all of my other book projects :)

<3 Chelsie

Love, Meg by C. Leigh Purtill

2009-05-22T12:14:00.000-05:00

Title: Love, Meg

Author: C. Leigh Purtill

Summary:

Fans of Sarah Dessen’s Just Listen will fall in love with this gorgeously written story of one girl’s search for her family and herself.

Sixteen-year-old Meg Shanley has to start life over again in Los Angeles because her thirtyyear- old sister Lucie can’t get it together. Lucie is always chasing a new man, quitting her job, and packing up their lives. Meg wishes she didn’t have to count on Lucie, but she’s the only family Meg has ever known.

Then a man arrives on their doorstep and reveals a shocking truth: Back in New York Meg has an uncle, a grandmother, and a father who might not even know she exists. Meg sees an opportunity to have the family she’s always dreamed about. She summons all her will, defies Lucie, and travels to New York.

But happiness, she discovers, doesn’t lie in a new family. Instead it rests in the true source of her inner strength; in a secret that has been buried deep inside her heart.

Rating: 3/5

Review:

This book can be described in one word: cute. It's one of those books that you start reading and you just wanna say, "Aw, how adorable!" It has a fair amount of cheese and predictability, but at least it has something going for it... it's cute as hell.

There really isn't much to say about Love, Meg to be honest. It wasn't bad, and it wasn't fantastic... probably somewhere in the middle (although it's a bit closer to the "fantastic" than it is to the "bad") The story was great; it had all the good elements to make Meg into a real person with real hardships. The writing, as I see it, is a bit harder to describe. The book sounded like it could have been written by Meg, which is great, but that might have taken away from the quality of the story (if that makes any sense at all.) At some parts I felt like there were some private jokes I wasn't a part of, and it was during these moments where I found myself detached from the book. I know that I am an outsider from every book I read, but I don't like it being as obvious as it was during this novel.

Overall, though, I enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to reading C. Leigh Purtill's second novel, All About Vee.

poking out of my dark hole to say...

2009-05-20T12:20:00.003-05:00

That there is an awesome contest that you have to be part of.

It started with this review of an amazing book. (or two, I suppose, is the correct thing to say!)

Then this publication story, that was really interesting.

And now this contest. Which will get you all of Elizabeth Scott's books, signed.

Um... you'd better be excited. This is probably the greatest contest in the history of contests. All thanks to Steph over at Reviewer X, and obviously Elizabeth Scott, for making it happen. Wooohooo!

<3 Chelsie

the school's internet...

2009-05-15T12:28:00.003-05:00

Talk about sporadic :) (that's my word of the day)

Earlier I was checking my hotmail and looking at things that are usually filtered (like the chat boxes in the sidebar of many blogs)

Now, I logged on again... and everything is filtered. What is up with that? It's both frustrating and amusing. :)

On a different note, I have changed my background... I was getting tired of plain white, and I realize it's not really different. However, I got rid of the double sidebars. I needed some change, but not too much.

Anyways, that's all for now :) Expect a review (or two) next week!

<3 Chelsie

Linky Links (or I have no reviews to post right now and I need to do something bloggish before I go insane)

2009-05-11T10:10:00.002-05:00

Carol has an interesting poll that I found myself filling out.

Kelsey reviewed a book that I have that I am now extremely excited to read.

Elizabeth Scott is having an interesting contest to win an ARC of Love You Hate You Miss You.

Steph is having a contest also... although this one is, as the blog title suggests, EPIC!

Steph (who is amazing, btw) posted about some upcoming books that I am now dying to read.

Shooting Stars Mag is giving away some neat-sounding books :)

Shooting Stars Mag is also having this contest (has anyone seen the pattern about how excited I am to read this?)

That's all for now :) Hopefully I'll do something creative with my time sometime this week... tomorrow maybe?

<3 Chelsie

interesting links I've found

2009-05-08T10:25:00.001-05:00

Once again, in my lack of relevant posts, I'm going to link to a couple interesting things I've found on Google Reader.

This news about Rachel Cohn, David Levithan, and John Green.

Another good review on this book I want to read.

This contest that I am sure to enter, because it is amazing!

That's all for now :) Expect more sometime later... if I have time.

<3 Chelsie

my poor google reader

2009-05-07T12:21:00.002-05:00

It was at 712 when I logged on, and while I've skimmed through a little over 300 of them, I find I still have too many to go.

Part of me is tempted to just click the button that will mark all of them as read, but I don't have the heart to do that... there are too many interesting things that I can find. Such as...

This contest.

This wonderful news. (not the point of the post, as she clearly mentions, but the main thing that caught my eye)

And this review that makes me want to read the book that much more (mostly due to the last sentence.)

So that's what I have found worthy of posting about, just for the sake of posting. Now the bell is about to ring, so it is sadly time to go. *sigh*

*crossing fingers that I get the internet back soon*

<3 Chelsie

Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger

2009-05-05T10:10:00.001-05:00

Title: Shine, Coconut Moon

Author: Neesha Meminger

Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Samar -- a.k.a. Sam -- has never known much about her Indian heritage. Her mom has deliberately kept Sam away from her old-fashioned family. It's never bothered Sam, who is busy with school, friends, and a really cute but demanding boyfriend.

But things change after 9/11. A guy in a turban shows up at Sam's house, and he turns out to be her uncle. He wants to reconcile the family and teach Sam about her Sikh heritage. Sam isn't sure what to do, until a girl at school calls her a coconut -- brown on the outside, white on the inside. That decides it: Why shouldn't Sam get to know her family? What is her mom so afraid of? Then some boys attack her uncle, shouting, "Go back home, Osama!" and Sam realizes she could be in danger -- and also discovers how dangerous ignorance can be. Sam will need all her smarts and savvy to try to bridge two worlds and make them both her own.

Rating: 3/5

Review:

This book was sent to me to review by Pulse IT, and to be honest I wasn't extremely excited about it. I've never heard anything about it (which isn't surprising lately seeing as how I haven't been on the computer much) and by what little info I had, it didn't seem like a book that I would enjoy.

Now, I can't say that it was amazing because it wasn't. However, I can say that it wasn't hard at all to get through. The story is about a girl on a mission to get to know her family better, and in doing so she will learn more about herself. Interesting enough, although I can say one thing that bugged me. This book is set in 2001, right after the attacks on the Twin Towers. Shine, Coconut Moon is a book that probably should have been released about seven years ago, when the attacks were recent and fresh on everyone's mind. It could have been a much more powerful and moving story then.

As far as the writing, it was nothing special. During some parts, it was slightly amateur-ish, which bothered me, but not that much.

Other than that, the book was enjoyable enough. *shrug* Not much else to say.

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

2009-04-30T12:06:00.001-05:00

Title: Something, Maybe

Author: Elizabeth Scott

Summary:

I wonder what it would be like to do high school things. To go out on the weekends. To kiss a guy. To have a normal life. A real one.

Everyone thinks their parents are embarrassing, but Hannah knows she's got them all beat. Her dad made a fortune showcasing photos of pretty girls and his party lifestyle all over the Internet, and her mom was once one of her dad's girlfriends and is now the star of her own website. After getting the wrong kind of attention for way too long, Hannah has mastered the art of staying under the radar...and that's just how she likes it.

Of course, that doesn't help her get noticed by her crush. Hannah's sure that gorgeous, sensitive Josh is her soul mate. But trying to get him to notice her; wondering why she suddenly can't stop thinking about another guy, Finn; and dealing with her parents make Hannah feel like she's going crazy. Yet she's determined to make things work out the way she wants -- only what she wants may not be what she needs....

Once again, Elizabeth Scott has created a world so painfully funny and a cast of characters so heartbreakingly real that you'll love being a part of it from unexpected start to triumphant finish.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review:

As a huge fan of Elizabeth Scott, this novel exceeded my expectations in most ways, but in one way I was really disappointed.

First, the good. All of Elizabeth Scott's books are fantastic. Of course this was no exception. Once again I enjoyed her funny and relatable characters, and her true-to-life situations that are more than easy to get sucked into.

Judging by that alone, I loved it.

Here's the real downfall: apart from Living Dead Girl, all of her books are exactly the same. Obviously they all have different characters, plot, etc. But as far as writing style and depth, they're all the same. Fantastic? Yes! But strikingly similar? Yep. The good thing is that when I start reading Elizabeth Scott I always know I will get a book I love and enjoy. But that is also the downfall. When will she start showing growth and variety? Living Dead Girl was good, if not downright amazing. That was a good first step, but now I'm looking for more range.

However, that didn't stop me from completely devouring Something, Maybe... and absolutely loving every second of it.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

2009-04-26T09:28:00.001-05:00

Title: The Adoration of Jenna Fox

Author: Mary E. Pearson

Summary:

Who is Jenna Fox? Seventeen-year-old Jenna has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a coma, they tell her, and she is still recovering from a terrible accident in which she was involved a year ago. But what happened before that? Jenna doesn't remember her life. Or does she? And are the memories really hers?

This fascinating novel represents a stunning new direction for acclaimed author Mary Pearson. Set in a near future America, it takes readers on an unforgettable journey through questions of bio-medical ethics and the nature of humanity. Mary Pearson's vividly drawn characters and masterful writing soar to a new level of sophistication.

Rating: 3/5

Review:

Futuristic fiction is slowly but surely becoming one of my favorite genres, especially in ya literature. And while I can say that The Adoration of Jenna Fox didn't come close to the spectacular wonderful-ness of other books in this genre (Skinned, Uglies, The Hunger Games... just to name a few of my favorites) it still had it's good qualities.

One thing I loved about it was the characters. They were all entirely believable, and the best part- they each where their own. Everyone had different thoughts, beliefs, attitudes... it was such a wide range and the different characters really moved the story along nicely.

Another thing I'd like to address is the setting. I don't know what year this takes place in; it could be ten years or fifty. I love that this book is so obviously set in the future, but it is still so very close to present-day. It gives the story more of a sense of urgency, which makes it easier to take this book seriously. In the not so distant future, this could be a huge issue-- which is why there's more substance, and it's not just a book to entertain.

Now, onto my problem, and the reason this book didn't have as big an impact on me as it should have-- the language. I think the author wrote this book beautifully, but the problem is that it seems so overdone. Things were too far expanded when I believe the reader could have formed their own conclusions. At times it felt much too wordy and confusing, and that's what I believe made this novel somewhat less of what it could be.

Graceling by Kristen Cashore

2009-04-23T19:00:00.001-05:00

Title: Graceling

Author: Kristen Cashore

Summary:
Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight--she's a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king's thug.
When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po's friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace--or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.

Rating: 3.5

Review:
I didn't really have any specific expectations when I started reading this book, but I had heard that it was good.

I'm really glad that I took the time to read it. While it's not the greatest fantasy I've ever read, it still had a magical quality about it that made it impossible to put down.

The book had it's problems, though, in my opinion. I wasn't a huge fan of how the plot progressed; in the beginning it seems that the story will go in one direction, but it ended up going in another direction completely. And while I loved the relationship between Po and Katsa, I didn't feel that the relationship was portrayed in a wholly believeable manner... something about it just felt forced.

Overall, however, I would definitely recommend it. It's fast-paced and I really enjoyed reading about such an interesting and unique character and story.

I think I've figured it out

2009-04-23T10:07:00.002-05:00

I am determined to post some new reviews. It bugs me that I have none, because there are thoughts I want to share and I have no way to share them.

What I've been doing lately is keeping a review binder, where I hand-write my reviews. This is so much easier for me because it means that I can take my binder to a place that has internet access (the library, my friend's house, etc) and just type up my reviews. I don't have to worry about getting a flash drive to save them on, or anything like that.

So sometime in the near future (tomorrow? possibly) I will have a review posted. Or two. It depends on how much time I have.

It's not much... but it's something!

<3 Chelsie

sigh

2009-03-16T10:24:00.003-05:00

I miss my computer.

I had a dream last night where we had internet back, but I still kept on neglecting everything.

I won't let that happen... I realize that even when I did have internet I wasn't always on top of things, but at least I posted...

*sigh*

I think I'm going to put all of my reviews on a flash drive and go to my friend Justinne's house and just do a massive review post... schedule them like a week apart and then at least I'll have something publishing, even if it's not the most exciting thing...

Either way, I'm still reading and writing reviews... so don't give up on me yet!!

<3 Chelsie

you know you're addicted to Twilight when...

2009-02-25T10:07:00.004-06:00

I interrupt my regularly scheduled absence to bring you breaking news from my Applied Publications class, AKA the yearbook class.

This is my friend Zach's senior picture... the one he wants in the yearbook. Forever.

See, guys can be obsessed with Twilight.

Dear Readers,

2009-01-19T12:27:00.002-06:00

A math problem:

no internet + no satellite + bad movie collection + no gas money + two free days off of school =

Reading.

And reading.

And did I mention reading?

If you'd like to know what I am reading, I am posting updates to my 100+ Reading Challenge post. I won't be posting reviews until I get my internet back at home (I just can't write reviews unless I'm at my own computer... so I have them written on MS Word and ready to post, when I can) but if you'd like to chat about one of the books on my list, then feel free to email my. I still check my email at the library, so I will email you back =D

Anyways, back to my ~~english report~~ overflowing google reader.

-Chelsie-

Temporary Break

2009-01-13T10:24:00.000-06:00

My internet at my house is down, so I won't be doing as much with my blog.

I'll still be around the blogosphere, hopefully... but it won't be nearly as frequent.

Hopefully I get the internet back soon!

Bloom by Elizabeth Scott

2009-01-11T19:59:00.002-06:00

Title: Bloom

Author: Elizabeth Scott

Summary:

There's a difference between falling and letting go.
Lauren has a good life: decent grades, great friends, and a boyfriend every girl lusts after. So why is she so unhappy?
It takes the arrival of Evan Kirkland for Lauren to figure out the answer: She's been holding back. She's been denying herself a bunch of things (like sex) because staying with her loyal and gorgeous boyfriend, Dave, is the "right" thing to do. After all, who would give up the perfect boyfriend?
But as Dave starts talking more and more about their life together, planning a future Lauren simply can't see herself in -- and as Lauren's craving for Evan, and moreover, who she is with Evan becomes all the more fierce -- Lauren realizes she needs to make a choice...before one is made for her.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review:

This is my very first Elizabeth Scott book. I have heard fantastic things about all of her novels, and I was definitely not let down by her debut novel.

There was something about Bloom that just hooked me. Part of it, I think, was the fact that it reminded me strongly of Sweethearts by Sara Zarr, which I am a huge huge huge huge fan of. While Evan was no Cameron, I still felt that same air of mystery about him, which was enough to make me fall in love. And while I can't relate to the character of Lauren (I have never been in a situation where I was dating somebody TOO perfect) I still could sympathize for her. She was a decent heroine, and while she did things I didn't agree with, she always presented a good argument for doing what she did.

As far as the writing, it was amazing. The writing flowed easily, and it was a very very easy book to read because of that. One chapter flowed into another, and I never felt that the writing was choppy or unorganized. It was very well written.

So overall, it was a good first novel. It wasn't something to die over, simply because I couldn't throw my whole heart into it and really FEEL for anything that was happening, but I am still glad that I bought it, and I am also really looking forward to reading Perfect You, which I have on my shelf as well.

100+ Reading Challenge

2009-01-03T21:42:00.028-06:00

Why, yes, I'm going to attempt another reading challenge this year...

Except it's going to be the 100+ Reading Challenge. Which I am so going to be able to do... I hope. Haha.

Anyways, I'm going to keep the list of books here =D

1. Bloom by Elizabeth Scott
2. How to be Bad by Lauren Myracle, E. Lockhart, and Sarah Mlynowski (review upcoming!)
3. Ruby's Imagine by Kim Antieau (review upcoming!)
4. Grayrider by Bruce Skye
5. Dateable by Justin Lookadoo and Hayley DiMarco
6. Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson
7. In Too Deep by Jennifer Banash
8. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
9. Leftovers by Laura Wiess
10. Ambition by Kate Brian
11. Revelation by Kate Brian
12. I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone (reread) by Stephanie Kuehnert
13. Looking for Alaska (reread) by John Green
14. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
15. Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess
16. Right Behind You by Gail Giles
17. Privilige by Kate Brian
18. Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott
19. Love and Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson
20. Last Christmas by Kate Brian
21. Envy by Anna Godberson
22. Private (reread) by Kate Brian
23. Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott
24. Invitation Only (reread) by Kate Brian
25. Untouchable (reread) by Kate Brian
26. Confessions (reread) by Kate Brian
27. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
28. Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
29. What Happened to Cass McBride? by Gail Giles
30. Graceling by Kristen Cashore
31. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
32. Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott
33. Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger
34. Love, Meg by C. Leigh Purtill
35. What Would Emma Do? by Eileen Cook
36. Hairstyles of the Damned by Joe Meno
37. Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles
38. Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers
39. Exit Here by Jason Myers
40. Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
41. Bull Catcher by Alden Carter
42. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
43. Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult
44. Getting in Tune by Roger L. Trott
45. Being Nikki by Meg Cabot
46. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
47. Perfect Fifths by Megan McCafferty
48. Willow by Julia Hoban
49. I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Shroeder
50. Simply Irresistible by Jennifer Banash
51. Crash Into Me by Albert Borris
52. At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks
53. Paradise Lost by Kate Brian
54. Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter
55. The President's Daughter by Ellen Emerson White
56. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (reread)
57. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
58. Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
59.

Jars of Glass by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler

2009-01-03T21:41:00.000-06:00

Title: Jars of Glass

Author: Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler

Summary:

Teenage sisters Chloe and Shana recall fondly the days when their mother wove stories about kingdoms under the sea. Now that Mom is “away,” Chloe does not allow herself to believe in fairy tales. She is too busy caring for her adopted brother, Micah, because Dad has become withdrawn. Shana copes by escaping every night under the cover of Goth garb. The day the family visits Mom for the first time is the day Chloe learns why Shana will never allow their mother to return. It is up to the sisters to pull together and form a new definition of family.

Rating: 3/5

Review:

I have read the previous books by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler, and I have really enjoyed them. However, I have to say that Jars of Glass was a bit of a let down.

I can't really say there was anything wrong with it; it wasn't a bad book. But it just wasn't that great, either. I read it last month, and the reason I didn't write a review sooner is because I completely forgot that I read it. It was a book to read, to get me from one book to another, but it didn't grab me or pull me in. I read it fine enough, but there are no distinguishing characteristics that I remember about it...

It had everything a good book should have: good, interesting characters; a plot line that moves and keeps the reader interested; character development; a beginning, middle and end; etc. And while I read it there was nothing wrong with it. All I can say, though, is that it wasn't memorable, although there definitely were some memorable images (which are basically my whole memory of the book). Would I recommend it? Not particularly. Would I tell you not to read it? No. Go right ahead and read it... just don't expect me to be able to remember it well enough to discuss it with you when you're done.

the winner is...

2009-01-01T10:02:00.002-06:00

After correct guesses from everyone who entered (I guess I made it too easy =P) I have randomly picked a name out of my cute little Rudolph tin... and the winner of Lord of Misrule is:

Sarah!

I've emailed you, and I hope you enjoy the book!

And by the way...

HAPPY 2009!

Happy New Year! [+end of countdown, the best book is revealed...]

2009-01-01T00:00:00.001-06:00

End of 2008 Countdown, book 1
The Host
by Stephenie Meyer
Release Date: May 6, 2008

Read. This. Book.

If I thought I was a fangirl when I was talking about Sweethearts, it's nothing compared to my feelings about The Host.

And in my defense, I did not love this book just because I am a fan of Twilight. I loved this book because it was absolutely amazing. I would recommend it to anyone... even though it's technically not YA, I would still recommend it to teenagers and adults alike. The conflict in the story is such an interesting insight on life and the future, and the characters are diverse and real (although Cameron Quick still wins out as far as characters go). I love this book, and it helped prove to me that Stephenie Meyer is not a one hit wonder (er... I guess it's more than one, since Twilight is a series, but oh well) and that there is still greatness to come now that the Twilight series has ended.

And speaking of ending...
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hope everyone has a fantastic year in 2009!

Also, my contest is now ended, so I will be figuring out the winner and letting them know as soon as possible... However, I may or may not be on vacation when this posts (most likely I'll be in Illinois, a couple hundred miles away from my computer) but you can still expect a winner to be posted within the week!

Chelsie

End of the Year Countdown, #2

2008-12-31T00:00:00.000-06:00

End of 2008 Countdown, book 2
Sweethearts
by Sara Zarr
Release Date: February 1, 2008

Oh my gosh, everytime I think about Sweethearts I want to go into fangirl mode and start talking about how absolutely amazing it was... because my God it was amazing. Everything about it drew me in: the cover, the mystery, the intrigue, the relationships, the freaking dynamic characters, and Cameron... damn, I still am really really really curious about Cameron... never have I been so interested in a character from a book. If I could choose between meeting in real life Edward Cullen or Cameron Quick, I would choose Cameron Quick in a heartbeat. And not only are the characters (even aside from Cameron) interesting, the whole entire book is written extremely well, and it tugged at my heartstrings just so...

I am also very pleased to find out that the paperback edition comes out on January 1st, so I will finally be able to afford it... I need to have this book on my shelf!

Chelsie

The 4th and Final Clue: The author of my favorite book may possibly be associated with vampires. Just saying.

Remember to get your guesses for my contest in before my favorite book is revealed, or you won't be entered!

End of the Year Countdown, #3

2008-12-30T00:00:00.001-06:00

End of 2008 Countdown, book 3
The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
Release Date: September 14, 2008

I was just awed by this book... it was one of those that snuck up on me unexpectedly and really left a mark. I never could have guessed that the story would be as interesting, or the characters as likeable, or the ending as open... I never would have guessed that I would want a sequel so badly. But I do, because The Hunger Games was amazing. It was gripping and hooking and something that I would highly recommend to absolutely anyone, regardless of age (although I'd say 13+ because of the subject matter), sex, or book preference. I can't think of anybody I know who wouldn't like this book...

Chelsie

Clue #3: 619 Pages

End of the Year Countdown, #4

2008-12-29T00:00:00.000-06:00

End of 2008 Countdown, book 4
Chasing Windmills
by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Release Date: March 4, 2008

This was just overall a great book. Great characters that I could relate to, and a great story that had me hooked from sentence one, all the way to the end. It was emotional and powerful, and a great love story. I loved reading about a world I've never been a part of, and seeing emotions that I've never imagined feeling... it was a great way to escape reality.

<3 Chelsie

Clue #2: There is a conflict about humanity, and what makes someone human.

End of the Year Countdown, #5 [+ an exciting announcement]

2008-12-28T00:00:00.004-06:00

End of 2008 Countdown, book 5
I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone
by Stephanie Kuehnert
Release Date: July 8, 2008

This was an absolutely fantastic book about a girl, her dreams of finding her mom, and the music that leads the way. It was addictive and lively and interesting... not to mention different. It didn't have an ounce of cheesiness, which made it one of the most real and emotional books I've ever read.

It also didn't hurt that Stephanie is one cool person to talk to. =D

---

ANNOUNCEMENT!

I'm going to make this countdown a bit more exciting and host a related contest!

I will be giving away a copy of the book Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine* (the fifth book in the Morganville Vampires series). To win, all you have to do is take a guess at what my absolute favorite book of 2008 was... anyone who guesses it will have a chance at winning! If nobody guesses it, then I'll pick a random winner... but if one person guesses it, then they will automatically be the winner. If two people guess it, then one of them will be the winner... and so on. Basically, the more people who guess correctly, the less of a chance you'll have of winning.

So I'd venture to say that you won't want to share your guesses on this one.

To let me know what you think my favorite book is, email me at bookluver reviews@hotmail.com. Included in the email should be your name and your guess, and also some form of preferred contact information in case you win. I will be taking guesses until my last countdown post on January 1st, right at Midnight.

I will also be leaving clues on my countdown posts, so if you are absolutely stumped you at least have a shot.

You can also browse through my reviews and see what I rated highly... just remember, the book must be a book released in 2008!

Good luck to everyone!

<3 Chelsie

First clue: Amazon Best Book of the Month (which month was it? not telling. I'll just say that it was before July =])

Holidays =D

2008-12-25T22:44:00.002-06:00

Happy Holidays! :)

I hope everyone had a good Christmas! That is, if you celebrate Christmas, and if you don't then I hope you have/had/are having a nice whateveryoucelebrate (can you tell I'm not exactly the most culture-knowing person in the world? If you have ever been to my small town you would understand why)

Anyways, the point of this blog is to say that, since it is the holidays, I will not be posting regularly... or be around at all, after tomorrow, since I'll be away for three days. I still have a review of Jars of Glass to post, but that will be waiting until next week sometime...

However, don't forget my end of the year countdown, which will start posting at midnight on Saturday/Sunday. Which will also hold a surprise for ya'll who are interested in reading/commenting on it. =D Hinthint.

Love,
Chelsie

House of Dance by Beth Kephart

2008-12-20T16:52:00.003-06:00

Title: House of Dance

Author: Beth Kephart

Summary:

Rosie and her mother coexist in the same house as near strangers. Since Rosie's father abandoned them years ago, her mother has accomplished her own disappearing act, spending more time with her boss than with Rosie. Now faced with losing her grandfather too, Rosie begins to visit him every day, traveling across town to his house, where she helps him place the things that matter most to him "In Trust." As Rosie learns her grandfather's story, she discovers the role music and motion have played in it. But like colors, memories fade. When Rosie stumbles into the House of Dance, she finally finds a way to restore the source of her grandfather's greatest joy.

Eloquently told, National Book Award finalist Beth Kephart's House of Dance is a powerful celebration of life and the people we love who make it worthwhile.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review:

Sorry, the review isn't here! If you're interested in reading my thoughts, click on this link and you will find out!

-Chelsie-

Like OMG Teens Read!

2008-12-19T20:44:00.002-06:00

This is one of my absolute favorite message boards (see button and link in sidebar -->)

I am also one of the writers of the Like OMG Teens Read Newsletter... which has found a home right here on blogger. The blog is still in the works, but it will be a compilation of all sorts of bookish articles and news, put together by some awesome bloggers, including myself (while I am probably not one who falls under the 'awesome' category), Vanessa, and Hope, among others.

Like I said, the blog is still in the works, but I figured I'd let anyone who reads my blog know that there's a new blog to possibly look out for. And if you're interested in contributing, well, just go read the blog.

<3 Chelsie

2008 Coming to a Close...

2008-12-19T17:44:00.004-06:00

Since it is almost the end of 2008, I am going to propose something...

Ya'll remember the Back to School Countdown I posted back in August? Well, I am going to do an End of the Year Countdown. It will consist of the top five favorite books from 2008... released in 2008, and read in 2008.

This time, though, I'd like other bloggers to participate... I would LOVE to see what everyone's favorites are...

So, basically, this is what I'm doing... I am going to invite everyone to post their own End of the Year Countdown on your blog, if you're interested. The only thing I ask is that, in your first post, you either mention my blog and say that's where you got it from, or link, or something. Give credit where credit is due =D But other than that, you can post it however you want, or you can follow how I am posting, which I will explain below.

If you're feeling up to a countdown, let me know and I'll be sure to go check it out. If not, that's fine too, I just figured I'd let everyone else know to expect another countdown =D

---

First Post [#5] on 12/28/08 at 12:00 AM: Fifth Favorite book of '08
Second Post [#4]on 12/29/08 at 12:00 AM: Fourth Favorite book of '08
Third Post on 12/30/08 at 12:00 AM: Third Favorite book of '08
Fourth Post on 12/31/08 at 12:00 AM: Second Favorite book of '08
Last Post on 01/01/09 at 12:00 AM: Absolute Favorite book of '08.

Hope to see at least some of you counting down with me!

Hope's Countdown: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

<3 Chelsie

-also posted on likeomgteensread.blogspot.com-

Waiting on Wednesday

2008-12-17T10:40:00.000-06:00

Eternal
Cynthia Leitich Smith
Feb 10, 2009

With diabolical wit, the author of TANATALIZE revisits a deliciously dark world where vampires vie with angels — and girls just want to have fangs.

At last, Miranda is the life of the party: all she had to do was die. Elevated and adopted by none other than the reigning King of the Mantle of Dracul, Miranda goes from high-school theater wannabe to glamorous royal fiend overnight. Meanwhile, her reckless and adoring guardian angel, Zachary, demoted to human guise as the princess’s personal assistant, has his work cut out for him trying to save his girl’s soul and plan the Master’s fast-approaching Death Day gala. In alternating points of view, Miranda and Zachary navigate a cut-throat eternal aristocracy as they play out a dangerous and darkly hilarious love story for the ages.

I read Tantalize not too long to go; and even though I didn't think it was the most fantastic book ever, I am still very very interested in this book.

Teen Tuesday: The Week Before Christmas!

2008-12-16T22:00:00.001-06:00

So, this week I finished Jars of Glass. I also read and finished Ever by Gail Carson Levine, and started Pride and Prejudice for my school's book club.

Jars of Glass was good. I had a problem with one of the characters (ugh, following the trend again). But then again, this character was someone that the readers is supposed to have a problem with.

Ever was just... okay. I love Gail Carson Levine, but this book just didn't do it for me. And this is why: usually, Levine writes books that are fantasy, but have some sort of realistic element to them. Ever didn't feel that way to me. It just seemed like a book made of coincidences and people/things/events that were there just to be there. It didn't have a purpose... except a possible religious purpose, which was the book's main redeeming quality. Overall it wasn't bad, but I wouldn't recommend this book over Fairest or The Two Princesses of Bamarre.

And Pride and Prejudice... I am only 27 pages into it. But so far, it's not bad. At all. I was thinking there'd be a huge language barrier, but there really isn't... it's not something that I am having too hard of a time trying to understand. I actually like it. =D (By the way, that cover is the actual cover of the copy I bought last week... and it's pink and green and I love it... it's so cute!)

So that's my update. Anyone else have a good reading week?

Also, an interesting tidbit: I did some calculations, and I read one book every 2.7 days. Which is actually not as bad as I thought it would be.

short updates

2008-12-12T13:54:00.003-06:00

What a busy couple of days!

My last few days have been hectic, hectic, hectic... but I managed to finish Jars of Glass, and so you can expect a review of that up soon... along with a review of House of Dance.

I just thought I'd give ya'll that update, since I haven't been around ~~much~~ at all.

Tonight and tomorrow I'll be around, though... unless I'm too busy reading Pride and Prejudice, which is our school book club's pick. I am so excited to read it =D Anyone read it/like classics?

Teen Tuesday on a Snow Day!

2008-12-09T10:58:00.001-06:00

cross posted at teentuesday.blogspot.com... please see button in sidebar =D

So it's late on a Monday night, I had to work today so I'm really tired... and right now the only thing I want to do is curl up into a ball and fall asleep... But for the sake of Teen Tuesday, I must post!

Plus, I read a lot this week.

I finished Untamed. I have very strong feelings on Zoey, the MC, which barely ever happens to me (as far as being picky about the characters). She was just... ugh, so annoying. Here is a link to my review, in case you're interested.

I also finished Legacy by Kate Brian, which is the sixth book in the Private series, which I absolutely adore. I had forgotten how much I love this series... I read the first five a year ago and then when Legacy came out I didn't have the energy to get into it again; but I decided to come back to it again and I am so. glad. I. did. Legacy was soo good... I don't have a formal review for my blog (I don't like to review books in series, because I've come to find that for most books in a longer series, there is consistency and reviews get to be boring... except in the case of Untamed, which the review was anything but boring to write) but if you're interested in a review, just mention it and I will link you to my Amazon page and you can read it on there. Or something.

After that, I read House of Dance by Beth Kephart. I read it so quickly on Sunday night, and I was just... awed. The book was so good; I am still thinking about it, so I don't have a review written just yet. But I know I will soon, because I have a lot of thoughts about it. Either way, a general summary: this book is ah-mazing, and highly recommended. Especially if you're looking for a quick, but very heart-lifting, book.

And now it's Monday night, and I am reading Jars of Glass by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler. I'm a big fan of these author's books, and so I'm hoping Jars of Glass turns out well. I'm not extremely far into it, though, so I can't say too much yet. But if you wanna know more... come back next week :)

Now, I'm off to bed... and I'll be hoping for a snow day tomorrow... *looks at huge piles of snow and flying snowflakes* It's highly possible.

EDIT: Yep, it's a snow day!!!!

<3 Chelsie

Untamed by P.C. and Kristen Cast

2008-12-07T04:23:00.000-06:00

Title: Untamed (House of Night book 4)

Author: PC and Kristen Cast

Summary:

Life sucks when your friends are pissed at you. Just ask Zoey Redbird – she’s become an expert on suckiness. In one week she has gone from having three boyfriends to having none, and from having a close group of friends who trusted and supported her, to being an outcast. Speaking of friends, the only two Zoey has left are undead and unMarked. And Neferet has declared war on humans, which Zoey knows in her heart is wrong. But will anyone listen to her? Zoey's adventures at vampyre finishing school take a wild and dangerous turn as loyalties are tested, shocking true intentions come to light, and an ancient evil is awakened in PC and Kristin Cast's spellbinding fourth House of Night novel.

Rating: 3/5

Good:

The House of Night series is one of my favorite series', simply because they are fast-paced, sarcastic, and extremely exciting. This book was not an exception to that pattern.

Bad:

Okay. Here I go. This is probably the first time that I have a serious complaint about a main character.

I am not usually a person who focuses on the personality of the main characters. There are books that I've read and loved that other people could not even finish because they seriously disliked the main characters (Jessica Darling from Sloppy Firsts and Bella Swan from Twilight being prime examples of my favorite books that I often hear complaints about the main characters). I have never been one of those people.

However, Untamed just may be an exception.

Zoey isn't a bad character... she's realistic and brave, which is great. But my problem with her is her attitude. She has power that other fledglings, and even grown vampyres would KILL for, and yet all she does is complain about her powers and the complications they bring, and about all the guys in her life. I understand the fact that she is a teenager and that entitles her to a bit of angst and complaining, but come ON! Halfway through the book I wanted to just close it and throw it across the room... Zoey pissed me off so much. Instead of doing something about most of her problems, she just complained and complained...

I have a thing for strong female leads. Zoey is not one of them... and I don't mind a little weakness, but she really started to annoy me. She needs to grow up.

I also had another problem with this book... the convient coincidences. I know that events in a book have to lead up to other events, but it seemed just too obvious. Fantasy books should be a little believable... and this book was hardly that. Even if the events are unbelievable, the book should at least have a decent flow of events. But it just seemed like the authors threw Zoey in stupid situations just because they could, or to prove a point about something that's almost irrelevent.

Worst out of the series so far... but I am still hoping for better from Hunted, the fifth book in the series.

Inte(Re)view with Melissa Walker!

2008-12-06T19:11:00.000-06:00

So, today is the day... for another Inte(Re)view!

This time, I Inte(Re)viewed someone extremely awesome... Melissa Walker! Melissa is the author of the highly fabulous Violet series (Violet on the Runway, Violet by Design, and Violet in Private-- click the links for my reviews of all three). She is also an extremely amazing person, and I feel extremely privileged to have done an Inte(Re)view with her.

Melissa's Website
Melissa's Blog
Melissa's Facebook
Melissa's MySpace

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Chelsie: Hi Melissa! It's so cool that you agreed to do an Inte(Re)view with me!

MW: I'm really glad to do it!

Chelsie: So, mind telling readers what we'll be discussing today?

MW: We're talking about Stephanie Kuehnert's I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE, which my book club is also reading this month (conveniently...)

Chelsie: That is convenient, since you've already read it. So, how about a brief summary for those who may not know much about the book?

MW: Sure. The book is the story of Emily Black, an aspiring rock star who's into the punk scene. Emily's mother left her when she was a baby, so she was raised by her dad. Emily always believed the myth that her mom left them to "follow the music." She and her two best friends are in a successful band, and she dreams that playing music will somehow lead her Mom back to her.

Chelsie: So what initially made you want to read this book? Was it the summary? The book cover (so perfect, by the way)? Or was it Stephanie herself, who happens to be a very very cool person?

MW: It was a combination of all three of those things. I had read some of Stephanie's blog before the book came out, and I realized that she really loves music, which made me all the more intrigued to read a book that it seemed like came from her heart.

The cover didn't hurt--it's so gorgeous!

Chelsie: And so, would you say that it met your expectations?

MW: It did. The thing that I really loved was the way Emily felt about the music. You could feel her emotions through the way she talked about playing in her band, and those descriptions were really powerful.

Chelsie: Would you say you connected with Emily and her passion for music: either as a musician or a music-lover? Or did you connect to her or any of the other characters in different ways?

MW: I'm a music lover and I have always admired hardcore girls like Emily from afar. The girls I thought were coolest in high school weren't the bubbly popular girls, they were the fringe girls like Emily, who seem to walk in their own, secure world. They seem wise somehow. And that rockstar style always gets me.

But in terms of connecting to characters, I really liked being able to see behind that facade I'd always admired and into Emily's real pain. It all made sense, and her highs and lows were so intense I really enjoyed taking the ride with her.

Chelsie: How did you like the way the book was written?

MW: I really liked it! I thought there was a real angst that came through on the page. And Stephanie wasn't afraid to linger on an uncomfortable moment. Sometimes things move too quickly in books, but I appreciated the time we got to spend with Emily--it made the scenes more powerful.

Chelsie: Having read the book before, I know exactly what you mean. There really was something so real and uncensored about it. Do you think that this honesty, that you don't see much in YA fiction anymore, will draw in unexpected readers? Or, rather, do you think that someone who may not like to read as much as you or I, would relate to this book more than they would any other book? (Side note: I hope that makes sense...)

MW: Interesting question. I remember reading that Stephanie wasn't thinking "YA" when she wrote it--and it's sometimes shelved with adult books. I bet that gave her some freedom that let her be uncensored, as you say. As a writer, I'll say that I sometimes hold back because I'm unsure whether the reader wants the intensity of certain emotions. But if Stephanie's an example, then she's a great argument for not holding back. I think the right readers will come to you--and love your work--if you write honestly. And she certainly did!

Chelsie: So, in this case, honesty is the best policy Speaking of honesty, how would you rate this novel on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best?

MW: I would say a 9. I truly loooved it. I'm only subtracting a point because I wanted more time with Luisa, Emily's mom. But that's a personal thing. Can I ask you for your input on that? How would you rate it and did you want anything more from the book?

Chelsie: Well, I rated it 4.9999 on a scale of 1-5, so on a scale of 1-10 that would be a 9.999999. And the reason I couldn't give it a perfect 10 (on the 10 point scale) is because of the beginning... I have personal issues with the first chapter, and how it gave a lot of backstory instead of building it up as the novel progressed. I would also agree with you about wanting more from Luisa, but that didn't affect my rating much.

MW: I hear you. I don't want to be putting words in Stephanie's mouth (again) but I remember her saying it used to have the POVs of a ton of different characters, and then she revised it so it was really Emily's story, and partly Luisa's, so I'm sure that affected things. In the end though, they were the two I wanted to see most, so I think that revise was wise. I also loved Emily's dad and their relationship.

Chelsie: I agree that the revision was a very good idea. Did you think that it might have helped her with character development in the final product to have initially written it with different POVs?

MW: Yes! I was thinking about that, and how JK Rowling knew all of her characters' full lives--even the very minor ones. Stephanie's characters also seemed really developed. That's really important for a successful book. Cardboard characters are so blah. *thinking I need to revise some characters in the book I'm working on! make them deeper!*

Chelsie: So, you loved the book... and you're definitely not alone! Is there anything else you'd like to share, about your opinion or about the book itself?

MW: Just that I've been impressed at Stephanie's ability to connect with readers of all ages. I know VENUS ZINE just named her book #2 (after David Sedaris) on its annual Hottt List, and that is amazingly cool. VENUS ZINE connects with 20- and 30-something DIY rocker type girls, and that audience can be really picky! So IWBYJR obviously speaks to people in various stages of life.

Oh, and I also love Stephanie's blog because she really puts herself out there in a way other authors tend not to do. That's a personal choice, but I love that she's somewhat raw in moments on her blog--it feels right, and reading it I feel like I know her a little.

(Hoping I don't sound like a stalker)

Chelsie: No, you don't sound like a stalker at all... I understand what you mean. As readers, it's good to really get to know an author on a deeper level. And I think that part of the reason I really liked Stephanie's novel is because I could imagine her writing it, and connecting with it.

MW: Exactly. In a way it felt like HER story, at least on some intangible level (not that her mom left her and all that!). I think that happens a lot with debut authors--that you can see them in their work--and it really worked for Stephanie.

Chelsie: Agreed. And anyone who has not read her blog or visited her MySpace page, I'll post links on the bottom of this blog post.

(Note: her blog is highly recommended.)

MW: Yes! A great blog with awesome features like "Women Who Rock Wednesday!"

Chelsie: So, anything else to add before I call this interview to a close?

MW: Just thanks for having me--this was really fun, and I feel more prepared for my book club now!

Chelsie: No problem! It was a pleasure doing an Inte(Re)view with a real published author. It gives me a tingly feeling inside!

MW: I'm sure more will want to join you soon--it's such a fun feature. Thanks, Chelsie!

---

Needless to say... Melissa was awesome!

And, for more info on Stephanie Kuehnert:

Buy I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone on Amazon

My Review of IWBYJR

Also, look for Stephanie's new novel, Ballads of Suburbia, to be released in July of '09!

---

If you're interested in participating in an Inte(Re)view, please email me at bookluverreviews@hotmail.com

<3>

Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith

2008-12-06T08:24:00.000-06:00

Title: Tantalize

Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith

Summary:

Quincie Morris has never felt more alone. Her parents are dead, and her hybrid-werewolf boyfriend is threatening to embark on a rite of passage that will separate them forever.Then as she and her uncle are about to unveil their hot vampire-themed restaurant, a brutal murder leaves them scrambling for a chef. Can Quincie transform their newly hired chef into a culinary Dark Lord before opening night? Can he wow the crowd in his fake fangs, cheap cape, and red contact lenses - or is there more to this earnest face than meets the eye? As human and preternatural forces clash, a deadly love triangle forms, and the line between predator and prey begins to blur. Who's playing whom? And how long can Quincie play along before she loses everything? Tantalize marks Cynthia Leitich Smith's delicious debut as a preeminent author of dark fantasy.

Rating: 3.5/5

This review is taking me awhile to really form... most likely because I've already analyzed the death out of it for a book report for my English class. Either way, there's not much for me to really say.

Good:

This take on werewolves and vampires is entirely new to me... and I thought it was an interesting point of view. I wouldn't call it my favorite viewpoint, but there's kudos to be given for a decent novel with a new idea (the new idea not being the werewolf/vampire idea, but the way they were presented).

I also want to point out how incredibly fast this novel went by. It wouldn't feel like I was reading that much, but suddenly I was halfway through and then I just breezed to the end. There are some 300 page books I really struggle to finish; this was not one of them. I was done quickly.

Bad:

Yes, I was done quickly. But with very little real impact. The book was entertaining, but it didn't stick with me. I closed it at the end and looked at it, then promptly put it aside so I could finish my book report and move onto my next book. I didn't hover, like I do with the books that I really like. I was sort of indifferent when it came to a close.

In fact, I am kind of disappointed with the ending. The beginning was great; it was a fantastic introduction to an interesting story and one hell of a page-turner. But the ending came too fast, and it was too rushed. Somewhere between the beginning and the end, it turned from a semi-normal fantasy novel, to something that was just a bit too bizarre and creepy for my tastes.

Although, it wasn't so bizarre that I'm not going to read the sequel, Eternal, when it comes out in February.

Sovay by Celia Rees

2008-12-04T12:00:00.000-06:00

Title: Sovay

Author: Celia Rees

Summary:

It’s England, 1783. When the rich and beautiful Sovay isn’t sitting for portraits, she’s donning a man’s cloak and robbing travelers—in broad daylight. But in a time when political allegiances between France and England are strained, a rogue bandit is not the only thing travelers fear. Spies abound, and rumors of sedition can quickly lead to disappearances. So when Sovay lifts the wallet of one of England’s most powerful and dangerous men, it’s not just her own identity she must hide, but that of her father. A dazzling historical saga in which the roles of thieves and gentry, good and bad, and men and women are interchanged to riveting effect.

Rating: 3/5

Review:

I am one of those people who is drawn to a book by it's cover. So, if I had never read anything by Celia Rees, I still would have wanted to read this book.

As it is, I am a big fan of hers, and so I wanted to read this book even more.

Sovay started out fairly decently. There's this girl named Sovay who is basically getting revenge on her fiance... so she dresses as a guy, pretends to be a highwayman, and steals all of his money. Which is good... an interesting and intriguing start to a novel. Right away I realized something about Celia Rees and why I like her books so much: she always has a strong female main character. At least out of all of her books I've read. And so I instantly liked Sovay: she was strong, and fascinating to learn about.

As the story progressed, I found myself... somewhat less drawn to it. Don't get me wrong, it was still good. But it was all over the place for me. One second it's about the revolution, the next it's about this guy or that guy, then it's about the revolution again, then it's about Sovay's most recent cross-dressing and robbing adventure. All of that in one book doesn't bother me, but it seemed like there was no decent transition. The point of the novel was lost on me... was it to emphasis the horrors of the French Revolution? Or was it a story about Sovay and a brief period of her life?

It didn't make much sense to me. It wasn't a bad book, by any means... and who knows, maybe I'm just being picky and judgemental. The book just didn't do it for me, sorry to say. So, if you're looking for a Celia Rees book to read, the one I would recommend would be Pirates!. It's definitely way better than Sovay.

Websites?

2008-12-03T20:39:00.002-06:00

So, recently I've been thinking about finding a new addiction.

And what better to get addicted to than a new-to-me website?

(the answer to that is a book, but for the sake of this blog post we're just going to say that there's nothing better than finding new, interesting websites)

My problem, of course, is that I'm not sure where to look. So here is my question: what is your favorite website? Please, no Facebook or MySpace... I'm looking for something I maybe haven't heard of or tried out. And if you don't have any interesting websites in general, feel free to leave a link to another blog that you like or that you think is interesting.

So... we'll see if I get any responses :)

Soon-to-be-addicted,
Chelsie

Waiting on Wednesday- First Edition!

2008-12-03T07:04:00.003-06:00

Willow
Julia Hoban
April 2, 2009

Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen year- old Willow’s parents died in a horrible car accident. Willow was driving. Now her older brother barely speaks to her, her new classmates know her as the killer orphan girl, and Willow is blocking the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when one boy —one sensitive, soulful boy—discovers Willow’s secret, it sparks an intense relationship that turns the “safe” world Willow has created for herself upside down. Told in an extraordinary fresh voice, Willow is an unforgettable novel about one girl’s struggle to cope with tragedy, and one boy’s refusal to give up on her.

Yikes! I am jealous of all the lucky people who have ARCs... this book looks really, really good... and the reviews have all been good, so I am pumped up and ready for a book that I will absolutely love. I cannot wait for April 2nd so I can buy it :)

Teen Tuesday

2008-12-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

teentuesday.blogspot.com

I am going to make a list... it will keep this post from getting too long.

1. Sovay by Celia Rees
2. Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
3. Twenty Fragments of a Ravenous Youth by Xiaolu Guo
4. 1/3 of Untamed by P.C. and Kristen Cast

Those are the 3.3333333 books I've read this past week, and I am very happy because that's practically more than I read the entire month of September.

Sovay was good; not amazing, but not bad at all.

Tantalize was definitely interesting; I am glad I read it, because it was a different take on the whole vampire/werewolf thing. It was good; not great, but good.

Twenty Fragments... was a short book that I've had since summer that I hadn't gotten to yet, until this past week. And it was actually good. Everyone once in awhile I need something different than my usual, and this was definitely a good kind of different. For one thing, it was set in Beijing, and for another there were actual pictures in this book... not an abundance of them, but every so often there would be a picture thrown in among the text.

My favorite picture was the picture of the Chinese McDonald's. I work at McDonald's, and I also happened to be in McDonald's when I read that part... so I was mildly amused =D

Anyways, that was my reading week. I hope I'm not the only person who posts this week =(

<3 Chelsie

not bookish, but still awesome

2008-11-30T21:46:00.002-06:00

My girl Hope playing Face Down on the piano:

She's so awesome =D

<3 Chelsie

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-27T10:30:00.002-06:00

I'm just going to take a free moment to say HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

=P How funny.

Anyways, Happy Thanksgiving, I am thankful this year to everyone who reads this post, and everyone who has viewed my blog, and especially the people who leave comments... I love you all!

What's everyone else thankful for this Thanksgiving?

<3 Chelsie

Skinned by Robin Wasserman

2008-11-24T19:14:00.001-06:00

Title: Skinned

Author: Robin Wasserman

Summary:

Lia Kahn was perfect: rich, beautiful, popular -- until the accident that nearly killed her. Now she has been downloaded into a new body that only looks human. Lia will never feel pain again, she will never age, and she can't ever truly die. But she is also rejected by her friends, betrayed by her boyfriend, and alienated from her old life. Forced to the fringes of society, Lia joins others like her. But they are looked at as freaks. They are hated...and feared. They are everything but human, and according to most people, this is the ultimate crime -- for which they must pay the ultimate price.

Rating: 4/5

Review:

The cover of this book is absolutely beautiful. The girl is gorgeous, the mechanical line things (I wonder what they're called?) gave it flash without being too overpowering. Also on the cover is a review/quote by one of my favorite authors: "A spellbinding story about loss, rebirth, and finding out who we really are inside." Scott Westerfeld said that about this novel, and I whole-heartedly agree.

This was a book that confused me... at first. I was confused, but strangely intrigued. The book starts out with this girl... and she is lifeless. She can't move, she can't talk, but she can feel everything. She was in an accident, and it changed her life forever.

I couldn't stop reading; I was entranced. The story was just so interesting, and it brought up so many questions that have yet to be answered. When I started reading I wasn't expecting much; the cover was gorgeous, but that doesn't always mean anything. And yet when I finished, I was glad that I read the book. It was a great novel. Similar to Scott Westerfeld's Uglies series, which is set in a futuristic world as well, and also similar to one of my Favorite Novels of All-Time, Stephenie Meyer's The Host, simply because it questions the ideas of humanity: what makes a human, and what crosses the line from human to something different? In The Host, it was a soul. In Skinned, it was a machine. Still, the idea was the same. And while all these books are similar, Skinned was probably the one that I would pick out to say it was the most "out there". Good? Heck yes. Worth the time? Definitely. But not for someone who doesn't want to stretch the imagination a bit.

I am still eagerly anticipating a sequel.

Twilight: Take Two

2008-11-23T19:49:00.002-06:00

Twilight the second time 'round was way better than the first. For one thing, there was significantly less giggling. And a significantly smaller number of comments about each thing.

I loved it... a lot. I just want to thank both my uncle for lending me the money to go see it again, and also myself for deciding to be more open-minded this time. Thank you!

And this would have been a long post about the movie and how obsessed I am becoming, but I got a Facebook message from my friend Sam who reminded me that I have an Anatomy and Physiology test to study for... which sucks, but it has to be done. So... we'll save the Twilight!squeal!omg! post for tomorrow.

<3 Chelsie

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2008-11-22T22:43:00.000-06:00

Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Summary:

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

Rating: 5/5

Review:

This book came highly recommended to me by basically everyone. It would not have been a book I'd pick out for myself; the cover didn't intrigue me, and just by that I wouldn't have even considered reading the back of the book to get more info. If it had been just a random book in a bookstore, I'd have passed it by without an extra thought.

But this is no ordinary book; not even close. With all they hype and great reviews about it, I was interested. And when it came to my school's library, it was so easy to get my hands on it. And when I did, I was not disappointed.

This was an extremely gripping story. Futuristic, scarily so. While extreme critics find other books or movies to compare this one to, I can think of nothing that compares. The story is definitely different from anything I've ever read. Killing people for sport is not a subject that I find gracing the pages of young adult literature. But here it is, plain as day. Perhaps it's a comment on society and the way things are shaping up to be, or perhaps it was just a hypothetical story meant to entertain and keep readers on the edge of their seat. Whichever the case may be, I was enthralled. And it really got me thinking about people, and just goodness overall.

The writing wasn't my favorite; it actually kind of bothered me in parts, the way that Katniss spoke in her narration. But the story fully made up for it.

I'm not sure exactly how the sequel will turn out... but you can bet that I'll be ready for it when it's released.

Postworthy Contest

2008-11-22T20:08:00.003-06:00

So, Brooke Taylor his having a contest that deserves a post of its own:

She's giving away a Collector's Edition of Twilight. Woohoo! So click this link and go enter!

<3 Chelsie

Twilight: the Movie

2008-11-21T20:28:00.002-06:00

I have very. very. very. mixed feelings about this movie.

*just a warning: I don't think I really get into details, but if you're worried that I'll ruin something for you, just don't continue. I tend to ramble on, but I think that what's ahead is mostly my opinion, and nothing too revealing about the movie itself. But I figured I'd caution readers just in case.*

The one word that just came to my mind that basically sums it all up is constricted. But it would be really hard for me to describe how that could be.

I tried really hard to like it, and not compare it to the book. However, when the amazing awesome fantabulous-ness of the book is on my mind, it's hard to expect anything less from the movie. Which sadly it didn't deliver.

However, I do not totally hate it. On the contrary, I am intrigued. For me, this was merely a sneak peek, just to get an idea on what it's like. I plan on seeing it again next weekend, and I will be more open-minded. And we'll see if it's better then.

To be honest though... the reason I didn't like it as much as I planned on was because my friend Sam and I were right next to each other... and every five seconds we had a comment on everything. From Edward's lips, to Jasper's gorgeousness... even the naked Barbie doll on the dresser in Bella's bedroom. And Sam is hilarious, so the things she said were just so freaking funny, I could not stop laughing.

Although I have to admit; there were parts that were ridiculous. And I'll probably get into more detail on it when I see it again and actually watch it without the Sam Distraction. But for now... I think I'll just let it sit in my mind for awhile. Let it fade away, so that when I see it again it'll be a clean start.

---

On a different note, I just realized something. The email address on my right sidebar is WRONG! I've had the wrong email address! bookluver, not booklover... I swear, the u and the o bother even me. I'd better change it... *whistles innocently*

I've had it like that for months. Good gracious...

-Chelsie-

right sidebar?

2008-11-19T17:05:00.002-06:00

I am beginning to wonder whether my blog shows up correctly on people's monitors.

It doesn't show up right on my school's computer, but I figured that was just the blocks.

But it's not showing up here at the library, where there are no blocks (at least, not on the computer behind the desk). So it has me wondering: does anyone else have a problem seeing the right sidebar when visiting my blog?

If so, please let me know... and if it seems to be a common thing, I will find some way to fix it. It works just fine on my home computer, but at school and here it's not showing up. So it makes me wonder...

<3 Chelsie

City of Bones and City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

2008-11-19T00:00:00.000-06:00

Title: City of Bones and City of Ashes

Author: Cassandra Clare

Summaries:

City of Bones-
Their hidden world is about to be revealed....
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Clary knows she should call the police, but it's hard to explain a murder when the body disappears into thin air and the murderers are invisible to everyone but Clary.
Equally startled by her ability to see them, the murderers explain themselves as Shadowhunters: a secret tribe of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary's mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

City of Ashes-
Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil -- and also her father.
To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings -- and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?
In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

Rating: 5/5

My Double Review:

Occasionally, I'll find a book that immediately captures my interest. I'll pick it up and start reading, and just be hooked.

City of Bones was one of those books. From the very first chapter, I was intrigued. This series was unlike any other fantasy books I've ever read. I mean, come on... Shadowhunters? What the heck are those? Um, hello? Uniqueness! It's a great concept, and these novels have it all.

So I started reading, and I was interested. My first question was: who are the good guys and who are the bad guys? Every single character has an element of mystery to them; and while a lot of questions were cleared up, I still find that the depth of the characters extends beyond just good and bad. The characters are real, flawed, and none of them are perfect, even if they do happen to be on the "good" side.

And then I read further and I found myself genuinely caring about the characters and what happened to them. Believe me, I really got into it. At some point in time during the second book, I closed the book and couldn't read anymore, because I just couldn't stand the thought of something bad happening. I was borderline obsessed. I found myself caring about the characters, and also wanting to be in their world. This was one of the first times that I've found myself actually believing and hoping that it could be possible for a fantasy to be real. I mean, vampires? Whatever. Werewolves? Yeah, okay. But Shadowhunters? How cool would that be?! How fascinating.

I have a strange fascination with the Shadowhunters.

Just like how I find myself with a strange fascination with these novels. Which is perhaps why my review is so strange; these books are definitely at the top of my list, and I really recommend them to anyone.

Teen Tuesday- Twilight Edition

2008-11-18T00:00:00.000-06:00

just something fun

2008-11-07T21:54:00.003-06:00

S. Krishna's Books decided to turn USA TODAY's Best-Selling Books of Last 15 Years into a meme. I found this over at Lori's Reading Corner, and I decided to do it and see how underexposed I've been to bestsellers. So here I go =D

So here's the deal: bold what you've read, italicize what you own, star books on your TBR list!

1 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling, art by Mary GrandPre
2 Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution - Robert C. Atkins
3 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
4 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling, art by Mary GrandPre
5 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - J.K. Rowling, art by Mary GrandPre
6 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - J.K. Rowling, art by Mary GrandPre
7 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - J.K. Rowling, art by Mary GrandPre
8 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J.K. Rowling, art by Mary GrandPre
9 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - J.K. Rowling, art by Mary GrandPre
10 Who Moved My Cheese? - Spencer Johnson
11 The South Beach Diet - Arthur Agatston
12 Tuesdays With Morrie - Mitch Albom
13 Angels & Demons - Dan Brown
14 What to Expect When You're Expecting - Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg, Sandee Hathaway
15 The Purpose-Driven Life - Rick Warren
16 The Five People You Meet in Heaven - Mitch Albom
17 The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen R. Covey
18 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
19 Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus - John Gray
20 The Secret - Rhonda Byrne
21 Rich Dad, Poor Dad - Robert T. Kiyosaki with Sharon L. Lechter
22 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
23 Don't Sweat the Small Stuff ... And It's All Small Stuff - Richard Carlson
24 The Secret Life of Bees - Sue Monk Kidd
25 Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert
26 Twilight - Stephenie Meyer
27 The Notebook - Nicholas Sparks
28 The Memory Keeper's Daughter - Kim Edwards
29 The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger
30 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
31 A New Earth - Eckhart Tolle
32 Oh, the Places You'll Go! - Dr. Seuss
33 The Four Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz
34 Angela's Ashes - Frank McCourt
35 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
36 Body-for-Life - Bill Phillips, Michael D’Orso
37 New Moon - Stephenie Meyer
38 Night - Elie Wiesel, translations by Marion Wiesel and Stella Rodway
39 Chicken Soup for the Soul - Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen
40 The Greatest Generation - Tom Brokaw
41 Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer
42 The Celestine Prophecy - James Redfield
43 Wicked - Gregory Maguire
44 Good to Great - Jim Collins
45 Eclipse - Stephenie Meyer
46 Eragon - Christopher Paolini
47 Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood - Rebecca Wells
48 Your Best Life Now - Joel Osteen
49 In the Kitchen With Rosie - Rosie Daley
50 Simple Abundance - Sarah Ban Breathnach
51 A Child Called It - Dave Pelzer
52 A Million Little Pieces - James Frey
53 The Testament - John Grisham
54 Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul - Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Kimberly Kirberger
55 Deception Point - Dan Brown
56 The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
57 Marley & Me - John Grogan
58 Dr. Atkins' New Carbohydrate Gram Counter - Robert C. Atkins
59 Life of Pi - Yann Martel
60 The Brethren - John Grisham
61 The South Beach Diet Good Fats Good Carbs Guide - Arthur Agatston
62 The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town - John Grisham
63 For One More Day - Mitch Albom
64 The Polar Express - Chris Van Allsburg
65 The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
66 The Last Lecture - Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
67 What to Expect the First Year - Arlene Eisenberg, Heidi Murkoff, Sandee Hathaway
68 Love You Forever - Robert Munsch, art by Sheila McGraw
69 Green Eggs and Ham - Dr. Seuss
70 A Painted House - John Grisham
71 The Rainmaker - John Grisham
72 Skipping Christmas - John Grisham
73 Cold Mountain - Charles Frazier
74 The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-Time - Mark Haddon
75 Life Strategies - Phillip C. McGraw
76 Seabiscuit: An American Legend - Laura Hillenbrand
77 The Summons - John Grisham
78 Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - John Berendt
79 The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien
80 The Runaway Jury - John Grisham
81 Goodnight Moon Board Book - Margaret Wise Brown, art by Clement Hurd
82 The Perfect Storm - Sebastian Junger
83 Snow Falling on Cedars - David Guterson
84 The Giver - Lois Lowry
85 Embraced by the Light - Betty J. Eadie
86 The Chamber - John Grisham
87 You: On A Diet - Michael F. Roizen, Mehmet C. Oz
88 The Prayer of Jabez - Bruce Wilkinson
89 Holes - Louis Sachar
90 Digital Fortress - Dan Brown
91 The Shack - William P. Young
92 The Devil Wears Prada - Lauren Weisberger
93 Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen
94 A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini
95 The Seat of the Soul - Gary Zukav
96 Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul - Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Jennifer Read Hawthorne, Marci Shimoff
97 The Partner - John Grisham
98 Lord of the Flies - William Golding
99 Eldest: Inheritance, Book II - Christopher Paolini
100 The Broker - John Grisham
101 The Street Lawyer - John Grisham
102 A Series of Unfortunate Events No. 1: The Bad Beginning - Lemony Snicket
103 The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver
104 Into the Wild - Jon Krakauer
105 The King of Torts - John Grisham
106 The Tipping Point - Malcolm Gladwell
107 The Horse Whisperer - Nicholas Evans
108 Hannibal - Thomas Harris
109 The Audacity of Hope - Barack Obama
110 Running With Scissors - Augusten Burroughs
111 The Glass Castle: A Memoir - Jeannette Walls
112 My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult
113 The Last Juror - John Grisham
114 The Devil in the White City - Erik Larson
115 Left Behind - Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins
116 America (The Book) - Jon Stewart and The Writers of The Daily Show
117 The Red Tent - Anita Diamant
118 John Adams - David McCullough
119 The Christmas Box - Richard Paul Evans
120 The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Ann Brashares
121 Sugar Busters! - H. Leighton Steward, Sam S. Andrews, Morrison C. Bethea, Luis A. Balart
122 Blink - Malcolm Gladwell
123 The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle
124 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life - Don Piper, Cecil Murphey
125 The Fellowship of the Ring - J.R.R. Tolkien
126 1776 - David McCullough
127 The Bridges of Madison County - Robert James Waller
128 Where the Heart Is - Billie Letts
129 The Ultimate Weight Solution - Phillip C. McGraw
130 Protein Power - Michael R. Eades, Mary Dan Eades
131 Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul - Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Jennifer Read Hawthorne, Marci Shimoff
132 Into Thin Air - Jon Krakauer
133 Middlesex - Jeffrey Eugenides
134 Three Cups of Tea - Greg Mortenson, David Oliver Relin
135 You: The Owner's Manual - Michael F. Roizen, Mehmet C. Oz
136 1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler’s Life List - Patricia Schultz
137 Self Matters - Phillip C. McGraw
138 She's Come Undone - Wally Lamb
139 1984 - George Orwell
140 The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis
141 The Millionaire Next Door - Thomas J. Stanley, William D. Danko
142 The Other Boleyn Girl - Philippa Gregory
143 The Zone - Barry Sears, Bill Lawren
144 The Pilot's Wife - Anita Shreve
145 The Lost World Michael Crichton
146 Atonement - Ian McEwan
147 He's Just Not That Into You - Greg Behrendt, Liz Tuccillo
148 Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
149 The World Is Flat - Thomas L. Friedman
150 Cross - James Patterson

Total Number Read: 23 (eh, could be worse!)

<3 Chelsie

Yay or Nay?

2008-11-07T15:04:00.003-06:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about my Inte(Re)view feature.

In the beginning there was a general positive response. Some interest. But as it got going, I found that it wasn't quite as popular. My Inte(Re)viewees were all fantastic, and there are a few people who are still enthusiastic. But there isn't enough interest to keep it going. I think I have maybe one left, and then it will dwindle and die, a horrible spiraling death.

So now I ask you, my readers: is it something you'd like to see more of? Do you have any ideas on making it better? Would you be interested in participating? And, be honest, could you care less?

I'd love feedback, because I want to see if it's something I should try harder to keep alive. I don't want to start asking people if they'd be interested if it's something that nobody even likes. So, please let me know, and don't be afraid to be honest.

In the meantime, expect a couple reviews in the next week or so =D

<3 Chelsie

Undone by Brooke Taylor

2008-10-25T20:31:00.002-05:00

Title: Undone

Author: Brooke Taylor

Summary:

When Kori Kitlzer, the “dark angel” of the 8th grade, tells Serena Moore that they are more alike than she thinks, Serena is instantly intrigued. As their friendship solidifies and their lives entwine, Serena tries to become more like the fearless, outspoken, and ambitious Kori. Soon Serena doesn’t know where she begins and Kori ends. But when a twist of fate yanks Kori away from Serena, she will need to find a way to complete her best friend’s life left undone.

Undone is a striking debut novel about friendship, family, and the secrets we keep from the people to whom we are closest.

Rating: 4/5

Good:

My first thought after reading this book is wow. Just... wow. Now, to be honest, I wish I could say it took me too long to write this review because I was just so awestruck by the subject matter, but the fact is that I'm just lazy. So right now I want to say something about how stunning of a novel this is; but I just cannot find the right words. This was unlike anything I've ever read before. It was like a spiritual journey without religion, and for me it created a mix of emotions that I was definitely not expecting.

Bad:

*sigh* This is the worst part of writing reviews. I wanted so bad to love this book; I've heard such great things about it. And I really did enjoy it. It was just missing something, to me. There was a spark that I was expecting that wasn't there, and the book didn't stick with me for very long. It was written well, it was interesting and amazing; but I still can't shake the feeling that there was something missing. I can't quite pinpoint what it is. But it's what's keeping me from giving the book a better review.

Although I would like to take a moment to point out that I have been having a hard time reading since school started; so possibly it wasn't a good time for me to be reading it, and my opinion might change if I re-read the book again in the future. That being said, I would still recommend this book highly. While I think it was missing something, it still had everything else and that created a splendid debut novel.

Proud

2008-10-14T21:34:00.002-05:00

I finished Undone just now, and I am so happy =D This is only the second recreational reading book I've finished since August, which makes me extremely sad but also hopeful for the future. Now that I don't have anymore reading to do.

Now, I have another matter to discuss... and that is my school's book club. It's a very new thing, and I have to say so far it's been going well. I was the one who suggested this month's book pick (City of Bones) and people have been reading it and liking it, so I'm glad. I was worried that everyone would be uninterested or intimidated by the size of the book. But that is definitely not the case.

My question to everyone here is: are there any suggestions for future book club picks? It could be anything, but keep in mind that there are guys in this club, so extremely girly books probably wouldn't go over well. We are also huge Twilight fans, if that helps with your suggestions at all =D

Inte(Re)view with Kelsey: Gone by Michael Grant

2008-09-27T15:02:00.003-05:00

This is my third Inte(Re)view, and I am very pleased to say that my friend Kelsey from Reading Keeps You Sane has joined me this time!

Enjoy!

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Chelsie: Thanks for joining me, Kelsey!

Kelsey: No problem, glad to be here!

Chelsie: Mind telling readers what today's interview is going to be about?

Kelsey: The novel Gone by Michael Grant.

Chelsie: This is one of the books that I've seen the cover to, but haven't heard much about it. Could you give us a brief summary of it?

Kelsey: Well, it about this small town on the coast of California and 20 miles or so from it, where everybody at the age fifteen and older disappears. Leaving babies, toddlers, and kids by themselves. Bullies rule, there's no police and they have to fend for themselves. That's basically what it's about.
Chelsie: That sounds intense. Was it sort of a mystery? Suspense? Thriller? All of the above?

Kelsey: It definitely is a thriller with tons of suspense; you could not wait to find out what was going to happen, but not really a mystery. It's more about how a certain group of kids, mostly age fourteen, and not all of them friends, going through how they cope with living without adults. The book travels from a certain number of kids, some you don't know why they are in the book yet and question why the book goes towards their POV.

Chelsie: So what is it about the book that makes it quite so intriguing and suspenseful?

Kelsey: Hmm....I think it might be the things that happen when there aren't adults in the world and also a conflict that happens in the story the makes a big turn for the story and causes some troubles, but I'm not going to tell you what, because I don't want to ruin it.
But, yeah, there are some big action scenes also that are terribly fun to read and the adventure goings of some of the characters you read about.

Chelsie: So, the story isn't something you hear about that often (or ever, in my case). Do you think Michael Grant did a good job with making it believable and realistic?

Kelsey: Yes, he definitely did. I really can't think of a better way. It's really thought provoking and Michael Grant was thorough and complete by the storyline. It was definitely believable and, well not necessarily realistic, since the plot does have a chunk of fantasy in it to do with why what happens and some kids do develop powers, like it says on the flap of the book. But other then that, yes, it is completely realistic.

Chelsie: Sounds like the type of book that makes you think about life in general... is this kind of the case with Gone?

Kelsey: Hmm, kind of. You think about what it would be like if that sort of thing did happen in real life, but the book is something you won't be able to stop reading, so you really don't think about it as much while reading it, but afterwards, it's crazy. But also, when lots of the kids want their mom's and dad's it makes you think about how much you would probably miss your parents if this did happen. So, yes it makes you think about life in general a bit.

Chelsie: With the depressing subject matter, would you say this is an emotional book? More so than other books you like to read.

Kelsey: I don't think its more emotional then a lot of books, you probably won't cry during this book, your eyes might tear up, but I doubt there'd be crying. Yes, there is some death in the novel, and the overall thing of having your parents and older siblings gone, yes that might be emotional, but hardly enough to make you cry. But there are definitely some terrible things that are sad and some scary parts in this novel.

Chelsie: On a scale of 1-5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best, what would you rate this book, and why?

Kelsey: A 5 probably, because the whole idea, the writing, the action and adventure, the characters, the emotion in this novel is incredible and perfectly done so, you never know what's going to happen, it's just a perfectly done novel, probably one of the best I have read this summer.

Chelsie: If you could say this book is similar to any others, what would it/they be and why?

Kelsey: Oh, that's a hard question because it is close to fantasy but not entirely there, but I don't read much fantasy and I have no idea if it would be close to any other books, but I kind of doubt it would be close to any other book out there, it is a very unique, original novel and the adventures and suspense in the novel are something you wouldn't think of, so no, I have to say, it isn't really similar to other books, at least that I've read.

Chelsie: Who would you recommend this book to?

Kelsey: Fantasy lovers, and also readers who just love a suspenseful read. Myself, I don't care for fantasy, but this novel, yes, had a chunk of fantasy in it, but it didn't overpower the novel, it was like, like a side dish to the whole. There is also some romance in the novel and the romance is perfect, although they are only fourteen. I think boy, girl, it doesn't matter, I finished this novel and now my brothers reading it. The main, main character, Sam, is a guy but you also get to see in the minds of several girls and boys.

Overall, I think a lot of people can read this novel and enjoy it, maybe not adults, but teens for sure.

Chelsie: So, is there anything else you'd like to add that hasn't been talked about yet?

Kelsey: Yes, this book is going to become a series, The Gone Series, I believe and the next book will be releasing next summer, I heard on Amazon that it is called Hunger, which fits perfectly for the novel, but them on Michael Grant's MySpace it read in a journal entry dated the end of July said it was Sacrifice, so I'm not sure which it is yet, but I personally think that Hunger is better. So check that out once you read this book because the book has kind of a cliffhanger ending.

Chelsie: Do you happen to know how many total books are going to be in the series, or is that undetermined?

Kelsey: No, I do not, unfortunately, but hopefully more then two.

Chelsie: Well, now that I have a book to look forward to reading, I'm going to thank you for being such an awesome Inte(Re)viewee!

Kelsey: Thank you, Chelsie for asking some awesome questions and having me be able to do this. I had a ton of fun!

Chelsie: No problem, and let me know if you'd be interested in doing it again sometime!

Kelsey: I sure will!

---

If you're interested in being an Inte(Re)viewee, feel free to email me at bookluverreviews@hotmail.com!

Inte(Re)view with Liv: Undone by Brooke Taylor

2008-09-20T22:43:00.006-05:00

This will be my third Inte(Re)view posted here at this blog, but it was my second one actually done, and I have to say I am really excited about it. This one was such fun!

Please welcome the awesome Liv from Liv's Book Reviews, who, after some technical difficulties, managed to participate in my second-done/third-posted Inte(Re)view ever!

---

Chelsie: Thanks for joining me!

Liv: No problem!

Chelsie: Mind telling readers what tonight's interview is about?

Liv: Tonight I'm being interviewed about Brooke Taylor's debut book Undone. It's about two best friends, Serena and Kori, the dynamics of their relationship, and how far they are willing to go for each other.

Chelsie: Best friends, huh? There sure are a lot of novels about friendship. How would Undone compare to some other friendship novels you may have read?

Liv: Wow. I've read many other books based around duos, but Undone has one of the most interesting pairings. Kori is the dark, dangerous, and bold one, who for some unknown reason decides she wants to befriend the shy and soft-spoken girl. Serena depends a lot on Kori's strength to help her through high school and Kori in turn depends on Serena in her own way. In other books, the best friends are usually pretty stereotypical; they've known each other since they've been in diapers, they share clothes, music, and boys, and they know all of each other's secrets. In Undone, it's completely different which was refreshing. Kori and Serena know many superficial things about each other but neither is willing to give up their darkest secrets to the other, which makes it a very interesting relationship to read about.

Chelsie: I've never heard of any friends who are best friends who aren't willing to share dark secrets... how did that turn out?

Liv: I think it added a sort of stress to the story. Kori and Serena were always present in each other's lives but yet at the same time, they knew not to pry into the other's business. After Serena is separated from Kori in the early parts of the story, it makes her realize that there were many things that she didn't know about Kori. Serena takes it on herself to learn every detail about her life and in that she discovers things she didn't know were even plausible. I think Serena felt betrayed to some degree but was also understanding to why Kori kept things from her as she herself had things she wanted hidden from Kori. I liked that they didn't have the kind of relationship you'd expect. There was always some sort of twist that added something new and surprising to the story.

Chelsie: I was watching the Undone book trailer* and it made it seem like, when they are separated, Serena was on a sort of quest to learn more. Is that an accurate way to describe it?

Liv: It's definitely a quest. When Kori left, she left behind a list of things that she wanted to do in her life. Serena finds that list and makes it her duty to both complete Kori's list so it isn't left Undone (hence the book title), and learn the circumstances in Kori's life that were present on the night she disappeared. Serena contacts old friends of Kori's that she didn't knew existed, she confronts her mother, she goes through Kori's things; all because she wants to complete the list which includes mysterious things like "Confront D", and even "Tell Serena". After first reading the list she realizes that there are some major things she didn't know about the girl who was supposedly her best friend. Serena goes to such extremes in her "quest" that she ditches her only other friends, acts like Kori, and becomes involved with Kori's old boyfriend. It's almost like she believes she is Kori, and it takes some serious measures to get her to come back to her friends and her life, and leave the past behind.

Chelsie: So it sounds almost like a mystery... something to get you hooked and trying to figure out exactly what's going to happen next.

Liv: Exactly. I was left guessing until the very end, which was something I really enjoyed. Once one plot point was resolved another one turned up which added even more suspense and mystery, like you said. I really had no idea what was going to happen next in the book, but once it did you can see where all the puzzle pieces fit together. It's both suspenseful, and satisfying, once everything gets figured out. Brooke Taylor really knows how to write a story that will keep you flipping pages.

Chelsie: I love a good page-turner. So, overall, what would you rate this book, on a scale of 1-5, with one being the worst and 5 being the best?

Liv: That's really hard, but I think I'd give it a 4.5. Pretty close to perfect! It's definitely a book I'd recommend to any one who is looking for a book that will suck you in and keep you in suspense until the very last page.

Chelsie: And for comparison's sake, if you could say this book is similar to any others, what would it/they be?

Liv: That's a hard question too! I don't think I've ever read any book that had a plot even close to Undone's. Stephanie Kuehnert's I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone is probably the closest. Both of the girls in the books are searching for clues about someone that's not in their life and they both have a yummy, edgy, writing style. And coincidentally, both of them are among the list of my favorite books.

Chelsie: Wow, any doubts I might have had (there were very few) about reading Undone are completely gone now that you've compared it to I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone, which I loved. I had this book in my pile earlier today, and slowly as I did this interview it has moved up on my list.

Chelsie: So, what kind of expectations did you have for this book? Were they met, or exceeded?

Liv: I'm so glad you've moved it up on your pile! It's a great read.

Liv: I had some pretty high expectations when I started to read Undone as I had read quite a few positive reviews on it. Everyone said it was very enthralling and moving so I had a few doubts that when I would read the book, it wouldn't live up to that, but that doubt was totally erased as my expectations were fully met. I can't say that they were exceeded as they were pretty high to begin with, but they were definitely met which was all I wanted. Undone is a book that lives up to any positive review out there. It has detailed characters, a twisting plot, and a writing style that's unique and easy to read. I couldn't have asked for more.

Chelsie: And speaking of reviews, as a side note I read an extremely awesome review of Undone over at Reviewer X's blog, so click here to check it out.

Chelsie: I'm having a hard time coming up with any good questions, since you seem to have summed it all up perfectly in my mind, so is there anything you'd like to add before I wrap it up?

Liv: Just thank you for having me!

Chelsie: Well, it was a pleasure!

Chelsie: And now I am really excited to read Undone!

Liv: As you should be. It's really really good.

Chelsie: Well, thanks for being my Inte(Re)viewee!

Liv: I had a great time! Thanks for being willing to interview me.

*Undone book trailer: click here.

--If you'd be interested in participating in an Inte(Re)view, email me at bookluverreviews@hotmail.com--

Inte(Re)View with Hope: The Midnight Twins by Jacqueline Mitchard

2008-09-13T12:00:00.001-05:00

After an extremely long wait, I am finally going to post my second Inte(Re)view. You can find my first one on The Book Thief here, and there will be others being posted in the near future, one next Saturday (it is entirely a coincidence that this and the next were scheduled a week apart) and a couple others in the making. And if you like the idea, feel free to get in on the action by emailing me! My email is posted on the bottom of this post.

And so, without further adieu, my second Inte(Re)view!

The lucky Inte(Re)viewee is... Hope from Hope's Bookshelf!

---

Chelsie: Hey Hope! So glad you could join me today!

Hope: Thanks for having me, Chelsie. :]

Chelsie: It's always a pleasure. So, mind telling everyone what this interview is about?

Hope: The Midnight Twins by Jacquelyn Mitchard.

Chelsie: Think you could give me a short summary of the book?

Hope: The book is about two twins, Meredith and Mallory. One can see into the future and the other can see into the past. They have to work together to stop a certain something from happening.

Chelsie: Oh? And I assume that secret something is top secret, right?

Hope: Yep. I'm not going to tell you because I wouldn't want to spoil the book for you. :]

Chelsie: Ah, okay. So, to jump right into it, what'd you think of it?

Hope: Personally, I didn't like it too much. The writing seemed really forced a lot of the time, for one. Also, though Jacquelyn Mitchard spent a lot of time explaining all the reasons why Mally and Merry were opposites, they didn't seem that way to me. Another thing that really annoyed me was that the characters didn't grow a whole lot. Mally and Merry grew a little bit, but all the minor characters stayed the same and didn't grow at all.

Chelsie: So you wouldn't recommend it?

Hope: No, not really, to be honest. There are a lot more books out there that are better reads than this one.

Chelsie: That's reassuring, because I started reading this book and I just couldn't get into it.

Hope: It took me a while to get into it, too. I don't think I ever fully got interested in the story.

Chelsie: So, have you read anything else by Jacqueline Mitchard?

Hope: No, I haven't read anything by Jacqueline Mitchard before, though I've heard her other books are better than this one.

Chelsie: That's good to hear. So, is there anything specific that you can point out that was really what made you not like the book? Or was it just all the little things combined?

Hope: It was all those little things combined. And the fact that it didn't get interesting until the middle. The beginning was boring, the middle got kind of interesting, and the end got kind of boring again.

Chelsie: Were there any redeeming qualities that might make this a book appeal to someone else?

Hope: The idea is a very interesting one. I've never read a story that had the idea of this one.

Chelsie: So, points for uniqueness. I like unique things. But sadly, this book (or the beginning, at least) just didn't do it for me. So, on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best, how would you rate The Midnight Twins?

Hope: Hm. Probably a 2, because the idea was really original.

Chelsie: So, overall not a good book. As you've already said. So, is there anything else you'd like to share?

Hope: I think that's pretty much all I have to say about this book. But while I'm here I'll do some free advertising. Visit my blog at http://www.princess2293.blogspot.com for more young adult reviews. Thanks again for having me, Chelsie. :]

Chelsie: Like I said, it's always a pleasure. And feel free to come back anytime for another Inte(Re)view. Hopefully next time it will be a good review.

Hope: I hope so, too. :]

Chelsie: Thanks again!

---

If you'd be interested in doing an Inte(Re)view, feel free to email me at bookluverreviews@hotmail.com!

Peaches

2008-09-13T00:13:00.002-05:00

I think that I promised an Inte(Re)view today, but I think I'm going to postpone that for tomorrow. Right when I get done with this post I'm going to schedule it for tomorrow. So keep your eyes peeled.

Right now I'm just going to talk about a series that I am in love with, but it seems like it gets very little publicity. And this series is the Peaches series by Jodi Lynn Anderson.

I bought the first book, Peaches, on a whim one day when I had a little extra money to spend, and I started it the very same day. After a somewhat slow start, and a kind of boring middle, it picked up quickly and I adored the ending.

I had no idea there was a sequel until I got a Borders gift card for Christmas two years ago. And I bought the sequel, Th e Secrets of Peaches, in hardcover, and read it the very same night. [[Side note: the title links to the amazon page, and I just noticed that my review is listed as one of the most helpful customer reviews... it's the very first one. I know there are only six reviews total, but I've wanted to have a helpful review listed in the top for such a long time. And it's not even that good of a review, wow...]]

This is probably the only series I can think of where I liked the second book better than the first. I think it's because I was already into the story by the time I read the second book, so I didn't have to go through the introductory stage where I was trying to figure out the characters and the writing style. I could just jump right into it.

Anyways, I loved it. And I had no idea whether there was going to be a third book or not, but I hoped there would be. These books are like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants to me, except not quite as popular.

Not too long ago I was somewhere, I can't remember where (harperteen??), and I saw the book cover for the third book, Love and Peaches... and I was soooo excited. And it's being released on October 28th, which isn't really that far away... I am looking forward to going to B&N and buying it... in hardcover. I want to own the whole series.

I simply had to share this with everyone. Especially since I think everyone should know about this series, and because the covers are all so pretty and simple... I find that I like simple covers better than elaborate covers. And I love how they all match. So awesome.

Shall I Repeat Myself?

2008-09-11T17:56:00.003-05:00

School is awful for bloggers like me. And it's even worse in the fall, because I have all this stuff going on, and I just don't feel like spending my free time on the computer. *shocked gasps from the peanut gallery*

Eh, it's true. I'd rather catch up on the TV shows building up on my DVR, sleep, or actually read something. Because without reading this blog would be nothing... and I have not read at all.

Except, I read one book. Ivy by Julie Hearn. I gave myself a couple days to think about it and decide whether I really want to review it or not, and I have decided not to. If you want to hear my thoughts about it, you can always check out my blog post on Teen Tuesday. And while you're there, be sure to read the rest of the blogs because that would make one of us who is actually keeping up with the blogging world.

Agh. Other than Ivy, I have read about five pages of Undone by Brooke Taylor. And on top of that I also have three nonfiction books to read for school.

I would say I'm taking a break from blogging, but that's not really true. I just won't be as active. Obviously. Because I am swamped with work.

Speaking of work, I have a job (other than my summer library job.) I am now a proud employee of McDonalds. Yay!

Anyways, now that I'm done posting a pointless rambly blog, I'm going to disappear and go to play practice. I would say keep your eyes out for my second Inte(Re)view tomorrow, but that's only if I get the time to post it.

-Chelsie-

Contest Winner + School

2008-09-04T19:28:00.002-05:00

First off, the contest winner announcement is long overdue. So, here it is:

Allyssa Smith!

Please email me with your info within a reasonable amount of time (I'm not gonna give a time limit, but if you don't email me or get in touch then I'll obviously have to pick a different winner) and the book is yours =D

And now that the official business is taken care of, I have one thing to say.

School is making it impossible to read.

That's about it.

-Chelsie-

Back to School Countdown #1

2008-09-02T08:05:00.001-05:00

Back to School Countdown, Book(s) #1

These fine pieces of literature need no introduction! At least, not where I'm from.

Harry Potter is a phenomenon, and I honestly am not sure what to say about the books. They are definitely as good as everyone says they are, and they deserve to be so widely liked.

And of course they made number 1 on my list because of the famous school in which they all take place... Hogwarts! Not only are these books number one for their awesomeness, they are also number one because this school is probably the most cool school in the literary world.

I've always wanted to go to Hogwarts... it's such a magical school... literally. Instead of learning Math and Science, you'd learn Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions. And while I'd have to live at Hogwarts throughout the whole school year, there probably wouldn't be a dull moment with all of the secret rooms, strange teachers, and moving staircases.

Yay for Hogwarts! Yay for Harry Potter! And yay for school!

Speaking of school... by the time you read this I will have started my very first day of my Junior year... and hopefully it's a good one =D

Wish me luck!

Back to School Countdown, #2

2008-09-01T17:20:00.000-05:00

Back to School Countdown, Book #2
Looking for Alaska
by John Green

Anyone who hasn't read anything by John Green, they need to pick this book up asap. Anyone who's read something by John Green but hasn't read this book, what the heck is wrong with you?! This book is amazing.

It's been awhile since I've read it, so I think my arguments for the amazingness of this novel are kind of lacking.

And I'm not even going to begin to slaughter this book with a miserable summary. I'm just going to say that Miles goes to boarding school... and things happen. Interesting things.

I was addicted after ten pages, and I couldn't even put this book down. It was intriguing. It was thoughtful. And it had something important to say... it wasn't just another YA novel. This was more real, more meaningful than a lot of books I have read.

I refuse to go into detail, because anything I say about it will make it sound mediocre and just okay. But just know this book comes highly recommended from me.

Back to School Countdown, #3

2008-08-31T16:57:00.002-05:00

Back to School Countdown, Book(s) #3
A Great and Terrible Beauty
Rebel Angels
The Sweet Far Thing
by Libba Bray

Now THESE books are amazing... I would highly recommend them to anyone, even someone who takes one look at them and thinks, "Oh, that's just not my thing." One of my best friends had that same attitude, and she ended up loving them.

Anyways, these books really do have everything. From the very first chapter (or is it the prologue?) of the first book, you are pulled into the suspense and mystery that is Gemma Doyle's life. After her mom mysteriously dies, Gemma is sent to Spence Academy. (Yay for an actual school!) Which, in typical suspenseful fashion, brings about all sorts of exciting happenings. Not only is there a mysterious Indian boy (yay!), drama at school (not so yay!) and magical realms, these books are completely jam-packed with excitement and intrigue.

They're good. Just read them. I suck at summaries, so I probably did them no justice in that above paragraph. But still, take my advice. They are really really good.

Review- She's So Money by Cherry Cheva

2008-08-30T18:12:00.000-05:00

Title: She's So Money

Author: Cherry Cheva

Summary:

Question: What do you get when you take . . .

1 overachieving girl + 1 insanely cute guy + 1 massive fine + 1 scheme involving a little dishonesty and a whole lot of cash?

I've always been the good girl—working seriously long hours at my family's restaurant and getting straight As. And Camden King was always just that hot, popular guy I'd pass in the halls, whose ego was probably much bigger than his brain. I didn't think there'd ever be a reason for us to actually, like, interact.

Then again, I never thought I'd mess up so badly that my family might lose our entire restaurant if I didn't come up with a ton of money, and fast. So that's where Camden comes in—he and his evil/genius plan to do kids' homework for cash.

I know cheating's wrong, but it's better than being dead, right? Which is what I'd be if my parents knew about what happened. I never expected things to spin so far out of control. Or that I'd be such a sucker for Camden's lopsided grin. Or that falling apart could be the best thing that ever happened to me.

Answer: The time of my life.

Rating: 4.5/5

Good:

This book was extremely good. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this... I knew it'd be funny, but that was basically the extent of my knowledge.

I was extremely pleased to see that this book had even more going for it than hilarity.

Let's start with the main character. Maya was extremely believable, extremely flawed, and extremely real. She's the type of person I could probably meet walking down the street, or in a bookstore, or just anywhere. She's someone I could imagine having a conversation with. Which just makes her so easy to relate to.

And then there's the plot. What a crazy, wild scheme that Maya comes up with! And Cherry Cheva found a way to make it believable! I couldn't imagine something like this happening in my school, and yet somehow reading this book it seemed entirely plausible.

Finally, you have the ending. Semi-cheesy, but still entirely perfect for this book. Things didn't necessarily end how I expected them to, but that's only because I wasn't sure what to expect. This book was so crazy and fun, I never knew what would happen.

I am really really looking forward to reading Cherry's next book.

Bad:

The only bad thing I can think of was the cheesiness. Because, I'll admit, there was a lot of cheese. But for this book, it just worked. So I'm not going to complain.

Back to School Countdown, #4

2008-08-30T16:07:00.002-05:00

Back to School Countdown, Book(s) #4
I'd Tell You I Love You, But then I'd Have to Kill You
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
by Ally Carter

Ah, what a fantastic series.

Completely original and different, the Gallagher Girls novels are amazing. What other books can you read about secret boarding schools for spies? I know I haven't heard of any... and if you have, please let me know some titles and I'll put them on my wish list. Because any books like these are ones I'm sure to like.

Now, besides the creative and unique idea behind it, what did I like about these novels? Well, for starters they are full of hilarious, laugh-out-loud moments. Apart from that, the characters were spies but still believable (which I imagine is no easy feat, to make a group of spy girls into real human beings) and the books were addictive and impossible to put down.

Back to School Countdown, #5

2008-08-29T15:55:00.002-05:00

Back to School Countdown, Book(s) #5
the Private novels
by Kate Brian

For probably the first time on this list, I have used the word "school" correctly. Because this is all what these novels are about: school.

Or, more specifically, Easton Academy, which is a prestigious school that main character Reed Brennan has a hard time fitting in at. Everyone there is rich, smart, glamorous... everything Reed wants to be.

And more than anything, she wants to a Billings girl. She wants to be a member of the elite group of Easton. And she's willing to do anything to get there.

I loved these novels... they are a step above the A-List and Gossip Girl, and there's also a touch of mystery and suspense, which just adds to the intrigue. For me, these are major guilty pleasure novels... they aren't the deepest, most insightful, or best-written novels ever, but there is definitely something about them that just screams addictive.

The series, in order:
Private
Invitation Only
Untouchable
Confessions
Inner Circle
Legacy
Ambition
Revelation (September 16)

Plus, an upcoming Prequel.

It doesn't look like this series is ending anytime soon =D

Teen Friday

2008-08-29T13:24:00.004-05:00

Since starting Teen Tuesday, I have found myself thinking about it a lot. I wouldn't call it quite an obsession, but it's definitely something I think about on a daily basis.

Mostly, though, I find myself wanting to post. All the time. For instance, right now it's Friday and I am drafting my next Teen Tuesday post in my head. I can see it now, a short description of what I've been reading (which is hardly exciting, especially this week) and then a huge list of all the books I have left to read, along with the word: HELP!

Because with school starting, and cheerleading, and all sorts of other stuff going on, I have so much to read. And very little time to read it. It's been like this a lot, especially since I went on a huge book shopping spree back in July.

So many books, so little time. That's something I know every reviewer, or even every reader, has said at least once. And then there are also days where I look at my stack of books and just wish for something to pull at me and make me want to read it.

That has happened a couple times. The book Exit Here by Jason Myers, for instance, has been calling at me ever since I first picked it up. For some reason, just the book cover (so simple) and the back of the book, and even just the size and feel of the book, make me want to just devour it.

And then Ivy by Julie Hearn has such an amazing cover, and that is honestly enough to make me want to read it. I don't even think I know anything else about it, besides that the cover is beautiful and the pages smell pretty.

Of course, there's also the one that should be calling me that isn't: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. I have heard nothing but good things about this book, and I've had it on my shelf since I bought it in January (eight months, people!) and I still have yet to read it. I've wanted to, yes, but I just can't bring myself to do it.

There are a couple reasons why, though. Part of it is because with books I own, I take my time reading them. There's no deadline, and with Thirteen Reasons Why it wasn't a book given to me to review, so I feel no pressure (other than that of the self-inflicted sort) to finish it soon.

I also hear that it's something that I could just fly through, and finish it in a night. Those types of books are some of my favorite kinds, but the problem is, I don't have a whole lot of time to read. My days are chopped up, and I read a little here, a little there. With a book like Thirteen Reasons Why, I have a feeling that I will be sucked in and forced to read it, and forget about everything else. I want to wait for a day where it just feels right, where I have nothing better to do than to sit on my bed with the radio playing 95.5 (or possibly my new Theory of a Deadman CD) and just absorb myself in it.

Now the above mentioned books are only a small part of the pile of books I have cluttering this desk. *sigh* Ah, the pressures of reading. But it's such a rewarding hobby.

Review- Outside Beauty by Cynthia Kadohata

2008-08-28T18:03:00.000-05:00

Title: Outside Beauty

Author: Cynthia Kadohata

Summary:

"My mother had four daughters by four different men."
There's only one way Shelby and her sisters can describe their mother: She's a sexpot. Helen Kimura collects men (and loans, spending money, and gifts of all kinds) from all over the country. Sure, she's not your typical role model, but she's also not just a pretty face and nail polish. She is confident and brave; she lives life on her own terms, and her four daughters simply adore her. These girls have been raised outside the traditional boundaries. They know how to take the back exit. They know how to dodge crazed lovers in highway car chases. They do not, however, know how to function without one another.
Then suddenly they must. A late-night phone call unexpectedly shreds the family apart, catapulting the girls across the country to live with their respective fathers. But these strong-willed sisters are, like their mother, determined to live life on their own terms, and what they do to pull their family back together is nothing short of beautiful.
At turns wickedly funny and insistently thought-provoking, Outside Beauty showcases Cynthia Kadohata's unerring ability to explore the bonds that bind.

Rating: 3.5/5

Good:

I really like the concept of this book. The thought that four girls, who are technically only half-sisters but who consider themselves to be sisters, was really interesting to read about. It's not something you think about, really, or expect to see in a book, but here it is.

The characters in this book were all unique; each sister had their own personality, and their mother was by far the most fascinating person out of them all. I find myself wanting to know more about her past, and how she came to be how she is. I am also interested in her future, and what happened after the last page.

Bad:

I really disliked the pacing of this book. It seemed almost rushed, and too much time passed by too quickly. It seemed like the author relied more on feelings and relationships than on details and descriptions, which fit some parts of the books but ruined other parts.

It was mostly the lack of details that ruined this book for me. I understand the message, and I completely respect the idea behind it all, but it seemed like there was too much missing out of the story for me to really feel like it ended.

Overall, though, it wasn't bad. I'd just say it wasn't great, either.

Back to School Countdown, #6

2008-08-28T15:44:00.001-05:00

Back to School Countdown, Book(s) #6
Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment
Maximum Ride: School's Out-Forever
Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports
by James Patterson

Once again in this list, I stretched my definition of "school."

While technically not a school as we think of it, there is definitely some sort of school in these novels.

And that "school" is technically a science lab, the one that turned Max and her family into genetically enhanced birds. Which, when you put it like that, sounds like a creepy science-fiction novel that you would never read in a thousand years (which is kind of what I was thinking when I first picked up the first book).

However, the similarity between these kids and birds ends with the wings and abilities to fly. Apart from the wings and some other special abilities, these kids are just normal people, shunned from the rest of the world because of their mutations, and trying to escape the Erasers (who are also special science projects, although these are evil) who want to take them back to the School and use them as lab rats.

Now, I really should stop with the summarizing, because I'm really not good at it. The point is, these novels are fast-paced, interesting, and fun. They're not really your typical young adult fantasy novels, which is exactly why they appealed to me.

Just give 'em a try. It won't hurt anything.

Back to School Countdown, #7

2008-08-27T15:31:00.001-05:00

Back to School Countdown, Book #7
Avalon High
by Meg Cabot

Making number 7 on the list is a book by one of my absolute favorite authors ever, Meg Cabot. But there's definitely a big difference between Avalon High and the Princess Diaries. Because while there are no fat cats and tiaras in this novel, Meg managed to entertain me all the same.

This wasn't my favorite of hers, but I love the mix between fluffy romance and nail-biting suspense, and also the interesting take on history and King Arthur.

So where does the school come in? Well, in the title: Avalon High School is where Ellie (the main character) starts to go to school, in the beginning of the novel. The school is where she first starts to realize a strange pattern between some of the students, and the similarities between her friends and people she knows only from her history books.

So, all in all, this book was cute and fun, and definitely something to read if you want reassurance that your shcool is, in fact, normal.

Review- Nailed by Jennifer Laurens

2008-08-26T17:50:00.000-05:00

Title: Nailed

Author: Jennifer Laurens

Summary:

One girl. Two guys. Who says three's a crowd? When Mandy takes an unusual summer job-in construction-she has to prove she's just one of the guys. But she gets more than she bargains for being the only girl on the job. The mixture of hot guys, sunscreen, raw wood and testosterone proves to be an elixir she can't protect her heart from. Brooding Boston and flirty AJ find themselves looking at Mandy as more than just a girl who holds a hammer. Mandy soon finds herself not only lost in a whirlwind of a male-dominated world, but also the center of an inadvertently "constructed" love triangle. Mandy must choose between two guys who want her heart. But what's a girl to do when she wants them both?

Rating: 3.25/5

My Abnormal Review:

This book was cute. There really isn't a whole lot else I could say about it, besides cute. My first impression of the book was bad, bad, bad, because the cover was so terrible and did the worst job of getting readers to take a second glance. I took one look at it and I instantly hated it, and wished that I could find some way to get rid of the cover and replace it with something better. It probably would have gotten me to read it much faster.

Cover aside, it wasn't a bad book. Fun, lighthearted, and cute. A good summer read, but there wasn't much else there. The author tried to sound insightful, but with the subject matter of the book, it still didn't do much to make it more than a fun beach read.

Nailed really wasn't anything special. I wouldn't go around recommending it to anybody, but if you're thinking about reading it I'll say go ahead.

Back to School Countdown, #8

2008-08-26T15:12:00.002-05:00

So, it's almost that time again. School time!

Now, I realize that there are some of you who may already be back in school. But this is just a fun list of books that relate to school, or are about schools. These are basically all the school-related books I've read (well, the completely relevant ones), and I'll be counting down to my absolute favorite, which will be posted on September 2nd, which is my first day of school. (Eeek!)

Feel free to share your favorites, give me recommendations on what you think are good books relating to school, and try and guess what my #1 book is going to be =D

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Back to School Countdown, Book # 8
Crunch Time
by Mariah Fredericks

While not all about one particular school, like many on this list are, this book relates to a very important part of any high-schoolers life: The SATs.

Gulp.

Well, as I was reading this, I was starting to get stressed about the SATs just like Max, Daisy, Leo, and Jane were. The whole thought of such a huge important test is terrifying, and even though I was only in 8th grade when I read this, I was realizing how very important the SATs are, and how they can bring people closer together, or rip them apart.

This book, which I read a little less than three years ago, has something about it that makes it memorable, and definitely a good pick for someone who's trying to get over their own school stress and live through a group of people who have definitely got enough stress of their own.

Review- Violet in Private by Melissa Walker

2008-08-24T17:35:00.003-05:00

Title: Violet in Private

Author: Melissa Walker

Summary:

The return of Violet, the not-so- confident model…

Violet Greenfield knows she’s supposed to be a super-confident nineteen-year-old because she’s done runway shows in New York and internationally. But now that she’s finally headed to college, she’s afraid she’ll turn back into that girl who blended into the walls in high school. Vassar is just two hours away from New York City––her friends in fashion think she’s crazy to stop modeling now. And her old friend Roger is there...but things have been weird ever since they kissed. The real question is if she’s not going to be “Violet on the Runway” anymore...who is she?

Rating: 4/5

My Abnormal Review:

I really really really like this series. I find it hard to write reviews on series books, though, because once you get into the series its hard to find things to say that are new. This is one of those series that is just consistently good. The story is good and funny. I love Violet as a character, simply because she's not the stereotypical model. And I was also extremely glad that there was some character progression going on. The third book didn't just go in a circle back to how it was before... things changed, Violet changed, her surroundings changed. And it was a refreshing change.

This is a good series. Definitely worth my time, and probably worth yours too.

Don't forget to comment on this review to get an extra entry in my Violet in Private contest =D

I am lazy. And I like YouTube

2008-08-20T23:50:00.003-05:00

Extremely lazy and tired.

My week has been too busy, and I've had a hard time sleeping lately. So I just can't post the reviews I want to right now.

Tomorrow I have stuff going on all day. I have an appointment in the morning, then I have to help my mom study for this math test she's taking (proof that what you learn in high school is unimportant, because the simplest things I've known since like fourth grade, she has no idea), and then I have cheerleading practice (I'm wondering what ya'll are thinking about me being a cheerleader? hmm...) and after cheerleading I fully intend on going shopping with my friend Justinne, and then going to stay with her for the night.

So I won't be back online for real until Friday afternoon.

*sigh* I need a break from the computer anyways.

Anyways, when I get back expect a review of both Nailed by Jennifer Laurens and Violet in Private.

And in the meantime, some non-book-related videos that I happen to like a lot. Watch if you'd like, or not... whichever. Just thought I'd put them here =D I also happen to think they are hilarious and awesome.

Hank and John Green are awesome, and I'll admit I recently (um, in June) became addicted to the videos, but even so I still plan on watching every one of them.

Ha. Ha. My brother showed me this, actually... and I actually downloaded this song...

This just amuses the hell out of me.

Now this is just hilarious, especially the cheesy music =P

Teen Tuesday

2008-08-18T23:58:00.000-05:00

*Teen Tuesday is the day we set aside for teen book lovers to visit with each other to find out what's being read in the world of young adult literature. You can comment whether you are a participant or not. Visit all the posters at teentuesday.blogspot.com*

In the past week, I have read two books.

At least, I think it's two. Now I'm wondering when I finished Violet in Private...

Okay, now that I have reminded myself of what I posted about last week, I realized I read more than I expected.

First I finished What the Storyteller Brings, which picked up tremendously towards the end. There won't be an official review on my blog, but if you would like to read my review it's posted on amazon, right here. It'll be easy to find, it's the most recent review (as of this blog post) and it's got my name on it. =D

After that (literally the very same day) I started and finished Violet in Private, which was absolutely freaking amazing and I can't wait for the next book. It seems like the books just keep getting better as they go! At first I was a little iffy, wondering if I'd enjoy the series, but now I know I love it, and I am really extremely excited to read more!

I would definitely recommend this series. Even if you don't think it's your thing, the books are definitely worth trying. Expect a review of it on my blog sometime either tomorrow or Wednesday. Which means that everyone who entered in my contest gets their last opportunity for extra entries =D

And after that, I took a break from my important to-be-reviewed books and read a smaller, younger book called Locomotion. It's by Jacqueline Woodson, and I picked it up at the library because I was looking for something short, and different. It's written in poems, and it was actually a very good book. Once again, I'm not going to have an official review on my blog, but eventually I might get to posting a small, simple review on Amazon. The book was nothing spectacular, but it was certainly interesting and extremely quick, so if you wanna read something quick and easy then I'd say go for it.

After that, I took a very short break from reading, and started up again with my copy of Nailed by Jennifer Laurens (to be released on September 22). After reading the first fifty pages or so slowly, I really got into it. There were some passages that I really loved, because they relate to my current guy situation (which is pretty sticky, if I do say so myself, but that's not something I should get into on Teen Tuesday... =P) so well. I am planning on posting those passages on my personal blog, Almost Available, even though I don't expect anyone to read them. I just want to keep them in my head...

So, as for the book itself, I don't need a long period of reflection to understand how I felt about it. I finished it about 45 minutes ago now, and my feelings are like this: it was cute, it was fun, it was interesting. Worth the read, but nothing extremely spectacular. A good time-waster with a happily-ever-after.

And now that concludes my reading week. I'd say it's been pretty successful... and I thought I only read two books =P Now I'm onto either Unbelievable by Sara Shepard or The Midnight Twins by Jacquelyn Mitchard. Not sure which yet. Any suggestions?